Rise of an Empire, Fall of Another

Chapters

Debate (edited by Cakebomb and DaLintyMan)
The Fleet (edited by Cakebomb)
From the sea (edited by Cakebomb)
Camp (edited by Cakebomb)
Heated Talks (edited by Cakebomb)
Minyororo Kuvunjwa (edited by Cakebomb)
Short Trade (edited by Cakebomb)
Slaughter (edited by Cakebomb)
Treaty (edited by Cakebomb)
ruins and storehouses (edited by Cakebomb)
begining of a new age (edited by Cakebomb)
Equestrian Tax (edited by Cakebomb)
Equestrias Finest and Prison (edited by Cakebomb)
Parole
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
prologue (edited by Cakebomb and DaLintyMan)
The Emperors Speech (edited by Cakebomb and DaLintyMan)
Northwestern Trouble Brewing (edited by Cakebomb and DaLintyMan)
Macaroons, bootlegging, and spice

Debate (edited by Cakebomb and DaLintyMan)

Debate
The emperor walked through the maze of hallways, whose walls were lined with portraits of long dead Kings, Queens, heroes, and assorted military leaders. The floors were solid marble lined with maroon carpet made by local artisans. The citadel was truly a marvel of engineering and architecture, spanning more than 40 acres with countless bedchambers, great halls, dining rooms, tea rooms, kitchens, and council halls. He was currently making his way to the northern council hall, where he would meet with the various influential figures to discuss how to begin a trading relationship with the far western nations.

As he entered the chamber he took in an ornamental round table where nobles, aristocrats, generals, and elected officials alike were seated. From right to left was the representative from the newly industrialized city of Denbigh, Olga Gemminzer. To her left was General Lutz of the military city of Waddenhausen. Next was Anke Shett, of the newly formed Trade Guild that handled trade between the countless townships. Then there was Alastair De Vere, a member of one of the highest standing aristocratic families. Finally, Sir Hyde, who was one of the few surviving nobles of Britannia.

“All rise for his Imperial Majesty Lord Theo, Emperor of Britannia.” A pretty young diamond dog announced.

The guests rose from their seats.
“All hail Emperor Theo, war and progress incarnate, conqueror of the dragon hordes, founding father of our great industrial age, and our leader into a new golden era. May his divine rule last forever.” They pledged in perfect harmony.

They then sat down and waited for him to take his seat at the table, and as he sat down they rapidly began the meeting.

“Sir, as one of your highest ranking military officers I recommend that we greet the powers of the west with our naval might. This will show that are we militarily superior, and will also help us gain respect quickly so that we can conclude the trade negotiations quickly without them trying “underhooved” tactics to try and trick us into a foolish agreement.” Stated Lutzs. It was at this time the Emperor took note of the General's age and brown, scarred muzzle. His uniform, while well maintained, showed the tell tale signs of war, with countless professional repairs hiding the tears of wounds from battle and the areas where the rich blue of his uniform was worn. A career soldier, and somewhat set in his ways for it.

“Sir, I fear that opening trade with the western nations is a mistake, these reports we have gathered indicate that they have yet to go through an age of enlightenment, and others show that the pony nation of Equestria has stagnated for the last 1000 years and seem to almost despise change or new ideas. Maybe it would be in our best interests to wait or stay isolated until this changes.” De Vere said worriedly. The Emperor took notice of his expertly tailored suit and his young, white, unscarred muzzle. An individual recently come into power, but of the older families and corporations that had concerns over what would happen if the new markets were opened.

“Sir, I disagree with both De Vere and General Lutzs. While we DO need to come out of this isolation, if we give too strong of a show of force we risk the western nations attacking us out of fear. It is my opinion that we approach the southern nation known as Zebrica. It is a fairly poor nation in desperate need of trade. If we were to approach them and offer both our financial and military aid they would be incredibly grateful and could help as mediators for us for when we open up trade with the northern nations. Also, from what our informants tell us their land is rich in resources ranging from but not limited to oil, coal, iron, spices, and if rumors are true, deposits of vladium.” Anke rose pointing to the documents. She was wearing a simple grey dress popular among the many female traders. She had come from a poor family during the Emperor’s crusade, and hadn’t given up her previous values even as she served as the face of multiple groups that had eventually coalesced into one.

“Sir, I believe she is correct. As a representative of one of Britannia’s largest arms manufacturing city’s, the influx of iron and coal will greatly help us in the production of the next generation of weapons, while the oil with help us increase our production of petroleum-based products such as diesel, petrol, and kerosene fuel. While we have massive reserves I feel it is in our best interest to avoid using them if we don’t have to. We also shouldn’t underestimate the value of spices as from some of the historic documents we have acquired there are countless warlords in Zebrica who have built their own micro empires based on them.” Olga then sat down and then fixed her gloves and rose colored dress. Not quite old money, she had taken her existing assets and successfully invested them to eventually earn her position in this council.

“Sir, I have seen that miss Olga has a point. Now think, and imagine if we were to help the numerous rebel’s overthrow these warlords and put into place a representative government. The Zebras would be grateful, and we would have a new rich trading partner who may also be willing to help us in future endeavors whether they are military,” Sir Hyde nodded to Lutz. “Or economic in nature.”. He then nodded to Anke. After his proposal, he adjusted his seat so that the tails of his three-piece suit hung presentably. Old money through and through, but he had the support of a good portion of the populace due to various reasons.

The Emperor sat, quietly thinking. Staying in isolation wasn't an option, as he had read in some reports of a Griffon ship being spotted in the Western Sea. Sooner or later their continent would be discovered by the westerners, whether or not they were ready or willing for such an event.

Decision made, he then sat up. “On my authority our ships are to set sail to the southern nation of Zebrica to support the Zebrican rebels in overthrowing the numerous warlords, and then help them create a representative government. We shall also offer financial aid from our spoils left over from the 200 year war.” He then looked around the room, at the sometimes less than enthusiastic expressions. “While some of you are unsure whether or not we should come out of isolation, I am sorry to say we no longer have a choice. Only a few days ago a wooden schooner, presumably from the Griffin kingdoms, was spotted on our western sea. Whether we like it or not the westerners will discover our continent, and they, in their ignorance, may try to claim our lands, leading to bloodshed. It is my personal opinion that we approach the Zebrican rebels, so that we not only create an ally, but also a loyal trading partner that will help us introduce ourselves to the other westerners. This will help avoid any future conflict.” He sat back, and the council members sat in thought for a while before they all nodded. After all, they were the council and he was the emperor. Their input was appreciated, but in the end they did not decide for the country as a whole

“Let us conclude this meeting.” They bowed and left him to sit alone at the table to brood in silence.

“One of you shall lead this broken continent into an unheard of golden age. You all have been chosen due to your academic skills and unique problem solving skills. During the next few months you shall all be trained in political science, diplomacy, strategy, and advanced combat.” Me and 13 other pups sat in a simple brick room, listening to the unnamed captain.

The sound of clashing swords and the firing of muskets fills my ears.

“You are to show no fear to your enemy, lest they see your weakness.” I listened as I fenced another pup who was a head taller than me. In a split second I sliced his arm badly. After he had fallen onto the ground, bleeding heavily, he was taken away by masked soldiers. The unnamed captain simply smiled at the remaining 3 “subjects”, (I don’t even remember the names of the other two) as we soon found we were called. It had seemed like every exercise and test was designed to whittle down our numbers.

The exercises ranged from difficult to near impossible, and were strange. For example, they would bring us to a pool where they would force us to go under the water, and threaten that if one of us came above the surface we would be shot on sight, all while they shot bullets through the water near us. Then there was the running. We had to run 30 miles around a track white the captain chased us on horseback. The oddest was when they would bring us to a room. After the door closed we could never remember what happened behind those doors.
On the last day I was strapped onto a table….. All I remember was excruciating pain and the murmurs of military generals. But most of all I remember the bloody faces of the other two “failed” subjects in the corner of the room, thrown as if they were garbage. Their bodies were covered in burn marks and growths.

“Congratulations young Theo, you have been chosen to lead our broken country into a golden age of expansion and progress.” the captain smiled with a crooked grin.

He shook the memory from his mind. He had more important things to worry about than the past. He left the room to head to the throne room, as the citizens would soon find out about the plans to come out of isolation. The press would also want a statement from their great Emperor for such a momentous occasion.

The Fleet (edited by Cakebomb)

Eastern Zebrican Sea
HRM Dancers Maul (Armed Merchant Class)
4:00 am
Bridge

Captain Morgan Singer sat quietly as his finished his ration. Putting aside the finished meal, he looked out onto the deck of his vessel. He watched as his crew worked, walking across the deck and checking the cargo to prevent the loss of countless of tons worth of medicine, metal, basic machinery, and countless other valuables. He then looked at the 10 other vessels in his fleet, all originally designed to be warships ranging from dreadnoughts to aircraft carriers. Once the war ended they were converted to armed merchant vessels. When he looked to the port side he saw the vessel's engineering technicians working on the serpent fighting arms, as the hydraulics had been malfunctioning. Despite the last serpent attack being 5 years ago after the navy used depth charges to destroy their undersea nesting grounds, he felt it was best to maintain the large sheer like appendages, lest they run into a serpent looking for revenge.

He looked at his reflection in the glass. He was a young spaniel, with a white and brown coat, dressed in a dark blue uniform with brass and silver medals. He was just a young officer a few years ago that had missed his chance to fight on the front lines. If not for general Luzs he would have been still been stuck in that position. However, thanks to the general's tutelage he had risen rapidly threw through the ranks, and after about two years of sea patrol and his heroic action of saving the crew of the HMS Westinghouse, he was promoted to the rank of captain at a young age. In fact, he was likely one of the youngest ship captains in Britannia.

He stopped looking at his reflection to look at the sea charts. He remembered when he first heard that the Emperor ordered V class submarines with surveillance packages to map the seas and spy on the westerners. He thought it was ridiculous. What if the Equestrians or the Griffins captured the submarines? They would have access to their technological secrets and personnel. The thought was frightening, even if it was unlikely. After all, the reports said the westerners lacked the industrial capacity to effectively replicate the submarines or the training. But with their magic one couldn't be too careful after all.

Then there was the zebra warlords. From the intelligence they have gathered they are spread across Zebrica. While they lacked unity they made up for it in sheer numbers. If there was a small fertile plot of land or even a minuscule mineral deposit they would force their army of child slaves to mine and farm it until they collapsed on the ground and died. The one he was most worried about was a zebra warlord named Balsam Murik (though this was a rough translation as diamond dogs lacked to ability to make certain equine sounds). From what they have gathered he was a bloodthirsty tyrant who had wiped out entire villages for minor offences. He had no doubt that they could and would defeat him, but how many foal warriors would he send to fight them?

Then there was the rebels. Apparently they are a group of zebras fighting the countless warlords to bring peace to their war-torn continent. The similarity was eerily similar to his kind a few years ago. He remembered when he came home to his village only to find that it had been burned to the ground by dragons. The wreckage he saw there disturbed him greatly to the point where his commanding officer told him to get mentally evaluated as he was showing signs of PTSD. He politely refused.

Dreams of his mother cooking his favorite meal “shepherds pie” only to be burned alive left him crying in agony. Her muzzle being burned off as he smiled at him, seemingly not noticing her pelt being melted off her bones. The medic on-board gave him medication that would promote dreamless sleep, but no matter how many of the capsules he took he would always wake up sobbing.

“Sir, we will arrive at the shore in 14 hours” he looked to his right to see a young retriever in standard naval uniform saluting him.

“Anything else to report private?” I asked in a monotone.

“Yes sir, the HMS Sea Gypsy is reporting that the Cyklop Walkers are showing signs of rust and may need to be cleaned and have there engines flushed out before any major use. However, the ammunition stocks seem to be unaffected. Fuel consumption on the ships are within except able limits. Finally, tank 3, which contains walker fuel, is leaking” he spoke with out pausing for breath.

“Tell them to save what fuel they can, by diverting what they can to the other 8 tanks and then send the marine engineering corps to find those leaks” the retriever after getting the signal to leave left to send out his orders through the communication room.

Once again he was left in silence.

He made his way to the ships intercom system. He flipped the brass switch and spoke from his heart.

“Dogs of HRM Dancers Maul. This is Captain Morgan Singer. Many of you are uneasy about meeting these zebra rebels. Many more are afraid of the Equestrians to the north of the country; others simply see the zebras as savages. I am going to tell you all what I see. I see a race that has known the horrors of war, the pain of famine, and the heartbreak of loss. Even as I speak there are hundreds of thousands of zebras living the lives we once had, in the servitude of cruel unforgiving masters. You all have read our history. Five hundred years ago our kind was forced to toil in the mines to feed the greedy dragons and serpents, while those who refused or resisted were eaten or burned alive. What I see is a race that is a reflection of us. Like us they dream, they fight, and they die, whether or not it's for a village or a foal. Who are we to deny them help, when they suffer as we did once? So I ask you all, give these rebels a chance, so that they, like us, have a chance to prosper and live free as we do”

He shut down the intercom and sat in his chair. Once again, silence rained on the bridge.

From the sea (edited by Cakebomb)

Zebrica Mountans
Minyororo Kuvunjwa Headquarters
10:00am
Main Cavern

The leader of the Minyororo Kuvunjwa, known as Shujaa Wa Pundamila, walked passed countless injured zebras. The last weapons raid had greatly depleted their numbers. The moans of a foal garnered his attention. He looked to see a blinded foal on a sleeping mat made of furs and dried grass.

“Shujaa?” he turned to see a mare shaman.

“Yes, Shaman Nyasi?”

“We have lost five more warriors; four stallions from the Swift Winds Clan and one mare potion maker from the Screaming Falls Tribe” the shaman stated in a tired tone

“Poesis!!! You mean to tell me we have lost another potion master?! They are our only advantage over Balsam. If we continue to lose them we will be unable to plant explosive traps on the trading routes and weapons caches!” the stallion stamped on the ground in irritation.

“Shujaa, they were ambushed and came back heavily wounded. By the time they had arrived they had lost too much blood in order to survive.” the mare answered in similar irritation.

“Do we have the potion master's records? If nothing else we can replicate her work. The seven other potion makers are three weeks away from our location, and we must replant the potion bombs on Balsams ore trails in one week. If Balsam continues to trade with Equestria for enchanted gems and grain, his forces will only continue to grow in size” the stallion almost shouted.

“We have thought of that, but like all potion makers she uses her own code to hide the knowledge. We are trying to solve her seemingly nonsensical notes, but we have had no luck.” The mare motioned to a group of elders centered around a carved table, studying the potion master's scrolls with looks of exasperation and irked expressions.

“May the ancestors have mercy on us. Without a potion master we will be forced to attack the trading caravan directly. We don’t have the time to contact our allies in the north or the west or the stallion-power here for a direct attack. I must go to my chambers.” He left to his living quarters

Eastern Zebrican Sea; 10 Miles from Zebrica
HRM Dancers Maul (Armed Merchant Class)
5:00pm
Starboard Mounted RSRC (Rapid Stealth Reconnaissance Craft)

A group of diamond dogs were loading crates onto the RSRC. The crates contained food, medical supplies, and a sample of their old surplus Lee Enfield MK 1 Rifles. They also loaded files containing photographs of their loaded military equipment on board the ships.
Captain Morgan Singer watched quietly before he spoke.

“Your orders are to reach the secluded beach on the charts given to you. You are then ordered to use the craft's remote submerge feature to hide any signs of your arrival and make contact with the rebels. We have marked areas on your map where they were commonly seen during both our early and recent high altitude reconnaissance missions. Note that the rebels often wear tattoos depicting broken chains and are often armed with crude or damaged weapons. We also have information hinting at the use of crude herbal based explosives. Avoid fighting with the Balsams or any other warlord's forces. It is important that they do not know we are here. From the intelligence we have gathered they have trade routes with Equestria. In all likelihood, if the Equestrians find their trading partners in distress, they would come to their aid. We cannot allow the Equestrians to interfere with our objective. Ambassador Ivo Andric, when you have made contact with the rebels you are ordered to open discussion of cooperation and trade. Remember these zebras may or may not have ever seen diamond dogs. They will no doubt be suspicious of us either way, but do what you can to gain their trust. We will remain 10 miles off shore until you radio us otherwise.” The Captain left no room for question.

The crew, consisting of the ambassador and three Naval Dragoon frontline troops lead by Lieutenant T. E. Lawrence a, were loaded onto the RSRC and then lowered in to the water.

“Starting Engine sir” the Briard diamond dog dragoon identified as Bard said as he worked the controls on the helm. The petrol V12 Dalmaneer engine snarled to life, and the sudden movement of the high-speed craft forced them into their seats as it began to achieve cruising speed. The ambassador already looked sea sick as the boat crashed through the waves.

“We have reached the cruising speed of 40 knots. We will arrive in 30 minutes, sir” Bard stated to colonel Lawrence.

“Taylor, give the ambassador a seltzer tablet. I will not have him getting sick on board.” The colonel ordered to the short foxhound diamond dog.

“Gurk….”the ambassador was barely able to swallow the tablet, still disoriented by his seasickness.

Author's Note

Sorry the chapter is short the holiday season makes it difficult to write.

Camp (edited by Cakebomb)

Zebrican Plains
10:12pm
4 hours 42 minutes since landing
32 kilometers from Minyororo Kuvunjwa Headquarters

Lieutenant T. E. Lawrence had just finished his “meat” stew with stale crackers and odd tasting tea. He stared at his empty bowl, before turning his attention to his dogs and the ambassador. He saw that Bard was finishing his ham ration pack with jam and crackers, while Taylor was still eating chicken with a grain bar. The ambassador, Ivo, was giving his Vienna sausage and canned cheese a dirty look. It was no secret that Ivo was out of his comfort zone, and was not used to eating the rations. He was chosen because of his efforts, which led to the unification of Germania with the Britannian Empire, and not his ability to survive a military lifestyle. He had stayed silent during the long hike, although he wasn't carrying any of the crates during their march.

Lawrence turned his attention to the map and checked their progress. They were close to one of the marked areas, where reconnaissance has spotted the most Minyororo Kuvunjwa activity. From the intelligence the advanced recon units had gathered the Minyororo Kuvunjwa had been doing exercises in the plains, and from their movements they were likely based in the mountains nearby. He was wondering how this first contact mission would go. While the commanders had faith in their ability, he knew that in order for their mission to succeed they had to do something to gain the rebels trust.

“We're going to set up camp in the bushes nearby to hide our position. Finish your rations.”

He thought he saw something in the distance, but he shrugged it off, thinking it was his mind tricking him.

Zebrican Mountains
Minyororo Kuvunjwa Headquarters
West of the Britannian campsite
11:20pm

Shujaa sat on his haunches in his chambers, contemplating his options. He looked around the carved stone room, hoping for inspiration, but he found none. The nearly empty room held only a ragged sleeping pad, and a slightly raised piece of stone that acted as his table.
As he thought of the casualties that they would receive in a direct attack and the long-term casualties they would have if they allowed the next trade caravan to go through, his mind drifted to his studies. From what their spies had told them, the next Caravan would be the largest seen in months. This trade with the Equestrian Diarchy would mostly consist of weapons and Crystal armor. If Balsam got his hooves on not only enchanted Equestrian weapons but also Crystal Armor the rebellion would be over. He, like many other zebras, had heard of the Crystal Empire's return. Even the most isolated tribes and clans had heard of the ponies who stayed behind during the “Great Equestrian Migration”, who, instead of running from the wasteland they had created, formed a new nation in the frozen tundra. They harnessed their own emotion to protect their city and crops from the short sighted leaders who had chosen to run. It was the actions of the three leaders that led to many zebras and members of other species seeing Equestrians as a threat to the very harmony they preached. Their magical abilities attracted many spirits to them, which was why the windigo’s had stalked them in their homeland and followed them to what was now known as Equestria. It was well known that the three leaders who founded Equestria had nearly destroyed the new land they had claimed, despite the numerous species already living there.

From the few scrolls and books he had collected in order to better understand why the Equestrian government would support the bloodthirsty warlords, he had found the very reason they were supporting his enemies…

While rich in magic, gemstones, and food, Equestria had little in the way of mineral deposits. It also didn't help that the Equestrians wanted both natural beauty and impressive cities and towns, so they tended to trade with the surrounding countries for metals, minerals, and building materials. In return, they traded gemstones, food, and enchanted items.

The problem with this is that they made finished products, and with the griffins to the north imposing high export taxes on metals and building supplies, coupled with the falling quality of Equestrian goods and the decrease of customers in the Griffon Kingdoms, Equestria was in dire straits. They needed a new trading partner, and they weren't willing to fight the local warlords. They opened up trade with them for their country's vast mineral deposits and abundance of natural resources. So what if they killed each other? Equestrians only cared about what directly affected them, that’s why they only grew basic foodstuffs and made finished products from foreign materials. They would be directly affected if they lost their country's natural beauty.

He then heard shaman Nyasi trot in.

“Shujaa? Our scouts have reported Diamond Dogs in the plains east of our base. Based on the direction they are heading, they seem to be going to a destination at or near our base."

“Jou ou naai!!! Why didn't our outposts notify us? Is Balsam hiring Diamond Dog mercenaries?”, Shujaa answered in anger.
“From what our scouts have seen, they are dressed strangely and are carrying a number of crates. They also only have four members in their party, so it is unlikely they are coming to attack us. It is my suggestion that we meet them at their campsite at dawn to discern their intentions and act as we best see fit” the mare said in monotone.

“I will go with seven warriors from the Massai tribe. We will discover their intentions, and eliminate them if they are a threat to our mission” his response left no room for Nyasi to argue.

Heated Talks (edited by Cakebomb)

Zebracan Plains
6:00 am
Diamond Dog Campsite
32 kilometers from Minyororo Kuvunjwa

Lieutenant T. E. Lawrence woke up from his dreamless sleep to see the sun just coming over the horizon. He ran his paws over his muzzle to smooth out patches of fur that may have been out of place. He rose from the ground and stretched, before he noticed that there was movement in the grass that surrounded them. He quickly motioned for his dogs to wake up.

“Taylor, Bard, arm yourselves. We have visitors” he whispered.

“Shit!!!” Taylor silently cursed, before grabbing his Lee Enfield MK VI rifle with a 10x2 scope.

Bard merely rose from his sleeping pad and grabbed his modified Bren MK VII, which had an extended magazine and a shortened barrel.
They watched as the grass around them rustled as unseen creatures snuck through them. They noticed the movements had a pattern to them; one would slowly circle close to them while the others would circle at a distance. While at first glance it appeared to be a group of predators, the movements seemed off, similar to when an animal mimics the calls of another. It was clear that whoever was hiding in the grass had knowledge of military tactics, as it could be plainly seen that they were probing their perimeter.

Lawrence aimed his Lanchester submachine gun, with selective fire, at the unknown contacts in the grass.

Ambassador Ivo, who had been woken up looking worse for wear, quickly caught onto the situation. He removed himself from his pad and did what he was trained to do.

“Shikamoo, Jina langu ni Ambassador Ivo Andric. Ninatoka nchi ya Britannia, sisi kuja kwa amani kwa matumaini ya biashara na washirika.”
(Hello, my name is ambassador Ivo Andric. I come from the land of Britannia; we come in peace in hope of establishing trade and finding new allies.)

They then waited for a response, watching the movements of the unknown contacts in the grass.

“Haiwezekani !!! Diamond Mbwa ni lakini Wakatili ambao tu huduma kuhusu tamaa zao wenyewe, ni jinsi gani aina kama kujenga taifa? Je, wewe kuchukua nasi kwa wajinga?!?!”
(Impossible! Diamond Dogs are but savages who only care about their own greed! How could such a species create a nation? Do you take us for fools?!)

Ivo sputtered for a moment. How could they have heard of Diamond Dogs? Racking his memory, he found the answer: in some of the surviving artifacts from the years after the Diamond Dog rebellion, there were records of some of their people building crude ships. From what their historians could decipher, they didn't believe that the dragons and serpents could be beaten, and fled to the west in hopes of finding sanctuary. I was commonly believed that they had all perished, but if what they were saying was true, then how far had their brethren fallen?
Ivo took a deep breath.

"Tunajua si ya dhambi za ndugu zetu, lakini sisi kuja kwa maslahi ya amani na washirika, tunajua kwamba wewe kuwa mapigano kupoteza vita dhidi ya Balsam na isitoshe wababe wengine. Tunaweza kugeuka wimbi kwa neema yako, sisi umeleta na sisi silaha kubwa zaidi basi Equestrians ingeweza milele matumaini ya kutengeneza, mgawo wa chakula, na picha za wetu vifaa kwamba bado tu katika pwani ya meli yetu Tafadhali tunataka tu kusaidia.. "
(We know not of the sins of our brothers, but we come with the goal of establishing peace and finding new allies. We know that you have been fighting a losing war against Balsam and the countless other warlords. We can turn the tide in your favor. we have brought with us greater weapons then the Equestrians could ever hope to manufacture, food rations, and pictures of more equipment that remains just off the coast on our ships. Please, we only want to help.)

They waited for a few moments, and the movement in the grass stopped.

"Kama wewe kuja kwa maslahi ya amani basi kujisalimisha silaha yako sisi kupata ukweli katika kauli yako. Lakini kumbukeni jambo hili kama sisi kupata kwamba umekuwa uongo na sisi basi wewe kujisikia hasira ya wapiganaji wa Kimasai"
("If you come in the interests of peace, surrender your weapons. We will find out if you are truly here for peace. But know this; if we find that you have lied to us, then you will feel the wrath of the Maasai warriors")

Ivo turned to Lawrence, who was giving him a look of incredulity and confusion.

“Lawrence, the unknown contacts that have been circling our camp are in fact the rebel group we have been looking for. I have stated our intentions and they have responded. They have asked for us to surrender.”

Lawrence continued to aim his weapon.

“How do we know they wont kill us?” Lawrence ask

“We don’t, but we must take the risk. Our mission is too important. If we start a fire fight we will lose our chance to ally ourselves with the local rebels, and most likely die in the process” Ivo answered.
“.......Fine. Bard, Taylor, lower your weapons”

Bard seemed to follow his orders, while Taylor continued to aim his rifle into the grass. After several seconds, he finally lowered his Lee Enfield. Lawrence nodded to Ivo.

Ivo then turned to the grass.

"Sisi ni kupungua silaha yako, naomba kuwa kuruhusu sisi kuonyesha kwamba tunaweza kuwa washirika na kufanya kazi kwa pamoja ili kufikia ndoto watu wako wa amani juu ya vita lenye bara hili. Tunachotaka ni kukusaidia aina, lakini kama wewe tu hebu. im uhakika nini kuwa na habari kuhusu sisi lakini kuruhusu sisi kuonyesha sisi ni nani badala ya nini kuwa na habari za kwetu. "
("We are lowering our weapons. I pray that you allow us to show that we can be allies and work together to achieve your people's dreams of peace on this war torn continent. All we want to do is help your kind, but only if you let us. I'm not sure what you have heard about us, but allow us to show you who we are instead of what you have heard of us.")

They waited for what seemed like hours before eight zebras exited the grass fields. They were not disappointed. Seven of the zebras had large, complex tribal coverings, and they were covered in layers of muscle. Their weapons consisted of a mix of worn but maintained Equestrian swords and Nzappa zap axes. Leading them was a zebra with a broken chain tattoo, who had a pair of saddlebags and vials containing unknown potions. They were strapped to his back with crude bindings.

The zebra with the saddlebags spoke up.

“"Wewe kutoa silaha zenu na vifaa kwetu na kisha kufuata kwetu kambi yetu. Majaribio yoyote ya kukimbia au kunyakua silaha yako itakuwa alikutana na nguvu. Je, i kufanya binafsi yangu ni wazi?"
(You will give your weapons and supplies to us and then follow us to our camp. Any attempts to run or grab your weapons will be met with force. Do i make myself clear?")

"Sisi kuelewa, sisi si kupambana na wewe katika intrests wa amani"
(We understand. We will not fight you, in the interests of peace)

Lawrence and his dogs handed over their weapons to the zebras as they grabbed the crates they had brought with them. After breaking up camp under the watchful eyes of the zebras they began the march to the Zebracan Mountains.

Minyororo Kuvunjwa (edited by Cakebomb)

Zebracan Mountains

10:45 am

Zulus Pass

5 kilometers from Minyororo Kuvunjwa hideout

Lawrence was forced to make his through a narrow pass. While many diamond dogs often felt more at home in narrow or enclosed spaces then out in the open, he often suffered from mild claustrophobia. At certain points the passage would get so narrow that Bard would get stuck between the high cliffs. The most disturbing point of their travel through the pass was when the wind would howl through the small passage, sending small debris into their muzzles.

The zebra had both their front and backs covered to prevent their escape. Every now and then one of the zebras would tug on their uniforms or steal a glance at their boots. From what Ivo had told him, they had likely never seen clothing made out of the materials they wore. It may have also been to test their boundaries, as from what he had learned “Western” Diamond Dogs were aggressive and often short tempered. These seemingly childish actions likely had the purpose of trying to see if they were telling the truth about themselves.

After what seemed like an eternity they reached an open area with a small opening in the cliff face. The size of the opening was 2.5 meters high and around 1.5 meter across. The zebras motioned for them to follow as they made their way into the dark tunnel system. The first thing Lawrence noticed was the large amount of mining equipment laying on the caves' floors, hinting that at one point it was a productive mine.

The tunnel sloped upwards as they journeyed deeper into the tunnel. In the far distance they could hear music and chanting. That was when they saw a light in the distance. They slowly reached a sort of wooden gate that was guarded by 3 zebras with the same broken chains tattooed on their flanks. One of them walked up to Shujaa.

“Shujaa, ambao ni wageni hawa? Nilidhani wewe walikuwa wanakwenda kujikwamua Diamond mbwa mamluki si kuwaleta eneo letu ! kuwa na wewe gone wazimu, hata mtoto mdogo anajua kwamba mbwa Diamond ila ni utumwa tamaa na askari !”

(Shujaa, who are these foreigners? I thought you were going to get rid of the Diamond Dog mercenaries, not bring them to our base! Have you gone mad? Even the youngest foal knows that Diamond dogs are nothing but greedy slavers and soldiers!)

Shujaa then looked at Lawrence.

“hawa mbwa diamond kudai kuja kutoka nchi ya mbali Mashariki, wakati mimi tuhuma ya madai yao nina sababu ya kuamini kwamba wanaweza kuthibitisha muhimu katika shambulio yetu ya Balsams biashara msafara. hali ya hewa au nini wanasema ni kweli bado walileta vitu ambayo inaweza kuthibitisha muhimu kwetu. wao kubaki chini ya ulinzi mpaka tumepata nia yao, lakini kwa sasa i kuwaonyesha nyumba zetu. Wakati hatari ninaamini kwamba kuwaonyesha uaminifu kama walivyofanya kwa ajili yetu wakati wao Waislamu itasaidia kwa mazungumzo.”

(These diamond dogs claim to come from a land in the far East. While i am suspicious of their claims I have reason to believe that they may prove useful in our attack of Balsams trading caravan. Whether or not what they say is true they still brought with them items that could prove useful to us. They will remain under guard until we have discovered their intentions, but for now i will show them our home. While risky, I believe that showing them the same amount of trust that they showed us when they surrendered will help with negotiations.)

“nini tunapaswa kuwaonyesha chochote? nini kama wako ni spys kutumwa na Balsam, kama sisi kuonyesha yao karibu maficho yetu basi Balsam bila kujua jinsi tamaa sisi, ni jambo la hekima kuhatarisha yake?”

(Why should we show them anything? What if they are spies sent by Balsam? If we show them around our hideout then Balsam would know just how desperate we are. Is it wise to risk it?)

Shujaa simply nodded.

“kufungua mlango!!”

(Open the gate!!)

Lawrence watched as the gate swung inwards, and Huja motioned for him and his dogs to enter. That was when he saw it……when he had heard about the zebra rebel's position he had expected to see them living in mud huts and eating grass, but nothing like this. The best way to describe it was that it was a subterranean city hidden deep inside a mountain. As they entered a massive chamber lit up by a number of openings in the ceiling, he could see a number of bazaars runned by stallion and mare alike. Their wares consisted of fruits, grasses, vegetables, hoofwoven blankets, mats, jewelry, and even scrolls. The bazaar went from the ground floor up to at least seven stories above them with countless zebras buying and selling goods.

“kuwakaribisha nyumbani kwetu Diamond Mbwa ya Mashariki”

(Welcome to our home, Diamond Dogs of the East.)

Lawrence spent the next few minutes staring at the carved stone shops, and the many foals running around, some of who stopped and stared at them before they were shooed away by their mothers.

“Tafadhali lazima uwe na njaa kutoka safari ndefu yako kuja na nitakula pamoja nami.”

(Please, you must be hungry from your long journey. Come and dine with me.)

Ivo took a moment to process what Shujaa had said before he responded.

“sisi itakuwa furaha nitakula na wewe.”

(We would be delighted to dine with you.)

Shujaa nodded before he whispered to one of the zebra guards.

Ivo took this lapse in conversation to tell Ivo about the invitation.

“He wants us to dine with him. I believe that it is in our best interests to form an agreement with him, as many great societies and races have often come together though a shared meal.”

Lawrence contemplated this for a few moments, knowing the ambassador had already said yes.

“If you believe this is the best course of action then I will hold you to it.”

Shujaa turned to them.

“Tafadhali kufuata mimi mashamba yako naamini kwamba unga katika karibu mashamba ya ngano itakuwa kufurahisha kwa sisi wote "

(Please follow me to the farms. I believe that a meal in or near the wheat fields would be enjoyable for us all.)

Ivo sputtered.

“baada ya kuja allthis alikuwa unataka kwenda nyuma chini ya mlima?”

(After making us come all this way you want us to go back down the mountain?)

Shujaa simply laughed.

“nini alifanya unaamini kwamba sisi ingekuwa kwenda nyuma chini ya mlima?”

(What made you think that we would have to go back down the mountain?)

He motioned for them to follow.

“anifuate na wewe kuelewa”

(Follow me and you will understand.)

As they followed him down another tunnel, leaving the Bazaar behind, they were nearly blinded by a bright light. Once again Lawrence was amazed. This chamber was several times larger then the Bazaar and had a number of farms growing wheat and vegetables. He then looked up to see the sky and a number of reflective metal mirrors around the nearly circular open area. The sun shined on many of them reflecting the rays down onto the zebra's crops. In the center of it all he saw a carved wooden table that was filled with a number of foreign dishes and delicacies. His sensitive nose could smell the many different mouthwatering spices that the foods had been cooked with.

Shujaa turned to them and smiled.

“Tafadhali hebu kukaa chini na kujadili uwepo wako katika nyumba nchi yetu. labda unaweza kutuambia kuhusu nchi yako Britannia na crates numerus umeleta na wewe.”

(Please let us sit down and discuss your presence in our home land. Perhaps you can tell us about your country Britannia and the numerous crates you have brought with you.)

Short Trade (edited by Cakebomb)

Zebrican Trade Route

50 kilometers from Equestrian border

6 days after first contact

Lawrence found himself under a hastily made spider hole. He had found it surprising that the zebras were familiar with the practice. While Diamond Dogs used the tactic to spy on the dragons during the early days of the war, it was rarely used due to the high mortality rate. The zebras however used it originally for hunting; while zebras look like ponies they in fact omnivores like Diamond Dogs, though they lean more towards plants.

“Muda gani? Silaha hizo wanaonekana tu kufanya kelele kubwa napenda kuona athari zao juu ya Balsams vikosi!”

(How much longer? These weapons seem to only to make a loud noise. I wish to see their effect on Balsam's forces!)

Lawrence looked to his right and found he was nearly muzzle to snout with a young rebel. The zebra was just out of his foalhood, and his face lacked any of the telltale signs of war. He found it almost depressing when he heard the colt’s excitement about the coming ambush. He took a deep breath before answering him.

“Kutokana na kile Nimesikia kutoka kwa kiongozi wako msafara wa biashara itakuwa kuwasili hivi karibuni. Mbona shaka nguvu ya silaha tumetoa wewe? Tuna mafunzo wewe kutumia yao na umeona athari zao juu ya malengo.”

(From what I have heard from your leader the trade caravan will be arriving soon. Why do you doubt the power of the weapons we have given you? We have trained you to use them and you have seen their effect on practice targets.)

The zebra looked at him with a bored expression.

“Silaha hizi kufanya mashimo katika malengo ya mbao. Jinsi gani tunajua kwamba wao kufanya hivyo wakati ni malengo ni kusonga na kinga? I bado dont uaminifu u mbwa almasi. i bado wanaamini kwamba wewe ni uongo kwetu. Hakuna mbwa inaweza kufanya silaha hizo bila equestrians uchawi.”

(These weapons make holes in wooden targets. How do we know that they will do the same when our targets are moving and breathing? i still dont trust you Diamond dogs. i still believe that you are lying to us. No dog could make these weapons without Equestrian magic.)

Lawrence shook his head; soon this colt will see the true power of Britannia.

Zebrican Trade Route

51 kilometers from Equestrian Border

6 days after first contact

Balsams trade caravan

Gabor sat quietly on the wagon as his older brother Berko pulled it. He shook his head, knowing the mortality rates on these routes were high because of the nearby Minyororo Kuvunjwa outpost. He looked behind their wagon to see fourteen other wagons carrying wood, ore, spices, sugar, and textiles.

He shook his head; all that mattered was getting to the Equestrians. Once Balsam had the Crystal Armor and new enchanted weapons there wasn't a force in the world that could stop them from uniting the zebras under Balsam's banner.

Author's Note

I am sorry for the short chapter and the long hiatus. I have been in the hospital and going through physical therapy. I want to apologize the the few readers of this story I promise to have another chapter out before Monday that will be well over 1000 words.

Slaughter (edited by Cakebomb)

Zebrican Trade Route

50 kilometers from Equestrian border

6 days after first contact

Balsam's Trade Caravan

Gabor noticed that the warriors under his command were reacting to every sound they heard; they had a number of Zulu warriors from Balsam's personal army. Their armaments ranged from Boa swords, Ngbandi Spears, and the largest warriorof the group was carrying a Ceremonial Axe that was blessed by Balsam himself, who used his own blood to christen the blade. He looks over to his brother, Boipelo.

"Ndugu unaweza kuona Minyororo Kuvunjwa? Kibiashara bwana alisema kuwa wangekuwa wajinga si kutushambulia .... Wanahitaji rasilimali sisi ni kufanya na hakuna njia hawajui la atapewa wetu kukabiliana na Equestrians Wao. kuwa kushambulia na mimi kuangalia mbele kuona nguvu za Balsams wapiganaji kubwa."

("Brothe,r can you see Minyororo Kuvunjwa? The trade master said that they would be foolish not to attack us....They need the resources we are carrying and there is no way they do not know of our recent deal with the Equestrians. They have to attack, and I look forward to seeing the power of Balsam's great warriors.")

His brother looked over his shoulder at the wagon, his head craning over the harness he wore.

"Ndugu unapaswa unataka kwa ajili ya mambo kama hayo ya kutisha mara nyingi kusababisha bahati mbaya. Kama vile wanaotaka kwamba hawana kutushambulia pia kusababisha bahati mbaya. Tunapaswa kuongoza mambo haya kutokea tusije kuwa kama Equeestrians. Dhaifu na tamaa ya kudhibiti zaidi ya yote inayotuzunguka. mara zote wanaamini kwamba wanaweza kudhibiti yote inayowazunguka na kwa extention wote ambao si ponys. kinachotokea karibu na sisi kama sisi lazima uso yake. "

("Brother, you should not wish for such horrible things. Wishing for combat often lead to bad luck, just as wishing that we are not attacked will also lead to bad luck. We must let these things happen lest we become like the Equestrians. Weak, and craving control over all that surrounds us. They always believe that they can control all that surrounds them and by extension all who are not ponies. Whatever happens to us next, we must face it.")

His brother then faces the road ahead, shaking his head at his younger brother's naivety.

Zebrican Trade Route

50 kilometers from Equestrian border

6 days after first contact

Ambush Site

After only a few days of training the young warriors that surrounded them sat in their trenches and spider holes. Lawrence had to train the zebras in basic combat. The amount of time he had to train them made him feel sick; it reminded him of the drafts, where the military would storm into homes and then drag out the young pups, who were given only several days of training before being placed on the frontlines. While they had given the zebras 2 early model Vickers MK I, they had barely gotten any time train with them. Then there was the fact that most of the warriors were armed with old Lee Enfield’s and a few Stens that had spent the last few years sitting in a warehouse in rotting wooden crates. They had the equipment, they just didn't have the training required to use it.

It was then he saw a flare shoot into the sky a few kilometers away. The red sparkling light flew hundreds of meters into the air before exploding. It was time. He looked out of the spider hole and saw their target. The Caravan was loaded to the brim with countless trade goods. As much as he wanted to jump out and fight alongside the zebras, he knew the deal;they were only allowed to train the Zebras. The fighting was left to the Zebras. Sure, they could fight with them if things went south, but what would constitute a situation dire enough to require their intervention? When one of rebels is killed? Six? It was unclear; It seemed like it was purposely left ambiguous. But I was unimportant now. It was time to see what these rebels could do with the modified weapons they had given them.

It happened so fast. Soon the machine gun teams opened fire from there raised position in a trench dug into the hills behind the caravan. This would prevent them from running back down the road. The effect was immediate; once the first few bullets flew past them, the caravan reacted by putting the warriors in defensive positions around the caravan. It was a brave but futile endeavor. The zebra’s armor only consisted of hard leather covered in red, god, and black patterns that had been stitched into the leather by talented craftsmen

Zebrican Trade Route

50 kilometers from Equestrian border

6 days after first contact

Trade Caravan at the same moment

Gabor had dived under the wagon when he had seen the Zulu warriors being cut down by some unknown force. His ear's were hit by a thunderlike noise, and he was deafened by the constant roar. He looked to his older brother, who was already down on the ground from what ever had hit them. He looked around as he watched many of the remaining warriors hide in what little cover they could find. He watched as many of the slaves that had been given to them try to run back the way they came, only to be killed by the mysterious force. Their blood soaked the ground a deep crimson, blood circling from their eviscerated corpses.

I was at that moment he heard a voice, which then turned into a rousing warcry.

"Mashambulizi ndugu zangu !!! Leo Balsams kulipa ushuru kwenye damu !!!"

("Attack my brothers!!! Today Balsam pays the toll in blood!!!")

He then saw the rebels rise from the plains around them. The rebels, the Minyororo Kuvunjwa, had them surrounded, but they weren’t coming closer. They simply aimed what seemed to be…. metal clubs at them? The thunder suddenly began again, followed by bright flashes coming from their strange weapons.

"Hii ni wazimu wa aina gani na giza mkataba alikuwa walifanya kupata silaha hizo waovu!?!"

("This is madness! What sort of dark pact have they made to get such unholy weapons!?!")

He screamed as he watched the Zulu warriors charge towards the closest entrenched zebra. They screamed their own deafening battle cry as they ran right into the wall of death. Many fell but others had managed to jump into the trench and started to violently bludgeon the rebels with their axes and spears. The largest Zulu warrior raised his Ceremonial Axe to the sky, stood on his hindlegs, and screamed into the sky as he beat his blood soaked barrel with his hoof, and flexed his muscled body.

"unafikiri silaha zenu waovu wanaweza kuwapiga us!?!?! sisi huduma si wa nini waovu pacts umeweka sisi ni Zulu !!! silaha yako dishonorable hawezi kutuzuia !!! tutakuwa loweka mabonde hayo katika damu yako tainted yenu waoga !!! ........ "

("You think your unholy weapons can beat us!?!?! We care not of what unholy pacts you have made, for we are Zulu!!! Your dishonorable weapons can not stop us!!! We shall soak these plains with your tainted blood, you cowa-"

He was cut off as his head exploded, sending bits of flesh and bone into his fellow warrior’s faces. The mighty Zulu warriors stood in shock, seeing the greatest of them fall into the blood soaked mud. No ritual combat, no fighting another war lord's army, just falling unceremoniously to the ground, his great ax being soiled by the dirt. They stood still, looking at their dead leader for several moments, before they screamed, jumping out of the trench and running straight into a wall of lead and fire. Gabor watched in horror as the greatest warriors he had ever known fell into the plains before they could even get to the next trench. He laid on the ground under the wagon, shocked at what he had just seen. He wasn’t sure how long he was there but all too soon it was quiet again. He then watched in fear as the rebels slowly made their way through the bloody grass. Every so often they would stop by the body of a fallen warrior or slave and use there weapon to further damage the corpses. He then saw one of them approach his downed brother. Before he knew it he had jumped out from under the wagon and hugged his unconscious brother in hopes of sparing him from there demonic weapons.

"Tafadhali !!! usiue ndugu yangu! Sisi Waislamu! Mimi kufanya chochote !!! Yeye ni familia tu i na !!!!”

("Please!!! Don't kill my brother! We surrender! I will do anything!!! He's the only family I have!!!!)

He screamed as the rebels leveled there weapons at him. The closest rebel looked at him with what only could be described as pure hatred. He then yelled at him, his fury washing over Gabor like a monsoon.

"ambapo ilikuwa ni huruma yako wakati kijiji yangu alikuwa kuharibiwa na kuchinjwa na Balsam wako mpendwa?!? Sisi alipoteza mavuno yetu kwa locus na tuliyowapeni kile kidogo tulikuwa lakini haikuwa hivyo kutosha wewe alimtuma askari wako Zulu na kuwaua wote na kuacha watoto na wana wao kufa peke yake !!! kwa wakati i alikutwa wengine wote walikuwa walimuua !! sababu yenu kabila wangu amekufa !!!! Wewe na watu wako umeleta kitu lakini maumivu na taabu sasa i utakuwa jambo la mwisho unaweza kuona !!!! "

("Where was your mercy when my village was destroyed and slaughtered by your beloved Balsam?! We had lost our harvest to locust and we gave you what little we had, but it wasn't enough! You sent your Zulu warriors and killed them all, leaving the foals to die alone! By the time i was found all the others had perished Because of you my tribe is dead! You and your people have brought nothing but pain and misery. Now i shall be the last thing you see!!!!")

He aimed his weapon at Gabor, whose eyes were filled with tears, terrified of what would happen to him and his brother. Suddenly, a voice rang out in a stern and commanding tone. Gabor and the rebel turned their heads to see a diamond dog in tan clothing. His expression was tired, yet still forceful.

"Hiyo inatosha Faraji kumekuwa na vifo vya kutosha leo. kupunguza bunduki yako. "

("That is enough Faraji, there has been enough death today. Lower your rifle ")

The rebel trotted up to the diamond dog and began to argue with him, before stomping off in anger. The diamond dog nodded to another zebra armed with a similar weapon. The Zebra walked up to him, and bucked him in the back of his head. His vision blurred, before being consumed by darkness.

Author's Note

here is the chapter i had promised im sorry i didnt meet my own dead line but i just can seem to make this chapter flow right so it is likely to be revised once or twice. any way like always i am open for ideas from my readers so please send me any questions or requests. i greatly value your opinions and i will respond to tips and ideas on how to improve the quality of this story. so don't be afraid to post what is on your mind.

Treaty (edited by Cakebomb)

Minyororo Kuvunjwa
3 hours after successful sneak attack on trade caravan
Farming Chamber
Lawrence and Ivo sat at the table, watching the zebra elders and Shujaa go over the reports of the attack. They were also going over piles of folders and photographs that depicted the military equipment that was loaded only a few kilometers off shore. The eldersseemed interested in the few weapons they had brought with them; they spent hours trying to find any sort of enchantment or magic on the weapons their solders were given, despite Ivo explaining that the weapons had none. They looked closely at the weapons, trying to understand where their killing power came from. It was at that point Shujaa spoke up.
“Kwa miaka pundamilia mlionifuata wamegundua kwamba njia pekee ya kupambana na wababe wa vita wengi katika nchi yetu ilikuwa na msako barabara na potions yaliyotolewa na waganga wa asili na kisha kwa savage nini tunaweza kutoka wreckage. Lakini leo naweza kusema sisi kuwa na ushindi kweli kijeshi. Kwa mara ya kwanza tulikuwa na uwezo wa kuchukua chini msafara wa biashara kwa kutumia silaha. wakati wengi wa watu wangu bado ni hofu ya mambo yajayo Naamini kwa msaada wako tunaweza kuacha kuishi na hatimaye kuchukua kupambana na makambi Balsams na si tu kuifuta mbali yake mbaya lakini wababe wote ambao hata siku moja hajaona kurejea majumbani mwetu kwa majivu. Kisha kwenda kwenye kuniambia kwamba mbali mataifa yetu mwambao kuwa kuna Navy kusubiri kubeba kwa melini na silaha hata hatari zaidi na askari. Mimi katika hasara, kwa nini kutusaidia? Fedha? Rasilimali? Power?”
(For years the zebras who have followed me have found that the only way to fight the many warlords in our country was by trapping the roads with the potions made by the herbalists, and then to salvage what we can from the wreckage. But today I can say we have had a true military victory. For the first time we were able to take down a trade caravan using weapons. While many of my people are still scared of what is to come, I believe that with your help we can stop surviving and finally take the fight to Balsam's camps. We can not only wipe away his evil, but we can crush all the warlords who have seen it fit to turn our homes to ash. Then you go on to tell me that off our nation's shores there is a fleet of ships waiting, loaded to the decks with even more dangerous weaponry and soldiers. I am at a loss; why are you helping us? Money? Resources? Power?)
Ivo was the first to answer, standing up tall and looking directly into Shujaa's eyes. He took a deep breath and appeared to be in deep thought, trying to choose his words and translate them at the same time.
“The reason we are helping you is because you remind us greatly of ourselves. I have heard that your people have had run ins with the descendants of those who fled from our land. Do you ever wonder what they were fleeing from? A few years ago we finished the bloodiest war in our empire's history against the cruelest of this world's creatures. I see that in your eyes you can guess what I am taking about; our people fought the dragons…. Long before the war truly started my people were but slaves to them. We were forced to toil in their mines, mining precious metals and gems for their consumption. They used us like livestock, like we were animals! They enslaved our people and destroyed many of our achievements, simply because they were beasts who knew only greed and hunger! It was during the great revolt when my people discovered how to fight them: taking advantage of their weakness, Valdium. To this day we don’t fully understand its properties, but with it we were able to pierce their hides like a sword through fabric because it negates their internal magic. Even when my people pushed them back with the discoveries left behind by our ancestors, they continued to fight, refusing to except their loss, even when we pushed them back to their homeland. We continued to advance in technology even as they sent raiding parties to destroy us and our homes. After nearly 200 years we were able to push our way into their homeland destroying their nests and children. But it was also at that point we learned why they enslaved us….. Their entire land was little more than rocks and ash. Thanks to their own greed they destroyed their homeland and reduced it to ruins. We realized what we had to do; they would never stop spreading, and their kind can only destroy, so we resorted to desperate measures; we wiped them off the face of our continent. When my people look at your's it reminds us of the struggles we have faced, and when we look at the many warlords we see the same cruelty and greed the dragons had. When we look at you we see ourselves….”
Ivo looked around the room to see the reactions of the different Zebras, and then focused on Shujaa. He seemed surprised to hear what he had to say; he looked at the documents that they had spent the last few hours going over. While cut and dry it had a great many things tied to it, including the future of his people and how they may be seen by the others up north across the badlands in Equestria. Ivo watched as Shujaa took a deep breath of his own and signed the paper. He passed it to the elders, who then signed it themselves. Shujaa finally spoke up.
“Wewe na kuthibitika wenyewe kwetu wakati hata mimi mwenyewe sioni ni ajabu kwamba kuvuka bahari kuu kuna nchi kubwa ... ..an himaya kwamba dunia yetu bado kuona, mimi kupata mwenyewe kulazimishwa kuona kwa macho yangu mwenyewe jinsi kubwa duniani kweli ni na wakati sehemu ya mimi ni hofu ya nini mkataba huu utaleta mimi sioni kwamba ni katika watu wangu maslahi bora kutia saini yake. Wakati wengi wa watu wangu hofu nini baadaye ana kwa ajili yetu mara moja kaskazini kujua kuhusu hili naamini kwa watu wako kusaidia tunaweza kufanya Zebrica taifa kwamba kufanya nao kufikiri mara mbili wakati wao kuangalia nchi zetu fadhila kubwa na utajiri. Kwa muda mrefu watu wangu ilibidi taabu kwa wababe mkono na dada mbinguni tu hivyo kuna nchi inaweza kufanikiwa. Kwa muda mrefu wamekuwa akapata utajiri wa nchi yetu kwa msaada wako tunaweza kujenga wa jiji hilo ambayo nje kuangazia yao wenyewe!”
(You have proven yourselves to us. While I myself find it unbelievable that across the Great Ocean there is such a great country…..an empire that our world has yet to discover, I find myself forced to see with my own eyes just how big this world truly is. While part of me is scared of what this treaty will bring, I find that it is in my people's best interests to sign it. While many of my people fear what the future holds for us, once the Northerners find out about this I believe with your people's help we can make Zebrica a nation that will make them think twice when they look at our lands great bounty and riches. For too long my people have had to toil for warlords supported by the Celestial Sister's just so their country can prosper. For too long hae they reaped the riches of our lands; with your help we can build cities that will outshine their own!)
After Shujaa's speech, Ivo and Shujaa reached out and shook, paw to hoof. Smiling, they walked onto a stage, showing to everyone that the treaty had been signed. It was at this point Lawrence excused himself to send the all clear to the fleet off the coast, and gave the order to prepare their F.O.B.

Author's Note

Im sorry I haven't updated sooner I have been sick and suffering from writers block from now on I will try to update at least once a week.

ruins and storehouses (edited by Cakebomb)

Eastern coast of Zebrica
RSRC Forward operating base
1 km from original RSRC landing site
12:30 pm; one week after signing of treaty
Morgan Singer watched as his mutts unloaded the Cyklop walkers from his ship onto ancient stone docks, left over from empires that have since faded away into the bowels of history. While massive in comparison to its operators, standing at over 18 meters, they represented the smallest of the empires walking engines. Originally developed in Germania for rapid response to dragon incursions, they were suited to fast attack roles. However,, since the war ended many of the older models had been scrapped or sold off as surplus. He smiled as he watched a few of the zebra approach the walkers to touch them before jumping back as if they were going to attack. He laughed at their their comments about the walker's chicken legs and armament, often comparing the twin machine guns on its top to eye stalks and the lower 57mm howitzer to…..a stallion's manhood; he snickered at that. A few of the braver warriors ran their hooves over the old armor, feeling the dents and scratches left over from old battles. These walkers were the last few active service MK2dk's, still fitted with the original diesel/kerosene engines that had been replaced with newer, more powerful, but far more complicated pure diesel engines. After watching one start up with a loud animistic growl scaring off the rest of the curious zebras and make its way to the motor pool, he turned his attention to the crates of equipment that had been unloaded and stored into a stone warehouse the architects were still in the process of repairing.
“Hans! How goes the repairs on the ruins?” he yelled at the auburn colored Mutt, working on repairing a roof.
“How do you think?! It would have been easier to build this all from scratch! Once we finish one repair we end up having to back track because the walls start crumbing from the weight of the repairs! Don’t even get me started on the foundations; half of them are badly lopsided!” he yells, annoyed.
Morgan merely shakes his muzzle at Hans. "That was part of the treaty; they wanted us to build the FOB near these ruins so that we could help them repair them. These ruins are from their own golden age, before their country fell into lawlessness. Ear is not just fought on battle fields, it is also fought in the mind. Breathing life back into these ruins will help us fight the many warlords who pose as gods to their slaves and followers while. I have no doubt that we will win the ensuring battles, they will mean little unless we can prevent them from becoming martyrs in the eyes of their flocks. I don’t have to remind you that we are doing the same back home.”
Hans sighed “Yeah…yeah; still doesn’t make this any easier. The only thing unaffected by the tides of time are the defenses. Unlike the buildings in the city the defensive walls are mostly intact and are serviceable. Mounting armaments to them have been easy, but the heavy stone takes time to drill through. I will give you a full report later, sir.
Morgan nodded. “Return to your duties” he said, as he left for the temporary command center.
He smiled, watching many of the young zebra foals run around him as he made his way through the new settlement before stopping at a stall where a lovely zebra mare wearing a number of colorful sashes was cooking fish. His mouth watered at the many smells it gave off, exotic Zebrican spices and herbs giving it a unique scent.
“So you are the great diamond dog who brought us hope.” She says in accented Britannian while smiling. There was a noticeable glint in her mouth, hiding something.
His eyes widen “I wouldn’t say that….” He looks at her suspiciously. “Where did you learn Brittanian?”
She continues talking as she cooks the fish “I was given one of your books; it has always been my special talent to learn and understand foreign languages. I found that yours was very similar to the language of the local diamond dog mercenaries who settled on our continent centuries ago.” She smiles as she hoofs him a grilled fish, wrapped in seaweed.
“I suppose that’s not surprising; they are the descendants of refugees from Britannia...” he experimentally takes a bite of the fish.“It’s good….why do Zebras eat meat and fish? You appear to be herbivores….” He asks, sitting down in front of the stall and chewing on his fish.
She giggles. “That is a common misconception, popular among the Equestrians to the north too. When they first made contact with my tribe they were horrified. They instantly assumed we were feral and were planning on eating them… while many of my tribe found it comical how they reacted to our cooked fish and fine meats, they still attacked us. We easily detained them, even with their magic, but the princesses were not amused. Our village was one of the few that Equestria actively supported instead of the local warlords due to our weaving skills. The princess arrived and even though we treated the prisoners with great care and respect despite their rudeness, she demanded restitution and that it was our fault that they acted so harshly. She went on and on about how equines should never commit such acts.” She shakes her head “Equestrians have always had a superiorly complex; they believe that their way is the best way. It didn’t matter that our harvests are far less fruitful then there’s, that we have always had to supplement our harvests with the bounty of the sea and land….” She looks down. “She then had the audacity to ask why we haven’t just joined with Equestria. Like she didn’t know how much our people suffer in her lands…..I told her I would not summit to her Ponies racist tendencies. She took her ponies and left; afterwards, trade with them trickled off, and it was only by griffin merchants that we were able to keep our small village afloat. The ponies didn’t stop coming though; every now and then a traveler would arrive to tell us about the wonders of Equestria and the powers of their god princesses. They never shut up about how their homeland is so much better or how we are so barbaric…..but now? With your peoples help we can make them the primitive barbarians.” She smiles, looking up with determination in her eyes
He smiles “And with your kinds help we will show the Equestrians the errors of their ways.”
She smiles as she leans over “So, tell me admiral; what do you do for fun?”
Eastern Zebrican coast
Forward operating base
Main storehouse
2:00 pm
Anna Kask smiled as she took stock of the supplies in the storeroom. While her current job was fairly boring and mundane, she knew that her own efforts and connections to the merchant and trade guilds would make her invaluable to creating a more stable and modern economy (at least by her own country’s standards). While it would be difficult, especially since the conditions and overall structure of the country were different then her own, she had confidence that she and her partner Yuval Yosef could succeed. She giggled as she took stalk of the Rakfisk (that was mainly for the officers and holidays). She never understood how something that smelled so foul could be so valuable, but like with all goods it was supply and demand, and what made this tall stack of canned Rakfisk so valuable was that a certain popular fish was now getting harder to find, due to a combination of overfishing and the disruption of their habitat five years ago when the military decided it was a good idea to destroy one of the sea serpents nesting grounds. Never mind that it was near the major spawning area of the striped green trout and that the ordinance used had a number of toxic chemicals that could harm them. She shook her head. What was bad for the fishermen was a blessing to her and Yuval Yosef; after all one of their contracts paid them in canned green striped Rakfisk just before the attack! Their old steam lorry could barely hold it all as it groaned under the weight. Within a week the value of it skyrocketed and while they did sell off some of it, she had them wait to sell off the majority when it reached its cap at more than 6000 sterling pounds for a kilogram! Yuval was finally able to repair the ramshackle lorry and even upgrade it to a fresh of the line diesel engine. Sure, it would have been cheaper to just buy a new one, but that lorry was special; it marked the day they started working together, after spending years saving up to buy the outdated wagon.
Word had gotten around that the two of them predicted the increase in value of the fish. It wasn’t long until they got a notice from the guilds, saying that they have been given positions higher in the guild's hierarchy, and another new job offer to head to the west to take advantage of the untapped markets there. She spent the next few moments remembering when they boarded the HMS Wyvern, watching as their beloved lorry was lifted by crane onto the deck... until the crashing of cans snapped her out of her memories.
“Hello...?”, she said, making her way to the opposite side of the storehouse to find that a crate of canned powdered milk had been knocked over. She spoke up again. “Someone here? It’s alright; this happens to me all the time. I'm not mad…” she then heard another noise coming from one of the empty crates “Hello...?" She looks over the top to see a terrified zebra colt hiding inside the old crate. “It's ok...” She reaches for him, only for the colt to flinch and try to scramble further back into the crate. She frowns and sits down to think. “I know!” she smile,s but then quiets down seeing that she scared the colt.. She pulled out a small roll of bread and left over cheese and sets it on a neckerchief on the floor, before stepping back and waiting.
The colt sniffs the air and slowly makes his way out of the crate over to the food. He looked at it for several seconds, before attacking the food like a starving animal. While surprised, Anna waits till he was finished and offered him one of the hard candies she kept in her dress for dessert with her paw. “It's ok...” The colt grabs it rapidly, as if she were about to take it away. She then points to herself “Anna…” the colt looks confused for a moment before smiling.
He lifts his hoof and points it to himself “Kofi…..”
“I think it’s better we keep this to ourselves….” She points to the mess. While the colt doesn’t understand what she said he undersands the meaning.

begining of a new age (edited by Cakebomb)

Balsam's Tent
Zulu Warrior Stronghold
180km North West of the Restored Aksum City and FOB
3:00 am
Balsam slept on his soft bed courtesy, of the foolish Celestial sisters. He smiled as he dreamt wonderful dreams of his next conquest and the countless riches to follow. One of the many broken in mares on his bed twitched before slowly making her way over to one of the many stone tables lined with food from countless villages under her masters control. Her shaky hooves reached over to the food, it's enticing smell already making her mouth water; however, she paused, looking back to the bed to make sure Balsam was still asleep, lest she get caught eating without permission again. She only heard the load snores of her master and his herd. She quickly smiled, before a glimpse of her reflection in one of the decorative brass plates nearby wiped it off her face. It nearly broke her heart to see what she had become; all she saw was a teal mare with a brand where her cutie mark once was. The ugly burn depicted shackles and left her with a scar running from her left to right flank. Her own mane was shaven, and the hair was woven into the leather armor of Balsam's Zulu Warriors; the minuscule amount of magic her hair contained could be used to channel a number of enchantments used by the few zebra Mages under his control. Finally she worked up the courage to look at her own face and what she saw only further proved what she was; her muzzle was covered with bruises from countless “corrections” as he called them, since apparently mares were supposed be subservient to stallions. She shuttered, remembering the times she was used as a “reward” for his elite warriors after a successful conquest. Her hooves shook as she remembered why she was here. She wasn’t some forsaken princess or some disposed member of the elite; no, she was a simple earth pony mare without a bit to her name. Did she care? No; she worked hard, lived with her employer and despite her hardships never complained, but still she was exiled. Why? For the act of defending a scared and desperate pickpocket, just a colt, from getting his wings cut off by a noble mare who had everything. What did he steal? Scrap Coal for the winter……a cheap piece of coal that was too poor of quality to even be used by commoners in the lower classes. But she didn’t care; she lifted the colt and began to tear out his feathers while grabbing one of her bodyguard's swords. It was at that point she bucked a rock at the cruel noble mare, and clocked her in the back of the head. The colt escaped, but the noble didn’t move. She tried to run, but it was too late... She was tackled to the ground by the Canterlot guard and arrested.
Her trial was a sham, done only for the elite and Celestia, who sat idly by while they screamed out accusation after accusation of her hatred of the unicorns. The same day she was declared guilty, her explanations fell on deaf ears. Celestia sat on her throne with a look of pity; she thought for a moment that she would pardon her before she said one word……exile. She was dragged to the Zebrican boarder and was forced to stand for the whole 3 day train ride before she was thrown over the border and chased away by unicorn blasts. After 2 days of wandering the Zebrican savana, she was attacked and dragged to a camp where a massive hulking zebra looked at her with twisted glee. She tried to fight for the first few times but all too soon she learned to back down and accept it. As she lifted one of the warm bread rolls too her watering mouth she was struck in the side of her head.
“Apparently, after all this time the mare STILL doesn’t know her place” Balsam struck her again, forcing her to the ground. His muzzle opened into a twisted grin. “Let’s try again” he said looming over her.
She didn’t even scream; there was no point.
Britannian Army and Zebra Militia
Temporary joint forces camp
5km from Zulu Stronghold
3:10am
Shujaa looked at the stronghold through the field binoculars he was loaned; despite seeing it with his own eyes he still could not believe what was about to happen. As he watched the fortress, countless artillery pieces from the south were preparing to fire on it, the Britanians prepared their walkers, and the Zebra Militia were loading and checking there rifles. Never in his life did he believe that his people would be able to directly strike Balsam's Stronghold; he. like many of the mature members of the militia, believed that the fall of Balsam would be through indirect attacks against him. Today that changed. He turned to a Britannia communications officer, waiting for orders from command to begin bombarding the fortress. A short bulldog with an under bite, the dog looked at him for a few moments before he seemed to pause. He nodded. Shujaa knew what it meant; the artillery was in place and ready to fire. He waited a moment before giving the conformation. All throughout the ranks their hearts began to beat. It was about to begin.
“Begin the assault….” He said simply. If he was younger he was sure he would have said something far more heroic or memorable, but he was a grown stallion and had a job to do.
The operator sent the order to fire to the guns; even from this distance he could hear the thunder of the artillery. He heard the sound of shells falling to the earth, their eery whistling sending a tingle down his spine . Within moments explosions rippled throughout the fortress. Even from the distance he could her the shouts of Balsam's men as they were ripped from sleep by the shells detonating. The barrage lasted for 10 minutes, and around 30 to 50 heavy shells impacted the stronghold before the second signal was given. Am eerie silence loomed over the area as the Artillery stopped, and all chatter within the militia forces died down; they were awaiting the order to attack.
“Form up behind the Walkers! The Diamond dogs gave us the keys to the fortress but it will be Zebras who claim it!” he shouted. Within moments the walkers snarled to life, belching fumes into the air as the militia formed in rows behind them as they advanced on the fortress.
The walkers moved forward, their crew working to stop the machine from crushing any overzealous militia members. The advance was quick but controlled in order to both prevent giving Balsam time to reorganize while also making sure they could keep track of their own forces. The continued to walk unopposed until the walker crews started to hear the pinging of small ballista bolts hitting their cockpit. They couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the idea that wooden bolts could stop a machine made of iron and steel. They soon stopped, and the gunners aimed the main gun and the two Gatling Guns at the defensive armaments on the walls before unleashing hell. The crude wooden artillery was reduced to cinders and the warriors into a cloud of red mist and fragments of bone. They then turned their guns to the oak gate that was the final defense the wall had, knocking it down with a single kick from the walker's legs. Within moments the militia members rushed in and opened fire on the confused enemy.
Balsam's Tent
Zulu Warrior Stronghold
3:27am
Balsam was shaken from his fun by the sound of explosions. He left his mare on the floor to look outside and what he saw angered him. Countless tents and storehouses were on fire, and his great warriors were running around land screaming like scared children! Who would dare attack him! Who COULD attack him? He yelled in frustration as he watched the fires rage through his camp, until he saw one of his warrior's head explode, and his corpse fall into the mud. It was then he saw them; even under all the strange wrapping's he could tell they were other Zebra's. They continued to make their way through the camp killing his men with their brutal weaponry. From his vantage point he watched their relentless slaughter, the blood of the Zulu soaking the ground. He watched as one of the rebels threw a stick with a piece of metal on the end into a barricade of Zulu trainees. He waited unsure what to expect until an explosion blew the barricade and the colt's to pieces. A small piece of lacerated flesh flew from the detonation and landed on his face. This was it, a new age of war! He could only imagine his own followers and prophets with such deadly weapons; they even made the crystal armor and weapons he had lost seem so insignificant! He continued to watch his forces get slaughtered, his perverse glee rooting him in place. He noticed that some of the rebels were starting to get too close to his tent. He smiled; this was it, the great battle he had been waiting for to test his followers faith. He made his way over to a rug and teared it off, revealing an old trap door. He opened it, but before he could escape he had to leave his favorite mare with a parting gift. He ran his hooves over the broken mare’s eye swollen eye, before he plunged an old nail from his armor into her eye. He laughed, watching her scream as he made his escape down into the tunnels. This was the great test he had been waiting for. Once he had taken the rebel;s weapons and pillaged to his heart’s content he could begin his great crusade into Equestrian territory, killing all those who would worship the false prophets instead on him. He could already see the Celestial sisters broken and in chains as they laid in front of him, begging for mercy.

Equestrian Tax (edited by Cakebomb)

Sweet Apple Acres
Ponyville
Midwestern Equestria
6:18pm
Big Macintosh sat in his room alone. He was at his desk, looking at the sheer amount of paper work it held; bills, taxes, notices, and warnings. The amaranth stallion sighed; he hated paperwork, but after his sister misfiled their taxes and his granny trying to pay them in apples (resulting in a visit from the local town hall and a harsh fine), he took it upon himself to do all the paperwork. His role in their finances had increased further since his sister started a fight with the Weather Bureau representative over the latest increase in their irrigation bill; she sent the aquamarine Pegasus to the hospital, and spent a night in a cell at the local royal guard post. He shuffled through the pile looking at an irrigation bill from the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation, labeled in big red letters “Final Notice”. It was at this point he opened a drawer on his desk, shuffling through old papers, knickknacks, and trashy novels, before pulling out his secret stash of fermented Sweet Apple Cider. He looked around to make sure that his siblings and grandmother weren’t around, before he cracked it open. He brought the amber liquid to his lips and took a swig, before pulling out an abacus. He started the long task of calculating what they could afford and what they would have to do without. Sighing, he signed countless checks and IOUs, hoping by some miracle they would get through this before it became apparent that despite there attempts to keep up appearances, Sweet Apple Acres (along with much of the Apple family) were hemorrhaging money as the costs of countless necessities were rising out of the reach of many earth ponies, who were finding themselves trapped on their own land. He continued to do the math, trying to find some way to afford his baby sister's new school supplies and books; poor Applebloom was forced to make do with threadbare saddlebags and borrowed supplies and books to do her homework. He took another swig, feeling depressed; unlike his sister he dreaded the idea of Applebloom working on the farm. His credit had been reduced to a chain on his neck, like his ever present yoke. Applejack's credit wasn’t any better, since he had to have her sign in her name just to get the money to keep the farm going, leading to her being in the same boat as him. This was even before she left for Manehattan, when she went to live with the Oranges. But he resisted every temptation to dip into Applebloom's credit. He wanted her to do something with her life besides struggling to keep their farm afloat; even during her shenanigans he encouraged her to look at all her options. In fact, their little club “The Cutie Mark Crusaders” had become popular with many other young fillies and colts as word of them spread, to the point of her getting letters asking to join from all the way to Los Pegasus. He smiled at the thought, imagining it all. But all too soon a loud knocking at his front door startled him, causing him to hide his drink back in its hiding space after taking one last swig. He headed down the stairs, and opened up the front door.
When it opened, he saw the tax stallion Brass Bit and older unicorn stallion from Canterlot.
“I trust you know why I’m here?” Brass Bit said, detached.
Big Mac simply nodded “……Yep….” He let the stallion in, and they sat at the kitchen table.
Brass sighed. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to find any loop holes to lower your taxes for this quarter.” He shook his head. “The loop holes I used last quarter no longer apply to Sweet Apple Acres, thanks to the budget increase and new tax laws. You have to pay.”
Big Mac shook his head, and walked back to the book case. He opened its false bottom to grab a bottle of his fermented Salted Cider, and he hoofed it to Brass.
Brass looked sadly at the soft spoken stallion as he held the Cider. He smiled, and said “Why don’t we drink it together?" Mac's mouth twists into a grin as they sit down and share the salty alcoholic beverage, forgetting their troubles for awhile.
Counsel of Nobles
Canterlot
Capital of Equestria
7:01
Fancy Pants and Blueblood walked out of the chambers. Another fruitless meeting... It didn’t matter what they told the other nobles; they wouldn't except that times were changing, and that their trade with the Zebras, while helpful in propping up many of their family businesses, wasn’t a long term solution. It didn’t help that they also shot down attempts at reforming the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation, which was currently charging ridiculous rates to pay for the pensions of both retired workers and those who lost their jobs when Gryphonia cut ties with Equestria.
Fancy looked over at the young prince. It was no secret that despite what other nobles thought of him after his fiasco with the Element of Harmony, Rarity (who he still saw as a gold digger), the worst of the hate came from the lower classes. This was compounded by the fact his family’s company, “Eastern Blue”, was currently only staying afloat thanks to the internal trade in the country, since trade with the Zebras was handled by the military. The stallion looked more downtrodden than he ever had before.
Blueblood looked up at him with bags under his eyes. “Why do we try? They either don’t care or see that we are on the edge of economic collapse with our current policies. They would rather stay their coarse that our ancestors plotted for us... My ships and caravans for the most part just sit in harbors and warehouses, as what we do get from trade with the Zebras isn’t nearly enough for the crown to justify the use of my company. They just use the military! Having our guard stallions pull carts meant for military rations! But do the other nobles see that times have changed and that we need to start tightening our belts? No... they continue to approve project after project, spending bits and resources we don’t have on new buildings and statues. They even raise taxes to try and cover the sudden decrease in revenue, ignoring the problems the lower classes are facing. For Celestias sake, The farming village of Hooferdale is now a ghost town! Nearly all the farms went bankrupt and the farmers are now in hiding somewhere because they couldn’t take being trapped on their own land!” he breaks off in a huff. breathless after the long speech.
Fancy just shakes his head; he understands Blueblood's pain. His family has been in charge of the Equestrian mint for centuries, thanks to his family line's unique ability to seemingly feel the pulse of the Equestrian economy. He had looked over countless reports of the economic situations of many different townships. Needless to say it was grim. More and more farmers were vanishing into the night rather than deal with the crippling debt that was now plaguing the economy. Many earth ponies had even gone to Celestia looking for help, but with the nobles of Equestria being so ingrained in the country’s economy there was little she could do without risking total economic collapse.
He took a deep breath before answering him. “It’s because that while our ancestors built the companies and institutions they we now own, they forsook teaching their descendants how to run them. That’s why the market is so over saturated with enchanted goods and services. They see a dip in revenue? Open more enchantries or up production! Then they try and suppress earth pony blacksmiths, who try to forge tools that can last and work without expensive enchantments. It’s that mindset that had Equestria mined dry of enchantment quality gemstones. It’s that mindset that pressured Celestia to annex the Crystal Empire and put it in the hooves of the inexperienced Cadence and Shining Armor. Rather than try to find a new way, we annexed a country that had been thrown nearly a thousand years into the future just so we could get a hold of their massive stock piles… Did you even know that Cadence was supposed to act as a diplomat and a mediator between Equestria and the Crystal Empire? She was never supposed to rule. But then the nobility caught wind of the empire's wealth. Now she rules over a single city that is a hair's breath from lynching her for us trying to make them good Equestrians.” He shakes his head “We know very little about their culture even now. So what do we do? We try to take away their identity rather than learn about them, because for the nobility it would be too hard to coexist.”
Blueblood just nodded, shocked at how much power the nobles had. Despite it being a myth that he was related to the Celestial Sisters, he still cared about them. It was shocking to hear the nobility could pressure her, but when he thought about it he remembered that Celestia told him once that her greatest fear was becoming a tyrant. At least that explains her inaction. He thought on it, when he suddenly remembered a report he had got from one his informants in the guard. ”I trust you have heard that the trade caravans with Zebrica have stopped? There hasn’t been a zebra trade caravan at the border for nearly a month! Our goods are just sitting at the old midway station in the badlands. We don’t even know what’s happening since Celestia wot risk sending a scouting party after the misunderstanding at Idbo Village.” He shook his head at the memory; when the Equestrian guard attacked a village for a cultural misunderstanding, it had ended with two deaths...a zebra foal who likely didn’t even know what was going on, and a terrified member of the guard who was buried alive by the enraged villagers. Celestia was outraged, and cut off ties before she even knew the whole story, leading to that bridge being burned. This didn't help the Zebra's living in Equestria; even before the incident, they were the topic of nasty and untrue rumors.
“I heard that the counsel has over ridden her decree. Their sending a few scouting parties to investigate.” Fancy said. The two stopped in front of Blueblood's house. “I don’t know what they're going to find. I can only hope that trade can start up again soon. Even the comparatively small trade we had with them prevented our towns and cities from collapsing in on themselves….” He waved good bye to his friend, and then walked home.

Equestrias Finest and Prison (edited by Cakebomb)

Badlands

Midway Train Station

521 km from Zebrican Border

11:01pm

Pumpkin Patch sat on one of the old sun bleached benches at the old Midway Station, watching the train stallions drink from the old well. After galloping for a whole day, they were currently resting their strained legs. They were at a midway station, a rest stop for the work ponies to build up strength after pulling heavy awkward cars on wooden and metal tracks. He took a bite out of his salted fish ration, thankful that his Princess Luna had used what little power she had in Equestrian politics to overrule her sister's ban on special rations for Thestrals. It was no secret that Thestrals, or as some of the poorly educated citizens of Equestria (most Equestrians) called them, Bat Ponies, ate a diet of fish and other meats due to being biologically similar to large vampire bats and other meat eating species. Celestia, in a misguided belief that their biological need to eat meat could be circumvented, she attempted to get them to eat poor quality meat substitute made from vegetables and grains. Sadly, this only led to the lunar guard getting weak and sick, forcing Luna's hand.

He swivled his sensitive ears over to the commander of their little scouting force, a Unicorn solar guard (no surprise) by the name of Summer Burst. He was some descendant of a Solar knight. Sadly, unlike his ancestor who marched into the badlands to help find passage to Zebrica, he spent most of his time in the knights quarters eating and drinking. This was very self evident, thanks to his visibly inflated stomach after his girdle became unbearable in the sweltering heat.

“What do you mean that was my whole ration!” Summer huffed at the requisition Officer, who just shrugged. The stallions under his command snickered at his misfortune. He slowly made his way over to Pumpkin sitting on the old bench making it creak. “Hey...um....”

“It’s Pumpkin Patch sir….” He says, unsure ofh is intentions.

“Are going to finish that fish..?” he asked, causing Pumpkin's eyes to widen in surprise at the portly yellow unicorn.

“…Ummm, no. I normally don’t eat much anyways…” he hoofed it over, curious of what was going to happen before watching Summer scarf it down. He licked his lips, and then looked over at the shocked Thestral besides him.

“What? Never seen a Solar Knight eat fish?” Summer asked with a grin as Pumpkin shook his his head. “Don’t let the title fool you; most of our work consists of standing around and looking pretty, or standing guard at the embassy in Gryphonia. Sadly, we both know what happened with that duty” he said with a somber tone, remembering their delicious fish roasts.

“Do you happen to know why they cut ties with us?” Pumpkin asked as he shifted into a more comfortable position.

“No, but before we were told to leave the nobility seemed to be worried about something. They were closing down a lot of settlements, and were mobilizing their reserves. Their doctors also started wearing some weird fabric masks filled with flowers. You should have seen them! Long trunks and beaks made of canvas, filled with flowers and herbs! The doctors wore these long cloaks that nearly touched the ground, with wide leather brimmed hats and creepy bird masks. It was funny!" he said, before sighing.

Pumpkin's eyes widen at the exchange. “So any idea what we will see once we cross over the border?” he says, hoping to change the subject away from the Gryphons. He think he knew why they closed their borders...

The Knight just shook his head. “I’m not looking forward to crossing the border.

“Hey fat ass!! Why are you hanging out with the freak? What’s wrong; that's the only spot where your plot will fit?!” A gray Pegasus (Pumpkin recognized him as being called Slate) laughed along with a number of other stallions.

“Wait a minute... The freak shared his ration with you didn’t he? Oh my Celestia, fatty was hungry enough to eat meat! You sicko! Don’t you know that stuff makes bat ponies feral?! That’s why Celestia made them eat that mush! Ponies don’t eat animals! Celestia should have never let your kind back into Equestria! You’re just some freaks that Nightmare Moon found on some Celestia forsaken Island! I don’t care what the Elements of Harmony and the Princess say, she’s still Nightmare Moon on the inside!” the angry brown unicorn stallion known as Mug yelled right in Pumpkin's face. Pumpkin was taken aback by the sudden rant, and offered a counter argument.

“Can’t you come up with something more interesting to swear to over and over besides Celestia?” Pumpkin says, completely disinterested in the situation. He was used to the constant attacks on Thestrals and his Princess. “It’s always Celestia this and Celestia that .Are you moronic colts so thick skulled that you can’t get a little more creative? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised; you can’t even say Thestral right, so your just call us bat ponies. It’s not even that creative! If you’re going to insult me come up with something better then bat pony. I guess I should be surprised that you even can up with it at all since most of you just jumped into joining the Solar guard after only a few years of school! It’s a wonder any of you can even READ with your general lack of eloquence! To join the Lunar guard you have to learn basic mathematics, strategy, history, and first aid! A single lunar guard is more effective than a squad of solar guards because we know more orders than stand, march, and look pretty!” He suddenly flexed his leathery wings out, making the Solar guards flinch backwards “And how dare you talk about Knight Summer like that! So what if he’s on the heavy side? He has done more for the Solar guard then any of you! When was the last time any of you even left Canterlot? He was in Gryphonia for years before they closed their borders. He also has the chivalry that you all lack!”, he growls, showing his fangs as the stallions retreated back to their bunks. He huffed, fluffing up his chest.“Sir, you should go to your bunk as well. We leave in the afternoon tomorrow but we should be well rested”

Summer just nodded as he trotted to his own private bunk “Good night Pumpkin….im sorry about them I tried to get more experienced solar guards and a few more Lunar guards…..but the counsel”

Pumpkin just nods sadly knowing that the nobility trusted the Lunar guard about as far as the pompous pampered nobility could throw them and they generally liked to keep the few “experienced” solar guard in Canterlot. He trots to his own bunk in the old cargo car and rests for the night.

Zebrican border

Abandoned trading post

2 days after arrival at Midway Station

9:13am

Knight Summers huffs as he places the heavy saddle bags on his back. Sweat already pours out of his pores as he trots out of the rotting gates with Pumpkin trailing behind. Pumpkin's eyes are concealed by shaded lenses, allowing him to see despite the bright and oppressive sun. The other stallions followed behind them, sneering at both of them.

4 hours later…

Now, everyone were sweating out buckets as they made their way to the closest Warlord, “Rakim the Mildly Inconvenient”. They were visiting him first; he was the least dangerous of the local warlords (when compared to the countless others who would happily scalp them, or worse). The group simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief as they made their way over one last hill, finally setting their eyes upon the crude wooden fort. As they trotted up to the gates, they noticed something was wrong; there wasn’t a single zebra to be seen.

“This is sir Summers of Equestria, we are looking for Rakim the Mildly inconvenient!” he yelled at the gate, with no response.

“Hello...?” A small slit at about eye level opens on the gate “Equestria..? Your about three weeks too late...” the voice says sadly in accented Equestrian.

“Three weeks too late?.....”

“Hear that clanking and thunder in the air? You came looking for the Warlords, right? This is the last fort under control of a warlord...the others are either still under siege or have fallen to them…” the voice said.

“What are you talking about? Who has invaded? The Gryphons? The Minotaur’s? The Yaks?” Summers asked, before a hacking laugh came from the slit.

“They would have given us warning, and we would have had a chance...no, it was the Diamond Dogs.”, the voice said with a spat.

“Are you joking? A bunch of mangy tunnel dwellers? How did you lose to a bunch of filthy mutts?! That’s pathetic! Every being knows that they are the lowest of this world's creatures! Even lower than the mules!” Mug laughs incredulously, ignoring a stern glare from Summers.

“You haven't seen them.. if you saw their Iron Golems and the Minyororo Kuvunjwa’s fire sticks run, if you saw how they destroyed Balsam's fortress and reduced his forces to a rabble of fleeing ponies, you wouldn't be laughing.” As the voice through the gates said this, a loud rumble was heard in the air. The ground trembled, and the figure at the gates gasped in shock. “Run ponies, they well not greet you so warmly as I have done!” The slit in the gate slammed shut, and a loud whistling fills the air.

Summer acts quickly, the strange sounds making his spine tingle “Retreat now!” he grabs Pumpkin and tries to run, leaving Mug and Slate standing at the gates, staring at them. Then, the hammer drops.

The fort explodes, sending fragments screaming past Summer. A few fleshy thumps on his back confirms that Slate and Mug are most likely dead. The ground continues to vibrate under them, as an iron monster straight out of Tartarus emerges from the hill they had climbed minutes before. The massive Golem stomped past them, as well as some Zebras dressed in khaki uniforms. Their faces were covered with masks fashioned from cloth, and they wielded metal sticks. The survivors of the bombardment charged the approaching Zebras, only to be met with fire. The Golem's "eyes" flashed, tearing apart the charging enemy.

“Sir! Equestrian soldiers are here!” a young zebra stallion yells. Summer only hears a muffled "Take them", before a rifle butt is smashed over his head. His sight briefly flashes red from pain, before slowly transitioning into pure black.

New Timbuktu (near FOB)

Old Gaol Prison

Special block

6:17pm

Summers woke up in a small bed with striped sheets. He slowly rose, and observed the surroundings. The large steel door confirmed his fears; he was in prison. However, he saw a number of strange oddities for a dungeon. These included books, paper, writing utensils, real beds instead of hay, and even a canvas with paint! He looked over to see Pumpkin sleeping in his own small bed. He slowly trotted over to him and gently shook him awake.

“Huh..? Where are we?” Pumpkin looked up at him, before covering his sensitive ears when a loud alarm sounded. The door suddenly opened. The two looked at eachother, before getting up slowly and looking out the door. They saw they were in a long hallway, with rows of cells. Ponies and Zebras were flooding out of the doors.

“I guess we follow them...?” they exited their cell and followed the strange crowd down the rows of cells, before reaching an open yard with vegetable gardens, fish ponds, sports areas, and a few buildings. Pumpkin looked up to see a metal fence of sorts covering the closed yard, preventing the prisoners with the gift of flight escaping. However, there was still enough room to stretch their wings.

“What kind of dungeon is this? Where are the bleak stone walls, the shackles, the gruel!” Pumpkin shacks his hoof at the eating area where a number of Zebras, ponies, gryphons, and even a few Minotaur’s were eating a number of mouth watering dishes.

“You must be the new arrivals, welcome to Old Gaol; or as some of us like to call it, paradise!” They turn around to see a young owl gryphon smiling at them “So what are you two in for? I’m in here for theft of military rations!” she brightly says.

“Um...” Summers looks as Pumpkin, who shrugs “I guess for interfering with a military operation...what kind of place is this? Where’s the cold dungeons, the gruel, the chains?” he asks, eliciting laughter from the Gryphon.

“I felt the same way when I first got here! Apparently the Zebras who run this joint were persuaded by the diamond dogs to run it this way. They call it a Nordic system ,whatever that means. Apparently it works, since the reoffending rate can be counted on your hooves. They mostly encourage education and enrichment activities; today I learned about nursing, and after that I practiced drawing with some other inmates.” They look at her incredulously as she shows them some of her drawings.

“Have you seen any other Equestrian ponies? One brown unicorn stallion named Mug, and a grey Pegasus stallion named slate?” Pumpkin asked, not really caring what happened to the two disrespectful stallions.

“Oh them?” the Gryphon hen looks annoyed. “They assaulted a guard and one of the teachers, so their cooling off in solitary confinement in straitjackets. All they did was cause trouble; they insulted everyone and told us that we shouldn’t be allowed to be more." She shook her beak.

Summers was still in shock as Pumpkin spoke up “Is there someone we could talk too? I need my glasses back...the sun light hurts my eyes” he said as he raised a hoff over his eyes. “We also need to talk with somepony about what happened. We were sent to see what’s happening here...I guess now we know.” he smiled.

The hen laughed “Well if you need someone to talk to about whatever you saw, the local therapist could help you, but since you’re Equestrian Guards I’m willing to bet you want to talk to the warden, right? You just have to fill out the forms over there and you will be put on a waiting list. I should warn you it’s a long list” she says, pointing a talon at a shelf with a number of forms and a slotted box.

Summers sighed. “I hate paper work…” he slowly walks over, preparing himself for the long task ahead of him.

“When you’re done there's a cooking class in an hour! We could work together!” the hen chrips at Summers. Pumpkin noticed that Summers suddenly gained a little hop in his step after hearing that

Pumpkin's thoughts then turned towards his surroundings. He may be in prison, but this place was better than the cheap bunk at the Lunar guard barracks.

“They have fishing here?” he asks the hen, who leads him to a pond. A number of inmates were there, holding bamboo fishing poles.

Author's Note

To all Americans the reason your prisons are so full is that you don't fix the problems that cause many to reoffend and fishing is therapeutic along with education (within reason). Also some Knights don't want to be Knights. I know one who just wants to be a chief but once your a Knight that's all most people see.

Parole

New Timbuktu
Old Gaol Prison
Special Block
1:32pm; three days after the capture of the Equestrian scouting force
Pumpkin and Summers were quietly eating a thick meat stew they made during a cooking class with the Gryphon they met earlier. Her name was Gretchen. However, before they could finish, their meal was interrupted by an electronic crackle.
“Zzzzzzzt...Attention residents, today’s announcements are as follows…..residents Slate the Pegasus and Mug the unicorn will be exiting solitary today……dinner specials will be garden salad grown by our residents and fishloaf, all prepared by the top students in the cooking class...Pumpkin and Summers please head to the Warden's office. There will be two corrections officers waiting at gate 3….zzzzzt.”
The two guard stallions said their goodbyes to Gretchen. As they walked away, she waved and went back to finishing her lunch.
“I thought they said it could take almost two weeks...” Summer says, as they make their way over to a heavy metal door marked with a yellow letter 3. it was guarded by two burly Zebras wearing simple blue uniforms.
One opened the gate, and said “Please follow us…” before heading down a maze of different hallways. The walls were made of both hard brick and a smooth gray stone that lacked the traditional marks of masonry. After going through countless security gates they came upon a set of Oak doors. One of the Zebras escorting him pressed a switch, which then emitted a faint alarm. The doors opened afterward, as if by magic.
“We will now enter the warden’s office. Any hostile action will be punished severely.' they say in unison as the door opens, revealing an old zebra stallion with a sour look and a tight suit sitting behind a Rose Wood desk.
“Ah yes...Knight Summers and the Lunar guardsman Pumpkin. Let’s see; your in here for interfering with a military operation near the badlands. Mind telling me why Equestria has seen it fit to invade our lands with a scouting force? Hasn’t your country done enough to Zebrica?” he says, his voice empty of any form of worry. “You’re lucky we didn’t dump you two and your belligerent friends in the high security block with the scum, but guess what happened shortly after you arrived? I got a fucking telegram from the Britanians to let you go with this..." he throws a wax sealed envelope on his desk. The two orderlies motioned Summer's to pick it up. “You will also receive a package to deliver to your leaders” he says, glaring. “Your fellow Equestrians will meet you at the motor poo.l” Before they could even ask what was going on, they were lead to their cells to gather their belongings.
“Hey, you stiffs leaving?” they turn from their packing to see Gretchen looking at them with a smile.
“Yeah...they're sending us back over the border to deliver a message and package to the princess…” Pumpkin says sadly, having become fond of the hen.
“It’s ok dude. I get out soon and the talk on the radio says that parliament has been discussing opening diplomatic talks with other nations soon” she says. "I’m sure I’ll see you guys later” she winks, pecking them on the cheek before hugging them close.
Badlands
37 km from Recognized Equestrian border
Zebrican Diplomatic Convoy
3:21am
Pumpkin sat uncomfortably between two Diamond Dogs as they road inside the metal carriage. It tore through the dunes and roared nonstop, having long since passed the Equestrian Midway Station with ease without stopping. He looked over at the two Dragoons, as they were called. They were named Lawrence (a young mutt with a grey muzzle and short floppy ears, wearing a tan military uniform with a number of metals) and Taylor (a short Diamond Dog known as a fox hound Diamond dog, with reddish fur that contrasted with the gray fur of his commander. He had a pair of white tipped ears that likely inspired his breed's namesake.) He chewed on a dried leaf, and spat a dark mucus out the open cabin of the vehicle. Pumpkin had heard their vehicle was called a “Cheverolet 30 CWT”. He leanedhis ears away from the snarling engine ahead of him. and turned his eyes behind him to see the 4 “Karrier” trucks following them. Their backs were covered with canvas, protecting the occupants and cargo from the harsh elements. Despite the roaring of the machines he could still hear Summers arguing with Mug and Slate about that was happening. Even after seeing the prison and the Zebra's new allies they still refused to accept that Zebrica had changed that quickly. Any and all information about the Zebras was now obsolete, as their culture was in flux after making contact with the Britanians. As they exited the city he saw small glimpses of just what had changed since they had come in contact with the Diamond Dogs. Machines paving streets...machines pulling carts…machines lighting the streets. Just what kind of race are the Britanian Diamond Dogs? What interested him the most was what he couldn’t see; just how radios project sound, what mechanism powered their vehicles, and what sort of government was a Parliamentary Republic?
These were questions his Princess would ask, but he had few answers since his time in Zebrica was so too short. He shook his head; he loved his princess Luna, but sadly patience was one of the few virtues she lacked. He smiled, reminding himself that it was sometimes a blessing as well. He slowly relaxed on the back of the dusty seats, adjusting his leathery wings to try and get comfortable as he closed his eyes. He thought of the differences he saw between Equestrian Diamond Dogs and Britanians, mainly the females with their lack of mangy hides and slender forms with soft chests. Then there were the males; Britanian males lacked the hunched posture, the sloped brows, and the bulky gorilla like arms of Equestrian Diamond Dogs. It was strange looking at them; they were stunningly different, but similar to their barbaric cousins. For example, while their forearms weren’t as bulky or long they had similar digits on their paws (a bit longer and more dexterous); their tails ranged from small subs to long fluffy monstrosity’s; their muzzles still had the same amount of variation as Equstrian Diamond Dogs, some being flat or long; finally, despite the fact they washed he could still compare the scent to Equestrian Dogs. He shook his head again, before nodding his head back into the seat. He just wanted to get some sleep...
Counsel of Nobles
Canterlot
Capital of Equestria
11:37am
“What you are saying is completely mad!!! You expect us, those of an impeccable pedigree, to believe for one moment that a group of metal behemoths with diamond dogs riding their backs are approaching our borders!? That our great guards ponies were captured on their mission by those over grown mongoloids!?” Jet Set yelled along with his wife Upper Crust as they glared down at the shaking pegasus guard, who just nodded in response.
Fancy shook his head, while Blueblood rested his head on his hoof, tired. He had been called to the sudden emergency meeting. only to watch Jet and Crust spend the last hour screaming at the guard stallion, who was only doing his job.
“Let’s read over it again shall we?” Sir Platinum shook his sliver mane out of his eyes as he spoke calmly, but with the same pride as his ancestor Princess Platinum once mustered.“From your report you say that at 4:21am a caravan made up of metal self-driven wagons ridden by diamond dogs, Zebras, and our missing scout force showed up at our outpost?” he asks, looking down at the guard who nods. Platinum shook his head in disbelief
Blueblood finally had enough, and sent a message to the princesses using his magic. He know that the nobility would likely try and prevent the Princess from using her constitutional powers of diplomacy to overrule them, having arranged for her to have a nice brunch with a few of the provisional mayors from nearby townships, using their own reasonable complaints to distract her.
“I think this has gone on long enough! I’m sure this guard stallion has proof of his claims, as outlandish as they seem.” He says calmly but firmly, like Fancy had taught. He only smiled when he saw the guard stallion nod and pull out wax sealed envelope from under his armor. He could see the small group of noble’s pale as they saw evidence of their worst fears. Even if some of the story was wrong, if Zebrica had a true government instead of the squabbling warlords then the loophole they used to skip around the Princess was now void. The princess had the power of diplomacy only if the country they were opening trade with had a stable government (originally put into place for her own safety). That was what allowed them to trade with the warlords in the first place rather than have to spend their precious bits on the unwashed (as they believed) tribal zebra. It was at that moment the large carved oak doors were forced open with a gold aura (despite being locked) as two irate Alicorns forced their way in.
Celeista glared at the seated nobles.
“I was told that there was nothing of importance today…. That I would finally be able to talk to representatives from our many townships about how to fix our impending economic crisis, made worse by yourlaziness and greed! Now imagine my surprise that while I was discussing solutions to try and weather the oncoming disaster I find out about this meeting! That after I was denied by you wenches to help the Zebras with our considerable surplus of funds to help and prevent warlords from rising to considerable power on the land to the south of us, you instead decide to add to the growing fire by giving them old swords, shields, and countless enchanted goods! For what? Sugar for your tea? Wood and stone to build your new vacation home? I shudder to call any of you nobles, who likely had a hoof in why the Grphyons cut off contact with us…..give me the letter!” she orders the shaking guard, as the nobles curse there luck. She brings the letter to her eyes, breaking the seal and reading the letter. “So this is why your lied… apparently the reason was that your precious warlords you all propped up are either dead or awaiting trial by the newly established Zebrican government along with their new allies. So what was your plan, to send our guards and invade our southern neighbors after coming up with some half flanked excuse about how they tried to invade us? Maybe how they scalped some of our guards delivering the goods we trade with them!” she shook her head; seeing that many of nobles refused to look at her in the eyes told her all she needed to know. “I will be sending a message to the outpost to allow them to proceed to Canterlot under the watch of MY loyal guard to make sure there are no mishaps” she glares at all of them before leaving the chamber, followed by her silent sister who only glared at them. They didn't even deserve her Royal Canterlot Voice.

Author's Note

Any ideas or criticisms are welcome! Sorry it took so long holidays were long and stressful! I hope to hear what you guys think and want to see.

Chapter 19

Equestria
Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres
11:04am
One month after the opening of trade between Britannia and Zebrica.

“'Taint natural, you hear! Imagine my surprise coming back from Yakastan with Flutters only to find Rainbow drunk off her plot laying in the middle of the road! Now tell me why you went against tradition and bought one of them doohickeys from them weird lookin diamond dogs?! Us Apples have always used Cloudsdale to water our crops! Because of you Rainbow lost her job!” Applejack screamed at her brother while she banged her front hooves on the table. Apple Bloom hid in the other room, listening in.

Big Mac sighed as his sister ranted at him, knowing that it was time to tell her the truth, whether she liked it or not. “Because I had to! Them Pegasi were bleeding us dry. We had to adapt or we would have lost everything! Would you rather have us continue hemorrhaging money till we lose the farm? The prices they charged us just kept getting higher and higher, and it doesn’t exactly help that I have to pay Rainbow by the hour! Do you know how long she spends just sleeping in our trees?! She only needed to spend a few seconds moving some clouds around our farm. I know she’s your friend, but did you forget that only a few years ago you sent a representative from the Cloudsdale Weather corporation to the hospital over their latest increase in price? Do you really think that was the last time they increased the price?!” he yelled back at his sister angrily. She glared at him, and then snorted.

“All I hear is the talk of a quitter! We have always come through! You always find us a way to keep the farm going; are you really expecting me ta believe that there wasn’t any other options? My hard work has helped keep this farm afloat and it will continue to keep it afloat! I want them new doohickeys gone!” she screamed at him, before he stood up and trotted over to his hysterical sister and smacked her across her face. He looked her directly in the eyes while, she just sat back in shock. Her hat fluttered to the floor, it's absence unnoticed.

“You really want to know how much you contribute to this Farm AJ? Because let me tell you, it’s not as much as you like to believe... in fact, if anything you’re a hindrance!” he screams at her, as she starts to tear up and stutter. He then pulls up some of their finances and throws them on the table in front of her. “Take a Celestia dammed look! Because you sure as Tartarus don’t do as much as you think, bucking a few apple trees and running off on adventures with your friends! Me and Apple Bloom have had to pick up the slack ever since that eyesore of a castle sprouted out of the ground in the middle of Ponyville. Never mind that you always chase away business partners who we could have worked with; sure, them Flim Flam Brothers were seedy, but their magic could have helped us with our harvests! Don’t even get me started on the times I’ve had to pay out of my own pocket to cover all the damage that happens when your friends come over to our farm, or that you agreed without me to allow those fruit bats to settle on one of our most productive orchards!” He forces her too look at the documents as she tries to figure out why they don’t look right, and why her quota is so low. “Even when you’re here helping me buck those trees it’s still not enough! Our poor baby sister struggles in school because we can’t afford to buy her books and supplies! You may want her to be a farmer, but I don’t want her to have to make the choices I’ve made to keep this place running.” he continues to yell at her as she starts to cry. She slumps back into her chair.

“Mac...is my quota really this low?” she sniffs as she reads over the documents, trying to find something to grab onto to salvage her argument, before she noticed that the apple sales and net profit didn’t add up. With a flash, she remembers what he said. “What do you mean choices? Why don’t our sales and profit match up....” she, shakes not really wanting to know.

Big Mac just sighs, looking at his sister in the eyes. “I’m sorry AJ...I didn’t mean to hit you.” he says, feeling ashamed that he let the stress get to him.

“Mac don’t dance around the question…you and I both know I’ve had worse...” she says, trying to pull herself together.

“The reason that our sales and profit don’t match up is because apples aren’t where the bulk of our money comes from AJ. Farming isn’t a profitable business, especially with all the regulations and taxes that the council of nobles keep sending our way. I’ve had to branch off a bit…into bootlegging…” His sister's eyes widen in shock.

She looks up at him, trying to come up with something, anything that could make this all better. “Are things really that bad at the farm? Can’t we just ask Celestia for help?”

He just shakes his head “She couldn’t help us; even if she wanted to, the nobles wouldn’t let her spend bits on earth ponies.”

“I love my friends, but if things are this bad here at the farm then...Twilight will just have to find somepony else to go on one them crazy friendship adventures.” she looks at her brother with newfound determination. “I may not like the changes that you have done but your right. as much as I hate to admit it…let’s get to work. I want to know everythingm and how I can start helping more like I should around the farm” she says. Mac nods pulling out some plans for some larger Submarine stills, and where he had in mind to hide them along with other lists of purchases that they would need to make the projects and protect them.

Equestria
Ponyville
Cranky's Speakeasy
9:17pm
Rainbow sat at the bar, drinking another large mug of Cider. She looked horrible, obviously not having run a brush through her mane in a while, and the bottom of her now darkened eyelids drooped from exhaustion. Even her normally light cerulean coat was scruffy looking. “Bring me another one of your Cabin Scotch” she ordered, slamming the mug on the counter. The old Donkey who ran the bar shook his head.

“You’ve had enough Rainbow.” Cranky said,cleaning the now dirty mug. He gave her a dark look.

“What are your talking about? You're really gonna pull that? I just saw a stallion piss himself and you didn’t tell him to stop!” she looks at him, swaying.

“Ya, well I’m trying to look out for you, and besides, at least they pay up front unlike you! You still haven’t paid off your tab here and until you do I’m not serving you anymore” he said, finally finishing with the mug.

She glared at him “What, you're going to stop serving me?! The great Rainbow Dash?! You should be happy I even come to this dump! I’m a celebrity! I’ve saved Equestria, and broke the sound barrier! THRICE! ” she yelled, waving her hooves.

Cranky sighed, looking anywhere but the lightweight pegasus ranting in front of him. His eyes wandered across the joint, his own little speakeasy. He had built it all himself, and well within budget. While originally just some forgotten old store in Ponyville with boarded up windows and doors he had turned it into a yarn and craft store as a front for his real business, all with the help of his loving wife. During the day it was Matilda’s Yarns, but at night it was Ponyville's most popular place to come to eat, drink, and take Everfree Spice. He had found that for one reason or another behind the store front there was a large open room in the basement under the storage room. After buying some discount lumber and furniture (no questions asked) from Filthy, he spent weeks building this all by hoof. Now he was raking in bits, even with the money he had to spend on protection, and could afford to give Matilda the life she deserved. He no longer had to do odd jobs around town, saving and scrimping for her. The lovingly hoof crafted tables were filled with happy patrons, the walls decorated with a few paintings.

"...listening to me?" Cranky slightly jumped, only to see that Rainbow Dash was still there. He sighed, and decided enough was enough.

“I don’t care if you are Celestia herself; pay your tab or leave, but I will get my money Rainbow."

“Is that a threat?” Rainbows voice went low “Just give me my drink!" She shook her hoof before slamming it down on the counter. “If you don’t give it to me I'll just have to get it myself!"

Cranky simply brandished his new shotgun. “Leave and don’t come back till you are willing to pay your tab" he said with a deadpan expression.

“Hey hey hey... lets calm down for a minute” she shakes, remembering what one of those boomsticks did to Cloudchaser when she tried to smash Carrots irritation system.

“Hoss, Gerald?” A large blue earthpony and Griffon emerged from the corners they hid in, stopping behind Rainbow. Hoss (Earth Pony) held a bat, and Gerald (the Griffon) brandished a sawed off shotgun, which he was currently shoving into Rainbow's back. “Escort her out of my bar, and don’t let her back in till she has the bits to cover her tab” Cranky said, as the two hired muscles dragged her away and deposited outside the building.

Rainbow got up and staggered back to her cloudhome, flapping her wings clumsily. As she flew she saw how much Ponyville had changed since they had opened up trade with the South. Before it was a small village that made some money from farming and trade caravans coming from Appaloosa and the other settlements to the east of them, but now with the new railway being built by the Zebras and diamond dogs, coupled with all the trade that comes through, things were changing. Barnyard Bargain's had nearly doubled in size. with talks of another store being opened somewhere; the Flower sisters now had their own store front instead of their little carts' Twilight was often too busy working with Mayor Mare to hang out; Quills and Sofas now opened another store called Pens and Chairs, and Sugar Cube Corner was in the middle of a renovation after getting a loan from some Zebrican bank. Ponyville was thriving, but it had left behind the Pegasi... sure, Derpy’s delivery service was thriving, but she only needed so many Pegasi for her business. and with her is was first come first served. The massive influx of unemployed after the Weather Company nearly went bust didn'thelp. After crashing on her cloudhome, she noticed a note on her door. She sighed seeing it was another notice about her not paying her taxes or bills. But there was something else, a letter from the Wonderbolt Academy. She glossed over it before her eyes widened; due to their grant money from the Weather Corp drying up, they had to increase tuition. She walked into her bed room and laid on her bed, letting the letter fall on the floor. She couldn’t pay that; even if she got a scholarship it was still too much. She buried her face in her pillow as Tank crawled up next to her slowly.

“At least you’ll always be by my side” she held the tortoise close to herself, cuddling him. He just gave her his usual sad smile.

Equestria
Ponyville
Castle of Friendship
10:11pm

Twilight had just finished a long day of working with Mayor Mare to design the latest expansions to Ponyville. Since the influx of trade that came with the discovery of Britania, Ponyville had changed so much in such a short amount of time. Now there was a new and much faster rail line being built, all thanks to the Britannian Diamond dogs; this would boost the already impressive amount of goods that came through to unseen levels. She smiled, thinking off all the good it was doing for their formally small community. Surely everypony would benefit from it! She was a little upset that she hadn’t been able to see her friends lately, but the party she and Pinkie had planned to have would be a great time to see how everyone was enjoying the changes. She was pleased to see Spike was working hard in her absence; the library was clean, all the books were restocked, etc. He was currently bundled up in his basket. She looked at her nightstand, seeing that she had a letter with a red seal of a fox biting its tail. Her eyes widened as she opened it.

“To the youngest and newest princess of Equestria, also known as Twilight Sparkle and The element of magic.
Greetings from Zebrica from Ambassador Ivo. While I have only recently returned to my embassy on the tropical eastern coast of Zebrica, I feel as if my job with Equestria is far from finished, since you and the other princesses know so little of what has changed to the south of your country. I have talked with the Zebrican parliament and have agreed to have your and your friends as special guests at the Victory Day parade this Summer in the month of June on the 10th. Should you be willing to accept you and your friends will get full VIP treatment and have all your expenses covered as you tour the revived Zebrican cities. You will also have free access to the libraries, museums, and art galleries of Zebrica, and get a first look at the latest goods that will be hitting the shelves long before anyone else does. I also feel that it is important to tell you that the nobles Fancy Pants and Blueblood have received our invitation, and agreed to come/ Don’t worry about transit, as the railway will have already been completed a month before we send a private train to pick you up should you respond in the affirmative. I hope that this could be a precusor for you to come and formally meet the Emperor in our homeland, since he has been most interested in meeting you and your friends. Finally, I believe I should tell you that the young Princess Martha of Sweden will be coming to see the Victory Day parade and it would mean the world to her if she could meet you. She loves listening to the old story’s our kind have of Alicorns and other mythical beasts. She dearly wants to hear the stories of your exploits.
Signed,
Ivo Andric “

Beneath the body of the letter was a black and white picture of the young princess, wearing a what looked like an uncomfortable overly elaborate dress with an apron and a strange white bent rectangular hat. The small Vallhund couldn’t be more than 8 years old with a cute grin on her muzzle and bright eyes. Twilight smiled, writing a reply confirming that she and her friends would be coming, if for nothing else then to make a little pup happy.

Chapter 20

Equestria
Ponyville
Castle of Friendship
3:00pm
Twilight smiled as she watched Pinkie bounce around the Thrown room, setting up streamers and balloons for their party. She took a moment to trot over to the snack table and grab a daisy sandwich for herself to tide over her hunger before her friends came. She was worried about the party, after hearing some rumors about large amount of strange purchases stemming from many of the different farms in Ponyville. This didn't even account for the incident with Carrot Top and Cloudchaser. While I was ruled it was done in self-defense, it was still horrifying that one could permanently cripple a Pegasus so easily with one of those guns that Earth Ponies everywhere seemed to be buying. The rocketing crime rates also didn't help. Upon discovering this, she was greatly surprised, since she had only just heard about it after picking up an old newspaper Spike had left on the floor. With a little digging, she discovered that the installation of new irrigation machinery had pretty much destroyed the Weather Company. Hopefully, they could find new employment... Her dark train of thoughts was interrupted by the arrival of three of her friends. Applejack had switched out her signature Stetson for a rough sisal cowpony hat, while Rarity had purchased a new purse. Fluttershy hovered behind them, her shy demeanor fading as she saw Twilight.

“Girls!” she trots over to them and brings them all into a hug, her face turning into a smile.

Her friends shared her smile, enjoying the company of their friend.

“I'm sorry Twilight; I didn’t see Rainbow on the way here”, Fluttershy says with a dissapointed look. She hadn't seen her long time friend for a while...

“Don’t mind that hot head hon'. She’s always practicing for that Wonderbolts academy, ahm' sure she'll show up eventually” Applejack chuckles, and then breaks out of the hug.

“Well I for one think we are greatly overdo for a get-together. After all with more and more ponies wearing clothes nowadays I’ve been too busy to even take Fluttershy with me to the Spa!" Rarity smiles “Even if their just alterations for those mass-produced, shabby outfits that Filthy keeps buying in bulk.”

"Yeah, the gang's back together!" Pinkie says, surprising everyone with her sudden appearance. There was a short pause, and then she continued "Almost...“ she looks sadly at the door, seemingly expecting Rainbow to rush in at any moment.

After getting settled around the snack table their discussion turned to gossiping about the latest news around Ponyville with Rarity. Pinkie also mentioned the recent renovations to Sugar Cube corner, including the installation of a gas oven. Finally, Fluttershy voiced her concerns about a proposal to rezone parts of the Everfree forest to be used for mining and logging.

“I know that Ponyville is growing, but Mayor Mare has been getting pressured to start opening more land for resource production. If it happens countless animals would lose their homes!” Fluttershy says worriedly. Twilight nods and smiles, before attempting to calm her down.

“Well don’t worry Fluttershy. They can petition all they want, but in the end Mayor Mare is only a representative of the crown, and the decision ultimately comes down to Celestia. Even then, she has already stated that she is unwilling to spoil our environment." Applejack's mood sours at this.

“Yeah, because her laws work so well after all." Applejack rolls her eyes, and then continues. "The decision should come down to those who live in the area, not the princess. They only comes' here when there’s a disaster or they needs' us to go fight some monster that for some reason the goddess of the sun can’t fight. If the ponies of Ponyville want to chop down some trees then they should be able to choose for themselves.” her miniature rant causes Twilight to gasp in shock.

“She’s the princess!! You can't just do what you want. We need laws and rules! Without them there would be anarchy! “Twilight says, trying to calm the situation down.

“Ahm' sorry twilight but it’s true. That's how the farmers and other earth ponies feel in town; unless you agree with every choice that she has made, letting the nobility squeeze us Earth ponies for every bit we got, while Unicorns and Pegasi get all the money." Twilight was about to counter that it wasn’t her fault that taxes were high and that earth ponies were taxed more because they were more populous then the other two races, before a slam was her and a familiar blue Pegasus staggered in.

“Dashie!” Pinkie jumps up and started hopping over to her, not noticing her grim look.

“I hope you ground pounders are happy, because guess what! I just lost my house to the tax stallion! They even denied my application to the Wonderbolts! It’s just so funny, ya' know? I finally was on the track to becoming a Wonderbolt and what happens? I lose my job and have to drop out before I can even get close, all because some stupid mud ponies got mad about us charging what we deserve for weather control and irrigation! And what happened when we try to fight back after losing everything? Oh yeah. WE GOT SHOT by those guns all you Earth ponies are packing now!!” she stumbles around. Pinkie's hair deflates and Rainbow continues her rant. After a a shocking 30 seconds, Rainbow finally collapsed mid sentence, her eyes opening wide suddenly before closing again.

“Fluttershy, go check on her” Twilight manages to speak. She couldn't say anything else, such as her shock at one of her best friend's actions.

Fluttershy quickly flies over to her, passing a distressed Pinkie. Applejack and Rarity were at her side, comforting her. Fluttershy looked closely at her unconcious friend, noticing that her eyes were blood red and her nose was bleeding. “T-Twilight? I think she has been taking Everfree spice….and drinking...” This shocking revelation causes everyone's mouths to drop open.

“But, but...why would she take Spice? Surely she knows that it's illegal...and why would it be important that she was drinking?” Twilight asks in shock.

“I mean that she has been drinking Alcoholic beverages....” Fluttershy noticed that only Applejack didn’t seemed fazed by all this.

“This is bad! What if it gets out that an element of harmony has broken the prohibition laws? This is the worse possible thing!" Rarity yells

“I guess it’s not a good time to tell everypony we were invited to Zebrica...” Twilight suddenly pipes up. Everyone stares at her.
Zebrica
Western Island off the coast
Undisclosed location
7:17pm
Shujaa waited in the hastily built shelter. After getting word that a ship from the Crystal Empire was spotted sailing down the coast. According to his scouts, they had requested an audience with him. He had found it strange, but he had little to fear, with his personal guard hiding around the wood and concrete building on the small desert island. The vessel has anchored nearby so now he only had to play the waiting game. He spent most of the time toying with his custom revolver that was gifted to him from General Lutz as a gift and to show off his commanding skills. Only a hoof-full of Britannians had ever seen one, much less owned one. He admired the intricate carvings of Dragon's on it's handle, before noticing the Crystal Empire Delegation approaching. At it's forefront was a a violet coated crystal pony.

“Greetings. I am sir Amethyst of the Crystal Empire. May I ask where the sovereign of Zebrica is? We had asked for his presence, but we were ordered to set our course to this island." Shujaa's eyes widened.

“Your information must be fairly out of date. The last true sovereign of Zebrica fell centuries ago… we currently have a representative parliament, and they have dispatched me to talk with you on their behalf.” Amethyst is shocked, but quickly regains his composure.

“I don’t know what a representative parliament is but I have come here looking for aid to expel invaders in our homeland." Shujaa stiffens in shock.

“You mean the Equestrians?” Amethyst nods in response “I’m guessing you’re looking for weapons? Soldiers maybe?” He nods again.
“I will have to talk with my superiors, but I think we can work something out that is beneficial for both of us.” He began to quickly compose a message in his head has he left Amethyst to the radio-pony.

“What is this? Where are the carrier birds? How else do you expect to send the message?” Amethyst asked, confused by the radio. Shujaa relays the message to the operator, who rapidly taps out the message on the key to the local command group. After a few minutes, they responded.

“Command just came back in; they said that they will allow your ship to head to our closest port under guard where you will then be allowed to plead your case to the representatives. I should also warn your that any deviation from that path will be viewed as a threat. “ Shujaa waits for Amethyst to reply.

“I understand. I will tell my crew and we will set sail in an hour. Will that enough time for your own vessels to get ready to sail” he motions at the small frigate and it's complement of two patrol boats that had brought Shujaa to the island.

“Yes, that’s more than enough time I believe." The two head back to their own ships, waiting for the Crystal Empire's fleet to get ready.
Badlands
Undisclosed location somewhere near the Equestrian Boarder
Zebrican/Britannian joint military research base/bunker
10:34pm
A Diamond Dog and Zebra soldier trotted down the hall after having to take an elevator down countless levels to the old salt caves hidden beneath the sandy and rocky wastes. They looked around, both surprised at the size of the complex. Countless amounts of workers were reinforing the walls, and installing dozens of machines who's purpose they couldn't even hazard a guess at. The walls of the complex weren’t much to brag about, mostly stone walls with veins of salt going through them. However, a layer of concrete and plaster was slowly covering up all the exposed rock. The lights were a mix of metal wall mounted working lights and professionally installed ceiling lights that would light the entire complex when finished.

“So you’re telling me that they told the Equestrians that the building up top is a radio station? They really bought that?” the scruffy looking mutt asked the zebra as they arrived at their spartan living quarters. It consisted of two beds with a single lockbox at the front of each one.

“Yep, but to be fair they're going to start broadcasting music and radio shows, so I guess it’s not that much of a stretch. What is the real purpose of this place anyway? I saw all the equipment, but I cant make head or tails of all of it.” the young zebra looked over at the mutt while they unpacked their duffel bags.

“All I know is that it has something to do with Equestria, but the rest is above our rank and it will likely remain that way for a while. As for the equipment I think most of it consisted of radio equipment, I remember my dad used to mess around with that kind of stuff. I really don’t have any idea why, but I heard that they have been setting up places like this all over the Equestrian border with similar cover stories.” He closes the now full storage locker, before lying down on hi bed.

“Weird...we better get some shut eye. I'm sure they'll tell us about it at the seminar..."

Chapter 21

Badlands
Midway point
Rail construction site (behind schedule)
3:17 pm
Gabor was currently resting in a hastily built canvas shelter. He had just left the meeting with the new Zebrican government. While his brother was healing in a prison hospital he would continue with his work release program for both of them; a sort of two for one deal where his working hours would also count towards his brother's release. This was due to them giving information about Balsam's secret trade routes, and information about the other warlords. The work was far from easy, but the harsher the work the less hours he had to endure. He pulls out a small drawing of him and his brother; it was a simple charcoal sketch that his brother Boipelo made before they were captured. Luckily he managed to get put into a small frame he found on the side of the tracks. Sadly, it seemed like his work was never finished because there was one problem though with his job.... they hadn't been able to work! The last few deliveries of tracks hadn't made it too the site. There had been a number of attacks on the railways causing derailments and even explosions from herbal explosives...there was also one attack on a ship that was carrying a large amount of materials and goods with traces of magic. He sat up from his cot and looked around the tent. It was fairly plain with a few other cots and a water bladder that was currently dripping a bit after he drank from it earlier. Only one more month of this, one more delivery of tracks, and he could head back to see his brother and get a cushy job as a janitor in the prison hospital.

"Hey Gabor! Guess what? They managed to get some rails en route to us! There handing out the tools now. Hurry before you get stuck with the busted equipment! Besides, the orderlies are watching..." He was warned by Zemi, a young Zebra. Unlike him, he was here to make some money for his sister back home. He wore a large straw hat and a tattered vest he hadn't taken off since they first arrived. It's green color had faded from it as the baking sun that had bleached it.

He rubs his eyes and stretches before getting up and slipping his own large straw hat onto his head. He quickly ties it under his chin, and slowly heads out to the line for tool requisition. This was gonna be a long day...

Equestria
Ponyville
Castle of Friendship
2:39pm
June 29th, two weeks before Victory Day
Twilight Sparkle was reading the latest newspaper in her throne room, a sad expression on her face. Apparently there had been a rise in what more and more ponies were calling organized crime at the hooves of Pegasi. There had been a number of attacks on earth pony businesses, both those selling Britainian goods and those who just sold local produce. Now the amount of self defense cases had swamped local guards stationed in towns to the point many of the cases were dropped. How could things fall apart between the two races? Never mind the pressure that many earth ponies were feeling as some of the nobility sent squads of goons to rough up shopkeepers to discourage them from buying Britannian goods (which tended to end with bloodshed)... Many unicorns and Pegasi even blamed the influx of goods from the south for the degradation of harmony, but was it really the cause? Was harmony really just the strict hierarchy where earth ponies struggled at the bottom while Pegasi and unicorns enjoyed the benefits of having extra appendages? It couldn't be true, right? Celestia would have never allowed such a system to exist right? Then why was it exactly what she was seeing?
It didn't matter in the end; the earth ponies had won the argument. Equestria needed trade with the southerners of Zebrica more then they needed bloated inefficient businesses. With the few letters she had gotten from the princess it gave her an idea of just how dire Equestria's supplies situation was. Without the trade from Zebrica many Equestrian villages and cities would collapse. Their country had little in the way of industrial grade metals, and their strict environmental laws prevented them from having many stone quarries or logging operations. This meant that they depended on trading their surplus of grain, fruits, vegetables, and enchanted goods (though now a-days they mostly sat in storehouses) for things such as stone, metal, wood, and exotic goods.

"Twilight! Derpy just dropped off a message from Zebrica." Spike's announcement shakes her out of her thoughts. He was frantically waving a letter about, jumping up and down in an attempt to get her attention.
She grabs the letter with her magic and opens it.

"Dear Princess of friendship/Element of Magic Twilight Sparkle,
As you may or may not know the completion date of the railway has been pushed back a number of times due to the loss of rails and materials because of industrial accidents and improper handling. Do not worry, as we have made arrangements to insure that this will not hinder your visit. After sending a correspondence with High Princess Celestia it was decided that another mode of transportation would be necessary. It has been decided that a R38 Airship that has been set up to have luxurious accommodations for a short day flight to Zebrica will be used. It will land in the open field in the center of the Whitetail woods to avoid scaring your subjects.
It is also important to tell you that any luggage that weighs more then 30 pounds will not be taken due to the nature of the vessel. It will land on June 29th at around 12:20 AM. Fancy and Blueblood have also been notified during my correspondence with High Princess Celestia. I look forward to having you and you friends over at my embassy for a meal and some tea.
Signed,
Ambassador Ivo Andric"

Twilights eyes widened. She threw Spike onto her back and ran out of the room.

Equestria
Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres
2:44pm
Applejack sat on her haunches as her brother worked on their small *fleet* of submarine stills that were hidden below an old abandoned storehouse on their property. Also helping it stay concealed was that it couldn't be seen from the air thanks to the thick foliage surrounding it. She looked around the dug out shelter they made just under the old building; the walls were made from rough sawn boards from there own orchard with a number of oil lanterns lighting up the room. A little dirt would fall though the gaps in the walls and a little water would leak though the floor boards above them but for the most part the structure was sound. The stills worried her a bit, since Celestia often spent a large amount of tax payers bits for a threat campaign of the dangers of stills and fermenting but in the end the risks were outweighed by necessity. She then turned her attention to her brother who was climbing down the ladder after fixing the copper cap and cooling coil. He sighs and nods for her to start the fire below the still.

"Are you sure I should go along with Twilight down south? Didn't you say that you needed me here to help with the farm?" She asks her brother, her attention on the slowly growing fire beneath the vat.

Big Mac puts the letter on the table, before turning to her."Yes. I have a contact in the south who is interested in buying our moonshine and fermented cider in considerable bulk. This trip is the perfect cover for you to head down south to hammer out the details of the deal without arousing suspicion. We need this deal; it will ensure that our family never has to be in debt again." He eases back into a wooden chair they brought down earlier creaking under him.
Applejack nods and nearly jumps as one of the warning bells they set up rings, signaling that someone opened the front gate of sweet apple acres.
"That must be Twilight here to remind me that we are leaving for Zebrica...if you're sure about this Mac then I trust you." She adjusted her rough mane and trotted out of the underground distillery through a secret entrance hidden in a hollow oak tree and ran to the farmhouse, not wanting to be seen anywhere near their project.

Equestria
Ponyville
Fluttershy's cottage
3:00pm
Fluttershy sighed as she knocked on her guest room door for the eighth time waiting for the Rainbow Pegasus to respond. She heard a long groan and the clopping of hooves, before a click signaled the door was unlocked. After hearing the covers and pillows rustle she slowly opened the door. She sighed sadly, seeing the messy rainbow mane sticking out of the covers as she pulled them over her head. After her incident at Twilight's party she was placed in her care using Twilight's authority. Fluttershy gently laid a bowl of soup down on the dresser.

"....I'll just leave the soup on the dresser..." She trots out of the room and into her living room.
She trotted over to her couch and sat down with Angel, who looked up at her.
"Oh Angel, are you sure that you can handle everything while I'm gone? I mean I don't think it would be much of a bother if me and Rainbow stayed behind", The small bunny shook his head and pointed repeatedly at the two bags she had packed for her and her friend.
"I guess you're right...I mean I already packed...and maybe a change of scenery would be good for her." She rests her head on the end of the couch and looks around the cottage. Her brief moment of peace is interrupted by knocking at the door.

Equestria
Ponyville
Sugar Cube Corner
3:11pm
Pinkie Pie hoped around the bakery happily as she looked at the renovations. The bakery was actually being expanded instead of just updated. She was a little sad she couldn't bring down the cake twins, since apparently letting them play with tools is a bad idea, but she couldn't wait till they opened. She would make up her absence at the grand opening with a big party as soon as their trip was done! She hopped into the new and improved kitchen that was hidden behind the store front and looked over the massive gas oven that they bought from Filthy. It was already hooked up to the gas tank around the back of the bakery and she spent the last few days seeing just what it could handle compared to their old wood fired enchanted ovens and she wasn't disappointed; not only did it cook the sweets evenly but she found she could pump out nearly four times as many cupcakes then she could normally bake.
While she was looking over the kitchen a crash sent her running into the unfinished storeroom, only to find the twins playing in some flour and cooing when they saw their favorite playmate. She just shook her head, wondering how they got down here after she just put them down for a nap.

"What did auntie Pinkie tell you two about trying to skip your naps? Without them you get all grumpy grouchy and unfun to play with" she giggled, nuzzling them for bit.
She lifted them onto her back while the two foals yawned, showing they still needed there nap. After taking them upstairs and setting them in their crib she sat there, watching them fidget and turn.

Equestria
Ponyvilles
Carousel boutique
3:32pm
Rarity continued to pack her numerous trunks for the trip, having just managed to work her wardrobe down to only five trunks. This was no small feat, considering just how many different outfits and hats she had. As she looked over her shop she decided that now was a good time to make sure that her affairs were in order; after all one couldn't be too careful with Diamond dogs, no matter what form they came in.
She trotted over to her sewing table and sat down, enjoying a cup of carmel tea she poured for herself earlier to help calm her self down. She had some flashbacks to her previous experiences with diamond dogs... Despite what Twilight had told her about the Britanians she couldn't help but imagine the filthy mongrels that caught her. After taking another long sip of her tea, she heard a knocking at her door. She sighed and slowly made her way over to the door. When she opened the door, a frantic Twilight nearly bowled her over as she ran into the room.

"Rarity we're being picked up tonight by airship. You're going to have to pack one bag that is under 30 pounds they won't take anything more then that." She huffed out, likely having just run all over Ponyville to tell her friends about the change in plan.

This however was not good news for Rarity, who spent the last few weeks trying to bring her luggage to a quaint five trunks, only to be told she would have to cut it down further to only a few outfits."Surely there's some leeway! I just spent the last few weeks deciding what outfits to pack into my trunks! Now you tell me I will have to make do with one half filled bag?" She sighed, stressed out.
"Sorry Rarity, but they were very clear about the weight limit...surely you can cut down on your packing?" Twilight said as diplomatically as she could. Rarity left to reorganize her backs.
She started opening the trunks and pulled out an old bag she was given by her parents years ago. In comparison to her trunks it was minuscule, but it would have to do..unless she could fit a bit more? She smirked; the mongrels wouldn't expect it...

Equestria
Whitetail woods
Parasite meadow
11:31pm
Twilight paced in the meadow with Spike resting on her back as they waited for their (late) transport. Luckily it was summer, so they weren't freezing as they all sat on the soft grass. Fluttershy spent most of her time picking some of the flowers while Rainbow spent most of her time grumbling quietly as she leaned up against a tree. Applejack was resting on her back, close to Pinkie, who was rolling in the dandelions. Rarity was clutching her bag close to her, hoping no one would notice how uncharacteristically large it was. All while glaring at the a certain blond and white coated stallion who stayed close to his mentor and friend Fancy Pants. There escort consisted of one portly Solar Guard knight and a Lunar Guard thestral who seemed to be sharing stories and laughing.

That's when they heard a loud buzz in the air that echoed through the meadow. It was nearly deafening as it continued to get louder and the group of ponies who looked around frantically, trying to figure out where the noise was coming from. That's when they all looked up to see the stars vanishing in the sky as a massive object hovered into view. It sat there for a few moments, before the piercing noise begins to lessen in intensity.

None of the ponies knew what was going on, as they were suddenly bathed by search lights.
"Ah! You must be the the six mares and four stallions we were sent to pick up, yes?" A loud voice declares as a number of rope ladders are dropped from what they can only guess is their transport. A wicker basket is also dropped alongside the ladders.
A number of Diamond dogs climb down the ladders and approach them. A noticeably tall and decorated mastiff in a thick leather uniform leads them, giving the group of ponies a sense of unease. His eyes center on Spike for a few moments as they narrow into a quick glare before shaking himself out of it and smiling at the group of ponies.

Twilight manages to shake herself out of her shock and nods before speaking."Yes, we are. I'm guessing you're our transport to Zebrica? It's wonderful to meet you, what is that thing I have never seen an airship like it before!" Her voice begins to speed up near the end, eliciting a chuckle from the tall mastiff leading the group. While the small group of stallions approach the tall dog aswell and looking shocked at Twilights outburst.

"This wonderful product of Britanian engineering is known as a R38 zeppelin. If you want specifics I would be more then to happy to tell you the non classified information about it later. But first we must weigh and load your baggage." He says while the two stallion escorts take note of that. He notices the white mare gain a nervous look as he said this. Two of his men took out portable scales and began to weigh the group's bags. Everything was fine until they reached Rarity's bag, which went beyond the scale's meager weighing capacity.

"Sir, this bag is nearly five times the limit!" The small tan mutt yells over the sound of the engines before opening it and releasing a comical explosion of clothing into the air. Rarity turns away, a deep blush adorning her face. While Blueblood chuckles seeing it and getting a dirty glare from her.
"You can leave them or be left behind miss, what will it be?" The masstif says smugly to Rarity as she puffs up her cheeks and gets ready to have a tantrum... until Twilight gives her a look and shakes her head. She just snorts and leaves some of the clothes in the meadow, removing a number of outfits until the mutt with the scale nods and places it into the basket. He gives a signal for it to be lifted up.
"Now that fiasco is finished with, will any of you need help getting up to the gondola? We have a harness system for those who feel uneasy climbing ladders or aren't gifted with natural flight." He says as a a few harnesses are lowered and the gondola doors open.
Rainbow snorts and flies up to the door, while Twilight follows her with Spike to keep an eye on her, with the thestral following close behind chuckling still at what happened to the white mare. The others are hooked up to the harnesses with Applejack and Pinkie going first as they are slowly pulled up. A grumpy Rarity and a (surprisingly) terrified Fluttershy follow afterwards, with the Solar Knight being squeezed into the harness with some difficulty.

The inside of the zeppelin was fairly plain compared to Equestrian airships, lacking the wood and rope in their construction and instead using metal and steel cables with countless rivets holding it all together. Blueblood and Fancy remained quiet and simply marveled at the construction and size. Already Fancy was trying to figure out just how many Equestria could afford with there current budget, while Blueblood imagined what he could go with such a wonderful craft after getting rid of the comparatively primitive vessels his company used. They looked around and saw a number of strange barrel shaped balloons above and around them them. Just seeing such large balloons made Pinkies eyes widen in wonder, while Twilight was fascinated with the science behind it.

"Ah, this must be your first time on a zeppelin yes? I remember my first time, just seeing all the balloons and steel wondered how such a thing could possibly work!" The group of ponies turn around to see a Caanan Diamond dog with tan white fur dressed in dark clothing and a small black flat cap on the back of his head.
"Yes....I mean I have been on Equestrian airships, but I have ever seen anything like this before! It's incredible! How does it move? What keeps it afloat if not hot air? What powers it?!" Twilight shouts before calming down. Pinkie meanwhile amuses her self by poking the balloons.
"Stop!" He shouts loudly pulling the Pink mare away from the balloon frantically. Rainbow pumps up her wings in anger.

"What's the big idea huh?! She was just looking at your stupid balloons!" She shouts in his face while a number of the crew members release their held in breath.
"Those balloons are filled with an explosive gas known as hydrogen, and they are VERY temperamental" He says calmly, trying to defuse the situation knowing the crew wouldn't be much help as they chuckled, watching him deal with the ponies.
Suddenly Twilight's eyes widen as Captain H.C Irwin walks in, with the two escorts looking nervous as he looks at the mare who was currently assaulting one of his own. The young Cavaan dog gives him a quick salute.

"At ease." He directs his attention to Twilight. "Now mind telling me why you're assaulting your tour guide? After all, he will be guiding you on your trip to Zebrica. It's not a good idea to rough him up so early. " he chuckles, as Twilight pulls Rainbow off the poor dog using her magic and holds her back.
"Um...we were just told about your use of...lifting gas" Fancy interjects before Twilight could while the other ponies and the small drake looked around worriedly at the balloons that were attached to the inner frame of the airship.

"Well then there is little to worry about! We just had our old balloons replaced, and I will have you know I have them checked constantly both before and after take off. As long as your small drake avoids breathing fire during our trip we should be fine. Now, if you would be so kind Mr.Yosef to show them to their bunks? I feel that I should also remind you that the two guard stallions requested to bunk with the crew. I must take my place at the bridge." He says walking away before Twilight and Blueblood could ask if she could see the rest of the ship.

"Follow me please...." Yosef says as he leads them to a group of small but well furnished rooms with portholes, curtains, small but comfortable bunks, and small fold out desks for meals and work. As they all got settled in there small rooms Yosef leaves with the two escort stallions leading them down to the crew quarters.

While Blueblood placed his bags in a compartment below the bunks he noticed he was being watched by a certain angry white mare.
"Yes?" He turns around to look at her while Fancy sees fit to relax on the upper bunk watching.

"What are you doing here?!" She shouts loudly and angrily not being able to contain her anger at him any longer.

He sighs having prepared for this for awhile."I came in the interest of trade for my family's company and to support my longtime mentor and friend Fancy." He says calmly and plainly to her.

"What would a spoiled disgrace of a prince like you know anything about business?! From what I have heard all you do is drink and plow every mare that you can!" She shouts at him while he just chuckles which only infuriated her more.

"Let me guess you read all that in the cheap illegal tabloid newspaper that every mare seems to read right? The same tabloid that says that I'm the nephew of the princess? The same on that says that all the mares of Canterlot practice female circumcision? Or my favorite one that me and my sister who has been dead for years have been in some sort of sick incestuous relationship? Well let me tell you, you sorry excuse of a gold digger none of it is true it's all bull crap that they make up so that gullible mares like you would eat it all up." He says right into her face evenly letting it all out ofter having to deal countless mares coming to him believing themselves to be his true love and then having to deal with the fallout when he said he wasn't interested with all the hate mail and stalking mares who just wouldn't take no for an answer.

Rarity just stands there after he slams the door in her face while she try's to over come her shock. Before stomping her way back to her room with Twilight who opens her mouth for a moment before closing it thinking for a moment after her embarrassing incident with her bag and having to deal with Blueblood who just called her a gold digger and a fool for believing in those cheesy newspapers she used to swear on she likely didn't want to talk.

The white mare just climbed into her bunk and burred her pillow and screamed while Twilight curled up on her bunk a over her with Spike looking down trying to process what just happened. She pulled out one of his comics that she bought for him for the trip while she pulled out a journal she had bought for herself for the trip and started writing.

After watching the fiasco Fluttershy closed her door and went to her own bunk seeing that rainbow was asleep already. Applejack and Pinkie had settled in there bunks with the orange mare pulling her sisal over her eyes and started snoring softly, while Pinkie sneezed some confetti having already fallen asleep sprawled out on her upper bunk.

Over Equestria
R38 Zeppelin
Crew quarters
11:57pm

Knight Summers and Lunar Guard Pumpkin Patch stood in the fairly Spartan crew quarters mostly consisting of hammocks that hanged off the metal supports on the ceiling and small lockers. Light was scarce consisting of a few of those strange magicless lights that glowed evenly with out a noticeable flame or glow worms. They couldn't help but sweat a bit as a few of the crew members stared at them as they relaxed in there own hammocks.

"Um.....how's the weather?...." Pumpkin said while they are greeted with silence before a few of the mutts chuckle a bit making his sensitive ears twitch.

"Oh fine u suppose all things considered that we have had fair weather in Zebrica despite lacking weather control like Equestria. If it wasn't I would have had to relive the time when I was a green back on this Zeppelin when it was docked during a fairly windy day! You should have seen it the Zeppelin was perfectly vertical resting on its tip on the mooring mast! Tools were falling right through the hull while the rest of the crew hanged on to what ever they could find!" A young black mutt with some white splotches chuckles pulling out a photograph of the incident while the two stallions stared at the photo with gaping mouths.

"Hey wait a minute....I recognize you two!! You were in the papers when you got caught by the zebra militia! Can you two sign this article? I bet it will be would countless pounds someday!" A younger tanned furred diamond dog with pointed ears pulls out a newspaper clipping and a pen.

"Um....sure I suppose it would be big news if a scouting force in there land." Summers says as he signed the paper with his magic before passing it to Pumpkin who signed it a bit messily.

"Now have you two ever tried rakfisk? We have a few cans we have been saving after borrowing them from the officers" A burly diamond dog with his tool belt still fixed around his waist smiling when the two stallions shake there heads while the rest of the mutts start pulling out the cans from lose panels on the floor.

Chapter 22

Over Zebrica
En-route to New Timbuktu
R38 Zeppelin
8:27am
Twilight had just had a short tour of the airship to get her mind off the dull ache in her horn that had been bugging her since the ship had crossed into the Badlands. The tour had also calmed down Rainbow's sore wings. She had to repeatedly ask an engineer before he gave in, letting the group explore the ship. Along the way, Blueblood joined them as well. Their short tour confirmed what they already thought; the transport was, at its heart, a military vessel. It lacked the fancy aesthetics of Equestrian airships, but it was more streamlined and advanced. It turns out that's the frame is actually some sort of aluminum alloy with interlocking steel cables holding it all together. While they looked at the frame it was also obvious that any excess weight was shaved off with much of the frame having machined holes to make it even lighter at the cost of some strength. She and Blueblood spoke quietly about it; while Aluminum could be refined in Equestria using magic, it was extremely taxing and resulted in a metal that was too weak to use. Few attempts had been made because of this to discover workable alloys. The most fascinating aspect of the ship was the hull. While they were trotting on the lower catwalks below the large hydrogen filled balloons, Blueblood noticed the hull wasn't a metal or a fabric he recognized and brushed his hoof over it trying to figure just what he was seeing. Twilight joined in, trying to figure out what the strange smooth yet slightly rough substance was until the chuckling of the young engineer broke them out of their investigation. He said "We used to use fabric on these beasts, but then we switched to fiberglass." Apparently airships used a classified ultralight heat resistant form of fiberglass for their hulls that, at the cost of some increased weight, greatly increases their durability. They had both asked how something as brittle as grass could be made into something like armor. He laughed. "I'm a mechanic, not a scientist." Apparently, if they wanted to know they would have to ask one of the Britanian boffins about it. It was that this point they both noticed that they were passing a number of solid metal tanks and machines that gave off a light hum.
Twilight was the first to break the silence. "What are these tanks and machines for? They seem to make up the bulk of the lower levels." She looked at the one of the tanks, which was filled with a yellowish liquid.
The mechanic grinned at the two before opening a hatch on it, which then started to emit a familiar smell. It was petrol!

"I'm sure you too have noticed that while our ship is fairly large; well, at least in comparison to your airships; the crew and guest space is extremely small, yes? Well there's a reason for that. If you look closely you will notice a pattern of fuel and pressurized vessels. Besides helping to distribute the weight they maximize our carrying capacity of aviation fuel and hydrogen. As for the machines they mostly extract hydrogen from collected water and in desperation the air at the cost of efficiency. " He motions to the humming machines. "Towards the center of the airship we have the fore and aft cargo hold" he continues to lead them past the tanks and machines to a sealed bulk head. He pulls out a key and inserts it into a small keyhole, before turning the wheel. He eases the door open, revealing a fully stocked hold. "Most of this is is being sent to the west coast after we drop you off."

While the two ponies looked around the cargo hold they noticed it was little more then a box with what looked like large double doors on the sides of it for loading cargo, and a crane system for lifting and moving the cargo. The electric light shined down on them, turning the cargo hold into a tangle of shadows. While Twlight continued to look around, Blueblood made note of the crates. While his knowledge of Britanian language was far from perfect he recognized that they were crates of ammo and weapons.

"Why is there two divergent cargo holds? Why are they separated?" Blueblood asked. The dog leads them to another bulkhead, opening it to reveal a strange room with two catwalks against the sides of the hull. The center of the room was dominated by a large hook of some sort and a door in the bottom of the hull.

"That is the extendable trapeze system. It's used to catch scouting and fighter aircraft, allowing us to refuel and repair them in midair" he stated proudly, while the two ponies looked around in amazement noticing the tools around them.

"So wait, if this is a military vessel where are the weapons? Isn't this a battleship of sorts? " Twilight asks as she looked around.

"Well yes, it is a military vessel and has a number of weapons. It is more lightly armed then most vessels with the lighter weapons consisting of Vickers .303 machine guns and the heavier weapons consisting of 4 Vickers 1 pound auto cannons" he says while he leads them out of the repair bay and to the front of the large vessel. They come across yet another bulkhead, this one very reinforced and well armored."The captain figured you two would want to see the bridge. After talking to command we were given the go ahead. Please avoid touching anything while in there". He presses the intercom button and the door slowly unlocked as a number of heavy dead bolts slid out. The door slowly opened thanks to the use of hydraulics and solenoids revealing the heavily armored bridge. The captain was at the wheel while a number of other dogs in uniform worked at other stations with lit gauges. They didn't even acknowledge their presence as they worked with military precision, adjusting their instruments. The windows appeared to have blast shutters, which were currently retracted.
"Adjust course 10 degrees to the starboard, increase engine output on the port engines and bring them up to 86 percent. Lieutenant officer E.W. Coil take the helm." Captain H.C Irwin says. A dog takes the wheel from him, and he finally turns to his visitors. "Welcome to the bridge of the R38. I'm sure you have some questions regarding the purpose of this vessel?" The two ponies nod. "This vessel is, at its core, a small mobile forward operating base and acts in a scouting role for our empire. Nearly every thing on this vessel is aimed for the use of scouting and stealth operations. However this old girl will soon be given to the Zebrican government as a sign of goodwill and peace between our countries. They have felt that showing you their latest toy will help get the point across to your nobility that their attempts to hinder our efforts are in vain." He said that last bit darkly, making them both shiver, before his smile returned. "Now, any questions?"

The two ponies slowly nodded, with Blueblood stepping forward first. "Yes well...I understand why the bridge is so heavily armored to protect the vital controls, but what sort of equipment is used?" He asks while the captain shows them around the fairly compact bridge. There were only 5 crewmen here, not counting the captain.

"Compared to most vessels this one runs on a skeleton crew, and after we hand it over to the Zebras they have plans for a total refit, turning it into a more heavily armed Zeppelin to patrol the mountainous regions on the border they share with the Saddle Arabians. Lately, they have been getting a bit more boisterous since their little desert peninsula has been having a mild famine after a strange outbreak of Pparasprites. Rather then blame their own poor primitive farming techniques they blame our allies. Though from the historical records we have uncovered its fairly common for them to blame the Zebras for every little thing" he says. The two ponies laugh uneasily, creeped out by how familiar it sounds when compared to Equestria. It was at this point they both realize what the Britanians were doing. This was all just to give them an idea of just what they were up against without risking any tactical information about their vessels; after the refit anything they have learned about its capabilities would be obsolete. They didn't know much as it was!

"This bridge is designed to run using the minimum crew with the 5 consoles you see each serving a purpose such as engineering, communications, navigation, acoustics, and fire control." He points from left to right; one dog looked over a lit up panel that has a schematic of the Zeppelin with a number of green lights across it showing structural integrity, another dog was adjusting the nobs on the radio and intercom system and giving out others, then navigation in the center looking out through the glass windshield looking at the markers as they pass them by marking them on a map with expert precision on a strange map that seemed to have the jet streams labeled on it, then there was one dog that caught Twilights eye wearing a pair of head phones with milky white eyes siting quietly, and finally another panel with a schematic with green lights on a number of tactically important areas on the hull with firing angles.

"What are acoustics?" Blueblood asked while looking closer at the small Chihuahua not getting any sort of response as he waved his hooves in front of her.

"Please don't do that to miss Gretchen; she is in fact blind, I assure you. You see, acoustics are used for detection of anything in the sky they we may not be able to detect using conventional means such as sight or the use of scouting craft. We have found that those who lack sight are adapt at detecting the slightest sounds even over the interference from the engines and wind." He says. Both ponies look at him, horrified at the idea of using someone who is disabled to help with a military vessel.

"I-i think I should head back to my room...Spike gets worried if I'm gone to long." Twilight says while Blueblood quickly follows."I should get back to Fancy. We were going to talk about our plans to visit your fine art galleries when we land later." They are then escorted back to their rooms.

New Timbuktu
Aerodrome
Mooring mast 3
10:38am
The Elements of Harmony, the two nobles accompanying them, a baby dragon, and their 2 guards slowly walked across the thin walkway with their bags. Those without the gift of flight found the incredible height below them unnerving, since they were 15 stories above the ground on nothing but a thin walk way that was connected to an impressive 20 story building that acted as the terminal for those traveling by airship. As they entered, Twilight noticed how busy the terminal building was, with many Zebras and dogs obscuring the Art Deco design of the building. Even rarity was struck dumb by the sheer amount of gold and artistic decorations, never mind the countless dogs and zebra who paid them no mind as they moved to three (much larger) Zeppelins. A massive Zepplin with the name "Graf III" emblazoned on it's side caught their attention.

"Oh Miss Sparkle, please wait. I can't afford to lose you in these crowds! I ask that you and your friends please follow me to the hotel where you will be staying" Yosef manages to catch up to them before they get lost in the constantly moving crowd. He takes the lead up a private elevator for VIPs, and the ponies are hit with vertigo as it rapidly descends to the ground floor. It felt like their stomachs were floating up to their heads! They soon arrived at the ground floor where they were picked up by 5 different Bentley 8 liter cars. They widened their eyes in surprise seeing the convoy awaiting them.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Baraza Resort and spa
Hot springs
12:26pm
Rarity relaxed on her back in the center of the naturally designed hot spring, having some alone time, She tried to focus on the naturally formed ceiling in hope that the dull aching of her horn would stop. The sand stone had been naturally smoothed and formed after thousands of years of the hot springs flowing through the caves, creating a sort of maze of tunnels and chambers with countless steamy springs that guests at the resort took full advantage of, since they were semi private. Apparently they were what made this place famous, with the resort built right into the cave system. After crossing the border magic didn't seem to work as well as it normally did, requiring much more effort just to use simple levitation, let alone her gem locator spell!
While she enjoyed this she let her mind wander for a bit, lazily floating in the mineral pool.

"Years of work and struggle to create my own business and style all while trying to convince ponies that they didn't have to just wear clothing formal events, only to watch as ponies started wearing clothing more often. Thinking I could finally have my chance to get ponies to wear my designs everyday...but what happens? I simply couldn't compete with the prices. Sure, my designs were all unique and beautiful, but ponies just bought those mass produced outfits that they saw at Filthys store at only 6 bits each! How could I possibly compete.,.sure I have plenty of business doing repairs and alternations...but it's just had to be Diamond dogs at the center of all of it.." She shuttered, hearing their voices again. Her friends only knew about the time she was captured by the incompetent Gem Biter Clan...and afterwards they came to her and explained the situation. While part of it was motivated by greed the other was part of some old treaty they had with Ponyville dating back to its founding after they saved the small village from a timber wolf attack...in return for their actions they were gifted a large area, rich in gem deposits, where they could practice their laws and traditions.They had thought she knew what she had done wrong by trespassing and pouching their gems! They didn't know she was aware of the fact she would have been released after three days of labor. They went as far to come with a peace offering but she turned them down and returned their gems, asking them to mark their reservation better and told them please stay from her shop. However, her friends didn't know that her cutie mark story had a part she had left out...not a single one of her friends ever asked how she got home after being dragged out into the middle of nowhere by her horn. The problem was she wasn't the only one who saw what was inside that rock...the Jackals saw everything. After she had managed to pull the gems out of it she turned around to see five brutish Diamond dogs looked down at her with predatory eyes. The next few days after being captured she was forced to toil in there coal and gem mines with countless other fillies and colts in reprehensible conditions, being forced to eat gruel and sleep and stand in their own waste. She had been trapped down there with no sunlight, proper food, or even medical care for two months. The things she saw down there...even the therapists she had been seeing since she was a filly could only do so much for her and the other surviving foals. After the Royal Guard raided the place they had managed to capture most of the ring leaders with only a few of the lesser dogs getting away. Despite her constantly telling herself not all diamond dogs were like that, the prejudice still remained, born from what she lived through. It was her only saving grace that the guard kept what happened under wraps to protect the young survivors. She lazily swam over to the edge where her towel was resting on the smooth sandstone floor and looked around the room to make sure she was alone, She took out a blue capsule and swallowed it,letting her mind go blank. A goofy smile overtook her face.
Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Baraza resort and spa
Private movie theater
12:49pm
Rainbow and Fluttershy had decided to go along with Pinkie to see what all the talk about the theater was and so far they were not disappointed. The motion pictures, as they were called, combined cartoons, news, and advertising into one long moving picture. Pinkie seemed to enjoy the cartoons, particularly the Private Snafu ones that thought about the importance of vigilance, maintenance, and other things they could only imagine having to do with the military. Sadly Spike left to go find Twilight after one of the cartoons labeled "Fighting tools" had Snafu go up against a Brutish Dragon...only for his poorly maintained weapons to fail and get sent to the mines. The other cartoons often depicted the dragons as monsters or bullies, which didn't help much either. The newsreel reports were interesting as well, with reports on reforestation of many areas of Zebrica which had been logged by the warlords.
The large words "Britainian Path" were displayed on the silver screen as an announcer spoke. Images of the reforestation are shown with countless workers planting trees and mangroves. "After centuries of abuse at the hooves of the countless short sighted warlords of Zebrica actions are being taken to stop the erosion of the soil. As we speak countless botanists, work release constituents, and volunteers are working around the clock to undo the damage left behind by their legacy. Already, thanks to the efforts of these diligent workers, the mangroves and trees are taking root with plenty of game slowly returning to the new forests." The film then changes, showing the familiar aerodrome with a number of other aircraft flying around it. An image of their little group entering those auto carriages and then a picture of the Graf Zeppelin III appeared on screen. "Breaking news; Three members of the of the Equestrian nobility and their entourage have arrived at the New Timbuktu aerodrome aboard the R38 Zeppelin which is to be give to the Zebrican government as both a gesture of goodwill and to help them form a formidable Air Force. It will likely prove invaluable, with tensions rising between Zebrica and the Saddle Arabian peninsula after the resent outbreak of parasprites destroyed an entire crop. The monarch Abdulaziz Ibn Saud has seen fit to blame the newly formed government while lacking evidence. General Shujaa, the acting head of the newly formed Zebrican military, came out to state that the Equestrian's are merely here to visit and see the changes that have been enacted in Zebrica. They are also here to broker goodwill between Zebrica and Equestria. In other news. the Graf Zeppelin III has made its first transatlantic trip across the seas and it is believed that it will continue to bring Britanians from the homeland to Zebrica and vice versa regularly along with its two other sister ships."

This caught the attention of the three mares. Back home there had been intense debate about were the Britanians came from with rumors ranging from the depths of Tartarus to it all being some crazy Unicorn conspiracy (which didn't make sense since they had been losing money lately).
"Rainbow will you be ok if me and Pinkie leave for a bit? I know Twilight said to stay with you all all times but lately you have shown improvement with your behavior..." Fluttershy said.

Rainbow nodded. "Ya ya, I was there when she told me I have to live with you Flutters. I'm not some helpless foal. You and pinkie can go have fun. My wings still have that dull ache so I think I'm just going to rest here for a bit. Honestly it seems the only ones who aren't suffering from the dull aches most of us have been getting are Pinkie and applejack" She said. Fluttershy muttered to herself; she had been having the same problem. Pinkie and Fluttershy went with their guards to tour the rest of the hotel.

After waiting for a bit to make sure that they were gone, Rainbow slowly pulled out her saddle bag and tore into a small hidden compartment she made before she was forced to stay with Fluttershy. It had been awhile since she had even laid her eyes on the small cloth pouch. Smiling softly, she opened it, revealing blue tinted powder, and without any real care she dived her face into it. She quickly snorted some of the powder before hiding it back in the compartment and looking around to make sure nopony saw her. Seeing that she wasn't caught, she leaned back into her seat and watched the next presentation.
It showed a strange building with a number of pipes making up its structure. A large amount of dogs and zebra worked on it, turning valves and other apparatus. "Arzew Refinery is the first of its kind in Zebrica, pumping out countless barrels of petrol for both Zebrica and Britania. Any surplus is being sold to the Equestrian farmers up north to power their farming equipment that they had purchased from the now locally created trade guilds." This just sours her mood, as she sees them show the barrels on trucks as they leave (no doubt to be sold to the ponies who put her out of a job). It then shows a number of the workers leaving the refinery and shutting down the equipment."While the refinery could remain active 24/7 this would only create too much of a surplus, even with the growing economy. Safety concern from the local union's also make it inadvisable to run the plant constantly. Here we see the workers and chemists leaving at 5 pm on the dot to go home the their families, while the remaining workers stay till 6 to properly shut down the equipment before a skeleton crew is left to monitor the site." Rainbow perks up to this and continues to watch with more interest.

Chapter 23

Zebrica
North west of New Timbuktu
Training Grounds
2:38pm
Twilight was sitting under a private canvas shelter. A group composed of many different species was set up on nearby bleachers. From what she was told by Blueblood and Fancy, most of them were business owners and investors who had risen to power after the fall of the warlords. She didn't like to be singled out and given her own private seating area, but apparently it wasn't proper for a princess to sit on bleachers, so here she was on a expensive reclining couch while the other two nobles rested on large silk cushions. She pulled out her list of important Zebras to see who she could spot.

The first zebra she spotted was in his own box. Her eyes widened when she realized it was General Shujaa. He locked eyes with her for a few moments before she turned away, not being able to deal with his piercing gaze. From what she was told he led the Zebrican militia for years before the Britanians showed up, and likely had a bone to pick with Equestria. His uniform was decorated with a number of medals and was a rich tan brown. She then turned her head to an elderly zebra with a jagged scare on the side of his graying face. He wore a tan suit with a black tie and had a thin pair of glasses over his eyes. If she was right that was the Warden of New Prosost high security Prison, Inkanyamba. From what Fancy had told her despite his fragile appearance he was ruthless with his inmates, who represented the worst of Zebrica. He was a advocate of forced prisoner labor. Finally, there was a zebra mare wearing a number of colorful sashes over her toned form along with a headscarf. If she remembered correctly her name was Amara and she was one of a few great zebra mare industrialists and entrepreneurs. Her money was mostly in textiles with one of her factories out producing entire Equestrian districts. Her wealth made Rarity's own look minuscule in comparison.

That's then she turned her attention to the field. Pulling up a pair of binoculars she had been given, she looked over the field. Test dummy's that had been set up in the fields in different formations. As she zoomed in she noticed that the armor looked familiar.

"That's not some cheap replica armor...that's real Royal Guard gold alloy...who could've got their hooves on it?!" Fancy's eyes widened as he looked through his own binoculars. He zoomed in on the formation, trying to find something that would prove him wrong, but he only notices more evidence; standard issue spears, unit markings, etc.

"Do we have any information on how they will hold up against the weapons during the demonstration? The reports that Knight Summers and Lunar guardstallion Pumpkin Patch gave us were troubling. Their artillery seems to be far more effective the our ballista or even the few Minotaur catapults we purchased last year. The fort was annihilated without any evidence of nearby weaponry, so they probably also have a great range than our own. Then the incredible explosive force that they demonstrated... I shudder to imagine what such weapons could do to our own strongholds. If nothing else we may get a look at what sort of artillery they use..." Blueblood said as he put down his own binoculars and sipped a fruity martini he ordered earlier. The three took out their informational pamphlets, which contained a handy guided on equipment identification.
A troop of what could only be Zebrican infantry marched onto the field. Their uniforms lacked the normal flashiness of Equestrian dress and were a tan color. Their faces were covered with a professional looking bandanna. The oddest thing was how they moved on their hind legs instead of all fours. It was strange since they were used to seeing equines standing normally on all their hooves. On closer look they were all carrying similar weapons that they had seen the Britanians using. While twilight couldn't tell exactly from this distance it looked like the trigger system was modified to accommodate pony physiology, including hoof based telekinesis. While fairly clumsy in comparison to unicorn telekinesis it had allowed the early earth ponies to use a number of tools that the other two races had never even thought of. The question was how they could manipulate the trigger even if it had been up scaled; hoof telekinesis wasn't the most dexterous with such things at times...perhaps a some sort of alloy that conducts magic?

Looking down at the pamphlet, she identified most of their weapons as being Lee Enfield SMLE MK III's. It apparantly fired something called a ".303 cartridge". Looking over the picture in the pamphlet she noticed they had both the original and the modified version that let her get a closer look at the modification to the trigger (they simply lengthed it, making it similar to the trigger of a crossbow), along with a picture of the cartridge. She sighed; she still couldn't figure out how the Britannian's firearms worked. She put the pamphlet back, and watched the infantry salute and fall onto the ground aiming at the mock Royal Gaurdsmen. Looking back down at her pamphlet they were at well over 500 meters (she was still getting used to their different measurements) from the targets; they couldn't possibly hit it, right? She and her two compatriots leaned forward, wondering what was happening until a loud crack made their ears go backwards in shock. That's when the three of them pulled out their looking glasses to see what was happening to the dummies. Their armor was being pierced with frightening ease by the projectiles; pieces of it were already shattered or bow away. All too soon the Zebras ran out of ammo and stood up, saluting with their rifles before they were dismissed.

"With those weapons they could take out our captains with ease leaving the remainder of our forces without leadership...from what they say in the pamphlet those zebra were snipers and many of them can hit targets much further way. We wouldn't even know what happened till our captains were dying on the ground. We're giving these things to the commoners- we've armed the commoners better then our own guard!" Fancy nearly shouts as his face pales.

Twilight eyes widen as well, remembering that she had seen Big Macintosh teaching Applebloom to shoot out in the woods. She shakes the thought from her head as Blueblood coughs, reminding her the demonstration had only just begun. The next group of Zebras came out in the same tan uniforms, armed this time with a Bren LMG and a number of Sten MK II's. Looking back down at the pamphlet she read the short descriptions; the Bren weighed over 10kg (not including the optics and ammo, which like the rifles were also .303) while the Sten's were much lighter at just over 3kg and took a popular pistol cartridge known as 9x19mm parabelum. They even put down the unit cost for the Sten at only 2.3£! Even with her fuzzy understanding of the Britanian's currency (thanks to Filthy often letting the traveling merchants pay using Pounds instead of Bits) she knew that was extremely cheap, especially compared to the enchanted Guard spears which cost nearly 20 times as much just for the low end enchantments.

They took aim at a number of dummies wearing Royal guard armor about 100 meters away and opened fire. The constant cracks of the weapons threatened to deafen them as the Equestrian armor was broken and pierced like paper by the constant hail of bullets.

This continued for a while; apparently, they wanted the audience to get a good idea of the capacity of their small arms before doing a military drill. Luckily, they gave the audience some time to refill their drinks before starting the second portion of the arms expo.

"With this live ammo drill they will demonstrate their military tactics and some of their heavy equipment...this will likely be our chance to see their artillery and how this all comes together." Blueblood looks around as the ground starts to shake under their hooves.

That's when they saw a number of modified Karrier trucks that seemed to have a number of tubes on the sides with one large tube in the center. Twilight looked down at the pamphlet, looking at the description of the truck. It was modified with thicker armor and had a number of mortars fixed to its carriage. There were 6 81mm mortars with one large 105mm mortar. Behind the roaring truck a number of Zebras armed with a mix of Stens and Lee Enfields followed, keeping pace with the rumbling machine. The ground continued to shake under them as what could only be described as a tracked metal monstrosity trundled onto the field. This was clearly the Vickers Medium MK IIA. Three more followed behind, forming a protective triangle formation around the mortar truck with the infantry taking cover behind them.

As they slowly approached the massive formation of Royal Guard dummies they stopped, still far out of range of even Equestria's new catapults. That's when the mortars were fired and hell broke loose. The mortars fired, multiple shells landing in the center of the formation. The target dummies were shredded by shrapnel, but this wasn't enough; the tanks and infantry followed suit, firing into the already destroyed formation with their tracers, setting the remains on fire. The fire suddenly stopped.

The three ponies were in shock. The ability to destroy a formation so quickly was terrifying on its own, but to do it so destructively... just what kind if warfare had the Britanian's teached the Zebras?! It was at this point both Blueblood and Fancy shook themselves out of their disbelief, simultaneously pointing their hooves what has to be the final demonstration. It was a siege tower, just rolling over the hill! A massive wooden monstrosity used by the Unicorns of old as a mobile fortress. It even had a number of ballista in the battlements, as well as iron shingles to guard it's undersides. The massive metal covered wheels rolled over the dry grass before it stopped. They couldn't see what had propelled the massive structure out into the field; however, this soon became a moot point as they heard a loud buzzing in the air.

"Are they going to attack it by airship?" Fancy asked out loud as they looked up into the sky, spotting a number of specks that seemed to be moving at a considerable pace.

"They couldn't have mastered artificial heavier then air flight, could they? Starswirl himself said it was a magical impossibility. Every attempt he made to construct such a device was a failure! How could a bunch of magicless dogs master it?" Twilight shouted while Blueblood shushed her.

"Princess, please, I understand your shock. I too find this incredible, but please hold you tongue with such comments. These Zebras are staunch supporters of the Britanians and saying such things are not wise; especially with Princess Martha arriving later tonight by airship." Blueblood looked around noticing a few of the Zebras on the bleachers were looking at them with glares. "I tell you this not as a prince to a princess but as a friend; please think before you speak while we are here. From what I have heard their opinion of us is far from ideal. We need to watch everything we say or we could lose what trade we have with them. I don't have to tell you what will happen to Equestria without it..." He said quietly.

Twilight slowly nodded as she calmed herself down using the breathing techniques she was taught. She then turned her attention back to the aircraft, reading the pamphlet.

"Those are old surplus SE5a's. They were the most successful biplanes during their wars with the... Dragons. Did you know anything about this? I know that the last dragon migrationnumbers were way off... but a war against dragons..." Twilight and the two nobles shudder. If these Britanians could fight the dragons and WIN, then the Equestrian's stood no chance.

"We are going to a museum later today; from what I have heard they have an exhibit dedicated to the Britanians. I'm sure we could learn more there." Fancy said as the aircraft started to dive heading directly at the siege tower at a steep angle. "Do they mean to ram it...?"

That's when two objects detached from each of the three aircraft and rocketed directly at the tower. They soon figured out they were rockets, much like the fireworks back home. They accelerated for several seconds, as the fighters pull back up. The impact annihilated the tower, reducing it to flaming cinders in the air with none of the original structure remaining.

"They just destroyed one of Equestria's greatest weapons... One of our oldest and greatest tactics that allowed us unicorns to have the high ground in any combat scenario would be deadweight when attacking on of their strongholds. I shudder to imagine what would have happened if we tried to use such a tactic now..." Blueblood said as he continued to watch the remains of the tower burn.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Somerset hospital
3:23pm
Fluttershy had lost Pinkie in the crowds as they made their way to the hospital. She figured Pinkie would be ok, since she normally wandered off and came back with little trouble. She shook her head and looked up at the hospital from the gates. It was made of some kind of tan stone and reminded her vaguely of a castle. The widows were fairly large with matching drapes to stop too much light from getting in. She slowly made her way up the steps to the front entrance only for it to swing open nearly hitting her face.

"Oh I'm sorry miss, I didn't hit you did I?! I'm so close to getting my citizenship badge; I can't afford to cause any problems!" She looked down to see a young zebra colt looking up at her worriedly. He had on a uniform that looked similar to the military uniforms many of the zebra soldiers wore but had a sash and bandanna on his arm.

"Oh it's ok...you didn't hit me and it was only a mistake..."she mumbled with an awkward smile.
"Hey wait, you're one of the ponies who came to Zebrica on our new Zeppelin right! It's so cool to meet you!" He smiled up at her, jumping up and down excitedly.

"Yes...I came here to see what sort of medical practices they have... What are you doing her is some pony you know sick? Also what is your outfit; you're way to young to be in the military..." She said nervously.
His smile widened as he stood up on his back hooves and did a salute with his right front hoof raised into the air at an angle. "I am a young cadet!"

"Young cadet...? Is that like the fillyscouts?" She asked while the colt just laughs.

"The fillyscouts? Those wimps have nothing on us! We not only do community service but we also learn survival skills, basic military strategy, and my favorite; shooting! Just last week my troop was sent to help a farmer harvest and protect his crops from pests! I got to shoot two rabbits and a hyena! We even got to bring the rabbits home for supper!" He says proudly while Fluttershy stands in front of him in shock.

"You ate rabbits for dinner?! B-but you're a zebra! Equines don't eat meat! They're vegetarians..." She says in mild shock.

"No, ponies are vegetarians silly. Zebras are omnivores! See?" He smiles showing his two small incisors with his nearly perfect white smile. "In class we learned about adaptation, apparently zebra like me adapted the ability to eat meat since food was often scarce in the past here in Zebrica."

Fluttershy just stares in shock before shaking herself out of it reminding herself that she handled a number of carnivores back home. "C-could you show me around the hospital...?"

"Sure! I bet it would help me get my badge!" He smiles leading her into the hospital "Don't mind the smell; it's just heavy duty cleaning products they use to keep the viruses and bacteria at bay."

The cleanliness of the hospital was the first thing that caught her eye, along with the aforementioned strange smell. She continued to follow the uniformed zebra colt down the hall ways "It's so clean..." They stop at a hallway with a number of separated rooms.

"Oh...Ayo is that you?" An elderly zebra mare sat up from her bed with a number of bandages around her middle. Her bed was up against the far wall at an angle that allowed her to look out the window."I see you brought a friend. Please come in, an old mare like me could always use company" she smiles at Fluttershy who slowly enters the room with the colt sitting on one of the chairs against the tan walls.

"H-hello...it's wonderful to meet you miss" Fluttershy says quietly making the mare smile.

"No need to be shy. I don't bite. I can tell your curious about my bandages, huh? They were the first thing you started looking at" the elderly zebra says as she holds her hoof." Ayo wasn't bugging you was he? Ever since he joined the young cadets he's been driving others crazy trying to get his badges. I swear when he first came into my room I nearly had a heart attack thinking he joined the army! But I suppose joining the cadets was a good thing his grades in school have improved greatly and he's learning important skills. Apparently the whole practice started in the Britanian Provence of Germany. He even fixed my old revolver I bought when this place started looking like a real city. The firing pin was broken but then he came in with a new one and fixed it good as new!" She smiles, looking over at Ayo.

Fluttershy shook her head and decided to change the subject. "S-so what are the bandages for? You weren't attacked were you?"

"What? No I had cancer of the stomach and the Britanian doctors were able to remove it a few days ago. I won't be walking around for awhile but they saved my life so I can see my little grandson grow into a strong stallion" she says, smiling.

Fluttershy's eyes widened "B-but even with magic cancer of the stomach is often a death sentence! H-how could they remove it! Didn't it hurt?" She says in shock while the mare laughs.

"Oh no, they put me under with some drugs. I was asleep during the whole surgery. I don't really know how they did it but you could ask my doctor or the surgeon if you want/ I'm sure they could answer some of your questions if they're not too busy. In fact you could probably find them in there offices on the other side of the hospital. Ayo, why don't you be a dear and show her." She smiles as the small cadet takes Fluttershy's hoof and leads her out of the room through a number of hallways to the far side of the hospital. A number of windows along the halls showed empty observation rooms.

"Hey that's the doctor!" The small colt stops at one of the windowed rooms.

As Fluttershy looked in the window as saw a tall female German Shepard currently talking with someone she never thought she would see again... Rover of the Gem Biters. He was currently resting on a plain white bed with clean crisp sheets. He still had the same tattered red vest and gem encrusted collar but something was different... He looked content as he let the Britanian look him over, jotting down some notes onto a clipboard before resting it against his lab coat and walked out of the room. She stopped upon seeing the two outside, before greeting them.

"Ah, you must be one of the Equestrians visiting Zebrica, yes? Please come with me to my office. I'm sure you have many questions! Ayo, I was also told by your troop leader that you are to report for another harvest." She smiles waving the colt off as he runs off. She then leads Fluttershy to her fairly plain office, with little in the way of furnishings besides a desk and plant. She takes a seat behind the desk and motions for Fluttershy to sit on the chair to the opposite side. She leans forward waiting.

After a few moments she works up the courage to speak. "What we're you doing to... Rover?" She asks.
"Ah you know him yes? Well he immigrated to Zebrica after we sent a representative to his reservation! You should have seen them; on our arrival they nearly keeled over. Apparently, they hadn't forgotten all of there past. While the meeting was to help us reconnect with our brethren it has taken a new turn... sadly when they had first made landfall on the land you now call Equestria many of the ships; if they could be called that; didn't make it, Forcing them to inbreed on top of a number of diseases ravaging their bodies. Don't get me started on the mange and rickets. Luckily by introducing some of my kind to their small gene pool with vaccinations, proper diet, and selective breeding we can rectify it fairly quickly." She said leaning back in her chair.

Fluttershy nodded slowly. Since she had arrived in Zebrica and seen the Britanians up close she had wondered why they seemed to have more refined and upright body's as apposed to Equestria's diamond dogs that looked more like gorillas. "Could you tell me miss more about your medical practice... what are vaccinations? What is a gene pool? And how did you cure that Zebra's cancer?" She asks. The doctor gives her a little grin.

"Please don't call me miss; I worked hard to get my doctorate. Call me Dr. Herta Oberheuser."

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
The Grazing Gazelle restaurant and tavern
3:47pm
Pinkie had lost track of Fluttershy after trying to follow the familiar mouth watering smell. She just couldn't resist fish or crawdads! She smiled, thankful that Applejack didn't stay for the Pie family's after Hearthswarming tradition of loading up on protein after fasting with nothing but tasteless rock soup for a few days to fill their bellies. What really drew her to the restaurant was the spicy smell of the food that reminded her of her Grandma Pie's home made hotsauce. She gazed at the building; the ground floor of the overly elaborate building was the restaurant while a close look showed that there were dwellings above it. While only about 8-10 stories tall its was interesting that it still matched the plain adobe buildings that seemed common in Zebrica. The restraunt seemed to have a whole fancy naturalist and plains theme going on with the massive windows pointing out on the street with traditional hoof made Zebrican curtains on the sides and a number of hoof carved tables covered with colorful mats. The doors were a rich dark color with a number of knots, giving them character. As for the rest of the atmosphere the walls like the outside of the building were adobe but with a number of murals painted on them of the Zebrican plains with plenty of elephants, gazelle, and even a few lions all artfully placed. Even the carpets were a tan color reminding her of dried grass she saw on the plains. She pulled her pink face from the window made her way to the entrance.

She trotted up to the front entrance only to be stopped by a burly zebra with shaded glasses."Do you have a reservation?" He asked out of the blue, stopping her with his hoof.

"No...I just followed that super amazing smell!" She beams at him with her largest grin showing off her pearly whites.

"No reservation, no entrance. The entire restaurant has been rented out and we don't take walk ins." He said plainly.

"Aw come on I just wanna try the food, no need to be a grump!" She says, but he just shakes his head pointing his hoof in the other direction.

She sighs, having learned her lesson long ago about trying to push her friendliness too far from Cranky, and trots away sadly before an idea hits her, making her smile. She continues to trot down the road past a number of Zebras who seemed to be all wearing the same outfits Filthy sold at his store, before turning into an ally between two of the tall adobe buildings. As she entered the alleyway she walked past a number of trash bins and other bits of waste before turning in the direction of the restaurant. She slowly made her way down, having to climb over a number of piles of scraps and other refuse before finding the back door to the restaurant.

She sat there, letting the smell hit her for a few moments as she stared at the plain blue colored door before trotting up to it... Only for it to swing open sending her flying against a pile of trash while a very irate female diamond dog in a full chef's outfit stomped out.

"They do this to me?! After cooking them a wonderful meal from all local ingredients with plenty of my home country's flair, I get a message telling me that the stupid military demonstration is providing food! Sure there stilling paying me but that's not the point! I bought all these ingredients and know I can't do anything with them because they will go bad tomorrow!" The pure white diamond dog continued to scream before she calmed down and noticed what she did.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry miss I didn't mean to send you flying in to the trash!" She helps the currently confused pink mare out of the trash." Here, come inside. I have an employee shower inside for when dust storms hit." She takes her inside, past a fully loaded kitchen with plain while tile floors, more then 40 gas burners, one massive walk in fridge, 3 massive ovens, and one large slop sink with a sprayer to clean dishes faster then by hoof. She heads to the side of the kitchen, before leading Pinkie to an employee bathroom with a tub and shower head. "Just turn the red colored nob a little the hot water here is hotter then you would think!" She closes the door letting the mare have some privacy as she looked arround the blue tiled bathroom with a porcelain sink and toilet before turning on the hot water and stepping in to clean off the gunk from her fur.
In less then 7 minutes she trotted up to see the same snow white diamond dog holding a clear glass cup with hot chocolate. "Here this seems to help... so what were you doing in the alley? Don't you know how dangerous it is back there with the rusty bits of metal and the thieves running around?" She asks, motioning to a stool next to her's as she sits down.

Pinkie made her way over to the stool in the kitchen, sitting down and taking the hot chocolate into her hooves. "I smelled cooking shellfish... It reminded me of home since I could never resist the taste as a filly." She says, blushing a bit.

"Well sadly I haven't cooked that part of the meal yet. but from the looks of you I'm guessing you're a cook or a baker?" The dog says.

"Yes! I'm Pinkie Pie, a proud employee of Suger Cube Corner! The best bakery in Equestria!" She smiles hopping up from her stool. The dog laughs, a small grin on her face.

"Really, a baker? I hope you haven't let your other cooking skills diminish since you started baking; after all a good chef should never forsake their family's dishes" she says, with a hint of pride in her voice.
"Well I haven't really been able to cook most of my family's recipes since there's a stigma back home about eating anything that was alive...except eggs, for some reason." Her hair deflates, remembering what happened when her first employer in dodge junction caught her cooking crawdads.

"We have to remedy this now! We can't let you cooking skills waste away!" She grabs the pink mare's hoof as soon as she finishes her hot chocolate and drags her over to a cutting board where a number of ingredients such as spices, herbs, and vegetables rest nearby. "You start chopping up those Ingredients while I get a large pot on the stove for the lobster! Oh, I forgot to give you my name! I'm Elizabeth David!" She said, smiling, as she pulled out a massive pot filling it with water from the sink and putting it onto the burning flame.

"Lobster?! I haven't had it since I was a filly; isn't it really expensive? Oh, and it superiffic to meet you!!" Pinkie said as she chopped the vegetables and herbs with unmatched speed while being careful not to cut her hoof with the sharp knife.

"Don't worry about it; it's going to go bad tomorrow so I don't want to waste it! Besides it would be far more tragic for you not to be able to taste some of your own cooking!" The dog says, as they continue to cook together.

Zebrica
Outside of new Timbuktu
Wadacobee Farms
4:01pm
Applejack was walking past a number of the livestock on the farm. It was disturbingly similar to her own farm but the cows and steer seemed off to her. Not seeing anypony or Zebra around she trotted up to one of the cows that was grazing behind the log fence.

"Hey, you haven't seen a zebra in a straw hat around here have you? I think he owns this place?" She asked the cow, who didn't even seem to notice her as it grazed. "Hey! It's rude to ignore someone, 'ya know!" She yelled at the cow, who stopped her grazing and looked up at the orange mare with blank eyes.
"Mooooo!" The cow snorted before going back to grazing.

"I wouldn't bother; the cows here aren't smart like Equestrian cows. Just dumb animals." She jumped, turning around to see a tall skinny zebra in a straw hat. "You're Applejack I assume? Ah yes, your brother and I have been talking through the supply lines for a while. Please come with me. Just call me Mas, ponies never seem to be able to pronounce my full name for some reason..." He turns around motioning for her to follow him to one of the adobe storehouses.

As she follows him she takes on last look at the livestock. She shudders; those eyes... "What do you mean they're not like Equestrian cows? I was always taught cows were smart and had feelings..."
He opens the door to the storehouse, letting her enter first as he switches on the electric lights. "Eh, probably has something to do with all that fangled magic in Equestria. Those Britanians have been looking into it to see why but I don't see how it effects me, it's not like we need it here. Them diamond dogs have machines for everything!" He motions to an old table with two chairs on either end, with a number of large crates surrounding it.

"'Ah suppose...." Applejack says, sitting down at the table and looking at him. "So you know why 'ahm here?"
He nodded. "You want someone who can take your bootleg booze and cider and launder it so it looks like it was made in Zebrica so can be sold in the stores rather then in the alleyways. I also hear you and your brother need some more... Intense tools to protect your homestead." He smiles at her, while she just sighs and nods.

"Them Pegasi and Unicorns have been getting to be more and more of a thorn in our sides. We can currently hold them off with our legal guns but it's getting harder because more keep coming looking around for something to smash." She says, rubbing her temple.

"Well, it just so happens I have the thing you need right here in my warehouse. Are you interested?" He smiles, getting up and trotting over to one of the crates. He banged the side of it, letting it fall open to show it's contents "I have a number of Stens and skatterguns but I have something that I think you will really love fresh from one of the new arm's factories" After letting her look at the Stens and large semi-auto shotguns for a bit he pulls a dusty cloth off a number modified mortars. "These wonderful works of Britanian engineering have been turned into the pegisi's worst nightmare! Instead of firing the normal shells they fire shrapnel like Gryphon and Pegasi shot, turning the sky into one massive kill zone! It is still compatible with normal rounds, for use against magical shielding after all what's better then using heavy explosive to shatter shields. I'm willing to part with these if you can increase you production to, oh...300 barrels". Applejack does the math in her head and nods.

"All tell the other bootleggers in Ponyville to up production... You sure you can get all these weapons over the border?" She asked as she looked over the arsenal.

"This is my job; and let's be honest, your country is horrible at locking down its borders. Now let's have a drink and hammer out the rest of the long term deal" he says pulling out a bottle of Ruby scotch and pouring two glasses.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Arts district
5:23Pm
Rarity was trotting down to the art district to get her mind off her troubles. She passed a number of bazaars selling a number of colorful fabrics and nicnacks, but she was currently looking for something much more important. From what she had heard there was a bar somewhere around her where all the best weavers met and if the rumors were right a number of industrialists and textile tycoons as well. She could no longer have competitive prices using fabrics from Equestria's now obsolete cottage industries; she needed to move onto the mass produced textiles so she could by them in bulk (even if it sickened her to her stomach), since she normally just bought what ever caught her fancy. As she made her way down the crowded bazaar she spotted the open air bar that was situated in between two Adobe buildings. The furniture was made of bamboo, and a long cloth protected the occupants of the sun. She then noticed one of her friends sitting at one of the tables drinking.

With a sigh, Rarity recognized the drinker as rainbow. However, she seemed to have calmed down a bit. Currently, she was preoccupied with a large mug of some sort of beverage (presumably alcoholic). "Oh Rainbow darling, I thought Twilight and Fluttershy made you give up drinking!" She said as she sat at the table with her friend.

"Ya ya, I know I'm not supposed to be drinking but these bars are everywhere! How am I supposed to resist? Besides its not like it's illegal here, so no big deal" the blue mare took another sip of her mug and looked over at Rarity with a calm expression.

"That's not the point Rainbow. You had be on the wagon for weeks only to throw it away like this?" She says rubbing the side of her face stressed"What if Fluttershy were to find out. She would be devastated!"
"Oh and I'm sure they would be interested in those pills you're always popping? Strange that they have the same blue tint as Everfree spice... wouldn't it be a shame for the girls and your few remaining clients to find out Equestria's supposed greatest fashionista was a pill popper?" Rainbow leaned over with a smug look on her face.

"T-those are just some candies I like!" Rarity says, flustered. Rainbow laughed.

"Then why do you buy them from the flower trio? Odd place to buy candy, especially since they're the biggest spice dealers in Ponyville" she says, while Rarity just sits there in shock. Another laugh escaped her. She sat down her now empty mug, and sat up. "Tell the girls I'm going to a party tonight... If you even try to tell the girls about my drinking I'll tell them about your 'pills'. I'm my own mare! I don't care if Twilight is a princess; if I want to drink it's my choice!" She leaves the bar.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Zulu beach
5:39pm
Summers and Pumpkin were trying to find their old friend, Gretchen. She had sent them a message, inviting them to a picnic on the beach. The beach had a sort of pink tint thanks to the coral reefs nearby, and besides a few forgotten umbrellas it was totally deserted. As they looked around they noticed the palm trees framed the glowing city nearby, with a large empty field separating the city and the beach. This served to keep the area deathly quiet.

"Hey guys over here! We're having a beach barbecue!" The two stallions quickly turned around to see the happy owl gryphon. She waved at them as she flew, before tackling them to the ground. "I missed you two so much!"

The two stallions blushed a bit as they were hugged by the hen. Summer's what the first to snap out of his shock. "W-we missed you too Gretchen. How did you know we were in Zebrica?" He asked while the hem just smiled, letting them get up.

"You're both in the papers and the radio, along with those other ponies. I couldn't just not see my friends! Now come on. I have a BBQ set up down the beach in a cove with plenty of food! Besides my friends are excited to meet you!" She leads them down the beach staying on the ground and walking a bit slower then she would like to, since poor Summers was still horribly out of shape.

"Friends? What do you meen friends? I though this was just a late picnic?" Pumpkin said as the beach curved inward, becoming a small cove. He could already see the supposed BBQ with a number of torches lit around it, but what really shocked him were the number of Thestrals, some of whom he recognized from the guard! Along with a large Minotaur working the BBQ pit if he was correct that what the same Minotaur that was accused by the elements of harmony of turning one of there friends into a monster! There where also a few Zebras as well.

"Well, I kinda have been planning this BBQ after getting my nursing license to celebrate with my friends. The Minotaur is Iron Will who now is one of the heads of the workers Union; apparently, they love his speeches here in Zebrica. Then those two Thestrals working out by outlittle bar are Crescent who's the unofficial mayor of Zebrica's fastest growing Thestral settlement and Bluemoon, who works as a manager at one of the textile factory's. The rest of them are from my work at the local hospital." She says as she introduced them to each of the partygoers.

"Do you mind if I go and talk with Crescent and Bluemoon? They're old friends." Pumpkin says, while Summers nods in understanding.

"Sure! While you and the girls catch up I think I'll take Summers over to the BBQ pit to see what he thinks of our hog!" She smiles as she drags Summers over to Iron Will as he glazed the cooking hog.
Pumpkin slowly trotted over to the two Thestral mares as they sweated a bit seeing him. "What do you two think yoi're going?! The night guard have been leaving their posts. An entire garrison is gone already, and we can't afford to lose any more guards! Our princess's hav-!" He was cut off as Crescent lifts her hoof to stop him.

"I still love Princess Luna with all my heart, but you have to face it; despite all she tried to do for us upon her return little has changed, pumpkin. She's tries so hard for us and we all appreciate it but I'm the end because of Celestia, whether she meant to or not, has made it so Equestria will never accept us and I don't want my foal to grow up in a place where it can't run freely without the cruel glares and the horrible things I was forced to endure." She said taking a deep breath afterwords.

"But Thestrals have lived in Equestria for more then a thousand years. The princes-" Pumpkin started, before he was interrupted by Crescent shaking her head.

"Yes, our kind have lived in Equestria for more than a thousand years, but have we ever truly become Equestrians...? No, the nobility and commoners have seen to that. I couldn't take it anymore. The racism, the false promises, and the look Celestia would give me when ever I would eat my ration... I know she didn't really mean it, but her inability to face that we need to eat meat to survive was the hardest thing for me..You can't make any of us go back. I'm sorry; we still care deeply for our princess but whether she wants to admit it or not we don't belong in Equestria! Here we have options that we would never have in Equestria, where our only choices were villain in a play or the Lunar Guard. We even make more then we did there!" She shouts before calming herself down.

Pumpkin's head lowers to the ground, having lost the will to fight them since he too had grown tired of all the insults and racism. "Your right... I'm going to head back to Summers. I'm sorry for yelling at you like that." He starts to trot over to Summers before the two mares stop him.

"Pumpkin don't be like that... We didn't just do this out of the blue.. We had been talking about it for a long time. There's no way you didn't hear the other guards talking about it. If Luna really does care about us she would want us to thrive even if it wasn't under her rule..." Crescent saysm, sighing before letting him go.
After Pumpkin had left to go talk with the mares Summer followed Gretchen over to the BBQ pit where Iron Will was cooking. He was currently adding some drift wood to the fire. Summers braced himself for the Minotaur's trademark voice.

"Yes?" The hulking Minotaur slowly turned to look at the portly yellow stallion.

Summer's just blinked, not expecting the normal speaking volume. "Hello? I couldn't help but notice the mouth watering smell of honey glaze, and if I'm not mistaken the smell of cayenne pepper?"
The large bull smiled down at him. "Yes... Back when I was a calf living on the Islands my mother used to grow them in her garden... She would add them into everything we ate. Breakfast, lunch, dinner it didn't matter to her! It got to the point where I couldn't eat anything unless it had cayenne pepper in it somehow. But after the old Pompeian volcano erupted..." he sighs. "That's how I ended up in Equestria."
Summers nods, remembering the report he was giving about the disaster. "What about your mother? If you don't mind me asking..." Iron Will's expression grew grim.

"We were separated during the eruption. I was forced onto one of the boats while she was likely forced onto another... I thought I would see her when we made land fall in Zebrica, but we were thrown off course." he said as he turned over the hog.

"I understand. My country was far from welcoming to your kind..." Summers says, remembering the panic that ensued when a bunch of half starved Minotaurs made land fall in his country with countless ponies screaming about an invasion. He was thankful cooler heads prevailed in that case with Blueblood in the area stopping the frightened commoners and guard from doing something drastic.

"It wasn't a total loss up until those mares accused me of turning their friend into a monster. I was a very successful motivational speaker! I still don't know where they get off accusing me of being a monster just because one of there friends took my teachings too far... Of course they're over the top, that's the only thing ponies seem to understand! But being run out of Equestria after being accused of trying to corrupt one of the elements turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me! I'm now the head of the workers union and I'm a manager at Striped Steel Works!" He smiles, before once again flipping the hog.
"Still...." Summers tried to say something, only for Iron Will to lift up his hand.

"Don't worry about it. Sure, many ponies seem to freak out about every little thing but not all are like that. I remember this one odd family that took me in after the whole Fluttershy fiasco... The Pie family if I remember right. They helped me through my hard times. Apparently it's part of their beliefs to help those in need no matter who or what they are. They also happened to like spicy food as much as I do" he laughs a bit remembering them. "Anyways, sorry for rambling on like that. I tend to do that at times. Would you like to be the first to try the hog? I promise I have cooked it to perfection!" Summer nods eagerly.

While Iron Will sharpens a knife to cut off a piece, Summers sighs. "You know something funny? Everypony seems to want to be a knight like me, but they can't because only ponies with noble blood can be Knights. Except for me... I want to be a cook! As a young colt I used to sneak into the kitchens to watch the maids and cooks prepare meals. My parents never approved, saying it was my duty to become a knight and not some lowly cook but I always hated being a knight... The only upside to it was I moved around a lot and got to try new foods."

"Really, a knight that wants to be a chef? Why didn't you just become one anyway? Wait let me guess that fact not only the entire culture of Equestria pressures you to follow in your family's hoofsteps but also the fear of your family being shamed?" Iron asked as he started to cut into the meat.
Summer's just nods. "Yeah. Not that it matters; both my parents kicked it shortly after I became a knight, likely because they knew that it was a lifelong job..."

"Doesn't have to be... Zebrica doesn't allow residents to be prosecuted by foreign country's if you were to sign some paper work and renounce your Equestrian citizenship. There would be little Equestria could do..." Iron says while Summers blinks, digesting that information.

After cutting a piece off the hog and putting it onto a plate for Summers the two sat down and continued to talk. Apparently they both had a love of cooking! The two of them sat there and enjoyed their meal, as some of the other party goers came over to cut from the hog.

Chapter 24

Zebrica
20km northwest of New Timbuktu
Arzew Refinery
12:03am
Rainbow had been waiting for hours, her only "entertainment" being the two guards in front of her target. From what she could see they didn't pay much attention to the sky, instead keeping their gaze on the road leading to the building (and maybe the floor every now and then). She would count off as one patrol would go out of site, before another of of march in and take its place. Sadly, the intervals between shifts seemed very short. Her wings just hadn't felt right since she had come to this Celestia forsaken country. Seeing that she still had some time to kill, she took out a small pouch, before frowning; it was nearly empty. She sighed, before snorting the last of the blue dust within. Inhaling deeply, she savored the sweet burn, before throwing the bag over her shoulder. With the exception of the few electric lights that shone through the large glass windows of the concrete building, it was fairly plain looking; like a large grey block with a number of iron pipes sticking out of the structure. The chimneys were belching smoke into the sky, but for the most part the refinery was dormant. Even from her spot she could smell the foul fumes, the place tainting the airspace. She growled softly, imagining all the machines that this refinery powered that turned her once proud home into a floating slum.

With a smile, she watches the current guards run off, apparently seeing something in the opposite direction of her. This was her opening! With a small running start, she takes off into the sky, trying to be as quiet as possible with her flapping. Wouldn't be very fun if one slip blew her cover... She already feels some fatigue after flying over the chain link fence, causing her to curse softly at her weakness. Still, she was able to slip into one of the large opened windows. She landed on one of the concrete ledges just under the windows, before taking a look around. The refinery floor was lit by some electrical lamps hanged from the ceiling. There were countless pressure gauges and valves that were connected to massive tanks and furnaces. Several unused catwalks hung a few feet below the light bulbs, casting long shadows across the lit up ground.

"I don't even know what I'm going to do. If I was Twilight I would at least have an idea of what I'm doing..." She said. She fluttered down to a nearby furnace, heat leaking through the imposing cast iron bars and washing over her. "What am I looking for...?" She noticed multiple gauges attached to the furnace, labeled with sciency words like 'celcius' and "Psi". She clumsily fiddled with the valves for a bit until she noticed the flames in the furnace getting larger and the temperature rising on the gauge. "Heh..." She continues to fiddle with the other gauges, looking for some kind of reaction. The gauges ran wild, the needles on them flickering back and forth...

A number of the gauges were simply labeled open/close; she flipped them, causing the pressure in the furnace to continue to climb steadily. She shifted her attention to the tanks of crude, before flying over to them. Looking them up and down she found what she was looking for; a connection with a few loose bolts that were improperly fastened. A small trickle of that dark gold dripped out of it. She flew over to the weak connection and smiled, before giving it a strong buck. She nearly yowled in pain as her hoof connected with the metal pipe. but managed to suppress it before hitting it again. Biting back the tears she continued to buck the pipe until it broke and started to spew crude all over the floor. She noticed a faint, familiar buzzing sound, but shrugged it off; it was probably from all the equipment.
"Hey, what the hell are you doing?! The furnace can't be heated up so quickly!" She turns to see a Zebra charging towards the furance.

"No!" She tackles him into a pipe, cracking his skull against it. He slumps to the ground, blood covering the back of his head and staining the ground red. "Nonononono... Wake up come on!" She shakes the zebra as a pit in her stomach starts to grow. "Come on, you just hit your head! I do it all the time; wake up!" He doesn't answer; his chest doesn't even move. She starts to hyperventilate and backs away from the corpse.

Her panic attack was interrupted by a loud bang, followed by yells of surprise. "I have to leave!" She took off again, but her exit was hampered by her wing getting caught in a window pane. Her face was painfully smashed into the glass, and she muffled a scream. Suddenly, the furnace started to moan and creak as a number of rivets burst from the furnace like bullets. The skeleton crew operating the facility were ripped apart by the shrapnel, and Rainbow was forced to watch the gruesome spectacle. Tears stream down her face, as burning hot rivets piece their skin, their faces were torn to pieces with there wounds being cauterized by the red hot rivets. The crude on the floor was ignited as the fire started to grow with a number of the pipes starting to burst sending shrapnel flying.

"Agh! The furnace is gonna blow; we have to-!" The stocky zebra was cut off as the shrapnel severed his head from his body in a mess of gore. The other wounded zebras stopped what they were doing to stare in shock.

"We have to get out of here! Run for it!" The crew ran to the exit, desperately extinguishing the fires blocking their path.

Rainbow's ears were assaulted by the madness, but she couldn't look away or even cover her ears; she could only watch as the crude covered floor was engulfed in flames, steadily spreading closer to the zebra who was already being cooked alive from the sheer amount of heat. Their fur was gone, and their flesh bubbled and churned. Even as she lost sight of them in the flames she could still hear their screams from her high perch. Not even the chaos around her could blot out that awful, animalistic cry of pure pain and terror! "T-this isn't what I wanted! Somepony help!" She screamed, the flames coming closer to her ensnared form. She could already feel the heat in her wings, once again forcing the poor Zebra into her mind's eye. "Not like this, not like this!" She finally managed to pull her singed wing from the window and frantically begins to flap, even as the noise grows louder. Her ears ring, the buzzing grow ever louder, before a voice cuts through the noise.

"Up there! A Pegasus saboteur!" A guard shouts at her, but Rainbow ignores him, instead focusing on finding the buzzing noise. Climbing out the window, she saw the source. Her eyes widened...an airship was nearly directly above the refinery! Suddenly, her ears were assaulted with new force as the main furnace detonated.

Her ears screamed at her, and she could feel wet liquid dribble down from her tortured eardrums leaving her nearly deaf.

"I-it wasn't supposed to be like this... I-I just wanted to fix things!" She flew back to the resort, leaving a burning wreck behind her. Her mind churned with thoughts, and her eyes were filled with tears.

She barely hears a CRACK from the edge of her distorted senses, as the zebra guards started to shoot at her with the rifles.Dazedly, Rainbow continued flying, gasping in surprise.Three bullets made there mark on her body; one for her leg, one to herside, and one just grazing the side of her face. She wobbles, barely able to keep herself afloat...

Zebrica
20km northwest of new Timbuktu
Above Arzew Refinery
HMS Fylgia
12:37am
The alarm sounded onboard the Fylgia. "Sir, the hull has been pieced! We have lost hydrogen cells 3 though 7! The refinery below us has gone up!" A short mutt yelled. The console in front of him was covered in flashing red lights, and a piercing wail came from a speaker set next to it. The group could hear loud pings all around them, as shrapnel bounced off the reinforced armor of the bridge.

"Where's fire control?!" Captain Ty Siouxpancic yelled, currently wrestling the wheel for control of the ship. "Dammit! The hull wasn't meant for this kind of trauma!" He opens one of the speaking tubes next to the ship's wheel. "Secure the VIPs at any cost!" He screams into the pipe, before turning away; he didn't have time to hear their affirmative. The ship shuddered, and an explosion sounded out. "Sir, we have lost our auxiliary fuel tanks! The fire is spreading to the main lines. The skeleton can't handle much more of this!" A loud snapping noise hit their ears, as the ship lurched. "Our back is broken! At this rate, we're going to fall apart!" The ensign's voice is joined by the screams of the dying and desperate from the speaking tubes.

"We will have to crash land! Is the VIP safe?" The captain asks, yelling into the tube.
"Yes sir!" The captain nods, before buckling himself into a chair. The rest of the bridge crew do the same, hanging on for dear life.

"Take us down!" He adjusts their course as the ship literally falls out of the sky. The dried, Zebrican grass below them bursts into flames, hit by embers from the fire engulfed ship. "Brace!" He screams as the plains below them rapidly approach. In the final moments before his ship crashed he sent out a silent prayer to the emperor to forgive them for failing to protect his favorite niece, before all was fire and death.

Zebrica
18km northwest of new Timbuktu
Plains
12:43am
Old John looked down the sights of his old trench gun as he spotted his target. He smiled; from what he had heard Pegasi were supposed to be quick little devils. However, his current target was disappointing, to say the least. The pegasus was barely moving one fourth the speed of a little dragon babe! He took in a breath, before holding it (didn't want to foul up his aim). He lead the gun a few feet in front of the target, letting out a breath before firing. It went plummeting like a rock, griffon shot eviscerating their wings. He smiled as he slung his old gun to his back and started making his way to his new bounty.

"Heh... taken down by an old priest..." The bloodhound lit up his pipe, revealing his scarred muzzle and yellowed teeth that could be seen through his missing cheek. Smoke curled up into the air, going around the side of his face and his wide brimmed hat.

He looked down at the pegasus (a female, she was!), noticing that her barrel was still rising."Still kicking...? I usually get more money bringing them in alive..." He uses his boot to slowly turn the unconscious pony over. Blood seeped from ruined wings, which were little more than stumps now, he also noticed she likely had to bullets lodged in her leg and one in her side. "Crap... must have some kind of major artery there..." He started to dig through his ratty dragon leather trench coat, before pulling out a first aid kit that was likely as old as he was. His voice started out in song, his favorite hymn from "Odes of Solomon", as he went to patching up his bounty. While he handled her more life threatening injuries.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Baraza Resort and spa
Royal suite
1:18am
Twilight sighed as she slipped deeper into the covers of the king sized bed. The bedroom she slept in was extremely luxurious, with a large desk, a number of beautiful landscape paintings, and even a telescope with lenses that were far more powerful then anything she thought possible. However, she spent very little of her trip in the room, only coming back after countless diplomatic meetings, dinners with officials, and the countless demonstrations that left her exhausted. Spike was curled up next to her, snoring softly under the silk covers next to her barrel. She smiled softly, bringing the sleeping drake to her side.
Seconds later, the door to the Royal Suite was kicked in by a group of pissed off Zebra marines. Several other crashes confirmed that this was being repeated throughout the rooms of her friends.
Twilight woke up to the screaming of her friends. Opening her eyes, she was met with dozens of rifles and Brens being aimed at her by masked soldiers. "What is the meaning of this?!" She screamed, holding Spike close to her. The Zebra's simply stared at her; she was unable to make out their faces through their masks.

"Sabotage and the attempted assassination of a Britanian Princess! Come quietly or we will use force!" One on the masked Zebras yelled. Twilight's eyes widened.

"You can't do this; I have diplomatic immunity! Why would any of us do anything to jeopardize our relations with both Zebrica or Britainia? Where's your proof!" She screams as she was thrown out of bed, Spike tumbling down with her.

"Ask your blue bitch of a friend!" One of the zebras shout before bringing the stock of his rifle down on her head. She couldn't even light up her horn before darkness fell over her eyes.

Britainia
Provence of Germany
Peenemünde Army Research Center
4:38pm
General Lutz rested in the observation bunker as he checked his watch to see when the demonstration would begin. He sighed softly as he waited in the concrete shelter, surrounded by his Lieutenants and the great Wernher von Braun, a brilliant Shorthaired Pointer.

"What can you tell me about your latest rocket, Von Braun? This site consumes a large amount of our funding from the empire. I don't have to remind you that there is a number of other projects that have had far more successful and could always use more funding..." He says calmly. Von Braun swallows, knowing that his project has yet to show a working rocket to the General.
"We have rectified the issue we had with the frame buckling under the stress of fight... We simply reinforced the frame with a tempered steel collar. As for the engine problems we have come up with an ingenious method of using the fuel to cool th-" he was cut off as the General lifted his hand to signal he had heard enough.

The general switched his attention to the landing pad. "While your solutions interest me I am only here to see what progress you have made with the project. I only care if your solutions have improved your success rate. Walter spoke highly of your designs. We worked closely together during the war, and I won't have him made a fool of." The general said as the V-2 was rolled out to the pad and prepared for launch. Von Braun gulped again upon hearing the threat.

The rocket's engine released a thick mist of ethanol and oxygen as a number of sparks came from the pad to ignite the fuel. Lute pulled his looking glass out to get a closer look as the engine was lit. Already the black and white painted rocket was slowly taking off and picking up speed. As the rockets altitude continued to climb a loud explosion echoed through the bunker.

"Has it exploded?" Lutz looked through the looking glass, trying to find the rocket.

"No, it has broken the sound barrier! I'm getting reports of it being seen and heard down range!" Von Braun shouted as he listened on the radio next to his chair. A giant grin split his face.

"Hmmmmm...faster then sound. Interesting... Let's see if it hits its target." Lutz said as he leaned back in his chair, giving up on trying to find the rocket using his spyglass. Silence reigned in the bunker as Von Braun listened on the radio. His grin suddenly widened.

"The rocket has made contact with the target. Nothing remains..." He said in shock, leaning back into his chair.

"Excellent. It seems I won't have to deal with the unpleasantness of having to cut your funding. I want the improved engine designs to be shipped to the London Nautica. I'm sure they will find your engines useful for their projects. I expect to continue to see improvements with the weapon, Von Braun. Don't disappoint me. Don't forget that Hans Kammler has been very interested in your project." He says as he gets up, leaving the shocked pointer behind as he made his way to his customized Mercedes-Benz 770 with black with tasteful bits of Crome. He sat on the crisp sea serpent leather seats. He remembered how he got it; him giving the order, depth charges sinking to meet the nesting serpents. It was comical to him when the auto manufacturer looked about ready to be sick when he told them to use the hide from one of the floating carcasses that washed up on shore to make seats. He sighed as the his chauffeur started the engine, leaving the launch site behind him.

"Sir, there's an urgent message for you on the radio, dire news from Zebrica sir..." The German Shepard said evenly as he drove.

Lutz opened the radio compartment between the seats, placing the headset on his ears. "This is General Lutz to Sicherheitsdienst respond..." He waited a few moments.
"This is Sicherheitsdienst responding. We have news of a possible assassination and sabotage plot at the hooves of the Equestrians. At 12:37am Arzew Refinerys furnace's pressure reached critical and took the entire refinery with it along with the night workers. Princess Martha's private airship was nearby at the time, nearly on top of the refinery. The guards managed to snag a photograph of the fleeing saboteur along with cerulean feathers littering the one of the nearby hills and a small pouch with traces of the drug known as spice. We have reports that a suspect fleeing from the general direction of the refinery was captured by a bounty hunter known as Old John. The suspect was a pegasus with crude on her hooves and a number of burn marks. The feathers found at the refinery match her wings, and she remains in critical condition at New Prosost prison in the medical wing. There is no question; the destruction of Zebrica's first refinery was at the hooves of an Equestrian. From what intelligence we have gathered the mare we have captured is known as Element of Loyalty, or Rainbow Dash. However she seems to lack any true military experience and was a drop out from the Equestrian Institution known as the Wonderbolts Academy, with unsatisfactory marks on nearly all of her classes with the exception of physical fitness. Our agents are scouring the site but it reeks of an amateur or untrained brute. She very likely had acted alone but we can't be sure since the Equestrian military seems to lack training and experience. It also should be noted that from our equine informants we have found that she holds a grudge against our machines and Equestrian Earth ponies. We have found that she worked for the Cloudsdale Weather Corperation, which was recently put out of business by our introduction of mechanized irrigation. She likely is just an obsolete worker who was looking for something to take out her anger on. We have secured the rest of the Equestrians and their drake in a secure location for questioning to confirm our suspicions."
Lutz rubbed his muzzle, trying to think. "What of the princess and the crew of HMS Fylgia?" He asked, pulling out his old flask and taking a long drink.

"The ship was lost along with nearly the entire crew... The princess lives, but she is in critical condition."

"...Excellent I want our plans to be pushed forward...start printing the propaganda for our allies and increase the intensity of the veil transmission in codename Kittyhawks quarters. I'm feeling nostalgic... I will be arriving at Isenstadt later tonight. It's time we visited the old Doctor." He leans back, switching off the transmitter. A grim grin came over his face.

Zebrica
Outside of new Timbuktu
Wadacobee Farms
11:32am
Mas looked over his "unofficial" cargo manifest, trying to figure out how he was going to get all of that equipment pass the Zebrican border. He placed the paperwork down on the table before getting up and stretching.

"I should have thought this through...how am I even supposed to get this equipment over the boarder?..." He pulls out his wine bladder, taking a long drink before trotting off to see what his people had come up with.

He trotted past a number of crates ranging from produce to arms reaching his little motor pool consisting of Karrier trucks and a number of surplus military vehicles that Zebrica felt were too outdated for use. Sadly, they were just old rugged trucks.

"Nadim! Where are you?! I need solutions for our shipping problem and I want them now!" He yells, not seeing the young zebra in the shop.

"Hold your horses, I'm just under the Karrier!" A loud voice called out. A young Zebra colt rolled out from underneath a nearby truck, causing Mas to jump a bit. "I have a solution, but we will have to raise the beds on the trucks a few inches. Once the crew finishes their lunch break we can finish the modifications in a fortnight." He stands up his dolly, before fruitlessly trying to wipe the grease off his hooves.

"How is that going to help us?" Mas asks, cocking his head in curiosity. The colt stops his wiping, and grins at him.

"Over here on my desk! I have it all drawn out in the plans!" The zebra trots over to his work table, brushing assorted debris off of a series of papers. "As you know, the Zebrican border has started to beef up their security in response to all the illegal goods crossing the border, along with the countless illegal immigrants from Equestria, right? While a few months ago you could just find your valuables in some fruit crates towards the bottom, they have started digging their hooves deep into them. I don't have to tell you what happens if they catch you with anything unlawful I'm sure? So I came up with a solution! By creating a false bottom on the truck bed we can accommodate more fragile things, such as triggers. For the stocks there isn't a law against exporting them so we can just load those into a crate separately.. As for the mortars I had to further modify the false bottom by an extra few inches, but I don't think anyone will notice. Finally, for the ammunition I have gutted the auxiliary fuel tanks on the old military vehicles; they weren't needed and were leaking. I just added a hatch so we can more or less stack the mortar rounds inside of them. Just make sure you tell your drivers not to fill up the auxiliary tanks." Nadim pointed to each of his modifications. "To open any of the secret compartments you have to pop the hood and pull the green wire connected to the hatches.

"Impressive. You said you hide the release cable with the other wires? Isn't that dangerous?" Mas looks over the blueprints, a small frown on his face.

"Not as long as you wear protection. Better yet, just ground the wires before you mess with it. I'm sure I could come up with something." Nadim says, before sketching...something on his notepad.
"I'm sure it wouldn't be too bad; a little electricity never hurt anybody" Mas trots off to check on his livestock, leaving Nadim to his work. "Early lunch break my ass...those bums are probably sneaking some spice" he shakes his head as he exits his warehouse. Some of his cattle mill around, grazing and staring off into the distance.

He absent mindedly rubbed one who was pushed up against the fence, before he heard the noise of hooves hitting gravel. He looked over lazily to see one of his drivers running down the road towards him in a rush. "What the hell..."

The stallion skidded to a halt in front of him, kicking up a small storm of stone and dirt. "You need to read this bos!!" He hoofs him the newspaper quickly, nearly causing it to blow apart.
Mas looked at it for several seconds."...Young Cadets have bake sale to raise money for camp?" The driver looks over Mas' shoulder; he had flipped to the wrong page.

"What...no! The front page!" Nadim rolls his eyes, flipping to the front page. The first thing he noticed was the mug of some beaten Pegasus, with a scathing headline above it.

"Rainbow Dash: Attempted Saboteur or Assassin...?" He continues to read it over, his eyes growing wider and wider as he sees the extent of the problem.

"Sir, what do we do?"

Nadim thought for a few moments. "We move up our schedule and deliver our goods. We can't afford to miss this deal." He drags the driver over to him, pointing at one of the ponies on the front page. "See that orange mare? Her brother is a fucking kingpin; we lose our deal our boss will skin us. Alive." The two of them share a shudder.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Detention Center
12:47pm
Fluttershy was shaking like a leaf. Her hooves were cuffed to the table infront of her, and the room was barely illuminated by a flickering lamp that swung above her. The only thing she could look at was the imposing steel door ahead of her. She couldn't even itch her irritated, tear stained eyes!

She nearly jumped out of her skin hearing the locks on the door slide open. She hid behind her hooves, quivering.

"Hmmmm? Ah yes, you must be miss Fluttershy? Element of Kindness?" The voice was surprisingly gentle, and she looked over her hooves at the dog entering.

She tried to put on a brave face. "Y-yes?" She managed to stutter out, as a German Shepard entered her room. he plopped a chair he was dragging in front of the table, and sat down.

"Oh, how rude of me! I should introduce myself; I am Hanns Scharff." He smiled softly at her. "Do you need anything? A wash basin? Water? A snack?" He asks as he rests his hands on the table.

"I...I...I...want to got home!!" She cries, slamming her face into the table. Hanns sighs.

"Do you know why you're here?" He gently grabs her hoof, and her eyes widen.

"N-no! A bunch of Zebras broke into my room, put a bag on my head, and kidnapped me!" She sobs, holding onto his paw with both hooves.

"Oh dear....you really don't know why your here? There was an attack..." He gets up and lets her cry into his shoulder after unlocking her hoof cuffs.

"B-but I don't know anything about an attack! I spent yesterday talking with a doctor at Somerset Hospital!" She continues to cry as Hanns rubbed her back.

"I'll tell you what I think...you just are caught up in a large misunderstanding...I just need you to answer a few questions and I will personally make sure you're on the first flight home, ok? But I can't help you until you answer a few of the questions my bosses have..." He says.

"But if there was an attack why..." She asks as am intimidating zebra in a dark uniform and full face wrap placed a folder on the table before promptly leaving and locking the door behind him.
Hanns lets her go and returns to his seat, opening the folder and pulling several documents. "The attack was at Arzew refinery...It ended in the deaths of the entire skeleton crew and nearly the entire crew of the airship HMS Fylgia. We currently have the the perpetrator in custody... I think you might know her....a miss Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty?" He says as he looks through a number of photographs.

"T-that's not possible! Rainbow would never do something like that! She...she's..." She stopped in shock as he started to place the photos in front of her.

"I'm sorry to say this but there is no doubt that we have the right mare." He says sadly as he shows her a photo of a fleeing pegasus. Even with the lack of color there was no mistaking the different color tones in her tail and mane.

"B-but...she's an element.....h-how could she...." She shakes as she sees the other items of incriminating evidence that just seemed to keep piling up, ranging from feathers, matching blood types from samples they found near the site; even an empty bag of Spice! "I...w-we had made so much progress.....w-why....." She just cries.

"There's more.I'm sure you remember that our beloved princess Martha was coming to Zebrica to see the victory day parade...the HMS Fylgia was her private airship..." He says sadly.

"I-is she...?" She asked quietly.l

"She's currently in critical condition...it has been touch and go for the last few hours but she is stable. I need you to answer me; did you or any of your friends have anything to do with this? Or did she act alone?" He asks looking into her eyes.

"S-she....s-she...she acted alone..I didn't know anything about it.....neither did my other f-friends..." She sobs softly. "W-what will happen to her?" she slowly asks.

"Normally the death penalty would be given....however due to her... Unique status it has be decided that she will serve life in New Prosost prison....." He got up to leave. "I'll have a wash basin and food sent to you..." He knocks on the door and exits, leaving her alone again in the room.

Chapter 25

New Prosost Prison
Medical ward
3 days after the incident
12:53pm
The last few days had been a blur for Rainbow as her mind tried to make sense of the pain she was in. Hours would seem to pass every time she blinked; she would often hear the muttering of doctors and nurses as they checked her bandages, but they never seemed to be directed towards her. However, it was different today. She woke up to an elderly Zebra in a pure white suit. He leered at her through a pair of glasses, before nodding to somepony. A orderly wearing a mask came into view from her left, wielding a large syringe. Her eyes widened, but her body was still numb and unable to move. The injection felt like she was being pummeled into the ground by a herd of Buffalo. Her system was instantly filled with adrenaline, her heart rate accelerating as she opened her mouth to scream.

"Aaaaahgggg!! What the hell was that?!" She shouted as her entire body quaked from the countless different drugs that were racing through her system. Her veins felt like they were filled with molten lead. It took her a few minutes as the pain died down to figure out for the first time in three days she was able to say something, and even move her body!

"Let's see...inmate 00963, or Miss;" The miss was said with mocking sarcasm; "Rainbow Dash. Let's look at your crimes, hmmmmm?" The elderly zebra gave her a cruel grin showing off a set of perfect white teeth, only marred by a single golden tooth. "Sabotage, the murder of 23 crew members of the HMS Fylgia, murdering 5 refinery workers, a countless number of charges of assault, and...oh, my personal favorite that got you dumped into my domain? Attempted Regicide of the Emperors favorite Niece." He smiled as he let it all sink in. He even laughed when she tried to open her mouth to try and deny it all. "Don't bother, your case has already been through court, and you lost! You should have seen it! Your defense had nothing! Your so stupid that you left incriminating evidence all over the site! And you know what the real kicker is? Your friends just sat there...not a single peep in your defense! How's that for justice? They either didn't see the point in trying to fight a futile case. Personally, my favorite part of this entire fiasco is how they have washed their hooves of any involvement with you. I couldn't blame them though; when you get sent my way everyone knows you have done something unforgivable! I bet you won't even survive the night once your healed up enough for me to dump you into the pit!" He continues to cackle.

"It was an accident!" Rainbow tried to lift up her hooves ,only to find she was cuffed to the bed. The metal bit uncomfortably into her skin. "I'm an Element of Harmony! I thought me and my friends had diplomatic immunity?!"

The Zebra pulls out a flask, taking a long drink before pouring some of the high proof booze onto her bandages, making her cringe. "You must have not read the fine print in your invitation to my fine country; only Twilight, Fancy, and Blueblood had diplomatic immunity, and that only applies to small crimes. The rest of your friends, including you are...were honored guests! I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you didn't read the fine print. Most Equestrians can barely count! I do have some good news though! You have guests coming to meet you, and I have a feeling they will the last ones you will see for a long time!" He leaves her field of vision as she heard the clopping of multiple hooves on the stone floor.
The group of mares and one baby dragon was led by Twilight with Spike riding on her back, Applejack and Rarity following close behind, and finally Pinkie and Fluttershy following at a snails pace.

Rainbow was about to smile at the chance to see her friends... until she saw just how haggard they all looked. Twilight's eyes had dark circles around them and her appearance was shaggy at best, with bits of her fur standing out at weird angles. Spikes normally purple scales seemed faded and his eyes were bloodshot, showing he too hadn't been sleeping well. Applejack seemed to be the best kept out of all of them, but her hat covered her eyes, and even from a distance Dash could smell liqueur on her breath. Rarity was wearing a plain grey dress but seemed to be lacking her makeup and seemed to have a scowl on her face. Pinkie's mane was straight, and her fur was a pale pinkish gray. She could only see one eye through her mane, and the sight of it made her shiver; it seemed dead... Finally, Fluttershy looked the worst out of all of them. Her mane was in knots, her fur was unbrushed and by far the worst part were her eyes, which were full of fear.

"Rainbow....." Twilight was the first to talk as they all dragged chairs from different corners of the bleak prison hospital.

"T-Twilight listen...this isn't what it looks like I was-" Rainbow was cut off by Twilight raising her hoof.

"Don't even try it Rainbow... It wasn't a Changeling, it wasn't your evil twin, and it sure as Celestias flank wasn't a mix up." She says with a hint of anger, but she just seemed... tired, and most of all disappointed.

Rainbow opened her mouth only for Rarity to quickly trot over and smack her across the cheek leaving a nasty bruise. "I can forgive most anything... But nearly killing an innocent princess and killing those who were only doing there jobs? That's low...if you ever manage to get out of this hellhole don't even think about coming near my shop or my sister!" She shouted right into her face before sitting back down.

"I...I...I wanted to restore harmony dammit! That's what we always do, so how is what I did any different than when we fought Nightmare Moon?! Or Discord?! Or that prick Sombra?!" She shouts. Tears were now freely falling from her eyes, but she just didn't give a shit anymore.

"You really are a foal, aren't you? What's wrong Rainbow? Things aren't going your way anymore so you try and justify your tantrums with the same bullshit that the unicorns and Pegisi use to justify attacking us hard working earth ponies? Well guess what Rainbow, some of use weren't so lucky to be born with extra limbs or bones sticking out of our heads! We have to toil in the dirt and struggle for everything we have while boneheads and cloud pounders like your lazy around on your fat plots getting everything hooved to you on a silver platter! So what was your play Rainbow, smash the refinery and come back home a hero? Did you even stop for a moment to think about the consequences of your actions? That us earth ponies would let it go and see the errors of our ways? Well guess what Rainbow, without those wings you're not even an Earth Pony OR Pegasus!!" The orange mare screams in her face, full of rage. The rest of her friend pull back, shocked at her harsh words towards non-earth ponies.

"W-what are you t-talking about; I'm a Pegasus..." Rainbow tries to moves her wings, but feels nothing. no "Somepony get a a mirror!"

Pinkie pulled a small mirror from her mane and slowly lifted it up for her to see. She was far from pretty, with most of her face covered in bandages, but what scared her the most? She was currently trying to spread her wings, but no matter what angle she looked she didn't see so much as a feather. no No No

Twilight sighed as rainbow continued the futile search. "They're gone" was all the purple mare could think of to say, as Rainbow stopped trying to find her wings.

"T-Twilight d-don't be silly. I'm a Pegasus, where would they go? They're stuck on my back." No NO NO She tried to laugh but a pit was growing in the bottom of her stomach.
"Rainbow when you got shot out of the sky it wasn't like all the other times where we just put you into the clinic. You already had lost a lot of blood from the gun shot wounds from the guards at the refinery." She raised her hoof to stop Rainbow from trying to deny it. "The bounty hunter who happened to be in the area used his trench gun to finish the job. Unluckily for your it was loaded with heavier Gryphon shot as apposed to lighter Pegisi shot... Your wings were little more then stumps when he dragged your flank to the law office and by then a nasty infection has set in. They had to remove what little there was left or you would have just been a corpse..." She said sighing as Rainbow collapsed into her bed, realizing it wasn't all some elaborate prank.

"G-girls you have to get me out of this. Isn't there something you can do? Use your princess powers or something Twilight!" She begs her friend, her voice growing hysterical as the weight of the situation finally falls onto her.

"Rainbow I don't think you realize just how much you have bu...you have bu...fucked up things between us and Zebrica! Don't even get me started on Britania! I just got a message from the Emperor, Rainbow! The fucking Emperor!!!! He's coming to Equestria to discuss reparations for what has happened, and he's far from happy about it! What you did will have effects on diplomacy for years, if not centuries! And why? Because the world moved on and your couldn't face that things were changing around you, with or without your consent. You know what your actions point to Rainbow? They aren't those of a freedom fighter or an Element of Harmony, they are the actions of a filly who never grew up..." Rainbow felt like a knife had been shoved into her heart.

"I-I didn't mean t-to" Rainbow barely manages to stutter out, while Twilight shakes her head and the other Elements leave.

"Rainbow... there's no getting you out of prison; this isn't like the time your sabotaged the weather and Celestia let you off with a warning. Innocent zebras and dogs died because of your actions. I'm sorry to say but repairing the damage you have done comes before our friendship. Asking to have you released into Equestrian custody just isn't in the cards...maybe in a few years I could at least get them to consider to pick up the case...but even if you got out and sent back to Equestria it wouldn't be like nothing ever happened. There's no kind way to say it but... your life is over. Even if Celestia and Luna didn't lock you up you wouldn't be able to join the Wonderbolts even if you somehow scraped the bits together, and as for work, the best you could hope for would be low wage and back breaking.." Twilight said, eliciting a whimper from Rainbow. "I haven't given up on you and I will continue to try and put a case together to have you released into Equestrian custody but...don't expect it to happen within the year." She left the now unresponsive Rainbowdash. Soon, the only company Rainbow had was the four high walls, and 17 other patients who spent their time moaning and wheezing.

New Timbuktu
Victory Square
VIP Section
6 days after the incident
1:12 pm
The remaining Elements of Harmony and the nobles were currently resting in a private shaded box, as the Zebras and Britanians finished cornering the streets for the parade. They were currently all trying to put on brave faces, but the glares and looks of disgust were getting to them. It also didn't help they all had escorts now to prevent any other incidents. It was unnerving that they had to be accompanied by them at all times, even in the bathroom!

Rarity was currently enjoying a fruity drink while wearing a large sunhat and sunglasses she had purchased. Applejack was just wearing her sisal with a grim expression on her face. Pinkie's mane and fur remained dull with the same sad expression she had since they were at Rainbow's trial. Fluttershy had her face wrapped in a colorful sash but if one listened you could still hear her cry. Spike kept himself busy reading some comics he got from the market but he rarely left Twilight's side. Twilight had put on the mask her mentor had taught her shortly after becoming a princess with a slight smile and some mascara to hide her eyes. Blueblood and Fancy wore solemn expressions, since while they didn't know Rainbow as well as Twilight it still effected them to have a hero in what was considered the worst prison in Zebrica.

None of them had spoken so much as a word today, simply trying to keep themselves busy before the parade; trying to take there minds off the bed bound princess who would miss it all.
It soon started, the sounds of boots marching on the stone streets announcing it's beginning. Leading the parade were a number of Young Cadets waving Zebrica's new flag while also holding banners that showed what troop there were; they were numbered from 1 to 150! Their uniforms were tan, greatly resembling the battle dress of Zebrican soldiers, but there were some differences such as a sash for badges and medals, neckerchiefs that seemed to show rank, and they had their troop number on there sleeves. They also seemed to have each made there own little floats mimicking the military vehicles and weapons. For example there was one float that reminded the nobles in the group of ponies a little to much of the tanks they had seen earlier in there trip, followed by a float that looked like the mortar truck firing bits of confetti. Finally there was a group of biplane replicas with a few fillies and colts riding on them.
Next following the fillies and colts was the civil engineering core. They had simple coveralls that seemed to be more utilitarian than what most ponies were used to. They had built their own floats that depicted what could only be new projects to come. Some were bridges, others dams, but the one that standed out the most was one titled Ziggurat. Even though it was only a model the sheer scale of such a project was a shock to the ponies, consisting of four smaller towers connected to a massive tower in the center. It would surely be a sight to see; just what sort of purpose could it have?
The nursing battalion followed next, with countless zebra mares and stallions in tan military dress with medical satchels and red crosses on their sleeves. Twilight started to scribble down some notes halfheartedly as they passed. The idea of an entire battalion dedicated to healing the army was as interesting as it was frightening. Equestria had rarely ever been in a conflict that made field medics necessary, and most of the injuries were just superficial!

Next was something that made Pinkie perk up a little. The cooking battalion! They too were wearing military dress, but their uniforms seemed to be more of a fusion between a cook's outfit and field dress than a combat uniform. They carried with them large portable cooking stations that had gas stoves, ovens, and even a sink, all packed onto trailers with off road tires! Your could even see the canned goods piled in some of the wagons.

Next were the Zebrican Dragoons and army. The Dragoons carried with them much heavier weapons such as LMGs and oversized Panzerfausts that reflected their built bodys, while the Grunts (as they were called by some of the soldiers) carried Stens and Lee Enfields. They were then followed by a number of Vickers IIA tanks that made the ground shake under their massive weight as their engines belched fumes into the air. Soon the mortar trucks followed behind them, all manned by Zebras. They looked ready to fire at any moment.

They parade seemed to end, but then the ground quaked under their hooves as no less then 26 Cyklop walkers rumbled by, well behind the rest of the parade. Their size alone would be enough to make even the most fool hardy Royal Guards turn tail and run, which doesn't even count their 57mm cannons and heavy machine guns. They walked, or rather lumbered side by side in groups of two down the street, causing some minor damage to the stone. It took awhile for them to pass, since the operators had to be careful; despite the Main Street being wide enough to accommodate heavy traffic it still was a fairly tight fit.

"That...was something." Blueblood said as he slowly got up and stretched, a little sore from having to wait so long for the relatively short parade. "Twilight if I remember correctly we have a meeting to attend." He said. Twilight ignored him, continuing to write down notes.

"Your majesty? I know that...recent events have left you troubled, but we can not forsake our duty to Equestria..." Fancy said. Twilight doesn't answer for several seconds, before slowly looking up and nodding sadly.

"Girls will you all be ok while I go to my meeting with the Zebrican parliament and the Sultan of Saddle Arabian peninsula?" She asked waiting a few moments for a response only to get silence and a few nods. She sighed sadly as she got up and was escorted away with Blueblood and Fancy to the Houses of Parliament.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Houses of Parliament
3:53pm
Twilight sat at one of the representative tables in front of the crescent moon shaped seating of the Zebrican parliament. The room was made almost entirely of dark old stained wood with marble floors. The representatives of Parliament sat at least 8-9 meters higher then her and the still unseen Sultan. As Twilight sipped at her glass of water she looked over at Fancy and Blueblood. Despite them only being here to witness they still felt on edge since the Saddle Arabians were once close allies of Equestria. However the most resent Sultan had become fairly militaristic in response to the growing giant at there border. It was, after all, no secret they had tried many times in the past to try and concur Zebrica; however the same mountains that protected them from the warlords also gave them supply problems, often leading them losing entire companies in the mountains alone.

The doors were soon forced open as the sultan walked in. Like all Saddle Arabians he had a taller and leaner body then most ponies, nearly at Luna's height. His coat was a rich brown with a dark black mane. He wore a dark robe the nearly covered his entire body, leaving only his neck and his young face exposed. On top of his head he had a pure white turban.

"Let this meeting between the Sultan and Zebrican Parliament commence... unless there are any complaints?" The newly elected Prime Minister Rafa spoke in a calm monotone.

"I have one; why are the Equestrians here? This is supposed to be a private meeting." The sultan said calmly, eyeing the ponies. He looked Twilight up and down in a way that made her shiver in disgust.

"They are here to observe only; they have no representative power in this meeting." Rafa says calmly. The sultan looks like he is about to protest, only for his mouth to close. He gives a quick nod, and sits down.
"We have called this meeting in response to your repeated attempts to probe our borders. We have already captured a number of your scouts. One would think that after centuries of failed conquests Saddle Arabians would have learned that Zebrica is beyond your grasp." General Shujaa chuckled, causing the Sultan to swell with indignation.

"I demand that you return them to Saddle Arabia, under the treaty signed by your sovereign in the year 100 BNMM." The sultan glared.

"Those treaties are more then 1000 years out of date and are not recognized by the new government. We have no incentive to follow the treaty, especially seeing how often your ancestors broke them." The minister says as the other representatives nod. "I should also state that you should tread lightly; despite your attempts to hide it, your country is suffering from a famine that has already spread to 7 of your 13 provinces. Luckily for us we have pesticides that have proven to be very effective against parasprites. But I found something very interesting from my reports... The parasprites are only a small part of the problem aren't they?"

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean; our farms have always out produced Equestrian farms." The sultan says while the Rafa pulls out a large binder.

"Let's just see how competent your farmers and nobility really are shall we?" He opens the large binder and starts pulling out documents. "Slash and burn agriculture compounded by the lack of crop rotation leading to the erosion of soil turning many of your famous oasis's into unlivable desert. But that's far from the worst part isn't it? Many of your costal settlements and land are literally disappearing into the sea. Then there's the age old Saddle Arabian practice of marring with in the family leading to a considerable number of still births and defects which further hurt your economy since most of them can barely make it across the room without getting lost. Then we have the famine made worse by the fact your many many foals demand half of every harvest despite throwing much of the meals they enjoy away. Your wastefulness that you have taught has only made your situation worse."

The sultan stood up and snorted angrily, his young age becoming apparent. "I will not be talked down too by a bunch of commoners! I am the Sultan of one of the greatest trading empires in the known world!" He shouts, eliciting laughter from everyone in the parliament.

"Formally greatest trading empire. Your serfs can barely scrape together enough wheat to make a loaf of bread let alone trade it. Your lack of foresight and proper parenting have lead to your own destruction. However, we are willing to help you during this time of need in return for you ceding all rights to the Nile River. It is already near the mountain range and we know you use it for more then just growing crops." Rafa says leaning over. "Consider it reparations for nearly a millennia of broken treaties and attempted invasions."

The Sultan finally snaps hearing it. "I will do no such thing! Giving you that land would drastically shrink our economy and leave you with three of my children's districts! Do you expect me to just tell them to pack up their palaces and cede what is there birth right?!" He shouts, his face contorted in anger.

"It is the only deal we will accept; Saddle Arabia has done much to Zebrica we are only asking what we are owed." Shujaa says looking at the young sultan, who glared up at him. "What are your really afraid of little colt? I don't see a sultan, I see a colt playing in his fathers robes. Is it that you fear that once the peasants you so love to mock would realize that living in a country that can provide for them, heal there sick, and repair the damage you have wrot to your country more then your own rule is better that they will revolt?"

"I won't stand for this!" He shouts. Rafa shakes his head
"While Shujaa is blunt his words have truth. You alone have sealed your countries fate." He says as the Sultan storms out.

A few moments passed as the representatives waited to see if he would come back after his temper tantrum before turning to leave.

"What was that? Surely the Zebrican parliament would know the sultan would never except such a deal." Twilight looked to the other two nobles who just nodded sadly.
"Oh they new he would never except such a deal. They know that the Sultan is too impulsive and young to negotiate with. He is simply too full of unjustified pride and arrogance to bother with. So they gave him a deal that he would never take; he will likely declare a war which he could never hope to win just to save face, while giving the zebras more room to maneuver and the moral high ground. They didn't even bother being discreet about it; they hit him right where it hurts." Fancy says while Blueblood nods sadly.
"It's a very effective political move. I'm ashamed to say that our own nobility have used such tactics to justify the invasion of some of the buffalo territories. Simply find the angriest one and push him 'till he retaliates, then suddenly poof all buffalo in that general area are the enemy..." Blueblood says while Twilight shakes her head.

"Why does Celestia allow them to have so much power?" She asks as then get up to leave.

"Lack of foresight; Celestia maybe long lived but she is far from all knowing. She has a plan relating to Zebrica and Britania but she hasn't told me any of the details." He says as he leads her out.

Chapter 26

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Aerodrome
Terminal D
5:21pm
Twilight sighed as she waited with her friends. It was decided that while she would be staying behind to try and repair the political fallout of Rainbow's actions, her friends had to be deported. At first when she had told her friends they were shocked; they had thought she wanted to go home as much as they did, especially after what happened. When they saw they couldn't change her mind they tried to stay with her, but she refused to allow them to put their lives on the line. There was plenty of yelling, and emotions rose up, but she soon explained that this was her job, as well as the job of the nobles.

"Twilight are you sure you will be ok? We all know the last few days have been...hard for all of us... But it doesn't feel right to just leave you here alone" Fluttershy managed to squeak out.

"I'll be ok girls. I know we normally work together when the odds are bad, but right now it seems the old lesson Celestia taught me applies here...." Twilight, seeing their blank looks, chose to continue. "Three ponies alone in a room can get more done then an entire committee...or something like that" she smiles tiredly.

"Well 'ah trust' ya Twilight I know I'm mostly clueless on how politics work... While I want to stay here as much as the others 'ah now our talents are better used elsewhere." Applejack says while trotting over to the purple mare. She pulled her into a deep hug that other mares soon joined in.
While they hug two faces they haven't seen since they left to visit some friend they met in prison trot up.

"Hello princess Twilight." Summer smiles, trying to be friendly as the group of mares stare at them.

"Where the buck have you two been?!" Twilight breaks away from the hug and trots up to the two shaking stallions. "You two were supposed to act as our guards and to prevent diplomatic incidents from happening! Now look what's happening!" She screams while the two stallions shrink away.

"We have a letter...." Pumpkin Patch slowly pulled out an envelope from under his wing and hoofed it to Twilight. "We're sorry, but that wasn't our original mission Twilight. We were sent here to evaluate Zebrica and their allies... In this document is our final report only for the eyes of the high princesses."

Twilight looks over the sealed envelope. "Why are you giving it to me? Aren't you two heading back to Equestria to give your report?" She looks down at if, before hoofing it to Rarity.

"When we said it was our final report, we meant it was our last report... enclosed in that envelope are our resignation letters." Summer said while the mares just stare at them in shock.

"What?! You two can't resign! You're a knight Summers, you're from one of the greatest lines in Equestria! And Pumpkin, you can't leave Luna's royal guard; she can barely scrape together enough for a tea party!" Rarity shouts at them in shock while Fluttershy walks forward.

"What about your families? Pumpkin, aren't you thinking of what this will do to Luna?" Fluttershy looks up at Pumpkin.

"I have a question for you mares...when was the last time you saw a Thestral outside of Luna's Royal guard?" Pumpkin waited for a few moments, watching the mares draw a blank. "Exactly. If it wasn't for Luna we wouldn't have much in employment. Even then she can't afford to pay us as well as the Solar guard. if it wasn't for the Barracks we would be homeless! Sure a few Thestrals can get work outside of the guard, but we make a lot less. I don't know how much less but....less. It's not easy, and I don't have to tell you what that leads to right?" He shakes his head. "I have been told all my life in Equestria that I wasn't a pony... I have been spit on, threatened, and attacked." He said while Applejack spoke up.

"But Luna's back now! Things have changed! Haven't they?" She asked a little unsure herself.

"She try's to actively help us but in the end you can't change the minds of most Equestrians... Our past sins and appearance are something we will always carry with us." He sighs softly, while the mares look over at Summers.

"But what about you Summers? You're a descendant of one of the greatest Knights in Equestria! What reason could you possibly have to leave?" Twilight looked over at the portly yellow stallion.

"For that very reason Twilight. It's always 'Hey, aren't you the descendant of some faceless knight no pony remembers?' It's never Summers... I hate being a being a knight honestly, but that's all I was allowed to be. From the minute I was born my life was planned out in Equestria. I may not have had the hard life Pumpkin has had but by the time I could talk and trot I was sent off for training. Have you ever seen real jousting? Not the one with the dull tips or paper-mâché lances, I mean where you end up in the hospital like what they do up in the Crystal empire. In Zebrica I have a choice." He sighs softly.

Twilight looks over at Pinkie and Fluttershy for some kind of support only to see them nodding their heads somberly. She sighs, and turns back to the two soldiers. "You know this is desertion right? There will be hearings on this, and they will demand your presence." She said, hoping it would change their minds.

"Zebrica doesn't let citizens be prosecuted by foreign governments. By the time that message is delivered to Equestria, our papers will have been put through. We have already renounced our Equestrian citizenship." Pumpkin says, much to Twilight's shock. She briefly opens her mouth, before closing it and nodding.

"I understand. Thank you for telling me." She says while the two stallions turn to leave.

"Tell Luna we're sorry... But whether she wants to admit it or not my kind doesn't belong in Equestria." Pumpkin says before catching up to Summers.

Zebrica
New Prosost prison
The Pit
6:21pm
The former Zulu warrior known as Ulwazi relaxed on his cold stone bed ,looking up at the stone ceiling. There was little else to do since there was little in the way of entertainment in the pit, mostly just fights, weightlifting equipment, and food that was dropped down into the pit every few hours mostly consisting of ration bars that were god awful. He slowly got up from his bed and looked around his cell. The walls were covered with academical symbols, and notes written in his kind's oldest tongue. He slowly ran his hoof over the largest circle in the center of the cell, spedning some time looking over the intricate patterns and symbols. His eyes wandered to a puddle of water, and he looked into his reflection. His entire face was covered with lay-line tattoos that slowly spiraled around his eyes and seemed to swirl, split, and then reconnect in different areas in a strangely organic manner.

His ears twitched when he heard a rat squeezing it's way through a crack in the wall. He slowly made his way over to the rat as it finally squeezed it's way out squeaking loudly. He waited for a few seconds till it tried to run and crushed it with his hoof. He lifted up the corpse, noticing that a message was tied to it's stomach.
"Well well...lets see what the gods have sent to me today." He smiles as he untied the message and slowly unfolded it. His eyes widen upon reading it. "A new inmate? Interesting... looks like I will have to secure some ingredients." He slowly left his cell walking past the iron bars and the opened door.

He made his way to the stone outcrop where to could look down at all the inmates. He sighed softly before shaking his head. His cell was the highest and largest compared to the others. He remembered when he had first come here; he looked up at the the opening that was nearly 300 meters above him. It was nearly a perfect cylinder of bedrock and sand stone and if one were to listen closely one could here the carnivorous bats fluttering and squeaking above.

His ears twitched as he looked down, seeing another fight between a badly scarred Zebra and tan and speckled Gryphon. He smiled, seeing it was the Cannibal of the Serengeti plains and the Slaver of De Aar (respectively, of course). He watched as the Gryphon make the first move; his eyes widened in glee, seeing the Gryphon go instantly for the tendon, only for the zebra to dodge to the far left and deliver a strong buck to the gryphon's wing, making him yowl. The gryphon acted fast, slashing the zebra's barrel with his talons, leaving deep jagged cuts that seeped blood.

While he watched he laid down on his barrel, letting his fore hooves hang off the rock outcrop. "If that were a pegasus this would have been over by now..." He smiles as the zebra stumbles a bit on his hooves, before letting out a loud snort and pawing at the ground. That zebra was feral, but what would one expect of something raised by lions? The zebra roared, charging at the gryphon, who attempted to fly out of the way only for the zebra to bite down on his paw and pull hard forcing him to the ground. The zebra ripped his head away, taking out a chunk of flesh and swallowing, before licking his lips. The gryphon slowly got back up, struggling for a moment from the pain before screeching loud and charging, prompting the zebra to do the same. In a few moments it was over, with the gryphon wrapping its beak around the zebras neck and pulling out his throat. He then stood on top of the corpse of the zebra and roared loudly.

There was silence for a few moments before a nearly deafening cheer broke out. The gryphon had just earned their respect; after all, that zebra had dragged plenty of dead inmates to his cell after a fight.
He sighed softly, seeing the gryphon pull off a leg from the zebra and start to take the winding path up to his cell. He turned and trotted back in. After all if it wasn't for his runes and talent the pit would be far more empty.

Equestria
Canterlot
Lunar Guards Barracks
7:45pm
Luna sighed as she trotted down the nearly empty barracks. Once upon a time it was nearly filled to the rafters with her guard stallions, ready to serve her. Now though? It was a reminder of her failure to protect the very ponies she had taken in and called her own. She continued to trot past the countless empty bunks with the lockers below left open and empty, showing her just how quickly they left. She finally reached the door to the lunch hall, which she slowly pushed open. Only one table in the back of the room was filled. Even from this distance she could hear them whisper as they looked at her.

She stood there for a few moments before turning to leave, teleporting herself to her room before they could try and stop her. She collapsed onto her bed. Several minutes later, she heard a voice spoke up.
"Sister? Luna?" She heard the sound of her sister's voice on the other side of her door and sighed. Anypony but her... "I know you're in there Luna...please can I come in? I know it has been hard, But I can't help you if you don't let me...." Luna sighed as she got up and unlocked the magically sealed door. Celestia slowly trotted in. seeing her sister laying down on her pillow, looking away from the door.

"Hello sister. I trust you have come to talk to me again about my critically understaffed guard?" She asked coldly, prompting Celestia's ears to lower.

"Lun-sister, don't be like that. You know that I'm as shocked as you are about this..." All she got was a snort from her sister.

"That's the difference sister. I am not shocked about this in the least." Luna sat up, looking her sister dead in the eye. "This was bound to happen eventually... After all, ponies feared Thestrals long before I ever took them under my wing. Oh, the things I promised them as Nightmare.... Even after I failed to give them the things I promised and let the madness take hold of my mind, they alone were forced to pay for what were MY sins,. Even then, they still loved me. But then what always happens happened. I came back and made promises to show Equestria that they weren't monsters and I failed again. It didn't matter that I used what little power I had in politics to give them the food they needed, or the fact I paid out of pocket to set up a scholarship program, or even that I spoke out against the abuse they suffered. It added up to nothing. In the end it was your ponies that had the final say."

"Lulu, I'm sorry for what has happened..." The white mare managed to say after several seconds of silence, making Luna glare.

"Don't talk to me like I'm some fussy foal; I'm not a mewling filly that you can calm down with a demeaning nickname and a story. I'm the sovereign of the Thestrals; but answer me this sister." She leaned forward. "Would this have happened if you had gotten rid of your fear of being like Sombra and put your hoof down in my absence? Would this have happened if you were willing to see me as more then your little sister?" She looked deeply into her sister's eyes. "I have my own share of the blame, I will never deny that, but you could have fixed this ages ago. Even if it meant painting me as the villain to protect them. You of all ponies knew how much they mean to me, even before I took them into Equestria....but now? What am I without my ponies? Am I even a sovereign or just your boogiemare?" She sighed sadly.

Celestia opened her mouth to say something along the lines of 'I don't know', or 'I'm trying to figure out what happened'. But she knew it wouldn't be good enough; in the end, she was as responsible for the suffering of Thestrals as Luna was. "I know my inaction helped cause this, And nothing I will say will make up for it... But I want you to know I'm sorry." Celestia turned to leave hoping in her heart Luna would stop her, but she soon found herself past the door frame and walking down the hall.

Luna just curled up in her bed closing her eyes, praying that her ponies were safe even if it meant they weren't with her.

Britannia
Provence of England
London
Citadel
11:57pm
The emperor woke up, covered in sweat. He quickly sat up, his eyes darting around the room, looking for something that he couldn't remember. He rested his paw on his face, trying to calm his nightmare induced panic. He breathed in and out, his heart nearly beating out of his chest. It took time, but he finally managed to reach a shaking hand over to his side table and grab a glass of water before guzzling it down like he had been stranded in the desert.

"What is this? Every night it seems like these visions threaten to consume me..." He gets up, wobbling a bit on his paws before slipping on a crimson robe and making his way to his desk.

He always found that inspiration would hit him after these nightmares. He thought as he sat down at the chair, trying to remember what it was he saw before pulling out paper from one of the drawers in the Elder Oak desk and taking out a fountain pen. He started to sketch his...vision, for lack of a better word... onto the pristine white paper, taking time with the detail but also trying to sketch it before the thought was lost. The image began to take shape on the paper with a number of symbols and what could only be equations on the sides of the drawing. It seemed to be some sort of electrical system but there were also a number of mechanical components that seemed out of place, almost like the drawing was only a small piece of the puzzle. He sighed softly as he left the paper on his seat before returning to his bed, once again trying to return to sleep.

Britannia
Province of Germany
Isenstadt
Das Adler INN
4:03am
General Lutz slept alone in a large hotel room, courtesy of the Doctor; apparently they had a little containment breach and had to seal off large sections of the base to contain it. The last few days had left him feeling on edge, since he hated to be idle, but one should never argue with the Doctor (especially since he was backed by the Führer himself). It was unwise, to say the least, to question him. The only sound that could be heard in the room was the loud snoring of the general as he slept. The silence was broken by the bedside phone suddenly ringing.

Lutz woke up and tore the phone off the table, bringing the reciever to his ear. "This better be dammed important enough to wake me up at such an hour." He growled as he heard laughing with a gentle wheezing on the other end of the line.

"Oh general... Is that any way to talk to an old friend?" The voice on the other end of the line spoke in old German. "Even after I paid out of MY pocket to give you such wonderful accommodations." The voice made Lutz's blood run cold.

"Heir Doctor! Please excuse me for my rudeness!" He shouts, while the man on the other line laughs at the shock in his voice.

"You are forgiven. I trust your stay in Isenstadt has been enjoyable? There are so few old German towns left since the war ended." The voice asked him.

"Yes, I have found this town has much of the old world charm that is hard to find in the cities. I found a lovely coffee shop by the inn" Lutz said, waiting a few moments for a response.

"Have you taken time to see the remains of the camp?" His eyes widened hearing that.

"I surely do not know what you mean heir Doctor..." His attempt to lie was cut off by a scoff.

"You know every well what camp I am talking about. You after all had once acted as a guard for-"

"Stop! I know exactly what you are talking about... I'm sure I don't have to remind you that you are going against the Führers orders by even mentioning them? If the rest of Britainnia were to find out what we did......"

The voice scoffs again. "Do not patronize me, I know exactly what would happen. The difference is I do not hide from my history; I embrace it. What we did had to be done, and we both know the other provinces were too soft on the traitors. I don't have to remind you that the work that was done in those camps saved many of our dogs lives." The voice says evenly to him. "I think it is time we meet face to face... Say around lunch? I have plenty of demonstrations set up thanks to our latest shipment from Zebrica." The doctor soon hanged up, leaving the room in silence.

He didn't fall asleep for the rest of the night.

Chapter 27

Britannia
England
London Nautica
Royal Hanger
6:00am
Emperor Theo slowly entered the observation room that was directly connected to the Royal Hanger. He was wearing his decorated royal blue uniform with gold epaulettes on either shoulder; his chest bore a number of medals. A 1914 Star, a Britanian War Medal, an Arctic Star, numerous war medals, a Victoria Cross, a George Cross, an order or merit, just to name a few. On the other side of his chest was a golden aiguillette that was perfectly braided with no fringe. His fur drastically contrasted the uniform, it was pure snow white with no blemishes or tangles.

The observation room was fairly large and filled with a number of control panels covered with flickering lights, switches, and even a few levers. The room was currently dark, due to the heavy metal retractable shutters on the windows. In the center of the observation room was a tea table set up with a fresh sterling silver pot of tea, a bowl of sugar, and a plate of pastries. He slowly sat down at the small cherry table in the rich brown chair.

His pointed ears twitch as he heard the opposite door as it open, revealing Helene Von Zeppelin. She was a lovely German Pinscher who wore a beautiful long fur coat made from polar bear furthat was as white as he was, with a mink fur scarf. One could only just see her ankles and her high heels as she entered and sat down. Her eyes centered on him, and her lips curled into a soft smile.

"Greetings my Emperor. I pray that your trip to the London Nautica from the Citadel was enjoyable." She says as she pours him a cup of tea before pouring herself some as well.

"It was as enjoyable as it could be, I suppose... You told me that you have been working on a new design?" He asks, looking at the metal shutters.

"Yes my Emperor. I thank your for allowing me to continue my father's work." She said, with some sadness.
"Your father was truly a gifted engineer... His designs allowed us to have mobile bases deep in dragon territory. What can you tell me about your new design?" He asks, hoping to change the subject. He proceeds to take a sip of his tea.

"Well I can't take complete credit for it. It was based on one of my father's designs, I just improved and updated it using the computation devices here in the Nautica. I had to incorporate new firing controls into the design along with having to extend its length to allow the incorporation of the latest computation devices for navigation, targeting, and general computation. For the more general computation I used the upgraded Z2 computer. It was a gift from the Führer himself." She says as she gets up and slowly makes her way to the control panel.

Theo's eyes wide upon hearing that. "More then one computation device? Isn't that excessive? How could an airship hold such a large device?! Surely it would ground the ship!" He says, pondering how to fit such a large device onto an airship.

"Well I had to redesign the casing for the Z2 so I could fit it more efficiently into the ship. I couldn't remove any of the hardware so I had to increase the amount of lifting gas to compensate for it." She said as she started to adjust some of the switches and dials.

"Just how big of an airship did you build?" Theo curses himself for not looking over the budget allocated to the development department.

She smiles proudly as she flips a switch on the metal control panels and the shutters raise. It takes Theo a few moments to figure out just what he is looking at. "T-that ship... Its...". It was covered in a fresh coat of silver white paint and was heavily armed with a countless number of QF 2-pounder guns bristling the sides of it. It looked more like a massive wall, but as upon looking down Theo saw a slight curve. The small size of the windows in comparison to the Zepplin made it hard to see all of it.

"The new airship I have built is much larger then anything we currently have in our fleet, and far more heavily armed. It can also carry an entire Squadron of military aircraft along with two cargo and or transport planes. It is double hulled to allow the construction of an airstrip on the upper hull; it still has its extendable trapeze system to capture flying aircraft and a new launching system that can be used at higher altitudes by basically dropping aircraft and allowing them to use gravity to assist their take off. As for its armaments, despite what you may think only a few of the auto cannons are QF 2-pounders. A number of them are actually a new upscaled model we hope to field in Zebrica to help defend the boarders; we call them QF 12-pounders. It also has a number of Vickers Machineguns that can be retracted into the hull to help stream line it to help act as close quarters defense ontop of the flack shield. Heaver weapons include solid propellant rockets that can be used on both air targets and on targets on the ground. The last piece took time to figure out since it is still in the early stages of development but we have managed to create a large cannon weapon that uses the recoilless principle to allow the use of heavy artillery for siege operations. It's size is comparable the the 18 inch Mark I with twin barrels that can be retracted into the ship when not in use. Sadly its angle of fire has to take into account the use of a back blast to avoid the ship being drastically thrown off course, making its target angle fairly narrow, but it's meant for sieges anyway. We have also managed to to incorporate the latest in Radar to allow the detection of targets, helping it fill the role of a command vessel on top of the normal passive detection equipment. Besides the repair bay the ship also has its own machine shop to allow the repair of existing parts and in a pinch it could be used to make new parts, though slowly. For the crew it has a medical bay with the equipment needed for both major and minor surgery. It holds a crew of 430 not including the air squadron and medical personnel. The Fiberglass hull is about 20% thicker then what is normally used in combat Zeppelins. Finally, I have made sure that your personal living quarters are as lavish as your palace with a hot water bath, golden sink, private restroom, a study, a radio, full sized bed, and even a protector for your entertainment!" She takes a deep breath and gives a weak smile, waiting for Theo's response.

"Just how much did this behemoth cost the Empire...?" Theo slowly asks, taking the sight of the behmoth in.
"Since this Zeppelin is about the size of..." She quickly does some caluclations. "...12 Hindenburg class airships, and taking into account the unique materials and equipment needed to take on such a venture... arrrround 50 million pounds. Not including labor, of course." She said blushing a bit at the number. Theo nearly has a stroke; that could pay for an entire fleet!

"W-while I thank you for making such a weapon possible let alone as my private cruiser... Do you not think this is excessive?!" Theo fails to clam himself down, shocked at the outrageousness of it all.

"Of course not my emperor. You are the glory and spirit of the Empire personified. Only the greatest ship is worthy to transport you!" A nearby telephone built into one of the consoles start's ringing, and she gets up. "One moment, my Emperor." She lifts up the phone to her ear, before looking back to Theo. "The ship has finished loading it's supplies and crew. It is ready to transport you to Equestria."

Theo's blood runs cold as he remembers his reason for coming to the London Nautica in the first place. "Yes. Would you please lead me..." He said, barely repressing the rage he felt in his chest when he thought of his niece.

Britania
Province of Germany
Isenstadt
12:13pm

General Lutz sat in his private chauffeured vehicle as they drove down a secluded road. On either side of the road the thick forest seemed almost ominous, despite it being mid day. The forest was the source of many old and unsavory folk tales that were used across the province of Germany to scare little misbehaving pups into acting with good behavior. However, the forest was the reason he was here. They continued to drive down the road, a small military base coming into view ahead of them. It had a number of plain buildings, all mostly made of concrete or brick. There was little in the way of design as all seven of the the buildings were little more then ugly blocks in the middle of the dense forest. However one was in the center of the other six buildings and was fairly large in comparison, looking like a hanger or warehouse.

As they pulled up the the gate his driver pulled out his credentials and showed them to the the armed soldiers. The gates infront of them opened up, and they were waved through. They continued to drive forward as they opened the large hanger doors, allowing them to drive right into the brick building onto a steel platform in the center. They slowly closed the door behind them, leaving them with nothing to listen to but the sounds of the running car. As he, waited general Lutz tried to keep himself entertained by counting the numerous wooden crates around his car before the metal platform shook and began to slowly lower into the ground, taking them with it.

As the lift moved downwards, he let his eyes wander to the metal guides on either side of the elevator where the large metal gears that moved the elevator connected with the walls. As the platform was lowered he watched as they passed the foundation, constructed of mortar and large stones. The walls then changed to concrete as they continued descending. Eventually the walls fell away, revealing their end destination to be a massive cavern. The four guides for the gears below the platform remained as they continued to be lowered until they reached the stone floor.

Lutz sighed; it had been years since he had last been here. Too many bad memories made during the war that he would rather forge. Just remembering the faces of the cultists as they were forced into the labs made him shiver.

The car slowly drove off the metal platform switching on its lights. Despite the numerous street lamps on the road the darkness in the cavern still threatened to swallow anything that strayed too far from the path. Down the road was something that could only be described as a massive military complex, built on the ruins of a long forgotten castle that had sunken into the caverns long ago. While much of the castle had been repaired to its old glory it also had a number of oddities that reflected the current era, such as the massive iron and steel walls, electric fencing, searchlights, artillery, and even trenches around the castle's perimeter. The castle's size was mind boggling; it was almost as large as the Citadel!

But the strangest thing? The entrenched soldiers weren't looking outwards for intruders... Nom they were looking directly at the castle. Their true purpose was not to stop intruders but to act as containment. That was the most unnerving part of this place.

As they continued to drive to the strange castle the drawbridge and gates slowly opened, welcoming him in. They passed large stone columns and countless disturbing stone statues, ranging from gargoyles to monstrosities that could only be out of the works of the reclusive H. P. Lovecraft. The car slowly came to a stop inside a courtyard where a young officer seemed to be waiting for him.

The chauffeur killed the engine, and then walked outside to open Lutz's door . General Lutz slowly turned and got out of his car, nodding as the officer in the dark uniform saluted him. "Welcome to the Farm, General. The doctor is waiting for you in the observation room; he has a meal prepared for you." The young German shepherd motions for him to follow. The two entered the castle and passed a number of different paintings and twisted works of art before stepping into an elevator, which slowly moved to the lower levels of the base. It was a short ride to the old dungeons that had been converted into labs. Lutz and his guide got out, quickly walking past a number of old empty cells that gave way to reinforced glass.

He stopped for a few moments to look inside one of the containment rooms and paled. This one held a German Pincer (but could he really be called that anymore?). His body was horribly mutilated from what he could only believe was the doctor's experiments. Much of his fur was removed and had little in the way of clothing, only a cloth around his lower body that was likely made from his tattered bedsheets. As he looked closer he saw a number of surgical scars on his body.

"Ah! My good friend, it has been so long since we have last seen each other..." Lutz heard the voice from directly behind him and paled, before slowly turning to see an elderly German Shepard in a blood stained labcoat.

"Totenkopf... It has hasn't it... Why is there a young soldier in one of your containment rooms?" He asks evenly. The doctor's face splits into a wicked, animal like smile.

"Ah, you must mean young Otto... Such a resilient specimen. Its amazing what a young soldier will do it you offer them something they want. Even through all the pain of my work he has never given up. After all, he knows all to well that what I do is necessary. After the Führer was humiliated at the Great Exhibition when the Z1 computation devise not only failed to function but caught fire right in the Emperor he is pushing for a breakthrough in military technology. As long as I have written permission he cares not what I do as long as I get results." He smiled as he looked through the glass. "I have recently acquired a very interesting specimen that I feel that you will be most... Interested in."

He motions for the the general to follow him. Lutz takes one last look at the young soldier before following, whispering "Poor bastard."

They passed by a number of containment cells, seeing some of the Doctor's twisted experiments and latest specimens from the west, ranging from the vicious timber wolves of the Everfree forest, to manticores, cockatrices, and even a sedated hydra.

"As you know I have taken an interest in some of the strange creatures of the west... Even as we speak our army is working to secure me an Ursa Major. But my latest specimen has not only intrigued me but has fully captured captured my interest." He slowly opens a bulk head door that leads to a room with a table. The table had a full spread of food, ranging from fresh made sausage, while chicken, collared greens, potatoes, and even beer. The doctor sat down on the far side of the table motioning for the general to sit in the chair closest to the door.

The bulkhead promptly closed shut with a bang as Lutz started to serve himself some of the food after watching the doctor enjoy some of the sausage and greens. "So what new specimen could have possibly captured your interest?" Lutz asked as the doctor chuckled.

"You know the badlands in the west are full of fascinating creatures, many that were either thought to be extinct or mythical... but as I started to send my dogs to investigate we found something. Something I believe we can turn into a weapon that will finally give the Führer the recognition he craves so much." He smiled as he cut into his sausage and brought a chunk of it to his maw. "Imagine if you could have the perfect spies and assassins that wouldn't even know what they are until they are triggered? Yes, yes, we have had the concept for a long time but I found an organism that uses it actively. An entire army hidden in the populous in plain sight but blending in seamlessly. Sadly their... Leader did not know how to effectively use such an impressive weapon." He smiled as he slowly got up from the table and moved to a panel next to a large pitch black window.

The general swallows nervously, watching the doctor move. " What did you find...?"
The doctor once again smiled that horrible smile of his, before flipping a few switches as the lights were turned on in the containment chamber. It was nearly entirely empty with only a sort of operating table in the center. He couldn't see what was on it since it was covered with a white sheet but the doctor turned a dial and the table slowly lifted tilting forwards to the window allowing the sheet to slide off the form.

"When we found her her remaining drones could just barely keep her alive... Damaged but repairable with the proper authorization" the doctor said as he let the general take in just was he was seeing.
Strapped to the table was what could only be described as a quadriplegic pony. All four of its limbs were little more then stumps with fresh scabs and scar tissue on them. The..... mare he supposed looking down at her nethers lacked the soft coats of normal Equestrians instead having a dark smooth chitin. She also seems to have a mane that was Dark cerulean and seemed to some how have holes in it. But the eyes were the thing that captured his attention the most; even with the light they seemed to glow a sickly green color, yet they seemed empty and devoid of intelligence.

"General Lutz, I would like to introduce you to my latest subject, former Queen Chrysalis." Totenkopf looked to the dumbfounded general, his grin somehow growing wider.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
New Prosost Prison
Medical ward
9:43pm

Rainbow smiles as she flew through the skies of Ponyville pushing the clouds back into place for the latest rainstorm. She rested on the soft puffy cloud looking down at the small town, sighing as she watched countless townspeople going about their business, buying fresh fruits and vegetables from the local farmers.

"Rainbow!" She hears a familiar voice and quickly looks to it's source, spotting the orange coat of her number one fan.

"Squirt!" She smiles, getting up and stretching her wings. With a 'whumpf' she flapped into the air, before gliding over to Scootalo. "Came here for your flying lesson?" She asks, giving the juvenile pegasus a playfully noogie on her purple mane.

"Ya!" She squees, enjoying the attention of her role model.

"Well squirt, today I'm going to take you up with me so I can show you how to glide." She says as she lifts the small pegasus onto her back letting her hang onto her neck.

"Awwwwww; but I thought you did you were going to teach me how to fly?" She asks, before hugging Rainbow's neck. Rainbow proceeds to take a running start, before with a flap of her wings she was in the air.

"Scoot, you have to learn how to glide before you can fly, so you can get a hang of turning and a feel for the air under your wings" she says as she starts to climb into the sky.

"Why would I have to know that? Don't I just have to flap my wings really fast?" She asks, watching the ground below them get farther and farther away.

"Scoot, the problem isn't that your flapping too little, it's that your not flapping correctly. If you try flapping like you normally do on your scooter you will burn yourself out, if you even manage to get off the ground at all." She says, seeing a cloud and landing on it while taking Scootaloo off her back. She sets Scootalo down, and steps back a few hoof lengths. "Ok, now stretch out your wings"
Scootaloo nods as she slowly stretches out her wings. Rainbow carefully looks them over, before clucking her tongue. "Scoot, have you been preening your wings like I taught you?" She gives her a knowing stare.

"Mostly...?" She awkwardly says, looking up into the eyes of her adopted big sister.

Rainbow sighs as she starts to preen her wings gently taking her time to work out the few out of place feathers. "We have been over this countless times Scoot; I know you don't like it but preening your wings is necessary if you want to fly" she says as she pulls out a feather making Scootaloo wince. "There... Are you ready?" She asks looking down at her.

"Ya!" She smiles as she jumps excitedly.

"Ok first spread your wings like I do..." Rainbow slowly unfurls her wings letting them open up at nearly their full length, with just a bit of curve. She waits a few moments to let Scootaloo copy her. "No, not all the way. Just leave them a bit bent to help catch the wind" she watches Scootaloo correct herself, and nods. "Ok, I'm going to be right behind. Just take a running start and try to keep yourself level. I will be right behind you if something goes wrong, ok?" She says, trying to ease her upon noticing her fear of being so high in the sky. Scootalo then goes ahead with Rainbow's instruction, jumping off the cloud with Rainbow close behind.

"You're doing great! Just try to stay level!" She smiles as she flew next to the gliding filly, who, despite being a bit shaky, was doing well for her first flight.

"I'm flying I'm flying!" She shouted happily. Rainbow didn't bother to correct her, not wanting to ruin the moment.

They continued to fly together as she showed the young Pegasus how to bank and dive before pulling her back up to allow her to enjoy the feeling of the air run over her feathers just a little bit longer. Rainbow smiled as she watched Scootaloo glide next to her, getting the first feel for her wings in the air. But as they continued to fly Rainbow's ears twitched, hearing something like a shout. She didn't think much of it before a loud crack fills her ears and a horrible stabbing pain engulfs her wings as she started to lose altitude rapidly.

"Rainbow!" Scootaloo looks at her in horror, but she wasn't looking at her face; she was looking at her wings.

Rainbow slowly turns her head to looked at her wings. All the blood left her face upon the sight; there were only two stumps were there should be wings. As the ground rapidly approached her, she started to scream.

"Ahhhhhhhhh!" She closes her eyes, preparing for the impact, but opens them when she feels nothing. She comes face to face with the cruel warden of her new "home".

"Well, well, well! It's good to see our newest inmate was sleeping well, since it will likely be your last good sleep for a every long time." He gives her a crooked smile. "I have some good news! You're going into the pit! I'm sure you will be very popular down there; most female inmates don't last too long!" He says as she starts to feel her bed move. She was being pushed down a concrete hallway. The walls lacked any decor, and the only sight was concrete.

They passed through a number of heavy steel doors that were opened by a guard, safely hidden behind about a foot of concrete and iron bars operating the door with a push button. Finally she arrived at a wide hallway with metal chain link fencing on either side that was under a meter away from either wall with a number of machineguns barrels pointing towards them behind the concrete wall. "What do you think? Even if the inmates some how got out of the pit they will only find a wall of lead on either side of them! I remember when I humored a few of the inmates, letting a few of the braver ones try to run though... they didn't even make it a quarter way, and that's including when they slid on the smooth floor It was beautiful, it was almost like it was all happening in slow motion. Those inmates learned really quick that there is no escape from here, though when the population gets a little to crowded I offer to let some of the fool hearty ones try." He stops the bed motioning to the two orderlies that were pushing her bed just out of her sight to unlock her from the bed. He draws a Webley Revolver, and brandishes it around. " Now now don't try anything; it would be shame to kill your blue ass before you got to meet the other inmates." He said as he took another long swig from his flask as the two orderlies pushed her to the end of the hall way where the floor just dropped out.
The hallway can to what could only be called an open air stone chamber that seemed to be roughly cylindrical. If one looked up they could see the blue sky and the sun, but if they looked down they could only see darkness and the soft chatter of what could only be bats.

"W-what...?" Rainbow could only shudder as she was pushed closer to the edge.

The warden just smiled pulling out a hunk of bloody meat before dropping it into the pit. As it fell the chittering got louder and suddenly countless large black shapes started to attack the meat, coming from holes in the chamber. The fluttering of bat wings got louder as the countless flying rodents attacked it, tearing the meat to pieces right before her eyes before only a bone was left to fall down into the darkness.

"Vampyrum spectrum, or the spectral bat. They're such a fascinating species, normally about 90 centimeters but this little subspecies has grown to about 150 centimeters. Also, unlike their close cousins they prefer preying on the local residents over small birds. I find that they are a very effective countermeasure for stopping escapees. Thank the ancestors that the top of the chamber is covered with chain link fencing. Wouldn't want these little bastards to escape now would we?" Rainbow was staring at him wide eyed. "Ah, don't give me that look. We feed them...most of the time. Just keep your cell door closed at night." He said putting his flask away into his snow white suit as a sort of cage is lowered by a crane in front of them over the dark abyss. It was fairly large, with enough to fit at least 20 ponies and still having some space to spare. The top had a sort of platform with four guards armed with Stens. The four Zebras seemed to be all nearly identical since their tan uniforms covered most of their bodies. They seemed to be operating searchlights on the four corners. Rainbow was forced into the cage with the door being shut behind her.

The cage was lowered so the warden could get on the upper platform before the crane slowly swings out to the center of the pit and slowly starts to lower them down into the abyss. As the cage is lowered into the darkness the guards switched on the searchlights as some of the bats started to peek outside of there dens In the walls. They stared at Rainbow with eerie expressions, following her all the way down. There eyes glowed white from the bright lights, and Rainbow couldn't help but shudder at their stare. The ride seemed to last forever; even with the searchlights it seemed like the darkness swallowed everything, but then as she strained her eyes she started to see faint lights.

As the cage continued to be lowered the lights started to become more and more noticeable. They were lantern lights, just cutting though the darkness, lighting up stone dwellings cut right into the rock. The cage continued to be lowered until it rested in the center of the stone floor; already a number of inmates looked outside of their cells at her, their bodies shrouded in darkness. Like the bats, the spotlights gave them glowing white eyes. As she looked around she saw that the cells were arranged in a spiral pattern slowly climbing the walls beyond her line of sight. As she tried to take this all in the warden lifted a metal megaphone to his lips.

"Hello my forsaken! My abominations! My monsters! It is I, your beloved warden, with a gift! Straight from Equestria! One of Celestia's beloved lap dogs! I'm sure you will love her!" He cackles, looking down at Rainbow as the cage door swings open. "Get out; I'm sure you wouldn't want to disappoint your new friends!" He motions for his guards to give a warning shot.

The crack of the gun forces the traumatized pony to scramble out. She opens her mouth but the cage is already being lifted back up into the darkness, leaving her alone in the center of one of the most notorious prisons in Zebrica.

She heard someone slowly approaching her from the back and slowly turned herself around coming face to beak with a massive Gryphon. "Hmmm" he looks her over, slowly walking around in circles. As he does this she looks him over as well he was a dark Raven headed gryphon with dark black feathers that nearly made him disappear in the darkness. He was much larger then her and his muscles bulged showing a lifetime of struggle. "You will do..." He smiled in a way that made Rainbows skin crawl.

"H-hey get back creep!" She backs away as she instinctively pushes out her chest and growls.

"Heh..... Fight in you still? This will be fun" he cracks his neck and stretched out his large wings as he started to circle her.

Rainbow didn't wait and charged at him, making the first move. "I said back off!!" She screamed, charging at him before he moved over and tripped her letting her roll across the ground. This knocked over one of the lanterns and blew it out, putting the two in complete darkness. She continued to put on a brave face as she was left in the darkness, but old instincts started to kick in.

"What's wrong pony? Have you strayed too far from Celestia's light? You ponies spend so much time in it that when faced with the darkness even the bravest of you turn to mewling foals." The voice seemed to be all around her as she turned her head, trying to find where it was coming from.

"Stay back!" Despite her attempts to sound brave, fear continued to grow in her as the she could just hear his steps in the darkness around her.

She felt something pierce her flank making her yowl in pain before grabbing a stone and blindly swinging it in the darkness, connecting with what she could only hope was the head of the Gryphon.

"Ack! Heh...ha...hahaha...hahahahahahah!!!!! Not bad for a pony!" He continued to laugh as he retreated away from her. She could hear him stumble around, hearing the faint drip of what she hoped was water. "But, sadly, not nearly good enough!" She heard a loud flap and something connected with her head causing her to stumble and collapse in the darkness. None of the inmates could see but they could hear the sound of something heavy being dragged.

Chapter 28

Britainia
England
HMS Progress Airship Super Dreadnought class
Lower observation deck
9:12am

Theo sighed as his "private" airship slowly circled around the capital, the crew running the ship through it's paces. While he would have liked to leave right away, he understood the necessity of testing the ship's engines and components for faults. Luckily, he observed that they were nearly finished as he drank a warm cup of Irish coffee to help calm his nerves. He smiled; from this altitude he could see across the English Channel over into France. A wonderful view.

However, what truly caught his attention was the massive HMS Reckoning as it slowly made its way out of the water. While at first glance one could easily mistake it for a sea going dreadnought, it was in fact one of the 12 super land ships he had designed. He watched the massive construct slowly rise out of the water, it'slarge centrical legs slowly pumping to move it forward.
"I remember when we first laid down the hull of that ship... most were convinced that such a thing would never work at such a scale, but now? We have 12." He says, mostly to himself, ignoring the servants in his private observation deck as they silently cleaned up his breakfast of eggs and steak.

He couldn't help but swell up with pride as the massive walking dreadnought made landfall, rising above all but the London Nautica. The massive walker stopped in a grassy plain just outside of London. The eight cylindrical legs almost gave it the appearance of a spider, though it wasn't much of a surprise; walkers were generally inspired from organic life. As the airship lazily flew over it he saw that it's sea based sister ship was currently sailing nearby, along with a small fleet representing the most decorated ships in the navy.
As he stood near the railing that separated him from the glass enclosure around him one of his maids came up to him holding a ringing phone. He looks the cocker spaniel over before picking up the phone and holding it to his ear.

"This is the Bridge reporting... we have finished the final tests of the HMS Progress. We are ready for the send off on your order sir."

The emperor waited for a few moments. "I am ready. Commence."

The small fleet had finished getting into formation and slowly raised their cannons before firing ceremonial shots into the sky just below us. Even the HMS Reckoning raised its elephantine cannons and fired, adding to the already impressive display.

The airship slowly changes course heading for the west. iIts engines hum loudly, being pushed to nearly full tilt. The Emperor nearly lost his balance from the sudden increase in speed before righting himself with the help of the railing.

Theo continues too hold the phone in his hand before lifting it up to his ear. "Push the engines, I want to arrive in Equestria ahead of schedule."

Crystal Empire
Abandoned Shimmering Bay Settlement
Snow Crab Peir
12:26pm

Sir Amethyst watched as the ships unloaded there cargo onto the the frozen piers. If it wasn't for the freezing weather they would have rotted away a long time ago. As he looked around the abandoned settlement he couldn't help but swell up in anger. When they had left he was worried that they would have to improvise down south since Cadence had been promising to start allowing the Crystal Empire to rebuild their trade routes. But once again it seemed to be an empty promise, since after sending stallions to search the forgotten settlement they hadn't seen any hint that anypony had been here since they left.
The old town was once the center of sea trade in the world, with countless warehouses, taverns, homes, and even stores serving he trading hub, but now? It was blanketed in thick snow and many of the buildings were unable to be discerned from thick ice that covered them. It was almost haunting to look at, seeing a town he once remembered as full of life and culture reduced to a frozen ghost town.
He sighed, climbing down the boardwalk onto the frozen Pier and making his way to the old warehouse. It was just down the pier and had a number of icicles hanging off the roof with a thick layer of snow blanketing it all. He forced the door open, cursing a bit since it was nearly frozen shut. He was happy to find that the inside was slightly warmer.

"Sir Amethyst? We have just finished unloading the first Galleon and are currently trying to unload the rest of the arms we were given. Are you sure you wish to continue with the plan? We arrived behind schedule and six days isn't nearly long enough to train our recruits. Can we not just wait?" A former noble by the name of Glittering Shroud asked, after pulling off her thick scarf.
Amethyst sat down on on of the crates and shook his head at the brownish crystal mare. "Princess Cadence is planning to burn all the books and priceless works of art the Equestrian guard has collected over the past few years in a massive Bonfire. She says its so we can let go of the past and move forward but what it truly is... Is cultural genocide. Whether she is truly aware of what her actions are initialing or not if we lose the basis of our Empire then all this..." He waves his hoof around the warehouse where countless Crystal Ponies are stacking up the arms crates and reading the simplistic manuals given to them. "Will all be for nothing. What is the point of kicking them out if we have nothing else?"
The mare sighs and nods. "What of the child? Their infant nearly destroyed our home and despite this they allow it to remain with in our borders. If not for that crimson maned stallion the Empire would be trapped under ice and snow..."

Sir Amethyst gives her a hard look. "I will deal with the child when the time comes."

"Surely you're not saying what I think you're saying! Dangerous or not it's still an infant!" She shakes her head backing away.

"I will do what ever it takes to take back our land. I will try to avoid hurting her." He pulls out a ring from his thick leather fur lined jacket. "I was given a number of these Valdium rings. I know little of how a simple element could potentially render even the stronger spell casters helpless but it does. Those strange mutts have found that by creating alloys using this metal they can block certain kinds of magic. This one is made of an alloy of Nickle and Valdium.. Useful for rendering Unicorns helpless... I just pray to the gods that the old folk tales of Alicorns having unicorn magic ring true." He sighs. "If not, I can't allow the child to escape with her parents; her powers are already far beyond the pink Alicorn's... She is a threat to our very existence, but they refuse to reign in her power. Such powerful magic can not be allowed to be free. For if it does, when she grows up what will stop her from coming to take back her mothers ill gotten throne?" He gets up and leaves to help with training the recruits. "In the end I will do what has to be done, so no other stallion have to have the burden."

Equestria
Canterlot Castle
Lunar Guards Barracks
Lunch Hall
3:00pm

Luna walked through the halls of the old Lunar Barracks that were now completely empty. Despite her sister's protests she had decided to disband the Lunar Guard; she knew the last remaining Thestrals only stayed out of loyalty but as keeper of dreams she knew what they wanted in their hearts. She released them of their service, giving each of them a considerable sum of bits so they could reach Zebrica safely, and bid them farewell. She kept a neutral face during all of it but now? She sat in the lunc..... No Mead Hall..... Who cared what her sister thought.

"A toast." Luna lifts a glass of distilled Moonshine in the air with her magic while looking around the hall in a drunken haze. "Long live the Lunar Guard and to all the ponies who made this possible!" She laughs dryly to herself before pouring the glass' contents into her mouth.

As she entertained herself, slowly drinking from her hidden stash of Moonshine a number of nobles had worked there way into the empty barracks.

"Now that those pesky half breeds are gone we can finally use this place for something useful. After we disinfect everything, of course; you never know what sorts of diseases those freaks carry! Maybe convert it into a ballroom? With all the commoners Celestia insists on inviting its getting so crowded, never mind how none of them know their place. I can see it now; this will be our private ballroom. If Celestia wants to mingle with commoners then let her, but we shan't have to suffer." They continue to walk down the old barracks.
"Look at this; one of those little freaks left behind a picture of its family." One of the snotty nobles chuckled as he levitated a discarded charcoal sketch of a family. "I suppose one of the few good things to come out of trading with those filthy zebra and mutts is that we finally got rid of those half-breeds. Now, if only we could get Celestia to let us put high tariffs on foreign goods like we used to; our houses will be in the clear again!" He laughs while the rest follow suit as he rips up the old picture letting the pieces fall to the floor.
"Now we just have to figure out how to get rid of the Princess" the mare stutters before giggling. "That out of touch windbag still doesn't get it! You think that after seeing her empty night court and her pathetic royal budget she would get the message we don't want her around! She's always 'bla bla bla introduction of public census, bla bla bla public forum, bla bla bla relaxation of taxation of the mud ponies'." They all share a laugh.

As they continue to make their way through the old Lunar barracks none of them noticed the eyes of the younger princess watching them, hidden in the rafters above them. She took a long sip from a bottle of antique Crystal wine before downing it all and sneaking out through one of the skylights.

Equestria
Canterlot
Starswirl Station
5:00pm

Hard Law was currently boarding the train heading for Ponyville. He stopped for a few moments to look at the unicorn stallions resting in the control car, likely preparing their enchantments. Any lesser stallion would feel pity for them, since Canterlot was currently negotiating a deal for Zebrica to sell one of their countless steam locomotives. It would likely put the train enchanters out of business, but that wasn't his problem. No, his job was to deal with the seemingly impossible amount of bootleg booze poring out of Ponyville, since it seemed like the local guard was unwilling to try and fight them. He boards the wooden car and rests on one of the empty seats, as the car start to lazily pull forward.
"Hard Law, right?" The brown coated grey maned unicorn looks behind him to see a Grey colored mare wearing a veiled black hat and a thick black wool jacket.

"What's it to you?" He asks, snorting; most ponies just ignored him.

"Oh, nothing. I know your work very well. I'm just going to give you a warning." The mare says, smiling ever so lightly.

"A warning? For what? I'm just on holiday." He says.

"That's cute... no, I know Celestia herself is sending you to Ponyville to clean up all the corruption. I'm just here to say... go home." She says first smiling and giggling, before speaking evenly, not as threat but almost like she was asking him.

"I guess my gig is up. Am I to believe that you're somehow connected to all the corruption? I could always take you in I suppose." He says, only for the mare to laugh.

"You could try. I won't stop you but the thing about Ponyville? There's a new status quo now, the old system of corruption in the ranks of the old Cloudsdale Weather Bureau and unicorn bureaucracy has been over thrown there. You want to know why the local garrison hasn't done anything to stop the crime? It's simple; they stay out of the way, Ponyville remains peaceful, but if they start trying to make a few arrests? The sleepy town becomes a war zone. It's that simple. The old rules no longer apply." She says as he looks at him, her bright yellow eyes almost showing through her veil.

"So you're saying the crown and guard should just sit idly by while ponies break the law?" He leans back to get a better look at the mare.

"Oh no... continue to uphold the law, but bootlegging, spice, and illegal gun running? Just walk away. By letting them do as they wish the foals are safe and the town is thriving thanks to them. You think the ponies their will be on your side? No, they see those criminals you have been sent to arrest as heroes. If you try to change things well... you may just force their hoof and find out what they really think about Canterlot and the crown. Is it any different they what you did before?" She slowly gets up from her seat.

"I'm going to have to ask you to sit back down till we reach Ponyville miss; I have questions, and I feel like you may just have the answers. You seem confused. The weather bureau and unicorns were in no violation of the law." He says standing up.

"Is that right? So some crimes are protected while those who upset the system must be punished?" She says standing there for a few moments. "My roommate was right; Canterlot ponies don't know how to thank somepony for good advice." She drops something down of the floor of the car only for it to explode filling the car with smoke.

"Stop in the name of Celestia!" He says as he tries to keep his stinging eyes open, only for the smoke to clear thanks to a few of the passengers opening windows. He looked around frantically, but the strange mare was gone.

Equestria
Ponyville
Old Carrot Homestead
11:00pm

The old Carrot homestead had seen better days, with the house still having a few scorch marks from what came to be known as the "Tragedy of the Harvests", but the old property had served her well. Almost nopony ever came around thanks to the "accident" so it was a great place to store contraband until they could unload it. The fields remained barren with countless weeds and thorn bushes ravaging the soil. The creek, however, seemed to be as pure and clean as it was when Carrot was just a filly. If one were to look closely they would see a number of old ditches splintering off the creek into where the fields once were.
"Hurry up with those crates. I can't have them in the open for the whole town to see!" Carrot said annoyed as her stallions unloaded the illegal guns and weapons into her hidden root cellar for safe keeping until she could figure out how to distribute them.

"Boss Carrot!" A small half grown cult runs up to her.

"Pipsqueak, what did I say about coming out here at night!" She sighs, looking down at the small colt.
"I'm sorry miss Carrot....." The small colt looked down. "But this couldn't wait!" He says looking up at her with determination.

Carrot just sighs. "Well come down to the cellar Pipsqueak. I have some hot chocolate brewing and I think I have some canned peaches around somewhere. Let's get you warmed up and fed before you tell me anything." She says smiling as she leads him down to the root cellar where a steaming kettle rests on a small stove.

"You don't have to call me Boss Carrot, you know Pip. I'm just Aunty Top to you" she smiles pouring some hot water into a cup and then some instant hot chocolate.

"Where's that old thing of peaches..." She starts looking through the old shelves at the labeled jars. "Ah!" She grabs a jar and rests it on a dusty table, popping off the lid as Pip sits down on an old creaky chair, He grabs his cup and starts to drink. "Now have some food and drink then you can tell me." She waits a bit letting the small spotted colt warm up with hot chocolate and peaches. "Now what were you gonna tell me?"
"It's from Mr. Rich. He says one of his contacts told him that some stallion is coming down from Canterlot! I think his name was... Hard Law!" He says, looking up at her with a small chocolate mustache on his face.

Carrots eye twitches for a second before she takes a deep breath. "Thank you Pip; you did a very good thing coming out her to tell me." She smiles again. "Now do you still have that little peashooter I got you?" She smiles trotting away to look through some of the crates stacked up around them in the dusty cellar.

"Yep! I pratice with it every day like you told me!" He smiles as she comes back with a few boxes of .22 cal rounds.

"Here's about three hundred rounds for my little messenger!" She ruffles his mane and smiles. "Now remember what I always tell you; don't load it unless you plan to shoot it. Caramel! You're about to head home anyway, take Pip home while your at it! It's not safe at night." She says to the stallion who nods his head, leading the young colt out of the cellar.

Making sure Pip was out of hearing distance she snorted in frustration."Gizmo! Handle the cataloging while I'm gone!" She yells at the lankly dirty white and brown maimed stallion as she trotted up the stairs.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
New Prosost Prison
The Pit
12:01pm

The first thing Rainbow felt when she woke up in the darkness was a throbbing pain in the back of her head. She slowly sat up from the stone floor and looked around, seeing little in the darkness.

"Welcome back to the land of the living pony..." Her eyes widen, hearing the familiar voice as a chill goes down her neck. "You're not bad, but you fight like an Equestrian, that's for sure."

She looks around futilely in the darkness, only for a lamp to be lit and rested on a stone shelf. It took a few moments for her eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness before she manages to get a look around the cell. It was fairly Spartan compared to what she was used to back home, with a stone bed, a stone shelf, and a barred wooden door that was held shut with a large stone on the ground but no sign of the gryphon. "W-where are you?" She stutters out.

"Up here..." He says as she slowly raises her head to see the gryphon looking down at her with a blank face as he rested on an iron bar the ran across the ceiling. "Sorry for ruffling you up a bit but that's how it goes; think of it like hazing back in Cloudsdale. Only here you're my prison wife now."

"What?! I'm noponys wife!" She yells as she stumbles over to the door only for the gryphon to land in front of her.

"Hey hey you can't open the door now! The bats are flying around if you open it we both die! Besides its either me or the fruitcake zebra who believes in female mutalation or as he calls it..... female circumcision." He does air quotes saying it. "Besides, you're going to have a cell mate; no matter where you go they're all occupied unless you want to see what it's like to be eaten alive by thousands of vampire bats." He says while the sounds of bats flying and theirchittering became louder.

Rainbow, remembering what had happened when the warden throw out a hunk of bloody meat, shudders. "S-so what do you want?" She asks trying to get into a fighting pose, backing away as her tail instinctively is held between her legs.

"What do I want?" He raises one of his talons to his face and seems to think. "I want many things; money, power, drugs... I will admit I'm a greedy creature but you can't offer me what I really want... No I think I will keep you around, after all you don't live long down here without friends." He smiles.

"Friends? That sounds like something Twilight would say..." She sighs sitting down.

"Welcome to the Pit, pony. it's not so bad when you get used to it." He says yawning climbing onto his makeshift stone bed throwing her some rough spun blankets. "They're basically potato sacks but they keep the chill at bay... mostly. Get some sleep. Tomorrow, I'm showing how you survive down here..."

Chapter 29

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
New Prosost Prison
The Pit
9:00AM

"Wake up!" Rainbow was currently shaken awake by the Raven headed gryphon. "Rations are going to be dropped any minute unless you want to go hungry get off your plot and move it!" She opens her eyes to see the annoyed gryphon.

"Yaya......." She slowly gets up. "What's the big deal? They feed you three times a day don't they?" She looks at the gryphon only for him to start laughing.

"You have a lot to learn pony we get fed once and only once a day unless the warden is feeling like letting us go hungry to help his bottom line. Even then he makes sure that we have to fight over what they give us there's never enough so we either fight or starve." He pushes her up to her hooves while she shakes her head in disbelief.

"B-but I thought that Zebrica was all about r.... Rehab...... Celestia dam it!" She wracks her brain for the word.

"Rehabilitation? Well ya for normal criminals but for the likes of us? Sulfur mines and maybe a few cage fights!" He laughs half heartedly. "Pony this place isn't for rehabilitation I thought you would have figured that out by now, this place is where they send convicts to die, often painfully now zip and move that toned flank!" He lifts off a rusty bar from the door and slowly sliding it open to the main chamber. "Now unless you want a bad ride with one of the locals stay near me they will gang up on you and they will tear you up." He says making her huff but one look around the cavern and feeling the stares make her shutter.

She kept near him as she looked up she could just see the blue sky far out of her reach along with a few bats fluttering around. "So...... I never got your name......" She says hoping to break the tension.

The gryphon seems to think for a moment. "Gábriel..... Though if you read the papers I was known as the Raven of Balsam..... It's time?" He looks up seeing a platform being slowly lowered down.

Rainbow looked around seeing the other prisoners licking there's lips staring up at the platform. "So what are they sending down?" She asks despite the platform being little more then a grate with cable supports she couldn't make out what it was.

"Ration bars..... Made from some kind of algae or something..... They taste awful but they keep us alive..... When it hits the floor get ready to move and grab what you can before heading back to the cell....... Eating in the open is only for those high on the totem pole down here.... Or those who think they can fight off the starving inmates that haven't had a good meal in awhile" he says as he eyes the platform as it slowly lowered.

Rainbow waits in the back of her head she wondered why she couldn't just fly up and grab some... The phantom pain in her back quickly returned the bitter memory. She swallows watching it slowly get closer to the stone floor.

"......wait....." He says as the platform falls to the ground and a single zebra with swirling tattoos slowly trots over down from the highest cell and slowly makes his way down the pathway the lines the cavern slowly circling the group of inmates looking down at them.

Rainbow watched the zebra and couldn't help but shutter. She didn't know why but something wasn't quite right about him as he slowly made his way to the cubical stack of dark green bricks that were to be their meal. "Who is that?....." She asks while Gábriels claw forces her head down.

"Don't look at him! He was Balsams personal mystic!" He wispers into her ear as he forces her to keep her head down seeing he other inmates are doing the same around her.

"....mystic?.... Like a unicorn?" She asks liking over at the gryphon only for him to look at her like she was stupid.

"No not like a unicorn....." He shakes his head while the the group of inmates make room for him to walk past towards the cubical stack of dark green bricks on the metal platform. "If your lucky you might just see something."

The zebra stood in front of the small stack of food for a few moments. He just stared at it before she noticed something in the corner of her eye. She slowly looked over seeing an amber and gold mane. "Lightening D-" just as she was about to call out the name her mouth was covered.

"Well..... Luckily he wasn't going to bless the food if you interrupted him during it....." shakes his head as the zebra leaves with a brick once he climbs his way back up to his cell shutting his door.

Once he closed the door every inmate jumped forward trying to grab what they could Rainbow found herself trapped under a Minotaur, two zebras, and what she hopped was her husband for lack of a better word before grabbing something in her hoof and pulling with all her might but she was trapped. "C-can't b-breat-....." Only for talons to grab her back hooves and pull her out from the pile of inmates fighting over scraps.

"Come on let's get back to the cell unless you feel like trying your luck with them...." Gábriel looked down at her helping her to her hooves as he motions to a few zebra and ponies staring at them hungrily. He slowly helps her back to their cell. "Hold your nose when you eat it...." He helps her back into the cell and bolts the door before taking a large bite out of his meal after pulling it out from under his wing wincing a bit a the taste.

Rainbow looks at him and sniffs the bar, in any other situation she would turn down the off smelling brick but her stomach was rumbling. She sighed taking a bite having to stop herself from spitting out the ration bar and forcing herself to swallow it down her eyes watering a bit from the taste.

"When you finish I'll show you where we are going to be doing back breaking labor and after a long day I'll show you the still." He smiles as he bites out another chuck out of his bar.

"When you say still do you mean?....." She asks as he nods.

"Tastes awful but let's be honest down here anything to put you in a mild haze to distract you right? Now finish your bar the platform will be lowered soon to take us up to the mine." He smiles as he sits next to her.

Equestria
Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres
11:53am

Big Mac sighs as he makes his way over to his sister while she moves the latest harvest in the barn with her white sisal covering her eyes. "AJ? When you finish that we have to talk." He says as he wait for some kind of response only to get a half hearted grunt.

"AJ don't be like that... I know your still hurting but getting mad at things you can't change won't make it better." He says only to hear another grunt but this one was quieter. He look her over and slowly made his way over to her while she continued to throw barrel after barrel into the barn. "Sis you need to stop your not well, please come inside...." He reaches out a hoof to touch her only for her to pull away, his frown grew but he knew that pushing it with her would make it worse. He turned to leave only to suddenly feel a familiar weight on his side and the feelings of his sister hiding her face in his coat. "...AJ?..."

"I-is it our fault?...." She asks as she drys her tears on his coat her hat falling onto the ground nearby as she hugged him a familiar smell hit his nose from her breath.

"Is what our fault?....." He asks hoping she's not asking what he thinks she is.

"You know dammed well what I'm talking about....." She says looking up at him with red eyes.

"AJ..... There's no telling why she did what she did...... I know she was mad about the changes that were happening around her.... And the fact she was having trouble at that fancy academy... But the only pony that would know why she did what she did is her... Ever since the papers started printing what happened Iv spent every night wondering what should have happened if I did something differently... Maybe if I offered to hire her before she lost her house... But then I remember we were trying to pay off our debts.... Then I wonder what if us and the other farmers protested before we switched to mechanical irrigation.... Only for me to remember how the CWC handles protests... We can spend all of our time finding ways to blame ourselves or we can make the best with what we got we can't change the past... No matter how much we want too..." He says sadly resting on his haunches while hugging his younger sister close.

"...Mac... I know what she did is wrong... And that what she did was her own choice.... But I can't help but feel responsible... Even if we didn't force her... We indirectly took everything from her... And then.... I just added salt to the wound when I finally saw her." She sniffs softly.

"AJ I know it's hard.... You have a tendency to bottle up your emotions and try to hide it all behind work ethic, frustration, and anger.... Ever since we were foals you... And I have trouble expressing ourselves after what happened to our family... Applebloom even was effected by it and she was too young to even remember them... That's likely our faults... But we have to focus on what we can do... Right now we have a babysister that needs us and a granny that needs our care... So we need to just keep moving forward... No matter what..." He says waiting for Applejack to say something only for her to remain silent. When he try's to pull away a grunt tells him to stay, he sighs just sitting there with her comforting his sister.

Equestria
Ponyville
Sugar Cube Corner
12:32pm

Misses Cake rested at the counter sighing softly the lunch rush just ended and she could afford to take a breather. It seemed like all the ponies in their little town had lunch at the same time these days. Not that she could complain they could finally start to afford saving up Bits for Pound and Pumpkins college fund. The new ovens were faster and cheaper then using the enchanted ones from Canterlot, even the upkeep was cheaper no more having to hire some unicorn to redo enchantments or repair, they were so easy to fix even her beloved clumsy husband could do it. However not everything was well in the bakery, ever since Pinkie came back she seemed to lack the energy and personally that she and her family had come to love.

"Miss Cake?... I finished the raisin muffins want me to put them in the display or in the ice box so they'll keep?...." She turned her head to see Pinkie holding a baking try of muffins. Her coat was a pale pink and her mane laid limp over her face hiding half of her frown.

"You can put them in the ice box for now dear... The display is full from all those donuts we made earlier...." She says softly while the pink mare turned around and slowly made her way back to the kitchen to the large ice box resting the tray inside.

"..... Ok..." She says half heartedly before resting the try inside and closing the thick door.

Misses cake slowly got off her stool and trotted over to the front door flipping the we'er open sign to sorry we'er closed. "Pinkie?.... Dear could you come over here for a bit?...." She asks entering he kitchen seeing how clean it was almost giving off a sterile feeling compared to the usual mess it was when Pinkie baked.

"Uh-huh...." Pinkie exits the pantry holding a bag of flour and resting it on the prep counters before trotting over to her. "Is this about the donuts?.... I dunno why ponies aren't buying them as much... I followed the recipe..." She says while Misses Cake just looks at her in shock.

"You followed the recipe?... No going with the flow?... Adding fun ingredients?... Closing your eyes and dumping what ever you felt like into the mixer?... Pinkie.... Are you ok?... This isn't like you..." She reached out and touched Pinkies shoulder only for the mare to just stand there with no reaction.

"... I guess..." She says while looking at the wooden floor and scuffing her right good against it.

"Pinkie.... I know something is wrong... It has to do with your friend doesn't it?...." The response made the mare flinch. "I can't pretend to know what your going through right now... But... I want you to know that both me and Carrot Cake are here for you... If you ever need to talk.... Please don't hold back your as much a part of this family as the twins are...."

"... Ok misses Cake... Thanks...." She says softly while going back to the prep counter and pulling out some dough. "I'll get back to work..."

While misses Cake wanted to say more she wasn't sure what else she could say to the heart broken mare. "I'll just start wading the tables then...." She sighs sadly as she leaves going back upfront and cleaning off the crumbs and plates from the booths.

Equestria
Ponyville
Carousel Boutique
12:47pm

Rarity sighed softly as she finished a few alterations for a few local clients in Ponyville before. Looking around her shop she could almost pretend for a moment that she was still selling hoofmade dresses to nobles and locals alike. But if one were to look closer at some of the dress wearing ponyikins they would see the faintest trace of dust on them. She haven't been able to sell one of her own dresses for at-least a few months. Luckily the incoming alterations kept her afloat with little spending money compared to what she used to have. Oddly enough the spa wasn't missing her business it seemed many of he farmers, store owners, and even some of the laborers could now afford it. She was happy that they were thriving but it was a bitter pill to swallow when she could no longer afford her Deluxe Spa treatments once a week. She slowly got up from her sewing table resting the plain blue altered dress before making her way to her idea table. Looking down at all the drawings that laid haphazardly on it, countless ball gowns, party dresses, sun hats, and even a few more..... Personal designs were all laid out before her on parchment and ink. It only reminded her of the changing market now, massive fancy ball gowns were out of style along with corsets, sure the new styles had there charm, suits with ties, simple yet elegant dresses, and large hats seemed to still be popular, for now any way she had managed to sell a few of her own but Filthy started importing some from Zebrica that used exotic Feathers and fabrics she couldn't hope to find in Equestria and importing them would cost to much as it was she was just getting buy!

"Rarity?....." She looked down to see her little sister Sweetie Belle trotting in with her saddle bags on her back with a big smile on her face

"Yes Sweetie?" She asks smile softly seeing her sister.

"I have something to tell you....." She giggles struggling to contain her excitement "you know how I'm president of the Ponyville Choir and music club? Guess what happened today!!!" She bounces up and down excitedly.

"Did you win your audition to sing thr Equestrian anthem for the town?" She smiles down her sister only to confuse her further by shaking her head.

"Even better! I mean ya of course we won the audition but something even better one of the Diamond dogs that has been selling those radios to Mr. Filthy heard us singing and wants to record us for those radio stations down south! They are even gonna pay us 10 pence each time they play one of our songs! That means that I'll be able to pay for camp!" She smiles while Rarity just try's to put on a happy face.

"T-that's wonderful Sweetie I know how much going to that singing camp means to you! W-why don't we celebrate at Sugar Cube Corner! B-but first why don't you go upstairs and clean yourself up, I just need to clean up a bit myself." She says keeping her smile on her face while Sweetie Belle squees and runs to her room leaving Rarity to her thoughts.

She sighs trotting to her room passing by the countless ponyikins wearing dresses that would likely never be sold and stacks of hats that were out style. She enters her room, the room was unusually messy but not nearly as bad as Sweeties luckily. She sits down in front of her vanity mirror looking at her self. What she saw made her queasy, the stress from both what happened and keeping her business afloat was showing, luckily she could cover it up with makeup expertly.

"I'm so strapped for cash that my little sister has to pay for camp herself.... What did I do wrong? I'm following my cutie mark but I'm slowly watching my savings dwindle... What kind of world is this when ones cutie mark becomes obsolete?..." She rubs the makeup off her face with a cloth revealing a few small wrinkles around her face and bags under her eyes. While many stallions would consider her still beautiful her ideas of perfection made her feel as if she should wear a mask. "Why couldn't have those diamond dogs stayed on there little content far away from us?... Rainbow wouldn't be rotting in a prison, Twilight wouldn't be neck deep in politics, and I wouldn't be slowly losing everything I made..." She sniffs as she starts to reapply her makeup carefully she was proud Sweetie was finally finding her place in the world but she couldn't help but feel a bit of resentment for her sister already more successful then she was at her age. But is seemed like she would likely have to find secondary employment in order to keep a roof over their heads.

Equestria
Ponyville
Fluttershys cottage
2:27pm

Fluttershy sighed as she rested in her couch while hugging her Angle Bunny close, a radio on her coffee table was on announcing the weather and winning lottery numbers but to her it was just background noise. She was still recovering from there time in Zebrica, it was hard for her to forget being torn from her bed and dragged away with a hood over her head to who knows where. The Government had sent a number of apologies to all of them but she rarely read them preferring to just stay home and collect her salary as a forest ranger.

A soft nocking was heard at her door she slowly got up passing a faced down picture frame on one of the shelves pausing to look at it before shaking her head. She passes a number of empty food bowls and try's to avoid the few animals scurrying about on her floor. "Y-yes?...." She stops at the door opening it with the chain lock still on.

A brown coated middle aged stallion was on the the other side of the door. "Fluttershy I presume?" He asks politely smiling softly.

"Y-yes?... C-can I help you?..." She asks as she looked through the small opening.

"I was wondering if you could answer some quest-" he was cut off when she slammed the door in his face and locked it.

"N-no thank you! P-please go away! I mean if you don't mind..." She says the last bit mostly to herself before slowly making her way back to her couch where Angel Bunny watched her sadly.

The nocking continued for a bit before it stopped and she heard the stallion leave. "Why won't they just leave me alone... I-I thought by now the news ponies would just move on to somepony else...." She sighs cuddling her snow white bunny close.

The rabbit squeaked at her softly making her shake her head while he looks up at her with a frown.

"I I just can't Angel.... After seeing what she did... All the evidence... And the pictures... Just thinking about all the foals that depended on those zebra... E-even now I can't except she did it but seeing her like that... It makes my heart feel like it's being torn... " she sniffs softly nuzzling her bunny. "I just can't see how the mare who...who protected me in flight school.... Who would help me with my flying..... Who would spend sleepless nights studing for tests with me.... Could do that.... If someone I thought I knew so well is capable of that... Then what really separates us from all the monsters we face?... If it really only takes is to have some things taken away and some frustration then... H-how can I trust anyone?... W-what if one of the girls suddenly loses there lively hood?... O-or what if my parents savings run out?... I-I don't know what to think anymore... I always thought everyone only needed a little kindness... But what happens when kindness isn't enough?...." She sniffed before softly crying while her animal friends slowly surrounded her hoping to provide some sort of comfort.

Equestria
Ponyville
Royal Guard Post
2:01pm

Hard Law sighed he had hoped that by asking for help and support from the Mane Six would allow him to garner more help. But it seemed like they were unwilling to help thanks to resent events. It seemed like he would have to do things the old fashioned way he would have to shape up the local guard first. He looked around his small office that was just a bit larger then a boom closet with little more then a scratched desk and a few files planted on top of it. He slowly got up from the lose wooden chair and shuffled past his desk and exited his makeshift office.

As he opened the door and made his way through the small guard post to the break room. That halls were fairly simple being covered with old slightly faded wallpaper with a number of old paintings that were likely given from local artists. If he bothered to look out the window he passed he would see a rather scenic view of the Ponyville country side along with a garden just out front... A rather poorly tended one at that but perhaps it was fitting since this was an old house converted into a sort of makeshift post. Ponyville never was willing to have a true Royal Guards Barracks built something about it not being welcoming but with the latest... Changes he had to wonder just how true that was he didn't even notice the rather oddly muscular white pegasus until he ran right into his chest which was akin to running into a stone wall.

"FORGIVE ME COMMANDER HARD LAW! I WASN'T LOOKING WHERE I WAS GOING!" Hard Law was nearly struck deaf with the intensity of the voice that the stallion was know for. Luckily for the pegasus the brown unicorn had read through the files of the local guard. Most of them were reserves with only one full time guard on site.

"It is fine errrm Bulk Biceps.... I know that your.... Nervousness causes you to..... Raise your voice just please try not to yell in this old stallions ear would you?" He says trying to put on a friendly face while the stallion nods his head. "Could you patrol and see what you can find on the Ponyville Trio?" He reachs up a hoof to stop Bulk from opening his mouth. "A nod will do thank you." Bulk slowly nods his head and bows before trotting away.

"No wonder crime is rampant in this town.... Let's see..... Oh yes..... Lily..... Let's see what our guest has to stay about all of this....." He sighed as he trotted to a locked door near the kitchen of the converted home moving the dead bolt and opening the door next to the wood stove. He slowly made his way down the old steps to the basement where old Rondels sat next to a candle. The mute grey coated stallion wore an old Royal Guard helm that was dented and showed signs of age, it covered a smoky black mane, but by far the most striking feature of the old stallion was his eyes a sort of cloudy green. He never even bother to look Hard Laws way only focusing on their only lead and prisoner a pink coated and blond maned mare who's irritated yellow eyes stared through the rusty bars unblinking.

"Anything to report Rondels? Have you managed to get anything out of her yet?" He asks hoping for some good news.

"Nothing I can't tell if this mares brain is too fried to talk or if she's the hardest nut I have had to crack since the Harvest case... With the new laws on the books I can't use most of the old tactics I did back then either..... Not with out the go ahead from you...." He sighed resting on an old crate.

"Your sure you can't crack her?" He asks looking over the mare but she hadn't moved in hours since they caught her dealing and threw her in the cell.

"As I said she hasn't said a word and she has all the signs of heavy use of Spice..... Have you every seen what happens to somepony who overdoses?...... It's like they become a shell..... Just repeating certain behaviors you could almost fool yourself into thinking their all there but then when you get close..... It's like looking at a caricature......" He runs his hoof over his face. "... Don't take my word for it... We would need a doctor to be sure... But that has its own problems... They could just declare her mentally disabled and we could both end up in hot water for holding her..." He says looking at the motionless mare.

"So I either approve the use of physical interrogation risking it turning out that she can't really tell us anything or have a doctor come in and accusing us of malpractice making us lose our only lead anyway. Celestia damit.... We have two choices but either way we risk everything and could add to waves of accusations that the Royal Guard are the real crooks......"

"So what will it be?" Rondels asked looking over at him.

"...do it... Whatever happens I'll take the heat your too close to retirement to risk losing your pension now..." He says as he turns making his way back up the stares from the musty basement to go fill out the paperwork that would soon follow.

Equestria
Ponyville
Old Carrot Homestead
5:43pm

"What?!?" Carrot l nearly hacked up her coffee in front of her nephew.

She was currently resting in the old root cellar surrounded by stone walls, old shelves filled with preserves, a few crates, and more then a few electric torches lit up the room. She was resting in an old creaky chair while young Pip gasped for air after running across Ponyville.

"Lily was arrested! Now Daisy and Roseluck are on the war path! They want to attack the Guard Post with everything they have!" Pip managed to gasp out before sitting down on his haunches.

"T-those..... T-those.... Those...... Morons!!! They could ruin everything! We aren't nearly ready to take on they entire Guard! Pip run across town and tell them to come here! Tell them unless they want every one of my movers within a 50 mile radus to come crashing down on every one of there drug dens unless they will move there flanks here now!" She lost it for a few moments while the small colt was shaking on the ground. She took a deep breath and saw the fear in the small colts eyes. "... P-Pip I-I......" Before she could apologize the small colt ran out.

"B-Boss Carrot?......." She turned her head to see Gizmo looking at her from behind the door. "S-should I send out a messenger?...." He asked shaking a bit himself.

"Yes... And send another messenger to put all of our movers on alert.... And our allies....... If it comes down to it I will deal with those sisters myself. We can't risk those drug fueled maniacs turning Ponyville into a war zone!" She shouts getting up and making her way to the armory. "We need to load up and prepare for the worst...."

"Yes ma'am!" Gizmo salutes and runs to go wake up Running Leaves and Timber Hooves.

Chapter 30

Equestria
Ponyville
Barnyard Bargains
Store room
10:00am

Carrot Top, Big Mac, and Filthy waited for Daisy and Rose to show. Ever since Carrot got the news from her little nephew she had placed a high alert on her ponies. She wasn't in a good mood and every pony in the room knew it and kept their distance from her almost looking like they were huddling on the other side of the table. It had been awhile since they all sat down together in the old store room. Luckily despite the increase of goods Filthy kept just enough space to have their meetings. The oak door slowly opened with Rose and Daisy trotting in and sitting at the table.

"Now that we are all together I think this is a good time to talk abou-" Filthy was cutt off before he could finish.

"What the Tartarus were you drug mules thinking?!?" Carrot slammed her hooves on the table while glaring at the two stone faced mares in front of her.

"Getting our baby sister back" Rose said evenly. "Anyone dumb enough to mess with the family gets a mulched for our crop." She says simply while her and her younger sister Daisy sat at the table.

"Ya our baby sis is suffering all alone! Your telling us that we can't bust her out? It's no secret that the guard is a pain in all our sides!!" Daisy yells after her older sister finished talking and snorts.

"So you just decided to start a war!!! That has to be the most idiotic thing I have ever heard!!! Sister or not sending in waves of drug crazed maniacs!!! Do I have to remind you that one of the Guard stallions was sent by Celestia herself!!! Do you two think we are ready to have the entire Equestrian army come down on our heads?!" Carrot shouts making the remaining flower trio flinch but remain glaring at her.

"So what do you expect us to do? Hmmmmm? Just let our little sis be locked up in that slum they call a guard post?" Rose says evenly.

Carrot was about to start up before Big Mac cleared his throat loudly making the three mares look over at him. "Ah believe I have a solution to this that will get your little sis back and avoid turning Ponyville into a war zone..... Y'all familiar with the Occupy Manehatten square protests?" He asks smiling softly pulling out an old newspaper and throwing it into the old table.

"Yes..... If I recall they were about the wide spread corruption in the city. The mayor, guard stallions, and government officials were all targets of the protest." Filthy starts to think as he straitened his plain white suit.

"We can get two birds with one stone." Big Mac smiles. " It ain't no secret that Mayor Mare is slowly getting a backbones with dat new guard in town. She has ta go" Mac says solemnly. "Filthy y'all still got those files? I'm thinking dat we leak them to our favorite locally run press." Mac says smiling.

Filthy's eyes widen and he smiles. "Of course I do that mare has plenty of skeletons in her closet we can burry her and the guard. Maybe get a few more guard stallions willing to be on our pay roll." He says leaning back while lighting a cigarette in his mouth.

"But what about our sister?!?" Rose and Daisy yelled.

"You two are high right now aren't you?" Carrot face hooves. "We are gonna turn your little sis into a poster pony and make the local government and guard stallions into criminals if only in the minds of the towns ponies." Carrot says a bit annoyed.

"If it gets our little sister back then we will hold..... But so help us if we don't get her back we will turn that guard post into a blood bath..." Rose gets up while Daisy seems to catch on before getting up and following her out.

Equestria
Canterlot
Canterlot Castle
12:11pm

Celestia was pacing back and forth in the great hell her sister had been making her worry. On top of the upcoming meeting with the Emperor she was a wreck. She wasn't sure how much worse things could get, one of the Elements was in prison, Equestrias economy was on a knife edge, tensions were rising between the difference races and different classes. It was all falling apart before her eyes. Where had she gone wrong? She wanted Harmony but it seems every attempt to create it lead to disaster.

She slowly sat on her thrown and took a long sip of tea to try and calm herself. "I give them the history they deserve, the land they cherish, all the love and guidance I can give but..... While they are sweet and kind on the surface it seemed like her beloved ponies were all poison under the skin." She takes another sip. Maybe she was being over dramatic but she saw them all as her children and not her subjects. Luna always disagreed with her but she couldn't help it. "Luna always said that was my true weakness I suppose.... Though she was one to talk.... She saw her Thestrals as her children......." She sighs as she looks around the empty hall before getting up and slowly trotting to her sisters room.

It took awhile to get to her sisters room the great moon themed doors still closed and likely barred from the other side. "Luna?..... Dear?...... It's me..... You can't hide in there forever..... At some point you have to come out and face the world..... I know it's hard and I can't imagine what you are going through right now...... But you don't have to go through this alone...... I'm always here for you....... Your just have to let me in...." She sat there for awhile hoping that something would change. She hadn't come out for days they only sign that she was still there was the dumbwaiter in her room that came down to the kitchen with clean plates after sending up meals.

"Oh Luna......." She says sadly knowing that today wasn't the day her sister would come out but decided to stay a little longer.

Equestria
Ponyville
Foal Free Press
3:31pm

Featherweight was currently besides himself trying to figure out what to write about. Since the Gabby Gums incident the Foal Free Press had declined back into just an activity for miss Cheerilees class to get extra credit. Sure Diamond Tiara was a tyrant with the school paper but they were pulling in enough bits to get a new printing press! Now just to by the ink they had to have bake sales. It was depressing at least to him, the Foal Free Press even just for a few weeks was the biggest paper in town to being something that costs just trashed after reading the little comics he wrote into them.

"Featherweight! We have a new exclusive! Check it out!!!" Shady Daze ran in as he nearly ran into Featherweights desk before pulling some photos out of his saddlebag and throwing them out in front of him.

Featherweight started looking through then taking time to take them all in and a unusually large grin slowly grew on his face. "Shady? We have our newest headline....." He started rubbing his hooves together. "Get me pictures and plenty of them don't let them even sneeze without you getting a photo and get Diamond out here! We need that printing press at full speed I want a paper for every pony in town!"

Shady nodded his head running off.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Kawah mine
Crater
3:51pm

Rainbow coughed while wearing the ill fitting mask the toxic gasses surrounding her while she shoveled the hard yellow rock into a mine cart. The thick gas that blew up from the vents made it hard to see more then a few hoof lengths in front of her. Even with the cheap mask she could just smell the rotten eggs from the toxic gas she just hoped it was in her head. The worst part was the heat she was sweating worse then when she was in the Wonderbolts Academy. He whole body aches and burned from both the labor and the hot gasses that surrounded her.

"Two more cart fulls Rainbow..." Gàbrel said his voice muffled by his gas-mask his eyes distorted through the cracked lenses on the leather mask. "Come on we gotta push this up to the conveyor...." He says while she drops her shovel and starts to help him push the heavy cart up a hill.

"Why..... Hrrrrrk......" She felt the cart shutter as they finally started to slowly move "can't we...... Huff........ Have one..... Irk..... of those engines down here?.." She asks while they slowly push it up her own voice sounding weird because of the mask.

"Natrual gas.....the.... Vents spew it out along with sulfuric gasses...... One stray spark....... Boom...... They will be scrapping us off the walls........ Even these manual carts aren't safe.... The metal wheels sometimes......" He stops for a moment as the ground rumbles again and doesn't move for a few moments. "Spark....." He sighs in relief.

"Mind telling me why...... Rrrrrr.....you didn't tell..... Huff..... Me earlier?...." She asks as they get the cart moving again.

"Didn't want to ruin your first day." Says cheerily while they get closer to the lift as it moved through the shafts to about 36 meters up through stone to the piles that would be processed topside. "Tip it over." He says as they stop infront of the moving belt and he locks the carts break.

Rainbow took a moment to try and catch her breath through the heavy mask her lungs begging for air after moving that dam cart. "A-any idea what they use this for?...."she pulled the catch and struggled a bit to tilt the bucket forward while Gàbrel started using his glove covered talons to move the hard sulfur onto the belt.

"Fertilizer, fungicide, pesticide, medicine explosives, gunpowder, ect.... I'm a warrior not a chemist so don't ask me how it all works all I know is that this stuff seems to be used in everything...." He says while he moves the sulfur onto the belt.

"Has any.... Body ever..... Gone on strike?" She asks while he lookes over at her and starts letting out wheezing laughter while he continues to work.

"Oh and do tell me what we have to leverage? We have only just enough filters to get through the day, the only safe areas down here would only last as long as they kept the air pumps on and we are all serving life sentences. We strike we die within a day or so. What do you think this is? Cloudsdale Weather Corp?" He chuckles while he continues to work.

"So that's it?..... We either die in the pit or die here?....." She said while struggling to get the bucket to tip forward just a little bit more.

"I wouldn't say that......" He said while he finished cleaning out the bucket and Rainbow let it fall backward. "Carful! One spark and boom!" He yells.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Temporary Equestrian Embassy
5:13pm

Twilight staggered back into the sparsely furnished fencer off Adobe building with a simple grassy yard and double doors. An equally exhausted Blueblood and Fancy. She slowly made her way over to a lounging couch and collapsed on it while the two nobles rested on reclining chairs. After taking her time to slowly close her eyes and take a few deep breaths she opened them and looked around the large spacious room.

"Spike?......" She croaked out ER voice a bit sore from all the talking and interviews she had to do in order to try and prevent tumors from spreading further.

"In the kitchen Twilight!" The young Drake came into the room pushing a small cart of hors d'oeuvres. "Cucumber bites, Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms, Feta and Radish toasts, and Tomato Tartlets."he said as he pushed the cart near the lounging ponies.

Blueblood perks up smelling the hors d'oeuvres and licks his dry lips. "Anything to drink?... My throat is like the salt flats of Appaloosa." He asked while Spike just nods his head pouring out some fresh squeezed kiwi juice from a jug into a tea cup.

"Ice? We have a Fresh block from the mountains." Spike asked while Blueblood shakes his head.

"Should I wait any longer I fear I would turn to dust." Blueblood instinctively tries to levitate the tea over to himself only for his horn to sputter and spark before he rubs his head as the onset of a head ache starts to hit him. "Spike would you bring it over to me?.... Ever since we came here my horn has been sore...... Casters fatigue maybe?....." He looks over to Fancy who seems to be getting ready to enjoy some of the Feta and Radish Toast.

"Could be something to do with the magic?..... Or lack there of?" Fancy seems to think for a few moments. "Any thoughts Lady Sparkle?"

Twilight seems to think while Spike poured her some kiwi juice. "Well historically our records only go to just before the founding of Equestria I am starting to develop a theory, but I will need more time to check my conclusions. I have already sent a request for some historical documents to Celestia. I'm starting to think that the Darwinist theory's may have a place in it." As she says this the two stallions look at her surprised.

"When has you had time to do anything? We have all been neck deep in politics and paper work!" Blueblood says in shock.

"I'm an insomniac lately....." She says blushing a bit while Spike rolls his eyes.

"That's a way to put it...." Spike grumbled a bit as he continued to serve the food.

"Twilight could you please explain this Darwinism to us some time? I don't think I have ever heard of such a term in Equestria..." Fancy says with interest while getting a bit more comfortable in his chair.

"Your sure? It's apparently still fairly controversial for many." She says while looking over at the two stallions.

"I'll get the book..... Origin of Species right?" Spike asks as he turns to get the book.

"Spike you don't have to get it I think I can explain it with out going into a long lecture." She says a bit tiredly. "Why don't you go out for a bit and have some fun? We were just wired some money from Celestia.... Just use your diplomatic ID........" She says smiling a bit while the Drake nodded before running out. "Don't forget a sun hat I don't want you burning your sensitive scales!" She yells a bit horsely before she hears the door slam shut.

"He seems to be taking things fairly well......" Fancy says while swirling his cup in his hooves.

"Looks can be deceiving Fancy.... I don't have to remind you of Cadences post mortem depression... She was always able to put on a strong face but she was a wreak after the birth......" Blueblood shakes his head. "My cousin always had it in her head that so much as frowning while being the alicorn of love was sacrilegious....." He says as he takes a bite of the stuffed mushrooms.

They soon all finish their decadent meal and relax while they continue to enjoy the kiwi juice. "My that was one of the best meals I have had in ages... Young Spike made this all himself?" Fancy asked trying to start up a conversation again.

"Yes.... Spike may like comic books like any young colt but some of his favorite books to read are cook books..." She says while resting her eyes a bit.

"You know we will likely be here for the considerable future and he seems to have a gift.... I worry about him staying in the embassy while we are out..... You know not more then a few blocks away from us is a cooking academy. I do believe they have a Jr chefs program. He needs extracurricular activities just sitting in here and cleaning up our messes is no place for a child miss Sparkle. Who knows he may even makes some friends." Blueblood says while Twilight seems to digest this a bit in her head.

"You think so?... He always prided himself on being my number one assistant....." She says while sitting up a bit on her couch.

"While that's not a bad thing in its self it's easy to forget that he is still a child... A bit of a mature one for his age but still a child. He needs structure and a good learning environment. You can only teach him so much from books Twilight he needs to learn how to make friends on his own. Perhaps his love of cooking could be the key for him to find lasting relationships." Fancy says while nodding his head a bit.

"I guess your right..... I'm just so used to him being around me.... I guess I never thought about letting him explore his talents outside of my supervision......" She says while wiping her mouth a bit with a napkin. "I'll stop by there to fill out the paper work." She says before closing her eyes to take a well deserved nap along with the two spent nobles.

Zebrica
Duskclift (Newly Founded Immigrant Settlement)
Eclipse
6:13pm

Summers was currently cleaning up after a long day as a prep cook. His hooves were cut, he was stressed, he was tired but for the first time in his life he couldn't wait to do it all over again. He was currently cleaning a few dishes to make a little extra cash.

"Hey Summers! We're all heading out to The Last Horn Tavern for some drinks wanna come?" He turns to see Star Shine without his black apron.

"Nope gotta finish off this plates to get that bonus after all some of us gotta do a little extra to get by." He smiles as he continues to scrub a rather stubborn stain.

The snaggletoothed thestral just smiled "You know Sky Road just got an offer in Timbuktu. Want me to a put a good word in for you? The boss is looking for a replacement already and I know you want to move up from part time employment."

Summer's smiles. "You would do that for me?" While he kept up a smile he was internally in shock.

"Of course! Your talented and you deserve to do more then just cutting up veggies. I can tell you want to do more. You would probably have to shadow Sky for awhile to get into the rhythm but from what Iv seen you have talent." He says while heading to the back door to leave.

Summer's spent the next hour in silence cleaning plates before leaving to head back to the apartment with a togo bag and some left over mellon juice. The walk home was fairly confusing with him having to navigate some narrow streets and more then a few alleyways. They were a bit dirty at times with bits of trash and a few pigeons here and there.

He pulled out of the damp alley way and stopped to trot over to a railing. The road was perched on the side of a massive cliff like the rest of the town. He looked out from the railing seeing the valley below with a river running through the plains and farmland. It was dark but the small farmsteads could still be seen with little lights thinking out of them while the grains swayed in the gentle wind. He then took a moment to turn back and look at the town perched on the side of a sandstone plateau. Looking back when he thought it about it it seemed a little controversial to build a town on top of ancient zebra cliff dwellings. One could still see them mixed in with the more modern adobe buildings built on the ruins of old dwellings. They were fairly tightly packed together with narrow streets and even narrower alleys. This meant a lack of cars but they did have plenty of motorized bicycles and the wealthier locals even had some BMW R32s that rumbled loudly with power and speed.

But the reason he came here? It was full of potential and culture that was diversifying quickly. It was like somepony took Zebrican, Equestrian, and even bits of Britanian culture and mashed it all together.

"Summers!" His ears perk up and turns around to see Pumpkin Patch trotting over to him wearing a constable uniform complete with baton and pistol. "Haven't seen you in while." He smiles trotting over and resting on the railing next to him.

The yellow stallion just smiles tiredly at the thestral while running a good through his mane. "Ya, my new job has me on my hooves nearly all day Iv even lost a little weight." He smiles looking over at him. "How's being a constable treating you?" He asks pulling out a bottle of mellon juice.

"Its..... Different..... Im so used to patrolling Canterlot that it's weird working in a Thestral majority town! I keep expecting some snobby unicorn noble to accuse me of being a blood sucker.... No offense....." He looks over at Summers blushing.

"No offense taken I stopped being of noble blood the moment we handed Twilight our resignations. I'm just a part time prep cook now." He says taking a sip of the mellon juice right out of the bottle.

"I heard at the Tavern your next in line to be an official chef congratulations!" Punpkin passed his flask of Sweet Apple Shine.

Summers passed him the mellon juice before grasping he flask in his hoof and taking a long sip. "Reminds me of the distilled spirits in the Gryphon Kingdoms." He shutters a bit as the high proof booze makes its way down.

"Ya it's still weird having booze sold in the same place as where I buy my food. I mean I still have to sometimes drag a drunk or two to sleep it off but it's not as bad as Celestia always made it sound.... Though Luna more then once would sneak a few bottles to us for celebrations." He smiled at the memory of Luna pouring out mugs of hard cider while in the other room the Celestial Guard was drinking some cheap punch looking bored.

"Haha I know that all too well. I would always have to stand with the guards pretending that I'm having fun. The nobles were the worst though they would always hide a flask of two between them." He says while leaning over the railing to look down at the roads that lead up to the settlement.

"Why does Celestia even bother with the prohibition laws? They don't work and the Royal Guard can barely deal with a protest let alone bootleggers." He looks over at Summers for an answer.

"Pride and want for a perfect society. She won't admit defeat because to her it would mean that harmony has failed." Summers says evenly.

"Hasn't it already failed? The nobles still squeeze the lower classes for every bit they have and the pegisi have learned the hard way that you can price you industry out of existence." Pumpkin as asked while looking over at him.

"She sees it but I don't think she's willing to give up the ghost.... I dunno where she went wrong honestly she's so long lived that only her and sister would know likely and I don't think their willing to tell. Her mistake was wanting too much for us......" Summers says while taking another sip.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
New Prosost Prison
Wardens office
7:17pm

Inkanyamba slowly trotted into his office and sat down in his rich red leather chair behind his Red Wood desk. He's eyes were close the old stallion tired after signing paper work and putting on a show. As he opened his eyes he looked around his office it was large and spacious with a number of old framed posters on the walls. If one were to look closely at the faded posters they would see a familiar face on them. The zebra wore countless different costumes ranging from haunting masks and cloaks to leaf skirts and fax animal skins holding a spear.

"Life is you stage.... Every persona is as real as any pony on the street." He says as he taking out a large cigar and lighting it.

He turns his chair looking at an old newspaper framed and hanging on the wall as his mood sours. "No matter what the naysayers say." He says as he turns his chair all the way around to look out his large bay window that over looked the pit seeing the cage full of prisoners being lowered back into the pit. He spots the faded rainbow mane of his favorite inmate. "Looks like she survived her first day in the mines..... Heh..... And here I thought she would just be another flash on the pan....."

"Inkanyamba? I have you dinner ready....." He turns to see Khari a young zebra recruit from a nearby village he was still fresh from training.

"Bring it in Khari.... Just rest it on my desk....." He says while leaning back looking out the window.

"Is that all sir? I'm about to clock out...." The young zebra asks.

"Yes have a good night....." He says sighing hearing him leave.

He waits a few moments. "The prison is my stage now....."

Chapter 31

Equestria
Ponyville
Town Hall
Mayors office
10:13am

Mayor Mare reclined behind her old Apple wood desk while looking over some papers sent from Canterlot. The room was fairly ordinate compared to the rest of the town with a number of gold framed portraits of her predecessors. All bearing the Mare name, all the way back to her great grandmother who was chosen as a representative of the crown. The title of mayor passed down her family to her, sadly she never inherited the natural grey mane, her sister did however... She shook her head looking at the small family portrait on her desk, her mother smiling softly with her long grey mane covering one of her eyes and some of her light grey coat, her fathers distant expression with his black and grey streaked mane slicked back, his squared jaw with a slight frown with a muted muddy coat, and finally her sister. Inheriting the family grey mane, the grey coat with a few soft muted brown spots, and those eyes that seem so expressive even in the old family portrait.

"Mayor Mare! We have a situation!" Red Tape ran into the room tripping on the crimson gold stitched rug into a heap before her with a newpaper in his jaw. He shakily stood up and spat it out onto her desk.

"What?.... Are the Cutie Mark Crusaders printing gossip again?" She sighs picking it up before her face pales. "Is this a joke?...... Please tell me this is some kind of cruel joke...." She looked at the headline Beloved Flower Mare Beaten and Arrested. It was a simple headline but what stood out? A picture of Lily locked in a chair with Rondels in mid swing. It was obvious what was happening with the mares beaten face. "H-how?..... She was in a locked basement in our guard post! How did a picture like this get out?! And who authorized this?!" Her eye twitches.

"W-well I don't have a cutie mark in photography..." The stink eye he was getting from the mayor only made him shake more. "B-but judging from the odd a-angle I would say it was taken from one of the basement windows!" He says while the mayor just sits there quietly.

"Can we stop this from reaching the townsponies?...." She asked already knowing the answer. While she started read over the article that quickly became a slam piece.

"It's already been sold out in the market...." He says looking down at the rug getting ready to have it.

"And why was this allowed?... We have laws against defamatory speech against representatives of the crown!" She crumples up the paper and throws it down on the ground.

"T-the Foal Free Press set up in the market..... The minute the foal opened his lips he had a mob of ponies trying to get a paper! And the laws don't apply to school run papers only privately owned ones!" He says while the mayor just sits quietly.

"Get Hard Law in my office and.....Get out.......Now...." She says evenly while the stallion scrambles out slamming the door behind him.

Equestria
Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres
The Stills
11:51am

Big Mac rested on is wooden stool while flipping through the paper with an uncharacteristic grin on his face. But sadly it wasn't to last when he heard the knocking from the trap door. He slowly stood up and grabbed his gun before pulling the rope near his stool that unlocked the door.

He continued to hold his gun till he saw his sisters hooves trotting down the steps. "Mac do y'all know anything bout this?" She asked as she showed him the latest Foal Free Press her voice a bit muffled from holding it. She dropped it on one of the crates looking at him while she rested on a wobbly legged chair.

He just nodded his head. "Eeyup..... Turns out Filthy had some dirt on Mayor Mare. The Foal Free press did the rest. Turns out our beloved Mayor has more then a few secrets. Ever wonder why she always needs your winnings to repair town hall?" He asks while leaning on the back wall on his stool.

Applejack seemed to rest her hoof on her chin in deep thought before nodding her head. "Ya... I always wondered we she needs my winins to repair dat place ain't that why we pay taxes?" She asks.

Big Mac just let out a snort. "Page 2, 1st paragraph...." He says while Applejack tilts her head and fills the paper to the second page and started reading.

"She's been stealen ta line her pockets!? Dats dishonest! Ain't that against the law?!" She seemed offended while Mac just continued to stifle snorts of laughter about how hypocritical it sounded letting his sister catch on and shake her head. "Y'all know what I mean..."

"Yep I always wonder how she afforded dat fancy office and house by the river. She ain't the first either all way back ta her Granny." He says while pulling out a jug of fresh hard cider to share. "Ain't the only thing neither keep readin." He takes a long sip before passing it over to his sister while she read.

Equestria
Ponyville
Schoolhouse
12:27pm

Featherweight smiles as he leans to back of his desk after finishing lunch. He soaked up the attention he was getting from all the other fillies and colts around him. Countless questions were asked but he just continued to lean back resting before opening his eyes.

"You all really wanna know how I got the scoop of the century?" He asked proudly while the countless foals leaned forward. He was about to answer before the former Cutie Mark Crusaders pushed their way to the front of his desk.

"What the hay are y'all doin?!" Apple Bloom stood up on her back hoofs resting her forehooves on his desk. "Didn't we learn a lesson bout gossip already?!"

Featherweight just give them a slight tilt of the head and an amused expression. "Gossip is just spilling the beans of a few silly secrets, news is finding things that matter, you think anyone cares about Rarity's self created drama? Or Big Mac playing with a doll? Or-or Rainbow spending all of a few seconds at the spa? No gossip is just something that grabs attention and then is forgotten."

Sweetie Belle pushes Apple Bloom out of the way. "But your ruining someone's life! Isn't that what we did when we were printing stories about ponies secrets?" Sweetie says while she watched Featherweight snicker.

"Tell me..... Besides of embarrassment and a few hurt feelings what story lasted more then a week?" He asked while Sweetie seemed ready to answer before pausing and entering deep thought.

"But doesn't that make it worse then? Your story is ruining a ponies life... She's an official appointed by the crown.... Aren't we supposed to respect and trust her?..." Sweetie says looking confused and worried.

"I'm ruining the life of a corrupt crown appointed Mayor. Tell me have you even read the newspaper? Or did you just read the headline and summery at the top?" He asks while giving them a thoughtful look.

The three fillies just stood there before Scootaloo decided to make herself heard. "I did and I liked it... I mean sure Mayor Mare is under fire, but didn't she bring it into herself for stealing bits out of the Ponyville treasury and cooking the ledgers while the whole town is busy doing Winter Wrap Up? Or what about how she has been diverting funds from the schoolhouse to fund the expansion of her office? Or even how she has been ignoring requests to have town meetings and rejecting permits for protests?" As she spoke her other two friends looked at her like she was a changeling. "What? Just because I like doing tricks on my scooter and doing stunts means I don't read?" She looks at them like there crazy.

"Besides to answer Sweeties question the school paper is not recognized as a private paper since its technically an after school activity. So it's a government paper in all but name but has no oversight." He says while the three fillies seem to think.

"...what does Cheerilee think of all of this?..." Apple Bloom asked sighing seeing she was beat.

"She's one of our biggest supporters! She's going to be leading the marches through town! Shady is already planing out the photo ops as we speak!" Featherweight says proudly.

Equestria
Ponyville
Barnyard Bargains
2:17pm

Filthy rested in the office while he waited for the Britanians and zebra to finish setting up the simple recording studio in the back of his store. After hearing about young Sweetie Belles talk with Anthony Moore, a representative of the "Tesla & Marconi Company" about recording some of her songs for the new radio stations south of the boarder. Seeing the opportunity he sprang into action offering the young filly a contract with his business, times were changing and the best way to stay ahead was to invest in new forms of business. Radio was steadily becoming more and more common in Equestria and what he saw was a new medium to advertise! Maybe even expand into at some point once the technology finally made its way into Equestria after changing from the Britannians, the zebra, and finally into the hooves of his fellow ponies. Even his associates were getting on board trying to come up with catchy jingles for their... Official businesses. After all it only made sense now they had to launder the money somehow to avoid too much suspicion. While he imagined the new found bits from his investment dancing in his head it was stopped after his eyes wondered to a family portrait of him, his little Diamond, and his... Soon to be Ex wife Spoiled.

As he gazed into the frame on his old dark cherry desk he couldn't help but taste the bile taste enter his throat. He couldn't even remember what he saw in her... His grandfather warned him countless times about her but he didn't listen. Now he was in the middle of a divorce and custody battle, luckily his little filly was out of the picture with her Aunt and uncle in Manehatten. Sadly Spoiled wasn't going to let go, she was a very disturbed mare, he stuttered to imagine what would happen if he wasn't around to protect Diamond from her if she got custody.

He was interrupted from his thoughts as somepony knocked in his door. "Come in..." He said while storing the small picture in his desk. The door opened revealing Hayseed Turnip.

"Boss?.... Their almost ready for the recording.... Also..... The papers came...." He says pulling the large stack of paper work.

"Thank you Hayseed... Is Sweetie Belle here yet?" He asked while looking over the paper work his mood and face souring as it was yet another ridiculous settlement agreement from his wife along with a notice to appear in court again.

"No boss..... I'm sure she will be here any minute though.... Should I get anything else ready? Or do you want me in the back stocking shelves again?" He asked while Filthy just shook his head.

"Pull out a few products from the the store stock room and set up a lunch table. I think our star deserves some special treatment after all. Nothing over 10 Bits though so... Maybe some peanut apple sandwiches, some of those sandwich cookies, hmmmmmmm nonalcoholic cider, and any other snacks that we by in bulk from Zebrica." He says while Hayseed salutes him comically before leaving.

Equestria
Canterlot
Canterlot Castle
Great Balcony
5:01:pm

Celestia was at her wits end, news had just come in that a massive airship was rapidly making its way to her capital and only a fool wouldn't realize who was coming. Even though it was still in the distance she would see the rapidly approaching behemoth, the silver hull shined almost like her sun.

"Your majesty? Shall I ready the royal tea set? Or would you rather a full course meal for the meeting?" Cinnamon Twirl asked while pushing a small tea cart for her princess.

"I suppose a meal would be most appropriate and appreciated. The ship seems to be slowing down as it approaches so I suppose it will arrive in about and hour or so..... can a meal be made in time?" Celestia asked while resting on the red velvet pillow.

"If we serve tea upon his arrival and maybe have a bit of entertainment we will be able if only by the skin of our teeth princess...." The mare responded while serving a small amount of purple velvet cake for her.

"Make sure to have it set for omnivores.... this isn't like the regular meals and meeting we have with the Saddle Arabians." She says while she eats the small piece of cake before sniffing the air. "Are the guards having another bonfire? I thought those were only on the weekends?" That's when something caught her attention in the corner of her eye. That's when she slowly looked over up at Luna's tower seeing a small amount of smoke slowly leaking out of the Lunar Balcony. "Is she using her fireplace?......" that's when the smoke started to bellow out. "N-no..... Guards!!! Guards!!! The Lunar tower is on fire!!!" She shouted before getting up and spreading her wings and flapping as hard as she could knocking Cinnamon down with her powerful gust.

The snow white alicorn while ignoring all grace or elegance that she she was known for flew up the the Lunar Balcony only to find herself flinching away from the hot flames burning within her sisters room. "Luna!!! I'm coming!!!" She took in a deep breath and flew into the room eyes burning from both the smoke and intense heat. "Luna where are you?!" She pushed her way through the flames using her magic to protect herself.

Everywhere she looked she saw priceless heirlooms burning to cinder, the crescent moon shaped bed her sister cherished turning to charcoal before her eyes, portraits of Bat Ponies long passed incinerating, and finally what caught her eye. The crown and regalia sat in the center of it all, damaged from all the heat and flame warping the soft metal. As she continued her fruitless search for her sister in the inferno the Solar Guard burst through the antique doors and started throwing buckets of sand onto the flames.

"Princess please! You must leave! This is a dangerous area for royalty!" One of the identical guards started to try and lead her out while she gathered up the ruined regalia before she was lead out while the Guards fought the raging fire.

Equestria
Above Rambling Rock Ridge
HMS Progress
Lower Observation Deck
5:32pm

The young emperor rested in a rather comfortable wicker chair while he sipped a small cup of black tea with plenty of milk and sugar. While Equestria lacked radio communication it was likely they were already preparing for his arrival after all who could be blind enough to miss such a massive achievement of engineering in the sky? Already they had to use the Loudspeaker to scare away few pegisi who got a little too curious about the super dreadnaught in their sky's. He slowly stood up and walked over to the ordinate brass telescope and slowly adjusted it to look in the direction of the precariously placed capital. He slowly brought the castle into focus he saw a rising cloud of white putting it into focus he saw it was coming from one of the high towers in the castle.

"A fire?..... some sort of greeting?......" that theory was quickly extinguished as he saw a group of flying guards ponies flying up with buckets flying into the tower before coming back out coughing. "A catastrophe?... or just a careless maid?" He slowly moved to the intercom and pressed the call button.

"Your highness?" The voice on the other end of the line was respectful yet tired sounding like from the constant shifts that made the their rapid transit to Equestria possible.

"It seems that our hosts are dealing with a small fire, confirm?" He asked while he waited for a response it took a few moments before the voice answered. "Confirmed though it looks as if they have it handled. Should we reschedule? We could send a messenger using one of the autogyros, the Cierva C.30 is ready to be launched in your order sir."

"Send it but as a courtesy to announce our arrival this meeting is too important to stop just because of a little fire."

Author's Note

Always willing to here some ideas and criticism so feel free to post.

Chapter 32

Crystal Empire
Crystal Castle
Balcony
6:01pm

Cadence was pacing back and forth behind the shimmering curtains blocking her view of the square below. She was worried about the burning. More and more guards were having to be sent back to Equestria to recuperate after being attacked by Crystal ponies, and many new businesses had been burned or looted recently. It was almost anarchy, and the guard had had little luck in trying to quell the unrest. Luckily Shining Armor had widely decided to veto the trade of Britainian goods, as from what little news they had been getting from down south those same goods were turning her home country on its head. Just imagining all the ponies who were put out of work made her sick to her stomach. The pink Alicorn had spent many an hour on the throne, resting her chin on her hoof while trying to think of anything she may have missed with her speech. With tensions between the Crystal Ponies and the Equestrian immigrants at an all time high this could make or break everything. One wrong word and everything she had done to make sure the Crystal Empire was as peaceful as Equestria once was could end in ash

Her beloved husband trotted into the room looked a little worried, he wore his dress uniform compete with helmet. "Cadence I think this is a mistake this doesn't seem right... we are low on guards, the Crystal Ponies are unhappy, and the Heart is losing power. I think we should... stop this.... now... it's a mistake..." he says to his wife while he stand before her.

Cadence shook her head and then looked him right in the eyes. "Shining change is always hard but look at Equestria, sure it's having some issues but that's because of he influx non Equestrian goods. Don't you want the Crystal Ponies to be as happy as Equestria was? Don't they deserve that much after everything they have endured?" She asked tilting her head a little hurt they he didn't trust her.

Shining kicked his right hoof against the Crystal Silk Carpet and seemed to think about what he was about to say. "Honey I don't agree with what you are doing, they aren't Equestrians they have there own rich and diverse culture. Why should they have to adapt to our ways and lose a large chunk of who they are? It isn't right, sure I'm a little intimidated at times or even confused by their ways but I have been trying to learn them. Cadence if you do this you will destroying their culture, their way of life, have you even bothered to see what they think about all this?" He asked taking a step forward looking at her.

Cadence snorted looking a tad upset. "Shining they are my ponies I know what they need this burning it will be painful but it's necessary are you telling me books that speak of killing and Art that shows bleeding wounds is good?!" She gets off from her thrown and trots up to him pushing her hoof to her chest. "I'm doing as I was taught by Celestia herself are you telling me she's wrong?!"

He pushed her hoof off him and leaned forward to look her right in the eyes standing his ground. "Maybe look around Cadence look at what they built with only their front hooves. Even Canterlot can't hold a candle to this place just look outside! Each one of their shops is a unique piece of art, compare them to any one of these shops to a place in Canterlot! While you have been up here in the Castle deciding what you think is best for them I was out there seeing what they really needed! Ever since you started importing Equestrian citizens more and more of your so called subjects have be forced out of work and now we have slums Cadence! Slums! What sort of country imports foreigners and makes its subjects live in slums!!!" He yelled back into her face making her stutter. "They aren't Equestrians Cadence, you ever think that all the lesions you learned from Celestia don't apply here?!"

Cadence backed away from him unsteadily in shock that the stallion of her dreams would talk to her in such a manner. "S-Shining...." she swallows trying to form words but her emotions were running high and her brain struggled to catch up. Tears slowly started to pour down her pink cheeks.

"Cadence if not for them then for me.... please stop this before its to late.... otherwise..... I don't think I can stand to be with you..." Shining turned around and made his way out of the shimmering crystal room that seemed to grow dinner as the pink Alicorns heart shattered.

She shook in her regalia as countless emotions raged through her head making her stumble as the room seemed to spin the sparkling crystal and brightly colored banners of the Heart did little to soothe the headache.

"Your majesty? They have finished preparing for the burning...... are you ready for your speech?...." The pain Arctic blue mare named Sapphire Joy slowly entered looked worse for the wear. She had dark circles under her eyes and looked as it she was ready to drop at any moment. "The Crystal Ponies are waiting....." she motioned to the soft coral curtains that just fluttered gently from an outside breeze.

Cadence choked and nodded as she tryed to straiten out her regalia and mane before slowly motioning for Sapphire Joy to lift the curtains. The mare seemed to pause before her mind caught up and she pulled a rope that raised them allowing Cadence to reveal herself. She trotted out to the great Crystal Balcony with all the grace and elegance Celestia had taught her from birth. Below her nearly every pony of her small kingdom stood below her it was a veritable sea of ponies however would could see a clear distinction between the Crystal Ponies and the Equestrians. To the far left of her a small but considerable group of immigrants from her homeland who looked up at her with smiles but for over four fifths of the crowd they remained silent. She expected some soft cheer or applause but her subjects were eerily silent while only the Equestrians seemed to cheer for her.

"G-Greetings my beloved subjects, the past two years have b-been hard for us all but a new dawn is coming! This burning is only the first step into a brighter future! I know many of you are unhappy with my changes but a past of blood and violence will only bring future conflict! So we must erase the past and create the history you deserve! For what good is history if it only brings us sadness and despair?! You struggled under the yoke of Sombra now it's time for an era of bliss, pease, and prosperity!!" The Equestrians cheer loudly for her but something was off about the Crystal ponies the just stood there watching as the Royal guard held them back from the Crystal Square where a mountainous pile of books, paintings, wooden carvings, statues, and even some rather.... suggestive clothing from one of the..... Comfort mares some of the taverns would have.

She started to charge her horn as her powerful magics surrounded her as she started to take careful aim. That's when she saw a faint glint of something in the crowd of Crystal Ponies. Likely just the simmering coat of her subjects after all. That's when a loud band was heard and something grazed the side of her face. He spell flew from her horn into the dome magicaly dissipating into nothing. She raised a shaking hoof to her muzzle and felt a trickle of blood. "W-wha?..... a-a..... assassin!!!" She shouted at the top of her lungs before a chant began below her.

"Mors ad alicorn!!! Falsum!!! Reversi repellendi advenae in solitudine frigida!!! Pereat diabolus in pullos, induitiones!!" The chant started to flow through the crowd and the Royal Guard stallions started to back away from the strange words the ponys were chanting.

Cadence mind was buzzing trying to figure out what they were saying as she was pulled back into the castle by her personal guard. More shots were heard at the Royal Guard line was breaking before rapidly retreating to the castle not nothing to be organized leaving many of there own trapped outside. But something far worse was happening down below.

Crystal Empire
Crystal Square
6:12pm

It was as compete chaos below the castle as the Royal Guard retreated back into the castle and barricaded themselves in leaving the Crystal Ponies to reclaim what they had lost from the pile. Guns that had been hidden in the crowd fired off at random intervals. The few Crystal Ponies who were armed were soon reinforced with revolutionarys who had been waited just outside the city to strike they ran through the streets making sure to hurl Molotov cocktails into Equestrian owned shops as they stampeded though the streets. Countless ponies charged through the streets all converging into the square.

The Equestrians we left to fend for themselves as the crowds of angry revolutionaries slowly closed in on them. They lowered there weapons at the frightened ponies and seemed to wait before an unseen order seemed to flow threw the crowd.

"P-please can't we talk about this l-like rational ponies?.... W-we're all Equestrians after all..." Timid looking emerald green mare slowly stepped forward shaking but showing impressive bravery compared to he compatriots.

The silence was deafening as the faces of the rebels didn't even seemed dazed but what she said one blank faced Crystal Pony stepped forward. She smiled thinking for a moment she had managed to get through she raised her hoof to shake. The stallion looked at her hoof before smashing her face with his hoof. She fell to the ground in a sniveling heap.

"We aren't Equestrians..... we are Crystal Ponies!!!" The stallion shouted down at her before the other revolutionaries opened fire. The Equestrians didn't stand a chance as the bullets flew impacting them the Stens didn't stop firing for 5 minutes. The scene before the mob was horrific body's of Equestrians layed before them soaking the Crystal Square in blood there were a few moans and twitching hooves as a few moved in to finish off the survivors. The most horrifying thing?.... they didn't even spare the foals.

Crystal Empire
Crystal Castle
The Great Hall
6:27pm

Cadence was shaking on her thrown as the Royal Guard barricaded the doors with what ever they could find in the castle. The Guard were unnerved as they gathered what weapon they had but that mostly consisted of spears... less then 60 enchanted spears from her homeland against an uncountable amount of rebels. She flinched everytime she hear a gun shots outside she could only imagine what waited outside for her and her family.

Shining Armor ran in just before they closed the last door behind him and began to baracade it. "Candece! Flurry Heart is missing!!! I went to her nursery but the bassinet was empty!!!" The stallion looks worse for the wear. "I-I searched the entire wing but she was gone!!! Someone stole my daughter!!" He yells breaking down at the thought of just what was happening to her now.

Cadnece just sat there as her heart was breaking her Empire was slipping out of her hooves and her beloved child lost. "W-We can salvage this! S-surely I-if I talk with them I can..... I can...... convince them to stand down a-and return Flurry and... and..."

"Cadence it's over! We have less then 100 guards ready for active combat! Never mind we can only arm about 50 or 60 of them! We would need an entire army and from the looks of things down there even if we had one it would be pyrrhic!!!..... a-at this point I just want our child back.... how long do you think we can hold up in here Cadence?..... a week? A month?.... a year?.... and that's just taking into account our provisions in the castle..... they could break down those doors and it would all be over..... I'm going to wait a few days then send out one of my guards.... see if I can negotiate our surrender.... and the return of my baby.... I just hope they will be willing to let us leave......" he swallows as he try's to comfort his sobbing wife trying to convince her it would all be alright.

Crystal Empire
Shimmering Bay
Crystal Ship "Seas Emerald"
8:11pm

Below the deck of the old three master schooner a single Crystal Pony and a screaming infant sat and waited under the glow of an oil lantern. Amethyst watched the crying infant as she rested in an improvised crib made from an old weapons crate and some hay. Even though she nearly destroyed everything he couldn't bring himself to hate her. She was just an scared infant with no idea what she had done to warrant her treatment. The rings were locked onto her horn likely giving her a rather nasty headache but he couldn't risk one her her magical outbursts. They were just finishing loading up the ship and soon they would head out to sea with the child they couldn't risk her magic sinking the ship after all.

The infant continues to cry for a few more minutes before he finally relented and lifted the child to his chest. He rested on the chair holding the sniffing goal close to him as he tried to calm her. "You probably don't understand me.... but.... I'm sorry.... you can't help that your so dangerous but.... I'm taking you somewhere safe.... I can promise you that....." he says holding her letting her slowly calm down listening to his heart beat.

Author's Note

Sorry this chapter was originally going to be longer and have the debate between Celestia and the Emperor but I felt like it didn't fit well into this chapter. I also wanted to post it since I know some of you feel like I take too long, I would like to apologize for the slow updates but my classes have been time consuming but I will try to update more often.

Chapter 33

Equestria
Canterlot
Canterlot Castle Gardens
6:21pm
Celestia was inwardly anxious, and had some makeup applied to her face to help make up for the loss of a certain amount of vitality in her expression. A long lived leader she may be, but she had just lost her sister and that was enough to break anyone's heart. She stood waiting in the Canterlot Gardens near the very spot where Discord had forced Twilight and her friends to play his twisted games. Even after his reformation she still couldn't completely forgive him for causing her student so much heartache. He had yet to be seen, however, in the last few months, worrying her since normally such an important visit would attract his attention like flies to honey. But there was nothing… And that worried her greatly. Where was that obnoxious self-declared spirit of chaos and disharmony?

She shook her head as she started to try and look around the gardens for any blemishes, as she wasn't here to worry about an annoying prankster who had granted a reprieve to his usual targets. She needed to show power and wealth; the science of politics demanded it. Already her ponies were laying out a literal red carpet, after the strange whirling flying machine had landed in her gardens. She was a little miffed about her famous rose garden getting a little damaged from the landing, even if luckily it was nothing that some tender, loving gardening and fertilizer couldn't fix. After the rather tall and admittedly handsome dog (only an observation) had asked for the best area for the emperor to land, it was decided the Canterlot Public Gardens would be the best option to avoid any more trauma to her private garden.
A pegasus guard flew down from the sky; likely ready to report. The stallion took a second to compose himself, wings ruffling as he tucked them against his sides.

"My princess the.... Airship, if it can be called that, has stopped just outside of Canterlot. It is currently maintaining it’s position..." The guard says likely just as shocked about the scale of the craft as she was.
"What of the populace? How are they handling the arrival?" The Princess asked while she watched the maids set up a number of Equestrian flags on the castle and positioned statues and large vases of flowers on either side of the red carpet: everything had to be perfect. This visit could determine whether Equestria was at war or peace.

"No no no place the statue of friendship closer to the end of the carpet! Wait, no, don't put the statue of marriage here! I don't know where ponies keep getting the idea that the Princess is wanting to propose! This is a meeting focused on a diplomatic crisis!!!" A supervisor yelled at several blushing maids as they quickly moved the statue away. Celestia’s expression tightened at the display, the guard picking up on it and shuffling a little in place.

"Well, to put it bluntly Your Majesty, they are running around like a bunch of headless chickens. The nobility have currently barricaded themselves in their estates with Gold Talon mercenaries doing regular patrols around their estates." His response caused Celestia to just shake her head, but before she could respond he continued. "I have already sent word to Captain Stone Wall and he has sent Royal Guards out to try and calm the situation."

She lets out a sigh. "Good, though I wish I was informed earlier I understand that information only travels so fast in our lands." Oh, what she wouldn't give for one of those radios so that anyone who needed to communicate could, rather than relying on a handful of properly trained mages (herself included). "You have done well. Go to the mess halls and eat well. That's an order." She smiled softly as the guard nods, leaving her to finish her preparations.

It was at that moment she felt a disturbance in the air, the new current causing the countless flower bushes and ornamental grasses to sway. She looked up and saw what was likely a variation of the same craft that had announced his arrival. Though it was far more stylized, with an enclosed cockpit of metal and glass, the whole shape of the craft seemed awkward lacking the ordinate curls and spirals of her private flying carriage. It looked very similar to the larger transport aircraft she had seen in her reports, but lacking the wings. Even after reading the reports she still couldn't understand how such a craft functioned, it still seems like yesterday her ponies discovered the plow!

The craft was certainly a sight as it slowly landed in the gardens at the end of the red carpet. The spinning blades above the craft slowed steadily after landing, as the side opened to reveal steps that were worked into the hatch. A number of well dressed soldiers marched out wearing rich dark green uniforms with shining medals on the left sides of their chests, and a touch of grey on their shoulders. With pins buttoning the collars down in the shapes of a lion's head, pants colored a dark red and dress shoes covering their paws, each was equipped with a side arm consisting of ornate Webley Mk VI with gold stylizations.

Six of these soldiers stepped out of the dull grey craft, each standing at attention at either side of the red carpet. She waited, swallowing but not showing it, as she found that she had become very sensitive hearing the steps of the steps of her guest. She was expecting some elderly dog with failing vision and a wrinkled face not..... This. A young dog with unblemished snow white coat wearing a rich blue uniform, with countless medals on his left side all shimmering in the sun. A perfectly braided aiguillette adorned his right side with golden epaulettes on his shoulders. His face was young and lacked any visible scars but while he was maintaining a diplomatic, neutral expression the rage radiating from him came to her long before the craft even landed. His piercing blue eyes locked with her own. Even though he looked no older then her student his eyes told her everything, and it was only reinforced as he slowly walked down the red carpet while his honor guard stood at attention unmoving from their salutes. He stopped about a body length from her while her own guard watching from their posts around the garden tightened their grips on their spears.

"Princess Celestia? ...I must say what I’ve heard about you didn’t do you justice. Your coat truly is as white as the snow in Siberia." He says while slowly reaching out an arm. She couldn't help but stare at it a bit.

"I thank you for your compliment. To be honest, I didn't expect the Emperor of such a rich and industrious nation to be so.... Young. I was expecting an elderly General or perhaps even a wealthy industrialist." She says reaching out her hoof to shake his offered arm.

He grasped her hoof tightly, squeezing it just a little too hard to be polite. "Appearances can be misleading..... For example, you look like you’re in your mid twenties, but we both know you're much older then that aren't you?" He says, smiling.

"I suppose you are right, now why don't we sit down for tea? I have a wonderful antique tea set with some recently imported Arabian tea. If it wouldn’t be an issue, we can use one of my private rooms." She smiled as he let go of her hoof before motioning her guards to lead them all back to her castle.

A number of curious ponies tried to sneak a few looks at the supposed Emperor of Britannia. Many of them started to whisper among themselves, wondering if it was his son or perhaps a young talented diplomat. A few even managed to snag a few photographs before being ushered away by the guards.

"I see that the press here seem far more respectful than back home." He says as he was lead into the castle, letting his eyes wander over the stained glass.

"Oh?... Does your government not have good control of the press?" She asked while trotting through her halls.

"Hmmmmm no, we have a strong belief in freedom of press." He says while they pass a number of hallways with marble floors and white stone walls. A number of paintings on the wall depicted countless Equestrian nobility from different areas; oddly enough the larger number of them seemed to be mares.

"Unless its wartime?" She says evenly with a smirk while she opens a double door to her private tea room. It was rather small but very lavish with a oak heartwood table that seemed fairly low to the ground. He was confused for a few moments before he saw silk cushions on the floor.

"Sacrifices must be made, are we to sit on the floor?" He asks politely before the white alicorn nods her head.

"Yes, while we ponies do have chairs we find resting on cushions is easier for us and our lower backs. After all, we don't normally move on our back hooves." She says while pouring herself a small cup of tea and sitting down as the aroma of the blend started to fill the room.
"Interesting. The zebras don't seem to have much of a problem with it, perhaps it's their training and traditions? I must say my soldiers give excellent reports but sometimes one needs more than just a few field reports." He says while she nods her head, trying not to let her eyes wander to the portrait of her and her sister on the back wall. "But we didn't schedule this meeting for idle chat did we..?" He says, looking down with his diplomatic mask of neutrality freezing in place for a few moments.

"...No we did not... This meeting is to prevent the actions of a single pegasus from escalating into war..." She says, the act of talking about a former hero of Equestria leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

"I'm sure you understand with a matter so... Close to my heart... Reparations will cost your country... Dearly." He managed to get out while he struggled to keep his composure. "I'm sure you know my niece was on that airship and right now the doctors are telling me she may never walk again. Tell me why I shouldn't declare war on your country? After all history has seen wars declared for far less." He says evenly as his black leather gloves creak as he clutches his hands tight.

"I am aware of your country's war footing all too well... But neither of us wants war: my ponies are peaceful and your subjects have only just finished one. However, I must know, was it really against the dragons? I’ve read the biographies and history books that have found their way to my country, and they all mention you. You were there weren't you? You know what a war would really mean for both our nations." She says looking down at her floating cup of tea and swirling it a bit.

"I don't know what books you have read but... We did in fact fight a long bloody war against the dragons. Any horrors they describe come short of what the war was really like." He says, running a covered hand over his face.

"You're saying that you fought the dragons and won? How is such a thing possible? Did you not try diplomatic solutions first?" She says, swallowing as her throat turned dry.

"Slave masters do not negotiate with their slaves and neither do ranchers with their cattle." He says evenly while lifting up his cup and swirling it before taking a long sip.

"A-are you saying?......" She choked a bit. She had originally lived in almost similar circumstances, but to hear such a thing as a systematic campaign by thinking creatures was unheard of.

He looked her in the eyes with a piercing gaze. "The lives of my ancestors consisted of being born in the gem mines, to work till breaking, and then to be served as their supper. Does that make it clear enough for you?" He says, resting his cup on the low table.

"Yes, very... So you saw genocide as the only option? Surely beating them back past the mountain pass would be enough to get them to negotiate? The dragons in Equestria are agreeable, at times..." She said, a little more half heartedly then she would like to admit.

"... My people were enslaved and then fed to them on a daily basis for centuries perhaps a millennia. When they war started to turn against them they began to sack our historic monuments, our connections to the past, on the battlefields they wouldn't even give us the chance to reclaim our dead simply dragging them back for a meal. They weren't interested in compromise they were interested in returning to the status quo, what leader would agree to that? You know what we found when we were finally able to push past the wall and into their lands? Nothing. They had long since picked their lands clean of anything that could grow, breed, or form in the earth. Even today my people struggle to repair the damage they had done to their lands. They had forced their den mothers to breed till they were too used to even move, each generation that was sent to the front lines was younger then the last as they tried to drown us in a sea of draconic flesh from the skies. I saw them for myself despite the begging of my generals not to and what I saw sickened me, perhaps once they were a noble race but it didn't matter then and it doesn't give me pause now. I did what I did knowing full well the consequences of my actions. Have you ever had to make that choice?" He saying leaning forward looking at her with contained fury.

"..... I have." She says, letting out a long sigh.

"What? You mean to tell me that your self contained utopia for ponies has had to make choices like I have had to? What happened, a sugar shortage perhaps? I've had my economists run the numbers, the average Equestrian pony eats nearly five times more carbohydrates and sugar then the world average." He says with a smirk.

"I can not argue with that but do you really think my lands were always so peaceful? No, when I took control of these lands I had to make many hard decisions just as you did while making this country peaceful... Allies made, allowances were given, and choices made that affected countless lives. Tell me, are you familiar with the Earth Pony Serf rebellion? No, no one is, despite the fact that modern day Canterlot was built on the countless bodies of serfs and unicorns. I could have let the rebellion succeed, but risk the upheaval leading to a harsh winter and have an entire subspecies of pony extinguished, or stop the rebellion, saving the few remaining unicorns and pushing back the earth ponies liberation a few centuries. To this day I wonder if I made the right choice but then I remember the face of the little unicorn foal who sought shelter in my castle, and then my student. Should I have allowed the rebellion to succeed my protégé would have never been born and ascended to Alicornhood. Or when my ponies entered a long war against King Sombra where I sent hoards of ill trained stallions against the mad king and his armies. Had I not intervened I would not have the severe gender imbalance in my country, but then I wonder would he have been content with the Crystal Empire alone? Or what if I had intervened with the Massacre of Hayshire? Risking the diplomatic talks with Pegastopolis or the recently freed Earth ponies? I've had to make choices as well that have had lasting effects on my ponies and myself. I may have never had to face a war the likes you have faced but do not think I am unfamiliar with such things." She says evenly while cracking the cup in her magical grasp.

"Interesting. I have yet to find a book with any mention of these events in any of your history books, don't give me that look You read mine I'm sure you didn't expect me not to come prepared? I suppose you're guilty of suppressing unsavory history?" He asked while taking another long sip of tea.

"I will not lie to have protected my ponies from their sordid history, did you really believe that the three tribes came together so bloodlessly? Stories like the Hearths Warming Pageant are for little fillies and colts. Over time many came to acknowledge it as history... Who was I to correct them and tell them the truth? As a ruler can you honestly tell me you or your government haven't embellished stories of your country for the betterment of your people and selves?" She says sighing while he just nodded in response.

"All countries are guilty of embellishing history for their own benefit but you have gone too far. You willingly allowed your ponies to slip into ignorance without so much as batting a hoof. In my country we had to piece together what remained of our history and culture after the war. Much was lost and even more forgotten forever, all we have left are crumbling buildings, charred paintings, and historic tunnels slowly collapsing in on themselves. So little of our past remains that we value historic relics more than the very gems we plundered from the dragons dens. By allowing your ponies to forget their past you have stolen great wealth from them. Are you not familiar of the agreement that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it?" He says while the mare nodded her head.

"It's an old argument that I'm all too familiar with but I ask you how many take that old lesson and become inspired to bring back such atrocities? I can think of many who learned of the past of my country and sought to return ponies to their tribalist ways. Perhaps your war changed your people's view on history, perhaps my people's desire for ignorance influenced me to act as I do, but that is for the philosophers and historians to decide long after we have ascended." She says while slowly standing on her four hooves while the Emperor slowly stands on his hind legs. "In the end it really it is not up to us is it? It is up to our peoples to choose and while we can encourage them to go one way or another we are often left to deal with their choices. Perhaps I could have prevented the decline of our history, maybe I was so desperate to give them the utopian society I kept promising their skeptical ancestors that I made bad decisions. Can you say you have not done the same, to try and give your people a better life only for it to turn out differently then your hoped?"

He stretched and slowly made his way to the small balcony behind there little tea area looking out at Canterlot seeing the castle and the city below him. "Yes... Tell me, do I look of nobility? Do I seem to come from wealth? Do I look as if I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth?" He waited a few moments for a response. "As a pup I was born into a very poor family. A baker and blacksmith who struggled to get by. My mothers stove never worked always leaving the bread unevenly cooked and hard as stone. I had no money to buy her a new one so I built one from the scraps I found laying around my father's shop. I spent countless hours hammering away at my father's forge and casting countless parts all to try and give my mother the present I thought she deserved. Apparently I did my job too well as I soon found myself in front of the local lord who studied my creation with the care of an art connoisseur. All too soon I was shipped off to a strange university where I was forced to study day and night before taking a test, I had to go through countless exercises and training regimen to become the leader my people needed in a time of crisis. My vast knowledge allowed me to help lead the way for countless discoveries in science and helped shape countless inventions all in the hope of pulling my dogs from the dark ages. Only for them to be swept up by the military and... Mutated, into weapons of war. I am hailed as the one who's great inventions single handedly ended the war. But that is far from the truth... I may occasionally have had a breakthrough but my real talent is figuring out how it all goes together. But I didn't leave my home to become a builder of weapons, instead I left to try and make my home a better place. Only to become what my people wanted and not what I wanted, as a leader I know that now but at times I wish I could go back and warn myself of what I would become. So don't try to lecture me on the control the populace has on us as I know it all too well. But I can't help but wonder what you were like in the beginning and why the title of princess?" He asked as she joined him on the balcony.

"A young, idealistic filly that hoped to unite the three pony races only to find myself neck deep in politics. I learned many harsh lessons and were it not for my tutor Starswirled the Bearded I would have be swept away in a sea of politics and backstabbing. I tried to take his lessons to heart but any good student must make mistakes to learn." She says while the Emperor nods in agreement.

"I have read about him.... I must say he must have truly been a great pony for you to work as hard as you do to make your ponies remember him." He says looking over the city with her, his eyes centering on the guard marching in formation down the market street.

"He was... He was likely the closest thing me and my sister had to a father. When we were born we were anomalies. We were Earth ponies... Yet our magics seemed to manifest much like a unicorns... Much of the nobility of the three tribes saw us as a threat to the status quo. If it wasn’t for that great unicorn stepping up to our defense Alicorns may have never have graced this world. He was a difficult teacher at times but through his teachings our power grew. Like you we were taught the complex science of politics. Despite what many like to imagine my sister seemed to understand the practice of persuasion but she was always a pessimist. Perhaps looking back rightfully so... Being the older sister I often would disregard her opinions, usually to my own peril. He always said my patience and forgiveness balanced out with my sisters impulsiveness and wrath... As years past we grew up with that old stallion watching over us till he made his final discovery. I still remember his wrinkled face brightening as he found the legendary Tree of Harmony. I couldn't tell you how many sleepless nights we spent with him studying the tree and it's inner workings disregarding our own well being in hopes that such a discovery would help finally unite the tribes. But sadly the old stallion used his last breath to try and understand his discovery.... I can't tell you when it happened but when me and my sister came with his morning tea he was sprawled on his makeshift table... He looked so peaceful... We buried him nearby the tree, it seemed only fitting after all, as it was his last and greatest discovery. Afterwards we stayed near the tree unsure what to do, our protector was gone and we had only his notes to pass the time. I can't tell you everything about what happened there but when we came out we were as we are now." She says looking over her kingdom. "There were plenty of neigh stayers but others saw us as the key to uniting Equestria under one banner, for their own benefit. But through our master’s teachings we were able to overcome." She nodded her head looking over at the Emperor while he seemed in deep thought watching a few ponies start to notice the pair looking out at them.

He decided it would not be in good taste to ask what happened to her parents, having his suspicions. What he said next was a both a surprise and relief for her. "I will not declare war on your country. You are right, it would not be ideal of either of us. This is peacetime and I would prefer to keep it this way. I have seen too many die in war, I know what it means to send soldiers to fight.” He turned to face her fully, expression turning to one of controlled offence. “That is not to say that reparations will not be made. I believe exclusive rights to Horseshoe Bay and beneficial trading rights with Manehattan would suffice, along with you footing the bill for the airship." He says as turns back to the skyline in lieu of awaiting her answer, eyes seeming to center on Donut Joe's shop.

Celestial started to run the numbers in her head. While not a perfect agreement she had had Fancy send an estimate of the airships cost. They could foot the bill but it would dive a little more into her slowly demising surplus more than she would like but it was doable. "It will take time to pull the money together and to send the information to Horseshoe Bay and Manehattan but I believe what you ask for is fair. I want to say I'm sorry, I had no idea one of my ponies wou-" She was silenced by the raising of his hand, a bit insulted by the gesture but the look in his eyes saddened her.

"I think this is just as much my fault as it is yours. That invitation was an idea from one of my skilled diplomats in hopes of building a stronger trading relationship with your country. I should have understood that changes were happening in your country and while beneficial to the majority, many always find themselves left behind during the march of progress. It's something I have seen time and time again: for every machine that is built or invented another hundred citizens lose their jobs and while some can weather the change others can not. I should not take my rage out on your ponies but instead on the one who has dared harm my niece. I have had my best look over the scene of the crime and it is obvious this was not some international plot but the actions of a mare of unsound mind. It does not dampen my rage but it allows me to focus it elsewhere." He says, his hands tightening on the ordinate railing.

"I thank you... I know what it is like to lose a family member as well...." She breathes a sigh of relief.

"You are talking of your sister aren't you? The Mare with the midnight blue coat and starry mane?" He looks over at her.

"Yes, how did you know?" She asked while she tried to swallow her emotions, to prevent any trace of them appearing in her expression.

"I haven't seen her since I have arrived, and I admire your constitution but the list of family is always something that is harsh on us all. The large fire was also a clue I suppose." He says.

"Yes... My sister is missing as of late... And a rather nasty fire broke out in her room..." She says quietly.

"....I see. If you would like I could leave you alone and we could further hammer out our deal later during my visit." He says, frowning a bit while she just shakes her head.

"No, the wellbeing of my ponies and the relationship between three nations far outweighs my personal feelings. We will draw up the bills and legislations now. So that we may move on for the betterment of both our people's." Her face changes to one of determination.

"If you are sure let us begin talking about the current capacity of Horseshoe Bay."

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
General Shujaa's Estate
12:21pm
Twilight sat at a large dinner table while Blueblood and Fancy Pants rested on either side of her, enjoying the considerable meal while trying to avoid looking at the crab and large whole fish dishes. This lunch was called in hopes of convincing him not to send a retaliatory strike against the Saddle Arabians after they started to try and probe their defenses. The three Equestrian representatives hoped that could talk sense to the Saddle Arabian Sultan, he was young and full of pride but surely he wasn't willing to start a war during a famine..? Right..?

General Shujaa finally arrived at the head of the table, wearing his full tan uniform with a number of glistening metals. The zebra rested in his chair and looked at the three Equestrians at the other end of his table with indifference. Almost immediately he nodded his head and started to have his servants serve the meal, resting a number of different local delicacies on their plates. As they watched waiting for their host to take the first bite he looked over to a teal mare with an eyepatch that matched her coat color. She seemed to wear a number of expensive silk sashes over her body and was wearing a dress made of crystal fabric, an expensive import even in Equestria. She slowly made her way to the zebra’s side, resting in a chair next to him while the servants started to fill her plate.

"Welcome to my home Princess Twilight Sparkle, and Nobles Blueblood and Fancypants. I would like to introduce my assistant Miss Poppyseed." He say while continuing to maintain his look of neutrality. His gaze crossed a number of paintings that were gifts from Britannia, many depicting the battles he had fought while others were of beautiful landscapes both of Britannia and of Zebrica, many from notable artists, along with plenty of tapestries and stone work from his own country. All hanging on the wood paneling with dark wood crown molding that lined the rooms.

As they all sat at the long detailed cherry wood table the strange mare seemed to center her attention on the three at the other end of the table especially the purple alicorn. "Ah, yes, the Princess of Friendship.... I must say when I got word of your ascension and title I thought you were out of some story book for fillies. Really, friendship? Isn't that something little fillies learn about? I would think a once promising mage like yourself would have become the head of the Equestrian Guild of Unicorns. Not something out of a bedtime story." She smirked while Twilight was unsure whether to blush or to glare. Luckily, she did neither.

"Well it wasn't exactly my choice, it was the Tree of Harmony and Starswirls final incomplete spell that chose my title. I'll admit I would have preferred the title of Princess of Magic, but it never seemed to stick compared to Princess of Friendship. Perhaps outside of Equestria it seems silly but since ponies are herd animals it is very important to our culture. In the past we would be in herds for safety we required the ability to rely on each other since we lacked true permanent shelter, always on the move across the Great Plains. Over time this evolved into friendship as ponies learned that there was more to life than just relying on each other, through the cooperation we founded the first villages that while a far cry from what we have now were the very beginnings of our civilization. We endured through working together and then moving forward, the three tribes while separate pulled together and then overtime we slowly started to learn how to live together, perhaps it is far from perfect, I see that now, but we can better ourselves. It will be long and hard but I know we can do it it just takes a little push and the belief that we can do better than we are now. I like to believe that through education and modernization we can achieve a truly harmonious society." Twilight says while the mare seems to tilt her head a bit.

"That is all well and good Princess but what of us who have been cast aside already by the existing system? What of those of us who were thrown under the wagon so that your nobility could live as they do now? Would we be able to return or would we continue to be forbidden to return, what of the countless foals, mares, and stallions who have been chased from their homes because they had the nerve to stand up to a corrupt system? Would you allow them back? Continue to have them banished? Or maybe just forget them as you ride the curtails of change to save your own place in the system? Tell me Twilight had you not come from lower nobility and become the princesses protégé do you honestly think you would be where you are now?" The teal mare asked while tilting her head.

"Who are you? Who are you really?" Fancy managed to ask while trying to swallow the bitter taste that had suddenly filled his mouth realizing who he was looking at.

"Who am I? I'm one of the countless ponies your beloved Celestia threw under the wagon to keep her nobility happy. I was thrown over Equestrias border into the badlands with no water, no food, nothing. I wandered the rocky terrain for days till I was captured by Balsams Zulu warriors... Do you know what it's like to be offered up as a gift to a twisted Zebra? To have your mane pulled out from the roots? To be given as reward to countless warriors after a successful pillage? To not be seen as a living being but an object to own and abuse at another's pressure?" She slowly got up and trotted around the table while the three ponies on the other end stared at her in fear.

"W-what was your c-crime?......." Blueblood manages to ask as he stares at her in complete dread as memories slowly start to return to him and his blood runs cold.

"You two really don't remember.” She snorted. “I would think two great supposed reformists like you would remember me, especially considering my crime. I saw a wicked noble mare about to hack off a poor colts wings for trying to steal a little cheap lump of coal for the winter. I tried to save the poor colt but apparently a pebble is all it takes to take out you inbred nobility, my actions saved a colt but cost a mare her life. Tell me, do you know how many of us die serving them or how many of us have lost our homes so they could build a new vacation home or statue to their own vanity? I know what I did was wrong and it cost that mare her life but it was an accident that was made to save a life. Would I have been banished or even punished if I were a noble?" She asked while Fancy swallows and slowly shakes his head along with Blueblood while Twilight looks at them with horror.

"You would not have... While many like to imagine Celestia dispenses fair justice the most she can do is try and convince the House of Nobles to banish as opposed to life imprisonment or execution. She is a firm believer that as long as one lives there is possibility... The Clover the Clever philosophy... She believed that death was nothing but the cutting of one's branched life paths." Fancy said nodding his head solemnly.
"I and my mentor have been pushing for a new hight court system using one's own peers as a jury as opposed to the House of Nobles. Sadly they fear giving any power away knowing full well that such a change in our law would leave them potentially vulnerable. We are slowly making headway by passing the reforms piggybacked on other more, well... Supported bills, but it takes time. Reversing any poor court decisions however would be seen as questioning the Nobility meaning they will do whatever they can within their power to prevent such cases from seeing the light of day. So... The chances of repealing a court decision even with the reforms would be difficult if not impossible unless we could convince the the Nobles to let go of centuries of tradition. Law is one thing in Equestria but tradition is seen as equal to law..." Blueblood swallows while slowly lifting a glass to his lips.

"So I will never be able to return to Equestria? Was that so hard to say, I know that all too well! I just wanted to see what Miss Sparkle had to say but judging from her look of shock I doubt she has much to say." She finished dismissively, while the sound of a sarcastic clap began coming from their host.

"Very entertaining, I understand you have more than a bone to pick with the Equestrian government and I feel that you have touched on important matters but I feel that this visit has gone off track don't you think? I believe they have come here to try and stick their noses in our country's business yet again?" He says while the mare nods her head blushing a bit from her out burst but continuing to eye the ponies at her employers table.

Twilight manages to slowly pull herself out of her shock. "Y-yes I believe that escalating the situation with Saddle Arabia would be a mistake. They are in the middle of a famine. They couldn't possibly be on war footing considering they are currently dealing with unrest in three of their districts and growing unrest in others. To declare war on them would only lead to the suffering of those most vulnerable. Please we ask you reach out the olive branch to the Sultan’s youngest daughter if you must. War is not the answer, reform is, and his youngest daughter has high hopes of trying to change her system."

"It's very interesting you say that... Since we currently have a guest in my employers safe house. Young Azizah I believe her name was? Poor child was forced to go on the run with her servants in order to avoid her father's wrath." The mare said while sitting back down in her chair. "A very sweet child but sadly her home is not longer safe for her. But she has been very interested as of late in the many changes that have come to my adopted country." She says while pouring Shujaa a tall glass of wine.

"Thank you Poppyseed, you always seem to know what I need before I think to ask. Now, the subject of young Azizah I fear is very true. She is currently in hiding but we plan to place her on the throne after a short war with Saddle Arabia. In return for our help setting her on the throne she has agreed to cede the Nile River districts to us as a gesture of goodwill and payment for aid to help rebuild and modernize her nation. I would ask if you wanted to see her but at the moment the fewer who know her location the better, once this unpleasantness is finished in sure she would enjoy seeing you all." Shujaa gives them all a toothy grin.

"W-we could offer assistance in the coup d'état, w-we have strong trading ties with the nation so we could easily sneak our guards onto trading vessels and offer your warriors assist-" Fancy was cut off as the zebra stallion lifted his hoof to silence him.

"Sadly your warriors or guards as you like to call them would be little more than a nuisance during the operation. Do you know the difference between a soldier and a warrior?" He asked while the Equestrians thought about their answers.

"A warrior is one who seeks glory, wealth, and fame... A soldier is someone who marches to war seeing it as a job, nothing more and nothing less..." Blueblood said while nodding his head in understanding. "As much as I hate to admit it even many our finest are at their core Warriors looking to for tales of glory and bravery. I have seen your soldiers and while it pains me to admit it your soldiers are efficient and effective. I have taken time to read the battle reports. You have raked up kill counts that measured 13 to 1, your soldiers have proven themselves countless times against some of the most vicious warriors on the continent time and time again. It does not bode well for those who have yet to modernize. Good or bad the Britannians have shifted the balance of power and I worry for what that means for our future."

Chapter 34

Zebrica
New Prosost Prison
Gym
3:51pm
Inside of the subterranean prison a number of inmates were working out in a makeshift gym, lit only by sporadic lantern and candle light. The gym was mainly stocked with free weights, which were sloppily piled at the base of one of the walls; however, a familiar prismatic Pegasus and her "husband" were at one of the benches, doing reps.

"Push Rainbow, push! You still have five more reps. Are you going to chicken out or are you going to finish them and then ask for more?!" Gábriel yelled right into her face as she struggled to lift up the weight bar, a sick feeling going through her as she struggled.

Since becoming his prison wife, she had found herself working out more and in ways she wasn't used to. Before coming to the prison she mostly focused on her wings, what with her being a speedster and all. That was all that seemed to matter, along with some intense cardio. But now? She was being forced to work on every part of her body, and while it left her sore and in constant pain it also felt strangely good. Especially since that allowed her to muscle her way to the rations better during meal times.

"I-I CAN!" She growled, lifting the bar five more times before having to have Gábriel help her place it back on the supports. Wheezing, she wiped the sweat off of her brow and laid back on the bench, taking a few minutes to catch her breath. Gábriel looked down at her, a grin going across his face.

"Not bad pony. First time I took you here you struggled to even lift up the weight bar. Now you're finally starting to look like a real brawler!" The raven Griffin let out a chuckle before helping her up onto her hooves.

"Y-ya..." she panted loudly, looking at the 140 pound bar she had just lifted. "Being a speedster...doesn't exactly give you a lot...of focus...on weightlifting." She managed to pant out, stopping suddenly to catch her breath.

"Don't get too cocky pony, I still have you beat by 80 pounds." He flexes, showing his surprisingly muscled body that was usually hidden under his black feathers and fur. "But you have shown improvement. How about we head to the baths for a cool down? Or would you rather do some sparing first?" He asked, smiling, as he motioned to the center of the pit.

"Not on Celestia's flank! Last time I tried to spar after working out with you I ended up stuck on my side for a week! It's not fair when you use pressure points!" She lets out a snort; the Griffin only smiled in response.

"You need to learn how to fight, pony. Swinging your hooves around only goes so far down here." He chuckled as they took one of the down ward sloping tunnels that served as stairs in the pit, illuminated by a few lanterns. The dull, unmarked sandstone offered very little to look at.

"Hey! I took down that creep with that Buffalo tattoo!" She let out a mock growl at him, followed by a quick laugh at the memory of the encounter. The Buffalo even had (poorly drawn) lingerie on!

"You and me both know that earth pony was a pushover. Besides, I happen to remember a certain fight with a crippled Zulu. What are you going to do when I'm not around to help break up the fight for you?" He pulled her into a sideways hug as they entered a small cavern. Lantern light reflected off of the water of several pools set into the sandstone floor, casting the room in odd, wavering lights.

"Really, you're going to ask that? The only time we're ever apart is when I go to use the bathroom, and even then you just wait outside!" He gives her an even look in response. "Fine...but can we not do it on the same day as our work outs?"

"Alright. Let's get cleaned up then head to bed. We have a long shift in the mines tomorrow, and I'd rather not deal with a crabby Pegasus again." He flicks his tail as he entered one of the pools; sadly, it wasn't a hot spring, but the cold water was strangely soothing on his sore muscles. "Are you gonna join me, or are you just gonna stand there?" Rainbow suddenly springs at him in a tackle, only for him to expertly block her, a quick throw sending her into the water. "That never gets old, pony."

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Cordon De Blue Culinary Academy
4:05pm

The purple Drake watched his Shepherd's pie cook inside of the the oven, his eyes occasionally darting back to the clock. Time was running out, but he wanted to get the perfect amount of browning on the crust before he pulls it out. The professor was already slowly getting up from his chair and stretching, while other young students, ranging from Zebra foals, to little Minotaur, and even a few Thestrals. The timer rang and spike rushed to pull out his pie, quickly looking it over and nodding his head. The elderly Newfoundland slowly started to make his way around the classroom, taking a moment to stop at each one of the cooking stations where students had been preparing their dishes. His face would occasionally scrunch up, tasting a slightly overcooked piece of meat or over boiled vegetable, before finally making his way over to Spikes station. His eyebrows slowly raised, giving Spike's traditional shepherd's pie a look over. He stabs his fork right into it and pulls out a hearty chunk of vegetables crust and meat, and slipped it into his mouth. He chewed it a few times before nodding his head and making his way up to the front of the classroom.

"Half of you have what it takes to be cooks. The other half was unwilling to take any risks, choosing to only make dishes that I had taught you all to cook." The Elderly Newfoundland looked across the room, the children looking away when his gaze reached them. "You see that dragon in the far back of the room? Instead of just using one of the few recipes I've been teaching you for the last few weeks he actually made something new. Not only that, it was more than edible. I want you all to take a page from him and start taking more risks!" He started to hack loudly before coughing into a handkerchief. He motioned towards the door, handing out grades as the children left.

Spike waited in line with the other students, before a tapping on his back caused him to jump. Turning around he came face to face with a dark coated thestral filly. "C-could you tutor me? M-my croquettes w-were good b-but I never g-get the m-mix right...I-I'm Blair Patch..." she stammers out, her gaze lowered to the floor.

Spike smiled softly and nodded his head. "Sure, I don't mind helping you improve your cooking! I have a full kitchen to myself back at them embassy; we can learn together." The two continued to move up in the line before their grades were handed out, each of their dishes being scored. Looking his grades over Spike repressed the urge to cheer, seeing that he nearly had a perfect score. Looking over he saw that the filly had roughly an A-; it seemed she wasn't lying about her croquettes. That one dish didn't do too well! "Don't be so hard on yourself. It looks like you did great! Besides, everyone has a dish that they need a little help on. I'm sure we can figure it out together." He smiled softly and held out his hand. "Oh! I forgot to tell you my name is Spike."

Zebrica
Duskclift
Eclipse
5:14pm

Chef Summers was currently making eggs Benedict, sometimes switching his attention to trying to sear up a steak for some visiting tourists in the restaurant. Already they were pumping out orders like a well oiled machine, ranging from fancy salads to more expensive and savory dishes that cost a small fortune. Apparently, Duskclift had become a popular tourist spot, and the Eclipse was taking full advantage of this.

"Summers, we need that steak and eggs Benedict five minutes ago. Hurry up!" A stocky earth pony yelled while he moved around the crowded kitchen, trying to get them all to pick up the pace. After all, the dining room was packed with hungry patrons. It didn't help that the temperature in the kitchen had reached unbearable levels, but they couldn't afford to miss a beat.

"I'm cooking as fast as I can! I turn up the heat anymore, those Dogs will be eating charred eggs! The steak isn't doing so good either! I need more lemon zest over here!" Summer yells out as she starts to pour the steaks own juices back onto it, back onto it enjoying the wonderful smell the floated through the air. A lemon and a grater was thrown over and caught in his weak magical field as he started to grate the lemon on top of the eggs.

This was his life now, trapped inside of a hot sweltering kitchen with 7 others; a gryphon, two zebras, an unicorn, and three Thestrals, all preparing meals, from soups to decadent desserts. The countless smells of different foods constantly filled the kitchen with an aroma that would make even the most refined drool like an animal.

A familiar face entered the kitchen, Pumpkin Patch in his brand new sheriff uniform complete with a shiny silver badge and sunglasses to protect his photosensitive eyes. He gave Summers a toothy grin, showing off his pronounced canines. "I need two beef sandwiches to go. I also have a message from the office!"

A large zebra in a white apron and chefs hat grabbed the letter and read it over.
The burly zebra's face was soon plastered with a grin. "Good news boys, they want us to host the first anniversary of Duskclift! We are going to be up to our eyeballs with patrons and drink orders! We have three weeks to prepare. Now get back to work!" That final command elicited a mixture of cheers and groans from the chefs, who started to cook with more flare.

Zebrica
Badlands Boarder
Check Point
6:26pm

Starry Sky's rested on a bench as she waited for her number to be called, idly swinging her blue furred hooves. The check point also acted as a sort of immigration office, where one would show theirpassports to the guards and have them look over some files before letting you pass. Sure, a few would sneak into Zebrica, but if you were caught without identification it was a hassle. The check point wasn't much to look at, just a converted trading post with high walls made of unsawn lumber, a few rough sawn buildings ,and one large warehouse that was converted into the office.

Wiping a little sweat from her brow she looked around, her eyes wandering over the logs and dim electric lights. There were a few rows of rather uncomfortable benches, where a number of potential immigrants rested, some trying to get some sleep after their long journey. It was somewhat depressing to look around, a few crying foals could be heard and a few moans from the ill, likely hoping to get treatment down south.

The blueberry coated mare started to shift, trying to get into a more comfortable on the uneven bench, before another tan pony sat down next to her. She seemed to be sweating a bit, and nursing a rather nasty headache, her hoof drawing circles under her horn. Perhaps caster fatigue?It might be due to the lack of abundant natural magic in the area...

"H-hi... are you hoping to move down south too?" the mare asked Starry Sky, while still rubbing her head.

"Yeah... I'm hoping to to get a better life in Zebrica... Equestrian just isn't safe for earth ponies anymore..." The blueberry coated mare answered, looking down at her hooves.

"Oh? I know what your saying all too well. After the enchantery I worked at closed I was the target of lynchings. My boss controlled the prices not me. I just made minimum wage."The tan mare sighs and looks over. "I'm Pale Ale by the way."

Starry Sky's eyebrow raised. "Your parents named you Pale Ale? As in one of the most famous prohibition practicing counties?"

She let out a snort, the other mare blushing. "I'm Starry SKy by the way. It's nice to meet you." She smiled softly.

"Yeah... imagine what it was like when I finally found my talent and couldn't even use it to make money? Luckily, my enchantery job let me save just enough money to get here. I know they overcharged...but it's not like I got to see much of that money. it always went into the pockets of my manager... heck where do you think they get all those unicorns to work for them? They just find ones who can't use their talents to make a living. But it wasn't all bad; we had some funny cases. One time, a Pegasus came in asking why her toilet wasn't flushing, and I was the one who had to tell her it was a clock! Or this one orange pony who couldn't figure out what was wrong with her lasso only for me to tell her it was a laundry line!" She let out a giggle at the memory, suddenly blushing when she realized just how loud she had said that.

"Heh, it's totally ok. I know how it is. My special talent is studying the stars but there isn't much demand for an earth pony astronomer. Heck even the unicorns who do it don't really do much! Not that I wouldn't mind being able to just sit around, occasionally looking through a telescope. Better then working at Hay Burger! It's always 'Hey, where's my pickles', or 'My Hay fries aren't crunchy enough'... oh, you should have seen some of the ponies that would come in! They make the Hooffields and Mccolts look like royalty! I once had the Princesses of Friendship come in, so you would expect her to eat all refined and fancy right? She ate like a freaking slob! One pony asked for a poncho!" She lets out a snort, Pale Ale giggling along with her.

"Who knew that the princesses prized student was such a slob!" Pale Ale laughed while a rather bored looking zebra started to call out a few numbers. "Oh, that's me! I hope you get in too, Starry. Maybe we can see each other again?" She asks, a hopeful smile on her face

"I would like that it's a date!" She giggles as she waved at goodby to Pale Ale she followed the zebra stallion to the interview office.

The Zebra stallion was wearing a tan military uniform, gazing down on Ale with a look of complete disinterest. "Pale Ale I presume? I am Kali, and I will be conducting your interview. Please, sit." He motions to a seat that seemed to be made from metal that rests in front of a rather empty looking desk with little more then a thin manilla file folder on top of it. The room itself was a hastily made cube of heap lumberm with a thin door closing them off from the rest.

"You are somewhat of an oddity, Miss Pale Ale. Normally when we request some information over the new Zebrican Equestrian Telegraph system we get something, but you have nothing! No outstanding arrests or even minor violations, we couldn't even track down a birth certificate. Will you please sign these forms?" He pushes them forward, the pony absentmindedly signing them. "Thank you; you might feel a mild discomfort..." he reached under his desk.

"What are you- ack!" She yowled as a bright flash filled her eyes, nearly blinding the officer. The officer recoiled and fell backwards, before struggling back to his chair. "Sorry we have to check for-" his eyes widened, and he rubbed them a few time to make sure he was in fact seeing what he was seeing. "I-I...think I need to call my supervisor" He stammered as he got up.

"Will that really be necessary?" The mare asked, sounding a bit worried.

"Y-yes... t-this is over my pay grade. Please... e-excuse me". He stepped out and shut the door, leaving the mare to wait.

Chapter 35

Zebrica
Crimson Plateau (150 kilometers from New Timbuktu)
Safe House
5:11pm

Young Princess Azizah of Saddle Arabia was currently looking out over the balcony of her current domicile. It was strange having water come at the twist of a knob. She didn't fully understand how it worked but the books her hosts had graciously given her were slowly filling in the gaps. It seemed she and her country had much to learn but every colt and filly had to learn to trot and so must her kind to modernize. She let out a soft sigh looking out at the plains far below her as they slowly swayed in the wind making them almost appear as the gold in her fathers vaults. A soft cough woke her from her daydreaming and she removed herself from the iron railing. The sandy coated brown maned filly turned around to see her loyal servant Abdul holding a platter of hoof made hummus and pita bread. The stallion had basically raised her since she was born and she had grown used to seeing his dark black coat and braided raven mane.

"My princess I have brought your snack would you like any else? I know you have grown quite fond of that glass bottles fizz drink." He asked as he slowly made his way over to her while she gave him a soft smile.

"You don't have to call me that you were more of a father to me then Abdulaziz II. After mother died I was under your care and I thank you for everything you have taught me." She says taking a small piece of the pita bread and scooping a small amount of hummus onto it before tossing it into her mouth.

"You humble me princess but I only exist to serve you." He says neutrality but the soft look in his brown eyes said otherwise.

The light brown filly flipped her brown mane out of her green eyes with a smile. "I think it's time I see this country for myself tell me do we still have those makeups and dyes?" She asked while brining another slice of pita bread to her mouth.

As she ate the Arabian stallion sighed. "I don't believe that would be wise, your safety is paramount. The only way we can do that effectively is to keep a low profile until Saddle Arabia is free from your father and siblings, while I'm still wary of the Zebra and Dogs they represent the greatest chance of reform. But that can't happen without you, the key to change lies with you."

She finishes her small snack and licks her lips. "I understand that Abdul but I can only learn so much from these tombs. If I'm to be the first mare sultan of Saddle Arabia I need first hoof experience in order to understand the changes that have happened and to be sure that they are right for my homeland." She says looking back over the stone balcony down at the grass lands. Adding a small smirk "Besides I think a little exploration would be entertaining perhaps I can make some friends."

Equestria
Ponyville
Carrots Home
5:39pm

Carrot smiled as she carried out a Birthday cake for her little nephew while all his friends sang happy birthday to the skinny colt.

"Happy Birthday too you, Happy Birthday too you, happy Birthday Dear Pipsqueak, Happy Birthday to you. From good friends and true, From old friends and new, May good luck go with you, And happiness too." A number of his class mates sang together with bright smiles, most notably the former Cutie Mark Crusaders. Carrot couldn't help but swell up with pride as she rested the cake on the solid oak table infront of the bouncing colt.

"I hope you like the cake Pip! I made it special using only fashioned recipes none of that store bought stuff!" She ruffled the mane of the little colt making he smile as he looked at the candles on the triple chocolate cake with homemade vanilla bean frosting and his name spelled out with strawberry butter cream icing. "Don't gawk at it all day! I make it to eat now make a wish and blow out your candles." She says while the small colt seemed to think for a moment before taking a deep breath and blowing out the candles while everypony stamped there hooves in celebration.

"Let's eat everypony!" Carrot said while she started to cut the cake after Pip blew out the candles making sure to give her nephew a large slice before moving on to serving the rest of the guests. She eventually nodded her head saying that everyone had a large slice of the cake and started to make her way to the back of the room where Filthy, Big Mac, and the two currently free members of the flower trio were currently waiting. While they all seemed to be smiling she could tell this was about business and not just a friendly visit.

Carrot only gave them a knowing look as she approached before Big Mac seemed like he had something to say. "Carrot it's been months..... when will we see that Royal endorsed guard backing off? Sure he's been keeping to himself but he still ain't let Lilly go. We might have to to turn up the heat a bit, but that's got its own problems, we could take it too court but...... well we all know how biased the courts are when it comes to these things......." The most worrieing thing wasn't what Big Mac was saying but what Daisy and Rose weren't saying the normally very........ direct mares just seemed to smile while the look in their eye say something different.

"We won't wait much longer we need to step up the protests unless you want that guard post to become...... a national news story........." Rose finally spoke with a calm that was somewhat discerning.

"...... Agreed we can't afford to wait much longer Mayor Mare has started to isolate herself more and more while refusing to listen to any petitions....... While I am impressed with her sudden fortitude I fear that the protests may start to disrupt business. We must step up our game and trigger something that will make her run out of town........ I fear my last resort maybe the only option at this point....." Filthy sighed he hated smeer jobs but there was plenty to work with when it came to the mayor.

Carrot and Big Mac looked at filthy with intrest. "What could you possibly have that could top embezzlement? Pomies always get up into a frenzy about bits....." Big Mac asked before Carrot could open her mouth.

"Before she took office in her mothers stead her and her sister left for a camping trip into the whitetail woods......... supposedly there was a Timber Wolf attack and only Mayor Mare managed to escape. However the details about this attack are sketchy at best especially since her older sister was in line to take office. It's also doesn't help that after a short investigation the case was dropped by the local guard.... while no one can be sure what happened this was hushed up by both her and the guard post, supposedly in respect of her sister. But a few rumors here and there...... well I have a feeling that she will no longer be a problem, the towns ponies are already on edge and having a supposed murderer in office will be a tipping point." Filthy sighed a bit looking over the party. "I would recommend keeping family and friends close these next few days....."

Zebrica
Zara Military Base (South of Boarder Crossing)
Special Cases office
7:20pm

"Pale Ale" rested in a rather uncomfortable wooden chair while she waited for the decorated Zebra general to say something. He had signs of greying around his mane and a tired look that only came with those who had seen far too much in their lifetime. On either side of her masked Zebrican Soldiers stood silently while watching her closely. It was somewhat unnerving being close to them Pale Ale was used to feeling something from fellow equines...... but they gave off nothing..... no scent..... no mana........ no emotion..... it was as if they weren't there at all. The elderly zebra sighed and started to place the papers onto the desk after looking them over for what seemed to be the fifth time since she was dragged to this place.

Rubbing the side of his head and shaking it he finally looked up at her. Taking a deep breath he finally spoke to her. "Pale Ale...... of that name I have my doubts and I trust you understand you having left me with quite a conundrum."

Pale Ale leaned forward while attempting to hide her own unease. "I don't see why is changes anything...... is Zebrica not a place for second chances for others to flock and prosper?......" she swallowed.

The zebra general didn't seemed amused the and shifted in his chair giving her a slight better view of his metals and decorated tan uniform. "Nearly strait out of the brochure most just go by ear. But you are not just some filly looking to start a new life... your..... personal identity is... troubling... never mind identity fraud your facing." He looked her over with a wary eye.

She could only swallow in response to this. "I am here to request asylum.... I'm a... political refugee..."

"I see I'm guessing the considerable amounts of Equestrian Bonds hidden in your luggage was for bribes?" He pulls out a considerably thick stack of paper. "Let's see..... oh my....... an estimated 350,000,000 bits worth of bonds...... or just a little more then 200,000,000 Shillings..... quite a considerable sum one could buy much with that kind of money..... why if we didn't start searching for false bottoms in trunks we likely would have never found it..... though trying to convert those paper bonds into currency would have raised some attention......" he looks over the paperwork again. "We also found three sealed containers of..... NightShine Berries of a variety undocumented.... maps of the SilverSage province..... and oddly enough an Ursa Teddy... all hidden under cheep nicknacks and the usual odds and ends immigrants carry......" he slowly placed it back down rubbing the side of his face again. "So tell me....... Princess Luna what do you expect us to do?....... having a missing member of the Equestrian Government let alone one of the Celestial Sisters...... is troubling."

"I have stepped down as a member of the Equestrian Nobility and a member of the Government. I have liquidated my assets in Equestria and destroyed everything else. As of this moment there is nothing to connect me to Zebrica for all the Equestrian Government and my own sister knows I was the victim of a nasty fire. All o wish is to leave Equestria has..... too many Bittersweet memories for me....." she sighed leaning forward as her midnight blue coat could be seen under the yellowish light from the hanging lamp.

"I don't know what you hope to accomplish with me I-...." he stoped as a loud ringing was coming from his desk. ".... one moment....." he pulled open a drawer and pulled out a phone and answered it. "Sir?...... yes she's here....... what?..... this is highly unusual........ sir I must..... understood....." he swallowed and slowly placed the phone back into his desk. "You will be taken to the local branch of the Identification Bureau and will be given a new identity afterwards you will get periodic visits from the local officers to ensure your...... discretion.... so what will you do with you time?..... sell berries?"

She smiled softly though she couldn't help but wonder who was on that phone line who changed his mind. "I plan to produce a lost treasure of the ancient world. Traditional Alicorn Ambrosia...... after my sister banned the production and consumption of alcohol the process was thought lost...... luckily I never forgot.." she says with a hint of mirth remembering her first sip of the strong yet sweet beverage.

"I always thought it was just a legend...... but if your sure we have liberal laws on alcohol consumption and production the trouble is starting out I can only wish your the best. You will be assigned a live in guard and your..... identity will be repurposed..... i suggest using makeups and dyes for your persona as magic gets weaker as you leave Equestrias boarders....... were you not an Alicorn I doubt your internal reserves would have lasted so long.." he rubbed his face again looking tired. "We will send you to a local Inn and send you some property listings in our wine country......... have a good day." He stamps her founder with a an approved mark. "Make no trouble....."

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Equestrian Embassy
8:15pm

"Twilight! Twilight! I'm back and I have news!" The purple drake skipped past the doorway into the large Early Unification styled building into the sitting room where three exhausted ponies were currently laying on there sides with bags under their eyes.

The sleepy Alicorn mares eyes widened seeing her longest friend and former number one assistant. Slowly getting up onto her hooves and rushing over in a surprising amount of energy she pulled the little dragon into a smothering hug nuzzling him into her barrel. "I was so worried Spike where have you been? You should have back hours ago! We just got back a little while ago!" She continued to smother the poor Drake in affection before realizing she was preventing him from telling her anything. She finally relented a bit but continued to hold him close.

"Sorry Twilight I got a little carried away with helping another student with her scones....... I didn't realize how late it was till I had to turn on the electric lamps......" he rubs the back of his head blushing looking a bit guilty making her worry. "But what about you guys? You look like you have been run through Sombras Door all over again!"

A soft moan was heard from the two nobles in the room as they both started to pull themselves together. Blueblood was the first to register that their youngest had returned. "Spike?...... oh! How was class? Wasn't your final exam today?...... well don't leave me and my mentor in suspense how did you do?" He gave Spike a tired smile sitting up from his Canterlot Velvet chair while rubbing his neck.

Spike couldn't help but beam brightly. "Highest score in the class! That old fart actually enjoyed it without giving me that sour look he gives everyone!" He laughed while Twilight gasped but was beaten to the punch by Fancypants.

"Young Spike calling someone an old fart is hardly called for. Having the patience to teach so many young aspiring chiefs should be admired especially at his age. Besides I have seen a definite improvement in your skills since joining the academy so I suggest you revere his teaching ability." Fancy said while a certain white stallion only scoffed before letting out an amused snort.

"Didn't you used to say your tutor was a bitter as a Gryphon in the winter time? Or what about how you called your nanny a-" Blueblood found a brown hoof shoved into his muzzle while twilight seemed to be covering Spikes head fins.

"Well talk about this later Spike but I'm very proud of you how about we celebrate tomorrow at that nice restaurant and see a movie? But for tonight I think you need to head to bed" Twilight smiled nuzzling his head before ushering him to bed before sending Blueblood a look singling he was in for it when she got back.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Night market
9:03pm

Princess Azizah was currently wrapped in a number of colorful sashes while her bodyguard stayed close to her. The night markets were strange. Normally a market would close as the lights of the sun started to dim but above her bright electric lights shined as bright as the stars themselves! The large open area had a number of zebra, Diamond Dogs, and even some minotaurs selling everything from from spices to jewelry. She was in paradise after all every filly enjoyed shopping. She stopped seeing a zebra with a tin cup and some bandages around his head sitting against one of the stone walls of the market place. She smiled pulling out a golden Lira coin from her sash dropping it into the zebras cup while he sat there in shock before finding the generous filly had disappeared into the crowd while a large stallion chased after her.

The tall muscular stallion managed to catch up to the small filly was was currently looking over some expensive fabrics in a stall. "Your majesty I must ask that you refrain from running off for your own safety it's hard enough protecting you from danger in such congested streets." He says in a hushed whisper while the filly just giggled and looked at him.

"So? To these Zebra I'm nothing but another filly out shopping with her guardian you must liven up after all I am learn far more out here then on that safe house." She gave him a gentle smirk while the large stallion just sighed softly he never could say no to her. It was amazing she didn't end up like her siblings.

"Yes young miss....... I suggest we go and look at the food stalls we haven't eaten in awhile and I don't what you waiting till your crabby from hunger." He said while they followed there noses in search of something good to eat. Wading through the crowds then ended up at a strange food stall with a rather husky Shiba Inu dog expertly making noodles behind a wooden counter with his bear paws stretching them out before folding it over and repeating the process before dropping it all into a massive pot.

The princess quickly sat down with her guardian following suit beside her. "Hmmmm?........ what can I intrest you in?" The dog asked heavily accented while he continued to cook not missing a beat.

"What sort of noodle dish are you preparing?......" the princess asked while sniffing the air dreamily.

"Hmmmm? Ramen........ noodles served in a broth with things such as vegies, tofu, and meats mixed it to add extra heft, for those who like more protein, some egg." He says while pulling out two large bowls.

"Well have what ever the special is!" She gave the dog a big grin while Abdul started to pull out local currency.

"Hmmmm? Sure and just for you little one I'll give you some extra." He smiled softly at the cute fill while her started to fill two bowls with noddles, celery stocks, veggies, and large chunks of tofu. He also placed a large raw egg near each bowl while the two just looked at it. "Crack it over the ramen trust me it's good." He smiled while they hesitantly did so before starting to eat rather awkwardly. The shine in there eyes could be seen as they both lifted up the large bowls and started to guzzle it down before coming back up for air. "Hmmmm? Care for some drinks? I have some ice cold Royal Cola." He smiled softly lifting up to glass bottles cracking them open and passing the bubble drink over to them. "No extra charge." They started to follow their meal down with the sweet drink.

"You wouldn't happen to be willing to give us the recipe for such a wonderful dish would you?....." Abdul asked while the dog just shook his fluffy head.

"Sorry but I make my living off my cooking, but I am available for catering." He said simply.

"I suppose that makes sense." She looked disappointed before smiling again. "Could you at least tell us where we can find more of this Royal Cola?" Azizah's eye sparkled as she drank from the cool bottle.

"That I can tell you, you won't find cases of it in the open air markets but a few blocks from here you'll find the local grocer they sell it by the case along with other brands, the zebra actually started to make there own local brands, a popular one right now is called Fruit Stripe! Made from local fruits and sweet as candy. Too sweet for my tastes but it's getting popular up in Equestria too. I swear equines eat more carbs and sugars then anyone iv ever met." He chucked softly. While the two just shared a look at eat other.

Britannia
Province of Germany
Isenstadt
Castle Wolfenstien
High security testing labs
1:50am

Totenkopf stood in front of his little Schnuckelschneke, the Mare layed on the floor with her new limbs staring at him blankly while slowly tilting her head. The room was fairly simple just concrete walls a reinforced bulkhead door, a school desk, a chalkboard, and some toys to help relearn motor function. The yellow tinted lights above them shined flickering a bit while he looked down at her.

"Stand......." he said softly while watching her take a moment to comprehend his command before her dark steel limbs started to slowly move. The sound of customized hydraulics and hand made servos filled the room as they started to function for the first time. The slim legs struggled to lift her before she fell on her side. The symbol of Germany's flag adorned her Left flake while the emperors crest adorned her right flank where the artificial limbs fused with the chitin. The limbs themselves unlike the prototypes that were used during the war lacked the boxy bolted look, instead these were far more refined. They were curved after an equines natural limbs with a few enhancements that she would have to learn later. The dark colored metal mixed well with her chitin as it grew against the unnatural appendages not quite forming above it but just enough to form an area where the hard material was just lightly raised above the metal. "You can do it.... stand......." she slowly started to shake as her limbs started slowly slowly raise her above the floor. The limbs struggling to hold her steady, she looked up at him for support but he only offered his stern yet gentle gaze at her while she continued to rise the gentle curve of the limbs apparent to make them appear organic as apposed to just pure strait lines that would make them look..... disconcerting to the host.

She finally stood shakily but she was standing while she gave him a gentle smile. "I..... do........ well?......." she asked tilting her head while the doctor just gave her a wolffish grin.

"Yes..... we have much work to do...... an if you do well I'll let you make a new friend......" he digs into his lab coat pulling out a black and white photo of a pony looking blankly at the camera it was a pony..... complete with colored coat, soft fur, and hooves, but the eyes....... they lacked any pupil.

"A friend?........." she smiled brightly, to any normal person it would be disturbed by a obviously grown mare sounding more like a lost filly...... never mind the sharp defined fangs in her maw.

"Yes I hope you two will learn much from each other....... now why don't we proceed with our lessons?...... after all I know how much you enjoy learning about your home....." he reached out a hand and slowly caressed her cheek while she leaned into it, treasuring his touch.

"Yes my Obergruppenführer......." she said gently as she was led to the desk and sat down a bit awkwardly but somewhat comfortable while he slowly picked up some chalk and started to write on the board.

"That's my girl........ now let's first teach you the history of our great nation....." he smiled as he started to draw early war maps and began his lesson. He couldn't help but look forward to his time teaching his.... student.

Author's Note

Sort I haven't posted in awhile iv been having some family issues. Anyway I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 36

Equestria
Canterlot
Canterlot Castle
Celestias private chambers
8:12am

Celestia sat infront of her large vanity mirror as she did her makeup while practicing her gentle diplomatic smile and neutral expressions. She wouldn't let herself break composure again, she would be making decisions that would effect ponies lives. Slowly applying the blush and eye shadow around her eyes, it was mostly to give her a more mature appearance while hiding anything that could give her away, she didn't use it often since diplomatic ties had gotten rather........ none existent with the exception of Zebrica and Britannia. Taking a few moments to touch up her face and brush her flowing mane she nodded her head as she straitened out her royal regalia taking a moment to polish off a smudge with her hoof. Slowly turning away from the mirror she started to make her way to the balcony to take fight, she would be having tea onboard the HMS Progress. Spreading her wings as she stepped out she flapped and took flight gently gliding above the locals as the looked up, there was still a feeling of unease in the capital. Who could blame them having a massive airship with enough arms to wipe them off the map?

No she wouldn't allow that to happen she would defend her ponies to her last breath. Using her keen eye site she saw the tea set resting on a small iron table with two seats on the steel runway that rested on the behemoth of a zeppelin. Coming in for a gentle landing that became a slow canter she made her way over to the table seeing a large silk pillow opposite to the lovely wicker chair at the table. She took a few moments to look herself over before she heard the sounds of gears and hydraulics moving. Seeing the massive lift rise up with the Emperor standing nearly in the center of it. He was wearing a rich Blue uniform with golden Epaulettes on either shoulder, with a matching gold lampass, and countless medals she couldn't hope to decipher. The sound of his boots against the heavy metal filled her head as he made his way over, the distant yet focused look in his eyes centered on her the entire time even as he sat down.

A few moments passed before anything was said while a young officer who had seemingly come out of nowhere, in a red uniform started to serve them tea and crumpets.

"I'm glad you agreed to have further discussion aboard the HMS Progress I know it has put many of your ponies.... in a state of unease...." he said being careful how he worded his opening statement.

Celestia could only nod her head while looking down at the brown colored tea before levitating several scoops of sugar from a silver bowl into the cup. "Yes.... having such a large airship just outside of our capital is distressing but I suppose necessary, and shows my trust in you." She nodded her head while taking a long sip it wasn't earl grey but it did have some rich flavors which she could at least enjoy.

"Still I hope my Private Airship hasn't caused too much disruption to your home." He said while lifting up his own cup and taking a long sip.

"There has been some panic but I have managed to consul the populous, besides I trust it would not be in the best interests of trade to attack." She said placing her cup down, even with the tea in her system something about this dog put her in a state of...... restlessness. As if one was in the eye of a storm with the unnerving calm making one feel as if the end was coming.

"Very true..... so I think it's time we start to hash out the..... reparations. I would like to be clear with what they entail so as to avoid any misunderstandings." He said while she just nodded once again it was really all she could do.

"Yes I will also need time to explain to the locals what is to happen, something like this has never been done before. So it my take awhile for them to understand." She said knowing full well what would happen to Horseshoe Bay.

"Yes when I said I wanted exclusive trade rights to Horseshoe Bay I meant that that city will become..... I think the easiest way to explain it is a trading outpost for the Empire, part of Equestra in landmass but under the Empires law." He said while Celestia was inwardly shocked but this was expected the Gryphons allowed her the same in the coastal town of FishFroll, before they were chased out.

"Trade rights are one thing..... but to take my subjects from me is another. How do you justify this?" She asked.

"What is the value of a life?" He asked while Celestia was somewhat curious of the sudden devotion from her question.

"That is a question many scholars have asked over the centuries...... I supposed the value of a life is the value of the actions they take...." she said somewhat confused but interested in what he was getting at.

"That's a good way of putting it, I must say I'm surprised with your answer. Many whose name carries nobility often will tell you that value is based on ones standing or birth. So by your logic Young Princess Twilight has more value then the new born princess Flurry Heart?" He asked tilting his head while Celestia started to mull this over in her head. She was delighted with the birth of the latest princess but at the same time worried Alicorn status was something one earned not born with so the birth worried her. She of course kept this to herself as not to damper the miracle for her adopted niece.

"I don't understand what this question has to do with taking over Horseshoe Bay." She looked him directly in the eyes.

"Simple, what is the cost of one coastal city versus the lives that could be lost? Besides it's a long term investment in relations between our country's, many of your ponies still fear my country and rumors are awash here. We need more then just a trading relationship to prevent another tragedy. Think of Horseshoe bay as a large embassy or private economic zone. Yes many would appose such a thing but after..... the incident I feel that drastic measures must be taken on both our parts to prevent another incident. The lost of a city to another country as reparation is better then losing hundreds of thousands to war. I don't think I need to tell you I'm not the only one who was disturbed by what happened, I must appease my own country and this was the least that they would except." He said while Celestia nodded her head in understanding while the nobility on her country had grown corrupt and lazy she was no stranger to appeasement, both for the potential enemy and ones own people.

"I understand but you must understand never in history has such a thing been done. I hope you understand how distressing this is for me and potentially my ponies." She said while taking a crumpet and taking a dainty bite. She was pleasantly surprised by the flakiness of it.

"This sadly was the best option, my people wanted far more, a small price to pay for peace no? Besides think of the trade that will make its way into your country. This is just a down payment for another economic boom, for example since the introduction of farming machinery the average earth pony farmer now produces 53 percent more salable product then they did a few years ago. A baker now can cook in a fraction of the time producing more staples, and a store owner can finish calculating profit after taxes in less then an hour using our adding machines. I know that this sudden influx of goods into your country has caused many to turn on their heads. But I would like to point out that your overall GDP has risen, your impeccable census records point to this." The look of deep thought on Celestias face seemed to give him pause before he continued. "I know the loss of jobs is always a bitter pill to swallow, seeing someone who has spent a life time perfecting their craft only for a machine to be invented that can produce more then they thought possible. Sure many give up the ghost and move onto other jobs, other hang on bitterly even as the world passes them by. But in the end they will be forgotten to history as the visionaries are rightfully remembered. So why must you give up Horseshoe Bay? For peace and trade, the only other option would not be favorable for either of us...."

Celestia could only nod her head yes over half her country was experiencing a never before seen economic boom but the other half was hemorrhaging money. She was already getting petitions to bail out enchanteries and send more money to city's like Cloudsdale and Los Pegasus. Though it seemed Los Pegasus was doing better with the influx of tourism from earth ponies. She didn't like what these changers were doing but at the same time she had to admit many had brought this on themselves. Stagnation is just as deadly as any sword or spell.... maybe ever more so. "Agreed...... I would like some assurances that the ponies who live in Horseshoe Bay won't become serfs in all but name." She said while the Emperor just nodded his head in understanding.

"We will hold Horseshoe Bay to our own standards, freedom of press, right to bare arms, and the right to peaceful assembly. We well also likely lower local taxes as we have found the best way for peaceful integration is through ones wallet. It seems being a little stingy is universal trait." He chuckled gently. "Now why don't we move to the talks about covering he loss of my nieces Airship and the destruction of the refinery. Iv had my dogs look over it and the cost should be arou-" he was cut off as a Pegasus guards pony seemed to have landed rather haphazardly on the runway bouncing and nearly losing his balance.

"My princess! Dire news from the Crystal Empire!" He managed to shout before nearly kneeing over as he struggled to catch his breath, looking him over he seemed to have seen better days, he was skinny, dirty, and most of all he looked as if he had seen the cursed Centaur himself.

Celestia stood from her seat and made her way over to him while normally she would have chastised the interruption of important talks this didn't look as if it could wait. "What news have you brought me that could not be delivered by scroll?....." she had a sickening feeling in her stomach though she did not show it.

"W-we...... evacuated...... s-surrendered to.... Crystal Independence movement...... as we speak the Crystal Express is making its way to Canterlot with..... Princess Cadence and Shining Armor....... along with what remains of the peace guard......" he was allowed to rest on her cushion while his exhausted body tried to catch up with its self.

"W-what are you talking about..... what has happened?.... what of the baby?" She was already expecting the answer.

"Dead...... Flurry Heart is dead...... the Equestrian immigrants torn to pieces...... by firelances the like I have never seen..... we held on for as long as we could...... but they were starving us out....... I...... I don't even know how long we were trapped inside of the Castle....... food spoiled and was rationed......... water was the first thing to run out...... we...... we......." he started to lose balance the simple act of sitting up seemed too much for him.

"How many guards did we lose to them?.... " she swallowed while the guard looked at her with hollow eyes.

"We didn't........ when food ran out...... s-some of the guard..... they......... they......" his eyes seemed to lose focus for a moment before he fell over and let out a long exhale.

Celestia wanted to shake him, yell, beg for him to tell her but he was gone, looking over at the young emperor. He seemed to only give her a nod signaling she could leave. "Go....." it was all he said there wasn't really anything else to be said after all. She turned around stretching out her wings taking a running start before flying back to her castle to find out what had happened in the north.

Equestria
Cloudsdale
Abandoned Weather Factory
11:00 am

Organized Labor slowly made his way through the factory floor seeing a number of pegisi moved around carrying weapons ranging from cheap plinkers to more powerful big game rifles. The muted blue pony with a short white mane couldn't help but smile softly, all these ponies were his workers...... well his fathers workers, after losing everything and not finding work in a job market saturated with Weather Corp employees they came right back..... it was so easy to convince them aswell. He made his way to the offices above the factory floor where his father and the mayor of Cloudsdale were waiting. The room was fairly messy, bits of paper on the floor, desks pushed to the side, even what looked like an old box of donuts in the corner.

"What too you so long..... I told you 10:30 do you enjoy disappointing me Labor?..." the large muted grey Pegasus with white mane asked.

"No da- I mean Workers Union.... I had to take a detour..... there was another shooting on main.... I had to head east for about 10 blocks before getting back on track." Organized Labor said while knowing that wasn't a good enough excuse for his father.

"I don't want excuses I want results, while you were taking your sweet time we were already discussing our first strike." He said evenly while Organized Labor resisted the urge to squirm under his gaze. He made his way over to the table and sat down while his father continued to give him a glare. "Good now lets go over it all again since someone was late.

Mayor SongBreeze nodded her head. "Yes.... we were discussing paying Ponyville a visit. After all it's where it all started it's only fitting that's where we put the mud ponies back into their place. We already have around 43 percent of Cloudsdale behind the Pegasopolis Independence movement. I'm sure our display of force will only bolster those numbers. We are targeting a landmark farm I'm sure you have heard of it, Sweet Apple Acres, they were the first to still those damnable irrigation machines. We will do the same thing we did to the Carrots when that fool Carrot Stew tried to dig irrigation canals on his land." The baby blue Pegasus mare with the off white mane said while Union nodded his head.

"D-don't you think it's a little excessive?" Organized Labor seemed unsure and uncomfortable. "I'm all for independence...... but burning down a homestead?...... what kind of message will that send to Canterlot?....."

"It will show them that Celestia can't stab us in the back and expect us to get bucked to the curb for the sake of....... Modernization" Workers Union said spitting the last word out as if it was dirty some how. "We will attack at dawn just as our ancestors did in the past, we will attack from the sky's in the twilight raining down fire from the very fire lances they believe protect them from our wrath."

"D-das please t-tell me your joking! Declaring Independence is one thing but declaring war on our closest town! Do you forget they supply 42 percent of our food!" He said before realizing what his said while his father stood up raising his hoof and smacking him across the face and bucking him onto the ground.

"Don't question your father you piss poor excuse for a Pegasus! We can't just declare Cloudsdale independent with out some way to produce food for ourselves! Never mind a cheap labor force!" He raised his hoof again bringing it back down knocking out his sons teeth. "Ponyville will be annexed and just like in the past we will rule over those mud ponies! Just as Faust intended!" Union shouted as his son feebly tryed to get back up onto his hooves.

"Harmony can only be achieved with the hierarchy, earth ponies always fill in the base providing food and labor. Whether they are ruled over by the pegisi or unicorns, their place is defined by there lack of innate abilities." Said mayor SongBreeze said while looking don't at him from her seat at the table showing no concern. "Pegisi should never have to lower ourselves to farming and manual labor. We are warriors! We used to rule the sky's protecting our serfs from the blood thirsty gryphons and the witch doctors of the south. What did you think was going to happen when we started this Independence movement? That we would split off from Equestria with no source of food, economy, or sustainability? No wonder your father speaks so lowly of you, it seems the bravado skipped a generation. Why don't you leave and let the adults talk foal." She said while Organized Labor scrambles to his hooves and stumbles out in a hurry.

"Now where were we?....." Workers Union asked while Mayor SomgBreeze smiled.

Equestria
Ponyville
Barnyard Bargains
3:13pm

Sweetie Belle gargled some salt water in the back of her throat before spitting it back out onto a cup. "I'm ready let's do this all in one take!." She said while the spotted Dog outside of the small booth started to flip a few switches and motioned that he was ready to record.

The room was fairly simple just a converted walk in closet that had be turned into a little studio. It was fairly plain with a single door, a glass window, and white walls. Filthy wanted to do all the recordings in house, reasoning he could cut out the middlemare buy starting his own little recording studio. It cost a pretty bit to get all the equipment but he had big plans.

"Save bits, Live better, Barnyard" it wasn't the longest jingle but it was simple and she was getting royalties and a discount for it. "Puff Puff, Loco Loco! Try new Locomotion Cigarettes! They'll make your go Loco!" She chimed cheerily. "It's Fizzy! It's colorful! It's Fruit Stripe Cola! Try our new Savana Wild flavor! You'll taste your wild side!" She couldn't help but giggle at the last one.

It was a rather short recording session but she was getting good money and was currently the breadwinner back home. Rarity seemed to have also gotten more moody as of late so she spent most of her time sitting in her room looking in her vanity mirror.

"Excellent! Your truly a natural Sweetie! Now why don't we record that cover you have been wanting to do, you've earned it!" Filthy said while motioning the dog to switch recording wheels.

"Really?!" Sweetie couldn't help but squeal she had been wanting to sing it for so long. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves she nodded her head singalong she was ready. A few moments past with nothing.

"I was jealous and hurt
When your lips kissed a rose,
Or your eyes from my own chanced to stray;
I have tried all in vain
Many times to propose,
Now at last I've found courage to say:

Let's suppose that the lips I found kissing a rose
Were to tell me to look in your eyes,
if I'd find there a light that for me only glows,
More and more would my heart realize;

The roses all envy the bloom on your cheek,
And the sun even envies your smile;
The birds in the wildwood are stilled when you speak,
Their songs don't seem half worth the while.
The light in your eyes makes the bright stars grow pale,
They're jealous as jealous can be;
But when one word or sign tells them all you are mine,
All the world will be jealous of me!"

Equestria
Ponyville
Carrot Homestead
Root cellar
1:03pm

Carrot was currently resting in her chair while going over all the equipment she was having to move around Ponyville while the guard was hiding in there post. The new shells for the mortars, machine guns, and ammo were being hidden all over Ponyville, the pegisi from Cloudsdale had brought this on themselves after all. They couldn't let go of the past now she was going to make sure they all have a future. Her nephew Pip was sent to live with his parents for a bit since this week was definitely going to be..... interesting. She couldn't help but miss him already she enjoyed having the young colt around her house but his safety was more important. Already she was getting rumors about a bunch of pegisi meeting up in the condemned Weather factory. Some wouldn't shrug it off as squatters, after all when the company went bust many lost their pensions, paycheck, and benefits. Only recently did Ponyville start rehiring a small Weather patrol mostly to help keep the climate suitable for tourism and to avoid storms. They weren't payed nearly as much as they used to though, they even had fixed hours and lacked the protection of Cloudsdale from being fired. Many on the small team had to down grade their old homes selling them off for little moving into smaller places nearby.

Others flew to Canterlot to take a shot at joining the Royal Guard, who could blame them after all pegisi were descended from warriors after all. But many ended up living in the undercity or eventually made their way back to Cloudsdale. It was rather depressing even from Ponyville the once bustling cloud city had become an eye sore. Ponys were already sending letters to the princess to have it moved or even torn down saying it was starting to hurt property values. After all who wanted to have a Slum City nearby? It's didn't really matter in her eyes that place was a grim reminder of a time of the Weather Co employees being above the law. Well not anymore, what ever they had planned she was going to make sure that it ends.

"Boss Carrot!" She was shaken from her dark thoughts when Carmel barged into the cellar. The slight effeminate stallion panted a bit. "News! The protest has finally reached its breaking point! They are demanding they let Lilly go or they will storm it! I even go a glimpse of that guard pony! He looked pale enough to have seen death himself!"

Carrot only seemed to grin. "Excellent make sure to start planting our ponies into the protest make sure they are armed..... nothing from our... recent gear just enough to scare them, avoid killing them at all cost I won't have the entire guard storming our town." She said while caramel nodded his head before turning to leave.

Equestria
Ponyville
Guard post
2:01pm

Hard Law sat....... well more like layed on his desk as he tried to come up with something.... anything at this point to get out of this. If he let Lilly go the protesters would be placated but he would likely have to hightail it out of town and lose his only lead. If he held onto Lilly they would likely storm the building.... or stave them out thy hadn't been able to leave for a few days when it finally started to heat up. They were already out of donuts and nearly out of coffee. Royal Guard without coffee wasn't exactly a pretty sight after all, even the normally intense Bulk Biceps was looking haggard. No matter how he cut it he failed before he could even get close to what was happening in the damn town. He poked and prodded all he could to try and find something, he got desperate and he was paying the price. Never mind how Mayor Mare was likely in the same boat, it seemed that filly had plenty of skeletons in her closet. The town was demanding her replaced with a democratically elected official. It wasn't exactly a foreign idea, earth ponies originally elected their leaders in the past lacking true royalty. But even so they would need the princesses approval. But from the looks outside royal approval didn't hold much weight around here.

"Buck! How did this happen..... I was just doing my job now I have a riot on my hooves and I'm likely going to have to request sanctuary for a crown appointed mayor!" He slams his head against the desk making a loud thud in his office. He wish he could drink at this point but even with all this he was a stallion of the law.

A soft knock garnered his attention slowly standing on his hooves he made his way to the door opening it to see the entire guard force waiting. They all looked rather shaggy from lack of sleep, food, and yes most importantly coffee. Bulk Biceps seemed to be out in front with his ill fitting armor on. He opened his mouth and Hard Law tilted his ears back preparing himself for the assault on his sensitive ears.

"We are letting Lilly go....." the voice from the normally intense stallion.... sounded tired, broken even. Nothing like the excitable and devoted part timer her saw when he first came. "We also think it's time you..... leave......"

He was in shock, it was on thing to be told to take a hike by the locals but having your subordinates turn on you? "I can't I have to complete my-"

"Give it a rest! Things only started getting bad when you showed up! The town was peaceful and thriving! You just had to buck a hornets nest! The only good thing that came out of this is that Mayor Mare is getting the boot! But this time we aren't gonna get one of Canterlots cronies!" A buttermilk coated stallion said while Hard Law flinched.

"..... it's not just the.... issues..... we also feel it's not safe for you here..... and after the...... treatment of Lilly we aren't willing stand by you anymore." Bulk said while Hard Law lowered his head he didn't bother to say anything, what could he say? He had no allies.

"What about Rondels and Mayor Mare?......." his mouth felt dry.

"They already bought tickets to Canterlot you should do the same......" Bulk said while looking him dead in the eyes.

Equestria
Ponyville
Town Hall
Mayors office
2:30pm

"Nonono! Come on damn you fit!" She had resorted to jumping up and down on her suitcase to try and fit all the Equestrian stocks and bonds. But it was cartoonishly over filled with lose papers sticking out of the edges. She heard a snap of the lock snapping shut brushing her grey mane out of her eyes and panted. She wasn't used to Labor after all, for a few moments she took a breather. Sadly this didn't last long as a brick shattered one of the windows and angry shouts could be heard outside. "He should have set Lilly free by now! Surely one mare isn't worth this!"

She grabbed her suitcase and pulled hard the over stuffed baggage weighing more then one would expect. She started to try and rush out the back entrance, that would be her best shot. She closed her eyes trying to avoid looking at the portraits of the past Mayor Mares. She couldn't bare to look at them like this, luckily it seemed she wouldn't have too for long. crash and the smell of smoke made her high tail it to the back exit as fast as she could.

There it was at the end of the wood paneled hallway! Already the maroon carpet was started to catch fire and se didn't so much as open the door as crash through it. Sadly her suitcase slammed against the door frame busting the lock open sending all her wealth flying into the air. Not unlike confetti the wind took it blowing it around as she scrambled to try and grasp the paper work in her hooves. "Nonono! Not now!"

She then heard a soft clip clop of hooves against the ground. Slowly turning her head trying to figure out where it was coming from she saw a blond mane hiding behind the dumpster. Not seeing anyone else she managed to straiten herself out. "Who's there? Derpy? Is that you?......" The familiar face of Ponyville resident delivery and mail pony came into view as she stepped out of her hiding place wearing a black dress and a veil hat. "Oh thank Celestia it's just you! Could you help me gather up all my papers?" She asked by for a few moments there was only silence. Something was off about that smile she slowly pulled the veil over her face so that only her soft smile and eyes were visible. "D-Derpy?.... I don't have time for games I need t-to-" she didn't even have a chance to say anything before the blond pegasus flew forward and nailed her night in her teeth. There was a loud crack and Mayor Mare landed on her side and spat out blood.

"..... Due Process...." Derpy raised her hoof and slugged the mayor again making her head slam once again against the ground.

"W-what? I d-don-" another hit slammed her against the ground.

"You can't hide from what you did anymore...... I know what happened at the Everfree Rapids......" The Pegasus said into her ear.

"I-I dont k-know what you-" she was cut off again with a powerful buck that knocked more of her teeth.

"Lie all you want I saw it...... wanting off from my filly scout camp out to see you pushing her into the water while she screamed......... you just sat there....... watching....... tell me was the position of mayor worth killing? Maybe you were just jealous of her popularity? Or maybe you just liked to watch her slip under the water........" she pressed her hoof against the Mayors neck as she laid on her side in the filthy back ally. "You know why she was so much popular then you?....... she worked hard to remember everypony.... meanwhile you were focused on not getting what you wanted....... iv known you since filly hood and you don't even know my real name!" She shouted right into her face.

"I-I know you n-name I-it's......" the soft brown coated earth pony racked her brain for soemthing anything. "Drippy?........" there was a loud crack and yowl as leg was broken by the pegasus. The smell of smoke catching back up to her as the fire continued to spread through the mayors office.

"You make me sick........ you act like you care...... but all you see when you look at this town is your personal coin purse...... you know that had to cut school programs because of your embezzlement? My little Dinky has Muscular dystrophy and Anemia? Because of your greed the normally government funned physical learning programs were cut! She now not only struggles in school but now they don't have the materials to help her!" She raised her hoof slamming it against the crying earth ponies barrel. "Or what about poor Snails? Did you think about him? Do you know he has has an intellectual disability? He's supposed to be in a specialty class! Along with several other school aged foals! Most of them were sent off to homes! But Snails doesn't have that option, they don't have the money!..... so what do you do?......" she rubs her muzzle at the idiocy of it. " Order class integration and give a little speech about how we segregated the classrooms..... so many foals who need those programs all dumped into a single class..... the fact that Cheerilee has managed as much as she has is no sort of a miracle....... I can't forgive you for taking Due Process from this town...... and I can't forgive you for taking advantage of the most helpless....." she said as the mayor tried to curl up and nurse her broken leg and ribs as little embers started to float down from the sky.

"L-listen I-I know I-iv made mistakes b-but I......" Derpy started to press down on the broken rib making her scream while the unintelligible chants of the angry mob filled her ears.

"Don't worry you'll make up for it......." Derpy said dragging her back past the door back into the burning building and dropping her back down on the carpet looking down the hall seeing the flames making their way ever closer as countless portraits being refused to cinder. "I'm already seeing the headline..... Corrupt mayor found dead in freak fire......" she turned while the mayor struggled to get back onto her hooves only to fall back over as the smoke started to choke her. "By the way....... it's Ditzy you whorse......." she slammed the door behind her as the mayor managed to stagger onto her three good legs and limped to the door. Reaching out..... only to find something was blocking it from the other side.

"D-Ditzy! Please open the door! You can't let me die! Not like this! I'm sorry I cut the programs! I can fix it!" She screamed as she started to hack and cough struggling to breath as her flanks started to feel rather hot. She started to desperately shame her hooves against the door as she felt her back start to blister from the intense heat. "Help!!!! Somepony!!! Any pony!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhgggggggg!!!!!!" The banging continued...... but each time they grew more and more spaced out until......nothing but the sound of burning wood could be heard.

Author's Note

I'm looking for a new proof reader I would like to apologize for the rough chapters as of late. I lack a computer and I won't get a replacement till March so it makes proof reading difficult. I'm always looking for those who are willing to drop ideas and aren't scared of some revision.

Chapter 37

Britannia
London
London Nautica
Wind tunnel 3
12:17pm

Walter and his brother Reimar Horton watched through the thick tempered glass as the model of the He 178 started to sway from the powerful simulated winds. Both leaned forward, observing how the metal frame seemed to be holding up well. The fan continued to blow stronger and stronger, causing the metal to vibrate. The two German Spitz looked uneasy at the airframe, which looked to be threatening to buckle under the strain.

"No...come on, hold..." Walter whispered, but sadly his plea went unanswered. The metal frame started to break apart, scraps flying into the back of the tunnel. Reimar reached out and started to turn the dial back on the console. "The welds were faulty?" he said in a questioning tone, looking over at his brother. He shook his head.
"No... they weren't strong enough." He began to think. "Bolts would cause too much drag...perhaps rivets?" He looked over at his younger brother, who was pulling out a note pad from his black wool jacket.

"At this rate will we meet the deadline? Or should we start writing up our resumés? This would move more smoothly with Ernst Heinkel. His experience would have been invaluable.." Walter sighed while rubbing his neck, going over his notes in an attempt to find another idea.

"We both know what happened to that old Schnauzer... pity he was killed by his pride and joy. We sure they finally got the bugs ironed out down in R&D? All the improvements on the airframe means little of the engine explodes." Reimar said while appearing to be in deep thought about something. "We should request usage of the new steel-aluminum alloy. Its heavier, but it my be the only option at this point. The standard alloys just can't handle the force."

"They say they found a new titanium alloy that handles the intense heat better. Luckily we just need to make sure it flies. The fuel requirements are something that comes after the demonstration." Walter said, while talking a few more notes before sliding the pad back into his jacket.

"At least we don't have to worry about the Fuhrer... remember those old deadlines brother? He was too desperate. Ever since the incident at the Exhibition he seemed to have become more unhinged." Reimar said while his brother nodded his head sadly. "To think we voted for him."

"Nationalism and militarism are popular platforms, it didn't help that he was an excellent speaker and had written a popular book." Walter said while they turned, passing out of the small simple observation room out into the hallway taking a few turns passing by a number of portraits and photographs of aviation pioneers.

"Agreed, he did make a number or promises, some did seem a little... unhinged, and his obsession with the emperor is concerning. Pushing his allies to rush production of potentially game changing technology, then getting livid when it doesn't work was strange as well." Reimar said as they entered a large room, where a number of Britannia's finest aerospace engineers were hard at work at their desks. Some were running complex calculations by hand, others painstakingly sketching designs. "Despite his tendencies, he did allow us to pursue our dream. Before him no one else would have taken a chance on two mutts with no formal training in engineering."

"Agreed. The fact he encouraged families put aside the money they would normally use to buy meat on Sunday to help the needy is also a point in his favor." Walter said as they approached their shared office, indicated by a bronze plaque with their names side by side.

"Or having a nationalized factory to produce the Volkswagen, and having the military begin construction on the autobahn. Remember when cars were only for the rich?" They both shared a chuckle as they sat down at their shared oak wood desk looking down at the schematic for their prototype. "Makes one wonder what's the next thing to reach the civilian market...the microwave emitters?"

"Don't be ridiculous, what possible use could the civilian market have for magnetrons besides air traffic control?"

Britannia
Province of Germany
Kehlsteinhaus
Ballroom
1:13pm

The fuhrer watched the festivities from a high perch. He had hired a band, imported only the best food from from across the empire, even had the latest in scientific curiosities brought in. But once again he had been ignored. The emperor saw fit to pass his invitation to his advisers and underlings. In the past it would be an honor to have any of the court in ones home but... after all he had done... this was an insult! His years in the Bavarian army and work as the governor of Germany should have been enough to be graced with the presence of the emperor. The Mountain Hound was awoken from his thoughts by Totenkopf clearing his throat.

"Oh! Totenkopf my old friend how is your research going? I've heard great things about your little pupil." The Bavarian Hound smiled softly, while the old German Shepherd gave a crooked grin.

"Oh, she's doing fine. The tests have been going well. Her innate connection, or the hive mind as we are calling it, is very effective. Subject 23 thinks he's a normal pony kidnapped from Equestria but get my little June-bug to focus and we have a vicious terror weapon." He chuckles softly while the Bavarian nodded his head.
"Indeed we need more innovations. But I believe that there's only one way for us to get the glory we seek... war. Tensions are growing in the west as our products have upset a number of industries. Perhaps it is the Emperor's plan? Or maybe he's simply trying to fight our purpose, we are soldiers...heir to something the Equestrians can only dream of! We have earned our right to enact Manifest Destiny, but the Emperor insists on trade and peace. I fear that he has lost his way... or perhaps he's playing a long game." He leaned on the railing while taking a few breaths to recover from his rant.

"Mein Fuhrer I assure you, a war is coming, whether the Emperor wants to admit it or not we can not deny what we are. I have allies in London who have news... he has returned." Totenkopf leaned forward to whisper into the hounds ear while his face paled.

"N-no.. it's been over 40 years since his last sighting. He couldn't possibly still be alive after all this time, not with his failing health. He only had one success in his mad experiments." the Fuhrer was uncharacteristically unnerved, his hands tightly gripping the iron railing.

"He's very much alive. You know, even with his notes I have only been able to theorize how he did it... if he has returned he must have a reason. After all, the last time he appeared he gave us the key to turning the tide of the war." Totenkopf pulled out a cigarette much to the Fuhrers annoyance; after all, he had spent considerable funds to warn of the dangers of those unpleasant sticks of tobacco. "Even now we know he has connections across the Empire. He could be right next to the Emperor and he might not even realize it... fascinating, isn't it? The mad ramblings of a Airedale Terrier dragged us out of the dark ages. One has to wonder where did his ideas come from? We have advanced so rapidly that one has to wonder if it's natural."

"You're over thinking it, nature has obviously chosen us as the apex. We moved rapidly because we were forced to and now we will continue to advance at a pace no other race can hope to match." The Fuhrer looked at him as if he was mad, while Totenkopf just gave him an even look.

"800 years ago we barely managed to stage a coup using nothing more then crude Stone picks and axes. Now we are developing jet and rocket technology. Rushing from Stone Age to Iron Age, then the Industrial Age. As if something is ramming us forward... we can barely keep up with ourselves as it is." Totenkopf just seemed to look over the crowd as they enjoyed the demonstration of a Television, it was a promising medium that would change the entertainment industry. "One has to wonder what we will become. I have spent my life cutting and dissecting to find that out. And yet still there's something I'm missing, an outside element. I want your permission to reinstate the paranormal division. Fringe science it may be, but it's likely our best chance in figuring out the good doctor's plan."

The fuhrer seemed to think a bit while the audience clapped, watching a telecast of the land ship Bismarck doing a live artillery drill about 20 miles away. "Do it, but keep it quiet. If word gets out I don't want to be associated with such a thing. Run it out of Castle Wulfenstien if you must."

"Thank you mien Fuhrer." Totenkopf gave a twisted grin.

Equestria
Tall Tale
Copper Works
5:03pm

Copper Pate, a rusty red unicorn, was looking over his blueprints, exhaustion marring his features. Canterlot was offering investment and contracts to help modernize their military. While the nobility had stone walled the progress of fazing out spears, Celestia was able to convince them them more mechanized weapons would be necessary. So Copper had sold much of his old enchantment tools to get funds and space; with enchantment grade gems so rare now it was all only gathering dust. He was currently looking over some blue prints trying to design a simple lightly armored vehicle. He didn't have a automobile to work with as they had yet to make their way north. Instead he was attempting to construct a 6 cylinder engine using easy to source parts. Anything else was irrelevant until he had a solid engine after all. He had bought a few irrigation engines from the local shop and promptly took them apart. It was harder then he thought, however, welding them together and getting the engine to function. He was having some issues with getting the cylinders to fire at the right times.

He rested at his work bench while he levitated a pen, twirling it lazily as he tried to think. Sighing, he pushed away from the table. Getting up from the rolling chair he decided he needed some fresh air, so he opened the the large sliding door that closed off his shop from the outside world. He squeezed past and promptly shut it.
Tall Tale was a small town in a forested area from which one could just see Canterlot mountain, though sadly not Canterlot. The town was populated largely by earth ponies and Unicorns. The story was they were left behind by Princess Platinum and Chancellor Puddinghead during the great migration from the north. It was founded by Tall Tale, a bard renowned for his stories of bravery. Since then the town had always been a small, thriving hamlet with a limited but profitable timber industry.

Making his way down the dirt road he decided to head to the river, passing by a combination of a farmer's market and flea market. Seing no inspiration there he shook his head and continued on his way, passing by thatch roofed and clay walled homes. Soon reaching the end of the town he trotted over to the sawmill sitting on the bank on the opposite side. He stopped for a moment to watch the waterwheel slowly turn, powering the saw. It was all open to the air so he could watch the ponies lifting logs and slowly pushing them through the blades.

As he watched the wheel turn he let his mind wander a bit. He started to imagine a wheel slowly turning then started to imagine adding copper contacts onto it. His eyes widened; he could drop the difficult to adjust camshaft and instead use electrical contacts to fire the pistons!

"That's it! I've got it! I've got it!" He jumped up and down like an excited colt before realizing the saw mill ponies were watching him in confusion. Blushing, he quickly ran off. He knew he had plenty of work to do.

Equestria
Canterlot
Canterlot Castle
Celestia's private chambers
6:45pm

Celestia paced in her room as she waited for Cadence to exit the bath chambers. She had been in their for a few hours, Shining occasionally exiting to pace and then renter. Finally Cadence had stepped out of the bath chambers into her bed room. She seemed broken; no anger, no sadness, just an emptiness that left Celestia feeling unnerved. Shining seemed to not so much look at her but through her, the captain looking worse for wear then he did after the Canterlot Wedding.
Shining Armor looked over at his wife and got ready to speak only to have Cadence beat him to the punch. "You were wrong. "He said evenly, with a hint of malice.
Celestia swallowed. "W-what?"

"You... were...wrong... they didn't need or want me. I followed the same model you used in Equestria, and look what happened! My baby is gone!" She screamed into the White princesses face. "They starved us out for nearly a year! We were cut off from Equestria! T-the things I s-saw... t-the guards turning on each other... t-the Equestrian immigrants were slaughtered w-with... firearms! The burning became a massacre!" Cadence just panted after her rant before she started to cry with Shining Armor pulled her close letting her cry into his mane.

"H-how... w-we banned any Britannian imports into the Crystal empire. They couldn't have gotten their hooves on those weapons!" Celestia's stunned outburst seemed to get Shining's attention.

"Britannians?" They had been out of the loop for awhile; they only had some idea that changes were happening down south in Zebrica.

"T-they are... an Eastern empire that opened up trade with the zebras." Celestia replied. Shining's eyes widened.

"The warlords have access to weapons like this??" He asked in panic.

"No. They were overthrown... now they have a unified parliament. They have since opened up trade with us and act as a middle mare between us and Britannia..." she reached out to try and comfort her niece only for Shining to give her an even glare.
"Then one of them must have armed the rebels... not that it matters." he looked downwards. "My sweet baby filly is gone. I've failed once again to protect my family."
"W-we can salvage this. W-we will load up the Crystal Express with our finest and retake-" she was cut off as Cadence raised her hoof.

"The rails were destroyed. We were given a harsh choice... squeeze the remaining guards onto the train, or be starved out and thrown on the ice without the protection of the insulated cabs. The only way to reach the Crystal Empire at this point would be by sea and a long 200 mile trek through blizzards and what ever else hides in the wastes. I-iv lost them and the Heart... they see me as a tyrant, no better or worse then Sombra. In their own words I'm... a false idol. They accused me of cultural genocide! I-I didn't know... I-I didn't realize. Shining tried to warn me... b-but I didn't listen. N-now I have no daughter, no country...nothing." she sounded so defeated it was breaking Celestia's heart. No doubt the nobility will use this against her, everything seemed to be splitting at the seams around her.

"I will talk with the Emperor about it perhaps he can shed some light on this. Until then, you two are welcome to use my Summer Estate South west of here." She reached out to try and pull them into a hug, but she stopped when she saw the look from both of them. She left them to grieve.

Equestria
Ponyville
Barnyard bargains
Store room
7:23pm

Fancy sat at the table with the rest of the ponies in the operation, all looking rather worried. The lighting in the room wasn't exactly ideal, the dim bulb only seeming to complement the dark news they had all just received.

"Cloudsdale is coming... we need to prepare; there's nothing else we can do at this point. With the Royal guard disbanded in all but name we have to rely on our own hooves to defend our town." Filthy said solemnly.

Carrot nodded her head. "I have already started to lay a number of tunnels and hidden ambush points. I have also placed the new mortars all over town with my ponies nearby ready to fire at a moments notice." She said slowly leaning back.

The newly reunited Flower Trio smiled a sinister grin in unison. "Our addicts are ready and waiting to go. We even got a few Pegasi willing to work for us. Hehe, spice seems to be particularly addictive to them. They will cause a ruckus back on Cloudsdale just for a day's supply!" Big Mac looked over at them and his eyes shined a moment realizing what they had in mind.

"Meaning two things will happen. The burning of their home will cause them to split their forces or badly damage the city leaving them with some angry locals. Clever... and here I thought you three we just burn outs." He chuckled. "Sweet Apple Acres has shut down their stills and set up a number of lures. They will follow the smoke and find themselves in a kill zone. I've had to call on some of my kin but they all got a bone to pick with Cloudsdale. So far I have over 100 of my fellow Apples hiding in the trees."

"So is there anything else we can do to prepare? I want no chances taken with these Feather Brains. Ponyville will not become a slave town for those Cloudpounders!" Filthy took a moment to recompose himself. "I have also hired some exotic help from down south. They will wait in the hiding near the Barnyard bargains. Vets from Zebrica don't come cheap but they are battle ready at a moments notice. I think it would be best to split them up and send them to each of our holdings to act as a... second pair of eyes. They may see things we do not, after all." They all nodded in agreement.

"I say we toast this occasion with a Sweet Apple Specialty!" Big Mac pulls out a large bottle. "This is the Legendary Sweet Apple Whiskey only 12 bottle remain from the unification before Celestia took control. I plan to save the rest for an even prouder occasion." He smiled while they all looked at each other.

"Like what?" Carrot asked curious while leaning forward on the table.

"Do tell, Big Mac. What do you have in mind?" Fancy asked, the Flower Trio cocking an eyebrow.

"Tell me, do you all have aspirations besides just being drug pettlers? Or do you want something that your descendants can be proud of?" He started to dig into his bag and pulled out a book labeled Platos Republic. "I think it's time earth ponies get a say in governance again, do you all agree?" He asked while the entire table was in complete shock, it was one thing to break the law; it was another thing to secede from Equestria all together.

They all seemed to enter deep thought before Carrot opened her mouth. "We can't do it alone." she said. Big Mac grinned.

"I'm not the only Apple that's tired of the Royals sticking their noses where they don't belong, and I'm far from the only bootlegger in the family."

"It's well known the Apple family has a lot of sway with earth pony townships; we get more towns on our side and we might just be able to pull it off. But that's not the question are we willing to create a Cartel state?" he looked around the room and from the faces he got his answer. "Very well. First things first, we wait for the attack..."

Zebrica
Dragons Teeth mountains (near Saddle Arabian boarder)
UZS Lions Wrath (refurbished Britannian airship)
9:00pm

Captain Abayomi was holding his binoculars to his eyes as he looked over in the distance. The thick clouds made navigating the mountains treacherous, but it hid their approach to the Sultan's lands. They knew he'd been trying to find passage once again through the mountains. They luckily didn't have the luxury of flying, meaning they were stuck trying to navigate using old maps and caravan myths. He could already see the mountain pass in the distance that would be the final passage. They had around 3 aircraft in the belly of the airship, they would harass the army encampments. At least until the bombers were flown into Dragons Maw Airbase on the other side of the mountain range; then, the bombing campaign could begin.
"Do we have anything on the acoustics?" He asked the young zebra, who looked up at him and shook her head.

"No sir, the way ahead is clear for us." she looked at him before looking back down and closing her eyes to focus on her work.

"Communications officer, tell the fighters to prepare for launch. I don't want them to know about the airship near their border until we have bomber support. I want a big reveal." Captain he may be, but he wasn't above a little theatrics. While airships weren't as fast or effective when It came to surprise attacks they did seem to have a definite effect on moral. Seeing such a large shadow above you while you scampered away on the ground would do that after all.

As he looked out into the clouds he could see the valley and just a small hint of the Nile River; he licked his lips in anticipation. Officially they were here to prevent the Saddle Arabians from attacking Zebrica; unofficially they were here to deliver the final blow to an empire that had been on steady decline for over 1000 years... and lay claim to the fertile river of course. War often made borders a bit blurry.
"The first fighter is ready sir. This will likely be the first time we have done this in a war scenario... are you sure we are ready? This is a long jump from training exercises." a young zebra with a beret on his head asked as he looked up from the communications counsel.

"We are nearly above the border and it would take too much time to get the ship up to speed. A drop launch is our only option. Tell them to commence the drop."

"Aye captain." he sent the message to the launch bay.

Zebrica
Dragons Teeth mountains (near the Saddle Arabian border)
UZS Lions Wrath (refurbished Britannian airship)
Fighter bay
9:12pm

Rashidi rested in the seat of his SE5a fighter. To say the young pilot was on edge would be an understatement. He tightened his leather flight helmet and checked his radio, controls, and his emergency kit. The trapeze operator nodded his head as pulled a lever slowly starting to lower his plane out of the belly of the airship. The engine began to spin up, taking a few moments as he started to push the throttleopen. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes as the sound of the trapeze unlatching filled his ears, sounding out even with the noisy engine. He suddenly felt the sensation of falling as he opened his eyes and tilted the aircraft downwards watching the speedometer. He started to heard his own heart beat in his ears as he saw the jagged rocks below rapidly approaching before pulling up with all his might.
It seemed for a moment as if time had slowed down for him as the nose started to angle upwards and his felt his stomach going from his throat to his legs as the aircraft started to rapidly climb. Seeing that he was airborne under his own power he switched on his radio.

"This is Night Raven reporting in, launch was successful. Will wait for remainder of struck force before moving on to mission, over?" he waited to get a response, worried that his radio had malfunctioned.

"We have second launch underway Night Raven. Congratulations." The static filled voice of the captain on the radio filled his ears.

Saddle Arabia
Dragons Tail Pass
War camp
9:45 pm

Omar was a newly trained warrior of the Sultan's army; he had joined up as soon as he heard his father talking about the possibility of war with Zebrica. Promises of larger meals also appealed to him. Food was scarce; the sultan said it was because of the Zebra's witchcraft but that didn't make sense to him. Most Saddle Arabians had never even seen a zebra before since the mountains that cut off the peninsula from the continent and sea travel weren't exactly ideal for equines mentally. Never mind that unlike their trade routes with Equestria and the Gryphons to the north they couldn't sail near the coast due to prevailing storms and reefs. Even the great sultan after returning on his ship always seemed uneasy and would almost hurry to get onto land.

There were also rumors the zebra had metal ships, meaning the Sultan's navy was at a disadvantage; but how could a ship be made of metal? It would sink, wouldn't it? It was best to trust the Sultan's generals. He was sure they knew what they were doing. He started to make his way across the sandy desert valley camp, passing by a number of colorful tents, his eyes centered on the large one in the center. They would be having Kousa and Burglur Pilaf, it would likely be the final meal before they were to pack up and attempt to find passage in the mountains.

The smells were already making his mouth water before he heard a strange sound, it was like a buzz combined with a roar. He began to look around, confused by the strange noise. Turning his head upwards, the sandy white stallion saw three shapes flying in the sky in the distance. There was no doubt the sound was coming from them. Birds perhaps...but what sort of bird made that kind of sound? They started to dive and the sound only became louder as they rapidly approached the camp at a steep angle.

"T-that's no bird! Sound the alar-" he didn't even get a chance to shout out the warning when he saw they were controlled by zebra. Objects detached from the aircraft, some landing in tents, others in the middle of camp before unleashing powerful explosions that consumed all that was nearby in a powerful blaze of fire.
Screams were heard all across the camp as warriors attempted to pull survivors from the flames only for the strange craft to start to open up with firelances, the bright flashes of the weapons firing easily seen on the dark night sky as they started to strafe the camp. Bits of metal and hot lead rained down on them as Warriors attempted to get themselves organized in defensive positions, a brave but futile effort as it only made targeting easier for the zebra.

Omar ducked under a cart as one of the aircraft flew overhead, narrowly missing him with it's strange powerful weapons that threw up sand into the air. He could only watch In fear as countless stallions were gunned down, some being throw up into the air from the explosions before being shot to bloody chunks their body twisting and turning from the countless impacts. The powerful smell of smoke filled his nose. He began looking for a way out, but soon he saw the aircraft were leaving, already disappearing into the night.

Taking his chance to scramble out from under the wagon he started to gallop as fast as he could back to Nayjan. It was the closest town to the camp, the sultan would need to know about this tragedy! As he galloped he stopped at the top of a sand dune and looked back at the camp. It looked like one massive fire in the distance.
"Am I the only one w-who survived? T-they have to know!" Quickly turning around he galloped as if his life depended on it. And from the looks of things it very may well.

Saddle Arabia
10 miles from the mountain pass.
Zebra guerrilla Air squadron
9:45pm

"This is Night Raven, reporting in to Lion's Wrath. Please respond, over." The zebra called in as he flew over the desert watching it giveaway too stony hills and barren cliffs. The sound of the engine and wind filled his ears even with the radio headset built into his leather helmet. He could just hear the gentle hiss of the radio static before he got a response.

"This is Lion's Wrath, responding to Night Raven. Was your mission a success? Was the message delivered? Over."The Zebra gave a toothy grin, one which would go unseen by the operator on the other end, and replied.

"It was close, but from the looks of it there was at least one survivor who managed to run off into the desert. I have a feeling that the Sultan will soon be very livid." He took a moment to look up from his 12 o'clock to gaze at the full moon just above him as he flew. While at first he was skeptical about becoming a pilot the feeling of the wind on his face and being able to look down on the world seem to fill his heart with a sort of feeling that he had never had before. If all it took to keep them in the pilot seat with a few dead Saddle Arabians then that was the price he was willing to pay.

"Excellent. Report back to the Lion's wrath for refueling and maintenance. We have special rations to celebrate this success, over." The voice responding on the radio brought him back to reality and he was only able to let out a soft sight as he started to pull back on the throttle.

"Understood. I'm going to pull back on speed, I think my engine overtaxed so it may take a bit longer to return to base. Over" he bit his lip hoping that the captain would buy his excuse if only to give him a few more minutes of flight to enjoy.
"Very well. We will run some maintenance on your engine when you return. Over." The zebra pilot couldn't help but let out a small cheer to himself as he decided to take the scenic route, radioing in to his fellow pilots that they would be flying for just a little bit longer. It seemed he was not in the minority when it came to loving their job.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long delay Iv been off like for awhile while visiting family.

Chapter 38

Equestria
Canterlot
Royal Castle
05:01 AM

It was just before dawn as Celestia ran the brush though her prismatic mane just staring into the mirror. Though her millennia of life she had learned how to wear a mask, but in these precious few private moments she could feel it crack. The aged alicorn placed the pearl laden brush back down on the rich cherry wood table. Centuries of planning.... gently nudging the right ponies together..... approving and denying new townships... all just so she could ensure the board was set to see her sister again. Yet it seemed it was all for naught, perhaps the universe desired karma beyond a thousand years trapped in the moons rays.

“Have I not ruled fairly over my nation?...... Have I not stayed true to your teachings?..... even when everypony had forgotten you?.....as your temples crumbled to dust, spread to the four winds...” the alicorn looked as if her wings weighed one ton each. The burden of ruling showed on her despite her near agelessness. “Faust.... please....... please.... my sisters body wasn’t found in the rubble....... please...... give me sign..... is she?...” she closes her magenta eyes pulling her forelegs onto the vanity table clasping her hooves together in quiet meditation.

No pony was there to tell how long she rested at her vanity mirror in silent prayer. But she eventually looked up her eyes opening a tear leaking from one of them “.... thank you.....” she whispered so softly even she could barely hear the words pass her lips. Sitting alone in the bed chamber she waited a few moments before continuing to do her mane.

Equestria
Ponyville
Barnyard Bargains
Roof
05:06 AM

Filthy rested on the roof clutching a rather ordinate shotgun in his hooves, a number of hired muscle sat around him. All of them sheltering behind the stores large standing sign. Suits didn’t hide the fact the gryphons and stallions were killers for hire. Suits just advertised they were professionals at it. In the darkness the Ponyville militia waited, to any outsider the town looked as quiet and peaceful as any hamlet before the sun rose. But it was largely empty of civilians many had been moved out of town into the crumbling castle in the Everfree, the underground storehouses in the ruined Carrot Homestead, some sheltered with distant relatives several towns over, those unlucky or stubborn enough simply sheltered in their basements.

During these quiet moments the only things Filthy could hear was his own heart beat. Only occasionally broken by the sound of the mortar being adjusted, the veteran they hired just didn’t seem satisfied. They couldn’t use the mortars before the attack, they were ace in the hole after all, they couldn’t risk the Pegasi finding out about them. Thus splitting up their forces denying them juicy group targets. But that also meant the training with them was limited, while the manuals were helpful and the use of the sky shrapnel rounds was fairly strait forward he was concerned about accuracy.

“I hope your ready to use that little pony....” he zebra spoke though the darkness. “If this is too work you can’t just rely on your money..... you must kill, or you will be killed.” The seriousness of the tone cut though the amber brown stallions ears like a knife. “Will you pull the trigger when the time comes?..... or will you add a new coat of red paint to your store?”

Filthy paused closing his eyes and swallowed. Though no pony could see him do so.

Equestria
Cloudsdale
Condemned Cloudsdale Weather Co Factory
05:08 AM

Numerous pegasi moved along the factory’s floor, walking past the disused wooden vats and stained agitators. Even with the dim torches above on the rusted catwalks Union watched them all. Crude assembly lines were made across the floors where Molotov cocktails were binging mixed, weapons looked over and cleaned, a few pegasi even were making crude explosives, emptying the powder from bullets into pipe or cans. Dawn was near and they were running out of time luckily they were only doing last minute preparations.

Behind him he heard the familiar weak hoof falls of his son Labor. “D-.... I mean Union please.... it’s not too late we can still stop this.... I want independence as much as you do. But this?! This isn’t was Equestria is about! If we do this what makes you think Celestia will even let us get away with this?! I’m not the most progressive stallion but even I know her views on slavery! I can’t say I’m against hierarchy but slaves are too fa-“ before the stallion could continue the sound of a hoof making contact with bone. A resounding crack echoed though the dilapidated factory.

The sound of his son collapsing down against the wrought iron cat walk didn’t faze the other stallion. He just stared down at the quivering mess of feathers before raising his hoof again and slamming it against his wing. Another sickening crack was heard. “I knew you would be a disappointment to me... can’t take a punch, couldn’t hold your own in a fight, always crying to your whorse mother when you got a bruise.” He pressed his hoof against the now broken wing letting his much larger size be noticed by his son, who could only wince and quiver in pain. “Mommy ain’t here to protect you boy, yet you never seem to learn your lesson. Perhaps I should stop holding back and remind you the old Pegastopolis traditions that handled such weakness.....”

After hearing that, he world became nothing but pain.

Equestria
Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres
5:13 AM

Big Mac watched over the fruit groves, the from his hill perch letting out a deep sign as he felt the wind blow through his mane. The sun hasn’t come up just yet but he could see the hills in the distance start to glow the sun moments away from rising. Sap green eyes gazed across his land, to the untrained eye the groves seemed empty, but years of Produce Rustlers had trained his eyes.

The slight shifting of the trees, slight color oddities in the blur of foliage, even the gentle glints of weapons didn’t escape his eye. Hundreds of his kin sheltered among the trees as-well as across Ponyville, all waiting for dawn. Just has he pulled his eyes away from the groves he saw them in the distance at least a thousand pairs of wings fluttering the sun rising behind them.

The shadowed appearance of the figures charging at his home reminding him of the fruit bats that ravished his fields years ago. He smiled at the apt comparison before steeling his resolve.

He closed his eyes and took a breath. “Forgive me Pear and Bright..... I do this for all our kin..... for a brighter future for all us earth ponies.”

Equestria
Ponyville
Ruins of the Carrot Farmstead
5:19 am

Carrot Top watched as the numerous Cloudsdale Separatists/Tribalists flew towards her home town. She raised a hoof signaling Gizmo to prepare the signal. He started to crank the field phone before raising the phone to his ear hearing a buzz signaling it was live. She took a deep breath steeling herself she needed to wait until they reached the middle of the kill zone. She then exhales looking back at Gizmo.

“Fire....”

The lanky stallion yelled into the phone. “Open fire the Pegasi are in the kill zone!” Across Ponyville even as far as Sweet Apple Acres ponies had heard the call dropping the shells down the barrels of numerous mortars. Flashes were seen across town everywhere from the roofs of shops to the orchards. It was at that moment they all held their breath, they had set the charges to go off within the kill zone. But they hadn’t tested them in fear of tipping off the pegasi.

For a moment Carrot and Gizmo assumed the worst and they had missed... then the lower half of the formation was engulfed in explosions. Countless pegasi fell from the sky in bloody chunks, while others fell screaming in agony while they fell into the meadow below. Wings and limbs blown to bits from the shrapnel, whether they were lucky to survive or not would be any pony’s guess.

They hadn’t missed, but just less then a half of their forces had been hit. The survivors broke away from formation, so they wouldn’t get another juicy target like that again.

“Well..... at least we didn’t miss, it would have been better if it was closer to the center of their formation... but things rarely go to plan.” Carrot said while lifting up her BAR with little visibly struggle despite its considerable size. “Gizmo get your pea shooter I think it’s time to go hunting.” The sincerity of her smile made the stallion a bit uncomfortable but he grabbed his Marlin 1894 loading a round into the chamber.

Equestria
Ponyville
Northern Skies
5:17 AM

“What the buck was that?!?” Union bellowed but the powerful ringing in his ears made it unlikely that he could hear an answer if one was offered. “Split up! Break formation!” He screamed though it seemed other pegasi were having the same issue. While they followed his orders it was questionable if they actually heard it or were doing it in their own.

“Make those mud pounders pay ten fold for every pegasi they kill!” He screamed while he started to dive the look of absolute hatred covering his face.

The pegasi descended onto town opening fire with their assortment of hunting rifles and shotguns. Which was met in kind by the locals armaments, soon enough fire fights were breaking out across Ponyville, with sporadic gun fire raking the buildings. The fight wasn’t over, and would like continue for hours, but the locals were determined to keep their home.

Equestria
Canterlot
HMS Progress Super Dreadnought Airship
Emperors Private Cabin
5:25 AM

The ringing of a pearl and gold accented phone filled the private quarters of the Theo. Clawed fingers reached out clumsily from a solitary lump in the center of an ordinate bed feeling around the oak nightstand before finally grasping the rattling phone. The young emperor sat up in the center of his mattress rubbing his face with his free hand before holding the phone to his ear.

“Yes?.......” He asked waiting for a response as he blinked the sleep from his eyes.

“I apologize for waking you at such an early hour your highness but we have news. The acoustics officer was picking up gun fire coming from the direction of the Ponyville settlement.” The slightly static encrusted voice responded.

The Emperors eyes widened in worry. “Are we under attack?!”

“N-no! We originally thought it was some sort of celebration, if we were truly under attack wouldn’t have woken you from your slumber, the HMS Progress has more then enough firepower to erase just an annoyance...” The sound of the dog swallowing nervously on the other end of the line could be heard. “But when we moved our visual scopes to investigate.... we found what looks to be a small civil war going on. Partially between pegasi and earth pony locals.....”

“I..... see.... I don’t remember the princess mentioning any such civil war happening during our talks.... this could be a new development..... keep the scIowa trained on the conflict and collect as much information as we can. We might just be able to use this to our advantage during negotiations....”

Author's Note

Sorry for such a long wait I have been dealing with a combination of health issues, schooling, and work that made it difficult to continue this story. But it’s officially back online!

Chapter 39

Zebrica
SilverSage region
Inyanga Chateau
12:07 PM

Luna rested on the balcony of her new home, a Southern Equestrian styled Plantation house, situated on several hundred acres of prime vineyard lands. Purhaps her new home wasn’t as grand as Canterlot Castle, but it was certainly more tasteful in her opinion. She had always found the overload of white, while she was sure her sister didn’t mean it, gave the castle a feeling that it was purely hers.... not theirs. Also the style of us was just gaudy in her opinion, as if the engineers and stonemasons were trying to recreate a fairy tail castle through word of mouth alone.

The dark blue mare leaned back in her seat as she gazed over her newfound property, the house was nearly finished along with the workers quarters. A well was already dug, she even had started to receive mail from town. Although it was mostly ads and the occasional scam, it was nice to get mail. Back at the palace with her sister, the mail would be sorted and divided up between them. She always found it ironic, she was the princess who designed and set up the public mail system yet her own mail box often remained empty.

Shaking such thoughts from her head, she heard the approaching hoof-steps of the Forman. “Miss Pale Ale” The old zebra said in something could almost be called amusement under his usually dry tone.

“Yes Forman?” She raised an eyebrow mildly curious about his report.

“We are about half way finished with the distillery out on the back acre as-well as the mill. Though redirecting the stream is posing some issues, sediment keeps building up on the spillway.” He said reading though a clipboard. “Most of the brush has been cleared in the front acreages, planting can begin as soon as the irrigation system is finished in the next two weeks. Finally the houses utilities should be properly connected in about three days while we wait for the proper pump and fittings.”

Pale Ale raised her eyebrows and sighed. “Keep working on the spillway I’d rather not have to hire creatures to clean out the channel every year.”

“We will, but it’s difficult problem to fix as the streams are rather heavy with sediment.” The zebra sighed softly as he rubbed his chin. “I’ll check some literature to see if there are some solutions I haven’t considered.”

“See that you do, is that all?” She sighed looking a bit tired. “And here I thought this would be relaxing...” she mumbled to herself.

“Yes I believe that’s all....” He stood there awkwardly.

“Well..... you may go.... unless you have something to say?..”

“Well.... you spend all your time in the manor.....” He tapped his hoof. “It’s hardly fitting for a princes-“

“Former princess.” She replies curtly.

“Former princess.... well purhaps you should try visiting Duskclift? I hear there’s a restaurant called the Eclipse that’s popular. Never-mind friendly locals.... and your starting to look pale from the lack of sunlight.” He chuckled and bowed. “I must take my leave please think about what I said?”

“.... I’ll take it into account, thank you for your advice.”

Zebrica
New Prosost Prison
Still
1:37pm

The former prismatic mare sipped her drink wincing a bit from the taste as she rested on a stone chair. Downing the rest in one go shuttering violently as her body fought to expel the wretched substance.

“Heh, still can’t quiet handle the brew little mare?” Gábriel watched in mild amusement while the mare recovered from her drink.

Rainbow pressed her hoof against the table to steady herself before looking over at the Gryphon. “Haha, very funny.” She rolled her eyes before cracking her neck rubbing the back of it with her hoof.

“You love it pony.” He chuckled warmly. “We should train again tonight, you have improved from that clumsy childlike stumbling you called fighting. You might just start to pose a challenge to me.”

The mare smiled cockily but not quiet with the same vigor she had before incarceration. “I’ll get you yet, you over grown sack of feathers. Just you waissssh!” The mare slurred the last bit of her speech as the high proof alcohol started to effect her system. She started to wobble on her seat a bit.

The Gryphon watched her mumble obscenities in amusement before he heard someone approaching. Tensing out of instinct he turned around quickly only to see a lankly stallion trotting up to them only to stop picking up on the Gryphons viscousness. “News from the topside, your hot piece of flank has a visitor tomorrow.”

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
General Shujaa’s Estate
Dining room
2:11 PM

Twilight Sparkle shifted uncomfortably in her seat next to her advisors Blueblood and Fancy. While the Zebra had been tight lipped about their operations the three of them were well aware the war wasn’t going to the Sultans favor. Whispers were heard around and even taking into account news papers habit of embellishing the truth, advances deep into the peninsula were being made. Her wings twitched as she sat up strait in the ordinate wooden chair.

“General Shujaa, surely with the military successes into the peninsula the Sultan would be willing to negotiate. Perhaps you could hold out the olive branch, Equestria would be willing to act as a mediator to ensure things remain civil. We could have the meeting in Canterlot to-“ She was stopped seeing the zebra raise his hoof.

A few moments pasted before he spoke. “I would appreciate that later on, but the campaign is going well. We have also made attempts to bring the Sultan to the negotiating table, but our messengers never return. He doesn’t want to negotiate, it’s likely he still believes he can win this war. Or his own pride won’t allow him to surrender to us...” He seemed to be in deep thought while bringing soup to his lips. As he inhaled the soup Fancy decided to lean forward and speak up.

“Surely he realizes that he can’t fight his way out of this, after that opening strike it should have been plain as Celestia’s day who would win that war.” He said while buttering a roll before dunking it into the thick vegetable stew.

Blueblood followed his mentor. “With the famine being on going and trade being effectively cut off any war effort would be effectively impossible to maintain. Yet somehow he’s been able to maintain some resistance.” He tapped his chin while swirling his own thick stew.

“Yes, I have been curious of what he’s been doing to keep his warriors loyalty. They fight ferociously, I fear they they will continue to charge into our bullets, all the way to the capital. A pity really....” Shujaa said while adding pepper to his soup.

“A pity?..... is that all?” Twilight tried not to sound offended at how callus it sounded. “These are equines lives your talking about!” She struggled to contain her anger.

“I didn’t mean to offend miss Sparkle, but I don’t know how you expect me to feel about an unreasonable enemy.” He leaned forward clasping his hooves together shrugging his shoulders.

“The Sultan is seeing the end of his empire of course he would lash out, but talking about his subjects like that..... they are just trying to defend their homes.” Fancy said while Blueblood attempted to calm the young princess.

Shujaa shrugged while lifting a wine glass to his lips taking a moment to enjoy the rich bitter taste. “Yes they are, just as we did when they did the same to us throughout the centuries of their existence. I’m understanding to their situation but can’t say I mind how the tables have turned.” He downed the rest of the glass rather quickly for such a fine wine.

“So that’s what it’s about? Vengeance for their repeated incursions to your lands?” Blueblood attempted to say in a neutral questioning tone while grasping a roll for himself.

“Partially I suppose, but realistically we can’t allow the sultan or his remaining family to maintain any power. Be they real or ceremonial, he will use what ever he has to attempt this all again.” Shujaa said leaning back into his chair.

“..... you can’t possibly mean.....” Twilight said as a look of horror started to dawn in her face after she had just recovered from her rage.

“No no, I personally would prefer a political exile of him and his remaining family from the peninsula and by extension Zebrica. But with the war getting closer and closer to his palace.... well his chances of getting through this conflict unscathed dimmish considerably.” He paused before continuing. “We would rather not have to capture Riyadh. As the sprawling desert city is heavily congested with small gates, narrow roads, and far too many places to hide. If he doesn’t surrender by the time we reach the capital.... we will not bother with attempting to take the city.”

The three representatives looked at the zebra general with horror as they registered what he meant. Before Twilight finally managed to respond. “Your going to use..... t-those Mortars and Aircraft to....... to.....”

“Bomb the entire city into oblivion, from what our intelligence has gathered, he has all of his heirs within the city. If they won’t surrender and accept political exile then the military will be forced to nip it in the bud to avoid continuous fighting should they escape into the deserts.”

“How can you say that so plainly?! Hundreds of thousands of Saddle Arabians live in that city!” Blueblood said while Twilight sat in shock.

“Then tell me, how many Zebra are you comfortable with dying during the continuous fighting led by the Saddle Arabian Remaint?” He raised an eyebrow. “We made that mistake with the warlords allowing them to retreat into the plains and deserts of our country. Even today they continue to terrorize our people, while tracking them down has proven allusive.”

“Surely they can’t pose that much of an issue..... their numbers have to be minor after such an..... overwhelming defeat by your forces.” Fancy said unsure.

“Yes their numbers are minor, but they have turned to random acts of terrorism using small decentralized groups. This makes it difficult to root them out, as no single group is aware of the whole....” Shujaa said with a sigh. “They hold ransoms, destroy shipments, commit bombings, even just random mass shootings. By the time we reach them they have either retreated back into the plains or commit suicide. Leaving death in their wake.”

“You worry that the Sultan will do the same with his remaining forces?” Blueblood asked actually contemplating the thought.

“If he doesn’t listen to reason, then it’s a very real possibility. One I will not risk, he has two choices, surrender and political exile or annihilation....” Shujaa said simply.

Equestria
Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres
4:53 PM

Union cursed as he and a number of loyal followers were taking cover inside an abandoned silo. He had decided to lead the capture of the orchard covered farmstead to make a statement. They were the first to transition away from the proper ways so they would be the first to be taught a lesson. At least that was the plan, until nearly half his Pegasopolis Militia killed before they could even fire off a shot.

“Damn those Apples! They must have every one of their yokel kin out there in the trees!” He growled as his stallions huddled in the crumbling wooden structure clutching their weapons.

“It’s worse then you think boss Labor, they boobytrapped the entire farm! I tried to capture one of their stills only to nearly get blown out of the sky!” A blue coated Pegasus stallion said his face crudely bandaged.

“....They planned this too well, they knew we were coming!” Union slammed his hoof down into the dirt just as a few bullets pierced the silo narrowly missing him and his stallions. “We will have to retreat and regroup with the militia members down in the village....” He cursed again before looking around. “You, come here!”

“Y-yes, boss?” A dark grey pegisus approached sounding nervous.

“Tell me, how important is it to you that your little brother is cared for?” Union asked looking into the nervous l stallions eyes, he could see the desperation in them. That’s the only reason he was here, he was a desperate pony who would do anything for his family.

“I-I’ll do anything..” He said looking up with determination in his eyes.

“Excellent, need you to draw their fire while we retreat... do you understand?” Union looked him in the eyes. “If you do this I will make sure he’ll never have to worry about money ever again.”

The dark colored stallion paused before swallowing. “You promise?.....”

“Yes, is there anything else I should know?..” Union asked while giving him a crooked smile.

“......Just have him sent to my cousins Flitter and Cloudchaser.....” he swallowed his throat feeling dry.

“I will, I’ll tell them you were a hero for the cause.” Union said while the stallion slowly got in a starting position as if he was about to run the gauntlet. While the others prepared to run out the back of the silo.

For a few moments the only sounds were the random gunshots of Apples peppering the silo from the safety of the trees. Then he rushed out the front opening of the silo, shouts were heard along with countless gun shots. Union and his remaining supporters quickly snuck out the back leaving the stallion to his fate.

Equestria
Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres
5:03 PM

Applejack watched the grey blur rush out of the silo. “Those flying snakes are trying to make a run for it! Get um!”

Countless guns raked the meadow surrounding the old silo with bullets and shot. Tearing up the flowers and grass before the pegasus fell, his body knocked over from the force of so many projectiles slamming into his body. For a few moments the earth ponies waited before Applejack said something.

“Where’s the rest of em?” After a few moments of waiting it dawned on her seeing faint shapes vanishing in the distant sky. “Them feather backs sacrificed one of their own to get away!”

As she screamed obscenity’s before her eyes slowly turned to the solitary grey body in the meadow. That grey cyan mane looked familiar, looking around she slid from her hiding spot in the trees. A flurry of whispers from the surrounding trees warned her to go back to hiding but she slowly made her way out of the foliage. A pit starting to form in her stomach as she moved the trench gun to her back.

Numerous rifles trained on the grey body while the orange mare made her way closer to it. With the last of the pegisi repelled from the farm the silence was deafening. The only sounds were her hooves crushing the grass, until she eventually reached the downed pony and grabbed his shoulder slowly pulling him over to his side to get a better look at him.

“T-Thunderlane?! W-what are you doing here?!” Applejacks face slowly morphed into a look of horror as his blooded muzzle came into view.

“H-hey A-Applejack....... l-long t-time no see.......” He struggled to give her smile, part of his lips eviscerated from shot his shattered teeth showing.

“W-why?..why would you sign up with these monsters?!?..” She stuttered out begging for an answer unsure what would be worse. “S-Somepony get a first aid kit!!!

“M-money...... Wonderbolts...... sacked me...... no benefits...... or pension......” He hacked up a bit of blood, the viscous liquid spattering Applejacks cheek. “The Foal Protective A-Agency......... they would h-have taken R-rumble........ Union..... h-he.....promised m-money..... a-and work......”

“T-thunderlane.... t-there h-had to be better o-options.... y-your cousins t-they could hav-“ She was cut off as Thunderlane shook his head.

“They...... live in a store room........ n-no bed...... can’t..... even keep themselves fed......” he grunted while a cautious Braeburn approached with a kit held in his mouth.

“W-we would h-have h-hired you!” Applejack protested while Braeburn started to bandage his wounds a solemn look on his face.

“But..... you didn’t.........” He looked into her sap green eyes while his clouding gold eyes. “I-I sent an..... application for w-work months a-ago........ even tried to come i-in person a few times.... y-you didn’t g-give me the time.... o-of day.........” He said as Applejack racked her brain trying to remember between upgrading the farms infrastructure, producing moonshine, her trip down south, planning the protests, the sacking of the mayor, purchasing weapons, all she could muster up in her mind was a fuzzy grey blotch and some background noise.

“I-I just faded into t-they background... so much for Apple h-hospitality huh?..........” He said chuckling weakly while Applejack lowered her head in shame. “It’s alright....... I-I know how h-hard things w-were for you family... family first r-right?...” he hacked again struggling to breath. “If...... the pegisi lose.......... can....... you take Rumble to my cousins?........... please?......... he’s at..... S-Somber Sky’s h-halfwa-.....” He just went limp with a faint exhale, Applejack stared shaking his shoulders trying to bring him back.

“T-Thunderlane! C-come on wake up! Y-yalls bother is w-waiting for you!” She started to shake him more forcefully as her vision started to get blurry while she let out shuttering breaths. “H-he needs you! C-come on!” She screamed holding the blood soaked pegasus while Braeburn rested his hoof on her shoulder only for her to shake it away. She just sat their holding the stallion close. “H-he was one of us...... a-a pony from P-Ponyville....... a-a brother to a colt.... t-that Bloom goes ta school with....... a-and w-we shot em....... I-I s-shot em.......”

“Applejack...... we didn’t know...... y-you didn’t know...... h-he would have shot you if he had the chance.....” Braeburn tried to say.

“Twas my fault...... I-if I had m-made time for em...... h-he wouldn’t have b-been s-so d-desperate...... b-but.... I couldn’t stop...... to give him some Apple Family Hospitality.........no..... I wouldn’t stop ta give it to him........” At that Braeburn closed his mouth while she raised her head up and let out a wail.

Author's Note

Looking for a new proof reader, sorry the chapters are coming so slow, I was having some writers block. But now they should come out semi regularly.

Chapter 40

Equestria
Ponyville
Main Street
6:47 PM

Union and his remaining stallions had joined back up with the main force about an hour ago, having to take a roundabout way from the farm to avoid patrolling Ponyville militia. Though his minor reinforcements from the retreat did little to help the over all mood of the main force.

Who could blame them, beyond some minor resistance no pony expected an organized force waiting for them! Even at this moment the small deserted shop they had taken shelter in was occasionally raked with gun fire. Causing the occupants to wince from the sound.

“I need answers now! How many of the Pegasopolis militia remains?” He growled while many of the stallions looked away.

“We don’t...... know Boss Union.......” The stocky brown pegasus with stubble responded.

“And why in Hurricane don’t you know! I had numerous messengers trained for just this!” He yelled while kicking a discarded can.

“Boss after that opening strike of theirs, we moved into the town only to have bullets flying at us from all sides! Our group barely made it too cover, we’ve been stuck here since then! Any messengers try to send out their become Swiss cheese!” The brown stallion responded nearly screaming in response.

“Well what do you know Crafty?! What is the status of the occupation?!” He growled while the group avoided eye contact.

“There.... isn’t one.... we are more focused on staying alive! We can’t even stick our heads outside with out a hail of lead! We’re out gunned!” The brown stallion responded. “This situation is worse then that time that trotting disaster Derpy work for me!”

“So what your saying is we go back to Cloudsdale tails between our legs!” Union shoved his muzzle into the brown stallions face. “I will not lose to a bunch of mudhooves!”

“We are out gunned! Nearly half our stallions were wiped out before we even got close to this Tartarus pit! We are pinned down like a filly in a back ally!” Crafty shoved his muzzle back into the irate stallions face. “In my business sometimes you get a job you just don’t have the resources for!”

“This isn’t some moving job you were understaffed for! This is the future for the pegasi!” Union yelled back.

“Look around you Union it’s over! Do these stallions look ready to win the day?!” Crafty responded slowly waving his hoof across the room. The faces of the stallions around them were far from the excited cocky looks from earlier. They looked scared, paler, a few were even huddled in the corner hugging their guns close rocking slowly.

“Hey! Pull yourselves together! We are pegasi! You! Get yourself out of that corner!!” Union made his way over to the shaking stallion who seemed to be in shock completely disconnected from what was going on around him. When the stallion didn’t respond Union slammed his hoof into his face. The sound of bones cracking from the impact heard despite the sporadic gun fire outside.

In response the stallion just fell to the side with little response to the attack beyond a rather nasty nose bleed and bruise. Crafty just shook his head. “That colt isn’t gonna come out of it with a beating. He’s completely unresponsive, we’ve been trying to get him out of it since we got trapped here!” Just as he finished talking Union using his wing pulled out a pistol shoving it to the poor broken ponys head. In a split second floor was covered in read while every pony watched in horror.

“I won’t have weakness undermining everything I’v done! I want what ever is peppering this manure shack taken out! Then we’ll take the town!” He growled while the stallions watched him in fear.

“You killed him.......” Crafty said while looking at the pooling blood a blank look on his face.

“I’ll kill anypony who fails to live up to pegasi ideals!” Union looked around the room before his eyes centered on a shaking caramel coated pegasus with three basketballs on his flank. “Hoops! Go draw the fire of whatever’s shooting at us!”

“W-what? N-no way! That thing spits lead like a dragon spits fire! Y-you can’t make me!” The bully of stallion backed up while Union approached him. “Y-you said this was gonna be simple! Dive in, smash a few things, and boom they surrender! I-I didn’t sign up for this! I-I can’t do this!!! I-I wanna go home!!!” He was on the verge of tears scared for his life, which only seemed to sicken Union.

He raised his pistol again pressing it against Hoops temple. “Get up and draw their fire or I’ll spray your brains over the wall!”

Hoops shook his head repeatedly sobbing before Union fired another shot near his ear. The bullet clipped it, with the poor colt of a stallion collapsing to the floor wailing like a scared foal.

“Stop! That’s enough!” The sound of a gun cocking just behind Unions head was head as Crafty aimed. “It’s over Union! Look around, this ain’t no damned army! We have a hoof full of clips between us! Even if we could take that gun, we can’t hold the town!”

“I refuse to surrender to those mud pounders! What would our ancestors think of us if we gave into such inferior breeders?!” Union growled turning around to face Crafty undeterred by the hunting rifle pointed at his barrel.

“What would they think if we died to recklessly! Look, them Ponyvillians are a reasonable lot, we might just be able to surrender with our heads still screwed on!” He shouted back. “Us all dying ain’t the way to save Cloudsdale!”

Unions eyes narrowed at him before raising his pistol. “You don’t have the gu-!” Unions eyes were full of shock as a loud gunshot echoed in the shop, his cheek exploding into red gore, spraying many of the shaking stallions as they watched wide eyed. The stallion just collapsed onto the floor twitching for a few moments while the lights faded from his eyes.

“Y-you shot him.......” Hoops said attempting to pull himself together still sniffling like a scared foal.

“Yes....... alright....... I’m gonna go out there and end this.......” Crafty said looking around at the fearful stallions.

“W-what if they don’t stop shooting?...t-then what do we do?......” One asked stuttering as he attempted to process everything that had just happened.

“....... pray to Hurricane that they do........” he said slowly making his way to the corner of the store near the window after setting down his rifle. “W-We surrender! I-I’m gonna to come o-out s-slowly unarmed!” He then slowly trotted out into the unknown while the others held their breath.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu’
New Prosost Prison
The Pit
7:09Pm

It was late in the day but Rainbow had only just finished her shift in the mines with Gábriel. While she was exhausted from the hard labor she had a guest today. Her “husband” as he liked to call himself waited next to her in the center of the pit looking upwards. Eventually a small metal cage lowered down with two armed zebra standing on top of it. Shining their lights around while a few of the inmates stared at them.

“Inmate 00963 step forward!” One of them bellowed down. In response Rainbow was nearly ready to scream her name but a gentle pat on her shoulder from Gábriel reminded her to keep calm.

“H-here!” She stepped forward while one of the blinding lights focused on her.

“She matches the description! I will open the cage door! You will enter it alone!” The voice bellowed at her while the door to the cage slowly opened.

Feeling uneasy the blue mare made her way to the cage taking a look back at the gryphon who nodded at her. Once she stepped inside the door slammed behind her nearly making her jump. Eventually the cage started to lift upwards, she couldn’t help but look back to watch Gábriel vanish into the darkness below her. As the cage was lifted higher and higher the lights slowly circled around the pit the bright red eyes of bats glowed with gentle chittering.

Eventually she just closed her eyes and counted like she always did when they would take them up for labor. “1...2...3...4...5...” She continued to count avoiding looking at the carnivorous bats around her cage. Eventually when she had reached 357 the cage stopped abruptly causing her to stumble to slam into the bars. She opened her eyes in time to see the cage slowly swing over the top of the pit to a roofless enclosure, the cage lowered down in-front of a small table and chair.

Neither of the striped stallions above her bothered to open the cage simply watching her though the bars. After a few moments the door on the opposite side of the room unlocked before a familiar face walked through. A mare in freshly ironed bright blue Generals Uniform tailored to fit tightly against a brilliant gold coat with greying orange mane looked back at her.

“Hello Dash.....” Spitfire said simply as she sat down in the simple wooden chair looking at the caged mare with little emotion.

Rainbow had mix of toxic emotions flow through her seeing her former superior. But bit her tongue and swallowed any insults or accusations down before speaking. “Hello Sergeant Spitfire........”

“.......It’s actually General Spitfire now...” She sighed sounding tired but continued to look the wingless pegasus in the eyes.

“..... Congrats on the promotion General.....” Rainbow said simply feeling uncomfortable under the mares gaze. “Don’t get me wrong I’m happy for the visit..... but why are you here?” Rainbow asked dreading the response but wanting this visit to be over as soon as possible.

“......I’m here to prove something to myself......” Spitfire said it after pausing as she rested her forelegs on the table.

“....Here to tell me I never had the skills to be a Wonderbolt right?...Not that it matters now anyway......” Rainbow looked up slowly leaning to the side so the scars on her back were visible.

“..... No Dash you had the skills to be a Wonderbolt....and more...” She sighed. “If you had come to us just a few years earlier......”

“What’s that supposed to mean?...” Rainbow was starting to get irritated with the mares attitude, feeling as if she was purposely avoiding something.

“I mean..... that while you were Wonderbolt material..... you weren’t what we needed..... not anymore.....” She sighed.

“Stop beating around the hay bail... what are you saying.....”

“I had two choices....... paying your tuition.... or Avrid’s.......” Her look hardened at the pegasus.

“The that quiet Gryphon immigrant?..... Average Avrid?” She looked at her former instructor in shock. “W-why would you choose him?! H-he couldn’t even keep up with me in during the routines!” She was now visibly struggling to contain herself as a vein started to pulse on her forehead.

“Because..... you saw the Wonderbolts as they were, not what they could be.” She clasped her hooves together having a more serious look form on her face.

“What’s that even mean?!” Rainbows growled as her patience was being worn thin by this slow conversation.

“....Tell me....What are the Wonderbolts?” Spitfire raised an eyebrow curiously.

“Is that a trick question?” Rainbow looked confused shifting uncomfortably from the orange mares gaze only to stop when one of the zebra above her stomped his hoof at her.

“Depends on the answer I guess Rookie.....” Spitfire responded while tapping her back hoof against the concrete floor waiting.

“Well...... your a popular stunt group?...” Rainbow reasoned but the shaking head of her former superior told her that wasn’t the answer.

“That’s essentially the Wonderbolts in their..... modern variation. What were the Wonderbolts in the beginning?....”. She asked while Rainbow stared. After a few moments seeing she wasn’t going to answer Spitfire finally spoke. “In it’s earliest inception the Wonderbolts were known as the Winged Hussars. An elite group of pegisi trained from birth to protect the pegisi tribes, later Equestria after the unification.”

Rainbow adopted a more thoughtful look. “What changed?....” She asked while slowly sitting up in her cage.

“We did, over the centuries of unmatched peace and prosperity, we grew lazy, inefficient, more concerned with our own image then the actual safety of our country.....” She sighed again. “Eventually long before either one of us was born, some smooth talking stallion decided that the name Winged Hussars wasn’t a good fit... and it was changed to Wonderbolts, fitting isn’t it?.... an elite military unit effectively regressed into a stunt troop.”

“T-that’s not true! Your still some of the most-“ Rainbow was cut off.

“We couldn’t stop Nightmare Moon, a nearly starved insect, a hatchling drakes growth tantrum, a childish chimaera, a magic parasite, Tartarus..... we couldn’t even stop a little filly with a mental defect, and the list just goes on!” She screamed. “We have become Stuntponys incapable of protecting the very ponys who idealize us...”

“...I could have helped you know, Iv fought plenty of bad guys, heck I even traveled with Twilight outside of Equestria to find help against the Storm King.” She said attempting to defend herself . “Why didn’t you choose me?....” She sounded more hurt at this point.

“Those were pure luck on your part...... and largely singular enemies, even The changeling invasion was far from an organized assault. From the information we gathered from Thorax, most of the changelings involved with the invasion were poorly trained civilians. As for the Storm King..... did you know Twilight was called in to file a report on that adventure...... and was pressed for EVERY detail? Including the behavior of her friends during their mission to secure military aid against an actual organized force?....”

Rainbows face paled as she realized where this was going.

“During your journey there were numerous examples of your party not taking the situation seriously. The others can be excused as they were civilians placed in a situation they weren’t trained for. But you?..... you had the training, as subpar as it might have been, to know how serious things were! Not just for yourself but for the ponies you were sworn to protect!” Spitfires face seemed to turn red with anger as she continued. “But that’s not even the worst thing you did... after getting the location of the Hippogriffs and securing passage, you preformed a Sonic Rainboom, a feat that can be seen from miles away, to and I’m quoting her royal highness Twilight Sparkle, celebrate making friends with airship pirates.... which drew Tempest, now known as Fizzlepop, to your location, eventually leading to the fleeing Princesses capture after being banished from Seaquestria.” She then looked up at the wingless blue mare who was now struggling to look her in the eye. “Not only did you actions directly lead to the capture of a princess, but had Tempest looked around more closely.... you could have led an entire army to Hippogriffs doorstep as-well!” She slammed her hoof down onto the table.

“So..... I was cut because a lack of professionalism?......” Rainbow deflated while sitting in her cage. “No...... incompetence....” She said bitterly whether if was for herself or Spitfire was hard to tell.

“That was part of the issue... I won’t lie, but their was another. For all your talent in the sky, your a singular mare, I would trade my right wing for an army of you.... but that’s not happening. So I had to choose someone who could look at a Britannian aircraft and come up with strategies to give our ponies a fighting chance. Who can look though the crumbling combat manuscripts and rewrite them from the first page. Incorporate new technologies to our doctrine, giving a road map for how to train the next generation of soldiers!” Spitfire looked up. “You just weren’t what we needed.... you weren’t the mare for that kinda job.....”

“..... and Avrid is I’m guessing?.....” Rainbow spoke you after staying quiet for a few moments.

Spitfire nodded. “.....Princess Twilight is running herself ragged trying to find a way to transfer you over to Equestrian custody....” She paused. “I still owe you for saving my life, can’t reinstate you, but I can offer you work as a custod-“ She was stopped by Rainbow raising her hoof.

“.....I’m not interested Spitfire......” Rainbow raised her head up the corners of her eyes just starting to leak as she struggled to stop herself from crying. “...... there’s no place for me in what you building........ e-even if I took the o-offer...... I’d just be some h-hazbin cleaning up after the recruits........ y-you said what y-you n-needed t-to s-say.....” The tears were visibly streaming down her cheeks. “Please..... just go.....”

Spitfire looked up at the guards watching them and nodded, they moved back to their positions on the cage. “Goodby Rookie....”

Rainbow didn’t even bother to respond.

Equestria
Cloudsdale
Derelict Weather Factory
8:13PM

Organized labor groaned in pain struggling to stretch himself as he woke up, only to wince in pain from what was probably two broken wings and at least one leg. The first thing to hit was the terrible smell surrounding him, the second was the clammy garbage water he had been marinating in for hours. He slowly opened his eyes struggling to see the wooden cover of a dumpster.

“Wasn’t enough to beat me......... guess he had to chuck me away.......” He mumbled to himself as he struggled to sit up on the refuse. He yelped from the pain but continued to work his way into a sitting position. After a few moments of catching his breath he started to push open the lid, rolling himself over the rim before crashing against the cloudstone street nearly screaming from landing on what he suspected was a broken rib.

Laying on the ground for awhile to recover he eventually took notice of a smoky smell. Curious he worked his way back onto his hooves limping through the back alley. As he got closer to the main road a faint orange glow could be seen, curious he picked up the pace ignoring the pain before he was finally out. He was finally able to see what it was.

“N-no........” His eyes widened as his back hooves finally gave out behind him forcing him into a sitting position.

The the condemned Cloudsdale weather factory was situated much higher then any other building in the city. The founders had designed it that way to ensure that all pegasi in the city could look up at see the source of their prosperity and wealth. Now is it was a bitter reminder of better times, with its boarded up windows and crumbling walls. However the vantage point allowed Organized labor to see all of Cloudsdale.

The smell of soot and smoke blowing against his face as he just sat and stared at the blaze engulfing his city. The broken stallion frozen in place as despair overwhelmed him. He didn’t bother crying, he had nothing left to shed even for his hometown.

Equestria
Canterlot
Castle
8:21 PM

Celestia struggled to suppress a yawn as the final petitioners started to mill out of the grand hall. The negotiations combined with her insistence to continue day court had left her exhausted, but luckily her day was nearly finished. One of her guards had just finished handing out tickets so the other remaining ponies could be bumped to the front of the line tomorrow.

She was just about to let out a yawn before the closing doors were forced open by a very familiar pony. Who’s haggard appearance told her everything, the royal guards who moved to stop him were shooed away by her hoof.

“Hard Law! It’s good to see you but as you can se-“ She was cut off.

“This can’t wait! Iv been repeatedly given the run around by your guards, for the last few months, now I’ve been waiting in line since 5:00 am to finally meet with you after you ignored my messages!” Hard Law looked exhausted, angry, and most of all heart broken.

“I apologize but I assumed that-“ she was cut off again.

“Do you even know how bad the Ponyville situation is?......” He asked looking her in the eyes, the princess trying to recall the reports but the last few months had been eaten up by negotiations, answering and fulfilling requests for the Equestrian Embassy in Zebrica, planning the press release of the agreements, and the list went on.

“I apologize they must have been lost.... the last few months have been... trying for the country....” She said gently, the stallion lowered his head before finally speaking to her again.

“We have lost control of Ponyville, the Guard stationed there allow criminals to run amok....The ponies have lost any feeling of connection with Canterlot....” He looked up at the princess who was in shock visibly repressing the urge to say a cliche. “My reputation was ruined learning all I could about what was brewing there...... and you don’t even glance at the report......”

“Your reputation?....” The solar princesses throat started to feel uncomfortably dry. “Surely it’s not-“

“After weeks of being avoided by the locals, I got desperate and latched onto the only lead I had.... I attempted to interrogate one of the local drug pushers..... only for a photo to leaked to the local school newspaper.....along with some secrets of the towns royal appointed mayor..... I was practically chased out of town! I’m not even sure what happened to Mayor Mare! No one in my department wants anything to do with me when word spread!” He lowered his head. “I’ve failed...”

“I see......” She sighed Hard Law was known for getting results in Canterlot, which is why she originally chose him. But it appeared his heavy hoofed efforts were unwelcome in the small town. After swallowing she spoke. “....Do you have any idea what happened to the mayor?......”

“.... nothing concrete..... but...” Hard Law seemed uncomfortable, shifting on his hooves under her gaze.

“But?.....” She raised an eyebrow

“When I boarded the railed wagon.... I could see the burning town hall.... I don’t think their will be much of her to find....” He said while the princess grew far more uncomfortable.

“....Hard Law while I will have to review your actions.... I want you to know you’ve done Equestria a great service... I’ll make sure your well cared for....” She said while he lamely nodded his head much of his anger disappearing over the conversation.

“Thank you princess.....” He bowed and turned to leave.

“What has happened to my country.....” she mumbled to herself making her way to her royal chambers once Hard Law had left. Deciding to find and read that report.... Thoroughly. Just as she was about to climb the steps to her tower a royal guard rushed though the marble hallways.

“Trouble in Cloudsdale and Ponyvillie!!!” He nearly screamed skidding to a halt in front the shocked princess. It appeared she wouldn’t be getting any rest tonight.

Chapter 41

Equestria
Ponyville
Market Square
6:32 AM

Big Mac looked over the small group of pegasi, the day before just over 600 had come hoping to occupy their hometown. Almost 300 had died in the opening moment of the battle, shred to ribbons by shrapnel in the sky; others fled back to Cloudsdale. Leaving only the fool hearty to attempt to take the town with their meager forces. Less than 20 remained in town, all with varying looks to fear, shock, and silent anger as they were surrounded by guns. Looking over Big Mac watched Filthy Rich step forward clearing his throat before speaking.

“Who leads you?” He spoke with even neutrality, gazing over the quivering stallions before Crafty made his way forward.

“I do...” He said sounding more tired then he had intended, the stress having burnt him out.

“You realize we can’t just let you go, you invaded with intent to enslave not just us, but our foals.” He stared with a deathly seriousness into his tired eyes. “A message must be sent back to Cloudsdale.”

“Surely what has already happened would be enough!” Crafty said looking nervous, he promised these young ponies that he could get them home. “There’s less than 20 of us left, let the ponies of Cloudsdale talk about how Ponyville took on the pegasi and won.”

“Then it’s a matter of time before some other pegasi get the idea to try again. The cost must be made too high for it to be done again...” He looked over the other stallions.

“You can’t mean you're going to kill us... after we surrendered peacefully.” Crafty swallowed.

“Oh no no, that would make your martyrs, I have something more... traditional in mind.” He stamped his hoof three times as a few masked members of the Ponyville Militia brought forth burlap and buckets of hot tar.

Crafty stared, his wings clutching against his sides. “What’s all that for?...” He swallowed.

“You know in the past, Earth Ponys would use tar to pluck Pegisi warriors wings?” Filthy hummed gently. “It was quite painful... it actually left them outcasts among their own. The feathers never grew back quite the same... so everyone knew what had happened to them. Do tell me... how much are these stallions worth to you?”

Crafty was flabbergasted with what he was asking. “T-they mean a lot to me, it... was my fault these colts ended up in this mess...” He sighed.

“So you would say you shoulder the blame?” Filthy asked.

“Yes...” His throat dries as he started to realize what they were getting at.

“Here’s the deal Crafty, you submit to a plucking in front of your colts... or we shoot and ship all your plucked corpses back to Cloudsdale,” Mac spoke up as he motioned for a masked ponies to make their way forward with the tar and burlap.

“Y-you can’t do this!” Crafty slowly took a step back, only to hear several rifles cock around them. The eyes of his colts glancing around worriedly desperately looking for an escape, but with so many guns pinned on them, it was hopeless.

“I guess those stallions aren’t worth much to you Crafty.” Filthy raised an eyebrow. “There are only two ways this ends, either one pony gets plucked, or you all get shot and plucked.”

Crafty went silent considering his options, then looking back at the stallions behind them. The heavy bags under their eyes showed their fatigue, they would barely be able to fly, let alone dodge bullets. Looking back at the brown earth pony, swallowing from the dryness in his throat. “If it means they’ll live... I’ll take the Plucking...” He stepped forward, while the earth pony seemed surprised.

Filthy said nothing and motioned for the masked pony to get to work. The other remaining members of the Pegasopolis militia watched in horror as he was forced to the ground by the masked stallions with a loud grunt. Many averted their eyes with what happened next, two of the ponies started to roughly pull his wings open. Until they sounded like they were about to pop out of their sockets. Then came the hot bubbling tar, the moment it touched his wings the smell of burning feathers hit them all. The screams soon followed while they could only watch helplessly.
———————————————————-
Princess Celestia sat in her flying carriage as they started to approach Ponyville, from the distance she could see small wisps of smoke rising from the town. Once the ordinate wheels landed on the grass she quickly disembarked with her royal guard flanking her. Quickly trotting into the town she saw ponies working chain gangs to put out fires. Many to busy to notice the Royal who had come to offer her aid. Eventually, however, she was noticed, but not in a way she was familiar with, make looked indifferent to her, others glared, but the shared theme was a lack of reverence she was used too. Looking around she spotted a group of ponies that seemed to be moving a wagon filled wounded pegasi. Rushing over she was quickly rebuffed by a group of armed ponies.

“What’s the meaning of this?!” One of the Royal Guards shouted as they started to lower their spears threateningly.

“Please don’t interfere.” A young female Earth Pony said gently.

“Those pegasi are badly injured, I’ve come to help render aid.” Celestia looked uneasy from the numerous rifles trained on her and the guards.

“You're wasting your time, they're already dead.” A tired and lanky looking stallion responded as he rested his shotgun against his shoulder.

“W-what?” Celestia was shocked at how casually Carrot Cake brushed off the deaths of his fellow ponies. “H-how can you be sure?” It seemed so unlike the confectioner she had known.

“I shot most of them myself, they wanted to seize the gristmill we purchased a few moons ago.” He shrugged sadly, but no more then a farmer feeling sad they killed a few pests. The Royal Guards started to move forward to apprehend the admitted murderer, only for the locals to train their guns on them. “The Chancellors will likely want to talk with you in person.”

Celestia looked around worriedly, realizing during their little talk they had been quietly surrounded by armed locals. “I suppose they have some things they want to discuss with me.” She swallowed, her face turning more stern, this was more serious than she thought.

“I’m sure they will, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask for the spears,” Carrot said while motioning with his hoof.

“Excuse me?” She blinked and stared at the stallion evenly, the Royal Guards taking formation around the princess.

“It’s for your own safety, we don’t want your guards getting any ideas princess, especially being so outgunned.” He said with a faint smirk. “Those toothpicks won’t do you any good here.”

Gauging the crowd Celestia spoke. “And if they don’t?”

“Well it wouldn’t be neighborly and we’d just have to send you on your way.” The Guards bristled at that while Celestia raised her hoof.

“Guards, your spears.” She sighed, going back home wasn’t an option.

“Princess...” The captain looked at her like she was crazy.

“These are our ponies, a little trust won’t hurt us.” She gave him a stern look, he just mumbled under his breath as he motioned for the guards to lay down their spears. Many seemed to want to protest but were unwilling to disobey her.

“Excellent!” Carrot Cake smiled widely. “Please follow me, the Chancellors have been expecting you.” He said while the surrounding ponies gathered the spears. “Don’t worry they will be waiting for you once this is all finished. Now if you would follow me.”

The group nervously followed the light amber stallion through the parting crowd. The once vibrant town seemed so eerie now, almost like being in a foreign land, yet they were only a half days flight from Canterlot! As they made their way through town she could see the locals cleaning up what could only be described as a war zone. Though certainly not any sort of war she was familiar with, many homes and businesses were blanketed in small holes. Many business owners were humming softly as they sweep up the shattered glass from their broken windows. Still, some didn’t seem to be as lucky, picking through the burnt rubble of what was once their livelihood.

They slowly made through way to the town center, where it seemed a large table had been set up. Sitting on the opposite side facing her little menagerie was Big Mac, Filthy Rich, Roseluck, Lily, Daisy, and Carrot Top. All seeming dressed their Sunday best with rather neatly pressed suits with unamused expressions.

“Oh, Celestia please help yourself to a seat.” Carrot Top motioned to the rather plain wooden chair to the opposite of her.

Seeing no other choice she made her way forward and sat down. “I came as soon as I heard, can you please tell me what happened?” She asked worriedly.

“Nothing but a border dispute with Cloudsdale, I doubt they will be a problem again.” Big Mac said tiredly with a neutral smile on his face.

“Border disputes between townships tend to involve taxes or road construction.” The princess looked unamused. “Not borderline war!”

“As we said, we had a border dispute and it was solved.” Filthy shrugged his shoulders. “We expect the town to recover in less than two weeks.”

“I’m... glad your optimistic but having such a conflict in Equestria, nevermind so close to Canterlot is concerning. I will naturally have to launch an investigation to se-“ Before Celestia could finish Carrot Top spoke up.

“No, I’m afraid theirs not going to be an investigation by the Canterlot Authority.” She smiled tilting her head so her white wide-brim hat just covered her left eye.

“I understand Ponyville has a low opinion of Cloudsdale, but an investigation is necessary to-“ She watched as the orange mare slid a rather originate paper forward. Her eyes glanced down, her eyes quickly darting over the paper. “Notice of Secession?... you can't be serious.” She had an incredulous look.

“From here to Dodge City and the San Palomino Desert, we have signatures from every township between,” Mac said with his trademark detached drawl.

"...Impressive..." Celestia mumbled under her breath reading over the document, seeing the countless signatures adorning it. But curiously it was lacking any names of mayors she appointed. "I don't recognize these names.."

"You mean your appointed mayors that lord over the townships? Oh theres been recent change in governance. Amazing what a mob outside your door will do to get you outa town." Big Mac rolled his eyes and sighed. "I'm sure they'll find their way to you eventually."

"They don't have many other places to go after all. No like they have good job prospects after selling out their own kind." Daisy shook her head.

“Tell us, princess, are you aware of what all those towns have in common?” Lily said in an off-key singsong voice.

Celestia was still attempting to recover from the shock as she stared at the document. Almost expecting somepony to reveal it all to be some sort of prank, but no pony was laughing. Thinking about those settlements she responded. “There Earth Pony majority settlements, ”

“True, but more importantly they produce over 68 percent of Equestria’s food.” Filthy's eyes narrowed. “Yet despite this important public good, they are disproportionately taxed by Canterlot to cover their local deficits, with your appointed mayors nodding their heads like a singalong.”

Celestia mentality cursed. “I understand the taxes are unpopular, but surely petitioning your appointed mayors or the House of Lords would be more beneficial than outright secession.” She shifted a bit to the side, while the group looked at her amusedly.

“Because the nobility and aristocracy care what some dirty mud ponies have to say.” Mac chuckled. “Princess we’ve tried, but those are the same ponies who have strangled us with predatory loans and overpriced goods. If they cared they would have answered our petitions, but it seems they don’t value a full stomach as much as a full vault. As for thee mayors? Same tune different lyrics, why cared more about carrying favor with the royal houses then helping us.”

“What your doing could cause a famine in Equestria! We’re stronger together then we are apart, can’t you see that?” Celestia felt her chest tightening.

“We are stronger together.” She smiled as Carrot Top spoke, hope coming back. “United, we Earth Ponies have eliminated a corrupt mayor, fought off an attempted pegasi invasion, and revitalized our communities... without you... no in-spite of you!” She leaned forward.

“You can’t think you’ll get away with this.” Celestia’s face grew increasingly serious. “The Royal Guard will be sent as soon as word spreads, I'm sympathetic to your situation and those mayors will be investigated. But you can't believe I'll just allow you to take more then half of Equestria without a fight!”

Daisy chuckled and gave the princess a toothy grin. “The same guards that Duke Shiny Halberd refused to modernize because he doesn’t like them using anything but his pointy sticks? He cares more about his bottom line then the safety of your Equestrian State Princess.”

“A spear is a relic of another time, nowadays it’s whoever has the most guns.” Roseluck motioned to the heavily armed locals.

“As crudely as they put it, you must realize trying to use the guard to force us back to the fold is a fool's errand.” Carrot Top shook her head and smiled. “How many guards are you willing to sacrifice just to hang onto a dream?”

“Equestria is not a dream! It’s a place where ponies can live in harmony with one another.” Celestia insisted. “I know things are troubling now, but they will get better, we've been through worse and have prevailed! I just need more time!”

“But how much time princess? A year? A decade? A century?” Big Mac asked with a more serious look. “You might be able to wait out the troubles with your longevity, but we don’t have that luxury. We need progress now, our foals need a future now! We are done waiting!”

“He’s right, you had centuries to do something, perhaps at one point things were improving for us in the past. But certainly, not in recent memory, the only thing I remember is your lack of action.” Carrot glared at the princess.

Princess Celestia looked over at the orange mare, something was familiar about her, but she couldn’t quite place what. “Lack of action? I’ve been working to break the nobility’s hold on our economy!”

“Foreign investment... not a bad strategy, but still too slow, by the time you have enough flack we’ll all be deep in debt, but not what I was talking about.” Carrot looked unamused. “You really don’t remember the trial? Where you let a killer off.”

“I don’t...” Celestia shook her head was interrupted in the middle of her denial.

“Gilded Union...” Carrot uttered his name. “He killed my family and you let him off.”

Realization dawned on Celestia. “We didn’t have the evidence t-to convict him! All we had was-“

“A testimony from a scarred filly who just barely survived a fire. A fire you ruled a natural disaster, instead of what it was, cold-blooded murder of the Carrot family.” Her eyes hardened. “I saw him that night while sneaking out to the fields... he used lightning strikes to set the homestead ablaze.”

“We didn’t have any motive! We couldn’t incarcerate a pony on the word of a single scarred foal!” Celestia shook her head while her eyes widened.

“But you did have a motive, the Carrot family was experimenting with irrigation ditches.” She sniffed but repressed the emotion. “Even as a filly I understood that something as simple as that was a threat to Cloudsdale. I just want you to tell me if I could see it back then, why couldn’t you?”

Celestia glanced away avoiding eye contact. “With the lack of hard evidence and the Weather Corp Union protesting in Canterlot... it was a calculated sacrifice for peace...” Just saying that made her feel sick.

“You mean status quo... How many Earth Ponys have gone without justice for your peace? Do you even know? Or are we just expendable to you?” Filthy along with the other ponies glared at the princess. “I think we’re done here, gentle stallions please escort the princess and her entourage to the border.”

A group of burly stallions and a zebra surrounded the princess. While her guards were kept at bay in fear of their princess being injured. “Stand down! This is unlawful treatment of a Royal!” One of the guards protested moving forward only to have the butt of a shotgun knock him to the ground.

“Shut up flank-kisser!” Lucky grumbled glaring down at the stallion while the others were about to move to help their comrade only to here the cocking of several rifles around them.

Celestia gauged the situation and sighed, it was currently unattainable. Fighting now would only get her guards killed and at best her badly injured. “We’ll leave peacefully, just let us get back to the chariot.”

“I’m afraid it’s been impounded, we can't just have ponies invading our airspace willy nilly.” Daisy giggled. “Regardless of stature, I’m afraid your trotting home today. Unless you can cover the impounding fee, what was it... 1,500 bits?”

“Hmmm I don’t know, we’ll have to convene to decide on the price. But 1,500 bits sounds more than fair for a first-time offender, especially considering her personal wealth.” Big Mac nodded his head.

“You mean for us to walk back to Canterlot?” Celestia sighed, it left her and her guards dangerously exposed.

“Unless you have the bits on you to cover the impound fee, I’m afraid so.” Filthy shrugged his shoulders regaining his business-like professionalism.

“You can’t make an exception?” Celestia looked worried, that carriage was a gift from the late Gryphon emperor. She was more than a little attached to it compared to her other modes of transport.

“An exception today leads to an exception tomorrow.” Mac shook his head. “Besides, many of us have had to walk to Canterlot, I’m sure you’ll be fine. Maybe you can catch the railed wagons?”

“Oh dear, if I remember right the rails were damaged by the Cloudsdale militia.” Carrot Top shrugged. “Happy travels princess.”

Celestia sighed and nodded to her guards as they were lead out of the town. Many of her guards seemed ready to protest, but without their spears, they weren’t gusty enough to attempt anything. Resisting the urge to look back at the ponies who watched her leave, their distasteful stares felt so alien. This needed a gentle touch, but right now she had to worry about getting herself and the guards home.
———————————————————-
Mac watching them leave he started to deflate just a bit in his chair, feeling his heartbeat against his chest. God or not, that mare radiated power, standing up against that power was trying for them all. The Flower Trio looked more unhinged then ever almost as if they just got off a bad batch, while Filthy looked like he was recovering from a bender. Even Carrot Top looked like she aged several years just from the experience, yet she remained steadfast. She started to smirk and then even laugh as if she had just heard the most hilarious joke of her life. The group looked uneasy from the almost unhinged sounding laughter.

“Carrot?... are you alright?” Mac swallowed nervously, that laughter rubbing him all the wrong ways.

“Ya... ya....” Carrot wiped a tear from her eye and flicked it away. “Just give me a moment to catch my breath.” She would continue to giggle for a few more moments.

“Mind telling us the joke Carrot?” Filthy asked raising an eyebrow, wondering what she could possibly find funny.

“We just stood up to god and told her to shove off...” She ran her hoof over her face. “And all she could do was look at us with disapproval...”

The flower trio seemed to slowly join in with their own giggles. Filthy slowly formed a grin but maintained his professional appearance. All while Mac just seemed to lean back into his chair and look around letting it soak in. This was only the beginning he knew that but they had just sent a strong message to Canterlot, it was the response they had to worry about now. “For now... she’ll come up with a response to this, but all we can do is rebuild...”

He slowly pushed himself away from the table cracking his neck. It was going to take at least a week to rebuild and repair the damaged buildings on Main Street. Nevermind the damage to the surrounding homesteads, victory, or no collateral damage was inevitable. The others nodded their heads knowing their assigned roles in the reconstruction, meanwhile, Mac looked in the distance. Cloudsdale had turned a dirty grey from the smoke of numerous buildings being set ablaze by desperate addicts. He swore he could still see a few fires even after hours, but he couldn’t be sure at this distance. It didn’t really matter, without the Weather Corp he doubted they would ever recover.

As he trotted down the road flanked by Ponyville Militia members he thought about what it could mean if it was traced back to them. Though it was doubtful, the second batch they promised the addicts would keep them from talking. It made him sick just thinking about it, but those pegasi were chosen simply because they were already at the end of their rope. Having sold all they had just for a moment of escape from their deteriorating situations. Stretching out what they had left with whatever they could powderize.

Approaching Sweet Apple Acres he could see Applejack directing their kin as they fixed the fire damage to the barn. If granny could see the damage to the roof alone she’d police have a stroke, thankfully she and their baby sister were safe visiting Apple Strudel for Ciderfest in Ananasrenette. Completely unaware of what had transpired while they were enjoying the month-long festival. Which suited him fine, he didn’t want them to see what they had to do, neither did Applejack.

Seeing her brother approach she ran over to him and wrapped her hooves around him tightly. “Is it over?...” She asked almost begging, her eyes were red and irritated from crying.

“... for now sis.... for now...” He knew it wasn’t what she wanted to hear but he didn’t want to lie to her.

“... Big Mac?...” She looked up at him.

“Yes?..” He swallowed, he knew that look.

“I killed Thunderlane...” She stared at him blankly, her eyes unfocused.

“He was with them?...” He asked but he knew the answer.

“...Mhm... cause of us....” She mumbles staring at the ground.

“Us? He joined slavers AJ!” Mac shook his head in disbelief.

“He was desperate! He lost his job and was about to lose his baby brother! We ignored his pleas for help and he-“ She shook her head.

“He made his choice sis, I’m sorry we didn’t help him, ah really am. But we had to worry about our kin first!” He shouted, but in his heart, a hole was forming.

“What about Rumble!?” Applejack pleaded. “I killed his brother, where does he go now?!”

“Ah... don’t know sis... maybe his cousins?...” Big Mac offered.

“They're living out of a storeroom... is that really all we can do?... w-we could... could...” Applejack was struggling to catch her breath.

“I’ll get him safe passage to his cousins, it ain’t safe here for him... once word spreads that his brother was part of the pegasi militia, they won’t care about his age.” Big Mac shook his head.

“B-but that’s not fair! He’s just a colt!” AJ looked horrified.

“AJ we can’t can’t adopt every orphan... especially not one who has family links to the Weather Corp Union...” He pushed away from his sister, guilt slowly making its way to his face.

AJ just shook her head but didn’t say anything, lowering her gaze. She knew he was right, but it didn’t make the taste any less bitter in her mouth. “Ah don’t like it, Mac...”

“I don’t either... but it’s all we can do...” He looked over the ponies as they worked to rebuild.

“Doesn’t mean it’s right...” AJ responded as she looked with her brother.

“No... no, it doesn’t...” He sighed. “All try and make sure they’re taken care of sis... Ah, promise..”

Author's Note

I need a new proofreader/editor for this story, if anyone's interested drop me a PM.

Chapter 42

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Equestrian Embassy
Twilight’s Private Quarters
2:34 PM

The purple princess sighed slowly as she sighed document after document. Hoofcramps becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, eventually, she just dropped the quill. Taking a moment to gently rub her wrist humming a bit she was stirred from her thoughts as a rapid knock brought her back. “Come in?” She turned her head to the door curiously.

A Telegraph Colt entered the room, the little bat pony smiling up nervously inadvertently showing off his snaggle tooth. “E-Emergency Message to the Equestrian Embassy!” He dug into the saddlebag before pulling out an envelope with a bright red wax seal.

Twilights eyebrows raised at she stared at the packet blankly. Only being pulled out of her thoughts by the colt nervously clearing his throat. “T-that will be-“ He was cut off as a hefty stack of bills were handed to him. With the envelope roughly pulled from him.
“Thank you, keep the change....” Twilight barely gave him a second glance. Her violet eyes just focused on the message.

The young colt nodded his head and tiptoed out of the room. With Blueblood peaking inside, looking more than a bit concerned. “Twilight?”

“Blueblood... have the embassy sealed... then meet me in the living area.” She developed a serious expression. “Get Fancy if you can as well...”

“I... yes Princess..” He nodded his head quickly trotting away.

Once he was gone Twilight went back to staring at the parcel. A red seal with the serpent coiled around a horn. Just seeing it made her heart stop, even the likes of Nightmare Moon, Discord, or Tirek had earned such a seal. Just thinking about what sort of evil had reached Equestria’s shores made her shutter.

“Princess I came as fast as I could.” Fancy had arrived with a napkin still tucked into his collar. “The Embassy is sealed.” He panted attempting to catch his breath.

Twilight just nodded her head, quickly trotting out, with Fancy following close behind. Once they reached the sitting area they were joined by Blueblood. She simply set the envelope on the table allowing them all the stare at it. The tension between the three ponies could easily be cut with a knife. “This... I....” Twilight struggled for words.

“...We have to open it...” Blueblood said solemnly, obviously not looking forward to its contents.

“He’s right, her royal majesty wouldn’t send such a message unless it was dire enough to justify it.” Fancy eyed the seal. “The Serpent... In all my years, I never thought I would see it outside of the old texts...”

Twilight finally grasped the envelope and tore it open pulling out the parchment. She just stared blankly, neither one of her aids knowing what she was thinking. “S-Secession?...”

“Princess?...” Blueblood raised an eyebrow. “W-what does it say?”

“Ponyville...Dodge City... San Palomino Desert... they’ve declared independence from Equestria...” She just blinked, attempting to process what she was reading.

“This is troubling... Rumors about secessionist Earth Pony groups have always be talked about in the House of Lords... But we never thought they would actually go so far...” Fancy tapped his chin. “Without them, rationing will have to take place...”

“Is that all you can think about... Food?!” She looked at him with rage.

“It’s more serious then you think princess.” Blueblood looked at her with a worried expression. “That land area is responsible for the majority of our food production. Add in the frustrated farmers in what remains of Equestria emigrating?...”

“I c-can’t believe this... aren’t you... you?...” Twilight struggled for words.

“We are, but we have to focus on the ponies who are still loyal to us, or at least neutral during these times. This effects everything Twilight, our biggest concern should be the nobility...” Fancy developed an unreadable expression crossing his face.

“T-the nobility?...” Twilight swallowed struggling to collect herself.

“Twilight hearing that their investments have been stolen out from under their hooves... how do you think they will respond?” Blueblood shook his head.

“You can’t mean...”

“War...” The two stallions said at once.

“That’s... That's...” She shook her head. “Insane!”

“The nobility is prone to rash decisions.” Fancy sighed. “Platinums madness...” He muttered under his breath.

Twilights ears twitched hearing the last part but ignored it. “What can we do?...”

“Does it say who’s leading this?...” Blueblood seemed to be in deep thought, having a hunch.

Twilight looked back down at the letter as she started to re-read it, her eyes centering on something. “B-Big Mac...”

“That’s Applejacks older brother unless I’m mistaken?” Fancy seemed to have the same line of thought.

“I... Yes...” Twilight took a deep breath to steady herself. “He was always a quiet stallion but didn’t have so much as a fine on his record... This is... unexpected.”

“Then we now know why the message was sent.” Blueblood looked back at the nervous princess. “If he’s part of this, then his sister Applejack is likely with him.”

“Applejack wouldn’t want to secede from Equestria! She’s saved it countless times, why would she want to leave it?!” Twilight shook her head in disbelief. “This has to be... a trick! A mistake! Something!”

“This isn’t a mistake Twilight... you will have to respond to this.” Fancy sighs shaking his head. “Blueblood and I can manage the embassy on our own.”

Twilight struggled to swallow shaking a bit before collecting herself. “Are you sure it’s a good idea for me to leave? It could send the wrong message to Zebrica.” She managed a neutral expression.

“They will hear about the unrest eventually, your the only one they might listen too. This needs to be settled as quickly as possible unless we want other nations to take advantage of it.” Blueblood looked troubled.

“Indeed, if they were to be effectively recognized by an outside power then our options would be increasingly limited...” Fancy muttered.

“Limited?” Twilight looked at him confused. “Why? All of Equestria.. is Equestria... Don't we have a right to try to hold it together?”

Blueblood shook his head. “It depends, some countries could be sympathetic to the breakaways plight... others might see it as a way to weaken the state as a whole. Divide and conquer.” He frowned deeply. “Either way they could potentially ally with the group or spread international discontent about our attempts to reunify.”

Twilight eyes briefly widened before she nodded. “I see... I’ll handle this personally, I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding...” She steeled her resolve.
———————————————————-
Zebrica
New Prosost Prison
Gym
4:27 PM

Rainbow grumbled as she forced the bar upwards, her teeth creaking as she forced herself past the limit. Eventually, it rested back in the cradle with the help of Gábriel guiding it back. Once it was safely held she allowed her forelegs to collapse outwards as she gasped for air. The gryphon simply peaking over the bar and watching her amusingly.

“You're coming along nicely, hard to believe you were one of those glorified stunt ponies.” He chuckled eyeing her newly muscular legs.

“W-watch it...” Rainbow huffed in response.

“It’s true and you know it, they focus so much on the wings, that when your clip them it’s like fighting a hatchling.” He leaned down giving her a peck on the snoot.

“W-whatever....” She struggled off the makeshift bench, wobbling a bit on her hooves.

“Now I think you’ve earned a nice drink at the still.” He made his way over, the pony leaning against him as they moved.

“I dunno if that’s a reward or a punishment at this point.” The blue pony gave him a weak grin.

“Eh, it makes the soreness bearable, but then again it almost reminds me of Black Soup.” He said as they made there way out of the cavern.

“Black Soup?” Rainbow looked curious.

“A nasty concoction made from boiled pigs legs, blood, salt, and vinegar. Truly those who consume it do not fear death.” He gave her a twisted grin, while she shuttered a bit, imaging the taste was just enough to make her gag.

“Why the buck would you eat something like that?” She looked at him incredulously.

“Tradition, as a chick it was part of my training. If one could stomach that, then they could survive on anything.” He hummed the musky smell of the makeshift bar and still hitting their noses.

Upon entering the arched cavern, a few of the inmates eyed them curiously, before going back to drinking and playing games of chance. The couple made their way to the improvised clay still where a bored-looking Minotaur waited. “Ah, there’s the happy couple, can I interest you in the houses finest.” He said jokingly, while they looked unamused.

“Hahaha, you never change Achilles.” Gábriel roller his eyes unamused from the old joke.

“No need to get your feathers in a knot, I actually have something new to try.” He reaches below the roughly carved stone bar pulling out a clay jug. A bit of red juice just leaking out of the improvised cork.

“What’s that?” Rainbow eyed the clay vessel curiously.

“Some wine I managed to make using a little contraband.” He gave them a toothy grin.

“Wine... actual wine with berries? Not the swill you make from the mushrooms?” Gábriel licked his lips hungrily, he could remember the last time he had such a drink.

“Indeed, but naturally with such a drink, there’s a risk that’s involved. So the price is greater than normal...” He shook his head smiling. “The normal swill is about three ration flakes... this one, a whole bar.”

“No one here had that kinda food to trade.” Rainbow's eyes briefly widened at the cost.

“Well now, there’s something else you two could trade.” He looked over the blue mare. “I tend to like a cow with scars.” That smirk just made her shudder with disgust. “Maybe say... 10 minutes back at my cell?”

Gábriel just stared at the bottle breathing slowly, seeming to think for a moment. Then eyeing the mare who was inching backward from the bull's gaze. “We’ll just have the shroom swill, Achilles.”

The bull frowned. “Really? I thought my offer was rather generous, surely the mare can last a few minutes.” His hands squeezed the counter making the stone crack.

The gryphon shook his head. “You know? I think we’ll just get some spring water. Alcohol after training is bad for digestion.”

The bull snorted but continued to glare at the two as they took their leave. Rainbow leaning against the gryphon a bit as she felt she could still feel the stare. “Thanks, Gab...” She muttered shuttering a bit.

“A hawk can’t allow his wife to be sullied by such brutes.” He gave her a sly grin using her wing to pull her to his side. “You didn’t think I’d actually trade you for a bottle of his swill did you?”

“Huh? It was wine... wasn’t it?” She eyed him confused.

“The nose doesn’t lie.” He tapped just beak. “It was swill dyed red, might fool a few of the mongoloids here. But not me.”

“Dyed red... how could he manage that?” She asked while Gábriel raised an eyebrow.

“What’s the only resource we have down here that’s red?” He waited for the mare to connect the dots before gagging. “Haven’t seen that serial rapist in a while, I might have just dodged the lusts curse.”

“He wouldn’t...” Rainbow was more aghast about the use of the hippogriff's blood than his actual murder.

“Eh, it’s no secret females don’t last long down here pony. Some males are likely to get desperate for a few moments in heaven.” He shrugged as they turned down the tunnel, the sounds of trickling water hitting their ears.

“Hmmmf.” Rainbow didn’t have much to say as they arrived at the spring. A stream of water trickling between the large cracks.

“You can have the first go. I’ll keep watch.” He slowly turned around watching the only entrance to the well.

Rainbow approached the wall eventually finding a stream she trusted and started to lap at it. “Hey, Gab?”

“Hmmm?” He tilted his head back and eyed her.

“You're a terrible liar.” She looked back at him and went back to lapping. The gryphon fluttering his wings in response, before going back to his guarding.
———————————————————-

Britannia
Province of Germany
Isenstadt
Castle Wolfenstien
High-security testing labs
5:11 PM

Chrysalis rested on the floor eyeing the small creature between her metal forelegs. The tiny foal just gazed back up at her curiously, reaching a hoof to gently touch her snout. Her green eyes seeming to flicker in response to the touch. Flurry just smiled up at her, her large wings unfurling. Eventually grasping and gently tugging on her mossy green mane with her little hooves.

“How do you like your new sister little Schatz?” Totenkopf gave her a crooked grin watching the two interact.

“Y-yes heir doctor. She’s.... n-nice” Chrysalis gave him a toothy grind showing her rows of sharp canines.

“Good, she will begin training with you soon. I’m sure you’ll grow into quite the little duet, you’ll grace the world with a symphony truly worthy of the emperor.” He hummed slowly struggling to his feet, his old age apparent. “Now how about we take her on a tour. Think you can carry her little Schnuckelschneke?”

Chrysalis nodded her head taking the filly’s scruff into her maw. Lifting the foal onto her back, allowing her a moment to settle and grasp onto her carapace. Once she was comfortable Chrysalis slowly raised herself up to her hooves. “Yes, Obergruppenführer.”

“Excellent.” He motioned for the guards to open the blast doors. “Such an obedient specimen.” Once the bulkhead door had opened he motioned for them to follow.

The duo followed behind at a respectful distance, the foal having climbed up onto her neck as she moved to eye the strange environment. Chrysalis responded by steadying her steps while she moved, not wanting to hurt the precious cargo. As she moved the two of them would occasionally peer into the reinforced windows that lined the hall. It was almost like a zoo of monsters, from Bite-acudas to Windigos. All testing the bonds of their trappings with little success in the endeavor.

“Ah, you see my latest little additions.” The old dog hummed as the watched the Windigo’s circle their stone cage. “Are they not majestic?”

Chrysalis nodded her head watching them eye the window, one evening being so bold as to attempt to trample through. “Yes...” She let out weakly partially muffled as the filly on her head attempted to get a better view. Cooing in wonder of the dangerous beasts that had haunted ponykind since time began. “Are they like us?”

“Sapient? No, our tests show they lack higher intelligence.” He shrugged and gave a toothy grin. “Once properly trained I’m sure you’ll be able to use them, however.”

“Use them?...” Chrysalis tilted her head.

“Indeed, your abilities are very special little June bug.” He looked back into the cage. “Once your ready we’ll move on from your little dolls to more... challenging subjects. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”

“But... how does she fit into this heir doctor?” She glanced back at the filly who had slipped back down her back.

She felt his black-gloved paw stroke her scalp. A rare feeling she savored for as long as it would last. “In time you’ll learn, but she is far from ready, you two will be very important to the Empire someday.” He motioned for them to follow.

Chrysalis followed close behind seeming to glow with pride with what he said. “Where are we going?” She asked gently attempting to look past him.

“We have a guest tonight, I expect you to be on your best behavior. Do you believe you can keep your charge contained?” He didn’t bother to look backward.

“Y-yes, Obergruppenführer!” She straightened her posture nervously, knowing how important his guests were. He certainly drilled manners into her chitin during their early lessons.

“You’ll be giving a demonstration with your dolls today.” He eventually approached a lift pressing a brass button. The sound of the elevator filling in the silence of the high-security labs. Once it had arrived the trio entered the ordinate polished lift, their collective stomachs falling out as it rapidly ascended.
———————————————————-
The trip to the grand dining Hall was long, but the smells seemed to permeate through the vast castle. Even with her training, Chrysalis struggled not to drool from the exotic scents. Even little Flurry seemed fascinated by the new smells attempting to climb her head again to get a better sniff. Vast wooden doors opening before the elderly dog revealing a feast fit for a king. Thick sausage, roasted duck, creamy potatoes, sauerkraut, even delicacies such as pate and Wellington, it just seemed to go on. But what nearly stopped the insectoid in her tracks was the guests, more then she was used too. Her tail reflectively curling around her back leg, she almost didn’t notice the doctor taking his seat, motioning for her to sit next to him.

Quickly scampering to his side she sat down, not seeing somewhere else to set the foal. She simply rested Flurry on her lap against her barrel. Once she was settled the doctor nodded his head grabbing some morsels from the table while the other guests followed suit. Chrysalis avoided grabbing anything for herself until the doctor motioned she could, choosing some collared greens and lamb sausage. However, she started to look nervous not seating anything for her charge, only to have one of the maids rest a bottle next to her.

“T-thank you.” She mumbled out grasping the bottle clumsily with her mechanical hoof and pressing it to the filly’s maw.

“Very impressive, those mechanical limbs have come a long way since I served in the Bavarian army.” A Mountain Hound spoke at the far end of the table. His faint smile sending shivers through both the changeling and foal. “Oh? Appears we have another guest as well? Is that the Alicorn you spoke of Totenkopf?”

“Ah, you noticed, her parents named her Flurry, I’ve been thinking of giving her a more suitable name fitting of her new purpose,” Totenkopf responded as he poured a bit of gravy onto his sausages.

“Just what do you have planned for her?” The fuhrer tilted his head curiously while his vast entourage seemed to lean forward.

The doctor grinned asymmetrically. “The Tyrant Program.” He said much to the shock of the collective guests.

“Are you sure that’s wise?” One of the generals looked troubled.

“Younger subjects tend to yield higher success rates.” He said simply, but a few at the table seemed troubled by it. “It also allows much easier indoctrination of the subject, decreasing the chances of rejection.”

“Ah yes, the Kampen incident.” The fuhrer shook his head. “Such a pity, they were such a promising unit, but lost their way during their exercise.”

“They showed such promise, but they were too old when we started the indoctrination.” He took a bite of creamy potato. “But that’s in the past, and the plan for the foal is in the future. Today I ask for your attention, Chrysalis? Why don’t we show our guests your ability.”

Chrysalis looked uneasy, she couldn’t see the dolls, but she had been practicing under the doctor's tutelage. Closing her eyes she focused, then opened them revealing a sickly green glow. The guests watched with interest, a few moments later a group of ponies trotted out from the kitchens. Their dark black eyes unnerving some of the guests as they marched out around the table. However a few seemed unimpressed, looking at the group as if they were a parlor trick.

“Amusing, but I fail to see evidence she’s controlling them...” An aristocratic Schnauzer eyed the ponies with a look of boredom.

“Why don’t I prove it to you? Why don’t you choose one of the dolls and whisper something to them? Anything, you wish, and Chrysalis will say it word for word.” The Doctor hummed gently.

The Schnauzer looked unamused but stood up from the table and made her way around it. Eventually settling on a mare who stood to the opposite of her. Leaning down she whispered into its ear, Chrysalis instead of speaking stood up and trotted around the table to the fuhrer. She bent down and whispered something into his ear to which the mountain hound turned a deep shade of red.

“I never realized you had such... vivid ideas about me, duchess Schneider. Perhaps you would like to discuss it later at the Berghof?” He looked over at the Schnauzer his face had turned a much brighter red.

“I... I... Well, it still doesn’t prove their use in the field... it could be an... implanted microphone o-or something.” The Duchess made her way back to her seat, rather humiliated.

“Oh yes I have something planned later this evening just for the occasion, I just thought a taste of what’s to come will stimulate the appetite.” The guests watched as the group of strange ponies bussed the table expertly if robotically. Quickly bringing out the rich deserts for the dogs to enjoy. “While we enjoy the final course why don’t you all consider an Equestrian town to vote on for my demonstration tonight?” He gave a toothy grin showing off his crooked canines.

Author's Note

Sorry this took so long, I was having some difficulty writing this chapter. I hope you all enjoy it, but I'm still not 100% happy with it, so I might revise it later on.

Chapter 43

Equestria
Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres
10:47 AM

It had been only a week since they threw down the gauntlet to Celestia and Canterlot. So far it seemed she and the nobility were content to leave them be, but it was overly optimistic to believe they wouldn’t respond eventually. They had seen some royal guard scouts on the boarders but they seemed to be keeping well within Celestia’s shadow. Big Mac wasn’t a military strategist by any means, but after what they saw he guested they were taking a wait and see approach. Shaking the thoughts from his head he gazed over the plans on his desk, smiling faintly at the title. Sweet Apple Distillery, naturally it was still a way off, but it was nice to see what was to come. Applejack still was getting used to the idea of industrialization, but the promises it brought were impossible to ignore. It probably also helped that he promised they would continue to market traditionally made cider, at a higher price naturally. But keeping the tradition alive one way or another certainly made her more amicable to the whole concept. Just as he was about to pull out his ledger a knock on his door brought him out of his daydreaming.

“Big Mac?” A tired, if slightly confused voice asked.

Stepping up from his desk he trotted to the door and opened it revealing his grandmother. “Yes, granny?” He asked looking down.

The elderly mare wobbled on her hooves a bit gazing up at him. “You missed breakfast, so I brought you up a plate.” She pulled a plate of pancakes off her back and held it out.

Smiling he nodded his head. “Sorry, granny just got caught up with my book keeping.” He rubbed the back of his neck before taking the plate and setting it down on his desk. “I’ll be down in a few minutes once I finish crunching the numbers.”

“Ya see that you do! A stallion ain’t meant to sit in his room all day!” She smiled and slowly stumbled off leaving Mac to watch her go worriedly.

Closing the door he sighed eyeing the pancakes, the truth was he had been down for breakfast. But he couldn’t just say that to her face, mumbling he sat back down and started to pick them over while scratching the numbers onto the ledger. Humming a bit as he watched red slowly turn to black on the sheets. For the next hour, he steadily added up the numbers, occasionally reaching over to his abacus to do some larger calculations. Once he finished checking his work about half of the pancakes had been finished. Leaning back he rested a hoof on his stomach and exhaled regretting attempting to eat more. Even it was to spare his grandmother's feelings, it was quite a bit of food after all.

Slipping away from his desk he grabbed the plate and started to make his way down to the kitchen. Closing the door behind him with a flick of his tail, after precariously making his way down the steps he silently slipped into the kitchen. Cleaning off the now pasty pancakes into the trash he silently washed the dish in the sink. Just as he was about to place it on the drying rack a rapid knocking could be heard from the back door. Quickly setting it down he trotted to the door and opened it revealing Pip holding a telegram in his mouth.

“Telegram for Macintosh Apple!” The young colt beamed holding out a hoof.

Looking a bit confused his eyes then shined with recognition, the telegraph office had just been opened a few days before the Cloudsdale attack. With all the preparation it was easy to forget the new rail line through their town had just been completed. Digging out a bit from the change bowl he tossed it to the goal who then allowed him to grasp the letter before dashing off.

Eyeing the envelope his eyes widened seeing a purple wax seal with a familiar starred cutie mark. Hesitantly he cracked it open and started to read, a deeper frown forming on his lips. Part of him knew this would come, be he had hoped they would have been more prepared. Clutching the letter in his right hoof he trotted to a disused bookshelf and reached behind it. Tugging on a thin rope a few times to signal his sister that they had an emergency. Sitting down on the couch he set the letter on the table and crossed his hooves, a deep frown forming on his face.

After about 10 minutes his sister trotted into the living room, panting faintly as she attempted to catch her breath while her heart was in her throat. “B-Big Mac? What is it?” She gasped out having to take a seat to the opposites of him in a recliner. The mare fanned herself with her white sisal.

“A letter...” He motioned to the opened parchment on the coffee table.

At first, Applejack looked annoyed at something seemingly so trivial, then she saw the purple stamp. “I-I see...” The orange mare swallowed uncomfortably.

“The train is being held at the border station... but that’s a temporary solution... soon enough she’ll make her way here.” He leaned back into the couch to think.

“What are we gonna do?” Applejack asked biting her lip.

“We’ll have to let her visit... maybe she’ll understand... maybe she won’t. But ignoring her isn’t an option.” He said solemnly.

“Twilight... she’ll.... she’ll...” Applejack tried to say but the knowing look her brother gave made her stop. “I know...”

Reaching over he rested his hoof on his sister's shoulder. “Just think about what we did this all for AJ... it will bring you strength.”

She nodded her head. “I will...” The mare sniffed.

“I’ll go to the telegraph office and send the message to let the train through.” He worked up to his hooves. “Just... try to ready yourself, sis.”
She just nodded her head staring at the letter on the table as he left.
———————————————————-
Equestria
Zebrica
Equestrian Border Station
12:31 PM

Twilight tapped her hoof impatiently as she waited in the sweltering telegraph office. The stallion manning the key had his back turned to her, listening to the clicking while scrubbing it down. Eventually, he would push away from the table and slowly trotted over to the counter. Tilting his hat back up he smiled at her before he spoke.

“Good news princess, the damaged tracks have just been repaired, the train is clear to cross the border.” He said the purple mare who raised an eyebrow.

“That’s good I suppose, I best head back to the train, thank you for sending the message.” She said before turning to head back to the train.

“It’s an honor to serve you, princess, have a safe journey.” He said with a forced smile as she left.

Twilights frown grew as the stepped back onto the wooden platform and climbing back on board the train. Trying to ignore the few of the ponies watching her from the passenger cars. Once she closed the door to her private car she sat down on the plush seat resting her face in her hooves. After all that she now had another five hours before reaching Ponyville, while stuck in a cabin that felt like an oven.
———————————————————-
Equestria
Canterlot
Castle
Royal Dining Hall
2:11 PM

Celestia picked at her midday salad absentmindedly, she knew that Twilight would be arriving at Ponyville soon, so her appetite was spoiled. Pushing it away she looked up to see a guard who seemed to be attempting to silently get her attention. Nodding her head she motioned for him to speak.

“Your highness, General Stone Wall is here for your briefing.” He spoke but seemed to have more to say.

“And?...” She sounded so tired.

“Some of the.... nobles are with him as well....” he lowered his head

“Of course they are....” She mumbles under her breath. “Send them in...”

General Stone Wall trotted his a tired frown covering his face while a small herd of nobility followed him. She could already tell the poor stallion had spent the better part of an hour listening to their demands. They circled the table and sat down, even though they weren’t invited she knew throwing them out would cause more issues. “Good afternoon princess.” The General said tiredly. “I apologize for the entourage, but the nobility is concerned about their investments.”

Celestia fought the urge so sour her face. “I understand, please give us your report, then I will hear everyponies statements.” She eyed them signaling she would tolerate anyone speaking out of turn. Though they just pouted and grumbled, she could tell they had plenty to say.

“Alright...” Stone Wall inhaled attempting to clear his mind. “I’ve had scouts survey Ponyville from afar to avoid their patrols on the... border” He seemed uncomfortable with the word.

“What have you found?” Celestia leaned forward clasping her hooves together.

“They are well organized and armed, they also seem to have Zebrican mercenaries acting as experts to help them fortify.” He said while the rest of the table erupted.

“Zebra?!” One unicorn mare seemed ready to faint!

“Mercenaries my flank.” Another unicorn mumbled under his breath.

“This has those dirty Zebrican politicians striped hooves all over it.” Jet Set spat out the word politician like it was sour wine. “We should demand they stop these hostilities immediately!”

Stone Wall seemed to be having a migraine. “I don’t think that’s wise... These don’t seem like regular soldiers, as they lack standardized equipment. I have reasons to believe they are veterans of the civil war.”

“We must respond with a complete subjugation of Ponyville, all this trouble started there, I say we raise it to remind them of their place!” Upper Crust glared.

Celestia stamped her hoof against the marble cracking it against her hooves. “Enough! We will hear Stone Walls report, or I will personally escort you all out of the palace.” She managed to just get her anger under control, while the nobles acted as if they had just been reprimanded by their mother.

“Thank you, princess.” Stone Wall seemed to relax just a bit before he continued. “While some had hunting rifles, others had items that had been previously banned for export by the Zebrican Government, such as automatic weapons, and mortars.”

“Mortars?” Celestia raised an eyebrow.

“We have gotten some reports from Princess Sparkle about the military capabilities of our new neighbors.” Pulling out some paperwork he started to sort through it. “They are described as ranged weapons with an arced trajectory, allowing it to hit objects behind fortifications.”

“What are their range? What about the power of these weapons?” She asked sounding increasingly concerned.

“The version they seem to be using differs from Twilights reports, while the ones the Zebra have been reported as using explode on contact with the ground, the ones the rebels are using are... different.” Pausing for a moment he continued. “They seem to be designed to offer aerial support by... exploding in mid-air....”

“That doesn’t sound that dangerous.” One of the nobles seemed dismissive of the weapon.

“The mutilated corpses of Cloudsdale Pegasi beg to differ.” He frowned deeply.

“I take you were able to get a body for an autopsy?” Celestia avoided the urge to gag while the nobility looked disturbed.

“That was the easiest part of the operation princess. They dumped the dead into the crevice on the border, the hard part was avoiding the quarry eels...” He shook his head. “The bodies were riddled with bits of metal, some of the poor sods had ribbons of flesh holding them together.....” He said while pulling out a few grizzly photographs.

One of the nobles started to turn a rather dark shade of green. “M-my word....”

“What’s the range on these weapons?” Celestia asked swallowing.

“The reports Princess Sparkle set us were lacking on exact figures, but she witnessed ranges in excess of 1000 hoof lengths.” He looked more serious.

“Then we just use shields to protect our guards!” Jet Set said without much thought.

“I’m unsure that is wise.” Stone Wall looked at the stallion annoyed.

“And why not? Do you have such little faith in our magic?” Jet Set glared at him. “Magic has defended our country since time immemorial. I’m sure it can settle the peasantry.”

“We don’t know how well magic shields hold up against those weapons, your also forgetting they have the advantage in ranged combat.” He tried to ignore the returning migraine.

“Ranged Combat? Have you forgotten we have been using magic to rain judgment on those mud pounders since they lived in mud huts?!” A noble shouted looking incredulous.

“Things change, their weapons are very effective at ranges in which magic is... inaccurate.” He visibly avoided saying inferior. “They are also not limited by the caster's stamina or magical aptitude, thus allowing them to call on a much larger portion of their population to fight.”

“One of us is surely worth ten of them.” Upper Crust frowned.

“Even if your right, they greatly outnumber us, making up more then half of our population.” Pulling out some more sheets he started to look over them. “With the average age of the population being around 23 thanks to the population boom.... versus our 36 as of the most recent census....”

“Age is just a number surely...” The Nobles started to look increasingly troubled. “What of the Wonderbolts! Surely their skills could bring this conflict to a swift end!”

“Again not that simple, Princess I trust you heard?” He looked over at her while she exhaled.

“The recent fires that ravaged Cloudsdale, along with the lack of funding to the maintenance cloud support structure caused the Academy to collapse onto Shetland Hills.” Her frown deepened. “If not for the actions of Director Spitfire and her team the new generation of trainees would have been wiped out. However this has left them out of commission for at least a few months as they sustained heavy injury....”

“Surely the recruits are battle-ready.” One of the nobles spoke to which Celestia and Stone Wall shook their heads.

“Training was suspended while new procedures were implemented to handle the recent change in military tactics of our neighbors.” He pulled out some more papers. “Spitfire and her protégée Avrid managed to save their work... if we had lost those manuscripts we would be in a much worse place militarily.”

“What about the economy!” Jet Set grumbled. “Our assets have been stolen from underneath us, countless bits are being lost with interest rates going unpaid.”

“I’m sympathetic, but at the moment we have bigger issues to worry about. They have captured Equestria’s breadbasket, without it, rationing will have to take place to avoid famine.” Celestia explained. “Coins are worth little if you have no food to purchase.”

“Be it as it may, we must respond somehow to this! It makes the nobility look weak!” Upper Crust looked near hysterical. “We should demand the Zebra answer for this!”

“We will but we have to focus on keeping the support of those still on our side. I’m ordering an increase in patrols around Canterlot and the loyal townships. I’m also approving a propaganda campaign in order to discourage dissonance.” Celestia rested her hooves on the table. “We can weather this, but until we have the military resources we have to tread lightly.”

“Tread lightly?! Our country is being destroyed dissidents! We should rain magic down upon their homes!” One noble seemed ready to snap his cleft lip sputtering a bit.

“With what? We can hold the loyal territories, but the cuts to the Royal Guards budget have made them all but a peacetime force.” Stone Wall shook his head. “We also have issues with the equipment contracts.”

“Not this again.” Mumbled Duke Iron Bar. “My family has been supplying the Royal Guard for centuries.”

“Spears and gold plate armor are no longer sufficient, with the recent developments down south in Zebrica and the Crystal Empire to the north they are unsuitable for anything more than ceremony.” Stone Wall shook his head. “We need to begin upgrading our arsenal.”

“I have a contract!” Iron Bar protested.

“You’ll still be arming the guard.... for public events, funerals, and holidays.” Stone Wall shrugged.

“The contract stipulates your family will arm the royal guard, but not for what purpose.” Celestia smiled. “Your family will continue to receive a more humble payment for your services.”

“H-humble?!” Iron Bar looked horrified.
——————————————————————
Equestria
Ponyville
White Tail Station
5:33 PM

Twilight slowly peaked out of the train as it neared the town, it looked so different from how she remembered. A few stores were burned out and boarded up, others seemed to have ponies patrolling the roofs while holding weapons. But more importantly, there was a large group of armed Apples waiting at the station. The familiar smiling face of Braeburn leading the posse. She slinked under the window and bit her lip, more then a bit intimidated by the group of armed farmers. Part of her praying to Faust that they hadn’t noticed her.

After a moment she heard a gentle tap against the glass. “Princess, no need to be shy! The Apples have always been welcoming folk! We’re just here to take y’all to the farm all safe and sound!” The friendly voice of the Western pony spoke chuckling.

For a moment Twilight didn’t move, as if they would just go away. After a few moments, she steeled her resolve and slowly sat up, trotting off the train to greet them. “Thank you, it’s been a long time Braeburn. How are the orchards over in Appleloosa?” She asked trying to be friendly.

“Better now than ever.” He grinned wide. “Telling them banker bone heads to shove it really allowed me to prosper.” He chuckled motioning her to follow.

Twilight just seemed uncomfortable but followed at the herd of armed stallions slowly encircled her. Thankfully Sweet Apple Acres wasn’t far from the station. “It’s really changed since last time I was here....” She just stared at the spanning farm, a few sputtering trucks passing by them loaded with barrels of cider and crates of canned goods.

“Well having the train station so close certainly helped, Mac found a pretty big market for Apple wares down south.” He giggled gleefully. “He always was the brains of the family.”

Twilight nodded her head, she had never thought about it before. When she saw the large stallion it was usually while he was out in the fields doing labor. She hadn’t ever really got to know him as well as his sister. “I’ll take your word on it.”

Eventually, they passed the gates, approaching the only thing that hadn’t changed in all this time. The old house still sat in the center of it all, looking just as it did when she first arrived in town all those years ago. Many members of the Apple family were milling around nearby, watching her closely while they clutched their guns. Part of her was terrified of what waited for her inside. Just as they stepped onto the porch the door opened revealing the smiling face of Applebloom.

“Twilight!” Her little hooves scampered across the floorboards to hug the shocked Alicorn. “I haven’t seen you in forever!”

Twilight instinctively hugged the filly, her mind needing a moment to catch up. “Applebloom? Is that you?”

“Well ya! I must look quite different now.” She rubbed the back of her head after pulling away.

“You’ve grown up so much since last time I saw you.” She smiled faintly.

“I dunno about that, but why don’t y’all come in? Dinners almost ready!” Applebloom beamed motioning the princess to follow her.

“We’ll just wait outside, I’m sure Mac and Jackie are looking forward to seeing you.” Braeburn nodded his head resting his shotgun on his back.

Twilight slowly followed the grown filly into the house, a faint smile on her lips forming as she saw the familiar furniture and pictures on the walls. The smell of thick vegetable soup and freshly baked bread reached her nose, her stomach already rumbling in anticipation.

“Ah, just gotta set the table.” Applebloom pulled some of the nice china from the cupboard and started setting it while Twilight watched quietly. After a moment the filly would pull a chair back and motion for the mare to take a seat.

Twilight hesitantly took a seat while the other Apples started to approach from another room. Granny shakily set the food on the table, while Applejack started to pour the drinks. Taking a moment to brush her mane from her eyes smiling gently at Twilight as she took her seat, setting down the pitcher of apple juice. Granny soon followed, letting out a sigh as she was able to rest her bad hip.

“Where’s Big Mac? I was hoping to... Discuss some things with you and your brother.” Twilight asked while eyeing the rather nice spread of stew, cornbread, and other countryside staples.

“Oh he’ll be here in a bit he’s just finishing some things out in the fields. We can talk after the meal.” Applejack smiled to which Twilight nodded.

“What was that? Somethin about a walk?” Granny Smith seemed confused.

“Ah, no Granny she just wants to talk. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other.” Applejack chuckled.

“Ya, granny Twilights been all the way in Zebrica!” Applebloom smiled.

“Ahhh, Zebrica... last time I heard that word me and your grandfather...” She mumbled a bit. “Ah, don’t remember, something involving apples and drums.”

Twilight seemed surprised but didn’t press the old mare further. Taking a sip of the juice and sighing as the familiar sweet flavor of freshly squeezed apple juice ran over her tongue. Just as she set it down Big Mac trotted in from the back door, before making his way to the table and sitting at the opposite end. “Evening Twilight, sorry for being late everypony, had some issues with the new cider press.”

“Don’t worry none, you didn’t keep us waiting long Lil Mac.” Granny smiled as she passed the food around so everyone could serve themselves.

Twilight filled her bowl with the thick stew and sighed at the wonderful aroma. Before passing it to Applebloom who then passed her the cornbread. It was a strange experience, compared to the formal dinners she had frequently attended this was more... relaxed. “The farm had changed so much... it’s good to see some things have stayed the same.” She said while looking around the simple dining room.

“I don’t care for them trucks much.” Granny Grumbled. “Replacing strong backed stallions with sputtering hunks of metal...”

“One average colt can move more than even the burliest stallion. I’d say that’s pretty nice, sure they are different, but I don’t mind em.” Applejack shrugged.

“I like learning about the engines!” Applebloom beamed.

“I’ll say, Bloom... you’ve read the service manual front to back.... what 10 times so far?....” Big Mac chuckled.

“Only seven... it’s just so.... crazy that something so complicated can work! I wanna learn all I can!” She blushed before returning to her friendly demeanor.

“She should be bucking apples.... not book learnin....” Granny looked more than a little miffed but held her tongue.

“We don’t really need the help anymore.” Mac shrugged. “Besides her learning a new trade can only help the family Granny. One family mechanic means one less bill we have to pay.” He chuckles.

“I suppose so...” She mumbled under her breath as sipped her thick soup. “What about that Lil drake of yours Twilight? Hows he handlin being down south?”

“Oh! He’s been attending a cooking academy! He’s really taken to it.” She could help but fill with pride. “He’s been acing the classes.”

“Well shucks, I always knew he had skill on the stove!” Applejack smiled. “Maybe sometime we could have some of his cooking, I can’t imagine all the things he’s learned now!”

“Sweetie Belle’s been asking about him, I think she’s got the hots for him.” She giggled.

Granny looked aghast. “Applebloom! Not at the table!”

The two other siblings smiled and shook their heads as they continued to enjoy the meal. “Well you can tell her all about it, he’s been getting excellent reports. Who knows he might cater diplomatic summits someday.”

“That would be nice, I’m sure we’ll have plenty.” Big Mac nodded to his baby sister and granny helping them as they cleaned their plates. “I think we are overdue for a chat?”

Granny and Applebloom quickly scampered out, setting the plates in the sink before heading out the front door. Both of them giving the young princess a sad look as the passed her. Once the door was heard slamming shut AJ pulled out a rather ordinate bottle of cider and started to pour drinks while her brother leaned forward.

“Yes... Celestia thinks this has gone far enough... she wants you to rejoin Canterlot...” She sighed frowning deeply.

“I see, what's in it for us?” Big Mac grasped the glass as his sister passed it to him. Looking at the purple mare curiously while he sipped his drink.

Twilight seemed to pause thinking for a moment. “We’re stronger together, I’m sure we can negotiate something to handle your grievances,” Twilight said attempting to sound diplomatic.

“Why? We have what we want Twilight.” AJ shrugged passing a glass to her.

“Applejack, I understand you feel wronged by Canterlot.” Twilight leaned forward taking the glass in her magic. “But there are better options then secession.”

“What better options? We tried voicing our problems, but it didn’t get us anywhere Twilight.” AJ shook her head sipping the drink. “Mac frequently traveled to Canterlot to try and negotiate better interest rates for our debts, nevermind file formal complaints about the taxes. You know where it got him?”

“About 100 bits in the hole from the tickets to get there and back.” He said shrugging. “More then a whole day of travel, they couldn’t be bothered to give me 5 minutes to plead my case.”

“Things have changed, surely they’ll be willing to change some of the terms.” Twilight sighed.

“Once again Twilight, why?” Applejack shrugged. “Why would we risk taking their word when we have everything we want already?”

“Applejack your one of Equestria’s greatest hero’s, how does it look when your solution involves leaving the rest of Equestria high and dry?” Twilight decided to change tactics, as pushing for negotiations about their debts wasn’t going to work. “You’ve helped me save Equestria countless times, can you really say that you never once had loyalty to it, or it’s ponies?”

“Twilight... whatever made you think I was trying to save Equestria?” AJ frowned deeply.

“Why else would you have helped me defeat Nightmare Moon all those years ago? Or the other countless magical threats that came to destroy our way of life?” Twilight leaned forward. “Celestia gifted your great grandparents this land, surely that has to mean something.”

“You thought all those times I was helping fight off those monsters was to save Equestria?...” Applejack said emotionlessly before a smile started to form on her lips struggling not to laugh but falling into a full chuckle.

“I fail to see what’s so funny... your a national hero!” Twilight looked flabbergasted by her reaction.

“Twilight... I care about Equestria about as much as I care about Rarity’s latest gossip!” She chuckled wiping a tear from her eye. “I could care less about being a national hero, do you really not know why I did all those things?” She seemed more serious... and saddened.

“Well... why else would you risk your life over and over?” She seemed uneasy.

“Look around you Twilight... what do you see?” Applejack sipped her drink.

“Sweet Apple Acres... land that was gifted to your family by Celestia...” She said without much thought.

“Your wrong... look again...” Aj slowly scooted away from the table making her way to a nearby door frame. Pressing her hoof against the marks made into the left side. “This right here is 3 generations of Apples measuring their height...” She then moved to a framed black and white magic photo of their great grandparents and Smith. “This is when they first broke ground for Ponyville...” Twilight didn’t speak, watching AJ slowly move around the room while Big Mac watched them both silently. “This photo was taken on our parent's wedding day....” She sniffed seeing her mother and father all dressed up, smiling wide at the camera.

“I don't...” Twilight was about to speak, only for Big Mac to shake his head motioning for her to listen.

“This is them after Big Mac was born...” She sighed continuing to other photos of the smiling mare and stallion holding each of the Apple siblings as foals. “Do you understand Twilight?...” she asked after catching her breath.

“... What about Celestia?” Twilight finally asked. “She gifted your family this land... Without it, you might not have ever settled Ponyville.”

“You think it was a gift?” AJ’s eyes closed. “Tell her Bit Mac... my voice is feeling scratchy....”

“Sweet Apple Acres wasn’t a gift... it was Celestia’s shame.” He said pouring himself another drink.

“What are you talking about?.... Celestia gifted you this land... didn’t she?” Twilight sounded unsure.

“It was to buy our great grandparent's silence, if not for it.. we might have settled far away from Canterlot... if she was lucky...” He chuckled.

“Silence...” Twilight rolled it around in her mouth. “For what?”

“Jonathan Apple... Granny Smith's older brother.” He frowned.

“But... Granny Smith doesn’t have a brother... you never mentioned anything about... Jonathan?...” A pit started to form in her stomach.

“No pony has, history has a funny way with that thanks to Celestia.” He stared into his glass.

“What’s that supposed to mean?...” Twilight seemed troubled by what he was saying.

“Celestia likes to make history the way she wished it happened.” He looked back up at her. “She wished she gave us this land as a royal gift... proof of her generosity... but in reality, it was payment for erasing one of our own from history.”

“That’s insane, why would she do that?!” Twilight couldn’t help but bristle at the accusation.

“One of her precious nobles ran over Jonathan... broke his neck under the wheels of her carriage... didn’t even stop to see if he was ok...” Big Mac shook his head.

“Surely the Royal Guard handled it.” Twilight frowned.

“Said they'd likely never knew who did it... a lot of carriages in Canterlot after all... just one problem... Canterlot ponies love making their carriages very unique... so while they twiddled their hooves great-grandpa Cortland found the damn carriage in less than an hour....” His frown grew in size. “You want to guess what she was in such a hurry for?....”

Twilights throat started to feel increasingly dry. “A matter of diplomatic importance?...”

“A mane appointment...” He looked into her eyes. “That’s what my grand uncle's life was worth...”

“But they arrested her right?... pony slaughter is a major offense.” She already knew the answer.

“They said that circumstantial evidence wasn’t enough to convict her... ignoring the blood on the damn wheel....” He growled. "They wouldn’t convict despite things getting a bit heated in Canterlot.”

“The Million Pony March.....” Twilight was the first to make the connection. “I’ve read countless books about it, it never mentioned any pony named Jonathan...”

“He was as much a part of it, as the land tax dispute and Canterhorn valley seizure scandal...” He sighed. “You of all ponies should know the nobility are held to different standards.”

“You're saying that Celestia... Airbrushed your grandfather from history?” Twilight knew it was possible, but it was still a shock. “Why?”

“Because with the protests already happening in Canterlot, adding a dead earth pony to the mix would have turned it into a riot.” He shook his head. “She in no small way... encouraged Granny’s parents to take the land as compensation.”

“That’s a very serious claim... but even if you don’t care for her..” just saying that makes her feel like her mouth was filling with bile. “Surely you have some loyalty to Equestria...”

“I told you, I didn’t do any of that for Equestria... Twilight we went to face Nightmare Moon in the Everfree all those years ago... do you know what I was going through my mind?...” She looked deep into her friend's eyes. “Not my country, not the nobility, and not Celestia.”

“Then what?...” Twilight sounded confused.

“My family... Granny... Big Mac... and my baby sister Applebloom....” She frowned deeply. “When we faced Nightmare Moon all I could think about was how my family would suffer under her reign...” The mare inhaled. “Everything I’ve ever done with you and girls was for them Twilight...”

“But what about the Map?...” Twilights throat was starting to dry.

“To be honest... I never understood the point of it... beyond stopping Starlights little cult nothing we really did was that threatening.” She shakes her head. “I ain’t got the time to be a ponies therapist Twilight.”

The young princess sighed. “Surely succession isn’t the answer... we can work it out.”

“Canterlot had centuries to work it out with us, we’re done waiting.” Big Mac shook his head dismissively. “But theirs another reason we’re leaving.” He leaned forward.

“With Earth Ponies family is everything.” Applejack sighed.

“Family important to Canterlot too!” Twilight protested.

“Really?” Mac raised an eyebrow. “When was the last time you saw your parents? Or even sent them a letter? Just to say you were ok, or ask about the weather?”

“We didn’t even know you had a brother until he sent you a wedding invitation.” AJ shook her head.

“I-I’m just one example! It’s not fair to base the whole of Canterlot on me!” Twilight shook her head.

“Oh? You wanna know something Twilight... did you ever talk to the local unicorns in town? Like beyond looking for a friendship problem?” Big Mac asked.

“I’ve talked to them plenty of times, I fail to se-“ She was cut off by AJ.

“They're all Canterlot transplants...” She said plainly.

“Well... Ponyville is close to Canterlot...” Twilight didn’t like where this was going.

“Do you know why they left Canterlot?” Big Mac asked.

Twilight shook her head looking curious despite the turn of events.

“Lyra said it best... she was tired of being an island in a sea of solitude.” He sighed. “The reasons are varied... but the end is the same... no family structure once you're of age.”

“She thought I was still a filly while I was having dinner with granny in town.” AJ chuckled at the memory. “When I told her otherwise she was stumped...”

“Other transplants were much the same... so tired of being alone. Up until 10 years ago, we were a purely earth pony village! But as time ticked on, other unicorns trickled in.” Mac sighed. “In many ways, they are now more earth ponys then unicorns in terms of culture.”

Twilight seemed to be in deep thought. “You’ve given me a lot to think about... thank you for the meal.” She slowly stood up from the table.

“I’ll make you a Togo box... from the way you wolfed down the food you haven’t had a home-cooked meal in a while...” AJ sighed getting up and heading to the kitchen. Coming back quickly with a large paper bag just as Twilight was starting to sit up.

“Thanks, Aj...” She levitated the bag to her back.

“Braeburn will take you back to the station.” She opened the door just in time for the posse to have gathered back outside.

Author's Note

Sorry this took so long guys, with the recent outbreak I have to take all the hours I can to keep my job on top of dealing with frequent IT issues with distance college learning.

Chapter 44

Equestria
Stonehoof (21 miles from the Zebrica border/ 9 miles from Earth Pony Boarder)
Outskirts
2:07 AM

The SS Paranormal Division hurriedly prepared the various equipment set up in the hidden outpost. Aiming different cameras and listening devices at the small decrepit pony village. Being careful to avoid using unnecessary light that could bring attention to their base. While the hounds worked, an aged Shepherd watched the faint glow of the town slowly flicked off through binoculars, letting out a puff of cigarette smoke.

"Is the equipment ready, Untersturmführer Weber?" The old general glanced at the nervous-looking Schnauzer.

"Yes, field marshal Rommel, we are completing the final tests now..." The Schnauzer replied.

"Excellent... is the record set?" He raised an eyebrow, tossing his cigarette to the side.

"Yes... we have it resting on the turntable as we speak..." The schnauzer swallowed.

"You seem troubled, Untersturmführer Weber, speak your mind." He lit another cigarette and inhaled deeply.

"We can't be doing this, can we?... this isn't a test village of dragon cultists... these... are foreign civilians who haven't done anything to us. I-it's... not right!" He clutched his fists.

"No... no, it's not..." The field marshal exhaled, shaking his head. "But the refusal to follow orders has consequences none of us wish to face."

The wire-haired dog lowered his head. "We could go to the emperor... he's still in the region... perhaps we could..."

"Get protection for ourselves.... but leave our families in peril... for all his power the emperor is not all-seeing. Meanwhile... Totenkopf has ears everywhere... dogs go missing every day... a few more wouldn't be out of the ordinary..." He stared at the younger mutt with pity. "I doubt we would get more than a few miles from this place before then executed us... then where would your mother be?"

Weber just clenched his fists, biting his lip. "What about the radio?..."

"No doubt being watched... the Doctor doesn't leave any weaknesses as exposed as they appear. They merely act as a test to see who's loyal..." He rested his arm on his shoulder. "Careful what you speak; even your friends could be his ears."

Weber lowered his head. "There's no stopping this, is there?..."

"No... no, there's not..." He stared back at the small dilapidated village.

After a few moments, a nameless grunt approached, saluting the field marshal. "The equipment stands ready; it only requires your activation."

The old dog nodded his head, leaving the young lieutenant to watch the village in the distance. When the field marshal flipped the switch, nothing seemed to happen for a few moments. The untersturmführer was almost able to let out a sigh of relief... only for the fires and screaming to start.

"Mien Gott..." That was all he could say while his fellow soldiers watched rocks around the settlement burst into green flames. Animalistic roars could be heard as flaming quadruped creatures took shape. The terrified screams of the locals echoed through the night... until only the faint crackle of burning wood could be heard. One figure seemed to attempt to flee by air... only for one of the flaming beasts to drag them back like a hungry animal.
——————————————————————
Equestria
Ponyville
School House
7:10AM

Appleboom trotted up to the familiar schoolhouse with her big sister. She couldn't help but bite her lip as they made their way through town. While the adults tried to hide it, she knows something was wrong. Sugar cube-corner having a small fire wasn't out of the ordinary, but almost every building on Main Street? As they continued down the road, she saw more than a few ponies weeping before the ashes of their homes. Her sister's hoof squeezing her shoulder to try and reassure her.

"Now Applebloom ah expect you to be on your best behavior, just cause things are a bit messy right now is no excuse to get lazy with your learning." Applejack patted her back gently as they approached the schoolhouse, one of the few places seemingly untouched by the disaster.

Other foals were keeping close to their parents up until they reached the grounds. She could already see the familiar faces of her friends nearby. Looking up at her sister, who gave her a reassuring nod before dashing off. Nearly bowling over her friends, who quickly pulled her into a smothering hug.

"Ah, missed you, girls!" She squealed while they squeezed her tighter.

"We missed you too!" They nuzzled close before the three fillies finally let each other go.

"Do you girls know what happened?" Applebloom finally asked after catching her breath.

"Nuh-uh. I heard some shouting outside the Boutique before Rarity dragged me to the storm cellar!" Sweetie responded.

"Carrot showed up at my house and put me on the first carriage train to my aunts." Scootaloo huffed, looking annoyed.

"Huh... maybe some of the other-"She was cut off by the school houses ringing the bell.

"Applebloom, Sweetie, Scootaloo! You're late for class!" Miss Cheerilee peaked out the door with a disapproving frown.

"Yes, Miss Cheerilee!" The three fillies said in unison, scampering inside to their desks.

It seemed the schoolhouse was untouched, but upon closer inspection, it appeared they had a few new paintings on the walls. As Cheerilee began roll-call, she noticed one more peculiarity near the teacher's desk. A few holes and splintered wood could just be seen on the lower right corner, nearly out of sight from a hastily moved chair.

"Now, class, let's continue with our multiplication tables. I hope your all ready for a pop quiz!" She hummed as she began to pass out papers while the foals groaned in response.
——————————————————————
Equestria
Canterlot
Celestia's Private Chambers
8:57 AM

The two princesses sat in silence, enjoying the aroma and taste of their tea. After a few sips, Celestia set down her cup, staring at the purple mare. A serious look in her eyes as she exhaled slowly. "You've scarcely touched your tea... what happened in Ponyville?..."

"Jonathan Apple..." A deep frown covered her face, slowly pushing the cup away from herself.

"...I see..." Celestia didn't outwardly display emotion, setting her own cup down on the table.

"Is that all you have to say?..." Twilight met her gaze.

"No... I trust you have questions?..." The older Princess swallowed, pouring herself another cup.

"You're not even going to try and deny it?" The purple pony raised an eyebrow.

"I knew it was only a matter of time." She looked out at the balcony staring out at Canterlot. "Though I hoped the past would stay buried..."

"He was killed by a noble, and you covered it up." Nearly letting her stoney facade break.

"Yes... I did..." Celestia stared back at the Princess. "For peace..."

"Peace on a lie..." Twilight countered.

"Peace is peace..." She tilted her head like a mother inspecting her child. "It was not a decision I took likely."

"Why did you make the choice in the first place? Why not just put that noble on trial? It could have placated the protesters and been the right thing to do."

"Yes... it might have, but the world is never so simple." She shook her head. "I needed her vote more than I needed justice. Serving judgment would have only placated the protesters in the short term; dealing with the dispute took precedent."

"Canterhorn Valley..." Twilight hummed in recognition. "The specifics are vague on how you handled it..."

"Indeed... Baroness Goldhorn saw the construction of the canals as a threat to her established cart industry. Thus was against the scheme naturally, along with her allies who stood to lose with decreased dependence on enchanted cart transport. I was able to piggyback a bill to lower the land tax increase by 58 percent by offering my blessing." She exhaled.

"You couldn't have just charged her after the vote?" Twilight pressed further.

"No... the vote only passed by the slimmest of margins... aggravating an ally, however corrupt, wasn't an option. By the time her power waned, she was far too old to charge, and too much time had passed. The nobility's aims changed, and new challenges emerged."

"You can't even say you're sorry?" Twilights mask began to crack.

"I don't lie unless it's necessary... I weighed the life of one against the many would have died in riots and unrest from the ongoing Canterhorn scheme." Celestia said tiredly. "I'm not sorry for choosing the option that prevented more death in the long run."

"But it did cause death... back then... and now..." Twilight rubbed her temple. "From the looks of it, ponies in the revolting areas have felt a growing disconnect with Canterlot... and, by extension us."

"What did you see in Ponyville?..." Celestia cut to the point.

"They see no reason to rejoin. In their own words, what could we offer them they don't already have?" She said blankly, looking at Ponyville in the distance. "They are heavily armed, somewhat organized, and have popular support. The Apple Family has a lot of weight in Eastern Equestria."

"It seemed my plan was too slow to prevent this...." The white Princess mumbled.

"Plan?.... what plan could have stopped any of this?!" Twilight looked incredulously at her.

"With the introduction of the Diamond Dogs to the south of us, the nobility's stranglehold on the country was considerably weakened. I was buying stock in companies down south to get significant holdings to help with modernization." She looked over at Twilight. "Who do you think approached foreign banks to sell to earth ponies, crowding out the predatory Equestrian ones? Or why the industrialization and trade had started in Earth pony majority townships?"

"Even the firearms?" Twilight raised an eyebrow.

"I had hoped they would help further destabilize the power base of Canterlot and Cloudsdale, pushing them to renegotiate terms with their clients... it seemed it worked too well..." She hummed, tapping her chin in deep thought

"Is that all you have to say?... ponies have died! I saw them carting pegasi corpses like logs!" Twilight struggled to keep her voice down.

"What happened is a tragedy the likes I have not seen since Sombras rein..." She stepped towards the railing overlooking the city. "I make no choice without weighing the lives in the balance..."

"You didn't even try to stop the slaughter!" Twilight stood up from her seat.

"As much as it pains me, those deaths are just a rebalancing of the scales... Did you ever wonder why so few Earth Ponies pursued even the most basic of irrigation techniques?" Celestia glanced back down over the balcony.

"I never thought about it... I just assumed there was some kind of tradition against it..."

"Your right in a few respects... Pegasi cloud cities were wholly dependent on farming irrigation contracts. Maintaining stable weather in the townships isn't nearly enough to cover the costs of their maintenance." Celestia just gazed down at her student. "Pegasi are very proud of their cities; an Earth Pony farmer who doesn't pay is a threat to that. I've never been able to prove it... but I know the Weather Corp Union is behind the intimidation and disappearances of innovators."

Twilight looked increasingly horrified as she started to run the rough numbers in her head. "But why did you let them get so powerful in the first place?..."

"It was a compromise; before the Weather Corp was founded, they primarily funded their cities through pillaging earth pony townships. Attempts to have them move to more sustainable land-based settlements were seen as insults to their heritage." She exhaled tiredly. "At the time, weather control was in its infancy, but its utility in farming was just starting to be known."

"So you gave them a new way to pillage... not with a sword or spear, but with a contract and pen." Twilights bitterness just started to bleed through.

"Compare an empty coin purse and a bit of hunger to a slaughter, then see what you decide is the lesser of two evils." She sounded more hurt than angry. "I didn't have the political clout back than to force them to stop. It was through careful negotiations that Cloudsdale Weather Corp and its subsidiaries would be founded."

"It's a bitter choice either way..." Twilight swallowed down some venom. "And it ended up ruining them in the end..."

"I'm not omnipotent... by the time I had heard the rumors, the skirmish had already gotten out of hand. Neither can I predict how the economics of my Kingdom will play out in the long run. Now all I can do is find a solution to bring them back." She shook her tiredly.

Twilight shorted but held her tongue. "I doubt they will come peacefully; they are better armed than us at the moment. From the looks of it, a lot of banned weapons found their way to Ponyville, as well as the other townships."

"I figured as much, thankfully I have already begun modernization of our forces. The issue is keeping the nobility from doing anything rash... until we're ready." She leaned against the railing.

"Ready?" Twilight looked confused.

"Indeed, right now, they enjoy support here because ponies don't see any alternatives, especially considering their current stranglehold. The rebellion is an outcrop of the lack of alternatives. My hope is to offer a second alternative... the liquidation of the noble class through economic change."

"You would leave the noble family's in economic ruin?"

Celestia shrugged. "They are the ones resisting modernization the most; they are leading themselves to ruin. I'm only giving them a path to follow."

"But.... what if they don't?" Twilight stepped over to her mentor.

"Twilight... their enchantment monopoly is a point of pride as much as it was a cash cow. Some might give up on it, but only when they've lost too much... others will go down with the burning ship." Celestia said dismissively.

"What about the money they get from Taxation?" Twilight countered

"I've been drafting a bill that will piggyback on their doomed stimulus to the Enchanters." Celestia seemed to smile just a bit from pride.

"They wouldn't notice?" Twilight tilted her head to the side.

"Even if they did, I doubt they would have time to read it in detail. I ensured the language was complicated, with the businesses at the brink of bankruptcy, they see the stimulus as a lifeline." She looked back down the sprawling city below them.

"Meanwhile, it's really just you circling the noose around their neck... what about Blueblood and Fancy?... won't this cause issues?" Twilight was uneasy, having grown closer to the two ponies during their time down south.

"They will be fine... Blueblood tells me he's looking at upgrading his family's dilapidated fleet, and Fancy will remain the head of the Equestrian Mint. I doubt they will notice..."

"That's a dangerous assumption..." Twilight shook her head again. "But it doesn't deal with the issue we currently face... Modernization will take time... and the rebellion will only grow stronger. Posters and newspaper stories only go so far... especially if it seems like they have a point."

"Indeed... did you see anything that could be used to our advantage during your time there?" Celestia looked down at her student.

"No... if anything, the victory against Cloudsdale has invigorated them further. They managed to do some damage to Ponyville, but the local militia has been helping with reconstruction. No doubt further winning support."

"We are stuck at an impasse... we can't fight them on equal footing with our current armaments, but letting them continue only makes them stronger..." Celestia shook her head

"You'll have to step lightly..." Twilight sent a sideways glance to her mentor. "Word will spread down south, theirs no telling how they will respond to this..."

"Especially with the Crystal Empire..." Celestia's eyes briefly widened, realizing what she said... and mainly who she had told it to.

"... What about the Crystal Empire?..." Twilights eyes narrowed.
——————————————————————
Equestria
Canterhorn Mountain
Celestial Summer Estate
12:13 PM

Shining Armor sat at the table clutching a teacup between his hooves, staring at the swirling leaves in the liquid. He scarcely noticed his wife approaching until she sat down in front of him, pouring herself a cup. For a few moments, the couple sat in silence, unsure what to say to the other. Before he could even open his mouth, his wife beat him to the draw.

"Is this it then?...." She held her head low, staring at the table, while her husband seemed to think of a response.

"Is what it?..." He swallowed nervously.

"Are we to just spend our days hiding in this place? Pretending we have some kind of future?" She mumbled, resting her head on the table, a distant look on her face.

"Cadence..." He reached out and grasped her limp hoof. "It will be ok..."

"Ok? Our Kingdom ousted us, slaughtered countless Equestrian migrants, and disemboweled our daughter!!!" She shot up, ripping her hoof away from her husband. "And you think everything is going to be ok?!"

Shining already was chewing himself out mentally for his poor choice of words. "We can get through this... love conquers everything... w-we don't need the Empire..."

"Do we need a daughter?" She stared into his eyes.

"I... Cadence...." His lip quivered, unsure what to say.

"Ever since we lost Flurry.... I've just felt... so empty... I-I can't eat! I-I can't sleep! I can barely wash or make my way through the halls!" She slammed her face back down against the table.

It was at this point Shining took in his wife's appearance in detail. His head breaking seeing her shabby coat, ruined mane, even her purple sapphire eyes had lost their luster. "I... know..." He sniffed, struggling to maintain the facade.

"I-I.... losing the empire is one thing... b-but our daughter?.... w-what... h-how are we supposed to get past this?!" She looked at him, almost pleading for him to tell her what to do.

"I... I don't know... I just don't know...." He looked back down at the table as an emptiness started to grow inside of him. "W-we could.... try ag-"He was cut off by a hoof slap.

Cadence just stared at her hoof for a moment as if she couldn't believe what she just did. "I-I....." She shook, struggling to form words, before her look of shock transformed into anger. "G-get out..... Now you bucking gelding!" She screamed in his face.

Shining just stared, the corners of his eyes getting misty as he stood up from the table, avoiding her gaze. "I-I didn't mean...."

"Our daughter isn't some helmet you can replace after losing!" She stood up from the table, pushing it away violently.

"I-I didn't mean it like that!? I-I just... I just.... what do you want me to say?!" He couldn't hold back his own tears.

"Get out!" She blasted one of the walls with her magic, causing her husband to flee.

Author's Note

So I'm currently enjoying summer break after having to work full time due to the pandemic and study for a full load of classes. Thankfully now I can focus my creative energy on writing again, and have a little challenge for my readers! I'm curious to see what Tropes apply to my stories, and would love to hear you reasoning behind them so I can begin writing my own TV Tropes pages to go with my stories. Even if they aren't flattering I still want hear from you guys as it can only help me with my writing.

Chapter 45

Equestria
Canterlot
Royal Library
10:47 PM

Twilight sat amongst countless tombs, carefully cataloging each one before levitating it to its assigned location. It wasn't her job, but she found the entire process cathartic, as it allowed her to have a bit of order in her crumbling life. Since she was a filly, she had been organizing books, and the process had nearly become second nature. The mare could almost shut off her brain while doing this; however, this moment of reprieve was short-lived like many things.

"Princess Twilight!" Her consciousness was brought back from the abyss as Jet Set and Upper Crust rushed into her view. A young guard just barely trailing behind them, looking flustered.

"Your highness! I attempted to stop them, but they wou-"He was cut off by Upper Crust clearing his throat.

"You simply must do something about the Crystal Empire! High Princess Celestia has refused to hear our calls on the matter!" Jet Set shouted without much decorum; however, it seemed more desperate than an order.

"Please you mu-"They were silenced by Twilight's piercing stare and faint sparks flicking from her mane.

"I came here to relax, I have only been recently informed of the happenings, and while I'm sympathetic of your lost holdings, there's nothing we can currently do." She let out a deep breath attempting to calm herself, but the look on her face remained.

"We don't care two mules about the holdings! We want our grand-niece back!" Upper Crust bowed her head to the floor, cowering but refusing to flee.

Twilight suppressed her urge to look surprised. "Your… Niece?…"

"P-please she went up with her friends to see the empire, but we haven't seen her since! All contact has been closed off, and we haven't heard a word! N-no one will tell us if she's a-alive or… or…." The older mare began to break down while her husband pulled her close.

"P-please princess… we'll do anything… w-we just want our niece back…." Jet Set hugged his wife tight.

Twilight watched the two of them, seeming to be in deep thought. "I will look into the matter… but I ask for your patience… with things as they are; it takes time…" She attempted to sound neutral.

"Please, princess… I don't know how much longer we can wait…." Upper Crust mumbled into her husband as they retreated.

Twilight levitated the remaining books to their assigned spaces, glancing back at the cart. "Brass Helmet… as you were…." She shook her head, leaving the poor guard stallion in the dust.

The travel through the Canterlot library wasn't eventful; she had memorized the layout of its halls since she attended Celestia's School. Once she passed through the doors, the purple Alicorn began to light up her horn before vanishing in a flash.
———————————————————————
Equestria
Cloudsdale
Ruins of the Weather Factory
11:49 AM

Organized Labor stared down at the Pegasi sheltering in the decrypt factory, lines of cots and makeshift beds, many of the once-proud locals sheltering around small fires attempting to warm themselves. None of the Cloudsdale militia had returned, and from what hazy view of Ponyville in the distance, it was doubtful they ever would. Labor slowly trotted to the edge of the catwalk and cleared his throat, leaning forward to the speaking trumpet.

"My fellow Pegasi… it's time you hear the truth." The various Pegasi below him looked up, their hollow gazes doing little to help his mood. "Cloudsdale is falling, the outer limits of the city have collapsed into the ground below, and main street is already buckling under its own weight. We can only assume the fires have spread to the foundations of our city."

Below panicked murmurs began to fill the crowds.

"Our fire brigades can't put out the fires fast enough, and even so, we've been on borrowed time since funding for maintenance dried up… it pains me to say this, but we must evacuate."

"We can't! This is our home! Where will we go!? What would our ancestors think?! Generations of Pegasi spilled their blood for this place; we can't just give it up!?" There were so many complaints and frightful shouts he could barely make sense of any of them.

"You don't think it pains me to say this? That our ancestral home is collapsing underneath our very hooves while we're powerless to stop it?! Believe me, I begged our cloud engineers to come up with a solution… but the damage is too extensive! Even if we had the money, it's too late! It's a matter of when the city falls, not if! The Wonderbolts Academy was only a preview of what's to come!"

His voice echoed through the stone walls of the factory, reverberating through the skulls of the refugees. Fear gripped them all as they seemed terrified that the very ground beneath their hooves what about to collapse from under them.

"So what?! We leave the city… and then what?! Those earth pounders will kill us the moment we touch the ground!" Another pony spoke up, followed by another.

"Without the safety of Cloudsdale, well become target practice!"

"M-maybe we could n-negotiate with the Ponyville Militia?"

"We could try the other cloud settlements; maybe they will take us in?!"

"I've gone over the options left to us… we can't stay here… even those who didn't support the militia's actions… can we really say we resisted them? How many of you chose not to fight but to open your stores to them? Offered your rifles? Or just held your tongue when your colts signed up because it meant a hot meal? As far as they are concerned, we are all guilty; there's… no place for us here now. Leaving us only one option… Fluttervalley."

"We'd never make it!"

"The journey is treacherous even for those experienced and well prepared!"

"The princess ruled it was a preserve!"

"There are no other ponies there; it's far across the badlands… away from this brewing powder keg. My father saw it coming; he thought we could brute force our way through it; he was wrong, our only option to escape it! Because if we don't, the last bastion of pure Pegasi culture will fade into obscurity!"

"But what about supplies?!"

"We will salvage what we can from the city! Tear down buildings if we must build chariots to carry the foals and elderly! Tear up grass from below to make Hay tack! It will be a rough journey, but staying here is certain death for us all. I ask you, who will make the journey with me?"

The Pegasi below him spoke amongst themselves; fearful looks dominated the crowd. But as time went on, determined eyes began to show as they all looked above and raised their wings to him. A smile grew on his face wiping away the tears from his cheeks before clearing his throat. "Alright! Any pony who has experience making cloud chariots get to work! Everyone else scour the city! We need camping supplies, non-perishable food, and water! Anything and everything! Leave no pantry unopened or rubbish bin unturned!"
———————————————————————
Zebrica
New Prosost Prison
The Pitt
12:13 PM

Rainbow stood near the center of the pit, slowly circling around the edges while her opponent followed. The two of them sizing the other up, searching for weaknesses to exploit. The former pegasus was drastically different from how she arrived in this hell on Equis. Her small, skinny frame and flawless coat were replaced with defined muscles and scars. Meanwhile, the zebra to the opposite of her looked wirier; it was easy to discount the stallion. But she knew all too well what he could do; those eyes of his even after her time in the pit stood out among others.

She scarcely blinked before he was out of her sight, panicking; she searched around before feeling a breeze under her stomach. She didn't even think, instead of jumping and rolling away, getting a glimpse of the striped stallion just where she had been standing a moment ago. He seemed surprised but laughed it off quickly, righting himself to his full height. Rainbow just spotted the small stone blade embedded into his hoof.

"Heh~ not many manage to avoid my first move~" He smiled, showing off his unnaturally sharpened teeth. "I think this will be an amusing fight."

Rainbow snorted in response, keeping an eye on the bloodthirsty zebra. Inhaling, she closely watched his movements, which seemed aloof. He rocked his head side to side, almost as if he was bobbing his head to an unheard beat. But she didn't focus on his head, instead turning her attention to the rest of his body. Then faster than she could blink, she saw his muscles tense.

Holding her ground, she watched the zebra rush at her, keeping her head still; her eye followed as he turned to rake her side. Just as the blade approached, she turned quickly and gave him a mouthful of her back hooves. A stomach-churning crunch filled the cavern as his teeth shattered. Not missing a beat, she turned back around, unable to suppress a smirk seeing the zebra struggle back to his hooves. Moaning as he reached a forehoof to his mouth and felt what she had just done.

Watching him cough out blood, she laughed. "Your fast, maybe one of the fastest in the cave… but that's no good against me." She taunted.

Growling, the stallion roared before charging, his eyes entirely focused on the mare's smug look. Just a moment before he got within reach, she stepped out of the way leaning her leg out, tripping him.

Watching the striped stallion fall face-first into the gravel in a heap. Before he could recover, Rainbow bucked his lower back with a well-aimed strike. A painful crack echoed through the cavern while the poor zebra screeched, overwhelmed by the pain of a broken back. The blue mare watched the poor creature howled and shook, the pain overwhelming his senses. Glancing at the crowd seeing Gábriel nodding his head, motioning for her to finish it.

Biting her lip, she looked down at the pathetic, sniveling heap; had it been anyone else, she would have felt pity. But considering what he tried to do, she wasn't willing to show mercy. Taking deep breaths, she straddled his back and wrapped her hooves around his neck, pulling him into a headlock.

The stomach-churning sounds of his broken back threaten to make her vomit; forcing it back down, she growled. "So you think the strong can take whatever they like?" She whispers into his ear. "Well, I think I know what I'm gonna take…."

The stallion froze, eyes widening as he realized what she was saying. "N-no I-"

A third crack was heard with a jerk of her hooves, making the zebra twitch before going limp in her grasp. Flicking her ears, she listened, but hearing nothing, she let him fall from her grasp. Working herself back to her hooves, she had an unreadable expression on her face; grasping his Mohawk, she began dragging the corpse through the parting crowd. Slowly making her way up the spiraling trail, her eyes wandering to the highest peak, where the shaman waited.

His cold eyes watched as she approached, eventually stopping before him with the tarnished corpse. They seemed to stare each other down before the shaman gave a twisted grin, stepping to the side and motioning her to enter. Eventually, the door closed, the heavy bolt locking behind them.
———————————————————————
Zebrica
SilverSage region
Inyanga Chateau
1:32 PM

Pale Ale, or "former" Princess Luna to those who knew, sat on the balcony of her home looking out at the sprawling orchard. The berries had just begun to sprout, turning the brown hills surrounding her into an odd mix of rich dark blue. It had a strangely calming effect on her; while she was still a year away from having enough fruit to produce any ambrosia, the progress she had made was considerable. Her winery was nearly completed, vast fermentation pools just waiting to be filled with crushed fruit, storerooms stocked with casks and rich blue bottles, even the vast copper still was being tested for leaks. Her living quarters were far from the palace but still maintained a rustic plantation feel.

Glancing at the sun, she sighed, slowly working herself up from her cushion. It was about time she left for her dinner reservation. Dusting off her colorful sashes, she made her way down the Adobe steps. A simple but elegant carriage waiting for her, with a nervous-looking zebra watching on. Once she had slipped in and sank into the soft velvet seats, the stallion began to pull.

Looking out the window, she watched the groves lining the dirt path. Occasionally a laborer could be seen working on some irrigation pipes while a foreman barked orders. Closing her eyes, she imagined the days yet to come, dozing off a bit as the zebra pulled her up the mountain to Duskclift.

She would eventually wake up to the gentle tapping; opening her eye, she saw the nervous zebra had unhitched himself. Attempting to wake her up before she opened the door, as it would be rather unclothe for his employer to fall out of her carriage like a common drunk. Straitening herself up, she nodded her head and motioned him to open the door.

Once it was open, she took a dainty step out of the carriage and gazed up at the destination. The Eclipse, one of the nicest establishments for miles, already the mouthwatering smells we reaching her nose. Nodding her head to the stallion, she watched him leave as she slowly trotted to the front door. The guard looked her over and checked his list before nodding his head and letting her through. All while numerous creatures groaned, trapped behind velvet ropes, having been waiting for hours just for a slight chance to sit inside.

Inside dark stone walls mixed with adobe, curtains lined the windows where the wheat and fruit orchards field below the plateau. A hostess quickly pulled out a chair to a secluded corner near one of the windows, motioning her over. Wading through the tables and well todo patrons, she sat down in the velvet chair. Immediately grasping the wine menu and looking it over.

Once the waiter arrived, she pointed to a middle-priced bottle; the zebra stared but shrugged, taking her order. Once he was gone, she leaned her head into her hoof as she waited for her wine. Glancing back at the specials, she suppressed the urge to drool; the Coulibiac looked incredibly delicious. But the former princess couldn't deny that the rich shellfish soup or roasted boar looked equally as tempting. Rolling her eye back to the doors of the kitchen, a knowing smile formed on her muzzle. Just as the waiters exited with others' orders, she caught sight of a familiar orange coat for the briefest of moments before the doors closed again.

The waiter took her order wordlessly after leaving her wine, already the rich woody aroma of the alcohol flowed into her nose. Taking the glass into her hoof, she brought it in closer, savoring the smell before taking a small sip. Working it over it over her tongue before swallowing it, humming faintly before looking back to the patrons around her. So many had chosen the most expensive wines, no doubt wanting to show off to their partners or those around them. But to the experienced, it just showed their lack of taste.

Closing her eyes again, she allowed her mind to wander, but more importantly, she let her nose explore. Pork smothered in garlic sauce, onion marinated steak, and chicken stuffed with mushroom risotto. While each had a strong scent, they didn't compete; instead, each only amplified the other. While each dish was a work of art, it took the work of true masters to make them work in harmony. She didn't have long to ponder hearing her meal be set onto the table. The Coulibiac looked relatively simple, with only a dusting of sesame seeds; it resembled a square loaf of bread.

Grasping a fork and knife in her hooves, she slowly cut into the pastry releasing fragrant steam. Swallowing her drool, she cut the morsel in half, seeing the pink salmon and rice spill out. Bringing the fork to her lips, she couldn't help but inhale the food, unable to wait much longer. The salmon and rice were rich with butter and garlic, with spices she couldn't hope to name.

As she ate, the restaurant and its patrons just seemed to fall away. Even the band which had just arrived didn't pierce into her own little world. The only thing that seemed to matter was her meal; it was hard to know how long she was like that. But she would eventually hear the sound of her fork scraping against an empty plate. Opening her eyes, she was greeted with only crumbs, leaving her dumbfounded. She certainly felt full, but it felt like it ended too soon. A slight pout formed on her lips, disappointed that it had ended seemingly so quickly.

Had the princess lost the last of her self-control, she would have moved on to the dessert menu. The waiter quickly took the empty plate, before they could ask for her next order, she spoke. "The meal was delicious. Would it be an imposition for you to deliver a message?" Before the zebra could respond, she tossed a bag of coins onto the plate.

The zebra opened the bag, his eyes briefly widening at the contents. "I'll see what I can do…." He quickly trotted away, vanishing into the kitchens.
———————————————————————
Zebrica
Duskclift
The Eclipse
2:28 PM

Summers swallowed nervously as he slowly slipped out the back door, taking a hesitant look around the narrow alley. He felt his heart stop seeing the figure waiting for him, leaning against the stone walls. Steadying his breath, he slowly trotted closer, recognizing the Lunar Princess; he bowed.

"Have you come to render judgment on me?…." He asked, instinctively resorting to his etiquette training.

The princess didn't move, her teal eyes burrowing into his; at that moment, he was sure it was the end. Before her head started to bob with a snicker giving way to a joyous laugh. Leaving the portly stallion confused as to whether he should run or join in.

"I'm not here as an executioner, young knight." She finally collected herself after wiping a tear away from her eye. "I just wanted to thank you personally for the delicious meal." She smirked.

"B-but your the princess of the night, pun-"He was silenced as she raised her hoof.

"Currently deceased, as far as my sister knows, I perished in a fire I set because of my own grief." She sighed, shaking her head.

"W-what…." He blinked.

"I'm not surprised it hasn't reached here yet; my sister is likely trying to keep it under wraps." Luna shrugged. "I doubt it will last much longer."

"But… your here…." He reached out as if expecting her to be a ghost.

"Very perceptive…." She was a bit annoyed, snapping him out of his stupor.

"Did you really just want to thank me for the meal?…" He stood up straight.

"Well, I suppose I was curious if you were available for catering?" She tilted her head.

"The Eclipse is open for events, but we don't normally cater off sight." Summers frowned.

"Oh no, not The Eclipse, you." She chuckled.

"You want me to cater for you?…." He was surprised. "What's the occasion?"

"I'm planning on having distributors try my trial batch while I'm still a year away from mass production; getting those relationships now will save a lot of time. It would help to have some good hors d'oeuvres to keep them occupied."

"Well, I suppose I could…. What's the pay?" Summers couldn't help but wag his tail.

"Show me a menu, and we'll negotiate." She ruffled her wings under her dark blue sashes as she turned to leave. "Oh…. And send a message to Pumpkin Patch…." She leaned her head down and whispered into his ear.

Britannia
Province of Germany
Isenstadt
Castle Wolfenstien
High-security testing labs
10:54pm

Chrysalis cuddled the small filly close to her barrel as she followed after the doctor, attempting to hide her nervous look from the foal. Flurry whined as they traveled deeper into the labs, sensing something was wrong, the gentle rocking barely calming her. The doctor, meanwhile, had a cruel smirk on his muzzle as he led them to a heavily reinforced bulkhead. Chrysalis's eyes glowed, the changeling queen struggling to surprise he flight instinct.

"Do not be frightened… this is where it all began and shall begin again…. You and your little sister are about to see something truly…. Wonderful…." He looked back, showing his twisted smile, the hydraulics groaning as they forced the iron door open. The sheer amount of darkness that waited inside seemed to seep inwards, even as the elderly doctor grabbed an electric torch, the concrete floors giving way to cobblestone, which surrounded a vast pit.

Chrysalis bit her lip as she followed the doctor instead, squeezing the filly close. Twitching her ears, she noticed the echo her mechanical legs made against the floors was muted. As if the vast pit was swallowing sound, she craned her head, attempting to look down, but was only greeted with pitch black.

"Mesmerizing isn't it?… your instinct tells you to run, yet something still draws you closer." The old doctor approached a dark iron crane, where a metal gurney waited. "Up up, I must strap you in…. For safety." He chuckled.

The former queen wanted to flee, take her sister and run as far away from this scary place. But her mechanical legs refused to cooperate; only tremors seemed to hint they functioned. His stern look and wolffish smile left no room to beg; only when she obeyed did her legs finally move properly. Once she was close enough, the doctor motioned for her to hand over the filly.

Chrysalis tried to fight it; she knew something terrible was waiting for them. But the trained instinct forced her to obey, watching as she handed over the filly. As if she wasn't in her own body, helpless as the doctor strapped her down to the table. The poor alicorn foal began to cry as she was laid against the cold metal. While the doctor was gentle, he made sure to strap her down tightly. Ensuring her hooves and wings were held fast by the restraints.

Checking the restraints one last time, he nodded his head, moving to the crane controls, pulling a lever to partially lift the gurney, revealing the opposite portion had matching restraints. "Now, my little Schnuckelschneke, it's your turn…."

She could only nod her head slowly, standing on her back legs as she approached. Allowing herself to be strapped in, the leather tightened until it creaked. The changeling's heart pounded against her chest, scarcely able to breathe as the doctor left her sight. For a while, the only sounds that reached her ears were the whimpering of Flurry and her own metallic limbs twitching against the restraints.

"No, no, you should be happy, mien little ones, you're about to see the source." The doctor said as he worked the controls, the old engine of the crane groaning as it began to lift the gurney. Which only seemed to upset the filly further as her whimpers turned to wails.

The doctor was unmoved as his hands worked over the panel, the gurney slowly moving over the center of the pit as the crane extended. Once it stopped, they were left swinging over the pitch blackness below; Chrysalis strained her head against the restraints. Attempting to see what awaited them as they began to be lowered down.

As they began to slip down past the edges of the pit, her eyes widened as she just managed to look down. Watching her lower body vanish into the darkness like a tar pit. Letting out a blood-curdling scream along with the filly as she felt like they were drowning. While the doctor began to cheerily hum an off-key song above.

Author's Note

It's been a while, hasn't it? I hope you all enjoy this new chapter and that you're all safe during the pandemic.

Chapter 46

Britannia
Province of Germany
Isenstadt
Castle Wolfenstien
High-security testing labs
9:13 AM

Chrysalis groaned as she began to wake; everything felt wrong. As she started to open her eyes, she was immediately blinded... by her right eye. All was as she knew it was in her left eye; the auras of emotion and consciousness traveled around her. Hesitantly she opened her right eye again; a painful headache returned as she saw things her mind had never been meant to see. The insectoid mare couldn't help but look around the labs as if it was the first time again, seeing it in a new way. Grey walls lined with posters displaying the great emperor towering above the foreign menace, the navy battling krakens, and heroic soldiers slaying dragons surrounded her.

The floor was the familiar smooth stone, but the mare was able to appreciate the varied colors that covered it, along with the various toys given to her and Flurry to improve their motor skills. Her left eye began to roll around in its socket, searching for her little sister, panic slowly setting in as she struggled to find her in the small room. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the familiar aura under the covers curled against her side. Sighing in relief, she moved the covers, seeing a light magenta coat beginning to show. A smile had nearly formed on her lips before she saw what waited underneath; an ear-splitting shriek filled the room as she tumbled out of bed.

"Ah wonderful mien little Schatz, your awake! I have just finished your little sister's checkup." The doctor's unnervingly cheery voice reached her ears.

Chrysalis shakenly worked herself up, her unfamiliar limbs shaking underneath her as she peeked over the side of the bed. Totenkopf waited at the door with his crooked smile, his eyes gazing over her like a new research specimen. "W-where s-sister?" She struggled to speak as her senses were overwhelmed with unfamiliar stimuli, making her fall back to the ground.

"Oh, she's right here~" He hummed gently, moving out of the way. The clack of metal against stone was heard echoing through the halls. Eventually, looking from under the bed, she saw a dark prosthesis cross the door, her prosthesis, and another long magenta leg. "Fascinating, isn't it? After decades of studying the Source, it still surpasses my expectations."

Chrysalis struggled to drag herself around the bed, floundering with her alien limbs. Leaning against the bed, she worked her new hooves under her; she looked back to the door once she was stable. "F-flurry?"

A much older filly smiled back at her, seeming to have better luck with her mismatched limbs. Dressed in a fresh-pressed grey military youth uniform, with a modest dark grey skirt. "Big sister!" She rushed over, wrapping her into a crushing hug, threatening to crack her carapace. "I was so scared when you didn't wake up with me!"

The former queen was struck dumb while the doctor just watched from the door, an amused smirk on his muzzle.

Zebrica
New Timbuktu
Zigarat Construction Site
11:32

Blueblood stared at the massive building, watching the powerful cranes belch smoke into the air as they slowly swung steel beams into place. It could already rival the Crystal Castle in scale alone, but it was far from finished. Concrete was poured deep into the earth only a few months ago, forming a massive foundation. They had made remarkable progress since then; it was almost like watching ants as countless workers moved about its metal skeleton. The sounds of rivets being hammered reached him even though he was several blocks away from the actual construction.

"Marvelous, isn't it?" The voice of Fancy Pants broke him from his trance.

"Hmmm?" Blueblood looked back at his compatriot as he stirred his tea.

"Their method of mechanized construction." Fancy followed, seeing his confusion. "If we can bring that to Equestria, I can't imagine what we could accomplish."

"Your not wrong..." Blueblood stared back at the site.

"Something wrong?" Fancy raised an eyebrow curiously.

"You and I both know something smells about the Ziggurat." He gave the older stallion a deadpan expression.

Fancy blinked before chuckling. "And what makes you say that, dear colt?"

Blueblood snorted. "Supposedly, it's to promote friendship between the two nations."

"Monuments to signify alliances are nothing new." Fancy tilted his head to the side coyly.

"Yes, but they tend to have at least some of the host population involved in its construction." He responded.

"Well, the host population is still modernizing; many scarcely knew how to read, let alone work some of that equipment." Fancy hummed gently.

"You're saying they couldn't even work a shovel? There's plenty of low-skill jobs at that site, but not a single zebra..." Blueblood said after thinking. "Most of the workers are also strange; the way they act reminds me of the military, despite their civilian clothes."

"Exactly..." Fancy spoke, finally agreeing. "But to what end?"

Blueblood tapped his hoof on the table in deep thought. "It's not in a strategic location for a secret military base... a listening post wouldn't be practical with all the local interference..."

"That's the million-bit question... it doesn't add up, but we don't have the information to speculate... it might as well be a black box to us." Fancy sipped his cup.

"We can't afford to leave it that way... not with the troubles up north..." Blueblood ran his hoof over his face attempting to repress the wince.

"I'm not, but these things take time," Fancy smirked, seeing his protege's confusion.

"How? The site is heavily guarded; even the local hooligans avoid causing trouble around it." Blueblood looked curious.

"Turns out the more things change, the more they stay the same." Fancy chuckled. "You can hear quite a lot at taverns and brothels, my dear colt; care for another scone?" He offered a plate of still-warm pastry with decorative butter lining the edge.

The white stallion grabbed one for himself, raising an eyebrow just wondering what his mentor was up to.

Equestria
Canterlot
Castle
Royal Dining Hall
11:15 AM

Celestia stared at the crepe on her plate; the mixture of fresh fruit and milk chocolate made it look as decorative as it was delicious. But lately, her appetite had been soured; while the situation wasn't dire, the missed payments and lack of trade was starting to be felt by even the wealthiest families. The local economy was starting to get depressed as shops began to raise prices attempting to match the now limited supplies. Her days were primarily made up of constant complaints about the lack of action while she tried to handle the various crises caused by the ongoing rebellion.

Forcing herself to bite into the sweet snack, she levitated some documents close to her face. Her eyes darted over the highlights, occasionally signing her name or using a rubber stamp, trying to make a dent in the monstrous workload thrust on her. However, she would eventually pause seeing an update from the Royal Gaurd Captain. Breaking the wax seal, she pulled out the reports, tilting her head curiously.

"Copper Plates proposal for a domestically designed light armor vehicle seems promising... it's far from our neighbor's equipment but could be useful for local peacekeeping..." The elder princess mumbled as she looked at the photos of the prototype. "The MAIS could prove useful for protecting our stallions from gunfire..." As she continued to look over the various design proposals for the strange machine, her ears twitched, hearing the familiar sound of her protege clearing her throat.

"Princess, we need to talk." Twilight slowly trotted to a nearby chair, almost seeming to collapse into it, her eyes having deep rings from lack of sleep.

She sighed but nodded her head, continuing to look over the various papers. "Go ahead..."

"We need to discuss what we will do about our ponies trapped up north; many of the nobles are concerned about their relatives... and their investments." She levitated a state danish to her lips, biting into the flaky pastry with little care for decorum. "I've tried talking with General Stone Wall, but he won't give me straight answers; we can't leave them held hostage by a hostile power."

Celestia seemed to pause to think for a moment before shaking her head. "I suppose it's a moot point; our ponies aren't being held hostage in the Empire." She looked rather solemn.

"Have you managed to negotiate the release of the survivors?"

"No, I haven't..." Celesta downed her cup of tea like hard liquor.

Twilight began to pick up what she was saying, her eyes widening. "They couldn't have..."

"You can't hold the dead hostage... Shinings reports made it clear that any Equestrian outside of the Crystal Castles walls was slaughtered with their bodies dumped outside the barrier for the Blizzard Wolves to scavenge. There's no one to negotiate for or retrieve..." She ran her hoove over her muzzle, attempting to suppress the urge to wince.

The purple mare took a moment to digest this news before swallowing. "What's our response?"

"At the moment, the Crystal Empire is cut off to us; without the railway, the harsh weather makes the journey untenable." Celestia began to pour herself another cup of tea. "I've said it before; we have to consolidate what we have before we can focus on getting anything back."

"You can't keep the nobility in the dark forever; they will find out eventually," Twilight said tiredly as she buttered another scone for herself. "Never mind the rest of the populous... they will demand blood; many ponies donated and invested heavily in Equestrianizing the Empire."

"I know; my hope is to keep it under wraps until the Nobilitiy's hold on the economy finally collapses; I can then use the existing resentment t-" She was interrupted by her protege.

"To turn the peasants against them, consolidating your power, and leaving you in a stronger position to take back the rest of the country." Twilight sounded disgusted, dropping her scone back to her plate.

"This is what it takes to rule Twilight; no princess's hooves remain unstained." Celestia gave her an even look. "We rise, or we fall."

"While standing on a pile of corpses?" The young mare raised an eyebrow.

"Revolution is at our doorstep; we can hijack it and save the diarchy, or we lose everything," Celestia said, exhaling. "Unless you're looking to abdicate too?" Her eyes focused on the more diminutive princess.

"A-abdicate? Who!?" It was unthinkable to her.

"Luna..." Celestia's magic seemed to pulse around her cup as her frown twitched.

"What are you talking about?... the fire-"

"There wasn't a body, and it takes far more to kill an alicorn than just a little kindling..." She snorted. "It took minimal digging to find her personal accounts had been drained."

"But where would she..." It finally dawned on Twilight, the only place should go. "Zebrica..."

"Indeed, she has abandoned us." Celestia's cup cracked in her grasp.

"You're not going to go after her?" Twilight looked hesitant about her mentor's behavior.

"No, Luna has made her choice." Her deep frown twitched again. "I'm not about to drag her home like some teenage runaway."

Twilight bit her lip, unsure what to say. "I could cast some nets when I return to the embassy; I might be able to track her down?"

"Do what you wish; I have work to do." The elder princess stepped away from the table.

Twilight watched her leave before sinking into her chair, shuttering as she attempted to recover from the heavy aura that left the room. Opening her eyes, she stared at the flaky scone on the plate. At any other time, it would look mouth-watering, but her appetite was soured. Pushing the plate away, she poured herself some herbal tea in an attempt to settle her stomach.

Bringing it to her lips, she took a dainty sip before gagging, spitting out the noxious concoction. After pulling the lid off the pot, she looked at the leaves floating inside. "Rotten..."

Equestria
Ponyville
Rich Estate
Dining Room
1:13 PM

Big Mac twitched in his Sunday clothes as he sat at the table surrounded by drug dealers, a pusher, and a con-stallion, all while numerous representatives from towns over, many of his own kin, argued. They had been talking for hours, with countless crumpled papers piling up on the floor as they attempted to build a nation. It seemed the most challenging part for all the bullets, and dead was agreeing on what to put down onto paper. Braeburn and the eastern ponies wanted a confederacy of independent settlements, reflecting their frontier backgrounds. In contrast, the Oranges and urban folk wanted a more centralized authority to respond better to their neighbor's aggression.

Before another round of yelling could commence, the red stallion finally cleared his throat and spoke, his deep voice piercing through the rabble. "Perhaps we should take a brief recess; with tempers so high, I doubt we will accomplish much at the moment."

The group of ponies seemed to exchange glances with each other before Filthy finally broke the silence. "Wisdom speaks... please everyone retire to the gardens; my maids should have finished setting up hor devours." He struggled from his seat, rubbing his neck.

Big Mac watched the crowd of ponies begin to slowly mill out of the room, many of his kin muttering to themselves or sneaking glares at opposing family. He waited until nearly everyone had left before working himself to his hooves, only to hear Filthy clear his throat, motioning him closer. Looking around to ensure he was being referred to, he slowly trotted closer, pulling out the seat immediately next to the wealthy stallion before sitting back down.

Filthy leaned back before snorting. "This isn't going as well as I hoped...."

"The Oranges and Braeburns kin..." It wasn't a question as much as a statement.

"I thought the Apples were more united..." Filthy pulled out his ordinate flask taking a slug.

"You ain't got family feuds? No family lacks disagreements." Big Mac shook his head.

"Yes, but their hostility is causing problems; you need to deal with it." Filthy slipped the flask back into his pocket and stared deep into the larger stallion's eyes.

Big Mac blinked, almost tempted to argue, but knew outsiders getting mixed up in his family's issues would only cause more problems. "I'll see what I can do... Them being uncivil isn't acceptable." He mumbled, slowly stepping up from his seat and heading out to the gardens.

Upon exiting, he could already see various herds having formed; it was no secret factions were on edge. Taxes were the most significant issue; initially, Filthy had assumed a simple flat sales tax would be popular. However, that was from a merchant's view; the reality, most of their nation's economy was still agricultural, with the various crops having different margins. Thus many wanted different tax rates to protect themselves; some even wanted subsides as their farms had been hit hard by collapsing prices and high taxes. Still, that was beyond his abilities; glancing back over the garden, he spotted his frontier cousin.

"Cousin?" He spoke up, seeing the light gold-coated pony.

Braeburn looked up from his mug of cider. "Ey, Cuz." He swallowed the frothy drink before wiping his muzzle.

"Ay need to talk about you and the Oranges." Big Mac inhaled, knowing it was a bitter issue.

"I don't know what there's to talk about." His usual friendly demeanor soured.

"I know ya both got your disagreements, but this is more important; ya'll need to make peace." He kept his voice even, trying to avoid upsetting him further.

"Make peace with thieves and thugs? You better leave the jokes to Wax; he's always been the family comedian..." He grumbled.

"I know you and them have rotten history; it's fine to have differing opinions, but you're making things harder for everypony." He frowned.

"Ah, don't know why you invited them; they are just like the Canterlot folk, except they ain't afraid to get their hooves dirty to get their way." He glared at the well-dressed couple who just attempted to ignore him.

"They are family Braeburn..." Big Mac sighed.

"Naw, they ain't family; they only care about the Family." He glanced back at his larger cousin.

The red stallion nodded his head, no pony ever asked where their money came from, but plenty had theories. "Be it as it may, I need ya to bury the hatchet, at least long enough for us to get the constitution signed..."

"Get them to give back my family's blood, sweat, and tears, and I might consider it...." He snorted, trotting away. "But I didn't fight just to hand everything over to another group of crooks Cuz."

Big Mac only grumbled as he struggled to collect himself before making his way over to the Oranges. He barely crossed half the distance before the hulking form of Troubleshoes blocked him. The brown Clydesdale-like pony loomed over him, his suit creaking against his frame. "Nuh Uh..."

"Now Now, Troubleshoes Big Mac is family." Uncle Orange waved him off, the brown stallion nodding his head slowly, shuffling out of his way.

Big Mac slowly trotted up to the couple. "Uncle, Aunt?" He nodded his head to them, keeping a respectable distance.

"Big Mac, you've grown so much since last we saw you!" Aunt Orange closed the gap cupping his cheeks in her hooves. "You certainly inherited his frame; I hope you're eating well!"

"Yes, Auntie..." The grown stallion squirmed in her clutches while his Uncle stifled his laughter.

"Ohhh, you really should let me take you to the salon; just look at this mane! Does Granny Smith use sheep sheers on it? So many split ends!" She began parting his mane.

"Ah actually came over ta talk with ya both... about Braeburn." Aunt Orange froze hearing that.

"Dear, would you go get us some punch?" Uncle Orange asked his wife sweetly.

"I-I... Yes, dear..." She pulled away from Big Mac and scampered away, retreating from the conversation.

"He wants the... The loan he gave us back, I take it?"

"I dunno if I would call running off in the night with his parent's life savings a loan uncle..." Big Mac's frown twitched.

"I'd hardly call a mattress a safe either; better money taken by family than by some bandito..." He pulled out his checkbook.

"You could have asked..." Big Mac watched him pull out the ordinate book.

"Better to ask forgiveness than permission; I won't apologize for taking the actions necessary to rebuild my family." He signed the check. "I am sorry it hurt him, but that's in the past; this doesn't mean I'm backing down from my position, however. We need a more uniform government; a butch of self-governing settlements sounds excellent on paper but means little if we can't coordinate against invasion." He hooved over the fresh check to the red stallion.

Zebrica
New Prosost Prison
The Pitt
4:36 PM

Gábriel spotted the Rainbow maned mare as she lifted the bar, a faint smirk on his beak looking her over. A far cry from the hoity pony that had been dumped into the cavern just over a year ago. Plump blue limbs from a life of excess replaced by rope-like muscle, numerous scars lining her forelegs from constant scuffles. They were becoming badges of honor, showing her resilience in such an inhospitable place.

"Heh, hard to believe at one point you could barely lift the bar pony...." He chuckled, looking at her red-tinted face as she exhaled, allowing the bar to come back down to her barrel.

"Y-Ya, ya... I know...." She inhaled deeply, pushing the bar back up, allowing the Gryphon to lock it back into place. "I-I... hold on..." She took a moment to catch her breath.

"Just saying, it's hard to tell you were ever an Equestrian..." He ruffled his wings before helping her sit up. "Your eyes are a lot like mine now..." He stared at her.

"Huh?" She finally managed to steady her breathing.

"Since your first kill... your first personal kill, the innocence is gone..." He sighed, pulling out a box of cigarettes and slipping one into his beak before using the lighter.

"You say it like it's a good thing..." The mare mumbled, leaning in as he handed her his lit cigarette. "Don't waste these... dunno when we get another bonus for good behavior...." She inhaled the noxious smoke.

"A bonus is no good if you don't enjoy it, pony..." He hummed, watching her. "And... I wouldn't say good... necessary maybe..." He started off in the distance.

"Necessary?" She opened her mouth, letting the smoke waft out as he pulled the tobacco back, taking another puff for himself.

"... It was a right of passage for me growing up, pony... Be thankful it wasn't someone you knew well..." He mumbled, looking tired.

Rainbow didn't know what to say but knew better than to push further—instead choosing to lean against his side—allowing his large wing to wrap around her back as they sat in silence.

"That Shamen did good work on you pony..." He glanced down at her hindlegs, seeing faint stripes covering them. "I trust you'll use their gifts better than their previous owner?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" She flicked her tail, making the gryphon stare at her emotionless before they were reduced to laughter.

"Don't tempt me, pony, unless you're serious." He snorted, tossing the used-up tobacco away before standing up from the bench. "Come, they will be lowering the platform soon; we best get ready unless we want to go hungry this week." He began padding out of the improvised gym while the hardened mare watched him go, a faint smile on her face.

"Who's joking?" She mumbled to herself, following after him.

Saddle Arabia
Riyadh Outskirts
FOB
7:53 PM

They were behind schedule, but the mortars and aircraft were finally ready; Shujaa had been flown out to oversee the final operation. His servant Poppy Seed was nearby as he took a seat before a Microphone. Sniffing as he looked to the communications officer waiting for the signal, wincing as various speakers were activated, making a painful whine. Once the feedback had ended, he reached out his hoof and pressed the button before he spoke.

"Sultan we have your city surrounded, we have captured or raised every settlement between here and the River, I will ask one last time. Will you surrender or shall we erase the city of your forefathers off the map? As I speak, our weapons are taking aim, mortars stand at ready to shatter your monuments, machine guns are aimed at every gate, and our planes fly hunting for caravans. Are you so prideful as to let your ponies and family die just for a bit of ego? Take exile; the Equestrians have agreed to take your children with open hooves." He let go of the button, waiting; seeing no response, he nodded to the radio operator to give the signal.

The zebra soldier had just begun inhaling to give the order, only for a scout to scream. "We have movement at the gate!" The sounds of countless hooves squeezing their guns could be heard as they prepared for a suicide charge.

There were sorely disappointed as a group of well-dressed Arabians began to slowly trot out, protected by what only could be assumed as an honor guard. But the most shocking to the general? Tied up and being dragged along was the Sultan himself; Shujaa was dumbfounded. He motioned for his soldiers to investigate; a small platoon cautiously approached the group.

Everypony held their breath, expecting the worst as they closed the distance. The young stallions and mares didn't fight as they were forced to the ground by the zebra, though the guards seemed more hesitant. No doubt fighting their own instincts to fight back as they kneeled into the sand. It felt like ages passed before they completed their check; eventually, one Arabian stallion was led away from the group along with the bound Sultan.

Shujaa motioned for Poppy to go prepare some tea; standing, he made his way to his personal tent. Thankfully his table was still set, sitting down at the head; he waited in silence; Poppy thankfully had finished brewing the pot as the young stallion was led in. His vibrant bright sashes strongly contrast the surrounding canvas tent's more light and tan colors. Oddly his muzzle was partially obscured by a porcelain mask while his rich brown eyes stared forward.

"I assume your one of the sultan's colts?" Shujaa raised an eyebrow, watching the stallion slowly take a seat.

"Yes, I'm his eldest..." The masked stallion inhaled. "Kareem..."

"Ah, former inheritor of the Nile districts..." The zebra nodded his head.

"Y-yes..." The stallion steadied his breath. "We want to offer our father in exchange for safe passage to Equestria..." Poppy had already set down a cup of honied tea next to him.

"I see; why has it taken so long for your family to take such action? Surely after the opening salvo of this war would understand its futility?" Shujaa spooned some sugar into his own cup.

"Father can be very... persuasive when he wants to be..." The stallion took a sip of his tea.

"I see." Shujaa sniffed, nodding to Poppy as she brought over some imported parchment. "Thank you, Poppy; Please take your time to read the terms, Kareem."

The Arabian stallion read over the document in silence; it wasn't particularly long; Shujaa was always one to get to the point, after all. "You want the treasury, there's so little left?" His face paled.

"This war was expensive, but there are artifacts we want to be returned to us..." Shujaa leaned to the side, looking disinterested. "Don't worry, the Equestrians are wonderful hosts; I doubt you'll need the leftovers of the Sultan..."

The stallion looked like he wanted to protest but looking around, he inhaled, knowing he had little choice; grasping a quill, he signed the document. "I can only pray our sister will rule more wisely than father..."

"Excellent, our rail line to Equestria was recently finished, so we should be able to send you post haste." The general hummed.

"What will happen to father?" He glanced back outside the tent.

"Public hanging, we need to placate our ponies; many will be unhappy with how this was handled." He sniffed.

"The zebra hate us that much?" The Arabian colt blinked, surprised.

"In more ways than you will ever know..." He glanced at Poppy. "Please go announce the document was signed, and tell the radio operator to call the nearest Airship for transport."

"Yes, Shujaa" The scarred mare nodded, bowing before taking her leave.

Equestria
Disputed Territory
Cloudsdale Plains (25 miles from the city)
10:23 PM

Organized Labor sat on the small hill while other pegasi chewed their rations, the smoldering ruins of their historic home in the distance. It was hard to know how long they all waited, but eventually, the inevitable happened; the outer districts were the first to break away, seeming to collapse in slow motion. Even with the great distance between them and the sound of homes slamming into the earth below could be heard. Many of the poorer winged ponies cringing, no doubt their homes among the first to be lost. The more well-off didn't have much longer to wait as the rest of the city began to break apart, finally collapsing under its weight.

The sounds of homes, businesses, and institutions that had lasted millennia painfully reverberated through their skulls; even covering their ears did little to protect them. In some twisted form of irony, the Weather Factory was the last building standing, but it too began a slow descent. The clouds have become a thick soup-like fog, making the ruins below look more ominous.

"Brace!" Organized Labor bellowed as many young and old took shelter behind the improvised chariots; others dug in their hooves, refusing to look away from the greatest tragedy of their kind.

The factory finally vanished into the fog below; a deafening boom echoed through the plains. The leftover stored weather was freed all at once, mutating the surrounding clouds into various storm fronts. "It's worse than we thought; swallow your rations and hitch up the chariots! We'll ride it out and use it as cover!" He shouted to the various stallions around him, who wiped away their tears and nodded their heads.

Labor turned his head back to the rolling storms as tornados began to form. "The plains will never be the same..." He watched in morbid fascination as once beautiful meadows drowned in torrential rains or were ripped from the ground itself by powerful winds.

Swallowing his own sadness, he turned his attention back to his ponies, making his way over to the chariots; he hitched himself to a blue and gold adorned wagon alongside other burly stallions. As he felt the old reigns attached to him, he couldn't help but look back at the chest chained inside. "Hurricanes Codex will lead; without it, all this was for nothing! The chariots with the young and old will be second! All else will guard our retreat and sides!" He bellowed over the howling winds as the beating of countless wings joined in like war drums.

Groaning, he and the rest of the team began to pull the wagon into a slow trot, building up speed before taking off. The greatest migration of pegasi in generations had begun, vanishing into the night sky, attempting to outrun the storms on their hooves. It would be weeks before the princess learned what had happened; even so, they would have long since left her lands by then. Meanwhile, the Earth ponies would be far too busy protecting their homes and harvest to chase them; as far as they knew, Cloudsdale went down with all hooves.

Author's Note

Finally, an update to my first story, I hope you all enjoy it. I apologize its taken so long, but like many, things were chaotic around me making it hard to write. Looking forward to reading your comments below, I hope you all had a great summer!

prologue (edited by Cakebomb and DaLintyMan)

The Young Emperor
Inside an ostentatious bedchamber a young diamond dog thrashed in his sleep as dreams brought forth hallucinations of his element. In those dreams he heard the voices of different diamond dogs, as the sounds of projectiles flying past and the blasts of cannon fire ringed in his sensitive ears.
“We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” The image of a stout diamond dog filled his vision.
The image was burned away to reveal the portrait of a short officer in ceremonial uniform.
“You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war.” The portraits eyes seemed to look into his soul.
It was then lifted away to reveal countless lines of infantry armed with iron swords stormed from the west into battle, as dragons from the east flew towards the legions of dogs. They soon set loose breaths of fire into the helpless lines of infantry. Screams could be heard as many of the mutts died in agony, and those around them bellowed oaths into the sky. Ballista set loose vladium tipped arrows that pierced the hides of the infernal beasts.
“War is cruelty. There is no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over.”
The scene changed to a subterranean area, where nests of dragon eggs could be seen. The thin bodies of starving dragon den mothers laid nearby, the life in them slowly fading. There was a loud explosion, and gas started to fill the chamber. The skeletal creatures thrashed in a hopeless bid for survival as their eyes began to tear blood and their lungs blistered. Shouts and the sounds of leather boots against rock could be heard. Diamond dogs dressed in tan military garb wearing gasmasks flooded into the nesting grounds. The den mothers tried in vain to protect their eggs as their lungs filled with fluid, and in response, the invaders opened fire with their heavy weapons. The scene fades as the diamond dogs began smashing the unborn offspring with the stocks of their weapons.
“Suddenly, there was an enormous flash of light, the brightest light I have ever seen or that I think anyone has ever seen. It blasted; it pounced; it bored its way into you. It was a vision which was seen with more than the eye. It was seen to last forever. You would wish it would stop; altogether it lasted about two seconds.”
A city appeared, where many Equine nobles and aristocrats could be seen, trotting on cobblestone roads. Great, almost impossible seeming spires rose from an almost fairytale like castle, where countless equestrians could be seen gathering in the castle's great hall, filled with high stained glass windows and a crimson carpet that lead up to four alicorns resting on their respective thrones. A white alicorn rose from its throne. It appeared to be giving a speech, but it voice could not be heard. Peasant, aristocrat, and noble alike cheered, but in the distance a blinding flash and deafening explosion could be heard. In the throne room the ponies continued to cheer, oblivious to the event. The stained glass windows that once depicted the greatest moments of pony kind were shattered and the skin of the occupants melted from their forms. In the final moments the blurry image of a dark blue form could be seen.
The emperor awoke from his nightmare, and rose from his white silk bed sheets. He sighed and uneasily got out of bed. He made his way to to the balcony, and what he saw as he calmed himself in the night air was the forefront of industry. Countless factories belched smoke into the skies, the lights from the grubby windows illuminated with the glow of electric lights and fires of massive smelters. When he looked closely he saw locomotives crawling forward out of a factory, pulling one of the empire's newest landships from the gantry that had constructed it. The landship was to be moved to the lands in the east to protect the many settlers who had moved to the dragons former homeland. He remembered the day he drew up the designs for the prototype; when he had started he was planning on using them to fend off the many attacks his land experienced during the dragon migration. He shuddered then, thinking about them flying overhead, pillaging helpless peasants as the Empire's armies struggled to arrive in time.
Countless inventions he had created to bring his kind out of the dark ages of famine, sickness, and poverty, only to be used to not only defend them but also to commit genocide. He remembered the 200 year war, his father had taught him about the countless battles that the diamond dogs raged against dragonkind. There were days when he wished he could go back to that simple life, working with his father by the forge, when he wasn’t the great emperor but the son of a blacksmith and a baker. But that had changed when he built his mother an improved stove and oven using only the scraps his father left lying around. His parents were so impressed they begged the local Duke, an old short-tempered auburn furred diamond dog with cloudy eyes named Augustine the Magnificent who, to let him take the exam.
He remembered hearing about the exam from many of his mates at school. Apparently, it was administered to those who not only showed academic promise but also unique capabilities. The elderly Duke looked over his work with the care of an artisan, slowly running his paws over the painstakingly crafted baker's oven and stove. He then turned to me, looking at me with milky eyes that pierced my soul. The old dog had then simply given his parents a short nod.
The next day the emperor-to-be was forced to pack up his belongings and leave home to go live in the capital, to study for the exam. He remembered both his parent's tear filled eyes as they hugged him goodbye, and the wails of his mother when he had left on the carriage. The trip was long, but he remembered seeing the capital in all its glory; shops lined the roads, and more dogs than he had ever seen in the village were walking around.Soon after, he had arrived at a large government building that was 6 stories high, with gothic designs and stone gargoyles standing in the front, almost as if they were guarding the entrance. He had been led in by a middle aged bitch with grey fur and a rich grey dress. She had showed him his living quarters; a small room with a simple wooden desk and a bed. I was then told I would be delivered food three times a day while I studied for the exam, and the high penalties of cheating. Before she left me she gave me a letter from my parents. I opened it to find……
“To our dearest son Theodor,
We know that you must be scared, but we want you to know that whatever happens we love you. The reason we asked for you to take the exam was so that you could have a chance at a life greater than we could ever hope to give you. Ever since you were a young pup you would always ask questions and read any book you could find. Even when you were beaten up after your lessons by the local bullies for getting high marks, you never stopped learning. The days when you would come home and tell your father and me what you had learned made us so proud of you. When you asked your father how to work the forge, so you could try and build the wondrous creations you had drawn up in your room, he nearly died of happiness. On the nights you spent trying to bring your ideas to life, we would sit and watch you work just out of sight, so imagine our surprise when one day I found a new stove and oven in the bakery. No matter what happens we are proud of you. Never forget that.
Love,
Mom and Dad”
After reading that letter he had dived into his studies, sometimes forgetting to eat and sleep. He would recite the table of known elements before he went to bed and in the
morning practice my mathematics as he ate breakfast. When the day of the exam arrived, he had found himself shaking with fear. He had sat down at a small desk with the exam in front of him, in a closed room with a guard posted at the door. There were others there too, maybe thirty in all, all scared and worried about failure. The questions were mainly logic and science based, but at times he would find oddly philosophical questions that were difficult to answer. The test lasted a few hours. They soon had their papers taken away and were told to return to their rooms and wait. He had spent the next few hours sitting in his room alone, before hearing a knock on his door and an elderly official had told him to follow him to the main office. They walked through hallways lined with doors, the sounds of whimpering and crying coming from them. They had then arrived at the office. It was a small room with a young bitch sitting behind an oak desk. She was wearing an oriental dress that was colored with almost mesmerizing patterns of lavender and emerald. She sat looking through countless documents, seemingly ignoring him before her gaze focused firmly on him. She then harshly ordered him to sit down in the simple wooden chair in front of her desk. She then simply told him that he had passed…. No big speech, no great reward, just her telling him I would be leaving for an “Academy”. Little did he know what they had in store for him and the others who had passed the exam.
He shook these memories of old times from his head as he became aware that he was not alone in his royal bedroom.
“Young emperor, are you well?” said a young servant with black fur who wore a clean servant uniform, consisting of a simple black and white dress.
He nodded in response, then commanded in a tired voice “Bring me my clothes.” Without another word she carried in his decorated dark blue uniform, with countless medals and awards decorating the chest, polished brass buttons, and a decorative pocket watch to him. He slowly put on the uniform and had the servant clean up his face as he got ready to talk with the various generals, nobles, and elected officials about coming out of isolation and opening up trade with the nations across the western sea.

Author's Note

my first story, logical criticisms and ideas welcome

The Emperors Speech (edited by Cakebomb and DaLintyMan)

The Emperor’s Speech
The minute the Emperor sat down on the marble and gold lined throne the doors opened and countless diamond dogs rushed in, with reporters leading the pack and peasants and union members covering the rear.
“Emperor Theo, Robert Capa photojournalist, is it true that you are ending our isolation just after we have finished the 200 year war? From the reports our people have gathered the westerners are primitive, and are stuck in what many academics are calling a “bloated dark age”.” A Kuvasz diamond dog in a black sweater with brown pants almost shouted.
Before he could even attempt to answer his question another journalist spoke up.
“Emperor Theo, Kenneth Stonehouse of Rooters News, we have also heard reports that one of the most influential nations, known as Equestria, is also extremely xenophobic and racist. There have been reports that they even treat their fellow equines, such as donkeys and zebras, as second-class citizens. Is this true?” An Airidale diamond dog in a two piece suit questioned.
“Emperor Theo, DDB Radio Barkshire, why are we bothering with these western nations? What could they possibly offer us in return? We have heard reports that these nations have yet to discover the world revolves around the sun, and even the most basic scientific principles. We have also gotten reports that the ponies-” he said that with disgust ”-believe their sovereigns move celestial bodies. How would they react to our knowledge that while magic-” he said that with a shudder “-is a useful force its area of effect and power are limited to Equestria.” The brittany diamond dog in a white dress coat asked.
The Emperor rose, slowly; he knew he couldn't wait much longer, as the reporters would continue to shout questions. He made his way to a podium where microphones were set up, so that his fellow dogs could hear him.
He stood there for a few seconds to draw attention and reduce the ambient noise, and looked at the crowd. He saw diamond dogs of all shapes and sizes. Some wearing fancy clothing while others wore more traditional clothing popular among the working class, such as coveralls. He saw muzzles that held fear, wonder, and skepticism. He knew he had to make this speech count, lest they cause something they would regret as many of his guards showed signs of tension.
Then, he spoke.
“My fellow diamond dogs. I understand that many of you are skeptical of opening up trade with the western nations. Others are worried that contacting the nation of Equestria, a xenophobic and ignorant country, will only lead to another war. I am here to tell you that we will not be opening up trade with the ponies, but with the zebras to the south of their country. We are planning to send both financial and military aid. There are countless rebels in the country of Zebrica, a small war-torn nation filled with bloodthirsty warlords. By aiding the rebels we will gain their trust as well as help them build a representative government. In turn they will be willing to trade with us for things such as refined metal, basic farming and industrial equipment, and our engineers. In return it is likely they will give us access to their considerable oil, iron, and coal resources, and their spice trade.” He looked around the room. Some still were unsure. “We can no longer hide in isolation. I understand many of you are worried that this will lead to another war…. Many of you lost much in our fight against the dragons. Some lost a friend, a brother, a sister, or a parent.” He hesitated after that. “But if we stay in isolation it is likely that another power from the west in their ignorance may try and claim our land. Many of you have heard rumors of a wooden ship spotted in our waters. I am here to tell you that the rumors are true. The reason I am pushing for us to come out of our isolation is so that we can avoid another war. The westerners will continue to explore our waters and they will find our homeland eventually. Many of you may believe that we should simply use our weapons to sink any ships that trespass in our waters, but this will only lead to more death as the westerners will likely continue to enter our waters with larger and larger fleets until they declare war on us. But if we introduce ourselves to the outside world we will be able to show them our boundaries, and prevent more bloodshed. For too long we have endured war. It is time to enter an age of peace and understanding, so that we can create a better future, not only for ourselves but also our children. I do not have to remind you all of the drafts that sent countless pups to fight the dragons to the east only to be burned alive. Yes, we won the war, but at what cost? Millions of young pups, the nobility, and our history was all lost as we struggle to pick up the pieces. Even as we speak our engineers are trying to save the tunnels where our ancestors founded the first packs, scholars are scavenging the wreckage of our libraries and halls of knowledge, and great architects trying to repair ancient strongholds, all to save the foundation of our society. If we fight another war so soon we risk losing what little history we have left. A great diamond dog once said: ‘You can wipe out an entire generation, you can burn their homes to the ground and somehow they'll still find their way back. But if you destroy their history, you destroy their achievements and it's as if they never existed.’ That's what the dragons wanted and that's exactly what we were fighting for. I remember the final days of the war, when we pushed deep into the dragon’s territory. The faces of the countless young officers are forever burned into my mind. I was there when we fought our way into the dragon’s dens, I was a witness when we smashed their eggs and shot their den mothers. I don’t want anyone to be forced to go through that again. We have lost too much. It is time we moved for peace.”
The countless reporters stood still a few moments before they wrote down what I had said.
“As we speak we are sending aid to the rebels of Zebrica. Our trading ships are leaving our ports and we have sent our most skilled diplomat to broker peace and an alliance with them. Soon we will have a grateful trading partner that will help us introduce ourselves to the outside world. All I ask is that you give some of the westerners a chance.”
A bell rang.
“This concludes the press conference. Please make your way out of citadel. If you have anymore questions please send them to the local representative in your area. They will have answers to your questions. Another press conference will be held in a month after our diplomat has made contact with the rebels.”
The countless dogs made their way out of the throne room; once they were gone the Emperor sat back down in the chair and ordered his guards to leave. He then looked at the countless statues, paintings, and stained-glass windows that depicted the great battles and triumphs of his kind, distantly realizing the last of the attendees were being shuffled out of the room. The displays ranged from the first steam engine to the first great victory against the dragons.
“Is this what you are fighting for? The genocide of our race?!” He turned to look at a painting depicting a dragoness defending her eggs from diamond dog dragoons.
“How could you? You’re sending out our pups to die! ” A statue of a mother diamond dog feeding her pup.
“You can’t use my discovery for this!! Using poison gas even on dragons is reprehensible; you've seen my tests!!! I beg of you don’t use it against them. The pain and horror it causes is too great” The stained glass window depicted Fritz Haber, the inventor of modern chemical warfare and countless other scientific discoveries in chemistry.
“I beg of you, the world is not ready for such power, such a weapon will wreak untold destruction on the eastern lands!!” He finally turned to the statue of the great Nicolai Tesla, who gave Britannia advanced power production and distribution systems.
“QUIET!!!!!” He roared as countless electric bulbs burst above him, leaving him in darkness...

Northwestern Trouble Brewing (edited by Cakebomb and DaLintyMan)

Northwestern Trouble Brewing
Crystal Empire Square
The former earth pony Captain of the Crystal Guard walked past the many shopping stalls and “new” Equestrian shops that had just opened in the Crystal Empire. He looked at one store to see young crystal ponies leaving their jobs at the Equestrian owned businesses, which were popping up all over the Empire. On closer inspection the crystal ponies that were leaving were the former owners of the “Amber Tavern”. He had fond memories of that place, even during Sombra’s short reign over the empire. He would enter the tavern with his stallions, where they would eat and drink quartz mead till they could barely trot in a straight line. That had changed when Cadence and Shining Armor had taken throne. In accordance with Equestrian law the tavern was closed, all because the Celestial Sisters felt that alcohol lead to strife and needless debauchery. He watched as the once loved and adored tavern owners left to their shoddy shack on the outskirts, just like the many other crystal ponies who were put out of work by Equestrians abusing the “Harmony Preservation” law to get rid of competition as they opened up their own businesses.

He soon found his way to the Library, which was currently being emptied by Equestrian Royal Gaurdsponies. They were loading the books into a cart, taking them away to be burned. Equestrians feared any type of conflict and controversial ideas; sure they had books arriving in the Crystal Empire from Equestria to replace the ones that were deemed too controversial or violent, but they lacked to charm and heroism of the older stories he loved as a colt, such as the Argonauts or the story of Spartacus, the great crystal gladiator who led more than 70000 ponies in battle against Roam. He remembered the Equestrian series known as ‘Daring Do’ that appeared to be the most common offering from their southern ‘neighbor’. Her so called ‘adventures’ appeared to consist of mainly one sided battles, needless filler, and incompetent villains. In short, all he saw was a poorly written story, with a disgustingly likable character who lacked any flaws or vices. Didn't the writer know that the best heroes are the ones with the most flaws? Without flaws both major and minor what made the character more relatable and believable?
He soon reached the end of his rounds at the fields, where he saw Shining Armor training the Crystal Guards to walk in formation and carry spears. He had always wondered why they insisted on using them. Ponies couldn't use spears effectively like the Griffins or Minotaurs. Sure, a unicorn with magic could throw a spear but pegasi and earth ponies could normally only point them menacingly, which he found laughable at best.
He focused on the young captain as he stood directing the Crystal Guard through marching drills. While he was thankful for the unicorn’s part in freeing their country, he found it infuriating that a colt half his age took his position from him, leaving him to walk repetitive rounds around the city. The new Crystal Prince lacked experience, and while he claimed he got his position in the Canterlot Guard on his own merit he had his doubts. After all, he had been dating the Celestial Sisters niece long before he became a guard, and one couldn't help but wonder if that contributed to his position. Then there was the fact he ordered that they cease with their training exercises. Apparently he and his wife thought they were too ‘barbaric’ and ‘dangerous’. Of course, without that difficult training the Crystal Guard wouldn't be able to survive in the tundra or the horrors that lay hidden within it.
“Pst, Sir Amethyst?” He turned to see a pony in full winter gear, which included an eye shield and a full face wrapping.
“Yes?” He asked warily, eyes traveling up and down the unknown pony.
He was hooved a piece of parchment from the disguised individual before the stranger took off onto a side street.
Amethyst watched the pony disappear into the city, before he turned his violet colored eyes to the rolled up piece of parchment. He slowly unrolled it, as if it could be some sort of trap.
“We are free of that cursed unicorn, but at what price?"
Everyday more and more Crystal ponies are put out of work as more and more Equestrians settle into our country, and abuse the so-called “Harmony Preservation” law to get rid of competition. How many of ‘our’ ponies will be put out of work, while the Equestrians grow fat from our taxes and labor? They even have the gall to call our practices and traditions inferior, and then try to force their traditions onto us. They denounce our Winter Solstice celebration, which marks the victory against the elk, and then try to make us celebrate the holiday known as Hearths Warming eve, which is done in memory of their country’s founding. They take away our mead and literature, saying it is in the name of harmony and peace, but then jail innocent Crystal ponies because they protess and refuse to let go of their heirlooms that ‘threaten’ harmony. I ask you, how may of our ponies have lost their businesses and lively hood to these trespassers? How many of us have gone to the alicorn known as Cadence to protest what is happening to our home, only to be told that she has ‘our best interests at heart and that she is only doing what she think is best’?. It is time we take back our independence. No tyrant or alicorn shall take away who we are and control our destiny!!!
Signed the true ruler of the Crystal Empire,
Virtuous Ward”
His eyes widened when he read the last part. He had assumed that Virtuous Ward was imprisoned and killed by King Sombra. The Equestrians also supported this, claiming that they had found his body in the Catacombs below the palace. That was why the Sisters put Cadence and Shining Armor on the throne in the first place, but if this was true then they had no right to the throne.
“Not like they had it anyway.” He thought, jaw tightening.
He looked at Shining Armor as his wife greeted him on the field. Could he really overthrow the stallion and mare who freed his country from Sombra?
He then looked at a unicorn Canterlot Guard who was escorting a young Equestrian to a home located nearby. He watched as the Guard barged into the home. A shout and scream could be heard, and then the guard came out with a painting depicting Spartacus bloodily killing another gladiator, and a few other tomes, no doubt containing ‘banned’ literature.
He made his decision as he looked at the crude map on the parchment.

Macaroons, bootlegging, and spice

Equestria
Canterlot Castle
West Tea Room
6:00pm
After another long period of discussion and debate with Ivo and Shujaa, Celestia and Luna collapsed into their sitting cushions. While the middle aged grey diamond dog was polite and complimented the vegetarian dishes they served, the Zebra just glared at them with a look normally reserved for enemies.

"What does thou think sister? The diamond dog was most polite and kind. But the zebra likely has a grudge against us and our ponies.” Luna says as she sips her Arabian tea.

Celestia sighs, and nods in agreement before looking down. “I can hardly blame him; the nobility took advantage of the famine that caused the Zebrican kingdom to collapse so they could get better trading rights. I couldn’t even tell you what the kingdom truly fell. By the time I had learned about it was too late, and any measures I could have used to prop up a new government were unusable without council approval.” she says sadly

Luna shakes her head. “Why did you allow the nobility to have so much power in the first place sister? Didn’t you remember Starswirl's teachings? One can never trust the nobility”, Luna says as she starts to refill her cup.

Celestia nods. “When I had to banish you to the moon I was burdened with the fallout. Crop failure, famine, economic collapse, and even parasprites swarmed our lands! I couldn’t do it alone, so I chose the most noble of families. I was young, and forgot that even the most noble families can fall into disgrace. Now they use their power to keep their bloated businesses afloat. As time went on they expanded their control over Equestria, practicaly holding them hostage if they didn’t get their way. As their companies continued to grow, enchanted goods became more and more expensive. Never mind the almost criminally mismanaged Cloudsdale Weather Corporation... I thought that by centralizing weather production I could lower the overall prices but instead the Pegasi took control and now nearly 73 percent of Pegasi are directly employed by it! Never mind the percentage who are indirectly employed by it. Now that the gryphons have gone into isolation, chasing the weather patrol back over the border, wehave a massive surplus of weather patrol employees soaking up retirement and unemployment benefits all at the cost of the crown. It doesn’t help that after we discussed our open trade agreements that Organized Labor tried to discuss irrigation prices for the Zebra’s new farms, only for Shujaa and Ivo to look at the document and laugh in his face, telling him that they had no need for such a ridiculous expense when mechanical irrigation is cheaper and more efficient. He already is trying to get me to outlaw such a practice in Equestria! Don’t get me started on how he wants me to force them to outlaw it in their own country!” she huffs.

Luna's eyes widen “Surely you said no sister! Such machines could save our farming population; perhaps it’s time we look at alternatives? Tradition is one thing, but what good is it when our own ponies are starving? Even if such a thing sounds ridiculous, as rulers we must look at all options.” She looks at her sister, who still seems unsure. “My own guard has also told me about the changes that have already taken root in Zebrica. It seems that the Britanians as they are called have an extremely mechanized way of life and a very different system of justice. While I myself may not agree with how they treat prisoners, it seems to be far more effective than just throwing a law breaker in a dungeon to rot. From what I have learned, the prisons are run with the expectation they make a profit, rather than acting as a hole one throws bits into. The idea of education acting as a method for rehabilitation is an interesting idea on its own”, she says, looking at her sister.

Celestia gets up and looks around the room, filled with the finest furniture and a tea set that could be traced back to their own parents. ”I’ve already agreed to let them trade openly. It would be unrealistic to believe I could keep such a thing away from Equestriaa Earth ponies, already many have gone missing and the amount of bootlegging in Equestria has reached dangerous levels as more and more farmers find that breaking our prohibition laws are the only way for them to stay afloat. With tensions as high as they are trying to ban such a device would force our largest ethnic group to revolt! I don’t need to remind you what happened when the unicorn's earth pony serfs revolted. Even today unicorns have never fully recovered; the inbreeding required to bring their kind back to a sustainable level...” She shakes her head sadly “The unicorns won but even today they still feel the effects”

Luna just nodded. “But what of the pegisi who will lose their jobs? We can no longer afford to act as the Weather Corporation’s safety net. We will have to publish a new locked budget instead of the normal flexible budget we use to help them cover their bloated employment. Then there's the tools they showed us. Their streamlined design and rugged construction alone will likely hit our economy hard, but its our only hope to break the nobility’s hold on the country. I also worry about these self-defense items they talked about, but I suppose I can’t fault those who need more then hooves to defend themselves.” She says, knowing that they may in fact be damming a way of life to extinction.

Celestia nods. “The first large trade caravan is heading to Ponyville….now where are those chocolate macaroons we were given by Ivo?”

Equestria
Ponyville
Barnyard Bargains storage
10:00am
Big Macintosh sat at the table with Ponyville's top dealers. They worked in everything, from bootlegging to the sale and production of Everfree Spice. He tried to ignore his fears of what his parents would think, and looked around the store room. Besides the large round table in the center of it all where he was sitting there was little to look at in the dimly candle lit room; there was nothing more than barrels, baskets, and a few nearly empty crates (undoubtedly filled with Equestrian nobility made goods that no pony could afford), all stacked neatly on old wooden shelves that lined the room's oak walls. He then turned his attention to the ponies around the table, consisting of the Flower trio (Ponyville's Spice dealers), Carrot Top (head of the movers), and finally the one who kept them all out of legal trouble, Filthy Rich. Of course, there were many others in town, but they all stood in the center of it all. All that they were waiting for was their new trade partner. After hearing about the regime change in Zebrica they saw a chance to expand to their market to new consumers and merchants. After the strange trade caravan had arrived in town they left a note on the female diamond dog's door at the inn, believing her to be in charge of it all. They weren’t even sure if she got the note but this was a chance they couldn't afford to lose. That’s when they heard the knock on the back door. Bulk Biceps opened the slot on the door, and peered at the visitor.

“Chancellor Puddinghead” was heard quietly; Bulk nodded and unbolted the door, letting in the Belgian Malinois Diamond Dog into their little hide out. She was different from the local diamond dogs, being at around their height, maybe a bit shorter, and lacking the hunched over gorilla appearance that they normally had, instead being slim with just a little curve. She wore a simple grey dress with boots and a strange leather hostler with a metal device in it.

“I take it you’re the group of ponies who left me this note” she pulls out the crumpled up note from her dress and shows it to the group. They nod and Fancy gets up.

“Why yes. As you can see me and my associates have gotten word of the changes down south and wanted to take advantage of the new markets for our products” he smiles, pulling out a chair at the table for her to sit at.

She moves over, sitting down on the old chair, before smoothing out her dress and smiling “Figured as much. I can tell from the meeting place, the smell, and the fact that those three mares have irritated eyes that you want to sell me drugs, and based on the smell of the red stallion you are also bootleggers.” She smiles at their shocked expressions. “As a member of my nation's trade guild I have to be able to spot these things. Now can I see them? After all a good merchant never buys before they see the merchandise.” Fancy nods to Big Mac and the Flower trio as they place samples of their product on the table, Carrot waringly eyeing the Diamond Dog.

As the Diamond dog looks over the goods she recognized the blue powder they called Spice as the same recreational drug that is used in Zebrica, and if she remembered right it was extremely expensive since the blue flower that was used to make it was difficult to find. It also didn’t help that in its unrefined state it was known to cause strange and comical effects on those unlucky enough to walk through a patch of them.
She said “So I heard that many of you are feeling the pinch of the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation's latest increase in price. What if I said I had a solution to your problems? Something that you could all pay for with your services, along with the tools you would need to defend yourselves from those who may not like the latest changes.” They all lean forward. “On my wagon I have some samples that you all could try, with only a down payment of your products hidden away in some produce and preserves crates.” They all nod, looking forward to their future working together. “Also, please call me Anna.”

Equestria
Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acers
3:00pm One week after the Agreement
Big Macintosh helped Anna and her little Zebra colt assistant finish installing the pumping engine onto the foundation they poured using concrete that was also supplied by them. He couldn’t help but smile when he and a number of other farmers delivered their three day notices to town hall several days ago, serving as a big screw you to the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation. It also made him happy that Filthy had notified his old business partners in Canterlot that he wouldn’t be purchasing any more enchanted tools since after he purchased Anna's crates of farming tools. They had flown off his selves after some very convincing reviews from Sweet Apple Acres and Filthy himself, never mind how cheap they were compared to enchanted goods! Before one would have to scrimp and save every bit they had to buy a new plow; now you could get three after only a week or so of saving.

Big Mac relaxed once the last of the bolts were driven into the foundation and it was connected to the metal pipe. The pipe further connected the machine to the new irrigation system that was built directly into their orchard's. He was thankful that his sister was out of town and his granny spent most of her time sleeping in the house. It was at that moment her heard the flapping of wings. He turned around to see an annoyed blue Pegasus.

“Can I help you Rainbow?” he looked at her as she landed in the secluded orchard.

“Haha, I got your joke. Now mind telling me why you and basically every farmer in Ponyville thought I would be funny to send in notices of cancellation to the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation? It may be funny to you farmers, but I'm the one who has to come and clean up this mess! So what's all this? One of Twilight's latest inventions?” She asks. Big Mac sighs and she narrows her eyes at the female Diamond Dog who’s currently resting against a tree.

“Well I was just about to start it up, and I suppose you’ll see” he says, taking the metal can of petrol and pouring it into the engine's fuel tank. He then moved to open a few of the valves, and grasped the pullout handle on the flywheel. He started to crank until the engine snarled to life. Waiting a few moments to let it heat up before opening the large valve connected to the well, he trotted back to Rainbow somewhat glad that he decided to build it on a hill that overlooks the orchard.

“What am I supposed to be-” she spoke up ,before she saw water being sprayed all over Sweet Apple Acres all at once. “Whaaaa..."

“It wasn’t a prank Rainbow, the notices were genuine. You’re looking at your replacement. It was much cheaper and I don’t have to pay it by the hour” he said, adding some venom to the last part, annoyed that he had to pay for her laziness.

“Hehe...that’s a good one Mac…..now how about we stop joking aroun-“ the stern glare told her to stop, and that’s when her own blood started to boil “You can’t do this! Your family has been using CWC since your granny settled here!!” she shouts.

He shook his head “And look where it got us; debt, loans, and lazy Pegasi that make others pay for their naps when all they have to do is take a few seconds to move some clouds. Well guess what, your laziness is no longer being tolerated in Ponyville and we sure as the suns on Celestias flank aren't going to pay for your company’s mismanagement anymore.” He glares at her. “Since we no longer use your sevices, I’m going to ask you leave.”

She snorted “No machine can replace Pegasi. You'll see...Cloudsdale won’t stand for this. At least the crown will cover us till you ground pounders come to your senses” she flies off angrily. As Big Mac watches her fly off, he wonders how long it will be until she finds out Canterlot's new locked budget meant that Cloudsdale wouldn’t be able to cover unemployment benefits.

Author's Note

Im sure this chapter will produce a few interesting comments, I hope to hear what you all think. How will the new goods that are entering Equestria effect the delicate balence that was established in Equestria by the three tribes? How will celestia and Luna react to it all? What about Big Macs sisters and Granny Smith? Or that mane six for that matter?