The Takeover

My hotel room, after the concert.

I've always loved politics. Ever since I was able to read I had always kept on top of what was going on in the government and important groups and was always a vigilante of sorts. I'm an anarchist at heart and I try to make a difference in the world through the music I play.

The government has too much power. I mean, the top officials have complete control of the sun and the moon. That's a little more power than I'm comfortable with somepony having. It wasn't but five years ago another princess rose to power. I guess I feel like everypony is capable of controlling their own life. They don't need a government to control them.

I turn on the T.V. and flip to the news channel to see what is happening in the world. Two ponies, one that I recognize as Ponyville's mayor who is running for a position on the Equestrian Council for the Solar Party, arguing with another pony, who I also recognize as the Secretary of the Treasury, who is of the Lunar Party, about the recent Zebrica megaspell deal that the council has thrown forth. The Zebras want us all dead, they even chant things like "death to Equestria" on video. Giving them megaspell's is among the worst ideas that I have ever heard of. Also, from what I can tell, we aren't getting anything from the deal either.

Another thing that has me on edge that has been sparking a lot of controversy is the racism. It isn't just something that I think that racism is a thing but I know it is. A prime example, the United Unicorn Society, also known as the UUS, has a lot of political influence that has grown over the past seven to ten years. There are nine seats on the Equestrian Council. These officials decide what laws are passed, government spending, foreign affairs, etc. Usually, there are three earth ponies, three unicorn ponies, and three pegasus ponies on the council because it's fair. It isn't required that it be that way it just is.

Or was. Up until the UUS got involved with the council, there was the occasional oddity, but it was equal. Now, five of the nine seats are unicorn, two are pegasi, and two are earth pony.

The UUS is a shady society and I don't trust them. When it comes to government there is always something that doesn't meet the eye.

Knock, knock

The sudden knocking at the door pulled me out of my trance. I realized I was completely zoned out and staring at the wall above my TV. "Come in." I shouted.

The handle twisted and the door opened.

Stone, soaking wet and rain pouring down behind him, ran inside and closed the door.

"When did it start raining?" I asked him as I stood up and tossed the remote onto the bed.

He started shaking spontaneously to get the water off of him before answering, "About half an hour ago. You haven't heard the thundering?"

I guess I haven't. My thoughts must have had my full, undivided attention.

"Are you here for what I think you're here for?" I asked him with a smirk.

He sighed with his ears leaning back a little and he stared at the floor. "Yes." He replied nervously.

"Then you know what my answer is, right?"

He looked a little more disappointed this time. "Yeah."

"There are a lot of things in this world to be afraid of, but an air plane is not one of them, Stone."

He scowled. "I know, I know. I just can't help it! The thought of being thousands of feet in the air is very...uncomfortable." He looked up at me. "I don't know how you stand it."

I opened up my wings about half way and turned to the side a little.

"Right..." was all he said.

I thought it kind of funny how someone who acts so tough is scared of heights. I'm a caring friend however, so I don't point it out.

"Breaking News!"

What in the world-

I turned around to see a news reporter in a suit and tie, her blondish mane bouncing to the right as she turned her head swiftly to the camera. "Suspicious activity has been reported in the midst of the Everfree Forest. Nearby residents are hearing reports of yelling and the sound of explosions coupled with strange flashes of multi colored light."

Explosions?

"Explosions?" Cayne basically copied the question I asked myself. He looked over at me with a worried look. "Don't we have to fly over the Everfree Forest tomorrow?"

I motioned towards the TV to get him to be quiet for a second so I could hear.

"Local authorities are not able to determine where in the region it is occurring but they also that they are not concerned as it is out their jurisdiction. The mayor of Ponyville has even spoken on the issue."

The scene reverted into a live video feed from right outside the Forest, Mayor Mare talking into the microphone protruding out from the bottom of the video. "I would like to remind everypony that strange things always happen inside the forest. It's probably nothing other than a more elevated amount of occurrence than usual."

The news reporter from earlier then popped back in to the screen. "Thank you Mayor Mare. Up next, more about how hay salad may not be as good for you as once reported. More on that, after this break."

Then Cayne once again said, "Explosions?"

"See Cayne, you are just making the flight seem worse. There is thought process to fear. It's all inside your head. Instead of letting it control you, control it."

"I guess that's what I'll have to do." He replied, not sounding as full of courage as I wish he was. "Well, I'm going to get out of your mane."

I walked over to the air conditioner and turned it to 68 degrees and then continued over to my bed. "Okay bro," I said as I started to pull my covers back. "I'll see you tomorrow at the air port. I'm tired as hell after today." I looked over at my clock. It reads 1:42. I didn't realize it was so late either but I guess I didn't need to either, I would have plenty of time to sleep on tomorrows all day long flight back to Ponyville. Going home sounds so good right now.

"Alright," he said as he opened the door. "I'll see you tomorrow then." He said nervously. He looked behind the door. I already knew what he was looking for.

"Can I-" he started before I interrupted.

"Yes."

His horn lit up with magic as he levitated the umbrella from behind the door and opens it. The umbrella had Stormborne's logo written on it with lightning making exotic patterns all over it.

"Thanks." he said as he was walking out the door.

"Uh-huh." I replied lazily.

As the door shut behind him, I turned the lights out and jumped onto the bed. I pulled the covers up to my neck.

"Good night." I told myself audibly.