The New Equestrian Republic

Revolutionaries

   "Others look at the Sun and think of the 'glory' of Celestia. But I am a visionary," Roussan said to the gathered crowd of ponies, "I look at the Sun, and I see a great ball of energy, fueling life on this planet. It sickens me to know that one pony has claimed control of it. What right does she have? Power? If power determined rule, we'd be living under a tyrant. Oh wait," Roussan cast a dark tone upon his voice, "We are."

   "Three ponies in Equestria," Roussan shook his head here, "three ponies in Equestria wield the greatest powers known, and they have no right to wield them. Celestia raises the Sun, Luna the Moon, and Twilight Sparkle has the Elements of Harmony, the most dangerous weapon ever. There is no defense against their power, yet it could easily be held by all ponies. Pegasi control weather, Earth ponies, the earth, and unicorns can raise the celestial bodies. I'm not claiming this is a perfect idea. But I would say that it definitely more freedom than ponies could hope for in this current system. Thank you."

   Roussan steeped off stage, greeted by his pupil Voltaire.

   "Excellent, as always Roussan."

   "Thank you, colt. How are the ponies of Equestria reacting to our....radical ideology?"

   "The Prince has made jokes about it. I don't think they take us very seriously."

  Roussan grunted and removed his helmet as he and Voltaire boarded a taxi carriage in the heart of Manehatten.

   "That's another thing about Equestria, Voltaire. The royalty doesn't listen to anybody but themselves. No advisors, no foreign ambassadors, it's just the two royal sisters thinking they can do everything because they have the Elements of Harmony right there to blast anyone that gets in their way."

   "No civil rights are protected, even as the Princess Twilight preaches love and friendship and the importance of respecting other ponies," said Voltaire.

   "Well said, colt, well said. You should write a book," Roussan chuckled dryly and harshly, his age hindering his breathing.

   Voltaire looked at his mentor with an incredibly concerned expression, "Are you feeling alright, sir?"

   "Fine, yes, I'm fine."

  "You know, some political advocates are taking your ideas and saying we should write a constitution for Equestria, and petition the Princesses to ratify it," said Voltaire.

   Roussan didn't answer, but gazed upon the city buildings passing by with malice in his eyes. He turned his helmet in his hooves. A dark and hard expression covered his face.

   "That would never work, for the Princesses would still be ruling. They must be dethroned in order for true freedom to be realized."

    A silence fell between them for a time, as Voltaire pondered these remarks in search of a solution.

   "Roussan?"

   "Yes?"

   "Why do you wear the helmet?"

   "What does that have to do with a constitution?"

   "Nothing. I'm just curious."

   Roussan sighed, releasing tension evident in his face. But his eyes were still cold, and his face red. Anger and rage seemed to be his permanent expression, which was partially why he was so adept at stirring crowds.

   "This helmet is very dear to me. Also, it protects me. While I wear this helmet, no magic, besides those subtle magics of the pegasi and Earth ponies, can affect me."

   "Really?! Wait, how do you preform magic, then?" asked Voltaire.

   "I don't. My power comes from mechanical devices. Industry will trump magic every time."

   Voltaire was silent, rather amazed at this helmet. He had never heard of such an object before. And the talk of industry vs magic was also rather confusing. But Roussan was intelligent, Voltaire reasoned. He could handle it.

XXXX

    Celestia was writing off tax codes when a stack of papers was slammed down in front of her. Luna appeared from behind then, an utterly serious expression on her face.

    "Do you know what these are, sister?" said Luna.

    "What?" asked Celestia.

    "These are transcripts from all speeches by the leader of the New Equestrian Republic, Roussan."

    "I thought we agreed it wasn't that important."

   "Well, we did, but then Blueblood was telling me a bit more about the ideology, and I searched for some books and speeches by these, um, radical politicians," Luna blinked and breathers in what seemed like an ocean of air, "And I was....impressed really, their ideas are incredibly profound!" Luna gnawed her lip and looked away," But.....this one group, the New Equestrian Republic? They're.....insane. Well, maybe not all of them, but their leader is basically a cult leader. He's never said anything horribly wrong, but the way he says some things and the way his followers speak of him is very....disturbing. I think we need to watch out for violence from the NER."

    Celestia quietly looked through the papers with an air of concentration and importance. She set the papers down, and looked at her sister, with a strange combination of urgency, calmness, and fear. Yes, fear, something Luna rarely saw from her sister.

   "So," Celestia said slowly, "do you think they could attempt any......rioting? Burnings or bombings?"

  "Nothing from his speeches indicate so. But a devout cult can-"

  "Can easily justify depraved acts of violence, yes, even if they do not appear to advocate such acts. I think," Celestia straightened up and looked back to the tax codes, "We should allow it to burn out."

   "What?! Why?"

   "Its called freedom of speech, Luna. I have full faith that the Royal Guard can handle any violence and besides, you said yourself, nothing actually indicates that they advocate violence. Most of these speeches are only about how you and I have no right to our power," Celestia looked up, "Not too radical, really."

   "B-but," Luna bowed her head, "I just...I feel like something bad is about to happen. I watch the dreams of some of these guys.....it's not as peaceful as it sounds."

   "I'll..." Celestia paused, and thought a moment, "Why don't we have Blueblood go listen to a few more speeches? He can tell us the energy of the crowd, how radical they really are."

   Luna enveloped the political papers in her magic, and lifted them off the desk. She looked to her sister with satisfaction.

  "Fine. I'll talk to the Prince."