The New Equestrian Republic

Royal Thoughts

   "Politics is a funny thing," said Roussan, speaking to a gathered crowd in Baltimare, "It's based around convincing ponies that this one idea is better than another one, right? Like, should Princess Cadence leaves Equestria to lead the Crystal Empire? But politics also makes several assumptions, based in the hierarchical structure of Equestria and the social ideals of Equestria," Roussan paused, checking to see if the crowd was following his statements, "For example, it is assumed that Princess Celestia, being the 'perfect leader' that she is, should be allowed to control the movement of the Sun."

   "Remember the debate, after Luna's return, where many nobles argued that Luna should not be allowed to control the Moon again, for fear she might attempt to take over again?" Roussan looked over the ponies, many of whom were nodding their heads in agreement, "Another assumption: magic is good. Did you know that in the small town of Ponyville, they still use ancient  Iechniques to clear winter? It takes a very long time too. It's only for tradition. Ponies think that mechanical things, snow plows, for example, can never be as good as magic. Earth ponies work the land with their Earth Pony magic as they always have. There's no progression. Royal Gaurds carry the same weapons they did a thousand years ago. I think the reason, is that the Princesses are the most powerful magically, right? So they don't want anypony to use technology, for fear they could overpower them. Impressive thinking on the Princesses' part, no?" Roussan bowed his head, and  thoughts, whispers, were whizzing like bees among the crowd.

    "Imagine, if you would," said Roussan, "that the Royal Guards used guns. Remember guns? Canterlot University invented black powder, and members of the Royal Guard used it to make a weapon. But no, the Princesses said it was too dangerous. More dangerous than one pony controlling the Sun, which gives us life? During the Changeling Invasion, we could have used guns. And we'd only have to use one bullet, right into the head of Queen Crysalis. The barrier would remain up, and without a leader, the changelings would become scattered. Also, the peaceful changelings would no longer be persecuted, because ponies wouldn't make such a big deal out of the invasion. So many lives can be saved if we take care of crises easily and effectively. But no, technology is 'too dangerous'. Thus, the insanity of Celestia continues."

   Prince Blueblood listened patiently to this speech. He wore no suit, and a hat covered his horn. A dyed plow took the place of his usual cutie mark. A few ponies away, a royal guard member stood, disguised as the Prince was. A trio of guards were hidden on a balcony overlooking the crowd.

   All this in the interest of national security. Personally, Blueblood thought it was a lot of fuss over nothing. It's not like the NER threatened anypony, right?

   Roussan continued with his speech. Blueblood neighed and cursed at a particular point he made. It was stupid, he thought. Sure, cities could take care of themselves, but Celestia had saved Equestria many times over. Who was Roussan to deny her the Sun?

XXXX

  "How'd it go? What did he say?" asked Luna when Blueblood returned.

  Luna, Celestia, Blueblood, and the current Commander of the Guard, Artemis, sat in the throne room, in the middle of a standard Royal council meeting.

   "You have transcripts of all speeches made by Roussan. It was the same as all those," said Blueblood.

   Luna frowned, "What about the audience? Were they violent? Maybe....cult-like?"

  "Well," Blueblood thought for a moment, "Some, yes. Artemis?"

  The Commander Artemis spoke in a highly formal and military voice. He wore an armour similar in style to the previous Commander, Shining Armour, but his was jet black instead of purple.

  "My men who accompanied the Prince report that many ponies attending the speech seemed 'agitated' or 'excited'. They report that about a third of them served time for criminal offenses. Mostly petty crime, thievery, vandalism, that sort of thing."

   Blueblood nodded, "They were strange indeed. A surprising amount of them were actually changelings, or some other species. I believe he's appealing to the oppressed and disadvantaged ponies of Equestria."

   "Yes, but for what purpose?" asked Luna.

   "Some advocates of an 'Equestrian republic' speak of the ratification of a constitution, and a peaceful resignation of the Princesses, if they are to be dethroned. Roussan, however, says that the old system must be completely purged before a new one can be built. Again, he doesn't say how, which leads some to believe he advocates terrorism."

  This line got Celestia's attention, "What? How else would peaceful change be brought about except by a council writing a  constitution, or similar means?" Celestia turned back to Luna, "Alright, you've convinced me. I'll support sending guard members to monitor the NER."

  Luna smiled, "Perfect! What's next on the agenda?"

  "You have to go to a meet the griffin diplomats next week," Blueblood said.

Luna grimaced, "Wonderful. They'll want more aid, won't they?"

"Its hard to rebuild a country after you've lost all the gold," Blueblood turned to Celestia, "Clousdale is requesting funds to open clinics for that medicine that will help young pegasi fly. They've announced a.....97% success rate. The other 3% percent had allergic reactions to the medicine. They developed their flight capability a few weeks later than normal."

   "Sounds alright, I'll sign the budget change over tonight."

   Blueblood nodded, "And Artemis?

   "Yes?"

   "You should begin infiltrating the NER."