The New Equestrian Republic

   A earth pony sat quietly observing a rather uninteresting rock. Despite it's appearance, the pony was smiling as wide as was possible, his eyes bulging and flicking about. The rock was inside a glass container, and surrounded by a magical field. The field was produced by a gem, as the earth pony could not generate it on his own.

   The pony turned away from the rock to gaze at another stallion, and cackled horribly.

   "I think this will work just fine, Roussan."

   Roussan kept a blank expression, always serious and calm.

   "It will be needed within the next week, Professor," said Roussan.

   The professor somehow smiled even wider, and cackled ever darker.

   XXXX

   Imagine you're a young foal, left on the streets in Canterlot. Everypony who passes by your alley looks upon you in disgust, thinking about what a filthy street rat you are. You meet others in the streets, befriend them. You witness some die of starvation or disease. You watch the Royal Guard come to take your best friend away, because he's a changeling. You wonder if they killed him, or locked him up somewhere. You wonder if he joined Crysalis and died fighting for freedom.

   Then you meet an old stallion, who cares for you and raises you, and teaches you the most wonderful truths. He speaks of change, of revolution. Of a new age, not just for ponies, but all creatures who live under the Sun of the tyrant. He promises such wonderful things as choosing a leader, and governance of each community of itself. He speaks of knowledge through logic and reason, not the word of a Princess. He speaks of solidarity, and unalienable rights, and.....freedom. Then you would be like me.

   This was what Voltaire thought as soared over the Everfree, flying back towards the NER's community. It was originally a strange place controlled by a madmare named Starlight Glimmer, but recently had become a haven for political radicals and artists. It had an elected council, constitution, and was pretty much the least restrictive place in all of Equestria. Anarchists, republicans, pessimists, optimists, changelings, griffins, zebras, pretty much anybody was welcome there. The only real rules were a ban on hard drugs (poison joke was okay though) and permission was required from the council to build a house. When you entered, as long as you were 15 (or were at your respective species equivalent age), you could vote for council members and in direct consensus assemblies.

  The best thing about this, Voltaire thought, was the conglomeration of ideas. The NER operated out of a large warehouse on the west side of the village, and the Church of Celestia's Disciples operated across the street from them. Voltaire certainly didn't agree with those believers, but he felt pride that such a wide variety of ideas were allowed to flourish here.

   He landed right outside the NER's warehouse. A group of zebras were vaping some magical herb of theirs, and looked very stoned.

  "Hey, Volt, wanna puff?" one asked, and Voltaire respectfully declined. Whatever Roussan needed probably wouldn't require being high.

   As he entered, he saw the usual stuff going on. A councillor was discussing plans for a new sewage system with an NER official. The council commonly went to established groups around town to assist in building projects. Other ponies walked around the warehouse, which doubled as a market. While the NER officially advocated capitalism, the large number of anarchists in the village had prompted them to establish a free market. It was operated by anarchists, as the NER didn't know much about their philosophy.

   Voltaire trotted to a door at the end of the room, which led to the official NER headquarters. Roussan was waiting on the other side.

   "Voltaire! Good, I just arrived from a meeting. Now," Roussan put his hoof around Voltaire and steered towards a table piled with political documents, "We can agree that Celestia is corrupt, and that she must be dethroned. But, she is immortal. The only way to dethrone her is-"

   "To kill her, yes, yes, I know," Voltaire grimaced, "The only times I think taking a life is acceptable is when your own survival depends on it, and this instance here. I'm not saying death is good, never. Perhaps Celestia's immortality could benefit all creatures, I don't know," Voltaire paused, and looked hard at Roussan, "But it can't. She is one immortal ruling over mortal subjects. Luna, and the other royals, just her puppets. But Celestia? She has to die. Sad, but true."

   Roussan looked at him, with a strange expression, "And what would you say....is the best method to use?"

   Voltaire sighed, "Well, the kindest would be a painless poison. Untraceable, of course. An investigation would immediately be mounted, but the other Princesses just don't carry as much weight as Celestia. Equestria would be in chaos, to be tamed by democracy."

   Roussan bowed his head, and walked over to Voltaire, looking him deeply in the eyes, "You said some time ago, that action was the only real way to revolution."

   "I did."

  "Alright then, well," Roussan smiled, "Let's go assassinate a tyrant."

XXXX

   "Its a very troubling revelation, your Highness," said Artemis, reporting on the discoveries his Gaurds made spying on the NER, "This village, Princess Sparkle said it was peaceful, but it's full of radicals. There's actually changelings there, loyal to Crysalis! And-and ponies, loyal to Discord! Anarchists I say!"

   "Calm down, Commander Artemis," said Celestia, "Slowly, please."

   Artemis too a deep breath.

   "My men tracked the NER to the town formerly ruled by Starlight Glimmer. After the Elements freed the town, it became a haven for refugees, outcasts, and extremists. We have found several disturbing groups stationed there, including a small hive of changelings loyal to Queen Crysalis and a group of anarchists. Some of their statements advocate violence and/or revolution. Strangely, there are those one the opposite side of the spectrum. The Church of Celestia's Disciples worship you as a deity. The NER, too, is rather tame. However, many members who we questioned (posing as other members, of course) shared concerns about Roussan, their leader. They seem to think him dangerous. This is partially due to claims of his advanced knowledge and use of mechanical devices and materials. We have not been able to verify these claims," Artemis paused for them to consider his words, "I propose an immediate occupation of this town by the Royal Guard and the Wonderbolts. Some of the larger organizations, such as the NER, will simply relocate, but the most dangerous ones will be taken down."

   Celestia and Luna said together, "Do it."

   Blueblood leaned forward, "Don't forget to have a comprehensive report sent to my desk. Well need to analyze which groups will relocate and whether or not to label them dangerous," he turned to Celestia, "I'll go to Clousdale to royally request the Wonderbolts."

   "Alright," Luna clapped her hooves, "That was easier than I thought."

  XXXX

   It was in the headlines next morning. "Equestria Takes Down Alarming Number of Terrorist Cells". Voltaire slammed his paper on the table, looking ready to tear someone's muzzle off.

  "This is bullsh-" he started.

  "It shall be resolved, Voltaire," said Roussan.

  All members of the NER were being scanned for criminal backgrounds. Voltaire had a couple of theft charges from when he was homeless, but the Guard let him go. Most other members were alright, too, but they all got fined for "inaction among terrorists". Like the Gaurd wasn't terrorizing their homes. That was the only place changelings were free! Where everyone was free! Voltaire's face screwed up even angrier.

  "THIS IS BULLSH-"

  "Calm done!" Roussan said sternly, "We need only relocate to our base in Canterlot. And you know what we'll do in Canterlot."

   "Soon, it will all be over, Voltaire."