Chapters 2 The Referendum
Sunday
All the ponies were getting letters in their mailboxes about the referendum. Some ponies showed support for the support for the EPD act and some were against it. Rallies were held in support of the act all over Equestria and most were interfered with protests, most being in the Eastern cities. The division Equestria is going through is harsh but it's better to let the citizens decide what's best for their nation.
In Baltimare it wasn't very pleasant. The ponies were mostly against this new bill and have shown strong resistance to the EPD Act.
"We must not let our beautiful town become a military waste land. With this act military defense would flood our streets. Ruining the peace we have here in Baltimare!" The Mayor said at one of the rallies against the Act.
The crowd cheered as he gave his speech.
In Ponyvillie it's just the opposite, most ponies show great support in this new bill.
"With this new EPD Act, Equestria can stop an attack before it even starts!" Princess Twilight said at a rally in favor for the bill.
The crowd cheered at the Princesses speech while chanting "EPD! EPD!".
In the rural areas of Equestria not much was going on to indicate if these ponies were for or against the bill.
Advertisements appeared in the mail the same day. Some ads saying "Vote No on the EPD Act and stop wasteful military defense that we do not need. Preserve Equestria's natural beauty!"
Others saying "Vote Yes and we will keep Equestria safe and happy!
Back in Ponyvillie the Mane 6 were also discussing the bill.
"I agree with this act and all but why do we need so much? I feel like we're overreacting a bit" Applejack said.
"But Applejack would you want another invasion? Or another magic problem developing right under our noses and not know?" Twilight replied.
"Yeah, I reckon you're right." Applejack said.
"Tensions sure are high around Equestria, so how do you plan to reunite everyone once this is all over?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight.
"I'm not too sure but I'm sure things will turn out to be okay in the end!" Twilight said with a nervous smile.
"You alright sugar cube? You seem quite nervous." Applejack asked Twilight.
"N-no not at all! Everything is great, just great"
Twilight said nervously.
"Are you sure about that?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight concerned.
"-sigh- Ok so maybe I'm a little worried about what will happens with the ending results, what if we loose the referendum? All hope is lost!" Twilight said.
"Let's not worry about that, be confident we'll win, and even if we don't it doesn't mean all hope is lost." Rainbow Dash said to Twilight.
"You're right, we can do this! And no matter what we have each other." Twilight said.
Monday
Today is the day the ponies decide if the EPD Act will be law, or be rejected. The polls first opened at 9:00am and so far the crowds were showing up in record numbers. From east to west ponies showed up to the polls. The polls would remain open untill 5:00pm and the votes counted the following day.
As ponies waited in line, some ponies handed out flyers to the crowd of last minute advertisements of Pro-EPD and Anti-EPD ads.
As the day went on more and more, more ponies showed up to the polls. Most did not want to disclose what they were for but for those who did were very loud about it.
At 5:00pm the polls closed but the line was so long the polls remained open an extra half hour for the ponies already in line.
After the polls officially closed the votes were stored somewhere safe before they were to be counted.
Tuesday
The polling ponies got to work on counting all the votes. After the counting is finished they are to deliver the results to Canterlot and the final tally will be held there.
After a long day of counting the votes, the results were delivered to Canterlot. After the results were delivered by city, it was time to count for a nation-wide tally.
The ponies waited anxiously before the results came in all over Equestria. The crowds started to gather at the Capital for Princess Celestia's announcement of the results.
In the meantime Twilight was getting ready for the announcement results as she would have to sit up there with Celestia.
"Oh I hope this goes well." Twilight said.
"Don't worry about it, everything's going to be alright." Fluttershy said comforting her.
"Don't worry darling you look fabulous!" Rarity said about her looks as she was getting ready.
"Oh wait you weren't taking about you, are you?" Rarity said embarrassed.
"No! I'm talking about the referendum. If this goes wrong, Equestria could be in danger!" Twilight said frantically.
"It's not like we're voting if Equestria exists or not. It's just a bill, and if this fails there are other things we can do to keep us safe." Applejack said to Twilight.
"Princess Twilight, it's time" A Guard said.
Twilight then walked up onto the stage and sat down next to Cadence.
Shortly after, Princess Celestia walked onto the stage holding papers. She put them down on a podium and began with the results.
"Citizens of Equestria here are the official results. I will begin with the cities before announcing the final nation-wide result." Celestia said to the crowd.
Celestia then began announcing the results for the specific polls in cities.
Canterlot:
62.1% Yes
37.9% No
Cloudsdale:
59.8% Yes
40.2% No
Ponyvillie:
73.5% Yes
26.5% No
Appleloosa:
54.7% Yes
45.3% No
Dodge City:
48.9% Yes
51.1% No
Las Pegasus:
42.2% Yes
58.8% No
Vanhoover:
55.3% Yes
44.7% No
Crystal Empire:
51.8% Yes
48.2% No
Rainbow Falls:
40.7% Yes
59.3% No
Manehatten:
23.3% Yes
76.7% No
Fillydelphia:
36.7% Yes
63.3% No
Baltimare:
11.7% Yes
88.3% No
And finally the final nation-wide result is:
51.9% Yes
48.1% No
"The refurendum has passed. The bill will become law. Thank you all for joining us today. Have a good evening" Celestia said before she walked off the stage.
The word spread quickly by mail for the ponies who could not be there. Once the letter went to the Baltimare mayors office, the mayor was in shocked as he read it.
"Wha-What? It's over... we lost? The Mayor said surprised.
"Well sorry sir but that's what the ponies want." Melody said.
"I guess your right" The Mayor said.
"Wait...What the ponies want huh? Melody! Can you show me the results again?" The Mayor said.
The Mayor scans the results very carefully and realizes something.
"Aha! You see there Melody? All the eastern cities voted against it and they voted for it so they get to do what ever they want on our land just because THEY said so? No, we the ponies on the east don't want this." The Mayor said.
"Well I'm sorry sir, we may have power in our own city but they have power to all of Equestria, we still respond to the main goverment in Canterlot, there's not much we can do." Melody said.
"Not on my watch" The Mayor said.
3 The Resistance
"It won't end like this." The Mayor of Baltimare said.
"But there's not much we can do." Melody replied.
"Our ponies voted against it and they still are coming? No." The Mayor said.
"Well, what will you do?" Melody said to him.
"You'll see." The mayor said.
Meanwhile, the EPD Act would take effect in two weeks and while the guards were setting up in Baltimare, they were met with resistance.
"No EPD! No EPD!" The protesters shouted.
One sign read "East Votes Matter." Another reading "The Central shall not decide what's best for the East, the East does" Another sign saying "We said no, and no means no."
The protesters also chanted."Who decides what's best for us? Us! Us! Us!"
During the protest a temporary stage was set up at the sites where military bases are being constructed. A pony got up on the stage and started adressing the crowds.
"We cannot let Canterlot decide what best for the East! WE decide how we run our cities!"
The crowds started cheering.
"Celestia does not get to dictate what we do with our land! This is our land! Not hers!" She said on the microphone.
The crowds cheered and chanted. "No more Celestia! No more Celestia!"
Meanwhile the mayor was heading north to Fillydelphia and Manehatten to pickup the mayors of those cities.
After he gets the two mayors he fills them in on what's going on.
"Not this again... didn't we do this already and got a referendum and now look where we are." The Manehatten Mayor said.
"This is different, Celestia needs to know that we denied this and we should have to go through this because Central Equestria said so." The Baltimare Mayors said.
"He has a good point, are you sure this will be different this time?" The Fillydelphia Mayor said.
"I'm pretty sure but not certain, but it won't hurt for trying." The Baltimare mayor said.
The train arrives in Canterlot and at the train station while protests were going on against the EPD. Protesters were denied entry into the castle.
"Excuse me sir, we're the mayors of Baltimare, Fillydelphia and Manehatten so can we be let in? We need to speak with Celestia" The Baltimare Mayor said to the guard standing at the door.
"No." The guard replied.
"Why not? We met her a week ago just fine!" The Mayor said back.
"For the safety of the Princess we are not letting in any pony at the time." The gaurd said.
"But we just need a quick word! Don't we get to meet our leaders anyway? We're part of her government!" The mayors said.
"Ok, let me see what I can do." The gaurd said as he entered the castle.
"Deja Vu" The Manehatten Mayor said.
"Ok ok, we've done this before but this time it will be different!" The Baltimare Mayor said.
"The princess will see you now" The Guard said.
"Even more Deja Vu" The Manehatten Mayor said as he entered.
The mayors entered the thrown room but something seemed off. More guards were present and Celestia seemed a bit unhappy.
"What can I do for you?" Celestia said.
"We are here in behalf of the hundred of thousands of ponies of the eastern cities, who opposed the bill yet it still became law." The mayor said.
"Ok listen, you are in Equestria and therefor you listen to my rules and my rules only, you cannot complain about everything that you disagree with, and that's that." Celestia said with an annoyed tone.
"But your highness we..." He was interrupted.
"Enough, it's time to go." Celestia said while signaling the guards.
The mayors were escorted outside the castle and left the train station. During the train ride back home the mayors were upset.
"Unbelievable! Did she really just say that?" The Baltimare Mayor said angrily.
"Your right, who does she think she is to dictate what we can and cannot do." The Fillydelphia Mayor said.
"I guess that's it then, we're going to have to deal with this new law." The Manehatten mayor said.
"No we won't, it's not over." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"How could we stop the law from effecting our land?" The Fillydelphia Mayor said.
"Well, there is one way." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"And what is that?" The Fillydelphia Mayor asked.
"We could leave Equestria all together." The Baltimare Mayor replied.
"What? How could we possibly do that!" The Manehatten Mayor said in disbelief.
"Yeah, we're a part of Equestria permanently, we can't change that." The Fillydelphia Mayor said.
"Let me see what I can do." The Baltimare Mayor said.
The train then arrives at Baltimare and the Baltimare Mayor steps off while the rest of the mayors remain onboard to go to their cities. Once off the trains the Mayor immediately heads to his office. The Mayor arrives at his office and goes to Melody.
"Melody!" The Mayor said.
"Yes, sir? Melody replied.
"Find me the Constitution of Baltimare please." The Mayor asked.
"Right away sir! Just let me go into the archives." Melody replied while walking out.
"I really hope this works." The Mayor mumbled to himself. "We can't take this anymore."
"I found it sir!" Melody said while handing it to the Mayor.
"Alright, thanks Melody." The Mayor said while grabbing the Constitution.
The Mayor began to read the Baltimare Constitution.
"Pardon me for asking but, why do you need the Constitution?" Melody asked.
"I'm trying to find a way to secede from Equestria." The Mayor replied.
"What? That's pretty extreme." Melody responded in shock.
"Well desperate times call for desperate measures." The Mayor said.
"Aha right here! Found it!" The Mayor began reading an article of the Constitution.
"Baltimare shall be a part of Equestria indefinitely and shall not overrule the Ruler of Equestria. We shall respond to the main goverment located in Canterlot without purpose of evasion." The Mayor read with a shock.
"Are you kidding me? Who wrote this! Ugh." The Mayor said.
"Well sir I told you, the Founders of Baltimare declared us apart of Equestria permanently, There's really nothing we can do." Melody said to the Mayor.
"Wait, maybe there is!" The Mayor said while flipping there the pages.
The Mayor stopped at a page titled "Amendments".
The Mayor read the article out loud.
"An Amendment shall be proposed by a legislator or the Mayor. For an amendment to be ratified it must pass a 2/3 vote of the city council and a majority vote of the public.
"Ok! Here we go, there is in fact away to secede!" The Mayor said.
"How is that sir?" Melody asked.
"We can amend the part of the Constitution that declares us a permanent part of Equestria. It's a long shot but we can try. All we need is a 2/3 vote from the city council and a majority vote from the public." The Mayor said.
"It can't be that easy, we still need Canterlot to let us go." Melody said.
"You're right, how could we do that?" The Mayor said.
"You can try and convince Celestia?" Melody suggested.
"That hasn't worked before, we need a new plan." The Mayor said.
"Why don't you first get our amendment first." Melody said.
"You're right, I'll get on that. The Mayor said.
Meanwhile protests remained in the streets against the EPD. The Mayor looked down at the streets from a window.
"Hmm, how are we going to get an amendment." The Mayor said.
While looking down at the crowds he hears the protesters shout. "Get out of our land!" He saw a sign saying "Baltimare is Baltimare not Equestria" The Mayor then had an idea. "Majority vote of the public, huh? If I can get the council to agree then get the public to agree, then we can get the amendment!" The Mayor throught to himself before heading to the city council.
Once arriving at the City council he told them what he had in mind.
"You see here? We can in fact leave Equestria, I just need your help!" The Mayor told them.
"Leave Equestria? Isn't that a little too much?" A council member said.
"I know it might sound far fetched but it's possible! All we need to do is amend this part of the Constitution and that's the first step." The Mayor told them.
"I don't know about this, being independent? Just ourselves?" Another council member asked.
"Trust me on this, our citizens are distraught, they want us gone from Equestria, I just need your approval to move forward. And believe me, I don't think we will be on our own. I also have the Mayor of Fillydelphia and Manehatten with me." The Mayor said.
"Ok we'll think about it and get back to you. You just wait for a moment." The council member asked.
"Ok, thank you." The Mayor said while exiting the council room.
The Mayor waited anxiously at the door waiting for a decision. After half an hour passed. He was called back into the council room.
"Welcome back Mr. Mayor" The council member said.
"Hello, how can I help you?" The Mayor asked.
"We have come to a decision about the Constitutional Amendment." The council member said.
"And what is the decision sir?" The Mayor said.
"We have decided to agree to the Constitutional Amendment, we have a 2/3 vote yes. But we still need a majority vote of the public." The council member said.
"Great! So shall I get started with getting the public to vote?" The Mayor asked.
"Yes, you shall get started." The council member replied.
"Alright then I'll get started." The Mayor Replied as he walked out of the council room.
East-Exit campaign rallies occurred all over the eastern cities all supporting leaving the Kingdom of Equestria.
"We are not represented as much as the central cities and that needs to end now! We decide what's best for our city! Not Canterlot, Not Ponyvillie, Not Cloudsdale, No one but us!" The Mayor said at a rally.
The Mayor needed to get 2,500 signatures to get East-Exit on the ballot. So he went all around the city asking ponies to sign the form.
"Hi, would you like to sign this petition to amend the city's constitution so we can leave Equestria?" The Mayor said as he went up to a pony.
"Uh, sure thing." The pony replied as he wrote down his signature.
"Thank you! Have a great day!" The Mayor said.
"You too." The pony replied.
The word spread quickly around Equestria about the East-Exit campaign. In Ponyvillie the mane 6 reacted to this campaign while sitting in the throne room.
"East-Exit? What in tarnation is that?" Applejack said.
"I'm not too sure but it seems that the Eastern cities want to leave Equestria." Twilight responded.
"But why would they want to do that?" Applejack asked.
"I don't know but we need to go check it out." Twilight said.
"I'll tag along." Rainbow Dash said.
"Oooo ooooo can I go too?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"Sure thing." Twilight replied.
"How about me too?" Fluttershy asked.
"You know what? Why don't all of you tag along?" Twilight said.
"Of course Twilight." Rarity said.
"Alright let's go." Twilight said while exiting the throne room.
The mane 6 then headed to the train station and boarded a train to Baltimare. Once arriving they were shocked at the sites they saw.
"What is going on here!" Twilight said as she looked around the train station.
The train station had all of the Equestrian Flags crossed out and all mentionings of "Equestria" have been crossed out. A sign on the wall said "Baltimare, Equestria". The only remnant of Equestria at the station was the Equestrian flag that flew outside.
"Ok, looks like they are serious about this "East-Exit" thing." Raimbow Dash said.
"Odd, what would make them want to do this?" Twilight asked.
"I don't know but I guess we're about to find out." Applejack replied.
"Ok, first let's head to the mayor's office and see what this is all about." Twilight said as she walked out of the station.
They then headed towards the Mayor office and during their journey they got stopped by protesters.
The protesters started to chant "No more Equestria! No more Equestria!" One protester yelled: "Go back home Equestrian Princess!"
"We are just trying to get to the Mayors office! We don't mean to get in the way!" Twilight yelled.
"Get outta here Princess, no Equestrians welcome here!" One protester said.
The protesters then starting surrounding them but before they got close, Twilight used her magic to teleport the mane 6 away from the crowd. They appeared a few dozen feet away from the crowd and booked it for the Mayor's office.
"What was that all about?" Rainbow dash while flying next to her.
"I don't know rainbow! But we need to find the Mayor fast!" Twilight said out of breath as she and the others ran.
The Mane 6 arrive at the mayor's office and buzz the door.
"Hello? How can I help you?" Melody asked through the speaker.
"Hello, we need to speak to the Mayor ASAP!" Twilight said.
"Who is this?" Melody asked.
"It's Twilight! Ya know, the Princess of Friendship?" Twilight replied.
"Oh sorry, the Mayor isn't here right now." Melody said.
"Do you know when he will be back?" Twilight said.
"I'm not sure but come on in so I can help you out untill he gets back." Melody said.
Melody then pushed a button to unlock the door remotely and let the Mane 6 in.
"What exactly is it that you need to see the Mayor for? Melody asked.
"We need to talk about the East-Exit campaign. Where is the Mayor now?" Twilight said.
"He's at a rally for East-Exit." Melody responded.
"Where is this being held?" Twilight asked.
"The Downtown area." Melody said.
"Ok thank you!" Twilight said as she and the others walked out of the office.
The Mane 6 started to head towards downtown and during the trip they were signs everywhere advertising the East-Exit campaign.
"This is so weird, why is this even going on?" Twilight said.
"Well, I don't know but I'm worried to find out." Rainbow Dash replied.
The Mane 6 then arrive at the rally downtown to see the Mayor speaking at the podium.
"And to conclude, we can make Baltimare better than ever! Vote Yes on leaving the Kingdom!" The Mayor said to the crowd.
The crowd began to cheer and chant "East-Exit! East-Exit!"
The Mayor then stepped down off the stage into the back. The Mane 6 follows him and went backstage as well.
"Excuse me? Mr. Mayor, we need to talk." Twilight said.
"Oh hey, Princess Twilight. What is it that we need to talk about?" The Mayor responded.
"It's about this whole, East-Exit thing. What exactly caused this?" Twilight said.
"Well ya see, after this new EPD Act we have had to give our land so we can look like a military wasteland! It's putting fear into the ponies and not helping! It's just a waste of space and money to put something that isn't needed." The Mayor said.
"Well, ya kinda have a point." Applejack said.
"Mr. Mayor you can't just leave because this silly little thing, we are need protection. So could you possibly call this thing off and let's unite once again." Twilight said with a nervous smile.
"Call it off?..... Well why do you call this EPD off?" The Mayor said annoyed.
"But sir we can't..." Twilight was interrupted.
"Ok that's it why don't you leave? Ok? Just go." The Mayor said in an angry way.
"But Mr...." Twilight was stopped again.
"GO!" The Mayor yelled.
"Ok, we'll go." Twilight says before walking out.
"Come on girls, let's go." Twilight said.
"Ok." They all said sadly.
They then exit the stage and head to the train station.
"But Twilight, what will we do?" Rarity asked concerned.
"Nothing." Twilight replied.
"Huh? Why not?!" Rainbow dash said.
"It won't happen, even if they get a majority vote we will still have to let them go." Twilight said.
"I guess you're right." Rainbow dash said.
"Besides, even if they did successfully left, they wouldn't do anything bad, what could go wrong?" Twilight said nervously.
The Mane 6 then entered the train and went back to Ponyvillie.
Meanwhile the Mayor was back at his office.
"Unbelievable, they want us to call it off?" The Mayor said while pacing around.
"Well, sir it's their decision they do rule over us." Melody said.
"No, no, they can't! We need to hurry and get our Constitution amended now." The mayor said in denial.
"Sir listen, none of that will matter because to leave we need their permission! We can't secede, we need them. It's the law of the kingdom that we need to follow." Melody said.
"A law huh? Well, laws can be broken." The Mayor said with a smirk.
"What do you mean?" Melody asked.
"If it's a law, it can be broken." The Mayor said.
"You're going to break the law?!" Melody said in shock.
"No, not exactly." The Mayor replied.
"Then what?" Melody asked.
"If we can show princess Celestia that majority of our citizens want to leave, she'll have to let us go." The Mayor said.
"Well, I see your point but I don't know for sure if she'll let us." Melody said.
"Worth a shot." The Mayor said.
The Mayor then went downstairs to the mailbox. When the mayor opened the mailed box it has 2 letters. The first letter said "To mayor of Baltimare." The Mayor then opened the letter and read it.
"Dear Baltimare Mayor, This is the Mayor from Manehatten and I have a message for you. The East-Exit campaign here in Manehatten is rather successful and a vote will take place next week as I have gathered enough signatures. Please write me back soon with your updates. Signed, Mayor of Manehatten."
The Mayor then opened the second letter.
"Dear Baltimare Mayor, We have finished gathering signatures and are planning a vote count next week for our secession from Equestria, how's your movement going over there? Signed, Fillydelphia Mayor."
"Oh no I still need to gather signatures!" The Mayor said as he ran out of the office.
The Mayor went to the East-Exit headquarters near downtown and knocked on the door.
The door was answered by a stallion.
"Hello? How can I help you?" The stallion asked.
"It's me the Mayor." The Mayor said.
"Oh the Mayor! Come on in." The stallion said.
The Mayor then walked inside.
"So what brings you in today?" The stallion asked.
"Uh do we have enough signatures yet?" The Mayor asked.
"Yes sir! We've collected the over 20,000 signatures.
"In only a day?" The Mayor asked surprised.
"Yep! The rallys had heavy turnouts and everypony signed the papers as they went in to every rally." The stallion replied.
"Oh wow! So we can now move on to step 2. May I have the boxes of the petitions?" The Mayor asked.
"Oh, sure sir!" The stallion asked as he got the boxes.
They then loaded the boxes in to a cart outside.
"Wow there sure is a lot of boxes." The Mayor said.
"Yep! Sure is, now do you need help bringing them to the city council?" The stallion asked.
"Sure thing! Thanks a lot!" The Mayor replied.
The two ponies then pulled the cart all the way to the city council and unloaded there.
"Thanks for your help it sure means a lot!" The Mayor said.
"No problem." The stallion said.
The Mayor then went up to the city council with the boxes of petitions and entered the room. The Mayor then left the boxes in the hallway as he waited to be called in.
After waiting about 15 minutes the Mayor was called in.
"Hello Mr. Mayor, what can we do for you?" A council member asked.
"I have the required amount of signatures to start the vote." The Mayor said.
"And the petitions?" The council member asked.
"They're right over here." The Mayor said while pointing at the boxes.
"Ok then we have no time to lose, will start the public vote in 3 days." The council member said.
"Ok I will inform the public." The Mayor said as he walked out.
The Mayor then walked out of the council room and to his office.
"Melody!" The Mayor said.
"Yes, sir?" Melody replied.
"I need you to get the word out that a new referendum is occurring in 3 days." The Mayor said.
Yes sir! Right away." Melody replied.
"Things are starting to fall into place." The Mayor said.
Three Days pass and all of the ponies were notified about the new decision. The polls were to be opened at 10am and remain open untill 8pm that evening.
Ponies from all over Baltimare showed up to the new referendum. Majority of the crowd seemed to be for secession but amending the constitution was only the beginning.
After the polls closed the results were gathered and brought to the city council for verification.
After the results were verified the Mayor was too announce it downtown the following day.
When the next day came the Mayor went to announce the results at the stage in downtown Baltimare.
"Ponies of Baltimare, Welcome to the announcement of the results to the Consituitional Amendment refurendum. Now without further ado, let's get to the results." The Mayor said while holding the papers.
"With the choice of leaving Equestria the city of Baltimare has voted:
82.9% Yes
17.1% No
The amendment has been ratified by the people. So we shall now amend the constitution of Baltimare.
The crowd cheered when hearing the results.
"Thank you and have a wonderful day." The Mayor said while walking off the stage.
"Success. Now the Exit forms begin." The Mayor said while waking to the council office.
When the Mayor walked in a pony greeted him.
"Hello Mr. Mayor. The council has been waiting for you." The Pony said.
"Uh sure thing." The Mayor said as he walked.
The Mayor then entered the council room.
"Welcome Mr. Mayor. We have written the Amendment and all we need is your signature to make it law." The council member said.
"Ok sure, hand it over." The Mayor said.
The council member then gave the paper to the Mayor with a quill.
"Here you go sir." The council member said.
The Mayor then read over the paper.
"Baltimare shall be its own independent and sovereign city-state nation." The paper had written on it.
"Pretty short." The Mayor said.
"Well, a little goes a long way." The council pony said.
"Alright here we go." The Mayor said as he signed it.
"Alright! Consider our Constitution amended. We have declared our selves an independent nation!" The council pony said.
"Well, it's not over." The Mayor said.
"This is only the first step in getting full independence from Equestria." The Mayor said.
"Why is that?" The council pony asked.
"Because we still need to deal with Celestia, I know I said we could leave without her permission but technically we still are apart of Equestria untill they recognize us as a country." The Mayor said.
"Well Fillydelphia and Manehatten have Decleared their independence by finishing the referendum so what else is there to do?" The council pony asked.
"Ever heared of the phrase: Federal Law always goes over State law? Even if we break the law and secede anyway we still haven't technically left because of that." The Mayor said.
"Well then what do we do? The council pony asked.
"I'll figure something out." The Mayor said.
The Mayor then left the council room and went to his office.
"Sir, you have a letter." Melody said.
"Huh? What does it say?" The Mayor asked.
"See for yourself." Melody said as she handed the letter to him.
"It's from Celestia." The Mayor said surprised.
"What does it say?" Melody asked.
"That I'm needed in Canterlot at once." The Mayor said.
7 The New Eastern Equestrian Republic
"But why?" Melody asked.
"I don't know but it seems important." The Mayor replied.
"Then what do we do now?" Melody asked.
"I'll head over and see what it's all about." The Mayor said while exiting the office.
The Mayor then walked to the Baltimare train station nervously.
"What do I do? What if I'm in trouble?" The Mayor throught to himself.
"I'm sure it will be just fine." The Mayor throught while boarding the train.
"All aboard for Canterlot!" The train conducter yelled.
The Mayor sat nervously on the seat. "Oh I'm in deep trouble, or maybe not, maybe it's nothing." The Mayor thought to himself.
The train pulled away from the station as he looked out the window.
After a long ride the train arrives in Canterlot.
"Everyone off for Canterlot!" The train conducter yelled.
The Mayor then walked off the train and stepped on to the platform. The Mayor then headed off to the castle where Celestia told him to go.
"Can I help you?" The castle guard asked.
"Yes the princess asked to see me." The Mayor said while showing the guard the note.
"Ah, I see you're the Baltimare Mayor." The guard said.
"Yes sir I am." The Mayor replied.
"The princess told me you would show up, come in." The Guard said while openning the door.
The Mayor then walked in through the door and went to the throne room, on his way up he thought.
"Everything's going to be fine, I hope."
When the Mayor walked into the throne room he was met with a surprise.
All 4 Princesses were in the throne room along with the Fillydelphia and Manehatten Mayors.
"Uh...Hello, you wanted to see me?" The Baltimare Mayor said.
"Yes Mr. Mayor stand over there please." Princess Celestia said while pointing at the other mayors.
"Now Gentlecolts the reason I brought you hear today is to discuss what's been going on the in the Eastern cities of Equestria." Princess Celestia said.
"What about the eastern cities?" The Fillydelphia Mayor asked.
"You all recently passed a referendum to secede from Equestria and form a nation a of your own." Princess Luna said.
"Equestria is supposed to be a land of friendship and uniting. You guys aren't following Equestria's true vision. That's unacceptable." Princess Twilight said.
"Excuse me Princesses but secession may not be in the constitution but realistically this should only be discussed if majority of a place wants secession, and we do. The Baltimare Mayor said.
"Mr. Mayor you are to repeal your city's secession amendment at once." Princess Celestia said.
"No." He said.
"Excuse me?" The princess said.
"We want secession and majority of our cities do also, if this were to stop then you would be going against what the ponies want and that's bad for your image. The ponies wouldn't want a monarch who ignored them and puts their opinions before what they want." The Mayor said.
Celestia sat there with an appalled face.
"Very well Mr. Mayors you may be allowed to secede, if that's what the ponies want." Celestia said.
Princess Twilight looked over at Celestia with a "What the heck are you doing" kind of look.
"Ok then. We indeed will." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"You are all dismissed." Celestia said.
The mayors then walked out of the throne room with a smirk and a confident walk.
"What are you doing Celestia?" Twilight said with a surprised tone.
"They won't survive a day as their own country, trust me they'll come back crawling to us in a week." Princess Celestia responded to Twilight.
The Mayors then boared a train back to Baltimare to discuss the new country.
"So what now?" The Manehatten Mayor said.
"We need to form a government, currency, defense, laws and stuff." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"Where do we start?" The Fillydelphia Mayor asked.
"We start by establishing a government. But not here, let's wait Untill we get to my office." The Baltimare Mayor replied.
The Mayors then waited Untill the train reached Baltimare station. The news could not get out that they've been allowed to secede just yet because celebrating too early never turns out good. The Mayor needed to form a government system that would not collapsed in on it self and could be strong and free.
The train arrived at the Baltimare station and the Mayors headed to City Hall.
"Alright gentlecolts we need to form a government that will be good for the ponies. Melody! Fetch me a book about government systems please!" The Baltimare Mayor yelled.
"Here you go sir, all government systems are in this book." Melody said while handing him a book.
"Ok let's see here gentlecolts." The Baltimare Mayor said while opening the book.
"How about a monarchy?" The Fillydelphia Mayor asked.
"That's the very reason we left Equestria." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"Aha, right here, a Unitary one-party socialist republic." The Manehatten Mayor said while pointing at the page.
"Let's look into it." The Baltimare Mayor said.
The Mayor then went to the section about socialist government systems.
The page read: "A socialist state or socialist republic refers to any state that is constitutionally dedicated to the establishment of socialism. In modern usage, the term "Communist state" is often used in reference to single-party socialist states governed by parties adhering to a variant of Marxism Leninism; however these states officially refer to themselves as "socialist states" or states that are in the process of building socialism, and do not describe themselves as "communist" or as having achieved communism. Aside from the "Communist states", a number of other states have described their orientation as "socialist" in their constitutions."
"Maybe not, it doesn't seem like the ponies have much freedom." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"How about this one, a parliamentary democracy?" The Manehatten Mayor suggested.
"I throught of that before but I want to be able to establish a government that represents ALL the ponies, not just the majority." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"How are we going to do that?" The Manehatten Mayor replied.
"We need to establish a government that we have the power but alter it make it more democratic, but not too democratic." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"How about this? A Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic." The Fillydelphia Mayor suggested.
"That sounds brilliant! We can establish the government on how it best fits the ponies and be a free country!" The Baltimare Mayor said.
"Ok so how are we going to do it?" The Manehatten Mayor said.
"We start by designating a capital." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"Why not Baltimare?" The Manehatten Mayor asked.
"Yeah! Baltimare is the city that started this, and it should be what represents us all!" The Fillydelphia Mayor said.
"Really? Oh wow, sounds great! Now how do we decide a president? A popular vote?" The Baltimare Mayor said.
"What about you saying earlier that you want to represent all ponies? Not just the majority." The Manehatten Mayor said.
"Yeah, what about the smaller towns? They'll never get representation because majority of the population will be in the big cities." The Fillydelphia Mayor said.
"You're right we want a system that speaks for all people." The Baltimare Mayor says.
"How about..."
The Mayor went on about the electoral system for hours Untill the sun came down.
"Then, we write these new rules as our new constitution." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"Alright so we need a political party system." The Fillydelphia Mayor said.
"Ok so first we need a party that is pro-democracy and a pro-federal party." The Manehatten Mayor said.
"I got it! The Freedom party and the Federal party!" The Fillydelphia Mayor pitched in.
"Eh, it makes the right seem like anti-freedom government controlling kind of party." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"How about Democratic Party for Democracy and Republican for Federal Republic." The Manehatten Mayor pitched in.
"Perfect." The Baltimare Mayor said as he wrote on paper.
"Ahhh I get it, Democrat=Democracy and Republican=Republic. I see what you did there." The Fillydelphia Mayor said.
"Alright now that we got the basics down. We now need to have this approved by all of the city councils in the east and then write an Act of Union for all the cities." Than Baltimare Mayor said.
"Alright boys, let's hit the hay and continue tomorrow." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"Ok Mr. Mayor" The Manehatten Mayor said.
"See ya tomorrow!" The Fillydelphia Mayor said.
The stallions the walked out of the office and headed home.
Once the Baltimare Mayor got home he lied in his bed and wondered "I hope this goes well."
The Mayor turned off the light and went to sleep.
It has been 3 days since Princess Celestia allowed the east to secede, however the cities will remain apart of Equestria Untill a Constitution is adapted, a government is formed and an Act of Union to unite the cities into one county.
A separate referendum will be held in the eastern cities outside of Manehatten, Fillydelphia and Baltimare to ask the smaller towns if they want to secede and become a country or remain apart of Equestria. The mayors of Manehatten, Fillydelphia and Baltimare have thrown together ideas for the new constitution and will host a Constitutional convention to officially write a draft with the city council members of all eastern cities.
"Welcome council members of the East, today we gather to create a draft of our new Constitution." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"We have some basic government operations and a political party system. It is time to create a rough draft of the new constitution. Let's make this go swiftly and not let a moment pass us by."
The Mayor took a page and a quill and began taking fast not wasting anytime.
"Ok first a name, what should our country be called? We have 3 options: New Equestria, Eastern Equestrian Republic or Kingdom of East Equestria." The Mayor asked.
"For the 1st option in favor say I."
"I"
"Against say Nay"
"Nay" Slightly louder.
"Ok no for the 1st option. Now we're down to two left so for EER Say One." The Mayor said.
"One"
"For KOEE say Two"
"Two" Slightly quieter.
"So there we have it. We are The Eastern Equestrian Republic." The Mayor said.
"Ok, we have the presidential system done but we need a representive system." The Baltimare Mayor said.
"How about an elected representative for each city." A council member suggested.
"But we already have mayors for each city." The Mayor replied.
"That's not what I mean sir, the mayors would govern each city while separate elected representatives would represent their cities in the capital." The council member replied.
"Good idea there, I saw in a book about government systems a representative system called "The Senate", is that what you are implying?"
"Yes sir I am." The council member replied.
"Good, and better yet we'll have the elected representatives make laws of the land." The Mayor said.
"Ok now where will the representatives meet?" The Mayor asked the members.
"I know!" A council member yelled.
"And who are you?" The Baltimare Mayor said.
"Venus Flare, council member of the Fillydelphia city council."
"Ok and where do you suggest they meet?" The Mayor replied.
"We'll build a senate building in Baltimare where the representatives will meet in and make our laws." Venus replied.
"Ok now how big is this building, you know what first of all how many senators are we going to have anyway?" The Mayor said.
"How about 1 per city?" Venus suggested.
"That would be too small and that one opinioned pony could represent an entire city I think not, maybe we should have more per city." The Mayor replied.
"Let's go with two." Venus pitched in.
"Sounds good each other will keep the other pony in check, alright next article." The Mayor said swiftly.
"Ok we have a Senate now how do we pass a law from it. How to pass a law, anypony?" The Mayor said.
"We can have the Senators do a majority vote and pass it on to the president." A member suggested.
"I like your idea but one thing a majority vote is bad because 51% can determine the other 49%'s fate and that is wrong so we must have more required." The Mayor said taking fast like an auctioneer.
"How about 2/3?" A council member said.
"Sounds good so almost everyone has to agree on a bill if it is to be passed, now after the senate has passed it shall go on to the president and they shall sign or veto the bill. Now next ariticle, we need an election system." The Mayor said quickly.
"A majority vote of the citizens." A council member pitched in.
"Like I said before Majority votes are bad especially in this case because the 3 big cities that dominate in population would decide every election. We need a system that will give a voice to each and every city." The Mayor said.
"We can have a voting system that official government ponies would cast votes to a candidate that won their citie's majority vote." A council member proposed.
"I like the way you're thinking but there is a flaw, the big cities now would have an equal say as a small town and even if a large majority in a nationwide popular vote is won it is possible for that candidate to not win and that is undemocratic so I suggest giving a little more voting power but not too much to the bigger cities to avoid that from happening. Good, now next article." The Mayor said in a rapid manner.
"How long should a president stay in office?" The mayor asked.
"2 Years." A council member said.
"Ok, for those who agree say I." The Mayor said.
"I"
"Now those against say Nay"
"Nay" Heared slightly louder.
"The Nays outweigh the I's so next." The Mayor said.
"4 Years" A council member shouted.
"Agree say I." The Mayor said.
"I"
"Against say Nay"
"Nay" heard slightly quieter.
"Ok so 4 years, now how many terms should a president be limited to." The Mayor said.
"Two." A council member suggested.
"Alright two, sounds good any objections?"
The room remains quiet.
"Ok moving on." The Mayor said.
The Fillydelphia Mayor and Manehatten Mayor sat by writing down notes as the Baltimare Mayor wrote the draft.
They continued to create the rough draft untill sundown. After which the rough draft was completed and is to be sent for ratification. For the constitution or any amendment to the constitution to pass it must be ratified by 3/4 of the cities of the east.
The three Mayors went to dinner at a restaurant and discussed an election of the first president.
"Ok so you guys running for President?" The Manehatten Mayor said.
"Are you?" The Baltimare Mayor said.
"Nah, I'm good being the Mayor." The Manehatten Mayor replied.
"You know, I think it should be you." The Fillydelphia Mayor said to the Baltimare Mayor.
"Me? Really?" The Baltimare Mayor said confused.
"Yeah I think so too." The Manehatten Mayor said.
"Why me?" The Baltimare Mayor asked.
"You started all this "independence from Equestria" thing and you have worked the hardest and are most passionate about this."
"You think I should run? Really?" The Baltimare Mayor said in shock.
"Yes!" Both Mayors said.
"Ok, I'll do it!" The Baltimare Mayor replied.
"Ok you shall start when it is time for the election." The Manehatten Mayor said as the Mayors left the restaurant.
1 The Address of Representatives (Prologue)
"After the recent events of the changeling invasion, Equestria's security is at risk. This is on the minds of every pony after the invasion grew right under our noses and no pony ever knew it was coming. We need a way to fight back." These were Princess Celestia's words during an address to the Representatives of Equestria meeting in Canterlot. Every leader from each Equestrian city attended, including Mayor Mare the representative for Ponyvillie attended.
"We've made peace with the changelings but that's not what I'm worried about. I'm worried about more enemies seeing our weaknesses and trying to attack us when we're vulnerable." The Princess stated again.
"That is why we the princesses have decided to add a new program to protect us, The EPD Act or the Equestrian Preparedness and Defense Act. This would protect us if Heaven forbid another attack were to occur but also, prevent attacks before they happen by stopping them before they start." The Princess said.
"Don't we already have defense? Why waste more money on something we don't need. Pfft. That would just waste time and effot that we could put into something else more useful." The Baltimare Representative whispered to the Rep. for Manehatten.
"You're right, what more will this do then the defense we already have in place? We already have the element's what else could we possibly need?" The Manehatten Rep. said.
"Excuse Gentlecolts but could you keep it down I'm trying to hear the Princess's Adress" Mayor Mare said to them.
"This would place guards in high populated areas and stop any suspicious activity. We will also defend our coasts. By placing defense in the eastern coastal cities to secure our border." The Princess said.
"Objection!" The Baltimare Rep. Yelled.
"Excuse me?" Celestia replied.
"Placing guards in random areas wouldn't keep us safe it would be unfair to the ponies and..." He was interrupted.
"There is no debate!" Celestia said with force as she hit her Gavel.
"Mister Representative, this is an address and here is no time for debate." She said with authority.
"This concludes this address and all of you are dismissed" The Princess said.
"The EPD Act are you kidding me?" The Baltimare Rep said.
"This puts ponies at risk more than they help them. This is fear not preparedness." The Manehatten Rep. said.
The Two Stallions headed to the train back to the east coast of Equestria. The Baltimare Rep. arrived in his office frustrated.
"We should at least have a say in this." He muttered to himself.
"That's it!" He thought.
"Melody! Write a letter to Princess Celestia." He yelled to his assistant.
"Saying what?" She asked.
"The Mayors of Manehatten and Baltimare are against this new bill. Could we have a talk? - Baltimare Mayor" He told her to write down.
"I'll get right on it sir!" She replied.
The letter was sent to Princess Celestia but it would take a while to get there. The next day a reply came by the mail pony.
"That was fast." The Mayor said.
The mayor opens it to it saying "Dear Baltimare Mayor, I know how this new Act feels to you and the other Eastern mayors but we simply have to keep our ponies safe. - Princess C."
"What? That's it? Just treats us like we're nothing." He said angrily.
"Why are you so against this anyway?" Melody asked him.
"Because they're using our land! To make our cities an army wasteland for a war that isn't even happening!" He yelled.
"But, what if every pony else agrees with it? You're supposed to represent the ponies of your town, not your own opinions." Melody said to him.
"You're right! That's a great idea! Thank you Melody!" He said while running outside to office.
"Huh?" She muttered confused.
He travels to Manehatten and Fillydelphia rushed and the picks up both mayors and heads to Canterlot without much explanation.
"Where exactly are we going?" The Fillydelphia Mayor said confused.
"The Capital of Equestria" He replied.
"Canterlot? But we were there yesterday for the Princess's address?" The Manehatten Mayor said confused.
"I know" He replied with a smirk.
They arrived at Canterlot and went to visit the princess. They went up to the castle doors and were stopped by guards.
"State your business." The guard said.
"I'm the mayor of Baltimare and I need to meet the princess." He said.
"Ok wait right here." The guard said before entering.
After about five minutes waiting the guard came back outside.
"The Princess will see you now" The Guard guided the 3 stallions.
The mayors walked up to the throne room to meet with the princess.
"What was it you wanted to speak with me about?" Celestia said as they entered the throne room.
"We would like a referendum for this new decision to find out what the ponies want." The Baltimare mayor said to her.
"But we need to protect our ponies" She said.
"But not all ponies agree, so let them decide, maybe they'll pick yes, and maybe they'll pick no, we just won't know until we do it.
"Fair enough, we will schedule a vote to decide if this act shall pass on Monday morning. We shall let the ponies of Equestria settle this." She said.
"Agreed, Monday" The Mayor said as he walked out of the Castle.
