"You've come a long way." Paul Goldstein, who was also a changeling, shook hands with the person in front of them, who had once been a woman, and had become a man. Human shapeshifting wasn't nearly as graceful as changeling methods, Paul had learned, but they still wanted it, and would stoop to crude barbarism to get it. He had to applaud their want for such bodily autonomy.

How the other races lived in one frozen form all their lives, he never quite understood. Still, though humans had their desires, their identities were often fractured and uncertain. He had made a living for himself helping coach them, in group and alone, to help them find and get comfortable with their inner self, who they really were, under all the masks, under all the lies.

Of course, he was living a lie. Not a single soul that he spoke to in the last month, longer even, had any idea what he actually was. He was Paul Goldstein, just a guy. He never charged much for his help, he didn't have to. He made a president's salary. Well, he had been a president. He had served faithfully, even without faith, even still living that lie. He had admitted it, in the end... America didn't deserve a false president, and he had made room for President Smith to step in.

But he was still a changeling. Living a lie was not tearing him apart. That was part of their nature... "See you next week?"

"I have no doubt," replied his patient, but he... her? had the wrong voice. No human stood before him, green flames dying away as his former queen rose to her full height. "We have so much to discuss."

"Offering autonomy to those with physical disabilities--" As the news person was going, a headband appeared with pale yellow jewels lined with subtle wires in a combination of magic and technology. "--allow for unicorn-like telekinesis to be had by other species. For safety, and due to battery and power requirements, home models are limited to about ten pounds of force in total. Still, more than enough to grab a box from the top shelf, or for a wheel-chair bound person to interact with their environment far more ably than ever before."

"The first generation is already released as of just last week and is proving to be a hot seller, though its price point can be a cooling point for many. Take heart, many medical insurances can be applied to this if it would normally cover a wheel chair and you have an applicable condition."

Various disclaimers scrolled quickly, urging the viewer to check with their own insurance before trying to buy one.

"In other news, America is visiting the world! Just as the many races of our new world have come to share in the American Dream, American citizens have been going abroad in an increasing rate. Some professionally, to hasten the technological progress of other nations, and others for vacation or even migrating permanently. The world is becoming more metropolitan." A window opened, showing a small eatery in what looked to be a small town, but there were several humans in sight, half a dozen ponies, a yak, and a griffon all in attendance.

"While America retains its usual immigration policies and standards, other nations have displayed quite variable rules. Many simply have none, allowing anyone to move in without a single paper to sign, an offer too good for some. As a reminder, if you do not formally rescind your American Citizenship, you're still an American. Which means you still have to pay taxes." A cash register's bell rang clearly.

President Smith ran his fingers in a soft drumming of the massive desk of the Oval Office. "The world is not ready for us."

"Pardon?" asked one of his advisors. "I was just going over the trade--"

"--I heard you. The problem is the same. We're a first world nation in a world that is second and third. They don't have the financial activity to support us."

"They are growing." The advisor directed to a chart, showing an upwards trend. "But you're not wrong, sir. We are a big fish in a very small pond."

"This was much easier to ignore when we were fighting for survival." Smith turned the tapping to his temple instead. "Have any of the countries considered swapping to the dollar standard?"

"Dimondia reacted favorably. The idea of paper money appeals to them so they 'don't have to trade their gems'. Queen Novo has a proposition I was meaning to go over with you, sir."

Queen Novo, ruler of the hippogriffs, one of the earliest allies America had made. "Let's hear it."

"While she sees merit in the idea of abandoning physical money entirely, she admitted most countries are not equipped to do so. She suggested, rather than attach it directly to the American Dollar, we establish a new currency for all members of the alliance. America could be the primary mint, until other countries were able to keep up, and would be paid for the service."

"I'm not seeing a reason to deny the funds." He set both hands on the desk, leaning forward. "But, tell me, how does that even the trade flow?"

"If even just the alliance takes up a single, unified, currency, trade will increase, potentially by quite a bit."

"What's congress think of it?" Smith arched a brow. "Executive power only extends so far."

"Of course, sir. The only sticking point, with those we've asked, is that America doesn't want to give up its dollar."

Was it the British Pound and the Euro all over again? Smith tapped a foot, considering it. Such were the things a president had to worry about. Let that be the worst of it, he decided.

"Sunburst." A human was leaning in from outside the room, looking towards the scientist-pony. "Great job! The execs were all over your battery suggestion. If it works half as good as your theoretical numbers, we could be basically printing money."

Sunburst inclined his head faintly. The lab, with the war over, had returned to being civilian owned. And, civilian owned, they put their thoughts, as humans often did, towards profit margins. But, he had heard the man, which was only thanks to human technology, a large pad resting on his head, just beside his mane. A round bit of plastic curled about the base of his big fuzzy ear.

"I thought money was printed somewhere else?"

"Sunburst, never change." The human came closer, his direct report, the manager of that lab, and patted him on the head. Humans did not often pat each other on the head, and took offense to it. Sunburst did not, and they learned that, and they seemed to enjoy giving pats. "I mean we'll be doing great. Battery technology has been one of the great stopping points in a lot of fields."

To Sunburst, this made sense. All naked as they were, they longed for the feel of fur. Poor humans. They had other things to make up for their deficiencies. "I prefer to think of how much it could help people."

"You are our little furry saint. And it will help people, don't get me even a little wrong." He gestured at Sunburst's computer. "Keep an eye out for internal mail. They should get back to you within a day or three."

"Hawkeye--" he called curtly as he ducked under cover, rifle held firmly in his furry hands. Hoku still had his squad, and they still had to train. That day was no exception. They were making their way slowly across a field, assuming they could be shot at any time.

Of course, it was training. Their odds of actually being shot were lower there than most other places, but they were to assume they could be, and they did. Their superiors watched hawkishly, waiting for them to reveal themselves for anything longer than the briefest time, to berate them if they had forgotten their lessons. Just because they had served well in the war was no excuse for slacking off.

A soldier had to keep their edge, for not what was immediately in front of them, but what could come up later. Hoku would not lose any more squadmates if he had any say in the matter.

"I didn't even get to start," huffed the small pegasus, fluttering in the air like an angry insect. "Are you sure I should even be here?"

"You make an increasingly valid case." Grogar scowled at Cozy Glow. "But you're already here, so you'll help us, or I get rid of you." He smirked cruelly. "We could try out my... answer for ponies. You would be quite helpful then."

Cozy darted away behind Tirek. "No thanks! I'll be good!"

Tirek huffed softly at being used as cover. "Be that as it may, you've made noises about a 'pony solution', but I have yet to see a hint of it."

Grogar circled Tirek at a slow stalk, forcing Cozy to keep retreating to keep her cover. "When Chrysalis returns, I will gladly demonstrate. The ponies are not an issue for us, oh no. They will be our greatest asset. You will never defeat them, so I will simply use them." He arched a brow at Tirek. "Imagine that fool, Twilight Sparkle, bowing her head to your whims."

Tirek chuckled darkly, pleased with that mental image. "But what of the humans? They thirst for the blood of their enemies. They have weapons to extract it, and they train for it, I was told. Any significant threat and you face them. Even their 'civilians' are incredibly lethal. Have you a counter for that, oh powerful Grogar?" His tone turned to somewhat mocking, doubt clear in it.

"I do, in fact, but it is something you can help with." He clopped his hooves together. "A pony, always in the way, sealed my bell away. Retrieve it. With that in hoof, I can easily counter the humans. Come, let's not waste any further time. Chrysalis is busy doing that already." He turned towards the exit of their cave. "It is fortunate for us, the humans do not yet monitor this place. They spread their eyes as most shed fur. We will act quickly, to secure it while we remain out of sight."

Tirek took up his wing, Cozy fluttering beyond him, keeping the centaur between them. "Somehow, I feel like this is a great time for you to 'test our faith' or something."

Grogar huffed at that as he willed the boulder in the way to move. "I have literally zero confidence in your 'faith'. Should Chrysalis attempt to turn on me, I will teach her exactly how far and quickly my power reaches. Do not think she is beyond my vision just because she isn't beside me."

In this, agreement was found, Tirek and Cozy sharing a wince at the theoretical power of their new boss. Tirek slid in a bit closer. "Say, Boss, since you have magic to spare, could you--"

"--No. Maybe after we retrieve the bell. In fact... That is a great idea. I will display the power of the bell, and you can get a little pick-me-up. Now doesn't that motivate?" With a malicious grin, his pace picked up.

Tirek hated that it was as effective as it was. He wanted it, and if getting a stupid bell would get it, well... He matched Grogar's pace without further complaint. "Come on, Cozy. We don't want to be left behind."

"That makes one of us," she sighed out, crossing her little arms as she flew along. "Ever miss the days when we were just pen pals?"

"In some ways, yes." Cozy began to smile. "Now I have to hear your voice constantly." Her expression fell into a scowl. "Still, being free is better than not, so let's make the best of it, hmm?"

"Sure, free..." She glared at the back of their new master. "Totally..."

Author's Note

Welcome back! A new patron reached out about starting a sequel to Uncommon Grounds, and he we are! It'll be updated once a month at 2k words a chapter.

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