Author's Note

This chapter was a bit of a bottleneck and needed thorough revision and carefulness! I needed consultation for writing the mod-canon characters, so I'd like to thank UnknownError here on fimfic, as well as Dice from the EaW Discord server for helping me with some consultation on the way the characters here were written!

Chapter 7 - Fog of Peace

The white unicorn could only stare with a mild look of annoyance as she sat in a gorgeous, luxurious room. It had all the comfort and decadence of a very lavish suite, yet none of the warmth as the room failed to conceal several of its features designed for maximum safety; such as the faux windows that projected a fake sky, skyline, and pedestrians - or several heavy-duty cameras that gave Rarity little in the way of privacy - or the fact that the front door was a pressurized, heavy metal door that made Rarity shudder at the thought of it being stuck.

It didn't help that she was to be accompanied by two roommates; roommates who were sitting on different sides of the room, wearing suits, over which were vests containing magazine pouches for the carbine rifles that were placed not too far away.

To hell with the fact her guards wore the oppressive reminder she was stripped of privacy and forced to be around loaded firearms; the more painful fact for Rarity was that the suits were navy blue, and did not whatsoever match the tan-camouflaged tactical equipment.

"You're not talkative at all, are you?" Rarity asked one of the two bodyguards; a pegasus mare. Then, she looked at a unicorn stallion. Time and time again she attempted to make some conversation, but was met with stone-faced gazes.

The pressurized hiss of the door opening made the guards stand to attention however; they had gotten an order through their earpiece radios, so while one kept an eye on Rarity, the other went to the door to assist its movement. It would slowly and heavily slide open, to make way for four figures; Cipher, Plymouth, Chari - and the Handler.

"House keeping." Cipher smiled softly as he saw Rarity.

The white mare scoffed, folding her hooves as she sat. "I don't suppose if an actual maid comes here she'll be clad in an ammo belt adorned around her body - with a rocket launcher on her back, and a machine gun under the skirt?"

"Is that a new fashion line you're making ideas for, I sense?" Cipher grinned, prompting a small but genuine smile out of the mare.

"Quite. Ought to be popular for your organization." Rarity said. "...Where's the pilot, Raz - was it?"

"Raz, uh..." Plymouth smiled nervously. "Getting chewed out by her engineer because she broke her legs. They take a lot of resources to make and are otherwise painstaking."

"...So who are you then?" Rarity asked, looking at the Handler.

The changeling softly smiled. "If you'd like to keep to the hotel terms, ma'am - I'm the Maître d' of this little inn."

"Admirable attempt dear. But the term you're seeking is majordomo." Rarity brushed her hair idly. "The contemporary Maître d' refers to the head of a dining staff. And no respectful majordomo would wear sunglasses indoors."

"Maybe my eyes are sensitive to light." The changeling laughed. "Call me the "Handler", ma'am. I sense you might suspect me of being the "leader" of the SIB - but let's keep to the fact that I am merely an agent who ensures this organization operates like a well oiled machine." He explained.

"So I don't suppose you came here to inspect me as if I were some sort of precious cargo, or an exotic zoo animal?" The unicorn said, staring at him. "I certainly could use all the reasons you may have on hoof to tell me why I'm not with my friends yet."

"We had to admit to a few concessions." The Handler stated. "We want nothing more than to keep the elements together - but the timing of your rescue wasn't good."

"Oh, pray tell why. And pray the answer satisfies me." The unicorn furrowed her brows and folder her hooves even tighter. Plymouth couldn't help but to smile seeing the Handler getting his flank handed on pieces of silver platters with each of Rarity's sentences. The male changeling sighed.

"President Jet Set needs the assistance of the Elements of Harmony for diplomatic affairs, especially since Equestria is going to be the topic of discussion." He explained. "And as it happens, your rescue attempt had taken a bit too long and we were behind schedule; so the President had to take the liberty to call the five to attend the GC-Summit."

"GC-Summit?" Rarity tilted her head.

"Griffonia Cooperation Summit, commissioned recently as the powers of the continent shifted. A little meeting of leaders of Griffonia that takes place to iron out diplomatic and trade-related kinks, as well as military-related topics. Usually gets hosted on the West Coast and never in the South - all things considered. Aquileia is the host this time around. List of attendees involves most nations and excludes the usual suspects like Blackrock, Prywhen, or Sicameon...Though there are governments-in-exile and political party leaders that are going to be there as well. Serov excluded."

"...But can Twilight and the others truly be seen there?" Rarity asked. "If she's seen there...It may provoke Daybreaker..."

"She won't attend the general and televised conference." The Handler smiled. "When it comes to important decisions - they've got their own little room to discuss them. The press won't even know she was there."

***

It lasted for hours - speeches and televised conferences that would allow all to see how the nations of Griffonia had cooperated and discussed matters that one could consider either banal and boring, or crucial and intense. A discussion concerning the embargo on Haukland, reparation efforts for the damages caused by the Dread League, new trade routes - and several votes that were done less so to decide on something, but rather to see which nations could still consider the other friendly. Andreia could only release a quiet curse as she stared down Francis IX Martlewing - and the latter looked back into her eyes as he made his "No" vote clear - on her proposals to support Nimbusia in its rising tensions with Honoria Goldmane's Witteland regime. Francis's vote was the one that put the final nail in the coffin - and Andreia had been offended that of all rulers to screw her over, it was somehow Martlewing; the one who could no longer be mocked as a stammerer.

Speaking of, Honoria Goldmane would have snickered in schadenfreude at the sight of Andreia's fumble, but only while she was blissfully unaware of the sanctions that she was about to have slapped across her face after a few more rounds of talks, following the tensions caused by her racially-motivated policies.

Áltu Kexa could only play with her hair - mind occupied on thinking of a stanza that could perfectly encapsulate just how much of a pointless task it was to dig about in bureaucracy and painstaking votes when with the collective authority in this chamber there could be potential to make good decisions to help the world in a shorter amount of time, especially not when the Riverlands was burning hotter and hotter, day by day. This was a sentiment that Alexander Kemerskai Jr. understood - but feared; any intrusive thought of making a "good change" happen "fast and without the slowness of democracy" reminding him of his father's last words on his deathbed, and the thin line of authoritarianism which he hated so much - especially the monarchistic sort. He had no desire to fail his father.

On the other side of the chamber, both Genevieve Guildedwing and Théodore Vérany were almost zealous in their involvement. Genevieve had practically made a major involvement in any economical discussion, while Théodore had involved himself in all conversations regarding security threats to West Griffonia - particularly those that belonged to royalist movements and fascists.

One of the older leaders present was Garibald Talonuel III, who was pushing his eighties; a legend who was a key figure to ending the fascist rule over Wingbardy following a harsh and brutal counter-revolution, regaining his place as king and assuming higher executive authority. As rumors had it - he had intentionally allowed the angry mob take Beakolini before his soldiers could arrest the fascist, and Talonuel himself arranged to have him hung upside down. However, as despotic as he intended his reclaimed rule to be, the political situation and the nature of the liberation had demanded some concessions. A constitutional monarchy had been placed, allowing the Partito Repubblicano Wingbardo and Partito Popolare Wingbardo to have a level of authority. This would have made Garibald extremely displeased - if it didn't calm him when he remembered that this guaranteed his son would never have absolute power once he finally croaked.

And finally, there was Gabriela Eagleclaw. The Herzland was shattered, the Reichspakt forcefully disbanded due to a treaty imposed by the Republic and Aquileia. However - Gabriela knew how to play her cards, and only her own wit and diplomatic tricks had been able to allow most of the Herzland nations to remain un-annexed. After all, how could she gift the Herzland to young Grover if there wouldn't be a Herzland left? She now sat in the room as a representative of the region...Considering that she represented a puppeted land, it would be a pitiful position - but with the big and radiant smile she adorned upon her face, and the grace she acted with; she was able to own it. Vérany had a perceptive eye to spot that the closer a camera was to pointing at her, the wider that cute, big smile of hers became.

President Jet Set had been unusually quiet. Of course there was the rubbing of his face, and the continuing messiness of his mane caused by nervous movements. More subtle gestures of hoof however were making a clear signal to a select few of the present leaders. The one that took the most effort to communicate this to however were Genevieve and Gabriela; the former too immersed in documents and ledgers to raise her head up at him, and Gabriella having a constantly wide smile; the elevation of her cheeks partially blocking her eyesight.

When several hours passed, it was time for recess. A recess that would last several hours. President Jet Set had slipped away into a secluded location - followed in order by Vérany, Kemerskai Jr., Kexa, Guildedwing, Eagleclaw, Martlewing, and finally Talonuel.

The room was dark - but lit closer to the center. Smoke had filled it; the first to light cigars being Talonuel and Vérany, while both Kexa and Guildedwing tried to stand farther from the two griffons. Martlewing was more calculated - standing with a vent between the smoke so that it would be sucked up before reaching him.

About to take a puff, Vérany had to stop as he saw Gabriela setting ablaze a cigar of her own - one that was several centimeters longer than the other griffons', a 9 inch long one. She would nonchalantly breathe in, before releasing smoke rings that would float across the room; said rings having various shapes and sizes that gave the griffon a little entertainment as she sighed in relief.

"Compensating for the entire Herzland." Talonuel whispered under his breath.

"What're you smoking anyhow?" Asked Vérany.

Gabriela smiled. Not the same smile she gave the cameras, but a very calm and slow-burning one. "Just a gift from Puerto Caballo; Lindo pájaro fresa Gran Corona, I think the name was. Hints of berries and vanilla."

In the center of the room was a table that held upon it a map; a magical artifact gifted by a unicorn benefactor that could easily change its contents, or highlight certain features. There had been other furniture for comfort and for utility, making it appear as a lively office built around the map.

As everyone was getting comfortable, Talonuel heard steps approaching him. He'd look down to see a younger griffon that wore a top-hat and monocle, smiling up at him.

"Genevieve." The old griffon said, looking at her.

"Your majesty." Her smile warmed. "I wanted the opportune moment. I bring you a gift. An addition to the world's most expansive collection of stamps." She grinned, pulling out a small square paper; on it a small portrait Warda bint Sakhr, and illustrations of some of the landmarks of the Emirate of Osqat.

The griffon's beak had almost opened too ajar as the cigar nearly fell out. "...Well I'll be. I have a few from Osqat - but...This one...It's the Venerable Sadlhara Green...950?"

"In plain terms, is it rare enough for your tastes?" Vérany scoffed - but the remark had no attention from the King who was very focused.

"Very. I heard that perhaps less than fifty of these exist. Guildedwing, whenever did you get your talons on this?"

The younger griffon could only warmly smile. "Well Your Majesty...Skyfall being what it is, trading with practically any nation all over the world, it shouldn't be too surprising I come across lovely and rare trinkets."

Talonuel looked at her...And smiled. He knew she did this because she felt partial blame for her father's actions - but he didn't have the heart to call her out, to make her think it wasn't working. Besides, he couldn't pass up on rare stamps if this was her idea of gifts.

President Jet Set noted that all the colleagues he wished to summon were in the room, and he locked it, with a deep and shaky sigh. The sound of the lock made all turn their heads.

Gabriela smiled softly. "Jet Set. It has certainly been a minute since that door was shut tight. You aren't intending on pulling us into some dastardly little intrigue, are you~? Something pertaining to that nasty Nimbusian vote, perhaps? I say - Andreia was staring daggers at poor Francis." She chuckled, puffing smoke; head raised up to avoid blowing it directly into the faces of the other smoking griffons, but at such an angle that secretly - partially avoiding the flow of the ventilation system - it'd settle down upon them from the ceiling.

"I don't have an interest in fanning the flames to a war. Especially not one based on race." Martlewing plainly said. "She'll have to take my decisive "No" vote and live with it."

"And here I wondered why they stopped calling you The Stammerer - seeing how you dropped you stutter for the tendency to be able to grab somecreature by the balls." Vérany said under his breath.

Adjusting her wheel-aids, the Zebra poetess smiled at Francis. "Truly; that display was admirable Martlewing...But madmares like her only fall into rage in the face of any resistance." Kexa sighed. "Witteland and Nimbusia are two forces that will collide, and the shockwave will hurt those around them, their own citizens included. We must put a stop to them - and I do hope this is what we're here to discuss."

"Judging by the fact most in this room are Western Griffonians..." Kemerskai Jr. coughed. "Sorry, Kexa - I somewhy doubt this is the case." He said. The zebra would only take a few moments looking at him, before sighing and looking elsewhere.

"Okay - so if it's not the Riverlands..." Gabriela put a talon to her beak. "Blackrock and Sicameon?...No, too simple. Serov's government-in-exile? I heard you'd been doing some work to fight it. Two communist powerhouses on one continent is one too many anyway."

"Shoulda just married Sombra." Very quietly Genevieve coughed.

"I doubt it's about him." Vérany interrupted. "Starry Night's been pressuring Prywhen a lot over Serov's recent actions, and I doubt it's our concern right now. I guess being a communist doesn't guarantee being on the same page."

Garibald shook his head. "They sort of are on the same page, I'd say. You've seen just how much Vartai has grown...I think they're both fine with the idea of expanding this...nasty little ideology." He commented.

Kemerskai Jr. could only look at Talonuel with distaste. "Monarchism isn't that much better...Constitutional or not."

Garibald dismissively spoke back without as much as looking at him. "Yes, Junior - well, you're the president, yet also the son of the last president; yet claim to have installed a democratic government as per your dad's request. Let's not get into the many thin lines of this argument, because this summit has drained me of my desire to do it more, capische?"

"I'm not as concerned in regards to Vartai." Francis spoke up in an attempt to divert the topic and break up the tension in the room. "Communist or otherwise, Vartai isn't as bad as Stalliongrad under Serov. At the very least, Starry Night isn't as insane or maniacal as Diellza or Baron Leer either if we consider what they annexed."

"Yes, Diellza and Leer - the only few faces I am somewhat glad my Grover wasn't, and isn't going to be around." Gabriela sighed in relief together with a smoke cloud.

"Speaking of Starry - wherever in the world is she?" Genevieve asked. "I thought she'd be here so we could discuss our economic cooperation. It's almost as if she doesn't want any import or shipping contracts! I can't imagine operating a landlocked country if you want economic prosperity..."

"The contracts are coming along at the pace they must."

It was a male voice which spoke up. A voice that none had anticipated - and made Théodore pull out a pistol from underneath his sleeve, while Talonuel unsheathed his ceremonial sword, and both Kexa and Martlewing got into a stance to prepare for unarmed combat.

In the dark corner of the room stood a dark-blue stallion with black hair tied into a pony tail.

"Well. This bodes well for the career of this summit's security staff's leadership." Gabriela coughed, one talon very slowly going for her poison-tipped head-feather pin.

Kemerskai Jr. looked anxiously - but displayed confusion as the glasses-wearing pony in the room seemed rather calm.

"You're..." Jet Set narrowed his eyes, having stopped shaking somewhat out of fear of an intruder in the room. "Abba Povner. Right?"

"I appreciate remembering my face from your last meeting with Starry." The stallion coldly spoke. "Please, lay down your intent to harm." He told the others in the room.

Kexa's voice spoke immediately. "If you swim in the shadows and demand disarmament, one would worry if you're trying to drown them in the same shadows."

"...What does that mean?" Genevieve whispered. "And who are you anyway!?"

"A general of Vartai, and Starry's right hoof." President Jet Set explained. "A key member of Vartai's revolution, too."

"Not normally do you see intruders in this room. How did you even get here?" Théodore grunted as he reluctantly returned the weapon to his holster.

"...I was here this whole time. You merely just didn't see me." Abba coldly stated.

"...No?" Gabriela tilted her head. "I let my eyes wander all over this room - and I am positive I hadn't seen you!"

"Then you didn't let your eyes wander enough."

"But--"

"That answer will be the most satisfying; and will ensure you won't lose sleep." Was all he could say. "I suppose you expected to see Starry this summit - but she cannot join you. Problems from Prywhen and the Stalliongrad exiles. Not to mention the bandits from Blackrock and Sicameon. I'll simply relay all you must to her."

"Right - about that." Francis looked at Jet Set. "I think you should tell us why you brought us here. You've been taking some time before answering, to the point we've gone on too many tangents."

President Jet Set needed a moment before delivering his words, the fact all eyes were on him was not all too easy to deal with. "I believe it was a good idea to let you all get it out of your system, I'm going to start slow for this bit. Abba - I can trust you to keep a secret." He said - the statement not even a question.

The Vartai stallion nodded. "Secrets are the only reason I am alive. Go ahead, Mr. President."

The President sighed softly. "Okay. The eight of you in this room consist of those I can trust with this problem; not to mention that we more-or-less make up the frontier of Western Griffonia. We're talking about a security threat."

Vérany folded his talons and shook his head with a smile. "Worried about security threats to the continent, are we? I heard you were one of those noble types before. Glad to see some twenty odd years of politics turned you into a politician."

"Even lost my Canterlot accent." Jet Set sighed softly again - now with a smile. "Anyhow - yes. This pertains to Western Griffonia, and the stakes will be high."

"Kasa is in Western Griffonia?" Gabriela laughed softly.

Jet Set shook his head. "No - but Kexa's values, and the values of Kasa itself, essentially represent what is at stake here."

"Does the stake involve the freedom and liberty of others - under the guidance and protection of harmony?" The zebra poetess simply asked.

"More than ever, ma'am." Jet Set insisted.

Kexa smiled - and that was all she needed.

The President nodded. "I...gathered you all here today to discuss the elephant in the room that none of us seemed to be willing to discuss during the conferences - myself included. The big elephant that's sitting on the other side of the ocean right now."

"Daybreaker." Talonuel smiled. "Good ol' Celly - now in a form that would make Nightmare Moon's knees buckle and send her with her hooves above her head. I was wondering when I'd see some guts from somecreature with this problem. You did not disappoint, President."

"Wait - the Solar Empire? I thought it wasn't our concern." Genevieve leaned in. "Daybreaker just wanted her ponies and that's it - an isolationist Equestria that already got what it wanted. They're even willing to do some trade, so far. How is it our problem?"

"You think megalomaniac monarchs sit in one place thinking their empire is big enough?" Kemerskai Jr. commented.

Gabriela sighed. "Seeing just how much plotting and scheming I had to go through as regent, this is a silly question. Of course, history shall repeat itself as it always did."

"Even then however...She'd do it even an ocean apart?" Kemerskai Jr. asked softly looking at Jet Set.

"Especially if it's an ocean apart." Francis stated. "Prepare your coasts and defenses well enough - then launching a successful attack on another nation from overseas becomes a "when" as opposed to an "if".

"You had time to pick up on naval theory, Francis?" Vérany asked.

"My war may not have included extensive naval combat; but that doesn't excuse slacking on learning military theory." He simply declared.

"So...Daybreaker." Kemerskai Jr. coughed. "You really think she's a threat, President Jet Set?"

Jet Set had simply reached into the same file he had given to his SIB members, and gave the same explanation he did to Colton's team, while distributing its copies to the others.

The sound of furling pages filled the room.

Silence occupied the room for ten minutes.

Abba spoke first.

"Lucky were we to have secured our revolution before even prototypes of these kinds of weapons were reality." He sardonically laughed.

"Or that no major war took place in the last few years that could have involved it." Gabriela stated. She could've commented how it could've helped the Herzland, but opted to keep her beak shut.

"...Eugh, this kind of blast..." Genevieve frowned. "It would take only a talonful to..." She stopped herself - not daring to even think about the sentence she had almost spurted out.

"Vividvale..." Talonuel commented as he looked at the caption of the picture. "Never heard of this before..."

"A direct confrontation is out of the question. I...can see this much." Kexa sighed sadly - anger bottling up at the prospect that there could have potentially been living souls at the ground zero of the explosion. It reminded her how much Goldmane was preaching about spells, and she could only squeeze the paper of the file as she considered using such weapons, even in the forms of spells, wasn't above her.

However, the atmosphere in the room had slightly changed as a sigh came from Genevieve.

"Jet Set." She stated. "Your plan...Is to do what exactly?"

The President was ready and spoke almost immediately. "We apply the strengths of our clandestine forces and attempt to maximize the strength of all rebel cells in the Solar Empire, while preparing our own air and coastal defenses. Then we will--"

"So basically, sooner or later, Daybreaker WILL become aware of what we're set to do - way before we can actually remove her." Genevieve said inquisitively.

"Yes, but--"

"Stop, Jet Set. Please." Genevieve sighed, making Jet Set freeze like a deer in headlights. "Look - I hate to say this, but this is a bad call. I respect you as a rational and skilled leader - but whether your plan is solid or not, I cannot risk my citizens' lives. You are aware that Skyfall is likely to be a priority target once the sun comes down upon us, right? Not to be a bragging bird or to try and talk big, but we are the center of Western Griffonia's economy - if not more than that. Why would she not target us first - especially with that...weapon...?"

"I agree but disagree." Garibald sighed. "Wingbardy's first. Easier for her to invade if she tries to land on Western Griffonia. Probably might rouse up some of late Beakolini's supporters in advance to soften us up. And since Sicameon and the rest our Eastern neighbors are not getting involved, that can help Daybreaker to stick to one front. Taking us out also means taking out a major military power during the first phase of the war." He dipped the last of his cigar into the ashtray. "Not to mention - I did not reclaim my throne with the promises of more war for Wingbardy."

"...Or she might target the Griffon Republic." Kemerskai said. "I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I'm not my dad. I don't know all the tricks in his book that would allow him to defend against someone like her, I'm not a strategist as brilliant as him. Barring the fact she might help Queen Sköldsvärd's insurgency...Were Daybreaker to take Nova Griffonia, she'd have an easier time transporting troops across the ocean. And like Wingbardy, we may not rely on a lot of help from the East. She can open one front and go through the north all the way south."

Vérany softly smiled. "You're not as bad at strategical thinking as you claim yourself to be, kid." The old griffon smiled - and softly, Kemerskai Jr. smiled back.

Kexa sighed. "I am not sure how Kasa can help a war on the other side of the continent, President Jet Set. Up north of us, those we once considered peaceful and harmonious nations have shattered into insane warmongers. You saw the talks today - their verbal fight does not compare to the blood that will shower upon Eastern Griffonia. If I leave it unattended, if I do not stand up to the violence - Kasa might entirely lose its neighbors. Hundreds of thousands will die - more will flee. And this time, with the size of it all - we may not be able to work with another refugee crisis of such a grander scale than last time."

"And I'm not sure how I'm even helpful here!" Gabriela yelped. "Stating the unpleasant obvious, I'm sort of a decoration here, to speak with the self deprecation I do not deserve! My generals have already been partly castrated - in no short merit of these two handsome gentlebirds by my side." She coughed. "Am I really going to muster up anygriffon and yet maintain the treaty agreements?"

"...Francis?" Abba Povner finally spoke. "You've experience with uphill battles nobody expected you to win. You arguably have the most useful opinion."

"..." Martlewing took time to think of a right answer, and looked at the others. "President Jet Set has a plan that was interrupted before he could finish the rest of it. Before he does so - let's assume it's a bad plan. My question to you lot is - do any of you even have a plan in the first place, against the threat we hadn't discussed because we were too afraid of doing so?"

"I don't see a reason to plan against a hypothetical threat and an impossible challenge." Talonuel stated - not as a fact, but rather as a rhetorical statement that he used to coax more thoughts from Francis.

And so did Francis continue. "The way I see it - all of us here had to go through great hurdles to get our nations to reach better circumstances; better living conditions and greater security. We've seen friends and family die, citizens cry for help, we've seen our own cities burn and we've seen our own flags get trampled. Some of us have seen our own buildings in ruins, and some of us have had to watch children bawling as their parents had disappeared. All of us have had to watch with our very own eyes how our people suffer - one way or another, because for some damn reason, none of us had neither the brain, guts, or heart to stop the world from spiraling into the festering and repetitive hole of suffering. That is why..."

Francis took short moments to look everyone in the eyes.

"That is why my question is - would you rather fight - or would you rather surrender to a regime which will ensure everything in her power that your nation's citizens suffer harshly either way, forced to watch it happen for the rest of your lives?"

Of all the open beaks and mouths - the only big grin came from Kexa and Talonuel.

"Nice one, kid." Garibald softly whispered to himself.

Kexa gave Francis a most pleasant, warm smile. "My, my - Francis Martlewing, the ninth...You mean to tell me that was an improvised speech?"

"..." Francis was unable to help but to blush softly - the compliment coming from Kexa in particular rather flattering to him. "I was just speaking what was on my mind."

"Or rather, what was in your heart - I suspect." Kexa grinned. "Your skill in speechcraft is commendable."

"Try telling him that about twenty years ago." Talonuel scoffed with a sly grin. "I still aim to launch an investigation to see if maybe a changeling replaced him along the way."

"Well unlike you, ya old fart, some creatures can change." Théodore commented.

"Old fart?" Garibald laughed heartily. "You're a wrinkled raising trying to accuse another raisin of being wrinkled. Those ten years you're younger than me aren't as much of a trump card as you think they are."

"Sure - that's ten years I get to see you in a wheelchair with a plaid blanket on your knees, though." Théodore grinned deviously...And caught a nasty look from Kexa. "...No offense."

"You're getting sidetracked." Abba said. "Now - I want everyone to confirm where they stand after Francis's words. We have a force of evil sitting across the ocean; so if you're actually going to stand up to her, we need decisiveness and resolve. Pay lip service - and you will have wasted everycreature's time."

"..." Genevieve sighed. "I suppose being foolish by the virtue of non-action isn't the right call. I expect a lot of good guns and good soldiers protecting the damn bay - you griffons hear?"

"We'll get you guns so big that even Garibald's mother would cross her legs in fear." Théodore smirked, flicking another cigar on fire. "Aquileia won't stand by idly and watch as the horizon beyond the sea burns."

"And we'll get you so many men even Théodore's mother - and father - would say they haven't a big enough bed." Garibald laughed, lighting his second cigar. "My citizens deserve peace - but more importantly, they deserve freedom from oppression."

Francis nodded at Genevieve. "We will - in secret - send you experts from my military, as well."

"Yes - please, actually." Jet Set coughed. "Whatever you do - and as much as this may slow down efforts - I implore you all to do things silently. Quietly, and in secret to make sure Daybreaker does not notice our efforts as hostile escalations or any manner of arms race. Kemerskai - you however might have a bigger responsibility...If you agree to help."

The junior tried his best to show nor fear no doubt, and he succeeded - standing straight and at attention. "I do not wish to see Daybreaker on the throne much longer - especially knowing what she does to her citizens. What must be done, President Jet Set?"

"Daybreaker is likely to utilize the help of Queen Sköldsvärd's insurgency against you. We need to use the resources of your republic to not only deal with that - but also do our best to protect Nova Griffonia. This will ensure that at-least the north may seem like a potentially difficult approach for her."

"I will need help, President." Kemerskai admitted as shameful as he felt it - but Jet Set smiled slightly.

"You'll get our help, Kemerskai. Gabriela, you may have doubts, but I do need your help too."

"Go on...?" The pink griffon tilted her head.

"Gabriela - you're going to try and get the rest of the Herzland to do what they can to help. Yale and Feathisia may help us get an edge, and as will the rest of the Herzland. Whoever you can get on-board, it counts."

"Oh president." Gabriela put her talons on her temples. "You do not believe that pink humble little me can sway the entirety of the Herzland to be on the same page as its neighbors, and rub shoulders without second thoughts. Do you?"

"If it was any griffon else, no. But I know you're the griffon for the job." Jet Set smiled.

Gabriela smirked. She knew he meant that she was good at what she did - even if he was to put it into direct words, it would not be flattering; maybe with words of calling her a manipulator or any other adjective that indicated she could pull the strings to make a good puppet show.

And if she made a good enough puppet show, she might have a shot and making things right for the Herzland.

She only opted to make her smirk into a smile. "You'll get results."

"Kexa." Jet Set said. "I need--"

"Whatever you need, you will get it." Altu said.

"Perfect! Then--"

"After we resolve the Riverlands conflict." The Zebra insisted. "I cannot ignore it, and I cannot resolve two conflicts at once. I would be willing to help - but afterwards."

"B-But..." Jet Set sighed. "We may not have enough time - we--"

"President, you have my support. Daybreaker is a menace I do not wish to oppress the ponies of Equestria any longer." The poetess stated. "But the sands of time pour in order."

Jet Set could only rub his eyes briefly. He didn't expect things to go perfectly either way, he supposed. Something was better than nothing.

"Mr. President." Abba said. "Western and Eastern Griffonia; you seem to be sandwiching my country."

Jet Set smiled. "I can't forget - but I wanted to save it for last considering the leader isn't here."

"I cannot make the choice for her - but what is your aim then? I want to see Daybreaker dead - but the rest of our government has no real inclination to get involved. Certainly not by rubbing shoulders with the Herzland."

"That bridge gets crossed once reached. But we could really use your help." The President softly insisted.

"You really deem Vartai to be strong enough?" Abba blinked without emotion.

"Well." Vérany spoke up, making the President turn his head towards him. "In-between you annexing parts of the eastern Herzland, and then Deponya and a portion of Lake City, and then not to forget your annexation of Hellquill, and of course considering how you were able to take over most of Lushi and even northern Blackrock...I think it's safe to say that Vartai isn't a small spot on the map any longer."

Abba closed his eyes. "You're a strategist. You should know that being a buffer between a treacherous Herzland and the unstable River Federation - with bandits running amock south...One cannot sit peacefully and wait. In that case, Mr. President, I suppose your plan has merit. To unite most of Griffonia to face off against a continent-sized Empire. Besides..."

Abba Povner looked at the map, sighing. "The Longsword Revolution was a stand against oppression. Just because of our race - we were considered to be trash, treated worse than that. I've heard what Daybreaker is doing against the Thestrals of Equus. This I will not stand; so I assure you - I will show Starry the importance of this deed. I will have Daybreaker's head for their persecution."

A few moments of silence ensued due to Abba's extreme sentiment, but the conversation went on. "But it does raise questions. Hot or Cold War, every war has a goal." Talonuel spoke up.

"Yes - we're on the same page." Francis said. "This cannot just be a war to "teach the enemy a lesson". You must be able to replace Daybreaker. I don't suppose your plan involves conquest?"

"No, never." The President shook his head. "This is a war of defense and liberation. What we will do instead is install a government in the stead."

Alexander frowned. He had an idea of where this was going - taking into consideration that Equestria would doubtfully accept anything other than the status quo.

"Oh? You already have a government in-mind?" Talonuel grinned. "Surely President Jet Set doesn't have our "monarchistic" tendencies of installing his own little puppet government, does he?"

Jet Set smiled. "I do not. And I actually have the right candidate. Fillies and gentlecolts - fledlings and gentlegriffons; I would like to introduce you to somepony."

With that, he had unlocked the door - a hooded figure entered. Théodore felt his talons gently scratch the grip of his pistol - but when the hood came off...His beak had dropped.

"Hello everycreature...My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle." The alicorn who had taken the hood off softly said, revealing the burn scar on her cheek. She was then followed by her friends, and an SIB agent who had made sure none had tailed them.

"...Well, Théodore - that's a member of royalty you don't seem to be willing to shoot at, eh?" Garibald softly chuckled at the other griffon.

Gabriela blinked. An unexpected factor in the equation. She smiled. "Princess, I am glad to see you're safe." She said, carefully thinking of the response.

Genevieve squeaked in surprise - unable to say anything.

Kemerskai Jr. kept quiet too - not too thrilled, then again, he had to consider there were worse faces to see.

The poetess smiled wide in exhilaration. "The seas gifted us with your safe arrival. It is an honor to finally meet you all, Elements of Harmony." Kexa smiled softly.

Abba Povner also smiled while none saw him - understanding what those peculiar reports South Equus were about.

Jet Set coughed to attract attention. "The Elements of Harmony were brought here because this allows us to have a chance at unifying Equestria." The President said. "The Elements of Harmony are important. Equestria sees them as heroes - and Daybreaker still hasn't demonized them with her propaganda because she still thinks she can get them on her side to solidify her grip over the continent. I don't think Equestria will trust Griffonia to liberate it - not even New Mareland. But if we can empower the Princess and her friends..."

"...Hmph. You did your homework, Jet Set." Talonuel smiled.

"On behalf of Equestria..." Twilight said. "We will be grateful if you can help us. We can't allow Daybreaker to oppress neither Equus, nor invade Griffonia. This isn't a plea of a political nature - I want to be able to protect our world from tyranny and suffering. I do not want any more pointless violence, oppression, and fear. Please - help us. The fate of millions depends on all of us..."

Vérany smiled. "...She's gonna have to make up for the nasty blot on my political portfolio of helping royalty gain power." He said softly so that few could hear.

"How do you think I feel exactly? This stings me worse..." Kemerskai Jr. whispered under his breath.

"You're still helping remove a monarch - technically." Genevieve muttered.

"But..." Kexa frowned. "Your Majesty - Celestia, even if imprisoned within Daybreaker...She is your mentor. Can we truly...Act against her?"

Twilight frowned deeply. "...I made a promise to Celestia. If I do not act as I promised...I will have failed her."

There was a somber silence in the room, broken only after some minutes by Garibald who grinned. "Well, Princess Twilight Sparkle. You certainly give this griffon more interesting experience for his...heh, "twilight" years." He snorted.

Applejack rose a brow. "Puns, Your Majesty?"

"That's what being a dad does." He could simply say with a smirk.

"...Well." Jet Set smiled. "In the interests of building up great diplomatic relations with the Princess and her friends, shall we mingle somewhat? There's some two hours before recess ends." He suggested.

"...Oh, 'bout fucking time." Theodore grinned. "In one of these cabinets...I should have a bottle of Le meilleur de l'aigle, 975."

"Your dog water isn't going to cut it I'm afraid." Garibald said. "I'm bringing out the Il meglio del falco 970 for this."

"You're already trying to poison our esteemed guests!?" Theodore groaned at Talonuel, and the two began to bicker, going down the rabbit hole of arguments about the superiority of Aquileian and Wingbardian wines, too busy doing so to even procure the bottles they bragged so much about.

Kexa sighed, looking at the elements while the two debated. "Shall we just opt for some ice cold cider?"

"Now we're talking!" Rainbow Dash grinned.

Abba only watched - observing and reducing his own presence to the point...none remembered how he had left.