In 1918, that was the year marking the end of the Great War. The world, devastated by four long years of pain and despair, was beginning to rebuild both economically and socially. The prevailing belief was that the horrors experienced would never be repeated. Many believed that the Great War would forever be known as “the War to End All Wars.” However, that hope proved illusory.
In 1936, Germaneighia elected Aryanne Hoofler as its President. A representative of the National Socialist Party and the third Germaneighian way, Aryanne was initially seen by other countries as an ordinary leader, albeit an ultranationalist one. However, changes came swiftly. Just by shaking her hand, the country’s industries began to evolve at an alarming pace, with the arms industry standing out in particular. In 1938, she broke the Arms Reduction Pact, causing concern among international governments.
When 1939 arrived, a new war broke out. Germaneighia began expanding throughout the entire Ghale Continent. Oakland provided aid to Gargouile and Ezpassionia, which, in turn, requested support from Equestria in 1941. Equestria entered the war after suffering an attack from Japan. Stalliongrad also became involved in the conflict after being attacked by Germaneighia. Every week, Germaneighia dominated new territories, dragging more countries into the conflict. All those involved were forced to accelerate their industrialization and develop new military tactics.
In 1945, the war reached its conclusion. Aryanne Hoofler was captured in her own base by a group of Germaneighian military and paramilitary forces. Under coercion, Aryanne ordered her troops to surrender. Days later, she was executed. The group that captured her never revealed its identity and remained a mystery. Control over Germaneighia was divided among Equestria, Gargouile, Oakland, and Stalliongrad. However, tensions between Equestria and Stalliongrad soon emerged. Ezpassionia intervened by establishing occupation boundaries between the territories to prevent a new conflict.
Despite the end of the war, the world faced difficulties in rebuilding, though it happened more quickly than after the Great War. Some Germaneighian Nazis refused to surrender, becoming militiamen or fleeing with false identities. Paramilitary groups that had fought against Germaneighia remained on the Ghale Continent, investigating old plans and clandestinely combating remnants.
In 1947, tensions between Equestria and Stalliongrad intensified. The two powers accused each other of “territorial invasion” in Germaneighia, even without any clear public reasons. Both countries were industrializing at an accelerated pace, as if already at war. On June 8, 1947, President Celestia delivered a memorable speech following the discovery of a Soviet espionage network infiltrating the Equestrian Parliament. She declared: “I will protect them at all costs, but for that we will have to take measures that neither I nor my cabinet would ever wish to be taken!”
The friction between the two countries was becoming increasingly dangerous. Despite the absence of direct attacks, both remained on high alert. One planned to attack the other, yet they avoided open confrontation to prevent exposing themselves to great risks. Instead, they used their influence to spread capitalism and socialism throughout the Third World, dividing nations and, often, generating armed conflicts.
During this period, technological advances stood out. New communication equipment, such as long-distance radios and terminal computers designed for military use, were developed. In espionage, innovative technologies emerged, including hidden cameras, wiretaps, and even pens that fired darts. In response to the demands of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Technology ordered the construction of more factories by the company Star Powder, initiating mass production of these devices.
In total, only one team was sent to spy on Stalliongrad in the city of Irktrotsky, under direct orders from the Directorate of the Equestrian Intelligence Agency. The environment was dangerous and full of uncertainties, and the missions required meticulous planning. Meanwhile, in Equestria, mysterious events were occurring. Some people disappeared, suddenly reappeared, or died under suspicious circumstances, such as accidents or suicides. Curiously, many of these cases involved supporters of Stalliongrad, which raised suspicions of infiltration and manipulation.
Equestria was managed by a complex network of Ministries, each playing a vital role in the nation’s administration. Among the most influential were the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Technology, the Ministry of Science, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Morale, and the Ministry of Information. These bodies operated with relative independence, but all shared the mission of strengthening Equestria in the face of internal and external threats.
The Ministry of Defense not only managed the Armed Forces and much of Equestrian Intelligence, but also conducted covert and clandestine operations. Among these operations were the burning of files and international espionage missions, often carried out without the President’s own knowledge. These secrets were guarded so rigorously that no agent was ever publicly identified.
The Ministry of Technology, in turn, led technological development, both military and civil. This ministry was also responsible for urbanization projects, transforming rural cities such as Appleloosa and Dodge Junction into more modern and productive centers.
The Ministry of Health oversaw the pharmaceutical industry and the development of medications, including stimulant drugs such as Buck and Med-X. It collaborated directly with the Ministry of Science, which, in addition to medical advances, also invested in scientific research and chemical weapons.
The Ministry of Information strictly controlled the media, including newspapers, television, radio, and propaganda. Small portions of Intelligence were also under its command, seeking scapegoats and shaping the public narrative in accordance with the government’s interests. At the same time, the Ministry of Morale led the Federal and Civil police forces, investigated crimes, conducted counterintelligence, and organized cultural events to keep the population’s spirits high. Its tactics ranged from managing nightclubs and bars to conducting secret operations against enemies of the state.
"Got the documents?" asked a man sitting at the bar.
"If I hadn't gotten them, I wouldn't be here," another man replied, clutching a briefcase tightly.
"Let's get on with the exchange!" exclaimed the man behind the bar after taking a long gulp of his drink.
The man with the briefcase calmly stood up. "It turns out that our Intelligence is competent and always brings reinforcements for the missions," he commented, moving toward the back door of the bar, which led to a narrow alley. That was where the exchange was going to take place.
"So, where's the money?" he asked, removing his hat and tucking it under his arm.
"Here it is!" replied the man who had been drinking, displaying a folder full of bills.
"Let's do this," said the man with the documents, adjusting his briefcase.
At that moment, a female voice emerged from the shadows of the alley. "Good evening to both of you."
The two men quickly turned, surprised by the unexpected presence. "Who are you?" asked the man with the folder, squinting his eyes.
"Nobody," replied the girl enigmatically. Before anyone could react, a sharp shot echoed through the alley. A sniper took down the man with the folder with surgical precision. Soon after, the man with the briefcase also fell, leaving only the cold silence of the alley as witness to what had occurred.
