Discord's Gift

Chapter 7: The Global Summit

30th Day of the 5th Moon, 6 ALR: Manehattan City Hall

“As a first order of discussion, we must address the current shipping crisis in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Should we hold a vote on whether we should begin discussions regarding either the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean,”

“Pardon me your Majesty, but I believe that we should start discussions regarding the Atlantic, much more shipping traffic is carried out there,” Replied Phillip Franklin, one of the American delegates and President of the International Mercantile Marine Company.

“I concur,” replied Lord Inverclyde, director of the Cunard Line

“It is of great national security importance that the Atlantic remain easily traversable. The Pacific is still mostly serviceable,” added President Macmillan

“Access to le colonies is vital to Bourbon Sovereignty,” stated Emperor Charles as the human delegates nodded in agreement to begin discussions regarding Atlantic transit.

“Alright then, as the nation with the greatest number of ports along the Atlantic routes, Equestria has already begun dredging up the ports and increasing the size of our piers. How can we better accommodate human shipping traffic?” Asked Twilight before gesturing to Spike. The purple dragon rolled out a chalkboard behind the princess.

“The Cunard line is willing to work with your Majesty's government to build new terminals and coaling facilities,” announced Lord Inverclyde

“Your Majesty, the docks will need to be made much larger, the currently building White Star Olympians will be the largest ships in the world and will dwarf the Cunard Greyhounds,” Interjected Franklin

“Of course, the White Star Line and the International Mercantile Marine Corporation as a whole, will gladly contribute to the retrofitting of Equestia’s docks, your Majesty. The Olympic and Titanic docked here in Manehattan will be an incredible sight to behold when they and the dock renovations are complete,” Added J. Bruce Ismay, Director of the White Star Line and IMM executive.

“Hamburg Amerika Line iz also committed to developing docks to accommodate our anticipated larger ships” Announced Albert Ballin of HAPAG.

The rest of the Human shipping executives voiced their support in retrofitting Equestrian docks and committed capital and manpower to speed up the process. Twilight furiously wrote down all the changes necessary for Equestrian ports to accommodate steady flows of human shipping traffic.

“The Royal Navy will also assist in dredging,” proclaimed King Albert

“As will the US Navy and the Army Corps. of Engineers,” added President Macmillan

“As too will ze Kaiserliche Marine,”

“Und le Marine Imperial,”

“Thank you, your Majesties, but I think it would also be prudent to include King Thorax and Prince Rutherford in these discussions,” Twilight turned to gesture at the Changeling King and Yack Prince.

“The Changelings have also begun the process of port renovation, there had been a few human ships we encountered following the magical surge, but with renovations complete we would be happy to trade and host human ships,”

“Yacks like humans. Ports being built to trade,”

“The IMM in partnership with the American and British governments is attempting to survey a northern passage around the Equestrian Continent. Coaling stations along Yackyakistan’s coasts are an interesting proposition. Granted we are yet to discuss the natural resource deposits of Yakyakistan, Equestria, the Crystal Empire, and the Changeling Kingdom,” replied Franklin.

“Yack minerals, best minerals,”

“The Crystal Empire is also rich in geological deposits, and is a leader in state-of-the-art manufacturing, well at least to our world standards. The human world seems to be much more advanced, however, we could trade our magical knowledge,” added Princess Cadence.

“Umm, well the Changelings do have coal and ample tar deposits, I’m not sure if you humans use tar for sealant,”

“Did you just say tar deposits?!” Cried out the entire American Delegation in unison as they stared down the Changeling King.

“The IMM is wholeheartedly committed to financing all port renovations and the construction of new ports in the Changeling Kingdom should you agree to give the IMM exclusive rights to ship the tar, your Majesty,”

“Standard Oil is looking forward to developing a wonderful relationship with your Majesty. We would be willing to finance the construction of the ports and the tar extraction infrastructure for the exclusive right to extract and ship the tar,” announced Robert Clyde, representative of the Standard Oil Corporation.

“You barely have any experience in shipping,” interjected Mr. Franklin as he scowled at Mr. Clyde, and then turned and smiled at King Thorax, “As the largest shipping company in the world, we have the greatest experience in maritime matters and we can assure your Majesty that any facilities that IMM builds will be far superior to that of Standard. Our ports will also serve passenger and general cargo traffic rather than Standard’s facilities which would probably only be useful for oil transport. Will even offer a payment of a ton of gold,”

“Umm well…”

“Now what about extraction, shipping is all well and good, but what are you going to move if there is no oil being pumped,”

“Well, you make a point right there Mr. Clyde… How about a partnership we can figure out a deal later,”

“That sounds good,” replied Mr. Clyde

“Your Majesty the Anglo Persian Oil Corporation would like to propose a payment of 5 tons of gold and the development of infrastructure for exclusive drilling rights,” interjected Lord Cumberland.

“Standard oil will offer 8 tons of gold on top of our existing extraction offer,”

“Gentleman, please, we are not here to discuss the intricacies of oil dealings. We are here to discuss world relations,” scolded President Macmillan, before giving a sheepish grin to Twilight and Thorax, “Pardon me your Majesties,”

Twilight was surprised just how quickly a conversation on changeling tar deposits had devolved into petty squabbling. She nodded her thanks to the American President and dotted down commitments between the human and the creatures of Equis on the chalkboard.

“And what of trade between ze humans and Griffonia?” Asked King Grover

“Olenia also would like to discuss trade agreements,” added King Aldar.

Twilight winced internally, all this discussion on the natural resources of the Western continent had left the Eastern nations ignored. The Griffons and Olenians had always complained of Equestrian self-importance and so far the conference was shaping up to be a prime example. Twilight gave the griffon and deer monarchs an apologetic smile, “I believe it would be prudent for us to move on to matters of the Pacific, trade agreements between nations can be discussed later. Your Majesties, who would like to start?”

“Griffonia has been visited by many a human ship, und we have been retrofitting ports such as Griffinshaven and Lubeak,”

“Le Olenians ‘ave also begun le process of port re’abilization,”

“Ze Saddle Arabians alzo have great tar deposits. Along with fine silk and spice,” Prince Al Saddle looked over at Mr. Clyde, Lord Cumberland, the Nippon Oil executive and the representative of Royal Dutch Shell, who were practically salivating at the promise of untapped oil reserves.

Noticing the hunger in the eyes of the oil executives, Twilight quickly cleared her throat, “Now please remember that talks on tar extraction and natural resource extraction will come later, let’s give all the nations a chance to express their position on the shipping situation,”

Prince Al Saddle nodded, “My apologies your Majesty. Saddle Arabia has been retrofitting the ports of Al Hoofidah and Trotgeirs, but we would happily accept human assistance,”

The oil executives nodded before giving each other death glares. King Albert and Queen Wilhemina grinned sheepishly as President Macmillan rolled his eyes at the executives' display.

Foreign Minister Hotaka whispered amongst the rest of the Japanese delegates until Emperor Meji nodded, then he announced, “Ze Japanese government is committed to the deveropment of port inhrastructure in the Pacific Continent,”

Secretary Peterson, Chase, and President Macmillan looked slightly shocked but quickly regained their composure and whispered amongst themselves. After a few moments, The Secretary of State spoke, “The Americans also offer our hand in welcome to Earth and wish to fund and assist in port development all across the Eastern Continent,”

“We are eager to work with your Majesties and your subjects. The US. Navy will provide machinery, dredging equipment, and work with the Army Corps. of Engineers to ensure that you are all properly connected to the global market,” Added Secretary Chase

“I tink it is rater rich that you offer ar these commitments after our show of soridarity with our Pacific brothers,” Countered Minister Hotaka.

“The United States has always been committed to the well-being and security of the Pacific, unlike you upstarts who wish to conquer all. Just this year you have annexed Korea and are practically puppeteering China,” Replied President Macmillan before turning to the rulers of the Eastern Continent, “Beware of Japanese signs of “Friendship”, before you know it you’ll be under their control,”

“Ha, ze American is a imperiarist who will stear away yor rand rike zey did with Hawaii,”

“Mr. President, can you please refrain from alienating the Japanese? You are both valuable partners,” pleaded King Albert.

“Unless I am mistaken your Majesty, the United States has no obligations to the Grand Alliance and thus can expose the truth of Japanese treachery,” replied Secretary Chase as the President, and Mr. Franklin looked at him with surprise.

“The United States is committed to our amicable relationship with Great Britain and Germ…”

“We helped le Americans fight their revolution against le Ingles and dey stab us in le back. As le German ‘orde poured into France, le Americans stole our precious islands of Cuba and Hispaniola,”

“Oh yes, rike the French are nobre defenders of the peopre, subjugating the people of the Phiripines and Indochina!”

“German Horde? Don’t be utterly redikulous it waz die French who invaded Deutshland first we zimply defended ourselves and protected Europe from yor domination!”

“And you don’t dominate die Flemish territories Kaiser? Because it seams zat you do das making you a hypocrite,” countered Queen Wilhelmina

“I completely agree with your Majesty. Da Prussians conquered their way to German Domination and now seal to rule over the world alongside da English. You of all people should know since you fought in all those wars,” countered Tzar Nicholas before directing his ire at Minister Hokata, “And da Amerikans are right, da Japanese are nothing more than conquering upstarts, who use cowardly tactics like sneak attacks to steal away territory!”

“Oh please and is it not the Russians who invaded Austria in the first place and now seeks to impose its will across all of Eastern Europe and Asia?” King Albert asked.

“How shameless for you to say that being King of da greatest imperial power in the world. You cowards don’t even fight your own battles, you finance others to do your bidding as you hide behind your battleships,”

The Empresses and the First Lady were starting to get visibly uncomfortable as the leaders of Equis stared dumbfounded at the unfolding verbal tirade of the human leaders. Twilight had seen enough, first the executives and then the leaders themselves but before she could say anything the room boomed with the Royal Canterlot Voice.

“ORDER!” Cadence’s voice echoed across the room, her forehoves on the table as she propped herself up on her hind legs, wings unfurled. The human leaders snapped their heads towards the pink alicorn who continued, “it is quite unbecoming of Emperors and Kings to bicker like foals. Would you not agree?”

A pregnant silence filled the room before Twilight cleared her throat, “I truly believe that through all the books I have read and all the wonderful advancements I have seen humans are a truly stupendous species, with no magic at all you have built self-moving carriages, near-instant communication, massive floating palaces, over last few days I have seen massive floating fortresses, you have discovered the existence of positive and negative charges in atoms, and many other incredible discoveries. You have so much more potential, imagine the discoveries that can be made if you all worked together rather than fight, imagine then the countless discoveries that can be made through combining magic with your technology, the possibilities are endless. I know that you all have your grievances and I do not mean to intrude on your dealings with one another, but have you not already faced enough hardship, enough war, enough death and destruction?”

The humans remained silent, the leaders of the Great Powers scrutinizing each other's reactions. Twilight’s heart sank, were they so distrustful of one another to continue their endless cycle of death? Maybe she had jumped the gun, the meeting had only truly just begun. Cadence had warned her to gain their trust and here she was exposing the world to humanity's bloody past. Finally, after 30 seconds that felt like an eternity to Twilight, President Philipé finally spoke, “Mexico commits to peace,”

“So does Siam,” Declared King Rama V

“Switzerland commits,” Declared President Brenner

Twilight was elated and it took all her will not to leap and cry out in joy, rather she kept a graceful smile as more and more leaders pledged. Cadence and her friends also smiled and soon, all of the minor human powers had committed to Twilight’s proposal. However, the leaders of the Great Powers remained alarmingly silent, the delegations of the nations of the Grand Alliance and the Entente stared each other down and the Americans and Japanese did so as well. King Albert, Kaiser Fredrick, and President Macmillan looked nervously at one another before Albert finally relented, “The Imperial Federation commits to peace,”

“Germany kommitz too!”

“The United States commits,”

Seeing the Americans back down, Minister Hotaka looked over at the Japanese nodding Japanese Emperor before proclaiming Japan’s commitment. However, Emperor Charles, Tzar Nicholas, and King Vittorio Emanuel remained stubbornly silent. As the world leaders looked expectantly at the leaders of the Entente, Empress Carlotta glared at her husband before jabbing him with her elbow. Emperor Charles quickly snapped his head to her and under his breath growled “Don’t you dare make look a fool,”

“You already are,”

King Aldar softly snickered and the Bourbon Emperor grunted before holding his head up. The Italian King was scowling at the other leaders, his small arms crossed as he remained stubbornly silent. Tzar Nicholas on the other hand was sweating nervously, his eyes darting between Twilight, the world leaders, Emperor Charles, and his Foreign Minister Mikhail Dyatlov. Twilight suspected that the Russian Tzar was under pressure from his nobility, and that suspicion was confirmed when Dyatlov leaned over to the Emperor’s ear and whispered, “I see that look on your face, don’t you prove your father right,”

It was the faintest whisper, Twilight’s heightened alicorn hearing could barely pick it up but rather than its intended effect the Tzar frowned and slammed his fist on the table. The Dyatlov recoiled away in a mix of fear and shock as the Tzar’s voice boomed, “I am no coward, Russia shall commit to peace!”

Emperor Charles and King Emanuele looked at the Tzar with twisted faces of betrayal, recovering from his shock Dyatlov’s face also scrunched up into a scowl. Emperor Charles finally softened his expression, “The Bourbon Empire commits,”

Now the lone King with arms crossed looked out to the table of dignitaries from all around the world, his face scrunched up into an ugly scowl. He then slammed his fists on the table as he screamed, “Dis is but un utter farce!” Pointing to the Kaiser and Albert he continued, “You make a commitment to a peace as you a rule over de largest empires in da world! You a snakes always win, let go of your empire and then i’ll make a comitment!”

Pushing himself away from the chair King Vittorio Emanuele got up on his feet and gestured to his wife and aids, “ Let's go!”

The Italian delegation quickly packed up their maps and charts and began making their way out of the meeting hall. Registering what had just occurred, Twilight disappeared from the head of the table in a flash of magenta light and teleported between the Italian Royal Couple and the double doors, “Wait! Please we can work something out!”

Everyone was in shock, the humans had never witnessed teleportation before, and Twilight had performed it on a whim. King Emanuel stumbled backward at the unexpected appearance of the Princess. Cadence was mortified and before anyone else could react enveloped Twilight in a sky-blue aura and levitated her back to the conference table. She then gave the recovering King an apologetic glance, “The Kingdom of Equestria and the Crystal Empire apologize for Princess Twilight. We hope to pursue amicable relations in the future,”

Now back to his bearings, the King looked back at Cadence and Twilight, “Mark a my words Princesses, Da British, Germans and Americans will a stab you in da back!”

With that, the Italian Guards opened the hall doors and the royal couple walked away. Twilight, recovering from her levitation across the room, cried out her apology as the last of the Italians funneled away.

In the end, things could have gone better but apart from Italy, the humans had heard her out. Maybe she could pull it off in the end. However, the room was in stunned silence as the leaders made sense of Italy’s outburst and the Princesses’ display of magical power as the Italians left the summit.

Cadence finally cleared her throat, “The Crystal Empire and Equestria are glad that you are attending this summit and I believe Princess Twilight and your Majesties agree that we should take a recess. Discussions will begin tomorrow,”