“To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash.”

-Bill Nye

UN Headquarters, New York, April 6 2038

The once-bustling metropolis of New York lay silent, a ghost town where the echoes of the past seemed to linger in the empty streets. The bright lights of skyscrapers, usually a beacon of commerce and life, were dimmed, and only the vigilant eyes of the U.S. National Guard and UN peacekeepers roamed the deserted avenues. The world had changed, and the threat of extinction loomed large over humanity.

In the depths of the United Nations headquarters, representatives from the major nations gathered in a fortified chamber, a stark contrast to the vibrant city outside. This room, reserved for the Security Council, was filled with tension as delegates from the Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Pakistan, Israel, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States prepared to discuss the next steps in humanity's great exodus to the new world.

As the meeting commenced, the air was thick with urgency. The mood was a mix of determination and unease, as the clock was ticking down to the asteroid’s predicted impact in 2050-2051.

“We cannot afford to delay any longer,” stated Ranabura Njendi, the Nigerian representative, his voice steady but filled with urgency. “The completion of the portal in Anambra marks a significant milestone in Africa. But we must accelerate the process of evacuation.”

“I agree, but we must also consider the repercussions of our actions,” interjected Ruldu Dheer from India. “We have to ensure that the new world is ready to accommodate the influx of colonists. We cannot, we cannot make a mistake or millions of people will die...”

“Mistakes?” scoffed Zhu Liwei from China. “With over 400 million applications for colonists in just a month, our priority is survival. The new world is a fresh start, free from the climate change that has plagued us for years.”

"But we must consider the long-term effects of our actions,” Ruldu Dheer cautioned in a follow-up meeting, his voice steady as the representatives gathered once more. “We are not just sending millions our population to a new world without sufficient housing accommodation."

“But what choice do we have?” countered Zhu Liwei, frustration seeping into his tone. “We are facing extinction. If we do not act now, humanity will perish!”

“But at what cost?” countered Amar Mudaliyar from Indonesia. “If we exploit the resources without considering the consequences, we might create another disaster. The environment in the new world—”

“Is ours to control,” interrupted Menshikov Andrei from Russia, adjusting his glasses. “We’ve successfully developed a simple version of the portal technology that can be mass-produced. This will allow underdeveloped nations access to the new world, we can start a new beginning!"

“New beginning?” replied Rémi Marais from France. “We're just gonna restart the same shit on another planet and this time we have the potential to destroy an untouched world. We need to be careful.”

The debate intensified, the room soon erupted in a cacophony of voices, each representative vying to make their case heard. The discussion shifted rapidly from one point to another—construction supplies, the outflow of workers, environmental regulations, and the moral implications of colonization.

“If we are to proceed, we must open contracts for private organizations,” suggested Jonathan Reynolds from United States, gaining control of the conversation. “They have the resources and the expertise to accelerate the colonization project.”

“And the greed?” protested Lorenzo Lópes from the Brazil. “History has shown us that unchecked corporate interests lead to exploitation and environmental disaster.” *Banana Republic flashback*

Despite the concerns raised, after heated debates and the realization of the dire situation, an solution was reluctantly made. The nations united in their decision to exploit the new world’s resources. It was a grim compromise, driven by desperation.

The decision echoed in the minds of each representative. The private construction companies would be given the freedom to exploit the natural resources in the new world. They would build as quickly as possible to prepare for the first wave of colonists, projected to arrive in June.

Outside the chamber, the representatives exited into the hushed hallways of the UN, each burdened by the weight of their decisions. As the sun began to set, casting a shadow over the city, the world felt smaller, more fragile.

A few months later~, Whinnypool, Southwest Equestria, June 1st , 2038.

Meanwhile, in the peaceful village of Whinnypool, the serenity of Equestria was beginning to fray. Aqua Shadow, a gentle and nurturing mare, walked along the riverbank, her hooves softly splashing against the water’s edge. The sun was high in the sky, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass.

As she filled her water pot, Aqua noticed something unsettling. The river, usually a vibrant blue, appeared dull and tainted—a sickly bluish-grey hue. She frowned, dipping her hoof into the water, feeling a chill that was not typical of the refreshing stream.

“What in Equestria?” she murmured to herself, glancing around. “This doesn’t look right.”

A nearby stallion, Dandelion, approached, his brows furrowed with worry. “Have you seen the fields, Aqua? The crops are wilting. Something’s not right with the water.”

Aqua nodded, her heart sinking. “I was just thinking the same. We need to alert the village council.”

As they made their way back, they couldn’t shake the feeling that something was very wrong. The vibrant fields of Whinnypool were slowly succumbing to an invisible threat.

The Council Meeting in Whinnypool

The Village Hall of Whinnypool had always been a peaceful, and picturesque place. This evening, however, a sense of unease hung over the village like a storm cloud as the townsponies gathered at the town hall. The building was adorned with colorful flowers and glowing lanterns, but the lively atmosphere was missing; only the murmurs of concerned voices filled the air.

Inside, the village council—comprised of five elder ponies—sat in a semicircle before the assembled villagers. Elder Maple, the head of the council, had a weathered face that bore the lines of many years, her mane streaked with silver. She sat at the center, flanked by Elder Willow, Elder Birch, Elder Pine, and Elder Thistle. Their expressions were grim as Aqua Shadow and Dandelion Seed stood before them, recounting the troubling discovery by the river.

“We’ve seen strange things in the water before, but we brushed them off as seasonal changes,” Elder Maple began, her voice weary but resolute. “This… this is different. If the color of the river is truly as unnatural as you say, and if it is killing the crops… then we must act quickly.”

“Aye, it isn’t just a matter of inconvenience,” added Elder Pine, his deep voice resonating through the hall. “The river is the lifeblood of our village, and if it’s tainted, it could poison not only our fields but also those of every village downstream. This could bring famine to our entire region.”

The mention of famine rippled through the room, causing anxious whispers to erupt. Aqua Shadow, her heart pounding, stepped forward. “I know it’s serious, but it’s worse than we feared. The plants along the riverbanks are withering, and the animals that drink from it are acting strangely—some have even fallen ill.” Her voice cracked with urgency. “We can't wait for the Royal Ministry of Health to send their inspectors, that will take weeks! We have to find the source of this contamination ourselves.”

Elder Willow, her eyes narrowing in concern, spoke next. “But what could be causing such a thing? We’ve heard no word of foul play from the nearby villages, and the Minotaurs haven’t wandered near here for years, not since Princess Celestia banned their use of that wretched 'kerosene'.”

“There is more in these woods than just Minotaurs,” Elder Birch interjected, a hint of nervousness in his tone. “Old things… ancient creatures. Some say the spirits of the forest are restless. What if this is a sign—”

“Nonsense!” Elder Thistle snapped, waving a hoof dismissively. “We are not dealing with spirits or curses. Something tangible is polluting our river, and it must be found and stopped. The only question is who will undertake this task.”

A heavy silence followed, broken only by the shifting of hooves. Then, a voice rang out from the back of the hall. “We will go.” it's was Astral Thunder, his voice steady and unwavering. The tall stallion stepped forward, his dark mane flowing like a storm cloud. “I will lead a group upstream to find the source of the contamination. We will get to the bottom of this.”

Several other ponies stepped forward, volunteering to join him. Sapphire Mythic, Dark Snow and Lila Blossom.

Elder Maple nodded approvingly, her eyes softening. “It is decided then. You five shall follow the river to its source and uncover what has befallen it. But be cautious, my fellow ponies. The woods may hold dangers you do not expect.”

The council broke up soon after, but the unease lingered. As the chosen ponies gathered their supplies and prepared for the journey, whispers followed them. The weight of the village’s hopes rested on their shoulders, and the fear of the unknown gnawed at their resolve.

As night deepened, the lanterns outside the town hall flickered in the breeze. Elder Maple watched the young ponies depart from a window. “I fear we are about to uncover more than we bargained for,” she murmured to herself. “May the stars guide them.”

The next morning, a grup of ponies set off at dawn, the mist still clinging to the White Tail Woods like a shroud. They followed the river’s winding path, the air growing colder as they pressed deeper into the forest. Their conversation was sparse at first, but as the hours passed, the tension began to break.

“I still don’t understand why it had to be me,” Aqua Shadow grumbled. “There are other ponies in the village more suited for this kind of thing. I’m just a gardener, not an investigator.”

Astral Thunder gave her a sympathetic glance. “You noticed the problem first, Aqua. So that makes you the most qualified among us to recognize any signs along the way. Besides,” he added with a faint smile, “it’s not like any of us are monster hunters. We’re just trying to help our village.”

Dark Snow, walking a few paces behind, chimed in. “I’m more worried about what we’ll find. What if it’s some terrible creature lurking in the woods? I’ve heard stories about timberwolves in this area.”

“Timberwolves don’t make rivers run gray,” replied Sapphire Mythic, the youngest of the group, his voice tinged with skepticism. “I bet it’s just some Minotaur contraption left abandoned,” Sapphire Mythic said, his tone half-dismissive, half-hopeful. “They never did have much sense for safety with their experiments.”

Lila Blossom’s voice trembled slightly as she spoke up, “What if it’s something worse? Like a thousand-legged monster that’s poisoning the river after it... eats ponies? I heard a tale like that once.” Her eyes darted nervously to the darkening woods.

The group fell silent, and the only sound was the rustling of leaves in the wind and the murmur of the river beside them. As they continued, Aqua Shadow’s gaze suddenly snapped upward. “Wait… do you see that?” She pointed toward the horizon where a plume of thick, black smoke spiraled into the sky.

They broke into a brisk trot, following the smoke. When they emerged from the thick underbrush, the sight that greeted them stole the breath from their lungs. Before them stood a massive, gray structure loomed over the landscape, its walls rising like a fortress of stone and metal. on its roof are tall chimneys belching black smoke into the air, casting a dark haze over the surroundings. Around it, strange bipedal creatures in bulky, unfamiliar clothing were bustling about, operating strange mechanical contraptions, moving bags of unknown materials and feeding them into the maw of the great building.

The ponies stared in horror, unable to comprehend what lay before them. “What… what is that place?” Aqua Shadow whispered, her voice trembling.

“I don’t know,” Astral Thunder replied, his eyes narrowing. “But it doesn’t belong here.”

The sound of hissing machinery and the clank of metal echoed from within the structure. "What… what are those things?” whispered Lila Blossom, her voice barely audible as she stared at the creatures in fear.

Sapphire Mythic was the first to find his voice. “Look over there,” he said, pointing a trembling hoof at a large pipes jutted out from the building’s side, spewing a thick, foul-smelling liquid directly into the river. “That’s what’s poisoning the water… Those creatures are behind this!"

Meanwhile, the creatures continued their work, unaware of the ponies' presence. It was then that the true weight of what they had discovered began to sink in. Whatever these beings were—whatever they were doing—was a threat to the very land itself.

The group backed away slowly, hearts racing. Astral Thunder swallowed hard. “We have to go back to the village and tell the mayor. We can’t deal with… whatever this is.”

As the ponies turned to leave, a chill settled over them. They had come seeking answers, but what they had found were questions far darker than they had ever imagined. And somewhere, deep in the forest, an ancient magic stirred, sensing the disruption and preparing to awaken.

Many historians conclude that the ramifications of the decisions made at the UN began to surface during the latter half of the year 2038. The construction and exploitation of resources in the new world had unintended consequences, rippling back to Equestria.

Reports of dying crops and polluted waterways spread throughout the land. Villagers grew restless, fearful of the changes encroaching upon their tranquil lives. The once-harmonious landscape was now under threat from an unknown enemy—an enemy they had yet to comprehend.

Meanwhile, in the depths of the UN headquarters, the political tensions surrounding the colonization efforts grew. Some nations began to express concern over environmental policies and the ethical implications of exploiting an untouched world, but unfortunately they were ignored. The consequences of pollution and the struggle for balance between survival and preservation began to take center stage in debates for many years to come.

The stage was set for a confrontation—a clash between the ideals of survival and the necessity of stewardship. Equestria stood on the precipice of a new era, one that would test the bonds of friendship, resilience, and the very essence of harmony that had defined their world for centuries.

Author's Note

Explanation of what is "Banana Republic"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_republic