"Diplomats are just as essential in starting a war as soldiers are for finishing it."
— Will Rogers
"All warfare is based on deception."
— Sun Tzu
6/3/14 12:00 Steps of Congress, United States
Brent stood under the noonday sun, a throng of reporters from every major news network stood by his podium. He checked his hair and the notes sitting in front of him deciding that if this worked his speech writers would get a raise, this could guarantee him the House and Senate in five months, if played right the election in two years. And then things will change. Show who you are without mentioning campaigns. Appear honest.
“As many of you may know, the Equestrian settlement has been attacked and it is an unimaginable tragedy and those responsible should be forced to pay. And I want to assure the people of this fine country that any terrorist will be punished. My opponents will try to use this as a chance to attack me, just watch. They will come out and say I planned this, but watch, they will have absolutely no evidence. None.” He lowered an open hand onto the podium.
“Yes, I am an active proponent that they cannot yet be trusted, and they have yet to prove me wrong. Celestia claims they want to help, to forge friendships but at every step they want to dictate our policy. And let me ask you this: when have they helped? They can control weather but when have they stopped a flood or tornado? What about the massive drought just one state over from their embassy?” Lean forward for emphasis. Keep the hands moving. “But not once.”
“Instead they threaten to go to China because we don’t meet their qualifications of decency. Tow does not want you to know this but this is from her own sources. Troops have been streaming through. Way more than are needed, and while I applaud her for making sure troops in the area are prepared; she has failed to keep the people informed.” Lower closed fist to the podium. ”Over three HUNDRED Royal Guards have come through the portal. Why could they possibly need that many armed troops?”
“Yet with all this they still think they deserve that land they leased. Land that belongs to the citizens of this country! Again, I applaud Tow for all she has tried to do in her naiveté, but we must work together. We must protect ourselves.”
Watch her get out of this one.
6/3/14 1:45pm White House
Celestia made a show of teleporting directly into the Diplomatic Reception room, making sure there were plenty of sparks and flash for the awaiting guards. She wanted to show them her power, show the strength of ponies; there had already been the mobilization of troops in Nevada and California.
Celestia appreciated the room, to an extent. The wallpaper of ‘traditional’ American scenes with its blue skies and ships in port designed to show this country’s history as well as give an airy feeling; dark wooden cabinets filled with china and chandeliers made to show wealth and class with the yellow upholstered chairs with their wooden frames matched the wallpaper, cabinets and the blue and yellow carpet that covered the circular room. The guards were just another piece of furniture in their white and black suits, the edge of a gun stuck out of one human’s jacket. Further in the building was a bubble that seemed to resist magic, any human that entered just disappeared from her senses.
President Margarette Tow sat in her finest suit, standing to shake Celestia’s hoof. “We as a nation, myself in particular offer our most sincere condolences for what has happened.” Offering the Princess a yellow pillow while sitting in another chair across a table set with a tea. “The United States will render any assistance you request.” She poured out two cups of tea and placed one close to Celestia.
“That would be most appreciated.” The Princess picked up the cup in her magic, taking a whiff of the concoction before taking a measured sip of the delicate white tea. “You have fine taste in tea. Madam President.” Celestia set the cup back down onto its saucer.
“Thank you.” Tow returned. “How can we help?”
“We caught the culprits.” Celestia offered. “However, they appear to have been Embassy security. I was wondering if you had any idea how this happened.”
“I wish I did. You are welcome to prosecute them but I know Equestria does not have the death penalty. If they are returned they would be charged with treason.”
“That is quite alright, we have other ways to punish murderers on foals. Besides, our laws only apply to those native to Equus as a certain Senator would put it, and we don’t have any troublesome trial by jury.” Celestia waited but Tow did not react. “But, one by the name of Victor did confess to being ordered to go on this mission.”
“He must be mistaken. We had him and two of his colleagues were ordered back to Earth, yes. But that was just an assessment, a briefing of the difficulties of the job.”
Celestia took another sip of tea. “And, if I said there was a source at your Embassy that could confirm his story?”
“Then they would have been in collusion. No missions were authorized. We wouldn’t even have a means to get through the shield.” The President confirmed, placing her hands flat against her knees.
Tis a shame. Celestia pulled a manila folder from underneath her wing and gently tossed it onto the table, missing both tea cups. “I believe that is a signed order from one CIA Director Shepherd ordering Avery Anwar, Aiko Nakamura Marcus, and Victor Sizemore for three weeks of training, occurring right over the incident.”
There was a subtle lifting of an eyebrow, a loosening around the mouth, a second longer to take in air. “Obviously this is a forgery. The Ambassador must have used his connections for some reason. Or maybe you have a traitor on your side, it would not be the first time if I am not mistaken.” President Tow set the folder back down. “How else could they get through your shield? Perhaps you should look at your own people before accusing someone else of such a heinous act or finish collecting evidence.”
“You knew this was an empty act, look at that speech this morning, the troop movements, they are playing you for a foal. Look at their history. Could you ever expect a portal created by an elder god to bring peace?”
“You know they could not have learned Equestrian from listening. You know radio waves cannot pass through the portal, that those steps are how they communicate. You know why there was no ash from those two foals, that they are not dead. How else could they have learned it? They need a stone to learn their own past languages, they had no Rosetta Stone from Equus. You can see how they will take your magic, learn to manufacture it and then war, war across the stars.”
“What has happened to the peaceful? Death. This country sent 915 Jews back to Germany to face execution on the S.S. St. Louis. Sinking the German U-boat U-516 who was transporting survivors from a troop ship they sunk to shore to make sure these people didn’t drown, broadcasting they were transporting survivors, they never even tried to defend themselves as they were bombed. They don’t value life.”
“How will they treat your ponies? Like the Cherokee when they tried to be a part of society and were run out despite following every rule set to them, being marched across the country to die. Or when they shove their own citizens into internment camps like animals. Or worse, being forced to dig their own graves and slaughtered by the millions because of religion, every religion. These ‘creatures’ only want peace and power for themselves.”
These were her fears, things she had realized long ago, had hoped would not prove true, not again.
“A hundred thousand killed or taken into slavery by the griffons. Tens of thousands from Sombra’s birth. Unknown numbers from Discord and only your swift action could stop your sister from destroying all life by denying your citizens the precious sun.”
Celestia felt her ire rise, this thing she had been trying to keep in check since the attack. All they are is empty words and manipulators. She could feel her magic rising and fought down the visible signs lest it cause the humans to speed up their attack, an ember catching light in her flowing mane. She knew what had to happen, to protect her ponies.
“Then there is nothing further to talk through. I have a funeral to attend.” Celestia coldly informed as she gathered up her magic.
“One last question if you do not mind.” President Tow offered as she leaned forward. “What about our people in Equestria?”
The Princess heard much in that question, and her words weren’t as cold as they contained an absence of all heat. “My sister is watching over them. Your Embassy staff will be treated much better than mine were.”
6/4/12 4:35pm Ambassador’s Residence, Equestria
Lyra stood outside the door of Anthony’s house, two Lunar Guards checking her for contraband and then checking her name against a very short list. It was no accident her name was on there as one of the few ponies truly familiar with humans, and one of the few, Luna was hoping, that the Anthony would actually talk to.
“You can enter.” The gruff voice responded and used his magic to open the door.
Lyra wanted to smile or laugh, be her usually cheery self. But I never made it easier and my excitement didn’t help. Even Bon Bon can tell. Lyra chuckled as she entered, it was Bon Bon that convinced her to come. ‘Everypony needs a friend.’
The mint green unicorn went from room to room looking for any sign of the human, his home felt rather empty, even though nothing had changed from the last time she saw it. Chairs, books, a kitchen, the weird human bathroom, some papers had been moved but looked the same. Soon Lyra moved up to the second floor with its two bedrooms.
The linguist decided to check the first one she came to. In a chair off to the side was the ex-Ambassador, collapsed over the arms of a chair. She had never seen him in this state of undress before in just a white shirt and pajama bottoms. “He-“
“Have they finished going through my papers yet?” Anthony said morosely, not even bothering to look at the pony.
“Not yet.” Lyra looked about the room, never having been in this room before, but she spotted the TV and shelves lined with books. “Paper Cut has been going through the papers at the Embassy. She complained about how much there was and complaining about humans being walking disasters after she saw one office.” Lyra’s joke yet got no response.
“At least you aren’t in a cell someplace. I hear they have really uncomfortable beds, like sleeping on concrete. Kinda like fieldwork. Ever sleep in a bush?” Lyra asked, nudging a bare foot. “They even gave you a TV! Why don’t we watch something? Twilight was telling about this space show she loved.” The mare picked a remote off the bed and pressed the power button. With a click the screen brightened. Lyra heard human feet hit the floor behind her and a catch in his throat.
“…It is believed the Embassy leak was actually caused by the Ambassador? Is that correct?” A blonde lady talked to a bland male, the same types you saw on any news program.
“That is correct. One of the papers President Tow received was expressly signed by him, others were confidential and stored in a burn safe. Although they are still speculating why he sent his personal staff to attack his counterpart and the Princess.”
Lyra heard a whumph as Anthony collapsed back into his chair.
“They have been playing that all day. I’m a traitor.” He coughed to hide the catch in his throat. “I can never go home, my wife is a war criminal. They even have evidence.”
Lyra pushes the power button and left the remote on the floor. “But you aren’t a traitor. You wouldn’t do anything like that.” What is going on?
“It doesn’t matter, not now. I’m already painted as such.” Anthony rested his face in his hands. “And I am.”
Lyra stepped forward, placing a hoof on his shoulder. “How?”
“I never put those papers in the safe, never saw a need to.” He took a shuddering breath. “And I did. I willingly answered every question Luna asked and then some.”
The mare stood there in shock. What can I say to that? At least you have friends here and will be found innocent? Big help that will be. “Why did you answer?”
“I wanted to prove our innocence. Prove there was some misunderstanding. That it could never happen.”
Lyra knew the answer but had to ask. “What do you mean by ‘and then some’?”
6/1/14 6:20am
Anthony was still awake in bed when someone knocked and opened the door. He wasn’t surprised to see the Lunar Princess walk in in her armor.
“We hope thee are better.” They were just words, her expression was as cold as the night. “What do thou know?”
“I already told you. I don’t know anything.”
“Why did humans attack my sister?”
“I don’t know.” He repeated.
“Why did your mate kill Rarity?”
“I…NO! She could never do that!” He almost jumped out of the bed to protest. But that would seem like another attack.
“Do thy have proof?” Luna asked, sitting next to the bed, eyes cold.
“I will take a lie detector! Anything!” He pleaded.
“We have something better, but it may be painful and is an invasion of privacy. Are thou sure?”
“What is it and what is required?” Tony inquired. There is no choice.
“There is an alchemist waiting and it will require going through your memories.” Luna informed.
“You could just force this couldn’t you?”
“No. Pony’s dreams the princess can see, but human minds are tricky. Kotodama, an ancient root, what it says we cannot refute. Commune the soul with the mind, some subtle; magic will let it bind.” A zebra stepped into the room, casting an unsure glance at both occupants. “If you are sure this is the path to take, of my help you can partake. Kotodama is ancient; it gives magic to those who are patient.”
This must be the favor for those recipes and alcohol. If I can just show them what kind of person she really is…
“Do not worry, we shall respect thy choice.” Luna offered.
Anthony saw the glass vial of white fluorescent liquid held by Zecora. “Just take that?” When both ponies nodded he took the vial and downed the potion. He was surprised it had no flavor. Everything softened, an aura appeared around Luna of a dark blue that glowed pure, while Zecora looked no different. His own hand seemed to be outlined with some sort of colored light, but his mind no longer accepted words, but he knew who he was and he was scared.
“The innocent have nothing to fear.” Luna whispered through the fog. “We shall avoid any ‘personal’ incidents. You can guide us.”
6/4/12 5:15pm
“Did you want to talk about it?” Lyra asked, hopping onto the bed, forcing him to sit up if he wanted eye contact.
“I think. I think I did more harm than good.” Anthony admitted. “I tried to prove her innocent. But everything Luna saw just cemented her opinion even more. When we met in high school, met again in college. Even a movie night after the engagement.”
“Movie night sounds peaceful.”
“No. We were watching a show called ‘Ariel’ and one of the crew tried to sell out a passenger for cash. This sellout and the captain were talking through the airlock, a thing that kept air in and the guy alive. When she wanted to space him, let him die that way there would never be a knife in the captain’s back.”
“I argued that the promise of no mercy was enough. It showed the skill of the captain.” Then in a whisper, “it was better for the soul.”
Lyra rubbed one foreleg with the other. “That is pretty cold.”
“But she changed after that. I know she did. She was less vicious.” Anthony let out a half-hearted laugh. “And all that did was convince Luna more.” Followed by a more genuine laugh. “And she is too proud to ever let someone into her mind. But I know.”
Lyra sat there, unsure what to say. She had seen the reports, a transcript of Celestia’s interview, to look for clues. She couldn’t say that, not now, it would break him.
“I know what you need.” Lyra jumped off the bed. “Some new books and maybe some new company. I don’t think Bon Bon would be able to say hi but maybe she can make you some candy.” Lyra trotted for the door.
“Oh! I could get Spike! He should be allowed to visit you and has a huge library! Be back in a few days.” Lyra heard some sort of squeak but was already lost in thought of what books.
6/4/14 6:48pm
Celestia had gotten back to her beachhead a few hours before, planning out her next move. The sun was starting to set, and she was still working on the calculations, this was not her sun. This celestial object was bigger and much more violent, it fit the species. She wanted to give her ponies as much time to prepare as possible but this also needed to start if she was going to go through with it.
Dearest Luna,
We are now at war. Send the Elements back tomorrow and figure out how to transport the prisoners to Equestria and a proper prison. I am sorry dear sister that you have to do my job for longer.
Tia
Celestia finished the letter and handed it off to the nearest guard, she had been doing it for a while; it was the easiest way to communicate through the portal.
Attacking under the guise of a funeral. Which should be happening in Ponyville right now. But it is necessary.
Celestia walked out to the middle of the bubble, guards watching her take each step. She carefully spread her wings and rose into the air, body perpendicular to the ground just like at the Summer Sun Celebration. As the same time she reached out for the magnetic field on the sun, the force that held a sun together, her horn alighting with a layer of golden yellow magic. Feeling the oppositely directed fields and wrenched them together, feeling as massive amounts of energy surged outward into the path of Earth. The alicorn was sweating as she descended, it wasn’t just the planet that was resistant to magic, but everything on this side of the portal and the sun was many magnitudes different than her ball of heat and light.
While manipulating the alien sun, a few thoughts crossed her mind and that of her inner voice.
There is no turning back. But, there never could have been. Luna did what was right in taking the Embassy, if there was another attack…
“There is one way to guarantee that never happens again.” It purred. “Keep that spigot open; let them cook under their own sun. You can protect your ponies here and they will never have to fear another reprisal by humans again. No terrorists, no shootings, no nuclear weapons as a threat. And no lies about the fate of your ponies.”
NO! She commanded. You shall be silent! I will not commit xenocide on a whim. Every creature has a right to life, that is what is being defended. Letting the magnetic fields correct themselves to stop the flow of energy.
Celestia let that sink in as the plasma careened towards Earth.
In approximately 48 hours that Coronal Mass Ejection would hit the Earth and her little ponies would be off to war. She only hoped they were truly ready for such an event.
6/6/14 8:00pm Equestrian Embassy, Earth
Isao awoke to two unicorn guards. They left the door open on his room and motioned for him to exit. He slid off the bed and exited the room. The guards seemed to talk freely around him, after all he ‘didn’t know the language’. It was an old tactic, one he had never used outside of training.
“So…” Isao looked about the hallway he was led down. “Where we goin?” When neither guard answered he continued talking. “Hope the food is better. Maybe some natural light, not that these white walls aren’t absolutely wonderful and all.” He’s had very little sleep with interrogations every few hours and the bright white room he was kept in. “Maybe something decent to wear. These clothes are all right but maybe something in a nice cornflower blue, white only gets you so far.”
The recon sniper was led to a door, exactly like the one they had pulled him out of, this one was at the end of a hall and no way to tell its size. The lock was also different in that it appeared to use a standard key. Inside were his ‘allies’, one of whom screwed the pooch. With a gruff push on the small of his back, Isao was propelled into the room and the door closed quickly behind him. Aiko sat off on her own, brooding, always the weird one. While Victor and Avery sat and talked in hushed tones. The room was at least twenty feet on a side.
Isao picked a nice piece of wall on the opposite side of the room and close to the other two. “So, who talked?”
Aiko hung her head as the other two stared at her. “It was nothing big, but they used some kind of drug.” Her head was bandaged as was her chest, a massive bruise along her right arm.
“No, when they asked me questions they knew things. They knew the exact point of the mission and who ordered it.” Isao made his argument to Victor.
“She’s lying to protect her ‘precious name’.” Victor sneered.
“Do you also expect me to believe she killed the op?” Sis would never.
“Just look at the evidence. They even found two of her rounds outside in the ground. They even showed me the rounds.” Victor rebutted. “So yes, I think she finally lost it.”
“Does the name Blueblood mean anything to you?” Isao asked, knowing the answer.
All heads turned to Victor, his slight pause saying more than the words that followed. “Yeah, he was some kind of royalty or politician or something.”
Aiko stood and took elongated strides towards her colleague, reaching him just as he managed to stand. One balled of fist hit him across the brow and threw his head against the wall while she drove her other arm against his neck in the instant he was disoriented and used the first hand to force her arm deeper into his neck. “You will pay for this.” She hissed. “I spent too much time for you to piss it away because you can’t control yourself.”
“Let him go.” Avery soothed. “Please, we can work this out.”
Isao stayed put and watched. You’d have a better chance prying a rabid dog off your leg. Let her kill the bastard. He saw two guards burst through the door. “Uh, sis? You might want to listen to im.”
Victor was turning red and gripping at the woman, unable to get the leverage needed to get her off.
A spear end lashed out, hitting Aiko in the side of her chest, a gasp of pain and escaped air could be heard as she crumpled to the floor into a fetal position. While Victor fell against the wall and gasped while rubbing his neck, using his legs to push himself away.
“What the hell were you thinking?” Avery yelled at both the guard and Aiko before checking her chest, more gasps and tears when touching her chest as she tried to curl up tighter.
“I, I want to amend my confession to Princess Celestia.” Victor rasped. “Just put me somewhere safe.”
Avery looked at his friend. “What did you do?” His voiced authoritatively, like a mad parent, it brooked no argument.
“I wanted revenge. Brent killed my men and made it look like my fault.” His eyes sped from person to person. “Cambodia, we were going after a drug dealer that, Brent knew of the mission and tipped off the target. My men were slaughtered and he fabricated evidence that I did it intentionally. That I was working for this scum.”
“It could have blown back on the families, they would lose their benefits.” Victor looked into his friend’s eyes, practically yelling. “They EARNED those for their families! Christina, Jack’s daughter, just got into Harvard. A dozen families. So yeah,” he fought back tears. “Yeah, I sacrificed our lives. Four lives for a dozen families. The political fallout will finally crash back on him. I have evidence back home, recorded phone calls, everything he has ever said to me.”
“How did you get the rounds out of my gun?” Aiko croaked, trying to raise herself onto one arm.
“When you unloaded it, I palmed two rounds and placed them in mine.”
“And those bombs?” Avery asked, eyes laser focused.
“They were just supposed to be some black powder and an ignition source. Had an old ‘friend’ smuggle them in. They were just meant to be big enough to scare, maybe a few burns.” Victor pleaded. “Nothing like that!”
The two golden clad ponies walked out of the room saying nothing. Isao couldn’t tell if these were the same guards or not.
Isao watched as the two guards left without saying a word. He looked about the room. How did they see what was happening? There aren’t any holes for them to see through and no visible cameras.
Aiko moved to the opposite corner from Victor and glared.
Isao sat back and watched. Knowing that if anything happened again the guards would not be so nice.