//------------------------------// // UB 1 - Canterlot High Economics Class Chapter 1 // Story: Unfinished Business // by TheFullCrumb //------------------------------// Prologue – Welcome to the Class Fourth year was always a hassle for most of the new staff hired after the Friendship Games incident. Sure, magic was abundant at Canterlot High, but that did not mean that it was exactly an easy thing to deal with. While, yes, it had been easy enough to deny the claims that Canterlot High was otherworldly, what with the magic shorting out everyone's phones when they tried to record video – that was a nightmare for everyone involved – Principal Celestia had decided to increase the curriculum, to include ever-changing needs for the modern world. Unfortunately, that included a brand-new Economics class. No one understood why Miss Peabottom could not continue to teach Business and Economics side-by-side, but it was besides the point. As the fourth year students filed into the class, seven stood out to the new teacher, who brushed off his bowtie as his somewhat mismatched clothing hung loosely from his body. He had been warned by Principal Celestia to watch out for those seven, including their so-called 'ring leader,' Sunset Shimmer. He smiled as he repositioned his large glasses, laying his hands onto his desk with a heavy thud. “Welcome, one and all! I am your brand new, host with the most teacher, Professor John Q. Discord! Now, before we get started, does anyone here actually understand economics, or how money works?” He pinched the bridge of his nose as he watched the pink one lift her hand, waving it about. “Anyone who is not Pinkie Pie? Seriously?” He sighed, motioning for her to speak. “Supply and demand, specifically when you're dealing with the exchange of money through trade and goods, such as when I have to make a massive order of cakes and have to limit the supply because I'm running out of ingredients and-” Discord held up his hand, silencing her as she struggled to continue talking. “Ah, much better. Now, the best part is about to come, everyone. While the curriculum wants me to use a boring 'textbook,' I would rather show you what I myself am going to use!” With a wave of his hand, the projector in the room rumbled to life, displaying the proudly displayed logo of a computer game. Specifically, it was the title screen of a game that made much of the class groan. Splashed across the screen was the logo for “Transport Tycoon Deluxe.” ----[----[0]----]---- Rarity looked at the rest of her friends, sighing as she followed the rest of the class to the computer lab, where everyone was 'eagerly' awaiting their turn with the game they were about to play. “Darlings, is it appropriate for us to-” She stopped herself as she watched Pinkie Pie and Twilight discussing different tactics for creating transport networks. “Come on, this'll be awesome! You're not going to deny a chance to not have to do homework, are you, Rarity?” Rainbow Dash jumped in the air to punctuate her sentence, laughing as she drew her arms in, smiling and giggling. “Well, sugarcube, if this here economics class is just going to be doin' stuff on the computer, then I reckon it's not too bad for y'all,” Applejack smiled, winking at Fluttershy, the shy girl proceeding to hide behind Sunset Shimmer. As they entered the computer lab, they could see Professor Discord darting between computers, placing stickers on each one as they stood there, dumbfounded. “Ah, Twilight Sparkle! You're over here! Flash Sentry, this computer. Fluttershy, Rarity, over here! Rainbow Dash, you've got the one in the corner! Applejack, Sunset Shimmer! Near the front! Pinkie Pie- nevermind then.” The professor stood at the front, running his hand through his thick gray hair, waggling his eyebrows as he watched the students' reactions. The students found their names, taking their seats as they looked at their screens. The game's logo was prominently presented, little pixelated planes, trains, and automobiles running around in the background. “Everyone, welcome to the only assignment I am going to give you!” They all stared at the professor before giving him their rapt attention, his eyes themselves smiling as he watched. “The goal of this session is to start up your transport companies. I will keep track of everyone's company on this handy-dandy white board!” Most of the students had begun the game without listening to the professor, forcing him to blow on a whistle no one had noticed he had before. “Students!” “What's the major goal of this assignment, Mr Discord?” “Three things: One, you must pay off your company's 'loan' before the game reaches the ingame year of 1995. For some of you, that will be easy. For others, you may have to be underhanded, but that's how business works. Second, you will have to build your company to use every type of vehicle available to you. Once we reach a certain point, your game will unlock exciting new opportunities, which will enhance your own game potential! Thirdly, you cannot be in negative bank for more than two in-game years. I would not like to fail anyone in this class, but if I have to, I must. Now, join the Economics server, and we shall begin! When you're done setting up your companies, write the name of the company, its main transport, and your name.” Discord retreated from the room, sighing as he breathed. A tap on his shoulder brought his attention to the ketchup-coloured hair of Sunset Shimmer, who frowned at him. “Discord, what are you doing in this world?” “Teaching Economics, my dear Sunset. However, there is always a little chaos to be had in a fun competitive game. Don't worry. You're marked as having passed this course. I need you to observe the reactions of the class. I might make you my assistant for this!” Discord cackled as he left Sunset scratching her head, smiling as his eyes shifted to a rather sharp yellow. “This school really needs a more mild form of chaos, and I shall deliver unto them the promise of true chaos.”