This story is a sequel to Dragon Greed is Good
With one monetary crisis averted, another inevitably rises to take its place. This time, disaster threatens to strike as a trade dispute breaks out on the high seas between the Gryphon Navy and Equestria's largest trade company. Will the conflict escalate into a war? Will it affect the nation's import of coffee beans?
The Princess of the Night will at least make certain she solves the latter.
Proofread by: Snakeskin Ducttape and PresentPerfect
Artwork by: quvr
Review link: PaulAsaran
Chapters (6)
*looks at title*
9074809
Greatest film there ever was.
9074819 Heck. Yes.
Hmm. An intriguing mystery. Motives unclear, suspects hiding from sight, and even the outcome uncertain at this juncture.
That said, I feel they gave up on Pinkie too soon: "There are a bunch of ships keeping ponies from going into griffin ports. Did you have anything to do with that?" Sure, it probably wouldn't get results, but it's a straightforward response to her question.
In any case, looking forward to more.
I'm sorry, but this chapter has strained my suspension of disbelief past the breaking point. I can accept a lot, but some things go too far, and you have found one of them.
After all, who eats salad with a spoon?
In all seriousness, the plot it thickening nicely. Eagerly looking forward to the next installment and Luna getting an answer to her question.
9101988
Don't scare a poor author's heart with such wicked bait and switch! I also completely forgot to respond to your previous remarks about the time they questioned Pinkie, and decided while you made a great point, it also worked as is.
The plot is interesting, and something more unique, I've never seen a story like this, fanfic or otherwise.
Also, your profile picture looks like a sly but good-hearted businessman.
9119817
I'm always happy when someone calls my story interesting and unique; it's often what I strive for when writing! My avatar is based on Filthy Rich whose portrayal in the show I've always enjoyed.
9108135
That's because we're civilized.
When in doubt, audacity.
Everything but a shanty 9/10
Well, that could've gone a lot worse. Still, this was only the first step. Luna still has to peel back the layers of obfuscation and frippery until she exposes whatever motove set up this blockade in the first place.
9132408
Whops, thanks for the heads up! I had accidentally misspelled Hildburg as Hindenburg in this chapter, and editing on the iPad while half asleep in bed was probably not the brightest idea.
Luna is so quick to assume changeling trickery, but what if it was really Fluttershy?
9265596
Given the propensity of the element bearers to cause chaos, such a thing isnt too far fetched.
I suspect Celestias warrent on the Pinkie Promise is because of it being used against her by Nobles or such before, or at least the attempt. Given Pinkie and now Fluttershy, who is the puppet master this time? Celestia, Twilight, the Tree, or other? Maybe the Tree wants or accepts the reconstruction because it would be more secure behind layers of active new build rather than isolated in decaying desolation?
Depending on the design, its suprising just how little room is needed for a single track rail line, less than 10 foot hard clearence with passing trains clearing small outgrowth regularly. You could also consider looking at pier construction from the 1800s where pillars are screwed into the surface below, then beams slung over the top. Of course, such a design these days is called hip, trendy, futuristic hyperloop etc.
So far, other transport options not seen, beyond Cherry Berrys helicopter and Pinkies pedal copter, are Hovercraft, cargo heavier than aircraft, or Cloud Barges, which are like Airships, but vastly larger, carry much greater volumes and or masses of cargo at lower speeds, and the Caspian Sea Monster/Sea Truck/Airboat hydroplane/Wing in ground effect fast sea transport.
Can Changelings control their dreams so they are what theyve changed into or shouldnt Luna either pick up something wrong with teh dream, or interference from the hive mind link in some way, echoing etc?
If Griffins area is mostly mountainous, does that give them lots of minerals, construction material, and deep heat if they could get the tunneling done, maybe by allowing persecuted tunneling races from elsewhere to dig down in return for a place to stay and trade?
If the crew dumped all the natural sugar cane in the harbour, does that mean they replaced it with brain melting artificial high fructose corn syrup?
And so coffee is restored, and so is the castle.
Except for the Railway Gangers, the Labour Unions, and if honey isnt used, just where does the sugar and various flavourings come from for Celestias cakes?
And why do the Gryphons all stop work at 4pm for a brew up?
Have Luna or Celestia considered Fluttershy could be a scary competent diplomat and ambassador if trained properly? Heck, if Moonbutt used her to gather investment for her old castle the coffers would be full before the end of the week.
9589495
That would be frightening. Though I believe Fluttershy would lose much of her charm and innocence if introduced to the scheming nature of politics.
Alternate title: How Fluttershy accidentally started a trade war.
Good all the way through, and I loved the supporting characters. Hope we get to see more of blaze.
Edit: Also, called it.
9589566
Yup, noticed that last chapter. Well deduced.
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If you're interested in Filthy Rich, Estee has several stories in the Triptych universe featuring him
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/368739/barnyard-barge-ins
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/380996/cart-ography
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/415858/protest-too-much
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/407025/department-of-madness-vindication
These are semi "stand alone"
It isn't necessary to have read ANYTHING else to follow what's going on
The situation is analogous to something that happened in the US Civil War
The British ship RMS Trent was stopped on the high seas by the USS San Jacinto & 2 Confederate
diplomats were removed (Legally, an act of war). This was wildly popular in the USA. Not so much in Great Britain
Lincoln eventually disavowed Captain Wilkes's actions & released the diplomats but did NOT formally apologize
One of Prince Albert's last actions was to speak in Parliament against declaring war.
It is plausible that Great Britain would have declared war if he hadn't
9265596
Yeah, IMO Fluttershy might well protest the habitat destruction involved in constructing a railroad
Back in the 1960s, LSD was often produced in liquid form, sold on a sugar cube, & consumed in tea
(Thus the use in the 3 Dog Night song "Mama Told Me Not To Come", for instance)
Marijuana was occasionally called tea as well, because some folks brewed it into tea
(neither usage was super frequent, though)
In the 80s, Crystal Tea was meth
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Wouldn't be surprised if half of all food products in those days had some form of narcotics in them.
A Filthy Rich comedy would be right up my alley.
Kind of confusing considering the Badlands are in the middle of a desert nowhere near water. They’re in the mainland
9594116 No, that's silly.
I make sure ALL the consumables are chock full of mind-altering chemicals!
And this makes human minds pliable to the subliminal messages embedded in pop songs and movie trailers!
How else can I steer the entire planet to my insane whims? (Alondro IS THE ILLUMINATI!!)
9074819 LIES!! The greatestest film ever is "The Room"!
Shun the non-believer! Shuuuun! Shhhhhhhhhhhuuuuuunnnnn!!
9644764
You're behind the times, Alondro. Business is the correct way to take over the world.
9647838 And how else do you think I manage to get all those chemicals and subliminal messages in there in the first place?
(Alondro IS Weyland Yutani!!)
9265596 Just getting through this story, but wouldn't it be exceedingly unusual for incredibly-shy Flutters to initiate a conversation with a gryphon she didn't even know?
That automatically suggests an imposter!
I found the previous story entertaining so let's see how this one goes
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Hopefully it will be to your enjoyment. Don't be afraid to give your thoughts about it when you're done!
Well so far you have delivered
Yep this is just as good as the last one
You can has review!
Its good but its just setup.
A delightful read!