This story is a sequel to Of Solicitude

Ten years after a massive war, Equestria has changed. The Empire now rules over all, giving peace and prosperity to those that deserve it, but some are against this new rulership.
The CMC, a small, raggedy group of smugglers working for the Apple family, are caught red-hoofed by an Imperial patrol. As the friends fight for their lives, they learn about themselves, each other, and the world they now reside in.
Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Emperor Blueblood has amassed a massive fleet and is preparing to smash what is left of the rebellion under the oppressive hoof of his Empire.

Fantart:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSqZZHhQa_I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE7m2dk8FB4&list=UUS5YHp6kB61DHIXt8THr4iQ&index=1&feature=plcp

Luna is a hardcore gamer, and it piques Celestia's curiosity. She's skeptical at first, but Celestia is willing to learn about Luna's favorite pastime.

Wishing to celebrate her sister's return to Equestria, Princess Celestia revives a competition long-forgotten to modern ponydom: a race over the kingdom's oldest road. Twilight Sparkle and her friends sign up to participate in what they think will be a fun diversion, but will their individual reasons for running breed cooperation or conflict?

Big Macintosh had a perfectly good reason for taking Twilight's doll; he wanted to use it to finally start a conversation with her. But Applejack's having none of it, Rarity's getting the wrong idea about everything, and the Cutie Mark Crusader Matchmakers are about to really throw a spanner in the works! A comedy of errors launching a full fleet of ships.

February Write-Off First Place Winner! Commissioned to produce a dress for Princess Celestia herself, Rarity orders in the finest fabric she can get her hooves on. However, her work is disturbed by a mysterious plague that spreads through the town, causing ponies to lose their beloved manes! Is it the work of a phantom prankster? Perhaps a deadly disease? Or maybe something a little more... colourful?

link to dramatis personae

There was nothing left for Spitfire in Cloudsdale, just an uncle who hated her and painful memories of lost loved ones. The Pegasus Search and Rescue Corps offers her a chance to get out of town, see the world, do some good - and one day maybe have a shot at the Guards or the Wonderbolts! She jumps at the opportunity - and six days later, she limps into training camp.

Doesn't matter: she made it. The world can beat her down, but it can't keep her down. The friendships she forms here will get her through everything training has to offer. Will they also see her through the dark clouds on the horizon?

(Rated Teen for violence, language, some suggestive themes)