"After the recent events of the changeling invasion, Equestria's security is at risk. This is on the minds of every pony after the invasion grew right under our noses and no pony ever knew it was coming. We need a way to fight back." These were Princess Celestia's words during an address to the Representatives of Equestria meeting in Canterlot. Every leader from each Equestrian city attended, including Mayor Mare the representative for Ponyvillie attended.
"We've made peace with the changelings but that's not what I'm worried about. I'm worried about more enemies seeing our weaknesses and trying to attack us when we're vulnerable." The Princess stated again.
"That is why we the princesses have decided to add a new program to protect us, The EPD Act or the Equestrian Preparedness and Defense Act. This would protect us if Heaven forbid another attack were to occur but also, prevent attacks before they happen by stopping them before they start." The Princess said.
"Don't we already have defense? Why waste more money on something we don't need. Pfft. That would just waste time and effot that we could put into something else more useful." The Baltimare Representative whispered to the Rep. for Manehatten.
"You're right, what more will this do then the defense we already have in place? We already have the element's what else could we possibly need?" The Manehatten Rep. said.
"Excuse Gentlecolts but could you keep it down I'm trying to hear the Princess's Adress" Mayor Mare said to them.
"This would place guards in high populated areas and stop any suspicious activity. We will also defend our coasts. By placing defense in the eastern coastal cities to secure our border." The Princess said.
"Objection!" The Baltimare Rep. Yelled.
"Excuse me?" Celestia replied.
"Placing guards in random areas wouldn't keep us safe it would be unfair to the ponies and..." He was interrupted.
"There is no debate!" Celestia said with force as she hit her Gavel.
"Mister Representative, this is an address and here is no time for debate." She said with authority.
"This concludes this address and all of you are dismissed" The Princess said.
"The EPD Act are you kidding me?" The Baltimare Rep said.
"This puts ponies at risk more than they help them. This is fear not preparedness." The Manehatten Rep. said.
The Two Stallions headed to the train back to the east coast of Equestria. The Baltimare Rep. arrived in his office frustrated.
"We should at least have a say in this." He muttered to himself.
"That's it!" He thought.
"Melody! Write a letter to Princess Celestia." He yelled to his assistant.
"Saying what?" She asked.
"The Mayors of Manehatten and Baltimare are against this new bill. Could we have a talk? - Baltimare Mayor" He told her to write down.
"I'll get right on it sir!" She replied.
The letter was sent to Princess Celestia but it would take a while to get there. The next day a reply came by the mail pony.
"That was fast." The Mayor said.
The mayor opens it to it saying "Dear Baltimare Mayor, I know how this new Act feels to you and the other Eastern mayors but we simply have to keep our ponies safe. - Princess C."
"What? That's it? Just treats us like we're nothing." He said angrily.
"Why are you so against this anyway?" Melody asked him.
"Because they're using our land! To make our cities an army wasteland for a war that isn't even happening!" He yelled.
"But, what if every pony else agrees with it? You're supposed to represent the ponies of your town, not your own opinions." Melody said to him.
"You're right! That's a great idea! Thank you Melody!" He said while running outside to office.
"Huh?" She muttered confused.
He travels to Manehatten and Fillydelphia rushed and the picks up both mayors and heads to Canterlot without much explanation.
"Where exactly are we going?" The Fillydelphia Mayor said confused.
"The Capital of Equestria" He replied.
"Canterlot? But we were there yesterday for the Princess's address?" The Manehatten Mayor said confused.
"I know" He replied with a smirk.
They arrived at Canterlot and went to visit the princess. They went up to the castle doors and were stopped by guards.
"State your business." The guard said.
"I'm the mayor of Baltimare and I need to meet the princess." He said.
"Ok wait right here." The guard said before entering.
After about five minutes waiting the guard came back outside.
"The Princess will see you now" The Guard guided the 3 stallions.
The mayors walked up to the throne room to meet with the princess.
"What was it you wanted to speak with me about?" Celestia said as they entered the throne room.
"We would like a referendum for this new decision to find out what the ponies want." The Baltimare mayor said to her.
"But we need to protect our ponies" She said.
"But not all ponies agree, so let them decide, maybe they'll pick yes, and maybe they'll pick no, we just won't know until we do it.
"Fair enough, we will schedule a vote to decide if this act shall pass on Monday morning. We shall let the ponies of Equestria settle this." She said.
"Agreed, Monday" The Mayor said as he walked out of the Castle.