Twenty Fifth Chapter
This whole system is built on a solid bed of cunt
This chapter is set twenty four hours after the last chapter
Marshall Sunshine Earthheart of The Royal Equestrian Army
The sun is setting over Canterlot, I believe I shall go for a stroll after I finish my report. It’s such a lovely evening, that it’d be a waste not to. There is a knock on my door. “What is it Sparkling?” I call out not looking.
“I’m not Sparkling.” I look up.
“Ahh, Your Majesty.” The changeling queen takes a seat beside me, before closing the door with her magic. “How is the hive faring?”
“Moderate success. Ponies fear us, it is therefore becoming difficult to acquire love. There is enough to go around, but there are also challenges. This is to be expected. Attitudes will take time to change, and of course the discussions regarding changeling rights are still in place. What annoys us is how long everything is taking, Princess Cadence is wasting our time, she is simply delaying everything as long as possible. But that’s not what we wish to discuss.”
“May I offer you a drink?” She shakes her head. I pour myself a glass of water. “What was it you wanted to discuss?”
“What is going on with Colt and Diamond Tiara? And no nonsense please. We know the case they’re putting forward. But why are you bringing this to our attention?”
“I believe the point they are raising is a good one. We must have efficiency and hindering the economy like this is silly”
“We know you Earthheart. You aren’t a pony to go after small issues, what is your true reason?”
I smile. “This information is not shared without my permission.”
Chrysalis smiles. “Then this information better be mutually beneficial for me to keep a secret. I’m the one in the position of power.”
“Then I must ask you Chrysalis, how is your kingdom run?”
“We are a hive, we all know roughly where we all are, and are able to communicate telepathically. Each changeling values her hive above all else, unless she goes rogue. You know this, I as an individual have very little sway. Chrysalis is only a mouthpiece used by the hive as a queen, as well as an egglayer.” I know this of course, but this is part of my pitch.
“I want Equestria to function in a similar way. Currently we are ruled by princesses. I’d rather Equestria be ruled by ponies. Granted we are not telepathic, what is possible in changeling society is impossible among ponies. However, I believe in elections.”
“With yourself as a leader.”
“Now you might very well think that Chrysalis, I couldn’t possibly comment. Do I have your confidence?”
“You do, we have nothing against that. As long as we are given representation, and are treated fairly.”
“Of course, my aim is never to harm changelings. That’d only harm ponies and lead to pointless bloodshed.”
“Then we are allies.”
“We take it you’re working with Celestia?”
“Yes.”
“So Earthheart, what exactly are your plans for the moment?”
“Currently, the plan is to get this case covered by the press,” I say. “The decision to give the mine to such poor management was Twilight’s. Therefore influence with the press is essential. I’ll contact some journalists soon. If all goes to plan, ponies will begin to question the integrity of the princesses. Of course there will be more like this in the future, but this is just the start. A test, probing the system if you well. Very soon council meetings will be public events. So if you say anything dodgy, please say it privately. Debate well. ”
“We like this approach.”
“This is only the beginning.”
Princess Luna of Equestria
“I don’t see what the big deal is Cadence. I made a mistake, they were happy enough to point it out, and now I can improve as a princess. Anyway, that happened years ago, surely I can’t be right all the time,” Says Twilight sipping on a gin and tonic. “We should review the situation of course, Diamond Tiara might be right, she might be wrong. The point is, there is an issue, we must examine it and make the decisions.”
“That’s not the point.” Cadence grumbles, she takes a large gulp from her wine glass. “She’s directly telling us what to do. That’s against procedure.”
“When has that ever been against procedure? That’s how we’ve always ran the kingdom. Is this about Chrysalis?” I ask. “You seem to be getting jumpy Cadence.” I sip some of my cider. “We’ll examine the issue in due time. Find a reasonable solution, and continue our job. This is what we’re meant to do.”
“Fine.” Cadence grumbles. “I just don’t trust ponies making demands on us. If we’re going to do this system, we have to do it right. With this attitude, anypony with a problem can come to us. How are we going to prioritise?”
“That’s a good question.” Says Twilight. “I’ll write a up a list of possible solutions. We should discuss that with the council.”
“Is it fair that only ponies who have contacts in Canterlot get this treatment?” Asks Cadence, she sips some of her drink. “It’s not even the issue I disagree with, it’s the unfairness. For once it has nothing to do with Chrysalis. I’d rather be discussing Chrysalis anyway. We’re getting changelings, like it or not, so we may as well keep ponies safe, this whole steel stuff is simply a distraction.”
“Fair point Cadence.” I admit. I look out into the valleys, we’re sat in a lovely bar that overlooks the river under Canterlot. I’m sure there’s a good way to make this all work. Anyway, we are tired. “But we’ve been talking politics all day. Twilight, how are your friends?”