//------------------------------// // IV - Civil Issues // Story: Carbon: Equestria // by Alfoals Trottenbauer //------------------------------// The Consul trotted calmly to his podium. He cleared his throat. The whole city stood at attention in one mass. "Attention Citizens." He started, "There will be a food shortage, and pay will be cut." A small colt fell over in the back, dead. There had already been a famine, the colt had already been weak with hunger and sickness, the news of even less had been too much. "Anyway, our troops need more production from this city, all stallions, please follow the patrol behind me to the factories." The soldiers stood at attention and marched out through a gigantic red curtain, a long line followed them. A mare cried out. "Due to a lessening population, some colts and fillies will be taken to work at weapon factories, using a sort of lottery." The consul continued, "The 'winners' get to work at the production line, the 'losers' get to stay home." "We will provide food at the factories, your children will live there until the need for adult workers is fulfilled." "Good day to you, fellow loyal residents." The Consul said as he trotted away.