BPT: The Coup of Avarice

by Wolven5

Chapter 4. The Dance of Politics

The Friendship Express arrived in Canterlot as the afternoon was making way for the evening, Celestia already beginning the sunset. Upon disembarking the train, the Council of Friendship, and Spike, found themselves meeting with the Triarchs of Canterlot, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Prince Sombra, accompanied by a platoon of Royal Guardsponies.

"Council of Friendship, we bid you welcome," Celestia said in regal formality, leading her sister and husband to give a welcoming bow to their visitors, the thirteen friends bowing back.

"Princess Celestia, it is good to see you," Midnight responded kindly.
"We are here to assist in any way we can, Your Majesties," Twilight added.

"Thank you all for coming, my little ponies," Celestia gestured them to follow her through the train station, Luna and Sombra sticking closely to her sides. "As you are all surely aware, the Royal Summit for the Reformation of the Aristocratic Council is only days away, and there is yet... debate among the council members, as well as the rest of the Canterlot Nobility, regarding this imminent change in our government."

"Apart from the Houses affiliated with the Council, the Nobility of Canterlot has no voice in our government's affairs," Sombra reminded his wife while making sure the twelve ponies and dragon heard him, "Not that that stops them from bellyaching."

"If you need help organizing the events to come, I am at your disposal," Twilight volunteered as they were all led to three extravagant carriages on the street just outside the front of the trai nstation, "as are the rest of us. Whether the Nobles of Canterlot agree or not, I am of the opinion this reformation of our government will lead to a more free and just Equestria. I assure you, not all the leaders of Equestria have only their own interests in mind."

"The interests of Equestria is exactly the point of this reformation," Luna pointed out as she, Celestia, Sombra, Midnight, Twilight, and Spike were led to the first carriage while the rest of the Harmonic Twelve piled into the other two carriages.
"It is long past time this council was comprised new blood, new minds, and new ideas for a better and more prosperous Equestria."

"Well, this Reformation will be the first major step in that goal," Midnight commented, "but I wager it will be quite the doozy of a step."

"Forgive us, my young friends," Celestia spoke as he signaled the guards pulling the carriages to get moving towards a tunnel, "We did not ask you all here to discuss politics. At least, not yet. Rather, we had hoped to show you the beginnings of a New Canterlot."

Soon they were all swallowed by the tunnel, electric lights providing illumination through the chilly echoing passage.

"Not the typical Canterlot welcome," Twilight hoped, "Fancy Pants sent word to us, that you would have a royal court awaiting our arrival."

"We just wanted to greet you ourselves," Celestia replied with her usual impish smile as they heard a sound at the end of the tunnel growing louder as they neared the exit, "Before the others..."

As they rode out of the tunnel, they were momentarily blinded and deafened before they saw the streets were crowded with ponies, flashing confetti raining down upon them all as the applause swelled along with an orchestra in triumphant welcome to the Council of Friendship from the City of Unicorns! The Harmonic Twelve were in awe, even Fluttershy found herself amazed rather than overwhelmed, as before long they were smiling and waving as they passed everypony by, Spike especially as he began to blow kisses and waved harder than anypony else in the carriages.

"Now this is a Canterlot welcome," Twilight commented with a smile.

"We are a city of tradition," Celestia remarked with a playful wink.

Meanwhile, out In the Unicorn Range, near Van Hoover, a large shipment of crates arrived at the Galloping Grains Agriculture Society grain farm, the largest crop of grain and wheat owned by House Buckwheat. One of the ponies, a dark brown unicorn stallion with a sheave of wheat cutie mark looked at the nearest crate. He felt like something was off, but on top of the crate he saw a large folder with the Official Seal of Agriculture and Nutrition Approval stamped on it. After examining the contents, he furrowed his brows, irked by what he'd read and then looked over at his farmcolts and saw one coming up, looking uncertain.

“Who placed an order without my permission?” he asked tersely, the colt nervously approaching to move the crates. “I wasn't expecting crates of vitamins, but a crate of new harvesting tools.”

“Dunno, sir,” the colt gulped, not understanding either. “All I know is that the courier who went out to pick up the deliveries came back with a message from the harbor master, saying we were to get a delivery sent to us. The next delivery should be the tools.”

The stallion looked at his staff. He knew he should check them out, but he knew they were all already on a tight schedule. He knew that the deliveries had to go out within the hour, and if he had any chance of getting these deliveries out today, he had to make a call.

Sighing he ordered, “Get these crates back and get these vitamins loaded into the food shipments. And make sure that you save the shipping papers! If my ass is going to be reamed, you're also going to take heat!”

“Yes, boss!” replied the farmcolts as they all scrambled to move things along.

The forestallion continued to watch. He hoped to the stars and clouds above this hurrying and slapdashery didn't come back to bite him in the ass.

"This can't be right," Duchess Breadbasket muttered to herself.

The Duchess of Agriculture and Nutrition and Head of House Buckwheat was waiting in the Grand Council room, along with her fellow Dukes and Duchesses, for the alicorns and their guests, for an initial discussion of the imminent reformation of the council. During that time, Breadbasket had received a notice from her personal assistant that her shipments of grains had been added with some kind of vitamin, which she hadn't authorized.

But though she knew she was going to have to look into this, this meeting and what it was about had an ironclad grip on her attention, so she sighed and closed the folder, setting it down as she regarded her colleagues.

"I've already discussed it with Their Majesties," said Duke Firestorm of Defense and Security to Duke Lightning Wing of Weather, "but they all believe there is enough security for the Summit."
"Well, they did mention they're inviting somepony to help," responded Lightning Wing.

"So whattya think, Pipe Glass?" asked Duchess Showstopper of Media and Entertainment. "Wouldn't a showcase to celebrate the new council kickstart things off on a positive note?"
"Hmm, I suppose," considered Duke Pipe Glass of Magic and Mysteries, "it would certainly make a good impression with the citizens, surely."

"The Department of Research and Development will suffer for this, I tell you," grumbled Duchess Mareston Burner of Science and Innovation. "Without government approved funds, our scientific progress will stagnate from lack of the finest equipment! On this surely we must be in agreement, Cure! After all, discovery requires experimentation."
"Discovery is among the most noble of aspirations, I can agree with that, Burner," responded Duchess Miracle Cure of Health and Welfare, "but there must ever be a political yardstick to measure the extents to which we reach. Don't forget the story of the pegasus colt who tried to touch the sun."

"I'm still not on board with this government reformation business, Ink," Cobalt Banks, the Duke of Energy and Resources, furrowed his brows, "haven't the royals ever heard of the phrase 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'?"
"Now, Banks, this wouldn't have to do with how your House Stonebreaker has a stake in almost every mining op, lumber distribution, and power plant in the country, would it?" asked Treaty Ink, the Duchess of Foreign Affairs.

All the dukes and duchesses, except for Breadbasket, were discussing the pros and cons of this meeting and the imminent Royal Summit. But then Breadbasket's gaze was drawn towards Buck Cheap, the Duke of Commerce and Business, as he confidently strode towards Brass Scales, the Duke of Law and Order.

"Looks to be the start of a very interesting meeting, wouldn't ya say, Scales?" Cheap commented in a very casual way.

"Interesting indeed, Cheap..." Brass eyed the businesspony with blatant distrust, "but let us hope that the most interesting thing to happen will be some hot debate."

"Now, now, Scales, what's this anti-social vibe I'm getting from you?" Cheap chuckled, "we've known each other for a long time, worked together! We're friends, aren't we?"

"For the moment, we are colleagues, Cheap, and I use the term lightly," Brass narrowed his scrutiny, "besides, I don't really think you've ever had a friend in your life."

"Now that's not nice, Scales," Cheap responded in mock-offense, "through my work in making Equestria the most prosperous nation on Earth, I have made-"

"Business partners," Brass interrupted, "Or more like customers. After all, to call someone 'partner' implies they are your equal, and you would find the idea of anyone your equal to be laughable."

"Careful, Scales,a pony sound of mind does not let paranoia overcome his better judgment," Cheap smirked haughtily, "You'll start seeing enemies everywhere!"

Brass glared reproachfully at Cheap when the doors to the council room opened and in walked Fancy Pants, the council's spokespony, "Esteemed Dukes and Duchesses of the Council, announcing Their Majesties, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Prince Sombra, Prince Midnight Blaze, and Princess Twilight Sparkle, and accompanying them as their guests and observers of this meeting, the Council of Friendship."

The dukes and duchesses all sat straight and calmly in their places as the alicorns and the Harmonic Twelve, plus Spike, entered the council room, Celestia settling in over at the throne at the other side of the room, allowing her to keep an eye on every council member, while Luna and Sombra stood at her right, Twilight and Midnight at her left. The rest of the Harmonic Twelve and Spike stood along the walls, having been instructed to stand by and listen as observers, but they could not participate in the discussions that were sure to follow.

"Ladies and gentlecolts of the Aristocratic Council, welcome," bade the Princess of the Sun, "I have called you here to discuss with you the Royal Summit that will take place in this room in the next few days. As has been previously discussed and debated, the eleven of you, the Heads of your respective Houses, will formally surrender your titles, your political powers, and your claims to the government-owned interests of Equestria that you each represent to the Crown so that this council can be reformed.

"When I founded this council so long ago, I had faith in the families who stepped forward to help carry the burdens of leadership, duty, and self-sacrifice to protect the citizens and the interests of Equestria, and for a time my faith was rewarded. Alas, as generations came and went, members of this council did not always have the interests of our people in mind but rather the opportunities they could take advantage of from their affiliation with this ruling body.

"This can no longer be allowed to continue. The time has come for this council to be remade, to have representatives of the people chosen by the people, to entrust the burdens of leadership, duty, and self-sacrifice to individuals who have earned the trust and respect of the people, not bought or inherited it. It is time for our little ponies to step up and prove their mettle, their integrity, their-"

"Incompetence?"

All eyes turned towards Buck Cheap, as he leaned back in his suit, a brow raised with skepticism.

"I take it you have something to say, Duke Cheap?" Celestia assumed dryly.

"As a matter of fact, Your Highness, I do," Cheap stood up and walked into the middle of the council room, the floor was his, and he was going to make his point, "Nothing lasts forever, everything changes, that is the one constant in life. But in the words of the great explorer, Sir Prancis Drake, 'There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory'.

"I say, this council, what it stands for, and the noble lineages that have served it for the good of all Equestria for generations, is a rock. A fulcrum. A foundation upon which our society stands strong and stable. This call for reformation of this ruling body is a danger to that stability, a threat to the security and welfare of our nation and our citizens. You are asking- Nay, you are demanding that the noble Houses of this council surrender the power and responsibility we have dutifully carried for centuries, so that you can place it, along with the well-beings of everypony in Equestria, in the hooves of amateurs and neophytes whose own agendas you cannot completely be certain of!

"I cannot speak for every generation of Dukes and Duchesses that have served in this council, but can we truly afford to place so much faith and responsibility into civilians who have not prepared their entire lives for the responsibility of serving their fellow pony in this political capacity? Can we truly trust a system so blind and precarious as voting for candidates who may or may not have the right skills, backbone, or state of mind to oversee the interests of this nation?"

Cheap steered his gaze towards the Harmonic Twelve standing along the walls, and snubbed, "I rather doubt it."

...

...

...

The room fell into complete silence. The words spoken by Cheap seemed to have come out of nowhere, and yet he strangely seemed to make a good point when after a long an tense moment Cobalt Banks stood up and cleared his throat.

"Your Majesties, as you know, I often work closely alongside Duke Cheap as our duties tend to intersect, what with my work in overseeing out nation's energy and resources and his in managing our economy. Granted, I don't particularly like him, but Cheap raises a valid concern regarding the possible candidates that would run for seats on this council. We cannot entrust the welfare of our nation and citizens to the hooves of those who are not only ill-prepared to shoulder such responsibilities, we must also consider a more troubling concern...

"Permitting the citizens to vote shines a spotlight upon them from the rich and the wealthy. Those whose own fortunes or influences that could sway voters, or even worse the newly-elected! Bribery and blackmail are an ever-present concern regarding those in positions of power and influence, and the wrong sorts who are voted into office could find themselves politically targeted and coerced to exploit their political positions to enforce unjust laws that benefit the rich and exploit the citizenry."

"He means, back pocket dealings, so that their "friends" get better deals," Thunderlane whispered to his friends as they observed.

"Exactly, young stallion," Cobalt Banks said loudly while looking towards Thunderlane, letting him know he'd heard what he'd said.

"Duke Banks, your concerns are indeed valid," Princess Celestia responded, "but in the course of governing a nation, there are no solutions without risk, no fool-proof plans, as no system is without flaw. Mistakes will be made, yet what matters is not the mistakes themselves but what we do with those mistakes so that we can improve the system.

"Can this work? I believe it can, and I know there are those among you who agree. I am grateful for your support in this endeavor, but I encourage you all, and always in a respectful manner, to voice your concerns. If you feel a course of action we are considering is not the wisest, tell me so. Regardless, our nation must be allowed to grow, and to cling to antiquated methods purely because of their familiarity and the illusion of stability and security it displays means to stand in the way of our nation's progress."

"And who's to say that none of us cannot continue to serve our nation in a political capacity?" brought up Brass Scales, "As I recall from prior meetings, the members of this council, even after we formally relinquish our titles and positions, will have the options of running for office in the new council after its reformation.

"And on a side-note, I know there are some among us who would honestly be relieved to leave the political arena to focus on new avenues in our respective professions."

"While we understand your feelings, you must understand that nothing is absolute," Sombra spoke up. "Even those in the legal profession will tell you that laws change over time."

"And you'd know all about being absolute, being a tyrant," Cheap commented not-so-softly.

"Come again...?" Sombra responded, coldly.

Smooth, Treaty Ink thought.

"I said... that you would know all about absolute, being a tyrant," Cheap repeated in atone casual yet brazen.

Everyone stared at Cheap, stunned by his audacity. He was definitely making a play, so Sombra merely smiled, "Allow me to ask a rhetorical question to you.

"Is the staff at your favorite restaurant absolute? Do they stay the same every time you go there?"

"What's that got to do with... whatever this nonsense you're talking about is?" Cheap shot back.

"I see your stubborn, like your predecessors," Sombra remarked.

"Sounds like somepony's been brushing up on his politcal history," Cheap harrumphed, "but I suppose it makes sense. Know thy enemy after all, for knowledge is a tyrant's bread and butter."

"Duke Cheap, your conduct is becoming less and less charming," Luna glared at him, "I would advise against displaying such blatant disrespect towards the crown."

"My apologies, Princess Luna," Cheap smirked, clearly insincere, "After all, we wouldn't want to have to banish you back to the moon simply because you were snubbed the respect you thought you were entitled, now would we...?"

Luna furrowed her brows and almost stepped forward, only to be barred by her sister, as Celestia stood, "I would measure your next words, carefully, Duke Cheap..."

"I think I've made my point already, Princess Celestia," Cheap narrowed his eyes, "which is why I have no inclination to entertain this farce a second longer."

He started making for the door while arrogantly adding, "Feel free to call on me when you've all reconsidered the balance of Equestria's power."

Once Cheap disappeared through the doors, Soarin commented, "Now that pony's a real piece of work."

"You can say that again," chuckled Duke Firestorm, spurring some more laughs among all the ponies present. Then Firestorm looked to the alicorns, "Please accept our apologies, Your Majesties."

"For what, Duke Firestorm?" asked Twilight, "You needn't feel any blame for Duke Cheap's words or actions."

Brass Scales and Pipe Glass shared a look and both were thinking the same thing, He's definitely up to something...

And unfortunately, Cheap's words had just the effect he'd intended, as Banks, Breadbasket, and Mareston Burner shared a look and not-so-subtly gazed towards the alicorns with perhaps a smidgen of contempt, before they all stood up and Banks said, "Forgive us, Your Highnesses... but we feel that this meeting should take break, as should we all. Given all that's been discussed thus far, I think we could all do with a little R & R."

"Indeed, Duke Banks," Celestia nodded, "I call this meeting adjourned. We shall resume session tomorrow at noon. Dukes and Duchesses, feel free to make yourselves comfortable while I have a word with my guests, the Council of Friendship."

They agreed and headed back. Brass and Pipe headed off to a private office while the others went to their old chambers.

Meanwhile, Celestia and the others were in a private meeting hall to discuss the recent..."developments" with Cheap and his tune. However, had they been paying attention, they would have picked up on a subtle hint that he had placed there. Something told them he intended to make a play. A dirty play.

The alicorns, along with the Harmonic Twelve, Spike, and even Fancy Pants settled in the Royals' private dining room, where they were all treated to quite a spread. After the first course, Twilight spoke up.
"It seems to me that some of the dukes and duchesses aren't so keen on relinquishing their positions, Princess Celestia."

"You needn't worry, Princess Twilight, all will be well," Celestia assured, "All manner of precautions are being taken to insure this Royal Summit goes on without a hitch."

"That is why we've asked all of you to be here," Luna added, "With the Council of Friendship here to lend a hoof, I have no doubts that all will be well."

"We're ready to do our part to make sure the Reformation of the Council goes well," Midnight vowed, and the rest of the Harmonic Twelve chimed in, agreeing and adding their own words of assurance.
"Speaking of the council, I actually have a pony nominated to run for office! i think he would do well as being in charge of Science and Innovation."

"That's good to hear, Midnight," Sombra responded with a smile, "for one of my own advisors has suggested I nominate this young stallion with a particular knack for business."

"Heh, wouldn't that stick in Buck Cheap's craw?" cracked Cheese Sandwich, spurring some chuckles all around.

"Ahem, if I may, everypony," Fancy Pants spoke up, "I suggest we put a pause on discussing politics, for I have a most wonderful announcement! Just days ago, my beloved wife, Fleur, successfully gave birth to our new baby daughter!"

The news was met with happy cheers and congratulations, especially from Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie.

"A new baby?!" Pinkie popped upwards, exploding with confetti and glitter as she smiled, "Can I throw your baby her first birthday?"

"I wouldn't mind making a baby blanket for her," Fluttershy offered as she blushed, "I've... been practicing."

"Oh Fancy Pants, this is absolutely delightful news!" Rarity stood up and went over to give Fancy Pants a hug, followed by Blueblood who shook the older stallion's hoof.

"Congratulations, my friend," Blueblood offered, "You're going to be such fine parents for your child. If I may ask, what is your new filly's name?"

"Her name is Gold Orchid, and there's something more," Fancy Pants replied before giving Blueblood and Rarity each a warm lock, "Blueblood? Rarity? Fleur and I already have spoken on the matter, and we would be thrilled if the two of you would become our daughter's godparents!"

"Us?" Blueblood was surprised.
"Oh my, Fancy Pants!" Rarity gushed before giving him another hug, "What an honor!"

"Oh darn it all," Sombra said in mock-annoyance while smiling at Celestia, who began to beam so warmly. "Now we're gonna feel second best by our announcement."

All eyes turned to him and his wife as they held each other's hooves... and then placed them over Celestia's barrel as she joyfully stated, "I am with foal!"

There were more gasps and big smiles as Twilight hurried forward, hugging Princess Celestia as she said, "That's wonderful!"

"Congratulations, my master, my Lady," Midnight shook Sombra's hoof, "An heir to the throne, at last!"

Then, Midnight realized what he'd just said and looked hesitantly at Luna, who was smiling but... there was conflict in her eyes.

"Princess Luna, I- Forgive me, I only meant-" Midnight tried to say, only for Luna to raise her hoof.

"Come now, Midnight, this is a happy day!" Luna waved it off as she looked lovingly at the expecting alicorns, "Apart from my sister and my brother, none could be more thrilled by this news than I!"

"Thank you, little sister," Sombra smiled before looking at everypony, "Thank you all, for your kind words."

He then shared a deep and loving kiss with his wife, as Celestia couldn't help but shed a tear.

As everypony murmured in excitement and joy for the prince and princess, Rainbow Dash however found her mind wandering, and her hooves wandered with it as she quietly slipped away from the dining table. She'd nearly escaped notice but before she left the dining room, Fluttershy spotted her and made sure to nudge Soarin so he'd see too.

Not really caring where she went, Rainbow Dash somehow found herself wandering through the halls until she came out a balcony, and gazed out to Canterlot. It was bright and pristine, even during the evening hours, the twinkling stars arriving along with the moon keeping a gentle watch. It had been a busy day.

Midnight, Blueblood, and their friends had unveiled a new and advanced airship, Midnight had introduced his own squadron of fliers, and then she'd gotten her rainbow-marked plot handed to her after Midnight proved himself faster, in flight and in quick-thinking, and he'd taught her a lesson that failure wasn't such a bad thing, so long as you learned from it. Then there was all this political business with the dukes and duchesses, Rarity and Blueblood were apparently now godparents, and Princess Celestia of all ponies was now with foal!

After this long day, full of ups and downs, Rainbow suddenly found herself feeling... lost.

Rainbow Dash perked up, and slowly turned around to see Soarin standing in the doorway as he stepped out onto the balcony, his warm eyes staying on hers.

He approached her and saw his Dashie needed some cheering up, and wrapped his wing around her shoulders, neither of them realizing their friends were watching from behind the curtains of the balcony doors.

Everyone marveled in swooning awe to see Soarin and Rainbow Dash bright and colorful as Soarin took his Dashie's hooves and guided her up into the air, leading her in a romantic aerial dance.

Cheese Sandwich stepped out onto the balcony, his accordion in hoof as he played a gentle tune to accompany the beautiful atmosphere, and the two pegasi smiled to see all their friends come out onto the balcony, gazing up at them with love and wonder. As the two lovers floated gently down, their colors returned to normal as they gave each other a deep and loving hug and then nuzzled noses.