//------------------------------// // Chapter VI: Dialogues with Twilight // Story: Dreamer's Travels // by Lost_Kitten //------------------------------// Dreamer awoke from sleep that was ironically dreamless. It looked to be about 11 o'clock, confirming his suspicion that he had stayed up far too late last night. "Hey, you're up." Twilight said as she walked into the guest room. She gave him a smile and he returned it. Her mane looked unbrushed, as was Dreamer's. She had probably just woken up. "I was just coming to check on you. I'm glad I wasn't the only pony who overslept." As Dreamer chuckled, he rose from bed. As an afterthought, Twilight spoke again. "Spike should be starting on breakfast in a little bit." "Thank you!" The colt exclaimed. "I suppose while we wait, we can get to talking about what I originally wanted to find you for." Twilight cocked her head. "What would that be?" "Well, as I told you, I am a student of political science, and I've come to Ponyville to interview local stakeholders about the politics of Ponyville." Twilight seemed a little surprised. Her, a stakeholder? "I'm flattered then that you would consider me!" She replied. "What would you like to know?" Dreamer's face lit up. "Oh, and walk with me, we'd better sit down." The two came into the dining area of the library-home, and seated themselves at either end of a modest table. Dreamer spoke first, being full of questions. "How would you describe the government of Ponyville, and especially your role within it?" He started off simply. Twilight considered the question for a moment. "Well, I don't get too involved in governmental affairs, but I have had certain honors bestowed on me, like being put in charge of Winter Wrap Up- a local celebration- and my advice carries weight with the Mayor and Princess." She explained. "What I do know is that our Mayor is elected, and oversees the collection of revenue, as well as the expenditure of that revenue." She added matter-of-factly. Dreamer considered this. "Does she have any other responsibilities?" He asked. "Well, she oversees public ceremonies, and makes it known when they are to occur, but most of the actual effort is done independently of her control." Dreamer practically guffawed. Luckily, Spike had entered the room with two plates of steamed oats, and he could simply bury his face in them for a moment. He recovered, and asked another question. "You say a major portion of her responsibility is collecting revenue; how is this done?" "Well, we don't really have taxes here," she started, but paused. "I realize that having spent most of your adult life in Canterlot, just as I did, this is probably a surprise to you like it was to me." "Well, I grew up in Cloudsdale, and they don't even have a central government, so I guess it isn't too jarring. So how does the mayor collect revenue? Are there nationalized or monopolized industries? Or government workshops?" Dreamer considered the possibilities. "Well, for one thing, the Apple family, whose orchards you probably saw on your flight in, basically built Ponyville, and make heavy contributions to its continued success. Beyond that, our mayor does whatever she can to drum up bits." Twilight relayed the story of how Applejack had recently been sent to the rodeo in Canterlot in hopes that her winnings could be used to repair town hall. The two talked for some time longer, Dreamer questioning Twilight about every detail of the power structure of Ponyville, but ultimately resigned himself to disappointment. Not much could be found here, it would seem, that could help Equestria as a whole. What could be found, he noted, however, was a pony he could actually talk to about political theory! He made a note to return to Twilight's library whenever he could.