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// Puerto Caballo 6 
// Story: Sunset at War 
// by Krieg cormac 
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"My beloved ponies of Puerto Caballo." The sound from Dona Yuca's old radio sounded like it was gargling, but the words were clear enough for Sunset's ears. "Marksism is a hateful thing, and a menace to peace and our organized government. Roca Roja and his band of red rebels have threatened the safety and sovereignty of our nation." The President's voice was hard and cold. "They demanded the release of Bagasse Coltstro and his fellow murderers, and undermined our harmonic values by assaulting El Sol prison to free their captured comrades." 

Sunset stared at the radio intently as if there was a screen, her jaw clenched. Each word that came from the radio made her breakfast sit in her stomach like a rock. 

"And now they wish to overthrow our country? I will not allow this to happen! I, Ponse Cocktail, call upon all able-bodied ponies and creatures to rise up and defeat this Red menace by any means necessary. As of yesterday, the Partido Socialista Popular has been officially disbanded by order of the Puerto Caballian government. Party members will be taken into custody until further notice."

Sunset gave Alesia a side glance, who was listening silently with a cold, thin smile on her muzzle. She seemed pleased, as if she had expected all of this to happen. 

"I have authorized the deployment of the Royal Guard to deal with these rebels with extreme prejudice." President Cocktail said darkly. "I have full confidence that Royal Captain Buckista will be able to bring these ponies to justice!" 

The President stopped speaking, pausing as what must've been the ponies in the room clapped and cheered, stomping their hooves on the ground. Sunset pressed her lips into a thin line. The applause stopped after a few seconds. 

"Martial law has been extended until the communist threat has ended." This time a different pony spoke, another stallion judging by his deep voice. It must've been this Buckista pony. "If you are caught out on the streets after six o'clock in the evening, you will be taken into questioning and dealt with. Rest assured, the Puerto Caballian Guard will keep the peace. Tourists that wish to leave Puerto Caballo, may do so upon the three ships that shall leave port every day, after a thorough inspection." 

"The only good communist, is a dead one." Alesia muttered under her breath as she turned off the radio since the speech ended. Sunset nearly winced, but managed to keep her composure. It was understandable that Alesia would feel that way, she had to fight her fellow ponies in the Stalliongradian Revolution. How many friends and family members did she have to see die or turn against Equestria? 

Dona Yuca nodded from her rocking chair a few feet away. "I'd rather deal with the Princesses than the PSP. They'll just make a mess of things." 

Alesia turned her head towards the even older mare. "Rest assured, Dona Yuca, I will remember your hospitality." She gave the other earth pony a cold smile, it didn't reach her eyes like usual. Alesia turned to the still silent Sunset. "What do you think, Sunset Shimmer?" 

"I studied Marksism back in Canterlot, as part of my curriculum." Sunset answered slowly. "While it does make some points, I don't think it would work on a large scale, ever. Most ponies would let the power go to their head, and that would just lead to more violence." 

Like she had during her brief 'reign' of Canterlot High. There always had to be somepony at the top, whether good or bad. "Marksism will never succeed, at least, not in the long term." 

"I see." Alesia seemed satisfied with Sunset's answer, for now at least. The Unicorn really didn't want to be here any longer than she had to, and with the port being full of ponies and other creatures she had to escape, Sunset's options were limited. 

"It's almost six, do you think your friends are going to be able to make it back?" Sunset's eyes drifted towards the old grandfather clock at the far end of the living room. 

Alesia's muzzle remained indifferent. "It does not matter to me, they both know how to handle themselves-"

"Six!" Dona Yuca interrupted. She practically jumped off of her rocking chair and trotted away quickly, leaving the two mares alone. "I need to start cooking dinner." 

An awkward silence filled the void that was left by the radio. 

"I'll uh, be in my room until dinner's ready." Sunset quickly said. She finally made up her mind after hearing President Cocktail's speech, and there was no point in not telling Twilight, even if she wasn't able to do anything. Alesia remained silent and nodded, making her way towards one of the bookshelves. 

Sunset left without another word. 








Dear Princess Twilight. Sunset bit her bottom lip as she held her pencil with her magical aura. It was hard, trying to form her thoughts into actual words. She kept writing. How have you been? I managed to arrive in Puerto Caballo safely a day ago. 

Yeah, that was a good start. 

I haven't gotten a chance to look around the tourist spots yet due to the political unrest that's enveloping the island. Puerto Caballo's on the verge of civil war, and ponies and other creatures are trying to escape. 

Sunset's writing got easier the more she 'talked'. She wasn't going to ask Twilight to help her escape, Sunset's pride wouldn't let her. She got herself into this mess, and she would get herself out of it. 

I'm not sure if the news has reached Ponyville yet, but President Cocktail has declared martial law until all of the rebels have been defeated. I'm sure you're worried, but I can handle myself. I'll keep you updated if things change.

Your friend, Sunset Shimmer. 

That would be good enough for now, they were in different time zones after all. Sunset flinched when the loud sound of a crack filled the air, another gunshot. The slums of Puerto Caballo seemed to be where most of the communist supporters were at. Dona Yuca's hostel was right on the edge of it too. Sunset quickly closed her journal and hid it in one of her bags. 

Just in case. 

Sunset was pretty sure she wasn't going to be able to sleep tonight, depending if the Guard ended up fighting any rebels that may be hiding in the slums, if they were even here. Puerto Caballo was a pretty large island, and there were several cities. 

"I really should've taken that direct ship to Zumidia." Sunset mumbled under her breath. She could smell the food coming from Dona Yuca's kitchen now. Well, it was time for dinner then. Dona Yuca was a great cook. 

Sunset sighed as she left her room. Hopefully Twilight would respond soon.