//------------------------------// // First Contact // Story: Why is life? // by Daxisle //------------------------------// First Contact Dear Princess Celestia, I hope this letter finds you in good health. It has been a difficult few days in South Equine to say the least, our travels have been plagued with a harsh weather that would shame even the coldest of nights in Equestria. We have yet to actually interact with anybody anypony from this land aside from the obvious. Though, if what our guide tells us is right, we will soon arrive to not only the next compound, but a town with sympathizers to his cause. The scenery is much like Equestria, however, the weather seems to work of it's own accord much like the Everfree forest. The colder climate is president due to our trek northward, though, that hasn't made the journey any easier for us. Our intent was to land in North New Equine and give you reports on the: Culture differences, Social interaction observations, Agriculture accomplishments, and what ever other research data would be deemed suitable to report. As it stands, we actually docked in South New Equine; a more collectivist oriented state, and must travel on foot to reach the city of Unitas for our guide to begin an investigation for a missing associate. As you may have guessed, we have had little interaction with anypony from the state. There was a small incident where somepony named "Malich" had greeted us upon arrival. Our guide had a moment of logical deferment and proceeded to engage the pony and his men. Once the issue was resolved by yours truly, it was discovered that this "Malich" was supposedly a Vice President of some big corporate entity. If what I understand is correct, they hold great political influence within the national and state governments. OAPN (On A Personal Note) Spike has seemed rather distant lately, even as I write this letter; I can see the discouraged and bleak look in his eyes. I'm beginning to worry about him, I know he's not the same as he used to be and all, but still... Perhaps it's the cold getting to him, it's been getting to us all actually. Applejack and Rainbow Dash have been going at each others throats more than usual; I'd be lying if I said I wasn't in the mix as well. Big Macintosh has been a great deal more agitated than he used to be, and become a lot more withdrawn than when we had first reunited back in Canterlot. Thank goodness for Pinkie's eternal optimism and smile, had it not been for her constant words of encouragement and laughter, who knows how the lack of moral would have affected the situation. I'm not sure how much you know about Ace, but he seems to be the most sociable of the Federates among us. His stories are incredible, writing them in my own words wouldn't do them justice, your highness. And with as self centered and standoffish as Sin appears to be, we all owe he and Macintosh a great debt. The two had saved our lives a few days ago when the cold had overcome us, and used the insulation of our clothing and own body heat to keep us warm, maybe he's not so bad. Anyway, we had been told how bad the Federation's winter could be, my expectations were vastly exceeded. My next letter will come after the first observation and interaction with a group of ponies in a small community named "Saffron 13". I look forward to seeing how the locals interact with each other, hopefully it will be different than the cold weather we have been getting both physically and metaphorically. Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle. "Finally." Ace sighed as he reached the top of a small snow covered bluff over looking a conglomerate of small grey buildings below. Macintosh drudged behind the newly formed travel line. He and Spike acting as the proverbial caboose to ensure none fall too far behind. Once the group had all gathered together, a small cheer erupted to the first sign of civilization. "Finally is right." Quipped a very annoyed dragon cracking his neck. "Well, let's get going." He began to trudge down the hill but was stopped when a lavender aura had found it's way around him and held the drake in place. "What the? Twilight let go!" He looked to his former care taker, whom placed him down when she was sure she had his attention. "Spike, we are here as practical representatives of not only Princess Celestia, but of Equestria itself." She explained calmly before her tone turned to one of a mother talking to a child. "And the lack of hygiene isn't exactly the best first impression we can make." Spike's face showed mild shock at the implication, he turned and made a dash for the compound that even the rainbow mare herself was impressed by. Alas, the desperate dragon was still in range of the scholarly unicorn's magic, and the dramatics were repeated once again. "Are you crazy Twilight?" Spike asked, this time being held upside down, his cape hanging awkwardly. "You want us to take a bath when it's this cold out?" "Nope!" Twilight chirped before her magic opened her saddle bag, "luckily, i prepared for just such an occasion." The unamused eyes of Spike turned to ones of pure terror upon a small veil of purple and pink liquids emerged from Twilight's saddlebag. "No..." He protested shaking his head vigorously. "Yes." Twilight grinned. "And you're going to like it." Spikes eyes began to scan for any sympathizing looks, "Mac!" Cried Spike with a hopeful grin. "Mac, help me out here." The hope the reptile felt instantly vanished when an evil smirk graced the red stallion's muzzle. "Gee, if Ah remember correctly," Big Macintosh placed a thoughtful hoof to his chin. "Ah recall bein' in a sit'chiation much like tha' one. N' Ah also remembah a certain dragon ignorin my cries for help, n' actually laughin' at em." Spike furrowed his brow for a moment, when did Mac as for help and I... Oh no... "Aw c'mon Mac." Spike pleaded as Twilight uncorked the bottle. "Don't be that guy right now." Mac's smirk only grew wider before he took a step back; solidifying his abandonment of the poor creatures fate. Spike pressed is lips together, his eyes narrowing to slits. "Sleep with one eye open Macintosh, sleep with one eye open." "Oh quit being so dramatic." Twilight rolled her eyes and began shaking the perfume onto her scaly friend. "No!" Spike cried trying to push it away. "The lavender scented liquid from Tartarus, It burns!" Macintosh bit his lip to with hold the chuckle that such satisfying revenge brought. The dragon's suffering gave him an unnerving amount of joy, even his complaints and whines were music to his ears. "Hey Twi'" Called Applejack grinning. "Ah'ma need that when y'all r' finished. Mac n' me aren't in the best shape either." His smug smile dropped almost instantly, his wide eyes traveled to his sister who grinned evily. "Enope" He called before turning tail and bolting for the town. His dreams of escape were short lived as two mares tackled him to the ground. "Not so fast there," Rainbow chuckled.as Applejack and she held him down. Despite his attempts at freedom, the apple stallion was held firmly in place by the strongest mares Ponyville had to offer. His eyes locked onto Twilight who began approaching him with the bottle still in her magic's aura. They widened and darted to Spike who was in between an annoyed pout, and a cynical smirk for his consolation. "Sin! Help meh!" He looked over to find that the stallion in question was in a debate with Ace, Ace trying frantically to convince him of something with his associate shaking his head. Before he knew it, small drips of lavender scented perfume began to descend upon his coat, making him sigh at the girly smell he would now carry. Twilight shook the bottle a little on Applejack than turned to Rainbow who held up her fore hooves defensively. "Hey whoa guys, I don't want any of that stuff on me." Mac took this revelation to hold the pegasus in place. She looked down in shock and confusion for a moment before the vengeful grin of Mac told her exactly what she didn't want to know. She gave groans of protest as she too was covered in the thick scent. After the little game was over, they approached Ace who informed them that Sin would be staying behind while they all ventured to the village below. "He's not coming?" Twilight asked curiously. "No, Sin has a bit of a problem with South Equine's way of doing things." Ace rubbed the back of his head. "Listen, it's best not to argue with him on something like this. Trust me, he isn't happy we're here as it is." "When is he ever happy?" "Exactly." Ace chuckled before taking point and motioning for the others to follow. All began falling in line save for Mac and Spike who said they would catch up after a quick word with their mentor. Though reluctant the girls agreed and the duo approached the stallion. They stood in silence behind the pony for a moment, Mac steeling himself for the prying he knew was to come. "Can I help you?" Sin asked not bothering to look at them. Mac took a long breath and was about to speak, though Spike beat him to it. "Yea, what's your deal Sin?" Spike snapped angrily catching the apple stallion off guard. "Where's Shade, Where is your Cutie Mark? Why aren't you going down there with us?!" His voice became more enraged the longer he went on. "And finally what in Celestia's name does Malic want with you?" He pointed a claw, "I'm getting really sick of all of your secrets, and I want answers!" Sin turned around and eyed to scowling reptile. "Shade is not my responsibility, he may do as he pleases. Aside from that, I had my Cutie Mark removed a long time ago." "Why?" Spike pressed. "That is not your concern." Sin replied, his voice showing hints of agitation. Spike took a step forward to press the issue, emphasizing how Sin's question dodging had done nothing for his temper. "This is the stress talking, you don't need answers right now, what you need is rest." "BUCK YOU ALL I NEED IS REST!" Spike yelled running at the tan clad stallion, a pair of red forelegs enveloped the dragon and held him back. Mac couldn't help but recall how familiar the situation was. After a great deal of calming and convincing; Macintosh lead his now fuming friend down the bluff to the towns gates. "Spike, wha's gotten indaya?" Mac scolded, Spikes let out a heavy and dramatized sigh. "I don't know, I'm just tired and frustrated I guess." He rubbed his eyes with his hands. "But C'mon, you get me right? His secrets, how he acts like he's all old and wise and crap. Doesn't it get under your coat just a little?" Mac nodded in the affirmative, Sin wasn't that much older than him if what he said was true. The fact he acts like a sage with such youth was rather arrogant. "Ya, Ah guess." "Then you get where I'm coming from." Spike reasoned. "Ah do, but Ah also think he's righ'." Spike quirked a brow. "We're all jes' plum tuckered out from th' cold. The stress 's gettin' ta all o' us, sure it's eattin' at him too." The drake opened his mouth to retort but thought better of it, opting instead for a long sigh and a quiet walk to the main gate. The wall surrounding the quaint town was of a kind alien to Mac. It was metal, though not solid nor bared. The thin cool grey metal wire just seemed to intertwine with itself from the top and work it's way down, replaying itself all around the 'wall'. Ace was speaking with a mid sized dark blue earth pony, the black maned stallion was smiling and nodding while his golden countryman spoke. By the time the conversation was distinguishable, the blue pony was welcoming in the Equestrians with a genuine smile. "Good afternoon Eqestrians, my name is Seer." He pointed to the small card that hung from his neck, "please come in, get out of the cold." He called in a rich and fatherly voice. The group followed him passed two very bored looking griffin watchmen, one filing her talons while the other just stared off into space, both of which also wearing the same white cards that Seer bore. The town itself wasn't too impressive, a few tan colored buildings stood higher than the rest, most obviously warehouses and silos. The smaller buildings were simple square... huts, was the only word that did them justice. They weren't big enough that he would consider them actual houses, but they weren't too poorly sized to lack personal space. The citizens of the town seemed to be happy enough with the way things were, every: Griffin, Pony, Diamond Dog, and even a few minotaurs walked around with seemingly content smiles. All during the groups curious observation, the blue stallion thanked them for visiting and gave the grand tour. "I'd imagine this is quite a culture shock for you all." He smiled back at them as they walked. "From what I understand, Equestria is primarily a Capitalistic nation much like North New Equine, here in South Equine however; we work on a more worker friendly economic style." He went on to explain the lack of class and pure equality between ever citizen within the country. There was no rich nor was there poor, there was nobody being exploited, nobody being overworked, there was only doing your fair share under the ever watchful eye of the government. Mac smiled at the explanation, no body went hungry and nobody suffered from poverty? The warm feeling he got from the concept alone was well enough to- wait, this sounds amazing. Why do these citizens want to help those whom wish to over throw the government? "... but please, feel free to explore a bit." He smiled at the group, a smaller unicorn mare greeted him happily and handed him a few strange looking cards. Seer took them and thanked her, "These will be your Visitor Identifications, if you want anything just show you have authorization." "I've been meaning to ask, why do you have these?" Twilight asked taking one of white cards and observing the signature and numbers. Seer chuckled. "Twilight was it? In Southern Equine we don't deal in money as that creates a hostile environment of competition and leaves the possibility of leaving some to be without... or the 'losers' if you will. Most all services and foods here are available upon request with out the need of such primitive and destructive tokens." He passed out the cards to everyone. "But by the same token, we can't have those who have done nothing for the collective, sponging off the collective. That's not very fair either, you understand." "And these are to prove who is part of the collective and who isn't then?" Twilight mused over the concept holden card with a thoughtful frown. "You've got it." He affirmed. "Now, as I was saying; this building;" He pointed a hoof to one of the fairly large towers, "is our guest quarter, you will be given shower tokens for five minutes each, a hot meal of carrots and cabbage from the cafeteria and a bunk up in the dormitory. You're welcome to stay for today and tomorrow, however if you wish to stay longer, you will need earn your keep." The Equestrians agreed and with a small reminder of cerfew at sundown, Seer was off into the town proper. Mac overlooked the I.D. card. It didn't have anything that specifically addressed that he was he was actually the owner of it, nor did it have any description of him what so ever. It just had the text Visitor 14 and a few disclaimers and signatures on it. Figuring it best to keep a tight hold, the stallion clipped the plastic to his cloak and began to wonder, taking in the town as a whole. As cold, tired and hungry as he was, he was honestly curious to see how such a congress of individuals operated with out money. He had wondered a while ago how things would be if all the money had suddenly disappeared, and he'd finally have an answer. As Twilight and Spike began to interview a random shop keeper (Goods distributor?) Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie settled on going inside with Ace to catch a bite to eat and a few hours of sleep. Applejack decided to accompany her brother as he observed a friendly discussion occurring between a Minotaur and Earth pony, something about earth turning for better crops or some such. There was a great deal of similarities to Ponyville in this town, aside from the interracial-ism of course: extremely young foals having a playful snowball fight, a few decorated trees for Hearths Warming Eve, a few sleds went by with a minotaur and his younglings, and adults stood around drinking a hot beverage, conversing about something or another. Though there were also some things very alien: There were no adolescence around. Yes, there were extreme younglings but none could be over the age of five or so, where were all the juveniles? If it was warm enough for the extremely young to come out and play, shouldn't it be just as well for them? "Hey Mac." Applejack said timidly. "Ah been meanin' ta ask, wha' 'xactly does Sin wanna do when we ge' to the North?" "Find a friend o' his Ah think." Mac replied. "Yea, but what after tha?" "Honestly, can't say Ah know sis." And awkward silence filled the air for a moment, at least until the siblings turned a corner. "What's tha'?" Applejack asked wondering over to crowd of eager bodies quietly murmuring in excitement around a small star shuddered stage. Macintosh squinted his eyes at a small wooden post that protruded from the stage, it didn't seem to serve any purposed... Was it a stage prop? After a few more minutes of waiting, the crowd bursting into cheers as two earth ponies with black bags over their faces, escorted a angry and desperate looking light blue pegasus stallion. He fought his captors as they walked him to the pole, finally; the crowd was in an uproar, not one of anger, but one of excitement? Mac looked around, he couldn't believe what behavior was being demonstrated here, they were calling for lashings and pain to befall the pony... Why? "Citizens!" Called one of the anonymous earth ponies. "This pony has been found guilty of theft of no less than five imported Vincent pairs." The crowd responded with a round of boos and slurs. "As such he shall receive the fitting punishment, twenty lashes." Cheers and encouragement erupted once again from the throng below. Mac and Applejack looked around in disbelief, lashing? As in belt lashings? Over FRUIT? But what the second earth pony pulled out frightened the two, it wasn't a belt; but a three tailed long whip. The executioner gave a few practice cracks, each ear piercing snap prompting a flinch from the Equestrians. Mac gave an apologetic look to the pony, the only hope of reprieve was the cold numbing his skin. A gentle tap on the shoulder broke his attention from the torture about to take place, and Seer shook his head before motioning them to follow. Reluctantly, the two agreed, a greatly morbid sense of curiosity tugged at Mac to stay and watch the pony suffer; perhaps even do something about it, but in the end the logical fact that he was powerless in the situation won out. "I.D. badge number?" Asked the server stallion behind a brown wooded counter. The good head of the compound had lead them into a white tent enclosed restaurant type area. Seer quickly explained the two newcomers and the server pony gave them each a platter of freshly steamed carrots. "Thank you" he called pushing the extra platters along. "I'm sorry you had to see that." He called dejectedly noticing the lack of apatite the Equestrians demonstrated. "That is the worst side of us, I assure you; we aren't as bad as all that." Mac and Applejack just stood in stunned silence. Low slaps and cries could be heard even when they sat on the other side of town from the barbaric retribution. "So... uh." Mac began, taking a breath, "Where r' all the younin's at?" Seer took a bit of the orange vegetable before answering. "They have been sent off to the Academy in Gold Camp." "Academy?" Repeated Applejack. "Yes ma'am." He took another bite and then began to excitedly explain: "The Academy is where all children are sent when they reach a certain age. It is where their special talents are discovered, how they will best benefit the collective, and how to best partner them with a mate." "Wai', you tell the kids where ta live n' who ta merry?" The mare asked bemused. Seer chuckled, "Not entirely, the Academy simply helps to hone the child's skills and suggests where they would be best placed." He took another bite, "They also conduct social experiments, completely safe, that determine: the kind of personality the child has, how they interact with other personality types as well as different races, and adaptation to new environments." Big Macintosh, nodded in understanding, the idea of such a place made sense to him. He took a bite of carrot while he contemplated the pros and cons of it all. "N' Ah assume the families of the children accompany them as well?" "No ma'am." Mac halted his chewing and stared expectantly. "Well, you have to understand, the parents are needed in the communities where they currently reside. Sending the parents away would be an unnecessary, not to mention costly, waste of resources. Don't worry though, our councilors at the facility are enough to give the nurture and comfort that the children need." "Ya take 'em 'way from their families?" Mac asked, the reality of it sinking in. "As I said, they will be of much greater benefit to all of South New Equine if they are nurtured to their fullest potential and located according tot he communities needs." Seer affirmed. He chuckled to himself again. "I'm sorry I've had this conversation with the snobs in North Equine too many times to feel awkward about how you're feeling. I assure you, it's not as traumatizing as it sounds." "Sound pretty bad to me." Applejack protested stepping away from her untouched meal before she went eye to eye with Seer. "Tell me som'in, what happens if they don' wanna go?" Seer gave a quizzical look. "We rarely have such a problem actually. Only one or two cases are reported a year." "Wha' happens?" The mare pushed, her tone growing dark. "The Buero of Educational Investigations is called in to interview, analyze and re-educate. The Academy has a specific class for parenting, it gives unquestionable guidelines on how to prepare their child for their own admittance. If the child doesn't wish to go, than the BEI simply convinces the youngling that they must. Simple as that." He shrugged. "N' they get no real choice in the matter?" "I'm afraid not." The mare thanked Seer kindly for his time and the two left back to the dorm in which they would be occupying for the night. While Mac was musing over the benefits of how such a community would work, Applejack was clearly upset by the South Equine culture. "Ah can't believe this place." She whispered. "Takin' fillies n' colts' 'way from their families? That's just wron' on so many levels." He had to concede that point, from what he learned between Sin and Seer, along with his own personal experience, South Equine seemed like a great place to live. Aside from the bit about children being taken away and apparently indoctrinated to how this supposed 'Academy' wants them to act. But the lack of exploitation, the practical non-existence of poverty, and apparent equality between each citizen could possible justify it... Couldn't it? "Ah ain't to comfortable stayin' here, if wha' Seer says is true." She continued. "Imma head over n' talk to Sin, got a few questions for 'em." "Y'all sure that'sa good ahdia?" Mac asked as the two approached the gate. "They migh' no' letcha back in." "Don't bother me none." Applejack replied angrily. "This place jus' rubs me wrong Mac. Am'ma let tha other's get their rest though, 'specially Pinkie; poor mare's been rather sluggish since she hadn't been eatin' all them sweets." The two walked out of the gates practically unnoticed, and walked back up the wooded bluff where they had left their guide. It was clear that the sun would be setting soon, and Mac was hopeful his sister would change her mind about staying coming back and sleeping in a warm bed for the night. "Sin?" Applejack called stepping into the thicker woodwork. "Sin, ya here?" She called again a little louder. "What?" They both looked over to see the desired stallion appear from a thicket. "Oh it's just you two... Don't just randomly call my name out in the woods." The stallion hissed looking around suspiciously before he motioned his hoof. "There are two patrols that way, and another over not to far over there. If they discover I'm here they'll try to take me in for interrogation." The mare blushed, "Ehe, sorry." Sin sighed. "Any rate, what is it?" Applejack cleared her throat, regaining her demeanor. "Ah don't feel comfortable stayin' down there." Sin quirked a brow, "They take foals from their families, foals for pete sake!" "Ah, so you discovered why I hate this place so much." Sin acknowledged turning around. "Come, I'd rather not be where the patrols could spot us." He lead the siblings a few yards inwards where a large of dead leaves was gathered in a huge pile. "There will not be a fire tonight, reasons are rather obvious. And for what it's worth, I am sorry about this little detour in South Equine. I wasn't expecting it." Applejack dismissed the inconvenience with a light hearted laugh than looked to the pile. "What's this?" She asked noticing a triangle of sticks at the bottom that formed a cave like entrancement. "This," Sin motioned. "Is what's known as a debris shelter. If constructed correctly, one can survive up to -50 degrees with out a fire in it. And for the sake of stealth, being so close to civilization, the reasons for it are aparent." Both the apple siblings observed the leaf covered structure for a bit, admiring it's simplistic yet apparently temperamental design. Mac would have thought the ground to cold for slumber, though he noticed a very compact layer of leaves that would elevate the sleeper at least five inches off the ground. His only real complain was how low the makeshift ceiling was, though what would be the point of trying to preserve body heat when the roof is high enough to help it escape? "Though, I don't think you came all the way out here to observe wilderness ingenuity." "Why didn'cha tell us it was gonna be so... controlled here?" Applejack asked after she laid down and wrapped herself in her cloak. Mac laid next to his sister and looked upon Sin as a student might a teacher. Sin took a moment before answering. "I did tell you that South Equine held rather Statist ideologies, it was the main reason that out of the Federation, I hate this state the most. Don't worry, we'll only be here until the others recover from the trip. You all deserve a little down time right now." "'S'pose that's true." AJ agreed. "But what 'bout you partner? You've been sufferin' the weather s'much as we have." Sin gave his famous empty smirk. "I, madam, have been trained in the art of survival-ism. The woods and cold are more my home than anything, what you consider suffering; I consider Tuesday." Mac rolled his eyes, but to his surprised, his sister laughed slightly. Not one of sarcasm, but of genuine comedy. "N' here I thought y'all din't have a sense of humor." "If only." "Say, wouldja mind tellin' me howta create on of them shelters there?" The cowmare asked. Sin replied in the negative claiming that it would take to much time and energy into creating a second traditional hut, however, he retrieved a tarp and found failry thick 'Y' branches, along with a third even thicker branch, and used the two smaller pieces of makeshift lumber to uphold the third in a triangle much like his own. "You stayin' as well Mac?" The aforementioned stallion began to think on it. "If ya wanna head back n' get some restful sleep, Ah won't grudja for it." His sister assured. A quick assurance of her safety from Sin convinced the stallion that it would be alright to head back. "Tell the others Ah'll be fine for me, kay?" "Eyup." Once the stallion was on his way back into the enclosed town, Applejack turned back to Sin, her face serious and stern. "Alright, now we need ta talk." "I figured as much." Sin replied politely spreading the tarp evenly over the new construct. "First off: wha happened to yer Cutie Mark?" Sin's polite demeanor deadpanned as he turned to face her. "Are we're really back on this again?" A quick narrowing of the eyes affirmed that the topic wasn't going to die. "Than I ask again, what concern is it of yours?" "Ah don't know, Ah jus'," She sighed. "Ah wanna know, is tha too much ta ask?" "I think it's rather apparent that I had both of them removed." "Yea, but, why?" "How about we don't ask that question." Sin quipped. AJ growled and pouted, eying him for a few minutes, causing an uncomfortable tension to engulf the two. It was one of those female tendencies when push came to shove between two beings of the opposite sex. Classic female pouts and gives an awkward and uncomfortable glare to her debate partner, thus signifying that should the other side not cave to her whims, said other side would not be in her good graces for a certain period of time. In essence, the ultimate weapon of the female creature. (aside from getting other males to fight for her.) "I'll take that angry glare and silence as a yes." The very rare counter to such a magnificent weapon? Ultimately not giving a husky fuck. "So what was your second question?" Applejack grunted at her defeat, "Fine, secondly: why did Malich, the suppos'd filthy rich Vice Presiden' of a mega corporation, come all the way down across a nation ta see ya? Why are y'all so important ta 'im? N' lastly, after you help yer friend escape, whacha' plan on doin' then?" "Firstly, it's a state, not a nation." Sin corrected matter of factly. Causing Applejack to roll her eyes in annoyance. "Whatever." "In pertinence to Windmane, after he is free." Sin paused, "I'm not sure what will come after that for me." "Moreover, I suppose I do owe you all an explanation, considering you all will be traveling with me; and will inevitably get caught in the crossfire between Malich and myself." "Thank you." Applejack said with a gratifying grin. Sin humphed at her arrogance. "Malich and I have a bit of a history. It transcends my time in the Senate and even his time being involved with Triple M..." Sparhawk stood in the dim, torch lit chamber of the Senate. His eyes repeatedly scanning over the piece of paper held firmly in his shaking hand. Anger over the proposed legislation was bubbling up inside of him. Centaurs were known through out the Federation as a calm and wise race, though, his patience was wearing thin due to his time in the Senate. The Senate, a congregation of idiotic, greedy and self serving politicians who seek to gain their way via acting as petulant children or corporate whores. He looked up to observe the empty seats designated to each state: Griffins of Columbus, Pegasi/Unicorn Consursum of North New Equine, as well as the Earth Pony South New Equine. The Vain Minotaur of the far east, and Canian Diamond dogs next to them. The Donkey state of Orval, twenty years succeeded from North New Equine, and the Buffalo of the Rovin Republic. He drummed his fingers impatiently while on his dark wooden desk. 'Where is he? I sent Light to get him over an hour ago!' He growled taking another look at the parchment in his other hand. Senate Legislation 0298 The Reintegration of Owed Representation Referendum - of 356 P.F. Sponsor: Senator Scrappy of the Third district of Cania. Co sponsors: Senator Regalia of the First district of Columbus, Senator Stone of the Second district of Vain, and Senator Shyana from the fourth district of N. Equine. The Reintegration of Owed Representation Referendum The Citizens of any Specific state have an obligation to the state to select and/or elect a representative to Federal Senate via the Articles of Arbitration as well as the Proclamation of Senatorial Power. In Articular I section(s) I through XI and Articles II and III respectively. In case the: Absence, death, inability, or otherwise unfortunate circumstances prevent any Representative to this Federal Senate from preforming his/her Legislative obligation, this legal document allows any Senator who(m) has not served his/her full term to reintegrate and take the office as they had once before... This was enough to make the black coated centaur crush the parchment in his hand. How dare the Senate even consider such an act of desecration to this sacred chamber of power? It was bad enough that they themselves sit in here and treat the responsibility of running the country as some kind of game of personal gain via favors to special interests, now they would have the few who have left from shame to return? After a few minutes of cursing how ridiculous the system had become, compared to the discipline and respect of Citizens of old and the few candidates who would even qualify for this act, an all to familiar grey earth pony trudged into the single occupant chamber with a charmed smile. "Good evening Arbiter Sparhawk." Malich greeted walking to stand in front of the politician. Though the stallion didn't even come up to the beginnings of the human torso of Spar Hawk, the pony stood confident and dignified. "I heard you wished to speak with me." "Malich." Sparhawk spat, unraveling the accursed bill. "What is this?" The aforementioned curiously took the parchment and began reading, much to the anger of the Arbiter. 'Look at him, reading it as if he didn't already know what was on it.' Sparhawk thought as the desire to strangle the pony became more and more tempting to indulge in. "Hmmm, It seems like a bill to re-allow former senators whom hadn't yet completed their term back into office." He gave a knowing grin. "Why do you ask?" The Arbiter's eyes narrowed before he slammed an angry hand on his bench. "Don't play the fool with me, you traitorous swine!" Malich gave a look of mock offense. "Why, Arbiter, I have no idea what you mean." "LIES!" Spar bellowed pointing a finger. "We both know that YOU have both Syndicrats and Boltinians in your back pocket, all other Lobbysts have chosen a party to stand with, yet this bill has bipartisan support when only the Boltinians have something to gain! I desire to know why." Malich gave a thoughtful sound. It was true that, in terms of political parties, the Boltinians had two recently disappeared members: Senators Windmane and Islander, while any Syndicrat who would be eligible had been dead for years, considering such a problem hadn't happen for over a century. Senator Islander had banished himself from the Federation after an incident involving the near murder of a fellow politician, and due to a clause in the Articles of Arbitration, the entire congress had to postpone any and all law making until the tedious process of Emergency Elections could have a chance for the citizens of N. New Equine to replace him. Much the same for Windmane. Still, this bill shouldn't have the support of the Syndicrats. And only one company was powerful enough to influence politicians from both sides of the isle. "Sorry to say, your honor." Malich shrugged, snapping Sparhawk from his thoughts. "I've had nothing to do with it." The centaur smirked. "Liar." Islander must be coming back, it's the only explanation. Windmane was one of the few who despised Lobbying as much as the Arbiter did himself. So, it would be rather pointless to bring him back, though; Islander's sibling relationship might have something to do with it. Despite the pegasi's over Anarchist tendencies. Malich gave a polite smile. "Me?" He pointed a hoof at himself. "Why sir, I would never lie to you, what reason would I have?" "Your brother-" "-Left the Senate a year ago, and has since lived in Equestria. Sorry to say, we haven't spoken much since." The pony chuckled. 'much?' Malich was a schemer, one of the most intelligent of any race the centaur had ever met. When one looked at his family background, it wasn't too surprising actually. Especially with his father turning the Triple M. Corporation from a small and local business to the largest profiteering empire that spanned continents that it was today. All in a matter of five short years no less. "If that will be all, I have a business meeting in half an hour." Malich announced turning to walk away. "Oh and please, do give Light Heart some time off, we don't want any more," he turned and smiled "Accidents." Sparhawk watched with a clenched jaw as the businesspony walked back out of the chamber like he owned the place. Shoot, he might as well. Once Malich was far out enough, the Arbiter crumpled the document again. If his guess was right, Islander would return at some point in the near future, question was; was he in on all of this as well?