While I feel that ending Shadow’s narration with the Pegasopolan declaration of war on Unicornia makes for a natural break point in the overall narrative, there is one final matter that I feel should be included to properly close things out.
I would like to thank Dusty Scrolls of the Royal Cloudsdale Archives for all her hard work in helping me find the minutes of the Ephorate’s meetings. After some consideration, I have decided to simply present the records of their conversation as it is written, rather than adapting it into a proper narrative. I would like to think I’m a passable editor, but trying to turn a bunch of dry meeting notes into a gripping piece of writing is probably more than I can manage, especially since I would have to wildly speculate about some very important things like the body language of all the ponies involved.
In the interests of brevity, I have only included a small passage from the Ephorate’s meeting after Shadow’s departure. The minutia of their plans for the coming war might be of great interest to a military historian, but would just bog down this particular account.
Rightly Doo: ‘Tis agreed that Manehatten shall be the first objective of our campaign?
Bright Charger: Aye. We must liberate the earth ponies before all else. With luck, once they have shaken off Celestia’s yoke she will grasp the weakness of her position and sue for peace.
Steel Striker: Optimistic. But aye, Manehatten.
Cyclone Kicker: Aye.
Swift Blade: Aye.
Rightly Doo: Very well then. Have we any other business to attend before we return to our clans and begin making ready for battle?
Cyclone Kicker: There is one matter. We have not yet confirmed who holds the post of commander.
Bright Charger: A mere formality. Rightly has been a fine acting commander, and I see no reason not to convey the title upon him in full.
Steel Striker: Formalities matter.
Rightly Doo: ‘Twould be best to officially put the matter to rest. Before we vote, does anypony wish to suggest an alternate candidate for the post? The only other pony named as a candidate when I was made acting commander is no longer available for the post.
Swift Blade: I have a candidate in mind, though she is something of an unusual choice.
Bright Charger: How intriguing. Do you intend to actually share her identity with us, or will you simply offer cryptic statements for us to speculate upon?
Swift Blade: My proposal is somewhat unique in that she is not capable of acting as Commander, and thus Rightly would be required to remain as acting Commander for the moment. However, as a former Commander of Pegasopolis she is eminently qualified, and I believe there would be many other advantages to naming Luna as Commander in absentia.
Steel Striker: Nightmare Moon?
Swift Blade: By Celestia’s word, aye. But history is written by the victors. Who here has borne witness to their battle? We have only Celestia’s word that her sister fell into darkness, and Celestia’s own actions in recent days have shown that her word is not to be trusted.
Cyclone Kicker: It is possible that our accounts of Luna’s downfall do not reflect what actually occurred. Still, that is mere speculation.
Swift Blade: Regardless, there are numerous practical benefits to naming Luna as our commander. It elevates our cause beyond that of a mere revolt against Celestia. In the eyes of Equestria and the world, we would go from malcontents seeking to preserve our own privileges to liberators valiantly struggling to restore our rightful ruler and o’erthrow an usurper. ‘Twould also serve to make our cause wider than a mere Pegasopolan crusade. With all respect, what do the earth ponies or unicorns care for Rightly Doo? I cannot imagine his name is e’en known to them. Luna, however, is known by ponies of all the tribes, and has her supporters amongst them all. What better banner to carry when we march into Manehatten than that of Luna, who freed the city from griffon occupation?
Cyclone Kicker: Supporters. A kind word for mad cultists and warlocks.
Steel Striker: Enemies of Celestia. Like us.
Rightly Doo: We will not traffic with such individuals. E’en if we both stand to gain from Celestia’s removal, I will not demean our cause by aligning it with practitioners of the forbidden arts.
Swift Blade: But of course not, Rightly. However, I would point out that ‘warlock’ and ‘cultist’ are very useful titles to bestow upon one’s enemies.
Rightly Doo: Nonetheless, we must uphold not only the reality of honor, but the appearance of it as well. Whatever gains we might make from naming a more prestigious commander would be lost if ‘twas thought we made common cause with enemies of all decency. Just as I would not send emissaries to the High King of Griffonia, the Zebrican Emperor, or the Swarms of Chrysalis, so I will not make common cause with warlocks.
Swift Blade: E’en those who we have reason to believe are falsely accused of the crime?
Cyclone Kicker: We hardly have the time and resources to investigate every single warlock’s claim that they are mere political opponents of Celestia accused of foul acts to blacken their name. I would rather turn away a dozen innocents than allow one viper into our midsts.
Bright Charger: Agreed. Our situation is not so desperate that we must seek unsavory allies to bolster our strength.
Swift Blade: Very well then. However, we have not yet spoken on the naming of Luna as commander.
Bright Charger: I see no need for it. If Rightly is to exercise the powers and duties of commander, he should hold the title as well.
Steel Striker: Politics. Could be useful.
Cyclone Kicker: Though I am wary of her reputation, Luna’s name is known far and wide. As Swift said, by attaching her name to our cause we make it plain that we fight for the good of all Equestria, not merely the pegasi. However, it would be of the utmost importance that we maintain our honor, for e’en a single foul act would quickly blacken our name.
Rightly Doo: And if Celestia did not lie? If Luna did indeed go mad, and was rightfully stripped of her position and powers?
Swift Blade: Then she is still useful as a symbol. I cannot imagine she is likely to be easily returned from whatever imprisonment or exile Celestia has condemned her too. ‘Tis e’en possible that Luna is a century dead, and Celestia’s claims of exile and imprisonment merely serve to cover her kinslaying. Such things have little bearing on her usefulness as a rallying point to our cause.
Steel Striker: Well reasoned.
Rightly Doo: I am uncertain of the wisdom of this course. Bright, Cyclone? I would have your thoughts on the matter too.
Bright Charger: She acts the part of a tyrant now, and given that, it is certainly possible that she acted the same in regards to her sister. Luna’s banishment made her sole ruler of Equestria, and now she works to consolidate that authority. Still, I am uncertain. I defer my vote to thee, Rightly.
Cyclone Kicker: Speculation on what occurred a century ago does not change the fact that Luna’s name and reputation are now fouled. And our own would quickly be fouled by proximity.
Swift Blade: You do the common ponies of Equestria too little credit, sir. Surely they can follow the same line of reasoning that we have, once the matter is explained to them. Reputations and opinions are easily shifted once lies are cast aside and the light of truth shown.
Rightly Doo: So be it then. My vote, and Bright’s, are cast in favor. We hereby name Luna as Commander-in-Absentia of Pegasopolis.
Bright Charger: Aye.
Steel Striker: Aye.
Cyclone Kicker: Aye.
Swift Blade: Aye.