//------------------------------// // Reflection Twenty-One: Enmity Breeds // Story: Fallout: Equestria- The Last Sentinel // by Adder1 //------------------------------// Reflection Twenty-One: Enmity Breeds “The honesty that held us together crumbled. It was replaced with deception. Cheating truth to take more than we needed because we needed. The kindness of our agreement faded away. It was replaced with cruelty. To simply swindle, steal, or rob what we wanted. The generosity of our charity from one equine to another eroded. It was replaced by greed. For what we had was never enough. The laughter once shared by friends was long gone. It was replaced by hurt. Because we were now stepping forward too far, and we were aching inside. The loyalty that once held together the treaty of trade was no longer doctrine. It was replaced by betrayal. If you won't help us, you can expect a stab in the back. The magic of our land was no more. It was replaced by the machine. For we thought and worked too much, and for we felt and cared too little. Friendship crumbled. Enmity remained in the shards. Enmity breeds.” The storyteller exhaled deeply. I was thirty-five years old. He paused and let out another deep sigh. None of it had to happen. None of it. But if you do as I do… if you look back through the years… if you connect the dots… it was inevitable. It still doesn’t make it any more believable. He sat up straighter, another misty breath coming from his nostrils. When times are good, we can’t imagine that something horrible could happen to us. At least, not until it’s already happened. Sometimes, not even then. It’s not stupidity, it’s not weakness;  it’s merely equine nature. Even now, as you sit here with me, you’re not expecting anyone here to die tonight. You’re just sitting back among friends and possibly family, enjoying an old buck’s story. You can’t imagine that happening. Just like I couldn’t imagine we’d destroy our world in twenty-two years. We look back on it now- I know I have, many times- and think, ‘oh, but it’s so obvious that would happen.’ Well, folks, you know what they say about hindsight. Foresight usually gets the wrong prescription strength. Zebrica, Aldorna, even Equestria were no strangers to using power. We were already bickering among one another for resources. At that point, it was just a matter of time. The proverbial writing was on the wall. We all just had to read it. I certainly didn’t. Or, at least, I chose not to. Those people who couldn’t believe something horrible could happen while times were good? I was one of them. I just called Zoleks and my parents- and my friends in Ponyville- and told them I was fine, Nightingale was fine. We’d gotten out safely. All, of course, while remaining hidden at home pretending to be on a flight back. I’m sure Pinkie knew, but she wisely remained quiet on the matter. The storyteller inhaled softly. And we got married. As expected after the talk with Celestia- and Luna and I both wanted the same- it was a quiet affair. No ceremony. No reception. Just some royal paperwork. It was all hush-hush… heh… our dirty little secret. Nobody ever found out. Pinkie didn’t even tell anyone. I don’t want to get into the details. Those matters are… private, you understand. No, right now, I’m going to focus on something else. Something far more important. Something far worse. He inhaled softly. I don’t remember it all happening so quickly like most say. It didn’t happen immediately after. It took its time creeping up on us. That three-letter word. One that chills me to the bone. The storyteller sprouted an ice arm to produce his next memento- an old radio alarm. Several of the buttons were missing their tabs, and one of the switches was missing. The digital display was cracked, and black gunk had melted into the spiderweb. The grill cap covering one of the speakers popped out and started to fall out, but he caught it just in time and snapped it back into place. It’s obviously not Stable-Tec. But it was important to me and I’m sure many others over the course of the next two years. Before, I tended to avoid paying attention to current events. After playing a part in them? I couldn’t help but keep my eyes on the tabloid and my ears to the speaker. I’ve said it before, not too long ago. I’ll say it again. Industry is a good thing. The Age of Industry allowed society as a whole to improve the standards of living for everyone. It bolstered food production. It gave us modern conveniences. It gave us the means to communicate instantly over vast distances. He gently pat the device at his hooves. It made the whole wide world a whole lot smaller. It allowed us to wrest energy from the land and breathe light and life where there was none before. It allowed us to step forward. And step forward. And step forward. And we took one step too far. Remember, folks. Remember how this story all started. * * * One day after we returned. “-little over a day ago, it was believed that Caesar Raj’M’Kora was assassinated in the Roaman Senate by Legate Damaro and other opposition leaders. It appears that he in fact survived, likely through a double- in other words, another zebra who took his place. He appeared via live feed from Avalon, apparently granted asylum by the Griffin Republic of Aldorna. “In a speech, the Caesar questioned the legitimacy of Legate Khotek’s new regime, claiming that he was more than willing to peacefully pave the way for a transition in power. He described it as a takeover by military coup and called upon the greater powers to refuse to recognize the new leader of the Holy Zebrican Empire. “The new regime has yet to reply or comment on the matter, and it is still unclear what stake Aldorna has in the conflict, as they claim responsibility for evacuating the Caesar. When asked about their stance on the matter, both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna offered no comment. “The situation continues to rapidly evolve, and it is expected that an official response from Zebrica will come soon…” * * * Two hours later. And I will never forget that voice. Calm. Collected. Yet with that guttural undertone. “-ago we reported that Caesar Raj’M’Kora is, in fact, alive and well and has received asylum under The Griffin Republic of Aldorna and has denounced the new regime in Roam. Only minutes ago, we received an official response from Legate Khotek himself.” “Mi’h nalmuf sifan-” “It is regrettable that my fellow legates resorted to such a barbaric act, an act which I too condemn. No zebra, no servant of the Empire since the rule of Caesar Hilamnyama thousands of years ago ever committed such a high crime against their master. Only those legates, those barbarians, and the small circle that acted with them were responsible. As soon as the situation in Roam has stabilized, an investigational committee will be organized to identify those responsible. Their memory will be condemned. No further mention of their names will be permitted from that point on, and all existing icons of their visages will be destroyed, though their families will be compensated for their deaths. Their families will not share their punishment or shame. That is not our way. “I understand that many both within and without The Holy Zebrican Empire call the legitimacy of my rule into question. I assure you- all of you- that I was elected by the senior members of the Senate and approved by the High Court to serve under emergency powers, and I accepted. No other living legate has as much experience or seniority, and I am in firm belief that I will lead this country to victory against the minotaur insurgency. We will show them their place. They will submit as fellow servants to the Empire. “Now my own challenge to Caesar Raj’M’Kora. You claim that you would have willingly allowed for a transition of power anyway, which means that you no longer seek to become our leader in any case. So would you have elected one of those legates, knowing now that they planned to kill you? Would you have elected one of those transgressors to lead our nation? I doubt it. So who would you have nominated in this day and age? Who? Name another legate of similar standing. The Senate and the High Court will consider your nominations.” * * * One week later. “-has finally allowed access to the press in a stunning reversal of policy. Legate Khotek claims that all minotaur and minotaur-supporting insurgents have been neutralized within the city of Roam, although he will continue to institute martial law and maintain a strict curfew in the event of possible infiltration until the end of the conflict. Citizens are not barred from the Bazaar but are encouraged to limit activities in public spaces for their own safety. Legate Khotek also announced that he will begin the counteroffensive as soon as they’ve combed the city from rooftop to waterway. There still has been no response from former caesar Raj’M’Kora regarding Legate Khotek’s remark last week. Officials from Aldorna maintain that he is in good hands and in good health. “In other news, the hostage crisis regarding the Almarinian gem tanker Seashine has ended. While the gem pirates were allowed to seize much of the tanker’s cargo, all hostages were accounted for with only minor injuries. At a press conference earlier today, Princess Luna stated that Equestria will step up its security for gem tankers in the Almarinian Sea and will take a more hardline approach to hostage situations in the future, criticizing Almarinian authorities for conceding to the pirates’ demands. Her remarks have drawn a wave of criticism…” * * * Five months later. “-that King Giannis of the minotaurs has surrendered. Almond Butter has more.” “King Giannis unconditionally surrendered to the Zebrican Legion. He states that they will submit to their demands, only requesting that all further hostilities cease and that Legate Khotek allow equinitarian aid workers to enter the isle of Crete. Legate Khotek responded that he will remove the blockade from their ports only after all of his militants have fully disarmed. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna again withhold their comments on the conflict itself but express their relief that the fighting is over and pledge further equinitarian aid as needed. “Former caesar Raj’M’Kora also broke his silence and similarly expressed gratitude and hopes for swift reconciliation between the Empire and the minotaurs. However, he also expresses concern regarding the blockade of the Cretan ports, stating that denying basic necessities to civilians constitutes what’s known as a ‘war crime.’ He condemned such an act and offered no further comments. Back to you, Trowel.” “And now we have Hal Emberwind from the Aldornan Consulate in Canterlot. Thank you for joining us, Hal.” “Thank you for having me.” “Now I’m sure many of our listeners are wondering the same thing we are- what exactly is a war crime…?” * * * Two weeks later. Three days after we were married. “-Senate and High Court have approved Khotek as the four-hundred-ninety-second Caesar of the Holy Zebrican Empire, a responsibility that he accepted. The international community in general, including The Principality of Equestria and The Griffin Republic of Aldorna has not recognized Khotek as the rightful leader of Roam while the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court continue to investigate the accusations of war crimes against the minotaur people.” Then came Princess Celestia’s unmistakable voice. “It is not a question of leadership ability. Khotek has displayed he has exceptional talent in that regard. It is a question of whether or not he deliberately committed war crimes against the minotaur people. Equestria’s decision to recognize Khotek as Caesar of The Holy Zebrican Empire is pending the ICJ’s evaluation of the litigations against Zebrica and the ICC’s individual investigation of Khotek himself.” Then he went back to the reporter’s tone. “In other news, it has been recently noted that Princess Luna has been increasingly absent from Parliamentary meetings. Both she and Princess Celestia declined to comment…” The storyteller smiled briefly, knowingly. * * * Two months later. “-has reached their decision regarding the allegations of war crimes levied against The Holy Zebrican Empire and Khotek personally. Shutterbug, our correspondent in Shropshire, Almarinia has more.” “The International Court of Justice investigations committee addressed the press today, declaring that Zebrica is not guilty of war crimes against the minotaur people. The International Criminal Court reached a similar decision regarding then-Legate Khotek. With me is Think Tank, one of the members of the committee. Miss Tank, this ruling will certainly raise a great deal of controversy. What was the reasoning behind it?” “Well, y’see, in order for either the ICJ- which as a ‘minder tries whole countries or organizations- n’ the ICC- which tries individules- t’declare an act as a war crime, there has t’be undeniable evidence that such a war crime was actually committed. In this case, it was the notion that Zebrica n’ Khotek specifically denied equinitarian aid t’the civilian populace o’ the isle o’ Crete. While there is plenty o’ evidence that they blockaded Crete as a whole, there is little evidence t’suggest that Zebrica or Khotek specifically targeted civvies with the naval blockade.” “Are you suggesting that these civilians were collateral then?” “Unfortunate collateral, yeah. Very unfortunate collateral. It’s like usin’ pesticides. You kill the hoppers n’ all the other nasty buggers that chew your crops up, but you also kill off pollinators jus’ the same.” “Not to point out the obvious, but these are unarmed civilians we’re talking- mothers and children. Not bees or butterflies or some other bug.” “Oh, nob off! Please don’t twist my words like that! It’s just an analogy! Now look ‘ere, it’s unfortunate that all those civvies suffered from the blockade, n’ my heart goes out t’the families affected, but the rulin’- which was unanimous- remains. There was no bias- there weren’t even any stripes on the committees for Sparklesake. Civvies weren’t specifically targeted, n’ so Zebrica n’ Khotek are not guilty of such a war crime. They jus’ cast a wide net, n’ that resulted in everyone in Crete gettin’ affected.” “Despite the fact that the Legion barred equinitarian aid from entering the country?” “N’ other goods, both from legitimate shipping companies n’ smugglers. We had t’take all evidence int’account, includin’ the materials smuggled from Aldorna t’Crete- materials that could have been used t’make weapons o’ war. The minotaurs did, in fact, testify that such smugglin’ did take place. I’m not tryin’ t’cast the minotaurs in a bad light. Honestly, this whole conflict was a horrible mess t’begin with. It’s just that we had t’look at the whole picture in a comprehensive, holistic manner, n’ we made our decision accordingly.” Back to the first reporter. “And now we’re going to take a look at the response from both Equestria and Aldorna regarding the ruling, and let me say now- they’re a mixed bag…” * * * A few days later. “-with me here today is Professor Motoupepo from Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Professor, what can you tell us about the developing energy crisis?” Though the professor speaks in clear Equestrian, there is most definitely a Zebrican accent to it. “Oh boy. It’s a very complex situation right now. The minotaurs destroyed a number of Zebrican oil rigs and refineries, collapsed coal mines, and targeted much of their infrastructure. We’re talking highways, canals, shipping yards, even tankers. I think you just reported a few minutes ago that oil and coal imports were down by nearly forty percent last month, and I don’t think that’s going to improve anytime soon. Frankly, I feel we’re going to be turning to Almarinia for coal at some point. What hasn’t been often reported, however, is that the Empire’s demand for high-quality gems has remained constant even despite the end of the uprising, putting a strain on Equestria’s own supplies…” * * * Two weeks later. “-find it odd that they didn’t bring any dragons, minotaurs, or hay, even any zebras on the investigations committee is all I’m saying. Why set up a committee for investigation allegations of war crimes made entirely up of races who haven’t seen war for centuries?” “The point was t’review evidence of the allegations o’ targeted war crimes against civvies without the cloud of bias, Barge. Ask a minotaur, n’ they’ll definitely claim it happened. Ask a zebra, they’ll claim it didn’t! Ask a dragon, well, they’re with the Legion! They’ll claim the same thing! I’m sorry if the decision the committee made was a decision you didn’t like, but with all respect, it’s probably the best you’re going t’get in this day n’ age.” “Then if you continue to defend the zebras, why-” “I’m not defending their actions! I’m doing my bloody job without any confirmation bias unlike you!” * * * Four months later. “-we have dispatched search boats int’the area. Rest assured, we will find them.” “For our listeners who just tuned in, that was Captain Brass Buckler of the Shropshire Provincial Guard. The Almarinian gem tanker Lucid has gone missing. What’s most worrying was that this tanker had escort courtesy of Equestria. All attempts to hail the escort vessels were met with static or no response. The fate of the crews is unknown, but if zebra gem pirates are behind this, this would be their boldest attack ever…” * * * The next day. “-reports that an Almarinian search party located the Lucid and confirmed the worst- the gem tanker has been seized by zebra gem pirates. They also reported signs of wreckage of the Equestrian escort ships and found no sign of their crew or any life vessels. They are feared dead. In addition, when attempting to give chase to the vessel, they were fired upon with powerful anti-ship weaponry jury-rigged to the deck by the pirates and lost two of their own ships and crew, whereupon they were forced to retreat. It is unknown how the gem pirates managed to obtain such weaponry. Caesar Khotek denounces the pirates’ actions and pledges support in efforts to apprehend them and free any hostages they may have taken. He stopped short, however, of allowing Equestrian or Almarinian vessels to enter Zebrican territory. “We will continue to report more as the story develops. NPR sends its condolences to the families of the lost and taken…” * * * Two weeks later. “-can all breathe easy, fillies and gentlecolts of Equestria. Princess Celestia announced this morning that the Wonderbolts, Equestria’s greatest fliers, have successfully rescued all crew members of the Lucid, now currently in safe hooves in the southern city of Tail Aviv. All seventeen crew members are accounted for, and only one received serious injury during the escape. While no name has been disclosed, the aforementioned pony is expected to make a full recovery. “The success came at a grave cost, however. Four members of the Wonderbolts were confirmed killed in action as a result of the fierce gunfight that broke out during the rescue. They were reported to have drawn gunfire away from the captive crew members, and one especially valiant mare used her own body as a shield against an explosive device known as a hoof-grenade. Princess Celestia expressed her condolences to the Wonderbolts and the friends and family of those who gave their lives so that others may live, and she stated that they will be posthumously awarded the Order of the Alicorn, the highest military honor available. “We are joined by Dux Valorum of the Roaman Legion. Thank you for allowing us to interview you, sir.” “Do not honor me yet. I have given nothing to you.” “Ah… very well. Dux Valorum, Caesar Khotek stated repeatedly during this hostage crisis that he would pledge the Legion’s support in tracking down the Lucid. What happened here?” “The KSV held that the gem pirates, which we continue to disavow, were operating in international seas, and so that is where we searched, working closely with both Equestrian and Almarinian volunteers.” “Did it ever occur to the Legion or to the KSV that the pirates could have been anchored closer to home for you?” “The, ah, the possibility was considered, yes.” “But was it ever explored?” “I’m sure that, ah, our Legionaries have combed our outermost territories.” “Can you personally confirm that they did, though?” “You would have to speak to another Dux or a Legate. If I may speak my mind for a minute, however, the more pressing issue to the whole of The Holy Zebrican Empire is that your military deployed their most elite squadron into Zebrican airspace without either prior notice or prior approval. What do you have to say to that?” “Well, actually, Princess Celestia mentioned that in her address this morning. She said it was… let me take a look here… the result of a ‘happy miscommunication’ and apologized personally to Caesar Khotek.” “That still does not erase the fact that Equestria violated Zebrican airspace, and furthermore…” * * * One month later. “Pua men ef ha’ema enna-” “It is my understanding that The Principality of Equestria continues to express concerns that the Empire is not doing its part to reign in zebra gem pirates. Will all due respect to the Princesses and the Equestrian Parliament, we are doing all we can with the resources available. Gems, the means to combat the pirate scourge, are the very thing they steal, preventing us from mounting proper raids on their strongholds. As evidenced by the Lucid crisis, they have acquired more powerful weaponry through the black market and from raids made on military bases we were forced to abandon back during the minotaur uprising. Without the proper means to combat them, efforts to flush them out and apprehend them will be fruitless. “And in spite of all this, I must also point out that Equestria continues to do nothing about their own oil pirates, bandits, whatever you choose to call them. Another group was captured at Mosambi- eight total, bringing the number of felons to twenty-six. We will extradite them to Equestrian territories in exchange for extradition of apprehended zebra pirates currently held at your Shattered Hoof Ridge facility. “This is also without touching upon Equestria’s continued violation of our territorial borders with their task forces. Even if their intentions are just in locating gem pirates strongholds, I cannot condone their repeated breaching of international law…” * * * One week later. “-have to respectfully disagree, Doctor Eckhardt. This could have all been avoided. So many already saw this energy crisis coming! I’m surprised The Great Exodus wasn’t already enough to get people to cut back, but apparently we already forgot about that! Hay, I’m wondering who thought it was a good idea to base an energy system off of an exclusively foreign resource in the first place!” And now a clearly Aldornan accent. “I’m not saying I don’t agree with your points, Motoupepo. I’m saying that the world is by and large unwilling to try for efficiency. Power-guzzling machines have been and will continue to be the trend. It would have been costly to convert to the Almarinian hybrid system as suggested earlier, and right now, it’ll be even costlier.” “It’s cost untold numbers of lives already. I fail to see why legislation for all three global superpowers keeps failing to see that! If anything, now is the best time to push for efficiency standards to reduce dependency on traded coal and gems!” “And I’m saying it’s already too late. It’s no use. At this point, it’s either continue using the systems already in place or switching to the hybrid system, which would take years to implement, involve an astronomical price tag, and stunt foreign trade among all global superpowers after. That last point, by the way, would strain Equestrian-Zebrican relations even further. It’s just too late to do that…” ‘Too late.’ A pair of words I’d started hearing more and more often over the radio… * * * Three months later. “-will not stand idly by as the sovereignty of the Empire continues to be violated! From this point on, any Equestrian who enters Zebrican borders or waters will be apprehended, and any attempt to resist will be treated as hostility! Know I have the backing of all of the Zebrican people behind me, and we will not hesitate to establish order!” * * * The next day. “This is Golden Fawn reporting from just outside the United Nations building in Manehattan, where the General Assembly has gone into uproar over the escalating tensions between Equestria and Zebrica. The press were barred from the meeting due to how intense the caucus had become. In fact, before we were escorted out, the chairs were unsuccessful in maintaining decorum among the delegates. I’m afraid that until the meeting is adjourned, we won’t… I’m sorry, but it appears that the Zebrican delegation is leaving the grounds! They are walking right out of the United Nations General Assembly, and I’m seeing the delegation from the Security Council do the same! Uh, sir! Sir! Pardon, I’m with NPR! Can we please have a moment? Sir? Sir! Excuse me could we please…?” * * * The same day. And I’ll never forget that somber tone. The voice of Princess Celestia. “Good morning, my faithful subjects. I’m sure by now many of you are well aware of the rising tensions between Equestria and The Holy Zebrican Empire. While yes, it is true that in order to apprehend and neutralize gem pirate threats for our brothers and sisters in Almarinia we had to deploy our task forces into Zebrican territory, it was a necessary petty crime. And as this continues to be brought up in the Caesar’s many speeches, I continue to object the actions of oil bandits that believe that just because the zebras do it, so can they. Shame. Shame. On. You. “The discoveries today will only serve to add more fuel to the proverbial fire. It was proven today with undeniable evidence from our Aldornan cohorts that the Legion has, in fact, been supplying the very gem pirates they claimed to be suppressing, intentionally allowing them to obtain the gems they so desperately crave. This contradicts statements made by the Caesar claiming they needed those gems to combat the pirates. As such actions have led to the deaths of far too many good mares and stallions, I can only condemn their actions.” Pause. “Many of you have written to me expressing worry- worry that… this may lead to the most tragic, the most horrible of all things. “War. “Understand, my little ponies, that such a declaration cannot be taken lightly. Very few outside of my sister and I truly know its implications and its disastrous consequences. I… no. My sister and I must ask that you all cease to believe that war is a viable option. None of you know what horrors it entails. We have known nothing but peace for over six-hundred years. It has been that way for a reason.” Pause. “No one in this country of ours wants war. I must strongly emphasize that. But... if war should come…” Pause. “I pray it does not come to that.” * * * Three weeks later. “-but sir-” “You will refer to me as ‘Your Excellency.’” “Your Excellency, there hasn’t been a single emergency Parliamentary meeting that’s been documented for six-hundred years. The last one was during the onset of The Almarinian War against the then-Griffin Kingdom of Aldorna. Have you… has Parliament voted on a declaration of… of war?” “I will neither confirm nor deny that.” “But Prince Blueblood, what else could warrant an emergency meeting?” “I don’t know! Fetch yourself a history book or something if you insist on asking!” “Your Excellency, does either Princess Celestia or Princess Luna- or even Princess Cadance know about this meeting?” “No. What could they possibly know about what the ponies of this country want? I love my dear aunt to death, but she can’t possibly comprehend all the strife those striped felons are causing while seated on her golden throne. The time has come to teach those zebras that their treachery has consequences.” “Then… Parliament has voted on a declaration of war, your Excellency?” “... I will neither confirm nor deny that.” * * * The next day. “Good evening, my faithful subjects. I understand that even as your Princess of the Night, I do not speak often to the press. That is for personal reasons. But personal reasons have no place at a time so dire. While it is true that if sufficient members of Parliament deem it necessary, they can call forth an emergency meeting with or without sister, myself, or Princess Cadance presiding, this vote for a declaration of war against Zebrica goes against everything that we and all people of Equestria, not just ponies, seek out of this international crisis. My sister, myself, and Princess Cadance will veto the declaration of war. “... ah… yes, do you have a question?” “Your Highness, doesn’t… the… Parliament actually have the power to overturn a veto with a three-fourths’ majority?” A pause. A deathly long pause. “Do you imply that we should go to war?” An audible gulp. No response. “Do you. Imply. That we should go to war?” “W-W-Well…” Another audible gulp. Another pause. “This press call is adjourned. Leave my sight at once. All of you.” * * * Three. Days. Later. “Good…” “... greetings, my faithful subjects.” “It seems like not too long ago I addressed all of you. “I regret that… the worst of times now lie ahead of us. That which I feared and tried to prevent…” “Parliament has overturned our unanimous royal veto. “Equestria is at war.” * * * I was thirty-seven years old. * * * Footnote: Frost- Level Up! Level 21 Reached! Perk Added: Radiohead- It’s time to tune in. New speech options are available as you listen to radio broadcasts, even mid-conversation. Musical Mayhem triggered by ambient radio music is more likely to increase your CHA score. Unlockables added: Soundtrack- Through the Airwaves Soundtrack- Never Changes