“Vocal Chord,” says Cheerilee.
“Yes?” I reply.
“I’m here about your answer to question 27 of the Required Exams for Pony Aptitude, REPAs for short, which, as you know, have just been approved by Celestia. You also know that all registered citizens of Equestria above the age of eighteen have been required to take them.”
“Yes.”
This is a thing Twilight started in order to get ponies more educated. About a month ago, she had this brilliant idea to make up a universal exam, testing ponies in all known branches of knowledge in order to determine which areas they need work in. The first test subjects were a group of foals, and from what I’ve heard, they’ve started calling the exams ‘the Grim REPAs’. Clever, but not very encouraging.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think you quite understood. Which is why we’re here. This is your answer to question 27 of your REPAs.”
Vocal’s Answer
A Study on the Dynamics of Interaction between Two Definite Variables
By Vocal Chord
As stated in Question 27, and as I will state again here, these two sides are at constant odds with each other. With four definite solutions, but no clear answer, this is quite possibly the most important decision of our century. Which side will prevail? And, in the process, how can we avoid damages to the unstable structure of support each side lends the other? In this essay, I hope to fully explore every known possibility, as well as expose faults in each one and, if possible, reach a conclusion.
Take, for example, our first solution to this astounding political problem. A full treaty, in which both sides join together, forming a whole stronger than both sides could ever hope to be. However, such teamwork would require a definite understanding, one which neither side possesses of the other. Dissent and distrust would breed like rabbits, and eventually, the system would collapse, leaving nothing behind but a ruined wasteland. However, if a mutual understanding can be reached, there is a chance that this solution could be viable. More research will have to go into this, as an unstable solution could easily fall on either side of the fine line between success and failure.
Our second solution is more stable, but much less efficient; a mutual trade-off, in which neither side supports the other, but resources are shared and benefits are achieved. Neither side would be wanting for support, yet no alliances or sharing of beliefs are required. The bond may, however, be weak, and during a time of crisis, both sides could easily be divided and separated, resulting in an even more devastating defeat. This brings into question the wisdom of favoring a weaker bond over a stronger one; and, while both sides will be satisfied, betrayal will still be imminent.
This brings us into our third solution: a division of wealth between the two sides. Equal shares of everything would leave neither side at a definite advantage or disadvantage, and jealousy would be thinned. Even though it is wholly possible that both sides could start a war with the other, the fact remains that neither side would be able to easily overpower the other. Unfortunately, this system lacks merits, and something as simple as the acquisition of newfound wealth could easily upset this balance.
Th only possible alternative at this point is war, in which one side would subtract a fair amount of resources rom the other and remain the only variable. This is, by far, the least desirable solution, as the remaining side will most definitely end with far less power, and if another variable were to be introduced, the winning side of the previous conflict would undeniably fall.
The conclusion is that the course to be taken is the second one I have spoken of: an agreement, in which both sides mutually support the other, regardless of wealth and/or religious beliefs. Such an agreement would facilitate the quick transport of resources during a crisis, as well as allow for a more diverse pool of said resources. Thus, the only logical course of action is selected, and the issue is resolved. The answer, of course, is B.
“So?” I ask. Cheerilee shakes her head.
“This was the question:
Demonstrate the Commutative Property.
A.) A+B=AB
B.) A+B=B+A
C.) A+B=A/B
D.) A+B=A-B
Any comments, Vocal?”
I shrug.
“Hey, at least I got the answer right.”
THE END