//------------------------------// // 46 - Hierarchy is Controversial // Story: Hive Alive // by BlackWater //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle!” bellowed the voice of Storm Sword. She had the most peculiar accent. Some of her vowels leaned and her Rs rolled. The accent was rare outside of the most northeastern parts of Equestria. Above all else, her voice had a finality to it that spoke volumes of authority. She sounded like a mare that knew what everypony was thinking and was fully prepared to put a stop to all of the bad thoughts. Twilight and her hive had only just entered the foyer of Canterlot Castle. Somehow, the air seemed hotter and more humid. Likely a result of the heavy morning rains and the midday sun. The castle was looking better because of recent construction while the foyer and main hall were shining in pristine order. None of the hive members recognized the steel gray mare, her feathery spring blue mane, or intense azure eyes. She was unrecognizable as a Royal Guard. In fact, the two other guardponies on either side of her were just as strange. They wore loose garments patterned with dark leaves and permanent mud stains. It made Rarity cringe all the way to her very bones. “Storm Sword?” Twilight made her best guess. Luna had told her that the pony was waiting to meet her at the castle. “Second Lieutenant Storm Sword,” the mare responded briskly in her unusual accent and stopped before the other mare. Her gaze was almost to the point of harsh and she didn't bow or shake hooves. She gestured to a group of court ponies that were walking toward the main hall. “Those peach-eating pen-pushers demoted me for doing my job. Only reason I didn't get worse was because Sunnyside gave me an out. Would be rotting in a twig brig if it weren't for her.” “Sunnyside?” Rarity ventured a polite question. “Princess Fire Flank,” Storm gave another name, which seemed to click. Rarity made a face while Pinkie Pie snorted laughter. Twilight kept her seriousness and stayed on track. “Celestia wanted us to talk before the coronation in a few days. You've been elected for Captain of the Guard.” “Pfft,” Storm frowned and the two other guards with her rolled their eyes. One was a lanky stallion that looked more ready for a desk job than guard duty and the other was a mare that looked all too happy to be in Storm's presence. “Nothing like waiting to the last minute. The position's been void for how long? Typical. Give me the reins late enough so I can't save the Guard, but soon enough to be blamed for its demise.” “Celestia seems to think you can at least keep the Canterlot units from causing trouble,” Twilight offered and was anxious as to how the conversation was going. “But we can talk about that later. I'd like to know more about you.” “Why?” Storm put it upfront, eyebrows flat with indifference. Twilight's hooves shifted around beneath her in discomfort. Her hive felt what she did but knew she had to be the one talking. “We...” Twilight searched for the right response. “We should be friends, right? I mean, we need to work together. And my brother was the last Captain. Maybe we can exchange stories?” “About Sellout Shining?” Storm Sword grumbled. “Sure, I can tell you all about how your good-for-nothing brother took the Fifty-Second Canterlot Unit on a wine-tasting tour in Canterlot while he ordered my Sixty-First to eat dirt and steel – over-spent, under-supplied, without relief or reinforcement – all because we happened to have been born in North-E and LP downtown.” Twilight's eyes were as big as saucers. The anger in the biting words of the female guard were like lashes of a whip. “Ever think to ask your brother why bug-teeth,” Storm pointed to Chryaslis, “got past our outer perimeter? He split the Canterlot units into central cities that needed no protection so that the high society guards of those units wouldn't be in harm's way. The outer perimeter was filled only with units like mine that hadn't any political connections or money to buy safe posts. He used us like disposable tissue paper and, when our perimeter collapsed from exhaustion, the changelings just walked right in. Should have seen the look on their faces as they literally stepped over us. So, yeah. Let's talk about Shining Armor, once proud Captain of the Royal Guard.” Twilight composed herself and replied in a calm even voice. “He placed the units based on expertise. The Canterlot units were most familiar with Canterlot, which made them most effective stationed there for a second line of defense. Other cities needed token forces in case the changelings raided prior to their primary target. The other units were more experienced in open field combat, which is why they formed the outer perimeter. Supplies and relief were ordered to the weakened units but were blocked by the nobles in court, not Shining Armor. He had very strong words about that after the incident was over and almost resigned because of it. He cares for each and every one of you as much as he cares about his own family. I would know. He would never show it when he thought somepony was around, but he cried whenever one of you was seriously hurt.” A blanket of silence persisted for an uncomfortable length of time until it was broken by Storm Sword. “I doubted when they said you had what it took to replace Celestia. Guess I should have expected as much from Shining's sister,” Storm gave a wild smile that somehow seemed to match her unkept mane. “You saw right through my test and responded with logic and fact. That's a princess I can trust.” Twilight gave a little nod of understanding in return. Storm Sword turned around and led them towards one of the hallways branching from the foyer. The pony queen walked at her side while Storm's two guards fanned outwards to reinforce Twilight's four. “By the way, we call him Saving Armor,” Storm glanced to Twilight with a grin. “He's saved more of us than any other pony in the history of the Royal Guard. He's kept us all together in spite of continuous setbacks from the nobles. They've tried to rip us apart more times than I've had to cover myself in mud to avoid being seen by a hungry dragon – and that's a lot of times.” Spike winced, trying not to be associated with his less civilized kind. “I have to admit that I sort of cheated,” Twilight was embarrassed at the thought. “I contacted my brother before we met so I could hear what he had to say about you.” “Oh? What did he say?” “That you're a heart-heavy sap that cares too much and won't put up with the slime that the nobles keep throwing at you.” “Well, I never wanted to be reasonable with them,” Storm smirked. “Equestria is secure on all borders right now. The only enemy is here in Canterlot.” They reached the end of the hallway and entered a war room that was labeled as such merely for tradition. The place was filled mostly with non-relevant bookshelves and the large map table in the center had been used for far more peaceful expedition plans than any battle preparation. Right now, it had a massive map of Canterlot stretched across it with a multitude of pins marking something across the city. Most of the pins were clustered in the north and east sections, which happened to be situated around the castle and the mansions of the nobles. “You'll notice a pattern,” Storm pointed to parts of the map with her hoof. Twilight and the others gathered around the map table. “That's Prince Blueblood's private estate,” Twilight pointed her forehoof to one pin near the castle. Storm Sword frowned deeply. “The rally point of the nobles. Fancy Pants as well,” she added and moved her own hoof to a lower point where another large estate laid within the city walls. “Fancy Pants?” Rarity was irked. Storm tilted her gaze to the unicorn. “He's the best PR the nobles have ever had. They let him break mold on enough social issues to keep the papers happy. It helps his reputation and grows their profits by drawing public scrutiny from the less interesting commerce laws they pass.” “You are awfully adept at politics for a guardpony. No offense,” Rarity remarked. “How would you know about Canterlot business, though?” “It's only complicated for someone on the inside who doesn't deal on the outside. Take it this way: the pony out of the fog can see it moving the way the pony in it can't.” “I'll be,” Applejack gave a lop-sided grin at that one. “Never thought I'd hear a unicorn so down to Equestria.” Twilight couldn't help but use the opportunity to apply her knowledge. “I'm not too surprised. After all, it's basic psychology that we tend to believe what we haven't learned is more complicated than it really is. It's the magic in the machine.” Rainbow Dash giggled. “You know how ironic that is coming from you, right?” Twilight gave a short embarrassed laugh in reply. “Good news is we have a voice of reason,” she moved back on topic and slid her hoof to the northwest corner of the city. “Blue Moon and North Star. They've recently formed a public movement here in Canterlot for the dissolution of the royal court and reinstatement of the regional assemblies.” “Blue Moon is one of the royal court's legislators,” Storm caught on, “which is why he's been getting public attention for his proposal. North Star also has a lot of prestige among the people here in Canterlot. Her family was key in the original unification of the three pony races.” “She is one of the very few confirmed descendants of Princess Platinum,” Rarity added with sparkling eyes. Twilight smiled. “The fact that the bloodline became mixed with pegasi and Earth ponies still makes the nobles grumble. Anyways, Cloudsdale's proposal has only been encouraged by a reduction in the number of its own legislators in the royal court and the fact that their seats were replaced by an obscene and disproportionate majority of Canterlot elites. I knew there had to be at least one legislator on Cloudsdale's side in Canterlot or else the situation would have blown up long ago. Thank the sun and stars that we have Blue Moon on our side.” “I remember reading about him in the Ponyville Times a few months ago,” Pinkie commented as she stuffed a cupcake in her mouth and talked messily around it. She was mysteriously holding a tray of fresh cupcakes that nopony had seen when they entered the room. “He's had real street cred even before this confusing complicated frown-inducing dark-cloud-covered mess of a situation.” “I read that story,” Fluttershy's voice was barely audible. “He kept an orphanage in Las Pegasus from closing because he managed to do....something with a new law. The ponies in Las Pegasus really love him.” “Personally, I can see why,” Storm nodded. “He kept the court from eliminating food aid to my city when we were in the middle of a famine.” “Scinland?” Rarity asked. “Hm?” the female guardpony raised a brow with the beginnings of surprise. “Your accent, darling. Is it Scintish?” Rarity inquired. Storm looked genuinely shocked. “Never had such an exact guess before. My home is not so well known. How did you figure?” Rarity beamed and tossed her mane back in pride. Rare was any chance for her to boast of her all-too-specific knowledge. “I have made many banners and tapestries for small districts and local cultures. I made a royal tapestry for the Scintish Council. They have a very proud history and unique crest. I noticed the small patch on the left shoulder of your uniform. It is the same crest and your accent is very similar to the one of the pony that ordered the tapestry.” Rainbow snickered silently. Trust Rarity to notice an accessory. Storm Sword stepped to the other mare. She fully faced Rarity and bowed. “My sincerest gratitude, Lady Rarity.” “Oh,” the white unicorn was shocked at suddenly being in the spotlight. “W-what ever for?” Storm leaned back up and smiled warmly. “Those that weave our banner demand our appreciation. Our city is seldom acknowledged beyond the most northern regions. Now let us continue to the castle garden. Princess Luna wished to see us all for matters of the coronation.” Rarity was glad they exited the map room and were walking towards the castle garden. Her face was red with embarrassment because she was not used to such courteous shows in her honor. Spike grinned at her in encouragement. “No more!” shouted a pegasi in the crowd. “Canterlot will burn for this!” shouted another. “Send the snobs to Tartarus!” a third yelled in bursting anger. Cloudsdale's historical district was packed for a full three blocks with protesters. The old city hall that was once Legion Headquarters was now over-capacity with angry pegasi and just a few city servants that were ready to collapse from exhaustion and nervousness. Fleetfoot and Rapidfire were holding off ponies from the mayor's office and continued to reassure the masses that the issues were currently being addressed. A very different scenario was playing out inside, however. “You're telling me it's over,” the mayor groaned and let his forehead smack onto his desk. “On my term,” he added. “Some mayor I'll be remembered as.” “It's not your fault,” Spitfire assured him. “It's not Cloudsdale's fault for that matter.” The gray-coated middle-aged pegasus lifted his face up. “Tell that to the citizens,” he pounded a hoof on his desk. “This may not have been our doing but they still want a resolution.” “I told you last year that I wouldn't get wrapped up in these politics,” Spitfire frowned. “And to Tartarus if you get the Wonderbolts stuck in it.” “I called you here to help the city,” the mayor matched her frown. “You do have some sense of public duty, do you not?” Before the leader of the famed Wonderbolts could answer that, another pegasi squeezed through the doors. She looked ragged and out of breath. Her mane was frazzled and her simplistic dress was dirty in some spots. Both the mayor and Wonderbolt captain raised their brows. “North Star?” the mayor looked at her harder and adjusted his glasses. He was honestly shocked at her appearance. “Why are you here?” “Blue told me about the new airspace regulation,” she panted and walked to the desk while she tiredly brushed the dirt from her attire. “I knew there would be trouble so I came as quickly as I could. Preventing Cloudsdale from using Canterlot airspace for weather control is not just self-centered and unjustified – it's dangerous for our weather.” Spitfire had a nervous look on her face when North Star walked up beside her to face the mayor's desk. North smiled sweetly at the Wonderbolt. “I assure you I'm not here for an autograph.” Spitfire shook her head so fast that it was almost comical. “No, no, no, I wouldn't dream of that. Actually, I was kind of hoping to get yours.” The pink-coated mare giggled behind a forehoof. “I didn't know anypony admired me. Besides my dear Blue, I mean.” “You kidding?” Spitfire grinned like a filly. “You've helped more ponytarian causes than I've ever hoped to. And you've kept pegasi-unicorn relations above the water on so many occasions that even your ancestors were into it.” “I try to do what I feel is right,” North Star's smile was real but also revealed how fatigued she was. She looked to the mayor. “The protest is growing out there. If it reaches the weather factory then you can be sure that Cloudsdale is going to give Canterlot the lightning storm of its life. We need to make an address and send a group of public representatives to Canterlot immediately. If we act now then I can get an audience with the Princesses and we can overturn the new law before it leads to serious trouble.” A silence ensued as the others contemplated her words. The mayor tapped his desk and then nodded. “Do it. I'm not afraid to admit it. I got this position because I'm good at running the city, not the royal court. Canterlot is more than I can handle. If you can rein this mess in then I'll give you all the resources you need to do it.” North Star looked to Spitfire. “Mind helping me to calm some angry ponies?” “Just like another day at the Academy,” Spitfire grinned. “Act Ten Thirty-Two is repealed!” Princess Luna bellowed out to the full court of ponies. She and Celestia were seated on their thrones in the middle while over one hundred court legislators murmured, talked, barked, joked, and ridiculed each other from where they were seated in a circular fashion around the royal court chamber. “Bill Ten Thirty-Three is under Revision Five!” Celestia added as the next item on the agenda. She and her sister had both wanted to have more days off of court but with Twilight's coronation tomorrow there was not a chance in Tartarus. North Star, Spitfire, and Soarin' were still standing as witnesses before them. The report they had given on behalf of Cloudsdale's public sector was more than enough to convince Luna to take royal action. Neither princess normally made announcements from the thrones in this particular court. They typically used the castle throne room to make judgments and royal aides would carry orders back and forth to this court. Technically it was the official royal court after the legislatures had been formed and the hundred plus seats were too much for the castle's throne room to house. Celestia liked the castle more and that was partly why she rarely took her seat in the official court. It was also partly because she didn't like the bickering legislators. Okay, she admitted to herself, it was mostly because she didn't like the bickering legislators. Luna shared her pain. “Princess Luna excuses herself!” Luna announced and stepped down from her position. She led the temporary representatives to the break room door where they continued on to the exit. They were walking back to the castle in short order. “I could never begin to thank you-” North Star began. “None of that,” Luna prevented her from finishing. They walked down the street to the castle gates, all the while ponies bowing in reverence to Luna. “It wasn't a personal favor. It was simply the best course of action for Cloudsdale and ultimately Equestria.” “Of course,” North Star replied in humility. “I was merely expressing the gratitude that Cloudsdale pegasi will doubtlessly feel. We are representing them only for this one matter, after all. I would feel terrible if I failed such a short task.” “You continue to surprise us, North Star,” Luna said. The guards at the gate stiffened upon seeing the princess and swiftly opened the gates for them. “You take a lot of initiative even on matters outside of Canterlot. To be selected as a representative so quickly is honestly shocking. Spitfire I had no doubt of, but clearly Cloudsdale holds you in high esteem.” The captain of the Wonderbolts saw her chance. “To be blunt, though, this was hardly planned in advance. I didn't want to get this involved in the beginning. We only managed to get the crowds to send us as ambassadors because of our...” “Name recognition?” Luna stifled a laugh. “I didn't want to say that, but yes,” Spitfire sighed. “I went along with it because I didn't like the regulation any more than most other pegasi. I can tell you right now that whoever came up with the idea doesn't know a thing about weather.” Luna lead them into the castle and through a few halls before entering the inner garden. Spitfire had been in the castle before and had spoken to the princesses on occasion. Visits were less than common, however, and she marveled at the size of the castle, the ornate decorations, and the spotless halls. She had little opportunity to notice it during the Grand Galloping Gala. The rooms were limited then, the guests crowding, and her attention always consumed by fans wanting attention. When they entered the garden, it was an entirely new splendor to behold. Lush plants all around, fresh natural scents that cleared the mind, and colorful arrays of exotic flowers. It made Spitfire mentally remind herself to hire a gardener for her house back in Cloudsdale. New magic technologies allowed for gardenbeds to be installed on the cloud foundations. The Wonderbolt was shocked when they came around a turn in the garden to find a large entourage relaxing in the middle of the central clearing. There were well over a dozen ponies. Some she knew. There was even a changeling and a mid-sized dragon blowing puffs of green fire in an attempt to do something. “Rainbow Dash!” Spitfire's eyes widened. The multi-colored mare snapped her attention over to the Wonderbolt and reacted in kind. “Spitfire?! I mean, ma'am?” The two began their own conversation, catching up on what they had both been up to. Luna walked over to Twilight Sparkle, who was a striking sight in her changeling-like attire. Her spikey shoes and chestplate were dark as midnight but had glowing cracks about them that had an eerie green hue. The crown on her head was the same one that had once been upon Chrysalis. A fierce lightning danced in her eyes, but was faint and almost unnoticeable in the daylight. When she had last seen Twilight at her coronation as princess, North Star had only seen a mare uncertain with her new position. The raw power she now commanded and the regality she projected was likely lost upon Twilight's own reflection, but it was clear as the sky above to anypony else. North Star was quick to acknowledge it. “Your highness,” the pink pegasus bowed politely to Twilight. “It's a pleasure to meet you.” “And you, North Star,” Twilight smiled and gave a minute nod. “I've heard of your accomplishments. Today seems to be yet another one. I can see why you stick out so much in Canterlot. In fact, there are few in all of Equestria that are as go-getting as you are.” “I always wanted to be like my parents when I grew up,” North Star stuck her tongue out happily. “I'd like to talk to you about Cloudsdale in a moment, but something else comes first.” Twilight looked at Luna with a more serious gaze. “Luna, I have a question about Celestia.” The dark mare tried not to be distracted by Pinkie Pie, who was flying around on her changeling-machine wings and making fireworks with her horn. “As the young ponies say: have at it.” “Why isn't she blocking Bill Ten Twenty-Four?” Luna paused for a moment and then burst out laughing. “You mean the Social Integration Bill? Because it's the perfect opportunity for your entrance on the throne, Twilight. You have a dragon and a changeling at your side. Whatever decision you make will be important and will help give you a sense of authority. My sister and I don't want you to feel constrained by your position the way we fell into it. Break all the rules if you must.” “Break the rules?” North Star tilted her head and then blinked in contemplation. “Sounds like a good thing.” “What makes you say that?” Twilight shifted her attention with more than a little worry on her face. “Change is good,” Chrysalis answered in a buzz instead. She came up from behind Twilight and towered over the Princess of the Night. She was not as high in comparison to Luna but she still had a good height advantage. They exchanged an awkward pair of looks. Chrysalis pretended to jump onto Luna but held off and then laughed at the flinch that the princess made. “Chrysy, behave,” Twilight commanded with an orderly tone. She used a gentle aura of her magic to drag the changeling back close to her side, to which the shape-shifter cuddled up to. “North Star, you have a sense for the ponies here in Canterlot. What would be your advice for this bill?” The pink pony smiled more wanly this time. “Blue Moon would have better advice, I think. But I would personally recommend chopping the bill and replacing the legislators with regional assemblies to accurately represent the Equestrian population.” “Even though this could eliminate Blue Moon from his position?” Twilight raised a brow in curiosity. “I was under the impression you two were an item.” “We are,” she blushed. “He always wants to do what's right for Equestria, though. Besides, we can get by doing something else if we have to.” “Hmm,” Twilight tapped her chin. The others in her hive could hear all of the thoughts running through her mind. The ideas, the consequences, the pros, the cons, the liberation, the tyranny, and then an unusual spark of pleasure. It was a pleasure involving power. The voices that would have questioned it before were now silent. Something had changed in their collective mind. Did no member of her hive question her? The alternatives had been considered and, after her coronation, Twilight would be able to make corrective decisions if her plan didn't work out. It made sense. “I think I'm prepared for tomorrow,” Twilight finally said with a hint of self-relief. Pinkie Pie landed in front of her queen. “I can't wait to see your new mane!” “New mane?” Luna giggled. Twilight sighed even as Rarity cooed at the thought of a different look. She would most definitely be the one in charge of it. “For your coronation, darling, it must be perfect!”