//------------------------------//
// A Choice to Change History Part 1 
// Story: World War 2: Never Surrender 
// by Silver009 
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"War is the continuation of policy by other means." - Carl von Clausewitz 

"I have never advocated war except as a means for peace." - Ulysses S. Grant 



 June 12, 1941   POV: Third Person

War. The disease that has remained over the generations. For which no cure is found. Civilization after civilization fall to it. As do great leaders and valiant soldiers on the field of battle. One aspect of war that is often overlooked is the cost of innocent lives. But the most important question; was war necessary to achieve peace?

'Perhaps it is,' thought the Diarch of the Sun, 'maybe President Rooselvelt and Stalin were right. Or De Gaulle and Tojo. Am I allowing those innocent people to die. Am I just as bad as them for my inaction?'

These were dark times for the Princesses. For one choice would decide the fate of Equestria and many innocents caught in the crossfire of the Second World War. Would they join Allies? And side with Churchill and the democracies of the world. Would they join the Axis? And fight with the mechanized power of the Reich alongside Hitler and his allies. Or, finally, would they remain neutral? To try to stay out of it all and avoid disaster. But who would die if they made that decision? What if they could end the war quicker with their involvement and end the slaughter before it escalated even more then it already had? These were the thoughts running through the heads of all of those in Canterot. 

In Washington D.C, a newly returned President contemplated the situation. He hoped that the Equestrians would come to the aid of the Allies. If Equestria joined the Allies then shipping goods across the Atlantic would be easier, as there would be an easily accessible naval base at the halfway 
point. However the Germans had made first contact with them. He also head that the British shot two Equestrians, two of their elements at that, down over London. While apologies has been exchanged and no harm was done it could still keep Equestria not on the Allies' side. President Franklin Delano Rooselvelt could only hope for the bes and prepare for the worst. 

In Paris, one Adolf Hitler roamed the gardens of Versailles. 'This was where that hated treaty has been signed,' thought he. He wondered who those "ponies" would side with. Of course if they sided with the Allies, he would be sure to invade and claim the island for himself as a refueling station for the U-Boats. It wouldn't be to hard anyway, what with their outdated military equipment. 'Perhaps that Princess will have the sense to support the winning side of this war and not ally and dying cause.'

Canterlot, Equestria June 12, 1941   POV: The Diarch of the Moon, Princess Luna

I watched as my sister paced back and forth in deep thought. Though I don't blame her, for she has much to think about. Joining the Axis seems like the logical thing to do. They are winning this war and the British stand alone against the might of Germany, Italy, and Japan. But deep down in my heart I knew that I would prefer if we joined the Allies. I has spoken to the ruler of the Germans, Adolf Hitler. It was one of the most uncomfortable discussions in my life. Sure he was charismatic, but when I looked into his eyes, I saw the eyes of a madman. I has mentioned it to my sister, but she seems to have dismissed it as more important things, probably, are taking precedence over my distrust of the Führer of Germany. While joining the Allies seemed to be a fool's move, I think that it would be the more morally sound choice. Churchill seemed more stable the the Axis leaders. The Axis were unpredictable; Churchill was more reasonable then them.

"Sister," said I, "Whom do you believe we should support?"

"I'm not sure Luna...I'm not sure.."

I had never heard that statement from my sister. I had always thought that she was the one who always had the answer. Who seemed to always be one step ahead of us all. Perhaps not I suppose. I knew that whoever my sister chose to support, the populace would support as well regardless of my opinion. I was still held in contempt by many for the whole "put the world in total night" thing, so my opinion wasn't respected by many. I decided to leave the room and my sister to her thoughts. I just hope that she makes the right choice. Because whatever it may be we will all have to live with the consequences. 

Canterlot, Equestria, June 12, 1941   POV: The Princess of the Day, Celestia

As my sister left I continued to think. I had the lives of all of my little ponies in my hoof. Were I to make the wrong decision they could all perish. Though if I remained inactive many innocent lives across this world could be lost to war. Stalin was right. Whether I liked it or not blood would be spilt. I knew that my ponies would follow me in whatever decision I made. This was a choice that would change history for sure. Equestrian and human history would be forever changed no matter which decision I made. Neutrality wasn't an option any longer. Axis of Allies? Which would I chose? And what would be the consequences?