//------------------------------// // Hackles Raised Over Fur Clothes Debate // Story: The People's Republic of Twilightlicious // by GeodesicDragon //------------------------------// As she watched Geo's private jet disappear into the distance, flanked by several Hurricanes and helicopters, Twilight smiled. She then caught sight of a few leather-clad individual walking their 'pets' along the street below, to which she giggled into her forehoof before adopting a serious expression and turning around. "Thank Celestia Geo is gone." she walked away from the window. "I can finally get some work done without him breathing down my neck, or threatening to kill someone every five seconds." "As much as I hate to say it, Princess, he will be back at some point in the future," Raymond said. "Whatever the GDA troops were looking for, I don't think they found it — which means Geo will gladly come up with another excuse to pay us a visit." "I can't imagine what they'd want," Twilight replied. "It's not like we're hiding anything of major importance... right?" Raymond shook his head. "Of course we're not, Your Highness. Besides, you would be the first one to know the details regarding any secret projects that we would be working on." Twilight waved a forehoof dismissively. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," she said. "Have the people who wish to discuss the fur issue arrived yet?" "'Fur issue?'" Fluttershy's voice was devoid of its usual timidness as she entered the room along with the rest of Twilight's friends, who waved to her in greeting. "What 'fur issue?'" "Some clothing manufacturers use animal fur in their products," Twilight said. "Several animal rights groups have protested against it, and now it falls to me to decide what to do next. But don't worry, Fluttershy, I already intend to ban the practice — I just need to hear both sides of the debate first." "Oh, okay." Fluttershy sat in the corner along with the others. "The petitioners are ready, Princess," Raymond said. "One of them is William Spirit of the 'Be Nice To Animals Society,' and the other is a woman by the name of Rebecca Nagasawa." Without even being asked, both petitioners came in and sat down. As soon as they had made themselves comfortable, William was quick to present his case to Twilight. "This is an outrage!" he cried. "The manufacture of fur apparel is unethical, cruel, and disgusting! People just don't seem to realise that millions of animals die each year in fur farms, crammed into tiny cages and suffering the most terrible treatment just so someone can look appealing and rich! This is a sick practice and it must be stopped!" He paused for breath before adding, "The same goes for leather shoes and snakeskin belts too." "You can't mean that, surely?" Rebecca snorted as she adjusted her hat — which was clearly made from the hide of a timber wolf. "It's the people's choice what they wear. I don't think it's fair that the majority of the public should be deprived of fur clothes because some people are a bit queasy. In fact, if the government would allow us to stock rarer animals, we could produce even finer products. In the end, it's up to the consumer, don't you think?" "I'm sorry, Rebecca, but I cannot allow this practice to go ahead," Twilight said. "We Equestrians care very deeply about animals, and my friend Fluttershy over there is no exception. The use of fur in clothing will be made illegal once the law passes overnight." Raymond coughed. "Actually, Princess, the law will come into effect immediately," he said. "Some changes have been made to the way nations can put through new legislation, meaning we can enact new laws almost at will. Furthermore, it has been decided that leaders should be able to handle up to four issues, rather than two, daily." "Why was I not informed of this sooner?" Twilight asked. "Well, we felt that you had bigger things to worry about — such as the recent visit from a certain dictator, and the riot." "Understood." Twilight nodded. "Anyway, William, Rebecca, the law will have come into force by the time you both leave this building. Thank you for your time, and have a nice day." Fluttershy let out a small, but unheard, cheer at this declaration. As William and Rebecca left the room, a panicked-looking member of Twilight's staff entered. The woman entered the room, holding a piece of paper which she then gave to Raymond before bowing to Twilight and leaving just as quickly as she had came in. Raymond looked at the paper blankly, but began to cast his eyes over it. As he did, the colour drained from his face. "By Violet's Light..." he muttered, then quickly passed the paper to Twilight. "You need to read this, Princess. It was found in Geo's room just a few moments ago." A worried look crossed Twilight's face as she took the paper from him and began to read it herself. By the time she was finished, her pupils had shrunk to pinpricks and she was shaking. "Twilight, darling, whatever is the matter?" Rarity asked. "Yeah, Twi," Rainbow Dash added. "You look as worried as you did that time you thought you weren't going to get your friendship report sent to Princess Celestia on time." When Twilight was able to reply, it was just one sentence. "The Apocalypse is going to invade Equestria..."