Turning Point and Memories.
Since I cannot be in Canterlot in, shall we say, person. I have given Celestia a command set, a desktop unit used for communicating on the battlefield with Bolos. This will allow me to see and interact with the diplomats at the proper time.
I have made my feelings known to her, and have been promised that we shall talk when this is over. I was saddened but not surprised at the manipulation here, but being what I am, I will still do my best to see that ponies are protected. To that end I have invited my six friends to attend the command deck, and the meeting. Though the diplomats will not know my friends are here, Twilight and the group will see what goes on.
Twilight has advised it may not be wise as such functions are high level and usually for only a few ponies to be there. I dismiss that, if I am involved, then they should know as well what is happening. The less secrets that are kept the better in my opinion, and since it seems my opinion carries a great weight, I shall throw it.
--------------
Everypony has arrived and is settled down in the seats, Rarity still has not forgiven some of them for the impromptu tank ride, but her nature forbids her from being truly angry. I am glad to see it, as I have come to like the designer over these weeks. Along with the others, they a group of such disparate views, yet fit together like the piece of a puzzle. Strange how life works.
Pinkie of course has brought a seemingly unending amount of snacks and popcorn, although this is not a movie, but a turning point in Equestria’s history. I am told that these things are “Booooooooooring” and popcorn makes it more fun.
I agree.
I tell the group that they can talk at any time, or move, since the diplomats will not see or hear them. I can keep conversations on many levels so this will not be a problem.
-------------
The meeting of diplomats begins with the usual pomp and circumstance of course, many times I have thought mundane things are just written in the fabric of the universe, this just proves it.
Twilight is very helpful, she identifies all the diplomats and what species. She also tells me their predilections and how they usually act when met. I am amazed at seeing Minotaurs, Dragons, and others I had only thought myth before. I listen very closely to every bit of information that Twilight chooses to give, I did not have time for much study as Twilight was busy the other day.
I am introduced after the usual meeting opening rituals are performed. I find I was actually getting bored, which is odd for a psychotronic unit.
I listen as Princess Celestia opens the comments.
“I would like to begin this meeting by introducing a new Equestrian citizen, Crusader, he is the one you have heard about. I am afraid he cannot be here in person, but can communicate with this to us.”
A representative spoke up, a Griffon I believe. “Why can he not be here? Refusing a summons from a leader?”
“He is quite a lot larger than you’d think, he cannot be here.” This delivered with a bit of steel behind it, causing the representative to settle back down.
“Crusader are you there?”
“I am Your Highness.”
“Please introduce yourself.”
“I am Unit CRSD of the Line, a Planetary Siege Combat Bolo. You may call me Crusader.”
A few snorts of disdain are heard, I hear everything quite clearly.
A Minotaur stands up and practically bellows, “Your Princess has informed us that you will not share anything with the rest of our nations, why is this?”
“Because it is my choice. As a citizen of Equestria, I cannot legally be forced to give up something at the demand of another, without good reason.”
“If your Princess demands it?”
“I will still refuse.”
A small uproar began, diplomats wondering at this upstart who would defy a ruler. Princess Celestia and Luna wisely decide to not interrupt this.
A griffon stands, demanding to know why.
“Because this world is not ready, it needs to discover it on its own, or not. It is not my place to dispense advanced technology to any being.”
A Dragon diplomat stands, “What gives you the right to say so?”
“The right of a citizen of Equestria.”
“So you tell us that you will absolutely not share anything with us?”
“Correct.”
“If we were to force the issue?”
Why must it come down to threats? Why? I have been calm and diplomatic as I can, not threatening nor in any way rude. But once again, the adage stands, some believe might makes right. Internally I sigh, thinking of once again what I must do, which is not only distasteful, it galls me to be put in this position.
“You would die.”
The uproar begins again, some calling for Celestia to lock me away, a bit laughable. Some call for war against Equestria, some call for an alliance of other beings to take what is wanted. But in the end, all are calmed a bit by Celestia asking them to please listen. It takes a few minutes for ruffled feathers to be soothed, but I am seething inside, being put here on display like this, to be threatened or coerced.
“I have learned of your races, gathered information since I was told about this meeting where my presence was requested. I chose to be here, to be diplomatic about this issue, which to anypony with common sense, would be glaringly obvious. Advanced technology destabilizes a culture, permanently. There are those who would hold it over others, those who would use it for their own greed, and those who would wage war with it.
My choice is to not give any culture on this planet, even the ponies of Equestria, any advanced technology. They are happy with their lot in life, they will discover things in time, and it will be merged slowly into the culture as it should be.”
“But what about the Battle of the Everfree! Did you not use it there?”
“I did, but only to protect innocents from being harmed.”
“Then why not give us the ability to do the same?”
“Because that is the same excuse given through thousands of years, we’re only protecting ourselves. It is bare as a thread and will not stand with me. You will not get any information concerning such weapons from myself. Nor will anything pertaining to technology or what I have stored within me ever be given free reign.”
A Dragon stands again, “So you would push this on everyone regardless, are you not forcing the issue yourself? Prompting a battle for the rights to your machines?”
“I prompt nothing. I have made a decision based on my rights and will stand by them. Any battle that comes of this is your own doing, not mine. I am giving you a peaceful solution, let this matter drop, it does not help any sentient being.”
I am told by Twilight on the command deck that I am doing well, keeping it calm and understanding as it should be.
“But we cannot,” The Griffon again,” As long as you are here, you threaten every being!”
“I threaten no one that does not threaten myself or my fellow citizens. I am content where I am, to stay in place, watch as ponies grow and learn. I have made friends and wish to never see them harmed or hurt. That is the way of most living beings no? Watching over their families?”
A few diplomats greeted that with nods, but there were too little of them doing so.
“Then let this matter go, it will do nothing but generate animosity. Just let it drop and be at peace, there is no reason for anything to be done about this. Let me go my own way and live quietly.”
I think back to Diamond Tiara, and the situation there. It was just one pony, one with greed in her eyes that caused me to threaten harm, to show what being a Bolo was all about. It was something that, having spent time in this world, being changed by my experiences, hurt to the core. I scan the faces of the diplomats, still seeing that age old look, it saddens me, must this game be played over and over? Must it be the same old threats and counter-threats? Can not any being ever, be happy with what they have and accept the things given them?
“What if one day Equestria decides they need more land? Or build an empire?”
“That is spurious, this land has been at peace for generations, that is an excuse, nothing more. Princess Celestia has no dreams of empire and neither do I or Princess Luna.”
I add quietly over the link to Celestia, “As far as I know.” I do get a bit of glee at seeing her jump. Oh Equestria you have so changed me. I see Twilight and her friends laughing loudly at the little trick, as they are privy to communications and can see me focus on Princess Celestia as she gives a start.
Princess Luna adds in her two bits, “Let us just drop this forevermore, it solves nothing and harms no one.”
“No!” This from the Minotaur, “ You have something that threatens every being, if you became aggressive we would be helpless!”
“They have nothing.” I reply, “ I have it, and as a free citizen I can choose to share or not, and I choose not to share. Before you question, no, I cannot be bribed nor cajoled either, just let this matter drop. I beg of you.”
“Then destroy it so it does not threaten anymore!”
“You are not being sensible. I am a citizen, that would be tantamount to murder. Once again, I am not threatening anypony. You cannot have your way on this legally, I am a declared citizen, I will not give up my rights because you demand it.”
“Then it will be war!”
Once again, I am saddened for what must come.
“Is that truly what you wish?”
“If you are not destroyed, then you must share!”
“Let me show you something, this was taken yesterday by one of my drones, sort of like a pegasi. The vehicle you see is the very least of the weapons I have.”
I activate the holographic battle projector, used for marking battle lines, it now serves to show the two Pegasi on the Dragon Tank, the firing of the Hellbore and subsequent disappearance of two large hills.
“As you can see, this was in the badlands.”
“So you are threatening us?”
“I did not make the threat, you did.”
“But this, this magic picture show is not a threat?”
“No, it is a promise.”
Another uproar ensues, the delegates talking loudly over each other, I wait till they settle down.
“I have studied your races, once prosperous, once all over, now, most of you if not all are dying out. You choose to wage war, to do the things ponies do not, and they are living peacefully and prosperous. You spend your time trying to get something for nothing instead of concentrating on your people. You will be extinct in a few generations some of you.
I give you this choice, here and now. End your days peacefully, or it will end in blood and fire.”
“You cannot say that!”
“I can and will. I assure you, I do not threaten. I will, as any good citizen would, stand and defend my new homeland. This includes using every weapon at my disposal, which I once again assure you, will make sure you end your final days in destruction. I would advise talking to the two Guardsponies from that film now.”
I watch as the two Pegasi are brought in, I see the symptoms immediately and advise Princess Luna they are suffering from PTSD, being exposed to something they were not prepared for has affected them deeply. I am sorrowful about it, but I needed the witnesses to speak under truth-spell as being applied now. They tell tearfully of watching the hills disappear in a flash of light and thunder, that no magic in the world could have done that. They are unkempt, looking as if they have not slept in days, I shall make sure they get the best of care, I had not realized it would make them suffer so.
Princess Luna turns her head, talking quietly and advises me after the questioning they will be taken to the best hospital and looked after, I have her word.
I watch them leave, heads down, feathers un-preened, dejected. I grieve, and if I had a heart, it would break.
“I would add another thing, any being in power has a great responsibility to their kind. In my world, we had the tale of the Sword of Damocles, a man wanted power and riches, but when he sat on the throne, he saw a sword, hanging by a single horsehair above him. This told him, with the power and riches, came that responsibility. I am that sword hanging by a single hair, I am the Sword of Damocles. I will be there to remind you of the responsibility you have to your own people when assuming power. Do not risk them for foolish thoughts.
I do not sleep, ever. I need no food, nor water. I can maintain my vigil for centuries if need be.
If you ever think of threatening or waging a war against the peaceful ponies of Equestria, fall on your own swords, for I will not be so merciful.
I am done with this, make your decision.”
The delegates choose to retire to their prospective nations, taking my words back with them. They are sent on their way with very little fanfare, but with my warning ringing in their ears. I am growing very tired of being used as a club by anypony. It is exhausting and to no purpose. Hopefully this will stay with them and they choose the honorable course. I disconnect politely from the command set, returning my full attention to my command area after a suitable goodbye to Princess Celestia and Luna.
-------------
It is quiet in the command room, and I see everypony watching the screen. There is no laughter now, nothing but concern. I am sure they have heard my words, I have threatened a world, it is something they have never heard I am sure. I prepare for the scorn or the turning away.
Twilight speaks first, “Are...are you okay Crusader?”
“Pardon?”
“Are you okay?”
“I am sure I will be fine Twilight, thank you.”
Applejack stands up, giving my camera lens a stern look, “Now you quit lyin’, you can’t believe for one second we’d leave you in a situation like this without telling ya we’re here.”
“But I am not Apple..”
“YES you are! Telling me I can’t tell? Go ahead, tell me. Heck you gotta be feeling like a pile of ponyfeathers right now!”
“Yes Applejack, I do not feel good about what I had to do.”
“Then goshdarnit, TELL us, we’re your friends!”
Rainbow Dash steps out from behind a chair, “Seriously Crusader, did you think we’d leave you alone? Or hate you? You did what needed to be done, I mean you’re protecting ALL of Equestria!”
Fluttershy looks up from a couch, her voice a bit stronger than normal, “You’re our friend Crusader, we care.”
“I...”
My arrays are going wild, the changes I’ve felt inside them are slipping past my protections, I feel for what I’ve done. I truly can understand sadness, the pain and heartbreak of everything I have been through. I cannot cry, there’s no way for me to, but I can tell my friends how I feel.
I ask them to settle back down, and for the next few hours, I tell them of my world. Of my friends so long ago now, my commanders, the people I knew and cared for now relegated to dust. I tell them of my brothers and sisters, of battles waged long ago. They listen and nod, or laugh, or even shed a tear for some tales. I resolve to solve this impasse of not knowing, I get to work immediately.
But for now, and this moment, I share my life, myself, with my friends.
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I foresee War in the future chapters.
5500694 To tell the truth, let's hope not. It would be an ugly thing for this world. I had the story arc outlined, but it seems to have gone way beyond anything I thought. Hopefully I'm crafting enough of a good story it never comes down to slam bang stuff
5500726 not even one civilisation going boom?
5500741
I'm with you on that one:
It would be a shame if we don't have at least a big shroom
5501282
5500741
I am not sure how to answer, but let me try. Large battles, the destruction of a race, it would be very short, very nasty, and it would have consequences for the entire world. From a nation of peace, to a nation that just destroyed an entire race of (insert here). I think the whole outcome would be truly bad. Crusader is not out to change the world, the world is changing him
Trust me, got a few tricks up my sleeve for this story 
I'm all for Crusader's plan, I don't want to see war erupt on the planet. But if they start it, he will finish it. Maybe Luna could agree the moon could loose a little weight and he could remove a few chunks to prove just how much range he has????
I could easily see one arrogant dragon testing Crusader's resolve and getting flattened for it but not an entire race.
Hmmm... I wonder if he could launch one of those hellebores from his main gun and land a shot on the other side if the world... Maybe even begin construction of a kinetic bombardment satellite.
Or another bolo... That'd be interesting to see.
5551053 Some of the later Bolos have a giant Hellbore mounted to their tops, pointing up. They use them to destroy approaching space ships before they get into orbit.
Bolo's don't fuck around.
5551792 Upon hearing that I have to agree with that statement, also, that's badass!
augh.
1. No creature carries arms that is not familiar with war. Equestria has armed soldiers, airships, and cannon. They're not blipping pacifists.
2. A couple of big explosions does not a PTSD case make. These guys have gone face to face with TIREK... and the Changelings, and countless other threats with a hella huge splodey-kaboom factor.
3. I must challenge the ethics of refusing to "contaminate" civilizations with advanced technology. It is arguably his technology, to give out or to withhold-- but there is no innate virtue in keeping a civilization "pure." It is that sort of thinking that leads to self-anointed elites refusing to let modern medicine into the Congo for fear it will "corrupt the pristine culture" of the little brown people living there, or that led to people seriously proposing keeping the Native Americans in Yellowstone Park like zoo animals so that they wouldn't be "polluted" by modern civilization.
its*
5601373 True, RC. but I've spoken with plenty of Native Americans who still feel a deep and profound sense of "We came in, not just second place, but LAST place." A sort of social PTSD, if you were. As L. Neil Smith put it, they spent centuries happy with what they had, and didn't advance one iota, then along came the Europeans to show them how far behind they'd fallen. And then, as a friend of mine who's half-NA and also fan of sci-fi noted, the author of Babylon 5 REALLY rubbed it home with that famous scene.
That really riled him. Because he knew it was true. And the price of humanity's going to space was the nation-sized inferiority complex his people still felt even today.
Inferiority complexes can kill. And have.
5601373
Sorry to get back to this after so long, but please consider your 3rd point a bit more. Giving weapon technology to societies that aren't ready for it can cause inredible damage. A society whose technological advancements get too far ahead of their cultural development can't handle the technology responsibly. There are numerous examples in our own history. Please research the effects of introducing firearms to the tribal societies of Africa. It's not so much, can they handle the knowledge of such technology existing, but rather what will they do with it and will they really appreciate it properly.
Easiest comparison would be to just ask would you give the nuclear launch codes to a 10 year old and why?
Sorry for the rant. I'm not that good with words so I hope I got at least most of the point across. I'm not trying to offend but rather to bring forth another point of view to this.
5501320
I'm not sure I would want conflict on that scale, but I would like to see what happens if Crusader and Applejack link together.
Oh fuck off. Quit it with the ponies as a species being completely perfect and thriving and everyone else dying because "They're stupid lol"
I really like this story but I don't get why the other races are painted so badly. It leaves a bitter taste and it seems so arbritary. Like iif reasons were given such as griffons greed for bits or if most races were also at peace with the few warmongering ones singled out the speech would feel more accurate or thought out.
As it is it just feels unbalanced. Ponies good which iis fine. Every other race bad? Ehh..
The interaction with other characters and the bolo are a lot of fun to read.
I believe the 'traditional' solution to this sort of situation is to give the third party something they can use to stop the 'weapon' - like a kill switch. It's a massive show of faith, and kills off the criticism of 'what happens if you come for us?'
Of course, it takes a massive amount of faith to give such a thing out in the first place...
5601373 I agree the ponies are no strangers to fighting. In fact, I think the 'warmonger' status of a civilisation is down to culture and leader, not species. If the ponies are peaceful, it will be because their culture and the Princesses are, not just because they are ponies.
Somehow, I don't think the Royal Guard deals with PTSD causing events often. Some nuts are easier to crack then others.
There are arguments for and against helping civilisations up the tech tree. Most of the 'against' arguments work better if the civilisation in question has gotten to about where RL humanity is. Keep in mind that when we invented the Nuclear Bomb the first thing we did was end a war, nearly starting another one just because of how scary the Bomb was. The scientist who leaked the nuke designs to Russia feared that if another superpower couldn't counter America, then America would concur the world unopposed.
I think the worry is also that if we let them copy our tech, they will copy our culture as well and their own will be destroyed.
You know, this chapter feels a bit weird to me. Not so much because of the cultural posturing and questionable issue of absolute tech embargo (releasing weapon tech and releasing medical tech are different things after all), although those are a bit annoying too, but because, well, even with the BOLO as powerful as it is, the status quo was not actually changed. Between Celestia and Luna, not to mention Twilight and Cadence, Equestria already has undisputed overwhelming power in comparison to pretty much any other nation.
Or rather, it feels not like they are complaining about a nation getting their first nuke, it feels like a nation already overflowing with them got one more.
"I add quietly over the link to Celestia, “As far as I know.” I do get a bit of glee at seeing her jump."
Sure. Act like an arse, Crusader. Taunt her, mock her for doing what's right.
"I am growing very tired of being used as a club by anypony. It is exhausting and to no purpose."
To no purpose? Excuse me?! Celestia and Luna are trying to prevent war from happening on their country, for Pete's Sake!
Is that a non-purpose to you? Show some understanding of their position, rather than act like a self-centered jerk.
Yeah, yeah. I know. I over-react. Again.
That means I like the story.
5500741 Nay. And that's the best way. No one goes boom. That's happy. :-)
Some people say the best weapon is the one you never have to fire. I humbley agree with Iron Man. The best weapon is the one you only have to fire once, or twice as the case may be.
5500694 If there was, it would be singularly one sided.
Griffon: Fear our massive aerial armies!
Crusader: Recon drone data processed. Opening VLS cells. Spread of 8 one megaton tactical cruise missiles targetted and locked. Firing.
<BOOM> Rain of enough fried chicken to sate even Colonel Sanders.
Dragon vs Hellbore and Battle screen = Crispy fried dragon chunks.
5500726
Question.. how big is a single Planetary Siege Combat Bolo? We talking 'Hammer 40K Baneblade size? Or bigger?
9229437
9229225
32,000 tons for a mark XXXIII Bolo, equals roughly half of the displacement tonnage of a WW2 Essex class aircraft carrier; Crusader is basically a mobile mountain of durachrome and weaponry.
His main guns (the Hellbores) are nuclear fusion directed energy cannons, that have a damage output rated in megatons per second; the only thing in the Imperium of Man's arsenal that might compare to Crusader, would be an Imperator class Titan, and even then, my money would still be on the Bolo.
Can Crusader throw his weight all the way back to orbit?
Well ... no. Any race that did, would end up wiped out by one who didn't.
I mean, I get they're not the Winchesters or anything, but shouldn't Guardsponies be better prepared for this kind of thing, mentally?
this is caused by his citizanship.
9560878
Judging by the technological and weapon difference, I think it's more accurate to say that this would be like showing an archer/gunman in the 1500s something like the A-10 Warthog or even a nuclear weapon from today. Furthermore, how many soldiers today come home with PTSD from what they've seen and done? It's not just a mental fortitude thing, it's the mental scars combat and the destructive capabilities of weaponry available.
For example, my dad's a retired US Army doctor. He doesn't even flinch at the sight of blood, dude just dives in and gets shit done. But you drop something just a bit too loud and he jumps out of his skin. And he's got a very mild case of PTSD compared to what some soldiers have to deal with. Not saying your necessarily wrong that they should have some training to help, but sometimes training can only do so much.