Earning Freedom

by Daxisle

Political Complication

Political Complication

"C'mon big Mac, If we hurry, we can still finish the lef' side of the orchard 'fore lunch." Called Applejack running through the apple family farm to the next set of trees.

"Eyup." Replied Mac following closely after. The two began to buck the eastern trees, most of the numerous vegetation was deprived of the previously abundant fruit and was tucked away in the new Apple family cellar. A slam of hoofs on bark later, and another round of apples fell into strategically placed baskets that surrounded the tree. "Hey A.J."

Applejack just slammed her hind legs into a tree before addressing her brother with a grunt.

"Y'all ever wonder what life's like outside tha farm?"

Applejack let out a small laugh, "Mac, yer talkin' crazy again. Ain't nothin' outside this farm worth a lick."

Mac began to gather up the stray apples and set them into the basket. "Ah don' know 'bout that. Ah mean, how's everythin' work?"

"Work?" Applejack quirked an eyebrow at her brother.

Big Mac finished with his current tree and moved on to another one. "Yah. like: All these ponies buy owah' apples with bits righ'? Where do they ge' 'em?"

Applejack scoffed and shook her head. "Bruthah' Ah think Y'all been out in the sun to long. They git'em from their jobs n' such."

"Yea, but my question is, wa'do they do to get 'em bits?"

Applejack gave an annoyed sigh, "Honestly Mac, Ah don' know. N' Ah don't really see why ya care. The Apple farms the only thing that's important, far's money goes n' all."

The red stallion opened his mouth before giving a defeated sigh, and bucking his current tree. After gathering up the apples, he decided against his better judgment to ask another question. "But don' ya ever wonder wha' would happen if folk' stopped makin' the money to buy owah apples?"

Mac wasn't much one for talking, but few actually knew the reason why. Everypony thought the stallion was just naturally quiet and had been his whole life. Though nopony knew the continual events the drove him to his painstaking silence, he wanted to tell them, he really did. He wanted to escape the confides of his mind and the hell that such seclusion brought, but ever since it started his confidence had slowly began to dwindle to the point of near extinction. The stallion didn't want to experience the belittlement from everypony else that he was about to go through right at that second.

"Macinosh Apple." Applejack snapped turning to face her brother. "There ain't nothin' to be gained from thinkin' bout those kinda things. How many times we have ta' have this conversation?"

"But-"

"Don't you but me misteh," Applejack took a step forward, her eyes showing even grater annoyance from the repeated motions of prior conflics. "Ah know ya wanna know how tha worl' works, but there ain' nothin' to it. It just does, alright? Now quit wastin' yer mind on things yer never gonna be able to control, n' just accept it. Does ya no good but stressin' ya out."

Mac hung his head down and slowly finished gathering the red fruit. Some how the sun shown a little more dimly, not from cloud cover or anything, it's glow had just become a little less bright over the fields. The conversation, or lack there of, had gone just as the stallion had expected, just like it always had and always would. He wasn't sure if his sister knew what she was doing to him, or if she even cared; but her constant degradation of his opinions and questions about things that didn't relate to her interests always discouraged him from speaking to her.

After putting the newly filled buckets into the wagon, the farm pony tilted his head till he heard a satisfying crack. A somber smile graced his muzzle again before he looked out past the wagon. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a small brown blot that seemed out of place. Curious, he marched past the cart and into the opposite side to leave his sibling on her own. The closer he got, the more he realized the abnormality was actually a small brown sack sitting in between two trees. Something about the sack seemed vaguely familiar to him, though he couldn't quite place his hoof on it.

He unwrapped the small string that bound the top together and gasped as the bag fell open; its contents poking out. A small wooden crossbow, a round mirror and a single bolt arrow with a note attached greeted the crimson pony. He rubbed his temple at a sever case of deja vu before turning back to make sure Applejack hadn't noticed his absence. Big Mac reached into the sack and pulled out the note, careful to unfold it with out ripping the parchment. He furrowed his brow at the single sentence that seemed to repeat over and over going down the page to the bottom.

"Were you put on this earth to work this farm until the end of your days?" Mac asked in a whisper.

He put the paper down and gently reached in to grab the crossbow, a contraption he had only ever seen once. Though, it felt so natural to him as he slid it on his foreleg and tightened the belts that held it in place. A swift wave of confidence and power grabbed hold of the stallion before loaded the arrow bolt into the firing string. The last thing he grabbed was the mirror, he gently set it in a way that he would be able to see his face in the reflection. After his sad emerald eyes met the mirror image, the sentence from the note popped into his mind. He frowned and looked at himself in the mirror before smashing it with and angry hoof. "No, Ah was not born to work here, Ah was born to do what Ah wanna do." He proclaimed proudly.

"Big Mac?" a voice called

"Big Mac?"

Macintosh's eyes fluttered a bit as Spike nudged him and pushed his side. "Big Mac! Get up!" Spike began before Mac eyes shot open and he jumped out of the cot, looking around in a panic. The purple dragon fell over backwards from the sudden change in activity and looked up to see Mac's green eyes had shrunk and his face horror stricken. "Mac Calm down, it was just a dream."

Macintosh's eyes flew down to Spike, a wave of realization and relief struck the stallion before he sat back down on his cot and began breathing heavily. "It was... just a dream." He reassured himself looking back to Spike.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No..."

Spike gave a concerned look for a few seconds before shrugging. "Suit yourself, how's your leg doing by the way?"

Macintosh began to roll the joint at his ankle, it felt much better now than when it first happened a week ago, thanks to the magical properties that the wrap had brought. Though, for four out of the five nights that had passed, the red stallion was having dreams of home that made him both sad and longing. The air growing could due to winters approach didn't help much either. He ventured to think that soon they would need bigger and bolder cloaks in order to continue traveling as they had been with out freezing to death.

A booming voice outside drew the attention of the stallion and his reptilian associate, it sounded like Star Shade was yelling at some thing. They both nodded to each other and left the infirmary tent to investigate, they passed the familiar faces of some Triple M. medical ponies that had cared for them, giving them morning greetings before they finally left the small compound to witness Shade yelling angrily at very tired and cold looking Sin.

"You know, I'm surprised at you." Shade announced turning his body away from his friend. "I thought you were all freedom and liberty oriented, no. No you're just like everyone else."

Sin rubbed his temples with his hooves before replying with restricted annoyance. "Shade, this isn't an Anarchist land. There are laws that you must abide by. You said the law hasn't given you any trouble during your time out, how long do you think your luck will last?"

Shade let out a humph, "You're one to talk about obaying laws."

"I offered to leave the land, and if she was going to arrest me, or you for that matter, she would have done so." Sin lowered his hoof and gave a look. "If I'm right, you will be pardoned, and roam a truly free-"

"FREE!?" Shade shouted, "YOU! Always said that our freedom came from OURSELVES, NOW you make it sound as if it is a gift to be given by the princess? What happened to-"

"DAMMIT will you let me finish?" Sin yelled back huffing. "It's not as simple as that and you know it!"

Shades eyes widened than narrowed before shaking his head.

"This is the land of Equestria, domain to the pony sisters: Celestia and Luna. They are the supreme law of the land, and because the inhabitants through out the land will abide by them, those two do hold authority." Sin explained calming himself significantly. After a curt nod of acknowledgment from his pegusus associate, Sin continued. "Now, let's use judgment here, If the princess still wants you detained for you being... you. Than the ponies of this land will be more than happy to accept. That is their power, and there is nothing you can do to change that." He took a breath. "However, if all you have to do is simply appear in her royal majesties court and make the case for why your imprisonment was wrong, than it's more than likely she will let you go a free stallion. At least, that's more or less what I've gathered from the conversation I had with her a while ago."

Mac observed the almost daily routine that started once the four of them reached the Triple M. compound. Sin trying to convince Star Shade that it would be best to attend his trial and hopefully leave with a lunar pardon, than to keep wondering around the country with the constant threat of the law scooping him away. Mac began to like Shade after what had happened with the wyvern Golvec. The two worked well together when it came to planing and executing. Though, Macintosh wasn't to well off on the Idea of losing his friend on charges of escaping prison.

"Ah think Sin's right, Shade."

The unstable pegasi's eyes shot to the newcomer, "You too Mac? I thought-"

"Shade," Mac interrupted. "Ah thin' the poin' Sin's tryin' t' make is that y'all gonna be caught by the law sooner 'er later. Might's well go on n' get it over with while ya have a chance to walk away from it 'thout goin' back to prison." He took a breath and closed his eyes. "Ah know how ya feel, ya know."

Shade quirked an eyebrow.

"Sittin' in a cell with none there to comfort ya. Feelin' hopeless n' weak n' angry. Not knowin' what ya did wrong to be put in ther' in the first place. I know how it feels." He gave a small and sympathetic smile, having an unexpectedly guilty look to come a crossed his friends face. "But don't worry. If Ah have n'thin' to say 'bout it, y'all be a free stallion in no time."

The dark blue pegasus big his lip, trying with futile effort to hold back the emotion that threatened to burst out. "I... Maybe," Shade looked down at his hooves and began to paw at the ground. "Maybe you're right... Thank Big Mac." He gave a small and uncharacteristically warm smile."

"Than that settles it." Sin called standing up from his leaf bed. "We make way for Canterlot."

Just like a pouting small child being offered ice cream, Star Shade perked up and smiled a tooth grin. "CANTERLOT! I finally get to see my god trapped in stone!" He hopped up and down gleefully, to the relief of all the ponies around.

"Your god?" Asked the until no silent Spike. "Who's your god?"

Shade halted his bouncing in mid air than turned to Spike. "Well Discord of course, he's my idol you know."

Spike and Mac looked on in disbelief for a time before an even more stunning question erupted from Sin.

"Who's Discord?"

---

Spar Hawk massaged his temples with his tallon like fingers. Today was a special kind of childish for the Senate, they were refusing to speak to anyone out side of their state. It was typical of the Politicians to ignore thier "rival party" seeing as they almost made it a point to disagree on everything, but today was different, the Boltinians and Syndicrats weren't playing their usual party politics. They states representatives merely kept to themselves and their own seats of the Congregation.

What made it unusual was the fact that economic hardships had befallen both the Columbus Griffins and South New Equine Worker ponies. With the lack of adequate feed for the stocks for farmed rodents, meat prices in Columbus have begun to skyrocket. Latest reports indicate that a simple rabbit grew 150% in price to make up for the cost of heightened price of supplemental vegetation caused by the interrupted trade rout through the Veil; thanks to the humane timberwolf relocation. Add the particularly gruesome two week trade disruption to the already exuberant price to cover Union Dues of the Earth Pony Union, and it's own political abuse; suddenly the accusations of extortion against the Columbians might not be as brash as first thought.

Though, since the trade dispute hit the South Equine's as well, the workers councils will need to determine what the best course of action will be to make up for the losses. True as it was that the their own party was to be blamed for the ill timed relocation of the wooden canines, though Spar Hawk found it astonishing that the South Equine's hadn't prepared for the event. Now, the lack of income from the Griffins will cause either: Deflation to keep up with standards of living, there by interfering with trade in the other states, or to accept the loss of the current season's first income; and rattle the market to rally for the next. Assuming that the suffering until the new trade line doesn't cause too many complications.

"Well?" The centaurian arbiter bellowed, his booming voice echoing though out the muted hall. The bored eyes of the thirty five current senators fell onto him. "Would anyone like to be addressed? Anything to be brought to the floor?"

The questions were greeted with an unnerving silence. The centaur knew the South Equine's more democratic and worker oriented mentality made them avoid-ant to speak to political superiors. Try as they might to create a country "for the worker" their attempts had been rendered futile by their peoples love of frivolity and comfort that the Corporatist Pegasus/Unicorn coalition offered.

Ever sense the Triple M. Corporation had began its expansion into commodities outside the named, the Unicorn rulers couldn't have been more happy than to give subsidies at taxpayers expense to assist making the products cheaper... Enchanted quills, enchanted benches that vibrated and massaged the ponies body at their word, water that made crops grow faster, modified automatic wagons; there was no limit to what the Triple M. Corporation could produce. And since said state is where the main company is located, the main trade with the Unicorns/pegasi was all to convenient to pass up.

The Diamond Dogs of Cania had been rather passive, their trade with the Unicorns/Pegasi had gone rather smoothly, trading mining equipment for gems and jewels. Taking contracts for the Triple M. Corporation for their mining division wasn't a bad source of Income and economic stimulation either. It was probably the Canim trade to Columbus that would see the Griffins through their recession with minimal difficulty. At least, that was the hope running through the arbiters mind.

Though, the minotaurs had been a rather enigmatic state. As much as Spar Hawk gave pride to himself for his understanding and knowledge of the Eight states of the Federation. But the Vein minotaurs were as secretive as they came. Sure, they spoke a lot about what they were selling in weapons and/or services, but the: how's, when's, where's, and why's were a complete mystery to those who weren't "in the knows ring" as the Senator Stone put it.

The Orvalian donkeys had been catching a great deal of scorn from the syndicrats recently for their tolerance of high propensity immigration from Zeborica. Many of the immigrants had taken their leave of Orval and began to migrate all a crossed the Federation. The zebra's had been a particular grievance in the Vale. Though it was common knowledge that none were to inhabit the seven thousand archer piece of untainted forestry and grassland, the Zebra's found the uninhabited land full of indigenous and exotic plants to be favorable for their alchemy and potion brewing.

Disputes between the Federation and Zeborica had arisen when word had gotten back to the Zebra nation about how the locals... handled the Vale intrusion. Threats were made against the Senate and most notably the Centaurs, who for all of their peacefulness and wisdom, were far from tolerant of one of the last bastions of nature, being impeded upon by a group not even holding routs in the nation. Though, not exact, the Rovin Republic's Buffallo could have the same complaint made against them for their "ritual stampedes" through the Vale, and how hypocritical it was to allow them to march on while the Zebras and all others, could not.

"Very well," Spar Hawk declared standing from his crouched position. A brilliant light shining off his dark blue coat as he stood. "Should petulant children you wish act, petulant children you shall be treated. I know there are issues that need be addressed here, as do all of you." He awaited someone to speak, anyone, about anything. Though the only answers the Arbiter received were the few awkward coughs from the North Equines and Columbians. "Fine, You're all dismissed for a three day recess." He slammed his gavel down and the silent room began to empty.

----

Windmane slumped in his seat, he knew there were issues to be addressed and such as the continued pressure on the Recession about to occur in Columbus, but the Lobbyists of the Triple M. Corporation had gone to each Senator and bribed them to hold their tongues in the chamber today, save the few who didn't care for the corporate interests; in which case they were threatened with Triple M. with holding funds to respective charities in local districts. Something none of the politicians wanted to responsible for, not even Windmane himself.

Though, it did confuse him as to why the Lobbyists had taken to such a campaign, questions began to swim through the young senators mind as he pontificated the residual outcomes for such political stagnation. Finally after most of the congregation had dispersed, Windmane approached the Arbiters in an attempt to see why Light Heart had't attended the Senate meetings for the past week. "Arbiter Spar Hawk!" He called with a smile, causing the dreary eyes of the Centaur to gaze upon him, a wave of nervousness soon to a company.

"Senator Windmane." Called Spar Hawk with a sigh. It wasn't a secret that Windmane and Islander were friends, thus, the Arbiter didn't particularly care for the Pegasus. "How may I help you?"

Windmane cleared his throat, a forced confidence went into his voice. "I was hoping you might know why Light Heart isn't here. His representation of the Western Grove in Northwood-"

"Light Heart isn't feeling well." Spar Hawk interrupted with a calm though dangerous tone. "He has had a minor accident involving his spear. He resides in the Red Cross hospital; down on Fleet street.

A wave of fear quickly destroyed what ever confidence the navy blue pegasus had mustered."Accident? What accident?" Spar Hawk only looked upon him with sad eyes before casting his gaze back down to his bench. He explained that Light Heart had over indulged in mind altering beverages and the ceremonial spear his office carried had been carelessly and tragically shoved into his shoulder some how.

Windmane was about to push the issue before another pony entered the fray. A dark grey earth pony with a black and white mane approached, causing an all to familiar nauseating feeling to bubble in Windmane's stomach. "Good afternoon Malich." Spar Hawk called with a greatly annoyed sigh.

"Good afternoon Arbiter. I do hope I'm not interrupting anything." Malich called with his icy voice. His eyes darted from the high ranking Spar Hawk to Windmane. No matter how many times the blue pegasus saw them, he could never get used to the unnerving shiver those cold grey eyes sent down his spine. It was look looking into the eyes of a dead and decapitate pony who not only knew his life was about to end, but he looked forward to it.

"Vice President Malich," Windmane gave a curt nod, to which Malich only gave a sly smirk. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"Right." Malich said dryly before turning his attention back to Spar Hawk. "As your emissary to Equestria, I have spoken with both the Princess's Luna and Celestia. They send their compliments and gratitude for your token of good faith by paying us to assist them with a little dragon problem they were having."

"Emissary to Equestria?" Windmane asked, his eyes widened with shock. "But, we're not supposed to have any political ties with other nations. The Articles of Arbitration clearly state-"

Spar Hawk cut off the pegasus with a bone chilling glare. It was one the centaurs signature abilities, and this particular Arbiter was no exception. Windmane's mouth hung for a moment, his words literally a breath in his throat. A sudden feeling of terror began to envelop the senator before his judgement kicked back in and he decided to pardon himself from the two. As he gave his good byes and walked out of the dark wood chamber, he caught a glimpse of a pony sitting on the otherside of the way from him. He shrugged it off as another senator who wanted a word and wondered out into the familiar and relaxing lobby.

Windmane loved to go into the lobby after a session in the Senate. It was his way of unwinding, there were not many political debates out here, no confrontations, no trying to convince others of your point of view... There was just the lobbyists, and when you were clear in your disdain for them, they hardly ever spoke to you. As he passed the receptionist at the desk, he noticed that the minatory looked surprisingly nervous. "The husband have a bad day?" The pegasus asked, causing the dark purple monstrosity to fumble with her pen. After she recovered, her beedy yellow eyes met the senators and she let out a forced smile.

"Oh, oh nothing at all deary. Shila was just uh..." she paused her eyes darting around. "Thinking about home, that's right. Shila was thinking of home."

"Ah yes home." Said Windmane, oblivious to her obvious discomfort. "I think I might head there myself now. Nothing much to do."

As the stallion began to exit the building Shila called out to him before he could leave. "Senator... might Shila give a suggestion to this beautiful cafe' down the street?" She gave a large grin.

Windmane couldn't deny it any longer, something was off. "Yea... sure." He noded, trying to hide his skepticism.

"Ok." The female minotaur replied. She opened her mouth as if she were about to speak but suddenly stopped. Windmane watched with unimpressed eyes before the nervous monstrosity leaned down and picked up a vanilla colored parchment and began awkwardly reading the text. "Go to the... Villa Cafe down... First street and walk inside... Tell Windmane he should, look for a... black griffin who will be... sitting in back of, cafe." She looked up with a goofy and proud grin.

"Um. Shila? Who gave that to you?"

Shila's happy grin turned horrified as she hid the paper behind her back. "Paper? What paper? I don't see any paper." She gave another nervous chuckle as small beads of sweat began to pour down her face.

"Right." the pegasus found it best to end on that note before debating on whether to follow the notes instructions. Should it have been a political assassination, killing him at home would have made more sense than dragging him out to a wide open cafe. Would they be trying to send a message? Does it have something to do with the eirily silent Senate? The pony Senator wasn't completely sure what was going on today.

But he was going to find out.

Ok yea, now we get a bit more into the Federation and the Actual political stuff. Gotta admit, it's a bit difficult to keep track of everything and make it coherent and constant. So yea... All this happened. Now I have to figure out what I'm doing, how I'm going to do it, and how it's going to end up. If this is confusing to anyone, let me know. Politics can be rather confusing, be it fan fic or real life.