The three helicopters slowly began descending vertically downwards, as a thick metal blast door that was built into the ground opened up, and they entered. They were all silent as they descended down a large cylindrical tunnel, with rings of bright white lights built into the wall at regular intervals. This created the effect of the lights 'flashing', much like how the lights of a train would when going through a tunnel. For the humans, this was completely normal, but for the ponies, who had never experienced the quick flashing of lights in such a manner, it was rather… trippy. Enough that all of the element bearers kept their eyes closed for the entire duration of the descent.
Eventually, the flashing of lights ended, as the entire helicopter was bathed in a constant, bright white light. The helicopter rocked ever so slightly as it landed, and the ponies opened their eyes slowly, so as to not be blinded by the bright light before their eyes could adjust. What they saw once their eyes were fully adjusted completely terrified them.
They found themselves in a large white room that was lit by a bright white light, seemingly coming from nowhere. Even the ceiling of the room was about as high as that of Celestia and Luna's throne room in Canterlot Castle. The walls of the room looked completely flawless, and didn't seem to have the roughness that concrete walls had. The room itself wasn't what terrified them though, it was what was within the room. Through a large, heavy duty metal door, dozens of human soldiers gradually filed into the room, all making a beeline towards the helicopter. They weren't able to concentrate on the human soldiers for long though, as a cranking noise, followed by a loud bang suddenly came from inside the helicopter, making them all turn around.
Upon turning, they saw that the back of the helicopter had functioned as a large doorway, opening outwards and turning into a ramp to allow them to exit the flying vehicle. The door opened to reveal dozens of human soldiers pointing their staffs towards the inside of the flying vehicle, terrifying them even more. Then, one of them stepped forward and spoke.
"Commander Sandra," he said in a Zebrican accent, "I see you have everything under control, yes?"
"Who's asking?" Sandra stepped forward and replied with a question of her own.
The one who has stepped removed his helmet, revealing the face of a black man underneath. "General Chwawua of the African army," he replied, "King Osas himself sent me to secure the area in preparation for the world leaders' arrival."
"World leaders? They're coming here?" Sandra asked, "Including President Atticus?"
"No… well, yes Atticus is coming here, but only because President Felix allowed him to come here and ask the ponies for their help himself," he replied.
"President Felix? What are you talking about… sir?" Sandra added after realising that she was speaking to a superior officer. Although the African general wasn't her superior, Sandra would show him the respect that a person of his position deserved.
"No, actually. President Atticus was impeached for the reckless act of establishing first contact without the approval of the other leaders, nor the USU congress members themselves," General Chwawua replied. "The ex VP, Felix, is now the USU's acting president until a proper election can be held among the USU congress. Felix himself ordered that the election be held in two days. Everyone else is praising his decision, saying that it is good that he is not trying to hold onto power longer than he should like his predecessor. I think it's all an act though, no way to know for certain. It's a real… 'shitshow', I believe you Americans call it."
"Serves him right, calling for a reckless action like that," Sandra replied.
"Wait, you mean you did not approve of Atticus's actions?" Chwawua asked.
"Course' not!" She replied, "It was stupid. And he did it to save one girl. I don't know why his daughter is so important to him anyway. She's just another citizen, and I don't think he would've done something so reckless for the rest of us. I just don't see why the congressmen and congresswomen treat their families with such care, they're just citizens like the rest of us anyway."
The ponies were both shocked and disgusted at what the captain had said. The other humans, despite being barbaric savages, still recognised the importance of family, treating their loved ones with much care. And even the ponies themselves would never even do something so evil as separating families, they always sent all the members of the same family to one place. Yet, here, it seemed the captain not only did not care about her own family, but failed to recognise the importance of familial relations altogether.
"If you think it was a stupid decision, then why did you take off?" The general asked.
"My loyalty lies to this country, and to the people of this country. He was chosen by the people, and therefore represented the people. Disobeying a direct order from him would be like disobeying every single USU citizen. At least, that's how I view it," Sandra explained.
"Very well, I can understand where you are coming from. Anyway, let us not waste any more time and get the prison-" he paused, before correcting himself, "Guests… ready to be presented to the leaders." He then turned around, and saw that everyone still had their weapons pointed into the vehicle. "What are you all doing?" He asked in a confused tone, "Why do you still have your weapons up? It is clear that everything is okay."
"You never ordered us to put them down, sir," one of the soldiers replied, his weapon still trained on the ponies.
"Oh, apologies," he said, "You may all lay down your weapons and take up ceremonial formation." They did as instructed, lowering their weapons and immediately rushing to form two lines that were spaced roughly five meters apart. They took positions on either side, forming a sort of walkway in between both lines of soldiers that led all the way to a large metal bulkhead that was in front of them. The soldiers themselves stood completely still, holding their weapons closely against their bodies at a forty five degree angle. What was strange was that these human soldiers seemed to act like they were a part of a professional, organised, and disciplined military, even more so than the royal guard themselves. The ponies didn't think the humans would be capable of such organisation and discipline, considering how barbaric and uncivilized they were.
One of the soldiers walked up to them and towered over the ponies. He gestured towards the door with his weapon, followed by sternly saying "Move." Twilight and her friends all did as instructed and walked towards the ramp, not complaining as they had once again been cowered into submission by the intimidating display of the Utopian military, mostly due to the fact that the Utopians could kill them without a moment's notice.
They slowly, hesitantly, exited the vehicle and began walking in between the two lines of soldiers. They only made it about ten meters before they were instructed to stop. The ponies complied, stopping in their positions and standing still. It was only now that they could grasp the full scale of the room they were in. The room itself had to be just as big, or even bigger than Celestia's throne room, with several more of the flying vehicles parked nearly in rows. In the middle of each of the four walls stood a large steel door, all of which were closed except for the one the soldiers came from, which was located on the right wall and was currently open, revealing a small part of what looked to be a hallway which they couldn't really get a good look at because of their current angle. They were eventually brought out of their observational streak, however, as the large blast doors before then began slowly opening.
With the sounds of cladding and whirring, the door split in half, with the right and left side of it sliding into both sides of the wall. As the door opened, it gradually revealed several humans dressed in black business suits, who were flanked by several more humans in black business suits and black sunglasses that seemed to be constantly on edge and looking about. The door opened with impeccable timing, sliding into the walls completely right when the first human stepped into the room. All of the newly arrived noticed the ponies the instant the door opened, and immediately started heading towards them.
Before they could reach them, however, Captain Sandra walked into view as she came from behind them, approaching the men in suits. She stopped in front of them and stomped her right foot into the ground firmly while raising her right hand to her forehead and giving them a salute. "President Felix, sir!" She said loudly.
"At ease, captain," one of the men in suits, looking to be in his early thirties, replied, "I see you've heard the news?"
"Yes sir, this is Utopia sir, word travels fast," Sandra replied.
"Well, that is true," the president replied. "Come, captain, introduce me to our guests. Let's not keep them waiting," he said enthusiastically.
"Of course sir, right this way sir," said Sandra, stepping aside and outstretching an arm towards the ponies. The group of suited humans then approached the ponies, a few of them with welcoming smiles on their faces and a few of them remaining stoic.
"Good day, all of you," one of the humans said. "I am Prime Minister Jack Byrnes of Oceania, and I am accompanied by," - he began pointing at each of them as he called out their names - "Prime Minister Mateo of Hispanica, President Alexi of Russia, Supreme Leader Xi Mingzhe of Lian Meng, Prime Minister Bjorn of the European Union, King Osas of the United States of Africa, President Felix of the United States of Utopia, Ex-President Atticus of the USU, and last but not least, and trust me this is a mouthful ever since he changed his position of leadership a day ago." He took a deep breath, "Admiral General President Prime Minister Supreme Leader Emperor King Commander in Chief the Great and Mighty Lord God Haffaz 'better than you' Aladeen, or AGPPMSLEKCCGMLG Haffaz 'BTY' Aladeen for short."
The ponies just stared at Aladeen in confusion. "What?" Twilight asked in confusion.
"Just call him Supreme Leader Aladeen or sir. Don't call him by his first name, if he doesn't deem you worthy of addressing him by just 'Aladeen', he'll order for you to have your tongue chopped off followed by being," Prime Minister Jack said, "Anyway, would you like to introduce yourselves? I've heard that you're a princess, aren't you?"
"Who are you and what do you want from us?" Twilight immediately snapped.
"It is very rude for guests to not introduce themselves to their hosts, is it not?" King Osas asked, irritated.
"Guests?! You foalnapped us, and you have the audacity to call us guests?!" Applejack asked, "If we're guests, we'll be able to leave freely. We ain't stupid, so let's just stop this charade and cut straight to business. What in tartarus do you want from Twilight?!"
"Well, you're prisoners that are being treated as guests, and are currently going to be given the same luxuries that we give to our other guests," President Felix said, "How you act, how you talk to us, how rude you are to us, and how cooperative you are are all factors that contribute to whether you will keep your status as guests, or be treated as prisoners. Now, I believe we got off on the wrong foot, so allow me to introduce myself again. My name is Felix, and I am the acting president of the USU."
Twilight looked around awkwardly at first. Being forced to introduce oneself tends to make the situation awkward. She eventually relented though, as she thought about the potential consequences for both her and her friends if they continued to act aggressively towards the humans.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I am the princess of friendship. I am one of the four ruling monarchs of Equestria, and bearer of the Element of Magic," Twilight hesitantly said, followed by introducing her friends by stating their names, and the elements that they bore.
"See, we're already off to a great start," Felix said, before taking on a confused tone, "And why are you still unaware as to why you're here? We were literally briefed on how much you know before you landed. And if I'm not mistaken, Bob already told you who we are and what we want with you. So, why are you asking again?"
"Just wanted to confirm," Twilight said with venom in her voice, "And if we refuse to help her, what then?"
Atticus then stepped forward. "Please, Miss Twilight. Help my daughter, she's only sixteen, and she's dying," he then got down on his knees, "I'm begging you, pleading with you. If you don't help her, you might as well have been the one to kill her."
Twilight on the other hand, while slightly saddened by the fact that this man was going to lose his daughter, quickly reminded herself of who… what she was dealing with. The most evil race to ever exist, and their level of wickedness was once again proven by them foalnapping Twilight and her friends.
"If you wanted my help, you shouldn't have killed all of those innocent ponies," Twilight said angrily, "I'm not going to help a single member of your species. You are evil incarnate." Atticus looked up with teary eyes. He no longer had the power, nor the influence to be able to force these equines into submission. Felix did have the power though, and he was gonna show these horses why you don't say no to the president of the United States.
"Well, Atticus, you asked and you got your answer. She said no," Felix said while looking down on the ex-president, who was still kneeling, and Atticus looked up to him with desperation in his eyes. "But now it's my turn to ask the question," he looked towards Twilight, "Miss Twilight, would you please help Atticus's daughter Eris?"
"In case you missed it, allow me to remind you of what Twilight just said," Applejack aggressively said, "We will never, ever help a single one of you, so ya might as well let us go."
"Very well, allow me to put this in a way you can understand," Felix said, "Twilight, you will help us. If you don't, we will not only kill you, but your friends as well. And trust me, your death will not be pleasant." The ponies' eyes widened in fear at the threat. They had never been threatened in such a way before, and not a single creature other than the humans would blackmail them in such a way. And what was worse, considering they were humans, the ponies had no doubts about the fact that they would follow through with their threat.
Twilight and her friends began to cast worried glances at each other, unsure of how exactly to react to such a violent threat. They didn't want to react aggressively, for fear of provoking their captors. They didn't want to react with fear and show weakness either. Well, all of them except Fluttershy, who was now shivering in terror and had tears coming down her eyes. She wasn't sobbing though, she was trying her best to put on a confident facade, hoping that her show of weakness wouldn't prove to be their downfall. But alas, humans weren't as stupid as ponies, and even in the off chance that she managed to stop crying, they would have seen straight through her false expression of confidence.
Twilight put on a face of determination upon seeing her friend crying. She was determined to keep her friends safe from harm, and eventually escape this prison of theirs. "I will help you, but only on the condition that you let my friends go," said Twilight firmly. Her request was met with the humans in suits all bursting into laughter.
"How stupid do you think we are?" Aladeen asked.
"The moment we let your friends go, we would lose our leverage. There would no longer be any incentive for you to comply with our demands," Alexi stated, as he and the other humans gradually calmed down.
"I'll make a deal with you. I'll listen to you if you let my friends go. I'll still have to listen to you even if you let them go anyway," Twilight said.
"You have to listen to us now," President Felix retorted smugly, "Why would we give up our leverage and take our chances trusting you to keep your word rather than keep our leverage and guarantee that you'll keep your word risk free?"
"Ah thought humans were supposed to be stupid?" Rainbow Dash whispered to Twilight.
"So did I," Twilight whispered back.
Twilight looked around, glancing towards her friends, then back to the humans. She looked to be in deep thought as she thought about her current situation. She eventually came to a decision, realising the futility of trying to bargain with the humans when they held all the bargaining power, realising that if she tried anything they deemed unacceptable, the consequences could be deadly. She was left with only one option: to comply with the humans and hope they keep their word. The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like a good idea. If she managed to help this 'Eris', the humans would be thankful, they would be indebted to them, and would probably either let them go or make their stay as pleasant as they could. Or, she could bide her time, gaining their trust until they presented her with an opportunity to make their escape. But she knew that would be extremely difficult; she wasn't a schemer like Chrysalis, and she wasn't a trickster like Cozy Glow. That was why she would help Eris if she could, using the other plan as a last resort if she was unable to assist. She made her decision.
"Fine, I'll help you," Twilight said defeatedly.
"Good, then you should come with me," Felix said, "Time to meet your patient." He then turned towards Diplomat Bob, who was standing behind the group of ponies, observing the conversation. "Bob, please get six rooms within the same section ready for our guests. Take them" - he gestured to everyone besides Twilight - "To their rooms while I get Twilight and Keifer to begin their work in healing Eris."
"Yes sir," Bob said, before calling the ponies to follow him with a gesture of his hand, "Come along now, I'm gonna take you to your rooms."
Twilight immediately protested. "But they - " her immediate protest was immediately cut off by Felix.
"They will be treated well, just like how we normally treat our guests. They won't be separated either, their rooms will be back to back. Your room will be together with theirs as well, and you may go there after you're done with your work for the day," Felix said.
"Erm… Uhh... " Twilight looked back and forth between Felix and her friends, before relenting. "Go with them, it'll be okay," she said. They said their goodbyes, and the rest of the ponies followed Bob as he led them towards their lodgings.
Captain Sandra then stepped forward, "Sirs… and ma'am," Sandra addressed all the leaders, "What about the pony soldier that we captured?"
"Put him through enhanced interrogation. Get every last bit of information you can out of him," Felix said, and with the approval of the other leaders, he added something else, "And after you're done, give him to Keifer to do as he wishes."
Sandra actually looked worried for a moment, before answering. "Yes leaders, it will be done," She said before turning around and walking out the large door in the right wall.
"Well then, let us proceed," Felix said, and Twilight followed him into the door in front of her.
I like that Felix is still willing to give Atticus the help his daughter needs. The captain is a heartless b**** though. Not understanding why family is so important? Jeez, someone is emotionally broken there. As to Twilight, they didn't kill innocent ponies, they killed an attacking force that was attempting to enslave them. Get off your non-existent soapbox. Also, Twi, if they were "evil incarnate" they wouldn't care about their family, so you really don't know what you're saying at this point, just trying to stay morally superior.
No, they won't , no one would let them escape if they would know their location.
Time for drugging them because why would you want them to be a problem?
10950849
Why would she need to feel sorry for someone's family?
She is realistic and logical.
She serves the country and the people, not congress families while risking the rest of the people.
She has good point, because Atticus's actions weren't for the good of the country but his daughter
10950858
She doesn't need to feel it, but if she can't even understand it then there is something wrong with her. Leaders don't set aside their familial ties just because they're now in charge. That's setting aside your humanity to become a robot. Much like this lady seems to be. She's one I won't mind seeing die off later in the story.
Nice to see some black people in the story.
So she wouldn’t do the same thing?
Well, this is bad.
Is this gonna be important?
Don’t they need them?
I like Felix as a new president. He is polite, yet ready to take action to achieve the desired result. I agree with DJSkywalker about the daughter of the ex president. Even after that, he's still willing to help.
Twilight is still acting hypocritically,
AJ is still an idiot,
Fluttershy is still the best M6 in this story.
Despite their ignorance and inability to accept facts, I hope that their worldview can be changed (At least Twilight, Fluttershy, and, probably, Rainbow idk). The most important thing is to make them question themselves (or smth like that).
P.S. Still waiting for Twilight reaction to Eris, human origin of draconequus, technology and her meeting with the scientists of Utopia :)
10950858
normal people often forget the big picture, would you risk the lives of 1 million people to save 1? if the answer is yes you are a monster. now would you risk your own life to save 1? that makes you a hero. unfortunately Atticus in this situation is the monster not a hero.
10950880
Agree, thats my point
Also captain's in the story, who said that she serves only the country and people
Well no, but actually no
I think fluttershy is a bit too ok with humans being enslaved, and that my understanding is that Fexil is a good leader by his smarts and effectiveness. But that’s just me.
10950864
And I can't wait for Twilight to kill Atticus in some stupid mistake, way.
He turned into a joke now how pathetically he was begging Twilight.
He could be tough towards the congress but not to the princess of the race that enslaved humanity and that he ordered to kidnap to force her to save his daughter?
10950849
10950855
10950864
10950880
It's not about the captain being logical or realistic or heartless or anything like that. When they wiped their memories of their family, they wiped everything, family experiences and familial love included. They couldn't have people in Utopia becoming depressed because they miss being loved by a family despite being unable to remember their family members, society would collapse. For them, there is no concept of love in a familial sense. Most of Utopia's citizens are like this, up to the point that it confuses them that each country's representatives and the world leaders would care about another person that much if it's not in a romantic way.
10950954
I can't see Twilight killing Atticus, at least not for a while based on how the author has indicated he's being set up for something more down the line. As for being a joke? I can't see it. He's lost all of his power and status and now the only thing he can focus on is to try and save his daughter. He's past the breaking point and is now into full desperation. I can't consider that a joke.
10950960
That's depressing.
10950976
A sad pathetic joke.
He could have at least keep his dignity and do something different when wanting Twilight to help his daughter, there is no way that he didn't have any plan when he was still the president.
If he wasn't impeached what he would have done?
Still, beg her?
Of course, unless Atticus and Felix planned this to see their reaction to his begging, to estimate their behavior, personalities,etc, and if that wouldn't work Felix would force her to help them.
That would make sense.Felix wouldn't endanger everyone for Eris like Atticus but will test the grounds and if possible and a without great risk save Eris as a small bonus, not as a main objective
10951004
If he wasn't impeached he would've forced her
Any plans concerning The Crystal Empire? I know The Crystal Empire is an ally with Equestria so will they get dragged into the war as well?
10951008
Begging Felix so he will force Twilight, would have been a better choice. At least with him, he had some good relation
I hope the humans point out Twilight's hypocracy to her and her friends.
"Murdered inocent ponies!? Here, let's review what happened in Ponyville earlier." said Mr. Insert Name Here as he projected one of the drones' video recordings onto a nearby screen.
The video started with the helicopters landing at the edge of Ponyville and the first meeting between the humans and ponies. "We begin with our diplomat and his guards politely greeting you and requesting your assistance, but your 'innocent ponies' treated them like animals and demanded that they allow themselves to be enslaved like the rest of our people. Regardless, they tolerated these actions and again attempted to begin a civil conversation."
The video continued to the point where the guards began ineffectively pelting Diplomat Bob with magic missiles. "Here, we see your 'innocent ponies' attacking our diplomat unprovoked, yet they were given a pass on this because our contact team would rather establish peaceful diplomatic ties with your nation than go to war."
The video ended with the royal guards raising their spears and charging at the humans, at which point they were swiftly put down by the USU soldiers.
"Our troops did not fight back until your 'innocent ponies' charged at them en masse with lethal weapons, so get down off your fucking high horse and open your eyes to the reality of the situation."
I truly hope that starting next chapter Twilight, and maybe a few of the others start realizing that there is a lot more to these humans than meets the eye. Over the course of working with him I can definitely see Twilight eventually warming up to Keifer given how scientifically minded they are. After tensions cool down, I can see most of the rest of the six befriending, or at least finding common ground with the humans. Rainbow dash could develop a friendly rivalry with a pilot. Rarity could become curious about who made that suit she was jealous of. Pinkie goes without saying as humans are very social and love a good party. Fluttershy could befriend Eris and/or a biologist. The only one I think will struggle would be applejack due to a lack of common ground, stubbornness, and she already seemed to hold humanity in contempt. The important thing is that this cannot happen in one chapter without it seeming forced. Right now the ponies view the humans as evil, this would need a few chapters of development to change, nor does it have to occur simultaneously for each of the six.
10951012
Slavery is illegal in the Crystal Empire because of what Sombra did. That doesn't mean they are sympathisers either; they also believe humans are evil savages, but all humans found in the empire are deported.
One other thing, now that things are cooling down, and Twilight doesn't have to worry for her and her friends immediate safety. I wonder would she not notice the lack of magic in utopia as she is escorted to Eris?
Huh, so they already captured the scout that Bon Bon(or Sweetie Drops) sent. That was quick, but expected.
Uh, Twi? you just witnessed a human begging and pleading for your help to cure his daughter and you call them 'an evil incarnate'? You Equestrians enslaved humans, just like Sombra(one who deserves to be called an evil incarnate) enslaved the Crystal ponies(though at a more excessive degree), an action of which you condemn. Regardless of the severity of either enslavement, slavery is still slavery.
Twi, I really hope you start looking up and see how deep you dug and get out of that hole because I don't wanna see you fighting on the wrong side of an unbalanced conflict.
10951107
The soldier they captured was the sergeant that was in command of the troops in ponyville. He kinda dropped of the radar for the last couple chapters.
10951051
Magic missiles?
10951089
In order for that to happen they would have to not escape. Which may or may not be possible. It also depends on if they are even able to help eris.
10951107
What do you mean by unbalanced conflict?
4 ruler Monarchy, a good word to describe that would be Tetrarchy tbh
10951218
Missile (Noun)
Definition:
Something which is forcibly propelled at a target.
Example:
"One of the players was hit on the head by a missile thrown by a spectator"
Maybe one of the most braindead statements I've read all week. The fact he did it was stupid, but to pretend like you don't understand why he would do that. Fucking hell.
Annnnd it's immediately followed up by another stupid statement. The President isn't the end all, be all God's word. I can only assume this character would drop a nuke on Seattle just because the President told her to, no questions asked because 'it must be the will of the people'. Why must military members always be depicted as unthinking morons?
10951225
What I mean is should Utopia goes to war, it can annihilate the Equestrian army within a week with little effort.
Please for the love of God don't make Felix evil PLEASE!!!
I HAVE WIFI!!!! I HAVE POWER! I CAN SPEEEAAK!
Reading on a phone just isn't the same on my pc.
Torture? The humans would go so low? Wouldn't they have standards, even here, while they know that for the most part, they have all the power? Wouldn't they have just drugged the guards into a state where they could get what they needed?
I mean, when you need to go hunting for food, you don't bring nine pounds of explosive and a minigun as a backup, you'd bring a rifle.
This confuses me to no end, perhaps I'm missing something though...
10951292
Actually, I believe, that in fact, they physically, literally cannot understand the former president's reasons. It was suggested a while ago that all people excluding higher-ups would've been mind-wiped, which included their families which answers a previous comment that questions how all the people left their families behind.
10951388
I forgot about that. That's a stupid thing, too.
10951265
Oh ok. Accidentally thought of a real missile.
10951336
Can it?
10950849
Well said
No offence, but I’m solidly rooting for the purging to start. Rev up the bombers, engineer the bioweapons and start painting Canterlot red.
10951384
Enhanced interrogation doesn't necessarily mean torture since they have a lot of resources that would make lying extremely difficult. The only thing they couldn't stop is him just keeping his mouth shut, or making up lies that would be super obvious. The only reason they would need to torture him is if he didn't talk at all (or, told really stupid lies under the effects of truth serum).
And that's not really 'going low' as you've suggested. They desperately need more information about the outside world. For all they know, not having more information could have extremely lethal consequences.
PLS GENOCIDE
10951595
I'll agree that they needed information badly and extreme measures were needed, but I feel it's jumping the gun a bit(or maybe I'm missing just how desperate the humans are.)
And for as much as the humans need information, I'd think trying a better alternative would've happened first before go as far as they are(assuming that the alternative does lock off or prevent or possible alternatives). Worst case scenario, they switch back to different methods should all else fail.
(Even to me, this counterargument feels shoddy. I feel like I'm missing something.)
I hope this story also touches on why slavery is also economically inefficient, not saying it’s not abhorrent, let me be clear. But slavery isn’t some economic miracle, sure some might make a fortune off it. But it often leaves areas economically behind, the best example being the south (in the USA), as it left them an economic backwater. Infact despite the civil war they fought for independence, they were actually fairly dependent on the Federal Government to keep what little they had. Yes they had some wealthy plantation owners, but they were vastly outnumbered by impoverished individuals. The tax revenue they had was dwarfed by the more economically and industrially developed north. Slavery also disincentivizes innovation, as the solution for the slave master is usually more slaves, while the slaves have little reason to improve. This lead to a shortage of factory’s, railroads, and other key wartime materials, as they south was heavily dependent on inefficient agriculture rather then industry. Also, what you save in labor costs is peanuts to the costs involved with maintaining order, buying new labor, “feed”, healthcare (even minimal can add up), the risk of losing investment because of rebellion, Nevermind the cost of slaves doing the “minimum” needed to survive.
It wouldn’t surprise me if the primitive nature of Ponies and their allies is because of their insistence on maintaining human slavery. Still giving up slavery is also difficult, as transition is always messy. But they would long term be better off, still many would likely struggle to adapt, which would have its own entertainment value. For a rough idea think back to the slave catcher from RDR2, where yes he’s a monster, but his backstory makes you pity him. As his refusal to adapt to the changing world cost him his home and family.
I hope it’s a drug and while effective…. They wish he would just shut up! Ponies are already talkative… imagine hearing too much!
“And when I was 8 I walked into my parents hav-“
“Enough! I don’t wanna know anymore of your childhood traumas!”
“But I-!”
10952046
That would be awesome af.
I wonder what the humans did with Cerberus after they tranquilized him? 🤔
10952756
The same thing they do with any animal.
10952761
You gotta be more specific
10952762
Experiment, torture, and probably eat later.