She put her face right against Celestia’s flank, examining the way the fur lay against the Princess’ hide as she stroked gently, touching the design all over and following its outline with her fingertips. She pressed deeply into the fat buttock, feeling the strange play of steel-cord musculature underneath pleasing softness.

Oh glorious zebrahorsebutt, tell me your secrets

Celestia wet her lips with her long tongue as she continued, holding Julie’s gaze. “That said, there is merit in the idea of taking a more…direct role in humankind’s development. If we ever decided that you really might destroy yourselves, we wouldn’t just leave you to your fate. However, we might integrate ourselves more forcefully into your societies, molding them into the proper shapes without bothering to ask permission. That’s the prerogative of the stronger species, you see. We may not be ‘higher’ but power demands respect, and though people might tell you otherwise, respect tends to flow in one direction. Do you understand?”

Pick up the white man's burden....