United States - Equestria Political Conference
"And it is with the greatest pleasure that I pass the seats over to not only the commander in chief of our own great nation," White House Press Secretary James Brady glanced down at his paper and continued, "but the commanderette in chief of our friends across the sea in the nation of Equestria. Before I depart, the leaders of each nation have asked me to remind all of you here that they will address your questions promptly and as thoroughly as possible," he glanced down at his paper once more and concluded, "Until that time passes though, each party would like to request your silence as they discuss the matters which need to be addressed here today. Thank you." Brady stayed stationary for only a second or two more as the cameras flashed and then he departed from the floor.
As soon as his bottom foot hit the floor off of the stage, United States President Ronald Reagan and Equestrian Co-Leader Princess Celestia walked out onto the elevated stage, one after the other as they smiled brightly and waved briefly to the crowd and cameras. Before they took their seats, Reagan in his plush chair and Celestia on her pillow, they met center the stage and placed hand in hoof for a shake which lasted just long enough for the photographers to snap a few pictures and the television cameras to focus in. After that, they exchanged a few quick words such as "Good to see you again" and "Glad you could come" and then took their seats.
Before either spoke they smiled out to the crowd and waited for the cameras to stop flashing. After that, Reagan looked at Celestia and Celestia looked at Reagan. Upon a nod from the Princess of Equestria, the President spoke. "How are you Miss Celestia?" he asked and smiled.
"I'm fine Mr. President, how are you?" she asked and returned the smile.
"Oh, I'm fine as can be Miss Celestia. Shall we skip the er, pleasantries and get right down to business as to why we're all here?"
"That's fine by me Mr. President," Princess Celestia smiled and crossed her hooves as she awaited Reagans argument.
"Let us go ahead and address the elephant in the room," Reagan began, both to the Princess and to the nation, "and if I may be so rash, I think I will start things off by asking you a question Princess," Celestia nodded to indicate he had her full attention and continued, "How do you view Communism, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics? Are you not frightened of their nuclear capabilites? Furthermore Miss Celestia, what is your proposed resolve towards this... this 'Cold War'?"
Princess Celestia took a sip of water from the glass at her side and calmly replied, "Well Mr. President, I cannot nor will I comment with a tone of hostility towards a nation which has not shown me or my subjects any form of aggression," she placed one hoof against the other and continued, "but I also cannot nor will I comment positively towards a nation which has not show me or my subjects any form of gratituity. Sir, Equestria's relationship with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is neutral. And I have no fear for the nation's destructive capability, no more than your nation's or mine. And..."
President Reagan cut her off, "So you would side with the Soviet Politburo then? Are you... claiming allegience with a nation, an empire, opposed to the United States?" Reagan placed his fingers together and leaned back in his chair. She certainly didn't sound like she wanted the best for the United States and Equestria.
"Are you asking me to partake in a speculative war which is not mine to fight?" Princess Celestia had a cocky look on her face as she angled her head towards Reagan.
Reagan couldn't help but force a smile. "Well played Princess," he responded, "and no, I am not. I can see your logic. It would seem as if each nation has not offered you an... "incentive" to take sides. But then with your foreign and trade policies you still wouldn't favor one over the other?"
"That is exactly right," Princess Celestia nodded her head and took another sip of her water as she remained firm, "formal policy or not."
"Mhm," Reagan muttered under his breath, she was a stubborn head of state! "Miss Celestia," he changed his tone, "it's obvious that not only the two of us," he waved his hand in the air back and forth between the two of them, "but the United States and her allies and the Soviet Union and its allies wish for peace correct? You must forgive my former interruption, but I'm curious to know, what is your solution to peace? It is apparent neither side can merely 'stand down' to due an... intense amount of distrust."
Princess Celestia thought a moment and replied, "You must both reach an agreement to disarm. To me it seems like domination is the sole purpose of your 'cold war'."
"Now what do you mean by that?" the President was quick to ask.
Princess Celestia took yet another calm sip of her water and replied, "I mean that it is apparent the United States, Equestria, and the Soviet Union are the three most powerful nations of this day. I know this may seem like a selfish, untrue thing to say, especially to some people in the right-wing," a few chuckles erupted from the primarily left-wing room and Princess Celestia continued in her semi-sarcastic tone, "but it seems to me like there's only one of us three setting a good example... not to point any hooves," Princess Celestia pointed at herself, "but there are two nations on the other hoof, that are locked in a power struggle for what seems to be some form of 'world domination'."
"Now we cannot simply disarm over the course of a few days Princess!" Reagan pointed out.
"I understand that," Princess Celestia nodded her head, "but you both must take initiative of some sort, must you not? Do you feel that the USSR wants to be the cause of a worldwide armageddon?"
"I can't say I do to that," Reagan replied, "but have you not seen that Communism is an evil system that only creates an...an evil empire?!" he asked in astonishment at her obliviousness, "Have you not seen that the average Soviet citizen starves?! That... that the heads of state and elite of the government live a lavish lifestyle while the citizens must live in government approved housing and wait in horribly long lines to even get a loaf of bread?! Why is it you do not belive in leaving Marxism-Leninism atop the ash pile of history? Now I ask you, both of our systems are just, I can see that now, but why is it that only one of us seeks to see the downfall of the most evil tyranny that exists today?"
Princess Celestia was prepared to answer, "Is it any worse than the homeless person which must go to the local soup kitchen? Or the child that is so unfortunately born into a poor household or onto the streets that cannot go to school because he cannot afford the tuition? Mr. President, please remember that I arrived here via my abilities of magical transportation and you arrived here via a luxury vehicle after all."
Reagan leaned forward, "Are you bringing this system of American Democracy and Free Enterprise to question? Now Princess Celestia, I understand what your system stands for, and though it seems very noble, it also seems very socialist to me."
Princess Celestia cocked and eyebrow, "Are you bringing the Equestrian System of freedom and equality and opportunity to question?"
"No ma'am I am not," Reagan shook his head, "But..."
Princess Celestia cut him off. Neither of them must let this conference collapse onto itself. "Mr. President, I think it's safe to say that you and I have very busy agendas today. You are due for your speech in Berlin soon and my sister and I are due for the Royal Address soon. With that in mind, though it is so unfortunate to cut our discussion short, we must allow these people to speak their minds and ask their questions all while sticking to our own agends. I will be blunt with you as I know the exact same thing is on your mind," they both took a sip from their glasses, almost simultaneously, "It seems to me that we are going to walk away from this stage as friends, enemies, or as two creatures who have merely wasted the other's time. And it is with that Mr. Reagan, I ask you, what is it going to be?"
The elderly Regan ran his hand down his mouth, from under his nose all the way down to his chin as he thought carefully but quickly. This was an important decision for both nations. If he says no, both parties storm out of the place as enemies. He glanced up at her magical horn. Power like that would certainly be useful if the cold war turned "hot" and Equestria was quite a militarized nation, so it would not be in the best interests of the United States they sided with the Soviet Union. He knew both sides could equally supply Equestria financially, so now was the only time he could make a decision, lest he flip the TV on tomorrow to see Princess Celestia conversing with the Soviet Premier. He looked off to the side and watched some condensation run down the side of his glass. He certainly didn't come here for no reason, and Princess Celestia was quite logical, so she didn't either. Besides, neither of them would benefit from losing a powerful ally, so there was only one logical answer to her proposal.
President Reagan extended his hand outwards. "Miss Celestia," he made his decision, "I think it's time our two great nations formalized their relations... as allies."
Princess Celestia smiled and extended her hoof out to meet his hand, "I'm very glad to be on your side Mr. Reagan. There is but one condition though," she said. The cameras stopped flashing and notepads excitedly flipped over to a new page and Princess Celestia waited for total silence. "In the event that the 'cold war', as it's known, turns 'hot', Equestria will remain neautral to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics unless any form of aggression is shown. The same applies to any other nation, ally of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or not. For we will be friendly nations, Equestria will have it's military units ready for deployment as per a land lease program. Are these acceptable terms Mr. President?"
Reagan thought quickly and calmly once more. Though at the moment the deal seemed entirely unfair to the United States, what was there to lose? It was not his usual way of governance, but Equestria's vast diamond, oil, and other reserves would be invaluable to the nation, not to mention it's magical power and diplomatic stability could help bring about the resolution to any future conflicts which may arise. Reagan sighed and glanced at the form that was placed on table between them. He moved his glass aside so that he could get a better view of the document and rubbed his forehead with his index and middle fingers. Like he had thought at first, what's there to lose? "I accept your terms Princess. You shall remain a neutral party in the event that the United States gets involved in a conflict with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or it's allies, though you acknowledge that we may call upon your assistance in the event that we are not prepared or able to resolve said conflict." Reagan then smiled a small victory smile as both he and Princess Celestia leaned over to sign the document in front of them.
He finished his signature and then handed the pen over to Celestia. She took it with her magic and signed. After that, the two of them shook hand and hoof once more and made sure to keep them locked so that the cameras, television and photography, could get a good shot of it all. This was to be a big moment in history! After the tense diplomatic discussions, Reagan concluded it was time for a change of tone. "Well Princess Celestia, will you be staying for the celebratory lunch? Perhaps I could interest you in a drink aboard Air Force One as we return you to Equestria?"
Princess Celestia giggled softly. "No thank you Mr. President," she replied, "I highy doubt you'll be able to find anywhere in Equestria to land that massive airship anyway." She winked at both him and the television cameras at the same time as she finished, "But I do so appreciate your kind gesture."
"It's not a problem my dear," Reagan chuckled lightheartedly and placed his hand on Celestia's shoulder as two glasses of celebratory wine were placed in front of them. They toasted and both took a sip from their small glasses of wine.
"Mr. President," Princess Celestia smiled and took Reagan's hand one more time, "I think it's safe to say that this is going to develop into a beautiful and bountiful friendship for both of our countries."
"I couldn't agree more Miss Celestia. Now..." he finished his glass, "what's say me and you answer some questions and then be on our way. As you said, the both of us have very busy agendas," he smiled and nodded his head towards her. He did good again! U.S.A, one, U.S.S.R, zero. Reagan sighed under his breath as he leanded back and fixed himself in a relaxed position, though he kept his ears open to the question that was asked to Princess Celestia. Yes, it truly was shaping up to be a beautiful friendship and he was sure he had learned at least one new thing...