Warning: The following chapter will likely express religious and political views that are in conflict with your own. Please note that I respect everybody's views and believe we are all entitled to our own opinion. Please do not get too upset or insensitive if I had accidentally mocked your ideologies.

"The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion."- Thomas Paine

The ponies scowled at X-ray's statement. The riflemen merely smirked and crossed his arms.

"How could you say that? Do you have no desire to commit acts of love and tolerance?" inquired Celestia.

"Sometimes love and tolerance isn't desirable for the greater good. It's not pretty, but that's the truth." stated Overwatch.

"Doing benevolent deeds and helping others won't help humans in the long run?" flatly said Twilight.

"There are thousands of ways we could help someone. Everyone just has their own perspective at the end of the day." trivialized Scorch.

"How? If the traits displayed by the elements of harmony don't symbolize righteousness, than what does?" beamed Cadance.

X-ray raised his eyebrows. "The issue with humans is that we don't act out of general benevolence, but rather for what we see as the greater good. Even our worst enemies can't truly be called evil, except for maybe the Neo Fascists. At times, caring acts will prove detrimental to our situation and get us no where."

"You're soldiers, your job is to do good, care for civilians and preserve harmony." scolded Shining Armor.

"The job of a soldier is to protect the law and it's citizens no matter what. Lawful doesn't mean nice." countered Scorch.

"Based on your statements, you would dare support a villain if it would mean progress." accused Luna.

"Negative." responded Scarecrow. "Evil is meant to cause harm and deconstruct progress. We'd not hesitate opening fire on corrupt officials. Than again, some form of good can hamper humanity as well and we wouldn't tolerate that."

"But if people try to do nice deeds, then why do you have to silence them?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Because sometimes good can be misguided and produce results as devastating as evil." implied X-ray. "Didn't Fluttershy's kindness with the Parasprites nearly tear down Ponyville?"

The yellow pegasus shrunk in her seat.

"If we were in your place we would have burned down those damn insects before they could reproduce." shook Scorch.

"Sometimes you need to use acts considered malevolent to put down evil." advised Overwatch.

"That doesn't make any sense whatsoever! If you resort to heinous methods, you're no better than a criminal yourself." exclaimed Rarity.

"Perhaps if you lived as a human, you'd see that while we are all good in our heart, we accidentally end up as shades of gray in a conflict." replied the demo man. "All is fair in love and war."

"Ah really wish ah didn' have ta learn all this." sighed Applejack. "Life used ta be so simple."

"Well you're the one who asked about our past, and we answered." bluntly remarked Scarecrow.

"But you know what's funny?" brought up X-ray.

"Jokes and charades?" responded Pinkie Pie.

The rifleman was beginning to break down. "The fact that we are perhaps the darkest aspect of the human race and how we are right now meeting the brightest and most positive aspects of pony kind."

The Equestrians didn't expect that.

Even Scorch was getting really tense. "Look at you all. You're kind, nice and caring while we're heartless and can't even feel any kind of remorse. Do you think we're proud that we've joined the 23rd! We could have been in college right now, but we had to sacrifice our lives to protect others."

Celestia's mouth dropped.

Scarecrow remained a calm demeanor. "You don't know how lucky you are to live...relatively normal lives. Everyday the 4 of us are forced to kill and slaughter to prevent the very same acts from being carried out. While I am incapable of feeling distraught, not a day goes by where I wish I wouldn't have to go on a mission or live under the constant fear of being struck down by enemy bombardment. What's scary is that the more I murder, the less meaning the act has."

X-ray was on the verge of tears. "While you can fight wrong doers and still be yourselves, the 4 of us have to risk giving up out ambitions and turn into monsters to fight terrorists. We've become the very thing we fear in our nightmares. We're fucking freaks!"

The members of Shadow started breathing heavily and had their heads buried in their arms.

The ponies couldn't help but feel sorry for Shadow. To have a condition that turned them into killing machines must have had a serous toll on their psyche. The ponies suddenly realized why Shadow refused to talk about their professions.

Twilight lowered her voice. "It's alright, we're the ones who brought it up."

Scarecrow picked himself up. "Sorry, sometimes we're afraid of ourselves."

"Do you still stand by your previous statements?" asked Rarity.

Scorch calmed down. "We're afraid so. The greater good is the principle that our Federation is based on and the 23rd will do anything, and we mean anything to reinforce this philosophy."

"But out of all the things we can tell you about humanity, why inform you of the negatives?" insisted X-ray. "War is a minor subject we happen to see the worst of. There are countless other things you can ask us."

"Agreed." nodded Luna.

Suddenly, a group of servants entered the room. The unicorns while the Earth ponies were pushing carts filled with food. One by one they laid down a series of dishes prepared especially for Shadow.

Lucky for them, the food was edible for the humans. Furthermore, it was produced in surplus quantities to ensure their appetites would be satisfied.

Celestia cleared her throat. "If it could make you feel better, why not look over the scriptures of your religion to seek counsel?"

The humans looked at each other and laughed.

"No gods, no masters, only man." chanted Scarecrow.

The mouths of the ponies dropped open.

"Y'all are atheists?" questioned Applejack.

Scorch helped himself to an animated quiche. "Not technically, but we can say with certainty there are no gods."

Pinkie Pie laughed. "That's funny, because right now you're in front of a sun, moon, love and magic goddess."

The 4 humans looked at the alicorns.

"Still not believing in any."

"That's a close minded statement. How could you say there are no gods?" inquired Rainbow Dash.

"Because gods and religion fabrications created by society in a state of ignorance." spat X-ray.

"Celestia and Luna aren't fabrications. They're right here." pointed Fluttershy.

"I find it hard to believe that you humans have no equivalent of the alicorns." remarked Rarity. "You can't just become a space faring race without any form of divine help."

The counter terrorists laughed. The alicorns remained silent.

"Believe it or not, divine help was the last thing we humans needed to start colonizing outer space." said Scorch.

"So throughout, you're entire existence, you never accepted the fact that there's a higher power?" inquired Rainbow Dash.

"Oh please." snapped Scarecrow. "We humans had a long series of beliefs in gods and goddesses. The earliest humans worshipped the sun, the ancient greeks believed in the Olympic Gods, and the humans before colonization believed in a single God."

"So when did y'all stop having faith?" asked Applejack.

"When prayers did nothing to stop cities form getting nuked. When they started causing more harm than good." explained Scorch.

"And when we started questioning our own beliefs." stated X-ray.

"Haven't any of you questioned the alicorns at least once in your life?" asked Scarecrow.

The ponies that weren't the alicorns gasped.

"Why would we question somepony that's da bastion of harmony an' care?" snorted Applejack.

Scorch kept his cool. "Because there are points in any belief system that are flawed and like we said, kind acts don't always help out with the greater good. In fact a lot of the kind acts in a religious system are questionable."

"But aren't traditions and religion supposed to encourage acts of benevolence?" spoke up Twilight.

X-ray stared at the purple mare. He tried to conceal his Armenian accent. "They're supposed to. I mean, the first thing every religion tells you to do is not to kill. Jesus was probably the nicest human ever. Unfortunately, we humans can't handle religion properly, twist its words and instead used them as a scape goat for violence."

"But don't humans need something to believe in? Something to give them hope and motivation?" awed Pinkie Pie.

"Nope." answered Scarecrow. "For 500 years, we humans have been living a pretty secular life and we're at the peak of progress and discovery. Religion restrained us."

"By the way, is it true ponies are forbidden to read scrolls regarding the religion of the other species on Epona?" smiled X-ray.

"Yes. The law has been in place for thousands of years in order to help avoid any form of conflict based upon religion." informed Celestia.

"Do you want to why?" trivialized X-ray.

The ponies were hesitant to listen.

"Because you would all start debating the merits of each religion as well as which one is the truest. The beliefs of one race would contradict the other and since religion supposed to be some sort of divine truth, ponies would start questioning the validity of their deities and out grow silly superstitions."

"Well maybe one belief system out there really is the true one." defended Twilight. "I'm sure out of all the beliefs you humans had, one of them is bound to be correct. All you need is a little faith."

Scorch exhaled loudly. "Well, we had a little faith and that got us no where. All the beliefs we humans have had were just fabrications."

"But without any beliefs and traditions, how can you humans possible truly judge right from wrong?" beamed Rarity. "Without the alicorns, we ponies would be in a state of eternal disharmony."

X-ray rolled his eyes. "Well the main belief system practiced by humanity is secular humanism which states explicitly that we humans can be kind, honest, loyal and generous without a holy book bossing us around."

"And when we believed in our selves, rather than a divine figure, we took our race to whole new levels." added Scarecrow.

Cadance took a deep breath. "What about the sacred act of marriage? Don't human couples make a promise to a deity to love each other forever?"

"Marriage is a state function in the UTF. We make promises to the government rather than some non existent deity who probably wouldn't even care." laughed X-ray.

"So there's no wedding ceremony?" questioned Shining Armor. He remembered his rather exciting wedding clearly.

"Not really, most humans just get a contract signed." replied Scarecrow.

"That sounds unforgivingly dull. Rather than having a choir, cake and exchanging words of commitment, you just write on a piece of paper?" scowled Rarity.

"Oh please, according to the audio logs left by our ancestors before human unification, religious weddings were boring as shit and it was difficult for couples to get a divorce." laughed Scorch.

"Why ponies want to get a divorce if they made a promise to a divine leader?" piped up Fluttershy.

"Because there is no divine leader and it is possible to stop loving some one." said Scarecrow in a matter of fact voice.

"I just can't believe how ignorant you all are being right now!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie.

Scarecrow raised an eyebrow. "Oh, the ones who don't question a single act of a winged horse are the rational ones?"

"How could you honestly say that in a vast infinite universe that maybe there isn't one god out there? Not everything has to be completely factual!" defended the Pink mare.

"Actually it does." laughed Scorch. "Believing in a god actually takes away the wonder and excitement one can get from the universe."

"And we refuse to believe in any divine power. Why? Because they're made up." spat X-ray. "There is not Zeus, no Ares, no Ra, no Odin, no Lord and I don't give a shit what those cultists say, there is no God Emperor of Mankind!"

"I hate to smack reality into, but right now you're in the presence of alicorns that have physically led their subjects to a state of tranquility." brought up Twilight.

"To be a Goddess, one must be perfect." stated Scarecrow.

"Yeah, and nopony gets better than Celestia or Luna. Look at all the great things they've done. I know you were napping when we told you our life story, but come on, you still ought to admit their divinity." beamed Rainbow Dash.

"Perfection is impossible for it is a quantitative, not qualitative representation." muttered Overwatch.

"I don't follow." sneered Celestia.

"To be perfect, you would have to be able know everything that has and will exist." began Scorch.

"Well, since Celestia has been calling the shots throughout our lives even in situations she wasn't involved in, it's safe to say she her knowledge exceeds mortal limits." hissed Twilight.

X-ray gave a fake smile "Really? What's my name?"

Luna laughed. "X-ray. What kind of question is that?"

"That's my call sign. What is my real name? If you're a goddess, surely you'd know."

Luna's eyes shot open. She attempted to look into X-ray's memories only for him to draw his carbine at her.

"No looking into our memories."

"Are you threatening an alicorn?" burst Fluttershy.

"If the alicorns are so perfect, then why should they be afraid?" responded Scorch. "Now answer our question. What are our names?"

The 4 alicorns looked at each other anxiously.

"So much for an all knowing being." laughed Scarecrow. "I thought you ponies would've been smart enough to figure that out when Celestia couldn't notice Chrysalis disguising herself as Cadance."

"Ah wouldn' go insultin' the princesses if I were you. They'd put you right in your place." threatened Applejack.

"Then why are they afraid of us mere mortals? You're actually convinced the alicorns are infallible beings?" remarked Scarecrow.

"Well I haven't seen them mess up on anything before." shook Rainbow Dash. "Not to mention they're immortal."

"Bitch please. We humans discovered the secret to an infinite life a long time ago." chuckled Scorch. "Just because one can live forever, doesn't mean you can't be killed."

"And how are you going to figure that out?" questioned Luna.

"We don't need to. I already killed an alicorn." hissed X-ray.

The princesses dropped their mouths. The Mane 6 really hoped the subject wouldn't be brought up.

"How could have you possibly killed an alicorn? All 4 of us are standing." hissed Cadance. Shining Armor couldn't believe his wife was reduced to bitterness.

"When we were in Ponyville, a mare named Trixie attempted to assassinate us." remembered Scarecrow.

Luna knitted her eyebrows. "Trixie? You mean the magician?"

"I thought she reformed." pondered Celestia.

"Well she was convinced we were trying to overrun Ponyville or something." sighed Scarecrow. "She almost succeeded in killing Noteworthy."

"A pony would never kill!" screamed Celestia.

"It was an attack by religious motivation." explained Scorch. "We tried to reason with her, but she was so insistent on attacking us which goes to show you how retarded religion can make you."

"Trixie attempted to kill us with her magic, but she was too weak. As a result, she tapped into the power of the Alicorn Amulet." continued Scarecrow.

"The alicorn amulet?" gasped Cadance. "How could she get her hooves on it?"

"We don't know." replied Shadow's commander. "She drew far too much power from the artifact until she turned into an Alicorn."

Luna paled and Celestia looked whiter than normal.

"She couldn't have." shook Shining Armor.

"She did." gritted Overwatch. "And almost killed us."

X-ray hesitated to speak. "In order to protect my friends and prevent her from burning down Ponyville, I drew my weapon and because we were incapacitated to try out all other options, I shot her."

"I don't believe it." muttered Luna. "A pony turning into an goddess, only to be killed."

"If one of you can kill an Alicorn, in a wounded state." whimpered Celestia. She couldn't think of the horrors that awaited her.

"Why did you have to tell her that?" yelled Fluttershy.

"Sorry, but we humans get a little tense when we're encouraged to worship something." shook Scarecrow.

"Fine." hissed Luna. "If there are no true religions. Do you realize how many questions you have left open? For example, if there were no creators, how did we get here?"

"How do you believe your race was created?" challenged X-ray.

"The first Alicorn, queen Faust descended from the heavens and created the universe with her magic." told Twilight. "That is what we ponies believe."

"Are you sure about that?" responded Scarecrow.

"Yes! Why would Faust lie to us?" beamed Applejack.

"There are holes in your story. Namely, if Faust created an entire universe, why would she pay attention to just one race unless she wasn't playing favorites." said Scorch.

"Faust loved all her creations." defended Celestia. "She guided us with knowledge and morality."

"Really? Because you ponies seem to get a lot of scientific facts wrong and if Faust was really a loving Goddess, where was she when humans were worshipping rocks?" accused X-ray.

"Maybe human history s distorted. Our creator would never abandon a helpless race." responded Pinkie Pie.

"Distorting history? You're story assumes the world is a few thousand years old despite it proven to be billions." laughed Scarecrow. "I'm sure the Griffins and Zebras have a different origin story. Like we said, what makes your religion so special?"

"Then how do you humans think we got here if there was no creator?" pointed Twilight.

Scarecrow cleared his throat. "Allow us to explain in song."

The members of Shadow stood up in a dignified manner.

And the humans sat down. The ponies had to admit, Shadow sang well.

"Big Bang?" blurted Pinkie Pie.

"Exactly. Our universe was a single point that exploded and released all matter after getting denser and hotter." explained X-ray. "When the Earth was formed, tiny bacteria eventually adapted to the environment and after a gradual process that took hundreds of millions years, evolved into humans."

"And you're sure about that?" implied Twilight.

"Yes!" yelled the humans.

"How da y'all know your theory is true?" questioned Applejack.

Scorch crossed his arms "The big bang isn't a theory, it is a fact. If you look through a fucking machine that observes red and blue shifts, you'll notice that the galaxies are moving apart from each other. Logically, if they were moving apart, they would have to be in a single point in the past. Furthermore we actually found cosmological radiation from the big bang. As for evolution, we can prove it true considering that we humans resemble monkeys and share DNA with them the same way ponies share DNA with other Equines like donkeys and Zebras."

"Aw man, we're related to Donkey's." sighed Rainbow Dash.

"Racist bitch." said Overwatch quickly.

"But I am certain that your theory is flawed as well." pointed Celestia. "Like you said, nothing is perfect."

"That's true." nodded Scarecrow. "But unlike religion, science is dynamic and we change our views as time progresses. Scientists don't sit in place and just guess what happens. It's an adventure to find out the truth of the universe. I don't know what kind of anti intellectualism you ponies have created, but rationality isn't a negative trait."

"But what do gain from learning your the descendants from hairy apes?" questioned Cadance. "Our religion gives us hop and inspiration. You're constant questioning makes you cynical."

"If ignorance is bliss, then wipe that smile off my face." smirked Scorch.

"So you'd rather know everything and be depressed rather than knowing nothing and be happy?" glared Rarity.

"The truth can hurt, but you can use that knowledge to make you happy. Ignorance is the first sign of oppression." warned Scarecrow.

"And like we said a billion fucking times. Humans don't need religion to be kind and caring. Science gives us motivation and imagination to help solve the mysteries of the universe and create an amazing society." snorted X-ray.

"If science is so smart, where did the particle that became the universe come from?" challenged Shining Armor.

"We don't know, but it's a better explanation than saying some random horse came from no where and created a planet because she was high and decided to focus on one race and kept them ignorant to be happy." blasted Scorch.

"Where is Faust anyway?" challenged Scarecrow.

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Alicorns are immortal right?" checked X-ray.

"That is correct. Me and my sister have been alive for more than a thousand years. Still going." assured Luna.

"And have alicorns been murdered prior to Trixie's death?" added Scorch.

The ponies shook their heads no.

"So where are they? If they're immortal they should all be here." noted Scarecrow.

The Mane 6 could realize they haven't thought of that before.

Twilight remembered an important remark. "Didn't you say humans have the access to immortality?"

Scarecrow nodded. "In the 23rd century, Crynet, before they went rogue was researching into nano technology and its relation with biology. A by product of their research were ways to render people immortal."

Rarity placed a hoof on her chin. "Could you bee a dear and elaborate on 'way's?"

X-ray swallowed some eggs and spoke. "Some applicants of Crynet's immortality program had their aging genes altered to 'age lock' them. Others were given nanites that reinforced the bodies biological functions to make sure the organs wouldn't deteriorate. Some were turned into cyborgs while others received a treatment that reverted their cells to an adolescent stage indefinitely."

"How'd it turn out?" beamed Rainbow Dash.

"At first the 30 applicants were faring well." encouraged Scorch. "The Federation was making plans with Crynet to distribute the technology to the mass people so nobody would be left behind."

"I don't want to know where this is going." squealed Pinkie Pie.

Scarecrow took a sip of water. "Unfortunately the idea of immortality became too much for the applicants. When they were well past 100 years old. They started going insane. All their friends, all their family, just died and they couldn't rest. Eventually, all of them committed suicide one by one."

"I can't believe they'd do that." awed Fluttershy.

"Sometimes, mortality is a blessing. You can just let go, and rest." encouraged Scorch.

"How could y'all say that? Death's a horrible thing." cried Applejack.

"How could you know?" challenged Cadance. "All you've done is kill. You don't know what it feels like to be your millions of victims."

X-ray cursed in Armenian. "Actually, we do know what it feels like. We're not invulnerable."

"What are you implying?" asked Twilight.

"Each of us has died. At least 10 times." bluntly said Overwatch.

The Equestrians were at a loss of words.

"But you're right here!" pointed Pinkie Pie. "Are you ghosts? Because that would be really clever considering all 23rd squads are named after the undead which could also mean; no matter how many times they kill you, they just come back."

"We're not ghosts." assured Scarecrow. "Human medical technology is just way too advanced."

"My word. You humans aren't just beyond harmony, you're beyond death." awed Luna.

"There are exceptions. For example, anyone dead after 23 hours is gone forever or if your body is beyond repair. Most of our deaths were from chest shots." explained X-ray. "But one of the reasons wars can last so long in the modern day is because a small number of our victims come back for more."

"What is it like when you die?" whispered Fluttershy.

"At first, it feels scary and horrifying." said Scorch. "But then, something extraordinary happens we humans have yet to understand."

"An afterlife?" hoped Shining Armor.

"No. Just a dream scape you're in complete control over. Like an eternal lucid dream." muttered X-ray. "There's nothing divine about it though. No place for the sinners to burn and no angels."

"I don't believe it." denied Celestia. "What becomes the point of doing good if there is no reward or doing evil if there is no punishment."

"Well maybe, you ponies should start focusing on making your mortal lives good rather than hoping to find bliss in the afterlife." responded Scorch.

"Besides, it doesn't count if you do good deeds just because some god tells you too. Ponies have to be benevolent and hope to create a greater good because they care about their race and nothing more." added Scarecrow.

"That's what our religion tells us to do!" exploded Twilight. "Be good and care for others. What is bad about that?"

"Nothing. But if you take away religion, will ponies still have the urge to do good?" challenged X-ray.

"Of course not, mortals deep down are good, but if they don't have a god to show them the way, they're easily influenced by the forces of chaos and hatred." replied Rainbow Dash.

"That's not a very respectful statement." chuckled Scorch. "At least we humans can say that we work for the greater good because we're benevolent on the inside and not because some winged unicorn told us too."

"Now answer our question, where are the other alicorns? Our Federation demands an answer." ordered Scarecrow.

Celestia and Luna looked into each others eyes. Luna was the one to explain the story.

"I do not truly know if the other alicorns suffered the same fate, but when our mother and father aged well beyond past 200 years of age, they started loosing their minds."

The Mane 6 started receiving migraines.

"We were very young at the time and while we have forgotten most of our childhood, it was said our parents took their lives after seeing so many of their subjects pass away. It was devastating news for me and my sister, and Discord tried to use the news to his advantage to usurp the throne during his first attack."

"Why didn't you tell us this?" cried Rainbow Dash.

"Because we knew how much it would negatively affect you all. Sometimes it is best to say nothing." admitted Celestia.

"That is another problem with organized religion; you find one thing wrong with it and individuals loose faith. Citizens need to be convinced of their ability to do good by themselves." hissed Scarecrow.

X-ray had to say it some time. "Cadance, are you aware by any chance that you're going to outlive your husband by centuries? And Twilight, the same goes for you and your friends."

The purple and pink alicorns gazed into each others eyes with intense worry.

"I-I didn't really think of that until now." blurted Twilight. "I knew I would live for a long time, but it didn't really concern me until now. The fact that I can only die through murder makes it worse."

Cadance hugged her husband and a tear droplet formed in her eye.

The apathetic Scorch rolled his eyes. "You weren't thinking about the long term weren't you? This is why not even the most of twisted humans consider infinite lives. When I pass away, I'll be happy to let go of this life as a serial killer."

"But what about the greater good? True, we'll miss everypony, but we'll still be around to help our citizens right?" hoped Twilight.

"Because ponies totally need depressed false gods guiding them around with regressive policies." sarcastically remarked X-ray.

"Have you two ever contemplated suicide?" inquired Scarecrow.

".............sometimes I wish I could just let go and rest." hinted Celestia.

Rarity fainted.

"Fine we give in." hissed Luna. "I hope you're happy."

"Do not believe for a moment this is an act of hostility." shook Scarecrow as he finally dug into his food. "But in an egalitarian society, we humans find it rather rude when we're told to worship something."

"But I will admit this." spoke up X-ray. The Equestrians shifted focus on the Equines.

"Humans for a long time Alicorns, Unicorns, animated worlds and dragons were myths too. Now look where we are."

"So you're saying there's still a chance for supreme beings to exist?" brightened up Pinkie Pie.

"No. I'm just saying your planet is not a natural occurrence."

"That's maybe because not everything has to follow science." pleaded Fluttershy. "Sometimes, you just have to accept divine intervention. If that's okay with you."

Scorch face palmed with his gloved hands. "For fucks sake, just because a planet seems to be an unnatural occurrence, doesn't mean we have to blame it on a God. There has to be a logical explanation even if doesn't make sense."

"Tell me, what happens when you find out this planet was indeed created by an alicorn?" trivialized Rarity.

"I would still refuse to worship your precious Faust." shook Scarecrow. "Perfection is a quantity. Like how the numbers are infinite, Faust's power would be dwarfed by another, and his power would also seem irrelevant to another."

"So how da ya think dis planet was formed mister enlightenment?" glared Applejack.

"We don't know." admitted Overwatch. "But we're not going to resort to saying god did it."

"But if we truly have no religion, how can ponies be motivated to commit acts of benevolence? Or enjoy the wonders of the world?" questioned Luna.

"Can't you enjoy a garden without wondering if there are fairies in it?" trivialized Scorch. "And don't you have any faith in your ponies to do good without a holy scripture?"

"Not to mention, our Federation is built upon the foundations of skepticism and enlightenment." shrugged X-ray. "Unless you ponies embrace an attitude like that, you're going to lag behind the human race."

The Equestrians were lost in thought. Should they relinquish their beliefs? Shadow already debunked magic. Could they debunk gods? And how could a race with no divine help achieve so much?

Deep down the 4 alicorns guiltily felt that denouncing their divinity would give them a chance at normal life. The thought of being allowed to commit mistakes felt like a paradise.

The Federation messaged Shadow. The 4 humans looked upon the text displayed on their wrist computers.

Good job Shadow. Once they give up their damn fairy tales, they can finally abandon their forever Dark Ages.

"Is something going on?" noticed Rainbow Dash.

"We just got a message from the Federation. It's classified information." muttered Scarecrow.

"Although the influence of the Federation seems, astronomical." laughed Celestia. "Since you humans clearly have no divine leaders, how does your government work?"

"Do we really have to talk about politics?" groaned Pinkie Pie.

"Brighten up, Pinkie. It might actually be interesting for once." encouraged Fluttershy.

"I see none of you enjoy speaking about government affairs." realized Scarecrow.

"The princesses make all the decisions. Why should we think about politics?" flexed Applejack.

"Because politics thinks about you." Perked up X-ray. Politics were his favorite subject. Scorch stole his thunder however.

"Well, we're called the United Terran Federation. United obviously stands for the unity of the human race. Terran represents the fact that we originate from Earth and a Federation represents a system of minor government bodies that respond to one higher power."

"Is Equestria a Federation?" asked Twilight. "All the towns act on the edicts of the princesses."

"Equestria is a nation compromised of cities. It would be a Federal Monarchy if it was made of up of regions with local governments." explained Scorch. "Although the UTF has very little emphasis on the word Federation."

"Care to explain?" inquired Luna.

"Each colony technically has its own local government, but each planet's laws are a solid copy of each other. Whatever the central state dictates, each planet forcibly complies." explained X-ray.

"But doesn't every planet have its own set of needs?" countered Twilight. "Shouldn't laws be made according to the people of each colony?"

"Such a statement should be true, but doesn't work out in the long run and hampers the greater good." shook Scorch.

"Humans are spread across light years of space! Wouldn't it be better for each planet to take care of itself?" piped up Pinkie Pie.

"With the technology we humans have developed, near instant communication is as natural as breathing." trivialized X-ray. "It's extremely easy for the executives of Earth to transmit orders and law enforcement throughout the galaxy. We don't need local powers."

"Furthermore, it would divide humanity further. As if we need our progressive laws to be distributed at random." spat Scorch. "Plus, in any Federation, the regions have the right to secede and if we legalized such a proclamation, we wouldn't be united anymore."

"At least we can agree on that." nodded Celestia. "Unity is fundamental to the premise of achieving order and harmony. Throughout my 1000 years as ruler of Equestria, I've tried to avoid anything that splits my subjects apart."

Shadow looked at each other silently, took a sip of animated water, turned around and spat.

"Who rules a nation for 1000 years other than fucking tyrants?" insulted Scarecrow.

Now Fluttershy fainted.

"How dare ya call Celestia a tyrant!" hissed Applejack.

"I'm sorry, but the fact that somepony has been in power for a thousand years seems rather messed up to me." gritted X-ray.

"Celestia isn't a tyrant! Ponies have been extremely happy under her rule." accused Twilight.

"While it's important for a nation to keep it citizens happy, they still need to be able to achieve the greater good." reminded Scorch. "Monarchies prevent that."

"How do you know? Humans don't have kings and queens." pointed Pinkie Pie.

"We used to." corrected Scarecrow. "A long time ago, the only form of government that was considered stable were monarchies with kings and queens. Unfortunately, they were often autocratic and were very slow to embrace new ideas."

"Maybe that's because the status quo is supposed to help preserve harmony. Violating it would lead to misery." chanted Rainbow Dash.

"If you believe in such a statement, you ponies are going to be stuck in this period of eternal renaissance forever." warned Overwatch.

"What's the renaissance?" asked Applejack.

"It's a time period that predated the Enlightenment and a period you are trapped in." explained X-ray. "If ponies had some sense of progression, they would have an enlightenment and realize that kings and queens don't cut it."

"So what happened when the humans decided to give up on royalty?" beamed Cadance.

"A lot of them were overthrown in revolutions." answered Scorch.

The pink alicorn's eyes shot open.

"So without kings and queens making dire decisions, how do humans govern themselves?" asked Rarity.

"Before unification, each human nation had its distinct style of governing." began Scarecrow.

"We humans are what you call a social technocracy." continued X-ray. "A social technocracy is a form of government that emphasizes a representative technocracy under a rule of law with a mixed economy."

"I did not get one bit of that." smiled Pinkie Pie.

"What's a technocracy? Rule by machines?" pondered Twilight.

"A technocracy is a form of government in which power is invested onto the hands with the highest intelligence or qualification for office." explained Scorch.

"So humans award power on intelligence?" checked Fluttershy.

"Exactly, we don't want retards making important decisions do we?" laughed Scarecrow. "Although by intelligence, we mean how qualified you are for a certain position. To work in politics, you need to be an intellectual in law, relations and political science. To be a botanist, you need to have a perfect understanding in plant life. Do you follow?"

"Dat seems like a shallow way to put humans in power." shook Applejack.

"Well it's a better method then handing power to an offspring who could be completely unqualified nor have the desire to command a nation." snorted X-ray. "The main reason why humans did away kingdoms is because the common people would have no influence or chance to have a say in how their lives should be governed."

"I agree." nodded Celestia.

Scarecrow pointed a finger. "Now listen bitc-. Wait what?"

"I agree." repeated Celestia. "Those who become princesses or prince need to earn their position. There is a royal who has refused to dine with us named Blueblood who is a relative of mine. Even though he was born with noble blood, he has no position due to his arrogance."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "And don't you remember? I wasn't born into nobility. My parents were common ponies. I earned my position after I displayed my desire to help others."

"I'm not even Celestia's niece. I rose to alicorn hood after I used the element of magic to save a village." remarked Cadance.

Shadow was dumb struck.

"Well this changes everything." voiced Overwatch.

"But doesn't that make you a meritocracy rather than a theocracy?" pointed X-ray.

"We're a combination of both, although seeing as how you've rudely shattered our religious views, I don't think theocracy is a proper term now." sighed Luna.

Rarity fixed her dress as she spoke. "Aren't humans a meritocracy too? Seeing as how you have to earn your position."

"A meritocracy is based on achievement and it's a very loose term. What defines merit is ambiguous. If we followed the classical representation of the word however, it would be based on wealth and accomplishments." shook X-ray.

"A technocracy is blind to all but intellectual credibility." boasted Scorch.

"But choosing rulers on fancy mathematics and sciences is kinda shallow." countered Applejack.

"And that is why you'd be in the bottom of human society. Technocracies don't tolerate ignorance." warned Scarecrow.

"Applejack has a point." stammered Fluttershy. "Leaders should be kind and caring."

"Leaders should be able to get the job done. Just because someone is nice and cares, doesn't mean they should be allowed to decide for the nation if they don't know shit about politics." defended Scorch.

"If humans look on intelligence alone, you do realize that your leader may not have any interest in serving the people." mentioned Twilight.

Shadow squad laughed hard, so did Overwatch.

"There are so many fail safes in human government that tyranny is impossible." laughed Scarecrow.

"We're not talking about tyranny, we're talking about rulers who care about the people." sighed Rainbow Dash.

"I don't think it would be accurate for our politicians to be called rulers." shook X-ray. "Besides, it's a representative technocracy. The government officials need to have the interests of the people in mind and we humans believe that true intellectuals choose situations that have the most favorable outcome for the most number of people."

"I could have sworn you humans would have been a representative democracy." admitted Celestia.

The mouths of the humans dropped. "You know what a democracy is?" gulped Scarecrow.

"We have mayors for each city. Duh." reminded Applejack.

The humans were thinking the same thing.

"Do any of the mayors have any power to instill laws and proclamations?" questioned Scorch.

"I'm afraid not. The only thing power they have is just to enforce the will of the monarchy." corrected Luna.

"Oh. Not too different from pre enlightenment towns then." realized Scarecrow.

"As for a democracy. We humans have realized that it's not such a great system considering all of them commit suicide at the end of the day." snorted X-ray.

"How can a democracy commit suicide?" began Pinkie. Right before she could rant-

"The problem with a democracy is that it is rule of the majority and the will of the majority will overwhelm the minority." explained Scorch.

"In a representative democracy, people have to elect officials. And voters are stupid." laughed Scarecrow.

"But what about having faith in people?" whispered Fluttershy.

"The problem with a representative democracy is that voters can easily be influenced and often don't vote based on the general skill of the candidate." informed X-ray. "A lot of times, the ones who are truly good are ignored and we won't know if a politician is truly skilled to handle the government until it is too late."

"I guess that makes sense." agreed Twilight.

"The UTF decides its leaders by going over the knowledge base of applicants for office and deciding whether or not they're fit to handle their position regardless of wealth, gender, race, or popularity. All they need to do is get the job done for the greater good." explained Scorch.

"And what if they're poor rulers?" challenged Cadance.

"They they are to be evicted from office immediately. Eviction usually occurs if the politician fails to comply to the constitution of the Federation." replied Scarecrow.

"What's a constitution?" asked Shining Armor

"A constitution is a document that expresses the fundamental rights of people and government. Basically what we can and can not do. It is the ultimate tool to limit government and guarantee people their rights." responded X-ray.

"Why would humans listen to a piece of paper rather than a ruler?" asked Rarity.

"Because power can corrupt a human. You can't just give someone the ability to dictate a country without any restraint." answered Scorch.

"Why? Celestia ruled for one thousand years and we're all happy." added Pinkie Pie.

"Just because you're happy doesn't mean any progress has been made." piped up Overwatch. "Does anypony even realize how fragile the Equestrian government system is?"

"Overwatch knows what he's talking about." contemplated Scarecrow. "If ponies have no say in the Equestrian government, then what is going to stop the of you from passing laws that would shatter the nation?"

Celestia rolled her eyes. "We told you before, rulers in Equestria are selected by benevolence and with the 4 of us in power, the chances of passing a heinous law are negligible."

"Power should be divided as far as possible. If all 4 of your alicorns turn malevolent, they'll be no possible way for Equestrians to challenge you." warned Scorch.

Luna raised an eyebrow. "So how do you humans organize power?"

"There are 3 main branches in human government. The executive, legislative and judicial branch." started X-ray. "The executive branch is compromised of the president who acts as the representative of humanity and commander of the armed forces. The legislative branch is the law making group of the humanity that is compromised up various commissions such as defense, civil rights, economy and agriculture. Each commission can have up to 50 to 100 technocratically appointed members. The judicial branch handles all the crime and punishment."

Scarecrow crossed his arms. "And since politicians can only hold power for 10 years maximum one person rising to power as a dictator is completely futile."

"Wait, humans are limited in how long they can serve office?" asked Celestia. "What about officials that are popular?"

"We're not a democracy and new ideas are necessary to ensure the greater good. Having the same ruler for a surplus amount of time creates stagnation as demonstrated by Equestria." smirked X-ray.

"Wouldn't it just be easier to have a select few making all the decisions?" yawned Rainbow Dash.

"That would be a train ticket to tyranny. Power corrupts humans." exhaled Scorch.

"Besides, rather than having 4 ponies make decisions on every single political aspect of a nation, wouldn't it be easier to leave it to a group who are professionals about a certain topic? You'd get much more done and make sure only the best laws are put into position." added Scarecrow.

"And it's safer to assume that 4 ponies are likely to be incompetent leaders rather than the thousands of politicians we utilize at once." laughed X-ray.

"Another aspect of human politics are the political parties." added Scorch.

"Party!" cheered Pinkie Pie.

"It's not what you think." calmed the demo man. "By party, we mean a political group that shares an ideology and agenda. Those applying for a career in politics such as myself need to either be independent or part of the following groups. There is the Labour party, the Liberal Socialists which I hope to join, Statism Individualists which our current president is affiliated with and the Technocentrists."

"Those sound like the same thing." noted Celestia.

"Yeah, they're all center left political ideologies. There's really no division." shrugged X-ray. "When the UTF constitution was created, it was made by officials who were from labour parties so there are no ways for conservatives or libertarians to pass laws without being rendered unconstitutional. It's not fair, but that's what happens. Barely any human supports centrist or right leaning ideologies."

"But aren't humans following the same ideology over and over again? What about stagnation?" reminded Rarity.

"The left leaning politics generally encourage social change. When something relating to progressive reform comes up, it's usually passed." assured Scarecrow.

Twilight straightened her dress. "Hold on if the president who's like your ruler can't make any laws, then what does he or she do?"

"Our current president is named Michael Thabo and he's not a ruler." moaned Scorch. "Humanity's politicians are bound to the same constitution and laws they create. They break the law or pass inhumane laws, they're out and their unconstitutional edicts are repealed."

"Another reason the 23rd was created was to act as a failsafe in the impossible event of a dictatorship was installed. We'd take out its leaders and make sure a government based on constitutional rights would be placed." brought up X-ray.

"But shouldn't soldiers be loyal to their rulers?" accused Shining Armor.

"Soldiers should be loyal to the law and the people." corrected Scarecrow. "Nobody and nopony should be above another. I get the feeling your guards refuse to question the alicorns."

"Of course! We swore loyalty to them." defended the white stallion.

"Well what if they told you to jump off a cliff or arrest somepony without due warrant?" interrogated X-ray.

"Why would I order that?" beamed Cadance.

"It's the universe damn principle." said Scorch. "By the way, why are all the guards one color and bigger than the other stallions like Davenport and Noteworthy?"

"Oh. Some stallions have the chance into growing to a more stockier build. We're called big brother stallions."

"On the other hoof, some mares like me and Fleur grow more slender builds. We're called big sister mares." added Cadance.

"Charming." muttered Overwatch.

"But what about my question? What are the duties of the president?" yelled Twilight.

"The job of the president is to enforce laws and represent the Federation to our enemies." stated Scarecrow.

"Enemies?" gapsed Fluttershy.

Scorch rolled his eyes. "Well duh. You think the Federation doesn't have any enemies?"

"Why would a single government have enemies." asked Applejack.

"There will always be dissidents." implied Overwatch.

"Anyway, you should probably know about the UTF's social and economic views." implied Scarecrow. "The UTF has a very hands off stance when it comes to social issues and is mostly focused on human rights. You know, the right not to be tortured, the right to freedom of speech, the right to private and personal property, the right not to be discriminated based race, gender and sexual preference, the right for a women to get an abortion-"

"You allow women to get abortions?" squealed Rarity.

Scorch knitted his eyebrows "Yeah. Why?"

"How could ya legalize somethin' lak dat?" scolded Applejack.

"Because sometimes women get pregnant accidentally." said X-ray in a laughing voice.

"So you'd kill a defenseless fetus?" gasped Fluttershy.

X-ray swore in Armenian. "Oh universe. Not this fucking argument."

"Look a fetus isn't scientifically a person until it is born." explained Scarecrow calmly.

Celestia scowled. "But aren't you denying a human the right to be born?"

"Some fetuses maybe shouldn't be born." implied Scorch.

"Why not? Every person has the right to live." gasped Pinkie Pie.

Overwatch stood from his seat. "What about cases of rape, incest or high infant morality? Is it not wrong to prevent an unwanted child to be born in the long run? For the sake of the greater good and to avoid any unnecessary complication, I'd go with the latter."

The ponies were at a silence.

"Look we know it's a senesitve subject and every side has its points, but we're males and we don't know shit about women's reproduction, so we're not technocratically entitled to change the UTF's stance." assured Scarecrow.

"Next you'll be telling me that you humans legalize drugs." grinned Luna.

"Actually we legalized marijuana at the cost of banning tobacco. We also legalized premarital sex because some humans like fucking for pleasure." smiled Scorch.

"Do humans have the right to own weapons to defend themselves?" asked Shining Armor.

"Of course not, how are we supposed to inflict police brutality if they can shoot us back?" laughed Scorch.

"Speaking of brutality, the Federation has also banned the death penalty." remembered X-ray.

"I thought a race like humanity would have hard on crime." revealed Luna.

Scarecrow crossed his arms. "Oh just because the UTF likes enlisting aggressive serial killers into the military? I'll have you know, we're pretty progressive in the court. Every human has the right to a trial and jury and you'll not believe how well our prisoners are treated."

"But they're dirty criminals." spat Applejack.

"The goal of the judicial branch is to avenge crimes, not punish others." defended X-ray.

Scarecrow took a bite out of his pasta. "As for the UTF's economic views, we're more or less a mixed economy of socialism and capitalism."

"What's capitalism?" asked Applejack. "Heard you 4 throw the word around a lot."

"Capitalism is an economic system where the means of production are controlled by individuals." explained Scorch.

"So it's like the system in Equestria." pointed Celestia.

"Exactly. Socialism is an economic system developed by Karl Marx in which the means of production were owned by the government. The term also relates to the idea of welfare to the common people." added X-ray.

"That isn't fair! Ponies are perfectly capable of making money government intervention!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

"Such a statement is true, but capitalism comes with serious draw backs if left unregulated." sighed Scarecrow.

"How so?" asked Pinkie Pie.

"Because capitalism is the magical belief that if left alone, people will magically want to do good. Money is one of the main factors that corrupt individuals." warned X-ray.

"How so? We all have our own businesses and we've turned out fine." pointed Rarity. "Government never had to intervene in my business."

"The main problem with free enterprise is that it's all about profits." pointed Scorch.

"Yeah, what's the problem with making money?" smiled Pinkie Pie.

"Individuals can resort to questionable methods to make money." expressed X-ray. "For example, the Apple family controls the entire monopoly of Apple productions. It also seems every time a new business opens up in Ponyville that challenges the existing establishment, it's always run down the next day."

"Dat's because we can' risk loosing our businesses. Better 'em then us." defended Applejack.

"A main economic issue we humans had during the 2020's was corporations and businesses growing too much in power." told Scarecrow. "Because they had bought out every business that opposed them, there was no way for individuals to support themselves unless they worked in the mega conglomerates."

"What's so negative about that? At least they're being provided work." said Twilight.

"Not really. CEOs would often ship their production facilities to countries where they could exploit the lack of labour laws to minimize costs for labour and maximize their profits." countered Scorch.

"That's called playing smart." defended Rainbow Dash.

"That's called being a greedy prick!" yelled Scarecrow. "The rich grew richer and the poor grew poorer."

"Well that is the reward for hard work and the cost of laziness!" remarked Rarity.

X-ray almost spat. "What hard work? The CEOs of a company merely stood behind their fancy desks an exploited a system that relied on others doing the heavy lifting."

"Ma family does all the heavy liftin' in our business!" pointed Applejack.

"Doesn't matter. You're still depriving other farmers the chance to start their own business." shook Scorch. "And given the lack of your family's educational skills, you're conglomerate is bound to implode and take the farming community with it, The main problem with capitalism is when government has to rely on private corporations to secure a nation's economy. One influential enterprise fails, the system goes down."

"Couldn't a government just bail out the enterprise? We've had to do so many times." spoke up Luna.

"Why should a government waste money on a rich guy's incompetence when they could be helping the mass people?" replied Scarecrow. "All it would do is ensure a wide gap between rich and poor."

"You're being absurd." insulted Rarity.

"Absurd?" repeated X-ray. "Look out the fucking window! The high and mighty Canterlot nobles basically own every enterprise in Equestria and spit on the lower classes who work their flanks off for them."

"So how do you humans handle the economy? Make everyone earn the same amount of money and let the government just handle everything?" insulted Twilight.

"We're not communists dumbass." gritted Scarecrow. "The way the government avoids major economic downfalls is by controlling the means of production that are absolutely necessary for human survival like power, food and water production. Since corporations do not have an influence on those vital fields, humanity won't have to suffer in the event of a single individual's incompetence. Further more, it's not focused on profits so we can make sure costs are reasonable."

"What if the government fails?" challenged Rainbow Dash.

The members of Shadow turned red. Scorch raised his voice.

"The production the government controls is headed by technocratic experts. Not money seeking CEOs. The chances of failure are abysmal. Besides, we're spread across hundreds of planets, as if we're going to run out of resources."

"What about other industries like fashion and technology?" questioned Rarity.

X-ray flexed his gloved hands. "Those are handled by not so private enterprises. The government frequently regulates conglomerates to make sure they pay they their taxes, adhere to labour rights and often stimulate their growth. That way, corporations won't have any noticeable influence on the government and the Federation won't have to bail them out."

"And where does the government spend it's money?" asked Celestia.

Scarecrow looked at his wrist computer to gain access to the spending rates of the Federation. "Since we're a technocracy, we mostly spend money on education to a point where there's a lack of private schools. There's also free healthcare and welfare for the needy. There's also a strong on colonial efforts like space ships and terraformers."

"What about the military? You humans sure have pretty unique ways of killing." noted Cadance.

"The military receives 10% of government aid. When you focus on education, you create geniuses who know how to make Weapons of Mass Destruction for cheap." muttered Overwatch.

"Nice to know." shook Shining Armor.

"And why mostly focus on education?" beamed Luna.

"Because a productive public is an intelligent public. Focusing on education allows every human the chance to a respectable career. Hell, all the lower end jobs like janitor, taxi driver, barber, and waiter are just part time careers or college students looking to make an extra buck." laughed Scarecrow.

"But why would the government hand out free healthcare?" beamed Applejack.

"Because access to medicine is a basic human right and like hell is the private sector going to focus on actually curing people rather than making money." informed Scorch.

"But what about welfare, isn't that bailing people out?" accused Rainbow Dash.

"Not really, it's meant to help those who can't work. The government keeps a strong track of who welfare goes too. We don't tolerate free loaders." assured X-ray.

"And how does the government fund all these programs?" inquired Celestia.

Scarecrow looked at Celestia as if she asked a stupid question.

"Taxes of course. Doesn't Equestria have a tax system?"

"We do not wish to burden our civilians with such a grievance." shook Luna. "Since the government lacks any programs and just leaves it to the private sector, we do not need much funding."

"Well it's the opposite for us humans. We have a progressive income tax to help fund our economic safety net. The proletariat pays little in taxes while the rich tend to pay massive amounts. That way, we can make sure that there's a low amount of economic inequality and no tension between the classes." explained X-ray.

"But why work had if you're going to be taxed more? You wouldn't be making any more money." sated Pinkie Pie.

Scorch gave a slight yawn. "The Federation isn't retarded. While the rich are still taxed at high rates, their profits are so large that taxes only take away a pebble of their wealth."

"What about those who refuse to pay taxes?" asked Rarity. "I know the Canterlot nobles have a philosophy of keeping your own money."

"You have to pay taxes it's the law." shrugged Overwatch.

"But what if you don't?" repeated Fluttershy.

"You get jailed until you comply." stated Scarecrow.

"You look people up in horrible prisons just because they don't won't to give their money over? That's selfish and cruel." scolded Twilight.

"For starters, we use the Nordic system of jailing so in no way are our prisons anything like your inhumane dungeons. And second, isn't it greedy to not want to give up a small portion of your money to make sure that society is safe and secure for the greater good?" challenged Scorch.

"Ah still don't agree with da idea that the government forces ya ta pay for other people's well being. If people can't take care of themselves, so be it. They otta work hard and not bother you. If ah couldn't take care of ma self, I wouldn' bother others askin' ta help me." snorted Applejack.

"You'd make a shitty element of generosity." mocked X-ray. "If it were up to you, we'd all be on our own with the rich strangling the poor."

"Although I will admit that our government can go crazy with regulation." acknowledged Scarecrow.

"Sometimes the UTF will get so nervous about a corporation that has no interest in replacing them and just buy out the enterprise from the CEOs and make it's employees work for them. So many famous corporations seized to exist because of this practice."

"And what did that change for the businesses?" questioned Rainbow Dash.

"Absolutely nothing except satisfy the UTF's overinflated paranoia." laughed Scorch.

"Although, it does give our government a way of making money without taxation and keep prices for products under control." reminded X-ray.

"If the government controls everything, wouldn't there be no desire to innovate and make better products for profit?" inquired Luna.

Scarecrow thought about it for a moment. "That would be true under a normal socialistic government, but since we're a technocracy, businesses become about innovation than profit."

"So all of humanity is cool with these economic and political practices?" checked Cadance.

Shadow burst into laughter.

"Of course not. Otherwise we wouldn't have insurrectionists running about." chuckled X-ray.

"Who are the terrorists you face anyway?" asked Twilight.

Scarecrow cleared his throat. "Right now, there are three major threats to the Federation. Mega Corp, the Planet's Rights Movement and Neo Fascists. "

"The Planet's Rights Movement is a separatist group that seeks for their respective colony to secede from the Federation." started X-ray.

"What's so bad about wanting independence if the people want it?" accused Pinkie Pie.

"For staters the PRM might be loud, but they're minor. There aren't enough supporters on each planet for it to be considered a democratic secession. And remember, we're not democratic. It would also have an extreme negative effect on the greater good. The UTF doesn't deal kindly with treason and we would abandon a planet if it abandoned us. As a result, the planet would collapse due to the fact that all colonies rely on each other. And like we said, it would only divide humanity further, so like we need planets engaging in interstellar war with each other." explained the rifleman.

"But why would you have to kill them if all they ask for is independence?" beamed Celestia.

"How are we supposed to ignore those who bomb government buildings and commit civilian massacres to threaten the government to allow them to secede?" gritted Overwatch.

"They would do that?" whispered Fluttershy.

"They make Sombra sound like a playground bully." said Cadance.

"Oh please. The Fascists are worse!" yelled Scorch. "They're filled with racist, sexist, homophobes who in the extermination as to what they see as the inferior races. Fascists torture and lock up minorities in death camps where the worst things you could ever imagine happen."

"What! How could humans think killing and torturing based on race is right?" teared Rainbow Dash.

"Some people are just messed up like that. What's scary is that nobody becomes a Fascist. You join them willingly." exhaled the demo man. "At least they're number is negligible and lack access to technology on par with the UTF."

"Finally, we have Mega Corp. They're our most prominent enemy." introduced Scarecrow. "They're basically a mercenary group that uses terror to loosen the grip the UTF has on the economy and make laws allowing for corporate voice."

"Well maybe if you just loosened yer lasso on the economy, ya wouldn't have ta face 'em." suggested Applejack.

"Not really, Mega Corp was in fact created easily due to a lack of government supervision at the time." responded X-ray.

"But fighting to loosen the grip on the economy is a noble statement." remarked Rarity. "People should be allowed to do business without the constant fear of surveillance."

Scarecrow snickered. "Oh please if Mega Corp had they're way, we'd be living in the Industrial Revolution where we'd be ruled by greedy business men like the Canterlot nobles who'd force the proletariat to work for them in horrible conditions just so they can make money. Economic inequality would be through the roof, labour rights would be gone, and so would civil rights and the environment in the name of profit."

"Bedsides, if they want to prove the private sector is innocent, then maybe they should refrain from using obsessive violence. If anything, we need to regulate business more if we're going to stop terrorists from forming." added Scorch.

"Who funds them anyway?" asked Twilight.

"Anonymous corporations and people." revealed X-ray. "The UTF has arrested a lot of people with suspected ties to MC, but due to our progressive judicial system, it's not that bad. On the other hand, the Federation has looked into various conglomerates to make sure they aren't funding MC and while they've been successful in some cases, they don't want to risk upsetting enterprises into incidentally funding MC further."

"That makes sense, if you don't want a dog to harm you, why anger it?" nodded Luna.

"Because said dog will rip you to shreds if it doesn't know its place." growled Overwatch.

The conversation ended at that statement. The Equestrians were beginning to realize that meeting with humanity could result in the disappearance of their traditional values.

The Federation observing the event however, had no tolerance for theocracies that ignored the greater good for the sake of happiness.

Fluttershy broke the silence. "Can we please talk about something else where we won't be arguing. If that's okay with you?"

"Actually Fluttershy, I think we're in a fun night for debate." smiled Scarecrow.

-----------------

(UTF propaganda)

(No I am not convincing you to join them)

Author's Notes:

On one hand my readers wants to see ponies go down, on the other they want Shadow to be nice. Choose one.