Chapter 9: A Report to Celestia

April 29, 1946

Celestia’s Throne Room, Canterlot, Equestria

“You have exceeded by expectations Starlight Glimmer,” said Celestia as she looking glowingly upon the light purple unicorn.

“Thank you,” replied Starlight. She was proud that Celestia had enjoyed reading her report on the Soviet Union.

“Your report was very extensive about the your findings in the Soviet Union,” said the alicorn Princess. “However, you say that your ‘ability to gather objective information about the human rights situation in the Soviet Union was limited by your guides.’ What did you mean by that?”

“Well,” said Starlight, “when I tried to move go off the pre-approved tour routes and attempt to talk to the commoners, by guide halted me. On one occasion, my armed escort forcibly beat some individuals who rushed up to meet me. I recognized what they were trying to do. They were trying to keep me from potentially discovering from the locales the reality of the human rights situation. I utilized those same tactics whenever a visitor came to the village that I used to run.”

“You’re right, this is suspicious. In Twilight’s visit to Britain and Luna’s visit to America, they were able to freely travel around the country. Indeed, in Luna’s report on America, she lists her favorite moment as ‘when I got to meet American elementary students.’ According to her notes, this was actually done at her behest. In other words, the Americans didn’t pre-plan the meeting.”

“Also,” started Starlight, “while in the Soviet Union, I saw something that I’ll never forget.”

“What would that be?”

“While we were driving around Leningrad, I saw a woman and her child get dragged out of her home by a group of uniformed men from the NKVD. My guide claimed that she was ‘undoubtedly a member of a foreign spy ring.’ For some reason, I didn’t believe him. The terror and fear on her and her daughter's face was heartbreaking. Besides, if she was guilty, why would they arrest her daughter to?”

“I’m sorry you had to see that-” began Celestia.

“It’s okay,” replied Starlight. “I wanted to know if what I had read about Stalin’s brutality was true. Unfortunately, it turns out to have been entirely true.”

“I’m sure it must have been difficult Starlight,” said Celestia, trying to comfort Starlight. “You did our nation a great service going there and reporting back on what you were able to observe. The information, you and countless other ponies have provided me over the past couple weeks about the world around us has been instrumental in providing me with a clearer understanding of the human world.”

“I’m glad I could be of help for you,” replied Starlight.

“And I’m glad to have someone as dutiful as you working for me. Your talents and your personality are amazing. I’m certain that they will be of use in the near future for Equestria.”

“You really think so?” asked Starlight, both enthused and nervous at the prospect of increased responsibility.

“I know so, Starlight. However, our discussions about your future await another time. I believe that you have several amazing friends waiting for you back in Ponyville and a whole lot of catching up to do.”

“Until we meet again, farewell, your Majesty.”

“Farewell Ms. Glimmer.”