Sins of Harmony
Volume 3: Crisis to Ashes
Chapter 28: Anti-Aeternism, Stress and Relief
February 18th, 1008 ANM
Equestria
Manehatten times, February 18th 1008 ANM
Aeternism profiled: Gang, Cult, or Militia?
The notorious gang, known as the Reborn, have over the past month, come to definitely align completely with the internationally recognised threat, the Energy being faction, led by the self proclaimed Aeternum.
Spanning across the globe, though few in number, the Reborn have come to be a part of a rumoured, growing influence of Aeternum's, for reasons unknown in their exact end purpose, if any.
The Reborn first prominently broke out of their gang status to full fledged enemies of the world by assisting in the kidnapping of Princess Twilight Sparkle, during the notable incident over a month ago in Singapaw, in which dozens were killed, and more injured in both their gang, and the response groups pursuing them.
But now, as rumours have spread via the Internet social network sites around the world, along with other communication means, the Reborn have become merely one of the more sheltered arms of a larger group, labelled as Aeternism by the media. The adoption of this title by incidents around the world have used this label in their acts.
Despite numerous attacks by radical violence, protests, or even full fledged criminal activities for organised criminal gangs, many of these attacks seem to simply use this label to throw off the true identities.
The true Aeternists seem to lay low, spreading word and rumour much more subtly. As for the Reborn, most of the known gang members are thought to be on the Maldives island, however the energy beings would allow them to survive there, given Princess Twilight's confirmed live imprisonment there.
But any acts by confirmed Aeternism members are only ever committed once, regardless of success or failure. After the act, provided it didn't involve suicide, the members disappear off the grid, rumoured to be picked up by Aeternum's 'drone' forces.
With the only major, group assault so far being the Singapaw incident, the only evidence for capabilities by 'Aeternism' group members is in isolated incidents. But level of organisation in disappearing so smoothly after these attacks suggests a capability beyond a mere gang, and more covert operations than a fanatical cult.
World religious leaders globally have spoken out against this cult, saying that they are not religious in following a physical deity, or being extremely outspoken about their message. However, the capabilities of Aeternum, their 'leader', would suggest a godlike status among the members.
This uncertainty has not helped settle the unrest across the world, particularly in nations nearby tsunami prone coastlines around the Hundian Ocean. The globally recognised threat is thankfully, not completely global. And joint fleets monitoring any activity from the island in the Maldives has promised to ensure this continues.
As for Equestria, public opinion of the Oceanic Alliance saw a further increase, despite the traitor Varkan's close ties to it in the past. The royal council, parliament, and the Princesses have sworn to use any resources to safely return Princess Twilight, bring Varkan to justice, and deal with the Aeternum situation.
In the meanwhile however, patience has been urged, with military councils from other nations agreeing that this is a new type of enemy, unlike any seen before. With recent disastrous wars in the recent past with radical Mooslim groups across the Middle East, combating one new form of warfare, caution is welcomed in wake of yet another new type of enemy.
But like any enemy, it has followers that must be watched out for, and the Aeternism faction has its most outspoken enemy from Equestria itself. Council member Trenchhoove Vernon, veteran of the Changeling/Wyvern wars, won his re-election this year on an Anti-Aternism platform, and the anti Aeternism mood and approach has been labelled 'Trenchism' as a result.
"These Aeternist members are not like civilised beings, unwilling to adhere to even the most basic of social standards of civility, or sanity in some cases. They are brainwashed by a remorseless, unfeeling being, and encouraged to act in uncivilised, selfish, destructive, morally reprehensible behaviour in whatever ways suit their 'master'. Kidnapping, theft of information and property, murder, vandalism, arson, assault and domestic terrorism wherever they come from, Pony or otherwise." Trenchhoove Vernon replied to our reporter's questions earlier this week.
But how has Aeternism spread so far, so secretly, even if not so numerous? According to rumour and speculation, and a few accounts, the drone agents of Aeternum have proven to be masters of disguise, able to take a multitude of shapes and sizes, and are able to blend seamlessly with any population after enough analysis. This, understandably, has led to paranoia about Aeternum drones being anywhere, or anypony, in the more at risk, or 'Trenchism' or similarly aligned areas.
Already, some violence has resulted in innocent civilians in many nations, particularly against anypony who migrated to a country within the last 3 years [Aeternum's confirmed existence duration by the Princesses]. Despite public outreach to not fall prey to paranoia, fear and disarray, the threats and their nature are penetrating the more vulnerable parts of society, Equestria and beyond.
Where the next major strike will occur, in whatever form it takes, be it by Aeternum's forces or its militant cult-like followers such as the Reborn or other radical groups, remains a tense mystery.
February 20th, 1008 ANM
Early Evening
Equestria
Canterlot, Royal Palace
Celestia's office
Eyes feeling baggy from all the paperwork today, Celestia's magic dropped the ink and quill to the side of her desk as she rubbed her face with a hoof.
More documents had arrived, but already this was becoming too similar to a scenario Celestia had faced hundreds of years ago. Amidst Unicorns in Equestria, or any ponies, there was a period where supposed 'dark arts' users, magic or potions, were persecuted with wild abandon. Only one in every 100 was usually guilty, the rest were simply called 'Dark users' as an easy means of sentencing them in local tribunals.
She was reminded too much of how the label of 'Aeternist' was becoming something of a convenient riotous label to point at somepony, just to justify any other 'issues' somepony had with them.
And it was a problem occurring in many nations, particularly more religiously radical nations like Saddle Arabia, Chamitaly, Packistan, the New Gryphon Republic or Haygypt.
Ironically, based on reports, the New and Old Changelia nations had minimal issues with these 'Aeternism' paranoids. Apparently their skill of deducing one of their own Changeling kind disguising themselves gave them an extra 'eye' for a false image.
"Your Highness, a word if you might spare the time?"
Looking up from the slowly shrinking mound of paperwork, Princess Celestia saw Captain Blacksaddler walking into the office, with yet another stack of paperwork in his side carrier.
"More reports? Or is it complaints about incidents? Or perhaps requests for extra law enforcement?" Celestia started asking, losing her usual composure under the work.
Keeping a straight face, Blacksaddler hovered the paperwork onto the desk, away from her finished stack: "Sadly, all that and a top secret document that is actually of proper concern, which I placed on the top of this stack. From the NEMA joint military council."
Perking up, Celestia saw the sealed envelope, and saw the clearance levels required in government to hear the details. Blacksaddler was allowed, him being the minimum level required.
Opening the file, Celestia scanned the document's overall summary briefly:
Joint NEMA patrol fleet, monitoring Maldives Aeternum location. Given potential danger if offensive action is taken, a last resort stratagem requires the approval of Equestrian government involved in foreign affairs at cleared security levels provided.
Reconsideration of placing target island under target by nuclear strike as a deterrent. Submarine or land launched ballistic missile and aerial bombing methods to be used as appropriate for patrol and/or last resort strike. New Gryphon, Caninberian, and Pandina nuclear arsenals available for use. [Third to lesser extent than aforementioned two nations]
Approval from Equestria needed before plans can be formulated for possible war scenario.
"A nuclear strike? They can't be serious." Celestia nearly threw the envelope on the floor.
"In all fairness, they said last resort, so they aren't completely out of their minds. Not yet at least." Blacksaddler reasoned.
Sighing, Celestia murmured aloud: "But no other options are really effective, military or diplomatic. It has too good defences, and its not even making communication until it wants something."
Slumping back in her desk, she placed the folder to the side for now, dismissing Blacksaddler politely: "You may take your leave now."
Backing out of the office, Blacksaddler shut the doors behind him. As the captain of the guard trotted off, he wondered which nuclear weapons stockpiling nation had suggested it first, New Gryphon Republic, or Caninberia?
Celestia's office
Minutes later
Mid Evening
Her magic ceasing, Celestia strained her neck as she finally signed the last form. Yet another case of a new 'security' law proposed by a city that she had to repeal, given its clear minority racial targeting, masquerading as 'Aeternist migrant security checks'.
On her desk, she saw her ink pot had begun to move on its own, as the ink moved onto a blank piece of parchment in a familiar, moving shape.
The black drawn draconeraqus looked at her with an odd expression, saying: "Even at over 1000, and after a clearly hard day's work, you somehow appear at least beautiful."
Not smiling out of tiredness, Celestia rubbed her eyes with a hoof, muttering more to herself: "That's pushing it. The tension across Equestria, and the foreign affairs, its driving me to wrinkles as an immortal. I have to remind Luna that she has it somewhat easier by more ponies being asleep than awake during her ruling shift."
The ink Discord vanished, growing quickly to pop into his full self behind her chair, his hands and claws kneading her aching neck slightly.
"No magic for this, mmmm, this massage?" Celestia reclined in her office 'throne' slightly, while Discord whispered:
"Hands, or hooves on, means I can be more precise, and delicate. And, you know I relish your velvety fur, and the softness of-"
"Keep massaging, my neck is far from soft right now." Celestia cut him off, as she sighed into his kneading. Frowning playfully, Discord muttered:
"You know I understand you having to depart on that trip on Hearts and Hooves day."
"Yes, but, it hurt me to know you'd planned such a nice evening that day. But, duty calls, and the Vanhoover councillor certainly had an urgent issue with the race riot that broke out that day."
Discord sensed the mild pain Celestia felt over her nation, shared with the other princesses, descending into mild chaos, and not the fun, wacky kind he endorsed. He ran a claw through her mane as she reclined into his massaging in the office chair, moving his neck around to rest his forehead against hers.
"You and the others are doing what you can. Ponies are wary, and others around the world. You have to expect that the paranoid feelings, or negative feelings, will be greater now. Even if some NEMA council want to take stupidly dangerous action if all else fails."
Celestia lightly grabbed Discord's head in her magical grasp, kissing him gently before admitting to his sympathetic expression: "I know. But, at the same time, the friendship and family bonds should be stronger as well. I'd just hoped there would be less tensions rising up than there are in reality. A foolish wish."
"Not foolish, hopeful." Discord corrected.
For the next few minutes, Discord kneaded as much of the aching from Celestia's strained neck, and horn, as he could, with his hands/claws, or eventually with his magic.
Canterlot, Royal Castle
Luna's office, Midnight
Dear Lulu,
The workload was big today, I'd like to thank you again for offering to sign, on my behalf, the less important work passed my way. Just the things requiring the general royal seal, not mine specifically.
I try to minimise as much as I can, but, if the pile ever grows quite large, just, don't panic.
Celestia
PS, anything in there with endorsement by Councillor Trenchhoove Vernon, to do with any local county laws regarding migrants, repeal it. He's increasingly exploiting the politics to suit his conservative agenda, and he can't be allowed to exploit paranoia so freely.
Staring at the stack of papers, Princess Luna suppressed a groan. Waiting at the door, Night Captain Blacklight had already passed on the Nuclear last resort file, and the two had actually taken it better then Celestia had at first.
It was a nearly New moon, not very bright in the night sky tonight. The Late winter stars glimmered in the sky, but the magical candlelight along the office walls lit up the office to distract from the ambient skies outside.
Snorting slightly, Luna murmured to Blacklight, trusting him greatly: "I don't think I'll envy Celestia at all in future after these past few weeks. It always amazes me how she managed a thousand years as the only princess."
"She went through a lot of councils, and assistants I'd guess." Blacklight offered.
Luna fell quiet, knowing the meaning of it. She quietly murmured:
"Working hard for so long, watching others fall and pass on around her. At least she will have me, Discord, and maybe Cadance and,...Twilight."
"Maybe, your highness?"
Luna pointed out to Blacklight: "Alicorns, can live for longer, much longer, than normal ponies. Longer, not forever. Out lifespans are extended, but if an Alicorn chooses a mate, their magic can be affected by the mate's life expectancy."
"...Princess Cadance married a Unicorn." Blacklight recalled.
"And if she were still free, Twilight would be getting courted by a Pegasus. Therein lies the crux." Luna stated. Pulling out the first paper from the stack in her chair, Luna heard Blacklight ask politely as he watched her get started:
"So, marry a long lived, you still live long? So if Celestia looks to be doing well with Discord, she's going to possibly live for quite a while then."
Luna paused, the aching reality of this sinking in.
True, this was actually a secret conflicting thing she had, given the other 3 princesses had relationships, or in one case, a husband. The mate's lifespan affected a Princess's own.
If Luna married, it would be to a non immortal, and she didn't want to leave her sister early, or have her sister lose her for a long time yet again. The curse of longevity, especially as an Alicorn.
There were only so many long lived beings worthy, or legal, to marry. Luna had known people she'd had even the vaguest feelings for over the last few years, most just passing fancies, others genuine fascinations.
But they'd all been just too different from her.
The most recent close-ish friend, or crush/fancy, had outright betrayed her trust in his own swandive insanity, though given the reasons, Varkan's betrayal wasn't really a shock.
Bitterly, Luna buried these memories, knowing he was now likely a pawn of Aeternum. If he didn't appear again, she'd not feel too bad.
Insight into how Aeternum's growing 'cult' members, and ones trying to 'profit' off its 'brand name' in committing their acts of gang or terrorism, and Aeternum's history with its drones alone, have altered global politics.
Trenchhoove is my in world reference/gesture to Senator Joseph R. McCarthy, famous for the Anti-Communist movement across America known as 'McCarthyism'.
I said this situation with Aeternum had developed into a Cold War type scenario, with a little of the war on terror 'terrorist brand recognition/exploitation situation types' thrown in for good measure.
Also, a faint reference to the equivalent of the 'Witch hunts', or the 'Dark User hunts'. Basically, Aeternum/Aeterist/Aeternism has become a negative label to call someone, like Witch, Communist or Fundamentalist was/is. Just something used to aim at someone they don't like, and tack on the proper reasons with it [migrants in years following Aeternum's 'birth' are a prime target].
Also, some insight into Alicorn aging. Alicorns are a heightened Pony, they don't occur naturally, unless an Alicorn breeds with an Alicorn, itself an extremely rare pairing, even in days when there were more Alicorns at once [pre/mid equestrian civil war].
Alicorns are to ponies in lifespan what Redwood trees are to Humans: Much longer and immeasurable by comprehension. However, by their magical ties, an Alicorn mating with a non-Alicorn partner [unless they become an Alicorn themselves or somehow extend their lifespan], will have an effect on the Alicorn's lifespan, negative if they are to die naturally before them, and vice versa.
So if an Alicorn mated with a Dragon, both long lived, so no issue there. Lifespan of mate influences lifespan of Alicorn, to do with emotional magic of impending/approaching mortality of mate. No immortality, just longevity, slightly longer if an Alicorn remains single.
FYI, in world, Cadance won't live as long as Celestia, as she wed Shining. [Unless she divorces and becomes single again, ...unlikely].
As usual, please review/critique as one would.
