An Open Letter to Open-Minded Equestrians (Open; Post Reactions)

[Blueblood]

Rumors of what was happening in Griffonstone had been filtering through the Equestrian Press for several weeks now.  Ever since a 'Griffon Interest' story of the wild claim of 'Emperor' Norton Breakbeak to the ancient throne of the Griffonstone Empire, there had been a small niche, almost cult following of his antics.  The last big story had been of his ride from Breakbeak City to Griffonstone himself, a strange ceremony intended to represent the homecoming of the ruined city's legitimate ruler.  Most of Equestria watched with interest, but little understanding.  Ponies whose monarch had never been lost weren't really sure what any such return would look like, nor if they would be able to tell the difference between a long-lost heir, and a bandit impostor.  

 

Most didn't think anything significant would come of it, so it may have come as some surprise when, in the editorial pages of the Canterlot Chronicle, Fillydelphia Gazette, Baltimare Globe & Mail, Filly Free Press, and other sundry papers, there appeared, given pride of place, this remarkable composition:

To the Princess and Citizens of Equestria,

 

In the interest of avoiding confusion and the unfortunate results of misunderstanding, my counselors and I have deemed it wise to give a full and public account of Our recent actions, and the reasoning behind them.

 

To be brief: In the support of Our long-term policy of indigenous industrial and economic development, the land and capital assets of the Prosperity Mining Company were Nationalized under the Griffonstone National Mines, and placed under direct crown administration.

 

That such actions were drastic in nature We acknowledge, but for the sake of Our people, it was necessary.  The prior arrangement under which the Prosperity Mining Company was incorporated would be familiar to any student of Griffon History; the Company was primarily extractive, taking advantage of being based in a foreign country to avoid all taxation from Aquellia and Equestria.  The profits, however, though generated in an area where they would not be taxed, would then be sequestered within foreign accounts to primarily enrich the owners of the venture.  In short the PMC was a Colonial venture.
The founder of said Mining Company had much in the way of rhetoric for himself, in pleading that his venture would be the foundation of greater prosperity for Griffonstone.  However, the long history of ventures along this model, primarily in Unyasi, put the lie to such claims.  Bribes to the locals to tolerate the digging of their earth and the exportation of their wealth does not Economic Investment make.  At best, all zebra tribes who were targeted by such ventures were left no better off than before, at worst, they were immiserated by this unfortunate episode of Griffon History.  A History which Griffonstone has no desire to repeat, either as exploiter or exploited.

 

Our actions in this case have been misrepresented as an Unprincipled Exception to the Doctrine of Free Enterprise.  However, the ancient laws of Griffonstone contain no commitments to any such doctrine, and Our current situation is completely inappropriate for it to be enacted.  An economic elite with no ties of loyalty to the state are a universally recognized threat to that state’s sovereignty, and therefore a threat to said state’s ability to protect and serve its subjects.  Therefore, no state is obliged by law or principle to tolerate such an elite.

However, as no alternative loyal economic elite is to be found in Griffonstone, the responsibility for coordinating and developing economic activity reverts to the State and Crown of Griffonstone. Such a state of affairs is not without precedent, as schools of socialist thought have a long history within the Academy.  We have chosen as our policy a form of Monarchic Socialism, wherein the crown formally own all fixed capital and directs major investments, managed by those to whom We find worthy to delegate such ventures.

 

Trade deals have been finalized already with the neighboring cities of Tenochtitlan and Falkensfjord, by which the mineral and knowledge resources of Griffonstone may be leveraged into investment capital.  Further plans involve the repair of irrigation infrastructure to revitalize local agriculture, as well as furnish the hospitality industry to accommodate an anticipated rise in tourism.  The Crown is committed to using the profits from its ventures to reinvest in Griffonstone, and hereby formally repudiates any charge of embezzlement.  As a sign of Good Faith, We are willing to submit the Treasury ledgers to an audit by a neutral party.

 

It is the desire of the Crown that We may live in peace with our friends, just as it is the Duty of the Crown that it stands steadfast against its foes.  In expressing the wishes that the readers of this letter would count themselves as the former, We hereby send you Our Best Regards:

 

Norton Breakbeak I, Emperor of Griffonstone

 

It seemed that things were really starting to happen in the ancient Griffon Capital, but what would the Equestrian public make of it all?

 

Spoiler

This is more or less a side story to the Main Griffonstone Storyline, where various characters who are not or only tangentially involved can post their reactions to what's going on.

 

[StrongCopper]

With little surprise, the day after Norton's letter hit the papers, another letter penned by a different claw took its place to answer it. 

 

To the Citizens of Equestria,

 

Having spent a great number of my years walking this world within the fair and peaceful boarders of Equestria, I have learned and embraced a great deal of values and lessons that my kin back in the Dragonlands have only recently started to be introduced to via the works of the School of Friendship founded by Princess Sparkle herself. The reason I am taking the time to write this letter is to discuss the Element that I find has a special place in my heart; Honesty.

 

Yesterday, while own my way to Canterlot in order to meet with Princess Sparkle herself, I read a rather captivating letter from one Norton Breakbeak. I am sure that many of those who read it found it highly entertaining, listening to the latest chapter in the grand, heroic tale of a griffon seeking to reclaim his families long abandoned birthright from the clutches of a greedy dragon before restoring it to glory. Someponies might have even ended up reading it to their foals as a bedtime story to help them fall asleep and not just because subjects such as trade deals tends to bore them towards seeking entertainment from their dreams.

 

Alas, that was all that letter was. Nothing more then a fairy tale.

 

Norton Breakbeak is not some scion of the Griffonstone throne who has at last come home to reclaim his birthright. He is a former marine captain from Aquellia who was discharged due to mental instability. His trade deal with Tenochtitlan was not a victory of friendship and diplomacy; It was a trade deal brought via a shipment of gems that had been purchased by Equestria and was on route when Breakbeak's loyal band of lackeys and bandits hijacked it. The fate of those brave griffons who were transporting that shipment is currently unknown since no evidence of them has yet to be found. Alongside his gift of stolen valuable gems, Breakbeak sealed his agreement with Tenochtitlan with a blood pact to serve their interests going forward.

 

I write this letter because I believe that Equestria needs to hear the truth of this so called 'Emperor' and his actions. While some can say that Honesty can be harsh and unkind, I know for a fact that one of the founding principles of Equestria is that a hard truth is better then an easy lie. 

 

I also saw it as a chance to publicly apologize as the founder and CEO of Prosperity Mining for the lateness of our shipment. Another shipment of gems is currently being prepared and will be sent as soon as it is safe to do so at no extra charge. When you purchased that shipment from me, I made a promise to deliver what was asked for and I will not let a bandit king force me to break my word.

 

May you and your kin prosper,

Ridge, CEO of Prosperity Mining.

 

[Ciraxis]

Swift Squall laid down his copy of Fillydelphia Gazette. That read was....

 

"Concerning, Master Squall?" - asked Oak Branch while serving noblepony a morning tea. Today Fire wasn't in the manor, instead visiting her parents in Ponyville.  Well, she might see her beloved faster then she anticipated, since Squall was now giving obvious gaze at one of his duster's.

"Yes...and I am afraid I might not have luxury to not get involved." unicorn stallion mused, making displeased frown. He really was looking forward just spending more time with Fire in Fillydelphia before a wedding and now....this!

 

Unlike most ponies, Count Squallcoast was considerably more learned in worldly matters, and it's politics then his fellow Equestrian's. He also was aware into what this - seemingly minor dispute - could devolve into. While most saw a silly quarrel , Squall realized that very soon Aquelia might want to get involved upon sensing opportunity.

 

Till now, 'Republic' was quite apathetic towards it's cradle...treating it like big open-air museum - even it's once great forges were laid empty and forgotten. But with discovery of those natural resources.....they would surely get more 'protective' towards their heritage. Perhaps even attempt to welcome Griffonstone back 'into a fold'. For it's inhabitants 'own good' of course. Whatever they liked it or not. They just needed right casus for that....

 

One thing was certain.....with loony griffon and a shady dragon Griffonstone was between rock and hard place. If balance on the continent was to be maintained, it's position had to be strengthened. And without armed conflict.

 

"Oak I will be leaving for Canterlot today." noblestallion announced after finishing his tea. "Sent letters to Sparkle and Blue to inform that I ask for a meeting with them to discuss this. It has to be given a thoroughly look-over from the economical and political side. And perhaps, after that, I will be going to Griffonstone as well...." Squall explained. As the biggest billionaire in Equestria, it was his moral obligation to offer help in counsel on economic and business side of things. Twilight was a mare of genius level intellect of course...but even genius had only single point of view. And Blueblood had much better experience when it came when dealing with aristocracy then either of them. If Aquelian oligarchy decides to get involved....

"I will just write letter to Fire before I leave, to inform her we will rendezvous in Ponyville on way to Canterlot. And another one to...Yurei.....I want to know as much about this Ridge CEO and this supposed Emperor Norton as I can....She will be delighted to get a job that's not counter-intelligence for once too, I believe...."

"....Sire, I must protests. If I recall, after Heartwarming you swore you won't...!"

"I won't touch a sword for a while, yes. And I am not taking them. I take my brain and tongue instead."

"This tongue was what brought you such grief recently last time, if I correctly recall, Sir." Oak observed.....

Squall could only hang his head in shame. Branch didn't had to remind his about that....he failed Ice Storm completely and utterly - both as a comrade and more importantly as a friend....if he deserved to be called that to her still....

"You right. Which is why I also will be writing to Ice, before and after a meeting. EPIC or not, she deserves to be on top of things. I just hope she will not engage into any gunship diplomacy with that airship of hers. I want to believe in her."

"Very well. Magic fire sir?" Oak asked

"Magic fire." Swift conformed. He was one of few ponies that could afford to keep long distance-communication flames in bottles. Literally. Thankfully, Bevel was apparently looking into more efficient means of exchanging information.

 

With that said, Squall grabbed his quill, and started writing....