Galaxy Guard paced around the room, deep in thought. She eyed her brother, Dusk Star, who sat across from her at the table. “We gotta solve this problem with Griffonstone. We don’t have all day, you know. Those griffons are impatient.”

”Yes, Galaxy, I am aware.” Dusk flipped through the pages of a foreign relations textbook before looking back up at his sister. “This problem could easily be solved with a peace treaty, or at least some form of diplomatic agreement.”

”A peace treaty? With the griffons?” Galaxy scoffed and rolled out a strategy map. “You know they’re not gonna hold up their end of the deal. Griffons like war. And the least we could do is arm our troops and be prepared. We’re not going to have ‘peaceful relations’ with every nation we meet!”

“We can at least try other options before resorting to war!” Dusk argued. “Mother and her friends helped form bonds with the yaks, dragons, and changelings. Even a few griffons; they may be a small part of the population but surely it counts. We can protect our citizens in ways other than military force.”

”Again with your silly ‘friendship and harmony’ talk!” Galaxy facehoofed in frustration. “Peace agreements are not foolproof. Who’s to say the griffons won’t blow it? Then what will we do? We have to have our forces prepared.” She shot a glare at Dusk before continuing,” And Mom was lucky Aunt Pinkie worked things out with the yaks. Uncle Spike was lucky he met even one dragon who would help him at all. And what were the chances that one rogue changeling would change the fate of his species? One wrong move and those could’ve turned into disasters. So we need to make sure this one doesn’t either.”

Dusk sighed and pleaded with Galaxy. “A war with the griffons would significantly hurt all of us! If they get the impression we’re waiting for a battle they’ll jump right in without trying more diplomatic routes first. Why can’t we just try to compromise with them?”

”I don’t know,” Galaxy snapped. “Why can’t YOU try to compromise with ME?”