THIS ITERATION OF THE PROJECT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Para bellum will be reworked and relaunched after the completion of Equestrian Horizon as part of a larger project. Stand by for further updates in my writer's blog. The text of this story will remain online for archival purposes.

Espousing the virtues of friendship and cooperation, Equestria quickly extends its influence beyond its own borders. Guided by the philosophy of Harmony, the Equestrian hegemony spans from the homeland of Greater Equestria to protectorates and allies across the seas. All members of the trade pacts flourish in the exchange of goods and ideas. The world is at peace under Pax Equestria.

But all is not as it seems. A change in leadership in neighboring Aquellia, land of the griffons, sets the two nations on a collision course that can only result in war. In the midst of the political maelstrom, Princess Luna struggles to hold together a nation reeling from a stricken Celestia, an unexpected war, and the possibility of traitors in their midst. In the face of great tragedy, the remaining ruler of Equestria must stand strong, no matter the cost to herself.

Meanwhile, Shining Armor takes the reins of Task Force Tacitus, a crack team of Royal Equestrian Army commandos assembled to wage unconventional war against an implacable foe. Shining Armor must gain the trust of Fletcher, a bitter ex-operator with a checkered past, but the talents and experience Armor needs to win this fight. As Tacitus races to unravel the threads that led to war and stop a sinister plot against Equestria, Luna prepares to do battle with that which lurks in the darkness.

Princess. Commander. Each have their roles to play in a bid to bring peace back to their country, their people, and their world. But all in Equestria will soon learn that if they desire peace, they must prepare for war.