//------------------------------// // Second Chapter // Story: Horse of Cards // by Midnight Ice Cream //------------------------------// Second Chapter Times change, you and I both know that that is a recipe for opportunity, don’t we? The events of this chapter occur at the same time as the last chapter ended Lieutenant Sunshine Earthheart: 1st Regiment of Royal Unicorn Guards Good morning, and isn’t it a delightful one? The sun is rising, the birds are singing and the view of it all is truly wonderful. As you can probably tell, I’m in an incredibly good mood. I’ve just woken up, half an hour early as usual, and am eating an apple, and glancing at the newspaper. Today’s news is all about the king of Zebraland’s visit to Equestria. The reasons for his visit are because the bastard can’t get along with a jealous uncle, or some other such savage nonsense. I’ve seen this same story before. The savages don’t learn with time, and only listen to the most powerful warlord. When that warlord dies, the others just regard it as a free for all. If I was so bold as to have an opinion, I’d say that it’s none of our business. Let the savages do as savages do, just as long as their affairs don’t concern us. However, if we are to insist upon taking action, I’d say we should do so properly. Mending Zebraland one friendship problem at a time is silly. What they need is a new political system, whereupon a zebra may inherit without a great war flaring up. But I am merely a soldier, I couldn’t possibly comment. The only thing that should concern me about Zebraland is protecting his majesty on his visit to Equestria. I can’t say that’ll be fun, but one has a professional duty. At the very least, I believe Princess Twilight Sparkle is going to make an appearance, and watching Captain Flash Sentry, when that happens is always amusing. As a matter of fact, I believe we’ll be seeing all Princesses for this negotiation. Obviously we’re putting a high value on resolving it. Now if you don’t mind, I have breakfast to go to. ***** “You know what though?” Wellbridge asks over breakfast. “What Wellbridge?” “I reckon you could make good money in Zebraland. I reckon that’s what I’ll do after I retire.” “You intend to work as a mercenary?” “Yea, pass on the knowledge.” He looks around, “‘Least someone will get it.” “There’s one problem with your logic Wellbridge?” “Yes? And what might that be Earthheart?” “I doubt you’ll ever retire.” Wellbridge chuckles. “This is very true, but if I’m forced into retirement, that’s where I’ll go.” “There’s another problem too.” “Oh?” “One wonders if Zebra soldiers are better trained than we are. If you go to Zebraland, they may not need you. They’re probably very professional as it is. Then again, you might find a use for your magic.” “In any case, the principle is the same, where there is war, there’s need for ponies like me. I met this griffin once, Trottingham it was. She was bloody loaded, said she went into Zebraland last time they had a crisis like this. She made a fortune on training them, and on fighting for them. Thing was, they had to pay top price to keep her loyal. Now I may not be worthy of that. But a pony with my training will always have a place somewhere. If not Zebraland, maybe fending off tigers in Elephanta.” “I admire your attitude Wellbridge. But I must admit, I aspire to far less. I plan to ease myself into the slow life, maybe start to appreciate the landscape. I certainly plan on getting myself a rosebush. I adore roses, so with my money, I could get myself a nice house in Canterlot and live a life of leisure.” “Would you fuck? You’d get bored in five minutes. You’d be so irritated and afraid at not being able to do your duty. Don’t you want to go out like a soldier? I know I’d get bored as a civy.” I smile, he’s right of course “You have a point, a good one at that. Anyway aren’t you bored with life as it is?” “A little bit, I’ll admit it. But thing is, military life is good. I like the routine, I like the pay, and most of all it makes me feel important somehow. I don’t want to just rot and do nothing. Even if I’m not actually doing anything important it’s psychological.” Before I can retort I am cut off by the captain, informing everyone of the morning meeting. “Will I see you in the bar this evening?” Asks Wellbridge. “Most probably,” I concede “Depending on how I feel after my duties.” “I think you should, it’d do you good to come to terms with the fact that you’re a hero.” I grunt in annoyance as I head off to the morning briefing. ***** The morning briefing is blissfully brief. I am informed that I will be commanding a training exercise for the first half of my day, and for the second half I will be on guard duty. Exactly the same as my experience yesterday. I prefer this day to yesterday massively though, no small part of that is related to the wonderful weather. The sun is just warm enough to be good, but not hot enough to cause any annoyance, and to top it off there’s a wonderful breeze that helps one cool off after some spear practice. I think it should be common practice to train one’s soldiers brutally, and that’s what I do. I make sure that every one of them is hard, and they thank me for it. Training soldiers like this is all about honing in competitive instincts, get them to fight each other, and they’ll want to win. They will get stronger, and they will appreciate my training. I gather my soldiers into formations that battle each other. It works well, teaches them teamwork, and responsibility to the other. If one pony fails, then the rest will punish him for it, this breeds trust in them. I like to think my soldiers like me, or at least respect me. I make sure if they disobey me they are punished, and the same thing if they break regulations. But if they do well they are rewarded. What lets me down are other officers that don’t do the same. I command twenty excellent soldiers, and I keep them excellent. During my own guard duty, I watch all of my soldiers from my perch on the tower. I make sure they carry out their duties. I make sure that my orders are obeyed, and my soldiers are disciplined. All I have to do is look over to Flash Sentry who casually looks over his troops, beer in one hoof and spear in the other. He hovers over his soldiers admiring what little effort he puts into them and the significant effort he puts into himself. By contrast my days are full of drills and discipline. I don’t give that pony enough credit though. He’s a damn fine fighter as an individual. I disagree with his training techniques though. He gets individuals to fight by themselves against other individuals. Let him have his fun I suppose, if he wants to run a competition club he can. He’s the captain, and I should obey him. But that doesn’t mean we have to agree now does it? The remainder of my day is spent standing upright in the same position overlooking Canterlot. Sadly I’m not on a day where my view is particularly engaging. But duty calls, and who am I to fail at that? After finishing my guard duty for the day I go through my usual routine before heading in the direction of the bar. I’d like to continue talking to Wellbridge, and I suppose seeing the pony I saved helps too. Maybe Wellbridge had a point, I did save her, but still, her father lies dead because of me, and I have that on myself. Nopony else is responsible for that. I’d better get used to living with it. When I enter the bar, I see something strange. Wellbridge is drinking something other than Red Barrel, a cocktail I believe. I must admire Sparkling Soda for that one. That’s one of the best things that stallion has done in ages. I walk up to the bar, and take a seat on the stool. “I must say Sparkling, I commend you on being able to get this one off Ponies Red Barrel. I’ll have to have what he’s having. Might I ask what it is?” “She’s cooked up this lovely cocktail for me.” “I see.” I smile. Sparkling Soda mixes me the same cocktail, and eagerly passes it to me. I take a sip and grin. “Delightful, might I ask what’s in it? Or is that a trade secret?” “It’s one of my specialities.” She almost squeals, barely attempting to hide her excitement. “Well I commend you on your abilities ma’am. I’m going to have to sample all of these. Anyway, sorry to be so abrupt, what were you two talking about?” Sparkling is the first one to respond. “We were talking about the situation in Zebraland.” “Oh? What’s your take on it?” I ask. She seems very happy to relate her opinion to me. “It shouldn’t be our business. Our peace efforts aren’t going to solve the problems over there. All we’re doing is a temporary fix.” “What should be done then?” I ask. “I don’t know, but I know it’s not our place to sort it out.” She answers assertively “Especially since we can hardly even sort ourselves out. The only reason we have any semblance of peace is because our rulers don’t die.” “Nah mate.” Scoffs Wellbridge. “You don’t see towns in Equestria fighting eachother. It’s the attitude that counts. We believe in friendship, they believe in taking what they think they deserve. It’s why the biggest threats to us are from outside. But tell you, any outside threat attacks Zebraland, they all gang up on it till it’s dead. You ever hear of changelings attacking Zebraland?” “How do you know that?” I ask. “You’d have heard about it. I know it’s not the most well reported part of the world, but still, you’d know about. Big news always flies.” Wellbridge warns. “We’re in much more danger.” “I suppose you’re right. At the very least they’re being more covert about it than they did here. Assuming they are over there.” I warn. “Precisely. Big death monsters see Zebraland as a threat, Equestria isn’t hard enough for that. So if they do attack Zebraland they do it with caution.” He explains. Sparkling Soda considers this for a moment. “Certainly something worth considering. Clear evidence we need more, and better soldiers.” “Well you are talking to both of us, so that’s rather obviously something we agree on.” I say. “Can we talk about less depressing matters?” Asks Wellbridge. “Two days since you met this mare and you’re already discussing changelings.” “Well I recently went to see the play Friendship is Magic. I thought it was an interesting historical play, and I thought the effects used were excellent.” Says Sparkling. “Totally propagandised of course, but interesting nonetheless. It was written by Princess Twilight. I suppose that’s one of the perks of Canterlot high drama.” “So what was it about?” Wellbridge enquires. “I don’t follow theatre love.” “It followed the time before Twilight Sparkle became a princess, and how she earned that position. It was certainly very well acted.” “Yes, but you know, I find it very hard to believe that is anything more than propaganda.” I say bluntly. “There are plenty of plays like this. Nonsense half of them, interesting fables to teach us the value of friendship. Rather sickening once you see enough of them.” “Quite true, but it’s only a bit of fun...” She says. “Cheer up Earthheart.” “Oh alright, alright. Forgive me I’m tired and have seen enough of those plays to drive me to irritation.” We continue talking about menial things for another hour and a half or so, I can’t quite remember such an inconsequential detail. But I’d like to note that Sparkling rivals my cynicism. Admirable really, she must have had a tough life. “Oh, before I forget. Wellbridge could you come to my office to give me some statistics? I was going to ask earlier, but I forgot to do so. I’d ra-” “No problem Earthheart. Just don’t take too long.” We walk to my office. “Drink?” I offer. “I can’t say I have any red barrel.” He politely declines, as I take my seat. “Please take a seat.” Wellbridge pulls up a chair and sits. “Alright Wellbridge, or whatever your name is, might I ask that?” “What are you talking about?” “Don’t patronize me changeling. Wellbridge would never take red barrel. You also showed a few other traits that show your true self. You should really get better at that job. At least know what kind of drink you should be drinking. Anyway, my office isn’t bugged at all, so you may reveal yourself.” What? You didn’t spot it? Well i never, silly you. I saw from the moment that he had that drink, that something was suspicious. One can tell if one’s known somepony for his entire life. Such a shame though, I rather liked Wellbridge. He’s the only friend I’ve ever had. Still being personal about this whole situation won’t get me anywhere. I’ve got a good reason to be talking to this changeling, and there’s no need to be rude to someone who’s doing their job. If there’s time to rescue Wellbridge I’ll do that. But first I must take this opportunity, and yes it is an opportunity. “What are you talking about?” “Do I really have to go through this? I thought you could at least be less annoying than that. But alright, pull out your front leg, put it on the table.” Wellbridge scoffs. “Oh come on, why would I do that?” “It’s an order.” I state. “Yet more evidence into you not being the real Wellbridge.” Wellbridge obeys. “Alright. Have it your way.” I take a knife from my desk. “I’m not going to hurt you Wellbridge. I’d rather not do this.” “Alright, alright. No use delaying the inevitable.” He sighs, annoyed. “Now. Would you kindly turn into your true self?” Wellbridge transforms into a changeling. “Problem with being a changeling, is once someone is suspicious it’s pretty easy to figure us out.” “You should have really done your homework better.” “Well in fairness, you were the first pony to catch me. I’ve been here quite a while.” His accent has changed, it sounds almost southern. I wonder why that is? I’ll have to do some research. “I’ve just gotten into this character. Normally ponies aren’t as paranoid as you are. So cut me some slack. Must have slipped.” “I see… Let me deduct that you’re working to sabotage the meeting with the zebras?” “I’m not going to tell you anything.” “Oh don’t worry, I’m not going to be reporting this. By now you’ll have seen how terrible the Royal Guard is no doubt?” “Now that’s simply obvious.” “I take it that you’re going to infiltrate, and make a love raid, or have you something bigger planned? I presume it’s the latter. You wouldn’t be using this kind of infiltration for a small time raid. I’d suggest you answer my questions, it’ll make things much easier for both of us.” “Why should I do that?” “You should see by now Equestria is doomed. Your invasion will without a doubt succeed. I’m just looking out for myself, so in return for offering you an easier job in infiltration, I’ll expect to be able to get away from the whole ordeal safely.” “Why should I trust you?” “Because we’ve had this conversation. There’s enough evidence for you to use against me. Even if you couldn’t it’s not like anypony would notice if I warned everypony. We both stand to gain from this whole event.” “This makes sense.” “So please, explain to me what the plan is.” “Alright, that’s fair enough.” “Oh, and your name? I didn’t get it.” “Oh, Froth Overwood.” “Nice to meet you Froth. Might I ask what happened to Wellbridge?” “He is cocooned, don’t worry, he won’t die. We never aim to kill ponies, we just keep them in a cocoon that projects a virtual reality that gives us a supply of love. In fact he’ll live longer.” “Oh don’t worry, I was merely curious.” “That’s very cold hearted of you.” “Another reason you should work with me, is that I’m more beneficial to you like this, I suppose you can sense that there isn’t much love in me.” Froth smiles. “One of the first things I noticed about you Earthheart.” “Please, Sunshine.” “Sunshine then. Anyway, may I?” “Of course.” “Our plan is to infiltrate the Royal Guard. We don’t need long. It’s already been proven that our queen can defeat any one of your princesses in one to one combat, and we’re more than a match for your Royal Guard. So we now have to take care of : The Elements of Harmony, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, and of course Princess Celestia. Cadence isn’t the threat she was before since Shining Armor won’t be there this time.” “What do you intend to do about the elements of harmony?” “So far as we can decipher, they need all six ponies to work together in order to use their powers. Now, that means we need speed on our side. Therefore we must capture one of the element ponies, beyond that they’ll be unusable. Then we’ll have to secure the princesses. We need to make sure they are divided. It won’t be easy. But I’d say it’s possible.” “How do you plan to execute this?” “That’s my job to find out.” “What you have is a reasonable strategy. However it is vague, and not in the flexible way. You have a rough idea of what you want, which is fair. Still, I can offer you a flawless plan, under a few conditions of course.” “Go on…” “Firstly, I have already mentioned that I want to maintain my freedom, secondly I wish for five chests full of bits if you’d be so kind.” “Alright.” “Thirdly, I will be on the side of the ponies during your invasion. Like I’ve said, I’m looking out for myself here, not anypony else. So if you fail that’s your fault, and I cannot be held accountable in any way.” “We’ll see. I’ll hear your pitch.” “Have you considered using the train? I believe that the best plan of attack is to attack the train. You can get the zebra train before they arrive. We know that the zebras are bringing exotic animals as gifts for the Canterlot zoo. My advice would be to capture the train, kill, or cocoon the zebra delegation, and interpret them. You could probably show Fluttershy the animals at some point, preferably during the welcome party. That way everypony is distracted. Then you can tie her up, and take everything over.” “Impressive. So what’s stopping me just taking this and betraying you?” “I’m glad you’re not being stupid, that’s what I’d do under your circumstances. However, despite the fact that you can destroy me, I can do the same to your entire operation. Even if ponies don’t believe me I could arrange that the princesses stick together. They don’t need to believe me to make your plan impossible. It would be true if the information about this conversation were ever uncovered, that it’d be devastating on my behalf. But from what I can gather, this is a large gamble, failing would be very bad, especially on the changeling who’s fault it was.” “You might very well think that, I couldn’t possibly comment.” “Then we’re agreed?” “I will talk to Her Majesty about this.” “Good, and your role as Wellbridge?” “We’ll return him, for now. His memory will be erased, as should yours.” “Why don’t you do that?” “I’d need to cocoon you. It’s not an easy procedure, and in getting you out I’d only get myself killed.” “Good. Then Mr Overwood, we’re in a good position. I can’t say I wish your endeavours well, but please let me know if our deal holds water.” “I will, we will meet tomorrow night, I’ll be a civilian in a red turtleneck walking the grounds in the middle of the night.” “What time?” “We’ll meet at nine pm.” “Delightful, just before bed then. Now if you don’t mind, I am a day pony after all.” “Of course, we’ll speak tomorrow.” “Goodbye Mr Overwood.” “Goodbye Lieutenant Earthheart, and goodnight.” What? I sense that you’re judging me. Why should I be doing such a treasonous thing? Why should I betray my country like that? I’ll have you know my motivations are the purest there are, and only serve to advance the Kingdom of Equestria. How? Well I suppose you should wait and see shouldn’t you? Satisfied? Well if you’re not that’s rather rude. What would be the point of telling you my plan, when you’d be better off seeing what happens. But as I said, working with this little changeling is my patriotic duty, just like working with me is his. But as I said to him, I am rather tired, so I must wish you a goodnight.