//------------------------------// // Ninth Chapter // Story: Horse of Cards // by Midnight Ice Cream //------------------------------// Ninth Chapter Friendship is far more useful than magic ever was. This chapter begins during breakfast time following the previous chapter Captain Sunshine Eartheart of Her Majesty Princess Celestia’s Royal Guards Princess Celestia sits by her breakfast table reading over the report I gave her yesterday, she occasionally takes a sip of tea, or makes a considerate glance. “Very good.” She mumbles, before taking a bite of cake. “Hrmmm.” This continues for a few moments, before she clears her throat. “Captain Earthheart.” “Yes.” “Very good. I agree with all of this, under your leadership you’re going to create an more efficient fighting force.” “Thank you Your Majesty.” “All except one policy.” “Yes?” “The uniforms, no.” She shakes her head, seemingly mildly offended at the notion. “Might I ask why Your Majesty?” “The armour is perfectly functional as it is, is it not?” “No.” I say simply. “Explain.” “The armour is too heavy for most ponies to carry. To unicorns, it is far too bulky, to pegasi it hinders flight, perhaps to earth ponies there is some use, but even then, it could be vastly improved.” “What do you suggest then?” “Any armour we have now will be ceremonial at best, and in a museum at worst. We need fabric uniforms to identify us, maybe a helmet, but not much more. Armour only gets in the way. Even our pony heavy infantry needs less, perhaps we could cut it down. I’ll arrange a meeting with a few blacksmith´s over it and come back with a report at a later date. Is that convenient?” “I suppose.” “I’ll do what I can to keep as much of the old aesthetic as possible on your request.” “Very good.” “Is that all Your Majesty?” “Just to commend you on the detail that has gone into your strategies.” “I aim to use what I can as efficiently as possible. Then again Your Majesty, I do wish we had more. What I have is adequate, with help from Skywatch to protect Canterlot efficiently. But any expedition is impossible. The rest of Equestria will be difficult to defend. I didn’t mention this, because that is not something I have the right to change.” Celestia looks concerned. “Then what do you suggest?” “I think garrisoning every town is a silly idea, it’d never work, besides the cost would be impossible to sustain. I suggest we create an expeditionary force, whose purpose is to defend wherever is attacked. This way we can respond to any threats before they become dangerous. A mobile force is also able to retreat if necessary. Even if we could afford forts everywhere, they could easily be damaged, a mobile force in my mind is the best solution. It would also serve as useful in the defense of Canterlot when idle. I’d also note that it may very well be prudent to improve our railways for this. At the present moment it could take far too long to send in a defensive force. I’ve not had the time to fully flesh out a logistical plan, but I will get to it. But I don’t see how faster trains are at all negative to our cause.” “You really don’t mess around do you Captain?” “No.” I say bluntly. “I’ve watched this guard decay massively over the decades. I believe it to be a miracle that Equestria still exists.” “Don’t you feel safe because of Princess Twilight?” “Not at all.” “Why?” “I have seen with my own eyes how fragile she is. When we were invaded by Queen Chrysalis for the second time, we were so near defeat. By some miracle Rainbow Dash was able to save Fluttershy. I prefer something less volatile. I don’t like to think about how many times we’ve been at risk. Might I add that Princess Twilight Sparkle does not deter anyone from attacking” Celestia grins at that, as if finding it funny “When I was young we were never at anywhere near the amount of risk, and I believe it was because they knew that if they attacked, they’d be massacred without mercy. Right now there’s no incentive not to invade. If an enemy attacks, the worst they’ll get is a friendship lesson!” “Why have enemies when you could have friends? I’ll say with some honesty that I do not fear for my kingdom. Any real danger will easily be eradicated by magic, or by friendship.” Idiot, what use is friendship when you are a changeling love slave? “Princess, if you honestly believed that, I’d not be at your table. Not to say I don’t think Princess Twilight has a place. My army will be able to crush any enemy, and Twilight can spread friendship across the lands. Our ideals don’t have to conflict Your Majesty. If ponies are safe, I’m inclined to believe they’re going to enjoy their friendships a lot more.” I answer politely. Princess Celestia hesitates, before reluctantly admitting.“You have a point Captain. But I maintain that friendship is the preferred method.” “Princess, I wholeheartedly agree. But if our enemies thought that way, I’d not be sitting here.” “Yes, yes.” She waves me off. “You’re right. I’m glad you’re voicing these opinions Captain. In all of my reign, only you and my sister have ever openly criticised me. It’s refreshing to say the least.” “Thank you Your Majesty. I see you as a pony, all ponies have flaws Your Majesty, even the divine. And a pony with her whole kingdom in the balance is in need of criticism, lest she do something wrong. I see it as my national duty.” “Thank you Captain. It’s not always nice to hear this, but I’m glad I am. I hate war, I’ve seen too much of it, but you’re right. With enemies like the ones we have, it’s sometimes our only choice.” “You’re right of course.” I look into her eyes. “There is a barmaid by the name of Sparkling Soda. She currently works for the officer’s club.” I breathe in heavily. “During the first changeling invasion I witnessed her father die before her very eyes, she didn’t even have her cutie mark. I do not glorify war Your Majesty. Nor do I glorify tyranny. If Chrysalis had won, then it’d be the end of us all.” Celestia nods solemnly. “There is truth to that. There really is.” She looks almost sick, shaking her head. “It’s not the only story like that either.” She turns to me, as if about to say something else. She stops, shaking her head again, her eyes laden with guilt. “I never forget who I protect.” “And you shouldn’t.” “Neither should you.” Celestia looks wounded, but doesn’t verbally react. “You’re right. Captain, whatever funding you require to keep us safe is yours.” “Thank you Your Majesty, I will do my best for you.” “I hope you know what you’re doing.” “Your Majesty, if I didn’t, I’d not be doing it.” “Still, I’ll be sure to ask Luna. Can’t be annoying her needlessly, I’m sure she’ll agree anyway. So there’s really no point in starting a fight.” Celestia nods to herself “She’d appreciate being so involved. Sometimes it’s important to make her feel important.” “Of course, we’ll arrange a meeting. Something like this isn’t to be taken lightly. What about Twilight? Cadence?” “Cadence runs her own Kingdom, and Twilight will approve anything I say, you’d be wasting time inviting her over. All that means is a trip where I have to deal with her annoying friends. ”Celestia waves a hoof in dismay, “She’s that princess for a reason.” “Very well then… Tonight? At dinner?” “Fine.”