//------------------------------//
// Chapter 6 Preparations 
// Story: Mechanical Masterpiece 
// by HeartfireFirebrand 
//------------------------------//

Melanie wakes up next to her sister. It has been 2 months since she had joined the guard. She quickly and quietly entered the kitchen, she set up the kitchen and then started to make pancakes. 1 hour later, Rarity yawned and realised just how early it was. She was about to go to sleep when she noticed the delicious smell that wafted from downstairs. She quickly got herself ready for the day and headed down the stairs to see Melanie sitting there eating breakfast. 
Rarity asked “Why are you up so early?” 

Melanie replied as she finished the last of her food “The guard has been called for an emergency meeting. The captain has called everypony there, I have to leave for the train station in 5 minutes.” 

Melanie put her armour in a few minutes and then said as she darted out the door “I hope your enjoy your breakfast.”
Rarity smiled simply enjoying the newfound relationship with her sister, one without lies and secrets. 

Melanie arrived at the train station to see Iso, Appleeye and Veren standing there in full armour. Veren smiled “I’m glad you made it.”

Iso said “Me too.” Appleeye grumbled as they all boarded the train. 

Melanie asked after several minutes of sitting there “Why are we being called to the Castle, is it important?” 

Appleeye said “It about the rumor that has been spread around the guard in the castle, that we may be invaded.” 

Iso said “That doesn’t sound good.”

Melanie snarled “They should have informed us earlier, we are under prepared for any kind of invasion.” 

Veren said “I’m sure the Captain has his reasons.”

Melanie replied “That is not an excuse, all of the guard should have been informed as well as the elements of harmony who stopped both Nightmare Moon and Discord.” 

Appleeye frowned “We should not rely on them for everything.”, 

Melanie glared at Appleeye “I am not saying we should rely on them but we need all the help we could get.”

Veren said “We’re almost there, Captain Armour will tell us.”

They arrive at the Castle to see all of Canterlot’s guards at attention. They are called into the main hall in Canterlot Castle.
Captain Shining Armour walks up to the podium. Melanie watches carefully. He said “I understand why you are all here. The rumor that we are under threat from an unknown assailant. It is true.” 

Many of the guards were shocked at the revelation. Shining Armour said “Celestia and I wanted to keep it secret in order to prevent a panic. However, once the rumor spread we had no choice but to reveal it. You will all be required to take position at the Castle in preparation for a potential invasion. You are all dismissed.” 

Most of the guards, left except Veren’s squad who had some misgivings. Veren asked “Why are we only defending the castle, we have an entire kingdom that needs protecting.” 

Shining Armour said “My wedding is happening in a couple of days and we are confident that is the day they are going to attack. All the nobles will be there. They could wipe out all of Equestria’s leaders. It would tear our nation apart.” 

Veren, Appleeye and Iso walked out to begin preparations with the rest of the guards. Melanie stayed behind. She asked “Why have you not informed the Elements of Harmony?

Shining Armour said “I shouldn’t get them involved until I understand the threat.” 

Melanie said “Not about that, Twilight is your sister, right.” 

Shining Armour nodded then his eyes widened as he realised. He shouted “I forgot to inform Twilight I’m getting married. I will ask Celestia to send a letter as soon as possible.I have to set up the barrier soon.” 

Melanie joined her squad in the guard barracks which almost full. Veren said “It has been the consensus of all of us, that we spend the next 2 days getting prepared. Captain Shining won’t be able to command, so we have all agreed on a temporary captain in his stead.” 

Melanie asked “Who?”

Veren said “Me, it was decided as I am the most experienced member of the Everfree Patrol. We are the ponies who see the most action.” 

Veren shouted “Now we are all here! Let’s get down to business.” 

He explained to everypony the 2 basic tactics. He said “Open and closed formations are the simplest yet most effective tactics. Open formations are used to take down large opponents such as Hydras, they grant superior mobility around bigger or stronger opponents. Closed formations on the other hand are used to out large groups of smaller, individually weaker targets. They prevent you from been swarmed by opponents with superior mobility as the formation is tightly packed shoulder to shoulder.” 

Many of the guards nodded, however on the practice field showed a wide range of competency. The Everfree Patrol squads performed admirably. Many of the Castle guards performed poorly, years of not seeing any real action had left sloppy and predictable. 
Veren sighed “This is hopeless.” 
Melanie said “No, we just need to be a little more creative in our training. The members of the Everfree Patrol will practice with the royal guard squads until they get it, there are 12 of us. We will divide the royal guard into 12 and teach our own groups.”
Veren said “That is actually not a bad idea. You have a real future with the guard.” 
Melanie smiled as she heard the words. She had finally found a place where she could make a real difference.