//------------------------------//
// Introduction 
// Story: Book I: Britannia and the Holy Hoof-Grenade 
// by Hazel Hooves 
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BRITANNIA:


the Unauthorised Biography


by Carbon Copy, Military Correspondent for the Canterlot Globe







Author's note:

To just about everypony connected to the armed forces of our nation, there need be no introduction for this daughter of Equestria, this figurehead, this hero as many of my colleagues and, yes even myself, have put into print from time to time. She has graced our headlines, our honours lists and our bookstore shelves with mention of her exploits, her achievements and her valour in service to Princess and Country.

Her name has become synonymous with lands far beyond our own, from the sandy dunes of Camelu to the steaming jungles and savannah of Zebrica. The ancient palaces of Far Ib'xian and mountain strongholds of the Griffin Kingdoms: all have been the settings for the adventures that have thrilled the public of her home city of Canterlot and beyond. Even now, scores of young fillies and colts dream of following in her hoofsteps; drawn ever on by the glamour of adventure, the zeal of serving one's nation and the image that has festooned countless recruiting posters over the years urging on those who are willing to do their part in protecting our green and pleasant land.

But very few know her true story; about the mare behind the cape and the crest, behind the trident and the manticore and behind the propaganda and the rhetoric. As military correspondent to the Canterlot Globe I have had the privilege of documenting her career almost from its very outset: standing by the Fountain of Hippocampia during the “Crystal Maze Incident” (as it has become known to those of a populist bent) all those years ago. Since then I have written of her exploits at great length, even going so far as to take up the role of an adventurer myself at one point (where the black eye I received in that salt bar in Appleloosa was the least of my worries) but I have never recorded anything about her life before she became a living legend among the “Ponies Who Serve” until this point.

The word 'Hero' is a powerful one. It can be a blessing to those who heed the call to take up its mantle, but it can also be a heavy burden. And sometimes it is appropriate to consider the ponies who have to bear its weight in both their graces and their flaws and beyond the burden and glamour that our society places upon them.

So please enjoy as I recount the story of Britannia: officer, lady, hero & friend. For what greater title can we bestow upon somepony than the one of friendship?

-Carbon Copy of the Globe


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