//------------------------------// // Chapter Four: A New Model of Army // Story: Reform // by The Great Scribbly One //------------------------------// Curda 28th Darkness, 1008ALB Having effectively snuck away, I could not tarry more than a few hours on the Somland Isles before beginning the journey back to Canterlot to wait for news. Which is not to say I was idle. Aside from the daily yellow boxes of documents to go through that pursued me even across the country and my duties within the realm of dreams, there were more appearances, evening court sessions and the like, on top of further study into the Report. To tell the truth, Buff Envelope confused me somewhat. On the one hoof, her outburst had seemed genuine and her name was attached to several of the more damning portions of the Dotted Line Report such that I would have expected her to be overjoyed by my support, and yet she had done little but obstruct thus far. Nonetheless, I had been pleased to read that the Military Reform Act drafted by my sister had begun its long march through the battlefield of Parliament just that morning and had, going by the minutes, caused quite an uproar. This was hardly unexpected since in spite of its grandiose name, the Act largely consisted of an amendment of crown authority, formalising what in truth already existed as a safeguard against a predicted blowback, and also a simple and undisguised doubling of funding for the land army and Army Air Force. This was actually a smaller figure than it might sound, as a large majority of that increase was simply catching up for almost half a century of inflation since the last budget adjustment, plus an allowance for Parliament to make a show of actually doing something relevant - and on the sly looking after their own interests - by bargaining down the numbers somewhat. Most of the real protest was against the perceived increase in crown authority. Not at all coincidentally, a carefully disguised bill containing legislation to toughen up anti-corruption measures had been debated and passed less than a week earlier with far less comment, thanks to the reformists within Parliament. After all, while the numbers were not vast on a national scale, this was still a vast sum of Bits to even a very wealthy Pony. Enough that, as Tia had put it in discussion of a different issue, it might be tempting to those responsible for use and distribution to choose contractors who might not necessarily be the best, but who just so happened to have gone to the same school as them. On the smaller scale, it would also hopefully help with some petty incidents of missing equipment that had cropped up during both of our digging, mostly old muskets and other obsolete gear probably sold off by underpaid quartermasters. Just as I was beginning to consider preparing for the biweekly open dinner in the Great Hall, my work was interrupted, as was becoming a common occurrence, by a knock on the door. "Yes?" I called, dropping an empty piece of paper over the document I was presently reading. "Another tradesmare from the War Office, your Majesty." The Nightguard on the door introduced less than helpfully. I simply made a beckoning gesture and the helmet retreated to be replaced by When Where, carrying a couple of thin folders in her field. She curtsied nervously. "Your Majesty." "Come, sit." I said, beckoning again. "What brings you here?" The young Unicorn did as instructed. "I've got the first drafts for the predicted sales figures, ma'am." She began passing one folder over to me at a time. "Albionic stores, Baleshire armouries, surplus naval guns from the last refit of the Celestial Sea Fleet, licences sales and minutes from the first meeting of the Recruitment Acceleration Committee." "About time, thank you." I replied, opening the first. After eleven days of near silence, I had been close to paying the War Office a personal visit for an update. The contents of the first three folders were encouraging; several hundred thousand Bits simply from selling off obsolete rifles and field guns, some of which would still be most appealing to somecreature in a backward part of the world, especially since the Tobuckian arms industry collapsed. The naval guns were even better, since the navy was by far the least atrophied wing of the military and so was both modern and had little need for expansion. A tidy profit for little real loss, even with the anomalies in accounting. Unfortunately upon probing, the Olenians had apparently since launched their own tank program and the Aquileians had been uninclined to outright buy example vehicles for economic reasons, but the latter had suggested a part exchange deal for some of their own advanced infantry armour designs. Since the Falcor War had at the time been in very recent memory, the majority of my martial remedial study had focussed upon it in the years following my return, which made me all too aware of the potential value of such an agreement, if Aquileian knights were anywhere near as potent as their Wingbardian counterparts. Accordingly, I set that folder aside to show to Tia, since even if she would likely have little personal interest, an important diplomatic decision ought to be made in at least nominal unity. Then I came to the minutes, and the corners of my mouth first sank, then inverted their positions into a deep frown. "Miss Where, please bring the permanent secretary to us. As fast as you may without plunging down any stairs, if you would be so good." The mare had fled the room before the final comma was reached. In the meantime, I fumed and ignored the spreading frost as I considered and discarded opening after opening, mostly for the sake of not emulating the imagined practices of ancient barbarian queens upon an esteemed member of the civil service. The inevitable knock eventually came. "Cease dithering and allow them in." I snapped before the Guard had the opportunity to get his head around the door, let alone speak. The lonely crest vanished and the two civil servants entered, the door practically slamming behind them, propelled by an unsettled hoof. "Thank you Miss Where, do sit and try not to be overly alarmed." I instructed, gesturing toward a mat beside my map table. "Your maj-" Envelope began with dignity as the younger mare scurried out of immediate blast range. My voice reverberated in the confined space, sending ears pressing reflexively against heads and drowning the hum of my horn as I brandished the offending document in front of the permanent secretary. "It has been nigh on two weeks, and this is what you give us? Hast thou lost thy mind!?" "What do you mean, ma'am?" Envelope asked after a beat, presumably once the ringing had cleared. "'Motion to adjourn committee pending investigation into procedural failures in recruitment schemes re additional benefits seconded and passed.'" I quoted. "Do correct us if We are mistaken Miss Envelope, but the causes for the lack of recruits are either already speculated upon in the Dotted Line Report or are rather plain to see: One hundred and ninety Bits a year is hardly better pay in exchange for vastly greater hazards than one would expect in a factory. The army is a laughingstock. Furthermore, there has been a degradation of the awareness of Equestrians to their own defence." "You mean to say they've all gone soft, ma'am." Envelope said. "No, secretary." I replied dangerously. "We mean precisely what We said. Equestria has not 'gone soft', there remain plenty with the drive of a soldier who simply channel it elsewhere. Sports, weather management and the like." "Excellent, the investigation has a starting point to expand upon and quantify. After all, the precise impacts must be weighed in order to ensure an optimal impact of any actions taken to encourage enlistment." Buff Envelope replied. I do not recall when I stood up, finally prompting the flicker of a flinch out of Envelope, but I swallowed my rising anger and lay down once more. "How long will this investigation take?" "Not long ma'am, only about four moons?" Envelope speculated. I considered how long the Military Reform Act might need to finish its journey through Parliament, before which I could not take much legally binding action anyway without potentially upsetting the political balance. "You have two weeks. From then I expect finished recommendations ready for enaction." The civil servant looked shocked. "Ma'am! It doesn't work like that. A thorough investigation takes-" "Secretary, it could be said that We have been around rather a long time." I cut in coldly. "Long enough to have learnt the ancestral tricks of the trade. You will not filibuster this program. How did Mr. Line put it again? Let us see..." I opened the introduction of the binder that had become my constant companion over the past weeks and scanned toward the bottom. "After the most serious and urgent consideration, the War Office insisted on a rigorous examination of all branches of the MP for North Meadshire's query before producing a consultative document for consideration by all interested bodies laid out above and seeking comments and recommendations to be included in a brief for a series of committees who have produced the individual studies compiled within this report joined to a feasibility study and budget analysis also contained herein for consideration by the Diarchs." I looked up. "We do believe 'thorough' has been achieved, and surpassed." "But ma'am-" She began. I interrupted again. "The needs of your review may be met by simply setting hoof upon the street and asking the common folk what they would like. Take it from long experience, the actions of Ponies cannot be quantified or accurately predicted by statistics. The deadline stands, and We suggest you get to work." "Very well ma'am." Envelope said, rising. "I'll put out feelers, but I don't hold out much hope..." "GO!" I shouted, sending more than a few papers spinning through the office. Envelope went. When Where seemed unable to move. As I got up to try and thaw her out of her shock, Envelope's expression lingered in the back of my mind. She would need encouragement to avoid any 'unfortunate delays', no doubt. Isurda 30th Darkness, 1008ALB "I am afraid that unless you can provide watertight evidence of your claims Mrs. Petunia, I cannot justly order the appropriation of that land from Mrs. Hog's farm in your family's name. Might I suggest you consult your parish records, or attempt monetary remuneration?" I said. "Monetary remu-ner..." The shorter farmer mumbled rather loudly. "Offer to buy it, Mrs. Petunia." I clarified. Preferably with money, rather than another dowry. I added silently to myself as the farmers departed. Apparently, the mercifully civilised legal battle had begun between their grandparents thanks to a contentious marriage. Beyond a scuff at the floor from the disappointed party, neither seemed interested in making a scene, as happened on occasion. None tonight though, and as those were the last of the petitioners for the evening, my anticipated moment had arrived. "The court recognises the interest of the country." I declared, as per tradition of four centuries. That was the signal to the ushers to allow the waiting journalists into the great hall, from which they were barred during petitions for the sake of not having oft-private matters publicised, or more accurately, to prevent the whole affair devolving into an attention-seeking circus. Joke or protest petitions were common enough without spreading them across the tabloids. It took several minutes for the reporters to enter, bereft of their cameras for judicial reasons. Several courtiers and general onlookers took the opportunity to slip out, while others arrived. At the last, I did have second thoughts that perhaps I was being hasty. But speed was necessary to ensure the safety of my subjects. The border between the 'weakness' of refusing to make the wrong choice and true, objective weakness had been crossed and my task was to uncross it, without stumbling over that insidious, all too close boundary of blood in the opposite direction. Hoping this would not go down as a black day in history, I stood from my throne and spread my wings to draw silence. "Before I take any questions, I have an announcement." I waited for the last ebb of muttering to hush before continuing. The wait was not a long one thankfully, lest the carefully memorised words prepared that afternoon flee my mind. "I am sure all of you could name several catastrophes over the past few years that have placed our homes and loved ones in mortal peril, from abroad and within. You would be right to be alarmed when I say there are more incidents far less known, which only the actions of the Elements, or other noble individuals prevented from becoming world news. Though of course the army cannot and should not be asked to guard against every threat imaginable or otherwise, most could have been prevented by timely intervention of the brave mares who take up arms for the home they love. Indeed, and in spite of adversity heaped upon them by their own rulers, every day they risk life and limb to attempt that very thing and receive little thanks for it, from above or below. The time has come for this to change." I inserted a carefully timed pause to let the kick sink in. "A little over two weeks ago, I said that any further comment upon the investigation into the state of the military would have to wait until its conclusion. I have now to break that trust marginally, for while a censored edition of the findings is not due to begin publication for another fortnight, they clearly dictate the need for swift, sweeping action, the first phase of which has already been sent to Parliament for amendment. Beginning from the Twelfth of Watery, the recommendations held within the final report will begin to take effect and a recruitment drive will begin to fill the ranks to a standard equivalent to the other modern powers of the world in order to ensure our proud soldiers have the tools and support they need to keep us all safe, day or night... Any questions?" The room exploded, figuratively. "ONE AT A TIME, IF YOU PLEASE!" I bellowed after it became clear the chaos was entrenched. A few notepads near the front of the crowd blew out of hooves, claws and fields to land deeper within. Then I picked a reporter at random. "You first." The honey-coated mare started. "Oh! Ink Blot, Tall Tale Squabbler..." She gathered herself. "How is the government going to fund this?" The question of Bits was an anticipated one and I already had an easy answer lined up, thanks to my sister. "An increase in overseas exports of certain goods will play a role, but the Military Reform Act currently being debated in Parliament will cover the initial stages by diverting funds from the southern rail network expansion, which is currently dormant anyway due to consultations with the Buffalo. A number of industrial investments in the north-west are also being reconsidered, but Princess Celestia can answer that in more depth. Next!" The next reporter was quicker off the mark. "Silver Pincher from the Financial Times; how will this affect the Bit in the average purse?" "At present, not at all unless one happens to be involved in the rail or shipping industries or the army itself, since a pay rise to catch up with inflation is included in the initial reform package." I said before pointing again at random into the crowd. "Smear Text, from The Minder." A red mare wearing a flat cap said. "What will the proposed reforms mean for working conditions within the army?" "Other than the pay increase I have already mentioned, nothing will change in the first round." As I spoke, I realised that sounded rather bad and hurriedly raked my memory of the Report for an upbeat to end my response on. "However, that is merely first aid, so to speak. Plans have been set forth for benefits to serving soldiers, such as fast-tracked and discounted access to sports events, concerts and cinema upon displaying valid identification. Next, please." My hoof fell upon the single Hippogriff in the hall, sage with a blue mane, who raised a claw and spoke in accented Equestrian. "Caral Ridge fram the Daily Fish. What will these refarms mean for the Royal Navy, an' where will the new recruits be sent?" "Only a few minor changes to organisational procedure will affect the navy, since they are already functioning to an adequate, modern standard. As for the soldiers, I can only say that the planned reforms are geared toward ensuring the efficient fulfilment of existing policy." I said after quick consideration. "Deep Delver, for the Diamond Enquirer." The next indicated stallion said with a relaxingly smooth, bass voice. "What does this mean for the status of territorial units, and the traditional autonomies?" "Plans have been laid for a centralisation of command structures in the event of war." I replied. "In such an unfortunate scenario, territorial units must report ultimately to the General Staff for the sake of efficiency and unity of action. At other times however, local officials will retain their current authority, albeit in closer communication with central command to ensure qualitative coherence in training and equipment. Politically, a military reorganisation should not have any impact upon the functioning of government." "Are you not worried by the suddenness of all this?" Asked a Unicorn mare with a thick Cloudsdallian accent and more than a little lagomorph about her upper jaw. "Oh, sorry. Runny Rennet, Ghastly Gazette." She added hastily. A few glares shot about the crowd at the interruption, but since nopony seemed immediately about to follow suit, I humoured the earnest mare. Indeed, I smiled in the face of opportunity. "Worried? No. I am confident in the ability of the War Office to swiftly deliver the promised reforms they have worked so diligently upon these past moons. My only concern comes from the fact that as of this moment, Equestria is dangerously exposed to any who would do us harm. Time is against us and does not permit gradual change, therefore more drastic measures are left as the only open path to recovery. But recovery there shall be from this moment of danger, that you may take as my sworn oath." Pencils scribbled feverishly, and my smile broadened just a little. Melada 1st Watery, 1008ALB This time, the Guards outside let the civil servant enter without further ado. Given the soporific feeling radiating from her, I would hardly have been surprised to hear snores coming from outside, if it weren't for the excellent soundproofing. "Miss Envelope, good to see you this fine evening. You look like you have had quite a day. Do sit." I said, carefully ignoring the copy of Equestria Daily on the desk. 'BETTER LATE THAN NEVER? SIX YEARS ON FROM DEVESTATING WEDDING ATTACK, PALACE ANNOUNCES DRASTIC DEFENCE REFORMS' the headline read. Some had been less flattering, such as the Albion Chronicle. "And last night as well, your Majesty." Buff Envelope replied, massaging her forehead with a pastern as she took the offered mat. "But I'm glad to be able to tell you we've come up with some drafts that will let us keep your promises. The initial predicted figures from the Somland reshuffle are also in there as a case study." "I had every confidence in you." I said. The mare's ears flicked as something registered in her mind. "Quite so, ma'am. I have it here." As Envelope drew the overstuffed folder out of her satchel and passed it to me, I resisted twisting the spear. Instead, I silently opened the folder, carefully extracted one of the hastily mouthwritten papers and scanned through it. Once satisfied with the sample, I set the folder down. "My compliments." "If it's to your liking ma'am, I can have it finalised into an amendment for the Military Reform Act for Parliament." Buff Envelope suggested. I shook my head. "You will do no such thing." Protest welled visibly in her throat. I cut it off, however. "You may have a well earnt night's sleep and send it off in the morning. I will finalise the draft myself." Baggy eyes drifted, blinked and refocused. "Yes, ma'am. Before I go though, a word of warning. This is only the groundwork for real changes, as you put it." "I would expect nothing else. Have you given any thought to where to proceed from here?" I asked. Envelope smiled and drew a folded piece of paper from a pocket in her dress. "For years, ma'am." I opened the paper. Inside was a list of bullet points, each with concise notes attached. Many of them were almost verbatim from the Dotted Line Report, but something about the battered paper seemed off to me. I looked back at Envelope. "Just how many years, if you don't mind my asking?" "About fifteen ma'am, depending on how you count." She replied. Eleven years before the Report was even begun. "That is remarkable patience." Envelope raised an eyebrow. "If something is worth doing, it's surely worth doing properly." "We find ourselves in accord." I said. "However, there is the matter of prudence. One must adapt to the moment, Miss. Envelope." "That's not my job, ma'am." She replied. "Somepony has to steer the middle path, or we'll all end up in a ditch." "Prudence of another sort then." I observed. "Yes, ma'am." She nodded toward the door. "If I may?" "Of course, good day to you." I said, then added as she was walking out; "Oh, and muzzle up. We can reform the reforms in good time, Ancestors willing." "I look forward to it with baited breath, ma'am." The bureaucrat said in the doorway. The door closed. After a moment, I looked again at the paper still held in my field. Uniformity, pay, incentives, rehabilitation of the army's image. All at the top of the page and the first three marked with a fresh tick. The fourth was underlined. Clever mare. There was little time to ruminate however, I had an extensive draft to finalise tonight and after that... The coming moons would be no less busy.