Princess Celestia listened to Neighmares twelfth while drinking her special blend tea. She had suspended a scroll in the air and was staring at it with razor focus. It was a summon for Twilight to action, Sent by the Ministry. The letter had been sent to Celestia for her seal and her personal messaging spell. All she had to do was sign it and send it, then she would have put her protege and friend back into the fire. Every Maternal instinct told her to go to the nearby fireplace and burn it. However, that would go against her student's very adamant wishes and was no longer her call to make. She had another sip as she contemplated how much had changed in the last few months. Equestria had never been a completely safe place, but the recent events seem to undermine centuries of efforts. She seemed to have little control over the events that were unfolding, and that scared her. Celestia took a moment to look up at the clock above the fireplace mantle, it was nearly time for the sun to rise.
Twilight waltzed through the throne room towards the throne itself, the black cloak revealing only her face and mane. Sitting On the throne atop the dais, Celestia lowered her guard relieved to see her pupil
"Ah, Twilight, I am Glad to see you safely home."
Twilight listened to the maddening voices, they told her exactly what to do, and they always knew what to do.
"You, No longer need to sacrifice for our ponies. You no longer need to bare the weight of your crown... I've taken care, of everything," She told Celestia.
Twilight horn became engulfed in the darkest of magics, and with one spell, the entire throne room was frozen solid. Only Celestia still stood, though weakened by the frost. The bottom of the black cloak that had hidden Twilight had been ripped asunder, revealing the amulet that now sat around her neck. Casting another spell, a sickly green miasma shot forth towards Celestia, binding her horn and legs in glowing green chains. Celestia struggled against her bonds as Twilight approached, her face still hidden by the hood of the cloak.
"What is this, What are you doing Twilight?!" Celestia Demanded, the panic and confusion set upon her face like an animal caught in a snare.
Twilight stopped her strides, her head inches from the princess's.
"Succeeding you, My teacher," Twilight responded in a chillingly calm tone. Her horn once more went to work, the magics forming an icicle, larger than most ponies. She aimed it right at Celestia's heart.
"Let your eyes close...-" Twilight told her mentor, throwing back her hood to reveal natural green eyes with a purple glow.
"-now that mine have been opened!"
The Shard of ice shot forth.
"HHUWAAHHH!?!" Twilight cried out, shooting straight up in her bed. She sat on her haunches as she gasped deeply, sweat rolling down her sides.
Movement in her peripheral seized her attention, causing her focus to snap to the source. Spike had fallen out of his bed, completely covered and tangled in his sheets. The dragon struggled with the mighty foe until his head popped loose.
"Three nights, it's been three nights Twilight. How is anypony around here supposed to get some sleep?" Spike asked the universe, clenching his claws in frustration.
"I'm sorry Spike," Twilight mumbled. She looked down at the bedsheets, tracing circles with her hoof as she considered what to do.
"... Did you wanna talk about it?" Spike offered, climbing on top of the bed to meet Twilight's eye level.
"...No Spike, I don't want to talk about it," Twilight replied, throwing herself back into her pillow.
"But it's been getting worse. Ever since you came back, you've had nightmares, you've barely eaten, and you haven't left the library in days!" Spike stressed the last part by opening the blinds, the sun rising in the distance.
The sun hit Twilight's eyes with all the fury of the morning, the tired and sleepy pony using her hoof to block the light.
"You need to go outside, talk to ponies, go see your friends," Spike suggested.
"Yes, Mom," Twilight responded, rolling her eyes.
"Twilight" Spike called out.
Twilight looked at her ward and saw him looking back at her.
"I'm worried about you," Spike said, almost pleading with his eyes.
The two stared at each other until Twilight finally gave in.
"Okay, okay, I'll go. Tell you what, let's go down to sugar cube corner, my treat." Twilight told Spike, adding a smile to the end of her offer.
Spike beamed at the prospect and raced straight for the stairs.
"After I've had a bath!" Twilight shouted down to him.
Twilight shook her head at Spike's enthusiastic antics and then walked towards the bathroom.
She was stopped however by the sound of a burp and fire, signatures of spikes magical mail delivery from the princess. Twilight slowly walked over to the stairs, her curiosity outweighing her need for a stress-reducing shower. Why would Celestia be sending anything for her today, was something wrong?
"Twilight!" Spike hollered from downstairs.
The lack of panic was a good sign at least. Twilight watched as Spike scrambled up the steps and handed the opened scroll to her. She levitated the paper in front of her and read the contents.
"Sorry Spike, looks like that trip to sugar cube corner is going to have to wait."
Nate meandered through the medical wing, taking his time to find the location of his heading. After acting like one too many paintings were interesting, he found the room he had been told she was in. Pushing the door open, Nate saw Levee laying in a hospital bed.
"And so, monsieur le général graces me with his presence once more." Levee jesterly greeted Nate.
"I had intended to come sooner, But I wasn't sure if I should," Nate told her, standing at the edge of the bed.
"I didn't expect you to be here at all, It is a good surprise though." levee replied, shifting up to a sitting position.
The act exposed her now very missing leg. The amputation had been done at the joint, leaving her femur intact. where the rest of her leg would have been attached to was covered in multiple layers of bandages. Levee had noticed him staring.
"It was not your fault," Levee told him, all the humour gone from her face.
Nate sat down on the bedside chair, Resting his hands on his thighs.
"Then why does it feel like it is?" Nate asked.
"I am alive, that is more than can be said for most. We know the risks, that is the soldier's burden. Tomorrow, I may be dead, but today I live. Death is scary, but depending on the company that awaits, maybe not so." Levee explained to the disturbed human.
"You know that's morbid as hell, right?" Nate asked Levee, receiving a shrug in response.
Attempting to change the subject, Nate looked at the flowers sitting on the bedside table.
"And what company are you keeping?"
Levee looked over to see what Nate was insinuating and upon seeing the flowers, she let out a snort.
"Those are from BB, He's been here every day since I left the surgery, and he'll be here many more."
"He seems keen on you," Nate told her, the mare bursting out in laughter at the statement.
"I'll let his wife know," Levee joked, causing Nate to join in.
"I doubt your husband would be too impressed either."
The comment seem to hit a nerve, as the laughing pony just as quickly stopped as she had started. Realising he was the cause, Nate tried to fix the situation.
" Is everything alright?" Nate asked.
"I wish I could go see them," Levee answered, the emotional raincloud looming above her.
"Your husband?" Nate asked.
Levee nodded.
"And my boy." Levee clarified.
"Then why don't you go see them once you're out?"
Nate's suggestion was met with a firm refusal.
"No, the local area has been marked for hazards because one of the recent anomalies occurred a few weeks ago. While the anomalies have not moved from their location, the procedure requires armed convoy escorts for going into the area at all times. With everything as it is now, it doesn't seem right to ask."
Nate mulled it over, then shifted the chair closer.
"I know I can't change how things are, but I'll always be around if you need someone to to talk too. And who knows, fate has a strange sense of humour about these things. Maybe our mission will lead us there."
Levee smiled at Nate, It was a consultation smile. The mouth smiled, but the eyes didn't.
"Your mission may take you there sooner than you think."
Nate looked to the doorway to see Princess Luna standing patiently.
"Princess Luna," Levee addressed with a small bow from her sitting position.
Luna walked to the end of Levee's bed and addressed Nate.
" Unfortunately, the repelled attack has left our allies in the court wanting more results, not less. Prepare your things, General, Your summon will be delivered within the hour".
Nate left the room but wondered why the Princess would come all the way to say that. A guard could have delivered the message. Curious as to what could merit the trip, Nate hid on the other side of the wall just past the door.
"I assume this is not a social visit?" Levee asked the Princess.
"No, it's not. We need to discuss your ongoing role in the ministry," Luna responded.
Nate couldn't see it, but he could hear Levee moving on her bed.
" I can get a prosthetic, I can still fight," Levee told the princess.
"Even with a replacement appendage, you will never be as agile nor fast as your comrades in arms. Thus, you are a liability to them. You will never be activated for field work again."
Luna's words hung in the air before the squeak of the bedsprings announced Levee had landed back onto the bed. Since Nate never heard her on the floor, she must have laid back down.
"Then my career is over, I will clear out my locker once I'm checked out of here." Levee said, the tone of dejection hard to miss.
"Yes, you will. Your office should be ready by then." Luna agreed.
"Office?" Levee replied, puzzled by the statement.
"Yes, Usually holding a commission means having one own office," Luna Answered
There was a moment of silence, as Levee was processing what she was hearing. Nate listened carefully, waiting for the response.
"I don't understand... You're promoting me?" Levee asked, baffled by the turn of events.
"With your tactical abilities and experience, you were to be fast-tracked to a position of command from the moment the ministry was founded. Our direct command was always intended to be temporary, to oversee the initial formation and growth of the agency. After a few months of experience in a leadership role, We would have offered you the choice to enter the academy and move to part-time administration. At completion, the ministry was to be under your guidance. Unfortunately, your injury has forced the timeframe to be moved significantly forward. Once you have been discharged from the palace infirmary, you will become Our direct subordinate. You will be entered into the royal academy and assist us in the daily operation of the ministry. Your education at the Academy will take four months, with the remainder of your tutelage to be overseen by Us as our subordinate." Luna explained.
Silence reigned again. Nate listened intensely, waiting for the response.
"I... I don't know what to say..." Levee finally answered.
"Say you agree, for the alternative is your immediate resignation."
Nate nearly laughed at how blunt Luna had been, yet managed to stifle it.
"Of course princess, I accepted completely!" levee's voice barely contained her excitement.
"Good, then congratulations are in order, lieutenant, We shall discuss the detail upon your clinical freedom. And General..."
Nate froze, He had been found out. Walking back around to the doorway and into the room, he saw Luna's unimpressed face looking back at him.
"While I do not know much about your world; In Equestria, It is considered impolite to listen in on others' private conversations."
Nate's face became flush as he squirmed under the gaze of the Princess of the night.
"Sorry, Old habit," Nate said to both the ponies while rubbing the back of his neck.
Princess Luna walked past him and towards the door.
"We shall expect your arrival at the airdocks."
Nate stood on the pavement looking at the airships in the Canterlot air docks. The giant vessels left him in awe, their sheer size rivalled only by their beauty. From the bulky shape and the sheer amount of cargo being unloaded, he assumed that a majority of the ships were commercial. Freshly cut timber and chiselled stone poured into the city as repairs began over large stretches of the central district.
"You seem lost. do you need directions to your ship?"
John was already dismissing the pony as he turned around.
"No, I'm just looking at the-"
The General stopped when he gazed upon Princess Celestia. His mind ran out of words as he realised to who he had just said no.
"They are incredible to gaze upon, I still remember the first time I boarded an airship. Sure, they were slower than flying, but there's something alluring about standing there and watching the world go on without you. Then at some point, there was always too much to do, even the occasional diplomatic voyage was buried under learning customs and prereading treaties."
Nate listened as Celestia reminisced about a time few were still alive to have seen.
"Sometimes I miss those days, everything seemed so much simpler."
"I would have thought the return of your sister would have left some free time," Nate commented.
Celestia's warm composure waned as reminiscing was replaced with concern, her brow lowering slowly as he eyes shifted to the horizon.
"If anything, having my sister again has made things even more complicated. Before, all I had were my ponies. Now I have my sister again, and yet between our duties, we rarely have the time to spend together."
Nate stood still, unsure how to respond. The awkward moment held until Celestia seemed to immediately threw off her worry, she had thrown up an emotional mask. With how effortlessly she had gone to acting as if nothing had ever happened, Nate wondered how much of the real Celestia he had ever seen.
"Well General, shall we go find our vessel?" Celestia suggested, gesturing with a hoof to the rows of slimmer ships.
"Our vessel, You're coming with us?" Nate asked as they walked, surprised at the implication.
"The entirety of the Equestrian military high command will be there, along with some very influential nobles. Luna has decided to use this particular mission to show the merits of her ministry. If all goes to plan, this expedition will garner the support she needs to make the ministry public," Celestia explained.
"Let's hope we put on a good show then," Nate replied, trying his best to dampen his worry if things didn't go to plan.
"If Luna believes you can handle it, then I have full confidence in your abilities, General. The fact that Canterlot still stands is a tribute to the efforts Luna has implemented. You will do fine."
Celestia's reassurance didn't dislodge the worry Nate was feeling.
"This is our ship, The Cloud Cutter.' Celestia announced, gesturing to the ramp on the side of one o the ships.
The Cloud Cutters was the perfect fairytale ship. With sky blue paint and mahogany making up the hull, Gold trim detailing and extravagant woodwork detailing, and Topping it off with birch railings, the whole thing looked like a cake top decoration had been upsized. The ship's enormous balloon was as white as snow and stretched the entire length of the ship.
While Celestia went up the boarding ramp, Nate took in the sight of the floating vessel. his eyes followed down the hull to the end of the ship. They stopped on John who was walking towards him, staring at the hull beside him. Nate stood by the ramp and watched the man approach.
"It's impressive, isn't it?" Nate asked John.
"It's impressive that it isn't crashing into the ground. This thing should not be able to hold itself together, let alone fly." John answered.
"We flew on pony-pulled chariots and this seems impossible to you? Nate retorted.
"At least then you could argue that it was using velocity and lightweight material to overcome gravitational pull, even throwing the magic argument around. This thing is made of wood and held from the top down. The weight of the hull should have torn itself apart. If anyone throws that magic word around, I'm going to throw something at them." John ranted, his hands gesturing at the ship to accentuate his point.
"Well, I'm just taking in the view. Regardless of how they work here, It will be interesting to be on a flying sailing ship again." Nate said as he began to make his way up the ramp.
"Again? what do you mean Again!?" Nate heard John shout from below him as he left the man to his bewilderment.
Nate's attention quickly shifted to the deck of the Cloud Cutter. Ponies of all shapes and sizes were scattered around the deck. Royal guard standing on watch, nobles discussing ongoing events with other benefactors, and sailors doing pre-flight checks. There was even an eagle-like creature on four legs that was helping unload barrels from the cargo crane. The deck was massive, the area large enough to comfortably land a vertibird if the balloon wasn't in the way.
"How big is this ship..." Nate asked aloud.
" Three decks. Eight guest quarters, a dining room, an armoury, a fully stocked kitchen and crew quarters."
Nate jumped at the sudden response, locking on the courier beside him who was holding a half-eaten apple.
"Even had space for a spa room." Six added before taking another bite of his apple.
"How do you know all that?" Nate asked as he moved away from the boarding ramp.
"Got here early, I was bored. Kinda disappointed really, the armoury was cool though." Six explained nonchalantly, taking another bite and reducing it to the core.
"They already let you into the armoury?" Nate asked, confused as to the reasoning behind it.
"No." Six responded, tossing the apple core over the ship's side and heading towards a barrel of apples.
Nate looked at the scruffy wastelander with a mix of amusement and confusion, before gazing around the ship once more. His eyes stopped when he saw the two princess sisters at the quarter deck. As he closed the distance between himself and the back o the ship, he saw a third figure in a heated debate with the Princesses. Nate caught the end of the conversation as he reached the quarter deck.
"Mark me, If any of these nasties have wings, you're going to wish you had scrapped the lot." The navy blue stallion told the princesses before storming off with a grumble.
"Ah, general!" Luna exclaimed, her sister following behind her casually as Luna cantered over.
"That was Captain Skipper, he had some concerns on which I'm interested in your insight," Luna said with almost giddy excitement.
Luna moved to Nate's side and gestured to the ship, up to the forward.
"what do you think of the Cloud cutter?"
"She's Beautiful," Nate replied.
"Beautiful, yet antiquated. Our policy that will be implemented calls for a refurbishment of standing royal vessels, Captain Skipper believes that our efforts would be better used constructing new ships from the ground up. The recent innovative discoveries from the technology of your world and the refocus on military equipment have led to upgrades that cannot be fitted on an old craft." Luna explained.
"As have I told the captain, and my sister, it just isn't practical to replace our entire fleet. The treasury is already under extreme stress trying to find sources of revenue to fund the armament projects in place. The reconstruction of the merchant district has only exacerbated the issue." Celestia's eyes never left her sister.
"If funding were the issue, then We would just levy tax from the noble estates." Luna dismissed her sister's concern.
"The increase in taxes has already begun to cause unrest. In their eyes, it's bad enough that we're squeezing more from them, but for those bits to go towards the militarisation of the state? They're resistant to the change." Celestia hadn't even finished her point as she made for the stairs.
"Is it they who are resistant dear sister, or you?" Luna accused.
Celestia halted her descent as if to counter Luna's accusation, however, then continued wordlessly down to the main deck.
Nate stayed silent as Luna transversed the inner turmoil of going forth to stop her sister, deciding against it, brushing the issue aside and returning to address the sole human near the helm.
"If you could find your way to the meeting room on deck four, We will begin our debriefing shortly."
Luna then addressed the pony who had been silently standing by the ship's wheel.
"Helmsmare, Inform the Captain upon his return to hold off our departure by the hour. Some of Our 'guests' have yet to arrive."
A fury of commotion on the main deck stole Princess Luna's attention, she moved to the railing looking over the main deck.
"Ignore Our last command, it appears that they have arrived."
The Princess's tone was anything but elated, the reason becoming clear as Nate also came over to the rails and looked below. Coming aboard were ponies in dress uniforms, their chests covered in ribbons and medals.
"They seem important," Nate observed aloud.
"Tis the General staff, their backing of this endeavour is the most crucial. It will also be the most difficult, as General Brasshorn has been a staunch opponent of the Ministry. His presence on this mission will not be a pleasant one," Luna responded.
"It can't be that painful," Nate told Luna, who was reluctantly heading down the stairs nearby.
"Like Fifty lashes," Luna answered.
Nate followed behind as Luna made her way to the host of officers.
At the head of the pack was a much older stallion, his green dress coat littered with more metal visible than cloth. His mane was trimmed short, a light grey. His face was covered with pure white facial hair, neatly kept and trimmed. He looked like an old Confederate officer, with his coat colour giving away his name.
"General Brasshorn," Luna said to the Stallion, acknowledging his existence.
"Princess Luna, I can not tell you how elated I am to be witness to this venture. However, I still have concerns about the validity of these tests. During the incursion in Canterlot, in which many fine ponies gave their lives to defend their home, your ministerial forces were overwhelmed. If not for the assistance of the Cantelot garrison and your retinue of personal guards, I fear things could have gone much further out of control." General Brasshorn told Princess Luna, with anything but quiet.
"If We recall correctly General, it was the efforts of Our research team and the humans who brought down the behemoth. The Vanguard of the Ministry may have been the only thing that avoided the complete destruction of Canterlot," Luna shot back.
"I Meant no disrespect to your efforts, of course. Your collection of unique individuals is formidable. However, this adherence to creating a rouge unit has clearly shown to be ineffective. Every step of the way, they have needed official military assistance," Brasshorn argued.
"The Ministry was formed as an independent body precisely because we needed an alternative to full mobilisation, general. The Ministry is to be a fully functional body, with the possibility to expand beyond martial solutions. You would have Us simply become another division of the Military?" Luna accused.
The main deck was solely focused now on the unofficial standoff happening between the General and the princess.
"Of course, not Princess, I would never dream of disrupting your well-thought efforts. All I'm suggesting is that place somepony in command that has the experience, as well as help foster coordination between your agency and the fine ponies that defend Equestria. I understand that you want somepony who is with the changing times, one of my staff would be perfect for the role." Brasshorn waved forth a pony.
One of Brasshorn's entourage came forth and stood next to him.
"knowledgeable, well-read on military history, strong in mathematics. Why, he is the very model of a modern major general!" Brasshorn announced, more to the gathered crowd than his princess.
"While We appreciate the sentiment, General, a candidate has already been selected to oversee the ministry after Our departure." Luna countered.
"Ah.... yes. The memo about the Lieutenant's promotion, the Colonel informed me on the way here. While I haven't had the time to familiarise myself with your candidates, Her profile did make it onto my desk. Talented, eager, respected. But I can't help but notice her lack of experience or education."
heads swung from Brasshorn to Luna, as everyone awaited the response.
"Lieutenant Levee En Masse was chosen based on the values and attributes needed for the head of the ministry, Some things can't be taught General Brasshorn."
And everyone swung back to Brasshorn.
"Yes, I imagine you would thoroughly evaluate your candidates. There could be no one better than our Princess of dreams to mentally evaluate someone."
Luna's eye twitched at the thinly veiled accusation.
"It would be imperative that you knew her true motivations, considering her foreign nature."
The tension on the deck became heavy enough that it could have sunk the ship if made tangible.
"And what exactly is that supposed to mean!?" Luna's fury began to escape her, and while still restrained, her mask of pleasantry had begun to crack.
"I'm only acknowledging the strenuous effort you would need to find the right pony for the job, going as far as to search ponies from foreign lands with little background. To look through so many fillies and fouls of Equestria and to see in such an unknown individual the characteristics to lead such an important part of your kingdom's defence. Clearly, you must have had some insight into her inner machinations that we did not."
"General!" Celestia's voice shattered the tension as everyone's attention snapped to the Princess.
"I require you and your staff's attention. If you would kindly leave my sister to complete her briefing below deck, I need to discuss contingency plans in the meeting room."
"Of course, Princess," Brasshorn replied, Leaving the scene with his command staff following.
Luna gave a snort as she stormed away.
"The briefing shall take place in the mess hall once we are airborne!" she demanded as she went inside the ship.
The main deck slowly returned to its previous chaos as sailors went about their last-minute preparations.
Six closed the door in front of him and proceeded to the next door down the hall. Crouching down, he took his screwdriver and hairpin and began to work the lock. The Equestrian locks had proven to be difficult to adapt to, simply because they were so easy. Spending a lifetime learning how to pick standardised lock designs had gotten the practice down to muscle memory. These locks were completely different, simpler, and clunkier. Since they had arrived earlier in the day, he had decided to practice this life-saving skill on every lock he could find, only taking a break or an apple and a chat. His adventure had led him across the entire ship, getting lost at various times. It was upon opening this door that he found himself in a barrack, in the presence of Princess Luna. When the Princess turned around to find the source of her disturbance, she looked right into his eyes. The two looked blankly at each other until Luna spoke.
"You're early, the debrief doesn't begin for another hour," Luna told him.
Clearly having missed some important information, he went along with it,
"I see, guess the clock is wrong," Six responded, hoping she would move on.
"You have no idea what I'm talking about," Luna stated.
"Fuck", he thought to himself.
"Not a word," he answered truthfully.
"I presume that means you missed the confrontation on the main deck. If this conflict doesn't bury us, then that Stallion will."
Luna's venting ended as quickly as it had begun, replaces by curiosity and concern.
"Do you know who We are?" Luna asked.
Six had not expected a question like that.
"You're Princess Luna?" Six answered, trying to figure out what game she was up to.
"Yes... But what else, Is there anything else?" She Pushed.
"I heard you throw a mean rave, you seem busy so ill come back for the briefing" Six slowly crept towards the exit to escape the Princess's sudden crisis of identity.
"The scars, do they hurt?" Luna asked.
He knew the ones she spoke of, eventually, everyone asks. Usually, they asked where they came from, and what caused them. They wanted the story, she had asked if it hurt. he touched the scar tissue, checking that they were still there even if he already knew.
"Sometimes, But it's manageable," Six answered.
Luna walked over to him, studying him. As he stood there, she gazed into his eyes, looking for something. Genuine concern, it had been a long time since he had seen anyone show that towards him.
"Who are you?" Luna asked in pondering more than as a question.
Unsure what to do, he responded.
"I'm the courier."
"But who were you before that?" She insisted.
The question only confused him more, He had always been a courier. She continued to drill into his soul with her eyes, and he began to squirm.
"No offence, but could I have my personal space back?" Six requested.
Luna jumped back, apparently realising what she had been doing. She regained her composure and adopted a stone facade.
"Our apologies. Did you need something?"
"No, no... Well actually, yes. Where are we going?" He asked.
"Were you not notified of your assignment? How did you find your way onto the ship?" Luna asked.
"Yeah, I know about the assignment, but where is it, what is it?" Six elaborated.
"Is the purpose of a briefing not to inform you of these matters?" Luna asked in turn.
Six didn't know how to respond. Would she accept the explanation that during briefings he would faze out and pay no attention, Afterwards just figuring it out as he went?
The lack of response seemed to be an answer in itself because Luna caved.
"The disastrous outcome of the first operation destroyed the credibility of the ministry's effectiveness. However, the victory at Canterlot has renewed some support from the Ministry's benefactors. This operation will be a retrial for the ministry, allowing us to demonstrate the true potential of the ministry as a fighting force. While hardly the whole intended use of the ministry, it is imperative that we show our martial prowess to our potential benefactors. First and foremost, they want to know if the ministry can keep the ponies of Equestria safe, or at least themselves."
"Right... but where are we going?" Six asked again.
Luna rolled her eyes, seeing the futility of explaining the political ramifications. Instead, she dove straight into the mission itself.
"There is an old fort that used to oversee a major trade route between the coastal cities and the capital. After the implementation of rail and Airship commerce, traffic on the road no longer required a garrison. The Fort was abandoned and forgotten until recently when it was discovered to have been reoccupied. Humans have been raiding the region, taking whatever they can. We sent a patrol to parley with the humans, but none returned. Scouts who attempt to approach the fort are shot at, and caravans have gone missing." Luna explained, making sure the courier was following along.
"So, you want us to stop them." Six commented.
"Yes, they must face justice for the harm they have inflicted. We shall go in, and subdue them by any means. In the process, we shall demonstrate the effectiveness of our three available squads. Once we meet with the scouting team on the ground, we will plan the assault in advance with the new information." Luna added.
"Why isn't the army taking care of this?" Six asked.
"The ministry was designed to handle situations such as this, What good would it do for the guard to interfere? If we want to prove the Ministry works, then it must do so on its own." Luna Defended.
"Why the ministry at all? Why not change the army? According to the Orange farmer, you and your sister are like gods to them." Six pushed.
"Apples," Luna replied.
"What?" Six asked.
"She cultivates apples" Luna clarified.
"...but she's orange" Six replied.
"I don't see the relevance, And we are not all-powerful. We share a balance of power with many interests in the kingdom, some more difficult than others. The Guard is controlled by fools, Ponies who have never seen true hardship nor struggle! Outside the occasional border incident, they have no true experience to call upon, an unintended consequence of my sister's rule. The Ministry has the freedom it needs to do what it must. Yet every step of the way, they hinder Us. Curse Brasshorn and the nobles. Their pettiness will ruin us all!"
The frustration in Luna grew pronounced as her words became accompanied by a fury of motions. Six could almost see the metaphorical sarsaparilla crate below her. Her quickened breath could be heard in the vacuum of silence filling the room. The courier in his infinite patience, grabbed a nearby chair to sit down halfway through the speech.
"Apologies once again, these last few weeks have been troubling. for all my experience and skill, that We must practically grovel to these imbeciles, is grating. At least my sister would not be accused in front of a crowd of spying on ponies," Luna lamented.
'When did that happen?' Six thought to himself. That would have been something to see.
The ship rocked momentarily as a rumble vibrated through the room.
"What is that?" Six's head zipped around as he saw things shake.
Luna smiled as she looked at his confusion.
"Cast off, my dear courier. We have begun our voyage."