//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2: Plans and Events 
// Story: A New Dawn 
// by Moonlight0405 
//------------------------------//




Year: 1001, Mid Summer, After Nightmare Moon Return (A.N.M.R), a couple of weeks later
Location: Stalliongrad Revolutionary Head Quarter, Abandoned Factory



Previously on A New Dawn

"Enough joking!!! Answer me right now! What's a Changeling Queen like you doing in our fine city?" she demanded, leaving no room for ambiguity and awaiting a swift and clear response from the enigmatic visitor.

"Before meeting all of you in that alley, I was, what you might call, a Human male or, in your terms, a stallion," she commenced. "I am 48 years old, having retired from my military career. Prior to my arrival here, I was a businessman."

They excitedly declared things like, "This is it!" and "Finally, a real soldier that can help us!" The abrupt shift in their demeanor left David Schmidt perplexed

"In my past life as a human," she continued, "we experienced something eerily similar to what's transpiring here right now. It led to a great deal of death and immense suffering for millions."

The plight of the oppressed had found its beacon of hope, and they were ready to unite under her leadership to achieve the freedom and justice they had long fought for.



(A Couple of Weeks Passed By)

With the rebel ponies consistently raising questions about her unusual name, David recognized the need for a name that better suited her Changeling Queen form. After hours of contemplation and reflection, she arrived at a name that encapsulated her qualities and intentions. "Queen Valorix" was the name she selected, combining "valor," signifying bravery and military prowess, with the regal suffix "-ix." This new name was a representation of a Changeling Queen who excelled not only in the art of warfare but also in the intricate domains of business and leadership. It conveyed strength, courage, and a commanding presence, all of which were attributes she hoped to embody as she led the rebellion and guided her newfound comrades toward a better future.

As Queen Valorix spent time with her newfound comrades, she familiarized herself with those who would be instrumental in the struggle to liberate Stalliongrad from the oppressive rule of the nobles and royal guards. Among them, she learned more about Ruska Kalinova, an inquisitive light brown-coated Unicorn mare with a wrench crossing a gear as a cutiemark. Ruska's leadership during the revolt was born out of necessity after the death of Vladimare Lime. Queen Valorix also discovered that Ruska had been a diligent worker in an industry that had been shuttered due to the workers' rebellion against the corrupt nobles who managed it.

Storm Stride, with his striking white coat, light blue mane and tail, and a storm cloud as a cutie mark, brought a unique and invaluable set of skills to the group. His expertise in controlling the weather and his swift, graceful flying abilities made him an asset that Queen Valorix greatly appreciated. His name truly epitomized his capabilities and the role he played in their mission.

Shadow Cloak, the dark grey-coated earth pony stallion, sported a black mane and tail and a cutie mark depicting a cloak emitting shadows. He specialized in reconnaissance and espionage, adding a crucial element of stealth and secrecy to the team's repertoire. Queen Valorix recognized the significance of his abilities in gathering vital information and maintaining the element of surprise in their operations.

As Queen Valorix delved deeper into her relationship with her fellow rebels, she was continually impressed by the diverse talents and qualities they each brought to the cause. This only further strengthened her confidence in their collective ability to effect lasting change in Stalliongrad.



(2 Days Later)

Queen Valorix's keen observation and understanding of the abandoned industry complex did not go unnoticed. The potential of the tools, equipment, and machinery within the complex was not lost on her, and she recognized that with the right modifications and ample time, they could transform the facility into a place capable of producing a wide range of weaponry, from a simple Colt 1911 pistol to a more complex vehicle like a BMP-2.

Her practical thinking and resourcefulness would undoubtedly prove to be an invaluable asset to the rebel cause. As she assessed the complex's potential and considered the possibilities, Queen Valorix was poised to harness this facility's capabilities for the benefit of their struggle, ultimately bolstering their chances of achieving their shared goal of liberation in Stalliongrad. Queen Valorix wasted no time in sharing her insights and plans with the rebels. She outlined a comprehensive strategy for the industrial complex, explaining how they could gradually retrofit and repurpose the machinery for manufacturing weapons, ammunition, and other essential supplies for their movement. In the coming week, her body would be ready to produce her first batch of changelings because of the energy that came from the love and adoration of everypony that viewed her as their hope and key to be free of the nobles and royal guards.

The rebels all but agreed, even if they didn't always fully understand what she was talking about. Both Ruska Kalinova, Storm Stride, and Shadow Cloak were impressed and energized by her vision. They could see that with Queen Valorix's guidance, the abandoned complex held the potential to be a vital hub for their operations. As work began on the complex, Queen Valorix demonstrated her considerable knowledge and leadership abilities. She worked side by side with the rebels, overseeing the modifications, retooling, and retraining required to adapt the facility to its new purpose. The rebels had a renewed sense of hope and determination as they saw the complex slowly transform into a well-organized production center. With Queen Valorix's guidance and the dedication of her comrades, they were taking a significant step toward realizing their goal of freeing Stalliongrad from the clutches of the corrupt nobles and the oppressive royal guards.

As the rebels continued to work on transforming the abandoned industry complex into a weapon and supplies production center, the pressing need for a clear strategy and steady supply of weapons and resources became apparent. Queen Valorix called a meeting to address these crucial issues.

Gathering in a dimly lit, makeshift meeting room within the complex, Queen Valorix, Ruska Kalinova, Storm Stride, and Shadow Cloak sat down to discuss their strategy.

"Thank you all for being here," Queen Valorix began. "Our progress has been impressive, but we need to ensure we have a steady supply of weapons, ammunition, and essential resources to sustain our rebellion."

Ruska Kalinova, ever the practical thinker, interjected, "I've been reaching out to the underground networks and connections I've made over the years. I believe we can secure a reliable source of materials and goods. We just need to ensure our contacts remain discreet and that we don't attract the attention of the nobles or royal guards."

Storm Stride nodded in agreement. "I can help with that. My reconnaissance skills can be put to good use in ensuring that our supply lines remain covert and secure. We can't afford any leaks."

Shadow Cloak, the expert in espionage, added, "I'll assist Storm Stride in maintaining the secrecy of our operations. The nobles' corrupt dealings should keep them distracted, but we can't underestimate their cunning. We must be vigilant."

Queen Valorix looked at her team, a sense of determination in her eyes. "We need a comprehensive strategy for our upcoming operations. We can't just rely on our manufacturing capabilities. We must plan our strikes carefully, choosing our battles wisely to weaken the nobles' grasp on Stalliongrad. I believe we should prioritize disrupting their supply lines and targeting key figures who support their oppressive rule."

Ruska Kalinova chimed in, "We can use our knowledge of the city's infrastructure to identify vulnerable points. And with the information Storm Stride and Shadow Cloak provide, we can strike swiftly and efficiently."

The rebels discussed their ideas further, mapping out a detailed strategy that balanced their need for resources, weapons, and supplies with their desire to undermine the nobles' control. They recognized the importance of coordination and information-sharing, as well as the need for backup plans in case of unexpected setbacks.

By the end of the meeting, they had a clear plan in place, a sense of purpose that fueled their determination. The abandoned industry complex was not just a symbol of their unity; it was becoming the heart of their rebellion, where weapons, strategy, and supplies were forged, and where their hope for a better Stalliongrad grew stronger each day.

Under Queen Valorix's guidance, the rebel forces grew not only in numbers but also in morale. The industrial complex became a symbol of their determination, a place where their vision of a free and just Stalliongrad was taking shape, one piece of equipment at a time.

Ruska Kalinova, who had once acted as the acting leader of the revolt, found in Queen Valorix a mentor and partner in their struggle. The two worked closely to organize the rebellion and plan their next moves. Queen Valorix's leadership and military experience, combined with Ruska's knowledge of the city and her strong determination, made for a formidable team.

Storm Stride continued to lend his expertise, not just in controlling the weather but also in scouting and reconnaissance. His ability to gather critical information without detection became invaluable in uncovering the plans and movements of the nobles and royal guards.

Shadow Cloak's skills in espionage and stealth played a crucial role in outmaneuvering their adversaries. He gathered intelligence on the nobles' activities and exposed their corrupt dealings, fueling the rebellion's cause.

Together, they formed a tight-knit group, with each member contributing their unique skills and expertise. With each passing day, their unity and the sense of purpose they shared grew stronger.