Skyfall: Treason
By: Dusk Quill
"Our most bitter enemies are our own kith and kin." — Honore de Balzac
A bugle blared out in the cool autumn air, smashing the silence of night as Celestia’s sun began to peek over the eastern horizon. Sleepy, groggy soldiers began to file out of their bunks and into the massive courtyard of the Canterlot Barracks. Shining Armor paced back and forth between the ranks of soldiers, looking at each one individually. Wearing their magical armor, each white pony looked completely identical. He could recall a time when he’d been in their horseshoes.
But today was the start of the new. Out with the old, lax ways of the Guard. With the recent threats to Equestria, each soldier had to be the best they could be.
“Good morning, Guards,” Shining called out loud, his voice heavy with authority as he continued his pace, two lieutenants to either side of him.
“Good morning, Captain,” the multitude of ponies answered back in almost-perfect unison.
“I hope you all slept well, because we’re about to start working real hard,” the Captain of the Guard announced, feigning pleasantry in his words. “Now, we all remember what happened a few weeks ago, right?”
“Sir, yes, sir!” everypony chanted.
“And which outfit stopped that again?”
Nopony answered. Shining Armor listened to the silence, having fully expected it, and nodded slowly.
“That’s right, none of the Guard did. It was headed by our special forces,” said the stallion. “And which outfit cleared the sewers?”
Again, no answer came from the ponies surrounding him.
“That would be Captain Stratagem and a hoofful of soldiers she picked at random.” The captain stopped in place, and turned, looking over the myriad of faces. “So, who can tell me what we’re doing wrong? Why can’t The Royal Guard protect our own city?”
Silence was the only reply Shining Armor received. He sighed. This was exactly what he had planned for.
“As I’m sure you’ve all heard, today begins the day we reform the Royal Guard,” he said, noting a couple worried looks on the soldiers’ faces. “Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean we’re laying anyone off. It means we’re starting our training over from scratch. Working from the ground up. Back to step one. We’ve got a new, rigorous program we’re all going to run through, as well as brand new guns we’re gonna be learning. By the time we’re done, each and every one of you will be capable of defending Canterlot, and all of Equestria, against anything. Understood?”
“Hooah!”
That’s what he liked to hear.
“You’ll all be divided up into your usual platoons and will run through the course together. Nopony passes unless everypony passes.” Shining Armor’s words were adamant. “You will all be training directly with me, with your COs, and with our volunteers. Allow me to introduce the ponies that will be helping you get into shape.”
Shining Armor stepped over to the two lieutenants with him, patting them on the shoulders. “Lieutenant Flintlock and Lieutenant Enterprise, on loan to us from 3rd Company and the 2nd Fleet. They’ll be going over the new firearms training.”
He then approached a small group of ponies standing at attention a short distance off from the soldiers. Making his way down the line, he began the short introductions.
“Captain Stratagem, from 4th Company, will be teaching you tactics, and how to think and act under pressure. She’s gonna help you keep your cool when the going gets tough.”
He approached a snow white pegasus next. “Staff Sergeant Sanguine will be refreshing your memory on combat medicine and what to do if you or your teammates get hurt.”
Then came three bat ponies, a rarity to the soldiers to see. Bat ponies served strictly as the Lunar Guard, and were seldom seen during the early mornings. Soft murmurs ran through the ranks.
“Corporal Midnight Dasher, Corporal Starlight, and Private Nocturne, on loan to us from Fort Shadow,” Shining introduced, looking over the three ponies, all looking ready and willing to get started already. “They’re the real deal, everypony. You’ve all heard the rumors about Fort Shadow. They’re here to train you on close-quarter combat, as well as how to deal with species that aren’t regular ponies. Give them your full attention and respect, or they’ll give you a few hard knocks.”
Lastly, the unicorn came to a red pegasus, smiling at his friend. He smiled and nodded back.
“And Captain Fleethoof, here to train you in advanced close-quarter combat and advanced combat situations, and help out wherever he’s needed. You’ll all be taking your exit exams with him and his team. I’m gonna warn you all now, they are not ponies to be taken lightly.
“Don’t feel like this is any sort of punishment. This is regulation. Every company, every squad, and everypony in the Guard across Equestria is going through this same style of training. We’re reforming the Guard so we can be the reason nopony messes with Equestria,” Shining said, wrapping up his presentation. “We’ll be at this for a while, so be sure to do the best you can and learn everything. It might save your life—or somepony else’s—someday. When your COs give the order, divide up into your groups and we’ll begin. Good luck, everypony! Hooah!”
The soldiers shouted back, and the platoons began to divide up, heading to their designated training areas. Shining Armor heaved a sigh. Reforming the entire Royal Guard was a daunting feat, but it had to be done. As the first Captain of the Guard in ages, it was his duty to make sure his soldiers were at the peak of their performance—especially with the recent dangers facing Equestria.
He hated to admit it, but since the bill had passed allowing the citizens their right to arm and defend themselves, he had been worried. It wasn’t that he distrusted the citizens of Equestria, but now suddenly weaponry had become a commodity to the everyday populace. Yet, as he watched the instructors head off to the firing ranges, or to the halls for lectures, or to the sparring arenas, a calm was beginning to settle his nerves. In his heart, he knew his soldiers were in capable hooves.
No matter the cost, peace would be maintained.