//------------------------------// // 32. Harmony, Planning, and Ponies // Story: Secrets of a Royal Guard // by Anzel //------------------------------// Steel Wings and I sat in my office going through more interviews. They were going better than I’d anticipated. My brow arched. “Are you certain you don’t want to hear more before you make up your mind?” The dark blue pegasus shook his head, his close-cropped silver mane barely moving. “No, sir. That armsmaster pin and Celestia Cross tell me all I need to know. Count me in.” Silver Flare was, to put it bluntly, a brawler. He’d spent his whole career volunteering for anything dangerous or where there might be a fight. As such, he’d be in more fights in seven years than most ponies saw in a thirty-year career. He was good in that regard. His other skills, unfortunately, weren’t as sharp, so he’d never advanced past guard first class. Steel Wings shrugged. “Works for me. You’re in for a whole mess of trouble, son.” “Wouldn’t be the first time, Chief,” Silver replied with a very cavalier tone. “Alright, you’re in,” I said. “You’ll coordinate with Chief Wings. Return to your normal duties. You know the drill.” “Yes, sir!” he replied before stiffening to attention. We exchanged salutes and he left. “I like that one,” Chief said. I snorted. “I’m sure you do.” “Alright, that is a weather pony, a medic, a fighter, two scouts, an armsmaster, and you. What’s left?” “Acrobatic flyer,” I replied. Chief frowned at me. “Are you ever going to share all the details of this plan with me?” “As soon as I have my flyer. Otherwise the plan is a wash.” Chief nodded and then looked at the files piling up. “What about these? I thought you were going to fix this.” I waved a hoof. “I am. I have a plan for that, too. Don’t worry about it. Just worry about getting those ponies safely in peak condition.” “Yes, sir,” he replied. After several less successful interviews, I was hoping I had finally found the right pony. Blur, the stark white pony sitting across from us, had suspicion written all over his face. He would, most likely, end up on a Wonderbolts team someday, providing I didn’t get him injured or killed. “I’m not sure why intelligence would want me,” Blur said. “We’re not intelligence,” I corrected. He shrugged. “The point still stands, sir. I’m not sure why whatever this is would want me.” “You’re one of the best flyers the Navy has,” I explained. “You also have experience as a trainer. I’m looking to leverage that knowledge and talent.” “I don’t know, sir. This looks like a rough deal. I’m not one of those guys who are all bravado. I went through the training, but I’m not much of a fighter. That one dust-up was just a fluke.” That dust-up was between him and three gryphons. He’d out-thought and out-flown them. Blur had used the terrain to his advantage and ultimately took out all three. That wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t hoof-to-claw fighting, but it was well executed. “I don’t really buy that, sailor,” I said. Chief grunted. “Me neither.” Blur shifted and broke form to rub behind his neck. “It isn’t like I beat them or anything.” “You used your natural advantages to subdue them. We don’t care if you can’t swing a sword, nor would we ask you to. We’ll be playing to your strengths, not trying to make you into a soldier.” “I don’t know, sir. I’m looking forwards to a career as a Wonderbolt, and you’ve already said this could ruin those chances.” “Yes, I’m afraid that is true,” I replied. Then I set my hooves on the desk. This was not who I wanted to be, but I was running out of time and I needed a flyer. Desperate times, desperate measures. My voice lowered with careful precision. “But is that really all you want to do? Be a show pony? Don’t get me wrong, I respect the Wonderbolts, but at the end of the day, you need to ask yourself what is going to make the most difference. We’ve got a legitimate threat to Equestria in our borders.” I saw Chief’s eyes twitch ever so slightly in surprise. We hadn’t tried to convince anypony to join us. “I… uh… well, sir.” Blur swallowed. “I suppose if you’re mostly looking for a trainer and a flyer, I could spare the time. If you really mean the bit about no swords and such.” “I do. I can say you won’t be out of a fight but you won’t be in the thick of it. We’ve got ponies for that.” Blur nodded and then replied, “Alright, sir. Count me in, I guess. When do we get started?” “Tomorrow night. Chief will give you the details.” After the door closed behind Blur, Chief looked at me. “So, you have your team, then. Now, what’s the plan?” I tucked Blur’s folder back into the file cabinet and locked it. “I promise I’ll give you all the details soon. I have one more thing to take care of.” He snorted and one ear flicked. “You make a lot of promises, Lieutenant. I just hope you’re able to make good on them. For your sake.” I straightened up to look at him. “Are you threatening me, Chief?” “Me? Threatening? Never.” He stepped forwards to crowd me and lowered his face to mine. “Just hoping you remember that this is bigger than you.” A part of me wanted to clock him right in his smug face. The other part of me was afraid he knew I was having doubts. I shoved past him to wait at the door. “See you tomorrow night, Chief.” I could feel his stare boring into the side of my head. I didn’t look at him. Finally, he snorted and trudged out of my office. “Better be good,” he muttered as he passed me. Once he was gone, I locked my office and hurried to leave the palace. I had to secure an important piece of the puzzle and hope it didn’t arouse suspicion. As normal, when I walked into the Phial and Filly, Rossby was behind the front desk reading a book. He regarded me with complete indifference. I nodded to acknowledge his lack of acknowledgement. It was our thing. I almost went to the drop location on pure instinct but navigated my hooves to the backroom door instead. Strangely, I was met with only darkness. “Runic?” I called. “I’m here,” he replied. “Where is here?” “I’m not sure. Is it dark or did I blind myself?” Just one time, I’d like to come back there and have it be normal. “It’s dark, but I can’t promise you that you haven’t blinded yourself.” “Fair enough. Flip the switch.” After a pause, I said, “I’m not embarrassed to say I’m too afraid to do that.” There was some movement in the darkness. Something glass fell over and shattered. “Oops. Hope that was empty! Don’t worry, it’s totally safe. I fixed that wire.” Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and go. My hoof found the switch and flipped it up. The main lights didn’t come on. Instead, a bunch of red ones along the back wall lit up. “Close enough,” Runic said from the back corner of the workshop. “How did I get all the way over here?” Rossby leaned in from the storefront. “Even odds say when you blew up whatever it was near this side, it threw you back there.” “Ah, that makes sense,” Runic replied before heading my way. “Welcome back, Silent Knight!” Briefly, Rossby and I exchanged glances, and then I turned back to my cousin. “Thank you.” Runic smiled. “How did it go? Was she surprised?” “Completely. I was afraid for a moment she was going to say no. She was just stunned is all, I guess.” Runic grabbed me in a tight hug. “Yay! Congratulations!” I was more than happy to return the hug just as tight. “Thank you, I couldn’t have done it without you.” He let go and shrugged. “I doubt that, but still. Are you ready for our big day tomorrow?” What was happening tomorrow? Was it his birthday? No, not yet. My birthday? “Tomorrow?” “Yeah, the entitling of the Harmony. Remember?” The airship! I’d completely forgotten. That was my last possible priority. “I—” When I looked at Runic, his eyes were filled with glee. I really didn’t have time, but this might be our last—No, focus. I could spare an afternoon for family. “I am. Should we meet here?” “That works for me.” “Great. I’ll be here. Say, do you have any more of those immolation potions Miley used over in Nordanver?” Runic nodded and went over to the shelf. “Absolutely. I don’t think we should bring them, though. I wouldn’t want to mix airships and immolation potions.” It took a lot of effort to keep my expression and tone even. “Oh, no, I don’t want them for that. They were extremely useful, so I thought they should be part of my kit. Can I have some? Twenty or so?” My alchemist cousin dumped out one of his shampoo crates and filled it with potions, then repeated the process with a second. “Here you are!” As I pondered how concerned I should be with how easy this was, I instead shifted my focus to something more important than my cousin’s naivety. “Random question.” He beamed. “My favorite kind!” “Would these still burn in the rain? Not like a little rain. I’m talking torrential downpours.” Runic nodded proudly. “You bet! Not forever, mind you, and not as long as if things were dry, but yeah. They’ll absolutely burn in the rain. Oh, do you need them to burn underwater?” “What?” “Do you need them to burn underwater? Is that a requirement?” I shook my head. “No, that’s okay.” “Okay good, because they probably won’t burn underwater. I mean, they definitely won’t.” “Good to know. See you tomorrow?” “You bet!” Next on my agenda was the Canterlot University Research Library, which thankfully was only a short flight away. When I touched down on campus, there were still a few students coming and going. The building never closed but the pony I was looking for wasn’t there all hours of the day. The library was quiet, as per usual. For an institute as busy as Canterlot University, the building was almost always empty. That suited me fine. I approached the circulation desk and spotted Ley Lines flipping through a magazine with mild disinterest. “Pardon me,” I said softly. The unicorn mare looked up, her green and blue mane falling to the side. “Lieutenant? What can I do for you?” “How is your early Equestrian?” I asked. She looked at me, her brow arched. “Extremely good. Why?” I flipped my saddlebag’s flap open and pulled out the first Knights of the Moon tome, setting it on the counter. “This is an ancient warrior text. To my knowledge, only one exists and its value is immeasurable. I need it hoofcopied. No spells.” Ley Line’s eyes went big. Carefully, she took the blue, silkbound book and opened it to read the first page. “Where did you get it?” “A town called Haven.” She glanced up at me. “I’ve never heard of it.” I smiled. “And perhaps someday you will. Can you help me?” “Well… hoofcopying isn’t what we normally do…” She grinned wide. “But this seems like a stellar opportunity. I can do it for you.” “Thank you,” I replied. Then I set my hoof on the book. “I must emphasize that it is the only one. Can I trust you with this?” She pulled it closer to her almost protectively. “You can count on me, Lieutenant! I promise. You’ll get it back in exactly the same condition. Although…” “Although?” I repeated. “I feel a fee is in order.” Of course. “Name it.” “When you come to pick it up, you tell me about Haven.” Was that all? I could do that. Ponies needed to start learning about Haven, anyway. “Agreed. How long will it take?” She looked at the book and seemed to judge it by size. “Probably a while. I’ll find you.” ☾ Early in the morning, Runic and I flew together to the airship yards north of Canterlot. I’d seen them at a distance, but I’d never spent any time near them. The sheer scale was impressive. Jet Ventures operated three massive construction berths, several medium ones, and tons of small ones. Airship construction was the perfect example of pony collaboration: earth pony technology, pegasus cloud manipulation, and unicorn magic. It was one of the things that made Equestria so strong. “Would you look at her,” Runic said, awestruck as we approached. “She is a beauty.” “Yes, she is,” I replied as my eyes drifted over the ship. The Harmony floated effortlessly in berth one. For her hull, the designer had chosen a dark wood that had been stained and then polished to a high-gloss sheen. Airship hulls are typically not shaped like their ocean-going cousins. The bow is tapered for better wind resistance, but the rest of the hull is often far more angular with only the slightest curve at the bottom. While still retaining some semblance of masts, they also trade their sails for one massive primary balloon and a number of smaller rescue balloons. The Harmony had eight to ensure that, if the main failed, the massive vessel would slowly descend while staying level. The primary balloon was long and cylindrical in shape. It rested gently atop three masts and was held in place by thousands of yards of rigging. Last, but not least, the keel of the ship bore two giant propellers that would push the Harmony forwards, though I imagined not very fast. Runic looked at the grandstands near the side of the vessel and asked, “Do you want to get a seat down there or go for a pegasus special?” “I bet the pegasus special will be better. What do you think?” “We’ll need to be fairly close to hear, but yeah, let’s see if we can find a cooperative cloud.” Together, we scoured the area for a cloud big enough to hold us both. Runic eventually found one and together we awkwardly maneuvered it into a good vantage point. Never underestimate how hard it is to move a cloud. Weather ponies make it look easy. It isn’t. By the time we’d gotten the disobedient thing settled, the entitling ceremony was starting. A pony stepped up onto the grandstand and made his way over to the podium. “Ladies and gentleponies, on behalf of Jet Ventures and Eminence Enterprizes I want to thank you for being here today. Please give a warm welcome to the Chairpony of Jet Ventures, Mr. Jet Ship.” The crowd broke out into loud but very polite stomps. This was, after all, a classy affair and seemed to be geared towards the elite. After all, the average pony couldn’t afford to just cruise around in a stateroom. The original pony stepped out of the way and another joined him on the podium. He was in a pristine tuxedo, had a smooth, ‘all business’ mane, and a short-cropped tail, both a faded blue with aged, greying streaks. His coat was light slate grey and even at a distance, I could see his piercing orange eyes. “Friends, I am so thrilled to be here today. When my father started this company so long ago, most ponies thought the skies were the domain of the pegasi only. He went from building small, single-pony airships to many of the designs we know as standard today. This, however, he could have never imagined!” Jet Ship motioned to the Harmony and the crowd once again stomped politely. Once the noise had died down, he continued on, “This new class of airship is the most modern, the most safe, and the most luxurious in existence. With a capacity to comfortably transport two thousand guests and seven hundred crew, more ponies than ever will know the joys of this kind of entertainment.” He then smiled, leaned across the podium, and added, “And as chairpony of the board, I am obligated to mention that we’re starting to book for the maiden flight today. Be sure to see your travel agent.” The crowd chuckled. Runic rolled his eyes. “Now, without further ado, I want to invite to the stage a pony that had a huge hoof in making this possible. In fact, without him, I doubt we’d be here today. Ladies and gentleponies, President of Eminence Enterprizes, Mr. Eminence!” A unicorn rose from the front of the crowd and made his way up and onto the grandstand. He was tall, lean, and wore a perfectly tailored tuxedo. Beneath it, his coat seemed to have been made of spun gold. His mane was perfectly groomed and light blue. He walked with confidence. “That’s Iridescence’s dad,” I said absently. Runic looked over. “Oh yeah? She sure doesn’t act like the daughter of one of the richest ponies in the world.” “No, she doesn’t.” When Eminence reached the podium, he shook hooves with Jet Ship. “Thank you, Mr. Ship. You’re too kind. I am just so happy that I can be a part of such a monumental moment in pony history. I’ve always believed very strongly in reaching for the heavens, and you have not disappointed. It is an honor to stand here next to you.” Jet Ship nodded and motioned to where the Harmony floated mere feet from them. “Then shall we entitle this ship together and set off into the heavens?” “By all means,” Eminence replied. Together, the two ponies walked to the edge of the grandstand where an attendant offered them a bottle of champagne attached to a ceremonial ribbon. They each set a hoof on it and pushed it together. The bottle hit the hull, burst open, and the crowd went wild. Eminence spoke up, “We entitle you TMS Harmony. May you sail the skies for many years to come.” “I really want to get onto that ship,” Runic said, standing up. My hooves got hold of his tail. “You’ll have to buy a ticket like everypony else.” “Just a peek!” He started tugging me across the cloud. I held firm. “No, I do not want to have to explain to Miley how you got arrested with me right here.” Runic stopped and looked back at me. “She’d be very angry.” “I bet!” “Mostly at you. You should have stopped me,” he said. “I am stopping you!” Runic peered. “Are you?” “Yes!” “Aww… fine.” ☾ Night had fallen and I stood on a cloud, looking at the line of ponies standing at attention. It was an odd bunch for sure. They were the right ones for what I had in mind, though. “Thank you all for coming. Tonight is our first dry run. We’re going to practice this plan over and over until we know it without thinking. Every night, every day of the week. We will have the element of surprise on our side. We also have a lot of other advantages.” I turned and looked down at the small, white ring Chief and I had painted on the grass far below us. From up here, it looked no bigger than a bit. It was large enough to hold three ponies in reality. “Each of you has a special talent that made you suitable for this mission. We’re going to play to each of your strengths. Our target tonight is that ring below. For now, Blur, this is your show.” Blur cleared his throat, looking a little uncomfortable. “Yes, sir. So, I brought everypony some goggles, you’re really going to need them.” He started handing the pairs out and the team put them on. Nova’s head tilted. “Why goggles?” “Well, and I mean this delicately, the LT is somewhat crazy but I think this part of the plan is really going to work. The goggles are for safety and that is what we’re all about. Safety first. Right?” He looked over at me uncertainly. I nodded. “Right. Alright, Nightwatch, put the goggles on and come to the edge of the cloud here. Blur is going to run us through a few maneuvers, but it is the last one I want you to pay the closest attention to.” Tranquil’s black-feathered wings flapped and she bounced to the edge of the cloud. “I think this is going to be fun.” It seemed wrong to think of this as fun. We were preparing for taking lives. My stomach twisted at the thought, but I didn’t correct her. Perhaps that was a mistake. One of many. Every night, we got together and went through the drills. My body would scream with aches at the end of it, but it was one heck of a workout. Nova kept us all in check, but Blur had a way with instruction that motivated everypony to keep going. The only real problem was the impact it was having on my personal life. Once again, after training, I arrived at Crystal’s condo… late for dinner. The physical strain I could deal with. The looks she’d give me like she was the one in pain, however, were a different story. A shower would have been nice, but I thought less late and smelly was better than really late and clean. We’d see how that played out. I knocked at her door three times. The door opened, revealing Crystal in her bathrobe. “Wow, to be honest I expected you later.” Well, she didn’t look mad or sad tonight. That was a good sign. “I didn’t want to be that late this time.” She smiled. “The work of a royal guard is never done. You look a mess. Should I be concerned you’re cheating on me?” My ears shot up. “Never! This sweat was earned the natural way. Through exercise.” “Well then, come on in. I’ll heat up dinner. You have to eat if you’ve been working out that much.” I walked inside. “That is true. Although, I’d love a shower. You could join me.” Crystal softly giggled and gave me a shove. “Most nights I’d say yes, mister, but you’re on your own tonight. I’m in my pajamas.” “Fair enough. I won’t be long,” I replied before hurrying off to her bathroom. True to my word, I took as quick of a shower as I could. When I settled down to eat, a thought struck me and I looked around. “Where is Velvet?” Crystal blinked and looked around as well. “You know, I’m not sure. She’ll turn up.” I shrugged. That was true. Velvet tended to do her own thing. “Do you have any plans this Wednesday? That play you were talking about is going to be stopping through town on a road show. I thought you’d like to go.” “Three Stallions and a Foal?” “The other one,” I replied. “Swift Times at Manehatten High?” I shook my head. “No, the other, other one.” “Flankspeare in Love?” “That is the one! Would you like to go?” Crystal nibbled on her lower lip. “Wednesday? They’re not here any other days?” “One day only. We could drop everything and go,” I said hopefully. “I’ve got Fancy Pants’s fall line showing. Only a few ponies were invited. It’s a sneak peek at what he’ll be debuting later his year. I’m already committed, I’m sorry.” “That’s fine. We’ll just make some time another day,” I replied, turning back to my dinner. This was the second time in as many weeks that some of Crystal’s events had taken her from me. Of course, I could never say anything. I was usually coming in late. Although, my stuff was mostly work related. Hers was just— “My mother has pretty much demanded to meet you.” “Pardon?” I looked up. Crystal idly tapped her hooves together. “My parents. We’re getting married at some point. They want to meet you before the wedding.” “Oh, well sure. That seems reasonable. You’ve met my mom. When?” The unicorn grinned sheepishly. “Tomorrow?” I looked up at her. Her grin fell and she looked guilty. “I’m sorry, you’ve just been so busy at work, I put off telling you. If we cancel, she’ll think I’m hiding you.” “No, tomorrow is fine. After work at least?” She nodded. “Yes, but your regular hours.” “Yes, dear,” I replied before looking back down to the food. Well, this was going to be interesting.