//------------------------------//
// Interlude: Her Country's Call 
// Story: I'm Sorry it had to Come to This 
// by Bright Keys 
//------------------------------//

One Year Ago
It was midday in Canterlot, and in the Canterlot Castle Meeting Room, The three princesses, Twilight Sparkle, Celestia, and Luna, as well as the chief military agents in Equestria, Shining Armor and Spitfire, were gathered around the table. The room was dead silent, and had remained that way for a few minutes, due to nobody in the room wanting to be the first to address the situation. Finally it was Luna, tired and irritated from having to wake up in the middle of her sister’s cycle, who broke the silence.
“Twilight Sparkle,” she said as if only half awake, “Due to ponies realizing your regal status, your residence of Ponyville has boomed in population as ponies from all over Equestria have flocked to live close to what they hope will be another focal point in Equestrian culture. As a result, less than satisfactory characters have moved in, raising the crime rate. Coupled with the recent pushes for Changeling rights, it is recommended that you organize a royal guard before ponies rise up to take the place of one.”
“Yes, that much I understand, but Ponies aren’t exactly rushing to my castle doors asking to join the army!” was Twilight’s rebuttal.
“I have thought of this, and have come up with a solution.” Celestia replied, “there are thirty guards currently finishing up training who shine above the rest, which Shining Armor can attest to,” as if on cue, Shining nodded agreement, “these thirty will travel to Ponyville once their training is complete, and will serve as your personal guard force.”
“As I pointed out when we discussed this earlier, they still need a captain.” Shining Armor interjected. “I’d volunteer, but I have a higher obligation to the Crystal Empire.”
“Well, we could train one of the thirty you’re already sending.” Twilight Sparkle replied.
“That’d involve putting them through advanced training that would delay their arrival by at least a year and a half.” Shining Armor informed.
“I might have an idea.” Spitfire spoke up, to the shock of everypony else in the room, seeing as all she had done up to the point was stare down whomever was speaking.
“Well, don’t just leave us in suspense. Tell us!” Princess Luna practically shouted.
“Rainbow Dash.” Spitfire said with a slight smile, placing her hooves on the table as if the choice were obvious. Twilight Sparkle stifled a laugh as Shining Armor looked shocked. He immediately spoke up.
“I cannot even begin to list off the various ways she is not the proper choice.” He placed a hoof on his forehead.
“While I admit that she’s reckless, headstrong, hotheaded, a thrill seeker, irresponsible, and lazy, She’s also surprisingly strong, blisteringly fast, and her loyalty is rivaled by none, a trait that can be attested by Twilight Sparkle. Another plus is that she’s a local who knows the ponies and the area. She’s also a fast learner, and since she idolizes me and the rest of my team, we can use this as leverage, creating a custom training regimen that ensures that in the first phase she works with us, before moving her to Canterlot to begin the core of her training. I’m sure that some time with her idols will humble her, and discipline will come naturally with how we’ll fill up her schedule.”
“I also want some input on the plan. Are those guards ready to go to Ponyville yet?” Twilight added.
“They will be in a couple months. Maybe less.” Shining Armor said with a hint of pride.
“Teach them as much diplomacy and psychology as you can in that time. I’d rather have my guards talk their way out of situations then fight through them.”
“I’ll ensure that is done.” Shining Armor bowed slightly. “But the previous matter is still on the table. What are we going to do about your captain? As much as I’d hate recommend Rainbow Dash, Spitfire has a point. With a strict regimen and close contact with her heroes, Rainbow Dash might just straighten out.” Twilight closed her eyes and thought for a moment.
“Do it.”