//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 // Story: The Panzer Lehr // by Celestial Knight //------------------------------// Prince Blueblood stepped back, furious that he had been halted mid sentence by the door slamming in his face. He had half the mind to throw it open and continue his tirade, but decided against it. The last thing he needed to do was draw unwanted attention to himself. He headed back into his room, making sure the door was locked and sealed, then walked behind his desk. An ornate looking letter sat on his desk, sealed with a wax stamp bearing a long forgotten seal. He produced a small knife from a cupboard and sliced open the end of the letter, producing a slightly aged paper. To any other pony, the writing would look like unintelligible gibberish, but to Blueblood it had a meaning. He gave a sardonic smirk. Everything was unfolding precisely as planned. There was a knock at his door. Blueblood quickly scrunched the letter and tossed it in a nearby fireplace. “Yes?” He said. “Princess Celestia has called a meeting of the High Council Sir.” Came a voice of one of the palace Guards. Blueblood frowned. The High Council was only called to an emergency meeting for just that, an emergency. His frowned deepened as he realized that the time frame of his operation had just been kicked forwards a few weeks. This could cause unforeseen complications, but it could also work in his favor. He suddenly had a fair amount of ammunition to toss around. “Very good.” He replied to the Guard. Most of the high council were gullible idiots or petty nobles, it wouldn’t take too much to sway them. But the core nobles would be a problem. He would have to do something about that. ((A while later)) Schlesinger took a moment to straighten his cap and dust down his jacket as she stood next to Celestia at a set of large, ornate, double doors. “I must address the high council.” Celestia said. “Although overall command of the Equestrian military falls to me, its deployment falls to them. I must plead my case for full mobilization without letting them know we face invasion.” “Are you sure I am allowed to attend, your Highness?” He asked Celestia. “Of course.” Celestia said. “This meeting is secret, but as my military advisor, I will allow you entry, and even the right to speak on my behalf if necessary.” Schlesinged nodded. The doors swung open to reveal a horseshoe shaped room. Banks of seats filled the sides of the room, coming together to form an archway over the entrance. At the head of the room was a slightly raised pedestal where the speaker of the high council would sit, and behind it, a higher pedestal with three thrones, obviously reserved for the royalty. The room was filled with hundreds of ponies, there appeared to be roughly 300 in all. All stood and fell silent as Celestia and Schlesinger entered. Schlesinger caught more than a few glances as he accompanied the Princess up to the high pedestal. “You may stand by my side.” She said as she quietly took her seat, the rest of the council following suit. Schlesinger stood alongside the throne. The speaker, a blue pony wearing a black robe addressed the assembly. “This emergency meeting of the high council is now in session. Princess Celestia, as you are the one who called this meeting, please address the council.” Celestia stood and faced the crowd. “Thank you Mr speaker. I have called this meeting to address an emergency issue, which could not wait until our monthly meeting.” She had to pick her words carefully. “Over the last few months, intelligence reports have indicated large numbers of griffon troops moving towards the Equestrian-Griffon border.” There were sounds of concern from some areas of the room. “While this may amount to nothing, I propose to trot on the side of caution, and to immediately deploy the Equestrian armed forced northwards to deter any griffon intentions of hostile action.” There was a small chorus of “Heer heer” from some ponies. “I move that a vote be called on this issue.” She slowly sat down again. The speaker stood. “Princess Celestia moves for a vote on the deployment of Equestrian armed forced to our northern border to deter griffon aggression. Are there any here who oppose this.” One hoof shot straight up. “The council recognizes Prince Blueblood.” Schlesinger frowned, this one was trouble. He could tell. Blueblood stood up. “My fellow councillors. I believe that the deployment of the Equestrian army will be both a costly and foolish move.” He began. “Firstly, as many of our esteemed councillors will remember, her Royal Highness Princess Celestia has failed to provide our army with a proper supply setup. As any who have had military units training in their constituencies will remember, the presence of these ponies caused severe damage to local infrastructure and food shortages in various communities, due to the soldiers need to forage for supplies. The army will have to mobilize and move through 32 of your constituencies in order to reach the northern border. The food needed to sustain the entire military could drive various constituencies into starvation.” Celestia frowned. She hadn’t expected Blueblood to resist such a move as to deploy the army. He was outright defying her. Some kind of power play maybe. Blueblood continued. “Secondly, the mobilization of the Equestrian army may cause the griffons to think that we are intending to attack them. This may cause them to launch a preemptive strike. Shall we risk war over a foolish move such as this?” He suddenly changed the subject. “On these, intelligence reports. Why was the high council not informed of these griffon movements? Surely Princess Celestia knew that this information would be of concern to us, yet it was hidden away. For what purpose? I demand answers!” Another chorus of ‘heer heer’s went around the room. “Slimy bastard.” Schlesinger muttered as Celestia stood to answer Blueblood’s claims. “The reason why the griffon military reports were not presented before the council is due to the fact that until now, my sister and I deemed that they were not of great concern. The griffons move troops up to the border and away again often. However, it was not until recently that the number of troops being deployed there began to grow exponentially. That is why I deemed it necessary to send my sister to the Griffon court and to bring this issue before you now.” “So you admit that information that was essential to the safety of our lands was kept from us.” A pony to the left of the room demanded. “The council does not recognize councillor Neighdon.” The speaker said, only for the room to erupt into shouting. Some ponies backed Celestia’s move, other’s Blueblood’s. “Order! Order!” The speaker banged his gravel on his desk. The room slowly quietened. A pony in the front rank of seats slightly down from Celestia raised a hoof. “The Council recognizes army minster, General Slate.” The General stood, his face was slightly scarred from action. He was one of Equestria’s finest generals, even though he had never commanded his own army in combat. He had acted as a military advisor to the Zebrican tribes in their struggle for independence from the Minatore Confederacy, and as an observer during the second Griffo-Draconic war. Due to this he held the respect of many in the room, and would normally be supported by a large number of councillors who would otherwise remain neutral. “I will stand by the Princess and her decision.” The General said. “The Griffon’s have been trying our patience for too long with their fancy military parades and soldiers marching around the borders. I second the notion to vote on the issue of deployment.” Blueblood frowned, and quickly changed the subject. “On an unrelated issue. Why is that hairless primate in here?” He pointed a hoof at Schlesinger. “I believe that there is a rule against pets in the council chambers.” There was a little bit of jeering in the room. Schlesinger gave Blueblood an unimpressed look. Celestia gave him a small nudge. “My name is Wilhelm Schle...” “It speaks!” Blueblood acted as if shocked. There was some soft laughter from around the room. “Order.” The speaker said. “Prince Blueblood, please refrain from remarking while others speak.” Schlesinger continued. “My name is Wilhelm Schlesinger. Colonel in the German army and currently military advisor to Princess Celestia. Appointed due to my experience with warfare to overview the Equestrian military.” “Well then, Colonel.” Blueblood said in a mocking manner. “What is your opinion on this matter, for what little it counts for.” “Based on my extensive military experience, I believe that an invasion is a possibility, if a remote one.” For the sake of his secret operation, he had to feign ignorance that the griffons were more than likely going to invade anyway. “The Equestrian army would advance to the border and entrench themselves. The griffons are a highly regimented military force, from what I have heard. They will understand that an army building defenses has no intention to go forwards.” General Slate nodded approvingly and Celestia gave a small nod of gratitude. “I call for a vote.” She said. “Seconded.” Said Slate. “Princess Celestia forwards the notion to move the Equestrian army to our northern border to deter griffon aggression. Those in favor please stand.” A large number of ponies stood. The Speakers horn glowed for a moment, then faded. “Those against.” The pattern was repeated. The Speaker stood. “The ayes have it, 214 to 86. The motion is passed. Princess Celestia, with this councils blessing, you may move the Equestrian army north to the border. This meeting is now adjourned.” Celestia sighed and sat back slightly. “Thank you, Colonel Schlesinger.” She said softly as the council members filed out. Schlesinger gave his thin beard a rub as he watched the councillors file out. “That Blueblood character is a bit of an annoyance. Is he always like that?” Celestia thought for a moment. “He is usually uppity and pompous, but this is the first time I have seen him actively try to shut down a motion I have put forwards. I may need to investigate this further.” She leant forward and stood. “But come. It will take time for the army to be mustered, and I have organized what you asked for earlier.” She bade a quick fairwell to the few ponies who had remained in the room, who returned this with a bow, before leading Schlesinger out onto one of the large platforms that stuck out from the side of Canterlot castle. Several human soldiers were present, loading weapons and supplies onto a moderately sized airship. Several more were leaping from the edge of the platform, dropping for several seconds, then opening parachutes made of a dark purple and black material and gliding down to a courtyard below. The parachutes were then repacked by unicorns and the soldiers were carried back up to repeat the process. Lieutenant Braun approached and saluted. Schlesinger returned the salute. “How goes Lieutenant?” “Very well sir.” Braun replied. “We have almost all the supplies loaded, although I do wish that we had more time to practice with the parachutes.” “Its time we don’t have lieutenant.” Schlesinger said. “What of the pilot.” Braun turned and looked back at the ship. “Cruiser!” A rather battered looking pegasus popped his head up from behind one of the vessels railings. “Aye Lieutenant?” “Come here for a moment, I want you to meet my commanding officer.” Braun said. The pegasus nodded and trotted to the docking ramp of the ship, as he came down the ramp Schlesinger finally got a decent look at the pony. What he had originally had thought to be an earth pony was actually a pegasus. However, where his wings would have been was a pair of stumps. His body was marked with scars of various sizes and ages. He trotted up to the two humans and Princess and saluted. “Sirs, and ma’am.” Schlesinger returned the salute, while the Princess just nodded politely. “It is good to see you again Sky Cruiser.” She said. “I could think of no one better to carry out this mission.” The pegasus gave a cocky smile. “Don’t worry your highness, we’ll make the bastards pay. Please excuse me, but I must ensure the ballast is properly set.” He about faced and walked back onto the airship. Celestia nodded as he left. “He is one of the best airship pilots in Equestria. He will succeed.” Krous and Schlesinger watched as he walked away. “With respect your highness, what happened to him?” Celestia shook her head. “A sad story. He was once a great flyer, a captain in the Royal Guard, but he was captured in a border skirmish with a rogue faction of Changelings. To cut a long story short, they removed his wings when he refused to talk. We managed to rescue him, but it was too late to save them. He was unable to continue his duties due to his injuries, and was given a discharge with full honors. He was deeply depressed until he found a new passion for airships.” She gave a soft smile. “He is one of the bravest ponies I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He will serve this mission well.” Braun nodded. “We expect to leave within an hour or so, discretely. With respect you highness, you being here may draw more attention to our departure.” Celestia nodded. “I understand. Colonel Schlesinger and I will be attending a military parade. I pray for your success, and that you may return my sister to me.” Braun saluted. “We shall your highness.” Schlesinger nodded as Braun walked back to the airship. "He'll make a fine officer eventually." He said to Celestia. "I'd swear he had a little Prussian blood in him." Celestia cocked and eyebrow. "It means he has a lot of fighting spirit." Schlesinger said. He about faced and headed back towards the doorway. "We have a parade to attend yes?" Celestia nodded. "Yes. Let us go." ((Approximately an hour later.)) Schlesinger stood on a balcony overlooking a large courtyard within the grounds of Canterlot castle. Alongside him was Celestia, and a number of pony military officials. In front of them stood the fully marshaled Equestrian army, some 6000 ponies in all. Most wore a combination of grey and silver armour and were crowded behind their standards in tight box formations. These were the line infantry, the center force of the Equestrian army forming 8 regiments in total. To the left were the lightly armored pegasus dragoons, three companies in total. They were equipped with crossbows. Behind them were two companies pegasus lancers, their long spears forming a small forest in the rear of the formation. On the right was the battlemage company. Formed solely of unicorns, they provided the magic firepower of the army. In the rear was the artillery. Four old muzzle loading guns that appeared to be in the 6 pounder or so range, and another six much larger guns. These were breach loading, 105s if Schlesinger had to guess. At the head of the army there was a small contingent consisting of the officers of the regiments, each with a regimental colour. In the middle was the Equestrian national flag, as well as the flag of the army itself, a blue flag with a silver star and moon. On either side of them was the army band, consisting of the drummers and fifers of each regiment. A pegasus, dressed in the attire of a general, stepped forward from the front rank of the assembled army. “Your highness, I bring you the salute of the Equestrian military.” As one, the army raised one of their fore hooves to their heads in salute. Celestia returned the gesture. The general dropped his salute and turned to the army. “Parade, shun!” The ponies all snapped to attention. “Parade will form close column on the first regiment of hoof. By the left, quick march!” The band began to play a marching tune as they and their colour bearers moved to rejoin their regiments. Then, in a well rehearsed maneuver, the first four regiments took eight steps forward to align themselves with the exits to the courtyard, turned on their hind legs, then marched in time out of the courtyard. As soon as the first four were clear, the second four moved forwards and followed them out, then the lancers and dragoons, then finally the artillery. Celestia looked to Schlesinger as the army filed out. “What do you think?” Schlesinger watched the troops file out. “They’re disciplined in parade, but battle is a whole new book.” He shook his head. “I do not think there are enough of them. Where are they headed?” “They are headed to the city of Stalliongrad.” Celestia said. The name was far too familiar to Schlesinger and he gave a small shudder. “My generals inform me that they could hold the griffon forces in a defensive line to the north west of the city.” “That is correct, your highness.” Said one of the officers standing behind them. “Assuming the griffons do resort to violence, we will defeat them.” He sounded confident, or cocky, Schlesinger wasn’t sure. “For now we must put our faith in diplomacy.” Celestia said, she hadn’t informed anyone about her sister for fear of creating panic. “I am calling together ambassadors from all nations to work out our differences.” Schlesinger knew what she really meant to do was expose what the griffons had done to her sister to the world, and encourage their allies to join them in battle. “The dispatching of the army is merely a precaution.” The stallion nodded. “We would take our leave your highness.” He said. “We must rejoin our commands.” Celestia nodded to him. “Dismissed, General Steel Hoof. I wish you luck.” “We’re Equestrian’s your highness.” The general replied. “We create our own luck.” He and his staff took their leave. Schlesinger sighed as the sound of military music faded and walked back into the room that adjoined the balcony. It was one of the side halls. “Now, we wait, and prepare.” Far to the north of the city, a small black smudge disappeared into some low cloud cover. The mission to rescue Princess Luna was on.