Lieutenant Second Class Twilight Sparkle of the 3rd Royal Equestrian Rangers Regiment, 1st Squadron stood at attention, like most of the other ponies present. She wore her newly acquired dark olive dress uniform with its matched black beret which was adorned with a golden shield featuring a rearing alicorn alongside her single brass bar. Her posture was perfect: legs straight, chest puffed out, chin down, eyes forward. She was getting sore and it was hot beneath the mid-day sun but she wasn't about to break formation with all of Equestria's top brass, nobility, and the damn ruler of the nation inspecting them.
In front of Twilight was her captain and the aisle between the columns of troops, behind her was the group of enlisted-ponies that made up Twilight’s platoon, . Eighteen souls that she was now responsible for stood behind Twilight and that fact weighed heavily on the young officer. She didn't know a single fact about most of them, Tartarus, she had only been given her patches and orders a week ago. The 3rd had been formed almost overnight from the most promising recruits and draftees that Equestria had to offer. In the whole unit, Twilight only knew her old friend Lyra, one of Twilight's eighteen, and her captain. Twilight's CO was a rowdy Cloudsdale pegasus mare named Rainbow Dash; whom seemed to like making bad first impressions (Twilight had gotten bowled over by the pegaus before she even had the chance to ask where to find her) and dramatic pep talks. She had a name to match her mane and an attitude to match her brazen coloration. She would seem cocky if not for her record as a former Skyguard.
There were quite a few ponies in attendance for the christening ceremony of the regiment, granted the 3rd was the first official tri-race military unit in the history of Equestria and it was being treated as a social revelation. Twilight really hated how the nobility was busy obsessing about equal rights for the sake of their image when there was a war going on. One would think ending the Changeling’s reign of terror would rank higher on anyponies’ priorities than appearances in the media.
However, the formation of the third had been a purely tactical decision on the part of some higher ups and clever one at that. A unit with the quick response of pegasi but the ground pounding abilities of earth pony troops and magic of unicorns, all under one compact command structure. Twilight was in charge of a platoon of eighteen ponies, four platoons to her company, “A”, which was a mixed-race scouting/light infantry unit, under Cpt. Dash. A was joined by B, a purely pegasus company dedicated to transportation and close air-support, two companies of airborne infantry , and a company for support and logistics of regimental command; rounding off Major Do's 1st Squadron. The Regiment consisted of four squadrons total, each with variations in equipment but the same overall structure. All the squadrons were essentially self-contained units that could accomplish almost any military goal quickly and efficiently or become truly crushing force when brought to bear in unity.
"Yes, Auntie, but I still can't understand how this oaf could think that combined units would be a disadvantage to the pegasi when unicorns provide superior combat skills."
Twilight resisted the urge to facehoof. The voice was snooty and disinterested with a perfect tone of dignified whining, definitely a Canterlot noble of some sort. He sounded educated but was by no means smart. A unicorn like Twilight was a very dangerous thing indeed but few honed or developed their magical skill past levitation and a few simple spells, let alone to Twilight’s degree. On a battlefield, most unicorns were earth-ponies who would spend less time fumbling with a weapon. The advantage a pegasus had was obvious.
"Blueblood, a pegasus always has the upper hoof in a fight."
Twilight didn't suppress the smile that came to her face at the sound of the wise, grizzled, old voice. She dared a glance down the aisle to confirm her suspicions. Indeed, Commander Windwraith was flying above a gorgeous but snooty looking white unicorn stallion, a massive smile on the pegasus' face as he tap danced in the air above the buffoon who was looking up with incredulousness.
To their left was a certain orange, red, and yellow unicorn mare and then Princess Celestia. The glorious leader of the nation tranquilly looked out at the sea of troops, mane flowing in an unseen wind, the perfect awe-inspiring image of regality. Twilight had to work to pull her gaze off of Celestia and take in the rest of the entourage. Several nobles trailed the Princess looking pretentious while to her left was a gap where Windwraith had been. Past the gap there was some assorted brass Twilight didn't recognize, and at the end: a tall beauty with a white coat, light pink mane, striking purple eyes, and wearing the regiment’s dress. Colonel Fleur de Lis flawlessly modeled the olive and black attire as she showed the latest fashion in military might.
Twilight returned her gaze forward as the group approached. She hoped that she wouldn't get called out but between Sunset and Windwraith she doubted remaining anonymous. Both of those ponies carried a lot of negative emotion in Twilight. One was her former boss and the head of the STAR program, just those four letters sent shivers traveling down Twilight’s spine. The other was Shining Armor's mentor and predecessor, called back from retirement to serve the nation again. Windwraith had featured strongly in Twilight's memory alongside her beloved sibling. He was the stallion that had come and gotten her out of her office at Celestial Labs to deliver the most crushing news of her life. The young lieutenant really didn't need to break down in tears in front of her superiors and new subordinates because those memories got dragged forward.
"Twilight?"
‘Damn it,’ Twilight groaned inside. Sunset had spotted her. The lavender mare turned to Fleur de Lis and popped off a salute. "Permission to speak."
"At ease, lieutenant," the colonel said in her exotic accent. She and the other officers saluted back to Twilight, Windwraith giving her a sad smile. Twilight bowed to her princess before turning back to her former boss. "Yes, Sunset."
"I would just like to say that this is a most interesting career change." Sunset did her best to act like a Canterlotian but couldn't quite pull off the posture or tone of voice.
"Lt. Sparkle is defending her nation, Miss Shimmer. It is hardly an uncommon or shameful thing to do. Especially, in times like now," Fleur said. "I am most pleased to have such an accomplished and motivated mare amongst our ranks."
"I would agree that Twilight will continue doing great things. In any endeavor she embarks on," Windwraith said giving Twilight a reassuring smile.
"I'm just questioning the wisdom in making such a drastic decision after such a traumatic event in one's life," Sunset's voice dripped with concern but not for Twilight's well being. She didn't appreciate losing one of her top researchers. "I really think you could do far better working to ending the war as a STAR. Not running around getting shot full of holes."
"Indeed," the unicorn stallion, Blueblood, spoke up, "dirtying one’s hooves is pointless when a greater purpose could be served here. There are more than enough commoners to fight these conflicts."
Twilight, Windwraith, and most of the troops in ear shot all ground their teeth. Rainbow broke her perfect stance to shoot the noble a death glare.
"Not all of us are content to sit around and send others off to suffer in our stead, Blueblood," Fleur's voice dripped with contempt.
The noble was about to retort when Windwraith cut in.
"I believe that dear Twilight is a grown filly and can make her own decisions in life. I would think that she's in good hooves with whom ever Fleur had her assigned to."
"Oui, Captain Dash is one of my most accomplished troopers." Fleur looked at the blue pegasus and Rainbow stepped forward to salute.
"Captain," Windwraith looked Rainbow over and then started to stare into her eyes as he measured her true worth. "You seen any action?"
"Yes, sir." Dash still had a cocky tone in her voice despite being pummeled beneath the Commander’s glare. "I was in the Skyguard when Nightmare Moon returned. I guess you could say I saw some action."
"Before the wars? What was a good looking, young mare up to there? Surely not looking for a career?"
"Yes, sir. I wanted to work my way into the Wonderbolts."
"My condolences."
"Whatever," Dash shook the fact that the Wonderbolts had been disbanded off, even if her eyes grew dark for a second. "I'll be awesome no matter what I’m doing. And I'll get Miss Sparkles and all my other ponies here back in one piece."
Twilight rolled her eyes. Her superior was more than a little juvenile and optimistic.
"I see." Windwraith wore an equally juvenile smirk of his own but it had a hint of sorrowful wisdom hidden behind it. The pegasus nodded to the two mares and started to move on before Sunset could start needling Twilight again or Blueblood could open his mouth. Fleur de Lis followed Windwraith's cue to continue the inspection, nudging Blueblood, Sunset, and the assembled nobles along. However, they only got a few steps before realizing that their parade was missing its center piece.
Princess Celestia was standing and staring at one of the soldiers whom was defiantly gazing back at the alicorn. Twilight stole a glance back and had to fight the despair of realizing that the trooper was in her platoon. Lyra noticed her lieutenant looking back in shock and nudged the belligerent mare next to her in hopes of disengaging the staring contest. When that failed Twilight turned around and yelled: "Private! At attention. What do you think you’re doing?"
Twilight didn't recall the name of the orange earth pony with the blond mane but she couldn't believe the audacity of the mare sitting there trying to stare down a demigod. Yet, there Orange stood, unblinking, anger and disappointment etched in her face. A quick glance at Celestia revealed the alicorn's expression not to have changed from the neutral expression she always wore, even if the small, caring smile was gone.
"Hey!" Rainbow Dash had turned to see what was flustering her troopers and ruler. She fluttered her wings and landed imposingly in front of Orange. "Why don't you show some respect to the Princess."
Blind rage flashed across the other mare's face as she turned to the prismatic pegasus and set a hateful gaze on the captain. "My sincerest apologies to, Her Majesty." The mare's voice dripped sarcasm and contempt.
Rainbow grit her teeth and leaned forward into the earth pony’s personal space. From the waylaid group of nobles, Blueblood voiced his contempt: "Why you insolent cure! How dare you act like this to of your Princess. I've never seen such a blatant lack of dignity in a uniform before. I don't care how uncultured you are, you muck-dwelling mule, this is an outrage!"
"Shut up, Blueblood." Windwraith growled. He looked to be torn between ripping either the insubordinate trooper or unicorn noble limb from limb. Fleur dis Lis stood behind him on the edge of exploding in rage or breaking down in tears.
The nobles took Windwraith’s outburst as indication to start berating him, Fleur, and the other officers present. Aghast at the poor discipline and composure of private and commander alike. The ranks of troopers had broken apart as bystanders tried to put as much a space between themselves and the incident as possible. Rainbow and Orange were ready to pounce on each other at the first flinch while Twilight and Lyra stood nearby, ready to break up the fight.
"Enough."
The world was not yelled but spoken with such weight, wisdom, and experience that it cut through everything. The bickering of the nobles, the tension of the two mares facing off, and the general disarray that was spreading was all swept away by a single word from Princess Celestia. The solar ruler looked over the scene with a small frown before she turned to the orange mare.
"What is your name, my little pony?"
"Applejack." The answer was served cold.
Celestia's caring smile returned: "An Apple. One of Equestria’s most illustrious and pervasive clans." Blueblood snorted. "Where are you from?"
"Ponyville."
“---
The silence became defining as all present looked at Applejack in disbelief. She stood, ignoring it all, once again gazing into the soul of her leader with pain and disappointment showing. Celestia’s expression had become caring and regretful as she continued: "I am sorry for your loss. Ponyville was a tragedy."
"Ah guess that's a word to describe it. A-ah called it home." Tears gathered in Applejack's eyes as she broke eye contact with Celestia to look at her hooves. "Muh family built that town and Ah grew up there. I've never belonged anywhere else and now i-it’s gone."
Rainbow Dash’s aggression vanished and was there in a moment with a hoof around her trooper's shoulder.
"Look, private,” Dash sighed. “I lost a my best friend in Ponyville. I saw her that morning when everything happened, I was trying to convince her to come out with me for the holiday and now I'll never see her again. And there's nothing that I can do to change that. We've all lost ponies and there is nothing to be done about them.” She tightened her grip and gave a little shake to the other mare. “What we can change is anypony else having to go through it."
Applejack looked up and Rainbow flashed a supportive smile. Twilight was amazed how fast Cpt. Dash was to spring to the aid of a fallen trooper, especially after said trooper had jeopardized her position. After a quick squeeze of a hug Rainbow stepped back and Applejack looked to Celestia, bowing deeply.
"I'm sorry for the way Ah was actin’, Your Majesty. Ah'll accept any punishment you have." She kept her eyes down and face as blank as possible. However, the orange mare's countermeasures failed on the Princess.
"You still detest me, don't you?"
Applejack glanced about nervously, not looking up at Celestia. A quiet “yes” escaping her lips.
"I see. I'm pleased to see some straight honesty," Celestia looked over her shoulder at the nobles with slight crease in her brow. "There is no need to please me and there will be no repercussions for expressing your dissatisfaction. I failed you in my oath as a ruler and left your ancestral home in ruin because of my own shortcomings. If I remember correctly you and your sister are all the only survivors of the entire community?"
"Yes, Princess. Ah almost lost my sister to the curse and she hasn't seemed the same since."
"Be thankful that you still have her." Celestia's closed her eyes as pain threatened to overcome her composure before she put on her usual caring expression. "You have my deepest apologies Applejack and, although I may have failed you, I have no doubt you and this magnificent unit will serve our nation brilliantly." Celestia looked over the assembled troops, her gaze filling them with pride and strength. Windwriath had to catch Fleur as she almost fainted in relief.
Celestia turned to the military brass assembled: Commander Windwraith was fanning Colonel Lis with his wings while the mare was being helped up from the ground by several officers and enlisted ponies from the surrounding ranks. Upon hearing the princess clear her throat the disorganized mass of equines snapped almost instantly into a perfectly straight line, all in it standing in a proud (if slightly foolish) salute. Windwraith and Flur were placed at the center.
"Your experiment is shaping up nicely, Windwaith. And colonel, you have a fine regiment. Now, if you excuse me. I have other matters to attend to and the children are getting grouchy in the sun." Celestia shot the collected nobility a snide glance and a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Good Luck."
The 3rd Regiment of the Royal Equestrian Rangers lowered into bows for their princess. Twilight once again found herself looking in awe at the alicorn as she and surveyed the force with a sad pride. The lavender mare couldn't help but feel wonder at her ruler; Celestia’s knowledge of magic and history, her wisdom and insight, they would be enough to fill any library. She was a literal god to her ponies and carried the mantra with modesty and tact. The mare that dwelled beneath that royal mask must have been a real wonder and Twilight could only wish to know her better.
Sparkle woke, her short respite from consciousness ending with a slow opening of eyes. The memory bringing tears to her eyes. That day was an introduction to many important elements in the wary soldier's life, many of which were pressing down on her now. Dash, the Rangers She still needed to form a plan.
The memories did offer Sparkle her next two objectives, though. It was still about an hour before they should be moving out, giving time for her first destination, which was a quick trot away. The second would be their goal as the group navigated through and out of the Everfree Forest.
With her immediate objectives finally settled, Twilight Sparkle rose, gave Moondancer, who was standing watch, a nod and disappeared out the door and into the night.