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// Shining's Log: Planning 
// Story: Shining's Log 
// by Zulaq 
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"I believe that if we follow the North-Eastern main road we can easily make Vanhoover in about two days, while still remaining within emergency response range of a Guard outpost at all times." Shining Armor was pointing at a map of Equestria while explaining, "From there we can take a ship directly to Neighpon, with a Navy frigate escorting us until we reach two days to port. Total estimated travel time, seven days, plus or minus 12 hours. Does that meet your approval, Princess?"

"As opposed to three days if we take a carriage and fly there." Cadence rolled her eyes, "What's with the scenic route? Do you want to show me the sight of your first victory?"

Shining stiffened. "Of course not Princess, that would be unprofessional." He relaxed a minute amount, and a slight teasing tone entered his voice. "I am suggesting it because I have reviewed the reports from your previous journeys. I noticed a pattern."

Cadence perked an ear, "A pattern?"

"Your previous entourages, without exception, always traveled the most direct route from departure to arrival. While this minimizes the amount of time that you are vulnerable traveling, it is also extremely predictable." He gave a slight shrug, "If I had to guess, I'd think that they just used the plans they normally use for when Princess Celestia travels, and forgot to take into account that you are perceived as more vulnerable, and that certain third parties may take advantage of their predictability."

"Are you calling me weak?"

"Of course not." Shining assured her, "Only the absolute strongest beings on the planet could think to challenge your aunt, and everypony knows that, so most don't bother to even try. However, you're still new on the scene, Equestria's enemies, and even her allies are still probing you out, trying to figure you into their plans. You do not have the reputation you aunt has to deter them from trying direct action, positive or negative. It's not that you are not strong, its that you are an unknown factor, and they hope to get lucky. Following the same pattern as your aunt merely gives them opportunity to make such attempts."

"Then wouldn't following the same sort of travel plans my aunt makes tell them that I can handle myself?" Cadence questioned, seemingly very interested in his answer. "That I am a Princess of Equestria, with all that entails."

"No."

Cadence nearly tipped over at Shining's quick flat answer. She sat down.

Shining continued, "You are not your aunt. You are strong in ways that she is not, but you have not have over a thousand years to establish a reputation. You should not do things simply because Princess Celestia does them." He looked her in the eye, "Every person is in a different situation, different factors for different ponies. Quite frankly, I'd love to have a word with the Guards in charge of your previous travel plans, and give them a piece of my mind. They should have been aware of the external political factors, and modified their plans from the start to deal with your unique situation, rather than using a standard plan then adapting after things have already gone wrong."

He pointed to the map, "My plan takes into account that we are likely to encounter problems. Our land route will let us remain near reinforcements at all times, while the sea travel has us escorted as far as possible by a warship, formidable backup that any potential plotters should not be able to counter without tipping their hands."

"Hooves, Shiny." Cadence admonished him. "If you're sure this is the safest plan, then you have my approval. Although you should probably return those books on maritime laws, naval force comparisons and political theory soon. Your quarters must be completely cluttered given that I saw you leave the library with at least twenty books."

"It was only eight," Shining automatically defended, "And the knowledge they provided was invaluable. I needed the most information possible to make the best plan possible."

"So you needed to read eight of the most boring books in the library? You know that there were several more concise books covering the exact same topics which would have taken a quarter the amount of time to read."

Shining blinked, then shrugged. "One, they were not boring." 

Cadence mimed gaging.

"Two, they were the most comprehensive books on the topics available. It is always preferable to go for the most in-depth explanation possible, and not risk missing something important because someone decided to leave it out of the abridged version."

Cadence waved a hoof sarcastically, urging him on.

"Third, I like reading."

Cadence gave an exaggerated huff. "You really are Twilight's brother, aren't you."

Shining grinned, "Well, I was the one who got her to start reading. It's not my fault that she's never stopped."

---

Shining's Log-Entry: Let's Get This Over With Already

I swear, the anticipation is going to kill me. My first command, my first time traveling outside Equestria, the first time I'll be so far from my family that even letters will take forever. So many things coming up, I think I'm should probably be freaking out. As it is, I've already gone over several dozen books about Neighponese culture and information about the Neighpon archipelago. Hopefully what I've learned will prove useful.

Although, I do have to question why I'm being given such responsibility given my rank. It is not normal for sergeant to be in charge of a Princess' guard detail while on a diplomatic mission. Given my previous conversation with Captain Flare, I'd say its because he wants me to stay close to Cadence, but all that would require would be placing me on the protection detail, not giving me a command. He's so fanatical about protecting the Princesses I'd think that putting a green sergeant in charge would be the last thing he would do, relationship with the Princess or not.

I've got a bad feeling about this.

Shining Armor, Signing Off