//------------------------------// // 4th July, 2018 // Story: The Southern Expedition // by Ponelover //------------------------------// Hexagon Balard, 7:00AM, 3 years after event President Jean Marc Ayrault waited with anticipation about the latest reports from the frontlines. When he heard from the Defense Secretary that the Alicorns were launching another attack, he ordered his chauffeur to rush him to the Hexagon to watch the situation unfold He saw troops dying, getting killed off by the magical demigods and the brave French soldiers chipping off their defenses from inside the city. ‘Like some sort of fantastical Stalingrad from fairytales,’ he thought as he saw live footage from what happened last night. Suddenly the door opened. “What is it?” “Reports from the front sir, the armored push is successful and we’ve surrounded a huge chunk of the enemy forces, the commander of the operations is currently rotating troops for a further offensive operations to their basecamp, but safe to say we’ve won sir.” An adjutant replied. “What about the airships?” “Any airship not shot down by our Rafales are currently retreating back to the Alicorn homeland sir, Princess Celestia also commented that interrogation of POW’s must be conducted immediately.” “Then she would have it, tell the commander that Celestia is to be assigned as chief interrogator for POW’s, is that understood?” “Yes sir.” “Good, now leave me alone unless you have something new.” “Yes, mister President.” The man was clearly beyond tired, “only just into my first year and we’re entering this mess at full speed. Goddamit, why does everything have to be so challenging?” He opened the bottle of brandy already supplied as requested, poured another one into the glass, and drank it with fervour. At that moment, he thought about taking a day off. Yeah I’m gonna do that, I’ve been overseeing the operation the whole day I’m not sure I could operate at all today. The door opened again. “What?!?” The president asked, clearly annoyed that the Adjutant- “You’re drinking brandy again? The last time I saw a President do this, they were managing the royal fuck up that was Libya. And this is anything but Libya.” “I know le Drien I know, it’s just. I expect my presidency to be a rather boring one in all the good ways, travelling to Amaterasu, meeting delegates from exotic lands, gloat in the National Assembly that France is doing better than ever, y’know that sort of thing?” “Instead all I got was military operation after military operation, first off is OP Puissant at the Mareditbreanean, then the Crystal Empire thing, and then this war….If my presidency is going to be like this, they might as well call me the Napoleon of the 21st century because 'I’M GONNA GO TO WAR BABY!!!'” “Mister President, I would suggest you to lay off the brandy, you’re getting delirious.” “Okaaaaayyy mister defense minister!” The President replied with a mock salute, and with that he blacked out. Dropping into the table like a ragdoll, the glass falling to the floor and what contents were left attempting rather hurriedly trying to make a stain to anger the cleaning crew. “Yeah, I’m bringing him home. He’s too damn tired after all the shit he’s gone through recently.” le Drien commented, followed by him asking some of the guards to bring the President back to his car and also back to his home. The Southern Peninsula, 9:00AM, 3 years after event “Captain on the bridge!!” yelled a sailor, announcing the arrival of skipper Antonin Paulus. “At ease crew, comms officer, have you contacted Captain Rousseau? The Admiral is having a general meeting on this ship at 1200 hours.” “Yes sir, the Captain said he will arrive via helicopter fifteen minutes early, said he ‘wanted to take a good look at our newest carrier’”. “Heh, that is to be expected. This is, after all, our newest ship, carry on officer.” “Yes sir.” He was right, ever since completion, the Suffren had always been the ‘crowning glory’ of the French Navy, it boasted a newer hull; more integrated command and control systems; and a much longer length which allowed it to accomodate more fighters and supplies. This ship also possessed something those pesky contractors called a ‘modular design’, which was just a fancy term for rooms that can be changed to whatever they need it to be. And apparently today, one of these rooms was needed for a military conference. He had ordered his staff to prepare one of them with tables and chairs and whatnot, and he kinda expects all the other naval commanders to be a little jealous at the capabilities the Suffren was able to offer. ‘It will only get more hilarious once Michelle gets a hold of the Napoleon, everyone would be so envious when these new ships roll out. I wonder what the sub guys will think of their new Barracudas,’ the Captain thought. Alicorn Containment Cells, 10:00AM, 3 years after event. “Are you sure you want to do this Princess? We don’t know the exact biographies of these ponies and it could pose a challenge.” “Yes I do understand Spitfire, this is a most daunting situation. But I’m the closest thing they have to a recognizable face, it could calm them down enough to allow me to extract some form of information from them… assuming they calm down of course.” “I cannot endorse this move Princess, but… if you need advise, me and my buddies will be standing guard here.” “Of course Spitifire, you are to standby at the entrance of this room. Respond to any commotion with haste at once.” “Understood Princess! Soarin, Fleetfoot. You heard the lady.” “Ma’am, yes ma’am!” The containment cell had grown. Ever since the battle of The Southern City, all the captured inmates, regardless on whether or not they’re officers, or enlisted, were put into this containment cell, which meant that each alicorn was put into the box she first saw when she interrogated Blooming Petals all those weeks ago. “Why don’t we start with…..the mare herself.” Celestia muttered as she trotted down containment box after containment box, ignoring the furious looks that were given by the many bound ponies held in place. She finally arrived at the containment box that, oh so famously held the first ever captured Alicorn of the war, Sergeant Blooming Petals of the resistance. Quickly moving forward, she clicked on the intercom and greeted her former enemy, turned captive. “Good morning sergeant, I hope you had a nice long sleep.” “Just...spare me the rhetoric Celestia, what do you want?” “You know precisely what I want Petals, and if your new 'roommates' are any indication. I would suggest that you talk before we need to build whole new facilities in Alicornia and Manshira.” “Once Nes hears of this, you will be lucky if he decide to spare your life, he might just take that Immortality spell of yours away instead. Let you rot away like the Tyrant you are.” “I’ve had multiple encounters with Nes and even with your ‘oh so vaunted hero Mersna,’ bless her soul. And let me tell you, they are not strong fighters as you would expect.” “Yes, yes, the engagement in Zebribar and Arimaspi Central. Do tell me Celestia, what with thousands of years in planning, do you honestly think that we wouldn’t have prepared counters for you?” “Like that old archaic Sun Gun we destroyed? The one used in the early Alicorn wars of unification? Don’t make me laugh, it’s a miracle you somehow managed to make that old contraption working again.” “Oh not only that Celestia, we may have been in stasis for a long time but that doesn’t stop our minds from communicating from one other.” “Oh? Should I assume that you have a weapon of similar capabilities to the Sun Gun?” “THAT. Will be my secret Celestia, you have defeated a major incursion, yes. But just because you’ve won the battle doesn’t mean you’ve won the war.” “Interesting words coming from somepony who’s failed the first rule about secrecy in war. Not only have you given me valuable information about your networking capabilities, but you’ve also gave away the fact that you possess another deadly weapon of similar proportion. I’m sure high command will love further incursions into your lands.” She could see Blooming Petals flinch a bit, gotcha she silently thought. “Whatever, don’t think you can outwit me again, Celestia. I’m done with this conversation.” “Very well then, I have far more senior commanders to interrogate than yourself. But this is a good start.” She smirked at the end of the last sentence, annoying the sergeant further. Before the prisoner could unload verbal abuses on her though, the Princess pressed the intercom button again and she only heard loud murmurs emanating from the box. “Oh dear, I fear that I must attend the meeting at the Suffren, see you soon Blooming Petals.” Celestia said, taking off and leaving the bound Alicorn to her own devices. “So how did it go Princess?” “Pretty well Captain Spitfire, now would you mind escorting me to the Suffren please? I have an important meeting that needs attending to.” “It would be an honor as usual, Princess.” Spitfire replied, motioning her two colleagues to get ready. France 2 Headquarters, Paris, 12:00PM, 3 years after event. The news started with an updated intro inspired by some Norwegian news channel, and with the intro gone. The scene quickly changed into a newsroom crewed by both a man and a woman. “Hello my name is Jean De Louis” “And my name is Michelle Humpbert” “And this is the 12 O’clock news, Michelle?” “Big story today, French forces have finally claimed victory in a massive battle that lasted a whole day and claimed hundreds of lives. The defense ministry was quoted, saying the battle was ‘a decisive victory for France’”. *Cuts into a reporter standing behind the Hexagon Balard* “The battle of the city, that is what the staffers at the Hexagon is calling it. It was a major engagement between French and Alicornian forces, the fighting is by far the bloodiest and the most intense in recent history, and it can be seen in the Defense Minister’s words himself.” *Cuts into the press conference, showing the Defense Minister speaking* “This battle was fought in an estimated 13 hour timeframe, it started at the beginning of 6 O’clock at night and ended by 7AM in the morning, it was a massive but comparatively short battle compared to those we’ve had in World War 2, but it was bloody nonetheless. There was an estimated 2000 casualties on our side and roughly 10,000 for the enemy, It is nonetheless a decisive victory. The Alicorns were brought to defeat when we conducted our armored push on their eastern flank, encircling entire units and cutting them off from retreat.” *A flurry of reporters begins shouting and asking* “Yes, you there.” “What about the Alicorn basecamp that you commented on yesterday? Are you planning an attack on said base?” “No comment. And please refrain from asking question with potentially implicating answers.” *le Drien pointed another finger to another reporter* “What about the wounded soldiers? Are they being treated at a hospital somewhere?” “Oh yes, most definitely. Casualties are being treated at the hospital in Kerguelen. Don’t you worry about that.” *Cuts into the newsroom* “Well that is something isn’t it Michelle?” “Yes indeed Jean, now moving on to our next segment” “Of course, details of Operation Mad Jester, the official name for the infamous dock shootings at Le Havre. Between the instigators of the National Assembly shootings and French intelligence are being released. DGSE’s new director Bernard Dupont has this to say on the issue.” *Cuts to a press conference on the DGSE headquarters* “Effective immediately, we are releasing partial details on operation Mad Jester. In these documents you will see the details of the criminals we are attempting to capture, their profiles, their nationality, their favourite baguette, everything will be shed on this partial release.” “On these documents, you will also find about our agents in charge of the operations, and an Equestrian collaborator for the DGSE. I’m sure you will find this info illuminating for the public to see.” *The room erupts into a cacophony of questions and roars* *Cuts into newsroom* “And that is the current 12 O’clock news, my name is Jean de Louis” “And I’m Michelle Humpbert, see you next time” *Roll outro* Manshira, 2:00PM, 3 years after event “So…...you failed.” “Forgive me Nes, but I did not expect the humans to have-- hrk!” General Spear Point, the commander of the 1st major incursion into the Southern Tip was lifted in the air by the neck by a very-very angry leader. “I told you what would happen if you failed, and yet you lost anyway.” Said the Nes rather menacingly. “Forgive me d-dear leader. I did not expect the humans to have such effective defenses-- hrk!” “NES! Please stop this at once!” a voice called out. At first Nes was surprised by the sudden authority of the voice, as he turned his head around though, his face softened when he saw the very displeased figure of Rainbow Streak. “Ah, Captain Rainbow Streak, what an unexpected, but not unwelcomed, arrival.” “You heard me Nes, Put. The General. DOWN!” Rainbow Asserted, eliciting a response from the other generals, from rapid head shaking to looks of utter horror. “Oh, fine then.” Nes conveniently replied, dropping his spell and letting go of the general. “Now, why don’t we discuss things more constructively instead of fearmongering your generals? I’m sure that you wouldn’t want to be compared to Celestia now do you?” “Oh, not really,” Nes replied, “I just don’t like failure, and before you mention our first attempt at rebellion, let me remind you that-” “Imperial spies are everywhere, yes I get that.” Rainbow Streak responded, not amused at her leader’s antics. “Now, why don’t we discuss what we should do next. Given the fact that this attack had failed, we can safely assume that the humans would now see a chance to strike back at us directly.” “Yes Leader Nes, that’s why I’m proposing that we should fortify Alicornia the way the humans fortify Point Hope. We can use magical arrays to block any attempts by their iron dragons to destroy our capital and give the humans tartarus on equis.” “That is what I’m thinking actually. And what positions should we fortify Rainbow?” “The docks is an obvious answer, town center could be an emplacement for the magical arrays to take down their metal beasts, then there are the outskirts…..” And with that, planning for the defense of one of the few major port cities of the ancient lands had begun. And although Rainbow was not happy to see the situation she was presented with, she was more than willing enough to use all her cards to at least gain a negotiable peace settlement. At this rate that is what we must be aiming at Rainbow thought as she directed the generals around her by her commands. A negotiable peace will be the only thing saving our movement at this rate. Canterlot, 3:00PM, 3 years after event “So Duke Ironhoof, what exactly are you proposing here. In all my years as Princess I’ve never seen a proposal as…..insane as this!” Princess Luna declared. The day started normal enough for the Princess, with the quarreling of nobles being a common hapenstance in the day court. But everything changed when Duke Ironhoof arrived to let Princess Luna see his proposal. “Oh psh, it’s not insane princess, it’s revolutionary. Just think about it, Canterlot to Manehatten in just 2 hours.” Duke Ironhoof blatantly explained. “It is Duke Ironhoof, I’ve heard about Ironhoof Industries and their contributions in making the Equestrian railway network. While I applaud you in making this tremendous achievement a reality, this concept of high speed rail you’ve picked up from France is certainly…..unique to say the least.” “Oh c’mon Princess, let’s have some real talk here. We at Ironhoof Industries are loyal industrialists concerned about the common good of Equestria here.” “While that is certainly well established. But please spare me your flattery, I am a more direct mare in my dealings in court.” “Okay then, let’s get to the point. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity here, my liege. High speed rail has benefitted France greatly in improving everything from transportation to day to day activities. Airflight is far too costly for travel inter equestria and construction will take time Princess. Ironhoof Industries partnered with SNCF will provide a good stopgap measure for fast travel for all the ponies of Equestria.” “Then what is wrong with our current railway network then?” “It’s simply far too slow Princess, assuming you’ve mastered the timetable and arrived on time for your train. Travel between Canterlot to Manehatten will take roughly 12 hours. The new high speed rail will cut that into only 2 hours, slashing 10 hours of travel time for everything else a pony could do once he/she reaches their destination.” “And pray tell, what would happen once air travel is fully implemented across Equestria? How would you react once 'Princess Celestia' opens in Canterlot, once 'Princess Cadence' opens in the Crystal Empire, and once Manehatten International opens hmm?” “Then we will adapt our business models. Princess, I have no problems with air travel, in fact. Ironhoof industries is the one responsible for shipping steel beams for the construction of Princess Celestia International. It’s just that high speed rail is also paramount for Equestria’s prosperity princess, and not only that. All sides would be benefitting from the implementation of said high speed rail your highness. Remember the 10 hour slash I mentioned earlier?” “Yes, yes, Ironhoof, I heard.” Princess Luna replied, still thinking about the issue. On one hoof the duke is right, High Speed rail has certainly benefitted France, so why shouldn’t Equestria procure these fast trains for use inside her country? On the other hoof, Equestria has just recently implemented it’s standard railway system. What would happen if such a shakeup in the national railways like high speed rail were implemented? “I will give you my decision in 1 weeks time Duke Ironhoof. Fare thee well, for now at least.” Princess Luna finally declared. Much to the excitement of the duke. “So how was today’s court Luna?” Harmony asked, talking to the Princess of the Night as they entered the dining hall. It’s dinnertime and she usually accompanies the night princess towards the dining hall. “Mostly routine mother. The same nobles squabbling over which rightful land is theirs and me laying the royal canterlot voice on them.” “Huh, apparently royal duties never change do they, I can still remember me and my husband doing the same things you do back then.” “Yes mother, apparently some duties never change.” Both figures finally opened the doors to the royal dining hall… and were greeted with the sight of a feast. “Ah, looks like the head chef really did put his best efforts tonight.” “He did?” “Oh most certainly Luna, while I was talking with the human ambassador, I crossed paths with the cook in the Canterlot kitchens, we exchanged greetings and he told me that he was planning a surprise tonight.” “And he seems to have delivered.” Luna commented, seeing the massive array of delicacies from all over Equestria. From sponge cake to Manehatten Pizza. “Anyway, let’s not let our stomachs growl any longer, shall we?” “Oh but of course, mother.” Luna replied, seeing that she couldn’t resist such gastronomic temptations. Harmony could only stifle a laugh as she sees Luna devouring a salad bowl, only to continue her rampage by eating Manehatten’s infamous pizzas. I apparently delivered some very…..voracious children thought the living embodiment of the elements as she calmly grabbed some carrot dogs and eating them with grace and poise. “I suppose I couldn’t convince you to eat with more….restraint Luna?” “Haha! No!” Luna simply replied, continuing her rampage of the dining table. Harmony could only sigh in response. She hoped that Luna would adopt her older sister’s mannerisms after so long. Alas it was not to be. “So mother, I had this wonderful conversation with Duke Ironhoof today.” Luna said, finishing her pizza and ending with a loud burp that could be heard throughout the dining hall. “He proposed something called a high speed rail.” “Oh? The French ambassador has been pretty adamant in his support of this venture during my talks with them. He said ‘it is in the best interest of both nations that we see this project through.’” “Of course the French would say that mother. It’s just another way for them to export their….admittedly good trains to our shores, I would have no problems with it but deliberation is necessary.” “As should I too Luna, speaking of which. How did you manage to-” The door suddenly opened, shocking the two ponies who are still enjoying their meal. Revealing the image of a tired royal guard. “Halt! How dare thou intrude upon our conversation!!” Luna declared. “Sorry your highnesses, but we have a problem. The French ambassador just got a call from Paris and he told me that both of you must come quick.” The Royal Guard replied. “We can talk later Luna, if the humans have something interesting to show us. It would be something very important.” “Ugh, as much as I hate to say it you’re right, lead the way guard!” “Of course your highness.” Replied the Royal Guard.