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Princess Celestia
Walking down the grand halls of Canterlot silently as a single royal guard followed behind. It was peaceful and relaxing to Princess Celestia as she suddenly stopped, her throat seemingly to become dry, unable to declare what she wanted to say. She had hoped that her walk around the grand halls of the Canterlot Castle would ease her mind to say what she wanted. It didn't come true, she really didn't want to command the guard behind her to start the formation of her army. It was like a dream, a nightmare coming true to her when this situation had all started. Like a heavy stab to her heart that her fellow princesses would splinter Equestria apart. How many shall die from these actions?
"Your Majesty?" the royal guard behind her questioned, his voice laced with concern. It was unnerving to even the professionally trained unicorn that Princess Celestia had suddenly stopped and haven't said even a single thing yet. While he maintained a stone-cold feature with the barest concern showing, his mind was currently racing through possibilities to why she had suddenly came to a halt.
Taking slowly steps as she turned around to face the guard, Princess Celestia had put up a false face of what she was currently experiencing. Forming a determined and strong-willed facial structure, she replied, making sure to have her voice calm yet gentle, "Dear guard, order the mobilization of the forces at once for a defensive fight. Be quick, and thank you." She had made her decision, not quite yet, however, her orders was to maintain a strong defensive positioning. She won't, not now at least, order needless deaths of her army.
The royal guard bowed before stating, "At once your Majesty!" Before sprinting off to the direction of the barracks. It was done; the deed was now acted out. After watching the retreating figure of the guard disappear, Princess Celestia entered a nearby room and collapsed onto the ground. Closing the door and casting a spell of silence, she let a single tear fall. Oh this war was already taking its toll on her before it even began. It was like those hundreds of years ago when Princess Luna, her own sister, had broken off. That was terrible, now this was four-times worst than the last. To fight her old student, Princess Twilight Sparkle, to Princess Cadence, to her own sister, Princess Luna. Yet this sadness wasn't without anger--it was there, growing in strength in rage at the cruel betrayal of her fellow Princesses. To plunge Equestria, her nation where she had carefully nursed, into this splintered, cracked state? It was horrifying, tragic, and the worst to ever happen.
(Hopefully I didn't make her sound too weak-willed, but fighting against people you once knew would be quite terrible).
----
Impenetrable Will was amongst the crowd that had gathered to listen to Princess Twilight Sparkle's speech. It was empowering to Impenetrable, it had really empowered his faith further to see this through will a victory. Indeed, they must fight to win this, but if only there was another way. Sighing at this, Impenetrable Will quickly departed to his apartment to prepare himself for this. While Impenetrable Will always favored a better means that would prevent any bloodshed, if the Princesses hadn't come to that conclusion. Then, it would surely be the best that a war must be waged for the best ending.
Nodding his head as he came to this conclusion, Impenetrable Will entered his apartment and began his small preparations. From grabbing his armor to a large shield to even a small knife if things come to a worst and he needs to face an opponent in close-combat. He felt ready for this, yet he felt the trickling sensation of fear and anxiety. War was something that was new to Impenetrable Will, yet instead of collapsing into a pit of an emotional wreck in the confines of his apartment, he tried to maintain his normal posture.
The Two Generals
Whoever thought it was ever a good idea to put two conflicting viewpoints in the same room was a sadistic being. To the right side of the enormous office was the diligent Aegis Artifice plotting plans of details. The left… was a single globe and a young stallion known as Implausible Ruse circling areas that seemed random to the naked eye. It was truly a strange office shared by two polar opposite ponies.
Aegis Artifice slowly wrote in logistic information till he finally let the pen fall on the desk as he stared at the young individual across the room without any buildup to what he was going to say. "I hope you are doing something actually useful for once?" Aegis Artifice plainly questioned as his eyes bored into the hunched-over individual.
The young individual, Implausible Ruse lifted his own pen before sighing in amazement, as if surprised that Aegis Artifice was saying such things. "I swear to Celestia old-timer, stop annoying me with these rhetorical questions. Do you not see what I am doing?" He proceeded to levitate the giant map towards Aegis Artifice before stopping mere inches from his face. "This is where the assaulters may come and attack." Implausible Ruse rambled on about the circled areas on where the enemies may attack and suggestions on what to add to the meticulously detailed map on the defenses of Canterlot and outlying areas.
After what seemed to be hours on end of the young stallion shouting across the room, he slumped on his chair and finally proclaimed, "Well?" As if daring Aegis Artifice to question how he spends his time during these stressful moments.
Aegis Artifice stared at the map before pointing his staff at one of of the circles very far, “Pray to explain why one of the circles is miles away from Canterlot? More specifically in Cloudsdale?” Having shoved the map back at Implausible Ruse. “Perhaps it is where you’d like to visit next? One of your juvenile trips to get at it with one of the mares over there?” Aegis Artifice had one of his eyebrows arched with a grin plastered across his face. Not stopping there, Aegis Artifice added one last comment before letting the increasing red-faced general from adding onto the conversation, “Honestly, this is war, not one of your, as the young ponies say now a days, chicka-bow-wow trips?”
Implausible Ruse only narrowed his eyes as he clenched his teeth visibly, “I swear to Celestia, you old goat! That neutral spot is a perfectly valid place to stage an army!” Then, Implausible Ruse took a deep breath to calm himself at the smirking elderly general.
“So, it is one of your chicka-bow-wow trips?” Aegis Artifice responded, still smirking as he nodded his head. All he received was a murderous glare from Implausible Ruse.
Princess Celestia
After regaining the valuable control over her emotions, Princess Celestia slowly got up as she looked around the room. It was, thankfully, not her sister’s room as she slowly exited the room slowly. Watching the dark hallways, she slowly walked forward, taking each step slowly. After the first few steps in silence, Princess Celestia regained her famed posture of grace, power, and kindness.
Like a lock upon a vault, Princess Celestia had sealed the ill-favored emotions as she tracked onwards. She knew where she was going, indeed, it was time to visit the generals and her advisors. Hopefully, they’ll agree upon her strategy of defensive play. It was, to her, the most needed as of right now, from both strategically and… her own courage that was faltering in the thought of attacking what was once her fellows.
Sage of Six Mirrors
Looking at the orders as though they were pouson mirrorshard sighed regretfully, "A war, why does it have to be a war. Oh well, i best prepare, looks like im being sernt to some new fortress, ugh" his horn glowing prismatically, he starts to pack his sparse belongings, mainly a spellbook on defensive combat, and a few knick-knacks. "Time to go" he says as he locks the door to go to his new post.
The Fortress Ike Upon Pioneers
Pioneer Forge was a young and hardworking soldier of the Solar Empire. Continuously helping in the construction of Fortress Ike. Measuring each placement of brick and double-checking on the sloping was a troubling job for most if continued onwards; Pioneer Forge took this all with ease. It was a repetitive work that grew only better with each passing thought of protecting the Solar Empire. To build these towering and intimidating walls just outside of Canterlot towards the direction of Ponyville was an exciting thought to him.
The thoughts of Pioneer Forge were soon broken; abruptly halted with the low hiss from his far right, "Hey Forgy, how can you work like that?" The whisper stemmed from one of his teammates, Pioneer Wisp. The question from the mare beside Pioneer Forge had caused a question to be born. What does she exactly mean by that? One needs to understand that Pioneer Forge was a workaholic and very patriotic at that.
"What do you mean by that Wisp?" Pioneer Forge responded in the same volume as his teammate. Ending the response, he glanced at the surrounding areas, afraid their sergeant would appear and reprime them of their work… not that any reasoning would work. Their sergeant was rigid in what one should be doing and even the slightest pause in work will have him storming down and wipe up a storm of curses and threats. If Pioneer Forge was alone, he wouldn't have to fear his sergeant, but with teammates like Wisp, it happens quite regularly. It was certainly a stressful work environment indeed.
Cocking her head, Pioneer Wisp looked dumbfounded at the response. That perplexed Pioneer Forge at such response. It was strange indeed, especially from Pioneer Wisp's view. Taking a liberty of stopping her work and strongly thrusted her hoof at the increasingly confused Pioneer Forge in sheer amazement. Pioneer Wisp only managed what she thought would be the best, "Never mind."
It was another strange day for Pioneer Forge. Such things happen irregularly and with different subjects that he had never been capable of answering or knowing of. Perhaps he should ask for a transfer to a different crew. It may even do him good. As his thoughts soon dwell on a different and more organized crew, he returned to his work subconsciously.
----
The Two Generals
“I can guarantee you youngster that I can turn you into eight different kind of cheese with this staff!” The argument had escalated with the first insult being thrown by Implausible Ruse with his saber. The most sensible thing to Aegis Artifice is to threaten Implausible Ruse with the threat of altering his body into cheese. Least to say, this was quickly becoming absurd by each passing minute.
Baffled by such insult thrown by Aegis Artifice, Implausible Ruse shouted back, “What are you? Senile!? What kind of stallion threatens to turn his colleague into cheese?” It was a good thing they had completed their work before this glorious set of insults between two generals. If they hadn’t, that would had been a terrible thing to happen.
----
Impenetrable Defense
Impenetrable Defense shifted awkwardly as he adjusted to his new armor and shield. Having signed up for the Aegis Teams and quickly passing through the rigorous courses, he had been given the standard Aegis Team Unit equipment: a dozen javelins, a single giant shield, and a heavier duty armor than the standard issued armor. Least to say, the thing was beyond heavy, and quite frankly, made Impenetrable Defense feel invincible.
Shaking off the thoughts, Impenetrable Defense joined his fellow teammates on their way outside of the barrack. Moving slowly and carefully not to accidently hit anyone with the intimidating and towering shield, Impenetrable Defense let a small form under the helmet. It was the thought of protecting his allies from threats as he blocks the assaults of the enemies.
Cosmic Flare - SE (FEEL THE POWER OF THE SUUUUUN!)
Cosmic sat staring into his spell book. His eyes were viciously squinted at the page, him completely focused.
"Okay! Everypony, stand back!" He announced, his horn glowing red. A beam of pure crimson shot out from his horn and struck the ground. Nothing happened for a moment. Then, out of nowhere, a magical red lion appeared where he shot the beam and it viciously roared. Then it proceeded to attempt to maul a stallion. Cosmic's horn quickly glowed again and then the lion disappeared. He was met with some light claps from various ponies and a frightened look from the stallion. He made his way over to said stallion and apologized with all his heart. "Sorry about that. I'll save it for the enemy."
Then, he heard the order to move out.
Upon What Does An Army Stand?
Lieutenant-General Bravery watched from his post at the construction of the Canterlot Fortress. Future Canterlot, now, being dubbed by many as the "Invincible Palace," a daring title from one of the more inflated heads of the General Staff. Scoffing at the such thoughts, Lieutenant-General Bravery looked at the surrounding areas, sketching out the view with a sketching pencil, returning to his average features of a stallion who seemed to smile for eternity. Drawing out the view of the heavily under-construction sight that was once a beautiful scenery rival to only a few, he was fully dedicated into his thoughts and his drawings that he did not notice one of his officers approaching silently from behind.
"I note that you are drawing the view, m'lord," a deep and foreign accent spoke from his left, the owner of the voice was known as Colonel Timber. A name of Timber was truly fit in its rightful place as the name of the immense colonel. Rumors floated around of his cruelty, as claimed by some of the more younger officers in the Officer Corps of the Solar Army. Some brought up stories of where Colonel Timber stared down a private till he leaked himself. However, to Lieutenant-General Bravery, such rumors were rumors and over-exaggerations that are best to be left behind, although it was not to say that Lieutenant-General did not find such things amusing.
Sketching one of the walls being built, Lieutenant-General Bravery floated his sketching pencil to a case and nodded his head, "I am, is there an issue that requires my presence? I informed you and the others to not disturb me unless it is necessary." He did not deal with intrusions to his private moments lightly, and the wrong answer could cause a swift and painful punishment to whoever dares to tread upon him. Though such punishments never are related to whippings or any humiliating degrees, besides doing exaggerated chores of course.
Colonel Timber grimly nodded his head, a humorous site to anypony that had ever been terrified of his height and general personality, "I... understand the punishments, however, this is quite urgent," his tone agree with what he had stated. This was a question that was appearing in every head in the A1 Officer Corps. It was a question of war and the purpose of it, that single question was, "Is it true that we're playing a defensive war?" While all officers had heard the order of defensive play, there was always a sense of curiosity and the need of affirmation amongst the more cynical ponies. The declaration of defensive warfare could simply be a ruse to falsify any information that could be given over by potential spies.
There was dead silence as Lieutenant-General Bravery looked at the sky and sighed, "Colonel Timber, for that I do not know a solid reply, but do know this," he motioned to the grand construction of the Canterlot Fortress, "does your cynical eyes doubt our stance?" Colonel Timber shook his head at that and promptly left with his answer fulfilled. That left Lieutenant-General Bravery grinding his teeth in thought of what could be as the war drags on, but those soon slept as he continued on with his work.
Impenetrable Defense
@Ducksquack,
When Impenetrable Defense heard the intrusion of a very out-of-place noise, he immediately brought up his shield and shouldered on to the site of the location. His teammates were not far behind with their great shields and the steps of heavily-armored hoofsteps. Taking deep breaths as a single javelin floated near his side, he entered into defensive positioning, looking through a small slit in the great shield. Taking slow steps as his teammates form up around him, he bellowed out a single question, "Is everyone alright?!" That question was slowly being put to ease at the general state of order and the lack of injured soldiers. Safety was then added on with the forming of other soldiers and their weaponry as they surround the site of the roar.
Canterlot
Kinetic Energy
@Demirari,
@Swinton,
“Greetings and salutations, everypony!” Celestia’s Head Minister, Kinetic Energy, walked into the office with the two arguing, not even waiting to be invited in before inspecting the globe. He lingered over the Cloudsdale circle for a moment. “What tactical value is Cloudsdale? It’s neutral, and too far out of our way. Probably too far out of anypony’s way, to be frank. Though I hear the mares there are the finest Pegasi mares in Equestria.”
Kinetic was a strange pony at the best of times and preferred to spend time in his lab, tinkering with his gadgets. He called himself a sociopath, even though he lacks the usual symptoms of sociopathy. Not that anyone called him a sociopath. “Annoying” was usually the term they used. Even as he stood there, inspecting the globe while all but ignoring the gazes of the others in the room. That is, until a friend of his walked in.
Fluorescent Fire was not a happy pony. He was in the canterlot library, in the midst of nodding off, when a soft rapping came on his door. He jumped out of his chair and the book on his lap flew a few feet in front of him.
"Sir? Is everything alright?" A muffled voice of concern came from the other side of the door
'It's just the messenger, and nothing more' he muttered to himself. "Yes, I am perfectly fine. Sorry 'bout the noise. Be there in a sec, I was just napping. Don't go anywhere" He replied as he hurried to pick up the book and hastily straightened his messy mane.
He opened the door and was greeted by the royal messenger,all deadly serious looking. 'All of them were like that' Fluorescent smiled to himself and the messenger. "So how can I help you?"
"Her royal highness Princess Celestia has requested for the mobilization of the Solar Army. Your presence has been requested." Something in the air changed in the split second war was mentioned. Fluorescent's smile dropped straight to tartarus. His features hardened and tensed.
"Understood"
Fluorescent leisurely strolled down the great hallway, he would have simply walked on if he didn't hear the war that started in the office of the two Aegis Artifice and Implausible Ruse. His smile crawled back when he saw someone beat him there.
Kinetic Energy, Head Minister of the Solar Empire, genius, inventor, tinkerer and self proclaim sociopath. All round weirdo but generally very enthusiastic and passionate about his work (Fluorescent didn't quite get half the things that go on in his lab but he was sure it was something too complicated for the average pony to comprehend). He was the most high ranking pony, besides the princess herself of course. He was a strange one but his fancy pancy words and mannerism was amusing, to Fluorescent anyway. Most people probably found him annoying.
"Can't say I disagree, besides, the city's in the sky. We'd fall right through the clouds. I'm not afraid of falling, just the dying part."
"Yes, dying does tend to be a problem. Death is so final, where there are so many possibilities for life. Regardless, it's not a viable tactical movement. Are they even paying attention to us, or are they just intent on being ridiculous?" Kinetic asked, turning his attention to Fluorescent Fire.
“I have nothing against cheese but I think we'd better get going, doubt the Princess is going to dig the fact her head honcho's are gonna be the fashionably late." With a nod they both departed, leaving behind the two to sort out their difference.
Impetus
@Demirari,
Impetus wandered through the halls of Canterlot Castle, searching for the most important pony in the Empire.
Had he been told ten years ago that he would inhabit these hallowed halls, he would have laughed aloud and denounced the very idea as nonsense. He was hardly among the best military minds of Equestria; if he was, what was he doing scrabbling around in the dirt with a halberd?
Yet here he was, acting as military advisor to Princess Celestia herself. It was all he had ever dreamed. Now all that was left was for the Solar Empire to emerge victorious, a day which Impetus knew was as inevitable as the the dawn.
Of course, unlike the dawn their victory would not come overnight. There was much to be done before victory could be claimed.
Finally, Impetus found her emerging from a chamber, the living embodiment of the sun's radiance, as ever.
"Excuse me, your highness," he said "Might I escort you to the Military Council Chambers?"
The Two Generals
@Swinton,@Windbreaker,
Implausible Ruse was stuttering at the responses he had received with the two new individuals, Head Minister Kinetic and the War Advisor Fluorescent Fire. To top that all was the fact that he was now receiving the full-end of the old goat’s grin. Curse them all! Perhaps he was thinking of the mares, but for honest sakes, there was tactical value for Cloudsdale. However, it seems like he was outnumbered in opinions, and to make matters worse, the old goat decided to lift his chin and grin downwards like a moron and somepony that dares to think he was higher than everypony else!
“Fine!” Implausible Ruse conceded to the inevitable defeat that was encircling around him, “maybe it doesn’t have any tactical value, however, do note that my decision making wasn’t based around the “mares.” He had stressed the mares very, very strongly, grinding his teeth as he spat out every single word in utter hate and hopelessness.
Aegis Artifice only responded with a grin as he smacked his staff on his wooden desk in random order. THWACK! THWACK! "I told you so young one. Never doubt my knowledge!" Then, he turned his attention to cleaning his messy desk all the while radiating with victory. Every single movement given by Aegis Artifice seemed to be geared in pissing off the young general.
----
Princess Celestia
@Archi the Atmomancer,
“Yes, yes of course Impetus,” Princess Celestia replied warmly as she stopped before him, “were you searching for me? It would be a coincidence if you were,” she let a small smile form on her face. She was planning to search for her war advisors and Head Minister himself, but it seems like one of the war advisors had found her first. An excellent and also a surprising thing to happen, as it’ll make everything easier to do, and without wasting much time. Easing off her thoughts, she took a few steps forward and waited for Impetus to start leading her to the Military Council Chambers.
Impetus
@Demirari,
"Indeed I was searching for you, your highness," said Impetus, returning the smile "There is much to discuss before the day is out. The outbreak of war is regrettable, but we must seize the initiative as soon as possible, lest our enemies overtake us."
Positioning himself only one step ahead of the Princess, he began to lead the way. "Let us hope that your generals are not to occupied with tearing each other's throats out today," he quipped with a grin.
"I understand that your sister and former protégé stand against us," he said in an attempt to start a conversation, though moments after the words passed his lips he knew they were ill-advised. Impetus had no biological brothers but he had adopted plenty in the barracks back when he was a foot soldier. He couldn't imagine fighting a single one of them with intent to kill, unless they had committed some unforgivable crime.
MIRRORSHARD
Mirrorshard walks towards the towering walls of the hopefully soont to be completed Fortress Ike, "sigh, a symbol of death, thats all this accursed fortress will become, thats lall it could ever mean". As he walks up he remembers a time whne everything seemed innocent, his childhood, and shook away the thoughts and returnedbto reality with a brw vigor.
"I will end this war by any means, i will defend canterlot, as this war must stop, so that foals do not have to grow up as we all have, to brcome soldiers" with a new goal, he marches towards the fortress.
MIRROR QUAKE
Mirror Quake, haveing abandoned his solar armor, now walks trough the streets of the crystal empire, looking for an old friend he had finally located. "Looking for a pony i havent seen since my childhood should be a little difficult" he says to himself. As he heads toward the train station he sees a familiar red stallion, "well that was easier than i thought"
Ducksquack
@Demirari,
Cosmic quickly realized the confusion he had started.
"Yes! Yes!" He said, running out of the barracks with his armor on and his weapons holstered in their respective locations. "Sorry, just experimenting with spells! I'll stop right away!"
"Yep, just the magician putting on a show!" A stallion behind him added. Cosmic turned and cheerfully punched him on the chest. The rest of his suppression team followed out, preparing to march. He joined them and they moved alongside Impenetrable's Aegis team.
"I should really do that someplace else..." He added. His mind was currently racing with several ideas of how cool that spell was, how awesome his armor looked, this awesome Aegis team to his left, the war, and in the back of his mind, his brother. Cosmic's brother, Mercury, had ran off and joined the NLR days after the war started. He hadn't seen him since the fighting in Manhattan began. Cosmic's greatest fear currently was not death, injury, or something like that, but of him finding his brother. The state didn't matter. In a time of war, you simply do NOT want to run into a loved one if they're on the opposing side. His mind wandered for a bit, him managing to avoid his sibling's memory by focusing on the Aegis team next to him. "Hi. I'm Cosmic Flare. Suppression team A1S2." Cosmic stuck out his hoof to the stallion next to him, who looked as if he was going to flop over in his armor. Who happened to be Impenetrable because characters.
Princess Celestia
@Archi the Atmomancer,
Princess Celestia listened as she followed, keeping the correct pacing and making sure not to gain any speed. She only had an amused smile when she heard of Impetus’ comment on the relation between her two highly-esteemed generals. Those two were quite an amusing sight to see there and now in the past and the current situations. If one thing, they could be stand-up comedians if they were to ever take a path in entertainment.
“It would be a shame to not see them in their everyday actions,” her voice was gentle yet held a tint of humor, “I find it is like a couple bickering over minor things.” She added in the last part in a more casual manner, to perhaps to hopefully add a more casual environment.
That all changed at the mentioning of the war and fighting what was once her trusted fellow princesses, however, she managed to keep her pacing and face as norm. “It is a sad truth that they do stand against me,” pausing to take a small breath, she continued, “the events that had led up to this unforeseeable point.” Her hidden conclusion, if one has a trained ear, would had suggested that she wanted to say more, but had kept it to herself.
----
Impenetrable Defense
@Ducksquack,
Impenetrable Defense watched the Suppression member greet himself. That had already earned respect from him as to Impenetrable Defense, Suppression Teams were unique individuals that are willing to waste away their lives to help their fellows. If there was no Aegis Teams, it was, without any doubt, that Impenetrable Defense would had chosen to be in part of the Suppression Teams.
“I’m Impenetrable Defense of the Aegis Team A1A4,” that was all he had said for his greeting. There wasn’t much that Impenetrable Defense wanted to say as one can tell. Was it from his current mood or the question of what exactly was the spell that had caused such events, one can't tell.
Ducksquack
@Demirari,
"Pleasure." He replied, thinking of what to say next. "So, Solar Empire... Aegis team... what made you sign up?" Cosmic asked. "I felt kinda... inclined to join. Me and my fami-" He paused. His brother. "Me and most of my family felt Celestia was a pretty good ruler. We got kinda upset when Luna betrayed her. You know, then the fighting started in Manehattan. We just made it out of there to here. I joined rather hesitantly, though. It's still war. Gotta keep that in mind. My brother, he..." Cosmic sighed deeply. "NLR. He always like the night and whatnot. Hope I don't run into him. Anyways, that's a little of my story. You?" Cosmic didn't have much trouble moving alongside him while chatting.
Impetus
@Demirari,
Impetus chuckled at the Princess's words. The constant, petty squabbles that the Empire's two generals engaged in were much like the arguments of an old married couple, though Impetus doubted that there was any underlying love between the two. Both generals were binary opposites, incapable of even understanding the doctrine of one another. It was no wonder that Celestia had been looking for new advisors for the war; without a third party, the Princess would have been torn between the two viewpoints as the generals fought one another at the expense of the Empire.
Impetus dropped the smile as he responded "While often amusing, this bickering could become a serious problem. I fear that Your Majesty may one day have to rid yourself of one or the other, or otherwise find somepony more suited to the role."
The Princess's next statement sounded more melancholic, and ended with something like a sigh, as if the Princess wished to continue but would or could not. Though wary of upsetting his liege lady, Impetus decided to follow up on this.
"Events, my lady?" he asked softly "Does Your Majesty wish to talk about it?"
MIRRORSHARD
Finally reaching the fort, Mirrorshard looked around for somepony to tell him what he was supposed to be doing here. Poking his head in, "hello, anypony here? Major Mirrorshard reporting in."
MIRROR QUAKE
Upon seeing a freindly face, Mirror Quake ran over towarsmds his old friend Rampart. "Hey man, whats been up with you and are the rumors true? I hope so otherwise the Solar Empire will be after me for going AWOL for no reason." He laughs jokingly, w"ell I'm here to support you in your cause."
Princess Celestia
@Archi the Atmomancer,
"It is nothing to worry yourself over on," Princess Celestia replied reassuringly with a smile, "merely long ago thoughts that concerns... little of the current situation," her eyes briefly glanced at one of the stained glass windows showcasing the Mane Six using the Elements of Harmony on Nightmare Moon. The quick averting of her eyes was quick and undetectable unless one was expecting her to turn her attention to the stained glass windows.
Princess Celestia's attention soon dawn to what Impetus had recently said of the two generals and their conflicting ways. Impetus' words certainly hold merit that, despite the entertaining show the two are capable of displaying ever so often, was a threat to the organization of the Solar Army. Yet, even at this, she was looking for some form of compromise. The two generals were unique amongst their ideological fields of war and dismissing one would be, to her, an unwanted effect.
Dwelling on the thoughts, Princess Celestia nodded her head. "It is concerning with the conflicting views and the results they could create, but," her agreement ended their, "a compromise will be better. Having both generals working in sync will be a terrifying force and all we need is to make the two cordial with each other."
Impenetrable Defense
@Ducksquack,
"I'm merely a stallion who wishes to aid in his country's defense in teams of dire need," Impenetrable Defense replied humbly before he continued, a hidden smile behind the imposing helmet of his, "and what better way than to enlist in the Solar Army? And even better, as an Aegis-type soldier?" He lifted his large shield and placed it far away and twirled it to face Comet. "With this great shield, I can protect my comrades in arms against attacks that may maim or kill them."
Impenetrable Defense's voice turned more curious at the words of Comet's family, "You wish not to fight your brother in the open fields of war? That is, if he is in the NLR's army. It'll be a terrible thing if you ever have to fight him one on one." He shook his head at the thought. War ripped apart families. War made kinsmen fight against one another. To Impenetrable Defense's eyes, to fight one of your own family was one of the hardest things to do. To kill them? Unimaginable.
Impetus - The Solar Empire
@Demirari,
Impetus nodded at the Princess's assertion that nothing was amiss. "As you say, Your Majesty," he said, and decided to leave it at that for the time being.
As he spoke they came to the Gilded Hall, the castle's monument to all of Equestria's great heroes. The stained glass windows here were relics of a bygone age, an age of heroes; an age of harmony; an age of friendship.
Many of the windows depicted a purple pony, who in some windows was a unicorn and in others was an alicorn princess. Silently, Impetus thanked Princess Twilight Sparkle for her deeds in the defence of Equestria. Impetus certainly had no love for the opposing republics and empires, but he also bore no hatred for Twilight. In his mind, her treason was not as severe as that of Luna and Cadence. Luna and Cadence were forces of chaos, violence and unending war; Twilight, arguably the weakest of the Princesses, was merely trying to save as many ponies as possible, or so it seemed. Perhaps, before the war escalated beyond repair, a deal could be struck between the Republic of Magic and the Solar Empire.
However, now was not the time to look to the past. The security of the Empire had to be ensured, and now was the time to do so.
While he was lost in thought, the Princess had replied. Impetus cleared his throat as he snapped back to reality "Perhaps you are correct, Your Majesty. However, I believe that what you ask is harder than you think. Regardless, if that is your will, so shall it be done."
@Windbreaker,
@Swinton,
By now they had arrived at the entrance to the Military Council Chambers. Into the fray, thought Impetus, as he pushed the door open for the Princess.
Cosmic Flare - Solar Empire
"Mmmhmm..." Cosmic said, letting a tear form and roll down his cheek. He paused, and then quickly recovered from his sadness. "Nice shield, by the way." Cosmic commented. "Now, see, apparently the Suppression teams often suffer massive casualties. They, of course, don't tell you this until you've signed up. Turns out several of the ponies in this team joined Suppression because they didn't really have much to live for anymore. Luckily, they've changed. We're their new family. Of course, I didn't really need to hear that stuff about the casualties, but, uhhh..." He shrugged. "This guy told me." Cosmic said, motioning to a large stallion in front of him. "Now, uhh... could you tell me our current orders? You know, where we're going? I didn't really hear them too well... I was too focused on learning that spell..." He chuckled a little as his voice trailed off. "See, occasionally I get caught up in the books, and..." His voice trailed off again. "Yeah..."
Princess Celestia
@Archi the Atmomancer,
"It may be hard to accomplish," Princess Celestia replied as she stepped into the Military Council Chambers, "but I believe that it can be done, and it will be done dear Impetus." She was firm on her stance on keeping the two generals at her stead. "Thank you for holding the door." She gave a small thanks as she looked at the chamber and walked towards the center of the room. There, at the very center, was a giant oval table and a single high quality large map of Equestria sprawled proudly over the tabletop. Around the table were multiple seats, some where already taken by the higher-up commanders of the Solar Army.
Giving a small smile and a nod for the bowing audience of the four Lieutenant-Generals, Princess Celestia commanded them to return to their seats. It was an oddly amusing sight to her to have ponies bow to her even after many years. Once in a while, she wished for the ponies around her to be more casual, less formal, and be themselves around her. It would certainly ease her up, but such things would never happen, even if she hound it in on them. Releasing her astray thoughts, Princess Celestia took a seat at a seat that was designated for her.
----
Not very far off from the Military Council Chambers were the two generals walking. Managing not to start a new show of colorful words, they walked alongside each other peacefully. Casting glares and mutters against one another with disdain and disgust. An unspoken ceasefire was signed by both parties during this walk towards the Military Council Chambers. Both of the two have rather large briefcases stuffed with tactics and suggestions. Many, one will note later on, will conflict with one another and only a few will ever truly agree with their counterparts.
----
Impenetrable Defense
@Ducksquack,
"We're mobilizing and are going to be shipped off to multiple areas in the Solar Empire," Impenetrable Defense replied cheerfully, "though exactly where we all are going to be sent. That is currently unknown with the high command being tight-lipped about such things." He shrugged his shoulders as he stated what he knew so far. There was not really many things he really knew that wasn't classified. A sad thing to many soldiers that were curious to know where they will be heading. There were many theories about exactly where, however, it seemed like only the officers really knew.
Impetus - Solar Empire
@Demirari,
Impetus smiled at the Princess's thanks "You are most welcome, Your Highness," he said, before trotting over to his chair, which was adjacent to the Princess's. However, for now he remained standing.
He looked over the members of the council that were present, hoping that he might start immediately, but it was too much to ask; the chairs of the two generals were unoccupied.
Probably engaged in some petty squabble, no doubt, thought Impetus with disdain. If the Empire's two most senior military staff could not muster the respect to be punctual, then Impetus saw little point waiting for them. The Lunar Republic and Crystal Empire would not wait for them to finish talking before making their move.
"All rise for the swearing of the Sunsteel Oath," began Impetus, placing a hoof over his chest. Impetus would have liked to say that the Oath was ancient tradition, but it had only been implemented fairly recently as a successor to the Grey Oath sworn by military personnel before the schism between the four princesses. That oath had been sworn to both Celestia and Luna. Understandably, Luna now has no place in the Oath, which was sworn solely to the Princess of the Sun.
"With the Princess as my witness, as the light of the sun shines upon Equestria, I do solemnly swear that all that I say and do within the confines of this room will be dedicated to the furthering of the Solar Empire and her allies. Within these hallowed halls I shall utter the truth and nothing but the truth."
"Long live Celestia, the First of her Name, Princess of the Sun and of Equestria, Guardian of Unicorn, Pegasus and Earth Pony. Let all true stallions declare their allegiance to her. May her reign be long, peaceful and prosperous."
There was a silence in the aftermath of the Oath as the rest of the Council awaited the Princess's approval.
Cosmic Flare - Solar Empire
"Huh." Cosmic simply replied, shifting slightly in his armor. "I've heard a lot about how Celestia is trying to play a defensive game. You know the old saying... 'the best offense is a good defense.'" Cosmic beamed, confident that he had gotten the quote right this time. "I guess we should be happy that they're so secretive, though. I mean, there are probably spies running around everywhere. I'd suck for us if they knew every single position of every single unit and had massive of forces attack there immediately, right?" He paused. What he had just said was a bit, well, dramatic, but spies will be spies. "What I'm trying to say here is, secrecy is good. Right?" Cosmic added.
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia nodded her head. "Thank you Impetus," she turned towards Impetus for a split second before returning her presence to the gathered high-ranking officials--the coterie now included the red-cheeked generals. Her mind tracing through the memories and events long since past. The events that many in here knew already. To make it simple and efficient before carrying onto the bulk of this meeting, she must. Time was already wasted with her emotions in turmoil.
Entrenching her stoic form further, she began her speech without doubt and with depth, "Generals, lieutenant-generals, aids, advisors, ponies alike. Calamities had befallen upon Equestria and we are now in civil war." She glanced across the table. "It is by the actions of my sisters that have forced my hoof." There was a tint of remorse in her stoic voice. "We, the Solar Empire," the two words left a bitter taste on her tongue, "had mobilized our forces into a defensive ideology."
A single large piece impersonating a fort was magically placed on top of Canterlot. "Previous discussion and of my position had led to the fortification of Canterlot. Previous discussion had led to the placement of Fortress Ike in between Ponyville and Canterlot." Her facial structure eased off the stress to create a more welcoming and benevolent being. "I ask for your suggestions advisors, generals, lieutenant-generals, and alike. I ask you all to freely speak without hesitation and apprehension."
The room was mostly silent and tensed after the closure of Princess Celestia's closure. Not of fear and dread, but of shyness and timidness. Each one had ideas, but didn't want to go first. It was small glances and a telepathic-like communication going around. It was a hidden consensus as the representative was chosen.
“I,” a feminine voice appeared from the far right of the large table, “propose of constructing walls, large enough to prevent unicorns and earth ponies from getting past, although not too excessive in height or thickness.” Some heads moved to reveal Lieutenant-General Angelic Wisp, or known as Wispy affectionately by known friends. “The primary design is to encourage the enemy in funneling through more easier land-routes that are easy to defend. These walls will be made of something strong yet simple to use in construction. It may not stop a determined army, but it will hopefully discourage lesser ones.”
As if on cue in a play, Lieutenant-General Bravery arched his eyebrow and began his interrogation of his fellow officer. “The walls will only waste time and offer minimal protection,” his voice was thick with criticism, “it’ll just be better to build a fort or two, however,” Bravery lessen his criticism with a more agreeable tone, “your plan does have its merits Lieutenant-General Angelic Wisp. We should construct these walls to discourage passages that are difficult to defend. We must, without doubt, be sure that the walls will be worth the time. Thicken the walls with earth-made walls, solidify with bricks to add in stability, and the walls need to be more higher to prevent simple ladders from bypassing them.” He ended his addition to the idea Angelic Wisp had proposed with an affirmative nod.
Listening closely, Princess Celestia looked at the two. “Thank you both, especially you Angelic Wisp, for getting us started in this discussion.” The two only bowed their heads respectfully.
----
Fortress Ike
@Sage Of Six Mirrors,
Colonel Tactical Precision was reading a classical novel from one of his most favorited authors. A story of pace, survival, tension, and most of all, excitement. If Mirrorshard had not announced his presence, there would had been a great success that Tactical Precision would had not noticed. However, the salutation from Mirrorshard and notified the colonel of a newcomer.
“Ah,” Colonel Tactical Precision closed his book in a soft thump, “you must be the major that was suppose to be transferred here.” He let a welcoming smile. “It is good to see you have arrived in time.” Standing up, Colonel Tactical Precision saluted, “Welcome to Fortress Ike, I am Colonel Tactical Precision, head of this fortification.” Casting his hoof across the room in showcasing the entire fortress, Tactical Precision returned to his chair still smiling.
Impetus - Solar Empire
@Demirari,
@Windbreaker,
At Angelic Wisp's suggestion, Impetus raised a sceptical eyebrow "How much stone do you think the Solar Empire has to spare, Lieutenant?" he asked "For your plan to be effective, we would have to forsake any plans for the building of forts and probably quarry this very castle for the stone required." He looked up at the Princess to his right before continuing "Princess, walls do not hold ground; stallions do. I propose that, rather than squandering resources on static defence, we establish outposts at key routes to Canterlot in a layer system. For example..."
Impetus took a pencil in his mouth and marked several spots on the map. They were placed by roads into Canterlot and valleys that the enemy might think to travel through. By the time he had finished, there were two rings of outposts around Canterlot.
As Impetus dropped the pencil he was acutely aware of being an Earth Pony amongst Unicorns. He wondered how the rest of the Council saw him. What was he to them? Was he a worthy comrade, deserving of his position and respect? Or was he nothing more than an upstart peasant who should still be in the field, forever kept from the castle's hallowed halls?
Regardless of his concerns, he still had to explain his proposition "This layered defence allows us to respond more appropriately to threats, and allows us to adapt to new developments with more ease than building forts and walls. The inner layer of outposts can despatch reinforcements to the outer perimeter, or if the situation is too much to handle perimeter forces can retreat to the inner circle to regroup and reinforce with other inner layer forces and the Canterlot Guard."
"In short, structuring our defence in this manner will allow us to concentrate our forces as needed, and makes us more adaptable than if we were to adopt a doctrine of static defence with fortifications and the like."
Canterlot
@Demirari,
“Your Grace, we should ensure the public does not panic. It would do them good to know that we’re working on ways to ensure their safety. It would be more meaningful if it came from you, Princess” Kinetic said as he reached into his pocket and produced a small bag filled with differently coloured candies, levitating a red one out of the bag and into his mouth. "Oh, and there's this."
He reached into his pocket once again and produced a small egg-shaped device. "A prototype of one of the gadgets I was working on for our forces. This smoke grenade has a clockwork timer, making it useful for escape and stealth operations.”
Sage of Six Mirrors
Saluting, he walks up to colonel Tactical Precsion. "Sir, yes, I am indeed. May I ask what my role will be here? Such as training or will I be in cahrge of any troops?." Standing at attention, he waits for his commanders orders. Thinking to.himself, "I hope I'm put onto the battlefield, so that I may help to put an end ti this horrific war."
Walking down the grand halls of Canterlot silently as a single royal guard followed behind. It was peaceful and relaxing to Princess Celestia as she suddenly stopped, her throat seemingly to become dry, unable to declare what she wanted to say. She had hoped that her walk around the grand halls of the Canterlot Castle would ease her mind to say what she wanted. It didn't come true, she really didn't want to command the guard behind her to start the formation of her army. It was like a dream, a nightmare coming true to her when this situation had all started. Like a heavy stab to her heart that her fellow princesses would splinter Equestria apart. How many shall die from these actions?
"Your Majesty?" the royal guard behind her questioned, his voice laced with concern. It was unnerving to even the professionally trained unicorn that Princess Celestia had suddenly stopped and haven't said even a single thing yet. While he maintained a stone-cold feature with the barest concern showing, his mind was currently racing through possibilities to why she had suddenly came to a halt.
Taking slowly steps as she turned around to face the guard, Princess Celestia had put up a false face of what she was currently experiencing. Forming a determined and strong-willed facial structure, she replied, making sure to have her voice calm yet gentle, "Dear guard, order the mobilization of the forces at once for a defensive fight. Be quick, and thank you." She had made her decision, not quite yet, however, her orders was to maintain a strong defensive positioning. She won't, not now at least, order needless deaths of her army.
The royal guard bowed before stating, "At once your Majesty!" Before sprinting off to the direction of the barracks. It was done; the deed was now acted out. After watching the retreating figure of the guard disappear, Princess Celestia entered a nearby room and collapsed onto the ground. Closing the door and casting a spell of silence, she let a single tear fall. Oh this war was already taking its toll on her before it even began. It was like those hundreds of years ago when Princess Luna, her own sister, had broken off. That was terrible, now this was four-times worst than the last. To fight her old student, Princess Twilight Sparkle, to Princess Cadence, to her own sister, Princess Luna. Yet this sadness wasn't without anger--it was there, growing in strength in rage at the cruel betrayal of her fellow Princesses. To plunge Equestria, her nation where she had carefully nursed, into this splintered, cracked state? It was horrifying, tragic, and the worst to ever happen.
(Hopefully I didn't make her sound too weak-willed, but fighting against people you once knew would be quite terrible).
----
Impenetrable Will was amongst the crowd that had gathered to listen to Princess Twilight Sparkle's speech. It was empowering to Impenetrable, it had really empowered his faith further to see this through will a victory. Indeed, they must fight to win this, but if only there was another way. Sighing at this, Impenetrable Will quickly departed to his apartment to prepare himself for this. While Impenetrable Will always favored a better means that would prevent any bloodshed, if the Princesses hadn't come to that conclusion. Then, it would surely be the best that a war must be waged for the best ending.
Nodding his head as he came to this conclusion, Impenetrable Will entered his apartment and began his small preparations. From grabbing his armor to a large shield to even a small knife if things come to a worst and he needs to face an opponent in close-combat. He felt ready for this, yet he felt the trickling sensation of fear and anxiety. War was something that was new to Impenetrable Will, yet instead of collapsing into a pit of an emotional wreck in the confines of his apartment, he tried to maintain his normal posture.
The Two Generals
Whoever thought it was ever a good idea to put two conflicting viewpoints in the same room was a sadistic being. To the right side of the enormous office was the diligent Aegis Artifice plotting plans of details. The left… was a single globe and a young stallion known as Implausible Ruse circling areas that seemed random to the naked eye. It was truly a strange office shared by two polar opposite ponies.
Aegis Artifice slowly wrote in logistic information till he finally let the pen fall on the desk as he stared at the young individual across the room without any buildup to what he was going to say. "I hope you are doing something actually useful for once?" Aegis Artifice plainly questioned as his eyes bored into the hunched-over individual.
The young individual, Implausible Ruse lifted his own pen before sighing in amazement, as if surprised that Aegis Artifice was saying such things. "I swear to Celestia old-timer, stop annoying me with these rhetorical questions. Do you not see what I am doing?" He proceeded to levitate the giant map towards Aegis Artifice before stopping mere inches from his face. "This is where the assaulters may come and attack." Implausible Ruse rambled on about the circled areas on where the enemies may attack and suggestions on what to add to the meticulously detailed map on the defenses of Canterlot and outlying areas.
After what seemed to be hours on end of the young stallion shouting across the room, he slumped on his chair and finally proclaimed, "Well?" As if daring Aegis Artifice to question how he spends his time during these stressful moments.
Aegis Artifice stared at the map before pointing his staff at one of of the circles very far, “Pray to explain why one of the circles is miles away from Canterlot? More specifically in Cloudsdale?” Having shoved the map back at Implausible Ruse. “Perhaps it is where you’d like to visit next? One of your juvenile trips to get at it with one of the mares over there?” Aegis Artifice had one of his eyebrows arched with a grin plastered across his face. Not stopping there, Aegis Artifice added one last comment before letting the increasing red-faced general from adding onto the conversation, “Honestly, this is war, not one of your, as the young ponies say now a days, chicka-bow-wow trips?”
Implausible Ruse only narrowed his eyes as he clenched his teeth visibly, “I swear to Celestia, you old goat! That neutral spot is a perfectly valid place to stage an army!” Then, Implausible Ruse took a deep breath to calm himself at the smirking elderly general.
“So, it is one of your chicka-bow-wow trips?” Aegis Artifice responded, still smirking as he nodded his head. All he received was a murderous glare from Implausible Ruse.
Princess Celestia
After regaining the valuable control over her emotions, Princess Celestia slowly got up as she looked around the room. It was, thankfully, not her sister’s room as she slowly exited the room slowly. Watching the dark hallways, she slowly walked forward, taking each step slowly. After the first few steps in silence, Princess Celestia regained her famed posture of grace, power, and kindness.
Like a lock upon a vault, Princess Celestia had sealed the ill-favored emotions as she tracked onwards. She knew where she was going, indeed, it was time to visit the generals and her advisors. Hopefully, they’ll agree upon her strategy of defensive play. It was, to her, the most needed as of right now, from both strategically and… her own courage that was faltering in the thought of attacking what was once her fellows.
Sage of Six Mirrors
Looking at the orders as though they were pouson mirrorshard sighed regretfully, "A war, why does it have to be a war. Oh well, i best prepare, looks like im being sernt to some new fortress, ugh" his horn glowing prismatically, he starts to pack his sparse belongings, mainly a spellbook on defensive combat, and a few knick-knacks. "Time to go" he says as he locks the door to go to his new post.
The Fortress Ike Upon Pioneers
Pioneer Forge was a young and hardworking soldier of the Solar Empire. Continuously helping in the construction of Fortress Ike. Measuring each placement of brick and double-checking on the sloping was a troubling job for most if continued onwards; Pioneer Forge took this all with ease. It was a repetitive work that grew only better with each passing thought of protecting the Solar Empire. To build these towering and intimidating walls just outside of Canterlot towards the direction of Ponyville was an exciting thought to him.
The thoughts of Pioneer Forge were soon broken; abruptly halted with the low hiss from his far right, "Hey Forgy, how can you work like that?" The whisper stemmed from one of his teammates, Pioneer Wisp. The question from the mare beside Pioneer Forge had caused a question to be born. What does she exactly mean by that? One needs to understand that Pioneer Forge was a workaholic and very patriotic at that.
"What do you mean by that Wisp?" Pioneer Forge responded in the same volume as his teammate. Ending the response, he glanced at the surrounding areas, afraid their sergeant would appear and reprime them of their work… not that any reasoning would work. Their sergeant was rigid in what one should be doing and even the slightest pause in work will have him storming down and wipe up a storm of curses and threats. If Pioneer Forge was alone, he wouldn't have to fear his sergeant, but with teammates like Wisp, it happens quite regularly. It was certainly a stressful work environment indeed.
Cocking her head, Pioneer Wisp looked dumbfounded at the response. That perplexed Pioneer Forge at such response. It was strange indeed, especially from Pioneer Wisp's view. Taking a liberty of stopping her work and strongly thrusted her hoof at the increasingly confused Pioneer Forge in sheer amazement. Pioneer Wisp only managed what she thought would be the best, "Never mind."
It was another strange day for Pioneer Forge. Such things happen irregularly and with different subjects that he had never been capable of answering or knowing of. Perhaps he should ask for a transfer to a different crew. It may even do him good. As his thoughts soon dwell on a different and more organized crew, he returned to his work subconsciously.
----
The Two Generals
“I can guarantee you youngster that I can turn you into eight different kind of cheese with this staff!” The argument had escalated with the first insult being thrown by Implausible Ruse with his saber. The most sensible thing to Aegis Artifice is to threaten Implausible Ruse with the threat of altering his body into cheese. Least to say, this was quickly becoming absurd by each passing minute.
Baffled by such insult thrown by Aegis Artifice, Implausible Ruse shouted back, “What are you? Senile!? What kind of stallion threatens to turn his colleague into cheese?” It was a good thing they had completed their work before this glorious set of insults between two generals. If they hadn’t, that would had been a terrible thing to happen.
----
Impenetrable Defense
Impenetrable Defense shifted awkwardly as he adjusted to his new armor and shield. Having signed up for the Aegis Teams and quickly passing through the rigorous courses, he had been given the standard Aegis Team Unit equipment: a dozen javelins, a single giant shield, and a heavier duty armor than the standard issued armor. Least to say, the thing was beyond heavy, and quite frankly, made Impenetrable Defense feel invincible.
Shaking off the thoughts, Impenetrable Defense joined his fellow teammates on their way outside of the barrack. Moving slowly and carefully not to accidently hit anyone with the intimidating and towering shield, Impenetrable Defense let a small form under the helmet. It was the thought of protecting his allies from threats as he blocks the assaults of the enemies.
Cosmic Flare - SE (FEEL THE POWER OF THE SUUUUUN!)
Cosmic sat staring into his spell book. His eyes were viciously squinted at the page, him completely focused.
"Okay! Everypony, stand back!" He announced, his horn glowing red. A beam of pure crimson shot out from his horn and struck the ground. Nothing happened for a moment. Then, out of nowhere, a magical red lion appeared where he shot the beam and it viciously roared. Then it proceeded to attempt to maul a stallion. Cosmic's horn quickly glowed again and then the lion disappeared. He was met with some light claps from various ponies and a frightened look from the stallion. He made his way over to said stallion and apologized with all his heart. "Sorry about that. I'll save it for the enemy."
Then, he heard the order to move out.
Upon What Does An Army Stand?
Lieutenant-General Bravery watched from his post at the construction of the Canterlot Fortress. Future Canterlot, now, being dubbed by many as the "Invincible Palace," a daring title from one of the more inflated heads of the General Staff. Scoffing at the such thoughts, Lieutenant-General Bravery looked at the surrounding areas, sketching out the view with a sketching pencil, returning to his average features of a stallion who seemed to smile for eternity. Drawing out the view of the heavily under-construction sight that was once a beautiful scenery rival to only a few, he was fully dedicated into his thoughts and his drawings that he did not notice one of his officers approaching silently from behind.
"I note that you are drawing the view, m'lord," a deep and foreign accent spoke from his left, the owner of the voice was known as Colonel Timber. A name of Timber was truly fit in its rightful place as the name of the immense colonel. Rumors floated around of his cruelty, as claimed by some of the more younger officers in the Officer Corps of the Solar Army. Some brought up stories of where Colonel Timber stared down a private till he leaked himself. However, to Lieutenant-General Bravery, such rumors were rumors and over-exaggerations that are best to be left behind, although it was not to say that Lieutenant-General did not find such things amusing.
Sketching one of the walls being built, Lieutenant-General Bravery floated his sketching pencil to a case and nodded his head, "I am, is there an issue that requires my presence? I informed you and the others to not disturb me unless it is necessary." He did not deal with intrusions to his private moments lightly, and the wrong answer could cause a swift and painful punishment to whoever dares to tread upon him. Though such punishments never are related to whippings or any humiliating degrees, besides doing exaggerated chores of course.
Colonel Timber grimly nodded his head, a humorous site to anypony that had ever been terrified of his height and general personality, "I... understand the punishments, however, this is quite urgent," his tone agree with what he had stated. This was a question that was appearing in every head in the A1 Officer Corps. It was a question of war and the purpose of it, that single question was, "Is it true that we're playing a defensive war?" While all officers had heard the order of defensive play, there was always a sense of curiosity and the need of affirmation amongst the more cynical ponies. The declaration of defensive warfare could simply be a ruse to falsify any information that could be given over by potential spies.
There was dead silence as Lieutenant-General Bravery looked at the sky and sighed, "Colonel Timber, for that I do not know a solid reply, but do know this," he motioned to the grand construction of the Canterlot Fortress, "does your cynical eyes doubt our stance?" Colonel Timber shook his head at that and promptly left with his answer fulfilled. That left Lieutenant-General Bravery grinding his teeth in thought of what could be as the war drags on, but those soon slept as he continued on with his work.
Impenetrable Defense
@Ducksquack,
When Impenetrable Defense heard the intrusion of a very out-of-place noise, he immediately brought up his shield and shouldered on to the site of the location. His teammates were not far behind with their great shields and the steps of heavily-armored hoofsteps. Taking deep breaths as a single javelin floated near his side, he entered into defensive positioning, looking through a small slit in the great shield. Taking slow steps as his teammates form up around him, he bellowed out a single question, "Is everyone alright?!" That question was slowly being put to ease at the general state of order and the lack of injured soldiers. Safety was then added on with the forming of other soldiers and their weaponry as they surround the site of the roar.
Canterlot
Kinetic Energy
@Demirari,
@Swinton,
“Greetings and salutations, everypony!” Celestia’s Head Minister, Kinetic Energy, walked into the office with the two arguing, not even waiting to be invited in before inspecting the globe. He lingered over the Cloudsdale circle for a moment. “What tactical value is Cloudsdale? It’s neutral, and too far out of our way. Probably too far out of anypony’s way, to be frank. Though I hear the mares there are the finest Pegasi mares in Equestria.”
Kinetic was a strange pony at the best of times and preferred to spend time in his lab, tinkering with his gadgets. He called himself a sociopath, even though he lacks the usual symptoms of sociopathy. Not that anyone called him a sociopath. “Annoying” was usually the term they used. Even as he stood there, inspecting the globe while all but ignoring the gazes of the others in the room. That is, until a friend of his walked in.
Fluorescent Fire was not a happy pony. He was in the canterlot library, in the midst of nodding off, when a soft rapping came on his door. He jumped out of his chair and the book on his lap flew a few feet in front of him.
"Sir? Is everything alright?" A muffled voice of concern came from the other side of the door
'It's just the messenger, and nothing more' he muttered to himself. "Yes, I am perfectly fine. Sorry 'bout the noise. Be there in a sec, I was just napping. Don't go anywhere" He replied as he hurried to pick up the book and hastily straightened his messy mane.
He opened the door and was greeted by the royal messenger,all deadly serious looking. 'All of them were like that' Fluorescent smiled to himself and the messenger. "So how can I help you?"
"Her royal highness Princess Celestia has requested for the mobilization of the Solar Army. Your presence has been requested." Something in the air changed in the split second war was mentioned. Fluorescent's smile dropped straight to tartarus. His features hardened and tensed.
"Understood"
Fluorescent leisurely strolled down the great hallway, he would have simply walked on if he didn't hear the war that started in the office of the two Aegis Artifice and Implausible Ruse. His smile crawled back when he saw someone beat him there.
Kinetic Energy, Head Minister of the Solar Empire, genius, inventor, tinkerer and self proclaim sociopath. All round weirdo but generally very enthusiastic and passionate about his work (Fluorescent didn't quite get half the things that go on in his lab but he was sure it was something too complicated for the average pony to comprehend). He was the most high ranking pony, besides the princess herself of course. He was a strange one but his fancy pancy words and mannerism was amusing, to Fluorescent anyway. Most people probably found him annoying.
"Can't say I disagree, besides, the city's in the sky. We'd fall right through the clouds. I'm not afraid of falling, just the dying part."
"Yes, dying does tend to be a problem. Death is so final, where there are so many possibilities for life. Regardless, it's not a viable tactical movement. Are they even paying attention to us, or are they just intent on being ridiculous?" Kinetic asked, turning his attention to Fluorescent Fire.
“I have nothing against cheese but I think we'd better get going, doubt the Princess is going to dig the fact her head honcho's are gonna be the fashionably late." With a nod they both departed, leaving behind the two to sort out their difference.
Impetus
@Demirari,
Impetus wandered through the halls of Canterlot Castle, searching for the most important pony in the Empire.
Had he been told ten years ago that he would inhabit these hallowed halls, he would have laughed aloud and denounced the very idea as nonsense. He was hardly among the best military minds of Equestria; if he was, what was he doing scrabbling around in the dirt with a halberd?
Yet here he was, acting as military advisor to Princess Celestia herself. It was all he had ever dreamed. Now all that was left was for the Solar Empire to emerge victorious, a day which Impetus knew was as inevitable as the the dawn.
Of course, unlike the dawn their victory would not come overnight. There was much to be done before victory could be claimed.
Finally, Impetus found her emerging from a chamber, the living embodiment of the sun's radiance, as ever.
"Excuse me, your highness," he said "Might I escort you to the Military Council Chambers?"
The Two Generals
@Swinton,@Windbreaker,
Implausible Ruse was stuttering at the responses he had received with the two new individuals, Head Minister Kinetic and the War Advisor Fluorescent Fire. To top that all was the fact that he was now receiving the full-end of the old goat’s grin. Curse them all! Perhaps he was thinking of the mares, but for honest sakes, there was tactical value for Cloudsdale. However, it seems like he was outnumbered in opinions, and to make matters worse, the old goat decided to lift his chin and grin downwards like a moron and somepony that dares to think he was higher than everypony else!
“Fine!” Implausible Ruse conceded to the inevitable defeat that was encircling around him, “maybe it doesn’t have any tactical value, however, do note that my decision making wasn’t based around the “mares.” He had stressed the mares very, very strongly, grinding his teeth as he spat out every single word in utter hate and hopelessness.
Aegis Artifice only responded with a grin as he smacked his staff on his wooden desk in random order. THWACK! THWACK! "I told you so young one. Never doubt my knowledge!" Then, he turned his attention to cleaning his messy desk all the while radiating with victory. Every single movement given by Aegis Artifice seemed to be geared in pissing off the young general.
----
Princess Celestia
@Archi the Atmomancer,
“Yes, yes of course Impetus,” Princess Celestia replied warmly as she stopped before him, “were you searching for me? It would be a coincidence if you were,” she let a small smile form on her face. She was planning to search for her war advisors and Head Minister himself, but it seems like one of the war advisors had found her first. An excellent and also a surprising thing to happen, as it’ll make everything easier to do, and without wasting much time. Easing off her thoughts, she took a few steps forward and waited for Impetus to start leading her to the Military Council Chambers.
Impetus
@Demirari,
"Indeed I was searching for you, your highness," said Impetus, returning the smile "There is much to discuss before the day is out. The outbreak of war is regrettable, but we must seize the initiative as soon as possible, lest our enemies overtake us."
Positioning himself only one step ahead of the Princess, he began to lead the way. "Let us hope that your generals are not to occupied with tearing each other's throats out today," he quipped with a grin.
"I understand that your sister and former protégé stand against us," he said in an attempt to start a conversation, though moments after the words passed his lips he knew they were ill-advised. Impetus had no biological brothers but he had adopted plenty in the barracks back when he was a foot soldier. He couldn't imagine fighting a single one of them with intent to kill, unless they had committed some unforgivable crime.
MIRRORSHARD
Mirrorshard walks towards the towering walls of the hopefully soont to be completed Fortress Ike, "sigh, a symbol of death, thats all this accursed fortress will become, thats lall it could ever mean". As he walks up he remembers a time whne everything seemed innocent, his childhood, and shook away the thoughts and returnedbto reality with a brw vigor.
"I will end this war by any means, i will defend canterlot, as this war must stop, so that foals do not have to grow up as we all have, to brcome soldiers" with a new goal, he marches towards the fortress.
MIRROR QUAKE
Mirror Quake, haveing abandoned his solar armor, now walks trough the streets of the crystal empire, looking for an old friend he had finally located. "Looking for a pony i havent seen since my childhood should be a little difficult" he says to himself. As he heads toward the train station he sees a familiar red stallion, "well that was easier than i thought"
Ducksquack
@Demirari,
Cosmic quickly realized the confusion he had started.
"Yes! Yes!" He said, running out of the barracks with his armor on and his weapons holstered in their respective locations. "Sorry, just experimenting with spells! I'll stop right away!"
"Yep, just the magician putting on a show!" A stallion behind him added. Cosmic turned and cheerfully punched him on the chest. The rest of his suppression team followed out, preparing to march. He joined them and they moved alongside Impenetrable's Aegis team.
"I should really do that someplace else..." He added. His mind was currently racing with several ideas of how cool that spell was, how awesome his armor looked, this awesome Aegis team to his left, the war, and in the back of his mind, his brother. Cosmic's brother, Mercury, had ran off and joined the NLR days after the war started. He hadn't seen him since the fighting in Manhattan began. Cosmic's greatest fear currently was not death, injury, or something like that, but of him finding his brother. The state didn't matter. In a time of war, you simply do NOT want to run into a loved one if they're on the opposing side. His mind wandered for a bit, him managing to avoid his sibling's memory by focusing on the Aegis team next to him. "Hi. I'm Cosmic Flare. Suppression team A1S2." Cosmic stuck out his hoof to the stallion next to him, who looked as if he was going to flop over in his armor. Who happened to be Impenetrable because characters.
Princess Celestia
@Archi the Atmomancer,
Princess Celestia listened as she followed, keeping the correct pacing and making sure not to gain any speed. She only had an amused smile when she heard of Impetus’ comment on the relation between her two highly-esteemed generals. Those two were quite an amusing sight to see there and now in the past and the current situations. If one thing, they could be stand-up comedians if they were to ever take a path in entertainment.
“It would be a shame to not see them in their everyday actions,” her voice was gentle yet held a tint of humor, “I find it is like a couple bickering over minor things.” She added in the last part in a more casual manner, to perhaps to hopefully add a more casual environment.
That all changed at the mentioning of the war and fighting what was once her trusted fellow princesses, however, she managed to keep her pacing and face as norm. “It is a sad truth that they do stand against me,” pausing to take a small breath, she continued, “the events that had led up to this unforeseeable point.” Her hidden conclusion, if one has a trained ear, would had suggested that she wanted to say more, but had kept it to herself.
----
Impenetrable Defense
@Ducksquack,
Impenetrable Defense watched the Suppression member greet himself. That had already earned respect from him as to Impenetrable Defense, Suppression Teams were unique individuals that are willing to waste away their lives to help their fellows. If there was no Aegis Teams, it was, without any doubt, that Impenetrable Defense would had chosen to be in part of the Suppression Teams.
“I’m Impenetrable Defense of the Aegis Team A1A4,” that was all he had said for his greeting. There wasn’t much that Impenetrable Defense wanted to say as one can tell. Was it from his current mood or the question of what exactly was the spell that had caused such events, one can't tell.
Ducksquack
@Demirari,
"Pleasure." He replied, thinking of what to say next. "So, Solar Empire... Aegis team... what made you sign up?" Cosmic asked. "I felt kinda... inclined to join. Me and my fami-" He paused. His brother. "Me and most of my family felt Celestia was a pretty good ruler. We got kinda upset when Luna betrayed her. You know, then the fighting started in Manehattan. We just made it out of there to here. I joined rather hesitantly, though. It's still war. Gotta keep that in mind. My brother, he..." Cosmic sighed deeply. "NLR. He always like the night and whatnot. Hope I don't run into him. Anyways, that's a little of my story. You?" Cosmic didn't have much trouble moving alongside him while chatting.
Impetus
@Demirari,
Impetus chuckled at the Princess's words. The constant, petty squabbles that the Empire's two generals engaged in were much like the arguments of an old married couple, though Impetus doubted that there was any underlying love between the two. Both generals were binary opposites, incapable of even understanding the doctrine of one another. It was no wonder that Celestia had been looking for new advisors for the war; without a third party, the Princess would have been torn between the two viewpoints as the generals fought one another at the expense of the Empire.
Impetus dropped the smile as he responded "While often amusing, this bickering could become a serious problem. I fear that Your Majesty may one day have to rid yourself of one or the other, or otherwise find somepony more suited to the role."
The Princess's next statement sounded more melancholic, and ended with something like a sigh, as if the Princess wished to continue but would or could not. Though wary of upsetting his liege lady, Impetus decided to follow up on this.
"Events, my lady?" he asked softly "Does Your Majesty wish to talk about it?"
MIRRORSHARD
Finally reaching the fort, Mirrorshard looked around for somepony to tell him what he was supposed to be doing here. Poking his head in, "hello, anypony here? Major Mirrorshard reporting in."
MIRROR QUAKE
Upon seeing a freindly face, Mirror Quake ran over towarsmds his old friend Rampart. "Hey man, whats been up with you and are the rumors true? I hope so otherwise the Solar Empire will be after me for going AWOL for no reason." He laughs jokingly, w"ell I'm here to support you in your cause."
Princess Celestia
@Archi the Atmomancer,
"It is nothing to worry yourself over on," Princess Celestia replied reassuringly with a smile, "merely long ago thoughts that concerns... little of the current situation," her eyes briefly glanced at one of the stained glass windows showcasing the Mane Six using the Elements of Harmony on Nightmare Moon. The quick averting of her eyes was quick and undetectable unless one was expecting her to turn her attention to the stained glass windows.
Princess Celestia's attention soon dawn to what Impetus had recently said of the two generals and their conflicting ways. Impetus' words certainly hold merit that, despite the entertaining show the two are capable of displaying ever so often, was a threat to the organization of the Solar Army. Yet, even at this, she was looking for some form of compromise. The two generals were unique amongst their ideological fields of war and dismissing one would be, to her, an unwanted effect.
Dwelling on the thoughts, Princess Celestia nodded her head. "It is concerning with the conflicting views and the results they could create, but," her agreement ended their, "a compromise will be better. Having both generals working in sync will be a terrifying force and all we need is to make the two cordial with each other."
Impenetrable Defense
@Ducksquack,
"I'm merely a stallion who wishes to aid in his country's defense in teams of dire need," Impenetrable Defense replied humbly before he continued, a hidden smile behind the imposing helmet of his, "and what better way than to enlist in the Solar Army? And even better, as an Aegis-type soldier?" He lifted his large shield and placed it far away and twirled it to face Comet. "With this great shield, I can protect my comrades in arms against attacks that may maim or kill them."
Impenetrable Defense's voice turned more curious at the words of Comet's family, "You wish not to fight your brother in the open fields of war? That is, if he is in the NLR's army. It'll be a terrible thing if you ever have to fight him one on one." He shook his head at the thought. War ripped apart families. War made kinsmen fight against one another. To Impenetrable Defense's eyes, to fight one of your own family was one of the hardest things to do. To kill them? Unimaginable.
Impetus - The Solar Empire
@Demirari,
Impetus nodded at the Princess's assertion that nothing was amiss. "As you say, Your Majesty," he said, and decided to leave it at that for the time being.
As he spoke they came to the Gilded Hall, the castle's monument to all of Equestria's great heroes. The stained glass windows here were relics of a bygone age, an age of heroes; an age of harmony; an age of friendship.
Many of the windows depicted a purple pony, who in some windows was a unicorn and in others was an alicorn princess. Silently, Impetus thanked Princess Twilight Sparkle for her deeds in the defence of Equestria. Impetus certainly had no love for the opposing republics and empires, but he also bore no hatred for Twilight. In his mind, her treason was not as severe as that of Luna and Cadence. Luna and Cadence were forces of chaos, violence and unending war; Twilight, arguably the weakest of the Princesses, was merely trying to save as many ponies as possible, or so it seemed. Perhaps, before the war escalated beyond repair, a deal could be struck between the Republic of Magic and the Solar Empire.
However, now was not the time to look to the past. The security of the Empire had to be ensured, and now was the time to do so.
While he was lost in thought, the Princess had replied. Impetus cleared his throat as he snapped back to reality "Perhaps you are correct, Your Majesty. However, I believe that what you ask is harder than you think. Regardless, if that is your will, so shall it be done."
@Windbreaker,
@Swinton,
By now they had arrived at the entrance to the Military Council Chambers. Into the fray, thought Impetus, as he pushed the door open for the Princess.
Cosmic Flare - Solar Empire
"Mmmhmm..." Cosmic said, letting a tear form and roll down his cheek. He paused, and then quickly recovered from his sadness. "Nice shield, by the way." Cosmic commented. "Now, see, apparently the Suppression teams often suffer massive casualties. They, of course, don't tell you this until you've signed up. Turns out several of the ponies in this team joined Suppression because they didn't really have much to live for anymore. Luckily, they've changed. We're their new family. Of course, I didn't really need to hear that stuff about the casualties, but, uhhh..." He shrugged. "This guy told me." Cosmic said, motioning to a large stallion in front of him. "Now, uhh... could you tell me our current orders? You know, where we're going? I didn't really hear them too well... I was too focused on learning that spell..." He chuckled a little as his voice trailed off. "See, occasionally I get caught up in the books, and..." His voice trailed off again. "Yeah..."
Princess Celestia
@Archi the Atmomancer,
"It may be hard to accomplish," Princess Celestia replied as she stepped into the Military Council Chambers, "but I believe that it can be done, and it will be done dear Impetus." She was firm on her stance on keeping the two generals at her stead. "Thank you for holding the door." She gave a small thanks as she looked at the chamber and walked towards the center of the room. There, at the very center, was a giant oval table and a single high quality large map of Equestria sprawled proudly over the tabletop. Around the table were multiple seats, some where already taken by the higher-up commanders of the Solar Army.
Giving a small smile and a nod for the bowing audience of the four Lieutenant-Generals, Princess Celestia commanded them to return to their seats. It was an oddly amusing sight to her to have ponies bow to her even after many years. Once in a while, she wished for the ponies around her to be more casual, less formal, and be themselves around her. It would certainly ease her up, but such things would never happen, even if she hound it in on them. Releasing her astray thoughts, Princess Celestia took a seat at a seat that was designated for her.
----
Not very far off from the Military Council Chambers were the two generals walking. Managing not to start a new show of colorful words, they walked alongside each other peacefully. Casting glares and mutters against one another with disdain and disgust. An unspoken ceasefire was signed by both parties during this walk towards the Military Council Chambers. Both of the two have rather large briefcases stuffed with tactics and suggestions. Many, one will note later on, will conflict with one another and only a few will ever truly agree with their counterparts.
----
Impenetrable Defense
@Ducksquack,
"We're mobilizing and are going to be shipped off to multiple areas in the Solar Empire," Impenetrable Defense replied cheerfully, "though exactly where we all are going to be sent. That is currently unknown with the high command being tight-lipped about such things." He shrugged his shoulders as he stated what he knew so far. There was not really many things he really knew that wasn't classified. A sad thing to many soldiers that were curious to know where they will be heading. There were many theories about exactly where, however, it seemed like only the officers really knew.
Impetus - Solar Empire
@Demirari,
Impetus smiled at the Princess's thanks "You are most welcome, Your Highness," he said, before trotting over to his chair, which was adjacent to the Princess's. However, for now he remained standing.
He looked over the members of the council that were present, hoping that he might start immediately, but it was too much to ask; the chairs of the two generals were unoccupied.
Probably engaged in some petty squabble, no doubt, thought Impetus with disdain. If the Empire's two most senior military staff could not muster the respect to be punctual, then Impetus saw little point waiting for them. The Lunar Republic and Crystal Empire would not wait for them to finish talking before making their move.
"All rise for the swearing of the Sunsteel Oath," began Impetus, placing a hoof over his chest. Impetus would have liked to say that the Oath was ancient tradition, but it had only been implemented fairly recently as a successor to the Grey Oath sworn by military personnel before the schism between the four princesses. That oath had been sworn to both Celestia and Luna. Understandably, Luna now has no place in the Oath, which was sworn solely to the Princess of the Sun.
"With the Princess as my witness, as the light of the sun shines upon Equestria, I do solemnly swear that all that I say and do within the confines of this room will be dedicated to the furthering of the Solar Empire and her allies. Within these hallowed halls I shall utter the truth and nothing but the truth."
"Long live Celestia, the First of her Name, Princess of the Sun and of Equestria, Guardian of Unicorn, Pegasus and Earth Pony. Let all true stallions declare their allegiance to her. May her reign be long, peaceful and prosperous."
There was a silence in the aftermath of the Oath as the rest of the Council awaited the Princess's approval.
Cosmic Flare - Solar Empire
"Huh." Cosmic simply replied, shifting slightly in his armor. "I've heard a lot about how Celestia is trying to play a defensive game. You know the old saying... 'the best offense is a good defense.'" Cosmic beamed, confident that he had gotten the quote right this time. "I guess we should be happy that they're so secretive, though. I mean, there are probably spies running around everywhere. I'd suck for us if they knew every single position of every single unit and had massive of forces attack there immediately, right?" He paused. What he had just said was a bit, well, dramatic, but spies will be spies. "What I'm trying to say here is, secrecy is good. Right?" Cosmic added.
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia nodded her head. "Thank you Impetus," she turned towards Impetus for a split second before returning her presence to the gathered high-ranking officials--the coterie now included the red-cheeked generals. Her mind tracing through the memories and events long since past. The events that many in here knew already. To make it simple and efficient before carrying onto the bulk of this meeting, she must. Time was already wasted with her emotions in turmoil.
Entrenching her stoic form further, she began her speech without doubt and with depth, "Generals, lieutenant-generals, aids, advisors, ponies alike. Calamities had befallen upon Equestria and we are now in civil war." She glanced across the table. "It is by the actions of my sisters that have forced my hoof." There was a tint of remorse in her stoic voice. "We, the Solar Empire," the two words left a bitter taste on her tongue, "had mobilized our forces into a defensive ideology."
A single large piece impersonating a fort was magically placed on top of Canterlot. "Previous discussion and of my position had led to the fortification of Canterlot. Previous discussion had led to the placement of Fortress Ike in between Ponyville and Canterlot." Her facial structure eased off the stress to create a more welcoming and benevolent being. "I ask for your suggestions advisors, generals, lieutenant-generals, and alike. I ask you all to freely speak without hesitation and apprehension."
The room was mostly silent and tensed after the closure of Princess Celestia's closure. Not of fear and dread, but of shyness and timidness. Each one had ideas, but didn't want to go first. It was small glances and a telepathic-like communication going around. It was a hidden consensus as the representative was chosen.
“I,” a feminine voice appeared from the far right of the large table, “propose of constructing walls, large enough to prevent unicorns and earth ponies from getting past, although not too excessive in height or thickness.” Some heads moved to reveal Lieutenant-General Angelic Wisp, or known as Wispy affectionately by known friends. “The primary design is to encourage the enemy in funneling through more easier land-routes that are easy to defend. These walls will be made of something strong yet simple to use in construction. It may not stop a determined army, but it will hopefully discourage lesser ones.”
As if on cue in a play, Lieutenant-General Bravery arched his eyebrow and began his interrogation of his fellow officer. “The walls will only waste time and offer minimal protection,” his voice was thick with criticism, “it’ll just be better to build a fort or two, however,” Bravery lessen his criticism with a more agreeable tone, “your plan does have its merits Lieutenant-General Angelic Wisp. We should construct these walls to discourage passages that are difficult to defend. We must, without doubt, be sure that the walls will be worth the time. Thicken the walls with earth-made walls, solidify with bricks to add in stability, and the walls need to be more higher to prevent simple ladders from bypassing them.” He ended his addition to the idea Angelic Wisp had proposed with an affirmative nod.
Listening closely, Princess Celestia looked at the two. “Thank you both, especially you Angelic Wisp, for getting us started in this discussion.” The two only bowed their heads respectfully.
----
Fortress Ike
@Sage Of Six Mirrors,
Colonel Tactical Precision was reading a classical novel from one of his most favorited authors. A story of pace, survival, tension, and most of all, excitement. If Mirrorshard had not announced his presence, there would had been a great success that Tactical Precision would had not noticed. However, the salutation from Mirrorshard and notified the colonel of a newcomer.
“Ah,” Colonel Tactical Precision closed his book in a soft thump, “you must be the major that was suppose to be transferred here.” He let a welcoming smile. “It is good to see you have arrived in time.” Standing up, Colonel Tactical Precision saluted, “Welcome to Fortress Ike, I am Colonel Tactical Precision, head of this fortification.” Casting his hoof across the room in showcasing the entire fortress, Tactical Precision returned to his chair still smiling.
Impetus - Solar Empire
@Demirari,
@Windbreaker,
At Angelic Wisp's suggestion, Impetus raised a sceptical eyebrow "How much stone do you think the Solar Empire has to spare, Lieutenant?" he asked "For your plan to be effective, we would have to forsake any plans for the building of forts and probably quarry this very castle for the stone required." He looked up at the Princess to his right before continuing "Princess, walls do not hold ground; stallions do. I propose that, rather than squandering resources on static defence, we establish outposts at key routes to Canterlot in a layer system. For example..."
Impetus took a pencil in his mouth and marked several spots on the map. They were placed by roads into Canterlot and valleys that the enemy might think to travel through. By the time he had finished, there were two rings of outposts around Canterlot.
As Impetus dropped the pencil he was acutely aware of being an Earth Pony amongst Unicorns. He wondered how the rest of the Council saw him. What was he to them? Was he a worthy comrade, deserving of his position and respect? Or was he nothing more than an upstart peasant who should still be in the field, forever kept from the castle's hallowed halls?
Regardless of his concerns, he still had to explain his proposition "This layered defence allows us to respond more appropriately to threats, and allows us to adapt to new developments with more ease than building forts and walls. The inner layer of outposts can despatch reinforcements to the outer perimeter, or if the situation is too much to handle perimeter forces can retreat to the inner circle to regroup and reinforce with other inner layer forces and the Canterlot Guard."
"In short, structuring our defence in this manner will allow us to concentrate our forces as needed, and makes us more adaptable than if we were to adopt a doctrine of static defence with fortifications and the like."
Canterlot
@Demirari,
“Your Grace, we should ensure the public does not panic. It would do them good to know that we’re working on ways to ensure their safety. It would be more meaningful if it came from you, Princess” Kinetic said as he reached into his pocket and produced a small bag filled with differently coloured candies, levitating a red one out of the bag and into his mouth. "Oh, and there's this."
He reached into his pocket once again and produced a small egg-shaped device. "A prototype of one of the gadgets I was working on for our forces. This smoke grenade has a clockwork timer, making it useful for escape and stealth operations.”
Sage of Six Mirrors
Saluting, he walks up to colonel Tactical Precsion. "Sir, yes, I am indeed. May I ask what my role will be here? Such as training or will I be in cahrge of any troops?." Standing at attention, he waits for his commanders orders. Thinking to.himself, "I hope I'm put onto the battlefield, so that I may help to put an end ti this horrific war."
