Winterfall

Epsilon Ruby idly kicked a hoof, and gazed around the empty meeting room. It was a small room, meant only for the most intimate of equestria’s military secrets. The ceiling curved in one continuous sphere down to the floor, where it flattened out into an unassuming circle of carpet. directly behind Epsilon stood the single entrance, a heavily-reinforced wooden door that jutted out from the otherwise spherical surroundings.

He was sitting at a round table in the center of the otherwise-empty room, nervously pawing at a folder on the table. The folder contained Epsilon’s written testimony about “Incident 08”, as it was now officially called, as well as various photos of the breached fence. The report resulted in a bit of a clusterfuck within the upper brass at the Crystal Empire; Epsilon had been summoned to meet with the Captain of the Guard himself as a result.

The door opened on silent hinges. Epsilon Ruby rose from his seat, taking care not to commit a military faux pas in the presence of his idol.

“As you were, Corporal,” said Shining Armor, in the practiced even voice of a military office.

Epsilon returned to his seat as Shining Armor took his place on the other end of the table. A period of awkward silence passed before Epsilon remembered what he was holding, and hastily pushed the documents across the table for the Captain’s inspection.

“So,” Shining Armor slipped into a slightly more informal tone as he levitated a pair of reading glasses to his eyes, “It seems that your little discovery has caused quite a commotion within the Royal family. Something along the lines of me sending out two battalions to sweep the Northern border.”

Epsilon’s face must have shown his confusion, as Shining Armor elaborated: “I’m asking for your opinion, Corporal.”

“Oh... yes sir!” He paused a moment to consider the decision. It seemed fairly straightforward to him: send out patrols, find the bastard that was causing the disturbance, case closed. Shining Armor must know that. Epsilon sighed, deciding to go with his gut. “Sir, military tactics would suggest that a sweep would be the correct course of action. However...”

Shining Armor said nothing, but kept his eyes on the papers in the folder.

Epsilon pushed forward. “Sir, this may be a deviation from standard military procedure, but I believe that such actions would be incredibly inefficient. I’ve spent over two years on patrol out there, and a green soldier not accustomed to the climate would be unable to pace himself well, remain hydrated, recognize the various dangers presented by exposure and hypothermia. In my opinion, I think... I am confident in saying that a small team of trained guardsmen would get the job done better and safer.”

Epsilon sat down, not realizing he had stood up as his voice grew stronger in his discourse.

Shining Armor lowered his glasses to the table, and looked up from the documents. “Very interesting suggestion.” He paused, before finishing, “Sergeant.”

The Captain of the Guard stood, and beckoned Epsilon to follow him.

“I was considering the same plan of action. While you were en route from Outpost 12, I took the liberty of perusing your service record. Since we built the outpost, we have had 6 ponies in the position of Northern Patrol. You have the longest track record there by a factor of almost a year. As such, I have decided to charge you with the leadership of four ponies that have been specially selected from the Crystal Kingdom Royal Guard. With this charge comes your new rank.”

Shining Armor came to a stop before a set of ornate double-doors; the entrance to the royal chambers. He turned to Epsilon, and locked eyes. “They have been given orders to report to your current lodgings at 0400 hours tomorrow. Do not fail me.”

Shining Armor closed the door behind him, leaving Epsilon in the hallway with a new rank and a shell-shocked countenance.