Lieutenant Octavia Melody stood at attention outside the Royal Hall wearing her Dress Uniform and carrying her cello on her back. She had been standing there unmoving for about 10 minutes before the doors opened and she was led inside. Where normally a stream of ponies with all manner of complaints and requests were the Hall was empty save for Celestia and Luna on their twin thrones and a formation of the three leaders of the guard stood stone-faced and unwavering a few steps below them.

There was Captain of the Guard, a rather unwholesome Pegasus stallion by the name of Knight Gale who replaced Shining Armor after his departure to the Crystal Kingdoms, he wore his Dress Uniform well and actually looked like a member of the guard for a change. Next to him was the Colonel of the Long Patrol. A very stern Earth mare her name was Woody Jaunt but most under her just called her Colonel, her uniform was pristine, the scars from her battles at the borders of Equestria the only blemishes to be seen but those were more a medal of service and source of pride for the ones from the Long Patrol. Finally there was Octavia's Commanding Officer or CO. Major Dulcette Note, a Unicorn mare of EXQUISITE image and unparalleled skill with a piano. She was a very old mare but it did not show as age normally would on a pony. Octavia compared her to a fine wine where each year goes by the wine only gets more refined.

Octavia made her way so she stood in front of the group never showing her back to them, standing before them she saluted but did not bring her hoof down. The three leaders did not move as they waited for the proper response from the Princesses. After a minute Princess Celestia coughed and Princess Luna looked confused, finally Knight Gale broke his vigil and rolled his eyes, he backed up a few steps and whispered to the Princesses.

"Beggin' your pardons M'ams but as the highest ranking in the room you have to salute her back before we can proceed," Celestia and Luna suddenly blushed and went to quickly salute with Celestia offering her apologies.

"Terribly sorry, its been a long while since we have done a true Changing of Command. Most of the time something has come up to warrant a quicker change of station." Celestia spoke with grace and a warm smile as Octavia lowered her hoof after the Princesses. Celestia sighed inwardly thinking to herself 'And this would have also been the case for this if Luna was not so adamant to have it happen, I had a great "diplomatic emergency" lined up and everything.'

Octavia for her part remained impassive through it all as Knight Gale returned to his post and put on his professional expression again. Dulcette moved down three steps and stopped once Knight Gale was in place. She then spoke in a very powerful but not overbearing voice. One that could be heard to the back of the Hall while not overpowering those near her.

"Lieutenant Melody. Through the performance and diligence you have shown in your service. With the recommendations of not only myself but all present in this Hall. I, Major Note step down from my post to retirement. I remove your rank of Lieutenant and give onto you the rank of Major. From this point on you will lead the Musical Corp of Equestria." Her voice echoed in the rafters a bit before Octavia replied in that same strong voice.

"Retired Major Note. I accept this new rank and wish you the best in your retirement. Please allow me to play you one final piece as your subordinate." Octavia waited for Dulcette to nod before removing her cello case and preparing it. The Changing of the Command had different traditions depending one which corps was getting a new leader. For the Guard it was a recitation of old Command's Distinguished Service, the Long Patrol had the new command tell their favorite story about the old command, but the music corps had the tradition of playing a unique piece made by the new command specifically for the old one.

Octavia had begun writing and preparing it ever since she was made Lieutenant 4 years ago. Having researched, now Retired, Major Note's career Octavia closed her eyes and started to play a somber tone. Dulcette came into the Music Corps during a rather large scandal involving taking money for side performances that were not condoned by the Current Major of the time. After she joined they cracked down on everyone and made examples of any who stepped out of line. As she rose in the ranks of this more hostile time she distinguished herself with her high moral character and caring for her peers and subordinates. The somber tone moved to a light and hopeful one. Dulcette then moved to make the Music Corps the Premier Music Source in Equestria pushing to make sure they did not get replaced by civilian interests in the Court. The tone took a more strong and powerful tone. She then led the Music Corps to adapt to the changing music traditions and pulled in more influences to allow a greater range of styles in the Corps itself. The tone came to a high speed, medium tone flurry. Her last few years were uneventful for the most part other than some small issues however her welcoming parade and choir organization for Princess Twilight was the talk of the Corps even today. Octavia ended with a small homage to that beautiful and final piece she made while in the Corps.

When Octavia opened her eyes to look up Dulcette was stone faced but tears streamed down her face. Princess Celestia was beaming, deciding maybe she can start trying to hold these changing of the Commands more instead of avoiding them. Princess Luna had her face buried in her wing to hide her tears. Knight Gale was sobbing and crying while nodding furiously. Even the hard edged Colonel had a small trail of tears on her left side. Octavia packed up and returned to attention. Knight Gale took some time but finally composed himself. Dulcette took a deep breath to steady her emotions before speaking, though her previous projection was hindered slightly.

"I thoroughly appreciate the level of skill you have shown. I thank you for being such an outstanding subordinate and am glad to hail you as my equal. The Changing of Command is now complete!" The last bit she said more as a yell right before rushing to Octavia and hugging her fiercely. "My word darling that was beautiful. I was so moved by it!" Luna and Celestia both cheered and clacked their hooves on the ground in appreciation. Knight Gale took flight and dive bombed the two.

"Damn right it was a beauty! Had me sobbing. Captured this old mare to a 'T' with those shifts." He prodded Dulcette who blushed and swatted him away while detangling herself from Octavia and the Captain in a huff. Octavia only rolled her eyes and stood brushing herself off. As crass as the Captain was he was a good Stallion and besides an old friend acted much the same so Octavia was used to it. Woody Jaunt walked forward and put a hoof onto Octavia's shoulder before speaking in her gruff and commanding way.

"I have rarely been so moved. This promotion is well-deserved indeed." Celestia and Luna were next walking down and shaking Octavia's hoof. After the congratulations were done they all moved and went back to their duties, however, all who attended hummed Octavia's song for the rest of the day.

Author's Note

So an explanation of the way I organized the military in Equestria. From basic observations most of what we have seen would be more considered Honor Guard more than any other function. The Long Patrol is a completely fan made idea that I LOVE so I am including it. I made a small diagram to show HOW big this promotion really is.

This guide shows that each section reports DIRECTLY to the Princesses. However each one also has one or two of the other commands that can take command of their section. For the most part this is never done and each section is allowed to operate independently of each other. Under each Corps leader is a Lieutenant that is next in line for the leader's position. Under the LT is the enlisted. Starting with Sergeant Major and going down to Private. If you want a better idea of naming the Guard follow the naming conventions of the US ARMY. The Long Patrol follow the naming Conventions of the US MARINES while the music corps has a slightly unigue but more in line with US AIRFORCE or US NAVY. Ie instead of Airman or Seaman the lowest rank is Musician. With enlisted squad leaders being called Composing Sergeant and each squad called a Troupe. Below details what I mean to a degree.

Basically Long Patrol are the top dogs. They have the power to override any and all orders from any other section. This is because the other sections pertain to guard duty and musical performances. If the Long Patrol leader finds a threat to be worthy enough they will initiate a full command override and take all guard, active and reserve from all three sections into their command to better organize a defense for the citizens against said threat. In this story this has happened three times, the changeling invasion, an old griffon skirmish, and a final time under the orders of the Princess to help their allies the Zebra's from an external threat. Most of the time the Princesses do not interfere with the goings on of each branch though they can. The Princesses have a very hands off approach with the military. That being said Luna has a more direct approach with the Long Patrol. Known to accompany squads at times but never taking a leadership role instead she lets the leader of the squad give all orders. She does this to rate each squad's efficiency and effectiveness in the field. With her return Long Patrol has stepped up its performance and have taken to being a bit more in line with regulations about dress and decorum, much to Luna's disappointment. The reason the musical side is above the guard is because the guard tend to be overzealous about their duty and would hinder the purpose behind the balls and performances with their overly critical hand for security. So they are given the last word on whether a certain security measure is allowed during an event. Any disputes are handled by the Princesses. Though rarely has it ever come to that as most of the time the leaders of each section thoroughly respect the others.

Any questions can be leveled at me I hope I can make the structure clear in the story. I am placing this here in case anyone wanted to know before I got to it in the story.