The Mane Six Militia and The Shadow of a Phantom

    Most of the ponies in the town didn't even know there had been a disturbance during the night, and were quite startled to here this when Twilight summoned them all to the old town center. At her side was Copper, a few of his soldiers, Trixie, and a few other unicorns.

    "I'm sorry to have to do this but everypony in this unit will have to submit to a mind test. To explain, these unicorn are going to cast a spell to see into your mind, if they find any significant information regarding the Solandians, you will be detained for further test and questioning. Also, if your mind is locked with a spell, we will detain you, the reason being we have received reports that the Solandian force has locked their soldiers minds to protect sensitive information.

    I'm sure by now you all have learned of the attack last night. Five soldiers died, and a traitor. Their bodies will be given a proper burial later today." She paused a moment after giving the news out of respect and grief, then looked back up to address the crowd.

     "Militia pony will be tested first, followed by the Royal army. Any attempts to avoid test or questioning will be considered a hostile act. Several soldiers of the Royal Army have already undergone testing and are stationed at the gates with orders to stop anypony from leaving, with force if necessary." Twilight said. "Now each unicorn has sworn to safeguard any personal information they might find, they have been warned not to disclose or discuss any information not relevant to the task at hoof."

    Several ponies in the crowd were displeased at this information. Their privacy would be violated, yet they had no choice but to agree, there was no other way.

    "Before we proceed, I will give everypony the chance to turn themselves in if they are guilty of treason or espionage. Your punishment will be less severe however you will not go free." Twilight was upset she had to do this to everypony as the word punishment left her muzzle. She'd never actually punished anypony.

    When no pony spoke up Twilight sighed. "File through to each of the unicorn one at a time, including myself. After you have been cleared I ask that you sit inside the town hall."

    As instructed the militia pony went first, but not without complaint. After each pony was tested they had to take a moment to breathe. Alsvid knew this all to well having been read just a few days before. She wasn't particularly happy when her time had come. Of course she cleared, how much could have changed in three days. She would have argued this point had she not learned from experience it would be easier to just do as she were told.

    Kumori was extremely displeased as he stood in front of Twilight, however he hid it well and bit back a sharp remark.

    Twilight began her spell, relieved to find his mind was openly accessible. She found nothing of any significant information regarding the Solandians. His mind was very dark and was full of negative emotions of hate, misery, and so much pain. Twilight was surprised however to find thoughts of Ditsy. Out of curiosity she wished she could dive deeper to understand but she wasn't going to take advantage of his cooperation and released the spell. She waited for Kumori to recover from the stress. "Your clear." She told him, attempting to show no signs of collecting this  information, though he gave her a suspicious look before trotting his way into the hall.

    As fate would have it the next pony to stand before Twilight was Ditsy. "Stay focused Twi, its none of your business." She mumbled to herself.

    "What's that?" Ditsy asked.

     "Oh nothing nothing, just relax, this will only take a second." Twilight was pretty sure Ditsy had nothing to do with the incident so she didn't have to probe to far into her mind allowing her to avoid any feelings she may or may not have for Kumori.

     They got about halfway through the militia ponies when Trixie happened upon a very sketchy looking red furred stallion who shifted uneasily before her. Trixie lowered her horn which began to glow as she attempted to read his mind. She wasn't surprised to find his mind locked. "Guards, this one." Trixie exclaimed. "I can't read him."

    The red stallion looked frightened for a moment, and almost seemed like he was going to attempt to flee but he stood his ground. "Look, I know what it looks like but-"

    "Sorry, no exceptions. You will have your chance to explain later." One of the Royal army soldiers told him before cuffing his for legs together.

    "But but im serious." He argued.

    "Like I said, you'll have your chance." Two other soldiers pushed him forward as a warning to start walking.

    The red stallion almost looked as if he were about to cry as he was escorted away, toward the guard house with the living Solandian spy.

     Luckily everypony else checked out okay. She couldn't help but notice her friends displeasure at having been doubted but they said nothing. When the last pony was finished with his test Twilight entered the town hall where they all waited.

    "Now that you have all been proven innocent. All militia will be supplied with guard's armor and weapons. As I promises you are all now temporary soldiers in the Royal army. Some of my soldiers are at the carts and will pass out your equipment. Afterwards, we begin fortifying this town, converting it into a fortress." Twilight explained. "Copper along with our engineer team will supervise construction throughout the day."

    A few complaints later the ponies trotted out to receive their gear while the original soldiers were sent to retrieve the supplies to fortify the walls.

    Once the militia had finished receiving their new weapons and armor they took it to their rooms before joining the other ponies who had already started planning the construction. Two watch towers would be built at either entrance. Other towers would be placed on the highest points of several hills surrounding Oakhill. The gates were to be reinforced along with the walls. It was a simple design but would prove to be quite the task due to the size of the town. None the less they worked with minimum complaints.

    A few had doubts they would be able to effectively defend the town given its sheer size and there lack of any supply sturdier than wood. However others thought it was a great idea to convert the town. They argued that the hills and passages would funnel most of an invading force into the front gate. It would be inconvienent for an invasion force to cross over the rough terrain of the hills and mountains surrounding the town, and that's if the front lines were pushed back.

     Construction went smoothly throughout the day. The difference between the Solandians and Equestrians was the Equestrians were more than happy to work with unicorn to complete a task.

     Ponies that were not wrapped up in the construction of the town found other ways they could make themselves useful. Fluttershy found an ill supplied clinic she could use to treat ponies with the help of the healers that had accompanied Twilight's convoy though Raisen had said her goodbyes and had opted to return south into safer lands. Luckily the convoy had enough medical supplies to treat minor injuries for a while, at least until the supply route Twilight spoke of was established.

    AppleJack and AppleBloom on the other hoof were not happy with the terrain. It was nearly unworkable which meant the fort wouldn't be self sustaining, so the two decided to help with construction.

     Pinkie pie had established her new kitchen would be out of a large pub, along with a few other cooks she had already began working on everypony's next meal. The building wouldn't be big enough to seat everypony but that could be changed at a later date.

    Rainbow Dash decided, much to Shy's dismay to continue to fight despite the arrival of the official fighting force.

     Rarity and Sweetie Belle found an actual workshop were they could work on weaponry and armor toward the back of the town. Twilight's convoy had also included a few armorers of its own that could take much of the work off the two unicorns.

    Rarity was surprised to see Ditsy had tracked her down to the shop. "Derpy? What are you doing here dear?"

    "Um... I kinda need a favor, a special request that is." Ditsy told her.

     "Well of course, just tell me what you need."

     "I need you to make me a weapon."

    "A weapon? You don't fight do you?" Rarity was confused by the mare's request.

     "I'm learning, but that's not the point." Ditsy was annoyed by her surprise at the request she had made. "Anyway, the weapon I need isn't a typical sword. You know that black Pegasus that fights with his wings?"

     "I've seen him." Rarity replied.

     "Well, that's what I want you to make, wing blades."

     "Derpy I don't know about that." Rarity shook her head. "The sheer design is impractical, near impossible. They would have to be sturdy enough to withstand attack, yet light and flexible enough for you to use your wings. I wouldn't believe it possible if I hadn't seen that Pegasus using them."

     "Exactly, you know its possible. Please Rarity, I really need them and your the only pony I know with enough skill to pull this off."

    "Sweety I don't know, I am used to working with cloth, not steel, I only have a basic understanding of forging."

     "I'll do it!" Sweetie Belle had been listening from the back of the shop and had entered the room.

    "Sweetie forging isn't the same as-"

       "Sis what's the point in not trying? We have a better forge now and I'm sure we could figure something out."

    Ditsy was relieved that Rarity's little sister was reinforcing her request and to see Rarity's resolve melting away.

     Rarity sighed and looked back to Ditsy. "Okay, we'll see what we can do, but I can't make any promises."

      Ditsy smiled and bowed her head. "Thank you. You to Sweetie Belle." Ditsy said looking over to the smiling filly.

    "Just come on in to the back, if we are going to make this work I am going to need to take some measurements." Rarity mirrored the pegasus's smile.

(Twilight's quarters.)

     "Okay, Celestia has been informed of our change in location and has agreed to modify her plans for the supply route." Twilight explained to General Grayscale, Copper and Trixie as they all stood over a map of Equestria. "Copper how is the work coming along?"

    "There have been a few kinks in the work, such as getting the supplies atop the hills for the towers but the soldiers are managing. It may take a couple of days to get them standing. We won't be able to finish the walls with the supplies we arrived with, we brought enough to fortify a camp, not a town. That being said I have focused fortifications at the weak points and entrances to the town. I would be wise however to send word for additional materials once the supply route is established princess."

     "Okay, I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you Copper." Trixie replied. "Grayscale, have you spoken to any of your militia soldiers as of late?"

    Grayscale looked down in disappointment. "I have spoken to a few. Most are disgruntled with the original Royal Army troops and the empire's interference for lack of a better term. There has also been doubts amongst the population of your leadership, but of course I shut down such talk. On the other hoof they have continued to cooperate despite their complaints."

     This was not something Twilight had wanted to hear though she understood their doubts. She wasn't even sure if she could keep everything under control. "Thank you. Now, Trixie I know that the Equestria council are responsible with the path for the supply route but most of them are basing themselves off a map such as this but I am well aware of your first hoof experience with the land. If needed do you think you could come up with a safe trail for the caravans?"

     "I'm way ahead of you Twilight. Their are quite a few possibilities but I believe the fastest and safest route would be through Sedear valley. There is a lake that cuts through the middle of the valley that could act as a guide and support the soldiers with water in an emergency. When they clear the Valley the most direct route to Oakhill is through Gravel Canyon which is here." She pointed to a small path on the map. "Its far enough from the border to avoid any probing attacks that may pierce the front lines." Trixie finished, looking rather pleased with herself.

    "Fantastic, I'll send your option to the castle and see if they agree. Unfourtanetly in the end it is their decision." Twilight replied. "Do any of you have any additional reports for me? " After a brief moment of silence giving them the opportunity to speak she sighed. "Well that is all there is for the moment. Copper you may go back to supervise the construction. Grayscale I'd greatly appreciate it if you assist the Guard Captain."

     "Right away Princess." Copper bowed before starting for the door.

    Grayscale wasn't amused with being stuck with construction but did not debate the matter. Confrontation would lead nowhere.

    After the two Stallion left her quarters Trixie gave Twilight a look of approval. "Your starting to get the hang of it."

    "Its still all so very nerve racking." Twilight took a deep breath to clear her mind. "I just hope I cam keep it up, there's alot of pressure."

    "Don't worry Twilight, if you need any help you know I'm happy to lend a hoof." Trixie replied. "Give it a little while longer and it'll become second nature. Your already doing great after only a few days."

    "You have no idea how grateful I am  for your help." Twilight said with up most sincerity."

    "Don't even think about it, were all serving the same cause, it'd be ignorant not to help."

    "All the same I am still grateful." Twilight replied before hugging the blue unicorn.