All Types of Rain

Chapters

[P]-Time Flows Like a Flooded River
[1]-Home For the Holidays
[2]-Cold Front

[P]-Time Flows Like a Flooded River

All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= P =

Prologue—Time Flows Like a Flooded River

'War's like rain. It ain't always the same everyday. Some days it's light. Some days it's heavy. But no matter what, rain's still wet. War's still hell. But... not just hell. Not always hell. War is complicated. Like rain. Some days, it's just a drizzle, and it's a cool mist that lands on your tired self, and you're not that far from dry. But the next day, it could be a storm, with stinging rain, or drops hittin' your head from the tree branches, and you're soaking. War isn't great. But it's complicated. It's also got its painful and stinging days and also its refreshing days on your heart, like rain has on your body. Rain helps plants grow. But other times, rain causes floods. War isn't something to be liked. It's defnitely bad. But... it can also be good. Maybe like rain, war is inevitable. It comes. It goes. If an evil rises, you shouldn't just take it sitting down. You get up and do something about it. Just like rain. You ain't gonna sit still and let somepony get wet. And if it comes to war, then so be it. War is complicated. So many shades to war, like what we experienced down there–all types of rain.'

–Compilation of thoughts from 'Harmony'

<<+>>

"Princess Celestia."

"Ah, yes. I see you're both here and on time. Shall we begin the overview immediately?"

"That'll be fine."

"Very well then. Please sit down."

"If you could start from the very, very beginning, that would be best."

"I'll step right into it. It all started a little over a decade ago..."

==+==

The year was 1003 Celestial Peace. During this time, Equestria was flourishing. The lands around our borders were of no trouble and the lands within our borders doing well.

However, Princess Twilight Sparkle is one that seeks more than the status quo. As Equestria itself was stable, she sought to learn more from lands abroad. Although I did well in my ambassador duties and maintaining relationships with other nations, Twilight Sparkle was not satisfied. She wanted the world revealed to her.

As such, Twilight made arrangements for a program to send out ponies to study foreign countries, more in-depth than anything done thus far. Over the year, the program was organized. Much of the difficulty was making arrangements with the countries to allow Equestrians in and do their work. The program fully began later in the year when ponies were finally sent out.

Given the many events of the previous years around the country, Equestria was in a generally good, patriotic mood.

==+==

"Supplementary material?"

"I believe that seeing some actual newspaper headlines would help make my points."

"'Twilight Sparkle Versus The World: What strange discoveries will be made by the Princess's bold program?' Simple enough. Can't imagine what goes wrong with that. What's next?"

"She's poking around in foreign countries; something has to go wrong given the circumstances."

"Unfortunately, yes, it did feel like we were tempting fate when we agreed with Twilight's idea. But they say fate favors the bold, and to learn more about the world we live in was a risk that Twilight herself had calculated...."

==+==

Early in the year of 1004, Princess Twilight Sparkle learned of the tension within the country of Annamitia. It is a fairly distant country, separated from us by a large expanse of ocean on our west coast, or, as we preferred, a long land route across continents where a supply chain and posts could be set up. There was already some pre-existing infrastructure from the Gryphons. They were a previously dominant force in the region, even attempting to colonize Annamitia before they were ousted.

==+==

"So it's a country halfway around the globe that the griffons themselves had already been in before?"

"Yes. The situation itself already doesn't look too bright, does it? But Twilight believed you learn more the farther you get, and it's not that we didn't know anything about Annamitia. I had visited it a few times over the centuries. It's a nice place and its inhabitants are equally respectable.

"Alongside those facts, we were also able to get the zebras to accompany us. While the relationship between the average Equestrian with Zebricans varied, they are and always have been a helpful group when dealing with things far beyond our borders. Equestrian knowledge of foreign lands is great, but the way the Zebricans interact with others is unsurpassed."

"So the ponies that went to Annamitia had zebras to help them along?"

"Correct. Our relationship with the Annamese set off acceptably, no doubt helped along by the zebras. But that didn't mean their own tensions were going to get in the way..."

==+==

We had arrived during a period of shaky but otherwise quiet strained relations between two factions. This was an age-old tension within the country. It existed even during a visit I made centuries ago. It was hoped that our presence would not increase the tension already present. Unspoken between ponies though, we always felt our presence would begin to heat up relations that had momentarily cooled, one way or another.

==+==

"Who are the... the Annamese, exactly?"

"The Annamese, as they told me when I first came to them and identified as such by the zebras, are the inhabitants of the country of Annamitia. Their kind are called kapirs, although 'gazelles' is a common slang term used by soldiers as I've been told."

"... Kapirs? What... are they like?"

"To take a page from Twilight's notes, they're 'the eventual result of the hybridization between okapis that moved out of Zebrica and an ancient saola-tapir mix'."

"... Right, okay."

"Here are a few pictures and diagrams; they should give you the answers you need."

"... They're about the same size as us. Do all of them have stripes?"

"Frequently, but there are some without Or their stripe color blends too much with their main coat color. Their coat colors are generally forest tones. They have two horns that they can use magic with, or use physically if needed. They have instincts for living off of the land, especially in forests and mountains."

"And this is who you're fighting now?"

"Rare is the time when you have all the advantages. Continuing on..."

==+==

In Annamitia, agreements were compromised, moving forward on the road of Princess Sparkle's program of foreign research. As we were deemed to have better equipment and facilities, surveying and studying of the land was seen to be a very favorable prospect for all parties.

However, I believe this was when some friction started. Only Luna and I had any suspicions, and even then, very little suspicion. Hardly a feeling. Tarpa, an equine country far to the north, showed interest in our excursion in their hemisphere. They approached Equestria with the prospect of doing their own research.

The issue was heavily discussed between us Princesses and our advisors, as well as within different departments. Concern was voiced over the stability of the country, given the tension, and whether allowing another nation to participate would be wise. Luna and I were especially wary, though we both felt that part of it may be personal bias. Other ponies had their own opinions of the Tarpans, but nothing substantial to make a feasible objection.

The issue was also discussed with the Annamese themselves. By the end of the year a compromise was made. The northerners willingly allowed the Tarpans to conduct research in their part of the country. In the last month, a few researchers arrived from the northern equine country.

==+==

"I take it that it eventually developed into a problem?"

"One that does not arise until much later, after other issues already rose. Also, we had yet to encounter the strange discoveries that truly started it all..."

==+==

In 1005, Twilight Sparkle, in recognition of her efforts, was given authority over Royal Intelligence in the belief that her possession of such a tool would benefit everyone for the greater good; only Luna and I had authority prior to this. Royal Intelligence was permitted to accept any orders from Twilight Sparkle.

==+==

"That... already sounds... fantastic."

"The idea of giving Twilight power over Equestria's most powerful tool for gathering intelligence didn't sit well with some ponies. The most vocal, though, were only from those close to her; especially her five friends that compose the Council of Friendship. In actuality, I knew Twilight to be a highly responsible mare and that she had potential to use this new tool with possibly greater effect than Luna or I had ever been able to achieve, but also use it within reason."

"How has that turned out?"

"Exactly as I predicted, exactly as I said. I have not been given any reason to regret that decision..."

==+==

As Twilight was another princess of Equestria and therefore our equal, it was only right that she had authority over the various departments that Luna and I did as well. Given her intellect and observational prowess, being given authority over Equestria's greatest intelligence resource was only a logical step. Still, her authority over Intelligence had little relevance to anything at that point in time.

Twilight's program for seeking new knowledge included studying foreign history and seeing if there was anything our outside perspective could shed light on or even discover. As it was, discoveries were made while probing around in the land. Although natural resources of use or probable use were found, the discovery of ancient artifacts garnered more immediate attention.

The search for artifacts became fervent. The excitement grabbed hold of many. Equestrians, Annamese, the Tarpans in their northern areas, and even some other outsiders. Everyone started looking for traces of the past. Some even started looking within their own borders. They say that if you seek, you shall find. Find they did.

==+==

"Did any searches happen in Equestria?"

"Oh, of course. But we had already began such archaeological endeavors long ago. I suppose it's just that interest became heightened. Strangely, though, it seemed that we found more after this time."

"What was found?"

"An excellent question, and the most important question of all..."

==+==

When the year 1006 came, these findings flowed in steadily from Annamitia. Princess Twilight Sparkle, as a very curious individual herself, utilized her talent in magic to develop a highly advanced spell to use an item to, in a sense, travel back in time. Although there were other spells allowing the caster to refurbish an object to a previous state, such spells were difficult to perform on objects of extreme age. Twilight's spell instead allowed the user to see 'around' the object to a small extent through its history as the object's clock was virtually turned back.

It took many months to formulate, but by late September, Twilight Sparkle was able to make it function. Though it was clear that there were still improvements to the spell to be made, for the time being, it functioned as intended.

What she saw shocked her. Somehow, by strange fates, the item she held in her hooves was an artifact from a war. Her curiosity piqued more than ever, Twilight Sparkle issued orders to continue searching and increased efforts in learning about this long-gone civilization.

==+==

"Have you known about this civilization before all this?"

"Yes, although very little. Some even wondered if what little we had on them was credible. The existence of this civilization was easily put off as a myth. But after 1006, no one could deny their existence any longer."

"... What did you learn from them?"

"A great race, they were. Tragic? We're not sure. It's a topic we'd love to learn more about, but we were soon consumed by much more urgent and pressing matters..."

==+==

Time passed quickly, and soon enough, it was 1007. Luna's and my feelings of suspicion of the Tarpans returned. Princess Twilight Sparkle herself became highly suspicious of the kapirs and ponies in northern Annamitia.

As per her regular approach to similar situations, Twilight wanted more information surrounding the situation immediately. She commissioned a new division in Royal Intelligence, partly from the ground up, partly incorporating existing departments. The Special Intelligence and Reconnaissance Division was formed. The mission of these ponies was to obtain information through more discreet means, then analyze recovered information. Pegasi from the field section, the Royal Reconnaissance Regiment, the 3R, were sent into the region for aerial reconnaissance.

==+==

"As a side note, rumors began to run at this time that ponies of Royal Intelligence repectfully refer to and address Twilight Sparkle by the title of 'Director'."

"Was she really becoming that big of a face that quickly?"

"Quite so. It may be a stroke of their egos, no offense, but they did do as told and they did produce the results Twilight wanted. She was becoming the de facto head of intelligence with her increasing amount of involvement."

"Did they find anything?"

"Only small traces, but after a time, they didn't have to search too hard..."

==+==

Still, while Royal Intelligence began their work in Annamitia patrolling the borders and such, the archaeological studies continued, well in progress. Discoveries were still being made and, like Twilight's vision when her crusade for knowledge began, we were learning more.

Twilight made to me a curious remark that she felt like we were meant to find all of this. Like something wanted us to find it all. Whether that was a good feeling or not, she didn't know; she noted that it could be that the absurdity of everything was getting to her. Neither Luna nor I had any specific say on the matter. Of course, with our ages, we understood the effects of time and history, and we watched on with interest as history continued to be uncovered.

==+==

"You mentioned earlier that Twilight Sparkle found an artifact from war. I can't help but feel that that's an important detail, considering the current circumstances."

"You are correct. Discord himself was more than amused with the idea when he first heard about it. Only right of him suppose, and he can't really be wronged now. They would play a very important role, and it's yet to come..."

==+==

1008 was a slow year. Royal Intelligence continued their work watching over the country. Twilight Sparkle sent pegasi of Royal Reconnaissance to watch over the north, all the way up to the northern border of Annamitia. Whether it was caution or paranoia, she didn't reveal. I thought myself to be a good judge of her character, but she had grown much as a princess and therefore became more difficult to read. Royal Reconnaissance was also utilized for other useful tasks such as aerial mapping.

The researchers continued their work as well. Our knowledge of Annamese culture had greatly expanded during our presence in the country. Also to note, working alongside zebras improved their reputation with Equestrian citizens. It's as if Equestrian harmony was being spread where we went and it filled me with some joy to see it.

Yet I wasn't so easily given into what could be an illusion. Between my age and having to contend with Discord regularly, I was still sharp to my surroundings. I was on a fine line between comfortably sitting in my throne and sitting on edge. Alas, nothing came that year.

==+==

"You're getting close to the start of the war. So what happened in the short timeframe remaining?"

"I suppose my statement about nothing happening was not entirely true. Royal Intelligence gave us information that hinted to a heating up of tension between the two factions mentioned earlier. They speculated that the division of involvement, Equestrians mostly everywhere but the Tarpans secluded to the north, created added polarization. It was a matter of not having enough, if any, conclusive evidence to read the lines correctly."

"So what exactly happened?"

"Initially, Twilight was looking for signs. But in the span of about a month, we were looking for courses of actions."

"What caused it? Did it have anything to do with those 'Tarpans'?"

"Let me clear up my view on those ponies. The Tarpans are decent ponies, but they seem to me to be less orderly than Equestrians. Their way of life just... doesn't exactly fit with me... However, my personal views are irrelevant. You came here for facts, so I'll just continue..."

==+==

For the Tarpans to return their own discoveries to Tarpa was a natural thing to do. If we could do it, why couldn't they? Luna, but especially I, had our own opinions of them, yet we had no grounds to discount them from the same privilege nor a way to enforce it if we did.

The picture changed in early 1009 when the amount of shipments coming in to Annamitia from Tarpa increased. We attempted to contact the Tarpans concerning this, but they did not reply for the first few months. After persistent questioning, they only returned an inconclusive reply. Yet it was grounds for assuming something was going on.

It was near mid-1009 when Royal Reconnaissance reports came in. Our suspicions bore fruit. For some reason, Tarpa was shipping in weapons. To this day, we still think that it's a simple case of greed.

Luna offered to take the next step forward and contacted the Tarpans, stating that we had suspicions that they were shipping in weapons. Yet all they did was deny the accusation.

Now, the northerners were militarizing, far behind their own territory where Equestrians never operated. Our pegasi were taking cautious flights over their territory to bring us information. We continued to try and hold peaceful talks, but they kept denying them. The build-up of forces was constant and it got to a point where I could bear it no longer. The fear of our ponies being caught in a dangerous situation was too much.

I ordered Equestrian military personnel to be sent over and reinforce the ones we already had present. Our military was not especially large at that time, as we had little need to maintain a standing military of immense size, yet what we had would have sufficed for the purpose.

We spoke with the southerners that we had become more familiarized with and they welcomed in the ponies of the Royal Army. It's possible that they knew what was going on and figured that everyone should be prepared if hostilities began again.

==+==

"So I suppose war comes next?"

"The official war comes next, yes. It was a brutal attack, worse than a slap awake."

"They attacked with new weapons, didn't they?"

"Royal Reconnaissance was never able to get all the information about the shipments. I also feel as if Tarpa held back on shipping arms once we began inquiring about it. Or that they supplied the bare minimum thought to be required to scare us away."

"What happened, then?"

"They made a mistake. They attacked us..."

==+==

It was early in 1010 when it happened. We had bases set up near the approximate boundary between the north and southern factions.

I was told that when the North Annamese attacks came, it was the manifestation of the saying 'brining a knife to a gunfight'. Many lives were lost in the initial wave as we were attacked with rifles more advanced than what we had at the time. We only had relatively simple powder rifles and cannons. They attacked us with automatic weaponry.

The defenders were able to turn the tables with their superior magic training. Our unicorns narrowly held them off during the fighting. By a miracle, the Equestrian defenders defeated the Annamese attackers, but the damage was already done.

They had already made their mistakes. They may have underestimated us in their overconfidence with their advanced weaponry. They could have underestimated our will. But the spirit of Equestrians is something impressive. The country was roused by the news of hearing that we had lost hundreds of lives in a single day.

==+==

"Seems to me a fairly natural reaction to such an event."

"Perhaps to you. But others sometimes see Equestrians as ones who would rather cower away. Yet to this atrocity, they didn't back down. It lit a fire that I'm sure some ponies didn't know that had it in themselves."

"I suppose national pride is something not easily stifled when you love your home."

"It's certainly a force I had to contend with...

==+==

I was under pressure from the public to allow Equestrian armed forces to move in. I eventually allowed it. Princess Twilight Sparkle remained mostly neutral on the subject, yet it showed that she supported it. Princess Luna, however, was definitely supportive of the action. But I was never entirely willing to do it. I knew what I was doing. To send ponies off, certain that some were not coming back, was not something I wanted to do. I would have rather attempted to talk it out more, but no one was going to have any of it. Not the Equestrians, not the Annamese.

So shortly afterwards, I relinquished control of all military affairs to Luna. She took it over without hesitation. Twilight Sparkle kept her role overlooking the operations of Royal Intelligence. With all that was happening, she was essentially the one in charge by then.

Luna declared that with the power and resources of Equestria, the war would not drag on for long, but she also declared that we would remain fighting to defend the greater good no matter how long it took. According to Luna, as a great nation of peace and harmony, it was only right that we preserve it not only in our own country, but around the world. Her declarations were met with praise by the public. It was the rallying cry in those days.

Given the initial encounter in Annamitia, a logical conclusion was made. Luna gave orders to expedite all research concerning every artifact we found and anything we would be able to find through the pseudo-time-traveling spell. We were to convert, modify, and produce our own military equipment as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Twilight began reorganizing sections of Royal Intelligence for military operations. The Royal Reconnaissance Regiment was redesignated the Royal Scout Regiment, to signify a shift towards a more offensive purpose. She utilizes them as her foremost tool in influencing the war as she sees fit.

The first forward forces sent into the border regions under military action were units of the Royal Scout Regiment. New high-altitude photographs were taken of the landscape for up-to-date information as well as possible future terrain navigation purposes. Establishment of observation outposts within the region began as well. With the way the war started, these tended to be in the middle of enemy territory. Therefore, the bulk of the active field operatives of the Royal Scouts at the time consisted of pegasi.

All the while, the Royal Equestrian Army was holding off weekly attacks. They scavenged what they could from the attackers and they edged out the assaults with magic. But it was clear that this cycle couldn't last much longer. They were slowly getting pushed farther south, and clearly, acting quickly was the only solution.

==+==

"Did Luna ever give an estimate of how long she foresaw the war was going to last?"

"She told me that a year would be optimistic, but given the variables, at the time she'd rather not guess. While the newer weapons of war made for much faster... work, it was also a complicated task. The motives of the North Annamese and the South for fighting each other lent itself to this standoff. They've quarreled for a long time—I recall it even from a visit long ago. This time, it seems like they want to finish it. With deadlier weaponry, it has become a slow and tedious war, neither side willing to make a disastrous mistake."

"Well, it's definitely been more than a year. What does the public think?"

"As I said, the Equestrian spirit is something impressive. It's only began to show cracks recently..."

==+==

The year 1010 was a difficult time for the Equestrian military. They were constantly at the disadvantage. We did not have any weaponry to effectively combat them yet. But Equestria's infrastructure was converted in a matter of months to meet the new demand and we began producing rough equivalents from what designs we were able to test. These turned out satisfactory enough to halt the push south, stopping the north about halfway through the southern territories.

But the end of the year we were also hit hard. As I mentioned previously, we were edging out because of our magic. By the end of 1010, the North Annamese had devices that created a large field where magic could not propagate effectively, severely reducing our combat effectiveness. Although not yet too common, at times Equestrian soldiers found themselves relying solely on steel and spirit.

1011 was seen as the true start of the war, when we were finally on an equal level with the North Annamese. However, their technology was advancing and they already had a headstart, due to Tarpa continuing to supply and upgrade the technology. I can't imagine how much they profited from the frantic need of war materials. Meanwhile, we were still working hard to keep up, especially since we couldn't regularly rely on magic to compensate for any deficiencies in combat. Even more so as their anti-magic field technology was improving to cover larger and larger areas.

It was probably around mid-1011 when we not just kept up with the pace of advancement, but also surpassed them. The resources available to us were a great benefit, as were the minds working for us. We were settling comfortably into a stride and were consistently winning battles, even without magic. We were pushing back towards the original pre-war boundary lines by the end of the year.

By the year 1012, the war was obviously stretching longer, but the ponies continued to back Princess Luna, believing that they must fight until peace is secured. Luna alloted increasingly additional soldiers to the region.

Then, midway through the year, Luna called for volunteers, after seeing that the standing military alone did not have enough numbers. Enlistment numbers were moderately high. Whatever personal reasons ponies had for signing up varied, but as long as Luna got her numbers, she couldn't really ask for more.

Until came 1013. A draft was put in effect by Princess Luna early in the year, after seeing that even enlistment numbers were not high enough for the flow of troops required to increase pressure on the enemy. By now attacks had stopped and we had locked the war into a stalemate.

==+==

"And that's how it's been since?"

"Unfortunately. We are bogged down in Annamitia. After they started losing to us consistently in straight fights, they turned to asymmetric warfare."

"And at the same time you're struggling to utilize what new tools you continue to discover."

"Every single thing we find, we find a purpose for. I suppose it's only a matter of holding off until we're able to finally get the right tools to end it. Do you two have any specific questions about the previous years? I'm aware that it's a cursory look, but you should be able to read about it."

"Not from me. I'm fine with reading about it."

"You're stuck in a pretty bad spot. I'll read about the rest."

"Well then... the present year is 1015. The war continues into its fifth year. No end is in sight. The draft still stands but ponies are also still volunteering. Some ponies hearts are broken by seeing loved ones be sent off to war; some hearts are mended on return, while others are futher shattered. Some ponies are becoming weary of seeing neighbors sign up for war; some feel relief on seeing them back home, while others feel solemn disappointment. Some ponies keep their spirits intact by joining their friends into war; some have them broken together, while others keep each other intact.

"Many ask: are they being sent in the defense of harmony, peace, and freedom, or are they simply being sent to die? Because at this rate, any pony can still be sent to war... To the hell, where it rains."

"... And that's the story we're sticking with?"

"Oh no. That's just the cover. There's also plenty of pages that you will have to read yourselves. Current affairs and such, delicate topics, confidential details."

"Things you'd rather not speak about yourself?"

"Things I'd rather you receive from a written page rather than word of mouth."

[1]-Home For the Holidays

All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 1 =

Home For the Holidays

Deep in the jungle

Annamitia

June 26, 1015 CP

1212 Local Time

The sound of thunder.

Flashes of light.

"Damn rain. Muddy ground. Flooded ground. I wish we were allowed to change the weather here."

"Rainbow, at least it's just the weather."

A platoon of twenty-five ponies sat together in tight pairs as the rain poured down on them relentlessly. Even the thick trees failed to fully shield them; they merely slowed down the rain, collecting enough water in the leaves for streams of water to land on the heads of the ponies. The constant heavy downpour halted their movements, the lieutenant deciding it would be best to wait out the storm until it calmed a bit.

"Hey—at least I'm just worried about the weather, Twi. You look like you've got something worse on your mind."

Twilight sighed. She did have more on her mind, brought about, surprisingly, only by the unfortunate exact present conditions they were in. "All this mud. Trees. Dirt. And that's just the environment end of our problems. I'm just stuck thinking—how the hay did we end up in a place like this," she said drearily.

"Having second thoughts just now?" Rainbow asked.

"Never felt more strongly about them, at least," the unicorn answered.

"Please Twilight," Rarity interjected from a few feet away, "Don't remind me of what we, what I have to deal with for the next year-and-a-half. All the dirt, grime, sweat, all the unclean!"

"Because the dirt, mud, and sweat back at boot camp wasn't real enough," Rainbow chuckled.

"Don't worry, Rarity," Applejack said from her position separate from them, "I think there's gonna be plenty of rain for you to wash up in."

Rarity gave the grinning earth pony a disgruntled look.

"Pinkie, you look like you want to say somethin'."

"Well, I do..." Pinkie replied with a thoughtful but unsure demeanor. "But I don't think I should."

"Come on, Pinks, I think we need a laugh right now," Rainbow perked up.

Twilight didn't pay any more attention to the conversation as she finally became fully engrossed in her thoughts. The shower of rain became a calm ambience as she took a journey into the past.

==+==

The Palace

Ponyville, Equestria

December 20, 1014

2:50 PM

It was a blisteringly cold day outside of the palace.

It was a moderately warm day inside of the palace.

"Why yes, Sergeant, I *do** work out regularly..."*

The heat varied by location.

Twilight Sparkle clenched her eyes at the exchange she could hear down the hall from outside the double doors of her office.

"Free this Hearth's Warming? Maaaybe... Also maybe after my meeting—"

"Lieutenant, is that you out there?!" Twilight finally frustratedly yelled, barely glancing up from the paper she was reading at her desk. "You're free to come in when you please!" With that, it was time to turn up the heat even more. Twilight prepared for the upcoming ordeal.

There was one last feminine giggle audible behind the ornate oak doors before they finally opened. The light-grayish-blue mare that appeared was dressed in a sharp uniform, and her stance didn't give any indication at all of her previous exchange. "Director Sparkle," she bowed her head, calmly yet formally stepping in to meet the princess.

"Lieutenant Storms." Twilight lifted another packet of paper up in the air with her magic and made eye contact. "We're here to obviously discuss this. Now, under the principles I hold myself to as well as standard procedure, I've required myself to interview you face-to-face regarding your appeal to not only remain a field operative, but also to remain on the standard deployment rotation for the Royal Scouts."

The lieutenant took a seat in front of the desk. "Why, of course, Princess," she nodded. "I suppose it's only natural for me to request that I be kept to the responsibilities of my position."

Twilight sighed. "And yet you've been placed on this list for 'misconduct during previous deployment', which, although not explicitly stated on here, I might draw a possibility from the... previous exchange outside of the doors. Convince me, Lieutenant Rain Storms, why I should be in your favor?"

"I've done everything that my job required me to do!" Rain argued, a little more emphasized than she expected to. Noticing that she had leaned forward in her small fit, she reclined and regained the proper posture for speaking to a superior. "You've approved every promotion to the 1st Royal Scouts yourself, under the criteria that they are capable of performing the given task better than anyone else. I've upheld that, and I, like my colleagues, see myself as one of your tools in your pursuit of expanding knowledge and intelligence, and then applying it with your level of precision and accuracy. It doesn't seem right that you'd hold one of them back, not if the bigger picture is at stake."

Twilight's expression remained pensive. It was true that her nature meant that she'd give many things in the pursuit of knowledge and that when she wanted something done, she wanted it done right. That was precisely the reason why she had most of the control over Royal Intelligence. Rain's unit specifically, the 1st Royal Scout Division of the Royal Reconnaissance Regiment, was like her quill to the script of the Annamitian War, and everyone knew it. 'Sparkle's Spooks' they were called, and those that held the title relished in it, and Twilight relished in the fact that nearly every mission she gave them returned with results up to her standards.

The alicorn watched the pegasus closely. Rain ran her hoof through her blue mane. Her wings shifted ever so slightly. On the surface, they appeared to be idle gestures, but Twilight felt a little deeper with her magic and felt the obvious apprehension of the mare. "While that's true, following procedure is also a responsibility of yours, and, though I may not know the exact 'misconduct' described here, I could argue that I worry it might affect the big picture."

Twilight read every file that came to her desk when a pony was going to be promoted to an officer position in her personal unit, and she knew Rain Storms had a common attribute of everyone that came before her and would come after—firm determination. But for Rain specifically, she remembered, it was usually in a less-than-subtle manner.

"Well I'm sure my CO would be able to vouch for me, but he died a few minutes after I flew him a kilometer back to safety," Rain retorted. "And our XO would vouch for me, but he's still recovering from the head injury he received in the same firefight. That leaves my other squadmates who had already given their accounts, but of course, none of them are equal to or above my rank, so I'm not sure how credible you'll consider them to be.

"Do you even know what it's like over there, Director?" Rain was practically sneering. "What our lives our like? All we do for Equestria, stuck in some pretty abysmal conditions at times? Chance of dying everyday? Orders that some may even call ridiculous? Those aren't the kind of things many ponies even like to think of, let alone do. I know you've had your share of heroics in the past, and I fully respect those, but do you know what it's like to have to undergo those stresses every day for a year? While some ponies are drafted into it, I willingly went and will go.

Rain continued ranting, Twilight letting her. Twilight had to listen to what she had to say. "You've visited the country yourself once before. You've seen some of the conditions we work in. Some ponies I talk to think it's a miracle that Equestrians are still willing to volunteer to fight for our ideals or whatever we're fighting for out there. I'm sure it's not just ideals, considering some of the things you send us to do.

"You know, some of them out there really hate the ponies that hide behind the borders of Equestria. Talking the talk, but never knowing what it's like to walk the walk they're told to walk by those talking. I ask you, put yourself in your hooves when you were just a unicorn. When Equestria wasn't really paying attention to you and your friends. Do you still remember what it's like to be a regular citizen?"

Twilight finally interrupted. "Alright, Lieutenant, where are you going with this?"

"The point I'm making is that I should remain in my position for various reasons," Rain answered. "Reasons which I've detailed. Are you willing to sacrifice one of your valuable assets when they're very difficult to come by? Hey—I had to get my head cut open for this job!—"

"—Well...—"

"Who sent the reports on me anyways?" Rain continued. "I'm curious. Because unlike you, who's only read our files, I actually served with Captain Tracer and he's not the kind that would send back these reports. Are you allowed to divulge this information? Is it someone jockeying for my position? Because if—"

"Lieutenant, stop," Twilight said blankly. "First, I'd like to remind you that you're speaking to both your superior officer and and a Princess of Equestria. Second, it seemed to me an honest operative whose identity I will not divulge. I don't know what specific things are done and changed in Annamitia within your groups because frankly, not everything is perfect because ponies aren't perfect, even Royal Scouts, but it seems to me that this particular pony still had the training imbued within themselves and wrote a report with good intentions. Also, we cross-referenced it with letters from regular soldiers that you may have been stationed with and they seem to correspond with the initial statement."

"I can't say anything for the official written report, and I'd like to question the validity of the other sources," the pegasus grumbled. "And yet I'm sitting in front of the most analytic pony in Equestria; trying to save my own flank given the circumstances isn't ever going to look good..." Given Twilight's intimate position with Royal Intelligence, those ponies could be subjected to considerable informality when conversing with her. Twilight didn't actually mind it much, but formality was a formality, hierarchy was status quo, and procedure was orderly.

"That's not entirely true, Lieutenant," Twilight replied, her tone lightening. "Defending against accusations is a natural reaction, and I've been wrong about impressions before. I take pride in taking as neutral as a stance as I can when first approaching a new situation."

Rain sighed, leaning back and loosening up again. She glanced down, letting out a deep breath. "Th-thank you, Direc—Princess—it's just that it's tough over there, and I'm just as concerned about everything we do as you are. Death can get to some ponies' head pretty hard, you know? Can change 'em a lot." With a deep breath, she looked back at Twilight. "Princess, I respectfully request that I be able to retain my position, for the reason that my performance outweighs any possible misconduct and its supposed consequences, that I deny but regardless are held against me."

Twilight nodded sincerely. However, just as she was about to continue, there was a knock at her door. Without even being able to respond, it opened.

"Twi, it's almost time to go—everyone's waiting," Rainbow Dash said as she peeked through one of the opened doors.

Twilight looked at her clock. She knew that she wouldn't be able to finish the meeting when she scheduled it, but there was an open slot at the time, and there was something she could split, if not fit—"Rainbow, tell them I'll be out in a moment. I just need to finish this."

"Gotcha." Rainbow shut the door, leaving Twilight and Rain alone again.

"Daily Council meeting," Rain said.

Twilight set to fixing the papers on her desk. "Yes, yes." She paused to look back at the officer. "Lieutenant, I will look into your case more. We'll need to finish this discussion at a later time, but I have to say that, at the least, you've given me some respectable things to dwell on and I can take that into account. Have a good day, Lieutenant Storms."

Rain stood from her seat and bowed her head. "Thank you, Princess." When she looked back up, she tapped the side of her head. "Remember—we're big investments." With that, she went for the door.

"Storms!" Twilight called out right as the pegasus's hoof was on the door handle. The mare turned. "Rain, uh, look, it's the first day of mandatory shortened hours for staff for Hearth's Warming. Late hours end at 6 today, janitor cleans up at 7, so... if you... do... just be mindful, alright?"

"If it will, I'll make it a quick one, Princess, or I'll find somewhere else," Rain grinned before opening the door and stepping out of view. With the departure, the air in the room seemed to cool a little bit as the atmosphere and pressure relaxed.

Twilight stared at the once-again closed wooden doors. "'Misconduct'. And I read all these files and approve them myself."

==+==

"Twilight!"

Twilight ran into her ever-faithful assistant Spike on the way to the throne room. "Oh, hey, Spike! I thought you were with the girls already?"

Spike joined Twilight's side as they continued walking. He looked down slightly to answer; he'd grown in the past years. "They sent me off to run something down to the desk," he shrugged. "Plus, remembering your schedule, I figured you were going to be cutting the time close."

Twilight smiled. "Of course. Reliable as always, Spike."

The taller dragon opened the door to the throne room for her. "No problem."

"Hey, Twilight!" Rainbow exclaimed as Twilight entered their throne room, followed by the drake. It was time for their daily private congregation, mostly business, but given that they were the best of friends, could lend itself to other topics.

"Twilight!" Rarity greeted. "Cutting it a bit close on the time today."

Twilight smiled. "I decided to fit an interview in one of my free spots," she replied as she walked into the circle before taking her own seat. "It seemed like a reasonable enough idea at the time."

"Oh, I'm not sure that fits your style, dear. It seems a bit... imprudent and hasty. Quite unlike your organized nature."

"I blame the war again," Applejack said. "Does crazy stuff to us, and there ain't no helpin' it."

"I like to think that I'm holding on to my regular sensibilities pretty well," Twilight said. "It's not like I make my decisions entirely without thinking. This time, it just seemed like it was the most productive thing I could fit into a small free spot in our already crazy schedule. Ten minutes isn't really that much time, and I'd rather not clog up the possibly ever-increasing backlog of things I'm barely keeping up with."

"So how did it go?" Fluttershy asked. "Who did you talk to?"

"It was just one of the field operatives of the Royal Scouts. I'll have to revisit it later, but I got some useful insight into her situation. In fact, if anything, the break in between our meetings will give more time to examine it, which was another thought that ran through my head when I scheduled it." Twilight changed the subject. "As usual, I've got a list of things we could discuss, but does anypony have anything they want to talk about?"

Pinkie waved her hoof. "Ooh! Ooh! So you know that chant some ponies yell about you?"

"Hey—" Spike managed to say before being cut short.

"I'm sure it's burned into her mind and we don't need to repeat it," Applejack rolled her eyes.

"Well someone sent me a banner like the ones I use at my parties with it!" Pinkie took out a rolled up banner from behind her and waved it around.

Everyone visibly winced. Including Pinkie.

"Oookay..." Twilight said. "Uh, I'm not sure why you still have that with you, Pinkie, but uh, anything on a brighter note?"

"We have received Hearth's Warming cards from ponies," Rarity said, levitating up a pile of letters. "There are a good number of sincere ones; you're not that unpopular with the populace yet."

"But if you compare how the ponies feel between me or Luna, what do you think?"

"Eeuuhh..."

"Well you ain't exactly runnin' the war," Applejack answered, "but since we're kinda the ones that are supposed to be standin' up for Equestria and you've got that whole Royal Intelligence thing... they might have a reason to dislike you more."

Twilight rubbed her chin. "Huh. Alright, anypony else?"

It was Fluttershy's turn. "While Luna's the one that says whether the war goes on or stops, many ponies think you should be making an effort on their behalf."

"Come on, Twi, we've been over this a million times." Rainbow slouched back in her seat. "Element of Loyalty speaking here—where's your loyalty? To the Princesses or to the ponies? Like I said—a million times already."

"Besides, Twilight," Rarity said, "it's Hearth's Warming. It would be a nice gesture if you did something for the citizens. Of course, it depends on what you think is the real right thing to do."

The alicorn returned the question. "Well what do you all think is the right thing to do? I'm the princess here, but we're the council and we're supposed to make the decisions together."

"I think you should make your stance clear, but in a careful way. I think it would be best for your image if you gave them some hope, but of course, if what you're saying now may come back to harm you later, then make no statements at all."

"I ain't sure it still matters what we think," Applejack said. "You already look at all the numbers and surveys and whatnot. You do your math on what you think needs to be done. And you've got your intelligence spooks tellin' you stuff that happens over in Annamitia, which is pretty important to you! Don't tell me that don't affect what side you choose to be on."

"I'll have to agree with Applejack on that point," Rarity said. "While what we say can influence your decision, you're the only one here that gets the full picture, which brings the question back full circle. What do you feel is the right thing to do?"

"We're kinda just PR ponies here, Twi," Rainbow said. "We can tell you what Equestria wants, but you also know what Luna wants and what you want. You're the boss, Twi."

"Um, regardless of everything," Fluttershy started, "I think that saving lives is our responsibility in our position, so I think we need to at least try and convince Luna or the Ministry that the fighting has to stop."

"We can't bring the North Annamese to the negotiation tables and come out with something satisfactory," Twilight answered. "And if we give up, it'll be like going against our ideals of spreading harmony. I'm not sure how Equestria's reputation as the guardian of harmony would fare if we quit."

"And there ya go again, Twi," Rainbow dully exclaimed. "Like I said, one million times. Same answer every time." The pegasus sat up. "Why don't we actually do something about it for once?"

"Like what?" Twilight replied, frustrated. "What else can we do?!"

"It's Hearth's Warming season, Twilight," Rarity said. "There's plenty you can do. Given the season, everyone's at heightened emotions and they're bound to be more sensitive to anything that gets said in the news."

"No speeches," Rainbow declared. "They're boring and I feel like everyone hates them."

Applejack added her opinion. "Plus what's to say that ponies won't think it's phony, since it's Hearth's Warmin'? You go around, go say some nice things to make ponies feel better, 'specially since they're already feelin' kinda good. And if you ain't got anythin' nice to say, it'll just look bad to 'em, even if it's just neutral. Least that's how I feel."

Twilight gritted her teeth. "Well, what do you want me to do? Take action? Send postcards and gifts to every pony? 'Hey, Happy Hearth's Warming, sorry we had to send somepony you knew off to war!' Because making sure ponies are happy is our job right?"

"Twi, you know that ain't what we meant..."

"Or maybe we should keep sending draft notifications out! 'Hey, Happy Hearth's Warming, here's a mandatory trip to Annamitia so now you can be with your friends!' That'll make our stance on the issue solid, right? No backing down, we serve the princess, we serve the idea of the nation of Equestria?"

"Twilight, please just stop for a moment," Rarity said.

"What action can we do that'll get favorable outcomes short of, say, signing up and going over there ourselves? They can't complain to us anymore since we're stuck in their position and we're showing our firm stance on the subject and we're technically helping bring the end of the war closer!"

In the list of ridiculous things said by Twilight, that last one topped the list. Twilight was clearly frustrated, yet what she said had technically valid points. Everyone gave her questioning looks, as if they were actually thinking about considering it a serious suggestion.

The closest thing that had come to that point was Rainbow asking to join the Wonderbolts Air Reserve Wing. Twilight had permitted it, but the princess kept close tabs on the pegasus. Twilight didn't want Rainbow to become so engaged in her activities that she would eventually grow a possible determination to get out there for real. Everyone already knew Rainbow's track record for being a mare of action, but firstly, Rainbow was their friend and secondly, she needed to remain in Equestria as she held a seat in the Council.

As it was, everyone kept their muzzles closed. Rarity bit her lip. "Well, you could visit the front again. Show that you're still with them."

Twilight shifted in her throne. "I'm not feeling so sure about it. After all, my job is to represent them, and I'm not sure they feel too glad about being sent to a foreign country for a year and a half."

"Having spent time in different crowds," Rarity began, "I'm going to pose the question: who are you trying to please? You can't please everyone. That's another thing you have to consider."

"I know this, I know this!" Twilight snorted in frustration. "Celestia's trying to continue being favorable with the majority of the common citizens, but really, I can see her straining under the aristocrats in Canterlot, Luna's doing her own thing that somehow still keeps her popular, and I'm here supposed to be representing the normal ponies!"

"Ya keep runnin' around in circles, Twi," Applejack said. "Ain't you gettin' a bit dizzy? Sooner or later, if you don't do something to stop it yourself, something's gonna come in and make you."

"Oh, you know Twilight," Spike said. "In most cases, she'll be walking a circle into a ditch before something else stops her." He ran his claw back along the spines on his head and neck. "So does anyone have a firm suggestion or are you all just going to dodge it so no heavy blame can be landed on you?"

Applejack sat up and her eyes widened. "Damn, Spike, that's one heck of a statement. We're tryin' to collect our thoughts here to make one thing to say."

"You know, AJ," Rainbow said, "that still doesn't really stop anyone from pointing hooves if they wanted to. 'Oh, no, she suggested that, I argued against it, blah blah—"

"Well how much does it really matter?" Rarity said. "Twilight's the alicorn princess here. We could just all point our hooves at her if we wanted to."

"What?!" Twilight snapped. "Would you really all do that? Especially you, Rarity? That your example of ladylike behavior?"

"Well I never said that I would do it, but I'm just pointing out—"

Pinkie waved a hoof. "Ooh! Ooh! Maybe we should just figure out who to point hooves at now! Like, if the suggestion seems too nice and ponies think it's too soft, we can say Fluttershy suggested it!"

Fluttershy shrank back. "Um, I don't feel that that's such a great idea... even if it might make a... a little sense."

However, she was droned out by Applejack. "Oh please, just try pointin' hooves! We're all sittin' in the throne room of the palace! If an angry mob shows up and starts throwin' rocks in through the balcony window, we're all gonna get hit."

"What if we ask Twi to throw up a shield for us?" Rainbow joked.

"You're suggesting I just take the hit for the whole thing?" Twilight replied. "You know, I feel like that's what I've been doing for the past four years. 'Princess of Public Relations'—that's Twilight Sparkle! She's the go-to for your problems! If you're not happy, she's the one to look at!"

Applejack sat straight up, almost off her seat. "Twi, you need to calm down. Ya'll need to calm down. We ain't pointin' hooves, and we're never gonna."

Spike watched the arguing mares, unamused and head resting on a claw. "Looks like it turned out to be one of these days."

Twilight turned to dragon beside her. "Well gee, Spike, you're all grown up! Why don't you try and help for once! I'd have thought you'd eventually grow from your position as my assistant and scribe. Do you think you're still not old enough or have had enough experience at my side to participate?"

Spike put his claws up in defense. "Whoa, slow down, Twilight. I'm not putting in any input because I don't think there's anything I can say without adding to the flames. Keep my mouth shut if I don't have anything good to say, right?"

Pinkie giggled. "Adding to the flames. I get it! Because he's a dragon."

Twilight snorted. She'd had enough. "Adjourned."

Everyone stopped dead and stared at Twilight. "Wait, really?" Applejack said.

"You heard me. Adjourned. Official meeting done for the day. Go do whatever you want now."

Rainbow leapt from her seat, stretching. "Ahh... Well, you know me—this office and business and indoors thing isn't my style. I'm off to go and exercise." With that, the pegasus headed for the balcony, obviously to use it as her launch pad.

Twilight looked to the throne room doors to exit. She would have rather flown away and took to the skies to clear her head, but she really needed some space, and Rainbow was already at the balcony. She needed her space as quick as possible.

Yet with Rainbow already taking the sky, Twilight felt that any chance of bumping into her wouldn't do her mood any good. So instead, the alicorn did the next best thing. She made her way back to her office, where she could hunker down, lock the world out, and be alone to her own thoughts and devices.

Twilight made her way back there quickly, shutting the door just as her tail passed through. With a sigh, she dropped herself back in her chair. Down on her desk were stacks of paper. Somehow, the neatness and systematic properties of even just those calmed her down.

The first and foremost item on the desk was the file on Lieutenant Rain Storms, left there from earlier. The items were lifted up to scrutinizing eyes by magic, ready to undergo another session of review by one of the most critical ponies in the land.

Twilight read it over. The report did, in fact, refrain from specifying exactly what Rain did. In the ten minutes Rain had to speak for herself, she vehemently defended her willingness to continue doing the job she signed up for and was accepted to do. However, rules were meant to be followed, forms were signed under oath, and the system was created to keep order and reprimand those that didn't adhere to it. Twilight sighed as she started heavily considering how to approach doing so to one of her own.

==+==

Golden Oaks Library

Ponyville, Equestria

December 20, 1014

7:02 PM

Twilight was welcoming just lying down on her bed, to feel her body relax after the day's ordeal. She liked coming home. She was happy that they regrew the tree and allowed her to move back into it. It meant she could stay away from the palace. She could separate her work from the rest of her life at least through physical distance. How Celestia and Luna endured it, Twilight didn't know.

However, Twilight had to welcome something else, because there was knocking at her door sounding like it was threatening to pound the door right off of its hinges. "Coming, coming!" she tiredly yelled as she rolled off of the bed. Too exhausted to even think about gliding down the loft, she took the stairs and walked to the door.

She opened it to a very emotional Applejack. Whether it was frustration, anger, worry, or whatever, Twilight couldn't tell; she surmised, then, that it was an unhealthy mix of all of those. "Applejack? I-is—"

"Inside, Twi, inside." Applejack hurried Twilight in, or rather hurried herself through. "Is Spike here?"

"He actually just decided to go straight to sleep."

"Okay, alright." Now that the earth pony was inside, Twilight recognized her mood as being incredibly anxious. "I... I... I got to talk to you 'bout somethin', Twi..." Applejack said in a quiet quivering voice. She opened her saddlebag and took out a piece of paper.

Twilight went wide-eyed and spoke slowly, "What is it?" Add up the picture presented to her of a broken mare and a letter that radiated formality and foreboding, and Twilight could gamble a few guesses as to what it was, but she said nothing and forced herself to think nothing.

"It's a draft notice, Twi," Applejack hissed, emphasizing it by thrusting the item forward. Her anxiety was shifting into anger. "A draft notice! Don't you recognize what these things look like after having sent hundreds of thousands of 'em?! Twi, why in the hell is my brother's name on one of those hundreds of thousands of draft notices?!"

The alicorn snatched the sinister paper with her magic, inspecting it herself. "W-what?! When did you receive this?!"

"Just earlier, Twi!" the earth pony practically yelled. "And unless you do somethin' 'bout it, this might be the last Hearth Warmin' he spends with us until two years, if not forever! Hell, I don't know why that would even happen, 'cause I thought these things weren't supposed to happen in the first place! So it ain't happenin'!"

"Applejack, just calm down," Twilight said, motioning her friend to calm herself. "You're right. This wasn't supposed to happen and this shouldn't even exist. I can get this cleared up tomorrow."

Applejack snatched the notice back before waving it in Twilight's face. "You better, Twi. And remember, clearin' it up doesn't mean you just guarantee him a safe assignment—it means it's as if this never existed." She smacked Twilight's muzzle each time with it for emphasis. Then she turned towards the door.

"Applejack, can't we talk about this a little more thoroughly?"

Applejack turned her head around. "Twi, there ain't nothin' else that needs to be said. We have a deal and that's what's goin' to happen. I don't want any of your bullshit about loopholes or not being able to get through loopholes or whatever. My brother doesn't do a thing related to your war."

"You're not thinking clearly, Applejack," Twilight continued even after her friend was already making her way to the door. "We need to consider how to go about this."

"I thought that's your job, Twi. We came to our consensus, right? Now go do it." The door was opened and closed shut with little less force than the knocks that allowed her entry.

"Whoa, hey Twilight." Spike came down, slightly groggy from waking up. "What was that about? I think I missed the beginning."

"Spike, I may or may not be in some very deep trouble."

"The heck does that mean?"

"It's... probably deeper shit than I've been in recently..." Twilight answered bluntly. "Maybe I'll tell you over dinner."

[2]-Cold Front

All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 2 =

Cold Front

A Corner Cafe

Ponyville, Equestria

December 21, 1014

6:23 AM

Eating utensils clinked softly.

Morning brews were being poured.

Twilight Sparkle sat in a cafe. It was early in the morning, the sun not even peeking up yet. Flurries blew by outside the window, covering the already snowy ground with more snow. It was calm. Relaxing. It was her time for breakfast.

The cafe was quiet, allowing her to eat her meal peacefully. The alicorn had to relish the moment, because the rest of the day was set to be difficult. Twilight listed out what she had to do that day. The most glaring was to fix the draft fiasco. It was something that she was going to have to face eventually, and 'eventually' being 'unpleasantly soon'.

While Twilight breathed in the aroma of coffee from her mug, she pondered the issue more. What could possibly be the cause of it in the first place? As a princess, she had the privilege of selectinging ponies to be 'off-limits', exempt from the draft. And for this case, she didn't even have to exercise that power—Big Mac was Applejack's brother, a direct relation to somepony on the Council of Friendship. That alone automatically made him exempt.

Her deep thoughts translated to stiff chewing, which she noticed after a few seconds. She let out a sigh through her nostrils. It was possible that a strange and idiotic mistake had been made in the draft offices. Applejack did like saying that the war did crazy things to everything. If that was the case, then she could clear it up very quickly.

In fact, there wasn't any perceivable reason as to why it would be difficult. It was as simple as going in, looking over records, calling up a few ponies, and revoking the notice, all while using her authority as a princess to weave her way through the process. To think of it, it was one of the more simple tasks she'd have to do lately. Certainly a jarring issue, but easily rectified.

Pleased with what she had passed the time with, Twilight took a moment to look around at the calming scene of ponies going about their normal morning routines. There was an advantage to living in Ponyville for so long. Despite being a princess, no one bothered her. She was just another pony there.

However, she had finished her breakfast and there was plenty to do in said position of princess. She had no time to waste, even during the season of Hearth's Warming. Twilight got up and paid her bill at the counter. Then she headed for the door, donning a coat to cover her wings, a hat, and a scarf, readying to brave the snowy outdoors. Absent-mindedly, she wondered if there were going to be any journalists trying to catch a word from her that morning. There wasn't any time to waste, but a calming walk and fresh air wasn't a waste to Twilight.

The door jingled, and as quickly as she left the ambience of the cafe, she was met with the quiet whistling of winter.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle?"

Her sigh was visible in the cool air. "No. Not right now." Twilight walked away. "I have important business to attend to." The voice sounded oddly familiar, but she didn't pursue the thought; she just wanted to leave the mare behind and go attend to her business.

"But I must have a word with you!" the mare's voice replied.

"I'm sorry," the alicorn said. She heard the mare's hoofsteps crunch faster in the snow. "But right now isn't the time for any interviews or even short statements. It's early in the morning and—" Twilight stopped as she turned to the mare beside her.

"Just keep going," Lieutenant Rain Storms said, still with a regular voice. "I'm sure you can say something of worth as we go along." Yet her expression conveyed one of urgency.

"Uh... uh... Okay." Twilight was confused, even alarmed at the pegasus's presence. "What would you like to know?"

"Well," Rain started, voice lowering but not whispering, "is there anywhere we can talk privately? I have a few things I'd like to cover, and it's best to minimize that chance that others will hear. Exclusive interviews and all."

Twilight could sense she was being ambiguous with the wording. Why, Twilight wasn't sure. "... Sure. Are you fine with going all the way to the palace?"

"Is there anywhere closer?"

Twilight looked around. "The library's actually closer."

"That'll be fine as well," Rain replied.

She sighed. "Is it really important that we talk about this now? You're scheduled for later."

"Princess, I highly recommend that we talk as soon as possible," the pegasus insisted.

Twilight examined the mare's actions. "It's still pretty early. I guess it's fine that we take the conversation to the library. I think Spike's still home though."

"As long as he's the only ears around." Rain emphasized the last point slightly.

Remembering who she was dealing with, Twilight finally understood the message. "I'm sure of it." She looked the lieutenant in the eye to convey that she understood.

==+==

The two mares entered the library. Their wings felt the pleasant warm air, and they welcomed the relief. Twilight's horn lit before turning her head around the library. Her horn sparked once before fading out. She sighed in frustration. She expected to get work done that morning, but it looked like that wasn't going to be the case anymore. "Alright, the library's secure. Both because of old protection spells I put in place and one more I casted just now. So what's so important that you needed to talk with me in extreme privacy?"

Rain unwrapped her scarf and walked towards the kitchen. "I know about the draft notice controversy," she said to the alicorn following her.

Twilight stopped at those words. "... What?! Why would you need to know? You're well aware that spying on your own superior is—is—forbidden! It's against the regulations!"

"Director, I'm well aware of those—"

Twilight continued ranting. "Lieutenant, that is a personal matter that is supposed to be between me and Applejack. In no way does it concern you and there isn't anything you need to do about it." She continued going on. Here was an officer under her command that was threatened to be removed from service, and now she's approached first thing in the morning like this?

Rain attempted to talk back, but Twilight was ready to keep going, causing the pegasus to shrink back, unprepared for such a furious assault.

"Is this what your problem was? Acting outside of orders?" Twilight accused her. "Outside of clearly defined boundaries? I know you're all supposed to be ponies of initiative, but do you know when to stop? I'm aware that you're supposed to be trying to be on your best behavior for me, so that I'll be in your favor. It's commendable, really, and there's no reason why you shouldn't be doing so."

Rain was shocked and it seemed that her train of thought had been thrown off. "Are... are you considering demoting me?" she asked weakly. She watched the alicorn walk past her into the kitchen, sitting down at the table.

"Regulations are in place for a reason, Lieutenant," Twilight replied firmly. "You've been accused of breaking them. Without proper evidence, I can't refute the claim, but I can't let a possibly problematic officer back out into the field easily either. Again, I admire your effort, but if you think that grabbing me in the morning to speak to me is proof that you're willing to keep giving your best, I'm not sure how to take it."

Twilight levitated over a kettle on the stove and a mug. Apparently it already had hot water inside. "In fact, I could use this as an argument that you're acting out of bounds. You're already scheduled for later—"

"But obviously meeting outside of times is still a clear indication that they're doing all they possibly can," Rain grumbled.

"Oh, of course, but also consider that I have a busy schedule and that taking me aside, even if regular hours haven't started yet, is liable to negatively interfere with my plans."

"So are you set on giving me consequences over actions you can't confirm?"

"I recall the last thing I was considering was how exactly to go about it. Full discharge from the Royal Scouts? Not likely. Demotion? A possibility, but it not likely. Removal from field duty for a probationary period? Under consideration."

The pegasus winced at the mention of each option. "Director Sparkle, I assure you that I'm here for a much more important reason. I've been told that you can get caught up in your own thoughts, but please, hear me out." She clenched her eyes, straining to get the situation back under control.

Twilight calmed herself. Rain never did reveal her purpose for approaching her. "Go on."

Relieved that she had broken through the princess's aura of authority, Rain continued, loosening her demeanor. "I know about the draft notice of Big Macintosh. Actually, a couple of ponies in Intelligence know about it."

"A couple?" Twilight was astonished. "How?"

"Well, we were never actually sure until last night," Rain admitted. "We gathered pieces of it over time, but only now did we get the most crucial piece, but too late. This wasn't an accident. It's deliberate."

"Deliberate?!" Twilight exclaimed. "Not only would it have to pass by me, but it also risks being opposed by Celestia and Luna! And other councils!"

The pegasus sighed. "That's where the problem comes up. The reason we never got a hold of this plan was because it was all done through personal correspondences. Nothing through the mail. Minimized the chance to be discovered and tracked. But we're your personal best, and we managed to get a break. You won't like it, though."

"How do they plan to circumvent the interference of power?"

Rain shrugged. "By using power. Luna's in on it."

The mug in Twilight's hoof began steaming. "What?! You're going to have to give me some very concrete evidence on this, Lieutenant, because right now, if you don't you, will suffer unbelievable consequences. You just accused not just any official, but one of the two highest ponies in Equestria."

"No pony would ever make a risk that inane," the pegasus flatly said. From under her wing, Rain revealed a file. "A copy of everything we were able to find out. Sources are 1st Royal Scouts and 2nd Royal Scouts." She placed it on the table.

Twilight picked it up with her magic. She scanned through its contents. "Why? Why would anyone ever plan to do this? And if Luna's truly involved, why?"

"As far as we know, it was formulated by some of the more jingoistic ponies in Canterlot. Their aim is to drive the war effort at a rate steady enough to see it to a victory. These ponies will influence it any way they can. That being their goal, their closest ally of the three most influential ponies in Equestria is Luna."

Rain was pacing around in front of Twilight. "From the correspondences we were able to intercept, we speculate that it's intended as propaganda material. One of the Council members's siblings is suddenly drafted to fight in the war. 'They know your fears and pain. And yet they continue on, doing their job,' et cetera, et cetera," Rain said. "It's a propaganda pitch that could be thrown around for whatever purpose they want. 'Join the war!' 'Support your troops!' 'Support the Council!' Pretty smart move of them, if you think about it."

"But what motivation would Luna have to do something like this to us?" Dejection was in Twilight's voice. "We've been close friends ever since we returned her to Equestria. She could never betray us like this."

"Aye, that's one thing that baffles us too," Rain said, disappointment on her face. "It could be power getting to her head. Again. She'd already been absorbed by some mind-twisting madness before. Could be she's susceptible to it."

"You're suggesting that there's higher magic involved in this?"

"Oh, no. At least, we have absolutely nothing to support such an idea. It could be that it's simply in Luna's personality, giving into power or whatnot. But more importantly, this draft notice issue is far more the simple problem that it seems to be. Those ponies are watching you now. They're waiting for you to make a move. They know you'll make a move. And they planned all of it out. That draft notice is both their goal and their bait.

"The entire thing is a mind game. They picked Big Macintosh specifically. With his size, it's likely he'd be relegated to rear lines. Supply chain. Artillery. Somewhere his strength could be put to utilitarian use. But not the front. He's not likely to be placed right in danger, so they could take this risk without feeling guilty because they're fairly certain they're not sending somepony off to their death."

"That's twisted," was all Twilight could comment as her glance shifted between her now very-hot tea and the packet of papers.

"And if, or when, you made your move, they've planned for that as well. They'd put it out in the papers. In the news reels. The radio. That Twilight Sparkle is a dirty, lying mare that doesn't share the sentiments of the common pony that she supposedly represents. She looks out for only the ones she cares about and nopony else. They'll skew your image and slander your name. And if you get Celestia to step in, they could do it to her, too."

"What good will that do them?" Twilight asked plainly.

"They can then take ponies that dislike you to back Luna more. Could try and use it to leverage control of Royal Intelligence into their hooves. Not the most watertight part of the plan, since some will just end up hating everyone in Canterlot altogether, but it's better than nothing. Ponies are easily irritated by small things these days. Approval of you is a balancing scale, and this might be just another small pebble, but it'll all add up."

"I still wonder why Luna would agree to it rather than oppose it. Certainly if all three of us opposed it, the table could turn in our favor."

"Then Luna would seem split on the war. Not sure if she would risk that, given her pivotal role in it. It could produce negative effects."

"Three princesses don't have enough reputation and influence?"

"The Equestrian public is a finicky creature. Remember, Director, they don't follow you blindly—they follow you because they either like can tolerate what you've been doing so far. But they don't have to agree with you forever. They don't have to agree with each other. They'll crack. And this draft notice plan was created as one of possibly a number contingencies to play when they need the extra push to keep the war on track. You're all princesses. You're figures. You're an idea. Harmony is an idea. Propaganda is an idea."

Twilight drank her tea. She felt its heat liven up her mind, shaking herself from her shocked stupor. "So what can I do?"

Rain shook her head. "Don't ask me, Director. You're the expert on pony relations. I believe that ponies would react negatively to exempting a sibling of a Council member from the draft. You might think that ponies would see it as a logical move, to keep an important pony's morale up and mind thinking clearly."

Twilight sat in silence, mulling it over. Yes, she knew the importance of maintaining her image. Yes, she knew that fixing the draft issue would be the right thing to do with regards to Applejack. But which was worth the risk? If she risked one, did she risk losing the other?

"I'm sure there's officials in Canterlot who have ponies in service, right?" Twilight asked.

"Certainly. It's likely someone in the Scouts is one of those ponies."

"... What would you do in my position, Lieutenant?"

Rain thought about it for a moment. "... Honestly, Director? I'd never want to betray my friends, but given how bounded you are in your position, I'd tell my friend the truth. Every detail of it. And let it happen. But then again, that's why I'm not a politician. Don't like the idea of receiving backlash for a small thing like this."

The alicorn nodded. "Thank you for informing me of this, Lieutenant. If that is all, you are dismissed."

Lieutenant Rain Storms nodded and left. Even as the door to the library clicked shut, Twilight sat at the table. The tea in her hooves was still hot. She figured she should leave soon.

==+==

The Palace

Ponyville, Equestria

December 21, 1014

7:28 AM

Twilight Sparkle walked into her palace, just a little after early opening time. Usually, she was there at 7 AM to open the doors, and staff would trickle in around that time. However, due to the events of her morning, Twilight saw what the lobby was like in the early hours of the Hearth's Warming season.

It was still calming. Ponies milled about with an added upbeat air. The decorations around the place were pleasing to the eye, though Rarity wouldn't have it any other way. And there was also—"Fluttershy?" Twilight walked towards a group of lounge chairs.

Fluttershy looked up from what she was reading. "Oh, good morning, Twilight. You seem to be, um, a bit late today."

"I, uh, was sidetracked by business," Twilight answered. She looked at the scattered reading material around her friend. In the pegasus's hooves was a newspaper. "What are you reading? Do you do this every morning?"

"Yeah, I do this every morning," Fluttershy answered. "The morning paper is good to read to keep up with current events. Radios are nice, but I like the quiet."

Twilight looked at the other things lying about. "Why is there a pamphlet about volunteering as medical personnel to go overseas?"

Fluttershy glanced at the pamphlet. "I was curious as to what they actually do now. Everything's changing so fast. I like knowing if they have any new tools or training to help save ponies' lives."

"What about in the paper?"

"A lot of it always seems like the same thing. But sometimes in the casualty reports they mention if they're managing to save more ponies through any new techniques."

"... Have you ever thought about volunteering to be one yourself?"

Fluttershy put the newspaper down. "Sometimes. I know how gruesome work might be, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to just... help those ponies. It's more than just treating injuries. Good medical ponies also have a kind spirit that helps healing just as much."

Twilight sat down in a sofa next to her. "It sounds like you'd make a good nurse over there."

Fluttershy sighed. "I know."

Twilight looked around. "Well, the others don't usually get here until 8. But you already know that." She considered going up to her office right then, but the events of her morning kept her in place. So much in place that Fluttershy could sense something was amiss.

"... Twilight, is something wrong?"

Twilight thought hard if she should tell Fluttershy. "... Not really," she decided. "I'll meet you all in the throne room later, okay?"

Her friend nodded. "Okay."

==+==

It wasn't pleasant, but she had to do it. Twilight stopped by the desk to cancel anything she had scheduled for that day and told them to tell Applejack to stop by her office when the earth pony came in. It had to be done, and it hurt her both because she ruined a carefully planned schedule and because the ensuing conversation going to take place was going to be rough.

"What, Twi?!"

"I'm sorry, Applejack, but that's what's happening." Twilight was pacing around in front of her desk while Applejack wandered around the room.

"So what, you're just gonna let 'im go and leave us for two years?!" Applejack exclaimed.

"No!" Twilight replied. "I don't want to and I'm going to try and figure out how to get that done. Look, is it okay if we discuss this with the rest of the girls? I need as many ponies to pitch in."

Applejack snorted. "Alright, fine. It ends with Big Mac stayin' home."

The two left for the throne room where the other four mares were already waiting. Applejack entered looking very disgruntled and Twilight followed warily.

"I-is there anything wrong, Twilight?" Rarity asked after seeing Applejack's expression.

Applejack slumped into her seat. "Whenever you're ready, Twi."

Twilight took a moment in the middle of her friends to compose herself. She lifted her wing and presented the file she was given earlier. "This morning, somepony from Intelligence notified me of a plan concocted by some ponies in Canterlot. That plan involved Applejack's brother."

She continued on explaining everything she had been told that morning, ending with where she currently was. "So now, we're trapped in the middle of a blackmailing attempt."

"Well geez," Rainbow said, "if that's what they want, why don't you just let me join the active Wonderbolts? That'll solve your problem. One step up—an actual Council member! And I get to do something new and exiting! Everypony's happy!"

"Dash, do ya really want to get caught up in all of this like that?" Applejack said. "'Sides, we need ya here!"

"Yeah, right. What do we really do here anyways? Nothing exciting."

"We're here to keep the populace in touch with the ponies in charge," Twilight said. "Besides, how can we be sure that you going out there and announcing that you're going to become an active duty personnel of the Wonderbolts is going to get Big Mac out of this mess?"

"Why don't you just talk to them, Twi," Rainbow suggested. "Just another backstage deal, y'know?"

"There isn't any guarantee they'll let it go," Rarity said. "It's more likely that you're just playing into their hooves more."

"So what, a couple of secret deals isn't much. Celestia's definitely done her number of 'em, but we just don't know about them. She's still doing fine."

"Being the ruler of Equestria for over a millennium might be part of that. Twilight, though a very respectable princess, doesn't hold the same level of regard."

"Fine," Applejack declared. "We ain't goin' nowhere with this. Twi, I guess I have to accept it if you gotta let Big Mac go, but I ain't lettin' these ponies off that easily. They want somepony important to go? Then I'll go with him."

Twilight looked at her friend as if she had killed a pony, which wasn't too far off to think maybe. "Applejack, you can't be serious! We've barely talked about this and you're saying that you'd rather just sign up yourself?! Are you even thinking about what you're saying?!"

"Twi, I think I can see it clearly actually. Like ya said, ponies want to see us take action. And they don't want to lose, right? Only way Equestria's gonna win is if they keep gettin' ponies to fight, right? Well if they want somepony to 'inspire' everypony to sign up, then why not?"

"That's brash and twisted logic," Rarity said. "We've always known you to be a headstrong pony, Applejack, but this is going a little far. You're also usually very levelheaded! Settle down and we'll all talk this through in a civilized fashion and so we can come up with a civilized solution."

"Nothin's civilized anymore, Rarity," Applejack grumbled. "If it were, we wouldn't be here talkin' bout this. But no, even other ponies, fellow Equestrians, are against us."

"Everypony, this discussion was—is—about keeping all of us out of the war!" Twilight shouted, quieting the others.

In the silence, everyone froze and reconsidered. Twilight received a mixture of expressions. "So?"

Applejack, no longer appearing angry but rather unsure, scratched the back of her head. "I... I don't know, Twi. As much as I don't want Big Mac to go... none of this feels right anymore."

"What are you talking about now, Applejack? What doesn't feel right? I don't know if anything's supposed to feel right or wrong right now!" The unraveled alicorn let off a weak chuckle.

"I just... I don't think I ever really settled into the whole 'important pony' thing," Applejack said. "Now I'm thinkin' 'what right do I have to opt out of a war'? Or Big Mac? He's my brother, sure, but he's also just common folk like the ponies bein' sent over."

"But you're not a common citizen anymore, Applejack," Fluttershy noted. "We accepted new responsibilities."

"We're supposed to be the best examples for everypony, right? The whole Elements of Harmony thing? Wouldn't going off to fight myself be an example?" Applejack calmly argued.

Twilight waved a hoof. "Wait, wait, wait. Are you actually, seriously, considering this? For real?"

Applejack shrugged. "I think so. Yeah."

"Whoa," Rainbow remarked plainly. "As in, sign up to be one of the grunts that walks through the jungle for days?"

"How else can I be an example? By hiding in the supply lines?"

This time, Rainbow sat up and actually looked at her friend. "Whoa, that's pretty hardcore. Are you sure you didn't hit your head this morning?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Maybe she's having hormone imbalances."

"I am not in heat, Twi..."

"Are you sure? I won't judge you if war makes you hot."

Applejack just slapped her own face.

"So what if you do go?" Rarity said, attempting to return some semblance of coherence to the original discussion. "That still doesn't solve Big Mac's problem."

"I..." Applejack considered her answer. "I guess it'll just have to happen."

"Then what about your farm?!"

"Apple Bloom's smart. She's got her gadgets and plenty of ideas. Heck, she'd came up to me a few times in the past years with ideas how to make work easier."

"What about Granny Smith?" Fluttershy asked. "She's getting really old. Imagine what it would do to her if both you and Big Macintosh left."

"Oh..." Applejack groaned. She dropped her head into her hooves, thinking hard. "Well, I'm sure there's plenty of folks goin' through the same thing. The press wants to eat these kinds of things up, right? Maybe... maybe it's just another harsh fact of life right now."

Twilight's expression fell flat. Here she was, watching as one of her best friends disconnected herself from her own life and instead stepping into the lives of others. Over the years, they had elevated their own positions above other ponies, but did that mean they were no longer obligated to sympathize with them? Or did their present responsibilities exclude them from having to partake in the sorrows of normal ponies?

Did their present responsibilities even mean much?

From behind her own hooves, Twilight heard Rarity call for her. "Twilight? Do you have anything to say?"

The alicorn released her breath. "We've been treated so special for so long, I've considered us above these kinds of things. These things that we shouldn't be allowed to consider since we've had larger responsibilities placed onto us. But... I suppose being in a position of authority doesn't mean we're barred from stepping down. I guess, if, say, Celestia wanted to step down and become a normal pony, there's nothing set that completely prevents her from doing so. Politics and backlash would do so realistically, but theoretically, she could."

Rarity hesitated to speak her mind. "... Your point?"

"Applejack brings up some good points. We're lower down the ladder, closer to the citizens of Equestria. We used to be just plain citizens that were examples to follow. That still applies even in our position now. I guess... my point is that there are many reasons why she shouldn't go off and sign up, but there really isn't anything completely stopping her to."

Everyone but Applejack went wide-eyed. Rainbow was the first to piece together words. "Geez, Twi, really?! Just like that?"

"I still don't approve of it, Rainbow," Twilight said. "I'm just ending that part of the discussion by saying that, yes, Applejack could sign up if she wanted to."

Applejack took in a deep breath. "You know what, Twi? I'm gonna consider it durin' this week. I'm gonna talk to my family and tell 'em everythin' you said."

"Shit, AJ, really?" Rainbow was still incredulous. "Damn." She rubbed her neck. "Well, uh, if you really decide to go, you know what? I'll go with ya. Can't leave my best friend to go off alone."

"For Celestia's sake, not you too, Rainbow," Twilight groaned as she planted her face into her hooves.

"Maybe I'll go too!" Pinkie declared. "I can't leave Dashie and AJ to go to some miserable, rainy place! That doesn't sound like fun. And I'll miss Dashie!"

Twilight was hammering her face with her hooves. "Right, who's next?"

"Um, if everyone's going to leave, I guess it would be a good example for me to be trained in a medical position..." Fluttershy said. "Morale is a good thing for everypony..."

There was a deep knot in Twilight's chest. "Rarity?"

"Eeuuuhhh... if it means anything, Twilight, I'm not feeling any great urge to volunteer myself and sign up to get shipped out to some abysmal country that could become my grave."

"Oh, come on, Rares, it'll be fun!" Rainbow said. "You need to get out more anyways."

"No. Have you heard of the horror stories that come from there?" Rarity reacted in disgust. "I will simply not subject myself to them. And neither should any of you. Consider that."

"S'alright, Rares," Applejack said sincerely. "Nopony's forcin' ya. If I do go, we'll be alright without ya."

"Stop, stop! Don't try and guilt me into going."

Applejack was taken aback. "I'm not!"

"But it might work anyways!"

"Do I need to adjourn this?" Twilight said, exhausted. "I think I should adjourn this. This is just ridiculous."

"Twilight," Rarity said, also exasperated, "I don't believe you can do anything else today."

"Right." Twilight's hooves were a gavel and her head was the surface. "Adjourned."

==+==

Twilight entered her office laden with what she just left from.

"So, how'd it go, Director?"

She nearly jumped and her wings twitched in surprise. At least it knocked her out of her stupor. "Lieutenant?"

Rain, leaning on the desk when Twilight entered, righted herself and stood tall. "I was notified that you had cancelled today's follow-up meeting regarding my status. I asked the desk a few other things and they kindly let me know that everything on your schedule had been wiped." She began pacing around leisurely. "So, how did it go?"

Twilight winced, recalling the entire ordeal. She considered the situation and once she promptly decided accordingly, she opened her eyes. "The situation, as it developed, is that four of my friends may sign up to ship out in the near future."

It was as if nails shot up through the floor into Rain's hooves. "What?"

"To save you the trouble, it's Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. The latter of which is considering a medical position."

"What ever transpired that that would happen?"

Twilight summarized the meeting.

"That's... respectable," Rain admitted. "But... that's insane!... What do you plan to do?"

"I consider myself an experienced individual," Twilight said as she walked towards her desk, "but there are some things that I'd rather take up with others with more experience. So basically Princess Celestia."

"How much are you going to tell Princess Celestia though?" Rain asked. "After all, part of the problem is Luna."

The alicorn sat down at her desk to rest her head on a hoof. Idly with her magic, she set some tea boiling in a small kettle off to the side."I'll just... skip over that part."

"And what if she brings it up with Luna?" Rain slid into one of the seats in front of the desk.

"Well, according to you, Luna's already aware of the situation, so I presume she would take all measures to hide her true intent."

Rain grumbled. "If I ever get the chance to wring the neck of some of those assholes in Canterlot, I'm gonna make them swallow their spinal cord..."

Twilight casually threw a hoof up in response. "Good to know. Anything else?"

"Would you like me to relay what you told me to those of us in the know in Intelligence?"

Twilight sat up. The kettle whistled and she poured herself a drink as she browsed through the documents at her desk. "I think that would be best. I'd rather not try to hinder the efficiency Intelligence can operate at by withholding information that's likely to become known eventually. Tea?"

Rain nodded an affirmative. "Sure. Anything else, Director?"

"I don't think so." Twilight levitated a cup and platter down in front of the officer. "I should write a letter to Princess Celestia. I'm hoping to get an audience with her as soon as possible." Her horn continued glowing as various items floated around, from her own tea to quill and paper. "So how was your day yesterday?"

"I got out by 5, if you were curious. I suppose intensive training is a factor. Cute, he was, and your brother does well to maintain Royal Guard standards as well. Didn't have to haul his ass out... Admittedly, probably wouldn't have been able to either." Rain reminisced it thoughtfully.

Twilight rolled her eyes, but inside was glad for some conversation that didn't involve her pounding her own head. "Well, I guess it's good to see some ponies can find ways to unravel during the Hearth's Warming season."

"I'd say you're one of the most in need of said unraveling." The pegasus just smirked as she downed what was left of her tea.

Another roll of the eyes and a slight smile. "A couple of things. One, you're not my type. And two, I prefer keeping my office orderly."

There were two clinks as Rain placed her empty cup and platter down on the desk. "Aw, I'm a bit hurt, Princess. I was hoping I could improve my reputation that way," she grinned. "Alas, it seems it isn't meant to be." Satisfied in both her initial purpose and in lifting her boss's mood slightly and momentarily, she stood up. "Well, you have quite a bit to take care of. I'll best to leave you to it."

Twilight watched as the mare departed, with what might have been an extra sway in her stride. "Lieutenant, what will I do with you..." She sighed and her expression fell solemn once more as she stared at the short message written to her mentor. Satisfied it would suffice, she took a lighter from her desk, flicked it alight, and burnt the message in its green flame.

Spike had other things to do after all.

Alone in her office with only paper, quills, and other various inanimate objects to accompany her, she planned out the upcoming ordeal.

Somehow, her day went from bad to worse to hell.

==+==

Twilight didn't know whether she wanted a quick reply or to have Celestia bogged down in work. Because of her indecisiveness, fate decided to intervene just a few minutes afterwards.

She really wished it was the latter right then. Twilight was never one for surprises behind closed doors. As she steeled her breath, she turned the knob with her magic and stepped into Celestia's own room. "Princess Celestia," she bowed, out of habit and respect.

Celestia was already standing ready to greet her former student. "Princess Twilight." The discussion began after a short pause; Celestia wasn't one to delay matters of importance. "What could be so distressing that you wrote to me just a couple of minutes ago? You didn't reveal anything in your letter."

Twilight had no time to form a proper presentation, so she began with what she could. "It's bad, Celestia, it's bad." Her eyes were straining to open even wider in her distress. "It's incredibly bad. Unfathomably bad."

Celestia said nothing, patiently waiting for the other alicorn to get a grip and explain.

Twilight took one more deep breath, then stepped into her tale, starting from the night before, going through the meeting earlier that morning, and finally ending with the mess that landed her where she was that moment. "What... what's the right thing to do?"

"I recall a few times where I felt pained, powerless to help brave soldiers out on the front. I always felt that it would be good if I could be there with them. To give to them what I as both a leader and a mother figure could offer. Alas, I could never do such a thing, as I bear too much duty as a princess.

"While I would not recommend your friends taking that course of action, as doing so would pain me to watch them to go off, I will admit it would be very commendable of them. Authority is a responsibility, but we shouldn't be blinded to what ponies below us are experiencing. If they do leave Equestria... I believe we would still function fine."

"So you're saying that our positions aren't critical enough to keep us here?"

"Well, I wouldn't say that," Celestia said. "But I don't feel that their absence would be something we wouldn't be able to compensate for."

Twilight took it in and considered what that could mean for the future. This was going to be a long talk.