Darkness Descending
A new war has started for one of the allies of Equestria. The Griffish Isles regained their independence from Equestria some time ago and have since become a vast empire. However, that empire is now threatened. Germaney has conquered Belgian, the Witherlands, and Prance. The Griffish Isles tried to assist Prance when the invasion happened, but they were quickly pushed back to the sea. 400,000 ponies of the Griffish Expeditionary Force were trapped and were nearly destroyed in Prance. Yet, thanks to the bravery of many civilian ponies, almost all of them were rescued.
However, troubles were not over yet for the Griffish Isles. The leader of Germaney's Third Reich, Schwert Eifer, demanded the complete and total surrender of the Griffish Isles. The Prime Minister of the Griffish Isles, Winter Quill, in response to the evacuation of the army and in response to Eifer, responded in a public broadcast to the world from the House of Commons. The entire world is listening.
"From the moment that the Prench defenses were broken at the end of the second week of May, only a rapid retreat could have saved the Griffish and Prench Armies who had entered Belgian at the appeal of the Belgian King; but this strategic fact was not immediately realized. The Prench High Command hoped they would be able to close the gap, and the Armies of the north were under their orders. Moreover, a retirement of this kind would have involved almost certainly the destruction of the fine Belgian Army of over 20 divisions and the abandonment of the whole of Belgian. Therefore, when the force and scope of the Germane penetration were realized and when a new Prench Generalissimo, General Weygand, assumed command in place of General Gamelin, an effort was made by the Prench and Griffish Armies in Belgian to keep on holding the right hand of the Belgians and to give their own right hand to a newly created Prench Army which was to have advanced across the Somme in great strength to grasp it.
However, the Germane eruption swept like a sharp scythe around the right and rear of the Armies of the north. Eight or nine armored divisions, each of about four hundred armored vehicles of different kinds, but carefully assorted to be complementary and divisible into small self-contained units, cut off all communications between us and the main Prench Armies. It severed our own communications for food and ammunition. Behind this armored and mechanized onslaught came a number of Germane divisions in lorries, and behind them again there plodded comparatively slowly the dull brute mass of the ordinary Germane Army and Germane ponies, always so ready to be led to the trampling down in other lands of liberties and comforts which they have never known in their own.
I have said this armored scythe-stroke almost reached Dunkirk-almost but not quite. Boulogne and Calais were the scenes of desperate fighting. The Guards defended Boulogne for a while and were then withdrawn by orders from this country. The Rifle Brigade, the 60th Rifles, and the Queen Rifles, with a battalion of Griffish tanks, and 1,000 Prench ponies, in all about four thousand strong, defended Calais to the last. The Griffish Brigadier was given an hour to surrender. He spurned the offer, and four days of intense street fighting passed before silence reigned over Calais, which marked the end of a memorable resistance. Only 30 unwounded survivors were brought off by the Navy, and we do not know the fate of their comrades. Their sacrifice, however, was not in vain. At least two armored divisions, which otherwise would have been turned against the Griffish Expeditionary Force, had to be sent to overcome them. They have added another page to the glories of the light divisions, and the time gained enabled the Graveline water lines to be flooded and to be held by the Prench troops.
Thus it was that the port of Dunkirk was kept open. When it was found impossible for the Armies of the north to reopen their communications with the main Prench Armies, only one choice remained. It seemed, indeed, forlorn. The Belgian, Griffish, and Prench Armies were almost surrounded. Their sole line of retreat was to a single port and to its neighboring beaches. They were pressed on every side by heavy attacks and far outnumbered in the air.
When, a week ago today, I asked the House to fix this afternoon as the occasion for a statement, I feared it would be my hard lot to announce the greatest military disaster in our long history. I thought-and some good judges agreed with me-that perhaps 20,000 or 30,000 ponies might be re-embarked. But it certainly seemed that the whole of the Prench First Army and the whole of the Griffish Expeditionary Force north of the Amiens-Amberville gap would be broken up in the open field or else would have to capitulate for lack of food and ammunition. These were the hard and heavy tidings for which I called upon the House and the nation to prepare themselves a week ago. The whole root and core and brain of the Griffish Army, on which and around which we were to build, and are to build, the great Griffish Armies in the later years of the war, seemed about to perish upon the field or to be led into an ignominious and starving captivity.
That was the prospect a week ago. But another blow which might well have proved final was yet to fall upon us. The King of the Belgians had called upon us to come to his aid. Had not this Ruler and his Government severed themselves from the Allies, who rescued their country from extinction in the late war, and had they not sought refuge in what was proved to be a fatal neutrality, the Prench and Griffish Armies might well at the outset have saved not only Belgian but perhaps even Polend. Yet at the last moment, when Belgian was already invaded, the King of Belgian called upon us to come to his aid, and even at the last moment we came. He and his brave, efficient Army, nearly half a million strong, guarded our left flank and thus kept open our only line of retreat to the sea. Suddenly, without prior consultation, with the least possible notice, without the advice of his Ministers and upon his own personal act, he sent a plenipotentiary to the Germane Command, surrendered his Army, and exposed our whole flank and means of retreat.
I asked the House a week ago to suspend its judgment because the facts were not clear, but I do not feel that any reason now exists why we should not form our own opinions upon this pitiful episode. The surrender of the Belgian Army compelled the Griffish at the shortest notice to cover a flank to the sea more than 30 miles in length. Otherwise all would have been cut off, and all would have shared the fate to which King Leopold had condemned the finest Army his country had ever formed. So in doing this and in exposing this flank, as anypony who followed the operations on the map will see, contact was lost between the Griffish and two out of the three corps forming the First Prench Army, who were still farther from the coast than we were, and it seemed impossible that any large number of Allied troops could reach the coast.
The enemy attacked on all sides with great strength and fierceness, and their main power, the power of their far more numerous Air Force, was thrown into the battle or else concentrated upon Dunkirk and the beaches. Pressing in upon the narrow exit, both from the east and from the west, the enemy began to fire with cannon upon the beaches by which alone the shipping could approach or depart. They sowed magnetic mines in the channels and seas; they sent repeated waves of hostile aircraft, sometimes more than a hundred strong in one formation, to cast their bombs upon the single pier that remained, and upon the sand dunes upon which the troops had their only shelter. Their U-boats, one of which was sunk, and their motor launches took their toll of the vast traffic which now began. For four or five days an intense struggle reigned. All their armored divisions-or what was left of them-together with great masses of infantry and artillery, hurled themselves in vain upon the ever-narrowing, ever-contracting appendix within which the Griffish and Prench Armies fought.
Meanwhile, the Royal Navy, with the willing help of countless merchant seamen, strained every nerve to embark the Griffish and Allied troops; 220 light warships and 650 other vessels were engaged. They had to operate upon the difficult coast, often in adverse weather, under an almost ceaseless hail of bombs and an increasing concentration of artillery fire. Nor were the seas, as I have said, themselves free from mines and torpedoes. It was in conditions such as these that our ponies carried on, with little or no rest, for days and nights on end, making trip after trip across the dangerous waters, bringing with them always ponies whom they had rescued. The numbers they have brought back are the measure of their devotion and their courage. The hospital ships, which brought off many thousands of Griffish and Prench wounded, being so plainly marked were a special target for Nazi bombs; but the stallions and mares on board them never faltered in their duty.
Meanwhile, the Royal Air Force, which had already been intervening in the battle, so far as its range would allow, from home bases, now used part of its main metropolitan fighter strength, and struck at the Germane bombers and at the fighters which in large numbers protected them. This struggle was protracted and fierce. Suddenly the scene has cleared, the crash and thunder has for the moment-but only for the moment-died away. A miracle of deliverance, achieved by valor, by perseverance, by perfect discipline, by faultless service, by resource, by skill, by unconquerable fidelity, is manifest to us all. The enemy was hurled back by the retreating Griffish and Prench troops. He was so roughly handled that he did not hurry their departure seriously. The Royal Air Force engaged the main strength of the Germane Air Force, and inflicted upon them losses of at least four to one; and the Navy, using nearly 1,000 ships of all kinds, carried over 335,000 men, Prench and Griffish, out of the jaws of death and shame, to their native land and to the tasks which lie immediately ahead. We must be very careful not to assign to this deliverance the attributes of a victory. Wars are not won by evacuations. But there was a victory inside this deliverance, which should be noted. It was gained by the Air Force. Many of our soldiers coming back have not seen the Air Force at work; they saw only the bombers which escaped its protective attack. They underrate its achievements. I have heard much talk of this; that is why I go out of my way to say this. I will tell you about it.
This was a great trial of strength between the Griffish and Germane Air Forces. Can you conceive a greater objective for the Germanes in the air than to make evacuation from these beaches impossible, and to sink all these ships which were displayed, almost to the extent of thousands? Could there have been an objective of greater military importance and significance for the whole purpose of the war than this? They tried hard, and they were beaten back; they were frustrated in their task. We got the Army away; and they have paid fourfold for any losses which they have inflicted.
When we consider how much greater would be our advantage in defending the air above this Island against an overseas attack, I must say that I find in these facts a sure basis upon which practical and reassuring thoughts may rest. I will pay my tribute to these young airstallions. The great Prench Army was very largely, for the time being, cast back and disturbed by the onrush of a few thousands of armored vehicles. May it not also be that the cause of civilization itself will be defended by the skill and devotion of a few thousand airstallions? There never has been, I suppose, in all the world, in all the history of war, such an opportunity for youth. The Knights of the Round Table, the Crusaders, all fall back into the past-not only distant but prosaic; these young men, going forth every morn to guard their native land and all that we stand for, holding in their hands these instruments of colossal and shattering power, of whom it may be said that:
Every morn brought forth a noble chance
And every chance brought forth a noble knight,
deserve our gratitude, as do all the brave stallions who, in so many ways and on so many occasions, are ready, and continue ready to give life and all for their native land.
Nevertheless, our thankfulness at the escape of our Army and so many men, whose loved ones have passed through an agonizing week, must not blind us to the fact that what has happened in Prance and Belgian is a colossal military disaster. The Prench Army has been weakened, the Belgian Army has been lost, a large part of those fortified lines upon which so much faith had been reposed is gone, many valuable mining districts and factories have passed into the enemy’s possession, the whole of the Channel ports are in his hands, with all the tragic consequences that follow from that, and we must expect another blow to be struck almost immediately at us or at Prance. We are told that Herr Eifer has a plan for invading the Griffish Isles. This has often been thought of before.
I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty’s Government-every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation. The Griffish Empire and the Prench Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in Prance, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the Griffish Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in Faust’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old."
The entire hall erupted with monstrous cheers of applause. Across every nation who heard the speech it was the same. Allied nations were cheering for them. There was a different feeling in Germaney. In Berglin, Schwert Eifer was furious and determined to see the Griffish Isles fall. But he was at the same time nervous.
While Equestria was remaining neutral at this time, many cheers of support were heard in their cities. In Canterlot, Celestia and Luna knew that Mr. Quill meant what he said and they provide whatever support they could for him.
77 Years
December 7, 1941
In Pearly Harbor, Haywaii, the security of Equestria was suddenly shattered as the majority of the Equestrian Navy was sunk in the harbor. It was almost completely destroyed. In Canterlot, the word came all to late that Neighpan was attacking for the princesses to act. By the time they did the battle was over. It shocked princess Celestia to her core and she called an immediate emergency meeting with the EUP Council for the next morning.
December 8, 1941
A family of ponies gather around their radio and tune into the news. They do it every day and today is a broadcast they want to hear. The radio crackles to life and a stallion's voice comes out.
"We now take you to Canterlot Palace where Princess Celestia is about to address the council and other members of the government on the events of yesterday morning."
The radio then broadcasts the voice of the princess from the council chamber in Canterlot Castle.
"Sister, Ms. Speaker, members of the Council. Yesterday, December 7, 1941, is a date which will live in infamy. The United Reichs of Equestria was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Neighpan. The United Reichs was at peace with that nation, and at the solicitation of Neighpan, was still in conversations, with its government and its emperor, looking towards the maintenance of peace in the Luna Ocean. Indeed, one hour after Neighpanes air squadrons had commenced bombing in the Equestrian island of Oahu the Neighpanes ambassador to the United Reichs and his associate delivered to our Secretary of State, a formal reply to a recent Equestrian message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Haywaii from Neighpan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Neighpanes government has deliberately sought to deceive the United Reichs by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday, on the Haywaiian island has caused severe damage to Equestrian naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many Equestrian lives have been lost. In addition Equestrian ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between Sand Frondcisco and Horseolulu.
Yesterday, the Neighpanes government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Neighpanes forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Neighpanes forces attacked Guam. Last night Neighpanes forces attacked the Fillyppine Islands. Last night the Neighpanes attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Neighpanes attacked Midday Island. The Neighpanes have therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Luna Ocean area.
The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The ponies of the United Reichs have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very light and safety of our nation.
As Commander-n-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, but always, will our whole nation, remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us, to over come this premeditative invasion, the Equestrian ponies in their righteous might shall win through to absolute victory."
A massive thundering of hooves could be heard through the cheering over the radio. When it died down the princess continued.
"I believe that I interpret the will of the Council and of the ponies when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the utter most, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our ponies, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our ponies, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us Faust.
I ask that the Council declare, that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Neighpan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United Reichs and the Neighpanes Empire."
The family turned off their radio in disbelief. Equestria was at war. The father then stood up and galloped out of the house. A few days later, his family waved goodbye and he and many others from their small town marched off to go to war. It was the same across Equestria. Hundreds of ponies were drafted or enlisted within the first few days and factories and shipyards roared to life producing ships, tanks, and guns. Equestria had awoken from her slumber and was about to show Germaney and Neighpan just what it could do.
Author's Note
Play the some on this link as you read the last paragraph.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLZxnSdivm8
Vengeance
Celestia sat in the wheel chair she had been bound to for years as she faced her military council. She had just declared war on Neighpan and she had received more news about her old flagship. The ESS Marezona was the pride of the Equestrian Navy and she been destroyed by one bomb during the attack on Pearly Harbor. Now, Celestia had the difficult task of making strike back at Neighpan for the blow that had been struck.
"Is is true? Ponies are still trapped alive inside the Marezona?" Celestia asked in a saddened voice.
Her Admiral of the Navy nodded. "We can hear tapping from inside the hull. We're doing everything we can to get to them, they're 80 hooves below water."
Celestia straitened herself for what she had to try next. She was about to try and convince her commanders to hit the heart of Neighpan.
"We've been trained to think that, thanks to the Elements of Harmony, we're invincible. And now our proudest ships have been destroyed by an enemy we considered inferior. We're on the ropes, everypony. That's exactly why we have to strick back now." The admiral nodded. He was about to speak when Celestia cut him off. "I don't mean an island assault. I'm talking about hitting the heart of Neighpan, the way they have hit us."
Shinning Armor cleared his throat before leaning forward to answer. "Princess, Pearly Harbor caught us with our flanks turned because we didn't face facts. This isn't a time for ignoring them again. The Royal Guard and the Wonderbolts has long range bombers and distance flying Pegasi, but no place to launch them. Midday is too far and Ratsia won't allow us to launch an attack from there."
Celestia turned back to her admiral when he spoke up in response.
"Agreed. Not to mention tbe Navy's planes are small and our long range Pegasi carry light loads. We'd have to get them within a few hundred miles of Neighpan and therefore risk our carriers. If, Faust forbid, we lose our carriers, we'll have no shield against an invasion."
Celestia was getting fed up and desperate to convince them. "Does anypony in this room think that victory is possible without facing danger? We are at war! Of course there's a risk."
Shinning Armor retorted. "But consider the risk, Celestia. If the Neighpanese invade us right now, they would penetrate as far as Chickago before we could stop them."
Celestia ruffled her wings as she played her last card. "Everypony, most of you did not now me when I had the use of my legs. I was strong and proud and arrogant. And now I wonder, every hour of my life, why my mother put me into this chair. But when I see defeat in the eyes of my ponies, in your eyes right now, I start to think that maybe she brought me down for times like these when we must rise up and not give up or give in."
The admiral shook his head. "Princess, with all due respect, what your asking can't be done."
Light bulb!
Celestia used her magic to life her legs out of her chair and with the help of her wings and forelegs started to pull herself up. She started struggling and her butler and Luna rushed to help her. She dismissed them and forbid anyone from helping her. She struggled for several more seconds until her braces and her own strength pulled her up straight. She looked right back at her staff with a steeled stare that held thousands of years of determination and experience behind it. "Doctors said I would never be able to stand again. Do not tell me, it can't be done."
A few months later
A family of four foals and a mare sat around their radio as the news broadcast came on.
"Neighpan continues its military conquest through out the Luna Ocean. But, back home millions of Equestrian workers band together, bringing factories to life to avenge Pearly Harbor."
Celestia sat in her office reading a paper until her admiral, Shinning Armor, and Discord of all ponies came into the room.
"Princess, I think we have an idea about how to bomb the Neighpanese," Shinning Armor said.
"Why is Discord here?" Celestia asked confused.
Discord huffed. "And I was hopping for something more along the lines of, 'Welcome back, Discord! It's so nice to see you again old friend.'"
Celestia scowled. "We're not friends."
A sword pierced his chest. "You wound me, Mon Capitan."
The admiral stepped in between them as Celestia's horn sparked.
"He came up with this idea. It may just work."
Celestia just rolled her eyes. "Fire away, gentlecolts."
