Breakfast at Celestia'sby Voss-CorsairChaptersChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter FourChapter FiveChapter SixChapter OneThe long ride from Manehattan to Canterlot finally came to an end as the train gently halted at the Grand Hub Station. General Voss Corsair, a griffon of the aptly named Griffish Isles was a stranger to this city; his smart blue wool uniform and kepi denoted his allegiance to the Republic of Aquileia, or rather the newly formed Griffonian Republic. Aquileia had been his home for much of his life even through the dark days of the Discret monarchy and its forceful restoration that ended at the guillotine. The brown coated and off white feathered griffon made one final adjustment to his beloved uniform and exited the train with the throng of fellow griffon volunteers from across the Griffonian continent. This was the first part of an estimated four divisions would be forming to fight against the Changeling invasion that had cut deep into Equestria. The war was now halfway through its second year. Voss looked around at the suitably grand architecture and glass roof that let in the warm morning sun. “You'd almost think that nothing like a war going on around here, eh?” commented a northern Griffonian in a uniform Voss couldn't quite identify, “Not a single poster or recruiter hanging around here.” “Maybe the nobles don't want to be reminded of anything that could threaten their lavish lifestyle.” he chuckled, A small group of Equestrian officers waited to greet the arriving Griffons. They saluted and the new arrivals responded in kind. “On behalf of Equestria, we warmly welcome the griffon volunteers of many nations.” said the highest ranking officer, “I am General Rough Shod and these are your new adjutants and liaison officers who will be individually assigned to you.” “Thank you, General.” Voss smiled, “We are proud to stand by fellow creatures of harmony.” “I have heard a great deal about the veteran divisions of Aquileia and her allies. Take a moment to meet my officers and then follow me to the castle.” An auburn unicorn mare with a long mane tied loosely into a tail directed a salute at Voss, “Good morning, sir. I am First Lieutenant Bookish Ledger, your personal adjutant and guide.” “A pleasure to meet you and is that a Griffish Isles accent I hear?” “A little bit, sir. I was born there but mainly grew up in Vanhoover. I see that you have retained your deep and rather 'proper' accent.” “Indeed. I'm surprised I kept it despite living in Aquileia for so long.” “Your adoptive nation has done well for itself recently.” Bookish said in the typically understated manner of citizens from the region, “It was a bit of a bother, but we cast down the wretched Discret monarchy.” Voss replied in kind, “Oh, and the old Empire's capital looks nice with the republican colours flying above it.” “A shame they were executed. Perhaps they could've learned something about harmony from the Alicorn Sisters.” “I think the guillotine taught them all that their hollow skulls could handle.” Voss rolled his eyes, “Royal bloodlines are nothing but trouble.” “Ah, um.” Bookish looked around nervously, “There's the rest of your luggage, sir. I'll carry it to your room at the palace.” As they exited into a large plaza, a crowd of over a hundred ponies erupted into applause and cheered the new arrivals. Flags made with varying degrees of accuracy were waved by the well-wishers. Some were unwittingly flying the colours of long dead or annexed nations, but the good intentions were there. The griffons waved back and shook a few hooves. Cameras immortalised many of these happy moments. After exchanging more pleasantries with the crowd, the group resumed their walk to the castle. They had a meeting with Princess Celestia herself to attend. There was pleasant stroll to be had through Canterlot's beautiful streets leading towards the castle. Many griffons marvelled at the buildings; some predated even the Grover Dynasty, but that was to be expected from a nation that has known so little war until now. Voss mulled over his snappy remark at Bookish, but decided to leave her be for now. She seemed to have melted into the background anyway. Chapter TwoIdentity papers were checked at the main gatehouse by unicorns who were attuned to the magical frequencies of shapeshifting. Everygriff was searched for weapons and handed in a variety of compact pistols and blades. Voss carried a suitably diminutive six point two millimetre FNA model 990. It wasn't a scary weapon like his seven point eight Mouser C89 machine pistol that he had on frontline tours, but it had saved his life during the rise of the Second Aquileian Republic. Thus he was reluctant to turn it in given how Chrysalis herself had managed to infiltrate the Royal Wedding many years ago. “Sir, your weapon will be tagged and secured. Ammunition too please.” Voss glanced at the tag the guard was holding, he nodded in agreement upon noting the details it recorded and the numbered chit he would need to get his weapon back. Once the group of thirty griffons and their new pony counterparts were cleared, they were lead to a large hall with a horseshoe shaped arrangement of cushions with a larger one in the middle. Several creatures began chatting about the warm welcome. Voss stepped towards General Rough Shod who seemed to be less engaged with the chatter. “Something wrong, General?” asked Voss, “That was too big for a spontaneous crowd, Corsair.” Rough Shod explained, “We try to keep arrivals of officer delegations as quiet as possible.” “A security leak?” “Probably accidental, but I'm having the MP's and Royal Guard look into it.” “Everyone seems to be here... apart from my adjutant, Bookish Ledger, but she did go off to escort my luggage here.” “Either way, let's get ready to meet her majesty.” Despite how little Voss cared for royal protocol, he had made a point of disseminating basic guidelines to all of the inbound griffon volunteers on how to conduct themselves in that regard. They stood to attention in two columns either side of the long rug at the double door. A soft whisper of magic began to unlock the door. “Stand to for her majesty Princess Celestia!” Voss called out, A few griffons almost stood on their hind legs to attention as continental Griffonian armies tended to do, but quickly shifted back onto their claws. It seemed that not many drills had been carried out beforehand since many officers had neglected that to focus on Equestrian military doctrine instead. The doors rattled a little. Everyone raised their arms in salute. The doors flew open to the sound of a panting Bookish Ledger. She hurried through only to freeze in her tracks at the sight of the precession. Many laughs were stifled as Voss frowned disapprovingly. “Ledger! Get-” Voss was cut off by the sound of acute laughter from a thoroughly amused Princess Celestia, who was levitating several trays of waffles and tea pots of all things. “I didn't know we had-” Celestia had another fit of laughter, “- another princess with us today!” Any sense of discipline broke down as the laughter spread. “Princess Celestia! I-I'm sorry I messed up y-your arrival!” Bookish trembled, “Oh don't worry, Bookish!” Celestia giggled and steadied the embarrassed mare with a hoof, “This has to be the funniest breach of protocol I've had at an event for years! Now let's have some breakfast everycreature!” The delighted Princess set out the numerous trays that were heaped with plates of waffles with all the trimmings and pots of tea and coffee. Everyone gladly tucked in and enjoyed the jovial atmosphere that the blunder had created. Celestia worked her way around the room to introduce herself and made full use of the unintentional icebreaker to present herself as a pony first and princess second. Even Voss and his overly strong anti-monarchist convictions couldn't stop him from smiling as he feasted on the incredible waffles with real maple syrup – something he had not tasted in years due to the ongoing rationing in the newly formed Griffonian Republic. He decided to seek out his still flustered adjutant and provide some reassurance. “Hello, sir.” Bookish said after quickly swallowing a piece of waffle, “I want to apologise.” “Relax, Bookish.” Voss passed her a cup of tea that she quickly accepted, “You saved us from a lot of boring royal protocol. Even Celestia seems relieved she didn't have to go through with that drivel either.” Celestia didn't appreciate the 'drivel' remark, but she fully agreed that it was a relief in a way. “Hello Voss, it's nice to finally meet you.” she smiled and extended a hoof towards him, “Your majesty.” he went to salute but quickly corrected himself and accepted the hand/hoof shake. He felt a sensation of warmth that made him smile sincerely. “Please, call me Celestia.” she smiled back, “Of course your hi- Celestia.” “Hi Voss.” Celestia chuckled at her own joke, The General couldn't help but follow suit. The princess was as far as one could get from the starchy and aloof King Moriset Discret that he once had the displeasure of meeting at a formal function. He was glad that he no longer had to fake loyalty to such monsters. However, Voss still felt his republican convictions burn strongly in his heart as he recalled Celestia's blunders handling the Stalliongrad Crisis that almost got his closest friend killed. They talked for a while longer until Bookish asked to see his medals. Celestia seconded the suggestion. It would be a good way to coax more conversation out of the somewhat reserved General she wanted to befriend. Voss set off to his room to retrieve his medals as Celestia requested. He heard the clacking of hooves on the marble floors behind him. “Don't worry, it's me!” Bookish called out, “You don't have to come with me to get these medals.” “But I insist, sir. I feel like I ought to make myself useful after running late.” “Very well, then.” Voss nodded, They made some small talk along the way that Voss was not overly interested in. Some of it covered questions Bookish had already asked earlier. They soon reached the door to his room. “Allow me, sir.” Bookish produced the spare key, “Be sure to lock the door. I don't want anyone coming in without permission.” She gracefully waved him in and followed her superior in and locked the door. Voss opened one of his suitcases and began rummaging through it. “Do you have any from the First Republic or the Kingdom?” Bookish slowly and silently worked the key to unlock the door again with her magic. “I certainly do - did you hear the door rattle?” “Sorry sir. I thought for a second it was still unlocked.” “Ah- woah!” Voss felt the rug he was standing on pull out from under his paws, Bookish and the uninvited guest leapt on Voss and held his beak shut. “Shh now.” whispered Bookish, The uninvited guest summoned a tendril of glowing green magic that went into Voss's eyes. The General went limp within seconds. The two assailants dragged him to the bathroom. infiltrator briefly shifted back to his Changeling form before adopting his victim's likeness. They tied him up to the base of the sink and sealed his beak with Equestria's greatest wartime invention that was duck cloth tape. “Let's tidy up and get on with this.” said Bookish She grabbed the medal box and the after action reports describing how each medal was earned. She then neatened up the creased rug. Faux Voss put on a spare uniform and kepi to complete the look. Off they went. Chapter ThreeCelestia saw Voss strut back into the hall with Bookish, who was intently reading the reports aloud to her superior in awe. “Sounds like you have a new fan, Voss.” Celestia was glad to see that Bookish was connecting with him, “I do indeed, your majesty.” “Oh Voss, I told you that you can call me Celestia.” she smiled, “Sorry, Celestia.” “Anyway, what does your newest fan have to share with me?” “August 12th, 1008. Silver Merit. During the revolution, Voss's HQ came under attack from diehard Royal Guards when the King was arrested. He promptly joined his fellow griffons in combat and demonstrated great tactical acumen in rescuing casualties and defeating the enemy.” Celestia listened intently to try and get a better gauge of the General's qualities. She was surprised that he took a moment to skim through another report when Bookish showed her one of his highest honours, the Order of the Second Republic. Suddenly from between the pages, a bloodstained brown feather fell to the ground. Celestia levitated the feather off the ground and inspected it. “An old quill?” “Yes, but pardon the unpleasant appearance. It's something special.” Several griffons began to take an interest in the conversation. “Sir, I thought you got rid of that thing?” asked an officer, “Is there something I should know?” Celestia spoke with a raised eyebrow, “It's a quill, courtesy of the late King Moriset.” “How did you acquire that?” “Why, I plucked it from his lifeless corpse of course.” Celestia and several guests recoiled in disgust, but some appeared to be more curious than repulsed. “I really did not need to know that, Voss.” she frowned, “I-I'm sorry, Celestia. I t-told him not to bring that here.” Bookish stammered, “Voss. Step into the adjacent hall. We need to have a word about your anti-monarchist views.” “Fine.” he shrugged, Celestia gently closed the door of the adjacent hall behind them. She glared at Voss and placed the bloody feather in his hand. The pair of guards who had their break interrupted glared at the griffon. “Voss, several of my advisors warned me of your views and I overruled them because I thought they were exaggerating. Now you have the audacity to bring a grotesque trophy and graphically explain to the whole room where it came from.” “You're not an idiot, Celestia. You would have seen through any lie I spun up.” “I am so disappointed in you, Voss.” she shook her head as her anger gave way to sadness, “I was going to offer you a role on the General Staff...” Faux Voss twirled the quill without a care, “...but I'm not sure I want you at my service at all. Go to your chamber and don't come until you can be more civil.” “You are not my mother, your majesty.” he smirked contemptuously, “Really now! That's... that is so... guards! Escort him back to his room!” “Send up an inkpot-” Celestia scowled and tugged the rude guest's kepi down over his eyes. “Take him away!” Chapter FourVoss could feel the hard marble floor against his aching body as the stun spell began to wear off. He tried to move his numb limbs and wings to no avail. He shook his tail back into life and wiped his watery eyes with it to clear his vision. He vainly gripped at the tape over his beak then tried to make an equally ineffective attempt to alert the guards. The sound of the chamber door perked up his ears. Then the bathroom door opened to the sight of a smirking copy of Voss. “Here's your old souvenir. Celestia loved it!” Voss let out a muffled yelp as he felt the quill stab into his wing. “Great reports you have here. I like those classified ones you picked up in Baltimare about logistical capabilities of Equestria's military as well.” said Bookish Ledger, The yelp became a muted howl as he felt a sharp tug and twist to his tail. The sounds of the doors being opened then closed indicated that the chamber was now vacant. Unsettling thoughts of what damage an impersonator could do shocked him to his core. With his long tail, he began feeling around the top of the sink for any object he could grab. Sharp pain cut through his entire body as he struggled against the fractures several tail bones had suffered. He soon found a glass bottle of mouthwash and dashed it against the marble floor as hard as he could. He judged by the slight echo that the bathroom door was open and in with a chance of raising the alarm. Unsure if that was enough, he began bending his limbs to bring himself up against the sink to reach the rope. His suitably hooked beak easily snagged onto the thick rope and began attacking it. He strained at the fibres but it was soon clear it could not be frayed without full use of his beak. Another idea sprung to mind. Unable to see where the bottle had impacted, he pushed through the pain and patted the floor with his tail until he managed to pick up a shard. He tried to scratch it along the floor to make an unpleasant noise, but his tail grip gave out. A painfully shrill screech filled the bathroom as Voss scraped the point of his beak down the porcelain. After two more of those ear-splitting manoeuvrers, he heard a knock on the chamber door followed by the muffled enquiries of a guard. Voss responded with another assault to the ears. The knocking resumed for a moment. Twice more, Voss sent out his improvised signal. All of a sudden, a guard and General Rough Shod burst into the chamber. “Voss!?” he gasped, “Raise the alarm! The other Voss and Bookish must be Changelings!” “Yes sir!” responded the guard as he hurried off, The General quickly set about freeing the griffon from his binds and peeled off the tape. “Thank Boreas you're here!” Voss exclaimed, “We've got to find them! They took my classified documents!” “We're already on it.” Rough Shod helped him up, “Are you alright?” “Don't worry about me. I'll get my griffs to join the search.” Voss dashed over to his suitcases and whipped out his C86 pistol from its wooden holster that doubled up as a stock. He frantically scooped up several stripper clips of seven millimetre bullets “You can take that with you, but Celestia is going to be seriously miffed you smuggled that in.” warned the General. The castle was bustling with activity as guards scrambled to lock down important areas. Voss and Rough Shod met up with the griffon guests who were scrambling for their previously turned in pistols. “Really, sir?” said the officer that had questioned Faux Voss's actions, “You packed that too?” “We don't have time for that, Major Béarn. Where's my pocket pistol?” “The other Voss checked it out, sir.” said one of the guards as he passed the Béarn her compact pistol. Voss sighed and quickly used the clips to fill the magazines. He then slammed a twenty round mag in place and cocked the machine pistol. “Form up into pairs, pick a Royal Guard and follow their lead.” ordered Voss as he clipped his machine pistol to its stock, “Move out!” Chapter FiveThe whole city was on alert. Trains and motor vehicles had been halted and searched and every available soldier and Royal Guard joined the search. The mid-morning crowds of civilians made the effort all the more difficult. Voss's own search was frustrated several times by guards stopping who they thought to be the impostor. Regardless, he kept at the search with Sergeant Henri Surcouf putting his intimate knowledge of the beautiful city to good use. He was Aquileian born, but had moved to Canterlot with his family when the First Republic fell. They spent over an hour searching , so Voss considered visiting the Royal Guard headquarters to see how they coordinated this massive search effort at a strategic level. “Down this alley, sir! I spotted movement!” the Sergeant called out before his superior could make up his mind, They rounded a corner and found a unicorn mare. Voss and Surcouf trained their weapons on her. “Drop the disguise!” they yelled at her, “Do it now!” “I can't do that.” she spoke calmly, “Come on! Give it up!” demanded Voss as he clicked the fire selector to full auto, “Do you know why I can't do that?” “What do you mean?” snapped Henri, “I'm not a Changeling.” Voss and Henri looked at each other in bewilderment. “I am a unicorn. A collaborator with the new order that is soon to reshape Equus.” “Down on the ground, traitor!” Voss shouted before he suddenly felt his pistol twist free of his grip, Henri too felt the tug of magic disarm him. Now the guns were trained on their owners. “Step into that backdoor over there.” They slowly walked forwards. “Stop stalling!” she snarled, “Or I'll shoot your tail off!” The sun itself suddenly rose in the cloudless sky to blind the collaborator. Bookish winced and glanced up at the silhouette of an alicorn. A second later, the captured pistols were wrenched from her magic grasp and exploded as a flash of heat-based magic struck them. The melted metal frames and cinders from the combusted wooden stock fell to the ground. After a moment of dumbstruck hesitation, Voss and Henri tackled Bookish. The Royal Guards swept in to cuff her. A moment later, Celestia gracefully touched down. Without looking, she nudged the sun back to its correct position and caused the shadows to shift in compliance. The two griffons stood with their beaks open in amazement. “The princesses really do raise the moon and sun.” stammered Voss, “I-I thought it was figurative rather than literal.” “Well now you know.” Celestia giggled, “Oh, and uh more importantly, thank you for saving our tails.” Henri quickly blurted out, “Not that raising the sun is unimportant of course.” “You're very welcome my dear friends.” Celestia smiled warmly, “Now let's get everyone back to the castle for a well earned lunch – right after I order an investigation into this terrible security breach!” Her wartime stress subsided and she took a deep breath. “But what about the Changeling that escaped? He took a lot of classified documentation with him, including Equestrian logistical theories and reports.” “Don't worry about that for now, Voss. It's not your fault.” “But-” “My subjects have some more subtle ways of finding Changeling spies, so the search isn't over yet.” Celestia motioned for them to walk with her. “Oh, and Voss?” she stared into his eyes, “Consider your melted pistol as a warning not to pack undeclared firepower again or I will have you sent back to Griffonia. I know you want to defend yourself against Changeling infiltrators, but do you see how easily that gun could have been turned on everyone?” “I understand and I-” “That's enough.” she raised a hoof, “Let's take a break from this mess, shall we?” Chapter SixCelestia hosted a picnic in the beautiful gardens of the castle grounds with her griffon guests and several members of the search parties, albeit with plenty of on-duty guards protecting the area. The warming weather and relaxed atmosphere led to most of the griffons shedding their uniforms. Béarn managed to convince her superior to do the same despite how much he prized his uniform that he had inherited from his uncle. Many varieties of scones were on offer and Voss talked Celestia through various types of Griffon scones; he had plenty of praise for Gilda's recipes that had been licensed in many countries to raise money for her slowly recovering homeland. “It's nice to hear you talk about something besides your career, Voss.” Celestia smiled warmly, “Maybe you can turn your logistical talents to something baking related when the war is won.” “I don't know what I'd like to do after the Changelings are defeated.” he shrugged, “And there's more pressing issues such as interrogating that collaborator. She hasn't yielded anything yet-” “My friend, we have to enjoy this peaceful moments whilst we can.” Celestia spoke softly, “Right after we solve one more problem. Fly with me to the balcony at my tower, please.” They swiftly made their way up. Celestia looked at him for a moment. “Ow!” Voss winced as the quill was extracted from his wing, “I know that the real Voss would not have waved around such a grisly souvenir, but I must know the truth of the matter if we are to work together effectively.” “Well... yes. That was plucked from Moriset. I was not present for the beheading but I did buy that feather off a fellow officer...” he felt less than confident without his uniform, “...I'm so sorry Faux Voss dug up that ugly piece of history... burn the damned thing... I promise you that the rest of my anti-monarchist sentiments will be firmly kept out of this war.” The feather spontaneously combusted and its ashes swirled away into the breeze. “Thank you, Voss. I appreciate that.” Celestia's smile was infectious, “Before we go back, will you accept my friendship?” “Yes.” Voss blushed, “I guess some monarchs are... kind of okay if...” “I'm your friend, not your princess.” she winked, Celestia brought him in for a hug. Voss welcomed the break from what would have been unthinkable exchange during the revolution. “You're really warm.” he observed, Celestia explained to him that it was a perk of being the Princess of the Sun and that her sun-based magic could range from dramatically melting metal to the most subtle of temperature changes. They talked and laughed together before returning to the picnic. “You seem awfully happy to be around a princess, mon amie.” said the sassy Major with a wink, “Um...” he stuttered, “Did you want a hug too?” Celestia grinned, “Be careful, it might melt your republican heart.” Voss teased her, The trio burst out laughing. It was a moment they would savour in the hard months that were about to unravel...
Chapter OneThe long ride from Manehattan to Canterlot finally came to an end as the train gently halted at the Grand Hub Station. General Voss Corsair, a griffon of the aptly named Griffish Isles was a stranger to this city; his smart blue wool uniform and kepi denoted his allegiance to the Republic of Aquileia, or rather the newly formed Griffonian Republic. Aquileia had been his home for much of his life even through the dark days of the Discret monarchy and its forceful restoration that ended at the guillotine. The brown coated and off white feathered griffon made one final adjustment to his beloved uniform and exited the train with the throng of fellow griffon volunteers from across the Griffonian continent. This was the first part of an estimated four divisions would be forming to fight against the Changeling invasion that had cut deep into Equestria. The war was now halfway through its second year. Voss looked around at the suitably grand architecture and glass roof that let in the warm morning sun. “You'd almost think that nothing like a war going on around here, eh?” commented a northern Griffonian in a uniform Voss couldn't quite identify, “Not a single poster or recruiter hanging around here.” “Maybe the nobles don't want to be reminded of anything that could threaten their lavish lifestyle.” he chuckled, A small group of Equestrian officers waited to greet the arriving Griffons. They saluted and the new arrivals responded in kind. “On behalf of Equestria, we warmly welcome the griffon volunteers of many nations.” said the highest ranking officer, “I am General Rough Shod and these are your new adjutants and liaison officers who will be individually assigned to you.” “Thank you, General.” Voss smiled, “We are proud to stand by fellow creatures of harmony.” “I have heard a great deal about the veteran divisions of Aquileia and her allies. Take a moment to meet my officers and then follow me to the castle.” An auburn unicorn mare with a long mane tied loosely into a tail directed a salute at Voss, “Good morning, sir. I am First Lieutenant Bookish Ledger, your personal adjutant and guide.” “A pleasure to meet you and is that a Griffish Isles accent I hear?” “A little bit, sir. I was born there but mainly grew up in Vanhoover. I see that you have retained your deep and rather 'proper' accent.” “Indeed. I'm surprised I kept it despite living in Aquileia for so long.” “Your adoptive nation has done well for itself recently.” Bookish said in the typically understated manner of citizens from the region, “It was a bit of a bother, but we cast down the wretched Discret monarchy.” Voss replied in kind, “Oh, and the old Empire's capital looks nice with the republican colours flying above it.” “A shame they were executed. Perhaps they could've learned something about harmony from the Alicorn Sisters.” “I think the guillotine taught them all that their hollow skulls could handle.” Voss rolled his eyes, “Royal bloodlines are nothing but trouble.” “Ah, um.” Bookish looked around nervously, “There's the rest of your luggage, sir. I'll carry it to your room at the palace.” As they exited into a large plaza, a crowd of over a hundred ponies erupted into applause and cheered the new arrivals. Flags made with varying degrees of accuracy were waved by the well-wishers. Some were unwittingly flying the colours of long dead or annexed nations, but the good intentions were there. The griffons waved back and shook a few hooves. Cameras immortalised many of these happy moments. After exchanging more pleasantries with the crowd, the group resumed their walk to the castle. They had a meeting with Princess Celestia herself to attend. There was pleasant stroll to be had through Canterlot's beautiful streets leading towards the castle. Many griffons marvelled at the buildings; some predated even the Grover Dynasty, but that was to be expected from a nation that has known so little war until now. Voss mulled over his snappy remark at Bookish, but decided to leave her be for now. She seemed to have melted into the background anyway.
Chapter TwoIdentity papers were checked at the main gatehouse by unicorns who were attuned to the magical frequencies of shapeshifting. Everygriff was searched for weapons and handed in a variety of compact pistols and blades. Voss carried a suitably diminutive six point two millimetre FNA model 990. It wasn't a scary weapon like his seven point eight Mouser C89 machine pistol that he had on frontline tours, but it had saved his life during the rise of the Second Aquileian Republic. Thus he was reluctant to turn it in given how Chrysalis herself had managed to infiltrate the Royal Wedding many years ago. “Sir, your weapon will be tagged and secured. Ammunition too please.” Voss glanced at the tag the guard was holding, he nodded in agreement upon noting the details it recorded and the numbered chit he would need to get his weapon back. Once the group of thirty griffons and their new pony counterparts were cleared, they were lead to a large hall with a horseshoe shaped arrangement of cushions with a larger one in the middle. Several creatures began chatting about the warm welcome. Voss stepped towards General Rough Shod who seemed to be less engaged with the chatter. “Something wrong, General?” asked Voss, “That was too big for a spontaneous crowd, Corsair.” Rough Shod explained, “We try to keep arrivals of officer delegations as quiet as possible.” “A security leak?” “Probably accidental, but I'm having the MP's and Royal Guard look into it.” “Everyone seems to be here... apart from my adjutant, Bookish Ledger, but she did go off to escort my luggage here.” “Either way, let's get ready to meet her majesty.” Despite how little Voss cared for royal protocol, he had made a point of disseminating basic guidelines to all of the inbound griffon volunteers on how to conduct themselves in that regard. They stood to attention in two columns either side of the long rug at the double door. A soft whisper of magic began to unlock the door. “Stand to for her majesty Princess Celestia!” Voss called out, A few griffons almost stood on their hind legs to attention as continental Griffonian armies tended to do, but quickly shifted back onto their claws. It seemed that not many drills had been carried out beforehand since many officers had neglected that to focus on Equestrian military doctrine instead. The doors rattled a little. Everyone raised their arms in salute. The doors flew open to the sound of a panting Bookish Ledger. She hurried through only to freeze in her tracks at the sight of the precession. Many laughs were stifled as Voss frowned disapprovingly. “Ledger! Get-” Voss was cut off by the sound of acute laughter from a thoroughly amused Princess Celestia, who was levitating several trays of waffles and tea pots of all things. “I didn't know we had-” Celestia had another fit of laughter, “- another princess with us today!” Any sense of discipline broke down as the laughter spread. “Princess Celestia! I-I'm sorry I messed up y-your arrival!” Bookish trembled, “Oh don't worry, Bookish!” Celestia giggled and steadied the embarrassed mare with a hoof, “This has to be the funniest breach of protocol I've had at an event for years! Now let's have some breakfast everycreature!” The delighted Princess set out the numerous trays that were heaped with plates of waffles with all the trimmings and pots of tea and coffee. Everyone gladly tucked in and enjoyed the jovial atmosphere that the blunder had created. Celestia worked her way around the room to introduce herself and made full use of the unintentional icebreaker to present herself as a pony first and princess second. Even Voss and his overly strong anti-monarchist convictions couldn't stop him from smiling as he feasted on the incredible waffles with real maple syrup – something he had not tasted in years due to the ongoing rationing in the newly formed Griffonian Republic. He decided to seek out his still flustered adjutant and provide some reassurance. “Hello, sir.” Bookish said after quickly swallowing a piece of waffle, “I want to apologise.” “Relax, Bookish.” Voss passed her a cup of tea that she quickly accepted, “You saved us from a lot of boring royal protocol. Even Celestia seems relieved she didn't have to go through with that drivel either.” Celestia didn't appreciate the 'drivel' remark, but she fully agreed that it was a relief in a way. “Hello Voss, it's nice to finally meet you.” she smiled and extended a hoof towards him, “Your majesty.” he went to salute but quickly corrected himself and accepted the hand/hoof shake. He felt a sensation of warmth that made him smile sincerely. “Please, call me Celestia.” she smiled back, “Of course your hi- Celestia.” “Hi Voss.” Celestia chuckled at her own joke, The General couldn't help but follow suit. The princess was as far as one could get from the starchy and aloof King Moriset Discret that he once had the displeasure of meeting at a formal function. He was glad that he no longer had to fake loyalty to such monsters. However, Voss still felt his republican convictions burn strongly in his heart as he recalled Celestia's blunders handling the Stalliongrad Crisis that almost got his closest friend killed. They talked for a while longer until Bookish asked to see his medals. Celestia seconded the suggestion. It would be a good way to coax more conversation out of the somewhat reserved General she wanted to befriend. Voss set off to his room to retrieve his medals as Celestia requested. He heard the clacking of hooves on the marble floors behind him. “Don't worry, it's me!” Bookish called out, “You don't have to come with me to get these medals.” “But I insist, sir. I feel like I ought to make myself useful after running late.” “Very well, then.” Voss nodded, They made some small talk along the way that Voss was not overly interested in. Some of it covered questions Bookish had already asked earlier. They soon reached the door to his room. “Allow me, sir.” Bookish produced the spare key, “Be sure to lock the door. I don't want anyone coming in without permission.” She gracefully waved him in and followed her superior in and locked the door. Voss opened one of his suitcases and began rummaging through it. “Do you have any from the First Republic or the Kingdom?” Bookish slowly and silently worked the key to unlock the door again with her magic. “I certainly do - did you hear the door rattle?” “Sorry sir. I thought for a second it was still unlocked.” “Ah- woah!” Voss felt the rug he was standing on pull out from under his paws, Bookish and the uninvited guest leapt on Voss and held his beak shut. “Shh now.” whispered Bookish, The uninvited guest summoned a tendril of glowing green magic that went into Voss's eyes. The General went limp within seconds. The two assailants dragged him to the bathroom. infiltrator briefly shifted back to his Changeling form before adopting his victim's likeness. They tied him up to the base of the sink and sealed his beak with Equestria's greatest wartime invention that was duck cloth tape. “Let's tidy up and get on with this.” said Bookish She grabbed the medal box and the after action reports describing how each medal was earned. She then neatened up the creased rug. Faux Voss put on a spare uniform and kepi to complete the look. Off they went.
Chapter ThreeCelestia saw Voss strut back into the hall with Bookish, who was intently reading the reports aloud to her superior in awe. “Sounds like you have a new fan, Voss.” Celestia was glad to see that Bookish was connecting with him, “I do indeed, your majesty.” “Oh Voss, I told you that you can call me Celestia.” she smiled, “Sorry, Celestia.” “Anyway, what does your newest fan have to share with me?” “August 12th, 1008. Silver Merit. During the revolution, Voss's HQ came under attack from diehard Royal Guards when the King was arrested. He promptly joined his fellow griffons in combat and demonstrated great tactical acumen in rescuing casualties and defeating the enemy.” Celestia listened intently to try and get a better gauge of the General's qualities. She was surprised that he took a moment to skim through another report when Bookish showed her one of his highest honours, the Order of the Second Republic. Suddenly from between the pages, a bloodstained brown feather fell to the ground. Celestia levitated the feather off the ground and inspected it. “An old quill?” “Yes, but pardon the unpleasant appearance. It's something special.” Several griffons began to take an interest in the conversation. “Sir, I thought you got rid of that thing?” asked an officer, “Is there something I should know?” Celestia spoke with a raised eyebrow, “It's a quill, courtesy of the late King Moriset.” “How did you acquire that?” “Why, I plucked it from his lifeless corpse of course.” Celestia and several guests recoiled in disgust, but some appeared to be more curious than repulsed. “I really did not need to know that, Voss.” she frowned, “I-I'm sorry, Celestia. I t-told him not to bring that here.” Bookish stammered, “Voss. Step into the adjacent hall. We need to have a word about your anti-monarchist views.” “Fine.” he shrugged, Celestia gently closed the door of the adjacent hall behind them. She glared at Voss and placed the bloody feather in his hand. The pair of guards who had their break interrupted glared at the griffon. “Voss, several of my advisors warned me of your views and I overruled them because I thought they were exaggerating. Now you have the audacity to bring a grotesque trophy and graphically explain to the whole room where it came from.” “You're not an idiot, Celestia. You would have seen through any lie I spun up.” “I am so disappointed in you, Voss.” she shook her head as her anger gave way to sadness, “I was going to offer you a role on the General Staff...” Faux Voss twirled the quill without a care, “...but I'm not sure I want you at my service at all. Go to your chamber and don't come until you can be more civil.” “You are not my mother, your majesty.” he smirked contemptuously, “Really now! That's... that is so... guards! Escort him back to his room!” “Send up an inkpot-” Celestia scowled and tugged the rude guest's kepi down over his eyes. “Take him away!”
Chapter FourVoss could feel the hard marble floor against his aching body as the stun spell began to wear off. He tried to move his numb limbs and wings to no avail. He shook his tail back into life and wiped his watery eyes with it to clear his vision. He vainly gripped at the tape over his beak then tried to make an equally ineffective attempt to alert the guards. The sound of the chamber door perked up his ears. Then the bathroom door opened to the sight of a smirking copy of Voss. “Here's your old souvenir. Celestia loved it!” Voss let out a muffled yelp as he felt the quill stab into his wing. “Great reports you have here. I like those classified ones you picked up in Baltimare about logistical capabilities of Equestria's military as well.” said Bookish Ledger, The yelp became a muted howl as he felt a sharp tug and twist to his tail. The sounds of the doors being opened then closed indicated that the chamber was now vacant. Unsettling thoughts of what damage an impersonator could do shocked him to his core. With his long tail, he began feeling around the top of the sink for any object he could grab. Sharp pain cut through his entire body as he struggled against the fractures several tail bones had suffered. He soon found a glass bottle of mouthwash and dashed it against the marble floor as hard as he could. He judged by the slight echo that the bathroom door was open and in with a chance of raising the alarm. Unsure if that was enough, he began bending his limbs to bring himself up against the sink to reach the rope. His suitably hooked beak easily snagged onto the thick rope and began attacking it. He strained at the fibres but it was soon clear it could not be frayed without full use of his beak. Another idea sprung to mind. Unable to see where the bottle had impacted, he pushed through the pain and patted the floor with his tail until he managed to pick up a shard. He tried to scratch it along the floor to make an unpleasant noise, but his tail grip gave out. A painfully shrill screech filled the bathroom as Voss scraped the point of his beak down the porcelain. After two more of those ear-splitting manoeuvrers, he heard a knock on the chamber door followed by the muffled enquiries of a guard. Voss responded with another assault to the ears. The knocking resumed for a moment. Twice more, Voss sent out his improvised signal. All of a sudden, a guard and General Rough Shod burst into the chamber. “Voss!?” he gasped, “Raise the alarm! The other Voss and Bookish must be Changelings!” “Yes sir!” responded the guard as he hurried off, The General quickly set about freeing the griffon from his binds and peeled off the tape. “Thank Boreas you're here!” Voss exclaimed, “We've got to find them! They took my classified documents!” “We're already on it.” Rough Shod helped him up, “Are you alright?” “Don't worry about me. I'll get my griffs to join the search.” Voss dashed over to his suitcases and whipped out his C86 pistol from its wooden holster that doubled up as a stock. He frantically scooped up several stripper clips of seven millimetre bullets “You can take that with you, but Celestia is going to be seriously miffed you smuggled that in.” warned the General. The castle was bustling with activity as guards scrambled to lock down important areas. Voss and Rough Shod met up with the griffon guests who were scrambling for their previously turned in pistols. “Really, sir?” said the officer that had questioned Faux Voss's actions, “You packed that too?” “We don't have time for that, Major Béarn. Where's my pocket pistol?” “The other Voss checked it out, sir.” said one of the guards as he passed the Béarn her compact pistol. Voss sighed and quickly used the clips to fill the magazines. He then slammed a twenty round mag in place and cocked the machine pistol. “Form up into pairs, pick a Royal Guard and follow their lead.” ordered Voss as he clipped his machine pistol to its stock, “Move out!”
Chapter FiveThe whole city was on alert. Trains and motor vehicles had been halted and searched and every available soldier and Royal Guard joined the search. The mid-morning crowds of civilians made the effort all the more difficult. Voss's own search was frustrated several times by guards stopping who they thought to be the impostor. Regardless, he kept at the search with Sergeant Henri Surcouf putting his intimate knowledge of the beautiful city to good use. He was Aquileian born, but had moved to Canterlot with his family when the First Republic fell. They spent over an hour searching , so Voss considered visiting the Royal Guard headquarters to see how they coordinated this massive search effort at a strategic level. “Down this alley, sir! I spotted movement!” the Sergeant called out before his superior could make up his mind, They rounded a corner and found a unicorn mare. Voss and Surcouf trained their weapons on her. “Drop the disguise!” they yelled at her, “Do it now!” “I can't do that.” she spoke calmly, “Come on! Give it up!” demanded Voss as he clicked the fire selector to full auto, “Do you know why I can't do that?” “What do you mean?” snapped Henri, “I'm not a Changeling.” Voss and Henri looked at each other in bewilderment. “I am a unicorn. A collaborator with the new order that is soon to reshape Equus.” “Down on the ground, traitor!” Voss shouted before he suddenly felt his pistol twist free of his grip, Henri too felt the tug of magic disarm him. Now the guns were trained on their owners. “Step into that backdoor over there.” They slowly walked forwards. “Stop stalling!” she snarled, “Or I'll shoot your tail off!” The sun itself suddenly rose in the cloudless sky to blind the collaborator. Bookish winced and glanced up at the silhouette of an alicorn. A second later, the captured pistols were wrenched from her magic grasp and exploded as a flash of heat-based magic struck them. The melted metal frames and cinders from the combusted wooden stock fell to the ground. After a moment of dumbstruck hesitation, Voss and Henri tackled Bookish. The Royal Guards swept in to cuff her. A moment later, Celestia gracefully touched down. Without looking, she nudged the sun back to its correct position and caused the shadows to shift in compliance. The two griffons stood with their beaks open in amazement. “The princesses really do raise the moon and sun.” stammered Voss, “I-I thought it was figurative rather than literal.” “Well now you know.” Celestia giggled, “Oh, and uh more importantly, thank you for saving our tails.” Henri quickly blurted out, “Not that raising the sun is unimportant of course.” “You're very welcome my dear friends.” Celestia smiled warmly, “Now let's get everyone back to the castle for a well earned lunch – right after I order an investigation into this terrible security breach!” Her wartime stress subsided and she took a deep breath. “But what about the Changeling that escaped? He took a lot of classified documentation with him, including Equestrian logistical theories and reports.” “Don't worry about that for now, Voss. It's not your fault.” “But-” “My subjects have some more subtle ways of finding Changeling spies, so the search isn't over yet.” Celestia motioned for them to walk with her. “Oh, and Voss?” she stared into his eyes, “Consider your melted pistol as a warning not to pack undeclared firepower again or I will have you sent back to Griffonia. I know you want to defend yourself against Changeling infiltrators, but do you see how easily that gun could have been turned on everyone?” “I understand and I-” “That's enough.” she raised a hoof, “Let's take a break from this mess, shall we?”
Chapter SixCelestia hosted a picnic in the beautiful gardens of the castle grounds with her griffon guests and several members of the search parties, albeit with plenty of on-duty guards protecting the area. The warming weather and relaxed atmosphere led to most of the griffons shedding their uniforms. Béarn managed to convince her superior to do the same despite how much he prized his uniform that he had inherited from his uncle. Many varieties of scones were on offer and Voss talked Celestia through various types of Griffon scones; he had plenty of praise for Gilda's recipes that had been licensed in many countries to raise money for her slowly recovering homeland. “It's nice to hear you talk about something besides your career, Voss.” Celestia smiled warmly, “Maybe you can turn your logistical talents to something baking related when the war is won.” “I don't know what I'd like to do after the Changelings are defeated.” he shrugged, “And there's more pressing issues such as interrogating that collaborator. She hasn't yielded anything yet-” “My friend, we have to enjoy this peaceful moments whilst we can.” Celestia spoke softly, “Right after we solve one more problem. Fly with me to the balcony at my tower, please.” They swiftly made their way up. Celestia looked at him for a moment. “Ow!” Voss winced as the quill was extracted from his wing, “I know that the real Voss would not have waved around such a grisly souvenir, but I must know the truth of the matter if we are to work together effectively.” “Well... yes. That was plucked from Moriset. I was not present for the beheading but I did buy that feather off a fellow officer...” he felt less than confident without his uniform, “...I'm so sorry Faux Voss dug up that ugly piece of history... burn the damned thing... I promise you that the rest of my anti-monarchist sentiments will be firmly kept out of this war.” The feather spontaneously combusted and its ashes swirled away into the breeze. “Thank you, Voss. I appreciate that.” Celestia's smile was infectious, “Before we go back, will you accept my friendship?” “Yes.” Voss blushed, “I guess some monarchs are... kind of okay if...” “I'm your friend, not your princess.” she winked, Celestia brought him in for a hug. Voss welcomed the break from what would have been unthinkable exchange during the revolution. “You're really warm.” he observed, Celestia explained to him that it was a perk of being the Princess of the Sun and that her sun-based magic could range from dramatically melting metal to the most subtle of temperature changes. They talked and laughed together before returning to the picnic. “You seem awfully happy to be around a princess, mon amie.” said the sassy Major with a wink, “Um...” he stuttered, “Did you want a hug too?” Celestia grinned, “Be careful, it might melt your republican heart.” Voss teased her, The trio burst out laughing. It was a moment they would savour in the hard months that were about to unravel...
