To Steal a Secret

22,18---20th-November-1014
Mist began to form on her flower shop. Yet today, she is closed not for the winter. Inside Site Kilo, she and her two closest confidant sat solemnly around the table map.

The border, they had found out, was suddenly manned for at least a hundred kilometre by juvenile soldiers, numbering possibly above ten thousand. Vaverfront local garrison had been deployed, sweeping the streets in addition of further reinforcing any check point.

A long-delayed message had arrived, reporting mass movement of changeling soldiers from the north and western Olenia. Their destination, Vaverfront. Major Padded Mane also conveys a report of additional Jäger movement from Tall Tale and Anchorage.

They predict, that in total, the Vaverfront cell of 8000, of which only 2000 are armed, would be facing the massive force of 9000 garrisons, 5000 Jäger of the 1st brigade, 2000-3000 callow soldiers, and 7000-11000 Jäger from the pony cities.

The major had sadly given them further bad news. The promised rescue team had shrunk to a fourth of their size, now unable to cross against the changeling perimeter wall.

Site Tango had tragically reported the enigma machine recovery by the changeling. Worse still, someone had spilled the beans. The Changeling are in possession of information regarding the professor's knowledge. Edvard reported fights breaking out between the city watch and his forces. Their position, he reported, unsustainable.

The major began to speak, "My comrades the truth which we must adhere is that the key now lies on the professor's knowledge. Even without the machine, his insight can and will help our war effort. I do believe, that it is imperative that we assure his safety, guarantee an escape to the extraction team currently waiting just beyond the border."

Karl spoke, "I believe we all now know that is true, but the problems remains. They can not even leave their hiding, more over the city. The airbase is controlled by the enemy, the sea is controlled by the enemy, and now we have lost our tunnel network, to the enemy. Yet we hope for them to cross the border back into a nation far to the north. To trek the enemy homeland. What chance do they have?"

Padded mane replies, "They have managed to cross the expanse within three days, they can do the same once again. And of our problem from the city, I dare say our solution is a breakout."

Ansa turns towards him, dumbfounded by his word, "It does not solve the main issue, that an entire army is stationed just outside their doorstep. We have no way of ensuring a success against such large opponent."

He replies, "Then what if the entire movement rises up? Think about it, we know they are short on staff at the front. They're mobilizing kids for Celestia's sake! The northern garrison is a joke, the west is practically empty!" His eagerness grew, "We can take back your land, hold out until Equestria arrives. We'll take back your home, our number will only grow as the people see us triumphant!"

Ansa took a breath to calm herself, "Your army, major, is thousands of kilometre away, still braving a professional army headed by the most competent military leaders the world has ever seen. Even if they pushed, the front will only shrink for the changeling. They'll be able to send more reinforcement this way." He stopped for a second, "It is not more bodies we need, but weapons! We can't win without guns, and we can only win if Equestria wins."

The major took on her word, "General, the enigma is the key to victory. If I were to bring proof of our ability to win the war, will you mobilize?"

Ansa thinks for a moment, before uttering one word,

yes.