Clear Skies, Peaceful Days
“Let it be known what I did; I did for my nation, my homeland, my people. You may sully my name and my honor, but let none forget the light that was saved by those brave ponies and my harsh decisions. War is not pretty, war is not glamorous. War simply is that; War…”
-Field Marshal Blue Blood, Equestrian Military Ethics Tribunal.
Early Autumn, 1011. Daisy
Daisy awoke that morning, bright and early as always and ready to face the day with a smile. The mare wasn’t one to lull about, always full of energy even this early in the morning. As she roused and remade her bed Daisy would exit and make her way outside, grabbing a pail and heading to the farmhouse. The pink mare was soon filling it with feed and throwing it to the chickens, the little cute buggers they always were. Daisy smiled, satisfied with her work and considering the day she had planned. Daisy was heading into town that day with her friends to see the soldiers come into town; the Buffalo War veterans she had heard of, still a soldier that had truly seen combat, was a rarity in Equestria and if the stories were right there was an adventure to be had.
Daisy swifty arrived home to find her mother had risen from her morning rituals. The older mare smiled and shook her head at Daisy. “Bright and chipper as always Daisy Chain.” Her mother placed a hoof on her head ruffling it as she spoke in a sing-songy voice.
“Mom, I'm not 12 anymore! I’m 16! I’m a grown mare!” Daisy said before moving away from her mother’s hoof.
Daisy’s mother scoffed, “And who says being a grown mare prevents a mother from doting on her only child?”
Daisy sighed, then moved to help her mother by grabbing the few spices they had along with some herbs to add flavor to their meal. “It’s nothing… I just want to be something I guess…”
Her Mother looks at her sadly. “This is going to lead to that talk about joining the army again, isn’t it?”
The young mare frowned at her mother “Why is it so bad? The changelings are preparing for it, why shouldn’t we? This is our home! We can’t just-”
Her mother quipped loudly. “None of that talk! Not before breakfast. Sit down.”
Daisy looked as if she was about to retort but her mother gave her a cross look. Daisy, knowing it would be better to not press the issue anymore, sat at the table. For a time, Daisy was alone with her thoughts, but her quiet contemplations would be broken shortly by a rustle on her head.
“Still trying to give your mother gray hairs still I see. There’s so much you can do here Daisy, I don’t think you need to worry about proving yourself.”
Daisy looked over to her father, giving a brief, and cross look before softening, sighing instead “It’s not fair for you two to gang up on me you know…”
Her father laughed jovially, “It is my right and job to, Daisy! If I didn’t you’d have no concept of right or wrong! It’s what parents are for.”
Daisy sighed again “Yeah yeah, alright maybe you’re right. Still I’m an adul-”
Her father cuts her off, “Daisy we know. We just don’t think it’s safe, and for two more years you need our permission to sign up.”
Daisy puffs up her cheeks before shaking her head. “I get it, I get it…”
Daisy’s father places a hoof on her back, patting her lightly “Cheer up, you’ll be hanging out with your friends today right? You should enjoy that.”
Daisy brightened up a bit. “I suppose I will, yeah!” Soon breakfast was on the table, and the squabble was forgotten.
Daisy had given her parents a farewell and headed off into town. She soon spotted her friends in the courtyard, milling about near a makeshift stage that was set up. The soldiers were bound to come out soon, but Daisy knew she had time to catch up at least. “Hey Iron, Fang! Zapper and Quick! What’s new?”
Iron Buck was the first one to look over to her, smiling and giving a nod. He was a broad, powerfully built orange earth pony stallion. “Howdy Daisy, good to see you could make it! Parents still fussing about us?”
Daisy sighed and nodded. “Yeah, they want me to wait two more years or do my part elsewhere. I don’t wanna leave you guys though.”
Cloud Zapper chuckles, waving a wing wistfully as he nodded, “Hey don’t worry! You’ll be safe with us! Plus I’ve got the eyes of a hawk! I’ll see anything dangerous from miles away!” Cloud was a white pegasus with a blue mane. He was the most talkative out of all of them.
Daisy quipped at him, “Just like you saw that cart coming?”
Cloud scowls briefly “Hey! I was sleeping! It’s not my fault… Fang was supposed to be watching for it!”
Fruit Fang looked at Cloud disinterested, and not wanting to argue with his feathered friend. Fruit was a dark red bat pony, with a passion for eating exotic fruits. He often went on trips to the city to get some, and would always share with the gang. “I think it will be good to get out, go see the world, learn to look good in a uniform.” Fang shaked his head, “Anyways, good to see you could make it Daisy.”
Quick Sign came up alongside Daisy. “Hey, you know I can still always forge the signature right? We’re shipping out in a few days. You don’t have much longer left to be guaranteed placement in the same Company as us.”
Daisy looked to Quick Sign - a suave White coated and blue maned Unicorn - infamous for forging signatures in the town. He’d gotten in some trouble a few times but had mellowed out in recent years.
“I still don’t know Quick… I don’t want to make my parents mad. I know it’s what I should do but…”
Quick shaked his head smiling. “I get it Daisy. Don’t worry too much, you'll make the right call for yourself. Anyways!”
Quick trailed off as Fang’s ear twitched and he looked towards the northwest “The soldiers will be here in about 10 minutes.”
Daisy looked over at Fang, her excitement getting the better of her. “Really?! That’s awesome!”
Fang smiled, Daisy’s energy seemingly rubbing off on all of them as they started laughing together as a merry little band. Soon the band settled down as the Buffalo Veterans came in on an Equestrian Truck, waving to the kids.
They began setting up their display on the stage, a crowd slowly starting to gather. The Sergeant wandered over to the band of friends tipping his hat “Sergeant Green Eye, at your service. Would any of you fine young ponies like to hold a genuine Lavender Rifle? I can’t let you fire them, but you can indeed hold them!”
Daisy looked at the Sergeant with bright eyes, her excitement reaching a peak. “I can finally hold a rifle!”
Quick chuckled “Calm down Daisy! You look like you’re about to explode!”
Daisy paused looking at Quick “H-Hey! I’m allowed to enjoy myself!”
Quick shaked his head smiling “Fine, but don’t blame me if you start gushing on the Sergeant.”
Daisy looked at him crossly “When have I ever gushed?”
Quick looked at her defiance in his eyes, “Well there was that time in middle school with Fang, thinking he was the ‘coolest creature ever!’ Then there was the time a few months ago when you gushed all over the recruiter!”
Daisy soon was blushing profusely, “Stop stop! I get it, I get it!” Quick seemed about to say more before Fang jabbed him in the side, shutting him up.
“Sorry sir! We’d love to see some rifles though.” Cloud Zapper gave a charming smile as Emerald Eye began laughing, as they settled shortly after.
“No worries, you are certainly a bright group! Follow me.”
Daisy and her friends began following the officer, who led them up the stage. The sergeant started going over basic firearms safety with them, starting with ensuring the gun was unloaded and ending with the rule of never pointing at something you didn’t intend to shoot.
The Sergeant hoofed over a rifle, and it was steadily passed around. Daisy was jittering with excitement as the rifle finally arrived in her hooves.
Daisy began by clearing the rifle, before briefly taking aim at a wall, getting used to the iron sight. After a few moments of looking over the weapon, she gave it back over to the Sergeant who looked at the group. “So are you all thinking of enlisting?”
Iron Buck nodded “That we are. I thought it would be more interesting than mining the rest of my life.”
The sergeant nodded “Ah I see! Well that’s good to hear. And it very much is, and better paying!”
Iron Buck laughed “So I’ve been led to believe!”
Cloud chuckled “Yeah of course it does! Now if only Daisy would try and sign up, we could all go together!”
Daisy blushed “Look I’m trying guys!”
The sergeant laughed and said, “And how old are you, miss?”
Daisy looked up “16 sir!”
The sergeant laughed. “You’d make a fine soldier! You seem eager to like your friends. You’d all do fine I’m sure.”
Daisy looked up at him. “Really sir?”
Emerald Eyes looked to her before nodding “That you would. Now, off with you! Me and my men have a presentation to put on!”
Daisy and the band of friends made their way off the stage, going to claim their crate seats as they were waiting for the soldiers to finish.
Fang looked at Daisy “You don’t have to go Daisy. Don’t feel pressured.”
Daisy sighed as she looked away, “I’m just unsure, because of my parents. If I was Eighteen I’d already be signed up!”
Fang made a light chortle. “As I said, don't feel pressured. We won’t forget about you, as long as you don’t forget about us.”
Daisy smiled at Fang “You always know what to say, don’t you?”
Fang smiled, a fang briefly showing, “I try to.”
Daisy began to say something but was cut off by the fanfare of the soldiers, a bugle ringing to signify the start of the show. The soldiers gave a presentation on their adventure through the desert fighting the savage buffalo, and bringing them to heel.
Soon the Soldiers showed off a few medals they were awarded, before a charismatic recruiter told everypony the benefits of joining, and how it was their duty to defend the nation. The recruiter said a motto well known to any Equestrian, as the crowd said it with him. “The nation calls! Ponies at the Ready!”
The recruiter got quite a few young ponies, and even some that were middle-aged to sign on, as Daisy’s thoughts dwelt on adventure and pride. She arrived home that night, eating dinner happily with her family as the next two days went by peacefully.
She recalled her friends were leaving Sunday, and it was already Friday. Daisy roused herself, and snuck out of her house with a piece of paper - her parents' signatures on them. Soon Daisy found her way to Quick’s house, knocking quietly at the.
Soon a tired looking Quick opened the door, yawning before smiling. “Daisy, how can I help you?”
Daisy swallowed, and wondered if she really should do this. Then her mind was made up. “Can you put my parents' signature on these enlistment forms?”
Quick looked at her surprised before leading her inside. “I can. Are you sure though?”
Daisy nodded, her naïve thoughts of adventure getting the better of her, “Yes, I am sure. Here’s a copy.”
Quick nods, seemingly hesitant, but he copied over the signatures, before handing the form to Daisy. “At least we stick together!”
Daisy smiled, “Yeah! Can I stay the night? I don’t want to deal with my parents tomorrow.”
Quick paused but nodded, “They’ll understand I’m sure.” Quick brought out some blankets for Daisy, as she settled down upon the couch, glad Quick had helped her. Soon she’d be off in another place, doing her part.
“I have been clear, I will be clear again. Not for days, not for months, but for years I warned you of the problems we would face. Years. I faced committees, I faced the upper and lower houses. All of you laughed me out of the room, saying Equestria has no need to wage war. Not one of you took these problems seriously. Not until your sons and daughters were reduced to a dog tag and letter of deceased to remember them by. Then what did you do? You called me a butcher and did nothing yet again.”
-Field Marshal Blue Blood, Equestrian Military Ethics Tribunal.
Field Marshal Blue Blood looked at the report on his desk. He began reading it over a second time simply to ensure he didn’t miss a detail. The report began, explaining the Changeling Empire’s estimated army size. An Estimated 75 Divisions, over 20,000 estimated officers, and almost 3 million changelings enlisted, along with 500 thousand personnel serving the Changeling air force, which boasted an estimated 5,000 aircraft of varying marks.
Blue Blood sternly continued reading the report, as it moved on to the estimated changeling industry, a frightening estimate to say the very least. The final part of the report explained the changeling model of warfare, based on information passed on by Olenian spies from supposed Olenian Officers.
The report described a devastating use of Air assets, followed by rapid movement of tanks and mechanized vehicles, followed by occupying infantry, before finally encircling and defeating Olenian assets. It was a model repeated a dozen times. The Olenian’s had dubbed it Blitzkrieg, though reports varied as to what the changelings themselves called it. Blue Blood then turned the page on the Equestrian report.
As he began reading gaze hardened, the report beginning by describing the start of the Equestrian Army’s current model and numbers. At the start of 1009, when Blue Blood had first sent out for this survey, the Equestrian Army was made up of seven Royal Guard divisions, mostly parade soldiers back then, two One Hooves divisions somewhat hardened by the Buffalo wars of 1008, nine reserve divisions, mostly for basic garrison and peacekeeping duties, and two royal armor divisions, made up of mostly dated tanks. This came out to a total of 100,700 ponies fielded.
The next section went over the expansion of the Equestria Army, and innovations. All divisions were allotted support equipment, and given training to use it for engineering and reconnaissance. All divisions were updated with a minimum of a support company of artillery. One Hoove divisions were updated to be 10 thousand ponies organized with a support company of artillery and field anti tank guns, as well as two battalions of Artillery. All garrison divisions were updated to Onehooves divisions, along with 30 additional one hooves divisions being raised over the last three years, and 10 more in training as of last month.
The final two innovations made to the Equestrian army model were the disbanding of the Pegasi divisions, merging them into the Royal Armor divisions, and raising 8 additional Royal Armor divisions, as well as updating the Royal Armor tank model to a medium tank.
The Light Tank Division was developed with rapid support and care in mind, being composed entirely of non pegasi soldiers. Compensation for the lack of mobility, the motorized battalion was transferred to this purpose. Made up of 3 light tank battalions, 4 motorized infantry battalions, a motorized artillery battalion, and a motorized anti-tank gun battalion. Additionally they would provide motorized reconnaissance, and field hospitals for the majority of forces on the fronts. 10 of these Light Tank Divisions had been formed, made up of 9,000 ponies each. The total Equestrian Army had been boosted to 677,500 ponies.
Blue Blood moved on to the naval forces. Equestria had gone from two carriers to six, six battleships to nine, three battlecruisers to twelve, seven heavy cruisers to fourteen, 23 light cruisers to 35, and 56 destroyers to 70. Aboard each carrier were 20 carrier fighters, 15 naval bombers, and 5 strategic bombers of a carrier mark, for a total of 240 naval planes. At least the government was taking naval efforts seriously.
Lastly he moved onto the airforce, finding that relievingly, they had abandoned the biplane Gelding Gladiators, for monoplane fighters, CAS, and Strategic Bombers. At the start of 1008, Equestria had fielded 305 biplane fighters, and 40 early monoplane tactical bombers. The Equestrian air force over the last three years had phased out all biplane models, and mustered 1,200 fighters, 600 CAS, and 200 Strategic Bombers, totaling 2,000 aircraft mustered. The air force could at least put up a fight, he noted.
The next page explained the Crystal Empire forces, Blue Blood reading them off as well. For being a medieval kingdom brought to the modern world they had done quite well, industrializing over the last three years, stamping out the Sombra conspiracy, and embracing Blue Blood’s recommended army model. Fielding 25 One Hooves Divisions, 8 Royal Armor Divisions, and 10 Light Tank divisions, and fielding 800 fighters, 400 CAS and 300 Strategic Bombers. The Crystal army brought to bear 404,000 ponies and 1,500 planes. For once during this report Blue Blood Smiled.
The final page went over the industrial capacity of Equestria’s mostly civilian focused economy. To call it that even was generous though. Equestria focused most of its industry within cities, and the largely rural communities of Equestria found themselves vastly underutilized.
Equestria could feed itself certainly, but to keep the army fed and the army ready were two important but different subjects. Over the last three years, extensive efforts had been made surveying, exploiting resources, and expanding vital industries, predominantly oil, aluminum, and rubber. Equestria had also made several broad investments across the country to invest in industry, leading to a somewhat more prepared Equestria.
Blue Blood finished reading the report and looked to his aid, speaking gruffly. “It is as I feared Lieutenant. Equestria even after three years of concerted effort is still vastly unprepared for conflict. Worse yet, with the Olenian’s being made puppets to the Queen, I don’t think it will be very long at all before we’re up next for their conquests.”
Second Lieutenant Blue Bolt was a young pegasi volunteer who had been given officer training due to his educated background. He was fit, and had seemingly expected to be assigned to a frontline unit. He had initially been disappointed with his current assignment, though Blue Blood had noted he grew and adapted to the role effectively. The Lieutenant composed himself to speak after a brief moment. “I see sir. Shall I call for a meeting with the joint houses, to present these findings to the government and public as a whole?”
Blue Blood looked to his aid for a few moments before smiling and shaking his head. “No, not at all. I’m done dealing with career politicians who’ll never hold a rifle. Get me a meeting with either of the Princess’s, Preferably both. Don’t come back until it’s secured, and not a word of this to anyone else. Understood?”
If Blue Bolt had been taken aback or startled he certainly didn’t show it, instead raising a hoof in salute and nodding. “Yes sir, right away.” The pegasi then trotted off to secure the meeting. Blue Blood hoped it wouldn’t take too long, but who knew, the politicians loved wasting time after all, he knew that much at least…
Blue Blood jolted up from his bed when he received a knock on his room at around midnight. Quickly rousing, dressed in nothing truthfully, he blinked and opened the door, finding his aid with bags under his eyes stood outside his door. Blue Blood stood himself up, looking at the young pegasi. “Well?”
Blue Bolt sighed and weakly saluted, “Sir, the Princesses will see you, however the meeting is in 30 minutes, in the war hall. I came as fast as I could, but it’s now 20 minutes. Do you need help getting dressed?”
Blue Blood scowled but shook his head. “Damn it all, no I’ll be fine, go get some sleep lieutenant. I’ll handle it from here.” Blue Blood closed the door and rapidly put on his uniform, letting it be somewhat crumpled against his form in his rush, before he donned his cap, and looked at himself one last time in the mirror, before he rushed out his door and headed for the seldom used war hall. He arrived, and if the clock was right some five minutes before the meeting, as he entered inside Luna was there sat at one of the side tables. She gestured for Blue to take the Warmaster chair, which gave Blue Blood pause, as that had traditionally been Luna’s role. Whatever the case he would take the seat after a few minutes, supposing his role as Field Marshal granted him the privilege.
Blue Blood settled and looked to Luna, “Will I be giving this report solely to you or?” Blue Blood blinked as he heard a teleportation spell go off, and beside Luna was Celestia, taking a seat at the same side table.
Luna continued to look stoic, but spoke first, “My sister and I have come to the conclusion this matter should be heard by the both of us, and should it be deemed necessary, to Princess Twilight Sparkle and Cadance as well. After Celestia says her peace you may begin field marshal.” Luna was a regal pony of dark blue fur and a flowing mane like the night sky. She held herself stoically, and seemed to be the most awake of the two princesses.
Celestia smiled briefly to Blue Blood before replying, her rainbow mane and white coat giving her a more divine appearance than her sister, though it was hard to not see Luna in the same way as all saw Celestia. “Field Marshal Blue Blood, it is good to see you again. Your aid said that you had extremely urgent news to report. I took his request with great surety that it would be so, despite the protest of my secretary. I hope this meeting proves insightful.”
Blue Blood nodded, taking comfort in Celestia’s words, and the faith that the two of them vested in him to meet so late at night. Either way he set out to begin, taking the report out and sliding it over to the two of them before beginning, “For your eyes. Only myself and my aid have read through this report. I worked with Princess Twilight Sparkle to get this report compiled. You may read through it whenever. Feel free to ask any questions. I will do my best to provide insights. Now then, let us begin.”
Blue Blood would begin with the changeling side of the report, the vast army they had raised, and the rapid conquest of Olenia, Luna looking sternly at Blue Blood as he began telling them of the report. He would move on to the state of the Equestrian and Crystal armies as of 1008, and the rapid expansion they had gone through, citing however they still barely fielded a third of the changeling army and airforce. He continued citing the only field they had stayed competitive in was in the Navy. Finally he concluded the report, going over the Industrial failings of 1008, and the basic improvements made over the last three years, though Blue Blood stressed more direct action needed to be made were they to win a war with the Changeling Empire.
“In conclusion, despite the great gains made, there still needs to be several developments made, and a wartime economy established. If we do not, we will face losses and disasters beyond count.” Blue Blood looked over the two Princesses, Luna having developed a frown, and Celestia being wide eyed several times throughout the presentation.
Luna would be the first to speak, “We will keep all these details in mind, Field Marshal. I believe there is little we can do, circumventing the civilian government would likely cause more issues than solve, and doubly so if we began militarizing. However Celestia and I have discussed such possibilities.”
Celestia had swiftly composed herself by this point and nodded with her sister’s statement, “Yes Field Marshal, what we need is for the war to arrive on our doorstep. At that point there will be no choice but to implement these changes. We simply must ask, does the Equestian army at this point stand to last at least a year? If it is unable to, we will do the best we can to bolster you, however if things are so dire, we may have to look to other solutions as well.”
Blue Blood nodded considering before arriving at his conclusion, “The Equestrian Army could stand at least six months at this point. If a reserve program was established, and I could draw upon more forces to replace losses, my estimates would vary between Equestria being able to stand its ground for at least a year and a half. Ideally with such a program, I could last two years. That would of course require some form of limited conscription however. Is this a possibility?”
The sisters both look to each other before nodding resolutely and Celestia speaking up, “I shall draft a bill introducing a form of limited conscription. Cadence should be able to drum up support for such as well in the Crystal Empire. Should the issue be forced, Luna is willing to push for the bill by royal decree. It will be done whether the Upper and Lower houses support it or not.”
Blue Blood nods and offers a salute, “Thank you Princesses. I shall not fail. No matter what you will have the time you need to secure support for the government. Until then, I will make every preparation I can. I can agree to this meeting being adjourned if your graces will allow me to decree such?”
Luna nods rather plainly, “Yes this meeting is dismissed, thank you for your time Field Marshal. I know greatly of the weight of duty, so I will hope you are up to the task. Many will die, but it is a sacrifice Equestria must accept as it once did in ages past.”
Blue Blood eased his salute, and awaited, the two princesses shortly vanishing in puffs of magic, leaving Blue Blood alone, as he decided to depart back to his quarters to begin writing letters. He had a lot to write after all.
