Casus Belli I: Shining Armor`s Last Battle

Defending all of Equestria made it necessary to split the royal guard up. While the most famous elite-guards stayed directly in Canterlot Castle to defend their princess all the other soldiers were split up in five battalions. Each battalion had a camp outside the castle to protect their assigned territory. Lieutenant Light Wave, commander of the 4th batallion, asked one of his captains to show in his office.

“Captain, I asked Lieutenant Solar Storm from the 5th battalion for food three days ago. Last time he had problems with logistics I sent them food immediately. And now I want this favor returned, but the food didnt show up yet even though Solar Storm promised me to send it right away. Do you think he didnt sent it?”

“No sir, lieutenant Solar Storm is a stallion of his word. I am sure he sent the food. But we haven`t heard anything at all from the 5th battalion since the answer to your request.”

“That is very strange. Send a group of pegasi to his camp. I want to know what`s going on there.”

“Right away, lieutenant Light Wave”

Even though the lieutenant was worried about the 5th battalion and the low food reserves in the warehouse the life and duty of the other royal guards of the 4th battalion went on. Cannon Powder, an old veteran from the changeling invasion, went outside the camp to meet with his companion for the guarding post this night. As he feared he was assigned to a stallion which he had never seen before.

“Must be one of the greenhooves from the training area…”, Cannon Powder whispered to himself. For an old veteran like him it was always a risk being assigned to new recruits, even in this peaceful time. Smiling about the things Cannon Powder would do to the greenhooves if he found him sleeping on his duty he went on to make acquaintance with his new partner.

“So you and I are assigned to guard post 22 in the northern woods. I have never seen you before, do you came with the last shipment of new recruits? Which captain are you assigned to?”

The stallion didn`t answer Cannon Powders question. He just looked at him with a face showing no emotions.

“Ah I see. Youre so new here that you didnt even remember the basics. So here is a tip, never forget again which captain you are assigned too. If I would be a superior officer and you couldn`t answer that question for me we had a new pony to pull the “apple” carts. The horse apples carts. Get it?”

Still no response from the stallion.

„You know, greenhooves, I remember a guard who had a cutie mark just like you.... I mean it must have been similar to yours, we all know there are no two identical cutie marks in the world. He was a heroic captain who died during the changeling invasion. This is a good sign, maybe you will have a straight career like he had… well except of his death of course.”

The stallion`s face still showed no emotions but he turned his front completely towards Cannon Powder, seemed kind of he wanted to hide his cutie mark from the old veteran.

“All right then, lets get into our position. Not that somethings happening and we can`t alarm the camp. Shining armor would personally kick my plot. You know, maybe the changelings return this very night” joked Cannon Powder and walked to their assigned guard position. The stallion behind his back smiled for the first time this evening. But it was no friendly smile.

“We have surrounded the 4th battalion and our agents infiltrated the camp successfully. Give us five minutes to bring the artillery in position then we are ready for the attack. Our agents are in position and will take out the guarding posts. There will be no warning for them, my queen”

“Good, general”, Chrysalis smiled, “let no one escape to warn Canterlot. Kill them all!”

“Yes, my queen. We will not fail you. We will take this camp like we did with the other three” the changeling general replied. Then he gave the sign for the agents in the camp to take out the guard posts.