Sometime earlier...

"Next."

The black stallion took no notice to the call for his attention. He was looking up at the sky, recalling how he got there. His friends were worried that he did not provide a reason for his departure.

But the letter he had recieved from Princess Luna clearly stated

"Tell nopony of the details."

It was followed by an explanation.

"Equestria has been a land of harmony and rest for thousands of years. The ponies that reside here do not know fear, they don't know pain, suffering, or loss. These ponies will know how to handle the fear on an iminent threat. The internal peace is better left undisturbed."

The black stallion felt a pang guilt course through him. He had left his friends without sufficient explanation.

"I said 'Next!'!"

The black stallion was snapped out of his thoughts by a the voice of the pegasus mare in the window.box. She was looking at him, and was obviously irritated. The ponies behind him were all staring. Noire went red, and trotted up to the window box.

"Name?" the pegasus in the window asked.

"...." The unicorn stallion was at a loss for words.

"Do you not know your own name?"

"Uh, Noire. Noire Pulse,"

The pegasus suppressed a snort. She was obviously dealing with somepony who wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

"Age?"

Another one. Noire exhaled.

"Of Age, vouched for."

The rest of the questions were a breeze. Nothing that took a psychological toll on him. Although the pegasus was surprised that Noire, a unicorn, had worked on a farm prior to joining the Equestrian Homeland Defense, and this bothered him.

After the questioning, Noire was lead by a guard to a set of double doors belonging to a very modern but dull building. He was ushered inside, and taken to another pony at a window.

"There are various teams available for enlistment. You will be assigned one based on your talent." said the stallion behind the window.

There was a pause.

"...What is your talent?" the green stallion asked.

"I can cast life detection spells pretty easily." Noire responded.

"You'll be in the medical team." the green stallion said monotonusly. "Next!"

By now, the whole process wasn't settling in well with Noire. He felt as though it was all to automated, and not very exciting. Had he not been called here for his patriotism? Where were the rallying speeches and where was the sense of Equestrian Pride? Had he made a mistake in coming here? This certainly didn't seem of much importance now. If only somepony would give a flying feather about the whole ordeal.

Noire entered the door at the end of the hall he was directed to. His doubts dissipated as his eyes met those of another pony. Standing regally in front of a group of ponies in tight formation, was a dark blue mare. Her mane was flowing and ethereal, a midnight void filled with shining stars. Princess Luna gave Noire a warm smilie.

"Welcome to unicorn squad of the Equestrian Homeland Defense. I will be your skill development mentor. If you can join the formation of your comrades, then we can begin."

----

"Ponies of Equestria," Luna began, "You have been all been summoned here today because of your character. The responsiblity you have all decided to take on is an extremely important one. Your actions in this group can either destroy or save Equestria. As you all know, Equestria is known for it's peace and harmony. Although my sister and I do our best, we need more help to help maintain the order. There are creatures and races out there that would very much like to ruin the peace in our fair country. Therefore all this enjoyment and freedom of the ponies does not come without a cost. Soldiers,"

Soldiers? Noire thought, But I'm just a medical pony.

Luna continued, "What I have to offer you is not the safety of the inlands, but constant danger, and risk of life. It's long marches and short rations. Dangerous posts and constant vigilance throughout the day and night. That said, those who love their freedom and country may stay here. As for the rest of you, the door is right there."

Nopony moved a muscle.

Luna smiled slyly. "I hereby declare you all official guardians of Equestria."

Next Chapter: Chapter 3: The Surprise Comrade Estimated time remaining: 5 Minutes