Thursday 15th May 2014
Ponyville Barrack
08:11

"A poster-boy, really?" I ask with a slight chuckle as I rest a tray containing freshly made coffees and teas on Swift's desk. Luna and Swift called for myself, Venture and Hussar to attend a meeting in the Brigadier's office, something to do with discussing the beginning of the newest Regiment. Apparently, since I was previously in command of the Rangers and since numerous senior political figures both within and outside of Equestria are aware of my exploits, and following the release of the interview I took part in with Wintersong, it makes me the prime candidate to be the face of the Lunar Guard.

Swift brings a mug of coffee closer to his body as he leans back in his chair, "It makes perfect sense. We need more recruits, so we'll need recruitment posters. Who better to stick on it then 'the liberator of Griffonstone'?"

Taking my own mug of tea in the one hand, I pace towards the window as I pinch the bridge of my nose. "I know it's a fancy title that the Griffins gave me, but I wasn't the only soldier there. I just happened to be the one who killed the General." Turning back to the others, I lean back against the frame of the window. "I don't want to be slapped on every poster."

"It's good publicity, John," Luna adds as she lifts her own mug in her magic. "You're known throughout the Equestrian military. You're practically a celebrity within the Lunar Guard. My Guard requires this positive press, and you are the person who is helping to bring about many changes which have improved the Lunar Guard. You're establishing the new training requirements, developing equipment and acting as a proactive leader. We need this, it's only a few pictures." Luna takes a small sip of her coffee before muttering under her breath, "And a recruitment tour."

I cock a brow as I fail to hear her, "What was that?"

Hussar steps forwards as Luna continues to drink her coffee, "The Princess and Brigadier have decided that it would be effective if you and your team go on a recruitment tour. Interest the public, get fresh recruits and encourage those who are serving to transfer to the Rangers."

I let out a shallow groan in irritation, "A recruitment tour? How long will that take?"

"That depends," Venture states as he strolls to a map that rests on the wall behind Swift's desk. "If you were to spend two days in each of the major towns and cities, it could be approximately a month. That is if you include the occasional day to rest and travel between towns."

"A month," I ask as I rest my mug on the edge of the window. "You want me to spend a month telling ponies to join the Rangers? I'd be much more productive carrying on with my projects here."

"You do realise how many soldiers are in a Regiment, right?" Venture turns to face me. "We currently have a couple of hundred soldiers, spread out across the entire country. We need a full Regiment based out of one location, that means a full unit with four-thousand soldiers."

"To get that many new recruits into the ranks," Swift continues as he leans forward, "We need publicity. Myself and the Princess will be busy making preparations for the next stage whilst you're out getting us new soldiers and planning out training regimes."

Rubbing the back of my neck, I push myself away from the window and begin to pace around the room. "What preparations?"

Luna rests her mug on the Brigadier's desk as she looks to me. "You previously mentioned that we'd require a new military base to house the Rangers. You wanted to set one up in the desert near the village where you and the girls followed the map. I have other plans. I want to establish the main base for the Rangers a few miles out of town, around the western side of the Everfree Forest."

"Outside town? But, why here?"

"I want the Lunar Guard to be more than a ceremonial Guard. Before my banishment, my Guard would actively help the citizens of Equestria and tackle threats to the nation. Let the Solar Guard handle upholding the law and protect key infrastructure. I want the Lunar Guard to protect the country from any threat that it may face. Equestria's army was disbanded long ago, I want to bring it back."

Swift nods his head, "The Everfree Rangers will become the first Regiment of the soon to be formed Equestrian Army. Princess Luna shall make it official once the Regiment is up to strength. You created the current training regime for those who transferred into the Rangers. Any transfers you obtain on your tour complete the training you have already set out, in order to increase our effective numbers. While you are out and about, we'd like you to develop the training plan for all future soldiers who wish to join the army."

"You want me to try and develop a training plan for an army? That's easier said than done. I don't remember every single day of my training. I spent over forty weeks in training, and that was just standard training as an officer. The British Army spend a minimum of fourteen weeks training every soldier just to meet the minimum standard, twenty-six to join the infantry."

"We're not asking for you to begin from scratch. I'll provide you with the regime we currently have in place, all that we're asking is for you to see if there is anything you can amend or add to it. Our current training for recruits is outdated, especially with the new equipment you've introduced. If they're the future of Equestria's defence, then they must be prepared."

Sighing, I nod my head as I look between the four in the room. "Okay, I'll take a look and see what I can do. So, where am I going to first?"

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Monday 19th May 2014
Trottingham, Grittish Isles.
11:47

Inhaling the scent of the air, I release a satisfied sigh as I grasp onto my phone, "I think I'm home." I juggle the phone in my hand as the music plays out loud. As we fly overhead and approach the city in a collection of towed carriages, I feel a warmth within me as I look to the strangely familiar land below. The outskirts of the city seems to be filled with heavy industry that follows a natural river, grey smoke billowing from the towering chimneys as the factories produce their goods. Large rolling farmland spreads out far over the southern horizon, little villages and hamlets littering the way. Farms of various types cover the distant land, small figures of what I presume to be some sort of livestock filling a number of fields.

I was told prior to coming here that the Grittish Isles had once belonged to the Griffin Empire, many centuries ago. The island had declared its independence from the empire before it held any major position of power, preventing the empire from acting to reclaim the territory as it was too preoccupied with disputes on its mainland. Not long after gaining independence, the island began to decline and looked to Equestria to assist where the Griffin Empire was no longer providing aid.

Equestria helped the island and helped it grow in exchange for allowing it's citizens to settle on the island, thus resulting in the city of Trottingham. The Grittish Isles became a territory where Griffins and Ponies could live and work side-by-side. It didn't take long until the former members of the Empire saw the benefits of being tied to the Equestrians, so the parliament proposed joining the nation of Equestria. They provided income, resources and trade to the mainland, in exchange for maintaining home-rule and receiving Equestrian protection. This resulted in the Grittish Isles being a territory under the control of Equestria but was able to continue governing itself on a majority of areas.

Moving over the centre of the city, we pass a large majority of smaller suburbs as we enter the central business district. The City itself has a few skyscrapers, giving the inner city a sense of modernisation. A significant number of the buildings seem to be fairly historic, symbolising the history of the island and numerous statues and landmarks litter the city. Our carriage begins to slowly touch down within a small square, a large statue of a historical figure stands tall over the area as the buildings and roads seem to have been constructed around it.

As soon as the carriage I'm in touches the floor, I leap from the doorway and land on the cobbled street below. Pivoting on the street, I'm surprised by the number of small similarities to home. I had seen a number of yellow taxies being towed in Canterlot, but try to English fashion, they've all been replaced with black chariots with small lights overhead to symbolise a London cab. I even find a number of raised red carriages being towed by groups of ponies, creating the illusion of the double-decker bus that you'd only ever find in the city back home.

As the others join alongside me in the square, Chaser releases a soft chuckle. "Somepony looks happy."

My head turns back to Chaser as I look at him with a grin, "It's just strange how there is a city that is similar to London."

"London?" Starry asks in confusion.

"The capital city of the United Kingdom, which just happens to be on the British Isles." I gesture with my hand towards the city in front of us, "Black cabs, double-decker buses... there's already a few similarities, other than the name. I'm expecting a cop to walk around the corner twirling a baton as he..." I abruptly stop my statement as my eyes snap onto one particular building. "...No fucking way."

"What?" The others all ask in unison as I begin to jog towards the building in question.

"Set up the stand!" I call back to them. "I'll be back in a moment!" Running away from the group and approaching the building, I open the door and step inside. Reaching to my head, I remove the newly created officer cap that Rarity had made for officers within the Rangers and remove it from my head. Moving the Royal purple cap with a black stripe underneath my arm, I rest it under my arm as I begin to read the board overhead.

As my eyes scan over the board, a cockney voice comes from the other side of the display counter. "Hey, aren't you that human from the papers? Some sort of Captain?"

I nod my head as my eyes drift to the pony in question, "Yup. Captain of the Everfree Rangers."

"Well, what brings you here?" He asks as he adjusts a grey flat cap on his head.

"Recruitment drive. Trying to get ponies" -My eyes drift to the other members of staff to see a Griffin working in the back room- "and Griffons to enlist with the Rangers."

"Well good luck to you-" The member of staff suddenly freezes as the sound of the door opening breaks him from his train of thought. His eyes widen as he quickly lowers his head in order to bow. "Your Highness, what an honour it is to have you in my store."

I pivot on the spot to find Luna returning the ponies gesture with a slight nod of her head. "Thank you, I won't be disrupting your business for long-"

"-Nonsense, I can always hold off for a visit from royalty. It's not very often we see a Princess here, especially in my store."

Luna smiles softly to him before shifting her gaze to me, "Captian, any reason you decided to run off?"

Grinning, I lift a small coin pouch from my pocket. "A very good reason." Turning back to the member of staff, I take a selection of coins and rest them on the counter in front of him. "Can I get, eight large portions of chips, three battered cods and three haddocks, please?" The member of staff nods as he turns off to prepare my order. I slowly turn to Luna as I give her an innocent smile. "Fish and chips."

Luna looks at me in confusion, "Fish and chips?"

"Do you know how long it has been since I've had these beauties?" Turning my head back to the counter, I lean closer as I examine the display of freshly made chips and battered fish. Inhaling the scent, I release a satisfied sigh as the beautiful aroma hits my nostrils. "It's bloody gorgeous. I figured that everyone would appreciate a little grub while we worked."

"I'll have to take your word for it. I've never had it."

My eyes quickly snap to Luna as I stare at her, "...What?"

"It's not very common outside of the Grittish Isles. I haven't really been in a position to have it."

As the member of staff places the first container of chips on the counter, I pick it up and open the container in front of Luna. Lifting it below her muzzle, I lightly shake the salted chips from side to side. "Try it."

Luna eyes the chips sceptically before taking one in her magic. Bringing it to her lips, she slowly bites into it. I can't help but chuckle as her speed suddenly increases, her eyes widening slightly as she releases a satisfied groan. "Wow," Luna states as she takes another chip from my container, "These are really good."

"See, I told you." I pluck the chip from her magic, "That doesn't mean you can eat all my chips."

Before I bite into the chip, Luna pulls it away and quickly eats the chip. Giggling, she lifts one of the other containers and keeps a hold of it in her magic. "You can't give me something this good then take it away."

"You can have one portion. Next time, you're paying. You're royalty and you're expecting your Captain to pay?" I release a fake scoff as I take a small handful of chips. "Disgraceful."

Luna playfully sticks out her tongue before leaving the store with a container of chips in her magical grasp. As the member of staff continues to complete my order, he looks out the window towards Luna in disbelief. "The bloody Princess just came into my store and she loved my chips."

I give a soft chuckle as I lean against the counter, "That'll be a good endorsement for you." As he continues to work, my eyes drift outside to watch the team working to set up the display stand. We brought a few pieces of equipment along to allow civilians to have a look at them up close, rifles, aerial gauntlets, armour and gas masks. I left my SA80 behind for Dawnstar to study, I gave her a full list of instructions on how to strip and reassemble the rifle. She wanted to go about attempting to replicate some of the parts so that we can replace them should they become too damaged, it'll also allow me to create future designs based on the functionality of the weapon as a semi-automatic and fully automatic rifle.

I look to a selection of posters as Sunny erects a set of banners. Since I was a poster boy for the Lunar Guard and Everfree Rangers, I've been slapped on all three designs. The first shows the picture that was captured of me during the civil war, the rifle raised as I look out of the bell tower during the fight to take control of the bridge crossing the river Guto.

The second photo shows myself stood directly at the centre in the Ranger's combat uniform, my pistol raised in my right hand with my sword hanging low to my left. To my left is Chaser, hovering just off the ground as he raises the aerial gauntlet to a target out of shot. To my right is Sunny, a small shield erected in front of her as she aims the shotgun off to the side. Finally, in front of me is Crimson with her rifle aimed just to the side of the camera. The Picture showing all three pony races within one unit, all while advertising the variety of weapons and skills we have.

The last poster is of Princess Luna and myself. The top has a bold text stating 'The Lunar Guard: Making a Difference' with an emblem of the moon hanging just below. To the right is Princess Luna, looking over a silhouetted crowd of soldiers on parade with myself in the centre. I'm shown wearing full ceremonial dress with the new hat design, the colours of the Lunar Guard held in my hand as it flies freely over the rest of the parade.

My attention is drawn away from the posters as the completed order is presented to me in a set of paper bags. Taking my order, I place the cap on top of my head before moving through the door to rejoin the others.

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A number of hours passed by with numerous Ponies and Griffins coming by the stand and expressing their interest, we already had a fair few completing some relevant paperwork to begin the process of joining the Guard. Luna and I primarily stayed within a marquee at the rear of the stand, mostly speaking to those who were completing the paperwork to enlist.

Wiping my hands clean, I push my container of food to the side. "Well, that certainly hit the spot." Luna nods her head slowly as she continues to eat her own chips. A small smirk spreads across my lips, "I've got the feeling that I'll have to pry those away from you."

Luna's eyes quickly snap to meet mine, "I'm not that bad."

"Not that bad?" I repeat as I laugh lightly. "You've made me go back to the shop on three occasions to get more."

"It's... just a change from what I'm used to, that's all."

"Then how about we have a little something that you are used to."' Reaching into the field pack I brought with me, I slowly withdraw the bottle of absinthe I opened the previous week along with the mug from my canteen. "Your favourite spirit."

Luna rolls her eyes, "You brought alcohol with you?"

"Yup, for emergencies... and in case I got really bored." Pouring a small amount into the mug, I offer it to Luna.

Luna's horn initially glows as her magic surrounds the mug, something causes her to change her mind as her head briefly flicks down and her magic dissipates. "No, thank you. I shouldn't drink."

I cock a brow as I bring the mug closer to my body, "How come."

Luna remains silent for a brief moment before her eyes flick to the entrance of the marquee, "It's not exactly a good image to see the Princess having a strong drink out in public."

I shrug as I toss the drink back, the strong alcohol causing my face to scrunch up as the elixir hit my throat. "Whereas I couldn't give a shit about my image."

"Well, you should. Don't forget that you have to assist a certain noble next month so that your image amongst them can be improved upon." I look blankly at Luna as her expression turns to one of irritation, "Have you really forgotten? You're supposed to see Fancy Pants to assist him so that he'll put in a good word for you amongst the nobles so that we can go... public."

I place the bottle and mug back into the field bag, "It'll be fine, Luna. I can put on airs and graces when the time comes. I am an officer, after all."

Before Luna can respond, Sunny pokes her head through the entrance. "John, we've got another one for you."

Sitting up, I turn to face the entrance, "Thanks, Sunny. Send them in." As quickly as Sunny leaves, she is quickly replaced by another mare. The Unicorn mare has a coat of grey, her emerald green eyes quickly scanning myself and the room as she enters. Seeing the Princess, she turns her body and bows her head, allowing me to see her cutie mark. Her mark is a selection of black tribal swirls, the centre leaving the outline of a black star.

Lifting her head, she turns to me as she flicks her mane away from her face. The ruffled yet short-cropped mane's centre consists of a light blue with a golden yellow outline. Facing me, she gives a quick salute, "Sergeant Deka, sir."

I give a brief salute before idly waving my hand at her, "At ease." Her posture quickly relaxes, though her eyes seem to frequently dart towards Luna before returning to me. "Captain John Davies," I introduce myself as I hold my hand out to her.

She takes my hand, completing the gesture as a smug grin spreads across her muzzle. "I know. Nearly everypony in Equestria knows of you."

I can't help but smirk at her comment. Releasing my hand, I slide over a section of papers towards her. "A Sergeant? So, I take it you're wanting a transfer. Why?"

Deka takes a hold of the papers in her magic and quickly begins to scan over them as she starts to talk. "Because, I want to be a part of the group that is actually doing something, to make a difference out there. No disrespect towards the other branches, but all we do is sit around and keep the peace. I don't want to sit around and look pretty for a few tourists when I could be out there keeping the problem away from our homes, rather than sitting around waiting for it to knock on our door. That's why I volunteered to serve in the civil war. I want to actively serve my country, properly."

I slowly nod my head, "Probably one of the better answers I've heard all day. You said you served in the war?"

"I did." Deka rests the papers down on the table as her magic takes a hold of a quill in order to begin filling in the details. "I was initially stationed along the Eastern coastline of the Isles, acting as reconnaissance for any Griffin invasion forces. After you took the river and opened the way for the main force to push into the south of the empire, we were reposted onto the empire's coastline. We came across a number of small engagements, never seeing the key battles, but still seeing some heavy fighting. We patrolled the coastline of captured territory, capturing any stragglers and ensuring no forces were moving on our flanks."

"Well, you'll certainly see some action with the Rangers." Getting out of my seat, I move around the table to stand next to Deka. "We've grown from a single Section to a Company... now we're a Regiment. We'll need every experienced soldier we can get. So, I think you'll fit the bill quite nicely. We'll be taking on a lot of recruits. I'll need any NCO that has leadership experience to keep them in shape."

As Deka finishes signing the paperwork, she lifts head. "I've got experience leading a small team. You can count on me."

"You'll be expected to attend the Ponyville barrack in one month time to begin your training."

Deka cocks a brow as she tilts her head, "Training? Even though I'm already a Sergeant?"

I nod my head, "You're still required to complete a two-week crash course as a transfer. You'll go over more advanced combat tactics, including CBRN, first aid, weapon maintenance..."

As I continue to go over the training, Luna gets up from her seat and begins to pace towards the exit, "I shall leave you to it, John. I trust that you'll come by and inform me of your progress when you're in Canterlot?"

I look to Luna as she stops to face me, "You're leaving?"

"You didn't think I'd be attending every event with you, did you?" Luna responds with a slight chuckle. "I have numerous commitments over the next month. I trust that you can continue without me?"

"You can trust me. These things are a piece of piss. I'll see you in a few weeks." Luna gives me a soft smile as she leaves the marquee. Rubbing the back of my neck, I look to Deka as she watches the Princess leave. "Feel free to stick around. I'll go over any questions you've got."

Deka nods as her eyes drift behind me. As she moves past me, I follow her gaze to see her approaching the kettle that the team set up. "Fancy a brew?" I respond with a swift nod as a grin spreads across my lips.

This place really is the Equestrian equivalent of England.

Author's Notes:

A full regiment for the Rangers... that's a lot of soldiers.
That means that I will be adding numerous named characters for the Rangers, they will appear in minor roles throughout the rest of the story, making the occasional appearance.

Instead of referring to them all as 'Ranger', submit your OC's to have them within the Rangers.
Send the details to me in a Private Message and I shall add them to the story.

Thanks for reading