My team and I spent the entire month travelling around the entire country once we left Trottingham. We spent a few days in each of the major cities across Equestria. Manehattan, Las Pegasus, Fillydelphia, Vanhoover and Cloudsdale. I was very sceptical when I was told that I was expected to carry out a recruitment drive in a city that was built within the clouds and inhabited by Pegasi. It turns out that specialised clouds were developed in order to act as walls and structures, providing shelter for those who lived within the city.

We were all able to enter the city by purchasing a potion which was sold below the city itself. It allowed those who drank it the ability to walk on clouds for twenty-four hours, allowing me and the others to enter the city. I was initially thrown off when I was there, especially following everything I was taught in school about clouds and how impossible it should be to physically use one as a floor.

My time in Cloudsdale got me thinking about the roles of the different races within the Rangers. During our time in the Grittish Isles, we were able to recruit a number of Griffins to join the Rangers. We would need to find roles for those who'd enlist within the Regiment, whether it be logistics, frontline infantry, medical or intelligence. Equestria had its equivalent of the air force with the Wonderbolts, but we wouldn't always have the support of aerial units to assist us.

In my plans, I drafted out a Company within the Rangers which would act as our own internal aerial support, similar to that of the Army Air Corps. This would be a Company consisting of Pegasi and Griffins to act as battlefield support, delivering hard-hitting and effective support to ground forces during key stages of battles. They'd also act similar to paratroopers, being able to fly behind enemy lines and assault from the ground in a number of sabotage raids. Being as unimaginative as I am, I decided to keep the name P-Coy, or Pegasus Company, which the British army used for training and selection of future paratroopers. It also didn't help that the paratroopers' mascot is a Shetland Pony called Pegasus.

I was also able to draft out future training regimes for the new recruits which would be joining. We would have to get approximately three-thousand recruits through training in order to fill our Regiment up to full strength, those numbers are based on the one-thousand soldiers which had been accepted for transfer. Our aim is to train the next generation of soldiers to serve in the Equestrian Army, we felt that it would be more successful if the majority of our soldiers were new recruits who wouldn't be influenced by previous experience or training as a Guard.

Transferees would be subjected to two weeks of training, similar to how I trained my team, in order to quickly raise our number of active personnel. The training for recruits will take place over a period of twenty-six weeks, providing everyone within the Regiment with the same minimum level of training before carrying on with specialised training. Basic training will be split into two phases, covering CBRN training, weapon and military drill, fieldcraft, first aid and advanced fitness.

Chaser and Georg were able to give me some ideas for training the aerial units, based on training they received when they joined their respective militaries. Changes could be made to the training if needed, but for now, it seems as though I've been able to squeeze in everything that I can. There were only two locations left to visit on our tour, Canterlot and then our home garrison of Ponyville.

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Friday 13th June 2014
Canterlot, Old Town district.
The Lucky Mare
13:27

I spent the morning with my team as we carried out our first day of Canterlot's recruitment drive within the market district, we received a bit of attention but not as much as we did in other cities, I guess many citizens of Canterlot consider themselves too elite to enlist with the military as an NCO or soldier. We weren't actively recruiting new officers from scratch, that section of training was still being planned and I felt it was best that our first officers were experienced.

Since Luna had made plans in order to improve my standing with the nobility, I left my team to continue the recruitment as I returned to the overpriced Lucky Mare where I was expected to meet a noble by the name of Fancy Pants. Stepping into the bar, I remove my cap and hold it underneath my arm as I look around the establishment. The main room itself seems to be primarily empty, save for a few patrons who seem to be having a light lunch.

My eyes quickly find someone matching the description Luna sent me. Sat within one of the booths reading the daily newspaper is a fairly large white stallion, especially for your typical noble. His body is covered with a black tuxedo jacket, a blue waistcoat and white shirt resting underneath with a purple bowtie. A monocle sits in front of his left eye as he continues to scan over the newspaper.

Approaching the booth, his eyes are quickly torn away from the paper as he greets me with a comforting smile. "Ah, Captain John Davies. It's good to finally make your acquaintance." Rising from the booth, he reaches his hoof out and shakes my hand. "Please, join me for a drink." Returning to his seat, he folds the paper over and pushes it to the side.

Resting my cap on the table, I slide into the booth across from him. "I'm gonna take a guess and say that you're from Trottingham?"

Fancy Pants releases an amused chuckle yet shakes his head, "You have a good ear for accents. But, I'm afraid you're wrong. My mother and father were from Trottingham but moved to Canterlot before I was born. I would say that you were from Trottingham, if I didn't already know that you're not from this world."

"You could say that. My country seems to be pretty similar to it, especially with what I saw during my short time there."

"I must say, I'd imagine it seems fairly confusing, to have somewhere here in Equestria which is similar to your own home." Levitating a pot of tea from the wooden surface of the table, he fills up a free teacup and offers it to me. As I clasp my hands onto the teacup, he lowers the kettle as his eyes drift to the date on top of the newspaper. "You've already seen the similarity of Trottingham to your own home in the few days you were there. How are you settling into Equestria? If I remember correctly, you'll be coming up to the end of your first year here in Equestria."

Closing my eyes, I slowly exhale as I realise that he's correct. One year, only one more week and I'll have been in Equestria for a year. It seems like I've been here for longer than that, having gone through so much in that short period of time. Being held at the mercy of four unknown Princesses in a strange land, fighting in a war, becoming a Captain of one the Princesses Guard's, creating the foundation of a new military force, and let's not forget being in a relationship with the same Princess I'm supposed to serve.

Reopening my eyes, I nod my head. "I guess you're right. It doesn't feel like I've only been here for a year."

"I suppose you've caused quite a splash since your arrival. However, the same can be said about the last few years as a whole. Princess Luna's return from banishment, the return of Discord, the Changeling's attempted invasion, a civil war and Tirek attempting to steal Equestria's magic." Fancy Pants cracks a small grin as he lifts his drink, "The world certainly is changing."

There's that name again, Changeling. I've heard it a few times yet never thought to learn more about it. I'll have to ask Luna when I see her this evening. "Change comes to the world, whether people like it or not. It allows the world to progress, for better or for worse. Nobody can live in the same world forever. You can either embrace change and make the best of it, or you're going to find yourself lost and unable to adapt."

"Exactly!" Fancy Pants responds as he gives me an approving look. "I find myself regularly surrounded by other nobles who are caught up in the 'good old days', as they say. We have to keep moving forward, in order to progress as a society. You know this better than anypony, you've been required to adapt to a very different world from what you're used to. I remember when I first saw you at the trial. An unusual form of apparel, a far more advanced and superior weapon, and a unique way of addressing and interacting with others. Your world was clearly different from ours, yet here you sit before me, having adapted and found a place within our society."

"It hasn't exactly been a walk in the park." Lifting a sugar cube, I drop it into my teacup and begin to idly stir the contents. "I've had a few times where I lost any trust that I gained, simply for being myself and acting in a certain way."

"Yes, you've certainly found yourself at the centre of everypony's attention every now and then, for both good and bad reasons. Not that I'm judging you based on what I've heard," Fancy Pants glances to a number of other patrons. "I like to get the facts before coming to a decision, unlike a number of others I know. If I listened to the same news that everypony else heard, it would be unlikely that I would have even agreed to meet you here in order for us to converse. No, I read into you as much as I could before making my decision."

I cock a brow as I look at him in intrigue, "So, you've made your mind up about me?"

"I can see that you're a devoted and intellectual individual, despite how every newspaper presented you when you first arrived. You wouldn't have made it to where you are now if you weren't. You're certainly unique, seeing everything in our world differently to the others. A fresh perspective is a very rare thing to come across."

I release a soft chuckle, "I must say, you're probably the only noble who seems to think I'm not a menace."

Fancy Pants matches my chuckle, "You went to fight to keep another country safe when you had no reason to do so. You serve the Princess and maintain a military unit under her command when you could have devoted all of your time and effort to find a way home. You're not a menace."

There's something about his words that fills me with a sense of pride, knowing that there are those out there who are finally getting the message that I'm not acting in such a way to improve my own position. Clearing my throat, I lean back into my seat. "So, Princess Luna told me that you were looking into developing a security plan for the Grand Equestria Pony Summit."

"I wouldn't say a 'security plan', per se, but I would appreciate your advice."

"From what I've been told, this is an event where delegates from major towns and cities will all converge on one location. As it's being held in the castle, that'll relieve the issue of venue security as there'll be regular guards within the area who know the place like the back of their hand... or hoof."

Fancy Pants nods as he continues to listen to me. "I'd imagine a number of delegates will be arriving by train, so you can have an increase in presence there. A few more guards posted at the train station and along one main route to the castle, ensuring that there are no issues as they make their way to the venue. The event isn't really a high-value target, from a strategic point of view. If anything was to be targeted, it would be the Princesses, but they're already secured within the castle. You shouldn't have any issues for this event. Simply draft in a few extra guards and act on anything suspicious and everything should be right as rain."

Fancy Pants maintains his silence for a few moments longer as he looks at me. "I say, you've certainly got an eye for this sort of things."

"Comes with being in the army in a hostile nation for months on end. You learn how certain groups think, what they'd identify as a target and how'd they go about getting it."

I'm about to reply when my eyes drift to a pair of guards as they make their way into the bar. As they look around the bar, the younger of the two taps the other to gain his attention before pointing to me. The two make their way towards us before coming to a stop, standing to attention. "Sir, the Princesses have requested that you attend the castle, immediately."

Fancy Pants turns his gaze back to me, "It seems as though you've got to return to your duties."

Reaching for my drink, I quickly drain its contents before retrieving my cap and climbing out of the booth. "It certainly looks that way. If you ever find yourself in Ponyville, swing by the barracks. It'll be my turn to get you a drink."

A warm smile spreads across his muzzle as he bows his head slightly, "I may hold you to that." I turn my attention to the guards and signal for them to lead the way. The three of us exit the bar and begin to make our way directly towards the castle.

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I was swiftly escorted through the city and straight into the castle, I could tell that there was a sense of urgency based on the speed the guards were leading me through the streets. Navigating a section of corridors, the guards' pace finally slows as they come to a stop alongside Princess Celestia's study. With a knock on the door, the older of the two guards push the door open and move to the side in order to allow me to enter.

Entering the study, I remove my cap and hold it against my chest. Inside the study I find both Princesses looking down at a set of maps and documents on a desk. Shining Armor is present as he stands before the desk. I step alongside him as I look to the Princesses. Lifting their heads, Celestia steps from around the desk. "Thank you both for attending on such short notice. What I'm about to discuss with all of you is of an... unsettling nature."

Releasing a shallow sigh, Celestia looks back and forth over Shining Armor and myself. "This morning, an occurrence has taken place within the mining town of Coltchester along the edge of the Macintosh Hills. As previously discussed at the annual conference, tensions have been rising with the miners and the Diamond Dogs. I'm afraid to say that the tensions have reached a tipping point. A skirmish had broken out in the mining tunnels... thirty-four Equestrian citizens have been killed by a planned attack by a section of Diamond Dogs. They have left a message on one of the dead, demanding that we leave the mines to them for our actions against them. They've threatened to kill any miners who are found within the tunnels."

Shining seems taken aback by the news. They've likely never experienced an incident like this before, an open attack on their civilians. The Equestrians have attempted diplomacy, something that the nation relies heavily upon, and it has failed. Recovering, Shining Armor looks to the Princess. "What are we to do, Princess?"

Princess Celestia looks towards her sister, almost as though she's giving the signal for Luna to step in. Luna does just that as she moves in front of me, her eyes scanning over myself and the Major. "We must continue to attempt a diplomatic solution for his situation, but we cannot sit idly by while they murder civilians. We are to deploy additional guards to the location immediately to defend our territory and those that inhabit it. Shining Armor, you are to prepare a Regiment from the Crystal Guard to deploy by tomorrow evening. I shall inform Spitfire to deploy the Wonderbolts to provide support to the Crystal Guard."

Shining gives a crisp nod, acknowledging his order as Luna continues. "You are to move to the town of Coltchester and regain control of those mines. Accept the Diamond Dogs surrender, should they attempt to do so. Your task is to secure and maintain defences around the town and neighbouring settlements as we continue to settle this diplomatically." Pausing briefly, Luna turns her gaze to me. "How soon until the Rangers can deploy?"

This seems to confuse Shining as he turns his head to Luna. "Princess, surely the Wonderbolts and Crystal Guard will be sufficient to complete this task."

Luna gives a slight glare at the Major, "Unless you've forgotten, Captain Davies is experienced in dealing with a situation such as this." She turns her gaze back to me, "Three military tours in a nation where they were deployed to keep the peace from a groups aggressions. John will be of great help in these circumstances, and I cannot let anypony attack my subjects and not expect me to act. So, I ask you again, Captain. How soon until the Rangers can deploy?"

I look off to the side as I consider all of my training plans and the supply of resources available to us. "The entire Regiment? The training for those who are enlisting will take a minimum of six months, not to mention the fact that we'll have to wait for weaponry and equipment to fully supply each soldier." I take a step back as I look to the side. "However, we could potentially deploy three or four Companies within a month, if we get them training immediately and have equipment sent to us."

Celestia intervenes as she steps alongside her sister. "I know of your plans for the future of Equestria's military, but we shouldn't rush this."

Luna shakes this off as she maintains her focus on me, "No, now is the time. This new force will react to this attack on Equestria, I will be deploying the newly reformed Equestrian Army."

This catches Shining's attention as he looks to Luna in surprise. "Equestrian Army?" We haven't had an army in a millennium."

"And it's about time we had a force dedicated to protecting Equestria from all threats, internal and external. The Rangers will be the first Regiment in the army, and they will be a prime example of how Equestria's military will react to attacks against us." Luna releases a sigh as she steps back to the desk, "Captain Davies, I will send word to Brigadier Swift that I shall be deploying the Rangers. You're deploying on the fourteenth of July, is that understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," I respond as I stand at attention.

"Then come with me, Captain. I need to discuss the details with you." Luna steps to the side as she turns her focus to Celestia, "I shall brief the Captain on his role as we discussed, sister." Celestia continues to address those in front of her as Luna and I move to the far corner out of earshot from the others.

Looking back at the line, I speak in a hushed tone to Luna, "You're already deploying us?"

"What other options do I have, John?" Luna retorts as she runs her forehoof on her muzzle. "News of the attack will hit the tabloids in the morning, we can't be seen as a nation who'll ignore something like this. Our relations have grown enormously with Griffonia, partially because of our agreement to a defensive pact. It's time to call in on that favour and request some aid in the form of intelligence in the area, act as a neutral force who aren't after some form of retaliation."

I maintain my silence momentarily as I look at Luna in surprise, "You've really thought this through."

"Who do you think handled these sorts of situations in the past? Celestia was always more of the diplomat out of the two of us, I handled the guards, defence and laws of Equestria. We have an agreement to aid Griffonia defensively, and the same goes for them. You already assisted them by eliminating the Children of the Motherland, now it's time for them to aid you. I'll request they send a military unit to aid you in intelligence and reconnaissance."

"You gave Shining and Spitfire their roles in this situation, but what about me?"

Luna looks back to her sister before answering, "You are going to attempt to track down the leader of the Diamond Dogs. We have only been able to arrange communication through messengers, we've been unable to meet him. If diplomacy doesn't work, you're going to bring him to answer for his crimes. Capture him and return him here to Canterlot so he can stand trial for those he's responsible for killing. Keep the peace in the area. I know you can do it, John, I have faith in you."

I give Luna a supportive smile, "Thanks, Luna. I have one question, it's not related but it's on my mind. I've come across the name a few times, what are Changelings?

Luna's muzzle scrunches up slightly as she turns her gaze to look out the window. "They are a parasite, creature with a carapace like body that feeds on the love of other creatures. They're shapeshifters, taking the form of the one you love and using that energy to fuel their own magic. They'd drain a pony of their energy and use the weakened condition as an opportunity to... feed, killing and eating their victims. If they don't eat their victim, they'll brainwash them in order to complete tasks for them."

Luna turns her gaze back to me, "They attempted to invade Canterlot during Shining Armor's wedding, but their plan was thwarted. That was only one hive, under the control of Queen Chrysalis. The hives are often unable to cooperate, different ideological beliefs separate them. Some hives prefer not to feed on sentient creatures, others believe they provide more nourishment. Feeding on one’s love provided them with more energy and power, some will stop once they’ve drained a pony of that energy, others will continue to feed. They were unified once before my banishment, leading to a war between our nations. They were unable to maintain the war and they broke down into separate hives under different descendants of the royal family. Each leader of the hives are distant relatives, though they fail to cooperate with one another."

"Shapeshifting bugs?" I shake my head as I rub the back of my neck. "That doesn't exactly sound like a good thing. I'd highly doubt they'd be able to impersonate me. They'd need my clothes, learn how to walk on two legs, then there's learning the expressions and curse words I use."

Luna chuckles softly, "They'd certainly find it a challenge. Speaking of challenge, don't underestimate the Diamond Dogs. Under the right leadership, they can be ruthless."

"I'll get the job done. Though, you are sending me to fight again, straight after my birthday."

Luna lowers her gaze slightly, "I know, but it must be done. I'll make it up to you. I've got something special planned for your birthday."

This peaks my interest as a smirk spreads across my lips, "Something special? I'm liking the sound of that. Let's not forget, there's also the Gala as well to attend."

Luna matches my grin, "And you shall be acting as my personal escort for the evening. I want you to remain by my side for the night. Is that clear, Captain?"

"Crystal clear, ma'am. I expect some sort of compensation for my service."

Luna rolls her eyes, "You will. For now, I've got to prepare for when news of this hits the tabloids. You need to finish your recruitment drive. I'll send for your transferees to attend Ponyville next week to begin their training with you. Swift has made some developments whilst you've been away. You won't be disappointed with his work."

As Luna steps away, Celestia also finishes conversing with Shining. As the Princesses move towards the side of the room, I approach Shining and Spitfire as their gazes turn to me. "Well, it looks like we'll be working alongside one another."

Shining looks at me with a sombre expression, "So it seems. It shouldn't be necessary, Spitfire and I should be able to handle the situation."

I fold my arms as I look at him in irritation, "What's with this stick in your ass? Everytime we talk, you have to have some sort of issue with me. We may not like one another on a personal level, but at least act mature enough to cooperate when it comes to work."

Shining releases a snort as he turns his head to the side, "The Princess relies on you far too much, putting all this faith in you. Don't forget that you're the not the only one out there."

"Then prove her wrong. You've got a month before I turn up. Restore peace to the region before I turn up and you'll prove I'm not required." I step around him as I glance to the Princesses "We haven't got to like one another, but let's at least try to act civil and get the job done. You take the lead and I'll come in to support and relieve any areas where you have difficulties. Simple."

Shining's glare begins to drop as he releases a shallow sigh, "You're right. Let's just get through this as quickly as we can so we can return safely. I'll make sure to inform your commanding officer of any changes." With that, he turns to leave in order to return to the Crystal Empire. Knowing that I'll also need to prepare upon finishing my recruitment drive, I leave the Princesses to their duties as I make my way back towards my team.

Being deployed once again. Instead of Griffins, I'll be fighting dogs.