Everyday Life With Guardsmares
Chapter 117
Previous Chapter Next ChapterTemper Violetta
‘This is quite the show.’
For a production thrown together at nearly the last minute, it surprisingly lacked for neither amenities nor attendees. Indeed, there were a number of dignitaries of some significance in the stands. Lieutenant Temper Violetta might humbly count herself among their number; her attendance had been requested since it was a VIP quaternion under her command that would be performing for the crowd today.
Beside her sat Captain Bute, invited by virtue of being her commanding officer and the head of the VIP Section of the Canterlot Palace Military Office. From him on up, the chain of command of the CPMO and, indeed, of the Household Division itself, was present for the event. Though none of them -- not even the present divisional commander -- attracted nearly as much attention as the division's former chief officer, no doubt having returned to Canterlot for the upcoming Gala.
With his amiable smile and easy way of speaking, Major Shining Armor (retired) was regaling the soldiers and dignitaries around him, a focal point of amusement in the otherwise somewhat groggy and freshly-awakened crowd. If he could entertain elder statesponies and officers, unexpectedly scheduled to wake up at the crack of dawn for a military show, it was little wonder a colt like him was able to win the heart of Princess Cadenza.
For the rest of the audience a little too far away to titter with the handsome and charismatic Diarch of the Crystal Empire, at least there was an ample supply of coffee, tea, and all sorts of baked breakfast goods from the palace's kitchens, laid out elegantly on a table in front of the bleachers just to one side of the presenter's podium. A trio of servants even stood ready and waiting to dole out portions. Lieutenant Violetta had her mug in hoof, and so did most of the other fifty or so ponies in the audience, and she’d already finished off a buttered scone.
Taking a sip of the piping-hot, fragrant black liquid which powered the Royal Guard in the early morning, she surveyed the crowd. By far, the vast majority were officers of the Household Division, but there were soldiers from other commands as well. The First Air Division was present, represented by Major General Georgia Hoofstrong, along with what looked like her aide-de-camp and a few of her top subordinates -- including Major Amberline Growler, commander of the Third Armored Battalion 'Valkyries.'
Even if Violetta didn't know her by her face and mane, she would have recognized Growler by her dress. Who else but a Valkyrie would show up to attend a demonstration in brightly-polished, heavy bronze armor? And with a Sergeant in tow as well, sitting off to the side and holding her commander's helmet and lance, fully armored as a Valkyrie should be.
But despite their gleaming dress and ferocious reputation, both of those heavily-armored pegasi were outshone in the stands today. No less than the Grand Marshal of Equestria, General Dion Foxhall himself, was present. The old colt looked a little rough around the neck; it must have been a long trot over here from his residence in the city.
But even that venerable warrior was upstaged, being seated next to two members of the Blue Chamber, including the Secretary of Defense, to whom he reported, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who, with the power of the purse, was perhaps the most feared and revered member of the Blue Chamber.
Even the Chief Steward of Canterlot Palace was present, appearing impeccable as always in his morning coat. Doubtless, he was here to ensure this live-fire demonstration did no harm to Their Majesties' Royal Property, particularly not with the Grand Galloping Gala opening this very week. Even now, the Steward's veritable army of maids and cleaners were tidying every last corner of the palace, in anticipation of the scheduled arrival tomorrow of another similar group, this time decorators and interior designers, who would ensure that every palatial wing was appropriately styled. With that enormous annual task on his plate, Her Majesty must've had to drag him here by his lapels.
But if she had, neither of them showed it.
Oh yes, Her Majesty Princess Celestia was here -- and the other Diarch of Equestria, Princess Luna, too. The two rulers were sitting in the very front row, Her Solar Majesty radiating brilliance and warmth as brightly as Her charge in the sky. Her Lunar Majesty, however, seemed a bit distant and apprehensive. Not that the lieutenant would deign to pass judgement on a Royal Equestrian Alicorn -- but the difference in moods was quite apparent.
On Violetta’s right, Captain Bute spoke up, pointing at some movement. "Ah, here's the colt of the hour."
"Yes, sir."
Sure enough, the Royal Engineer of Equestria stepped out through a gap in the bleachers and approached the podium. He looked well enough in his frock coat and top hat. As he gingerly mounted the speaking-platform, the lieutenant got a look at his face as well; she was no expert at reading his species' body language, but he appeared awake and alert.
Having gotten here rather earlier than everypony else, she knew the truth of the matter.
Sipping her coffee again, Lieutenant Violetta wondered how much of Her Majesty's heavily-caffeinated royal brew the Royal Engineer was running on -- and how soon he would run out.
With a plain smile, the Royal Engineer raised his arms in an obvious gesture for quiet, and a hush fell over the crowd. Lowering his hands, he indicated the crowd and then the buffet table nearby.
"Thank you all for coming; your attendance is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to avail yourselves of the refreshment table at any time during the presentation."
Finally, he stepped forward and seized the edges of the podium. "Gentleponies, I am, of course, a recent newcomer to this world. Equestrian culture and history are entirely new to me." With a stern eye, he scanned the crowd. "But I am learning. And, in my capacity as your Royal Engineer, I have taken inspiration from your mythology in order to create something new and magnificent."
Glancing slightly behind him at the far corner of the track, where Violetta knew his quaternion was waiting, Anonymous raised an arm in signal. Then he faced the crowd once more, his hands outstretched in a striking pose.
"In Equestrian legends, Epona the Whirlwind is no ordinary pegasus. She is the guiding exemplar for her kind."
The Royal Engineer balled his fingers up into fists, extending a single finger from each to point up at the sky. "During the chaotic early time of this world's creation, when the survival of all creatures depended upon Llamrei, the Mother of Creation, yoking the winds and the weather to just the right creature, Llamrei created Epona, the first pegasus."
There was a faint and recognizable 'pffsht-pffsht' noise growing louder by the second, but the lieutenant’s view down the track to her right was blocked by Captain Bute's large, bouffant-style mane.
"Against all other candidates, it was Epona's speed and grace that proved to be the winning combination for the task..."
The carriage's motor noise was unmistakable now, and many of the spectators had turned their heads to look down the track for it. With a smile on his face, Anonymous gave a signal to a palace servant standing in front of a gramophone. The servant duly engaged the needle, and just as Anonymous finished his opening speech, music began to play.
"...and in recognition of this, Epona was dubbed the Whirlwind."
Suggested background music: Andy Clark - 'World Beater', from 'KPM 1000 Series: Synthesis 2' [1980]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQbZjvAxhIk
With a loud clattering of carriage wheels, accompanied by a repeating 'PFFSHT-PFFSHT,' the Royal Engineer's motorized, armored carriage roared up to the stands, then came to a halting stop just in front of the crowd. Its name, 'WHIRLWIND,' was clearly visible in stencilled lettering on the hull, as was a somewhat modern take on Epona's winged triskelion. Astonished gasps and interested mutterings filled the air as everypony leaned forward to take in this new wooden wheeled creation.
Violetta focused on the vehicle's three crew, whose heads were just visible over the wooden hull. All of them seemed to still be in order after her earlier pre-show inspection: clean helmets, correct posture, proper haircuts. And, underneath their goggles, they were all wearing the stern gazes of proper Royal Guard soldiers.
‘Good.’
Even if this was the Royal Engineer's show and they were operating under his instructions, any laxity in their bearing would, in the end, reflect upon herself, their commander on paper.
Captain Bute leaned over towards the lieutenant. "I recognize two of them from the Royal Engineer's quaternion. But who's the third? That's not the pegasus we assigned him. And didn't he have a Night Guard for his fourth?"
‘Of course the captain would pick up on that detail.’
Violetta allowed herself a small smirk. "Yes, sir. But I'm afraid I'm sworn to secrecy in that matter, sir."
Bute cocked an eyebrow, then whinnied. "All right, Lieutenant. Have your secrets for now."
She nodded solemnly.
The Royal Engineer indicated the vehicle with a wave of his right hand, and immediately it headed off down the track again.
"Today, the Whirlwind Self-Propelled Air Defense vehicle takes mobility and defense a leap forward, giving the Equestrian Royal Guard an air defense system that is second to none."
At the far left edge of the bleachers, instead of following the Royal Eastern Cottage's triangular track around the corner, the carriage instead slowed to almost a halt, then turned around to hustle back again.
"Designed and built on top of a chassis provided by Henry Fortstable and Company, this weapon system constructed of brass and wood is configured for rapid-deployment air defense. The Whirlwind SPAD carries a commander and driver in the forward compartment..." He indicated 'Sergeant Blackspear' and Corporal Bound. "...and, in a rotating elevated mount, an Air Defense Specialist as a gunner."
True to his words, Specialist Glamerspear spun around, diligently scanning the skies. As the vehicle once again came to a halt just behind and to one side of the podium, the Royal Engineer pointed at the hull, hunching over slightly.
"The real innovation, gentleponies, is how its movement is powered. The vehicle has only three crew, and all of them are relaxed and seated comfortably. There is no magic involved in the propulsion. Slung underneath the base chassis is a steam engine of cast bronze, supplied with reservoirs of lamp oil for fuel and water for operation. The engine boils water with the fuel; pistons then convert the energy from the resulting steam into powered motion. With this motor, the Whirlwind can carry these three crew, and their equipment and supplies, for almost two hundred kilometers, and it can cover that distance in under two hours. Listen to its operation as the crew drives off again."
Murmurs of excitement grew quiet once more as most of the audience craned to hear the muffled, repeating 'PFFSHT-PFFSSHT' produced by the vehicle. Once it was almost out of earshot, the Royal Engineer continued.
"With the Air Defense Specialist surrounded by the vehicle's hull, and having the mobility to quickly relocate on the battlefield, the Whirlwind significantly reduces the maneuverability advantage of an airborne enemy."
He lifted his hand up again, this time looking down the field to his right -- the opposite direction of where the Whirlwind just went.
"And to prove it to you, we have a demonstration in the form of a live-fire exercise with training rounds."
To Violetta’s left, there was the unmistakable steady creaking of a heavily-armored pegasus in flight, and Specialist Sparkshower soon rose above the center of the field. In the distance, she could see the Whirlwind hurrying down the first leg of the triangular course, heading for the back turn. After a moment spent watching the scene, the fireworks started.
CHUKA-CHUKA-CHUKA-CHUKA-
Specialist Glamerspear started sending training-round after training round up into the air towards the armored pegasus, all while Corporal Bound guided the Whirlwind around the back turn and down the second straight.
-CHUKA-CHUKA-CHUKA-CHUKA CLANG-CHUKA CLANG-CHUKA CLANG -
Having succeeded in boxing in the armored pegasus with fire, the blunt-tipped rounds started to hit their mark, careening noisily off of the pegasus' armor and lance-guard. But before the Whirlwind could reach the third corner, the target became the attacker as Specialist Sparkshower swooped down on the carriage. Glamerspear ducked beneath the hull, and there was a gasp from the crowd as the Whirlwind turned suddenly one way, then twisted around the other way, kicking up huge sprays of mud and earth as Corporal Bound deftly zig-zagged the vehicle to avoid the charge. In an instant, the unicorn's head was back out of her hatch, and she resumed firing at the retreating attacker.
-CHUKA-CHUKA-CHUKA-CHUKA CLANG-CHUKA-
Before Sparkshower could even complete the wingover for another attack run, the Whirlwind had rounded the third corner and was in the main straight. Everypony in the crowd had craned their head out and to the left to watch the spectacle as Sparkshower set up for another charge from the vehicle's starboard rear. As the carriage roared along the track behind the Royal Engineer, Sparkshower conducted the same attack run, but this time, much closer to the crowd. This time, Violetta could hear every barked order and acknowledgement between the two ponies in the forward compartment.
-PFFSHT-PFFSHT-PFFSHT-
Twisted around in her seat, 'Sergeant Blackspear' nodded her head just as Specialist Sparkshower was on her final approach.
"Evade, now!"
"Roger!"
-PFFSHT-PFFSHT-PFFSHT-
Violetta could clearly see the pegasus thrusting her lance at the wooden deck of the Whirlwind, accompanied by a pounding THWACK that makes it clear the attack was genuine, if obviously mis-aimed. And as before, Specialist Glamerspear quickly ducked and then re-emerged from the turret, resuming her withering fire against the armored target.
-PFFSHT-PFFSHT-PFFSHT-
CHUKA-CHUKA CLANG-CHUKA-CHUKA-
All eyes were fixed as the vehicle reached the end of the main straight and entered the first corner again, the actors setting up for a third repeat of the demonstration, while the Royal Engineer made hay while the attention lasted.
"I designed the Whirlwind SPAD after having a front-row seat to a one-on-one duel between one of Equestria's finest Air Superiority pegasi, and Specialist Glamerspear, who is performing this gunnery demonstration for us today. It was clear to me that firepower was never the issue; mobility, defense, and having a partner to spot for targets were."
As he spoke, there was once again the tell-tale break in Glamerspear's dummy-round Dual-Purpose Illusory/Conjured Munition, accompanied by the thwack of a bronze lance against a stout hardwood hull. Unlike the previous two examples, however, this time the resumption of DPICM fire was accompanied by the thundering roar of a rocket. Instead of slowly retreating after their last demo, Specialist Sparkshower blasted off, clinging tightly to her lance.
A few rows down in front of the lieutenant, Major Growler suddenly exploded into laughter, clapping loudly. "Capital, capital! Well done!"
Bute leaned over again. "Bloody Tartarus, what a racket that thing makes! And Abby's cheering it? Is that armored pegasus equipped with one of the Growler family heirlooms?"
Violetta nodded. "Yes, sir. It was a gift from the Major herself. After the incident with the First Air Wing at Newstirrup Bridge."
Her captain scrunched up his muzzle, even as the blast cut off and Sparkshower turned around for another swoop against the Whirlwind on the second back straight. "Newstirrup Bridge, you say? What the Cerberus does that have to do with Abby Growler?"
She cleared her throat. "As I understand it, sir, the Valkyries have for the past several years been beaten out of the MXP qualifiers, or the Grand Mêlée itself, by the First Air Wing. At Newstirrup Bridge, the Royal Engineer's quaternion knocked four of the 1-A-W's best out for the season. Major Growler sees the Valkyries winning the Mêlée as a result."
Bute scoffed into a chuckle. "Blast me, but those old Cloudsdale aristocrats like to play by the formal rules of nobility, don't they? Ah, well..." He watched along with the rest of the crowd as the attack-scene was repeated again in the distance. "...I suppose the Growlers have got plenty of trinkets to hoof out if they like, anyways. I've heard their weapons cache is the size of their brewery's whole cellar."
Violetta nodded once more. "Yes, sir."
He wasn’t wrong, but she was more interested in the repeat of the close-up demonstration now unfolding before her. This time, the novelty had worn off somewhat, and the attendees, no longer shocked, started to discuss what they saw in quiet murmurs, accompanied by cheers and claps at another success.
She saw the Royal Engineer smile as he recognized the shift in mood, then he raised his arm. In the 'Whirlwind,' Violetta observed 'Sergeant Blackspear' as she raised a hoof in acknowledgement, and Specialist Glamerspear ceased firing. Over at the gramophone, the record-needle had just reached the end of the record, and the attendant dutifully switched it off.
At the end of the straight, the carriage slowed down and then turned around completely, coming back towards the stands at the finishing line. Up in the air, Specialist Sparkshower had raised her lance and extended her wings, coming in just above the vehicle, before finally alighting upon the hull. And then a moment later, the boxy carriage came to a stop just in front of the stands. It looked quite a bit muddier than it did when the demonstration started, but certainly none the worse for wear.
The Royal Engineer turned sideways towards his quaternion and his creation and began to clap. "Let's have a round of applause for the brave members of our demonstration team today."
Placing her coffee-mug on the bench beside her, Violetta raised her own hooves to join the rest of the audience in a polite acclaim. It was, however, surprisingly enthusiastic, from as groggy a crowd as this.
On the Whirlwind, she could see Corporal Bound quickly wipe some of the mud from her goggles, while Specialist Sparkshower's chest heaved from exertion underneath all her armor.
And was that Specialist Glamerspear looking a little green at the withers? ‘Hmm...’ The lieutenant did seem to recall something in her personnel file about frequently succumbing to carriage-sickness. Violetta watched her swallow and saw her take off her goggles as well, wiping a forehoof across her brow. 'Sergeant Blackspear' kept her goggles on and her posture straight, as a proper sergeant should.
Now, with the audience's full attention, the Royal Engineer resumed his speech. "Gentleponies, what you've just witnessed is a fraction of the power of a combustion engine, a detailed explanation for which is available in my book, 'Science and Industry.' Engines like the one in this carriage can enable three ponies here to do the work of a whole platoon, and the applications extend well beyond military matters. Machines can improve transportation within and between cities, allow boats to make speed even in calm winds, pump water from mines, refrigerate perishables, even power lights, and so much more."
Raising his hands, he curbed his enthusiasm. "But only so much is possible without investment in further work. By the standards of my world, the engine fitted to this vehicle is extremely primitive, and the wooden hull is resilient only to light attacks. So much more could be accomplished by improving Equestria's metallurgical techniques, and building the foundries that can produce the kinds of advanced materials required for true technological advancement."
Smiling, he allowed himself a self-conscious laugh. "Not to mention constructing proper workshops. The Whirlwind, powerful though it is, was assembled in Her Majesty's garage, while the engine itself was put together by my own hands in my own Palace chambers. I'm afraid as regards those two locations, I've only doubled the Chief Steward's work with the mess resulting from this creation."
That got a few chuckles from the audience. Even though it meant a longer walk to the Palace itself, at this time of year, Violetta was infinitely grateful that the CPMO wasn't quartered in the main palace building, but instead at a small building closer to the barracks. Although Gala guests roamed the entire palace grounds, including the public areas of the military base, there wasn't nearly as much concern with getting the CPMO decorated and pretty for all the visitors; it just had to be clean and sorted, and that's how Lieutenant Violetta always liked it normally.
At the podium, the Royal Engineer took a step back. "Gentleponies, this concludes today's main demonstration. I invite you all to come up and inspect the Whirlwind for yourselves, and to avail yourselves further of the refreshments. I will be at your disposal for any questions."
To another polite clap, he gave a small bow, then stepped down and headed over towards his vehicle.
Captain Bute tapped his forehooves on the bench. "Well, are you planning to stay for a bit, Vi? It's a lovely morning."
She sucked in her lips as she thought of the mountain of paperwork she still had to get through before the Gala -- all the invitees meant more VIPs, which meant more bodyguards. Even if virtually all of those guards were going to be left at the gate during the Gala itself, more and more dignitaries were arriving in Canterlot by the day, for nopony with any sense would show up just before the start of the event. On Friday night and all Saturday long, the city was an absolute zoo, and anyways, such late arriving guests would miss all the fabulous pre-Gala private parties held by the various noble houses. None of those little gigs compared to the Gala itself, of course, but for the visiting socialite looking to make new connections or re-forge old bonds, they were as essential as the big weekend event itself.
Violetta sighed as she thought of how many VIP escorts she still had to match to VIPs, and that was only the ones she knew about right then. By the end of the week there would be twice as many more.
"No, sir, I'm afraid I've got enough work left for me at the office to keep me busy all day."
Bute nodded. "I know. I'm sorry, but it can't be helped. It's our job to accommodate ponies who often lack a sense of the cost of accommodation. No rest for the weary, and all that."
He sniffed at the tempting scent of fresh-baked goods, then smacked his lips. "I think I'll just grab another one of those scones, and then I'll join you and the rest of the platoon leaders back at HQ. Let's see if we can't plow through the latest round of requests and recruits by the end of the day today. It's only Monday; if we can finish what we have today, then perhaps we'll have some breathing room at the end of the week."
Violetta nodded. "Yes, sir. See you back at headquarters, sir."
As her commander got up and slowly made his way down the bleachers towards the food and drink table, she surveyed the scene before her. The Royal Engineer stood just in front of the podium, conversing with the Secretary of Defense and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, while the Grand Marshal inspected the Whirlwind along with a gaggle of other staff officers. Major General Hoofstrong and her entourage were still seated, apparently discussing what they'd just seen -- and Major Amberline Growler had resumed her cold, blue-blooded facade, after that almost undignified outburst earlier. But Violetta had seen her in a fight -- she remembered the Games two years ago, when Her Ladyship was still a Captain, and Violetta a Lieutenant Junior grade.
What a hot-blooded fighter she'd been during the Grand Mêlée.
If she once again had designs on winning the title, Violetta wondered if she'd consider leading the squad herself...
Her eyes fell on the Whirlwind, and in particular upon 'Sergeant Blackspear'. Thankfully, only a few of the attending pegasi were in the air, and most of them were curiously examining the hull itself, or the driver's controls, rather than speaking to the commander of the vehicle. With any luck, the batpony in disguise would be able to remain mute but for the 'Yes, sir' and 'No, sir' platitudes which she seemed to manage well enough without an accent.
There was a stirring in the front row, and Violetta watched as the two Princesses got to their hooves. In a flash, everypony else's movement stopped, and all conversation died to a whisper. Her Majesty Princess Luna, after briefly acknowledging the crowd’s respect, stepped off to the right, down the racetrack and away from the Whirlwind, while Her Majesty Princess Celestia approached Her Royal Engineer, who dutifully bowed his head.
"This has been a most informative demonstration. I look forward to receiving your office's considered opinion on the possible use of this equipment, General Foxhall. Would you mind terribly if I took the Royal Engineer aside for a brief discussion in private?"
Foxhall bowed and shook his head; not as if there were any question in the matter.
Princess Celestia looked up at the vehicle, and then towards the stands. "Corporal Bound, why don't you join us as well? General Hoofstrong and Major Growler, would you come by after a moment? And you as well, Lord Strings."
After receiving acknowledgements from all three, Her Majesty set off slowly down the track after Her Royal sister.
‘Now, what a curious thing is this?’
A private discussion with the Engineer and the leader of his quaternion was perfectly understandable. And inviting the Chancellor of the Exchequer to join in was hardly strange either. But to invite the First Air Division's commander and her chief lieutenant, over the head of the Grand Marshal? That was going to cause some gossip -- or it would have, she supposed, on any other week of the year.
As it stood, with the Gala preparations on everypony's mind, and the tabloids filled with pictures and rumors of 'who-was-wearing-what-even-though-you-can-see-her-whole-plot' and 'who-was-going-with-whom-oh-you-dont-say-even-though-they-were-with-somepony-else-last-year' and the like, Her Majesty Princess Celestia could easily have sat in the bleachers and hollered cheers or hurled insults at the top of Her considerable Royal Lungs, and while it would have unnerved the present crowd, nopony would remember or care about it tomorrow -- and probably not even later today. In fact, it was almost a shame that the presentation had happened this week; with the business of the Gala, it could easily find itself accidentally dropped from the Marshall's office's agenda.
Perhaps that's why Her Majesty seemed to want to take a personal hoof in the matter...
Apprehensive of the mountain of paperwork awaiting her, Violetta picked up her coffee mug, drained it to the bottom, and then brought it down to the banquet table in her mouth to drop it off before heading back to HQ.
Suggested viewing: "Bradley: Second to None" [1982]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqDgn-qXr0E
