mylittlejamjar | [2] to the edge of the earth

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[2] to the edge of the earth

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[The following is written in crisp text, but it's quite different in tone from Slipstream's last letter. She's had a bit of time to adjust and this is a call for diplomacy. It's in the context of her field, but still, she's used to working with already-bonded and trained troops.]

This goes out to all of those, native or otherwise, who are able and willing to help me form a task force charged with defending the populous from significant threats. We have quite a few newcomers from different worlds, myself included, and there is always the possibility that something dangerous will happen either due to whatever anomaly has brought us here, newcomers themselves, or natural circumstances originating from this world in particular. I believe it is our duty to protect those who will need it, but I have no intention of attempting conscription. I would prefer to protect, not frighten.

I do expect loyalty, flexibility, and cooperation between those of us who choose to band together, however. Division and infighting will weaken us as a unit and render us less fit to address any potential problems. I will direct and oversee any training needed for those willing but untrained in the ways of battle.

To those interested, I will be available by mail or in person. Thank you all for your time.

-First Lieutenant Slipstream

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The reply that comes is explicitly visual - Flare's writing isn't really that great and she'd rather not risk it.]

Flare Star, former lead guardsmare of the Fillydelphian town guard reporting in. Already have a lookout shack near the closest path into the Everfree from town, but having an organized task force sounds like a far better idea.

You want someone to help train, I can help there, too. I've got more experience fighting than most ponies.

Perfect. I'll need ponies experienced with this sort of thing; I don't know how many here will know what to do should an emergency arise, and we shouldn't rely on the princesses for everything. They have a whole world to tend to without a whole flood of outworlders.

If we can set up a training regimen I'm sure we can expand our numbers. I have experience with those who wish to help but don't know how they can.

You're probably better-trained than myself, having military experience. I'm entirely self-taught, with a focus on survival skills and monster hunting - something that hopefully, most of the task force shouldn't need.

The last thing we want to do is end up having to fight off an Ursa; even if we tried, I don't think all of Ponyville working together could stop the town from getting thrashed.

Hopefully, but not definitely. I don't know this Equestria - there's no such thing as being overprepared. What if I do manage to pull together a proper unit, and they become scattered? They'll have to get by on their own until we can regroup. Every skill is valuable.

[Its a bit difficult of a decision for Don. On the one hand, its in his nature to respond to the call to arms. On the other hand, Luna's voice from his dream still echoes in his mind.

In the end, he decides to take the middle road for now.]

I may be interested.

Can you fight?

I can. I have experience in fighting and defense as well.

Perfect. Can you train those unfamiliar with both?

Theoretically, but...I'm not sure it would be most prudent to teach my skills haphazardly.

I can help get you used to your new body if you were something else before you got here. I imagine there must be difficulties and I'm fully prepared to train those who need it.

Actually, I'm less worried about my pony body than...well.

I'm not a master of my primary martial art, and to train people in it when I myself am not entirely fulfilled in it is frowned upon. I've tried it before, rather unwisely, and it didn't end well.

I can teach other things, basic defense or offense, but not the art of ninjitsu.

Edited 2013-05-01 16:02 (UTC)

[There's a long pause before the next letter comes.]

Basic abilities should be fine; from there I can build into specific strategy and survival. Thank you for your future contributions.

I'm the kind of guy who prefers doing things on his own, but I can play nice with others when I need to.

by which he means sit on his rump all day and pretend to play lookout

You wound me, Flare. I don't sit all day.

Sometimes I lay down, too.

I'm sure we'll need a paperweight...

So I got the job, right?

I think I can find something for you to do.

Cool. Just letting you know: I make for one hell of a paperweight; I can hold it down like no one else.

Maybe a scout, then. You can just sit there, then yell if you see anything dangerous.

Sounds good to me; I'm in.

[written in a somewhat scrabbly, but perfectly legible hand;] I can be pretty handy in a fight. Of course, my business endeavors are going to come first, but I will never pass up an opportunity to network.

Well well, a businessman... I'll find a use for you that doesn't involve direct fighting, if it comes down to a significant battle. You'll find direct clients this way, I'm sure.

Edited (punctuation :I) 2013-04-30 18:27 (UTC)

Yes indeed! Looking to get a little mining, smelting, and blacksmithing operation going. A little bit of everything. Direct fights are fine with me, too. You'll find I'm very flexible. Name's Gemineye, by the way.

That is very encouraging to hear. If I can get my hooves on some bits myself I may be able to pay you to arm those who need it.

Edited (hands = hooves PONYSPEAK) 2013-05-01 11:00 (UTC)

Yes indeed! I'd love to get some more practice making armor and weapons. Might be able to provide some prototypes for very cheap. But it'll be a while before I'm really in business, it's not something I can put together overnight!

As much as I'd like to.

Are you experienced at making equipment for ponies in particular?

No m'mam, not specifically. But I've worked on stuff for Pokémon of all shapes and sizes, including ones that are similar in shape to the ponies here.

I wondered if anyone would be wise enough to suggest setting up some form of defense.

I'm surprised. And pleased.

Well, I'm glad we've pleased you. Is there anything you can contribute?

Perhaps. Though unlikely.

I'm one far more guided by the concept of self-preservation rather than working in unity with a group.

The last time I truly tried such, I found the results unfavorable.

If you show up to a training session I won't turn you away, but I'll have to warn you that the others will get priority.

What may I call you?

I'm in. It was my idea, remember!

Of course. I would never want to cut you out. I just wanted to get things started as quickly as possible.

So I might be able to teach some combat skills. Like martial arts.

Excellent; I'll need someone who can teach specialized offense. I may have somepony you can work with on this, though he claims he can't teach the art of his fighting style directly.

I can definitely do that! Who would I be working with?

[...Huh. Slipstream realizes just now that she never asked his name.]

It's rather unprofessional of me, but I don't believe I got his name. I'll have to set up a gathering so everyone can get to know each other and familiarize ourselves with each others' abilities.

Maybe I know 'em. Gimme a description.

It... was written correspondence.

Ooh.

Yeah. That'd make it hard.

[Slipstream may have just lost a little respect in Rainbow's eyes.]

Bertram Wooster reporting, Lieutenant! I've never really fought anypony before. More of a sprinter, you know? But I'd like to help out however I can. The Woosters of old brought down the French at Agincourt, and I'm ready to take up the familial banner on that front.

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Wooster. If you require combat training I can provide it, but if that doesn't take, I can find another use for you. Everything helps when forming a defense initiative.

As you jolly well say, sir. I could do with some training. Ms. Flare Star had made the offer of some earlier, but I'm not sure when that will be happening. Truth be told it might have come in handy a few days ago.

There is a vicious cur out in the forest going by the name of Zetta. He pushed one of the good ponies of Ponyville into the pond. I did try to stop him, but he managed to get past me. If there's any way to stop a brutish blighter carrying on with whatever maleficent mission he's set himself, I'd like to know it.

I believe we'll be planning on facing larger threats than a bully who pushes fillies into puddles, though if you can stop him next time that would be of great help.

I can get you trained up for proper combat in no time. What sort of pony are you?

And it's ma'am, if you please.

[Bertie's really beginning to wonder if all of the militant ponies in Equestria are of the fairer sex.]

Yes, of course, m'am! Sorry. I'm a pegasus.

Though, I was a human until recently. I took fencing in college, if that might have any bearing on the thing.

I'm not familiar with a human's specific abilities, so for now I'm not going to count on it. I'm a pegasus as well, so teaching you should be simple. Perhaps not easy, but simple.

[That means you should probably start worrying, Bertie.]

I do like simple things, m'am. Rather lend themselves to coming easily. I'm sure with your excellent tutelage, I shall have whatever you've in mind down in no time. We Woosters can be perilous chaps when the moment's called for.

I'll look forward to training whenever that might be happening, Lieutenant.

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[2] to the edge of the earth

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