mylittlejamjar | [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

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.