private The Tyranny of Princess Cadence

[HigurSan 195]

@@Agent505, @@Pripyat Pony,

Crystal Empire: Steeleye Sungazer

To those who surrounded him, it seemed quite possible that Steeleye never truly slept. Even while he was so tired that he did not dream, he could be awake and fighting at full capacity in just a moment. Every moment appeared to be calculated, right down to where he placed his hooves with each step. Of course, he was not quite that ingenious. But the way ponies thought of you could often be just as important as what was actually true. So, while his mind was shifting into a lower gear so that he could rest, he began to plan. This particular scheme was for the occasion where it would become necessary to dispose of Princess Cadence. While he was doing his best to make sure that this kind of plan was never needed, the world had a way of throwing an unexpected complication into any and every eventuality. So it was necessary to plan for what seemed impossible and prepare for the unlikely.

 

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew that one way or the other Cadence would be a foe he would have to face. If they won the coming slaughter, there was no telling what she might do. She could just as easily purge her subordinates as lavish them with gifts. So, if he would need to dispose of her, what would be the best method? She was powerful in her own right, but no one pony would be able to destroy him within the laws of logic. Of course, he made an edit to include the eventuality that she actually -could- destroy him on her own. But to answer the earlier question: a ruler was only so good as the kingdom they ruled. In short, if he could make it so that she lost the support of -everypony-, his victory was assured. Of course, it would be a monumental task to subvert the entirety of the Crystal Empire -and- Equestria. Better to start with the most easily manipulated pillars of support. Commander Harmonic would be one of those, but he would only be determined as a threat if he wasn't executed tomorrow.

 

Another supporter would be Sanguine and his merry band of killers. He would be an extremely tough nut to crack. Steeleye had no doubt that Sanguine would provide one of the most challenging opponents, if it came to that. Chrysalis was part of the war effort, so she had to be left alone for now. Especially if she was as crafty as the rumors told. While those options were put aside for later reviewal, there was still plenty he could do. The Crystal Empire's regular army was drilled to exacting precision and were loyal to a fault. He needed their efficiency, but their loyalty stood in the way. So if he removed their loyalty to Cadence and replaced it with loyalty to himself, a good card would be added to his hand. But how to do so?

 

That she was growing increasingly erratic was well known by now. So it would not take much to convince the rank and file that she was insane. From there it would be easy to convince them that she would lead them to their doom. It would have to be slow and carefully plotted. Too much at once might shock them into refusal. So the method Steeleye settled on was one well suited to his personality. Stories, rumors, and tall tales would be the beginning. That she had killed a servant for serving a sandwich the wrong way would make a good start. It was important to not spread too many horror stories at once, or the soldiers would clamp up or serve her out of fear. They needed to not only fear her, but dislike her actions. Dislike would grow into hatred when carefully cultivated. Then, when the time was right, it would explode in upheval. Whereupon he could do much before anypony would notice

 

So, the first seeds of dissent were sown. A battered sergeant in a saloon mentioned to his second that Cadence's own pet commander had betrayed her. Surely he must have had a good reason to do so. One of the castle kitchen staff grumbled to her best friend that Cadence was unforgiving and unsatisfiable when it came to her meals. A dish could be made beyond perfect and the Princess would say that it was 'too garnish, make something more... mundane'. Neither would quite remember when or where they had heard or experienced this, but both swore it was true. Ponies were generally docile, but gossip had a manner of spreading quicker than the speed of sound.

[Justin ZW 396]

 

 

@@Pripyat Pony, @@Avolon

(OoC: I guess I'll kinda have to godmod Avolon, but I won't do anything major that will make you go "WTF" when you get back. I'll also be sure to mention you in each post so you'll know that I controlled him.)

 

Dawn Wing reared and shot a stun spell at Rainbow, which sent her tumbling to the floor. Swordpoint cried out with rage and lunged at him.

 

His guards were no match for Goldie's regiment, having very little combat experience besides the secret raids and plunders they had frequently performed. As a result, they began to fall quickly.

 

(OoC: This is a lot of ponies in one room, but I envision it as a very large room, not some small little bedroom. The way I see it, we've still got plenty of room to move around.)

 

Phylomon rushed toward Dawn Wing, brandishing his large sword. "Swordpoint! I'm here!"

 

Dawn Wing teleported in mid lunge, causing Phylomon to swing his sword directly at Swordpoint.

 

Swordpoint leapt over Phylomon, using his wings to ensure that he dodged the sword. "Dawn Wing, you are foolish. You do not respect the force required to use magic."

 

Dawn Wing laughed. "Ha! Force required? This is effortless! Watch!" A green glow surrounded Swordpoint's bed, and it was lifted from the ground quickly and thrown at Rainbow.

 

Rainbow watched in shock as the bed came crashing toward her. She shook her head and darted to the side, narrowly avoiding being crushed.

 

Swordpoint smirked. If I can only coerce him into continually using magic, he will exhaust himself. The fool does not understand his limits.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Sanura dodged neatly out of the way as one of Dawn Wing's guards rushed at her. She could not help but mentally shake her head at the foolish assumption that these ponies held; namely, that as a mare and a zebra cross earth pony, she would be helpless. Sanura had not reached the heights of personal spy to Celestia by being helpless. As she flipped herself over the guard's head, she struck out with a hind hoof, hitting him on the head and knocking him out. By the time that Dawn Wing's band of fifteen had woken up to the fact that they would have to do more, the vast majority of soldiers who were loyal to Swordpoint had gotten to the room. Sanura smiled grimly as she fought. If Dawn Wing survived this, there would be a reckoning.

[Agent505 661]

@Pripyat Pony @Ano170 @00Pony  

(It has been a nice weekend hasn't it? Being my boring self I didn't think about that ) 

 

Standing at the gates of Canterlot and wearing her empire crafted armour set, a crystal helmet that complimented her mane colours by shifting its own colours to match, sporting a wide array of griffin feathers and even a pair of minotaur horns. Her chestplate consisted of another finely crafted set of crystal armour, embedded with flawless rubies and sapphires, much larger than those found naturally in the ground, they where topped off silver wing trimmings and feather decorations. Cadence was flanked at her sides by her generals, Steeleye and Sanguine and her commander Arrow with his Crystal Onyx guard. The changelings where backing up her army, indistinguishable from her own soldiers, they stormed the palace, breaking down the doors..."Cadence!" Celestia called "Ma'am please! Wake up!" ...what?

 

Cadence awoke to see her covers on the floor and one of her guards looking over her. "Ma'am? You where bucking again, you almost broke the bed...also, you'll be late for your meeting and your discussion as to what to do with the rogue commander." He nodded firmly, making his way back out of the room without waiting for a response. 

"Again?" Cadence muttered to herself, half awake. 

 

Levitating her crown and a brush over to her head, she brushed her mane repeatedly as she fit her crown comfily atop her head, resting by her horn. It didn't take her long to be ready for the day, and she made her way out of the room into the throne room, leaving her servant ponies to clean up. 

 

"Oh Harmony, I wish you would control yourself more...this isn't the first time you've gotten yourself into trouble...but it may well be the last" she sighed, waiting for her generals and Chrysalis to arrive for their discussion. 

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Despite the battle at Canterlot train station the previous night, Chrysalis was at the Crystal castle bright and early. She had brought along two of her Captains for protection, and of course, Cicada was still present at the palace in her disguise as the grey unicorn mare. The changeling queen laughed as she thought of how puzzled Celestia would be when she heard of the riot. Also, since the station had been set on fire, it would be largely useless and would be out of commission for some time.

[Ano170 162]

 

 

Enid trotted back - rather happily - to Arrow who had waited by the door. Trotting straight past him and out the door, she climbed the stairs and sat at the top, looking out the ground floor window as she waited for Arrow to join her. 

 

(OOC: Sorry it took me so long to reply again! At first, I wasn't really sure what to reply with, then I ended up getting distracted by the nice weather, then I was dragged shoe shopping...ugh. Okay, excuses rant over. Would it be best to wrap things up between Arrow and Enid now and jump to the meeting in the morning in keeping with your last post?)

 

That was quick, Arrow thought to himself as he followed Enid up the steps. Not that I'm complaining. Frankly Arrow was relieved to be out of the dark and damp of the dungeon. He nodded absently to the guards as he passed them and they closed the door once more behind him. 

 

Still, what was all that yelling of Harmonic's about? Arrow wondered, a frown creasing his muzzle. The commander had sounded genuinely frightened for a moment. He considered asking Enid, but was unsure how to phrase the question in a way that would make it simple for her to answer. Just a series of "yes or no?" questions? Would that insult her? Arrow didn't want the mare to think he thought she was simple just because she was a mute.

[Agent505 661]

@@Ano170,

 

(If you like, there's no real rush, and it's going to be late at night, so i'll just have Enid go to bed, I think. You can wrap up in your own time, I only skipped that section just so I was ahead with posting and no-one was waiting for me. I totally didn't forget Arrow and Enid where having a moment.)

 

Enid stared out into the night sky, indifferent to anything around her, she was transfixed on the stars - at least until she heard the door close behind her and footsteps approaching. She turned to face Arrow who had followed her out, and with heavy eyes she let out a large yawn, covering her mouth with her foreleg. She made a lazy gesture with her head in the direction of the way out, and started walking slowly, wanting to return to her sisters side for the night.

 

(I think it would be easier for you to control Enid back into the ward in your next post. Speeds things up and saves us going back and forth extending "and they walked down the corridor" into 200 characters)

[Ano170 162]

@@Agent505,

 

(OOC: Makes sense.)

 

"Tired, huh?" Arrow asked with a smile watching Enid yawn. The mare gave an absentminded nod and kept walking. Arrow caught up with her, stifling a yawn of his own. "It is late I guess."

 

The two ponies walked in silence through the empty halls of the palace until they reached the medical bay. Arrow glanced at the mare next to him. "Well, I suppose this is your stop." 

 

Enid nodded, looking sadly towards the back room where her sister still lay. 

 

Arrow nodded, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Yes, well, 'night then - Enid."

 

The mare turned to nod to Arrow with a small, grateful smile. Arrow wasn't sure if her eyes were watering again. He turned, suddenly exhausted, and walked slowly out of the palace and through the dark streets of the Empire back to his apartment, leaving Enid to her sister in the medical bay.

[HigurSan 195]

@@Agent505, @@Pripyat Pony,

Crystal Empire: Steeleye Sungazer

When the sun had broken the horizon, its presence found Steeleye finishing up a few last details to his latest plot. Nursing a cup of coffee, he jotted down the final edits just as a persistent knocking came from his door. In walked one of Steeleye's many acolytes, a mare whose bodily features were purposely hidden under full length body armor. A short and precise note was exchanged from one to the other, after which she left. The note, in short, was a conformation of a suspicion he had pursued. The crystalline weapons project reported that someone had made off with a complete set of weapons. Steeleye knew where most of the missing items were, as he had taken them himself. It was good practice for the security teams and the weapons were of a fine make. There were two items however, which caught his attention.

 

One was a halberd, in which the blade was energized so that it produced a powerful electric shock when it made contact. He was somewhat sure that it would be easy enough to find. A few of his agents had permission to requisition such armaments when needed and it was merely a matter of waiting until the pony who had done so returned from their mission. The crossbow on the other hand, was far more serious. Projectile weapons were virtually unheard of in Equestria. You either fought with magic, or hoof to hoof. The crossbow technology was therefore, an immensely dangerous piece of knowledge. With it almost anypony could achieve good accuracy and range with a minimum amount of practice and the explosive bolts were absolutely destructive. Only Steeleye and a few others had permission to even test it, let alone take it. All of those who could do so had been rigoursly searched and interrogated. The only conclusion left to draw was that somepony with knowledge of its existence had stolen it.

 

Searches were already underway, but it would likely be something Steeleye would have to involve himself with personally. But right now an important matter of duty must be attended to. Harmony would have to be removed from the picture. While he could prove a valuable resource, Steeleye had seen too many plans fall apart due to taking a chance with a dangerous pony. That only left Steeleye with one option: have Harmony killed. He would prefer it to be a public execution, as it would allow for him to use it as propoganda. But so long as the stallion died, the result would be acceptable. So having armored himself in his dress armor and with Darting Route on a chain leash, he arrived at Cadence's audience chambers.

[Ano170 162]

@, @@Agent505, 

 

It was with some reluctance that Arrow left the hard slab posing as a mattress that he had been lying on - he was that tired - and got dressed, chewing down a plateful of hay before leaving the little flat and stepping out into the early morning sunshine. As he trotted briskly towards the palace, Arrow pondered the possible fate awaiting Harmonic. If he was honest, Arrow suspected that he would not have much input on the matter, and deep down a part of him hoped that would be the case.

 

He was at a loss for how the Commander should be dealt with: Arrow disliked the stallion's unpleasant, almost cruel-seeming nature, yet he loathed the thought of any pony being executed for doing what they believed to be the right thing, beyond matters of self defense of course. Besides, if Harmonic was killed, or even simply lost his rank, then the pony who replaced him could be just as unstable knowing the ponies in Cadence's army, or even worse. 

 

With a shake of his head, Arrow reluctantly entered the Crystal Palace and headed to the princess's audience chambers, where he was somewhat startled to see a pony that wasn't Harmonic on a chain, being lead by Steeleye, another of the soldiers from last night's misunderstanding.

 

"So what's wrong with him?" Arrow asked Steeleye, gesturing with his head towards the chained pegasus.

Edited July 15, 2013 by Ano170

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Chrysalis stood next to the disguised Cicada in the meeting place, with several of her soldiers with her. She was taking no chances this time. She didn't think that Harmonic should be executed, if only cuz she felt that she'd already meted out his punishment by beating him up, and putting that spell on him. Come to think about it, an execution seemed a pointless exercise to Chrysalis. Making him lose rank seemed far more fitting. It might make him learn humility.

[00Pony 287]

@@Agent505,, @Ano170,

 

It wasn't long after the other officers arrived in Cadence's chambers that Sanguine himself entered. He was never very punctual with these sorts of things, no matter who sat on the Crystal Throne. He was usually able to avoid punishment, so it didn't bother him much.

 

The crystal pony looked at his fellow officers, Steeleye and Arrow. Steeleye had another pony in tow, a Pegasus. His curiosity was mildly piqued, but he didn't question it, instead seating himself nearby Cadence, and waiting for the discussion of events to begin.

[Agent505 661]

@@Ano170, @@00Pony,@@Pripyat Pony,  @

 

Princess Cadence, now far more awake than she previously had been, was sitting wide eyed and ready, waiting for her soldiers and newest ally to arrive. 

And sure enough, one by one they didn't disappoint. 

 

Standing from her throne to address the ponies before her, she began with a nod to each of them, her eyes lingering slightly longer on Steeleye and the stallion from which he seemed to be inseparable than the rest. "Steeleye, I was under the impression your...soldier...here, was unfit for active service following your return? I also seem to remember you kept kicking him in the head, rather harshly might I add." She raised an eyebrow, sitting back down again with a single flap of her wings to stretch them before the meeting was to officially begin. "I'll try to keep this quick, for all our sakes. We have a busy day ahead of us after all." She began, magically pulling out some papers from the drawers across the room. "These papers are eyewitness accounts of the situation, coming from Harmony's own guards, as they where the majority present at the time. Take a moment to read through some of these accounts and see if what you know, matches up with what has been said here." She asked, levitating the papers in front of the ponies in the room. 

 

"Then, once we have confirmation that these are correct or not, we will discuss further actions."

 

(Just incase you might not have picked up, all of Harmonic's guards are loyal to him, but some of them may or may not agree with the way he runs things)

Edited July 15, 2013 by Agent505

[HigurSan 195]

@@Agent505, @@00Pony, @@Pripyat Pony,@@Ano170,

Crystal Empire: Steeleye Sungazer

"Just to clear up the confusion," Steeleye explained quietly while he shuffled through a sheath of papers that Cadence had pushed in his direction. "The pegasus I have on a leash here was my former second, Sergeant Darting Route. He suffered massive mental trauma while deployed with myself and my retinue on a long range scouting mission to map Equestria's far borders and previously unmapped locations. It is hanging on the wall over there I do believe. As a result of his experiences, Darting has become quite insane. However, he did acquire a few abilities which I find useful. As such I keep him with me as a tool. Albeit, he is gagged, muted, and deafened in addition to normal physical restrictions so that he doesn't start spouting things that would... be dangerous to hear.  It would hardly be good for my Lady's personal guards to start committing suicide or so forth."

 

He finished reading the reports, adding a few of his own to the stack. Instead of being written on paper, the words were displayed on thin sheets of crystal and glowed faintly, allowing for important sections to be highlighted. "These testimonies somewhat confirm what I have seen and what my own search into the subject has revealed," he said to those present. "Former 'commander' Harmonic has displayed capability in so far as his own personal abilities. However, there are many testaments to the regard that he is... erratic, at best. His temper gets the better of him often and he tends to treat his subordinates with disdain. While those alone are not enough reason to reach the conclusion I have drawn, his increasingly hostility to outsiders, otherwise known as xenophobia, and subsequent actions are inexcusable."

 

"Far be it for me to condemn a useful and previously dependable soldier on whimsy and circumstantial evidence. But when looking at the actions he has taken, it is clear to me what must be done. He has knowingly and concensually attacked an important ally of yours Lady Cadence, with the intent to kill. As a soldier, he has grown incapable of restraining himself, to the point where it has already endangered our ability to win this war and will do so again in the future. Now, death is certainly not the only option, though I deem it the best one. But my thoughts are thus: If we simply demote him and replace him with another, it is entirely likely that he will become enraged and retaliate against his successor and those that surround him. So, as much as I regret loosing a valuable warrior, it is my recommendation that you execute former commander Harmonic before he can cause more harm."

Edited July 15, 2013 by Higurashi

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

"That might not be necessary," put in Chrysalis. "As Cadance would know, the spell that I put on Harmonic after he attacked me bent him to my will. I feel personally, as the one who he attacked, that he has already had some punishment already as a result of my defending of myself. I also feel that it is I who Harmonic needs to make up to, and with that in mind, I suggest that he lose rank and I put the spell on him. Perhaps not permanently, but it would be a shame to lose such a useful commander."

[Ano170 162]

"Oh, I see." Arrow murmured quietly as he listened to Steeleye's explanation of the insane pegasus, Darting Route. "I'm sorry to hear that."

 

He stepped back as the meeting began, listening attentively to the arguments from Steeleye and Chrysalis. Truth be told, as much as Arrow disliked Harmonic, neither suggestion sat well with him: as he'd already realised with some surprise, Arrow did not want to see Harmonic executed, and, while Harmonic being stripped of his rank seemed a fitting punishment, as Steeleye himself had pointed out there was no guarantee that the pony who replaced him would be an improvement...Unless Steeleye himself was jousting for the position of Commander? Arrow looked the stallion over; he certainly seemed to have an agenda.

 

But then, doesn't everypony here? And...changeling.

 

Arrow disliked the Changeling's suggestion even less. The idea of somepony - anypony, even one as vile as Harmonic - being placed under a spell that subjugated them to another's will? It was...disgusting. Horrifying.

 

Nevertheless, Arrow could see no alternative. Knowing that he would be expected to pitch in his own opinion, all Arrow could think of to say at the moment was, "Excuse me, Princess, but with the utmost respect, are we really to hold a trial without the pony in question present to defend himself?" 

[Agent505 661]

@@00Pony,@@Ano170, @@Pripyat Pony, @,

 

"Well, Steeleye has confirmed his own reports on the matter it seems..." Cadence replied in a somewhat distracted manner as she scanned through the documents. "It does seem, however, that your prejudgements for Harmony's demotion are...somewhat preconceived..." she raised an eyebrow, looking up from the papers with narrow eyes as she spoke. "Still, it's understandable given the circumstances I suppose." 

 

"Chrysalis..." her attention turned slowly as she lowered the papers. "I...do know of your...suggested spells, indeed. However, I can't say that I can't see it doing much good for the soldiers. Mine or his, to see him...in that state." She shook her head, dismissing her suggestion indirectly. "However, you are the...victim, in this. Harmony assaulted you, so I suppose..."

 

In order to distract herself from finishing her sentence, she turned to Arrow and Sanguine. "It's not so much a trial, as a decision. A reaction has to take place for his actions, I don't think he needs to be present right now. But if you do insist, it would be a simple matter of calling the guard to get him up here. 

Sanguine, what of you? You know Harmony almost as well as I. What would you see happen with this?"

[Ano170 162]

(OOC: Think this'll have to be my last post for tonight).

 

Arrow nodded to the Princess. "Thank you for understand, my lady. If it causes no inconvenience to you, I do believe it would be best if Harmonic were given the opportunity to speak for himself before a decision was made final - it is only fair, surely?"

 

Arrow swallowed - it seemed Cadence was swaying away from the idea of Chrysalis' spell herself, much to his relief - but nevertheless he wished to at least try and further convince her to choose an alternative punishment for Harmonic. Still, Arrow felt he should not push his luck with the princess any further at present, and instead stepped back to allow Sanguine to speak.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Chrysalis was annoyed that Cadance seemed not to support her idea.

 

"Yes," she replied. "I am the victim, and I feel that I ought to have some compensation. My original idea was for Harmonic to serve me in the Hive to make up for what he did, and for his obvious intent to murder me, but I eventually decided that would be too cruel. I do not wish to tear him away from his home. But, if you prefer the alternative idea to the one I suggested just now..."

[Agent505 661]

@@Ano170,@@Pripyat Pony,  

 

(Last post)

Cadence gestured by waving a hoof off in the distance for her guards to follow out the discussion. Immediately two of them cleared out in order to bring the unicorn to the room. 

"I...you are right, Chrysalis. Compensation should be yours, however, I am not willing to see a commander with Harmonic's experience reduced to...slavery. Not if there's a better option." She looked at Sanguine and Arrow with a hint of hope in her eyes, clearly wanting them to think of something easier to agree to. 

 

Hoofsteps approached, as well as the sound of rattling chains and clattering irons, before the guards returned to the room in a much greater number. Instead of the two who left returning, there where at least 12 now, with Harmonic forced into the centre of the group.

"Planning my execution I see?" He snarled, glaring at Chrysalis through the group of ponies. His hooves where bound by chains - every hoof connecting to every other by chains, he could barely walk without almost falling down. His horn still clamped by the dark crystals to prevent his magic. "So, what's it to be? Demotion? Humiliation? Losing my squad? Hung by my entrails and paraded around the city?"

 

"Harmony, nothing has been decided yet and you're not going to help your cause"

"Nothing has been...hah! That creature managed to  subdue you before, what's stopping here doing it again?" He lunged towards Chrysalis as best he could with his chains, but he was quickly subdued himself, in the form of a spear butt to the head as well as two crossed by his neck. "Even managed to turn her own guards against her I see, you manipulative bi-" *Thump* he was hit by another spear butt, cutting him off. 

"Harmony, stop it. General Arrow requested you be brought here to have a chance to defend yourself, not seal your own fate!"

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Chrysalis stared into Harmonic's face. "You are wrong," she replied, coolly. "I am actually against your execution. I think that there are other options. Despite the fact that you are seemingly determined to change my mind, I still stand by what I said. I don't wish for your death."

[00Pony 287]

@@Ano170,@@Pripyat Pony, @@Agent505,

(Darn things piling up, I keep getting distracted)

 

Sanguine remained silent while the rest of those present in the chambers spoke, formulating what he was going to say. He had been about to speak when Harmonic entered, bound and guarded. The assassin shook his head slightly, " I would have preferred to give what I have to say without the commander here, but alas."

 

He moves his attention from Chrysalis and Harmonic to Cadence and begins to speak,  "Personally, I do not believe killing Commander Harmony would be the wisest decision. He amuses me, and is a good leader, as well as a useful fighter. Though I admit he does behave a little erratically at times.. Everypony has their faults.

"Demoting him wouldn't be to wise either. His Crystal Onyx are fairly loyal to him, despite what these reports hint, and I do not see them marching under another pony's commander willingly. Not to mention, I do not believe he would appreciate that very much. May even cause him to birth a resentment towards you, Empress.

"I would say to keep him alive, and in charge of his soldiers. Whether he remain commander of the entire army, perhaps. Maybe promote another officer to serve as an assistant commander? Really, these are just my suggestions and opinions. No need to take them seriously."

 

Sanguine's normally slightly unnerving tone had changed to one or reason as he spoke. 

[HigurSan 195]

@@00Pony, @@Pripyat Pony, @@Agent505,

Steeleye didn't miss a beat when his recommendation was shot down by all others present. It was to be expected. Each had their motivations that were in competition with his own. Still, as much as he didn't like the option, it became increasingly apparent that Harmonic wouldn't go the noose any time soon. "It would be a dereliction of my duty if I did not carefully consider such a decision," he said, glancing in Harmonic's general direction. "My suggestion is, in its own way, perhaps too simple for the situation at hand. I put it forward merely to voice the option of what would guarantee that there isn't a repeat of this... incident." He looked at Harmonic, his expression saying 'he's already trying to do what we're punishing him for -again-'. "Though the different opinions presented thus far cover a wide range of opportunities, we all agree that something needs to be done, even if the methods we would use do conflict in some areas."

 

"As already stated, Harmonic is valuable enough that none here would consider him readily expendable, as he is skilled in his own right and is head of a talented group of unicorns. Given that most here wish to keep him in active service in some fashion, a couple of options come to mind. Both have a degree of... risk, but they seem to satisfy the desires expressed thus far. The first being that Harmonic would have his rank of Commander reinstated. Following this he would... well to be quite blunt this option would entail a 'do or die' scenario. He would be given a sufficiently difficult objective to complete, with no support from the rest of the Crystal Empire. If he succeeds, he retains his rank. If he fails... then he will be dead and won't have to worry about it. The other option is to place... well, the best word for it is a 'foalsitter' for him, though the term is a bit more degrading that one I would normally subject him to. In effect, someone of sufficient capability would be assigned to watch over him and guide his actions until it is deemed that he is suitable to operate on his own again. I personally would prefer the second, as the first does give him the opportunity to defect to the Equestrian Army."

[Agent505 661]

@,@@00Pony, @@Pripyat Pony,

 

Harmonic reared up on his hind legs and yanked at the binding chains of his front two in frustration, before slamming back down into the floor and blowing air from his muzzle. "I would never join the Canterlot rats! To suggest otherwise is the assumption of a traitor!" He yelled angrily, taking a single step forwards.

 

Cadence simply shook her head at his behaviour, unimpressed his seeming reluctance to actually want to defend himself. 

"Harmony, do you feel no remorse? Are you not in the least, doubtful of your actions? Chrysalis and her changelings are right here, having a slightly heated debate with the rest of us...can you not see you where wrong?"

"I was not wrong, ma'am. I was acting on intuition, that thing was attempting to leave the palace with my own soldiers"

"They where escorting her Harmony, nothing more!" 

Shaking her head and waving another hoof dismissively again to end the conversation, Cadence weighed up the options she had in silence for a few minutes. 

 

Execution certainly would solve this problem, but it might create more problems down the line. We'd lose a strong fighter, as we would lose his soldiers...

Steeleye's suggestion of a foalsitter...who would be capable of keeping him under control if he got out of hoof again? If we could find someone...

 

"Alright..." Cadence began, sitting up and looking across at each one of the ponies before her. "Steeleye. While your suggestion for a foalsitter is by far the best option we have, I do not think it will work on the basis that one to one, or even two to one, Harmony is still a skilled soldier, as well as a powerful unicorn. It may put the lives of others in danger to monitor his behaviour so closely. We also cannot afford to assign many to guard him, as we will need what soldiers we have soon." She rubbed her chin thoughtfully for a second as she turned to Arrow and Sanguine. "As for you two...I agree that keeping him alive would be a much better option than the alternative. A demotion in rank should definitely be emplaced, but as for leaving or reassigning the Crystal Onyx...I have yet to decide. They where situated under his command at his rise to commander, and having that rank stripped will definitely cause some complications with the matter." Harmonic simply shook his head as he heard the potential decisions being made, taking away his guard in particular. Finally taking a deep breath and turning to face the Queen, Cadence closed her eyes before she started speaking. 

"Chrysalis...as the victim of Harmony's actions, and as the newest ally of the Crystal Empire...I would like to extend a sign of trust towards you. Ultimately, the terms of Harmony's punishment are up to you. Whatever you decide, we will carry out. Know that I put my commanders wellbeing in your hooves only as a sign that I am willing to start fresh, if you are."

"What?!" Harmonic suddenly raised his voice "You can't do that Cadence, you foal! Look at her! She'll kill us all one by one given the chance, and you're giving her the power to do that?! Have you lost your mind?!"

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Chrysalis smiled at Cadance. "I still extend my offer to put the spell on Harmonic, to calm him down if nothing else, but I will relinquish my idea of having him serve me as compensation. He will remain a Commander, in charge of his squad. For one thing, he is still a valuable soldier and killing him for no good reason will not help in the long run. As for a foalsitter, I feel that the unicorn mare Cecy would be good as one of them. Harmonic may resent another stallion being in charge of him."

 

Cecy was of course the disguised Cicada, tho nopony save Cadance and Chrysalis were aware of the fact. Cicada had obeyed her Queen's instructions and had stuck close to Cadance to guard her.