Author's Note: Okay, who got the reference last chapter? Anybody?

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, nor have I helped in its production. :(

Chapter 3: New Duties

The Great Equestrian War

Silence. I paled at the implications of this. "But, Your Highnesses," I said, "Equestria is not ready for war!"

"We know," said Celestia. "That is where you come in."

Me? I thought.

"You see," said Shining Armor, " you are one of my best soldiers. You are great tactician and a brilliant fighter. Most of all, you are loyal and responsible. You are the pony that must lead us."

I said something real intelligent, like "What...what does this mean?" Sharp as a needle, I know.

Princess Celestia did not seem irritated by my stupidity, however. She smiled and said, "You are right, Equestria is not ready for war. Most ponies don't even realize what war means. You, however, are different. You...understand."

I felt panic enveloping me. "You really think I can do this?"

Shining Armor snorted and tossed his head. "During the Battle of Canterlot, who took charge? You. Who saved hundreds, if not thousands of lives in the fighting? You. And who, at the conclusion of the battle, handed command of the Royal Guard back to me without a second of hesitation? You. You have what we look for when promoting soldiers to lead officers."

Princess Cadence jumped in. "From what Shining Armor has told me, you know what you are doing. Nopony else is more qualified than you, Lieutenant Thunder Crasher. Will you accept the rank of Commander?"

I hesitated, conflicted. Seeing my pause, Princess Twilight softened and asked, "What is the matter, Thunder Crasher? Is something wrong?"

"I...I can't lead! I have never led more than a platoon of soldiers! And from what you are suggesting, I will end up leading thousands of combat troops! What makes you think I can handle that?"

"We just told you," said Luna, frowning. "There is nopony more qualified than you."

"With all due respect, Princesses, I think you have lost it. I can not do this. Even if I thought I could do it, I think it is wrong for one pony to have so much power."

"That is way you must be the one to wield it," said Princess Celestia. "We know that you will not be tempted by the power that office possesses."

"How do you know that?"

Celestia smiled and responded cryptically, "One of the interesting things of being a Princess is that you don't have to explain yourself to anypony."

I smiled and nodded, turning the idea over in my head. After a moment, I asked Shining Armor, "What do you truly think if I was promoted?"

Shining Armor hesitated, then said, "I think I would be losing a great soldier, but gaining a brilliant commanding officer."

Decided, I asked him, "What is the pay like?" A smile was barely playing on my lips.

"Five times your current," Shining Armor responded, straight-faced.

"Okay. I'm in."

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