Following the capture of Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow saw in one of the old, decrepit apple trees, looking at a small piece of paper. She leaned on the tree, propping the paper upon the crest of her helmet. She had written the letter shortly into the campaign, knowing that she would be seeing her again.

Dear Squirt,
Hey. Long-time no see, eh? I heard from some people from the town saying you got your cutie mark. Great! Ah, balls to it. I was never good at this.
Anyway, I want to meet up. Like I said, it's been almost ten years since we've seen one another. Maybe, say, tonight at 6 for dinner? The seal on the back of this letter will get you into my Castrum and to my tent. If you can't, let the gate guard (I'll make sure it's one of my men who can speak Equish) know and we'll see what we can do. Just, see if you can make it. There's someone I want you to meet.

Your Big Sis,
RD.

She sighed, looking at the letter. She then picked it up, put on her helmet, and took off toward the barn. The Night Guard had already begun to open up the pods. Meanwhile, her troops and the griffons were setting up fortifications facing Ponyville, and the Royal Guard was setting up temporary housing for the citizens. She singled out a Night Guard who was standing outside, landing next to her.

The guard stiffened, saluting and saying, "M-ma'am! How can I help you?"

"Chill, I'm not gonna whip you", she said. "I just need you to do something for me. It's not official. It's just a favor I need."

The mare rested her posture a bit but still looked on edge. "And what is that, ma'am?"

"I need this to be delivered to someone", she said, holding out the letter. "The pony is a Pegasus mare with an orange coat, magenta mane, and purple eyes. As soon as possible."

The mare nodded and walked off with it. Rainbow began trotting into the orchard, muttering to herself. She looked down at her talons, scowling to herself. She had changed so much; she only had to look at herself to know that. What if Scootaloo didn't like her anymore? Didn't want to be related to someone like her? Someone who whipped her subordinates? Who had, admittedly degenerate, people crucified? Would she have to have another thing be lost to her forever?

Her reverie was interrupted by one of her troops running up to her. After the typical greeting from each of them, he said, "I'm sorry to disturb you, Praetor. However, we have run into a bit of an, er, an issue."

"Pede, define 'issue.'"

"An old mare, likely the owner of this orchard", he said. "She's fiercely protective of the trees the troops are cutting down and has been threatening some of the workers with a pitchfork."

Eager for something to do, she said, "I'll take care of it." She then took off, flying toward the palisade of dirt and wooden stakes being set up. Sure enough, in the orchard by the palisade, a small crowd had gathered. On one side were several of her troops, who had eschewed their armor and carried a mix of adzes, dolabra pickaxes, and spades. On the other side were Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Zecora, surprisingly enough, and Granny Smith, the latter of which was indeed armed with a pitchfork. As she landed, Rainbow said, "What in Damocles's name is going on?"

"Finally, some 'un with a bit 'a respect!", the old mare wheezed out. "Tell these here wiper snappers that they can't cut down our buckin' trees!"

Big Mac said, "Granny. Stop. You know what Dr. Hooves said about you gettin' stressed?"

"Miss Smith", Rainbow said in her best PR voice. "I'm afraid that, due to the circumstance, my men are fully within their rights to cut them down. And, if push comes to shove, I can have you fully compensated for the trees."

That seemed to get the elderly mare out of her rage, as she dropped the pitchfork and began to head back toward the house, muttering and sputtering. Big Mac said, "Apple Bloom. Go check on Granny. Make sure she don't go 'urt anypony else." The youngest apple nodded, shot one last look at Rainbow Dash, and trotted after her grandma. He then turned to her, and said, "Thanks for 'dat."

"Yeah", she said. "Can't have a civilian killing one of my men. I'd never get over the paperwork."

The big stallion cracked a small smile at that, and stepped up to one of the old trees, touching the crackled truck. He said, somberly, "Some of your troops said they'd been in the pods fer three years? This right?"

"If what your scumbag of a sister said, then yes. Er, no offense", she said.

He gave her an evil eye but didn't say anything. Instead, he turned to the, and said, "'Ave you seen Southern Rose, honey?"

Zecora said, "Last I saw her, she's gone off to play with some of the local colts. Not the brightest, but they are no dolts."

Rainbow said, "Well, so long as they don't bother my men, I'm sure they'll be fine."

They turned to her again, and Zecora said, "Rainbow Dash, an old friend. I must say, it seems, though you were exiled, things have been on the mend. Judging by your helmet and, under your wing, that plank, you must bear some significant rank."

"Yeah", she said. "Praetor of the 14th Regiment, Pryhan Imperial army."

Zecora said, "Well, with that task done in a jiffy, I shall go in search of our filly", and walked off. Mac and Rainbow then turned back to face each other, and an awkward silence reigned over the area, save for her troops cutting down the old trees and digging the palisade.

"I'm, a, I'm gonna go check on my men", she said. "Have a nice day."

Later that day, Rainbow stood in her tent, talking to Vexillum. Castus had left to go get Depressi, and one of the regimental cooks was off making a dinner (she was compensating him with money from her own paycheck). Vexillum wouldn't be eating with them but was just wrapping up some last-minute business.

"So, the Guard's up in terms of morale and competency?", she said.

"Yes, Praetor", he said. "They're eager to fight. A few of them still seem kinda hesitant, but most of them eager."

"Excellent. We'll put them in the front during the offensive tomorrow. From there, we can-" Looking up, she saw someone and froze.

"Praetor?", Vexillum said, confused. He then turned to the door of the tent, and mouthed 'Ahh'. "That her?" When she nodded, he said, "I'll let you catch up, then. Vale." He then walked off, leaving Rainbow facing someone she cared deeply for and hadn't seen in several years.

Next Chapter: 97~Long awaited reunion (Re-written) Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 4 Minutes