As I head back toward camp, I can see the troops setting up their camps where Windy’s troops had last time. In the distance I see them setting up their tents for the nights as well as fire pits. The artillery battery has its caissons already parked and tents up. I see Sergeant Kicker directing those who are still working and I am very pleased to see Archer still sitting upon one of the Caissons with Epona right next to him, talking.

I swear she seems to have almost died and gone to heaven. As I approach, He sees us and I hear him say, “Well we best get down now, we all have some work to do yet before we can visit tonight.”

I am surprised as she only nods, gives him a hug, and tells him, “Ok Papa Archer,” before climbing down.

Beside me, Tater quietly tells me, “You realize Colonel, that she has never had a father before.”

Until that moment, I had known it in my mind, but not in my heart, now it really hit me. She has something she always wanted but never had. A father. I guess I should have realized it when she talked to me about missing Dark Soil, their me’s stepdad.

I know the feeling as after my mother died, I so badly wanted a mother that I had not even realized that Sumac was basically one for me.

As we approach, I see him come to attention and salute me, which I return. Then he asks, “So can I see you all tonight?”

I smile at him and I tell him, “Of course dear. Would you like us to get a sitter or do you just want to spend time with all of us?”

I see him look over at Epona with a grin and he tells me, “Well, actually Epona suggested that she watch the little ones for a bit tonight while you show me your favorite spot, Mollygirl. She says she really likes it there too.”

This gets me to smile and raise an eyebrow as I look at her and see her grinning at me. Then she says, “Ma, it is one of my favorite spots too. I think Papa would really like it also.”

I nod my head and Sutures says, “That is a wonderful suggestion Epona, thank you.”

I then tell Sutures, “Dear, I have to go talk with Colonel Cobbler, would you mind taking care of the fillies?”

She smiles at me and tells me, “No problem dear,” She then tells Epona, “Dear, I am sure you have a bit of homework to do still so we are going to head back to the barracks for a bit.”

“Awww, but Mama Sutures, I want to spend time with papa.”

By this time I notice that both Millie and Moon Lily have gotten down and are standing next to Epona looking at Archer.”

Archer sighs and says, “Epona, I will see you and everypony else later. I promise. Besides I have to take care of my battery so I can spend that time with you.”

I see her sigh and as she approaches him to give him a hug, both of her sisters do also.

As he gets ready to give Millie a hug, I see Moon Lily’s horn glow as she lifts Millie up and sets her on his back, and then levitates herself up also.

Archer’s jaw drops when he sees this and before he can say anything, I hear Sutures say, “Moon, what have I told you about using your magic without permission?”

Then Moon Lily says, “But mama, want Papa.”

“Moon Lily, I asked you a question, now answer it.” Sutures says.

Moon looks down, sighs, and says, “Is no no.”

Sutures nods her head and says, “Correct. So do not do it again young mare.”

She looks at her mother, then wraps her hooves tighter around her father and says, “Ok mama, sorry.”

I still see the stunned look on Archer's face and he asks in a nervous voice, “So that is normal?”

Both Sutures and I sigh and she tells him, “Yes, yes, it is.”

He slowly shakes his head, then he asks, “So the poster with her in it was not faked?”

Sutures shakes her head and tells him, “No dear, your daughter is pretty strong for her age.”

I see him shake his head as if clearing it, then he asks, “Just how strong is she?”

Epona answers for him, “Papa, when the zebra assassins tried to kill the Colonel during the Battle of Harness me and Tater got one of them, Mills found the other and Moon killed him using her TK.”

I see his eyes go wide and he tells us, “Ok, I know about Harness from Milo, but what Battle of Harness?”

I find myself looking down at the ground feeling sad. Back home they really did not even know about one of my greatest victories. No matter how close it was.

I feel Sutures hoof on my shoulder as she tells me, “Sometimes news travels slow dear.”

I see him look confused and she tells him, “I will explain later dear.”

Then I look up at him and I tell him, “I guess I will have to explain it in the turnover briefing. OK, I best go see your Commander. I will see you all later.”

I tell them as I turn and walk back toward the area where the 3^rd of the 1st has their HQ. As I approach, I see Colonel Apple Cobbler coming my way. Once we are close enough, we shake hooves and I tell him, “It is good to see you again Sir.”

“It is good to see you too Colonel, I can understand your being excited about beginning the turnover, but it has been a long march and I was wondering If we could begin it in the morning?”

I smile at him and tell him, “Apple that is no problem. In fact, I would prefer that myself. I was just talking to your artillery commander and he let me know that some of what has occurred here has not made it home. So, I really would like the extra time for my people to adjust our turnover briefing. Besides, over the next couple of days, I would like to take you around to some of the local communities and introduce you to the civilian leadership, as well as the commander of the Harness Battalion.”

When I mention this, I see him raise an eyebrow and he says, “I was not aware that the locals had a military battalion operational yet.”

“Yes, the town of Harness basically pulled a Co-op type move. I was surprised at the size of their security force when I first encountered them, and then I found out how much larger they were than I thought. They have become a very integral part of our defensive system here.”

I see him seem somewhat skeptical at first, so he asks me, “Ok, so what makes them so special?”

I look around and then I ask him, “Apple, could you come with me to our office? In fact, there is a cot in there if you would rather sleep there tonight, or in one of the empty rooms in the Officer’s Barracks.”

I see him raise an eyebrow and he tells me, “Let me grab my saddlebags. I think I will take you up on the bed. I could use getting off the ground tonight.”

As he starts to walk away, I hear him call out, “File Cabinet, get on over here, I need you to meet the clerk for the 2^nd of the 1^st tonight.”

About ten minutes later Lieutenant Colonel Apple Cobbler, his clerk, and I all head to my, our, office inside the command bunker.

As we enter the command bunker, I see that one of the rugs has slipped again from the stains. Without meaning to I freeze in my steps and gulp. Apple Cobbler accidentally bumps into me and then he sees what I am staring at and he asks, “Mollygirl, is that what I think it is?”

I slowly nod my head, then I shake it to try and clear my thoughts, “Yeah, sorry, we usually keep them covered. There are two more, but that stain was from me.”

I see him look at it, then he looks at me and he quietly says, “Why do I get the feeling things are not as quite down her as Manesville has led me to believe?”

I start walking again and I tell him, “Actually, Apple, they should be now. At least for a bit. The ones who did that are dead or scattered. I will tell you about that in a bit, but before we go into the office, would you like some tea?”

I see him smile, “Sure, unless you have something harder?”

As I walk, toward my office, I nod to Paper Work who goes to get his tea set. Then I tell him, “Sorry, I only have tea now. It is safer for me that way.”

Once we are in the office, I see him begin to look around. I even see him notice the cot between the file cabinet and the safe next to the desk. He grins and asks, “May I?”

I nod my head and he takes the seat behind the desk. I see him looking around the room and how sparse it is. He then asks me, “I take it you have cleared most of it out already?”

I nod my head and reply, “Yes, except for some Fancy Buck Cakes in the back of the lower left drawer,” I pause and smile remembering Epona and Tater searching for them that day before I tell him, “In fact, if you like please have one. I keep them there in case of a heavy fight so I do not have to leave the bunker.”

He takes one out and opens it. He takes a bite and I see him savor the sweet carroty flavor of it. When he opens his eyes again, he tells me, “Thanks Mollygirl. I really needed that. We pushed through lunch today to make it before dark.”

“I understand entirely. I hope you don’t mind if I spend some time with my husband tonight?”

I see him look at me funny and he asks, “Who is your husba…” He stops then grins, “I forgot about Captain Archer being one of your spouses. Sure, thing Mollygirl, let him finish up with his battery for the night and he is yours till morning.”

I smile at him, “Thanks Apple. I really appreciate it.”

Soon afterward Paper Work shows up and as he enters, I notice he looks surprised to see Apple Cobbler behind the desk instead of me. Then he grins and says, “Here is your tea Colonels.”

We enjoy our tea together and I begin to tell him about Harness and its history. I will say I am amused when he says, “You mean that loud-mouthed mule is our equal?”

I smile and tell him, “Once you get to know him, he is not really that bad. Just treat him with as much respect as you would anyone else and he will not only appreciate it but go out of his way to help.”

I see him nod his head when he says, “Ok, tell me about those stains out there?”

I close my eyes and steel myself before I begin. I tell him the story and I see him looking out the door. Then he says, “Mollygirl, I am sorry I asked you to explain them. My Goddesses. I had no idea things were that close here.”

I smile sadly and I tell him, “Well after we infiltrated their fortress and killed the Praefect things really settled down. That was just over a month ago.”

I see him shake his head, then he asks, “So you had a team infiltrate their HQ?”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I led it in and Lieutenant Colonel Winder Rider of the 2^nd of the 2^nd hit them after we took care of their leadership.”

I see him shake his head then he tells me with a serious expression, “Mollygirl, you are too senior to be doing that. You should know better.”

I nod my head and I tell him, “Yeah, I know, but I wanted vengeance on what he had done to me and my people as well as his having put my daughters in danger.”

I see him look surprised and he asks, “He put your daughters in danger?”

I nod my head and tell him about how they were the ones who not only found the infiltrators, but they stopped them after one kicked Millie and shot me.”

He shakes his head as she asks, “Why were they in your command post?”

I tell him, “They were in my office to stay safe, but the little ones got hungry and snuck out. The older one was coming to get them. The battle was starting to wind down at that point.”

“Ok, I can see that. I am sorry for making you relive it. Now tomorrow we can start doing a more formal exchange and I look forward to you taking me to talk to the local communities. But how about showing me to the Barracks for the night?”

I smile and I tell him, “Sure, follow me, don’t forget to hit the lights on the way out.”

He stops and says, “I had not noticed, but you really have lights here. How?”

Again, I briefly explain it to him, and then I tell him, “By the way, enjoy a hot shower tonight too. We have that set up for the barracks also.”

I hear him laugh as he says, “Sounds good Mollygirl, I really could use one. My joints are not handling these marches the way I could when I was a young buck.”

I laugh lightly and tell him, “I understand fully. I am just glad we can provide these to you now.”

As I lead him to the barracks, I give him an informal tour of the base and answer his questions. Once he has a room I beg off and go to my room to meet the others.

Sutures and I both get cleaned up quickly and take the youngsters to the chow hall with us to eat. While they have not weaned fully, they are trying to eat more and more solid food. This time I pick up some extra hay fries to share with them, as well as some greens so they can begin to eat healthier too.

After dinner the five of us head over towards the new arrivals camps as we leave the main gate, I hear Epona say, “Oh, there’s Papa,” as she points to the side.

I see him notice us and he starts heading in our direction. Once we meet him, he says, “I hope you all have had dinner already. I just finished with mine. Sorry, but we did not even stop for lunch today.”

I see a look of surprise on Sutures's face, and I tell him, “Yeah the Colonel already told me about that. He also said you are mine until the morning once you were done with your troops for the night.”

I see him grin, “Excellent. I already told Sergeant Kicker I would be with you here.”

We then all head back towards the barracks and I tell him, “If you would like, perhaps before we leave the fillies with Epona for a bit, you can take a quick hot shower.”

I see his eyes go wide and he asks, “Are you serious? You have hot showers?”

I nod my head and I tell him, “Yes dear, we do. And maybe you would be more comfortable after one.”

Once back at the room I see him look around at how small it really is and he asks, “You all slept here like this?”

Sutures tells him, “Yes dear, it was actually kind of homey.”

Then he notices the bottle of Old Overmare sitting on the desk. He looks at me with a slightly bitter expression then asks Sutures, “What is that doing there?”

She actually blushes and tells him, “That is my fault dear. I told her I wanted her to see it everyday and if she is going to drink that is the bottle she is to start with.”

I see his jaw drop and he looks from her to me. Then he says, “I take it you have been dry since Sutures has arrived?”

I nod my head and tell him, “Archer, I am sorry. I wish I could explain, but I am afraid you would think I was just making excuses.”

He looks very serious at me and tells me, “Mollygirl, I really hope that you had a good reason because that about broke up our family.”

At this point, Epona speaks up and says, “Papa, did you see the gallows by the train station when you came into town?”

He seems somewhat baffled by the question and says, “Yeah, what about them Epona?”

Epona sighs and tells him, “She had them built and had to order their use. That is what broke her papa. Please forgive her, don’t hurt her anymore.”

I see the surprise on his face as she begs for me and he looks at me. I don’t know what he sees in my face or my eyes, but I see tears start to form in his eyes and he comes over to me and takes me in his hooves and tells me, “I am sorry love. I did not mean to hurt you more. When I saw the bottle, I misunderstood.”

I stand there leaning into him with my face against his chest and I tell him, “It’s ok, I understand. I am the one who really needs to apologize.”

I feel him kiss me on my forelock, then he breaks the hug. He looks at Epona and tells her, “Thank you for helping me not make a bigger mistake.”

Through my embarrassment, I turn to look at her and I see her looking at him with love and I hear her say, “Your welcome Papa, and thank you for understanding.”

As he goes to take a shower, Sutures and I both feed our fillies. I have to laugh at the expression on his face when he returns and sees both of us doing so.”

He looks from me to Sutures and back and asks, “Mollygirl, how?”

Sutures grins and tells him, “After I got here and we worked things out, I cast the lactation spell for her.”

He looks at her and asks her, “So I owe our Mollygirl a real big apology is what you are saying?”

She smiles at him with a motherly expression and tells him, “I am not telling you what to do. You know what is right in your own heart, love.”

I see him look down slightly ashamed of his earlier reaction. He again approaches me and asks me, “Please forgive me for having treated you like that?”

I nod my head and tell him, “There is nothing to forgive love, I deserved it, whether I like it or not. I am mare enough to own up to my failures.”

Behind him sitting on her bunk I can see Epona taking this all in. At least she is seeing how a good stallion treats his mares. Too many don’t, I think to myself.

After the fillies are done eating Epona tells us, “Why don’t you all go now, that way you can get back before it is too late.

As we get ready to leave, I watch her pull out a book and she tells her little sisters, “Come on up onto my bed, so I can read you a story.”

As we leave the barracks, Archer asks me, “Is this normal for her?”

I stay quiet for now, but Sutures asks, “Which part?”

He looks at her with a surprised expression and says, “All of it. Her reading to her sisters, her foal sitting for you two and her calming me down.”

Sutures then tells him, “Actually, yes to the reading and calming you down. She has helped me with that a couple of times. As for foal sitting, she does not do it often, but when we need it, she offers.”

I see him thinking about this, and then she tells him, “She knows how to get help if she needs it. Millie and Moon Lily really look up to her and listen to her.”

He smiles at her and says, “I can see that. I think I can even understand why. She is a lot more mature as well as intelligent than I expected. I just hope that doesn’t mean Ginger will try to pick on her.”

Without meaning to I laugh out loud and I tell him, “Dear if she does, she will have met her match. She not only knows what Xavier taught me, but what the Sergeant Major taught us of MoAMAP, and she has used it in combat already too.”

He looks at me when I say this with surprise and says to me, “I thought you wouldn’t take her into combat?”

I shake my head and I tell him, “Archer, I didn’t she and Tater snuck along on a raid a while back. Sad thing is, they really were needed. Oh, and before you ask, she and Tater were covered head to hoof so could not tell it was them until we were fighting.”

I see him smirk a bit at that, “She may be from another world, but they certainly seem like sisters.”

The sun is just setting as we reach my spot. Sutures and I take the blanket from my saddlebags and lay it out. I lay down on it first and Sutures lays her head on my side. Soon Archer lays beside her and rests his head on me also. As the sun sets behind the distant hills. I feel myself begin to relax and I am looking up at all the stars above us.

I soon find myself running my hooves slowly through Sutures’s mane without thinking. As darkness overtakes us and the stars begin to show themselves, I hear Archer say, “My Goddesses is it beautiful out here.”

As I lay there just enjoying them like this, I feel Archer shift and he moves behind me and whispers into my ear, “I Love you, my dear, I hope you have forgiven me for earlier?”

“There was nothing to forgive my love, I just hope you still want me as one of your mares.”

I feel him nibble my neck briefly and soon I have his answer as he makes first me, then Sutures, his mares once again.

We stay out for only a couple of hours, and once we get back to the barracks, we find the little ones and Epona all asleep on her bunk together.

Archer smiles and shakes his head as he quietly says, “You think they were all raised together already.”

Then I hear a sleepy Epona say, “Oh, your home. Hi Papa, Ma’s. I hope you all had a good time.”

I smile to myself and I tell her, “Yes dear, thank you so much.”

“Your welcome Ma. I know you all needed the time. Besides, I really enjoyed my time with them. It still feels weird seeing Millie this young though.”

I see a confused expression come over Archer’s face when he hears this and I tell him, “Archer, I had Millie much younger on her side. In fact, Millie was only a year younger than Epona.”

I see him shake his head, “Yeah, I keep forgetting about this whole other world thing. Sorry.”

I see her smile sleepily at him and she tells him, “That’s ok Papa, besides, over there, I really did not know you, but you were in the infantry instead of the artillery.”

I see the look of astonishment come over his face at this and he asks me, “It really was a whole different life there wasn’t it?”

I nod and tell him, “Yes dear it really was, now we need to get to bed. Tomorrow night you can spend more time with them ok?”

He nods his head and tells me, “Yeah, sounds good.” Then I watch him go over and gently kiss all three of them goodnight. After he kisses Epona on her forelock he quietly tells her, “Sweet dreams my darling daughter, I will see you in the morning.”

I see her smile as her eyes grow too heavy and she falls asleep. Then we all go over to the other bunk and squeeze onto it as best we can so that we too can fall asleep.

As I drift off, I pray to Sweet Cream that she guides me in the coming days, and I thank her and the Goddesses for letting me have such a good day. As my eyes become too heavy and my breathing slows, I feel Archer gently kiss me one more time and he whispers something that I can not quite hear, but the tone of it makes me smile as I enter the world of dreams.

Come morning we all begin to move again. Us parents taking turns in the showers as the others watch the youngsters. Once that is done Archer joins us in the mess hall for breakfast. I am amused at how eager he is for the hot breakfast. But I take a delight when I watch his expression when both Moon Lily and Millie beg regular food off of him.

He then asks “Is it alright for me to give them some?”

Sutures looks at him smiling and tells him, “Of course dearest, how else do you think foals begin to eat solid foods.”

As he is looking at her, I notice a bit of light from across the table and I see his fork being lifted without him noticing as it floats a bite of oatmeal over to Moon Lily. I put my hoof over my mouth to keep from laughing as I hear Sutures say, “Young mare, what do I tell…”

Before she finishes, I hear Moon Lily say, “Is no, but hungy mama.”

I hear Sutures sigh and I see Archer looking very surprised again. Before he can say anything, Sutures tells him, “No, she is usually better behaved than this. I think she is trying to show off for her papa.”

I look over and I see a smiling Moon Lily looking at her father with what looks like an innocent expression and he tells her, “I am very impressed Moon, but listen to your mother for me ok.”

She nods her head and says, “Ok papa.”

After breakfast Sutures and the fillies walk Epona and Tater to school while Archer and I begin our day's work.

After our morning muster, my staff and I meet with Apple Cobbler and his staff to begin the turnover. We begin to discuss what our normal operations are in the area such as patrols and assistance to the sutlers in their fields. I see we really have their attention though we begin to discuss the major battles we have had.

I see that several of them are somewhat skeptical of the need for a security detachment for the senior officers. Then one of the unicorns on his staff suddenly lights up his horn as if they are going to attack me.

Suddenly Sergeant Cupcake and her partner appear next to me. One throws up a magical shield, the other strikes the offender with a stun spell, knocking them unconscious before I can stop them.

Immediately after this, I tell them, “Stand down, I think they were testing you. But good work.”

I see Apple Cobbler’s mouth is hanging open. Finally, he closes it and he asks, “You were really serious about those assassination teams then. Weren’t you?”

As one of his medics takes care of the offender, I hear Sergeant Cupcake say, “That was really bucking stupid on his part. Goddesses, he is lucky there were only two of us right now or he would be dead.”

Several of Apple Cobbler's staff seem shaken up by this. I sigh and tell them, “We have learned to take security to heart here. The three rugs you see are covering bloodstains. Two are from Zebra infiltrators. You can ask my staff later about the third. Now let’s get back to business.”

Once we break for lunch Apple Cobbler and his staff join mine in the mess hall. I notice several of his staff now looking about the base as we travel. During lunch they exchange stories. We tell ours from our deployment so far, and they tell us about their trip down here.

I hear Apple Cobbler’s XO telling Dull Beak, “You know they said it would have been quicker if we would not have had to unloaded and reload at Two Step because of the down bridge.”

Dull Beak nods his head and tells them, “Yeah, I can understand that. I was there when we went back the second time. The bridge was already down by then, but when they dropped it originally it was to keep Silver Spite off their backs a bit longer, as well as to cut his supply lines, so at the time it made sense.”

I see him thinking about it then he asks Dull Beak, “Don’t you think that they could have done it some other way?”

Dull Beak looks at him with an incredulous expression on his face, and then asks, “Did you even read the after-action reports from the expedition before you came out here?”

“No, why bother, Silver Spite and his bunch are no longer a threat.” He tells DB.

I see DB put a talon on his beak and shake his head. Then he quietly tells him, “I cannot believe I am having to tell you this, but because it gives you lessons on what worked and didn’t when in combat situations. You could have learned from our successes and our mistakes instead of possibly having to learn them the hard way like we did.”

I see Apple Cobbler looking sidelong at the two of them also and I see him half close his eyes and shake his head. He then quietly asks me, “You sure you don’t want to trade XO’s?”

I smile and just as quietly reply, “Nope, no tradesies.”

He gently laughs and then asks, “What was the worst part of the deployment for you Mollygirl?”

I suddenly am all business and in a serious tone of voice, I tell him, “Having to order the use of the gallows. I still see them in my dreams.”

I see Apple Cobblers face go pale as he asks, “You really had to use them?”

I nod my head yes as I tell him, “Yeah. Raiders mainly. The old mayor was an unreformed raider and tried to betray us during one battle. We gave him a trial by his peers and he admitted not only his actions but his past, and how much he hated the NCR and the town itself. So yeah, we used it.”

He looks at me and asks, “I can see how it affected you. How did it affect your relationship with the townsfolk?”

I think about it briefly and I tell him, “At first a large part of the population was standoffish. But I think they understood the necessity of it at the time. They also heard me offer a parole to most of those who were hung. The only one who did not receive such an offer was the former mayor. His was a trusted position and he had no remorse, so he had to pay.”

I see him nod his head, “Yeah, that makes sense. Goddesses I am glad it was not me that had to make that call.”

I nod my head and tell him, “I understand. I wish I hadn’t had to either.” I pause and tell him, “later today I would like to take you into Hackamore and introduce you to the Mayor, Sticky Wicket, and the Marshal, Beach Shack.”

He nods his head and tells me, “Sounds good. Perhaps you can guide me around the town a bit too so I can become more familiar with it and the townsponies.”

After lunch, I see Archer is over talking with Slide Rule. He sees me and gives a quick wave. Then I see the first of his artillery pieces being brought in as mine begin to be pulled out. Suddenly it begins to feel real again.

Today we also receive four more wagons from Harness. I see a questioning expression on Apple Cobblers face and I simply tell him, “They are going with us when we leave.”

I see him nod his head and I realize he is already putting together what they contain. But he knows not to ask.

The next day Milo arrives with his staff and his family. I have to smile when I see Sutures and the fillies head into town with Cedar Box and Cannel Coal. The fillies all excited to see them.

Milo brings Laura Lee with him as well as several members of his staff to meet with Apple Cobbler. They arrive at the door to the command post at about the same time I do. Milo sees me and grins and says, “Good to see you again Mollygirl. I hope you don’t mind my having brought Laura Lee with me?”

I smile at both of them and tell him, “No, not at all. I think it is good they meet at least a couple of your combat commanders also.”

Once inside we all go to the command portion of the bunker and I go knock on the door of what was my office. From inside I hear Apple Cobbler asks, “Yes?”

I stick my head in and tell him, “Colonel Milo and his staff have arrived for their part of your briefing Apple.”

I see him set down a cup of coffee and he says, “Ok, I will be right out.”

The members of our various staffs gather around the map table. Once he comes out of the office I watch as Milo walks over to him and goes to full attention and salutes Apple Cobbler and tells him, “Good morning Colonel, it is a pleasure to finally meet you, sir. I am Lieutenant Colonel Milo, from the Harness Battalion.”

I see Apple Cobbler raise an eyebrow as he first returns the salute and then extends a hoof, “Colonel Milo, it is good to formally meet you too sir. While you were at Manesville I saw you with the negotiations party, but we never had the opportunity to meet.”

I see Milo is caught slightly off guard and I see him start to blush. Then he says quietly, “I am sorry if I seemed so unruly back then. Since then I have a bit more experience that has helped me to recognize the impropriety of some of my actions.”

I see Apple Cobbler actually smile and he says, “Milo, later I would like to hear about them if you would be willing to tell me. Now let’s meet each other’s staffs as we will be working together for the next year.”

When he says this, I see Milo actually become more comfortable as he says, “Sounds good Colonel, I am looking forward to working with you to sir.”

As the meeting progresses between the three staffs, we discuss not only what we have done in the past, but also how the incoming units are to take over what my troops covered as well as how Cobbler’s can improve upon it. While all of us were slow and cautious when we start these discussions and plans, by the end of the meeting I am pleased to hear them all actively taking part. This includes some suggestions that my staff and I had not considered before.

I am pleased to hear during the meeting from the doctor for the 3^rd of 1^st that they will have two dedicated skywagons for ambulances based on our Dust-off team. Doctor Graft tells us, “I have read your reports about the success of such a team and while I do agree with it, I am nervous about having both a gunner and an armed escort for them. This could possibly cause them to be attacked.”

When he says this Doc Treacle smiles and beneath his breath I swear I hear him say, “Well bless your heart.” Then he clears his throat and tells Doctor Graft, “While I too once shared such concerns, I think you have to realize the type of opposition we are most likely to encounter out here. They will not respect the pink butterflies of the Ministry of Peace as being sacred or neutral. They will attack them and they do need to be armed and guarded. Just like how I insist my combat medics have defensive weapons as well.”

The rest of the meeting seems to go smoothly and at the end of the day, we all agree on how productive it has been. We agree that the next day we will begin to visit the outlying villages as well. As we are leaving, Milo joins me along with Laura Lee when I go to visit Archer’s battery to see if he is done for the day yet.

As we approach the artillery’s bunker, I see Sergeant Kicker coming out. She trots over to us and after a brief exchange of salutes she gives me a hug and tells me, “It is so good to see you again Colonel.”

I tell her, “It is good to see you too Kicker. Oh, just so you know this is Colonel Milo, from the Harness Battalion and his wife Captain Laura Lee from the Burrowers company of it.”

I see her look surprised and she smiles at both of them and tells them, “Please excuse the overfamiliarity between me and Mollygirl. We were both Sergeants together at one time and we went through a lot together.”

Then Laura Lee asks her, “Were you with her on the expedition then also?”

I see Kicker go slightly paler than she says, “Yeah, I was there too.”

Laura Lee looks at Milo and then tells Kicker, “Sergeant, I am very sorry to have brought it up. I just know how highly Mollygirl thinks of all of those who were with her during that time.”

I see Kicker’s expression brighten up when she hears that and she tells Laura Lee, “We all think very highly of her too,” Then she says, “Colonel, the Captain should be done in a minute.”

“Thanks, Kicker, for letting me know,” I tell her just before she turns and goes back inside.

We wait for a bit more and finally I see Archer come trotting out the door. He comes straight to me and gives me a hug. Then he turns to Milo and smiling tells him, “It is good to see you again Milo. It has been too long.”

Milo gives him a quick bro hug and tells him, “That it has Archer. It is great to see you again too.” Then he pauses and says, “Archer, this here is my wife Laura Lee, the others are in town with Sutures right now.”

I see Archer slowly approach Laura Lee and he extends a hoof and she does likewise. I see the surprise in her face when Archer takes the offered hoof, and instead of shaking it, he kisses just above where her leg meets her prosthetic. Then he tells her, “It is wonderful to finally meet the lovely Jenny that Milo has told us in Manesville, so much about.”

After Archer releases her hoof, she brings it to her chest and says, “It is so nice to meet you also. Both Mollygirl and Sutures have told us so much about you and your family.”

He smiles back at her and then asks, “So when are we going to catch up with the others?”

This time when I begin to speak up, I hear Milo tell him, “When you are ready, well except for Gus. He is on shift as face boss in the mine right now. But you can meet him soon enough too.”

Archer then grins and tells him, “That sounds fair enough. I already gave the duty section their orders for the night, so we can go wherever when you are ready.”

As we are all heading toward the gate, I see Sutures and the others all coming our way. Once they are close enough, I see Millie and Moon Lily both start running toward us. Both of them yelling “Papa! Unca Mywo, Awnt Wara Wee!” Following behind them is a smiling Epona accompanied by Tater.

I watch as Archer prepares to receive the assault by the fillies. He crouches down and then as Millie jumps at him; he catches her with his front legs. He spins her around and sets her down in time to catch Moon Lily and repeats the performance with her.

After they get their attention from Archer both little mares turn their attention to the rest of us. Finally, both Cedar and Cannel Coal approach us. I have to smile as I watch Archer look at both mares and I see him gulp.

Milo steps alongside Archer and tells him, “Archer, I would like to introduce to you my wives Cedar and Cannel.” He pauses and then tells his wives, “Cedar, Cannel, this is Archer.”

Then Archer first approaches Cedar. He takes her light purple hoof and raises it to his muzzle and kisses it. Then he tells her, “It is a pleasure to meet you Cedar, I have heard a lot of good things about you.” After releasing her hoof, she turns to Cannel and repeats it with her. I swear I see both of them blush and smile like school fillies.

I shake my head as I grin seeing him win them both over. Then I hear Laura Lee quietly whisper into my ear, “Please let me have one night with him. I never met such a gentlecolt before.”

I am caught so off guard I almost laugh out loud, but instead I tell her, “Let me talk to Sutures and him if you are serious, ok?”

Finally, Milo says, “Well since we have the little ones with us, perhaps we should go have dinner in town at one of the regular restaurants.”

From the other side, I hear Epona say, “Yeah, let’s go to the Flying Cow.”

I see the question forming on Archer’s face and he asks, “Why not go there then?”

I see Milo blush some and before he can answer I hear Sutures say, “Archer, while we are friends with the owners and their employees there, and they do have an excellent lunch menu, I would not take the foals there at this time of night.”

He still has that questioning expression on his face and Milo finally answers, “Archer, the Flying Cow is the town bordello. I would not hesitate going there normally, but as your beautiful wife has noted, not at this time of night with the foals.”

Finally, I see the lights go on and Archer says, “Oh, ok then, well perhaps for lunch soon then.”

I see the disappointment on Epona’s face and I hear her say, “I was hoping to see Buttermilk tonight.”

I smile and tell her, “Well perhaps if we see her out front we can stop and talk to her.”

Tater then tells us, “Well, I best go see Pa. Have a good night Epona, see ya’all tomorrow.” Then as he heads off, we all turn and begin to head back into town for a nice dinner together.

We all walk together in a group as we go back into town. Millie is riding on my back and Moon Lily is on Sutures. I have to smile though as I notice that Epona is walking right next to Archer and that they keep joking back and forth with each other. Laura Lee and Milo keep talking to me and Sutures as Cannel and Cedar just quietly observe the whole process.

After we eat at one of the smaller diners in town we are heading back toward the base when I notice that we are passing by Scrap Piles shop and we see her and Beach sitting out on the front porch. As we approach, she calls out, “Hey Sutures, Hey Ma. How’s everyone tonight.”

I see the surprised expression on Archer's face when I call back, “Hey dear, doing good, how are you?” as I lead them all toward the porch.

Both she and Beach get up and come over to greet us and I see her smile as she asks, “Ma, is this your husband Archer that you were telling me all about?”

I nod my head and tell her, “Yes, he is dear.” Then I take the time to introduce him to both of them.

He smiles that grin of his and tells them, “It is good to meet both of you,” he pauses and then asks, “I take it you are another adopted daughter of Mollygirl’s?”

She grins and tells him, “I sure am. Mister Archer sir, she has been more of a mother to me than my own ever was.”

He looks at me and I nod my head. Then he looks at Sutures who only smiles at him. Finally, he looks back at Scrap and tells her, “Well if they consider you family, then so do I. It is very nice to meet you both.”

We take the time to talk with them for a bit and as we get ready to leave, I overhear Archer tell Scrap Pile, “Dear if you need anything while I am down here, let me know. I mean that about being family, ok.”

I see Scrap Pile smile and then she asks, “Mister Archer, would it be ok if I call you Pa also? I never really had one myself.”

I see he is caught off guard, but he quickly recovers and tells her, “Sure thing Scrap. I would be glad to have you do so.”

On the walk back to the base I notice that he now has Cannel on one side and Cedar on the other and I almost trip when I see the surprise on his face when both grab his tail with theirs at the same time. I then see Laura Lee do the same with Milo. Finally, I gently reach over and take my Sutures tail in mine. Once we reach the base both mares let go Archer's tail and I watch as they both kiss him and tell him goodnight.

The rest of us all exchange goodnights as well and I am surprised when Milo approaches Sutures for a quick hug and she wraps a hoof around his neck and instead gives him the type of kiss I have wanted to for so long. Beside me, I hear Laura Lee giggle.

Finally, my family all return to my room, while Milo and his spouses get a room in town for the night. After Epona and the fillies are asleep and the three of us are laying down, I tell Sutures and Archer about the request from Laura Lee.

I hear a slight giggle come from Sutures and she says, “Archer, if you would like, you have my permission. I am sure Laura Lee would really appreciate it too.”

I feel him shift next to me and he asks, “Sutures, do you think the rest of the family would want me to?”

I roll over and I tell him, “Dear, most likely they would not mind. I know both Sutures and I would understand. Besides, we both have gotten very close to the whole family.”

He tosses one more time and then says, “Ok, I will think about it. But I really had not planned on it before.”

I hear Sutures laugh lightly and she says, “And that my dear is why we trust you with her too.”

Soon after they have already fallen to sleep and I lay there thinking about the last couple of days. I am so going to miss this place and these creatures here. But it will be nice to get home to the rest of our family, I think as I slowly drift off to sleep myself. Tomorrow will come soon enough.

Dear DJ Pon3,

This week I have part of my family together once again, and while it may only for a brief time before we are separated again, I would not trade this time with them for anything. To let them know how I feel, could you please This is Why I Need You?

Thank you Very Much

Sutures,

Currently in Hackamore

For those who desire to listen to this chapter's dedication song the link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4NgsbkyeJs&list=RDNGShcsFA8dE&index=5