The next morning, I wake up to my eyelid being pried open by a little hoof. As my eye focuses, I hear my daughter Millie say, “Hungry Mama.”

I lightly groan and I get out of bed so I can feed her. As I get up, I hear Archer say, “Is it morning already?”

From the other side of him next to the wall, I hear Sutures say, “Yes dear it is. Now I best get up before your daughter decides to help herself.”

“Why not just let her then?” He asks.

“Archer, Moon can be a bit rough when she tries to help herself in the morning,” I tell him and see a surprised expression come over his face as he begins to move and sees Moon Lily is already trying to climb onto the bed.

I see him grin when he sees this and tells Sutures, “You know she really keeps surprising me at how much she has changed since she left home. I am still having a hard time believing she can do what all she has done at her age.”

I smile at him and then I tell him, “Can you understand now part of why Milo’s family wants you to father a foal for them so badly now?”

He has that lop-sided grin of his and he asks, “You mean it's not for my wonderful good looks and my sweet disposition?”

I hear Epona giggle from behind me and I hear Sutures take a deep breath before she lets it out in a sigh as she tells him, “Sorry dear, well except for Laura Lee. But there is no accounting for taste,” she tells him jokingly.

He turns to her and sticks out his tongue then tells her, “I thought I was to your taste, are you saying you have bad taste?”

She is just beginning to feed Moon Lily when he asks this and she tells him, “No dear, but we don’t want your ego to get too big now, do we?” She is quiet for a second and then I hear her say, “Ouch, easy Moon, not so hard on mama.”

After the morning feeding, we begin our new day again. After breakfast, I tell Sutures, “Dear today I am going to go over to Bare Withers with Apple Cobbler to introduce him to Columbine there as well as hopefully Silver Melody over in Founder.”

I see her nod her head and she tells me, “Let me know if you can if you will not be back tonight.”

I nod my head, then I nuzzle her and tell her, “Of course love.”

The meeting between Colonel Apple Cobbler and Columbine goes well enough as expected. As we are leaving to head to Founder, I see that D-troop is finishing packing up their gear and are forming up to march back to Hackamore. I see Bullet in the distance and wave to him and he waves back. Beside me, Broken Hills smiles and tells me, “Well I guess I will see you back in Hackamore Ma’am.” He pauses and salutes Apple Cobbler and tells him, “Sir, thank you for making the trip out here to see the locals here. It may not seem like it, but it really means a lot to them.”

I see Apple Cobbler nod his head as he replies, “Thank you for letting me know that Captain. I may have to make a bit more of an effort than to visit the local communities in person then.”

With that be both take our escorts and head down to Founder. It is here that I receive a surprise. As we approach, I can hear Silver Melody singing as she works in the fields. Beside me, I hear Apple Cobbler ask, “Who has that beautiful voice?”

I smile as I tell him, “Apple that is the Town President Silver Melody. She likes to sing while she tends the plants.”

I see him smile and he says, “Ah, a good old-fashioned earth pony mare then.”

I smile and quietly tell him, “Actually, she is a unicorn, but she loves to work with plants and soil.”

Once we are close enough, I can tell when he sees her as his ears are fully forward and his eyes open wide. As we approach, I see him begin to smile and when I introduce him to Silver, he stuns us both by bowing to her like he is in a royal court as he tells her, “It is a true pleasure to meet such a fine mare as yourself. If you do not mind my saying, you have one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard.”

I see her blush at first, then she performs a brief curtsy and tells him, “Well, thank you Colonel Cobbler, but really, I only sing to my plants and to keep my ponies spirits up.”

I find it interesting as we discuss the arrangement between the town and the garrison of troops there and how they keep paying attention to each other. Several times I swear I catch them flirting with each other even. I know I must be imagining things though as Apple is a confirmed Bachelor as much as Silver is a confirmed bachelorette.

Finally, when the meeting is done, both seem disappointed and I hear Silver ask him, “Please feel free to visit whenever you like Colonel. It has been very pleasant meeting you.”

He smiles politely and tells her, “It has been a very pleasant surprise to meet such a mare as yourself. I will be back to visit. Unfortunately, we do have to return to our camp so we can continue the relief. Have a good night ma’am,” he says as he tips his softcover to her.

On the walk back to our camp in Hackamore he asks me, “Mollygirl is she married?”

I shake my head and tell him, “As far as I know, she never has been or even had foals for that matter. Why?”

He just grins and tells me, “Oh, it's nothing, just curious is all.”

Once back to the camp we go our separate ways and I return to my family. Sutures has not picked up the foals from the sitters yet, so she, Archer, and I all head into town together again. On our way she tells me, “Well, seeing we don’t have the youngsters with us yet, maybe we should introduce our beloved husband to the Flying Cow.”

When she says this, I have to laugh lightly and I ask her, “Ok, but where is Epona?”

She smiles and tells me, “Well, her and Tater still have not come back from town yet, so I am betting they are either visiting Scrap Pile or Buttermilk.”

As we get close to town, I see Tater and Epona leaving Scraps shop and they come trotting over to us. “Hi Papa, hi Ma’s,” she says to us.

I see the grin on Archer’s face as he says, “Hi dear, were heading to the Flying Cow, do you want to come along?”

I am surprised at first and then I hear Tater say, “Can I go too?”

Archer looks at me and then I tell them, “Just a minute, let me get permission from your Pa Tater.” As I send a message to Chain Lighting, including an invite for him to join us.

I quickly receive a reply and he tells us, “I will meet you and Tater there.”

So, we all continue on our way. As we get close, I see a shadow fly over us, and then Chain lands next to Tater. He then says, “Thanks for the invite Ma’am, I really do appreciate it.”

I grin at him and tell him, “Your welcome Chain. I am just glad you wanted to come join us too.”

As we reach the porch, I see Esmoorelda has taken the position by the door that Buttermilk normally would have taken. Already a new change. I sigh to myself.

As we enter, I see members of my staff already there as well as some of my other officers. I have to smile when I see the expression on Archer’s face when he sees Dull Beak off to the side nursing a drink with one wing around Summer Solstice.

When he sees him, Dull Beak lifts his glass to him in a silent toast then goes back to paying attention to Summer.

We all sit down at a large table to one side and are given menus and our drink orders are taken. The place is starting to get a bit loud as we sit and talk. Finally, I hear a couple of instruments being drug out and played to the side.

After we eat, we are all enjoying one more drink together when I see Buttermilk come out of her parlor and approach us. Tonight, she is dressed very conservatively with a light scarf around her neck and a bow in her hair.

Once she reaches the table Epona jumps up and gives her a hug and tells her, “Hi Buttermilk. I was hoping we could see you tonight.”

I smile as Buttermilk gives her a quick hug back and tells her, “It is so good to see you too little sister.” Then she turns to me, Archer and Sutures, and says, “The painting is done, would you three like to see it?”

I see Epona nod her head and Buttermilk tells her, “Little Sis, I think you should wait until your parents say it is ok.”

I see her sulk and now my curiosity is piqued. I notice this has Archer's attention also. I turn to Chain and ask him, “Would you mind watching her for a bit out here for me?”

After he agrees, I and my spouses follow Buttermilk into her parlor. As we enter, I see Archer is looking at everything in there and when he sees the sheet over what looks like a painting easel, I see his ears go forward.

Behind us, Corn Bread closes the door and smiles as he walks over to the easel and pulls the sheet away. Beside me I see Sutures grin widely and both Archer and I fight to close our mouths as we look at a painting of Sutures and Buttermilk, both dressed very attractively and with what I would consider to be very seductive expressions on their faces.

As he sets the sheet down Corn Bread tells us, “I call it The Healers. I hope you all like it.”

Both Archer and I can only nod our heads. I had never seen Sutures look quite so good as she does in the painting. I look over at Sutures and she is grinning from ear to ear.

Finally, Buttermilk says, “I am really glad you like it. Sutures, as we discussed, this will be the new painting for the main wall next to the Parlor here.”

I am surprised and disappointed that it won’t be going with us. But then I hear Archer say, “I can’t wait to see it on display, Wow. Sutures my love, Misses Buttermilk, you both look so good in it. And I really love the title.”

I see Buttermilk smile at him and she quietly says, “Thank you, Archer.”

Then I hear Archer tell Corn Bread, “Sir you have a real talent. What did you say your name was?”

Corn Bread approaches Archer and extends a hoof, “I am Buttermilk's husband Corn Bread. It is nice to finally meet the stallion that those two mares talk about so much. I only wish we had more time to get to know each other before we leave for Manesville.”

Archer nods his head and then tells him, “I understand, and in just over a year I will be back home again. So, I am sure we will get to know each other better then. I hope you continue on with your artwork though.”

I see Corn Bread shrug and he tells Archer, “We will see. I am hoping we can get a farm to reclaim, so that may cut into it for a while.”

We all nod knowing how that is. Then I am surprised when Archer asks me, “Mollygirl, would you ever consider having a painting like this done?”

I catch myself looking down at the floor first then back up at him as I tell him, “Archer my love, I appreciate your sentiment, but honestly, I know how I look. I am no beauty. Perhaps a painting of me in uniform like the old officers used to get, but no, nothing like what Corn Bread has done for them.”

I feel both of my spouses slid next to me and put a hoof across my back and Sutures tells me, “Mollygirl, you truly are beautiful. Sure, you have a few scars, but even with my prosthetic in the painting you still consider me beautiful. Others would see you that way too.”

I feel Archer moving on the other side and he says, “I have to agree with Sutures dear, you are beautiful. Sure, you have a rugged look to you, but that only tells a bit of your story.”

I sigh and smile at them both, then I tell them, “I appreciate the attempt, but honestly, I know how I look now. I have seen the foals and calves stare along with their parents. I have learned to accept it. But thank you for loving me, both of you.”

As I am saying this, I forgot the others were in the room. That is until I hear Corn Bread say, “Mollygirl, you really are a beauty still. If you ever change your mind, let me know.”

I am still looking down when I let out a sigh and I answer him, “Thanks Corn Bread, I really appreciate the offer. I doubt I will change my mind, but I do appreciate it.”

I am surprised when Buttermilk approaches me and lifts my chin. I am looking into her eyes when she tells me, “My friend, while I am glad you have learned to deal with your injuries, I do worry about you. When we get back, how about you, me, and Moon Pie sit down together, I hate seeing you hurt like this.”

This, this is why she is my friend. I simply nod and without thinking I step forward and give her a hug and tell her, “Yeah, maybe we should. I think I might need that.”

I feel her give me a one hoof hug back and she tells me, “It is a deal than my friend. Now, should we let Epona see the painting?”

I look at my other spouses to see what they think and Archer tells me, “Mollygirl, you know her much better than I do.”

Beside me, Sutures says, “I would not mind her seeing it. I do not think it is anything inappropriate, or I would not have done it.”

As I go out to get Epona I see Milo and his family are sitting with Chain, Tater and Epona. As I approach the table, I greet all of them and then I tell Epona, “Dear, you can go see it if you like.”

I see Epona jump down from her chair and excitedly trot over to see it. As I turn to go, I hear Milo ask, “Can we see it too?”

I stop and think briefly and I tell him, “I will have to ask Buttermilk as it is in her parlor.”

As I enter the room, I see Epona looking at it with a hoof under her chin and I hear her say, “Corn Bread this is really beautiful, am I imagining it or did you use some of the style of Moo Neigh?”

I see him smile as he tells her, “You have a good eye Epona, but I tried for more of a Rembrand for the models themselves.”

This all goes over my head so I approach Buttermilk and I tell her about the request from Milo and the others. She thinks about it briefly and asks Sutures, “Dear, would you mind us displaying this tonight?”

I see the surprise on my loved one's face and she asks, “Uh, you don’t think anyone will say anything about it do you?”

I then tell her, “Sutures, if they do, I am sure they will say how beautiful both of you are in it.”

I watch as she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Finally, she slowly lets it out and tells us, “Ok, go ahead then,” before opening her eyes.

At this point, Buttermilk goes out of the parlor for a minute and then has a unicorn accompany her back in. I watch as the painting is lifted by TK and carried out the door. I soon hear a hammer putting a couple of nails in the wall. Shortly afterward I hear Buttermilk say, “Ok, come on out and see Sutures.

I follow everyone else back out of the parlor and see Milo and the others all coming over and I hear Milo says, “It really is too bad y'all are leaving so soon Corn Bread. I really would have loved to have had a painting like that done of Cedar, Cannel, and Laura Lee.”

I see the pride on Corn’s face and he tells Milo, “Sorry Milo, but we really do have to leave with the others.”

From near Milo, I hear Cannel say quietly to Cedar, “See, how can I compete for beauty with the likes of that.”

I see Cedar give a quick kiss on the cheek to Cannel as she just as quietly tells her, “You will always be beautiful Cannel, you don’t need a horn.”

I have to say I love seeing both Buttermilk and Sutures react to the praise of everyone who looks at it. I do love the painting too. I find it interesting how Corn Bread was able to bring out the emotion and caring in her face that I always see when I am with my wife.

I am just about to move out of the way when I feel a pony bump into me. I turn and I see Apple Cobbler standing there admiring the painting and drinking a pint of cider. I see him smile and shake his head as he tells me, “You know you really are fortunate to have such a beautiful wife Mollygirl. But please don’t tell me that your family is going to add cattle to it.”

Before I can say anything, Buttermilk tells him, “Well I offered, but she turned me and Corn Bread down.”

Both Sutures and Archer at the same time say “What?”

From one side, I hear Epona laughing out loud and Apple Cobbler has cider come out his nose. As he is wiping it off, Buttermilk finishes by saying, “Granted it was a joke at the time, but she still said no.”

I actually hear Archer let out a breath of relief at this and he says, “No offense Buttermilk, but I have enough of a time keeping up with the mares I already have.”

From the side, I hear one of the other ponies in the place say, “Some bucks have all the luck, and yet he complains.”

After we finish visiting for a while more, my family finally goes to pick up the youngsters. Both of them are already asleep and Sutures gently sits them on mine and her back for the walk back to the post. As we are leaving, I see the members of the 1^st squad of the Doorkickers all heading toward town. Dusty waves to me and I wave back telling them, “Have a good time.”

Then I hear Nightshade say to the others, “Come on guys, let’s get to the Flying Cow, I want to say some goodbyes yet.”

After they are past Archer smiles and says, “The Flying Cow really has become a part of this community hasn’t it.”

Before I can answer I hear Sutures tell him, “Yes dear. It has become a gathering spot for many of the locals as well as our troops. They know the workers are clean and they provide their services fairly.”

I see him nod his head, then he asks, “Mollygirl she was joking about offering to join our family, right?”

I look at him and notice that Epona is sleeping on his back so I tell him, “Honestly, I think she was joking that time, but dear, with my life, who knows,” Then I change the subject for the rest of the walk back to our quarters.

When we are almost back to the base Archer finally asks me, “So what is up with Dull Beak and your scouts Lieutenant. They seemed rather friendly back there.”

I smile and tell him, “Oh, that is because he is the father to the little one, she is carrying.”

I want to laugh but I keep myself from doing so when he says, “I did not know that was possible. Are you sure?”

Sutures looks at him and tells him, “Oh yes, I am quite sure. She has already hired me as her midwife.”

Then I remember the letter from right before he arrived and I tell him, “Oh, I forgot to tell you that we got a letter from home right before you arrived, it seems that after you left, Magpie discovered she is carrying again.”

I see the surprise on his face and he says, “Wow, I had not even thought about her catching again so soon. I wonder if it is mine or Badger’s.”

I see the look on Sutures's face and she asks, “What are you and Badger having a competition now?”

He smiles at her and says, “No, it’s not that dear, I am just surprised at how large our family is getting.”

Once we arrive at the barracks, we put the fillies and Epona into bed and as we get ready to sleep, We put Sutures between us. During the night I wake up to hear her crying lightly and I ask her, “Are you, ok dear?”

She tucks her head against me and quietly tells me through her tears, “Mollygirl, I wanted more, why can’t I give him more foals. It is not fair.”

I wrap my hoof around her and kiss her on her forelock as I tell her, “No it is not fair, but dear, no matter what we both have our little fillies at least and love, I will always want my unicorn mare.”

I hold her and let her cry until she falls asleep again and I think to myself how I have the same questions she does. But at least I have her too I think as I finally fall back to sleep for the night.

When morning comes, we begin our day again. This time I go with Apple Cobbler to visit New Pastern and Harness. At New Pastern we meet Captain Abby and her Lancers. This is the first time I see how someone from back home may react to the Others and it is driven home to me. On the way to New Pastern, I explain to him about the troopers from Luna’s Lancers and how they came to our world. I also try to explain that their history was different from ours on that side. Intellectually I think he understood. Unfortunately, emotionally he was not ready.

As we are approaching the Headquarters for the camp there, I see Captain Abby coming out of the doorway, next to her is a junior lieutenant who I recognize as being one of my platoon leaders. Then I realize who she was on this side. Before I can say anything, I see Apple Cobbler running toward them and I hear him yell out, “Cherry? Cherry Cobbler is that you sis?”

I realize what is going on and I run as fast as I can to catch up. I see him skid to a stop and he takes the mare in his hooves in a hug. “Sis, I thought you were dead. I thought we lost you on the expedition.”

I see the lieutenant lightly hug him back and then she backs away and tells him, “Colonel, I am not who you think I am.”

He looks at her, “Same coat, same cutie mark, you are my sister Cherry Cobbler.”

I have caught up by then and I tell him, “Apple, yes and no. This is lieutenant Cherry Cobbler, but she came from the other side of the portal I told you about. Just like Epona and Tater.”

He looks confused at first and then I hear him start to cry. He tells her, “I, I am sorry Lieutenant. I just, you look just like her.”

I see her smile sadly and she tells him, “Sir, I do understand, you remind me of my brother from the other side, but he did not make it over there. He fell defending the stable from Silver Spite.”

“So, so you really are not her?” he asks in a quivering voice.

She puts a hoof on his shoulder and tells him, “I am sorry Colonel, no more than you are my brother. However, I would be honored if you would let me get to know you so we can tell each other about what the other's life was like. That way maybe we can substitute for our missing family, that is, if you would like.”

I see him nod his head, “Lieutenant, I would really like that. Thank you for your kind offer.”

This time I see her timidly approach him and she gives him a hug, which he returns. When they break the hug, she quietly tells him, “Thank you, sir. I have missed my family so much.”

“I understand Cherry, we have missed you so much too.” He tells her.

After this Abby says, “Ok, Lieutenant you need to get your troops ready to head back to Hackamore. I will see you in a couple of hours.”

The lieutenant quickly salutes her and replies, “Yes Ma’am,” before she trots off to take care of her troops.

I see Apple Cobbler looks embarrassed and he tells her, “I am sorry about that. Your Colonel told me it could happen, I just thought I was more ready than I was.”

I see her smile sadly at him and she tells him, “Colonel, it is alright. Please understand some of us have already had to deal with such situations. Like between me and Colonel Mollygirl. Sir, on my side she was only a Corporal. Here she is my boss. For her, I had become her friend and she carried the me from this side's body back for burial on her back. So yes, I can understand how awkward it can be.”

I see he is pulling himself back together and I hear him say, “Thank you for understanding Captain. Please accept my apology though for my actions.”

She smiles again and tells him, “None needed sir, it is a bizarre situation for all parties.”

“That it is Captain, that it is.” Apple Cobbler tells her as we follow her to the camp command post. I see him pause as if he wants to ask a question, but he holds himself back.

Finally sensing he wants to ask something she asks him, “Colonel, if you have a question, please, go ahead and ask it.”

I see him think briefly and then he asks, “Captain, how would you want someone who knew you from over on this side to treat you if you had been family.”

I see her smile briefly and then she tells him, “That is funny because I really did not have family on either side anymore. But if I had, I would want them to treat me as if they were meeting me for the first time as a stranger and possibly a friend. Like I said earlier, there are so many differences between our world and this one, that some of us are not even the same people. An example being Mollygirl. On our side, she was married to Sergeant Ivy and had been for over 9 years. Here, Ivy was only a corporal before her death and was only just engaged beforehoof to Mollygirl and her spouses.” Then she pauses and looks at me and tells me, “Colonel, I attended your and your daughter’s funeral on that side. I was trying to be supportive of your family on that side. But Colonel, you were not the same pony on that side as on this side. You were sweeter and more domesticated there and I honestly could not see you making it this far in your career. But seeing the you on this side, well ma’am, I wish you were more like this on that side, we could really have used you.”

I am stunned at this admission, but say nothing as I think about it. But I hear Apple Cobbler ask, “Was it really that bad over there?”

I hear Abby take a deep breath and then sigh before she tells him, “Worse sir. Silver Spite and Bursting Star won against us. We ran to another universe to escape them. You don’t do something like that unless you are desperate sir. But to tell the truth, for me, I think I made a good move, and I think most of us Others feel the same way. Now, why don’t you follow me and I will introduce you to the Mayor here as well as the village council. They have been hoping to meet you, sir.”

Our next stop after Founder leads us first to the company town at the entrance to Harness. I am amused as I see Apple Cobbler looking at the small trading post town. He checks out the small saloon there as well as the restaurant across the street from it. I show him the few shops that are there as well as the area for traders to come and hawk their wares. I see him grin when he notices the recruiting station as well as the security/town marshal’s office.

Finally, we are met by one of the officers from the Harness battalion who leads us down to Harness proper.

Once we begin to make the descent down into the valley, I notice Apple Cobbler looking at the defensive works. He then asks me, “Those positions don’t look new, how long have they been there?”

I smile at him and I tell him, “Sir, you really should ask Milo that question. But they were well established the first time I came here.”

I see him shake his head and he then tells me, “So you’re saying they already had a decent-sized defense force before we ever came into the area?”

Before I can answer, the Lieutenant who is leading us says, “Sir, Ma’am, if you don’t mind my answering the question, I can tell you that our security forces have long been established since before the final day. However, we were just security, we trained to defend our homes rather than to project our power.”

Milo then asks, “So Lieutenant, what is your job in the battalion then?”

I see the lieutenant almost beam with pride and those long mule ears go even higher as he answers, “Sir, I am the commander for the maintenance and combat team for our Security Bot platoon.”

I almost laugh as I see Apple Cobbler turn his head so quickly. Then he asks, “How many do you have?”

The young lieutenant smiles and answers, “Three right now. We are using the parts from the one that was destroyed to repair the badly damaged one from the Battle of Harness.”

I then hear Apple Cobbler ask, “Lieutenant is there any way I could see them sometime? I have heard about them, but never seen one before.”

I see the Lieutenant smile as he tells him, “Sure sir, just talk to Colonel Milo, I am sure he would be glad to have you shown them.”

Once we are in the town of Harness proper, we head toward the headquarters building for Harness. As we enter, I see several of the locals looking at us and our accompanying staff members. Once inside our staffs take a seat in the main waiting area and we are taken into the back to talk to the Site Foreman, High Grader.

As we enter, I watch the older Unicorn stand up from behind his desk and walk to meet us. First, he approaches me and as he shakes my hoof, he tells me, “I was hoping to see you before you left. I just want to say thank you for what all you have done, both for Harness and my family.”

I smile at him and I tell him, “I was more than happy to help with Harness sir, but how did I help your family?”

I see him smile at that and he tells me, “By helping my son-in-law Milo to grow up, and by being willing to allow your husband to help my daughter Cedar Box to become a mother. I have seen the influence you have had on him.”

I am very surprised as none of Milo’s family had told me High Grader was related to Cedar, much less her father.

I see the questioning look on Apple’s face and I tell him, “I will explain it more to you later.”

Then High Grader goes over to Apple and introduces himself and tells him, “It is a pleasure to meet you Colonel, my son in law Lieutenant Colonel Milo has had good things to say about you already also.”

Apple Cobbler seems taken aback slightly and simply says, “Well thank you, sir, I am very happy to meet you also.”

“So, Colonel, what do I owe for your presence today?” High ask him.

Apple Cobbler smiles and tells him, “Well sir, I actually am just making a social call. I wanted to meet all the leaders of the local communities and get to know them and let them get to know me as well.”

I see High nod his head then he asks, “Well in that case, would you two like to come sit down and have some tea or coffee then?”

We both take a seat and soon the three of us are enjoying a nice hot cup of tea as they begin to know each other and understand what the other wants and needs to further the relations between the NCR and Harness. Later on, during the walk back to Hackamore I take the time to explain to Apple about the situation between my family and Milo’s and how we are helping them.

He looks at me after I explain the situation and says, “You really go the extra mile for the sake of diplomacy don’t you Mollygirl.”

I laugh lightly at this and tell him, “No, if they were not friends then we would not be doing this for them, myself as well as my spouses would have said no.”

I see him nod his head as he thinks about this and asks “Does this mean I should give him extra time off to help them then?”

I smile at him and answer, “No, but please, let's keep it as quiet as we can overall, I mean my reputation is pretty much shot already, I don’t need to hurt the rest of my family’s as well.”

He then tells me, “Mollygirl, I would not worry too much about it. After all, from what I can tell, what happens on deployment, stays on deployment.”

I have to laugh as I think about trooper Nightshade and how that probably pertains to him as well as many others here. I half-grin as I tell him, “I guess, but honestly that is not a behavior pattern I encourage.”

He looks at me funny and says, “Even Milo? I mean I have seen how you two are together.”

I then tell him, “Especially Milo,” I pause then tell him, “He is one of my best friends and I don’t need to screw that up. Besides, I really care about his spouses too and I do not want to hurt them anymore than mine.”

He looks amused and asks me, “Even if your spouses said you could?”

I nod my head again, “Apple, as much as I would love to, and believe me, I really would for some strange reason, I would have to say no.”

He grins at me and tells me, “Mollygirl, you know, as strange as your relationship sounds to me, you just went up a bit in my estimation of you.”

I feel myself blush and I tell him, “Thank you Apple. I just look at it as just because I am not monogamous, does not mean I cheat.”

He looks amused again and tells me, “Ya know, I never heard it put that way, but I think I understand you a lot better. Thank you for sharing that bit about yourself.”

“It was nothing really, but thank you for being open-minded enough to listen and not just judge. Now if you don’t mind my asking, how come you're not married?”

He begins to laugh and tells me, “Well I guess the right mare hasn’t come along. But I am starting to wonder if I just was looking in the wrong area, or I had to wait till I met her. But Mollygirl, we will see what the future shall bring.” Then he changes the subject and says, “Since you and your troops are to leave in three days, how about we look at having an officer’s ball for those not on duty that last night?”

The next two nights go rather quickly with my family spending the first night with each other. We have some interesting conversations including me telling them about Apple Cobbler and Cherry Cobbler. I also tell them about his questions concerning our family and how he now knows about Archer having permission from the family to sire foals with Milo’s mares. The next night we spend with Milo and his family.

We are just coming out of the barracks when we run into them and I hear Milo call out, “Just the ponies we were looking for.”

I have to grin when I hear his voice and call back, “Milo, it is good to see all of you again.”

Once together the two families exchange greetings. I have to smile at how excited the little fillies get seeing them and how they hop all around Milo and his spouses. Epona on the otherhoof is strangely quiet tonight and just seems to bask in the comfort of having so many ponies and mules together.

I am stunned though when I see Laura Lee get down and little Millie climbs on her back. Then I see Moon Lily looking at Cedar with those big puppy dog eyes. Cedar then uses her TK to lift a giggling unicorn filly onto her back for a ride into town.

It is funny how much we all feel like one big family. I even notice Gus flirting a bit with Sutures while Cannel is giving attention to Archer. I am pleased though when Milo decides to spend the time of the walk talking with me. I realize how much I am going to miss this old mule when we leave. I have come to depend on his friendship so much.

Once we are done with dinner, Sutures proposes to Archer and me, “How about we get a sitter for a bit, and then we can go spend some time just us adults together?”

I see Archer grin at her and he tells her “Sounds good to me.”

We then head over to our normal sitter’s house and ask her if she can babysit for a few hours tonight and tomorrow night. She looks a little put out and tells me, “Yeah, I can do that for ya. But I would have liked to have had a bit more notice for tonight. But I am going to miss these fillies when they are gone. Also, it will cost extra for me to watch Epona too.”

“Thank you so much. And I am sorry for asking so late.” Sutures tells her.

After that, the eight of us head to the Flying Cow. While they are all enjoying their drinks, I am drinking my tea and just enjoying their company. Especially that of Milo.

Later in the night, Archer has me lead all of them to my spot so we can sit together under the stars and just enjoy the night and each other’s company. Part of me envies Archer for his getting to spend the upcoming year with them, but I know he will be missing home also.

At one point during the night, I catch myself with my head leaning on Milo’s side. Without thinking I catch myself grooming him as if he were my spouse. I feel myself begin to blush and then I hear from behind me, Cedar say, “It’s ok Mollygirl,” and I feel her do the same to me.

After a couple of hours, we decide we have to go get the fillies. Milo’s family accompanies us back to town so they can get a room for the night. As we tell them good night, I find Milo in front of me again. This time he lifts my chin gently, he smiles at me and I feel his lips gently touch mine. He then tells me, “Thank you for everything. Especially tonight.”

I feel myself lean against him and I wrap a hoof around him and I tell him with tears coming out of my eyes, “Milo my friend, I am so going to miss you.”

I feel him squeeze me back and he tells me, “I will miss you too. But I will see you when you rotate back again, ok.”

I nod my head and I catch myself giving him another kiss. To the side, I notice Gus is doing the same to Sutures. And poor Archer has all three of Milo’s wives giving him their attention. Finally, they head towards the local hotel and we pick up the fillies and Epona from the sitters.

Sutures puts the sleeping Millie on my back and Moon Lilly on hers. Epona is still groggy and Archer kneels down so she can climb onto his back. Then I hear her say, “Thank you very much, Papa.”

“You’re welcome my darling little mare.” He tells her and I watch her fall back asleep as we all walk back to the post.

The next night we drop off the younger two fillies at the sitter's, however, we also let Epona accompany us to the ball. Archer and I are in our best uniforms. Sutures is in the same dress she wore to Scraps wedding as is Epona.

The first part of the ball is spent greeting all of the officers and their guests along with Apple Cobbler. Before we begin the toast, he pulls out a bottle of Old Overmare and tells me, “I picked this up for you for tonight.”

I look at him and I cringe as I tell him, “I am sorry Apple, but I can’t drink anymore.”

He smiles and tells me, “Don’t worry, it’s not whisky in here. It is a light tea, but it sure looks real. I figured it would allow you to more comfortably make the toast with everypony else.”

I am surprised at this and I tell him so. He grins and tells me, “Well I talked to your wife and she suggested it would be a good alternative for you.”

I have to grin and I tell him, “Apple, I really appreciate that more than you can realize. I am now looking forward to when you get back to Manesville too, and hopefully, we can continue to get to know each other.”

I see him grin at that and he tells me, “You know what Mollygirl? I think I am looking forward to that too.”

After the toast and as the dances continue, I find myself dancing with several different partners. Among them are Apple Cobbler, both of my spouses, and Milo as well as his family.

For the last dance of the night, we have a waltz. I see Archer already has Sutures as a partner and suddenly I find Milo asking me to dance again. While the music is playing, I feel his hoof around my waist and mine is around his as we circle the dancefloor together. When it ends, I find myself kissing him on the cheek and I tell him, “Thank you so much Milo.”

He grins back at me and tells me, “And thank you, dear, I will so miss our time together. But I will see you the next time you are here. Oh, and one last thing, Mollygirl, thank you so much for last night.”

I feel myself blush as I tell him, “Thank you Milo, we will have to do that again when I come back.”

He grins at me and tells me, “I will hold you too that ok.”

I look him in the eyes and I grin back as I tell him, “I hope you do.” Then we kiss each other on the cheek and we go back to our spouses for the final toast of the night.

The next day we get up early. I make sure that Sutures and I have everything out of our room. Epona then asks, “Ma, can I make a final idiot check of the room. Just in case?”

I nod my head and tell her, “Sure dear, but remember, Papa Archer will be staying there after we leave.”

I see her smile and watch as she trots off with her SMG slung across her back along with her saddlebags.

Sutures and I both sit side by side as we wait for the rest of our battalion to finish pulling down their tents and packing their wagons. I smile to myself as I watch the mule teams hook up to the coal wagons and take their positions also.

Apple Cobbler and his staff come over and say goodbye to me and my staff one last time. I have to say I am rather pleased at how these two groups have gotten along so well.

Finally, I see Epona coming back towards us. Beside her is Archer. I have to smile when I see she is holding his tail and smiling at him as they talk on their walk back.

Once they reach us he lets her tail go and gives her a hug and tells her, “Now you provide a good example for your siblings young mare. I know I really don’t have to tell you that, but it still needs to be said. Also, Epona, I am proud to call you my daughter, thank you for joining our family.”

As he says this, I watch her rear up on her hind legs and give him a big hug, and through her tears she says, “Thank you, I am so lucky to have you as family. I am going to miss you so much Pa. Be careful and come home as soon as you can.”

He kisses her on her forelock and tells her, “I will my daughter, I will.” Then he comes over to me and Sutures. He gives her a long loving kiss and tells her, “My dearest, I will see you again as soon as I can, but know I will miss you every day.”

I hear her voice crack as she tells him, “I will miss you too my dearest stallion. I will write as much as I can, and know I cannot wait to see you again.” She pauses and tells him, “Also tell Gus and the others goodbye for us and that I will miss them too.”

He grins at her and tells her, “You know I will my love.” Then he kisses her gently one more time before he comes over to me. Once he gets to me, he gently takes my face into his hooves. He first kisses me on my scarred cheek, then he lightly kisses his way to my lips which automatically part when they feel his on them. Then he tells me, “I will miss you my old war mare. Take care of them and I will see you again as soon as I can.”

I kiss him back again and I tell him, “I will my stallion, I will. Take care of these creatures down here for me while I can’t. And love, please treat those three mares as good as you would your wives.”

I see him smile warmly at me and he tells me, “Mollygirl, I will do that for you and for them. But know I will miss you my love and I can not wait to be home with you again.”

We kiss one more time than he says goodbye to the little fillies. I have Sutures and the fillies as well as Tater climb onto the HQ company wagon. I see Buttermilk approaching and she lets me know the civilian column is ready to go. By then it is about time for us to move out. He trots off to the side so he can watch us go and I give the preparatory command, “2^nd Battalion, by fours, Forward from the right”

I hear it being repeated throughout the ranks by my officers and NCO’s. After a brief pause, I give the command, “MARCH!”

Upon which the Scouts lead the formation out as a platoon. They are followed by my Doorkickers and then each unit after them in turn.

As we begin to approach the town of Hackamore, I begin to hear signing from the front of the column that spreads from unit to unit.

Over the hills and through the waste,

to our far home where love awaits

Across the distant fields

where our fates await.

As we approach the town limits, I see the locals rushing to line the streets as we parade past. I see Scrap Pile and Beach Shack standing on the porch of her shop. Soon I see those on the rail of the Flying Cow as we march past wave to us and we all wave back. As we pass the town hall, I see Sticky Wicket standing there smiling at all of us with one hoof across her chest holding her shawl on.

We’ll never forget those that we leave behind

Both at home and those we find

Our hearts belong to now two homes

And no matter where we go, we are not alone.

For we know those we left behind once more

we will meet again on that distant shore.

We are soon passing through the town and near the outskirts. I look up at the water tower and see the watch standing there Saluting and down below are the rest of the Militia standing in formation with their captain saluting us as we pass by and out of their home.

As we move down the roads and paths

When we look back at those, we pass

We will smile and raise a grateful cheer

As we remember those with who we shared a year

As we get further from town, we see the smoke from the locomotive heading toward Hackamore from New Appleloosa and as we pass them the troops let out a cheer. Soon the song runs down and the next begins as we continue on our way with smiles on our faces and tears in our hearts.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Today I have said goodbye to one of the best mares and best friends I could ever have. While I know I should see her again in only a few years I will still miss her and her family. She has been like a mother to me and has helped me find out who I truly am and has taught me how to be a mother to the foals I am now carrying.

Could you please play Mother to let her know how much I love her and will miss her?

Thank you

Scrap Pile

Hackamore NCR

We finally begin the trip home from the Deployment. A lot has happened here and as we can see bonds were forged that are not easily forgotten.

The painting of Buttermilk and Sutures was created for me by Laura Sikes, as are several of my recent pieces of art for the story. So a big thank you to her for bringing my characters to life like this.

For those who wish to listen to the dedication song the link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpqAk_Js5Yo