As my family and I approach the S. Glimmer I can see Rough Water leaning on the rail of the deck just below the Pilot House. This time he is wearing a dark blue uniform as are most of his crew who are not performing dirty labor. Those I notice are wearing coveralls like the Stable maintenance crews do. This gets my curiosity up. As we approach the gangway, I see his 1^st mate approach and wave to get my attention.

Once onboard I head to him and he tells me, “Ma’am, you will be having the same quarters as last time, but after you stow your bags, the Commodore would like to talk to you.”

I am surprised at this and ask, “The who?”

He smiles and tells me, “Commodore Rough Water ma’am. Now if you and your guest would like to follow me, I will lead you to your cabin.”

We traipse along behind him. To me, it is nothing new, but I hear the oh’s and ah’s from Epona.

Once we reach the cabin and we enter the 1^st Mate tells us, “I will have a couple of cots brought up for your family ma’am.”

I smile and tell him, “We appreciate it very much. Thank you.”

He nods his head and after we set our bags down, he leads me, and by extension my family to the next deck to see Rough.

As we come up, I see him smile and shake his head. Then he says, “Colonel it is great to see you again.”

I smile and I tell him, “Same here Rough, Oh Rusty said to tell you hi for her.”

I see him grin and he asks, “Did she tell you who she was before you got off?”

I shake my head and tell him, “No, but I figured that had a lot to do with my troops comparing the Baltimare Colt to the S. Glimmer.”

I see him grimace at that and he asks, “I really hope you got your troops to stop before it was too late.”

I nod and tell him, “Yeah, I think so. Then I pointed out to my troops that the crew of the Colt gave up their berthing for them and that normally she was strictly a cargo vessel. That got them to change their tune pretty quick.”

He nods his head again and tells me, “Good I am glad to hear that. Mollygirl that is my sister's first command and she takes a lot of pride in it. By the way, her letting you know who she was means she accepts you as family. She is just a bit rough around the edges.”

I nod my head and then tell him, “Yeah, I can understand that, I wish I would have known sooner so I could have treated her like family, but then again she was very busy.” I pause for a moment then I say, “Speaking of busy you look like you have been too. What’s up with you now being a commodore?”

I see him grin and he leans on the rail with one leg and tells me, “Well Mollygirl, after we got back from that run with you the NCR approached me about setting up the 1^st River Transport Flotilla. As its commander, I am granted the rank of Commodore or senior captain. I think that makes me equal in rank to you now.”

I smile and hold out a hoof to him and congratulate him. Then He asks me, “Ok, so who are these pretty mares with you?”

I grin when I see the effect it has upon both my wife and Epona. Both blush but smile. So, I begin to make introductions. When I introduce him to Sutures, he kisses her hoof and I see her blush again as she says, “Commodore you are too kind.”

Then I introduce him to Epona, he again kisses her hoof like a true gentlecolt, then he tells her, “It is a pleasure to meet you young mare.” He turns his head to me and asks, “Mollygirl, is she a fit for the clan like Ginger?”

I smile as I tell him about how she and Tater had snuck along on my mission to repay the Praefect back for what he had done. When I tell him this he asks, “Mollygirl, did you just say you almost got killed again?”

I nod my head and Epona says “She woulda but me and Tater got one of the assassins while Moon Lily and Millie got the other,” then she goes into the story of how that happened.

Just as she is finishing the story, Chain Lighting and Tater approach us. I watch Rough's face when He sees Tater standing next to Epona along with Moon Lily and Millie. The surprise is almost worth it as he slowly asks, “Uh are these the four from the recruiting poster?”

Before I can say anything Epona proudly says, “Yes Sir, we are. They took the picture while Ma was in the hospital still.”

I see him smile at that and he tells me, “I had no idea those on that poster were family. Interesting who ever imagined our kin on a recruiting poster?”

I smile at that as I tell him, “Yeah, but whoever imagined my cousin making Commodore so quickly too. I am just glad you got to keep the Glimmer; I know how much she means to you.”

He grins and tells me, “If they tried to take her away from me, I would have told them to stick it. She is my baby.”

“I can understand that," I tell him. Behind me I see Sutures nodding her head as well as Epona does as she strokes her SMG lovingly.

I see Rough smile and he points at Epona when he sees her do this and he tells me, “She is like her sister Ginger then from what Grey has told me.”

I see Epona smile some, and she asks, “You really think so sir?”

He nods his head and tells her, “Yeah, I do, now why don’t you tell me how you became a part of our family.”

She looks at me for permission, and while part of me is hesitant, I think she needs to tell her story so I nod my head and tell her, “Go ahead, dear.”

As she begins to tell her tale, I watch the expression on Rough’s face. At one point he looks very skeptical and he looks at me as if asking for confirmation. I simply nod my head then shrug my shoulders and his expression changes to that of wonder.

Once she is finished telling her story, he tells her, “Dear that is amazing. Well, welcome to this side and to our clan, I guess. You seem to be enough of a fighter to be a member of it, that is for sure.”

After this, he tells us, “Mollygirl, we should not be getting underway until tomorrow. However, this evening I would like to have dinner with all of you if you don’t mind?”

I look at Sutures and she tells me, “That sounds good to me, I would love to get to know the Commodore better.”

He then smiles and tells me, “Well, I best let you get going Mollygirl. I will see you later,” He then pauses and tells the rest of my family, “It has been a pleasure and I look forward to seeing the rest of you later as well.” With that he and I exchange salutes and he walks off toward some of his crew while I lead my family toward the front edge of the upper deck to watch the loading of my people.

On one side of me is my family, on the other side is Chain Lighting and Tater. Chain then asks me, “Ma’am, some of the troopers were wondering if they could visit Two Step. Some of them came from here.”

I nod my head, "If we can set up a way for them to get across, I would like to make it possible for them. Honestly, I would like to myself. I lost some good friends and people here.”

I see his grin turn serious as he says, “Yeah, I forgot about that. This is where that bastard said he would surrender wasn’t it?”

I nod my head and tell him, “Yes it was. I hope they were buried properly.”

I see him nod his head and he tells me, “Ma’am, from what I gathered they buried most of them in a mass grave. However, there were a few that were buried individually.”

From my other side I hear Sutures say, “If you go dear, I am going with you.”

Epona looks at me and asks, “So you had to fight them from way down here back toward home?”

I nod my head and tell her, “Yes dear, this is where I had to take over. If we had the landing on the other side we could have just walked into town and visited the battle site.”

Chain then asks me, “Ma’am, do you think it is wise to allow them to go visit then?”

I nod my head and tell him, “While I think so, let’s go ask Buttermilk her opinion ok?”

He nods his head and I leave my family as he and I walk over to the Civilian’s transport.

Once there I have Buttermilk brought to us and we discuss the idea. She is cautious about it and tells me, “Mollygirl, I want to be there when they do then. This is not going to be easy on many of them. In fact, I am worried about how it will affect you. Everyone who survived from the CEF will have to deal with the memories of it.”

I agree with her and after we depart, I go back to talk to Rough to discuss what I want to do and if we could delay our departure by an extra day.

He looks at me and nods his head and tells me, “Sure, we can do that Colonel. In fact, if you would be willing, I would like to see it myself. I heard the father of Tar’s son was killed here and I want to pay my respects. So, let’s plan the departure for the day after next.”

“Thank you very much Rough, I would be glad to have you accompany me when we go over. Maybe I can even explain how the battle unfolded to you if you would like.”

I see him nod his head as he tells me, “Perhaps Mollygirl, but let’s see how you are doing first once you get there.”

I hold a brief officers call and inform them of what I have in mind. The Lancers will stay at that landing while the others can go if they want to look at the old battlefield. As I say this, I see Clock Work’s ears go to the side of his head and he seems slightly upset. But I also notice a few others who seem that way. Then I see Dull Beak’s expression and I see Summer Solstice move closer to him and whisper something to him. He whispers something back to her and I see her uncharacteristically while on duty shift a wing over his back.

I watch as the skywagons from the recon troop and the supply column begin to move some of my troops to the far side of the river and soon most of those we wanted to are over there. Then I decide to head across, Sutures and my family are joined by Rough. Once we land Epona is surprisingly quiet as is Tater who flew over on his father’s back.

We begin to walk through the remains of the village. What was once a community trying to survive is now dead and burned. All of the buildings are now rubble and burned wood. I point out to the others where our old HQ was. I then point out where the old tavern was also. Soon I am showing the others where our positions were on the line. I begin to tell Rough, “Here is where I was, over by that damaged group of trees is where the meeting took place.”

Next to me, I see Epona taking it all in. She then asks, “Ma, was Ginger here too?”

I nod my head and tell her, “Yes dear, but when things went bad the second time I sent her and Xochitl to the tavern to warn the locals. They did rejoin us though.”

We then walk across the open field to the grove of trees and I see where the graves have been dug. Here there are two separate mass graves. They had divided them by which side they were on. I see Bursting Star's name listed among them and shake my head as I wonder how he could have raised a son such as Silver Spite.

Then I see Epona point out the other grave marker. I see Rough walk over to it and he kneels down and I see him say a quick prayer.

When I approach, I see the names carved into it starting with Major Quick Trot. I see so many names that I was once friends with. I notice Broken Dreams, as well as Horns, Block Buster, Oak Root, and Hell Fire. As I read them, I feel a tear form and I sit down and I begin to talk to them.

“Major, I got as many of them home as I could. I am sorry I could not do more for you or those we lost. I tried ma’am. I really did.”

As I continue to talk, I feel a wing over my shoulder and I notice Dull Beak is by my side. He too has a tear in his eye that he refuses to let fall. Then he stands up fully, walks over to the marker, and puts a talon to the name of Guerre Faucon. He comes back over to me and tells me, “Well Colonel, we did do it. We got most of them home.” I suddenly feel Epona tap me from the other side and she tells me, “Ma, you did better than others. The Co-op Still lives Ma. Remember on my side, the CEF did not make it home.”

I put a hoof around her, hug her close, and tell her, “Thank you, dear, I needed to hear that.” Then I return to the rest of my family and we head back to the landing so we can return to the S. Glimmer.

As we walk, I hear Sutures sniffle a bit and I see she has had a few tears fall also. I take her tail in mine and tell her, “It hurts remembering doesn’t it.”

She nods her head and quietly tells me in a breaking voice, “Dear, I lost so many back then. I tried so hard. I know I did everything I could, but it still hurts.” I say nothing but let her talk as we continue on our path.

Above us, I watch as Dull Beak and Summer Solstice fly close together heading back towards the Glimmer also. I will talk to them both when I get back. As I approach the remains of the town, I see Buttermilk coming in my direction and she asks, “How are you doing Mollygirl?”

While I cannot smile, I still tell her, “Better than I had thought I would. How are the others holding up?”

She smiles sadly at me and tells me, “Most are ok, A few are pretty upset to see what became of their homes and a few more are ok but were emotionally hit by being back here. I have already sent them back and have told them to come see me when we get back to Manesville if they want to talk more. I think my having been here might help me and them.”

As we are talking, I see the members of the 1^st squad of the Doorkickers approaching us from the battlefield. When he is close enough, I hear Bullet say, “I thought that was you and your family Colonel.”

I turn to him and actually smile as I say, “Hi Dad, I am glad you got to see it.” Then I notice Dusty, Woodrow, Pearl, and a couple of others from the old days with them. I also see Nightshade next to them. For some reason, he seems visibly upset. So, I ask him, “Trooper Nightshade, are you ok?”

He sniffles a bit and stands at attention and replies, “Sorry ma’am, it is just a bit sobering being here, especially after Corporals Dusty and Pearl and the others told us about both fights here, particularly the second one. I mean I knew a few of the Unicorns who died here, but to actually see it and to understand how it happened, it really makes me think. Especially as the one who perpetrated the use of equine shields for the first one and who arranged the fake surrender was also a unicorn. Ma’am, he makes me ashamed to be one.”

I nod my head in understanding and I put a hoof on his shoulder as I tell him, “Don’t be ashamed, just make sure you are nothing like him.”

He nods his head and says, “I will ma’am. Thank you for understanding though.”

Then I look at the others who were here with me and I approach them each in turn and exchange a hoof shake. Then I tell them, “We made it, and we were able to come back and give our respects to those who didn’t. That means more to me than I ever imagined it would. I want to thank you all for sharing the three times we have been here with me, my brothers and sisters.”

I see them all nod back at me, some fighting back a tear or two. Then I tell them, “Well time for me to head back to our transport.” I stop for a second and smile as a memory comes back to me and I tell them, “I guess I will see you all in Manesville.” Then I turn and head back to the landing to catch the next skywagon across with my family.

As I get ready to climb onto it, I see a black crow sitting on a branch looking at me. It nods its head and then I watch as it flies away once more. From next to me I hear Sutures ask, “Do you think it was her?”

I nod my head and tell her, “I am not sure, but I have a feeling it was,” I pause and put a hoof around her and ask, “How are you doing having been back here?”

I hear her let out a sigh as she tells me, “About the same as you I suspect, but I will survive.”

Then I hear Moon Lily say, “Mama, I hungry.”

Sutures tells her, “Wait till we land dear and I will feed you, ok sweetie?”

“Ok Mama, thank you,” is all she says in reply and I think of how life goes on even in the face of hard times.

That evening at dinner the little fillies are thrilled as they receive their own plates and meals as we break bread with Rough Water in the officers’ mess. As the conversation continues, we discuss the battlefield some more. I notice how interested Epona is in it. And it makes me wonder what she is thinking until I finally ask her, “Epona what is it that is really on your mind?”

At first, she seems really surprised by the question then she tells me, “Ma, it just seems you let Ginger and Xochitl do so much more than I was able to. Yes, I was with Mom on our expedition, but I was always sheltered until she was killed. The first time I used a gun in combat was after I picked hers up that she had left behind for the surrender ceremony. I really wish I could have done more like they did.”

I nod my head and then ask, “Is that why you and Tater snuck along when I went after the Praefect?”

She shakes her head and tells me, “No ma, that was because we knew you would need us. That was different.”

Beside me, I hear Rough ask, “How so Epona?”

I see her take a deep breath and let it out slowly as she thinks about it. Finally, she tells him, “Rough, on our side, I never took it to the enemy. I was always being chased. Sure, I fought when I had to after mom was killed. But after I came to this side, I found I did not have to be the prey. Ma taught me how to defend myself and how to fight. It makes a difference.”

Then I see Rough smile and he asks, “So what was Mollygirl like on that side?”

She begins to tell him how I had been married to Ivy for so many years and how kind and gentle I was. How I was only a corporal and Ivy a sergeant. She also tells him, “She had Millie a lot younger. Millie was only a year younger than me.”

I see his surprise at the differences. Then he asks “So what was the Water Clan like on that side.”

She first looks at me and then tells him, “Rough, there were no Waters. Your family did not exist, I don’t know why.”

He looks like he was kicked in the stomach and asks me, “Mollygirl, how could we have not existed?”

I put a hoof across the table onto his and I tell him, “Rough, Millie went to rescue stable 4 instead of going to Tenpony Tower when she did on our timeline. She was never raped, so Sorrowful Joy was never born.”

He looks at me and asks, “Sorrowful Joy?”

I nod my head and tell him, “Your Grandmother that Millie had to give up for adoption because of Oatie. That was her birth name.”

I see him look uncomfortable and he says, “So what Grey told me about how our clan came to be was true then?”

I nod my head yes and tell him, “Unfortunately yes. However, if you don’t mind me saying, the world would be a lot emptier for me without all of you. You are my family and I hope you all know it.”

I see him smile grimly and he pats my hoof back and tells me, “Mollygirl, I am glad that not only are you family but that you openly call us so. I think part of Rust's problem is that she did not believe you would call us family.”

I smile at him and tell him, “Well after Moon Lily tossed her crewpony over the side for not allowing them on board, she did begin to threaten me and I invoked the clan name and my part in it so she would know I was not just blowing steam.”

I hear him begin to laugh as he tells me, “I am sure it caught her completely off guard. But I think she had to hear it, especially if you did not know she was family.”

I smile and nod my head and tell him, “I had not thought of it that way, but I am glad she now knows how I feel then.”

After this our subject of discussion begins to change to what all we experienced on the deployment and how Sutures came to accompany me. I see the disappointment in his face when he hears about my drinking problem and then I see his understanding when I explain the events that led up to it.

Finally, he tells me, “Mollygirl, you are very lucky to have a mare like Sutures in your life. Don’t screw it up. Don’t be like I once was.”

I am very surprised at this revelation and ask him, “Rough, if I may ask, what happened?”

He looks embarrassed and simply tells me, “Mollygirl, I had a very beautiful mare for a wife and I let things get to me, and like you, I hit the bottle. She left me and took my foals with her. I have not seen nor heard from her or them since.”

I am very surprised and asks, “Is that why the S. Glimmer is so important to you?”

He smiles and shakes his head as he tells me, “No, the Glimmer is to me what your Battalion is to you. The ponies that crew her are my family now. The Glimmer is our home and for us, it is a mobile base I guess you could say. When I signed on to the NCR river squadrons my entire crew shipped over with me.”

The other adults and older foals are all paying attention to what he says. Then I feel Millie tap me on my side and say, “Mama, hungry, have more please?”

At this point, the tension is broken and I catch myself laughing lightly as I tell her, “Yes dear as long as they have plenty for everypony else.”

At which point I see Rough smile and signal for a bit more to be brought over by the mess stewards. As he puts more on her plate, I see Millie smile widely and she says “Tank you sir.” Surprising and pleasing me at the same time. She is growing up so fast is all I can think.

Shortly after this, I hear Rough asks Epona, “Would you and your friend like to join me in the Pilot House the day after tomorrow when we get underway so you can see how it is done?”

I see her eyes all but light up when he asks this and she replies, “I would love that and I am sure Tater would too. Thank you very much Commodore.”

He grins at her and tells her, “Epona, when we are being informal you can just call me Rough, ok. Just like your ma does.”

I see her grin as she nods her head and tells him, “Ok Rough, thank you.”

I see him grin at this and he smiles at all of us and tells her, “Your welcome young mare. Now we will have all day tomorrow before we get underway, would you like to see some of the other parts of the Glimmer too?”

Beside me I see Sutures perking up and she asks, “Rough, would I be out of line if I asked if I could also, I have never gotten to see the likes of what you have here, and I am really fascinated by it.”

His grin widens and he tells her, “Sure, but I can’t have you take the young ones with you as some of those areas may be a bit dangerous.”

I see her begin to look a bit disappointed and then I tell her, “Dearest, I will watch them for you with no problem, ok?”

I see her smile reappear and she tells me, “Thank you, love. I do appreciate it.”

Later that night after Sutures and the fillies are asleep, I am having trouble sleeping so I go topside to get some air and to just look at the stars.

As I am standing there leaning on the railing looking across the river at the wreckage of Two Step, I see a crow flying in my direction. It soon lands next to me and I watch as it transforms into her.

I smile at her and say, “Hello Mareigan, it is good to see you again.”

She cocks her head to one side and asks me, “Ya really mean that don’t ya lass?”

I nod my head and I tell her yes. Then she asks me, “So what are ya doing up here tonight?”

I let out a sigh and I tell her, “I could not sleep and came up to get some air. I have a lot on my mind tonight.”

She looks across the water at Two Step and I see her close her eyes and then she looks like she is taking a deep breath. When her eyes reopen, she tells me, “I can kin that my young mare. I saw you today giving honor to the fallen. I thank ye for it.”

I try to smile as I tell her, “It is the least I could do. So many of them were friends and comrades, many who I still miss.”

She nods her head and tells me, “Aye, but you also were respectful towards the fallen foe. That is something. Not many are. But be careful not to ruminate on their loss either, while their time is done, you still have a life to live.”

“Mareigan, it is not always easy, but those who died here, they were simply soldiers like us for the most part. It was later that they turned raider, and many of them were lied to.”

She nods her head, “Yes, many were. I am glad you can differentiate that, my child. I am most glad at how you and so many of those who fought here took the time to remember both the battle and the fallen. Now I best be going,” she tells me as she places a hoof on my forehead and tells me, “And you, my warrior, need to get some rest.”

As she removes her hoof from my forehead, I notice how tired I now feel. I smile at her and tell her, “You are right. Have a good night Mareigan. I hope to see you again before too long.”

She simply smiles at me and I watch as she transforms back into a crow and flies away. Then I return back to my cabin to get some sleep. As I lay down next to Sutures, she asks me, “Anything wrong?”

I sleepily answer, “No, just had trouble sleeping, but I am ready to now. Sorry if I woke you.” I then kiss her on her forelock before placing my head onto her chest as I fall asleep.

The next day begins as usual. I feel my little mare asking me for breakfast. This is followed shortly by Moon Lily doing the same thing.

The S. Glimmer spends the day tied to the pier. But I notice the water level has risen considerably since the day before. I also can see it is moving much faster. As I am looking at it Rough Explains to me, “Part of why I was so willing to wait. The SPP towers were giving a good rain up north of here and I knew it would make the river a bit faster. This way we can burn less fuel trying to fight the current.”

I shake my head as I tell him, “I had never thought of the rain that much further away affecting military operations. Thank you for pointing it out to me,” Then I ask him, “Did you have to worry about this before the skies cleared?”

He grins at me and tells me, “Oh, yes, back then it was much more random and we had no idea it was coming. At least now we know and can plan for it.”

As the day goes on, he takes Epona, Tater, and Sutures on a tour of the Glimmer. I retire to my cabin with the fillies while they are gone. It is a pleasant time for me, spent reading with them and then when I turn on the music station on my Pipbuck I have to smile as they start to try moving to the music.

When I lay them down for their afternoon nap, I take the time to grab a book and just relax to it. Occasionally I can look out the porthole and see the skywagons still ferrying troops back and forth across the river. Finally, the others return and I take my leave to visit my headquarters staff and to see if we have gotten any new messages from our higher-ups. Which we only receive the normal routine ones.

As the day progresses, I make my way around amongst my troops on the Glimmer. I occasionally stop and just chat with them. Several times they talk to me about their experiences here at Two Step or on the fall back to Serenity Valley.

That evening before dinner I go back to the top deck again and I am leaning over the rail looking at Two Step across the river when Bailey Bridge approaches me.

His expression is one of angst and anger at the same time as he leans on the rail next to me. He does not say anything for a bit then I ask him, “How you doing Bailey?”

I notice his ears are back alongside his head as he answers, “Ok, I guess. Just a bit upset.”

I nod my head as I now look at him, “What has you upset Bailey?”

I hear him sigh as he says, “Here. Broken Dreams. The unfairness of it all. So many of them all act as if those who fell here were heroes. Damn it, we were the ones that got everyone out of here and home. Not them, those officers got stupid and we had to pick up the pieces, yet we get nothing but more of the same crap hoofed to us again and again,” he pauses for a breath then continues his rant. “Damn it all to Tartarus, I know Broken Dreams and Block Buster could not have done what we did, and I have my doubts about Major Quick Trot, but who do they name the bucking training camp after. Her. It just is not right.”

I understand how he feels. I have felt that way myself a time or two. I collect my thoughts then I respond. “Bailey, the big difference is, we survived. We showed what we could do. As for Broken Dreams, you have the opportunity that he never took and I hope you grasp it with both forehooves. You can still marry Tar and you can father more foals with her if you want.”

Suddenly I see the steam come out of his anger some as he says, “Yeah, I guess, but it is at least another year or two away with good behavior.”

I nod my head again and I ask him, “Bailey, I would not normally do this, but tonight at dinner I would like you to sit down and have dinner with my family and me as well as the Commodore.”

I see a bit of a questioning look come over his face and I tell him, “Bailey if you really want to be with Tar, I want you to get to know one of the best of the Water clans’ members. The commodore is related to Tar and her family and I think he has more sway with Grey and the others than he lets on. I know Grey has already given you his blessings, but Rough’s opinion carries weight too.”

I can see his surprise at this and smile.

He looks down at the water and then asks me, “Do you really mean that Mollygirl?”

I nod my head and tell him, “Yes I do. I know the wait is hard but I have seen how she looks at you and how you look at her. When was the last time you heard from her?”

His attitude is visibly shifting to a more positive one as he tells me, “Just last mail call. She writes me once or twice a week and I have been trying to do the same.”

I have to smile at this and I tell him, “You two are better at exchanging letters than me and my spouses.”

He nods and tells me, “Maybe, but I miss her so much. If not for Broken I don’t think she would have ever done the things she did.”

I put a hoof on his shoulder and tell him, “Maybe not, but lil Broken would not have been born, and who knows what his line will be like. Besides, you can raise him as your son and like I said earlier, maybe have a whole herd of fillies and colts.”

I see him grin and he tells me, “I would like that. Ok, let me know when dinner is and I will join you.”

I tell him, “Sure thing, I will send you a message via PipBuck.” He acknowledges what I have said and then he wanders off amongst the others. As he goes, I think about how I feel about everything too. I can see his point, and I do have to admit it rankles me a bit that no matter how much I have done for the Co-op and the NCR, my name will never be as well-known as Quick Trots. But then again, I did get to have something she did not, my family.

That night Bailey joins us for dinner. As he sits with us, I see Rough raise an eyebrow. I then introduce Bailey to him. “Rough this here is Bailey Bridge. He is in charge of my combat engineers, and he is Tar’s intended.”

I see Rough raise an eyebrow at this as well as tilt his head some. Then he asks, “So Mollygirl is he any good?”

I look from Rough to Bailey and I tell him, “One of the best officers I have Rough. I trust him with my life.”

I see Rough think on this briefly and he nods his head. “Sounds good, now Bailey, what do you have to say for yourself?”

Bailey seems unsure how to answer at first. Finally, he just says, “Commodore, I can fight with the best of them. But to be honest, that foal of Tar’s should have been mine. I made the mistake of letting Grey and her kin drive me back, which let Broken birddog me. I will not make that mistake again.”

I see Rough nod his head with a sober expression on his face. “Ok Bailey, why do you say that?”

“Because I have already lost too much time I could have been with her because of this. I have been attracted to her since school. Now, even with what she has done, I know I not only am attracted to her, but I do love her, otherwise, I would have been done with her after she went rogue. I am just glad she is back now.”

Rough puts a hoof under his chin in thought then he turns to Millie and asks her, “Are you enjoying your dinner young mare?”

Millie beams at him and tells him, “Yes sir, tank you, taste good.” Beside her Moon nods her head.

“You’re welcome young mare, now where were we, ah yes, so Sutures, having seen Bailey Bridge in action and how he is with Tar, what say you? Should I give my blessings to him?”

Sutures straightens up and looks at Bailey Bridge before turning to Rough to answer. When she does, she tells him, “I would say that he is tough enough for the clan but more importantly he loves both Tar and Lil Broken, and they love him.”

Beside her I see Bailey looking straight at Rough and he just nods his head once. Again, Rough just raises an eyebrow. Then he asks, “So Bailey are you really willing to wait another couple of years for Tar?”

Bailey does not hesitate and tells him, “Yes sir, I am. It is funny but this is the battlefield where she came back into my life and while here, I have thought a lot about her and what has occurred since. Sir, she is my mare now.”

I see Rough grin at this and he tells him, “In that case Bailey, welcome to the family.”

I see the surprise on his face, but it is not half that of Sutures when he turns to her and tells her, “Oh, I want to talk to you about Moon Lily’s education. Purple Haze had a long chat with me when she was last in Manesville.” He pauses then turns to me and tells me, “Mollygirl, just so you know she has been recognized by the clan as a member, so she does have some sway.”

I see Sutures’s ears go back and she tells him, “Rough, you may be family, but Moon is not going to Ten Pony Tower.”

He smiles at her and tells her, “Well actually we were thinking of having Purple stay with the family periodically so she could help teach her. She has had some discussions with some society there that she is a member of and they are very interested in Moon.”

Sutures tells him, “I don’t care if they are interested in Moon, she stays with me at home.”

I see Rough nod his head and he says to her, “I agree with you on that and so does Grey. That is why Great Aunt Purple would be staying with the different members of the clan, so she could be with family and teach your daughter, without her having to leave home.”

I see her relax and she tells him, “Thank you Rough for standing up for us like that.”

“You’re welcome, dear. We are FAMILY now through your marriage to our cousin.”

She blushes and tells him, “Still, not all families are this close or protect its members so much.”

He smiles at her surprise and tells her, “Our family may be known as trash to outsiders, but we do care about each other. If we step over the line, others of our clan will correct us. I have had a few talks like that with Grey even over the years. But we do not talk about such things with outsiders, only family, do you understand what I am saying?”

Both she and Bailey nod their heads and she says, “Yes I do cousin.”

“Good, now that we have that straight we can get back to enjoying our dinner. That goes for you too young buck. Tar is now your mare by your claim to a stallion of our clan. While I do not think you would; be warned do not discard or mistreat her or her foal, or the clan will correct you for the errors of your ways.”

Bailey looks at him solemnly and answers, “I understand cousin.

After this, we change our conversation to much more relaxed and less serious topics. I am amused as the little ones are not only invited into the dinner discussion but partake as best of their abilities. When asked by Rough if she would like to learn how to use her magic more, Moon becomes very excited and as her horn lights up and she says, “Please, yes, magic!”

Quickly Sutures tells her, “No magic right now young mare.”

I see a look of disappointment on her face as Moon’s horn goes out and she says, “Ok mama. Sorry.”

“There is nothing to be sorry about dear, and we will teach you more. Just not right now.” Sutures promises her.

I see a smile come back upon the little mare’s face and she quietly says, “Thank you, mama.”

She pats her daughter lightly on her back and tells her, “Your welcome.”

After dinner, Bailey and Rough decide to spend some time just talking. Sutures and I go back to the upper deck with the fillies and just enjoy the stars coming out as the sun sets on the horizon. As the moon rises, I hear Millie ask, “See Luna Maybe?”

Epona puts a hoof around her and says, “Sorry sis, but we can’t see the princesses anymore, but we might see Choo Choo when we get back. She looks a lot like her.”

As we sit there occasionally, we see sparks come out of the funnels as a bit more wood is placed in the boilers to keep the coals hot. Once the youngsters are getting tired, we take them back to our cabin and turn in for the night.

Come morning we get up early and catch a quick breakfast. Epona then asks, “Mas can I go get Tater? We do not want to be late getting up to the pilothouse with the Commodore.”

We both smile and I tell her, “Go ahead Epona, we will be up on the top deck.”

As she runs off to find Tater, Sutures and I, along with the fillies go back topside. I notice a large amount of my staff is either already here or arriving. As Sutures and I are leaning on the rail, Dull Beak, Paper Work and Specs join us there.

I hear Specs say to Paper Work, “I still miss her Paper, but I am glad we got to come back and say goodbye.”

Paper Work tells him, “Yeah, the Major could be an Ursa Major sometimes, but she really was not that bad. It felt weird walking through what was left of the town though.”

Dull Beak then tells me, “Thanks Colonel for letting us say our goodbyes. It really helped. I showed Summer where so much happened, including the old headquarters area. But most importantly I appreciate you sharing my goodbye to Guerre with me.”

As I get ready to speak again, I feel the engines begin to move and I hear a voice call out to cast off lines. I then hear the steam whistle sound and I look up and see Tater pulling the cord for it and I have to smile. As we are starting to swing in the river as I ask him, “So where is Summer?”

He points over the battlefield and I watch as four pegasi from the scouts come flying in a formation called a talon four. As they get over the middle of the battlefield one of the inner ponies peels off and the rest fly over. From the other side of Sutures, I hear Chain Lighting say, “That is called the Missing Mare formation. I have not seen it in a long time.”

Sutures asks him, “Why are they doing that?”

He smiles sadly, then answers her question, “It is a salute to those who have fallen and are no longer with us.”

I see a tear form in my love's eye and I see it slowly track down her cheek. “You know Sergeant Major I am glad they did that. It just seems so right.”

His expression is that of a tired veteran as he tells her, “Yeah, same here ma’am. I just wish I had thought to suggest it,” as he watches, the pegasi reform and return to the Glimmer to land.

As the Glimmer begins to pick up speed and head upstream, I see the others behind us begin to move and fall in behind us as we begin our final leg of the trip home. I put my hoof around Sutures and I tell her, “Only a couple more days and we will be home.”

She leans into me and replies, “At least for a bit dearest, but I can’t wait.”

Dear DJ Pon3,

Yesterday, on our return trip from our deployment I visited the remains of a village I have fought at twice before when I was with the Co-op Expeditionary Force. As we walked the battlefield, visited the graves, and explained it to those who were with us now, but not before, I realized how much we have all changed and I am no longer the same mare I once was. Could you please play I Was Only 19 for me and the rest of us of the 2^nd of the 1^st battalion?

Thank you

Corporal Dusty, 1^st Squad, Doorkickers Troop. 2^nd of the 1^st.Manesville Regiment

Sometimes the hardest thing we can do is confront the traumas of our past. In this chapter, we see this as the former members of the CEF revisit the sight where twice before they fought for their lives. It affects them but perhaps it also allows them to find some closure as they say things to those they lost that they wish they could have as well as explaining the event to others who were not there.

For those who wish to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGDhzVi1bqU