Chapter 10: Trials, Tribulations, and Hope

"Sometimes in life, a sudden situation, a moment in time, alters your whole life, forever changes the road ahead.” ― Ahmad Ardalan, Baghdad: The Final Gathering

It was two in the morning when they found me. I had to have been tied up for at least twenty minutes. The whole time all I could do was stew about what had happened, and what this meant about Tar Water and the Co-op. I now know that no matter what, I have to keep my guard up. Especially when it comes to Magpie. I know Badger and the rest can take care of themselves.

“You know Mollygirl, you are very lucky.” The nurse tells me.

“You call this lucky? What makes you think I was lucky?”

“As sharp as this knife is, if she had slipped, or you had jerked, we would not be holding this conversation. As it is, I am able to just put some magical bandages on. That should help to heal this cut up with no scarring.”

“Thanks, I really appreciate it. I cannot imagine what a scar like that would be like to have on my throat. The ones on my side are bad enough.”

“Ok, there we go, all done now. If you can, try and get some sleep. You look exhausted.”

“I will try, I do not know if I can after this, but I will try,” I tell her.

She leaves the room and I am alone again. Outside the door, there is a security guard posted now. It is still dark out. With little light and still being so tired, the exhaustion takes its toll and I fall asleep finally.

Suddenly I am back running through the woods again. I find Epona and Ivy. The scene repeats itself in my head. I want to change things, but I can’t they still play out the way they happened. I wake up screaming. My breath is labored and short, I am lathered in sweat.

I feel hooves holding me. I open my eyes. It is Memory, she cradles me like a foal. Tucking my head into her chest and telling me “It’s alright, you are ok.”

I break down and bawl like a foal. I cannot help it. I want to scream. I hug her back, crying into her coat. Finally, I am able to get myself back together. “Thank you, Memory. I really needed that.”

“Not a problem Mollygirl, after all, you have been through lately, most ponies would be even worse." She tells me.

“It is good to see you again Memory. Thank you for coming again.” I realize I am really beginning to enjoy her company. I can see why Badger has stayed friends with her now.

“Mollygirl, it is good to have someone to visit and something to do. Besides, how could I keep Woofers and Tweeters away from visiting you?”

It is then that I notice Woofers is on my bed next to me and Tweeters on the top of the bed watching over me. Woofers hearing his name crawls on his belly up to my forehoof so I can pet him again. Tweeter hangs down from the top and begins to sniffle my ears and mane. With some tears still in my eyes, she gets me to giggle a bit. Funny, I never have wanted pets, but now I have found how much they are helping cheer me up and keep me calm.

Memory climbs off the bed. “Do you feel like having some tea? I know I do. I do not have any milk or honey, but some tea still sounds good to me.”

“Thank you again Memory, that would be wonderful.”

Later as we are drinking our tea, Em, Soundwaves, Archer, and Kicker show up.

As she enters my room Em’s eyes go straight to the bandage on my neck. “Mollygirl, are you ok? no one told us you were injured.”

“I am fine Em. Just a somewhat shallow cut is all. They did not even need to use a healing potion.”

“I guess I do not have to tell you how lucky you are. When she escaped from the stable, she killed two of the security ponies. It seems that she had got them to drop their guard towards her.”

“Damn, I am really sorry to hear that. Em, she said she would be back. She also gave me a message from Silver Spite. The one who was the leader when Ivy and Epona were murdered. Em, this means Red Eye and his army probably know all about the stable. I think we may be in trouble.”

It is then that I hear Archer join in. “I think you are correct Mollygirl. The question is, what do we do?”

“Honestly, Archer, I am not sure, but give me some time and we can see what we can do. I know we cannot defeat them in a straight-out fight, but who says we have to give them one.”

“What do you mean by that Molly?” Em asks.

“Remember, when things got rough during the war, Rainbow Dash and the others started raiding behind the Zebra lines. Hitting supply depots, damaging infrastructure, ambushing lone units. There is a reason Rainbow Dash said Pinkie Pie wanted this stuff left for me. Now we just have to figure out why, and how to use it.”

With a confused look on his face, Archer looks at Em and me. “Is there something that I am missing? Something I should be told?” He asks.

Emerado and I both look at each other and then at Archer. “Sir you would not believe me if I told you,” I tell him. “Em, should we just have him watch the orb? I mean it is only a couple of hours.”

“You know, that would be up to him and if he can spare the time. But it would help him understand that is for sure,” she replies with a slight smirk.

“Ok, I am not too sure about this. What orb?” Archer asks.

“Um, how would you like to see a memory orb from a Ministry mare?” I ask him.

His jaw drops. “Mollygirl, Emerado, how did you two get ahold of a memory orb from one of the ministry mares? Seriously, or are you two just pulling my hoof.”

“We are serious Archer, Em did not believe me at first either,” I tell him and Em nods her head in agreement.

“Ok, I will try it then, But before hoof. Mollygirl I am here to tell you that my Artillery section will be providing you with a guard for the rest of your stay in the hospital. Sgt Kicker will have the first one, I do believe you know her. She has been reduced in rank for not having brought forward the abuses of Captain Tar Water to the attention of the command. I have asked for her to be assigned to me, as I believe her when she says she did not think the command would believe her.

“That is good of you. I do know her and I appreciate you having put her on my guard detail. I think you are correct, and she certainly deserves a second chance.”

“So, Archer, are you ready to use the orb then?” Em asks him.

“Sure, why not. I always wondered what it would be like to see the Ministry Mares.”

At that point, Soundwaves tells us that the recollector unit is warmed up and ready, and he has loaded that orb into it. I also notice he has a hint of a smile as he says it. I really hope this does not become some sort of joke, but Hey with the two guns I am sure that Archer could really use the information in it if we ever have to face the Enclave.

Archer sits down in the recliner. He places his glasses on the table next to the chair. Soundwaves helps him put on the headpiece. After which he returns to the console. “Are you ready sir?”

“Sure, how bad can it be.”

“Ok sir, here we go,” Soundwave tells him and flips the switch. Emerado and I both look at each other and smile.

As the memory orb begins, we hear Archer talking to himself “Ok, I have wings, interesting, Whoa, I am a mare, what the? Oh, for the love of Celestia, no bucking way.”

Once he has begun the orb Emerado, Memory, and I start to talk for a bit. Finally, Memory decides she best leave and calls for Woofer and Tweeter to follow her as she takes her things, gives me a brief hug, and tells me she will be back later in the evening before she heads back to her home.

As the orb progresses, we watch him shift his body to the movements of Rainbow Dash. Finally, as it finishes, he calmly removes the headpiece. I watch him put his hoof to his mouth for a bit. Then he begins to speak. “Well Mollygirl, I can see why you said I had to see it. Otherwise, I doubt I would have believed it. I would have appreciated a bit of warning though that I would be the ministry mare, not merely seeing her. That was a little disturbing, to say the least.” He pauses for a few seconds. Takes a couple of deep breaths. “Now, on the other hoof, I have a few tells on the body movements of pegasus when flying. Finally, I am not sure what work you need to do, but in my off-hours, if possible, I am in, I would love to read these reports and all. If Those two think we need this information, I am not one to argue.”

Emerado, Archer, and I all put one hoof together, smile at each other, and nod. Em starts it. “For Friends”

Archer continues “For Family,”

I finish it with “For Herd.”

Kicker, who has been quietly standing guard by the door finally speaks for the first time since arriving, “So just what was on that memory orb?”

We discussed what was on the orb with Kicker. Her eyes went wide. “Let me know what I can do to help.” Was her reply. Shortly afterward she was replaced on watch. As she was leaving, she tells her replacement, another cow, “Keep alert for trouble, we need her, all of us, will. Remember Herds, 11:21.”

Now I am the one confused. I look at the new guard who has taken the position on watch, saying nothing. I really want to find out what Kicker meant. I will have to talk to her again later about that.

After lunch Em, Archer, and I continue to read the reports. I hoof him the report on the raid where Rainbow Dash and her troops had been ambushed. “Archer, I found this one really interesting and think you might also. It might be a good way to help defend the stable if we need to.”

“Good point Moll, But I would like to see how she was able to pull out of the trap too. I really would like to have an E.F.S. Blocker to use for such a setup also. A bit of camo with one of them and we could completely surprise them. “

“Hey Emerado, do you think we might be able to track one of those down? I bet if we have one Buckshot and his Ordies would know. We need to check into that.”

“I will talk to Buckshot when I head back tonight. Hopefully, he might know. I might not be back for a couple of days Mollygirl. I am thinking of heading out to Dairyanne tomorrow to check on Bullet and the rest of the Door Kickers. I hope you understand.”

“Sounds good Em. Give him a hug for me. Send my love to Badger and Iv, I, to Badger too. Say hi to everyone for me.”

After this slip, I feel Archer in the chair next to my bed put a hoof on mine for a second to comfort me. Em just smiles at me. “Will do Moll, I know they are all missing you and worried. Now, do you want to try another memory orb?”

“Thanks, Em, but I have to say no for right now. I am never sure how long they last and I do not want to be out with no one around. So perhaps tomorrow morning, or some other morning when you or Archer will be here the whole time.”

“Makes sense. Moll, I too will not be here tomorrow. I hope you do have some company though. Shall we all plan on meeting back here in two days Emerado?” Archer asks.

“Sounds good Archer, Let's plan on it. Well, I should head back to the stable if I want to catch Buckshot today. I will catch you both later.” She comes over, gives me a hug then leaves.

Archer and I continue to talk. Switching back and forth between old times and what we are reading in the reports. After another hour I see Magpie come into my room. Her eyes go wide, “Oh my Goddesses Mollygirl, what happened, are you alright, why didn’t anyone tell me something had happened to you.” As she rushes over to me.

“I am ok Mags, sorry no one told you. Nothing to worry about for me. However, I need you to be much more careful from now on.” I tell her as she hugs me.

“What do you mean Mollygirl? Why, am I in trouble?” She asks nervously.

“Mags, you remember how we talked about Tar Waters. I am sorry but she escaped last night. She did this to me, and she threatened you too.”

“Are you ok Mollygirl, it’s my fault for leaving you last night, isn’t it. I knew I should have just stayed. I knew it.”

“Excuse me Magpie, but to be perfectly honest, if you had been here last night, you probably would not be alive today. Tar Water killed two security ponies escaping last night. Having seen her work, I agree with Mollygirl, you need to be much more careful. In fact, I would suggest you not go out alone at night for a while. While I believe she has left the Co-op, I still think you should be careful.” Archer tells her.

“I should be going myself if you two lovely mares will excuse me. I will see you in a couple of days Mollygirl.” He says as he gets up from the chair, he comes over to the chair and gives me a hug, and surprises me with a light peck on the cheek. “I am just so glad that you are ok my friend. Enjoy your night you two. It is good to see you again Magpie. I hope that Badger knows how lucky a stallion he really is.” He smiles as he turns and leaves.

Once he is gone, Magpie turns to me. “He really is a funny pony you know that. I get the feeling he wishes he could be in Badger's place.”

“Mags, what stallion wouldn’t, now get over here and let me kiss you, my beloved.”

She smiles at me and obeys my meek order. I get the kiss that I have so desired since she has arrived. I can not wait to be able to get out of this hospital bed and just spend time with her again. But first things first.

“So Molly, two things, what happened with Tar Water last night, and was there anything interesting on the orb?”

“The long and short of it is, that Tar Water killed two guards last night, came here, and when I came out from the memory orb she had a knife to my throat. She threatened me, you, and everyone here. She also gave me a message from Silver Spite, the one who did this to me and killed our Epona and Ivy. Then she tied me to my bed and escaped.”

I see the horror come over her face. “I am alright Mags, really, do not worry.”

“I, I, I almost lost you again. Oh, Mollygirl.” She says as she puts her hooves around me and buries her face in my fur.

I just hold her like that until she finally looks up again. “So, was there anything interesting on the memory orb?”

“Funny you should ask.” So, I tell her about watching as Millie’s best friend Moo was killed, and how Millie was slightly injured and would have become scarred on her face. Finally, I tell her about George.”

“You have to be kidding me Mollygirl. I cannot imagine a dragon who wears glasses and is that awkward. Seriously, what was really on the orb?”

“Magpie, I swear, I am telling you the truth. But when she offered to give Millie a chance to fly, I was disappointed that she did not take her up on it. I would have jumped on that offer.”

“I bet you would have, my little pegasus want to be.” She says laughing. I know she is only joking, but inside, I feel it may be true. “So, do you think she may have moved here then? Could she still be living in the Co-op, hiding? I mean I never have heard of her before.”

“I think we both have heard of her; we just did not realize it. G troop is known as George’s Gang and has been for a long time. Perhaps she is just resting again. I would hate to wake her though. “

“I can understand that Mollygirl, I would not want to wake a sleeping dragon either.” She tells me. It is at that time I hear a knock on the door. I look up in time to see Sumac, Xavier, and his family, as the guard steps up to the door to block it.

I call to the guard, “Go ahead and let them in. I know them all.” She looks at me and allows them to enter. I notice she is almost staring at Xaver and Xochilt. But she does not say a word.

“Hi Ma, Hi guys, come on in, it is so good to see you all again,” I tell them.

Sumac comes over and gives me a hug. She looks at the bandage on my neck. “It is good to see you too Mollygirl, but what happened to your neck and why did you not tell me?’

“Sorry Ma, it just happened last night, so I have not had time to send a messenger out to let you know. But it was Tar Water.” As I say the name, I see some recognition on her face of the name, but it is Xavier and his family that really react the most. Then I go on to explain what happened.

“Mollygirl, I am very sorry, I have twice failed to protect you when I owe you this debt, please forgive me,” Xavier tells me.

“Xavier, it is not your fault or failure. Please do not blame yourself, I know I do not blame you. What I need you to do most right now is to protect Sumac and help her on the farm.”

I see his head is down and his ears are at the side of his head. “No, you do not understand my debt is to protect you and return that which has been given me and my family, our lives.”

“Xavier, I know Sumac needs you on the farm, and with all the raider activity around I would prefer you to stay there with her. I have seen you can fight hoof to hoof, but have you had any other training such as with hand weapons and firearms?”

“I have had some training with fighting sticks, but any other weapons have only come from trying to use what I have found. Why do you ask? This does not relieve me of my debt.”

“Xavier, Two things. One, they may end up forming the militia, if so, I wanted to see if I needed to pull strings to get you better trained. The second, if you really do intend to try and escort me into the field at all, I need to know where to start on your training.” As I say this, I see him look thoughtful and nod his head in agreement. “Also, Xavier, did you learn how to fight like that from your family or where? It is very interesting and I may have you teach me it if you would.”

“Mollygirl, I do not know if your body will allow you to make all of the necessary movements, but I will teach you as much as I can when you are ready.”

“Well good, now that is agreed to, can we all talk about things we may all care about?” Sumac kicks in.

“Ok, Ma, sorry, I did not mean for us to take over the entire conversation.”

"It’s ok, but I have most of my family here and I want to spend time with all of them, not just listen to two of them talk doom and gloom. We get enough of that as it is.” She counters.

With that, we change the subject. I end up with Xochitl climbing up on my bed as he starts to get tired. He has taken on the habit of calling me and Magpie Auntie Molly and Auntie Magpie. I think it is so cute. He also now only calls Sumac, Granny. It is a wonderful feeling having all of them there with me the only one missing is Badger, I so wish he could be here too. But the time will come when he will be back with us again.

We visit for a couple more hours before they have to leave to get back home. Before she leaves Sumac looks at both me and Magpie and tells us, “You two are invited out to the farm as soon as Mollygirl is out of the hospital. I want you to know that. Also, just so you are not surprised now that I have an extra room in the house, I have started to take care of Nugget's daughter Ginger more. She cannot replace my grand foal, but she is her half-sister, she helps fill part of the void that was left. Just like little Xochitl here. He is such a good colt too.” She runs a hoof through his mane as she says it and he gives her a hug.

“Ok ma, we will visit as soon as we can. I promise you.” Magpie tells her.

Before they go, I get a hug from all of them. I may not have gotten a lot of physical affection as a child, but I sure seem to be making up for it now. It kind of throws me off some. Not that I am complaining.

Once they leave Magpie sits up on the bed with me. “Mollygirl, should I bring you a book from the library or something. Just to keep you from being bored?”

“That or you could bring one of your favorite books and read it to me when you visit. I wish we had a radio in here. It would make things so much more tolerable.”

“I will see what I can do Mollygirl, but they are kind of hard to find in working order.”

“I know dear, they are expensive too. It makes me miss my PipBuck right now.” I tell her. I wonder where it is. I cannot imagine how much of a pain it had to be for the medical staff to remove it. Of course, they probably had one of the PipBuck techs from the stable come over and reclaim it, especially if they thought I was not going to make it. The thought disturbs me. They really did not think I would make it.

“Mags, can you come up and cuddle? I really need it right now.” I tell her quietly looking at her with my ears down and almost having tears in my eyes. Part of me feels so lonely right now that I need some equine contact. I need to just be touched so that I know I am really still alive.

She climbs on the bed next to me. “Are you ok? You really look upset, is there anything I can do?”

I do not say anything. I just pull her closer and put my head against her chest. I listen to her heartbeat, as she runs her hoof through my mane. I feel guilty for being so needy right now. I love her, I want to show her how much but I can’t. I feel helpless, trapped in this bed. I do not know which is worse the catheter, or having to use a bedpan. It is embarrassing and mortifying to me that the mare I love has to take care of me in this way, much less the nurses who are practically strangers to me. I should be stronger and there for her, not helpless.

Finally, after a while I look up at her, “I love you, my beloved. Thank you for being here for me so much. If we were alone, I would try and show you how much.” I say as I run my hoof up her outer thigh to her flank.

She smiles at me. “I know my old war mare. I know. Once you finish healing, I will take you up on that. Besides, I want to return the favor a bit to you too. I went without before you and I got together and then was starting to get used to it between you, Ivy, and Badger, now I am in a drought again. I miss you and it, but I can wait for both of you love.”

“Thank you, Mags. But if you get a chance with Badger, take it and just give me the details later. I understand.”

“Molly, He will not be back from the field for another week, by then I think you will be out of the hospital. In which case, we can all spend that time together.” After telling me this she gives me a tight hug. I feel a bit of pain in my side but I do not say anything. I do not want to ruin this with her.

“Molly, I had not planned on staying again tonight, but with your and Archer’s warning I hope you do not get upset if I stay here tonight, seeing it is already dark.”

“Of course, I do not mind, just make sure you can get some sleep Ok.”

“Ok, love. If you do not mind though I will sleep in the chair, when I have tried to sleep on that bed with you, I have been afraid I would fall off.” She tells me with a smile.

“No problem love,” I tell her, she then goes to get a blanket and pillow, and she moves the chair as close to the bed as possible. She climbs in and leans back, covering most of herself. I feel her hoof on mine, so I move closer to the side of the bed and run my hoof through her mane as she starts to fall asleep. The watch has changed twice since she has gotten here, so it should be time for another one soon. As she begins to sleep, I hear her lightly snore. I had not noticed her do that before, she must be exhausted, I lay there watching her until I finally fall asleep myself.

After falling asleep, other than the normal wakeups by the nurses making their checks at night I sleep the night through. I wake in the morning as the nurse brings my breakfast to me. I notice Magpie is already up and gone. She has left a short note for me.

Mollygirl,

I am sorry I left before you woke, but I have to work a half-day today and will return as soon as I can. I hope you slept well, although I am worried after hearing you talking in your sleep and seeing you thrash about. I am confused a bit as I do not know who Bluebelle is, but you also were talking to Ivy and Pona in it. I hope it was not a bad dream though.
Sweetheart please tell me if I can help you in any way. I will try and pick up a treat for you as well as bring back a couple of books for us to read. I can not wait to see you later.

Love you

Your Magpie.

Great now I am having nightmares without even remembering them. I wonder how long that has been going on. Well as long as it does not affect me normally. But why would I have a nightmare with Epona as well as Bluebelle? I feel like I am missing something. What is it I cannot remember?

I spend most of the morning by myself, and only my guard. I know she is probably not due for the watch rotation again, but I hope Kicker either has the watch or visits me. I have so much I want to ask her. I really need to find something to read soon, other than these reports. Sure, they are interesting, but you can only concentrate on them so much.

After a while, Dr. Embolism comes in with a unicorn nurse.

“Good morning Mollygirl. How are you feeling today?" She asks.

“Feeling pretty good, still sore and tired, but I guess that is to be expected.”

She does a brief check-over of me, including the mostly healed wound on my neck. She listens to my heart, and probes and prods me a bit before reconsulting her clipboard. “Ok, everything looks alright. I am glad to see you are doing so well. Looking at your numbers I am ready to have the catheter removed and I would like to have you start to try and walk a bit. In fact, I would like you to start with short trips from your room to the nurses’ station and back. Just so you know, most ponies would need a bit of assistance walking that far at first, so I expect you to have somepony assist you until you get steady on your legs again. Ok?”

“Ok, Dr. I appreciate it. I will make sure I have some assistance also. Besides, it will give me something to do other than sit here bored.”

“Good, glad to hear you understand and are not going to be stubborn about it. Nurse Goodhealth will help you out after I leave. At this rate, I may let you out of here a day or two earlier than I planned. But let’s see how you do moving about on your own first.”

I agree and she leaves. Nurse Goodhealth removes the catheter, and the leads that that reach to my chest and monitor my heart and breathing.

“Ok Mollygirl, are you ready to try this?”

“Sure, let's do this,” I say as I lower myself from the bed with the nurse’s assistance. I feel her telekinesis spell helping to balance me as I stand on my own hooves for the first time in over a week. She releases the spell as she moves next to me. I almost fall to the ground.

“Damn it, I feel like a foal. Standing should not be this hard.” I tell her.

“It's ok Mollygirl, you need to get used to standing and walking again. I know how hard that is, not only do I assist others in it but as a young filly, I had to relearn how to walk after I was severely injured in a fall from a silo. Do not worry, you got this.”

I lean on her and slowly advance toward the door; she takes a step each time I do helping me relearn to do something I have done since the day I was born. It is humiliating, but I have to do it. Part of me thinks it would be so much easier just to lay back down, get drunk and say to hell with it. It hurts with each step and the use of muscles that have been allowed to stiffen and not forced to support my body.

“Come on now, what you going to wimp out. You want to let the bastard that did this to you win. Take another step. Come on, another one, you got this.” I hear Nurse Goodhealth telling me, each time I want to quit. Finally, we reach the nurses' station. It has taken me 15 minutes to do what should have taken me less than 3. But I have done it.

“Are you ready to try a few steps without leaning on me?” She asks.

I simply nod my head yes. She backs away and I slowly place one foot after the other. I feel the pain in my side still and feel a bit of blood from the wound on my side. But I am doing it. I can not let myself stop. I am almost back to my room when I see him for the first time since the incident. Badger. He sees me and I see tears in his eyes. But I know I cannot really be seeing him. He is supposed to be on guard in Dairyanne. He comes trotting over to me. But Nurse Goodhealth tells him to get back until I am back in my bed.

Finally, I am back in my bed and Nurse Goodhealth looks at me. “Good job, now are you ready for your visitor, or should I tell him to come back later?”

“Oh, for Goddess's sake, please let me see him.” I nearly beg.

She signals for him to come in. Badger almost gallops to my bedside. He put his hoofs around me and is in tears. “I am so sorry Mollygirl. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to fail you.”

“It’s ok Badger, it’s Ok. I am just so happy to see you love. I have missed you so much these last couple of days.”

At first, he looks confused, but then I see it dawn on him the reason for the time difference, I have only been conscious for a few days. “Thank the Goddesses you are still able to walk even. I was afraid that I would not be able to even talk to you. I hope you do not mind seeing me?” I can hear the pain in his voice.

“Badger, why would I mind. I am just so happy I got to see you so soon. And to boot the first time I try to walk again. You really do not know how much that means to me.”

“You really are not upset at me for failing to save them? I tried to keep up Molly, I did, But I had to stop and grab my battle saddle and the Anglebunny. I did not think I would be too late to help.” He says with tears in his eyes. I

“Badger, we were all too late. That bastard knew what he was doing and was going to ambush us too.”

“Still, I should have done something. Anything, but I could only stand there, it was too late those two got away. All we could do was take the one you gelded prisoner.”

“The one I gelded? Badger, I had only kicked him.”

“You really do not know how much damage you did to him and where? You crushed both of his” he stops.

My jaw has dropped, “Oh Hell no. I could not of. I know I was panicking but I could not have kicked that hard, now could I?"

He looks me straight in the eyes and only nods. I am stunned. I can not imagine having really done something like that. “You did my love. You did. Every stallion who has heard of or seen it is now afraid of the mare who did that it seems."

I guess that means Badger does not have to worry about someone trying to steal me away from him now. Finally, I pull his face up to mine, I look into his blue eyes and I kiss him a kiss to last a lifetime. When we break the kiss, I pull him in tight to me.

“You did not fail me, my love, you did what you could. I know, I heard them have to pull you off of him. I saw you beating that tree with bloody hoofs while Abby tried to comfort you. I know love and I am sure Ivy and Pona know it too.”

His jaw drops, “Mollygirl, that last part happened when you were dead the first time, how?” he asks.

“I don’t know Badger, I really don’t, but I remember it. I remember Sutures and Chance starting to give me CPR. I, things are fuzzy after that.”

He looks shaken. “I love you Mollygirl, I am so glad you are ok. I hate to have to say it but I should get going soon. I was only supposed to escort a couple of wounded prisoners here.”

“Damn, I was hoping you could stay longer. I know Magpie should be back in a bit.”

“I’m sorry Moll, you know how it is. I do not want to do anything to get you or me in trouble right now.’

“Badger, before you go, I have to tell you something. I do not know if you were told about how much damage they did to me?”

“Molly, I have not heard anything. This is the first time I have had even to get up here. What is it, love? How bad is it? Are you ok?”

“Badger, the damage was bad enough that I have had one ovary removed. The other one was damaged along with the fallopian tube, but they are badly scarred. Badger, please don’t leave me, but, I, I, they told me I probably will never be able to have a foal. I am so sorry my love.” I tell him as tears stream down my face.

“Mollygirl, while I would love for you to be the mother of one of my foals, I care more about you than that. You are not just a broodmare. You are one of the mares I want as my wife. I only hope you still want to be with a stallion who cannot protect his mares.” He tells me back as his voice chokes up.

“Of course, my love. I want that more than you would ever know. I want to be married to both of you. I wish you would not doubt that.” I kiss him on his forelock. “So, what happened that brought you here now?”

He smirks “Well, we had some slavers try and come in through the roadblock. When we ordered them to stop, so we could search them, they tried to run me down. Ol’ Chance took the driver out of the seat with his AM rifle, Bullet, Shadowbuck and I got the other three. Those three survived, the driver, well, let’s just say his spirit shook its mortal coil before it hit the grou...” at which point his eyes go wide and he stares at me for a few seconds without completing his sentence.

“Badger, what? Do you think I am going to be offended? I am just glad you are ok and that Chance got the bastard who tried to hurt my stallion.”

“Sorry Moll, I just, I hate thinking how close I came to losing you too. Molly, I have to say it spooks me a bit though that you saw so much after you were. You know, you were technically dead. I am so glad you are here, but It is screwing with my mind right now. I am sorry love.”

“I know, I understand Badger. I, I, damn it, I wanted things to go back to you wanting me the way you did before. I, when will I just learn to shut my mouth.” I tell him as I begin to bawl like a foal.

“Molly, please don’t cry love. I do still love you; I still want you,” he tells me as he holds me against his shoulder, comforting me this time.

After I stop crying, he looks at me. “Are you ok love?” I nod my head. “Ok, I really do need to get back to the squad. Please do not doubt I love you. I do, whether we can have foals together or not. I want you in my life, please realize that.”

Snuffling a bit, I tell him “Ok, thank you for coming to see me, my love. I have missed you and been worried about you. If you can please come to see me again.”

“I will, I promise Mollygirl. I promise. Please forgive me for making you cry too.”

“Forgiven already Badg, already forgiven.”

I hold out my hooves to him for a hug. He enters my embrace and I kiss him as deeply as I can. After we release and he turns to go I tell him, "Please come back to me Badger, please, as soon as you can.”

“I will love, I will if you see Magpie first tell her I was here and that I love her too. I miss both of you so much right now.” He then turns and walks out of the room.

As I watch him go, I see his head start to go down and his ears back. I hope he will be ok. I hope I have not done or said anything to screw up our relationship. I feel so useless right now. I can’t even make my stallion happy for a little bit. What is wrong with me? Part of me wishes I had not come back. Like I had a choice or something.

A little while after Badger leaves, I see Magpie come into my room. She comes over and gives me a hug and a kiss. Before I can tell her he has been there she looks at me. "How come I smell Badger's scent on you Mollygirl?" So, I tell her he was there shortly before, and that he had been escorting a couple of prisoners for treatment. I then tell her that he also sends his love to her. At first, she is upset that she missed him and I didn’t, then she notices my eyes.

“Mollygirl, have you been crying?”

“Yes love, I am sorry. It just hurt the way he looked at me. He said I should not have known some of the things I knew, that I was dead then. Mags, I don’t even know how I knew them. Damn it. I can barely remember what happened and what I do, scares the stallion we love bad enough that he has a hard time dealing with it or me. I feel useless Mags, useless.”

“I am sure it is not that bad Moll. I know he loves you, just like I do.”

“Mags, you didn’t see the look on his face. I did. He is spooked around me now. I guess it does not help that I also had to tell him I cannot carry his foals. I am sorry Magpie. You can not understand what that is like. I thank the Goddesses you can’t but you cannot understand it.”

“Give him time Mollygirl, he is a stallion after all. Remember what Momma Sumac said, sometimes they have to be nudged to do the right thing, even if they already want to.”

“On the positive side, the catheter is out and I am supposed to start trying to walk again. I made it to the nurses’ station and back earlier. I know it does not seem like much, but it is a big deal for me. Speaking of that, I am going to need help walking to the restroom soon, if you are willing?”

“Of course, love, I would be glad to help you when you are ready.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it. Did you get a chance to stop at the library?”

“Yes, but I realized I was not sure what type of books you like to read. I picked a couple I hope you do not mind?”

“Mags, it's whatever you bring or the reports. And I really need a break from the reports. I could even read Mare-Do-Well novels right now.”

“Really Molly, you do not need to get insulting, I know you are a grown mare for goodness sakes. No. I picked up a couple of books of poetry, Winds Through the Fields, a collection of poems from R. Plowing, and Trails Through the Clouds by Cloud Seeder. I figured you might be interested in the second one at least with your newfound interest in flying.

“Ok, what else did you pick up Mags?”

“How about a brief history of the Equestrian War with the Great Caesar, Volume One, The First Five Years. I also picked up Iron Shod Firearms, A Brief History. I figured both of those might be up your ally.”

“Ok, both of those do sound interesting too. Are you hinting you want me to read poetry to you later tonight dear?”

“Actually, I would really like it if you did, or I could read some to you. I hope you do not mind. But I really do enjoy it sometimes.” She tells me.

At this point I think to myself; I really would have enjoyed reading some Mare-Do-Well, but I can not face her calling me foalish. It is bad enough the way Badger is now; I do not want to drive her away too. “Ok, why not read a couple now. Here hand me one of the books.”

“Molly, if I lay next to you would you read me some poems. I would be happy to hear the ones from Trails in the Clouds, as I have not read or heard any of those ones yet.”

“Ok, Mags, but they may not all be very cheerful. Let’s start with this one, it seems interesting,” and as I begin to read to her she cuddles up to me and places her head on my chest.

“That is a way of looking at what they used to do I never thought about,” Magpie tells me.

“It makes me wonder how different things would be if they only would reopen the skies and work with us again. Too bad, it will probably never happen though.” I tell her.

“Do you see any others there that you might like to read me love?” she asks.

I smile, “Actually several. The next one I think you might enjoy a bit more, but it is still a bit morose. It is called The Final Farewell at Days End.”

And so, we passed the next couple of hours, just her and I, and of course our guard. At least our latest one had the decency to look bored. Shortly before dinner time, I had a surprise visitor. Kickers.

“Good evening Cadet Mollygirl, Ma’am, I am sorry for interrupting. I hope you do not mind my visiting. Please do not bother to move, I will, however, sit in the chair if you do not mind.”

“Hello Kicker, you are very welcome. In fact, I had hoped you would stop by. Please take a seat, and before I forget my manners, Kicker this is my marefriend Magpie; Magpie, this is Sergeant Kicker. “

She stands and shakes hooves with Mags. I see both smile and Kicker start to relax a bit. Then she continues to talk. “Thank you, Ma’am. I am glad to hear that. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about both of your losses. I know how much it must have hurt you. It always hurts when we lose the young ones.”

“Kicker, we are both off duty right now, and as this is strictly a social call, please just call me Mollygirl, or even Molly, ok?”

“Sure, no problem, Ma’, I mean Molly. Sorry about that. You know how it is, once it's ingrained it can be a hard habit to break.”

“Sure, I do Kicker, by the way, can I just call you Kicks for short when in private?”

“Are you sure you want that level of familiarity ma’… I mean MollyGirl, I do not want to have others think less of you.”

“Yes, I am sure, I hope you do not mind, Kick, but can I ask you a question?”

“Go ahead and ask, but understand, I may not answer if I do not feel it is best to do so.”

“Ok, sounds fair, the other day when you told your relief to remember Herds 11:21. What was that all about?”

She straightens up and becomes very serious. "Molly, Magpie, you do understand that us cows, well we have our own culture? That is from the book of Pastures, our religious book.”

Magpie then sits up and looks at Kicker, “Wait, you are telling me you have your own religious beliefs? I thought everyone just believed in the Goddesses. Please, tell me more.”

Kicker looks at both of us, then turns and looks at her fellow cow who is on guard, who then simply nods to her, before she continues “Most ponies do not even care about our culture, that and because those of us who were in the stable wanted to fit in. We assimilated the pony culture and while we remembered where we come from, we only do so in private normally, but I digress. You asked about Herds 11:21, here it is Mollygirl: Herds 11:21, When the predators once again rally to strike, they shall first attempt to wound and kill our strongest leaders and protectors. It is then that we must stand fast beside them and in turn, protect them as they do us, lest we all fall beneath their teeth. “

I am dumbstruck, finally, I find my voice again “Kicker, were you referring to me when you said that the other day?”

“Yes, Molly, I was. I have already seen you stand up for us. I have now seen that even your elders in the past came to know your name and asked you to help in defense of the greater herd. Is it so hard to believe, now when the predators have knocked you down, we must stand by and protect you while you get back on your hooves again to help us again?”

“Is that why all my guards have been cattle since you started to be posted here?”

“Yes, it is. We are all volunteers from Lieutenant Archer's artillery section. Word has already passed through the cattle in the Co-op by the way. If you ever need help, please do not be afraid to call upon us.”

“I really appreciate it, but really, I am not that important Kicker.”

“Mollygirl, we all are important, just in different ways. Even Tar Water is important, as she has made us stronger, much like iron in a forge, and then hardened. It is not easy, but it changes us and makes us stronger.”

“Hmmm, makes sense I guess, I just have never looked at it that way.” I hear Magpie say, and I quietly have to agree.

“Kicker, I have to ask, were cows always like they are now, I mean in the old stories they just seem like animals usually, we rarely hear of any that can talk even, what happened?”

“Ah, now that, that is interesting. We could always talk, however, we did so in our own language usually. Those that talked pony, well they were bilingual. We considered ourselves to be indentured servants back then. For those of us who were in the stable, well, it was a change for us, as we became equals. Not only in fact, but in our minds, and I think that was the biggest change. When the stable door closed the cows that were here, well, they had been specially recruited from all over Equestria. They were some of our most intelligent and skilled cattle and their families. We decided to make a concentrated effort to blend into the pony culture. Because of Stable-Tec’s seeming tendency to experiment there may have been some other stables with cattle in them also. We just don’t know, and if there were, they may not have survived or they may still be sheltered in the stable.”

Magpie then asks “Other than learning pony, what did you have to do?”

“Magpie, we changed how our social order worked in a lot of ways. We have always kept our religious beliefs to ourselves but made an even more concentrated effort. We became more about planning and looking at the future than when we were in the pastures. One of the more noticeable changes is one I am sure you do not even think about. Our Cutie ear tags. We developed these in the stable to assist us in blending in better. Each of us has one that we wear. Often times these are handed down from generation to generation, but never before the previous wearer has passed on. We originally made them from scrap metal in the stable, they indicate a facet of our personality or a special talent that our elders see in us. However, they do not mandate what we do with our life. They are also a reminder of our roots and how far we have come.”

I have to ask, “So when Mootilda was killed, should Mille have recovered her ear tag? I know the raiders got it, but I do not know if it ever was recovered.”

“Mollygirl, hers was the first to fall and not be recovered. It did cause some contention at one point. Some thought she should have made more of an effort to get it back, but that is a long time ago, how did you know about that?”

So, I tell her about the memory orb of Moo’s death, to say the least, she is interested in seeing it.

“Mollygirl, I really appreciate your bringing this to my attention, if you have any more with her, I would really like to see them too. You see, Mootilda was my great-grandmother. There was always talk about how she died and why. This may help end those questions.”

“Kicker, I know I have seen several of her and Millie, Mootilda was Millie’s best friend, she died providing covering fire for Millie after she was too badly wounded to move. But do not take my word for it, watch it some time for yourself.”

Mags looks at me and then at Kicker, “Actually Kicker, we have the orb with her death on it in the room right now if you would like to try it tonight.”

“That is more than tempting Magpie, let me think for a bit on it. But no matter my decision know I thank you for the offer.”

We continue to talk about some of the intricacies of the cows’ culture and I tell her some of what I have been finding out on the orbs as well as through my readings. We also start talking about things of a more personal nature. I am surprised to find out that Kicker has had two calves already. She was married to one bull, but he died after her first calf was born. She is on her fourth husband who is the father of her youngest. It seems that bulls can often be tempted to try greener pastures and jump the fence just as readily as some of the bucks I have known. Who knew, they all seemed so quiet and proper.

After another hour has passed, she looks at me and Magpie “Did you really mean you could let me see that memory orb? Can we cows really use them too?”

“I do not see why not; I know one of the first orbs I used was made by Bertha the Overcow when the door opened. It was interesting to see how the body of a cow feels compared to that of a pony.” I tell her.

“Sounds interesting. I think I will try the one for Mootilda if you do not mind. However, if Magpie can arrange it, I would love to use the one for Bertha someday.”

“I think that can be arranged, fairly easily Kicker, just let me know when. I will tell Pages that you are coming and may end up staying late.” Mags tells her and then nods at me.

“Thank you both I appreciate it. What do I have to do to use it?” She asks.

“Let’s get you ready for it, lay back in the chair and I will put the headset on you.” As she gets up from the bed and walks over to the unit and sets it up. After the repeating unit is on her, Mags puts the orb in the reader area. “Are you ready Kicker?”

“I guess I am,” she tells us, and then Magpie flips the switch and I can see Kicker begin the orb.

Magpie goes down to get dinner for herself in the cafeteria and I eat my dinner. Once she is back, I begin to read to her again. We switch to the other book of poetry. It is interesting to see the subtle difference in the writing styles as well as the choice of subjects for it. Eventually, I fall asleep again. When I awake, Mags is removing the recollector from Kicker

I look at Kicker and ask “What do you think Kicks?”

She looks back at me very seriously, “I think we need to find George.”

With that my life seems to be taking a turn I had not really anticipated. We agree that the cattle in the community will see if they can find any indications of George in the area. I also agree that I will begin to look for her. Magpie will lead the search to determine if she may have actually come to the area by looking in the archives.

The next day when Archer and Emerado arrive I discuss with them about trying to locate information about George, and where she might be. However, I do not reveal what I have learned about the cattle culture to them, as for some reason it just feels like I have been included in to a part of their culture that they want to keep private, and I do not want to breach that trust.

I have a brief visit with Memory who is there for treatment of her illness, but as she says, “It will not cure it, but at least it gives me a bit more time to share with others I care about.” As she heads to her appointment, she tells me she will visit again that evening if she is up to it.

We spend the rest of the day studying the reports and I finally agree to try a memory orb again. It has been a couple of days, but at least this time I will have a guard, so hopefully no real surprises.

I begin preparing for the memory orb as I normally do. Then once ready, Soundwave turns it on and I am no longer myself, but in somepony else once again.

As I become aware of the new body and surroundings I am not surprised by the feeling of the wings. In fact, they now feel “natural” to me. I do not know if that is a good thing, as I hate the idea of starting to miss them normally.

I feel the aches and pains of an older mare once again. I also see several ponies around her, we are flying in formation in full battle rattle. The feel of the pegasus battle saddle is actually more comfortable than I would have imagined. We are flying nap of the earth, all of us. As she turns her head, I see several flocks of us. Further back I even see several armed sky wagons flying in formation with us. I see artillery rounds exploding ahead of us and further to the north. Just then I see the artillery fire shift and the shells begin to strike directly ahead of us after a few minutes the shell fire again adjusts with a pattern of two walls of artillery shells on each side and a moving one ahead of us. My Goddesses, I have never seen such an intense pattern of fire before. How could anypony or zebra survive this? But they do. My Luna they do, as I see them scrabbling out of their bunkers to try and shoot as the forward wall of shellfire stops and we skim over them strafing them, and dodging their fire in a series of intricate and coordinated weaves and jigs as we fly forward and break through their lines, once again Rainbow dash has breached into the enemy’s rear.

Once through she leads them deep behind the lines, over 55 kilometers. Once they are through and are out of sight of the zebra forces, she finds a clearing in a valley, and they all land.

“Colonel, Colonel Hail Storm, 10-minute rest. I want numbers on casualties and a quick evaluation of any changes we need to make to the formations. Before we take off I want one flock to go high and do a quick scout to make sure we are not sighted before we begin this next leg.”

“Yes, Madam Ministry Mare, Understood.” He replies and then calls out to his aid. “You heard the mare, let’s do this ponies. Five minutes I want casualty numbers ready, move it.” As he walks away and begins talking to other members of his staff.

I feel myself stretch and move all four legs, I swish my tail and then stretch and briefly flap my wings to keep them from getting stiff. I really could get used to this wing stuff.

She takes a drink from her canteen and then checks her battle saddle to make sure everything is secure. Once finished she approaches the colonel and his staff as they examine a map before beginning the next leg of the raid.

As I approach, they all stand straighter, none salute, however, good field discipline I see. “Ok Colonel, what have we got?”

“Ma’am we are here,” he says as he points his hoof at the map. If we head in this direction, we can drop these two bridges, as well as send off a small detachment to hit this river port. Both will disrupt their supply lines. We may also want to consider dropping this line of telephone wire to cut their communications. All of which will cause some more confusion as to what our intended target is.”

“Ok, Colonel, that sounds good, now what were our loses on the breakthrough?”

“Ma’am, they were relatively light. We lost 20 killed and injured and one missing in action from the flocks. However, we also lost a sky wagon and all of its cargo to one of their anti-air guns. That was a crew of three on it, no survivors ma’am.”

“Damn, I am sorry to hear that. But we got through relatively light then. Ok everybody, time to saddle up and fly.”

With that everypony scrambles. I watch the one flock go high and hear it call out over the radio that it looks clear. With that almost five hundred Pegasi and their support sky wagons leave the ground. Most remain together; however, I watch as a detachment of half a flock breaks off and skimming the tree lines heads toward the river port.

We continue to fly towards the target, twice stopping to destroy bridges using explosive charges. We have no real way to take care of prisoners, so I watch as they decide to not kill them, but to leave them tied up and gagged near their guard post, but in the woods with all of their communication gear destroyed. We take their weapons with us however along with any ammunition they might have. When we take off from each bridge, we take off in a direction different from our intended target, adjusting our course when we are out of sight. It is getting toward dark when I see the riverfront detachment reform with us. We come over a large hill and before us is a large clearing surrounded by woodlands. We begin to land and immediately take cover in the woods.

I see the Colonel approaching again, “Ok, Madam Ministry Mare, we have arrived at the intended overnight sight. I am having the troopers establish a picket line 50 yards out from each unit’s camp. Also, they have all been informed it’s a dry camp, with no fires, no lights. Reveille has been set for an hour before dawn, silent going from pony to pony.”

"Sounds good Colonel. I really would have liked to have used the clouds to camp this time, but I do not like the idea of them floating us off of the target, so tonight we go earth pony. Now get some rest, I will be up for another couple of hours then I will have you take over for a bit.”

“Sounds good Ma’am. Thank you. See you in a couple of hours.”

I see her as she walks from camp to camp stopping to check with each unit commander, and nodding to the troopers as she passes through. She goes and checks on the wounded that are carried in one of the sky wagons. She stops and chats briefly with each of them.

Finally, she goes and wakes the Colonel. After which she lays down and falls asleep.

Suddenly we are awakened by the colonel. It does not feel like we have gotten enough rest. I hear Rainbow Dash tell herself, “It will have to do, we can rest after we are all home.”

Then she looks at the colonel in the darkness. “Thank you, Colonel. Is it that time already?”

“Yes ma’am, I have sent scouts out already, we should approach the supply dump just after dawn. That fly by and hitting them on the way back should put the sun at our backs and give us a big advantage.”

"I agree, I just hope the Zebras play by the rules this time and do not expect it.”

With that, we finish putting back on our kit. Once everypony is ready we take off as one. Flying just above the treetops, with a little extra wiggle room in the dark, As the sun begins to rise behind us, I see the supply dump in front of us. All looks quiet. The first flock lands in the supply dump and then all hell breaks loose.

I watch in horror as from several positions around the supply dump tarps are pulled off of Zebra anti-air guns as well as several tanks and machine-gun nests. All of which open fire as soon as they are clear... I see several of the first flock that are hit, but they are not alone, I see several zebras fall as well. As the tanks advance, I see one flock come into land and support the first, they are dodging the anti-air fire on the way.

Over the radio is complete havoc.

“Feather one to all Feather Flock, fall back and consolidate.”

“Tanks, tanks on our right flank, Team two take that anti-tank rocket and hit them in the rear.”

“Medic, we need medics on the ground, we need to medivac them before…”

I watch as one of the sky wagons goes in to try and recover the wounded, I feel my body twist as we line up a shot on a zebra trooper who comes out from behind a pile of supplies and fires an anti-tank rocket into it, hitting the spark battery, which explodes violently throwing the wounded in it into the sky.

Overhead I see two flights providing air support to those on the ground. I watch as two Pegasi teams keep suppressing the zebras on the grounds. One pony flies in tight circles, while the other one more heavily armed attacks those who fire at the first. This works fairly well, but with the number of hostiles we are engaging it is not enough.

Just as things seem to be about to get better, I see dragons inbound. On the dragons, I see teams of two zebras each riding them and shooting from their backs. The only thing that could be worse right now is for us to have to deal with griffins too.

“Colonel get down there and rally your ponies. We need to destroy as much as we can and then get out of here. I will lead a counterstrike against those dragons.”

I watch as the colonel suddenly dives for the ground and begins to try and rally his troops. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash, and by extension me, race upwards higher into the sky. She calls on the radio, “Flocks Three and Four on me. Staggered flight formations, a single pass through do not stop to engage, straight through then we will spin around and hit’em in the ass.”

They form up in flights of five. Each flock is made up of five flights of five troopers. Two hundred pegasi fly directly into the teeth of ten dragons and their riders. We are outclassed, but we need to buy time for those on the ground. I watch as we fly through, firing as we go, I see several of the zebra riders being shot and falling limp in their harnesses, and even see one dragon badly wounded break off. However, they keep coming. They try to stop in-flight to engage us, dumping speed, instead of following suit, we pass through their formations as fast as we can. Firing at point-blank range before we can get past them, we spin around to re-engage and our formations have fallen apart. We dive into their ranks and begin the deadly game anew. As we get close again Rainbow Dash sees a dragon about ready to spit fire at her. To do so it has dumped all of its speed. As it opens its mouth to shoot at her she spins around and fires both of the energy weapons on her battle saddle, right down its throat. I see the beams burn through the back of its head and into the brain cavity. It drops like a rock, landing on top of its crew of zebras and in front of one of their tanks. That gives her the break she was waiting for. Behind us, there are several detonations in the supply dump as The Colonel and the ground assault flocks destroy what they can before being forced out.

“All Flocks, this is RD1, I repeat RD1, Rally, I say again, RALLLLYYYY!!!!” and she spins away for a large cloud bank in the distance.

With that, every Pegasi that is able leaps skyward and flies as fast as they can to form upon her. I see the remaining sky wagon from the fight trying to rejoin but the zebras easily overtake it and force it down. I only hope that the crew was able to survive the landing and surrender.

It is a running fight. The Dragons keep up the chase for several kilometers but the dispersed nature of our forces makes it hard to concentrate fire on more than a few at a time. Then we hit the clouds. The dragons know we now have the upper hand and balk from entering after us. We engage the few that enter the clouds, Entire flocks ambushing them in the blinding cloudbanks. Finally, they break off and return to their forces.

“Colonel, please report.” Rainbow Dash orders over the Radio. There is no reply. Finally, over the radio, she hears a voice. "Ma’am, The Colonel didn’t make it. This is Major Cloud Burst. His adjunct.”

I feel her suck in her breath as if kicked. She then replies. “Major, I need a count of casualties, and we need to find a place to camp for the night.”

"Yes, Ma’am. Will do.”

She finally sits on a cloud and catches her breath. Around her many of her troops are wounded in various capacities. The major finds her and starts to make a report.

“Ma’am, we have taken over 20 percent dead or missing. Several of those missing were the wounded from earlier that were in the sky wagons.”

“Thank you, Major. I appreciate the report. Now let’s look at the map and see where we can camp for the night.”

They look at the map, searching for a location that will provide them with a safe spot for the night. Just as they put the map away over the radio they hear “Feather one, this is feather flight 3, we have hostiles inbound, repeat hostiles inbound. Looks like griffins.”

“Oh, for Luna’s sake, you have to be kidding me. Let’s go get’em, Major.” She tells him as she shifts herself and prepares for action again.

We look up and above in time to see the griffins swooping from out of the sun at us, we countercharge them, and the formations collide in midair with a force that is almost unbelievable. I see both Pegasi and griffon wounded fly limpidly off, and the dead and severely wounded fall from the sky. Rainbow Dash and the others physically engage in hoof-to-claw combat. It is then that I notice at the same time Rainbow Dash does that more of the enemy is inbound, we are going to be overwhelmed. She calls again over the radio, “This is RD1 to all Flocks, Disengage, and reform on the wing”

“RD1 this is Feathers 2, I have the third Flock here we are establishing a line, have all troops fly through us, we will delay them for you.”

“Major, make sure you can disengage, they are trying to drive us, be careful of that flock of griffons coming in from the far left. “

“Rodger that Ma’am. Now let’s get them home.”

The Major and the third flock fly line abreast, weapons firing as they countercharge the Griffon formations. This allows the survivors of the other formations to break off. At first, I see single Pegasi starting to run off, then groups of two, then entire flights, and finally I watch as an entire flock begins to fly for their lives. Panic has set in.

“Colonel Cloud Burst get to that cloud behind you and keep going through it, I have a plan that may just stun them enough for us to break off. We will rendezvous at our campsite from last night. All Flock Troopers, break and reform at last night's camp, do not lead them to it, escape and evade tactics for the next hour, I will meet you there, Head for the deck we have a Sonic Rainboom coming in.”

With that, I feel her throw her body into the flight. She stretches out as she moves her head lower in line with her body. I can actually see the moisture in the air start to form a cone around us. As the clouds nearest us begin to push away. Suddenly behind us, I hear a loud noise and a flash of brilliant colors start, we dive through the clouds that they are on and as they break apart the force of the sonic rainboom slaps against the griffons. Stunning them as if they have just been bucked upside the head. As we weave through their formations, they try to shoot at us but cannot move their weapons fast enough to track us. As we barrel roll past one formation, I see the rainbow that we are leaving behind in our wake, and the clouds behind us disperse. The formations of the griffons are disorganized and shattered, but all try to reform and chase after us. I also see several of the Griffon as they fall stunned from the sky, it must be their weaker flyers.

As we continue at this speed, I see that all of the enemy formations are now chasing after the rainbow, we are heading back toward the supply dump. I see a thunder cloud ahead and Rainbow Dash flies toward it, slowing down enough that the sonic rainboom ends and she is only a single pegasus in the sky, the enemy far enough behind that they can no longer see us here, but they have been distracted enough that the rest of her troops have been able to run. We land for a bit of rest. After an hour break, we take to the sky once again and flying nap of the earth return to the site of the camp from the night before. We land in the clearing and are greeted by the Major, now Colonel Cloud Burst.

“It is good to see Madam Minster, Thank the Goddesses you are ok.”

“Good to see you too Colonel. How are we looking?”

“Ma’am, it's not good, we have taken over fifty percent casualties, but we still have some straggling in.”

She walks over to a tree and punches it with a forehoof, “Damnit! They have to do something to better protect my flyers! We have to get some kind of body armor! This cannot happen again!”

A short time later I hear her talking to herself under her breath, “Great, I forgot all about this thing. Now they can all see how I fouled this up.”

It is then that I see her hoof come up and turn off the recollector unit.

Then I am back in my room. I am stunned by what I have seen. I am not sure more what has stunned me, Rainbow Dash being so badly defeated, or the use of a Sonic Rainboom. My Goddesses, I got to experience what it was like to do a Sonic Rainboom. I start to giggle quietly. I have to say I did learn a lot from it too. From both sides.

I look up and see the others looking at me, expectantly. It is daytime outside the window, so I guess this must have been longer than I expected. I just look at them and smile.

Archer looks back at me “So?”

“A lot of good information there, much more than in the reports. I also got to experience a Sonic Rainboom. She really did it. I had almost thought it a myth.”

“Wait, who did a sonic rainboom? And why?” Emerado asks.

“Rainbow Dash. It was one hell of an ambush. She used it as a distraction to break contact with the Zebra forces. Do you want to view it?”

Emerado almost goes pale, I mean more so than her light grey coat normally is. “No, no more flying for me. I am good.”

Archer, on the other hand, looks at me and asks, “Mollygirl, do you think I should? If so, I will do so. I am not as into the idea of flying as you, but I am always willing to learn. However, I can not do it today. As it was, I had to leave Emerado here with you while I went back to my troops yesterday. Perhaps in a day or two when I have a good 18 hours to spare.”

“Excuse me, I was out for 18 hours, oh no, I am so sorry Em, Archer. I did not mean to be out for so long.”

“That’s ok, Mollygirl, however, your doctor was a little put out that you were out so long. She wanted you to get some more time on your hooves. She is thinking of booting you out of here in another day or two.” Emerado informs me.

“I really, I hope so. I am so sick of being in here. The only good thing is I get to see so much of Magpie and everyone.”

“Understandable, but remember most of the Door kickers will be out in the field for another few days also. After that, you may see them again, but they will be on leave rotation unless it needs to be changed again.” Archer reminds me.

“Well at least once I am out of here, I can start to try building my strength back up and try looking for George, or hints of where she may have gone.”

“Mollygirl, what do we tell her if we find her? I mean if she is asleep, she will not be very happy if we wake her for no reason.” Em reminds me.

“All good points, I have to say, but I also have to interrupt here as it is time to practice walking, I will be back in a bit, I have to use the restroom.” And with that, I change the subject.

After I return, I take a walk to the nurses’ station and back. It has become a regular practice for me, that every time I use the restroom I then make this trek. At first, it was agony, now it is becoming easier although, after the downtime from the memory orb, I had started to stiffen up a bit again. On my way, I see my doctor. She is making her rounds and is going in to see another patient, but smiles at me as she sees me make my trek.

After I have returned to my bed, I am in the midst of rereading the after-action report that covers the memory orb that I have just seen. I am now fully able to understand the differences between what was said, and what really occurred. I am discussing these with Em and Archer when Dr. Embolism comes in. She looks at my chart, then does a cursory check. Finally, she looks at me. “Well, Mollygirl. I think that in two days I will be sending you home. Everything looks good enough I could release you tomorrow, but I want one extra night of healing. I also have to say that I am happy with how far you have come on walking again. Perhaps later you can try to go to the end of the hall and back a couple of times, other than that you look good. I will see you tomorrow then,” she then leaves the room.

I look at Emerado and Archer, “Well the next couple of days should go fast enough. Is there anything that maybe we should start to discuss, that you have been holding back?”

Emerado looks at me, “Mollygirl, once we are back at the stable, I have a few things to discuss. However, I am not authorized out here to talk about them. But let’s just say, you will have your reason for waking George.”

She has stunned both Archer and me. I can only wonder now what is going on, and how much trouble we are all really in now. But hopefully, we will have George to stand beside us again.

Dear D.J. Pony, I have a dear friend that is going through some very tough times right now. Could you please play the Wrong Side of Heaven for her and those around her that share her grief and stand with her during this time of tribulations?

Thank you Very much

Lt. Archer

Manesville Co-op

Thank you to Kkat, for inventing the universe fo Fallout Equestria. Thank you to Somber, Fuzzy VeeVee, and several others for showing how this universe can be built upon.

I also have to thank my test readers and proofreaders, as well as my illustrator. Also, thank you to my readers. I hope I continue to entertain you.

For my readers who may not be familiar with this song the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_l4Ab5FRwM