After we leave the bunker, we first head to White Cloud and the White Cloud Inn. As we enter, I first see Hard Tack behind the bar. I see his eyes go wide at our condition and his ears go back when he sees the ghoul with us.

He comes over quietly and tells me, “We don’t serve his type here.”

I stop in my tracks and I tell him, “He is with me. He has fought against his own friends who have turned alongside of us. Either he stays, or you go. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?”

He gets an angry look on his face and tells me, “Mollygirl, this is not like having Choo Choo with you that time, please, the cattle customers will shun me.”

I look at him calmly and tell him, “First, tell them that the Herd Mother said he was ok. Second, tell them he has saved their genetic diversity.”

I see him look confused and he asks, “What do you mean by that?”

I smile and ask him, “Have you ever heard of cryogenic storage of embryos?”

He thinks about it and then says, “I remember reading something about it during my time with the Steel Rangers, why?”

I smile and tell him, “He has spent the last two hundred years protecting several vats of cattle as well as pony embryos.”

I see a stunned look on his face. Then from behind me, I hear the voice of Khatri ask, “Did you say he was a protector of our unborn young Herd Mother?”

I turn to him and smile and tell him, “Yes you did Khatri, he and several other ghouls have survived for the last two centuries under this area with several vats of frozen cattle embryos.”

I see Khatri think and he asks, “And how did you and your comrades come to be in possession of these embryos?”

Johnny turns and addresses him, “They were put in our care by the Equestrian government as part of the agreement to build a facility on the Corn Family’s land.”

I see a confused look on the cattle holy bull’s face, and he asks, “Who were they and why would they care that the cattle be preserved this way.”

I see Johnny slowly shake his head with his eyes closed. Then he tells him, “The Corn family formerly owned the land that the Lieutenant Colonel and her family now live on. They wanted to make sure that all the creatures of Equestria got a chance at survival and rebuilding their genetic lines.”

I watch as the bull nods his head and then he asks, “And who was this Sweet Corn to you?”

I see a mournful expression come over Johnny’s face and he answers, “He was the best friend I ever had. He saved mine and several others of our battalion’s lives. I was there when he bought it. I held him as he died. He was my brother from another Udder as he used to joke.”

“So, you were close to him, I understand your relationship with him and how it hurts to lose such a brother. Were you close to his family also?” Khatri asks.

Johnny nods his head, “Yes, yes I was. I slept there many times and even helped them replace some of the siding that was damaged during a storm when I was on leave with Sweets.”

I see Khatri nod his head and he asks, “Could I buy you a drink, herd mate?”

I am surprised by this, but not nearly as much as Hard Tack is. Johnny on the other hoof simply smiles and tells him. “I would really like that Herd Leader.”

As we all go in to sit down, I can tell when Stir Fry sees us as from the back I hear, “Oh Hey Colonel, hi kids.” Then I hear her ask, “My goodness, Moon Lily did you get your cutie mark?”

I see Moon Lily Blush slightly and nod her head. “Yes, Miss Stir Fry. I just got it a bit ago. “

I see Stir look surprised and she asks, “Well dear, what were you doing when you got it?”

I watch those around us as she tells them. Then I hear Khatri ask, “Did you say you were giving the blessing of the dead?”

She nods her head and tells him, “Yes sir, that blessing is a type of spell that helps the spirits when they leave this world. I watched you give it a couple of times and today was the first time I used it.”

I see Khatri sit back stunned, as he quietly says, “I perform magic and I do not even realize it?. It took a filly to teach me?”

I then notice Johnny just staring at her before he asks, “So when you were giving the blessing down there, you really were helping them to crossover to Elysium?”

She nods her head, “Yes sir.”

He then asks, “But why would you help those of us like me?”

She looks at him sadly and tells him, “Because I can see you walk both sides just like Momma Mollygirl. If I can help those who need it to transition, why shouldn’t I? I would prefer to help with the births of new ones, but ma will not allow me to go with her yet.”

I see Sutures’s jaw drop and she asks, “Dear, you can see both sides?”

I see her nod her head, “Ma, can’t all ponies do this?”

We all look at each other, then back at her and I gently say, “No dear, most of us can’t.”

I see her look surprised and she tells us, “I just thought they were messing with me when they said they couldn’t see it.”

Sutures smiles sadly at her and tells her, “Dear, you have a gift that few have. I will not say I understand how you got it, but dear, you do have it.”

I nod my head as do Khatri, and Johnny Cake. Then Johnny tells her, “What you did for my comrades down there. I thank you, and when my time comes, I pray that you are there to help me cross over too little one.”

I see her look at him soberly and nod her head, then she slowly walks over to him and nervously rears on her back hooves and gives him a hug and tells him, “Yes sir, If I can, I will.”

I watch as he hugs her back and smiles and kindly tells her, “Thank you.”

Then the moment is broken when Hard Tack then asks, “OK, what can I get you all to drink?”

After dinner my family celebrates Moon Lily getting her cutie mark. Sutures and Sumac make her the cake. I just smile as they are as excited for her about this as they were when Woody got his last year.

After we finish dinner, I am in the kitchen washing dishes with Millie helping me. I notice how upset she is and ask her, “Ok, Mills, what is wrong dear?”

I see her start to tear up and she says, “Ma, it’s just not fair. Moon always gets things and I don’t. I try to understand about her magic with her being a unicorn, but ma, even cutie marks? When will I get mine?”

I stop washing dishes and give her a hug as I tell her, “Dear, I know it is hard, but this too shall pass. I was already in the army before I got mine. So was Grandpa Bullet. So please dear, do not worry, it will come in due time.”

“Ma, you don’t understand what it is like when everypony else keeps getting things you want and can’t.”

I let out a slight chuckle as I think, yep she is her mother’s daughter. Then I tell her, “Mills, I do understand dear. There was a time before you were born where I felt I was losing everything and every pony else was getting what I wanted,” I pause, and I tell her, “I actually felt cursed back then, but finally something happened, and it all changed. I did not get everything I wanted when I wanted it, but things started to get better for me.”

I hear her sniffle some and she asks, “What happened ma that made you realize that?”

I kiss her gently on her forelock, then I tell her, “I found out I was pregnant with you. Dear, I was badly hurt at one time and I never thought I would be able to get pregnant. I was so hurt and upset, but I also realized that I still had a family and who loved me, and I would be able to love their foals too.”

She leans into me and asks me, “Ma, is that why you never had another foal?”

I nod my head and tell her, “Yes dear, I really wanted to carry a foal again when I was younger, but I have made up for it by your siblings and the others I have adopted over the years.”

I hear her sniffle a bit before she tells me, “Thanks ma, I needed to hear that.” She pauses then her next question completely catches me off guard as she asks, “Ma, I heard about the frozen babies in the cave. Could you carry one of them?”

When she asks this, I am stunned as I had never even considered it. I slowly nod my head and I tell her, “I guess I could, I, I just never thought of it. Dear, you have given me something to think about.”

She leans into me and kisses me, “Thanks ma. In case I have not said it, I am so glad you are my mother.”

I squeeze her gently and kiss her again and I tell her, “And I feel the same way about your dear.”

We finish the dishes and we go back into the other room to join the rest of our family. Once we get there, I watch Millie walk over to Moon and give her a big hug and I hear her say, “Congratulations little sis, I am so happy for you.”

My worry about Millie being upset ends though when I see this and then I hear Moon Lilly tell her, “Thank you, Mills, I only wish you could have been there with me. Now I can’t wait to see what yours will be.”

That night as I lay alongside Sutures, with Archer on the other side I tell them, “You know, Millie asked me if I was going to carry one of the embryos. I had not even considered it. What do you two think?”

I feel Sutures roll over to face me and as she and Archer gently caress me, she tells me, “Dear, that is an interesting thought that never occurred to me either. Now I would suggest that you wait a couple of months at least though. First to let you thoroughly think it through, Secondly, so that I can do some reading up on the procedure and possible complications.”

Then I hear Archer chuckle lightly as he says, “Besides, we need to make sure it is a pony embryo. Goddesses, with your luck Mollygirl, you might end up carrying a calf.”

My heart immediately begins to beat faster, and I am suddenly nervous at the thought of it. I know he was only joking, but for the love of Sweet Cream. He is right, it would be my luck. As my heart starts to return to its normal speed and my breathing returns to normal, I feel Sutures caress my cheek and I feel her kiss me gently as she tells me, “Dear, relax, if you do this I will make sure nothing like this happens, Ok?”

I gently move my head up and down and tell her, “Thank you, love.”

Then Archer asks, “Should we bring this up to the other partners tomorrow?”

I take a deep breath and let it out as I ponder my answer. Then I reach across our mare in the middle and stroke his cheek and tell him, “Yeah, we should. After all no need to consider it further if we are not in agreement.”

Soon afterward we are falling asleep. As I drift off I say a short prayer to the Goddesses and Sweet Cream, thanking them for the gifts they gave us today, and asking for their guidance on the question of not only if I could, but if I should carry somepony else’s foal and raise them as my own.

Morning comes and our family eats our normal breakfast of oatmeal and haycakes. Ginger comes up from Persimmon and Xavier’s house holding tales with Xochitl. As they come in the front door, I hear her ask, “What no bacon?”

“Sorry dear, we try and limit how much we eat of it now. Maybe tomorrow morning ok?” Sumac tells her.

“Oh ok, Mama Sumac. I was just hoping is all.”

After that, they both grab a cup of coffee and join us for breakfast. Once I am finished, I go into the other room to finish putting on my uniform for the day. I am just cinching up my pistol holster when Ginger comes into the room. I see her smile sadly as she asks, “Still in the habit I guess?”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I never got out of it, unfortunately, and I feel uncomfortable without it.”

She nods again in understanding, then tells me, “Yeah, I have to thank you for breaking me of that habit after the expedition Ma. But that is not what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh really? What do you want to talk about then dear?”

“Ma, I wanted to say thank you for having our backs yesterday. Honestly, we got cocky and I screwed up. So, thank you from all of us for pulling our bacon out of the fire.”

When she says it this way, I know she is serious, but I cannot help but twitch my ear slightly in amusement. But at least I keep from laughing.

At first, she seems irritated by my amusement, then she realizes what she said and starts to laugh lightly, “Ok, I can’t believe I said it that way ma.” She pauses and then tells me, “Ma, I am worried about Moon though. She seems to think she has to be like you and mama Sutures and go into harm's way all the time.”

When she says this, I raise an eyebrow and twitch my ear in a questioning way. “Ok, I can understand your concerns because I have them too. But she seems to also be following in her bigger sisters' hoofsteps too.”

I see her blush slightly, even though it is hard to see with her red coat. Then she says, “That is also part of what I am worried about ma. I want better for her than what I have.”

I nod my head. “I understand love. I feel the same way for all of you. All me and your other parents want is for you to be happy,” I tell her.

I see her smile and she says, “Thanks ma. I appreciate it,” She looks up at me with a grin and tells me, “Who knows if I ever am able to have a foal, but if I do, I hope I can be as good a mother as you and the others have been for me.”

I smile back at her and I tell her, “Dear, I am sure you will make a wonderful mother someday.”

Before she can reply I hear Millie yell, “Come on Moon, Bucky, and Woody we are gonna be late for school! Xailynn is already coming!”

Ginger looks out the door we hear her from and laughs, “Goddesses, do you raise all your fouls to cut it close?” Then she turns back to me, “I guess I best let you go Ma, I will see you tonight at dinner.”

I give her a quick hug and put on my softcover as I tell her, “I will see you tonight dear. It is so nice having you home again.” Then I head out the door, joined by both of my husbands.

I am still thinking about what we discussed the night before and am slightly preoccupied with these thoughts as I walk with Badger and Archer to the Stable. This causes me to almost miss Badger saying, “You know Archer, maybe we should suggest that Harness be contacted. That way we can perhaps help their gene pool down there too. I know even Sumac said last night that if she were a couple of years younger, she would consider it.”

This surprises me so much that I trip on my own hooves. Once I recover, I gape at him with my mouth hanging open and eyes wide. Finally, I ask, “Badger did she really say that?”

He nods his head and says, “Dear, yes she did. She even giggled at the thought of you and Magpie carrying them too. She was just worried about not having enough room for more youngsters.”

I arrive at my office with enough time for a quick cup of tea and then I head on over to see the old Mare. I let her know that I need to talk to her after formation concerning the operation that occurred the day before. She simply nods her head and tells me, “Meet me in my office then.”

As I enter, I see her helmet with the dent in it behind her. It feels like she is almost reading my mind when she says, “I see you staring at the dent in it. I got that dent at Third Hereford. I had just stepped around a corner to make water when they got my staff with that frigging balefire egg. The same blast knocked a chunk of concrete so hard into my head that it dented the helmet and knocked me out.”

I nod my head and figure that if she is telling me this much, I can ask. So, I do, “Colonel, how did you survive that, with all the radiation and having been knocked unconscious?”

She stares at me with hollowed eyes, “Mollygirl, this goes no further than you and me. But I came much closer to either dying from radiation poisoning or going ghoul than either of us want to know. In fact, it was during the clean-up phase that one of the combat engineers from Dead Quite found me. He gave me some Rad-ex and Rad Away immediately that they had saved for those raiders in the sewers. Then he carried me to the decon hospital.” I watch as she looks down at her hooves and I see a couple of tears fall before she looks back up at me. She then tells me, “Mollygirl, he saved my life. The whole time I heard him mumble, don’t you go ghoul on me damn you, repeatedly.”

I look at her, surprised at what had happened to her. Then I say, “Star, I thought that high of a dose would have had much worse effects on you.”

She looks up at me and sadly smiles as she tells me, “Mollygirl, I spent most of a year recovering from it. You were already gone when I got back, but until then Apple Cobbler had to do my job as well as run his battalion. One of the things that I do not talk about is that my eggs were irradiated fully. The doctors immediately recommended, then performed a tubal ligation to keep me from passing on that damage to some young foal. So please consider yourself lucky, and know I wish I could have been the one that put paid to that bastard Razor Wire. I am just glad he got his when one of his people that turned ghoul went feral in the bed next to him and got him before anypony could stop him.”

I nod my head in full agreement with her sentiments. I put a hoof across the desk and tell her, “That brings me to why I wanted to see you today.”

“And that reason is?”

So, I begin to tell her about what the real purpose of Site Paddock was. As I continue, I see an expression of shock come over her face as she says shaking her head slowly, “My Goddesses, those ghouls saved that for the future generations. When all others would have given up hope, they stayed at their post to try and help the rest of us.”

I nod my head. “Ma’am, the topper is that in our family cemetery for the farm, we have the son of the family that made sure this happened. He was a young bull who died in No Mare’s Land and was enough of a hero that his comrades chipped in to make sure his body got brought home and not left down there.”

I see her nod her head, “What was his name XO?”

I tell her and she smiles, “Well, maybe, just maybe we can find out a way to make sure Sergeant Sweet Corn is not forgotten, as well as the rest of his family. Thanks, XO, for bringing this to my attention.”

I nod my head and before I go I ask her, “Ma’am, do you want me to have my wife Sutures check to see if you would be eligible to carry one of those youngsters?”

I see her jaw drop and she tells me, “XO, I am not sure. I had given up all hope of it. Let me think on it, but have her check, just in case.”

That night I am on my way home when I see Johnny Cake walking back from Dead Quiet to Site Paddock. As I approach him, I ask, “How are you doing tonight Lieutenant?”

He turns his head and smiles, “I am doing Lieutenant Colonel, I am doing. I was just over in Dead Quiet talking with the Captain and had a couple of drinks. It seems we both miss the old days somewhat.”

I smile at that and I tell him, “Yeah, I can understand that. Just curious, what was Harness like back before the final day?”

I see him grin and he tells me, “You are the first one to ask me that Ma’am, and I am more than happy to tell you about it.”

As we walk, he tells me all about the town itself and what he knew about the mine there, and how his father worked there. Then he tells me about himself, and his life back then. In part, it is painful to hear about how even his own family treated him and his sister.

Then he surprises me and asks, “So if you weren’t married to this bunch up here, would ya really have married that mule Milo that Archer was telling me about?”

I smile at him and think about lying, but then I tell him, “Honestly, probably, though he was a bit more of a playboy back then.”

I see Johnny nod his head before he asks, “So what changed that for him?”

I stop and then I tell him, “I think it was during the Battle of Harness. One of his wives, Laura Lee was badly wounded by the Legion and he thought he might lose her. I think that really hit home.”

“Huh, that makes sense, I guess. Too bad he could not have learned it sooner though.”

I nod my head in agreement. Then I tell him, “Sometimes we have to learn the hard way, ya know?”

He laughs lightly and tells me, “Yeah, yeah I do. But no telling how things can work out sometimes.”

I then decide to take the time to ask him a question that has been bothering me since our drink yesterday. I ask him, “Johnny, you heard my daughter Moon Lily say yesterday she could see the shadows on both sides, why do you think she can do that?

I see him shrug and he tells me, “Honestly Ma’am, I don’t know, but I will tell you, she has been on both sides herself. I see her shadow like I do yours, and to be honest, I am curious myself.”

I have a serious expression on my face after he says this as I am thinking. Then I reply, “Johnny, if I ever find out, I will let you know too, ok?”

He grins that infectious grin of his and says, “It’s a deal, Ma’am.” Then he asks me, “So what have the authorities had to say about our treasure?”

I smile and tell him, “Not much yet, I think they are still trying to process it. But honestly, I think they are secretly ecstatic about it.”

By now we are almost to my farm and he smiles and tells me, “Good, I am glad to hear that, Now if you don’t mind ma’am I really feel the need to go talk to Sweet Corn by myself. I have a few things I want to say to him that I just couldn’t with all the others there yesterday.”

I reach out a hoof and as he takes it, I tell him, “I understand, I have a couple I visit and talk to there myself. Have a good night Lieutenant.” Then I head over to the house while he goes and talks to his long-lost comrade.

That night I have trouble falling asleep, so I join Woofers and Tweeters on the porch to sit under the stars. I am scratching Woofers behind his ears when I see her again. She appears from behind the barn and slowly walks to me.

“Good evening Mareigan.”

“Good evening my child. So, what troubles you tonight my child?”

So, I begin to tell her about the last couple of days. I see her nod her head. Finally, I tell her, “But what bothers me most now is not that she can see the shadows on both sides, but how come she walks on both sides also?”

I see her smile sadly at me and she answers, “My child, when your wife was attacked while carrying her, she did die. I couldna allow that to happen to Sutures, for she too is my child. So now owe a favor to she who would have taken her away is owed. That and it was the young one’s decision to stay as she has work to do yet.”

I am slightly confused by this and ask, “But what work is that? I don’t understand Mareigan?”

She smiles sadly and tells me, “You have seen some of it already. But understand she is spirit touched and before she was born understood hers was not an easy path to come.”

I feel so bad for my daughter now. But at least I do understand a bit more. Then she tells me, “But do not despair, she will have a good if interesting life.”

I nod my head and tell her, “Thank you for letting me know that much at least. I just pray it does not change.”

She smiles and tells me, “It shouldn’t, but the future is never set in stone and very small events can have big consequences on the future. As you well know my child.”

I nod my head and reply, “Yes, yes I do. Now, not to question you, but why did you not ever tell us about the site down below the back 40 acres.”

She smiles at me and tells me with an amused expression on her face, “Because it was not its time yet. Now, now it needed to be found. Alas my child it is time for you to go get some rest.” She then gently touches a forehoof to my forehead and I suddenly feel relaxed and drowsy.

I nod my head, “Ok Mareigan, I will see you again soon.”

She smiles and tells me, “Perhaps, but sleep well tonight, and until our next visit, take care.”

She turns and walks into the darkness quickly disappearing. I then get up and tell the enfields, “Come on in you two, it is starting to get chilly at night again.”

As I enter, they follow me inside and as I climb into bed with my mates, I feel both enfields join us at our feet.

I cuddle up to Sutures and as I drift off, I dream of our foals as adults and our grandfoals.

The next day begins as normal. After lunch, I see the Regimental Sergeant Major at my door. I motion him in, and he then tells me, “Ma’am, with the Colonel’s compliments, she requests your presence in her office.”

She nods her head to me as I enter and tells me, “XO, please have a seat.”

Once I am seated, I ask her, “What can I do for you, Colonel?”

She smiles and tells me, “XO, after this meeting we will be receiving some of the militia commanders as well as our regular officers to discuss provisions for defending the Manesville region. We will be receiving their input so we can finalize plans in the best case as well as the worst-case scenario. Honestly XO, I am really worried about the balloon going up while we only have one battalion here. But if it happens, we will make do.”

I nod my head and tell her, “Of course ma’am, we always have.”

She then tells me, “XO, in two weeks I will be sending you and some others to Hoofington. You will be part of a delegation from the NCR trying to negotiate an alliance with the New Lunar Commonwealth. Mollygirl, I hate to say it, but we really need them on our side.”

I nod in understanding and ask her, “Have you talked to the General about your concerns ma’am?”

She nods her head and tells me, “Why do you think Windy from the Second regiment is going with you?”

I am surprised at this and ask, “Ma’am who all is going with me?”

I see her sigh, “That is part of what I want to talk to you about. I want a backup in case we get caught while you are gone.”

“Ma’am, I still think we should consider those fallback positions I mentioned to you earlier this week.”

She takes a deep breath and tells me, “I will consider it. I am also trying to think about how we could run a guerrilla campaign if need be. But I will talk to our Militia commanders for their opinions.”

“More than understandable ma’am, after all, they would most likely be the ones having to implement it. But at least we are getting the militia ready without being hurried, unlike all those years ago.”

I see her smile at that, and she says “Very true, but most of them back then were needed to back up our defenses after the CEF left. Well, and to fight the Enclave when they hit us. Goddesses I wish we had George in service still.”

I sigh as I tell her, “So do I, even if I can’t ride her in combat due to my rank now.”

I see her smile as she tells me, “You know, I always wondered how you could enjoy flying that much. Then I heard about Kettle Bell and that got me to wonder if I was missing something.”

We chat for a bit more before attending the meeting with the other commanders. Afterward, Windy flags me down and tells me, “Hey Mollygirl, it looks like I will be going to Hoofington as part of some negotiations junket.”

I smile at her and tell her, “I heard, funny thing is, so am I. I am taking my family with me it looks like. Are you going to be able to?”

She asks, “How come your family gets to go with you?”

I grin as I tell her, “Well, Badger and Archer are also going to be searching for equipment for the regiment and artillery.”

I see her nod her head, “That makes sense. I will have to see if I can get my family to come along as well. I am sure they would enjoy it.”

“I am sure of it. From what I have heard from the traders coming up from the Hoof, things have really settled down there since the crater incident.”

I see her nod her head as she tells me, “That is part of what makes me wonder why they want to send me. I mean, after all, I have not been there since before we came to the old Co-op.”

“Maybe they figure you might have some old contacts down here. It could also be that they think you would know what weapons would be best to pick up for the 2^nd regiment. I mean being a rapid deployment regiment has to wear on the equipment as well as the troops.”

She gives a half-grin and tells me, “Yeah it does. But what can we say?”

Soon after we head back to our respective headquarters. To finish out our day. As soon as I can I wrap up my paperwork and make a beeline for home.

Once home I tell Sumac and Sutures the news. I see them both look at each other and Sumac says, “We better begin to prepare for leaving. Sutures, I will be back in a bit. I am going to go let Persimmon and Xavier know so they can run the place while we are gone.”

“Good idea Sumac, but dear, we have two weeks before we leave. I would suggest deciding what we are going to need for that long a trip.”

I see Sutures sigh as she says, “Well at least we don’t need to worry about diapers or nursing with this bunch.”

When Sumac gets back, she tells me, “They already knew. It seems the kids are going to be going with us.”

I smirk at that. It has been a long time since I have had them with me outside the Manesville area. Then Sumac nervously asks me, “Mollygirl, what’s it really like out there? I mean, I have never been further from home than Donavan or Manesville.”

When she asks me this it stops me in my tracks as I realize most ponies have probably never been more than 20 miles from their birthplace. I shake my head at the thought and I tell her, “Not as bad as it once was, and we will be traveling in a group, so I am not sure if you need to take ol’ Bessie with you.”

I see her hem and haw for a bit, then she says out loud, “Well we got a couple of weeks, I will think about it. Now I best get dinner started.”

About this time, I hear Woody yelling “We’re home,” as he and his sibling charge into the house from school.

I go into the dining room where they are all sitting down doing their homework and talk to them about how their day has been.

Later during dinner, I announce to the whole family the news. Millie giggles and tells me, “We already know ma. Xochitl and Ginger were talking about it this morning.”

I hear Archer then asks Magpie and Badger, “What are we the last to know now?”

I smirk and tell him, “I guess so, see what happens when you start to get old.”

From down the table, I hear Sumac say, “Ok Mollygirl, no dessert for you tonight, reminding me I am getting old like that.”

This gets a round of laughs from the whole family. But she does have a dessert picked out, she has canned apples with cinnamon on top of pancakes. As I get my serving Moon uses her horn to move it away from me and giggles as she says, “Mama Mollygirl, mama Sumac said none for you.” Then she giggles some more and sets it back down.

I see Millie nudge her after this and then I hear Moon Lily tell her, “Stop nudging me, or I will tell that I caught you and Rain Dancer nuzzling.”

This gets Millie to look angrily at her sister and she puts a hoof in front of her muzzle to shush her. This also gets me to raise an eyebrow and realize I will need to keep an eye on her during this trip. Especially with Rain being along on it with Windy.

From next to them I see Epona grin that knowing big sister grin. She says nothing but shakes her head and smiles.

Later that night I am sitting on the porch again when Epona joins me. She sits down on the edge of the porch and I hear her sigh. I know this means something must be bothering her.

“OK Epona, what is bothering you?”

She looks down at Xavier and Persimmon's place then says, “Ma, I’m lonely.”

“I can understand that I guess. I have been there myself, dear.”

“Yeah, I know Ma, but I am just tired of not having anypony special in my life. I mean Ginger has Xochitl, and Tater is starting to date Twinklehoofs. Even Cowlick has started dating one of the heifers from town.”

I nod my head and ask, “What about Sunny?”

She laughs and tells me, “Ma, he may not have settled down, but he does have a way with the mares.”

As she answers this, I nod my head and then ask, “Ok dear, l have to ask has something happened to bring these feelings to the surface?”

She slowly shakes her head no and tells me, “No, not really, I just see the others dating and finding somepony who they can spend time with. Ma, it kind of hurts. I miss when Ginger and I used to spend so much time together. Now, she stays at Persimmon's and Xavier’s so she can sleep with Xochitl. I feel like I am missing out on life.”

I nod my head again and I put a hoof around her shoulder. Then I tell her, “Dear, I do understand. But when you find them, you will know, and it will be worth the wait. Now I am not saying it will always be easy or that things will be perfect. But it will be worth it.”

“Ma, do you still miss her?” she asks.

I know exactly who she means, and I tell her, “Every damn day. I miss them both. But Ivy was my closest friend growing up. I just wish she would have told me how she felt sooner on this side.

I see her smile slightly and she tells me, “Yeah, I keep forgetting that on this side she did not tell you till it was too late. I am sorry for reminding you Ma.”

I give her an extra squeeze and I tell her, “It's not a problem dear. I do understand. Besides that, reminds me I need to visit their grave and tell them where we are going. Would you like to go with me?”

She nods her head and we get up and walk around the house and to the farm’s graveyard. As we enter, I notice something off to the side over by the one they called Sweet Corn’s grave. I cautiously approach and I see the zebra ghoul from Site Paddock is laying there talking to the headstone. When he sees me, he begins to get up and I tell him, “No, please keep visiting him. I was coming to visit some ponies I loved here too. I am sorry for bothering you.”

He finishes standing and tells me, “It’s alright Colonel. He has patience, besides his humor seems to be grave as of late.”

I am stunned by his joke and both me and Epona laugh out loud at his dark humor. Then I tell him, “I really am sorry I interrupted your visit though.”

He smiles and tells me, “Ma’am, it is ok, I come to see him most nights now. Johnny was not the only one who felt like he was his brother.”

“We can understand how that is Sir,” Epona tells him and I see his hazy eyes shift in her direction.

He looks at her judgingly and tells her, “Yes, I remember you. You were one of the ones from the other day, aren’t you?”

She nods her head, “Yes sir.”

He then tells her, “I must thank both of you for doing what we could not. I wish I could thank the little one, but I have not seen her and besides, I am afraid she would either be afraid of me or take what existence I have.”

Epona shakes her head and tells him, “No sir, she would not do either unless you were feral. She has known ghouls her entire life now.”

I see him nod his head, “That is good, but what about zebra’s I mean I have seen several in the area, but how does she feel about them?”

I smile and tell him, “She has known Xavier, our hired hoof since she was born. She also has known his son as well as having gone to school with several colts and fillies who are zebras.”

He looks at me and smiles as he says, “I am glad to hear that. That means there is hope for the future. Now I best get going. But before I depart, Ma’am, do I have permission to enter your family’s farmyard so I can visit your hired hoof? I have heard he is a corporal in the Militia, and I want to discuss some thoughts with him.”

“Of course, you would be welcome too. But please wait until morning if you would as I believe they have already turned in for the night.”

He laughs lightly and tells me, “Of course ma’am. Of course, I don’t want to appear out of the night like one of those creatures from a horror movie back during the war. I mean, after all, I do have no illusions about my appearance nor that of my comrades.”

“Well, it was a pleasure to talk to you, Lieutenant. I hope to do so again soon.” I tell him.

He smiles and tells me, “It was a pleasure to talk to you too both also, Now I should let you two continue on with your visit without an old ghoul hanging around.”

“Have a good night Lieutenant,” I tell him as he walks off.

He smiles and tells me, “And a good night to both of you.” Then he continues on his way back to Site Paddock.

Epona and I sit at the grave of Ivy and our sides Epona and talk with them for a bit. She mostly to Ivy, as if she were the Ivy from her side. Afterward, as we walk back to the house, she tells me, “You know Ma, after all these years, it still feels weird to visit my own grave. But at least I know I or she was loved on this side too.”

The next couple of weeks go quickly for me. We have the travel plans finalized and we have a few stops planned that I had not anticipated. However, I am really glad to see them. As I look at the itinerary, I am amused to see that we will be taking a military steamship down to Western Landing as they have taken to calling the docks and surrounding community just northeast of New Appleloosa.

I also am pleased when I see that we will be taking the S. Glimmer again. At least I know the captain well and how he will deal with us. After all, he has had dinner at our place a time or two over the last couple of years. I also receive the room assignments for the delegation. My family will be taking up three of them alone.

Tonight, as I finish my workday, I say goodbye to most of my staff, As I am walking out the back door of the stable, I find myself walking alongside Taser. He smiles as he sees me, “Good Evening Colonel,”

I smile back and catch myself falling in step with him. “Good to see you tonight Captain, how has your company been doing?”

He grins, “They are doing well. It has not been the same though since I got transferred to the second regiments MP company. But I am not complaining.”

I nod, “I am sure, I mean you may be on call but at least you are not having to make the long-term deployments anymore.”

He nods his head and tells me, “You certainly are right about that. I know Cookie, Sweets, and the foals are sure happy about it, too.”

“By the way tell Sweets and Cookie thank you for the apple dumplings from when you guys came and visited last. My family is still raving over how good they were.”

He grins at me and tells me, “I will ma’am.” Then he laughs gently and says, “You know that day we met you, Trouble and the youngsters back in JR-7 I never imagined my life taking this path.”

I nod my head and I tell him, “Honestly Taser, I never imagined mine going this way either. But overall, I have to say I am happy with it.”

Then he asks, “So when are you leaving for Hoofington?”

“In the morning we are to head to the riverfront to catch the Glimmer.”

“Well Colonel, I am going to miss you and your family while you are gone. If you don’t mind, I will stop by to check on Xavier and his family to make sure everything stays quiet.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Of course, I appreciate it.” But really, I know he just wants an excuse to visit with Xavier.

We continue to chat on our way toward White Cloud, about a third of a mile from the farm he bids me a good night and a safe trip as he turns and heads to his home.

As I enter the door, I see most of our bags are packed for the trip already. I see most of the long arms are already packed in scabbards also. I then notice Woofers and Tweeters both keep smelling the pile of luggage.

As we eat dinner tonight, I notice something is bothering Sumac. So, when we are finished eating, I join her in the kitchen as we are standing at the sink washing dishes, I ask her, “Sumac, are you ok? Something seems to be bothering you tonight.”

She looks down at the water in the sink and then out the window. Finally, she sighs and tells me, “Mollygirl, I have lived here almost my entire life. My family has owned this farm for almost a century now. My daughter and granddaughter as well as the rest of my family are buried here. Now, I am going to leave them for a long time. Mollygirl, I am not like you, I am not used to leaving home.”

I put a hoof around her and hug her. Then I tell her, “Ma, it’ll be ok. I promise. Xavier and his family will keep the farm going while we are gone. I just talked to Taser; he will be stopping by to make sure they are ok. Besides, you know the ghouls down in Site Paddock will look out for everyone across the road. I know Lieutenant Cake still visits regularly and Lieutenant Xerxes not only visits the graves, and Xavier, but I have also seen him tending all the graves there. He says it helps him to meditate as he does it.”

She sighs again, “I know dear, but it just so hard leaving home like this. But then again, you already know that don’t you?”

I nod my head and tell her, “Yeah, more than I ever wanted to.”

Then Magpie comes into the kitchen She walks up behind Sumac and hugs her from behind and tells her, “It’ll be ok love, we will do this together.”

I see Sumac lean back against her and she tells her, “Your right love, I am sorry, but I am frightened too. But we can do this together.”

I smile as I see them like this, then I am surprised as Magpie tells her, “Dear, let’s go visit them one last time to say goodbye for now, and then we can head to bed.”

I have already said goodbye yesterday, so I will give them their time to do so also. I go back into the living room and with the rest of the family sit down to read another story. Once the story is done, we all turn in early for the night.

Come morning the house is as busy as if someone kicked over an anthill. We quickly cook and eat breakfast. Millie helps me with dishes. I wash, she dries. Then Moon Lily comes in and uses her TK to store them away. After the last plate and pan are put away, she says, “Ma asks if you are ready mama Mollygirl.”

I look at Mille, then back at her and I tell them, “Ok mares, let’s go.”

I trot out to the barn and help Badger harness up into the cart. Then once next to the house we load up the cart. Xavier and his family come out to assist us and then tell us goodbye.

Soon we are down at the waterfront and looking at the S. Glimmer. Right behind us is Windy and her family. I have to smile as I watch Millie blush when she sees Rain Dancer and his sisters Then when he comes over to talk to her, I notice Moon Lily rolling her eyes and huffing out a breath of air.

I grin at Windy and tell her, “Well sister, shall we?”

She grins back and tells me, “Sounds good to me,” and we start to head to the gangway.

Behind us, I hear Rain Dancer say. “I have never been on a boat before, have you, Woody?”

Woody tells him, “Not yet, but I can’t wait.” Besides him is Shadowbuck smiling and nodding his head. I lead our families on board and am met by the first mate. He salutes Windy and me and tells us, “Mares, the Captain requests the honor of you and your spouse’s presence at dinner tonight at his table.”

Before I answer no because of all the youngsters, I hear Ginger say, “Don’t worry Ma, I will watch them for you.”

I smile at her and tell her, “Thanks, dear. I appreciate it.” Then I look behind me and see all those waiting to come aboard, and I tell them, “Ok everypony follow me to the top deck so we can clear the gangway.”

Once on the top deck we line the rails and wait to get underway. From by his mother I hear Shadowbuck say, “Mama, I have never seen Manesville from this side before.”

I smile as I see her put a hoof around him and tell him, “That’s ok son, neither have I.”

Soon afterward I notice Epona being called up to the pilothouse and see her go up to join Rough Water there. A few minutes later I feel the riverboat begin to pull against its mooring lines. Then the lines are cast off from the shore one by one. Finally, after the last one leaves the pier, I hear a long blast on the ship's whistle and I see the colors of the NCR being moved from the stern of the Glimmer to the foremast that they use for signal flags to other boats in the squadron.

I notice Sumac looking worried and beside her an excited Magpie giving her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek which causes Sumac to smile. Then Sutures and Archer surround me, and I hear Archer say, “Hard to believe the three of us on the road again together.”

“That it is dear, but it does feel right this time.” Sutures says as we swing further into the middle of the river and begin our next journey as a family.

Dear DJ Pon3

I was recently able to finally visit the grave of an old comrade. While there I was joined by some others visiting those they have lost also. For those of us who share such pain and understand it, could you please play The Green Fields of France for us?

Thank you Sincerely.

Xerxes, Lieutenant, 23^rd Equestrian Combat Engineers Battalion.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxkhBvO8_kM