As we watch Manesville recede in the distance I see Both Badger and Archer move to either side of Magpie and Sumac. Sutures and I are leaning on the rail next to each other. As I look around, I see Windy and her husband Squall line also leaning on the rail pointing out the sights to their two daughters. I do not see their son Rain Dancer right away and when I look around, I see him with his wing around Millie, and out of the corner of my eye, I watch as she looks around and then gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.

I act as if I do not see it, but once I look forward to the side, I cannot help but smile. They remind me of a young Xochitl and Ginger. I just hope that Moon does not begin to feel like Epona. Then I look over and I see Moon talking with both of Windy’s daughters. She is smiling and I am relieved when I realize that she is enjoying herself.

After we round the second bend of the river, we can no longer see the buildings of Manesville. I then tell the others, “I am heading down to our cabins to makes sure our bags were delivered there.”

Archer smiles and tells me “I will join you.”

As we are making our way to the passenger quarters on the military transport, I pass several of the crewmembers. Many of them recognize me from before and we exchange brief greetings. I notice they do not seem to know Archer, so I ask him about it.

He grins at me and tells me, “My love, while I have made my deployments also remember I have always been with my battery. They always are transported on a barge, so as much as I have traveled this river, I have never enjoyed this fine of accommodations or even met most of the crew.”

Then I think and I realize even when the Glimmer was in port and I came to visit Rough Water on it, I usually did not have my family with me. The only reason Rough knows them is that he has visited the farm.

We are almost to our cabin when one of the doors opens and I am stunned when I see it is Purple Haze coming out. She grins at me and tells me, “Let me guess, you didn’t read who all the civilian delegates to Hoofington are.”

I slowly nod my head and she grins as she says, “Well then surprise, and I am looking forward to spending time with you and your family.”

Archer smiles back at her and tells her, “It is great to see you too Aunt Haze. I know Moon will be ecstatic to see you.”

I see her beam with joy at this and she says, “I can’t wait to see her either. So has anything happened with her in the last two months I should know about?”

Both Archer and I look at each other and laugh before looking back at her. I see her go pale and she asks, “Oh Goddesses what has happened now?”

So, we invite her to our cabin and explain to her about Site Paddock and Moon Lily’s role in it. After we are done, she looks stunned. Then she smiles and says, “SO she finally got her cutie mark? I will have to report this to the society. I can’t wait to see her and congratulate her on it. Where is she?”

“She is up on the top deck with the rest of the family Haze. Last I saw she was with Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider’s two daughters.

I see her think, then she says, I will have to see what I have in my bag. I have a gift for her. Did she have her cute-ceañera already?”

We both look at each other and I tell her, “Yes and no. We had a small family celebration that night for her, homemade cake and canned fruit but nothing too major,”

I see Purple smile and nod her head, “Ok, good. I have something in my bags that I think she would really like.”

Archer puts a hoof on her shoulder and tells her, “Purple, why not give it to her later. I know she would love to see you and show you her mark.”

“You are right my dear Archer. I will do that. If you excuse me now, I have to go see her.”

She then moves past us and heads towards the stairs leading to the top deck, humming as she goes.

Archer turns to me and grins and tells me, “She sure has changed since I first met her along with Milo.”

I grin at him and tell him, “If you think she has changed since then, you should have seen her when I first met her. Back then though she did not know she had a family. I think Moon has made an even bigger difference as she seems to almost consider her a daughter also.”

I see him grin as he opens the door to our cabin and he tells me, “Well what is one more mother for my daughter after as many as she has already.”

Later that night at dinner it is almost comical to see the staff’s faces when I show up for dinner with all my spouses, then Windy shows up with hers. I notice the amusement in Rough’s eyes as he watches from across the room as I enter the officers' mess and am stopped by a crewmember who insists, that I only have one spouse.

Without thinking I coolly reply to the mess specialist, “I can assure you, that when the captain issued this invite for me and my spouses, he knew how many I have. Not only due to the manifest, but by his having eaten at my dining room table many times over the years. Also, you may want to know, he is family.”

I see the poor pony go pale, his ears down to the side of his head, and then the relief he feels when the Glimmer’s XO comes over and tells him, “Seapony, I will take them from here, carry on.”

The young seapony salutes and quickly returns to his other duties.

Once we are at the captain’s table Rough comes over to greet us. He and I exchange a brief hug, then he does so with my wives. My husbands, he shakes hooves with. Then he goes over to Windy and her husband.

As he approaches, I see him grin widely at them and he says, “Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider, so good to see you again. And I take it this handsome stallion with you is the husband you told me so much about on your last voyage aboard the Glimmer.”

Windy smiles and tells him “Captain Water, it is so good to see you again sir. If I may introduce you to my husband Squall Line.”

I see Rough nod his head in a slight bow as he extends his hoof and says, “Sir, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have heard good things about you from both your wife and members of my own family.”

I see Squall line grin and turn his head slightly as he reaches out a hoof to Rough and tells him, “It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

Rough grins at him and then tells him, “Well, from what I have been hearing from my crew and the other youngsters in our clan, I should be meeting you. Please understand, we do approve of a courtship between your colt and our filly Wind Mill, but make sure he understands to take it slow.”

I feel myself blush in embarrassment as he says this and I see Windy go pale, but Squall Line just grins and tells him, “Thank you, Captain, I will do that. I appreciate your having given your approval and thank you for letting me know.”

Rough grins again, and then he casually waves a forehoof at the dinner table and tells us, "Come then, let’s eat.” As he sits and the rest of us take our seats as well.

As the meal progresses, we enjoy a lively conversation about gossip in both Manesville as well as on the river. Then Rough says to Windy and me, “Ok, you two, I need advice on what to do if we are engaged by the Enclave.”

I suddenly see Windy become completely serious. “She looks around and asks, have you seen them yet?”

He nods his head, “Yeah a while back we were over by Two Step Landing making a drop-off and we saw some sky ships over toward Canterlot Mountain. We acted like we were just a regular civilian ship and did not react at all. But if the balloon goes up, I want to be ready for it.”

I nod my head and I notice Windy does as well. Then she says, “Captain, if you run into anything larger than a vertibuck, I would say head for the shallows and beach her. You do not have the weaponry or the armor to stand up to a Raptor or larger. However, I will say for anything smaller than a Raptor, you should be able to have a fighting chance.” She pauses then asks, “I noticed the new 40mm antiair weapons. When did you get them?”

He grins and tells her, “We got those a few months back. When I heard the Enclave was on the prowl again, I asked for some better antiair weapons. Besides those old 40mm can also work wonders on any small craft that tries to assault us. We had a run-in last week with a group of river pirates who thought that they could try and board us. It had been raining so we had them covered by tarps. I was looking through my binoculars when we pulled the tarps off and started to pony them. You should have seen the surprise.”

We all chuckle a bit about that then Archer tells him, “Rough, those are some really wonderful guns there. I miss having our Nightmare Moon with my battery anymore.”

I see Rough nod his head, “I remember you talking to me about how you used her during the expedition. That is part of why I chose them. I also put in a request for some 40mm automatic grenade launchers. That should do the trick against borders or those hiding in the bush along the river.”

Then I hear Badger chime in, “Rough if you are worried about raiders along the river bank you could always see about getting a very large flame thrower to use.”

I see Rough think about it then he tells Badger, “I like the idea of it, but I am worried about the fuel with all the wood on board.”

Badger cringes slightly and then tells him, “Yeah, I can understand that. Sorry, I was just throwing out a possible idea.”

Rough grins and tells him, “Actually it was a good idea, however, I am more concerned with the risk than the benefits because of the fuel.”

Badger nods his head, “I can certainly understand that Rough, one fire at sea was enough for me to last a lifetime.”

Rough nods his head, “I am sure it is. It would be for me as well,” Then he turns to Sumac and tells her, “Dear, your young colt Shadowbuck has asked that he be allowed to try the engineering plants so he can see if he gets an engineer’s cutie mark, with your permission I would like to allow him to do so.”

I see her slightly cringe, then Badger puts a hoof on her shoulder and tells her, “We should let him try. He is getting old enough that he will want to experiment to get his cutie mark. Besides, I think he wants to be like me a bit since Ginger and Xochitl told the foals how I got mine.”

I see Sumac hesitate a bit more, then she says, “Yeah, we should let him. Besides, it might give him a bit more respect for the crews of our transports. Not that he does not respect them already, but I don’t think he understands how much work it takes to keep one moving.”

Rough smiles and tells her, “Thank you for understanding Sumac. If he does get a steamers cutie mark, I will make sure once he is done with school that he finds employment on one of the clans’ riverboats.”

Both Badger and Sumac nod their heads and I hear Sumac say, “Thank you so much Rough. I do appreciate it.”

He grins and tells me, “Well if Epona did not have hers already I would suggest she try it as a helmspony. She has a real touch for it. In fact, not only did she steer us out of Manesville, but I tried to hire her on for my crew.”

I am looking at him with a raised eyebrow when he turns to me and says, “She said no thank you, for now.” He pauses briefly then continues, “She says what she is doing with her team is more important than most realize.”

I nod my head and when I see his head tilted slightly at me and his eyebrow raised as well as his ears in my direction, I tell him, “While I can’t say what it is Rough, partially because I don’t know all the details, I do know it is often Government jobs, I am not sure if Choo and the rest really are into free lancing.”

He laughs lightly, “Fair enough Mollygirl, fair enough. Thank you for letting me know that much. But my offer to her does still stand. She has a steady hoof on the wheel and is a natural at it.”

I smile at this as I tell him, “I will pass on what you said. I know eventually, she will want to settle for a more sedate life.”

He laughs at me as do the rest, then he says, “Just like you, right Mollygirl?”

I have to grin at this, but inside I am afraid he is right. Part of me wants a nice normal life, but part of me misses the adventure and adrenalin rush I used to get. I simply nod my head then and answer, “Well maybe.”

Right after this, our meals begin to be served and we begin to eat. During this time our conversations shift to more mundane things rather than the clan business that I had not expected. Well, at least it went well.

After dinner, we first return to our cabins and check on the youngsters. I grin as I find Ginger is there reading to them all. I see Epona and Xochitl both to the side listening as much as the youngsters to the story. This time I am surprised as it is a new story to me. It is a wartime tale about a dragon named Tempest Fire and tells about his turning against his fellow dragons and fighting alongside his pony friends.

After she is done, I ask her, “Ginger, I never heard of that story before, where did you get it?”

As I ask, I suspect she will say Magpie, but she stuns me when she tells me, “From George. I am to drop it off in Harness if we stop there.”

I am surprised when she says this and I ask her, “Dear, why did she not just take it herself?”

I hear her sigh before she tells me, “Because it is her most precious possession. She was afraid of it getting damaged in her saddlebags and she wants to read it to her youngsters in Harness. She will meet us there.”

I am stunned when she says this. Not only because she knows about my military inspection of the Hackamore/Harness defenses, but her use of the words about George having youngsters. When and who did she meet to have them with. A better question is why did she not bring them to Manesville?

I let out a sigh and tell her, “Ok, I understand. Thank you for doing this for her.”

I see Ginger grin as she says, “Ma, she is my friend too, besides, it was Choo who had gotten the letter from her and actually asked me to do it.”

For some reason this makes me feel better. Of course, she would share some things with her roommate she would not with others. I just find it amusing that after all these years George and Choo still shared the cave together. It is amazing how well friendships can develop, even from unseen places.

After the young ones turn in, Ginger and Xochitl decide to take a walk on the upper deck alone. While they are doing this, I stay to keep Epona company.

We are sitting there talking quietly when I notice she is staring at Millie and slowly shaking her head. I know she is ruminating again so I ask, “Ok, what is it dear?”

She smiles sadly and tells me, “I was just thinking about how big she is getting. You know she is now almost as old as the last time I saw her alive on the other side. Funny thing is, she was not interested in colts on that side. I mean she was just a sweet little filly still. I am so glad to see her have a special somepony here.”

I nod my head, then I ask, “Epona, did you have a special somepony on the other side?”

She smiles sadly and tells me, “No, you and ma would not have allowed it on that side. But I did have a crush on one little colt. But on this side, he does not exist,” she stops and sighs. Finally, she says, “I do wish he were here. But that is my life.”

I nod my head and tell her, “I understand dear. I am sorry there is not more I can do for you.”

Finally, she says, “Ma, I am thinking of eventually taking Rough up on his offer. What do you think?”

I smile at her and put a forehoof on her shoulder as I tell her, “Dear, do what you need to do for you. But if it is what you want; I will say you could do a lot worse, and he does say you are a fair hoof on the wheel.”

I see her grin at that, “Thanks Ma. I really appreciate that.”

Soon after this Ginger and Xochitl return to the cabin and I watch as they climb into a shared bunk. Epona then grins at them and tells me, “Well Ma, I guess we should all get some sleep. I am going to turn in myself. Sleep well.”

I kiss her on her forelock like I used to do all the time when she was little and I tell her, “You too dear. I will see all of you in the morning.”

I then return to my cabin and find Archer and Suture already asleep, so after removing my uniform I quietly climb into bed with them and cuddle up, falling asleep to the rhythm of the Glimmer’s engines.

It takes us two more days to pass by Two Step. As we go past my family and most of the delegation is on the top deck looking at it. Beside me, I hear Sutures crying a little bit and Archer puts a hoof around her. Then I hear Magpie and Sumac talking and one of them asks me, “Mollygirl, is this the place?”

I nod my head with out saying a word lost in my own memories. Down the rail a bit I hear Xochitl say, “It’s ok Ginger, I feel like crying too.”

Then I hear Purple Haze asks, “What really happened here that has you all so upset?”

Finally Ginger says, “Aunt Purple, we fought here twice. A lot of ponies we know are buried here. It is the first time Xochitl and I have been past it in daylight, so we are having a lot of memories.”

Then Xochitl says, “Aunt Purple, the second time we lost all but three of our officers of the CEF. The Colonel and Captain Archer both got us back on our hooves and lead us back home.”

She looks kind of perplexed and asks, “If she led you home why are you so upset?”

Then I hear my beloved Sutures sniff back her tears and say, “Haze, the last time we fought here I still had both hind legs. But I lost so many ponies I could not save.”

I see awareness begin to dawn on her as she then says, “I do understand now.” She looks down at the deck and says, “It is hollowed ground. I am sorry I did not realize it.”

As she says this, I see Moon Lily move to the rail and stand on her hind legs with one foreleg leaning against it. She looks sadly across the water at the remains of the little town that was once there. Then she smiles and I notice a small cottage has been erected there and I see the farmer in the field hoeing his crop. Moon Lily waves to them and they wave back. Then she gets back down and returns to her teacher’s side.

For me seeing some pony starting to farm there is significant. Even though it has been years. Life goes on, and the land begins to recover.

Unlike my previous trips, this time we do not have to stop and shift transports at Two Step Landing. Soon we are sailing through the Canterlot Mountain Gap. I look up in wonder at the mountain and think about the times we have been here before and when I have gone under it.

As I look Sutures comes up alongside me, Epona on my other side and we all look at it. Then Sutures says, “It is hard to believe Epona that a few miles under that rock is where we first met you.”

I see her grin back and she says, “Yeah, and where I came through to stay on this side. Ma’s thank you both for being here for me.”

I can’t help but grin and tell her, “Dear, you mean the world to us and I am just so glad you are here with us now.”

“Honestly, so am I Ma, so am I,” she answers back.

As we sit there, I see the other members of my family spending time with each other and with the other members of the delegation. It is while this is going on that I first see a sight I had hoped to never see again. I lookup and over the south side of the Canterlot Mountain, I see a raptor slowly making its way west. Then I see a vertibuck take off and fly in our direction.

As it comes our way, I notice that the crew still has the 40mm guns covered and while not ponyed the crew are close enough they can do so in an emergency. I look up at the pilothouse and see Rough wave at me and he then points at Windy and her family as well as a few other Pegasus who are topside and then points below.

Taking his meaning I slowly walk to them and tell each of them to calmly head below for a bit and we will let them know when it is clear to come back on deck.

As Windy heads below last, she turns to me and says, “I am glad Rough is taking this seriously. If they see us, they may try to stop the Glimmer and board her to see if we are Dashites and if not to try and force us back into the Enclave.”

I nod my head and I tell her, “Dear I understand now here they come.”

I am so glad that today I am sans uniform as is the rest of the delegation. We just look like a normal civilian ship to anypony who does not know better.

I feel myself sweat as the vertibuck comes closer and finally I watch as it does a slow fly-by first to the starboard side, then it swings around and slowly passes by the port side. As it does this, I see the door gunners tracking us with their minigun.

I then see a slight glow and I see Moon Lily moving her lips and moving her forehoof. Next, I hear Sutures quietly say, “No magic Moon.”

I then see the light of her horn go out, but I also notice that the minigun had begun to spin up for firing and when her horn goes out, they shut it back down and point it in a neutral direction. Finally, the Pilot waves to us and we simply wave back.

The pilot waggles the aircraft slightly and then speeds off to rejoin the raptor it came from. As it recedes into the distance, I feel my heart begin to beat again and I take a deep breath.

As the vertibuck fades from sight and the Raptor continues on we slowly begin to return to our normal behavior. Windy comes back up and I see both her and Squall line are covered in sweat.

“Thank the Goddesses they went on.” Squall line says.

I see Windy and a few other of the adult pegasi near us nod in agreement. Then Windy asks, “Ginger, Epona, have you heard anything about the Enclave becoming more active in this area?”

Both of my oldest daughters’ faces as well as Xochitl’s go neutral. Not quite the resting mare face that I have seen when they are angry, but enough to know it is a warning. Finally Ginger says, “Lieutenant Colonel, you don’t have high enough clearance to ask us that, so please do not do so again.”

Windy looks at me and I shrug my shoulders. But inside I have to asks, just what have these kids gotten into lately?

Then I simply move back toward the rail and look at the view on the other side of the gap. And change the subject of our discussions.

Two nights later Badger and I decide to have dinner with the youngsters while the other adults eat with the officers. As we begin to round them up to head to the mess decks, I see Shadowbuck, covered in grime and sweat come into the kid’s cabin. Woody looks surprised at how dirty he is and asks, “So how is it Bucky?”

Shadowbuck sighs and tells him, “Hot and a lot of work. They found out I could get into some spots that they could not with the oil can. I remembered a lot of the lessons dad taught us though and I surprised them when I was able to repack a valve without being taught, then I was offering to help clean the strainers for the fire pumps and the main water intake for the distilling plant. Nothing real special though.”

I am nodding my head and feel sorry for him as he seems disappointed. Then Badger asks,

“What time is your next watch?”

Shadowbuck grins and tells him, I have to be back down there at 3:45 am. They said it is called the four to eights.

I see him yawn and I tell him, “Well you best get cleaned up for dinner Bucky. That means taking off your coveralls and at least washing up a bit.”

He nods his head and as he begins to remove his coveralls, I see Badger begin to grin like an enfield that has caught a rabbit.

Then I see why. On Shadowbucks flank is a wrench and oil can that was not there this morning. Tiredly Bucky looks up at his father and asks, “What is it Pa?”

“Son, did you realize that today you got your cutie mark?” Badger questions him.

I see young Shadowbucks eyes open wide and he turns his head slowly and begins to laugh then he answers, “No Pa I did not, but I wish I would have.” He may seem calm when he says it, but I see he is now wide awake and is very proud to have earned it.

Before I can say anything, Millie opens the door and calls out, “I will be right back, I have to let Mama Sumac know,” and she is off at a canter running down the passageway.

A short time later I see Sumac enter the room and she ask, “Ok, where is my young stallion at?”

Badger grins at her and says, “Love he will be back in a minute, I made him take a quick shower before we go for dinner.”

“Oh, I wish we were home, I would make him a cake to celebrate,” she says.

Badger nods his head and tells her, “Well, he has to be up early for watch and is tired, so maybe we can celebrate with the rest of the family in Harness.”

While I think that is a great idea, I say nothing and let Sumac answer instead. When she does, she says, “I hope he won’t think we did not care enough to do it earlier.”

About that time the cabin door opens again and a now clean Shadowbuck enters. He goes over to his mother and hugs her and tells her, “Ma, I would never think that.”

Then she looks down at his cutie mark and I see a tear in her eye as well as pride when she says, “Look, Badger, he has your wrench as part of his cutie mark.”

Badger grins at her and shakes his head and tells her, “No love, he has the same wrench as mine, but his is all his own.”

Then Shadowbuck says, “Pa, I could not have gotten it without you taking me with you and teaching me all those things about being a mechanic.” Then he goes over and gives his father a hug after which he turns around and hugs Sumac and tells her, “Ma, thanks for giving Captain Rough permission for me to try and earn my mark here. It is rough work, but I like it ma, and I am really good at it.”

I see her smile again as she gives him an extra squeeze and then she tells me, “Mollygirl, if you don’t mind, why don’t you have dinner with the rest of the family so I can spend some more time with Badger, Bucky, and the other foals.

I nod my head and tell them, “Ok, but I will take your turn tomorrow night.” She smiles at me and tells me, “thank you.” Then she gives me a quick hug and I am out the door and looking for the rest of the adults.

I end up meeting them as they are getting ready to sit down for dinner. Rough looks my way and motions me over. When I get there he asks, “Ok, so what has occurred upon my ship that has little Millie skidding through the passageways looking for Shadowbuck’s mother?”

I smile as I tell him, “He got his cutie mark today. He did not even realize it till he took off his coveralls to get ready for dinner.”

I see him smile and nod his head, “So what is it?”

I tell him and then I see him nod his head with a knowing expression, “Excellent another engineer for the clan’s riverboat line.”

I nod my head and asks, “But what if he decides he wants to join the military like both of his fathers and me?”

I see his grin get wider as he answers, “Then the Glimmer will get another crewpony from our family. I hope you don’t mind that idea?”

“No, no I don’t. I just want him to be happy, and if helps us all, then all the better.”

He nods his head and tells me, “I am so glad you and the others understand that. Because that is how I feel about it too.”

Shortly after this we all take our seats and begin to enjoy our evening meal, during which I tell the other parents of my family the news. I am stunned when I hear Purple Haze say, “I just wish we could get him a cake to celebrate tonight.”

I see Rough look thoughtful, but then I tell them, “Purple, he has to be on watch early so after dinner he wants to go to bed. But Sumac suggested and he agreed that once you reach Harness, you can celebrate it instead.”

I smile at him when he says this and then Purple says, “Yes, but I wish we could share it with you too.”

He grins at her like a school colt and replies, “Thank you, Aunt Purple. I wish I could too, unfortunately with my career, I have missed out all too often on family events.”

She nods her head and tells him, “Yes, I can understand that. After all, since I have found out I have a family now, my career keeps me away from them all too often also. By the way, have they told you how our niece Moon got her cutie mark?”

He looks at her with an eyebrow raised and answers, “No, they have not, please enlighten me.”

So, she begins to tell him what she has heard from the family. Occasionally I do hear Sutures chime in to correct her. Then I see Rough put his hoof up, and he asks, “You say she gave the blessing of the dead and covered them? That is when she got it?”

Then I speak, “Yes and no, she gave the blessing of the dead, and then she used her horn to disintegrate them like she was using a MEW. And Rough, she was not tired afterward and she was wounded.”

When I say this, I see Purple’s face take on a look of surprise and she asks me, “You mean she was injured, treated the wounded, and was able to disintegrate two charging ghouls,”

I interrupt her, “Not ghouls, Ferals. There is a difference.”

She nods her head, “Yes, you are very correct. My apologies. But I am completely stunned, I had no idea she had advanced so far”

I see Rough looking between us and Sutures and he asks, “Does this mean she is more powerful than you thought?”

Purple nods her head and tells Sutures, “Sutures, I would like to have her come with me for a bit to Ten Pony Tower. I think it is time she meets the other members of the Society.”

Sutures looks at her, “No Purple, not yet. Please, give her a few more years.”

I see Rough raise an eyebrow at this and then he asks Sutures, “My dear, would you be willing to let her go as long as you or another adult of your family besides Purple were present?”

I see her hesitate, then she says, “I, I guess perhaps, but who? I mean I can’t leave my business too long; we will all need to talk about it.” After she says this, I see her look down, almost as if in defeat.

Purple looks at Rough, then back at my love and tells us, “Thank you for not outright saying no. I can accept that we need to talk about it. All of us adults. I have not forgotten Millie.”

Rough and I both nod our heads, and Sutures says, “Good because if such a thing were to happen to her, I swear by the horn on my head I will hunt you down Purple Haze and every one of your society.”

I see a severe expression cross Purple’s face as she says, “If anyone lays a hoof on that little mare, I will kill them, and if I fail, Choo would not hesitate to take my place.”

I nod my head in understanding. Then Purple says, “Remember, Moon is descended from her line. It is funny but Choo Choo still cares much about family connections, no matter how distant. I also have seen how proud she is of her accomplishments. Have any of you told her about this yet?”

Both Sutures and I blush at this, the others simply shake their head no. I see her sigh and she tells us, “Ok, one of us needs to write her to let her know.”

Sutures looks up and says, “Ok, I will let granny know.”

The rest of the trip to Western Landing goes without event. Once we arrive, we use the Glimmer’s crane to offload our cart. Next, we load it up and for this leg, I volunteer to start pulling it. As we head toward New Appleloosa I hear Ginger and Epona discussing their first times through here with me. I notice Xochitl remaining silent.

Eventually, I ask him, “What are you thinking Xochitl?”

He looks thoughtful and then he tells me, “Sorry Colonel, I was just thinking how I never saw it from this side. Remember I was asleep until we got to the bridge. That an I was remembering the ceremony from the night before.”

I smile and nod my head, “Yeah, I remember that night. It was pretty good one.”

He nods his head and I hear Ginger tell him, “Remember when we got to New Appleloosa?”

He grins back at her, “I could never forget that night. My father acted as a good chaperon.”

As he says this, I see Ginger lean against him as they walk and she sneaks a quick kiss on his cheek. To which I hear him whisper, “I love you too dear,” then he wraps his tail into hers.

That night we make camp just across the bridge and off of the road. Being that I was pulling the wagon the others take turns standing watch as the others sleep.

I notice how the older siblings teach the younger ones how to set up their bedroll so they can be up and ready to fight if needed. Archer sets up a cooking fire in an underground fire pit and shows the young ones how to do it. Then he asks, “Do you know why we set it in the ground?”

I listen as Millie answers, “So that the light from the fire is harder to see in the dark.”

“Very good Mills. Just so you all know we will be putting it out after we are done cooking tonight. That way it makes it easier for us to stay hidden in case of raiders.”

I see Millie’s eyes open wide in fear, “Papa Archer do you think there are Raiders nearby?”

I see him shake his head as he tells her, “Most likely not, but it is best to be over cautious on such matters.”

As we bed down for the night, I notice Badger getting ready for watch as the rest of us place our weapons within easy reach. I then hear Sumac asks, “Dear is it really necessary to be this cautious?”

Then I hear Archer reply back, “Yes, it is Sumac dear. We are not at home anymore and there are still some rough areas out here.”

As he says this, I notice several of the Ten Pony Tower delegates look around nervously. One of them then asks, “Purple, how can you stand it out here? I mean in the wilds like this.”

I hear Purple laugh lightly and she replies, “Really, it is not that bad Attaché, especially in a group like we are in. Besides, wait till you see Harness. I mean it is really something.”

I hear the diplomat sniff derisively and say, “Really, these bumkins cannot be too impressive.”

I simply shake my head and then I hear her say, “Sir, I used to think like you, but I now understand them much better, give them a chance.”

“Purple, I am sorry but I think you have been hanging around with these roughens for two long. Perhaps you need to spend more time in civilization.”

“Sir, I will remind you to keep a civil tongue in your mouth.”

I then hear Purple gasp and I see him lift a forehoof as he steps toward Purple and he says, “You Society types need to learn, and you will respect your betters.”

Before any of us can react, I see Moon’s horn glow and she lifts him and tells him in a calm voice, “You will not do that. When I put you down, and it will be when I choose, you will apologize.”

I see the stallion suspended with his hoofs off the ground. Then I hear Purple quietly asks, “Moon, please set him down.”

Moon replies, “Yes aunt Purple,” and sets him down. The light of her horn fading out after she does so.

I see a look of terror in his eyes as Moon simply smiles, turns, and walks to Purple Haze.

“Sorry, Auntie Purple.”

“No need to apologize, young mare. You handled him just fine, in fact, better than most.”

I hear several of the other members of the diplomatic delegation talking about it and I notice that suddenly most are turning away from Attaché and talking amongst each other, ignoring them both.

Windy comes over to me and tells me, “Mollygirl, I think we may need to keep an eye on him. This is not the first time this trip I have seen him try and intimidate others.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I think you are right Windy, thanks for pointing it out.” I pause then ask her, “How is the family holding up?”

I hear her snicker slightly as she says, “Well the mares are a bit put out with our having to camp. However, Rain and Squall are both enjoying it.” She pauses and says, “Oh thank you and Archer for teaching them about setting up camp in the wilds. Even if they never need it, she should know it.”

The next day we all awake before sunrise. We quickly eat and pack our camp and are on the trail again. By nightfall, we arrive at New Appleloosa. As we approach the gate, I hear Ginger and Xochitl giggling and talking about when they were here as foals with Epona. Right behind them are their siblings who are listening enthralled as they talk about how much has changed since they were last here and then the gunfight that night.

As they are talking the Sheriff approaches us and tells us, “Hold up folks. Who are ya and what do ya wa… Ah Tartarus it’s you again. Evening Colonel. You know the rules, what are you doing here with this large of a force in my town?”

I see Badger’s Jaw drop and Sutures smirk when he asks this. Then I tell him, “Sorry Sheriff, we are only a trade delegation this time. Several of these ponies are my spouses and our foals. We actually were stopping for the night to get something to eat and find a place to sleep before catching the train to Hackamore.”

I see him raise an eyebrow at this, “You mean most of them are kin?”

I smile and tell him, “Well just 12 of them, Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider has her family with her too, then we have the delegates from Ten Pony Tower.”

He looks at my family and shakes his head, “So ya really were not exaggerating about how big a family you had.” He shakes his head then asks, “So would they really have reacted like you said if you or Trouble had been killed that day?”

Besides me I hear Archer tell him, “Rest assured, they would have, and you would not want that family to have come down here. They would have not rested until they felt justice was served.”

“No, but I am sure there are not too many of them, so we could have handled it.” The Sheriff tells him.

From the side, I hear Ginger begin to laugh and she tells him, “Sheriff, we had 45 members of the clan who would have left home back then. Our family has grown quite a bit since then.”

I see him raise an eyebrow and then he says, “Well I guess it worked out for the best then. Please have a good evening then. If I may recommend the New Appleloosa Inn. It is near the rail station and will make it easier for your party to depart.”

“Thank you, Sheriff, I appreciate it.” I tell him then I turn to the others, “Ok everyone shall we go get our rooms first and go from there.”

After we get our rooms we start to talk about where to eat, Ginger and Xochitl then ask, “Ma, do you mind if we head out on our own? There is a little Zebra restaurant here that we want to visit.”

I nod my head and tell her, “Ok, have a good night, and do not stay out too late please.”

I give them each a brief hug and they are off like the two foals that were here last time, holding tails and smiling at the memories of the past. On their way to making new ones.

The rest of us find a place where we can all eat then I take the youngsters back to the inn after dinner while some of the others stay out.

The next morning, we hear the steam whistle of the train as it arrives back into the town. Both Purple Haze and I make our way to the station. We pick up the tickets for the delegation and pay extra for the two carts that we are using to move our baggage on hoof. The only problem being the next train does not leave until the next day.

We spend the day exploring the town. I show Archer and Badger the place we had the gunfight. Both are stunned, but I hear Xochitl say as he shakes his head, “They made so many Rookie mistakes Colonel.”

“Yeah, they did, and thank the Goddesses we had a witness to stand up for us.”

We all eat dinner together that night, but I notice Ginger and Xochitl both seem closer than before even. I smile and all I can do is be thankful that it is bringing them closer. However, it is interesting to see Epona has brightened up a bit during our visit.

On our final morning in New Appleloosa I see the Sheriff and deputy Tin Star both as we head to the station.

After I have supervised our wagons being loaded, I head to the passenger car to join the others. But before I can get on, they stop me.

Tin Star tells me, “Ma’am, about that incident all them years ago. It seems a couple of them feller's family members heard ya talkin bout it the other night. They said they now know what happened and understand. Oh and also, please tell the newlyweds congratulations for us.”

I appreciate the first part but am confused by the second. So, I ask, “What newlyweds?”

Tin Star grins and tells me, “That pretty daughter of yours and her zony. They got hitched by that zebra shaman Xabat two nights back, we figured y’all knew already.”

I just smile and shake my head, “No, but I knew something had changed between them last night. Besides they were already engaged. But I guess a big ceremony is out the window now.”

I see the Sheriff nod his head and he says, “Ya know things work out that way sometimes. Now you folk have a safe trip Colonel and I hope to see you on your way back through.”

“Thanks Sheriff, Deputy, both of you stay safe and I will see you then. Take care now.” I tell them as I climb on the train and I hear the conductor call out, “All Aboard!” This is followed by the engineer ringing the bell, then letting out two blasts on the steam whistle. Next stop Hackamore. Then on to Hoofington.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Tonight, I have married the mare I have loved for most of my life. She has been there with me through my best and worst times as I have for her. We have learned from both my parents and hers on what is important and how to handle the rough parts of life.

We have yet to tell our friends and family but I hope you will read this on air as our wedding announcement. For my beloved Ginger Snap as well as our families could you please play, This Is Why I Need You?

Sincerely Yours

Xochitl, White Cloud, Manesville Region, NCR

Thanks again to all those who have inspired me to write this story. I am sure you, my readers by now had assumed Ginger and Xochitl were going to get married eventually. While I was writing this chapter it seemed almost like they were letting me know that this is when it should happen. Yes, when I wrote the chapter when they first visited New Appleloosa I had planned then for them to marry. Now I wonder, just what did the Mareigan tell Xochitl that day on their way to JR-7?

For those desiring to listen to this chapter's dedication song the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4NgsbkyeJs&list=RDC4NgsbkyeJs&start_radio=1