The trip between New Appleloosa and Hackamore takes only a few hours rather than the full day's walk I am used to. The ride on the train is a novelty for our entire family as well most of the other dignitaries on the train.

We are well underway when I catch Ginger alone and I ask her, “Dear, why did you not tell us you and Xochitl got married the other night?”

I see her first look horrified then she blushes and says, “Ma, we wanted it to be simple. The shaman who performed the ceremony is the same one who told us we were spirit bound so many years ago.” She pauses then says, “Ma, we did not intend to elope, it just happened. The Shaman was so ecstatic to see us together again he begged us to allow us to perform the ceremony.”

I nod my head and tell her, “Ok then. I do understand,” but what I really want to say is that I have been friends with too many zebras for too long to not understand most of their shamans do not like to bond a pony with a zebra as it usually means no foals.

As I think this, I guess she realizes what I am thinking and asks, “What is it Ma?”

So, I tell her. She grins back at me and says, “Not that I know of Ma, but I can always hope, right?”

I give her a kiss on her forelock and tell her, “Of course dear, of course, now we both better get ready the train will be stopping soon in Hackamore and we need to offload the carts there.”

She grins at me and hugs me as she tells me, “Thanks Ma for understanding. I hope the others will too.”

“Dear, I am sure they all will, however, we would have liked to have been there for the ceremony.”

“Ma, would it be ok if once we are back Xochitl and I have a ceremony performed by Kahrti?”

I smile at her and tell her, “I am sure it would be. In fact, I would very highly appreciate it. But you don’t have to just for me.”

“Ma, it is not just for you, remember, I am a member of the church too.”

“Ok dear, I am just glad I will be able to attend that one, but can I tell the others too, maybe we can celebrate your wedding tonight also?”

I see her smile shyly and she says, “Ok Ma, but are you sure they won’t be mad?”

“Dear, you two have been a couple for so many years, we were just waiting for it to happen.”

I see her blush, “Thanks Ma. For understanding. I really do mean it. I was so afraid you would be mad.”

I nod my head and then I ask her, “What about Xochitl’s folks?”

She grimaces slightly and says, “Well hopefully none of you being there, and us having a second ceremony will mollify his mother. Oh no, I don’t want to be on her bad side ma.”

I put a hoof on her shoulder and tell her, “Just relax, we got this. Now seriously go get ready we are starting to slow down to pull into the station.”

Once the train stops at the Hackamore station my family gets off it and moves to the side while Badger and I get the carts offloaded from the flatcar. Once we have the carts hooked up, me to one and the other one to one of the diplomatic corps ponies, we begin to head into town with the base as our goal.

I am about halfway down the street when I see a young yellow filly and pink colt. Out in front of one of the shops playing and suddenly I hear them yell, “Granny Mollygirl!”

I stop in my tracks and see a more grown-up Cloths Pile and Hunting Shack running towards us. Then I see Scrap Pile stick her head out of the shop’s door. I stop and wait for the youngsters to reach me and give them both a big hug. “It is so good to see you two again. Now I can introduce you to the rest of my family.”

They both look at all the ponies with me and asks, “Are they all our family?”

I smile back at them as their mother catches up and approaches me and I tell them, “Not all of them, but quite a lot of them.”

Scrap then smiles at me and says, “Hi Ma, it's good to see you again. I was not expecting you till tomorrow.”

“Hi, Dear, it's good to see you again too,” I look at her figure and I ask her, “Dear, do I need to have Sutures check you out again?”

She grins and tells me, “Nah, I already know I am expecting again. I just hope it is not twins this time.”

Soon afterward I introduce the rest of the family to them. Then I tell her, “Dear we are in the area for a week at least, but I need to go check in at the base and get us all some lodging there. But we will be back later.”

She smiles and then asks, “Should I have Beach send a message out to Harness to let Milo and his family know you are here too?”

I think briefly and tell her, “Only if he has someone going out that way, otherwise, well I don’t want to inconvenience anypony.”

She smiles when I say this, then she tells me, “Ma, they have a telegraph between the towns here now. They are even talking about trying to run one to New Appleloosa soon. So it is not a big deal.”

I am stunned as we do not even have that in Manesville. I slowly nod my head and tell her, “Sure dear. That would be much appreciated.”

“Ok, Ma, I will let you go get checked in. I will see you in a bit then.”

As we get ready to go I hear the twins ask their mom, “Ma, can we go with them I want to play with aunts Millie, and Moon Lily, Raven, and uncles Shadowbuck and Woody.”

Scrap smiles lovingly at them and tells them, “Not right now you two, they will be back later.”

Once at the base, I met up with the commander of the 1^st battalion of the 1^st regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Chocolate Chunk. He is very polite when I greet him in his office. I suspect he resents the fact that I bypassed him for promotion to XO of the regiment, but really, he is mediocre at best.

“Good afternoon XO, what can I do for you?” he asks me.

“Good afternoon Colonel, I am on my way with a trade delegation to the Hoof. On my way through the Colonel, herself has asked me to perform a brief inspection of the defenses here. Get an estimate of your troop's strengths and what you may need yet. Finally, she and I are both concerned if the Enclave hits Manesville with only a minimum of troops there, so we have come up with some plans I wanted to go over with you.”

I see him look at me skeptically and he says, “XO, even if two of the battalions of the 1^st Regiment were gone, we still have the 2^nd Regiment to defend the place. I mean it is not like out here where we are like flies on a cow’s tail.”

I find myself rolling my eyes at this analogy but say nothing other than, “True, but if they get called out beforehoof also, we could be in trouble. IF, and it is a big if, that were to happen we want to have a plan in place.”

I see him think briefly about it and then he nods his head and says, “Ok ma’am, let me get a few of my staff members in here and we can go over this.”

“Sounds good,” I tell him and I take a seat in his office while he goes and gets them.

The meeting goes well and his staff is much more enthusiastic about it than he is. I am glad to see his battalion XO there also. Honey Locust pays much closer attention than her boss. I notice her ears twitch several times in irritation when her boss tries to dismiss some of the plans, or says, “Well I would have said we do it this way…” I keep this in mind as I may recommend her to take over the Battalion if needed.

After this meeting, I rejoin my family. Before I can leave the base though, I have a novelty occur. I receive a telegram message from the civilian service between the towns here. I tip the messenger a cap and then begin to read.

Mollygirl, Archer, and Family, we are glad you are near. Please come to Harness tomorrow. Stop

We are looking very forward to seeing everyone and cannot wait for our family to be fully united. Stop

Yours truly Milo and family. Stop

I smile and show the telegram to the others. Then I hear Moon asks, “Does this mean I can meet my other brother and sisters tomorrow?”

I nod my head and I see Archer grin while doing the same. I answer her, “Yes little one, tomorrow you get to meet the rest of your family.”

Woody asks, “How come we don’t get to see them more often Mama Mollygirl?”

His mother answers that smoothly by saying, “Because they all live so far away. The only times Mama Mollygirl and Papa Archer got to see them is when they were deployed down here.”

As she says this, I see Epona nodding her head and smiling behind him.

As my family begins to head out for dinner, I hear Windy ask hers, “Ok, do we want to just eat at the mess hall or try and find someplace in town to eat?”

While her kids are all for eating in town, I hear Squall line tell her, “How about we eat here and save some caps.”

Windy is just about ready to agree when Archer approaches and says to them, “We have a few things to celebrate in our family tonight, and as we consider you good friends, would you join us, please?”

They are still hesitating when Badger tells them, “Heck this is on us, and I really want you guys to help us celebrate not only Shadowbuck getting his cutie mark, but Ginger and Xochitl having gotten married while we were in New Appleloosa.”

“Well, when you put it like that, what can we say?” Squall line answers back.

Soon our group is on its way to find a restaurant big enough to handle all of us.

As we look for a place, we notice that most are not able to. I am not happy but I surrender when Archer sheepishly grins and suggests the Flying Cow.

“Dear, no, really?” I hear Sutures say.

“He looks at his PipBuck and tells her, “Honestly dear, it is not that late yet. The rowdy customers will not be coming in for another couple of hours. Besides, the food there is the best in town.

From beside Windy, I hear Squall Line ask, “Ok, so what is so strange about the Flying Cow?”

Before I, Archer or Sutures can say anything I see Epona grin and hear her answer, “Oh, there is nothing wrong with it, but as I had pointed out to me so properly many years ago by Tater, it is a bordello.”

I see Squall Line and Sumac both stop dead in their tracks. Then Sutures says, “Look it has good enough food that when President Grimfeathers was here, she ate there too.”

I see Windy smirk a bit and she then tells her husband, “It really is not that bad, or I would not even allow the kids in there. Besides, do you think you are better than the president?”

“I, uh, oh, oh the Tartarus, ok, when you put it that way.” He replies.

Finally, Sumac says, “Ok, but let’s get out of there before it gets too late.”

As we approach, I see Esmoorelda sitting out on the front porch. Tonight, she is wearing a rather nice red evening gown. As soon as she sees me, I see her stand up and she excitedly says, “Colonel, Captain Archer, it is so good to see you both again,” she then looks at those with us and asks, “So who are all these ponies with you?”

Archer and I then begin to introduce her to the others. When Archer introduces her to both Moon Lily and Mille I see her smile widely and she says, “I remember you two. It has been so long. Look at how much you have grown up.”

I watch as my daughters blush and tell her, “Thank you Miss Esmoorelda. It is good to see you too ma’am.”

Then Esmoorelda smiles and tells us. “Actually, it is Misses now. I got married not too long ago.”

I see Sutures smile and I overhear her quietly asks, “Any little ones on the way?”

She smiles in reply and tells her, “Not yet, but who knows.” She looks inside the doorway and says, “Ok, let's get you all inside so you can get dinner ok?” as she leads us inside, she signals the staff, who begin to put several tables together in the mostly empty restaurant and bar.

As I look up at the balcony above, I see several of the members of the staff look down at us, some of them wave in greetings. As we sit down, I see Magpie looking around the room and I can tell when she sees the painting of Sutures and Buttermilk. Her jaw drops. This is followed by both Badger and Sumac turning their heads to look at it also.

I am amused though when I notice Squall line look at it and have to fight to keep his wings down. This is followed by Windy looking at him and with a raised eyebrow as she asks him, “Really dear?”

I see him blush and he tells her, “Sorry dear, but it is a very nice painting. I would love to see you painted like that.”

As he says this I think, oh, that’s a good save.

Then she replies, “Really, because that is not what you said when I offered to have one done for you.”

Ouch, crash and burn.

Then he says, “But dear, I thought you were only offering because I wanted it, I did not think you would want to do that for me.”

Finally, I see Windy smile and tell him, “Ok, I believe you.” Then she turns to Sutures and tells her, “I have loved it since the first time I saw it Sutures. I just wish I could look as good in one as you do in it.”

Sutures turns her head to look right at Windy and tells her, “Windy, you already do. Seriously you are beautiful.”

Beside Windy I see her husband nodding his head in agreement and I see Windy blush slightly at the compliment.

Soon our orders are taken and we all enjoy our meals. Off to the side I hear a pianist playing as the dinner crowd begins to come in from town and the base.

As we are sitting there, I am surprised when I see some of the scouts from the 3rd battalion show up. I instantly recognize Serenity and Sky. As they enter, they are chatting very intently with each other when Suddenly Serenity looks up, grins, and trots over to us.

“Colonel is it so good of a surprise to see you.” Then she looks at the others with me and her jaw drops, as she asks, “They really let you bring your whole family?”

I am grinning back as I tell her, “Yeah, but I am just as surprised as you are, they let me. We are only here for a couple of days though.”

“Well either way it is great seeing you here ma’am. I will Let Firefly know when we get back to base. I just wish Choo Choo was still here. I miss having her with us,” Serenity tells me.

I nod my head and smile as I tell her, “I understand, I bet she misses you guys too.”

Then Sky says, “Nah, she has the youngbloods to run with now. Not even having to stand a duty rotation. I am sure she likes it much better.”

Then Ginger smiles at her and tells her, “But Sky, even if she has it better concerning no duty and is out of the army it does not mean she doesn’t miss working and flying with all of you. Now it is just different. Besides, we are all on call, all the time now,” she says with a grin as she raises her PipBuck up.

I see Sky and Serenity both grin at that. Finally, Sky says, “Good point, now Ginger, how about I buy you and your Fiancé a drink?”

Xochitl then tells her, “Sorry, but you can’t she no longer has a fiancé, but instead a husband.”

I see both of them just stare shortly and then they grin at each other and get excited, “Congratulations you two. I am so happy for you!” Serenity tells them.

“Why didn’t anyone tell us?” Sky asks.

Ginger then tells them, “Sorry but we got married a couple of nights ago over in New Appleloosa.”

Then I see the expression on Serenity’s face as she asks, “What is Xochitl’s mom going to say?”

This time I see Ginger grin as Xochitl looks worried. She then says, “Well she did tell me to let her know if it happened early, and why. So, we should be ok.”

Xochitl looks at her and asks, “Dear, when did she say this?”

Ginger then tells him, “Right before we left, when I took Woofers and Tweeters to your family to watch. She said she had a dream we had married that night.”

I see a look of relief come over his face and he tells her, “Thank you for letting me know, I almost had a heart attack.”

Windy looks at him and says, “I have met your mother, really she is not that tough, is she?”

Xochitl grins and tells her, “Perhaps you have not heard about her reaction when I and Ginger ran away to join the CEF.”

She shakes her head and says, “No I have heard, but she really could not have been as bad as the stories.”

That is when Magpie and Sumac both begin to laugh. Sumac tells her, “Windy, she chewed out both of Choo Choo’s sisters and was not backing down.”

I watch as Windy sits stunned with her mouth hanging open along with her husband. Finally, Windy says, “I had no idea, my goddesses, Xochitl your mother really is a spitfire.”

He nods his head, “Yes, yes she is, part of the reason I had to set my standards so high for a mare I would be willing to marry.”

When I hear him say this, I raise an eyebrow in surprise and while I don’t say anything, I see the expression of affection on both his and my daughter's face.

The rest of dinner goes rather quickly and soon we are heading back to the base for the night. My family alone has been assigned three rooms in the officers’ barracks and set up extra cots so we have beds for everyone.

Before we go to bed, I decide to spend the time reading to the youngsters and tuck them into bed with Epona’s assistance. As I enter Ginger and Xochitl are getting ready to head back out the door.

Ginger grins at me, “Hi Ma, Epona told me about your favorite spot here, so me and Xochitl are going to try and find it. We will back in a while.”

I give them both a quick hug and kiss on the forelock and tell them, “Ok, but be careful, make sure you have a pistol with you at least.”

They both grin and show me they do, then they head out into town.

As I turn to the youngsters, I ask, “Ok, what do you want me to read tonight?” I see our shy Raven raise a hoof as she says, “Daring Do please mama Mollygirl.”

I grin at her and tell her, “Ok, sounds good.” As I pick out a story, they all gather around me and I begin. After I am finished, I give each of them a kiss good night and tuck them into bed.

Epona walks to the door with me and we exchange a quick hug. Then she tells me, “Thanks ma for helping tonight. I was really afraid they were going to be more excited.”

I grin at her and tell her, “I understand, remember tomorrow we go to see Milo and the rest of the family.”

I see her grin at that and she tells me, “Ma, I can’t wait. It has been too long. But can we visit with Scrap Pile and her family before we leave again too?”

“I think so dear, now you need to get some sleep while you can too. I will talk to you in the morning.”

“Sounds good Ma. By the way, I saw a couple of ponies that I think I went to school with here. When we get back from Harness, do you mind if I see if I can visit them?”

I smile as I nod my head and tell her, “I think that would be a great idea. Now I best get going, I will see you in the morning.”

When I get to my room Sutures and Archer are listening to the late-night portion of DJ Pon3’s show. I am enjoying the music but begin to worry as he continues, I hope you enjoyed that old classic by Countess Coloratura, now onto the news. For those of you in the NCR, there has been a sudden increase in the number of sighting of enclave forces. Some of these are as far east as Manehatten. While there have been no reported incidents of Enclave attacks during these incursions there have been some suspicious attacks reported on several caravans as well as some settlements. So, make sure you keep your eyes on the sky and your ammo dry out there. Also, if you see something suspicious report it to your local NCR representatives. Remember everyone, we are all in this together.

Archer clicks off the radio shortly after this and the three of us all go to bed. In the dark, I begin to worry about what is coming. After I feel Sutures breathing shift, I know she is asleep. I lie there trying to fall asleep myself when I hear Archer quietly whisper, “Mollygirl, you still awake?”

I answer in the same volume, “Yeah, I can’t sleep, why?”

“Me either, Mollygirl, this does not sound good. They seem to be getting more brazen in their actions.”

I nod my head and realize he can’t see my movements in the dark, so I tell him, “I understand my love. I am really worried too.”

“Mollygirl, what happens if the balloon goes up while we are in Hoofington?”

I sigh and tell him, “We end the negations as quickly and as positively as we can. Then we make a dash for home. I just pray that we are ready for them when they come.”

He tells me, “Yeah, your right, sorry for bothering you,” as he places a hoof over Sutures and onto me.

I decide to change the subject and ask him, “You ready to see the rest of your children?”

I hear a smile in his voice when he says, “Honestly, I can’t wait. I have dreamed of the day when Moon Lily and Raven could actually meet their blood siblings. I just wish we were closer. I miss all of them.”

I let out a slight sigh myself and I tell him, “I know what you mean. I miss them all too.”

I hear him chuckle lightly as he asks, “Even Milo?”

Without thinking I reply, “Especially Milo. Dear what can I say, I love him too. Just like you do Laura Lee, Cannel, and Cedar.”

“Yeah, it will be good to get the entire family together,” he tells me. We lay there with our hooves laying over our dear wife just barely touching each other, but enjoying the comfort of the others body next to us. Soon I hear his breathing start to shift as he falls asleep and I follow shortly after.

Morning comes and we get up quickly to get ready for the day. As Archer and I get our uniforms on, Sutures tells us, “I will go check on the youngsters.”

“Thanks, love,” Archer tells her as he gives her a kiss on the cheek.

She smiles and heads quickly out the door, while we finish getting ready. Once we are done, we head out to meet the rest of our spouses. As I get ready to knock on the door to their room, Badger opens the door and in a surprised tone says, “Oh, your already here. Excellent. Are we all ready to get breakfast?”

From the next door down I see Sutures stick her head out and tell us, “Just a couple of minutes more.”

Soon all of us adults are ready and waiting on the kids. Once we are all ready, we enjoy a quick breakfast at the base mess hall and are off on our way to Harness.

We follow the main road between Hackamore and Harness. On our way out the gate, I notify the base commander of where we are heading and when we will be back. Windy has already told me she will notify the civilian delegates for us.

As we pass the point of my favorite spot, I feel both Sutures and Archer take my tale with theirs. Then I notice both Ginger and Xochitl do the same and share a smile at each other. Finally, I also see Epona smiling to herself, as if at a memory, as she looks at it. It also dawns on me that this will probably be my last time in this area. I only hope I can bring my family out to it sometime in the next couple of nights.

Once we make it to the trade outpost at the top of the valley for Harness we stop and notify the security head there. While we wait for an escort in, I take the time to visit the old recruiting office. As we enter, I see the poster of Tater and our daughters on the wall still, as well as the old prewar one. I smile and shake my head as I realize that it might have been one that Lieutenant Cake had looked at when he joined all those years ago.

Soon afterward I am joined by my husbands and I see the grin on their faces as they look at the first poster and hear me telling the recruiters about the ponies in that poster.

Then I hear the senior recruiter ask, “So you are telling me that the older two really did join up with the Rangers?”

That is when Epona steps in. I see a look of frustration on her face when she looks at me then answers the question by telling them, “In a fashion, you might say. We are an offshoot of that organization.”

I raise an eyebrow at this as even I had not realized they were working for the Rangers. I just thought Choo and the repair ponies were freelancers.

Epona then continues and tells them, “I would appreciate it if you told those who ask, we just regular rangers though.” Then she turns to me and her fathers and says, “Ma, Dads, I need to talk to these two about business, could you please leave, and send in Ginger and Xochitl too.”

I am stunned by this as in a way I feel I am being dismissed. But I do understand. Besides, if it is ranger or repair pony business, I do not have a need to know and neither do Badger or Archer so we all bid a good day to them and step out.

The one thing that is refreshing and, in a way, catches me off guard is when Epona said dads neither of the recruiters even flinched. I forgot how normal that is here in Harness and realize in a way Harness is home to me too.

My family is sitting out on the porch when Milo and Laura Lee both show up to take us into the town itself.

When we see each other neither Milo nor I can help but grin and trot to each other and exchange a hug and a kiss. With Sutures and Archer quickly joining us and Laura Lee. Finally, my other spouses nervously approach and I introduce them to Laura Lee.

Once close enough I have to smile at Laura Lees's face when Epona, Millie, and Moon Lily all greet her with a hug and they tell her, “We missed you so much, mama Laura Lee.”

When she hears this, I see Laura Lee smile broadly and have a tear in her eye. I also notice that Milo seems to stand a bit taller if that is possible for him.

I watch as he gives a quick hug to Archer and tells him, “It is so good to see you again brother,” Then he turns and exchanges a relaxed and passionate kiss with Sutures.

“Dear, sweet Sutures, it has been too long since we last met.”

I see her smile and put a hoof around him as she says, “It has Milo, it really has.”

Behind me, I hear Sumac quietly ask, “Just who is married to who again?”

Then I see Laura Lee approach her and throw a hoof around her shoulder and tell her, “Dear, you have to understand, with the favor your family has done for us, we consider you all an extension of ours. So welcome home and I can’t wait to introduce to you Gus as well as Cannel and Cedar and the foals.”

After the introductions, We begin to head down to the main valley. I am talking with Laura Lee and about lose my footing when she asks me, “So Mollygirl, do you think everyone would be ok if we see if lightning can strike twice in the same place?”

After catching myself and my breath, I look at her and tell her, “Dear, probably, but I really wish you would have waited until we are on flat ground to bring it up.”

I see her blush as she tells me, “Sorry about that Mollygirl. I just figured you were not flustered by anything anymore.”

“Laura Lee, I really have no problem with the idea of it. I was just caught off guard. Besides, I got something I want to talk to the board about also, but we can discuss that once we get to your place.”

I see her smile widen as she says, “OK, sounds good, and thank you for not saying no right away.”

Seeing her smile like that I cannot help but smile myself. I enjoy hearing the rest of my family as we go down into the valley. I can tell immediately when they see the town itself.

“Oh, my Goddesses look at this place,” Sumac exclaims.

“I never imagined such a place, even with everything in the library,” Magpie replies to her.

Behind them, I hear Badger ask Milo, “Colonel, did your people do all of this?”

I hear Milo answer back, “Badger when it all began it was a big valley with only a couple of mine shafts which one was converted into a stable for the corporate heads. It is just too bad they were out of town on the last day, and the miners, guards, and their families went inside it.”

That reminds me and I ask, “Milo, would you happen to have records of those who were inside on that day?”

He looks at me funny and says, “Well, of course. We are not illiterate barbarians. Why?”

So, I tell him, “Milo, right before we left, we met a mule ghoul who was from Harness originally. I told him I would see if his folks made it or not.”

I see first surprise, then a smile of understanding cross his face as he tells me, “Mollygirl, I would be glad to check on that for you. It’s the least I can do for someone from here back then.”

“Yes, give us his name and one of us will look into it tomorrow,” Laura Lee says.

Ginger already has it written down so she pulls it out of her saddlebag and gives it to him. I see a bit of surprise on his face when he sees the name, and Milo tells us, “He must have been good to have made officer as a mule back then. I would love to know more about his service record. I mean we could use it as a recruiting tool.”

We keep talking as we walk and he tells me, “Mollygirl, I have some things I need to talk to you about as well. But I want it to be in a less public setting.”

I grin at him and ask, “Business or pleasure?”

This time he has a serious look on his face as he answers, “Sorry dear, but it is business. But to let you know, we feel like we are being kept in the dark.”

I nod my head, “Don’t feel bad about that, I feel the same way. But maybe we need to corner the youngsters and ask them.”

He raises an eyebrow and cocks an ear towards them as he asks, “Uh, which ones and why?”

“Do you remember our scout Trooper Choo Choo? Our oldest work for her now.”

I see him nod his head in understanding. Then he tells me, “That reminds me, you need to visit George and her kids while you are here.”

This gets my attention and I ask him, “Milo, when did she have the eggs?”

He looks at me surprised and tells me, “Mollygirl, right before the Second left from Fort Hope. She came here and asked us to look after them. She even told us to make sure they were kept warm next to a blast furnace or forge.”

I am stunned and I ask, “So why did she not bring them to Manesville?”

He smiles at me and tells me, “Because she knew we wanted dragons and we would raise them as we would our own. That and she told me she was ashamed of her transgression and did not want to have to explain herself to others.”

I nod my head in understanding and tell him, “I guess that makes sense. I just wish she would have told me is all.”

He grins at this and says, “Dear, you are one of her best friends but she was afraid of what you would think.”

“Milo, am I that hard to deal with, really?”

He shakes his head, “No Mollygirl, but you are a mother figure to her and I think she thought you would have felt like she let you down by having children out of wedlock.”

I shake my head and I tell him, “But Milo, I have never said anything like that. I will admit that having a partner makes it much easier to raise them, but I would never judge someone for it.”

From behind me, I hear Epona ask, “Ma, would you really feel that way if I was pregnant and not married.”

I stop in my tracks and put a hoof alongside her face and tell her, “Dear, you are my daughter, I will love you no matter what and I would be there to help you.”

I see a look of surprise come over her face and she tells me, “Thanks Ma, I needed to hear that. Even if I am not pregnant. It makes me feel better.”

I smile at her and tell her, “Dear, no matter what you are my daughter and I love you. I just want you and your siblings to be happy with your lives.”

I see her sniffle a bit and then she responds by telling me, “You know, even after all these years I forget how much you are like her. Thanks mom.”

Shortly after this, I notice we are at Milo and his family’s home. He opens the street door and holds it open as Laura Lee leads us inside and down the hall to the door of what was once a flat but now is a several-room apartment through the digging of the family as needed to expand.

As we enter, I enjoy seeing the surprise on all the members of my family's faces except Archer’s as they look at it.

Milo grins and says, “Well welcome to our home. The others should be home any…”

Before he can say anytime I hear a young colt yell, “Pa, we're home!”

And I have to smile as Pine Box runs into the room and skids to a stop looking at all of us. Then he sees first Archer and then me and I hear him scream, “THERE HERE!” he runs to Archer and does a flying leap with his forehooves extended as he says, “PAPA ARCHER!”

I cannot help but enjoy the show as Archer catches his son and swings him around in a circle and laughs as he says, “It is so good to see you again my son.”

After he sets him down, He comes over to me and gives me a hug but I see him looking at Moon Lily and he quietly asks, “Mama Mollygirl, who is the little unicorn mare?”

I smile and I tell him, “She is your sister Moon Lily.”

Next into the room comes Peat Coal followed by Blue Moon, both of the young fillies stop and I almost laugh when their jaws drop and I hear Blue Moon asks, “Are all these ponies our kin?”

From near to me I hear Laura Lee answer, “Yes dear. These are your brothers and sisters as well as their parents too.”

Soon I hear Cedar Box’s voice call up the stairs, “Are they here yet?”

I finally burst out laughing when all of the colts and fillies call out at the same time, “Yes!”

Soon after I hear both Cedar and Cannel trotting up the stairs and into the apartment. Cedar comes right to me and we exchange a hug and she surprises me with a kiss. When she sees this, I hear Sutures ask, “What am I not good enough for you now?”

I see Cedar grin and she slowly steps up to Sutures and she whispers something in her ears and then she gives her a hug and a kiss as well. Then Cedar turns to Milo and asks, “Well love, aren’t you going to introduce us all?”

Milo grins back at her and tells her, “Well I was considering it, but I think we all want to get some sleep tonight and I don’t know if we have that much time, so…”

Then I hear Cannel say, “Archer, Mollygirl, it is so good to see you both, now, seriously I do believe introductions are in order.”

So, Milo begins to introduce his family to us and Archer ours to them. Then I hear Sumac ask, “So where is Gus? I have heard a lot about him and I was really looking forward to meeting him too.”

Cannel tells us, “He will be home soon, he was just finishing a shift in the mine and wanted to stop and pick up a few things before he came home.”

As we adults start to talk, I notice that the younger siblings all begin to drift into other rooms, talking and carrying on. However, our oldest stay with us as we continue to talk. I am amused at their response when they find out that Ginger and Xochitl got married on the trip here. Milo immediately says, “Well that calls for a special celebration. Xochitl, welcome to our family too.”

I see Xochitl blush slightly as he responds by saying, “Honestly Colonel, we do not need anything special to celebrate.”

Then Cedar asks the two newlyweds, “Have you two had time enough to sleep just you two since the ceremony?”

I see Ginger blush a bit as she says, “Not really. I mean we did spend some time alone last night out in Ma’s favorite spot by Hackamore, but nothing more than that.”

I see Cedar nod her head in thought and then she looks at the rest of Milo’s spouses and says, “Ok, they get their own room tonight. Mollygirl, I hope your family does not mind sharing with us?”

I see Archer grin and a look of surprise come over Magpie and Sumac’s faces but they only nod. Badger however actually blushes and then says, “Ok. Milo, sounds good to me. It will not be the first time any of us has slept in a pile. How about the youngsters though?”

I see Cannel smile and nod her head at that as she answers, “Badger dear, we have both a colts’ and a fillies’ room set up, I am sure they will be fine.”

Then I hear Moon from the other room say, “Pine, do you want to trade spells?”

Both Cedar and Sutures's eyes go wide as their heads snap around, and I hear Cedar asks, “Did she just ask him to teach her his spells and she would teach him hers?”

I slowly nod my head, and I hear Archer say, “Dears, let me handle this, I will make sure it is nothing dangerous.”

As he gets up to go into the other room to talk to them, Cedar Box asks Sutures, “Uh, just how advanced in spell casting is she?”

I am stunned when I hear her reply, “About as far as I am, if not more. Cedar, she learns very quickly, but I am sure she will teach him safe spells too.”

She seems to relax at this then Archer comes back into the room laughing as he tells us, “Disaster averted, I made her promise no advance level spells and only defensive use ones for fighting.”

I see a look of stunned surprise come over all of Milo’s spouses as he asks, “Just what are the advanced level spells she knows?”

Sutures sighs and tells them, “Disintegration spells, invisibility spells. You know the stuff that could cause problems.”

I see Cedar shake her head at this as she says, “Only the big ones, damn it, I thought I was good until I met Mollygirl’s security team, now we have a filly in the family that can outdo me.”

I see Sutures put a hoof around her and she quietly tells her, “That is ok, I feel the same way half the time. Did you get our letter yet telling you how she got her cutie mark?”

They shake their heads and she begins to tell them. About this time Gus comes home and I see the grin on his face when he sees us all. She stops her story as we begin our introductions to him. Then he says, “So who were you talking about?”

Milo grins and says, “Sutures was just telling us about how our daughter Moon Lily got her cutie mark.”

I see Gus slide onto the couch next to Sumac and Badger and he says, “Oh, this should be good.”

Sutures then begins again, and when she finishes, I see stunned astonishment on their faces. Then Gus asks, “So just what did you say was in those cryo tanks again?”

This time Archer answers him and explains about the embryos and how they got there. I see him nod his head, then he says, “That could really mean a lot to those of us in isolated communities. Heck, it might could mean that we could even have some of our Jenny’s carry some of those embryos, especially if they are mule ones.”

While I had not thought of that before, I have to tell him, “Gus you are so right. That is a great idea. I was just thinking of the ponies and donkey ones. But some are mules as well.”

Then I see Milo look thoughtful and he finally asks, “Mollygirl, have you thought of trying to carry one of the mule embryos if there are any?”

To tell the truth, I had not thought the whole idea through and I tell him, “Milo, I had not considered it fully, not since someone pointed out that with my luck I would accidentally end up carrying a cow. And love, I just am not large enough boned to carry that big of a child.”

Right after I say this, I hear the other spouse all begin to laugh, including that braying mule laugh. Right after this, I hear Millie ask from the other room, “What are they all laughing at?”

Then I hear Blue Moon reply, “Who knows, you know how grown-ups are.” Which sets us all to laughing again.

Once we stop laughing, we all settle down and begin to talk about this development and what it could mean to Harness as well as Manesville. Then Archer, Badger, Milo, Laura Lee, and I step into the next room to talk business as the others begin to cook dinner.

As we discuss what we know about the developments with the Enclave I hear Ginger interrupt us and she says, “Ma’s, Pa’s we need to talk. I shouldn’t be telling you all this, but I think you need to know.”

We all nod to her and Milo waves a hoof and tells her, “Ok, Ginger, what is it?”

She looks at me and asks me, “Ma, does he know about the Repair Ponies?”

I shake my head and she says, “Ok, then first let me explain what Epona, my husband and I do for a living and why.”

After dinner, we begin to settle down for the night. All the kids are in the colts or fillies’ room. Epona chooses to sleep with the young fillies when she asks me, “Ma, do you mind if I get to know the youngsters a bit more tonight?”

“No dear, but you can sleep out here with us if you want.”

I see her grin as she says, “Ma, honestly, I want all of you to have some time to yourselves as well. It has been too long since you and Papa Archer have seen all of them, and I really think the other parents need to get to know each other as well too.”

“Thank you Epona, I really do appreciate it.”

She gives me a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek and she says, “I know Ma. That is why I love you so much. Besides, I really do want to get to know my siblings. They are so much fun, especially Blue Moon.”

I kiss her on her forelock and I tell her, “I love you too dear, have a good time, and sleep well my little one.”

When I say the last part, I see her smile and she says, “I always have loved it when you told me that, on both sides. Good night Ma, sleep well and sweet dreams.” Then she grabs her saddlebags and heads into the back room.

Come morning I wake up in the middle of a pony pile but I find my head resting on Milo’s forehoof. As I begin to move, he smiles at me and tells me, “I hope you don’t mind. But you seemed to sleep easier last night like this.”

I shake my head and I tell him, “No, I really appreciate it.” As my mind begins to become clear, I fuzzily remember waking up screaming from the dream about Serenity Valley. After all these years it still hits me sometimes. It’s funny after all those times I dreamed of waking like this, it is because of my nightmares.

From my other side, I hear Cedar and Sutures both tell me, “It’s ok Mollygirl, we are just glad we could be here for you.”

I know Sutures does as she still has her nightmares just like the rest of us who were there. I know Laura Lee has told me she still has them from the Battle for Harness. Goddesses what a group we are. But we are all here for each other at least.

After Breakfast Milo takes me for a tour of his battalion and he tells me, “Mollygirl we now have two full battalions as well as our militia. We followed your model from the old Co-op and it has helped a lot. The Site Supervisor and the board have even discussed trying to form a third battalion sometime in the future. Especially as we are all nervous about the Enclave.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Dear, I do understand. To be honest we are really nervous back home. The Colonel and I have discussed it and we are both afraid that the Enclave may hit us when the 2^nd regiment is deployed somewhere and only one battalion of the 1^st regiment is there.”

I see him nod his head as he then tells me, “I can understand that entirely, but remember, no matter what we got your back, ok?”

I nod my head and only hope we don’t need them, then he says, “Let’s go see if we can see the board.”

Once we arrive at the Harness Civics Office, Milo leads the way in and requests an audience before the Site Foreman and the board.

While they agree to see me, they request the meeting be after lunch tomorrow. So, my family and I will have to stay here one more night at least.

As we walk around, I see Purple Haze and her entourage of civilian representatives. I take particular glee in seeing the look of astonishment on so many of their faces. Particularly one stallion who ran his mouth so much on the way here.

We meet back with my spouses, Laura Lee, and my sides foals for lunch. Milo suggests we all go out to eat at a restaurant by the main market. He grins as he tells us, “Today we should be getting a shipment of fresh fruit from the Hoof, so if we are lucky, we can get some great desserts.”

When he says that I see all the foal’s eyes open wide with excitement, and even I feel my mouth begin to water at the thought of them. However, I am really pleased when I eat my salad and I notice it has fresh cheese grated onto it. Again, Milo sees my expression of surprise and tells me, “We are doing a bit of business for milk and dairy products with some of the cows up topside now. We may not get as much as we would like of it, but at least we can get some of it now.”

I see Epona smile at this and she asks, “Who would have thought a few years back you would begin to enjoy milk so much?”

Laura Lee then replies, “True, I never thought I would, but I do have to admit it is simply wonderful in tea as well as for dunking cookies into.”

When she says that I see all our foals’ eyes go wide as Shadow Buck asks, “Mama Laura Lee, you can do that?”

She grins at him and nods her head as she says, “Yes you can, but only if your parents say you are allowed to.”

I see a slight look of disappointment come across several of their faces. However, I do notice a bit of a smirk on both Ginger and Xochitl’s faces as she tells Epona, “I bet Buttermilk would be surprised to hear that.”

After lunch, we continue to walk around Harness. We eventually come upon a cavern that looks newer than most of the mine shafts and I ask him about it. Milo grins and tells us, “Oh this is the home of George and her youngsters. Would you like to visit with them?”

I notice all of my family says yes, but what really surprises me is when Ginger says, “Certainly papa Milo, I have a book of hers I am to drop off for her to read to the youngsters.”

I see him nod his head. He knocks on the wooden door to the cavern and calls in, “Hey George, it’s Milo, I have some visitors who would like to see you, can we come in?”

From inside I hear my old friend's voice call out, “Sure, who are they?”

When he calls out, “The rest of the family from Manesville. Ginger has a book for you.”

I soon feel the floor vibrate as she runs to the door. As I see her approach I notice two young dragons about the size of Moon Lily or Millie trotting behind her on two legs. Huh, I never knew they did that when they were younger, I think to myself.

As she comes up to us, she says, “My goodness it is so good to see all of you., now I need to introduce you to my children. Everyone, this is Tempered and his sister Forge.”

As she says this, I notice the one called Tempered is mainly a dark purple color on top with some light purple top and belly scales. His sister however is dark blue with dark red belly scales and some dark reddish streaks on her still developing wings. I have to grin when I see she too has glasses.

Tempered steps forward first and says, “It is a pleasure to meet y’all.”

Then Forge meekly steps forward next to him. She fiddles with her glasses a bit, then she says, “It is very nice to meet you. Mama has said some very nice things about you.”

Before I can say anything little Raven steps up to them and sticks out a hoof and tells them, “It is very nice to meet you too. Our Sissy Ginger has brought your ma’s book with her, maybe we can get her to read it to us all?”

I watch as Tempered takes her hoof and shakes it, then he tells his sister, “It’s ok, Forge, she is almost family.”

Forge looks at him over her glasses and asks, “Are you sure?”

He nods his head and instead of hoof shake, she gives Raven a hug, and I watch as a new friendship begins to grow between our families.

Soon after this Ginger steps up and I smile as first, she gives a hug to George, then she tells her, I have your book in my saddlebag. I was figuring we would see you today. I hope you don’t mind, but I read it to the youngsters on our way down.”

I see George look surprised and she asks, “Would they mind hearing the stories again?”

Then Millie says, “We only heard a couple of them, Please George, could you read us a story?”

I see George first look flustered then she smiles and says, “Choo Choo used to tell me that the Colonel used to always read to everyone during the expedition, if she can do it, I guess I can too.”

With this, we all gather around George and her children as she reads us a story. To me, it is a shared experience I will never forget, and I begin to understand how some of my troopers must have felt back then.

After the story, we let the youngsters play for a bit while us adults share tea and continue to talk. After a couple of hours of visiting though I realize the time. “George, I hate to say it, but we need to get going. We are expected at Milo’s for dinner again tonight.”

I see some disappointment on her face as she tells me, “Yeah, I understand Mollygirl. I just miss talking with you anymore.”

“I miss talking with you too George, and I will stop by again before we leave, ok?”

She nods her head and tells me, “Yes, please do that, more than once if you can.”

Dinner and the evening go about the same as the previous night. The next day I go before the board and the Site Foreman. I explain what was found at Site Paddock so they can determine if they desire to benefit from it also.

After I tell them about it, I am surprised when I hear High Grade asks, “So, you say this Ghoul was from Harness before the final day?”

I nod my head, “Yes sir. He even told me a bit about what life was like back then.”

He nods his head and he asks, “If he was from here, did he happen to have any family who worked the mines?”

Again, I nod my head and tell him, “Yes sir, he has even written their names down for me as he asked me to check to see if they made it into the stable here.”

He smiles some and tells me, “Please have my secretary check the records for their names and I will let you know. Now, unless you have other business to conduct, we do need to get going.”

I nod my head and tell them, “Members of the board, Site Foreman High Grader, this concludes what I wanted to discuss with you. Thank you very much for your time.”

After this, I am dismissed, with Milo and I leaving at the same time.”

I stop at the secretary’s desk on my way out and she copies the names down and smiles as she tells me, I think I recognize one of those names, but check back with me tomorrow.”

The rest of the visit here lasts two more days and then I meet with Windy and we conduct brief tours of the other local communities. Once those are completed, we spend three more days waiting for the next train to continue on our journey. Our next stop is Hoofington.

Dear DJ Pon3,

I am on an adventure with my family. We have seen so many places and met so many friends who are like family and we still have more yet to go. This week I got to meet my brothers and sister from Harness and I can’t wait to see them again someday. Please play On My Way so they know how I feel about all of them.

Thank You

Raven. From White Cloud but now a wastelands adventurer!

In this chapter, we get to see some of the characters we have not seen for a while. We also see the discomfort of a possible war on the horizon and how individuals may react to it. We also get to see how Mollygirl's family interacts with each other as they travel and meet others they have never met before.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the Youtube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsE0KtttoBs