We continue to visit with Badger’s birth family and stepfather while Purple and the other dignitaries continue to meet with the First Citizen who is the elected leader of the Lunar Commonwealth.

“Mom, how did you and Upper Crust get together?” I hear Badger ask Honeysuckle.

She smiles sadly and tells him, “He and I got together before you escaped. But the way things were back then, we could not let anypony know we were even on good terms.”

I see Badger shake his head, “Ma, that was so wrong. It should never have been like that.”

She puts a hoof on his shoulder and tells him, “No, it shouldn’t and I am so happy you understand that. I was already pregnant with your brother when you left.”

“Mom, did you ever know about what caused me to decide to run that night?”

She sits quietly and eventually says, “I have an idea, but why don’t you tell me so I know for sure.”

I see him look down and close his eyes as he remembers that night. I see a tear in his eye when he begins to tell her, “I was very hungry that evening, we had not had anything to eat for two days, and it was a strawberry that was ready to be picked and instead of harvesting it, I ate it. When I turned around, I saw the overseer behind me. Mom, he whipped me until I collapsed. He then kicked me and told me to get back to work. I drug myself away that night and one of the gangers from the Flash Fillies. They treated my wounds and once I was healed, they helped me find my way to Flotsam. It was there I got my first job on a ship.”

I see tears in his mother’s eyes, and I hear her whisper, “I failed my colt, I did not protect him.”

I watch as Upper Crust wraps his hoof around her and tells her, “I know which one did this. I found him bragging about it,” he looks at Badger and says, “After I found out he liked to abuse foals like this, I determined he was not fit to be in the employment of the Society. So, I arranged for his next employment to be with Red Eye. I do believe he was transferred to Fillydephia.

I see a light click on in Badger’s eyes as he asks, “I take it he was no longer in charge?”

Upper nods his head, “Oh, quite correct. I felt he should pay penance along the lines of that which he inflicted upon those under him.”

Badger again nods his head and simply says, “Thank you.”

I am next to Badger when I hear his mother ask, “Son, what happened after you ran away?” He looks at her and begins to tell her. I see her face when he tells her about his time aboard ship. As he tells his tale our foals all come closer and listen. I also notice how much Sutures and Archer are paying attention. I realize then how much my family, myself included, does not fully know about Badger.

Eventually, we decide to continue our visit out in the flower garden. As we walk among them, I notice Rain Dancer and Millie sneaking off to be alone. I also see little Raven wandering among the roses and stopping to smell them. I find it interesting when I see Woodrow stop one of the workers walking past and asking them about their growing techniques. As he talks with them, I notice more than one of them looking at his farmer's cutie mark then beginning to speak with him.

While we are just sitting there waiting, I begin to think that perhaps now would be the time to make a special visit before it is too late. I decide to leave Badger and the rest of my family to visit his mother and their family at the farms for the Society. Before I leave, I tell them where I am going and why. I see Badger, smile and shake his head. Archer offers to come with me, but I politely decline, Besides, I think Sutures really would feel put off if we both left her behind with the fillies and colts.

My part of the trade mission here is done for the day after the initial luncheon and I am supposed to be off till morning. Tomorrow I have to go to the Exchange with Windy to assist with some weapons trades for the Second Manesville Regiment. While here I am going to take the chance to visit a mare I never knew, but who earned my respect and gratitude.

It still seems rather sad to me that so many in Hoofington despise her. I cannot understand why. Maybe it is just that they never really put it all on the line like she did. Of course, there are some back at home who do not care for me either especially since the expedition. I laugh a bit as I think about how part of the expedition's purpose was to relieve the pressure on Hoofington by some of Red Eye's armies. We certainly did that. Once we hit their supply lines, they backed off here and came at us hard enough instead.

So, alone I head down to Chapel. Once I get there, I feel slightly disappointed by its outside. It is just a simple church. However, once I go inside, I can see something that does not belong there normally. I see a very large block of marble in the center of it. The light of the sun coming through the several stained-glass windows plays across it. I look at the windows and see the ones of Luna and Celestia which I recognize quite easily. The others I have no idea who they are, other than the pink one who was on all those Goddess awful posters from the war, and of course Rainbow Dash. She looks younger here than in the memory orbs. The sign for visitors out front said who they all were, but I really did not pay attention.

I walk around it and I look at the carving of her laying there with flowers in her hooves peacefully. The name Security is carved into it. Half smiling, I look at it, thinking to myself, I wonder what she would have thought of this? From the carving, I would say she was a very pretty mare, but who knows?

As I am looking, I think I see somepony up on the balcony, but they do not want to be disturbed and neither do I. That is the real reason I did not want to have any company when I came here. I knew what it would be like for me. It is a weekday so I do not see anypony else in here.

I sit down on the floor and begin to talk to her, “Security, I am sorry we could not do more to help you. We tried. Goddesses know we tried. We made it as far as New Appleloosa then they hit us. I can’t say I know what you felt, but I know what I felt back then and I was scared every day. My friend Nugget and our Major had been here to Hoofington shortly before hoof. I saw what it did to them and they were only in the area for a month.” I pause and take a deep breath, I feel the tears welling up inside me as I remember those dreadful days and I ask, “How did you do it? How did you keep your sanity?”

“Damnit,” I sob, “I am trying but I still find myself losing the battle at times. We all lost so damn much.” I say as I begin to feel the tears come and I can no longer see clearly. I lay down on the floor and I lose track of time and anypony around me.

I have no idea how long I am like that when I feel a hoof touch me lightly on my shoulder and a young mare's voice asks me “Ma’am, are you ok? Can I help you?”

I try to regain my composure, “I, I am sorry, I never intended for anypony else to see me like this.”

She gently tells me, “It’s ok, don’t be embarrassed.” Then she asks me “Did you know her well?”

I shake my head, then sniffle my nose, and quietly answer “Sadly, no. I never had the chance to meet her.”

I see the surprise on her face and she asks me, “If you never meet her, how come coming here has you so upset?”

My eyes are starting to clear enough that I can see her now. She is a thin brown pegasus mare. I tell her, “I guess it’s not so much her, but what she represents to me. Back then, shortly after the Day of Sunshine and Rainbows, I started on an expedition from the Co-op in Manesville. We were to distract Red Eye's forces that were operating in the region. We left home over 500 strong, we returned, even having taken on a civilian caravan and a company of volunteers with about 250 combat effective troops. All the senior officers had been killed, I was only a lieutenant back then and I ended up leading them while we tried to get back home.” As I tell her this, I still feel the tears start to form again as I think back to those days.

I see a puzzled look on her face like she is trying to remember something. Then I remember my manners, “Oh, I am sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, I am Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl.”

She smiles and while staying a bit of a distance from me and extends a hoof out and introduces herself, “It is a pleasure to meet you Mollygirl, I am Threnody.”

I shake her hoof, “It’s a pleasure, I like your name it is very different, I only met one other pegasus with your name but that was ten years ago back in JR 7 and she was just a young filly, at the time we all had problems pronouncing her name and she let us call her T.”

I see her thinking some more, and she asks, “JR 7, what were you doing there?”

I think back to that day, “I was with my cousin Trouble, my daughter Ginger, her now-husband Xochitl, and my pet enfield Woofers. We had gone there to buy supplies.”

I see her smile shyly as she asks, “Are Ginger and Xochitl here with you? I would like to see them again.”

I smile and tell her, "yes they are with my spouses and our foals visiting my one husbands’ mother and brother, over at the society.”

She then asks me, “Oh, was his mother one of the members of the society?”

I shake my head, “Yes and no you could say. His mother was one of their serfs, he ran away as a foal. This trip is the first time he has seen her in over thirty years.”

I see the surprise on her face, and I continue, “That is another thing I wanted to thank her for. I found out she was responsible for the freeing of the serfs. It made it where my husband Badger could come home and see his mother and let her meet her grandfoals.”

Off to the other side of the room, in a dark corner, I can see a white unicorn mare with a black and red mane and tail listening to us. Then I notice she is a blank flank and I know that can’t be her, after all, that would make her too young, and everypony knew that Security had a cutie mark.

I sigh, “I am sorry you had to see me like this, I normally am much stronger than this anymore,” I tell her.

“Mollygirl, May I call you Mollygirl? We can’t be strong all the time. Sometimes we get hit hard by life and even years later those memories will still hit us hard.”

As she is speaking, I realize that she said she would like to see Ginger and Xochitl again. AGAIN? So I ask, “Threnody, were you that little mare in JR 7?”

She smiles at me, “Yes, I was there. I tend to remember acts of kindness toward me. I was really hungry that day and we all shared a box of Sugar Applebombs.” Then I see her look down and an expression crosses her face that I do not quite understand.

“So, Threnody, you know what brings me here, what brings you here?” I ask.

She looks like she is deciding what to tell me and then answers, “I work as a Heartmender in the area, I like the way the stained-glass windows look, so I came to visit her today also.”

“I am glad somepony other than me remembers her kindly then. She earned and deserved respect and peace.” I slightly laugh with a bitterness to it, “It is sad really. When Ginger’s birth mother died, we were there, as she died she said that after her time at Hoofington she was no good anymore. She felt she was used up. She was ready to go. What was it with this city that destroyed good ponies so horribly?”

I see her think for a second and then she asks me, “Mollygirl, if she were here right now, what would you tell her?”

I take a deep breath, “First, I would tell her I was sorry I could not help her more. I would then thank her for all she did. And Finally,” I pause as I reach into my saddlebag and take out a dusty bottle of Old Overmare, “I would ask her if she would have a drink on me, and I would give her this.”

I see a questioning look come over her face, “And why would you give her this, what is its significance to you?”

I smile ruefully, “Threnody, my wife Sutures gave me this bottle a little over seven years ago. She said that if I went back to drinking that this was to be the first one so that she would know I drank. I almost lost my family over it. I thought I was dealing with my pain and drowning the nightmares, but instead, I was hurting everypony I loved, cared about, and fought for. I was about to lose everything and everyone that mattered to me. My wife Magpie told me she once heard DJ Pon3 say that Security used to tell ponies to be better, since then I have tried to be better. I have not had a drink since that day. I hope Security would approve of me now,” I tell her as I take the bottle and I place it on top of the marble grave alongside some flowers that someone else had left earlier.

Then Threnody tells me, “Mollygirl, I think she would be happy to hear you say that, as well as to know somepony thought so much of her.”

“Thanks, I appreciate you saying that. If you are ever in the area of Manesville in the NCR, please feel free to stop by. Just ask for directions to Sumac’s farm, she is one of my wives. Also, if you know any heartmenders who could do so, we could really use one in Manesville.”

I see her eyes almost bug out and her ears go straight up, “How, how many wives do you have?”

I smile and feel a bit embarrassed as I tell her, “I have three wives and two husbands, but we have an extended family where my husband Archer has fathered three fouls with the mares and Jenny as their husbands are Jack mules.”

I see her gulp and I swear I hear her mutter under her breath, “Blackjack would love you.”

About that time, I hear some more ponies coming in and I hear Ginger call “Ma, Ma are you in here?” Then I see her, with Millie on her back and Xochitl next to her in the doorway. I wave them over.

As they approach, I tell Threnody, “Speaking of Ginger and Xochitl, here they come with my other daughter Millie.”

Ginger comes up and hugs me, “Hi Ma,” which is echoed by Millie.

Xochitl being his normal formal self, smiles at me, “Colonel, are you ready?” he asks.

“Just a minute, I was just talking to an old acquaintance of ours. Do you two remember T, from back in JR 7?” I ask them.

Ginger thinks for a bit, “Yeah, we played with her along with Woofers. I still feel guilty for not letting her have more of those Sugar Applebombs, why Ma?”

Threnody then smiles and puts out a hoof, “It is good to see you two again. And Ginger, while I really enjoyed them, my mother was not happy at how sugared up I was afterward, so don’t feel bad.”

Ginger and Xochitl both extend a hoof and shake with her. Xochitl nods his head, “It is very good to see you again. That was one of the best days I had during the expedition.” He tells her.

I see Millie looking back and forth and she says, “Ginger, she looks so much younger than you two. You know her?”

Ginger turns to her, “Lil Sis, we meet her on the expedition.”

I see a look of curiosity on Millie’s face, “Ginger, you never really told me much about it though.”

“Maybe some time, but Mill’s, I really don’t like to talk about those days all that much.”

“Why not? I bet it was exciting and fun, I mean to get an adventurers cutie mark, I can’t wait to see what mine is.”

I see her give a half-smile, and she tells her little sister, “It was exciting, but honestly, I am going to tell you what Papa Badger told me, don’t be in too big a hurry to get your cutie mark, It will come when the time is right.”

“Auughh, but I want mine. You all already have yours, even Moon Lily and our brothers have theirs.”

That is when I feel a hoof come around me and a kiss on my scar. I notice the red coat and green mane from the corner of my eye, I lean into him, “Hello love. Remember me and Trouble telling you about the little Filly in JR 7 that the youngsters played with?”

He nods his head, “Yes I do, why?”

I smile, “It’s a small world dear, can I introduce you to her?”

As he smiles and holds out a hoof, I notice Threnody is getting a bit nervous or overwhelmed with all of us, but she still holds out a hoof, “A pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“Likewise, young mare. I have heard a lot of stories involving that day they played with you over the years. It is nice to put a face to the name T,” Then Archer looks at us, “Sorry, to have to hurry you dear, but we are due back at the Society for a reception in a bit. The rest of our family is waiting outside.”

“OK, thank you, Archer.”

Ginger and Xochitl both tell Threnody “It was great to see you again. If you are ever in Manesville please come visit us.”

From Ginger’s back, I see Millie curtsy to Threnody and tell her, “It was very nice to meet you, ma’am.” Then the three of them turn and follow Archer outside.

I watch them go with a smile on my face, I turn back to Threnody, “It was really a pleasure to see you again, and thank you for all you have done for me today. I really needed it.”

“You’re welcome Mollygirl, now you need to go catch up with your family take care.”

I then turn and walk out to my waiting family, I turn back to wave goodbye and I notice that behind her, the young white mare with the red and black mane has come over to the grave and has taken the whiskey bottle down. I watch as she first wipes a tear from her eye, then she removes the cork, lifts the bottle in a toast in my direction, and takes a drink. I am just turning around when I see Threnody turn around, look at the mare, and facehoof.

I know it can’t be her, but part of me wishes it was Security, just so I know she knew she was appreciated and that she has inspired me to be a better pony and mother.

Once we leave Chapel we return to the hotel and prepare for the reception. I pull out my best dress uniform and make sure it looks inspection-ready. As I put it on, Sutures assist me in making sure everything is in just the right spot. Once done with me she moves on to Archer.

For the reception, the foals are remaining behind while just us adults go. I am very nervous about this but Purchase Order insists that she will watch all of them in our suite. Both of Windy’s older two daughters both volunteered to help Purchase with watching the others.

I have to grin at the others in our party as I see the mares other than Windy and I in their formal gowns and the stallions other than Archer and Badger in their dress suits. Part of me wishes I too could wear a formal gown, but this is more about representing home than myself.

Sumac then says, “Purchase, thank you again for doing this.”

Purchase Order then tells her, “My pleasure, and don’t worry I will keep an extra eye on Rain and Mills.”

I see Sumac grin and tell her, “Thanks Purchase. We all appreciate it.” That is a bit of a relief off my mind at least.

Once we arrive at the lobby, we are met by three carriages from the Society. Each one has an armed guard riding next to the driver. As we get in Ginger, Epona, and Xochitl climb onto the roof of the carriages behind the drivers and guards. I am amused to notice that while each is dressed up, they also are carrying their weapons concealed. I look up to the roof of the carriage and I ask Epona, “How come I could not notice your weapons earlier?”

She smiles and quietly tells me “Choo Choo taught us about it. Moon cast the spell as we were getting ready. It gives them a chameleon effect. But it only lasts a few hours.”

I nod my head, “Makes sense.” Then I pause, “Hey when did Choo Choo teach her that kinda spell?”

"Sorry ma, can’t hear you with the noise of the carriage on the road. Talk to you later.” Epona quickly tells me and I swear I hear her laugh lightly.

Once we arrive back at Elysium it is starting to become dark already. We are waved through the gates and I can see lanterns lining the drive leading up to the main entranceway. From inside I can see the silhouettes of a large number of ponies through the windows and I can hear music being played. Those of us in this carriage all begin to visibly show excitement.

Once the carriages stop, the doors are opened by ponies in fine clothing, who assist us as we climb down. I watch as the delegates form up in pairs and head to the doorway, Windy and Squall Line then follow them lined up together. Finally, my family forms up. Magpie and I lead the way with Badger and Sumac behind us and following them Archer and Sutures.

As each couple enters, I hear their names announced. I present my family's invite and am very surprised when I am told that we are to line up from right to left together. When we step up to enter, I hear them announce, “Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl, From the New Canterlot Army, with her spouses, Magpie, Captain Archer, Sutures, Captain Honey Badger, and Sumac.”

I catch myself before I smirk when I hear them announce Badger’s full name. Then we are all signaled to advance forward so the doorway can be cleared for those behind us.

As we step down the steps leading into the lowered floor from the entrance, I hear the next couple being announced. Soon we pair off again and begin to mingle with those around us as well as occasionally participate in the dancing that is taking place in the same room.

Off to one side is a buffet table filled with food and drinks. Many of the ponies and even a few griffons seem to be almost parked there as they talk, eat, and drink. As I lead Magpie over toward the tables I notice that on the other end of the room The First Citizen is there in her wheelchair. I also notice the same ghoul servant or it seems more advisor is next to her again.

After we have been here for a couple of hours I am approached by her advisor. Who asks “Madam, may I talk to you privately for a few minutes?

I turn to Magpie and tell her, “I will be right back dear.”

She smiles and tells me, “I understand.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Yes of course sir.”

Once we are away from the others, he asks me, “Ma’am, if I may please ask you a very personal question?”

I cautiously reply, “Depending on what it is, depends on how I answer though.”

I see him nod his head, “Sensible madam,” he says, then pauses and quietly asks, “Lieutenant Colonel, I can see you walk on both sides. How? I also noticed one of your families’ foals was the same way, I don’t understand. Did you find a cure for, for this?”

Without thinking I place a hoof on his shoulder and tell him, “Sir, there is no cure that I know of. But I believe it is because both she and I have been dead and come back. She was still in the womb so she has no memory of it. I, I only have a few, but they still hurt.”

I see the look of sorrow on his face as he listens to me. Then he says, “So you too were refused admittance. I understand now. I am sorry for your pain.”

I nod my head. Then I ask him, “My daughter that you can see on both sides. She can see others this way also, have you heard of any others like this?”

He closes his eyes and thinks briefly. Then he tells me, “Honestly it is the first time I have ever heard of a non-ghoul having the sight. I am sorry I cannot help you more.”

I shrug my shoulders and tell him, “That is ok, I do understand.”

He then looks around and has me follow him further to the side away from all the others. “Madam, one more thing, I have been asked to unofficially tell you, that while the First Citizen and most of the other leaders in the Lunar Commonwealth harbor no ill will against the NCR, the founding charter for the Lunar Commonwealth prevents us from fighting in conflicts outside our own borders unless we are attacked. Even here in Hoofington, we have seen the old Enclave has started to stretch their wings again, and while we would like to assist, we just cannot do so.”

I am stunned at this and ask him, “Then why are you telling me this?”

He sighs and tells me, “Because we wanted you to understand why, as well as to have fair warning that if things escalate between the NCR and the Grand Pegasus Enclave, we will have to expel your delegation and we will remain neutral. You also have to understand we have many citizens from Thunderhead who live here and are citizens of the Lunar Commonwealth. We need to protect our people.”

I nod my head, “Sir, I do understand. We too have a sizable population of immigrants from Thunderhead. While nowhere near as large a number as you have, we too worry about them.”

He nods his head and tells me, “We appreciate your understanding and our regrets. I need to get back to my duties before somepony notices. Have a good evening Colonel, and for what it is worth, I hope to see you again someday in Elysium.”

As I go back to the others, I am just in time to have Windy grab me and tell me, “Mollygirl, I need to introduce you to my old battalion commander…”

Once we arrive back at the hotel things begin to settle down for us. The foals are all asleep in a big pile, and I notice that Rain has a wing draped over Millie with her head resting on his forehoof. I also notice that she has been drooling in her sleep and giggle to myself at the reaction that will get from both of them come morning.

Windy and Squall look at the youngsters all sleeping and ask, “Can we just leave them here for the night?”

Magpie answers quickly, but quietly, “Sure, no need to get them all wound up.” Behind her, I can see my other spouses all nodding.

I see both Windy and Squall smile at each other when we say that the foals can stay here. “Thank you very much, we have not had a sitter since we lived in Thunderhead.”

I am stunned by this and tell them, “When we get home, that has to change. You two need your alone time also.”

I see them look at my family and nod their heads, Squall Line then tells us, “Again, thank you so much, with so many of you, we did not think we could ask, and to be honest, we have been a bit nervous to leave them overnight anywhere.”

Magpie steps up and tells him, “We understand, believe me, now you two best head for your room. Have a good night and we will see you in the morning, ok.”

After they depart, we all head for our beds. In the back of my mind is the discussion I had with the First Citizen’s advisor. Ghoul or not, he let me know some important information that I need to pass on to Purple.

After Breakfast I catch Purple as she comes for a lesson with Moon. “Aunt Purple, I need to talk with you for a second.”

I see a look of concern come over her face and she asks, “Mollygirl, Have I done Something wrong? I thought there would be no harm in Moon Lily casting the chameleon spell on our escort’s weapons last night.”

I shake my head as I lead her into one of the rooms of the suite that is empty for the moment. Once the door is closed, I tell her about my conversation the night before. I also tell her about my worries about our being so far from home.

She smiles and puts a hoof on my shoulder, “Dear Colonel, if it comes to that, we will be told to leave. That is all. But until we are ready to leave, or until we are told to do so, I think we should stay to get what other trade concessions we can from them.”

I nod my head in understanding, “Ok Purple, I just thought you should know.”

She grins at me and tells me, “And I appreciate that you not only told me but were very discrete about it.” Then she changes the subject and tells me, “Speaking of discrete, I am very happy to see Epona and Purchase Order have become so close. Honestly Mollygirl, I have not seen her this happy in a long time.”

I smile at her and tell her, “Same here. I just worry about how she will be when we leave. I mean I have noticed that they spend all the free time either of them has from work together.”

Purple then quietly tells me, “Dear, let them enjoy what time they have, and worry about that when it happens. None of us knows the future so while we plan for it, there is nothing to be gained from worrying about it. Now let’s go get Moon’s training started for the day.”

As the days turn to weeks, we have been in Hoofington for a month when it happens. It is in the evening. I have just finished reading to the youngsters for the night. In the main room of our suite, several others of the delegation are playing cards. Epona and Purchase Order run into the main room and call out, “Everyone, turn on the radio!”

Instead of hearing DJ Pon3 or one of the local DJ’s voices I hear a mare’s voice speaking on the radio.

The Enclave offers you all an alternative, food, water, and stability to all those who want it."

I see the color drain from Windy and Squall Line's faces. I feel my heart sink and I know what this means. Behind me, I hear Badger say, “Oh buck.”

There is of course the matter of the traitors that call themselves Dashites. Traitors and terrorists who want to disrupt the established order of the Enclave. Just as bad are those who harbor them. The NCR harbors such individuals and allows them free reign over their territory. But that is the least of their treachery, they have given one of the worst of these traitors, a war criminal who's actions caused many deaths.

When I hear her say this all I can think of is Sunset and the other pegasi back home. Behind me, I hear Purple Haze say, “We need to get home.”

All around me I hear the ponies getting upset and talking loudly. Causing me to miss part of the speech. I quiet them down and I hear the last part as she says, The Enclave doesn't believe in such deceptions, so we are bringing the truth to you. This is President Winter Breeze, signing off.

I look over at Epona and tell her, “Ok Epona, report, what did I miss from earlier.

She looks at me and tells me, “Colonel, she says the Enclave is back to help everpony, but that the NCR is the problem and that it is corrupt. But Ma, they are back.”

I nod my head, “Ok, calm down everypony, this is a warning shot. We know what is coming."

Purple Haze turns to me and says, “I agree Colonel, I do believe we should consider ending negotiations soon and returning to the territory of the NCR.”

I hear several of her team mumbling among themselves and as I turn, I see how sad Purchase looks as well as Epona. I approach them and I tell her, “Dear, over the last couple of weeks you have become like family. I am sure Epona will come back to you no matter what, and to be honest, there is always more room up home for you if you want to come up there. This is not the end, ok.” I tell her as I put a hoof under her chin and look into her eyes like I have with all of my children when they were hurting.

I see her wipe her nose on her forehoof and I watch as Epona comes over and slowly moves my hoof with hers and kisses Purchase gently, then tells her, “She is right, I will be back no matter what.”

Then I see a glimmer of hope in Purchase’s eyes as she asks, “Pona, what if I came with you?”

Epona smiles at her and tells her, “I would really like that, but I will not ask you to make such a decision when you are this upset. We have at least a couple of days before we go, so think about it ok.”

I watch as Purchase buries her head against my daughter’s neck and slowly nods her head, as Epona wraps a hoof around her and holds her.

Soon we all decide to call it a night. I am surprised though as when Epona and Purchase go to the room that the older foals share that Ginger and Xochitl decide to sleep on the pull-out couch in the living room. Ginger smiles at me and says, “Ma, I want them to have some private time too, ok.”

I smile back at her and nod my head. Then I double-check to make sure the youngsters are all in their beds and I head to mine. As I go, I catch myself putting my pistol on my nightstand. Not that I am expecting trouble yet. But I want to be ready; just in case.

The night after the speech on the radio our family makes the trip to the Society to visit Bager’s mother and her family. On our way, Badger tells us, “I am sorry but if things go bad I want to at least have been able to say goodbye to my mother this time.”

Sumac is on his other side and kisses him on the cheek and tells him, “Honey, I am very glad you are. She is a very good mare and I know how much she loves you, even after all these years. I just wish you could have spent more time with them.”

He nods his head and replies, “Well at least we have had this much time. Honestly Sumac, I never thought I would get to see her again. I had not realized how much I had missed her.”

Magpie then says, “I can understand. I wish I could see my parents one more time also. I am just glad she is still alive and I cannot believe how much she loves all of our foals.”

Once we get to the gate the guard asks us, “Back to visit your family again or business?”

Badger just smiles and tells him, “Back to visit Mom again.”

After which we are just waved through and soon I watch as the foals all get excited and run up to her yelling, “Grandma!” As we leave that night, we say our last goodbyes, just in case.

For the next four days, things remain quiet. Then I wake to a pounding on the door. I grab my pistol and am covered by the older foals as I open it cautiously.

I am not expecting the sight that greets me. I see Purchase Order at the door and she has a burned patch on her side. I grab her and pull her inside and I ask. “What’s up Purchase?”

She is still breathing hard and Sutures is examining her wounds as she tells us, “You all need to get out of here right away. Ma, they are coming for you?”

I am surprised and I ask, “Who? Who is coming for me?”

She looks surprised that I don’t already know and she tells me with wide eyes, “A squad of enclave soldiers. I overheard two of them talking about it outside Mega Mart, and as I walked away, Salvage Values, the merchant with the artillery told them to grab me as I was always hanging around your group.”

She gasps as Sutures cleans her wound and begins to dress it. From beside her, I see Moon Lily hoofing her the supplies.

“I was running this way with Tek when they shot me.” She continues.

I give her a funny look and ask, “With who?”

She looks at a very worried Epona and then back at me before answering, “Tek, he is one of the Zebra scavengers that is with the Finders. He is downstairs watching the door for them.”

I nod my head at this as Ginger comes back in with Windy and her family in tow. Windy looks at Purchase and asks her, “What happened?”

She is just beginning to tell her story again as Purple Haze comes charging into the room horn glowing. She looks at my family packing their bags quickly and putting on their weapons and nods her head. Then she asks, “Ok Purchase, what happened?”

I can’t help myself and almost smile at her being asked the same question again and remembering the frustration I felt in her horseshoes at her age.

Finally, she begins again and tells them all what is going on. One of Purple’s delegates asks, “But Miss Haze, why would they do such a thing?”

Purple then looks at her and asks, “Why do you think? If they capture us then they have some great pawns to trade.”

Then Windy says, “That and while I may be considered a traitor for not returning to the Enclave along with my family, they will know we are friends with Dashites. Especially if they know we are from Manesville.”

I see Badger’s face go pale, “Sunset, Cloud Dodger, and the others. My goddesses.”

I look at everyone, “Ok everypony we pull out in an hour. Xochitl, head down with Ginger and watch the main entrance for us. Use your PipBucks to contact me if needed earlier. Tell Tek that Purchase is ok and thank him for his help. If he wants to come up, have him do so. I have a few questions to ask.”

They both nod their understanding and then do a quick signal to each other with their ears and are off at a trot for the lobby fully kitted up and ready.

I am just finishing putting my kit on when I hear a knock on the door. This time Sutures opens it with her TK. When it opens, I see the same hooded Zebra who asked where the necromancer was. He pulls back his hood and I see he is not much older than Xochitl.

“Yes, you called for me?” he says.

I nod my head, “Tek, what can you tell us about those who are after us?”

He looks at Purchase Order and then back at me, “IF I tell you, You must take me. My life no good here if I tell.” He points at Purchase and says, “She already dead if catch.”

I nod my head, Sure what is one more refugee I think to myself. “You have my word.”

He looks at me, “Not your word I want. I want hers,” he says as he points at Moon Lily.

Moon comes over and says, “If Mama Mollygirl is willing to give you her word, then I am willing to give you mine also.” After this, she extends a hoof.

He takes her hoof and shakes it and says, “Thank you. The spirits have told me to trust you little one.”

I raise an eyebrow at this and he tells me, “Enclave fliers come ask about you. Some tell lots, some nothing. But fliers pay some gangs to help catch.”

I look at Epona and Purchase who look at him. Then Epona asks him something in Zebrican. He answers back and she tells me, “Ma, it is a couple of gangs, both fairly small right now. One is trying to regain its reputation; the others are just new starts. We bumped heads with them a while back.”

Purchase then tells me, “Mayhem’s Mares are not that big, they also have more guts than brains. The other one he knows for sure is the Broken Clocks. They tend to be, how do I say this ma,” I nod my head after she pauses, and then she says, “Well they are a bit different. They seemed a bit more territorial to me, which has me wondering why they are involved in this.”

“Well, I guess it doesn’t matter, we just need to get out of here.” I look around and see everypony is ready.

Windy and her family are on the balcony, “Mollygirl, we will meet you on the street. Be careful.”

I look at her and tell her, “You too.” Then I turn to the others, ``Ok, let's go.” And we begin our run for the NCR.

Dear DJ Pon3,

I have been a diplomat most of my life. However recently the waters of diplomacy have become much murkier and harder to navigate. I have seen many warning signs for what is to come for all of us. No pony will be left out of this, I fear. I only pray that this cup too shall pass us all by. With this in mind, I ask that you play For What It's Worth.

Thank you very much,

Purple Haze, Tenpony Tower, Manesville, NCR.

I would like to take the time to credit the basic description of the Chapel and the gravesite to Somber from his epilogue in PH. I would also like to thank Heartshine for allowing me to use her character Threnody from her story Fallout-Equestria-Project-Horizons-Speak once again.
Finally, I would like to make sure that I properly credit the speech on the radio by President Winter Breeze to RuinQueenof Oblivion. The parts of it that I had in italics are directly from her story FoE: Survivor's Guilt. I have done so with her permission though that was gained some time ago.

For those who wish to listen to this chapter's play request, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp5JCrSXkJY