Once we leave Junction Town, we take the train to the river and the landing so we can make the final leg of our journey home. Twice during our trip, we are shunted onto a siding so loaded freight trains can pass by us on their way to Junction Town.

As they pass us, I hear Windy ask, “I wonder where they are getting all that cargo from?”

I shrug my shoulders and I tell her, “Possibly from two places. They may be removing stock from under Canterlot mountain. That is if they have cleared the way enough. Or they may be getting it from the riverboats and are just moving it from there.”

I see her think about this and then she asks, “Mollygirl, what all was under that mountain?”

I sigh at her and I ask her, “Did you ever get to read the reports I filed on that part of the expedition?”

She shakes her head and then says, “No, but I know about the Doorway. That is about it.”

I then grin and tell her, “Windy, it was the largest rail switchyard I have ever seen and it was all underground. There were box cars and flat cars full of equipment. I would not be surprised if they had hollowed out half the mountain for storage warehousing.”

I see her eyes get wide and she asks, “There was really that much down there?”

I nod my head and tell her, “And probably more. Old Sidetrack, Tinderbox, and some other ghouls kept the equipment in running order. More out of something to give them purpose than out of a sense of duty I think.”

I see her shake her head and then I hear Archer tell her, “Don’t worry about it Windy, I still have not heard what all was under there, and I am married to her.”

Then I see Windy smirk as she tells him, “Yeah, but you are just one of her husbands. Me, I am one of her best friends.”

I see Archer smile and shake his head. Then he tells her, “The secret is Windy, all of her spouses are friends with her as well as each other. That is what makes this big of family work. Our love is built on friendship. SOOOO, ya better be careful or the next thing you know you will be one of us. I mean you already have accompanied us on a family trip as well as fought alongside us.”

I see her face start to go pale and she begins to stutter and Squall line begins to laugh. Then he taps his wife on the shoulder and tells her, “See I warned you,” as he begins to laugh again.

I see her blush and she tells him, “Just because we are friends it does not mean it has to lead to anything more. It is not like eating bacon for goddess’s sake.”

I have to smirk at that. After several years of watching my family eat radhog, one time she came to visit for a playdate with Dancer and her daughters while we were still eating breakfast. I still remember Ginger asking her, “What do you have to lose? No one but our family will see you try some. Besides, bacon is so good and salty.”

That was what did it. Once Ginger said it was salty, I saw Windy lick her lips and she gave in. She does not eat meat often, but now she is not against it either.

As we cross the river, we see several riverboats and barges along the bank and piers. I also notice the large number of ponies who are loading and unloading them. Then in the distance, I can see a large cloud of dust approaching us. Now I am worried as is Windy. She looks at me and tells me, “Mollygirl once we stop, I will go and see what is making that dust column. At least I know that is not the Enclave. They don’t move on the ground usually.”

I nod my head, “Thanks, Windy. I owe you one.”

She smiles and tells me, “If I don’t return, remember to avenge me.” Then as the train begins to slow, she calls out the name of her oldest daughter and tells her, “Grab your kit, you’re with me, we have a job.”

Her daughter begins to argue, but instead decides to close her mouth and grabs her gear, and trots off after her mother. Soon I see both of them in the air and flying towards the approaching column. As they go, I continue to help the rest of our party unload from the train and load the carts so we can move to the riverfront.

Once we finish, we trot over to the commander of the landing’s office to find out where we are to go. Before long over my PipBuck I hear Windy call out, “Mollygirl, we are ok. It is the 3^rd of the 1^st. They have been recalled home. I will fill you in more when I get back to you.”

“Roger that Windy,” I tell her, and I now am concerned as to why they got recalled and who will take their spot in the Hackamore region.

As my family waits, I go inside the port authority’s office. As I am entering, I see a very upset-looking Rough Water coming out. He stops me and tells me, “Mollygirl, it’s not good. Not good at all.”

“What’s not good?” I ask cautiously.

He shakes his head, “Mollygirl since they came over the radio announcing that they are back, they have gotten to be more aggressive. They are attacking all river traffic they see.”

I am not surprised by this and I tell him, “That makes sense to me, but these are still the quickest and safest means of getting home.”

He looks at me and tells me, “I hope so, but Mollygirl, we just got reports of two steamers sunk just north of where the Hoof Rock joins this river. Mollygirl I knew those boats and their crews. Goddesses, one of which the clan was looking at buying, even.”

I nod my head and I ask him, “Rough will our group be able to ride on the Glimmer back?”

He nods his head, “Yeah we are only taking the 3^rd Battalions HQ and engineers company this time. Their scouts will be on one of the smaller boats,” he pauses and looks me right in the eyes, “Mollygirl, I passed on what you and Wind Rider told me. The others know to beach their ships if they have to. I even told Rust the last time I saw her. She laughed at me, but I tried to warn her.”

“You tried Rough, she is a grown mare, and if she survives, she will have to explain the loss to the rest of the clan.”

“Dammit Mollygirl, what if she doesn’t survive?”

I shrug my shoulders, “Rough, there is nothing we can do, and if you think I don’t know what it is like then think again. I have ordered members of my family into combat knowing they very well could die. You have had to also. Just because she is your little sister doesn’t change things Rough.”

I see him take a deep breath and sigh. Then he tells me, “You’re right. Just have your family come over to the Glimmer. My bosun already knows to expect you. I got the message from the war department this morning by courier.”

“Thanks, Rough. And for what it’s worth, I am worried about her too. I am worried about all of you on the river and all of us back home. But I know we have to keep going.”

I see him nod his head, but his expression is still troubled. “Thanks, Colonel, I will see you aboard the Glimmer.”

I nod my head and return to my family and the others. Once I arrive, I tell them, “We are heading for the Glimmer. Once we get there, I want you to all quickly unload what you need. Anything we don’t need we leave in the carts under a tarp.”

As I begin to turn, I hear Raven ask, “Mama Mollygirl, will we need our weapons?”

My heart crashes when I hear her of all fillies ask this. I turn to her and gently answer, “While I hope not, bring them with you. Once onboard I want all of us to meet on the top deck by the far side paddle wheel. Everypony got that?”

I see them nod their heads and we move towards the Glimmer. Once there, the others first unload the bags and weapons. Then we help those who are harnessed up out of it. Then I watch as Sutures and Archer begin to lead the others on board as I wait with Badger and Attaché for the carts to be loaded. Once they are on board, we take our turns to go up the gangway. I am just getting to the top deck when Windy calls to me, “Here comes the 3^rd of the 1^st Mollygirl,” as she lands next to me. “Dull Beak will be here with his staff soon.”

“Good, I think we need to talk. Windy, Rough is worried about Rusty and her boat too. He just had a report of two riverboats getting attacked a bit ago.”

She looks at me with a worried expression as she asks, “Mollygirl, is it safe to bring our families on here then?”

I look around and I ask her, “Windy if not here, then where? I am pretty sure the Enclave is going to eventually hit this port.”

I hear her sigh “Yeah, your right. I am still worried.”

I put my hoof over her shoulder and I tell her, “Good, that makes two of us.”

We are met by the Bosun and are assigned the same cabins as before. I am coming back out of mine when I run into Dull Beak.

He looks at me and asks, “Mollygirl what in the name of The Great Egg are you doing here?”

I grin at him, “The same thing you are, heading home, why?”

He shakes his head and tells me, “Mollygirl, it's not safe. They are hitting the riverboats now.”

I nod my head and I ask him, “And how else do you propose we get home?”

I can see I have him stumped with that one. Then he answers, “Well it's good to see you again. When we left Milo said to give you and your family his love and to tell you all that the entire family misses you.”

This brings a smile to my face and I tell him, “I am really glad to hear that. Speaking of Milo and that region; Who is going to be filling in for your battalion down there?”

He grimaces slightly and tells me, “Ma’am when we got the word we were extended and that the 1^st battalion was not coming to relieve us, we all figured something was up. Harness has expanded to a full regiment now, and Hackamore along with the outlying villages has called up their militias and formed another battalion. The only thing they are light on is artillery and Harness has already let them know they have them covered.”

I nod my head, “Thanks DB for thinking ahead like that too. I really owe you and Milo a big one for it.”

I see him look at me funny, so I tell him, “I was as worried about them down there as I am about the old Co-op. They are like family there too.”

I see him nod his head in understanding, then he tells me, “Well ma’am, while I have enjoyed talking with you, I need to go check in with the Commodore. Perhaps we can talk more later.”

I smile at him and agree. Then I tell him, “Since you are going to see him before I do, let him know I approve of his new additions topside.”

Dull Beak looks at me funny and I tell him, “He already had added two more 40mm guns when we rode down, now he has added two more as well as what looks to be a 76mm gun. That should help out some. I just hope they are secured well enough and that the structure will take it.”

I see him nod his head and then he says, “Well that explains why I have seen so much reinforcement of the overheads that weren’t there before. He really has built the Glimmer into something, hasn’t he?” Then he smiles once more, salutes me, and asks, “By your leave ma’am?”

I return his salute and tell him, “Carry on Lieutenant Colonel,” and I watch him walk off to attend to his duties and his troops.

That night my family eats dinner in the main mess with the troops. I notice that Dull Beak is not here and assume he is eating in the Officers Mess. I had considered it myself, but I do not want Rough to feel like he has to cater to me also when he has so much on his mind.

While we eat, I notice that Purchase tends to spend her time talking to the youngsters and giving them her attention. I also notice how surprised she is by the portions she as well as all the others is given.

After dinner, on our way back to our cabins I ask her about it. She shrugs her shoulders and says, “Ma, what can I say, you give your soldiers a better portion of food at a meal than I normally had for two or three days. It, it just takes some getting used to. I am sorry if I embarrassed you.”

I smile kindly at her and tell her, “Dear, you have not embarrassed me, but understand, while things back in the Manesville area may not be fancy, we always try to make sure no one goes hungry, as long as they are willing to work. The times we have failed were during times of bad harvest and disasters. All of us adults in the family have been there. We have all been hungry. Why do you think we learned to eat meat?”

She nods her head and replies, “Ginger told me about that. But seeing this, it just doesn’t seem real.”

I sigh and tell her, “Dear, little Moon Lily is named after Archer’s sister who drowned when she was so weak from hunger that she could not swim. His father tried to save her and only survived because others saved him. So, for us, it’s real.”

Off to the side, I see both of my husbands talking with Tek. He has been very quiet and we are all worried about him.

Once we get back to our cabin Sutures points to a note left on the desk. “Hey Mollygirl, you have a letter here for you.”

I am surprised and come over and read it. It is from Rough.

Dear Mollygirl,

I am sorry I failed to invite you to dinner tonight, however, I have had much to consider. Tonight, before you retire for the night, could you please meet me in the Pilot House.

Your Cousin

Rough

I nod my head and realize I will be heading there soon. But first I ask Archer, “So did you find out what is going on with Tek?”

He sits down and tells me, “Yes. He is still worried about the trip home from here. He said some things in Zebracan that I couldn’t understand, but he is worried, dear. Not just about himself, but all of us.”

“Should I stop and talk to him in a bit?” I ask.

He shakes his head and tells me, “No, He is bunking with some of the bucks from the diplomatic party, and he has told me he will be turning in early tonight.”

I nod my head. “Ok dear, I will listen to you on this then. But if he needs to talk to any of us. We are here for him too.”

He nods his head and tells me, “Love, you need to get going, I am sure the youngsters will be waiting for their nightly story, and you still have to see Rough.”

As I head for the door, both Sutures and him give me a kiss and tell me, “We will be waiting dear.”

I smile at them and tell them both, “I cannot wait.” Then I head off to spend time with and read to our children.

Once I get there, I notice that Windy’s kids are there too. I am amused as I see both Millie and Rain sitting next to each other. I also notice that Windy’s daughters are showing Moon Lily how they can make clouds. When they see me, they immediately stop what they were doing and make the clouds dissipate. When they do this, I see Moon smile widely, like she had just learned a new spell.

I smile at all of them and say nothing about it. I only tell them, “Ok, let's gather around for another story. “Who has a book, and which story shall we read tonight?”

I smile when I see one of Windy’s daughters pull out a book and she shyly gives it to me. “Misses Mollygirl, could you read this one to us?”

I look at the cover and smile as I see a story I had not seen before. I look at the worn and torn book and admire the gold inlay of the title Daring Do and the Lost Opossum Tribe. Before I begin to read I ask, “Where did you two get this one? I never even heard of it.”

They both smile and Dancer answers from the corner, “It was our Great Great Grandma’s she took it with her to Thunderhead when the skies were closed.”

Both of his sisters nod their heads in excitement. Then the oldest says, “Ma said we could have you read it to us because she knew you would be careful with it.”

I nod my head and tell them, “Thank you for trusting me with such a treasure.” Then I begin to read to them.

A couple of hours later I stop reading as most of them are all asleep. Earlier Purchase had returned and she now tells me, “Thanks for reading to us all. I got them if you need to go ok Ma?”

I smile at her, “Sure thing Purchase,” then I pause and tell her, “Dear, if you’re going to call me Ma, you need to understand, I am a hugger, now get over here young mare.”

She steps over to me carefully and I put a hoof around her and gently hug her. I hear her cry slightly and then she tells me, “I have not had a hug like that since my parents were killed.”

“What about Epona?” I ask.

She smiles and tells me, “Ma, that’s different. That is a hug between partners, not parent and foal.”

I nod my head and tell her, “Ah, now I understand what you meant. Yeah, I get that and welcome to our crazy family dear, now you get some sleep too and I will see you in the morning.” I tell her and as she yawns and heads to her bunk, I let myself out and head to the Pilot House.

Once I reach the Pilot House I knock on the door and am very surprised to find Dull Beak is already there. Behind him, I see Rough and his XO. Dull Beak tells me, “Come on in Colonel, we have some things we need to discuss.”

Once I am inside, Rough indicates a seat for me to take, which I do. “Alright bucks, what do you have for me?”

Rough laughs joylessly. Then he tells me, “Several things. First off, Mollygirl, what’s this Dull Beak has been telling me about Site Omega, and it’s being an alternate assembly point if need be?”

I look at Dull Beak and then the others and then I tell him, “Rough I know the river going that way is tight at some points, but it may be our best bet at assembling a strike force if we have to retake home.”

I see him looking apprehensive and he asks me, “Mollygirl, do you think it will come to that?”

I shake my head and I tell him, “No Rough, I do not. But we need to plan for anything right now. Besides, I think the last thing the Enclave would expect is for the Manesville Brigade to reform at Serenity Valley. Goddesses know it’s the last place I ever want to see again.”

I see Rough nod his head and then he asks me, “Mollygirl, was it really that bad there?”

Before I answer I close my eyes to compose my thoughts. Before I can reopen my eyes, I hear Dull Beak say, “Commodore when you no longer expect to survive, but decide you are going down fighting, what do you think?”

By now I have reopened my eyes and by the dim lantern light, I can Rough’s face. He looks at me and tells me, “Yeah, that’s what I thought. Sorry, but I had to ask. OK, we continue on our normal route unless we get wired by Manesville or the War Department to land you at Serenity Valley. But understand, if we do land you at Serenity Valley then we will be taking the river back to Manesville to hit them when you do. Ok?”

I reach a hoof across the Small control room for the Glimmer and shake his. “It’s a deal Rough. However, we try the front door first. Hopefully, we can make it before anything happens.”

He smiles at this and tells me, “I agree. I never imagined this when I first signed up for the brown water navy. Speaking of that Mollygirl, what you think of my modifications to the Glimmer?”

I smile at this and tell him honestly, “While I really like them, Archer is just about drooling over them. He was wondering if he could get a closer look at them sometime?”

I see him nod his head and then he surprises me and tells me, “Mollygirl, he is not only family, but an artillery officer to boot, I would love to have him talk with my Chief Gunner. Flash Pan is good, and he is experienced with small arms. But he is still getting used to the big guns. Besides, maybe he can give him some advice about targeting airborne targets. I mean I have read about Nightmare Moon and how you all used it.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Actually, I think Archer would be more than happy to help train for anti-air gunnery. It’s hard to believe that he actually has more experience at it than most.”

I see Rough smile. Then he says, “Good, now that is settled, tell me more about this Purchase Order and should I ask her to join us for dinner at my table yet?”

The next morning continues with the loading of the 3^rd battalion. The loading is finally finished by late afternoon. While part of me would like to get underway right away. I am there when Dull Beak and Rough discuss our departure time.

“Commodore, the sooner we get underway, the quicker we get to Manesville.” I hear Dull Beak tell him.

I see Rough look at him with a neutral expression as he hears this. Then he responds, “Colonel, I think it best that we wait until shortly before dark. They will not expect it and we can get a head start on them if they are trying to track us.”

I see Dull Beak look at me and he asks me, “Ma’am, what do you think?”

“DB. I want to get home just as quickly as you do, but I have a feeling he is right on this. Besides, he knows the flotilla and the river better than either of us.”

Rough nods his head in agreement. Then he tells Dull Beak, “Remember Dull Beak, my squadron's home port is Manesville. Our families are there also. I understand about your wife and youngsters, we will get you to them as quickly as we can.”

I can see the frustration on Dull Beak's face and in his body language. But he simply nods his head and says, “Ok Commodore. I do understand.”

Then Rough asks him, “DB, would you like to join me again tonight for dinner? I plan on inviting young Purchase Order and I want your opinion as a friend of the clan about her. I am afraid our Mollygirl may be a bit influenced concerning her due to her being involved with her daughter and all.”

I see Dull Beak nod his head and then a thought occurs to me, “Rough, one other that we had join our group is a young zebra stallion named Tek, perhaps we could invite him also. He comes from down in the Hoof, but he helped us when we needed a hoof. That and for some reason he and Moon Lily have an affinity for each other.”

I see a raised eyebrow on Rough’s face and he asks in a stern voice, “Mollygirl, please explain what you mean by affinity.”

I nod again as I tell him, “Rough, he can tell when she uses her magic. He keeps calling her something called a necromancer. He even told her that the zebras had necromancers and that they used to help the deceased to cross over.”

He still looks at me suspiciously and asks, “And you believe him?”

I nod my head, “Yeah, yeah I do. The first time I met him was right after Moon gave the blessing of the dead at Mega Mart. He came out asking who was using that magic. Rough he knew somepony was using it, just not who. I think there is more to him than we realize.”

He turns his head slightly and looks at Dull Beak who simply shrugs. Then Rough says, “Ok Mollygirl, give him an invite too. Please join us also. This is a formal meeting for Purchase so I can determine her intentions and the seriousness of her and Epona.”

I smile some and I tell him, “I understand your concern Cousin. Thank you for understanding mine.”

The afternoon transitions quietly into early evening. With only a couple of hours left of daylight, I hear Rough give the orders for the flotilla to get underway. Ahead of us are two small ten pony crewed motorboats like those used on the Hoofrock by Manesville. As I watch them begin to lead the way one of the junior officers walking by sees me staring at them and tells me, “Ma’am, we just got them assigned. They will be guiding us in the dark and providing a rapid response in case of trouble.”

I nod my head in understanding, then I ask, “Ensign, has there been much trouble lately?”

He shakes his head no and tells me, “Not yet ma’am, but it is building. We have had some reports of attacks on civilian craft. They tend to keep away from us so far. However, I am sure that will change soon, especially after their having taken some of our smaller settlements.”

“Ensign, they may have them for now, but I have a feeling they are not going to be able to keep ‘em. “

I see him smile slightly in the growing dusk and he says, “That is good, but ma’am, from what I understand, they need food, and everyone knows that home has it. That is what has me worried.”

I cannot smile when he says this as I know he is right. I simply tell him, “Ensign, I have to agree with your assessment of their needs, but they will have to take on the entire Manesville Brigade and the 1^st River Flotilla, so again, even if they take it, they will not be able to keep it.”

I see him look somberly at me as he asks, “But if they can’t keep it, how much will be left?”

Now that, that is the question I think to myself as I nod my head and watch him walk away. Then I look behind us and see the shadows of the other riverboats and barges following us. I look forward and I see the river before us and briefly, I think I may have seen a crow flying north and towards Manesville along the river bank.

That night dinner is served slightly late due to our having gotten underway when we did. Most of my spouses are eating in the crew mess with the foals. However tonight I am joined by Archer as well as Purchase Order and Tek.

As we walk up to the officers’ mess, I see Purchase looking guiltily at her clothing so I ask her, “OK Purchase, what’s on your mind?”

I see her take a deep breath and then she tells me, “Nothing, it's not important I guess.”

I tilt my head as I ask her, “Come on young mare, I can tell something is bothering you.”

“Colonel, it’s just, look at me. I am not fit to be going to a fancy dinner with the captain of a riverboat like this. I don’t even have a decent outfit for it.”

Beside her I see Tek nodding his head, “Corn ill, we not look good like everyone else.”

I nod my head and tell them, “First off, you both look fine. Captain Water knows that you both have been on the run with us and had to leave everything you owned behind. He will not judge you for that. He has heard about you both from me and our family. So now he wants to meet you both.”

“Are you sure, because I really do not feel like I look good right now.”

I put a hoof on her shoulder as we get to the hatch to go into the mess and I tell her, “Dear, you look fine. Just relax and be yourself. That goes for you too Tek.”

Both look at each other and I hear them sigh. Then they nod their heads and Tek says, “Ok, we go, ready now.”

As we enter, we are led by a steward to the captain’s table. He and Dull Beak are nearby talking when we enter. I see Archer grin when he sees them both and I can tell he looks forward to chatting with them.

Once we are at the table, Rough takes his seat and the rest of us follow his lead. Soon we are being served dinner and enjoying some light talk as we eat. After the meal has been finished the plates and cups are taken away. Rough has tea and coffee brought out for all of us to drink as we continue to talk.

Eventually, the real reason for the dinner takes place. Rough begins by asking Tek, “So my good stallion, what do you think of the Glimmer?”

I see Tek is trying to determine exactly what he means and he asks, “Glimmer?”

Rough smiles kindly and tells him, “Yes, the Glimmer, my ship, that you are on.”

I see understanding come on Tek’s face and he says, “Good, I like very much. Very fancy.”

I see Rough grin and he tells him, “Would you believe it used to be fancier. That was back when we were all civilians.”

I see Tek think about what he said and then he asks, “You no free, you slaves?”

Rough looking like a kindly grandfather as he says, “No, we are not slaves, we are just all in the navy. Though duty can be a harsh mistress, isn’t that right Mollygirl?”

I nod my head, “It can be Rough.”

Then he asks Tek, “Now I have to ask. Why are you going to Manesville?”

Tek answers fairly quickly, “Because you go there. I follow Corn ill and family. I help and cannot stay in Hoofington.”

Rough nods his head, then he asks, “Any other reasons?”

I see Tek look at Purchase Order then he says, “She my best friend. I protect and help her.”

Rough then asks him, “So you and Purchase more than just friends?”

Tek waves a hoof in front of himself and says, “No, just friends, I want Zebra Mare, lots of grandfoals someday.”

I smile some at that and I notice Purchase just shrug. Rough nods his head and says, “Makes sense to me Tek, and I am glad you are coming to our home.” Next, he pauses and looks at Purchase and asks, “SO young mare, I know why he is coming to Manesville, now why are you?”

Her eyes get large and her ears point towards Archer and me as well as Tek as if asking for support. We all say nothing and wait for her to answer. Finally, she says, “Captain, frankly I have nowhere else to go. I could no longer stay in Hoofington after the gangers started to chase me.”

He nods his head, “An honest answer. Good. Now, what are your intentions concerning our young mare Epona?”

I see Tek put a hoof in front of his muzzle to stifle a laugh as she stumbles over her tongue as she tries to answer. Finally, she says, “Honestly, right now I don’t know about the future. But I do have very strong feeling for her and I really want to be with her. I am very worried about her right now and I can’t wait to see her again.”

I see Rough’s face set in a grim expression. Then he asks her, “Purchase, do you love her?”

I see her face turn reddish as she blushes. She looks down then back up and tells him, “I, I think so. But I am not sure what love really is like. All I know is I want to be with her and be there for her when she needs me. Just like she has been there when I needed her.”

This gets my attention and I ask her, “Purchase, how did you need her?”

She looks at Tek and he nods his head. She then says, “Colonel, I had given up a while ago. Sure, I could work and live at Mega Mart, but I wanted more than just barely scratching by. Honestly, I contemplated just ending it. But then I met your daughter and the others with her. They made me realize that things can get better. When they left the first time Epona and I had already realized we had feelings for each other. We just had not told each other. So, I just hoped that they would have a job in the Hoof again and that I could spend more time with her.”

I nod my head in understanding and I reach over and put a hoof on her shoulder as I tell her, “Thank you for being so honest Purchase. I am glad to have you with us.”

Across the table, I see Rough nod his head. He then looks at me before looking back at her and tells her, “Ok, so you are at least a friend of the clan. I like your honesty young mare. But I do hope that things work out for you and our Epona. I want her to be happy and to see you both be so would be a delight.”

I see her look relieved at this. I also see Tek seeming more relaxed. In fact, he is relaxed enough that he finally asks, “Sir, Corn ill, is zebra mares in Manesville?”

Rough shrugs his shoulders and before I can answer I see Archer smile and I hear him say, “There are a few. If you would like, once we get there, I can take you to White Cloud and introduce you to them.”

I see Tek grin and he nods as he says, “Yes please, thank you much.”

With that, we all begin to relax as we wind down our evening. Finally, after we depart, I watch as Tek and Purchase walk towards their cabins. Archer grins at me and asks, “Love, can we just go spend some time topside looking at the stars?”

I take his tail in mine as I give him a light nibble on his neck and I tell him, “Yes, I had hoped you would ask." Soon, we go up on deck and for a short period of time, it is just him and I with the background noise of the ship moving through the water and the hushed sound of the steam engines as we just enjoy a short time shared with only each other.

The next couple of days are quiet as we approach the river fork with the Hoofrock. Shadowbuck has again returned to the watch rotation under the watchful eyes of the ponies in the Pit as he has started calling it. Myself and Sumac are not too happy about it, but the others agree with Badger and tell us that it is his specialty and he can still learn more.

I am on the top deck with Windy and some of the others when we enter the Hoofrock. The only vessels of the flotilla ahead of us are the two patrol boats, which take turns leapfrogging up the river ahead of us.

We have only gone a couple of miles upriver when alongside one of the islands in the river we see the burned wreckage of a riverboat. From the shore, near it, we can see several ponies waving to us. From the pilothouse, I hear Rough begin to give orders to start rescue operations. The flotilla begins to slow and I watch the AA gun crews scan the skies.

The patrol boats both approach the island and I soon see the passengers and crew of the wrecked sternwheeler begin to swim to them. Once the first patrol boat has taken on as many survivors as it can, I see it race back to the Glimmer. The second one filled, goes to the barge behind us and I see the ponies on it begin to be taken aboard.

From the main deck of the Glimmer, I hear one of the deckhands say, “Welcome aboard ma’am. I will take you to the Commodore.”

As he is saying this, I see Rough looking out the window and I hear him say something to the crewman inside. Then I see him trot down to the top deck just as the crewman and the captain of the wreck arrive.

I then hear the captain say, “Sir, I am Jackstaff, the captain of the Griffonrock. Thank you for rescuing my crew and passengers.”

Rough looks at the wreck and tells him, “My pleasure, so, what happened Jackstaff?”

Jackstaff looks at the sky to the north and tells him, “It happened three days ago. We were several miles upriver and had just come around the 13-mile island and were in the center channel. Then two Vertibucks appeared from behind the island and began to attack us without warning. I think we got one of the gunners with our rifles, but we did not have anything bigger than a .30-06 with us. I mean we nailed them a couple of times and nothing, not even smoke from the engines. We might as well have been throwing stones.”

Rough thinks about this briefly and then asks, “What was your cargo?”

“That’s it, we only had a few passengers as well as some hay, cheese, and wheat. We were heading down to Baltimare. Our normal run. We even lowered the NCR flag and ran up a white one, but they kept shooting at us.”

I see Rough cringe slightly as he asks, “How many did you lose?”

Jackstaff looks at him with mournful eyes, “Eleven between passengers and crew.

I see Rough put a hoof on her shoulder, then he tells her, “We will take your crew and passengers back to Manesville with us. Honestly, I think you did the best you could with what happened.”

She sighs and asks him, “Commodore, why are they doing this?”

I see Windy look at her and hear her tell her honestly, “Because they want to be the ones in charge of Equestria. They are using our acceptance of those other than ponies as well as of the Dashites as an excuse, sadly you and your people just got in their way.”

Soon we have her people on board and take on what we can of their cargo. Then we are back underway again. The survivors having been taken to the crew’s mess to be given something to eat and treated for any injuries. I get a quick message on my PipBuck from Archer telling me, Sutures and Moon are heading to the mess decks to assist if needed.

I smile when I read this as I know that is just how they are. I then tell Windy where I am going. Archer then tells me, “I will go with you.”

Before we go, I look at Windy and ask her, “Can Millie stay up here with you?”

Windy smiles, “Sure, I know how she and Rain feel about each other. Just let me know what is going on, ok?”

I nod my head and am off with Archer. We go down two decks to the mess decks. I notice that the ship’s doctor and medic are there as well as Sutures and Moon. I am stunned as I hear Moon tell a stallion with an obviously malformed leg, “Ok, this is going to hurt, but I need you awake for me to reset this bone and begin to heal it.”

I see him cringe as she tells him this. Then he tugs on the hem of Sutures dress and asks her, “Isn’t she a little young for this?”

Sutures turns to him from her patient, smiles at him, and tells him, “No, she has reset broken bones before. She is even an experienced combat medic as well as my apprentice, Now let me get back to working on my patient.”

The stallion screams in pain briefly, then suddenly I hear the relief in his voice when she has it back in place and has him drink a healing potion. From Suture I hear her cuss slightly and she then says, “Damn steam burns. I am sorry, but you are going to have some pretty serious scars from it. Maybe if I had gotten to you earlier, we could have done something.”

I hear a mare's voice say, “It’s ok. I expected it. At least you were able to take care of the infections.”

Sutures nods to her and tells her, “True, now that I am done with you, I need to go check on a few of the others.”

I notice that a dozen of those brought onboard are injured in some way or another. Archer and I decide that there is not much more we can do so we return to the top deck. We are just passing the radio shack when I overhear one of the crewmen say, “Oh shit! The Commodore is not going to want to hear this.” Then I hear over the speaker, “MAYDAY! MAYDAY! This is the Steam Ship Baltimore Colt; we are under attack! Any NCR ships Please Respond!”

My blood runs cold and I move to the side as the radiobuck runs past me on his way to the pilothouse. Archer and I are right behind him and I see him reach the back door hoofing the message to Rough, and telling him, “Sir, here is her approximate location that she sent also.”

I see Rough go pale and I hear him give the orders, “Radio to them we are on the way. Pass on to the flotilla those with barges are to band together. The rest, full speed ahead! “

Dear DJ Pon3,

We have seen it coming for some time and now it is here. The warnings have gone out and now we prepare to go once again into a full fight. I pray that Celestia protects us and that Luna defends us as I am called upon to lead those who are under me and in my care, my crew, clan members and family into battle. For those with me please play This is War.

Thank You

Rough Water, Commodore,

1^st NCR River Flotilla

My thanks again to those who have created and added to this universe of FoE. Of particular thanks is Kkat, who without her original story we would not have been able to create and imagine our characters in it.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMAVLXk9QWA