“As an actor, I've given up judgment of evil, as long as it's human evil - we have to see ourselves for what we really are, and we're capable of horrific things.” John Carroll Lynch

Things settle down some, once I am able to get both of them to calm down. The rest of the day goes fairly well, and to be honest if I was still a drinker, today would have led me to temptation. Bullocks what a mess.

On top of everything else, while we are discussing Choo Choo and their foals, I have a messenger knock on my door. I have him enter and he salutes me, then he tells me, “Ma’am, with the General’s compliments, your presence is required at the stable.”

“Thank you, Trooper, I will be on my way momentarily.” I then look at the others and I tell them, “Dull Beak, I need you to return to your battalion HQ and return to your normal duties.” I turn to Windy, “While I would really like to have you accompany me, I want you here in case something comes up.”

She nods her head and tells me, “Yes Ma’am. Of course. Again, I am sorry about the outburst, but Choo Choo should not have taken them.”

This time I let out a sigh and I ask her, “Windy, are you sure it was Choo Choo this time? Maybe they pulled a stunt like Epona and Tater on us.”

I see Windy cringe at that then she answers, “Yeah, I forgot about that. Choo Wasn’t even there and those two did it.”

I nod my head, “Exactly. However, I am sure they will all be fine.”

I see the worry on her face, and to tell the truth, I am worried too, but it will not help. Instead, I put on my soft cap and tell her, “I will let you know what the general wants once we get back.”

After this, I head straight to the stable and the General’s HQ. As I arrive Major Pin Point meets me and escorts me straight into his office.

Inside his office, I see the other two regimental commanders already waiting. Neither of them looks happy. Threat Vector indicates for me to take a seat. That is when I notice Sirocco is there also and he is in uniform with the rank of Colonel on his collar. Again, he does not look happy.

As I take my seat, General Vector nods at me and says, “Thank you for coming so quickly. As I was just telling these three, the Manesville Militia has been federalized for the duration.”

I shake my head and ask, “What do you mean, federalized?”

Sirocco turns to me and says, “Mollygirl, we have been friggin 'drafted until the war ends.”

From the other side, I hear Starburst say in a testy tone of voice, “Don’t forget the plus six months Sirocco.”

I am stunned and ask, “Sir, if we take them with us, who will defend the Manesville area?”

I hear the General sigh and he tells me, “For now, the Fourth Regiment will. Once we have enough troops to replace them, they will join the rest of the brigade.”

I hear Sirocco let out another brief snort. Threat Vector looks at him and tells him, “Don’t blame me Sirocco, this was not my idea. Personally, I think it stinks to high heaven. Not that I can’t use all of you, but I want volunteers who want to be there.”

I see him sit with his front hooves crossed and his ears laid back as he says, “Well since it is too late to have High Grade as my XO, the least you could do is give me Lieutenant Johnny Cake. He is experienced and I could use him.”

I see Threat Vector put up his foretalons in frustration, “Look Sirocco, I did not say you couldn’t have him as your XO, I said he has to accept the position. You know as well as I do that, he along with the other Site Paddock survivors are considered a special case by the General Staff.”

This gets me to raise an eyebrow when he says that. I have to say, I do wonder what that means. The General then turns to me and tells us all, “The survivors from Site Paddock are exempt from federalization as they have already given so much by preserving those eggs there. That comes from the president herself.”

I nod my head in understanding. Then I ask, “Sir, how soon until we move out again?”

I see him sigh and he says, “Honestly Colonel, I am not sure yet. We are all waiting for that information.” He pauses and then tells me, “By the way Mollygirl, I have officially approved the design for your regimental insignia. Same goes for you Storm Cloud and Starburst.” He pauses, then goes on, “Just so you all know, The First Regiment will wear a diamond of Stable Tech Blue with a large yellow one in it. Second Regiment's is a light blue circle with a Dashite symbol embroidered in brown on it. The Third Regiment's will be three Timber Wolves with their eyes glowing howling at a moon above. This means we will need a suggestion for the 4th Regiment, and no Sirocco, it cannot be a pony giving someone the hoof.”

When he says this last part, I see the surprise on Sirocco’s face. Then he asks, “General, how did you know I was thinking that?”

Threat Vector laughs and tells him, “Sirocco, I have had enough drinks with you to know how you think.” He then says, “The main reason I wanted all of you here is to discuss future operations. As I have discussed with Mollygirl earlier, we will be expanding the Engineers into a battalion strength unit when we head out. Also, the artillery had been formed so that it will have a battalion-level headquarters. In the field, we will split up the batteries as necessary, however, when we fight a major battle, they may form a grand battery. There is currently talk of organizing a company of the engineers into a railroad battalion also. This would provide us long-distance transportation for the majority of the brigade, as well as a way of rebuilding railroads and furnishing us with a better supply route.”

We all three nod our heads. That would really save a lot of time and energy on the march. Well, except we have to start to inspect and repair the tracks.

Starburst then asks, “Sir, where are we going to get that kind of rolling stock and locomotives?”

As she asks this, I have a sneaking suspicion of where, but I keep my muzzle shut. I then hear the general say, “We have recently completed the refurbishment of the train and locomotive that had been entombed on the last day. That is one. I have also heard we will be getting some from another source, but I am not at liberty to say at this time. However, some of you have met Side Track and Firebox when they brought the first train to Manesville from Junction Town. They both have been instrumental in assisting us, and will be doing more training with our people.”
Next, I ask, “Sir, any idea yet where we may be taking these trains to?”

He smiles and tells me, “Not yet, but I have my suspicions, and no, I will not discuss them with all of you.”

We then discuss our regiments' readiness and ways we can improve it. Once we finish and we are leaving I am stopped by the General and he tells me, “Those replacements from Manehatten are at Camp Quick Trot right now. I think you should pay a visit and show your face a bit. Let them know the Old Mare is interested in them and is keeping an eye on them.”

“Thank you, sir, for letting me know. How long before they will be turned over to me from the depot?”

“Colonel, we are cutting their training short and you will have them in about a month as yours.”

“Thank you for letting me know. I have already talked to Dull Beak about taking them into his battalion to replace his losses. He has no problem with it.”

“On a separate note, I am sorry about having to have your daughter go with the repair ponies on their current mission. Please let your wife Sutures know. I already told your husband Archer as much.”

“We understand. The problem is that it looks like both Windy and Dull Beak's daughters have all decided to chase after Moon Lily and the rest.”

I see him go slightly pale and his mouth hangs open momentarily. Finally, he recomposes himself and tells me, “I will have a message sent out to let them know the others are on their way too. I am sorry, but it is too late to have them returned.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I understand. Believe me. Kind of reminds me of something that happened to me many years ago.” Then I catch myself starting to laugh. “Poor Choo Choo is on the receiving end of this one this time. Last time she helped them sneak to us.”

He shakes his head, “Colonel, why do I have a feeling this is another one of those stories that just figures with your family.”

That day I did go to see my new replacements and made sure they knew their new CO was interested in them. It was rather interesting to see how my platoon of ghouls responded to seeing me. A couple of days later I am visited by Sergeant Rose Milk from Camp Quick Trot.

I hear her knock on my door and I look up and see her wearing her wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. I ask her, “Yes sergeant, can I help you?”

“Ma’am, with your permission, may I talk to you about our new recruits?”
I nod my head, “Please do sergeant, take a seat also.”

Once she has sat down, I ask her, “Ok Sarge, what is it?”

She looks around the room still and then she asks, “Colonel, several of them have said they can see your shadow on both sides of the vale. Ma’am, they don’t know how this can be and I notice that they are somewhat unnerved by it.”

“Ah, that,” I tell her nonchalantly as I wave a hoof. I see her tilt her head and look at me over her sunglasses, so I answer the unasked question. “Sergeant, many years ago, there was the incident when Silver Spite killed my fiancé and her daughter. Well technically, he killed me too. Our medic, my now wife Sutures, fought hard to bring me back. So, yes, I have walked both sides. Tell them that I too have been turned away from Elysium and that once they finish training, I will talk with them about it if they need me to.”

By this time her jaw has dropped open and I hear her ask, “Ma’am, so the rumors about you and the ghouls are correct?”

“Honestly, I am not sure which rumors you are talking about, but if it is about them being able to see that shadow, well that is. I have experienced that for over ten years now. And yes sergeant, I do slightly remember Elysium and I still mourn for my sweet Ivy. But I am not ready to stay dead yet.”

I see her look around one more time. Then she quietly asks, “Ma’am, I heard a similar thing about your family’s daughter Moon Lily, you know the black alicorn, I was wondering if that is true too?”

I sigh again and I tell her, “Yes Sergeant, it is. She died in the womb and came back to us. I am not even sure what happened, but I have had several ghouls comment on it.”

This time she just nods her head. She then says, “Thank you ma’am for telling me this. Do you mind if I share this with some of the other instructors?”

I close my eyes and slowly nod my head as I tell her, “Yes, go ahead, but please, don’t make a big deal about it. It is still not one of my best memories.”

“I understand Colonel, and ma’am, for what it is worth, I am sorry you had to lose her, but I am really glad you are still with us when we need you here.”

I smile at that and I tell her, “Thank you again, Sergeant, now I best get back to work and you back to your trainees. Oh, and close the door behind you on your way out.”

Once she has gone, I let the dam break a bit. For the first time in several years, I let myself cry for the mare and daughter that I lost and still miss.

We continue to rebuild and train during this time. While I am at home most nights, Badger is often gone with his company and Archer, well as the artillery battalion takes on its own life, he often is late coming home at night.

It is several weeks later before we get word of how Moon Lily and the others are doing. That is not surprising, it is the how, that surprises all of us. We find out as we monitor the broadcast for Hallowed Dreams and the Enclave.

…As I was saying The NCR leadership knows that they are losing. The only reason they refuse to surrender and join the Enclave in rebuilding Equestria and making it great again is that they are afraid. Afraid of what will happen once their corruption and treachery become known. Look at the list of offenses and lies they have put out.

I hear him ruffle some papers as if looking for something. Then he continues, I mean look at how poorly they are defending their people. They are sacrificing towns and regions so they can remain in power. They have even gone so far as to try and say one of their unicorns has ascended to become an alicorn. Come on ponies, we all know that if they had one who did that the monarchy would be reestablished. Instead, I have it on good authority that they are actually trying to pass off one of the former members of Unity and a drone from that so-called goddess as one. I for one will not stand for such drivel.

That is when it happens. Our family as well as any other listeners hear a door being kicked open then I hear Moon Lily’s voice, ENOUGH! I am sick of your lies. There is a brief pause then she begins again, Do I look like an adult to you?

We hear the voice of Hallowed Dreams quiver slightly as he says, no, you’re only a filly, but, but you are flying and you have a horn. How?

I have ascended and met the true Princesses. I have met Celestia and Luna and talked with them. Can you say that? Can you imagine what it is like to be in their presence between worlds? I have never claimed to be a princess and have told others not to call me one. I AM A CITIZEN OF THE NEW CANTERLOT REPUBLIC AND I AM TIRED OF THE LIES AND ATTACKS BY YOU AND THE ENCLAVE!

Then I hear him say I, I am sorry. I did not know. I did not think you could actually be a real alicorn.

Next, I hear Slip Stream giggle and she says, He didn’t think you could be a real alicorn, and here he is a unicorn broadcasting for the Enclave. Hey Choo Choo, Sunny, didn’t they bad mouth the NCR about DJ Pon3 along those lines.

In answer, I hear the voice of Windy’s daughter Snow Song say, Yeah, he did say that Moon, buck does he look scared now.

I then hear Hollowed Dreams scared sounding voice. Mares and gentlecolts, I have in front of me several armed ponies in paramilitary gear as well as four fillies, one of which is a, a, an alicorn. They have taken over the station. I do not know how much longer I will be on the air, he says.

Then I hear our daughter ask him, What do you know about memory spells?

I, please don’t erase my memory. I can’t lose my memories of my wife and foals. He begs.

I can hear hoof steps and Moon says gently, if you really want to know what happened at Manesville that day, I will show you, touch your horn to mine.

Moon, are you sure you want to do that? I hear Ginger asks, then she says, Too late. Hey Choo, we may be having company coming soon. I have our ride out of here inbound.

Thank you, Ginger, have the rest of the team ready. I hear Choo Choo say

Soon we hear gunfire and MEW fire in the distance. Then I hear Ginger say, Choo, we really need to get going.

Then we hear the voice of Hallowed Dreams again, It, it was you that brought down that raptor, the others were knocked down when they landed. My Goddesses, they lied to all of us.

Sir, we need to go, I hope you have learned something here. Moon Lily tells him.

Then I hear the panic in his voice, Please don’t leave me here. After what I just said, I am a dead buck walking. Please take me with you. You can’t imagine what the Enclave will do to me for failing like this.

I hear a sigh in the background then I hear Choo Choo say, Alright, you can come, but we need to move now. Cowlick, you know what to do in here, the rest of you let’s move it to our ride.

Yes Ma’am, just give me a few seconds. I hear Cowlick say, then it is quiet except for his humming to himself, then we all hear him say, There, that should make a big hole. I think Bailey would be happy with this one.

Then I hear his hoof steps as he runs out of the room. There is just noise in the background and what sounds like a vertibuck taking off. Then suddenly there is only static on the station.

I guess Moon Lily got him to stop lying about us. Now my questions are, where are they heading and when will they be home?

My partners and our foals all just look at each other. Then I hear Raven say, “Dang it, Ma, why does Moon always get to have the most fun?”

The next morning, I am in my office when I hear Dull Beak and Windy talking downstairs in the main office area. They are just talking about his battalion at this point. I am halfway down the stairs when I hear Paper Work asks, “So, did you two hear your kids on the radio last night?”

Simultaneously I hear them say, “What?”

I watch as Paper Work blushes and begins to sputter. I have reached the bottom of the stairs when I tell them, “Yeah, they helped end the broadcast career of Hallowed Dreams. Moon and the rest of the Repair Ponies seem to have been there.”

“Really, what happened?” Windy asks and Dull Beak nods quickly in agreement.

So, I tell them about what we heard last night on the radio, and how it immediately went off the air afterward.

Dull Beak then asks, “So Hollowed Dreams was actually a unicorn working for the Enclave?”

“Yes, and to top it off, your daughter let everyone listening know that, and Snow Song verified it.”

Windy laughs lightly then she says, “Well, at least we know they are still ok by then. I hope they are still at least.”

I nod my head, “I figure they are, otherwise the General would have let me know by now.” At least I hope he would I think to myself.

Soon we return to my office and we are enjoying tea when I get the message that our new replacements are going to be arriving soon. I grin and tell them, “Well, I guess we need to get ready. Dull Beak, they are all coming to your battalion. I want the Ghouls kept together if possible.”

“Yes ma’am, I already planned on it.” Dull Beak responds.

“Good, glad to hear it. Thank you, DB,” I pause then ask Windy, “Would you like to join us Windy?”

“I probably should ma’am. Best to let them see me also.”

About an hour later we get the notification that they have arrived. They are marched to the drill field across from my headquarters and are in a mass formation. The three of us go out as a group. Once in front of them Dull Beak begins to speak. “Troopers, Welcome to the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Manesville Regiment. I am your battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Dull Beak. The two mares behind me are our Regimental Commander Colonel Mollygirl and our Regimental Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Wind Rider." he pauses then continues, "You were not assigned to me. Once I heard you had asked to join our regiment, I asked for you to be assigned to my battalion. I too was one time new to this region and joined it because I came to know its people. Now it is my home. As fellow citizens of the NCR, I appreciate your having joined us. As fellow soldiers, I welcome you to the fold. Right now, we are assisting in getting the crops replanted but, in the meantime, we are also continuing training, so that when the order comes, we can take the fight back to the Enclave and teach them a lesson for attacking us and our homes. When we are done here, our battalion staff will assist you in your assignments and lead you to your quarters and new companies. Thank you.”

He turns and we all leave the drill field and head back to our HQ. In the background I can hear several NCOs call out orders for the troopers to fallout and prepare to go to their new units. I find it interesting that most of them want to stay together so we replace three platoons that we lost as complete units. The others are scattered as needed. Including several who have experience in supply that go to Dull Beaks staff.

Later in the day, I hear Dull beak tell me, “I hated to break up the Ghouls from one platoon, but I explained to them I need their experience in the positions they fit best in. Ma’am, you could have heard a pin drop when they found out we respected their experience more than just their being another body on the line.”

I nod my head, “Dull Beak, I am glad you are handling it so well. Thanks again.”

He nods his head and replies, “No problem Mollygirl, I am treating them the same way I have always seen you and your family treat ghouls. Sure, they may not be pretty to look at, but for some, neither am I, so it’s fair.”

I laugh lightly at his humor, “Yeah, I get you. But I am pretty sure Summer would argue that point with you.”

I see him smile at the mention of her name, then he says, “True, and she has finally begun to calm down about Slip Stream running off. Now she just wants to punish her until she is a grandmother, not the rest of her life.”

I have to laugh at him when he says this, then I tell him, “Yeah, but eventually she will calm down. Just like Sutures has with Moon. I swear that night I thought she was going to kill some pony.”

He nods his head, “Yeah, well at least Millie did not run off with them. SO, your daughter at least seems to be well behaved.”

Again, I laugh and I tell him, “Dull Beak, only two things kept her from flying off with her. One, she does not have wings.”

I pause and he asks, “And the other?”

I find myself tilting my head slightly as I smile and say, “The second reason is Rain Dancer. She is smitten by that buck. And that has ME worried.”

As I am saying this, I hear Windy laugh some and she tells me, “Well, at least we both share that worry.”

“True, but I don’t trust her not to figure out a way to get Rain to join her and they run off also.”
When I say this, I see Windy cringe and I know we both are sharing the same worries.

Almost a month later I get the word to report to the General's office. I am having tea with My battalion commanders and their executive officers so that I can get to know them all better as well as discuss combat tactics and training schedules with them. As soon as the orderly hooves me the message I read it and nod my head. “Please tell the General that I will be there shortly.”
The courier nods their head. Salutes and takes off again. I look at my officers and tell them, “Windy, if you would like, please continue this discussion. Hopefully, this will not take long and I will be able to let you all know right away what is going on.” I then trot up to my office and grab my kit. I put on my softcover and head out the door. As I go, I begin to wonder what he wants me for this time. While I should not worry, part of me is concerned.

Once I am in the General’s headquarters I am led not to his office, but to a side room that is often used for briefings. I see the general is already there and he is looking at a map off to the side on a wall.

As I enter the room, he turns to me and tells me, “Oh, sorry, I guess I forgot to tell them to have you bring your XO. Mollygirl, I have a couple of jobs for your regiment to do before the rest of the brigade is ready. So, send for you XO and in fact, I would like your chief of scouts to join us also. While we are waiting, I will have the steward bring in some coffee for us.”

I immediately send for Windy via my PipBuck and notice when the General raises an eyebrow. Then I hear him say, “Ah yes, I still forget how used to using those things you and the rest of the old CDF are. Well, that could come in handy for what I have in mind.”

This gets my curiosity up and I ask, “So what do you have in mind?”

He grins at me and tells me, “How about we wait until your XO gets here. Then I only have to tell you both once.” He pauses and then adds, “But let’s just say, that your previous experience with the expedition might come in handy.”

While I don’t show it outwardly, when he says this, I feel like someone has just walked over my grave. Now part of me wants to know what our next mission is, but part of me is worried. Goddesses, I hope he is not pulling another Chappy on us.

Soon Windy arrives along with our chief of scouts Captain Trade Winds. Both have slightly worried expressions on their faces when they enter. The General quickly motions for them to take a seat. Then he turns to us and tells us. “Ok, the reason I want all three of you here is that your regiment is going out first. You are to raid the Enclave camps and bases you find along the rivers and railways leading towards the Unicorn Mountains. Soon after the rest of the brigade will be following behind you. This is it; we are beginning to strike back at them. I have it through good sources that the Baltimare Brigade as well as a few others are going to be striking up toward Van Hoover from down in the Ponyville region. Yes, I know this may weaken our interior defenses, but we are in it for big game now. Something has happened that I am not privy to, but it has the brass ready to jump.”

“That is good and all, but sir, isn’t that a bit far for us?” I ask.

He ruffles his wings slightly and tells me, “I appreciate your concern on this, that is part of the reason you are going in first. Mollygirl, you will make the call when you think the others should come up, or if you should fall back. Understand. This is not like Serenity Valley. I cannot afford to lose your regiment. If you feel it is getting too hot, let us know and fall back.”

“Ok sir, so how are we to get there?” I ask.

He nods his head and tells us, “Well that is why you three are here. I need your input, but I want one of the battalions of your regiment to take the riverboats as close as it can to get Van Hoover. Your other two may take the railroad if you feel that is a safer alternative. I would say they could march, but we all know how much longer that would take, and honestly I don’t want them having the time to prepare for us.”

“That makes sense sir. When will you be joining us?” I ask.

I see him grin as much as he can, then he tells me, “As soon as the other three regiments are ready, I will be with them.”

Soon we are making our rough plans for the upcoming operations. I am just really glad the I have not lost Bailey Bridge yet. I have a feeling we are going to be able to use his unique brand of mayhem and chaos.

We are an hour in when I hear a knock on the door and Pin Point sticks his head in and says, “General, the Commodore has returned and would like to talk to you.”

“Good, send him in Major.”

Shortly afterward I see Rust enter the room. He seems slightly surprised to see me. But only nods to me and reports to the General. “General, it is good to see you again. I just wanted to report that my squadron has returned to Manesville again.”

“Thank you, any troubles this time out?”

“Not really sir, A couple of vertibucks along the stretch near the fork with the big river. They were trying to re-establish a base on 13-mile island. But we cleared them out pretty quick.”

“Good, glad to hear that, Because I have orders from the war department for you to support river operations. In fact, your forces will be working with the 3rd Regiment extensively scouting ahead of the rest of the brigade.”

I see Rough nod his head, then he looks at me and asks, “The third is yours isn’t it Mollygirl?”

“Yes, Rough it is, me and the rest of the Timber Wolves.”

I see him grin, “Well if you and your people are the Timber Wolves, I guess that makes me and mine the River Rats. I can live with that. Besides, I have already worked river ops with Mollygirl and her 1st battalion.”

The general ruffles his feathers and nods his head in agreement, “That is part of the reason I wanted the 3rd on this assignment, as well as your experience in deep penetration raids and extraction if necessary. Mollygirl, if you do not mind, I would prefer that you have your 1st battalion on the riverboats as well as your HQ for as long as possible. Rough, if she says you are to fall back, you are to listen to her. She knows what I am looking for.”

I can see Rough is not too happy with that last statement as I see his ears go back slightly and his nostrils flare slightly, “Yes sir, will do.”

“Good, I appreciate your understanding Commodore. But this is an army operation that you are assisting on. That is why she makes the final calls.”

Rough then asks, “So what are our operational goals?”

The general then smiles before he tells him, “I am glad you asked that, I went over it earlier with these three.” Then he begins to explain it all over again.

Several hours later we break up the meeting and as I am heading out Rough stops me, “Mollygirl, I am sorry about getting upset earlier, please understand, I am very protective of my people and my ships.”

I put a hoof on his shoulder and tell him, “Rough, I fully understand. However, just think of what this means for the Enclave, they now have to face two of the highest-ranking service members of the Water Clan working together. I don’t think they even are able to expect what we are going to do.”

I see him grimly nod his head as he tells me, “Yeah, I hope so. Otherwise, we could really have some problems.”

We talk for another couple of minutes then just before he heads back to the Glimmer and I head home for the night I see one of the radio techs for the brigade HQ running towards us for the general. As he passes, he says, “Ma’am, Sir, you may want to hear this!”

We follow behind him and as he skids into the General’s office he salutes and panting says, “Sir, it just came across the wire,” he pauses to catch his breath.

The general asks, “What did specialist?”

“Sir, Ten Pony Tower. They used Celestia One!”

“Oh, Dear Goddesses.”

Rough looks at me and asks, “Who or what is Celestia One?”

Purple Haze comes running in the door as he asks this and says, “I just heard the news. Rough, the Society at Ten Pony Tower used a Mega Spell on the Enclave.”

“Dear Goddesses, Where and how bad are the casualties?” He asks in a horrified tone. Beside us, I see Windy’s and Trade Wind’s expressions are not changed much.

The specialist then answers, “Sir, they used it on Thunderhead. I guess they too were beginning to recover. No estimate on casualties yet.”

I see both of their expressions change to ones of being stunned and horrified.

“Them stupid, stupid dumb bastards,” Aunt Purple says as she shakes her head. “I warned them a long time ago to disable it. I begged them.”

“Purple, is that why you are still here instead of having gone back to Manehatten?” I ask.

She smiles and replies, “In part, but more of it is that my family and friends are here. But Ten Pony was my home too.”

Threat Vector looks at us and tells us, “Ok, this may change things a bit. Still make the preparations. I will let you know more when I get the word.”

We both acknowledge the order and then we go back out the way we came. Purple is with us and Rough asks her, “Aunt Purple, would you join me for dinner tonight? I am afraid it may be a while before we have this chance again.”

She smiles and tells him, “I would be glad to Rough.”

As they head back towards the waterfront and I make my way back to White Cloud. As I go, all I can think of is how many must have been lost, and how will most of our former Thunderheaders handle this news.

Windy walks beside me and she tells me, “Mollygirl, I am afraid for the alliance after this. Goddesses what were they thinking?”

I sigh and tell her, “Windy, I doubt they were thinking. I believe this was a knee-jerk reaction and they did it as an attempt to keep the Enclave from trying to take them over again. But to tell the truth, I am worried about the alliance also now. We have brought so many groups together along with the NCR to try and fight them, now this. We lost our homes almost because we went to help them and this is how they repay us.”

Windy then asks, “Mollygirl, do you know what Celestia One does?”

I nod my head, “Yeah, Purple Haze explained it to me once. It focuses the power of the sun into one large point. Anything its beam touches is completely incinerated.”

“And they used this on a city with civilians in it?” she asks horrified.

I nod my head, “Unfortunately yes. Now we have to ask, what will they do in return, and what do we do with those who fired it. But also Windy, as horrible as it is, what is the difference between that one weapon being used on Thunderhead, and them attacking our homes here and burning our crops and leveling our towns?”

I see her head drop, “Mollygirl, you know where my loyalties lie, but I had friends and relatives that I left behind. They may have been there. What, what if they were killed by our people.”

“What can we do. We pick up our heads and move forward. I know it sucks but we have to keep going.”

“Mollygirl, have you ever thought about just quitting and going home for good?”

I sigh again and I look at her as I tell her, “Every damn day.”

That night we hear a recording of President Winter Breeze on the radio. In it, she declares a 24-hour ceasefire to take care of and mourn those lost on both sides. What worries me is she says that the use of Celestia One will not stand. To me, that can only mean the war has entered a new phase.

As we listen to the message, I hear a knock on the door and when I answer it, I see a young stallion on the porch. He asks, “Is Misses Sutures or her mother here? My wife is in labor and says it's time.

I watch my wife get up and begin to get her kit. She calls for Tweeters and sends her after Doula like she has so many times before. Magpie gets up and tells us, “I will go with her, I can sleep in in the morning.”

Soon they are both out the door and on their way. I have to smile to myself as I watch them go and I think, life does still go on.

It is in the middle of the night when they return. As she climbs into bed with me and Archer, Sutures tells me, “She had a little colt. It was a good thing we got there as he gave us some trouble, but they are doing fine now. How was the rest of the night?”

I smile at her and tell her, “Quiet, once we got the youngsters to bed we called it a night too. Now you need to try and get some sleep also dearest.” Then I kiss her briefly and wrap her in my hooves. As I fall back to sleep, I think of all that has happened and how for now we are all still together and I think how it has been a good day as I drift back off to sleep.

Two days later we get the orders. My regiment is to move out shortly after midnight in three days. I pass the word on to my officers at our next officers’ call. I see Dull Beak nod his head and Grey asks, Ma’am do you want us to fly or march?”

“Your support troops can be transported by train along with Laura Lee’s troops. Grey, if you feel comfortable flying them to the rendezvous point, that is your call. However, I want all movement stopped before daylight, all movement will be at night. Do I make myself clear?”

They all nod their heads and verbally acknowledge what I have told them. “Ok, I will be with the riverboat squadron. Grey, I want your battalion to take the bridge over the river first. I will meet you there. Once all the units are together for the day, I want those trains covered with camo netting and what else have you. Make it hard to spot them from the air.

“Also, we will be recruiting from the locals when we can. I know that is not how we normally do business, but we need the extra troopers. Remember, only volunteers, not voluntolds.”

I hear a light laugh at that, but I know that I have also made my point, not dragooning creatures into our ranks who do not want to be there.

“Also, be on the lookout for water sources for both the steam engines and ourselves as well as fuel sources for them to burn.” I tell them, then I finish off with, “Ok, let’ make this happen people.”

The next day on my way to the base I am met by Tek. He stops me, “Colonel, If you don’t mind, I would like to work for you as a civilian scout.”

I take a deep breath and I tell him, “Sorry Tek, but I have enough scouts right now, besides, you already told me you had never been north of Canterlot mountain before.”

I see him blush slightly and then he asks, “Ma’am, may I come as an assistant to your Chaplin Dharma?”

I think about this briefly and then ask, “Tek, are you planning on doing for him what you did for Moon during the battle in Manesville?”

I see his blush darken and he answers, “Yes ma’am. I know how important what he does is, and to be honest, I think he will need someone to act as a bodyguard for him.”

I look at him and turn my head slightly as I ask, “Tek, have you studied the cattle religion at all?”

“No, not really. I have talked to him quite a bit as well as Khatri about their beliefs, I just do not know the ceremonies.”

“And you would be willing to risk your life to assist him?”

He nods his head in agreement. I look at him more closely and I asks, “If you do this, I will ask that you assist him during services as well as act as a bodyguard. Also, I will ask you to stick with us until we return to Manesville.”

He again nods his head, “It is agreeable to me Colonel.”

I stick out my hoof and he takes it with his, “Welcome to the Timber Wolves Tek, I will have you kitted out by or SOS troopers in a bit.”

Once we arrive at my HQ, we walk past the large sign that has the circle with three Timber Wolves on it howling. Above them is written You are entering Timber Wolf Territory. Next, I see Dharma waiting to talk to me on the porch. When he sees Tek I see a questioning look come over his face. Once close enough I ask him, “Chaplain, do you want Tek as your assistant for the upcoming mission?”

He nods his head, “Ma’am, I had planned on proposing the idea to you this morning. He and I had discussed it last night.”

I nod my head, “Very well. I have already told him that he could have the position of your assistant. Please do not risk either of your lives too much.”

Two days later I say goodbye to my family. It is so hard to keep doing this. Once this war is over, I decide I will hang up my uniform at least I hope I can. Once at my HQ I take a brief nap and then come sunset we form up and the regiment begins to move.

I watch as the 2nd battalion takes flight. I march with my HQ and the 1st battalion down to the riverfront where we will finish embarking. As we are marching towards Manesville Laura Lee’s battalion splits off and marches to the railyards and finishes embarking on the trains. Just before we get underway, I hear the first steam whistle from the locomotives’ whistle. We are on our way again, By land, air, and water. Hopefully, we can catch them completely off guard.

Dear DJ Pon3

The good fight continues. Unfortunately, myself and those I care about are going to be wrapped up in the middle of it. I fear that things are only going to become worse for all those involved on both sides. This feeling has me thinking about an old song I used to listen to before I was drafted the first time. If you could, would you please play for all of us, on both sides, Bad Moon Rising?
Thank you
Trooper Quick Frost, 4th Manesville Regiment. NCRA.

Again I thank so many others for creating and adding to the world of FoE. So many of you have helped to flush this world out and it allows me to add to it.

In this chapter, we have a lot going on around the Manesville region. As for Moon Lily and her friends, the details of their adventures along with Choo Choo, Ginger, and the rest of the Repair Ponies will be revealed more in my next major story that I have been planning on for some time. I will begin that story after I have finished Borderlands, but I already have begun to work out a rough of it.

For those wishing to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUQiUFZ5RDw