As we file onboard, we are directed to our quarters right away. Our wagons and artillery had been loaded the previous two nights. So, all we had to do was get on and get ready to go. Rough greets me as I come on and tells me, “Come on up to the Pilothouse, we need to talk while they finish loading.”

Once we are in the Pilothouse he grins at me, “Have some tea Colonel.”

“Thank you, Commodore, I could really enjoy some.”

He has a steward pour a cup for both of us and he leans on the rail as we both take a sip. Then he says, “Mollygirl, I don’t know if you noticed, but we have added onto our upper deck just back of chimneys. That is your new HQ. We set it up with radios and map tables.”

I am actually impressed by this and tell him, “Thanks for that Rough. I really appreciate it.”

He waves a hoof at me, “Thank Laura Lee, she gave me the idea. I based it on how she remembered your setup at Hackamore.”

I am kind of surprised that they had talked enough to touch on this and ask him, “Have you talked a lot to Laura Lee?”

He smiles at me and tells me, “Mollygirl, I know about her and Archer having a foal together. I have seen how your family interacts with her. So yes, I have as she is now obviously a part of the clan. I just never expected us to have some of us so far away all the time.”

I feel myself blush and I tell him, “Well, I am glad you approve of her and the others down in Harness.”

He laughs, “Yeah, they are good ponies. I just never expected to have mules in the family like them. But I have gotten to know both her and when he has come to Manesville before, Milo.” He pauses then changes the subject, “Besides, I wanted to invite you to be in the Pilothouse when we get underway here in a bit.”

I am grinning now as I tell him, “Thanks Rough, all these times riding with you and I never have had that chance. I know Epona and Tater really have enjoyed it when they had a chance.”

I see him grin then he tells me, “I am glad to hear that. I had hoped they would, and perhaps learn a skill they could later use too.”

We continue to chat for a while more then his XO comes in, “Sir we are ready to get underway, as are the rest of the ships in the squadron.”

“Very well XO, have them set the sea and anchor detail.”

The XO nods and shortly afterward the pilothouse becomes a bit more cramped as the helmsman, engine order telegraph operator, and navigator join us. I ask Rough, “So how come your XO does not join us for this?”

He grins, “Normally he would Mollygirl, but because of our situation I am having him pony his normal battle station in Damage Control Central. That way if something were to happen, he can be on it immediately.”

That makes sense to me. Then I hear him begin to give the commands to get underway. Less than ten minutes later we are in the middle of the river and making our way back down it toward the big river once again. Once we get there, we will swing back north and head up to the first major branch off from the plains. Our goal is by tomorrow night to meet the rest of my regiment at the river crossing for the tracks that lead from Manesville west.

Once the entire squadron is underway and we have reached the last bend in the river I receive a message from one of our extra barges that we have brought with us. The Rainbow Dash has landed and been lowered inside the barge and is out of sight.

By morning we have made it almost halfway to 13-Mile Island. Once we arrive there Rough has the squadron anchor behind the island. We send scouts out to make sure we are safe and then we inspect the remains of the base to make sure nothing usable was left behind.

It is around noon that Rough points out to me, “Colonel, perhaps we should get moving soon. If they are watching us, they know how we operate, and right now this is a big deviation from normal. That will cause them to react to us.”

When he says this, I face hoof. “I should have thought of that Rough. Good call. Get moving when you are ready.”

Soon we are back underway again and by the next day we make the river crossing and meet up with the rest of the regiment.

As we get close, Grey Tempest and Laura Lee come down to the water's edge to meet me. I have them both join me in my new mobile HQ. While we look at the old maps we have together, they suggest that come sundown they all begin to move, but to have the 2^nd battalion further ahead to recon the way along the tracks.

Once they leave, we continue to load old wood and some coal that Grey’s battalion had found in a siding that had looked abandoned but was instead occupied by raiders. As he tells me, “Ma’am we had a couple of troopers hit, but they were not expecting the kind of force we were able to bring down on their heads. Besides, the few we captured said they believed the lies from Hallowed Dreams that the NCR was so corrupt that we would not harm them.”

I shake my head, “Absolutely amazing. I guess for once my reputation does not precede me.”

He smiles at me and replies, “I guess not Ma’am, but not for the lack of trying, I am sure.”

Beside him, Laura Lee and Dull Beak both begin to smile and laugh. Next to me, Windy just shakes her head.

Come evening I watch as they take off so that we can meet at our next waypoint. Once again, we get underway. We are just at the next fork where we are to turn into the next branch when we see them, several boats of what I would describe as survivors.

There are ponies and a griffon in boats and a raft that are tied on the river bank. As we come around the corner they wave to us at first, then I hear one of them say as they point toward us, “They have guns, RUN!”

Several of them take up defensive stances as the others begin to run into the brush along the river. I am on the deck below the pilothouse watching this and I hear Rough give the order, “All Stop on the port engine, full ahead on the starboard engine.”

As the bow turns toward the shore, he eventually orders both engines to stop and I watch as the ship's landing party storms ashore. Then I notice that one of them is a unicorn who has thrown up a defensive shield around those close to them, just before bullets hit it.

I hear the leader of the landing party call out, “Throw down your weapons and no one gets hurt.”

As they are talking, I see several of my recon scouts take flight and, in the darkness, move behind them.

I can barely see them in the dark, but I do see them throw down their weapons and I hear one of them say, “Don’t shoot. Please.”

The landing team leader slowly walks forward and calls out, “Now that that is taken care of, NCR Navy, can we be of assistance?”

I see one of the defenders, with their head down approach the team leader and while I do not hear their verbal exchange, I soon see him being led to the brow and then he is brought up to me as Rough arrives.

The naval officer who was in charge of the landing party approaches us and salutes. Then he says, “Colonel, Commodore, this is the leader of those ponies on the beach. His name is Sour Grapes. I think you might be interested in what he has to say.”

Both Rough and I nod our heads. Then Rough asks, “Lieutenant, don’t you think you should have stayed with your troops and had one of them escort our guest?”

“Sir, I left the Chief in charge, he is as experienced in this as I am. I felt I should escort Mister Grapes as respect to his rank.”

Rough nods, “Very well.”

I then look at the light purple coated pony with his green mane and tail and tell him, “I wish it was better circumstances, but I am pleased to meet you, how can we help you?”

I see him spit on the deck and then he tells me, “You can kick the Enclave out of our village for starters. It is just too bad you could not have been here sooner. Them bastards shot the place up, kicked us out, and threatened to kill us if we returned.”

Rough and I both raise an eyebrow at this and I ask, “Why would they do something like that? Is there anything special about your village?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. Ours is just a small fishing village about 10 miles upriver from here.”

“Did they say anything else?” Rough ask.

The pony looks at both of us and then says, “They said that we had to be river pirates if we lived there, so we should feel lucky that they could not prove it or they would have killed all of us.”

Rough shakes his head, “Ok, and are you river pirates?”

“What? Celestia NO! We have a hard enough time squeaking by as it is much less trying to fight people. Now I won’t say that if a riverboat were to run aground and were abandoned that we would not salvage it, but we are not pirates sir.” He answers in a startled tone.

Rough grins slightly and tells him, “Alright, I believe ya. Now, do you have anyone with your group that can pilot us up the river from here?”

Sour Grapes looks frustrated and answers, “Yeah, we have old Two Twain and his son Call Out. They both are really good with the river.”

Rough then asks, “Do you get much river traffic through here?”

Sour Grapes shakes his head, “No, not much, especially something this big, no pony figures anything out this way on the plains is worth the trip.”

Rough nods his head, “Yeah, I have heard that, but do you think there may be some things worth the larger ships making the trip up the river for?”

“Well, there is a fair-sized settlement about fifty miles upriver from us. The rumor is that they have a couple of wells open. That is where we got the lubricating oil for our machinery. We don’t know its original name but most folks along the river call it Oil Town.”

Both Rough and I look at each other again. Then I ask, “Mister Grapes, do you know how many Enclave troopers attacked you? Or better yet, may still be there?”

I see him sigh. Then he answers, “When they attacked, they had four of their smaller flying machines come over and dropped some of their armored fliers first. Then others landed and spread out. Them blasted machines kept us pinned down and destroyed most of our boats on the river. We were forced out shortly after that and well, here we are, living like animals in the brush.”

“Ok, thank you very much. If you could please send your two people who could pilot us up the river. I do think we can take care of it for you. My next question is, would you mind your town becoming a waypoint on the river for NCR traffic? You know, where we could pick up pilots for portions of the river that may be hazardous or that we are unfamiliar with?”

He turns his head to the side slightly, partially closes his one eye, and asks, “Are you serious? Why would we do that?”

Rough then tells him, “Caps sir. You could charge for the piloting services, as well as if you have fuel ready, sell it to the ships. In fact, I am sure I know some ponies who would be willing to invest in such a service.”

I hear Sour Grapes laugh out loud, “Really, during a war, you know some ponies who would be willing to do something like that?”

Rough nods his head and calmly tells him, “Yes, in fact, if I were not in service, I would be willing to take that risk myself. But as things stand right now, let’s clear out your village, and then we can discuss it again.”

Soon after he is lead away the father and son team are brought to the Glimmer. It seems they both are willing to pilot the squadron through. They are even happier to do so when rough tells them they will receive 10 caps each for their time and efforts.

Soon we move upriver and stop for the day about five miles short of the village where there is a side branch of the river that has the remains of trees hanging over it. I also notice that the area has several old riverboats that are half sunk there. Most of my troopers rest for the day in preparation for the night's events. In addition to the two who will help pilot the river, the villagers have two of their members volunteer to lead some of my troops on hoof.

Twice that day we see vertibucks flying in the distance, but none approach our direction. The boilers for the Glimmer and the other larger vessels have been kept hot, but at a low fire during the day to reduce the chances of smoke being spotted from their chimneys.

Shortly before sunset Dull Beak approaches me and asks, “Permission to disembark most of my battalion Colonel?”

“Permission granted. As we planned earlier, once you are in place, fire a flare. Then we will run the river and provide close fire support.”

He nods his head. “Understood ma’am. I am leaving the battalion aid station on its barge though. I have discussed with the crew of the Rainbow Dash, as well as the Dust-Off crews how they are to respond to casualties on our side.”

“Sounds good DB. Good luck and good hunting.”

He grins at me and salutes, then I see him begin to tap out the orders to his troops as he walks on his hind legs down the deck towards the steps leading below.

I then go to the Pilothouse briefly and discuss our plans again with Rough. “Mollygirl, don’t worry, we got this. As soon as that flare goes up, we go full speed ahead.”

Soon after all the troops who are supposed to go ashore for the attack, I hear the general quarters alarms go off for the battle group. The alarms only sound for a few minutes but I really hope that no pony from the Enclave is close enough to hear them. We need to work on that for next time.

We wait there with the steam slowly building up in the boilers for the next couple of hours. After two hours we begin to make our way slowly closer to the village at ¼ bell. I am waiting in my HQ with the windows covered by blankets, so what dim light we have from the lanterns does not get out. The windows are open though so that we can get some air in there. Then through the dark curtain, I see a burst of white light, followed by a green one. Then I hear Rough call out from the pilothouse, “Full Speed Ahead.”

I feel the Glimmer begin to vibrate more as her paddle wheels speed up and the ship moves faster through the water. In the distance, I begin to hear gunfire. Over my radio, I hear, Pack Leader this is Howler one, we are engaging.

As we move closer, I hear the anti-air crews calling out to watch for vertibucks and fliers. Soon I hear a vertibuck in the air, and I think, I did not order the RD up yet. Then I realize, they are hostile just as I hear Pack leader this is Delta Wolf one. We have heavy forces inside the village and on the airfield just to the west of the village. I see eight, I repeat 8 vertibucks on the tarmac. Their crews are trying to get them airborne right now.

I look over at Chain Lighting, “Sergeant Major, get the word to the Commodore we may have hostiles inbound shortly. Also, have them signal the barge to launch the Rainbow Dash.”

He nods his head and salutes me and runs out. Just as he leaves, I hear over the radio, “Howler one, this is Howler Able, we have wounded that need evacuated.” I hear a brief pause which is followed by, Over there to the left, get some suppressive fire in there, Lieutenant get that damn RPG up here on the double or we are goin ta lose that flank to their power armor.

Minutes, but what seems like forever later I feel the Glimmer start to slow and I begin to hear her guns fire. I can tell how far the enemy is away by which guns are firing. First, I hear the twin 40mm’s open up. This is followed soon afterward by the 20mm guns and finally the .50 cal automatic anti-machine rifles.

As we get nearer to the village, I soon hear several of their vertibucks in the air. I also hear, River Rat one, this is RD1, I have several hostiles on my tail, request permission to bring them in to you to clear them off of me.

RD1 This is River Rat 1, permission granted, reel them in and we will clean ‘em and fry ‘em.

I step outside onto the deck just in time to see the silhouette of the Rainbow Dash be illuminated by a flare as it twists and turns, firing its side guns at those pursuing it. As the flare goes up and begins to come down I see three Enclave vertibucks on its tail and they are firing at the RD 1 with their forward-firing cannons. However, this ends rather quickly as they streak down the river at us about 100 meters in the air and every ship in the squadron opens up on them. I watch as the first one loses an engine and peels off. I see the second one has one of its engines hit and it seizes, throwing the blades in all directions, including into the airframe as the blade tries to keep spinning on a now immobile shaft. This one crashes into the water only a few hundred meters from the Glimmer. The third one still tries to chase the RD1 and I watch as it is literally ripped apart from the concentrated anti-air fire. I only see one of its crew jump out and they land in the water. As the battle rages, I see one of the fast gunboats move to pick them up.

I next hear the 40mm guns get orders to shift fire and as I go back inside, I hear, This is Howler one, I request gunfire on the tarmac now. I don’t care if we save a single aircraft. We can’t let them get airborne.

Suddenly I begin to hear the thump of mortar rounds as they hit the tubes from the barges being brought up. Then I hear the rounds start to hit. I watch as one of those vertibucks that was slow to try and take off makes it about thirty feet into the air when a mortar round lands inside of it and explodes. I then see the one other crew try to take off and be brought down. The final one shuts down its engines and I watch my EFS as the crew tries to run for safety.

Soon my troops have taken the tarmac and they are fighting for the temporary hangers and Quonset Huts. Others have begun to retake the village. Before the sun begins to rise, the battle is finished. I then begin to contact my other two battalions to find out their status.

Howler2 and Howler 3. This is Pack Leader, report in, please.

I hear Gray Tempest answer first, Pack leader this is Howler 2, we are directly south of your position according to Radio Directional finding. I suggest we limit comms and communicate by couriers until the rendezvous point.

Agreed after this Howler 2, Any problems so far?

That is a negative overall. Had to rebuild a couple of bridges. But the Gandy Dancer Crew took care of it. No contact with hostiles so far, though we have had contact with one village of ghouls. They are neutral if not on our side.

I nod my head in understanding even though I know he cannot see me. Then I tell him, Very Good Howler 2. Keep me apprised of any changes. Also, get ready to hide for the day.

Roger Pack Leader, over and out.

As we settle in for the day, I see the crews of the barges and riverboats stringing camo netting over them to break up their lines. I also notice that the locals we ran into earlier have returned. As I head across the upper deck towards the ladderway that will take me to my cabin I see Rough paying out the caps to Two Twain. As I pass I hear him ask, “Sir, do you want us to lead you again tonight when you leave here?”

I see Rough only briefly considers it before he answers. “Yes, same pay too.”

I see the grin go from ear to ear on Two Twain. I have a feeling caps are few and far between in this area. I am just about to head below when I hear Rough call, “Colonel, a moment of your time?”

I stop and walk to meet him. Once close enough he asks me, “Mollygirl, depending on how this Oil City looks, I may ask you to write a letter to Grey, having him contact two of the clan’s riverboats that have not been entered into service yet, to start making runs up the river here.”

I nod my head, “I can do that Rough, do you think it will be worth it?”

He seems to think briefly and then replies, “Honestly I am not for sure yet, but I have a gut hunch it may be a good bet. In fact, if I was a civilian still, I would bet on it myself.”

“Sounds good then Rough, Now I am going to catch a few hours of sleep, have someone wake me if something comes up.”

Soon, I am back below decks and slowly making my way to my cabin. I take off my uniform and clean up a bit. Then I crawl into my bed. Meals can wait, I need the sleep. As I drift off, I hear the machinery noises of the ship and slowly let them lull me to sleep.

It takes us two more days to get near Oil Town. We are five miles away when we see two Vertibucks coming in our direction. When ten kilometers away one turns and flies back towards the town, the other turns toward the south and flies that way several miles before turning back towards the way they came. In the distance, I see a very large cloud and wonder what it may portend.

I call for Trade Winds. Once he arrives, I tell him, “Captain, I need you to recon the area. Please send out a couple of initial teams to make sure they don’t surprise us. Come nightfall, send out some of your fliers to recon the town itself.”

“Yes Ma’am, how far into the town do you want them to go?”

“Only as far as they feel is safe. Oh, and have them use the captured power armor if it is in good enough condition. Let’s give them any advantage we can.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I will pass that on to them.” He tells me and I see a nod of respect from him.

Once he leaves, I hear Chain say, “Better safe than sorry, I guess. But ma’am you need to talk to the commodore and have him get these boats out of the middle of the river if you don’t want to be seen.”

Suddenly, when he says this, I feel myself grin and I tell him, “You know what, maybe we want to be caught.”

I see him grin back, “So Colonel, what do you have in mind?”

“Well, let’s go get Dull Beak and the Commodore and I will tell you then.”

Later that night I get the reports from my scouts that there are Enclave forces in Oil Town.

Pack leader this is Delta Wolf Cub 4, We have company inside the settlement. Four, I report Four Vertibucks on the ground. Two more airborne at this time.

This is the Wolf Den, roger. Stand by. I hear specialist Band Width reply.

He has one ear phone off so he can hear those around him and he asks, “Want me to tell them anything?”

“Not yet.”

He simply nods his head at my reply and keeps listening. It is another hour later when I hear some brief gunfire. Then all is quiet again. The waiting is killing me but I know what I am doing. Another hour later and a flare launches into the sky. That tells me that the scouts have been spotted and are falling back.

Suddenly I hear several small explosions in the distance. Then I hear, “Pack Leader this is Delta Cub 2, we are falling back. The hostile Vertibucks have been neutralized.”

When he says this, I smile as I know it means things are going as planned. However, I am also a firm believer in the old saying, if everything is going as planned, it’s a trap. So, I keep the riverboats anchored in the middle of the river. Along the banks, the barges are all camouflaged and their crews, as well as the crews of the tugs, are standing ready.

It is then I see it, in the distance, I can see the large black silhouette of a Raptor moving along the river a couple of hundred meters above it. Beside me I see Bailey Bridge smiling that grin of his as the RD one slowly flies toward the Raptor. From the comms channel, I hear, Unidentified Vertibuck, hover in place and prepare to be identified.

Roger, Raptor control, this is Vertibuck Seven Niner Two. It is good to see you. We are maintaining station. I hear my pilot Long Haul reply using the call signs for one of the vertibucks we destroyed yesterday.

Microburst control, this is Carmel Melt One, It is one of our vertibucks, but I see several non-armored crew ponies on board.

Seven Niner Two, please explain your passengers. The raptor Microburst flight control officer commands.

Microburst, these are my ground crew that I could evacuate with when the mudbounds drove us out from our base yesterday. We hid in the brush until it was night just to be safe

Roger that Seven Niner Two.

They hover for a bit while the commanding officer of the Microburst decides what to do. Finally, I hear, Seven Niner Two, you are cleared to land. You will be escorted into the hangar.

Roger Microburst Control. Following standard landing procedures.

In the far distance, I can see the dark shape of the raptor in the night sky. Then I hear Rough give the order for the Glimmer to weigh anchor. Shortly after this, another flare goes up and we are illuminated. The raptor begins to accelerate in our direction and I see several geysers of water go up as it fires at us. Luckily their initial shots miss. However, as they speedup I hear over the radio, Microburst control we have landed.

Soon after this, I hear a voice over the radio shout, Hey, what are you doing there, Get away from that.

Next, I hear gunfire and then I hear Long Haul yell out, Move it, this bus is late and we need to move now.

I know what is going to happen and as I step out the door I look over and I see Tek and Dharma both looking in the direction of the Microburst as they both perform the blessing for the dead.

Then I hear over the radio, Pack Leader we are clear, tell Bailey to work his magic.

I look over and as I give the order, I see Bailey smiling as he pushes the large red button on the radio detonator. Before I can turn my head, I hear the blast, and I feel the shockwave as the raptor is torn apart from the inside. The flames shooting out of it are blinding in the night sky and my eyes will take several minutes to regain my night vision. There is barely any time for its alarms to sound as it drops like a rock from the sky and crashes just off the river along the bank.

I look at Bailey and he simply says, “Ya gotta love those Fuel Air Explosives.” Then he tucks the detonator back in his saddlebags and tells me, “When you are ready for us, let me know Colonel.” Then he steps out onto the main deck and leans on the railing as he whistles to himself with the sound of MEW’s and gunfire still happening near the village as the squadron moves up the river and past the burning wreckage of the Microburst as it lays on the bank of the river.

Once we are close enough, I can see some donkey heads for wells on the side of the river near the town. I also see several large tanks that while somewhat rusted still seem in good shape. I then notice the small pier along the water's edge that leads up to the village above.

The battle on the ground goes on for some time before it finally begins to die down. At times I hear a dramatic increase in gunfire followed by what sounds like wolves’ calls. As I am sitting in my HQ listening to the radio reports, I am able to keep track of how we are doing. So far, so good, I think to myself. As I am sitting there, Chain Lighting brings me a cup of tea. “Here you go ma’am, I figured you could use it. I also have a steward bringing up some rations for our staff.”

“Thanks, Sergeant Major, I do appreciate it. Now we wait to see how the locals react.”

As I say this, I hear Bailey Bridge say, “Ma’am, anyway they act it is simple. We either breach or bypass.”

Soon I hear word from Howler Three that the settlement is now in our hands. However, the local chieftain wants to talk to me. I look at Chain Lightning and Windy and tell them, “Windy you wait here. Chain, you’re with me. Oh, and tell Sergeant Nightshade to bring my escort with him.”

“Will do ma’am. Anything else?”

I shake my head no, “Not that I can think of right off hoof.” I then turn to Band Width, “Sergeant, please tell Captain Trade Winds to have the Rainbow Dash set up a patrol around the village and the squadron.

Soon I am on my way by small boat to the pier. As I approach with my entourage I see several ponies on the pier waiting for us.”

I notice that many of them have grimy coats that are stained by a black tarry substance several of them have on hardhats and some coveralls. I also notice that most have tool belts as well as weapons. Once I disembark, I begin to approach them. Nightshade at my side.

“Ma’am, do you think this is wise?” Nightshade quietly whispers.

I turn to him slightly and tell him, “Maybe not, but they need to meet with me and I them.”

Unhappily he says, “Yes Ma’am. I understand, sorry I just worry about you.”

I do smile when he says this and I tell him, “I know and that is why I want you as the head of my security detail. I just want to make sure you make it home safely to Bessie and the calves.”

When I say his wife’s name and bring up his adopted calves, I see him smile. Then he tells me, “Thank you for understanding ma’am.”

When we are about ten meters away the one in charge holds up a hoof and tells me, “Ok, that is close enough. Now, do ya mind telling me and the rest of my roughnecks what you are doing here?”

I stop and I tell him, “Morning, I am Colonel Mollygirl of the 3^rd Manesville Regiment of the NCRA. We are actually only passing through. However, I am also sure that if you would like to do business with us, the Commodore in charge of the riverboats would be happy to talk with you, as he knows several civilian craft that could add your settlement to their routes.”

He nods his head and says, “Ok, my name is Blow Out. I am the Tool Pusher for this here operation. My partner over there,” He says pointing a hoof at a grimy light green with black mane and tailed pony, “His name is Dog-House, he is my Driller. Now trading would have been fine before. But you come in here, you pick a fight with the Enclave and now you are just going to Twist-Off and leave. Ma’am I call Brahmin Shit on that. Honestly, it was bad enough with them before. Now you want to do this to us?”

I understand exactly where he is coming from, so I tell him, “I am sorry, but we have been at war and we have already had them come through our region and destroy our settlements and burn our crops. So, I do know exactly what you mean. With that said, you should know that the reason we are passing through is that we are now taking the fight to the Enclave and we will be tackling them in their territory soon.”

I see him close his eyes and shake his head with a disgusted look on his face. Then he asks, “Ma’am, I am sorry, but looking at what you have here is fine and all, but I don’t think it can take on the Enclave.

That is when the Sergeant Major speaks up, I hear him use the same tone that Blow Out uses and he tells him, “Look buddy, I used to be a part of them cloudy bastards, so I understand what you are feeling. But you need to understand, this is only a third of the Colonel's regiment. Think about another thing, she said we are the 3^rd regiment. That means we have at least two others, and possibly more. And buddy, I normally don’t pop smoke like this, but we are only the scouts right now.”

I see Blow Out and a couple of his people screw their faces up a bit as they think about this nodding their heads. Then I hear Blow Out say, “Alright, makes sense, but if you lose, I want you all to say we stayed out of it.”

“And when we win?” I ask.

“Mare, you have a lot of guts to assume like that.” He tells me.

I laugh lightly, “Yeah, I have heard that before. But understand, this is not the first Raptor we have brought down.”

I see him nod his head, “Yeah, I can bet. Now come on into the village and meet the rest of the tribe of Oil Field One.”

“So, you aren’t called Oil Town?” I ask.

He laughs, “Nah, that is just what some of them out-of-towners call us. Actually, we are Oil Field One of the Hippocampus Corporation Petroleum Lubricant division.”

I smile to myself as I think of Harness and how it was founded by the survivors of that corporation. I guess we found more of the same. Then as we walk, I ask, “So how did your people survive the last day?”

He looks at me and asks, “Well how did yours?”

I smile and tell him, “Well most of our initial population for the Co-op were stable dwellers the rest were survivors who migrated into the area. I know the town of Harness was founded by the miners there who survived by taking over their CEO’s private stable on the last day.”

He grins, "Well, we did have a shelter of sorts. But mainly it was to protect our equipment. Our tribe came out only a few years after the last day. But we have been hit many times by raiders and such over the years. Most either don’t understand what we have here, or they just don’t care. So, they demand tribute, which is usually some oil for their lanterns and torches, as well as what food we might have. We are lucky that we are off the beaten path a bit too though as it just makes us not worth most of their time.”

I nod my head as he speaks and I think how I wish aunt Purple was here. Then I ask, “Well we are not here long, but would you be open to receiving a trade delegation if not a more formal diplomatic mission?”

He looks both surprised and confused as he asks, “Colonel, are you saying the NCR would negotiate trade with us, even if we are not forced to join it?”

I take a deep breath when he says this and turn my head slightly, “Honestly, yes, as for forcing communities to join. That is not my way, nor the way of those I am familiar with in the government.”

I see him rub a hoof under his chin and I hear his second in command, Dog-House says, “Sounds better than what we had Blow. Maybe we should consider it.”

“Yeah, sounds good. Dog, I think we can work with them.”

We rest for two days there and Rough has his supply officer negotiate for several barrels of oil to use on his machinery. I also see about getting some for the Rainbow Dash as well as some heavy grease to use on the artillery pieces when we get a chance to lube them up.

As we prepare to leave, I overhear one of the crewmen talking to another. “Did you see how poor their fields look?”

I hear another one reply, “Yeah, for a bunch of earthponies they sure don’t know much about farming.”

“Yeah, but they sure knew how to get that oil moving and they were saying if we really do come through that they will be drilling another well.”

Then I hear, “Well last night when I was sharing a few drinks in town, I did have one of the locals telling me how hard it has been on them. You know I feel kind of sorry for them. They really are a good bunch, but out here in the wastelands, it takes a lot of luck and theirs just was not there for them.”

“Yeah, the Co-op was lucky.”

“Ya, know I said the same thing to them and they looked at me funny. One of them then told me we were the second group of ponies to mention the Co-op to ‘em.” He pauses and laughs lightly then He says, “Ya know they even had to ask me about the cattle. They said that other group had a one-headed brahmin with ‘em. That and a young Pegasus filly who kept wearing a fake horn all the time pretending that the blue was her grandmother. That was about a month back.”

I nod my head at that. I realize just how lucky those of us from the old Co-op and Harness really were. We had not only a good starting base, but good leadership and good luck. It also makes me realize that perhaps one of the trading items we can use is seed and training on how to improve their farming techniques.

As I am leaning on the railing listening to this; next to me, I see sergeant Nightshade. He slowly shakes his head. Then he tells me, “Ma’am, I really never realized how rough it was out here before I first left Manesville. Now, well now I see how good we had it.”

I nod my head, “I understand Nightshade. I was the same way at one time. A couple of long-range protective patrols began to open my eyes. But really, we had it good. Still do. Just now we need to rebuild what we had.”

We stand there listening and leaning against the rails a bit longer and I turn to him and tell him, “Nightshade, I am so glad you have learned, but remember how everypony wondered why I walked the camps at night?”

He nods his head and says, “Yeah, some of the others thought you were eavesdropping on them.”

“Mainly I was just trying to get a feel for how everyone was doing. But sometimes I would learn something I had not heard before. Like just now. I just learned from those two earlier that Repair Ponies probably came through here about a month ago. I also learned that most of them thought she was a Pegasus pretending to be an alicorn rather than really being one.”

Soon I hear Rough sound the steam whistle for the Glimmer and we are underway again. We continue upriver and I wait to see what our next surprise may be. For two days we pass the rolling plains that make up the land beyond the river banks. Often in the distance, we can see a small settlement or even an individual farm where someone is trying to scratch out a living. However, we also see some farms that are burnt and destroyed. A few of them look to be rather recent even. We try to travel mainly at night, but occasionally have no choice but to travel during the day.

Finally, I see our landing point. Crossing the river I see a railroad bridge along side a major highway bridge. The landing looks to be active when we get there and as we come into full view, I see Gray Tempest fly out to meet us.

Once he lands on the deck next to me he salutes. “Colonel, it is good to see you. Our troops offloaded the trains yesterday and sent them back to Manesville so they can bring up the rest of the brigade when they are ready. Lieutenant Colonel Laura Lee has already secured the far side with her Battalion.”

After returning his salute I smile and tell him, “Excellent report Colonel. Anything else I should know about?”

He grins and tells me, “Well ma’am, I am sure glad you are used to ghouls. It seems that most of the locals around here are them. When they first saw us they began to prepare to attack us. However, they calmed down when they seen ol’ Side Track and Fire Box conferring with me. They were also fascinated to hear about our platoon of ghouls from Manehatten that are with you. Ma’am, if I may suggest, have their platoon commander accompany you when you meet them.”

Soon The Glimmer has her bow to the shore and the gangways are winched over to it. As soon as they are down, I am the first one across. Right behind me are Windy and Dull Beak. As we walk ashore, he tells me, “Ma’am Lieutenant Broadway Nights will be right with us. His barge has just made it pier side and he has left his 1^st Sergeant in charge.”

“Very good, have him meet up with us as soon as possible.”

Once he does, I see a ghoul who looks like he must have been quite handsome at one time. However, that is not the case now. He approaches and looks around first then says in as smooth a voice as I have ever heard a ghoul have, “Good afternoon Colonel. I was told to report to you.”

“Yes, Lieutenant. It seems that the locals here are ghouls and that they would like to hear your take on how ghouls are treated by the NCR.”

I hear him laugh, “Ma’am, the mere fact I am in the army says something. To tell the truth, I never really expected the NCR to enlist us, much less make me an officer.”

“Well, we are glad to have you,” I tell him. Then I ask, “May I be so bold as to ask what your previous occupation was?”

He smiles and tells me, “Ma’am, before the last day I was a performer on stage in Manehatten. If not for the war and the last day, who knows where my career may have ended up. But since then, I have tried to earn a living, well, existence, any way possible.”

Soon we have caught up with Gray Tempest and we see him with a ghoul that is dressed fairly well for our time and place. He introduces himself, “Good Afternoon Colonel, the Lieutenant Colonel has told me a lot about you. Not everything mind you, but enough. I am called Bushel Basket. I am the mayor of the town here.”

I nod my head and stick out a hoof to shake and tell him, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Basket. Please call me Mollygirl.”

I see the stunned expression on his face as he looks at the extended hoof and he takes it, gently shaking it. “It is a true pleasure to meet a pony like yourself ma’am.”

Before he can go much further I tell him, “I know what has thrown you, to expose the elephant in the room I will tell you upfront, yes, I too was turned away from Elysium. I am not sure why ghouls and my daughter Moon Lily can see it, but you can.”

I see him slowly nod his head, and he says to himself, “So Moon Lily was not lying about your having died as well as herself before she was born.”

I nod my head, “No, she was not. But sir, how do you know my daughter?” I ask.

I see him take on an expression of consternation and I hear him say, “Well about that…”

Dear DJ Pon3,

We are taking the fight to the enemy this time. However, we are doing it our way. We are dogging them as much as we can, avoiding ambushes and luring them into us. As we do this, we are following our commander, our leader or you could say, our Alpha. If you could please play We Own the Night for her and the rest of her Timber Wolves.

Thank you,

Sergeant Band Width,

3^rd Manesville Regiment, Timber Wolves.

Mollygirl and her people are now deep into unknown territory. We can now see how those on the great plains made out. For those wondering why I call them chimneys instead of smokestacks on the riverboats, it is because at one time the was the proper terminology and I feel it gives a proper feel.

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