I arrive at the General's HQ and am escorted straight inside. Inside Sirocco and Storm Cloud are already there, each turns to look at me as I enter. All look exhausted, and I can see slight burns on Storm Cloud's fur and feathers.

Threat Vector indicates for me to take a seat. Once I am seated, he tells us, “Ok, now that you have all arrived, I can pass on to you the latest from Junction City.”

We all sit there quietly and nod. I do wonder though what the news is.

The General sits back against his field desk and tells us, “A lot has changed since we set out. I now know the answer to our question of why we shifted from Van Hoover to going straight for Coltlumbia.” As he pauses, we all shift forward some. We all are curious and I notice our ears have all shifted forward.

Once he is sure he has our attention fully he continues. “The big news is that there has been a break in the Enclave. It seems Their President Winter Wind has made overtures of peace with the NCR. However, this has been disputed by what NCR Intelligence considers the Hard-Liners. Mare and Gentlecolts, they are in the midst of a second civil war it seems. What was done to Manesville was not done under the authority of Winter Wind. That it was by some of her subordinates”

I hear Sirocco say, “Sir, it does not matter if her generals ordered it. It happened on her watch.”

Threat Vector sighs, “Sirocco, I understand how you feel. But by her coming to our side, it will help the war to end more quickly and get us all back to Manesville sooner.”

“That’s great sir, but honestly why don’t you try and explain that to my security head, Blueberry Crisp. Her husband Hard Tack was killed during that attack. He was a saloon keeper, not a soldier. He was not even in the militia when he was murdered by some Enclave bastard.”

I watch the General take a breath and sigh, “I do understand Colonel. He was a friend of mine also. With that said, we must understand that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. At least temporarily.”

I see Sirocco take on an expression of disgust, but he nods his head, “Your right General. Every bit helps I guess, but it still rankles.”

Threat Vector nods, “Oh, believe me, I agree. It grinds on me just as much as you. But if it saves our people and gets us home, then I will do it.”

“Sir, what can you tell us about Coltlumbia?” I ask.

I watch as both of my contemporaries look at me in surprise. Then Storm Cloud says, “I forget sometimes that you are not from the Enclave too.”

This actually makes me smile. Then the General begins to tell me, “Coltlumbia was built after the start of the Great War. It is a fortress city and was built to withstand either a siege or direct attack by the Zebras.” As he says this, I notice the other two colonels both nodding in agreement. “There were several lower-level access tunnels, most that have been closed. Our objective is to take Mount Perseus. I will fill all of you in more on the details once we are closer to Mount Perseus. Rest assured I am not holding information back.”

We all nod our heads. Then we hear Major Pin Point say, “General, we have some guest here who would like to see you and the Colonels.”

He nods his head and waves a talon, “Send them in.”

Minutes later we see first Quick Frost, then Blues Star, followed by the flying foursome and then fifteen alicorns, some blue, and some purple, and most being green. As they come in, I hear one of them asks, “Sister Quick Frost, which of these are our relative?”

Quick Frost tells her, “The Mare with the yellow and black mane is married to our niece and is a mother to our Moon Lily.”

This gets all of us to raise an eyebrow. Before I can say anything, the General says, “It is a pleasure to see you two again Quick Frost. What can I do for you troopers?”

Quick Frost then says, “Sir, my sisters met us when we were performing the blessing of the dead at Maripony. They appreciated our respect for our past siblings and mother, this has led them to offer their services to us in this war.”

I see the General has some concern on his face. Then he asks, “But why would they want to help us just for doing such a simple thing?”

This time one of the Greens steps forwards and introduces herself. “I am Night Light. Those you see here survived the blast from the Destroyer that killed our mother and siblings. Some of us were nearby, others were on different missions. Some, like myself, tried to rejoin the other ponies, but we were hated and driven off, or forced to kill them to survive. We all decided at one point to return to the valley that was once our home to see if we could find others of our kind and to survive there. But when we saw these three fillies and the hippogriff with our two sisters, we had hope. When we watched them perform the ritual, I could feel some of the pain leave the area. When we approached, they were cautious, but also polite and perhaps even friendly, that made us decide to come out, and when we saw our new Princess, we chose to follow her.”

This time, I say something, I tell her, “Night Light, it is a pleasure to meet all of you, and we welcome your help. But my daughter is not a princess, she has made that clear to all of us.”

I hear all of the new alicorns laugh and I see both Quick Frost and Blue Star shrug. Then Night Light says, “Then why does she have a royal guard?”

“Excuse me?” I ask in confusion.

This time Blue Star answers, “Ma’am the batpony scouts. When they saw her coming, they fell into formation during the battle with us. In fact, one of them was wounded when she took a shot for Moon Lily.”

The General, the other colonels, and I are stunned at this. Then I hear Threat Vector asks, “Which one of them was it? Please Colonel Mollygirl, get me their name, they deserve an accommodation for such bravery.”

“Yes sir, I will,” I tell him.

Immediately after I say this Moon Lily answers, “General sir, it was Lance Corporal Morning Star. Trooper Arrat, helped her with first aid while Ankareeda and Asra formed up on me, Quick Frost and Blue Star.”

“Thank you, Trooper. Colonel Mollygirl, you know what to do.”

The General then tells them, “We welcome your service, thank you for joining us. For now, you will be assigned to Colonel Sirocco and the 4^th Regiment.”

As he says this, I see Sirocco’s eyebrow go up. Then he looks at all of them. He simply smiles and says, “Dang, our first Volunteers. Well Troopers, welcome to the 4^th.” He pauses and then tells Quick Frost, “Lance Corporal, please take them back to the Scout Company, report in with your company commander and let him know What I have said.”

Quick Frost salutes him back and says, “Yes Sir. But sir, I am only a Trooper.”

I see Sirocco smile, “Not anymore. Good job you two. All of you saved our bacon up there.”

I see several of them notice him say bacon and finally one of the others asks, “So these ponies eat bacon?”

I then hear Slip Stream say, “I tried to tell ya we are a bit different than most back home.”

After this they all leave, leaving just me, the General, the other Colonels, and Major Pin Point in the headquarters tent. The major looks at us, “Well, that was certainly interesting. Sir, should I have one of the staff bring some tea?”

“Yes, please do, we have some plans to discuss,” he tells him as he nods his head.

We kibitz for a bit while we wait for the staff to bring us tea. Then we begin to discuss how we may use the new scouts in our upcoming campaign. After several more hours, we end the meeting. As I step out the door, I send a message to Windy to let her know that being so close I am going to make a quick visit to Archer then I will return to our HQ.

The artillery battalion Headquarters is next to the Brigade Headquarters. As I enter, I see Archer has his back to the door. He is looking at a map of the region and talking to his executive officer. I wait till they are finished then I approach him. I walk alongside him and briefly kiss him on his cheek. He turns to me and smiles. Then, as he brings his forehoof up to hug me I notice the bandage on it.

“What happened, dear?” I ask.

He nuzzles me along my scar and tells me, “Just a scratch. I was too close to the guns when one of them got hit is all.”

Now I wish Sutures was with me so I ask, “What did the medic say.”

He shrugs, “I don’t know. I did not bother them. They had others who were worse than I am.”

I nod my head in understanding. Then he tells me, “I am really glad you stopped by. We are getting ready to move a couple of batteries to the top of the gap to prepare for our next move.”

“I heard during our planning meeting. Are you going to go up there with them?”

“Only to help the emplace their guns, then I will be back. How about you?”

“Dear, my regiment is going through the gap right now. Half should already be on the other side. I am heading that way now.”

I see the look of disappointment on his face as he says, “So we won’t be able to get all of us back together tonight then?”

I kiss him again. To hell with what his staff might think, he is my husband after all. Then I answer, “Sorry dear. I am afraid not.”

“No, it is I who am sorry. I had gotten my hopes up my sweet mare, but it is our duty and all.”

I nuzzle him again, “I know. After this war, I am done with my duty, I am going to finally retire.”

I feel him actually tense up when I say this and he steps back and looks me in the eyes, “Mollygirl my love, do you really mean that?”

I place a hoof along his face and I tell him, “Yes my love. I am tired of not having enough time with our family. I am tired of getting pulled away and sent to the far ends of Equestria for months and years at a time. I just want to be with all of you.”

I see the surprise on his face, “My Goddesses, you really mean it don’t you?”

I nod my head, “Yes Archer, I really do. I am tired. Mentally, physically and emotionally. I hope you and the others will understand.”

I see him smile sadly, “Yes dear, I do. I understand all too well. Today brought home to me that war is a young buck’s game. And love, I hate to say it, but I am no longer young.”

I laugh slightly at that and lightly tap him on his shoulder as I kid him by saying, “Are you saying I am getting old?”

I see a flicker of terror cross his face as he contemplates how to answer. Then he says, “Yes and no love. Maybe we are all getting too old for this. Goddesses, our children are getting old enough for it now, and to be honest, I am terrified for each of them. I saw Moon Lily and her escort up there. I saw what she did. Oh, and just so you realize it. She was there when they teleported, so I am pretty sure she now has learned that spell too.”

When he says the last part I facehoof and laugh lightly. Then I tell him, “Well so much for Choo Choo and Purple Haze keeping that one from her.” Then I laugh again before telling him, “Like that was a hard one for her seeing she already has learned how to go into and back from the Great Beyond as she calls it.”

He nods his head, “I am sure your right.”

Then we are interrupted by a voice message over my PipBuck, Pack Leader this is Wolf Den 2, Please come in

Wolf Den 2 this is Pack Leader, over.

Pack Leader, we have a situation here that we need you for at the Regiment.

Roger, send the RD1 over to pick me up at the Brigade HQ.

Wilco Pack Leader, Wolf Den 2 out.

I sigh and I look at my husband, “Sorry dear, I best get going.” I kiss him one more time as in the distance I can hear a vertibuck approaching. I break the kiss then I am back out the door and on my way to my HQ, on the other side of the mountain.

We land the RD1 near my headquarters. As I land Chain Lighting trots out to meet me before the blades even stop fully. As I hop out he calls out, “Colonel, you are not going to believe this.”

“Ah shit, what now Sergeant Major?”

“Ma’am, best talk about it in the HQ Tent. We have a guest waiting.”

I shake my head as I follow him in. What now? I ask myself.

Once inside I see a large light green pegasus stallion in the uniform of an Enclave Captain. He is standing next to Windy and he seems visibly distraught.

Windy looks from him to me and tells me, “You need to hear what he has to say Mollygirl.”

“Alright. What have you come for Captain?”

He stands at attention as he looks straight ahead. “Ma’am, my company and I have heard that General Cloud Chaser took President Winter Wind and branded her a Dashite then cast her out. We waited to see if the rumors had changed at all and they did not.” I nod my head as he talks, but am surprised as I had not heard this myself. He seems to take my nodding as confirmation and tells me, “If this is true, then ma’am the current commanders of Enclave have performed a coup, and to be honest, that makes them traitors in our books. Ma’am, I will not serve such ponies.”

“I can understand that entirely. I have been betrayed myself before.” I tell him. I see the look on Windy’s face as I say this and she shakes her head only slightly. Then I continue, “But mine was only on a local level and did not threaten our people other than me and my troops.”

“I can tell by the bitterness in your voice you understand Colonel. There are forty-five of us who are willing to assist as we can.”

“Courier!” I call and I watch as the flying foursome come trotting in. I watch the expression of shock as he sees them come in.

He first asks, “What is that?” as he looks at Slip Stream, who tilts her head and says, “Oh, an Enclaver, that explains it,” she pauses then says, “Sir, I am a Hippogriff. My mother is a Pegasus, my father a Griffon.”

He is still stunned by this when Moon Lily comes to attention and salutes with her wings. I tell her, “Moon Lily, I need you to take Frost Glitter with you to deliver a message to the Brigade Commander for me.”

“Yes Ma’am,” she says as I begin to write out the message. After I am done, I put it in her saddlebags. Then I tell her, “Please wait until the General has read this so you can bring me his reply.”

As she and Frost Glitter begin to head out the door, I see two of my bat pony scouts ask her, “Do you want us to escort you?”

“No thank you Arrats, your duty is here but I do appreciate your offering,” Moon tells her as I hear her wings flap to take off.

Then the Captain asks, “Lieutenant Colonel did I just see a very young, black alicorn?”

Windy nods, “Yes you did Captain.”

“Ma’am, if I may ask, how did the NCR develop such young and black alicorns?”

She laughs lightly, “Captain, we did not create her.”

“Well how did you breed her then?” he asks,

I look at him, and casually reply, “My wife Sutures and husband Archer are her biological parents. She is a unicorn and he is an earth pony.”

I see the confusion on his face, “So how did those two create an alicorn foal?”

I simply shrug and tell him, “She was born a unicorn, but I was there when she ascended.”

He still looks confused and asks in a questioning tone of voice, “Ascended, what is that?”

So, I give him a quick run-down and once I am done, I see his jaw drop as he asks, “She brought down a raptor by herself? No, seriously, what kind of fool do you take me for?”

As he is saying this, I see Dharma walk in behind him and ask, “Colonel, is Moon Lily here? Tek and I wanted to thank her for helping us earlier.”

I swear I almost hear something break in the poor Captain's brain as he looks with wide eyes at Dharma. Then he mumbles out, “One-headed Brahmin?”

Dharma then replies, “Sir, I am not a brahmin, I am one of the descendants of the original cattle. The brahmin are our cousins whose ancestors did not make it into a stable.”

“But you can talk and you even have rank. How is that possible?”

I see Dharam sigh and shake his head slightly, “Sir, most brahmin are like most of the cattle ancestors, they did not learn Ponish. I on the other hoof was taught it as a second language since I was a calf. My ancestors learned it and I even had some that fought alongside ponies in the Great War.”

I nod as he says this and I slip into the cattle tongue briefly to say thank you for helping.

Then I see his eyes get even wider. He looks at me, “YOU CAN SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE?”

I nod my head, and tell him, “Yes Captain, I can. I have made an effort to learn it. But sir, my ancestors were in the same stable as his. That includes two of them who were pegasi, that made it in on the last day.”

I see him shake his head. Finally Windy tells him with a sigh, “As I was telling you earlier Captain, things down here are not all of what you were brought up to believe.”

It is two hours later when Moon Lily and Frost Glitter return. They are followed by the General and his security escort. After their having let us know they are back, they trot off to get something to eat and to visit with my other couriers.

As he walks in, he looks at me and my staff as well as the Captain who has by now taken off his hat and is sitting down for a light meal with myself, Windy, and Chain Lightning. I see him raise an eyebrow and Spit Shine approaches him and asks, “Sir, it is getting late, would you like me to bring you some dinner also?”

He nods his head and tells the sergeant, “Yes, please do. It has been a very long day.” Then he joins us at the table just as the captain asks, “So Sergeant Major, you and the Lieutenant Colonel both actually were regulars in the Enclave military?”

The Sergeant Major nods his head and replies after finishing his bite of food. “Yes sir, we were. In fact, I never imagined living permanently dirt side.”

“So, what made you change your mind and decide to stay down here?”

Chain then looks at Windy and asks, “Ma’am, should I answer this one, or would you like to?”

The captain looks surprised at first at his having asked. Finally Windy says, “Feel free Chain, you know how I feel as well.”

“Thank you, Ma’am,” he tells her. Then he faces back at the captain and tells him, “Sir, when Thunderhead was attacked like it was all those years ago by Neighvarro we felt we were kicked out of the Enclave pretty hard. In fact, several of those who were with our group of refugees felt that we were all but branded traitors by the Enclave.”

The captain looks surprised and says, “But, the rest of the Enclave never said Thunderhead was a Dashite refugee. We did not attack you also.”

Then I hear Windly blow out some air from her nose and I see her ears go back as she tells him, “Well they sure didn’t tell them to stop either. They didn’t lift a hoof to help us. Some stayed in Hoofington, many of us went to the old Co-op. They accepted us there.”

He looks puzzled, then asks, “But wasn’t this Co-op and Manesville a hotbed for Dashites?”

I shake my head, “No, but we did offer them shelter and a place to try and scratch out a living. Most of the Pegasi who lived there were loyal Thunderheaders until Neighvarro pulled their stunt. But then again, that was part of what bound our two groups together. Neighvarro.”

He looks uncomfortable at that and asks, “Why would those of you from there hate those from Neighvarro?”

Windy answers this one, “We didn’t, we just wanted to be left alone. But the Spring Monsoon attacked them on the day of Sunshine and Rainbows. Remember, she was homeported at Neighvarro and most of her crew and her captain came from there.”

I see him looked concerned, and like he is trying to work a puzzle out in his head. Then he says, “But you attacked the Spring Monsoon as they tried to peacefully pass by on their way to Fillydelphia.”

This time the General laughs out loud and tells him, “Captain, I have several officers with me who can dispute that. In fact, the Colonel here was one of those who brought down the Spring Monsoon.”

He takes on an expression of incredulousness. Then he asks, “How can an earth pony have done that? What kind of weapon did you use?”

I smile at him, “Well we had a flight of five pegasi, and myself as well as Captain Emerado, who is one of my company commanders now, rode our friend George. If you saw the battle earlier, you saw her when she went after the raptor we engaged today.”

He shakes his head, “Excuse me, who is this George and how could two ponies ride her?”

About this time, I see Choo Choo enter my HQ and she says, “Captain, George is my best friend, and she happens to be the dragon your forces wounded today. Please, understand, I am a bit touchy about her, so watch what you say.”

The General turns to her and smiles, “Good evening Choo Choo. It is good to see you, do you have news for me?”

She nods her head, “Yes sir, but depending on what this officer who is in our company is planning on doing, it might be better if we waited until he departs.”

It is then that I hear a very excited courier yell out, “Great Grandma Choo!” as she runs over and gives Choo Choo a hug. Which is returned and I see Choo Choo smile as she nuzzles her descendent.”

The enclave officer is stunned. He cautiously asks, “You really are related to her?”

Choo with her hoof still around my daughter tells him proudly, “Yes I am. Several of those with us are also my descendants. So, my sisters consider them family too. We will fight for our family.”

I see Threat Vector nod his head. “I was wondering does your sisters include our new recruits also?”

I see her head pop up excitedly, “General, we have more of my sisters as recruits?”

That is when Moon says, “Yep, we performed the blessing at Maripony yesterday and when they saw us, they joined us.”

She looks up at me and I nod my head. I see her smile broaden even more. Then she looks at the Enclave captain. “Sir, have you come to discuss the use of your troops in our accessing the lower-level entrances as we discussed earlier?”

He nods his head, and I see the General raise an eyebrow. Then he says, “Captain, I did not catch your name, mine is General Threat Vector.”

The captain smiles and tells him, “Sorry about that sir, my name is Captain Cloud Seeder.”

I hear Windy start to laugh and I find my jaw hanging open. Then Moon Lily asks, “You wouldn’t be related to the Pegasus poet Cloud Seeder, would you?”

I watch as he laughs lightly, “Well, distantly, you have to understand, he was a great-great-uncle who disappeared on the final day. But I am surprised that dirtsiders would even know his name. Why?”

I finally get myself back together when Windy asks me, “Hey Mollygirl, do you have your field copy of your ancestor’s book on you?”

I nod my head slowly and I see the surprise on his face as he sees it as I draw it out of my saddlebags.

This time his jaw is slack briefly. He shakes his head and then asks, “Are, are you related to him too?”

I nod my head, then I tell him, “Yes. He and another Pegasus made it into our stable on the last day. They were not even supposed to be there, but he made it.”

Then I hear Choo Choo laugh. “Talk about a coincidence Mollygirl. I guess you have more family now.”

I shake my head, “I guess so. I never expected that.”

I see the captain shake his head, “Neither did I ma’am, neither did I.”

The rest of the meeting concentrates on how we can utilize him and his troops. Finally, it ends with all of us in agreement. My regiment as well as the rest of the Brigade need to make almost thirty miles in two days. Once there we are to be joined by Coalition forces including those of the Captain Cloud Seeder. The only thing that makes it better is when Sutures and Millie show up just before he departs.

I am still talking with him when we hear Millie approaching. Once close enough she says, “Hi Ma. I just came to tell you and Moon that both George and Morning Star are going to be ok.”

I see him look at her with a raised eyebrow. Then he asks, “Millie, would that be short for Wind Mill?”

I see her smile brightly at him and she answers, “Yes sir, it is, but how did you know? Did my mom tell you that?”

I see him smile as he shakes his head. Then he tells us, “No, my daughter is also named Wind Mill and our family calls her Millie too. She is named after my grandmother and her several times removed great grandmother.”

“That is so cool Captain. Almost like me,” she says.

He smiles and tells her, “Actually, exactly like you. It seems we are distant family young mare.”

I see her eyes gleam. Then she asks, “Does she enjoy flying. I know I do.”

I see him tilt a head just as I do. He then asks, “How do you do that young mare?”

I see her blush and then she says, “George has taken me for a ride as has Granny Choo so I could fly with my Rain Dancer.”

When she says the last part both Windy and I raise an eyebrow and look at each other. Then I realize that both of my friends have not only helped her enjoy flying like I do, but also have chaperoned her and Rain on their forays.

He then looks at me and asks, “So Colonel, do you enjoy flying also?”

I grin at him, “Actually, I love it. But I just do not get the chance to very often anymore.”

I see him shake his head, “An earth pony who loves flying. I never thought I would see the day.”

Then Millie says, “But cousin, we are part Pegasus. Both Cloud Seeder and Winter Wind were our ancestors. Granny Emerado has one of their sets of Pegasus goggles, while Ma has the other.”

I see him look at me funny. “You two really did fly in battle, didn’t you?”

I grin at him, “Yes, and I have the scars to show it, just as soon as I can remember which ones, they are…”

This is when Sutures finally asks, “So Mollygirl, who is the officer you are talking to?”

I then remember my manners and introduce her to him, “Cloud Seeder, this is my wife Sutures. Sutures, this is Captain Cloud Seeder of the Enclave’s 723^rd security detachment.”

I see her raise an eyebrow at his name and she asks “So are you really descended from the poet Cloud Seeder too?”

He shakes his head slightly, “Not directly. I am descended from his sister Cloud Watcher. She was assigned to Coltlumbia on the last day.” Then he asks, “So are you really descended from the alicorn Choo Choo?”

This time Sutures laughs lightly and tells him, “Well yes and no. I am descended from her when she was a unicorn before they transformed her. There are a lot of us from the Manesville area that are descended from her.”

He turns his head and looks at Choo and then shakes his head slightly before saying, “Well hopefully she does not have too many descendants who are alicorns.”

This time Choo smiles with a wing across her great granddaughter’s shoulders and tells him, “As far as I know, she is the only one.”

He looks at the watch on his wrist and tells us, “I hate to say it, but I really need to return to my troops before my absence is noticed. Colonel, Wind Mill, I look forward to talking more with you about our family soon. Please take care and I will meet you in a few days.”

With that we watch him take off and fly in the direction of Coltlumbia. Windy comes over to me and asks, “So, do you trust him?”

I grin at her and tell her, “Pretty much. He could not have known he was related to us. But honestly, I think it may make a difference to him. But I am still going to be careful.”

Windy nods her head in agreement. “That is the best way to be Mollygirl.”

That night I spend with my wife and our daughters as well as my staff. At one point as is still my habit, I walk through the camps and listen to the conversations to get a feeling for how my regiment is doing. I come around my artillery camp in time to hear one of the sergeants tell his crew, “Ok, let's do one more practice run through with the dummy load. When we engage soon, we are going to need to be able to move, fire, and move again.”

“But Sarge, it’s been a rough day, maybe we could rest now.”

“Look Sugar Cube, that would be nice and all, but I think we need to practice one more time. Remember when we engage them, we are betting our lives, and I would prefer to have the advantage on the enemy.”

“Ahh, come on sarge. They can’t be that good. They barely touched us today.”

“Trooper, are you really sure you want to be a gunner? I am serious. I mean you can transfer to the infantry if you want. Remember two guns got put out of action today, and even the ol’ Stallion got hit.”

“Sarge did he really? I mean I saw him get up and keep giving orders.”

“Yeah, he did. So, let’s get this done, once we finish the run-through, we call it a night.”

Soon I am walking past one of the infantry camps. I hear them laughing and singing in one camp. In another I see some of them dancing as one of them plays a fiddle. In many of the camps, the troopers are just talking with each other. As I pass by like a shadow in the dark, I am reminded of so many times previously I have made these walks.

As I am heading back toward my headquarters, I see her again. It has been a long time, but I am happy to see her. As she approaches, she pulls back her cloak from her head. “Good evening my child.”

“Good evening Mareigan. It has been a long time.”

She nods her head, “It has, but I have had my reasons.”

I nod in understanding. “So, this is not just a social visit?”

She shakes her head, “Sorry but no. My visits rarely are, unfortunately.”

I find myself sighing, “So my friend, what is it this time?”

“I came to tell ya’ that they know you are close. They will fight ya’, so do not expect it to be easy lass.”

I nod my head, “Honestly, I would be more surprised if they didn’t”

She then tells me, “When you go in, use my daughter and the sisters to help with the civilians. I know not your general or else I would tell him directly. They are the future of our lands.”

“Mareigan, do you really want me to send Moon Lily into a battle?”

She shakes her head, “My child, you do na ken her true power. I doubt even she does fully. But yes.”

“But she is still just a filly.”

“That she is, but she is also more. Much more.” She tells me.

I finally nod my head in agreement. “It will be done. May Sweet Cream and Sutures forgive me.”

I see her smile as if at a joke. Then she says, “Well, I can see where you place your wife. It is good, but I will talk to her as well. Now my warrior, go get some rest, as you will be needing it.”

She then stops as if an afterthought and tells me, “Even though things may look bleak, have faith and do not lose hope.”

With that, I suddenly feel tired again and she smiles and walks off into the night as I slowly make my way back to my family and headquarters.

Come morning I untangle myself from my wife and our daughters. Then I begin to put on my uniform again. As I do this the others begin to wake up also and quickly get their gear together. Once all of our personal stuff is out of the tent. I watch as my staff come over and with practice ease, break it down and stow it in one of our headquarters wagons. Once the camp has broken down, we are ready to move again.

We have already made a good five kilometers when I look back and see the 4^th Regiment coming through the gap. Above them, I see the sky wagons of the 2^nd Regiment as they too clear the mountains and are soon catching up with us.

In the distance, I can see a very large cloud formation around several of the mountains under them to the west. As the day progresses, I can see that it is actually several formations and that one is larger than all the rest.

By midafternoon, two things have occurred. We make contact on our left flank with the Baltimare Brigade that has come up from the direction of Ponyville and bypassed Vanhoover. This causes our troopers' morale to improve. The second is that we are now close enough that we can see that the mountain directly to our front is an anchor point for the largest cloud city I have ever heard about much less seen. We are almost to Emporia. I can now see that several of the cloud formations around it are actually cloud ships.

As I look at them Windy tells me, “Mollygirl, those smaller ones over there. Those are raptors.”

I nod dumbfounded and ask in a stunned voice, “but what about those bigger ones?”

She shrugs her wings, “Well, I recognize at least two of them as being Thunderheads. Each of them was supposed to be able to carry 10 raptors.”

“Sweet Mother of Celestia and Luna. Windy, how can we fight them?”

“Relax Mollygirl, I am sure the alliance will send us support. Besides, I bet several of those raptors at least are damaged.”

I nod my head, “True, but even damaged they can hurt us.” But I do not stop, we keep moving forward towards the base.

That night when we stop, we have a dry camp. No fires, no lights. When I hold my regimental officers call, I begin, “Captain Trade Winds, I need your night recon team on patrol tonight.”

“Ma’am, are you sure? I mean we will need everypony when the fight happens.”

“Captain, I am sure. Let them sleep in a wagon tomorrow while we move if you have to. But I want night eyes up.

Then I look to Laura Lee, “Lieutenant Colonel, what is the status of George?”

She sighs and tells me, “Ma’am she will be ready for the fight. She has been flying ahead at night and holding up in what shelter she can find to sleep.”

I nod my head, “Ok if she needs guards, make sure you give her them.”

“Already on it ma’am.”

“Good. Glad to hear that. Tomorrow night we rendezvous with our operative. I will give you the full details of the plan then.” Next, I turn to Gray Tempest. “Gray, I will tell you the General has ordered that when the 2^nd Regiment goes in for the assault, your battalion will join them. So, tomorrow night I want your troopers to be as rested as possible. Also, all fliers will make the assault.” I tell them as I shake my head.

Dull Beak raises his talon and then asks, “Colonel, what about the ground troops?”

I turn to him, “DB, they will be assaulting the lower entrances. I do believe we should be coming in on the area they call Hurricane Beach. And no, I have no idea why they call it that or even what kind of joke it is to call a place in a cloud city a beach.”

I see them all look at each other and shrug. We all look at Gray and he looks back at us and says, “Whoa, I have no idea. Remember, Thunderhead was my home. I had no business over in Emporia, so I was not allowed here.”

That makes sense to all of us. “Ok then, I have nothing else for you. Standard order of march. Dismissed.”

As they file out Laura Lee comes over to me. “Mollygirl, do you really think we can do it?”

I look her in the eyes and tell her, “Dear, we have to try at least. Hopefully, we can.”

Laura Lee then asks, “Mollygirl, can I spend some time with you tonight?”

I hear the fear and worry in her voice. She needs this too. “Yeah, but do you mind Sutures being with us too?”

“Sweetheart, if we could get the others here, I would love that. Tonight, I need my family.”

I put my hoof around her and draw her close. “I understand, love.” I feel the same way and I give her a gentle kiss to reassure her some. “But first, go take care of your troops and come back as soon as you can.”

I see her smile, “Ok, sounds good. I will be back in a while,” she tells me.

I then settle down and just look up at the sky admiring the stars above. While I have come to prefer the comfort of a tent over me at night when in the field. Tonight, I am glad we choose not to set up our tents so that we are more difficult to spot.

As I wait Sutures arrives with Millie. I realize they are here when I hear Frost Glitter say, “Hey Mills. You here to visit us too tonight?”

I hear Millie answer, “Sure, let me say hi to my mom first. I will be right back.”

Soon she has come over to me and we share a hug. Then she tells me, “Ma, please be careful tomorrow. This does not feel the same as the other times.”

I nod my head, “Believe me dear. I agree. Stay behind the lines, I think you will be needed at the hospital tents.”

As we sit talking, I find myself holding her. I look up and I notice that Sutures is doing the same with Moon Lily. Nearby I see Windy and Dull Beak are also here with their daughters. Then Millie asks, “Ma, can you read us a story?”

I nod my head and tell her, “Sure, but I don’t have a book with me.”

“Ma, you could always read something from Cloud Seeder. I know you have his book with you.”

I smile and nod my head. “True, but wouldn’t really want to hear something else?”

I then give in, “Ok, Millie, because we have family that still go by that name, I will read you one of his, then we can switch to something else.”

As I say this, I notice all of them gathering closer to me. I also see Spit Shine and some of my other staff members gathering around. I find it interesting when I look up and I see Dharma and Tek both laying down together near us so they too can listen.

Then I begin to read,

In yonder days gone by, when ponies first did meet.

They often would give greetings, but always kept their hooves fleet.

Both predator and prey, we were, and have become once again.

By Celestia’s sun and Luna’s moon, we hope will bring peace but we know not how, or when.

We long for those wonderous times when food was plentiful as was friendship, and fear was long forgot.

But like a towering thundercloud, this war seems too oft for naught.

We were polite, if not friends with our zebra kin. But for the price of coal, we crossed the line to commit the mortal sin.

We kill theirs, and they ours, and then we take the time.

To call a truce to allow both sides to clear those between the lines.

But once it’s done, we say no more but with a rifle shot. The bitter fight begins again as if the truce was naught.

But someday, like the season's change, this war too must end.

The cycle will have come around and once more we too will be friends.

So, raise a toast to those who fell, but do not let hatred dwell.

For someday peace will come again, and again once more together we will dwell.

When finished I see Choo Choo has returned accompanied by both Archer and Badger. As they approach, I hear Archer say, “it looks like we have arrived just in time.” Then my husbands greet first their children then us wives. As they do so I notice Laura Lee has returned once more. She too greats us as one of our family.

Next one of the fillies pulls a book out of her saddlebags and I smile as I recognize the old ragtag copy of Daring Do, that used to be Ginger’s. It is times like this that I miss her and Epona. But as I get ready to read, they too show up.

As she sits close to us but with Xochitl next to her, Ginger tells us, “Sunny will be here in a bit. He and the others are visiting Morning Star.”

I smile and tell her, “Thank you for letting me know.”

“No problem ma.” She tells me as I watch her lean against her husband.

Then like old-time, I once again read a tale of Daring Do, to my family and staff.

After the story, most of my staff drift away for a bit. From the other camps, I can hear singing and music. In my camp, my family cuddles together for as long as they can. Then my husbands both head back to their units Laura Lee looks askance of me and all but pleads, “Mollygirl, my staff knows where I am, can I just stay with all of you tonight.”

I smile and tell her, “Of Course. Now get over here with the rest of us.”

We then settle in for the night. All of us taking comfort in those around us. I can only thank Sweet Cream that no matter what comes tomorrow, at least I have had this time with my family.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Tonight is a very hard one for me. Tonight, I find myself betraying my oath. But I do so with a just cause against those who have betrayed us and our cause. They have overthrown our legitimate leaders and have put our people at risk. With this in mind, please play When Honor Dies, for myself, and those who will follow me.

Thank You

Cloud Seeder, Emporia

Mollygirl and the rest of the Manesville Brigade have made it to the Enclave capital. Along the way, we have had some surprise alliances being made. Now to see if the alliances hold, and what the cost to come may be.

The following chapter may not be released next week, as the real-life Mollygirl is going to be in the field next weekend at a historical reenactment. However, I will try to get the next chapter written and out as soon as possible afterwards if not on time. I appreciate your patience with this.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1knq8Slj7i4