“Just when you think it can't get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can't get any better, it can.” ― Nicholas Sparks, At First Sight

We enter the stable, Em, and I behind everyone else. The entrance is at the bottom of the atrium and as we enter it, I can see George looking all around in wonder. She seems a little nervous as all the ponies and cows in there stop what they are doing and stare, many from the balconies overlooking us.

Em and I trot up next to George. I put a hoof on her side. “It’s ok George, Em and I are here with you." She seems to relax a bit.

“Thank you Mollygirl, it has been a very long time since I have seen so many beings in one place. It’s kind of overwhelming.”

“I understand George, I felt that way my first Opening Day Ceremony when I was sworn in, and we were in front of everyone,” Em tells her.

The Colonel looks up and sees everyone staring, “Everypony, this is George. She is our neighbor and friend. Please be courteous and treat her as you would want to be treated.”

George hearing this sits up and shyly waves her front claw at everyone. Several wave back and then everyone starts to move again. The colonel seems satisfied. “Sorry about that George, we do not often have a dragon visitor in here. In fact, you are one of the very few non-Co-op Defense Force members to be allowed in here. If you will follow me over to the side here, we have cleared out an area just for you.”

He leads us over to what had once been a large supply storage area. It has been modified so that it has a large area in the front and a hallway for ponies along it that leads to the back area still. But the main part is large enough for a couple of dragons George's size and some ponies and cattle as well. I see a couple of piles of gems in one corner as well as several sacks of bottle caps and some furniture.

“George, I hope you do not mind. But I figured this room would be more private for us to talk, and hopefully, you will find it a bit more comfortable. The gems are for you by the way. Please enjoy some while we talk.”

The Colonel and George talk for some time. In part, he is asking her to assist us in defending the Co-op if we need her. As part of that, he has offered her this compartment in the stable for temporary quarters. As they talk, I notice George take a few of the gems and start to snack a bit. While I can not imagine eating them, she seems to take joy in them, particularly the rubies.

“George, as part of the deal of this being a temporary lodging for you, you may store what you want in here too.”

“Colonel, if you do not mind, I would like to store my harness as well as the passenger harness here. I know Mollygirl has enjoyed flying with me and I feel comfortable with her and Emerado as a crew. If you do not mind, I would like to work with them some more and figure out how we could fight together.”

At this, I see the Colonel smiles a devilish grin, as he agrees. Next to me, I hear a small squeak and I look over to see Emerado has both ears down and a look of horror on her face. I have to fight down the laugh. I am so going to get my ass kicked by her, but it will be worth it, just for that expression alone.

They continue to talk and after a couple of hours, George mentions she needs to get going as she does not want to leave her cave unattended. At this, the Colonel offers to give her a regular guard detail so she can feel free to assist us and leave her cave as needed. She tells him she will consider it, but nothing final.

After they finish their conversation, the Colonel and other staff members leave. George looks at Emerado and me. “Well, I guess we should leave the harness here then. I do not think Emerado is ready to fly again today. Emerado, I am sorry, but I really want my friends to fly with me, I trust you both. I do not know them.”

Em smiles but still has her ears down, “I understand George, it just is hard for me, I will work on it for you.”

George gets a big smile on her face and grabs both of us into a hug. “Thanks, guys, I cannot tell you how much this means.”

Once we help her remove her harness and ours, we lay it out by the side of the room so we can put it on fairly quickly. Then George tells us “I really do need to get back to my cave, I will see you in the morning here then. Will that be ok?”

“Sure George. Sounds good. We will walk you back to the tunnel entrance.” I tell her.

Once back to the cave entrance Em and I walk her to the clearing where we had landed earlier. We say farewell to George for the night. She takes off and flies low and fast, back toward her cave. I decide to climb up and watch her fly away to the southeast. As I turn to go back into the cave, I see a sight that makes me freeze in my tracks. I call Emerado up to join me quickly.

Once she gets there, I point to the north of us, “Em, do you see what I see?” We look and, in the distance, I see vague black shapes in the clouds. The cloud formations are all headed toward Fillydelphia.

She nods her head in response. “Oh, my Goddesses, are they what I think they are?”

I nod my head yes. “I think so Em, I think the Pegasi are back, and it does not look good. We better tell the Colonel.” We turn and head back inside to the HQ and let Colonel Chappy know what we have just seen. I hope this does not mean it will be another long night.

Once we tell the Colonel about what we saw he has two of the junior staff members go topside and observe the possible skyships, in less than three hours we can no longer see them in the distance. The night goes quietly after the Colonel has had us stand down from a full ready stance.

Once done for the day I head down to find Badger, and Em to find Bullet. It seems that the word is out about Em and my ride. As we enter the squad bay they let us know.

Shadowbuck is sitting in the corner talking to Pearl as Bullet is napping on the couch. He points us out to Pearl, “Hey look here come the Dragon riders.”

“Oh, I guess you all heard already?” I say.

“Yes, it was an impressive sight according to a couple of the ponies and cows I talked to. So how long did it take you to pry Em off of it?”

“I have to say I had a great time, OH it is so fun to fly, I can not tell you how much I enjoy it…”

I stop talking as I hear everyone start to laugh, then I look at Emerado, she is looking at me like I am insane. “Mollygirl for the love of all that is holy, how, I mean really how, can you enjoy that? And now we are going to do that regularly. Are you kidding me?”

“First, Shadowbuck the dragon is not an it, it’s a she, her name is George, and she is very interesting. Second, Em, I am sorry, it was not my idea, even if I do love it.”

I see Badger sitting there shaking his head chuckling lightly. “Well, that explains a lot, he says,” with a smile.

Bullet by this time has woken up and comes over to hold Emerado, he looks at me, “Mollygirl, perhaps you should find someone else who is willing to fly with you. It does not seem to agree with Emerado very much.”

“Bullet, it was not my idea, really. Besides, George really likes her too. I am sorry if it upsets her, but I cannot do anything.” While he does not look happy, he accepts my reasoning.

Badger then comes over to me, puts his hooves around me, and kisses the back of my neck. “Hey fly filly, shall we head into town to see our mare?”

“That sounds really good Badger. Em, I will see you later dear. I am sorry that you are upset. I hope you have a good night with Bullet and I will talk to you later.”

Badger and I then leave the squad bay and head out to see if Magpie is at home. Along the way, I tell him all about flying with George, and then I tell him about how I think we saw sky ships flying north of the Co-op heading toward Fillydelphia. This seems to make him concerned some.

We get to Magpie's place and Magda tells us she is not home yet. She thinks she may still be at the Library, so we head over to see her there. On the way in we see Pages and she tells us that Magpie is down in the Archives, and she heads down there with us.

Once we get there, Magpie comes over and kisses us both. She then tells me she has a special present for me, but I have to close my eyes, which I do. When she tells me to open them, she has the book of pegasus poetry with her. “Here you go Mollygirl, it is a special present from Badger, and me. Pages agreed to sell me the extra copy of it.”

“Gee, thanks Mags, thanks Badger,” I tell them.

“Mollygirl, I know you enjoyed it with me, but there are a couple of things about it that make it so special,” she tells me.

“Really what are those?"

“Well first if you look at the book closely you can see the picture of the author and a bit of his background.”

I look at the picture and see a dark blue pegasus with a light blue feather cutie mark, nothing too surprising there. “Well, yeah, I was not surprised that a pegasus would be a weather control warden,” I tell her.

She looks at Pages, then Badger, and then at me. “What really makes it special Molly, is that he was one of the only two Pegasi that were in the stable when it closed. That and when checking through the archive birth records I found out that Cloudseeder was the great grandfather of an earth mare named Wind Mill.”

I still do not get it; I think she can see the confusion on my face. “Mollygirl, Mille’s, real name was Wind Mill. Mille was just a nickname. Sort of like calling Mootilda, Moo.”

My jaw drops, “Mags, are you saying that I have a pegasus ancestor, and to top it off that is a picture of him?” She nods her head yes.

I cannot help but give her a hug and a kiss, Grabbing Badger into it too. This means so much to me. I had not known much about my family history.

Then she adds “The funny thing is, from what I can tell, neither of them was supposed to have been in the stable in the first place. I would love to know the story of how that occurred.” She tells me.

Badger just looks at me with a smart alec grin on his face. “Well, I guess that explains your love of flying.”

“I heard about your experience with the memory orbs Mollygirl, I wonder how much you would love to fly for real,” Pages tells me.

Badger starts to laugh and then I look at her and Magpie, “Well, to tell the truth, I loved it. George gave me and Emerado a ride back to the stable from her cave today.”

I am almost humored to see the look on both of their faces. Then Pages asks “Do you mean the George that Magpie was telling me that Millie found?”

“Yes, Pages. Emerado and I found her. She is really nice if a little awkward. She lives in the Co-op now.”

Pages then looks from me to Badger, who is nodding his head in confirmation, and then to Magpie. “Magpie, I think I will take you up on going out for a drink and dinner tonight. That just topped my list of strange things to happen.”

“Excellent Pages, everyone else ready for dinner and something to drink then?” Magpie asks.

Both Badger and I agree. I then put my new book in my saddlebags and we are ready to go. Pages turns the library over to one of her assistants and we head to the Paddock for dinner. It has been a long time since I have gotten to go out with them and a friend.

The four of us have a pleasant meal together. I think Pages has a bit more to drink than she normally would. But again, as she explained, she was finding things a bit stranger than she is used to. After the meal is finished it is time to call it a night.

“Pages, thank you for coming out tonight. It was great seeing you again,” I tell her.

“Mollygirl, it is nice to be able to spend time with other ponies away from work. So, thanks to all of you for having invited me. However, as it is getting late, I hate to ask it, but would one of you mind walking me home at least? Ever since the incident with Tar Water, I hate being alone while out and about at night.”

“No problem Pages, I am sure we all would be glad to,“ Badger replies for all of us.

As we walk her home we continue to chat. But I cannot help but realize that Tar Water has not just affected me, but perhaps a large portion of the Co-op. I start to wonder if perhaps I had not had the run-in with her, if the Co-op may have remained the same. But I realize ignorance is not always bliss. She would have still been infiltrating us and letting Red Eye's people know more about us. Thankfully at this point, she still does not know about George. At least I hope she does not.

Once we arrive at her place, I shake hooves with her and Magpie gives her a brief hug. Badger just stands back and smiles. “It was good to see you again Pages, have a good night,” He tells her as we all turn and head back to Magpie’s apartment. I cannot wait to get back and get some sleep.

Once there, as we are getting ready for bed, I tell them about the flight again. I apologize for being so excited, but I can't help myself. I also thank them both for the book again. I am stunned that not only was I able to read something my ancestor wrote but to see a photo of him. It is humbling in a way. I just wish mom was still here so she could share it with me.

Tonight, I am just so tired I am ready to go straight to sleep. The stress from the last couple of days must have gotten to all of us, as when we get into bed and cuddle up, with Badger in the middle this time. We are all asleep within minutes. I awake a couple of hours later hearing Badger crying out in his sleep. He is having a nightmare, I can tell. I gently run my hoof through his mane and whisper “It's ok love, we are here with you. Your Magpie and Mollygirl are here for you.”

I hear him mumble a bit more in his sleep and then he quiets down again. He never fully comes awake. I fall back to sleep for a couple of more hours and wake to my alarm. I get up, clean up, and then wake Badger and Magpie before I leave. I know Badger will have to get back to stable a bit after me, but it also gives him some time alone with Mags. I know she wants that too.

The day is relatively uneventful. Em and I meet George when she gets back to the stable. We discuss what we want to try and once we are all kitted out, we take a test flight. Emerado is not happy about it, but she does handle it better than before. Once we land Emerado gets down.

George then looks at me, “Mollygirl, do you want to practice some more just you and me?”

“Sure George, what do you have in mind?”

She looks back at me than at Emerado, "Sorry Em, I know how rough flying can be on you. If you do not mind, I want to experiment with some fancy flying with just one passenger for a bit before we do it with you on board.”

“No, I don’t mind at all, in fact, have fun. I am going to go get sick now, ok,” Em tells us, I think she’s only half-joking. I really feel sorry for her on that.

As Em enters the rear tunnel George and I take off again. She starts to twist and turn. She turns her head back to me as we fly, and yells back to me, “I think we need to practice some combat maneuvers; you know in case we have to go up against Griffons, or Pegasi, or maybe even other dragons.”

So, we gain altitude and are almost to the bottom of the cloud deck when she rolls over onto her back and twists so that her belly faces the same way it did on the climb. Then she proceeds to start to do what she calls a barrel roll. We do this several times. Then once we get high up again, she rolls over on her back and dives for the ground, my stomach lurches a bit, but the adrenaline rush is worth it. George says that one is called a split S maneuver. We do this for several hours. While practicing all of these maneuvers she devises a way for me to signal her which way to look and go without having to yell. We even practice going from a full dive to a recovery and then a hover so that pursuers might shoot past us and end up in front of us. We fly all over the Co-op doing this. Finally, I realize the time. I have missed lunch and dinner should be soon.

The sun is getting low in the sky as we near the landing area, that is when I get the call on my PipBuck, “Mollygirl, this is Soundwaves, we have a priority situation, you are needed in the stable immediately. The Colonel request George too.” This is serious then; it is very rare that the Stable broadcast anything as we do not want that to give its existence away.

“Rodger, Soundwaves, this is Mollygirl, we are on approach right now.”

As we set down, several of the cows and ponies from the ready force come out and help me down and use the brush to try and cover our tracks as we enter the back of the stable. Emerado comes up to us “George, Mollygirl, to George’s room, for the tack, the Colonel is on his way.”

I see activity going on again as I watch the members of the CDF ready reserve heading to the armory and back out again to the trenches and fortifications. We get into what is now being called George’s room and take off our harnesses. We are finishing up as the Colonel, Horns, and Broadcast enter.

“George, Mollygirl, sorry to call you back like this, but it seems the Enclave is back in force. They have interrupted the broadcast of DJ Pon3 as well as most of the other frequencies. They are claiming to be back to help those of us ground side. However, after last night and then this, I am erroring on the side of caution. I have put the ready reserve defense forces on alert. George, you may stay here, or go back to your cave. If you hear the old attack sirens sound then please come here immediately. Your riders will be called from whatever duty they have to work with you.”

“Colonel, I will be heading back to my cave. However, I will wait a bit to make sure everything is ok first and then I will check back in tomorrow if you do not mind. I will be keeping low the entire flight for now. Mollygirl, Emerado, would you mind keeping me company for a bit”

I look at her, “George, I missed lunch and am hungry for dinner, would you mind if I had somepony bring something for me to eat. I do not know if we have anything you would want, but I can try.”

“Molly, do you want me to go get it?” Em asks.

“Actually, If George does not mind, perhaps we can have Badger and Bullet bring us both something if they are available.”

George looks slightly nervous, “Mollygirl, I guess it would be ok, but I am getting kind of overwhelmed with all the ponies and cows around here.”

“That’s ok George, I understand never mind then.”

She thinks for a minute then tells us, “It's ok, if you trust them, please have them bring it to you.”

I send a digital message over my PipBuck to Badger asking him to bring us dinner. Within a couple of minutes, he replies that he will do so. After about a 15-minute wait Badger shows up along with Bullet and Shadowbuck. Carrying meals for all of us. Shadowbuck, on the other hand, is carrying a large pot on his back. As he enters, he looks at George and tells her, “This is for you, I know you and the mares have been out flying, so you are probably thirsty, I hope you enjoy tea with a bit of honey and milk in it.”

George looks surprised, “Why thank you. I really appreciate it. Please stay all of you.”

I first point to Badger, “George, this is Badger, one of my fiancés,” I then point to Bullet, "This is my adopted father and Emerado’s intended Bullet.” I then shift my hoof to Shadowbuck “And the buck kind enough to bring you tea is Shadowbuck.”

She smiles at all of them, “It is a pleasure to meet you, and Shadowbuck, I do really appreciate it. This will go perfect with a couple of rubies, thank you.”

We all chat for a while as we eat our meals together. George becomes more comfortable with everyone being here and begins to tell us a bit about her life when she was younger. She tells us about how she saw the zebra’s riding the dragons into battle and how she always wanted to try it. She even tells about how she met Millie for the first time. This got me to thinking, and after she finished her story, I asked her “George. I have a friend of mine who is descended from Mootilda, the cow that was Millie’s best friend, would you mind meeting her? I am sure she would like to meet you.”

She looks at me a bit and then agrees. “Ok, Mollygirl, I will meet her. I do not mind meeting ponies and others, it’s just not too many at one time, please.”

“Ok George, no problem. I will keep that in mind.”

“Also, Mollygirl, I noticed you mentioned you have more than one fiancé, I would like to meet him or her also some time, if you do not mind.”

Badger looks up at George and answers for me, “Her name is Magpie, George. Mollygirl told us a bit about you last night at dinner and I am sure she would enjoy meeting you sometime.”

“Excellent, I look forward to it. But I will say I am surprised to hear I was the topic of your dinner conversation.”

“In part, because of how much it meant for Mollygirl to be able to fly with you, as well as how nice you are,” He tells her.

After talking for a while longer she decides it is best that she get back to her cave. We all walk her to the rear entrance and bid her a good night and farewell. She smiles at all of us and waves and then takes off back to her cave. We watch her skim the treetops in the faint glow of the moon through the clouds for as long as we can. Then we all turn and head back inside.

The next morning as I am passing the security office on my way to the HQ area I am stopped by Slipshod. He calls me into the security office. When I get in there the Chief and two other security officers are there. Slipshod stops, turns, and begins to talk for all of them.

“Hey Mollygirl, I was talking to the chief and some of the other security officers.” He stops and nods toward them, “And, well; a while back, we realized we have a couple of pairs of old pegasus goggles that have been hanging on the back wall unused for as long as anyone can remember. It is said they once belonged to one of the original security officers and his buddy. And well, umm, we…”

The chief takes over for him. “Mollygirl, we have all heard about you flying on the dragon, and agreed that it would be better that these took to the air again rather than just hang on a wall, so we are giving them to you. I only request that if you ever decide you do not want them, please return them to us. They are one of the few artifacts we have from back then.”

I am stunned and thrilled. I hardly know what to say, “Thank you, all of you. I really do appreciate it.” I give a full salute to the Chief, then shake hooves with all of them, before I take the goggles and put them in my saddlebags. “Thanks again everyone, this means more than you know to me. I will have to stop by later and talk some more if you do not mind, but I have to get up to HQ before the Colonel notices I am late.”

“Understood Cadet, and yes you are welcome, as long as it is a personal visit and not as a client.” The Chief tells me with a smile.

I get up to the HQ and met up with Horns and Em. Today it seems is a day for a scavenger hunt. It seems they had been picking Badger’s brains about possible misdirected shipments of weapons and where they might be. We are going to be heading out to look for them.

Before I leave the office, I look at Emerado, “Em, on the way here, I was stopped by security.”

She suddenly looks concerned. “Mollygirl, what did you do now?”

“No, Em, it's not that, they gave me two pairs of Pegasus flying goggles for our eyes. It seems that they were owned by one of the original security officers and his friend.”

“Really, that would be great, I mean my eyes are still feeling scratchy just from the flight yesterday. Thanks for getting them for us.”

"No Problem, we just have to give them back when we no longer need or want them, they said.”

“Sounds fair enough Mollygirl, I will get a set from you later, but for now, we need to worry about getting about halfway to Donavan, there is an old railroad tunnel there that had both ends collapsed in. The colonel has assigned the engineers and the Equestrian Rangers to assist us with digging. This is a possible lead from Badger’s research. He said it had something to do with zebra saboteurs in the final days before the Last Day. To tell the truth, I really would not expect them to have been this far into Equestria, but then again Badger suspects it was an armament train heading from Fillydelphia to Hoofington with a side detour to Manesville for the Carriage factory. So, who knows what kind of goodies we may find?”

Well, this should be interesting at least. When we get there the engineer platoon has already examined the covered entrance and started to place demo charges to assist with clearing out what could not be removed by hoof already. We approach the commanders to discuss what is going on further.

“Good Morning, Captain Oak Root, Lieutenant Block Buster, I see you have the troops busy already,” Emerado says to them.

“Good Morning Cadets, Yes, the Lieutenant’s engineers should have the first set of charges ready to go soon. Hopefully, we can get in safely soon after. We have been at it for a couple of hours already.”

“How long after we clear it do you think it will be before we can enter Lieutenant?”

“Well, that all depends on how the air test comes out. If the ventilation shafts of the tunnel are plugged, we may have to wait a bit. If not, depending on how much moisture got in there will also be a factor. Hopefully, we will know in a little bit.”

Em and I go stand off to the side to let them do their work. About 20 minutes later I hear the orders go out for everyone to get back from the blast area. 10 minutes after that I am next to Block Buster and Oak Root as they count down. I watch them trip the remote detonator and a second later watch as a series of charges detonates on the side of the hill that has the rusty railroad tracks leading into it. Before any pony is allowed to enter the blast area, the engineers all confer and agree that all the charges detonated. After that, it is like ants on a dead carcass as the E troop members descend upon the piles and begin to remove the dirt, rocks, and debris from the mound.

After an hour of this one of the combat engineer cows comes up, Salutes Block Buster, and reports, “Sir, we have a small hole cleared away now into the tunnel. When you are ready, we can begin to do the air tests.”

“Very well. Commence doing the test and let me know when it is good.”

We observe for a while more before we get the report that the air is good at the entrance and the hole is large enough for us to enter. After that we see two of the engineers enter the tunnel, a short time later I see one of them emerge and wave at Block Buster, He calls him over the PipBuck, “Sir, y’all are going to want to see this. Whoever our lead was on this, was not right by half. This is a big one.”

We all trot over to the entrance; I can feel a slight breeze from it. Shortly afterward Block Buster, Emerado, and I all follow the engineer inside, leaving Oak Root outside with the rest of the troops. Once in I turn on the light on my PipBuck, I see the engine of the train, on the ground next to it is the skeleton of one of the crewmembers, and another is up in the cab. It seems they blew this end of the tunnel just in time for the engine to stop, and must have blown the other before they could back up.

As we walk along the train, we see several military box cars then we see the big prize. Four flat cars with a battery of field howitzers and their support caissons. Behind them were several more boxcars and then the back of the tunnel that had collapsed.

“Well, Archer is going to be pleased,” I tell Em.

“I do not know Mollygirl, He may be in charge of the one section, but we will need others to command these, plus he is still junior enough that another officer may be put in charge of all of them.”

“I had not thought of that. I wonder what is in the boxcars? Perhaps we should get an idea before we head back and report to the Colonel.”

“Good idea Molly, I think we should wait until then, but I don't think we need a detailed inventory before we get back.”

We wait a while more and hear the reports that the first several box cars are all small arms such as Submachineguns, carbines and assault rifles, as well as battle saddles and ammunition. Including several crates of Miniguns and even a couple of crates of Automatic Grenade launchers. The topper is we find one boxcar with nothing but land mines, and another with razor wire. I know we can use those. I hear Block Buster give an evil-sounding chuckle when he hears about the wire and landmines.

Once we hear these reports we leave and head back to the stable to give the Colonel a first-hoof report. We will leave it to Block Buster and Oak Root to figure out how to get all of that out and back to the stable. Once we have a rough idea, we climb out of the ever-widening opening at the front of the tunnel. I then hear Block Buster tell Oak Root, “If the tracks are not sturdy enough, we can just disconnect the drive pistons from the drive wheels and pull the engine out by hoof, then pull each car out afterward.” That may be something else to report to the Colonel.

As we get back to the Stables, we see most of the Troops are working on the entrenchments. I see many of them building chevaux de frise, a large log that has been drilled and smaller logs put through it in an x pattern with sharpened ends, these are in case we could not locate any barb or razor wire. Others are building abatis as well which are walls of sharpened post lined up side by side. I see dugouts being built and roofed over in sections of the trenches also. It is starting to look like a real no-mares land. Part of me worries it will give away the location of the stable, another part of me just hopes it draws any attackers away from the civilian population.

As we pass one of the stretches of trench and dugouts being built, I hear a couple of familiar voices.

“For the last time, I really do love you Dusty. I do want to be the father of your foals someday.”

“Then why not get married tomorrow Chance, why? You know I love you and would do anything for you.”

“For the last time Dusty, let’s wait to see what happens in the next couple of days. I have a bad feeling and I refuse to leave you a widow or a single mother of my foal. Please, I am begging you, please understand. It is because I love you.”

I decide I really do not want to interrupt or hear more. That is a bit too private for me to even let them know I heard. But things do seem to be moving faster and everyone is now on edge it appears.

After hearing that Em looks at me, “Maybe Bullet is right, maybe we should move things up a bit.”

“I understand how you feel. Sorry, I cannot give you any good advice Em, I kind of feel the same way right now with Badger and Magpie. I really would like to move things up more. But I also want Sumac, and my friends there as well.”

Once we are in the stable Em and I are heading back to the HQ section. On the way I see Stitches talking with another unicorn, Moon Pie, the stable psychologist. Stitches walks past me and says hi, and then I am flagged down by Moon Pie.

“Hi Emerado, Mollygirl, how is it going?” she asks us.

“Just fine,” I tell her.

Emerado looks at her and tells her “I have been much worse, but I am handling things right now, can we help you?”

“Well Emerado, I would like to talk to Mollygirl for a couple of minutes alone if you do not mind.”

“That’s fine, Mollygirl, I will see you back at the office,” Emerado tells me, then I see her walk off a ways and lean on the railing for the balcony, waiting for me.

Then Moon Pie looks at me, “Hi Mollygirl, it has been a while since we last talked.”

“It has Doc, but I am making it.”

“With everything you have had happen and gone through, I just wanted to make sure you know we can talk. I know I am not a heart mender, but I can still help some,” she tells me.

“Thanks Doc, I do understand, it’s just that with everything that is going on, I really do not have time. Besides, I always thought the heart menders were a myth.”

“I understand about the lack of time. How about you promise me that as soon as you can we will sit down and talk. Also, the heart menders were real at one time. They still may be, but I have not heard of any. I just wish we had one here in the Co-op, we really could use one.”

“I hear you doc; some ponies just cannot hack it. I mean we all have some stones in our saddlebags we carry. You just have to be tough enough for the load.”

“Mollygirl, it’s not always about being tough enough. Remember, if you had a torn ligament or a bad cut, you would get it taken care of right away. Sometimes we take mental injuries and even moral ones that we should get taken care of. Please do not feel embarrassed to talk to me, ok?”

“Sure, thing Doc, I will as soon as I can. But I need to get going to see the Colonel. See you later.”

I then move as quickly as I can to the HQ, I really do not want to be seen me talking with her and others getting the wrong idea. I mean, who wants to follow someone who can’t hack it?

Emerado then rejoins me from the balcony edge. Before we can get to the HQ, I see the Stable Chaplin, Padre coming out of it. He sees me and walks up to me and Emerado. “Hello, Mollygirl, Emerado. Just to let you know Mollygirl, I just talked to the Colonel and due to the very high number of marriage requests I have been getting this week, they will be announcing a mass wedding ceremony for any CDF members who desire to get married in the stable tomorrow. I thought you might want to know.”

“Thanks, Padre, I appreciate you letting me know. Did you hear that Em, maybe you should talk to Bullet about it?”

Padre looks confused for a moment, “Emerado and Bullet? But I thought that Bullet and Shadowbuck, I, uh, oh my.” He says.

What was I the last one to know about that? And why did he feel he had to tell me about the wedding. Great, not only am I the Stable gossip but probably fodder for at least one sermon.

Em looks at Padre, “Yes, Padre, they were, and are, but Bullet and I are planning on getting married also.”

“Oh, that is great news. I am glad to hear it; I best be going now. I have a couple of sermons to write.” He says as he blushes and tries to rush off.

When we approach the HQ I see Blackberry Pie and Chip ahead go in before us. It will be good to talk to her again. I wonder what she has been up to lately. They both go into the Colonel’s office, shortly after which all three leave and head toward the office of the Overcow and Overmare. Blackberry Pie does not look happy at all.

Em, and I go to our desk and while waiting for the Colonel to get back, we continue to make plans for the coming operations. I would love to participate in the ceremony that the Padre mentioned, but not without Magpie. Besides, maybe we should let Em and Bullet get married first. Let them have their big day.

Once the Colonel comes back Em and I both get up to head into the office, I see Blackberry Pie off to the side flagging me down, so I go over to her.

“Hi Blackberry, how has it been going?” I ask her.

“Hi Mollygirl. I heard about what happened, I just wanted to give you my condolences about Ivy and her little one. I also wanted to tell you that some big things are going on. I mean really big. Please be careful and take care of yourself and Badger.”

“I will Blackberry, but what has you so upset, you never get like this.”

“I cannot tell you, but I will say, if you really love Badger and your mare enough to get married, maybe you should do so in the next couple of days. That kind of big, ok.”

I can see the worry on her face, this is not good. “Thanks for the heads-up Blackberry. I will give your warning to Badger too, as well as your condolences and best wishes if you like.”

“Thanks, Mollygirl, I best get going, I have another mission to go on. Like I said, be ready to keep your head down, remember, be ready, and keep safe.” She says, then she gives me a quick hug and leaves. I then rush to catch up to Em and knock before entering the Colonel’s office.

As I enter, I catch part of what he is already telling Emerado, “As I was saying, we will now have to consider the possible attack by Enclave assets also. We have been hearing reports over some radio frequencies of an Enclave assault on the ruins of Canterlot. Observers are currently reporting severe damage to it from multiple airships. I am still hoping to hear a report on the number of ships. Either way, if they peel off one or two of them, we may have big trouble.”

That is a serious understatement. I am stunned and quietly sit in the chair next to Emerado. It seems unreal.

Colonel Chappy continues, “Additionally due to the excursion by Red Eyes troops that had previously occurred to Manehatten as well as the slave hunts into Hoofington and the probing of our Co-op, our government officials and myself had previously agreed to announce publicly our support for the Tenpony Tower and their allies.”

Well, it seems like we are grabbing all the attention for something, at least we have not declared ourselves a haven for Dashites or something. I mean that would really be grand. I can only imagine how that would play out. Well when we no longer care for running under the detection spell, I guess you might as well go big.

“Sir, does that mean we are also aligning ourselves with the Applejack’s Rangers faction? If so, we may want to offer them the use of the stable. That might get us some of their support in return.” I question.

“That is an excellent suggestion, but that would require us to expose the existence of the stable. Of course, with Tar Waters defection to Red Eye, I am pretty sure his forces already know, as well as those of the Enclave, who Tenpony Tower has reported as having been allied with them and some group they call Unity and the Goddess, whatever that is all about,” He answers back. “Also, as I told Emerado before you arrived, thank you for the report on the tunnel. I want you two to spend some time working on the expedition plans. I need expected routes of travel and egress, as well as a start for logistical demands for the forces. Finally. I know both of your situations. If either of you wants to participate in the mass wedding ceremony that will be occurring inside the stable tomorrow, let me know. Also, Mollygirl, when you see Badger, let him know that his research on the lost weapons shipments has gotten him in line for promotion to Corporal and a possible brevet to officer in the Militia. Ok, you two get out of here, I have more paperwork to do myself before I can call it a night and go home to the wife and foals.”

We both stand, give a quick salute, and leave the office. I really need to talk to Badger and Magpie now. I send him a quick message by PipBuck to make sure he gets a hold of me before he leaves tonight, that we need to talk. Then it’s back to the joys of working on the staff.

We cut off the workday just before dinner. While cleaning up I get a message back from Badger to meet him at the main entrance in a half-hour, that we were going into town to find Mags and spend the evening with her. I hurry to make sure I am there on time. Badger is a couple of minutes behind, but better him than me. We then head to Magpies.

Once we arrive Magpie has us come in and wait while she gets changed. Once she is done, we decide to head to the North 40 again. We all feel we could use some good music and dancing. On the way, as we walk the waterfront I see a couple of ghouls approaching us. I have always felt so uncomfortable around them. For some reason, they do not bother me as much today. They both come over to us, particularly me.

The first ghoul looks to have been a middle-aged stallion when he transformed, the other is a mare who is wearing a set of glasses with one lens cracked. The stallion speaks to me. “Excuse us, Ma’am, May I ask you a quick question?”

I stop to reply, “Yes, I will answer it if I can.”

He removes his hat and first looks down and then at the mare with him, then back to me with his voice cracking with emotion he asks. “Well, ma’am, it's about the other night. The bright flash. Is it happening again? Most of the ghouls on the other side of the river are upset. They’re arguing if we will see another Final Day. Can you tell us if we are going to see it again?”

I look at my family, then back at these poor ghouls. I think of all the fear we felt from one blast so far away, what had it been like for them. To see not only that but to be afraid it portended a great attack again. I try to smile as best I can and answer them, “Honestly, I think that was a one-off blast. However, we do have some other threats. If you hear the sirens again, this time it is because we are under an air attack. Please let as many know as you can, that way they know to take shelter, but that it is not another Balefire attack.”

He looks back at me, “Thank you, Ma’am, I knew you would be honest with us. Not many of your kind even want to talk to our kind around here.”

“I understand sir, please take care of yourselves, and if we meet again, please call me Mollygirl.”

The mare then speaks, “Thank you Mollygirl, we forgot our manners, I am Cherry Blossom and my friend here is Torque Wrench. When we saw you, we could see you too had been there and refused. Hopefully, we can all meet again at Elysium, whenever that may come for us, dear.”

I see Badger and Magpie both stiffen a bit. A slight sadness comes over me, not even about how they reacted, but that yes, these ghouls to were refused to be able to ascend. I never imagined feeling a kinship with them before. I get a slight tear in my eye.

Torque Wrench then looks at me, Badger and Mags. “Have a good night folks, sorry for bothering you.” They turn away and head back to the bridge across the river.

“Sorry guys, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable,” I tell Mags and Badger.

Badger approaches and puts a hoof around me, “It's ok Molly, it just still shakes us at how close we came to never seeing you again.”

Magpie comes over to my other side and hugs me also. We stand there for several minutes just sharing the embrace, the contact, the smell of each other’s scents, and the sounds of our breathing. We know we are all still alive and we are taking solace in it, if only for a little bit.

When we break the hug, we continue on to the supper club. Tonight, I am only drinking regular cider. Lately, anything with alcohol just tastes odd to me. Mags, enjoys a couple of Sparkle Cola’s and Badger, well he does something I never have seen him do before, he enjoys a Sparkle Cola and Old Pegasus.

“Sorry ladies to surprise you, but it just sounded good tonight, besides, for some reason, it seems like a special night with my two favorite mares.”

“Thank you Badger, you know we feel that way about you too,” Magpie replies, and we continue to discuss some of what has been going on for her at her job, and both Badger and I talk about our work.

We order our dinners shortly afterward. Both Magpie and I order a side of raw carrots. I smirk a little when Mags orders them without realizing I had just done so also. Badger says nothing but does raise an eyebrow and shakes his head with a smile. I bet he really finds it funny that we have such similar taste.

After dinner, we share an apple pie for dessert. While we are eating it and having some tea, the band comes on the stage and begins to play. They start out with some slower more classical music then progress to music that we can dance to more easily. Badger and Magpie go out for the first dance together. While I am waiting for my turn, I look and see Stitches sitting with a buck enjoying a drink also. Then I watch them as they get up to dance and I see that she is with Archer. I smile to myself and wonder if he is the special buck, she mentioned to me at the hospital. I hope so, they are both such good ponies and I would love to see both of them happy.

After that dance, Badger returns with Magpie to the table and it is my turn to dance with him. It is so nice to be like this again. While we dance, we talk a bit and just enjoy ourselves. I mention to him that Stitches is here with Archer. He then replies that he also has seen Dusty and Chance here tonight. Somehow, I had missed them. After this dance, when Badger and I return to the table, he tells us he needs to sit out for one. Magpie and I then go back onto the floor and share a dance together. It is a nice slow dance and I so love that it allows me to just pull her tight, and to place my muzzle along her neck while we dance.

When this dance is done, as we go back to our table, I notice that two others have been pushed up to it. It seems Badger has been a busy buck. We are now joined by Dusty and Chance, as well as Archer and Stitches. As we get back, I hear Stitches talking to Dusty.

“Dusty dear, I know how you feel, but please try and understand Chance's reasons too,” She tells Dusty.

“I know Stitches, but I do love him and I would rather be a widow than never have been married to him. I have never felt this way for anypony else,” she says as she looks at Chance, putting a hoof on his leg.

He looks down at her, and puts his hoof around her shoulder, “Dusty, I cannot tell you how much I really do love you. But I want to give us time to make sure it is right, and I am so afraid that if the worst does happen, you would be like Twilight Dawn, who mourned her husband and never remarried. That would not be fair to you love.”

“He has a very good point Dusty, besides, hopefully, this will all blow over, and when it does you two can have a nice fancy wedding. Don’t rush it, just enjoy yourself and the time you have.” Archer tells here.

Magpie and I are sitting next to Badger by this time, as he asks Archer, “So how long have you and Stitches been an item?”

“Not that long, I have wanted to date her for a while now, and finally got the courage up after I heard that you had gotten engaged to your beautiful mares. I am so glad I have though. How about you dear?” He asks as he looks at Stitches.

“Honestly, I had my eye on you since before you became a Cadet. But you never seemed interested. You were so involved in your career, but I was so thrilled when you finally did ask me,” she tells him back and then gives him a kiss on the cheek.

As the conversations begin to drift to other topics Badger mentions how we were stopped by the ghoul couple. “You know they were saying that many of the ghouls are afraid that we may have a repeat of the Final Day again because of the blast from the direction of Maripony. “

Chance gets a funny look on his face, “Badger, I thought you heard the radio last night, before being taken off the air DJ Pon3 reported that it really was a Mega spell blast up at Maripony. He said reports were that a whole mess of Alicorns and hellhounds were seen leaving that valley right beforehand. He also said something about the Stable Dweller being involved.”

We all stop and look at him, except Dusty, “What? Were we the only ones listening yesterday?” He asks.

Archer looks at all of us, “Well that could complicate things a bit. I had heard rumors of alicorns from travelers, and even a few scattered reports in the Co-op that we dismissed, but I never really believed them.”

I look over and see Badger deep in thought, so I ask, “What are you thinking about dear?”

He startles a bit, looks up, and tells me and Magpie, “I think one of us should go to Momma Sumac and see if we can set up a wedding for the day after tomorrow at her farm. If she is ok with it, let's have as many of our friends as want be there to witness it.”

“I’ll do it, I have tomorrow off, and I will take the next couple off too,” Magpie tells us.

I look at both of them, “Do you mind, and do you think ma will if I ask George to come too?”

At this I see Archer almost choke on his drink, “That should be a surprise guest, that is for sure. I had not realized you had become so close so fast.” He tells me.

“Archer, you should meet her, she may be a bit awkward, but she is really a sweet dragon. I think you and Stitches would like her.” I tell him.

“I look forward to meeting her then Mollygirl, I trust your judgment in friends. Now would any of you lovey mares like to dance?” he asks. At which point Magpie smiles, gets up, and asks Stitches if she minds. After which I watch as Archer leads her onto the floor.

I smile as I whisper to Badger, why don’t you ask Stitches, I am sure she would appreciate it.” He does and she says yes. I sit there smiling to myself as I talk with Dusty and Chance. They are such a sweet couple. I hate to admit it to myself, but I am really taking a shine to Dusty and almost consider her like a little sister. The last month has really allowed me to see her grow.

We all have fun dancing with each other, and drinking what we like, with no pressure to get drunk. It is a great time. One of those ones I know I will look back on in the future and remember with joy. Part of me wishes it will never end. Part of me wants to take my future spouses’ home right now.

Finally, we notice it is getting late, First I watch at Dusty and Chance leave. She is walking as close to him as she can. I can see the look of worry on her face, I know she is not afraid for her life, but she is worried about him. Inside I worry about her, if something does happen to him, I am afraid it might break her.

Next Badger, Magpie, and I decide we should get going. When we let Archer and Stitches know they decide they best be going too. We go to give hugs goodbye and I am surprised as I get a double hug from both Archer and Stitches. Then they do the same for Mags, and when it is Badger’s turn it is the guy hug from Archer, and a hug and a peck on the check from Stitches. My goodness, what a fun couple they are. We must do this again.

Finally, my family ends up at Mag's place. We go through our normal routine and I set my alarm once again. We all climb into bed and comfort each other as all couples do.

After, as we try to fall asleep, I have a hard time. My goodness, it is real, Badger wants to marry us in the next two days. I am stunned and excited. I hope Momma Sumac is ok with us getting married at her place. Oh no, we need to line up a preacher, I had not thought about that. A thousand thoughts go through my head before I am finally able to fall asleep. As I do, I find myself putting my hoofs over Badger and onto Magpie as I breathe in his scent. Today, was a good day.

Come morning we all get up together. We prepare for the day and all leave at the same time. Magpie walks most of the way with us until she had to divert to Momma Sumac’s farm. At the crossroads, she stops us. "Badger, are you sure you want to set this up now. Before I go all the way through with the arrangements, I want to make sure.”

He steps over, puts his hoofs around her, and kisses her gently on her forelock, “I am very certain of this decision. Sure, it is a bit sooner than I would have liked, but it is still the decision I would have made.”

She looks at me, smiles, and asks me also “Are you sure Mollygirl?”

I smile lazily at her “Yes love, let's do this. We just need to find a preacher is all.”

“Ok, Loves, I will see you tonight at Ma’s then if you can get there.” She then smiles and trots away toward Sumac’s farm humming a tune that I cannot quite catch.

Badger and I then turn back and finish our walk to the stable. As has become almost tradition for us when we get to the main entrance we stop for a quick hug and a kiss. As we break it, I notice that Dusty and Chance are not too far behind us and are doing the same. I pray that we all come through these next few weeks ok, I know how she feels about him and how she wants to be the mother of his foals. I can see it in her eyes, and her body language. Badger and I agree to try and meet for lunch if we can. Then we both turn and enter the stable again.

Once I get back to my desk, Soundwaves comes over, “Hey Mollygirl, you wouldn’t have something long and sharp I can put in my ears? Anything would be preferable to having to listen to the drivel being broadcast by the Enclave and Red Eye. Did you hear the latest?”

“No, I have not, what are you talking about, this time?”

“last night the Enclave decided that they would take credit for the Mega Spell blast in Splendid Valley. Go figure, they are saying they are trying to rescue all of us from some Goddess and Red Eye. All I know is I can hardly stand having to listen to what they call music anymore.”

“I had not heard that, but it is interesting, and to tell the truth, I feel for you on the music. I tried listening to it for a bit and just can’t.” I tell him.

Before either of us can say anymore the Regimental Sergeant Major comes through the offices, “All right everypony, let’s go time for formation, Mollygirl, Soundwaves, let's move it, you too Horns.”

As he passes through calling out, we all grab our hats and head to the parade grounds for formation. Once in formation, we take care of the normal order of business. Before being dismissed the Chaplain comes forward. “Troopers of the CDF, as some of you have already heard, there has been such a large increase in requests for weddings the last three days, that I have discussed and received permission from the Colonel, the Overmare, and Overcow, to perform a mass wedding ceremony. This will be performed this evening in the Stable’s main atrium. However, I must say this, due to security concerns it is limited to those who are members of the CDF, and civilians who already have security clearances. If interested please let your company commanders know, so we can be properly prepared and acknowledge all of the couples properly. Thank you for your attention.”

As Padre finishes and falls back into ranks, I see so many eyes looking at me and Badger, including Em and Bullet, and oh great the entire staff including the Colonel. I look at Badger and he looks back and gives a slight shrug. I feel myself starting to blush, thank goodness my mother gifted me this red coat. Ok, so I know we were a bit of gossip, but really. I am sure that there are so many others who are chomping at the bit to get married also. I look across the field and see Dusty and Chance. It looks like she may have tears in her eyes. Chance looks pained but still is trying to maintain his composure. I feel her pain, but I also understand Chance’s feelings on the matter.

Finally, the order comes to dismiss. We file back into the stable and get to work. Em and I both grab our flight goggles and put them in our saddlebags. Then we go to visit George to see if she feels like a test flight.

When we get to the entrance to her cave, we call in for her. “Hello, George, are you home? it's Mollygirl and Emerado.”

From the distance inside we hear her call back, “Be with you in a minute, please come in and sit down in the kitchen.” I have to smile; I figure she means the side cave. So, we go in and sit down in the same room we had tea in with her last.

Finally, she enters and joins us. “Sorry about the delay, I was just reading a little and wanted to make sure I put it back in the right spot before I joined you. Would you mares like some tea?”

Em, and I both look at each other, “Sure, sounds good. Afterward, though we need to get back to the stable. The Colonel wanted us to practice flying with you again soon, and we wanted to set up a time.

She starts to heat some water as she looks at us, “Would you mind doing so after the tea? I really would like to get out a bit, maybe we can introduce Emerado to some of the milder maneuvers we have tried Mollygirl.”

I see Em pale a little bit more, but she says nothing. Finally, I ask, “Will that be ok Em?”

She looks at George, then me, “Sure Molly, just not too rough I do not want to get sick on my wedding day.”

I see Georges's eyes go wide, “You mean you are getting married today Emerado? I did not know, I am so sorry, I have not even gotten you a wedding present.”

Emerado smiles at her, “Yes, George, they are holding a large ceremony back at the stable this evening, and Bullet and I are going to participate in it. Would you like to come?”

George looks nervous, “Are you sure it would be ok? Besides, I really do not know about being around large crowds.”

“Maybe you could watch from the doorway of your room.” I propose to her.

“Maybe, I will think about it, I really appreciate the invite Emerado. Mollygirl, are you Badger and your other mare Mag…? Shoot I cannot remember her name.”

“You mean Magpie. No, not at this one, we may have a wedding tomorrow or the next night, it all depends on what Sumac says. We want to have it at her farm.”

“Oh, I see, I think I do at least,” she tells us.

After we finish our tea, I tell George “We will meet you back at the stable. See you when you get there.”

“Ok, Mollygirl, but are you sure you do not want me to just fly you there instead?”

Em looks at her, “Thank you for the offer George, but we will walk if you do not mind. Besides I want to talk to Mollygirl about something.”

As we are walking back to the stable Emerado looks at me, “Mollygirl, I know how you think by now, I know how bad you want to get married, Bullet and I would not take offense if you and Badger were involved in the wedding ceremony today. We would gladly share our big day with you.”

“Em, you are partially right, I would love to get married today, but not without Magpie. By the way, If Sumac allows it, there will be a small ceremony at her farm,” I pause then continue, "Would you mind standing up with me as well as having Bullet walk me down the aisle?”

“Mollygirl, I would be glad to, and while I cannot say for sure I think Bullet would be honored.”

“Thanks, Em. I really appreciate it.”

“So, has Badger chosen a best stallion yet?”

“I do not know Em, I would think Whiskey if he is available, but other than that, I am not sure.”

“That is one nice thing about this massed ceremony. We do not have to worry about best stallions and maresmaids. Even without all the extra ponies, I am still so excited,” Em tells me.

We continue to chat on our way back, once there we see George has already arrived. A couple of the other staff members are helping her put on her harness. It is good to see she has become comfortable enough to have some of the others help her, as well as talk to them. One is a young staff cow named Buttons; the other is one of the senior staff ponies Pack Rat. He tends to work in supply and has a way of scavenging what we need in the stable. As we come up they are on each side of George buckling up the harness and just talking with her as they go.

Em and I get there, we remove our battle saddles long enough to put on our flight harnesses, we then put the battlesaddles back on, adjusting them for the harness beneath. Then we look at each other with a smile and put on the flight goggles. We three do a quick check of our harnesses and equipment and then walk out the back door of the stable. We mount up, click our harnesses into place and then George smiles back at us, “Are you ready?”

Em, and I both give her a nod yes and a hoof-up signal, at which point she looks forward and we begin to accelerate until she leaps into the air. We start out flying low away from the stable, then we turn to the large empty expanse north of the Co-op as we climb further into the sky. For once I do not hear Emerado yelling or whining. Maybe the googles are helping, or perhaps she finally has learned to trust George.

We start out with some simple turns, then George yells back for us to be ready for a barrel roll. I hear Emerado yell back “OK” in a nervous voice, and we begin the first barrel roll, then we do two more at a faster pace. George looks back to check on us. Emerado gives a hoofs up.

Then George yells back that we will try to climb and reverse our course. She begins to speed up and as she starts to climb up in a half loop, she rolls over so we are on top of her again but flying in the opposite direction. I look down toward the ground so far below and I notice we are several kilometers north of the Manesville and probably about 5,000 meters above the ground.

I am expecting George to continue this training flight when I suddenly notice green, red, and orange flashes of light near us and I hear a sizzle as something hits my barding. Then I hear Emerado start shooting behind us. I turn and see a flight of four armored pegasi behind us. Upon the shots from Em, they split into two sections; I engage one while Emerado engages the second.

Then we hear George yell, “HANG ON!” and she folds in her wings and tucks her body in tight, and while we move somewhat forward, we drop over a thousand feet in seconds. She extends her wings again and we begin to come up on the Pegasi from behind and below. Her quick drop of forward speed and loss of altitude causing them to overshoot us and giving us a chance to shoot at them as they go by. They spin back at us and as they do George begins to do a barrel roll, but stops halfway through and reverses allowing her to slow enough that when they fly by us this time, she can shoot flames at them.

From her mouth comes a cone of bright blue and white flame that reminds me of a cutting torch. One of the fliers she catches with a full breath. I see its wings begin to catch fire and some of the thinner portions of their armor melt through exposing blistered and burnt flesh beneath. This one breaks off and dives for the ground. We shift our gunfire onto the other ones. It is hard to get a good shot with all of the movement going on from the twist, turns, and rolls that we are doing as we work our way closer to the ground at an ever-increasing speed.

I look forward just in time to see we are just over the Hoofrock river, I see the boats under us as we skim over them. Ahead is a low bridge, it looks like she is going to fly under it. I cringe inside as I do not think we can make it, the remaining three flyers are on our tails but still dodging our fire, and shooting back at us. Less than a hundred meters from the bridge She shifts her body and climbs straight up, almost skimming the side of the bridge then rolling over and facing the other way. I see another flyer behind us try to follow and hit the side of the bridge, they fall into the water and I do not see them again. Still, two more behind us as we head north again. One of them gets a hit close enough to Emerado that I see part of her barding part and fall away. Those damn energy weapons are nothing to play with. I can not imagine if they hit one of us what it might do.

The two flyers are crisscrossing their paths behind us as we try and get away. However, they begin to gain on us again. As George starts to slow down like she is going to make a tight turn the fliers get too close and Emerado stitches a burst right into the knee, shoulder joint, and wing root of one of them. While not dead they are badly hurt and go to ground. The final flyer begins to break away. I want to try and catch them, but I know they most likely have already radioed in that they have been engaged in flying combat. I signal to George to head back to the stable. While we are still alive, I worry about what we may bring down upon us.

Once we get back to the Stable, Em and I get down from George, and we check out each other for wounds. Em has had some of her tail burnt off, and her mane is slightly singed in a few spots. I have a couple of holes in my barding and notice that my mane has been singed as well. I notice that one of poor George's back scales has had a hole burned through it and one horn has had the tip taken off. Overall, we know we were lucky. We all three look at each other and Em and I start to laugh. I laugh so hard tears come out of my eyes and my sides hurt. George looks a little befuddled at first, then laughs lightly. “Well, I guess we got off pretty well with that eh?” George asks us.

I look at George, "It seems we found a way to keep Emerado from getting sick and panicking George, all we have to do is have someone keep shooting at us while we are flying.”

George looks at me for a minute and then very seriously tells me, “Mollygirl, I do not think I prefer that way of keeping her calm.” She is so serious I start laughing more.

Em looks at me, and with a slight chuckle says to us, “I have to say I agree with George, that is not the preferred way for me. However, it certainly puts things in perspective.” Then she walks over to George, “Thank you, George, for bringing us home safe. I have to say, you did really well with that.”

“Your welcome Em, I think I will come to the wedding, but I still have to apologize for not having a present for you.”

“George, you gave me and Bullet the best present we could get already, I am still alive. A lesser flier could have gotten us all killed.”

“Thank you, Em, if you do not mind, I want to go to my room and rest a bit and get something to snack on.”

We follow George inside and then we remove our equipment and harnesses as well as assisting George with hers. After which we head back to the HQ to report on what has happened. The Colonel will not be happy at all. Then Emerado has to get ready for the ceremony. This is going to be a very busy day.

After filling out the report paperwork and getting ready to put it in the Colonel’s inbox, I notice that the executive officer Major Star Burst has returned from his recent mission. So, I put the paperwork in her inbox instead. I also let the Major know that there are a couple of fliers down and about where, so we can send out search and rescue teams to possibly take them prisoner. Two of the quick response team squads are dispatched as well as the river patrol to the bridge area.

With the Major having returned, Nugget should be back also. She was part of her escort after all. I wonder if she saw anything interesting while she was gone. At least I can give her a heads up about Dusty and Chance, as well as let her know how Ginger is doing.

After we finish for the day, I ask Emerado if she needs a hoof at all to get ready for the ceremony. She simply smiles and says, “no, I am about ready, just need to trim these burnt tail hairs and then put on a clean uniform.” She seems very comfortable with this, so I give her a brief hug and go catch up with Badger.

While we wait for the ceremony, we decide to visit George in her room. Shadowbuck greets us as we enter along with Bullet. They have been here since shortly after they knocked off for the day. Bullet is dressed in his best dress uniform. He looks slightly nervous to me, but I can not blame him. I go over and give him a hug.

“How are you doing dad?”

“Hi Mollygirl, to tell the truth, I am nervous as all get out. At least I will not be alone though. How are you dear?”

“Oh, I am making it. I have a quick request to ask you, I know the timing is not right, but sometime in the next couple of days Badger, Magpie, and I will be getting married, hopefully at Sumac’s. I was wondering if you would mind walking me down the aisle?”

“Molly dear, I have to say, I have been hoping you would ask, and I have been waiting for that day for you for years now. After all, you are my daughter, if not by blood, then by spirit,” he tells me as he kisses me lightly on the forelock as if I was still that young foal from so long ago.

“Thanks, dad. It really does mean so much to me. Oh, and just so you know, when Emerado tells you about our adventure earlier, it really was not my fault.”

I see his ears go forward and eyes wide in surprise, he looks at me then George. George just looks back at me, “Mollygirl, I was not going to bring it up on his wedding day.”

I cringe, “Well we are all ok, so it does not matter. But we had a slight run in today while flying with some Enclave flyers.”

Both he and Badger stare at me. I back up to George for support. “Hey we were just flying; they are the ones that jumped us,” I tell them defensively.

Both of them just shake their heads, then I hear Bullet tell Badger, “See what I raised, are you sure you want to be married to that wild of a mare. Her idea of a bachelorette party is to go pick a fight with Enclave.”

As I stand there with my jaw hanging open, Badger replies to Bullet, “True, but seeing I did not hear any screaming or calls for a medical team, it seems she has corrupted your bride too.”

“True Badger, very true. I am afraid that like a bad apple she may corrupt the rest of the barrel,” Bullet says as he nudges Badger in the side.

My ears go down to the side and as my head lowers some, “Aww, come on dad, I am not that bad now, am I?”

“I don’t know, you tell me. George and Em were both perfectly well behaved, but noooo, you have to take them out to pick fights.”

At this George gets a little defensive, “We did not pick the fight, we just ended it.”

Shadowbuck finally intervenes. “It's ok George, they are just teasing Mollygirl a bit. But I would love to hear more of this story from you both.”

Just as we are about to tell the story, Emerado comes in, “Come on Bullet, they are getting ready to start.” She goes over to Shadowbuck, “Thank you for being so understanding dear, remember, no matter what, you are part of our family, ok Bucky.”

For the first time ever, I think I see Shadowbuck blush. “Bucky?” I ask.

He cringes, and Em looks at me, her eyes wide. “Oh shoot, I was not supposed to use the name in public. Sorry guys. Mollygirl, Badger, please do not tell anybody else, please.”

“Ok, no problem, now you two better get going, they look like they are getting ready to start.” As I look across the atrium floor, I see nineteen other couples already standing side by side. I look up and see the rail on all the balconies lined with cattle and ponies. It seems that everyone not on duty has come to see it. I see most of the Door Kickers are up there on the balconies, Including Captain Abby, but I do not see Chance and Dusty, I hope she is not taking this too badly.

It is interesting to see all the couples that are there, some of them I had not even known they were interested in each other much less dating. While most are ponies, I see some cattle couples and even one couple with a cow and stallion. Then as I see Em and Bullet run out there, I almost fall down in shock, I see Chance and Dusty in the lineup. My girl has won it seems. She looks so happy and I can see the loving look in his eyes toward her as well as the pride he has at having her beside him.

Padre comes up to the elevated platform that has been set up just for this. Behind him, I see the Overcow and Overmare, as well as a bull wearing a wide-brimmed hat and with a multi-colored shawl over his shoulders. From his ear, I see what looks like a golden scroll. I can only assume he is a religious leader for the cows, I have never seen these vestments before.

“Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to join these couples in the rite of marriage.” Padre begins. “While normally we do this with individual couples, today because of the unique circumstances, we will join all of them spiritually in the eyes of the community with you all as witnesses. Marriage is not something that is to be taken lightly and should be done with love and friendship as the key foundations to it.”

Behind me, I hear George moving and I feel her breath on my shoulder. “Ohh, I never have seen a wedding before,” She whispers in my ear.

“To these couples before me, I ask, before all of your friends, family members, and comrades that are present; do you take this person to be your lawfully wedded spouse? If so, please answer now.”

From multiple throats at one time I hear “I do,” called out in reply.

“With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Husbands and Wives. You may now kiss your spouses.”

Behind Padre I see the bull in the vestments move one of his hoofs in a manner, but I cannot clearly see what the pattern is. After this, I hear him give a light series of moos, and then a final nod.

Over my shoulder I hear George ask in a slightly disappointed tone, “That’s it? I thought there would be more to it.”

I quietly reply back to her, “Sometimes there is more, sometimes less George, the ceremony is just a formal joining of them as couples in their communities. They kind of cut corners here I think because of how many there were, now let’s go congratulate our friends.”

With that Badger, George, Shadowbuck, and I go out to congratulate the new couples. When I get to Bullet and Em, I stop, I hug Bullet and tell him, “I love you, and congratulations Dad, I am so happy for you both,” then I turn and hug Emerado, “Welcome to the family Em, I could not think of a better mare for my dad.”

She smiles back at me, “Thank you so much, Moll, that means more than you would ever realize.” Badger comes next followed by Shadowbuck and George, then I see several of the Door Kickers coming down to meet the two new couples in the squad.

Next, I go over to Dusty and Chance. “Chance, I really thought you would hold your ground on this, but I am so glad you didn’t, I have never seen Dusty so happy, Congratulations.”

“Thanks, Ma’am,” he tells me with a big smile as we shake hooves.

Next, I turn to Dusty, "Congratulations Dusty, I am so glad you talked him into making an honest mare of you,” I say with a wink and a smile.

She looks back at me, smiles, and then throws her hooves around me “Thank you Mollygirl, Thank you very much. I am so happy. I think that last night, talking with everyone helped to make up his mind. I hope Mom made it back in time to see us get married.”

It is then that I see Nugget coming up to us, She has a smile on her face, “Well this was certainly a surprise, but you are breaking family tradition, you are supposed to have the foal on the way before getting married, or is there something you need to tell me?”

I can almost hear Dusty squeak. “Thanks, mom, I am so happy you were able to make it, I wanted to talk to you about it, but with you being gone so much the last month, I never got the chance.”

“That’s ok dear, but I think you should introduce me to my new son.”

Dusty very solemnly takes Nugget over to Chance and gets his attention, “Mom, this is Buddy, but everypony calls him Chance. Chance, this is my mother Nugget.” She says with pride in her voice.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Nugget, I am sorry I never got to ask your permission to ask for your daughter’s hoof in marriage, but things have been very rushed lately.” He tells her with a slight blush to his cheeks.

“That’s ok Chance, welcome to the family dear, just make her happy, please.” She tells him as she gives her new son-in-law a hug.

I then leave them to go grab Badger so we can head to Sumac’s. We say our goodbyes to George and Shadowbuck. Then we head out of the stable. Off to set up our wedding and to see the rest of our family.

Dear DJ Pon3 could you please play Standing Outside the Fire for my oldest daughter and her new husband as well as all the new couple who were married today at the mass ceremony in the Co-op.
Sincerely

Nugget
Manesville Co-op.

A thank you to Kkat for creating the world of the Wastelands in Equestria. I would also like to thank Somber, Fuzzy Vee Vee and many others who have built upon this world.

I would also like to thank you of you who continue to read the story of Mollygirl and the Co-op. We are starting to wind down her time in the Co-op and soon the Co-op forces will reach out into the outer world there is still a lot of Mollygirl's story to be told. However, in the next month, I will be running out of my buffer of fresh chapters that I had built in. Due to RL work, training, and school, I may have to slow to biweekly or perhaps every three weeks for a bit, I appreciate your patience though and will try to get back to my weekly schedule as soon as I can.

For this weeks dedication song, the Youtube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IaTYqFZ4-4