The morning muster goes as usual. The only real changes being the announcement of the burial ceremony for the CDF personnel killed during the battle that afternoon, and all personnel in the units expected to make the expedition have to be inspected by medical, and the officers of said units needing to report to Moon Pie to make appointments for evaluations.

After formation, I am approached by Broken Dreams. “Ok, Lieutenant, I need you to go to medical to get your physical knocked out and then set up an appointment with Moon Pie for an evaluation. After that, I have been told by the Major to give you a 72-hour pass. That means that in three days I need you to be back for formation.”

I am very surprised by this, “Sir, Thank you. Not to seem unappreciative, but why am I getting this?”

“Lieutenant, I really have no idea, but if you find out, let me know so I can get some time off also.”

“Yes sir, I will see you later sir.”

After that, I am off like a shot. I report first to the medical department. I let the medical staff pony at the counter know what I am there for and am told to sit down and wait till my name is called. I end up waiting for an hour but once called I am taken right to the exam room.

“Ok, Lieutenant, since we are so busy today, I am going to take care of you.” The medic tells me, her name tag reads Osteotome. I have seen her around before but do not know her. “So, ma’am are you having any health problems that you have noticed?”

“No, none that I can really think of. I mean just the usual bumps, scrapes, and aches we all have.” I tell her.

She gives me the typical examination. Then she stops and looks at my record. “Ok, looks like we don’t need to perform a pregnancy test.” She says out loud to herself. Without thinking my front hoof moves to my stomach and I cringe. I guess her name is pretty apt from her bedside manner.

“Ok, then, let me take a blood sample and we should be good to go.” She says.

“Alright, they usually take the samples from my…” before I can finish, she already has a strap around my right foreleg and is getting ready to stick me. Well, that is usually the right leg so I am not complaining, but I am surprised at her manners.

She finishes drawing the blood and removes the strap after putting a bit of gauze and tape on it. “Ok Lieutenant, you’re done. Have a good day ma’am.”

“Uh, thanks, you too,” I tell her as I step out of the exam room. Before I leave, I ask if Faith is awake and if she can have guests. I am told she is sleeping right now, but that I can come back later to see her.

My next stop is to Moon Pies office. The clerk at her desk tells me she is in an appointment. But since I am already scheduled to see her tomorrow, I can set up something more if needed then.

On my way out of the stable, I stop to see George. She is awake and is feeling lonely. She tells me the fliers are out on patrol this morning, and she is very bored. So, I take the time to get us both some tea. Then I start to tell her about my meeting with Quick Frost, Blue Star, and Choo Choo.

“I am sorry to have to say, George, that the daring duo, decided to follow me and found your cave and met the alicorns.”

She laughs a little. “Mollygirl, I am not surprised, it was bound to happen.”

“True, but now Choo Choo keeps sneaking over to play with them. I worry about her George.”

“I understand Mollygirl, but her sisters do keep an eye on her. I am sure they will make sure she does not get into any trouble. I really like Choo Choo, she is so nice compared to the other two.”

“George, Can I ask how you meet them?”

She laughs lightly, “Mollygirl two days after the bright flash, they suddenly appeared in my bedroom. I was in bed reading a scroll. Choo Choo came right over and introduced herself. Of Course, Quick Frost called her away from me, to be honest, those two had me more scared of them than they were of me, I think. But Choo Choo crawled up on my bed with me and wanted to talk. She wanted to know who I was and what I was doing there. So, I told her.”

“So, what happened then?” I ask.

“I asked her what they were doing in my home? She told me that they were coming back to Quick Frost home, but someone already was living there, so they decided to try the cave.”

“Really? It was that simple?”

“Oh no, nothing is ever simple Mollygirl, you should know that. Then I had to convince Quick Frost and Blue Star I was not dangerous to them. Quick Frost was really upset about no longer having a home, so I offered to share my cave.”

“That was very kind of you George, I know most dragons do not like to have others in their caves.”

“Mollygirl, I am not like most dragons. I have known this for most of my life. I was lonely, and to tell the truth, they were company for me. I especially enjoy Choo Choo. She is not as simple as she seems, she just has a lot of her memory missing, and she naturally is a happy go lucky pony. Mollygirl, they told me what was done to them. That they used to be regular ponies. It’s not right what was done to them.”

“I know George, but those who did it to them, well from the sounds of it, they are no longer around,” I tell her. I then notice the time. “I hate to say it George, but I need to get going. I have missed you though and will try to stop by as much as I can before I leave on the expedition.”

“I would appreciate that Mollygirl, but what expedition?”

So, I give her a brief rundown of what the expedition's goals are and about where we will be. I also tell her we plan on only being gone for a month to a month and a half. “George, to top it off, it will be the largest operation we have run outside the Co-op since the stable opened.”

“Ok, I understand Mollygirl, but I will miss you, my friend.” She tells me.

“And I will miss you, my friend,” I tell her as I give her a hug. “I will talk to you later George,” and I leave her room and head back to Sumac’s. On my way, I send Badger a quick message to let him know I am on a pass for the next couple of days.

I am walking back to the farm when I feel that familiar breath and brushing of my mane again. “Hello, Choo Choo. How are you today?”

Suddenly she appears along with Blue Star both to my right. “Hi Mollygirl, good to see you again.” Choo Choo tells me.

Then Blue Star starts to speak, “Hello, Mollygirl, may we talk for a bit during your walk?”

“Of course, Blue Star, it is good to see you again also. I hope everything is ok?”

She sighs and looks at me, “Yes, and no. It seems Quick Frost is really taking it hard about her family’s farm now being in other's hooves. Part of the problem is she wants to go visit the land and her old family cemetery, but she is afraid that the owners will see her or not understand.”

“Ok, I will help you three. If I remember correctly you said they were cattle that lived there now. In that case, let's go get her and I will go to the farmers and ask permission for her to visit.” I tell them.

We first go to George’s and their cave. They have Quick Frost come out to us. As we sit there in the sun, I tell her what I suggested to the others earlier. I see her pick up her head, I think I see a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “Ok, let’s do this then.” I tell them “I will approach them and talk to them, if they give permission then I will call you over.”

I walk to the house and knock on the door. I see the farmer is working in the field with some field hands, as he starts to come up to the house his wife answers the door. “Can I help you?” she asks?”

“Excuse me, ma’am, my name is Mollygirl. I am sorry to bother you, but I have a request that may seem strange, but please hear me out.”

It is at this time the farmer arrives, He is a large black and white bull, I see his cutie tag in his ear is an old plow. This gives me some hope, as he arrives, he asks, “Ok soldier mare what can we do for you?”

I turn so I can face both of them at once. “Good morning sir, As I was telling your wife, I have a bit of a strange request, and please hear me out all the way first.”

Both of them look somewhat skeptical, “Ok, let’s hear it. I still have a lot to do today.”

“Sir, ma’am, recently I meet one of the old pre-war family members who lived here. She wants your permission to visit the farm and her family cemetery.”

“Now Mollygirl, we are good cattle here, we do not associate with ghouls and their likes.” The wife tells me.

“That’s the thing ma’am, she is not a ghoul.”

“Well, how can she be alive after all these years otherwise. And another thing, we reclaimed this farm fair and square, we are not going to give it up.” The bull tells me.

“She does not want the farm back; she just wants to visit it. Perhaps she can even tell you about what it was like when she was a colt.” I say, then realize I may have said too much.

They both look at me with eyes half-closed and suspicion on their faces. “How can she have been a colt? Really this is getting more preposterous.” He says to me.

“Sir, ma’am, can you keep a secret for now?” They both nod but still look skeptical.

“Ok, she was turned into an alicorn before the war ended. She and two others are waiting to see if you will give us permission for her to visit. Actually, I think she would like to talk to you also, it might help her to know that her old family farm is now in good hooves.”

They both look at each other, “I don’t know Sara Bell, what do you think?”

She looks at me, “Are you the Mollygirl that is friends with Kicker?”

“Yes ma’am, I am. It has been a couple of days since I have seen her though.”

“Ok, Plower, I have heard about her, she is one Kicker says we can trust.”

I then turn my head to look by the bushes next to the road to wave them up and I see Choo Choo standing there smiling and waving at us.

“Um, is that her?” I hear Plower asks.

I shake my head, “No, that is just Choo Choo. You get used to her.”

I then wave for them to come up and watch as Quick Frost nervously approaches us. Once she arrives, she straightens up and introduces herself and the others.

“What can we do for you three?” Plower asks.

“Sir, I would like to visit my family’s cemetery. Also, when you reclaimed the farm, where there any pony remains that you had to clear out, if so, what did you do with them?”

“I can understand that. I would feel the same way. Now, when my family started recovering the farm, we found three bodies in the cellar. We figured they were part of the family who owned it before, we buried them up in the little cemetery there,” he says and points up the hill.

Quick Frost lets out a held breath, I think I see a tear in her eye, “Thank you, and your family for taking care of mine. If you do not mind, I would like to visit them for a bit.”

“No, if they are your kin, then please feel free to visit them any time. Family is very important to us.”

Then I see Quick Frost staring at the plow tag hanging from Plowers's ear. She smiles, “Your tag is very similar to what my Cutie Mark was. I still miss turning the earth with the old plow sometimes.”

He smiles at her, “Well Quick Frost, after you are done with your visit, please feel free to come over yonder to where we are working. I still have some rows to plow and would be glad to let you get your hooves dirty.”

I see her brighten up. “Thank you again, Plower, I will see you in a bit sir.” Then she turns and walks up the hill to the cemetery. She is followed by her sisters. I stay behind to give them privacy.

“Thank you, both of you,” I tell them. “I think this means more to her than any of us could imagine,” I tell them.

“I think I know what you mean. She seems very grateful just to be allowed.” Sara Bell says.

“I think you two may have some good neighbors here. They are staying a little ways away, but I have a feeling that if you want or need a hoof, they would be glad to lend it. If you will excuse me, I hate to have to run, but I need to get home soon.” I tell them.

“Well if you are heading up that way, let them know I would like to have them for tea.” Sara Bell asks of me.

I smile, “I will, thank you both for giving them a chance. As their friend, I really appreciate it.”

I then head up the hill, I hear Quick Frost talking to the graves of her family members. She is telling them about what has happened to her, almost like they were there to hear her. It seems to bring her comfort just being where her family was laid to rest. As I get to the old fence around it she stops and looks up.

“Thank you very much Mollygirl. This means more than you can imagine to me. I worried about what had become of my parents and little sister. Now I know.”

“Your welcome, I am glad I could help. I have asked them to keep your presence secret for now. Also, you all have an invite for tea from Sara Bell. I would have some with all of you, but I really need to get home to Magpie at Sumac’s farm.”

“I understand,” Quick Frost tells me. “I would like to visit more with you sometime, please come visit us.”

“I will when I can, also, since Choo Choo and Blue Star know where the farm is, perhaps you could visit us sometime,” I suggest.

They all look at each other, “Yes, we would like that.” Quick frost tells me. “Take care Mollygirl.”

It was not until I get to the farm that two things occur to me. The first, I have asked guests to visit us at Sumac’s without permission, I needed to talk to Ma about that. The second, I have started to call Sumac’s farm home.

After all these years of visiting Ivy and Sumac there. The years of my fillyhood that I had spent playing there, sleeping over, and even living there for a month or two at a time it was always Ivy’s family farm. Today I realized it was now my home, at least in my mind. Again, this is something I have to talk to Sumac about.

Once I arrive, I see Sumac and Persimmon Tree on the porch drinking some chilled cider. “Hi Ma, Hi Persimmon,” I call to them as I enter the yard.

“Hey Mollygirl, your home early, is everything ok?” Ma asks.

“Yeah, they surprised me and gave me a three-day pass. I am not sure why, but I am not going to complain. Where is Magpie?”

Persimmon Tree smiles at me. “She went into Manesville, she said something about wanting to see the doctors there.”

Ma sees the startled look on my face, “Relax dear, she heard that they had reopened part of the hospital and shifted some of its operations to a nearby hotel, so she went in for a pregnancy check.”

Again, without thinking my forehoof moves to my stomach, and I feel that familiar pang, almost like I was myself. But I know I can’t be. This is something I am going to need to talk to Moon Pie about. I love Mags and am excited at the prospect of her carrying our family’s foal. But damn it, I wish it were me too.

“Sorry, you caught us taking a break Mollygirl. We just got in from checking the back 40 acres. Looks like we have a good crop growing there this year. Celestia willing and the raiders don’t rise. Speaking of crops, Mollygirl now that we have the sky again maybe we can find some crops that will do well in the sunlight also. I would love to start an orchard.” Sumac says.

“Next time I am at the stable I will check if we can get any tree seeds. I know apples are good, but would pears be ok if I cannot get them?”

“Moll, I would be happy with anything right now. I was just telling Persimmon how I want to leave the farm to all of you once I pass, and I want to make sure it’s a successful one.”

“Ma, is something wrong?” I ask.

“Relax dear, nothing is wrong. I am just starting to look down the road. After all none of us lives forever and we never know when our time may end.” She takes a deep breath and lets it out with a sigh. “It was bad enough when my husband passed, but after losing Ivy and Epona, well, it has really hit home to me.”

“Yeah, I can understand Ma, it has hit me pretty hard too,” I tell her as I move closer and put a hoof around her shoulder and give her a hug. Then something hits me, “Ma, have you ever thought of finding yourself another buck?”

She laughs “Mollygirl, that would be fine and all, but really I have my hooves full enough as it is. Besides at my age, they might still want foals and I am just that age I might do something stupid like try and raise another one.”

Both Persimmon Tree and I laugh at that. “Now Ma, just because you practice making them, it does not mean you have to create them, look at me, and Xavier we have been pretty good at holding off having another one. His mother did teach him an old zebra anti-conception fetish.”

I had not realized that she was trying to avoid getting pregnant again. It is amazing what some would consider a blessing to others is a curse. I guess things could be worse for me.

“Speaking of surprise pregnancies, I guess as the kids get older at least we do not have to worry about Xochitl and Ginger producing a foal.” I joke.

I see a sad look on Persimmon's face, I had not thought of her wanting grandfoals. But then Sumac surprises us both. “Now, I would not say that. Mollygirl, Persimmon, while it is extremely rare, there have been cases of zonies and even some mules being fertile.”

Both Persimmon and I are stunned at this. Then she smiles and relieves our anxiety by telling us, “But I do not think we have to worry about that for a few years now. They are still at that young crush stage. Give them two or three years though…”

We talk for a bit longer then I join them as we go inside and began to prepare supper. Tonight, it was nothing too fancy, Just some vegetable stew, some rye bed, and a nice salad. For dessert Sumac had two large jars of canned strawberries that she had gotten from a caravan that was out of Hoofington. On this, she told us we would put some sweet cream and a bit of crystallized honey.

This seemed like a very fancy dessert so I asked, “Ma, the strawberries and everything seem kind of expensive, what’s the special occasion?

“Mollygirl, one of the tricks a mother learns is when to do something like this for her children. If Magpie is pregnant, then it is a way of celebrating it. If not, I have seen how much she wants a foal, so it gives her a small bit of happiness to dull the disappointment.”

“Ya know Ma, that makes sense. I had not thought of that. How did I miss that all these years?” I say to her as I shake my head.

She just smiles knowingly “Molly, I did not raise two daughters and my grandchildren without learning a trick or two.”

“Ma, I thought you only had Ivy, who is the second daughter?” I ask. She just looks me in the eyes and smiles sadly, “Oh, sorry ma. I was not thinking that way. Thank you.”

After we are finished getting dinner ready Ma looks at me. “Mollygirl, do you have any civilian clothes with you?”

“No Ma, I had not thought about it. Why?”

She then tells me, “Mollygirl, I still have a few dresses of Ivy’s here, why don’t you try one on to see if it is close to fitting and then you can surprise both you wife and husband. If you have a couple of days off, why not try to see how the other side lives, relax, let yourself not look like a soldier even.”

“Are you sure Ma, I mean I have a few dresses and such, but they are normally only used for very special occasions?”

“Mollygirl, I have a feeling this would be good for you as well as Badger and Magpie. Nothing fancy, nothing special, just let yourself be the wife you want to be, rather than the soldier you always are.”

Now I am a bit scared, “But Ma,” I say as I look down, “I really don’t know how to do that.”

“Then I will help you. Come with me and we can see if we can find an old dress to fit you.”

I follow her to her room and she opens an old steamer trunk with different clothing styles and types in it. “Go ahead and look through there and see what you can find.”

As I go through it I find an old green gingham dress that I just love. I also find a similarly designed floral pattern dress. “Ma, I really like both of these. But I do not know which one I should wear?”

She smiles at me. “Why not one today and the other tomorrow.”

My eyes are wide with surprise, “Really, do you mean it Ma?” I have not gotten to dress like this since before I joined the CDF.”

“Yes dear, and if you hurry, maybe you can surprise your spouses in it. Both would look good on you.”

I choose the green gingham for tonight. After I put it on Ma hands me an old apron of hers, and a green bow to go in my mane. I put it all on and when I look into the mirror, I realize I look how I always pictured my mother. I am so nervous now. I hardly dress this way.

I look out the window in time to see Magpie coming down the road. I look at Ma, “Thank Ma, I really appreciate it.”

I rush downstairs and am there to open the door when she arrives. “Welcome home love”, I tell her when I open the door, I take her in my hooves and kiss her. It then hits me, that this is the first time I have ever really been able to welcome a loved one home. This is our home.

She comes in, she is excited, so I expect it to be good news. “Well, how did it go?” I ask her.

She smiles at me. “Mollygirl, can we wait till Badger gets home? Then I will tell you both.” She tells me.

“Ok, I can wait dear. Dinner should be done in a bit. I will send him a message to find how long till he gets here.”

“That is a great idea Mollygirl, By the way, I do not know where you got the dress, but it really suites you dearest.” She tells me.

“Thank you, I am off for the next couple of day on a pass, so I wanted to look good for you and our husband. I hoped you both would approve.”

She Smiles at me. “Yes, I do, in fact, I really appreciate it. Molly girl you look so pretty in it. I wish you could dress like that every day.”

We go into the kitchen than with the others. I get a cup out for her and make her some tea. I send Badger a message asking when he will be home. He replies that it will be an hour or so as he is just wrapping things up for the day. The four of us are just sitting and talking when Xochitl and Ginger arrive home. We can tell besides the clopping of their hooves on the floor but by Ginger loudly yelling as she comes in, “Granny I’m home, what smells so good for dinner?”

I step through the kitchen doorway and Ginger stops, “Who are you?” she asks me with wide eyes. Xochitl next to her laughs at her.

“Hello auntie Mollygirl, you look very pretty.” He tells me.

I then hear Ginger tell me, “Auntie Mollygirl, is that really you? I have never seen you in a dress before. You do not even look the same. You are so pretty.”

I feel myself blush, “Thank you both of you, now go clean up from school and get ready for supper.” I tell them.

A little while later I hear Magpie “I see him coming down the road from town. Shall we meet him Mollygirl?”

I move Ginger and Xochitl and close the Daring Do book I was reading to them after putting a piece of cloth in it to mark the page. I then get up from the couch in the living room and join Magpie at the door. I give her a brief kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, love. I never get to do this; do you feel this way all the time?”

She gives me a quick peck back, “Yes, I do every time. Mollygirl, I cannot tell you how good it feels to see you both each time. In fact, your turn to greet him, I will come in after you have your chance.”

She goes back into the kitchen and I wait nervously for him to come to the door. When he gets to it, I open it, I see he is surprised, “Welcome home love.” I step up, put both my forehooves around him, and kiss him. He responds the way I hoped he would.

When we break the kiss, he steps back and just looks at me. “Mollygirl you look beautiful. I am still trying to figure out how I got so lucky to have two beautiful mares like you and Mags as my wives.” Then he kisses me again.

Then Magpie enters behind me. She steps up to Badger, she kisses him like I already have, then tells him “Come on into the kitchen loves, I have some news for all of us.”

We follow her into the Kitchen and once all of us are there, she turns around. “Well today I went into town to see the doctor.”’ She says with a sad sounding voice, then she looks up and smiles, “Congratulations, we are expecting. Badger, you’re going to be a father.”

I see his jaw drop and he sits down. I then see the smile on his face “That is great, do you know if it is going to be a colt or a filly yet?”

“Not yet, they said they thought it might be a filly, but they were not sure.”

We both go forward and give her a hug. It is great news, sure I may not be carrying this little one, but I will get to be a mother to her or him too. This is something to celebrate.

The others come over and congratulate her also. After this, we have our supper. I see the smile on Mag's face when she sees dessert. Ma was right about that. After dinner, the others go into the front room while Ma and I both do the dishes.

“Mollygirl, you handled that very well, I am proud of you.”

“What do you mean Ma?” I ask.

“Magpie announcing, she is pregnant. I know it is hard on you. But I am very happy for your family and glad to see you are also. Also, do not give up hope, you never know what could happen in the future.”

I turn to her, quietly I tell her, “Ma, I know the damage that was done. Today the medic said there was no reason to check if I was pregnant. It is hard but I will deal with it. Why do you bring that up?”

“Nothing much Mollygirl, it's just I keep having these dreams that include you having a little mare of your own too. Might be nothing more than dreams and wishful thinking but who knows. It was funny because in the one I swear Epona and Ivy were there telling me to not be surprised.”

“I understand. I still have dreams with Ivy and Epona sometimes too. I really miss them both.”

I see a tear in her eye and go and hold her for a bit as she lightly cries for her lost family. “I know ma. You have been so strong for all of us. I am here for you if you need me.”

She sniffles back some more tears, wipes her eyes, and smiles at me. “I know dear, and I really do appreciate it. Thank you, I needed to cry a bit and I just, I don’t know, I guess I do not want the others to see me like this. I am the matriarch and I need to be strong for all of us.”

“Ma, something I am learning is, we can’t always be strong. Sometimes the others have to help our strongest. In fact, that is one of the tenants of the cattle’s religion.” I tell her.

She smiles at me and laughs a little. “Why am I not surprised to hear that you know about the cow’s religion. Girl, while I am proud of you, you really have a wide range of knowledge. Now let’s finish these dishes so we can get back with the others.”

“Sounds good ma, Oh, I forgot to tell you earlier. I have a few friends that I have invited over some time. The daring duo have met all three of them. Magpie and Badger have met one of them. I hope you do not mind.”

“Oh, that should be ok, it’s not like you are inviting griffons or more dragons right.” She says with a chuckle.

I stop what I am doing, “No, they are not, but, well…”

“Mollygirl, what are you not telling me?” she says with a stern look upon her face.

“Uhh, well Ma, their names are Quick Frost, Blue Star, and Choo Choo.”

“Ok, those sound like good pony names, now what are you not telling me young filly?”

“Well Ma, they are all alicorns.”

“Oh, for the love of all that is holy, Mollygirl, I know I should not be surprised, but how do you know any alicorns?”

I look down at first, “Well they are George’s roommates.”

She facehooves and looks at me “I know I am going to regret asking, but where were they there when Mags and I were.”

I nod my head yes.

“Ok, that explains the feeling that someone was staring at me that day. Ok, if you and George trust them, have them come over if they know where we live.”

“Actually Ma, they do. Choo Choo keeps sneaking over to play with the kids.”

She smiles, “Ok, I will need to know more about them, but let’s finish these dishes and get back in with everypony.”

We spend the rest of the evening chatting with each other. At one point I have the kids on my lap reading more of Daring Do to them. For the first time in my life, I really feel like a mare and future parent. Part of me just so badly wants to leave the service when the expedition is done. I think I will have to talk to Badger and Magpie about it. Maybe I can be a farmer, I think to myself.

Once in bed for the night Magpie is in the middle. Badger and I find ourselves both at Magpies belly at the same time.

“Hi little one, this is your papa talking to you. I cannot wait to meet you.” Badger tells her belly, then he kisses her on it.

I smile as I hear this, “Both your mommies and your papa love you so much already. You are so special little one. I cannot wait to meet you either.” I tell her belly and kiss her on it. Then I kiss my way up to Magpies muzzle and kiss her, I feel her lips part and our tongues meet and I hear her moan from what Badger is doing to her. “I love you Magpie, thank you for sharing this with us, and for being a mother to all of our child,” I tell her.

She tries to answer but instead moans at first. “I love you too Mollygirl, both of you. I cannot wait to have our child.” She replies as I continue to nuzzle her neck and then her ears.

As Badger moves his way back up nuzzling and kissing her, I feel her hoof caressing me on one side and her other forehoof rubbing our husband’s mane. “I am so proud of both of you. I could not think of better partners to raise a family with. Thank you for letting me be your mare.” She tells us.

I awake in the morning and put the green gingham dress back on along with the apron. I help Ma prepare breakfast for everyone then I wake Badger so he can go to work on time. Magpie also gets up and I swear she has a glow to her. She is so happy.

After breakfast Badger heads back to Donovan. I let Magpie and Sumac know I have to go to the Stable for an appointment but will be back before lunch. Magpie then surprises me, “Mollygirl, do you mind if I go with you. I can wait outside for you to be done. After that, I want to head back into Manesville. I have something I want to show you in the archives.”

“Sure Magpie, I would love your company, we could even stop for lunch in town. Maybe we could visit Faith while we are at the stable too.”

“That sounds good Moll,” she says as she leans her head against my shoulder and nuzzles my neck.

“Mags, if you keep that up, I will never make it to the stable in time,” I tell her with a smile.

Once we arrive at the stable, I confirm who I am and that I have an appointment and then Magpie and I will be visiting Faith in medical. We are informed then that the main entrance has been reopened.

“I am surprised to hear it has been reopened,” I tell the guard.

“Well ma’am, it probably would not be, but we had a crew of ghouls volunteer to clean it up for us. Funny thing is they have tried to volunteer to be combat engineers too. It seems several of them were millwrights and welders in the carriage plant. A couple also worked construction. I am not sure what I think about it, to tell the truth, but I sure appreciated that none of us had to risk that much exposure to the radioactivity in that tunnel. They did a great job of it though. The dead ferals have been buried just north of the dead pegasi troopers from the fight in close.” The guard tells us.

“I missed the ceremony yesterday, thank you for letting me know. I wondered about that. I guess they are all separate from each other, ours, theirs, and the ferals? I ask.

“Yes ma’am. Three nice and neat cemeteries. We had the prisoners assist in identifying the dead pegasi that we could not easily do so to. Once this war is done, their families may be able to find them here. From what I have heard, the command has ordered a list of the dead, and prisoners to be broadcast to the Enclave.” He continues.

“Thank you very much. I appreciate it, I best get going.” I tell him and we head to Moon Pie’s office.

Once there I check in and Magpie and I take a seat. I have her wait for me in the waiting room while I go in and talk to Moon Pie. The appointment seems to go pretty well. Although I do have some points where I am in tears. Moon Pie just calmly listens and hands me a cloth to wipe my face with when I need it. We do not cover a lot. But what we do cover, we do so in depth. She has asked me to do some writing at home and to bring it with me in three days during another follow-up.
As I am leaving her office, she looks at me, “By the way, you look very nice in your dress. It is good to see you in something other than a uniform. The green really brings out your eyes Mollygirl. Also, In case I forgot to tell you, congratulations on your family's upcoming addition. Let Magpie and Badger know I am happy for them too.”

As I step out, she sees Magpie sitting there and approaches her. “Hello Magpie, I am Moon Pie, the Stable psychologist. Please excuse me for introducing myself like this, but I had not realized you were here. The XO has informed me of yours and several other civilians’ contributions during the Battle of Manesville, particularly around the stable. If you have any issues such as nightmares, or any of those listed on this brochure, please know you will be supported by the CDF and myself in helping you deal with them at no cost to yourself or your family.” As she tells Magpie this, I see one of the old Ministry of Peace pamphlets on War Stress Disorder. I see her glance at it and put it in her saddlebags.

Magpie looks a bit uncomfortable at that but still responds. “Thank you, I appreciate it. If I do need to set up an appointment, how would I do so?”

Moon Pie, looks at her and thinks. “The easiest way would be for one of your spouses to set it up when they are here. Otherwise, come to the stable and tell them you are making a medical appointment, and then come to my office. I am part of the medical department, so it is not inaccurate, and allows you some privacy.”

“Thank you, Moon Pie, I may be back some time I appreciate it,” Magpie tells her.

We then go up to visit Faith. For once she is awake and smiles when she sees us enter. “Hey Magpie, Hey Mollygirl, it's good to see you both. Thank you for coming.”

“Hey Faith, I have been trying to get up here when you are awake, I just have not had much luck, sorry about that.”

“That’s ok. I understand Mollygirl. I appreciate everything you have done though.” She says with a smile. Then she looks at Magpie, she sounds very tired still but still wants to talk as she sleepily smiles, “Magpie, did you hear what she did for me with Sunset. She talked to him so he would let me and Dodger have a chance at dating, at least once I get out of the hospital.”

Magpie looks surprised. “I did not know that was even a problem Faith.”

“Well, Sunset has known my family since before I was born. With my parents not being here, he has taken on the role of a surrogate father for me, Hope, and Charity.”

Magpie smiles weakly, “That is good, I have to say I worry too, I would hate to see any of you hurt.”

“It's funny Magpie, I still have feeling from my hips down, I just cannot move my legs. I know I can’t fly this way either.”

I smile sadly at her. “Don’t give up your hope Faith, miracles can still happen, besides, who knows what technologies we may find still.”

I see her laugh a bit, “Mollygirl, do you realize how that sounds considering my sisters and my names.”

I cringe a bit at the unintended joke. “Sorry Faith, I really did not do that on purpose.”

She laughs, “I did not think so. Thank you both for coming up to see me. I really am glad to see you both. Especially you Magpie, I was worried about you on the ground that day. I figured us fliers were good, but you see how wrong I was about that.”

“Faith, you are a friend to both of us. I hope you realize that. We both worry about you. While Mollygirl may not say it, she took it really hard when they removed her from flight status and put her back with the ground troops. As for me, I am back to being a housemare right now. The shop I worked at in Manesville took some heavy damage, so we will see if it even opens again.” Magpie tells her.

I notice that Faith is looking very tired again. “Hey Faith, how about we take off for now and let you get some more sleep,” I tell her.

She smiles at me and Magpie, “That sounds good. I hope you both visit again soon. By the way, Mollygirl that dress really does look good on you,” she tells me, then she continues, “In case I have not told you, you both make such a cute couple together.”

Magpie sets a forehoof on hers, “Thank you, Faith, I really appreciate it. Now get some sleep dear, we will see you again soon.” Then she gives Faith a brief hug and starts to leave.

“I will be back in the next couple of days Faith, take care and my best wishes for you and Dodger,” I tell her and give her a light hug.

“Thank you, both of you. I will see you again soon.” She says as her eyes start to droop and she begins to fall back to sleep.

Once outside her room, we start to head our way to the main entrance. As we pass the armory, I see Buckshot inside and wave to him. He trots over to the door. “Hey Mollygirl, just wanted to let you know they took the bandages off my daughter's eyes this morning. She is still very sensitive to light, but it looks like she will not be blind.”

“Thank Celestia, I am so glad to hear that Buckshot. Thank you for letting me know. That is such great news.”

He looks at Magpie with me, and both of us being in civilian dress. “Well, I better not keep you LT. I just wanted to share with you.”

“Thank you, I really do appreciate it. I was wondering how she was doing. Please let your wife know we are all so glad to hear it.”

“Will do Ma’am, take care, and by the way, congratulations on the promotion.”

I tell him thanks again and Mags and I finally are able to leave the stable and head into Manesville.

Once in Manesville we stop at one of the shops and pick up some lunch, then we head over to the archives. Magpie will not tell me what she has found. But she seems both excited and disturbed by it. To tell the truth, she has me a bit nervous about it.

Once we get to the archives, she takes me to the area where we find the memory orbs from when the stable opened. She then pulls down a printed copy of an adoption list for the five years before and after the stable opened. Finally, she opens it to a list of names and points out one to me.

I am stunned. The child’s birth name is Sorrowful Joy, the mother’s name is Wind Mill, the father’s name is Unknown. The adopted Mother’s name is Calm Water, and the adopted father’s name is Deep Water. At first, I am kind of confused by her pointing this out to me.

She looks at me. “Mollygirl, I am not sure what happened here, but it seems Millie had a foal after your grandmother Marey, and she gave it up for adoption.”

She pauses to let that register to me. I know from the memory orb that she wanted another foal with Oatie. But the father is unknown. Then I notice the adopted family. “Magpie, have you followed up on this already?”

She quietly nods her head, “Yes love. I hate to tell you, but are second cousins with Tar Water.”

I am stunned. Somehow it just figures. “Mags, are you sure,” I say with my head down, my ears mournfully at the side of my head.

“I am positive love. The only reason I bring this up is I wanted you to know that in a way, you still have family.”

“Thanks, dear, I just wish I knew what happened, how she ended up giving up a foal for adoption.”

“Well, we can keep looking and see if we can find anything. I did notice that the date of birth would have been about 9 to 10 months after she got back from the Tenpony expedition.” She suggests.

As we continue to look through the shelves and in boxes, I find one that is numbered but has no name on it. I open it and find several articles in it. Among them an old Stable 48 set of barding. I find some maps that have mouth drawn changes to them along with notes. I also find some old journals in there. One of which is from Whiskers, Millie’s guide to Tenpony Tower, and the other being Millie’s.

I open Whiskers and while flipping through it I see a couple of entries from their time at Tenpony tower.

Yestaday we rrived at Tenpony tower, it took us two days to work our way through the ruins of Manehatten. The damage to the place is bad enough. However, the gangs here need to be ahvoided. I swear if I never have to fire a gun from inside a small room again, I will be happy. I hated the running gun fight we had in the one gang’s terytory.

Twonight we have been asked to attend a party in our honor. I am going to try and dodge out a it. I know Millie and Moo both said they have to go. Not sure about the others.


Was woke up this morning to pounding on my door. It was Mootilda. Millie was missin. Security let us know an hour latter they found her. She was drunk and passed out naked in a back hall. That not like that filly. She is a happy married mare.

I put the journal down. Tears in my eyes. Dear sweet Celestia, what had happened to her. I look at the other journal. I am not sure if I can take reading it right now. Thank Goddesses I did not use that memory orb. I turn my head, “Mags, I think I found something.”

She comes over. I hoof her the journal with the entries. I watch her face as she reads them. “Oh, dear no. I am so sorry you had to find this about her.”

“Mags, I have her journal here. I am not up to reading it right now, do you think we can check it out?”

“Sure Mollygirl, I will do that for you.”

I am shaken to my core. Again, I am reminded of what one would consider a blessing being a curse to others. There has to be more to this story.

We check out the journal and head back to the farm. I just want away from town and almost every pony right now. Part of me wants a drink now, I wonder if this is what happened to her. Why she is almost forgotten in the history of our stable and the Co-op.

Once home I go sit in the front room to read some Mare Do Well. I need a break from serious thoughts for a bit. Magpie is sitting on the opposite end of the couch and I absentmindedly rub her hoofs for her. After a while I put my book down, I then shift and put my head on her lap and enjoy her running her hoof through my mane. I need this so bad.

I assist Ma and Persimmon in making supper again. Magpie lets me know that Badger has duty tonight, so it will just be us two again. After dinner, I spend some time reading to Ginger and Xochitl after they are done with their homework. Finally, the day is done and Mags and I call it a day.

The next day I sleep in and feel spoiled when I get up and Magpie has breakfast waiting for me. Ma and Persimmon are already out in the fields checking the crops and making sure the weeds are kept in check. Magpie and I join them until lunch. After lunch, we are working in the field again when I look up and see three forms flying above us. Ma notices them too. “Friends of yours Mollygirl?”

It turns out they are. I finally have my chance to introduce Ma and Persimmon Tree to the alicorns. They have decided to take me up on my offer of tea. The visit goes rather smoothly, even if a bit odd. I had to chuckle a bit watching Blue Star as she almost forgot to duck going through the doorways.

After they leave Ma looks over at me, “Well that was different. You know when you said they were alicorns I really thought you were finally bluffing.”

“Sorry, Ma. I really do not know what to say.” I tell her.

Persimmon Tree giggles a bit. “Well I have to say Choo Choo is definitely different, I cannot imagine a princess being like her.”

Magpie smiles at that, “She certainly is different. I just get a kick out of how much she loves the kids.”

“Mags, that is because they brought back part of her memory. She was once a mother and they remind her of her foals. None of them wanted to be alicorns from what I understand, they were forced.” I tell them.

“Well, they are welcome back again sometime,” Ma says.

The rest of the day goes quickly with Badger coming home again and spending the night with Magpie and me. In the morning he and I both get up for work together, and I finally put my uniform on. Part of me regrets it, but somepony has to do it. We kiss at the door and head our separate ways, looking forward to this evening.

Dear DJ Pon3, After the nearly nightly nightmares I have heard from my wives since the battle of the Co-op, in which they were in the middle of, could you please play Meet Me on The Battlefield to let them know I understand.

Thank you

LT Badger
Co-op Militia, Donovan Company

Once again I would like to express my appreciation of Kkat and her creation of this world of Fallout: Equestria. I would also like to thank the many other others who have shown us all how much more there is to be seen of this world.

The request song in this chapter was one I found by accident. But somehow it seemed to resonate with me as one that just seemed to sum up the feel of this chapter. For those of you who would like to listen to it, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZrddJPGp1I