The sun is starting to set once we arrive back at camp, I am met first by the pickets at the bridge. While I am surprised, I know I should not be when I see that Dusty is one of them.

“Hey Dusty, how’s it going?”

“Hey LT, not too bad. But the Major said she wants to see you right away when you get back. Somethings in the wind, I think. That caravan still has not shown up.”

“Thanks, Dusty, I appreciate it, I will head over there as soon as we get these supplies over to the Quartermasters.”

She looks over and sees Ginger, “Hey Gin, how’s it going sis?”

“Hey Sissy, it’s been fun. I got to make a new friend and even meet a few new adults and tell them about home.”

She turns toward me as Trouble walks up behind me with the three stable ponies, Dull Beak and the Follower. “She got to talk to new adults? Mollygirl, you better not have been putting my sister in danger again.” She tells me as her ears start to go back.

Ginger pipes up, “Other than the raiders there was no danger, oh that and the spirit again, but I got to talk to Gawd. She is some kind of leader for griffons and ponies around here.”

I see Dusty’s ears go fully back, “Mollygirl, raiders and a spirit? What the Tartarus?”

“Do not be upset Dusty, it was not her fault, they tried to ambush us. As Trouble would say, they dealt the hand, they just could not cover the bet on the cards that were drawn.” Xochitl tells her.

At that I turn my head to look at Trouble with one ear turned toward Dusty but the other still on him, “Trouble, you are not teaching him how to play cards are you?”

Xochitl answers before he can, “Only Dodgeville Hold ‘em Aunt Mollygirl.”

I facehoof and look at both of them, “Really, what do you think Xavier will say?”

From behind me and Dusty, I hear Xavier answer, “I think I would say, Trouble what are you doing teaching a young blank flank to gamble?”

“Sorry Xavier, but I was not teaching a blank flank to gamble, he watched me play a few hands before, then at lunch today he asked me about the rules. And before you say anymore, you need to check your son to see if he still is a blank flank.”

By now Xavier is next to me and I see him look, “Well my son, it seems you are truly becoming a stallion now. Congratulations MY Son. I am very proud, both of, and for you. Tonight, you must tell me how you got it. Your mother will be so proud of you.”

“Xavier, how about you take Xochitl and Ginger to our camp while Trouble and I escort the wagon to the supply dump and take the new volunteers to HQ.”

“Will do LT, come children, we have to get back to the scouts.” He tells them.

Once we reach the quartermasters' area, I pay the two bucks and the Brahmin the rest of their fee.

The lead buck than ask, “LT, do you all think it would be ok to stay the night in camp here. I mean, it is still a long haul back and we could use the rest, especially in such a safe place.”

I look over at the Supply Lieutenant, “That’s up to you Balance Books, I am ok with it, and I am sure the Major is also.”

He looks at them, “Sure, no problem,” he tells them. As I turn away, I hear him telling the two bucks, “That is a nice sturdy wagon you have there…”

As I am preparing to leave and head to HQ, I see Kickers come up and see her flirting with the Brahmin. I am a bit stunned and go to talk to her about it.

“Kicker, I know you are married and I am not judging but a brahmin really?” I say to her.

“LT, you are my friend, so understand. One, we have an agreement. Two, you are no pony to try and kink shame me, after all, I know you enjoy a good threesome too.” She replies to me.

I feel my face turn bright red. “I, uh, oh, sorry Kicker. I was not trying. But really?”

“One body, two tongues, enough said I think.” She smiles with a wink at me.

Oh, my goddesses. I am both mortified and sorry I said anything. “Ok Kicker, have fun, I guess. I will talk to you later.” I tell her stumbling out a response.

Behind me, I hear Trouble snickering. Behind him I hear Dull Beak under his breath, “Sweet Contracts, are all of their females this way. At least no griffon gropers yet.”

Kicker then nods her head behind me, “Who are the new ponies, and why are they staring at me?”

“Oh, Kicker these are Cookie Cutter, Taser, and Sweet Apple., They just came out of Stable Two recently. I guess they have never seen a cow, and only heard the old stories from before the war.” I tell her as I introduce each of them.

Kicker puts out a hoof, “A pleasure to meet you. Welcome to our traveling circus.”

They each, in turn, extend a hoof. Sweet Apple is the first to speak, “So are there a lot more of you back at the Co-op? Do you have your own farms too?”

Kicker smiles back at her and tells her, “Well there are quite a few, but not as many as we wished. Some of us do have farms. My family doesn’t. I am with the artillery and my husband runs a small salvage repair shop in Manesville.”

They all look somewhat surprised and excited, “So you mean we don’t only have to farm. We could have a farm and I could even run a bakery if I wanted?” Cookie asks her.

“Sure, but remember, you have to do either military service or one year as a farmworker first. But yes, you could then, and if you are a good enough baker, I am sure you could really rake in the caps. In fact, if you are good enough, I may even be willing to give you a stake to start.” Kicker tells her.

“That would be so wonderful,” Cookie tells her.

Kicker smiles at her. “Well, it has been very nice meeting you, and I am sure we will have time to talk more later, but I have a brahmin on the line I want to catch. Have a good night folks.” She says and walks away with a sash shay in her hips and slowly swinging her tail.

I then start to lead them over to the HQ to find the Major. Looking at Trouble I tell him, “Trouble, why don’t you head back to camp too. If you see her, let Sutures know I need to talk with her. Please do not discuss it with anyone else though.”

“Understood LT. See you later.”

When I get to the HQ camp, I first run into Paper Work. “Hey Lieutenant, the Major is expecting you.” Then he notices the ponies in stable barding, “New recruits?” he asks.

“At least volunteers and settlers for the Co-op,” I tell him.

“Ok, I will talk with them and complete the paperwork. Go ahead and head over to the Major she is by the fire eating her supper right now.”

“Thanks Paper Work,” I tell him, then I face the others. “I will see you three around. If you want to talk more, just ask for Lieutenant Mollygirl or the Scouts, someone should point you in the right direction.”

I head over to the Major, “Good evening Ma’am, Lieutenant Mollygirl reporting along with liaison Dull Beak from Gawd’s Talon.”

“Good to see your back Mollygirl. How did it go?”

“Overall it went well Ma’am, we ended up getting all the supplies we needed, we also picked up a couple of volunteers as well as two envoys, including Dull Beak, who you already know, and Tourniquet who is both a medic as well as a representative of the Followers of the Apocalypse.”

“The what?” she asks.

The dark gray unicorn with the yellow saddlebags answers, “Good evening Major, if you do not mind, I will answer that question. The Followers of the Apocalypse, our organization was founded recently by Velvet Remedy. Our goal is to go out and assist others in the wastelands, often through programs such as free medical care and education. Myself, I am not really a medic, but am a doctor. However, I will serve in either role if needed.”

The Major sticks her hoof out, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for the explanation. Now I will tell you, we do have schools back home already. We also have a hospital, but it is being repaired right now. Unfortunately, an entire portion of it was knocked down in the recent unpleasantness with the Enclave.”

I see the surprised expression on his face, “So the youngsters were telling the truth. You really had a fully functioning hospital and it was damaged. Well, I would still like to see it. Perhaps we can use it as an example to others.”

I notice how it looks like they will continue talking for a while so I ask to be excused.

“Mollygirl, before you leave, I will have to go over some things with you following Officers call tonight. The supply caravan has not met us yet and it does not seem to have arrived at New Appleloosa.” The Major tells me.

“Yes, ma’am. I will talk to you then ma’am”

As I leave, I hear Dull Beak tell the Major, “I will visit her camp if you do not mind Major.”

“No, go ahead Dull Beak, unless you have more information from Gawd for me, feel free to roam the camp.”

As I arrive back in camp, I see everyone staring at me, “What?”

Trouble looks at me, “You should have told the youngsters to keep their mouths shut too. It wasn’t me that told them.”

“Told them what?” I ask then look at all of them again as Sutures comes up to me, Ahh shit, they blabbed.

“Well Mollygirl, I guess you and I better find a place to do the check eh?” She tells me.

As we go to find a private area, I hear the others “Ok, who wants to bet on when it is born?”

“Ahh, I do not even know if the spirit was just messing with me, no bets, ok,” I call back to them.

This gets a round of laughs. As we walk further off, I hear Dull Beak, “Ok, I am in, 10 caps says…”

Once we are away from everypony else she looks at me, “OK, Take off your kit.”

I take off my uniform, battle saddle, and saddlebags. She then begins to examine me. “Mollygirl, if you are pregnant, who is the father?”

I am shocked, “Sutures, I cannot believe you are saying that. Why would you even think it was anypony else then Badger?”

She looks at me with a bit of hurt in her eyes, “Because every female on this expedition was examined and tested for pregnancy before we left, that is why. I mean, hey, if you are not interested in Archer and me, that is fine, but you do not need to lie and say you are staying faithful to your spouses when it is obvious you weren’t”

I am completely shocked, “Sutures, I was not lying to you about that the other night. I have not been with any male other than Badger in over a year. The closest I have come to slipping is with you. As for the pregnancy test, the medic that examined me said I did not need it due to my medical condition after being shot.”

I see Sutures shake her head. “Are you serious? They were supposed to check every female, not just the ones who thought they might be, or could be pregnant.”

“Sorry Sutures, I really did not think there was a chance, so I did not press it.”

She sighs, “Ok then, let’s get this over with. I do not have any Urine test kits available, so I will have to do this the old fashion way, your just lucky my mother was a midwife and taught me this spell.”

I see her horn light up some, she closes her eyes and I feel a gentle caressing of my stomach. After a little while, her horn dims and goes out. She opens her eyes. “Congratulations Mollygirl, you are definitely in foal. The baby is a nice healthy earth pony.” She says and then gives me a hug.

I am stunned. I have wanted this so badly. All my life I have wanted to be a mother. But why now, when I am out here away from home and having to risk my, no, now it is Our lives. Oh, my child, I will have to protect you the best I can. I cannot wait to tell Badger and Magpie. “Sutures, I, um, I did not think I could get pregnant.”

“Mollygirl, the doctor said it would be extremely hard for you too. But to tell the truth, you are far enough along that it was from before the incident. It is almost a miracle. All I can think of is that the healing potions must have helped you to not lose it.” She tells me.

“Sutures, thank you, and for what it is worth, I really am glad it was you who got to tell me,” I tell her as I give her a hug and a nuzzle on the cheek. Then I put my uniform and kit back on. I really need to talk to someone who has experienced being pregnant and in combat. The first one to come to mind, Nugget. I will have to find her.

For once something is easy. As I reenter camp, I see her there with Ginger on one side and Dusty on the other. She looks at me with a raised eyebrow. I nod. “Good to see you LT. After the story, I have something I want to talk to you about.” She tells me.

“Thanks Nugget. Good to see you too. Let’s hear the rest of the story.” I look and most of the troopers from 1^st squad, some from second, and all my scouts and Dull Beak are sitting around listening to her read. It seems word of her nightly stories has started to spread. She is doing it for her daughter though and that is what really matters.

After she has finished the story, Nugget gets up and excuses herself. “LT, can we take a walk. I want to talk to you about something.”

As we walk away from the group and out of their hearing. “Congratulations are in order I understand.” She says and puts a hoof around my shoulder.

“Yes, yes they are. Thank you, Nugget. You are the first besides me and Sutures to know for sure.”

I see her smiling. “I am really happy for you Mollygirl. But I have something to ask you too.” As she says the last part, I see her smile fade, tears enter her eyes and her ears fall to the side of her head. “Mollygirl, I, I have a really bad feeling about the rest of the expedition. I had a dream last night, that I am not going to make it home this time.”

“Nugget, don’t say that, you will I am sure of it,” I reassure her.

She half-smiles, “No, don’t say that. Even Celestia and Luna could not guarantee that.”

I put my ears down, I feel bad for her, “Ok, I will not say it, but I do think it.”

She continues, “Mollygirl, if anything happens to me, would you please take care of Ginger for me. I mean, I know I shouldn’t ask it, especially with you having your own foal on the way, but if it does happen to me, consider adopting her. She loves you and already considers you family.”

“Of course, Nugget, I would if it became necessary. But try to remain positive.” I tell her.

She suddenly looks relieved. “Thanks, my old friend. That has really been on my mind. I love Dusty, but right now she is in no shape to raise a youngster, and I know Ginger is a hoofful.”

“Nugget, now I have to ask. How did you do it? I mean how were you able to continue on duty even though you were pregnant?”

“Moll, Once I started to show they pulled me off of field duty, remember, before that, well I just tried not to think about it and did what I had to. Same as we always do. But I am glad to hear you are thinking already, just goes to show you will be a good mom.”

“Thanks Nugget,” I say as I look at my PipBuck, "I best get going to officers’ call. If you are still in camp when I get back, I would like to talk some more with you.”

Once I get to the officers’ call, I find myself at the back of the group. The Major is introducing Tourniquet to the rest. After that she lets us know that tentatively we will be marching in two days’ time. Then she mentions the big one. “Ok, everyone, for all intents and purposes it looks like the caravan has not even arrived in New Appleloosa. I will be sending troops and supply wagons there in the morning to get what supplies we need. Once they get back, we will begin the march again. I intend to head back home cutting back through the gap we came in on. After that, we will shoot north or northwest into the plains, then cut back across the river. I expect us to meet heavy resistance once we are through the gap.”

“Ma’am, why not just cross the river here and head north across the Foal Mountains?” Oak Root asks.

“Captain, I would love to, but there are no really good roads that way that could support this many troops. And what roads and trails that are there, they are easily blocked and defended. I do not know about you, but I would prefer not to have to attack those kind of positions.” She replies.

“Mollygirl, in the morning. You will be taking your scouts as well as part of D-troop to escort the supply train wagons I am sending to New Appleloosa. You are to defend them at all cost. Without those supplies, we will not be able to carry on the expedition much less make it home. You will coordinate this operation with Balanced Books.”

The quartermaster commander and I look at each other and nod. “Yes Ma’am we reply.”

Ok, Good, that is it for now, go back to your troops and get some rest. Mollygirl I still need to talk to you.”

After the rest depart the Major and I begin to talk. I give her the rundown of my travels to Junction R-7 as well as let her know about the foals talking to Gawdyna Grimfeathers. I also let her know about our success in getting most of the supplies she sent me for there.

Finally, she looks at me. “Very good. Finally, what is this rumor about some spirit telling you that you are pregnant Lieutenant?”

“Well Major, one did tell me that and I did not believe her. She actually only said she had stopped my miscarriage. I just had Sutures check me out ma’am, and well I actually am pregnant. I had no idea before.”

“Damn it, how could they let you come on this campaign being pregnant, did they screw up the test or what.”

“No Ma’am, they never tested me, said I did not need it after my injuries. I guess they were wrong.”

“Ok, well the eggs been broken already so it is too late no matter what. However, I will try to be easier on you when I can. But I still need you to perform your duties Lieutenant.”

“Understood ma’am. I never expected less than to do my full duty.”

“Ok, Mollygirl, head back to your troops and call it a night. I will see you in the morning.”

After being dismissed I head back to my camp. I am approached first by Ginger, “Sorry Auntie Mollygirl about telling everypony.”

“It’s alright Ginger, I understand you were just excited.” I tell her and give her a hug.

The rest of the troops come over and congratulate me also. Off to the side, I notice Dull Beak just sitting and watching everypony. He is talking to Trouble and Sunset some but still watching.

A bit later Sky comes up to me, “LT, Serenity has been working with me on teaching me to fly. Could I start to make short patrols with them to get some experience?”

I have to smile, a question concerning my duty, that makes it easier. “Sure Sky, if you feel you are ready for the short ones, let Sunset know, if he questions it, tell him I said to see me.”

I swear I hear her squee as she hops up and down a bit. “Thank you, LT., I really appreciate it.”

“Your welcome Sky, just make sure you listen to your wing mare and flight leaders.”

She looks at me funny, “Ma’am, how do you know about flying?” behind her I see Dull Beak turn his attention our way.

I smile, “Sky, as a cadet, I was a dragon rider. My friend and fellow officer Emerado and I both rode a Dragon named George who also is a friend. We flew with the five pegasi we had at home and during the Battle of Manesville we flew together against an Enclave Raptor.”

Her eyes are wide, “You really did that?”

I nod, “Yeah Sky, I used to love flying. Still do, to tell the truth, but before it was just fun, now, well now it has become business too. I have seen the cost.”

Dull Beak Approaches us, “So you really did fly in battle, the youngsters were not just embellishing a story?”

“Yeah, yeah, I did, Later on, I went and assisted Sunset and another pegasus named Charity in recovering one of our flyers who went down during the battle. She is crippled now and hoping for a miracle so she can walk again someday. But from my last letter from her, it seems she now has a special somepony and is looking toward the future again.”

Dull Beak looks at me, “You really don’t do things by half do you?”

Behind him, I hear Sunset laughing, “I have been saying that about her since I first met her, DB.”

Then Dull Beak asks, “So, are you really pregnant?”

I nod my head and smile some, “Yes, yes I am, I never thought I would be, but yes.”

“So, what are you going to do?” he asks.

“The same thing I always do, my duty,” I reply.

He nods his head in what seems approval. “Just wondering, never saw a pregnant mare in combat before.”

“Well, I should not start showing for a few more months now, if I do. That would be when it would start to affect my range of motion. Sergeant Nugget from E-troop didn’t show she was pregnant when she was carrying Ginger. She knew and kept it very quiet, When the command found out, they pulled her from field duty. Actually, If I and the command had known, I would not have been allowed on the expedition.”

He seems to chew on that a bit. “Ok, speaking of Ginger, how did she and Xochitl end up fighting with your CEF?”

“DB, to tell the truth, they really shouldn’t be, but since they ran away from home and hid in a wagon along with Choo Choo, Woofers, and Tweeters we really had no choice. We did not find them until we were already deep behind enemy lines and it was not safe to send them home. The fact that both had a parent on the Expedition made it easier to make the decision though. So, they were hired as scouts, not fighters. They fight out of necessity, not as soldiers.”

“Interesting, sounds like they would have made good griffon kids. I remember being at that age and wanting to be in on the action.” He says to me and the others.

“I think we all were like that at one time.” I say, “Hey, where did Xavier and Xochitl go?”

Trouble points down toward the river. “He had Xochitl Blindfolded and was taking him to the river, said it was a ceremony for becoming a stallion since he now has his glyphmark. He said to tell you they would be back come morning. He has a few things he wants to talk with you about.”

“Ok, thanks Trouble. I appreciate your letting me know.” I tell him. “So, about that bounty thing?”

Trouble looks up and calls over to Sunset, “Hey Sarge, I owe you five caps, I thought she would drop it. Want to bring a bottle so we can tell her.”

“Ah Buck, I really was hoping to lose that one.” He responds. “LT, really, can’t it wait for another time?”

“I guess, but how about the short version of the story, so I at least understand why you have a bounty on your heads?” I ask.

They both sit down in front of me with a bottle of Wild Pegasus passing it back and forth. Trouble looks at me and speaks first, “Before we talk about this, congratulations cous. I really am very happy to hear the news for you. It will be nice to have more family. But just so you know, I am still going to punish him for what he did to you.”

“Thanks Trouble, on both counts,” I tell him.

Sunset moves to the other side of me. “Yea congratulations LT. We were all very surprised, especially after what we heard had happened. LT, I had not realized this thing with Silver Spite was so personal with you.”

“Sunset, while it is personal for me, my duty takes higher precedence,” I tell him.

On the other side of Sunset is Dull Beak. He takes a pull on the bottle then asks, “LT, can I ask you what happens if your expedition fails?”

I look him right in the eyes, “Dull Beak, we have already succeeded in our mission goal. Just by being out here and drawing resources away from Red Eye's armies both around Filly and the Hoof to try and catch us and track us down. This has allowed us to relieve some of the pressure on them. By destroying the bridges, we have effectively limited their ability to operate as freely and to support each other like they once did. Realistically that last bridge actually gave you and your forces here a bit of a respite and some breathing room. “

“Ok,” He says, “But what now?”

“Well now we are free operators, we can use hit and run tactics to further divert forces as we try and make our way back home. A bit out of the book from both Rainbow Dash as well as her Zebra opponents.” I tell him.

“You speak like you have studied this stuff a bit.” He replies.

Behind me I hear two sets of hoof steps, then I hear Archer, “That is because she has. Both herself and I, as well as Lieutenant Emerado who is still back home, not only examined the written reports, but were able to get some second hoof experience through the use of memory orbs from Rainbow Dash that were made of her raids during the war.”

I see a look of awe come over Sunset's face, “You experienced flying with Rainbow Dash LT?”

I blush a little, “No Sunset, I experienced flying as Rainbow Dash. The Ministry Mare made them.”

“Mollygirl, do you know what those would mean to so many ponies?” Sunset asks.

“Yes, yes I do Sunset, and I will tell you I learned a lot from them, including how to fly and fight on a dragon.”

I hear Archer chuckling in the background, “Mollygirl, I think you were the only one who really enjoyed the flying part. But I will say it was a unique experience, however, I do not think I will ever get over suddenly being in the body of a mare.”

That gets a laugh out of all of us. The whole time both Sunset and Trouble were still passing the bottle between them and Dull Beak. Now they offered it to both Sutures and Archer, both take a small drink to be polite and then sit with us around the fire.

Finally, Trouble begins the story, “LT, you have to understand this was five or six years ago. I had left home a few years before that and was living on a small farm in the woods north of Ponyville. I had found a mare; Gentle Wind was her name and we married and had ourselves a little buck we called Clear. Then the raiders came.” He pauses for a breath and to take another drink before continuing, “I was out in the fields out of sight of the house when I heard the thunder of a large group of ponies heading past toward the house. Then I heard gunfire and saw thick black smoke. I grabbed my shotgun and pistol and ran for the house, by the time I got there it was too late. They had killed them both and were already continuing on their way to Ponyville.”

Sunset takes over at this point, “It was shortly after this that I ran into Trouble, this was before me and Dodger started running together, he was over near Shatterhoof, and almost walked into there. That would have been a very bad thing for him back then. I stopped him and together we both continued on to New Appleloosa to report the raiders in the area.”

Trouble takes the bottle and continues to talk, “Well it seems that they already knew about the raiders and were looking for some pony to lead a group of mercs and bounty hunters into Ponyville, to clear it out of the raiders. Well, we formed up a group of about fifty of us. They paid us half upfront, so we figured we could use the money to buy equipment and weapons to do the job more safely. What they did not tell us was that the Dragon was in charge of the raiders there. LT, if we had known that, we would not have been so eager and would have asked for more troops to fight.”

By this point, it seems more ponies and a couple of cows have drifted in and were listening. All of them remaining quiet but paying attention, some of them had bottles with them that they were passing around.

Trouble keeps speaking, “being raiders we knew they would be up late partying and doing meds, so we decided to hit them at eight in the morning so we would be sure most were still asleep. Only problem was, The Dragon had anticipated such an attack and was waiting in ambush for us. We approached during the night from the south. The next thing I know we are being driven into part of the Everfree Forest on that side of the river. We lost a quarter of our forces almost as soon as we entered the forest. I mean between killing joke and timber wolves it was something out of a horror story.”

“Mollygirl, it was a nightmare,” Sunset picks up, “We not only were driven but hunted. I saw several go down to Tanglehoof and even more, were driven into a Chitterer nest, that was the first time I ever encountered them.”

“Excuse me guys, but what is Tanglehoof?” I ask.

Sunset elaborate, “LT, it is a kind of vine, it’s very quick and tangles itself around your hooves at first. Then it wraps itself around your body and tightens until you suffocate. It keeps your body wrapped like that until you decompose, I guess that way it can absorb the body’s nutrients through the soil. Real nasty stuff to say the least.”

“Ok, something else to watch for then. Guys if you see this, I need you to show me it so we know what to look for.” I tell them both, as I see several others around us nod their heads.

Trouble then picks up the story again. “Mollygirl, only five out of the fifty of us made it out of there. As far as I know, the others were dead, some may have become slaves, but who knows. Once we returned to New Appleloosa we were told we had to repay the money we were given upfront or we were expected to fulfill the contract. We told them there was no way we could. They tried to take us both prisoners, to make us slaves I guess, or just examples, but we were able to escape. Unfortunately, since then we both have had a price on our heads. Part of why I became a bounty hunter was so that I could keep an eye out to see who may want to collect it. After five years I stopped seeing posters hung for it, so I am not even sure if it has been forgotten or what.”

Finally, Sunset finishes, “The worst part was when we finally escaped the Everfree, we came across a field of bodies, both ours and the raiders, they were covered with crows that were pecking away at their bodies. As we came out, they all stopped eating and watched us. There was one that was about twice the size of the others that followed us until we cleared the area. I will never forget the sight or the feeling we were being judged.”

“Thank you two for telling me.” I turn to the rest of the crowd. This does not get talked about. It is between us, got it.” I see most of the heads nod.

Then I put a hoof around both Trouble and Sunset and hug them to me. “Now I understand. I can see why you did not want to talk about it. If it becomes a problem, I will watch out for you both.”

As I get up, I look at Trouble, “Do you think she was watching you that day?”

He nods back, “Mollygirl, she was there, I also saw a crow the day my family died. I just thought it was another bird. If I had known I would have been there. I could have saved them.”

“No Trouble, you would have died. They would have killed you too. If they killed fifty of you, then you would not have stood a chance by yourself, and no offense, I am damn glad you are here now. I really care about the buck I have gotten to know and call family.”

Trouble catches me by surprise as he hugs me from the ground, “Thanks Mollygirl, it still hurts losing them, but I guess you know how that feels too.”

I simply nod and think longingly of my Ivy and Epona. Yes, I can understand why Trouble did what he did. Now, how much of my recent actions are a response to that I ask myself.

“Well it is getting late, I guess we should call it a night,” I tell everyone as I head to my bedroll. I notice two have been set up right next to it.

While I look at it with a questioning expression, I see Sutures and Archer approach, “Hey we could not let you sleep by yourself on the night you got the big news,” Archer tells me with a smile.

Sutures follows up with, “Don’t worry, we know the rules. Just here to cuddle the little mother.” She says with a smile. Over by the fire I see Trouble looking my way with a smile and a nod.

So, I slip off my kit and climb into my bedroll. I feel Archer climb in behind me and Sutures in front of me. They both cuddle close and give me a slight nuzzle. I do so back and then fall asleep in their hooves for one of the best sleeps I have had since leaving home.

I awake in the morning to my PipBuck alarm. It is still before sunrise. At first, I am unsure if I am home or not. Ok, a buck behind with his hooves around me, a mare in front of me with her hooves over me. Let’s see, an enfield by my head, ok another one sniffling my hind hooves, oh, and a little mare cuddled up against me between me and the other mare. I slowly open one eye and See Ginger looking right at me, “Morning Auntie Mollygirl, I got cold last night, I hope you didn’t mind me crawling into bed with all of you.

I smile back at her. “No Ginger, I do not mind. Good morning young mare.”

At that point Sutures and Archer also begin to wake up. Both smile at me and then get up and pack their bedrolls. I hear them say good morning to each other, share a brief nuzzle, and then Archer is off to be with his troops again.

After he departs Sutures comes back over and gives Ginger a hug. “Good morning you little bed hog.” She tells her. Then she looks at me, “Mollygirl, is this how your life really is at home?”

I nod my head, “Usually, we tend to take turns as to who wakes in the middle though.”

She smiles with a wistful look upon her face, “I envy you that Mollygirl, I do not know how you could leave it for this.”

I sigh softly, “Honestly, I wish I didn’t have to. Part of me thinks about just throwing in the towel and becoming a farmer. But for some reason, I really feel duty-bound also.”

At this point I look over to the fire, I can smell the coffee boiling. I see Ginger reaching for the pot, “Ginger, no coffee for you!”

“Awww, but it tastes good LT?” she calls back.

“Sorry, but I have already over sugared you once this week, I do not want to deal with you on caffeine,” I tell her.

At that point, I hear Sutures laugh, “No way, I can only imagine Ginger on a sugar rush.”

“Yeah, her and Xochitl both. And I was worried that Woofers would be the loud one in the hotel room.” I tell her, as I go over and pour myself a cup of hot instant coffee. Sure, it was packaged before the war, but it still really perks a pony up on a cold morning.

After my coffee and some hot rations for breakfast, I head on over to the HQ for the morning officers’ call. As I arrive, I make my way over to Balanced Books so we can discuss today's supply run, and how we want to go about it. As I enter the group of assembled officers, I notice most of them looking at me and laughing. “Ok, what gives, why are you laughing at me?”

The Major then smirks, “I guess you didn’t listen to DJ Pon3 last night. So where is Trouble? Cause according to him there is a pony he referred to as the LT last night, who is followed closely by Trouble and they took care of some raiders a couple of days ago between the river and Junction R-7. Sooo, is there something you forgot in your report, perhaps about raiders?”

Oh my, I cannot believe this. “Sorry Ma’am I forgot to mention them. It’s just that they are so commonplace and we really did not have any problem dealing with them.”

“I see, perhaps next time you will remember, also, please, no more kneecapping if you can help it.” She tells me.

“Sorry ma’am, that was not me. That was Xochitl, but I will pass on your orders.” I tell her.

“You mean the blank flank Zony?” I hear Oak Roots ask.

“That’s him, but he is no longer a blank flank. He got is Glyph just before that.” I tell him.

“Well, congratulate him on behalf of all of us,” Oak Root tells me.

Finally, when all the officers have arrived the Major begins to discuss the day's plans. “Balanced Books, Mollygirl, I want both of you on the supply run. Tomorrow we will be shifting camps, following you south. However, the main force will not go any further south than the ridgeline between here and Shatterhoof. We will wait for you there and once you arrive, we will begin the trek north again as a whole unit.

“Understood ma’am, but is something wrong? I mean we could just meet you in a couple of days if you like?” I ask.

“Ok, this goes no further, but we have gotten some reports from the local Talon, of more of Red Eyes army falling back in this direction from their operations in the Hoofington region. I suspect that is what has happened to our expected caravan. Mollygirl, I want you to take most of the scouts with you, leave Sergeant Feathers, and Train Wreck if you will. Broken Dreams I would appreciate if you would assist me by taking over the remaining scouts until the Lieutenants return.”

“Yes Ma’am, not a problem.” He replies.

Once I get back to our part of the camp I see Xavier and Xochitl returning. “Hey Xavier, how goes it this morning?” I call to him as I watch Xochitl tiredly go over and begin to excitedly talk to Ginger.

“Good morning LT. It is ok, a bit tired though.” He tells me, “What on today’s agenda,” he asks me.

“Sorry to tell you but we are on our way to New Appleloosa in an hour. So, you and Xochitl need to get your gear ready.” I tell him.

As I look at him, he yawns deeply, “You did not get much sleep last night, did you?” I ask him.

“Sorry Lt, but no. It is a simple ceremony but it takes time. He has proven to me he is now ready for the responsibilities of a stallion.”

Now my curiosity is piqued, so I have to ask, “If you do not mind what does this ceremony entail?”

He looks around, “I really should not tell, but Mollygirl we take a young buck out to a remote location blindfolded. Once there we tell him that he has to stay there all night by himself and that he must remain blindfolded the whole time, using his other senses to tell if he is in danger or not. In the morning the father goes, and lets him know if he has successfully completed the trial and then they return together.”

“Wait, you took him by the river and left him by his self? What about radgators, or snakes, or any of those other creatures out there?”

He smiles, “No, the father does not actually leave. The young buck only thinks he does. The father actually stands guard and watches to determine if he tries to cheat or not.”

“Very interesting, and what does this prove?” I ask.

His smile widens, “A very good question. It proves several things. The young buck displays the bravery of an adult and is ready to accept more important roles. It also shows the young buck to trust his elders to always be watching over him and ready to help him if he needs it.”

“That is very interesting Xavier. I wonder if there was ever a similar ceremony amongst us ponies.” I tell him.

“LT, I am sure there once was, but I do not know them.” He tells me.

I then look at my PipBuck and notice the time. I call assembly for the first three squads of D troop as well as my scouts. Once they fall in, I tell them of the plans for the day. I see the disappointment on Sunset's and Choo Choo’s faces, “Sorry you two, but the Major asked for you both by name.” Finally, I call out, “Fall out and get your gear folks, we leave with the wagons in 30 minutes.”

Dear DJ Pon3, while we are busy fighting the good fight, sometimes we forget what life is about. As parents, we forget what is important and all too often lose sight of our real goals. Yesterday I found out my friend who was told she could never have a foal, is miraculously pregnant. Another friend’s son got his mark and has made the jump from being a foal to the beginnings of adulthood. Finally, I have had to start thinking about the limited genetic population of my kind and what we may have to do to expand our gene pool at home. With this in mind could you please play With Open Arms for all us parents?

Thank you

Sergeant Kicker

CEF Artillery

It seems I accidentally skipped a chapter, so this one is being published late. Sorry about that all.

As always, I have to thank Kkat for creating this wonderful universe for us. I also thank all the others who have since added to it. You have each made it more full and enjoyable.

For those wishing to hear this chapters dedication song, the youtube link is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-WYxwg94L4