The day’s march seems to be going well as we begin the march north and hopefully to a fairly near river crossing. The one that was used by Silver Spite and his troops should not be more than a couple of days march north. After all it only took him a week before we began to be engaged by his troops again. While aloft I have my scouts searching along the river to the north for it, as well as for enemy troops.

Twice during the day, we have minor skirmishes with remnants of the forces we engaged yesterday. We also run into a feral ghoul from yesterday. While nopony from our forces was killed in these incidents we do have some injured.

As we walk, Sutures finds me. She looks worn to the bone after working almost all night on the wounded. “Hey LT, how you holding up?”

“Hi Sutures, about as well as can be expected, I guess. My flank is a bit sore. But I do not want to waste a healing potion for bruising though,” I tell her, “How are you? I mean your shoulder and all.”

“I’ll make it, a bit sore and stiff still. You know you make it look easy. By the way, I heard about officers’ call this morning. It has become a bit of a rumor among the enlisted about how the Major and the others treated you. Most of them did not have the additional fighting last night or as long a day as you and yet they disrespected you that much. Just to let you know, most of the troopers think it is wrong.” She tells me.

“Thanks Sutures, but really we should not be talking about such things,” besides, I should have gotten permission to engage."

“LT, that is complete and utter brahmin crap and you know it. If we had not provided support fire, Ginger would have bought a plot.”

“Sutures, remember though, better one trooper than an entire force. Besides, that is another thing that is getting to me. Those two are just kids, but we are treating ‘em like they are adults. My Goddesses, what have I become that I resort to using child warriors?” I ask her.

Her face becomes blank, “Mollygirl, they snuck on this little adventure. They chose their path. Do I like it? Tartarus no! But they also asked for it. You did not recruit them. You accepted them after they volunteered, and could not return home safely. Remember, even the civilian camp has been hit. You felt they were safest with the scouts.”

I put my head down, ears at the side of my head, then I turn my head and look at her as we keep walking, “Tell that to Blondie. She told me to stay away from Sunny. She is afraid I will make him a soldier.”

“Goddesses, I would love to buck her upside the head,” she tells me “Sorry Mollygirl, but she is just being a very worried mother. She had no idea where Sunny was until you woke up. And nobody, including Broken Dreams, would let her wake you up.” She tells me.

“They should have woken me. I wanted him to be safe, and I wanted her to know he was safe.” I tell her.

“Mollygirl, tonight, when we get done with the march, you and I are going to do something to help you relax. I think You and I, and maybe Archer, will go see that Gypsy show. My treat dear. Repayment for dinner the other night. Otherwise I have to consider that a date…” She teases me.

“Ok, sounds good. You know if I was not pregnant, I could really go for a drink. Sutures, I have so much on my mind right now.”

“Mollygirl, I can understand it. I am all ears, anytime you want to talk,” she tells me.

I chuckle a bit, “I thought Woodrow was all ears?” I tease back.

She smiles, “Glad to see the Mollygirl we all love and care about starting to show. We got this LT. Now I better check on some of the troops. I will see you later,” she tells me as she falls back in the line of march.

A bit later Sunset comes up to me and begins to talk, “Hey LT.”

“Hey Sarge, how’re the troops?” I ask.

“Oh, they are a tough lot, they are all hanging in there. I heard ‘bout Blondie this morning from Trouble. I’m sorry she was being that way. Ya understand how protective mothers can be.” He says.

“Yeah, yeah I do, that buck last night tried to kick me in the stomach and all I could think of was my foal and how he tried to hurt it.”

I see him nod his head, “I thought it was something like that. Sorry I wasn’t able to support ya in that fight. I had my hooves full already.”

“I understand, believe me,” I tell him, then out of the corner of my eye, I see a little black pegasus flying. “Huh, ya know Sunset, I did not know he knew how to fly. Did you guys get a chance to teach him?”

He looks back and we can both see him hovering over his mother and Trouble. “Actually, that is something I wanted to talk with ya about. He said that white mare, taught him yesterday, then showed him the soldiers and flew with him after she turned into a crow. Are we being tailed by a changeling?”

I sigh, “Have you talked to Xavier or Trouble yet about this white mare?” I ask.

He nods his head, “Yeah, and both are tight-lipped about it. What is going on LT? Seriously, as your sergeant, I need to know these things.”

So, I begin to tell him about the Mareigan. I see him look incredulous at first. “You see being that zebras have knowledge and fear of spirits as well as the stars, that is why he is hesitant to talk about it with you. He does not want to draw her attention to you.”

“LT, I'm sorry but that's as hard to swallow as ten-year-old hay. But I know ya don’t lie and make up such tales. At least she seems to be helping us.”

“Yeah, so far at least. Xavier says the spirits may seem to want to help us, but it always has a price. I am not fully sure on that part, but I would want to stay on their good side.”

“Yeah, I have ta agree with ya on that. No need angering spirits or goddesses when we don’t need ta, just in case ya know.” He tells me.

“Yeah, I know. By the way, good job with the combined squad yesterday. Thanks also for making sure the two zebra’s got home, safely no less.” I tell him.

“Not a problem LT. Just business as usual, ya know. Perhaps someday I can begin to move up the ranks more, ya know what I mean.” He tells me with a note of hope in his voice.

“Sunset, we get back from this and I will write you one hell of a performance review. You have more than proven me right about you being a sergeant.”

“Thanks again LT. I might just have to consider making it a career again. Who knows?”

With that, he steps out and catches up with Duke and they begin to talk a bit too. I look up and See Serenity and Sky making elongated circles above the column. This puts me a bit on edge as any prying eyes can keep track of our movement this way.

I see Broken Dreams a bit further back in the Column and fall back to talk with him a bit.

“Hey Captain.”

“Hey Lieutenant. How’s it going today?”

“It seems to be getting better. Sorry about my appearance this morning at Officers’ call. I had not realized I had blood all over me.” I tell him with a bit of humility in my voice.

“I understand Lieutenant. You have to excuse the Major, you completely threw her plans off yesterday, and it seems she had a hard time adjusting to the new reality. I am just glad it was not your blood this time. How’s the foal? Have you started to feel it moving yet?”

I smile, I had gotten to think I would never be able to answer this question, “Honestly I am not sure, I thought I felt something yesterday but you know how it is. I am at the point where I may or may not feel it yet.”

“I am glad to hear it for you Mollygirl. You know I had hoped that Tar and I might have a foal at one point. To tell the truth, I am worried about her. We keep seeing Silver Spite, but have not seen her since the battle of the bridge.”

“I can understand that. I know Trouble is worried about her also. To tell the truth, I wonder how she is doing too.” I tell him, only telling him a slight fib.

“You know Mollygirl, you are a very lucky mare. Your wife and husband both let you know what they wanted so you could act on it.”

I laugh sadly, “True, but Ivy waited too long. At least the Ivy from this world.”

He gives me an odd look, “What do you mean?” He asks.

I sigh, “In the railyard under the Canterlot Mountain, we found a boxcar that had an old experiment in it. Well it was a doorway to a parallel timeline,” I smile sadly, '' when we turned it on, their Ivy, as well as Epona and Sutures, came over. It turns out on their timeline, I was the one that died, but Ivy and I had been married for nine years already. The topper was I had my own daughter most that time too.”

“Mollygirl, are you serious? Did any others come through? Did you tell the Major?” he asks in rapid-fire questions.

“Yes, I am serious, you can ask the troops that were with me. They all saw them. Those three were the only ones to come through though,” I pause to let him digest the information, “As for the Major, I did not have the opportunity. She seemed to want me out of her sight as soon as possible.”

“I am sorry she was that way. We need to get a full report written up and I will turn it in for you. I am sure the Co-op Board of Directors, as well as the Colonel, will want to know about that. As well as the railyard,” he tells me, then he continues, “I wonder if on the other side things were different for Tar and me also. I envy you, at least you got to see Ivy again, I have no idea if I will ever see Tar again.”

“Yeah, I got to see her, but I had to say a final goodbye a second time too. Even if it was a better memory, it still hurts.” I tell him.

“Come on Mollygirl, you are in the CEF. If it didn’t hurt, how would you know you are still alive,” he jokes, and then I smile, say goodbye for now, and work my way back to my troops.

Once we stop for the day. Pickets are set out from each of the companies. Before the evening’s officers’ call Broken Dreams and I head over to the HQ area early. We then approach the Major for my report on the previous day’s findings.

“Ok, what is it you two want?” the Major asks.

“Ma’am, the lieutenant still needs to make a report on her findings from under Canterlot to you. I think you may be interested.” Broken Dreams tells her, “Perhaps you should hear her out in private though.” He says as he looks over at Dull Beak.

I hear her sigh, then Quick Trot tells us, “Captain, Lieutenant, Dull Beak is on my staff, and as such will hear your report also if he chooses.”

“OK, Ma’am, if you do not mind then I will give you the full report. Besides, I am sure Gawd will be interested in some of these findings as well.” I tell her.

I see her raise one eyebrow, “OK, continue then Lieutenant.”

“Ma’am, to begin with, the tunnels themselves still seem to be structurally sound overall. The railyard under there is also full of rolling stock and at least a dozen steam engines that are all in top-notch mechanical condition. The rails themselves have been taken good care of also.” I tell her.

“Ok, and are you a railroad expert now Lieutenant?” she asks, “I mean to be able to determine this you seem rather confident.”

“No ma’am, I am not, but my scout Choo Choo was at one time, as was the ghoul Side Track that we ran into down there. He has maintained his mental capacity in part through performing the upkeep on all of that equipment. He also said that there were some other ghouls that assisted him, but we did not see them.”

I see Dull Beak’s interest has been raised. Then I continue, “We also found several freight cars that still had weapons stored in them. We took only a part of them when we left. But we also have files on which cars to look into for more. I do believe there may have even been some more cars with artillery or at least mortars in them, but we did not have time to find them.” I tell her.

“Ok, I surmised there were probably more weapons down there as well as ammo. I am sure there may have even been food. No big deal so far.” Quick Trot says.

Broken Dreams then interjects, “Major, that is all interesting but there was one more thing that you may want to know about.”

She turns to face me, “Ok Mollygirl, please continue then.” She orders.

“Yes, ma’am. The most interesting thing is we found another rail car that was a special one for the OIA. It seems that they had an experimental inter-timeline doorway on it.” I tell her.

I see Dull Beak look a bit confused, and the Major has a questioning look on her face, “And you know this how?” she asks.

“Ma’am we found an office for the OIA at the dispatch station there. The paperwork described it some and gave us a car number. Once we found it, we turned it on.” I tell her.

She looks stunned, “You did what? And how do you know it worked?”

“Major once turned it on, a mist-like portal appeared in the doorway. This was followed shortly by three individuals crossing over that made it obvious that they were not from here.”

“Mollygirl, and who were these three individuals that could prove it.” She demands.

“Major the first two were Ivy and her daughter Epona, both who were killed by Silver Spite over two months ago and long-buried. The third was our Medic Sutures. All of us saw them.” I tell her.

I hear Dull Beak Chuckle a bit, “So was Sutures talking to herself then?” he jokes.

I have to laugh a bit at that one too. Then I reply, “You could say that. We did discuss some of the differences on both sides. Unfortunately, the humming of the machinery attracted the attention of the feral ghouls. So, they crossed back over, and then we shut the unit down. After that, we locked it back up before we left. Side Track is still down there and is friendly to us, especially as he once knew Choo Choo very well.” I tell them.

“Ok, I’ll bite, how close were this Side Track and Choo Choo that make you trust him so much?” the Major questions.

“Ma’am, before Choo Choo was made an Alicorn, she and he worked together for over twenty years. They were engaged and if the final day would not have happened at that time, they would have been married and retired together. They actually worked well together to use a switch engine to move the weapons and ammo to the tunnel that we entered from and where the weapons were recovered from.” I tell them.

I see Dull Beak is fully paying attention, and then he tells the Major, “You know if we ever begin to reclaim the wastelands and rebuild Equestria we can use that rolling stock and engines. Also having a ghoul who can teach others how to repair and maintain all that would be of immense value also.”

“Ok, thank you for the report then Lieutenant. I appreciate it, and while we can not use more of what you found, I will make sure we pass the information up the chain of command. Perhaps at a later time, we can begin further recovery efforts.” She tells me and then walks away.

After Officers’ Call, I go back to our camp and meet up with Sutures and Archer. We then head over to the civilian camp, first we grab dinner from the usual vendor. This time she has radhog stew. I am not sure where she got the carrots and potatoes but it is delicious all the same. In fact, it is so good I surprise both Archer and Sutures by going back and buying seconds.

Then we head over to the gypsy pony camp. They have camped a slight distance away from the rest of the civilians. Their caravan is made up of nine wagons. Several of these wagons have canvas tent-like attachments to them. Besides these are signs that tell what services they offer. I see one that sells tinware, one is an herbalist, who sells homemade medicinal cures, another advertises food, including Fancy Buck cakes that they must have recovered. I notice a couple have games of chance set up that are surrounded by troopers as well as civilians. I see two others for fortune-tellers, and then I see one for dancers. Out of the last one, I can hear music playing and the voices of many bucks and some mares.

I notice that all of them have mottled coats of patches of black or brown over white. They also all have large amounts of fur around their hooves. They are all dressed as nicely as they can be. I even see some of the females wearing jewelry. Some wearing rings in their ears and others with fancy necklaces.

As we pass some of them, they call out to us trying to get our attention. To try their wares, or participate in what they consider the sport of gambling.

As we approach one of the fortune-tellers’ tent, I notice Ginger, coming out along with Xochitl and Xavier. He looks at me and nods. Xavier then stops me, “She is good LT. I would suggest a quick reading if anything. When you get back to camp, I want to talk to you about some things.”

“Ok Xavier, thanks,” I say to him with a smile.

I go in and sit down, Sutures and Archer stand behind me. Before me is an older unicorn mare. Her mane is mostly covered by a scarf, but what I can see of it is starting to gray her once brown mane and tail. She has several bracelets on her forelegs and two gold earrings. I notice her cutie mark is three cards, with the back showing. She sees me looking at it and comments. “The cards are tarot cards, the reason the backs are showing, is that the future has yet to be revealed. Welcome, I am mama Shelta. What can I do for you?”

I smile and before I can answer, Sutures says, “We were told to have you perform a short reading done for Mollygirl here. How much would that cost?”

She looks at me funny, “Is this the same Mollygirl that knows a certain white mare who led Sunny and a family to us outside of Glyphmark.”

I am surprised and I know it shows on my face as she smiles, “Ah, yes, I do know some things, yes, A short reading it is then. For you Mollygirl only three caps, also I have a new deck, please choose from one of these new ones.”

I choose one and she begins to shuffle it, “Now think about your life and what you want clarity on,” she tells me. Then she lays three cards face down. She then speaks again. The card to your left is the past. The middle one the present, and the right one, well, of course, that is the future.”

She uses her telekinesis to turn the first card over, I see a naked mare standing next to a large cat holding its jaws open but it is upside down to me. “Ah, here we see the card of Strength, but it is reversed, this shows that in the past you have experienced great fear, or perhaps self-doubt," she tells me.

Next, she flips the middle card and I see a white earthpony mare with a crown of stars and a robe. It is upright to me. Momma Shelta then tells me, “This is the empress card. She signals fertility, nature, and motherhood. This could be showing us that you are in touch with your femininity or you are ready to have a foal.” Then she raises an eyebrow, “or you are already in foal,” she says with a smile as she looks into my eyes.

“Ah it is the latter, congratulations to you and your spouses,” she says as she looks at Archer and Sutures.

“Thank you,” I tell her, stunned that she could tell by the cards. “I guess we should look at the last one now,” I tell her nervously.

She flips the card and I about panic as I am looking at the face of the skeletal pony in a suit of armor. Even I can tell it is death. She sees the expression on my face, she places a forehoof on mine, “Relax my little mother, the death card does not mean your death. But instead signals the end of a cycle. You have big changes coming. You are right to be nervous as change is always unsure, but welcome it.”

I let out my breath that I had been holding. I feel very relieved by her last statement. “Thank you so much for your time,” I tell her.

She smiles at me. “You are very welcome Mollygirl, be careful with your foal you are carrying. And remember, the spirits are watching you.”

“Would either of you like a reading done too?” she asks Sutures and Archer. When they say no, then she thanks us for our business and wishes us a good night.

As we are leaving, I see her taking one of several decks from behind her and running it in the smoke over a candle.

It is starting to get late but we pass one of the vendors who is selling whiskey and head in to see the dancing mares. Inside we see a stage has been set up and is lit by several lanterns. Around the stage, we see many bucks and mares just enjoying the show.


On the stage, I see two mares, one older and one about my age. As with all of the gypsy ponies they are two-toned in their coats. This time both have a base white coat, but one has black splotches while the other has brown on their coats. They are both wearing flowing skirts that swirl outwards as they spin in their dancing. Their shoulders are bare and they shake them as well as they dance on their hind legs. I am almost entranced as I watch the intricate movement of their hind hooves, as they spin and clap their forehooves. I am almost ashamed to admit the effect it all has on me as I watch the two mares dance. They not only move smoothly and seductively but are beautiful as well. Occasionally they are joined by a young buck who is wearing a vest and hat that seems to be almost a uniform for the gypsy males, if not for the variety of colors.

I have to laugh to myself when I see of all bucks, Sunset down in the front row and see him throw several caps to the dancers. Hmm, it seems he must have had a change of heart after warning me against them outside Glyphmark. But let him have his fun too, he has earned it.

After we leave the dancer's tent, we are passing by one of the fortune-tellers’ tents when I overhear a conversation inside. I hear an older bucks voice asks, “What are you still doing out here this late? Come to bed now.”

In reply, I hear a mare answer back, “I am sorry, but I have to cleanse these decks. It seems they must have been corrupted by an evil spirit or something today.”

The buck then asks, “What do you mean?” I can hear the worry in his voice.

“I, I kept getting readings that indicated great harm or death to most of those I did readings on today. I have never had that many before. I broke out a new deck for a mare earlier and hers was one of the few that did not tell me that. I, I think we need to tell the bandolier. If I am correct these ponies are in big trouble and we do not want to be near them.” She answers back.

Then we are out of range for me to hear anymore. But the conversation has me wondering as well as concerned. What does the future hold for all of us in the CEF?

Eventually, we make it back to camp. Archer kisses Sutures, then me, and excuses himself, as he has to get back to his troops. I let Sutures know I will be back soon as I want to talk to Xavier. It takes me a bit, but I finally find him sitting by a fire, looking out into the dark. “Good Evening LT.,” he tells me without looking.

“Good evening Xavier. You said you wanted to talk to me about a few things?” I ask.

In the dark, I can see a grim expression on his face. He nods then begins in his accented equestrian, “Yes, and no. I do not want to talk about such things, but I think we need to.”

“Ok, Xavier, I am here to listen,” I tell him.

“Mollygirl, I talked with the seers in the caravan. Neither I, nor they liked what we are hearing from the spirits. Soon we may be in great peril. I am telling you this so that you may be ready mentally.”

“Uh, Xavier, why me?” I ask.

He smiles again. “Because she is watching you, and for some reason favors you. And before you ask, I have not talked to her.” He tells me, then he continues, “Also, I do not know what you said to Ginger, last night, but it seems to have helped her. I have to say I have become quite fond of her and consider her like a daughter, and from what the shamans and seers have indicated to me, I may well have a reason, but that is another story for another time.”

“Thank you for letting me know Xavier. I do appreciate it. I should let you get some sleep now, as well as get some myself.” I tell him.

He nods his head, “Yes, best to get it while we can I guess.” Then he looks up at the stars and the moon rising over the horizon. “You know LT, I am still not sure why my people were so afraid of the stars and Luna. I wonder what this world would have been like if they had only kept their heads.”

This time I nod as I look into the sky beside him, “Xavier, I have wondered that many times myself, but to tell the truth, I doubt I would have been born if that had not happened. So, for me, perhaps it is best.”

I hear him laugh lightly, “Yes, I can understand that. I think it would have been the same for me. At least in this body. I really should not talk to the cows so much; I think I am starting to pick up on their religious beliefs.” He says as he shakes his head.

“Maybe, or maybe if we all listened a bit more and put ourselves in the other's place and looked at it from their perspective, we would all be better off.” I tell him, and then I get up, “Goodnight Xavier, I will see you in the morning. Sleep well, my friend.”

He places a hoof on my shoulder, “You too my friend.”

With that, I go back to my bedroll and climb in alongside of Sutures and Woofers. As I fall asleep, I hope that tomorrow will be a better day. At least we will be closer to home.

When morning comes, we are up before sunrise once again. I have my scouts out and checking both of the estimated line of travel as well as some checking behind us. By dawn, we have our camps packed, and our breakfast is eaten. The Major holds a quick officers call and tells us our line of travel. She feels that we should cross the river first. The bridge is just north and west of Good Doer. I remember the fated stable that lies dead there. We should make it there by tomorrow evening.

Along with my scouts being airborne we also have a few of Guerre’s griffons with them. They are there to be a quick reaction force in case my scouts see anything.

Twice during the day, we receive reports of troops on both sides of the river behind us. Both times they seem to disappear as our scouts get closer. I send Firefly and Sunset along the river and have them fly further south toward Two Step. I do not like the news I receive when they return, it seems they have been using small boats and whatever floats to get troops across the river. Once again, they are trying to get ahead of us so they can cut us off.

Once the word comes through, we begin to pick up the pace for the scouts and D-troop. We are to make sure we take the bridge. Shortly afterward I hear the clatter of the wheels as Celestia and Nightmare Moon come behind us at a canter to catch up. The civilians are behind us with the volunteer troop. They are maintaining our normal pace as are H-troop and E-troop.

We are able to keep them behind us. Once we reach the bridge we cross over immediately. Down the road, a short way is a hamlet of several buildings. Behind it is another forest of dead trees and brush. The hamlet looks like it has not been lived in for some time. I send in the scouts at first and we begin to look for ferals or traps. Once cleared the scouts begin to explore the area around the hamlet while D- troop begins to dig in on the south side of it. The artillery takes positions on the northside of the village, using dead trees from the forest to make barricades.

As the civilian train crosses over they follow the road and begin to head to the northwest of the village along with the Volunteers. By early evening the rest of the CEF has arrived and is digging in. As our normal procedure, the engineers begin to rig the bridge for demolition.

At the evening Officers call we receive news from home. That they have recently engaged more of Red Eye's former troops near Dairyanne. However, it seems it was just a small raid and was easily repelled.

Then the Major begins to discuss the next day's plan. “I do not want to blow the bridge unless we have to. At this time, it seems that Bursting Star’s forces have been severely crippled. I would like to let them try to assault us and have one of our companies swing wide and hit them from the flank or rear.” They will receive air support from Guerre and her Griffons,” she says and nods towards her. If they do not further approach us, we will begin to send out scouts again and try to mop up any resistance we find Once we complete that we will head home again.”

I see most of the other officers nod in agreement with her. I am still thinking about it and what my scouts and I will need to do when she tries to call me out. “Lieutenant Mollygirl, do you not agree with this plan?”

“Sorry, Ma’am. I was just thinking about how to best use my scouts to support it. I guess I got a bit distracted.” I tell her honestly.

I see her smile, “Excellent. I am glad to hear we are all in agreement. Let’s hit them again and see if we can knock them down hard enough to cry, uncle. Ok, all dismissed.”

As we prepare to leave, she tells me, “Mollygirl, I want your flying scouts to scour to the south and southeast at least ten klicks out. Your ground-bound scouts, I want them to head east on hoof about five clicks. Let’s make sure that they have escorts. No need to lose any of them this close to the end of the campaign,” she tells me.

“Yes ma’am, I fully agree. If it looks like they will attack us though do you want me to use my ground scouts as guides then for the flanking force?”

I see her think about it. “How about we discuss this more in the morning. I want some time to think about it. Now go get your scouts some rest so they are fresh in the morning.” She tells me.

As I leave the HQ area, I feel relieved that at least her mood has lightened toward me. I head back to the section of the lines for D-troop and behind it, the old building that was once a home but now is housing my scouts for the night. Upon the rickety roof of the porch, I see Woofers hanging over the edge. On the porch itself, I am surprised to see Serenity and Sky both sitting there with Tweeters between them as they pet her and rub her belly.

As I approach, I hear Sky tell Serenity, “See, they really are not that bad overall. Maybe we could get one for our home someday?” she asks with a raised eyebrow and a bit of hope in her voice.

From Serenity, I hear a sigh and in a resigned voice, she replies, “Perhaps. You know you can get me to agree to almost anything don’t you.”

To this Sky gives a small giggle and then straightens up as she notices me. “Good evening LT, she says.”

“Good evening Sky. Glad to see you two getting some time to just relax and enjoy yourselves. Just to let you know tomorrow will be a busy day, so we may want to get some rest tonight.”

I see them both smile at each other, and then they reply, “Yes LT,” as I pass through the doorway into the ruins.

Once inside I see somepony has started a fire in the old fireplace. Sure, the roof may have holes and the floor is made of dirt, but the warmth of the fire helps to dispel the chill that is coming on as night falls. By the fireplace, I see Xavier on one side sitting upright. Next to him with their bedrolls spread out are Xochitl and Ginger. They are both lying down with Ginger's head resting on Xochitl’s back. Trouble is lying down on the other side of the fireplace with Sunny between him and Blondie. When she sees me, she turns her head but says nothing.

Sunset is by a window sitting at a table writing a letter. I can only guess who it is to, as we have not had mail go out for over a week now. Chip and Blackberry are laying against the far wall both already asleep.

“Hey sarge, where’s Firefly at?” I ask.

He smiles, “Oh, he is up in the lines hanging out with the first squad, you know how he is.”

“Ok, I need to head that way myself soon.” I tell him, “Where’s Choo Choo?”

To that he looks kind of perplexed, “Honestly, Ma’am, I do not know. I thought she was on the front porch. But I guess I was wrong.”

We both look at our PipBucks and look for her locator tag. I am surprised when I see she is visiting the HQ area. I can only imagine why. But before I can leave that is answered when she lands along with Dull Beak.

“Hi LT, I hope you do not mind I brought company back with me. I was visiting Paperwork back at the HQ and started to talk to Dull Beak too.”

Before I can answer Dull Beak interjects, “Hi LT, good to see you again.”

I smile, “No Problem Choo Choo, and Dull Beak it is good to see you again, especially away from the HQ.”

He looks around, “You know this is the quietest I have ever seen your scouts. Is everything ok?” he asks.

“Yeah, I just think we are all tired and just enjoying the warmth tonight. You are welcome to join us though.” I tell him and offer him a seat.

We all sit having a quiet talk for a while when Nugget shows up. I see a sleepy Ginger suddenly come to life when she hears her mother's voice. She excuses herself from Xochitl and climbs into her mother’s lap. After a bit Nugget has her get out her book and reads her another one of the short stories. As she does so all of us are quiet and listen, even Dull Beak. I find it interesting when I notice Xochitl has moved closer to Nugget and is sitting at her hooves too.

After she finishes her story, she takes Ginger back to her bedroll and lays down with her, stroking her mane as she falls asleep. Then she carefully gets up, wraps the blanket around her, kisses her forelock, and leaves again with a sad smile on her face.

As she heads out the door, I follow behind her. “I hope you do not mind me going back up to the lines with you?”

“No, not at all Mollygirl. I wanted to talk a bit anyways.” She tells me.

“Really, what about?” I ask.

“Just lonely, I guess. Mollygirl, I have lost so many ponies around me in the last year I really am having a hard time allowing new ones in,” She says with a half-smile, “Heck you are one of the few I really have left now, and you usually seem so busy we rarely get to talk.”

“Sorry about that Nugs. I guess I am not the best at being a friend. I had not realized I was the one cutting you out.” I tell her.

“Nah, it’s not all you. I mean, I have not been the same since Hoofington, I know none of us who were there will be the same though.” She says as she looks off into space as we walk.

“Nugget, would you like to talk about it?” I offer.

She shakes her head, “No, not really Mollygirl. We felt like we were in constant fear, the closer we got to the core, the worse it got. I am not sure if the ever-present combat or the nightmares there were the worst. But I never want to go back there.”

“The Major said it was horrible. She did not say much more. If you ever feel the need to talk about it with me. I am here Nugget.”

“Thanks, Mollygirl, I will keep that in mind. Also, thank you for taking care of my little girl. I hate to think it has taken this to get to really know her. I think she will be a mare to be proud of someday. I do have to say, while I like her friend Xochitl, I am worried that maybe they are growing up too quick.”

“Yeah, I understand. I am keeping an eye on them. She really is a special little filly you have there.” I tell her.

“Well, I better break off and head on over to the Ranger’s section. I will talk to you soon Mollygirl.” She tells me as she stops and gives me a quick hug.

“I will talk to you soon too Nugget. Be careful and keep your head down ok.” I tell her.

Then I turn and head up to D troops area. As I get closer, I can hear some of them talking. Then I hear a couple of voices talking quietly near me. I recognize the first voice as Dusty’s “Thank you for visiting me tonight Firefly. I have really gotten to look forward to these visits.”

“I'm glad you are enjoying them as much as I am, maybe sometime soon we can go into the civilian camp and have dinner and spend time together in public.” I hear him tell her back.

“Maybe, but dear, please understand, I am taking it slow this time. No matter how much I want to rush in, I am not doing that again. Besides, before making a commitment again I think I should be back in the Co-op. Heck, who knows there may be some pegasus fillies there when we get back that trip your trigger instead.”

I hear him sigh in the dark, “Ok, I will wait Dusty, but honestly, I like you. Wings or no wings, you are perfect just the way you are.”

“Thank you, my dear, I feel the same way about you. You are such a sweetheart.” She tells him back, and then as I step, I break a branch and I hear her whisper something to him as I pass by. I have to admit it does make me feel good to know they have each other.

When I finally make it to D-troops section of the lines I can see how much they have built it up. I eventually find the HQ area and check-in with Broken Dream and Dark Hills. “It's good to see you again Mollygirl,” Dark Hills tells me.

“Good to see you too. How is it going tonight?” I ask.

“Actually, very quiet, Kind of makes me wonder what they are up to. In fact, I plan on having stand to earlier than normal by at least a half-hour.” Broken Dreams tells me.

“Ok, I will let my scouts know and have them ready earlier in the morning. I will be back in a bit that way I am with the troop in the morning if something happens.” I tell them.

“Ok, sounds good Mollygirl, see you in a bit,” Broken tells me as I slip out of the lines on and head back.

On my way back I see the two still sitting there in the dark with his wings wrapped around her. I quietly approach and let them know I am there, then I tell them what is going on.

“Ok LT, I will head back to the squad in a bit then,” Dusty tells me.

Then I hear Firefly ask, “LT, would it be alright if I was to spend the night up here also, I could be a runner to alert the other scouts if needed.” He tells me.

Normally I would not do this, but this time I make an exception, “Ok, I will let the sergeant know where you are and why. I will be passing through again soon just so you know.” I tell them, then I continue my way back.

Once at the scouts’ shelter, I grab a quick cup of tea with Xavier and Sunset. I let them know what Broken Dreams thinks might be up and to be ready. I also let them know that Firefly, as well as myself, will be up at the lines for the night.

Behind me, from by the fire, I hear Dull Beak say, “Well if you are not staying here tonight, do you mind if I do, this fire is just the thing to let me loosen these old sore muscles.”

“Sure, Dull Beak, no problem. I am just surprised you are not sleeping with the HQ staff tonight.” I tell him.

“Oh, I could, but I actually feel more comfortable among your scouts than the Major and her staff. Besides if there is any action, I will be that much closer to it.” He tells me.

“Well, you are always welcome DB.” Sunset tells him.

“Ok sarge, I leave them in your capable hooves for the night. I will see you in the morning.” I tell him and head back to the front.

Once there I find a hole back behind my section of the first three squads. I let Duke know where I am as well as the sergeants from the other squads. As I am starting to fall asleep, I am suddenly awoken by somepony climbing into the hole with me.

“Whoops, sorry about that Mollygirl, I heard you were here when I got back from visiting with Archer, I hope you don’t mind company?” I hear Sutures say in the dark. I can smell some whiskey on her breath as well as the musky scent of Archer.

“No problem Sutures, there is still room,” I tell her, as she slides in next to me. I pull up the blanket and she climbs in with me. She starts to nibble my neck, then she falls asleep. I gently kiss her forelock and cuddle more. And fall asleep.

I wake up and I am home in bed. Magpie and I are both laying on our sides, our heads on Badger’s side. We are all sleeping in the same bed and between us are two young foals also sleeping. Soon after I feel my foal wake and start to suckle from me. I feel completely at peace and am truly happy for the first time since before we lost Ivy and Epona. From the other room, I can hear Sumac in the kitchen cooking breakfast and I hear her tell Ginger to go wake us up.

As I lay there, I feel Ginger gently shaking me. “Time to get up Ma, Granny says it's time to get up.”

I open my eyes and I am no longer home. I am back in the hole next to Sutures. Firefly is shaking me, “Lt wake up, time for stand to.”

I am fully awake and putting on my battlesaddle as I look up shaking my head, “Thanks Firefly. I am up.”

“Yes ma’am,” he tells me then he is off and heading to the rear.

I get up and begin to head to the front lines and Sutures stops me. “LT, the troops know you are here. Give them a couple of minutes before you head to the front.”

I wait in the dark next to her, waiting for the sun to rise. As it does, we sit together watching it first over the mountains in the distance and then as it begins to light the plains. After it is up Broken Dreams swings by our hole, “Ok Mollygirl, let's go, time for officers call.

As we are walking toward the HQ and the Major, I see several wagons and carts begin to move north from the civilian camp. I notice most of them are from the Gypsy caravan, but more than a few are made up of civilians who were either supporting us on the campaign or who were using us as an armed escort to the Co-op. Suddenly I wonder what they know, that we do not.

Dear DJ Pon3, recently our caravan has had the privilege to meet and serve the members of the Co-op expedition force. Many were pleasant and we hope to share their company again sometime. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, I cannot explain, we have decided it is best for us to go ahead of them to their homes. For this as well as to let those who covered their true colors toward us, I ask that you please play Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves.

Thank You

Mama Shelta

My thanks to Kkat, for creating the world of FoE. Again I want to thank Fuzzy Vee Vee, Heartshine and all the others who have built upon Kkats foundation and showed us how much more we can add to it.

I hope you have enjoyed this new side of Equestria that I have added and more fully fleshed out this chapter. We find ourselves winding down the expedition it seems and everypony has their confidence up. However, as happens in the wastelands tensions build slowly and events can still surprise us.

This chapters dedication song can be found at the youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThToz3UmIL4

11/7/2019: I have added some artwork to this chapter, again it is done by my friend Skybound. If you like her style, her work can be found at https://www.deviantart.com/skybound1998