Chapter 36 Dancing in the Pale Moonlight

“Captain, the problem is not that I’m paranoid. The problem is that the universe keeps justifying my paranoia.”
― John Scalzi, The End of All Things

I trot over to the officers' call along with Broken Dreams. Once all of the officers arrive, she begins. She has a huge smile on her face as she tells us, “Good Evening Mares and Gentlecolts. By now I am sure you have all heard the great news. Bursting Star and Silver Spite of Red Eye’s Army have approached us to discuss terms of surrender. I will have several of you accompanying me for this historic moment in the Co-ops and the Co-op Guards history.” She pauses as she looks at all of us and then continues, “In fact I want most of you to attend this meeting with me. Those who are not, will be able to listen in via PipBuck by your next higher in the chain of commands that is there. We will have one more officers’ call in the morning to confirm who will be going and who will be standing guard. I want the troops in standby so that they know they have been beaten and that we can hit them again if we so desire.”

She is interrupted as around me the officers begin to cheer. She quiets them down and begins again, “Once we have accepted their surrender. We will then determine what to do with the prisoners and as soon as possible after that return to Manesville.”

Once again, she is interrupted by the excited voices of the officers gathered there. Even I am beginning to be caught up in the moment when I notice that while Guerre is also excited, Dull Beak appears to be somewhat more skeptical. She then continues, “Even though it looks like our campaign is winding down, I still want you all to make sure our troops are ready for renewed action. I also want all pickets and guards to be alert tonight. In fact, tonight I want to change the challenge and countersign from our normal ones. For tonight lets go with the challenge of Ticks and the countersign Chitterers.”

After this I see a hoof being raised by Fancy Flourish. Once she is called upon by Quick Trot she asks, “Ma’am, would it be ok then for us perhaps throw a party tomorrow night to celebrate?”

I see the Major nod her head and then answer, “Most certainly. I am really glad you mentioned that Fancy. Perhaps we can find the supplies to have a feast then also. If so, let’s do that too. Ok everyone, go get some well-deserved rest. I will see you all in the morning, Dismissed.”

Along with everyone else I leave the house, as I head out the door, Archer grabs me and pulls me to the side. “What do you think Mollygirl?”

At first, I am confused, “About this surrender business,” he tells me.

“I am not really sure. It seems too good to be true. That and it involves Silver Spite. No matter what I do not want to see him again.”

He nods to me. “Yeah, I feel the same way on both counts. Tomorrow I think I will standby with my Artillery. I am going to tell the Major that in the morning. But for tonight, how about I join you and Sutures again.” He says with a grin and ears forward.

I look around really quick and seeing no pony nearby I quickly kiss him, “Sounds good to me dear,” I tell him as I turn to walk away with my tail raised.

He is still following me when we come across Sutures. She smiles at me then at Archer, and asks with a grin, “Oh for me love?”

I smile back at her, “He followed me home, can we keep him?”

She puts a hoof under her chin looking at Archer, “Oh, I don’t know, we can’t just go picking up strays now can we.”

“Oh really, a stray am I? I see how I rate,” he says with an obviously fake hurt tone to his voice.

At which point she finally goes over and kisses him. “Good to see you are ok dear.”

We then all turn and go back to the D-troops campfire. There are several troopers already sitting around it. When we come up, they are singing and the bottle is being passed around already. Tonight, it seems almost everyone is celebrating still being alive. I am stunned when Blondie comes over to me, “LT, do you have a minute?”

“Sure Blondie, what you got?”

“LT, I want to apologize for earlier. I am sorry about what I said you did to the youngsters. Trouble let me know how much you have actually tried to protect them. That and I talked to Choo Choo about how they got here. You know she can be very persuasive when she wants to be.”

“Yeah, while she has not been that way to me, I get the feeling she can be.” I put out my hoof for a shake and she takes it, “Thank you, Blondie, I do appreciate it. Trouble is family and that makes Sunny family too. Please understand, I don’t have a lot of it left, so I do protect them when I can.”

“I see that now, Thank you Mollygirl. I better get back to Sunny, he should be going to bed soon.”

“OK, talk to you later Blondie, have a good night.”

As she leaves, I notice several of the ponies dancing again tonight. Tonight seems a bit livelier and it is fun to just watch them doing reels as well as waltzes in the moonlight. As she walks away, I notice Blondie looks at Sunset, put her head down and slowly shake it. I have a feeling that even though she has taken Trouble back into her and Sunny’s life if she could she would have Sunset there with her too.

I am just about ready to head over to go talk to Sunset when Trouble grabs my hoof. “Come on Mollygirl, it’s a reel again and I need a partner,” he tells me as he drags me out with the others. I almost laugh when I see Sutures and Archer next to us. I had been wondering where they were.

Each couple separates with one partner on one side of a line and the other opposite them. As the music begins to play, we clap our front hooves as the first couple spins each other, then they keep handing off their partner to the next couple in line, back and forth until they reach the far end. Then all of us in the line form an arch with our front hooves that the couple sashay first to one end then the next. Once they are back to the opposite end, they started on they stop and rejoin the line and the next couple begins, until all the couples do it. It is so much fun and everyone makes mistakes doing it, so we just laugh and have fun with it.

Once this dance is done, I am laughing and feeling so good, “Thank you Trouble, I really appreciate it.”

He smiles, “No problem cous, I really enjoyed it too. I best get going though. I want to spend some time with Sunny and Blondie,” he tells me and hurries off to them.

I watch this go on for some time and am sitting with Archer and Sutures when Dull Beak comes up to us.

“Do you folks mind if I sit and talk with you a bit?” he asks us.

I smile and before I can answer Archer pats the ground near us and tells him, “Not at all Dull Beak, have a seat.”

“Thank you,” he says as he looks at the festivities going on, “You ponies sure do enjoy your parties don’t you?” He says wistfully.

“Yeah, yeah, we do, but oftentimes it just helps us burn off the nervous energy, other times it just helps us to relax and be happy. Don’t you griffons do anything like that?” Sutures ask him.

He cocks his head to the side slightly, “We, we do like to party, we just tend to fight more and dance less. I just worry with an enemy force still close by about us being so distracted.”

“I can understand that, but we do have forces on guard for each troop. Also, my artillery has one-piece fully manned all night, just in case.” Archer tells us.

I see Dull Beak relax a bit then, “Ok, I am glad to hear that. But still. These fires do make it easy to see how many troopers are around them and would be good for targeting either artillery, rockets, or even a powerful spell.”

“All good points Dull Beak,” I tell him as I realize that if anything happens, we do not want that firelight behind us.

As we are talking, I suddenly notice that Taser has shown up along with Cookie Cutter and Sweet Apple. I immediately get up and give all three a hug. Then I introduce them to Sutures and Archer as well as Dull Beak.

As we are talking, I hear Sweet Apple ask Sutures, “I heard that Mollygirl had a husband and wife, how long have you guys been married?”

Without meaning to I blush; thank goodness it is dark so no one can tell. Then I hear Sutures answer, “Actually, Archer and I are just really good friends with Mollygirl and her spouses Badger and Magpie. We have proposed to Mollygirl in person and by letter to her spouses, to become one family. We are still waiting to hear the answer. But no matter what, we are friends.”

Sweet Apple then looks her up and down then looks at Archer, “so you three never?”

Sutures smiles, “Well Archer and I have, we are engaged to each other already, but with Mollygirl and her spouses, nothing more than some kisses. She is a good mare and we are waiting.”

As I hear this, I notice Dull Beak has an eyebrow raised and is looking at me. I just smile shrug my shoulders, “What can I say Dull Beak, I may not be monogamous but I am faithful.”

That is when I hear Sunset say to Taser and Archer, “Well that is one way of putting it,” as he shakes his head and smiles. Then I hear him tell the others, "Well I will see you two later, time to go take the watch."

As the night wears on different ponies come and go to the camp. Eventually, I decided to wander off for a bit just to look at the stars. It is when no one is close that I see her again. I instantly recognize her white coat and dark mane beneath the clock.

“Good evening Mareigan.”

“Good evening child,” she says then looks in the distance at the others, “Is it not early to celebrate, after all, you are still a long way from home.”

I nod my head, “You are right, but no matter what happens, I think they needed at least one more night to remind us of what we are fighting for. To remind us of the good times, of home.”

In the moonlight, I see her nod in agreement. “Yes, I do kin, while I cannot say what shall happen tomorrow, I feel you will need to be on guard.” As she says this, she steps closer and puts a hoof gently to my stomach. I feel my foal move at her touch, and I see her smile, “Yes, wee little one,” she says, then she steps back and looks at me, “Be careful on the morrow and remember to protect your foal. The foals are the future of the herd, even those born to mothers we may not care for. Remember the foals lass.”

“I will Mareigan, I will.”

She then puts her forehoof under my chin, she lightly kisses me on my cheek, then on my mouth. “I heard ya earlier, ya are a good faithful mare, so I will press you for no more. But best be more faithful to me and your home, than others who are merely mortal lass. Sleep well and take comfort, ya are being watched over, even while others you may know have turned their backs on me and will pay a price. I do not take being scoffed at well.” She says with a fire in her eyes. Then she turns walks into the night and I see her once again transform into a crow and fly away.

I stand there alone for several minutes then head back to camp. Once there I run into Xavier. He looks at me and nods. “So, you have talked to her tonight as well then?” he asks me.

I can only nod at first, then I find my voice, “Did, did you talk to her tonight too?”

“Yes LT, She and I talked tonight. I could not avoid it, and to tell the truth, there was something in her manner that made me afraid not to.”

“Xavier, did she warn you about tomorrow also?”

“Mollygirl, she said to protect you and the foals. All of the foals. I am not sure what she meant by that.”

“To tell you the truth Xavier, neither am I. Did she talk to your son and my daught, I mean Ginger, also?”

He looks at me with a curious expression and a tilt to his head, “I do not know for sure, but I highly suspect it. Mollygirl, I know you care for her, but remember, she is Nuggets daughter, do not slip in front of the others, they may not understand.”

“I am sorry Xavier; I did not mean to let that slip. Besides, Nugget and I have already discussed if the worst happens, she wants me to adopt her.”

He looks surprised, “Mollygirl, how long ago did you two talk about this?”

“Only a couple of weeks ago, I think. To tell the truth, the days are starting to run together and I am losing track.”

“I do understand, it has become that way for me as well. I just can't wait to get back to Persimmon Tree. But with that said, you should get back to your mates, after all that is what they are am I correct?”

“Yes, no, well not yet. It all depends on what Badger and Magpie say. I do feel as close to them as to my spouses. It just feels right, but at the same time I feel guilty, even though I have not crossed the line with them yet.”

I hear him take a deep breath and let it out loudly, “Mollygirl, I am not an expert on matters of the heart. Have you thought about what you will do if Badger and Magpie say no?”

“I have Xavier, I have, and I just don’t know anymore. At one point it would not have even been a thought. But now.”

“I understand my friend. I really do. Do what you feel is right, is all I can suggest. Some back home may not understand, but those of us out here, well, we know what each other has been through and how they have been there for you.”

“Xavier, I am not bad for being tempted, am I?”

He slowly shakes his head, “Mollygirl, no you are not. I think almost all of us are tempted from time to time. Even I have been. Perhaps it is best then that I normally have my little chaperones with me to keep me honest too.” He says with a rueful smile.

“Even you are tempted? Xavier, I never imagined.”

He shrugs his shoulders, “I am only equine after all LT. Yes, I am a zebra, but I am also a stallion. There have been a few mares that have caught my attention, but I have not allowed those thoughts to linger. Now really, you should go find them, it is getting late, and no matter what, tomorrow will be a big day.”

“Thanks Xavier, your really are a stallion among stallions, and I am very proud to have you as my friend.”

He smiles back at me, “And I, you as my friend. Now to bed with you. You and your foal need the sleep.”

We both turn and head back towards our bedrolls. When I get to mine, I see Sutures and Archer are already there. They both have wide smiles on their faces as they pull back the blanket, I can smell a musky scent, and realize I have given them enough private time to be much more relaxed. They have me climb in between them and as I lie down, they surprise me.

“Mollygirl, just relax, you have had a very busy time lately and we were talking,” Sutures says and Archer nods his head in agreement, “Well tonight you get a massage from us, just relax and enjoy it dear, you deserve it.”

I nervously lay down and begin to feel their hooves work the knots out of my sore and tired muscles. I can feel the knots releasing. I have needed this so badly. Just the touch of ponies who care about me and being able to relax. Without meaning to I slowly lower my head onto my forelegs, and I fall asleep. As I drift off, I feel both of them gently kiss me and whisper, “We love you our little mother, sleep well.” I attempt to tell them I love them too but as tired as I am, I know my speech is slurred.

As the world goes dark and I drift off I feel them cuddle close and put their hooves around me. And for a bit, all is right with the world.

I sleep a very deep and restful sleep. When I awake, I still have Archer behind me, Woofers is at my hind hooves. But I am surprised to find Ginger between me and Sutures. As I look down at her she opens her eyes. “Morning Ma. I hope you don’t mind Sutures said it would be ok.”

“No Ginger, I do not mind. I hope you slept well dear.”

She nods and smiles. “Yes, I did, I had a nightmare earlier and did not want to wake Xochitl or Xavier up by climbing back in bed, when I walked past Sutures asked me if I was ok and I told her what was going on, so she said I could join all of you.”

About this time, I feel Archer start to move behind me and I see Sutures start to roust up. She looks at Ginger and me. “Morning you two. My aren’t we a happy little family here,” she says with a smile.

As we get up, I smell coffee brewing. While I prefer tea, I will take a good cup of coffee if I can get it. After coffee and a quick breakfast Archer and I meet up with Broken Dreams and we head over to the HQ for officers’ call.

The Major stands before us. “Ok, first off. During today's meeting for the surrender, Archer, I want your artillery on full alert. I do not expect things to go bad, but if they do, I want us ready. The same goes for each troop and the Volunteer company. Officers, if all of your company officers go, I want the senior enlisted put in charge during your absence. Mollygirl, due to your history with Silver Spite, you are to remain behind. Archer, same thing,”

I see him getting ready to argue and she puts it straight, “Archer, while you directly may not have a problem with him, it is evident to everypony in the CEF your relationship with Mollygirl as well as Sutures. I am not judging; I just do not want any emotions possibly tipping the apple cart. Broken Books, I want you to stay here also. Fancy, While I do not expect trouble, I want the civilian camp ready to high tail it if need be, Clock Work, while you have earned the opportunity to be there, I want you and your troops with the civilians. You are to protect them at all costs.”

I raise my hoof, and she calls on me, “Ma’am, do you want me to send out some scouts this morning?”

She sighs, “Honestly, I would feel much more comfortable with a flight of scouts in the air, but again, I do not want to jeopardize their surrender.”

“Yes Ma’am, I understand,” I reply.

“Ok, after this, go back to your troops and get everything organized. I want to be ready for anything, got it. Now dismissed, I will see the rest of you when we get ready to head over. Oh, and Archer, I want the clearing by the meeting sight targeted in. Again, I do not expect trouble, I just want to be ready for anything.”

As we leave the Major calls me over. “Lieutenant, that spirit you mentioned before, what did she look like again?”

So, I tell her and she shakes her head, “Wonderful, Thank you, Lieutenant. If anything happens, I want you and Archer ready to take over. I am still unsure what to do with the villagers if things do go bad, but do what you must, ok.”

Now I feel concerned, “Yes Ma’am, will do.”

On my way back to camp I swing by the Tavern. I see Hard Tack behind the bar. “Hey Hard Tack, is Blueberry Crisp around?”

He shakes his head, “Nah, her and the little one are out and about this morning, why?”

“Hard Tack, I promised her to let her know if things go bad. Right now, things seem ok, however, everyone is on edge. We are even preparing the civilian camp to run if need be.”

I see his expression harden and become very serious. “Are you saying what I am thinking you are LT?”

I nod my head, “Yes if things go sideways, I will be sending you a runner to let you know. The key phrase is that things have gone south.”

“Alright then, I will be on the lookout for a messenger then. Thanks again.”

“Your welcome, besides me and mine all owe you and your wife more than we can repay. I will talk to you later Hard Tack, tell the Misses I said hello as well as the rest for me.” I tell him as I head back out the door.

Once back in camp I give the word to everypony. Dull Beak has joined us again. “Hey LT, I will be waiting with you here if you don’t mind.”

“No problem Dull Beak, I just am surprised you do not want to be a witness.”

“I learned a long time ago, that it is usually not a good thing to be a witness in the wastelands.”

As the time grows closer, I have all my troopers fully kit up and stand ready. My fliers are nearby but also ready to fly if needed. On the ground my scouts are mixed in with 1^st squad again.

Broken Dreams approaches me, “Mollygirl, put your Pipbuck on the troop and overall command circuit. the troop is yours for now. I will see you when I get back.”

“Yes sir, I will see you then. Be careful Dreams.”

He smiles, “Too late for that Mollygirl, too late for that.”

I watch as he and Dark Hills meet up with the Major and the rest of the officers as well as Guerre and her troops, who will be escorting them.

Half an hour before the meeting is to take place, they take out a white flag and begin to advance across the No Mare's Land and the meeting sight. In the distance I see a pony with another white flag come out. Over my PipBuck, I can hear the Co-op officers talking and joking on their way.

In the hole with me, I have Sutures, Xavier, Ginger, and Xochitl. We watch the procession as they close the distance. Eventually, I see several other ponies come out of the wood line. Then salutes are exchanged and the meeting begins.

I watch through binoculars as the Co-op officers approach those of Red Eyes army. They are about equal in number. I can clearly see Bursting Star there before all of his officers. Next to him, I see Silver Spite and my blood runs cold.

The first indication I have that anything is wrong is when Bursting Star approaches the Major, “Major Quick Trot, I presume, I am surprised that you had escaped and have returned to surrender.”

I see Quick Trot take a step back and hear her over the coms channel, “Us surrendering, I thought you were.” At which point I see Bursting Star step back and turn to Silver Spite, “Captain, what is the meaning of this? I thought you said they were surrendering.”

I then hear Silver Spite tell his commanding officer, “But father, I told you that I would give you a victory, I did not say they were surrendering.” At that point, the brush is pulled away from the tree line and I see several dozen troops armed with SMGs, Assault Rifles and several fully automatic Anti-Machine rifles.

Then I hear Silver Spite call out, “Tar, Oh Tar Water, be a dear and come her for a moment.”

As I watch I see here come out, her head hanging down and a bandage on her right cheek. Something else looks off about her, but at this distance I can not put my hoof on it.

She comes over to him. He looks over the Co-op officers and ask, “So which one of these was the one who got you pregnant and abandoned you Tar? Point him out for me.”

From the next hole over I hear Trouble, “Son of a sea biscuit. What has he done to Tar? Who got her pregnant and left her, I kill him too?” He says and I hear him jack a round into his rife.

“Stand easy Trouble, not yet. If things continue to go south then I will tell you to take the shot.”

At this point, I hear Bursting Star, “Silver, what is wrong with you? What are you doing?”

I also hear the Major demanding, “Yes, what is going on here?”

Silver Spite spins toward his father, “Simple sir, I am doing what I should have done a long time ago.” I can hear the loathing in his voice, “I have been under your controlling hoof far too long, you have prevented me from advancing, from getting in the position I should have had, to do what I want, when I want. I am taking charge now Father,” as he then turns back towards the woods and points toward Tar and Broken Dreams. He calls out “Ok, kill them all, except those two. I mean all of them.”

I see the assembled officers try to run and take cover. I hear the guns fire over the PipBuck before I hear the report of gunfire from the air. I am stunned. Not only have they shot the Major and other Co-op officers as well as Guerre and the griffon escort, but they have also shot the other officers of Red Eyes army. I suddenly see Broken Dreams get shot and drop to the ground. Tar Water runs to him.

Silver Spite’s voice comes over the channel, “Ceasefire. Who shot him?” he asks as he points toward Broken Dreams who is still alive but wounded. One of the soldiers admits he did. I watch as Silver Spite calmly walks over to him and shoots him in the head. “Let that be a lesson, do exactly as I say or else.”

I can hear Tar crying as Broken Dreams ask her, “Are you really carrying my foal Tar?” and she nods yes. “Tar for Luna’s sake why did you not tell me?”

Through her tears, I hear her reply, “Because I wanted you to marry me because you wanted to, not because you felt you were trapped or had to do to your stupid honor. When you kept refusing to even discuss it, it broke me Dreams, it hurt more than you could ever imagine.”

“Tar, I wanted to, I had the ring, I, I, just felt you deserved better than me. Please forgive me.”

“I forgive you Broken, I do, please don’t die.”

“Tar, how could you leave home for this? for him?” I hear Broken asks as he makes a very wet cough.

“I see her put her head down in what looks like shame, “He found me crying and asked what was wrong, He told me he would never to that to a mare like me. Eventually, he said he loved me and wanted me as his mare. He made me believe him, I am so sorry my sweet Dreams, I am so sorry.” She says through her tears.

Behind her I hear Silver Spite arrogantly saying, “Yes, yes, very touching, Now Tar, He is a gift for you, here is my pistol, use it.”

Through her tears, I hear her say, “Silver, I can’t, I, I, I love him still and he is the father of my foal.”

I hear that note of anger and fury begin to rise in Silver Spite’s voice as he coolly tells her, “Tar, this is my second gift to you. I already gave you Mollygirl. I killed two guards just so you could have her, and what did you do, you let her live. You could not take her life as I had given to you. Now I try to give you another gift and you again refuse it.”

He steps closer, in a calm, cold tone of voice he continues, “When I asked you to kill the wounded after the battle in Manesville, what did you do? You performed mercy killings from the reports of the scouts I had watching you. You only killed those who asked for death. Now, what should I do with you Tar? I have tried to reason with you, I have tried to beat obedience into you, perhaps I should just cut my losses and kill you and that whelp you are carrying.”

“Please Silver, please no,” she cries.

Quietly I hear Broken Dreams pain laden voice, “Do it Tar, kill me, save yourself and our foal. Just remember I love you.”

Over the PipBuck channel, I hear Trouble yell, “Run Tar, Run, we will save you.”

Then I hear a gunshot from Troubles direction. I see it hit Silver Spite and he spins and is knocked down; Tar begins to run towards our lines. As I watch, I see Silver Spite get up groggily and use his magic to pick up his pistol, he shoots Broken Dreams killing him, as I see his location tag blank out on my PipBuck, then he shoots at Tar Water as she is running. Without an order, my fliers take to the air.

It’s like a spell has been broken, I am no longer mesmerized by the horror of what has happened. I call on the Command Frequency “Archer, it's gone South, I repeat it has gone south, open fire. All troops open fire as targets present themselves.”

I turn to Ginger and Xochitl, “You two. Go to the Tavern, tell the owners exactly this, things have gone south,” I pause, “they will know what to do. Then go to the civilian camp and tell Fancy Flourish that we are in trouble and prepare to try and break out.”

They run off to give the messages. I turn back to the lines and bring Duty back to my shoulders. “Ok folks, were back to the black flag, no prisoners.”

In the distance, I can see the artillery hitting the meeting area. Before the first shell hit, I could tell that all of our officers were dead due to their Pipbuck tags going out. I feel no guilt. I watch as Serenity, Sky, Firefly and Dull Beak begin to strafe the lines of raiders and Silver Spite’s soldiers as they begin to come out of the woods. I also see Sunset and Choo Choo making their way to pick up Tar.

When they reach Tar, I hear Sunset. “Tar Waters, I am Sergeant Sunset, Co-op Defense Force, this is Choo Choo, your brother Trouble has sent us to get you. So, get on her so we can get you out of here. In the distance, I see her slowly nod her head and climb onto Choo Choo’s back. Once she is on her they fly back to our lines.

Once they drop her off next to me, they take off again and return to the fight. Sutures begins to check out Tar. I can hear the gunfire rising in fever and pitch as the fight comes closer. I turn to Tar. "Welcome back, Captain. You are safe for now. We will talk later.”

Again, she only nods. Sutures looks at me. “LT, she is in shock it seems. I will do what I can for now.” As she removes the dressing from Tar's face, I hear sutures swear, I look and can see the wound beneath it. It almost matches my scar. That son of a buck marked her too.

Soon after this, the youngsters return. I watch as Ginger and Xochitl both lean against the front of the shell hole and use the dirt piled there to steady their rifles as they too open fire. I join them along with Xavier.

They almost break through our lines when I feel the ground shaking behind me. I look back and am stunned to see a steel ranger suit running my way. As it gets closer, I see it begin to power up its minigun and watch it mow down the enemy troops closing on us.

This seems to be a turning point in the battle. I watch as they begin to fall back, most of them running, others stopping to fire at us then falling back once more. They have hit us on the south and east sides. Sunset and Choo Choo check out the north side and find the road is clear.

Over the PipBuck I command, “Senior NCO’s, and Officers, take one ID tag from each of the dead, leave the other on the bodies. Get the wounded moved to the medical wagons. Make it quick we need to get out of here soon.”

After about twenty minutes I give the orders, “Clock Work, lead-out, Fancy you and the civilians follow behind. E troop you are next along with the Service of Supply. D-troop will go second to last, H-Troop, you will cover the rear at this point then fall back through the village.”

As I look back, I see the Volunteer company and the civilian camp begin to move. Behind them, I see what few civilians still remain in the village grab what they can and fall in with our civilian camp. As they leave their homes, I see several lighting their homes on fire, in defiance against the raiders that we now know to becoming.

I get on my Pipbuck, “Sergeant Duke, I will be at the HQ for now. You are in command of the troop until I return.”

“Yes Ma’am” he replies over the PipBuck.

As we pull back, Blueberry Crisp joins me. “LT, my family is with the civilian camp. Just let me know what you need me to do.”

“Thank you, Blueberry. I really appreciate it. I think I have an idea that might buy us some time tonight, and I am going to need you in your armor to do it.” I then whisper the plan in her ear. “Do you think you can do that?”

I hear the smile in her distorted voice, “Yeah, I think I can do that. Sound good LT.”

As we travel through the night, we reach the wooded area that we found the chitters in just a few days ago. As we pass, Blueberry wearing her armor goes inside and sets up several campfires and lights them. She sets up enough to look like the entire force is camped there.

After she catches up to us, she approaches me. “Ok LT, got the fake camp set up. Those sure are some nasty critters in there. I never expected them to be so persistent even with me in my armor.”

“Thanks again, you are the only one who could have done that one,” I tell her. As we continue the forced march, I turn on DJ Pon3.

Good evening loyal listeners and fellow wastelanders. That last song was a favorite of mine by the sweet voice of Velvet Remedy. In tonight’s news, the fighting in Fillydelphia is still continuing with heavy loss of life to all involved. The talons are still offering to assist any civilians who are caught in the fighting. So, remember if you are there and need help contact one of the talon members, but do so when they are not engaged. For any unopened stables that may hear this message in the Fillydelphia area, my suggestion is to keep the door closed a bit longer if you can. If not look for a griffon for help, there are two many factions of ponies to tell who is who right now and you don’t want to invite slavers into your homes.

We have further reports of one of Red Eyes former officers has put out a bounty on the LT, Trouble and any other members of the Co-op Expedition Force. This officer has also reportedly put out a call to mercenaries and raiders to help capture and destroy the forces of the CEF. This has led to a large increase in the reports of raiders in the vicinity of Canterlot Pass all the way to Two Step. So, if you are in this area, keep your eyes open. Also, if you can give a hoof or claw to any of the CEF troopers you come across please do so. They are still putting up the good fight and trying to help those they can.

In other news it seems that Gawdyna Grimfeathers and her talons are working with the Followers of Apocalypse to help those in the wastelands by…

Wonderful, so he had put out a call for raiders and mercs’ to help chase us down. If we only had that news last night instead. Could a, should a, woulda, I guess it just doesn’t matter.

We continue to march until after midnight. We are heading back on the path we came here on. In a day or two, hopefully, we will be at Good Doer.

When we stop, we dig in and build breastworks from what wood we can find. I have my scouts join me at the HQ. Along with the HQ Staff. I then hold Officers’ call.

When we assemble, we are all still stunned. “Ok folks, we took it on the chin there. But now we need to get our hooves back under us. I need the numbers for casualties. I also need you to find out how much ammo and rations each of your troopers has.”

I see them all begin to think again. Duke is the first to ask. “ma’am how come you are in charge and not Lieutenant Archer or Balanced Books?”

“Honestly, I took command right away. Archer has decided to concentrate on his artillery for now, and Balanced Books is out of the normal chain of command as he is currently a supply officer, not a combat branch officer.”

Next, I see 1^st sergeant Light Weight raise a hoof, “Ma’am, have you reported what has happened to Manesville yet?”

“Not yet 1^st Sergeant, I will right after we are done here tonight, but thank you for the reminder.”

We are still holding officers call when Sunset approaches us laughing. “Ok sergeant Sunset, what is so funny?”

“Ma’am, those fake fires, they worked beautifully. I would say about two hundred of their troops went into those woods with guns blazing. Those Chitterers hit ‘em harder than a minefield. In fact, they were still running south when I came back. Well, at least those that could still run. I have a feeling they will not be so eager to attack our camps for now on.”

That brings a smile not only to my face but to all those who are there. “Thank you, Sergeant, we needed some good news. That helps to build upon the news of most of the citizens of Two Step having escaped with us. So, it was not all bad news today. Ok, it is getting late. Go get some sack time, we move in five hours. Dismissed.”

I then go to Specs and we send out the report to Manesville. I let them know how many troops we have lost today. 10 officers including the Major. All of the griffons except Dull Beak. In the fighting, we lost another 25 killed and 35 wounded. I then request a relief force be sent out to assist us in getting back home. I am told that it will take some time but to continue working our way north and report our progress daily.

After sending the message, I go to Paper Work. “Ok Paperwork, for now on, I want the id tags of each of our dead, I also want a hard copy of each day’s muster report, that way we both have a copy in case something happens to one of us.”

He looks at me kind of funny, “Yes Ma’am, are you sure?”

I nod, “Yes, I am. Let me have the id tags that we have so far.” Once he hooves them to me I gently place them in my saddlebag. Each one feeling like another stone being placed in there.

I then find Sutures, who is still with Tar Water. As I come up I see Tar is alert and she asks, “So, what now? What are you going to do to me?”

“Tar, I am not going to sugar coat it. You are under arrest for treason. However, there are mitigating circumstances so it might affect how a trial goes for you, if and when we get home. But you probably will have to do some time in prison.”

I see her head go down in what looks like shame. “I understand. Is that why Trouble has not come to see me yet?”

“No, I don’t think so. He either has been busy with his military duties, catching some sleep, or he is checking on his son.”

“His son? I, he, when did he have a son?”

“Tar, it is a long story, and one best told you by him. When he gets the chance, he will be by to see you Tar. Just so you know, he may be angry, but he loves you, and he only wants to help you.”

“Well, he has a lot to be angry about. I really screwed things up, didn’t I?”

“Honestly, yes, but you also did some things right. We all heard Silver Spite confess to killing the two guards. Also, we heard him say you were performing mercy killings to the wounded. Tar, I just assumed, I am sorry for that. Just one more question and I need to go get some sleep too.”

“Ok, what is it Lieutenant,” I can hear the resignation in her voice.

“Tar, that night in the hospital, why didn’t you kill me?”

I see her look up at me, “Why would I. You were not a danger to me, and even if your side does not admit it, we are family. I had hoped Silver would have been happy with me scaring you,” she looks back down, “He wasn’t.”

“Ok, Tar, get some sleep, and for what it's worth, you are family and it does matter to me too. Goodnight.” I tell her, then I leave her in the company of one of my MP’s so I can catch what sleep I can.

Dear DJ Pon3, today we had our muzzles severely bloodied, but we are still in the good fight. We gave as good as we got and then some, could you please play Get Up for me and the members of the CEF.

Thank you

Light Weight

1^st Sergeant Co-op Expedition Force

Again I want to thank Kkat for creating the world of FoE. I also want to thank those who have also added to it, and continue to show how much more there is to be explored and shown.

In this chapter, we have a complete betrayal by SIlver Spite, he is now unleashed. Mollygirl has stepped up and is now concentrating on getting the troops and civilians of the CEF home again. They still have a ways to go to get home though.

The song dedication for this chapters youtube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7hm1gI17e0