I wake up to a hoof shaking me. I look up and see Paper Work. “LT, time to get up Ma’am. Remember you said we needed to move before dawn.”

“Ok, give me a minute I’ll be up. Got any coffee ready?”

In the dim light from the woodstove, I see him shake his head no. “Sorry ma’am, but I was able to scrounge us up a supply or sassafras roots for tea if you want some. I already have a pot ready.”

“Oh, goddesses yes Paper, please,” I tell him as I slowly disengage myself from Sutures hooves. I smile when I look over and see Ginger and Xochitl sleeping so peacefully.

I then give a shake to Sutures, “Dear, time to get up. We got a long day.”

She opens one eye, closes it briefly, “Can I just call in dead? I don’t want to move.”

I smile at her, “Sorry, but Paper Work and I have already heard you speak, we know you are not dead yet, and he just refuses to file a false report. However, He has made us a pot of tea already.”

She starts to sit up then. She looks at him, “Paper Work you’re a saint. Thank you so much.”

He smiles at both of us. “Your welcome, its kind of nice to have folk who appreciate it now. Here you go ma’am,” he says as he hoofs me over a nice hot cup.

After I have finished half of it, I get up and finish putting on my kit. I look at the time. An hour and a half until dawn. Best get something to eat. Outside the Headquarters building, I can hear the sergeants and corporals rousting their troops. As the troops come alive the noise and energy finally wake the civilians and I can hear them getting ready also.

Half an hour later I hold officers call. I look over my cadets and staff, for what we have been through I can not complain. I have them gather around the table. I started to come up with a plan last night after I laid down and Sutures had fallen asleep. I now introduce it to them.

As I point at the old map, I tell them. “Ok, today's march we go with the same marching order as yesterday. I do not expect to make Targhee for two days. However, when we do, I want to give anypony following us a surprise. Sunset, I want a set of our fliers watching behind us to make sure we do not get overtaken. I do not expect them to be airborne the entire time. Actually, I would prefer it if they only go up intermittently so if anyone is watching, they can not keep track of our progress. I want most of the scouts out forward on our line of travel. If we cross a major crossroad, have someone check it out for at least a klick to make sure we do not get hit in the flanks.

“Just so we are on the same page and that if something were to happen to me we have a plan, Duke, our last break before Targhee I want to shift D-troop to the vanguard that way once we reach Targhee, your troops can use the building for concealment and take up defensive positions. Clockwork. You will be right behind them and ahead of the Civilian caravan. Once we get there, I want you to turn north on this road here,” I tell them pointing out the main road heading north and toward a long road home. Clockwork, for now on you and the volunteers are with the Civilians. Your job is to protect them. The rest of us will keep the raiders off of you.” As I say this, I look up at him and see his eyes go wide with the realization of what that may mean. In reply, he only nods.

Behind the civilian column are the SOS and artillery columns. You will follow the civilians. E-troop as you come into the town, I want you to keep going east for a bit. Check these woods. If they are clear, then set up an ambush point. If they hit us from that direction, we will hit them with a surprise too.”

I see Archer raise a hoof. “Yes, Archer?”

He looks at the map and then at me. “Ma’am, why not have my artillery deploy just north of town? That way we can support you better.”

I sigh, “Because I want you with the caravans for this. We are going to ambush them then run like hell to catch up. I do not want your guns slowing us down. In fact, when we set up the ambush, I want H-troop to follow the caravans north, do not stop.”

I see several of them looking unhappy at my plan. I look at them, “Ok, there is a method to my madness, if they see H-troop keep going, most likely they will not expect the rest of us be hiding. If for some reason they do not come within two hours of their expected arrival time, then we will pull up stakes and just catch up.”

I see Bailey Bridge trying to get my attention. “Yes, Bridge?”

“LT, what do you want my engineers to do? Do you want some mines set up?”

“No Bridges, sorry for this one, keep with the SOS caravan. If they get too close, once we cross this river here,” I say as I point towards the map again, just north of Targhee, “then I will want you to drop this bridge to buy us more time. Besides mines are handy, but they are also deadly to any creature that wanders into the area later on, whether they are friend or foe.”

"Ok, ma’am. I understand. I will let them know we are on standby then.”

“Thank you Bridges. Anypony have anything else?”

Sunset then stands up fully, “Yes ma’am. I have four or five volunteers to fight from the pegasus refugees we picked up.”

“Sunset, do they all have combat experience?” I ask.

“No LT. but they want to help.”

I look at Clockwork and Fancy, “Clockwork, it looks like you have a flight of volunteers coming your way,” I then look at Balanced Books, “Books kit them out with weapons. Also, give each of them a Pipbuck from those we recovered at Two Step. Matter of fact, I want the rest of them issued out to the volunteer company if they have not already been. Give those who get them a quick training on them. Perform the issue of equipment on the move if need be. Have them get on the wagons, we need to move, we’re burning daylight,” I look up at all of them, alright you have your orders, Dismissed.”

As the others leave, I see Blueberry Crisp enter. “LT, can I talk to you for a minute?’

“Sure Blueberry, what have you got for me?” I ask her as I watch my HQ staff start taking the maps and our gear outside to the waiting wagon.

“Ma’am, I have a couple of extra spark battery packs, and well...”

“Go ahead Blueberry, spit it out,” I tell her slightly exasperated.

She looks me in the eye, “Ma’am, I feel underutilized and left out.”

I look her up and down, “Blueberry, that is fine, but I wanted to let you be with your family as much as possible. So, what do you have in mind?”

“Ma’am, I am a trained knight, I know combat. I was listening outside when you discussed Targhee. I may be able to help there. But if you need more staff, I can help with that as well.”

“Are you volunteering to join the CEF as a member of the Co-op defense force? I mean I can use you either way, but I will regulate you to the volunteer company otherwise.”

She looks at me funny after I say this, then looks around to make sure no one else is listening. Quietly she asks me, “LT, what is it that you are not saying? You seem to be throwing all of the new troops to the Volunteers.”

I look around myself and sigh, “It's like I told Fancy last night my regulars will fight to the death to protect her civilians. We may not make it home; I want the civilians to. Manesville has given me a preferred route and demands we counter-attack Silver Spite and his troops as much as we can.”

She nods her head, “Then you need me and my suit. Let me know what you want me to do.”

“Are you sure about this? I mean really sure?”

She stares me straight in the eyes as she answers. “As sure as when I left the Brotherhood. LT, I already threw away my life once for the Co-op, I am willing to do it again, especially since I have gotten to know some of its people.”

“Then welcome to the CEF Blueberry. I want you on my staff and as a reserve. I know it is only you in armor, but we already saw once how bad it shook them up. Now go let your husband know that you will be traveling with my staff for now.”

“Yes, Ma’am. I will be right back.”

“Good we pullout in less than 45 minutes, now move trooper.”

35 minutes later we are all gathered and ready. I hear Sunset yell out, “Scouts out!”

I look over at Paper Work, “Did I ever sound that way?”

“Yes ma’am, but you relaxed a bit since the first time,” he answers with a smile.

Ten minutes later I watch as the Rangers take the lead behind the scouts and we begin the next stage of the campaign.

The sun is just coming over the horizon and starting to light up the walls of the town when we depart Good Doer. Behind we leave several fires burning in the woodstoves and fireplaces. We have several dummies set up along the walls that look good enough they almost fool me from a distance.

My HQ section and its wagon are just in front of the SOS wagons, and just behind the Civilians. The funny part is I always thought I wanted to be the mare in charge, now that I am, I realize how rough it is not to lead from the front. Sure, I get all the information, but I only get the information that is passed on to me, I can’t see most of it first hoof.

As we continue the march, I listen to the scout’s channel as well as my overall command one. We are four hours into our march when I hear the scouts behind us report that the raiders have begun to assault Good Doer.

“Sunset, this is Serenity, Sunset this is Serenity, do you copy?”

“Go for Sunset, over.”

“Sunset, we have approximately three zero zero hostiles attacking Good Doer at this time, I repeat three zero zero.”

“Rodger Serenity, keep an eye on them but do not fall behind the rest of the column.”

“Understand and will comply Sunset. Serenity out.”

Well, now we know how many are behind us there. Then I hear something I did not expect.

“Sunset, this is Firefly, I repeat Sunset this is Firefly do you copy?”

“Rodger Firefly, what have you got for me?”

“Sunset, we have one zero zero hostiles 10 klicks north by northwest of the column, they are heading toward Good Doer right now.”

“Rodger, I got it. I will let the LT know. Keep up the good work troopers.”

Sunset looks at me, “Well you heard them, looks like a good four hundred behind us right now. Balls in your court ma’am.”

“Thank you, Cadet,” I tell him with a smile, “For now we will go with our current plan. Oh, and if you could make sure the word gets out to keep any tin cans, for now, especially any that are big enough to fit a metal apple into, also see if anyone has any thin wire or string.”

He smiles at me as I see his mind register what I am thinking. “Will do LT,” he tells me and then trots off.

Beside me I see Blueberry Crisp riding on a wagon in her armor, but her helmet off. “Sorry ma’am, but I am trying to save my power supply. In the next wagon up I see Tar Water laying down with her head on her forelegs. Her ears down alongside her head. Next to her is one of the MPs.

“How are you doing Tar?” I ask as I approach the moving wagon.

She raises her head a bit and looks at me, “You want me to tell you the truth, or what you want to hear?”

“Let’s hear the truth Tar.”

“I feel miserable. I lost the father of my foal; I know I am going to prison if we make it home. I am terrified that Silver Spite will catch me again and what he will do to me and this child. Oh, and to top it off, I feel useless.”

“Understandable Tar, but what would you suggest we do?”

“That’s it Mollygirl, I don’t know. I have as much if not more to lose than any of you if Silver wins or captures me. I know how he thinks. I was there when he started putting out the bounty on all of you. I have seen how he plans for battles and how he thinks.”

“All valid points Tar, but you know we can not let you walk scot-free.”

“Mollygirl, this is not for me alone. I know what he is capable of, you only think you do.”

When she says that I feel a chill come over my entire body. Slowly and cautiously I ask, “Tar, are you really saying he is that bad.”

With wide fearful eyes, that looks like she is remembering not seeing, she nods her head yes and replies in a weak and shaken voice, “Yes, I saw him, he, he made me watch sometimes. The only reason I was not there when he captured you was, I was being treated at a hospital after what he did when the CEF almost captured his father.”

“Tar, you know I can not promise to get you off of the charges, right?”

Again, she nods, “Of course, I deserve to be punished for what I have done. But Mollygirl, Silver does not have to be defeated,” she pauses, “He has to be stopped, he can not be allowed to keep going, he knows how to gain favor and control. Once in control, he rules as a despot. Did you see what he did to the soldier who accidentally shot my Dreams? He will kill or maim anypony who does not do just as he says. He can act like it, but he feels no remorse, no guilt. Mollygirl, we are facing a real monster.”

I see her guard's face go ashen and he gulps, as he listens to all this.

I think about what she has said. “Ok, I can use your help. Understand, you are still a prisoner and will have no authority,”

I watch as she shakes her head sadly and then hear her reply, “I understand Ma’am, I will do what you need me to if you will have me.”

I then look her in the eyes, “Then welcome to my staff cousin. We have a lot to do yet and a lot to talk about.”

I see the surprise on her face, “Did, did you just call me cousin?”

“Yes Tar, you may not like me, but we are family. The entire CEF knows it.” She turns her head to the guard who only nods, “We still have a lot to talk about but ask Trouble about what I told him about Millie. Now onto business, Tar when we stop for lunch you and I need to start making plans, we can’t let him get ahold of us again, much less walk away. I will talk to you then.”

As I walk toward the back of the column, I hear Tar tell the guard, “Your right, she is not what I thought she was.”

I can only shake my head as I wonder what she did think I was. Perhaps it is best when we do not know what others really think about us. I let out a sigh and look up to seek Sergeant Kicker smiling at me as she helps pull Celestia, with Archer sitting on the limber. I smile back at her and smile up at him too.

He smiles at me and waves me up. As the limber closes, I hook a hoof on a handle and swing myself up.

“Hey dear,” he says to me as I sit next to him, “Saw you talking with Tar Water, What up?”

“Sweetheart, would you believe she has offered to assist us with planning operations against him.”

I hear him sigh, “Mollygirl, I love ya, but seriously you can’t assume the best in everypony.”

“Archer, I was not doing that. I saw the fear in her eyes when we mentioned Him. She is more afraid of him than I ever was, and to tell the truth, I have a feeling she has good reason to.”

“Ok, so she is doing it for her own reasons then, I can buy that.” He says.

“Archer, I think that is part of it. Dear, she knows she royally screwed the pooch. She is not doing this because she thinks it will help her case. She is actually doing it to help all of us also. He needs to be stopped, period, end of story.”

I hear him sigh again, “Yes he does, but Mollygirl, can it just wait till we have the entire CDF behind us?”

I put a hoof along his face, forgetting we are in public, “No dear, it can’t. Do you really want to face him and his raiders at home, among our people, among our farms and towns? I know I don’t.”

He shakes his head, “No, not really. It was bad enough during the breakout.”

I look at him, “It got worse after that for a bit. During the fighting at Hereford, it is my understanding that they enchanted some of their weapons with spells that caused severe infections. Dear, I don’t know if you heard, but Badger almost lost a leg from being hit by such a weapon.”

I see the surprise on his face, “No Mollygirl, you never told me or Sutures about it being that bad,” I then see an expression I have not really seen in a while with him. He looks at me with a very serious look in his eyes, “Mollygirl, what is going to happen to us when we get back? I mean you, me, and Sutures? Sutures and I both sent letters to Badger and Magpie discussing our possibly forming a larger, single-family. Mollygirl, what if they say no?”

My heart hurts when I hear him ask that. “Archer, I don’t know, but when this expedition started, it would have been me going back to them. Now, I don’t know. I love both of you too and I do not want to lose you and Sutures either. I am sorry if I could not give a better answer.”

He smiles at me and wraps a hoof around my shoulder briefly. “My dear, that was a better and more honest answer than I expected. Thank you and I love you as does Sutures. No matter what, please remember that. My only regret is that the foal you are carrying is not mine right now.”

I lean into him, “Thank you, you know that is the sweetest thing I have been told in quite some time.”

He just smiles at me, “I do mean it dear. I still cannot believe how lucky I am just to have both you and Sutures in my life right now. To tell the truth, I had pretty much given up a while ago. But as Choo Choo told me a while back, life always changes.”

I have to smile to myself, “I did not know you talk to Choo Choo. When did this start?’

He laughs lightly, “Shortly after she and the foals caught up with us. It started one night when I was up late worrying about my guns and gunners. She was just walking around camp looking at everything and keeping a watch on everypony. She does not sleep much. You know this has affected her too.”

“Yeah, I asked her about that. She says she has been that way ever since she can remember being made an alicorn.”

“I am not surprised; they really are something. I told her once that I envy all she can do as an alicorn. Yah know, she just smiled sadly and told me it was not all it's cracked up to be. That and there are no male alicorns. Even the stallions that were converted became mares. I am not really sure I would like that.”

“Yeah, I understand dear, I like stallions and all, but that does not mean I want to be one.”

He smiles at that. “Yep, you understand what I mean then.”

We talk until the next break. Then I get down and begin to wander the formation talking to my various officers and NCOs.

I then continue back to H troop and check on them. As I get there, I see Cadet Kettle Bell talking with one of her sergeants.

“How’s it going Kettle Bell,” I ask the Black and white cow with the red forelock.

“Good morning Ma’am, not too bad. I was just checking with Sergeant Peach Pit on how much munitions we have. I want to be ready for when we get hit by them.”

“So, you don’t think we will make it to Targhee first?” I ask out of curiosity.

“Ma’am, I would really be surprised. Especially after the way they hit that town. I talked to Serenity and Sky a bit ago. They said it was pretty impressive. I am sure glad that the teacher and her students got out of there with us now.”

“Yeah, same here. So, what do you think we should do about them so that we are forcing them to react to us instead of vice versa?”

Well, to tell the truth, when we go into Laager tonight, I think we should set some traps out at a distance, Have Luna manned and ready, and use the mortars to fire some star shells. If we had barbed wire, I would suggest that. Too bad we don’t have any rivers to cross first.”

“Well, there is a prewar village called New Gallop several klicks up the road just short of Targhee we could hold up tonight. It does have a creek running through it.”

We compare the maps on our PipBucks. She smiles at me, LT, that should work as long as we are east of that creek. I notice the village itself is south of our route of travel, you might want to have the scouts check it out.”

“That sounds like a good idea, Thanks for the suggestion. When we get there, I want your troop deployed closest to the bridge and creek. If there are locals, we better warn them a storm is heading their way.”

“That is all fine and well LT, but they may not be too happy that we brought the storm in their direction. This one is on us.”

“I know Kettle, I know, but there is nothing to be done about it. No use crying over spilled…”

I stop myself and look up into her face she has one eyebrow raised, “Yeah, I get it LT.” Then she laughs a bit, “Better get back up in the column ma’am, no need risking you if we get hit unexpectedly.”

As I get back up to the HQ Section the wagons are beginning to move, I look behind me just in time to see the two pegasi take off and scout behind us. When I look forward, I see Choo Choo taking off. In the distance, I can see her waving to some ponies on the ground. I can only assume that she is waving to Xochitl and Ginger.” Then from the side of the road in my binoculars, I can see two small hooves rise up and wave back. Then she disappears out in front of us and the march continues.

We are just outside of New Gallop when our scouts come across some of the local militia. There are not many but some shots are exchanged. I go to jump off the wagon I am riding to see what is going on, but I am stopped by both Paper Work and Sunset.

“LT, sorry but that’s not your job anymore. Heck, it really isn’t mine, but We both need to see what is going on. Stay here LT, and I will let ya know what is going on in a few minutes,” Sunset tells me as he turns and flies off to the sound of the guns.

A few minutes later, I hear Sunset call out over the coms channel, “Duke, this is Sunset, send up D-troop at the double-quick.”

I hear his reply and watch as the Door Kickers go running down the road and begin to fan out. I hear some more brief gunfire and then hear a call to ceasefire. The guns go silent, “LT, bring ‘em through, they have surrendered the town.?

As our troops continue to march forward, I watch ahead to see what is happening. As we cross the bridge, I call for the troops to go into Laager for the night, and watch as they move with precision to where they should go. I notice that while Celestia and the mortars are placed in the center, Archer places Nightmare Moon directly in front of the bridge.

As the last of the troops fall into the camp Sunset and Duke approach me. Then Sunset begins to speak. “Sorry ‘bout that Ma’am we were trying. It seems that they thought our scouts were raiders and that once they saw we were here in force and moved in a disciplined manner, they realized we weren’t. However, they are still demanding we stay out of their town.”

I nod my head in understanding, “Ok, so go on, did you tell them that a large force of raiders was behind us?”

“Yes ma’am we did,” Duke answers for them, “they told us to mind our knitting, that they had dealt with the likes before.”

“Duke, Sunset, do they seem to have the troops to deal with such an attack?”

“Honestly ma’am, we discussed it and we just don’t know, probably not. But if not, they can at least whittle them down a bit before they hit us. Heck, they may actually slow them down some even.” Duke tells me as he and Sunset look at each other and nod in agreement.

As the sun begins to set in the west, we can see multiple columns of dust moving in our direction down the main road that we had previously traveled. As the sun sets fully we see shadows in the dark spreading out for an attack.

First, they hit the village. We can all hear their chanting then yelling as they come down upon the village. We hear the gunshots and screams of wounded. Then we see several of the building begin to burn. Archer, standing next to me looks at me and simply says, “Filthy raider scum.”

“We tried to warn them,” I tell him, then I see several more explosions, I hear the buzz of a minigun opening up followed by more screams. Then I watch as the raiders along the main road run to the north, directly past the bridge.

Suddenly some turn to run across the bridge at us. Without thinking I deploy the Doom Bunny on my battlesaddle. I am just starting to fire quick bursts when I hear Archer order Nightmare Moon’s crew to open fire.

The troops before us seem to almost panic with fire coming from two directions. They soon begin to fire at us while others continue to fire into the village. Strangely enough, there is no gunfire coming from the village itself, except from one spot. I look up into the darkness and can make out a strange outline that is partially illuminated every time it opens up with the minigun. I can see the curved body and make out two legs that end in wheels. It can only be a sentinel bot.

I look at Archer, “Ceasefire now! Before it realizes we are here and attacks us too.”

Most of the raiders are dead, wounded, or running by this point. The bot reaches an invisible line it seems and it stops, it turns towards us, but we seem to be out of its perimeter of operations, and since we are not firing, it simply ignores us and returns to the village.

I look at those around me and ask out loud, “What the Tartarus was that thing?”

Sunset looks at me, “LT, I believe it is a security robot. Well, that explains why they figured they had things managed, but it does beg the question be asked, why is it here?’

Archer, simply looks at us, “Honestly, as long as it leaves us alone, I am good with it. Ma’am. If I may suggest though, let's mark this place down on the map for future reference.”

“Sounds good Archer, Sunset, come morning I want scouts out as soon as possible. I do not want any ground-based scouts behind us though, or too far to the north, keep that in mind.”

That night is a tense one knowing the enemy is in such close proximity. One bit of regularity still occurs when Nugget shows up to read to Ginger again at the HQ. Ginger is not the only one who looks forward to her readings. It is after both officers’ call and as I return from my rounds of the camp and enter the HQ area that Specs comes over to me. “Just to let you know ma’am, Nugget is getting ready to read again.” He says with a smile in his voice.

“Thanks, Specs. I appreciate your letting me know. Anything from Manesville?”

“No, nothing on the official wavelengths. It seems Shortwaves is starting to do a regular broadcast every night. Nothing fancy, just a bit of local news and music from groups at home. He did have a new group play though called the Dust Devils. The singers seemed to have an accent like Cadet Sunsets.”

Now that is interesting. It makes me wonder just how much things have been changing back home. Only another week or two. We can make it I tell myself. I then sit down to listen with everyone else, as I then look around, I notice even Dull Beak is stretched out, and listening to Nugget.

After her story, I get up and walk the camp again, Woofers is quietly trotting behind me. I first stop by D-troop to check on their sections of the line as well as to sneak some time with Sutures.

I see her before she sees me. She is laying there with her legs tucked under her. Her eyes are closed and I can tell something is bothering her.

“Hey dear, you alright?” I ask as I sit beside her and put a hoof over her shoulders.

She opens her eyes in surprise, “Oh Mollygirl, sorry, I did not hear you coming. Yeah, yeah, I am alright?” She tells me as she tries to not look me in the eyes.

“What is wrong dear? I can tell something is bothering you?”

“We had two more of the Doorkickers wounded today, Woodrow got grazed pretty good. Candy Stripe may lose a foreleg. I think I got all the bleeders, but the bone was so badly shattered, I just don’t know if it will even begin to heal right. I used two healing potions on him after I organized the bone fragments.”

“Damn, I am sorry to hear that about Candy Stripe. He is a good kid.”

“Mollygirl, we lost Milk Thistle too. I thought I had her saved. I should have had her saved. Luna blessed pulmonary artery had been nicked enough to weaken it and it let go on us. Mollygirl, I just can’t keep doing this. I am sorry, When we get back I am going to begin to process for discharge. Transfer to the civil service, maybe an EMT, or become a Midwife like my mother.” She tells me through the tears I can hear forming.

I pull her closer to me and let her cry into my chest fur, rubbing my forehoof through her mane. “I am so sorry love, I wish we were home already. Soon, please hold on, soon we will be home.”

I hold her while she cries herself out, finally, she finishes crying. “Sorry love, but tonight I have the duty with the wounded. I need to clean myself up and get over to the medical wagons.”

“I know Please remember you are loved. We all know you did your best, but sometimes the medicos just can’t beat the Grimreaper pony. Besides, I really want you to be my midwife for this little one of ours.”

I see a slight smile start to form at that last part, she gently leans into me and we kiss a slow, gentle kiss. “Goodnight love, I will see you in the morning, but for now, duty calls,” she tells me as she carefully gets back to her hooves and heads back to the medical wagons. I then make my rounds to the other camps stopping to spend time with Archer again.

Tonight, there is just something that makes me want to spend time with him. I have gotten to know Sutures so much better than him lately that I just want to learn more about him. Yes, we have been in the guard and even spent time in the same squad, but how well does that mean I really know him.

We find a somewhat secluded spot under a caisson. We lay down together and he runs a hoof gently through my mane as we begin to talk. In a way I feel bad that after so many years serving together, I never took the time to learn about his foalhood or his family.

As we lay there like that, he asks me, “Mollygirl, can I ask, what made you and Ivy so close?”

I smile as I think about her, then I tell him, “Archer dear, she was my best friend. I could talk about anything with her. There were so many times that we were there for each other growing up,” I laugh lightly, “in fact when Bullet had duty her mom took care of me and helped to raise me.”

“Dear, what about your parents and family, I never really heard what happened to them.”

So I begin to tell him some of it, “I watched my father slowly die from taint poisoning as a foal, then as a young filly,” I do not mean to, but I choke up and some tears start to come, “as a young filly, after dad died, our farm was hit by raiders. They killed her and burned the house down. Bullet found me and took me in. He lost his family that same night.”

“Huh, I wondered about how you two became family. He never talked about it.”

“Yeah, Ivy helped me through too. I can not tell you how many times I woke up from a nightmare with her holding me. So, I think that is why we were so close. What was it like for you growing up?”

He kisses me lightly on the forelock and then begins to tell me, “Well, I went to school in Manesville. My father was and still is a fishercolt down on the river. Mom, only worked part-time once I started school. Before that, she stayed at home with me and my big sister.”

I interrupt him, “Wait, I never knew you had a big sister.”

He smiles sadly, “We don’t talk about her much. She died when I was young. Remember those couple of years when the crops failed and everyone was getting sick, well it seems that the short rations weakened her more than we realized. She went to work on the boat with dad one day and as she tried to pull a line in, she slipped and fell into the water. Dad jumped in and tried to save her, but he just was too weak himself and almost drowned too. One of the other boats pulled him in. A little while later they found my sister, but it was already too late, she was gone,” as he says this, I see the tears welling up in his eyes.

I place my hoof along his face and bring my muzzle to his. After we break the kiss, I then bring his head to my chest and just hold him and rub his mane until we both almost fall asleep. Finally, I get up and as he heads to his bedroll I head back to mine.

As I get back to the camp, I notice that Choo Choo is just getting ready to go on watch again. She had Ginger sleeping next to her. I have to smile as I know how much the foals care for her and she, them. I then have her move Ginger over to my bedroll. I figure it should help both her and me to sleep better tonight.

I talk to Choo Choo for a bit and before she goes on watch I tell her, “Choo Choo, be careful tonight, and if you see anything suspicious, wake me. Use your PipBuck if you have to.”

“You got it Mollygirl, Ma’am, I did not want to ask Sunset, because I am afraid, he would say no, but do you want me to scout for them tonight?”

“Choo Choo, Yes I would like that, however, Cadet Sunset is your direct superior. If you ask him and he gives you permission to, I will fully support it, but as he has not, then no. With that, if you go a bit high tonight above the camp, and watch down from a cloud, who is to say that is not a watch. But go no further than the boundaries he has ordered please.”

She then walks off, a bit later I hear her take off. Then behind me, I hear Sunset quietly speak to me, “Thank you, Ma’am. It is within your right ya know.”

“I know Sunset, but she needs to know I am not the direct boss now, you are and to keep you in the chain, except in an emergency.”

“Still Thanks LT. That is what makes you a good officer, you still support your subordinates in the line of duty. By the way, I am glad you mentioned the cloud setting. I think I will use that some more for the night watches. Should give us a better view, but allow us to rest our wings.”

“No problem Cadet,” I tell him with a hint of a smile, “Now if you do not have any more for me, we both should go grab some sleep.”

“Oh, ok LT, sorry to have bothered ya.” He tells me as he puts his head down and starts to turn away.

“I’m going to be short on sleep tomorrow anyways, Ok Sunset, what is it?”

“Sorry Mollygirl, just a lot on my mind. Some of it makes a buck feel heavy in their heart.”

I can tell how he feels, too many stones in his saddlebags too. “Stop Sunset, let's head on over here for a bit, I have a couple of things I need to talk to a friend about, and maybe can lend an ear to you also.”

“Ya know, I could use a friend like that too LT.,” he tells me as he walks alongside me to an area away from most of the troopers.

Once we get there, we both sit down next to each other. I watch as he takes a half-empty bottle of Wild Pegasus out of his saddlebags and takes a sip, he then hesitates before offering me a sip. The temptation is there more than I want to admit, I feel the craving and my mouth suddenly feels just a bit dry and a drink would help so much. Finally, I just answer, “Thanks for the offer Sunset, but I can’t. You know the foal and all.”

He then surprises me and pulls out a bottle of Sparkle Cola. “How’s this then LT. I found several when we were in Good Doer tucked away in a hidey-hole of a burnt-out house. I grabbed em mainly for the foals, but There were a couple of Sparkle Cola Rads there too. I gave them to Choo Choo, she has been almost begging me for more if it since.”

I have to smile at that. “Well, if you don’t mind then I will share it with you.”

He pops the cap off and tucks it into his saddlebag. Takes a sip and hoofs it to me. I take a longer pull on it then I mean too, and go to give it back to him. He just smiles, “That’s ok, you keep it for now.”

It is such a treat, I surprise both of us and give him a peck on the cheek, “Thank you so much,” I tell him and watch him blush.

“Your welcome Mollygirl. Can I ask you something?”

I nod my head “Go ahead Sunset, what is it?”

“It’s, it’s about Pages. I worry that maybe she won’t want me still when we get back. I mean we were just really getting to know each other when I was there, and well, do you think she would still be interested in a military pegasus when we get back?” as he says this, he looks at the ground and I see the worry on his face.

I tilt my head when I look at him and reply, “Yes, I am sure of it Sunset. You are a good buck. There is much more to you than just fighting. You are strong, intelligent, concerned for others, as well as being an attractive stallion. Why are you worried?”

“Mollygirl, she is so intelligent and sweet. Not to mention pretty much one of the prettiest mares I have come across. Oh, and tough, did I mention that. I mean a combat librarian, never thought I would see a mare like that.”

I laugh lightly, “I would not call her a combat librarian, but maybe a librarian who has seen combat,” I chuckle a bit more, “Combat Librarian, sound kind of like a Battlemage or Shadowbolt.”

I see him chuckle a bit too, “I guess it does, she goes into combat and overwhelms them with facts,” he jokes.

It is good to see a bit of a smile on his face. “Sunset, I have not known Pages all that long, but from what I have learned from Magpie, she really has not dated much. She is very picky about the stallions she even spends time with. Sunset, she must figure you are somepony special, especially if she is writing to you.”

“Yeah, that makes sense, but now I have my family to worry about too. I am so afraid we may not be able to get them back there safely too, much less all the rest of the civilians and my scouts. Mollygirl, I don’t know if you realize how close we came to losing Chip in that ambush the other day. He still has not fully recovered. Then today, I almost got the foals and Xavier killed when they ran into that local militia. I just thank the Goddesses that their security bot was not active yet.”

“Sunset, that is part of being a scout. Those two youngsters have gotten better at it than I ever dreamed of, much less wanted them too. That bot, now, that surprised all of us. I just thank the Goddesses it did not identify any of us as hostile or try to attack us.” I tell him and then take another sip from the bottle.

“Yeah, but I am still worried about everypony, especially my family. I never imagined a mare, much less my sister giving birth and then having to take her foal on the run like this.”

“Sunset, speaking of that, what happened to your sister’s husband?”

“Mollygirl, it seems the Enclave has fallen apart. He was caught up in the fighting between Neighvarro and Thunderhead. She said he enlisted in some special program to make him a better fighter. Then she never saw him again. She was told that he died in the attacks, and that is all she knows.”

“Sunset, Tar, and I have already begun to think about how to get the civilians home safely, however, It might mean risking the rest of us. A lot of hit and run on our parts, while they just run. We can discuss it more at tomorrow night's officers call though. But I am doing my best to get them home safely.”

“I know Mollygirl, I know. It just seems that things are really going sideways on us. You are doing better than most put in your situation.”

“I am glad you feel that way Sunset,” we then continue to chat for a while longer, then we both head back to our bedrolls. As we get up to go I tell him thanks for the chat.

“No problem LT, and thank you too. I needed it.” He says then walking a bit more confidently he heads to his bed.

When I get back to mine, I find Ginger has grabbed my blanket as well as hers, I gently pull it back so I can crawl under it for a couple of hours sleep. While doing so she starts to wake up.

“Oh, hi Ma, where’s Choo Choo?”

“She had to go on watch dear,”

“Oh OK, sorry about stealing the blanket. I just am missing my stuffed pony tonight.”

“It’s ok honey, I understand.”

“Ma, what if mom gets killed?”

“Ginger dear, you will have a home with me always.”

“I’m tired of being grown up, it hurts too much. I wish I could just be a filly again.”

“I understand my young mare, I understand.”

“See even you don’t look at me as a filly anymore, But I am, I just want to be home,” she tells me with tears in her voice.

Again, another stone goes into my saddlebag. At times I forget just how young she really is. She should not be here. These wastelands seem to taint everything they come in contact with. Just a few more days and I will be home. I kiss her lightly on the forelock, “I understand dear, we will be home soon and you will have her again,” I tell her as I crawl under the covers and hold her as she falls asleep. I lay there for a while longer and then sleep comes to me again also.

It is still dark when I am woken up. Paperwork is there with a cup of hot tea for me. “Morning Ma’am, you said to get you up early. Two hours till dawn.”

“Thanks, Sergeant, I really appreciate it. Anything from Manesville yet?”

“No, ma’am. Still quite on the radio. Sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about, so no need to apologize sarge. Well time to wake up the scouts and troops.”

At that, he turns and heads over to his portable desk, and starts taking care of the daily reports as the rest of the troops get up and get ready to move. The civilians are already making their way into position for the march today. I walk over to their camp and find Fancy, “Hey Fancy, depending on how things go today you and the Volunteer company may be on your own. If things go bad for us, keep heading north towards the Co-op. We will do what we can to keep them off of you.”

She looks at me in the eyes, “So, this may be our final day with the expedition?”

I nod yes, “If not today, then soon. I want you all to stop north of the bridge, but do not get ready to camp until you hear from us. I want you all to be able to run still. Just in case.”

“Ok, Mollygirl, I will do that. But we are here to support you too, remember that.”

“I know. Now I need to get back to the HQ. Take care and I will talk to you later.” I tell her and am surprised when she gives me a hug.

She breaks the hug, “Talk to you later Mollygirl. Be careful,” she tells me as she walks back to the civilian camp.

An hour before dawn the scouts begin to move out. A half-hour later, the rest of us follow on our way to Targhee. As the sun begins to come over the ridge, I slide back in the column to discuss with Archer a change in our plans I have made. Then I slowly make my way through the column talking with the troops and civilians on the move. Spirits seem to be high for now, but I am still worried.

As we reach the outskirts of Targhee it appears to be a dead town. I watch as D-troop falls out and takes up positions in this part of town, I watch as the volunteers, the Civilians, Service of Supply, and artillery pass by and then turn north at the crossroad. E-troop goes past the crossroad and deploys with part of them entering the woods on the south side of town. Finally, H-troop comes through and turns north also. Leaving D and E troop behind in Targhee.

As the column was passing by we began to set up an ambush. Once ready we begin to wait. To the west I see two columns of dust rising, and heading our way. Things seem to be going according to plan. Then I hear over my PipBuck, HQ this is Ranger 3, HQ this is Ranger 3, we have movement to the southeast of the town, heading our way.” I take this in stride, then I realize that Ranger 3 is Nugget and I recognize her voice. She is there with three squads in the woods. Oh Goddesses, what have I done? I can only pray that they do not get cut off from the rest of us.

Behind me, I hear a muffled outburst of “MOM!” and see Xavier holding Ginger with one foreleg and his opposite forehoof over her muzzle. I look out the window and see a flock of crows flying by at the same time. I look at the floor of the room we are hiding in and feel like I want to cry. Instead, I raise my eyes to look outside and order over the comms channel, “All personnel, hold your fire until ordered, or until found.”

Dear DJ Pon3, My life is in shambles, the Stallion I love dead, the foal I am carrying, fatherless. I am now a prisoner for treason. I, along with my fellow members of the CEF are being hunted by a Mad Pony. With this in mind, could you play On The Run for me and all of us?

Sincerely

Tar Water

Former Captain, now prisoner, Co-op guard

Thanks again to Kkat for creating the world of FoE. Also, thank you to all those authors who have added to it. They have each shown me how much more can be added to it.

Thank you to all who are reading this. I appreciate it and hope you are enjoying the story still.

For those interested in this chapters dedication song it can be found at the youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEjgsMKYOUo