Chapter 40 We Will Meet You In Manesville

“Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you until we meet again!” -Anonymous

We cross the river and meet the civilian and supply caravan. Once all of us have crossed the bridge I call for an officer’s call in an old tent that Fancy had set up just for this. I am waiting for all of them to arrive when Fancy comes over and asks, “So when are the rest of the troops getting here?”

I sigh and look her in the eyes, “Fancy, this is it. We lost quite a few today and even more wounded.”

She looks around in the dark, “No, seriously Mollygirl, you are missing almost half a company, where are they.”

Kettle Belle approaches her, “Fancy please, don’t keep asking. She is not pulling your hoof.”

I see the look of horror on her face. “We lost that many, they lost more, and they are still coming?”

I simply nod, “Yep, that is why during the meeting I am telling everypony you are leaving in an hour after it is done and we will be barring the back door for you.”

It is about then that Clock Work comes over, “Did I hear that right LT?”

“Which part Clock Work?” I ask tiredly.

“That we are leaving tonight and you all are staying behind.”

“Yes, I will give more details in a bit,” I tell him after which he and Fancy head to the side and sit down.

As the others arrive Sunset comes over to chat. “How ya doing LT, you hangin' in there?”

“Yeah, I am, thanks for asking. Quick question, where did you learn to do that Tactical Rainboom maneuver?”

He looks around first then quietly answers, “Mollygirl, it was an old Wonderbolt technique. I learned about it while training to be an enclave scout. We all wanted to try it, and some of us were allowed to, however, the last time I did one was before I was branded, and to be honest, it almost killed me. I hit hard enough that if I had not been wearing my armor, it would have killed me. But desperate times call for desperate measures.”

I am surprised to hear this from him, “Sunset, did Choo Choo and Firefly know how dangerous this was?”

“Yeah, they did, we discussed it a couple of times and did a couple of practice runs at lower speeds. But like I said we needed something drastic and well…”

“Ok, I understand. By the way, someday I would like to hear more about your time as an Enclave scout.”

When I say this, I see his attitude shift in his body language, his face becomes featureless and his voice flat, “Mollygirl, I really don’t think you want to hear those stories. There is a reason I am now a Dashite.”

“Ok, then maybe over a couple of drinks sometime, we can both tell our stories.”

He looks thoughtful, tilts his head, and answers back, “You know Mollygirl, I think that is something we could do. Maybe it would be good for both of us ta have somepony to tell those tales ta.”

“Sounds good, looks like everypony is here so we best begin,” I tell them as I look around the tent. I notice that Kettle Bell has a bandage on a hind leg. I see Tender Hoof has one over his left eye as well as a brace on his left foreleg. Archer is behind them with a serious expression on his face next to Balanced Books and Bailey Bridge. My staff is also present as we gather around a table with another map around it.

“First off, while my staff and the scouts were trapped in the one building today, I overheard some of the members of Silver Spites forces talking, we have three more companies coming by tomorrow morning, and possibly two more the next day.” I see the surprise on their faces, I hear some startled mumbling, I let it go for a few seconds then I continue. "In light of this development, I think it is time for us to separate the civilian camp and the Service of Supply train from the rest of us. Clock Work, you are to escort them. I want you to make the most direct route possible back to the Co-op. Use your pegasi volunteers as scouts to make sure the way is clear. Do not attack, defend if needed, avoid if possible. But get them home.”

I see the shock on many of the faces of those present. “Tonight, we will be loading three wagons of ammo and three of food to stay with the rest of us. Any wagons that are fully empty and do not have anything to carry will be destroyed. I want the members of those teams distributed. The wagons that will stay with me I want six cow, or pony teams so we can pull easier and with the least exertion for now.”

I see a hoof go up. I notice it is Doc Treacle, “Yes doc?” I ask.

“Ma’am, do you want me to stay with you or go with the rest of them?”

“With what’s coming Doctor, I would love to keep you with us, but I need you on the wagon train to get those already wounded home alive.”

“I understand LT.” He responds and I see his ears go down to the side of his head.

I look back to the map and point a hoof at a ridge that has a river behind it with a bridge, for the rest of us. This is where we have been ordered by Manesville to be in two to three days. When we get there, we will dig in and fortify it. Before that I want us to make some strikes at the forces chasing us. Quick hit and runs. No prolonged engagements. Is that understood?”

“Yes ma’am,” I hear out of the mouths of those around me.

“Alright then, let's get moving. Those with family in the civilian caravan, can go ahead and say goodbye. Those without, I want those supplies transferred and made ready. Also, Bailey, I want that bridge prepared for demolition but have some fun and put a couple of claymore mines on the approaches first. I want to kick them in the teeth before we blow the bridge.”

I see a devilish grin come onto his face. “You got it LT. Can I also use a couple of other mines?”

“No, save the other mines for later, I promise we will let you play with them eventually. Now if there are no other questions right now, dismissed.” I tell them.

I watch them go out into the dark and rain. Fancy comes over to me. “Mollygirl, I will get them to your meeting point and prep a position for you. Then we will head the rest of the way back. But please be careful. I already lost a good friend; I do not want to lose more.”

“Sounds good Fancy. Thanks for telling me after everypony left, that will make it easier to keep it a secret between us in case anypony gets captured.”

I see her smile sadly, “Not a problem, besides, I think you need every hoof you can get. Mollygirl, I know we are not close, but I do consider you a friend too, understand that. I mean it, do not take too many risks. I heard about the fight today and your being in the front of the one charge, you have more than just you to think about now,” she tells me as she places a forehoof on the side of my belly and smiles. Be careful for her also..”

I smile, “Thanks Fancy, you be careful too. When we meet next how about we just sit and have a nice cup of tea and talk?”

“Sounds good LT, now I best get going we both have things to do,” she gives me a quick hug and then leaves. I am alone in the tent and listen to the activity outside and the rain as it hits the canvas. Goddesses I hope I do not screw this up.

Behind me, I hear hoof steps. I turn and look. In the darkness of the tent, I see her. “Hello, Mareigan.”

As she approaches, she talks, “Hello my child. I know it hurts, but you all did well today.”

“Did we? We had no choice but to leave the town to them. They had fewer troops left, but we had to leave.”

“Mollygirl, you could have driven them out yes, but you and I both know they have more coming soon and would have rolled over you then. You did what you had to do,” she tells me as she puts a hoof under my chin and looks me in the eyes.

“Mareigan, I just do not want to let them down.”

“Spoken like a true mother. And yes, you are, not only to the foal you carry but to our Ginger as well. She too is your daughter now. When I was there to collect Nugget, she told me this and asked me to hold off so she could say her goodbyes.”

“You were there? Why did you take her then? You could have let her live.”

She straightens up and looks down at me, “IT was her time, she had earned a warrior's death and for that, I honored her request to say her goodbyes. T’is rare for me to do.” I watch anger flash over her face briefly.

I look toward the ground, “I am sorry, it, it just hurts to lose another friend and to see her daughters hurt so much.”

I see her relax and a look of benevolence comes over her, “Aye, understand that I can. But do not blame me. For it was not me who choose this path for any of ya.”

“I understand, I would do almost anything to protect them all, but I still have to put them in danger to do so.”

She steps closer, “Almost anything, you say?”

I simply nod as she lifts my face to hers her muzzle almost touching mine, “But tis not something you truly want tis it.”

I notice that my lips had parted some in anticipation of her kissing me, I shake my head in confusion as she lets my face go.

“Mollygirl what shall I ever do with ye child.” She says and shakes her head. Know I will be watching you. Be careful and wise. Protect the foals, including yours. I will do what I can to protect all of you too but understand, I can only do so much. I can no protect ya from your own foalishness.”

“Thank you Mareigan,” I tell her as she walks past.

She stops at the doorway of the tent, looks back at me, and smiles, “Farewell, for now, my child.” Then she walks into the dark and disappears.

Part of me wants to stay inside the tent, but I know I need to get things done. I should say goodbye to a few of the civilians as well as Clock Work. I also need to get Ginger. I know she should still be Xavier and Xochitl. I would have left her with Dusty, but Dusty has a squad to look after.

With all I have going on, at least I don’t have time for a breakdown. However, boy will I need to do some talking with Moon Pie about all this. Maybe she can help me make sense of all that is happening.

I get up and head out into the rain. I see Blondie and Trouble heading toward the Civilian Caravan and stop them. “Blondie, if you want to head out with the civilians, please do so, I will even transfer you as a scout to the Volunteers so you can still get paid.”

She smiles at me, “No thanks, these two left me before not knowing I needed them, I know what it is like. I am not leaving them when they need me. Besides, Sunny is in good hooves, I have known the Cup family for years and Sunny has since he was born, he will be fine.”

I look at Trouble, he smiles and shakes his head, “Mollygirl, I am here for family as much as duty now. You know what that means cous.”

I smile back, “Yeah, I do, thanks cous. Give Sunny a hug from me you two. I will talk to you later.”

They continue on to the caravan but I take a side trip to check the progress of the transfer of supplies and the medical staff. I see Sutures coming out of a wagon and stop her, “Hey Sutures, you heading out with the wounded?”

She looks at me, with an expression of shock on her face, “Mollygirl, why would you think that? I have too many ponies here that I care about. You, you aren’t trying to get rid of me, are you?”

“No, not at all Sutures, if anything I would want to protect you,” I look down at the ground, “I am so sorry about earlier dear, I never should have asked that of you.”

She lifts my head and looks me in the eyes, “Mollygirl, I did volunteer, as much as I hate to admit it, you asked the others first, and I then asked to also. So, I guess I am to blame as well, It's, just, you know, hard to admit to yourself when you do something like that.”

“Yeah, yeah it is, but I know a pretty good therapist you can talk to when we get back, I wonder if she gives group rates?” I say with a slight smile, but still a tear in my eye.

She tries to laugh, “I may have to take you up on that. Just so you know I was in helping to get the wounded settled in for the next leg of their trip. Doc is going to be with them along with one of the medics from the Rangers. Oh, and one of the pegasi we met in Good Doer, used to be a nurse, so he offered to help too.”

“Ok, sounds good dear. I better let you get going too for now. Will I see you later tonight?” I ask.

She nods her head, “You should, I know Ginger is going to be needing a lot of attention for a while.”

“She is, and so is Dusty I think, but how about you, how are you holding up?”

She sighs, “Love, when we get back, as soon as I can turn in my uniform, I am done. I just can’t do this again, not anymore.”

I put a hoof around her, “I understand entirely, to tell the truth, it is something I have considered too.” I then lightly kiss her on the cheek and get moving again.

I inspect our lines quickly and see the positions being fortified, I also can see the shadows of the engineers moving both on the bridge itself as well as on the causeway leading up to it. It looks like we should be able to hold them for a while.

I finally find the scouts not too far from the artillery and my HQ. My staff has moved the tent from earlier and it is now not so easily seen from the other side of the river. The scouts are currently digging in and improving their dugout with branches overhead as well as tarps to keep out the rain. The artillery has dug in and has placed thick branches and tree limbs in front of their positions, which are just short of the crest of the ridge. I go inside and find Xochitl and Ginger heating water for tea for themselves and the others, Sunset sees me and nods.

I go over to Ginger, “Hi dear,” I tell her as a put a hoof on her shoulder.

She looks at me and with a tear-streaked face tries to smile at me, “Hi ma, want some tea.”

“Sure, “I tell her and I dig into my saddlebag for my cup. Once I find it, I let her fill it and then begin to sip out of it. Then I begin, “Ginger, the civilians will be leaving in a bit, would you like to go with them?”

I see a worried look come onto her face, “Why? Don't you want me now?”

“No, no, it is not that, just in case you wanted to go with them, it will be safer with them.”

“No, I want to stay here with you, sissy, Xochitl, and the others. Ma, I may still be a blank flank but haven’t I done good enough to stay with all of you? Besides, who would I go with? My family is here.”

She has a point and I know it. “You have done fine dear, just like everyone else. I want you to stay with me.”

At that point she comes over and gives me a hug, “Thank you, I was so afraid you would not want me. I have lost so many I care about this last year.”

I hold her for a while and tell her, “I know how you feel kiddo, I know how you feel.” After a bit, I realize I still have to say my goodbyes, “Ginger, would you like to come with me to say goodbye to some of those that are leaving tonight?” In reply, she simply nods her head yes. I watch as she pulls a rain tarp out of her saddlebags and wraps it around herself, then together we head out into the weather to make my rounds.

As we enter the civilian camp we are passing by a wagon where I notice Tar Water and her guard as well as Trouble and Blondie. As we are passing, I hear little Sunny talking, “Really Auntie Tar, I am going to have a cousin in a little while, you mean it?”

I see her give him a hug, “Yes Sunny, you may have to wait a while to play with them, but you will.”

Then I hear Sunny ask, “Auntie Tar, you always have MP here with you, is he your colt friend?” I almost trip on my own hooves when I hear that question and am curious how she is going to answer.

“No, Sunny he is just a friend now, I got into big trouble and now I have to have him there to make sure I do not get into more trouble.”

Then I hear that bright voice say, “Ah, ok, kind of like being grounded, Mommy grounded me once too.”

I want to stop and say goodbye to Sunny, but I do not want to interrupt, I will try and catch them on the way back through. Ginger and I keep walking, I notice she was listening too, but like me, she says nothing.

As we continue, we come upon Stir Fry. “Hey Stir Fry, I just wanted to say goodbye and thank you for all you have done for us.”

“Oh, Hi LT, no problem, Sorry I don't have much time to make something for you, I am just finishing up packing my wagon. I got some extra portions of broiled radhog and mole rat if you want to take it with you, otherwise, it's leftovers for tomorrow. It just doesn’t taste the same reheated though.”

I look at Ginger and see her nod her head, “Thanks Stir Fry, I will take you up on two portions of radhog, but to tell the truth, I had just stopped by to say goodbye and good luck. You have made this expedition so much more tolerable for myself and many of the others. When and if we make it back, I would like to have you out to the farm for dinner sometime, just so I can treat you back.”

As I am saying this, she is cutting two portions of radhog meat, she looks around and sees some old paper that she has stacked to the side, “Normally I make ponies use their mess kits or my metal plates, but I don’t have time to clean them. I read that they used to wrap sandwiches and such up in paper before the war, so when I can get some I keep in on hoof for special times. So here you two go. Enjoy and I will see you up the road, both of you. Now be careful you two, oh and LT I will miss our evening chats.”

I smile, “Me too Stir Fry. Take care and keep ‘em as well-fed as you can.” I put the meat in my saddlebags and we continue on in our travels.

As we walk past, we are greeted by several of the civilians as they continue packing. I am both amused and surprised when I notice the wagon before us still brightly painted with Two Bucks and a Brahmin painted on the side.

The three of them wave to me and say hello to us. “Sorry I have not visited sooner; I have been so busy I did not realize you were still with us.”

The brahmin looks at me, the one head speaks “That’s ok LT, we understand, we decided to check out your co-op a while back, besides I have a few personal interests now,”

I am slightly disconcerted when his second head suddenly interrupts, “We, we have personal interest now, you always try to leave me out of it don’t you.”

The first head starts to argue back, “We have had this discussion before, this is neither the time nor the place for it. Anyway, LT if you would be so kind, tell Sergeants Kicker and Kettle Bell we said goodbye and hope to see them again soon.”

I smile at both of them, “I will do that, you take care too, ok.” As I look, I see the two stallions loading the wagon and assisting Text Book and her students onboard.

“Thanks again for giving a ride to them, I was worried,” I tell them and I see Ginger go over and talk to the teacher and her pupils.

“Tis nothing, after all, isn’t it the Co-op way? Everybody helping when and as much as they can.”

“Yes, yes, it is and you two will fit right in if you want to join us with that kind of attitude, now I best get going. Keep safe ok.”

“Ok, see you in Manesville LT.” I hear them both say as I head to the back of the wagon to say hello and goodbye to Text Book and the foals. Then Ginger and I continue on.

Next, we come to the service of supply wagons, right away I see Flechettes and he waves me down. “LT, you never stopped to get your bladed weapon, do you still want one?” he asks me.

I am surprised as I had forgotten I had asked him about it some time ago. “Sure, what do you have for me Flechettes?”

“Well ma’am, I can fit it to your battle saddle really quick but I found one of the old Equestrian Army officers’ swords in those crates of weapons you brought back from the railyard.”

“Really, let me see,” I tell him excitedly.

He pulls it out of the back. I notice the plain metal scabbard for attaching it to my saddle, then I notice the gold-inlaid hilt with the leather-bound grip. As he pulls it out of the scabbard, I see it is engraved in olde ponish. I read it aloud, For This Land I Defend, My Life I Offer Up.

As I read it, I see Ginger’s eyes go wide, “Ma that is so you. It is beautiful.”

It is then that he seems to notice Ginger is with me. “If we have time little miss when I am done with the LT, I may have something for you.”

I see the look of surprise on her face, “For me? Really?” Flechettes only nods his head in reply as he offers me the sword.

I take it in my mouth and am surprised at how natural it feels. Yes, I want this badly, I have always liked swords and sabers, but this, this is a piece of art as well as a weapon, it is so well balanced and the craftsmanship is exquisite. I may not use it in battle, but if I need it, it would more than do the job.

“I’ll take it Flechettes, help me mount it on my battlesaddle so I can draw it,” I tell him.

After we have it mounted and I have test drawn it several times he is satisfied with the mount positioning. Then he looks at Ginger, “Young miss, are you happy with that weapon or would you prefer something better?” he asks her.

“Ma, can I really get a better rifle, I mean I like it and all, Xochitl gave it to me, but still…”

“Yes, dear you can. In fact, if you want, I am sure you can even put it in a scabbard in case you need it sometime or leave it with Flechettes and get it back from him when we get home.”

“OK, let's see what he has first before I decide for sure,” She tells us.

I watch go into the back and hear him digging around a bit, then I hear him, “Ah-ha, here it is.” Then I watch as he brings it out from the back. To tell the truth, I am slightly jealous when I see it, I see her face as he brings out a SIR15. My jaw drops, I did not even know we had one with us.

“Now, this is a sweet weapon, I would prefer to put it on a battlesaddle for you, but we don’t have time right now. However, I will make sure we adjust the straps so you can balance it better. The nice thing about the SIR15s’ is that they are silenced. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t hear them, that would take a pretty good spell to enchant a weapon like that, however, it is quieter than most and should keep you from being noticed as easily. It should also make it easier for you to get ammo as it has the same standard of ammo as most of the expedition rifleponies.”

She looks at it almost like it is a potential colt friend, then she looks at me, “Can I really ma?”

I nod, “Yes dear, it actually makes sense, especially for the scouts. Thank you Flechettes, we, I owe you big time for both of these.”

He smiles, “No big deal LT, just get home safe and buy me a cider sometime.”

“It’s a deal, ok dear grab the extra magazines, and let’s get going.” I tell her, as we are leaving, I stop and shake hooves with him, “Thanks again and be careful. I will see you back in Manesville.”

“You to LT, Ginger, see you in Manesville.”

We are heading back toward the HQ when I see Sunny flying over me. “Hi LT.”

"Hi, Sunny we were just coming over to say goodbye for now,” I tell him.

He swoops down and lands next to me and Ginger. I notice him staring at my cheek, “Auntie Tar has a scar just like that. Will I be able to get one like it too when I get older? I like it, it makes you look tough.”

His innocence actually overcomes my embarrassment about my scar, “Sunny, someday you probably will have a scar, it may not match this one, but they do come with life. Remember, each one tells a story of how somepony was hurt and survived.”

“That is cool LT, can I hear your story?” He asks.

“Not right now Sunny we need to get back to HQ and you need to get back to your wagon. But it is wonderful to see you again young buck.”

Then he looks at Ginger, I see him looking at her side, “You have a scar too. Wow, you are tough then, I want to be like you someday Ginger, all the foals keep talking about how tough and brave you and Xochitl are.”

Ginger smiles at that, “Thanks Sunny perhaps someday I will tell you my story too if you’d like. Be a good colt though and get back to the Cups wagon. I will see you in Manesville. Who knows, maybe we can go to school together when we are there.”

I see his eyes get wide, “You really mean I might get to go to school someday. Oh wow, that would be great.” He takes both Ginger and I by surprise by jumping into the air and doing a loop, “That would be awesome, especially if I get to go with you and Xochitl.”

“Well you need to get there first Sunny, so how about a quick hug, and then you head back to your wagon.”

He doesn’t even bother to land he just hovers over and gives me a hug around the neck, then does the same to Ginger, “I will see you in Manesville, take care.” He tells us.

“Take care Sunny, see you in Manesville.” We both tell him and we watch him fly away toward his wagon and watch as his shadow lands right as Fancy calls for the civilian wagons to move.

I then notice the rain has stopped for now and we watch as the non-combatants and the volunteer company move out. Once we can no longer see them in the dark, we head back to the HQ tent.

As we are walking Ginger asks me, “Ma, do you really think Xochitl and me will fit in again once we get back?”

“Ginger, honestly I don’t know dear, but you will need your education. Just remember those who were not here will not understand what we have seen and done.”

“I know Ma. That is what I am afraid of.”

“Ginger, just remember there are some others back in Manesville that were under fire during the battle there and lost family members too. If you have trouble at your school, then maybe we can have you go to school there, or Magpie and Sumac and I can homeschool you.”

She seems to think about this, “Ok, we can try it, you know ma, even with everything that has happened the last year, I never thought it would be like this.”

I never wanted wings so much as I did right then, just so I could put them around her and hold her as we walked. Instead, I stop, put a hoof around her, and draw her into a hug. “Honey, I never did either, even after all my years with the Guard, I had no idea. But we will make it, both of us, even if it is just you, me, and this little one I am carrying, we will make it.”

“Thanks, ma, I guess we best get back though, thank you for taking me with you.”

“You are welcome,” I tell her and we continue on our way.

Once we get back to the HQ I ask Specs if he has heard anything from Manesville and he tells me not yet. Paper Work then gives me the muster reports with the totals of killed and wounded. We have had another thirty killed and forty-five wounded today. Of the wounded thirty have been returned to duty. Great, we are now low enough on numbers we are resorting to using the walking wounded, instead of letting them heal up. It strikes me that twelve of the dead are from Nuggets squads alone. That was my mistake, I got overconfident and got them cut off. I blame myself, but if I don’t learn from it, or get everypony else home then their deaths are in vain. I can never do that again,

While I am talking Ginger heads over to be with Xochitl and Xavier. She lays down next to them and just places her head over Xochitl’s back. I notice that the fliers are all over in one area by themselves right now. They are talking. I have to smile to myself seeing how Serenity has her right wing around Sky protectively. I also notice though that Choo Choo keeps looking at Chip and Blackberry and looks like she wants to say something to them.

I then notice that somepony has either their PipBuck or radio playing DJ Pon3’s show. Somehow it seems comforting and gives me a feeling that at least somewhere things are still normal. I listen to the reports that come in from the wastelands.

The fighting in Fillydelphia still continues. The old steelworks and several more factories have been seriously damaged again as fighting has raged back and forth among the ruins. There are reports of more slaves being freed by the talons fighting there as well as new troops coming from all around the wastelands. If you are in this area, keep your heads down and be careful out there. If you are an escaped slave, remember the talons are your best bet for help.

In other news we have reports that many of the refugees from Thunderhead are being turned away from several communities. Remember everyone, that sometimes we need to lend a helping hoof to others and that most of the refugees had nothing to do with the clouds and suffered from the policies of the Enclave too.

In recent news there have been several accusations made against the so-called Co-op Expedition Force. Some say that they have killed most of the leadership of the Army of Fillydelphia serving under Colonel Bursting Star while under a flag of truce. These forces have been taken command of by the former captain, now self-proclaimed colonel, Silver Spite. Among the other allegations are the ransacking and burning of Good Doer. If you know the truth, let us know so we can make sure we keep telling the truth, no matter how much it hurts.

Now this next song is Countess Coloratura singing The Magic Inside…

As the song comes on, I look up at the door of the tent and see Sutures and Archer enter, we all look at each other and I cannot help but think how fitting this song is for us three, especially right now. I get up and we walk to each other and as the song plays, we begin to dance. I with my hooves around both of them, them close in front of me. I see a light of understanding in their eyes too as the song finishes.

When it is done, I get back down on four hooves and we go to sit down and just enjoy each other’s company while we can. Archer lays down and I lay on one side, of him, Sutures on the other and we both just rest our heads on his back. Tonight, I am using him like a rock to steady myself. I think Sutures is doing the same, and to tell the truth, I think he is using our contact to steady him also. It was one of the worst days we have had. I look over and see Ginger looking back at me in the same position. Part of me wants to laugh instead we both just look at each other and smile in understanding.

I fall asleep like this without meaning to. When I awake a couple of hours later, I see Choo Choo getting up and heading out the door for watch in the faint lamplight. She is being as quiet as she can. Before she leaves, she looks at all of us and smiles when she sees me looking at her, she gently closes her eyes, nods her head and when she reopens her eyes, she heads outside again.

I quickly scan the room and notice that Xavier or someone has put a blanket over Ginger and Xochitl. Xavier is right next to them. I notice Chip and Blackberry are missing also, but think nothing of it and go back to sleep.

I am awoken slightly before dawn by Choo Choo as she lightly shakes me with her hoof. “LT, they won’t be coming for a while. Their new troops are still a couple of hours out and I made a sneak visit to their headquarters in Targhee, those tactical rainbooms, well they knocked Silver Spite unconscious it seems. He was under guard in a locked room, so I could not get near him, but he was awake before I left. He was quite upset with how many troops he lost and how we got away, again.”

“Thanks, Choo Choo, did you see Chip and Blackberry while you were out.”

She smiles and nods her head enthusiastically, “Oh yes. We had fun, they snuck into Targhee with me. It seems that a little magic from three horns can really shake sleeping troops up. Oh, also I did not know it but Chip knows how to do an interrogation spell. That is how we found out where their headquarters are and that they can not really attack us until they receive more troops. They may try and probe our lines though.”

“You three really found out a lot, thank you. Now you all need to get some rest if you can. By the way who is on watch for the Scouts right now?”

“Oh, that would be Sunset, he relieved Blondie a while ago.”

“Ok, sounds good. Wake me in an hour if my alarm does not go off.” I tell her, then I put my head back onto Archer and am quickly back asleep.

When I next wake my alarm is going off. I hear a few gunshots in the distance, but nothing coming our way so I am not really worried about it.

The troops wake up and stand to at dawn. After an hour we stand down and begin to make breakfast. The troops continue to improve their positions. I watch as several start to take sharpened wooden stakes and place them in areas by the river banks that the enemy may try to use. At nine in the morning, we start to see larger amounts of troops form up along the edge of the town. My troops have taken brush and made their positions more difficult to see. My HQ is on the backside of the hill so it can not be seen. I go up to Archer's artillery positions to watch the show.

It starts off slow with just a few squads trying to keep to the dried grass areas and brush, but they always have to cross open areas before they can get closer. Eventually, we see about a company of their troops trying to gather together in front of the causeway to the bridge. I smile to myself as they send one squad ahead to scout the bridge, and they fail to notice the four claymore mines three facing the town, but one facing back towards the bridge itself. The first squad is almost onto the bridge and waves the rest forward. They are up and running toward the bridge when Bailey fires off the first of the claymores right into the back of the first squad, then the other squads begin to panic. Most continue moving forward, two more go to ground and another couple begin to fall back. Just as those advancing get close enough Bailey triggers two more of the mines and it cuts through them. From our positions, we can hear the screams of the wounded and dying.

Soon we see three more companies begin to advance toward us they have fanned out and are coming at us line abreast. Moving in waves. Some advance while others provide overwatch. Still, we hold fire. We wait until about thirty of their troopers are on the bridge running across it, then I give the order and Bailey triggers first the last claymore into those left on the far side then the explosives on the bridge. I watch as large chunks of it are blown into the air. While most of it shifts and begins to fall, the main deck twist and starts to catch itself, right then Archer fires several high explosive rounds to the far side of the decking from Celestia and the bridge finishes tearing the support beams and drops into the river. Not a perfect drop, but enough that it is unusable for now.

They are blocked from coming right at us now. However, I am now concerned about the possibility of being hit in the flanks. A good night’s sleep has helped me to consider what they are saying about Good Doer. If The regulars from Fillydelphia did not do it, and they think we did, where are the raiders who did? “Sunset! Get some scouts up and airborne asap. We may have company sooner than expected.”

I see his eyes go wide, “Yes, ma'am.” He gets on his PipBuck and starts giving orders out to his fliers. Suddenly I see four of them take off, two heading toward the east and two to the west.

I call back to Light Weight on mine, “1^St sergeant, break down the HQ now and get ready to move we will be bugging out soon.

I hear the nervous tone in his voice, “Yes ma’am, will do.” Behind me, in the distance, I can hear him calling out to the others to break camp and I see the top of the command tent drop almost immediately.

Then I hear Sky’s voice over the comms channel, “Sunset this is Sky 3 repeat this is Sky 3 we have hostiles on the ground over 20 klicks out and closing on our positions from the west-northwest.”

“Rodger that, Sky, Keep observing, but try to remain unobserved.”

Then I hear Firefly’s Voice, “Sunset, this is Sky 2, Repeat this is Sky 2, we have hostile forces approaching from the East, North East, and South East along the river 15 klicks out. Cannot get a count due to the debris.”

“Rodger that Sky 2, same as for Sky 3, observe and keep us informed.”

Before I can say anything, I hear Archer command, “Bring up the limbers, at the double-quick.”

I call over the PipBuck, “Rangers, refuse the east flank, Door Kickers refuse the west flank.”

I am stunned as I watch the two limber carriages swing into position and the trails of the two guns hooked to them. I see the mortars are still not broken down but the rounds are being loaded onto packs already. Then the mortars are broken down and loaded.

While the troops are moving, I am already looking at the map on my PipBuck and looking for our next position. I see it 15 Kilometers back and give the movement orders. As soon as they are given, I see the Artillery pulling out and heading down the same road the civilians followed last night. My non-flying scouts are joined by Choo Choo and Sunset who run to get ahead of the artillery, then we pull out the Rangers, followed by the Door Kickers, the last to leave are the Belles, who build up the campfires in the positions before they leave, so it looks like we may still be in the works we had built.

As we march north, I hear the troops laughing at how we gave them the slip again. From my PipBuck, I hear the Scouts talking about the enemy troops. The rain from the day before was just enough that the roads are not too muddy, but they also do not kick up dust to give us away.

Once we get to our next position, I have the troops set up an ambush just past the remains of a small village. In the village, the church is still standing there but I can hear movement inside of it as well as some growling. I order that my troops stay away from it. No need to rile up its inhabitants any more than we need to at this point.

I have Archer and the artillery continue north another 4 Kilometers to the next ridgeline. This will allow all of his mortars and guns to still be able to hit the village and support us. The skies are still partly cloudy with only a light wind, So I have Sunset put some of his fliers on watch on them so they can rest while they make sure we are not outflanked.

I have D-troop and E-troop set up in the woods north of the town just off the main road. I have the engineers set out a small minefield just north of the village, then have them fall back to the HQ when done. Almost back to the artillery is H-troop as a ready reserve. My headquarters staff is also with the artillery. I have my maps laid out and my PipBuck on the comms channels.

We are not using a tent this time as we plan on falling back shortly anyways. I am looking at the map on the tailgate of a wagon when Tar comes over and starts examining it with me. She points out a crossroads that looks to be heavily traveled. “LT, if those crossroads are as heavily traveled as they look you might want to fall back on them next, then wait to hit any forces following us in the flank or rear. Maybe keep one troop heading north while the other two waits in ambush. I am sure they would not expect it, and it would allow us to use a hammer and anvil attack. After all, it would pay them back for trying to use a dual pincer on us earlier while the one company of theirs kept our attention on it to keep us in place. “

“I like that idea Tar. Thank you for the suggestion. But if they stand fast, how do we get our troops to disengage and reform together?”

We continue to look at the map and start to look at possible ambush points and routes of travel for the next couple of days.

The pegasi and Dull Beak keep tabs on them from a distance so we will not be surprised again. Every so often I see one of them leave a cloud that is getting to far away and fly to one upwind to ride another while staying in position. All that is left to do now is to sit and wait for them to come to us.

Dear DJ Pon3, I have recently lost my mother in service to our beloved Co-op. I was there when she breathed her last on the battlefield at Targhee. She fought to help others as well as in the hope of someday returning the wastelands to what Equestria once was, in her memory could you please play I Vow To Thee My Country? Thank you, and please excuse the smeared writing, I tried to keep the tears from the page.

Sincerely

Ginger Snaps,

Scout, Co-op Expeditionary Force.

Dear DJ Pon3, those of us in the civilian caravan have been sent ahead of the rest of the Co-op Expeditionary Force so that we may have a chance to make it home. They have offered to sacrifice themselves to protect us. Could you please play We'll Meet Again, to let them know how we feel and that we look forward to seeing them all again someday.

Thank You,

Fancy Flourish,

Mayor/Civilian caravan leader

CEF

Thanks again to Kkat for creating this amazing world for us to write about and add to. I would also like to thank all those others who have added to it as well and have not only shown us how much more there is to discover but have entertained us also.

This chapter I had a hard time deciding which song and dedication to use, as both seemed to fit so well. For Ginger's dedication, the Youtube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCkGnQ0AZv0
For Fancy Flourish's the Youtube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsM_VmN6ytk