To say I am stunned is an understatement. The civilians and the volunteer company were supposed to be safe. Discord must love me or something, especially the way things like this keep happening. For once on this expedition, I wish something would go right again. I want to scream; I want to stomp my hooves and throw things. Instead, I look at my PipBuck and calmly reply “Sky1 this is MG, roger that. Please land and inform them that we are inbound with company a couple of hours at least behind us.”

“Roger MG will do, over and out.”

I make the decision then and there, no more breaks till we arrive. I send a quick message over the command channel for an officers’ call in 10 minutes, on the move.

Tar and Taser just walk beside me stunned. It is about then that Blueberry Crisp comes up to me and asks, “LT, my husband’s locator on my PipBuck just told me he is on this side of the river by that ridge. Is there something you need to tell me?”

I sigh, then look at her, “You can wait till officers call in a few more minutes to hear the details, but the basic truth is yep, he probably is there and no it was not planned this way.”

I see her eyes go wide, “Oh no, everything has gone wrong hasn’t it?”

“Blueberry, while I hope not, there is a good chance of it. When we get there, I will have to see what we can do to get them out of here.” I tell her, and then we both fall silent and wait as the officers begin to gather.

Once they are all there, Archer asks, “Mollygirl, what is going on?”

“OK everyone, I just got word from Sunset, the civilians are at the rendezvous site and unfortunately the bridge is down already. They are trapped here with us. I have not heard from Manesville yet, but will be reporting in as soon as we get there.” I tell them.

I hear several of them make startled replies but they quickly quiet down. Then Kettle Belle asks, “Ma'am, how are we going to get them out of here then?”

“Kettle, I am not sure yet, once we get there, we will see what we can do. These are friends, family, and allies that we all care about, so I understand your concern, but there may be nothing we can do, we need to take that into consideration.” I tell all of them as we walk.

Tenderhoof speaks up next, “Ma’am we need to put on a good show for the civilians, may I suggest that about a klick out we begin to sing as we march in? I know it helps us, but maybe it will help them too.”

“Good suggestion Tenderhoof, we reach that point, go ahead and lead off, the rest of you I want you to follow their lead. Once we arrive, we continue with our plan of earlier for filling the positions.” I tell them. After I finish discussing the situation and answering their questions, I dismiss them and they return to their troops.

I then trot up to the wounded wagons to try and find Sutures and to let her know what is going on. As I trot up, I see her pop her head out of the wagon with an upset expression on her face as she calls out to me, “What do they mean the civilian caravan is at the rendezvous point? Mollygirl did you do this on purpose?”

I am surprised at her boldness in asking this flat out. I look at her with a surprised expression on my face, “No, they were going to prepare positions and move on that’s it Sutures, I wanted them safe, Tartarus, I wanted you safe dear, I had no idea the bridge would be down. How could you think I would do such a thing?”

“Mollygirl, I am sorry, it's just, how could things go this sideways? Did Manesville know about this?” she asks me.

“Sutures, I pray they did not, if so, why would they do this?”

Ginger then pops her bandaged head around the corner of the door next to Sutures, “I don’t know why, but it sure is bringing a lot of Silver Spites troops and raiders this way.”

I nod my head, “Very true Ginger, very true. Who knows Sutures, maybe that is Manesvilles plan? I just hope they are not getting them all here to drop a balefire bomb on them,” I tell them half-jokingly.

Both of their eyes go wide, and Sutures then asks, “Mollygirl, they don’t have one, do they?”

“No Sutures they don’t, at least as far as I know. Thank the Goddesses.”

Then Ginger asks me, “Ma since we are only a few klicks out, can I get down and march in with the rest of you?”

I look at Sutures and she nods yes. Then I tell Ginger, “Yes dear, but just put your helmet on your saddlebag straps, you should not need it right away.”

At that, she disappears back into the wagon and I hear her rustling around. Sutures smiles at me then tells me, “Thanks Mollygirl, she has been restless all afternoon in here. As she says this, I see Ginger push her way past Sutures and jumps down. Her helmet is attached to the right side of her saddlebags by its chin strap. Her SIR is slung across her back. There is a bit of blood that spots the bandage on her head, but she is smiling.

“Let’s go LT, I am ready,” she tells me and falls in alongside me.

“How you feeling Ginger, you ready for a light trot?”

She nods her head and beams at me, “Sure Ma, what ya got in mind?” Before I answer all I can think is that she has spent too much time around the fliers, she is starting to pick up their accent.

Finally, I look at her and tell her, “Well if we trot to the front, we can lead them all in. You know, make a nice entrance for the civilians.”

With that, we both begin a light trot to the front of the column. Along the way, we say hello to several of the troopers in the column. Once at the front, I am joined by Tenderhoof. Soon I see the scouts out front walking along the side of the road.

Once we are about a kilometer away from the ridge, we start to see ponies working, cutting down trees, building breastworks, and digging trenches. Some seem to be using the fallen trees to create cheval de frise, others are taking sharpened logs and making obstacles with them. I see several of them stop and point in our direction. So, I give the order, “Ok everyone let’s make it look good, now sing.”

I begin and am immediately joined by Tinderhoof and Ginger. Right after we begin the song starts to be sung from front to back as one, we return to the fold so to say, singing the March of the CEF. As we march up to the ridge I look back and see the troopers all with an extra bounce in their steps, putting on a good show for the civilians as we march in tight ranks, some of us limping but all together, singing and in good spirits.

As we come to the turn in the road, I see Fancy and Clock Work ahead of us, with more of the Volunteer Company and the civilians popping up to watch us march in. Suddenly they let up a cheer. Not to be outdone, my soldier cheer and wave back to them without breaking formation.

I stop to talk to Fancy and Clock Work as the MPs that were with them begin to direct my troops to their positions. I see a look of relief on their faces as I approach. Then Fancy suddenly blurts out, “Oh thank the Goddesses you are all here now.” Beside her I see Clock Work nodding his head in agreement.

“Glad we could make you happy Fancy, but how come you are so thankful?” I ask.

Clock Work answers instead. “Ya don’t understand Mollygirl, when we saw that bridge down, we knew we were in trouble on our own. We already had to fend off a couple of attacks by raiders since yesterday. I think they are the ones that blew the bridge.”

“How bad was it?”

“Mollygirl we lost a couple of wagons as well as some of my civilians. They caught us as we were getting ready to transit the valley. A bit later and they may have had us all,” Fancy tells me.

“What do you mean a bit later?”

Clock Work looks embarrassed and replies, “LT, we did not have any scouts out at the time, we thought we were safe. They hit us from the flanks and we ran forward and across the bridge. If they had blocked that one or blown it, we would have been cut off. As it was those that hit us, after we escaped took a parallel road up this way and tried to ambush us again, I think they blew and burned the bridge hoping they could get us. But this time the aerial scouts from the volunteers warned us in time and we were ready. However, most of them are still hiding around here so we need to be careful.” He tells me with some chagrin.

“Sounds like the greeting we had too. Well, I am glad you are all ok now. Is that old farmhouse and barn still standing?”

Fancy smiles, “Yes, it is LT, it is in rough shape, but usable enough. Our wagons are circled around it. I hope that is ok?”

“Actually, that is exactly what I wanted. Has anypony checked the water in the river to see if it is safe to drink or eat from?”

They both look at each other and Clock Work holds up a hoof to Fancy. She makes a slight face as she figures out what she wants to say to me. Finally, she answers, “Mollygirl, the doctor has tested the water, overall it is good right now, however, there are a few spots near the bank that have a slight radioactive content. Again, most of the growth near the banks is safe, except in those areas. The creatures we may get out of it so far seem safe to eat; however, I would not want to do so for an extended period. We found what we are calling Crawdaddies in this section of the river. They are a bit larger than the normal crayfish and can be a tad nasty if you don’t watch yourself with them. The largest we found so far was two feet long. But they are good eating when boiled.”

“OK, that can help extend our rations a bit. Has Stir Fry tried cooking them yet?” My mouth was actually watering as I thought of them. It has been a couple of years since I last had crayfish. One of the troopers in the squad with Archer and I back then found a bunch of them in a creek while on patrol and fixed them for us to try.”

I see Clock Work smile then as he tells me, “Yeah she has, she added some spices to ‘em, and let me tell you, they are something.”

“Ok, that sounds really promising then, tell you what, how about you show me and my staff the way back to the farmhouse so we can set up our HQ?”

As we follow them, Ginger looks at me and asks, “Ma, what’s a crayfish?”

“Dear, imagine a small version of a radscorpion that lives underwater, oh, and no stinger. They are pretty tasty though.”

“As good as bacon?” she asks me.

“If prepared right, well, uh, maybe?” I tell her with a half-smile.

“Ok, I will try ‘em then,” she tells me as she does a slow trot next to me with a big smile on her face. Behind us I notice Woofers is still just lazily flying, sniffing into the air and giving an occasional yip as he sees some of the others from the caravan he recognizes.

As we come over the ridge, I see the old farmhouse it is a two-story brick house, with a tin roof and a cupola in the center of the roof. The side nearest the ridge looks to be the back as it only has a small porch on it, while the side closest to the river has a full-length porch, that looks mostly intact. I see smoke coming from the chimney, As I look, I see the old barn still standing, several of the shingles are missing from it and the red paint is heavily faded. Next to the barn though I notice something I had not expected, an old machine shed. This means one more building to house my people in, it comes as a relief.

As we pass the barn Fancy tells me, “We have set up a temporary hospital in the barn for now. We found a cave nearby that goes under the ridge, so we are looking at moving it there if need be.”

As she says this, I notice that there are trenches alongside the wagon area and what looks like bunkers being built. I look back at the ridge and see two sets of positions for the guns. The one set is just this side of the crest and will allow the guns to fire down the other side and still have protection for the gunners. The other set is a bit further back and I assume are for the mortars, as I watch the guns start to pull up and the crews begin to ponyhandle them into place.

I see the scouts setting up their quarters in the basement of the house through the outset entrance. I am heading over to the back door of the house. As I pass, I overhear Blondie talking to Sunset, “Sunset you are his Goddess father, if things go as they might, please promise me you will fly Sunny out of here.”

“Blondie, Trouble, I am sorry, but I have my duty, I can’t just do that. Besides, I won’t leave you again. Not like that, not in danger.”

Trouble's voice almost cracks as I hear him almost beg, “Sunset, please, for the love of all that is holy. I am not asking you to just run, but if it looks like we are going down, then please help my son to escape and survive. I am sure Pages will help you raise him if need be.”

Before Sunset can argue anymore, I interrupt, “Cadet Sunset, if we are being overrun, I expect you to be lead stallion and Choo Choo to be lead mare of the pegasi herd. Your orders in that event are to fly out of here and lead them to Manesville. However, until I give the word, you are to remain here with us, understood?”

I see his ears go back and a look of distaste comes over his face, “Yes ma’am, I just won’t feel right leaving ya all like that.”

“Sunset, my friend, listen to me, I am not only ordering you to do that if needed, but I am also asking you as a personal favor to do that which I can’t. Unless we can come up with something better those will be your standing orders in the event we are overrun.” I tell him with sadness in my voice and I can feel my eyes start to tear some as I feel this will be all too likely if we do not get help.

I hear him huff out a breath of air, “OK, LT, for you as a favor as well as an order, I will do it if we need to, but I ain't a gonna like it.” He tells me.

“Fair enough Sunset,” I tell him as I hold out a hoof to him. He then puts his out and shakes it. After that, I turn and head into the house to check out my new headquarters.

Inside I find a large kitchen that has an old wood stove still in it. The bottom floor also has a large dining room with a table still in it. There is an old library with most of the books on the floor and damaged, but still, some are on the shelf. There is also a large parlor in the front as well as a smaller bedroom. Just outside the parlor is a foyer that also leads to a set of stairs leading to the next level. One of the things I notice is that the windows had all been replaced with wooded shutters so that they could provide protection of the inside from the elements. It has to be one of the best-preserved houses I have seen.

I look at my staff, "OK, Paperwork, Specs, the dining room is to be used for our officers’ call and as our headquarters area. 1^st Sergeant, see to cleaning up the mess in here and finding lodging for the staff. I am going to head upstairs and see what is up there."

There are several rooms on this floor, along with an old non-functioning restroom which is at the end of the hall. I find one room that gives me an overview of the river with a balcony made out of the roof of the front porch. The bed is in rough shape but it is not moldy at least. I also notice there is a table as well as a couple of chairs in the room. The heck with it, I am the commanding officer now, so this will be my room for now. Besides, it does give a good view, in a room right next to it is a stairway leading to the attic and the cupola, which may come in handy to be near.

I take off my saddlebags and toss them down. Ginger is looking out the back door of the room while I make myself a bit more comfortable. I hear a knock on the frame of the open door. When I look up I see Clock Work and he asks me, “Ma’am, now that you have found your headquarters, would you like to tour the positions before those ponies arrive?”

Even though I am exhausted feeling, I know this is something I must do so I put my barding and battlesaddle back on as I tell him, “If you are ready, then I would be glad to. Lead on Clock Work.”

He first takes me to the far east of our lines where E-troop is dug in. Before us, I can see the road leading to what was once the bridge. In the growing darkness, I can still see some embers glowing on the wood that once made up its multiple sections, they actually seem to have started to burn the other sections of the bridge and only tried to blow up the nearest section.

On the far end, I can see the remains of what was once a faded white, wooden-covered bridge. I then realize we would most likely have had to leave behind several of the larger wagons if we could have still used it, but that would have been a small price to have gotten them out of here.

Before the positions here I see several sections of sharpened stakes that are over two to three inches thick and over three feet long. Among these, in the fading light, I can barely see tin cans hung on pieces of wire. I smile when I see them and Clock Work confirms what I thought they were for. “We put some pebbles or empty shell casings in each one so that if bumped they will make noise. That way they can not sneak up on us as easily.”

I also notice that down below I see several of the engineers are planting landmines. Not many, but enough to keep them guessing. Closer to the top I see a few claymores aimed at the obstacle below so that if they make it through, they will be cut down also.

Next, we head over to the Belles section of the lines. Then I notice how many more of the heavy weapons they carry. I see the full-auto AM guns mounted with only the barrels and in some cases, splinter shields showing. I also see several of the full auto grenade launchers set up. All of these heavy weapons seem to have positions where logs are set above them with dirt on top of them, so they blend in more as well as are more protective of the troops ponying them. I also notice that each section of the lines has several bunkers set up for the troops to sleep in. As we move through the lines, I can see them still working on improving their positions.

When we get to the west end of our lines, I notice that it bends back away from the ridge and the trenches and positions drop back toward the river. It is here that D-troop is stationed. I notice the placement of the fully automatic weapons as well as how they have set up their defenses. One thing that surprises me is that they set a large number of the sharpened posts at a nearly vertical position. When I ask Duke about that he smiles and tells me, “Well ma’am, we decided that it would be nice to give any of their airborne troops that try to land a nasty surprise too. Oh, and we have set up several punji traps out in front of our section of the lines too. Some small but also several large ones, if they charge us and don’t notice, they are in for a rude surprise.”

“I can certainly believe that Duke, but how do you know where they are so we don’t find them the hard way?”

Still smiling he answers, “Oh that is easy, we put them between the other obstacles so they will tend to be directed into them.”

I finally look back at Clock Work and ask him, “So where is your volunteer company?”

“Ma’am, I plan on having them move back to the area by the HQ later tonight. Until then they are mixed in helping with the defenses. I have already discussed with the fliers that they will be a separate unit for combat.”

“Excellent, I am thinking along those lines already myself. Good Call Clock. Now if you will excuse me, I want to head back and grab something to eat before Officers’ call.”

“Very good Ma’am, I will see you then.” He tells me and heads back uphill along the trench lines.

On my way back to the HQ I wander on over to the civilian camp and look for Stir Fry. Finally, I find her wagon with the tables set out front. When I see her, I give her a slight wave, “Hey Stir Fry.”

She pops her head up from her kettle, “OH, Hi LT, good to see you, ma’am.”

“So, what do you have cooking tonight?” I ask, my mouth salivating in thoughts of some good spicy crawfish.

She looks at my mouth watering and laughs, “I guess you heard about the crawfish eh?”

I nod my head, “Well Clock Work and Fancy said something about it.”

“Too bad you weren’t hear earlier LT; Ginger got my last bowl. She was here with that zony of hers and his father.” She tells me.

I let out a sigh, “OK, so what do you have left?” I ask feeling bad I missed out on the good stuff.

“Well LT, my partner went out and got some wild rice and cattails from the basin below. I know you prefer a vegan diet, so I did figure you would not mind that.”

“Well, that does sound good, and I will take it. Sorry, I just had my heart set on some of that crayfish.”

“I understand LT,” she tells me as she prepares my plate, “So how are things between you, Archer, and Sutures?”

I sigh, “Not always smooth, but we are still together.” I tell her.

“So, have you, ya know, um, made it a bit more official yet?” she asks with a slight smile.

I am embarrassed a bit at her asking this, but still answer truthfully, “No, not yet, I want to wait till we get back to Manesville, or at least till I hear from Badger and Magpie.”

She looks at me with sad eyes, “Mollygirl, not to be blunt, but looking at the way things are, even if some of us do make it back, not all of us are. You should ask yourself, if they don’t or you don’t make it back, will you regret it? Now I am not trying to tell you to be of easy virtue mind ya, I am just saying it as a friend.” She tells me as she looks me in the eye and puts a hoof on mine that is resting on the counter.

“If we do, I will let you know ok Stir Fry.”

“Ok, but remember, I want details, ok,” she tells me and gives me a wink, after which she hooves me my plate that I take to a table and begin to eat. As I am sitting there eating, I am joined at the table by Fancy.

She sits down, “Mind if I join you Mollygirl?” she asks.

I smile, it is good to have her for company again, “Not at all, I have missed your company.” I tell her.

She looks around, then she leans forward and begins to talk to me, “Mollygirl, can I ask you something?”

“Sure Fancy, what do you want to know?” I tell her.

“Not so much a want to know, but more of an opinion.”

Now I am a bit intrigued, “Sure what do you want my opinion on Fancy?”

She looks around again, “Mollygirl, I normally am a prim and proper mare, I take my job very seriously and I focus on it, but lately, a special pony has caught my eye and well…” she trails off.

I smile at her, “OK, you have a special pony you are interested in, so why are you hesitating?”

She looks embarrassed, “You have to understand a mare in my position, we are constantly judged and I am so afraid it will cause others to look down on me,” she tells me.

Now she has me wondering more, so I ask, “OK, what makes this pony so controversial? Are they married? Don’t tell me they are a zebra, if so, I will say to avoid Xavier entirely.”

She looks appalled, “Oh no, it is not Xavier, he is nice enough and easy on the eyes, but I know he is faithful to his wife.”

Now I am a bit confused, “OK, so what makes you think that you would be looked down upon for liking a pony? Oh, are they one of the cattle with us?”

She burst out laughing, and answers through her laughter, “No, no, not one of the cattle. Leave it to you to think that way Mollygirl.”

“Ok, so what is the problem Fancy, if it's someone below your station, do what you feel is right and be happy.”

She puts her hoof across the table onto mine. She looks me in the eyes, “Well he is a pegasus, in fact, you are friends with his son. I don’t know what happened to his wife though.”

I am totally surprised by this and blurt out, “Sirocco?”

She nods her head yes and replies, “Yes him, now do you see why I am so worried about what others would think?”

“Fancy, relax, talk to him, if he is interested, go for it. If he is married still and his spouse is agreeable go for it. My friend, life is short, take pleasure where you can and with who you can,” I tell her.

She smiles at me, “Thanks for the advice Mollygirl. I really do appreciate it. Speaking of that, how are things with Sutures, Archer, and you?” she asks.

I smile, “So far so good Fancy, I just wish we would get some mail so I could find out Badger and Magpie’s answers.”

She looks up at the sky for a minute, smiles, and tells me, “A wise mare once told me life is short, take pleasure where you can and with who you can.”

“Ok, hint taken Fancy, Thanks dear. Goddesses how I missed our evening chats.” I tell her.

She beams at me, “Me too, I just hope once we reach Manesville we can still be this close.”

“I think so Fancy, I have some others I want to introduce you to there also.” I tell her, then look at my PipBuck and see the time, “I best get going Fancy, talk to you later,” As I get up and give her a quick hug.

Then I take my plate and silverware to the wagon and wash if for Stir Fry. When done I set it on the wagon counter and head back to the HQ.

As I walk in, I see Specs has the Radio repeater set up. So, I ask him, “Heard anything yet from Manesville?”

“No ma’am. I sent them a message earlier letting them know we had arrived and that the bridge across the river had been burned. I also sent them the latest casualty numbers.”

I am frustrated, but I know it is not his fault, “Thanks Specs, I appreciate your effort. Let me know if you hear anything.”

“Will do LT. I will get ahold of you by PipBuck if I hear anything and can’t find you.”

I then head upstairs and return to my room. I take off my barding and battle saddle. Heck, a pistol should be more than enough at the HQ for now. I notice I still have an hour before Officers call so I go and sit on the balcony and just watch the water flow slowly by. As I sit there, I watch some of the pegasus flying back and forth over the river. I even notice one of them giving a ride to an earth pony. This starts to give me an idea, and as I am thinking about it, I hear a knock on my door from inside the room, I turn and see Sutures there standing in the doorway.

She smiles tiredly at me, “Ginger said you would probably be up here when I saw her.”

I smile back at her and wave her over with a hoof. Once she arrives next to me, I give her a brief kiss and put my hoof around her. “I am glad she did dear, I really wanted to see you too,” I tell her as I put another hoof around her. She sits down in front of me and I hold her with both forehooves as we watch the youngsters play before us and the moon starts to rise over us. As I put my muzzle next to her ear, I gently whisper to her, “I love you my beautiful mare. I am sorry I ever hurt you.”

As I say this, she leans back into me and lays her head across my chest. I hear her let out a contented sigh. Then she asks me, “Mollygirl, after officers' call can I come back up here along with Archer to spend some time with you?”

“Of course, love, I would really like that. I miss our time together, the three of us.” I tell her as I put my nose to her forelock and just breathe in her scent. Then I do something I have not done before. I kiss her horn, once I see how much she enjoys it I can not help myself but give it a slow gentle lick.

I feel her shiver in my hooves and smile at her, “Sweetheart, why did you not tell me how much you enjoy that?”

She moves her head back just enough so she can look me in the eyes and blushes as she tells me, “Dear, you have to understand that among unicorns that is considered a very erotic thing to do. That is why you usually don’t see us do it in public. The other thing is, that I did not know how good it felt until recently when Archer did it to me for the first time.”

“Very interesting,” I tell her as I start to nibble on her ears and then her neck. I am just realizing I need to back myself down for officer’s call when I hear another knock on the doorframe behind me.

“Ma, Paper Work sent me up here to get you for officers' call. Oh, if you don’t mind, I am going to spend the night with the scouts tonight.”

I get up, straighten my uniform out, and put on my soft cap, as I do this I talk to Ginger, “Makes sense Ginger, you are still one of them too. But you can sleep here if you want.”

“Actually Ma, I would like to, but I also want to spend some more time with Xochitl and the others. I miss them too," she tells me "Besides, I think you could use some time alone tonight.” She says with a smile.

“Ok, then dear, tell Paper Work and Light Weight I will be right down please.”

“OK Ma, I will see you later," she says as she scampers down the hall, Past the MP who is standing guard outside of the room Tar has been assigned.

I go back over to Sutures, “I will be back later dear, you can wait here if you like.”

“Thanks, Mollygirl, I may take a nap if you don’t mind.” She answers me back and then leans over and kisses me gently on my scar.

She takes off her saddlebags and helmet and lays on the bed. I take her bedroll and cover her in her blanket, then I kiss her again on her forelock, “I will see you soon dear.”

As I walk out of the room, I notice her eyes are already closed and her breathing has slowed. As I pass Tar’s room I hear her get up, “That time again eh LT?” She asks as she sees me.

“Yep, hopefully, things stay quiet for the night, I could use some good sleep,” I tell her as I pass and she falls in behind me followed by the MP.

Once we reach the bottom floor, I notice all my staff and unit officers waiting for me. As I step into the room, I hear one of them call “Attention,” and they all stand at attention waiting for my orders.

“At ease, everyone,” I tell them, “It is good to see all of you tonight,” I continue as I look around the room smiling. “I will let my staff begin with their reports first, then Sunset, if you have anything from the scouts please let all of us know. Finally, I would like a brief report from all of you on your units.”

The first to begin is Specs, As he stands ahead of us, he reports, “When we arrived with the main force, I reported it to Manesville, they verified the receipt of the report and I have not heard anything else since then from them. On the other channels, I have heard elements of Silver Spite’s as well as other forces, some of them were communicating on clear channels. One group of his scouts has reported over the clear frequencies that we are all here and trapped. They were then ordered to stand in place and observe us until the main force arrives.”

I nod my head this makes sense to me. Next, we hear from Balanced Books and he reports the status of our supplies. While he is concerned about ammunition, he informs us that they have found a surprise stash in the cave of several dozen more cases of rifle ammo as well as grenades and weapons. Among the supplies he also lets us know is about two days rations for our entire force, these can be supplemented by food from most of the river.

His report is followed by Doc Treacle. He lets us know the status of the wounded as well as the fact that while we are running low on medical supplies some more were found in the cave as well. While this means we are not in perfect shape, we are better off than I was afraid of.

Sunset steps up as soon as Doctor Treacle has finished. He looks at all of us, nods at me, and then points to the map of the valley that is hanging on the wall. “Mares, cows, and, gentle colts, I have had several of the fliers out since we have arrived. Most are back already. However, the news they are reporting back is both good and bad. Currently, we have about a company of troops estimated to be nearby. These are the same ones the civilian caravan and the Volunteer Company encountered, they seem to be contented to stay back and watch right now. The main force that is coming down the valley seems to be between three and four companies. They stopped and found a ford through the river that they used to cross the tributary that we blew the bridge over this morning. They appear to be gathering in camp tonight. We also have seen two more companies coming from the western edge of the valley. So far that would give them roughly a high end of 700 combatants, plus supply train for their regular forces.”

As he says this, I see a bit of worry on their faces, but being dug in, we should be able to hold. Then each commander gives me a report of their current number of troops who are fit for duty. It is approximately two to one odds against us at this point counting the volunteers and the artillery we should be able to field 335 troopers.

After all the reports are finished, I get back up in front of everyone. “Ok, it sounds like we are in better shape then I thought we would be. At this time, Doctor Treacle, I am not meaning to step on your hooves if I am, but I know when we are hit the medics and other medical personal are going to be very busy. With that in mind, I would like to form a volunteer unit of stretcher-bearers. They will be given barding and helmets if we have it and will transport the wounded back from the front lines. If they know basic first aid, they can assist the medics if possible.”

I notice Doc Treacle off to the side nod his head, then he speaks up, “Actually Ma’am, I had been trying to think of how to bring that up to you. Thank you for doing it.”

I smile at him and reply, “My pleasure Doctor, my wife Magpie fulfilled that role during the battle of Manesville, so I fully understand what it may entail,” I pause, “along those lines of thought, I would like to bring up that if for some reason we look like we are going to be overrun, we need a plan to evacuate as many of the civilians as we can. I would like for all of you to consider plans for this and we can discuss them at the next officers' call. If no one has anything else, then Dismissed.”

As I stand there, they all stand at attention again and wait for me to move. I realize what is going on and begin to leave the room, as I get to the door I call out, “Carry on,” and they all begin to attend to their own business.

I then head back to the kitchen area to see if any water for tea is on the boil, or even coffee if we have some. I am met in the kitchen by Paper Work, “Sorry Ma’am, it will be a couple of minutes for the water to be heated up again,” he tells me with a disappointed expression on his face.

“No problem Paper Work, I understand, but if you don’t mind, I will wait here for it.”

I am sitting at a small table waiting with my back to the entrance from the dining room. My mind begins to wander to what Stir Fry said earlier, maybe she is right. Who knows if any of us will survive this place? Part of me is conflicted though, what about Badger and Magpie? Part of me is jealous of those two, after all they have been there for each other the whole time. I love them, and I don’t want to hurt them either. I have written them to discuss the proposal from Sutures and Archer. Perhaps they have already agreed. I am still debating with these thoughts when Archer comes up behind me, rears up on both of his hind legs, and wraps his forelegs around me. He kisses me on my neck and I lean back into him.

As he nuzzles my ear he asks, “Cap for your thoughts?”

I smile to myself as I enjoy my thoughts and then I tell him a bit of a lie, “A bit about you and Sutures dear, but mainly how my legs are aching from the last couple of days.”

I hear a slight whinny in his voice as he then tells me, “Perhaps we just need to find our dear and take you upstairs so she and I can give you a hoof rub.”

If I were a cat, I would purr at that thought, “Actually she is upstairs taking a nap on the bed right now. She is so tired, maybe we should have a cup of tea first then go upstairs?”

Unfortunately, at that he lets me go and then sits at the table across from me, “Ok, that sounds good too,” he agrees.

A bit later Paper Work brings over two cups of tea for us, “Here you go Ma’am, Sir,” he tells us.

Archer looks at him, “Aren’t you going to have some too?” he asks.

Paper Work smiles, “Thank you for asking sir, but I already had some earlier. I want to be able to sleep tonight. I just hope the 1^st Sergeant does not snore, as the staff is sharing the downstairs bedroom. It has a set of twin beds in it, so we figure we can hot rack it as needed.”

I take a sip of the tea and smile at him, “Thanks for letting me know Paper Work, as well as for preparing the tea for us.”

“My pleasure ma’am, do you want any more right away?” he asks, when I shake my head no he refills the pot and places it on the counter next to the stove, “Ok, then, I hope you both have a good night,” He tells us as he walks out of the room.

It is both weird yet familiar then with just me and Archer sitting at the table drinking our tea and talking. I could get so used to having him with me in such a setting at home too. I know he and Badger already get along, so that is a positive. Maybe I am being selfish to want two husbands and two wives, but something about this feels so right. Without thinking I put my left forehoof across the table onto his and just enjoy the feeling of another pony who I care about and who cares about me.

Once we are done, I take both of our cups to the sink and use some water from a bucket to rinse them, then set them to dry. Then Archer gets up and we head outside to use the sinks before returning to the house for the night.

As we walk to the front door, I see two youngsters sitting outside the basement looking up at the sky lying down next to each other. Suddenly I hear one get excited, “See Ginger, there goes one, I told you I saw a falling star earlier.”

I then hear her reply, “Yes you did, thank you for showing me, I never saw anything like that before.” I then see the one give the other a peck on the cheek. Shortly after that, I hear Xavier call them both inside.

As we listen, I look over and see Archer smiling, “You know he has a good idea there, watching the stars. Xochitl is a little gentlecolt, I am so glad to see Ginger and him happy together.” He tells me.

I put my hoof on his shoulder, “You know, I feel the same way, shall we head upstairs now dear?”

“Yeah, I think so. I think Sutures should have gotten a good nap by now, if she is still tired, we can just let her lay there and cuddle her.” He suggests.

As we go up I see Taser is on watch again, he smiles and greets us as we pass by. “Have a good night you pons. She was still asleep when I checked on her a little while ago.”

“Thanks, Taser, but shouldn’t you have been on watch here instead?” I ask.

“Ma’am, Tar Water is asleep already also. So, I stretched my legs by only walking to the end of the hall and back. If I was wrong, I am sorry ma’am.” He tells me.

I smile at him and let him know, “I understand, but Taser when on your post you are supposed to stay there unless it is an emergency.”

“Thank you, ma’am, I will make sure I do that from now on.”

After the brief exchange, Archer and I continue on to my room. I finally close the door for the first time since I have been here. I then notice the hangers on the wall behind it. I sit down and remove my uniform for the first time in days. Goddess I smell horrible, well it can’t be helped. I notice that there is some water in a pitcher on a dresser so I use it to do a quick field bath. I smile when I see Archer do the same. Then I realize, I have not seen him out of uniform in a while. He has lost a lot of the fat that he used to carry. Now he is not only leaner but more muscular. About that time Sutures seems to stir and notices we are both there.

She lifts her head in the dim light of the room and smiles at us as she says, “Hi guys, sorry I slept so long.”

Before I can answer Archer does, “It is ok dear, you needed the rest, after officers' call, we just had some tea and chatted for a bit.”

She then looks up at me, “I guess I best get my uniform back on; Ginger should be back soon.”

It is my turn to surprise her as I tell her, “She is spending the night with the scouts, we saw her and Xochitl watching the stars right before we came up.”

“That is so sweet, I think he will be a good stallion for our little mare someday.” She tells us.

The way she says it makes me realize that she is looking at the long term for us as much as I am. “Archer, what do you say that we grab a bedroll and all three of us go look at the stars for a bit?” I ask.

He looks like he is about to agree, and then he notices me shifting my weight from hoof to hoof. “Mollygirl, are your legs hurting that bad?” he asks me.

I put my head down, “Yes dear, they are, I am sorry I tried to not let anyone know.” I tell him.

Sutures pats the edge of the bed next to her and tells me, “Sit here on the edge Mollygirl, with your legs hanging down over it. That way we can both rub a leg more easily for you.”

As I sit down on the edge of the mattress, both she and Archer sit on the floor in front of me and begin to rub my hooves and legs. As they do so it feels so good and relaxes me so much. As they get higher on my legs they both are nice and close, I begin to rub the back of both their heads with my forehooves, running them through their manes. Then I surprise myself as much as them, and without thinking I guide both of their faces to my breast. I feel both of them begin to suckle like foals nursing and I decide then and there I am going to give myself to them tonight.

After a little while Sutures moves up my chest and kisses me as she lays me back on the bed, she asks me, “Are you sure?” I simply smile and nod yes, then I move just enough to bring her mouth to mine. As our lips touch, she opens her muzzle and our tongues meet.

I then notice Archer has stopped what he was doing and is on my other side nuzzling my neck. I stop kissing Sutures briefly and kiss Archer, I notice he has removed his glasses and I can actually look into those soft eyes of his. I move my muzzle next to his ear nibbling as I go and I tell him “Archer, make me your mare, please claim me like you have our Sutures.”

He looks surprised at first, “Are you sure love?” he asks.

“As sure as I am of anything anymore. Please Archer,” I tell him, and realize I am almost begging.

I feel him shift and for the first time in months I feel like a real mare again.

Later that night we are all bundled together holding each other. Archer notices I have a tear coming out of my eye and asks, “Mollygirl, I didn’t hurt you or do anything you did not want did I?”

I smile at him, and sniffle a bit, “No love, it is just I wanted to hear back from Badger or Magpie before we did anything. Before you ask, no I do not regret anything, and never will. I love both of you so much.”

From my back, I feel Sutures nuzzle my neck and run a hoof along my side. “Good, because we love you too dearest. We knew you wanted to wait, and were willing to do so too.” She says.

I shift closer to both of them, “I know you both were, to tell the truth, I could not wait any longer either. I am so afraid of losing you both.” I admit.

Archer kisses my forelock, “We know, Mollygirl, I feel the same way about both of you. I finally have not one, but two beautiful mares in my life, and look where we are and the situation we are in. I think it is only natural that we feel this way.” Both of them have a hoof resting on my stomach when I feel the little one start to kick a bit, I see the look of amazement on Archer's face, and a sense of peace comes over Sutures.

“No matter what Mollygirl, nopony can take away what we have tonight.” Sutures tells me, then she moves and kisses my stomach and begins to talk to the little one. It seems kind of funny but as she talks my foal begins to calm down and relax.

“Thank you Sutures for calming her,” I say with a smile. I roll onto my back and bring them both close to me. Then I tell them, “I love you both so much, thank you for tonight, I hate to say it, but we do need to get some sleep loves.”

With that, we all three snuggle in against each other and fall into a deep slumber.

Dear DJ Pon3, with all that is going on lately I have found a buck I am very interested in and am having a hard time saying no to. The funny thing is I have a couple of friends of mine going through the same feelings right now, If you could, would you please play Heavens Just a Sin away for us?

Thank You very much

Stir Fry

Civilian Cook CEF.

Thanks again to Kkat for the world or alternate timeline of Foe. Thanks also to the other authors how have shown how much more there can be to explore in it.
To my fellow ponies I would like to wish you a Happy Hearths Warming to you and your herd.
11/19/23 I recently had this art work commissioned from Laura Sikes. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
For those who are unfamiliar or just want to listen to the dedication song for this chapter, the Youtube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYfGAIHuw7w