It is still dark when I wake next. The others are sleeping so well I do not want to wake them, so I slip out of bed and walk out onto the balcony. It is a very peaceful night. The moon is low on the horizon now and I can hear the troops starting to rustle around in the predawn darkness getting ready for the day. Here and there I can see those on guard duty walking their routes.

As I stand there leaning on the rail I watch as several crows fly into the trees across the river. One veers away from the others and lands on the balcony next to me. As it lands, I feel my foal kick a bit, then settle back down. I smile at the crow and tell it. “If that is you Mareigan, hello.”

I am then greeted by the sight of the crow transforming back into the shape and size of the now-familiar white mare with her black mane and tail and her cloak. “Good evening child,” She says to me. She steps up next to me and continues, “I have come to let you know that they are coming. More than I expected really, but I am sure you know that already.”

I nod my head to her, “Yes, yes I do. Mareigan I am worried about the civilians, all of them, especially the foals.”

“Aye, and wise you are to be. Mollygirl I cannot tell you how this will end, for even I am not sure, but do not give up hope. Make plans and be prepared, but do not lose hope.”

By this time, she is very close and I can see her take my scent in her nose. I see a sad look upon her face as she shakes her head. “Forgot your vows did ye and gave in to temptation I see.”

I sigh at her statement, “I did give vows to those at home, and I have tried to wait until I hear the reply from them concerning the proposal from these two. But to be honest Mareigan, I feel that Archer and Sutures have become as much my mates as the others. Badger and Magpie have each other there. Me, I am pregnant and alone except for those two in there, and before you ask, yes, yes, I love them. If that means you must take my life to spare theirs, then I give it to you to take.”

She steps back half a step tilts her head slightly, “And what if I say it is them that must pay the price instead?”

My blood turns cold, I kneel down before her and do not look up at her, “I beg you, please, put the price upon me, not them. They did not initiate this, it was me,” With tears in my eyes and fear in my heart I tell her, “They are not to blame. I am, punish me.”

I feel her hoof along my cheek, she leans over and kisses me on my forelock, “It is not up to me to punish or to determine who should be punished. But I will not take them unnecessarily, now get up young mare. You have much to prepare for today, for your uninvited guests are already on the move.”

“Thank you for letting me know Mareigan,” I stand up and get ready to turn and go back inside to get dressed and kitted out, but pause and look at her, “Mareigan, once this is over, will I ever see you again?”

I see a look of puzzlement come over her face as she asks, “Why do you ask that young one? Would you want to see me more?”

I surprise even myself with my answer, “Mareigan, it has become a comfort at times to see you. You are almost a friend to me, perhaps if I knew you better you would be one. So yes, I think I would, at least from time to time.”

With a puzzled look upon her face she tells me, “Perhaps, we shall have to see, now we both have things we need to do.” As I watch she turns back toward the railing and I watch as she turns back into a crow and flies across the river.

As I go back inside, I hear Sutures start to move and she looks up and asks, “I heard voices, is someone here?”

“Sorry dear, just another visit from the Mareigan, she let me know Silver Spite is already on the move this morning.”

I hear her laugh slightly, “I always seem to miss her, well I guess we better wake Archer up and get going then,” she says as she gets up and walks over to her gear. She then pauses and looks at me, “Mollygirl, if something happens, thank you for last night, it means more to me then you know.”

I walk over to her and kiss her first on her forelock, then gently on her horn, and get a shiver out of her as a reward. Then I tell her, “Dear, you and Archer are my mates now too. Thank you for being here for me, and sharing yourselves as well.”

She puts her forehooves around me and I feel her breath against my coat as she breathes in my scent. Once she is done, she goes over and gently wakes Archer, our Archer. I smile and continue to put on my uniform and full kit. It looks to be a long day.

Once all three of us are ready we head back down to the kitchen for some tea or coffee if we can scrounge it. Along the way I see Specs on the radio already. I stop and ask him if he has heard anything from Manesville yet. He takes off one of his earphones and looks me in the eyes as he tells me, “No ma’am, but there has been some coded traffic from them, unfortunately, it is in a new code I do not recognize, and that we do not have a cipher for.”

“Thanks Specs, let me know if you hear anything that we can use. Oh, and if you could send out a stand to order for half an hour before dawn.” I tell him.

“Yes ma’am, will do.” He tells me as he turns around and puts the radio headphone back on his other ear.

When I get to the kitchen, I find Archer and Sutures sitting at the table along with Tar and Paper Work. Off to the side, I see the MP guard at parade rest. They have another cup of tea ready for me already. I am just taking my first sip of tea when Tar looks at me and says, “Well, I would ask how your night was, but I figure at least half the CEF knows, I would never have thought of you as a whinnier.”

I accidentally shoot hot tea out of my nose. As I wipe my nose and the tears from my eyes, I look sheepishly at Archer and Sutures, both of who simply shrug their shoulders. Then I look back at Tar who is laughing lightly, “Tar, I am so sorry if I woke you up last night.”

She smiles even wider, “Mollygirl, nothing to apologize, I do find it amusing that I could tell yours from our medic here.” At that I see Sutures eyes go wide.

Sutures then sputters out, “Sorry Tar, I didn’t mean to be loud and wake you either.”

Tar still smiling shakes her head, “Sutures, again, nothing to be sorry for. Although I was trying to decide last night whether to be upset at getting woke up or jealous at not having been invited, she says with a wink.

As she does this, I see Archer’s face get a deeper red as he blushes, and I have to laugh myself. “Thanks, Tar, for being so understanding,” I tell her.

After this, our conversation turns to more mundane tasks we need to take care of. I mention that I believe that Silver Spites main force is already on the move and we all discuss how we can best prepare for them.

We are all sitting there when a short time later I smell the odor of fresh bread and doughnuts. Right after that, I hear a knock on the kitchen door. Paper Work gets up and answers it and we see Stir Fry is there. With a basket of fresh bread and doughnuts for us. As she sets down the basket on the table, she looks at us, smiles, and asks, “You wouldn’t have another cup of tea available, would you?”

Paper Work goes and gets her a cup and prepares some tea for her. As he is doing this she says, “I figured you could all use some carbohydrates this morning.”

Archer looks somewhat sheepish as he tells her, “Thank you, Stir Fry, I am sure the others appreciate it as much as me.”

As we dig into the bread and doughnuts, I notice the guard eyeing them also. I know that feeling. “Trooper, would you like a doughnut or piece of bread?” I ask.

He licks his lips nervously, “I Can’t ma’am, I am on duty.” He answers back.

Oh, for the love of, “Ok trooper, I am going to order you, in the line of duty to eat either a doughnut or some bread. This will help you to maintain your energy level so you can pay attention better on duty.”

I see him trying not to smile. “Yes, Ma’am. Since you ordered me to, I have to obey.” He says as he steps over and grabs a doughnut.

Behind me I hear the 1^st Sergeant enter the room, “Trooper, what are you doing eating on duty?” he bellows out.

I swear the MP almost spits it back out, but then I hear Light Weight start to laugh. “Never mind trooper, I heard the LT, beforehand, I just could not resist.” He tells him as he reaches over Sutures shoulder and grabs some bread too.

After a while more despite how much I am enjoying the moment I look at my PipBuck and notice the time. I look at those here and tell them, “Ok everyone, almost time for the morning stand-to. I will see everyone afterward at Officers call, Stir Fry, I will visit you after that, I have some things to chat with you about. Tar, suit up, I want you with me, I have an idea I want to discuss with you and I am heading to the trenches.”

“Yes Ma’am, give me a couple of minutes. Lt, do you want me to carry my weapon for now?”

I think briefly and tell her and her guard, “Tar whenever you are in the forward positions you are to be armed,” I look at the MP guarding her and tell him, “Please make sure that order gets passed down to the other guards as well.”

“Yes ma’am, I will have to escort her to the armorer’s wagon to retrieve it. It was turned in to be inspected, cleaned and repaired as necessary when we arrived yesterday.”

I nod, “Very good please meet me back here in ten minutes then,” I tell them then I head out of the house and go to the basement to check on Ginger. I am just getting to the doors when I am almost run down by her and Xochitl running out fully kitted.

Ginger yells out to me, “Sorry Ma, got to catch up with the others or we got the midwatch again.”

Xochitl right after her, yells back, “Sorry LT, we have to hurry.”

I watch them as they tear off through camp, jumping over two of the trenches around the HQ and civilians camp and make their way to the D-troop section of the lines. Behind me, I hear Sunset, "Sorry about that Ma’am. I have most of the scouts with D-troop for stand-to this morning. If you are heading up to the high ground, I would like to accompany you.”

“Sounds good Sunset, please do, I have some ideas I want to discuss with Tar, but also some to propose to you as well.”

Shortly afterward Tar arrives, her earlier guard has been replaced by Taser. He seems to be in good spirits this morning, then I notice a patch of fur missing from his neck. He seems kind of nervous when he sees me looking and blushes. I simply nod and tell him “Taser, do yourself a favor, either button you barding up fully, or obtain a shemagh or a bandana to wrap around your neck. Just in case, a sergeant I once knew taught me that trick.”

While his face is still noticeably redder, his ears shift from the side to up again. He half smiles, “Thanks LT, I will have to do that.”

I smile at him, “I take it the mares were happy to see you last night?”

He fully smiles as he tells me, “Yes, ma'am. They both told me to tell you hello also.”

“Well please do the same for me also,” I ask him. After that I begin my trek up to the positions held by H-troop. Behind me I have my small entourage. As we go forward, I begin to talk over my ideas with both Tar and Sunset both of who not only listen and find possible faults but also make suggestions to make them more workable.

Once we are in the Belles section of the line, I find their troops HQ bunker and stop to let Kettle Bell know I am there and chit chat with her for a bit also. As the sun begins to rise, I watch as the shadows of the land slowly shift and disappear. In the nearest wood line to us, I think I see movement. But nothing hostile towards us. However, when I use my EFS, I see more red markers then I am comfortable with, in that direction. In the far distance, I begin to see a dust cloud as the sunlight reflects off of it. That means a large body of troops on the move. By the time the sun is up fully I see at least four such dust clouds all moving towards us. The dust clouds are all still several hours away, so I order a stand down. As I give the order, I tell them over the comm channel, “Officers call in half an hour. As soon as those dust clouds get within two to three klicks, I want a full alert for the entire compound and perimeter.”

On my way back to the HQ I swing by Stir Fry’s wagon like I told her I would. As I get there, I hear her in the back cooking from the sounds of it.

“Hey Stir Fry,” I call into the back.

From inside I hear some pony voices, and she replies, “Hey LT, how is it looking today?”

I sigh and tell her, “Not too good, they are almost here, in fact, should be in a couple of hours.”

She shakes her head, “I am sorry to hear that,”

“Yeah, I understand, same here. Part of the reason I made sure to stop by was to thank you again, both for the breakfast, as well as the advice yesterday.”

She smiles broadly at me, “LT, it was about time. Seriously. By the way, I could tell you had a good time last night.”

I laugh lightly and ask, “Was it that evident on my face this morning?”

She has a mischievous grin as she tells me, “Oh no, it was not that, but that would have told me too. Let’s just say we all could tell last night dear. I will have to say it does make me look at our artillery lieutenant in a different way though.”

I feel my face heat up and my ears flop down in embarrassment, “I am so sorry Stir Fry, I did not realize I was that loud.”

“Don’t worry, it helped me to win 10 caps last night. Even the pony I made the bet with had to admit it proved I won,” she tells me.

“Uh, I am afraid to ask Stir Fry, but what was the bet”

She laughs, “Well there has been several lately, but this one was how long before you finally, well, you know, with Stitches and Lieutenant Archer.”

My face turns even redder as I ask, “How did you know I was with both of them?”

She stops laughing, but still smiles as she tells me, “We could hear two different mares whinnying, and they both called out names, so, well not hard to tell. I probably would suggest closing the door to the balcony next time though.”

I then realize the time, “Well, I will be back later Stir, I need to get to officer’s call. If you get any more of the Crawdaddy, please save me some, ok?” I ask.

“Sure, thing LT, I will do that. Talk to you then Mollygirl.” She tells me and gives a small wave goodbye.

Once back to the HQ I take off my battlesaddle and barding, placing them in the old dining room. I then walk over to Specs and his radio equipment and ask him, “Specs, any word from Manesville yet?”

He has a concerned expression on his face as he tells me, “No ma’am nothing yet.”

I put a hoof on his shoulder and asks, “Specs, do you think you could contact Tenpony Tower?”

He tilts his head with a questioning look, “Maybe LT, I can try why?”

“Specs, I got an idea. If you can contact them, ask to speak to a radio tech named Homage. I ran into her several months back, so we may be able to use her as a contact.”

“Ok, ma’am. I will see what I can do, but no guarantee,” he tells me.

I pat his shoulder, and tell him as I walk away, “That is all I ask, do your best. Thanks Specs.”

I go and sit down as I wait for the others to arrive. Once they are all there, I get our normal daily reports. Then I begin, “OK, we all know that not only are they on the way, they are getting close. Since we still have not heard from Manesville, I want to conserve ammo when we can. This means I want long-distance shots only from the sharpshooters. Artillery, I am going to limit you to firing normally only during an attack on us for now.”

I look at them and see heads nodding, then continue, “In preparation for a siege and possibly having our perimeter overrun I have decided on a plan we will call operation Foal Lift. In the event our lines are broken and we cannot hold I want all adult pegasus to carry the unicorn and earth pony colts and fillies along with their own across the river. They will then escort them back to Manesville. If you hear the song Winter Wrapup come over your PipBucks, then you know that it is to commence immediately.”

I see several hooves go up right away, Fancy asks first, “But what about the parents of these youngsters?”

“Fancy, I am sorry, but if they can’t fly, then they are stuck and will go down fighting with the rest of us. However, any of them that can fly are to escort those who can’t and take care of them. I want to make sure they survive.”

Next Duke asks, “Ma’am, but what about air support, we will need it still won’t we?”

“Duke, if it gets that bad, we are already going down and we are just trying to save those we can,” I hear Kettle Bell answer for me.

I hold up a hoof after that to quiet everyone down, “However, I also have a few ideas we may use too. First off, does anypony have a recording of the betrayal by Silver Spite from the surrender ceremony at Two Step?”

I hear a couple of them answer yes, Bailey Bridge then says, “Yeah, I figured it would be a historic event so we should record it, why ma’am?”

“Bailey, I want to make sure we broadcast that recording so that his troops can hear it. If possible, I want to get it to DJ Pon3 so he can get the truth out there for us. Who knows maybe it will get us some support,” I then pause, until I have everyone’s attention again and continue, “Along those lines, I want to try and have Tar Water broadcast some statements, and if possible let DJ PON3 talk with her to reinforce what we have all been saying.”

I see Tar nod her head, “I would be glad to LT, just let me know when.”

“I will do that Tar, right now I have Specs trying to contact Manehatten to establish communications with them. After that, we will set something up.”

“Since the enemy is going to be in such close proximity, I want guards doubled after dark. I also want stand-to twice a day. A half-hour before dawn and a half-hour before sunset. I do not want them surprising us. Does everyone understand that?”

I wait until they all nod their heads in agreement. Then I make the next proposal, “We have had some success with the unicorn magical units. During the daytime I would like to collect all of them into the rear so that they may begin to exchange spells with each other, as well as a way for them to develop tactics that they feel they can use to make them more effective., Does anybody else have any suggestions?”

I see Fancy raise a hoof and I call on her, “LT, I have several of my civilians, who, while they do not want to join the volunteers, they want to be a part of the defense, as per se, a militia. If we have enough weapons, could we form them into a quick defense unit that only forms when we are attacked?”

I see every pony think about it, “Fancy, I like the concept of it. Have you discussed this with Clock Work at all?”

I see her slowly shake her head, “No ma’am, I had only just thought about it.”

“OK then, after officers call we will discuss it. 1^st Sergeant, please send for Flechettes for me. I want him here when we are done with the meeting.”

“Yes ma’am, I’m on it,” he tells me and leaves the room.

Fancy brings up the next subject also, “Ma’am, while I know we can supplement our food some from the river, we will need to think about how to feed all of our people if we are going to be here for more than a few days.”

We continue to discuss the defenses and what we can do. As we do, I notice Bailey is smiling off to the side so I have to ask, “OK Bailey something has you tickled, let’s hear it.”

Still smiling, he answers, “Well ma’am, I was just thinking how we only planted some of the mines, both the claymores and the regular pressure mines. I was just thinking how the night after an attack we can make their lives so much more miserable by going out and planting more mines in areas they already think are clear. That should give them a few nasty surprises is all.”

I shake my head with a smile on my face, “Bailey, anyone ever told you that you are truly devious?”

Still smiling he answers back, “Well as a combat engineer ma’am, I take that as a compliment. Oh, and one more idea, if we can get some water in some of those areas underneath the sharpened stakes, we could try and put a few crawdaddies in them too.”

I know Stir Fry will howl if she hears this suggestion, but still it has merit. I nod my head, “See what you can do then Bailey, good luck on the crawdaddys.”

I look at the doorway and see Flechettes has arrived, “Ok, if no one has anything else, dismissed.”

I then wave Flechettes over to me, Clockwork and Fancy. “Ok, Flechettes, we are looking at making a militia unit with some of the civilians, what do you have for me that we can use?”

I see the surprise on his face first, then he smiles and answers, “I have some nice older weapons that will work in a pinch. Some older bolt actions, a couple of the old Tommy guns. Oh, and a couple of cases of M12 carbines. Not prime for long-distance shooting, but good for close-in defense, as well as a couple of old pump shotguns. Say about twenty to thirty weapons in all.”

“Flechettes, I need you to work with Fancy and Clockwork to train some of the civilians in their use then. When not in use I want them in a ready arms locker so they can grab them and go. Clockwork, Fancy, I do not want the militia to be armed at all times, only when we are getting ready for an attack or if I order it, such as for training, is that understood?”

They both acknowledge that they understand. “Ok then, go ahead and form your militia then, in combat they will be under military authority, normally Fancy they will be yours though. If there is nothing else, I will talk to you all later.” I tell them then get up and head into the next room.

It is midafternoon when I get the word that Silver Spite’s forces are within a couple of kilometers. I give the order to stand to and the entire compound and perimeter jumps into action. I watch as the new Militia members run to grab their weapons and head back to their assembly area. Many of the civilians run into the cave while some run to the barn and put on helmets, as well as yellow saddlebags with butterflies on them, grabbing stretchers and standing by the door waiting to be called. Myself, I grab my kit and run-up to the Belle’s section of the line followed by Tar, Taser and Blueberry Crisp.

I watch as the arriving troops spread out across from us forming a second perimeter in the distance. They are at long rifle range and some are starting to dig in. Looking through my binoculars I can see that familiar pale unicorn with the brown mane and tail, beside him the orange stallion with bright yellow and red striped mane and tail that he called Razor Wire.

As they form up, I see they are getting into position for an attack. Then I look up into the air and see several pegasus and griffons flying in rough formations. I call over my Pipbuck, “Sky1, be aware they have multiple groups of fliers in rough formations at this time.”

“Rodger that MG, we are formed and ready for flight, let us know when you want us in the air.”

“Sky 1 this is MG, will do.”

Tar is next to me; I can see her visibly shaking as she looks through the binoculars I have hooved over to her. Then she tells me, “Mollygirl, I think he is going to do a general attack to try and overwhelm us if we are not strong enough. If he is unsuccessful, his next step will be to probe our defenses and see where we are weakest at.”

“Thanks for the heads-up Tar,” I tell her, then I call Archer, “Gunbunny1 I want you to train your mortars and Celestia on the following coordinates…” I tell him and then add, “Do not fire until I give the word. Also keep Nightmare Moon quiet and covered, for now, let’s try and draw in their air assets if we can, then surprise them.”

Then I notice the main formations start to advance upon us. I wait until they are fully dedicated before I give the order to Archer, “Gunbunny 1 this is MG, Fire now at the designated target, three rounds each piece, then you are independent to fire.”

“Roger MG, rounds outbound.”

I first hear the mortars thunk, then Celestia’s bark. As each piece fires their rounds. As the third-round leaves Celestia I see several of their fliers diving to attack its position. Suddenly Nightmare Moon is uncovered and begins to fire at them. I watch as three of the five fliers that were attacking are killed or wounded, crashing into the ground. I feel the ground below me shuddering as about 700 ponies’ hooves shake the ground as they run forward. I give the order to hold fire until they are less than one hundred yards away. Suddenly they are in the open ground getting close to the base of the ridge when I order on the all-call comms channel, “Open fire now!”

The trenches around the perimeter are lit up with gunfire. Small clouds of smoke forming and quickly dissipating. I hear the auto grenade launchers and the full-auto am guns stutter as they fire three rounds, shift, three rounds, shift at the rushing troops, then they begin to run into the mines. They hesitate but from behind each company, I see what I think are officers or leaders shoot those who stop in the back. The others keep charging, then they are into the obstacles, I watch in sick fascination as one squad runs between the sharpened three-foot-long stakes and the cheval de frise and suddenly five of them fall into a covered punji stake pit. I hear them scream in agony as the weight of their bodies falling four feet unto the one foot long and two to three-inch diameter spikes drives them deep into their bodies. In one spot I see them attempt to jump over such a trap, they are halfway up the ridge when Celestia lets rip with a canister anti-personnel round, which turns the cannon into a giant shotgun. Those in front of its barrel are shredded or in some cases become a fine red mist.”

From the flank of D-troop, I can tell when they first hit a minefield and several of them explode at one. Next, they try to move to the obstacles and use them for shelter. I had not realized that Bailey and his engineers had places several smaller explosive charges near them. I watch in amazement as several of the cheval de frise are lifted into the air by them along with those who were trying to use them for shelter. Once they crash back down the parts that have broken off have left sharp ragged edges that will make additional dangers to those going by them.

This battle rages for three hours before they fall back. They never get further than halfway up the ridge in the sections of E and H troop. In D troop they get closer, but there the terrain was flatter, even if somewhat softer.

As I watch them fall back, I call a ceasefire. Behind them are dozens of wounded and dead. The wounded trying to drag themselves to safety, or screaming in pain. The dead, what is left of them lay there in silence.

Above us I see our fliers mixed up in a furball with Silver Spite’s. It starts at a distance and as it gets more furious it comes down to hoof to hoof range. I watch in amazement as Sunset and his fliers suddenly all turn and dive for the area of Nightmare Moon. Trying to open the distance between them, the griffons and pegasi chasing them trying to close the gap. Then suddenly they are inundated with round after round of 40-millimeter special rounds exploding right next to them. Several are knocked out of the sky; others are badly injured and fall back to the safety of their own lines. I watch amazed as one still is hot on their tails when Sunset stops and points behind him, the pegasus looks behind and sees he is alone and performs a dive and twist, dodging his entire way from the fire that is reaching up at him from the ground, eventually he escapes.

As he gets away, we look up and see the crows cross the river and begin to feed on their dead and the wounded too injured to protect themselves. Around me, I hear some of my troopers get sick. I know we have dead and wounded too, but at least they are not subjected to this degradation.

Through my binoculars, I look across to their lines and see Silver Spite rearing up on his hind legs shaking a foreleg in my general direction. I can almost hear what he is yelling in my mind. Once he calms down and is back on all fours, I see him wave his hoof around and give commands to his underlings. Shortly afterwards I see them begin to dig in in the forward areas, and I hear them cutting down trees in their rear areas. The siege has begun.

We stand alert until after sunset, then I return to my HQ. Upon arrival, I head straight to Specs. “Have you heard from Manesville yet?”

He shakes his head, “No ma’am, but I have gotten ahold of Tenpony Tower. That radio tech Homage does seem interested in the recording of Silver Spite. She seems to be up in the air about Tar Water though.”

“OK, let me know next time you get ahold of her, I want to talk to her personally, alright.”

“Yes ma’am, will do.” He tells me and begins to fiddle with the dials on his radio set as I turn and head into the kitchen for something to drink. As I get there, I see Paper Work and the 1^st Sergeant and I ask them, “Could one of you get some rations here for all of us. I am getting hungry enough to eat a brahmin here.” I say jokingly.

Right after that I hear a slight moo behind me and turn to see Kettle Belle, she looks at us and says, “Please hurry then, I am unsure if I am still safe then,” as she gives a wink.

“Hey Kettle, good job up there today,”

“Thanks LT. Kind of hard with the Old Mare right there not to put up a hard fight.”

I smirk at that as I realize, yep, I am the old mare now. Not even thirty yet, then I ask her, “How did your troops fair?”

She shakes her head, “Five dead and two wounded. All head or shoulder wounds. These trenches are both a blessing and a curse.”

“How’s that Kettle?” I ask as I turn and tilt my head slightly and squint as I try to think of why.

Coming from the back door I hear Sutures answer for her, “I can tell you why LT, those are the only parts of the body normally exposed, and unfortunately it makes some of them feel too safe, so they will rise when they should keep low.”

“That makes sense. I am surprised to see you already Sutures, already done with the wounded in D-troop?”

She shakes her head, “Yeah we lost a couple more in the sixth squad from a grenade. We also had a couple of wounded like Kettle Belle described, but nothing Triage can’t handle.”

“Makes sense, want some tea?” I offer.

She takes the cup and I notice as I fill it her hooves are shaking slightly. I understand why. The adrenalin rush of combat can take a while to go down. At least I hope it is only that, now I will be worrying about her. I have to get her back and out of service. She needs a break worse than I do.

We all sit there drinking our tea as we settle down from the attack. While we are there we are joined by Taser and Tar. Bailey Bridge joins us after a bit and looks at us, “Ma’am, you might as well just hold officers call right now and in here, seems most of us have already arrived.”

“Well let’s give it a bit first Bailey, by the way, good job with the explosives, do you have any other tricks up your sleeves for us?”

“Well ma’am, I got a couple of ideas, they may seem silly but, I will put them out there latter.” He tells me.

Just about then I hear a set of hooves running into the room and before I realize it, I have my pistol in my mouth. I stop from pulling the trigger with my tongue just in time as I realize its Specs.

I see him skid to a stop hind quarters sliding on the floor forelegs moving in circles in the air. When he stops, he stammers, “S-s-sorry ma’am, I got her on the radio.”

At first, I am confused, “Who do you have on the radio?” I ask.

"Miss Homage, the radio Tech at Tenpony Tower."
The others look surprised except for Sutures, who looks at them and tells everypony, “She is DJ Pon3’s assistant, we ran into her several months ago on a mission.”

As she is telling them this I am on my hooves and pulling Tar with me. I look over my shoulder, "Bailey, follow me, we will be sending her your recording.”

I do not even notice if he acknowledges the order but am right behind Specs.

He gets back on the radio and calls back, “TPTM this is CEFHQ, are you there?”

I hear over the speakers he has set up to his radio an unfamiliar male pony answer. “That is affirmative CEFHQ, we are here. Is your CO available.”

Specs pushes the broadcast button on the microphone and replies back, “That is affirmative, she is here.”

"Roger CEFHQ, standby,” I then hear some background noise as someone else takes the radio for them.

Then I hear a familiar mare's voice. “CEFHQ, this is Homage, what can I do for you?”

“Homage, this is Lieutenant Mollygirl, good to hear your voice again.”

“Lieutenant now? Congrats on the promotion, now just to make sure I know you, what rank were you when we met, and what was your unit designation.”

“Homage, I was a sergeant at the time with the 1^st squad of D-troop, and you are a wonderful dancer, as most of us found out in that old farmhouse that night.”

“Ok, you passed the test, so how is everypony from the old squad?”

I pause noticeably before I answer, and even I hear my voice crack when I answer her, “Most of them are gone now Homage, we lost Ghost on the way home, we lost several more at the Battle of Manesville. Badger was promoted into the militia. Chip and Blackberry are with us here too.”

“So where are you Mollygirl?”

“Homage, we are under siege now at the north end of Serenity Valley.”

I hear a pause on her end, when she asks her next question, I can hear the wariness in her voice, “So what do you think I can do for you LT?”

“Hopefully you can do two things for us. The first is to get ahold of Manesville for us and let them know we need help,” I pause then press the button to broadcast again, “The second is we want the truth to get out there about Silver Spite and about us.”

She still sounds wary when she asks her next question,” LT, how do you think I can do that? And what makes you think I can believe you?”

“Well we do have a recording of the supposed surrender ceremony where Silver Spite killed most of our officers as well as his own.”

“LT, what do you mean by supposed surrender ceremony?”

“He sent a messenger to us that suggested his father wanted to surrender their forces to us. When we got there, we found out he had told his father we were surrendering. Perhaps you should listen to the recording,” I tell her.

“I think I should, do you have it on hoof?” She asks.

“Yeah we do,” I tell her and look at Bailey and Specs, “Can you two play it for her?”

From next to me I hear Specs answer, “Yep, we were prepping it while you two were talking, let me know when you are ready.”

“Ok Homage, Specs has it ready to play, this was recorded by then Sergeant, now Cadet Bailey Bridge, please record it if you like.”

I hear some more noise from her end, then she tells us, “OK, ready.”

I nod and Specs begins to broadcast the recording. I have not listened to it since it happened. I see Tar begin to shake as she hears Silver Spite’s voice, and tears come into her eyes and she rubs her stomach as she hears Broken Dreams. We play it all the way until I hear Tar being taken care of by Sutures.

Once it stops, I get back on the mic, “I hope that clears things up Homage, I know you wanted some information from us.”

“Yeah, that clears up a lot. You wouldn’t happen to still have this Tar Water with you, would you?”

I smile, “Actually she is sitting here next to me right now, why?”

Then Homage replies the way I had hoped she would, “Mollygirl, I would like to interview her if you do not mind. I will ask her questions and record her answers for possible broadcast tonight if she is willing.”

With my hoof still on the broadcast button, I ask, “Are you still willing Tar?”

She nods her head yes and then vocalizes here answer, “Yeah, sure, when?”

“How about now Tar, if you do not mind.” She tells Tar.

Tar tells her, “Yes, whenever you are ready then.” And the interview begins.

After it is done, I can see Tar is covered in sweat and is nervous. I hear Homage say, “Ok, that is good, thank you Tar, Mollygirl, perhaps this will also get you some help.”

I take the mic back, “Thanks Homage, I owe you a drink or dinner sometime when either you make it to Manesville, or I make it to you.”

“Sounds good, Take care of yourself and your people Mollygirl.”

As I hoof the mic over to Specs, I realize I actually talked as if I and my troops might make it out of here. Maybe we do still have a future. I then feel Sutures hoof on my shoulder as she stops me and Tar, “Tonight after officers call, I want to see both of you. You are both due for a prenatal checkup.”

Both Tar and I smile and agree to it, heck maybe there really is a future yet. Two bits of positive light, I will take it. But I cannot help myself and have to tease Sutures, “Dear, are you trying to use your position to get a chance to see both of Wind Mills Great Granddaughters alone,” and I give her a wink.

First Sutures blushes, then she splutters, then finally she says, “Mollygirl, I can’t believe you just said that. I, I.”

“Oh, come on Stitches, you mean you wouldn’t want to try cousins?” She says as she smiles and bats her eyes at Sutures.

I put a hoof on Sutures’s shoulder trying to restrain my laughter as Tar fails to stop hers behind me. I kiss her on the cheek, “Sorry dear, I just could not resist teasing you a little. I know you are always a professional.”

“Stitches, don’t worry, I did not think that at all. But you should have seen your face. Oh, it was priceless, thank you both, I needed that laugh,” she says as she wipes a tear from her eyes.

Soon after I hold officers call. My staff and I listen to the reports from the unit commanders. Overall, we have taken twenty wounded and ten dead among the combatants. Unfortunately, we had one of the civilian stretcher-bearers take a hit by a grenade fragment. She will live but will have a permanent limp most likely. On the positive side, they did not come close to breaching our lines today. The reserves were able to remain in standby.

Archer’s report on the artillery worries me some, “LT, we are starting to run short on the special rounds for Nightmare Moon. We also are going to have to be a bit more frugal with the rounds from Celestia too. We still have plenty of rounds for the mortars at least.

I nod my head but begin to worry a bit. Bailey Bridge helps some but still gives me pause as he informs us. “Ma’am, after dark my engineers will be going out to repair the defenses and plant additional mines. I have also ordered them to continue on making obstacles to put in the no-mares land between the lines.”

Fancy makes her report short and to the point. “Lt, the civilians will be continuing to reinforce the rear area as well. They have also chosen a site to bury our dead. Some have asked if we are going to bury the military separate from the civilians here.”

“Actually Fancy, I had not thought about it, but if they prefer it, then I understand if they want to keep the graves segregated.”

I see her face flush, and she looks almost hurt, “No LT, you don’t understand, they want to be buried next to the troopers. Ma’am, they all feel we are in this together, we are part of the CEF and will be part of the Co-op when we reach there. Ma’am, they would feel slighted if we segregated them.”

“Then Fancy, let them know their concerns while understandable, are without merit. I too feel they are part of the CEF and if they die with us, they lie with us.” I tell her with a bit of tear forming in my eye. I can only pray the civilians are spared.

Sunset speaks next, “Ma’am, all of the scouts made it through safely. However, I will add that the horned ones are asking for permission to make a raid tonight. They want to take a couple of prisoners and perhaps cause a little mischief.

I smile at the suggestion. “Sunset, I will leave that decision in your capable hooves. If you feel they are well enough rested and can do so safely, then go ahead.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

As the reports wind down Specs calls out to me, Ma’am it's about time for DJ Pon3’s broadcast, you asked me to remind you.”

I nod my head, and tell him, “Thanks Specs,” I look at the others and tell them, “Dismissed, if you want to listen to it here tonight, feel free.”

As the all to familiar song stops playing, we hear DJ Pon3’s voice comes over the airwaves.

Good evening, children of the wastelands, tonight I have some very interesting news for all of you. While we have heard a lot lately from one of Red Eye’s former followers about the Co-op Expedition Force from him and how they stole his mare and killed his officers along with his father, it seems we may not have been getting the entire truth. In fact, the current commander of the CEF, known to some of you and me as the LT, contacted me by radio from Serenity Valley to not only dispute what he has been saying but she also has forwarded a recording of the same surrender incident.

Now I am not saying that ol’ Silver Spite is lying mind you, but let’s give a listen to this recording and you can decide for yourself.

We all sit there listening to the replay of the recording of that day. If the Major’s husband and family did not know she was dead before, I am sure they know now, as do the families and friends of the other officers who died with her. I can tell that just hearing it again takes a toll on all of us as we remember lost friends, family, and officers we respected.

Now, listeners, I am not telling you what to believe, but you have heard what happened with your own ears. I am not going to dwell on this for now, as we have more news and music to come yet. Also, later in tonight’s broadcast, I have a surprise interview with a mare who has had a front-row seat to most of this show, having seen it from both sides. Now in other news, we have reports back from Junction Town of…

Besides me, I hear Tar sniffle some. I put a hoof on her shoulder, “I am sorry Tar, I know how much this hurts for you.” I tell her.

“What really hurts Mollygirl is that if Silver Spite had not interfered, who knows for sure, but maybe buy now Dreams and I could have made up and I could have had a real family with him and our child.”

I put my head down some as I can understand how she feels about this. We all make huge mistakes that can change our lives. “That is true Tar, but he would still be out there, terrorizing ponies. If you think about it, he was already starting to attack the surrounding area, he was working up to attacking the Co-op.” I shudder at my next thought before I tell her, “Tar, for all you know Silver Spite could have later attacked your home or mine. Remember we have been hit by raiders before.”

She sniffles some more, “What do you think the odds of that would be. How often did that happen really?”

I take my hoof off her shoulder. “Often enough Tar that raiders or slavers killed my mother and burnt our home down. I was lucky to escape, but my mom died in my hooves.” I tell her sadly.

I see the shock in her eyes, “Mollygirl, I am sorry, I never knew. No one talked about it, I thought she died naturally.”

I shake my head slowly, “No she didn’t, but I was lucky, Bullet came along and found me. That was the same night he lost his wife and daughter. So please don’t kid yourself, he was coming, and he would have attacked our homes. Now, now the truth about him is getting out there. I am sure the interview you did with Homage will help even more. He is now going to be a marked pony.”

“That is great and all, but we are still stuck here,” she tells me.

“Tar, that is why it is so important to me that you and your foal live. Otherwise, Broken’s death was for nothing. You two need to live.”

It is at this point she truly surprises me. She almost leaps forward and hugs me, breaking down in tears on my shoulder. As I pat her on her back, she tells me, “You are one of the only pony’s beside Trouble or Broken who has ever told me something like that. That my life matters too.”

“It does Tar, it does,” I tell her, and I think Goddesses all my people's lives matter to me, and I pray I can get all of them home safe.

After a bit, she pulls herself back together. The others who were in the room either have left or are pretending to pay attention to the radio or some other distraction instead. From the radio I can hear Tar’s interview, while I hear her voice answering the questions, I notice that instead of Homage asking the questions, it sounds like DJ Pon3 is. I wonder how they did that?

It is near the end of the interview and I hear DJ Pon3’s smooth voice asks her:

That seems like a lot Tar, so what would you say the one thing about Silver Spite is that you want ponies to know?

I hear Tar’s reply for the second time today and it gives me a shiver.

It is two things really, the first is he seems very smooth and finished, but that is part of his trap for others, he only lets you see what he wants you to. The second is that, I Was NEVER His property.

I can hear the anger and hatred in her voice in the latter part. I know that if she ever sees him face to face again only one will walk away. From the radio, I can hear DJ Pon3 end the interview and go back to his normal broadcasting.

Tar and I are still next to each other I quietly tell her, “You did good Tar, thank you. Now, why don’t you and I go get a cup of tea to relax a bit, and then we can go torture Sutures some more and make sure our foals are ok.”

She smiles at me, I hear a final sniffle and she tells me, “Yeah, sounds good Mollygirl.” Then she whispers quietly to me, “But you do know Mollygirl, that I am only teasing her, my barndoor does not swing that way.”

I smile back, and I whisper to her with a mischievous glint in my eye “I know, that is what makes it so fun; because she doesn’t.”

Dear DJ Pon3,

I have heard Tar Water’s interview and accusations against me. It saddens me to have her think so lowly of me. But this is only her side of the story. While I regret her having run off like she has, perhaps it is for the better. With this in mind, I ask you to play Behind Blue Eyes for me, to her, so perhaps she may understand me better.

Sincerely

Colonel Silver Spite

Thanks to Kkat for creating FoE, and to those who have added to it since. I continue to see more of this world that they build and help us to explore. I hope you are enjoying the portion of it that I am showing to you as well.

At this point, we see the civilians and the military of the CEF close ranks with each other. They have bonded together over the time of the expedition and now will need each other to survive. The humor, often black humor they exhibit not only helps them to relax, but also to cope with the situation that they all find themselves in.

This chapter's song dedication gives us a glimpse into the mind of Silver Spite. For those who want to listen to it, the Youtube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg_TRaiWj4o