I stand on the firing step of the trench looking down the slope. I watch as several hundred troops stream from their trenches and run as fast as they can towards our lines. In the woods behind their trenches across from us, I can see more of their troops forming. If I had more artillery, I would shell them right now. But I don’t, so I can’t.

From the west, in the D-troop area, I begin to hear the heavy weapons start to fire as the enemy troops find it easier to run across the flat terrain.

Next, I hear E-troop to my east open up as it has a gentler slope to its area then H-troops, and the old road leading to the farm ran through there. As the troops cross that area, I see Nightmare Moon begin to open fire into them before they reach the obstacles.

Then before me, I see raiders armed with axes begin to reach the cheval de frise. They begin to chop at them trying to clear the way for those behind them. Others jump into the water-filled holes beneath the sharpened stakes below. Many of them begin to scream as the crawdaddies that are under the water begin to attack them with their claws. I watch as a three-foot-long crawdaddy arches its back and then lashes out with a claw taking an ear off of one of the raiders.

I call back to Sunset on my PipBuck, “Sunset, make sure all of the scouts are back at HQ as a reserve, we may need it.”

“Roger LT, on it,” Sunset calls back.

This is followed by Tenderhoof calling on the channel, “Ok, the Rangers stopped ‘em this time LT.”

Next, I call out “Clockwork makes sure your volunteers and the militia are ready. This may be a rough one.

Over the all personnel frequency I announce. "I want all combatant fliers, I mean all of them back to the HQ area, you will sortie out of there to provide air support as needed.”

By this time, they have gotten halfway up the hill. I see them hit the minefields again and they are slowed, but those behind I see jumping onto the corpses of the dead for a safe path. I see Tar shooting in three-round bursts next to me. I am trying to lead the combat from the front but it is not easy as suddenly I see two raiders get close enough that one takes a metal apple into his mouth and prepares to throw it. I snapshot at him with the deathbunny and watch as he falls backward. The force of his head jerking back tossing the metal apple only a few meters behind him, into another group that is right behind him. I hear them scream and see them try to jump to safety only to have it go off in the middle of them. Ironically one of the ones that would have been safe lands on a mine and I watch him disappear.

I quickly shift fire and take another group that is trying to crawl up the hill under fire. I take the time to call Sunset.

“Sunset, I need a scout high, I need to know where their main advance is.”

“Roger LT, on it. Request permission to assign air support to D-troop?” he asks.

“Granted. Makes sure they do not gain air superiority.” I tell him.

Then I am back to firing as I see one of them get close enough to throw a grenade at a Full Auto AM bunker. I hear the screams of those that survive the blast and hear Kettle Bell order more of her troops into that gap.

Soon I hear the AM going again as those who have gone in are able to place the gun back into service. I see several ponies go down under its fire.

From the D-troop section, I hear the fire suddenly intensify. I look over in that direction and looking down I can see that the attack is starting to bog down. Above them are several pegasi of the volunteer company strafing them. Above the lines I see a few more watching to make sure that they are not surprised by the enemy fliers.

Suddenly there is an explosion from the E-troop lines and I look over and see smoke coming from one of the bunkers. It is still firing, but this means they are trying to blow up our strong points. As I watch I see two more ponies carrying satchels jump up and run towards the blockhouse. One of them spins as they are hit and fall to the ground. The second makes it to the side of the bunker and I am horrified to see their satchel come around the corner and into a firing slit. Then I see flame and smoke roar out of the openings and I know the bunker and its crew are gone.

My attention is drawn away as those in front of us try to do the same to one of the bunkers that H-troop is manning. They almost make it with a satchel when I see Light Weight careful aim and pull the trigger. His shot hits the satchel and the pony carrying it is replaced by flame, smoke, and chunks of debris flying in all directions. The force of the explosion is directed away from those inside the bunker by the dirt and wooden beams.

Another surge in gunfire. This time from the E-troop sector. As I look over, I see several hundred more of their troops running across the no mare's land. Right for the gap in the lines created by the now-dead bunker. Archer has shifted the mortars to fire on them and is moving the guns when suddenly we are hit in the center again. Archer is forced to shift back his aim down the slope in front of him to prevent his guns from being overrun.

I watch as the surge of troops comes across and crashes into the trenches of E-troop. It is now becoming hoof to hoof. I hear Tenderhoof call out those words I have feared, “All CEF personnel this is E-troop commander Tenderhoof, BROKEN SABER, I Repeat BROKEN SABER!” He has just told everyone that his troop and its positions in the line are being overrun.

The time has come. I call over the channel to Clockwork. “Clock Work they are about to breakthrough in E-troops section. Send them in NOW!”

Suddenly over the PipBuck all personnel channel I hear, “This is Sergeant Rice Paddy, Cadet Tenderhoof is down. They are targeting the Medics and stretcher-bearers, Both E-troop medics are down.”

I then hear Sutures call out, “E-troop this is Sutures, I am on my way.”

I call on the radio, “All troops protect the medics. Sunset, provide an escort for Sutures.”

As I look down the hill, I see a lone medic running across the open ground towards the inferno of E-troops lines, from the trenches by the farmhouse I watch as the Footpad scouts all leap up and form a barrier around her. In the lead are Ginger and Xochitl, stretching their bodies out as they run in front of her. Next to her on one side is Xavier, on the other is Trouble. Behind her, horns starting to light with magic I see Blondie, Chip, and Blackberry Pie. All of them running flat out into danger. Above them, I see Choo Choo her horn aglow and the guns on her battlesaddle already firing into the ranks of the raiders.

Looking further north, I see the entire volunteer company surging forward guns ready. Clock Work is leading their charge, I see his mouth open in a yell that is drowned out by distance and noise. As they run and fire, I see many of them be hit and fall, as the others continue on. Behind them, the Militia takes their positions in the trenches.

Then I see the volunteers make contact with the raider forces. They are at a full gallop. Many of them lower their heads and shoulders as they use their bodies and momentum against the raiders. You can actually hear the impact as so many of them hit. Bodies fly, screams of pain, horror, and anger can be heard in the distance along with that of breaking equipment and gunfire.

I see the first of the E-troopers begin to try to fall back then they are routed and try to run. The raiders shooting them in their backs as they try to get to safer positions. As they fall the raiders are on them with knives, clubs or whatever melee weapons they can use.

I put my hoof to my stomach as my foal kicks several times. I say quietly, “I am sorry my child, please forgive me.” Then without any more thought, I jump over the back of the trench and am running along the back of the ridge at full speed firing into the raiders as I go.

Besides me I see Tar still firing in three-shot bursts, on my other side is Blueberry Crisp her hooves shaking the ground and minigun firing in short but deadly burst. With us are several other members of my staff and MPs. Behind me, the four unicorns of H-troop jump up and follow me. Their horns already glowing as they prepare to use their magic for spells other than just TK for their weapons.

I see the raiders break through the lines. There are several hundred of them all screaming as they rush forward towards the volunteers and the civilian camp. I call over my PipBuck to Archer, “They have broken through, all guns on them now!”

“We are short of the special rounds LT,” he calls back.

“Archer, it’s now or never, do it!” I order him.

I watch Nightmare Moon swing around and fire the special round at almost point-blank range. 40mm S.A.T.S. rounds that explode as soon as they get close or over the raiders, ripping into their ranks, killing and wounding scores of them. Behind me, I hear Celestia firing canister rounds down the other side of the ridge slowing and then stopping additional raiders from joining in the breakthrough.

As I am running along the ridge, I look lower down just in time to see Suters and her escort enter the fray, I see Xochitl dive and roll as he slides along the ground under a raider. As he slides by, he fires two quick shots into his belly, rolls back over, and is on his hoof running again.

Ginger opposite him leaps into the air over a dead body, landing on another raider's back. She puts a quick shot into the back of his head with the SIR and without slowing leaps down again. Behind her I see Sutures begin to use her shotgun to deadly effect as she tries to make it to the wounded Rangers.

Then I hear Xavier yell something in zebra and I see the glint of cold steel as I notice the moon metal knife, he holds in the crook of his forehoof and he begins to engage in hoofticuffs with the raiders. Kicking and slicing as he goes.

I am ready to call for them to begin Operation Foal lift, but I do not have time to call it. We are almost on their flank and several of them see us and swing in our direction, running towards us as fast as we are towards them.

As we close in range, I switch from three-round burst to full auto. Wounding or killing several of the surprised raiders, as we hit the side of their ranks. Soon I have emptied the clip and am too close for reloading. Instead, I Tuck my head to the side and drive my shoulder into a raider throwing him back with the force of impact. This gives me enough time to draw my sword. I see the look of terror on the closest raider's face when he sees me swing the sword at him. Initially, he blocks it with his rifle. As my blade hits the barrel it slides along it opening up his muzzle into the bone and dropping him to the ground screaming in pain. I see a raider coming behind me and cow kick out with my right hind hoof, I hear his front left knee pop as the kick connects. I follow through with an overhead swing and his screams stop.

I feel a heavy blow against my right hind hip and feel it give way briefly before I can regain my balance. It feels like the bone must have been cracked. I see the mare laughing at me as she raises a club to swing at me again. Before she swings it again, I have dropped, rolled and brought my blade hard against both of her forelegs, dropping her to the earth. She screams and tries to lunge forward at me using only her hind hooves. I end it for her with another swing of my sword into her neck. I then use her barding to wipe the blood off of my blade.

I look and we have begun to buckle in the flank of their attack. I rise on my hind legs; my sword being held in the bend of my pastern and yell “RALLY!” at the top of my voice. As I come down, I shift the sword back to my mouth after I have toggled a reload on my battle saddle.

Around me, I see the members of the CEF reform ranks and we begin to drive forward as a unit again. Soon the group of us in the middle have cut the lead elements off and those in the rear begin to retreat, many of them only running as far as the need to, to feel safe.

Above us, I see Sunset along with his flying scouts providing us air support. I watch as one of them gets hit and falls limply to the ground. I hear the call of “Medic!” and look in that direction in time to see Sutures and her escort reaching the wounded flyer and securing the area so she can work on them.

Now the real work begins for the rest of us as well as we begin to clear and secure the trenches. Much of it is going to be hoof to hoof. Thank goodness we have plenty of metal apples for use around the corners and inside those positions.

The raiders begin to form pockets of resistance within the area they have captured. Unfortunately for them, the mortar crews can look down upon them and sight where their rounds are landing and use them to even more than their normal deadly effect. I am following Blueberry Crisp. Tar right behind me. We come to a tee split in the trench. I hear voices around the corner and using my E.F.S. I can tell they are hostile. I tap the ground twice to let the others know we have two of them. Then one of H-troops unicorns takes a metal apple in her tk, pulls the pin, and lobs it over top of the trenches. I hear screaming as they realize what has landed at their hooves. Then there is the explosion. Once the dust clears, the E.F.S. shows they are gone and we continue to advance.

Below the ridge on the backside I see the volunteers advancing cleaning up pockets of resistance. Then I hear Bailey call over the PipBuck. “Clock Work, this is Bailey. Have your troops hold up for a couple of minutes? My engineers are coming. We have a couple of flame throwers coming your way.”

“Bailey, this is sergeant Trip Hammer, of the volunteers. Clock Work is down, I have assumed command at this time. We will wait for you.”

As I look behind us, I can see the troops that have escaped trying to work their way back to the woods. Below the heights, in front of H-troop, I can see that they still have not made it back past the obstacles again.

I look back at the cut off enemy troops and see them trying to fight their way out. The pegasi taking turns strafing them between the scouts and the volunteer fliers. I watch as another one of them stagger in the air and then start to fly slowly back towards where Sutures has set up her protected aid station.

Then behind the Volunteers, I see several of the Militia members jump up and move forward with two sets of civilian stretcher bearers that run forward, grab some of our wounded and begin the trek back to the hospital.

The fighting begins to lull for a bit. Then I hear a roar followed by screaming. I look and see a solid stream of flame arch through the air and land in a secondary trench that the raiders have taken. Three of the raiders jump out of the trench, screaming and trying to roll to put out the fires, but the sticky neighpalm keeps burning. Eventually, they stop moving and their screams stop. Then the engineers and volunteers move back up again, passing through the sickly smelling black smoke that stains the afternoon sky.

Suddenly I see almost fifty to sixty of the raiders begin to run my way, trying to escape. I look at the others with me. “Give them a path, do not make it a fight to the death.” We fall back enough that they can escape, granted we still fire at them, but now they feel there is a chance of survival and they desperately grasp it and try to sneak past us back to their own lines.

Most of the surviving raiders have bypassed us on their way back to safety when we reach the remains of the blockhouse. It turns out that the Rangers had put some serious work into it and had dug it down two more levels and had an auxiliary escape exit ready so all they had to do was dig a couple of more feet and they could get out, in case of a cave-in or as happened a demo charge.

I am approached by one. He is an older sergeant from Rangers who lead the others out. “Good Afternoon Ma’am, Sergeant Rice Paddy Reporting Ma’am.”

“Good afternoon Sergeant, report,” I tell him.

“Ma’am, I had fourteen troops with me in the lower bunker when the upper level was destroyed. Six are seriously wounded, three lightly. We just made it out. I have no idea what the rest of the casualties are for the troop.” He reports.

“Good job sergeant saving them. I am glad somepony had the foresight to dig that escape branch.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I always have thought if you only have one way for the enemy to get in, you only have one way out. I never liked that thought. So, I had the spur tunnel dug, but not completed, just in case.” He tells me, with no small trace of pride in his voice.

“Ok, for now, you seem to be the senior ranking member of the Rangers left. Take those still able to fight back into the line so we can repony the trenches for now.”

“Ma’am, how many other survivors from the Rangers are there?” he asks, his voice trembling slightly.

I shake my head, “Sarge,” I pause to collect myself then continue, “As far as I know, you and your people here are it.”

I see the shock on his face and try to catch him as he stumbles back against the trench wall and slides down. With tears in his eyes, I hear him say, “Oh Goddess damn it, no, NO! that can not be right. Ma’am, we had seventy troopers in the lines this morning.”

“I know. Goddesses how I know that. I am sorry sergeant. Now please, we. I need you to get yourself together for now and perform your duty. Tonight, after officers’ call, we will sit and talk.” I gently tell him.

“Ma’am do you want me to attend officers call with Tenderhoof?” he asks.

With a sad voice I tell him, “Rice Paddy, I only wish you could. He was killed by the raiders. He and those with him went down fighting. I am sorry. He was a friend of mine too.” and put a hoof on his shoulder.

I can tell he wants to break down, but he pulls himself up. “Ok LT. I will talk to you later.” He says, then he looks at the other troopers still capable of fighting and tells them, “Follow me, we have to spread out a bit.

The enemy forces across no mare’s land in front of the part of the lines can be seen milling about in the woods, but show no sign of reorganizing for an attack. I hear an increase in gunfire in front of both H and D troops sections and fear another attack is ready to start, then I get the report from Sunset, they are falling back. It must be cover fire.

Below, in our compound, I watch as more of the civilians leave the shelter of their trenches and come forward to help with the wounded. Bailey and the engineers are almost back to the front lines along with what is left of the volunteers.

I am horrified at what we find in the forward positions. It was truly a battle to the death up here. I look over the parapet and down the slope, on both sides, I see a carpet of dead and wounded. As I watch I start to see the crows come back.

We find one wounded raider and before I can say anything one of my troopers kills him. Then the trooper looks at me, “Ma’am, they showed us the Black Flag, just returning the favor.” He tells me quietly with a hint of sorrow in his voice. Then he continues, “My wife and my brother were both Rangers.”

I put a hoof on his back, “I understand trooper. We lost a lot here today. I lost children and siblings.” Then I turn and walk back towards the destroyed blockhouse.

Once I arrive, I am met by Trip Hammer. “Good evening ma’am, we have retaken our positions.” He tells me.

“Very good Sergeant. You did an excellent job, thank you.”

“Ma’am, we had twenty-three killed and another seventeen wounded. Clock Work was in rough shape, but still alive the last time I saw him. If you get the chance you might want to go check on him yourself, I know he really thinks highly of you and would appreciate it.”

“Thank you, Trip, I will be visiting the wounded later anyways. I just want to make sure everything has settled down first.”

“I understand LT. It was a hell of a day.” He tells me.

I stop, think for a moment then I look at him and say, “Actually, we held, we are still here. Today, well today was a good day.”

I leave the Volunteer company and the engineers to cover the position that E-troop had. The civilians come forward in force. They begin by helping with the wounded. Next, they begin the effort of recovering weapons under the watchful guidance of Flechettes.

Others begin to recover the dead. Ours, they place in neat rows. The others are stacked together. Fancy approaches me about them back at my HQ. “Lt, do you want us to bother digging mass graves for them or should we just burn the bodies?” She asks.

“Fancy, do what you think is best for now. I’m sorry, I can not give you a better answer.” I reply to her.

She sits down next to me and puts a hoof around my shoulder, “You know, you really did a good job today.”

“Thanks, Fancy, but I was going to start to evacuate the foals and just never had time. Sure, it worked out fine today, but what about next time?”

She looks at me, nods her head, and suggests, “Perhaps if they attack tomorrow or before we get any reinforcements, we should begin to evacuate them immediately.”

I sigh, “Yeah, I guess you are right. Fancy please let the civilians know how much I appreciate them and their efforts today.”

“No problem LT, I am sure they already know, but I will tell them again. Ma’am, most of them are asking for weapons. They saw what happened today and are under no illusions, they want to be able to defend themselves.”

“Fancy, I actually am fully supportive of that idea. Reissue the CEF weapons that are recovered first, then have them use the raiders ones if need be.”

She smiles. “Thank you again Mollygirl, you do not know how much it really means to me and all of us for you to allow us that.”

She gives me a quick hug then gets up and leaves the HQ heading back to her people. Next Paper work comes up to me. “Ma’am, we have the initial casualty reports. It’s not good.” He tells me.

I put my forehoof to the side of my temple. “Ok, let’s have them Paper Work.”

He pauses to take a breath and then tells me, “Ma’am D-troop has taken another seven dead and five wounded. H-troop Has twelve dead and sixteen wounded. E troop,” he stops and swallows, then continues, “E- troop has taken fifty-five killed in action and fifteen wounded. The volunteer troop has taken fourteen dead, and eighteen wounded. The artillery has taken three dead and two wounded. Ma’am Lieutenant Archer was one of the wounded.”

My heart feels like it stops and I feel my baby kick. “Paper Work, do you know how bad it is?”

“No Ma’am, but he is back at the hospital right now.”

“Ok, any others?”

“Ma’am we had five of the civilian stretcher bears killed and three more wounded. The scouts also had two wounded. I don’t know who yet.”

“Thank you Paper Work, please notify Manesville of our status. I am heading to the hospital right now.”

“Yes ma’am. I will let you know if I hear anything.” He tells me.

I get up and begin to head to the hospital. All I can think of is ninety-six dead, sixty-one seriously wounded. One hundred and fifty-seven troopers less to hold with than just this morning. My Goddesses, how can we hold.

As we walk up, I am horrified to see that there is a stack of hacked-off limbs outside the barn. I see one of the medics step outside and become sick. I can’t blame him; I have never imagined such a sight.

Sutures sees me approaching and comes over to me. “Mollygirl, Archer is going to be ok. But he is in rough shape right now.”

“Thank you for letting me know. How about the others?” I ask.

She looks around. “Most should survive. Mollygirl we ran out of healing potions. Doc is amputating only limbs that can not be saved or that are too badly mangled.”

“Celestia and Luna. I knew it was bad, but not this bad.” I tell her.

She escorts me as I go inside. I see most of the wounded still have their weapons by them. Quietly I ask, “Sutures, why do they all still have their weapons?”

She looks at me, shakes her head, “LT, they know what happened to E-troop. They want to go down fighting if it comes to that.”

“Ok, hopefully, it does not come to that though. Sutures, I need to know, who was the scout who got knocked out of the air?”

“Mollygirl, it was Serenity. I have her in a bed next to Sky. We were able to save her wing. Thank the Goddesses she was wearing her helmet. It is probably all that saved her. She took a round into it. She was actually knocked unconscious by the blow.”

“I hope she will be ok. That was a heck of a fall.”

“It was, she was lucky I was so close. I was able to begin treatment almost immediately.”

Then I see Archer. He is lying on his side in the bed. He has his front forehoof bandaged and another around the top of his head. He is sleeping, at least I think he is. I walk over to him and give him a kiss on the forelock. Then his eyes open, but he seems to be having trouble getting them to focus. He stirs some, “Hi loves. Sorry about this.”

I put a hoof on his, “It’s ok Archer, what happened?”

His voice is slightly slurred and Sutures whispers, “Med-X, he is still coming down from it from the surgery.”

Archer closes his eyes in thought and reopens them, then answers my question. “They tried to take Celestia. We stopped them, but I lost most of a crew. It was desperate enough we went to small arms to defend ourselves.”

I put a hoof along his cheek, “I am sorry you got hurt so bad Dear, you did great. Thank you.”

He smiles slightly, “But was it enough? Love, I am sorry I could not do more.” He tells me as I watch Sutures move up along his other side.

She gives him a kiss also and tells him, “I will be back in a bit dearest, I have to take care of some of the others.”

He lifts his head and looks at her, “Ok, see you then my beloved.” Then he looks at me and puts his hoof on mine. “I love you too Mollygirl, please do not doubt that.”

“I won’t Archer, I just regret not having gotten with you sooner,” I tell him.

We then sit and talk for a bit longer about what happened and what I can do next. Eventually, he falls back to sleep and I get up and start to visit with the others in the ward. I am just getting ready to leave when Ginger runs into the barn, “Ma, where is he? Is he going to be ok?”

“Who Ginger?” I ask somewhat confused at how upset she is.

“Archer, Ma. Is he going to be ok? I just heard he was hurt from Paper Work when I was looking for you," She tells me through her tears. I had not realized how attached she was becoming to him. Maybe she had not either.

I quickly hug her, “He will be ok dear. He is sleeping right now, but I will take you to him so you can see him.”

Through her tears, I hear her say, “Thank you ma. I was worried about all of you so much. I saw you running along the ridgeline when I was protecting mama Sutures, I thought I was going to lose you too.”

I had not realized we had bonded as a family quite so much. Maybe that is what the others saw and why they teased me so much the other day. I hug her a little bit tighter and kiss her on her helmet, where her forelock would be. Suddenly, she says, “Ma, the guys are watching.”

“I know dear, and they wish their moms were here to hug and kiss them too. Now let’s go see Archer.” I tell her as I let her go and we both walk back over to see him.

He is still asleep when we get there, but she does not want to leave him. Sutures then comes over and Ginger gives her a hug also, “Mama Sutures, is he going to be ok?” Ginger asks.

At the addition of the Mama, I see Sutures eyebrow raise, a smile comes over her face and a gentling of her expression, “Yes dear, he just really needs his rest right now so he can heal up.”

Ginger then asks her, “Sutures how come you or the other medics don’t just use your magic to heal him.”

She smiles and in a sad voice tells her, “Ginger, right now my horn is almost burnt out. I used a lot to save Serenity as well as help all the other wounded. If I could don’t you think I would heal him right now?”

“I did not know that, you always seem to have so much magic, I just thought,” Gingers says as she is interrupted by Sutures.

“I understand, and I really wish I could dear. If you want to lay down by him for a while to rest, you can, as long as you don’t wake him.”

“Thank you, mama Sutures. I would like that a lot.”

She takes off her battle saddle and helmet but leaves her barding on. She sets her SIR on the bed and climbs up with him, resting her head on his flank so as not to risk hurting him. Part of me wishes I could join them, but I know I still have work to do.

I give Ginger a light kiss on her forelock and tell her, “I got to go back to HQ, be good, ok dear.”

“Yes ma, I promise,” Ginger tells me.

Then I tell Sutures, “I will see you later dear. I need to see if we heard anything from Manesville yet.”

“Ok, I pray that you do,” she tells me, then she whispers, “Mollygirl, can we hold against another attack like that?”

I look around briefly then look her in the eyes, “I really don’t know, but if we go down, we go down swinging dear. I am sorry I can not give you a better answer.” Then I turn and head back out of the barn.

As I leave, I hear a cow screaming in pain and Doc Treacle yelling, “Doctor Tourniquet I need someone in here to help me hold her down. This bullet has to come out right away.”

On my way, I swing by Stir Fry’s wagon to see if she is ok and perhaps, if she might have something to eat. It turns out she has a big pot of stew going on the fire. When she sees me, she waves at me and then tells me, “If you come back in a couple of hours this should be ready. I am feeding anyone who gets here tonight. Most of them have not taken enough time to even grab a bite to eat since this morning.”

“Ok, I will, but what’s in it?” I ask.

She smiles slightly and tells me, “A bit of wild rice, some vegetables that we are starting to run low on. Miretank meat, and some hazelnuts, watercress and a few huckleberries. I will be giving out bread with it.”

“That does sound good Stir, I can’t wait,” I tell her as I get ready to go.

Before I leave though she looks at me, then my belly. She goes inside the trailer really quick and comes back out with a piece of bread and a chunk of cheese. “Mollygirl, eat this. You need to make sure your baby has plenty of nutrients.”

I go to reach into my saddlebags to pay her and she stops me, “No Mollygirl. It's on me. Enjoy and don’t forget to come back for some stew.”

“Ok, I will see you then,” I say as I start to head on over to the HQ.

On my way, I see Flechettes and am stopped. “Ma’am, I need to talk to you about a couple of things real quick. Ya know,” he tells me.

“Ok, what do you need to tell me Flechettes.”

“Ma’am, in case something happens to me, when we get back to Manesville, Ginger’s SIR is off the books, let her keep it, I saw how she is with it. Also, LT, I want you to know I never officially issued you your Deathbunny SMG or pistol. They are also off the books. Ma’am if you turn them in at Manesville you may not get them back, so just claim them as salvage from the raiders.”

I have to smile at that and tell him, “Thanks Flechettes. I really appreciate it. Do you have anything else for me before I head back to HQ?”

“Well LT, just so you know, most of the civilians are now armed as per yours and Fancy’s discussion earlier. I tried not to let them keep raider weapons just because most of them are almost as dangerous to the user as the target. But a few still have them all the same.”

“Thank you again. Oh, just so you know Stir Fry has a really big pot of stew going that you may want some of later.”

“Thanks, LT, while I appreciate it, I will stick with the rations, I am still trying to stay an herbivore.”

I give him a skeptical look and ask, “Really, even after trying bacon?”

He laughs lightly, “I have avoided bacon just for that reason, I hear it is a gateway food.”

I laugh at that, pat him on his shoulder, and then head back to the HQ. As I go through the door, I see Specs. He looks up and tells me, “LT, I sent Manesville a report of today’s action and losses. They acknowledged receiving it and that is all.”

“Thanks Specs. I appreciate it.” I tell him, but I have to wonder to myself, what is going on with Manesville? Are they leaving us here to dry or what?

Paper Work approaches me, “LT, Tar is in the kitchen having some tea, would you like some too?”

As tired and sore as I am sitting down for a cup of tea sounds almost like heaven. I nod my head slowly and tell him, “That sounds really good Paper Work, thanks.” I really appreciate his thoughtfulness. I am really going to miss it I think as I realize that things will most likely end within a couple more days, one way or the other.

I follow him into the kitchen and sit down across from Tar. Behind her, I notice that Pepper Spray is on watch now. “I heard, how is Archer doing, and how is Ginger taking it?” She asks.

“He is going to make it. He took a couple of injuries. He was shot in one of his forelegs and he also took a head injury.” I tell her first, then add, “Ginger is taking it really hard. She is at the hospital sleeping next to him right now.”

She shakes her head, “We were lucky we had his artillery up there or it would have been a lot worse today.”

“Yeah, but he lost most of the crew, who are we going to find to pony it? Another question is, if we can pony it, then how much ammo is left for it?” I ask.

“Mollygirl, just by having it there it helps. The intimidation factor will make some hesitate about going in front of it.” She points out.

“A good point, but I would really rather have a manned and ready gun up there,” I tell her.

Then she shifts the subject a bit, “Mollygirl, you realize that you three are her parents to her now, right?”

I nod, “Yeah, it hit me fully a little bit ago. I mean, she has been calling me ma, but I had no idea how strongly she felt for Sutures and Archer too.”

She nods, “I am glad to hear that, you need to consider her too now in your decisions about what to do when you get home. Mollygirl, I know I am going to prison, Trouble and Blondie will raise my little one, at least till I get out, but you, you have some hard choices to make.”

I sip my tea, and sigh, “Yeah, I know. If Badger and Magpie agree it is easier, but if not, well, it becomes much harder.”

“Any idea what you may do if they do not agree?” Tar asks me.

“Honestly Tar, if you asked me just a month ago even, I would have answered with ease that I would go back to Badger and Magpie. But now, now I am not even the same mare they knew. I have seen and experienced so much. Even without Archer and Sutures, it would be hard going back. But now,” I trail off.

“Yeah, I get you. Neither of us is the same. Tartarus, not one member of the CEF is the same as when we started. It makes me wonder how all of us that may survive will fit in once we get back.”

I really do not like the way this conversation is going, so I decide to switch the subject. “Tar, come morning I may be implementing operation Foal lift, I am going to send select adults across on Choo Choo to help the pegasi with the foals. I want you with them.”

She looks shocked. Then she replies, “But Mollygirl, I can’t leave everyone, not again. It just is not right.”

“Tar, I will need you to help Sunny too. I want him to know at least one member of his birth family. Besides, I can’t go and one of our foals has to see the Co-op.”

Her face goes emotionless as she asks the next question, “Mollygirl, you really don’t think we can hold do you?”

I put down my teacup and look at my PipBuck, “Well it looks like it is almost time for officers call. I best get going.” I tell her and I get up and leave the room.

I head into the large room we hold officers call in being followed by Tar and Pepper. As I enter, I notice several of the officers have already arrived but some are still not here. Off to the side, I see Dull Beak standing while talking to Sunset. Dull Beak has a bandage on his right-wing near the root, and another on his side. Both nod their heads when they see me.

When they have all arrived, with the exception of Doc Treacle who has sent a runner informing me that he is still busy performing surgeries, we start the officers call. Each unit commander gives me their report. Balanced Books lets me know that they have started to recover equipment from the dead, and are searching especially hard for healing spells, all of which are being taken to the hospital.

Sergeant Kicker is temporarily in charge of the artillery. She lets us know that they are going to be able to crew Celestia, but that the crew will be mainly made up of troops who formally pulled her, and assisted in defending her.

Bailey Bridge lets us know that they have commenced repairs to the defenses in front of his and the Volunteers section of the line. The flamethrowers are being kept in the lines, for now, he tells us as well as he is using a form of landmine he hates. It is the bouncing Bessie. When the trigger is stepped on it launches the explosive charge about a meter in the air, where it detonates at waist height.

We hear from the other company commanders then. Each of them reports what their total number of troops are as well as their dispositions. They are followed by first Fancy, who tells us of the number of civilians who are now armed and ready to assist us. To finish up the reports is Sunset. He discusses the situation of his scouts and how they will be a mobile reserve along with the militia. He also mentions the preps he and the fliers will be making for Operation Foal Lift.

After they are finished, I begin. “There are some new faces among us tonight. First off, welcome. Second, I want to let all of you know you did outstanding jobs today. I mean every one of you,” I pause to let them process and accept the praise, then continue, “I expect tomorrow to be another rough one. With that in mind, Fancy I want the parents to bring their foals to the assembly point near the river shortly after dawn. Sunset, when they do hit us, we begin Operation Foal Lift. You will not wait for orders from me. I want those foals protected at all costs. I will have a couple of the non-flying adults shuttled across to help with them once they are on the ground again. As for the rest of us, we make our stand here. There will be no surrender on my part. As shown today, there can be none expected on the part of our foes. If things happen before we have officers call in the morning, I want all of you to know it has been a pleasure to not only serve with you, but an honor to lead such fine troops. Finally, I want to remind each and every one of you of the Co-op Guards motto, For Friends, For Family, For Herd. Each of you is each to me. Goddesses bless you all.” I tell them, then I quietly leave the room.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Today was one of the worst days of my life. We withstood the attack by Silver Spite’s Raiders when they attacked us, but at what cost. My Goddesses the cost. They targeted us medics and stretcher-bearers deliberately today and we had no choice but to run into the maelstrom to save those we could. Today, I lost several ponies I have known for years and am mourning their loss tonight, and I am not alone. With that in mind, could you play for all of our medics and stretcher-bearers “They Call Me Doc.”

Thank you
Specialist Triage
D-troop CEF

DJ Pon3,

Today we had one of da hardest fights I ever saw. Those of us in the Maulers, we fought some tough ones before mind you, but this one was different. Silver Spite hired us on and sent us in right after he shot several of is regulars who were deserting. We almost made it all the way through but they brought up flamethrowers and burned us out. With that could you play “The Trooper.”

Thanks
Broken Blade, Maulers Raiders.

Thank you to Kkat for creating this universe and all the others out there who have shown us how much more we can add to it still. I have read many stories that I have tried to build my world here to dovetail in with theirs, without changing theirs.

I added the two quotes as a way to set the stage and to better express what is going on for this chapter as well as to express the desperateness of the fight on behalf of the CEF.

Because of the intensity of the fight, I felt that this chapter also warranted two dedication songs. The first, They Call Me Doc can be found at the Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNoRuW8pgeA

The second song, The Trooper, can be found at the Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmS20RYxVV4