I lucked out, Xochitl and Xavier had come to visit Archer in the hospital. Xavier mentioned to me that it was Ginger and Xochitl’s turn for duty again. I let her know that she should spend the night with the scouts after she was done with her watch. The look on Badger’s face when he realized those two took turns on guard duty was almost priceless when Ginger then told him about the two infiltrators from less than a week before, I about wet myself from laughing. I almost felt sorry for Badger, almost.

After they departed, I talked with Doc’s Treacle and Tourniquet about whether Archer needed to spend the night there. They gave me an extra healing potion for him and released him to me, with the understanding that he was on light duty.

I wake up in the morning and find myself in a position that only a few days before, I never imagined. I am the only mare being cuddled tightly by two stallions who I love and who love me. I always imagined myself having to share the attention and affection. I slowly untangle myself from them, first I wash up in the bowl of water on the dresser. Then I make my way to the balcony. I realize that either later today or tomorrow I will be leaving here. Part of me will miss this view, but part of me never wants to see this farm or Serenity Valley ever again.

I feel bad that at one point last night after I fell asleep the bucks had to hold me and calm me down. The nightmares have already started concerning this place. I don’t think Badger knew what he was getting into with me now. Thank the Goddesses Archer was here to show him and to tell him what was going on.

I also feel a bit bad for Tar, at least once I heard her pounding on the wall yelling for me to either quiet down or invite her in. The fact I thought I heard her laugh when she said it makes me feel, not quite so bad.

I look at the river slowly flowing past and I feel my foal moving some. I put a hoof on my stomach. “I am sorry I gave you such a rough time little one,” I tell my unborn foal.

I look toward the east and I see the sky start to lighten and as dawn draws near. I am surprised soon afterward when I see a large murder of crows take to the air and begin to fly away I realize that it really is over, at least for now. Again, I see one of them separate and fly in my direction.

It lands on the deck and I now see the all too familiar shift of the form of the Mareigan appears before me.

“Hello Mareigan,” I tell her.

“Hello my child, I came to say farewell.” As she says this, I notice her look into the bedroom towards the two sleeping stallions. She shakes her head and sighs. “I guess ya have ya answer now. I only hope that they keep you and the others happy.”

“Yes, yes I do.” I say and then laugh lightly, “And I got a surprise on top of it, but that can wait for another time.” I tell her.

“If ya are lucky, ya will na see me again child, I also wanted to tell ya that you and ya troops did well.”

“Thank you Mareigan, I do hope to see you again though. Even if it is just a visit from you.”

She turns her head and looks at me with that strange look, “Perhaps child, perhaps. We will see what the future may bring. As you know our lives all have different possible paths we can follow. Yours could be much worse now.”

“I do know that. I still think of Ivy, and the other Ivy. She knew me, but she didn’t. So many differences.” I laugh lightly with a bit of bitterness, “I am not even the same mare I was just a few months ago, I hardly know me now.”

The Mareigan lifts my chin and looks me in the eyes, “Aye, that you are not, but I think you have become harder and stronger now. Like iron hardened by a blacksmith.”

“Thank you, I do appreciate it, but it is hard to see sometimes.”

She laughs, “Sometimes, but I think ya made it clear to those bucks in there, you have changed and they are listening to ya, at least for now. Now I best get going,” She looks at my belly and places a hoof against it, I feel my little one shift towards it. And I have to smile. Then she looks at me one last time, “Farewell Mollygirl, I will see you if you need me in the future. Take care.”

Then she shifts back into a crow and I watch her take flight and head back towards Manesville. I stand there leaning on the railing watching her fly away until I can no longer see her.

After a bit, I feel one of my stallions come behind me and wrap their forehooves around me. I know it is Archer as he nuzzles my scar. He knows that when he does that, it actually makes me feel he has accepted my disfigurement and it does not bother him. I lean into him, “Morning love. I am sorry if I woke you.” I tell him.

I feel his face move as he begins to smile, “You didn’t. I hope you don’t think you are the only one who has trouble sleeping.”

“No, I know I am not. But you and Sutures seem to handle it so much better.” I tell him.

He chuckles lightly, “I hide it really well. So does Badger it seems. I heard him talking in his sleep too.” He tells me.

I slide around in his hooves, with my back to the railing. I put my hooves around him and kiss him then tell him, “Thank you Archer. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being willing to share me. Thank you for helping Badger understand what I needed.”

He kisses me back, “Well, what can I say dear. Your welcome, I just wish Sutures was here with us. I am worried about her.”

“So am I. Once back we need to find out if she is in the Stable medical department or if they took her to the Manesville hospital. We need to tell her about what is going on as well.”

He smirks a little, “Yeah, I am pretty sure she will not have an issue with Sumac. I just hope she does not let her leg get her down to badly. She already has a hard time realizing how beautiful she is.”

I sigh, “I know, I have tried to help her realize it, but you know how that goes.”

He nods his head, “Yeah, yeah I do, sounds sort of like another mare I know.” He tells me as he nuzzles my neck. I can not help but lean into him, but I know I need to get moving for the day. From below I can smell tea as well as bread. I hear my stomach rumble a bit and before I can go back into my room, I see two large blue blurs fly by out of the corner of my eyes. Then I see the two fliers spin around and fly leisurely back to the house. It seems Choo Choo and George are enjoying being back together again.

They stop and hover just off of the balcony from me. “Hi Mollygirl, it's good to see you again, I missed you guys,” George tells me.

I smile at her, I can’t help myself with her enthusiasm, then I return her greeting. “It is great to see you too George. I see you got your new glasses.”

She nods her head, “Yep, they made me two pairs, one for normal wear and one for flying.” As she says this, she points to the largest set of pegasi goggles I have ever seen. I can tell by the way they look they are prescription.

“I am really glad to hear that George. They look great on you too.” I tell her.

I see her moving her head a little bit as she first looks at me and Archer, and then looks into the room to see Badger still sleeping. Then I hear her laugh and she says to me, “Wow, you wore him out that bad. I should have figured with all the commotion I heard out of here last night.”

I am embarrassed, “I, I, I thought the doors being closed would keep the noise from traveling,” I tell them, then I look at Archer and ask him, “Why didn’t you let me know I was being that loud?’

He looks at me confused at first, “Mollygirl, I am in the artillery, you didn’t seem that loud to me. Besides, when Tar beat on the wall, I figured that should have been enough to tell you if you were being loud.”

“Ok, I am sorry everyone. I did not mean to be that way.” I tell them.

Then I hear Choo Choo whiney in laughter. “Don’t feel bad. You are not the only one. Seems there were several reunions last night. Besides, it’s not like George and I need much sleep LT.” she says.

This raises my curiosity up so I ask them, “So what did you two do last night then?”

George smiles, “She was telling me all about your adventures. Did you really go under Canterlot mountain?”

I nod my head yes and reply, “Yeah, yeah we did. We met a lot of other beings and saw a lot of things I never imagined.”

George is nervous acting before she asks me her next question, “Mollygirl, did you see any other dragons?”

I sigh as I exhale and answer, “No George, we did not. I am so sorry to tell you that.”

I see a sadness in her expression as she tells me, “It’s ok Mollygirl, I am more like a pony than a dragon anyways. It, it just makes me worry about my kind still.”

“I can understand that George, but remember, no matter what, you have family in us, and when we are gone, you will be family to our foals and their foals too. You are part of the Co-op whether you realize it or not.” Archer tells her.

From inside the room, I hear movement behind me and turn my head enough to see Badger waking up. He crawls out of bed and comes over to join us. It feels slightly awkward being in public with both of my stallions holding me and I start to blush, then realize, to heck with it. I should enjoy it. We all talk for a bit more, then I realize I need to go get breakfast. “Ok, Choo, Choo, George, if you two will excuse us, we need to go get something to eat.”

As they continue on their flight, I turn back and go into the room and put on my uniform and kit for the day. “Remember Archer, we are having a full assembly this morning. I would like you to be in front of your artillery with Kicker if you feel up to it.

He smiles, “Of course Major. I would not dream of not being there.”

Badger then smiles, “I know trooper Pages knows where to find me, but I should check on the rest of my Troop dear. I will see you two at formation.” He tells us and heads out the door.

Before he gets all the way down the hall, I hear Tar tell him, “Really Captain Badger, you should have at least joined us for breakfast.”

“Maybe another time Captain.” I hear him reply with a growl in his voice. After that, I hear his hoof steps go down the stairs.

Beside me, I hear Archer say, “He really does not understand how things are now does he,” as he shakes his head.

I sigh as I head to the door with him, “No, I don’t think he does my dearest stallion. But he will have to learn. Besides, if that is the worst Tar experiences then she will be most fortunate. I do fear for her though.” I tell him.

As we go past her room in the hall, I stop and Knock “Hey Tar, want to join me and Archer for breakfast?” I ask.

“Sure, give me a minute to finish getting ready.” She tells me.

Once she is ready, the four of us, Tars guard included all head downstairs for breakfast. Once I come around the corner, I receive the update on our casualties that were medevaced. We lost two more from H-troop. Our Orders are to finish burying the dead and then to proceed to Manesville and the Stable.

“Thanks, Specs. You ready to get home?” I ask.

He laughs some, “Would you believe yes and no.” he answers back.

I laugh a bit also and tell him, “Funny thing is Specs, I feel the same way.” I put a hoof on his shoulder, “But at least we will sleep in our own beds for a while.”

“Not if I am lucky I will not Ma’am,” he tells me and gives me a knowing wink.

I shake my head as I laugh and walk my way into the Kitchen. Paper Work already has our tea ready as well as bread and butter.

I am pleased to see Fancy and Sirocco there as well as Dodger and Sunset. I am greeted by them as I come in the room. Then they continue their conversations as I sit down and grab something to eat.

I overhear Dodger Talking to Sunset. “And then the big blowhard had the audacity to say that he was a police officer in Thunderhead, so he should be in charge of security in Manesville.”

“I can imagine how that went over. So, what happened next?” Sunset asks for all of us.

“Then the Mayor looks right at him and simply says, this is not Thunderhead, and your new dirtside, so I am going to pretend you don’t realize how bad you are embarrassing yourself and your fellow refugees. Once you are done with your community service time, come see me again and then we will see about hiring you on as a constable, until then, get away from me and back to where you belong.”

“Well I hope he listened to the mayor at least,” Sunset tells him.

Dodger laughs, “Nope, he told her that she did not know how degrading it was to have to get her hooves dirty like that. I helped to hold her back at that point. She was growling even, ears pinned back and nostrils flaring. She wanted a piece of him. She told him that she had spent two years in those fields originally and still does her time in them every year. Finally, she said to him, if you don’t want to have to do the mandatory time in the fields helping with the farms, then you are always welcome to join the CDF.”

This gets me to raise my eyebrows, and I ask, “So what happened then?”

“He thought he was being smart and told her there wasn’t anything for a pegasus to do in the CDF as it was all dirt bounds in it. So, she started laughing and asked me, he takes on a slightly higher pitch voice as he tries to imitate the mayor, “Captain Cloud Dodger, it seems we have a volunteer for the newly forming airmobile units. I said sure, I have a position ready for him. So, he joined up. He has been hauling skywagons ever since. In fact, he was the lead wagon that came in yesterday. He was a little nervous, to say the least. When he returned from Manesville last night he noticed the Military Police ponies and was asking me if he could transfer into them. I told him he would have to wait to see after we were all back. But I think he learned his lesson.”

We all share a minor laugh at this, as we have all dealt with new recruits that thought they knew everything. I shake my head a bit then ask, “Sunset, has there been a lot of trouble with the new refugees since we left?”

I see him sigh, “Not much, but we have had some run-ins between the former Thunderheaders and some of the former Dashites. Pages did not help matters much with her helmet, but Captain Badger thinks it’s as funny as she does, so he allows it. Truth be known, I kind of find it funny too. You know Sunset, she painted that on there for you right?”

I see Sunset blush a bit, “Yeah, she told me last night. We just hope our schedules will allow us to spend more time with each other now.”

Archer speaks up then, “Unfortunately that is the way of military life it seems.”

At that, we all check our PipBucks for the time. “Yep, it is about that time ponies, Time to hit the commons,” I tell them.

We all leave the HQ and head for the common area. It is a large open area next to the Civilian camp. It is also next to the burial area. Each company forms from the CEF and from the 1^st Battalion of the Second Regiment. I once again meet my opposite Battalion Commander, a gray pegasus stallion named Major Gray Tempest.

We both stand opposite our troops along with our staffs. His units are missing some of their personnel, but mine are all below half strength. For the CEF we have D-Troop, H-Troop, and The Volunteers. Next are my Artillery, Engineers, Service of Supply and the Militia. Much to my surprise, in a ragged sort of ranks, are all of Fancy’s Civilians, standing proud next to us. All of them have their current commanders standing in front of them.

Then I look over at the three troops of the Second Regiment. The difference is staggering. My people are wiry, tired looking. Their uniforms and equipment worn, torn and showing signs of being used, and used hard. They on the other hoof, look sharp. They still have meat on their bones. They have pride in their faces that they all deserve to have, but the look in the eyes is what I notice most.

Major Tempest comes over to me and shakes my hooves. “You did a good job holding this place, especially looking at the quality of troops you have.” He says.

I look him right in the eyes and quietly tell him so only he and I can hear, “They look like real soldiers coming off a hard campaign, not garrison troops. If YOU ever insult my PEOPLE again, I will stick a grenade right up your tail hole and pull the pin you feathered prick. Do I make myself clear?”

He lets my hoof go, swallows hard and says to me, “Perfectly clear. My apologies for the insult ma’am.”

I smile at him, and tell him, “Apologies accepted, Now let’s finish this formation so we can get onto the ceremony of burying our dead.”

We begin the roll call; I hear the names called of the wounded and dead. Each name called takes a bite out of my soul. I want to cry each time I hear a name called three times and then their company commander steps forward and answers, Killed in Action.

After all the Troopers of the CEF are called, Fancy does a roll call of the civilians. When they call out someone who has died Stir Fry steps forward and calls out, “gave their life for the Co-op.” This hurts as much as my troops.

Then they begin to make the call for the 2^nd regiment. Twenty-five times I hear them call out Killed in Action. Twenty-five of them that sacrificed their lives to rescue the CEF. I hear both Badger and Cloud Dodger’s voices crack as the make that announcement. No Pony is untouched.

Then comes the time for the burial ceremony itself. Everyone is quiet and looking at me. I step up on the back of a wagon we have moved here just for this, and I begin, “Mares, Gentlecolts, Cows, Bulls, Griffons, and Dragons, thank you for joining us here today. Today we meet not just in sorrow, but also in the awareness that our brothers and sisters have died and joined our ancestors. Unlike many they did not die in vain, they died defending each other and what they believed in. The ground where we have fought has been consecrated with their blood, and that gives it a greater value than anything I can think of.”

I look down briefly and then I continue, “For my cattle friends I am reminded of a reading from Herds 11:21: When the predators once again rally to strike, they shall first attempt to wound and kill our strongest leaders and protectors. It is than that we must stand fast beside them and in turn, protect them as they us, lest we all fall beneath their teeth. “

I stand there quiet briefly, then I explain, “YOU, as well as everyone else here, are the leaders and protectors of the Co-op, our herd. They came after us, and we stood shoulder to shoulder to protect our herd and each other. Those we inter here today gave the ultimate sacrifice in that defense, and shall not be forgotten. They shall be judged by Sweet Cream, and she will find them in her favor.”

Again I pause before continuing, I wipe a tear from my eye, and then start again, “I am not a preacher, we all know that,” I pause again as several of those before me laugh lightly, ”However, some time ago when I was still a Sargent one of my troopers said a prayer for a fallen comrade of ours that seems befitting with only a slight modification, so if you will allow me, Celestia and Luna, we ask that you receive the souls of our brothers and sisters who have fallen. We commend them up to you. They were excellent soldiers, and faithful friends and good beings. We will all miss them until we are gathered again in the hereafter. Give us strength during our time of mourning. In your names, we pray. Celestia protect and Luna defend us.”

As I say the last, they all repeat, “Celestia protect and Luna Defend us.”

Then I call out, “Battalions”

I hear the echos of “Company”

I finish by calling “Dismissed!” which is echoed all down the lines and the formations break. At this time the troops and family members go to the gravesites and assist in laying them to rest and beginning to bury them. I visit every grave and toss in a hoof full of dirt on each one. It is the last thing I can do for them.

After we finish with the burial It is afternoon, Major Tempest and I agree to spend one more night, but to leave right at daybreak. We all come together, except those on watch, and share in a fest to celebrate our still being alive and our pending departure.

I take my kit back up to my room and get it ready for the night. I set my alarm for an hour before dawn. I walk around the old house one last time and then am joined by Ginger and Xochitl as I walk the former front lines. Both of them insist on being armed for now, just in case.

We sit up on the ridge together the three of us watching the sun begin to set. I am surprised when I hear Ginger tell me, “Ma, just so you know, with everything that has happened, I could not ask for a better mother now. Thank you for adopting me.”

I put a hoof over her shoulder, “Your welcome dear, just so you know, while I regret your mother’s loss, I feel so special that you are now my daughter too. No pony will change that dear.” I tell her.

She smiles and looks at me with a sad look in her eyes, “But what if Badger and Magpie don’t want me for a daughter?” she asks.

I laugh lightly, “Dear, Badger already knows the answer to that, and soon Magpie will too. If they say no to you, they have said no to me. They can just go buck themselves.” Both Ginger and Xochitl guffaw at that, “However, I don’t think that will be a problem.”

“Why is that, you think Granny will give ‘em what for?” Ginger asks, and I begin to laugh. She looks at Xochitl and then me, “What’s so funny ma?”

I Fight down my laughter and tell her, “Well dear, I guess you could say that. She is expecting Badger’s foal in nine months or so.”

I see the complete shock on her face and watch as the realization comes over Xochitl’s face and he starts to laugh. Ginger lightly hits him with a hoof, “It’s not funny Xochitl, now I don’t know if I will be a sister or niece, Ma, make him stop laughing, stop laughing both of you, it’s not funny.”

Eventually, I do stop laughing, I wipe my eyes of tears again, Goddesses, they are going to be so swollen tomorrow. “Ginger dear, I agree, it’s not funny but it is so absurd that you laugh or cry. But I would consider her a sister if I were you.” Then I give her a gentle hug and kiss her on her forelock. I look back down into the camps below and see the festivities are being set up. “Ok, youngsters, let us head back into camp.

As I get up, I look over and see an envelope laying in the dirt, it has a bit of blood on it, so I look at it closer. I see it is from Trooper Nettles. The name seems familiar, then I realize he was the young bull I talked to the night before. I saw his name on the list of those killed in action. The letter is addressed so I put it in my saddlebags. One last thing I can do for the young bull. I will mail it when we get back.

We walk slowly down the hillside, Xochitl and Ginger holding tails. Me right behind them. As we get closer, we can see that the wagon I was on earlier has been moved closer to the camp. Several members of the CEF as well as the civilians and even a couple of those from the 2^nd regiment form an impromptu band. I can hear them tuning their instruments in the distance. I also notice that there are now several lanterns been set out to illuminate the dance area. I also see that Stir Fry and a couple of others have built a large feast up. I hope she grabbed a couple of those crawdaddies again. I really could go for them.

As we get closer, we begin to smell the food. Ginger turns to me and says, “Smell that ma, I hope she has some bacon going to. The other day she put small bits of bacon on my salad. It was to die for, you should try it ma.”

I can not help but smile again at her enthusiasm, so I reply, “I will have to do so dear, thank you for the suggestion, I had not thought of it that way.”

Then Xochilt being wise beyond his years adds, “Ginger, remember when we get back home we will be going back to a vegan diet.”

I see her eyes go wide and her ears go back, “Oh no, I had not thought of that.” This gets both Xochitl and I to laugh.

As we get closer, I see George sitting there by Stir Fry’s wagon and hear her ask, “You mean most of you really were eating meat on the expedition. Even Mollygirl?”

I hear Stir Fry laugh as we walk by, “Especially Mollygirl, just so you know, she has a thing for radhog bacon.”

I see Trouble, Blondie, Sunset, and Pages all sitting at a table talking. A little further away I see Badger and Archer both having a drink. Archer sees us and waves us over. So, we start to head over to them.

We are almost to them when I notice several foals all looking at us. Then Sunny does a fly-by of us before landing. “Hi LT, Hi Ginger and Xochitl,” he says, “The other foals asked me to come ask you if you would come tell us more stories of what all you two have done on the expedition.”

I notice both Ginger and Xochitl cringe a little, so I say, “It is ok you two, go ahead if you want to.”

Ginger then looks at me and says, “Ma, it's kinda embarrassing, they treat us like we are heroes or something.”

At that point, Sunny tells her, “That’s cause ya are. You fought and protected us against the bad adults yesterday, even one no other adults could. You did what we all wanna do.”

Then Xochilt tells him “Sunny, you were just as much a hero as us yesterday. Look at the way you helped the foals on the other side of the river,” Xochitl then looks at me and points his hoof at Sunny, “He also helped to distract Silver Spite’s fliers when the adult fliers were attacked,” he turns his head and looks at Sunny, “And I personally saw you kick that Griffon in the head when it almost got Blue Skies and her foal before Sirocco could get there. You bought her extra time for her father to save her and you did it without a weapon. Sunny that was brave.”

I almost laugh when I see Sunny cover his face with his wings in embarrassment, and he says, “Guys, you were not supposed to say anything about that around the adults, my ma will tan my hide if she finds out.”

I smile at that, but I also have to raise an eyebrow at it, I had not known the little fellow had it in him. Blondie would skin me alive too if she knew what he did. “Ginger, Xochitl, why don’t you see if Stir Fry will let you store your weapons and kit in her wagon, and then go visit with the foals.”

I see a look of resignation come over Xochitl’s face, “OK LT, but I really do not feel like a hero.”

I smile at him and Ginger both. “That is why you really are, and why you should go talk to them. Besides, in a bit the music should start, I have a feeling you two would enjoy dancing too.”

The both finally agree and go over the group of foals. I watch as they part in front of them, then wrap their bodies back around them after they pass. I see several of them reach out and touch all three of them. Part of me wants to laugh, part of me is proud of them, and part of me mourns their loss of innocence.

I finally make it over to my bucks. Both are telling stories and laughing. Badger looks at me in my kit and says, “Mollygirl, Archer here, was telling me about your new submachine gun and pistol, could I see them?”

I smile, “Sure, if you really want to.” I reply.

He takes the pistol first, I see him first pull the magazine then rack out the extra shell, which he places next to him. He tests the function and balance first, then starts to look at the pistol itself. I see him smile when he sees the word Honor etched into it. He then puts the extra round back into the magazine and reloads it before he gives it back. Next, I hoof him the deathbunny. Again, he unloads it first and then starts to test it and inspect it. I see him checking how well it shoulders and then I see him burst into laughter when notices the bunny with the sickle engraved on the receiver. However, I can also tell when he sees the name Duty on it. He looks at it, then at me, “Very appropriate,” he tells me.

He hoofs it back to me and I see his eyes light up when he sees the sword on my battlesaddle.

“Mollygirl, I have always liked blades, may I see yours?” he asks.

“Sure, give me a second,” I tell him.

I watch as he takes it, inspects the blade and then reads the old ponish engraving on the blade of For This Land I Defend, My Life I Offer Up. He smiles at that, then he takes the hilt into his mouth. He makes sure he has enough room to move freely, then he starts to move it fluidly through as he goes through a pattern of maneuvers. Once finished he gives it back to me. Then he asks, “Mollygirl, would you mind if I named it for you?”

Inwardly I cringe at what he may name it, but I need to relearn to trust him. “Sure Badger. It depends on what you want to call it.”

He smiles at me, and I do smile back, then he says, “How about Sacrifice, it not only matches the engraving on the blade but also you Mollygirl. Besides, it gives a whole set with those names.”

I smile, even more, then I give him a hug and a light kiss and tell him, “Thank you, Yes, that is a perfect name for it.”

Beside him I see Archer smiling at me and nod his head, then he looks at Badger, “That is a good name for it, I wish I had thought of it.”

Badger then laughs lightly and tells Archer, “Yeah, but you change the names of your weapons. Look at how you renamed Luna, Nightmare moon. But I guess you can do that when you have a gun that big.”

Then I see Badger begin to blush when he realizes what he just said. Archers eyes go wide as he and I both break out laughing at this.

After a bit, we are starting to cease laughing when Fancy comes over with Sirocco. I notice right away they are holding tails and I raise an eyebrow and smile.

Fancy ask right away, “You three look like you are having a good time, so what was so funny?”

Archer smiles and answers for us, “Oh, just a bit of a private joke. Sorry Fancy,”

She looks at me, then at them and smiles, “Ok, I am sure I don’t need to give Sirocco any ideas anyways.”

Badger then stands up and extends a hoof to Fancy, “It is a pleasure to meet you ma’am, I am Captain Badger with B Troop of the 2^nd Regiment, and you are?”

She first puts her hoof to her chest, “Oh yes, excuse me,” then she extends it to Badger, “My name is Fancy Flourish, I am the leader of the civilian Caravan of the CEF, This gentlecolt with me is Sirocco, the leader of our civilian pegasi and you may know his son Sunset.”

Badger then shakes hooves with him and asks, “So your Sunsets father huh, Do you like whiskey?”

“Well I should, you have any Wild Pegasus on ya?” Sirocco asks.

Badger smiles and remorsefully says, “No, no Wild Pegasus, but I do have some Old Overmare from home with us. It may not have been made in a pegasus distillery, but the recipe was developed by one of the only two pegasi who entered into our stable on the last day.”

I see Sirocco’s ears go forward and his eyes open a bit wider, “Really, I had not heard that there were any in there.”

As they are talking Sunset walks over and joins them just as Badger drops something that is even news to me, “Actually there were two stallions who, while not on the roster of those to be admitted, somehow ended up inside. One ended up in security, the other in hydroponics, our wife Magpie recently found out that both were Mollygirls ancestors.”

At this, my head spins to look at him and my jaw drops, “You have to be kidding me,” This is mirrored by Trouble who has just come over also.

Next to Trouble, I hear Blondie say, “Son of Mule! well, that explains that then,” as she shakes her head.

I am stunned, “Badger are you serious? I know about Cloud Seeder, but the other one was who?”

Badger smiles enjoying seeing me this surprised and tells me, “Oh, his name was Winter Wind. Their grandfoals married and Millie was their great-granddaughter. It seems that Winter was a bit of a scoundrel in his time,” he says with a mild laugh.

Archer then comes up to me and puts a hoof around me, “Well that explains how much you enjoy flying at least.”

To that I see Sirocco’s ears go forward, “Wait, an earthpony that loves to fly? My son really was not making that up then,” He says as he shakes his head and takes the bottle from Badger for a drink.

Speaking of stable records, it makes me think of Choo Choo, so I begin to look for her and see her a bit of a ways away talking to Paper Work, both are having a drink and are really animated in their conversation. I watch as more and more of the members of our community arrive.

Soon the band begins to play. We begin as we always have for the Opening Day dance. I begin dancing with Badger and as the night progresses, I take turns with both of my bucks. I also enjoy getting to see them dance with some other mares. I have to admit I am amused when I take a break and I see Badger dancing with Kicker and Archer with Kettle Bell.

During this break, I go and sit next to George and I talk to her some. Goddesses it is good to see her again. I am leaning against her side and it feels like old times now.

“Sorry I have not gotten to talk more with you George,” I tell her.

“It’s Ok Mollygirl, I do understand. I have heard what all you have to do from Choo Choo. I am just sorry I could not have been out here to help you also,” she tells me.

“I hope everything has gone fairly smooth for you.”

She smiles, “Mollygirl, what in this world does. I am just glad the Dodger there assisted me in getting the pegasi trained to work with me in combat. Did you see how we did that yesterday; I mean I really took it to them. It was just like I had thought it would be back during the war, well except I did not have my riders. I missed that to tell you the truth. It helped me to stay focused and to feel more secure.”

“I missed you to George, it will be good to get home again. How are you roommates?”

“Oh, they are doing fine Quick Frost and Blue Star are both very upset with Choo Choo. Between her running off and taking the foals with her. To tell the truth I was mad at her for that too.”

I sigh, “I understand believe me, I was very upset when she showed up with them, but George, they were going to try and come anyways, and to tell the truth, I ended up needing all three of them.”

She gets a funny look on her face, “Mollygirl, you are my friend, but I am not happy with you using them, especially the foals as soldiers. Even during the worst days of the war Equestria never did that Mollygirl, never.”

“George, they had an entire army and entire nation, I had what I had on hoof, we have not had reinforcements from Manesville since the second week of the expedition at the latest. So dear, I love you, but buck you and your fucking moral high ground, besides, how were we to get them home safely George, think about it. I know I have.” I tell her as I get up and start to walk off.

I hear her move and can feel her footsteps behind me, “Mollygirl, please stop. I am sorry but it is just hard for me to understand sometimes.”

I look at her with a deep feeling of sadness, because now I know what I will face when I get home and I tell her, “George, if you think it is hard for you to understand, imagine what it is like for me. Do not think I ever wanted to use foal warriors. If you ever say that to me again George, I don’t know what I will do, but I am sure we both will regret it."

I then turn my back on her and head back to the dance, I grab the first buck I can find and we join into the dance that is already in progress. I guess I lucked out though as it is Woodrow. He smiles at me and tells me, “Thank you for this dance Major, it is good to see you again. I miss having you with us all the time still.”

I smile broadly at him and feel relief and acceptance, “Thanks Woody, I miss it too,” as we continue to dance, I ask, “do you mind if I ask you a question?”

He laughs lightly,” You just did ma’am.” Then he nods his head, “Go ahead ma’am, please feel free to ask me anything.”

Well here goes I think, and I ask him, “Woodrow, was I wrong to use the foals? I just got accused by George of doing so and being worse than those who created the wastelands.”

He looks at me sadly and tells me, “Major, I worried about them, but actually where else could they have gone and been safe. This way they were with adults who looked out for them. But I know you did not want to use them that way and even tried to protect them. Besides, Major Quick Trot even was willing to use them as scouts. Think about that.”

“Thanks, Woodrow, I really needed to hear that.”

“Major, anytime. Now, would you like to share a full dance with me also ma’am?” he asks.

I smile and giggle lightly, “Sure Woodrow, thanks, you are one in a million.”

I continue to dance and visit for several more hours. Woodrow really helped me, but dancing with my two main bucks really restored my spirits. Finally, I decide to call it a night. As I leave Ginger joins me. I have her climb on my back and we then go see if Badger and Archer are ready to call it a night too.

Archer says he is ready automatically. Badger seems to want to stay and have fun a bit more, but decides instead to join us. We head back to the farmhouse and as we go down the hallway, Tar opens her door.

“Hi Tar,” I tell her, “Sorry you had to miss the fun.”

She gives me a sad smile, “That’s ok Mollygirl, I have to get used to it sometime.”

“Tar, just so you know, I will do everything I can to advocate for you. Not just because you are family, but because you matter to me, you are not the same mare you were any more than I am.”

She looks at Badger, then back at me, “I know, but too many others do not realize that Mollygirl. At least your bucks know you are carrying your foal, and that your husband is the father. Broken didn’t even know he was going to be a father till the end.”

“Yeah, but Tar, he knew he was at the end, and he was willing to die to save you and your two’s foal. He loved you Tar. Never forget that.” I tell her and I give her a hug.”

From my back I hear Ginger ask, “Cousin Tar, could I give you a hug too?”

I see Tar smile as she says, “Sure little one.” Then I feel Ginger lean over and give her a hug from my back.

“Ok Tar, I need to get some sleep, we leave at daybreak. Good night.” I tell her.

“Good night Mollygirl, and thanks for giving me a chance to change my ways.”

“Your welcome dear,” I tell her and I finish heading to my room.

From the hallway I hear Archer tell her, “Goodnight Tar, have a good sleep.”

“Goodnight Archer, I hope you sleep well also. I will see you in the morning.”

As I remove my barding and get ready to sleep, I see Badger is watching me.

“Yes, dear?” I ask.

He looks at me as if considering what he is going to ask next then asks, “Mollygirl, do you really think she has changed that much?”

I sigh, “Badger, I have no doubt or I would never have let her carry a weapon in combat since we got her back.” I see he is surprised, “Badger, she saved my life in the battle of Targhee. She could have killed me just as easily, but she did not even consider it. She is remorseful over her actions, but Badger, she was living with Silver Spite for several months. That alone had to take a heavy toll on her. He even branded her the same way he did me.”

I see the surprise on his face and he ask, “HE branded both of you?” he shakes his head, “But I thought she had joined him.”

“Badger, he found her when she was hurt and weak. He used that to seduce her and get information. Once she left the Co-op, his real abuse began. We saw him hit her during a battle. Think about it Badger, he took the time during a battle to hit her.”

I see a look of confusion come over his face. “Are you kidding me?” he asks incredulously.

“No Badger, she is not,” Archer answers, from on the bed he can see Ginger shaking her head no.

Badger sighs, “Damn, he really was worse than I imagined.”

Archer then looks at Badger with a sad, mournful expression on his face, “Badger, my friend, my future brother-husband, since the 2^nd Battle of Two-Step we have been fighting against an army under his control. There was no chance for being taken, prisoner. When I rescued our Mollygirl,” I see Badger cringe at that, “Yes, Badger, when I rescued Our Mollygirl, she was tied to a chair. She had already been branded twice on her face. Silver Spite had several irons in the fire still as well as a surgeon’s set of instruments set out to use on her. She probably would not have survived it, or if she did, would have been severely maimed.” As he says this, he steps forward and puts a hoof around me.

I realize at this point my head is down and my eyes closed as I try not to remember that day. I feel a chill and my body shudders at the thought of it. Archer gives a small squeeze to help ground me.

I open my eyes, “Ok, let’s just all go to bed Now. I climb into bed with Ginger on one side so I wrap my hooves around her. Against my back is Badger, and Archer lays on the other side of Ginger and puts his forelegs over her so his hoof touches me. Soon their breathing begins to change as they fall asleep. I feel the two enfields climb up on the bed and snuggle down with us a short time later and finally, I fall asleep.

When I awake to my alarm. I find I have hardly moved. Ginger has cuddled up closer to me and I can feel where she has drooled in her sleep on my foreleg. Badger begins to move first, then Archer. Finally, Ginger and I get up. We all put on our uniforms and kit. As we head downstairs, I hear Tar getting ready.

I knock on her door. “Tar, make sure you don’t leave anything you want to keep behind. We leave in less than an hour. Meet you in the kitchen.” I tell her, and we head down there.

Once in the kitchen, I find some bread and left-over food from last night. We grab what we want fairly quickly. Outside I can hear the camp waking up and breaking down to move. Once we are done with breakfast Ginger tells me, “Ma, I am going to find the scouts, I will see you at formation.”

“Ok, Ginger, I will see you then,” I tell her. Archer and my staff take that as a normal conversation, Badger still seems stunned that a filly can act so much like a trooper.

Once we are done in the kitchen, we make sure the headquarters gear is packed on its wagon. The members of the CEF and the Civilian Camp are all ready and in formation a full half-hour before the members of the 2^nd Regiment. I smile inside at this. Once both units are gathered Gray Tempest tells me, “Major, the artillery battery will fall in as we pass it in a couple of hours, whenever you are ready please give the order.”

I turn to my troops. “Scouts Out!” I hear Sunset repeat the order and watch as my fliers lead by Sunset, and Dull Beak with Choo Choo and Firefly as their wingmares, first take to the air, and my ground scouts canter out in front a half a klick out lead by Xavier, Xochitl, and Ginger, with Blackberry Pie, and Chip hot on their heels. Then I give the command “CEF, By Fours, From the Right Forward, March!” The order is repeated throughout the command by each level of the chain of command as needed.

They step out with a precision that makes me proud. First comes D-Troop, being led by Dusty, Then H-troop with Kicker out Front. Next Bailey Bridge and his Engineers and the remains of E-troop. As the Artillery comes past, I see Archer, my Archer, riding a Casson with Woofers next to him. Fancy comes next with the Civilian camp to pass me, and I look at Gray Tempest, “Major if you will excuse me, I will be joining my troops.”

My headquarters staff, Paper Work, and Specs, Blueberry Crisp, Tar Water, and the MPs being escorted by Tweeters falls into the column behind the civilians and I see the Volunteers bringing up the rear. As they fall into line I hear the opening lines of the March of CEF being sung near the head of the column. Soon it is being sung by the entire CEF.

Then I hear the orders be given for the 2^nd Regiment's battalion. I see their fliers and George take off first and they fill the skies above us. Then the rest of their companies fall into the column.

I look back and I take one final look at the river, the ridge and the farm that we lived, fought and all too many of us died at. As I look at the farmhouse one last time, I see a crow on the peak of the roof watching us, then it takes off and flies towards Manesville.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Tomorrow, we the survivors of the Siege of Serenity Valley will be finally beginning the return march home. We have put so much hope and dreams on our homes in the Co-op and we have lost so much and so many, could you please play Going Home for us.

Sincerely,
Kettle Bell
Captain, Hell’s Belles, CEF

First, Thank you Kkat for creating this world we call Fallout Equestria. I would also like to thank so many other authors who have added to this world and shown how much more can still be added to it.

For my readers, I thank you and hope you are enjoying the story. If any of you are artists and want to do fan art, please feel free to. Also if any of you want to contact me to discuss the story, but do not want to write a comment, please feel free to message me. Feedback is welcome.
This chapters dedication song can be found on YouTube at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDKQhQXuvqA