I wake up in the middle of the night to hear Sutures screaming. I jump up and go to her side. She is back on the expedition in her mind, and all I can do is hold her and try to comfort her. I see her eyes open and she is breathing heavy and covered in sweat.

“It’s ok love, I got you, I am here for you,” I tell her.

She quickly nods her head, “Sorry, I am sorry Mollygirl, I, I, don’t know what is wrong with me.”

As I am holding her the night shift medic comes over to check on Sutures. She asks, “You OK Sutures?”

Sutures nods, “The Valley again?” the medic asks.

Again, Sutures nods “Sorry, I can’t get it out of my head.”

“Do you want a sedative to help you sleep Sutures?” the medic inquires.

She shakes her head no, “No, gotta learn to live with it sometime. Thanks though,” she replies in a shaky voice.

I continue to hold her and run my hoof through her mane. It seems to help her a lot.

She leans into my neck and is crying some and she tells me she is sorry. “No problem love, we have all been there, how many times have you done this for me?” I tell her.

I stand there holding her until she falls back to sleep. I kiss her on her forelock as I lay her gently back down. Then I return to my chair and fall back to sleep.

Morning comes and I wake as the medic comes around to give the morning medications and healing potions. When she sees me awake Sutures smiles, “Good morning love,” she tells me.

“Good morning beautiful, how are you feeling today?” I ask her.

“Very tired and still sore. But I will live,” she tells me, then she looks at the ceiling, and asks me, “Mollygirl, with my leg and all, do you think I should ever try and have a foal?”

I smile gently at her and stroke her mane, “Dear, that is up to you, but I see no reason not to if you want one. I have warned Badger though that he has enough at the starting gate, that he should let you and Archer have your first if that is what you want.”

“You, you really think that they both would still want to sire a foal with me?” she asks with a surprised tone in her voice.

I laugh lightly as I tell her, “Dear, I am certain of it. I hope you do not mind but the other night I told them about the portal and you talking to the other worlds you. You should have seen their faces. I can only imagine what they were thinking. Dearest, you are still a very beautiful mare.”

She turns her head into the pillow, “Mollygirl, I appreciate your saying that but please don’t lie to me, I know I look bad with a missing leg.”

I sigh then say to her, “Sutures, am I just my scar?”

She shakes her head, “Of course not,” she tells me.

“Then why do you think you are just your leg. Sure, it stands out, but to me, it tells a story that you are a very tough mare and survived what many others couldn’t.” I tell her.

“Mollygirl, have you actually seen it yet?”

I nod my head “Yes dear, I have when they changed your bandage the second time yesterday. It is still swollen but they did a good job of making a good stump for you. Actually, it has fur covering all of it, so it really does not stand out all that much. We get you a good prosthetic and you should be able to get around just fine. Besides, how often do you have to march when you are a mid-wife. I tell her with a smile.”

“But Mollygirl, I have only delivered one foal, that does not make me a midwife.”

I smile at her, “Ok, so you still need to gain a bit of experience, but you have one under your belt that has not happened in a very long time here in the Co-op, and should begin to become a normal thing here. That is delivering a pegasus.”

I see her smile, then she says, “You know you have a good point. Thank you love.”

“Your welcome,” I tell her and give her a kiss, right before they bring her breakfast.

As it is delivered, I notice I am feeling a bit peckish also. “Sutures, would you mind if I went down to the mess hall and grabbed something to eat?”

She reaches out a hoof to gently lay it on my cheek, “No dear, please go get something to eat. Also, put on your uniform if you have it handy and go eat at the officers’ mess, remember you are an officer now.”

I had not thought of that. The last time I really ate on a regular basis here was when I was a cadet. That awkward halfway point of not quite being an officer, but not quite an enlisted pony either. Something more to get used to.

I nod my head and head back to my old stall. When I get there, I find I can no longer access it with my id. I knock on the door and Em answers it. “Hey Em, what is up with the door not opening for me anymore?”

She smiles and laughs before she tells me, “Mollygirl, you are a field grade officer now, You no longer rate this stall, you have one shared with only one other officer. I helped pack up your belongings and what was left of Ivy’s stuff in her locker after you were promoted. Talk to Paper Work when you get back from leave, I am sure he will give you the information, that or one of the other staff officers for the 1^st Regiment.”

“Thanks, Em, can I at least get dressed into my uniform so I can go to chow in here then?”

“Of course, what kind of stepmother would I be if I said no?” She asks with a twinkle in her eye.

So, I quietly say to her with a raised eyebrow, “An evil stepmother, perhaps.”

She laughs, “Mollygirl, you are incorrigible.”

“Thanks ma,” I tell her with a grin.

I see her grimace some as she replies, “By the way, I still owe you for the Step Grandma crack, the boys thought it was a hoot when I told them.”

I cannot help but smile, “I am glad I could get them to laugh too.”

As she moves aside, I enter what was my stall for so long, and I continue to talk to Em as I change into my uniform. I look at my coat and still have a hard time believing my rank now. Now I guess I understand the old Equestrian Navy toast of To a bloody war and a sick season! Rank does come quickly during such times, I guess.

She helps me smooth out my uniform and makes sure I look presentable.

“There you go Major. Looking good. Stop by at HQ later if you want, I would really enjoy talking some more with you. Maybe you can help me come up with a couple of names for my foal. Bullet is nervous about picking any out. Something about inviting bad luck he says.”

“Thanks again Em,” I tell her and I give her a brief hug. “Sometime soon you and the boys will have to come out to the farm for a visit.”

She smiles, “Sounds good, I will let your dad and Shadowbuck know about the invite. Now go get something to eat before the mess hall closes till lunch.”

I turn and trot on down the halls of the stable with my dress and hair ribbon in my saddlebags over my back. I make it with ten minutes to spare. It is then that I notice something on the menu I never noticed before. They have a small portion of meat available. I look at the cook and ask, “Can I get you to break up the meat and put it on a fried egg along with some cheese, tomato, and spinach?”

He laughs at me lightly, “Sure thing Major, I can certainly tell you were on the expedition. Those who were, are the only ones who ask for meat.”

I smile, “It is amazing what you not only can get used to but enjoy.”

The cook then tells me, “I understand, and it may help us control the radhog population that has been starting to grow around here.”

I raise an eyebrow at this, “I had not heard about that. When did they start to come into the area?”

“Oh, about a month after you all left. It seems some of them were following the refugees trying to raid their food stores. Rumor has it one family is claiming that radhogs ate their foal that is missing. I don’t know if I believe that one though.”

“Radhog, ate my baby, that is a scary thought,” I tell him.

“Yeah it is, did you guys have many problems with them on your expedition?” he asks.

“No, we had hunters out harvesting them when we could. But other than that, not really. We did find some nastier critters though.”

Once I leave the station where I can order my food, I see Colonel Chappy, Major Star Burst, and Padre eating at one table, The colonel waves me over with a hoof.

“Good to see you today Major, have a seat and join us.” He says as he points to an empty chair.

“Thank you, Colonel. I appreciate it. It is good to be back home sir.”

They all smile. Then Padre tells me, “It is a blessing that you have made it back and with so many new recruits.”

With a raised eyebrow I ask, “How many of my volunteer company shipped over?” I ask.

Major Star Burst laughs, “How many? Mollygirl, all of them. However, before departing on the stand-down leave I was approached by Captain Clock Work. He informed me that the survivors of the Rangers had asked to have the name of the Equestrian Rangers retired. It seems the last night of the march there was some talk and the currently favored name is the Equestrian Enfields.” As he says this, he sniggers a bit and then continues, “You should have seen Colonel Gray Tempest of the 2^nd Regiments face when he heard that name. It took me ten minutes to stop laughing.”

I start to laugh a bit. “Sir, I had no idea about either the number of them that would join, much less the name. But to be honest, Woofers and Tweeters were like mascots to all of us.”

I see them all look at me funny, “Woofers and Tweeters?” Chappy asks with a questioning look.

“Oh, they are my pet enfields. When Ginger and Xochitl ran away to join us they followed along with them and Choo Choo.”

“Ah yes, the alicorn. I have heard from the rumors she was a very effective scout and fighter. Too bad she decided not to stay in service.” Star Burst tells me.

I smile at all of them, “Actually gentlestallions, she discussed with me the idea of possibly joining the CDF full time as a scout. If she does, she wants to remain with the 1^st Regiment, and as I said, as a scout. She is already used to working with Lieutenant Sunset.”

“Mollygirl, if you can do so, that sounds like she would be a good fit. What was she like out there?”

So, I begin to tell them about Choo Choo and her exploits, which carries over to coffee and a longer discussion about the events of the expedition. I received no comments on my meal, only a few glances, and a smile from the Colonel.

After breakfast, I stop by the security department to see Tar. They are hesitant to let me see her at first. Then I remind them that first of all I am a Major now. Second of all, she was my prisoner and I had her entrusted into their hooves to take care of her until the court proceedings take place.

“But Major, you cannot just waltz in here and demand to see the prisoner anytime you like.”

“Night Watch, we have always gotten along previously. This is my first time visiting her since we have gotten back. Do. Not. Force. My. Hoof.” I tell him as I look him in the eyes.

He looks me right back in the eyes. “NO.”

“Fine, you better call the chief, I am not leaving and I am now contacting Colonel Chappy, as well as Padre, both of the Overs, and now I am adding a medic. Just in case,” I tell him as I type out a message to all of them to meet me at the security department. I show him the message on my Pipbuck so he can read it and I hit send. He immediately places a phone call.

“Chief, this is Night Watch you better get here quick, it is about to hit the fan.”

I turn my head and look at him with a raised eyebrow. I send an additional message to the regimental sergeant major to get me some MPs here immediately.

I see the chief come running down the hallway from one direction across the way I see several ponies in MP uniforms on their way from the others. I also see the Colonel coming out of his office. He does not look happy.

As the chief gets there he demands, “What is going on here?”

I look at Night Watch to give him the first chance to explain, all he says is, “She is demanding to see Tar Water.”

“Oh shit, what did you stupid sons of mules do?”

“Chief it was not my fault really,” Night Watch says.

The chief’s eyes go wide and I am almost livid. What have they done to Tar?

Behind me I see Taser step forward, “What have you done to OUR Prisoner?”

Night Watch gets defensive and replies, “She is not your prisoner, she is on our lock up.”

Taser leans across the desk on his forehooves going muzzle to muzzle with Night Watch. I swear he almost growls as he replies, “I will have you know I ran my shift in Stable 2 for over five years, I understand how it works. She is OUR prisoner, only in your care and custody. Now you will let me in to see her, or else. Do you understand?” He then turns to the Chief, “You are about two steps away from me forcing the issue of this being a military establishment and relieving you of command of security for this facility, understand, I am not only a member of the Military Police for the CDF, but I am a certified Stable Tec Security Pony. I was next in line to take over security at Stable Two when we opened it up for the last time.”

That is when I hear the Overmare, ask, “What is the meaning of this and why do I have an MP threatening to relieve my Security Chief?”

Taser has taken over now, “Overmare, Overcow, I am sorry to have to inform you, that at this time your security ponies have refused to let a senior officer of the CDF visit her prisoner, then refused me entry to see her for a health and comfort check.”

I watch as she thinks about this and she notices the PipBuck on Taser’s hoof. She comments. “Colonel, I did not think it was common for your MPs to wear PipBucks in the stable, care to explain.”

Before the Colonel can comment, Taser interrupts, which earns him a glare from the Colonel, and the Overs as he says, “Ma’am that is because it is my own from Stable Two. Please check out my credentials on it,” as he holds it out.

She does, then she looks at the Chief, “Chief, you stand relieved for now until this is resolved.”

My eyes go wide, who the Tartarus had I recruited?

Then Taser looks at Night Watch, “Please escort me to see the prisoner.”

I see Night Watch shake and I hear the Chief in the background asking, “What the buck did you dumb buckers do now?”

I watch as Taser follows him in and I hear Taser call, “Get a medic or doctor over her right way.” Overmare, please come in here, you to Colonel. I am beginning a formal investigation into the abuse of a prisoner by the stable security staff.”

The Colonel's jaw drops open, He looks at the Chief, “I trusted you and your staff. What did they do to my officer?”

I watch as the chief's face flushes. “Colonel, I really do not know, but I am sorry.”

Taser then calls me, “Major, please come in here.”

As I walk in, I see she is sitting in the corner rolled into a ball. She is protecting her stomach. I see she has one eye swollen so badly she can not open it. There is blood on her muzzle and out of the corner of her mouth. Whoever did this to her will pay.

I crouch down next to her, “Tar, Tar can you hear me?”

She nods her head yes.

“Tar can you speak?”

She shakes her head no and I hear a muffled mmmhhhmmm, and a slight cry of pain.

“Did they hurt your foal Tar?” I ask her, pleading with the goddesses that they didn’t.

She shakes her head no, thank Celestia.

About that time Charity comes in with his medical saddlebags. “What is the big rush, I was making my roun,” he stops mid-sentence, “Oh sweet Celsetisa, what happened to her?”

Taser answers, “It seems some of the security staff decided she needed to be punished before her trial.”

Charity does a quick once over her and then calls on the phone to the medical department, “I need a stretcher and two medics in security stat. We have a 29-year-old pregnant mare who has been badly injured. Possible broken jaw, unknown additional injuries.” He hangs up and moments later I see two of the medics, both females come in to help treat her. The Unicorn uses her TK spell to gently place Tar on the stretcher and then they take her out and quickly move her to medical.

Before I can leave the Colonel stops me, “Major, a moment please.”

“Yes sir, what can I do for you?” I ask.

“Did you know this had happened?” he asks.

“No Sir, but when he refused to let me see her, I had a very bad feeling. I contacted all of you so that we had both senior military and civilian witnesses to what we would see. Sir, I really had hoped I was wrong.”

“And why did you call for MPs?” he inquires.

“Sir, when Night Watch told the chief the muck was going to hit the fan, I knew it was bad. I just did not know Taser was not on leave.”

He raises an eyebrow and asks, “Exactly who is this Taser?”

“Sir I meet him at JR 7 along with two mares. They are survivors from Stable Two. Why?”

He shakes his head, “You realize that the Light Bringer is from Stable Two?”

“The who sir?”

He laughs, “Remember before the day of Sunshine and Rainbows? Well, she was called the Stable Dweller by DJ Pon3 then. She was the one who cleared the skies. She was also from Stable Two.”

“Huh, interesting. But my question now is what exactly are his credentials? I just thought he was a security pony.”

He shakes his head, “Mollygirl I am going to have to find that out myself. But it seemed to satisfy the Overmare.” Then as we are leaving, he looks over at Taser, “I guess you are the acting Chief, I have a few questions for you Taser.” He pauses, “Mollygirl, why don’t you head on over to medical and let me know what her condition is. She may be going to court-martial, but until the trial is over, she is still one of my officers.”

“Yes, sir Colonel.” As I go to leave, I see the Chief sitting there shaking his head.

I get back to medical just in time to see Sutures climb out of bed and move as quickly as she can on three legs to the room, they took Tar into. Then I hear one of the medics tell her, “You need to leave, get back into your own bed, this does not concern you.”

I am surprised when I hear Sutures tell her, “Doesn’t concern me? I have been monitoring her and her foal’s health since the second battle of Two-Step, now either let me help or get out of the way so I can check her and her foal.”

I then hear Charity ask her, “You know how her medical history for the last couple of months is then?”

“I should hope so. I have even fought alongside her more than once. What happened to her?”

I hear Charity reply with anger in his voice, “The bucking security ponies it seems. Chief has been relieved from what I heard. They tried to hide what they did.”

I hear one of the other medics say under her breath, “Bastards, bucking bastards.”

I go and sit down by where Sutures bed is and wait. Two hours later Sutures comes out shaking her head. She hobbles over to me and puts a hoof around me and breaths in my scent. I kiss her and asks, “You alright dearest?”

She nods her head, “Yeah, I am. I can not believe they did that. It is sickening. They broke her jaw and she lost a couple of teeth. They also cracked a couple of her ribs, luckily, they did not puncture a lung. I did not think I could still do it dear, but I can. I can really still do it. Just wait till I get my prosthetic.”

She lays back down on her bed, “Is there anything I can do for you love?” I ask.

She smiles at me, “You already are doing it dear. Thank you.”

It is shortly before lunch when Archer arrives along with Ginger. Archer briefly gives me a kiss, then goes over to Sutures and kisses her and holds onto her for a bit, “I miss having you with me dearest love,” He tells hers.

I hear her sniffle, “I miss you too dearest.”

As they are doing this Ginger climbs onto the bed and when given the opportunity, she gives both of them a hug and tells Sutures, “I miss you too Mama Sutures. It’s just not the same without you with us.”

She smiles at Ginger, “I know hon, but I have to heal up first and today they even needed me.

I see the concern on Archer’s face as he asks, “How did they need you today dear?”

I see anger flash through his eyes when he hears what they did to Tar. Ginger on the other hoof, her face goes stone-cold emotionless as she asks, “Ma, do you have the names of these security ponies that did this to cousin Tar?”

“Ginger, don’t do anything stupid now. They need to be arrested and put on trial, the same as Tar for what she did.” I tell her.

She looks me in the eyes and with that cold voice tells me, “Ma, I won’t need to. If their name gets out there, the entire Water clan will be after them, not to mention a good part of the CEF.”

“Ginger, the CEF does not exist anymore, we're home now,” I insist.

She just shakes her head slowly with an expression of cold hatred “No ma, it still lives and will until the last of us dies. She is one of us, one of our herd, and they are wolves attacking one of our pregnant mares. They need to be put down ma, but I will not do it.”

Next to me, I see both Archer and Sutures nodding, but across the room, I hear one of the medics who has entered say, “My GODDESSES, I would not want to be in their horseshoes if this is just how a filly feels.”

Ginger looks at her, “No, no you wouldn’t. Xochitl and Xavier are going to pop their corks when they hear.”

I shake my head, “I am sure Fancy and Sirocco will too. But the Waters are the ones they have to worry about most.”

Ginger just smiles an angry look on her face as she gets off the bed and walks over to the room Tar is in. I watch as she climbs up into the chair next to Tar’s bed and lays down in it standing watch over her while she sleeps.

I see the worry on Archer’s face at this. “Don’t worry Archer, she will calm down,” I tell him.

He looks at me and quietly says, “That is what worries me Mollygirl. I have seen her when she calms down.”

Sutures shakes her head also. “Those ponies have no idea what is going to hit them do they?”

Archer sits on the end of her bed and begins to rub her back leg, “No, they don’t and that is what has me concerned.”

At the end of his workday, Badger shows up at the medical department before heading home. He sees all of us with Sutures and greets us all. He gives both Sutures and me our normal hugs and kisses. He gives a bro hug to Archer and then he notices that Ginger is in the other room sitting there like she is on watch.

“Uh, guys, what is going on with Ginger?” he asks.

Sutures answers first, “Badger, she is standing watch over Tar.”

I see confusion come over his face, “What are you talking about? Why is Tar Water in here?”

Archer has a grave expression on his face when he answers, “Badger, several of the guards attacked her. She was bad enough that they had to bring her here for treatment.”

At first, he does not seem too concerned, then he asks with worry in his voice, “Is her foal ok?”

Sutures answers again, “Yes Badger, but she has been very badly injured.”

I see his face get serious, “How bad was it?”

I answer, “Bad enough I called in the Overs as well as the Colonel and our MPs. Badger the Chief has been relieved of duty until the investigation has been finished.”

“Oh, sweet Luna, what the Tartarus were they thinking?” he says as he shakes his head.

“Badger, those who did this are going to be arrested and tried in a civilian court as they are civilian security ponies. That is unless the names of who attacked her gets out. They may have wanted her dead if she did not come back with Trouble, but they attacked a Water and that whole clan will be after them.”

That is when I hear Kettle Bell from the doorway, “They are not the only ones. Word got out quickly and those of the Hells Belles who were in the stable are upset. Yes, she was a traitor, but she redeemed herself and is willing to suffer the consequences. I have several troopers who have since told me she saved their lives at Serenity Valley. Many of them have offered to stand guard on her, much like we did for you Major.”

I see Badger’s jaw drop. “Are you serious?”

Kettle looks right at him, “Captain Badger, you were not there for most of it, and most certainly were not there when Silver Spite announced to the world that he was the one who killed those security ponies before. So, I understand your surprise. But understand one thing. She is a member of the CEF. We are a herd within a herd.”

“But there is no longer a CEF!” Badger almost screams.

At that point, I see Ginger has gotten up and came to join us. “Pappy Badger, you don’t understand, there may no longer be a unit called the CEF, but it will last until the last of us dies.”

I see Kettle Bell nod her head at that, “Well said Ginger,” then she notices Ginger's cutie mark, “And congratulations on your cutie mark young mare. It certainly suits you.”

“Thank you, Captain,” Ginger says as she gives a brief bow to the commander of H-troop.

Shortly afterward I see another stallion arrive in civilian attire. I notice his green coat and blue tail and mane and I realize it is Bailey Bridge. As he enters, I hear him ask, “Where is she? Who did it?”

“Hey Bailey, she is in the room across the hall there,” I tell him.

Sutures then tells him, “Bailey she will be ok. She is resting and has had several healing spells already administered once we set the bones.”

I see his eyes flash at that last part, “There will have to be a reckoning for this Ma’am,” he says to me.

“All right, all of you. I am just as upset as you are, however, we cannot take justice into our own hooves. Instead, once the identity of them is known, let us help the authorities to capture them so they can go to trial.”

That is when I hear the Colonel’s voice, “Thank you Major for saying exactly what I was going to.” I want all of you to stand down. This will be taken care of. I promise you that. Now where is she, I would like to talk to her if I can.”

I see one of the medics come out of another room, see the Colonel and go to fetch a doctor. Then I see Charity approaching. He takes the Colonel aside and talks with him.

After they talk Chappy comes back into the room. “Ok, she is going to be asleep overnight. We will not know anything more till then. Have your people keep their mouths shut. If the word has not gotten out yet those who did this may show up for their shifts.”

I watch as my people begin to head back out, most of them stopping to shake my hoof. I notice the Colonel watching this and wonder what he thinks of it.

After most of them are gone, he approaches me, “Major, thank you for keeping this from getting a lot uglier than it already is. I have a feeling your troopers would storm the armory and take the Stable if you asked them.

“Colonel, I would never do that, never,” I tell him.

He smiles, “I know you normally wouldn’t, but never say never.” He gets ready to leave, then he stops and goes over to see Sutures. “Specialist, I am glad to see you up and about again. Doctor Charity told me about your assistance earlier. Thank you for helping.”

I see her smile and sit up a bit straighter, “Thank you, Colonel, it was my pleasure.”

“Have a good night all, I need to get home for dinner before the misses is too upset for my being late.” He says as he heads out the door.

Shortly after he leaves, Magpie arrives carrying some sandwiches for her and Sutures. “Sorry, I did not bring enough for everypony, I did not know you would all be here still.”

Badger gives her a brief hug, “It’s ok Mags, we were just getting ready to leave, but it is good to see you.”

She smiles then asks, “So what is all the ruckus about?” As she is waiting for an answer, I see her look at Archer and smile at him with a special glint in her eye.

Then we tell her about Tar and what happened to her. I see the color start to drain from her face, “Oh no, that is horrible. The poor dear. I was wondering about the cow standing guard in the hallway.”

“Yes, she is one of the Hells Belles. They volunteered for the duty.” I tell her.

“But aren’t they on leave also?” Mags asks.

I nod my head and Archer responds to her, “Yes, but they are doing this on their own personal time.”

I see a funny look on her face, “I know you all said she had changed, and I heard the broadcast on DJ Pon3 that night, but still.”

“Mags, we all make mistakes. Some bigger than others. Sometimes we can earn a second chance, and she has.” I tell her.

I see her think about that and she looks at Badger, “Yeah, maybe you are right Mollygirl. Maybe you are right.”

We all talk a bit longer then we get ready to head home. I turn to the stallions, “I hope you do not mind but I want to stop by security for a bit and see if Taser had found out anything.”

Both agree and with Ginger already on my back we stop by there.

Taser is behind the chief’s desk. He is working on some paperwork when I enter.

He looks up and smiles when he sees Ginger on my back. “Good evening Major, can I help you?”

“Evening Taser, I was just stopping in to find out if you have learned anything yet.”

He sighs, “Not really. The security cameras were covered up. However, we may not know who did the deed, but we have at least have enough for several cases of conspiracy to cover up what happened. The only one who seems not to have been involved so far is the Chief. The poor bastard actually was kept in the dark. He trusted his people to be doing the right thing, so he never followed up.”

I nod my head, “I can see that. Do you have any solid leads so far?”

He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “This stays between us, I mean you cannot say anything about it Major, but we had two security officers call in sick tonight. They are now ponies of interest in the case.”

I nod my head, “That makes sense to me Taser. You know I am familiar with most of them, right?”

He nods his head to me and asks, “Yes, I am. One is new to the force though. The ones that called in are Hobbles and One Roll. Can you tell me anything about them?”

I feel Ginger shift on my back and I pause to think before I answer him, “I have never met One Roll before, but Hobbles usually seemed alright. But he may have some resentment over the ponies that were killed when Tar escaped that night.”

Taser then looks at first Archer, then Badger, “Do either of you know anything about these two?”

Badger shakes his head no, Archer is thinking then tells him, “Yeah, One Roll used to be a constable for Manesville. If I remember correctly, he almost got fired once for being too rough with a prisoner there.”

I see Taser frown at that, “What were they thinking to hire on an officer that had done something like that for stable security?” he asks himself.

“I do not think they thought out the consequences, or perhaps we're just giving him a second chance. Well, no third chances now.” Archer says.

“No, if evidence and witness testimony stand up, then there will be a balancing of justice. I hate it when dirty law ponies sully the reputation of the rest of us.” He tells us, then he asks, “How is Tar? Is her foal going to be ok?”

I nod my head, “She will be ok, but she has had a broken jaw as well as cracked ribs, Sutures says her foal is fine though.”

“Thank the Goddesses for that. I am surprised to hear that Sutures was involved in her treatment.” He says.

I smile as does Archer, “Well, she has been taking care of them both since second Two-Step.” I say.”

He then looks at us and tells us, “You all should be getting back home soon. Have a good night, I got to get ahold of Cookie and Sweets so they know I am running late myself. Damnit what a day,” he says as he runs a hoof through his mane.

Archer then approaches Taser and shakes hoofs with him. “Thank you, Taser, for everything, have a good night.”

I see a slightly confused look on Taser’s face at first, “Oh, just doing my job Archer. But your welcome anyway.”

We are about halfway home when I hear Ginger ask me, “Ma, can I go visit Sunny tomorrow?”

“Sure honey, no problem. I need to talk to Trouble now anyways.”

“Thanks Ma,” she says and then shifts from sitting to lying down on my back. I smile to myself at how good it feels.

As Gingers back hoof hangs down my side, I feel the foal kick and Ginger surprisingly says, “Wow, ma I felt it kick.”

“Yes dear, I think she was just letting you know she is in there.”

“Cool!, I can’t wait to meet her,” Ginger says. I see both bucks smile at that as we continue home.

The next morning, I wake up and notice the house is quiet. I find a note from Sumac letting me know she and Archer have headed to the school to see about getting the foals back in again. I need to go see Trouble this morning so I get up and look to see if Ginger is still home.

I do not see her around and figure she and Xochitl must be out playing or something. Then I notice the SIR is missing from the rack. All I can think of is oh no, what has that filly done now?

I begin to head to Xavier and Persimmons to see if they know anything. I hope those two have not run off or gone and done anything stupid.

Then suddenly I hear a loud squeal from out across one of our fields. Then I see it first. One of the largest radhogs I have seen yet and it sounds very angry. It is heading toward the farm. I run inside and grab my deathbunny as I come out on the porch again, I see Ginger is in front of it running as fast as she can. I watch her jump and clear the fence into the yard.

As she lands, she yells out, “Here it comes Xochitl get it.”

I am just lifting my weapon when I hear two barely audible cracks and I see two red spots appear on the side of the radhog. I watch it stumble and slide across the ground as it lets out a final squeal.

Then Ginger turns back and trots over towards it. From the barn I see Xochitl come trotting out with the SIR slung across his back.

He and Ginger trot at each other and I watch as they both jump up on their hind legs, bump chest, spin around back onto all fours and bump flanks, then turn to face each other and slap first left hoof to left hoof, then right hoof to right hoof. Then they start laughing. I hear Xochitl tell Ginger, “Thanks for letting me use your SIR, it sure is a sweet weapon.”

She smiles, “I had hoped you would like it. Besides, I know you are a much better shot than me.”

I go over to them, “What were you two doing?” I ask them.

Ginger looks at me with a smile on her face, next to her Xochitl seems to be very proud. Ginger then tells me, “We were getting bacon ma, lots of bacon.”

I immediately facehoof. I really need to get these two back into school.

“OK, you two, but do you know how to prepare it?” I ask.

Both shake their heads no. Oh no, this could be a problem. “Ok, you two, one of you go get Xavier, we need to hang it and bleed it out first, I will go talk to Trouble and see if he knows.”

Xochitl goes and gets his father, as he approaches, he already has a length of rope with him. “Good morning Major, Xochitl tells me we need to hang a hog.”

“Thanks Xavier, yeah, they at least got it close to home before shooting it I guess.”

He smiles “Yes, they do seem rather obsessed with bacon. I am starting to worry some.”

I nod my head, “Me too, do you know how to prepare this for cooking?” I ask.

He shakes his head, “No, but we can at least get it off the ground.”

After we are done, I tell them, “I will be back in a bit. I am heading to Trouble’s and Blondie’s anyway, so perhaps they will know how to prepare it.”

I walk the short distance to Trouble and Blondie's new farm. I see they are living out of a tent near the main house. I also notice several wagons from the old caravan there. I see several different groups of ponies all working at the same time. One bunch is working on the barn. Another on the old farmhouse itself. Two more groups are working in the fields trying to recover them. I also notice one more that is closer to the main road. They are clearing out the brush and trees from beside the road. There is also the rough frame of a building being set up there.

As I approach the farmhouse I see Trouble and he waves to me. As I head over to them, I hear Ginger ask, “I wonder where Sunny is?”

“I am sure he is around here somewhere,” I tell her.

“Hey cous, what brings you over? Not that I mind, but I figured you would be in visiting Sutures.” Trouble tells me.

“Hey Trouble, I was planning on visiting you anyways, but I have some bad news,” I tell him.

His expression changes from one of happiness to very serious as he says, “I knew things were starting out too good.”

“Trouble, it’s about Tar,” I tell him, I am nervous and I am sure it comes through in my voice.

“Oh, no, what happened? Is she ok?” He asks.

I look down at the ground, then back at him, “She is in the Stable medical department right now. It seems a few of the guards decided to rough her up some.”

I see a wave of slow anger begin to grow in him and he asks, “How bad was it? Is her foal ok?”

I sigh, “Trouble, they broke her jaw and a couple of ribs. She will be ok, but she is in rough shape right now. Sutures checked her out and says the foal is ok.”

“Sutures checked her out?” he asks somewhat surprised.

I nod my head, “Yes. She got out of her bed and hobbled over to where Tar was being treated and helped with her. She says she will be ok.”

“I am glad to hear that, but still. Do they know which guards did it?”

“Sorry Trouble, while they have a couple of suspects, I can not say for certain.”

“Ok, thanks for telling me Mollygirl. Anything else going on?” he asks.

I smile, “Well one more thing, Ginger and Xochitl shot a radhog this morning. Do you know how to butcher one?”

He laughs, “Are you serious? No, I don’t but Stir Fry is just over by where we are starting to set up a new town for our crew to live in and build up.”

“Thanks Trouble, do you mind if I borrow her to help and teach us how to do this.”

“No, not at all, but how about you send us back a couple of slabs of meat. I would really enjoy some good bacon or a radhog stew.” He tells me with a look of hunger on his face.

“Sounds good, By the way, I am really glad to see you have so much help with getting the farm set up. You guys will have it up and running in no time.” I tell him.

“Thanks. Once we get this one up, we have three others to start on. We set up an experimental program with the Reclaim bureau to help with all the refugees we have had come into the settlement.”

“Glad to hear it Trouble. I will stop by later; I best go talk to Stir Fry and get that Radhog taken care of.”

He laughs again lightly, “Yeah you better, see you then cous.”

As I get ready to go find Stir Fry, I see Ginger is up on the porch of the house talking with Sunny. He has a serious look on his face and as she whispers something into his ear, I see him nod his head and he puts out a hoof to shake it with hers. I wonder what that was all about.

When I go to find Stir Fry, Ginger trots to catch up with me. “Where you going ma?” She asks.

“Stir Fry is down this way. I am sure she could help us with the radhog.”

“Cool, do you think she would want to buy some of the meat?” Ginger asks with wide eyes.

“I don’t know Ginger, you should probably offer her some of it for helping us butcher it if she does.”

Once we get to the area where they are setting up the framework for several buildings. I see her standing there talking to a couple of the bucks and two ghouls.

“I know that a second story is not standard for a bunkhouse. Now listen, once we get the farms renovated, we will be converting it over to a hotel and saloon.” She argues with them.

She sees me coming up and excuses herself. “Hey LT she says as she sees me and Ginger approach.”

“Hey Stir Fry, I got a couple of questions for ya.” I tell her as we shake hooves.

Ginger looks at Stir Fry and tells her, “Come on Stir Fry, ya know she is a major now.”

Stir Fry smiles at Ginger and tells her, “I know but it is an old habit and to tell the truth, in my mind she will always be the LT. The one who got us through.”

I feel my face heat up in embarrassment, “Thanks Stir, but please, just call me Mollygirl if you would like.”

She smiles, “Thanks Mollygirl. Now, what can I do for you two today? Sorry, but we don’t have any crawdaddys.”

My mouth almost starts watering at the thought of them. I then tell her, “Well Xochitl and Ginger took down a radhog this morning and we were wondering if you knew how to butcher one and if you could teach us how to.”

She smiles and tells us, “Now that sounds good, but how about you let me take some of that radhog in payment for teaching you?”

I look at Ginger and tell her, “That is up to you dear, but I would say it sounds fair.”

Ginger then holds out a hoof, “Deal Stir Fry.”

They shake on it and Stir tells us, “I have to let Trouble and some others know where I am going, give me a couple of minutes.”

A short time later we arrive back at the farm. Stir Fry looks at Ginger and Xochitl and tells them, “You know this is a good-sized radhog, If you get one every so often, I would be glad to buy it from you for a fair price to feed to those at the reclaim projects. Once those are done, I will need meat for my restaurant also. Would you two be interested?”

I see the two youngsters look at each other then they shake hoofs with her, “Sounds good to us Stir Fry.”

I see her smile, “I look forward to doing more business with you. Now let’s start working on this beast.”

I watch as both Ginger and Xochilt pay close attention to her about how to first field dress and then proceeds to discuss how to properly butcher it.

After a while, I see both Archer and Sumac returning from their day trip. Archer lets me know that he will be keeping Sutures company tonight.

Sumac then tells me that the youngsters can return to school next week. However, they will have to repeat this year of schooling as they are now too far behind to advance.

It is getting close to dinner when Magpie comes home. I see the look of disgust on her face as she sees the carcass mostly disassembled still hanging from the tree.

“Mollygirl, what is that doing there?” she asks me.

“Ginger and Xochitl got it this morning. They wanted bacon, so they decided to do something about it. Stir Fry is showing them how to butcher it. I have watched a bit, too. It is kind of interesting.”

“Mollygirl, that is disgusting, not interesting. We really need to get those two back into school if they are going to be like this. Also, could you introduce me to Stir Fry, I have not met her yet?”

As we go over to her, I hear Stir Fry tell the youngsters, “Excuse me for a bit, I will be back in a bit. Please continue as we were discussing earlier.”

She then comes over to me, “Hey Mollygirl. Who is this?” she asks.

I smile, “Stir, this is my wife Magpie, Magpie this is Stir Fry. She ran a cooking wagon with the civilian caravan.”

Stir starts to hold out a hoof then looks down and thinks better of it. “Sorry Magpie, I would shake hooves, but mine is more than a bit dirty right now. It is good for me to finally be able to put a face to the name though. Mollygirl told me all about you on the expedition.”

I see a bit of light shine in Mag’s eyes as she responds, “It is great to meet you too Stir. I had not realized she talked about me so much.”

Stir nods her head, “She certainly did. Even when she was with Archer and Sutures. I don’t know if you realize how important you are to her.”

I see Magpie, blush, “I am starting to get the idea, thank you. After having spent last night at the hospital with Sutures, and having spent the last couple of nights with Archer, I can understand how she may have fallen in love with them too, but I really did need to hear from someone outside of us, how she felt about me too. Thank you.”

Stir Fry smiles, “Your welcome Magpie, I am glad I could help. Mollygirl became a good friend of mine on our trip here. Maybe I can even teach you how to cook some of her favorite meals from the expedition if you would like.”

I see her start to look offended, but Stir Fry holds up a hoof, “Magpie, she has told me how wonderful a cook you are, but I cook meat also, and I could teach you how to cook it too. Besides, I am sure Ginger would appreciate someone here learning how to cook meat, and I have already heard how bad Mollygirl is in the kitchen.”

I see Magpie smile at that, “Actually I would appreciate that. I am sure you are right about Ginger too as I have never seen a pony who is so obsessed with bacon.”

Stir Fry smiles, “Well there does seem to be something about bacon. I mean I have heard it referred to as a gateway food.”

I laugh at that when I remember who said it to me the last time. A memory from the Valley, but not a bad one.”

Then I ask Magpie, “Have you heard how Tar is doing?”

Magpie tells me, “They tried to keep me away from her. She woke up this morning, but still could not talk. Her jaw is still healing.”

I close my eyes and shake my head. This is followed by Stir asking, “What do you mean her jaw is still healing? What happened to Tar?”

I tell her about what happened. She is quiet for a bit. Then she quietly says, “Let me know what I can do to help.” I can hear the fury in her voice as she continues, “She became my friend too.”

“I know Stir, but the investigation is still ongoing. So, I have been told I have to keep my mouth shut.”

Stir nods her head and says, “I understand, but I would not want to be them once their names get out to those that were in the CEF.”

I nod my head and I hear Xochitl say, “I agree Stir Fry, that would not be good for them at all. By the way, we have finished what we were doing to the radhog,” effectively changing the topic of conversation.

“Ok, this time I will show you how to preserve the meat in salt. I will have to show you how to smoke it as soon as we can get a smokehouse set up. If you all have any canning jars, I could show you how to do that sometime also.” She tells us.

Ginger is next to us listening and then asks, Stir Fry could you show us how to fry bacon?”

I see Magpie make a disgusted expression and I laugh.

“Sure Ginger, but that would depend upon what you are having for dinner already. I do not want to ruin the meal for everypony else who does not like meat.”

About this time Sumac comes up to us, “Dinner is ready, you all need to go clean up first. You too Stir Fry, I have a place set for you already and I expect you to eat with us. After dinner, you can show us how to cook a bit of bacon and I may even try some. I heard both Ginger and Xochitl calling it meat candy the other day.”

Stir agrees and as they go to clean up before dinner, I feel Magpie hug me from behind and she kisses me on my cheek. “I love you Mollygirl, thank you for being faithful and still caring about me as long as you could. I am sorry I felt hurt, but after Badger and all I began to no longer feel special.”

I lean into her, “Magpie you will always be special to me. As will our spouses. But never doubt that I love you please.”

She nods her head, and then whispers in my ear, “She is so sweet, I now understand how you could fall for her too. By the way, you never told me about the taste of fresh-cut grass.”

My eyes go wide as I realize what she is talking about, “Sorry, I figured that was something that you needed to find out for yourself when you were ready. Now shall we join the others for dinner?”

She smiles knowingly at me as she answers, “Yes, I think so.” She smiles then wraps her tail around my neck as she leads me up to the house for dinner.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Recently several members of my family have returned from a long journey. During the time they were gone, many changes have occurred to us and others. None of us are the same ponies we were before. Thinking about those changes I ask that you play the song Broken for all of us.

Thank you

Magpie,

Manesville Co-op

In this chapter, we see several of the former members of the expedition trying to pick up their lives and carry on. As often happens we also see that those who have experienced a traumatic experience or period in their lives have a very deep bond with those who experienced it with them, which will cause them to stand together more so than normal. The Valley is such a major focal point for those who were there.

For those readers who may be US veterans who know this feeling all too well. If it gets too bad do not be afraid to reach out for help at the Veterans Crisis Line. Phone number 1-800-273-8255 press 1. Ther is also a confidential crisis chatline at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ or test to 838255.

For those who would like to hear it, the Youtube link for this chapters dedication song is:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdofi6kXNaQ