That night I wake twice once to my own nightmares, once to Ginger’s, as she crawls into bed with me and Magpie, dragging her stuffed pony with her. As she climbs on the bed with us, I lift the blanket for her, “You Ok Ginger?” I ask.

I hear her sniffle, “Yeah, I guess. I dreamed I was back at Targhee again.”

I wrap a hoof around her and pull her closer, “I understand dear. That place still haunts me too. Try and get some sleep dear, if you want, we can talk about it in the morning.”

“Ok ma, I will think about it, maybe, but I doubt I will want to talk about it.” She tells me.

Behind me, I feel Magpie shift a bit, and her hoof shifts from holding me to resting on Ginger. I run my hooves through Ginger’s mane and soon I feel her falling asleep and I hear her breathing shift.

In the morning Archer comes into the room to wake us. “Mares, Sumac has breakfast ready.”

Behind me I hear Magpie, “UHH, 10 more minutes, come on, today is my day off.”

I smile at that, and I hear Ginger ask, “What’s for breakfast Papa Archer?”

I smile as he approaches her, “Well, today we are taking it easy on the radhog. Sorry Ginger, but your stomach needs a break. Instead, Sumac made pancakes with mixed berries.” He then leans down so she can climb onto his back and I have to smile as she readily climbs onto him, as she has me, oh so many times.

“OK Papa, but I still get coffee, right?”

“Yes, Ginger, you still get coffee,” he answers with a gentle laugh.

As he turns to go with Ginger, I tell him, “I will be out in a bit dear. Thank you for waking me.”

I see the grin on his face, “Dear, it was my pleasure. Perhaps tonight I can put you to sleep also?”

“Ummm, that sounds so good Archer, I think so. Whose turn is it to spend the night at the stable with Sutures is it though?” I ask.

Behind me I hear Magpie answer, “I do believe it is my turn to spend the night with her. If not, I would still like to. I have a few things I want to talk to her about, as well as just spend some more time with her.”

Archer nods his head, “Sounds good to me Mags. Remember Trouble and his family are coming for dinner though,” he reminds us.

I hear Magpie sigh, “Yeah, I forgot about that, but next time. Maybe I can stop by their place before I head into the Stable.” She tells us as she shifts and begins to get out of bed.

Archer then looks at her with a raised eyebrow and asks, “I thought you were going to try and sleep a bit more?”

She looks at him and sighs, “I did, but that was before this little one decided to tap dance on my bladder.” She tells us and quickly trots out of the room.

It is then that the urge hits me also. Oh no, it seems the race is on and she has a head start. “Excuse my Archer, I got to go too, and I jump up and quickly head out of the room.

Behind us, I hear Ginger giggling as she watches us trot out so fast, and I hear her asks, “So how about those pancakes papa?”

After Breakfast Magpie goes over to visit Trouble and Blondie before we all head into to see Sutures. Myself, I go with Ginger and Sumac to start inspecting the crops and fence lines. I am not too far from the bunkhouse that Xavier and his family are living in. I am reattaching a fence railing when Persimmon decides to come up to me.

She comes up to me with an angry expression on her face and says to me, “So there you are.”

“Morning Persimmon, is there something I can help you with?” I ask.

I am not trying to inflame the situation; I can tell she is already upset. She then begins to yell at me, “How dare you even show your face around here. It wasn’t bad enough that you had to take my husband but my son also with you on your little escapade.”

I simply stand there and let her rant at me. As she continues, she even accuses me of trying to take her family. I let that slide figuring she is just venting, then she says “Just because you can’t keep your own stallion satisfied.”

I shake my head and try to walk away, but she reaches over with a forehoof and grabs me, I growl at her, “Do not lay a hoof on me again or I will not be responsible for my actions.”

To the side I hear Xochitl yell, “Father, get out here now!”

I see Xavier come to the door and look startled, then he is running at us. Just then Persimmons says, “When were you ever responsible for your actions, all you ever do is take what is other ponies.”

As she lifts her hoof to hit me, I see Xavier slide to a stop and grab her forehoof in his, “ENOUGH!” he yells at her.

She pulls her forehoof free and stamps it on the ground, “No Xavier it is not. She has destroyed my family.”

I am incredulous when she says this. I squint my eyes and shake my head “What?”

Xavier then looks at her as he steps between us, “No Persimmon, she has not. You still have your husband and your son. But if you continue to act like this, you may not much longer.”

I hear her gasp, “You, you would leave me to defend her?” she says in a hurt voice.

He looks her right in the eyes, “No, I would tell you to go for not doing the right thing and for blaming others for that which is not their fault. Did you forget who was responsible for saving us? WE still owe a life debt. Or did you conveniently forget that my wife?”

She looks at him with an expression that combines anger and sorrow, “You keep throwing that in my face, but I am the one who has to deal with your nightmares, our son’s nightmares. She is not the one who has to deal with what she has wrought with our family.”

He shakes his head, “No Persimmon, she is not the one who did it to us. He, he is dead. Our son left home by his own choice, she never wanted him to come along. She never talked to him about it. But once he was there, it was too late. It was my choice, not hers for him to be a scout. Place the blame on me if you must, but leave the Major out of it.”

I see her half close her eyes and pin her ears back, “The Major, you cannot even call her by her name now. Like she is some kind of hero or something,” she all but spits.

I close my eyes and shake my head. There is nothing I can say or do that will change her mind. Then I hear him tell her, “Let’s go back to the house dear,” as they turn to go to the house, he turns toward me, “I am sorry Major, please forgive her outburst.”

I sigh, “No need to apologize, Xavier, I am sure there are plenty more around here who feel the same way.

“Perhaps, but Major, it still does not make it right. I will talk to you later.” He tells me and they head back to the bunkhouse.

I turn back to the fence and I hear Xochitl ask me, “Major, do you want a hoof with the fence?”

I sigh and tell him, “I could use a hoof, but I am not sure I should keep you away from your mother right now.”

“It’s ok, it gives my father time alone with her. Besides if they fight again, I don’t want to be there for it,” he tells me.

“I am sorry Xochitl, for causing so much trouble for your family.”

“Major, it was not you that caused the trouble ok?”

“I guess, but they never used to fight like this before the expedition,” I tell him.

He half-smiles, “No, but I never ran away before, and she never thought I would fight alongside my father.”

I nod my head as I put the fence rail back in place and start to hammer the nail into it. After the first nail is in, I pause, “Yeah, I can understand that, but I wish she would quit blaming me.”

With an expression far beyond his years he tells me “But Major, you represent the highest military power around here. In a way, she is not blaming you, but the CDF for taking us away. You just happen to be the one getting to open the mail.”

I laugh lightly and turn my head as I look at him and tell him, “Xochitl for a young stallion, you have a good head on your shoulders. Thank you for helping me to look at it that way.”

He moves his forehoof not holding the rail in a slight arc, “It is nothing Major. Sometimes we just have to look at things a bit differently. But we best hurry on this one, my forelegs are getting tired ma’am.”

“Ok, sorry about that Xochitl,” I tell him then I quickly move to the other end and pound in a couple of nails there before I return to finish this end.

We continue like this for a couple of hours. Finally, once the fence is finished Xochitl asks, “Major, can I go and see Ginger now?”

Without even thinking I rub my forehoof over his forelock, “Sure thing, thanks for the help. I really do appreciate it.”

He smiles at me, performs a slight bow as he tells me, “Your welcome,” and then he turns and runs off to find Ginger.

All I can do is smile and shake my head as I watch him go, thinking back to the memories of me and Ivy at that age. I make a decision then as I take a deep breath. I return the can of nails and the hammer to the barn. I then walk across the road to the cemetery and do something I should have earlier.

“Hi Ivy,” I say as I sit by her and Epona’s grave, “I am sorry I am late getting back over here. Just a lot has gone on.” I pause and take another deep breath as I organize my thoughts.

“Sweetheart, I am sorry I did not realize how you felt about me sooner. While I was gone, I somehow came across a machine that opened to another version of this world. And you, well their version of you came through. She told me we had been married 8 years,” I feel a slight tear in my eye and wipe it away before I continue. “Damn it, eight years. Eight years we could have been married. She had Epona with her too. It was wonderful to see her. She even had her cutie mark. Ginger got a bit jealous of that, but you know how sisters can be.”

I look away into the distance and sigh, then I look back at the grave marker, and continue, “I hope you do not mind, but we have added four ponies to our family. I have officially adopted Ginger. She is my daughter now. Then, well on the expedition I found out I had feelings for both Archer, you remember him, the staff pony who was short, heavy, and wore glasses. Well turns out he is one hell of a stallion. Besides him, we also have added Sutures. You probably would remember her as the medic we all called Stitches. She is a really sweet mare also. I fell so hard for her, but I remained faithful to our family as long as I could.” I bow my head down slightly embarrassed as I tell her, “I didn’t give in until I finally figured we would not make it out of there alive. Now the last pony, she would either have you laughing so hard you couldn’t stand, or it would weird you out. But I think you would be laughing. It seems our husband couldn’t resist the urge and, well Your mother Sumac is now in the fold. Just with the stallions though. You know it may seem funny but it really feels good sometimes just to have all of them here. Besides, it will be nice to have the extra hooves with all the foals we have coming. So far Badger has knocked up Magpie, your mom, and me. Yeah, me. I wailed like a baby at the hospital because I did not think I could get pregnant after my injuries. Funny thing is, I was already pregnant. Just the right timing too, so that I was able to not lose her.” I shift my forehoof to my belly, “Yeah I know, you probably already knew, somehow I have a feeling you both knew. I miss you love; I think of you every day. I best get going I’ll be back again sometime. I love you and I can’t wait to see you again someday.” I tell her. As I stand up to go, I feel a warm breeze come over me and smile. Just the timing alone. Then I turn and head back into the house.

Shortly after I clean up, Sumac comes back into the house by herself.

“Where is Ginger?” I ask.

Smiling she answers, “Her and Xochitl will be along shortly, they were just out playing a bit. I saw them sneaking around through the woods. They really have gotten good at that.”

I nod my head and give her a sad smile back, “Yeah, unfortunately. I really wish they would not have had to.”

“Mollygirl, you really need to stop beating yourself up about that. I have talked to the others who were there. It was not you that chose it for them, you did not make them leave home. In fact, I know you would have told them not to.”

“Your right Sumac, but still. I do feel guilty about it.”

She comes over and gives me a hug like she was still ma. I lean into it and sigh, “Thanks Sumac, I really needed that.”

“I know dear, we all do from time to time. Just because we are all involved in our weird relationship does not mean I can’t treat you like my daughter. Funny thing is I wonder what Ivy would say?” she says.

I laugh lightly. Then I ask her “Sumac, have you thought about names yet?”

I see her eyes open, “I know I should, but no. I guess I am like Bullet is with Em, just afraid it will bring bad luck. Why? Have you?”

I nod my head, “If my little one is a filly, I want to name her Wind Mill, or Millie after my great-grandmother.”

“And if it is a little colt?” she asks.

“I am not sure yet, I may let Badger decide on a colts name. But for some reason, I just feel like my foal is a little mare.”

I see her smile as she says, “I understand that. I already had my little filly, she is gone now, but I would not mind a little colt this time. However, I will just be happy as long as they are healthy.”

I give her a hug back, “Thanks Sumac, for sharing this with me. Can I ask you something?”

She nods yes. So, I continue, “Were you ever afraid to be a parent?”

She nickers a bit and then replies, “Every dang day dear. I always was afraid I was doing the wrong thing. Tartarus, I am terrified right now, but with all these youngsters getting started at about the same time we all will be sharing it.”

We notice the time and realize we need to start getting dinner ready for Trouble and his family. We begin making a large salad and I see her take out a couple of chunks of radhog bacon. I give her a questioning look and she tells me, “Ginger told me that bacon on a salad was really good, so I thought I would make some for everypony tonight. Besides if Magpie is not going to be here it makes it easier by not having to avoid the meat.”

About that time, I hear the door to the kitchen and Magpie comes in and joins the conversation, “Thanks Sumac for being so considerate,” she goes over and gives Sumac a hug as she digs out a cup and fills the teapot from the pump.

“I do try Magpie; I know it can not be easy being just about the only herbivore amongst all these omnivores,” she tells her.

“That’s ok,” Magpie tells her, “besides I can’t complain too much if I am not the one doing the cooking or choosing the menu. I hope you don’t mind but I am going to have some tea before I head into the stable, do either of you want some?”

We both let her know we would enjoy some. Then Sumac asks “Where’s Archer at dear?”

Magpie smirks, “Him, Trouble, and Xavier are all having a cider at the new pub that was opened over at the settlement by Trouble’s place.”

“You know they are going to have to come up with a name for it soon.” I chime in.

Magpie gets up and takes the whistling pot off the burner and tells me, “Well they have suggested a couple of names. I have heard they suggested White Cloud, and Blackbird so far. Maybe at dinner tonight you can make a suggestion if you have one.”

“Hmm, that is an interesting thought. I don’t know if any of us have named a new settlement in the Co-op before. I know usually they just go with what it was called before the war,” I shrug my shoulders, “I will see if I can think of anything, but both of those two names sound good to me.”

We enjoy our tea together, toward the end Ginger comes in and joins us. “Hi Ma’s” she greets us without skipping a beat.

“Hi, Dear,”

“Hello, sweetheart,”

“Hello, dear,”

We all greet her, as she grabs a cup, sits down with us, and makes herself some tea. “Sorry I got back so late mama Magpie,” she says then adds, “Xochitl and I were exploring some of the old caves on the back 40 acres.”

I raise an eyebrow, remembering when Ivy and I did that too. But Magpie tells her, “You need to be careful when exploring those, you never know what you could find.”

Ginger waves her hoof, “Oh nothing serious, just a few cases of cram somepony stuck there and an old radio. There was a skeleton on a mattress too.”

I shake my head, “Ginger, please be more careful, we don’t need you running into a Feral that we did not know was there. In fact, I had thought Ivy and I had found all the caves around here. Tomorrow I will have you show me that one.”

She nods her head, “Ok ma, it was kind of dark in there so we did not go too far in.”

“Well, I am glad you used some common sense dear,” I tell her, but now my curiosity is up.

Once we are finished with our tea Magpie gets up and tells us, “Well I best head on over to the Stable. Please tell Archer I said goodnight and I will see all of you tomorrow.”

As she passes by me, she gives me a hug and a kiss, “Good night love. Sleep well,” she tells me.

I smile and give her a little peck on her forelock, “You too dear, I will see you then. Oh, and please tell Sutures I am sorry I could not make it in today, but I will be there tomorrow for sure.”

She smiles and nods her head then heads into the bedroom and quickly packs her saddlebag, then heads out the door and toward the stable. I smile as I watch her trot happily away. Yeah, my spousal situation may be weird, but ya know, it seems to be working for us. Then I go back into the kitchen and help Sumac finish making dinner.

At dinner that night I am sitting next to Archer, Badger is at one end of the table with Sumac next to me. Across from me is Blondie and next to us on the other end is Trouble. Next to Blondie is Sunny and then Ginger. Ginger is almost giddy with excitement about the bacon pieces on the salad.

As we are eating and talking Archer tells me, “Mollygirl, they have moved Tar back into the security cells now. The MP’s have taken over for now.”

Trouble raises an eyebrow at this and says nothing as I ask, “Did they determine who was responsible for the attack on her yet?”

Archer nonchalantly says, “They have not caught them, but they know that the actual attackers were One Roll and Hobbles. They are looking for them now.”

I see Sunny’s head pop up then, “They still looking for ‘em, Oh I would not want to be them if my kin catches ‘em first.”

Trouble only nods his head. As he does this, I see Blondie glance from Archer to him and then to Sunny.

I almost facehoof. Damn it, Archer do you realize what you have just done, I think to myself.

Then I see the slight grin on Archer's face as he looks at Ginger, and changes the subject by asking her, “Ginger, do you think you and Xochitl might like to make a night hunt sometime soon with me?”

Before she can answer I see a slight grin come over Trouble’s face. Then Ginger tells him, “Sure Papa Archer, maybe Xavier could join us even. Would feel like old times.”

Sunny is so excited at this point I notice he has started to hover about his seat, and I watch as Blondie gently puts a hoof on his shoulder and with a light touch reminds him to sit back down.

After dinner, Blondie and I wash the dishes then we join the others in the parlor. We turn on DJ Pon3 and are listening to the music when I hear a knock on the door. I get up to answer it, I notice out of the corner of my eye Ginger slide over to the rifle rack and takes down her SIR and she nods to me. Ok, something defiantly feels off about this. I see Sumac grab her old Shotgun from the Kitchen and I see Ginger slide out the back door from a darkened kitchen.

As I open the door, I am surprised to see Grey Water standing there. I see his eyes go wide as he sees that Sumac is right behind me, and then he hears Ginger tell him from the dark, “Move very slowly, and you live, mister. But the others with you better not move.”

Slowly Grey put his hoof back down, “Evening Mollygirl, Sumac. Sorry to bother you folks, I came to let Sunny and Trouble know we have a lead on those two who attacked Tar.”

Before I can answer I hear Ginger say, “Then what are you waiting for, let’s go.”

Trouble steps forward, “Thank you father, but why Sunny?”

He laughs hoarsely, “Because your son came and told me their names a couple of days ago when I stopped by your place Trouble,” Then he jerks his head at Ginger and says, “I am guessing this filly out her is the one who told him their names.”

Oh, for the love of the Goddesses, Ginger what have you done I think to myself. “If you know where they are, I will assist you in taking them into custody, no killing them unless it is necessary,” I tell them.

Then I look at Ginger, “You might want to go Get Xavier and Xochitl to help us also.”

From around the corner of the house, I hear Xochitl say, “We are already ready Major. Father is in the barn already.

I see the look of shock on Grey Water’s Face as he realizes he was in a deadly trap along with most of his family if he had been trying to attack us, and his face goes pale. “Mollygirl, what the Tartarus?” is all he can say.

Trouble answers him, “Most of us are combat veterans of the wastelands now father, even the two youngsters. Your own Grandson has attacked an adult Griffon bare hooved to defend others, you might want to let the word get out to leave them, as well as my settlement alone. Yah know, just in case any of them get the wrong idea.”

I see Grey nod his head, “Yeah, just in case. Damn, I think I would rather attack that stable now. It would be safer.”

Ginger laughs, “You might say that sir, you might say that, then I hear her call, "Papa Archer, you want to join us for a night hunt?”

I hear him laugh, “Yeah, lets go get the sons of mules that did this to family.”

I see Grey’s jaw drop and he asks, “Did he just call Tar family?”

I nod my head and tell him, “Yes Grey he did. I found out right before the expedition we are related. Trouble knows, Tar knows, hell the entire CEF knew. But Grey, just because we are family, do not think you can treat me the way you did your children. I will kill you, and if I don’t the rest of my herd will.”

I see him take a step back in shock and he says, “What happened to the quiet officer that I met before the expedition?”

In answer, I throw my head so my mane shifts from over the right side of my face and I tell him, “The same thing that has happened to Tar; Silver Spite. Now let me get my gear and we can go.”

I see Sumac standing in the door as she watches us all leaving the yard loaded for Ursa Minors. I wave to her and call out “We will be back soon Sumac.” Then we all follow Grey down the road.

We travel with very little being said between us. Once we get to the area where the Water family think they are in, I order everyone to form a circle around it, Ginger looks up at me and tells them, “Ma, have everypony else stay back and cover us, Xochitl and I will go scout it out.”

Xavier then tells her, “Ginger, I will go with you two.”

She shakes her head, “Corporal, I think it is best we go without you for a quick sneak and peak, they won’t expect us to be armed and if you come it will escalate the situation.”

I stand there listening to her and have to agree with her logic. Beside me I see Grey is in shock listening to a filly talk like a soldier, much less having two adults listen to her reasoning. I don’t like it, but I have to agree with her, “Very well Ginger, be careful dear, and no killing them or shooting them unless necessary.”

“Ok, thanks ma,” she says, and I see her move her ears signaling Xochitl as both she and he begin to slowly move toward the building in the distance.

Then I hear a voice call out. “Stop right there. I can see you on my EFS.”

Great, those security ponies still have their PipBucks. I turn mine on and realize our perimeter is just outside the range of their EFS. Outside the old building, I see the two yellow pips of Xochitl and Ginger. They are just outside the main door.

Then I hear Ginger’s voice say, “Please mister, were just two foals who are cold and hungry. We escaped from the slavers outside of Fillydelphia and are lost. We don’t even know where we are.”

I hear a laugh from inside the building. “You really don’t know where you are? You ever heard of the Co-op kid?”

Ginger calls back, “The what, what’s a Co-op?”

I hear the other voice say, “It’s just a couple of kids One Roll, let them in to get warm. Besides, maybe we can find out some information about the areas that lead away from here.”

Then I hear the voice I presume is One Roll say, “Yeah come on in kids.” I watch as Ginger and Xochitl both nod to each other and walk inside.

As they enter, I see them unsling their weapons and go in as if they are not expecting trouble.

The rest of us are moving closer when I see one of the red dots move toward a yellow one and I hear a quick shot, and I hear a scream.

The voice of the one I think is Hobbles yells out, “What are you doing One Roll? What the Tartarus.”

I hear two more quick shots fired, and I hear Xochitl yell out, “Both of you on the ground now or your dead ponies."

I then hear Ginger say, "I warned you now on the floor or my next shot goes into something more important than a knee.”

I hear the one howling in pain and as I reach the door frame, I hear Ginger say, “and perhaps that will teach you not to try and colt coddle my buck.”

When I enter the room I have the Deathbunny at the ready, I see both of the adults on the ground. The one is bleeding from a wound in his left hind knee.

Xochilt smiles, “Here they are Major. Still alive as you ordered.”

The non-wounded prisoner gaps at me and says, “Major? The military is involved in capturing us,” then he moans.

I look at Xochitl, “Thank you Xochitl for not using your zebra carbine. I find it much harder to put ashes on trial. Now to answer your question. No this is not a military operation. This is personal, very personal. Tar is family.”

Just as I am saying this Grey enters and sees both of them on the ground and the one bleeding, “Now I will teach you a lesson for messing with a Water.”

Before I can say anything Ginger looks at him and says, “No Grey, they are my prisoners and will be treated as such. But they will pay for what they did to cousin Tar.”

I see a flash of anger cross his face and he takes a step toward Ginger, “How dare you say something like that to me you young whelp.”

I step forward and growl as I tell him, “Go ahead Grey, try it, you lay a hoof on my daughter and I will end you. I warned you once.”

Ginger has shifted at this point and has her SIR-15 covering Grey and tells him, “Unlike your daughter, this filly already has body count, you try and lay a hoof on me or the ones I love I will add to it, no matter how much I do not want to.”

I see his jaw drop; I know he has never had anypony talk to him this way. I decide to ease the tension a bit, I lower my voice and tell him, “Grey the only ones who have heard this are in this room. Now it can stay that way, I want you to think. If you go along with my plans, you still appear to be the head of the Water clan. But if you buck with me or mine…” I trail off.

I see him think and he nods his head, “OK Major, we will do it your way. But they better get what they have coming to them.”

I smile at him and tell him as I point to Ginger and Xochitl, “Grey, if they don’t, what do you think those two will do? They are very fond of Tar, and you see how they operate together.”

Grey nods his head, and I force both of the prisoners to stand. I have one of the others put a bandage on the wounded one. Then as a group, we force march them back towards the stable. I send off a quick message via PipBuck to Taser to let him know what has occurred.

We are almost all the way back to the stable when I see a group of military police ponies approach us from the other direction. When they get close enough Taser stops and salutes me. “Good evening Major, I would like to thank you and the others here for apprehending these fugitives. I will take custody of them If you would like,” Then he notices some of the others, and nods to them and greets them also, “Captain Badger, Lieutenant Archer, Corporal Xavier,”

I return his salute, “Good evening Taser, I am pleased to turn them over to your care and custody, however, we will escort them the rest of the way to the stable if you don’t mind.”

I see a look of concern come over his face, “Very well Major.”

I can tell when he notices the bandage on the one prisoner’s leg. He raises an eyebrow and asks, “Xochitl I presume?”

I chuckle a bit and Ginger puffs out her chest and tells him, “No, and no pony lays a hoof on my friend.”

I see Taser shake his head, “I guess not then. Damn, I forgot how dangerous both of them are.”

I see Flash Bang and one of the other MPs take up escorting positions. “Major, I understand you want to escort them back, but would you mind backing off say ten yards. That way my people are clearly in charge now.”

I nod my head, “Of course Taser, they are in your custody now.” I have mine and Grey’s ponies back off.

As we are marching back to the stable Taser drops back to talk to me. Grey is on one side of me and Archer and Badger a bit to my other. Taser then asks me, “So Major, where did you get this large a posse at?”

I laugh and tell him, “Grey found him and we just took the family to go capture them.”

I see his eyes get wide, “Did you say, family Major?”

I nod my head, “Yep, with the exception of Xavier and Xochitl, these are all family.”

I see him shaking his head he says, “We never had this large of families in the stable.”

I look at him, smile, and tell him, “What you see here is the results of One mare who had two foals after a century,” I smile at him, just think how large your family could be someday with both Sweets and Cookie.”

I see a surprised look on his face and he looks back at all of us, “These are all from one mare?”

Grey then all but spits out, “Yeah, but she didn’t want our grandmother.”

I stop and put a hoof on Grey’s chest, “That is pure manure, Grey. I have read her diary, I have seen some of her memories, Millie wanted that foal more than you can imagine, but Oatie forced her to give it up because another stallion fathered it. We can talk more about this later. I can even show you the journals. But SHE WANTED THAT FOAL. That’s what broke her Grey.”

I see the surprise on his face as well as many of the other members of the Water family around him. Then I turn and I begin to trot to catch up with the prisoners.

Behind me, I hear Badger tell Archer, “Now, you know why I want you to teach me more. I am afraid of what might happen if I really get her upset.”

I walk the rest of the way back next to Taser without saying anything. I am surprised though when we get to the back entrance of the stable. Not only is there a sturdy set of doors, but I see that they have fortified around it and there are regular members of the CDF standing guard, rather the security ponies or MPs.

Taser notices my expression and tells me, “With most of the security ponies relieved and the MPs now on guard detail for the stable lock up, the overs asked the CDF to pick up the slack for guarding the entrances.” He then turns back to those who are following us. “Thank you for assisting on the escort. Those of you who do not have clearance to enter can head home now, they will not be going anywhere.”

Xavier and Xochitl come over to me and tell me, “Major, we will wait for you out here.”

“Thank you, I do appreciate it, but it might be a bit.”

Xavier smiles at me and tells me, “That’s ok, I don’t mind.” Then I watch them go over to the side and sit down. I see Trouble, Blondie and Sunny also go to sit and wait alongside Xavier. I have to smile when I see Sunny hovering over Xochitl and being all excited about what has happened.

The rest of us head inside. I watch as Badger and Archer both head toward the medical department while Ginger and I go to the security section.

Once there the MP behind the desk tells me, “Major before you can go any further, I will need you to remove your weapons. That goes for the young mare with you too.”

I nod my head and Ginger and I turn in our weapons and head to the back as Flash Bang processes Hobbles.

Once inside we go to Tar’s Cell. She is sitting up reading when we get there. She notices us, smiles, and sets the book down. “Well this is a surprise,” she says with a smile.

“Hey Tar, sorry it has been a couple of days. I just wanted to let you know that they have captured both Hobbles and One Roll.”

I see the smile come off her face and she backs herself into the corner some more. “They, they are not, here are they?”

I nod my head, “Yes. Well, Hobbles is being processed right now. They had to take One Roll to medical though.”

Tar looks up, “What happened, did my family beat him that badly?”

Ginger looks her in the eyes and tells her, “No, ma kept them out of trouble that way. However, One Roll is a colt coddler and was after Xochitl, so I shot him in the knee.”

I see the surprise on Tar’s face. Then hear her say, “Thank you, both of you. Tell Xochitl I am sorry he had to experience that please.”

Ginger nods her head “I will Cousin Tar. I will.”

We talk to her for a little bit more, then we leave. But before we go, we both give her a brief hug through the bars of the cell, and Ginger tells her, “Remember Tar, we are family, and we stick together.”

I see Tar smile and she tells us, “I will not forget Ginger. Thank you so much for everything.”

We gather our weapons on the way out and head over to medical next. When we get there, I see Sutures walking around with her new prosthetic on. She all but bounces when she shows it to me and Ginger. Off to the side, I see Magpie, Badger, and Archer all watching her walk on it.

As she is showing me it, she tells me, “They say if things are still good tomorrow, then I can go home in two more days.”

“That is wonderful dearest,” I tell her as I hug her. Then I am stunned as she rears up on her hind legs and shows me, she can balance that way too.

Ginger looks at it and I can tell she is impressed. “Wow, Mama Sutures, you have really gotten good at that.”

Sutures still smiling thanks her and finally goes back to her bed. She taps the spot on her mattress next to her and I see Ginger grin as she takes off her weapons and saddlebags and runs over and climbs up on the bed next to her.

“I have missed you so much Mama Sutures," she tells her, then she changes the subject, "You should have seen it tonight, Xochilt and me, we got the two who beat up cousin Tar.”

Sutures hugs her and smiles as she tells her, “That is what I heard, I am proud of you dear.”

We visit for a while then I tell Sutures, “Dear, I hate to say it, but we need to get back, besides Ginger starts school again this week.” Both of the bucks agree with me and we get up to leave.

We all say goodbye to her and leave her and Magpie for the night. We head back out the back entrance to the stable and meet up with Xavier, Trouble, and the others. As we head back, I hear Sunny excitedly talking to Xochitl and Ginger about school starting and he asks them if he can walk to school with them.

I see Ginger smile at him as she answers, “Of course Sunny. Xochilt and I would be more than happy to.”

I see Xochitl then nod his head, “Yeah Sunny, it will be nice to not be the only new colt at school.”

I had not really thought about that before, but he does make sense. Then I realize Ginger has used her weapon tonight, “Ginger, before bed, remember to clean your SIR.”

I hear her giggle, “Already planned on it ma. But thanks for the reminder anyway.

Once back at the farm Xavier and Xochitl say goodnight to everypony and I watch as he and Ginger hug and she gives him a kiss on the cheek.

Then Trouble and his family first say goodnight and thank Sumac for having them over for dinner. Trouble then tells her, “Sumac, I am sorry about the way this evening ended. Perhaps another time, or once our place is ready you all could have supper with us.”

I see Sumac smile at him, “Trouble, I would be glad to anytime. Besides, I guess now you could say we are going to be family.”

Trouble smiles at her, “I guess we are Sumac, and I am glad I am finally getting to know you as well as the rest of your family.”

I am then surprised when I see Sumac give Both Trouble then Blondie a hug, “Then she tells them I will see you both soon cousins.”

To say the least, the look of shock on both of their faces is priceless. Trouble then smiles and tells her, “See you later cousin,” as he and his family head back to their farm.

When I get inside, I see Ginger go straight to the rifle rack and she starts cleaning her weapon. I smile at this as she takes it as seriously as it should be. When she is done, I see her replace the rounds that she has used with new ones, she makes sure that the safety is on and places it back on the rack. Then she comes over, gives me a hug, and tells me, “Good night ma. Thanks for having my back.”

I put a hoof around her and place my chin on her head as I tell her, “Dear, I will always have your back.” She smiles then goes to get ready for bed. I smile when I see both stallions head in to tuck her into bed for the night.

I am sitting in the kitchen, having a cup of tea with Sumac and she smiles at me and tells me, “Dear, if you don’t mind, I will have Badger sleep in my room tonight. I think you need some one on one time with Archer.”

I put my hoof on hers and ask, “Are you sure, I mean, if you don’t want to, he can share the bed with me and Archer.”

“No dear, I don’t mind, besides, when was the last time you and Archer slept alone together?”

I look at her and I feel my mind grind to a halt, I am sitting there blinking as I try to remember, Then I look at the floor blushing as I tell her, “Never. I have never been alone with him like that.”

She pats the back of my hoof and I hear her say, “Then dear, it is time, he is really a special stallion.”

“Thank you, Sumac, I mean it.”

“I know you do Mollygirl, now let’s finish our tea and get to bed.” She quietly says to me.

A short time later I am laying in Archer’s hooves and I feel the foal moving. I see him smile and I feel his hoof move down to my stomach. He rubs it a bit, then I feel him shift as he moves his head down and puts it on my belly, and begins to talk to my foal. I only wish I could give him one too now. But this one will be enough for me. Besides I am sure Sutures and Magpie will be willing to more than makeup for my lack for him.

Later on, as we start to fall asleep, I have my head resting on his chest and I begin to talk. “Thank you, Archer, “I shift enough so I can see his face in the dim light, “Thank you for being willing to be part of this crazy family, thank you for not judging me, and most of all thank you for tonight.”

I see him smile as he runs his hoof through my mane. “Thank you for allowing us into your life Mollygirl. Please just know you are loved. I have wanted this for so long.”

I smile at him, “Me too love, me too.” I then bop him on his muzzle and tell him, “By the way you do realize this was the first time you and I have ever really been alone like this?”

He smiles and puts a hoof in front of his mouth, “Shhh, otherwise we will end up with Ginger in bed with us,” he says with a gentle laugh. Then I feel him shift in the bed and I feel his hooves start to caress me, and I feel him start to kiss my forelock, then he nuzzles my ears. I just smile and I give myself to him once again. I am such a lucky mare sometimes. Today, well, today was a good day.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Today, I saw something I never imagined, being born and raised in a stable, where families were always small it seemed. Today I saw a family that while they may not all get along; I saw a family come together to help each other to capture and bring to justice two ponies that had attacked a family member. It has made me reevaluate what I think of as family. Please play Got Your Back for that family as well as the family I am now beginning to build.

Thank You

Taser
Specialist, MP
Co-op Defense Force.

Again, I would like to thank Kkat for the creation of the world of FoE as well as so many other authors. I would also l like to thank those who take part in the online discussions concerning the world of FoE. I have learned a lot as well as gotten some very interesting ideas from all of you.

The YouTube link for this chapters dedication song for those who are interested is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7DGpZIXWaA