Chapter 61 Judgements and Decisions

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends." -J. R. R. Tolkien

As the night winds down, I take Ginger up to her room and tuck her into bed along with Sutures. Ginger then asks me, “Ma, they are going to punish him, aren’t they?”

“Yes dear, they are. They will be handing down his sentence tomorrow. Why?” I ask.

“Ma, I just want to make sure they pay for what they did to Tar. Oh, and for what the one tried with Xochitl.”

From next to me Sutures tells her, “Yes dear they will pay for what they did to Tar, but it is not up to us to make the decision how. The judge will do it.”

“Oh, Ma’s, if Xochitl goes to see it, can I go with him?”

Both Sutures and I nod our heads and I tell her, “Yes dear, we will have to talk with Xavier about it in the morning.”

By this point, she is getting sleepy and answers in a very tired sounding voice and with half-closed eyes, “Ok, thanks, love you guys.”

As she falls asleep we both smile at her and each other, then we head back down to the others.

We listen to the radio some more and enjoy the heat from the fireplace and each other. When it comes time to go to bed, Sutures, Magpie, and I all just feel tired and want each other’s company. Badger and Archer both follow Sumac upstairs to her room.

As I am lying there facing Magpie, I feel her foal kick against my belly. Then mine kicks back. Soon they seem to be doing it back and forth, almost like they are fighting. Finally, I roll the other direction and I hear Magpie tell her foal, “Settle down in there little one.” After which my foal as well as hers both quiet down.

I feel Sutures hoof on my shoulder as her forehoof goes over Magpies as she tries to cuddle both of us. Then I hear her quietly laugh, and say to herself, “Dang siblings aren’t even out of the womb yet and they are already fighting.”

After she says this, I hear Magpie laugh lightly and both she and I roll over to face towards Sutures. I hear Magpie give her a kiss and tell her, “Thank you dear, I needed that laugh.”

In the darkness, I barely see their silhouettes as Sutures kisses her back and tells her, “You’re welcome, I just wonder how all of them are going to get along.”

I smile and quietly tell them, “I am sure they will get along like all siblings, they will love each other, but it will be war, every chance they get.”

Both of them laugh at that and I am hit in the head by a pillow from Sutures as she says, “Really dear, now the jokes?”

After this, we all settle down and fall asleep. I am woken a couple of times during the night. Once by my nightmares and twice by theirs. It seems that day in the trenches was worse than I heard before on both of them.

At one point I get up to use the restroom and then just sit on the porch for a while. As I sit there watching the stars Woofers comes over and joins me. I end up relaxing both him and me as I talk to him and scratch his belly. After about an hour I am able to return to my room and go back to sleep. But by then the other two have shifted and I end up moving to the other side, where Sutures was. I cuddle up to her, I put my muzzle to the back of her neck and just breath in her scent. Soon I am as hard asleep as they are.

Come morning I get up quietly. I grab my uniform and sneak out of the room to get dressed. I am met by Sumac and the stallions in the Kitchen. After a quick breakfast, Archer, Badger, and I head out the door and back to the stable. As we are leaving Ginger comes downstairs to get ready for her day and we each say a quick goodbye to her.

After formation, I am bound for the courthouse to hear the sentencing. As I am waiting for the case to begin, I see Xavier come in followed by Xochitl, Ginger, and Sutures. They see me and give a quick wave and then sit at the few remaining seats they can find.

Finally, the moment comes that we have waited for. The judge calls the defendant to come before the bench. As he looks down upon One Roll he has a very stern expression on his face. Then he begins. “One Roll, you have been found guilty by a jury of your peers. I have it in my power to grant leniency upon you. However, I will not do so. In fact, because you betrayed the sanctity of your office as a member of law enforcement by your crime, then you tried to avoid punishment I hereby sentence you to twenty years of hard labor, with no chance of parole. Son, remember, for what you have done, you can never go home again.”

I watch as One Roll's head goes down and I hear him begin to sob. I see him almost fall but catch himself and then with tears streaming down his face, he is escorted out of the courtroom to begin his sentence.

I look over to Xavier and the others and I see Xochitl still with a stern expression on his face simply nod his head. Then all four of them get up and file out of the courtroom. Shortly afterward I follow them out and eventually am able to catch up with them.

As I reach them, I hear Xochitl tell Xavier, “Thank you, Father. I needed to see him get what he deserved.”

Xavier nods to his son and replies, “You are welcome, I too wanted to see that for what he has done. Let that be a lesson to both of you. The system can work very well, also that it is better to face up to what we have done than to run from it when we live in a just system.”

Ginger then looks at Xavier, “But what about Tar? What will become of her?”

Xochitl takes her tail in his and tells her, “Have faith, Ginger. Do not give up hope.”

Xavier nods his head and tells them, “Yes, but remember, she still will have to pay for what she has done.”

Once we are near the stable, I am surprised to find out that Xavier and Xochitl are both going in. It seems that they both have an appointment to see Moon Pie. I give Ginger a quick hug and Sutures a bit more and tell them, “I will see you both tonight.”

Ginger smiles and asks, “Ok Ma, but can you read me a story tonight? I missed not having one last night.”

“Ok, dear, I promise. You were really good last night just spending time with us.”

I see her smile, “Ma, I really enjoy spending time with all my parents, but I really enjoy my storytime too.”

“I am glad to hear that Ginger, I enjoy it too,” I tell her, then I notice the time and give Sutures a couple of caps to buy her and Ginger lunch. I then tell Sutures, how to get to Wanderers, the dirty feedbag that Windy had introduced me to.

Upon hearing about it Ginger asks, “Do they serve meat there too Ma?”

I smile and tell her, “Yes dear, but they also make a really good hayburger that you should try.”

I see her scrunch her face up a bit as she thinks about it, “Ok Ma, maybe I will.”

I see Sutures smile and she says, “That sounds really good dear, I will try it myself. Now you should go check-in.”

I give her one last quick kiss and then I trot on into the stable, barely noticing the Guards saluting me as I return them without thinking. Following behind me is Xavier and Xochitl. I get a kick out of watching Xochitl’s expression as he looks at everything. Then I hear him say, “Father, it amazes me how much different it is to go into a still functioning stable. It is nothing like Stable 4.”

That reminds me, I really do need to see if I can find anymore hints about the location of Stable 4B. I say nothing, but I hear Xavier tell him, “I agree son, I am still amazed every time I come in here.”

I raise an eyebrow at this, as I had not realized he was coming in here on a semi-regular basis.

He looks at me and with a half-smile, “Remember Major, as a scout with the Militia and CEF, I am still recognized as being able to get medical care. Captain Sunset also has me come here so we can discuss training with the new scouts periodically. Sumac has given me time off to do so, I thought you knew too.”

I shake my head and smile, “No, but I am glad you are. You have so much you can teach them, Corporal.”

At the use of his old title, I see him stand a bit taller with his head held higher.

“Thank you, Major. By the way, the Colonel has approved me for the trainings as well.” It is at this point that we reach Moon Pie’s office and he tells me, “Have a good day Major, I will see you tonight at the farm.”

I then continue on to my office and begin to pick up where I left off before. As I am sitting there, I notice another summons to be a witness two days from now against Hobbles. So much fun. I ask Paper Work as I point at it, “Sergeant does the Colonel know about this yet?”

He shrugs his shoulder, “Yes ma’am, I already let him know you were being subpoenaed again. By the way ma’am, he would like to see you in his office before you leave for the day.”

“Ok, thank you Paper Work, any idea what he wants to see me about?”

“No ma’am, just that he does,” He tells me with a shrug of his shoulders, “By the way ma’am, would you like me to make you some tea?”

His asking brings a smile to my face, “Yes Paper Work, I would really appreciate it.”

“My Pleasure Major,” he tells me with a smile on his face.

I continue on with my reports until Paper Work returns. I take the first sip, “Ah, just like how I like it. Thanks Paper,” I tell him.

He smiles, “Well ma’am, you are not too hard to please, so it makes it easier for me, but I am really glad you are enjoying it.”

As I sit back and before he can escape, I ask him, “So sergeant, how are things with you and Choo?”

I see him blush slightly and then he looks up at me and sheepishly answers, “Well, we did decide you were right. Two nights from now is our first date.”

I smile at him and tell him, “I am very glad to hear that for both of you. I consider Choo a friend, and you are a fine buck who I would like to see happy also.”

If possible, he blushes even more and replies, “Thank you, ma’am. I really do appreciate that.”

I shake my head a bit, “No, really you have earned the praise. And not just for making such fine tea. You have truly been a Goddess send around here for me.”

He looks down a bit trying to hide his smile, “Just doing my job ma’am.”

“Well, you do your job better than most. So, thank you. Oh, and if I don’t get a chance to tell you again before your date. Good luck and have a great time.”

“Oh, well thank you, ma’am. I appreciate it. Well if you will excuse me, ma’am, I need to get some things out to the regiment.”

I smile and sip my tea as I watch him head on out of my office. He really is a good stallion, and to tell the truth, I almost feel like he is a friend also. But with him being my subordinate I cannot let him know that. I take a deep breath and mentally wish both him and Choo Choo the best.

After I finish my tea, I set my paperwork aside and go to visit the Colonel.

As I arrive, he asks me to sit down, after I do so he begins. “Major, I assume you are aware of the Co-ops discussions with Gawdnya Grimfeathers and her coalition on forming a combined government.”

“Yes sir, I am somewhat aware of it. Mainly just what I have heard on DJ Pon3’s show though. Why Colonel?”

“Major, if it goes through there may be some major changes to the way we in the CDF have been doing business. Part of the talks is having us do regular military deployments to outpost on the border as well as possibly supplying troops to support the fighting in Flillydelphia.”

I nod my head to this as it makes sense, though I really do not like the idea of having to leave home again like that so I tell him, “Yes sir that makes sense to me.”

He nods his head and then asks me, “Major will you have any problems performing your duties in such cases?”

I shake my head, “No sir, I really don’t think so, but before I deploy, I would at least like to have my foal and wean it. I know my spouses will help to take care of it should that occur.”

“Good, I am glad to hear that. Another thing to consider is that the new government will need to build a military and its staff to run it. Major, there may come a time that if you stay in service you will be transferred out of the Co-op. I need you to understand that.”

My mouth goes dry at this thought. That would mean leaving my family for a long period of time. Or having them all uproot their lives to accompany me. Damn it, this would not be fair to them or me. I take a deep breath and tell him, “Ok Sir, I will deal with that bridge when we cross it.”

He nods again, “Ok, just so you know, I am talking to all of my officers about this. My compatriot Colonel Storm Cloud is doing the same. We have been asked to do so by the Board of Directors.”

“Thank you for letting me know Colonel. I really do appreciate it.”

“Mollygirl, for what it is worth, I will do my best to make sure that your battalion is the last to rotate on deployment. I know how much you all have went through with the expedition and all.”

“Thanks, Chappy, I really do appreciate it. Do you mind if I discuss this with my family?”

He smiles sadly, “No, not at all. In fact, I still have to discuss it with my wife. Mollygirl, we may be shipped out as a regiment even. Especially if we are deployed to Filly.”

I nod my understanding. “Well sir, it is nice to know we are both eating out of the same haybale right now. Even if it does not feel comfortable.”

“Very true Mollygirl, now you best head out. I have a couple more officers I need to interview about this before I can call it a day. I will see you in the morning.”

As I rise, I tell him, “Thank you, Colonel, I will see you in the morning,” then I salute him and after he returns it, I turn and head back to my office.

As I come down the road to the farm, I notice there are several workers at the far end of the main house. When I get closer, I watch them bring a new wall frame up alongside the back wall. Badger, Archer, Xavier, and two of the Gypsy pony workers are holding it up as I hear several nails being driven in at once. This has my curiosity up as I want to see how far they have gotten. I know that over the last week an extension to the previous foundation was laid in preparation for this. I am surprised to see all three of the new outer walls are up and in place. Most of the underflooring has been installed also. A lot of work has occurred in the last couple of days that I was just too busy to notice.

As I am looking at it all Archer and Badger come over to me and Archer hoofs me a wrecking bar with his mouth. As he does so Badger tells me, “Ok Mollygirl, just as soon as Magpie gets out here with Sumac, I want you three to start the removal of the wooden slates from this end of the wall.”

Badger then steps back and Archer tells me, “We both felt it appropriate that you three be the ones to start it as this extension will be for all of us, but especially the foals you are carrying. In a way it symbolizes how our family and our lives are growing through all of your efforts.”

Behind me I hear Xavier give a light chuckle as he watches me. He then tells me, “Don’t worry, they have already given the same speech to your wives.”

As we wait, I can smell dinner cooking as well as a dessert in the oven. It really smells good and I wonder what it is. After a bit, Magpie and Sumac come out of the house and join us. Once we all have a wrecking bar in our mouths and one end of them under the same board, we all begin to pry at it. Soon it is loose and as it falls to the ground, in the wall behind where the board was, I see an old, weather-stained envelope with my name written on it. The penmareship on it seems familiar, but I cannot remember where I have seen it before.

Everypony gathers around. Ginger right next to me. She is looking at it and asks me, “What’s in it Ma? Can we open it?”

I nod my head and holding it with both of my fore hoofs, use a knife to slit one end of the envelope. Inside is a letter as well as a smaller envelope. I pull the letter out and begin to read.

Dear Mollygirl,

I am very pleased you have finally gotten this letter. Welcome home, I know it was really rough on you, but you did it. You brought them home. You did what needed to be done to help the others. Now onto the real reason, I left this here for you.

Happy Birthday!

I bet you forgot, didn’t you. I didn’t though. That is part of what I do. I remember everyponies birthdays.

I know how busy you have been, what with the stable, and your family. Give Ginger a hug for me, she needs one whether she says so or not. She and Xochitl make such a cute couple.

That reminds me, congratulations on your foal Millie. She is going to be such a cutie when she arrives. You should see the grandfoals she gives you someday. You are not going to believe it.

Gotta go. Now tell Sumac to run inside to check the cake quick.

Sincerely Yours

Pinkamena Diane Pie

PS the small envelope is for Sutures, give it to her on her birthday for me, Thanks!

Needless to say, I am stunned. First, I had forgotten it was my birthday. After mom died, I never celebrated it much, unless at Sumac and Ivy’s for it. I begin to wonder how she knew I would find it when I did also? How did she know so much?

My family all look at me and Ginger asks, “What’s it say Ma?”

I am about to tell her when I think about the last part, “Sumac, check the cake quick?”

She looks confused at first and asks, “How did you know,” Then she gets a look on her face and runs inside to check it.

I simply hoof the note to Ginger, her eyes get wide as she reads it. She then looks at me, and simply ask, “How?”

I shrug my shoulder and watch the expression on the faces of my spouses. I almost laugh when Badger reads it and I see his eyes open wide and ears go straight forward saying “Grand foals, I never even imagined.”

I nod my head and put a hoof on his. “Yes dear, someday we will be grandparents. You will not only have ours, but also Sumacs, Magpies, and maybe even Sutures someday. That is quite a legacy to live up to.”

As his jaw drops and eyes become wide, I watch as Archer puts a hoof around his shoulder and tells him, “Well brother, looks like you have something to live up to and be better for. You can do it.”

He nods his head and then we all continue to finish removing the wooden siding from that part of the house. As we are finishing up Sumac comes out and tells us “Dinner is ready everypony. As we head inside I watch as the temporary workers cross the road back to their camp. Xavier and his family join us tonight for dinner.

After dinner is finished, Sumac has Sutures help her bring out the cake. I have tears in my eyes. It has been so long. It's been since I was a filly that I had a birthday cake. I can barely contain myself.

They light the candles and Ginger tells me, “Now make a wish Ma.”

I do, but I will not share it with anypony. After all, if we share our wish, then it will not come true. I blow them out and we all enjoy MY birthday cake.

As it gets later Persimmon comes over and tells me, “My present to you is tonight we are watching Ginger for you. Have a great night, and again, Happy Birthday my friend,” she tells me as she gives me a quick hug, and then they all head over to her cabin.

We begin to turn the lamps down and shut the window shutters for the night. As I am closing the last one, I see a single crow sitting on the roof of the barn. As I am watching it takes flight into the darkening sky. I smile to myself and think, “Yep, she is still keeping an eye on us.” Then I turn and go to join my mates and to just enjoy a night of all of us together, sharing time with each other.

It truly was a birthday to remember for me. I had to laugh when Sumac had her eyes closed and accidentally kissed Magpie. When she realized she was kissing a mare her eyes went wide at first, then she just went with it. However, once the kiss broke, she was much more careful.

Myself, well, I had a wonderful time and as I get dressed, I notice I have a few sore spots on my neck. When I look in the mirror, I see a few patches of hair missing. I would be more upset, but I know I accidentally did the same thing to both Archer and Sutures. Instead of getting upset, I simply sigh and go to my dresser and get out a scarf to wear on my neck today.

As I eat my breakfast, we all seem to continue to bask in the glow of just being together. All during breakfast there are jokes, gentle teases, and an occasional hoof touch or leaning against each other. I have to admit it is like something I could never have imagined. The best part for me is that we are not just lovers, but friends and family.

After breakfast, we all head back to our normal routines. As I head out the door, I hear Badger tell everypony, “I will see you all in two weeks, time for my rotation at the stable again.”

Which reminds me to tell them I will see them tomorrow night as I have the duty again tonight. On the way to the stable I am a bit surprised though when I feel not one tail holding mine, but two. Badger is on onside, Archer on the other. Both smile at my surprise. Archer then raises an eyebrow at my surprise and tells me, “Why not, it is harmless and besides, everypony around already knows.”

Badger smiles and tells me from the other side, “Besides, doesn’t it just feel right? I know it does for me.”

We walk this way almost all the way back to the stable. Just before we get there, I see Kicker coming along the path. I see her smile and then she greets us. “Good Morning Major, Captains. It is good to see you all.”

“Good Morning Kicker, how are you doing?” I ask.

She smiles and tells us, “Well the Captain there was going to have to be told in a few days anyway, but It seems I took while out on the expedition. My husband is thrilled too. He knows how important adding new genes is to our herd. However, it seems some of the cattle midwives are being a bit prudish now.”

I see Archer and Badger both look a bit concerned. So, I ask, “Is there anything we can do to help?”

I see her smile, “I am really glad you asked Major, After the expedition, I really feel comfortable with Sutures, and while I know she is not overly experienced as a midwife for cattle, do you think she may take me on as a patient?”

I am surprised a bit and before I can answer Archer tells her, “Sergeant, both the Captain and the Major have the Duty tonight, however I will be seeing Sutures tonight and I will discuss it with her. I should be able to give you an answer by tomorrow morning if you can wait that long.”

I see her smile and relax, “Captain, that would be fine. Thank you so much, sir.”

“No problem Sergeant, after all, look at how well we have worked together in the past.”

“I agree sir, and I hope to continue such a relationship.” She tells him, then as an afterthought she adds, “You might want to let her know that there are a couple of others in a similar situation as mine too. Captain Kettle Bell, being one of them.”

Archer nods his head, “All right, I will do that. Thank you for letting us know Kicker. Oh, and on a personal level, Congratulations Sarge. I am very happy for you and your family.”

At this, she beams. “Thanks, Capt’n, I really appreciate it. We were so lucky to have the officers we did, you always understood and looked out for us. Oh, maybe Sutures can talk to some of the Brahmin and ask them about any stories from their herds or families from the early days and how they handled the changes that occurred.”

I am thinking about this and how much importance it puts on verbal lore when Archer tells her, “That is a very good idea Kicker, I will suggest it to her as well as letting her know you want to be a client for her.”

“Thank you so much, Sir,” she says. Then she looks at her PipBuck and tells him, “Captain, we should get going. We don’t want to both show up late for formation. I can only imagine what would be said then once the word got out about me being pregnant.” After which she gives me a quick wink and Badger and I get the joy of watching Archer trip over his own tongue as he tries to figure out what to say.

Finally, he just shakes his head, laughs a bit, and says, “Ok Sarge, you got me on that one. Let’s get going.” Reluctantly he lets go of my tail and trots off with his Sargent.

Beside me, I can hear Badger laughing as we follow along and head into the stable ourselves. Before we go our separate ways, he asks, “Mollygirl, since we both are required to be on duty in the stable tonight, could I spend some time with you tonight?”

The fact he has asked makes me feel much better and I tell him, “Of course dear, I had already assumed we would. I will see you at dinner tonight if not sooner,” then I turn and head off for my headquarters as he does his.

The day goes fairly normal, with me reporting to the Judge Advocates Office for a couple of hours to make my initial statement for the court of inquiry concerning the expedition. They seemed particularly interested in why I was not with the other officers during the arranged ceremony and why I took charge during the initial battle afterward. This surprises me some, but I try not to let it bother me.

After hours I meet Badger for dinner in the officers’ mess. He checks with his company sergeants and then comes to visit me in the lounge area for my quarters. We are sitting on the couch, cuddled up watching a war documentary from before the last day when my opposite for the 2^nd regiment comes into the area. He is not nearly as pleasant as Windy and makes me wish she could permanently exchange duty rotations with him.

As he enters, he looks with a scowl at both me and Badger. He then asks, “What is this Captain doing in our area Major?”

I am polite still and I reply, “Good evening Major Micro Burst. This Captain is my husband Captain Badger of the 1^st Battalion of the 2^nd Regiment.”

He still is wearing a scowl, “I thought Captain Archer of the Artillery was your husband.”

I smile sweetly at him and tell him, “Well he is technically my fiancé, but most consider him my husband also.”

“So, you really are that way. I had thought better of both of the Captains. That is disgusting,” He says.

Badger laughs at him, “Oh, I don’t know Major. After all, the two of us are sharing a total of four mares. Can you say that?”

He stands up straighter and looks at Badger and tells him, “I will remind you to keep a civil tongue captain.”

That is when I stand up, I flick my head enough so that my scar shows clearly as I walk up to him, and I look up into his eyes, and I tell him, “If you expect him to keep a civil tongue MAJOR, you need to keep one also. He is my guest here. We were doing nothing more than watching a documentary that pertains to our profession. However, sir, you have decided to try and antagonize us.”

“Why you impudent ground-bound piece of filth,” He says with a voice filled with scorn, and he raises a hoof as if to strike me.

That is it. I feel myself growl and I bare my teeth as I lay my ears back fully. I am ready to leap at him and I feel Badger pushing me back with his forelegs wrapped around me blocking me. He turns his head and I hear his voice as he tells him, “Major, I would recommend you get out of here.”

Micro Burst still using that tone of voice asks, “And why should I do that?”

Badger then calmly tells him, “Because she has killed several ponies in hoof to hoof combat and you are not wearing combat armor, sir,”

I see Micro Burst eyes go wide and he quickly exits from the room. I then begin to calm down. I take several deep breaths. Once I am calmed down, I apologize to Badger. “I am so sorry dear. It was bad enough he insulted me, and our family. I hated it, but I could have dealt with it. But dear, when he raised a hoof to me. That was too much.”

He nods his head, puts a hoof along my cheek, and quietly tells me, “I understand love, but you can’t do that. Mollygirl, it could cost you your commission, your career, and in a worst-case situation your freedom.”

I sigh and lean into him, “Your right, I will have to apologize to him,” I tell Badger. I then kiss him and I tell him, “I guess I best have you leave for now. My next duty day perhaps we can spend more time together.”

I see the look of disappointment on his face, then he gives me a sad smile and replies, “Ok love, I hate to say it, but you are right tonight,” He gives me a goodnight kiss and a hug, then he leaves.

Once he is gone, I go to Micro Burst stall and knock on the door. After a brief few seconds, I hear movement inside and the door opens.

He looks visibly annoyed at the interruption, but I see a hint of fear in his eyes as he asks in a very formal tone, “Yes Major, what can I do for you?”

Using the same formal tone, I reply, “Major Microburst, I apologize for my outburst earlier, It seems we have gotten off on the wrong hoof.”

“Really, and what makes you say that Major?” he asks with a curious tone in his voice.

“Because one, I do not believe you would strike a fellow officer like that, second I overreacted to that implied action.”

He looks at me with suspicion as if expecting me to try something, so I continue, “As for what you said about my relationships, you are far from the only one to say such a thing. However, we are both officers and our personal lives aside, we need to work together.”

I hear him take a deep breath, “Yes, you are quite correct upon that. It could be worse I suppose, you could be that dreadful officer I heard about that has the pet enfields.”

I laugh when he says that and when I see him look at me funny, I tell him, “Well about the pet enfields…”

Micro Burst and I do end up having a very professional conversation after that. However, neither of us feels comfortable with the other. But at least we have come to an understanding. During our discussion, I also found out that he had seen very little actual combat until the fight with Neighvarro. He was wounded during it and was one of those evacuated by Windy.

After morning formation Windy seeks me out and pulls me to the side. She is almost laughing and has a wide smile on her face as she tells me, “Mollygirl, I don’t know what happened between you and Micro Burst, but he has asked me to permanently change my duty rotation with him.”

This brings a smile to my face and I tell her, “I am really glad to hear that. Perhaps later today over some tea I can fill you in. Unfortunately, I have to head back to court today to be a witness against Hobbles for the incident with Tar.”

“That sounds good to me Mollygirl, I will see you later then. Remember, I want to hear the story of what happened.”

I nod my head and as we go our separate ways I trot back to my HQ. Once there I gather some of my reports and put them in my saddlebag to work on while I wait to take the stand today. I then let Kettle Bell and the 1^st Sergeant know where I am heading and when I expect to be back.

The trial is already in progress it seems and is in its third day. After a couple of hours of waiting, I am called to the witness stand. The lawyers today are not quite as aggressive towards me as those who were involved in One Rolls trail.

“Major Mollygirl, how long have you known the defendant?”

Such a simple question surprises me. “I have known him since he began working on the security staff at the stable six years ago,” I tell her.

She then asks, “And how would you describe your relationship with the defendant?”

“I would say that he was a professional acquaintance, overall, we were on good terms prior to the recent events.”

“So, you have known him for several years and have been on good terms, am I correct?”

“Yes, ma’am, you are correct,” I tell her feeling somewhat annoyed at the repletion of the questioning.

“Major, with this long-term professional acquaintance would you expect this type of behavior from him?” The defense attorney asks.

As I shake my head no, I tell them, “No, I never expected this from him. However, I know that he has gone along with others in questionable behavior before.”

“Major please only answer the questions that you are asked. Your honor, I would like the last part of her answer stricken from the record,” the attorney says.

The judge nods and orders that it be stricken.

Next, she asks me, “Major, when you apprehended the defendant, how was his behavior?”

I take a deep breath and answer, “Ma’am, he was as surprised as I was by One Roll's behavior and appalled by it. He made no move to resist us and actually questioned One Roll on what he thought he was doing. He was a model prisoner from that point on.”

She nods her head and tells me I can leave the stand.

As I leave the stand, without thinking I nod to Hobbles, and he back to me. I then go back to the waiting room.

Shortly afterward I hear that the verdict is in. I go into the back of the courtroom and watch as Hobbles is led before the bench. As he stands there, He looks the judge straight in the eyes, but still seems humble at the same time.

The leader of the jury stands up and tells the judge, “We find the defendant guilty on the count of assaulting a prisoner in the second degree. On the count of conspiracy to cover a crime, we find him guilty.”

The judge nods his head and then turns to Hobbles and tells him, “Hobbles, you have been found guilty on the charges against you by a jury of your peers. With this in mind, as well as the testimony of the witnesses, I hereby sentence you to twenty years in prison, but eligible for parole after ten years,” he turns his head and says, “Bailiff take the prisoner away.”

The judge then raps the bench with his gavel, he stands as do all of us in the court as he departs the courtroom.

Part of me is relieved as I had always liked Hobbles, and it gives me hope that perhaps some mercy will be taken on Tar. Goddesses how I hope so.

Once back to the office I track Windy down and we go and have a late lunch. As I tell her about what happened the night before she is appalled. “Mollygirl, he really said that?”

“Yes Windy, he did, I am still surprised Badger kept his temper in check and I thank the Goddesses he helped me keep from doing anything stupid,” I tell her.

“Mollygirl I can completely understand that,” she says shaking her head, “Even in Thunderhead you would never insult another officer like that. Although he got the fear of Luna put into him when Badger told him to leave as you had killed in hoof to hoof and he was not wearing his combat armor.”

I nod my head and look down in embarrassment, “He certainly did.”

“I love the fact that he believed Badger when he told him you had killed ponies in hoof to hoof combat. I mean I know you are tough and all but still,” she says with a mild laugh.

Then she looks at my face, then into my eyes, her tone of voice changes as does the expression on her face, “Mollygirl, you really have then haven’t you?”

I sadly nod my head and in a hoarse whisper, I answer, “Yes Windy, more than once. One time still haunts me, I still have trouble forgiving myself for it.”

She becomes serious now and puts a hoof across the table onto mine, “Moll, if you don’t want to talk about it, I understand, but I am here for you if you need me, my friend.”

I take a bite of my pulled radhog sandwich and suddenly I remember that moment in time. I almost throw up, but fight it back and swallow the bite of my lunch. Then I look her in the eyes and calm and quietly I tell her, “After we came back up from under Canterlot mountain. It was a night battle that got in too close. I had two of them coming at me. One of them tried to kick me in my stomach,” as I say this I unknowingly move my hoof over my foal. My voice cracks as I tell her, “Windy, I ripped his throat out with my teeth. I was covered in is blood and the next morning at Officers call was admonished for showing up in such a state.”

She lightly pats my hoof with hers, “Mollygirl, you did what comes naturally. You protected your foal. In such a situation I would have been more worried if you had not reacted like that. Especially with what all you had already gone through by that point.”

I look at her and squint my eyes as I try and figure out how come she seems to know what we experienced there.

Then she tells me, “Mollygirl, I read the reports of the expedition. I understand better than most.”

“So, you don’t feel disgusted by me? You don’t fear me?” I ask quietly.

She shakes her head, “No Moll, I don’t, in fact, I appreciate your sharing it with me. Someday over a bottle of wine or cider, I will tell you my worst moment.”

I feel myself smile slightly and with a feeling of relief, I tell her, “Thanks for understanding Windy. I really do mean it.”

She smiles at me with a glint in her eye and tells me, “That is what friends are for, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, yeah it is. Thank you for being such a good friend Windy.”

Once we finish our meal, we both head back to the stable. I feel a sense of relief that she understands. I am also now looking forward to my next duty day as I will get to spend more time with her.

That night Archer sleeps with Sumac and while I really did want to spend some time with him, it is ok. Instead, I spend the night with Mags and Sutures. Funny thing is I really needed to spend some time with them that I had not realized.

As we lay there before falling to sleep, I tell them about what happened the night before. Magpie is stunned when she hears that I have taken the life of another pony with my bare hoofs. I think she had to fight gagging when I told her what I told Windy. I feel her start to shake even.

Sutures puts a hoof on her and tells her. “Magpie, Windy is right, it was natural. What would you do if someone tried to hurt your unborn foal?”

“I, I don’t know Sutures, but I hope I would not go that far,” she tells us.

I hear Sutures sigh, “Magpie, that was no worse than what I did at Targhee. And please don’t ask. I am too damn sober right now to talk about it. But I promise you Mag’s someday I will share that with you too.”

Then I hear Mags quietly say, "I understand. I guess you know my worst moment. You were there for it dear.”

I feel Sutures take in a deep breath and release, then she almost mournfully says, “I do understand, but dear what I did, I fear will cause me to be judged wanting when it comes my time.”

Then I tell them both, “I just pray that whoever is our final judge has mercy on me like the one that Hobbles had today.”

Dear DJ Pon3,

This week me and my partner were convicted for our crimes. As I wait to be transferred to the long term holding, I can only think of what all my actions have cost me. As I sit here wishing things could be different, I can only think of one song that fits. If you could please play for me You Can Never Go Home Again.

Thank You

Hobbles

Convict # 232122, Manesville Correctional Facility

Thanks again to Kkat for creating the world of FoE as well as all the authors who have since added to it. Again I would like to thank all of you who continue to read and enjoy your visit to this part of the wastelands.

The YouTube link for this chapters dedication song is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCEHQ_nhxOA