Chapter 62 To Laugh or Cry

“Optimism is normal, but some fortunate people are more optimistic than the rest of us. If you are genetically endowed with an optimistic bias, you hardly need to be told that you are a lucky person - you already feel fortunate.” - Daniel Kahneman, You People

Morning comes and unfortunately, I have to disentangle myself from the mares I love. Goddesses how hard it can be to make myself do that sometimes. But duty calls, as does the filly inside me tap dancing on my bladder. So up and at ‘em, I tell myself.

I quickly dress in the dark room. I then look at the bed and while I can barely see them, I see their forms in the shadows, one holding the other, and I have to smile. It is so hard to believe all the changes that have come into my life.

Once I get to the kitchen, Archer and Sumac meet me there. My tea is already on the table steeping. Sumac is busy making breakfast for us as Archer sits at the table reading a book. I am curious as to what he is reading so I peek over his shoulder and am surprised to find it is an old book on farming. He is reading a section about crop rotations including which crops grow best in conjunction with others.

As I lean over his shoulder, he turns his head and gives me a quick peck on the cheek. “Morning love,” He tells me.

“Morning dear, sorry to disturb you,” I tell him as I give him a return nuzzle.

As I sit down, I can smell fresh bread in the oven. Sumac turns to me and asks, “Morning dear, would you like some honey in your oatmeal today?”

I nod my head yes and ask, “Is the bread almost finished? It smells wonderful.”

“Yes, it should be. I hoped to have it done and cooled off enough for you to have a slice with fresh butter before you left for the stable.”

I smile, as I tell her, “Thanks Sumac, I really appreciate it.”

“Not a problem Mollygirl, I just know you have duty tonight. I am sorry you will not be here for dinner tonight. Doula is coming as are Archer’s parents.”

I nod and reply, “I am sorry I can not be here for that either.” Then I ask them both, “So what about Sutures’s father?”

Archer sighs and tells me, “He is still being a stubborn mule. He was invited, but he refuses to acknowledge Sutures even exist now.”

I nod my head, “I was afraid of that. It really is too bad; he is missing out on so much by being this way.”

To this Sumac replies, “But dears, you have to remember, he has always been this way. His and Doula’s was an arranged marriage by their parents. According to Doula, he wanted to do the same with Sutures. However, it seems the stallion he had arranged the marriage with, had other ideas. His barn door swung the other way, and when Epona was born Doula was laughing telling me he was married to an earthpony stallion. Needless to say, that did not sit well.”

I am stunned at hearing this, “Sumac, you mean her parents really had set up an arranged marriage for her?”

“Yes dear, and let me tell you, Doula was not happy about it, but she was not going to go against her husband. However, she was laughing about how it ended up.”

Archer is smiling across the table at her and tells us both, “I can understand that. I am just really glad it has worked out the way it did.”

I nod my head, “Same here.”

As I am eating my breakfast, I hear Ginger come down the stairs. As she climbs into the chair across from me, I notice her staring at me.

“Yes dear? Is something bothering you?” I ask her.

She shakes her head, “No Ma, it’s just that I was noticing you how your mane and tail are almost all black now with the yellow only at the ends.”

I nod, “Yes, I know, I just do not feel like bleaching my mane and tail anymore. I hope that does not bother you.”

She shakes her head, “No ma, in fact, I like it. It makes you look more like you could be my real mother. Just like Mama Sumac and Mama Magpie.”

I smile at her and ask, “So, you think I should just let it all go back to its natural color than?”

She nods her head in reply and Archer tells me, “Actually Mollygirl, it does look better this way. I mean you looked good before, but I like it this way.”

I laugh a little as I tell him, “Archer, I think you just have a thing for mares with dark manes and tales.”

At this, I hear Sumac laugh lightly, and Ginger giggles.

As Archer and I leave for the Stable I see Xavier and Xochitl walking to the house. Xochitl has his saddlebags on with a school book sticking out some.

Xavier greets us and continues on into the house to get his marching orders for the day from Sumac.

Once we get to the stable Archer and I exchange a quick kiss and we both head our separate ways. As I enter my office Paper Work already has my tea steeping. Off to the side I see Chain Lightning drinking a cup himself, as he watches the staff go about their morning routine.

As I am sitting there reading my morning reports He comes into my office. “Morning Major.”

“Morning 1^stSergeant, what can I do for you today?” I ask.

He smiles and tells me, “Just wanted to remind you the H-troop will be going into their ready reserve week, and that D and E troop will be returning from their field time. However, since they just had a leave only two weeks ago, they will just step their rotation schedule up to being on work details here at the stable for the next two weeks.”

“Thank you, 1st. I appreciate the reminder.”

“No problem Major. During their time on the ready reserve do you want me to make up a training schedule?”

I put my hoof under my chin and think about it briefly, then I answer, “Actually, that is a great idea. Why don’t you have the company commanders join me, you and the rest of the staff and we can come up with an improved training program. That is a great suggestion.”

He smiles and tells me, “That’s what I am here for ma’am.”

After he leaves, I notice the time and make it to the regimental HQ just in time to catch the morning briefing.

“Good morning everyone, not much to put out today. As normal today is the day of rotating duties. The pegasus games continue this week. However, Colonel Storm Cloud and I have decided that we will change the day for them to a day later. With that said, both regiments will have the ready response troops ponied and readied to react both days. Perhaps we can catch any raiders or others off guard and hit them by surprise,” Colonel Chappy tells us.

I, along with most of the others nod my head in agreement. Then he continues. "For those on stable duty, we will be working on some projects to improve the facilities around the stable to transform it into more of a standard military base. This will include building barracks and training facilities above ground, as well as maintenance facilities for the quartermasters and artillery. If anyone complains, tell them they can discuss it with me.”

Again, we are all nodding as we listen. Finally, I hear something that catches my ears. “There have been rumors lately of Enclave stragglers who have begun to raid some of the more distant settlements as well as caravans. If these attacks continue, we will be forced to send out troops further abroad again. This policy is in line with what the leadership of the NCR has proposed to us if we do decide to join with them. That brings up another point. If the Co-op does surrender autonomy and joins the NCR, we will be standardizing much of our equipment with them. It has been suggested that we come up with a minor uniform modification that will enable us to differentiate those from the Co-op from other NCR troops, but that will also still conform to their regulations.”

One of the other battalion officers immediately suggests, “Sir, how about a shoulder tag that just says, Manesville Co-op?”

The Colonel puts his hoof under his chin and thinks about it. “That does not sound too bad Star Burst, I will recommend that, however, let's see what other ideas are out there too.”

After this, we are dismissed to our troops so we can attend formation and pass on the required information. As we are walking away after formation, I see Chain Lightning laughing to himself. So, I have to ask, “Ok 1^st, what is so funny?”

He smiles back at me and with a glint in his eyes tells me, “I wonder which one of these smart alecks is going to suggest an enfield on a patch.”

At that I have to grin and laugh a bit myself, “You know what, at least you have a positive attitude,” I tell him.

He looks at me curiously and I continue, “You are sure someone is going to do it.”

He simply nods his head and we head back into the stable to begin another day of paperwork.

The day passes without event and come dinner time I am joined for dinner in the mess by Badger and Windy. It seems she is amused by my husband and with good reason.

As we are eating, she asks “Now Badger, I have to ask, this trooper Pages, did she come up with the idea of the Dashite mark on her helmet on her own or somepony suggest it?”

He looks down for a moment before answering, but he has a smirk on his face, then he looks up at her and answers, “Well now Major, to tell the truth, she came up with the idea of it on her own, I only authorized it. Especially when I saw how it twisted the tails of some of the other officers who came from Thunderhead, No offense Ma’am.”

Still smiling, she waves a hoof and tells him, “I can understand that, I was just wondering. It seems it has caused a bit of irritation to some of the senior officers.”

Badger simply shrugs his shoulders and takes another bite of his meal, then he tells her, “Ma’am, they took away the proper cutie mark of the buck she loves, it is all she has seen of him and it was her way of proclaiming she was his. She was not trying to cause a ruckus, but she also was not going to back down.”

Windy nods her head, "Ok, Badger, I can see that, but she must have been a tough one before she joined your troop. Do you know what she did for a living before she enlisted?”

At that, I start to laugh and Badger only smiles a bit as he tells her, “Windy, she was a librarian. She is our wife Magpies best friend.”

I swear I see her choke on the bite she was swallowing as her eyes go wide and she then says, “She was a librarian, damn, I would not want to return a book late to that one.”

He chuckles at that and tells her, “Neither would I, but she is a good trooper and I really appreciate what all she does. In fact, I have already recommended her to be advanced to lance corporal at the next opportunity.”

I see Windy raise an eyebrow, “She is that good eh?”

He nods his head, “Windy, she wanted to be on the first skywagon into Serenity Valley. She came up with the idea of running gun wagons over the enemy during training. While that may seem like common sense for a pegasus, that is thinking outside the box for most earth ponies.”

Windy nods her head, “Sounds like she may make a good staff pony or officer someday.”

As I am nodding my head, I see Badger shaking his, “I am not sure about that. She seems to not be interested in making it higher than an NCO. In fact I overheard her telling another trooper that someday she would like to make Sergeant Major.”

Both Wendy and I raise our ears at this and nod. While officers are valuable and important, a good senior non-com can be priceless. I still miss my old 1^st Sergeant, Light Weight, granted Chain Lighting is good too. I just need to get used to working with him more.

After dinner the three of us go back to our rec area outside Windy and my stall. Badger sits on one end of the couch and I lean against him with the blanket around us. Windy is on the other and again she has control of the TV.

Badger then asks, “So what are we going to watch Mares?” he asks with a smile.

Windy grins at him, and tells him, “Well Badger, Mollygirl, and I started a tradition on our last duty day together. It is time to introduce you to Hoofmark movies. This first one tonight is about a mare who moves into a new town and meets a single father trying to make it on his own during Hearth’s Warming.”

I feel him groan behind me, but he stays polite, smiles, and tells her, “Ok, let’s see it.”

Funny thing is I felt the same way last week. This time not so much. After a while, I notice he is paying close attention to the movie. I get a kick out of him looking at the way of life portrayed in the movie and I do laugh when the single father feels like he has lost the leading mare to an old ex of hers and he calls out to the tv, “Why not share her you idiot, what is so hard to understand that she can love you both.”

Windy just looks at him with a raised eyebrow but says nothing, instead she smiles and takes another bite of her Sugarapple Bombs.

Following the second movie, we all decide to call it a night. After Badger and I kiss goodnight Windy comes up and shakes his hoof. “Badger, it has been a pleasure. Please feel free to join us on our movie nights.”

“Thank you Windy, I really enjoyed it. Besides, it lets me and Mollygirl share time with each other as well as visit with you, so thank you both very much.”

He gives me one more kiss on my scarred cheek and tells me, “Goodnight sweetheart, sleep well.” Then he turns and heads back to his quarters for the night.

I see Windy shaking her head as he goes, then she looks at me and tells me, “You know, I really had not expected this side of your husband. Thank you for helping me to see it.”

“Your welcome Windy, but what do you mean?”

“Dear, he is not a normal stallion. I heard what he did to you before the expedition through the grapevine, seeing him tonight it is hard to believe he did that. I can see why you gave him a second chance. Also, I really am surprised to see how natural it seems to him to share his mares. I never thought I would hear a buck yell like that during a Hoofmark movie.”

I laugh a bit as we turn and head into our stall, “Yeah, about that, sorry he yelled at the screen. I never saw him that way before myself. But I think you are right; he is proving me right for giving him that second chance.

We talk for a while after this and agree to have dinner at the farm the night after our next duty rotation. Then we turn out the lights and I am soon back to sleep, and for the first time, I dream of Ivy still being alive and our family at the farm as it could have, or should have been. When I wake up, I feel some of the joy from the dream, but I also am sorry I have to leave her again. Perhaps another night.

Badger meets us again for breakfast at the mess. As we are eating, he is telling us about the project his company is working on. “You know I am really surprised at how much progress we have made so far. We have a whole line of trenching dug below the frost line from the stable all the way to where the new barracks are to be built. Even Bailey Bridge is happy with our progress. “

I smile and tell him, “I am glad to hear that. I still need to find out the progress my two companies that have gotten back have made.”

Windy nods her head, “I hear you Mollygirl, it can be hard to keep track of what all is going on. I am still getting used to what towns are garrisoned and by who each week. I have one company on farm duty right now. They are all spread out,” she tells us shaking her head.

“I understand, it was so much easier as a sergeant sometimes,” I tell her as I shake my head.

Then I notice her shaking her head a bit. Then she tells me, “I sometimes forget that down here in the Co-op every officer has spent time as an enlisted trooper.”

I find myself and Badger looking at her with a perplexed expression on our faces as I ask, “Windy, how else could you do it?”

She smiles at me and tells me, “Mollygirl, most of the Enclave officers never were enlisted. In fact, they used to look down at us that were former enlisted as having been lower class, almost like we were just a couple of steps above a potential Dashite.”

I am surprised to hear this and ask, “Windy, how could you be an officer without having been enlisted first?” I am really curious, then I begin to remember that it was done that way in the old Equestrian military also.

She smiles at me and tells me, “Mollygirl, most of those who had a higher education or tested for higher intelligence went to a special school where we were taught tactics as well as the basics of the field we were to go into. It really made the senior NCO corps much more important. The new officers often were dependent upon them to not only show them the ropes, but to keep themselves from being hung with them, if you know what I mean.”

I see Badger put a forehoof under his chin as he thinks about it. Then he tells her, “Windy, I can see how that could work, but it sure would be rough on those new officers.”

She nods her head then tells us, “But it also kept most officers from being able to understand what the common enlisted pony was feeling and experiencing as well as preventing unwanted familiarity between the two. I mean in the Enclave it would be a scandal for an officer to be dating an enlisted pony, and could cost the officer, if not both of them their career.”

Badger and I look at each other, then back at Windy and we both nod our understanding. Then Badger tells her, “Ya know Windy, I think I prefer our method. It may be a bit messier, but at least I knew every officer leading me had walked in my hoofprints.”

She nods her understanding, then adds, “But Badger, in a military that does not see much action other than the scouts, how else do you season your enlisted to be officers? I can see advantages to both.”

I smile as I answer her, “Well Windy, at least down here we don’t have to worry about any member of the CDF not seeing action. It seems we all do.”

Just as I am saying this, I feel a hoof on my shoulder and I notice Clockwork behind me, as he puts a hoof on my shoulder and says, “Major, you do have to admit though, some of us have seen more action than others.”

To this, I see Badger and Windy laugh, as I turn to him and tell him with a smile, “Ok, well some of us do seem to have that knack don’t we captain, now why don’t you pull up a chair and join us.”

The rest of the day goes slowly and I cannot wait to get home tonight. Before I go, I am notified that I will need to appear at Tar’s court-martial in the morning. While it does put a bit of a damper on my enthusiasm, it is brought back up as Archer and I meet up with Magpie on her way home from the library also.

On the way back home, we have a lively conversation between what I had discussed with Badger, Windy, and Clockwork. What Archer has going on with his artillery battery and how the mortars are now being separated from the big guns. Magpie tells us about her research. The funny thing to me is it all seems to dovetail together so nicely.

As we walk up to the farm, I see that the new addition has all the outer walls and roof on it. It also has extended the upper story of the house as well. It still needs to have the shutters for the windows hung though. But it is so exciting to see.

As we approach Sumac and Sutures come out and greet us. Sumac tells us dinner will be done soon. When she sees me looking at the addition she smiles and tells me to go take a look. They are starting to frame the interior rooms now too. I cannot believe how many more rooms we are going to have. Sure, they are not the largest, but wow. The walls still have to be put up but I am amazed.

Next Sutures surprises me and tells me that she and her mother talked last night and have decided to form a family midwife practice. What really surprises me is that they are opening an office for it in White Cloud. They have already discussed building it with Fancy and the other business leaders.

“Mollygirl, I am so excited about this. The whole town is behind us for it.”

I give her a hug and I tell her, “Dearest, I am so happy for you. This is great news.”

Archer steps up to her other side, hugging her and giving her a kiss. “Love, that is outstanding. I figured that is what you and my parents were talking about last night.”

Sutures nods her head, “Yes, your father was helping me to understand how to run a business better. I had not thought of his being a fisher pony as being a buisnesspony before. After last night dear, I am not sure whether you get your intellect from your mother or your father.”

I see him smile, “Thanks, dear. I am just lucky I guess.”

After we get inside, I see Ginger at the kitchen table doing her homework along with Xochitl. As we walk in Xochitl looks up and says, “Uncle Archer, could you please help me with this math. I am not really sure about it.”

Archer goes over and begins to help him. I begin to set the dining room table for supper as Sumac and Suture finish dinner. Magpie on the other hoof goes and begins to take care of a few things she needs to get done for work in the morning.

When dinner is ready Xochitl heads home for the night. Ginger walks him to the door and gives him a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. As he walks away, I watch as she sighs and smiles to herself. Then she joins the rest of us for supper.

As we are eating Sutures ask, “So Mollygirl, was last night as exciting as the last time you had duty?”

I giggle a bit as I answer, “No, Badger joined Windy, and I to watch a couple of Hoofmark movies is all. It was funny though how much he was getting into them with us.”

I see Sumac and Magpie both tilt their heads a bit with a hint of surprise in their features.

“Yes, he really was,” I tell them. He even yelled at the characters on the screen a few times.”

We all laughed a bit at that, then Archer smiles at us and reminds us, “Please, do not tease him about that. He was allowing a sensitive part of himself to show. Mollygirl, He loves you and all of us that much he was willing to show how he felt, without thinking about who was also there.”

I see Sumac smile at him with a bit of pride on her face as she replies, “You are right Archer. He is the pony I had hoped he was when he asked my daughter and the others to marry him.”

Ginger is sitting quietly listening to us talk. Then she asks, “What is a Hoofmark movie?” beside her I see Sumac looking kind of embarrassed as she nods in agreement with Ginger.

I look at both of them and ask, “Sumac, you haven’t seen one either?”

She shakes her head no. Then I ask both of them, “Have either of you ever seen a television?”

Both answer no. Then I realize, the only reason I have is because they still had them in the stable rec rooms. When I look at Magpie I notice she is looking embarrassed as she says, “I had not thought of that, I am just so used to the one we have in the archives.”

Ginger then asks, “Ma, could we get one so we can watch it?”

I sigh, “Ginger, if we get one, we would still have to get a video player, as there are no stations broadcasting TV left since the great war. But if I can, I will see what I can do.”

She smiles at that and tells me, “Ok ma, if not maybe we can see one at the archives with mama Magpie.”

At that Magpie smiles widely and nods her head. “That is a great idea dear. We can do that easy enough.”

We continue to have a pleasant evening together for the rest of the night. Tonight, I have the special treat of sleeping with Archer by myself. As I get ready to climb into bed Archer comes behind me and kisses me on my neck and by my ears. He knows what that does to me. Then he lifts my chin and tells me, “My love, as beautiful as you are, especially being in foal, I think we need to get you some maternity uniforms soon.”

As I turn to him, I ask him, “Archer, are you saying I am getting fat?”

He smiles and shakes his head, “No dear, just that your uniforms are starting to become a bit snug on you. Magpie has already talked to me and Badger about her needing to buy some maternity dresses for work even.”

My jaw drops and I sit on the edge of the bed. I sniffle back a tear as I lean into him, “Archer, how can I be a good mother when I don’t even think about these things.”

He takes me in his hoofs, “Love you will do fine. You have a lot on your mind and really how often have you had to think about something like this before?”

He holds me as I tell him, “Never, the last time I had friends who have had to was Nugget and Ivy and that has been almost ten years ago.”

He nods his head and tells me, “And Emerado has not had to shift yet as she is showing, but not as much as you and Mags.”

I nod my head, “She was always so lucky that way. I bet she gets her school horse figure back within a few months even.”

As I say this Archer gently lays me back onto the bed. He continues to nibble and groom me as he tells me, “But she is not the mare I love and want as mine.”

I run my hoof through his mane and down his back as I tell him, “You really do mean that don’t you.”

He nods his head, then he puts a hoof to my muzzle, gently silencing me as he begins to make me his mare, once again. I love this stallion so much. As the evening progresses, I show him just how much I love him and let him know he is as much a part of me, as I am of him.

Morning comes and I wake reluctantly. Not only am I in the hooves of the stallion I love, but part of me dreads having to go to the court-martial for Tar. It just does not feel right, nor fair that I will have to be a witness against her. My friend now as well as family. I truly believe she has redeemed herself. Too bad so many others do not, including her.

After formation, I hand the battalion over to Kettle Belle again. She testified yesterday. Unlike the civilian trials, the court-martial keeps the witnesses separated before they testify. As I go in, I see the board of the court. Both of the Colonels plus Major Star Burst sit on it as judges.

Once seated on the witness stand it begins with the prosecution questioning me.

“Major Mollygirl, is it or is it not true that prior to her defection to the forces of Red Eye, that Captain Tar Water and you had an altercation when your squad was providing covering forces during recovery operations?”

I look straight ahead, but out of the corner of my eye, I can see Tar. I pause for a breath and answer with a simple yes.

The next question is “What were the results of this altercation?”

“My squad and I were told our services were no longer needed and dismissed. During this time, we escorted the family we had found to the hospital for medical care,” I answer.

“Major, please only answer the question you are asked, do not elaborate. I request that the last half of that reply be stricken from the record.”

Colonel Chappy then answers, “Request granted, court recorder, strike the last half of the answer.”

Next, I am questioned about when I saw her after the Battle of Manesville in the stable. “Major, when you saw her in the stable, what was she doing?”

“She was giving shots of med-ex to severely burned prisoners,” I look down as I tell them, “I saw her give multiple shots to some of them.”

“And what would these additional shots do to an individual?” the prosecutor asks.

“It would kill them. I am not a medical professional, but from what I understand it would cause their nervous system to shut down in a relatively painless way. Almost like going to sleep.”

“And how did you react to this?”

“I tried to stop her and chased her until she escaped out of the stable.”

The questioning goes on for some time and includes her actions in the hospital as well as back at the stable before that. Then the defense begins to question me.

“Major Mollygirl, you have accused Captain Tar Water of having tried to commit murder of prisoners, and even physically assaulted her during her attempt to escape from you. You have told us how she held a knife to your throat when you woke up in your hospital bed, but by your own admissions you were only cut when you struggled and you moved against the knife blade. When she could have easily killed you, she did not, why do you think that is?”

“In my opinion, she was a good pony who due to bad circumstances was misled by Silver Spite. Despite what he wanted, she always tried to do the best she could to stay a good pony,” I answer.

“I object to this line of questioning, it is all supposition,” the prosecuting attorney yells out.

Colonel Chappy as president of the court-martial board brings down his gavel and tells him, “Objection Overruled.”

“Major, during the expedition after she returned to our forces, did Captain Tar Water give you any difficulty?”

“No sir, in fact, she was a model prisoner. When the combat situations got desperate enough, I trusted her to be armed to support us. In fact, she could have taken my life on several occasions and never did. When the combat situations had died down, she returned her weapon to her guard to be stored until needed again.”

“So, you came to feel that even though she had threatened your life previously that you could trust her with it. Why?” He asks.

I state what I feel is obvious, “Because of two things. First, I heard Silver Spite say he had killed the security guards at the stable. That she had been ordered to kill me, but refused, and that the wounded she had given the meds to, had all asked for euthanasia because of the severity of their injuries,” I pause then continue, “This was all before I got to know her. Since then I feel she has changed and feels a need for contrition. She knows what she did was wrong and has tried her best to make things right.”

“So, if we were to release her today, you would be willing to have her serve with you again?”

“Yes, I would be happy to have her on my staff, or serving as a company commander under me. She has proved to me her value. To tell the truth, she would be welcome at my home to visit even.” As I say this last part, I see Tar staring at me, with a tear in one eye, but also a half-smile.

After this, I am dismissed from the witness stand and am able to return to my duties. I know that it will take a few more days at least of testimony before a decision by the board is made. Also, unlike a civil trial, the decision and judgment will be decided and past down without an audience. So, I will have to wait to hear the results.

With that in mind, I head back to my office and then decide to take a tour of my troops at their duty locations to occupy my mind. As I am walking around the Stable grounds, I notice all of the new framework being set up for buildings. I also see several areas where troopers are either digging new trenches for piping or actually laying pipe. If they do not have enough scrap pipe, I notice they are using wooden tubes bound with rope or metal that is then covered with tar.

As I approach one of the areas where the pipe is being laid, I see Bailey Bridge and a couple of his engineers inspecting the work. When I get next to them, my shadow gives me away. I see him jump and look up. Then he says, “Oh, good afternoon Major.”

“Good Afternoon Bailey, how goes it?”

“So far so good ma’am. So far so good. We had a couple of the ghouls come across that we have paid to advise us, so you can see how much that has paid off.”

“I guess so, so what is all of this for?” I ask curiously.

Smiling he tells me, “Major, we don’t have the pipe yet for sewage. But we do have quite a bit for water lines. One of the older ghouls was telling me that these wooden pipes can last for a couple of centuries when treated like this. We plan on most of the buildings having water to them.”

“Sounds like you are building a regular city up here, Bailey.”

He smiles, “Sort of, but we need the room. The stable was never intended for that many occupants. So this will really spread us out and help us to make sure we have enough housing without overtaxing the stables support systems.”

“On a personal note Bailey, have you talked to Tar lately?” I ask.

He looks kind of sullen, “Just once since we last talked. They stopped letting me visit when I got called up to be a witness for the courts-martial.”

“I am sorry to hear that Bailey, I really am. I saw her in the courtroom today.”

I see his face brighten some. “Really, how is she, how did she look?” he asks.

“She looks tired and worried, unfortunately, as I was giving testimony, I could not talk to her, or really do much of anything to interact with her.”

I see his normal sunny façade slip some, “I am worried about her Mollygirl. I did take your advice though and I told her how I feel.”

I nod my head, “What did she say?”

He half-smiles, “She said I should have told her a lot sooner. But she was happy to hear it and is interested in me too, if I am still available once she gets out of prison, if she gets out,” he pauses and then says, “She also told me not to wait for her, but to be happy.”

I smile sadly, “That does sound like the Tar I have come to know. Damn, I wish things could have gone differently for her.”

“So Major, did you pick up any sense of how things were leaning for her in her case?”

“No Bailey, but if I do, I will let you know right away.”

He smiles back at me sadly, “Thanks Mollygirl. I really would appreciate it. I will let you know if I hear anything also.”

I nod my head and then I continue on my way.

I find my Door Kickers further out from the stable. They are assisting the engineers in ponyhandling one side of a barracks building into place with the other three outer walls. I notice Bullet and once they have it set and in place, I go over to talk with him.

“Hey Sergeant, how is it going?”

He notices me and smiles. “Going good Major, just got this new side in. I was talking with the engineers earlier; it seems they are modifying the design to include roof exits for pegasi to use in case of an emergency scramble.”

“Makes sense, I wonder if this is going to be used for the 2^nd regiment troops or the 1^st?”

He smiles, “I really don’t know Mollygirl, but I am glad to see it. I mean we can only fit so many ponies and cows into the stable. I have heard that some of the 2^nd regiment troopers were living in some of the old storage warehouse sections, in open bay barracks, rather than having their own stalls. This should help relieve the tensions some.”

I nod my head “Very true, I had not thought about what that would be like for them.”

He nods to me then and tells me, “It did not help when your volunteers received the old Equestrian Rangers bunks in mass instead of going to the open bays also. Many felt slighted and I think that they only kept calm because so many of the Enfields are pegasi also.”

“Makes sense Bullet, by the way, Next week we would like to have you, Em and Shadowbuck over for dinner,” I tell him.

I see him smile, “Thanks dear, I know I am looking forward to it as will Bucky and Em. Before I get back to work, I also wanted to thank you for setting me up with the Shimmer and Glimmer. It really is a sweet weapon. Buckshot told me you had him tag it for me special.”

“Your welcome Dad. I just hope you do not need to use it too soon.”

He laughs and puts a hoof on my shoulder, “Me either, but this is the CDF still.” He then salutes me and says, “I best get back to work Major, talk to you later ma’am.”

I return his salute and watch him trot on over back to his squad. As I walk further, I see several of my officers and troopers as they continue to assist in the building projects.

Once I get back to the stable, I head over to the Hells Belles area to check on them. As I enter the first squad bay, I run into Sergeant Peach Pit. She calls for attention on deck as I enter and salutes me. “Carry on,” I call out and watch them all begin to go back to what they were doing before.

“Good afternoon Ma’am, anything I can help you with?” Peach pit asks.

I shake my head, “No Sergeant, just checking on everyone. How are things going for you and the troops?”

“It’s going well ma’am. If you don’t mind my asking Major, have you heard anything about Captain Tar Water’s Case?”

I shake my head, “No news yet, but I will keep the chain of command informed if I hear anything. I am surprised that you and the troops are so interested.”

She smiles and says, “Major, many of us would not be here today if not for her. She is as wild in combat as you, I think. I can not tell you how many others her and that guard of hers saved on that last day in the Valley.”

I knew she did a lot, and I had lost track of her, but I had not really thought about what all she did then and I tell the sergeant this.

Peach Pit looks at me, “Ma’am, you two were like Ursa Majors defending their young, where one of you wasn’t the other appeared, and together, you both were terrifying.”

I feel myself begin to blush, as I listen to her talk this way about both Tar and I. Then I hear her say, “ma’am, several of us have testified in her defense at the courts-martial. We understand she needs to pay for what she has done, but we also hope she is shown some mercy.”

I nod my head, “Same here. I will let you know as soon as I hear something though, ok.”

“Thanks Major, it is much appreciated.”

I then head over to the company HQ for the Belles. There I find Kettle Belle doing her paperwork as she listens to some music on her PipBuck. When she notices me, she smiles and says, “AH, good to see you again Major, anything I can help you with?”

“Hi Kettle, just making my rounds. Seeing how everyone is doing. Oh, I talked with Sergeant Kicker on my way in, the other day. Archer was going to talk to Sutures about taking you as well as her on as clients.”

I see her smile, “Tell him thanks for me when you see him. I do appreciate it. I never thought that the cattle midwives would be this way. It is kind of surprising.”

“I understand, believe me. I know what it is like to have others judging you.”

She smiles at that and tells me, “I appreciate it and I know you do. Speaking of being judged, any word on Tar yet?”

I shake my head and tell her, “No, not yet. I testified this morning, so I do not know how many more still need to do so before the board makes a decision, but I will let you know when I hear.”

“Thanks Mollygirl, I really do want to know. Ya’ know she really is not that bad a mare. It’s just too bad what all she got caught up in.”

I nod my head in agreement, “Yeah, I think you are right about that. Damn, if ponies could just say how they really feel, sometimes so much trouble and pain could be avoided.”

She nods her head, “It’s not just ponies Mollygirl, cattle can be just as bad. Before the expedition we were supported with what we did, now, now some want to condemn us. At this rate, my husband and I have started to seriously consider moving out to White Cloud. At least with those there, I feel welcome and at home.”

I sigh, “I know what you mean. I was just lucky that they built it so close to our farm.”

I see her raise an eyebrow, “Our farm now? I thought it was Sumac’s?”

I smile as I answer, “It was and is, but it is all of ours now, especially since we put the new addition on the house for all the new foals.”

I see her laugh a bit, “I take it she is now one of the sister mares of the family then?”

I nod my head, “Yeah, she is also due only a couple of months after Magpie and me.”

I see her smile, then she asks me, “Have your husbands talked to you about maternity uniforms yet? Mine did last night.”

I laugh lightly as a put a hoof on her shoulder and tell her, “Actually, just last night Archer brought it up to me.”

She shakes her head, “Males,” is all she says.

This strikes me funny for some reason and I laugh even more. “Thanks, Kettle, for the laugh, I best get back to my HQ. I will talk to you later.”

Still smiling, with a slight laugh in her voice she replies, “You too Major, have a good night ma’am.”

Once I get back to my HQ, I see both Paper Work and Chain Lightning waiting for me with a serious expression on their faces. Oh, oh, this does not bode well.

As I go up to them, I ask, “Ok, what has happened now.” Paper Work approaches me and tells me, “Ma’am, the verdict came in an hour ago. Tar has received a dishonorable conduct discharge, reduction in rate to recruit. Five years in prison and five years parole, also she gets time served counted.”

Part of me wants to scream, but part of me thanks the Goddesses that she will live. Beside me, Chain Lightning holds out a flask. “Here ma’am, I know you were close, maybe this will help.”

Without thinking I take the flask and drink half of it. Then I hoof it back to Chain Lightning. “Thank you, 1st Sergeant. I needed that. I will be back in a bit. I have a few others I need to let know.” Then I head straight out the door to find Bailey Bridge.

I find him on his way back to the stable. He is smiling as he walks in my direction. He sees me and the expression on my face and I see him sit down hard. When I get close enough, he asks in a trembling voice, “Major, how bad is it?”

I tell him and I see him let out a deep breath of relief. Then he tells me, “Oh, thank the Goddesses. She lives.”

As happy as he seems I am thrown off guard and I ask why he is not more upset. He looks at me funny at first then tells me with a smile. “Major, she is alive and in just over four years I can be with her and her foal.”

I guess I can get it, but still. So, I ask, “Bailey, isn’t almost five years a long time to wait for somepony?”

He smiles at me and tells me, “Not if you really care about them. Besides, it gives me a chance to advance so I can support her better.”

I shake my head slowly, “Bailey, that is what I love about you. Your optimism, please don’t ever lose that.”

He smiles as he tells me, “Ma’am, to tell the truth, I am an optimist by nature, but a pessimist by experience. I just don’t show it. Thanks for letting me know the news.” With that, he salutes me and when I return it, he continues on his way back to the stable still whistling a tune that I just barely hear, but recognize as the March of the CEF.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Today I found out the mare I love and have loved for some time will be going to prison for the next five years. As I sit here drinking to drown the pain, I have begun to talk to a ghoul who has got me to thinking. Tonight, if you could, please play Ships that Don’t Come In for all of us who need to be reminded of how hard it can be out in the Wastelands.

Thank You

Bailey Bridge,

Lieutenant, Combat Engineer Company, 1^st Regiment CDF

Thanks to Kkat for creating the world of FoE. I also want to thank all those other authors out there who have added to it, and shown how much more can be added to it. Also thank you my readers, I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

This chapters dedication songs YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZW6urOSFxM