Chapter 63 Getting Back in the Saddle

“The beauty of the infantry is its ability to truly teach tolerance. At the lowest level, when it is simply a matter of survival to count on everyone around you, regardless of religion or skin color, the only logical option is to ignore the differences.” ― Adam Fenner

When I get home that night Sutures comes to greet me at the door and smells the alcohol on me from Chain Lightning’s flask. I see her nostrils flare. Her eyes flash and her ears go back.

“Mollygirl, why have you been drinking?” is all she asks.

I put my head down in shame and tell her, “Sorry love, but it was only one drink. The verdict for Tar came down today.”

From inside I hear Ginger scrambling to the door in a near panic as she quickly runs over to find out what was decided.

Sutures sighs, and nods before asking me, “Ok Mollygirl, what was the sentence?”

When I tell them, they both breathe a sigh of relief. Then Ginger asks, “Ma, when can we go see her?”

I look down at my daughter and tell her, “Ginger, I really am not sure. I will try and find out tomorrow, ok?”

She nods her head and looking up at me tells me, “Yeah, I guess so. Thanks, ma.” Then she gives me a hug, which I reciprocate with.

As I am holding her, I look up at Sutures and I tell, “Dearest, I did not go looking for it. Chain Lighting knew how much I would be upset and offered me a drink to calm my nerves when I got the news. Please forgive me.”

She gives a half-smile to me, “Mollygirl, I am not upset at you. I just worry is all. Too many try to use drinking as a way to deal with what all they go through. That is all.”

Still holding Ginger, I tell her, “I know Sutures, I know, remember my granddam, Millie. I never forget that.”

She then comes over and hugs both of us. From the other room, I hear Sumac call “What’s going on?”

Sutures tells her, “The verdict and sentence for Tar came in.”

Sumac comes into the room from the kitchen and she asks, “So what did they say?”

Sutures tells her for me and I see Sumac let out a sigh, “Well it is better than it could be, but honestly Mollygirl, after what she did, she is getting off light.”

“I know Ma, I know,” I tell her without thinking.

I see the surprise on her face, I have not called her Ma much since we got back. “Mollygirl, was she really that changed when she got back?”

“Ma, you have to understand, I really got to know her. Just like Ginger and Sutures. Ma, she has been through Tartarus her entire life. I had rough spots, she had smooth spots. I was really lucky.”

Sumac puts a hoof on my shoulder and nods as she tells me, “Yes, we all were, and now you can understand why I feel the way I do about the Waters clan. I still find it hard to believe you are related to them.”

I nod my head, “Maybe, but Ma, Trouble, and Tar, are two of the best of them. I am proud to call them family.”

Below me, I can feel Ginger nod her head and she says, “Yeah, and Grey at least knows where he stands with us.”

I smile and laugh lightly at that. I have to admit to myself, Ginger certainly let him know in no uncertain terms as well as I did.

Sumac shakes her head, “So I have been told dears, so I have been told. Well, I Best get back in the kitchen and help Magpie finish dinner. We have company coming tonight.”

At this, my ears go up in curiosity, “Really Ma? Who?”

She smiles at me, "I was going to surprise you, but it is Fancy Flourish and Sirocco.”

“Excellent, I really look forward to seeing them again. Too bad Badger can’t be here, I know he would like to visit with Sirocco also. But at least Archer can.”

Sutures nods her head, “It is so good to see some of the old CEF ponies. I hate to say it but sometimes I miss those days, just because I miss the ponies, cattle, and brahmin.”

Below me, I feel Ginger quickly nodding her head.

Then Sumac says just before she leaves the room, “I can understand that I think, but I am still glad you all are here now, instead of there.”

With that, Ginger and I quickly set the table, while Sutures gets a nice fire going in the fireplace. After we are finished, we go out and sit on the porch and wait for our company to arrive.

We are sitting there enjoying the cool late afternoon, early evening weather when I Iook up the road and I see Sirocco and Fancy coming tail in tail followed closely behind by Xavier and Archer, both of which are singing together as they trot on along home.

From Persimmon’s porch, I can see her standing there shaking her head, but smiling. Xochitl comes over to visit with Ginger for a bit.

Once he gets close enough, she smiles at him with a bit of sadness in her eyes. “Hi, Xochitl.”

He still has a smile on his face but you can tell he sees that something is bothering Ginger so he asks her, “Ginger, is something wrong?”

She shakes her head, “No, not really, I guess. They sentenced Tar today.”

He sits beside her and nods his head. I see a worried expression on his face also. “Do you know what they sentenced her to?”

She sighs as I sit there and listen. She then tells him, “She is going to prison for five years Xochitl, by the time she gets out, her foal will be a grown-up.”

He smiles at her exaggeration as do I. “Not quite Ginger, but I do understand what you mean. Are you ok?”

She nods her head and he puts a hoof around her and tells her, “It will be ok Ginger, as long as there is life, there is hope.”

She nods her head and leans into him and replies, “I know, but it hurts to know I won’t see her much for so long.”

I see him give her shoulder a squeeze and he tells her, “Yes Ginger, but you will get to see her still.”

About this time Fancy and Sirocco come up to the house and see Ginger and Xochitl and me. Fancy comes over to me and gives me a brief hug, then she asks, “What is bothering you, Ginger?”

She looks up at Fancy, “Good evening Ma’am, sorry. It is just Ma told me that Tar got sentenced to five years in prison today.”

Fancy nods her head, “I know how fond you are of her little one, but don’t let it get you down too much,” she smiles and then winks at me and tells her teasingly, “At least in five years she will be out in time to see you and Xochitl get married.”

I see Ginger's eyes go wide at that as well as her ears forward. Both her and Xochitl blush. But I do notice that neither of them argues against the idea.

Archer comes up next and I see Xavier walking towards his cabin and I hear Persimmon call, “Xochitl, time for dinner.”

Xochitl gets up and gives a quick peck on Ginger's cheek, which gets her to smile again. Then I have to smile as I watch him trot away home. The rest of us then turn and go inside for our dinner.

As we eat dinner the conversation comes around to Sutures and her mother opening shop in White Cloud. All are interested in it, it seems.

“So, Sutures, is there anything special you may need to start building your business here?” Fancy asks her.

Sutures replies, “No Fancy, not really, not equipment-wise. However, I do have a favor to ask if I may.”

“And what is that Sutures? I will help if I can.”

“Fancy, I really do not know the brahmin of White Cloud and it seems some of the cows from the CEF are going to have calves that are fathered by brahmin.”

I see her eyebrow go up and I see Sirocco laugh lightly as he says, “Seeing there was only one brahmin bull with us, I have a feeling who the father is.”

Fancy lightly taps him on his shoulder and says, “Sirocco, mind your manners,” Then she returns her attention to Sutures and asks, “Ok, so what is it you need me to do?”

“Fancy, I need you to introduce me, so I can ask them about the oral history of their herds from when the brahmin started to be born. We may be dealing with similar problems that they had back after the final day. They may have heard some tricks I can use.”

I see both Fancy and Sirocco nod, as well as Ginger and Sumac. Archer just puts a hoof under his chin and I can see he is in thought.

Fancy smiles at her, “You know Sutures, I think I can do that. I have a suggestion that may interest you also. How would you and your mother like to have a tea at the saloon one night in the next couple of weeks where we invite the brahmin as well as any interested mares so you can introduce yourselves and tell us all what your concerns are, as well as what theirs are. It would also allow you to meet them in a social setting so that you can all get to know each other as well.”

Sutures smiles at the suggestion and tells her, “You know that might work really well. Provided they show up.”

Sirocco smiles at that and tells her, “Sutures, you have to remember, they are not used to being treated equally, they still find it a novel experience to be asked to do things, rather than told. That and they are trying to integrate themselves into the community. I think this will help. Perhaps it would help if Mollygirl or Archer were to ask Kicker and Kettle Bell to come also.”

I smile at that; it would be interesting to meet them as well. Besides, who knows what could come of it. I mean Kicker’s and Kettle Bell’s calves are going to be unique in the Co-op for a while at least. So, I tell them, “I would be happy to invite them also, just let me know when ok.”

We discuss the possibilities of when and where for a while longer. Finally, I tell them, “Ok, I will let those two know about the meeting coming up, but that a date is still pending for it. Sound good?”

“Yeah, it sounds good to me.” Sutures tells me. Across the table, I see both Sirocco and Fancy nodding as well.

Sumac then suggests, “Mollygirl, how about you and Ginger help me clear the table and the others can go sit by the fire and listen to the radio,” then she addresses the rest, “We will be in to join you as soon as we are done.”

After this Ginger and I begin to clear the table as Sumac starts to wash them. Ginger then grabs a chair and helps to dry them as I put them away. From the other room, I can hear the mumble of ponies talking in the distance as well as music coming from the local station out of the stable.

From the radio, I can hear the Dust Devils playing one of their songs. The music is very similar to the Co-op's normal sound, however, they all sing with a Thunderhead accent. As we are doing the dishes, I catch myself and Ginger both tapping a hoof to the music. We both look at each other and smile, on the other side of Ginger, I see Sumac smirking and shaking her head. Once we finish, we put the chair back, hang the dishrags, and head out to join the others.

We arrive just in time to hear Archer say, “Ok, it’s time for DJ Pon3, is it alright if I switch the station?”

Good evening children of the Wastelands, the sun has gone down and another day is done. But that does not mean everything is safe out there. Remember to lock your doors and check to make sure your chambers are full. In tonight’s news things seem to be heating up again down in the Hoof. The street fighting has been reported to have slackened off a bit in Fillydelphia this week. Both sides seem to be licking their wounds per se. This last week it is reported that the troops of the Talons and their armies have retaken the Fun Farm section of town and are advancing house by house and block by block in the areas around it.

In other news we have reports that the talks are still underway between the Manesville Co-op and the proposed New Canterlot Republic. However, there are reports that several concessions have already been reached on both sides. One of the points of contention being the Co-op’s refusal to turn over several former Enclave officers that are sheltering there for crimes against equinity. As you can hear in this recording of the head of the Co-op’s Board of Directors Twilight Shimmer

“Once again, I will state that those who have taken shelter here in the Manesville Co-op have properly applied for membership in it. This is something that we do not take lightly. Those who have had such charges leveled upon them have not had any specific ones made or evidence of them shown. Furthermore, some of those who the NCR demand have proven themselves by shedding blood to defend our home and assist the members of the Co-op Expedition Force at Serenity Valley. By shedding their blood for us, they have become a part of us, and have proven their renunciation of loyalties to the Enclave.

I will remind you that we too have suffered at the hooves of the Enclave during Operation Cauterize, as has much of the Wastelands. If we can find it in our hearts to forgive the former members of the Enclave for these transgressions and to allow them to redeem themselves then this should be enough for all others. Remember Equestria was for all of us, including the Pegasi. Please do not let this be the sticking point that prevents us from turning the remains of Equestria that are the wastelands into the New Canterlot Republic that can be.”

We will return for more news after some music. Next, we have a song from Velvet Remedy…

As we listen to the song, I notice Ginger's ears moving as they listen to it. She looks at the radio with a questioning expression. Then she shakes her head and waves a hoof at it saying “No, really it couldn’t be.”

“What Ginger?” I ask.

She shakes her head again, “I know it will sound crazy Ma, but I swear that mare singing sounds just like the one that from JR-7”

I smile and pat her on the shoulder, “I understand dear, some voices just seem familiar.”

I watch as she shrugs her shoulders, and then she climbs up next to me on the couch where I am sitting. We visit for another hour before they decide they need to head home. During that time, we enjoy a nice dessert and the bucks both have a bottle of cider.

After they leave for the night Magpie and Sumac take Ginger upstairs and tuck her into bed. After a bit, I go up and read a short story to her and as I turn out the lantern she says, “Ma, thanks for giving Tar a second chance. She never had good parents like I do to teach her how she could be.”

“Your welcome Ginger, sweet dreams and I will see you in the morning dear,” I tell her as I close the door. However, all I can think is, how did such a youngster get such insight, as I shake my head and head back downstairs for the night.

The next day begins like any other. Archer and I head into the stable together. Today though we are accompanied by Magpie as she heads into the library. Today it is Archer’s turn to be in the middle as both Magpie and I hold his tail from each side. I swear I see him walk with his head a wee bit higher than normal.

Once at the stable, we both kiss our Mags goodbye and tell her to have a good day. Then we trot on into the main entrance. As we get inside, I hear Buckshot call me over to the armory.

“Yes Sergeant, what do you need?” I ask him.

He looks at both me and Archer, “Major, Captain, as we are going to have to be armed and ready during the normal time for the Pegasus tag game today, I was wondering Ma’am, if you wanted your weapons ready for you to draw them or not,” He then looks at Archer and says, “Sir, I know you normally just go with a pistol and an occasional carbine, but if you would like, I can see what we have special that may interest you.”

I see Archer smile a bit, “Sergeant Buckshot, I am very interested in what you might have. However, would you mind If I came back a bit later? I need to attend formation soon, as well as get my gunners ready, ya know, just in case.”

I see Buckshot smiling, “Oh yes sir, I do fully understand. I was discussing this with Sergeant Kicker just yesterday. She has been asking me if I have any MP-10’s for her and the other artillery crews. I have found a few, but I wanted to discuss with you reserving them for the crew leaders and the officers for the artillery crews.”

I See Archer’s grin widen, “Yes Buckshot, those little 10mm SMGs might be just the ticket for those positions. When I come back later, we can discuss them and whatever else you may have.”

I see Buckshot perk up a bit a that, “Yes sir, that sounds good to me. Oh, also Sir, would you still like a pistol too?”

Archer shakes his head while smiling and tells him, “Let's talk about that later, shall we. I will see you then.”

As we leave Archer smiles at me and tells me, “I will see you later love, take care,” and he heads off to his crews. As I go to pass medical on my way to my HQ, I see Doc Treacle coming out.

“Oh, good morning Major, been a while, I hope you are still doing well?”

I smile and nod my head, “Yes, thank you, Doctor. How have you been?”

He seems a bit surprised and disconcerted by my asking him that and replies, “Doing well ma’am. I am certainly glad to be back with modern facilities.”

“I can understand that. It was enough to give a pony nightmares,” I tell him.

Again, I see the surprise on his face. He looks around and asks me, “You too?”

I nod my head, “Yeah Doc, but I think most of us are having them. I know several others who are. Even in my own family.”

I see him breathe out a sigh of relief, and he tells me quietly “I thought I was the only one.”

I shake my head and tell him, “Definitely not Doc, part of why I go and see Moon Pie so much now.”

I see his jaw drop a bit, “Major, you go to see her?”

I nod my head, “Yeah, yeah I do. It has helped some. Granted she can’t take away the pain, but she has helped me deal with it some.”

“Major, if I were to go see her, you would not think lower of me then?”

I sigh and shake my head, “No, Doc, I would not. Back in the Valley, I mentioned to one of our now deceased sergeants that I had thought about trying to get a group going where we could all just share what we went through, and are experiencing. I mean, as educated as you are, you felt you were the only one dealing with this. Maybe we need to help each other too.”

“But Major, I don’t want the others to think less of me either.”

“Doc, if I was shot and said that, what would you tell me?”

I see him half-smile as he huffs a bit of air out of his nose and nods his head. Then he answers me, “Yeah, when you put it like that. Thanks, Major, I appreciate the advice.”

“Your welcome Doc, I will talk to you later, I need to get to my HQ before formation,” I tell him, then I quickly trot to my office before I can be stopped again.

I get to my office just in time to grab a half a cup of tea and head over to the preformation briefing. It goes fairly normal until the Colonel tells us, “I am sure that most of you have heard DJ Pon3’s broadcast last night. At this time the talks are still underway with Gawdyna Grimfeathers and her coalition NCR government. However, the sticking point of the accusations against our fellow officers of the CDF are a serious sticking point. For those who do not know, some of these accusations have even been made against some of our officers that are former Dashites.”

With that, I look over at Sunset. His face is set in an angry expression and when he notices me looking at him I see him shrug.

Then the Colonel looks over at me and tells me, “Major Mollygirl, I need to talk to you personally after formation.”

When he says this, right after his previous announcement my stomach drops out of me. All I can think is, what am I being blamed for this time. What I actually say is, “Yes sir.”

Next, he talks about which units will be standing by armed as a response force today and tomorrow.

“H-troop from the 1^st regiment along with C-troop from the second are on ready reserve duty. Major Mollygirl, I want either D or E troop ready to back them up, your choice.” The Colonel tells us.

I nod my head, “Yes sir, I will let the Enfields stand down this time as they did not get leave when we got back. So, the Doorkickers will be assigned,” Then I ask, “Sir, do you want me to lead the reserves out if we need them?”

I see him think about it and he tells me, “Major, we can talk about that later.”

Once we finish, we all head back to our HQ’s to grab our staffs and get ready for formation. The formation goes smoothly. When I announce to my Troops which ones will be standing ready, I see several of my Enfields seem distraught. So, after I dismiss the others, I have them stand by.

As I approach, Clockwork calls them back to attention, then I put them back into At Ease. I watch as they all shift their weight so that they are all standing with their hind right leg partially bent. Then I tell them, “Ok, I know some of you are not happy I did not assign you to be the standby ready company today. Normally I would not explain myself and the reasons I made this call. However, I feel you all deserve to know. It is not because I do not trust you as much as them. It is to give you a slight break. When D and H troop were on leave, you still were standing duty. I feel every bit as confident in all of you, as any of them. This is not slight, but instead, consider it a reward. Enjoy your time to relax tonight.”

I then turn to Clockwork and tell him, “Captain, take over your company,” and I trot back to the stable and the regimental HQ.

Once I get there I go straight to the Colonel’s office and enter. As I do so he tells me, “Major please close the door, and take a seat.”

Once I am sitting, he begins. “Major, part of the reason I wanted to talk to you is to let you know that two of the ponies that have been requested to be turned over are Captain Sunset and Major Wind Rider. I know you are close to both of them.”

I get ready to say something but before I can speak the first word, he holds up a forehoof and tells me, “Let me finish Major.”

I nod my head and he continues, “Major, both have been accused of crimes against equinity from during their time in service as scouts for the Enclave military. I will not go into details about it, but just so you know, we are dismissing the allegations as preposterous. In part, this is because one, there is no signed agreement anywhere listing what constitutes such a crime. Two there have been charges of such leveled at you also. Those who made them state that you caused former officers of Red Eye’s army to be placed into slavery, as well as your having ordered your troops to open fire on the civilians during the first battle of Two Step.”

Again, I get ready to say something, but this time to defend myself. He holds up his hoof again, “Shhh, hear me out. Major, we both know that the first instance was Karma. You could have just killed that officer instead. The second well, they were using equine shields to try and prevent you from shooting at their attacking forces. Both of these decisions of yours I fully support and have even told the Board of Directors such,” He then puts his hoof down and waits for me to reply.

“Thank you, Colonel, for telling me. But I don’t understand why you are telling me this.”

He sighs and leans forward as he tells me, “Mollygirl, I just wanted you to be aware of what has been going on. By the way, Both Dull Beak and Doctor Tourniquet have had nothing but positive things to report about your conduct during the expedition and have been defending you and Captain Sunset to those in Junction town.”

“Thank you, Sir, I really appreciate your letting me know. Do the others who have been accused also know?”

He nods his head, “Yes Mollygirl, they have been told already. I am sorry I did not get a chance to talk to you about it before last night’s broadcast.”

“Chappy, it is more than understandable. You have a whole regiment to take care of. I just appreciate your taking your time to let me know what is going on. I find it really interesting about these unsubstantiated allegations that are being made and wonder who is behind them and why? The board of directors may find it useful in their negations to point those questions out.”

I watch him put a hoof under his chin and nod his head. Then the tells me, “You know Mollygirl, that is a very good point. Who would benefit most from preventing us from joining the coalition government?”

I nod my head and add, “And how many of these allegations are a way of getting even, or even of just getting ahead of those accused.”

He then stands up, “Thank you Mollygirl for your time. I really appreciate your ideas, but I need to go see the Overs now. Perhaps we can talk at lunch today. If so, grab Captain Sunset and let him know I want him to join us.”

“Will do sir. I will see you then.” I tell him as I get up and head out of his office, followed quickly by the Colonel as he heads to see the Overmare and Overcow.

On my way, I make a side trip to Sunsets Recon companies HQ. Who would have thought we would have increased the size of the scouts per regiment this much? It makes me shake my head, then I smile and think, At least my next time in the field with my battalion I should have a full scout platoon.

Inside I find him going over some maps with his contemporary from the 2^nd regiments Scouts. As I enter, he looks up and I ask him, “Sunset, do you have a minute?”

“Sure Mollygirl, what have you got for me?” he says with a smile.

“I just got done talking to Colonel Chappy. He wants to have lunch with both you and me today.”

I see his smile slip a bit, “Ok, I was hoping to surprise her, and catch Pages for lunch today, but I guess that can wait. Any idea what he wants?”

I shift my eyes to the other officer and then back to Sunset and tell him, “Not really, but we did have an interesting discussion about one of the sticking points of the negotiations.”

Sunset then looks at the chief of scouts for the 2^nd regiment and asks him, “Hey Pathfinder, do you think you could give me and the Major a couple of minutes?”

The light blue Pegasus nods his head which barely moves his close-cropped red and white mane as he replies, “Sure, I need to get a couple of things done and this will give me a chance to do them. How about we meet after lunch then?”

Sunset nods his head and puts out a hoof, “Sounds good, see you then.”

After Pathfinder leaves, he turns to me, “Ok Mollygirl, what is going on?”

I let out a sigh and tell him what the Colonel had told me. He smiles sadly and lets out a slight laugh. Then he tells me, “It’s funny, I wonder who and what they have accused me of this time. I cannot believe they did that to you though. But then again, it may have been one of those bastards that were driving them towards us, trying to get what payback they could.”

“True, very true,” I say, then I look at him and ask, “Sunset, is there something I should know about your past. Something you are hiding so I can run interference for you?”

He shakes his head, “Mollygirl, the one thing that would have gotten me in trouble, and that got me branded a Dashite is something I refused to do, and do not regret. But some of the others that were there may harbor a grudge still and if they have heard about me from some of the former Thunderheaders here, then that would explain a lot.”

“OK, just know I have your back Sunset. You are still one of my best friends,” I tell him as I stick out a hoof and he shakes it.

“I know Mollygirl, that is why you will always be the LT to me and so many others, no matter what your rank. And for what it’s worth, I consider you one of my best friends also.”

We talk for a bit more, including going over his map some, then we agree to meet at my office and then join the Colonel for lunch. After that, I head back out and return to my office. As I enter Chain Lightning catches me, “Ma’am I hate to say it, but we have a couple of Article 15’s that need to be taken care of, from H troop. Captain Kettle Bell referred them to you while you were out of the office.”

“Ok, first, let’s go into my office and look them over,” I tell him. From out of the corner of my eye I see Paper Work get up and go get some tea bags and put them in hot water.

After I sit down at my desk Chain Lightning sits down across from me. We chat for a bit about the battalion itself as Paper Work brings both of us a cup of tea. Once he leaves, I look at him and ask, “Ok Chain, what have you got for me?”

He gives me a half-smile, “Well ma’am, it seems we have a bit of conundrum. The third squad of H-troop had a bit of a fight the other night with some of the locals out in town. It seems one of the locals had insulted Captain Bell, calling her some rather vulgar terms concerning her being pregnant from a brahmin,” As he pauses to take a breath, I think to myself, I can see where this is going.

When he starts again, he tells me, “It was two of the bulls and a unicorn at the Trough that were running their mouth. This led to a disagreement between the locals and the third squad. At this point, it was still just pushing and yelling. It seems Sergeant Peach Pit was there also and tried to intervene and one of the civilian bulls knocked her out with a blow to her head. At this point, the others joined in. There were several tables and chairs broken as well as one of the front windows, through which, it is my understanding the unicorn buck was thrown out by one of our troopers followed by said trooper yelling, “levitate this.”

I take a deep breath and let out a sigh as I put a hoof to the side of my head. “Ok, so that explains why I am getting this. Have you talked to the 1^st sergeant for the Bell’s yet?” I ask.

“No, not yet ma’am, I wanted to let you know first,” he tells me, still giving me a half-smile and a shrug.

Shaking my head, I tell him, “Ok, thanks Chain, do me a favor and go talk with their company 1^st sergeant and get her recommendations. I will talk to Kettle Bell and get her recommendations also,”

As I say this he gets up and nods to me, “Will do Major, I will try and get you some answers concerning this by tomorrow morning.”

“Thanks, Chain, I appreciate it,” I tell him as he heads out the door and I watch as he grabs his softcover to head out of the stable.

I look at my Pipbuck and notice the time. It is almost time for lunch. I finish approving a couple more of the requests for supplies for D troop and when I look up, I see Sunset getting ready to knock on my door before entering. I tell him, “Ah, there you are, Ok, let’s go meet the Colonel,” as I get up.

Once we get to the Regimental HQ, we see the Sergeant Major. He simply nods to us and points a hoof to the colonel’s office and tells us, “He is expecting you.”

I smile at him and nod, “Thank you, Sergeant Major,” as I get ready to knock on his door frame before entering. As I begin to enter, I see a small table has been set up along with three chairs. Chappy smiles at us and tells us, please close the door and have a seat at the table. Lunch should be here soon.”

He sits down first and the Sunset and I join him. We begin with some simple chit chat and I tell him about the fight that the 3^rd squad of H-troop had gotten into. This brought a smile to his face and a chuckle from Sunset. Chappy, still shaking his head smiles and tells me, “Well that does show how they feel about Captain Bell. If they did not start it, don’t go too hard on them, but they do have to be held, accountable Major.”

“I agree Colonel, that is why I have my 1^st sergeant talking with the Bell’s 1^st. I want her recommendations also,” I tell him.

He nods his head, “Excellent, I am glad to hear you are handling it the way I hoped you would,” He then turns his head slightly and addresses Sunset, “Now Captain, how are you and MY scouts doing,” he says with a smile and a wink of his eye.

Sunset smiles and tells him, “Sir it is going really good right now. I have been bringing in some outside assets to improve my scout’s skills and to hone them some.”

Chappy smiles at this and nods his head, “Ah you mean the zebra,” he pauses, “What was his name? Xavier wasn’t it?”

Sunset smiles and nods telling him, “Yes sir, Xavier is one of them. I have also used one of the ghouls who served in No Mares land during the war. It seems that Bailey found a very experienced old combat engineer. He would also go ahead sometimes during trench raids. He has been teaching my scouts about counter recon missions as well as few other things.”

“Good thinking Captain. Every bit helps, and a lot of those ghouls have experience we could really learn from. “

I am a bit surprised to hear this and tell him so. He smiles at me and tells me, “Mollygirl, I wanted nothing to do with them most of my life. To tell the truth, they creeped me out. However, after the Battle of Manesville, and the amount of help they gave us. It really made me reevaluate them. I have a lot of respect for most of them and having to have gotten to know a couple, I have come to realize that inside, they are still ponies, good, bad, indifferent, they are ponies and that is what matters most.”

I have to smile as he says this and I nod my head. Right after this, we hear a knock on the door and the cooks from the mess hall bring in lunch for us. Once they leave, we begin to talk about why he had us meet him, and who might be responsible for causing the troubles we are having.

Sunset actually is leaning on the side of someone from the Enclave that is trying to prevent us from joining the coalition government but also trying to settle some old scores.

While Colonel Chappy is nodding his head, I then add, “That sounds pretty plausible sir, but what if it is some of Red Eye’s old cronies trying to keep our forces from being used against them. I mean, I don’t know how many troops Red Eye used to have, but to pony and defend a city the size of Fillydelphia against the Talons and before that, an Enclave fleet is pretty impressive and speaks volumes about their numbers.”

Both Sunset and Chappy pause and think about what I have just said and agree it may be a possibility. Then Chappy asks the magic questions, “How do we find out, and then what do we do about it.”

After lunch I return to my office and work on more paperwork Just before the normal end of the workday I grab my new helmet and I head over to the armory to pick up the rest of my kit. As I walk by the balcony railing above the atrium, I look down and I see most of a company of 2^nd regiment already kitted out and waiting by the back door of the stable. I bypass the line into the armory and walk up to the counter. Flechettes sees me and comes right over to me while Buckshot is busy.

“Good afternoon, Major, can I help you?” he asks.

Smiling I tell him, “Yep, Buckshot should have my weapons tagged for me. So those and a battlesaddle and the regular kit. He quickly gets my gear together and helps me size it properly. Then he mounts the new carbine on my saddle as well. Once I put the holster back on for the pistol, I am all set.

“Thanks, Flechettes, I appreciate it,” I tell him.

He smiles at me and tells me. "Your welcome Major, I just hope that you really don’t need them tonight.”

Once equipped I head out the door and go to the main stable entrance where I find Captain Kettle Bell and her troops already kitted out and waiting. As I come up she smiles at me and salutes. “Good evening Major.”

I return her salute and smile back as I tell her, “Good evening Captain, are you ready for a raider hunt?”

I see her smile and she has a glint in her eye as she tells me, “Oh yes ma’am. Things have been too boring since we have been back.”

I almost laugh at her eagerness but I understand it all too well. “Well hopefully they won’t need us, but if they do, we certainly seem ready.”

“That is certain. Ma’am, do you really think raiders might be that stupid?” She asks.

I smile and nod my head, “Unfortunately, yes they may be just that stupid.”

Behind her, I see sergeant Peach Pit smile and grin. Yes, I think we are ready. As the day ends and those not required to stay overnight head out, we stand ready. Then we see about thirty of the second regiments pegasi go out the main door and take off like they are starting to play. Over my PipBuck, I hear another group's commander say they are ready to take off from the rear entrance.

We are waiting there for about twenty minutes when we get the first report over our PipBucks, “CDF HQ, this is Dairyanne, we have foxes in the hen house, I repeat, foxes in the hen house.”

As one we are on our hooves and making our way towards the door. I call back on my PipBuck to the Doorkickers, “DK1, this is MG1, the game is afoot, you are cleared to play. Use the front door today.”

With that, I return my attention to the company I am with and I hear them all cheer, and one of them yells out, “Tally Ho!”. Then I am outside the stable and I am running with them as we turn to follow the main road to Dairyanne. Suddenly my head is clear and I feel alive again.

Dear DJ Pon3,

We have been lied about, cussed at, and beaten by some of the civilians back home. But there are still those who I feel always will have my back and I theirs. When we are together, I feel alive, and like I am with my family. For my brothers and sisters in arms in the CDF could you please play Hey Brother.

Thank You

Sergeant Peach Pit

HQ Squad, H Troop, 1^st Regiment CDF.

Thanks to Kkat the creator of Fallout Equestria and all of the other writers that have added to her world. To those who are reading this story, thank you also for taking the time to do so. I hope you have enjoyed the tale so far.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY6J0MkDIQ0&list=RD2WA10dETkF8&index=12