Chapter 71 The Cycle Continues

“Ok, Chain Lighting, what have you got for me?” I ask.

He laughs as he brings in another stack of paperwork for my signature, and tells me, “Sorry ma’am, just some more paperwork that needs your signature. But it can wait till after the muster this morning.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Ok, I will get it then.”

He smiles and then tells me, “Oh, and welcome back Ma’am. It is good to have you back, even if it is a bit soon.”

I lean back in my chair and stretch and tell him, “Thanks, I think. Somehow I just get the feeling you two did not want to have to sign all of these requisition forms.”

He laughs lightly, “That too ma’am, but mainly it is just good to have you back and in charge again.”

I sit up straight then get out of my chair and grab my softcover and tell him, “Ok, well it is about time for the morning meeting, so I best head over to the regimental HQ. I will see you at muster.”

He smiles and snaps a salute, “Will do ma’am.”

I attend the morning meeting and the only thing that was not routine this time is I am welcomed back from leave by the XO. It seems we have gotten a few new replacements for my battalion also bringing us back up to full strength.

After we are dismissed, I trot on up to the drill field and fall in with my battalion. Again, it is nothing out of the routine. I then meet with my company commanders and their 1^st Sergeants. I pass on what our plans for the day are. Instead of the normal rotational duties, I tell them that after formation they are to have their troops grab their field gear and report to the armory for weapons. We will be conducting wargames for most of the day ending with a session on the rifle range.

Kettle Belle’s senior lieutenant Peach Pit is filling in for her for another two weeks, so she can have at least a month with her calf. I remember Peach Pit from the expedition and have confidence in her to fill in well enough.

I also let the troops know that during the maneuvers we will be working with a platoon of engineers as well as one of the platoons from the scout company. Unfortunately, I do not know any of the scouts, but I do luck out and receive Bailey Bridge with his platoon.

After dismissing the troops my staff and I head back to our headquarters. On the way, I look at Dull Beak and tell him, “DB, let’s get the staff on board with this also, I want them to grab their gear and join in the exercises.”

He nods his head and responds “Yes Ma’am, will you be joining us?”

I smile at him and tell him, “DB, what kind of commander would I be if I did not go out into the field and embrace the suck with my troops.”

He laughs at this and asks, “Ok, so what all do you want to practice on today anyway?”

“Captain, I would suggest we begin with a road march, then we shift to taking an objective. I want the troops to get used to operating together again after the last couple of months. I know the old-timers still have it, but the replacements still have to find out how they fit in the puzzle.”

He nods his head and tells me, “Sounds good ma’am. I will meet you at the armory than.”

Once at my office I look at the stack of paperwork and shake my head, I reach over and grab my helmet head for the armory.

As I get there, I notice the 1^st Squad from the Doorkickers is at the entrance waiting their turn. Most of them I recognize now, but standing next to Bullet is a familiar-looking black unicorn with a green mane and tail. As I approach, I see his eyes get wide and he is very nervous. Yep, I thought so, the same one from the restaurant. When I get close enough, I greet Bullet and ask him how his squad is.

He smiles and tells me, “Doing good Major, this hear is our newest trooper. His name is Nightshade.”

He then looks at Nightshade and tells him, “Trooper, this here is the mare that brought the expedition home after they lost almost all of their officers.”

From a couple of ponies down I hear Pearl add, “Yeah, you could learn a lot about hoof to hoof combat from her. I once saw her tear a chunk out of buck’s neck and spit it out then she kicked him in his throat killing him. She is really something in a fight.” Beside her I see Woodrow nodding his head.

I see the new trooper’s eyes go wide and his throat gulps as he looks at me. I really do not want to remember those days so I change the subject and address Bullet again, “So Dad, how are Emerado and little Cinnamon Toast doing?”

Again, I see the nervous expression on the trooper turn to almost terror as he realizes what I just said. Bullet on the other hoof just ignores it and answers, “Oh they are both doing fine. Em should be back on duty at the end of the week. Cinny is doing as good as any little colt could be.”

“I am glad to hear that dad. How is uncle Shadowbuck doing?” I ask next.

He looks at the ground and then back up as he tells me, “He is doing ok, but we keep getting wooden splinters that fester and come to the surface that we have to dig out. He is upset that they are medically retiring him.”

I sigh and tell him, “Yeah, I can understand that, but perhaps he can find something else that he really enjoys doing instead. Ya know, just like Sutures did.”

Bullet nods his head and tells me, “Very true, but we need to go now Major, it is our turn to get our issue.”

I nod my head. “Very well then Sergeant, I will see you in the field.” Then I walk past them and enter the armory and head to the side counter where I see a very happy Buckshot waiting for me.

As I approach the bench, I hear him say, “Good Morning Major, it is great to see you again. How is your little one?”

I smile at his question and I tell him, “She is doing well. I just wish she would learn to sleep through the night though.”

I see him smile and he tells me, “Ah yes, I remember those days all too well myself. They can be a bit rough, but Major, they will end soon enough.”

I nod my head and tell him, “So I have heard.” Then I ask him, “How is your family doing?”

He smiles at me and answers, “They are doing well overall, my youngest has to wear glasses now. She is not overly happy about it, but as I tell her, at least she can see still.”

I nod my head in agreement with that. I remember her being temporarily blinded by the flash from the Maripony mega spell blast last year. We were lucky at the farm none of us were looking in that direction when it occurred.

Still smiling I tell him, “I understand that. Besides my husband, Archer wears glasses all the time too. He really doesn’t like to, but he needs them.”

Behind me, I hear Nightshade ask one of the others, “I thought Captain Badger from the 2^nd Regiment was her husband?”

Then I hear Flechettes tell him, “Oh, she has two husbands and three wives.”

Then I hear the new trooper say, “But, but that is sick.” Then I hear him say “Ouch, what was that for?”

Behind him, I hear Woodrow tell him, “You ever talk about the Major like that again son and I will make you wish it was one of her spouses that got ahold of you. You better show her some respect.”

Nightshade begins to argue and I hear Dusty tell him, “Nightshade, just over a year ago she was the sergeant for this squad. Then she was one of the lieutenants for the Doorkickers until the second Battle of Two Step. She is like family to us old-timers, so learn some manners and put your biases away and pay attention, you might just learn something.”

While this is going on Buckshot asks me, “The normal loadout ma’am?”

I nod my head and tell him, “Yeah, for now. When we deploy, I will take my own weapons. But for now, I will just use these.”

He smiles and then tells me, “Major, don’t you think you should train the way you will fight?”

I frown when he says this and tell him, “Yeah, you are right, but what will I do with my weapons?”

He smiles and tells me, “Well ma’am, just check them in here when you enter the stable and check them out before you leave.”

I nod my head and tell him, “You know you are right. I think I will have to do that. You don’t mind the extra effort?”

“For you Major, no. For some smart mouth, wet behind the ears trooper, yes.” He tells me.

After I receive my issue I kit up and head out to the drill field to await the rest of the troops to assemble. Once we are all together, we begin our road march out. At this point, the only ones who know where we are heading is me and Dull Beak. After the first fifty minutes of marching, I call a halt and I hold officers call while the troopers and medics check each other for raw spots and blisters. During the officers' call, I talk to all of the troop and platoon commanders and let them know where we are heading.

The platoon leader for the scouts is a pegasus mare I have seen around but not gotten to know yet. After the briefing, she introduces herself to me as Lieutenant Summer Solstice. I notice her very pale-yellow coat as well as her mane and tail that are bright red and orange. When I go to look at her cutie mark, she smirks and shifts so I can see her dashite brand better and she tells me, “I hope you don’t mind working with a Dashite ma’am.”

I smile at her and tell her, “No, not at all, in fact, one of my best friends is one.”

I see her raise an eyebrow at me and she tells me, “I heard rumor that Major Rider was your best friend, and I know she is not one.”

I laugh lightly and tell her, “Yes Windy is one of my best friends, but the one I was talking about is Captain Sunset.”

I see her give me an appraising look after this and she tells me, “Major, I think working with you should be very interesting.”

I smile back, and as I get ready to reply I am interrupted by my 1^st Sergeant as he tells her, “Lieutenant, any of those crazy stories you heard about the Major, you may want to consider them, most of them are probably true.”

He says this with a completely deadpan voice and I can not help myself but laugh out loud.

Then from behind me, I hear Dull Beak asks, “Ok Chain, what has she gone and done now.” This sets me off laughing again. After this, we head back to our troops and continue the training session.

As we march north the troops start to speculate on what our objective is. I even hear some guessing that we are deploying early, though we are not. It is amazing how the rumors spread through the column. Finally, we come to the hill where just a year ago we recovered the mortars and heavy weapons from the train that had been trapped in the tunnel.

I give the orders to deploy to battle formations and I watch and listen to the radio net as the orders go out. The column begins to spread off the road and on the move at the trot they shift from the column formation to a line abreast and then to skirmishers. I watch as D troop takes the left and my Enfields take the right flanks. My Bells stay in the middle and begin to ready their heavy weapons for an assault.

As we charge up the hill, I hear my troopers yelling. Then I see a young teenage mare and colt jump up from the bushes and begin to run. When they see this many of my troopers begin to laugh, including myself. I guess those two won’t skip school anymore.

Finally, we are at the top of the hill. We reform our companies in line abreast formation forming a c with the troopers looking inwards. I nod my head and I tell them, “Good work everyone, D troop, you did an excellent job rounding your flank and swinging in. Same goes for E troop. H troop, I think we put the fear of the Goddesses and Sweet Cream into those kids that were skipping school.”

This last gets a laugh out of everyone. Besides me, I see Dull Beak still laughing and shaking his head. Then I continue, Ok company commanders, let us take a break for lunch, after that I want to reform and we will head for the rifle range at Camp Quick Trot. Have your troops fallout when ready.”

I then head back down the hill some followed by my staff. Once we find a nice clearing I have them form around me and we hold a staff debriefing while we eat our rations. It’s funny but as tired of them as I got on the expedition, I am glad to have them again as they are so familiar.

“Ok Chain, what did you see for the staff that we could have done better?” I ask.

He puts a hoof under his chin and thinks and tells us, “Ok, first ma’am, you forgot to use your scouts. You also did not move your engineers up close enough.”

I nod my head, he is right, ‘Ok, fair enough, anything else?” I ask.

He nods his head, “Specs, you need to keep up with the Major better. I know the repeater is heavy, but she needs you right there.” I see Specs blush a bit and he nods his head in agreement.

I turn my head to my next victim, “OK Captain, what did you see that I missed?”

He nods his head to me and tells me, “Ma’am, first off for a training exercise we should have made sure there were no civilians in the area. I am sure those two will never forget this. As for the staff, ma’am either you have to slow down, or we as a whole have to speed up to stay with you. We most likely should have stayed back while the assault phase was going on. As the First Sergeant said, we also should have used the scouts and the engineers during the assault. Those engineers could have been leading the way to prevent us from stumbling into booby traps or minefields.”

I nod my head again, “Ok, thank you. I have to agree with both of your assessments, I need to get the rust off as much as anyone else. Ok, anyone else?” I ask.

The rest of my staff, including several members who have been assigned as security all chip in. Once they have seen that even I can take criticism and learn from it, they are not so worried about giving or receiving it. Once we are finished with lunch, I have the troops reform and we begin the march back to Camp Quick Trot. On the way, we switch the lead company to E troop. Once they are on the road, I begin to hear them sing the old familiar songs again, starting with Mareyowen then progressing to The Mare I Left Behind me and so on. On the way, we continue the pace of 50 minutes of marching and 10 minutes of break. The old-timers expect it, the replacements have to get used to it.

As we approach the stable and Camp Quick Trot the Equestrian Enfields start a song I never thought I would hear again. As it begins, I see the scouts in the air pause and look at them as they begin,

Celestia Bless and Luna defend,

The fight will continue until our end

We march and we fight and we trot some more,

Cause that is what we are all here for.

Give us a target, give us a goal, tell us what we are fighting for

Lead and guide us and show us the way,

and we will claim victory at the end of the day.

As they sing out the March of the CEF I watch several of the instructors marching with their troops at the training grounds halt them and point at us. I yell over my shoulder, “Make it look good you got an audience folks.”

I see the swagger in my troopers, each and every one of them, even the new replacements. They hold their heads high as we all sing, including Dull Beak and my staff.

I have to smile when I look back and I see Bailey Bridge back there singing just as loud as the others. The old CEF may no longer exist, but we are still here. As we approach the gate I trot to the front and order the guards to let us through. The scouts' reform into the column just ahead of the Enfields, I trot up to Summer Solstice and tell her, “Lead us to the rifle range if you would Lieutenant.”

“Yes, ma’am. And ma’am could we get the words to that song. If we are attached to your battalion for now on, we should know it also,” she tells me.

I smile and I tell her, “Lieutenant. That is no problem, just send a couple of your sergeants over to E troop and they will be more than happy to teach them so the rest can learn. As far as I know, no pony else has written it down.”

I see her look surprised, “Why not Major?” She asks.

I smile and tell her, “Because the troopers of the CEF created it after the battle of Targhee. They passed it on to each troop by word of mouth.”

“Really ma’am, a very interesting way of doing it I guess,” she replies. Then she trots to the head of the column and leads us to the rifle range.

There I have all the troopers fire off two magazines of ammunition. Those with sniper rifles are taken to the side and have special instruction as well as assistance with sighting these rifles in. I have already discussed with Buckshot that once we return today, these sniper rifles would only be issued to the individual who has sighted them in. We also practice sniping with a spotter. This gives the advantage of allowing the shooter to concentrate more on their shots. In combat, the spotter assists them with range and windage as well as spots where the shots land if they miss and they provide a second set of ears and eyes to prevent the shooter from being snuck up on.

After my staff and I take our turns at the shooting benches I have my staff return their weapons to the armory and tell them to return to their normal duties once their weapons are clean and accepted by the armorers.

I then pass on to the other unit commanders the same information for their troops. As I am talking to Summer Solstice she asks, “Major, next time do you think we can set up some strafing targets for my fliers as well as the other fliers with us?”

I think about it briefly and reply to her, “Summer, I really like the idea. Do you know if the 2^nd regiment fliers already have such a setup? If so, perhaps we can borrow theirs, or we can pitch in together to build one.”

She looks slightly abashed and tells me, “I am not sure Major, I really don’t talk to many of them. Too many of them still, look down upon us old Dashites.”

I nod my head, “Ok Summer, how about we both look into it. Also, let me know if you have any unicorn scouts and if so, how many, alright?”

She looks a little puzzled and tells me, “Ok, Major, but why?”

I smile at her and tell her, “Ask Captain Sunset or any of the scouts from his old team on the expedition. They will give you the rundown, Now I best get going. I have a ton of paperwork to do before I can head home to my little ones tonight.”

She smiles at me and tells me, “Ok Major, I will talk to you later ma’am.”

We exchange a quick salute and I am on my way back to the armory to clean and turn in my weapons. Once I arrive there, I see Buckshot and Flechettes both inspecting the firearms as they are turned in. The ordinance specialist Flash Bang and Sergeant Air Burst are at the counter receiving the arms and equipment that are being turned in.

As I enter, I am given a cleaning kit by Flash Bang, “Here you go, ma’am. Let me know if you need anymore solvent or rags please.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Hopefully not too much. By the way, the rest of the troops should be coming back in before too long.”

I set on a bench to the side and clean both of my weapons. As I do so I realize how much I miss Duty and Honor. I really do need to start carrying them back and forth from the stable. Besides who knows when raiders or radhogs could be an issue.

I am amused that Paper Work only takes one try. When I ask him about it, he simply smiles and tells me, “Ma’am, I am by nature very organized and fastidious. I hate having to do rework.” With that, he heads out of the armory ahead of me.

After three tries at getting them clean enough the ordies finally accept my weapons. Chain lighting only takes two tries, but he waits for me and we head back to the office together. On the way he asks me, “Ma’am, I heard that a new trooper in the 1^st squad of D troop seems to have issues with you. Do you want me to take care of it?”

I shake my head and I tell him, “No, not yet. Let’s give him a chance to get his head on straight. He is not used to my way of doing things. If he finds it too much of a problem, we can always see about transferring him to another battalion.”

“Ma’am, what if he tries to take matters into his own hoofs?” He asks.

I smile and tell him, “Well Corporal Pearl did warn him that she seen me rip a chunk of a buck’s neck out with my teeth, spit it on the ground, and then kicked him in his windpipe killing him. If he does not heed that kind of warning, well he does not belong in the service and it is game on Chain. But let’s give him a chance first.”

While what I said does not surprise him, he does not look happy but he answers, “Ok, we will do it your way ma’am.”

Once we are back at the office, I return my helmet and web gear to the hooks behind my desk. I ask Paper Work to bring me some hot tea and I sit down to try and knock down some of the paperwork on my desk before the end of the day.

The next few weeks go by fairly quickly. We continue to do exercises in the field, including some overnight ones. We begin to do the special training for the unicorn troopers similar to what I had done during the expedition. Almost every day we have a four-hour-long class where they sit and talk about their spells and how they do them. They begin to form an esprit de corps among themselves as they each improve not only upon their spells but learn others and how they can be used.

During this time, I spend as much time at home as I can, but it just never seems to be enough. I have gotten into the habit again of always being armed when I walk around. This has caused a bit of a problem though.

“Ma, it’s just not fair,” Ginger tells me.

I sigh, “What is not fair this time Ginger?” I ask her.

“That you can carry your Deathbunny but I have to leave my SIR at home.” She all but screams.

I shake my head in exasperation, “Ginger, I keep telling you that I am only taking it back and forth from the stable. I need to get used to carrying and using it again for the upcoming deployment.” I try to explain.

“Ma, don’t you think I should be used to carrying my SIR with me so I am used to it?” she counterargues.

“Ginger, how many times do I have to tell you, I am going on the deployment, but you are staying here dear. I can not keep interrupting your education,” I tell her.

I see the tears in her eyes, “But Ma, I don’t want to stay here while you are gone.”

I sigh as I hug her and I then tell her, “Ginger, I love you so much. I don’t want to leave you any more than I want to the others in our family.”

“But Ma, I can go with you. I know what it is like. It can be just like last time,” she tells me.

I close my eyes as I shake my head. I reopen them before I tell her, “But dear, this time we are not on an expedition. I am not taking on civilian scouts. Xavier and Xochitl are staying here. Heck, all of my old scouts are staying here.”

“But, but, but ma, I don’t want you to leave me.” She tells me as she begins to cry.

“My child, I don’t want to leave you either. But you will be safe here at home with the rest of our family. While I am gone I need you to help teach Millie and Woody, as well as Sumac's foal. Besides, I will not be here when Mama Sutures has her foal, and I need you to be here to welcome it into our family also.” I tell her.

She is still hugging me and has her face buried into my fur, but I feel her nod her head in agreement. I hear her sniffle and then she looks up at me, “Ma, is that some of my duties? To welcome and help raise the young ones?”

I nod a bit as I tell her, “Only when I can’t be here for them dear. They will need their big sister.”

Even though she still has some tears in her eyes I see her start to smile, “Ok Ma, when you put it that way, I have to.” She tells me.

After I finish reading to her for the night and tucking her in, I head back downstairs and as I enter the kitchen, I hear Badger talking to Archer about me always carrying.

“Archer I am serious, why does she insist on carrying them damn weapons all the time now. I mean nopony else does.” Badger tells him.

“Badger, you have to understand, she wants to have them here if needed as well as to train with them. Badger, you don’t understand how much she came to depend on those weapons for her life. I do. It goes beyond a simple firearm. She depended on those particular weapons. It makes a difference. Believe me. I hated having to give up Nightmare Moon, but am thankful they let me keep Celestia. The gunners in my battery feel the same way. It was like they were part of us out there,” Archer tries to explain.

Badger then continues, “Archer I have been in plenty of battles, I never got attached to a weapon like that.”

I am entering the room behind Archer when I hear him say, “Badger, you were not on the expedition, maybe that has something to do with it. I don’t know, but we worked with those weapons’ day in and day out for months. We slept with them every day the whole time. All I know is I feel better with her taking them with her when she deploys.”

As he is saying this Badger looks up and sees me. He says nothing but Archer notices his behavior and turns and sees me.

I ask him, “Archer, it sounds like you are not deploying with us. Is that true?”

I see him sigh, “Yeah, it is. They are holding my battery back; you will be getting a different one. The same thing goes with the supply troops. I am sorry to have to tell you that love.”

“Son of a Sea Biscuit. I was hoping to have at least one of you with me. Damn it,” I swear absentmindedly. Then I say, “It just is not fair.” After I say it, I realize I sound like Ginger.

Archer gets up and comes over to put his hooves around me. As he holds me, I ask, “How long have you known?”

He sighs and tells me, “I just found out this morning. I was going to tell you at dinner, but it was going so well I did not want to ruin the moment.”

I nod my head, “Thank you, dear, I really do appreciate it.”

He pulls me closer and kisses me on the forelock. I then just lean my head against his chest and sigh. Call me selfish, but I had hoped to have had at least one of my spouses with me. Now, I go alone. At least he will be here to help with Sutures and their foal. I had hoped to catch from him during my foal heat, but it seems I was not that lucky. I want to carry his foal so bad too. At least my dearest was able to. I just wish I could be here for her when she has it.

Badger smiles at us like this, then he comes over and gives me a kiss on the cheek and tells us, “I best get upstairs, Sumac is waiting for me.”

I break the hug from Archer and I stop him briefly. I give Badger a hug and I kiss him. As we break the kiss, I tell him, “Good night love, sleep well.” He smiles at me and tells me, “You too dear,” and he heads out of the room.

Archer then goes over and turns the kitchen oil lamp down to a dim glow. I raise an eyebrow at this and he explains, “Sutures got called out while you were upstairs, another pegasus mare in White Cloud is delivering a couple of days early.”

“Oh, does this mean it is just you and I love?” I ask a bit more eagerly than I had intended.

He smiles at me and tells me with a slight nicker in his voice, “Yes my love it does, why, any particular reason?”

I do not bother to answer. Instead, I gently wrap my tail around his neck and lead him into the downstairs bedroom. Once there I blow out the light and lead him to our bed. Then I tell him, “Well since you are not going to be going with us, I want to take some advances on what I am going to be missing.

He says nothing back, instead, I feel his hooves on my body and his muzzle against my neck. He then makes good on some of those advances tonight.

For the next month, we continue this cycle of preparations for deployment both in my battalion and at home. It is not always easy and at times it has gotten rough enough that I have decided to make an extra appointment with Moon Pie to talk about what is happening in my family. Funny thing is I have heard Kettle Bell and a few others talk about having the same type of problems in their families.

“Good Afternoon Mollygirl, I am a bit surprised you asked for an appointment before our scheduled one next week. What is going on?” she calmly asks me as she sits in her chair attentive to me.

I sigh, “Moon Pie, we all know that in the next month my battalion is going to be leaving for deployment. I had been hoping that my family all could get along and just enjoy each other,” I tell her.

She then asks, “So what all is going on? Has anything really changed other than the foals?”

“No, nothing has changed. Sumac is due any day now. But other than that, everything has stayed the same, except now we bicker and snipe at each other more than before. Mainly them with me. Moon Pie. I have even kept away from alcohol and do not go to places that serve it without one of them with me.”

I see her nod her head, and she asks, “So why do you think they are becoming like this then?”

I am flustered by her question and wave my forehooves at her and tell her, “I don’t know, all I know is I am going to leave soon, and here we are fighting and irritating each other. Even Ginger has been cranky with me and becoming closer to Sutures and Magpie. It is almost like I am losing my family before I even leave.”

I see her nod her head and she lets out a brief sigh, “I think I have an idea of what is going on here. When Colonel Chappy mentioned to me a while back about the need for units to deploy I began to research the archives for anything from the Ministry of Peace about deployments and how they might affect the troopers. One of the things I found was just a pamphlet about what they called the deployment series.”

I nod my head and asks, "So what does this have to do with my family?”

She smiles and tells me, “It seems that the deployment of the troops did not just affect the troopers, but their entire families. They found there were three different major portions even. They are before the deployment, the deployment itself, and after the deployment.”

Again, I am still wondering how this pertains to me and my family. So, I move my one forehoof in a circular motion and ask, “And?”

“Mollygirl in the pre-deployment stage you and your family are preparing yourselves mentally and emotionally for your departure. Part of the reason for all this fighting your family is experiencing may just be a subconscious way for all of you to lessen the hurt felt when you leave. They are hurting just as much as you are at the thought of losing you from your home.”

I put a hoof under my chin and think about it, then I tell her, “That makes sense, so what about the other stages?”

She smiles sadly and tells me, “During the first part of the deployment stage they will begin to get used to not having you there. The others will expand their roles to fill the voids left by your absence. Then they will get into a new routine with you gone.”

I nod my head and tell her, “Ok, that makes sense, so what about when I get back?”

I see her look up briefly and then back at me. She takes a deep breath and tells me, “Mollygirl do you remember what it was like when you first got back? How you each had to figure out your roles in the family?”

I nod my head, “Yeah, it was kind of rough there for a bit. I mean I was so glad to be home, but it was not easy. I did not even know what I was supposed to do at home. My spouses seemed like strangers even,” Then it hits me and my eyes go wide as I ask her, “Are you saying it is going to be rough like that again?”

She quietly nods her head, then tells me, “At least in part. Mollygirl, that is typical from what I have read. I really wish there was more I could do to help you all through it.”

I sit quietly for a few minutes and she waits for me to speak. Finally, I come up with an idea, “Moon Pie, do you think there is any way you could pass this information on to all the troops and their families who are deploying? I mean if my experience is the norm, then I am sure more could use this type of information.”

She smiles at me and tells me, “Mollygirl I will see what I can do, but if not this time, perhaps for the next battalion that deploys. We both should propose this to the higher-ups.”

That night I have the duty again. As Windy and I sit down to rewatch one of the Hoofmark movies I mention the talk I had with Moon Pie today.

As she is shifting her blankets to make herself comfortable on the couch, she tells me, “You know Mollygirl, I had not thought about it. I mean when I was with the Enclave, I never was sent dirtside for more than a few weeks at a time. My family would only find out I was leaving the day I left for security reasons, so I guess we missed that whole build-up portion. But I will tell you it could be a bit rough when we got back home. I mean the first time it happened after my oldest was born she did not want me to hold her. She wanted daddy instead.”

Suddenly I feel butterflies in my stomach when she says that and I ask her, “Are you saying that my daughters may not want me when I come back?”

She has a sad expression come over her face, “Mollygirl, Millie may not even know who you are when you get back. It might take a while for her to get to know you again.”

Without thinking about it I toss my head back and look at the ceiling and tell no one in particular, “It just is not fair. I finally have a foal and then they take me away and she may forget me.”

I bring my head forward and I feel a tear begin to form at the thought of it. Then I see Windy move the blankets and she touches my shoulder and guides me to lean against her as she uses her wing to hug me and she tells me, “I know sister, I know. I have walked in those shoes and they are heavy, but Mollygirl, you can do it.”

Soon I am able to get myself back together and we watch the movie. But neither of us changes our position and I take comfort in just being held by my friend when I am hurting. Another thing I will miss when I leave.

The next day after we finish our duties I head back home to the farm. Tonight, Archer has duty. Sutures and Magpie are making dinner. Sumac is sitting in the parlor along with Badger. I have Ginger help me get the table set to eat. As we are eating, I begin to talk to them about what Moon Pie had told me.

I see a surprised look on a couple of their faces and Sutures tells me, “Mollygirl I had not realized we were doing that.”

I smile sadly and tell her, “Sutures, I had only begun to realize it was happening when I was talking with some of the others in my battalion. They noticed it was happening in their families first. And to be honest, I am embarrassed to say, I am just as guilty as anypony else in being like that. So first off, I am sorry. All of you. I have not meant to hurt you. It just hurts so much to know I have to leave all of you.”

Then Ginger asks, “But Ma if you don’t want to go, then why don’t you just stay here?”

Sumac puts a hoof on Ginger’s shoulder and tells her, “Ginger Snaps, what kind of question is that.”

I put up a forehoof and tell her, “Sumac it is ok, she needed to ask and to tell the truth dears, while I really do not want to leave, it is my job, my duty. I have to no matter if I want to or not.”

Then Magpie tells me, “Then just quit love, we can support you till you find another job.”

I sigh and I tell her, “My love, I want nothing more in the world than to stay home with you and our foals. However, they need me to go. I am the most experienced and that means if I don’t go some may not make it home again, and I cannot live with that on my conscious. I have too many stones in my saddlebag as it is.”

I see Badger nod his head and he gets up from the end of the table and comes around behind me. He then wraps his hoofs around me in a hug and tells me, “Dear, I understand fully. Know we will be waiting for you to get back, and when needed. Let us know, so we can help you with those saddlebags.”

After he says this, I see Ginger get up and start to head toward the front door. As she is walking that way Sutures asks her, “Ginger, where are you going?”

She looks back at us and tells us, “to get the stones out of Ma’s Saddlebags so it is not so heavy for her”.

At that I see Sutures begin to say something and her mouth stops in the middle of forming a word then she just stops, shakes her head, and begins to laugh. This is followed by the rest of us. This gets Ginger to turn and look at us with a confused expression on her face and ask, “What, what did I say that was so funny?” Which results in us laughing even harder.

I then tell her, “Ginger, thank you, but please, just go ahead and finish your dinner sweetheart.”

After dinner is done, we all perform our normal nightly chores and are relaxing in the parlor listening to Soundwaves evening broadcast from the stable. It is then that Sumac suddenly grabs her stomach and gets up to use the sinks.

As she leaves the room Sutures looks up at the clock and nods her head. Once Sumac is outside, I ask, “That time?”

She shrugs her shoulders and tells me, “Possibly, we will see,” then she calls for Tweeters, attaches a note to her collar, and as she puts her out, she says, “Alright girl, take this note to Doula.”

Once Sumac comes back in, she tells us. “I am not feeling too well”, as she rubs her stomach. Then she stops and thinks and asks, “Sutures, did you send for your mother yet?”

Sutures nods her head and ask, “Do you think it is time?”

Sumac looks at her and tells her, “Tonight for sure, after three pregnancies I should know.”

This catches me off guard and I ask, “Sumac, I only thought you had Ivy?”

She smiles sadly and tells me, “No dear, I had one miscarriage and a stillborn. It just hurts too much to talk about them. Besides, I did not want to worry anypony.”

Sutures looks frustrated and tells her, “Sumac you should have told me. I would have monitored your pregnancy more carefully.”

Sumac smiles back at her and tells her, “Your mother already knew. She was there for all three of my babies.”

After she says this Badger has her come and sit on the couch with him so he can wrap his hooves around her and cuddle her. I see her smile as he runs his hooves through her mane. By her feet is Magpie rubbing her legs. Luckily, she keeps her eyes closed as she enjoys this so she does not see the worry on all of our faces.

Doula arrives about an hour later. Sumac is still uncomfortable but not into heavy labor yet.

Doula takes Sutures aside and tells her, “Ok, this is good, but soon we will want to move her to the birthing bed.”

I see Sutures nod her head and hear her say, “Ok Ma. I wish I knew about her previous pregnancies. I only knew about Ivy.”

Doula shakes her head and tells her, “I thought you already knew. But don’t worry. Ivy was her last pregnancy so we should be fine.”

As they are talking, I hear Ginger come back in the house. I look at her and she simply tells me, “I let Persimmon and them know.”

I simply shake my head and tell her, “Ok, what did they say?”

She smiles and tells me, “Let them know what it is in the morning. Xochitl was already in bed and they both were sweaty, so it must have been hot inside the cabin tonight.”

I feel my face begin to turn red and tell her, “Ok dear, it is about bedtime for you too. Let me check on Millie then I will read you a story.”

She smiles and tells me, “Ok, sounds good Ma.”

When I check on Millie, she is wide awake and hungry. I put her in my carrier and take her upstairs to Ginger’s room and feed her as I read. Once done with the story I tuck Ginger in for the night and as I am heading downstairs, she tells me, “Thanks Ma. I am really gonna miss you.”

I am standing in the doorway as I smile sadly at her and I tell her, “I am really going to miss you too my daring daughter.”

Once back downstairs I see the others are in the nursery already. I place Millie in her crib and I sit in one of the rockers in the back of the room and wait. As we are waiting, we all sit and talk. After an hour her labor pains begin to increase and Sutures begins to examine her. Sutures then tells us “Ok so far so good, your foal is starting to move more into position.”

As the labor pains begin to increase, I hear Sumac scream in pain. Then her water breaks. I grab the mop and bucket from the corner of the room and begin to clean it up. Sumac continues to scream and then I hear her say something that chills me to my bones, “Somethings wrong, I think it's caught.”

Then I see Sutures horn begin to glow and she says, “Your right, it has a back hoof in the wrong position. Sumac, I am going to have to manually move the little one's leg, ok.”

I see Sumac nod her head as she screams during another contraction and she says, “Do what you have to but save my baby.”

I watch as Sutures washes her hoof like she did that one night long ago and reaches up inside of Sumac. Her horn is glowing and I can her grunt as she forces the leg into the proper position. Finally, she pulls her forehoof out and her horn goes dim. She is covered in sweat and she tells Sumac, “Ok, dear, Push.”

I hear Sumac scream as she pushes with the contraction. Badger is on one side of her head and Magpie on the other. Then I watch as I see first, one forehoof, then the second one emerges. Then the nose. After that it only takes a couple of minutes for the foal to be born, landing in Sutures forehooves. He immediately starts to try and suckle and I laugh as he grabs the closest breast he can find and I see Sutures eyes go wide. She pulls him free and sets him to suckle off of Sumac. Sutures then tells her, “Congratulations it is a healthy little colt.”

I look up and see Badger and Sumac break their kiss and Sumac turns her head and gives the same type of kiss to Magpie. She has tears in her eyes as tells Sutures and Doula, “Thank you so much. Without you two we would not have made it.”

Sutures gives her a brief hug and tells her, “I am just glad I was here for you dear. Now, what are you going to name him?”

She smiles at Badger and says, “Well dearest, what shall we name our little buck?”

I see him blush a little and he asks, “How about Shadowbuck. He saved my hide a couple of times over the years and I always liked that buck.”

From behind me, I feel a young mare push her way through, and as she gets next to the bed Ginger smiles at all of us and gives a slight nuzzle to her youngest brother, and says, “Welcome home Shadowbuck, now no more causing trouble ok.”

Dear DJ Pon3

Today was a close call when I gave birth to my fourth child, the second that lived. I loved them all and am thinking of my son as I ask you to play Forever Young for him, as well as my children and my granddaughter who have passed on.

Thank You Very Much.

Sumac

White Cloud, Manesville Co-op, NCR.

As usual my normal thanks go out to Kkat and the other authors of the fandom.
In this chapter get to see here some of the preparations for deployment both physically and mentally. We also find out more about Sumac. Many do not realize how difficult and risky child birth can be, especially for those in the Wastelands.

For those wishing to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwG6g5boyF4