Chapter 7, Queen of Hearts, Ace of Spades

“For two years, all you have to do is go where they tell you, stay behind your rifle, and kill and not be killed. It’s simple, but simple isn’t the same as easy.” ― John Scalzi, Old Man's War

We get back to the stable just in time to change and make a mad dash to the drill field for muster. Today we are changing our assignments from stable duty to ready reserve. This means that we are on standby 24 hours a day for a week and must stay in the stable unless on assigned duties. Sometimes these assigned duties include Long-range protective patrols, other times special missions. One nice thing is that if we are not on a mission then I will have a nice warm bed and hot meals ready for the week. I also will not have to rush to formation in the morning.

As we stand in formation, I can only thank the Goddesses that I took the time to shower at Magpies. I can not imagine the comments I would be getting otherwise. It is hard enough to walk or stand normally as it is. But even sore, I can not help but smile. Thanks again Badger and Magpie. I just hope that Ivy does not notice right away.

Formation goes fairly well and quickly. We are going to be working in the armory today performing weapons maintenance and repairing field equipment and tack that may need it. This has the benefit of not only assisting the armory sergeants with maintaining the equipment but also helps to ensure that all of the troops are familiar with the weapons and equipment that they will use in the field.

Stepping out of the armory onto the balcony surrounding the Deck, I look down below into the main atrium area and I see some of Hell’s Belles working on the two artillery pieces we have found. I guess they must have brought them in through that back door we helped to install. It seems Magpie was right about what it was for. But it still seems a little big to be just for a couple of artillery pieces and their limbers.

I watch for a while as they strip each part of the guns. They are cleaning off all of the cosmoline that had been used to prevent rusting while stored and transported. Goddesses does it look messy. They are all covered with grease. Several are using micrometers to take measurements of the various components. I also see them using steel wool to remove rust on any of the surfaces they find it on. I know what they are doing from the times we have gotten new weapons shipments from down in the Hoof and had to prep them for use after having been in storage for so long.

After a while, I go back inside the armory. I see the ordinance sergeant and realize I have not talked to him in a while. “Hey Buckshot, long time no see, how’s it going? “I ask.

“Hey Mollygirl, not bad. Just inventorying some of the newest shipments in from Hoofington.”

“Really Buckshot? What kind of prezzies did we get this time? Anything interesting?”

“Well, we got in a couple more of those Anti Machine Rifles. Those things kick like a mule from what I understand. But they can take down almost anything, especially at long range. We also got in a couple more cases of IF-44 Submachine Guns and even a case of IF-9 Combat Shotguns. I guess someone figures we may end up doing some close-in work too. That or they might consider issuing them to the artillery crews for self-protection as they did back during the war.”

“Sounds pretty good, to me. Did we get much more Buckshot?”

“Well, now that you mention it, we did get some IF-64 Assault Rifles in 5.56mm. We did not get too many of the extended mags though, sorry to say. Oh, I almost forgot, we also got in six cases of IF-21 Semi-Automatic Pistols. You know both the Angle bunny submachine guns and the Caramel Pistols fire the same 10mm round. If fighting in close to medium range that would make it handy to be able to use the same ammo. I have heard the artillery crews and some officers discussing it Mollygirl.”

“So, Buckshot, how much cider and Old Overmare would it take for a pretty mare to be able to ensure she was issued these on her missions?”

"Mollygirl, you know that is not how it works. First, you have to offer to have sex with me,” He says as he winks at me with a mild chuckle. Doesn’t he ever stop, the flirt, I know his wife and foals, and I know he is mostly harmless, mostly. He continues, “but since they are talking about issuing out pistols to all officers and NCO’s with the rise in raider activity, I could swap your IF-22 for one next time. In fact, if you want to assist me in cleaning them and one of the Angle bunny’s I will mark them in the rack for you to use on your next issue.”

“Sweet, Buckshot. I really appreciate it. I really do owe you a bottle of whiskey at least for this.”

He snorts a small laugh, "Well you know my wife would apple buck me half to death if I didn’t help you, besides, I am a Wild Pegasus buck over Old Overmare any day.”

With that, I go back into the back of the armory and join my squad cleaning weapons. I take a case of the IF-21 pistols and start to remove the storage grease and wrappings I then field strip and clean each one, applying a light coat of gun oil to each one before reassembling and placing them back in the crate.

It is when I pull out the Angle bunny that I see ears swing forward, and eyes go wide. “Mollygirl, where did you get that?” I hear Ivy ask.

“Well Ivy, I was talking to the ordinance sergeant and he mentioned that some had come in. For a slight bribe, as an NCO, he was willing to put it into my rotation of weapons if I cleaned out the cosmoline from it.” I tell her. At which time most of the squad stopped paying attention to us.

“And here I thought it might have been that old Ordnance sergeant, who made you so sore when you walk. That he felt you had earned it.” She says quietly with a smile on her face to me.

“Good Goddesses no, Ivy it was not him at all.” Dang it, she had noticed after all.

“So, what, is Magpie walking this stiff and sore today too? Did you two get rough with some toys perhaps?” She chides me some more.

“Ivy, yes she probably is that sore, and no we were not using toys.” OH NO, why had I said that?

Her eyes brightened up with a mischievous glint in them. “Sooooo, who was he? Do I know him?”

It was at that point that Badger was walking by with a rifle he had just finished working on. He put his hoof on my shoulder as he bumped me in the shoulder with his flank, looked down at me “Sorry about that Mollygirl.”

I smiled back and said, “No problem Badger” as I lightly tapped his hoof with mine.

Ivy just sits there with her mouth hanging open for a few seconds “No, no bucking way, I know that look, that smile, you didn’t. Already, even for me, that is fast. No. Not you, Magpie and Him.” She just stared at me in disbelief.

“Ivy, we are not having this conversation. I told you that already. And if it was, why are you surprised, you did try pushing me and Magpie into adding him.”

With that, she closes her eyes, shakes her head and starts to clean the shotgun she has been working on with particular interest. Myself, I just enjoy the fact that I had finally got her stunned enough without admitting anything. I smile to myself, and continue to work on the submachine gun and when I looked up, I see Badger smiling at me and I can not help but smile some more. While my life can be complicated, it sure can be interesting that is for sure.

That afternoon and evening meal we all eat together as a squad. Other squads of the Door Kickers and Hell’s Belles are doing the same. We break bread together, we joke, we laugh, we share our dreams and our wishes. We bond and it becomes stronger than many families that I know. We all have each other’s backs. At the end of the day, we spend some time in the squad bays watching some prewar televisions shows that had been saved. Finally, we tune our PipBucks and listen to DJ Pon3 once again. Some of us even try to dance to the music. We all laugh when Shadowbuck grabs Bullet by the hoof and formally asks him to dance. Bullet plays all meek and shy like, which makes us laugh harder.

Finally, it is time for lights out and we all head to our stalls for the night.

When Ivy and I get back to our stall it is empty. We do not know where Emerado is. Nugget’s company’s rotation cycle has her on the farms for the week doing agriculture duty. So, as we lay there getting ready to sleep Ivy and I start to talk some more.

“Molly, are you asleep yet?”

“No, not yet Ivy.”

“Can we talk a bit, Mol?”

“Sure Ivy, but do not expect me to come over there to talk,” I tell her.

Suddenly I hear her get out of her bed, I hear her hoofs as she approaches my bunk. She pulls back the blanket and climbs into bed with me. She turns her back to me then begins to talk, “Thanks, Molly. I hope you do not mind if so, I will move back to my bed. It’s just been so lonely lately for me. I am really glad that things are going so good with you and Magpie, and if I dare say; Badger?”

I put my hoof across her shoulder. It reminds me of our time as children. Sometimes I would spend the night at her and her families farm. We would share a bed. For me, it was the only time I got any physical contact that resembled affection and caring. Bullet tried, but he was afraid it might be taken the wrong way by me or others. He was a young buck and had lost so much, and he was, and still is dad to me, but he couldn’t bring himself to hold me as a young filly or colt sometimes needs to be held.

Sighing I tell her, “Yes, Badger too now. All thanks to you Ivy. I would never have even tried a relationship with him and her if you had not prompted me to. Thank you, my dearest friend.”

“Your welcome Molly. I am just glad it is working out for you. I just, I just, damn it, I wish I had somepony in my life who loved me too. I feel so alone. I mean, how many bucks out there really want to come into an instant family. I am sorry Moll, I do not mean to be so down tonight. I just hurt so bad inside.” She starts to cry and I roll her over and tuck her head into my shoulder to cry until she falls asleep. She is my best friend and we have done this for each other so many times. I was there the night she lost Timber Jack, she was there the night I lost my father, and then when I lost my mother.

Today I have woken up with the two ponies I love. I have shared joy and memories with my squadmates. I have ended it by comforting my best friend when she needed me. Overall, it has been a very good day.

I awake with a start. I smell smoke in the air. Even though it is night I can see bright light caused by fires in the distance. I hear my mother screaming downstairs for me to run. There are several gunshots and the sound of breaking glass and heavy things being thrown around downstairs. I climb out onto the porch roof from my bedroom window and jump to the ground below. As I land, I land wrong and feel a popping in my knee and the wind is knocked out of me.

I crawl away from the house and lie down under the bushes next to the barnyard. As I watch I see the raiders drag my mother out the door and throw a torch inside. At first, it seems like nothing has happened. Then I see the fire start to rapidly spread from room to room.

I see the raiders holding down my mother. As one goes to climb onto her, she bucks with both hind legs into his abdomen. He is sent flying, but as he gets up, I hear him yell “Buck this whore”. He then draws a pistol and shoots her three times in the chest. They then laugh and walk away.

As they move down the road to the next farm, I crawl out from the bushes and limping, run to her. I see her struggle to breathe. I get down and lift her head into my lap as she has done to me whenever I was sick. I cradle her head, run my hoofs through her mane. Through my tears, I tell her “Mommy, please, please don’t leave me, please don’t die. I love you. Please.” I beg.

Coughing up some blood she looks at me. She struggles to lift her hoof to my cheek. “Mollygirl, Keep being a good girl, I love you little one. Remember I love you,” she starts to cough harder, her hoof drops to her side as her body trembles and I see the gleam leave her eyes.

I do not know how long I sit there like that. Crying while holding her head in my lap and just running my hoof through her mane. Finally, I feel a hoof on my shoulder. It's our neighbor Bullet. I once heard Momma say that while he was nice, he was damned foolish to have a foal and get married when he was but a young colt himself. But as I look at him, he suddenly seems much older and sadder. He is bleeding from a wound on his head and from one on his side.

“Mollygirl, is that you?” he asks. I shake my head yes in reply. “We need to get going dear before they come back.” He tells me.

“Where is Bluebelle, where is Bee Bee?” I ask.

I hear him sob a bit as he answers “Bluebelle is dead, they knocked me out and stabbed me, when I woke up, she was dead. They, they took Bee Bee? Damn them, Damn them all.” He cries.

“Who are they Mr. Bullet?”

"Raiders or Slavers Mollygirl, that is why we need to get out of here. I will take you to any family members that you have left, but we need to get moving.”

“Mr. Bullet, sir, I have no other family. All my grandparents are gone now, and I do not have any aunts and uncles.”

“Well then little one, I will take you to safety and perhaps we can be family. Please, stop calling me Mr. Bullet. Just call me Bullet or Bull.”

“Ok Bullet, are you going to be my daddy now?”

“I guess, I, yes Mollygirl. I will be your dad now.” He tells me.

“Ok daddy”

“OK, Mollygirl, let's go, we need to get moving,” he tells me.

I slowly move my mother’s head from my lap, I kiss her one last time, on the forelock, like she did to me, “I love you, mommy.” I get up and with tears in my eyes walk alongside Bullet as we head to another neighbor’s house, away from the direction the raiders were heading.

I awake with a start, I am sobbing in tears. I feel hoofs around me, holding me. I hear Ivy’s voice, “Its ok Mollygirl, it's ok. Just another nightmare. It's Ok.”

I start to get myself pulled back together. “Thanks, Ivy, I’m sorry about that,” I tell her.

“No problem Moll, that dream about your mom again?” She asks.

I nod my head yes and sniff back some of the tears. “Thanks again for that Ivy, I really appreciate it.”

She smiles at me. “No Problem Moll, that is what best friends do, we are here for each other. Now let’s try to get back to sleep we have a couple more hours before we need to get up. “

We both lay back down and after a bit of time, I hear her breathing change as she falls back to sleep. I lay there for a bit more, staring up into the darkness of my stall, finally I am able to go back to sleep too.

Morning arrives. I wake up and Ivy has slipped into her own bed for the rest of the night. Emerado has returned also and is just getting up as I am. I reach over and give Ivy a shake to wake her up and start to chat with Em.

“Morning Em. How are you this morning?”

“Morning Molly, I am ok. I hope I did not wake you guys when I came in last night. I was up late chatting with Bullet by the stable main door.”

“No, I did not even know you were back until I woke up just now. I hope it was a good chat.”

“It was Moll, I think we have figured out a lot of things last night.” She tells me.

At this point Ivy having gotten out of bed and stretched decides to join the conversation “Sounds like a good time then. So, what were you having to discuss Em?”

“Ivy, Molly; Bullet and I are talking about getting married. If I am in foal we will for sure.”

“Emerado I am so happy to hear that for both of you,” I tell her.

Ivy gives her a smile and a hug “I am so happy to hear this for you Em.” She says. But from where I am at, I see she is holding back tears. She grabs her things, “I best go get cleaned up.” She says and heads out.

As I continue to get my things together so I can get cleaned up and ready for the day I continue to talk with Emerado for a bit.

“Molly, I can not tell you how much that talk with him helped. After our talk, we just sat there looking out at the lights of the town in the distance. There was even a brief opening in the clouds and we got to see the stars. It was almost like a sign that everything would be alright. I know, that is just too much to hope for in the Wastelands, but still, it almost felt that way.”

“Em, enjoy it, try not to worry so much. Be happy for a while my friend.”

Finally, she looks at me with a shy and embarrassed expression on her face. “Molly I hope it does not bother you that I may end up marrying the stallion you consider your dad. I do not want this to come between us.”

"No, Em, it does not bother me. I will admit I was a bit surprised, but if you are both happy, then I am more than ok with it. Just don’t expect me to call you mom, ok? Now I best get going and get cleaned up before formation.”

I head out the door to the showers. Once done I have to hurry up as I get dressed in my uniform, grab a quick bite to eat for breakfast and make it with ten minutes to spare to formation.

The roll call is taken and formation seems to be going normal than I hear Archer call out to Captain Abby and Captain Hell. “Door Kickers Squad one has a mission briefing in an hour at their squad bay. Squads four, five and Six will meet with the first and second squad of Hell’s Belles in the old theatre room for a separate mission in two hours.”

Well, that answers what we will be doing for the next couple of days, I guess. After being saluted by Archer, Captain Abby turns and approaches the company and passes on the orders for the day. Once dismissed from the formation we fall out and head to our assigned areas. My squad heading to our squad bay. Usually, the single squad missions are interesting but our goal is to avoid combat. When several squads of a company are sent out it while on ready reserve it means something hostile is in the area and needs to be taken care of.

Once at the squad bay we all take our seats and prepare to hear what we are needed for next. I notice that the first section and second sections of the squad tend to sit together during these briefs. They may joke around and spend time together off duty as one group, but getting ready for combat they revert to fire teams and those they will depend the most on.

This time Emerado and Archer both show up for the briefing. This makes me wonder what exactly the mission will be this time as a simple patrol or snatch and grab will normally have only one staff pony brief us. This should be good.

Archer starts. “Good Morning. I will try to keep this short. Please hold all questions until we are finished with the briefing.” He says.

Emerado speaks next, “Your squad has been assigned to meet with one of our field operatives and her escort. You will be meeting her at a farmhouse outside the village of Pear Grove, just six miles southwest of Herford. The coordinates of this farmhouse are being downloaded to your PipBucks right now. Your estimated time of arrival is 6 pm tomorrow night. If you arrive early you are to back off from the house itself and observe.”

Archer resumes talking “The operative is a very dark blue unicorn. She will have a light purple mane and tail with dark blue highlights and green eyes. Her cutie mark is that of a pie. She will have a white male unicorn with a green mane and tail, and purple eyes. He has a soldering iron for a cutie mark. There may or may not be a third member of the party. If so that member must be treated with respect as it is believed that they are a representative from Tenpony Tower being sent to the Co-op. As many of you know this is a very rare occurrence. So best behavior colts and fillies. “

Emerado than continues “The challenge and countersign for meeting with the operatives are whiskey and cider. Once dismissed please fall out to grab your field uniforms then assemble at the Armory for weapons and field equipment issue. Thank you.”

At which point Archer asks “Are there any questions?”

I raise my hoof. He nods at me “Yes, what is your question?”

“How long do you want us to wait if they fail to show at the meeting point?” I ask.

“Two days at most. After the first 24 hours call back in on you PipBucks. We will be sending a repeater set to increase the range of your PipBuck communications features. Next question.”

Ivy raises her hoof “Are we allowed to choose our weapons loadout this time or are we being assigned them again?”

Archer smiles. “That is an excellent question. You will be allowed to choose your weapons loadouts this time. However, I would suggest that most be lighter, close to medium-range weapons. A few longer-range weapons would be a good idea also. Any other questions?” He looks around and sees no one else with their hoof raised. “If not then good luck. You are dismissed.”

He and Emerado leave the squad bay. We slowly get up and head to our stalls. I call out “1^st squad reform at the Armory in 20 minutes.”

We reassemble back at the Armory on time. Buckshot meets us there. “Hey Molly, give me a second and to get a couple more of the ordies to help me.” He says.

“No problem buckshot. I know it will be a busy morning here for all of you.” I tell him.

He goes into the back and comes back with two more ponies. “Morning Flechettes, morning Flashbang. When your ready let me know.”

We sit there waiting for them to move some items and then they open the screen at the desk. Finally, Buckshot moves his keyboard to the side next to his computer terminal. “Ok Mollygirl, let's get this going. I see you have your own saddlebags with you. Flechettes I need one medium combat barding. One Helmet, One battle saddle, two canteens. One IF-44 Anglebunny and mounting brackets. One IF-22 Caramel semi-auto pistol and holster.”

With each item, he calls out Flechettes runs and grabs them. Buckshot continues until I have a full loadout. With each item put in my saddlebag, my PipBuck adjusts its inventory. Flashbang assisting me in mounting the Anglebunny to my Battle saddle. I put on the kit and step aside as Ivy and the rest of the squad are issued and kit up.

Ivy surprises me and asks for an IF-9 combat shotgun. I guess she wants to make sure if it’s up close that it's personal.
Bullet takes his normal sniper rifle. Badger also asks for an IF-44, but he wants a suppressor for his. The rest settle for carbines and IF-64 assault rifles. Well Except Chance.

As Chance approaches the window Buckshot looks up at him. “Let me guess, a minigun right?”

Looking down at him Chance just smiles and asks “You wouldn’t happen to have an anti-machine rifle, would you?”

“You are kidding, right? The way those things kick, most cannot imagine carrying one.” Is Buckshot’s startled reply.

“Well Sergeant, I am a bit bigger than most other ponies, so it should not be too bad for me. Kick in an extra box of ammo for it too would you.” He tells Buckshot.

“That you are, that you are. Just remember if you do not use it all, you have to carry what is left, back.” Buckshot says with a smile.

Just before we are all equipped and ready to head out our medic arrives. It is Stitches. I am glad to see her again. She has a good head on her and is level tempered in a fight. She already has her kit with her. I am surprised to see that she has taken to carrying a pistol on her as well as her medics bags. So many of the medics are conscientious objectors. She sees me looking at her pistol. “What Sergeant, never seen a unicorn pack heat before. After what I saw happen to that pegasi on our last op there is no way I am not going to be able to protect myself and my patient.”

“Stitches, you will not hear any complaints from me, I just remember how vocal you used to be about being unarmed as a medic before, so it surprised me. That and I was trying to see what you were carrying.” I tell her.

“Oh, just a little IF-38 Cornhusker revolver. I like the .357 caliber as it means less weight to carry. Sure, it only carries six rounds, but if I need more, I am already in way too much trouble.”

Once we are all equipped and ready, I step out the armory. “1^st Squad let's move,” I tell them.

We walk to the doors of the stable, I see Archer there Waiting for us. He salutes us “The Colonel sends his regrets at not being able to send you all off. He is currently giving a briefing to some of the other ready reserve troops. In his place, I pass on to you his good wishes. Good luck and Good hunting.”

With that, I return his Salute. And we file out the door. We begin the mission still early in the day and head back toward Hereford. However, this time we use a slightly different path so as to not make our passing as easy to find, or follow. No need to give the hostiles a known path of travel to ambush us on.

Once we leave the Co-ops territory we get down to business as usual. Woodrow takes the point about 50 meters ahead of us. Chance is on drag, every so often turning completely around to make sure that there are no hostiles behind us or following our trail.

As so often happens about halfway to Herford it starts to rain. I know I should be used to it, but still, it rankles some. I am really getting tired of sleeping in the mud. As we march, I slide back in the formation and start to talk with Ivy as we continue on our way.

“What do you think about us trying to find an old house or barn to stay in tonight?” I ask her.

“Molly, it really sounds tempting, but do we want to take a chance on running into somepony and announcing our presence to anyone in the area?”

“A very good point Ivy, I wonder if we might be able to find a cave at least. Something to get us out of the rain and keep the spirits up a bit.”

“What are you thinking then?” she asks, then continues “We could try and find an old silo or machine shed also. We just have to make sure that we see no tracks around it.”

“Makes sense to me Ivy. Oh, and by the way, thanks for last night. It has been a while since I had that nightmare, but it still gets to me every time. I still miss her you know.”

“I know Molly, I know. From how you described it to me, you are remembering what happened that night. Maybe you are still trying to deal with the pain a little at a time so that it is not overwhelming. Besides you were there for me last night too when I was whining how unfair it was that I do not have somepony special.” As she says this, she has dropped her voice so that others do not hear and she looks around to make sure that they are not too close to hear.

I look at her and at the same level I tell her “Don’t worry, we all have those days, now I need to get back into position and we need to quiet down some.”

I then start to get back to my spot in the formation. We keep a decent pace. Marching for an hour, then a ten-minute break, then marching another hour. This allows us to keep a good pace, while not tiring ourselves out fully.

Toward the late afternoon, I start to look for a shelter for the night using both my PipBuck map as well as what we can see. Shortly before dusk, we find a collapsed farmhouse with a cellar that can be entered from outside. Badger, with his silencer, enters first followed by the rest of us.

Once inside we can see the remains of the family who once lived here. Their skeletons are covered with dust as are the few belongings that they had brought down here with them. I just thank the Goddesses that we did not have to deal with any ghouls. While not all of them are bad, enough of them are that I do not want to mess with them if I do not have to. Besides the stable lost a lot of ponies and cows that way when they first started to clean out Manesville. Especially by the old carriage factory.

We set up a guard at the doors and will rotate them every hour so everyone gets a chance at some rest. We break out our rations and eat them cold. For a while, we turn on one of the PipBucks to the radio and listen to whatever program we can find. Finally, we hear DJ Pon3 we listen to his news broadcast and then the music.

Eventually, everyone starts partnering up with another to share blankets and keep warm. I am torn as I really want to snuggle down with Badger, but I do not want to appear to be favoring him. Finally, we all just lay some of our blankets on the floor and all lay down in a group with the rest of the blankets on top, overlapping to keep more body heat in. Those who come back from watch going into the spots made available by their reliefs. At different points of the night, I wake up next to Badger, Shadowbuck, Dusty, Ivy, Stitches, and even Chance. An hour before dawn we all wake up, organize and put on our kits by the light of our PipBucks, and are on the march again before Celestia raises the sun once again. Woodrow as usual for him, volunteering to take point.

While I really like Woodrow on point due to his surefootedness and his intelligence, I worry about his reasons for constantly volunteering for it. I will have to talk to him about it when I get the chance. I do not want him thinking he has something to prove just because he is a mule. He’s a good kid and an asset to the squad, I do not want to burn him out by his always having to be on high alert on the march.

We keep the same pace as we did the day before. Skirting around the south of Hereford. We take a break for our noon meal in the distance of Hereford and make some observations from the distance. It looks like there are still ponies living there. In fact, there appear to be more than there was the last time we were there. While interesting and worth reporting, it is not important enough to break radio silence for.

At about four that afternoon we come within visual range of the farmhouse we are to meet with the operative at. We see no movement for an hour, then using binoculars I see a small gray unicorn leave the house and go to the opposite side of the barn. The unicorn comes back and sits on the backside of the house looking to the east.

I motion for the team to approach the house. I signal to Bullet to go around the house to the east side. Ivy is to the north, while Badger and I go for the main entrance. The rest of the team is on overwatch from the brush that is to the west of the house.

We make our approach to the house. I watch Ivy slide around the corner to the north. Bullet quietly heads around the south side working his way to the east side. I pop the door and Badger and I go inside. As we enter, we hear a slap and a stallion's voice “That will teach you. How many times do I have to discipline you for your failures?” we hear another crack and a muffled yell. And some whimpering from upstairs. We run up the stairs to the door of the room where we hear all the noise coming from, just as we hear another crack of hoof on flesh.

I kick the door open and Badger jumps through the doorway. I follow him inside. As I enter the room, I see a deep blue unicorn with a light blue and purple mane tied to the bed. In her mouth is a rubber ball gag. She is wearing a leather collar with a leash as well as a black lace There is a white unicorn stallion with a green mane and tail mounting her from behind with his hoof raised for another strike.

I raise my IF- 44 getting ready to fire as I scream “You dirty son of a”. At which point Badger knocks my barrel upwards, and is laughing so hard he is in tears.

"Mollygirl, don’t shoot.” He blurts out as he struggles for breath.

“What, why not, you have seen what he is doing. That, that.” I stammer.

“Molly, trust me he is just doing what she wanted.” He continues laughing.

With one ear down, the other still back, I stare at Badger. At this point, he calls out to the mare and stallion “Whiskey.”

The stallion with both eyes still wide stutters slightly “Cider”. He dismounts and removes the gag from mare’s mouth.

With both of her ears laid back, she looks at Badger and me and says, “Well you’re here early, so either join in or let Chip and I finish if you do not mind.”

Still, in the room, I turn and ask, “Badger, how did you know?”

“Molly a long time ago I dated Blackberry Pie a time or two. We will leave it at that.” He replies as he turns.

“Did you guys, Um, that,” I ask. Feeling confused as to why I suddenly felt turned on at what they had been doing.

He just smiles at me as he heads for the door. “Thanks for the offer Blackberry, but we have a mare at home who I do not think would appreciate us playing with others without her permission.”

She laughs back, “Fine be that way, just close the door on your way out, ok? We will be down in a bit.” As I pass him in the hall as he closes the door.

“Really Badger, I think we need to talk later dear,” I tell him as I walk by him my tail raised and swishing some.

After getting downstairs I head outside and go around the end of the house. I hear Bullet talking. I know I should not eavesdrop but I can not help myself this time.

“So, yeah, that sergeant was my daughter Mollygirl and the trooper with her is her coltfriend Badger. They have a bit an unusual relationship with a civilian mare back in Manesville.”

“So how are things in the Co-op?“ I hear her ask.

“Well from what it sounds like according to DJ Pon3, not near as bad as it could be. Sure, we have to deal with raiders and slavers from time to time, but it has been a long time since we had to deal with a lot of what I hear is going on down in Hoofington. In fact, the communities of the Co-op seem to be a bit more, quiet than most.” He tells her.

“That is interesting and good to hear.” She tells him.

I figure that this is as good a time to come around the corner as any, she seems fairly friendly, but I can tell she is evaluating the situation. The kids got a good survival instinct that is for sure.

“Hey Bull, we have made contact with the operative. Who’s your friend?” I ask.

“Oh, Hey Moll. This here is Homage. She lives in Tenpony Tower. She is out doing some maintenance on some MASEBS towers so DJ Pon3 can broadcast to more ponies.”

“A pleasure to meet you miss, or is it misses Homage.?”

“Please, just call me Homage, do you mind if I call you Mollygirl rather than sergeant?”

“No, not at all, most ponies do,” I tell her.

“Mollygirl, why do you think the Co-op is so different than so much of the rest of the Wastelands?”

“I will tell you that, but afterward would you mind telling me what it is like to live in Tenpony Tower, and if you have run into DJ Pon3 what he is like?” I answer her.

“Sure,” she says to me.

“Ok, to tell you the truth, I think it has to do a lot with how we were founded. When the stable opened up about a century ago, we already had a duel leadership established with an Overmare and an Overcow. This kept egos in check. Then when my Granddam Millie came out of the stable for our first exploration she made contact and saved a local village from raiders. The Stable and the village agreed to help each other survive. Since then it spread to a couple of other communities. Each having a representative role in running the Co-op.” I tell her.

“That is interesting, so why do you not try and take over other communities?”

“Homage, why would we do that? We can only protect so much. While we have a standing military, it rotates into civil projects. Everyone in the Co-op takes a turn of two weeks on the farms, no matter what their normal role. This means we are all invested. It also means our soldiers are integrated as part of the communities they protect. They know us and we know them.”

As I finish talking Bullet is looking at me with wide eyes. “Molly, you know we are never supposed to mention the stable to outsiders. That is how we have kept it and us safe for so long. I ought to take you over my knee for making a slip like that young mare.”

Then it hits me what I have just done, my face flushes. “Homage, he is right, I had no business mentioning all of that. Could I ask your word of honor that you will not mention it to anyone else?”

“Of course.” She replies with a slight smile. “It has been a long while since I have heard someone in the Wastelands mention honor.”

“Homage, I think we are going to spend the night here tonight. If you want to stop for a day or two in the Co-op, I am sure we could find you a room or a bunk for a night or two. Besides, it would give you a chance to see what we really are like.” I tell her.

“Mollygirl, I will consider it. But really, I usually travel alone. I accompanied those two this far to make sure they were safe.” Homage tells me.

“Either way you are welcome to stay with us tonight. Besides I know I am not the only one who wonders what it is like in Tenpony tower as we all listen to DJ Pon3 every chance we get.” I tell her. “Oh, and while our rations may not be the greatest, you are welcome to some of them.”

“Thanks, Mollygirl, I will take you up on that for sure.” She replies.

Just then I hear Blackberry pie call out. “Ok, you guys can come in now.”

I signal the rest of the squad to come on down to the house. We all go into the old kitchen, everybody grabbing a spot to sit. Bullet volunteers to go upstairs and keep a watch from out of the cupola on the roof. I then begin to introduce the rest of the squad to her as well as Blackberry Pie and Chip.

“By the way Homage, I watched a memory orb of when Stable 48 originally opened up. Back then they heard his broadcast warning about another Stable being found and attacked. We still owe him big for it. Even if it is not the same DJ Pon3”

She smiles. “I am sure I will pass it along to him when I get back.”

“Ok, Homage, now tell us what it is like in Tenpony tower, please?” I ask.

She begins to tell us what it is like there. We hear tales of the elites who make up the community there. How they say they welcome immigrants, but in reality, make it as difficult as possible for any pony to become a citizen there. She tells us of the Twilight Society and how they are beginning to help those in the Wastelands. She tells us of their fancy foods and restaurants.

After a while, we start breaking out rations. I pass her an extra set I have with me. She is very surprised to see cheese as part of our basic rations. I found I had a compressed watercress ration and offer it to her. She is satisfied with the one she has which has dried alpine strawberries in it. As the troopers see what is in their rations, they try to trade for ones that they like more. After we eat Ivy pulls a bottle out of Old Overmare and passes it around. I see Shadowbuck go up to relieve Bullet and he comes back down and joins us.

After a while, I notice the time. I then dial in the radio on my PipBuck to listen to DJ Pon3. We listen to the music a bit more before we hear the familiar stallion's voice.

Good Evening children of the wasteland, DJ Pon3 here bringing you the news. For those of you down in the Hoof, there has been an increase in reports of raider attacks on caravans and any travelers. These attacks are reported as being even more savage than we normally hear about. So, remember do not travel alone. If you have to travel the roads there take a friend with you, or better yet, several, and armed. Remember an armed society tends to be a polite society. In other news, we hear that the needs for slaves by Red Eye in Fillydelphia has risen significantly after a reported slave revolt that had to be put down. Also, another friendly reminder that if you know you are going to be exposed to high levels of radiation remember to take some RadSafe first if you can and if not make sure you can get ahold of some Rad-away. Sure, it may taste bad, but it sure beats the alternative. And coming up we have some more music by Sweetie Belle.

As the music starts to play, I see Chance take Dusty by the hoof and start to dance in that kitchen. Woodrow and Ghost take the table and move it to the wall. Then Badger approaches me and we join Chance and Dusty. Soon I see Pearl and Saber dancing. Then I see Ivy smile and go over and ask Homage for a dance. Every so often we switch our partners. Just enjoying the music and the company. I even see Blackberry Pie and Chip dancing. Off to the side, I see Stitches just sitting there smiling at everyone and then I see Saber come up and ask her to the floor too.

After a while I see Chance Slip out and head upstairs to relieve Shadowbuck of the watch. After a couple of hours like this, we all begin to tire and we find places to curl up and sleep. Homage has the couch in the living room. I find a corner in the living room and Badger and I curl up to sleep next to each other; after a bit Ivy comes up and ask if she can sleep next to us and both of us pull the covers up so she can join us. I have my alarm set so that we can be up and on the move before dawn again. Blackberry Pie and Chip returned to the room upstairs and while they are much quieter than earlier, I can still hear them and so wish I could be doing the same with Badger and Magpie. It is really hard as I am curled up next to Him, but I have Ivy right next to us and I do not want to wake her or get caught, I still have some sense of modesty, I guess. After another hour I go up and take my turn on watch for an hour.

A little bit into the watch I hear someone approaching me. In the dark, I notice the horn. “Stitches, is that you?” I ask.
Then I hear Homage's voice. “No Mollygirl, Its Homage. I wanted to talk to you a bit more. I am thinking of heading off on my own in the morning.”

“While I am sorry to hear that Homage, you are always welcome to visit the Co-op. Also, thanks for being such a good sport tonight and putting up with all of us. Normally we are more serious when on a mission, but we all needed to relieve some stress. I figured as long as we had someone on watch we were ok with it.”

“Well Mollygirl, I have to say it was a first for me. I am sure DJ Pon3 would love to hear about how much his music helps to lift the spirits out here in the Wastelands.”

“Thank you, please tell him that for us. By the way, Homage, if you can wait to part company until we are all up, I am sure we can get you some spare rations. Besides in a way you have become one of us. You have broken bread with us, you have exchanged stories, laughed and even danced with us as well as taken shelter with us. That means a lot to ponies like us. In fact, painted on the wall at the entrance to the old stable are the words For Friends, For Family, For Herd. Well, you are certainly one of the herd now, and personally, I would like to consider you a friend.”

She is quiet for a bit, then she speaks again. “Your lot up in this Co-op definitely seems to be a different sort, I can tell you that. I hope to meet all of you again Mollygirl, and to tell you the truth I would like to think of all you as friends.”

After a brief pause she continues “Mollygirl, as one friend to another, please keep an eye on Ivy. I noticed how much of that whiskey she drank compared to the others. While I don't know her, it seems something is bothering her.”

“Thanks for the concern Homage. I think you are right. She and I have known each other since we were fillies, and I can tell something is really bothering her. The sad thing is I would have been in her shoes too if I had not found something to remind me of what was important and that I had someone who cares.”

She then asks, “If you don't mind me asking. what is it you use to remind you then?”

I pull out Magpie's letter from my pack and let her read it. She uses the light off of my PipBuck to see it. I make sure that none of the light can be seen outside of the copula.

After a bit, she returns the letter to me. “I can understand how that would help. You are a very lucky mare Mollygirl.”

I take the letter back and return it to my saddlebags. “Thanks, Homage. I hope you are too. If you have a special somepony I hope that they stay safe and that you both can return to each other.”

I then hear her climb down from the cupola. I am relieved a short time later by Ivy and I head back to bed for a couple of more hours sleep myself. As I climb back next to Badger. I look over at the couch and am relieved to see Homage still there. Sure, she will probably go her own way in the morning, but I know everyone will want to say goodbye first.

Come morning my alarm goes off. We all wake up and start getting our kits ready. We eat a light breakfast from the cold rations. Again, several of the squad members offer Homage extra packs of rations. She takes several but then has to refuse anymore as they will be too many in her saddlebags.

We all wish her good luck. I am surprised to see Blackberry pie and Chip both give her a brief hug and tell her they will see her again the next time they are at Tenpony Tower. In a way, I am envious of their knowledge that they will probably see her again. She is such a nice mare and I really enjoyed talking with her. Besides, she is cute to look at, but not my type. Who knew, I have a type of mare I like. Life can be so funny sometimes.

She gets ready to head off and looks back at us, waves a hoof and disappears into the surrounding woodlands. We wave back and head off back toward the Co-op. This time I have Ghost on point. Woodrow is in the middle for once and I can see he is a bit more relaxed. The plan is to keep up the same pace we set on the way out. I only hope that Blackberry Pie and Chip can keep up. But seeing they tend to do a lot of traveling on their own, I figure it should be no problem.

When we make the first stop for the day, I approach Blackberry Pie and Chip. “Hey Blackberry. Sorry about that, I did not mean to interrupt you two. And Chip I am also sorry I almost shot you, I just had not realized that what you were doing was consensual.”

Chip looks at me “Don’t worry it happens all the time. The guns being pointed at me I mean.” He says with a chuckle. “In all actuality, it kind of made it more intense.”

At that point, Blackberry chimes in “I have to agree with Chip on both counts. But of course, you both would have been welcome to join in, just realize that I would have been off-limits to you. Sorry, your cute and all, but my barn door just does not swing that way.”

I smile at them both and reply “I really thank you for the invite, and Chip it really is tempting, however, I do not think Magpie would approve of me and Badger playing with others.”

“So, are you telling me that you, Badger and this Magpie are all a couple?” Blackberry asks.

I nod my head yes, I cannot believe I am blushing.

“What about Memory and Whiskey, I never thought he would leave them?” Blackberry asks.

“I have met Memory several times over the years and she has always been nice. But as sick as she is, it is only a matter of time that she has left. We did not intend to move this fast, it’s kind of just happened, to tell the truth. I mean I have always liked him, but there was always somepony else there. So we are trying to keep it quiet as possible so as not to hurt her any more than necessary.”

“Believe me Mollygirl, I do understand. I felt that way myself at one time. He is a good buck. I even had dinner a time or three with Him, Whiskey and Memory. It is a very interesting life, to say the least.”

“I will talk more to you later Blackberry. I need to get us all moving again.” I move back to the rest of the troops and get everyone on their feet and off we are again. Moving as quietly as we can and staying out of sight of known population areas especially around Hereford. Twice in the distance, I thought we saw ponies silhouetted against the skyline. Another time I thought I saw a couple of pegasi even. Each occurrence we stop and go to ground trying not to give ourselves away. After a short period of waiting, we then rise up and start to move again. Each time getting closer to Manesville. Each stop I would check on members of the squad as well as Blackberry Pie and Chip.

When we stop for lunch we start to consider where to stop for the night. We have been swinging further to the south of Hereford. While I really want to know what is going on there, I do not think it is worth the risk to the team as well as our operatives. Finally, we come to an abandoned village, the sign on the edge of its boundaries lists it as Capon. Most of the buildings have fallen in. Of the two left standing, one is a church, the other a small foundry that has long gone cold.

“Ok, I think the church may be our best bet for the night,” I tell them. As we open the door at the front of the church, we see the bodies and skeletons of those who were in here in the day the world died. I start to hear scraping and dragging sounds from within the church. Oh, Goddess no, ghouls, or feral ghoul ponies. This is so not good. Hopefully, they are only in there. I start to pray to Celestia and Luna for help.

We close the door and begin to fall back down the street. I see movement amongst the wreckage of the village as more of the undead start to move. Suddenly we are almost surrounded. “Fall back, Short burst to the head,” I yell out to the squad. As we are falling back, out of a doorway one of the ghouls grabs Ghost and drags him inside. He screams as he is drug down while being torn apart. Woodrow and Ivy run to the doorway. They open fire several times then fall back empty-hooved. Ivy signaling me to get moving. We keep hearing the moaning from what sounds like over a couple of dozen throats. Finally, we find a stone wall near the outskirts of the town. We are able to organize ourselves we form a square with Blackberry Pie and Chip in the center. We take down several more of the ghouls. Then the two or three that are left start to falter. Chance shots one in the head with the AM rifle and Saber puts three shots into the head of the other. Thank the Goddess there were not more of them. However, with that in mind, we decide it is best leaving this area and we begin to head north toward the co-op.

The entire squad is visibly shaken. Myself, I want to scream, cry, and just hit something all at the same time. Damnit. Why could I have not done something right for a change? We lost Ghost for no other reason than we wanted to stay in a building for the night. More stones for my saddlebags, I can almost feel their weight. “OK, everyone. Health check. Any injuries?” I ask.

Ivy calls out “I have some gouges in my flank, A health potion and a Med-X should help me make it though.” Woodrow speaks up. “I scraped my leg pretty good on some debris after jumping that wall sergeant, but a magical bandage should keep me going.” A couple more scrapes and dings. Badger speaks up “Sorry Sergeant but I twisted my hind knee pretty bad again. I think I should be good with some Med-X too, but I may not be able to move as fast as everypony else.” Stitches checks everyone out and administers the Med-X to those who need it and bandages up the rest.

“I don’t know about the rest of you, but after that last stop, I think perhaps we need to push on up to Dairyanne. We are probably only a couple of hours marching away.” I tell everyone. With that, we start to head north, northeast back into our normal guard territory. We put as much distance as quickly as we can between us and Capon. I mark it on my Pipbuck and hope I do not get sent back there, I have a feeling we only saw a small number of the ghouls that were there and if they have already gone feral, I do not want to mess with them any more than I have to. I hate leaving Ghost body behind, I am not happy about the loss of equipment either, but it can be replaced. A trooper, well, you can not breathe life into the dirt and create a new one. Once the soul leaves the body the empty shell is all that remains. This line of thought makes me wonder, do ghouls still have their souls?

Finally, we reach the roadblock outside Dairyanne at about 2 am. I see Tenderhoof from the Equestria Rangers on watch with one of his troopers who I do not recognize. I call out to let them know we are near “Hey Top, Its Mollygirl and Ivy, were coming in with our team.”

Both of them face in our direction. I can see them turn on their E.F.S. “Ok, Advance and be recognized Tenderhoof calls out.” They keep us covered as we approach. Finally, we squint as the light from their PipBucks sweeps over all of us. “Ok Molly, Ivy, welcome back.” He notices that we only have nine troopers plus the medic and two civilians with us. He raises an eyebrow.

“Tenderhoof, can we crash for the rest of the night in the guard shake, then I will tell you about it,” I ask.

“Sure, you all know the way.” He tells us.

“Ivy, take them to the guard shake and I will join you in a few minutes,” I tell her.

"Ok Molly, you sure you do not want us to wait?”

“No, I am sure, let's get them some rest.”

As they pass the barricade, I approach Tenderhoof. “Thanks, Top, I do not think we could have made it much further. We have been on the move since about 6 yesterday morning. It did not help that when we went to take shelter in Capon we got hit by feral ghouls.”

“I noticed your count of troopers. Is that where you lost that one?”

I nod my head yes. He sighs. "Don’t beat yourself up Mollygirl. It happens. Just be glad you were able to get the rest out. In this business we will lose good ponies, we have to try and make sure we do not lose more than we can save, and that if they do die it is not a wasted death.” He tells me.

“That is the part that hurts Top, He got grabbed and dragged off, two of us tried to save him, but it was already too late,” I tell him.

“Molly, you still were able to bring the rest back. Consider it a blessing, now quit beating yourself up, rejoin your squad and catch some rest. I will be back there in about 4 hours.” He tells me.

I head back to the shack. Everyone has lain down already. I notice Badger is asleep next to Blackberry Pie and Chip. I suddenly feel hurt, He has chosen to be with her. She sees me enter and in the dim light quietly says, “He came over to talk to me until you caught up with us. He just could not stay awake any longer, so I covered him up and stayed awake so you would not get the wrong idea. He really does care about both you and Magpie, do not blow it.” With that, she lifts the blanket on his other side.

I drop my kit by the door, and I lie down next to him on the opposite side from Blackberry. “Thank you, Blackberry, I appreciate your staying up to let me know.” I start to have a hard time staying awake and soon doze off.

In the morning my troopers are making breakfast on the small cook stove for us and the Equestrian Rangers who are assigned to this checkpoint. They have let me sleep in until it is ready. Our first hot meal in three days. Saber had noticed he had the dried Alpine strawberries in one of his meal rations and has offered it to add some flavor to the oatmeal. It is amazing how something so simple can taste so good after several days in the field.

While we are all happy to be back in the Co-op. the absence of one member is felt by us all. Surprisingly it is Dusty who asks if after breakfast we can say a brief communal prayer for Ghost. It seems his loss had a larger impact on her than I expected.

After we eat, we clean out our mess tins, restow our kits. We put on our helmets, battle saddles and saddlebags and weapons. We all step outside together. "Dusty, would you like to lead the prayer?” I ask.

“Yes Molly, if you don’t mind. He was my mentor when I joined the squad and he meant a lot to me.” She replies.

We gather in a rough semicircle around her. She removes her helmet and we all bow our heads and close our eyes. “Celestia and Luna, we ask that you receive the soul of our brother who has fallen. We commend him up to you. He was an excellent soldier, and faithful friend and a good pony. We will all miss him until we are gathered again in the hereafter. Give us strength during our time of mourning. In your names, we pray. Celestia protect and Luna defend us.

When she is finished, she dons her helmet again. We all raise our heads and reform. I see Blackberry Pie approach Dusty, place a hoof on her shoulder and then give her a brief hug. Chip and her then get back into the middle of the formation and Woodrow again leads out.

Even though we are back in our home territory I notice we are all still very quiet. This is the first casualty we have taken in months. Ghost was one of the old-timers too. As Dusty had said he welcomed her and was a mentor, he did that for several of our junior troopers. He will be hard to replace. If I had only just avoided that village. Did we really have to take a shelter last night? So many decisions I could have made differently. More stones in my saddlebags. Part of me wonders how many will be too many. But I keep soldiering on.

Also gnawing at the back of my mind is that I hope Homage makes it safely to her destination and then back to Tenpony Tower. I wish I could talk to her again, but that is the wastelands for you. When you make friends it is often fast, and all to often when you separate ways, you may not ever see them again. I guess I could ask Blackberry to let me know if she is ok the next time, she returns from a trip to Manehatten.

We make it back to the stable just afternoon. We return to the armory to turn in our weapons and accouterments. Colonel Chappy and Archer meet us at the armory. The Colonel welcomes us all back and tells Blackberry Pie and Chip that he wants them to follow him. He also lets us know that we will be having a debrief with him and Archer in two hours.

After the Colonel leaves our squad goes to lunch together. We are fairly quiet. Badger and I share a table with Ivy and Shadowbuck. I see Dusty and Chance sitting next to each other. She is picking at her food rather than eating. Chance, for his part, is trying to talk and cheer her up. Ivy is kind of quiet also. I see her look at Badger and then me several times and while not audible, I can see her sigh. Once done with lunch it is back to the debriefing room.

During the Debrief we discuss with Archer and the Colonel the mission. We all participate in the conversation. We tell them of the apparent increase in the population of Hereford. The Colonel was particularly interested in the repair technician from Tenpony tower.

“So, Sergeant, what did you say the name of the technician was?” Colonel Chappy asks.

“Sir for the third time her name was Homage. And she said she was going to repair some towers so that DJ Pon3 could broadcast to more ponies.” I tell him.

“And you believe him?”

“Homage is a mare and yes I do believe her sir.”

“You reported losing one of your Troopers Sergeant. What happened?” Archer asks.

“When we approached Capon, it was still predusk. I decided we should shelter indoors if we could. The only two buildings still standing in the town were a foundry and the church. We chose the church. When we entered the church was full of skeletons and rotting bodies. Immediately after opening the door we started to hear movement from both inside the church as well as the rubble of the town around us. I ordered us all to fall back. If we saw ghouls, we were to try for headshots.”

I pause to both organize my thoughts as well as to try and give my nerves a brief rest.

“Continue please sergeant,” Archer says.

“During the fighting withdrawal Trooper Ghost fell back into a doorway as if to shelter from counter fire. That is when he was grabbed from behind and dragged out of sight into the wreckage of a building. Corporal Ivy and Trooper Woodrow tried to rescue him, but it was already too late. They would have recovered his remains and weapon, but they did not have time as more ferals were advancing after all of us. We fell back to a wall and formed a hollow square behind it.”

“Excuse me, but why did you form a Square, would not a straight line have been better?” The Colonel asks.

“Sir, to me it seemed better as they could not flank us or surprise by hitting us in the rear. We concentrated on our lanes of fire. Do you think I did something, wrong sir?”

“No Sergeant, just not many would have thought of that tactic in that situation. Good reasoning also on your part. Please continue.”

“Sir after we put down the last of the ferals that were advancing on us, I made the decision to force march back to the Co-op. While initially rougher on us all, it allowed us to rest solidly with others standing guard. We were also able to get a hot meal in us sooner.”

“Very good. Do any of you others here have anything to add? If not stand down for the rest of the day and tonight.”

“Thank you, sir.” We all chorus as we snap to our feet. After which the colonel leaves the room.

Archer than approaches me. “Hey Mollygirl, just to let you know we will be looking for a new staff pony. I am getting command of the artillery section. Captain Hell Fire is fit to be tied, but it was the colonel’s decision. So, you might get to see me in the field again.”

“Congratulation Archer, I am glad to hear that for you. I look forward to seeing those guns in action.”

“They should be sweet. Also, they are looking at forming an additional battalion soon. If they do that, they will need senior non-coms and officers, just so you are aware.”

“Thanks, Archer, I appreciate the heads up.”

With his departure, we leave the debrief room and head to the squad bay. We are all just kind of sitting there moping being bored. When I hear Dusty ask “Hey Sarge, he told us to stand down for the night, but he did not say we had to stay here did he?”

No, no. No, no, no, no, we couldn’t do that could we. BUCK IT! “Dusty, you know, you are quite correct. Perhaps we should all head into town together and have a drink or two in memory of our lost comrade.” I answer back.

I then notice all of the squad members begin to perk up a bit, and even a hint of a smile on some of their faces. Now the question is where do we want to go for these drinks? “Does anyone object to us bellying up for a few drinks at the Trough?”

Pearl, our ever so quite Pearl speaks up “I think it is a great idea. Also, we need to have an empty glass for him at the table tonight. Not just to get drunk but to remember and celebrate the stallion we used to know.”

Was there something between them that I had not seen I wonder to myself.

“Ok, I say that after we catch an early dinner, we all go out together then. We have a few drinks, blow off some steam and come back, agreed?” I ask them.

“Sounds good to me Sargent,” Bullet comments for all.

So, it is decided and agreed we are going to do this. “Ok, I want everyone to go get cleaned up. We will meet at 5 PM for a quick meal in the cafeteria and then we will head out.” With that, we all head to our stalls and prepare ourselves to head out.

After we take our meal, we all head out the main entrance of the stable we are stopped by one of the security ponies.
“Mollygirl, where do you think y’all are going. I know the rotation for the Door Kickers has you scheduled for being on ready alert status. You better have a good reason for this.”

“Oh, hey Slipshod,” I respond “Yeah, your right normally but after losing Ghost yesterday the Colonel told us to stand down for the night.”

“Yeah, I am sorry to hear about Ghost, but I am not buying that the Colonel told you all to stand down so you could head to town.”

Dusty then lifts her PipBuck and I hear the Colonel's voice “Very good. Do any of you others here have anything to add? If not stand down for the rest of the day and tonight.”

After which she asks, "Does that help a bit Slipshod?” I had not known she was recording any of the debrief, at least she had good timing.

He smirks a bit. “Ok, I am not going to argue with you all. My job is just to maintain the security of the stable. If for some reason you get caught and are lying to me. I will tell them I never saw you leaving. Now get moving and try not to get into trouble, ok.”

“Thanks, Slipshod, you drink Wild Pegasus, right?” Ivy asks. He looks at her “Come on girl, after all the times I been in the Trough trying to buy you drinks I thought you would know my brand by now. Old Grandsire, ok.”

With that, we are off and running again. On the way I notice everypony starting to laugh and joke with each other. However, I do catch Ivy looking at me and Badger every now and again. I am trying to decide if I should be offended or not when I see her checking out his flanks, ah, heck with it, let her admire and enjoy the sights, I know I do.

Once we get to the Trough, we take a couple of the tables and join them together so that we have enough seating for the entire squad. I order the first round and request an empty glass that we place at the seat at the head of the table. That seat and glass are for Ghost. This is our way of showing him respect and remembering him. By buying that first round I started something I had not thought about. Each of us is now obligated to buy us a round for everyone. Old Hee Haw the mule who owns the pub has to love it, he knows he will be getting plenty of bottle caps from us.

We are three rounds in when I notice we may be in trouble. First, I see Archer enter, then Emerado, a couple of the other staff ponies, Horns a staff bull and finally I see Colonel Chappy, OH BUCK! I had not expected that. They are heading to the bar when I see Emerado has spotted us and her jaw has dropped. Then the Colonel notices us. I see him at first flatten his ears back his eyes wide and jaw clenched. Then I see his eyes notice the empty glass and chair. He visibly relaxes and comes over.

We try to get to our hooves and stand at attention, but after 3 drinks it is not the easiest. “At ease,” He tells us. “Sergeant, this was not what I meant when I told you all to stand down, but we can discuss that in the morning. However, I too remember Ghost from when I was a company commander many years ago. So, if you do not mind me briefly joining you all for a drink, I would like to buy all of you a round and give a salute to our old comrade.”

Oh Goddesses, not more drinks. How drunk are we going to be? “Thank you, Colonel, we would be honored to have you join us, sir,” I tell him.

After the next round of drinks arrive the Colonel stands. He taps his hoof on the table and we all rise. “To Ghost, may he rest in peace. You were our comrade, you shared our joy, our misery, our defeats, and triumphs. We drank from the same canteen. You stand relieved my comrade, we have the watch.”

With that, he drinks his shot in one gulp. I notice the slight tear in his eye. It is time to do something to bring us up a bit. Well in times of stress what do us earth ponies do best. Dance or sing? A song it is.

I begin the song, and it slowly spreads to every member of the Co-op guard in the pub.

Let Celestia's sons be not dismayed, come join with me each jovial blade, come drink and sing and lend your aid and help me with the chorus.

Instead of spa we'll drink apple ale, and pay the reckoning on the nail, for debt no buck shall go to jail

From Mareyowen in glory

We'll break the windows, we'll break the doors, the watch will fall by threes and fours, we’ll let the doctors work their cures and tinker with our bruises

Instead of spa we'll drink apple ale, and pay the reckoning on the nail, for debt no buck shall go to jail

From Mareyowen in glory

We'll cheat the bailiffs of their fun, we’ll make the mayor and sheriffs run, we are the colts no buck dares dun, If his own skin he values

Instead of spa we'll drink apple ale, and pay the reckoning on the nail, for debt no buck shall go to jail

From Mareyowen in glory

Our hearts so stout have got us fame, for soon 'tis known from whence we came, wherever we go they dread the name Of Mareyowen in glory

Instead of spa we'll drink cider ale, and pay the reckoning on the nail, for debt no buck shall go to jail

From Mareyowen in glory

After the song is done, we again have another round. I then notice a few of the patrons of the pub have their instrument with them and they begin to play. This is more like it, a celebration of life.

“Mollygirl, I will talk to you in the morning after formation. Enjoy yourselves and thank you for letting me join you for a bit. Now it is time for Archer’s wetting down party, he made Lieutenant today.” The Colonel tells me.

“Thank you, sir. You are always welcome to join us. I will see you then sir.”

With that, he goes off and joins the other staff ponies. I continue to drink. As the impromptu band plays many of us sing to the songs. As the night goes on, I see Em and Bullet are dancing as well as Chance and Dusty. Eventually, Badger asks me to dance. I so enjoy dancing with him. I cannot help but nuzzle his neck when we are so close. After a couple of songs. I see Archer tap Badger on his shoulder and hear him ask if he may cut in. So, I end up dancing with him for a bit. As Badger goes off, I see him ask Ivy to dance. There is a smile on her face that I have not seen in a while. She whispers something in his hear and I see him laugh.

While socially awkward at times and not the most handsome stallion, I have to admit that Archer is a decent dancer.

"Congratulations on your promotion Archer,” I tell him.

“Thank you Mollygirl. I really appreciate it. I was really surprised to see you and your squad out here. If I had known I would have gotten the Colonel to go to another establishment.”

“Thanks, Archer. I had not planned it. We decided to do this after we got back to the squad bay. I do not think it would have been good to have them all sit back in the stable just stewing.”

He cocks his head back and looks at me again. “Mollygirl, you look at things a bit different than most. This was not about you at all was it?”

His question catches me off guard. “No, not at all Archer. I just knew we were all in a bad place mentally and we needed to break that.”

“Molly, really you should buck for that staff pony slot. You have the mind for it.” He tells me.

As the music stops. He smiles and escorts me back to Badger and Ivy at the table. He smiles once more and looks at me "Think about it Mollygirl. I really mean it.” And with that rejoins the officers.

Badger looks at me with a concerned expression on his face. “What was that all about?”

“Nothing really, he is just trying to talk me into going for a staff pony slot,” I reply.

As I am sitting there nursing my drink Ivy approaches me “Mollygirl, would you like to dance with me?”

“Sure, why not,” I reply as I get out of my chair.

I notice then that it is a slow dance song. I am surprised as she takes me in close to her. I close my eyes and just enjoy the music and dancing. I feel her tuck her head against my neck and take a deep breath. Wait, is she breathing in my scent like I do Badger and Magpie? Ok, she is like a sister to me. She has been my best friend for so long but, my Goddess she is all mare. Did I miss something I wonder? Then the song ends she takes me back to the table. She surprises me with first a kiss on the cheek and then she looks into my eyes and kisses me on my muzzle. She then smiles and walks off over to Badger and talks to him as I sit down surprised. I really had been missing something. But I can not hurt my Magpie. I wonder though, Nah that would be being too greedy I tell myself.

We all have another drink and then I see the squad members start to break away and head off for the night. I remind them to all be back by muster in the morning.

I know that I have had a bit too much to drink, however, I grab Badger, who has Ivy snuggled up to him. She is so cute like that. “Let’s go surprise our Magpie I tell him.” I see Ivy’s ears go forward and a smile on her face. With that, the three of us go stumbling down the street to Magpies.

When we get to Magpie’s apartment I knock on the door and then lean against the frame to keep myself upright. Magpie answers the door and is surprised to see us. “What are you guys doing here? I thought you were confined to the stable for duty this week.”

“We were and are,” Badger replies.

“We lost Ghost two days ago, so the squad snuck off the base to drink in his memory.” I follow up with.

“Oh, I am so sorry to hear that, are the rest of you ok?” she asks.

“Yeah, I guess, do you mind if we come in?” I ask.

“Oh, yes do come in loves.” She says as she starts to move out of the way. But before she can fully move, Ivy approaches her, takes her face in her forehooves and slowly and intimately kisses her in front of Badger and me. Part of me is stunned, a part is jealous and another part is really turned on. What is wrong with me I ask myself.

After they break the kiss we start to go inside. I look at the window and I see Magda peeking out with a smile on her face before she closes the curtain.

We go inside Magpie's apartment. She just smiles and says, if anyone needs to use the restroom, do so, otherwise, I think we all need to go to bed. Well, that sounds a bit strange. I mean she does only have one bed and there are four of us, so where is Ivy going to sle, Oh I really can be a bit slow at times can’t I.

I head to the restroom as I think the cider is catching up to me. When I come out, I see Badger is on one side of Ivy and Magpie on the other. Oh, I know that feeling all too well. That is such a fun one. Again, it must be too much to drink tonight, but I am surprised where this is heading. Badger than moves away from Ivy’s side and pats the bed for me to know I can lie down there. I move next to her and join in the activities.

Several hours later I wake up again. I notice that the only one in bed still beside me is Badger. I smile, not a bad way to wake. I love waking with his hooves around me. I hear voices in the other room talking.

“So you mean you never got to discuss it with Mollygirl?”

“I am sorry Magpie. I know you and I discussed it that night, and I really wanted to, but I did not get the chance to with everything that has gone on the last week. “

“Tell me you at least had discussed it with Badger.”

“Yes dear, I did. The one night in the farmhouse, after Molly went on watch and our guest left the room for the night. I told him about our discussion and how you said I could join you three if they agreed. He was all for it. That was the first time I ever got to actually kiss him too.” I can even hear the smile on Ivy’s face in her voice.

Then I hear Magpie “So, you told him and you did not go any farther?”

“I tried, but he said that we had to have Moll’s permission and he also wanted to make sure you really had said it. You know they both really love you Magpie. I completely understand it too. You are so lovable my dear.”

“Thank you, Ivy, for letting me know what all happened. I am so glad to have you with us now. I have heard so much about Epona too. I really look forward to meeting her. How will your mother handle you being in a relationship with all of us though?”

“Mags, I already discussed it a while ago. To tell the truth, when Molly got together with both of you, I was crushed. I was crying to my mother about it. She even suggested to me that if I loved her so much and that you two did also, maybe I should see if all of you could love me too. Frankly Magpie, that night I asked you about it, I was terrified you would laugh in my face. I feel so lucky right now. Thank you, Magpie, so much for sharing and allowing me into your life.”

At that point, I start to drift off to sleep again. I roll over, put my face to Badger's chest and just enjoy the feeling of peace. I wish it could go on forever.

When I wake up, I am being nuzzled by Ivy behind my ear. I wake with a smile, I then noticed Magpie doing the same to Badger. “Good morning my loves,” she says with a smile. “Time to get up so you can get some breakfast before heading back to the stable.”

Breakfast is ready and on the table. Alongside the oatmeal flavored with sorghum, we have some fruit and cheese. One of those two has also made tea already and the steaming hot cups are ready. Just what I need to help clear my head.
As we are eating Magpie starts to talk. “So, my loves. I guess this means we all agree to add Ivy to our family?”

I see Badgers has his mouth full and nodes in affirmation. I smile and reply “Of course my love.”

“Good, I am glad to hear that. She was so instrumental in getting us together in the first place, as well as being such a lovable little filly.” Magpie says with a smile.

It is then I realize that while I may be a sergeant and Ivy a corporal, at home, Magpie is lead mare. I like it. It seems right.

“Magpie, I hate to say it, but if this continues as a long-term relationship, we may need to find a bigger house,” I tell her.

“You are right Moll, but let’s take it slow for now. Enjoy what we have and save up enough bottle caps so that we can get a nice place for all of us and little Epona.” Magpie says with a smile.

We continue with our conversation as we enjoy our first meal together. As a family? We are not married, yet. A remuda perhaps? Or even a band. Badger would be the envy of so many stallions if they knew exactly what he had gotten himself into, I think.

After breakfast, we all get up to leave. Magpie stands by the door. She hugs and kisses each of us. “Please be careful you three. I worry so about you. I do not want to lose any of you now that I have found you.”

“I love you too.” We all answer back in unison. Even though it is unintentional it feels right.

We head out the door and are walking back to the base when I hear Ivy say “Don’t forget about your meeting with the Colonel after muster this morning Moll. I do not want you to be in even more trouble love.”

That is the first time she has ever called me that. I like it, it also feels right, even with my messed-up life.

“Thanks for the reminder, Ivy. I am sure he will not forget. Also, while we're still away from the squad three things. One, thank you both for such a wonderful night. I feel so loved. Two, I love both of you. three and most importantly, when we get back to the stable. Makes sure you cover those bite marks before formation, whether I made them or not. While I do not mind them, we don’t need to get an even worse reputation.” I say with a smile. Now back to reality once again.

Dear DJ Pony, we would like to request a song to be dedicated to our fallen comrade Ghost. Would you please play the song An Empty Glass by B Sadler.
Thank you sincerely
1^st squad of the Door Kickers.

I would once again extend my thanks to Kkat for having created the world of FoE and told us such a wonderful story. I would also like to thank both Somber and Fuzzy Vee Vee for their not only continuing it but building upon this world building.

While I know this song dedication may be an obscure one, I thought it very appropriate for this chapter. For those who would like to hear it the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gllzuBsGhs

For those of you the readers, I thank you and hope you are enjoying the story. There is much more yet to come.