Chapter 78 Mail Call

“Home. It's such a simple word, one I never knew would come to mean as much to me as it has. It once was my dad's house, then my uncle's farm. Mostly it's meant wherever Charlie and I were together. Now, though, it's you. It's your letters, your words. They're the place I go to with my fears, where I find comfort, where I feel safe.” ― Kristina McMorris, Letters from Home

The planning meeting with Broken Hills, Lieutenant Cloudy Day and the other members of the command staff for the Doorkickers goes fairly smoothly, but takes a good part of the night. After I have got them into thinking about what we want to do, I have them send for Pressed On. I really want to meet the pony who asked us to help not himself but a village that he did not live in.

As he comes into the D Troop HQ, I see that he is a brown unicorn stallion with a black mane and tail that are going gray. I smile when I see his almost uniform of a long brown duster, his web gear, he is also wearing a wide-brimmed slouch hat with one side pinned up, all of which shows wear and tear. But his weapon is squeaky clean. Used, but in better condition than I expected for a 200-year-old Wintrotter arms lever-action rifle. I notice his eyes get a bit wider as he looks at everything. I see him look at a couple of those that are there PipBucks with an almost envious expression. Then I see him look at the map on the wall.

I walk over to meet him. Once close enough I ask him, “Mister Pressed On, thank you for coming, would you step in the office with me and Captain Work.”

He nods his head cautiously and says, “Yes ma’am I will, but first, who are you?”

“Oh, excuse me, I am Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl of the NCR Army. I was going to go into more detail once we sit down to talk. I have some questions for you as well sir.”

He nods his head, “Ok, lead on Ma’am.”

Once he, Broken Hills, and I are in Broken’s office I have them both sit down as well as doing so myself. I lean forward on the desk, resting comfortably against my foreleg fetlocks. Then I tell him. “Mister On, I really appreciate the warning you gave us about the village that needed our help. I am sorry we could not get there sooner.”

He nods his head, “Thank you Ma’am, but I was only doing what I felt was right for those ponies.”

I nod back and ask, “If I may ask sir, what is your story? I have not had a lot of experience in the wastelands with others being willing to help us openly like this.”

His face still somber he tilts his head and asks, “First, I have a question, why Lieutenant Colonel, why not Colonel or General of some such title. And why for the NCR?”

I smile at what seems to be a reasonable set of questions. Then I tell him, “Honestly that is my rank in the New Canterlot Army. As a courtesy, my subordinates may shorten it to colonel for ease of speaking, but I have no pretensions of grandeur. Just a little over a year and a half ago I was only a sergeant in the Co-op Defense Force. Now I am the Old Mare for my battalion and have been deployed far from home to help these communities get back on their hooves like we are back home.”

He tilts his head some and then twitches one ear toward Broken Hills and then back to me before he asks, “So you're telling me you are here out of the goodness of your own hearts to help us?”

I laugh lightly, “Frankly, no, we have been sent here by our commanders to do a job that needs to be done. We were fortunate back in Manesville to have gone unnoticed for so long that we could begin to recover. We are glad to help others to do what we have, but honestly, I would rather be home with my family and foals. So again, what about you, why are you doing what you do?”

I see him sigh and then he tells me with some emotion, “I am trying to help these communities to do exactly what you have been sent here to do. I used to have a militia of ponies, but a while back we were betrayed when one of my associates decided to go raider himself. He led us into an ambush and I lost most of my militia members. Most died, some ran off. Others I really just don’t know. Perhaps they just gave up and went back to their homes to just survive another day.”

“Pressed On, if you wanted to, you could join our battalion or the NCR Army. But you could also keep doing what you are now. Pass on the information to our troops and work with us to improve the lots of these ponies here. Also, if you choose to try and rebuild an NCR friendly militia, I will see that you are reimbursed for your efforts to help support you and your followers.” I tell him.

He looks almost insulted as he says, “Colonel, I really am not doing this for money. I am not a mercenary.”

Broken Hills finally chimes in, “Pressed On, she is not calling you one. She is just offering you a way to support and finance your efforts. We know what it takes to keep a group of ponies in the field or towns. We want to assist you in your efforts. Goddesses how I wish the Co-op could have come through and helped us like she is offering you before Red Eye’s troops came through that last time. Sir, my friend Captain Clock Work with the Enfields over in Founder, lost his family. his son, his wife, parents, siblings, friends. Dead or sent to Fillydelphia as slaves. Many of his troops as well as others in our ranks have similar stories, so sir we do understand.”

I see him nod his head as he thinks. Then he tells us, “Ok, I will give you the lay of the land for now. Who’s who in the local settlements as well as gangs. But I am still not sure about working hoof in hoof with your NCR.”

I nod my head and stand up, extending my hoof to him as I say, “That is fair enough. I look forward to working with you when we can Mister Pressed On.”

We then lead him out of the office to talk with the rest of those making the plans.

I know enough to back off and let those whose job it is to develop the plans of operation once I give them a goal. So, I decide to go on my evening walk of the camp just to check on how my troopers are doing in general. Again, Epona is on my back as we go.

As I get by the bunker for the 2^nd squad, I hear some voices saying, “Come on Sarge, you got mail and we didn’t, share with us. You know we would.” “Yeah sarge, we miss home too.” And “I will read you mine when I get some.”

Finally, I hear a mare’s voice say, “Fine, I will, but only because I know how much you all are missing home too. Alright, here goes, Dear Spring Rain, I really miss having you home again this year. Ma, pa, and I have been so busy plowing the back thirty and putting in a new crop of alfalfa I hardly have had time for anything else. Imagine that Spring, alfalfa. I never imagined we would try to grow it, but it seems the Stable had several hundred bags of seed for it that we could grow. After having to let the field lay fallow last year, I was afraid what our parents would do.

Anyways, Ma and Pa both said to tell you hi and send you their love. They really miss you too and are worrying about you. I hear Ma praying every night to Celestia and Luna to protect you and bring you home again. I think they are still worried because of what happened last time you left like this. But I know you will be safe. After all, you told me how you are with Boop Bunny your grenade launcher. Just so you know, next year I plan on joining up to sis. I want to be just like you and help change the world.

As she reads that last part, I hear several of her squadmates hooting and laughing telling her “Don’t let her join.” Or “Tell her to save herself.”

Spring Rain laughs some herself and then says, “Ok, quiet down or I won’t read you the rest.”

Once they are quiet, she continues. Spring I really miss having you here to talk to. I really could use some advice. One of the young buck pegasi immigrants from Thunderhead has asked me out. His name is Down Draft and I really like him, but pa says I should date another earth pony. I don’t want to go against ma or pa but I don’t want to miss my chance with such a cute buck. Well, I best end this; it is getting late and I have school in the morning.

Take care, big sister, I miss you and love ya.

Your little sister, Summer Rain.

I then hear several of them thank her for reading to them her letter. I also hear several of them sniffle slightly. I smile myself and continue on with my walk. Behind me, I hear Epona quietly tell me, “Ma, that makes me miss home too.”

I answer back to her, “I understand dear. I miss home also.”

My next stop is the bunker for the 1^st Squad. As I come up, I hear Dusty reading a letter out loud.

…Dusty, I cannot wait for your return. If only I could have been with you on this deployment things would be so much better. But you are worth the wait my sweet mare. You have made my life so much better just by being in it. I have talked to Sewing Bobbins and she says that she has your dress set aside special for you.

Speaking of special, I went out with Sunset to visit White Cloud the other day and I saw your little sister Ginger. She was with her coltfriend Xochitl and her new family’s cousin Sunny. You remember him, the young pegasus buck that is Troubles son. Well, She was holding tails with Xochitl as they came out of the back of the pub. It seems that they have another order for two radhogs for this week. One for the kitchen of the pub, the other is for Fancy and Sirocco’s wedding. They are making it official and quick. I am not sure why and I am afraid to ask the Captain again as he just tells me to mind my own knitting as to why it is so quick.

Speaking of why I think they might, could be getting married, once you get back, I cannot wait to get you alone and…

She pauses, clears her throat, and then I hear her say, “You do not need to hear that part. That is just for me,” then she continues reading another part of the letter.

Speaking of quick, thank you for sending that letter along with the boat crew for me. That was great thinking as they mailed it as soon as they got back to Manesville. It helped relieve a lot of my worries from when the word got around the stable that you already took casualties. Please stay safe my little Dust Cloud.

With all my love,

Yours always,

Firefly

When I hear her read the part about her sending a letter back to Manesville with the riverboat crew I cannot help but wonder how I did not think of that. It is such a simple idea. Inside I hope I am invited to the wedding.

From inside the bunker I then hear somepony ask, “Dusty if the Colonel adopted your little sister, what does that mean for you?”

I stand there waiting to hear her answer. I hear her take a deep breath and she tells them, “Well ma did ask her to take care of both of her girls, so I am not sure. I know she loves Ginger and considers her a daughter. But with me being my age, I guess she just treats me like any other trooper.”

Then I hear Pearl point out to her, “Dusty, she treats you like any other trooper. But remember, as much as she loves Ginger, she treated her the same too. I am sure if you needed anything, she would be there for you.”

Then I hear Dusty ask, “Ya really think so. Because I really need to ask her about the wedding. I mean, I really want to marry Firefly now, but I still hurt for Chance. I still miss him.”

Then I hear Nightshade ask, “Dusty, who is Chance?”

Instead of answering him, I see her come out the door. She has caught me eavesdropping. We are both surprised and I wave for her to follow me away from the bunker.

Once we are far enough away from the bunker to talk privately, I have Epona get down off my back and I tell her, “Sorry about that. I was not trying to invade your privacy.”

She tilts her head and asks, “Then why were you out here listening? I mean Colonel we all know you walk the camps, but why?”

This time it is my turn to take a deep breath and sigh. Then I look her in the eyes and tell her, “Dusty, I try not to pay attention so much to what is said, but how it is said. It lets me get a feel for how all of you are doing and what your mindset is. Goddess knows sometimes hearing all of you has helped me to keep it together when we were at our worst.”

I see her nod her head. Then she asks, “Ok, Ma’am, how much did you hear?”

I feel myself blush and I tell her, “Part of the letter from Firefly on.”

I see her cringe a little and her ears go down. Then she looks back up at me, “So you know about how I feel?”

I nod my head, “Yes, I am sorry if I have made you feel like an orphan. Dusty, I am trying to treat you as an adult like Bullet did for me. Yes, I do consider you my adult daughter now. I felt that way since Targhee.”

I see her look at me funny, and she asks, “And yet you let me get in as much danger as I did until we got home.”

I nod my head, “Dear, those were the worst of times and we had to do what we could to survive. Also, just so you know, once we got back to Manesville, Firefly did ask permission to ask you to marry him.”

I see her look surprised at this and then she asks, “Why would he do that?”

I smile at her and tell her, “Because even he could see I felt you were family. He may also have heard your mother ask me to take care of her fillies, not filly, but fillies. Remember, I told her I would and I still am. But we both have a job to do, so I treat you as one of my corporals when we are performing our duties. Unfortunately, we have not had much of a chance to visit since then.”

I see her smirk a bit, then she tells me, “Ya know ma, for a mare who can’t have more than one foal of her own, you sure have a large number of daughters.”

I smile when she says this and tell her, “Yes I know, and I am proud of all of them. Now, corporal, you need to get back in there, and if no pony else has told Nightshade who Chance was, why don’t you. Consider it a Eulogy to the buck you lost and still love. And for this one instant, follow my example and learn to love more than one at a time. Keep your love for Chance, but also give your heart to Firefly too. Chance would want you to move on dear and to live, not wait to die.”

She looks at me kind of funny when I tell her this and she is almost sarcastic when she asks, “And how do you know that?”

I feel a tear escape my eye and work its way down my cheek as I tell her, “Because I was already dead once. And if it were me who was still in that grave rather than Ivy, I would have wanted her and the others to have found love again and to have kept on loving. Dear, let yourself be happy and enjoy the one you have.”

I see she is taken aback by that and she looks from me to Epona and back to me. I see she wants to fight this idea, but finally, she just tells me, “Ok, I think you are right, Chance would not want me to stop loving and being loved. He was a good buck that way. Thanks, Ma.” Then she turns and goes back into the bunker.

I then get down so Epona can climb back on my back and I tell her, “Let's head back to the HQ. I think we both may have some letters to read and write.”

Once we get back to the HQ Bunker, I ask Broken Hills where a good place for me to layout my bedroll for the night would be. He leads us to a back room that has several bunks set up and tells us. "I already let the others know where to put their bedrolls Ma’am. If you like you can take my bunk, but we have several empty ones available. I thought it was a good idea to have them, ya know, just in case.”

I nod my head and nicker slightly and then tell him, “Good thinking Broken, thank you.”

“Your welcome ma’am, now if you will excuse me, I need to get back out there. We are starting to wind down the planning for the night. In the morning I should be able to give you a plan as well as a list of what we may still require.”

“Sounds good Captain, have a good night,” I tell him and he walks back out of the room.

I see several of the bunks are already taken. Chain Lighting is there in a bunk already, but he seems to be having a hard time sleeping. So, I go over to him and ask him, “Something bothering you Chain?”

He jumps a little bit when he hears my voice and turns towards me, “Sorry ma’am, I didn’t hear you come in.” he tells me.

I nod my head, “I asked if you are ok, or if something is bothering you, Sergeant Major.”

“Oh, yeah, sorry. Nothing official ma’am, just a lot on my mind. I am worrying about how Tail Spin is doing, and about Sweet Potato. I have not left him behind before. I know he is in good hooves with Doc Treacle and the medical crew watching him back at base, but still, I miss the little guy.”

“I can understand that Chain, I really can. You could have brought him with you.”

I watch as he sighs and looks up at me with sad eyes and replies, “No ma’am, he is safer there. I want my little colt safe. He just is too young for this.”

I catch myself giving him my rye, half-smile as I tell him, “Chain, we are all too young for this. Remember, he was tough enough to survive running from Manesville to the mountain and coming over to this side of the doorway.”

I see him smile sadly and shake his head, “Ma’am, if he hadn’t been found by that cattle couple, I don’t think he would have. He is not as savvy in the wilds as Epona there or Ginger and Xochitl from what I hear tell.”

I smile at that and tell him, “I really think of Tater more like my cousin Sunny. When I first met him, Sunny did not even know how to fly and now look at him. Even you know him.”

I see him laugh, “Yeah, you are right. Every flyer in the Manesville region seems to know that little buck.”

I then smile and tell him, “You know at Serenity Valley, he went hoof to hoof with a griffon to protect Sirroco’s daughter Blue Skies and her foal. He did it just long enough for Sirocco to get there, but that takes guts, and I got a feeling Tater has the same kind of sand in him.”

He smiles at that. “Yeah, I guess so. I am really enjoying this parenting thing, but it hurts to not have them with you. How do you do it, Colonel?”

I smile as I tell him, “I hate every minute of it and just embrace the suck like everypony else. Honestly, I just cannot wait to get home again next year. I miss having all the foals there. I miss feeding them, I even miss changing them, but that should be done soon. Well at least with all of this batch except Sutures.”

I see him laugh lightly at this. Then he shakes his head, “Ya know Colonel, when we first met, I really thought you all were just some kinda perverts, but now, now I know it is about much more. I don’t think I could do it, but I am glad you can and that you and your family are happy.”

I cannot help but smile when he says this, and I tell him, “Chain, I really appreciate your having come to understand it. It is not always easy. I have to admit, but it works for us and it allows us to all have a loving home for us and the foals.”

As we are talking, I look up and see Epona is reading a letter she received in the mail today. I then realize I have some I need to get too also. So, I finally excuse myself and head over to my bunk and pull out one of my letters and begin to read.

My dearest love,

I am sorry I have not written sooner, but things have been very busy the last three weeks since you left. We still have not received any mail from you, but I know how busy you are also. We heard two weeks ago the news of the battle of the River Forks and how important a part that Captain Water and the S. Glimmer were in it. Somehow, I just have a feeling you were there. While I do not know which boat you were on, I would bet caps you and your staff ended up on the Glimmer.

Things at the library have been a bit more busy lately. There have been two major causes. The first is ponies who have family that are deploying with you. They are trying to find out more about the area you are being deployed to. Go figure, it takes wars and military deployments for us to get ponies and cattle to learn geography.

The second reason is that we have received a copy of the Book of Little Pip. We only have one copy and it has a long list of ponies who want to check it out. Well, I remember how you used to read to the foals here and Ginger told me that when you read to her and Xochitl during the expedition that all of the adults would listen also. So, I am currently holding an evening reading of it three nights a week at the library. I read one chapter each week. This way those who can’t make it don’t miss any of it. I currently have about one hundred and twenty adults and thirty-five to forty foals that show up regularly for it each night. One of the cattle families comes all the way from Donavan just to hear it. You can tell Taser that Sweet Apple and Cookie Cutter both show up and have verified about how Little Pip and Velvet Remedy left Stable Two. After the first night, they both started asking about when Stable 48 first opened up. This has led to a renewed interest in our local history and now Millie and MooTilda are being talked about again. As well as George.

My love I miss you so much. It is just not the same without you. I cannot wait to hold you again and to just nuzzle against you. The others in our family have said the same. Millie is growing like a weed as is Woodrow. Shadowbuck is now talking and into everything just as much as they are. Poor Ginger tries to mother them and has a hard time keeping up. I had to tell her to take some time to herself and to not neglect her studies or her partnership with Xochitl and Sunny. This week they had only had one order for a radhog from the White Cloud pub. But it seems they now have a bit of competition from another hunter in the area.

Speaking of family, I need to tell you about last night. Badger had duty at the stable and Archer was sleeping alone with Sutures downstairs. I was sleeping with Sumac when she awoke from a dream in tears. Dear, she dreamed that Ivy and Epona had come to visit her. She said that they told her that Epona from the other world was coming through and asked us to look after her. Sumac said she asked them about that Ivy and she was told she was not able to come. She cried for over an hour. She misses them so badly. We both know you are not going back under the mountain. But I guess we should tell you to watch for her, just in case. After all, we know how strange events seem to occur around you. If you do see her, tell her she is more than welcome to come home to us, if she wants too. Even Ginger said she would like to see her again.

Well I best end this letter so I can get it out in the mail when I head to work tonight.

Know we all love you and miss you.

Your loving wife,

Magpie.

I feel a tear in my eye as I put the letter down and grab out the next one. This one is from Ginger. As I get ready to read it, I feel somepony climb onto my bunk with me. I look and I notice Epona has come over and sat right next to me. She smiles at me and asks, “Ma, could I hear some of your letters? I mean it would help me get to know the others so much better.”

I nod my head, “Sure dear, her is one from your sister Ginger,” as I say this, I feel her shift and then I tell her, “Dear on this side she will be your sister too if you are my daughter.” I see her nod and then I begin to read out loud.

Dear Ma,

We just got your letter yesterday telling us about the river fight. Wow, that sounds exciting. I can just see Bailey and his engineers in action on that. Part of me really hates not being with you. But ma, part of me is so glad to be here. I am really enjoying my time with the foals. But more importantly, I am enjoying my time with Xochitl. Ma, he is so special to me, and I hope that someday I can marry him and have foals with him. I know, I know, most Zonies are sterile, but I can always hope Ma, besides maybe some of your luck will rub off on me. Please don’t tell the other parents, I am afraid they may not let me spend much time with him if they find out how I feel. Especially after having had my first heat last week. Mama Sumac and Mama Sutures helped me understand more and explained how to deal with it. I just wish my mother would have told me about it. I guess I am not her, or your little filly anymore. But Ma, I am your Young Mare. Please don’t forget that.

Two weeks ago, Sunny, Xochitl, and me ran into another hunter when we were out filling the weekly order for Stir Fry. Well this other hunter and us talked a bit and we agreed to not poach contracts off of each other. We even agreed to help each other if a big order came up. I think he was thinking of trying to back cross us until he found out Sunny and me are both part of the Water clan. You should have seen his face when I let that slip and introduced him as our Cousin Sunny Water. He then asked if we knew Grey and Trouble. I had to laugh as he went pale when Sunny said, “Sure that is my Gramps and Pa.”

We have seen him a couple of times since, but he just smiles and waves now. We even sold him an extra hog we shot beyond our order the other day for the caps it cost us for a new bullet. He was surprised and asked us if we were sure. Xochitl told him we were sure, and that it was his fault because his shot carried over and hit the hog next to his target and we did not have anyone who wanted it.

I best get going, I am heading into Manesville with Xochitl so we can hear Mama Magpie reading tonight. We are taking Millie with us as she loves to hear the stories and I really enjoy having her along. Even if I do have to carry her much of the way.

I love you Ma and miss you. I can’t wait till you get back.

Your daughter Ginger.

P.S. Mille, Woodrow, and Shadowbuck said to give you a hug for them.

Again, I feel both joy and sorrow as I read this letter from home. I miss her so much as well as her siblings. Beside me I hear Epona ask, “Ma, she really does love him, doesn’t she?”

I nod my head, “Yes dear, she does. I think it has a lot to do with what all they have experienced together. Plus, they are always there for each other.”

I hear her sigh and she asks, “I wonder if I will ever find somepony special?”

I put a hoof around her and hug her as I tell her, “Dear, I am sure you will if you want to. Just take your time. Don’t rush it.”

Then she surprises me and asks me, “Ma, what is it like to be in heat?”

Dear Sweet Cream I did not expect to have her ask that. I begin to stumble over my tongue at first. Then I find my ability to speak again and I explain to her what it was like for me. Once I am done, I tell her, “But it can be different for each mare. I hope that helps dear.”

She nods her head at me and tells me, “Thank you ma, I do appreciate it.”

I then tell her, I will be right back, I need to use the sinks.”

On my way back in I am stopped by Chain Lightning and he asks me, “Ma’am, I could not help but overhear your discussion with your daughter. Is it really like that to be a mare?”

I feel myself blush at his having heard something so personal, but then I tell him, “Yeah, for me at least. Please don’t tell anyone else.”

He smiles at me and tells me, “Colonel, I would never break that trust, but now I understand things a bit better. Heck, I wish I had known that I could have helped the mares that were my friends or family better. That and if Tail and I ever adopt a daughter, now I can explain it to her somewhat.”

I am still blushing, but now I smile as I tell him, “I am glad it may help you then Chain. It is amazing to me how many mares never have it explained to them.”

He smiles at me and tells me, “It will remain our secret ma’am, sorry for bothering you. Have a good night Colonel.”

“You to Chain,” I tell him then I head back to my bunk. I see Epona has the letter from Magpie in front of her and is reading it.

Part of me is annoyed at this, but then I realize, I had left it out and open. When she notices me, I see her eyes go wide and she tells me, “I am sorry Ma, I hope you don’t mind. I just wanted to see what Mama Magpie is like.”

I nod my head and ask her, “So what do you think?”

She seems embarrassed as she tells me, “She must be a really special mare for Granny Sumac to be sharing her bed with her. But ma, I don’t understand Granny having a dream with Mom and me in it telling her I had come to this side. I don’t get it?”

I then tell her, “Dear, I am not sure if it was really a dream.”

She looks confused and she asks me “Well what else could it have been?”

I then ask her, “Dear what do you know about souls and spirits?”

She takes and lets out a deep breath of air then tells me, “Supposedly every pony has a soul. When we die, we go to Elysium, we don’t get to come back. “

When she says this, I cannot help but raise an eyebrow, “Ok, and what about spirits?”

She makes a face as she tells me, “That is the stuff zebras believe in, right?”

Again, I sigh, and I ask her, “Have you ever heard of the Mareigan?” As I ask this, I notice Paper Work walk in and stop dead in his tracks.

Paper Work then asks, “Ma’am, you didn’t see her, did you? Again, I mean.”

I see Epona look at him and back at me and ask, “Who is the Mareigan?”

So, I begin to explain to her about the Mareigan. She seems to not really believe me. She even stops me and says, “Ma, I am not a little filly. I am not going to have you making up stories like it is Nightmare Night to scare me.”

I hear Paper Work sigh as he tells her, “Young Mare, please understand we are not making anything up. In fact, she is quite real. I was there the night Major Quick Trot talked to her. But I did not see her, at least not the same way the Major did. She saw a beautiful white mare wearing a black cloak, while all I saw was a light bubble. I saw her talk to the light for a while and finally, she got frustrated and told it that she did not believe in spirits. The light bubble drifted away, and then the Major said to me, can you imagine that mares gall to tell me she was a spirit and warn me we were in danger. Her jaw dropped when I asked, what mare?”

Epona is still staring at him suspiciously as she asks, “Really, what happened after that?”

It is my turn to take a deep breath and let it out. I then tell her, “Dear, the next day she and all our officers were killed by Silver Spite and we had to make a run for it. But I had talked to the Mareigan several times as well and I took her warnings to heart, so we escaped as a fighting force and made it home.”

I see her look down at the bunk and I see a tear fall from her cheek as she says, “I wish she would have been there for us at Garden Prairie.”

I put a hoof around her and hug her close as I tell her, “So do I, dear, so do I.”

My next letter and the last one I plan on reading tonight is from Archer, I notice the ink on the outside is smeared in a couple of places. I open it fearing the worst.

My dear Wife Mollygirl,

None of us wanted to tell you this because we are all afraid of how badly it may upset you. Yesterday was a very rough day. While coming back from a call Sutures was attacked by a radhog. Both she and Tweeters were injured badly. The doctors say Sutures will survive, but she almost lost her foal. She has told me that the Mareigan has visited her again and told her they would be alright, but Dear one I am worried. I know it is not much but please pray for her and our foal. Sutures prosthetic was broken when the radhog lunged for it and bit down on it thinking it was a normal leg. Eventually, Sutures was thrown clear from the radhog and was able to draw that old IF-18 revolver she found in Stable 4. Funny, she still was carrying it. Even in pain she laughed and told me, “You know it was named right, it sure was Hard Buck for that radhog.” Goddesses what a mess those 44 mags did to it.

She also has told me that if not for Tweeters, the radhog would have had her for sure. Both of them are convalescing at home right now. But dear, I am still worried about her and the little one as well as Tweeters.

The funny thing is as soon as word got back to the stable, we had several of the scouts show up to visit both Sutures and Tweeter. Just like when we visited the wounded in the hospital.

Ginger and Xochitl have been crying about their enfield being hurt so badly. Now we have to keep them from going out just to kill every radhog in our region. However, they are now saying they will not let Doula or Sutures go out at night without an armed escort, and to be honest, I do not really blame them.

I am sorry I was not more cheerful love, but know you are loved and cherished by all of us. Please be careful, I do not know how we would handle it if something were to happen to you too.

Love Always,

Your Archer.

I am stunned when I read the letter. I want to head straight for Manesville but I can’t damn it all to Tartarus. Beside me, I feel Epona tug on me as I begin to cry. I feel her put her hooves around me and tell me, “It will be ok ma, it will be ok. She will be alright, Archer said so.”

After a little bit, I pull myself back together and apologize to her. I see Paper Work coming over to me as well as Chain Lightning when they ask what is wrong, I simply point at the letter on the floor. Paper Work picks it up and sets it on the bunk next to them and they both read it.

Finally, Paper Work tells me, “I am sorry to hear that Ma’am, but if the Mareigan said they will be ok, I would take her word for it.”

When he says this, I see an incredulous look come over Chain Lighting's face as he asks, “Who in the world is this Mareigan?”

I smile weakly when he asks this and then I begin to explain to him who the Mareigan is. At first, he really does not believe me. Then I tell him, “Chain, next time you see Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider. Ask her. Windy saw her too and was guided to the Co-op by her.”

I see his jaw drop and he shakes his head, “Ma’am you can’t be serious?”

I nod my head and tell him, “Yes I am.”

I see him slowly shaking his head and hear him mumble to himself, “So the rumors were true. I would never have thought they were.”

I smile at him gently and put a hoof on his shoulder as I tell him, “Chain, you and the others that came to the Co-op were led there by the spirit of that region for a reason. I don’t really know what that reason is, but I am really glad she did.”

Finally, I see him shake his head with his eyes closed as he breathes out and then says, “Well I am glad we came there too ma’am, but it is still hard to believe.”

I gently take the letter and fold it up and put it back into my saddlebags. Then I notice one last letter that I have not opened yet. It is from Sutures. When I open it, I notice it was only written a week ago. I breathe a sigh of relief. Then I continue on.

My Dearest Wife Mollygirl,

I wanted to give you the news myself. I had our foal a month early. Because of my injuries during the radhog attack, the doctors and I agreed it would be better for both of us if I did so. I was fortunate enough that they could do a c-section for me. After our foal was removed, they had me take several healing potions right away, so I should be ok now. However, I am waiting for a new leg to be made to replace my old one. That rotten hog really tore it up, but I was lucky. I was even more lucky that I listened to you and was carrying my pistol with me. Never again will I even consider going out without one at night. Tweeters is healing up from her injuries too. I have the Terrible Trio under control again and they were able to find buyers for the three radhogs they have killed as well as the one I killed when he got me.

My love, our mutual friend was there and saved my foal. The injuries were bad enough I was starting to miscarry and she appeared and saved her for us. I guess I let that slip so I should not hold you in suspense anymore. Our newest family member is a beautiful black unicorn filly with a light green mane and tail like her fathers. We discussed the name and have decided to name her after his sister Moon Lily. I cannot wait for you to meet her my love. She is just as precious as our other little ones.

We got your letter two days ago about having found Epona. It seems that fortune has smiled once again. Archer finally got a peek at the list of the Others when he visited the 1^st Regiment’s HQ last week. He said to give her a hug for him as well as to tell those of the others we may know that they are welcome to visit us at the farm. Especially Captain Abby.

Well I need to cut this short; Moon is crying and I need to go feed her. I will write again soon love. Take care and know we all love and miss you.

Your loving wife

Sutures.

P.S. the rest of the family sends their love too. We are counting the days dear until we can see you again.

I let out a breath I had been holding and I am smiling from ear to ear. I then hear Chain Lighting ask me, “Good news Ma’am?”

I nod my head and answer him, “Yes Chain, Not only is she ok, but Sutures had her foal. A little mare. “

I see him smile as he tells me, “Congratulations Ma’am, now perhaps we both will be able to get some sleep. Only a couple more hours till revile.”

“Your right Sergeant Major, your right. Sleep well and I will see you in the morning.” I tell him.

I then turn down the lantern and as I lay down to fall asleep, I feel Epona shift so she can lay against me. I kiss her on top of her head lightly and then I put my head down to go to sleep. Just before I doze off, I think to myself, It has been a good day.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Today we got mail from home. It means so much to us when this happens. Oftentimes we get news that is of interest to all of us. Other times just by sharing what news we have from our families we can cheer up those who did not receive any. As a way of letting those back home know how much a simple letter can mean to all of us, could you please play Letters From Home.

Thank You

Spring Rain, Sergeant

2^nd Squad D troop, 2^dd of the 1^st, NCRA.

At one time those in service
Were only able to maintain contact through the mail. I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into that realm a bit as well as being able to see how things are still back home in Manesville for Mollygirl's family

For those who wish to listen to this chapters dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIG9C3n-SPc