After we get back to the barracks we hurry to our stalls. We quickly clean up and change into our uniforms for muster. Nugget is still detached on duty and Emerado is not here. I see the opportunity and take it. I walk up behind Ivy, I put my hooves around her kiss her gently on the back of the head. “Thank you. I had no idea you felt that way. Thank you for figuring out how we could work things out for us.”

She leans back into me. Smiles and replies, “I did it for all of us Mollygirl. You are all so special and I wanted to be part of it too. Thank you for letting me into your world too. Now we better hurry.”

We head up to the drill field and muster. I see that while we may look in somewhat rough shape, our entire squad is all here. Several have slight smirks, including Badger and Ivy. Some look downright hungover. A couple seem to have bite marks that are just above the collars of their barding. I will have to talk to Dusty, Chance and, wait, Bullet about that. Proprieties must be maintained when in uniform, at least to some extent.

I see Abby look from the Colonel to me and shake her head some. He laughs and while I can not hear it, I am afraid of what we may have gotten ourselves into last night. Before I can think much more about it through the official muster call begins. They call out the names of each trooper. I hear the ever-common reply of “Present”. Then I hear Ghost name called. Not once. Not Twice, but three times. I step forward, my voice cracking “Killed in Action.”. I step back in ranks, fighting to hold it together. I know that it is the last time I will hear his name on the muster roll. Last night we celebrated his life and having known him. Today we passed him onto the history books and ledgers of names.

The other rapid response troops that were deployed are still in the field. I hope that their luck is better than ours. Hopefully working on the farms, the next couple of weeks can dull this pain some. I know the pain of loss like this never fully goes away, but like an old wound, the pain begins to be not as noticeable.

Shortly after we are given our squad's assignment for the day. We are to go back to the armory and assist with repairing worn equipment again. They are also expecting a couple of wagons of ammo to be coming in from the Hoof and if it arrives on time, we are to assist in unloading and storing it.

Before We are dismissed Captain Abby approaches. “Sergeant, I do not know what you did yesterday or last night. However, the Colonel is quite insistent on talking to you this morning. Ivy take the Squad to the armory. I will be escorting the Sergeant here to the Colonel's office.” She steps back looks at the top sergeant, “You have your orders, top Dismiss the company.”

He spins around, “D-Troop, Attention. From the right to the right, by file, DIS- Missed.”

With that, we file off and fall out. I fall in beside the Captain. “Sorry, Ma’am. I can explain everything.”

With a very serious look on her face and her ears starting to go back. “Sergeant, you will not be explaining anything to me. The Colonel, however, will be a different matter. What in the Goddesses names were you thinking taking your entire squad absent without leave, and to the pub that the Colonel often frequents to boot? Never mind. I am sure I do not want to really know right now.”

She heads off to the Stable and I follow her. We pass the old Security office that I now know Millie spent so much time in. We pass the Overmare and Overcow’s offices and arrive in the Headquarters section of the Stable. Finally, we arrive outside the Colonel’s office. “Mollygirl, You are to remain at attention to the side here until called in. Do you understand that Sergeant? Am I clear enough for you Sergeant.?” The captain asks me.

Looking straight ahead as trained I reply the only thing I can “Yes Ma’am!”

This is so not good. But It will be worth it if last night helped the squad the way I hope it did. I stand there for what seems an eternity, or ten minutes, I am not really sure as my mind raced through what all I may have been called here for.

Finally, I am called into the office. I march in, stop exactly 3 paces from the Colonel's desk. Return to the position of attention and give a right forehoof salute as sharply as I can. He returns the salute and then stands up, looking down at me.

“Sergeant, give me one good reason I should not bust your ass back down to trooper for last night.”

“Sir, I can not give you a reason not to, as you are well within your rights sir. However, I can explain the reasoning behind my actions sir.”

“Very well. Then give me your reasons for it.” He says with some irritation in his voice.

“Sir, while I understand your intention was to give my squad a break by having us stand down. By having us restricted to the stable with nothing to do but ruminate about what had happened the day before would have had an extremely detrimental effect upon their moral sir.”

“So, you took it upon your own initiative to break them all out and go have a party then. Is that it?”

“No sir, you said to stand down, so we did. You did not say were restricted to the stable, so we went to the one establishment I knew you would be at, so they would keep themselves in check sir. We were not there to party sir. We were there to mourn, and remember our fellow trooper and friend, as well as to build up the unit bonds Sir.”

“So, you want me to believe that you and your squad went AWOL, and went to the one place I would be. Really? Really Sergeant, because that is a hard lump of grain to swallow.”

“Sir, while I do not expect you to believe it, I certainly hope so. Sir, after the debrief, Lieutenant Archer had informed me of his promotion and that his spot on the staff would be vacant. I am very familiar with the traditions of a wetting down party sir.”

“Sergeant, you do realize how much trouble you could be in don’t you.”

“Yes sir, I do, or at least I think I do.”

“Sergeant Mollygirl, last week I asked the company commanders of the regiment for recommendations for that staff pony position. Every one of the company commanders gave me their recommendation. Ironically only one candidate had two recommendations. YOU, Sergeant, were recommended by not only your own Captain but also Captain Hell of H Troop. That is some very high praise. And yet I look at what happened last night. What do you think I should do with you?”

“Sir, I do not know what to say, sir. I acted on my own accord to take the best care of my troops under me. Punish me as you see fit, I understand sir.”

They wanted to make me a staff pony. I was being groomed for advancing to the officer corps, and here I had blown it. Buck. It just was not right. I had blown the trust of those above me. But at least my troopers know I care about them. Wait, did I just feel regret at not being advanced. I had not realized I wanted that before. I guess sometimes we do not know what we want until it has been removed from our grasp.

“Captain Abby. What is your opinion in this matter?”

“Colonel sir, I still would recommend her for the position. However, I would delay her transfer to the staff until after her coming cycle on the agriculture details. This would also allow me to choose and train her replacement. However as for her breach of conduct. I would recommend we place her on a suspended bust in rank sir. If she fails to conduct herself over the next month in a proper manner she is to be busted back down to Corporal. As I will have her squad full, she would most likely have to be transferred to either a different squad or company sir.”

“Sergeant, does this sound agreeable to you?”

“Sir, yes it does, Sir!” I reply. I am stunned. I may still get my chance. I cannot wait to tell my family. I, oh, I will have to leave them in the field. Ouch, that hurts too.

“Ok then. That is what we will do. Mollygirl, the only reason you got away with last night is that you did it for your troops. If I thought it was just for you, I would have busted you clear back to trooper. Keep that in mind. Dismissed Sergeant.”

I turn to leave the office. As I leave, I hear “I think you are right about her Captain, but let’s keep an eye on her for a bit.”

With that, I leave the headquarters section and start to head for the armory. As I pass the old security office, I see on the wall next to one of the desks a framed poster that I have only seen through the memory of another, a lone pegasus, wings spread, and the words Duty as heavy as a mountain, Death as light as a feather. It gives me pause and I think about what that really means. A tear starts to form in my eye and as I fight it back, I go back to rejoin my squadmates. It hits me hard to realize that in a few weeks we will no longer be squadmates. I will miss them all so much. It almost breaks my heart to think of leaving Badger and Ivy in the field while I am safe at the Stable. But at least they will have each other.

When I arrive at the armory, I enter and see Ivy in charge of everyone. Woodrow has some tack that he is repairing for a couple of battle saddles. I notice Bullet and Shadowbuck over in the corner repairing a few pairs of saddlebags. Badger I see is working on the mechanics of one of the battle saddles and teaching Chance and Dusty how they work. I finally notice both Saber and Pearl working in the back with the ordies taking inventory on the equipment and noting what needs to be fixed.

Ivy notices me, smiles and then I hear her say “Well Mollygirl, looks like you still have a little hind quarter left after the Colonel got done with you. You still our sergeant, or do I now outrank you again?” she jokingly asks.

“Actually, it was a fine old-fashioned dressing down, let me tell you. My ass is still sore from it.” I tell her out loud. She starts to smirk, I realize what she is thinking and I begin to blush. Close up to her and quietly, I tell her “Ivy, I am still a little confused. I am now on a suspended bust, but I am also slated to move up to the staff after our ag detail.”

“Oh, Molly that is great. I am so happy for you.” She sniffles back a couple of tears. “I will miss you so much dear, we finally get together and you get advanced.”

“I know love. But you will have Badger here with you. I will be here when you get back, right alongside Magpie. We will be waiting for you both. By the way, I do not know if I have said it, but thank you so much for last night. I will never forget our first kiss, much less our first time as a family.”

“Mollygirl, if we were not out in the open right now, I would so give you such a hug and kiss right now. You do not know how long I waited for last night. Thank you for bringing Magpie and Badger into my world also. I feel I can depend on all of you when I need it.”

We look up and I notice Badger looking our way, with a concerned look on his face, that slowly transforms into a kind of goofy, lopsided smile. He gives a brief wave of his hoof and then goes back training Dusty and Chance.

I walk over to him and put my hoof on his shoulder as I watch him work on the mechanisms. Dusty seems to be getting a grasp of it more quickly than Chance. I whisper in his ear I have news and I need to talk to him soon. He asks Dusty to continue cleaning the machinery on the saddle and excuses himself and walks with me to the side of the room.

I tell him of the results of the meeting. He cringes at how I got chewed out and the suspended bust. When I tell him of being moved into the staff billet in a couple of weeks at first, he is excited and then I see the sadness in his eyes as he realizes what it means. “You realize this means the four of us have something to celebrate soon.” He whispers with a smile, “Be glad we are in public dear one.”

“Sounds good to me Badg, although I would ask you to be a bit gentle today,” I whisper back.

Then he returns to Dusty and Chance. I move among the troops and cheek to see how they are doing with their work and to see if they need any assistance. I then go over and talk a bit with Buckshot.

At noon we take our lunch and head to the cafeteria. While there it seems, the word has spread to the squad that I will be leaving for the staff position. As Emerado is approaching to sit by Bullet, I hear one of our squad members joke about our squad sneaking out again tonight.

At this Emerado’s ears go back. She looks at the entire squad. Her displeasure is very obvious. “I cannot believe any of you would even joke that way. Do you know how close she came to being busted in rank this morning? She took full responsibility for what occurred. It damn near cost her the opportunity for that staff slot, even though she is the best qualified for it. I was there in the back of the room. I saw it. She took a full ass-chewing from the Colonel for all of you, and you want to joke like that.” She sets her tray down next to Bullet, “I am sorry Bull, but I am no longer hungry. I will talk to you later.” She says as she turns and walks away.

Everyone in the squad is suddenly quiet. I am mortified. I would have never told them the full extent of the dressing down. I had not even noticed anyone else in the office other than the Colonel and the Captain. I put my head down in embarrassment. After a while, I get up and leave the cafeteria no longer hungry myself. I go back to the armory and wait to finish the rest of the day. After a few minutes, I feel a pony sit down next to me on one side and then one on the other, they both put a hoof around me. I know their scents all too well now. I lean into one of their shoulders and I start to cry while being embraced by both of them until I hear more of the squad approaching. Then I pull myself back together. I forget my humiliation and I am back to being the good little sergeant again.

We continue on with our duties until the end of the workday. As a squad, we go to our dinner. The squad is fairly quiet during the meal, a little mild joking and talking, but not the usual rambunctious spirit that has given us our much-needed resiliency that we have needed for so long.

After the meal, we all return to the squad bay. As we sit there listening to music on our PipBucks, they start to look at each other. First Dusty, then Chance, Pearl, Saber, and the rest slowly come up to me and apologize for earlier and thank me for keeping them out of trouble with the Colonel.

I fight back the tears that start to swell in my eyes as I realize that they really mean it. I give a slight smile. “It's ok every pony. I knew the risk when we did it. I know we all needed it, so it was worth it.” I step out of the squad bay for a bit and go to get something to drink out of the old sparkle cola dispenser in the next room. When I return, I hear the familiar voice of DJ Pon3 already on the air.

And that goes for more than just ghouls. That’s right children of the Wasteland, remember even during the hard times that we can have an effect on others. Some of these being just helping others to make it through the night and to the next day. I was reminded of this by my beautiful assistant recently. She told me of a group that she ran into who even though they were worried about being found while listening to a broadcast by yours truly, they took the time to celebrate life by dancing, laughing, and sharing a drink with each other. So, to you, sarge, and your band I say, keep dancing ponies, keep dancing, and keep up the good fight.
Oh boy! Looks like we’ve got some technical difficulties, my little ponies…

I can not hear anymore of the broadcast for a couple of minutes as the formally quiet squad starts to whinny, laugh, and yell to each other.

“Did you hear that, Did you? DJ Pon3 mentioned us.”

“Oh wow, Ivy you got to dance with DJ Pon3’s Assistant, can you believe it.”

“I never imagined us being talked about on the radio, wow. Hey Sarge, what do you think of that?”

So much excitement and joy. I just have to sit back and smile. I am about ready to burst looking at Ivy as she realizes who she had been dancing with.

“Well my little ponies, if we are going to make an impression, at least make it a good one,” I tell them. Sometimes it is the little joys in life that can mean so much. I just smile and try to listen to the music that is played next.

After a bit everypony began to settle back down. We listened to the show for the next couple of hours. I am glad I got to share in it with them. I look around the squad bay. It seems Emerado has joined it when I was not looking, She and Bullet are sitting to one side playing cards with Pearl and Shadowbuck. I have to laugh as I hear one start cussing out their partner for calling out the wrong suit for their hand, again.

Saber and Woodrow are playing a game of acey-deucey. I am not sure exactly who is winning but they are both really getting into it. I almost laugh as I listen to their banter with each other. I look over and see Chance and Dusty laying on one of the couches. His forehoof around her shoulder as she reads to him of all things, poetry. I never expected that of either of them to tell the truth. But hey, whatever floats their goat and makes them happy.

I also have to smile as I look next to me and see Ivy and Badger cuddled up together on this couch. She signals for me to put my head on her lap. I normally would not do this in public, but I know I will not be able to do this soon. I lay down and put my head on her lap, I feel her start to run her hoof through my mane and I fall asleep.

When I awake sometime later the lights in the squad bay have gone dim. Other than the three of us the room is empty. Badger has his hoof around Ivy and is smiling down at me as I look up. He looks at Ivy “Looks like our sleeping princess has returned to the land of the living dear. I hate to say it, but I should get back to my stall for the night, as should you two. Remember tomorrow is our last night in the Stable for a while.”

“Ok, Love, we will see you in the morning then.” She replies and kisses him. He kisses her back, then as I sit up and he stands, he bends over, “Good night my darling, sleep well and I will see you in the morning.” He then kisses me too, and I return it. “Good night Badger, I love you too. Pleasant dreams dear.”

After he leaves Ivy and I finally get up and head back to our stall. “Thanks, Ivy, for letting me sleep like that. It just felt so good to have you both there. I am sorry I could not keep my eyes open.”

“Not a problem my Mollygirl. I knew you had to be emotionally exhausted after today. Besides, it was not all just for you. It felt so good to be held and to hold both of you.” With a smile on her face, she continues. “Just so you know, Em told me she would not be getting back to the stall until later tonight.”

“Oh, that was nice of her to tell us so we do not worry,” I reply back.

“Mollygirl, I really enjoyed being with Badger, Magpie, and you last night, but could, we, uhm, I mean.”

“Could we what Ivy?” after a few more seconds it dawns on me. I really am not a smart pony sometimes. “Oh, you mean just you and me?”

She nods her head yes. It is at that time when we reach the door to our stall. I do not answer her verbally. Instead, I give her as deep a kiss as I know how to do. I then enter our stall with a swish of my tail and a look over my shoulder with a smile. “Coming my love?” I ask, and she only nods, smiles, and follows behind me.

In the morning I wake up and see Em is getting ready for the day. She smiles at me and Ivy cuddled together. She does not say anything. She points her hoof at her PipBuck so as to remind me of the time, and then leaves again.

I gently wake Ivy and reminder her we have to get up and get going for the day. I could really get used to waking this way. We get up and hurry to breakfast. After breakfast, we attend the routine muster and receive our assignments for the day.

We are to kit up and provide an overwatch for another company that is on salvage detail on the other side of the river. The salvage is taking place almost on the edge of the crater, in part of the old switchyard. This side of the river is one of the few routine areas where we're more likely to come into contact with ghouls in the Co-op. Most of the ferals have been found and eliminated by now, but every so often it seems one of the sane ones descends into the madness that causes them to become feral. Great, just what I need to deal with; ghouls.

As we get closer to the lip of the crater, I hear the rad counter slowly increase in its intensity. “Ok, squad did anyone forget to take a Radsafe this morning. This stuff is nothing to mess with.”

“Come on Sarge, I hate trying to swallow pills. Can’t I just drink Rad-away later?” I hear Saber complain.

“Saber, you been in this business long enough that you should know better, but hey, it is your corpse, not mine, oh, uh, body, yeah, your body, not mine, whichever. I am not going to argue, just don’t puke on the rest of us ok.”

He looks at me with wide eyes, “Well when you put it that way sarge. Let me get one out of my saddlebag.”

“Glad you decided to see it my way Saber, I would hate to have to do all the paperwork that would go with it,” I say with a smile.

That is when I hear Badger chime in, “Sure you hate paperwork, we all know that Staff ponies all hate paperwork.” I would be offended but I see his smile and the slight gleam of humor in his eyes that allows me to know he is just kidding me.

I laugh a bit and become serious again. “Remember, no pony goes over the rim of that crater without letting me know. This is a real hot zone still.” I turn to Ivy, “Corporal you and Bullet take charge of the squad for a few minutes. I am going to go talk to the commander of G Troop. I want to know exactly which area they are going to be salvaging in so we can be ready if they need us.”

As I approach the commander of G-troop I see Captain Tar Water and her first Sergeant Kicker. Tar Waters is an older mare with a jet-black coat, and her mane and tail are a mix of light blue, green, and black. Kicker is a solid light brown cow with small horns. They seem very animated. As I get closer, I hear, “Look, captain, I understand wanting to check the maintenance shed for the railroad. Sure, they may have some good tools and machinery left in there, but the last salvage party that entered it lost three troopers to Goddess knows what. I am not sending one of these calves under us into there without an armed escort.”

“Sargent Kicker, do I have to remind you who is in charge here. If your cattle ass is too spooked to go in there fine. I am sure I can find a trooper who will. We have more to worry about than one section going into a building to be watched. We have several buildings here to scour as well as needing to check out the railroad cars also, or have you forgotten about them.”

“Ma’am, you know better about both counts. How ‘bout you risk some of your little ponies instead of just us cows for once.”

I cannot believe what I am hearing. Not just the argument, but the implied discrimination. I have known both of them, but I have rarely dealt with them, particularly at the same time. I may need to keep an eye on them.

“Good morning Captain, First Sergeant. I was just coming over to see where you wanted my squad and me.”

“Good Morning Sargent. We were just discussing that ourselves.”

“It seems the top here and I have a couple of differences in opinion on where to salvage today.”

“If I had my druthers, we would be in the old carriage factory,” Kickers tells me. “But the command is much more interested in getting closer to the crater again. At least we know most of the ghouls over there are somewhat normal.”

"I wonder if there would have been so many of them if it had not been shift change when the bombs and mega spells started to hit Cloudsdale, from a couple I talked to, most of them went up on the ridge above the factory to watch the fireworks and did not even realize what they were seeing in the distance. Poor dumb bastards.” Captain Tar Water tells us. Her attitude has completely changed with me there.

“I tell you two what, how about we put one of my teams with the railroad car detail and I will take the other into the maintenance shop, will that work?”

“Sargent, that sounds good to me. Kicker, go gather a squad and get started.”

After the Captain departs Kicker looks at me. “I know you heard us as you came up. Don’t worry, she only talks like that when she is nervous, she really is not prejudiced against cows. After working with her for the last couple of years I have learned that when she gets like that if I talk back the same way she realizes what she is doing and mellows back out. Something in the shed has her spooked bad, and that makes me worry. For all, we know we could be dealing with a security robot. Goddess how I hate those things.”

“Kicker, what do you think we might actually be dealing with in there? If you have an idea, I would really like to know. I do not want to send in troopers with the wrong equipment.”

“Mollygirl, my suggestion is that you take in an AM rifle if you got one and perhaps some Matrix Disruption grenades if you have any just in case it is a security robot. Those things can be nasty. Also, a couple of metal apples and some Angelbunnys or shotguns for close-in work in case I am wrong and it is something more organic. Really Mollygirl, I have no idea.”

“Ok Kicker, I will meet your squad there in 20 minutes. I will see what we can come up with.”

I head back to the squad, I call for Bullet and Ivy. Once they show up, I tell them about what Captain Tar Water wants from us. “Bullet, I want you, Badger, Chance, Shadowbuck, and I to enter the maintenance shed. Ivy take the rest of the squad and provide a watch over the teams entering the railroad cars. And for Goddess's sake, make sure everyone is drinking their Radaway. I know how bad it tastes but between that and the Radsafe, we should be ok. I really do not care to be this close to the crater and we do not need any cases of rad poisoning.”

Ivy simply looks at me “Ok Mollygirl, you got it. Holler over the PipBuck if you need us though.”

“Ok, Bullet, do we have any Matrix disruption Grenades with us?”

“Not that I know of Mollygirl. I will check with Shadowbuck, he always seems to have a few unusual items with him.”

“Ok, Bull, let's assemble the team, we have ten minutes till we are to meet with 1st Sergeant Kicker and her squad.”

“Sounds good boss, any idea what we are facing though, or just being ready for anything?”

“Not really sure to tell the truth Bull. The last time a team went in there though Captain Waters said that they lost three troopers. Not really sure if that is true or not. So, we are just being prepared.”

“Ok Sarge, you got it then,” he says as we approach the rest of our team.

I am glad to see Chance has both an AM rifle and a backup pistol in case things get in tight. Badger has the Anglebunny again with the suppressor. I can understand why he likes it, I am finding it a nice carry too. Bullet has surprised me though as he decided to carry an IF-84 riot shotgun. I never expected him to give up his sniper rifle. But for this task, I am very glad for the shotgun instead.

We meet Kicker and her squad back at the Machine Shed. The name is really a misnomer. It is the size of a small factory and can fit several railroad engines and cars inside it for maintenance. There are four large doors on each end that have railroad tracks leading up to them. There are several pony doors on each side also that allow those on foot to enter, especially the main office area. As we enter, I can hear the constant tick of the rad meter on my PipBuck. My team enters first and is followed by the salvage squad. Inside I see several engines. Several tank cars, boxcars, and even some grain cars. Most of them are in various stages of having been repaired on that final day. I also see the passenger car that was used by the railroad president for his personal transport. We start checking each section of the building. Offices first, Badger seems to be excited about seeing some of the records that they found, but the salvage team just looks at him like he is crazy.

From the office area, we enter the main floor of the shed. We check out each of the engines to make sure they are safe for the others. We begin to check out the first row of rail cars when I hear a crash from the opposite side of the building. As I run by the passenger car, I see a blur of black and white from the corner of my eye just before I feel a hoof strike me upside my jaw.

I am knocked down and the world is blurry. I hear Bullet come up and just as quickly he too is knocked down. Then I hear from behind me Chance speaking “For the love of all that is holy, what is a Zebra doing here?”

“Watch out Chance, He already took the sergeant and corporal down.” I hear Shadowbuck warn him. I struggle to get up. My head still reeling. Damn, I think he loosened a tooth.

I hear the Zebra yelling, “I will not let you have my family. I will die before you slavers take them. Run my family getaway.” I then hear noise from inside the passenger car.

I stagger to my hoofs. “Whoa wait, everybody, calm down. Chance, Shadowbuck, Badger, guns down now.”

I see the zebra poised to strike again. This time I am ready for it, but for once decide to speak before taking action. I hold up my fore hoofs. “Whoever you are, we are not slavers. We are not here for your family. We are members of the Co-op Defense Force and we are here to protect our team while they salvage what may be useful here.”

He snorts and puts his ears back “A story that is likely to be false, and you expect me to believe you?’

I look at Bullet as he starts to sit up. “Bullet, who is Bluebelle, and what happened to her?”

I see the look of anguish and pain. He snarls at me, “You, you ungrateful bitch, how dare you bring her up. You know the slavers killed her and stole our daughter. Damn you Mollygirl.” He says through his tears as if he was just kicked.

The zebra looks shocked. “You too have felt the pain it seems. I am sorry. If I had known, I have to protect my family. They are all I have left.”

I look at him, he has rad sores and his mane and tail are showing loss of hair also. “Let us help you,” I tell him. “How long have you been in here?”

“It has been several weeks since we hid in here. After the first week, several ponies showed up like you. They had guns and two of them shot each other when I jumped out of their way. Another tripped and fell into the pit beneath the train.”

“Let us get you and your family out of here. We can get you some medical care.”

He laughs, “What, do you really think I believe ponies would help a zebra out of the goodness of their hearts?”

“Some may not, but I can see you are in rough shape. I am afraid your family may be too. Let us help you please.”

He starts to lose his balance just standing there. He is far weaker than I had thought. The adrenalin boost must have been all that allowed him to take down me and Bullet. “Quick get him some Radaway for him,” I call to the others. “My name is Mollygirl, what is yours?”

“I am Xavier, my wife is Persimmon Tree, and our son, Xochitl. Please, I beg you, help them first.”

“Where are they?” I ask.
He replies weakly, "They are inside the third room of the passenger car. Right next to the kitchen.”

I get up. "Bullet and Shadowbuck stay with Xavier, Badger, Chance, with me.”

We enter the car. I can see that much of the dust has been disturbed and that some pony must have been in here recently if not living there. We finally arrive at the door for the third compartment. It is locked. I hear a pony screaming.

“No, please for Goddess sake, just leave us be, we did not hurt any pony.” I also hear a foal crying in terror.

“Ma’am. Persimmon Tree; Xavier has sent me to bring you and Xochitl to him. We will be giving you help Ma’am.”

She continues crying. “How do I know you are not lying? Do you really think you are the first to think of this?”

“You do not know, you will have to trust me Persimmon Tree. I am looking out for you and your foal. Please open the door.”

After a couple of more seconds, she opens the door, slowly. She has a look of fear in her eyes. Her coat, mane, and tail look as bad as her husband's. Her foal does not look as bad. “How come he does not look as bad as you two?” I ask.

With tears in her eyes, she looks at me. “When we realized how radioactive it was here, we started to give our Radaway to him. We had planned to leave last week, but are both too sick.”

I can smell the stench from down the way. They have tried to keep it as clean the best they could. I hand her a Radaway pouch. “Drink it now. It will help some until we can get all of you to the hospital.”

I call on the PipBuck. “Captain Tar Water, we need a carriage or travois up here. We have three injured ponies who have bad rad poisoning.”

"Roger sergeant. Are they yours or my troopers?” She asks.

“Nether ma’am. Escaped slaves, it seems. They are in bad shape though. On the other hoof, I think this building is safe for your teams to try and salvage.”

I see she had finished the pouch. “Come on Ma’am, let’s get you and your family out of here.”

We help the husband and wife shuffle to the door. Chance is carrying the foul across his back. I see him keep looking back at the little one to make sure it is ok.

When we get outside Captain Tar Water and Kicker are there. I would have almost been willing to have paid bottlecaps to see the looks on their faces when Bullet and I emerged out the door with a Zebra between us. It was almost anti-climatic to see her expression as Badger and Shadowbuck helped Persimmon out. But the look of surprise to see Chance come out with the Zony foul riding him was still pretty good too.

“Captain, Top, how long until we can get some travois or carts to get them out of here?”

“Sergeant Mollygirl, I thought you said ponies. I see one zebra, a zebra lover, and a half breed. We would not be in the mess we are in if not for their kind.” Captain Tar Water says with a sneer.

I see Xavier and his family’s heads go down with shame in their eyes. It is just too much for me to allow. They are in enough pain already, they do not need this.

“Captain, that was a long time ago. We also had some zebras on our side too, ma’am.”

“I would have never taken you, or anyone of your line for a zebra lover. I am sure your ancestors are rolling over in their grave.”

“Ma’am, my ancestors would be rolling over in their graves, if they had one, knowing that I turned my back on those in need. At least mine would know that I was raised right, ma’am.”

“Damn your impertinence. Get you and your zebra-loving squad out of my sight Sergeant. I will be reporting you to your Captain.”

“Thank you, ma’am, we will take the injured with us when we go. We would not want them to be a distraction to you, ma’am.”

With that, I get on my PipBuck to Ivy, via the all call channel. “Ivy, bring ‘em in, we are heading back to the farm. Captain Tar Water has released us from our duties to her. Also, I will need assistance with a couple of travoises, we will be stopping at the hospital on the way back with that sick family we have found.”

“Roger that Mollygirl. We are on our way back now.” She responds, again on the all call. I can tell she understands that something is up and we are covering our tails.

With that Captain Tar Waters stomps off yelling at her troops. I see her top sergeant Kicker give us a sad look, shrug her shoulders and then turn and follow her captain.

Xavier, while holding his head high, shows a trace of a tear in the corner of his eye. “Thank you. It is very rare that anyone will stick up for us, much less put themselves at risk for us. We are in your debt.”

Shortly after that, as we are finishing building the travois, I hear the Colonel call me by name over my company circuit. “Sergeant Mollygirl. What is going on? What family that you found? Where? That Captain Tar Water did not want to offer assistance too?”

“Colonel, we found a family of escaped slaves in the old railroad maintenance shed. They are highly irradiated. One is a male zebra. There is also a female pony and their zony foal. We are taking them to the hospital right now for treatment sir.”

“Did you say you were released from duty by her?”

“Yes sir, she said that our assistance was no longer required and told us to return to the base, sir. I made the call to deliver the family on our way through Sir.”

“Very well sergeant. Once you are back, I want your squad to return your equipment to the armory. Afterward, I want a full debrief of you and your squad in my office. Is that understood Sergeant?”

“Yes, sir. I have heard and understand sir. We will be back as soon as possible, sir.”

Once the squad is assembled, we load the mother and father onto a travois each. Chance insists on carrying the foal. It seems that they have taken a liking to each other. I have always thought of Chance as an overgrown foal, but…

I see the look on Dusty’s face as she watches him. I know that look. I can tell what that mare is thinking. She keeps smiling at him than looking off in the distance as we walk. I almost laugh at the thought of Nugget if she were to become a grandmare soon.

As we walk, I take the time to approach Bullet. “I am sorry about that Dad. I did not mean to hurt you. I just could not think of any way to get him to calm him down and trust us more quickly. I am really sorry dad. I mean it.” I say as I lower my head, ears flopping down to the side.

“Mollygirl, she deserves a better fate than to be used and remembered like that. I am still healing over her loss. Damn it. It took until a few weeks ago until I really even considered having a relationship with another mare much less marrying her.”

“Bullet, I really am sorry. Please, please forgive me. I will never do that again dad, I swear.” I tell him with tears in my eyes. At this point, I do not really care if the squad sees me cry. I cannot believe I hurt the pony who made sure I grew up in a safe and caring home, even if it was as a stable brat. And I, I had kicked him in the balls when he was already down. Damn me. Why could I not just get things right sometime?

Finally, we get to the Hospital on the far side of the river. As we get there, I see several of the nurses and Doctor Curette come running out to assist with the injured. I look up and see Whiskey coming out at a trot. He sees the rad burns and his eyes go wide. “We need to get more Radaway in these two right away Doc. I have some already in the ER. I just do not know if we have enough premade.”

Doc Curette Nods his head. “Make as much as you need Whiskey, I am sure of your judgment. Ok, everypony let’s get them inside and start taking care of them immediately. “He says as they carry them inside. Chance slides the foal off his back and walks him inside to be with his parents. When he returns, we begin the trek back to the stable.

After turning in our weapons and field kits we are assembled outside the Colonel's office and taken in one by one to recount our experiences from that morning. I dread my turn coming up. I fear I may have chosen a path that will make me a new enemy this day. With that said, perhaps a pony should not be judged by their friends, but instead by their enemies.

As I sit across from the Colonel. Several of the staff ponies are present. Emerado is taking notes of what is being said. I begin recounting the morning's events starting with what I heard in the exchange between Kicker and Tar Water. I then follow that with how I volunteered my set to go into the shed as a close escort rather than a ready reserve in an effort to diffuse what I saw as a tense situation. Finally, I recount finding the family and Captain Tar Waters's reaction to them, myself, and my squad.

Finally, the Colonel looks at me in the eyes. “Sergeant, did Captain Tar Water really continue to not only berate 1st Sergeant Kicker and the Cattle in their company but also refuse to aid that family because the father was a zebra and the foal a zony?”

“Colonel, that is correct sir.”

“Is there anything else that you feel you should add Sargent?”

“Sir, she practically blamed the family for the war sir, blaming how we live now fully on the zebras' sir. When I reminded her that we had some zebras on our side, she called me a zebra lover and stated my ancestors would be ashamed of me and my actions. I did reply that at least my ancestors would know I was raised right and to help those in need. It was then that she dismissed me and my squad back to the stables, sir.”

“Thank you, Sargent. You and your squad are to remain available in case more questions are needed.”

“Thank you, sir,” I call out as I leave the room. On my way out I hear the Colonel say “I want Tar Waters, Kicker, and their senior NCOs in here as soon as they return from salvage duty today.”

This does not sound good at all. Am I in trouble, if not me, who? What had I caused to be unleashed? No answers come to me as I sit there ruminating on it. After an hour we are all sent to lunch after which we return to the squad bay and remain on standby.

As we are waiting in the squad bay, I overhear Shadowbuck and Bullet talking. “You know Bull, about that Tar Water, that muck she was throwing this morning, it sure sounded a lot like the propaganda I have heard come out of Red Eye on the radio. You know all for the ponies and to hell with anyone else.”

“Do you really think she would listen to it, much less believe it Shadowbuck? I mean, come on, how foalish would a buck or mare have to be to believe such trash.”

“I hear you, but where else in the Co-op have you heard such drivel? It almost reminds me of the old war posters we sometimes see in the wreckage.”

I think about what they are saying. I mean if Tar Water really meant it, would Kicker try and cover for her? I just could not place my mind around it.

Later that night we are sitting in the squad bay listening to DJ Pon3 on the radio. Suddenly I see Captain Tar Water being led by Captain Abby toward the officer’s stalls in the stable. She hears the voice of the DJ and stops dead in her tracks fast enough that two of the 4th squad ponies escorting her accidentally run into her.

Her head snaps around and looks in the doorway, her eyes lock on me. “You,” her voice loaded with contempt and scorn, “I should have known it would be you and your zebra loving squad listening to that drivel. If you were in my squad, I would have all of you on extra duty detail and restriction for listening to it. You may have thought you have gotten away with your insubordination this time, but I will make you all pay. Do you hear me, Sargent? You and your squad, all of you. I will remember each and every one of you. Nothing but a lot of zebra and mule lovers, the whole lot of you.”

With that, Captain Abby steps up to her, “Enough of that. You will no longer address my troopers Tar Water. You will address me and the command staff. Don’t you think you are in enough trouble as it is?”

“Ha, Trouble, you want to know trouble, oh you will see it Abby. You and your troops are but a symptom of what is wrong with this Co-op. Perhaps if you listened more to Redeye and paid attention to what is good for ponies you would understand, but no, you think you know what is best, don’t you?”

“Corporal of the guard, let’s get the prisoner moving. Sorry sergeant about that. Please continue to enjoy your evening. I will see all of you in the morning.”

As they walk away I hear Tar Water talking to our Captain, “That is what I mean, listen to how you coddle them. For Goddess sakes you are their better, you are an officer, you should let them know you are better than…”

With that, I hear a smack and a yelp, followed by our captain's voice, “Enough of that out of you. Corporal if the prisoner opens her mouth again before arriving at her stall you are free to gag her, do you understand?”

"Yes ma’am.” The Corporal replies.

Later on, Emerado joins us in the squad bay. She sits on the chair next to the couch where Badger, Ivy and I are relaxing. “My goddess Mollygirl have you kicked over a hornet’s nest. This is shacking up the entire command right now.”

“What do you mean Em?” I ask somewhat confused.

“Mollygirl, don’t you realize what you found?”

“Em, what are you talking about? Until a few minutes ago, I was still worried I was in trouble for insubordination.”

“Mollygirl, it seems Tar Water has been systematically abusing her position and her troops. She has been routinely using the cows under her for the most dangerous assignments even if they were not the best qualified for the job. She is being confined to quarters as we continue the investigation, but it looks like she may get a full court-martial. The most damning part is that she not only is a supporter of Red Eye but we have found indications that she may have been in communications with elements of his forces.”

Badger then asks “Em, how could she have gotten away with it? It seems hard to believe.”

“Badger, she used her position to quiet and punish those who disagreed with her. She used intimidation and threats on a routine basis it seems.”

That is when Ivy quietly speaks, “I have friends in George’s Gang, I never really believed their stories. I, still cannot really believe it happened. Oh, Celestia and Luna.”

As Bullet slides next to Em, her on the arm of the chair, she leans into him slightly and then continues “On a side note, the family you guys rescued. It looks like they are all going to be ok. Mollygirl the doctors said that getting them that first dose of Radaway made a big difference in their prognosis. It helped them to start healing earlier. Hopefully, in a few days, they will be healthy enough to leave the hospital. They have been offered the standard way to buy into Co-op membership and are thinking about it. If so, we have to find a farm that all of them can work on for the next year. Oh, and I almost forgot, the foal wants to know when he can see his big hero Chance again.” She says with a smile.

From across the room, I see Chance smile and I watch Dusty as she looks at him with pride in her eyes. Oh yeah, that mare has it bad for him.

It is at this point that Bullet stands up and moves in front of Emerado. He takes her front hoof in his, he looks at her as if the rest of the world has just disappeared to him. I can see he is nervous. Then he begins to speak. “Emerado, I have been your friend for years. I have known you even longer. We have experienced good time and hardships together.” At each statement she has nodded some, her eyes starting to get wider when he gets down in front of her sitting on one hind leg, the other raised up and supporting him. His head goes down slightly along with his ears, then lifts up and his ears shift forward again “I never thought I would feel this way after losing my beloved Bluebelle, but Emerado, will you do me the privilege of becoming my wife?”

She simply nods her head yes and leans forward and gives him the most intimate kiss that I have ever seen her give to any pony in my life. “Yes, Bullet, Yes, I never imagined getting married myself, but yes I will.”

I am stunned. I never saw it coming. I mean she has never been interested in bucks or mares. I, it's just, wow. I am so happy for both of them.

Everybody gets up and starts to congratulate them on their engagement. As I approach Bullet though, I see him stiffen. I offer him my congratulations but I see he is not comfortable around me. After shaking my hoof and a very brief hug from me he turns around and is talking with everyone else again. Strangely over in the corner, I see Shadowbuck, big, strong, silent, Shadowbuck sitting there smiling with a tear in the corner of his eye. He looks at me gives me a small nod and then gets up and leaves the squad bay for a bit.

The rest of the squad decides it is time to celebrate some. They pull back the furniture to the side of the walls and the music is turned up as they begin to dance, sing, and enjoy life. While we can not have any alcohol to drink due to being on ready status, I trot down to the cafeteria and see if I can buy a couple of gallons of apple cider for everyone to drink.

When I get back, they are well into enjoying themselves and celebrating. I put the cider on a table and work my way over to Ivy and Badger who are sharing a close dance. Where I wait my turn to dance with both of them. While not perfect for me, it is another good night for all of us.

Later as I curl up in my bunk next to Ivy she looks at me, “Mol, I hope you do not mind, but I have asked Sumac if Epona can stay with us for the time we are on Agriculture duty.”

“No love, I do not mind. In fact, I think it is great. After all, she is now part of our family too. I think Magpie will just love having a little foal around to treat like her daughter too. I hope you do not mind if we all think of her as our child too?”

With her eyes wide, she looks at me, “You really mean that you all want her as your daughter, not just because you want me, but you want us?”

“Yes dear, I do mean it. I may not be able to fully speak for the others, but I am sure that they feel the same way. Besides Epona is such a sweetheart, and I have always wanted a daughter myself.” I tell her with a smile and then lightly kiss her on her forelock.

“Thank you Mol, you do not know how much I have worried about all of you accepting her and me. Molly, do you think that someday all of us may be married to each other. I mean, me, you, Magpie and Badger? Do you really think we can make it work?”

“Yes, my beloved, I really do, now come here,” I put my hoof around her shoulder and drag her closer, “Put your head on my shoulder love and get comfortable. We need to get some sleep, the next couple of weeks are going to involve a lot of hard work.”

“Ok, dear, if you say so. Have I told you how happy you all make me, especially you, my little sergeant?” She says with a smile as she snuggles in. After a while, I hear her breathing shift as she falls asleep. I stare at the dark ceiling of our stall, afraid to fall asleep, but knowing I need the rest. I think of all the ghosts, Goddesses how I wished I never had to deal with them. Finally, sleep comes, not for long enough, but it does come.

When I awake, Ivy is already up. She and Em are talking quietly trying not to wake me. I really appreciate their courtesy. The last muster in the Stable for a couple of weeks. But it takes a lot of work to keep the farms running.

I wonder who all may be working on the farm this time. A while back I actually worked alongside the mayor of Manesville herself. It was her annual two weeks on the farm but at least we all share in this labor to keep us all feed.

I get up and go to talk with them. “Morning Em,” I tell her. I give her a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. “Again congratulations. I am so happy for both of you.”

“Thank you Mollygirl. I really appreciate it. But please, just do not call me mom, ok.” She says with a slight laugh.

“Oh, ok, so mother it is,” I tell her with a grin.

“Very funny, young lady, now go to your stall. By yourself this time.” She says with a laugh.

Even Ivy joins us in this laugh. She reaches over and gives me a nice tender hug and a little nip on my neck. Just enough to make me wish I could purr like a cat.

“Thank you love, a bit more of that and we will be late to muster.”

“Ok, I better stop than dear,” she tells me.

The three of us make the run for breakfast then head over to the drill field for muster.

The muster goes on as routine. The rest of the troop and Hell’s Belles having gotten back from their operation late last night. It is not until the final notifications that things seem to differ from normal.

Captain Abby looks at us. Unlike previous rotations of ag duty, the brass are worried due to the heightened level of raider activity. All NCO’s are to have PipBucks and are to wear them. Also, all service members will be assigned weapons. While you are not required to wear them in the field. You will have then readily available in case they are needed. NCOs and Officers are to carry sidearms at all times as well as having long arms.”

This makes my ears go forward. What is going on that has them so nervous? In all my years I can not remember them having us that ready.

The captain continues, “Are there any questions? No, very well. Also, during this rotation, we will be keeping entire squads together rather than our normal mix and match integration. First squad after formation dismissal I want to talk to you. Very well First Sergeant, Dismiss the troops.”

The first sergeant spins about in place. Head straight forward bellowing the commands. “Company, Attention. From the right to the right, by file, DIS-Missed.”

The company files off and begins to go back to the Stable. My squad steps to the side and waits for the captain. Once she arrives, we huddle up so we can hear her. “I will be with your squad during this rotation. The farm we are working on will be getting their final harvest of hay for the season. On a side note, excellent job with that family yesterday. Word has come down that they are asking for admittance to the Co-op. Right now, they are looking for a farm to house them on. If any of you have any suggestions, they are welcome. Sergeant take them back, grab your gear from your stalls. Then let’s meet at the armory in an hour.”

“Yes Ma’am. Ok, colts and fillies, you heard the mare, let’s move it.”

With that, we all go back to our stalls. We grab what personal Items we do not want to leave behind for the next couple of weeks and head to the armory. While I do not have much, there are a few items I will not take to the field normally that I really want to keep with me. A couple of books that I am still reading. I grab the bottle of whiskey I bought a while back to replace the one Ivy drank, I look at it, considering. No, my life is getting better, I do not need it, well not right now, so I put it back. I grab an old scarf that used to be my mother's. She always wore it when working in the fields to keep the sun off her head. For some reason whenever we are on ag detail, I like to do the same. Without thinking I put it on and look in the mirror. My goddess, I am about as old as she was when she was killed. Except for the shape of the star on my forehead, I could be looking at her. For a second, I am stunned. Ivy looks up from her packing at me. I see her jaw drop a bit.

“Oh, my goodness Mollygirl, for a moment I thought I was seeing your mother again. You look so much like her.”

“Thanks, Ivy, I was just thinking the same thing. I just need her apron and dress now.” Suddenly I feel a wave of sadness come over me. “You know Ivy, you are so lucky that your mother is still with you. I miss my mom every day. At times I wonder what she would think of my life. I know she would approve of each of you, but I wonder what she would say about all at once.”

“Mollygirl, I think your mom would just say that she wants you to be happy. That is all any good parent wants for their foals.”

“Thanks, Ivy, I needed to hear that,” I say with a slight sniffle as I take off the scarf and place it in my saddlebags.

After we pack our saddlebags we head to the armory for the rest of our kits. It feels strange to be drawing a kit when are supposed to be on our ag billets. What has the staff and command ponies so nervous? I just cannot shake the feeling that we are not being told everything.

Once we are at the armory, we start to receive our issues of our kits, battle saddles, and weapons. We all take our standard loadout. I smile seeing Badger take the Anglebunny with a suppressor. After all, he has yet to fire a shot out of it, no, I forgot, Capon, He has fired it. I receive both the Anglebunny and my pistol. Bullet smiles as he gets his sniper rifle. Chance approaches the counter, “I know lad, you want the big one, don’t you?” ask Buckshot.

“No, sir, I really would prefer my full-auto rifles this time like I used to carry, if that would be ok.”

“Frankly, I have to say I am surprised Chance, why do you want the auto rifles instead of the AM Rifle?”

“Sir, if we are hit while at the farm, I want something I can put on quick, run quickly with, and have lots of firepower in close. Besides running through a field or woods with that AMR is just asking to get the barrel caught on something.”

“Ok, then the auto rifles it is for you lad.”

Finally, the captain approaches the counter. “What will it be for you this time Captain Abby?” Buckshot asks.

“Buckshot, how about a nice little carbine along with my pistol this time.” She asks.

“Of course, ma’am, anything for you. Especially after hearing about you having to put up with the traitor last night.”

She audibly sighs. “Sergeant Buckshot. Please do not let rumors of what happened be spread. We can not determine whether she is a traitor or not until after the court-martial.”

“I understand Ma’am, but as my mother used to say, if the pack saddle fits, wear it. I heard her yelling the drivel as you passed by last night. You handled it well Captain, and for you, I will keep my mouth shut.”

“Thank you, Buckshot, I appreciate it. “

“Your welcome Ma’am, I will see you in two weeks during check-in and cleaning.”

With that, we all file out of the armory behind the captain. We march out of the stable and follow her to one of the farms on the border between Manesville and Dairyanne. It has been a while since I have visited here, but those who own and run it are nice enough.

One thing about the ag details is that in the evening after the work is finished, we can do what we want, as long as we are back by morning. With the distance, we are from Manesville though I hesitate to try and make a visit to Magpie as I do not think we could get back in time. Besides she has sent a note to Badger for all of us, letting us know that in a couple of days she will come and visit us on her day off from work. I can not wait to see her again as it has been too long. I know Badger and Ivy feel the same way.

As we arrive at the farm, I see Pigpen waving to us, from by the barn. Out of the house comes his wife Wheat Seed and the buck that lives with them Plower and his mare Dirt Clod. They had been running this farm for over ten years, ever since it was recovered. They had to repair all of the buildings as well as plan how to turn over the dirt that was too radioactive yet. They would then have to replace the turned under black dirt with sewage from the stable, town, or their animals. For the first couple of years after that, they would let it break down and become new dirt. It takes a lot of time and hard work, but they were making a go of it. They actually have a nice barracks building set up for those who were on work rotations at their farm. We are fortunate this time, as Dirt Clod is actually a pretty good cook despite her name.

Plower leads us to the Barracks. It is a one-room one, so we all have to share it. There are 20 bunks in it with two long tables. Down the middle. On the side of the bunkhouse, underneath a roof is a wood stove for cooking. Along the one side of it are several cords of wood already cut and seasoned under the roof to keep it dry. We each choose a bunk and place our kits on them. Ivy, Badger, and I choose bunks right next to each other. Across from us is the captain. A couple of bunks over from her are Bullet than Shadowbuck. Followed by Chance and Dusty, Pearl and Woodrow. About 10 minutes after we have arrived and are settling in, we hear a knock on the door. It seems we left too soon. As the door opens, I see Stitches, the medic joining us. She grins at us, “See sarge, I am not as easy to get rid of as you thought. It seems I am on the rotation now with the Door Kickers, so after as much fun as we had on the last mission, I requested to be with all of you again.”

“Hey, Stitches. Glad to have you with us again. I see you are still stuck with the bad habit of carrying a revolver though,” I tell her jokingly and get up to give her a welcoming hug. “You know at this rate you will end up being a permanent Door Kicker though.”

At that point the captain interrupts. “Sergeant, there is some talk of permanently assigning medics to each company, and if we get enough, to each squad. Stitches here is now one of our Door Kickers.”

“Well, I’ll be. Welcome aboard then Stitches. I am glad to have you with us.”

“Thanks, Mollygirl. As I said, I really enjoyed the time I have spent with your squad before. Even as an attached medic I was made welcome.”

“Well choose a bunk Stitches and get ready to join the rest of us. As soon as Plower and the rest let us know where to begin, we start the fun.” I say with a smile.

At that point, she goes on and chooses a bunk not too far from Pearl and Woodrow. The bunkhouse is still half empty but at least we have plenty of room this time.

Pigpen comes in a bit later. ‘I need a couple of volunteers to help me down in the barn. I have to fix a pump down there. I know that Plower has said that he will also need a couple of hooves to help him walk and fix the fence line too. Finally, the rest of you will go with Wheat Seed. We need to start cutting down the latest crop of ryegrass and laying it out to dry. We should be rain-free for a couple of days so that should help. Oh, and I hope you all like mushrooms. Dirt Clod is going to be making up a big pot of mushroom stew from the ones the pigs dug up this week.”

And so, our time on agriculture duty begins. Badger and Woodrow go on over to help with the pump. Shadowbuck and Bullet volunteer to help with the fencing and the rest of us join Wheat Seed in the fields. It takes a lot of work to cut all that hay by hoof and then to lay it out to dry. Tomorrow we will have to flip it so that the other side can dry. The day after we either stack it or we put it on wagons and bring it back to be stored in the barn, or take it to town to be sold as fresh hay. Each hayfield will have to go through this.

At lunchtime we all take a half-hour break we each enjoy an apple and a bit of fresh hay. One advantage of this duty is that we do get to try the freshest produce, as long as we do so in moderation. I have to say I really enjoy the ryegrass we are cutting this time. Too bad they can not grow any Fescue here yet. Hopefully one of these days.

As the day continues Badger and Woodrow rejoin us in cutting the harvest. He sees me wearing the scarf and smiles at me. “Did anyone tell you how cute you look as a peasant mare my love?” he tells me.

“I can’t say that they have dear, but do not bother me, I have to harvest the grain for the glory of Equestria,” I joke back and wink.

“Have you seen our Ivy?” He asks me, “Sumac just arrived a bit ago with little Epona.”

“Yes, she should be back in a bit, she had to go behind a bush for a couple of minutes. I am sure she will be right back.”

I see his face blush a bit. “Ok, I will let you tell her then.” He says to me.

As the darkness begins to impose itself further on the sky, we are all called in to go back to the bunkhouse for dinner. As we come up, we see Sumac and Epona under the porch roof by the bunkhouse. Epona sees her mother and comes running and screaming “Mommy, mommy, it is so good to see you. Grandma says I can stay with you for a bit.”

She quickly hugs her and tells her “Yes little one. Until I have to go back to the field again you can stay with me. I have missed you so much Pona.”

After a couple of minutes, she looks over at me and notices it is me under the scarf “Auntie Mollygirl, is that you?’ You look like a mommy with that on.” She tells me.

“Thanks, Pona. I hope you like it.” I tell her.

“Momma, should I call auntie Mollygirl mommy Mollygirl now?”

We have reached the barracks at this point and Sumac is close enough to hear the exchange. I swear I hear her almost choke.

Ivy looks thoughtful for a minute and tells her, “That is up to you little one. If you do though, I will not be upset.”

I then notice the captain who is on my other side, look at me with a raised eyebrow and her ears somewhat forward. Then she looks at Badger too. I guess she had not heard the newest gossip. I better fill her in later. Better me than through the rumor mill, I guess.

We all go inside the barracks and we begin to clean up to get ready to eat. Sumac assists Dirt Clod in preparing the meal, the rest of us set up the table and assist them on getting it on the table. We all sit down together and enjoy the meal. The captain at one end of the table, Plower at the other. While it may not be the fanciest of meals, there is plenty to eat. We even have several loaves of rye bread as well as butter and cheese to put on it.

During the meal, we tell Sumac about what all has been going on. Her ears perk up when she hears about the family we found. At which point she brings up “You know Captain, I could use some more full-time help on my farm. It is usually just me and Pona there, but I would not be averse to having them move into the bunkhouse if they are willing.”

Ivy looks surprised when she hears her mother offer this. I guess it had not entered her mind her mother would offer without having been asked first.

Epona looks up at Sumac “Granny would that mean I could really meet a zebra,” she says with wide eyes.

“Yes child, not only that you could get to know them and their child. I think it would do you good little one.” Sumac says and looks at Ivy as if challenging her to say anything different.

Then we are all really surprised when Epona looks at her mother. “Mommy, Grandma says that we are going to be a much bigger family. She says that Mollygirl and a pretty pony named Magpie are going to both be mommies to me now too. That and that Badger is going to be a daddy for me.” She looks at Badger with big eyes, ears forward, and a hopeful smile. Is that right Mr. Badger?”

I quietly look down at my plate and tinker with my food as I watch every head in the room turn toward Badger, Ivy, and me. Nothing like having it brought up in front of everyone. So much for being discrete. But like everyone else I am waiting for his answer.

He smiles at her and reaches a hoof across the table and puts it on hers. “Yes, little one, we are all going to be a family.” He tells her. I release the breath I did not even realize I was holding.

I see the excitement on her face. “I am going to have a daddy now.” She yells as she jumps down from the table and races around the table and jumps into Badger's lap. Giving him a big hug.

For the rest of the meal, she sits on Badger’s lap, sharing his meal with him. I see the biggest smile I have seen in a long time on Ivy’s face. When I look at Sumac, I see her smiling back at me. She mouths silently to me “thank you.”

Finally, toward the end of the meal, we are all surprised as Pig Pen steps outside and comes back in with a couple of jugs of what he says is his best homemade rye whiskey.

“I have been saving this for you all. I appreciate your hard work.” Pig Pen tells us.

“Thank you, Pig Pen, I know we all will appreciate it. Well except for Epona.” Abby says with a smile. Then taking one of the jugs in her hoofs she pulls the cork and spits it out. “Looks like we lost the cork, so we are going to have to kill this one.” At which point she takes a deep drink and passes it on to the pony next to her.

We look at the time and tune into DJ Pon3. Captain Abby and I start to clear the table off and Badger and Bullet volunteer to clean the dishes as long as the radio is loud enough for them to hear. Eventually, I go sit next to Sumac and Ivy. Epona sitting on her lap and cuddling Ivy.

After the dishes are done and everyone can relax Plower goes inside the main house along with Dirt Clod. When they return, they have a fiddle and banjo with them. The tables are moved to the side of the room and they began to play us some of the old songs. Eventually, we begin to join in with singing and then dancing. Even little Epona gets in a dance with Badger. They look so sweet, The look on his face that of an adoring father.

Finally, as we all wear down, they play one last song, and we all sing it as Badger carries Epona to bed and tucks her in. An Earth Pony Lullaby.

Over in Equestria
Many years ago,
My Mother sang a song to me
In tones so sweet and low.
Just a simple little ditty,
In her old earth pony way,
And l'd give the world if she could sing
That song to me this day.

"Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, hush now, don't you cry!
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, that's an Earth pony lullaby."

Oft in dreams I wander
To that stall again,
I feel her hoofs a-huggin' me
As when she held me then.
And I hear her voice a -hummin'
To me as in days of yore,
When she used to rock me fast asleep
Outside the cabin door.
"Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, hush now, don't you cry!
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, that's an Earth pony lullaby."

As we lay her down in her bed, our voices replacing the instruments and slowly becoming quieter until they fade away. With her tired eyes closing and her falling asleep.

We begin to turn the lights down and everyone starts to turn in for the night. Ivy looks at me and then at Badger with a questioning look. I can only smile and nod. She smiles back, whispers in his ear and after he climbs into his bed, he lifts his blanket for her to curl up next to him. I see Chance and Dusty do the same and can only smile.

I see Captain Abby sitting on the edge of her bed. She looks deep in thought. At first, I am going to just leave her to her thoughts, but decide better of it.

“Bottlecap for your thoughts Captain?” I ask.

"Hey Sarge, just thinking a bit. I miss this sometimes. I also have to say I envy you Mollygirl.”

“Abby, Why would you envy me? I am nothing special.”

“Mollygirl, in the whole wasteland you have three special ponies who love you. Most of us are lucky if we find one. The worst part about the wastelands though is that all too often it takes away what we love and care about. In the co-op, it seems that we are on a borderland. It can be so peaceful and almost like they say it was before the war. But at other times the wastelands cross that border and forces its way back into our lives. Mollygirl, I worry for you. I had what you do at one time. I had two good bucks that loved me and I had their foals. The wastelands took all of them from me. My border was between madness and sanity. I guess I should consider myself lucky that I stumbled into the Co-op like I did. But I still miss my family. Love them while you can Mollygirl, you never know when it could end.”

This is the first time I even heard that the Captain had had a family. I always had seen her as a career military pony. I am almost at a loss for words. I put a hoof on her shoulder. “Thank you, ma’am, I was actually afraid you might look down on us for our unusual relationship.”

“Do me a favor though Mollygirl, these next couple of weeks be on guard. The command is really anxious about those raiders that escaped from Hereford. They are afraid they may hit some of our farms soon.”

“I will do that Abby. Thank you for the heads up. I was wondering if it was something like that.”

“It is, I have even suggested that from the way they are operating that they may be scouts for someone, probably Redeyes army, that are probing us and acting like raiders to throw us off.”

“Is that why you are here with us this rotation Captain?”

“Nope, I am here because I needed a break from the rest of the company, and I heard how much fun your squad is.” She says with a smile, “Now go get some sleep.”

As I head back toward my bunk, I see Epona is awake and I hear her ask ‘Momma Molly, can I sleep with you tonight? Normally I sleep with Grammy or mommy, but Granny is already asleep and Mommy is sleeping with my new daddy tonight.”

“Of course, Pona, let me get ready and we can cuddle up and get some sleep.” I pull back my blanket and lay down in bed. I hold the blanket up as she climbs into bed with me. She cuddles up, gives me a quick hug and a kiss on my cheek. I give her a kiss on her forelock, wrap the blanket around her, and tell her “May Luna grant you sweet dreams my little one.” I lay there listening to her breathing as she falls asleep, eventually I too join her in that world of dreams.

We wake up earlier than normal in the morning. This allows us to get cleaned up and to begin to prepare breakfast without wasting what daylight we can. Sumac gets up and lets us know that after breakfast she needs to head back to her farm. Before she leaves, the Captain verifies if she is serious about taking in the family.

As the sky begins to lighten enough for us to see outside, we grab our weapons and our tools and head out to the fields. Wheat Seed shows us which field to start cutting on, as there is still some dew on them, we want to burn off before we flip the hay that we cut the day before. After a few hours, Most of us shift back to the previous day's fields and begin the process to dry the other side. Epona is there the entire time alongside Ivy. Talking to her, Badger, and me, telling us about school and her classmates. She is especially animated when talking about her sissy Ginger. She knows that they are sisters and have the same father. They are even in the same class at school.

The days pass quickly as we performed our tasks on the farm. Cutting the ryegrass, flipping it so it could dry. On the third day, we take the loose dry hay and put it up in the barn. Assisting with repairs as necessary. In the evenings after dinner, we spend our time together. Often times just talking, sometimes singing and telling stories, other times we listen to and discuss what we hear on the radio from DJ Pon3. We hold each other when we need it. Badger and I get to know a side of Ivy I had only gotten glimpses of before. Epona, she becomes our daughter as much as Ivy’s.

On our fourth day, Magpie came to visit us. We are all so excited to see her. With the joy and smile on her face as she sees us, she truly shows it. Our little Magpie, the lead mare of our family. She is wearing her blue gingham dress as she came up to the house. Our little Epona stops trying to help with the hay, she looks at Badger and Ivy, and then me. “Is that her? Is that Momma Magpie?” She asks. I smile at her. “Yes, little one, that is her.” With that Epona is off at a run to Magpie. I watch and see the surprised look on her face as Epona runs up to her and at a run throws her hoofs around Magpies neck, excitedly yelling “Mommy Magpie it is so good to finally get to meet you.”

Magpie smiles and wraps her hoof around our Epona. She gives her a kiss on her forelock. "It is so good to get to meet you to Pona, your mommy and granny have told me so much about you.”

From a distance we can hear Epona then tell her “Follow me Momma Magpie, I will take you to Mommy, Daddy, and Momma Molly. We are all working in the field. You are not going to be able to tell its momma Molly though, she is wearing a scarf on her head, she looks like a mommy now, not a soldier.”

As Magpie comes up to us with Epona we all give her a big group hug. Epona getting in on it too. Then Magpie comes over to each of us. Gives us each a hug and a kiss. Starting with Ivy, then Badger, and finally me. I am surprised that after she breaks the kiss with me, I feel a light swish of her tail on my flank. She then whispers into my ear, “Not tonight love, tonight I want to balance the books with our Ivy, but soon.” She then gives me a smile and a small nod.

“OK, every pony, I will be back in a while, I am going to go up and see if Dirt Clod could use some help with getting dinner ready,” Magpie tells us.

“Mommy, can I go with Momma Magpie?” I hear Epona ask Ivy.

“Do, you Mind Mags?” I hear Ivy ask before giving permission to Epona.

“I would love it Ivy dear, maybe she could even help me and Dirt Clod a bit. Would you like that Pona?”

“Yes!” she squeals with joy.

I have to smile watching the two of them walk away. Magpie looking every bit the farm matriarch.

We take our lunch in the field as usual and at the end of the day head back for our dinner at the bunkhouse. Dinner is the usual of a nice healthy stew, however this time we have muffins with it. I am surprised at first then I hear Epona. “I hope everypony likes the muffins, momma Magpie helped me to make them.” She said as proud as all get out.

At that, I snagged one off the table and started to eat. Epona looks at me “Momma Molly, Momma and granny taught me we wait for everypony to sit down before eating. Only good manners to do so. Didn’t your momma teach you that too?”

I blink in surprise, by all that is holy how my life has changed that I get scolded by a filly about my manners. Looking sheepishly, with my ears at the side of my head and looking down “Your right Pona, sorry everypony.”

We all sit down to eat together then. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see several of my squadmates looks of amusement. WELL, she was right, I forgot my manners.

We all eat our meals and Pona gets several compliments on how good the muffins taste. I see Magpie just sitting there grinning. Her pride is stoked by each compliment of the muffins.

The conversation at the table remains fairly normal. Eventually, it turns to recent developments we have been hearing about on the radio. Some being the propaganda coming out of Fillydelphia. Other bits including some of the more recent developments about the happenings in the wasteland by the Stable dweller and others being about the Security mare down in Hoofington. It made for lively conversation.

I look at Captain Abby before I open my mouth but I have to chime in what I had heard a few weeks back. “You ponies know that Red Eye sent some envoys up here. Before we went on that last mission, I overheard the Colonel, the Overmare and the Overcow talking about them being here.”

Abby is stunned. “Molly, even I did not know that. As for the rest of you. It does not leave this bunkhouse, ok? But I hope to the Goddesses that they were turned away.”

“They were saying that they were keeping the Stable quiet from them. They went so far as to take them to the office of the Manesville Mayor for talks. I heard that much.”

Woodrow looks across the table at us, “I hope that no pony like Tar Water gave them any information. That could make things really rough on us. I mean we do not have nearly the resources that Red Eye and his forces have if they have gotten Fillydelphia up and running again, am I right ma’am?” he says looking at the Captain.

“Unfortunately, I think you are right Woodrow,” She looks very unhappy as she continues “If anything we may be a good speed bump to them. I know that to keep as many slaves fed as they must have, the co-op would be a gem in Red Eyes crown.”

“Do you think he may try and take us, Captain?”

“Honestly Woodrow, I am not sure, but I would not be surprised. Of course, he also has some other big targets he could set his sights on first.”

Dusty looks at us and asks “What kind of targets would he want that could be more important than our crops?”

“Dusty, he could try and take Tenpony Tower. That would stop the broadcast against him by DJ Pon3, and while not a direct threat, they keep him in everybody’s minds. That old Stallion in Tenpony also helps to motivate other ponies. I mean look without his broadcast would we have ever heard of the Stable Dweller or Security otherwise. How many ponies now have hope that would have had none before.”

“They sure are lucky though. Can you imagine how good it must feel for them to be able to put up the good fight and not have to worry because they know that their friends and families are safe in an undiscovered stable,” chimes in Saber.

“Yeah, sure, safe until the Steel Rangers find out the locations, that or some pony with enough soldiers such as Red Eye and his army. Imagine what they would do if they found a stable,” Ivy points out.

“You are very correct about that Ivy,” Abby tells her “That is why we are so damn protective of the knowledge about Stable 48. That’s part of why we moved the families out of the Stable and into the communities so quickly after we opened it up.”

“Your right ma’am” I tell her “I have seen the memory orbs from a security mare, right after we opened the stable. They were terrified of the Stable being found. In fact, DJ Pon3 had broadcast about another stable being found by the Steel Rangers about that time. I do not know still if there were any survivors from them.”

At that Bullet’s head pops up. “Wait, you're telling me DJ Pon3 was broadcasting a century ago. No way, what is he a ghoul?”

"Bullet, I do not know, I mean it was a stallion's voice on the radio, and it was a static-filled broadcast, but the voice was slightly different. So, who knows?”

Epona looks up with wide eyes, “Mommy, is DJ Pon3 as old as granny?”

As she asks this I choke on my cider. I see Ivy grin “I do not know little one, maybe you should ask her in a couple of days when we visit her.”

We all laugh a bit at that, however it hits Wheat Seed particularly funny, as she laughed so hard, she fell off the bench. Plower and Pig Pen have to help her get back up. She nearly has tears in her eyes. “Ivy after all these years of knowing your mother I would love to see her face when she gets asked that.”

I look at my PipBuck, “Hey, speaking of DJ Pon3, it is about time for his broadcast again.”

We all help clear the table, Tonight is my turn to help with dishes. Dusty volunteers to help me. We already have water heated on the stove outside, so we take the plates and pans out there to clean. As we head out, I see Bullet getting out the squad’s radio and tuning it in for the broadcast. Everypony finding their seat. I hear Pona ask. “Is it alright if I sit on your lap and snuggle with you and momma Magpie, daddy?” I do not hear the reply but I am sure what is it.

As we are washing the dishes Dusty looks at me. “Sarge, how do you know if somepony loves you?”

I am really surprised and at first, I have no reply. “Dusty, why do you ask?”

“It’s just that I know Chance really likes me and I really like him. But I am so afraid that he just likes me and nothing more.”

“Dusty, I really wish I knew how to answer that. But you know sometimes it is not what is said but what is done that really shows it. Do you think Chance would pick up a book on poetry and just read it to himself? Has he talked to you about a future together, maybe about having a family someday?”

“That is funny sarge, I never thought about it, but he did tell me he never read poetry before we meet.”

“That is a start. He is doing things with you that you enjoy and learning to like them as well.”

“It's funny since we saved that family and I saw him with that zony foal, I keep thinking how great a father he will be. I really did not get to have a father growing up, and well you know mom. I love her, and I know she loves me, but she never wanted to be a mother back then. But she is the only real example of a parent I had. I mean, my grandpa Bear was good, but he was not a mother.”

I smile remembering old Bear. He was getting ready to be retired from the defense force when I first was drafted. He had been blinded in one eye and for a while was able to fool the doctors, but eventually, it became too difficult for him to do. He was a great old buck, a top-notch trooper, but she was right, he was no mother.

"I wish I could tell you about being a mother Dusty, I really want to be one myself someday. To tell you the truth, my mother died when I was really young and Bullet raised me. Just like Bear, he was a good provider and took care of me, but he was not a mother. Maybe we will just have to Pegasi it.”

She looks at me, one eyebrow raised, head turned slightly, and ears half-back “What do you mean Mollygirl?”

I smile at her and answer her, “You know, just wing it.”

She looks stunned at first. “Sarge, are you sure you are not a buck, I mean after all that was a real dad joke.”

“Young mare, I will have you know, If I was not in a relationship, or your sergeant I would prove to you that I am not a buck.”

Sassily she looks at me, “Promises, promises. We better hurry though so we do not miss too much of the show tonight.”

We finish up the dishes and reenter the bunkhouse. I see Epona asleep on Badger's lap with her head in Magpies lap. Ivy is on their other side and motions for me to come over to her. I watch as Dusty goes over and cuddles up to Chance. I see the glow in her eyes. She may not know it, but I can tell she loves him, and the way he pulls her into him and lovingly kisses her on her forelock, he loves her too. Perhaps we can not always tell if someone loves us, even when it is so clear to others.

I sit next to Ivy and cuddle into her. I whisper into her ear. “You are so lucky, Magpie already said she wants her turn to sleep with you tonight. She is so cuddly, just like you.”

“Thank you, love. She says and gives me a quick peck on the cheek. We really should go lay the little one in her bunk for the night, that way those two can go for a walk if they want.”

“How about in a bit, I just got here,” I tell her with a pouting face.

“Nah, let's do it now, so we can all relax. Besides she needs to get a good sleep tonight too.”

Ivy and I go over and take Epona off their laps. They both give her a kiss before we take her to bed. As we lay her down Epona wakes a bit. “Mommy, I’m not tired, please.”

Ivy smiles at her, “Sorry little one, but you already have fallen asleep once, get some rest we will all be here when you wake up.”

“Ok Mommy, I will see you when I wake up.”

She falls back to sleep. Quietly we go back toward everyone else. It seems most of us are tired from the day’s exertions, so they begin to file off to their bunks. Plower, Pig Pin, Dirt Clod, and Wheat Seed say their goodnights and head off to the main house.

The radio is turned down along with the lamps in the back part of the bunkhouse. A nice slow song comes on. Magpie comes over and asks Ivy to dance. As they do so, Badger comes behind me Nuzzles my neck, and suggests we go for a walk outside.

Once outside we walk away from the bunkhouse. He starts to nuzzle my neck and ears. I notice how quiet it is and nice out. I lie down on the grass with him beside me. “Thank you, Badger, thank you for loving me as well as Magpie and Ivy. And thank you so much for loving Epona too.”

We share this time for a while then we go back to the bunkhouse. Everyone is asleep already it seems. I pull back the blanket on my bed and Badger and I both get in. As I cuddle next to him my head on his forehoof, I feel his breath on my neck and his other hoof slowly run down my chest, to my belly, I feel my heartbeat increase as I anticipate what comes next. Just as I am ready for him to take the next step, I feel a little hoof on my foreleg. “Momma Molly, Can I sleep with you and Badger tonight? Mommy and Momma Magpie are already asleep.”

I slowly let out the breath I had been holding. Why could not have Badger started this outside, oh well. I lift the blanket,

“Sure honey, come here.”

Badger moves his hoof back higher “Come on up Pona,”

The three of us cuddle in the night. My stallion, me, and my adopted daughter. Life can be so good sometimes. I think of a conversation from a few nights before. I promise captain, I will appreciate and enjoy these moments while I can.

In the morning I am still only half awake and feel myself between them. All I can think of at first is how good it feels to be snuggled up with my foal and my husband. Then I begin to wake more. Yes, she is my adopted daughter and Badger, my stallion, but we have not officially been married. Oh, Goddesses, I had not realized how bad I want that too. I can only hope right now.

We all get up and prepare for the day. Magpie assists with preparing a light breakfast for all of us and then tells us she had to hurry back to town so she can be on time for work. However, we all agree that in two days we will meet at Sumac’s farm for dinner with her. She gives us all a kiss and hugs goodbye. She looks at our little Pona, “Be a good little filly Pona, and I will see if I can find something special for you the next time, I see you, ok?”

Epona looks at her with bright eyes, nods her head "Ok, momma Magpie, I will be a good girl. I promise.”

With that, she takes her things smiles at us all, gives a small wave to everyone, and leaves. We watch her go for a bit, then we return to the task at hand. The hay is not going to stack itself.

These two days go quickly with how busy we are. We wake up that morning, we all have our plans for the day. Bullet is heading over to Manesville to spend time with Em. Dusty and Chance are heading over to Dairyanne to see if they can find a few things at the general store there. Saber, Shadowbuck, and Pearl are talking about heading either to Manesville or to Dairyanne to visit a pub so they can enjoy a cider or three. Stitches and the Captain are invited to go with us to Sumac’s however the Captain wants to just relax a bit and catch up on some paperwork. Stitches tells us thanks but she has some plans already.

As we arrive at Sumac’s I see Magpie has already gotten there ahead of us. I see her sitting on the front porch swing next to Sumac. I then notice the smoke coming out of the chimney of the bunkhouse. We all go up to the main house. Epona starts to run onto the porch, “Granny, Momma Magpie. It is so good to see you both again.”

“It is good to see you again too my little one,” Sumac tells her as she bends over for a hug, which is quickly given by Epona.

I see Magpie looking at Epona with something tucked down next her. Epona goes over to her next and gives her a quick hug.

“Were you a good filly Pona?” Magpie asks.

"I have been a good filly Momma Magpie. You can ask anyone.”

She smiles and looks at the rest of us. “Well, has our little filly been good the last couple of days?”

“Well, I don’t know,” Ivy replies with a smile and a thoughtful look on her face.

I see the look of terror and betrayal starting to form on Epona’s face. Then Ivy finally says “Yeah, I guess she has Magpie.”

With that Magpie produces a little homemade pony doll. It is wearing a dress and a scarf. “Here you are Pona she says. I hope you like it.”

“Ohhh, Momma Magpie, Mommy, she is so pretty, THANK YOU, Thank you so much!”

She takes the doll lightly in her teeth and places it on her back. The way she carries it reminds me of Chance and the Zony. That reminds me. “Hey Sumac, I saw the smoke from the bunkhouse. Does that mean that family came to help here?”

She looks me up and down, “No, it means that Xaver and his family have come to live here and work with me. Right now, they are still recovering some from the rad poisoning. I hope you all do not mind but I invited them to have lunch and dinner with us.”

Badger looks up “That would be great Sumac. I wondered how they were doing.”

“They are a nice family Badger. You all did them a huge service as well as me in saving them and then suggesting they could come here.”

“I am just so glad it worked out so well for all of you Mom,” Ivy tells her. “I worry with it just normally you and Pona out here.”

“Well Ivy, I understand. I had hoped that one of these days you might settle down and raise a family here with me too. But I know how much your career means to you too.”

“Thanks, Mom, you never know. It may happen sooner than later.”

Sumac looks like she wants to say more, but instead, she just smiles “Ok, everyone come on in, we have some watercress sandwiches ready. Would one of you mind going down to let them know it is time for lunch?”

Magpie stands up, “I will ma if you do not mind.” As she walks down the hill and across the farmyard to knock on the door. The rest of us go inside Sumac’s house.

Shortly after we have all taken our places in the kitchen and dining room Magpie comes back in followed by Xavier, Persimmon Flower, and Xochitl. I see Epona’s eyes open wide as she sees the little Zony. She gets down from her chair, carrying her doll. She puts it down, looks at him, and very politely says “Hello, my name is Epona, but you can call me Pona. This here is Momma Bell,” She says as she points to her new doll with her nose. “What is your name?”

He looks back at her. “I’m Xochitl, it is very nice to meet you Pona. Is Granny Sumac your Granny too?”

“Yes, she is, is she yours too?” she asks.

“She says she is now,” Xochitl says as he nods his head.

“Do you wanna go outside and play? I can be Security and you can be the Stable Dweller.”

“Sure, can we go out an play Momma?” Xochitl asks his mother.

“Not yet, my foal, you have to eat your lunch first.” She replies.

“Oh, Ok. Mommy,” he says with some disappointment.

I look over and see Sumac just smiling widely. She has enlarged her family too it seems.

It is then, right as Badger is taking a bite of a sandwich that Sumac asks “So Badger, speaking of family, are you going to make my daughter and these other two, honest mares or do you just plan on living in sin?”

He starts to choke on his sandwich. Xavier hides a chuckle behind his hoof. I look down at the ground but my ears are forward, I really want to hear his reply.

After he stops coughing and catches his breath. “I am sorry Sumac, you caught me by surprise. I do plan to, but, I, we have not formally discussed getting married yet, and besides I wanted to wait until Memory has passed. I do not want to hurt her more.”

“Badger, One, you have not answered my question. Two, if you think she does not know already, then I do not know if I want you around my family, much less married to my daughter, because that means you are a bigger fool than I could imagine. Now, I demand an answer. You are old enough of a stallion to know your own mind.”

“Sumac, I, once Memory passes, I have every intention of marrying these delightful mares, your daughter included. I love each of them as well as your granddaughter. They are my family.”

“Ok then young buck, you can call me mother if you choose. I needed to know because I do not want any of them to be hurt. Now, remember your promise then. You will marry them.”

“Yes, mother Sumac, I promise you I will, as long as that is what they want. Is that what you all want?” He asks as he looks at the three of us.

First Magpie looks at him, she nods her head, “Yes, love.”

Next Ivy looks at him, then Magpie, then me. With a smile, “Yes, Badger, to all three of you.”

I cannot believe this, what is it with Ivy and her, my? Family. I look at all of them, I slowly nod and simply reply “Yes my loves.” That is it then, we have just agreed to be married. Sure, it was not quite as romantic as Bullet and Emerado, but with our arrangement, could it ever have been? Then it hits all of us as we look at each other, we are now all engaged. OH, MY CELESTIA and LUNA, it's real.

“It looks like we all have something to celebrate tonight then my children,” Sumac says with a smile. “Sorry to ambush you Badger, but it has been my experience that you bucks’ need a little prodding to do the right thing sometime, no matter how badly you want it.

“Thanks, mom, I feel better now, to tell the truth,” he tells her.

“Your welcome son. Now you other two remember, you are my daughters now too. I mean it. No matter what, you both have a mother now. I am here for you.”

It strikes me how much Sumac has wanted a large family over all these years. Now she has it. It is an unusual family by the Co-op standards. But we can make it work.

As I sit there, Persimmon Flower and Xavier come over and congratulate the four of us. I am still stunned by the day’s events. I never really thought this day would come.

After the congratulations, we finish our lunch and help clean the table. Sumac says she has a special soup that she will be making along with a nice fresh salad and some rye bread. It all sounds so good. Almost too good to be real. I volunteer to help her make dinner. Ivy, Magpie, and Persimmon go and sit on the porch. At first, I see Badger sitting and talking to Xaver, then I see the foals out playing in the yard. “I see you Security, I see you, Stable Dweller,” I hear Badger call to them. They screech and at first run, one dodges to one side, the other, the other way, then they jump on his back, I hear the tiny voices “We got you, you horrible slaver.” “Yeah, you cannot treat ponies that way!” they screech with joy. Badger fakes being overwhelmed by them. He tickles first one, then the other as he rolls on his back “defending” himself.

Without thinking I realize I have moved my hoof over my belly. Someday he will play with our foal too, I hope. I soak up this moment. I notice out of the corner of my eye Sumac watching and smiling too. I go over to her. I hug her “Thanks; Mom.” It is the first time I have called a mare that since I was a foal. “Your welcome my daughter, it is about time you called me that.” She says with a gentle smile. “Remember, when Bullet wasn’t around, I pretty much raised you too. I have always felt you were family dear.”

After dinner, we all go to the sitting room. Ivy, Persimmon Tree, and Magpie go do the cleanup. Badger and Xaver bring in some wood and we start a fire to keep the chill off as it has started to rain. It was refreshing to be able to just relax and cuddle each other, not have to worry about anyone judging us. I never planned on being in a relationship like this, but it just happened, and it feels so right.

The others join us in there just before it is time for DJ Pon3 to come on. We listen to the news of the hour. Then the tips on survival. While many of them seem simple to us, we wonder how many lives were saved by them. Then the music. Always the music. It reaches our souls and brings back memories. As it gets later, Sumac decides it's time for her and Epona to head to bed.

“Ok, kids, it's starting to get late and we all have to be up early. Xaver, Persimmon it was great to have you and Xochitl, with us tonight. I would really like you to spend more time with us if you like. Ivy, Badger, Magpie, and Mollygirl, Epona will be sleeping with me tonight. I hope you all get a good sleep.” Sumac says with a smile.

“It has been a pleasure, Sumac. Thank you for sharing your family and time with us.” Xaver replies.

“Yes, thank you very much for making us feel so welcome and part of the family,” Persimmon adds, as she carries a sleeping Xochitl to the door.

“It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you,” Magpie tells them “thank you for joining us. We should do this again soon.” She says with a smile.

After they leave, I help carry a half-sleeping Epona upstairs to Sumac's room. I lay her down, give her a gentle hug, and a kiss on her forelock. I turn to Sumac and give her a hug also. “Thank you, ma, I really do mean it. This has been such a wonderful day.”

Smiling back at me, “Mollygirl, I was just making sure he did not get cold hooves and hurt my three daughters. I do not know if you realize what this means to an old mare like me, too.”

I give her another quick hug and then head back downstairs to join the others. I am just in time it seems as I find the others already in bed in the spare bedroom. Poor Badger, he has two mares vying for his attention at the same time. I guess I should help him, so I climb onto the bed and cross the top of the pillows and start to nuzzle his ears. Laughing softly, I have to tell him “Sorry dearest, but I just could not resist,” I kiss him on his forelock, then look from Ivy to Magpie. Oh, decisions, decisions. That is when the tables turned. They all look at me, then at each other, then smile. I am promptly dragged from the top of the bed and surrounded by ponies who love me as they tickle, touch, nuzzle, nibble, and do other various silly frivolous things to me, but each with the intent to make me feel loved and appreciated. While we do not stay up too late, by the time we sleep, each of us knows how much the others care about them.

Come morning, we wake before it becomes light out. Sumac and Pona, are already up and have breakfast and tea ready for us. We promptly eat it and get ready to leave.

“Thank you again, mom. We all really appreciated it.” Ivy tells her.

“My pleasure kids. Can I expect you all again next week?” She asks.

Ivy looks at all of us. All of us smiling and nodding. “Sure Mom. It looks like all of us are really looking forward to it. I hate to say it but we need to get back to Dirt Clods and Wheat Seeds.”

“I understand dears. Be careful and visit sooner if you can. I love all of you.” Sumac says as she gives each of us a hug and a kiss. “Pona, you be a good girl ok. I will tell Xochitl you will be back next week. Ok.”

“OK, Grammy, I can not wait to play with him again, he is so nice.”

Magpie lets us know she is going to leave in a bit so that she can visit a bit longer with Sumac and Persimmon Flower. With a final hug, we set off for the farm and another week’s work. As we walk, we talk to each other with Badger carrying Pona on his back. It has been a good time and makes me wish it could always be like that. In the back of my mind, I begin to fantasize about resigning from the guard and becoming a full-time mother. Someday maybe. First things, first, as mom used to say.

The next two days are typical at the farm. With working crops, repairing fences, and equipment. On the third day we are in the field furthest from the farmyard, but next to a creek. We are turning the ground over so it can be seeded for the next planting.

“Mommy, can I go play down by the creek?” I hear Epona ask.

“Yes dear, give me a few minutes and I will go with you.” Ivy replies.

I watch them head off. Pona, excitedly bouncing as she is telling Ivy how she can swim now and wants to show her. I smile to myself. Life is good, or at least it was.

After a couple of hours, I realize that I have not heard anything from them. No voices, no calls on the PipBuck either. Something is wrong. I try calling Ivy over the Pipbuck, nothing. No response from her. Captain Abby calls back from the farmhouse. “All hands we have a possible situation. Grab your gear and head to the location of Ivy’s Pipbuck tag.

In horror, I forget about my battle saddle. I have my pistol, so I am good, right? I run into the woods. I am calling for them both. Behind me, I hear Badger and Woodrow call for me to wait, but I ignore them. I have to find Ivy, I have to find Epona. If they are hurt every second could matter.

I bust through a thicket into a clearing, where I find them. In horror I see Epona has a rope around her forehooves lifting her off the ground, her hind legs have been sliced deep and I see a large pool of blood under her. “Mommy, it hurts, help me, mommy,” She begs.

I rush over to her. I use a knife to cut the ropes and lower her down. I see how deep the wounds are. I call for Stitches telling her we have one pony down, then I look around and I see Ivy, she is staked down to the ground with only her head being raised, it looks like, My GODDESSES, no, NO!, she has been raped. She is barely conscious, her hind legs clearly broken and her Pipbuck showing severe internal bleeding. “Molly, save her, please, they told me she would not be hurt if I did not fight, they would, they would. They made me watch them cut her.” She is in near hysterics, I am little better. I bring our Pona over to her and place her on her chest as I cut her ropes. In the distance, I can hear the rest of the squad coming.

Suddenly, behind me, I hear a laugh. I spin around and see three raiders. The one laughing is a unicorn buck. He has a dirty white coat that in spots is almost brown from filth. His mane and tail are a rusty brown, filthy like the rest of him, and matted up. The left side of his face is heavily scared and has large patches of hairless skin.

He looks at the raider next to him. “See, I told you this would work better Razor Wire. You have to learn patience. See how her emotions got ahold of her. Always use them against your prey, remember that.”

“Sure, Silver Spite, sure, but do you think we have enough time to have some fun with her, or do we just kill them all.”

I see the third buck getting close enough, I can see the sadistic gleam in his eyes as he looks at me. I can hear Ivy start to have trouble breathing. Epona has gone silent. They start to spread out to surround me. I spin around from the closest one and double buck him to the groin as hard as I can. I hear him scream as he collapses.

I am now facing the one called Razor wire, when suddenly I hear Silver Spite, “Buck the whore, we do not have time for this.” His horn glows and I see a pistol rise up from my side and suddenly fires twice before I can move. I feel the impacts in my side. It does not hurt, yet. I try to stand, but dear Celestia and Luna, my hind hooves collapse, I can’t even support my front half, I fall into the dirt and dust. I hear Two more-gun shots from behind me.

I hear the squad getting closer. I start to feel the pain, and I start to feel cold.

“When you get to the Tartarus let them know that Silver Spite sent you there. Let’s get out of here, and back to the Red Eyes Army, Razor.”

“What about Tripwire?”

“Buck him, he knew the risk, if he is that weak, he gets what he deserves.”

I hear the two runoff. The third still on the ground moaning.

My vision has become blurry and is becoming darker.

I hear my beloved Badger “NOOOOO! Celestia NOOOO!”

“Oh Buck, I do not think I can save them. The little one is already gone. Both of the others are going fast.” I distractedly hear Stitches say.

I hear Saber, “Look there is one of the bastards on the ground, By all that is holy, what a kick, practically gelded him by pressure. Fucker got what he deserves, here is one for good measure.” I hear a hoof striking flesh.

“Quick somebody grab Badger, he is going to kill him, oh man, holy, Saber, Shadowbuck, help me here now.” I hear Woodrow yelling as my world grows darker. I feel myself be rolled over and something stuck into my side.

I hear a gunshot. Followed shortly by more voices. “Chance it's too late for them already, help me with this one. I need your size to help with the chest compressions. Every tenth pump stop and I will breathe, ready”

I stand up. I see Ivy and Epona near me. I look over and see Stitches and Chance performing CPR on me. Badger is over by a tree he is screaming and pounding his blood-soaked hoof against it. Captain Abby takes him by the shoulder and draws him in, and lets him cry into her shoulder, even as she has a pistol out and watches for trouble that has already left.

I see Woodrow tying up a severely battered and bleeding raider. Smacking him alongside the head with his hoof. Bullet standing by me crying and Shadowbuck holding him.

Ivy, Epona, and I turn and start to walk toward the sun, I see the joy on Ivy’s face as she sees her beloved Timberjack once more as well as her father. Epona is just as excited. The only pony I see that I have known before is Bluebelle. She smiles sadly at me.

“Hello Mollygirl, it has been a while.”

“Bluebelle is that you? Does that mean, I, AM I REALLY, I mean did I just die?”

“Yes, Mollygirl. You are dead right now. The question is are you ready to join us now or not. You see, you still have a lot to do. It will not be easy though. In fact, if you go back you may at times wish you had chosen differently, but the Co-op does need you, dear.”

“Bluebelle, are Ivy and Epona being given this choice too? If not, why me? Why do I have to make this choice?”

“No, their story has ended here. It's really not your time yet, you still have a lot to do and live for.”

I look and see Ivy and Epona have approached me. Epona looks up at me. “Momma Mollygirl, I talked to little Millie, I told her how good a mommy you are. She is so excited to meet you someday.”

She sure did not make this any easier with that, but it helps make up my mind. I look at Ivy. I approach her. I tenderly wrap my hooves around her. “I will so miss you, my love. We just did not have enough time together. I finally found out what we meant to each other and I lose you.”

“I know Moll, I know. But I will be here waiting for you. I promise, when it is your time, I will be here waiting for you.”

“That’s right Momma Mollygirl. We will both be here for you.”

“I am sorry to have to leave you dears. Thank you for loving me and I will miss you both every day.”

“Mollygirl, you better get back now. We will be waiting, I promise.”

“Ok, Ivy. I love you. I love you too Pona.”

I hug Pona and kiss her forelock. She kisses me on the cheek, she touches my belly with her hoof. See, I told you she is a good Momma, Millie.”

Ivy and I have one last hug and a parting kiss that I know has to last me the rest of my life. Goddesses this is so hard. Finally, I turn and Bluebelle is again by my side.

“I know it is hard Mollygirl, but you made the right decision, even if it is not the easy one. If you remember could you please tell Bullet, concerning him and Emerado and his prayer last week? I said the answers were Yes, Yes, and even if I were alive, I would want her with us too.”

“I will do that Bluebelle. I promise. Thank you for helping me with this.”

“Your welcome young mare. I will eventually see you again when it is your time.”

She gives me a hug. “Oh, and I forgot to tell you, your mother says she loves you and misses you too.”

It is with those words that my world once again goes black.

Dear DJ Pony, I would not normally write such a request, however, today my heart is breaking. I have lost my daughter, one of my mares, and another of my mares may not survive. I have had much sorrow as all of us wastelanders have, but tonight it is almost overwhelming. If you have it in your archives, could you please play The Dance, for me?

Thank You

Badger

Manesville Co-op

Again I would like to thank Kkat for creating the world of FoE. I would also like to thank Somber and Fuzzy Vee Vee for further showing me how much further this world could be built and additional stories to be told.

A lot was going on in this chapter. The last section was one of the most painful things I have ever written. In later chapters where Mollygirl accidentally calls one of the other characters by Ivy's name that is where I started to slip and realize Mollygirl would have also.

While rough to write or read it has a direct impact upon the story. It happens for a reason and is not unnecessary violence. For those who have toughed it out so far, thank you. I almost forgot the Earth Pony Lullaby is a ponified version of an Irish Lullaby, you can hear it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMWSMGidJ7g

Also for those of you who may not have heard some of the songs I have as dedications I will try to provide you links on YouTube. This chapters is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhyijN4ftko

A final afterthought, the embedded artwork is original for the story. It as well as more that the artist has developed for it can be found at: https://www.deviantart.com/skybound1998