That night I sleep the best I have in months. Sutures allows me to cuddle her and actually holds me back. I am awoken only once during the night; I feel my hind leg being moved and I feel a foal start to try and suckle. I look down and I see my daughter Millie with a confused expression on her face as she asks, “Mama, Milk? I hungry.”

I put a forehoof along her cheek and tell her, “Sorry little one, I dried up, no milk.”

I see a tear in her eyes and she says, “But hungry.”

I feel Sutures rustle behind me and she says, “Come here Millie, I got some for you.”

Later she quietly tells me, “Mollygirl I have a spell that can make you produce milk again. Sometimes I have to use it with new mothers. I can use it on you if you like. But I am just too tired tonight to do it.”

I nod my head against my pillow as I tell her, “Yes dear, please. It really would mean the world to me.”

While things are not set to right yet, they are getting better.

In the morning Sutures performs the spell. I forgot how it feels to become full of milk again and have to feed. But I enjoy the bonding experience with little Millie. As I am feeding her and Sutures feeds Moon Lily, I notice that Epona is watching us and she asks, “Ma, what is it like to feed a foal?”

I think briefly about it and am about to answer when Sutures answers instead. “Well, physically it can hurt sometimes depending on the foal. Shadowbuck is much rougher when he eats then Moon Lily, Woodrow, or Millie.”

I see Epona look surprised when Sutures starts to answer first but she listens intently. I nod my head at what Sutures has said so far, then Sutures continues, “But dear, let me tell you, it does make you feel much closer. I know I may not have carried them, but I have taken care of their needs since they were born, just like their birth mothers.”

I see the expression on Epona’s face as she hears this and begins to think on it. Then she asks, “So every foal is different. I wonder if it is that way when they are born too?”

Now I see Sutures’s expression slip into one of full confidence as she says, “Now that I can tell you about. I have had a couple of repeat clients. And they have mentioned that to me. Sometimes the first is easiest, sometimes the first is their most difficult. But each foal comes into this world in their own way.”

Epona thinks some more on this and then says, “Thank you Mama Sutures. I appreciate it.”

Soon we are done feeding the youngsters and we head to the mess hall to get ourselves breakfast. I have to laugh as I watch Moon Lily and Millie both watch us and Epona eat. Finally, Millie asks, “Pona, Can I try?”

Epona smiles at her and tells her, “Sure Mills,” then Epona shows her how to properly take a bite of oatmeal and then lets her take a taste of her water from a cup.

I cover my muzzle and stifle a laugh as I see Millie making these early efforts at eating solid food and then trying to use a cup, as the water spills down her chin and into her neck fur.

Millie is visibly upset at this and before I can say anything, Epona tells her, “That is a good try Mills, it can take a bit to get good at it.”

I then see the expression on Millie’s face change from frustration to one of relief.

After breakfast, I ask Sutures if she has plans for the day while I am at work. She looks a bit concerned and says, “No, not really. Why?”

“I just don’t want you to be too bored is all. Epona does not have school today so maybe she can show you around town a bit more and introduce you to a few more of the locals.”

I see her think about it, and she then says to me, “Ok, but I will meet you for lunch then. By then Millie will be hungry I am sure.”

I then give them all a brief kiss and I head to my office for the day. As I walk into my command bunker, I see the head of my unicorn security team waiting outside my office. She has her head down and looks embarrassed. As I approach, I ask, “Yes, may I help you today?”

She brings her face up to look at me but she still appears embarrassed as she says, “Ma’am, I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I know it is normal for us to teleport in when a build-up of magic like that occurs, but we knew it was your wife ma’am. We knew she would not permanently harm you so we stayed out of it.”

I nod my head at her, “Yes, I do understand, and seeing it was a domestic situation rather than a military one I guess that would have made it Taser’s problem,” I tell her as I raise one eyebrow and tilt my head to one side slightly.

She still looks embarrassed as she says, “Ma’am, we never informed him it was occurring until afterward. I am sorry I failed you.”

I feel my face get a stern look on it as I say, “I see. Are you now asking to be relieved from my security detail than Sergeant?”

I see the color start to drain from her face and her ears go down alongside of her head, “No ma’am, I am not. But if you feel I should be, I do understand.”

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly as I tell her, “No Sergeant, but for now on, please attend to your duties more adamantly. However, what occurred yesterday was a necessary evil and I truly needed and deserved it. So, you are fine.”

I see relief come over her face and she tells me, “Thank you, ma’am. I appreciate your understanding.”

I nod my head, “Your welcome, I will see you later Sergeant, please return to your normal routine.”

I then enter my office. A couple of minutes later as I begin to do my paperwork I hear a knock on the door. I look up and I see Dull Beak standing there. “Come on in DB.”

He enters and takes a seat. He looks uncomfortable and I can tell he has a lot on his mind. He looks at me and tells me, “Ma’am, I am sorry I contacted your family, but I did not know what else to do. I am tired of it. I cannot keep working with you like that. When you are drinking Colonel, you are not the mare I willingly followed into battle or the one I gladly call my friend.”

I nod my head and reply, “First, thank you for caring enough to send the letter. No apologies are necessary. You have been more than a good friend and subordinate. I am very sorry I have put you through that. I am trying to do better.”

He nods his head and tells me, “Thank you, ma’am. But if it happens again, I will be requesting a transfer. I can’t watch that again.”

“Sadly DB, I don’t blame you. I fully understand and you have my word that if you feel you need to, I will approve your transfer.”

He then asks, “So where is she now?”

I smile, “She is with Epona and the fillies. I guess Epona is going to show her around town a bit. They are supposed to be back for lunch though.”

“Good, I look forward to seeing her again. Millie sure is growing quick and I will say even though your letter said she was born; I am still stunned to see Moon Lily being as big as she is.”

I smile and tell him, “Yeah, I understand. I was very surprised myself. I have not spent much time around unicorn foals either. They can be a real hoof full. Moon Lily kept grabbing things off the shelves last night with her TK and putting them in her mouth. I don’t know how Sutures keeps up with her.”

I see him raise an eyebrow to that and then he starts to laugh, “Oh this should keep things interesting.”

I nod my head. “I agree DB, it should. By the way, with Sutures here, I think I should be able to keep myself on the straight and narrow.”

I see him take a deep breath and release it before he says, “Mollygirl my friend, I understand that, but what about when she can’t be with you? Can you hold yourself together?”

I do not answer right away as I actually do think about it before I tell him, “Yeah, I think I can. She laid it out fully and got my attention.”

He again nods his head to me, and then he asks, “Ok, with that out of the way, have you heard the rumor going around that Milo’s family wants one of your stallions to stand in as a surrogate to their mares?”

I accidentally laugh out loud when he asks this then I ask him, “Well it is true, but where did you hear it from?”

He shakes his head and tells me, “I heard about it in the BOQ, A couple of the other officers thought that they heard one of Milo’s family say something to the others. I put a kibosh on it for now.”

“Thanks, Dull Beak, I really mean that. While the answer is most likely yes, we don’t need to give my family an even worse reputation, especially after my recent antics,” I tell him as I feel myself blush more out of shame than embarrassment.

He notices this and tilts his head, “You really are ashamed, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I really am. I know I screwed up. I did not want to, but I did. I knew I should not have had that first drink, but I lied to myself and told myself I could handle it.”

He nods his head, “I have known a few that were that way with Med-x and Mentats, so I do understand. But Mollygirl, as your friend it hurts to see you do that to yourself and your family. I am just glad you are trying again, and I am here to give you a talon up this time.”

I sigh, “Yeah, I understand. I really do appreciate it. Especially that first time you saw me about to really screw up at the Flying Cow and got Buttermilk and Corn Bread's attention. I really don’t remember much that night, other than waking up between two of the largest bodies I ever have, and asking myself, did I really do that?”

He laughs at that, “I am sure you did. But that is what friends do when we can.”

I look down at my desk again then back up at him and tell him, “Still, I really do appreciate it.”

He smiles as warmly at me as a griffon can and tells me, “Good, remember that and make my efforts worth it. Besides, you have a herd of fillies and colts to make proud also.”

I laugh some when he says that to me and reply, “Yeah, you're right. Thanks.”

We are sitting there talking about some of the upcoming operations as well as preps for heading home in two months when I hear a knock on the door. I look up and I see Chain Lighting in the doorway.

“Yes, Sergeant Major, what can I help you with?” I ask.

He nods his head, “A runner just came in, he says a pony named Pressed On is at the gate and is requesting to talk to you.”

Oh shit, not now I think to myself, “Go ahead and bring him in,” I tell Chain.

“Yes ma’am.” He replies and heads back out.

A few minutes later I hear several hoofs approaching my office and then I hear a knock again. “Ma’am he is here now.” Chain calls into my office.

“Thank you, Sergeant Major. I do appreciate it.” I tell him and watch the doorway as Pressed On comes in. As he gets into my office, I wave a hoof towards a chair and tell him, “Please take a seat and tell us what you are here for today.”

I see him shift uncomfortably in his seat and he tells me, “ma’am there is another settlement that needs our help.”

I raise my eyebrow at this, “And what type of help are they requesting?”

I see him take a deep breath and sigh. “Ma’am, more raiders again. If you like I can mark it on your map.”

I look at Dull Beak and he shrugs his wings as well as his shoulders, then he asks, “Any idea how many there are?”

Part of me wants to laugh as we have asked this question so many times before and usually get the same answer of “more than we can handle.” But this time is different. He looks at me and tells me, “About one hundred. They are remnants of Red Eyes forces.

This gets my attention right away as I still have a thing about them. Perhaps in time, it will go away, but if they are associated with that faction, I want a piece of them. When my ears go up and my eyes wide, I hear Dull Beak asks, “Ok, before we go any further, what types of equipment are we looking at? Do they have heavy weapons and artillery? Do they have air support?”

I see Pressed On take a deep breath and then he says, “They do have some heavy weapons. However, they have only a few Griffons with them for air support. You know how Red Eye and his people felt about pegasi.”

I nod my head and Dull Beak answers him saying, “Yes, they cared for them about as much as the rest of the Wastelands. So, let’s go into the other room and you can show me where they are on the map. Also, do you have any forces that can assist us?”

“Thank you, XO, for taking care of that, get with me later and we can review the plans you come up with,” I tell Dull Beak as they head out the door.

I have just started back on my paperwork when I hear a knock on the door and I look up and see two little mares looking in with their big sister behind them. From the other room I hear, “It is so good to see you again Doc. How have you been?” which lets me know Sutures is back too.

I move my chair back from the desk and put out my forehooves for a hug and they both run in giggling. Just when I begin to give them a hug, I feel my lower buttons on my uniform blouse open up, and I hear one of them say, “Hungry mama,” and both of them begin to suckle. Needless to say, I am rather surprised. I have never had that happen at work before.

Epona steps in and closes the door and tells me, “Sorry ma, they were beginning to whine about being hungry on the way over and I slipped and told them we could eat when we saw you, so I guess they thought it was ok.”

I laugh a little and tell her, “It’s ok Epona dear, I was just a little startled is all.”

A couple of minutes later I hear a light knock on the door and Sutures comes in. I see her look surprised at first then she laughs as she says, “I guess they really were hungry. Sorry dear, I stopped and talked to a couple of members of your staff on the way in.”

“That is no problem, I do understand.”

She then asks, “Ok, so who is the pony in the wide-brimmed hat and long coat? I have never seen him before.”

I smile as I tell her, “Oh, that is Pressed On. He used to be the head of a militia group down here a while back. He is one of their survivors and he is a good intelligence asset. He just brought us some information that we can use and is going over it with Dull Beak so we can plan our next counter raider operation.”

She tilts her head and asks, “Counter Raider Operations? I thought you were just garrison troops down here.”

I shake my head as I tell her, “I wish. If we are not active against them, they come after us. We have had a few infiltrators already who posed as locals and tried to kill some of my officers. That is why we always go armed, even into town, and why I have a unicorn security team.”

She looks surprised at this, and asks, “You really have such a team?”

I nod my head, “Yes love, and the only reason you did not meet them yesterday when your magic surged is that they knew you were here and would not permanently hurt me. That and I think you have them intimidated for some reason.”

She shrugs her shoulder and blushes, “I am not sure why they would be intimidated by me.”

I smile as I tell her, “Perhaps is that your TK is strong enough to lift and carry an adult bull or cow, or that you have a range of healing spells that are truly incredible. I mean you have saved my life as well as how many others in this battalion, not to mention your clients at home.”

I see her start to smile, then the smile slips as she responds, “Yes, but I can’t save them all.”

I have both of my forehooves lightly caressing the little mares as they feed or I would get out of the chair and go to her, instead, I simply say, “No one can, but you do your best and better than most.”

I see her smirk a bit then she says. “When they are done, we can go get our lunch,” as she changes the subject.

Later that day after lunch I begin to talk with Dull Beak and the rest of my staff about the location of the raiders and the expected forces they have. The village is just west of Harness that has requested our help and called New Colic. They are in a partial siege and have held for several days, but have many wounded. As we are discussing our options I ask, “Is there anything special about this village we should know?”

“Ma’am they are properly fortified with defensive walls as well as clear lanes of fire outside the walls. They have been under siege for a week now. They reportedly have only 50 settlers living there, so not a lot. But still a good size village out here.” Dull Beak tells me.

I nod my head, “I really don’t like the number of attackers. It puts us at a disadvantage to our normal ratio,” I let out a deep breath then asks, “Ok, who do we have closest to it?”

I see him take a deep breath and he tells me, “The village is south of Harness by about 5 miles. That means they are out of artillery range from our post. Ma’am, I am worried this might be a trap to draw us in. Sure, we see this one hundred, but what about all those others that banded together a couple of months back that all attacked together?”

I nod my head, “I see what you mean DB, actually that is a concern of mine also. Too bad we don’t have more time to plan this, otherwise I would request some assets from the 2^nd regiment.”

It is about this time that Milo walks in and looks at the map. It seems he has been listening outside the door as he says, “Colonel, Seeing as Harness is now part of the NCR but is still waiting for the official ceremony, I would like to offer some of my assets to assist you if need them. First off, feel free to bring your artillery to the upper town. In addition to that, I will throw in a full shift of my security ponies. However, I want my Unicorns working with yours for a couple of days before hoof. Laura Lee told me how effective they can be. I also would like to add to the mix three of our Ultra Sentinel robots.”

My jaw drops, “How many do you have Milo?”

He grins that smile of his as he leans against the wall and tells me, “Well, to be honest, five. You have to understand, back during the war, this was a highly classified and valuable site. Still is according to the NCR. By the way, ma’am, I am considered your equal in rank now. The Harness Security force is to be restructured to a more military model it seems as part of our NCR agreement. Oh, and I am also now the highest-ranking mule in the NCR army.”

Both Dull Beak and I are surprised. Finally, once the surprise has worn off, I tell him, “Well Lieutenant Colonel your assistance would be much appreciated. Now, how many troops do you have on a shift?”

He smiles as he tells me, “Oh about one hundred normally, seems to be about the size of one of your companies.”

I shake my head and smile. Yeah, it would have been a good fight that day if I had not come back. I look at Dull Beak, “Bring the planning team together again, we have some new considerations to make for the plan. Also, send a message to Manesville and put in a special request for George to be temporarily assigned to us for this operation.”

I hear Milo laugh when he hears this and when I look at him, he says, “Remember, I have been to Manesville. I met her and by the Goddesses if she is not the most unusual dragon I have ever imagined.”

I laugh some at that, “Yeah, she certainly is not what I expected from a dragon, but boy is she fun to ride.”

He shakes his head, “So you really have ridden her?”

“Yes Milo, I have, both for fun and in combat,” I tell him.

I see a bit of surprise on his face at this then he says, “If we could get her down here, she would be very useful. Maybe I can see if Cannel knows where we could get some gems for her even.”

“Ok, I will see what I can do Milo. Now here comes the rest of the team. Shall we begin colonel?”

I see him snort slightly at that then I hear him say under his breath, “That is going to take some getting used to.”

I smile at him and quietly tell him, “Tell me about it, I am still getting used to it.”

As my staff comes in, I introduce them to Milo by his new rank. It is amusing to see the looks on their faces, including Summer Solstice, who as my chief of scouts I always try to have at such meetings. I then inform them of the additional forces as well as the request for support that I will be making. As I look at them, I see several looks exchanged between each other and then nod their heads. Behind them I hear Pressed On ask me, “But what about those villagers? Aren’t you going to help them?”

I nod my head, “Yes we will sir, but I will not go unprepared or into a possible ambush that might result in the other villages in the area being endangered.”

“But what if you fail to save them while waiting?” he asks me.

I walk over to him, I look him in the eyes and I tell him quietly, “There are more to think about than just one group. I intend no offense, but perhaps if you and your militia had functioned in such a manner, you would still have them sir, and still be an effective fighting force. If you like I can have you dropped into the village by my flying scouts to let them know help will come soon.”

I see his eyes open a bit wider, “You want to drop me into the village?”

I nod my head as does Milo. Milo tells him, “Oh yes, that way you can help them fight till we arrive. I mean if you are in such a rush to get there and help them it would be our pleasure.”

We both seem to take a bit of mild pleasure in his seeming discomfort at the prospect.

While I watch him seem nervous, he still steps up and says, “If you can get me in there, then do it. I will meet you when you break the siege.”

Summer Solstice behind me says, “Ma’am, I will arrange it after the meeting.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant. I appreciate it. Make sure to do a good recon also, do not risk my ponies.”

“Of course, not ma’am.” She says somewhat stiffly. I know she considers the scouts hers and not mine but still.

We decide on a jump-off date in three days. This gives Milo time to get to Harness and have his people ready when we get there. It also allows us to do some recon flyovers.

I talk with both Slide Rule and Long Bow and together we decide to keep the artillery at our main base but to move the mortars up to Harness.

By the end of the day, I have drafted and sent a message off to both Manesville as well as Junction Town concerning our plans. I say goodbye to Milo and his family for the day and then I meet mine as they join my staff and me for dinner.

Sutures is almost bubbly as she tells me she found the book on beginners’ magic for unicorns in my room. “Mollygirl, thank you so much. You do not know how much this means to me and for little Moon Lily. I can give her a better start than I ever imagined.”

I gently hug her and reply, “I am so glad you like it. When I found it, I had to buy it for her. I remember you telling me how limited home was concerning the variety of unicorn spells.”

As we are eating my staff keeps discussing our plans and what we still need to arrange. To my side, I see Suture's expression as she realizes what these plans mean. Finally, I tell her, “As you can see dear, just because we came down here as a garrison, does not mean we are not having to conduct combat operations.”

She is quiet for a bit as she eats then she looks up at me sadly and asks, “Love, what happens if you take some of them prisoners?”

I sigh before I answer, “They will be offered a chance for a new start and to change their ways like we have done before.”

She looks somewhat upset as she asks, “And if they refuse?”

Why did she have to ask that? I was really enjoying tonight’s meal. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, slowly letting it out. Then I turn to look her in the eyes and I tell her, “If they are regulars from Red Eyes army, we can exchange them for our prisoners in Fillydelphia, maybe. Any others…,” I trail off.

I close my eyes briefly and when I reopen them, I quietly tell her, “The others will be hung if they will not change.”

I hear her take in a sharp breath, “But, Mollygirl, you can’t be serious,” she tells me.

From down the table a ways, I hear Dull Beak tell her, “Sutures, she is serious, and it has to be done, now do you understand the problem.”

She slowly nods her head, but I see tears form in her eyes that she refuses to let fall. The rest of the meal is eaten in silence.

When we lay down to sleep that night, she has her hoof around me and her one back leg over me as she whispers so quietly, I can barely hear her, “I am so afraid I will lose you, please be strong my love.” Then she buries her face in my chest and begins to silently cry. I just lay there not letting her know I am still awake. Finally, she falls asleep. I lay there holding her and I pray to Sweet Cream that I can be strong enough for her and our family. But to be honest, that desire is still there but I am fighting it as hard as I can.

The next day I get an encrypted message from Manesville telling me that George is already on her way to us and should be there by tomorrow. I am shocked as I did not think she could fly so fast, but then again, I am really happy she is on the way. I also know I should not look a gift dragon in the mouth.

As I am doing my morning paperwork I am interrupted by a knock on the door. I look up and I see Summer Solstice standing there. Once I have her enter and take a seat she begins, “Colonel, I had the Dust-Off team deliver Pressed On to New Colic last night. We made it a late-night run so that it was safer. We also pulled out four of their most seriously wounded.”

I nod my head, “Did you find anything with the recon flights?”

She has a very sober expression on her face as she tells me, “Ma’am that is why we did it at night. I would like to set up a couple of supply runs into the village for tonight, and with your permission, I want to drop off a scout team to act as spotters for artillery and airstrikes.”

I nod my head again and tell her, “That makes sense Lieutenant. Go head, also have those supply runs bring out the wounded if need be.”

“Yes ma’am,” she answers, then after a brief pause, she says, “Ma’am, I suspect that there are other hostile units in the area beside the ones we are seeing. While I can’t prove it. It feels like a trap.”

I smile at her and I tell her, “I understand how you feel and I agree with you. Oh, just to let you know, we have George coming to provide air support.”

I see a smile come over her face as she says, “Thank the Goddesses, some good news.”

I nod and smile in agreement. Shortly afterward, for the first time in a while I hear another knock and I look up to see Paper Work is there. He then asks me, “Ma’am, would you like me to make you some tea?”

I feel a tear in the corner of my eye when I hear him ask this as it means so much to me for him to do it, as well as I, realize how far I slipped. I put down my pen and I tell him, “Yes please, I really would appreciate it and if you would like, please join me for a cup. Oh, and see if the Sergeant Major would like to also.”

He smiles and quickly leaves to do so. While he is gone, I return to my paperwork.

Shortly afterward I hear Chain Lightning knock on my door. “Hello Ma’am, ya wanted to see me?”

I smile and tell him, “Actually, I told Paperwork to ask you if you would like to join us for a tea break. It has been far too long, and I owe you a big apology for my behavior. You covered and assisted me and I do appreciate that.”

He nods his head, “Yes ma’am, your right on all counts. Please understand ma’am, off the record of course, that I have lost a lot of respect for you as a pony. The last few months made me question a lot of my choices and if I should have this position even.”

I feel my embarrassment rising as I know he is right; this is private and off the record and as my senior NCO I have allowed him to talk openly with me and actually I need him to. But that still does not make it hurt less.

“I am truly sorry Chain; you have done a commendable job. I am the one who should be questioning if I am in the right position. In fact, I have been.”

I see him nod his head, “See, that is what makes it rough. You know when you are fucking up ma’am, and you admit it. Ma’am, if you can keep from drinking for now on, I will tear up my request for a transfer. I had it ready and I already discussed it with the XO. I want to work for the CO I had when we left Manesville, not the one I have seen for the last couple of months.”

I nod my head, “Understandable Chain. I will try to be her again. It is hard sometimes but I will try.”

“Ma’am, that is all I ask. Now here comes Paperwork, so let’s change the subject.” He tells me.

Paperwork comes in with three cups of tea already steeping as well as a pot of more hot water. I smile as I notice the tea set still nice and shiny through his meticulous care. Once we begin to drink our tea our conversations turn to more relaxed topics such as our families and loved ones.

We take about an hour break doing this and then I hear a knock on my door and I see Sutures with the young fillies. I see Millie almost bouncing as she comes in and gets a hug, then she smiles at me and asks, “Hungry, ma, can I?”

Both stallions smile and they excuse themselves. Sutures looks embarrassed and tells me, “I am sorry dear, but she is really hungry today and I am sore from trying to give them both enough to eat this morning.”

“It’s ok dearest, I am glad you brought them. Besides, I am about ready to need to feed anyway. I am sorry about not doing so before I left this morning but I did not want to wake any of you. Especially the girls with the way these two were cuddled with Epona.”

She smiles at that. “Thank you for considering us. I do appreciate it. Epona got off for school with Tater on time today.” She shakes her head and says, “You know in a way they remind me of Ginger and Xochitl in how close of friends they are. But I just can’t see them married to each other someday.”

As I stand and feed the fillies, I nod my head, “Yeah, I noticed that too. She is worried she will not find a special somepony someday. I told her not to worry she still has a while to go.”

“Mollygirl, I was worried on how she might fit in with our family, to tell the truth, but she is so mature and gets along so well with these two as well as others. I am really glad she is here now.”

“Same here dear, same here. I just wish she had come over under better circumstances, but then again in that case she probably would not have come at all.”

She then looks up at me and asks, “Do you think she would go back if she gets the chance?”

This question surprises me and I tell her, “Love, I really don’t know. I think everyone that she loved and cared about on that side died or became slaves for the remnants of Red Eye’s forces before she comes over. I just want to give her a home here and let her know she is loved on this side too.”

I see her smiling at the fillies then back at me as she says, “Dear, I think she realizes it already. Those two have really taken to her almost as much as Ginger.”

“Good, I am really glad to hear that. She deserves such a better life than she has gotten so far.” I say to Sutures.

She nods her head and tells me, “Yes she does and she is still very loyal to you. You really owe that young mare an apology.”

I feel myself blushing as I tell her, “I know I do, and I will soon. Just give me a couple of days, please.”

I feel her kiss me on my cheek and I open my eyes and I see her smile at me as she says, “That is all I am asking love. Now that the foals are feed, I guess I should go over to the mess hall for lunch.”

After lunch, my staff and I go back to our normal routine. Later in the day, I hear that Sutures has offered to assist Doctor Treacle in performing his weekly checks at the Flying Cow in the next few days, so as to give Osteotomy a break. During this time, she has set it up so that the fillies will be watched in town by one of the local mares who was recommended by Sticky Wicket.

I know the operations tempo is getting ready to rise again in the next couple of days. So I arrange it with Chain to watch the fillies so I can spend some time alone with Sutures. I have so much to make up for. Tonight, I want to take her out to a small hill that is about a mile from the base. I found it a while back and while it is not the greatest place it is so peaceful and it is far enough away that the lights from town and the base, that they will not dull the night sky.

I am so excited to be able to share one of my favorite places, where I have often gone when alone to find peace, with her. I let my security team know where I will be and to contact me only if it is an emergency. When I tell Chain about why I need a sitter he smiles at me and tells me, “Mollygirl, it is good to see this light in your eyes again.”

“Thanks, Chain, I just hope she enjoys this time too,” I tell him with what has been a rare smile lately.

After dinner and feeding the fillies I tell her, “Dear, Let’s take the foals over to Chain and Tater. Chain said he would watch them for a couple of hours for us.”

I see her raise an eyebrow and she asks me with a sigh, “Mollygirl, what do you have in mind?”

“Nothing dear I just want to share some alone time with you in one of my favorite places out here.”

She nods her head and says, “Ok, but let’s not be out too late.”

After we leave Chain and the youngsters, I lead her toward the gate and into the dark beyond the base lights. I fell myself smiling as I lead her and we continue to just chat.

Once we are there, I pull a blanket out of my saddlebags and I lay it out for us to sit down on. Once we are sitting down, I look up at the sky and I tell her, “Would you look at all those stars. It is so peaceful and beautiful out here.”

She looks up and while I expected her to smile and appreciate the view, I notice she is not smiling. Instead, she looks thoughtful and serious. I move a bit closer to her when I see her like this and I ask, “Sutures are you ok? Did I do something wrong?”

I hear her take a deep breath and she says, “Mollygirl, I am sorry, it is nice out here, but we really should be with our daughters, spending time with them.”

“Yeah, I guess you are right. I am sorry. I just wanted to share one of the things that have brought me solace out here. I wanted to show you something good. To share something with the mare I love most,” I tell her as I put a hoof on her shoulder.

She knocks it off and tells me, “Mollygirl, I am sorry. I love you, but things are not what they were.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I understand. I had just hoped maybe… well maybe I could start to repair things with you a bit. I hurt you so much and disappointed you so much I wanted to try and make you feel special and happy. At least for a little while.”

I see her shake her head as she says, “Mollygirl, a blanket and stars overhead are not going to make things all better.”

“Sutures, I understand that, damn it, I am trying. I really am. Why can’t I seem to do anything that makes you happy anymore?”

She turns her head and tells me, “I'm sorry, but I need to head back to our daughters,” as she gets up and starts to walk away, towards the base.

My mouth goes dry and I feel my heart breaking again. I want her to see me becoming stronger, but I feel I have just had my hoofs knocked out from under me. “Oh, ok. I will fold the blanket and be there in a minute.” But as I say this, I see her keep walking. “Sutures?” I quietly ask behind her.

I fold the blanket and put it back in my saddlebag. In the darkness, I have lost her and can not see her silhouette anymore. Once more I look up into the sky and without realizing it, I pray out loud, "Dear Sweet Cream, please help me. I don’t understand what lessons you want me to learn. I am trying and I feel like I am drowning anymore."

Finally, I stand up, and with my head down, my ears at the side of my head and tail tucked in, I slowly make my way back to the base.

I stop at Chain Lightning's quarters to see if the fillies are still there. He answers the door and I can tell I woke him up and I apologize, “I am sorry Chain, I did not mean to wake you.”

He shakes his head, “It’s ok Ma’am. She picked them up a little over half an hour ago,” He pauses and asks, “Ma’am, If I may ask, what happened? You seemed so happy earlier.”

I look up at him and tell him with tears starting to form, “Chain, I really don’t know. I just wanted to share with her my favorite spot, just her and me. And it was like something clicked and she was upset with me.”

“I am sorry to hear that Mollygirl. I really am. But right now, we have some high tempo ops coming up and we both need to get some rest. Both of us need to be clear-headed.”

I nod my head. “Yeah, I understand. I will see you in the morning Sergeant Major,” I tell him as I turn and head back out of the senior enlisted quarters and head over to mine.

Once there I notice the lights are already out. I go inside and I see Sutures is asleep with the young fillies on my bunk. I do not want to wake them so instead I begin to climb into the cot we have for the young ones. I then feel a small hoof tap me and I see Epona has reached out to get my attention.

“Ma, could you sleep in my bed tonight?”

I feel relieved that somepony at least still wants me around and I quietly climb in bed with her. I put a hoof around her and tell her, “Thank you Epona. Sweet dreams dear and remember I love you.”

“I know ma. I love you too,” she quietly tells me, then she asks, “Ma you weren’t drinking or anything tonight, were you?”

I shake my head and whisper back, “No, no I was not.”

“Ma, what happened then?” she asks.

And I catch myself wanting to cry as I tell her, “Honey, I don’t know. But don’t worry, we will get through this.”

I feel her nod her head and I hear her whisper, “Ok Ma.”

I wake in the morning to my alarm. Before I get dressed, I quickly feed Millie and Moon Lily. I let Sutures sleep in while I get ready.

Before I leave, I give her a quick shake and tell her, “I am heading to work. The youngsters have already been feed, but you might want to get up and get you and Epona some breakfast before the mess hall closes. Oh, and today we begin offensive operations so I will see you when I can until we are done.” I turn and give the youngsters a quick hug and a peck on their forelocks and I tell Epona, “Dear, I am sorry about last night especially with what we have coming up. It looks like you and I will have to go back to the old routine. Tell Tater I said hi and I will see you later.”

With that, I grab my soft cap and I head out the door toward my command post. As I go down the hallway, I hear Epona tell Sutures, “Ma, the blanket was my idea. I wanted you both to be comfortable and just get to know each other again. I am sorry.” However, as I keep walking, I cannot hear a reply.

I am behind on my schedule, so today breakfast will be light. Some coffee or tea and maybe a Fancy Buck cake from my desk stash, providing Epona has not raided them already.

As I walk out the door I look up and see the sun low on the horizon but slowly growing. I nod my head. Today will be a good day.

When I reach my HQ, I see Dull Beak along with Milo at the map table. He looks up at me and tells me, “Ma’am I hope you don’t mind me and some of my staff joining yours, but you have the best set up for field ops and I wanted my people to learn from yours.

“Actually Milo, I am glad you are here. You can see how we operate in the field and help me with prepositioning our forces. By the way, when you get a chance, go see Pogey Bait and have him issue you a Pip Buck. I wish I had realized you did not have one sooner.”

I see him grin, “Well, there were not many in the Stable when we closed it up originally and since then they are a wee bit hard to get your hooves on.”

As we sit there, I listen to the radio chatter between my people. Then I hear “This is Burrowers Company moving out.” I am surprised when I recognize Laura Lee’s voice.

Milo calls back, “Roger Burrowers, Good luck, and good hunting.”

He then notices me looking at him and he simply shrugs and says, “What? She has more combat experience than most of my troopers.”

I can only smile and shake my head at this as I tell him, “Yeah, I understand Milo.”

About an hour later I hear over the radio “MG1 this is Enfield1, we have the Harness company in our sight and will fall in behind them.”

“Roger that Enfield1.”

I then hear “MG 1 This is DK1 I see a large column of dust to our west heading in the direction of Bare Withers. Request the scouts recon in that direction.”

While not overly concerned yet, I am really glad that the local villages militias are also standing to, just in case.

I call over the radio, “Roger DK1. SS1 I need scouts out as requested by DK1, west of Bare Withers asap.”

Then I hear something I had hoped would not come so soon, “MG1, this is LL1, we are two miles short of the assembly area and have made contact with the enemy. Request permission to return fire.”

“Permission granted LL1, give ‘em Tartarus,” I reply.

This is soon followed by, “MG1 this is Enfield 1, we have another possible column approaching from the west by southwest toward Harness.”

I see Milo’s head go up and his face becomes pale and he calls over his radio, “ANFO Company, Crosscut Company, we have possible hostiles inbound for home base. Activate the defensive plan, Charlie. I repeat, activate defensive plan, Charlie.

This changes everything. As they say, the best-laid plans of mice and mares often go awry. If only we could know what lies ahead. Now the battle of Harness begins.

Dear DJ Pon3,

I have been hurting so badly for so long now I failed and let those I love and care about down. I am on the verge of losing them, and I am terrified to let them know how I really feel, besides that is not what they would want to see or hear.

I want to tell them so bad how I really feel but just cannot. Please play Stronger for me so that hopefully they may understand.

Thank You

MG

Mollygirl is still trying to get back on her hoofs again. But that is not always easy, and often times we stumble or even have to deal with the results of our actions, which are not always pleasant. However, by the end of this chapter, we see Mollygirl's mindset change to one of doing the best she can and making the most of it for herself as well as her family. But she also is falling back into the mindset of her need to properly perform her duty as she sees it. In the end, we see her going back to her element, leading her troops in battle.

For those who wish to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Xz65zxmXg&list=RDMMm0Xz65zxmXg&start_radio=1