As I hear Milo call for the implementation of a defensive plan for Harness, I look at the map and the positions of mine and the hostile forces. The Burrowers and the Enfields are together heading toward New Colic. Behind them the Lancers have engaged an unknown number of hostiles that have already infiltrated deep into our area. I look north toward where D troop is as well as the northern column of hostiles. So far most of them are from the south and southwest but what are we not seeing I ask myself.

I look at Milo and tell him, “I am going to have Burrowers and the Enfields break the siege at New Colic and pull out the civilians and then withdraw to the upper town at Harness.” He nods his head, and I continue. “At this time, I am also going to pull back the Doorkickers toward Bare Withers. That leaves a lot of empty space. But we still have Hell’s Belles in reserve.”

He then asks me, “What about the engineers?”

“One squad of them is with L-troop. I was going to have a second one meet up with the Doorkickers. Instead I will divert them to Harness.”

I see him let out a deep breath, “Thank you Mollygirl. I really appreciate it.”

We have already sent out the orders when Summer Solstice enters the command post. She comes over to the map table and points towards the northern part. “Colonel, Broken Hills is right to be worried. I am not sure of the exact number of hostile forces heading his way but I would hazard a guess of between one hundred fifty to two hundred, at least. Ma’am this is no small attack.”

I nod my head. “Understood Lieutenant. Thank you for the report. Anything else that you saw out of the ordinary?”

I see her look around and quietly she tells me, “Colonel, I just saw one of the largest murders of crows I ever have flying in the direction of Harness.”

Oh buck. That does not bode well. I take a deep breath and tell her, “Thank you again. I will need you to send out some scouts to the southwest of Harness and please have Dust Off and his team ready.”

“Ma’am, they already are. For them it is understood that when an operation is underway, they need to stand by.”

“Excellent, thank you.” I tell her and she quickly heads back out. On her way I hear her calling her sergeant on her PipBuck, telling him of what I need scouted.

Soon I hear over the radio, “MG1 This is Enfield1 we have engaged the enemy. Ma’am they are more heavily armed than expected.”

“Enfield1 I understand, continue as ordered,” I tell him.

Then I hear “This is SS3 requesting mortar fire on the following coordinates…”

“Rodger SS3, spotting round out.”

“SS3 spotting round is good, fire for effect.”

“Roger, here it comes.” Then the radio is quiet for a bit.

After what is about an hour I hear over the radio, “MG1 this is Burrowers1 we cannot, repeat we cannot break through and are about to be flanked, falling back one klick. Request a Dustoff for wounded.”

“Understood Burrowers1, fallback, and reform. Make sure that the Enfields do so with you.”

Over the radio, I hear Burrowers1 reply “Roger” and then I hear Enfield1 callback, “Understood Colonel, Ma’am they are thicker than fleas on a hound dog up here.”

This is shortly followed by “MG1 this is LL1, we have broken the infiltrators and they are falling back. Please ensure that Burrowers and Enfield troops are aware they may have contact from their rear.”

This is not something I had expected, but I am not overly concerned at this point. “Sounds good LL1.”

I then look out the slit window of the command post just in time to see the first skywagon of wounded being brought in by Dust Off and his team.

As they come into land, I hear Pogey Bait on the radio call out, “MG1 I have a column of ambulances almost to the Lancers, we are taking fire. Request air support if available.”

I look over at Milo and see him shaking his head. I get on the radio and call, “SS1 this is MG1 can you have some airborne scouts provide air support for the ambulance and ammo train just south of Harness?”

I hear the tension in her voice as she tells me, “Ma’am, we are getting a bit spread out here, but I will take a team out there asap.”

“Very good, Go, and may Celestia guide and Luna defend you,” I tell her without thinking. I notice several of my staff all look at me nervously.

Dull Beak then asks, “Ma’am, do you want me to head to the front right now?”

I pause for a minute and tell him. “Yes, XO, I need you to head up there for New Colic. That is your baby, if you think you can relieve them do so, if not, do not risk our troops. Remember George is supposed to be here today.”

“Yes Ma’am. Will do,” then he grabs his helmet and runs out the door with his security team and I watch as he takes flight toward Harness.

He is gone only ten minutes, when Specs runs over to me and says, “Ma’am you have an incoming message on an open channel you need to hear.”

I nod my head, “Ok, what is the frequency,” I ask.

He tells me and I tune it in on my PipBuck. Soon I hear a message begin in a zebra accented voice, “To the commander of the so called New Canterlot Republic troops, this is Praefectus Castrorum Xenophon, you may call me the Praefect, give up your fight and minimize the damage to these communities and the loss of your troops' lives or freedoms. If you do not do so your troops will be put to the sword or made slaves and the villages your claim to protect will be razed.”

I listen to the full message and then it begins to repeat. Milo looks at me and asks, “You are not considering giving up, are you?”

“No Milo, but now I have a name for their commander and I understand what they want. If they are making this offer, they must not feel that they can win,” I pause as I look at my staff, “So we fight.” I turn to Paper Work and tell him, “Have a messenger sent to Sticky Wicket and Beach Shake. Tell them to activate their militia and prepare for a fight.”

“Yes ma’am,” he tells me as he heads to the door and calls for a messenger.

I then go over to Specs and ask him, “Can we broadcast on the comm channel the Praefect used to reply?”

He smiles, “Yes ma’am, I do not think this is their normal channel. They seem to be just using an open one to try and contact you.”

“Ok, set it up for me,” I tell him.

A few minutes later I hear him say, “Colonel, whenever you are ready.”

I take the mic in front of me and depress the button to speak with my hoof, “Praefectus Castrorum Xenophon, This is Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl of the NCR forces against you. I request that you remove your troops from NCR territory or face the same consequences that Red Eye's minion Silver Spite received from us.”

I wait a few minutes and hear his zebra accented reply in a haughty tone, “I know not who this Silver Spite is, but prepare to receive the wrath of Cesar's forces and his mercenaries. Understand you and your forces can no longer expect any mercies from us.”

“Understood Praefect. But this does go for you and yours as well. I look forward to seeing you and I will have a rope ready for you,” I tell him with a smarmy sound to my voice.

Soon afterward I hear another radio message, “MG1 this is FS3, we have a large body of troops heading towards Bare Withers. They appear to have at least one artillery piece and a flight of griffons. We are falling back to Bare Withers outpost.”

I reply, “FS3 this is MG1, I appreciate the heads up, but I need your flight to do a recon flight between Bare Withers south to Harness.”

Right after this, I hear, “MG1, I request that FS3 and her flight go to Bare Withers, I will take a team to scout the area requested. We have the infiltrating raiders under control here with the Lancers.”

I nod my head even though I know she can not see it as I tell her, “Understood, make it happen SS1.”

As I say this, I see another skywagon of wounded begin to land through the doorway of my CP and I watch as several of the medical team go out to unload them.

Before long I see Sutures appear along with Epona, Tater, and the fillies. She leads them to my office and then returns to me and says, “Epona and Tater are watching the little ones in your office. Doc Treacle has asked me to assist if I can.” She pauses and then mournfully tells me, “Mollygirl, they already have had twenty wounded arrive.”

I am worried about how fast the casualties have mounted. I tell her, “Ok, we will make sure they are ok, go help my troopers dear.”

I am surprised as she gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and then I watch her turn and run as fast as she can on her prosthetic leg towards the base hospital, then I slowly turn back to the table with the map and the battle that is still unfolding before us.

The battle has been raging for over four hours already when I hear “This is DK2, DK1 is down, we need a Dustoff mission asap. We are being forced back towards Bare Withers. Request artillery support.”

“Permission granted,” I say, then I hear DK2 rattle off the coordinates for the artillery, followed by the rounds going out.

Then I hear, “This is Burrowers1, we have lost one of the Ultra Sentinel robots to RPG’s. We are refusing our line from the center back to the north, Enfield1 I request that you refuse your lines to the south, let's open the door and get them in a crossfire.”

That is when I hear Bailey Bridge call out, “Give me two more minutes Burrowers1, I almost have a minefield ready for them.” He pauses and says, Scratch that, move your ponies as far back as you can when you refuse the line, I just laid out a minefield as well as a thermobaric mine. This will kick’em in the muzzle.”

“Roger Digger1 starting withdrawal,” I hear Laura Lee reply.

Over the radio, I can tell that Bailey forgot to stop transmitting again as I can hear the sounds of combat in the background. Then I hear a couple of explosions and he says, Ok, they hit the regular mines. That should slow them and give us a couple of more minutes to get clear.”

I hear his labored breathing as he and those with him run. Finally, he says, “Ok, this looks good, let's take cover here and watch the sho…”

He never finishes the sentence as I hear an extremely loud explosion over the radio. I hear him say, “Oh my Goddesses, oh my Goddesses can you see that? Did you see that blast wave? Look at that mushroom cloud from it.”

“Sir, those zebra troops, sir, most of them are gone that were close to it. Oh, my goddesses sir, look at all those bodies, oh no some are still alive down there,” One of those with him says. Then I hear someone wretch up their breakfast.

Then Bailey gets back on his radio, “Huh, still broadcasting, Ok, let's go forward, any mines we laid should have been cleared by that blast. Burrowers and Enfields, I do believe we can reform the line for now.”

“Roger that Digger1, but what the heck was that thing?”

“That my friend was an old trick I was taught by a friend of mine who was a sapper during the Great War. He preferred these to balefire eggs. They are called thermobaric or Fuel Air Explosive. Very effective and no magical radiation.”

Soon I hear Laura Lee call over the radio, “MG1 this is Burrowers1, we have returned to our previous position. We have more hostiles inbound, but they are coming slow this time. Request mortar support.”

“Roger Burrowers1, permission granted,” I call back and I hear her start to give coordinates to the mortars and soon she calls for them to ceasefire. It seems Bailey has bought us some time.

Two hours later, it is past the normal mealtime and the battle is still going. I am starting to worry if George is actually going to show up. As I am listening to the radio and looking at the map, I suddenly feel my blouse being opened and I hear Millie say, “Hungry Mama, we eat now?”

I look down, sure I am busy, but what is one more thing, so I tell them, “Yes girls, go ahead. But if I say to move you need to stop, do so and I will let you continue again as soon as I can.”

“Ok Mama,” I hear Moon Lily say as suddenly I feel both of them start to eat. I look back at my office and see Epona coming out of the door with bits of Fancy Buck cake on her muzzle and she is blushing as she says, “Sorry Ma, I turned for a second, and they were gone.”

“I understand Epona, let them finish and take them back inside my office when they are done,” I tell her.

As I listen to the radio, I hear Broken Hills in an injured voice with the Doorkickers reporting, “MG1 this is DK1, we are falling back to Bare Withers. We need support asap. They are really pressing us hard and I do not know how long we will be able to keep them back.”

I am hesitating to throw in my reserves to support them when I hear someone come inside my command center and I turn my head to see two pegasus in full battle kit enter. It is Windy along with her XO. She sees me trying to direct the battle while nursing and begins to laugh “Well, I can tell Sutures made it safely, where is she?” she says out loud.

I nod at her and tell her, “She left the fillies with me so she could go help with the wounded, Doc Treacle needs every hoof right now.”

She nods her head with a concerned expression on her face. Then as she approaches, she says, “The president is coming for the ceremony in Harness, but it looks like you have your hooves full. She is with the 3^rd Battalion and they are coming in the morning. Now, where do you need me and my troops?”

The first thing I ask is “Windy where is George?”

“Mollygirl she is right outside. Why?”

“Windy, I need her and some fast movers up to Bare Withers asap. They are being overrun by about 150 to 200 zebras, ponies and some griffons.”

“Ok Mollygirl I will send her and my scouts right away. Do you want one of my companies to back them up?” she asks calmly.

I nod my head. “That would be perfect.”

As we are talking, we hear over the radio, “MG1 this is LL1. The large body of hostiles is trying to slide past our southern flank between New Pastern and Harness. Do we have anything we can throw at them? I only have one platoon left in New Pastern.”

I see a grim look come over Windy’s face and she says, “Tell her to hold on, I will take out my other two companies right away.” And she runs out the door.”

As she is leaving, I see another skywagon of wounded arriving at the medical landing site. I am stunned when I see a griffon get out of the back and begin to stagger towards the command post. I then realize it is Dull Beak. He has a bandage around his head and on one of his wings. I want to go to him but can’t’ because of the foals. Instead, I watch him limp to me. Once he arrives, I see him painfully lift his talon and salute me as he says, “Ma’am, we stopped them three times already, but they keep coming. I wish we had reinforcements.”

Finally, I smile today as I tell him, “Windy and the Second of the Second have just arrived with George. The Third of the Second will be here tomorrow.”

I see him sit heavily on the floor, “Oh thank the Great Egg.” He exclaims.

“XO, if you need to go to medical, please do so,” I tell him in a gentle voice.

He smiles at me, “No ma’am, not yet. If you can feed two hungry fillies and direct a battle at the same time, I can do the same from here, but I will admit, I am no longer fit to fight right now ma’am. I gave my healing potions to the medics for those hurt worse than me.”

I shift a little bit so I can place a forehoof on his shoulder and I tell him, “I understand my friend. I know they will appreciate it too.”

He smiles and moves slowly back to his chair from earlier across the table from me. After a bit, both fillies have finished feeding and I take them back to the office where Epona has made up a bed with a couple of blankets in one of the chairs and has them lay in it while she reads to them. I hear her begin a story as I head back out into the main room in time to hear George's voice over the radio through the special throat mic say, “Doorkickers this is Puff leader, Pop red smoke so I can see where you are.”

“Popping red smoke Puff leader,” is the reply.

Next, I hear her say, “Ok, that seems like too much smoke. DK1 have your troops pop white smoke.”

I am waiting to hear her say she is inbound when she says, “Ok, still seems like a lot to work with. Have your people pop green smoke.”

There is a silence for several minutes then I hear Broken Hills call over the radio, "Puff leader this is DK1, we do not, I repeat not have any green smoke.”

This reply is met by a slight laugh from George as she says, “I know. All Puff elements let’s hit the green smoke.”

I can imagine her and her escort roaring down upon those on the ground who thought they were outsmarting us. But I also realize this means our comms channels have been compromised.

I then call over the radio, “All NCR troops, comms channels are now to change to alternate plan 3. I repeat alternate plan 3.”

From the corner of the bunker, I hear Specs call out, “A little more heads up next time please Colonel. Give me a minute and we will have comms back up.”

I have to smile as I understand how confusing I just made his job and I call back, “Sorry about that Specs, but we have been compromised.”

I see a look of surprise on his face when he realizes what I just said and he asks as he continues to adjust his radio frequencies, “How can you tell ma’am?”

I smile at him as I tell him, “Because each time George called out a smoke color, they popped it.”

“Ah, ok, I guess that is why you get paid the big caps ma’am.”

I nod my head and return back to the map and begin to listen again as the radio comms come back online.

Soon after this, I see Specs approaching me. Then he says, “Ma’am, I have their open comms channel, you really should hear this.”

I tiredly nod my head as he tunes the comms channel temporarily to the enemies and I hear, “Xenophon, you said we would overrun them. You never said they had dragons with them.”

Then I hear that same smoothly accented zebra voice as I did earlier reply, “Dark Harvest, they were. You took too long to take your objectives and now you blame me when the NCR is able to bring up reinforcements. Do not trifle with me or you will not get your pay,” then he all but spits out the word, “Mercenary,” then he continues "Besides, I am having to deal with an airborne and skywagon assault behind my lines right now, so I do not have time to bicker with you. NOW DO WHAT YOU ARE BEING PAID FOR!”

Well, I guess they are a bit shook up. I smile at Specs and tell him, “Thank you. Now that you have their comms channel. Do you think you could use it to send false messages between their commanders?”

I see him grin as he asks, “Ma’am, do you really mean that? Because I would love to try it.”

I smile and tell him, “Specs if you can, try it. The least we can do is cause them confusion.”

“Ok ma’am, I am going to have to monitor them a bit to see if I can get their calls signs and such, but will do.” Specs tells me as he closes his eyes and holds one earphone to his head.

A couple of hours later they are being driven back slowly but surely. I go over to check on Specs and I hear, a zebra accented voice in my command post and at first I am surprised and I see one of the unicorns from my security detachment is sitting next to Specs with a hoof over her muzzle trying not to laugh as Specs says, “Dark Harvest, I will not tell you again. There is an imposture on our comms channel. He is faking being you and me. Now for the last time fall back, you have NCR troops in your rear. I don’t care if you have to abandon that artillery piece. You can recapture it later.”

My eyes go wide in surprise as he looks up at me, smiles and shrugs his shoulders. Then he makes sure his mike is off and he tells me, “Sorry ma’am, I could not resist. Besides by admitting to the comms being compromised I further confused him. The real one just keeps yelling at him to go forward and to listen to him. Besides, Shooting Star could not resist using the voice changing spell she used as a joke when back home.”

I smile as I shake my head. “Very good Specs. Keep it up if you can. Only another hour or so until dark. Hopefully things will begin to settle down then.” I tell them.

About this time, I go to my office to check on Epona and the fillies. When I get to the door, I see Millie and Moon Lily are cuddled up on the chair asleep and Epona is in my desk chair looking for more snacks.

Tater is right beside her and I hear him say, “Ok, I found a box of Sugar Applebombs and a Sparkle Cola in the back of the drawer. Want ta split em?”

She is about to answer when she notices I have entered the room. “I, Uh, Tater maybe we better ask my ma.” She says,

From below the desk, I hear him say, “I guess, but we haven’t yet today and besides, do we really want to bother her while she is busy?”

I almost smile when I hear him say that and I reply, “Actually you should. The mess hall should have rations available and If you two would accompany Paper Work over there and bring some back for my staff, I really would appreciate it.”

“Ok, Ma, but what about Millie and Lily?” Epona asks.

I sigh and I tell her, ok, one of you go with Paper Work the other stay here and watch them while I get back out there.”

As I head back out the door, I hear Epona tell Tater, “You stay with them and I will go with Paper Work. Remember, if they get hungry take them to Ma.”

I do not hear his reply but when she comes out, I am already telling Paper Work to grab a couple of others and take Epona with them to get rations since none of us has eaten since breakfast at least. For me, it will be my first real meal of the day.

When they return, I am greeted to a stale cheese and alfalfa sandwich, cold hay fries and a piece of dried-out carrot cake. I am so hungry it tastes great and I dig into it as I continue to direct the battle as much as I can.

I am feeding the fillies again at the table when Sutures finally returns. She comes up to me and kisses me gently on my cheek and tells me, “Thank you so much for taking care of them while I was busy. Do you mind if I take them and finish feeding them? I am so full it hurts.”

I kiss her gently on her forehead and tell her, “Of course not, I really was not ready for another feeding but they were hungry. How bad are things over in medical?”

I see her close her eyes and she tells me, “Not as bad as the Valley, but we are having more casualties come in. Thank the Goddesses that the second of the second brought another medical team with them. Their engineers have set up several tents near our hospital so we have two surgeries going right now.”

Well at least that is something I think to myself. Then I tell her, “Dear, after feeding there is a cot folded up by the filing cabinet in my office. Set it up and grab a nap at least, you look exhausted.”

I see her slowly nod her head and she tells me, “Thank you love. I really appreciate your thinking of me like that. I am so tired.”

As she walks to the office, I see her one leg is swollen at the stump from being on it so long. I quickly go over to her and tell her, “Dear, when you nap, take off your leg for a bit. I can see how badly it is swollen and I know it has to hurt.”

She turns to me and I see a tear in her eye as she puts a hoof along my cheek and kisses me. Then she says, “Thank you for proving I have not lost you yet.” Then she turns and continues on into the office.

As the sun sets the battle begins to slow for the night. Through the bunker window, in the far distance, we can still see flares being launched high into the air and the flashes of mortars and artillery shells as they land. But the volume of fire for both small arms and heavy weapons is nothing compared to earlier.

Near midnight Sutures comes back out of my office. She still looks tired, but she is not limping as badly. She comes over to me and tells me, “I need to go relieve some of the medics so they can rest. Could you keep the fillies here still?”

I smile at her, “Yeah, I am going to lay down for a nap myself soon, while things are still slow. How are Epona and Tater doing?”

“They are sleeping on the floor with another blanket that Tater got from his pa. Now I best get going dear. I love you. Be careful until I see you again.” She says then she kisses me one more time before heading out.

I look over and I see Dull Beak just waking up from a nap under the map table. He smiles and tells me, “Ma’am, I got it, for now, go get some rest. I will wake you if anything comes up.”

I yawn widely and tell him, “Thanks DB, I really am feeling it tonight. Just so you know things have quieted down some, but I am still suspicious of what they may pull. Windy is forward with two of her companies between New Colic and Harness. Things have quieted down up north since reinforcements and air support arrived. Oh, and Specs and his team have infiltrated their comms channel and have been giving contradictory orders to them.”

I see Dull Beak laugh lightly but then flinch when he goes to stretch his wings. Then he says, “Ok, sounds good Ma’am, now please go get some sleep, I have a feeling we will need you in the morning.”

I then go to my office. I strip off my battlesaddle and most of my kit but I keep my uniform and pistol on, just in case. As I am falling asleep, I hear Moon Lily ask Millie if she is hungry. Millie quietly tells her, “Not yet, sleep now, while quiet.” Then I quickly fall into a deep sleep after I hear their breathing change as they fall back to sleep.

A few hours later I am woken up by two fillies who are hungry. I am just finishing feeding them when I hear a knock on my office door. Without thinking I call out, “Enter.”

I see Chain Lighting in the light from the other room as he looks towards the cot. He nods and says, “Ma’am. We are starting to experience an increase in activity around New Colic and Harness. Also, the Doorkickers are reporting that they have caught a team of infiltrators.”

I sigh as I know I am now done sleeping for the day. I notice Epona has woken up some and she says, “It’s ok, Ma, I will watch them again.”

“Thank you dear, I really do appreciate it,” I tell her as I get my kit back on. Before I leave, I kiss my fillies and give all three of them a quick hug then I close the door behind me, so hopefully they can get some more sleep.

As I come out, I hear the radio chatter again. “DB1, this is DK1 we have two unicorn, one zebra, and an earth pony in custody. Be warned they were using zebra cloaks and were near our HQ.”

“Roger that DK1, Thank you for the heads up.” Dull Beak responds over the radio. Then he notices me and says, “Morning ma’am, I guess you heard that.”

I nod my head and am still trying to wipe the sleep out of my eyes when Paper Work comes over with a hot cup of tea for. “Thank you so much Paper Work,” I tell him.

I am enjoying the warmth of it as much as how much it wakes me up. Soon I am feeling almost equine again. Almost.

As the night progresses into dawn I begin to hear the increase in calls over the radio. I look over and I notice Milo is sleeping on the floor not far from Chain Lightning. As the radio becomes busier over the speakers in my command post they both begin to wake up and move around.

Milo is beginning to enjoy a cup of tea himself when we hear, “this is Burrowers 3, we need a Dust-off mission at my coordinates asap. Burrowers 1 is down, Burrowers 2 is KIA from infiltrators.” There is a brief pause, then we hear, “Here they come, Move the robot to the left now! Requesting air support, they have Griffons in the air.”

I see Milo have a look of horror come over his face. He drops his tea and is about to run out when I stop him by telling him, “Milo, she won’t be back here for a bit. I know how you feel.” Then I call over the radio, “Roger that Burrowers 3, hold on I will get you support and a Dust-off.” Then I call out to George, “Puff 1, did you hear that?”

“Roger MG, on my way with my escort now. I will call them when I am a kilometer out.”

In the darkness, I see the silhouette of a skywagon taking off from the medical area. I say a silent prayer and hope for the best.

Soon I hear, “Burrowers 3 this is Puff 1, I need you to mark the area you need us to hit.”

“Puff1 this is Burrowers 3, we will use thermite rifle grenades to mark the spots.”

“Holy Creator that is bright. Are you sure you need us to hit them if you have those things?” George says.

“Puff 1, I am certain, they are using the entrenchments we had to abandon.”

“Burrowers 3, this is Puff 1 beginning my run.”

“Roger Puff 1, we are going heads down.” This is followed shortly by “Good run Puff 1. Thank you all.”

Soon afterward I hear over the radio, “This is Dust Off, I am coming in hot to Hackamore base. Have the stretcher-bearers ready, I have a full load.”

I see a messenger running out of the command post toward medical right after we hear this, then I see Milo get up to follow. I put a hoof on his shoulder as he passes and I tell him, “I will be praying for her, my friend.”

He tries to smile back, but I can see the worry on his face and the tears he is fighting as he says, “Thanks Mollygirl, I will be back as soon as I know something.”

“I understand, I will send a message on your PipBuck if I need you before then. Now go,” I tell him.

I watch him go and then turn my attention back to the map. I then call up Windy, “WR1 this is MG, I need you to go forward with my Enfields and the Burrowers to relieve New Colic. They have been under siege for over a week.”

“Roger MG, will do, WR1 out.” She replies.

Soon after I hear her call out, “MG1 this is WR1, we are engaging. We have heavy opposition.”

“Roger WR1, you have air support available if you want it as well as mortars,” I call back.

Day two and the battle is in full swing again. It takes four hours but Windy and her troops are able to break through to New Colic and have driven the siege troops back. I am starting to feel some relief that we can not only hold but drive them off. However, I am now worried about the president’s safety with the number of infiltrators the zebra troops have gotten into my lines. Milo has informed me that Laura Lee will make it, but it was a close call for her. I see that he is visibly shaken.

Then I hear over the comms channel, “MG1 this is LL1 we have a large body of opposing forces that have slipped through and are heading for us, and Harness request orders.”

I think briefly and ask Milo, “You willing to fly?”

I see him look at me wide-eyed as he asks, “Why?”

“Because Milo you and I are going to ride George if she has her harnesses with her so we can better direct the fight.”

I see him reluctantly nod his head and I call over the radio, “Puff this is MG1, do you copy?”

“Roger MG1 what can I do for you?” She replies.

“Puff do you have two harnesses with you?”

“MG1 I have two of them in my saddlebags outside of your CP. Get them on and I will be there asap.”

“Roger Puff1, I will see you then, MG1 out.”

Milo looks at me stunned. I tell him, wait here and I go into my office, “Epona, I need you to watch your sisters for a bit longer, I have to go forward for a bit. If you have any problems go to Mama Sutures over in medical. Let someone there know you need her, but only if it is an emergency that you or the staff here cannot handle.”

I see her nod her head and she says, “Ok Ma, will do.” and she gives me a quick hug which is joined by Millie and Moon Lily.

Tater from over in the corner asks me, “Ma’am is my pa going with you?”

I sigh and tell him, “Sorry Tater, but yeah he is. We should be back soon.”

He nods his head and tells Epona, “I will be right back.”

He trots out the door and as I go out, I see him giving Chain Lighting a hug and I hear him tell him, “Please be careful as you can Pa.”

Chain gives him a quick hug back and then I see him grab his helmet and saddlebags as I head outside and find the two harnesses. I assist Milo in putting his on and just as we finish George comes in to land.

“Ready Colonel?” she asks.

I nod my head and Milo and I climb onto her back as her escorts circle above us. Once we are hooked on securely and double-check each other I tell her over the comms channel. "Ready when you are."

She looks back at Milo and smiles as she says, “Welcome aboard. I will try not to be too rough.”

With that, she begins to run and then launches herself into the air. As we take off, I look back and I see Sutures coming out of medical looking up at us with a worried expression on her face. Then I see her head to my command post as we fly towards Harness with our escort of Pegasus.

As we go I look at the ground below trying to find any signs of the enemy troops between Hackamore and Harness. I look back at Milo and see him looking through the scope of his rifle to the area below us. Suddenly I watch as two of our escorts peel off and begin to climb to our left. Two more perform a climb and turn at the same time. I follow their tracks and see A flight of griffons diving towards us. Without thinking I snap fire some quick bursts toward them from the Death Bunny as does Milo with his weapons. Then George tells us, “Hold on, here we go,” as she rolls over and dives away from the griffons. Then I hear her snicker a bit and say, “Just like pegasus tag eh Mollygirl?”

I have to laugh a bit as I feel the thrill of the chase. Behind me, I hear Milo say, “You did this for fun?”

I laugh out loud and tell him, “Uh yeah. Now get ready we are coming in low and fast, fire at any of the red markers on your SATS.”

As we fly just above treetop level over the wastelands, I see Captain Abby and her Lancers below us and she waves as we go over. Suddenly I see a large number of red tags on my SATS, just as George takes a deep breath and blows out fire across our line of travel. As we pass Milo opens fire at those behind us still standing.

Then Milo calls out. “Mollygirl, have your troops fall back towards Harness. But do not have them enter the lower canyon. When they get there, I will have some of my troops guide them. This is part of defense plan Charlie.”

I make the call to Captain Abby and I watch as we fly high again, her troops performing a fighting withdrawal. Soon I see them meet with the Harness troops and I am stunned as it looks like they begin to disappear from the surface.

Milo simply smiles and says, “Don’t worry, they are out of danger from the blast field.”

I am wondering what he is talking about when I see the first company of enemy troops begin to walk across the wide-open field leading toward the back entrance to Harness. George begins to circle back and Milo tells her, “Stay here for a bit George, it will be safer that way.”

I can see George is about to ask him why when I see several explosions simultaneously occur in a straight line which drop the ground around them, then I see this repeated row after row straight across the opening for almost a quarter-mile. It is so rapid that while the troops on the far side can begin to react, they do not have time to escape.

It looks like the most accurate artillery bombardment I have ever seen, but there are no shells. Milo turns and tells me, “It’s an old mining technique for getting at shallow deposits, we never used it, but when we found it, we thought it would be great to use for a defense.”

I have to agree at first, but after the charges stop I see the attackers reform and those in the follow-up waves charge forward again. They are met by long-range fire from along the canyon top, as well as called mortar fire. Then I notice the troops along the ridges running away. I start to feel like we are losing, but I see an evil grin on Milo’s face and he watches intently. I see the enemy company has entered the back pass into the canyon and suddenly I hear Milo calmly call over the radio, “Now.”

Immediately after this I watch as one of the walls above the enemy troopers explodes in a similar fashion as the flat field did but instead of simply sinking down it begins an avalanche that opens up the entrance of the canyon, but the landslide buries those below it. As the dust settles, I see the Harness defenders surge forward from the canyon and along the ridge tops along with Luna’s Lancers. Those that survived the blast begin to flee from our counter-attack. Those who are caught by the defenders have to fight to the death. Most are unable to run though as they are now beneath what was once a hillside.

Harness has held again. But I am afraid of what will happen if they are attacked again and I ask Milo about it.

He grins and tells me, “Mollygirl, do you think those were our only blast zones. Besides, most of the civilian adults inside are standing by with mining tools to use as melee weapons along with the rest of my troops and two more Ultra Sentinels. They may come, but they will never leave Harness alive.”

I shake my head in wonder and I tell George, “Take us close to New Colic, and then we will fly back to Hackamore. And thank you for this today.”

She smiles as she tells me, “My pleasure Colonel, it was almost like old times and it was a novelty having a mule for a passenger. He is a lot steadier than I thought he would be for a first-timer.”

As we are flying over New Colic, I receive a call from Specs, “MG1 this is Hackamore Base, the enemy has ordered a general withdrawal.”

“Roger Hackamore Base, thank you for the update.”

As we circle overhead, I am soon Joined by Windy as she flies alongside us on your way back to the command post.

Once we land, I tell George, “You did a great job, now go grab something to eat and a bit of rest for you and your escort.

She smiles and tells me, “Thank you, Colonel,” then she turns to her normal escort and tells them, “Time for a break, meet back here in an hour.” I then watch her take off to hunt for something to eat as I go back into my command post.

I am standing at the table when Millie and Moon Lily come out of my office complaining they are hungry. Epona is right behind them and tells me, “Sorry Ma, Mama Sutures feed them right after you left, but she had to go back to the hospital.”

I nod my head in understanding, then I notice Millie sniffing at something that none of us can seem to see. She is getting ready to bite something in the air and it hits me what she may be smelling. I yell out “Millie, No run!”

Instead, she grabs it with her teeth and pulls hard, yanking an invisibility cloak off of a zebra. He kicks her and sends her flying into the wall. She screams as she hits and I am up on my hind hooves ready to fight and kill him in hoof to hoof. From the other corner of the room, I see a burst of gunfire and I suddenly collapse as I feel several burning stings in my side. I am laying on the floor and I hear Moon Lily yell “NO HURT MILLS!” and I watch as her horn lights up so brightly it hurts my eyes and I see the zebra stallion lifted into the air and I can do nothing but watch as she uses her TK to slam the zebra against the floor, the ceiling, the floor again, back and forth until he no longer screams and is limp.

While this is happening, I hear Epona and Tater screaming to the side, “Assassins!” and I hear her and Tater’s SMG roar and screams of pain from the corner.

I feel my vision starting to blur and I look up and I see her. The Mareigan. She smiles at me and I feel her hoof along my cheek. I feel my tears burning my cheeks. I know it is time. But she shakes her head and tells me, “No my child, it is not your time. I am here for the zebras.” Then she turns her head some and says, "Our Moon Lily is a most impressive mare for one so young.” She then looks back at me and tells me, “Know you will survive today.” Then she kisses me on my forelock like I am a foal and she slowly walks out and I see two zebras following behind her, but no one else seems to see them.

Beside me, I hear Milo yell, “Get the medics now!”

Then I feel him stroke my cheek as he says to me, “You're going to be ok Mollygirl, you’ll be ok, right?”

I hear Epona tell Millie and Moon Lily, “Come now. We have to go into the office.”

Moon Lily is crying and tells her, “No! he hurt Mills!”

Then I hear Millie say “I ok Moon.” and I relax knowing my daughter is ok.

Soon after I hear Sutures run into the room and she is crying, she is next to me and begins to work on me and I hear her say, “Goddesses Damn it don’t you die on me. Please, please, I can’t lose you.”

I am barely able to raise my hoof and very weakly I tell her, “She told me it was not my time yet.”

“Who told you that?” she says through her tears.

Still struggling to even think, I tell her, “Mareigan.” Then I pass out.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Today our quiet community of miners has taken its place in the NCR. Our membership was bought and paid for through the price of blood, sweat, and tears alongside our fellow NCR citizens. We do so with pride, but we understand the cost. With this in mind could play When the Hammer Falls for those of us from Harness.

High Grader, Site Foreman, Harness, NCR

In this chapter, we see Mollygirl back in her element. However, we still see she is a mother as well as a warrior. We also get to see how often times it takes us almost losing those we love to realize what is at stake.

Thermobaric weapons are very real and were first used based on the dust explosions that would occur in mine shafts.
One video of an FAE/Thermoberic bomb in testing is shown in this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmRASCHJe2Q

A smaller FAE charge against a mannequin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9xCgNdZPKk

As for the blast fields used at Harness in its defense, the attached video will give you an understanding of the type of forces they were able to use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KskBRHAlmDg

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm96Cqu4Ils&list=RDXm96Cqu4Ils&start_radio=1