I feel something on my muzzle and I wrinkle my nose as I try to get it off. I slowly try to open my eyes and I can not see. I am about to panic when I realize I feel bandages over my eyes and the top of my head. I can feel an IV going into my left forehoof, so I go to move my right one and it feels heavy and does not really want to respond, but I am able to move it and I begin to examine my body. I find I have more bandages on my torso as well.

As I am doing this, I hear a voice nearby say, “Milo, go get a medic, I think she is awake.”

I then hear Milo’s voice reply, “Ok Laura Lee, but are you going to be ok?”

I hear her laugh lightly, “Milo, I will be fine. I am not going anywhere. Now go get a medic so they can let Sutures and her family know.” Laura Lee tells him.

I then hear hoof steps leading away. Soon after I hear Laura Lee ask, “How are ya doing Mollygirl?”

I let out a groan at first, then I begin to try and talk and my mouth tastes horrible and is very dry. Finally, I get enough spittle in it so I can begin to talk. “Hey, Laura Lee. How long?”

Still in darkness, I hear her say, “About a week. I only woke up yesterday. Just so you know Milo has been worried sick about both of us. Cannel and Cedar have both spent a lot of time here as well. Half the town wanted to come see you and to wish you well. Your wife has been very distraught and they have been having to make sure she takes care of herself. She has tried to spend as much time here with you. Even with the little ones from what I have been told.”

I feel near panic as I think back to the moments before I passed out. “Millie, how are my daughters?”

I hear her say, “Millie is fine. I heard what happened and she only had a couple of bruises. I think the zebra was trying to get her clear of a fight. He was after much bigger game. Moon Lily and Epona are considered heroes by the way for helping to kill them before anypony else was hurt.”

I am still slightly confused and shake my head. Then she says, “Shortly after you were taken to surgery, the president arrived for the ceremony according to Milo and Dull Beak. She saw the bodies of the assassins and your blood on the ground.”

I again shake my head as I say, “Thank the Goddesses that she was not earlier.” Then it hits me Moon Lily is considered a hero and I ask, “How bad did Moon Lily hurt that Zebra?”

I hear her clear her throat and say, “Really, let’s not talk about that. However, the one envoy that was from Tenpony Tower was with the president and when she heard what happened she started to try and get Sutures to let her begin to train the little one.”

I shake my head, “I hope she said not yet. I know Purple will want to take her to Manehatten, and Sutures doesn't need that. She needs her little mare.”

Soon after I hear more hoof steps approaching and I hear Doc Treacle ask me, “How are you feeling Colonel?”

I laugh lightly, which causes a twinge of pain in my ribs, as I tell him, “Like I was run over by every brahmin in a caravan.”

I hear the smile in his voice at this and he tells me, “Ok, I am going to remove the bandages on your head and take a look.” As he says this, I begin to feel the bandages on my head begin to unroll and the pressure against the wounds begins to lighten.

When he takes the bandages off of my eyes. It seems really bright at first, then as my eyes adjust, I realize it is fairly dark inside the hospital ward. I see beds all around me with wounded soldiers in them. I look over at Laura Lee and I see she is missing a forehoof.

She notices my looking at it and shrugs her shoulders as she tells me, “Ah, no big deal. We are used to accidents in the mines, so they are already making me a new one. Besides, Sutures has shown me a lot about how to deal with them.”

I raise an eyebrow and I see Doc Treacle smile as he tells me, “They have developed some very interesting artificial prosthetics in Harness. In fact, I have learned quite a bit from them.”

This makes me think and I quickly look at my right foreleg and I feel a rush of relief when I see it is still all me. Then I feel guilty as I look back at Laura Lee and I think of my Sutures.

Doc does a quick once over of my wounds and is soon joined by Osteotome. She actually seems worried about me as she changes my dressings and keeps asking if the dressings are too tight. Then she goes out of the ward and returns with a big glass of water along with a fresh apple.

I drink the water and am about to devour the apple when she says, “Now Colonel, go slow, it has been a few days since you have had solid food. No need to upset your stomach ma’am”

I simply nod my head and begin to eat the rest of the apple slowly. I have been awake for about an hour when I finally hear my family approaching in the darkness of the ward. I hear Sutures several times tell the fillies, “Be quiet dears, they are trying to sleep.”

I then hear Millie say, “But Mama, Ma awake?”

“Yes dear, she is awake, but the others are not. We need to be quiet for them.”

“Ok, mama.” I hear Millie say but I can track where they are by the light coming off of a very young filly’s horn. I am stunned when I see this.

When they are close enough Doc and Osteotome move to the side and Sutures stands on her hind hooves so she can take me in her forehooves. I am about to say something when I feel her muzzle touch mine and I feel her tongue part my lips. The kiss we share is so intimate that I am almost embarrassed, but instead, I take her in my hooves and go with it.”

When we break the kiss, she moves back enough I can see the tears on her face. I gently try to wipe them off and she tells me, “Do you have any idea what you put me through? I thought I was going to lose you.”

I feel my cheeks heat up as I blush and I tell her, “Sorry, I was not trying to worry you.”

She laughs lightly and wipes the tears off of her cheeks. As she is doing this, I see both Moon Lily and Mille trying to reach up to me on the bed.

I then hear Laura Lee laughing lightly while she watches my daughters as Epona uses her head to pick up both fillies and boast them onto the bed with me. Then Laura Lee says, “They really have missed you haven’t they.”

I can only nod and I feel the tears fill my eyes as I realize what all I could have lost. These fillies and the rest of my family. They are so worth fighting for. Epona then joins her sisters and I just bask in the warmth of my daughters' love as well as my wife’s.

Through the windows of the hospital ward bunker I can see the sun start to slowly rise as our visit continues. Once it is time Sutures takes Epona and the fillies with her to the mess hall. After this, I notice a dragon flying in the distance and I ask “Is George still here?”

Milo answers first, “Yes she is. So is the second of the second. The third of the second left yesterday along with the president and her personal escort.”

I then ask, “So what all did I miss?”

By this time Laura Lee has fallen back asleep so it is just Milo and I talking. He looks at her and smiles sadly, then he turns back to me. “Well, the ceremony in Harness ended up going without a hitch. Gawd also met with all the local mayors and discussed with them goals and plans for the future of this area.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Glad to hear that. It should help a lot.”

He nods his head and then says, “Oh, all of yours and Sutures fillies, as well as Tater, had pictures taken so they can be used for propaganda posters. And before you ask, your wife did approve of it.”

I nod my head, “Ok, what kind of propaganda posters?”

He smiles and says, “Well from what I understand one of them will show them partially dressed as NCR Rangers but with their faces showing and saying, When we grow up, we are going to be Rangers! How about you?” he laughs lightly and says, “When they were taking the pictures Moon Lily lit up her horn, the photographers loved it.”

I simply shake my head and smile. Who knew, but Ginger is going to be so jealous I think to myself. Well, we will deal with that when we have to.

As we are talking Dull Beak comes into the ward and approaches me. “It is good to see you finally awake Colonel. How you are feeling.”

I shake my head, which this time causes me to have a headache and I tell him, “To be honest DB, I feel like ten miles of bad road in the back of a wagon without springs. But at least I am still this side of the dirt.”

“Very true, very true. By the way, the President sends her regrets at not being able to stay and meet with you. However, none of us knew when you would regain consciousness.”

I nod my head slowly and tell him, “I can understand that. Thanks for taking over when I was down.”

He smiles and tells me, “Don’t thank me too much. Because of what happened here and how it was handled, the next time we get a slot available to command of a battalion, I have been tagged.”

I reach out a hoof and tell him “Well congratulations. I am so glad to hear it for you.”

He takes my hoof in his talon and shakes it and then tells me, “Also, the next time one of the Manesville regiments needs an XO, you are in line. The president was very impressed by how you had not only brought the local communities here into the NCR fold, but you helped them to develop a sense of identity. While Harness is the industrial powerhouse of the region the central location of the town of Hackamore, as well as the base and its Militia Armory, has made it the regional capital you could say.”

At first, my jaw drops, and then I almost laugh when I think of what that means for poor Sticky Wicket. Then I ask while I blush, “Did she hear about the Flying Cow?”

He starts to laugh, “Did she hear about it? Milo and the Anthracite brothers highly recommend it to her. She was impressed when she stopped for lunch there and was able to have a conversation with Buttermilk. It seems her worries about the Others have been assuaged for now.”

“I am really glad to hear that. I know it had to worry her some.”

Milo then chimes in, “Yeah, but you know when ya’all head home I will be missing so many of ya.”

I reach across and put a hoof on his and tell him, “Milo, I am sure all of us will miss you too. I know I will.”

I see an expression of dumbfoundedness come over his face and he asks, “Mollygirl, you really think so? I mean you and I, well we never even, and you will still miss me?”

As I am nodding my head Dull Beak tells him, “Milo, to be close friends does not always require that. I consider both of you my friends and to tell you the truth, that never crossed my mind with either of you.”

I see Milo grin as he says, “Yeah, but that is just because you are not in ta equines.”

This time I hear Dull Beak laugh and he looks around and then quietly says, “Now that is not necessarily true, but I don’t want it getting out. I just don’t need the griffon gropers chasing after me.”

I see Milo break into a wide smile and he says, “Ok Dull Beak, your secret is safe with me.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Yeah, I won’t say nothing either.”

Then I see a tear start to form in Milo’s eye and I ask, “Milo, are you ok?”

He nods his head and tells us, “Yeah, but I know you two will be leaving in a few months and it hit me we may not have too many more times that just the three of us are able to spend time together.”

We are all quiet for a bit after this but finally, I say, “Milo, that may be true, but we can always write to each other. That means the three of us can always stand by each other, even if we are apart.”

I see him smile and he says, “Just like with your family and the foals?”

I am just about to answer when I hear Dull Beak break out laughing, and he says, “I knew it was more than just standing in as a surrogate. Dang Mollygirl, how many spouses are you going to end up with?”

I feel my cheeks starting to turn red again and I find myself sputtering as both of them just laugh at me. The worst part is we still have not had a chance to tell Milo and his family our answer yet.

Two days later I am strong enough that they allow me to finally get out of bed to walk around. I find myself slowly making my way around the ward talking to all of those who are recovering there.

I am surprised at how many there are there. It seems we took the more critically wounded from Harness as well as some from the Second of the Second. I see several who had to have limbs amputated due to their injuries. I feel horrified when I see this.

One of the old hooves for the Doorkickers is there and missing his hind leg. As I am talking to him, I tell him how sorry I am that he has been hurt so badly. He then looks at me and says, “Ma,” I watch as he looks mortified and then starts again, “Ma’am, you have to understand, at least it happened here. Harness knows how to deal with these types of injuries it seems. Besides, I have seen how well ol’ Doc Sutures gets around. Ma’am, she has three fillies tagging along with her half the time and she still gets around well enough to help the regular medics and Doc Treacle. Even if it forces me out, Ma’am, I can choose where I want to live now, and I know I can still be productive and not feel like a burden to anyone.”

I ignore his initial slip, but I have to smile at his attitude. I pat him on his shoulder and tell him, “You will do fine Trooper. With your attitude, you will do fine.”

I slowly move around the room and then I see one of the young troopers. He is laying there on the bed with all four limbs removed. I try to hide my horror as I walk over to him to talk. He nods to me and laughs a bit then he tells me, “It looks worse than it is ma’am. At least I am still alive.”

I stutter as I try to answer him, and say, “Ye, yes that’s true. You are a tough one son.”

When he hears this, he smiles a bit more. “Thank you, Colonel. Funny thing is, being this badly wounded probably saved my life ma’am when the Zebras overran us.”

Now my curiosity overcomes my horror and I have to ask, “How did it do that?”

He grins and says, “Ma’am, as I was laying there the Zebras walking past me were talking and I overheard the one tell the other to shoot me. The first says why bother, he will be dead soon and we need to save ammo.”

I can understand that, but then I have to ask, “Trooper, where did you learn to speak Zebrican?”

He blushes and tells me, “Colonel, I know we are not supposed to fraternize, but you remember those zebra prisoners you released a while back, well the mare decided to stay in our area. She moved to Bare Withers. She and I began to talk a bit a couple of months back, and well she and I were talking about getting married.”

I nod my head and asks, “Does she know you are here and alive?”

He nods his head, “Yes Ma’am, she was told by a couple of my buddies in the 3^rd squad. But Ma’am, she does not think you would allow her on the base.”

I can understand this, and to be honest, after the attack the other day I am slightly hesitant. But I know that if they are talking marriage then her being here will help him mentally as well as physically to recover. I am concerned about her not wanting to be with him due to the extent of his injuries. So, I tell him, “Trooper, I will send a messenger with a signed pass by me to her. Hopefully she can make it here in a day or two.”

He nods his head, “Ma’am, I can tell you are worried about my injuries, but to be honest, I am not. Colonel Milo had a team come in here two days ago and started the process of measuring and getting the stumps ready for the prosthetic mounts. Their doctors said they have seen worse and ma’am those same zebras when they were arguing, one said that Security had the same type of injuries and had her legs replaced and still caused them a load of trouble. Even if my new ones are not as good as hers, If I can still get around then I will. Just like that Pegasus mare back home at the Stable. She does pretty good in the wheelchair. So, who knows?”

While I really appreciate his enthusiasm, I can not help but thank Sweet Cream and the Goddesses that It was not me. I don’t know if I could have handled it. To take my mind off of it I tell him, “Later when my clerk Paper Work comes by, remind me to have him get your mares name and we will get that pass for you. Now have you thought about taking her back home with you?”

He nods his head, “Yes Ma’am. We have. We are trying to decide for sure still. Ma’am, Harness has offered any of us who were severely wounded, a home if we need it. They say we paid a price that bound us to them like forge-welded iron.”

I smile at that and behind me, I hear Milo say, “He is right about that Colonel. I learned a bit when I visited Manesville and it opened my mind up to different ways of doing things. Besides, we are used to dealing with such injuries from the mines.”

I see some concern on the trooper’s face and he asks, “Colonel Milo sir, do you have that many accidents in the mines?”

Milo shakes his head, “No, but the ones we have had, caused us to have to learn about how to work with them. And son, you are going to be getting the same quality of treatment as my wife Laura Lee.”

“Thank you, sir. I really do appreciate it.” He tells Milo and then Milo says, “Mollygirl, I think we have given this trooper enough excitement for the day, lets let him get some rest.”

As we head back to my bed, I stumble a couple of times, but Milo catches me and helps me along. I then notice that Sutures and the young fillies are back. However, I also see both Millie and Moon Lily are on Laura Lee's bunk and are cuddling with her as she plays with them. I see the joy on her face as she tickles and nuzzles them. Yes, she will make a good parent, I tell myself.

I am surprised though when I hear Millie say, “Awnt Wara Wee, Hungry?”

Laura Lee then asks, “You or me Kiddo?”

Then I see the blanket shift and Both the foals try to nurse. Milo about falls out laughing as do several of the wounded troopers nearby. Laura Lee turns three shades of red and I hear Millie say, “No Milk?”

Laura Lee then gently puts her hoof on Millie’s cheek and tells her, “Sorry little one, mules can’t nurse.”

Then Moon Lily says, “But hungy.”

Sutures looks embarrassed and tells them, “Come on girls, let’s go so I can feed you.”

Then I am surprised again as I hear one of the troopers say, “Come on Doc, your one of us and they are your daughters, go ahead and feed them, we promise we won’t look. Heck just sit down in the chair and a couple of us will hold a sheet in front of you for privacy.”

Sutures is still ready to fight them on this when Moon says, “Hungry Mama.”

She smiles and says, “Are you sure it will not bother you?”

One of the pegasi in another bed that is from the second regiment then says, “Doc, they say your wife was taking care of them that way in the middle of the fight and none of us thought twice about it. Here, let me get over there.” I watch as he slowly steps in front of her and turns his back to her and opens his wings. Then he says, “There you go ma’am.”

“Thank you so much trooper,” Sutures tells him and then I hear her say, “Ok fillies come get lunch.”

Which both of our daughters eagerly do. As soon as they finish, she says, “Thank you trooper. I really appreciate it.”

He smiles and tells her, “Just call me Nimbostratus, and ma’am my mother would have tanned my hide if I had not helped you like that.”

“Well she raised you right, and I appreciate it.” Sutures tells him.

I see him blush and he says, “Not bad for pegasus I guess.”

Sutures gently laughs and says, “Not bad for any stallion. Besides, you do know about the Colonel’s family history, right?”

He shakes his head no and she tells him with a tone of pride in her voice, “Nimbostratus, she is descended from the two pegasuses that were in our stable when it closed. Also, our daughter Millie is also named after her grandmother who was one of the first to leave the stable over a century ago.”

He seems surprised at this and asks, “So you're saying that you really do not think any differently about pegasi than anypony else?”

I smile at him and tell him, “Exactly. You have to consider the wide range of friends I have. Some are pegasi, some unicorn, earth ponies, mules,” I say as I smile at Milo and then Laura Lee, “Alicorns, cattle, and even a dragon. So, if you're good people, I will treat you that way.”

He looks thoughtful and asks, “And if you aren’t good people?”

I feel my face go serious as I answer, “That is not a good thing. Just ask the locals about Radio Shack and Forged Chain. I prefer not to talk about it.”

I see his jaw drop and he looks suddenly nervous, and as he recovers, he says, “Colonel forget I ever asked that question please.” Next to me, I see Sutures’s eyes go wide at his sudden change in demeanor.

“What question trooper? But again, thank you.” I tell him and give him an almost motherly smile. I tend to forget she gets embarrassed by such displays as breastfeeding in public and I do really appreciate his helping like this.

Laura Lee simply smiles and then tells Sutures, “You are so lucky to have foals and to be able to nurse them.”

When she says this, I see her begin to think and she quietly tells Laura Lee, “Well, let me talk to your town's mid-wife and I will discuss with her the possibility of a jenny being a wet nurse using the milk production spell.”

I see her smile widely, “Sutures, do you really think we could do that. I mean I would love it and it would really help Cedar and Cannel if and when they do happen to get pregnant.” She says and then I see her blush as she looks at me with a questioning look then back to Sutures.

Sutures nods her head, comes closer to her, and tells her, “Yes we discussed it and she has agreed also.”

I see her eyes light up and she has a smile as big as all get out. Milo was sitting quietly napping on her other side wakes up and asks, “What’s going on dear? You seem really excited.”

Laura Lee smiles at him and tells him, “Milo, Mollygirl agreed.”

Milo’s muzzle then breaks out in a big grin as he comes over and gives first me, then Sutures a big hug and tells us, “Mares, you do not know what his means to me and my family.” But I have an idea as I see a single tear in the corner of his eye as he looks at the fillies and just grins.

Three days later I am released from medical and can return to limited duties. Doc Treacle comes over to me and tells me as I leave, “Colonel, please limit yourself to light duty for at least another week.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Doc, I cannot guarantee it, but I will try, will that suffice?”

He snorts a brief laugh and tells me, “With you, it has too. Also, tell your wife thanks again for the assist during the battle and since. Ya know I never thought about it before, but seeing her get around like she does helped a lot of these mares and stallions deal with their losses. I owe her a lot for that alone. Oh, and tell her my next trip to the Flying Cow is in two days if she wants to assist me again.”

I smile at him and tell him, “I will make sure I tell her for you Doc. Maybe we should consider having her sign a contract as a civilian to work with us until we return.”

I see him think about it and he tells me, “Colonel, while it is not normal, it is not without precedence back during the great war from what I understand, sometimes they would have civilian contract medical personnel for the army. Let me look into it before you mention it to her, please. Now I best get going, I have some troopers I need to checks wounds.”

“Ok Doc, I will see you later,” I tell him, and then I head on over toward my command post. On my way, I see Kettle Bell who trots over to talk to me when she sees me.

When she gets close enough, she gives me a quick salute which I return and she falls in and walks with me.

“Good Morning Captain,” I tell her, “How are things going?”

She smiles and tells me, “Morning Colonel, not too bad so far. I just wanted to say hello and apologize for not making it to see you in the hospital. Between my company and business with the Flying Cow, I hardly have had time to myself.”

I nod my head, “Yes, I can understand that. How is business going?”

She smiles at that question and tells me, “Not bad at all. We have a reputation for a really good lunch menu and we are making a good profit from the kitchen and the bar. Of course, our other services are doing well, as always, but they are not the big money makers for us.”

I nod my head and laugh lightly as I tell her, “You know, I had not realized that. I thought those services were the big attractions.”

She shakes her head as we continue walking and tells me, “Well, most customers have limited endurance and our workers can only service so many at a time. However, the kitchen and bar take a minimum of space and workers to service a large number of customers, many of them who have actually started to show up just for the kitchen and the bar. Oh, and Cornbread has asked me when Sutures can come for her next sitting.”

The last part catches me completely off guard, but I try to hide my surprise and I tell her, “Well, I will let her know he is wondering. So how have you been doing Kettle?”

She smiles at this and tells me, “Well, I have to say I am doing pretty good. I should be due again in about seven months.”

I look at her with my head tilted slightly and ask, “Does your husband know?”

She laughs and tells me, “Actually, yes. He is the one who suggested it this time as he knows about some of the Others and he wanted one last time to diversify the genetics, but he has told me the next calf I carry is his. Also, it seems he has had a slight relationship with the wet nurse who took over feeding my last little one when we had to leave.”

I smile at that as I know how serious he is about all of that. Most would not imagine him being like that as he always seems so prim and proper. I then tell her, “You know at this rate you may end up in a marriage like mine.”

She laughs at that and says, “Dear, I would not mind, but you know as well as I do it is easier to just keep such things quiet than out in the open.”

As we get ready to enter the command post bunker, I ask her, “Would you like to have a cup of tea?”

She smiles and says, “If you don’t’ mind, I really would. It has been too long since you and I have gotten a chance to just sit and talk. I know how busy you are, but I miss it.”

I smile at her and tell her, “You know I miss it too. Come on in Captain.”

As I step into the main map room on my way to the office, I stop dead in my tracks and just stare at the floor. I see right in front of my map table two very dark stains on the wooden floor, to the side a notice a third and I realize that is from the attack in my bunker. I see the largest stained area is from where I went down and I realize again, how close I came. I want to move forward but I cannot make myself. Instead, I just look down and stare at it.”

I hear Kettle Bell tell me, “It’s ok Mollygirl, let's go to your office.” And I feel her lightly nudge me with her nose. This seems to break the spell and I begin to walk forward again.

Off to the side, I see Paper Work approaching me. I see the door to Dull Beak’s office is open and he is hard at work going through some forms. He looks up at me and waves a quick wing and starts to sign something else.

I go into my office and as I sit down, I see most of my kit has been cleaned and is hanging on the wall where I normally have it. My helmet is noticeably missing. On the desk is a short note that says,

My love,

I have restocked your desk, as Epona and Tater admitted what all they took from it. I love you and I hope you have a good day. I will see you later.

Your loving wife

Sutures

I cannot help but smile at both her thoughtfulness and the note itself. Kettle Bell has taken the chair across from me and smiles and tells me, “I can tell it is a good note. It is so good to see you happy again Mollygirl.”

Right after she says this Paper Work knocks on the door and asks, “Colonel, would you two like some tea?”

I quickly acknowledge him and tell him, “Yes please, I really do appreciate it.”

He smiles and quickly heads back out.

Kettle Bell then asks me, “Mollygirl, out in the main area there, what happened?”

I am slightly embarrassed as I tell her, “I am not sure Kettle, I guess it hit me how bad I was really hurt when I saw the stains on the wooden floor. Kettle, I knew it was bad, but that really brought it home.”

She nods her head, “I can understand that. I am just glad it was not worse. Not only would I have lost a good commander, but a friend, and I really would hate to lose you.”

Her saying this makes me smile and helps me to relax. As we continue to wait for the tea, Kettle Bell and I simply sit and talk. Then she surprises me by telling me, “By the way, the entire staff of the Flying Cow told me the next time I see you to send you their best wishes. Also, they have been told by Butter Milk that you are not allowed to drink any alcohol per the orders of your wife and her. Just so you know, that way the temptation is not as great for you when you are there. However, you are to get tea or coffee on the house.”

Part of me is mortified at this because it shows how many people know about my problem. On the other hoof, I realize it is being done because they care about me. Besides, I cannot complain about free tea or coffee.

“Thanks for letting me know Kettle. I do appreciate it.” I tell her.

Finally, Paper Work returns with the hot water and the tea set. I have to smile as I look at it and how careful he is in how he handles it. He seems to take a pride in keeping the silver so shiny and the cups in such good condition. As he is pouring the water over the tea leaves, I ask him, “Paper Work, I notice how much you care about this tea set, is there any special reason?”

He smiles and nods his head as he tells me, “Yes ma’am. It used to be Major Quick Trot’s. She said it was recovered from the old armory in Manesville and had once been its commanding officer's personal set. I like the history of it, and it reminds me of her. She was far from perfect ma’am, but I respected her and I wish things could have gone better for her.”

“I understand and to tell the truth, not only do I wish things could have gone differently for her, but I miss her. She went through a lot more than I had realized back then.” I tell him.

I see Kettle Bell nod her head slightly and he smiles sadly and replies, “Yes ma’am she did. But then again all of us have.” He bows slightly and then tells me, “If there is nothing else ma’am, I have a few things to still do at my desk.”

I nod at him and tell him, “No, nothing more for now. Thank you again Paper Work.”

After our tea, Kettle Bell heads back to her troops and I get up and begin to take a walk around the base to inspect it. As I get to the main gate, I see the zebra mare who I had freed that day is there. I see the guard looking at a piece of paper and he tells her, “Sorry, but I need to have my sergeant look at this. Please wait here.”

He is beginning to turn to go toward the gatehouse when he sees me and I see him go to attention and salute. I return his salute and ask him, “Is there a problem trooper?”

He tells me, “Ma’am, this zebra here has a note that she says is signed by you, allowing her on base to visit medical. I was just going to verify it as It seems suspicious to me.”

I nod my head, “That is the response I would want. But in this case, she is telling you the truth. I signed it a couple of days ago. She is engaged to one of our troopers who is recovering there. I will take her.”

He gives the note back to the mare and points toward me and after she puts the note away, she shyly approaches me. She tries to say something in zebra, but I cannot understand it. Instead, I point to her and then back to myself then toward the base hospital and as I walk that way, she falls in behind me.

Once we get to the hospital ward I can tell when she sees him as she gasps and puts a hoof over her muzzle. I see the tears form in her eyes as she runs to him and throws her hoof around him. I watch as he lifts his head and wraps his neck against hers.

Then they begin to talk. I figure while I am here, I can visit a few of the others, including Laura Lee. As I am talking to her I hear a few of those special words I have heard Xavier and Persimmon use when they were together, especially on those nights when they had asked us to watch Xochitl for them.

Laura Lee smiles as she watches them and says, “Hard to believe how much they feel for each other. He was more worried about her not wanting him anymore than about his injuries themselves. I get the feeling he does not have to worry, especially after he gets the new legs.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I have to agree Laura Lee. I just hate seeing any of my people hurt.”

She nods her head, “Yeah, I do understand that, but in our job, it kind of goes hoof in hoof. Besides, you were hurt too, just differently.”

Again, I nod in agreement. We continue to talk for a bit when I hear the Zebra mare begin to swear in Zebrican. Then she says something more I cannot understand and he shakes his head no. Finally, I hear her say slowly and in broken equestrian, “You tell her, please.”

I see him sigh and nod his head as he says to her barely loud enough for me to hear, “Ok, I will tell her.”

With that, she waves a hoof at me and says, “Please, come.”

I point a hoof at me and then at her and she nods her head yes.

I get up and I go to them. Once I am close enough, he begins, “Colonel, this is Xyliana, my fiancé. First, she wants to say thank you for speaking true and giving her a choice to live freely as long as she does not return to that life. Second, she says she knows where the - Praefectus Castrorum has his base of operations.”

Now they have my full attention. “First, tell her, she is welcome and I am very pleased with her making the choice so I could free her. Also, tell her congratulations from me on your pending marriage. Finally, tell her I am very interested in hearing about where he is.”

I see him smile and then he begins to speak to her again in Zebrican and she back to him. She then tells him something else and I watch as he begins to argue back with her and finally, I hear an exasperated sigh from him and he tells me, “Ma’am, she will tell you where it is, but only on the condition that she goes with you. She wants vengeance upon them for doing this to me.”

I feel a bit of trepidation about that, but in for a bit, in for a cap, and I tell him, “Fine, she is in, but I am going to go too.”

I see his jaw drop and I see her smile and I hear her again say in her broken Equestrian, “Thank you.”

I nod to her and tell her, “Your welcome, come see me tomorrow morning and we will begin to make plans. But first, I want you to have a nice visit with your future husband.” I smile and then tell them both, “Good night,” as I get up and head out of the ward, stopping to give Laura Lee a brief hug on my way.

In the back of my mind, all I can think of is Sutures is going to want to kill me for this. But it is something I have to do. I owe the Praefect for what he has done to my people as well as myself and it is a debt, I plan on paying in person.

Dear DJ Pon3

I was badly wounded recently. It has taken a toll on me and my family but while I have been knocked down, I am still not finished. I see this with many of my fellow soldiers here from the NCR who are the same way. If you can, would you please play Still In the Fight for us?

Thank you

Captain Laura Lee, Burrowers Company, Harness Battalion NCR Army.

In this chapter, we once again see the results of battle and how it affects both those who are wounded and those who are not. We also can see the close bonds that have developed during this deployment and how some are starting to realize that the deployment is winding down and that they may no longer see each other again.

I hope you all like the new cover art. I commissioned it from Laura Sikes and just got it today. Let me know if you like it.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube Link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of7dGa91uO8