We've made it to the base of Neighagara Falls. The crew is taking a long needed break. We're all recovering from recent events, but we've all grown stronger as a team. No more fights, no more death, no more setbacks.

The first thing we did when we reached the Falls' base was to send Princess Celestia a letter detailing everything that had occurred in recent weeks. We sugar-coated nothing, lied about nothing, and fully admitted to whatever actions considered unlawful by the common populace. We declared our current location and situation regarding supplies. All 80 of us signed our names, sent the parchment, and waited.

During that time, we replenished our food and water until we had enough for everypony twice over. There was no more rationing for some time. For a time, we were finally able to eat full meals and sleep soundly.

The crew was making final preparations to head out and continue laying track when the reply letter came. Even though they were just written words, they seemed like they were shouted by a god.

All the letter contained was two words. "Wait there."

And waited we did. I think it must've been a couple of days before we got an actual reply. I have the parchment message committed to memory.

Members of the Manehattan Trunkline, part of the Trans-Equestrian Railway construction effort.

Your previous message has been read countless times by both me and the royal court. While the events perpetrated by the stallion known as 'Big Iron' are heartbreaking to say the very least, we all agree that your response was appropriate and justifiable. Furthermore, we agree that your actions are not classifiable as criminal, as you risked your lives in order to save that of innocents. By the time you have received this letter, relief efforts have arrived at Hollow Shades, and a replenishment crew is en route to you. Good luck with the rest of your endeavor.

-Princess Celestia

As soon as we had all finished reading that letter, we saw the replenishment force over the horizon. They were all bright eyed, healthy, and ready to assist however necessary. There was a little celebration before we all got back to the job we had all signed up for.

We laid 10 miles of track today. The crew now numbers 150 good people. Nothing's going to hinder our efforts now.