I stepped out of the memory archive room still a bit dazed. Even with training, reliving a pony’s memory was still causing me some wooziness. I stopped and took a few deep breaths; then walked out of the office and headed to the lunchroom. Inside, I found that Peach Fuzz and Tea Leaf had their helmets off and were sitting at one of the lunch tables looking over an old coffee maker.

“See! The heating element just needs to be cleaned,” Tea Leaf said while holding up a heater coil to Peach Fuzz’s face.

“Okay, fine! You win. I’ll give you the fifteen caps when we get back,” Peach Fuzz said, sounding quite annoyed.

I pulled up a stool and sat down at the table. “What, no coffee?” I was being genuinely hopeful. “I’ve been saving the coffee mix I found in that old market down the street for a few days now; I was hoping to try it out,” I continued.

Peach Fuzz just looked at me and raised an eyebrow. “Are you going to really drink that decades old shit?”

Tea Leaf also looked at me with a questionable look. “Do you even know if it’s still safe?” she asked.

“Yes, it’s fine. Just like the other food we have, it only has small amount of rads in it. I could go outside and lick the dirt and get more radiation in my system than drinking this pack of coffee,” I replied.

“Huh, well it doesn't matter anyway, I've got a better brew for you to try. I got it from Xjuan when Zed was here yesterday,” Peach Fuzz said.

“Wait, Xjuan makes coffee blends now?” I asked, half surprised, half apprehensive.

“Well, he said he made a special one from an old recipe he found in that cafe over on the west side of the town hall. He’s been wanting to sell it for a bit to earn some extra caps and I figured I’d give it a try,” Peach Fuzz said.

“I’m still not sure if that means it's safe. Remember the last time Zed was at the compound?” I asked.

“No, last time Zed was there, I was out on patrol. I had to ask Apricot to try to get some spices from Zdora... which reminds me! I need to write out what we will need to sustain ourselves for the next three months. I’ve been wanting to try a few recipe ideas that have been floating around in my head.” Peach Fuzz said, now looking around the room for something to write on.

Tea Leaf looked over at Peach Fuzz. “Xjuan tried some home made dash that didn't set well with him at all. Luckily Apple fixed and detoxed him, but Zed was not happy that he had to pay quite a bit to heal him up,” Tea Leaf said.

Peach Fuzz covered his snout, trying to hide his smile. For once, he did not have the helmet to help him. “Well I think it’s ok. I’ll brew some up and have Melon Seed check it before we drink it. Well, whenever I actually get this thing fixed that is.” Peach Fuzzed said holding the heating coil up again.

Tea Leaf looked over at me. “So how was the dive?” she asked referring to me entering a memory orb.

I rubbed the top of my head, trying to put all the images that I saw back together. “Well... I had to kind of relive basic training again, which was nice to not feel the pain of doing fifty push ups, but I sure as hay don’t miss all the yelling. Their instructor’s name was Bluemoon, and I think he was actually related to our instructor. The voice was the same and his... methods of encouragement were somewhat similar.” I explained.

Peach Fuzz regained his composure and went back to work trying to get the heating element clean. “So basically, you got a refresher course on basic training,” he said, blowing the dust off component.

“Kind of... I mean it is interesting to see what was going on back then. So in a historical manner, it might work out. I think the scribes will like it; but so far I have not seen any special weapons or location of anything useful. The weapons I seen so far are those silly basic rifles the Initiates use, nothing noteworthy at all.” I said as I watched the dust cloud float over to Tea Leaf.

Tea Leaf covered her nose and looked at Peach Fuzz, irritated. “You know, you could have aimed away from me. I’d rather not breath in century old dust from goddess knows where.” she said.

“Yeah, but then I can’t get you back for screwing me out of fifteen caps, now can I?” Peach Fuzz shot back while placing the heating element back into the coffee maker.

I glanced at the clock on my pipbuck: the break was nearly over. “Either of you seen Apricot?” I asked.

“I think she is still up stairs, probably still setting up your room. I think it’s in the medical director’s office,” Tea Leaf said.

Peach Fuzzed looked quickly over to Tea Leaf. “Wait! The director’s office is above my room! Tea, trade me rooms please!” he begged, a desperate look on his face.

“Nah, Apricot is right! It’s fun to watch you squirm.” Tea Leaf said, laughing a bit.

“At least trade your watch shift with me!” he said, placing his hooves together in a begging pose.

“Okay, okay, I’ll trade you. Just please stop begging.” Tea Leaf said.

“Hey, are all of you even okay with me and Apricot setting up in the medical directors office? I don’t want you guys to feel like I’m abusing my authority.” I asked, looking at Tea Leaf.

“Nah, It’s good to see you two finally getting time to yourselves. I know the elder hasn’t approved for you two to change to the family quarters yet. So I at least understand, and I know Apricot has been looking forward to this.” Tea Leaf said with a smile.

“I wish he would just approve her and I for a family quarters already. He seems to want us to quote ‘steel breeds steel,’ so why hasn’t he just... you know, let us?” I asked.

“Remember, we let you into our chapter. The Elder was never too thrilled with it, but apparently you four tugged at his heart just enough to get it to beat again. When I was a little filly, before you four joined that is, the Elder was strict about interactions with the outside. About the only group he let in was Zed’s. That was mostly for the fact that Zed was able to bring in news and supplies that we needed. So I’m not too surprised that he’s still holding back on you two switching over to the family quarters.” Tea Leaf said, placing a hoof on my shoulder in support.

I rubbed my head, trying to figure out what to do. It seemed like every time Apricot and I tried to convince him to let us switch to the family quarters, he said we were not ready yet, or that he was busy. “Do you have any suggestions on how we can convince him to let us switch?” I asked.

“Well, maybe humping Apricot on the Elder’s desk, but I think that might get you kicked out or shot. I’ve never really seen any ruling on what kind of offense that might fall under.” Tea Leaf said with a smile.

“Insubordination, I would think,” Peach Fuzz said joining back into the conversation while placing the coffee maker upright on the table and rigging the spark battery to power it.

“Insubordination sounds about right, I think that would be the safe bet. So I guess if you DID hump her, then you'd either get just a hard talking to, yourself shot, but I don’t think he could justify it.” Tea Leaf said.

I raised my eyebrow at her remark. “You’re not being too helpful here,” I said.

Tea Leaf leaned back and shrugged. “Well, no I’m not, but you need to get it through your head. You four have gotten this far, and that's a feat in itself! I mean Peach Fuzz and Apricot alone making Paladins is something that’s kind of amazing on it's own as well, but you guys pushed yourselves and got rewarded for it. In the end though, there’s still some of our brothers and sisters that think it was a bad idea to have let you in at all."

Tea Leaf sighed and watched as Peach Fuzz reassembled the coffee maker. "You already know that Donut Hole wasn’t too thrilled by it, though I think his dad was a bit of a dick towards outsiders, and I think that dickishness might run in the family. I hope not though. His daughter Lemon Drop is a cute filly. Hate to see her be a dick towards your foal when you and Apricot have one.” Tea Leaf got up and placed her helmet back on. “Time to get back to it. Peach, I’ll see you at the front door at 2200 for your watch.”

“Right. I’ll see you then. And thank you so much for the help, I’ll give you a little extra radhog in your stew tonight,” Peach Fuzz said, plugging in the coffee maker.

I stood up from the table and headed out of the lunchroom, stopping for a moment as a thought jumped into my mind. I poked my head back into the room and smiled at Peach Fuzz. “I promise I'll try to wear us out before your watch ends; that or she and I can wait a bit. You know, share some small talk and romance,” I said with a smile as I turned and walked down the hallway.

I walked back into the memory archive and sat in the chair, noticing that the terminal was already loaded up and ready. “Okay, A.I. load up section two of the first memory orb,” I said.

“There you go, starting up work again without saying hello." The familiar and lovely sound of Apricot’s voice came from behind me. "Shame on you. I expect better from you next time mister!” Apricot walked up and looked over my shoulder at the terminal. “Seen anything fun in there yet? Maybe my who-knows-how-many-great grandmother or something. I think she served in the military so she could get her kids into a stable easier.” she said.

“Ummm... do you remember her name?” I asked, turning my head to look at her.

“Hmmm... I use to know it. My parents wanted us to remember the family members that made sacrifices to protect our line. Hmmm... Dad would be pissed with me right now if he was still alive,” she said with a bit of a sad chuckle.

I gave Apricot a kiss on the forehead. I remembered her father taking care of us and telling me stories of the sacrifices his family made to protect each other. He pointed out that as his daughter’s friend, that if I kept her safe, he would in turn keep us both safe. He lived up to his sacrifice, dieing defending the town against incursion, and now I have to live up to my promise and keep Apricot safe. My train of thought was broken when Apricot spoke up again.

“Oh, before you go orb diving, I wanted to tell you I set us up in the executive suite upstairs.” she said, smiling.

“I heard about it from Tea Leaf. The Medical Director's office sounds spacious. It sounds a whole lot better than a broom closet.” I giving her a wide smile back.

Apricot leaned in and whispered in my ear. “It also has a sturdy desk for us.”

I almost started to laugh a bit thinking back to the earlier conversation I had with Tea Leaf and Peach Fuzz. That though was quickly derailed when Apricot playful bit my ear.

*Thud*

“What was that?” Apricot asked in her best teasing voice.

“Umm... that was my knee hitting the desk,” I said, trying to put up a convincing smile.

“Knee huh?” she asked, smiling. “Well, when you’re done with your shift tonight, come up to the directors office and I will kiss it to make it feel better,” she said, turning and swaying her flank a bit while walking out of the room.

Apricot was the only mare I knew that can make walking in power armor look sexy. I looked down at my pipbuck and noticed that I only had six hours left in my shift... That cock tease! “Not fair!” I shouted out the door.

All I heard back was “I love you too!”

Great. Now she had me all worked up and I can’t do anything about it for six hours! I just shook my head and turned back to the terminal screen. The screen asked if I... well, Dr. Winter, was ready to begin again. I placed my hoof on the black square and said “Ready.” The terminal screen faded away as the connection was made to me again. The E.F.D interface display slowly faded in and the bottom right bar showed 'Block C, Orb 1, Section 2, Subject Orange Harvest, 5 months from start of war'.

“Set Memory Orb Accelerator to two hours,” I said. That would place me around lunchtime.

The A.I. spoke up. “Order confirmed, loading memory block... please stand by.” I watched as a few lines of text scrolled up my vision.

System Loading...............

Memory Orb Accelerator set for two hours.

Loading Orb.....................................Complete.

<=======ooO Ooo=======>

My host was standing inside what looked like an old military tent where I could see her lifting equipment into a saddlebag. I noticed on the cot next to her was her rifle as I heard the voice of Grassweed start up behind her.

“Almost ready?” he asked.

“Yeah, I got most of my stuff packed, and I think we will be issued our ammo before we go. Have you seen Sand out there anywhere?” My host asked.

“No, not yet.” Grassweed said.

My host placed the last of her equipment into her bag, which, as it turned out to be, was some canned corn. She picked up the saddlebag with her magic and placed it on her back, then slung the rifle around her shoulder. “This rifle feels weird like this. I’m used to just shooting the thing, not wearing it around.” my host said.

“Come on, lets get going,” Grassweed said. “Sand might be at the staging area, and if we’re late Celestia knows what our... Lieutenant will do? I think that’s what we’re supposed to call him. Either way, if we don’t report in time, we might get extra screwed or something.”

“Oh no, he’ll make us do fifty push-up. We did about a million of them in training, so I think we can handle a few extra push-ups,” my host said sarcastically, looking up at Grassweed.

Grassweed was wearing an old Equestria Army combat armor that looked like it was one of the first production models. Most of the early armor did okay against shrapnel and lighter bullets, but in the wasteland however, they were just another cap a dozen. They’re really only good if you were a pony that wanted to travel light and enjoyed being shot at; or maybe a pony that liked the lack of camouflage look to them. Grassweed’s armor had no camo pattern to it and was just polished metal and gold. I guessing the military went with looking good over hiding. On his chest piece I could see a patch that was the color and shape of a ruby. Embroided on it was the mark of Celestia inlaid with a shield.

“I think they can do more to us now, seeing as we are no longer trainees. We are Privates, and I guess that means we actually have responsibilities other than to drop and give somepony twenty.” Grassweed said, now strapping on his combat helmet.

“That’s a stupid name for a rank,” my host replied, sounding more snarky. “I mean, can’t they come up with a better name like Defender or Guardian? Something better than Private. You know, I went to a shop the other day and had someone ask me about the uniform I was wearing. I told them I was a Private, and they just looked at me funny. One of the shop employees even pointed to a private restroom thinking that’s what I needed.”

Grassweed started to smile, then snickered before outright laughing.

My field of view spun as my host rolled her eyes. “Really... you done?” she asked.

“Nope, not even close.” Grassweed said in between a laugh, then started back up again.

“Come on, let’s go,” My host said walking toward the tent flap. Grassweed laughter died down to a snicker as I heard him fall in behind my host. My host lifted the tent flap into... snow. It was not as perfect as it was during training camp, having been trotted on fairly well, but still better than the irradiated snow we have in the wasteland. My host proceed to walk towards a large, flat open area that I guessed was the parade grounds.

She stopped abruptly by the flag pole and looked around, almost as if she was lost. I was no better off as I looked around with her, viewing the mess tent and a few scattered others, most of them looking like living quarters or officer tents. “Okay, I give up where the hay is the meeting point?” my host asked, turning to Grassweed.

“Not sure. I thought it was near the mess tent but well...” he said, looking around.

“Hey!” A distant voice shouted. Grassweed turned towards the voice, along with my host. I could see it was Sandy Shore wearing the same body armor as Grassweed and my host. She was also wearing that creepy blank look she always had on her face, just sitting on her haunches waving her forehooves trying to get their attention. Now that she had, she waved for them to come over to her.

“I'm starting to think that Sand’s got the best eyes between us.” Grassweed said as he started to walk towards Sandy Shore, my host following closely. When they reached her, my host looked behind her and saw the sign marked with the same symbol on Grassweed’s armor.

“Oh good, our assembly area is behind the bathrooms. That’s a great start for us.” Grassweed said drolly.

“Finally you guys show up. I was getting worried that you two got lost.” Sandy Shore said, standing up and starting to walk towards the sign.

“To be honest, we kind of did for a minute.” My host replied while the trio of them walked together to the sign where a pair of ponies were standing. The new ponies were both wearing the same body armor, and I could also see one of their shoulders had a circular patch on it.

Sandy Shore approached the two ponies first. “Okay, this is Seastar and Aloebloom, and these are my friends Grassweed and Orange Harvest.” she said pointing to each corresponding pony as she said there names.

Seastar was an earth pony mare who could blend in with the sky, as her light blue coat was nearly the same shade as it. Even her white mane could be mistaken as clouds, even if it was cut shorter than most. I could even see streaks of teal in it as she extended her hoof to shake my host’s hoof.

Aloebloom however, seemed to almost look like a sister or cousin to Grassweed. There were both earth ponies and their coats were the same shade of green. The only real difference was in her mane, for the fact that it was light blue and longer than both Grassweed’s or Seastar’s.

“Hello,” Seastar said, my host shaking hooves with her before turning to shake Aloebloom’s hoof as well.

Grassweed did the same, looking at Seastar curiously. “Where are you from? I’m guessing VanHoover or some area near it. You seem like you'd be a pony from the west.” he said.

“You’re quite a bit off on your guess, Grassweed. I’m from Hoofington, which is rather north on the map.” Seastar said with a smile.

“Hmm... I was so sure too. Ah, well really do I need to work on my guesses." He remarked before looking over at the other mare. "And you... Aloebloom?”

“None of the big cities, I'm afraid. I’m from a small town called Cantel. We are kind of tucked behind Saddle Ridge, so nothing ever really happens there. Everypony knows every little thing you did, and I’m just glad I finally got out of that mind numbing place.” Aloebloom said.

“So at least I’m not wrong in guessing that you signed up to get out of that town?” Grassweed said, shaking Aloebloom’s hoof.

“Oh Celestia, yes I wanted out of there! When they came around and were passing out recruitment fliers, I jumped on it. I quit my job at the market and filled out the papers the same day. Told my family and the town folks I was doing it to help support Equestria, but all I really just wanted was out. I figure since I worked in a market they’d put me with supply or something, but I guess they think I will do better at shooting then setting up supplies.” Aloebloom said, shrugging.

My host started to laugh. “Yeah, I was thinking I'd be placed in accounting or payroll, at least something like that since I worked in banking in Canterlot. Unfortunately for me, even with not being that good with a rifle, they think I need to be out here.”

“Hey, at least you’re here with friends, right? That ought to count for something.” Sandy Shore said with a smile.

“Well, this is true.” My host replied. "It's not ALL bad."

“Orange Harvest? That seems more like a farmer name then a bankers name.” Seastar said, as she seemed to be looking to the side of my host.

“Well, I came from a Orange farmer family and... wait, what are you doing?” My host asked noticing that Seastar was staring off to her side.

“Sorry, I was just trying to see your cutie mark.” Seastar said with now a blush.

“It’s a stack of oranges. That’s my mark,” My host said.

“See! Sounds like your talent is picking oranges, not mortgages.” Seastar smiled. Her smile drop when my host focused on her. Apparently my host was not happy with what she said.

“No, I’m not good at picking oranges.” My host said, sounding sore.

“Okay, I’m sorry Orange Harvest.” Seastar said, now ducking down and crossing her left fore hoof with her right.

Grassweed seemed to sense the tension and stepped forward. “By the way, I'm Grassweed, I live in Fillydelphia; and yes my mark matches what I do. It’s nothing too special though, just some flowers. My family runs the--” he said before being interrupted by Seastar.

“Your family does the flower displays each year! I remember reading articles about your family’s work, and it’s nice to finally meet a pony from that family. Thank you so much for your beautiful displays!” Seastar said with a big smile.

“Um, you’re welcome? I glad you like our displays.” Grassweed said.

“Oh, Orange how was the visit to Grass’ family garden?” Sandy Shore asked, stepping forward.

“It was great. Grass’s family was rather kind and great hosts.” My host said, looking over at Grassweed.

Grassweed seemed to start to blush a bit and cleared his throat. “Well, my family wanted to make sure you had a great time.” He explained.

“Yep, it really was! I even got to try some Filly food, though the ponies at the restaurant seemed to not like me using that word.” my host said looking at Sandy Shore.

“I told you before, some ponies just don’t like that because it sounds like we eat fillies.” Grassweed said.

“Oh come on, that’s just stupid.” My host said, sounding annoyed.

“Well, what restaurant did you take her too?” Aloebloom asked.

“I took her to the finest restaurant in the city, it's called El’Grills! It has some of the best Fillydelphia style food around.” Grassweed said, placing a hoof on his chest, standing with a bit of pride.

“El’Grills? That place is no better than the Pear’s Farms Pig Troth! I’m surprised you didn’t give her the trots.” a voice from behind my host said.

Grassweed's proud stance broke when he heard those words, both my host and him turned to see two new ponies. One, a short white unicorn with a blue long mane was twitching her head towards her right, pointing our attention to the other pony. He was a large gray earth buck with a yellow short mane, standing there with what looked like Grassweed’s previous smug smile.

“If you really wanted to take her to get some good food, you should’ve of gone to Hay’s Street. That’s real Fillydelphia cooking right there,” The buck said.

Grassweed stepped forward. From the look on his face, he seemed to have taken offence to his selection of fine one-hundred and seventy year old food. “Hay’s? Really? I’ve been to that place. The Joe’s Donut shops have more authentic Fillydelphia food then Hay’s.” Grassweed said, snorting in annoyance.

“Are you serious? Have you tried Hay’s Tomato Pie? Best thing this side of Equestria. I bet if we gave the Zebra’s Hay’s pies they would just give up and ask for more of them,” The buck said.

The white unicorn spoke up. “I’m fairly sure the war didn't start over food choices.” she said.

“Well, even so it wouldn’t hurt. They are some damn good pies.” The buck said.

“I think you lost your mind there bud.” Grassweed said, now sounding more annoyed that his taste was being question. He started to remind me of Peach Fuzz with his taste in cooking, though Peach was the cook and Grassweed seemed to be just the one to find a restaurant. Though, they both had the same face when someone insulted their taste in food.

“It's Sir, not bud.” the buck said, sounding more than a little aggravated.

“Oh, are you in Oakwood?” Sandy Shore asked.

“What? No, I’m Private First Class Moonrise. I am a higher rank than you, so therefore you will address me as sir.” Moonrise said standing proudly.

“What’s a Private First Class?” my host asked.

Moonrise rolled his eyes. “You did read your pamphlet about Equestrian Army ranks, didn’t you?” Moonrise asked.

“No, I didn't want to know how low on the pay scale I was.” My host replied.

“I looked through it,” Seastar said. “It was cute how they used Celestia’s cutie mark as the ranking system and they made it look like it was rising.” She said digging through her duffle bag, pulling out the pamphlet and handing it over to my host.

Moonrise stepped forward and pointed out the graph of the rankings. “See? Right there!" He pointed to the lowest picture. "You are a Private. You can see your rank mark right there on your armor.” He tried to explain.

Sandy Shore walked to the side of Moonrise and looked at his armor. “You’re a Private, too. See? You have the same circle as me.” she said pointing to the patch on his armor.

“No, it’s different. Yours has only one circle, while mine has another circle behind yours. See the difference?” Moonrise asked.

“Not really, it kind of looks the same to me.” Grassweed replied joining into the conversation.

“Well, you are both wrong.” Moonrise said, grabbing the pamphlet out of my host’s telekinetic field. He then looked at it and cleared his throat.

“The Equestria Army ranking, symbolically represents the sun rising, and showing that our soldier’s hard work and responsibilities towards themselves and their fellow pony.” Moonrise said. “So I am a Private First Class, or a PFC. Therefore I have more responsibilities, and I know better then you Privates,” Moonrise said looking down at my host and the other ponies.

“Well I'm a higher rank then you, Moon,” the mare next to him said.

“That's only a technicality Seed, you got that rank because you're a nurse.” Moonrise said.

“Okay, so we listen to... Seeds orders?” My host asked with her normal.

“Seedshine, sorry I did not properly introduce myself. Me and Moonrise both attended the same camp up near Hoofington. I got the rank of Specialist because I worked as a nurse and they felt I would be a good Medic... or at least I think that's what they're making the term for a medical pony.” Seedshine said.

“Anyway, I got the rank for PFC because I had the best time on the obstacle course. I was able to easily outpace and keep my breath while other ponies where winded. The base doctor said it was most likely because I could hold my breath for a long time.” Moonrise said pounding on his chest armor proudly.

“Wait, so were you a spa pony in Manehattan?” Sandy Shore asked.

“What?” Moonrise asked back, now looking at Sandy Shore.

Sandy Shore continued to talk, “Well I read in a magazine about some spa ponies that can hold their breath for a long time. They said they were the best in the business. So since you have-”

“No! First, I’m not a spa pony, I work at Pear’s farm. Second, if I did work at that spa, I would not have used my talent for that.” Moonrise said in a stupefied tone.

My host and the other ponies started to laugh. I wondered if Sandy Shore was just messing with him or she didn't know what she was talking about, mostly because her face still had no emotion and no pony said anything about it. I'm really glad I never will play a game of cards against her, she has a perfect poker face.

“Still, I got the best time on the final obstacle course run and made PFC. From the look of the rest of you, I think none of you would even have come close.” Moonrise said.

“We didn’t run an obstacle course for are final test, we had to fight feral animals.” Sandy Shore said.

“Animals? What the hell kind of test is that?” Moonrise asked.

“Well... I think they were testing to see how we’ll respond to pressure and danger, I mean that manticore had some nasty claws and I think that timber wolf almost got you, Orange,” Sandy Shore said looking over at my host.

“Don’t remind me. I had a splinter in my shoulder all day from it tackling me,” My host replied.

“Wait... you had to fight a manticore and timber wolf?” Aloebloom asked in surprise.

“Well, yeah, but they were kind of easy. I mean, we had them held back. I think the team was really only in trouble when the cockatrice turned Cocoa Leaf to stone,” Sandy Shore replied.

“You fought a cockatrice too?” Seastar asked jumping into the conversation.

“Yeah, I figured all the camps had to do this. Our trainer said that we will be probably facing feral animals, and wanted us to be as prepared as we can be.” Sandy Shore replied.

“No, we had to beat are fellow trainees in the defense of a mock town.” Seastar said.

“Really? We had to run this extremely difficult obstacle course.” Seedshine replied.

“Okay, So we all don’t have the same training. The fuck kind of insanity are they running here?” Grassweed said loudly.

“It’s simple,” a unicorn mare said walking up from behind Moonrise. She was almost as short as Seastar and could easily hide behind Moonrise. Though her body would give her away, can't really hide with a pink coat and a red mane. “The training is base off the Royal Guard. There, trainees have years to learn all the elements to defend Equestria, but we don’t have years to teach all you ponies everything you need. So they figure that each camp will teach a element of what a Royal Guard pony needs. The one with the mock town defense was how to protect a location, the obstacle course was about physical training, and the one with the feral animals was more for facing fear and danger. I think its bullshit, but I’m just a year one trainee,” the mare said.

“Ummm... Hello, I’m-” Sandy Shore said before being interrupted by the mare again.

“You ponies are louder than you think, and I could hear you over by the wagon; so Moonrise is basically one step above you all. So his high and mightiness is more horse shit then he thinks. However, he does have a higher responsibility than you Privates; and if Seedshine, the Sergeant, the Lieutenant, or I are not able to give orders, I expect you to listen to him. Oh, and Grill’s and Hay’s are shit for Filly food, next time, Private Grassweed, take her to Le Buc-Kin. That’s the place that put Fillydelphia food on the Equestrian map. Lastly, what the hell is wrong with your face Private Sandy Shore?” the mare asked in an authoritative tone.

“My face?” Sandy Shore replied.

Finally somepony noticed Sandy Shore’s face! I was starting to think they all got a note saying ‘don’t point out her face, she’s sensitive and it is rude.’ My praise of the pink unicorn did not last long when she spoke again.

“Didn't you get any sleep last night? I think I could hang my helmet on your baggy eyes,” the mare asked.

What! Oh come on! That’s not the face of a tired pony. I’ve seen tired ponies. I’ve seen Peach Fuzz’s face after a fifteen hour patrol. Her face looks like the faces of Radhogs in the headlights of the crawler. Before I could continue my internal rant, Sandy Shore spoke.

“Sorry I was up late last night, was kind of too excited about today to fall asleep. It is nice to meet you..,” she said.

“Oh, I’m Corporal Gumball. I’m your squad leader and second fire support leader,” Gumball said.

“Squad Leader? I thought Oakwood was our squad leader.” Seastar said.

Before Gumball could say something Aloebloom spoke. “No, no, I read in the pamphlet that ummm... that Oakwood is our Commanding officer, or CO for short. Then it’s the Sergeant who is second in command, then the Squad Leader.” Aloebloom said.

“Yes, that’s right. So when Oakwood or Applecore, who is our Sergeant, is not telling you what to do directly, they’ll be telling me what to do and I’ll be assigning you the task.” Gumball said.

“So like my Lead Teller at work. Kind of the middle management I think she had called it.” My host said. Gumball did not seem to like that comparison. She rolled her eyes and look back over to two ponies that were approaching.

“Shit they're here. Okay, get your gear together and make sure you are ready to get on the wagon,” Gumball said, quickly picking up her gear in her magic and placing it on her back.

My host and the rest of the squad quickly pulled their equipment together as the two stallions approach them. Both stallion’s coats matched their manes. The only difference between the two was one was wearing old Equestrian Royal Guard armor, and the other one just wore the same combat armor that my host and the rest of the squad wore. I had forgotten the last time I’d seen a pristine set of Royal Guard armor. In the wasteland, that kind of armor is more valuable as a collectable to the right pony. However, the plating did serve as a decent defense from small arms fire. If you were truly lucky, you could find a set that still held its magical gems.

“I am Lieutenant Oakwood” the stallion in the Royal Guard armor said. “Ruby Squad has been given the task of patrolling the Saddle Tail woods south of here. Equestria has been in dispute with a zebra tribe that lives near the woods who claim that Equestria gave up the rights to the woods when we let them go feral. Our job is to go there, re-secure the woods, and show that Equestria is strong.”

All the ponies around loudly said “Yes sir!”

“Good, Sergeant Applecore, get these ponies in the wagon and be ready to move out,” Oakwood said. Then he turned around and walked off towards a nearby tent.

“Yes sir!” The stallion who must have been Applecore said. “Okay you heard the LT, get your gear and flanks into the wagon!” Applecore said.

My host and the rest of the squad moved toward the wagon with their gear and boarded it. I could see that my host was sitting between Moonrise and Sandy Shore. Across from her sat Grassweed, who in turn was sitting between Seastar and Gumball. Soon after Oakwood boarded the wagon.

“Sergeant, is everypony onboard?” Oakwood called out.

“Yes sir,” Applecore replied.

“Good, wagon team, we are ready to go.” Oakwood called upfront to the ponies that had strapped themselves in.

“Yes sir, we’ll be in Saddle Tail in about two hours,” the lead pony said. The wagon pulled forward. It felt like the same view I had seen before, with my Host sitting across from Grassweed, the only differences were that now snow covered trees in the background and Sandy Shore was the first to speak.

“Oh, that's right, I got a letter! Snow Plain sent it to me a few days after she left for her mission,” she said then pulled out a letter from her breast pocket on her armor. “Orange can you hold it up for me please?” she said looking over to my host. My host nodded and wrap the paper in a magic field and held in place for Sandy Shore to read.

“Dear Sandy. Cocoa and I made it to our squad, and everything here is fine. They even made Cocoa a Private First Class, at least I I think thats what they called it. He looks so happy that he’s already gotten more responsibilities. Oh, and it looks like my squad going to try to capture a few of the gem pirate’s ships for our first mission. The Lt. said that we shouldn't say anything about our mission in letters, but I don’t think I've really said anything that going to cause problems. Tell Grass and Orange I said hello and I hope you'll all be safe and happy. Oh and Sandy, when we meet again lets try page fifty-six in th-” Sandy Shore stop reading and started to turn a bit red. “Darn it, I keep telling myself I can’t read that part and I almost did.” Sandy said.

Grassweed started to laugh a bit. “So, what page from what book Sand?” he asked.

“None of your concern, ya nosey colt!” she replied sticking out her tongue at him.

“Foals.” I could hear Gumball said under her breath. My host ignored the comment or just did not hear it as well as I did.

“Well, from the color of her face, and I going to say it was Hay Positions. I think that page is part of the mar-” Moonrise was saying before a magic field from my host closed his mouth shut.

“I think we can guess what its about Moon so lets save my friend the trouble.” My host said.

“Your other friend is in a lot more trouble, than Private Shore here.” Oakwood said. My host and her friends all turned to Oakwood, who was looking back at us with a scowl.

“Umm.. sir how is she in trouble?” Sandy Shore said.

“Because she wrote out what her mission is, even though she herself stated that it was against the orders of Lieutenant Cedarwood.” Oakwood said looking at Sandy Shore directly. “You could be captured, and that letter will alert the zebra pirates to what your friend’s mission is. Though I think she should be more worried if Cedarwood finds out. He is not one to have his orders disobeyed.”Oakwood said.

“Well, she said that it should be okay. The letter doesn’t say what ships they are going after, see?” Sandy Shore said before grabbing the letter and holding it out to Oakwood. He placed the letter in magic field and brought it over to him, looking at it closely as he read down the lines.

“Ummm... Sir can I have my letter back now, there's some personal stuff on it.” Sandy Shore said.

The Lieutenant look at her and then levitated the letter in front of him. “This letter is a violation of standing rules and a risk to a fellow squad.” Oakwood said then with his magic he rip the letter up so it could no longer be read.

I could not tell if Sandy Shore was shock or angry because of her face being all... how it always was; but her words made it sound like she was shock. “Sir why did you-”

Oakwood hold out his hoof to stop her from talking. “I doing this because now we don’t have to worry about this letter getting to the zebras. Now, next time you send your marefrined a letter, make sure it doesn't mention anything about our mission and remind her that she should not do the same; or both of you will be reprimanded. Understand?” Oakwood said narrowing his eyes on her.

“Yes sir.” Sandy Shore said as sat back down.

The rest of the wagon trip was quiet with the only exception being that Aloebloom was talking in her sleep. Sandy Shore remained quiet and Grassweed was just looking forward on the road, all the while, my host seem to just be staring up into the now cloudy sky. After a while her eyes started to close as she fell asleep.

The memory flash happened as my host was woken up by Gumball. “Hey, we’ve arrived. Get your flank up,” Gumball said. My host looked around, seeing that the small trees from where she’d fallen asleep where now towering and thicker. The snow seem different here, too. Before it was uniform and perfect, but now it looked more like what I seen in the wasteland. Sandy Shore and Grassweed were already putting their packs on, while my host seemed to lazily sit up and try to stand.

She reminds me of how Apricot gets out of bed. Well, not really 'gets out' more so than she just drags herself out of bed. I started laughing at the idea that Orange Harvest, my host, was the great grandmother to Apricot since they both share the same waking habits. My host, after some quick and loud coaching from Gumball, put her pack on and hopped out of the back of the wagon. Though the snow was not as uniform, the sound of it crunching beneath the hooves of my host and others was a enjoyable sound. Ash covered, irradiated snow makes the same sound, but maybe the fact that this snow is not laced with two-hundred year old ash and death just makes it sound a little better.

“Grassweed,” Lt. Oakwood called out. “You will be taking point for the start.”

“Point...” Grassweed started to say then he thought. “Sir, yes sir.” Grassweed said as he walked towards the roadway leading deeper into the forest. My host and Sandy Shore assembled behind Grassweed as other ponies filed in. Grassweed proceeded forward onto the forest road as they started the patrol. I can’t wait to see what happened.

Dear Celestia, please kill me. Or at least make something interesting happen! I now know why Apricot and Peach Fuzz always seemed excited when they get to blast out a raider nest, or take on the Locals when they are on patrol. The amount of boredom this forest was providing was agonizing. Yep, same type of trees over and over and look! The same uneven snow, over and over. I think I'm starting to hate snow now even more than I already did.

So far, I think the most interesting thing I had noticed was that Sandy Shore might be coming down with something. She kept coughing every now and again. I couldn’t tell because her face is always the same thing when my host looks at her. Maybe it’s time for a break. I bet it’s time for my second break and, I know there is some coffee waiting for me, or at least the machine is waiting for me.

“A.I., how long has it been in real time since I started this orb?” I said.

“One hour and six minutes,” the A.I. replied

Fuck.

Okay, I guess I get to enjoy more amazing tree passing action. The action continued for another life time before finally...

Lt. Oakwood called out “Fifteen minute break.”

Sandy Shore was, again, the first one to break the silence. “Are you enjoying your first job as a soldier?” she asked, looking at Seastar.

“It’s... a new experience.” Seastar said back sitting next to a tree on the side of the road.

“Same old experience here.” Aloebloom said sitting next to Seastar.

“Oh? How so?” Seastar said scooting over a bit so Aloebloom could rest her back on the tree.

“When I was just a filly, I thought it was really silly that my family wanted to follow the old path that our grandparents took when they moved out to Cantel. I guess they figure it would be a great experience for us to keep to our heritage. Especially with how times were changing as my grandpa had said.” Alobloom said resting her back against the tree. “Really it was nice to be out camping, but the walking was the worse part. You only can sing one hundred buckets of oats on the wall before you just wish it to stop. Only difference now is I’m not with family, this is barely a road, and silence is rather creepy. I miss the springtime when the birds would sing.” Aloebloom explained with a sigh.

My host listened to Aloebloom talk about the old roads that her family used to take back in, as she mimicked her grandmother's voice about ‘The good old days.’ Out of the corner of my field of view, I could see Grassweed approaching my host.

“How’s it going?” Grassweed asked.

“Doing okay, lot more walking than I’m use to. How about you?” My host asked, stretching her forelegs a bit.

“I’m fine. We got strong legs in my family.” Grassweed said standing by my host. As my host looked around the side of the road where they were taking a break, she saw Oakwood and Applecore talking to Gumball. Oakwood had what looked like a map out, and was pointing out a location on it. I guessed they were deciding where to set up camp for the night.

Gumball walked over towards Grassweed and my host. From the looks of it, she was about to tell one of us that they would be taking point. Most likely my host; however she passed us telling Grassweed, “Good job on being point pony.” She turned towards Aloebloom, Seastar, and Sandy Shore, who were still talking about the good old days of travel.

“Seastar, you will be taking point when we start up again. We will be trotting for about three hours and then set up camp a fair bit off the road.” Gumball said, looking at Seastar and Aloebloom.

“Ma’am, yes, ma’am.” Seastar said back and proceeded to get up and sling her rifle around her back.

“I going to find a private bush really quick.” Grassweed said to my host.

“So both strong legs, and weak bladders in your family? I’ll keep that in mind.” My host said with a laugh.

“Let me guess, your bladder is the size of my field pack, huh?” Grassweed asked.

“Not really, but it’s really useful when standing in line for the new Adventure Filly toys.” My host said.

“Oh Celestia. You're one of the Adventure Filly collectors aren't you?” Grassweed asked.

“Yep!” My host excited seem to grow. “I have all the comics and action sets that they've come out with.” My host replied.

“You’re not like the other ones I’ve seen out by toy stores.” Grassweed said as he turned to walk towards a bush on the other side of the road.

“Well I’m just better at hiding it. I figure everypony around here heard enough of it back at their homes, so I would just keep quiet. But I figured I would tell you since you're a friend, and you now know what to get me for my birthday next month.” My host said with a devious smile.

Grassweed stepped behind the bush. “I figured I’d just take you to dinner again, I know a nic-” Grassweed said before being interrupted by my host.

“Are you seriously talking to me while peeing? What is wrong with you?” My host asked louder then she may have intended. I could see to my host’s left that Moonrise and Seedshine were laughing a bit.

Grassweed looked up from the bush and was about to apologize when he suddenly dropped behind the bush and we heard him sliding down an incline.

My host and the others trotted over to check on him. I was expecting, when my host looked over the bush and down the hill, to see a green body half buried in the snow with his white tail stick out of a ground. Something like some of the old irradiated carrots I had seen in the wasteland.

Me and my host where surprised when she looked over the edge of the hill and saw Grassweed laying on the ground, holding a hoof out and a gun pointing at him. The gun was held by a zebra. I then looked around my field of view and saw several zebras standing around, some grabbing their rifles from behind there backs. I also saw a family of ponies near the back with two zebra mares that seemed to not have any weapons. My host and the rest of the squad quickly grabbed their weapons and pointed down at the zebras. The zebras pointed theirs back at the squad. The standoff began, but this was not really much of a stand off. My hosts squad was at the top of a hill and below was little cover for the zebras to use; also the zebras rifles seem to be even older than the ones the ponies had. Hell, some of the zebras only had swords and spears. At best the zebras may be able to claim Grassweed as a casualty.

“I’m Lieutenant Oakwood of the Equestria Army,” Oakwood said.

“I’m Xeko,” The zebra who was pointing his rifle at Grassweed said.

“You are in Saddle Tail Forest which is under control of Equestria. Even though we are at war, I have no want to harm you. If you return the ponies you have captured and leave this forest, I can assure you that no one will be harmed today.” Oakwood said in an authoritative but diplomatic tone.

I’m guessing he wants to stick true to his order of avoid casualties. I knew that the war made ponies more aggressive to the point of designing a massively destructive weapon, but here Oakwood seemed to want to avoid the fight altogether. Maybe he thinks he won't win if it breaks into a fight. My train of thought was interrupted when Xeko spoke.

“You let this forest go feral, which endangers my tribe with predators that use its roads to travel with no obstructions. These roads lead them straight to our village. If you will not take care of this forest then we will, and we didn’t take these ponies as prisoners. They were endangered from the forest and the roads. We were escorting them back to your lands,” Xeko said still holding his rifle at Grassweed.

“This is not a debate Xeko. I don’t want to see any pony nor zebra hurt today, and you don’t either. How much more will your tribe be endangered if I decided that you have threatened the safety of those Equestrian citizens and one of my soldiers and force to open fire,” Oakwood said in now in a very authoritative tone.

Both side continued to stare down while Grassweed sat in the snow, trying to not to make any aggressive moves. The pony family seem to be hiding behind the wagon with the two zebra mares.

“You have us ponies. I know that we can’t win this fight, and I too don’t want to see bloodshed. We will leave these ponies to your care; however, be warned: the roads are dangerous and this forest is no longer like the ones you have in your lands. You will not survive if you stay,” Xeko said as he lowered his rifle away from Grassweed, and offered his hoof to help him up.

Grassweed grabbed ahold of Xeko’s hoof, and was helped up. Grassweed nodded to the zebra and started to walk back up the hill. The two zebra mares walked with the family: a stallion, mare, and two colts towards the hill. One of the colts had a limp to his foreleg, and was covered with what look like a makeshift bandage. When they reached the top of the hill, one of the zebra mares walked over to Seedshine and said something to her that I could not hear. Then the zebra mares walk back down the hill to join the others, who turned around and walked away from the squad.

Moonrise was the first to speak after the zebras disappeared over another hill down the forest. “Well that was different. I figured they were going to put up a fight, but they walked away. Sir, shouldn't we have taken them as prisoners?” Moonrise asked.

“No point in taking prisoners, and if we did they would have attacked us. I know what village they were from, and I know that they respect an authoritative voice. But I also knew that they are quick to defend what they think is a threat to the village. You should count yourself lucky they knew that we were not going to do anything to their village, but if we had tried to take them as prisoners, they would consider that a threat, and opened fire.” Oakwood said, watching the last zebra pass over the far hill.

“Yes sir,” Moonrise said.

My host walked over to Grassweed who was trying to readjust his field pack that became loose when he fell down the hill.

“You left a little yellow snow at the bottom of the hill,” my host said in an amused tone.

Grassweed turn and look at her. He seem to be still trying to calm down from the experience. “I’d rather leave a little yellow snow back there than be laying there in a lot of red snow,” Grassweed said.

My host seemed to have nothing to respond to him with. She just nodded and turned and walk towards the family who were talking to Seedshine and Alobloom.

“So your family moved to Saddle Tail?” Aloebloom asked.

“Yes, but we had to move near the zebra tribe when the timberwolves started to get more and more aggressive.” the mare said.

“Let me see that leg, Apple Slice is it? I know it hurts, but I can help you okay?” Seedshine said to the colt with the hurt leg.

The little colt was hiding his hurt leg and looked away from Seedshine, probably too scared to answer her.

“You need to stop towering over the kids Seed. I told you back in training when we met White Frost’s family. His little brother was hiding from you because you stood over him. You have to get down to their level.” Moonrise said walking up behind Seedshine.

“Here, I will show you,” Moonrise said kneeling down to the ground till he was eye level with the colt.

“Hello! I’m Moonrise and I heard you’re Apple Slice. Is that because you help your family with apple trees?” Moonrise asked.

“No,” Apple Slice said.

“Oh? Could you tell me why they call you Apple Slice?” Moonrise asked with a smile.

“I really liked cut up apples when I was younger. Mom said that it was my favorite treat so they called me Apple Slice.” Apple Slice said smiling back.

“Well, I have some apples with me, and I’m sure we can get them cut up for you, but first we should get your leg looked at. Seedshine is a good friend and she can help make your leg feel better.” Moonrise said.

Apple Slice nodded his head and held up his hoof to Seedshine. My host turn to the stallion. “What made you pack up and return to Equestria?” my host asked.

“Well, besides the war, the forest has been getting worse and worse. I figured we would brave it now before it got worse.” the stallion replied.

“You look like you barely have anything with you. Just your packs. I would think you would brought more supplies, or at least family things.” my host said.

“We had a wagon full of our belongings and supplies, along with family heirlooms. However, the zebras told us the road was unsafe to travel and they would escort us back to Equestria. I had really no choice, they would not let us pass.” the stallion said.

Before my host could say something more. Oakwood spoke up.

“I am Lieutenant Oakwood of the Equestria Army you are safe now.” Oakwood said.

“Hello Oakwood. I am Pine Leaf. My family and I were trying to make it back to Equestria wh-” Pine Leaf said before being interrupted by Oakwood.

“I know. I heard it all. Tomorrow we will go and get your things. I will not have Equestrian civilians be ordered around by zebras in Equestria lands.” Oakwood said in an annoyed tone.

“Sir, are you sure that is a good idea? Maybe we should just get them back to Equestria.” my host said.

“Umm, I would like it if we could go back to get our stuff. There are some treasured items that we had to give up back in the wagon.” Pine Leaf said.

“Orange Harvest, Seedshine, Sandy Shore, and Sea Star will keep close with you and your family while we head back to the wagon tomorrow.” Oakwood said.

“Tomorrow? We should be able to make it to the wagon tonight. I think we our only seven hours trot away and its only mid-day.” Pine Leaf said.

“True, but we need to set up camp, and if it is true that feral predators are using the roads to travel, I don’t want us near them while we’re trying to set up camp.” Oakwood replied.

Oakwood then turned to the where most of the squad was standing.

“Okay, we know the zebra’s are here in the forest. We are going to keep moving into the forest and set up camp. Then tomorrow we will get to the main road retrieve the Leaf family’s wagon and escort them out of the forest.” Oakwood said.

The squad replied with “Yes sir.”

“Okay, let’s keep moving. We will travel for three more hours, then set up camp. Gumball, you are up front. The rest, keep watch on the forest. Pine Leaf, you and your family will be in the middle.

The squad responded again with “Yes sir,” then started to form in line. My host stood behind Grassweed, who stood next to one of the colts.

“Mr. Leaf, I think it be best if you carry Apple Slice. His leg is not too bad, but it will be hurting for a little bit.” Seedshine said as she stepped behind my host.

“Okay, I will try to carry him. I couldn't carry him before with all the supplies I had to pack from the wagon.” Pine Leaf said.

“Sir. I could carry him for right now if you want. I don’t have that much in my pack” Moonrise said, cutting up an apple for Apple Slice.

“Yeah, dad can I please? I can help keep an eye out for forest monsters.” Apple Slice said.

“I not sure if I like this idea.” Pine Leaf said looking at Moonrise.

“Sir I will keep him safe, and if something happens I will give him to you and I will keep your family safe.” Moonrise said.

Pine Leaf pondered the idea while the other members of the squad got into formation.

“Okay, keep him safe, and Apple Slice? Don’t bother him and let him do his job. If you're good when we get to camp, I’ll cut you up some more apples, okay?” Pine Leaf said, placing a hoof on Apple Slice’s head.

“Yes sir,” Apple Slice said, giving a salute to his father.

Pine Leaf smiled and stepped into the line of ponies between his wife, my host, and Grassweed.

“Okay, let’s get moving.” Oakwood said.

Gumball started to walk forward, followed by everypony else. So now I get to enjoy more exciting patrol action. Whoohoo...

After about what felt like three times three hours, Oakwood called out. “Hold up, we will set up camp here.”

My host and everypony stopped walking and looked around the area. The area the squad stopped in was a small clearing with a few downed trees half buried in the snow. The snow was even more broken up than before, and the trees looked like they were downed by some heavy winds or a buildup of ice.

“Orange Harvest, Grassweed, Sandy Shore, and Aloebloom, start digging out this snow and set up in a ring around the camp. Then dig a fire pit and set up the tents. Gumball, Moonrise, check around the camp area make sure it looks alright and bring back some fire wood. Seedshine and Seastar, set-up for cooking. Applecore and I are going to go over the map and decide where we will go tomorrow. Mr. Leaf, if you could help us by marking where your wagon is on the map.” Oakwood said, distributing orders.

The squad said “yes, sir” and each of them started to work. My host placed her bag down and found the shovel buried in it. Grassweed and Sandy Shore shortly found theirs and then Aloebloom. With that, the excitement of trotting was replaced with the excitement of digging.

The late afternoon passed by into evening as my host’s squad continued to work and complete their tasks. I yet again, just was a passenger to the excitement. When my host and her friends finished digging their fox holes, my host stepped out of the hole and walked up the embankment that the dug out dirt made. I could see what the camp looked like. It seem like nothing I had ever seen before. They built a small camp around a central fire pit with a circular wall of dirt, and what I could guess where the fox holes. Though their design seem insane. They could not see over the dirt mound they dug up, and Oakwood seemed to be happy with what they made. I wanted to just ask them what they were thinking. However I was just there to see what they did and not get to ask why they did it.

My host walked back down the dirt hill to where Oakwood and the mother of the family were standing.

“Don’t worry Ms. Curl Sky, we have the camp secured and we’ll be keeping watch throughout the night.” Oakwood said to the mare.

“Thank you, Lieutenant Oakwood.” Curl Sky said. She smiled then nodded to my host as she walk over to the cooking pot that Seastar was stirring.

“Sir. How do you want to do watches?” My host asked.

“Good question, Orange Harvest.” Oakwood said then turned to where Gumball was standing, talking to Grassweed. “Gumball!” Oakwood called out.

Gumball ran over to where my host and Oakwood where standing. “Sir?” she asked.

“We will be doing three pony watches every three hours. Moonrise, Orange Harvest here, and I will take the first shift. Applecore, Seastar, and Sandy Shore will cover second shift. You, Grassweed and Aloebloom will cover the last shift. I suggest you get some sleep now before you have to be up all night.” Oakwood said.

“Yes sir,” Gumball said giving a salute and walking off.

“Aloebloom, Grass: we are on third watch so let’s get some sleep now.” Gumball shouted.

“Orange Harvest, I want you to watch out from that corner over there.” Oakwood said pointing to the side with the setting sun. “Keep an eye open for our zebra friends and anything else that moves.” Oakwood said.

“Yes, sir,” my host replied, and turned and trotted up the hill of dirt. When my host reached the top of the pony made hill, I could see the dense trees that shrouded the clearing. Snow drifts covered the base of the trees and most of the ground. Only some piles of sticks seemed to escape being covered.

Yet again, time seemed to slow more and more as my host looked into the forest, watching for any movement. The only movement she could see was a rabbit moving around the snow, trying to find some food. It wasn't until a while later, I could hear somepony walking up the hill from behind. My host turn to see Seedshine ambling up with a bowl suspended in the magic field from her horn.

“Hello Orange, how is it going? I figured I’d bring you something to eat.” Seedshine said, holding the bowl of what look like celery and carrot soup.

“Thank you Seedshine,” my host said, taking the bowl in her magic.

“How goes the watch?” Seedshine asked as she finished walking up the hill. The mare looked over the area that my host been staring out over for what felt like forever.

My host took a sip of her soup. “Trees, snow and sticks. Oh and I saw a rabbit earlier.” My host said.

“Was it a threatening rabbit?” Seedshine asked.

“What?... Oh no. It was a rabbit running around. You know, doing rabbit things,” my host replied. “I got a question for you, Seedshine. When we were all digging, you seemed to not talk at all. I hope it wasn't from me and my friends talking to much,” My host said.

Now that I thought about it, my host was correct. During the slog of digging and listening to Grassweed and my host talking about making displays of their squad on the hill at his home. Or listening to Sandy Shore talk more about what she and Snow Plain did, most of which I think my host and Grassweed chose to drown out. I was already worked up from Apricot, and I did not need help from Sandy Shore telling more about her marefriend then any pony needed to hear. However, Seedshine had just kept digging and did not say a word.

“Oh no, you were fine. I just like to listen. When I was training at the hospital we learned to listen to our patients. So I was just listening to everyone talking and just only stepped in when I needed to.” Seedshine said with a smile.

“What hospital do you work at?” My host asked after taking a drink from her soup.

“I worked at Tender Hearts Hosptial. Mostly in the ER for adult ponies. It’s kind of the reason why Moonrise had to help me with Apple Slice. I’m kind of not good with kids. “ Seedshine said with a blush on her face.

“Then why you join the army?” my host asked.

“Well to kind of get away from kids. The ER was starting to see more and more colts and fillies. With all the earth pony inventions, colts and fillies are starting to play around with more and more dangerous things or near construction sites. I had such a hard time working with them that I just decided to sign up and escape them. Though it seems that I can’t really get away from them.” Seedshine said.

“You seemed to jump in and help the family when they made it up the hill,” my host said, now focused on Seedshine more than her job as a watch pony.

“Well, I am still a medical pony and I still going to do my job. Filly, colt, mare, or stallion. Pony or zebra it doesn’t matter, but Moonrise is right, I tend to just treat them all the same. I have to remember that colts and fillies tend to be more scared of a pony towering over them,” Seedshine said.

“Were you and Moonrise friends during training or before?” My host asked.

“Not really at first. He asked me to patch him up when he pushed himself too hard on the obstacle course. In turn, he helped me with making runs on the course. After a while, we became friends. One of the reasons I think we both made it through training and reached a higher rank.” Seedshine said.

“Well, I guess it’s nice he’s good with kids, but he is still a dick,” My host said, laughing a bit.

“Yep, he is still a dick, but he is proud that he earn a higher rank. Now what about you and Grassweed? You two were talking a lot to each other while we were digging,” Seedshine asked with a smile.

“Well, Grass has a nice place. You should drop into Fillydelphia sometime and see. I enjoyed my time wit-” my host was saying before being interrupted by the angry loud voice of a pony I haven’t heard before.

“Private Orange Harvest!” the voice barked.

My field of view jump up then fell straight to the ground as my host jumped and fell. She then turn to see Sergeant Applecore standing behind her.

“Pay attention to your job, not your friend,” Applecore said.

“Sorry sir! Seedshine was just bring me something to eat,” my host said.

“Well you have your food don’t you private? So Seedshine, why are you still up here disrupting a pony on sentry duty?” Applecore asked looking crossly at Seedshine.

“Sir! I was just making conversation with Orange Harvest she asking me about where I came from.” Seedshine ask stepping back a bit.

“You two can have your conversation after Orange Harvest done with her duties. Orange Harvest, I will reminded you so Oakwood won't have to: when on sentry duty, you pay attention to what's around you. We are in a war and we have already spotted the enemy. Oakwood may have spared them, but that does not mean they will spare us. Keep your eyes open and your mind on task.” Applecore said in a stern voice.

“Yes sir,” my host said looking back out towards the trees that she been watching for goddess knows how long.

“Doesn’t matter now. I am here to relieve you. Go down to the camp and warm up by the fire,” Applecore said, stepping forward and turning towards the same woods my host was watching.

My host turn and looked down into the camp where the fire was. I could see the other squad members in the camp somewhere still eating and talking with each other and the rescued family. Sandy Shore was walking up the dirt embankment to take over sentry duty from Moonrise. Seastar had already relieved Gumball, and she was walking down the embankment toward the fire. The rescued family were sitting at the fire with the parents helping the two colts stay warm. Then my host focus fell onto Oakwood. He was standing there looking at my host and signaling that he wanted to talk to her. His face seemed to tell that my host was going to be regretting something.

My host walk down the dirt embankment towards Lieutenant Oakwood. The Lieutenant stood a few yards from the campfire.

“You wanted to see me sir?” My host asked.

“So I over heard that you made a mistake on your sentry duty,” Oakwood calmly said.

“How did you know sir?” My host asked. I yet again knew that my host had a problem of asking foolish questions.

“I have good hearing, private. Now because you seem to not understand how sentry duty works you be pulling double shifts tomorrow night to help you understand the task more.” Oakwood said.

“Uh yes sir,” My host said. I think she starting to figure out what to say to the higher ups.

Oakwood stepped aside to let my host pass. She stepped forward towards the campfire. I could see Moonrise sitting with the family, drawing pictures in the recently de-snowed earth. My host sat down on a log that was placed near the fire where she could see the drawing that Moonrise was making. It looked like a Phoenix in flight.

“It’s very rare to have one as a pet. Only other I know that has one is Celestia herself. But my dad worked hard and was able to tame one, and is now a great pet and mascot for his business,” Moonrise said.

“Wow, I never seen a phoenix where we lived. I heard they look really cool,” Apple Slice said, looking down at the picture in the dirt.

The flickering of the fire did make the drawing seem to flap its wings.

My host looked up from the drawing and laugh a bit. “Telling fairy tales to the colts, Moonrise?” my host asked in a jokingly mader.

“Nope, My dad owns Phoenix Glass and Crafts. He even uses Gold Feather as kind of an artist when making work. Gold brings a nice touch to the shaped glass when she heats it up,” Moonrise said.

“Next time you're in Fillydelphia and are not being lead around by Grassweed, who has no idea what good Fillydelphia food nor art is. I will show you my fathers shop. I can even have Gold Feather make you one of her special wing crafted necklaces,” Moonrise said giving my host a smile.

I was starting to think that Moonrise was hitting on my host. Though my host seem to not notice or care as she sat down on one of the logs by the fire.

“I enjoyed Grassweed’s choice in Filly food and art; but I will be happy to stop by you family business to see this Gold Feather. I still think you're spinning a fairytale to impress our guest,” my host said.

“If you want a fairytale then I'll tell you a scary story,” Moonrise said raising his hooves above his head and waving them around. Then he look at the colts parents “If that is okay with you two.”

Both Curl Sky and Pine Leaf nodded in agreement. As they help there colts back onto the logs and sat with them.

Moonrise lower his head and look around. “Okay, I’m going to tell you the story of the most horrifying pony to ever exist. A pony that chases you down and will take your legs so he can replace his own. Yes this is the story of the legless pony.” Moonrise said in a creepy voice.

The noise of the crackling fire seem to indicate that his scary story was not starting out too well. I have never heard of a legend of a legless pony; but I’d heard weirder stories, so why not this one.

My host was the first to break the momentary silence. “Legless pony? That’s not very threatening.” my host said.

“Not till you see my grandma chasing you in her wheelchair after she caught you stealing cookies,” Moonrise said.

“Legless pony means it has no legs; so I don't think it could get around,” my host replied.

“Are you kidding the legless pony had two sets of wheels to move. That means he probably went faster then my grandma,” Moonrise said looking over at my host.

“Last time I checked, a pony in a wheelchair tends to need a set of hooves to get around. Now the legless pony might be a threat if you are at the bottom of a hill or something, but really not that much of a threat,” My host countered.

“My father had a wheelchair and he was fairly fast. He even caught me a few times sneaking a peek at my birthday presents in the closet,” Oakwood said sitting down on the log next to my host.

“See! The Lieutenant agrees with me, and he is in charge, so this story is true,” Moonrise said, sticking his tongue out at my host.

The two colts start to giggle a bit, enjoying the scene that was playing out.

My host turned to Moonrise.”I don’t want to sound offensive to the Lieutenant, but just because he is our boss does not mean that your story is true. It just means his dad was fast in his wheel chair,” My host countered. “Let alone the fact that even if this pony had two sets of wheels to get around with, how the hay did it get ahold of your legs? I guess he could use his mouth, but I don’t think even a skilled earth pony could get around and be able to remove your legs,” My host said.

“Maybe he is a unicorn,” Apple Slice said.

“You’re right, Apple Slice. The legless pony is a unicorn, a powerful and evil unicorn trying to fix his mistake and get his legs back,” Moonrise said waving his hooves in an attempt to look scary.

“How did he lose his legs?” the older colt asked.

“He evilly enchanted his hedge clippers, and they turned on him,” Moonrise said making slicer motion with his hooves.

“That’s insane, Moon,” My host said standing up from the log.

Moonrise walked over to my host and whispered into her ear. “You're right it is a silly story and the colts are laughing, you need to learn to play along with a story sometime. Oakwood did. That or he has a strong legged father.” My host closed her eyes, and I heard a thump of her hitting her hoof against her head.

“Now where was I,” Moonrise said walking around the fire. “Oh yes. On snowy nights like this you can hear the sound of a squeaking wheel and crunching snow. When you hear them, you must hide your legs under the snow or in a blanket. If you don’t then he will get you.” Moonrise said then started to do a evil laugh.

I could see Oakwood roll his eyes and stand up. “I going to get some more firewood,” He said.

Pine Leaf stood up. “Umm, Lieutenant Oakwood? I will go get the firewood. I still feel I need to repay you and your squad for helping us,” Pine Leaf said.

“It’s ok, Mr. Leaf. It’s our job as Equestria Soldiers to aid citizens,” Oakwood replied then started to turn around.

“Please Oakwood, I would like to do something more. It’s how my family works,” Pine Leaf said.

Oakwood turned around and faced Pine Leaf, then smiled. “Okay. I understand, but please, do not go too far from the camp, and please stay in site of one of the watch ponies,” Oakwood said.

“I will. I saw some just over one of the sides of the camp,” Pine Leaf said pointing to the side of the camp that my host was watching earlier.

Oakwood nodded and step aside for Pine Leaf.

“I’ll be right back everypony,” Pine Leaf said and started to walk toward the embankment.

My host watch him walk over the embankment to the other side as he nodded to Applecore who was standing watch. My host then turn back to Moonrise. “So legless pony? Do you know if he ever got anyone you knew?” My host asked.

“Yep, He kind of got my grandm-” Moonrise said then he was interrupted by the scream behind my host.

My host turn towards where the screaming was coming from. I could see Applecore raising his rifle and started to fire down at something behind the hill.

“Come on get up over the embankment!” Applecore shouted firing another two shots.

My host seem to be frozen trying to figure out what to do. She look behind her seeing Moonrise already had his rifle out and was standing in front of the colts while there mother cover them with her hooves.

My host turn back to see Pine Leaf reach the crest of the embankment. Applecore seem to turn his rifle towards Pine Leaf and was looking like he was going to shoot him. That when I saw it.

The timber wolf came over the embankment just as Pine Leaf made it over. The Timber wolf collided with Pine Leaf and they both tumble down the embankment into the the dugout hole. I could see a magical field form around the timberwolf as Oakwood step forward into my field of view. His levitation lifting the timberwolf and slammed it into the campfire. The campfire erupted in flames and embers as the timberwolf hit it. My host turn to see Oakwood begin to sweat as he held his grip on the wolf in the fire.I could hear gunfire from Applecore position again.

“There’s more of them!” he shouted.

Soon after, I could hear more gun fire from the ponies standing watch. I could see Seastar firing down on something in the forest. My guess it was more timberwolves. She then started to fall back into the camp. She was halfway down the embankment when two timberwolves appeared. She was able to hit one of them. The bullet dug into its belly but seem to do little to no real damage as it began to charge forward down the embankment. My host quickly readied her rifle and turn to where her friend Sandy Shore was. She was already down the embankment, trying to put another clip into her rifle. My host raised her rifle and open fire on the approaching timberwolf. The round clipped one of its legs, causing it to yelp and slide down the hill into a dugout at the bottom.

Before my host could turn and fire at another one that was ready to jump on Sandy Shore, I could see in the right side of my host’s view a timber wolf charging at her. My host seemed to notice it as well and began to turn and ready her rifle. However I could tell she would not have enough time.

The timberwolf leap at my host as she was ready to fire. It almost made it to her when Grassweed slammed into the side of the beast sending it to the ground hard. Grassweed then ran over to the confused creature and stomp down on its head. The loud snapping coming from under his hooves told me that he crushed the timberwolves head.

My host turn to Grassweed who looked back with a bit of fear in his eyes. He then turn his head and grab his rifle pointing it past the left side of my host. He began to fire. I could hear wood splintering as a round struck a timberwolf behind my host.

“Everypony! Around the campfire, NOW!” Oakwood shouted pulling the burning timberwolf out of the fire and telekinetically throwing it at another wolf that was trying to grab onto Sandy Shore as she ran down the embankment.

I could see the other members of the squad stepping back forming a circle around the campfire. Grassweed was standing next to my host, along with Sandy Shore, each of them aiming at timberwolves on the top of the embankment. I started to notice that the squad was hitting their shots, however the damage seem to be minor. Moonrise and Seedshine were standing near the mother and colts. Seastar and Gumball stood behind my host on the other side of the campfire. My host did not look to where Applecore and Oakwood where standing, but she could hear Oakwoods orders clearly.

“Keep firing and cover each other,” Oakwood ordered.

My host levitated her rifle up and look down the sight at a timberwolf running over the embankment. She fired three shots from her rifle. The first two struck the timberwolf in the back, sending splinters out while the last shot dug into the dirt. The timberwolf stammered a bit and then started to run down the hill again, only momentarily impeded.

“Sir! They're not going down!” Gumball shouted.

She was right. I could see several rounds hitting the timberwolves and only a few seem to be dead or out of commission. One timberwolf’s hind legs that was shattered by a shot from Grassweed was already starting to pull itself together from the splitters around the ground. I could not see the whole scene from the view of my host. However the timberwolves seemed to respond more to the load sound of the guns then the bullets striking them. Every time one got close, the sound of the ponies rifles caused more fear than any of the bullets that struck them. I then realised that this was the only thing that was preventing the wolves from overrunning them. However, that advantage seemed to be disappearing.

Three more wolves came over the embankment. My host quickly grabbed one in her telekinesis and immediately slammed it into one of the other ones that came over the hill. The force of the impact caused them to shatter into twigs, which rolled down the embankment into the dugout. As the sticks of the once a snarling beast were rolling down the hill, I noticed that one of the sticks glowed a green color. My host seemed to notice it as well as she looked down her sights at the stick and open fire. Three shots were fired with only one striking its target, causing the still falling stick to shatter, its glow dissipating as it landed in the dugout.

My host used her magic to quickly eject the empty mag from her rifle and loaded another. “I’m getting low on ammo!”

I did not have the advanced tactical training as my mare nor the other Paladins; but I could see the end of this fight was going to happen soon. Only a few timberwolves were dead or out of commission. The campfire behind my host light up brightly as I could hear Oakwood placing another Timberwolf into the fire. Even if all the unicorns started to use that tactic they would not survive.

“Help!” Moonrise screamed.

My host turn to see him trying to protect the mother and colts. He fired at one of the wolves coming out him. The shot stuck into the open maw of the timberwolf causing it to drop to the ground immediately. It was a well place shot however the second wolf got its advantage and was able to strike the weakest member of the group.

“Ahhh Help!” Apple Slice cried out as the timberwolf grabbed his bandaged leg and dragged him away from Apple Slice mother’s grip.

My host quickly raised her rifle at the wolf, but she stopped. She could tell that she did not have a good shot and might hit the colt. The timberwolf was trying to escape quickly with his prize, but had trouble trying to get through the field kitchen that was set up nearby.

Moonrise also did not have a shot, but that did not stop him. He ran and leapt at the wolf while it was trying to navigate the kitchen setup. His body slammed into the wolf as all three of them rolled through the cooking pots and a small box marked as hay. They stop near one of the dugouts as Moonrise continue to try to hold onto the timberwolf and tried to free Apple Slice.

“Grassweed keep them off my back!” my host shouted as she turn and raised her rifle at timberwolf that was approaching Moonrise. She fired two shots both struck the head of the beast causing it to collapse into a pile of sticks.

I could see Moonrise reaching for one of the small shovels that they used earlier to dig. He was finally able to bite down onto the handle of the shovel and with a quick jerk of his neck sent the blade of the shovel into the side of the head of the timberwolf. He then turned the shovel, causing a cracking sound as the eldridge wood inside the timberwolf snapped. The now pile of sticks collapsed to the ground, freeing the little colt. Apple Slice quickly stood up and hobbled back to his mother as Moonrise got back up, grabbing his rifle and returning to protecting the family by the fire.

My host turned herself back to where Grassweed was shooting from. He was loading a new magazine into his rifle right when a timberwolf attempted to strike. My host quickly responded, wrapping the timberwolf in her telekinesis, and attempted to throw it into the fire like Oakwood was doing. My host was unable to hold on to the timberwolf, dropping it to the ground in front of Applecore.

Applecore was busy helping Seastar and did not see the creature jump on him. His telekinesis fizzling as he was slammed against the ground, the Timberwolf that he had been holding back from Seastar became free and tackled her to the ground. My host tried to use her magic again but she was to strained from trying to lift the beast. She raised her rifle to try to get a shot, but she hesitated again from the risk of hitting her squad member.

Out of the coner of my field of view a bright green light appeared. My host turn to see a green mist move over the top of the embankment near Grassweed. The mist moved quickly and spun around itself and I could see eyes appearing in it along with a large jaw. It open its mouth and let out a loud scream.

Everypony and timberwolf seem to stop to look at this new threat. The timberwolves started to run away from the creature. The squad raised their weapons and open fired. The shots seem to just pass threw the green monster with no harm being done. It continued to scream for a few more seconds then just stopped and disappeared.

Then everything was silent except for the heavy breathing from the squad members and the sobbing from the colts and mother. My host look around her. Everypony seem to be okay. Seastar and Applecore where standing up and Seed Shine was already looking at Apple Slices leg that was bitten.

“Orange are you okay?” Grassweed asked trotting up to the side of my host.

“Ya I am fine, what about you?” my host asked, looking herself over before turning to him.

“Other than my head hurting a little bit from hitting that thing, I’m fine. I’m going to go check on Sandy,” Grassweed remarked with a smile before walking over to Sandy Shore. She was still holding her rifle pointing up the embankment where the green monster was.

“Dad?” the old brother asked looking around him.

“Dad?” Apple Slice said joining his brother in his search.

In the sudden chaos everypony seem to forget about Pine Leaf falling into one of the dugouts. Applecore was the first to find him. He was under the remains of one of the timberwolves, bleeding and unconscious. Applecore laid Pine Leaf on the ground next to the dugout, his family running over to his side as his colts were shaking his hoof to try and wake him. Seedshine quickly grab her medical bag and ran over, looking over Pine Leaf and then her horn started to glow as a magical field cover Pine Leaf.

“Is he going to be okay?” Apple Slice asked with tears in his eyes.

“Yes hes going to be fine. He's just unconscious, and his bleeding is nothing a few bandages won't fix." Seedshine remarked calmly as she looked over her shoulder. "Moon, can you get that small glass bottle from my bag?”

“Umm.. sure,” Moonrise replied, quickly trotting over to Seedshine’s bag and rummaging through it. He shortly trotted back over to Seedshine with a small bottle in his mouth.

Seedshine picked it up out of his mouth with her levitation and brought it over to her. “Thank you,” she said then look at the colts.

“When I was young, my brothers and I just wanted to sleep in rather than go to school. My mother used this stuff to help encourage us out of bed, and I never like the smell, it should wake him. ” Seedshine said with a smile. I could tell that she was helping the colts calm down by showing that she was relaxed while levitating the vial across Pine Leaf's snout. The effect was immediate as Pine Leaf opened his eyes and almost shot up, but Seed Shine’s magic held him down to prevent him from hurting himself.

“Oh Celestia! That stuff is horrible,” Pine Leaf choked out before his eyes went wide, remembering what happened. “Kids, are you okay?” Pine Leaf asked grabbing one of the colts and pulling him close.

“Ya dad we are fine. Mom and the soldiery ponies kept us safe,” Apple Slice said.

Pine Leaf slowly stood back up and shook the dust he was covered in. “I guess thank you again, Oakwood, for saving us,” Pine Leaf said.

Oakwood and Applecore approach everypony that was standing around Pine Leaf. “Mr. Leaf can you tell me what happen?” Oakwood said.

“Well, I walked over the hill to get some more firewood, and there were some branches just laying on the ground. I reached out to pick them up and that’s when I realized it was a timber wolf. I dropped what I had and tried to run, but it raised up and tried to attack me. I am extremely fortunate that Mr. Applecore here is a good shot.” Pine Leaf said reach a hoof out to Applecore.

“No problem, Mr. Leaf sir, I'm just glad everypony’s alright.” Applecore said shaking the stallions hoof.

“Alright, so we need to check branches before we set up camp tomorrow night so we won't have a repeat,” Oakwood said looking at Applecore.

“Yes sir,” Applecore said saluting and walking back up the embankment.

“Sir, we still need some firewood. The fire is starting to die down,” Aloebloom said walking up to Oakwood.

“Well, timberwolves are made of wood and we have a few of them dead in the camp. We should be okay for the night,” Oakwood said pointing to the pile of sticks that was once a vicious beast.

Aloebloom tilted her head “Umm sir are you sure? That seems kind of wrong, don't you think?”

“I’m not going to send ponies back into the woods to look for firewood while there are timberwolves nearby, let alone whatever the hay that green monster was. Timberwolves are only alive through the living wood inside them, and when that wood is dead, they are just sticks and twigs and therefore something to burn. No more questions, get to it.” Oakwood said turning to Aloebloom. She saluted and quickly started to gather the remains of the timberwolves.

I could hear my host sigh deeply as she walked over to one of the dugouts and jumped in. She then sat back and look up at the sky. I notice a few breaks in the clouds similar to what a normal night in the wasteland is like, however the stars seemed different. Even though seeing the stars in the wasteland was rare, I knew what they should look like; but these stars looked amazingly different. They seem to shake.

As I payed closer attention, I slowly realized that it was not the stars that were shaking, but that it was my host that was. I could hear her starting to take deep breaths. It seems the stress of what happen was starting to get to her, and she was doing everything she can to keep it held in. I started to wonder what she was thinking about, but was interrupted when I could hear a pony stepping into the dugout next to my host. She turn to see Grassweed sit down next to her.

“Hey Orange how you doing?” Grassweed asked with a slight smile. I could see the fear he was trying to hide. His smile just seemed to be painted on as he was trying to be supportive to my host.

“I’m fine, Grassweed. Thanks for the clever use of your head back there,” My host said.

Grassweed seemed to smile a bit more. “Well, it was the only idea I had at the time.”

“Well, you keep using your head as a battering ram, so I'm not really surprised that was your only idea,” my host said lightheartedly.

Grassweed laughed at that. “So what do you think? When we go on our break from the squad, you want to come back with me to Fillydelphia and we all can work on the display I have in my mind,” Grassweed asked.

My host seemed to think about it for a second and took another breath. “Sure, I’d be happy to help out,” my host said.

“Are you sure you are okay?” Grassweed asked, tilting his head.

“Well besides almost being ripped to shreds, and watching my friends nearly ripped to shreds as well by aggressive foliage. I'm doing fine,” my host said, trying to laugh a bit.

“Yeah... that was well,” Grassweed began to say then paused. “Exciting in some ways. I mean, how many times working at the bank did you wish you had to fight off some robber just to not be bored?” Grassweed asked, trying to lighten up my host’s and, I suspected, his own mood.

My host seemed to stare at Grassweed for a few seconds. His face shifted from a forced smile to an awkward stare with a forced smile. I now know what I looked like when I was caught trying to steal something from Crate Boxes’ store back home.

“Okay Grass, I've known you long enough to see when you're scared and you're trying to hide it. Last time I saw it, you asked me out. So if you're trying to be all big stallion to impress me, you're not doing a good job. I think I am at the same level of scary as some timberwolves in your eyes.” my host said. Though how she said it, I think she was starting to calm down and joke with him back.

Grassweed seemed to think about it for a second and looked down. “Okay yes, I was scared and I’m still scared. I think we gotten in over our manes. I mean, did you see how they moved? I was scared that you were going to be carried off into the woods.” Grassweed admitted with a strained voice. “I want to make sure you’re safe, Orange. I care about you, and I want to make sure I can take you on many more dates,” Grassweed said still keeping his head down.

“Grass, I’d be happy to go out with you more, and to help you with your design. Thank you for keeping me safe, and I will try to keep you safe as well,” My host said hugging Grassweed. “Tell me about your design for the display,” My host said, laying back in the dugout.

Grassweed moved close to my host. I was starting to get worried that I would be stuck in the body of my house while she had sex with another pony. Though, with my experience with Apricot, my host’s eyes will be closed or staring at the dirt... and why am I thinking about this?! Great! This is not helping my mood, and I don’t know how much longer I really have sitting through this memory. I should ask the computer, but I think seeing it said ‘hours’... I don’t want to think about it. I was lucky though when Grassweed lay next to my host. I could see him place his muzzle next to her cheek. “I will tell you tomorrow, lets just lay here and enjoy each other’s company. I have watch in a few hours. I’d like to enjoy my down time just being next to you,” he said.

My host closed her eyes. “Thank you, Grassweed,” my host said as the familiar signs of a memory flash occurred.

My field of view returned when my host opened her eyes slowly. It was now morning. My host looked to where Grassweed was when she fell asleep, but he was not there. She sat up and looked about, as she scanned around her, I could see Gumball standing on one of the sides of the embankment around the camp. The campfire was still burning, with Oakwood and Seedshine over by the field kitchen and hard at work preparing a meal. Applecore was standing by Pine Leaf and his wife, talking, while Moonrise was asleep near the two colts. My host could then see Aloebloom on another side of the embankment. She turned back and looked up the embankment she was sitting by to see Grassweed standing at the top, looking out into the forest. My field of view changed as my host stood up and started to walk up the embankment.

“Orange Harvest!” the voice of Applecore said behind my host. She turned to see him walking over to her. “Go help Oakwood and Seedshine with breakfast,” Applecore ordered, pointing to where the two ponies were working.

“Yes sir,” my host replied, turning back to look up the embankment to Grassweed who turned to look down at the conversation. He just smiled at my host and turned back to the forest. My host walked over allowing me to see Oakwood stirring a pot with his magic while Seedshine diced some potatoes. “Ummm... Sir? I am here to help,” my host said, looking at Oakwood.

“Good! You can help Seedshine dice the potatoes and apples,” Oakwood said.

“Yes sir, but why are you preparing breakfast? I would think you would order somepony else to make it,” My host said.

“Old habit of mine. When I was just newly commissioned royal guardspony, we were put on expeditions to patrol the outer areas of Equestria. I was always the cook since I got up before everypony else at the same time every day. So with my years of practice, here I am, making breakfast for everypony, same as every morning.” Oakwood said. My host, satisfied with the explanation, ambled over to Seedshine, who was still dicing potatoes. She picked up a knife in her magic and started to cut into another potato.

The morning mist continue to move over the camp as members of the squad started to wake-up and trot over to the kitchen to eat. Oakwood's breakfast consisted of oatmeal with sliced apples and with potatoes on the side, informing us that the potatoes would help the platoon keep their strength for the patrol. After each pony got their meal, my host finally had a chance to eat for a short period before being assigned to clean the pots. Apparently Oakwood liked making breakfast, but hated cleaning up afterwards. So that was ordered to somepony else, which lucky for me, was my host.

After the thrilling adventure that was cleaning, the camp was promptly packed up. Everypony was ready to continue to the wagon that Pine Leaf’s family had to leave behind.

“Moonrise, you’re up front,” Oakwood called out as the ponies assembled around, now standing outside the embankment. I could see some bullet holes in the trees nearby from last nights battle. My host stood behind Gumball, who was behind Moonrise, but I could also tell that my host was standing next to the family who was in the center of the patrol group. I could see Seedshine to my host’s right side, who in turn stood next to Apple Slice and was helping him onto his fathers back.

“Okay, let’s move out. Everypony keep an eye out for anything. Remember, the Zebras may still be out here, let alone the timberwolves that probably want to get back at us.” Oakwood said. I could see Moonrise start to walk forward, followed by Gumball, and immediately I knew where this was going. Oh good, more hours and hours of watching ponies walk. I really hoped that the orb was going to be completed soon. I knew I need to be watching for useful information, but so far I had learned was that ponies in the past could walk in a line.

As the morning continued, we made it to the road and started trotting along it. The mist that covered it was starting to break away, revealing that the road still had a light layer of snow on it, but even so it was much easier to traverse than the ground they were traveling on before.

“Sir, I see a sign,” Moonrise called out, turning to look back at Oakwood.

Oakwood trotted forward to where Moonrise was standing. When Moonrise stepped to the side, I could see the sign he was talking about. It was a small wooden rectangle with ‘Beware’ written across it.

“Guess the zebras want to make sure we know that the road not safe for travel,” Moonrise said, looking up at Oakwood.

“Seems like it. Doesn't matter. We already took care of a pack of timberwolves. We can handle anything else.” Oakwood said returning to his spot. “Keep going forward. We should only be about twenty minutes from the wagon.”

“Yes sir,” Moonrise said walking forward past the sign.

We all proceeded forward. My host kept looking to her side of the forest, my guess was that she was looking for any signs movement. Everything seemed quiet, no movement, nor sound. When my host turned to look forward, I could see the wagon in the distance. Almost immediately, a cloud of snow, dirt, and rocks erupted around Moonrise, who fell back on his hind legs then collapsed to the ground. Everything around me was quiet as I realized that my host had lost her hearing from the explosion by Moonrise.

My host’s hearing started to come back as I heard the muffled sound of Seedshine, shouting “Moonrise!”

I could see her out of the right corner of my field of view. My host seemed to not be paying attention. She seemed to be trying to figure out what just happen. Another cloud erupted in front of Seedshine she collapsed to the ground a meter from Moonrise. Again everything was silent as my host collapsed to the ground, closing her eyes. She slowly reopened them as her hearing returned. I could see several gashes in Seedshine’s pelt as blood pooled around her. Moonrise’s body was not much better. He simply lay there, the explosion having torn into his underbelly. Both were dead, and the squad was in a lot of trouble.

“No pony move!,” Oakwood shouted.

Those were the first words my host heard when her hearing started to come back. The next thing I heard was the crying of the colts. My host raised her rifle and was looked into the forest, trying to see the attackers. The mist was still thick enough to hide their attackers from a distance, but I did not think that whatever it was could be thrown. They could be in the trees. I wanted to be the inner voice in my host’s head, telling her to look up. Check the trees! The zebras might be in there, but she continued to look around her.

“Sir, we need to help Seed and Moon! They look badly hurt, and they’re not moving,” Sandy Shore said.

“Keep your heads down and keep the family covered,” Oakwood ordered.

“Sir, we need to get off the road. The zebras must be hitting us with something,” Seastar said.

“I didn't see anything get thrown in front of Moonrise,” Gumball said keeping her weapon trained to the forest.

“Anypony see what hit us?” Applecore asked.

“No,sir,” Grassweed said.

My host turn and looked at Applecore. “No, all I saw was a cloud of snow and then Moonrise was on the ground.” She then turn her head back to the forest watching for any movement. The sobbing of the colts was getting loader. My host keep her eyes to the forest with her rifle raised up.

“Maybe it’s a dragon that hit us?” Sandy Shore asked.

“If it was a dragon, we’d be burnt to a crisp. There are no dragons this far south,” Aloebloom replied back.

“Well, maybe the zebras offered a teenage dragon to take care of the beasts, and you know, us,” Sandy Shore replied back.

“Enough guessing. We are falling back off the road until we figure this out. Everypony step back slo-” Oakwood said before being interrupted.

“Sir. I see something,” Gumball said ahead of us.

“What is it?” Oakwood asked.

“Not sure let me get a hold of it,” Gumball said.

My host turn to see Gumball horn light up The ground in front of Gumball glowed with her magic. She did not see it, nor my host when it exploded, but I did. Something erupted out of the snow covered ground, then exploded ahead of Gumball. The squad had walked into a minefield.

Gumball collapsed to the ground, grabbing her face as she screamed. She continued to scream as she curled herself into the a ball. I could see lacerations on her legs and what looked like a brown object sticking out of her armor barding. Her armor seemed to keep her protected from the shrapnel, however her exposed face was injured from the hit.

I knew what injuries the wasteland's mines leave, so this was something different. I could finally do some research. I knew the system has a database of weapons and equipment used in the war to help the researcher so...

“A.I., send the information related to that explosion to the field notes.” I spoke out in an almost excited voice.

“Request confirmed,” The A.I. said.

I turned my attention back to Gumball, who was still screaming. She seemed to have turned herself back towards the my host.

“Gum! What happened? What did you see?” Oakwood asked staying, where he was.

“I can’t see!” Gumball shouted sobbing now.

“Gumball. Calm down. We will get you out of there. We haven’t left you, but I need to know what happened,” Oakwood said.

“I don’t know sir, all I saw was something in the ground. I tried lifting it with my magic then everything went dark now. Are my eyes open?” Gumball asked in a panicked voice. She moved her hooves away from her face. Shrapnel from the mine had ripped across her face. Her eyes were bloody and swollen shut.

“Just stay there Gum. We will get to you, okay?” my host said.

“Okay, everypony listen to me!” Oakwood shouted. Everypony was silent except for the sobs of the colts behind my host.

“Orange, levitate Gumball to you and then slowly back up. Try to keep to your same footing. Applecore, you get Moonrise and I will get Seedshine,” Oakwood ordered.

“Yes, sir” my host and Applecore said.

“Pine Leaf, Curl Sky, carefully step backwards and keep your colts on your backs,” Oakwood said.

My host levitated her rifle back onto her back, then concentrated on placing a new levitation field around Gumball.

“Okay Gum? It’s me, Orange. I've got you in my magic field and I’m going to lift you up, okay?” My host said in a slightly strained voice.

Magic fields appeared around Moonrise and Seedshine, who still where unmoving. When they were lifted from the ground their bodies slumped over. I could tell they were dead, the ground around them was just pool of dark blood, slowly melting the snow around them.

My host looked away from Moonrise and Seedshine and concentrated on Gumball. “Okay Gum, I’m going to bring you over to me and place you on my back,” my host said.

“Please hurry! I don’t want to be here anymore. I want to go home.” Gumball said, sobbing.

My host lifted Gumball to her. “Hey Gum, you're with me now. I’ll get you out of here,” my host said, placing Gumball gently on her back.

“Sir! I think I see something coming this way!” Grassweed call out pointing into the misty part of the forest.

“Shit, everypony back up quickly and carefully,” Oakwood ordered.

My host started to back up as quickly and carefully as she could. She levitated her rifle back out and pointed towards where Grassweed was pointing his rifle. I could not see anything in the mist. My host continue to back up.

My field of view jolted a little bit as I release that she bump into some pony.

“Sorry Orange,” Sandy Shore said.

Then I heard a hoof slip in the snow. Suddenly my field of view tumbled everywhere as my host was thrown into the air. Everything went dark. No sound. No sight.

Nothing.

I figured the memory was going to end with the death of this pony, but that did not make sense. Recollectors were not made at this stage of the war, and the memory spell would not have been able to pull a memory from a dead pony. A flash of light crossed my screen. I knew it was a memory flash and that my host was still alive.

My host slowly opened her eyes. I could tell that she was laying on her side and her left eye was partially buried in the snow. My field of view focused in and out as she tried to stay conscious, the snow turning red around her field of view. My host had been hit by a mine. Everything was muffled again and She seemed to be unable to move her head, but was looking around the best she could. I could see Grassweed’s hind leg in the uppermost part of her vision. She tried to turn her head to see him, but couldn't. He’d made it out of the field. She then look down and saw Sandy Shore laying there.

Sandy Shore was laying there with her same face she’d had since the first time my host met her, and that when I released what her face was. She lay there, eyes staring forward, small her mouth open. She was dead and my host burned her death mask into her memory. My host just stared at Sandy Shore’s blood flowing out a massive wound on the mare’s neck.

My field of view started to get wavy as was my host began to tear up. That’s when I could see the figures stepping out of the mist. My host’s eyes slowly closed as the zebras stepped into her view.

Field Note:
Weapon I.D.: ZebAPM01 “Party Popper”
Weapon Type: Anti-Personnel Mine.
Explosive Type: Alchemic
Blast Radius: 4 meters
Danger level to Steel Rangers: None