My field of view returned to the E.F.D. as the A.I. notified me that section two was completed. As I had requested, only two hours had passed during my time in the orb. Though, for me, it had been hours and hours.

“Item added to field notes,” the A.I. informed me, highlighting the field note tab at the bottom of my E.F.D., a small, flashing number one displaying next to it.

“A.I., bring up the field notes and show me the new entry,” I said, curious to the information it contained.

The display changed, displaying the mine that Orange Harvest and her squad had stepped into. I quickly started to read through the details. The archive system seemed to be able to pull information from many different reports about the weapon, and there were A LOT of reports. I had spent about twenty minutes just reading through all the files when I realised that I still needed to go have lunch.

“A.I. shut down,” I said, finally ready to take my break.

The A.I. confirmed the order promptly, and my world returned to me staring at the control console of the Memory Orb Archive. I step out of my chair and headed for the lunch room.

“Nah, I think there is something really good behind that main vault door. I can just feel it in my coat,” Melon Seed said sitting back in his chair in the lunchroom.

Melon Seed was talking to Donut Hole across the table from him, while Tea Leaf was sitting on the other side of a steaming pot set between Melon and Donut. From the looks of what she was eating, lunch would be steamed noodles.

“Well I think we will need to head back after we get this test run of the archive done,” Donut Hole said looking over at me.

“That might not take too much longer, as it looks like I just finished up the first subject that Dr. Winter was examining,” I said pulling up one of the chairs and sitting in it.

“How many subjects are there?,” Donut Hole asked curiously.

“Don’t know, I just going to go through Block C and hopeful have a good idea of how useful this techknowledge will be. I think Block C has about six orbs each side so about twelve. Though with what looks like a massive compression that could have one or two subjects in the orbs; But I do think this thing will be very useful for us even if it’s this far out. I have already learned something about a weapon that was used at the start of the war.” I said, staring hungrily at the pot.

Tea Leaf finished slurping up some noodles that she had hanging from her mouth. “Oh! was it an early battle saddle?” she cocked an eyebrow as she asked.

“Nope, it’s a mine. The squad that my host was with back then stumbled into it. Caught them by surprise” I replied stirring the pot with my magic.

“A mine?” Donut Hole asked looking up from his bowl of noodles. “I thought mines where not used to later on in the war.” he said.

“Maybe ponies designed mines later on in the war when it was used as a tactic; but it seems that this mine was originally used as a deterrent for feral animals in zebra lands.” I said adding some of the noodles from the pot to a bowl. “The reports I read in the field notes did not mention if it was a staple in the zebra military, or just something this tribe had in the forest where my host’s squad ran into it.” I said.

“Is it like the ones that are used nowadays?” Tea Leaf said before going back to her noodles.

“No, it was a very basic design,” I said looking over to a empty bottle of sparkle cola. I levitated it over, along with an old straw that was next to it. I then placed the straw inside the cola bottle and flip it upside down. “This design works in a rather sloppy way. First they had to bury the thing in loose earth and hope it did not just go off in their hooves. Then the victim has to trot into the area and cause enough of a depression in the earth to snap the component that made up the first stage of the mine.” I used my telekinesis to bend the straw a bit, the brittle tube snapping in my magic. “When that happens a chemical charge is ignited to throw the mine up, all whil..” I said before being interrupted by Donut Hole.

“Okay we don’t need to know how the mine is made we just need to know is; A if the archive can give you detailed information and it seems it can, and B if this weapon is a threat or asset to the Steel Rangers,” Donut Hole said.

“Well, really the mine is just a clay jar that explodes and throws chunks of it everywhere, so to Steel Ranger armor it’d be a joke. I don’t even think you notice it going off. To a non armored pony however, it could kill them. Most of the mines that were buried during the war should have detonated for some reason or another by now. Though some of the wood supports they used in the later models, might have made them last longer, depending of course on the decay of the wood.” I said placing down the sparkle cola bottle and straw.

“So, then there could be still some around?” Tea Leaf asked with a spark of interest, slurping up the last of her lunch.

“Yes, and there was no real easy way to detect them. With zero metal or magical components, they are all but invisible. A few spells were made to detect them, but seems that all they could do is find where one is buried and then try to cause enough of a disruption in the earth in the area to set off the mines.” I said.

“Were they the size of that sparkle cola bottle?” Melon Seed asked, pointing his hoof to my makeshift demonstration.

“No, they’re about the size of the jugs that Dry Core used to bottle his Mooncider.” I replied back take another bite from my noodles.

“Oh ya. I love the Mooncider Core made,” Melon Seed said.

“Really? Don’t you remember how he made it?” I asked as I looked over to Melon Seed, not thinking that I’d ever forget when I learned.

“Yeah, I know it was made in his toilet, but that was the only source of freshwater in town.” Melon Seed said. “Completely understandable in his case.”

Donut look up from his noodles. “Wait how did you think he got a source of fresh water in Boulder Junction?” he asked.

“Not sure as he keep it his trade secret. Only shop in town that sold fresh water... even if I know it is from the toilet.” I said.

“As is the best Mooncider to ever grace the wasteland,” Melon Seed said jumping back in.

“Wait... Dry Core?” Donut asked.

“Yeah?” Melon Seed replied, a confused look flushing over his face.

“When did he move into the town?” Donut asked slowly, obviously trying to put something together in his head.

“Ummm... I think about five years ago maybe more. What you think Mint?” Melon Seed asked looking at me.

“Yes, five to six years ago sounds about right. We were still young when he moved to our town, and He mostly kept to himself, only interacting with anypony when he was selling water and his cider,” I said putting another set of noodles into my mouth.

“Then Dry Core is Dry Applecore, a wash out from our chapter.” Donut said.

“Wait, Dry was a washout?” Melon asked.

“One of the worst on record. He was a old boozer before he moved to your town. He first tried to hide his drinking from the instructor but he was caught. They figured corporal punishment would work, but even after twenty lashes he still went back to drinking. So the Elder had him place in confinement, but I think that’s exactly where he learned how to make his mooncider. When they open the door he smelt of booze, they promptly threw him out.” Donut Hole said.

“Well he may have made a crappy Steel Ranger, but goddesses be damned, he’s still a great brewer,” Melon Seed said with a smirk.

“Yeah, I drank his stuff for a bit until I learned about his memory problem.” I said before slurping up the noodle that was hanging out of my muzzle.

“Why would you stop solely from a memory problem he had?” Melon asked.

“Well... If drinking that stuff caused memory problems for him, then I definitely don’t want to drink it.” I shook my head slowly. “Also, he made his Cider in his toilet. I’m sure that on more than one occasion he has forgotten to flush.” I looked Melon straight in the eyes. “Have you ever had a batch of cider that tasted odd?” I asked.

“Yes, but...” Melon began to say before he stopped, just blankly staring forward as his muzzle scrunched in realization.

“I love this part about him.” Tea Leaf said looking up from her bowl with her own smirk.

“Gah!” Melon Seed stuck out his tongue and tried to heave out his lunch. I would have thought that he was overreacting had I not done the same when I had learned.

“No! Not on lunch!” Donut Hole shouted, nearly throwing himself over the pot of noodles to protect them.

Melon ran out of the lunchroom down the hall, disappearing around the corner on his way to the bathroom.

“Still fun when he does that.” Tea Leaf said, calmly returning to the broth in her bowl.

“Still have a crush on him?” Donut Hole asked hesitantly as he sat back down.

“Yes... and it’s not your concern anymore Donut,” Tea Leaf snapped back.

Oh crap, I thought to myself as I watch the argument start. Of course this had to happen now. I couldn’t just have had a nice relaxing lunch, could I?

“Hey I just looking out for-” Donut Hole said before be interrupted by Tea Leaf.

“No, you’re looking out for your second choice in a mate. Don’t start that concerned friend crap with me...” Tea Leaf said before I began mentally drowning out their argument. I don’t know and I don’t want to know what those two had before Donut got put in family quarters. I should know, but nope don’t want to be a third leg in a bad argument. No pony wins as a third leg, so I quickly finished my bowl and hurried out of the room.

I walked back into the Memory Archive and settle back into the chair. I placed my hoof back onto the control screen, clearing my throat before speaking. “A.I. Start. Load section three of the current memory orb.”

“Order confirmed, stand by” the A.I. replied promptly as the computer screen faded away and I was again looking at my E.F.D. “Loading Block C, Orb 1, Section 3, 6 months from the start of the war. Please indicate desired acceleration.”

“four hours,” I replied, the E.F.D. scrolling a line of text in front of my eyes.

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

“Four hours, confirmed. Please stand by.” The A.I. chimed.

Memory Loading...................................Complete

My E.F.D. Faded away as the memory began.

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

My host slowly opened her eyes, as I figured she would. If she hadn't survived the mines, I’m sure this section wouldn’t be here. I also figure that so early in the war, the zebras wouldn’t hurt her, and that she would most likely have been put into a hospital. I had been expecting it to be a zebra hospital at a prison camp; but the earth pony wearing a old nurses outfit while pushing some pony down the hall in a wheelchair showed me I was mistaken.

My host did not seem to want to move her head too much. I thankfully could not feel the pain she was probably in, but I assumed it was quite a lot. She lifted her left fore hoof, observing that it was covered in bandages and tubes running out from under them. I could see somepony walking up from her left side, the medical curtain covered the ponies face before a magic field covered the curtain and pulled it back. It revealed a pony wearing a stethoscope and holding a chart, most likely the attending doctor. She look at my host and smiled.

“Hello Orange Harvest, I’m glad to see you are awake again.” She said in a soft tone.

“Again?” my host asked. “But… last thing I remember…”

The doctor cut her off, “Yes, you’ve been slipping in and out of consciousness for nearly the last week. It seems like you’ve finally managed to get your motor functions back, seeing as last time we talked, you could barely moved your lips. Today you're giving me a smile.” the pony said.

I took a closer look at her medical barding; barely making out the tag on it that read Dr. Fruitcake. I thought it to be a strange name for a doctor, maybe a doctor Heartbeat or Mend or maybe doctor Pill. Fruitcake seem like a very bad idea for a name for a doctor, but then again, the wasteland has had no shortage of strange and bad names. I wonder if Donut Hole was made fun of as a colt?

My train of thought had started to pull away my attention before I was snapped back into the memory by my host.

“I... I remember... dreams?” My host asked, rubbing the back of her head with a fetlock.

“Yes, the nurse said you been having some bad dreams lately.” Dr. Fruitcake asked as she looked over a clipboard that was hanging on the wall. “Do you think you can recall them now?”

“I... think I do but... I'm not sure. Everything feels like a blur.” My host said hesitantly.

I was starting to get confused, this was a memory orb. Her dreams should have been recorded in here, right? Maybe it wasn’t something that had been extracted, but you would have thought the dreams might have been important.

“A.I. Are there any memory recordings of this subjects dreams?” I asked, watching as the memory paused with the doctor holding my host’s hoof as the A.I. voice spoke up.

“Only written documents of descriptions of dreams prior to the start of this memory orb. Analysis indicates there is a mention of a dream in the orb itself however that event has not occurred yet. I can send a copy of the written documents about subject Orange Harvest dreams to your field notes or you can stop the orb now and review them if you wish.” the A.I. said.

“Ummm, no thanks, I’ll just keep observing. I don't really need to know what a dead pony was dreaming about, I was just curious.” I replied, still surprised that the system could stop a memory orb so somepony could review information that they found. This could be a very valuable tool for us I remarked as the memory started up again.

“Does your foreleg still hurt?” Dr. Fruitcake asked placing My host left forehoof back down onto the bed.

“Not as bad. It's still sore, but I think it’s getting better.” my host replied.

“Well thats good Ms. Harvest, however, it will still be sore for a month or two. The object that exploded and injured you did a good number on your legs. You were lucky it was only minor injuries you sustained, but that bump to your head did the worst of the damage. Gave you damn near one of the nastiest concussions I’ve seen in my career. It was in fact bad enough that when you came to, you didn’t really even know who you were. Speaking of, do you recall that event?” Dr. Fruitcake asked.

“No... last thing I remember is laying on the snow and... dreams,” My host replied.

“Okay, well lets have you get some more rest then,” Dr. Fruitcake said as she gave my host a soft smile. “Does that sound nice?”

“Yes... wait I remember that my other squad members were hurt and... were they brought here as well?” My host asked now turning her head fully to the doctor.

“Oh good, you do remember that they were brought here. Yes Grassweed, Aloebloom? and Gumball were brought to the hospital as well. Aloebloom was released two days ago infact, full recovery.” Dr. Fruitcake said.

“What about Grassweed and Gumball?” My host asked.

“Well, I’m sorry I can't tell you that due to doctor patient confidentiality.” Dr. Fruitcake responded with a bit of a frown.

“Miss they were my friends, please?” My host pleaded, the sorrow in her voice was clear as day.

“I'm sorr-” Dr. Fruitcake was about to say before being interrupted by the voice of Gumball coming from my host right side. My host turn to see another hospital current cover a bed where I could see the outline of a pony behind the curtain.

“Doctor Fruitcake, just tell her. Or better yet, just pull back the curtain and let her see for herself.” Gumball droned.

“Are you sure Ms. Gumball?” Dr. Fruitcake asked as she looked to Gumball’s sectioned off bed.

“Yes, and Grassweed is her friend, too. I know he will want to see her as well. Don't need to hide all of us from each other. I mean that figuratively in my case, but at least those two can see each other.” Gumball said,

“As you wish Ms. Gumball,” Dr. Fruitcake said before turning back and looking at my host with a deep frown on her face. Her look gave a hint that my host was not going to like what she was about to see, but I was actually curious as to what had happened. One semi-injured victim was good, but the more data I can observe on the damage the mines could do would be useful to the Rangers. Written reports of the capabilities were one thing, but seeing it was a whole other thing.

A magical field formed around the hospital curtain that Gumball was behind, slowly being pulled back to reveal Gumball laying in the hospital bed with bandages covering her eyes. I could see bruising and areas of shaved off coat around the bandages, but her eyes seemed to be the most severely damaged.

“Hey Gumball,” my host said weakly, her eyes only really focusing on the large bandages over Gumball’s eyes.

“Yeah, hello Orange Harvest. Glad to see you back up!” She spoke with mock enthusiasm. “I was getting tired of the doctor and nurses asking each other how many times you woke up during the night or opened your eyes. Actually, speaking of nights, can you please stop having nightmares every night? You woke me up three times in the last five days with your crying. You still got everything working, but your brain just got knocked around. Sort it out and get over it. At least you can still...” Gumball said with an increasingly sharp tone till she stop in mid sentence.

“Still see,” she finally managed to whisper out, this time more sadness in her voice than anger.

My host turn back to Dr. Fruitcake to hopefully get some context for why Gumball just said that. However the doctor had already stepped away and behind the hospital curtain on the other side of the room. My host turn back to Gumball as I could tell she was trying to think of exactly what to say.

“Orange you still there? Or did you pass back out?” Gumball Asked.

“No...No Gum, I was just thinking. I trying to remember the nightmares that I been waking you up with.” My host said. “I’m sorry about having them.”

“No, I’d rather have you not remember them at all. You keep waking me up like clockwork also every single night.” She grumbled out. “I’d like for once to have more then one night of good sleep in a row.” Gumball said in a short tone.

“I'm... sorry Gumball.” My host replied sadly.

“I know, just talk to Grassweed and have him cheer you up.” Gumball said. “I don’t need your pity, I just want to get some sleep for once.”

My host turn forward to see a nurse pony standing outside of the hospital curtain that was across the room from my host. She nodded her head and then pulled it back letting my host see the green stallion with his white mane laying in the bed. He looked at my host with a soft smile.

I don't think my host noticed his injuries before I did, because her eyes were lost in his gaze. However I saw it, the shape of his body did not look right under the blanket. He looked as if he was only half of a pony. As my host looked down his body, she now realized what had happened to him.

Grassweed’s face changed from a smile to a more neutral expression. “Yep it got my back legs,” he said with a frown. “Got them both actually... but I lived. Lucky you made it too, and with not much of an injury from what the Doc said. Just that bump!” His muzzle formed a small smile again. “I guess you have a harder head they you thought,”

“Yeah, lucky.” Gumball said in agitation, making my host turn to back to her.

“Gum, please don't tell her,” Grassweed said. “It won’t help her.”

“No real point in hiding it. Yeah it won't help her, and she probably scream again tonight when she sleeps,” Gumball said. “But it might as well be because she knows what happened.”

“Why would I scream? What are you keep back from me? My host asked in more alarmed tone.

“The reason you survived that blast was that Sandy Shore took most of it. Her body shielded yours and is the reason you only have a few scratches,” Gumball said. “But Sandy didn’t make it. They said she died instantly.”

“Gum why’d you have to tell her? You're not the only one that has to deal with annoying pony.” Grassweed raised his voice as he spoke. “We get it you lost your sight we are sorry for you. But you’ve got to stop. Its not helping you or anypony else here!” He was practically yelling by the end.

“Shut up!” Gumball shouted back. “Don’t you get it. I can’t see anymore!” She raised her forehooves to her bandaged eyes.

“And I can’t walk!” Grassweed strained his voice as he shouted back.

With all the shouting that was going on, for a moment I felt like I was back in the lunchroom between Donut Hole and Tea Leaf.

“So what if I can walk down a hallway; at least you can see what the hallway looks like!” Gumball shouted raising out of her bed with her head turn towards Grassweed. “For the rest of my life, my world is nothing but darkness! Imagine if you could never see your families flower arrangements EVER again! THAT’S WHAT THIS IS.”

“ENOUGH!” Dr. Fruitcake shouted. “I will not have ponies act like this in this hospital. You are not the only ones in this hospital, and most certainly are not the only ones injured. If you keep this up I will sedate the two of you in order to keep you civil.” Dr. Fruitcake said angrily.

A long minute of silence ensued, both Gumball and Grassweed looking as if they were calming back down.

“Okay, its past visiting hours and time for all little stallions and mares to go to sleep. If you need help that does not involve yelling at eachother, then don’t hesitate to ask a nurse.” Dr. Fruitcake said now with a calmer voice. My host turned forward and looked at Grassweed who just laid there with a frown on his muzzle. I assumed it was due to the fact that he was still upset on how the news of Sandy Shore was given to his friend. He looked back at my host and turned his frown into another soft smile before laying back and closing his eyes.

My host layed back in her bed and was now staring at the ceiling as it started to fade. Her eyes closed as a memory flash took hold. My field of view returned as it shot up and was looking at Grassweed’s bed. The Stallion was trying to sit up as best he could while I heard the hoof steps of a pony running towards us from the hall on my right.

“Shut up Orange!” Gumball shouted while I could hear the deep breathing of my host, her body starting to shake a bit.

“Orange, you okay?” Grassweed asked groggily while looking over at my host, his tired eyes forcing themselves to stay open.

“I can’t seem to get the whole thing out of my head Grass. I keep seeing the road and everypony there...” My host said with strain in her voice.

“Yep same old thing, Orange. Here come the nurses to put you down so we can all get back to sleep.” Gumball said snarkily.

My host turn to a pony shaped shadow at the door entering their room. I know she could see a syringe hover in a levitation field that was coming from the nurse who slowly walked toward my host.

“Please, I’m sorry, I just don’t like these dreams.” My host said sobbing at the nurse.

“It’s ok Ms. Harvest, this will help you sleep.” the nurse said softly.

“No, I don’t want it! I just want to think, to remember it.” My host said now crying, making her vision particularly annoying to observe.

“Okay, let me get a chair to sit down with you and we can try to figure out what you remember. Will that help you feel better?” the nurse asked.

“Yes, thank you,” My host replied, wiping her tears away with her forehooves.

“Hey nurse, if your not going to give her the shot and keep me up with your chattering, do you think I can at least have that dose so I can get some damn sleep?” Gumball suggested in agitation.

“Ms. Gumball, are you sure?” The nurse asked. “Sedatives are not a substitute for actual rest you know.”

“Oh Celestia, yes I’m sure. I haven’t had a full night sleep in days,” Gumball said with a sigh. “I don’t care if it’s not real sleep. I’ll take any sleep that doesn’t involve me listening to you two go on and on.”

“Alright then.” The nurse spoke as she turned and walked over to Gumball, injecting the contents of the syringe into a small container under her I.V. bag.

“There you go. That should help you get some rest.” The nurse said to Gumball.

“Thank you.” Gumball said in for once a lot nicer tone, the mare turning onto her side and away from Orange as she relaxed.

“Okay Ms. Harvest,” the nurse said then pulled out a notepad and a pen. “Please tell me what you have been dreaming about.”

My host squinted as she tried to recall them. “I can only remember little parts of it. I just keep remembering the road and Timberwolves, as well as Sandy just looking at me in such a strange way.” She said slowly.

“That’s a good start. What do you remember about the road?” the nurse asked, writing down things as she spoke.

“The road was white and red, and there were loud noises coming from below my hooves. Then… I remember Timberwolves erupting from the ground.” My host said as she looked up to the nurse.

“So, the Timberwolves came out of the grown and attacked you?” The nurse asked again, writing a few more lines on the notepad.

“Yes... They just leaped out of the snow, I remember they sent it flying everywhere when they did.” My host paused as she rubbed her right fetlock nervously with her left hoof. “One of the timberwolves grab... grabbed... Moonrise and just threw him into the red snow.” My host said as she started to shake.

I have seen my share of traumatized ponies in the wasteland, but this was so much different. Possibly because life in the wastes has always been full of fighting and death, where this had been new to the ponies of the past. Were us wasteland ponies so numb to everything around us to be so far separated from this type of mental instability?

“Okay what else do you remember after Moonrise was grab?” the nurse asked, pulling me back to the conversation.

“One bit Gumball in the face, and when I tried picking her up, everything just became silence. The only thing I could hear was the breathing of a timberwolf.” Oranges shaking got worse as she continued. “Then I just saw one standing over... over,” My host started to say then started to cry. My field of view became distorted from the tears.

“One of them was standing over Sandy with blood dripping from its mouth,” My host cried out as she broke into loud sobs, tears streaming down her face.

“It’s okay now Orange Harvest, you are away from the road and your friend Grassweed is here to help you.” the nurse said.

“Yeah, but not Sandy! She’s gone!” My host said loudly. “Sandy’s gone!”

“Yes, and I’m very sorry that your friend died, but you are still here to remember her.” the nurse said with a smile I could barely make out through my hosts watery vision.

“I know Sandy would want to see me happy and alive, but I didn’t want it to cost her life! Why could I just lose my legs or eyes or something! I would have given up anything to keep her alive,” My host said sobbing again.

“You can’t think that way Ms. Harvest Sand-” the nurse said before being interrupted.

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore!” She cried out as she buried her face in her hooves. “Please, can I just have a sedative so I can get back to sleep?” My host spoke softly through her hooves as she sobbed.

“Yes, I will give you a light sedative to help you sleep,” the nurse said, stepping away from my host bed to retrieve another syringe of the drug. My host turned and looked at Grassweed, meeting his eyes as he looked back at my host.

“Get some sleep Orange, and I’ll see you in the morning, okay?” Grassweed said with a smile trying to show reassurance that everything would be alright.

My host nodded to Grassweed, watching as he laid back down and closed his eyes. My host laid back as well, staring up at the ceiling. Time seem to slow down as both me and my host waited for the nurse to return with the sedative. I had actually gotten so bored that I started to count the small holes in one of the ceiling panels.

After I got half way done counting the panel I was looking at I heard the sounds of the nurse walking back to my host. My host turned her head to look at the nurse. Shit I lost count!

“I’m sorry Ms. Harvest, but the doctor says you can’t have anymore sedatives. You have had too many this week already.” My host gave a small nod in recognition. “Though, she told me that she contacted a colleague of hers to see if she can help you.” The nurse said with a smile. “I know its hard to sleep but in time your body will naturally sleep. Just close your eyes and relax. I’ll be by in the morning to check in, but if you do need me, I’ll just be down the hall.”

My host looked back at the ceiling and closed her eyes, leaving my field of view in complete darkness. I just laid there with her as she tried to sleep, listening to the dripping of the I.V. bag and the nighttime sounds of the hospital, nurses walking and ponies breathing, the occasional cough or moan of pain.

After a short time, the sight of a memory flash occurred and my view returned to normal when my host open her eyes. The sound of hooves walking around caught her attention as she turned in time to see a nurse walking up with some food.

“Good morning Ms. Harvest, I hope you slept a little better after our talk.” the nurse said, levitating a plate of mash carrots and peas over to my host.

“I guess.” my host said sadly, looking over at Grassweed who had his face covered in mash carrots. Apparently he enjoyed the hospital food enough that he didn’t care about being messy.

Grassweed stopped chewing and look over my host and nodded.

“I don’t remember waking up again, but I still remember the road and Sandy’s face.” My host’s hooves shook slightly as she continued. “Why can’t I get her face out of my mind? Did that bump to my head mess with my memories? You said I couldn’t really remember who I was when you brought me here, is that why this is happening?” My host asked in an alarmed voice.

“Perhaps, but you will have to ask the doctor later when she checks on you. For now, eat your breakfast. You won’t start getting any better if you starve yourself.” the nurse said with a smile before turning and walking over to Grassweed who was still messily eating.

“Mr. Grassweed, although I’m glad to see that you have your appetite back, please remember that we should still have some level of manners. Besides, you all have a guest that should be showing up soon, and I assure that you will want to look your best for her.” The nurse said as she wiped some of the carrots from Grassweeds muzzle.

Grassweed nodded and began to eat slower as my host turn to Gumball. She was sitting there eating her food as normally as anypony would. Which was remarkable because, for being a pony that just lost her eyes, she seem to be adapting to it well. Unfortunately, the look on her face told me that she was still angry about having to adapt at all.

After sitting through my host eating her breakfast, I heard gasp from outside the ward doors. My host turned her gaze to the right and could see a somepony behind the frosted glass of the ward’s double doors. I think it was the shape of a pony, but it did not look like any pony I had ever seen before. Behind its head it had a slightly transparent shape, waving as if it was caught in a breeze.

Wait... that shape, I had seen it before. As the doors opened it It dawned on me, the identity of who I was seeing. In training there is one memory orb of Princess Celestia addressing a crowd of ponies. In it there were bows exchanged between ponies, along with royal guards and other ceremonial activities having to do with the Equestrian elite.

I did not recognise her when it was just her, but as the door opened, I could see Lt, Oakwood and a older pony wearing glasses holding a clipboard. Most scribe recruits were in awe when they saw an orb with Celestia or her sister Luna in it, but to me it was just a memory of when somepony saw them not Princess themselves. I was more amazed there was little fanfare for her arrival, let alone any royal escort that could be accounted for. Just her, the Lieutenant and what I guess was her assistant. That or a very well disguised royal guard.

The more I looked at it, the more it seemed that Celestia’s smile was just as painted on as Grassweed’s was back in the dugout. Lt. Oakwood looked over at my host and nodded with a smile. I could also see out of the corner of my eye that Grassweed was quickly wiping his face off again to make sure that there was no food left on him. Gumball did not notice that her ruler was in the same room as her, but she at least had a good reason why.

As Celestia walked more into the ward, she looked over to Gumball. The forced smile seem to drop a bit as she saw what had happen to one of her loyal soldiers. She began to walk towards Gumball but Grassweed spoke up first.

“Your majesty, I can’t believe I am meeting you,” Grassweed said with a smile on his face. I could see some mashed carrots still stuck in his teeth. Gumball stopped eating and was just quiet raising her ears up to listen while Celestia seemed to sigh in relief a bit at Grassweed’s interruption. She apparently wanted to avoid talking to Gumball; maybe just not knowing what to say to her.

“Hello Grassweed, I hope you are feeling better today.” Celestia said.

“I am feeling alright your majesty. Thank you for visiting us. I figured it would just be the lieutenant again today, and am honored to meet such an esteemed individual such as yourself.” Grassweed said with a more believable smile then Celestia had.

“You’re welcome. I have wanted to take the time to visit all the injured soldiers coming back from the front lines. Equestria has asked a lot from you, and I wanted to see if there was anything I can do to help give something back to those fighting for us.” Celestia said.

Gumball ears perk a bit to that statement and I could hear her mutter under her breath. “Then you could be at negotiation table, or just dropping the sun on them. I’m sure that would help alot too,”

This is why Celestia was painting a smile on her as she had been visiting other soldiers. If the sight of her subjects injured did not phase her, which I doubt, then at least all the travel and negotiations would have an effect.

“I can’t really complain your majesty, I mean the food is not bad. Sponge baths are fun except for when the weekend nurse is doing it. He scrubs a little too hard,” Grassweed replied with a lighthearted laugh.

Celestia chuckled a bit. “I heard that your family makes those beautiful designs in the hills over by Fillydelphia.” Celestia said now with more of a real smile on her face.

“Yes your majesty. I had a design plan out for this fall, but... well, it’s going to be a lot harder seeing as I don’t think a wheelchair can get around the hills so well.” Grassweed said, this time with a bit of a frown on his face.

“You are right Grassweed, and I think I know something that will help you out.” Celestia said.

“Pegasus wings?” Grassweed asked jokingly.

Yeah, as if you could just give a pony wings, I thought to myself.

Celestia chuckled again. “No, Mr. Hayseed has been the lead groundskeeper at Canterlot Castle for several years and is finally retiring. I would like you to take over his job. Celestia said, pausing for a moment, her smile as genuine as could be. “That is, If you would like to.”

Grassweed eyes widened at the request. “Yes your majesty! I will be happy to take on the task, and promise to make the Royal Gardens as beautiful as they can be.” Grassweed said with excitement in his voice.

“I am glad you accepted Grassweed. When you are well and ready to travel, we will send someone for you.” Celestia said.

“Thank you again your majesty,” Grassweed said reverently, bowing his head slightly.

“You are very welcome.” Celestia said softly before turning and looking at me and Gumball. It looked as if her talk with Grassweed had cheered her up instead of she cheering him up, but I don’t think Grassweed had ever been that sad in the first place.

“Sir?” Grassweed said looking at Lt. Oakwood.

“Yes?” Lt. Oakwood asked, walking up to him slowly.

“Did your second team secure the forest in our stead?” Grassweed asked. Second team? There had been no mention of this earlier, so they must have gone back to a conversation that they had while my host was out of it.

To my surprise Celestia turned and responded to the question before the lieutenant could. “No, I have left the forest to the the zebra tribe. I don’t want to see anymore ponies hurt trying to hold a few trees. We will gain back Saddle Tail at the negotiation tables instead.” Celestia said as she turned back towards me and Gumball.

I could see out of the coner of my eye that Gumball seemed very agitated at what Celestia just said. She started to walk towards Gumball, Her smile fading a bit as she approached. “Hello Gumball. I hope you’re feeling better.” Celestia said.

Gumball just stayed quiet. Only her ears turned to where Celestia was standing.

“I’m sorry for what happened to you,” Celestia said placing her hoof on Gumball’s bed.

“It’s fine your majesty.” Gumball said in a low and emotionless voice. “I knew when I applied to be a royal guard I will be at risk of being injured or killed in the line to protect you and Equestria. I also knew I was at a higher risk of it when I volunteered for the Equestrian military. But to hear that you just gave up the forest to that tribe... I just can’t believe it.” Gumball said, her tone rising as anger filled her voice.

Celestia looked surprised at the sudden increase in Gumballs anger, her smile dropping immediately.

“My squad... my fellow ponies... your subjects. We were nearly wiped out for those few trees. I would think it was worth more to you then just somthing like a good will gesture to a tribe of zebras that used dirty tricks to kill and injure us. Their trees are still sitting there your majesty, as well as our blood.” Gumball said in a angry tone. She seem to be holding back something. “I just can’t bring myself to believe that you threw it away like that!”

I could see a doctor frantically singling at a nurse for something.

“I’m sorry that you feel that way, but I don’t want anymore ponies or zebras hurt for this forest.” Celestia said. “If I had know about the dang-”

Gumball cut her off. “Then why were we there! Why did you send us if it wasn’t even needed? Why was it that the last thing I got to see of this world was the body of Moonrise? Why... why is it that when I want to cry over it, I can’t?” She was breathing heavily as her scathing tone tore into Celestia’s resolve. “Wait, I can answer that one for your majesty. I lost my tear ducts. I want to cry, but I can’t. I want to look into your eyes and have you tell me why Moonrise and Sandy had to die, but I can’t. I want to hit you because you let this happen to me but I can’t! That last one is because I’m still a royal guard in training, and I know what I can’t do.” Gumball said with shivers in her voice. “So, tell me if giving those trees back were worth the cost.”

The look on Celestia’s face was in a way, spellbinding. In the memory orbs I had seen of her, she was always standing proud and tall. Here she seem to shrink down, wanting to just hide from the pain of what Gumball was saying.

Celestia brought her gaze up from the floor, about to say something, but was interrupted again.

“You don’t have to answer your majesty, as I don’t really care anymore. My eyes are gone, and there is nothing that can be done. I think there are other ponies out there that need to be cheered up by you, so just go. I’ve gotten enough sunshine from you in my lifetime that I think I’ll be alright if I never see it again.” Gumball pointed, waving her hoof at the Princess dismissively. “I know its disrespectful to royalty, but I'm sure in your want to help me that you will at least grant me this. If you could just step away and let the doctors give me sedative that they probably have waiting for me, you can consider yourself as having helped me and just... leave.” Gumball said, laying back into her bed and turning her head away from everypony.

She was right. The doctor had been holding a syringe of what I had guessed was a sedative. Most likely in case Gumball wanted to go through with her attempt to physically attack the princess. Celestia just stepped back and nodded to the doctor, who stepped up and injected the needle into the I.V.

“There you go Gumball, I hope you sleep well,” the doctor said calmly.

“I hope so too Doc.” Gumball said as she let out a long sigh, relaxing as the drug took effect.

After a few seconds Gumball was asleep. Celestia place her hoof on Gumball’s shoulder and nuzzled her. “I’m sorry you lost your sight, and your spirit Gumball.” Celestia said with sadness in her voice. “One day I hope you can at least feel the sunshine.”

Celestia remained still for a few more seconds before turning and looking at my host. Her painted smile fell across her face again as she walked towards my host. “And hello to you Orange Harvest. I glad to see you are feeling better as well. The doctors said you been in and out a lot since you were brought in.” Celestia said.

“Yes your highness. I still don’t really remember what happened when we hit whatever that hit us.” My host said before sure turn to see Lt. Oakwood stepping forward.

“They are calling them landmines, Miss. Harvest,” Lt. Oakwood said.

“Thats a weird name for... whatever it is.” my host said back.

“Well when they bury one of those, the land becomes theirs, thus it we are referring to it as a ‘landmine’.” Lt. Oakwood said.

My host seem to look down a bit as her eyes darting back and forth, trying to put everything together. “I remember hitting the ground hard and seeing Grassweed and... and Sandy Shore laying there.” My host said, trembling slightly.

“Yes, after you were thrown by the blast, most of our squad was down. We would probably not have survived the night if the timberwolves attacked again, but luckily Xeko and his zebras found us before then.” Lt. Oakwood said.

“But, being their forest, weren't they the ones that put those land mines in the road?” My host asked.

“Yes, it was there way to ‘protect’ their land. I had to surrender to them just to get help for everypony. In another stroke of good luck, Xeko had taken my earlier kindness into consideration and brought us back to one of our camps.” Lt. Oakwood said, his voice betraying that his remaining anger at what had happened.

Celestia remained quiet, merely listening to Oakwood and my host’s conversation before rejoining. “Yes, and thats why I made the decision to let them hold the forest for now,” Celestia said.

“I’m sorry we could not hold the forest for Equestria, your majesty.” My host said sadly, lowering her gaze.

Celestia raised her hoof and placed it under my host’s chin, lifting her vision back up to meet her soft smile. “You don’t have to apologise, my little pony. You did your job well, and that was all that Equestria could ask from you and the other brave soldiers.” Celestia said.

“Thank you for helping Grassweed out.” My host nodded. “I was worried what would happen when he went back home, and I am glad he can still do what he loves.”

“I was glad I was able to give him that gift, though I do worry that I won’t be able to do such things for my subjects much longer.” Celestia said, turning her gaze back toward Gumball. “If things don’t improve soon, the toll it takes on everypony might be too much to be paid with such gifts.”

“Is there anything you can do for Gumball?” My host asked. “I know she may be a bit hot blooded, but she needs help too.”

“I know dear, but I can’t give her back her sight and I’m afraid no gift that I could give would be able to heal her from what she suffering,” Celestia said sadly. “Now Orange Harvest you said you had some bad dreams?” Celestia deftly changing the subject. She did seem to want to avoid the thoughts of how the war had been escalating.

But the mention of her dreams brought me to sudden, but obvious thought. Apparently rulers of Equestria can bypass doctor patient confidentiality. As wrong as it seemed, who would refuse an inquiry that came from royalty?

“Yes your highness. Forgive me for questioning, but why do you ask?” my host asked back, mirroring my own curiosity.

“Your hospital is not the first hospital I have visited dear, and I have seen many of my subjects who have suffered as you have in this war. I’ve seen some of them saying that they too have had bad dreams, just as you say you have. A lot of these poor ponies have lost more than just their friends, or had injuries where they lost a part of themselves. I fear you have been suffering with the same affliction as the others have.” Celestia said placing her hoof on my host foreleg.

“But, I feel fine your majesty. The dreams are just bad memories,” My host replied back in slight confusion.

“That may be the case, but with Doctor Fruitcakes permission, I have asked a… special doctor to see soldiers like you. To see what she can do to help heal your mind as much as your body.” Celestia said as she glanced over again. “And I hope someday that this treatment will be able to help Gumball.”

“Do you really think she can help?” my host asked. “I don’t understand, can she help me get rid of the dreams?

“It is my hope that she can. I don't want to see anymore of my subjects suffer like this. It’s already hard enough on them, suffering their injuries in the first place.” Celestia said, lowering her head. She then pulled her hoof away from my host and started to turn around.

“Thank you for visiting us your highness,” My host said.

“You’re very welcome, Miss Orange Harvest. Get well soon, and thank you for all you have done for Equestria.” Celestia said, continuing to turn around. She could see Grassweed waving his farewells, and I could see the smile return to her face as she started to walk out of the ward.

Grassweed look back over to my host with a smile. “So I guess now you get to show me around your city. You think Canterlot has any good restaurants?”

My host couldn't help stifle back a laugh. “Capital city of Equestria and the home of the pony that just gave you a great job. You bet we have more than our share of good restaurants.” my host said with what I knew was a smile on her face. Grassweed’s expression growing as he seemed to be very excited for what lay ahead for the two of them.

A few minutes later the ward doors open again. I could see a mare I didn’t recognize wearing a doctor’s lab coat. She was levitating a clipboard next to her and she looked at my host with a smile as she approached. “Hello, Ms. Harvest, my name is Doctor Winter and I like to talk to you about your dreams. Would that be okay with you?” Dr. Winter asked.

“Yes that is fine,” my host replied.

I then notice something appearing at the lower right side of my field of view. The text ‘Session 1 of 35’ flashed a few times before fading.

“A.I., what is this session one of?” I asked

“This is the start of the counseling sessions that were recorded from subject Orange Harvest.” the A.I. replied.

“Okay so just a bunch of talk about my host’s feelings? Let’s skip this I really don’t need to know those.” I said, thinking how I really didn’t need to know most of what had been shown on this orb, but for testing purposes I had to watch it. Though, thirty-five sessions recapping what I had just watched actually warranted a pass.

“By passing counseling sessions, it will reduce the time remaining of this section below time set by the acceleration of the memory orb. Are you sure you wish to bypass the remainder of this section?” the A.I. asked.

“Yep, don’t need it and don’t care... Wait! This system can pull up keywords in memory orbs, correct?” I asked.

“Confirmed. Do you wish to search for keywords or events?” The A.I. asked.

“Yes, look through the remainder of this memory for any information related to this system, or this subject’s memory removal process.” I replied.

“Order Confirmed, please stand by.” the A.I. said.

“I keep just seeing a blank face on her...” my host said before my field of view started to brighten and the familiar form of a memory flash started. However, this time it was different. The brightness was more extreme, and seemed to be lasting much longer than a standard flash. Another thing that was different was that I could also hear words. Though only a few and some of them badly jumbled, I could still make some out.

Dreams...

Her face...

Always...

We had a fight...

Why can’t I stop crying...

I’m worried about our foal...

I though you can help me...

The flash ended, the brightness receding until I could see a pony looking back at my host. I could also see a pony that look like a slightly older Grassweed slouched in a wheelchair that sat in the corner facing my host. I then saw Dr. Winter walking up behind the pony sitting before me. My host’s eyes focused on Dr. Winter and I saw that the pony that was staring at my host look up a bit. Then I realized that the pony was my host looking into a mirror. She was a dirty orange looking unicorn with a bright green mane.

“Okay Ms. Harvest, please look into the mirror and state your intentions,” Dr. Winter said.

“My name is Orange Harvest, and I would like the memories of the events I experienced in Saddle Tail forest to be removed. I don’t want to remember it anymore. I’m tired of always seeing one of my friends dead night after night. I just want to go on with my life and help raise my family,” My host said to herself.

“We can remove the memories of that event along with and mention of it when you spent your time at the hospital. The counseling sessions that you had previously will also be taken.” Dr. Winter said.

“Thank you, but is there a way you can leave memories in so that I can remember my husband, Grassweed? I don’t want to wake up and not know who he is.” my host said looking up at Dr. Winter.

“Yes, we can implant a false memory in you. You will remember the both of your leaving the military and his injuries as the result a training accident, and the memories of different events related to you and your husbands relationship will be left. I ask a few colleagues to leave the hint in your mind that any memories lapses are due to when you were injured. Is this agreeable with you?” Dr. Winter asked.

“Yes please,” my host replied.

“As you wish.” Dr. Winter nodded before turning looking at Grassweed. “Mr. Grassweed, are you okay with this plan as well? You will need to make sure to keep your story straight if she ever asks any questions, and explain away any doubts she may have.”

“If this will help my mare, then yes. I would do anything for her.” He looked over to my host with a loving, but sad smile. “Please proceed whenever Orange is ready.” Grassweed said.

“Very well, Ms. Harvest are you ready?” Dr. Winter asked.

“Yes, Thank you Dr. Winter.” My host said as a over glow formed around Dr. Winter horn, her gaze drifting over to Grassweed as he cried softly. “I love you Grassweed...”

The overglow grew brighter, taking over my field of view and hearing until there was nothing but silence and white light.