Chapter 25 Giving a Hoof to Others

“When you reach out to those in need, do not be surprised if the essential meaning of something occurs.” ― Stephen Richards

White Cloud, Manesville District, NCR: Ginger Snaps

Dear Sweetcream, it feels so much better to be home this time. Once the train arrived in Manesville with the device, the powers that be, had us park it inside the old railroad maintenance shed near the ruins of the General Carriage plant. As we leave it there, I notice Xochitl shaking his head with a slight smile.

Epona asks him, “Ok Cohitl, what is the smile for?”

He shrugs a little and tells her, “Well it is just that, the maintenance shed there is the same one the Colonel found my family in, way back when. Now we have parked the machine that brought you and the others in there. I just found it slightly ironic is all.”

She looks at him with a raised eyebrow and a half smile. Then tells him, “Yeah, I guess I can see why that brought a smile to your face.”

As we get ready to leave our team is met by Blackberry Pie and her team for a quick debrief back at the shop. Upon seeing that Choo has a cutie mark, Blackberry tells her, “Choo, I think you best stay hidden for a bit. Besides I am sure they will probably want to see you in Junction town to discuss what you saw on the other side.”

“Ok, I guess so,” she answers, then she tells the rest of us, “Tonight we spend in the shop. Depending on what Junction Town says, depends on what we do next.”

It is after dinner time when we arrive at the shop and are greeted by Zhea. “Good evening, it is so nice to see you all back again, and who is the new stallion with you?”

Choo nods in his direction and points at him with one wing and tells her, “It is good to see you too. Now I would like to introduce you to our newest team member, Days End.”

She nods in his direction, “A pleasure, and welcome aboard the team, sir.”

He seems surprised to hear her welcome him like that. Then she tells us, “Well, when you are done dropping off your gear, come upstairs and I will start to heat you something to eat if you would like.”

I see Days End gulp slightly and she asks, “What, never had a ghoul cook for you before?”

I notice he looks embarrassed. Then he says, “Sorry ma’am. I really have not had much experience with your kind.”

She nods. “Thank you for being honest. I do understand as I have not been awake all that long myself and I am still getting used to it.”

Once we are done stowing our kits and cleaning our weapons again, we all head upstairs for a late dinner. After dinner, as most of us are heading to the bunker we hear a knock on the door. Twinks answers it and we see Chip and Blackberry Pie in the doorway. “May we come in? We need to talk to Choo.”

“Yeah, come on in. She is still upstairs talking with Xanthippe and Zhea.”

“Thanks, Twinks. By the way, we turned in our reports on your last mission. Our bosses are very happy with your performance with such a quick learning curve on operating the device.”

I see Twinks smile broadly and I tell Xochitl, "I will be down in a bit dear, let me take them up to the boss.”

He kisses me lightly on my cheek and tells me, “No problem, dear. Just don’t make me wait too long.” Then he gives me a wink and a grin.

Once I have led them to the dining area Choo tells me, “Ginger, I will let you know what is going on after this. But for now, go relax with the rest of the team.”

I am sitting down on the couch, cuddled next to Xochitl with Twinks and Tater on the other end while we watch an old documentary about the history of the princesses on the player. Both Double Back and Days End are sitting in the chairs next to us transfixed on the television, then I hear Double Back ask, “So you really meet them? Did the actually look like that?”

I smile as Epona answers from behind me, “Yeah Double Back, we really met them, but they weren’t in black and white. Actually, when I think of it, Luna is almost the same shade of blue as Choo. But both her and Celestia’s manes always move as if they are being blown by the wind.”

After a bit, Choo comes down and tells us, “Ginger, I need to talk to you, Double Back and Days End.”

“Oh, Ok boss,” we all tell her and get up. I see her glance at the TV and smile sadly, “I remember that. The day Luna took over as the ruler of Equestria after Celestia stepped down.”

We follow her back upstairs to her office and she closes the door. Then she tells us, “Double, Day, you two are going with me as my escort. I have been requested to come to Junction Town to talk with the Followers as well as some of our top government officials. We will be leaving in the morning. Ginger, while we are gone, I want you to take on some small jobs in the area.” She stops and thinks briefly and then continues, “Perhaps you and the rest of the team can check to see if you can enter Site Paddock that Lieutenant Colonel Forage mentioned to us. Also, you should warn your siblings to stay away from the back 40 acres of your family’s farm until we resolve the situation there.”

I cringe inside as I forgot to say anything to mine or Xochitl’s families about it. I then tell her, “Your right, we better talk to the youngsters tomorrow. After that, well then, we can see about trying to enter the place.”

“Just be really careful Ginger, remember how it was down in No Mares land when we were in the bunker? Be careful in case there are ferals in there.”

“No problem, Choo, we will,” I tell her. After all, we know we can handle ferals if we need to, I think to myself.

I see a bit of worry come over her face briefly then she smiles and tells me, “I will be back as soon as I can. By the way, I have also contracted you, Xochitl, and Epona to escort a delegation back to Hoofington. You can read it when we are done in a few minutes.”

She then asks us, “Do you have any more questions for me?”

Days End, raises a hoof slightly and asks her, “Before we go, Choo, could I get a uniform like the rest of the teams?”

She smiles at him and tells him, “Talk to Zhea in the morning she is our quartermaster as well as runs the shop when we are gone. If we can’t get one for you right away, we will see about getting you one by the time we get back.”

He nods his head, then Choo tells us, “If there is nothing else, then dismissed.”

After they leave, she pushes the contract across the desk for me to read using her TK. Once I have read it, I nod my head. Then I ask, “Ok, what do you want the rest of the team to do while we are gone to Hoofington?”

“Hopefully, I will be back by then, if not, well, then I will contact them to let them know, provided we do not have any other jobs come up by then.”

We talk about a few possible jobs that we may take, then she tells me to go ahead and rejoin the rest. I return just as the film is finishing. Xochitl smiles at me with those beautiful blue eyes of his, and tells me, “We are sharing a bunk tonight. That way some of the others can have one instead of sleeping on the floor.”

I cannot help but smile back at him as I tell him, “That sounds perfect dearest.”

When we awaken in the morning, I find I have my head across Xochitl’s foreleg and I notice I have a small puddle of drool that has built up on it. I am mortified at first, then I notice that the top of my mane on the back of my head is wet too, and I start to laugh. At least I was not the only one.

Hearing me laugh Xochitl wakes up and I hear him say, “Ughh, Ginger, what the?” Then he sees the back of my mane and I watch as the love of my life blushes and quickly apologizes to me. “Sorry dear, I just, ugh, I guess we were more tired than we realized.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, we best get moving though.” I tell him as I stretch.

Once up we go take a quick shower and then get ready for the day. Breakfast is ready when we get upstairs and I see Diode smiling as he tells us, “I picked up some cheese and egg bagels for everyone from Wanderers. I hope you like them.”

I can’t help but grin as I tell him, “Thanks Diode. That sounds great.” While I had hoped for bacon this morning, that does sound good as well. Then I smell the scent of coffee wafting in the air. As we get upstairs both the field and the shop teams are mingling, eating breakfast, talking, and laughing. I even see Days End talking with little Xanthippe.

After we are done, Choo tells us, “I discussed with Ginger last night what we need to take care of. Days End, Double Back, after you get your uniforms, please come to my office so we can get going.”

As the rest are getting their kits taken care of and talking about what they want to do tonight. I tell Cowlick and Xochitl, “I need you two to go down to the waterfront and retrieve the cart. It has been left by the port master’s office.”

Next, I turn to my sister and Twinks, “Epona, I need you to help me figure out how we are going to discuss Site Paddock with our family. We have to make sure the young ones stay safe.”

“Ginger, I think the best thing to do is just warn them not to go in there, and tell them because there may be ferals inside.”

“Do you really think they will listen that far Epona? I mean what about Mamas Mollygirl and Sutures, as well as Papas Badger and Archer? They will want to know why and how we know.”

Twinks smiles and tells us, “Just tell them the truth. Operational Security, need to know only.”

“Oh, that will go over like a lead balloon with Mama Mollygirl I am sure of it.”

She shrugs her shoulders and tells me, “Well, we can’t tell them, can we?”

“Well, I guess not. It just does not feel right though. I want to let them know, but only what we can. I just hope the official channels let the Colonel know.”

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Xochitl says beside me.

Soon Choo and the other two say their farewells as they head off to Junction Town. Before she leaves, she tells me, “Oh, by the way, our dress uniforms are finished. Zhea picked them up from Sewing Bobbin while we were gone. If you could let her know we have two more team members who will need them as well.”

Smiling I tell her, “No problem, Choo. Thanks for letting us know. Any specific times you want us to wear them?”

“No, but if you are conducting business or trying to make a heavy impression, perhaps then. Much like one would wear a dress military uniform.”

This makes sense to me and I nod my head and then wish them farewell and safe travels. Then I am in charge of the shop for now. We continue on improvements to the shop for the day and I begin to look at the surrounding buildings to see if we could perhaps expand our operations to some of them as well. Maybe a barracks and mess hall across the street. Maybe even open up a few shops with the alleyways blocked off by fences, sort of like what we saw in Hoofington. Things to bring up to Choo Later, I guess.

After eight hours we call it a day. Epona, Xochitl, and I head to my family’s farm. Both to visit and to talk to the youngsters. We arrive just before the youngsters get home from school. The adults who are home are all out working on the harvest. Xochitl and I take our stuff to his parent’s house while Epona takes hers upstairs. Soon we all meet back in the parlor of the main house.

I have hung my SIR on the rack by Epona’s SMG along with the other adults’ weapons in the house. The three of us are sitting in the living room listening to the radio when the youngsters all get home from school. I am almost surprised that none of the parents are there to greet them, but it is harvest time so that sometimes happens.

When they come in, we are overwhelmed by them as they first exclaim excitement and then begin to ask questions.

Bucky asks, “So where did you go this time?”

I grin as I tell him, “Sorry sport, but we can’t tell you that.” He groans in reply.

Next Millie asks, “Did you bring us anything?”

This time Xochitl answers, “Sorry, but no. We did not get near anywhere we could do so.”

She looks at him and asks, “Does that mean you were out exploring the wastelands?”

He laughs and shakes his head no.

Then I tell them all, “Speaking of exploring, I need you all to stay away from the back forty acres for a bit.”

“AHHH, but why?” I hear Xialynn ask.

I am not going to tell them why, instead I cross my forelegs and in a stern tone of voice I tell them, “I have my reasons and I am serious, whatever you do, stay away from that cave on the back forty. You know the one with the broken-up stump and the tree laying across its opening.”

Then my heart skips a beat when I hear in a sad tone Millie saying, “Too late Ging, three weeks ago we went in there.”

In a cautious voice, Xochitl asks, “Was the skeleton still on the mattress?”

Then little Moon Lily cautiously answers, “Yeah, yeah it was.”

Now I am nervous, so I ask, “So you did not go any further in did you?”

Bucky nods his head and tells us in a chilling voice “Yeah, and we should n’ta.”

“What did you guys find?” I ask him, hoping the fear and guilt do not show in my voice.

Mille answers this time, “We found some old metal doors in there, As well as a speaker box on the wall. Oh, and some kind of ‘puter and screen.”

Then Woody adds excitedly, “Yeah and we found two ferals too. They came at us, but Moon took care of them.”

My head spins to look at Moon Lily, as do Xochitl and Epona’s.

Then I see Momma Mollygirl has gotten home and is staring at all of us with an unreadable expression on her face.

Epona calmly asks her, “Ok Ma, how much did you hear?”

Before answering she hangs up her pistol belt. Then she turns back to the older of us and tells her. “I heard enough to know I was right all those years ago to tell Ginger, Xochitl, and Sunny to stay away from there.” She then looks at the youngest and tells them, “Now you all know better than to go into the caves like that. You never know what you can find.”

As she says this, Xochitl laughs slightly and he then explains, “My apologies Colonel, I just was thinking of George’s cave and when we first met the three sisters.”

She smiles and tells him, “Yeah, that was a good day.” Then she asks, “Ok, so what happened when you were in the cave? Millie you first.”

I watch as Millie looks at the floor, twisting her back hoof as she answers, “Well it was on a dare.” She turns to look at Xochitl’s younger sister and continues, “Xialynn was with us and we went in together with Moon Lily’s horn lit. Once past the skeleton, we were just barely able to see the doors in the back of the cave when I heard some growling. Then I saw the first feral. He came running at us. I kicked a rock at it to distract it and Moon used her magic to kill it. That is when we heard the one that was between us and the cave entrance.”

Woodrow gulps as Ma turns to him next and he tells her, “Mama Mollygirl, I am sorry. I know we shouldn’t have. I started to jump out of the way but it caught me and threw me against the wall. It broke my leg even.”

I see a look of horror come over her face when he says this. She then asks, “Who fixed your leg for you?”

We then hear Moon Lily say, “I did Mama Mollygirl. I first killed the other ghoul by disintegrating it so I knew it was done. Then I healed his leg like I saw mom do before.”

Ma shakes her head. As she does, I am stunned she learned this spell too. This is why all the spell casters have to be so careful around Moon I think to myself. Then Momma Mollygirl tells her, “Dear, I am very thankful you did that and I am proud of you. But you need to let us know. I will have your mother check out his leg when she gets home tonight. Just to verify he is healed up completely.”

Moon starts to sniffle and has tears in the corner of her eyes as she says, “Mama Mollygirl, please don’t tell Ma, she won’t let me use my magic anymore.”

She sighs and answers, “Dear I have to, and you should have done so already.

Finally, Shadowbuck says something again. “Ma, after that I tried to use the computer to get in, but I couldn’t. I heard an adult voice over the speaker say, “Bloody Tartarus, did they send a battlemage after us?”

Momma Mollygirl chuckles quietly. Then he asks her, “Mama what is a battlemage?”

Epona looks at first Moon Lily, then him, and answers his question for her, “Bucky, a battlemage back during the war with the zebras were unicorns that were exceptionally powerful and who when working together could change the course of a battle.”

As she says this, Moon Lily puffs out her chest a little bit. But when she notices Ma looking at her, she blushes and looks down slightly again.

I notice Ma is trying not to smile at this, then she puts a hoof on her shoulder and tells her, “While you shouldn’t have been there you did really good in a bad situation young mare. I am unhappy with you and your siblings for having gone into that tunnel, but I am very proud of how you handled it. Just let us know next time.”

It is then that Mama Sumac and my future mother-in-law Persimmon come in from the fields as they enter, they see us in the living room with the rest of them. My heart feels so much better when I see the joy on their faces to see us again.

Persimmon hugs Xochitl then hugs me and she asks, “So Ginger, you ready to learn how to cook a few more of his favorite dishes from me?”

I surprise myself and kiss Persimmon on the cheek and tell her, “You got it, mom.”

Sumac comes in and greets us older kids first, then she asks, “So dears are you going to be home for a while?”

Xochitl answers, “Hopefully for a bit Mother Sumac, they have had us busy lately.”

Ma nods her head in understanding. Then she asks, “Do they have you doing anything around here?”

When she asks this, I wonder if she knows more than she is letting on then both Epona and I answer, “No ma, and you know we could not tell you if we were.”

Sumac diffuses the situation by asking us, “Epona, would you like to help me begin to make supper for this herd?”

As Mama Sumac and Epona go into the kitchen, Ma tells me in a firm voice, “I need to talk to you outside, now.”

To say I am not happy with this is an understatement, but I do follow her outside onto the porch. Once we are where no one can hear she tells me, “Ginger, I understand about operational security and all, but dear, I need to know if we have trouble in our own backyard.”

I am very uncomfortable with her asking me about this as well as not wanting to tell her. Finally, I ask her, “Ma, why are you so adamant about this? You know what we went through and why we are so tight-lipped.”

She then tells me about her meeting this morning with the 1st Regiments Commanding Officer and High Grade, the commander of the Dead Quiet Militia. When she finishes, I sit down and tell her, “Ma, that is why we are home this time. This goes beyond the fabled stable 4B. I have seen the documentation for this place.”

I can see the surprise on her face. Then she tells me, “Ginger, I am supposed to have a meeting in the morning with High Grade and a ghoul who comes from an installation around here. Would you want to attend this meeting with me?”

I sigh and then smile as I tell her, “Ma, I think it best that I am there. Maybe it is best Epona and the rest of the team meet at the stable too. This may help us avoid any misunderstandings.”

She nods her head in understanding and replies, “Sounds good dear. So, are you sleeping here tonight or elsewhere?”

Then I tell her, “Xochitl and I were thinking of staying with his parents as it is not so crowded and they allow us to sleep in the same bed.”

She nods her head in understanding, but I can see a bit of disappointment in her expression but she tries to keep it from her voice. “I know, that and fewer ponies to have to deal with, right?”

I smile and nod. “Thanks for understanding Ma. It is not often he and I can sleep together by ourselves. I sometimes miss those days on the expedition when I was able to cuddle with him every night.”

“I know dear. I understand that all too well. Now let’s go back in and join the others.”

Tonight, Papa Badger has duty so we will not see him. Mama Mollygirl does send him a message via PipBuck to let him know they are back in town. When Papa Archer gets home, he is with Mama Sutures and both are visibly excited to see us.

I cannot help but be excited to see them too. Ever since the expedition, I have felt almost as close to them as Mama Mollygirl. I trot to them and give them both a hug as they enter the door.

Epona is more relaxed but she greets them as well, even if she is a bit calmer. After our greeting Papa Archer goes in to say hi to the rest of us youngsters. As we go into the parlor, I notice Mama Mollygirl pull Mama Sutures into another room to talk about something.

During this visit, our younger siblings finally tell Papa Archer about their experience in the cave. I do see a flash of anger come over his face right before he tells Moon Lily, “Dear, I am really proud of how you handled yourself and helped the others in such a bad situation, but I am very disappointed in your not having told us sooner. Especially so that Mama Sutures could doublecheck your work on your brother’s leg.” He sighs and then tells them, “Woody, after supper, I need you to have Mama Sutures check your leg.”

It is right after this that Sumac calls out, “Suppers ready.” And we rejoin the rest of our family for dinner.

As we go into the dining room to eat, he asks, “So, is there anything else we should know while you are here?”

*****

White Cloud, Manesville District, NCR: Xochitl

The next morning, I wake to the smell of frying bacon and eggs. I notice Ginger is not next to me, so I get up and find my way to the kitchen. Once there, I am greeted by the sight of my beloved alongside my mother cooking breakfast for my family. She glances over and sees me and smiles before turning back to her task.

I take a seat at the table along with my father and we begin to talk again. “Good morning my son,” he says to me as he and I begin to drink our coffee. I nod to him and he asks, “Will you be around long enough this time to help with the crops some?”

I look at Ginger and she shrugs. I turn back to him and answer, “Honestly father, I do not know for sure. But I will help with what I can. However, today, we have a meeting to attend at the Stable along with the Colonel and her commander.”

He nods his head in understanding, “Yes, I do understand. I hope it is nothing too serious. Just remember, if it concerns our family, please let me know.”

“I will Father. I will.” I tell him as Ginger sets a plate of bacon along with Injera, a crepe-like pastry made with corn flour and sorghum.

Ginger smiles as she sets it before me and tells me, “Your ma taught me and your sister how to make the Injera. I hope you like it.”

I smile at her and tell her, “It is one of my favorites dear. I had not realized you did not know how to make it before.”

She nods and I see her blush slightly, “Yeah, I like them too, but I was a bit too fixated on other dishes. By the way, tomorrow I am making Vetkoek for breakfast. Depending on how the meeting goes I guess.”

Soon we are finished eating, then she tells me, “We best hurry to the shop. I want us all in our dress uniforms for this meeting.”

As she says this, I see Father raise an eyebrow. He nods his head and asks, “Are you in the military now?”

I shake my head and tell him, “Not the government's military, but we are military contractors Father. We have to project an image sometimes.”

He nods his head, “I think I can understand this. Do you have a list of people who you are willing to work for?”

I smile and tell him, “Yes Father, and while I cannot tell you who they are, I will say you would not be opposed to them.”

He puts a hoof under his chin, and asks, “And what if we were attacked here at home, what would you do?”

I sigh, “Father, this is my home, if I am here when it was to occur, I would defend my home.”

He smiles and tells me as he places a hoof on my shoulder, “Good, I am glad to know you have your priorities right. Now you best get going.”

As we cross the farm yard Epona joins us coming out of the big house. I notice the Colonel entering the yard nearest the road to do her morning exercises and nod, but I do not think she notices us. We continue to talk as we pass by the base and the stable on our way to the shop.

Once we arrive the rest of the team is already there. Ginger tells us, “Ok, for this, we wear the new uniforms. I want us to look sharp as we can.”

We excitedly put on the tailor-made uniforms of black jackets and hats. Then we put on our kits. After we are dressed, I almost burst out laughing as I notice Sunny has put on a pair of sunglasses to go with his kit. Then I notice we all have a bit of something that makes us stand out from each other. Ginger has her red shemagh on. Epona has a brown one on. Cowlick has his golden ear tag that the cattle use in place of cutie marks. His is a gear with an open center. Tater has a black scarf around his neck. I notice a brass pin on Twink's coat that matches her cutie mark.

My extra adornment is simpler than theirs and was not intentional. It is my family's hunting knife. The same one I carried in the valley. However, now it has a new scabbard made out of radhog hide that I tanned and dyed myself and mounted on the opposite side of my pistol holster. As I look at all of us, I do say we have a good, but tough look to us.

Ginger grins and tells us, “Ok, let’s go people. Zhea, we will be back after the meeting.”

Soon we are at the stable entrance and are stopped by security. The guard calls inside and soon afterward she tells us, “Your escort is on the way. Please wait here.”

A courier from the 1st Regiment’s HQ soon arrives and takes us first to the Armory for us to check in our weapons, then to a waiting area in their Head Quarters section of the stable.

As we arrive there, I see the Regimental Sergeant-Major come out of a meeting room and nod to us. Behind him inside, I can see Bailey Bridge along with High Grade, and a mule ghoul I have never seen before. Before I can see more, the door closes behind him.

I notice Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl come inside and head to her office then slide over to the CO’s office. When they come back out, I hear Colonel Starburst tell Ginger “I will talk to you after our meeting.”

Ginger simply nods back and signals us with her ears to sit quietly. Beside Tater I see Twink’s horn glow and I see her smile. Ginger begins to ask her something and she puts a hoof in front of her muzzle to let her know to be quiet.

As she listens to the conversation in the room with an eavesdropping spell, I watch her face react to what she is hearing. Suddenly I hear her say, “Those poor bastards.”

Ginger asks, “What is it Twinks?”

“Ging, It’s Site Paddock. Fifty of them became ghouls, and only ten have not turned feral yet. They want help eliminating the ferals after what happened with your siblings.”

She listens a bit more then says, “Ok, here they come.” And the door slides open just after Twinks drops her spell.

As Mollygirl steps out into the waiting area, Ginger stands up and asks, “Yes Ma?”

“It looks like we may have a job for you to do, all of you follow me,” Mollygirl tells her. However, as she says this, I see her smirk slightly when she looks at Sunny, and I can tell when she sees his sunglasses hanging from his pocket.

We all get up and walk in a file behind her into the meeting room. As we go in, we can fully see those who are inside. The mule ghoul is in an old Equestrian Army uniform with the rank of Lieutenant on his shoulder boards. The uniform looks almost as worn as he does. As we enter, I can see a glint of fear in his eyes.

I watch as he gulps and then asks, “Ma’am, did you plan on eliminating me when I got here?”

Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl shakes her head and replies, “No lieutenant that was not a consideration. Meet my oldest two daughters and their friends, they call themselves the repair ponies.”

He gives what for a ghoul is a grin and asks, “Ok, I’ll bite, what do they fix?”

This time Tater, grinning back answers for us, “Sir, we fix situations. Twinkle Hoofs over there was listening already, so we know about your issues with those who went feral. Sir, you have my condolences as I understand what it is like to have your world ripped away and destroyed.”

High Grade moves his head slowly and the Colonel raises an eyebrow. The lieutenant looks at him and in a bitter tone of voice asks, “You think you do, but how can someone your age and condition understand?”

Epona then steps between them and quietly asks, “Sir, your word of honor as an officer and a GentleJack that what I tell you will go no further?”

He scoffs at her, stares shortly then asks, “You really mean it?”

She nods her head, “Yes sir, I do.”

He raises his right forehoof and says, “On my honor young mare.”

She turns her head to look at Tater briefly before looking back at the old jack. She sighs and tells him, “Sir, Tater and I came through a portal from a different timeline with many others just over eight years ago. We were running for our lives. I watched my mother get killed and the weapon I carry on missions used to be hers. Tater was with me. The zony and his mare over there. They were with the Lieutenant Colonel during what we call the expedition and that ended at a place we call Serenity Valley. They were 9 and 10 years old. They were not just there; they were combat scouts.”

He gives a look of contempt and flared anger at Mollygirl and in a cold, dry, gravelly voice says, “You used foal warriors, even we never did that.”

To this, she answers back, “And look what those of back then left us from your actions.” He looks pained at her answer then she continues, “So do you want our help or not?”

He cringes slightly and after a short delay he finally answers, “Yes ma’am, and I am sorry about my reaction. It was just a surprise.”

High Grade then puts a hoof on his shoulder and tells him, “Don’t worry, those of us in Dead Quite will help those of you from Site Paddock adjust if you want.”

The lieutenant nods his head before he turns to look at Ginger and the rest of us. He then asks, “Ma’am, I know it ain't fair and a stallion should be willing to shoot his own dog if it needs to be done, but will you help us?”

Ginger looks at the rest of us with sorrow on her face. I can only imagine if they were ponies that I knew that had gone feral. So, I answer, “Sir, we will do it. First off, they are not dogs. They were ponies you once cared about and you still see them that way. With that said, we will do what we must, but we will do it as quickly and with as much respect as we can.”

Ginger nods her head and tells him, “Like Xochitl has said, we understand, all of us have experience with ghouls both normal and feral. We have also all lost those we care about and understand what it is like to lose a comrade who you have fought alongside.”

The Lieutenant looks down and nods his head. He seems like he wants to cry, but can’t. Finally, he looks up and asks, “So when do you want to do this?”

Ginger looks at him and answers, “Whenever you are ready. We will need you to evacuate all the normal ghouls first though. That way when we go in, we do not have to hesitate to try to decide who is hostile and not.”

Again, he nods his head and I watch as High Grade pats him on his back and tells him, “I understand Lieutenant. I really do.”

“I know you do High, but it is still not easy. Besides she is one of them that has gone feral.”

I feel the horror go through me and part of me wants to cry as I realize someone, he loves has turned feral and he has just asked us for help to put her to rest.

An expression of sadness comes over High’s face as he comforts him by saying, “I remember her, she was a real sweetheart. I am so sorry Johnny.”

He nods his head and we all hear him sigh before he tells High Grade, “You know High, she never gave up hoping we could get married someday. All the way till she finally turned. I never deserved such a mare, but Goddesses I wish she wouldn’t have been taken away from me like that.”

High Grade nods his head in sympathy and tells him, “I understand, all of us ghouls have lost at least one person we loved and cared about that way it seems.”

“But High, she really deserved so much better than this.”

“Johnny, we all did. Goddess, the Lieutenant Colonel over there did, even if she is still a breather. She too was turned away. I cannot imagine how that has to feel.”

Now I know at least the first name of the Lieutenant. But I also notice the look on Mollygirl’s face when he says this. Yes, she still feels that sting, and I have heard other ghouls comment on this before.

“I noticed, but I was not going to say anything to her about it,” Johnny tells him as the rest of us listen to them. We have all been through things like this. Goddess, I remember too many times. I think the others feel the same way as we all wait until they are ready before we begin to talk again.

Ginger finally asks, “Lieutenant, would three days be enough time for you to be able to get your people out of there?”

He nods his head and then asks, “But where do we go until you are finished?”

Colonel Star Burst tells him, “Please be our guest here in the stable. You are all military ponies and stayed at your post for this long. That speaks volumes of how you feel about performing your duty. Perhaps those of you who would like could even join the Dead Quite Militia company.”

High Grade smiles at that and he says, “Maybe you could move over there if you like.”

“Or we could start another Ghoul settlement once the place is cleaned up?” Johnny asks.

I watch as High Grade thinks about it and then he tells him, “Just could be. But understand every settlement in this region has a militia unit.”

The mule ghoul mulls this over and before says, “Sounds fair enough.”

Then Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl tells them, “Johnny when you and your people are ready, have them assemble at the family cemetery across from my family’s farmhouse. That way we will be sure to be ready.”

He nods his head and then he asks the Colonel, “Ma’am, seeing you consider us to still be on duty, would we be able to get back pay?”

When she hears this, she about chokes on her cup of coffee that she has just taken a sip of. Then Bailey Bridge, with a smirk on his muzzle, tells him, “Sorry, but bits are worthless nowadays and I do not think anyone knows how to convert them.”

Johnny has a funny expression on his face as he then asks, “So just what do yall use for money then?”

High Grade, knowing what his confusion is going to be like, laughs, then tells him, “Would ya believe bottle caps.”

A look of disbelief comes over the old mule’s face as he says, “No really, what do you use?”

I can see Mollygirl fighting back her laughter. Then Ginger says, “Speaking of Caps, we need to discuss our fee. Epona, would you join me on this?”

The Colonel nods her head and tells the rest of us, “Ok, that will be enough for today, Ginger and Epona, stay here, the rest of you are dismissed.”

Ginger looks at the rest of the team and tells them, “Wait for us either outside here or by the armory. We shouldn’t be too long.”

We then file outside to wait to head back to the shop and to make our plans for entering Site Paddock. Ginger and Epona soon come out with a grin on their faces. Ginger then tells us, “Alright, let us get back to the shop. I want to go over a few things with all of you. Then we begin to get our equipment ready for this job.”

The Sergeant-Major then approaches us and tells us, “Follow me please.” He then leads us first to the armory to pick up our weapons, then to the entrance of the stable. Once at the main entrance he tells us, “Thanks for being willing to help with this one. I know it is not a normal job.”

Ginger answers seriously, “We are glad to help. I just feel bad for those poor souls who were trapped like this.”

He nods his head, “Yeah, I understand. The first time you experienced them like that?”

Ginger with a sad expression on her face shakes her head no. Then she tells him, “No, no it is not, but at least the last bunch we were able to go in as rescuers. These poor bastards, they know what we are going to have to do to ponies they cared about. That makes this one hard.”

The rest of us nod our heads. The Sergeant-Major tells us, “Well good luck with it. Be careful going in there.”

“We will,” I tell him. Then he turns around and goes back towards his HQ and we head back towards our shop. We know we have work to do. As we go, I look at the others and try not to think of what it would be like if it was us in there instead, and how I would feel.

*****

Manesville, Manesville District, NCR: Choo Choo

As we leave the shop and begin to head towards the regional command center for the NCR at the stable, we are met by Blackberry Pie and her team.

She looks at me, Double Back and Days End, and asks, “Why are they with you?”

I find myself tilting my head as I reply, “Because they work for me and I want them. Is this going to be a problem?”

I notice how uncomfortable she is at this. “Fine, please explain to the president, that I would not go to her without my escort from MY TEAM. Remember Blackberry, we are PRIVATE military contractors. We are therefore private individuals. We only contract on jobs with the Rangers, we are not Rangers.”

I see the surprise on her face. Then she quickly back peddles and tells me, “No, no, not at all. It is just highly irregular.”

“Oh, as in a chemically made alicorn getting her cutie mark is not?”

I hear her sigh, “No, that is top on my list of irregular things Choo.”

“Good, now that we have that understanding. Why are you here to meet us, rather than at the Stable?”

She shrugs and tells me, “Well, I was going to give you the heads up on our method of travel to Junction Town. It seems you have been given a very high priority. We will be picked up by a Vertibuck that will fly us some distance from here before we are met by the Winter Fury. She is a modified Raptor class airship. The NCR built her and a couple of others from the wreckage of some previously destroyed airships as well as the partially built hulls from before the final day that was found. And before you ask, no, I cannot tell you where those hulls were found. I was told it was need-to-know information and I did not need to know.”

“Ok, I can go with that,” I tell her, then I look at the other two with me, and they both shrug.

Days End telling me, “I always assumed any sky ship we saw was Enclave.”

Once we reach the base she leads us to the north end of it, where I notice that a landing strip has been built. Along it are two hangers and several empty revetments along a long narrow road in its center. I also notice that near one of the hangers is a three-story wooden tower like I used to see the rangers use in the forest of my youth.

She has us check in at the office in the hangar and then we sit and wait on benches along the wall near the office, which seems to be there just for that purpose. I smile slightly as this area reminds me of some of the smaller train stations, again from so long ago.

After an hour's wait, I can hear the sound of a Vertibuck’s engines in the distance. “Blackberry Pie looks up at Chip and Tail Spin. Then she turns to me and tells me, “Sounds like our ride is here. Grab your gear, let’s go.”

With that, we all follow her as we run out to the Vertibuck with its engines running and blades still spinning. As soon as we are all seated and the outer doors closed, I feel the aircraft leap into the sky and spin heading southeast, in the general direction of Junction Town and overflying Dairyanne.

I smile as I pass over mine and George’s cave and I see it is still closed up tight at the door we had put over its entrance. Beside me, I notice Double Back is looking down out the window, while Days End looks rather pale. He sees me looking at him and tells me, “First-time Ma’am. I hope we don’t do this too often.”

I pat him on the shoulder and tell him, “Well, I will try to keep it at a minimum for you.”

“Thank you, ma’am, I appreciate it.” He says and I see him put a hoof over his mouth.

Soon I notice an airship ahead of us through the gap between the pilots. Unfortunately, I do not have a helmet and headphones on like the aircrew, so I can not hear them talking, but as the crew is still relaxed, I figure that we must still be ok. This is confirmed shortly afterward when I see a large hatch on the side of it open up and we enter the landing bay. Once we have landed, the rotors start to spin down. When they stop, we are told by an earthpony crewman with a patch on his vest that says Crew Chief, “Ok, the ride is done, time to get out.”

As we exit the aircraft, I see an officer with second lieutenant markings on his uniform. Once we meet him as we cross the flight deck he tells us, “Welcome aboard the Winter Fury. We will be transporting you to Junction Town. While on board, please restrict yourself to the crew’s lounge, the mess decks, or your quarters. This is for your safety as well as that of the ship and crew.”

Oh, this should be fun I think to myself. Then he tells us, “We should be there by tomorrow late afternoon, so this arrangement will not last too long for you. Now follow me and I will show you these areas.”

For the trip, I share a stateroom with Blackberry Pie and two mares who are on the crew. The four stallions with us also share one.

That night after dinner, Blackberry asks me, “Choo, what are your plans for Days End and Double Back? I mean, they weren’t with you when you went through the Doorway, so why are they here?”

I feel her frustration, and I know she is not happy with me and my insistence that they come along. So, I tell her, “First, this trip will allow me to get to know both of them better and build a relationship with them. Second, it will allow me to see some of the areas of their training we may need to work on as well. Finally, I want a backup in case I need it.”

She looks stunned at the last, as well as a bit hurt, “Choo, don’t you consider me and my team as good enough backup?”

I hold up a hoof and I am brutally honest when I tell her, “Blackberry, normally, yes. However, you are all NCR Rangers and subject to their orders. I am afraid there may come a day where that may cause a conflict, and if it occurs, I want my people with me.”

She seems stunned by this and replies, “Choo, what makes you think anything like that could occur? We have known each other and worked together off and on for over ten years now.”

“That is true Blackberry, but remember, the NCR leadership looks out for its own interest first and foremost. Not all of them mind you, but enough that it is a legitimate concern.”

“So, are you saying you don’t trust the President?”

I shake my head, “It is not her that I am worried about. But there are a lot of legislatures and other bureaucrats that have me concerned.”

“Oh. I guess I can understand that. Choo, if they have you go to the camp that the Followers of the Apocalypse have set up for the alicorns, it may not be safe for Days and Double.”

“In that case, I will ask you to help me find safe lodging for them to wait for me, other than that, they too can visit the camp, I will just have them stay with the Followers.”

I watch as she shrugs. Then she moves towards her bunk and tells me, “I guess that makes sense Choo. Now I am going to call it a night, it has been a very long day.”

As she crawls into her bunk, I decide to take a bit of a nap myself. After a couple of hours of sleep and being woken by my nightmares again, I get up and find myself wandering towards the crew’s lounge, where I am surprised to find Days End. He looks exhausted, but when I approach, he tells me, “Sorry Boss, I can’t sleep tonight.”

“The flying bothering you that much?”

“No, not that. I keep having nightmares again.” He tells me with a slight shiver in his body.

“Want to talk about them?” I ask with as gentle of a voice as I can.

He looks at me with a bit of fear and trepidation in his eyes, but finally, he begins to tell me of his nightmares. He seems to combine the battle of Targhee with the Valley. I recognize some of the descriptions from my own experiences and my own nightmares. When he is finished, he looks at me with eyes that are pleading, but also with a blush of embarrassment on his face. Then he asks me, “You don’t think I am weak for having these nightmares still?”

I feel tears begin to form in my eyes, but I do not let them slip. I am at first silent as I slowly shake my head no. Then I tell him, “No, no I don’t. In fact, I have similar nightmares from back then. Including both Targhee and especially the Valley. More so than the Last Day even.”

He seems stunned to hear this and asks, “But as powerful as you are how could you have nightmares too?”

“But I am also only equine. Events like those can really take a toll on a being.”

“Yeah, but I have always been told those of us who let it show are just weak.” He tells me defensively.

“Some may say that, but honestly some of the strongest ponies I have known have to deal with these issues. However, to help them get strength through such wounds they get professional help. If you would like, I will see what we can do to find a counselor or even a heart mender if we can find one.” I tell him.

We talk for a while more, then he slowly drifts off to sleep on the couch he is laying on. I have just started to read a magazine somepony had left on a table in there when I hear him begin to call out in another nightmare. I slowly walk alongside him and lay on the floor next to the couch and tell him, “It is ok Days.”

He calls out weakly, “Help, don’t leave me, I can’t move.”

I gently put a wing over him and treat him like I did with my children when they were young, or as I did Ginger and Xochitl during the expedition when they had nightmares. He soon settles down and sleeps for the rest of the night. Only mumbling once in his sleep, “Thanks, mom.”

The morning begins onboard the airship with a call of revile for the crew via the ship's address system. By now I have already gotten up and finished the magazine and returned it to where I found it. Soon Blackberry and the rest join us there and she says, “We might as well go get breakfast. It does not look like we will arrive until after lunch.”

We are almost to Junction Town when the junior officer who had met us when we came aboard comes to gather us again. “Good, you are all here. We will be arriving at the drop-off point in fifteen minutes. We need you to gather your things and meet me back here in five minutes. After that, we head to the hanger and your ride down to the surface.”

We all signal affirmation in one manner or another and quickly get our kits. Once we are back, they lead us back to the hangar. The Crew Chief pony meets us. Salutes the officer and tells us, “Ok, follow me.”

As we get onboard, we hear and feel the engines begin to spin up, then the rotors engage and we taxi towards the hanger door which is just finishing opening. Then we are airborne again and making our way south towards Junction Town, and the next part of our journey. I look over at Days End, and I see he is peacefully sleeping. Once again, I smile to myself and wonder what other surprises await us.

*****

Manesville Military Prison, Manesville District, NCR: Ball Lightning.

As I finish the letter, I put down the mouth pen and blow lightly on the ink to help it dry. Then I begin to reread it one last time before I get it ready to mail.

Dear Father,

While I hope that I beat this letter home, I do doubt that will happen. By now you are sure to know that we have been captured by NCR forces. While I can’t tell you where or why. Do know it occurred while I was performing my duties to the Enclave and the Volunteer Corps.

I have some surprising news to tell you. You have a new daughter now. Three days ago, Sundancer and I officially were married by one of the NCR Army Chaplains who volunteers at the Military Prison and Prisoner of War Camp. He is familiar with the ceremonies of the GPE and made sure to follow the edicts of our church for us. In fact, he says he knew mother from school. His name is Sky Pilot.

It was a small service, but big enough for us. Dad, while we could not have a honeymoon yet, we are getting to spend time in the camp just getting to know each other better than I had ever imagined. I can only hope that we have as strong of marriage as you and mom did, and if someday we are blessed by the Goddesses to be parents, I hope I am as good a father as you are.

Love, Your son,

Ball Lighting.

As I finish writing the letter, I can’t help but look up and smile at my wife. She sees me looking up and asks, “Did you tell him?”

“Yes dear, I told him,” I tell her, as I fold up the letter, I almost seal it before I remember it has to be censored, then write the information of who it is to go to on the outside of it.

She comes over and gives me a quick peck on the cheek and then walks alongside me as I take it to the drop box where our mail gets sent from.

As I approach it, I see Air Burst getting ready to do the same thing. He nods to me, then looks at my wife and shakes his head. “How’s it going today, Air?” I ask him.

“The usual. Just sending a few letters to some ponies we know back home. You know, the usual.”

This gets me to raise an eyebrow and I nod. I should have known he would find a way to send messages back to the Enclave. “That is good. I hope you were able to give them some good news and let them know we are all doing well.”

Finally, he grins, and then he asks, “You really have gotten to understand this line of work, haven’t you?”

I nod my head. Then he asks, “What about your wife?”

“Oh, she understands. We both do. Sometimes you have to be many things to many ponies. For us, when together we are husband and wife. But we both understand the jobs we have to do, and what that requires sometimes.”

He looks somewhat disgusted at some thought, then he asks “And you two are into that kind of thing?”

I shake my head, “No, not really, but we understand what our jobs may entail. That makes the difference to us.”

He looks at us with an expression of deep thought, then he tells us, “I guess I can understand that. Now we best get back to the others.” He pauses then quietly tells me, “And keep an eye on Gunter, I am afraid he may be ready to turn dashite and join this, this rubbish.”

I nod my head and pretend I will do so. But honestly, I would not blame him if he does. The one that I really would have suspected, but that has shown no inclination is Anan.

Later that day, I am approached by Anan, quietly he whispers, “Lieutenant, what would happen if I wanted to stay here?”

I look around to make sure no one else is close by or can hear, then I tell him, “You would be marked officially as a deserter, and your immediate family would be under suspicion of possible disloyalty.” I look around one more time, then I tell him, “If you do, I wish you the best of luck. Just so you know, this discussion never occurred, got it.”

He nods his head, then he tells me, “If anyone asks, what do you want me to say I was talking to you about?”

“Tell them we were discussing how we could plant an agent here as a deserter.”

He grins at me and tells me, “I like it, sir. Thanks.” Then he walks away.

Later that evening I approach Air Burst, again. He checks to make sure nopony is close enough to hear anything. “So, what were you and the Corporal talking about?” he asks me.

“Would you believe he was asking me if I thought we could have someone like you or me pose as deserters to infiltrate the NCR?”

He is taken aback by this answer and then he gets that devilish grin on his face. “No, not you or me, but maybe someone like him, Sergeant Gunter, or even Altocumulus.” He tells me.

“That is some good thinking on his part. Might have to try and figure out how we could do that and maintain control of the agent,” He Continues after thinking briefly about it.

The next day I see Air Burst talking to the side with Anan. I am surprised when I see them start to argue, then I see Air wink one eye at him before Anan storms off and I hear Air Burst call at him, “Fine you want to be a dashite, you go ahead. See what it gets you and your family.” Then he turns and stomps off and approaches me, Sundancer, and Alto.

Once he is near enough still being loud, he looks me in the face and winks with an eye that is away from Alto and Sundancer. Then he begins to berate me, “You better get that buck in line, or else, do you understand me?”

I wink back and quickly nod my head. “Yeah, I will talk to him in a bit Air.”

Then he turns and walks off from us. I see the stunned look on the faces of Alto and Sundancer and I tell them, “Sorry you had to see that.”

Alto then asks, “What is going on? Did I just hear him say Anan was thinking of staying here?”

“Yeah, and we all know what that means for his family,” Sundancer says.

That evening, after dinner our group is called together by the Sergeant in charge of this shift. As we all sit down, he tells us, “In the morning in three days we will be moving you for your return to the Enclave. You are being exchanged for some of our operatives. Have your gear ready. If any of you want to seek asylum just ask. As you can see, we welcome pegasi in this district of the NCR.”

When he says this, I notice Air Burst looking over all of us. When he looks at Anan, he shakes his head. Several more of them look at him, then I notice that Anan looks at the ground and his ears show he is embarrassed even if he is not blushing.

The next morning, we all are escorted with our private possessions, minus our weapons. As we are marched to the wagon that will be transporting us, we are stopped. This time a pegasus officer wearing the uniform of a Lieutenant Colonel steps up and tells us, “I am Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider, like you I was once from the Enclave. I and many others from there have found a home here. You have all seen what our community is like, if you do not desire to return to the Enclave, now is the time to let us know and you will not be returned.

It is then that I see Anan step forward and lift a wing, “Ma’am, I would like to request amnesty.” He looks toward a now visibly angry Air Burst and says, “I believe I will be branded a dashite if I return there.”

As he says the last part, Air Burst leaps at him with his ears pinned back and his jaws wide open and screaming. Funnel Cloud and Alto both grab Air. Several of our guards now step up. One of them signals for Anan to move to the side and they place themselves between him and the rest of us. This Wind Rider then tells us, “I wish the rest of you, safe travels. Remember what you have seen here and how you were treated, and know if you ever choose to immigrate here, you are welcome.” She turns to Anan and tells him, “Welcome home, now please come with me and we will get your paperwork started.”

We are then loaded onto the enclosed wagon and taken only a few miles away to what was once a pegasus Skyport. As we are offloaded, we can see two Vertibucks with their rotors turning and a crewman waving for us to come that way. Once we are onboard the closest one, the doors are closed and the crew chief yells to us, “Welcome aboard, we will be taking you to a neutral area for the exchange. Just sit back and you will be on your way home soon enough.”

Right after he says this, I think to myself, what if something happens to screw up the exchange like Anan backing out. That would be just my luck I think to myself. Then I turn my head slightly and I see my wife smiling as she looks out the window and I feel her tail shift and wrap with mine. This gets me to relax and I enjoy the rest of the flight to the exchange point.

I wake up when I feel the rotors of the Vertibuck shift for landing. I look out the window and I can see two vertibucks on the ground plus the second one from our flight. Outside of them is a group of eight ponies as well as several soldiers and two civilians in suits.

When we land the rotors stop and we are told to offload. Once off, a group of soldiers from the other vertibuck along with some civilians, including one I recognize as Miss Haze, join us as we slowly walk to a point equal distance from the other set of vertibucks.

I notice both Purple Haze and Air Burst show a brief bit of sadness in their expressions as they look at each other. Right after this, his turns to anger, and her face shifts to a more neutral expression.

Once the dignitaries meet, I hear one of the Enclave representatives say, “I thought there were to be eight of ours? What happened?”

Miss Haze turns her head slightly back towards us, then I hear her say, “One of yours requested amnesty. He is afraid if he returns, he will be accused of disloyalty and branded a dashite, then kicked out of the Enclave. In which case, why submit himself to such pain, when he knows he will not be allowed to stay.”

The Enclave representative has a look of disgust come over his face. Then he asks Air Burst, “Do you verify that as a true statement?”

Air Burst nods his head, “Yes I do. He has gone dashite and become a traitor to the Grand Pegasus Enclave. He is worthless to us now.”

The representative turns back to the NCR rep and tells them, “So they became a turncoat. Please let me know their name and I will add him to our list of those who are unwelcome in our territories.”

Purple Haze stands a bit straighter and tells him coolly, “His name is Anan. He made this request this morning.”

“The when is immaterial. The fact he did so marks him as a Dashite. Well, he would have been worthless to us if he had returned then. We will still make the exchange.”

They each call out the names of those being returned one by one. As a name is given, that pony walks across the neutral area between us to their own side. After the final one has been exchanged the pegasus leader of the exchange tells Purple Haze, “Thank you for your time, Miss Haze. Until next time I suppose.”

“Yes, until next time Round Trip, safe travels to you and your people,” she says.

Our representative then turns to us and tells us, “Welcome back to the Enclave Mares and Gentlecolts. Once back to Neighverro, we will hold a brief inquiry into what happened and then you will be returned to service if possible.”

We quickly load up and as we fly away, I look out the window and I see Miss Haze watching us fly away and she gives a brief wave towards our aircraft. Across from me, I see Air Burst look sadly at her and wave a wing slightly at her. Then I hear him sigh before he sits back, closes his eyes, and falls asleep.

The flight only takes a few hours and once we are there, we are led across the tarmac to a large building that is marked as the Base Operations Center. We are each interviewed separately about what occurred and the circumstances of our capture.

Once they have interviewed all of us, we are given our rooms for the night. Because we are now married, Sundancer and I are allowed to share one. As we unpack our saddlebags, I notice a letter in mine that had not been there last night when I packed. I open it and I begin to read,

Lieutenant,

I am taking this time to thank you for all you have done for me. I hope you can forgive me for wanting to stay behind, but, sir, I finally found a place that felt like home to me. I, I just could not go back to the Enclave. It was after I made the tour with Air Burst and told him how much more productive the farms were here than back home that I realized I had probably just marked myself as a dashite and could not go.

Understand, it had nothing to do with you or your leadership. I would have followed you through the gates of Tartarus willingly. I am sorry our paths had to end so soon. My best wishes to you and your wife. May we meet again someday under better circumstances.

Your former Sargent and friend

Anan.

I put the letter down and shake my head. I am glad I could help him, but I am going to miss my sergeant. I notice Sundancer looking at me curiously, so I simply pass her the letter with my wingtips.

Once she reads it, she smiles and wraps a wing around me. “Dear, you did the right thing. I know it was hard, but that is why I love you.”

I put a wing around her and hold her as I nuzzle her and take her scent into my nose. Then I whisper to her, “Thanks for understanding, and thank you for being willing to be my wife.”

She smiles sadly and then asks, “Do you think we may see him again someday?”

“Honestly dear, I do not know. I just hope if we do it is during a time of peace and under better circumstances.”

She nods her head, then she quietly asks, “Do you think Air Burst was falling for Miss Haze?”

I sigh quietly, then I tell her, “Yeah, I think so, and I really have a feeling she was falling for him also. Too bad she has a horn instead of wings. Then they could have had a chance together.”

She moves her head back a bit and asks me, “Do you mean that because she was a unicorn they did not stand a chance?”

I hold up a forehoof to get her to hear me out, then I tell her, “Only because of how the Enclave feels about such relationships. Otherwise, I would have had no problems with it. I am happy enough with you my little cloud bank.”

She snuggles up against me and tells me, “Ok, enough about the others, how about we just enjoy this time together.”

I smile as we lay back together on one of the two bunks in the room and just as I begin to gently groom her, I hear a knock on the door. She stops me and tells me, “I guess we best see what that is all about.”

*****

To all of you listeners out there that last song was Raise the Wind by our local band the Dust Devils. In local news, we have reports by some of our local farmers of potato rot being found on some of their crops in the lower areas. They have asked for assistance from anyone else in the Manesville region who may know how to fight this or give them a hoof with dealing with it.

In national news, there have been reports of more Enclave infiltrators being discovered throughout the Republic. Today we made an exchange of several of our agents for a like number of their spies. One of which asked for amnesty and was granted it by the NCR. I remind you all, if you suspect somepony of being a spy, talk to your local officials, and don’t try to take matters in hoof yourself.

Now a special reminder that the North 40 supper club in Manesville provides not only great food but live entertainment and dancing as well. So, if you want a special night out, head on over to the North 40.

Another sponsor of our show tonight is Stich in Time, for all your fashion needs there is Stitch in Time, run by Sewing Bobbin with over two hundred years of experience in meeting her customers’ needs and tastes.

My name is Broadcast and I am coming to you live from our Manesville studio. This next song for all of you out there is Fields of Gold.

Author's Note

In this chapter, we begin to see the team split up a bit. If you have read FoE: Borderlands you may recognize the mule ghoul. To see him as he was before the final day, you can find him in my short story Jack of All Trades from the anthology Fallout Equestria: Alphabet Soup, published by Doomande. The link for Jack of All Trades is: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/476359/7/fallout-equestria-alphabet-soup/before-the-bombs-jack-of-all-trades-by-trooper

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song. The YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jMAIuqnFEI