Chapter 27 Here and There.

"When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home. -Thornton Wilder"

White Cloud, Manesville District, NCR: Ginger Snaps

The morning after we clear out Site Paddock, Xochitl and I join my family for breakfast. As we enter the front door, I smile and ask, “What no bacon?”

“Sorry dear, we try and limit how much we eat of it now. Maybe tomorrow morning, ok?” Mama Sumac tells me.

“Oh ok, Mama Sumac. I was just hoping is all,” I tell her.

As we go to sit down for breakfast with them, we both grab a cup of coffee. After Ma Mollygirl finishes hers, she leaves the room to finish putting on her uniform for the day. I enter the parlor just as she is cinching up her pistol holster. In a way, it hurts to see her still automatically doing this, even at home, and I ask, “Still in the habit I guess?”

Nodding her head she replies, “Yeah, I never got out of it, unfortunately, and I feel uncomfortable without it.”

I nod back, as I really do understand this habit. “Yeah, I have to thank you for breaking me of that habit after the expedition Ma. But that is not what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh really? What do you want to talk about then dear?”

Now we get to the real reason that I came up for breakfast, so I could tell her this. “Ma, I wanted to say thank you for having our backs yesterday. Honestly, we got cocky and I screwed up. So, thank you from all of us for pulling our bacon out of the fire.”

After I tell her this, she seems almost amused. I involuntarily flick my tail and my ears slid back slightly, then I realize what I said and I laugh some too. “Ok, I can’t believe I said it that way ma.” I pause then continue with what I want to say, “Ma, I am worried about Moon though. She seems to think she has to be like you and mama Sutures and go into harm's way all the time.”

When I say this, she raises an eyebrow and twitches her ear in a questioning way. “Ok, I can understand your concerns because I have them too. But she seems to also be following in her bigger sisters' hoofsteps too.”

When she points this out, I find myself blushing, then I tell her, “That is also part of what I am worried about ma. I want better for her than what I have.”

Ma nods her head and with a serious tone of her voice says, “I understand love. I feel the same way for all of you. All me and your other parents want is for you to be happy.”

This gets me to smile. “Thanks, ma. I appreciate it, who knows if I ever am able to have a foal, but if I do, I hope I can be as good a mother as you and the others have been for me.”

She smiles back at me after I tell her this. “Dear, I am sure you will make a wonderful mother someday.”

Before I can reply we hear Millie yelling from the other room, “Come on Moon, Bucky, and Woody we are gonna be late for school! Xailynn is already coming!”

I look out the door we hear her from and laugh. “Goddesses, do you raise all your fouls to cut it close?” Then she turns back to me, “I guess I best let you go Ma, I will see you tonight at dinner.”

She gives me a hug as she puts on her soft cover and tells me, “I will see you tonight dear. It is so nice having you home again.” Then she heads out the door along with both Papa Badger and Papa Archer.

As I watch them walk away, I look at my PipBuck and notice the time. I go into the kitchen and after helping Mama Sumac with the dishes, I tell Xochitl, “Well dear, I guess we should head into work too now.”

He nods and after giving Sumac a brief hug and a kiss on the cheek says, “I will see you later, thank you for breakfast Mother Sumac.”

“Your welcome son. Now you best get going before you two are late for work. Oh, and you are welcome for dinner tonight if you are interested, nothing special, but it would be nice to have you for dinner again as well.”

“We will see Mama Sumac,” I tell her, then we are out the door and on our way to town for work as well. One of the nice benefits of being a contractor, we can set our hours to shop hours and not have to be there too early like the regulars in the military do.

Since we have been back, our field team has taken to using some of the ruined buildings nearby for field exercises in urban environments. The shop team provides an opposing force occasionally so we can practice different missions.

We have just secured another room on the upper level of a half-wrecked building a block over from the shop when I feel a tug on my saddlebags. I look over and I see Xanthippe smiling at me as she says, “Miss Ginger. Ma says you have a visitor that you are going to want to talk to at the shop.”

“Thank you, Xanthippe,” I tell her, then I call out to the others, “Ok, back to the shop. Good job, check your gear and after I meet with my visitor, we will hold a debrief to go over what we saw of each other.”

As I enter the main door of the shop, I see the general’s adjunct standing there, “Good afternoon, Pin Point, how have you been doing?”

“Good afternoon, Ginger, we both have been doing well. By the way, again the General would like to send his thanks for the Site Paddock job.”

“Thank you and I will pass it on to them, but I am sure that is not the only reason you are here today.”

He grins and while still maintaining his military bearing replies, “No, of course not, we actually have another job for some of you to perform.”

“Really, what is it?”

“Perhaps we should discuss this in your office.” He tells me.

“Ok, sure, follow me,” I tell him as I begin to head upstairs toward our HQ area. As we go past the armory, I call to Epona, “Hay sis, come on upstairs with us, will you.”

She nods her head and tells me, “Ok, let me reassemble this pistol first.”

We are only up there for a few minutes when she joins us. “Ok sis, what have you got for me?” she asks. In reply, I simply point a hoof at Pin Point.

He nods and tells me, “We have a delegation going to Hoofington and we need an escort for the group who we believe will work well with them.”

Epona and I both nod our heads. “Ok, what are our expected duties, how many of us do you need, and for how long?” I ask.

He grins and begins to tell us as well as when we are expected to leave. As he does, I see Epona perk up and her ears go forward again. I can tell she would want in on this, even if she wasn’t already included in the plan.

Once he has finished and we have negotiated a fee, he tells us, “We have yet to inform those officers who are going on this junket and would appreciate your waiting until after tomorrow to discuss it with them.”

“Not a problem sir,” Epona tells him and I nod in agreement. However, this seems like it should be an interesting trip back down that way.

After he leaves, we hold the training debrief and I tell the team about the upcoming job for myself, Xochitl and Epona. I then tell Twinks, “Twinks, if any jobs come up while we are gone, Choo has told me to tell you are in charge of the field team. Zhea will be running the shop front as usual. Then I remember what Choo also said over the radio of her PipBuck, “Oh and Twinks, Zhea will be the one to negotiate a price for any jobs, however, you are to go with her and observe how she negotiates such jobs.”

She nods her head and answers, “Sounds good Cookie. Are you sure you only want the three of you back down there?”

In the back of my mind, I think, now, I want the whole team, but that is not what the contract calls for. So, I tell her, “No, but that is all that is needed. If we need a backup, we will make the call. Besides we should just be dressing up for this one and babysitting, nothing like the last time we were down there.”

“Yeah, but we will miss you being here with us,” Tater says.

Twinks nods and Cow Lick says, “Sorry, it is just hard watching the team split up like this. I mean with us up here, you down there, and Choo where ever she is.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I do understand guys, but it comes with the territory.”

We continue to work on our gear for the rest of the day. Toward the end of which I tell Epona and Xochitl, “I think the three of us need to go see Sewing Bobbin. We should have a couple of good uniforms for this mission.”

As we begin to head out, I hear Tater call out, “We will see you later at the Pub Epona.”

“Sounds good Tater, I will see you all there.” She calls out as we begin to head our way to the waterfront instead of home.

The bell above the door rings as we enter Sewing Bobbin’s shop. From the back, I hear a sewing machine stop and her raspy voice calls out, “I will be right with you.”

I call back, “No problem Sewing.”

“Oh, it’s you, Ginger, give me a few minutes.” I hear come from the back.

We wait patiently at the counter for her. When she comes out of the back, she is wearing a conservative skirt with her glasses perched on top of her head. “Ah, it is good to see you again Ginger, what can I do for you today?”

“Hey Sewing, we have a job to escort some dignitaries. Looks like we will be going to some important functions as bodyguards. Do you think you could make something special for us to wear to them?”

I see her smile as best she can, then she says, “I am sure I can, but how soon do you need them?”

I look at the other two with me and tell her, “Looks like two weeks we will be leaving.”

She nods her head, “Ok, but I will have to charge you an expediting fee.”

“Sounds fair to me.”

“Ok, I have your measurements on file still, that is unless you have changed sizes drastically in the last couple of months.”

“No, we haven't. At least I don’t think we have.”

“How does a dress suit for Xochitl and a dress for each of you made with ballistic weave sound?”

I hear myself sigh without realizing I am doing so. Then she says, “I know you prefer not to wear dresses normally Ginger, but if you are going to the kind of functions, you say you are, you will need to. However, I will make them a business dress, and you will be able to conceal your weapons and equipment more easily in them.”

“Ok, that sounds good. Oh, and maybe a couple of more field uniforms as well for our travel.”

She shakes her head, “Ginger, if you are with a group like this, you should only need two field uniforms, but a couple of the black sets I made you should do you, I can make each of you a second jacket and tan trousers if you would like.”

“Yes, I guess you'd best. Thank you.” I tell her. Then I ask, “Sewing, how do you know what kind of uniforms we would need for these functions?”

She shrugs her shoulders and tells me, “I did a few jobs for the Pinks back in my youth, and yes it was through the recommendation of my mentor to the Ministry Mares.”

I feel my eyes open a bit wider and my ears are fully forward as I ask her, “You did jobs for the Pinks and the Ministry Mares?” Beside me, I notice both my sister and fiancé are just as surprised.

She tilts her head and smiles as she says, “Well yes. I even designed a few outfits for the MoM operatives. “

After this, she proposes a few ideas to us for our dress attire. Once we are done, she nods her head, “Yes, I should be able to get one of each done for you by the middle of next week. Do you want to come here to pick them up, or should I just have them delivered to you?”

“We will pick them up Sewing, but thanks for asking.”

She then asks, “Oh, since you two are engaged, would you like me to make a dress for you Ginger?”

She surprises me with this question as I had not thought of that. But I know we do not have unlimited caps, so I tell her, “Maybe after we get back, we can discuss it. But until then just wait.”

*****

Sumac’s Farm, Whitecloud, Manesville District, NCR: Xochitl

I smile as Ginger and I pack the new dress clothes we got from Sewing Bobbin yesterday. I love how dapper I look in my suit and Ginger looks so perfect in her business skirt. I mean Epona did not look bad either in hers, but I am not about to tell anypony that. I do not need to give Ginger a reason to feel jealous, especially of her sister.

Once our bags are packed, we both give my family hugs and they walk with us to the cart where Ginger’s family and Epona are loading their baggage. I again tell my father, “Good Bye Father, I will write when I can.”

“I know you will son, but now you have other duties as well. Take care and I will see you when you return.”

Next, I approach Badger who is in the harness, “Father Badger, would you like me to pull the cart instead?” I ask.

He grins at me, “No, I got it. Besides your our escort, aren’t you?”

“Well, yes, but that does not mean I can’t help.”

“I do appreciate it Xochitl, but honestly, it is not necessary right now. Besides, it is not that far to the river and the docks,” he tells me.

I find myself chatting with Badger as we make our way to the docks. I am surprised when he says to me, “I don’t know if you have been to Hoofington before, but if you have, I would appreciate your helping us find some weapons and gear for the Second, as well as the First Regiment.”

“I do believe I can be of assistance to you with that Father Badger. If we cannot find what you need, then I may be able to call in some favors to help us find other sources.”

He grins and nods, “I would appreciate it son.”

As we arrive, I see the S. Glimmer waiting with smoke lightly wafting out of both of her chimneys. On her upper decks, I notice a few odd shapes under some tarps but think nothing of it. Especially with all the commotion of both Ginger’s family as well as Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider’s family. It seems both regiments have decided to send their XOs and their families on this junket as well. Well, this should certainly make things more interesting, especially since I have seen how Rain Dancer and Ginger’s little sister Millie are towards each other.

Then I catch myself smiling as I look at the S. Glimmer and remember the mare, I met who she was named after. I wonder what she would have thought knowing a steamship was named after her? Too bad I did not think to ask her.

Once both families have crossed the brow and are on the main deck, I hear one of the officers give an invitation to the Colonel for her and her spouses to join the Commodore for dinner tonight. I am slightly disappointed that Ginger and I are not invited as well, but then again, we have had our turn at his table more recently than the others.

After Ginger has volunteered us to watch her siblings, another crewpony approaches us and tells Epona, “Miss Epona, the Commodore has requested your presence in the Pilot House.”

I hear her ask, “Do you know what he may want me for?”

The crewpony grins at her and tells her, “I do believe he may want you to lend a hoof in getting the old girl underway. Several of us have talked with the crew of the Colt and we do understand you have some experience at the helm.”

Epona grins widely, “Please lead me there if you would?”

I smile and shake my head as the two of them disappear into the skin of the ship. Soon afterward Ginger and I go inside to find the cabin we will be sharing with Epona. It is not too long after this that we are standing alongside the topside rail as we hear the steam whistle let out one long blast, that is the whistle signal for the Equestrian Navy when they get underway or arrive in port.

Right after this, I feel the paddlewheels on both sides bite into the water and we begin to move into the center of the river. Before long we have straightened out and are making our way down the river once again, on what is starting to become a normal journey for us.

To the side, I notice that Mother Sumac seems kind of upset, but Mother Magpie puts a hoof over her shoulder and gives her a gentle kiss, which seems to brighten up her mood. I also see both Sutures and Archer do the same to the Colonel. Not far away I see Badger looking worriedly at Manesville as it recedes into the distance. Then he looks at his spouses, and children and smiles.

The trip is going well overall. I am enjoying the time spent with the other Passengers. The second night Ginger, Epona, and I are invited by the Commodore to join him at his table as his guest.

For dinner, the three of us decide to wear our dress outfits made by Sewing Bobbins. As we put them on, I hear Woodrow telling Millie, “Wow, look at how fancy they are dressed.”

She nods her head, “Yeah, someday maybe we can dress like that too.”

As we leave the room Sumac is arriving and tells us, “You all look very nice. Enjoy your dinner and if you see Bucky, remind him to grab some dinner.”

“We will, Mother Sumac,” I tell her. Then we three are out the door and on our way to dine with the Commodore.

Dinner tonight is the first time that Epona has been specifically invited to dine with Rough Water. The current Captain of the S. Glimmer and Commodore for the 1st NCR River Flotilla. I have to smile as I see his old bearded face. I love how the white of his beard contrast with his graying mane and his dark blue uniform.

“Good evening you three, please be seated.”

After we sit, he smiles and we exchange some small talk. Then he asks, “Epona, now, I know your sister and Xochitl are intended for each other, but I worry about you lass. Do you have any prospects, or are you just happier by yourself?”

I see her sigh, “No, I am not happier by myself. But right now, there are no solid prospects. I mean I have been writing to a mare down in the Hoof, and she has sent me a couple of letters as well, but sir, to be honest, we are taking it slow.”

He nods his head, “A very good answer young mare. I like the way you think. By the way, my offer to you still stands. If you decide you want to join the Navy, I will see about getting you assigned aboard the Glimmer as a helmspony.”

I see Epona sit up more, as she knows that makes it not just an off-hoof discussion, but now because we are at his table, it makes it clan business. She nods her head and tells him, “I understand and will take it under serious consideration. Also, to let you know, I have received a similar offer from your sister Rust for the Colt.”

He smiles, “Yes, I do understand that at well. She told me she was considering it the last time I saw her.”

“I really do thank you both, but what we are doing is important to sir. So, for now, I will stick with the repair ponies.”

He nods his head approvingly then he changes the subject again, “So tell me about this mare you are exchanging letters with, what is her name and just how serious do you feel for her?”

I watch as Epona first blushes, then she begins to tell him about Purchase Order.

On the third day of the trip, we approach Two Step landing. It is the first time Ginger and I have been back by here during the daytime so that we can see it. I am standing along the top deck rail next to Ginger as we pass there. I hear her begin to weep some and I put a hoof around her and tell her, “It’s ok Ginger, I feel like crying too.”

She tucks her head into my neck and I feel her tears moisten my fur. I have to be strong for her. But inside it feels like a part of me is dying. I never wanted to see this place again. The sight of the great betrayal of Silver Spite, where he killed his own father as well as officers loyal to his father along with most of the officers with the CEF. From there until after the siege at Serenity Valley we were in constant fear and the threat of death or dismemberment. We lost so many there. I notice the others who were with us are also all upset

From the side, I hear Great Aunt Purple Haze ask us, “What really happened here that has you all so upset?”

Ginger tells her with a catch in her voice, “Aunt Purple, we fought here twice. A lot of ponies we know are buried here. It is the first time Xochitl and I have been past it in daylight, so we are having a lot of memories.”

To which I add, “Aunt Purple, the second time we lost all but three of our officers of the CEF. The Colonel and Captain Archer, both got us back on our hooves and lead us back home.”

She seems perplexed and asks, “If she led you home why are you so upset?”

Then Sutures, sniffing back her tears tells her, “Haze, the last time we fought here I still had both hind legs. But I lost so many ponies I could not save.”

Finally grasping what impact this place had on us she says, “I do understand now.” She then looks at the deck and finishes, “It is hallowed ground. I am sorry I did not realize it.”

After this exchange I see Ginger’s little sister Moon Lily move to the railing and as she stands with one hoof on it, she waves at someone who is working their fields. For some reason, this brings me some peace. I guess it reminds me, that life goes on and all things change.

Two days later after we have passed through the Canterlot-Foal Mountain gap we have our first run-in with Enclave on this trip. In the far distance, we see a vertibuck heading our way. We have all the pegasuses onboard go below decks before they get close. The 40mm guns are still covered by their tarps and I am glad for that as we are not ready for this fight. I so wish we had weapons other than our pistols with us.

When it is close enough, it passes first down one side, then up the other. As it does this, I see that the side guns are manned and the closest gunner is just starting to spin up his weapon before firing it. That is when I hear Sutures say, “No magic Moon.”

I look over and the little mare's horn suddenly stops glowing. As it does, the gunner shuts down his minigun, and the pilot waves to us. Most of us wave back, then they spin in the air and take off away from us, towards a dark silhouette hidden amongst the clouds that looks to me like a raptor.

After they are out of sight the pegasuses begin to come topside again. When she is close, Colonel Wind Rider asks, “Ginger, Epona, have you heard anything about the Enclave becoming more active in this area?”

When she asks this, I feel my face turn neutral, and notice the same for both Ginger and Epona. Finally, Ginger tells her, “Lieutenant Colonel, you don’t have high enough clearance to ask us that, so please do not do so again.”

With that, the three of us slowly make our way across the deck and to the hatch leading us away from her as well as Ginger’s parents.

*****

Followers of Apocalypse Alicorn Camp, White Tail Woods, NCR: Choo Choo

“Hiya Miss Choo Choo.” I hear a young voice call from beside me.

I turn my head and I see a young blue-colored alicorn filly hovering next to me. “Good morning, Evening Mist, how are you today?”

“I’m doing good. Mama and daddy say I am getting much better at flying.”

I smile and nod to her. “Yes, you are. You should be proud of how well you are doing.”

“Wanna see a new trick I learned from Mister Summer Flash?”

Her excitement reminds me so much of Moon Lily that I can’t help but smile and tell her, “Sure, let’s see it.”

When I say this, she giggles and then flies up into the sky and I watch as she does what I have heard others call a barrel roll then as she comes into land, she does a loop landing right next to me. “Very impressive Evening. You are getting to be quite the accomplished flyer.”

She grins widely, “I love flying Miss Choo. Besides, Mama and Daddy say I am too young to learn much magic yet.”

I nod my head, in understanding. I know how much trouble can occur when a young one starts to use magic. This reminds me of Moon Lily and the plow shear incident with Purple Haze.

Once she is hovering again, she asks me, “How come you are the only Alicorn with a cutie mark?”

I sit down and I tell her, “To be honest, I am not sure. But I was someplace else when it happened and I was talking with some very important alicorns at the time.”

“Do you think they gave it to you? Can I meet them?”

“Dear, I don’t think they gave it to me. And as for meeting them, perhaps someday, but not right now.”

“Ok, I best get going, see you later Miss Choo.” She says as she starts to fly off.

As she goes, I smile and say to her, “See you later.” Part of me wishes I could be a mother again, but I hesitate as the only stallion I would want a foal with right now is Paper Work. As I think this, I hear a stallion’s voice call from inside the office I am heading into, “Hello again Choo Choo. It is good to see you again. I hope my oldest was not bothering you too much.”

I look up and see the Green Alicorn stallion who now works for the Followers smiling at me. “Hello to you as well Evening Shade. No, she was just being a filly and wanting to show what she has learned. Have you considered beginning to teach her magic yet?”

He looks at me with a serious expression, “Yes, her mother and I have discussed it. We are of the opinion that we want her to start small and work her way up. Besides, she has not used her horn much, she seems to really prefer her wings to it. So, we will let her go with what she likes for now.”

I nod my head in understanding and decide to change the subject, and ask, “So, what do you have for me today?”

“Well, again I would like to offer you my services for a foal, but barring that, we would like to perform some tests on how your body is recharging with the amount of radiation that we have here. You do realize you are one of the few of us who has spent a prolonged time outside of our camp since the Gardens of Equestria were activated?”

“Yes, I do. Believe me, when I say that I not only feel invigorated here, but I do not require much sleep or feel hungry much while here.”

He looks surprised, “You mean you tended to eat on a regular basis as well as slept out there?”

“Yes Evening, I do. I will say though that I have a taste now for Sparkle Cola, particularly Sparkle Cola Rad. It seems to have just enough magical radiation in it to pep me up a bit.”

He nods his head, then he looks at some notes he has on a clipboard he is holding in his TK. “So, have you ever tried any of the Aqua Pura that the ghouls are using?”

“No, I had not thought to. Is it safe for us?”

He nods his head, “Actually, it can be very restorative, especially when we have been away from magical radiation for too long.” After a brief pause, he asks, “Speaking of this, how are the two sisters you previously mentioned from your wing handling living in this Manesville district?”

“Actually, they are handling it extremely well. You see, they are now married and share a farm near the one that Quick Frost's family owned when he was a foul.”

“You referred to your sister as he, has she become a stallion somehow?”

I smile and tell him, “No, but he was a stallion before he changed. She is very happy with who she is now and would not choose to go back.”

“But what if they wanted a foal together?” He asks curiously.

“They would find a biological donor. Much like how part of my family has done so for a family that the husbands are mules. So far Archer has fathered three children with them.”

He appears surprised at my answers, and I ask, “Why are you surprised?”

“Well, first that they would have done so, but also, that you consider regular ponies’ family.”

“Why shouldn’t I? After all, a large number of the unicorns and some earth ponies in the Manesville region are descended from my children that were in the shelter there.”

He seems even more stunned. “Choo, how did you find out you have descendants who survived? I thought you lost all of your memories?”

I sigh and then tell him, “I did lose most of them, However, the wife of one of my descendants is a librarian who loves researching information. She found out from a ghoul who used to be my fiancé about my children having spots paid for in the Manesville stable. Once the records were researched, we found out we were related distantly, but I am now Great Grandma or Grannie Choo to some of them. Particularly of Moon Lily. Purple Haze and I have been training her in spells for several years now.”

“First, who is this Purple Haze? And second, how old is the Moon Lily now?”

I smile at him and tell him, “Purple Haze is distantly related to another of the spouses of Moon Lily’s mother. She comes from Tenpony Tower and is an accomplished member of the Twilight Society there. As for how old Moon Lily is, she is eleven or twelve now.”

He grins and asks, “I guess she knows all the basic spells now. How long before you begin to teach her the more advanced ones?”

I smile at him, “She learned to use the lightning spell after I used it one time in front of her to stop a Radhog. She was maybe three years old. So, she is already there. Purple and I are guiding her education and making sure we teach her how to use it responsibly.”

He scoffs at me and then says, “That young and she used a lightning spell. Choo, you really don’t need to make things like that up.”

I smile at him, “Sir, I have regained my cutie mark. I have photos of me with the Princesses, including a Princess Twilight Sparkle, yet you doubt me on this. Strange, that you would think with as much as I have seen and done, that I would need to make something up to impress you.”

I see he seems slightly insulted so I decide to salve his ego slightly. “Besides, I am sure, once you begin to train your children in magic that they will do even better than she. After all, she is only a unicorn and not an alicorn like yours.”

“Why yes, of course, you are correct on that. Perhaps that is why Evening’s mother has asked me to hold off teaching her magic for a while.”

I then lift a hoof and move it in an affirmative action as I tell him, “I am sure of it.”

Then he pauses, “We have talked a lot about your family but I notice you have a lot of combat experience since Unity broke, would you like to tell me about it?”

As soon as he asks this my mind flashes back to the Valley. “No, not really. I will if I have to, but I prefer not to think about it.”

He nods his head, “Ok, I can understand that. He looks back at the paperwork and then tells me, “Part of what I and the others here at the camp have been instructed to do in exchange for you assisting us in our research is to teach you the basics of a Ministry of Morale operative. You do understand this right?”

I nod my head, “Good because what this means is we will be teaching you their techniques, not just of fieldcraft, but interrogation. I must warn you; it will be painful.”

I feel my heart begin to speed up and a bit of sweat build up on my brow. But I nod and tell him, “Yes, I do understand. It is part of my contract with the Government.”

He looks at me with a raised eyebrow and nods, “Ok, Choo, I am going to have Fluffy take you to a more remote part of the camp so we can begin this training.”

I nod my head again and I look over and see the large bi-pedal canine hellhound waiting for me. He nods his gray-furred head and tells me in his hounded accent, “I am ready to take you when you are ready Miss Choo.”

“Thank you, Fluffy. I do appreciate it.” I tell him. Then I ask Evening Shade, “Do you have anything more for me before I leave?”

He smiles and tells me, “No, nothing more, other than I really do believe you would be a great mother for one of my foals.”

While I feel slightly creeped out by him saying this, I simply smile and tell him, “Thank you, I will think about it.” As I get up and head towards Fluffy, telling him, “Please, do lead on.”

Two weeks already, and I am finally coming to the whole point of me being here as far as I am concerned. I am thinking about this when Fluffy says, “He really is a creep, isn’t he? I thought mares were ones to go into heat before I met him.”

I begin to chuckle lightly and tell him, “Well Fluffy, I thought the same way until I met him. Sadly, I am sure he is not the only one. By the way, how is your family?”

I see his ears go down along his head and his tail stops wagging as he tells me, “Ok, we lost several of our pack on way here. Tin Tin took it hard leaving home. But ok.”

We are on the far side of the camp now and the radiation level here is lower than the rest of the camps, enough that I can feel the difference. We approach a cave and Fluffy leads me inside. There I am grabbed by two alicorns and a magic inhibitor ring is placed on me. Then I hear a voice that brings terror to my heart as I hear it say, “Finally we have gotten our hooves on you Choo Choo. Now, we will begin.”

I am chained to a chair that is extremely uncomfortable and I watch as the horn of the green alicorn light up. And I feel the pain as they begin to just rip into my mind as if searching for something.

Suddenly I hear one of them gasp and say, “Pumpkin, I think that is enough. She knows the princesses and they live. Besides, this part of the training is only to demonstrate to her how painful an improperly performed memory spell can feel.”

“True, but she should also know what a memory extraction spell feels like.”

I hear a third voice, “No, enough Pumpkin. She is your trainee, not your test subject.”

“But you saw him, you saw my brother in her early memories. Please let me have that one.”

The others both tell her, “We are sorry sister, but no.”

I feel the pain begin to recede. When I can begin to speak again, I ask, “Pumpkin, you said you saw your brother in my memories, while I do not remember him myself, if it is not too private of a memory, please take that part and keep it for yourself.”

She seems taken aback by this and asks, “Are you sure Choo, this will be more painful than what you have experienced already.”

I nod my head and croak out, “Yes, I am sure. I know what it is like to not have memories of those I love. So please take it as a gift.”

Suddenly I feel my body convulse as the pain in my mind screams and I feel myself do the same. It seems to take forever before the pain subsides again. But when it does, I notice I no longer have the overwhelming fear of the Pinks that I once had.

As I sit there panting, I ask my sister Pumpkin Cake, who I have not seen for years, “I am curious, what was that memory that held your brother?”

She turns and sadly tells me, “I should not tell you, but no matter what, you can no longer revive it. It was when my brother and I interrogated you after your train had been sabotaged transporting troops and supplies from Fillydelphia to Hoofington.”

This time I try to smile, and in a hoarse voice tell her, “I am glad I could give you one more memory of your brother, and now a repressed memory of mine is gone and I know why I repressed it.”

She smiles sadly at me and tells me, “Yes Choo. You were innocent. It was your conductor who was a zebra sympathizer. In case you did not know what happened to him, he had his memories wiped and was sent to a penal battalion in No Mare’s Land.”

I shiver at the thought. Then she says, “Now that you know what it feels like, I can begin to teach you how to perform such spells. Understand, all MoM unicorn agents went through this, I did not do this to cause you distress or pain, but you need to know what it feels like to be on the other side.”

“Pumpkin, if I may ask, while in Unity, did you remember interrogating me?”

She smiles, “Choo until I went into your memories just now, I did not even know exactly who you had been, or that you had that memory. Not only will I teach you how to retrieve another’s memories, but also how to share your own.”

*****

Thunderhead, Grand Pegasus Enclave: Ball Lightning.

“Lieutenant, the doctor will see you now.” Says the young nurse holding the office door to the back open for me.

I get up and carry my cover under my wing as I follow her into the examination room. I have been ordered to have one by my new battalion commander when I checked in this morning. Well, at least they gave me last night to spend with Sundancer and our parents.

After a short wait, the doctor comes in and looks at my chart, “Hmm, looks like you have had a couple of close calls Lieutenant. Let’s take a look at you.”

He begins by examining me from ears to hoof. Finally, he asks, “Do you know why you are undergoing this thorough of a physical?”

I shake my head no and tell him so. “Son, you have spent a lot of time dirtside over the last year and a half. You have been wounded several times and taken prisoner even.”

Again, I signal affirmative with my ears and a quick nod of my head. “Makes sense Doc. I mean I am being assigned to a security battalion. So, it is either up here, or down there in the mud again.”

He smiles, “Well at least you are taking it well. Ok, everything checks out. However, I am still worried about the wounds from before your last mission.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I can understand that, but honestly they really did not slow me down much.”

“Humph, they may not have slowed you down, but that does not mean you are letting them heal properly.”

“Sorry, Doc.”

“Don’t apologize to me. Apologize to yourself and the Enclave. You yourself because it will end up hurting you later in life. The Enclave as you are not keeping yourself in fighting trim.”

“I had not thought of that Doc.”

“Well, you are an officer, you should. You need to set an example.”

I find myself looking down at the floor as I tell him, “Yes sir.”

“Good, now that we understand that, I will say you are fit enough for security duty. I will have a few adjustments made to your power armor program to assist you. Other than that, we are done here. You can return to your command.”

“Yes sir, thank you for your time,” I tell him as I get off the examination table, reset my uniform and head back to the battalion HQ that I had just come from earlier.

As I enter the battalion HQ, I see both my company and battalion COs waiting for me.

I fly over to them and give my typical salute. “Reporting back for duty, Sir,” I tell the battalion CO, Lieutenant Colonel Full Bright.

“Good afternoon, Lieutenant. What did the fair doctor have to say?”

“Sir, he has returned me back to duty, with only a few adjustments to my power armor settings. He also says I need to take better care of myself for the Enclave.”

He grins at me and I hear Captain Golden Feather say, “That sounds like Doctor Wing Set alright.”

“Now, just so you know your platoon will be rotating through with the rest of the companies of the battalion. We do not keep any of our people down there for extended periods of time without a break,” Golden Feather continues.

Full Bright then adds, “Part of why we wanted you checked is because we know you spent considerable time among those ponies. We wanted to make sure it was safe to send you to go dirtside again.”

I smile at this and tell him, “Sir, I have no problem being dirtside or cloudside. I just want to serve and protect our home.”

“Yeah, we understand that, besides, what kind of Enclave officer would you be if you did not say that? Now how do you feel having to leave your wife behind when you go downstairs?”

“I would be lying if I said I was happy about it. But it is part of the job and we both understand that.”

The captain smiles. “Glad to hear that. Many young newlyweds don’t. Besides, it will only be for a month at a time rotation.”

“So, sirs, when do we head down?” I ask.

Full Bright laughs lightly, “Well that is what I wanted to talk to you about. Right now, we are looking at two months before your platoon goes down there. The month beforehoof, you and your people will be on standby. Meaning if they need extra support, you will be able to provide backup for them.”

“I hear rumors that they have been hitting our facilities down below more often the last couple of weeks,” I tell them.

They look at each other and I hear the Colonel sigh before he tells me, “You have heard right. Several factions have started to probe our defenses down below. We have even had a couple of Steel Ranger Vertibucks probe our defenses. One, unfortunately, got away, but it was smoking pretty good as it ran.”

“Any idea of why the change in their behavior?” I ask.

They both smile at my question. Full Bright then tells me, “Actually, we are wondering if it is related to the dirtside rumors of a wild pegasus that snuck in here a while back. We have since increased our security patrols. No pony is sure how he got here if he did. Maybe a dashite took them a map, who knows.”

Sunny, I think to myself. He must have mapped out what he could of Thunderhead when he was here. This also means he was able to spend a lot of time up here to do so.

“You seem to be thinking something, let’s hear it,” the captain tells me.

I pause as I collect my thoughts, then answer, “I was just wondering how long a wild pegasus could be up here without anypony noticing. It does sound outrageous, but still.” I find I am stroking my chin. Then I continue, “Did the rumors say anything about how he could have gotten past our checkpoints or did he just fly in?”

They both look uncomfortable with that question. That is when the captain says, “Sir if you don’t mind, I will take the Lieutenant back to our company HQ and see about getting him set up with his platoon.”

“Very well Captain. I will see you in the morning unless I need you.”

“Yes sir.” The captain replies and we both salute the colonel.

Once back at our company’s HQ he takes me into his office. After we both take a seat, he tilts his head as he looks at me and tells me, “Ball, you sure seem to have an interesting service record. So far, I have not seen much other than a short write-up about your time with the scouts.” He pauses briefly and holds up a hoof when I get ready to explain before continuing, “Just so you know, here in the security battalions, we do not tend to lead from the front all the time. Sure, if we are making a raid or some such thing that is the way to do it. But here, let your platoon 1st Sergeant and your squad leaders run the show while you manage them. They make the patrols while you sit in the office waiting for their reports. Occasionally go out with them to keep up your skills in your armor and to show them you know what to do. Got it?”

I nod my head and answer, “Yes sir.”

“Good, well let’s head on over to your platoon. Time to introduce you to your people.” As we approach my new platoon’s offices I see an older mare with a light purple coat, short kept black mane, and tail with the feathers on the trailing edge of her wings also being black. What strikes me most is the intensity in her eyes. She nods as we come up and then Golden Feather tells me, “Lieutenant this here is your new 1st Sergeant. Bulls Eye Squall, She has been with the 353rd her entire career and is being considered for Officer Candidates School.”

I know how rare it is for us to advance an NCO into the Officer Corps so this impresses me about her.

After I am introduced to her and most of the senior personnel of the 3rd Platoon, I spend the day with my new 1st Sergeant. As we discuss the platoon and its personnel, I realize she is feeling me out as much as I am her. Finally, she asks, “Sir, I noticed that our new sergeant for the toon comes from your old scout platoon, is there anything I need to know about him?”

I smile and tell her, “While I can’t tell you about his past couple of assignments for security reasons, I will tell you, I trust him with my back anytime 1st. He is a solid NCO, and good in a fight.”

“Good to hear. I am assigning him to our headquarters squad.”

I nod my head. “Sounds good 1st. Now, what can you tell me about the other NCOs in our toon?”

At the end of the day, as I am heading home, I run into Funnel Cloud coming out of the battalion HQ.

“Afternoon Sir.” He tells me as he salutes.

I return the salute, “Good Afternoon, Sergeant Major. How goes it today?”

He nods his head, “Ok sir, looks like a quiet assignment this time.”

I nod my head. “I do understand. I kind of feel that way myself. So will you be rotating ground side as well?”

He shakes his head, “Not unless things get bad, or the whole battalion gets shipped dirtside. However, if these probing attacks against Marimare continue, that just might happen. Well, you best get going home for the night sir. Tell the misses I said hello and have a good night.”

I smile and nod my head, “You as well Sergeant Major.”

The next morning when I get back to work, I see the corner of a note left under my desk calendar. I pick it up and begin to read it. As I do so, I know I should not be surprised, but I am as I read,

Ball,

We need to talk, meet me for drinks tonight. Pin Feathers, 1800 hours.

Fireworks.

I recognize the pseudo name immediately and all I can think of is, what does Air Burst want now?

Great, Sundancer and I were going to double date with Down Draft and Alto tonight. Well, I will see what I can do to smooth that situation out too.

As I am shaking my head, I hear someone in my office. I look up and see Bulls Eye Squall looking at me with a questioning expression. Then she asks, “Something wrong sir?”

I shake my head, “No, nothing wrong, just a friend dropped off a note wanting to meet up tonight when I already had plans.”

She looks around and asks, “I heard your unit during your last assignment was the same as the Sergeant Majors too. So, what can you tell me about him?”

It is the tone of her voice and the fact that she blushes slightly that makes me realize that she is more than just curious about him militarily. “So, what do you want to know about him 1st?”

She shrugs and tells me, “Anything really.”

“Well, he has concentrated on his career, never married, not dated in a while from what he has told me. But I am not sure if he is even interested in mares or bucks. Just that he put his career first.”

She nods this time, “I can understand that. I have done the same thing. Foals are probably not in the cards for me. I figure give me another six years and if I am not an officer by then, I will retire.”

This also gives a bit of insight into my 1st Sergeant as well. Then she asks, me, “Sir can you tell me where you picked up the wound badges?”

This time I sigh, “No, sorry but I really can’t, so please don’t press me on it. Just know they were in the line of duty and the second one almost killed me.” She simply nods her head to this and I suddenly think, well, maybe I should let Funnel know she is interested. Especially if he is serious about retiring, besides she would understand the needs of the service. Then it hits me that maybe this is too close to the chain of command. I will have to think about it.

We do talk for a bit more, then I excuse myself for the night and head home first to let Sundancer know what is going on. Then I fly over to Pin Feathers to meet Air Burst.

As I enter, I do not see him at first. When I do notice him, he is sitting in a booth off to the side. He notices me too and signals for me to come on over with his ears.

Once I sit down, he looks around again and checks to make sure no one is close. Then he tells me, “Ball, a lot is going on. I wanted to give you a heads up, my team may be sent out sooner than expected.”

“I am not really surprised Air. But why so secretive.”

“Ball, tensions are mounting between both the Enclave and the NCR. They have had some of their people running around trying to stop our people from accomplishing what we need to do. There have also been some rumblings that some of the higher brass are not only spoiling for a fight with the NCR but that they are not happy with the president for holding them back. As she is one of your benefactors, watch your back too. If it comes down to it, they may toss you into the bonfire also.”

This surprises me, and I ask, “What do you mean the President is one of my benefactors?”

He simply shakes his head, “Son, before you joined my team, you do realize you met the president right before she promoted you, don’t you?”

I am stunned and quickly shake my head as if to clear it from a bad kick. Then I quietly tell him, “No, I had no idea who she was. Are you sure?”

He laughs lightly, “Yes, I am sure. I have a few contacts near her who told me all about your meeting.” He pauses then tells me, “Now the main reason I asked you here tonight is to tell you when my team goes ground side again, I will try to pull you and your people in with us, but I can’t guarantee it.”

I acknowledge his statement with a quick ear twitch. He does the same, then he says, “Besides, I have not had a drink with you since we got back, and I missed you, old friend.”

“Well, I am glad you did. Now, how about I get the next round?” I think back to the nurse the last time I was in the hospital and realize, I was right, he may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he is my friend. Be it a bit different than most.

With that, we both raise up a shot of Wild Pegasus and drop it into our cups of hard cider. He gives the toast, “To lost loves and fallen comrades.” We clink our mugs together and just enjoy each other’s company.

*****

Hello to all of you wasteland listeners out there. This is DJ Pon3 coming to you live from Tenpony Tower in Manehatten, bringing you music and all the news, no matter how much it hurts.

In current news, there are reports of disagreements breaking out in the NCR parliament. It seems several representatives have come forward and have told President Regina Grimfeathers that peace is much more important than protecting territory that we have no current claim on and that we should not be having border clashes with the Enclave as their territory is above the clouds.

The president is reported as having said in private that once a tyrant is allowed to take an inch they will continue to do so until they can grab a mile.

As a reminder for those traveling across the wastelands, Rain is scheduled with the SPS tower system for the next two days in the Canterlot-foal mountain gap to the Western Landing region.

For our first song in tonight’s show, we have a new song out of Manesville and it goes out for all of you wanderers and caravanners out there, here is Travellin' Man

Author's Note

Tonight as this chapter is published I would like to wish you all a Happy Hearths Warming and Toasty Wishie Hooves.

A lot is occurring in this chapter. From Ginger, Xochitl, and Epona separating from the rest of the team to Choo getting her special training and meeting one of the Cake Twins. Pumpkin Cake having been changed to an Alicorn is from my mind and is a part of the Borderlands universe of the Wastelands. However, the Cake family working for the Pinks was established in other stories including PH.

I have previously written of Pumpkin and Pound working as Ministry of Moral agents in my short story Jack of All Trades which is part of the Fallout Equestria: Alphabet Soup anthology that was compiled by Doomande. If you would like to read it, the link to it 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 hear this chapter's dedication song, here is the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDNjsIS8puo