Chapter 28 It’s the Little Things

“I thought it peculiar how one new experience can alter your perspective on places you've known your whole life.” - Author: M.J. Prest

Western Landing, NCR: Ginger Snaps

We disembark from the Glimmer at Western Landing. The same spot where my beloved underwent the ceremony marking him as a stallion. We then walk from there to New Appleloosa, spending only a night camping along the road.

During this part of our trek, the only incident we really have is when one of the stallions with the civilian delegation raises a hoof as if he is going to strike Purple Haze as he says, “You Society types need to learn, and you will respect your betters.”

When I hear this, I turn and see my little sister Moon Lily has taken a defensive stand and her horn glows as she lifts him a full two pony’s height into the air and calmly tells him, “You will not do that. When I put you down, and it will be when I choose. You will apologize.”

Aunt Purple quietly tells her, “Moon, please set him down.”

“Yes, Aunt Purple.” She then sets him down and the light of her horn fades out after she has done so.

We can see the terror on his face as Moon simply smiles, turns her back to him, and walks to Purple Haze.

“Sorry, Auntie Purple.”

Aunt Purple puts a hoof on her shoulder and gently tells her, “No need to apologize young mare. You handled him just fine, in fact, better than most.”

For some time after this, the members of the civilian delegation keep to themselves avoiding talking to either Purple Haze or the offending stallion.

Finally, we can see New Appleloosa in the distance. I must smile as I remember the zebra shaman here telling me and Xochitl that we were spirit-bound. I did not understand it then, but I think I know what he means now. I cannot help but giggle like a school filly as I think of it and wrap my tail into Xochitl’s. As we continue, we keep talking about the events of the last time we were here, including the gunfight when some local bounty hunters tried to capture Sunny’s father Trouble. Most of the scouts and the first squad of the Door Kickers were there. It was something out of the old stories as Mollygirl, Trouble and several others lined up against them in front of the pub they had come out of. Mollygirl tried to warn them not to try it. Even pointing out that me, Xochitl, and his father were behind them, having them in a crossfire. But they tried anyways and while a couple of the Door Kickers were wounded, the bounty hunters never had a chance.

While we talk, I notice that all my younger siblings are listening as if in awe of the stories. Goddesses, I hope this does not give them more ideas.

As we approach the settlement of New Appleloosa we do so at a casual walk. While only a few hundred yards from the gate the Sheriff approaches our party and tells us, “Hold up folks. Who are ya and what do ya wa… Ah, Tartarus it’s you again. Evening Colonel. You know the rules, what are you doing here with this large of a force in my town?”

Badger’s Jaw drops and several of us smirk when he asks this. Ma replies back to him, “Sorry Sheriff, we are only a trade delegation this time. Several of these ponies are my spouses and our foals. We actually were stopping for the night to get something to eat and find a place to sleep before catching the train to Hackamore.”

He raises an eyebrow at this, “You mean most of them are kin?”

Smiling she tells him, “Well just 12 of them, Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider has her family with her too, then we have the delegates from Ten Pony Tower.”

He looks at our group and shakes his head, “So ya really were not exaggerating about how big a family you had.” He pauses then asks, “So would they really have reacted like you said if you or Trouble had been killed that day?”

Papa Archer answers this time, “Rest assured, they would have, and you would not want that family to have come down here. They would have not rested until they felt justice was served.”

“No, but I am sure there are not too many of them, so we could have handled it.” The Sheriff tells him.

I find myself beginning to laugh at his failure to understand what we really mean and tell him, “Sheriff, we had 45 members of the clan who would have left home back then. Our family has grown quite a bit since then.”

He raises an eyebrow and then says, “Well I guess it worked out for the best then. Please have a good evening then. If I may recommend the New Appleloosa Inn. It is near the rail station and will make it easier for your party to depart.”

Ma Mollygirl then tells him, “Thank you, Sheriff, I appreciate it.” Then she turns to the rest of us and says, “Ok everyone shall we go get our rooms first and go from there.”

Once we get our rooms our family and the rest of the delegation start to talk about where to eat. It is then that Xochitl and I ask, “Ma, do you mind if we head out on our own? There is a little Zebra restaurant here that we want to visit.”

Smiling she nods her head and tells us, “Ok, have a good night, and do not stay out too late please.” Then she gives us a brief hug and we are off towards the small zebra section of town, holding tails and remembering the old days.

Behind us, I hear my siblings giggling and I overhear Moon whisper to Mille, “I bet they do it tonight.”

To which I hear Mille say, “You really think so Moon?” and Moon Lily only nods.

Right after this, I decide Moon is right. If we can, we will. So, tail in tail we head down the stairs and towards the zebra part of town.

Once there, we are eating our dinner when we hear an older voice with a deep zebra accent says from behind us, “There you are. We have been waiting for you.”

Both Xochitl and I turn to look at the speaker, and we see the same shaman that we had met so many years ago. We both smile at him and nod our heads. Then Xochitl asks, “So it is time then?”

The shaman and the stallion next to him both smile and nod as the shaman tells him, “According to the spirits; yes.”

Wait, what? The spirits have been talking about us? So, I ask the shaman and he tells us, “Yes my good mare. It is not often that a zebra, much less a zony is spirit bound with a pony.” He pauses briefly as if listening to someone and finally says, “Oh yes, especially a couple such as you who has stepped beyond this world and time. I pretend not to understand this as I do not know how this could happen, but yes, they are talking about you both.”

I feel my heart pound more rapidly when I hear him say this. Then Xochitl says, “Before we do this, please join us for dinner as our guest.”

They both join us and soon the mare who owns the restaurant joins us as well as her staff brings out food and drinks for her and our two guests. As we share this meal and drinks we talk and laugh. We tell them about our lives since we last saw them and our recent travel with our family here.

The shaman then asks Xochitl, “and your father, how is he?”

Xochitl smiles and answers, “He sends his greetings. He wishes he too could have come, but alas, it was not to be.”

“I do understand. His friend has spoken to mine it seems. He is doing well but worried about all of you. He also is aware of what is to happen next,” he twists his head slightly as he listens to something we cannot hear and smirks before he says, “but your mother is not.”

My eyes go wide and I about panic when I think of how Persimmon Tree will be when she finds out we have done what we are about to do.

Xochitl puts a hoof on mine and tells me, “Do not worry dear, I am sure she will be fine. Father will calm her. He has his ways.”

The shaman smiles and nods, then he asks, “Are you two ready?”

Nervously I nod my head and we follow him outside. Once there he says, “Please wait a minute while I put on my vestments.”

He disappears into the door of an old shipping container across from the restaurant we had left. When he comes back out, he has the skull of a small dragon on his head as well as a necklace of gemstones and claws around his neck. However, he is still wearing his black hoodie as well.

The stallion who was with him during dinner brings out a ring of roses and presents them to me. He tells me, “For your head. It is a tradition for us zebras as well as a forgotten one for the earth ponies.”

I place it on my head around my hat. Xochitl and I face each other. The shaman begins to call upon the spirits for a blessing upon the union of our souls and now bodies. He recites the marriage ceremony that is common among the zebra tribes. I know this as Mama Magpie found a book on zebra traditions in the Manesville achieves and brought it home for me and Xochitl to read several years ago. I dreamed then of hearing them. Now I do.

I watch as the shaman then removes a brass ring with an emerald on it from his hoodie pocket and hooves it to Xochitl. He places it on the leg of the hoof he is holding. And looks at me with such happiness and pride, but I cannot help but stare at the ring, knowing what it means. The shaman then tells us, “The ring of marriage is a special one. It symbolizes the unending love of the couple that are now bound. The emerald gem with its color symbolized fertility and magic that is critical to all love and how it all begins with a friendship that grows.”

I am so happy right now I am about to burst. Finally, the shaman says, “I now pronounce you stallion and mare in the eyes of all who are descended from the twelve tribes and the one. May your lives be full and your harvest bountiful.”

After this, I remember the tradition of presenting the roses to the shaman. “An offering to you and the spirits kind shaman. Thank you”

He smiles more broadly and nods his head. “Thank you as well.”

Before we leave, I remove the ring from my leg as I know its value and that it is only used for this ceremony among the followers of the zebra’s religion. I pass it back to him and he solemnly tells me, “Thank you, I can tell you do understand our religion and traditions, even if they are not your own.”

I nod my head and smile at him, “Yes, I took you for your word all those years ago when you told me that he and I were already spirit bound. I felt I should understand his culture as well as mine.”

“Good, this means that on the off chance you ever have any foals, you will remember this and pass on their heritage.”

“Of course. Even if I am a follower of Sweet Cream.”

He nods his head and with a slight grin tells me, “Yes, I understand. I have talked with a few of the bovines who have come to town and learned about their beliefs. They seem to serve you well. Now we all need to go, may the blessings of the spirits be upon you both.”

He then turns and walks back into the old shipping container, the lights come on and through the window I see him begin to settle in for the night. I look at my husband and tell him, “Dear we should get back soon. The others will be worried.”

He grins at me and tells me, “You are right my wife. We should get back soon.” Then for the second time since we were officially married, he gently kisses me and I hope this feeling never goes away.

*****

New Appleloosa, NCR: Xochitl

When we get back to the hotel Epona is already asleep on one of the two beds in the room we are sharing. Ginger and I take the other bed and for the first-time sleep together as a married couple, however, we cannot consummate it as we are also sharing our room with Epona. Ginger is sure she would understand, but I know how lonely she is. So, we can wait.

Come morning we get up and after breakfast we all head for the train station. We wait outside until the Colonel and Purple Haze have returned from buying our passage to Hackamore. There the Colonel will make an impromptu inspection of the base and local outpost.

Both look frustrated when they come back out and I hear the Colonel tell Colonel Rider, “Can you believe the next train does not run until tomorrow morning?”

“Mollygirl, I thought you knew the schedule?” Wind Rider says back to her.

“Well, it seems it has not been as regular lately. Something about moving extra shipments or something.”

As I listen, I think, I should say something. But that is neither here nor there. After we take our bags back to the room, we spend the day exploring the town. Eventually, the Colonel shows Archer and Badger the place we had the gunfight. As she tells them how it unfolded, I can tell both are stunned. Shaking my head I tell the family with us, “They made so many rookie mistakes Colonel.”

To which the Colonel replies “Yeah, they did, and thank the Goddesses we had a witness to stand up for us.”

That night we all eat dinner together, as we eat Ginger and I hold tails without even thinking about it. One time I look up and I see the Colonel smiling at us with a look of approval on her face. As we are eating, I also notice that Epona has brightened up a bit during our visit. While we are eating Ginger asks her, “You seem pretty cheerful sis, I am glad to see it, but what has gotten you into such a better mood?”

She grins as she whispers back “Two things, first I am going to get to see our big sister Scrap tomorrow and before too long, I might get to spend some more time with Purchase Order.”

“You really like her don’t you Epona?” I ask.

She blushes and looks to make sure no one is paying attention, then she quietly says, “Yes, I just wish she did not live so far from home.”

I smile as Ginger puts a hoof around her and says, “Soon sis, besides there is also the Flying Cow tomorrow.”

I about laugh at the grin on Epona’s face when she hears that, but then she says, “Do you really think it would be ok?”

This catches me off guard and I ask her, “Epona, if you are not in a relationship yet, then I would say it is ok. If you feel you are in one already, then do not take advantage of the services there. Besides, if you are still not sure, you can always ask the Colonel.”

Ginger immediately tells us, “Uh, maybe she is not the best one to ask about that.”

Epona laughs lightly and replies, “Maybe Papa Archer or Mama Magpie.”

Ginger and I look at each other, smirk remembering him on the expedition and both tell her, “Mama Magpie.”

She raises an eyebrow then smiles and says “Yeah, I think your right.”

From a couple of ponies away I hear Mother Magpie ask, “What do you need to ask me?”

Epona waves a hoof, “It can wait until later when all the little ears are not around Mama Magpie.”

“Ok dear, if you think so.” Mother Magpie tells her.

The next day it happens. To keep everyone from being upset about us eloping we kept our marriage a secret. However, it seems that as we loaded onto the train one of the locals told the Colonel about us being married. To say the least it is initially awkward.

We are on the train to Hackamore; Ginger has gotten out of her seat and is moving around when Badger slides next to me. He puts a hoof around me and tells me, “Son, I heard a little bit ago that congratulations are in order. My only question is, why did you not let us know you got married?”

I feel embarrassed at first. Then I tell him, “I am sorry Father Badger, but we had not planned on it when we left home. By not telling all of you, we would not have to feel bad about their not knowing either.”

He hugs me against him and tells me, “Xochitl my son, I do understand, but when we get settled in tonight, I want you to write a letter to your parents letting them know. Especially your mother.” Smiling he gets up and heads back to sit with his spouses.

“Yes sir,” I tell him, and I thank the spirits and the stars that he understands. Of all of Ginger’s parents, he is the one who understands me and what I went through as a foal the most. While I like them all and care about them like family, he is the one who understands and has even talked to me about his foalhood.

When she returns to her seat Ginger looks chagrined as she tells me, “Ma let me know that they found out we got married.”

“And her feelings on the matter?”

“She says we should have let them know, but she understands. She also suggested a fancier ceremony sometime once we are home so your mother can attend.”

I must smile at the suggestion, I have not been inside the cattle church for a while, so I guess I can expect to be going there again once we get back. “Sounds good dear. I think we will have to do that.” I tell her and pat her hoof gently with mine.

She then grins and adds, “Oh, and they want to celebrate our having gotten married tonight if possible.”

After we have arrived and our party’s carts and baggage have been loaded, we make our way through Hackamore on our way to the base there. We are about halfway down the street when a young yellow filly and pink colt in front of Scrap’s store are playing, they look at our group and then I can hear the excitement in their voices as they yell out, “Granny Mollygirl!”

We all stop as the youngsters we assume are Cloths Pile and Hunting Shack run towards us. Then Scrap Pile sticks her head out of the shop’s door. Once the youngsters reach us and Mollygirl gives them both a big hug and tells them. “It is so good to see you two again. Now I can introduce you to the rest of my family.”

They look at the entire group and ask, “Are they all our family?”

She smiles back at them as their mother, Scrap Pile catches up and approaches her as she tells the excited youngsters, “Not all of them, but quite a lot of them.”

Scrap then tells the Colonel, “Hi Ma, it is good to see you again. I was not expecting you till tomorrow.”

To which the colonel replies “Hi, Dear, it's good to see you again too.” As I notice her waist has gotten wider than the last time we came through, Mollygirl asks her, “Dear, do I need to have Sutures check you out again?”

Grinning Scrap Pile tells her, “Nah, I already know I am expecting again. I just hope it is not twins this time.”

Colonel Mollygirl then introduces her and the twins to the rest of us. As she does so, Ginger and I act as if it is the first time, we have met her and Scrap plays the part as well. After this Mollygirl tells Scrap that we will be in the area for a week or so and that we will be staying at the base while here.

It is rather humorous to me to see the Colonel’s face when she offers to send a telegram to Hackamore to let Colonel Milo from the Harness Battalion and his family know we are here. After getting over the surprise, she tells her to.

As we are leaving to get our quarters on the base, I hear the twins ask “Ma, can we go with them I want to play with aunts Millie, and Moon Lily, Raven, and uncles Shadowbuck and Woody.”

Scrap smiles lovingly at her foals and tells them, “Not right now you two, they will be back later.”

From there we head onto the base. It is the first time I have been to it as when we passed through, we stayed in town. But as the escort for the delegation, we rate military quarters, which is nice as we do not have to pay for them. But we also end up sharing with Epona as well. Not that I really mind, but it would be nice to have a night alone with my wife.

That night both Ginger’s family and Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider’s go out to celebrate our marriage. We end up at the Flying Cow as it is one of the few local restaurants that can handle such a large party. While we are sitting there, I am surprised when I see some of the scouts from the 3rd battalion show up. I instantly recognize Serenity and Sky. As they enter, they are chatting very intently with each other when Suddenly Serenity looks up, grins, and trots over to us.

Once she is close enough, she addresses Mollygirl, “Colonel is it so good of a surprise to see you.” Then she looks at the rest of us and her jaw drops, as she asks, “They really let you bring your whole family?”

The Colonel is grinning at her as she tells her, “Yeah, but I am just as surprised as you are, they let me. We are only here for a couple of days though.”

“Well either way it is great seeing you here ma’am. I will Let Firefly know when we get back to base. I just wish Choo Choo was still here. I miss having her with us,” Serenity tells her.

She nods he head and smiles as she tells her, “I understand, I bet she misses you guys too.”

Sky then says, “Nah, she has the youngbloods to run with now. Not even having to stand a duty rotation. I am sure she likes it much better.”

Ginger answers for us as she smiles at her and tells her, “But Sky, even if she has it better concerning no duty and is out of the army it does not mean she does not miss working and flying with all of you. Now it is just different. Besides, we are all on call, all the time now,” she says with a grin as she raises her PipBuck up.

I see Sky and Serenity both grin at that. Finally, Sky says, “Good point, now Ginger, how about I buy you and your Fiancé a drink?”

This time I answer her and tell her, “Sorry, but you can’t she no longer has a fiancé, but instead a husband.”

Both just stare for a bit at us, and then they grin at each other and get excited, “Congratulations you two. I am so happy for you!” Serenity tells us.

“Why didn’t anyone tell us?” Sky asks.

Ginger then tells them, “Sorry but we got married a couple of nights ago over in New Appleloosa.”

Then I see the expression on Serenity’s face as she asks, “What is Xochitl’s mom going to say?”

This time Ginger grins. She then says, “Well she did tell me to let her know if it happened early, and why. So, we should be ok.”

Until she said that last part, I was suddenly very anxious. Then I ask her, “Dear, when did she say this?”

Ginger then tells me, “Right before we left, when I took Woofers and Tweeters to your family to watch. She said she had a dream we had married that night.”

I feel a sense of relief come over me and I tell her, “Thank you for letting me know, I almost had a heart attack.”

Windy looks at me and says, “I have met your mother, really she is not that tough, is she?”

I can’t help but smile at her naivety and simply tell her, “Perhaps you have not heard about her reaction when I and Ginger ran away to join the CEF.”

She shakes her head and says, “No I have heard, but she really could not have been as bad as the stories.”

Hearing this both Magpie and Sumac begin to laugh. Sumac tells her, “Windy, she chewed out both of Choo Choo’s sisters and was not backing down.”

We watch as Windy sits stunned with her mouth hanging open along with her husband. Finally, Windy says, “I had no idea, my goddesses, Xochitl your mother really is a spitfire.”

I nod my head to this and tell her, “Yes, yes she is, part of the reason I had to set my standards so high for a mare I would be willing to marry.”

This answer gets me the expression of affection on Ginger’s face that I so want to keep there.

Dinner is finished quickly and soon we head back to the base for the night. As we walk Epona tells Ginger and me about the Colonel’s favorite spot here and where it is located.

As our family settles in for the night Epona helps get the youngsters tucked into bed. While she is doing this, I grab a blanket and put it in my saddlebag and we are getting ready to head out the door when Mollygirl sees us. Ginger grins at her and answers her unasked question, “Hi Ma, Epona told me about your favorite spot here, so I and Xochitl are going to try and find it. We will be back in a while.”

She gives both of us a quick hug and kisses on the forelock and tells us, “Ok, but be careful, make sure you have a pistol with you at least.”

We both grin and show her we do, then we head out of the base looking for that small secluded spot. It is there that we finally consummate our love and our union as husband and wife, under the stars in the wastelands, but not far from civilization. It seems right and fitting and for a little while, all is right in our world.

*****

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

The last month has been interesting, to say the least. While I have learned much, I cannot help but wonder what I was not taught by Pumpkin and the other former Pinks who were there. I do have to smile though when I see her approaching me from the camp's main office.

“Good morning, Choo. It is time for you to depart I have been told.”

I nod my head, “I thought as much Pumpkin. Do you know what they have planned for me next?”

She shakes her head, “No Choo, only that you depart in a few hours. They say your two escorts will meet you on the transport. But that is all I know.”

I raise a hoof to shake with her, and as I tell her, “In that case farewell Pumpkin, and may the Goddesses bless you.”

She smiles broadly as we shake hooves and replies, “Thank you, and may they bless you as well. Now, remember, it is party time, and you must make sure that like every good party it is well planned and surprise parties are the best as Pinky used to say.”

I grin as during our training she shared with me some of her memories as a young mare and working directly for Pinky, including the time she and her brother had to interrogate their own cousin, some mule named Johnny Cake. “Your welcome Pumpkin.” As I say this I hesitate as it does feel so good to be with so many others of my kind, especially one I have spent so much time with these last few weeks.

She sees my hesitation and tells me, “It is time Choo, don’t be late for the party.”

“You are right,” I tell her. Then I smile and continue my way into the office where I am met once again by Evening Shade and Fluffy.

“Hello Choo, I have to say it was nice to have you with us and to work with you on our research, but it looks like your new orders have come in.”

I nod to Evening Shade after the tells me this. “I had assumed that was most likely why I was called here. Again, I appreciate the training I received as well Evening Shade.” I turn to Fluffy, “Fluffy, it was wonderful to see you and your pack again after all these years. Please send them my regrets that I could not say goodbye in person to them.”

“I will Choo Choo. It was good to see you again,” he tells me.

“Before you go Choo, again, I would like to offer my services to you. I mean, we would make a beautiful foal together.”

I fail to stop myself from rolling my eyes when he says it this time. I shake my head, “No Evening Shade, I am not interested. If I was at all before, I am most certainly not now. Your persistent hound dogging of me is very disturbing. I have seen you be the same way with the other mares as well. I will remind you, you were once a mare, remember what it was like to be one of us and perhaps, just perhaps, you may have better success with attracting more mates. Because from what I can see, most have only bred with you because of lack of options.”

“WHY I NEVER!” he says as he stands up and tries to intimidate me.

I coolly look at him and tell him, “And with me, you never will. You are not worth my time. So, for now, please maintain our communications as strictly a business relationship.”

I turn to Fluffy once again. “I am sorry you had to experience that.”

“Is alright Miss Choo,” he answers as he motions with his eyes toward Evening Shade. Then he tells me, “Once you have your orders, I take you to the receiving building.”

I then turn my head back to Evening Shade. “Sir, if you have my orders, I am ready for them.”

This time he is very cool in his tone. “Yes Miss Choo, here they are. You best get going, I have other duties to attend to,” as he levitates them to me.

I nod my head as I hold the sheet with my orders on it and read it. I nod my head when I finish it, “Very good.” I turn to Fluffy and tell him, “I am ready my good hound, lead me to my room to pick up my saddlebags and we can go.”

Shortly afterward I am on a transport vertibuck with Double Back and Days End. Both look very serious and finally, Days End tells me, “It is good to see you again Boss.”

I smile, “It is good to see you again too Days End. How was your training?”

They both look at each other and then I hear Double Back say, “It was interesting. I ended up teaching them how to make those Thermobaric bombs that Cow Lick taught me about.”

Days End finally smiles and tells me, “I learned a few things, but I ended up teaching them some of the tricks of our team.” He pauses, then he says, “Miss Choo, they were surprised to hear what it was like under Canterlot Mountain and interested in the fact that we had experience with meeting the ghouls from there and that we were used to ghouls at all.”

Double Day nods and signals affirmatively with his ears. Then he asks, “Any idea of what they want to do with us now?”

This time I signal them affirmatively and tell them, “Once we are back groundside, I will tell you as well as the rest of the field team. It seems they will be meeting us, well, all except for the three heading to Hoofington as escorts for the delegation.”

They both shrug and settle in for the rest of the ride. We fly around the base of Canterlot Mountain and I feel the motors on the ends of the vertibuck’s wings shift as they transition from flight mode to landing mode. I look at the river and I can see a steamship I recognize as the Baltimore Colt tied to the bank at the Two Step Transfer point. I see the rest of the team waiting and as we land, they run inside the vertibuck. It is then that I notice a new team member.

As I look at the younger pegasus stallion with his faded gray mane and tail, very light blue coat, and gold-framed eyeglasses. I hear Twinks yell to me, “Choo, this is Morning Mist, he comes from Dairyanne. He served six years as a combat engineer under Baily Bridge.”

I nod my head in understanding that this means he is a trained combat engineer that we are adding to the team. While I do not know him, Twinks does and if I say no to him, this will undermine her with the others for when both me and Ginger are absent. So, I nod my head, “Ok, sounds good. I will talk to him once we all land.”

I also make a mental note to ask Sunny his opinion of the new pegasus as well, as he can judge his flying skills better than the rest of the team. However, I also note that he is wearing one of the field uniforms of our team, and is armed with a carbine on his battle saddle.

Once we take off the vertibuck twist as it moves forward until we are facing east and heading to the Foal Mountains. We flow low and fast dodging obstacles in our path.

Finally, we begin to feel the vibration and jolting of the aircraft stop as we slow and begin to hover. Below us, I can see the remains of an old military outpost on the roadway. Once we have landed my team grabs our gear and we offload from it, spreading out at a distance to form a perimeter as the transport vertibuck once again takes flight and we watch it fly off into the distance.

I then call for the others to form on me.

“Ok team,” I point along the road to the north and tell them, “We head up over the mountains. There was supposed to be an old Ministry of Peace depot somewhere up there. They may be trying to raid it for supplies.”

“Choo, if the NCR knows about the depot, how come they have not taken custody of the facility?” Cowlick questions then he runs his tongue over his upper lip.

I flick my ear in uncertainty as I think briefly about how to answer. “Cow, that is an excellent question. So, when we get there, we are going to need to be careful as well.”

Double Day asks, “What do we do if we run into hostiles up there?”

I find myself grinning and reply, “We call down the thunder on them.” I look around and all have our gear on and the fire teams are already organized. With that we turn and almost as one, we fall into our positions as we make our way toward our new destination.

*****

Marimare, Grand Pegasus Enclave base, Hoofington: Ball Lightning.

I look up from the desk and the paperwork I am doing as I hear somepony entering my office.

As I look up, I see the light purple sergeant with his short-cropped mane and tail saluting me, “Good Afternoon sir, Sergeant Air Bear reporting.”

I return his salute, “What do you have for me, Sergeant?”

“Sir, I have an earth pony here requesting a pass to allow them to trade either with our troops here or at the market over at the Rainbow Dash Skyport, He just came to the front gate.”

I hear myself sigh before answering, “Send him in.”

As I watch my sergeant leave, I overhear their conversation sending him in. I almost smile to myself as I watch the young and curious stallion look at the Enclave posters and prewar Ministry of Awesome posters that are hanging on the walls. Then he looks at my desk and sees the computer terminal and asks in wonder, “You have your own terminal?”

I smile good-naturedly and nod my head as I place a hoof on top of its case. “Yes and no, it comes with the office, not just me. When I rotate out the next officer will receive it, but enough about me, what can I do for you? Or better yet, what can you do for the Enclave?”

I watch as he gulps nervously. Then I see him stand slightly straighter as he braces up his courage and tells me, “Sir, I am Fast Buck, trader and member of the Finders Keepers, are you familiar with them?”

I nod my head yes and he continues, “Sir, I have prime salvage that I have been able to recover from over by the riverfront, as well as several other sources. With your permission and a pass authorizing me to do so, I would like to sell these items at the market at the Rainbow Dash Skyport.”

I clear my throat, “Sir, you do realize that the name Rainbow Dash is not one we like to use in the Enclave.”

He tilts his head and looks at me in mild confusion. Then asks, “What do I call it then… Sir?”

I snort and laugh lightly, “A very good question, for now, one, just refer to it as the Enclaves civilian groundside market.” I raise a hoof, “I know, it is kind of awkward to say, but it may prevent you from having troubles with some of the other, how shall I say this, less understanding members of the Enclave.”

He shrugs, “Ok, I will even call it the Winter Winds Presidential memorial market if you wanted. But sir, may I have your permission to do so?”

I begin to get up from my seat and I ask him, “Do you have your wares with you?”

He nods his head, “Yes sir, on three carts just outside.”

“Very good. Show me and then I will decide.”

Once outside I see the three carts. I recognize one of the carts as being one we had to cut loose after we were ambushed making a pickup from the Mayhem’s Mares with Air Burst and his people. I can see the Volunteer Corps markings lightly showing through the fresh light blue paint on it.

I turn my head to him, “So, uh, where did you pick up that cart?”

He smiles, “I was out scaving and I found it. The harness for it was cut and I saw some blood on it as well as bullet holes, so I figured it was fair salvage, why? Is there a problem?”

I tilt my head and think. At least he gave me an honest answer. I smile and tell him, “No, no problem. Just wanted to make sure it was fairly acquired.” We then go through some of the wares on his carts, I take some into my hooves to inspect closely at random. While none of it looks new, most is in decent shape and can be repurposed if not used as is. Satisfied, finally I tell him, “Come back inside and I will get you your paperwork.”

I finish typing up the proper permit for him then I mouth sign it using a fountain pin that I recently acquired, and that I found I have a preference for.

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.” He tells me as he takes the paperwork.

“No need to thank me.”

He nods, tucks the Traders Permit into his saddle bag, and heads back out the door.

Shortly afterward I am working on the paperwork for an arrest made by one of my squads while patrolling the perimeter when I hear the front door open again. As I look up, I see another one of my sergeants standing there as he begins, “Sir I can explain…”

I put my hoof to my forehead and as I shake it, I ask myself, what did I do to deserve this assignment? I then look up and ask the sergeant, “Explain what Flash Bang to me?”

From the orange-coated and yellow-maned stallion I hear, “Sir, it seems we have three of our non-coms who have gotten into a fight at the base club.”

“Alright sergeant, you have told me what they did, now would you please tell me who and why?”

He suddenly looks very uncomfortable. “Sir, it was Sergeant Gunter and Corporals Two Tone and Blitz.”

“Ok, and the why?”

“Sir, it seems that the two Corporals called into question the Sergeant’s honor, as well as that rumor, has it you were both captured by the mudpuppies, sir.”

“And because of the fact you are here explaining this to me instead of the 1st sergeant am I to understand that you tend to believe such rumors to be true?”

Now I get to see him shift uncomfortably. “Well, Sergeant… Answer me!”

Looking straight ahead in a very neutral voice he answers, “Sir, we all have questions, Sir!”

I get in front of him and do my best imitation of Sergeant Major Funnel Cloud from when I was training. “Sergeant, because of the implications of this case, I will have to take this up the chain. However, if I find out you are the reason that they are acting this way, I will first have your stripes, then I will have to decide what to do with you.”

I watch as his eyes go wide and he simply nods in acknowledgment. Then I tell him, “Go get the offenders and we will take care of this right away.”

As he heads out, I call for my 1st Sergeant. Shortly after she calls back, “On my way sir.”

When she arrives at my office, I tell her, “First, we have a situation that I need to take to the Company CO. When Sergeant Flash Bang arrives with Sergeant Gunter and the two corporals, have them wait here.”

“Uh, Sir, why are you taking what I assume is a discipline problem to the Old Stallion?”

I sigh before replying, “Because it seems to indirectly reflect upon me, and I do not want to seem prejudiced in my determination.”

Once I arrive at the Company Command post I hear the captain ask me, “What do you mean by it indirectly reflects upon yourself, Lieutenant?”

“Sir, my sergeant let me know that the two corporals started the fight with accusations concerning our former capture by the non-Enclavers.”

“Hmph, I see, ok, have them brought over. Any suggestions of what you think would be suitable punishments?”

“Sir, I would prefer to go easy on them, to be honest. But they do have to know that such behavior is unacceptable.”

He nods his head, “I agree. I am glad you see it that way. I know the two corporals. They have good records and I would hate to see them branded over something this stupid.”

Soon afterward my 1st Sergeant brings the others over to us. After the non-judicial punishment is hoofed out and the NCOs leave Golden Feather asks me, “Was that good enough for you?”

I nod my head, “Yes it was. I think the suspended bust in rank will help keep all three of them in line without being overly punishing. The two weeks extra duty should help to act as a reminder as well.”

“Good, I am glad to hear that. Anything else?”

I can’t help but grin, “Sir, if I ever have to go on a special detail again, I would like permission to take Sergeant Flash Bang with me. I think he could use a bit more seasoning if you know what I mean.”

He laughs lightly, “I think so, but Ball, I would love to hear what you really were up to someday.”

I nod my head, “Just know it was in the best interest of the Enclave sir, and that I have a much better knowledge of those we oppose because of it.”

“Good, glad to hear it. I will talk to you later Lieutenant.”

Knowing I have been dismissed I head back to my headquarters. As I enter the door my platoon clerk stops me, “Sir, a stallion in a major's uniform stopped by and dropped this off while you were out.”

I notice the writing and recognize is at Air Burst and I must smile. I wonder what he has for me this time?

As I read the note, I smile more. He has just let me know that there are reports of a delegation coming to Hoofington from the NCR and that their escort may be some of the same ponies we have gone against before. He also lets me know that he may need my team or even one of my squads to support these operations.

Well, perhaps that will brighten things up around here again, I hope. I then sigh as I look at the paperwork in front of me and begin to type away at the arrest report from earlier.

That night I receive a note from Sundancer, who is still in Thunderhead. I smile as I read it. As she tells me,

Dearest Ball,

I hope all is going well for you at this time. So far so good here at home. It looks like I may have to be going out of town soon to do some work with the usual business associates. It looks like we will be seeing some old friends as well. My boss says to say hello and to let you know that he has appreciated your help in making some of the sales in the past and he may need your help again as you are a very persuasive salespony.

I miss you, my husband, this bed feels so much emptier now when I am alone. But then again, who knows, someday we may hear the pitter-patter of little hooves and the flaps of young wings. Who knows, we may already have one on the way. If not, then it is not for the lack of trying my love.

I best let you go for now and I hope this letter finds its way to you quickly.

Your loving wife

Sundancer.

I sigh as I finish reading it. I guess this means she probably will not be home when I rotate back up to Thunderhead. As I think about this I begin to wonder if she was hinting at something. While it would be nice if we became parents, I doubt we will be so soon. With that, I fold up the note. Stick it in my saddlebags and pull out The Book of Littlepip and begin to read more of it. Part of me hates her for what she has done, but most of that is not what she has done to the Enclave, as that is understandable. What I really hate, I mean really hate I realize, is that she opened my eyes to what we had been doing for so long. Am I a Dashite at heart? I do not know, and I really do not want to find out.

I finish the chapter I am reading, and place a feather that Sundancer had given me to mark my place. Then I turn off the lights in my private room of the BOQ and I drift off to sleep, escaping the realities of this life, and I find myself dreaming of what could have once been while waiting for the next day to start.

*****

Good evening all my listeners out in the Wastelands tonight. This is DJ Pon3 bringing you music, news, and information you can live with. In recent news, there has been an increase in the confrontations between the Enclave and both the citizens of the Lunar Republic as well as NCR forces. Among the recent clashes have been several instances of Enclave security troops firing on innocent civilians just trying to get food or shelter near Maripony in the Lunar Republic.

There have also been reports of Enclave forces stopping river traffic to inspect them for what they consider contraband.

I know these days have made life for all of us even harder than they were. With that in mind our next song is a reminder, here is Smell The Roses

Author's Note

This is the first new chapter of this year. I hope you enjoy it and that your holidays have been good. May the next trip of our planet be better for all of us.

This chapter has been long coming with the marriage of Ginger and Xochitl. I wanted to make it special and had the artwork commissioned by Laura Sikes several months ago and I think she did a fantastic job of it. I hope it helps to bring that moment to life for all of you as much as it did for me.

For those who would like to listen to this chapters dedication, here is the YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbbDCo3wvc8