Chapter 4: End of the Beginning

“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different.” — Prince Caspian, by C.S. Lewis

*****

Manesville, Manesville District NCR: Ginger Snaps

“Morning Zhea, morning Xanthippe,” I say to the ghouls who now work in our shop and who live in the small upstairs apartment that is attached to the storeroom.

“Morning Ginger,” Zhea replies.

Then I hear Xanthippe ask, “Is Cohitl and his little sister coming today?”

I shake my head no, “Xochitl will be here in a bit, but his sister Xailynn has school today.”

I notice the little ghoul seems slightly crestfallen, so I ask her, “Is something wrong?”

She sadly shakes her head, then she says, “It’s just she is one of the few who play with me.” She pauses then she asks, “Could I go to school too?”

I look at her mother who stops what she is doing and simply shrugs. So, I tell the little filly, “I will see what I can find out, ok?”

She nods her head and then asks, “Ma, can I go outside and play for a bit?”

“Yes dear, just stay near the store.”

Once she is outside Zhea sadly asks, “Do you think it wise for her to go to school?”

I sigh, “Honestly I don’t see why not, as long as the teacher is ok with it.”

“Ok, I just don’t want to get her hopes up too much. I mean, she will be my forever filly now.”

A short time later our other two regular employees show up. As the first enters, I see him smile first at me than Zhea, “Good morning mares.” Diode, says to us. Diode got hired for his experience with magical electronics. I will admit for an older unicorn stallion he is not too bad to look at. That is if you can get past his thick black frame glasses and messy mane.

He is followed in a short time later by Drain Trap who specializes in plumbing but learned how to do some carpentry work while trying to earn his cutie mark as a colt. He always is wearing a dark blue pair of coveralls to keep his white coat clean. He nods to us as he enters and asks, “Any jobs yet this morning?”

I shake my head, “No, not so far, but Choo has not gotten here yet either.”

“So, what do you want me to do then?”

I think briefly and ask Zhea, “Has Twinks come in yet?”

She smiles and tells me, “Yes Ginger, she is in the back, shall I get her for you?”

“Yes please,” I tell her.

Once Twinks has arrived I tell her, “Twinks, I want you to work with Drain Trap today. Learn what you can about plumbing from him.”

I see the disappointment on her face and she tells me, “Ok, but I had hoped to work with Diode some more today.”

I nod and tell her, “I understand Twinks, but you are getting good with the electronics, and none of us is really familiar with plumbing. I want to you to be more familiar with it in case we need you to be.”

She sighs again, “Ok, but Ging, can I use a pair of coveralls today. I remember how I smelt for days after the last time you and Choo had me work with him.”

I nod my head, “Of course, you can Twinks. Just make sure to clean them when you are done.”

I watch as she and Drain then head down the ladder into the shelter below to work on the pipes down there.

As the others arrive, we each find a different task to do. It is as I have just finished one task and I am coming downstairs to ask Choo what I should do next that I hear the small bell above the door ring. I hear Choo talking to someone but cannot make out who it is until I come around the stairwell and see Blackberry Pie in civilian attire.

They are making small talk and Choo tells me, “Ginger Snap, it is time. Have the team gather in the planning room.”

I swear my heart skips a beat when she says this and I go to the armory first. Inside I see Tater and Sunny are working on weapons. When their heads come up I tell them, “Team briefing in the planning room in ten minutes.”

Sunny suddenly asks, “What’s up?”

“It’s time.” Then I leave the room as I hear them high hoof each other and I head to the shelter.

Once in the shelter, I find what was once the emergency escape panel for it has been moved aside. I can still smell the stench from what was rotting in the old water and power line service tunnels. It is dark in there, but about twenty yards to the side I can see a dim light and I hear Twinks and Drain talking as he explains how the pipes come together and how sometimes they will get a debris build-up and that is why you have access covers on the pipes so you can clear them. I call her name and hear her call back, “A bit busy Ging, can it wait?”

“No, it’s time, team meeting in five minutes,” I call back.

Suddenly I hear her start to cuss, and then she says, “On my way, but don’t blame me for the stench. Behind her in the light of a lantern, I hear Drain Trap laugh lightly and tell her, “Sorry about that, be careful out there, and see you when you get back.”

Once back into the shelter she quickly removes her coveralls and uses a cleaning spell on them, leaving them hanging on the back of a couch as she tells me, I will be up in a minute, I need to rinse off in the shower first.”

“OK, see you there,” I tell her then as I head upstairs, I see Xochitl, and Cowlick are already in the planning room sitting down waiting with Choo. Once I take my seat I tell Choo, “Sunny and Tater will be here in a minute, they had to reassemble the weapons they were working on. Twinks will take a couple more minutes, she really needed a shower.”

Choo seems sort of put out by the last part and tells me, “Really, she should have taken one before she came to work.”

I shake my head, “Choo, she was working on the water lines with Drain Trap. Believe me, we wanted her to shower.”

“Ah, ok, I hope she cleaned her clothing also.”

I nod my head to her and then I see Sunny and Tater come in together, followed shortly by Twinkle Hoofs who still has a wet mane and tail.

We are all sitting there waiting for her to begin. Choo uses her TK to close the door and nods to Blackberry, who finally begins, “Good Morning. I have discussed with Choo Choo and she feels you are ready, and we have a job we need done.”

I feel my sense of excitement begin to increase as does my anticipation. It seems I am not the only one as all of us but Choo leans forward.

She smiles mildly at us and tells us, "Ok, this job is a bit unusual and it is a bit of distance from our normal area of operations.”

At this, we all look at each other with a bit of a smirk on all of our faces. This is what we have been waiting for. Then she looks at us, “Remember, this is not a sanctioned NCR mission, you are mercenaries hired for a job.”

We all nod, then she continues, “We have had several caravans of supplies that were purchased for the NCR Military and government that have been ambushed, the caravanners killed, and the supplies stolen.”

“This sounds interesting and all, but caravans get ambushed all the time. What is so special about these ones?” Epona asks.

“Well, first off, two of these were ambushed on their way from Harness to Hoofington loaded with coal. The others, well, the others were to bring back some weapons, but mainly equipment for the new battalion that is forming in the Harness/Hackamore region.”

This catches my ear some as I know Mama Mollygirl and Papa Archer both have been deployed there several times, and we have kin down there now. Before I can think to ask anything Epona asks, “Do we have any contacts in the Hackamore region?”

Blackberry nods her head and tells her, “Yes, we do, including an old safe house we have used off and on since that region joined the NCR. In a bit, I will give you a list of contacts both in that region as well as those both in and on the way to the Lunar Commonwealth.”

Soon she begins to give us the rundown of what they know. Who and where our contacts will be, and what results they want? We all nod our heads when she asks if we understand. Then I tell her, “Ok, time for Epona and me to discuss our fees with you.”

********

Manesville, Manesville District NCR: Xochitl.

Two days is all they are giving us to finish getting ready and preparing for our job. As Epona and Ginger continue to dicker our fees for this, the rest of us head back downstairs to begin going over our kits to make sure they are ready.

“Hay Xochitl, you want to give me a hoof making sure we have the correct ammo for the job with us?” Tater asks me.

“Sure thing. After that let's make sure the battle saddles are ready.” I tell him.

Then I hear Cowlick asks, “Don’t ya think we should get the cart ready to go too?”

Tater and I look at him and I hear Twinks tell him, “What we don’t get done with the cart here, I am sure we can take care of on the riverboat ride.”

“Oh, I guess. But still,” he says looking somewhat concerned. Then he asks me, “Ok Chotil, which weapons should I take to put on my battle saddle?”

“Uh, actually, I had not planned on you carrying one. I mean I planned on you pulling the cart Cow.”

He shakes his head, “Chotil, we are going to be down there a while. Maybe we should have some heavy weapons with us for backup when we are not pulling the carts.”

Behind me, I hear Choo Choo enter the room. She clears her throat to get my attention and then she says, “I do believe you are quite correct Cowlick. Xochitl, if I may suggest you make sure he is set up for the .308 Machine Gun and its ammo feeders. We can store them inside the cart when he is not wearing them on the trail.”

“Thank you, Miss Choo. I appreciate it.”

Then she says, “Oh and we will also be taking the fake head for you too. Sorry Cowlick, but most areas of the wastelands are still not used to actual cattle running around. This will make you stick out a bit less. If they ask, you have your coat because of a birth defect.”

I see him shift his muzzle so that we can tell he is not too happy about that. But then he says, “Yes Ma’am. I understand. Captain Kettlebell and 1st Sergeant Kicker both told my family about what it was like out there.”

“Ok, good. I am glad you understand. And I really am sorry about it.”

He shrugs his shoulders. “Can’t be helped. Not many of us left I guess anymore.

Soon we are in the armory. As I go out the front to run and pick us up some lunch from the greasy feed bag, Wanderer’s down the road, Diode asks, “So Xochitl, think you folks will be gone for a while?”

I simply shrug and tell him, “Honestly Diode, I’m not sure. But I sure hope not, but at least you will be here holding down the fort for us.”

“That we will. Now when you leave, you kids be careful, please. It is hard to find good bosses to work for. Oh, and if I was you, I would take that little mare of yours out for dinner and a dance tonight before you go. I know we did that before we left on the expedition.”

I smile knowingly and nod my head, “Yeah I forgot you were there too.”

“Well up till the last I guess you could say. They say I will always have this limp now. But at least when I was medevacked the fight was done. Not bad to say for one of us Service of Supply troops.”

I nod my head. “Yeah, we couldn’t have done it without you guys and the civilian camp too.”

I notice Diode look around briefly, then he adds with a bit of bitterness in his voice, “No thanks to those Johnny come lately SOBs of the 2nd regiment. Showing up at the last minute, then trying to take all the glory.”

Sadly, I do understand where he is coming from. Even Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl, who led us at the Valley has said such things when she did not realize Ginger or I could hear her. It has not helped us, survivors of the siege, to hear through gossip and rumor that we were used as bait. That is part of why I hesitated to join The NCR Army. I refuse to be bait like that again.

Before I can go out the door, I hear Choo tell us all, “Field ponies, after you have everything ready, take tomorrow off.”

I grin to myself and begin to make plans as I head out the door and finally make my way to get our lunches.

As I am carrying the lunches back to the shop, I remember that tomorrow after work Ginger, Sunny, and I were supposed to teach Ginger’s younger siblings how to shoot. Well, maybe we can still. I have noticed that Ginger and Epona’s parents seem to be trying to protect the young ones. But even as safe as the Manesville region normally is, we still can get hit by raiders now and again. I make up my mind then and there, before we leave, I will make sure they each know how to shoot. But tonight, tonight I will take my beautiful mare out for dinner and a nice long walk. Maybe even some stargazing if I am lucky.

Once back to the shop, Twinks holds the door open and assists me in carrying the food to the upstairs breakroom. After we begin to eat Sunny raises an eyebrow and tells me, “I already told Ginger, you two have been asked for dinner tonight by Rough onboard the Glimmer.”

I feel my face heat up some and am very irritated that one of our last nights will have to be spent visiting what I think is the clan head for the Water family. I have liked what I saw of Rough when he visited his kin on the farm. But still, I feel like my hoof is being forced.

I nod my head and smile, “Thanks for letting us know Sunny.”

“Don’t worry, I will be there too. I was told I have to be there.” Sunny tells us.

I see Epona across the table from me look at us and then she frowns before she says, “I guess I am left out again.”

“Sorry Pona, but this is clan business. I am sure your time will come soon enough. And to be honest, I am afraid I am going to get chewed out by Rough, so be happy you’re not involved in it.”

“Yeah, you can say that Sunny, but you get to go to dinner there too,” she says tartly.

From the side, I see the others of the team just all look at each other and shake their heads. The Twinks says, “That is what you get for chasing one of the Water clan’s mares, even if she is adopted.” Then she turns to Epona and tells her, “And you, at least you still have your time to yourself, how about going out for a pint of cider with me tonight?”

After this I hear Cowlick asks, “Twinks, Pona, could I maybe join you. My family will be at services tonight, and I really just want to relax with friends.”

Twinks nods her head and Epona says, “Sure, why don’t the rest of you join us.”

Tater says he will, but Choo says, “Thank you for the offer, I really do appreciate it, but tonight I have a date with Paper Work and I really have not had much of a chance to spend time with him lately.”

We all nod our heads at that. Then Cow asks Choo, “So is he having to deploy soon again?”

Choo looks around and then says, “Not sure. But then again they only got home about six months ago.”

I nod my head as I remember the old third battalion of the first and how they were once the CEF. Now, well now they are just another battalion of the senior Manesville brigade regiment. I do smile though when I remember Lieutenant Colonel Kettle Bell is now its CO. She took over when the Colonel got bumped up to being the regiment’s executive officer.

We continue to chat for a bit then we all begin to drift away to finish what tasks need to be done before we leave.

While Tater and I finish before the others. We decide to stay and help them finish more quickly. As we are finishing up, I ask Ginger, “Dear, should we just head over to the Glimmer?”

She shakes her head, “No, certainly not. I think you should go home, clean up and maybe wear that sweater I bought you.”

I nod my head in resignation, then I ask her, “So what are you going to wear?”

She turns and looks at me and smiles and tells me, “Unfortunately as this is more of a formal meeting, I will have to wear one of my dresses. I just need to decide which one?”

I smile at her, “Ginger, why don’t you ask one of your parents if you are not sure? I am sure they would be glad to help, especially Sumac or Magpie.”

We are already almost home, walking tail in tail when we see the hoard of youngsters out in the fields exploring. All of Ginger's younger siblings are there along with both of the pegasus sisters, Frost Glitter and Snow Song, their younger brother Rain Dancer, as well as the hippogriff youngsters Slip Stream and her brother Jet.

They all wave to us and come running up as we walk along the road. Once close enough Moon Lily and Millie begin to ask us something, but are interrupted when Raven squeezes between them. She smiles at me with her eyes wide and asks, “So are you really going to teach us how to shoot tomorrow? Pona said so.”

Both Ginger and I let out a sigh. We look at each other and Ginger tells her, “Only if you promise not to tell our parents. Raven. I mean it. If you run your mouth and tell them, I swear I will never do another favor for you again.”

I see her sit down hard and cross her forelegs as she says, “But Ginger, why can’t I tell anyone?”

Ginger shakes her head, “Because our ma’s and Pa’s should have been the ones to teach you how.”

Ginger’s brother Woodrow then asks, “But why haven’t they then?”

I sigh as I can guess the reason, but Ginger still tells them, “Because they don’t want you to grow up and have nightmares like we all do.”

Woodrow looks slightly confused at her answer so she then says, “Woodrow when you have to use a gun, you are doing it to either protect your life or to take another. That can haunt a pony. I think they hope you never have to do so, and perhaps by not teaching you, they feel they can prolong the wait until you may have to do so.”

I see Moon Lily look very thoughtful after she says this. Then Moon says, “I guess kind of how they want me to limit when and how I use my magic?”

Ginger nods her head, “Yeah, something like that. Now, we need to get going, we have to go to dinner tonight with cousin Rough.”

I notice all of her siblings straighten up at the mention of Rough Water. They have all met him and have enjoyed listening to his stories from the riverboats. But they also know that even their parents discuss things with them concerning the family overall.

Once home Ginger and I quickly clean up. I then put on my sweater from Ginger. It is the best regular clothing I own. While not poor, we are not rich either, so my family tends to not splurge on clothing very often.

I meet Ginger on her family porch. As I knock the Colonel answers the door. “Hello Xochitl,” she says in greeting. “Ginger will be right down.”

“Thank you, Colonel.”

She then asks, “So where are you two going tonight?”

“Our presence has been requested on the Glimmer by the Commodore.”

I see her eyebrow raise and she looks at Sutures, one of Ginger’s other mothers, a former combat medic turned midwife, and the only one of the parents who is a unicorn, whom she asks “Dear, did you know Rough had invited them for dinner?”

Sutures shakes her head, “No Mollygirl, I am as surprised as you are.”

The Colonel steps back slightly and tells me, “In that case, stand straight and proud when you are there, and answer him truthfully. And perhaps, if he asks, tell him I already gave you my blessings back in the Valley.” Then she smiles at me and places a hoof gently on my shoulder.

Soon I see Ginger coming down the stairs. She is wearing a light green sweater and a dark green skirt. But I also notice her mane has been braided and her tail has been tied with another bright green bow on it.

She joins us and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. Then she says, “Ok Ma’s let the others know I will be home as soon as we can, but I may be out late.”

I see a slight tear in the corner of the Colonel's eye as she smiles and tells us, “Ok, you two have a good time. Oh, and Xochitl, remember what I said.”

I smile back at her, “Will do Colonel.” Then I turn to Sutures and I tell her, “I will try not to have her out too late ma’am.” Sutures gives first Ginger a hug, then she carefully pivots on her prosthetic leg and gives me a small one also.

Then we are on our way to the Manesville waterfront, for our dinner aboard the NCR Navy vessel S. Glimmer with the Commodore.

As we approach the ramp that leads up to the main deck of the Glimmer, I can see one of the crew tell another one something, then they disappear.

Once we are on the deck, Ginger tells the crew member, “The Commodore is expecting us. Lieutenant.”

“Very good ma’am, I have already had the messenger go let him know. Once the messenger is back, I will have him take you to the Commodore. And if you don’t mind me saying, it is good to see you again, will your sister or any other members of your family be joining you?”

“Only my cousin Sunny sir,” Ginger tells him with a smile.

He grins, “Ah, yes, the first of the pegasi in your clan. He has already arrived and the Commodore is entertaining him already.”

Soon the messenger of the watch returns and before he can even salute, the lieutenant asks, “Is the Commodore ready for his additional guest?”

The rating salutes and says, “Yes sir. In fact, he asked me to bring them directly to the Ward Room sir.”

“Very well Seapony, please escort them then.” He pauses and then tells us, “Have a good evening, sir, ma’am.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” I reply and I motion for Ginger to lead ahead of me after the messenger of the watch.

As we make our way through the hallways of the S. Glimmer I can see where the fancy furnishings from when she was a passenger riverboat once were. Granted it is still pretty nice and I wish I could ride on it sometime.

Finally, we arrive at a closed lightly stained oak door with a plaque next to it that proclaims Ward Room. The Rating knocks on the door three quick times. When told to enter he opens it and salutes stating, “Commodore, I have your other two guests with me.”

“Very good Seapony Stuck Rudder, show them in.” I hear rough say.

The rating moves to the side and tells us, “You may enter.” As we go in, he closes the door behind us and I follow Ginger as she approaches the table where Sunny and Rough Water are seated enjoying some cider. Rough uses his hoof to motion us to sit at two empty chairs.

We take the seats and he greets us, “Ginger dear, it is so good to see you again.” He then turns to me and says, “Xochitl, is it? It is a pleasure to have you at my table finally.”

Ginger smiles at him and tells him, “It is so good to see you again Cousin Rough.”

After she says this, I tell him, “Thank you for the invite tonight. It is a pleasure to see the Glimmer after hearing the stories about her.”

“Thank you for the compliment on her.” He tells me as he lightly pats the wall next to him. “She is my Sweetheart.” He smiles, takes a sip of his cider, and waits until after both Ginger and I have, then he asks me, “Now, Xochitl, speaking of sweethearts, I need to ask you of your intentions for one of the mares of our clan?”

Here it is, I was afraid of this, but in for a bit, in for a cap. I sit straighter and I tell him, “Rough, I have discussed this with Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl back in the Valley.”

I see both Ginger and Sunny look surprised at this. Rough takes a drink of his cider again, giving him a bit of time to think. Then he says, “That was some time ago. I am sure things may have changed for you.”

I nod my head, “Yes sir, a lot has, but that has not. I will one day marry Ginger if she wants me for her husband.”

I see Ginger blush and Sunny nod his head as he glances at Rough. Then Rough ask me, “Then young buck. Why have you not asked formally for her hoof yet?”

This time I blush. I take another drink of my cider and I finally answer in an irritable tone of voice, “Because I am too damn poor. I want her to be proud of her fiancé. That is why I am so willing to be a hired gun, sir.”

This time he nods his head and then he asks Ginger, “Young mare, you have heard for yourself now what his intentions are and why he has not asked previously. What say you?”

This time she takes a drink of her cider. Then she answers, “Cousin Rough when we were in New Appaloosa during the expedition there was a zebra shaman there who we talked to. He told me privately that Xochitl and I were spirit-bound. Rough, I have since then considered him my stallion and myself his mare. Waiting only for us to be adults to discuss it further with him.”

Rough turns to Sunny, “You are a witness for the clan on this Sunny.” He turns back to me and extends a hoof as he tells me, “Welcome to the clan Xochitl. It has been a long time coming. But just remember, to formally propose to her for your mother. I have heard enough about her to not want to incur her ire as well.”

He then turns to Sunny and says, “Now that that business is taken care of with them, Now is your turn.”

I watch as the normally overconfident and rambunctious all-black pegasus buck starts to shrink down in his seat and looks very uncomfortable. I can barely hear him mumble, “I was afraid of this.”

Rough raises one eyebrow and nods in his direction. “Good, so you have some idea of why I called for you tonight to be the witness for the clan. Sunny, we need to talk about your promiscuous ways. For Goddesses sake, it cost enough a few months back when you had to go to the doctors to get treated for the clop as well as that unicorn mare you gave it to. Where in tarnation did you pick up a mare, who gave you that?”

Ahhh so that is why he was laying low on the dating scene. I shake my head partly in pity for him, but also partly because I am amused to hear this.

Rough then adds, “And if I get one more father; stallion or bull who comes complaining to me about you and their daughters, I will let them take care of the situation, without the support of the clan behind you. It’s time to grow up Sunny.”

“But Cousin Rough,” Sunny spits out.

Rough has a fire in his eyes, but he keeps his voice level, “Sunny, this is not a warning. It is a statement of fact. I don’t care what type of relationship you may find yourself in, but you damn well better learn to respect your partners. Your mother and father sure are not like that. And your grandfather Grey even has come to me to talk to you about it. You have caused the clan trouble with your ways, and I will not let that stand. Do you understand me?”

I watch as Sunny squirms in his chair, and meekly answers, “Yes sir.”

Rough having gotten his point across straightens up some and calmly says, “Good, now that business is concluded, we can enjoy our meals. I hope you three do not mind, but I have had the cooks make up a nice greens salad with a bit of vinegar and oil as well as bits of bacon in it.”

All three of us smile and Ginger says, “Thank you very much, sir. I love bacon.”

He grins, “So I have heard young mare, so I have heard.”

After dinner, we all enjoy another cider. Finally, Rough looks at his pastern watch and tells us, “Ok, it is starting to get late, and while I have thoroughly enjoyed the company, I think I have taken up enough of your time. But I will walk you all to the brow if you do not mind.”

I smile as I put a hoof lightly on Gingers, and tell him, “We would be glad to Rough.”

Once we reach the brow, we all say goodnight. Then Ginger and I begin to walk home holding tails. Sunny starts out walking with us, but soon says, “I will catch you two tomorrow, I want to catch up with the others for a few more ciders in White Cloud.”

“Sounds good Sunny. See you then,” I tell him. Then after he flies away Ginger asks me, “Dear, did you really ask Ma that back then?”

I grin at her and tell her, “Yes Ginger, I really did. I knew not everyone there would survive, so I took the chance to ask while you were using the sinks.”

She smiles, shakes her head then she leans into me and gives me a kiss. After we break the kiss she tells me, “By the way, I am already proud of you, so do not make me wait long to make it official please.”

I grin and tell her, “Ok, dear, but just not tonight.” Then we continue the long walk back to White Cloud and our families’ farm.

*****

Manesville, Manesville District, NCR: Choo Choo.

Once the others leave for the day, I talk to our normal shop workers and go over our books with Zhea so she knows where we keep our caps and who we normally will buy supplies from. Once done with that I take one more look at the planning table. I look at the map and where we are supposed to go from here. The part of the caravans being ambushed bothers me highly, something just does not seem right about it to me.

Finally, I tell the others still here good night and I head out the door. Once outside I take to the air and I fly straight to the waterfront.

On my way, I am joined by Sunny. “Hiya Choo.”

“Hello Sunny,” I reply as I continue to scan the waterfront for my destination.

He looks abashed and asks, “Did Rough invite you to dinner tonight too?”

I shake my head, “No, tonight Paper Work and I are going to the North 40 Supper Club for dinner and some dancing. But I want to stop and talk to the Captain of the Baltimare Colt to discuss our transportation from here.”

I see him raise an eyebrow as he asks, “Ya know that the Baltimare Colt is owned by the Water Clan, don’t you?”

“No Sunny, I had not realized that,” I tell him. Then I ask, “Anything else I should know?”

He looks thoughtful and finally answers, “Not too much. Other than her captain and the Colonel bumped heads when they first met. Oh, and she is really proud of the Colt, so make sure you don’t insult it.”

“Thanks for the heads up, Sunny,” I tell him as we approach the waterfront and I see the S. Glimmer just ahead of us tied up and having several ponies standing guard on the ramp leading to it. Off to the north of them are several civilian riverboats. Sunny goes over and lands on the pier next to the Glimmer and I continue on searching for the Baltimare Colt. Soon I find it moored bow in.

As I approach, I see a stallion by the ramp going up to it, as I approach he meets me. “Afternoon ma’am. Can I help you?”

“Yes, I would like to talk to the Captain or her XO.”

“And you are?”

“Let them know that Choo Choo from the Repair Ponies would like to discuss our transport with them for the day after tomorrow.”

He raises a hoof and a pony comes over from across the deck. “Yes sir?”

“Please ask the captain if she or the 1st mate has time for a visitor.”

“Yes sir, I will be right back.”

I watch as the crewman takes off and disappears inside the riverboat. As we wait, the watchstander with me and I make small talk. Finally, the crew pony returns and says, “Yeah, she has time she says. Follow me, ma’am.”

I follow him as we go up two decks. As we go, I see a quick glimpse of the cargo area on the main deck. The hallways of the Baltimare Colt are not fancy at all. They are painted and kept fairly clean. But you can tell this is not a passenger vessel.

Finally, we come to a large open room with several tables, a coffee dispenser along the wall, and a small window leading to the kitchen in the back as well as a doorway next to it. Sitting at a table near the kitchen I see a middle-aged light red-coated mare with a matching mane and tail that have some gray hairs coming in. On her head is a hat I recognize as indicating she is the captain of the vessel.

She indicates a stack of coffee cups on a tray next to the coffee dispenser and tells me, “Grab a cup of coffee and join me.”

I get myself the offered coffee and sit down across from her. She looks me up and down and uses a forehoof to tip her hat back slightly and while not smiling, she is at least not openly hostile. Then she asks, “Ok, what do you want?”

“Captain Rust, is it?” I ask then after she nods her head I continue, “My name is Choo Choo, and I am with the Repair Ponies. I was told that we are booked for passage in two days and I came to meet you and to see what we could do to make things go smoother between my team and your crew.”

She raises an eyebrow and asks, “And what makes you think there could be a difficulty?”

I take a sip of my black coffee and enjoy its bitter taste. Then I tell her, “Captain, my team members Epona and Tater, remember riding on your vessel when they were still young. However, they still both remember you and your crew gave up your quarters for the officers and troops you transported. Frankly, I want to make sure you do not do that again. If you can give us a section of your cargo deck to hang some hammock or layout some sleeping bags that will be fine enough for us.”

As I am saying this, I see her look surprised and she asks cautiously, “You know the Colonel and her family?”

I nod my head, “Yes Captain, I have since shortly after I came to Manesville with my two sisters. In fact, one of the Colonel’s spouses is directly descended from my former self.” I feel myself blush when I mention this, but I continue and tell her, “The me when I was still a unicorn mare.”

I see her smile slightly at this, “I had wondered if the rumor was true. So, you are a friend of the clan then.”

I nod my head, “Yes Captain. I would like to think so at least.”

She laughs quietly, “Ok Choo.” She says before she sips her coffee again. Then she tells me, “I will make sure the Purser keeps a section of the cargo deck open for you. Also, you will need to negotiate the cost of transport with him, but make sure you tell him you are a friend of the clan and that some of your team members are members of the Water clan. That will help him make the appropriate discounts.”

I smile at this and then I ask, “Captain since we will be sailing together, how about I tell you about myself, and you maybe tell me a bit about yourself.”

I see her look somewhat skeptical and put off when I say this, but then she begins, “Well, first off…”

As we talk, I begin to find myself liking the gruff and somewhat private captain. We continue to talk, exchanging our stories until we start to see several members of the crew come in and begin to get their evening meals. She looks at the clock on the wall and tells me, “Choo, it has been a pleasure talking to you, but I need to get going myself. Perhaps we can talk more during the run down to Western Landing.”

I smile and tell her, “That sounds fine. I have to go meet my Paper Work for dinner soon.” I extend a hoof and then tell her, “I will see my way out. Good evening, Captain.”

She smiles and nods her head as I get up and leave. Soon I am on the pier and begin to make my way to the North 40 and Paper Work.

As I approach the entrance to the North 40, I see my beloved sitting outside of it. My little Paper Work stallion. I met him during the expedition when he was working as the headquarters clerk for Major Quick Trot. He has stayed in this position and because of our unit rotations, we have not gotten to see as much of each other as I would like. Tonight, I am pleasantly surprised to see him in a sweater vest with a tie, as well as a nice newsboy cap on.

He gets up and comes over to me. He puts a hoof alongside my cheek and gently kisses me and tells me, “I love you Beautiful.”

“I love you too my dearest,” I reply and give him another kiss on his cheek. Then he leads me inside.

Halfway through our dinner, he puts his hoof on mine and tells me, “I wish you had tomorrow off. The Colonel said that due to heavy field training coming up, we can have tomorrow off instead, and well I ah.” As he tells me this, I notice he is blushing slightly and has a devilish smile on his face.

I am then able to surprise him. “Well, we are going on our first job the day after tomorrow, so we are taking the day off. Oh, and George is not due back for another couple of weeks, so we will have the cave to ourselves,” I tell him as I fight to keep my wings down.

When he notices this, I see him raise an eyebrow and smile, “I think that sounds like a wonderful idea Choo. Would you still care to dance some tonight?”

Part of me wants to take him home right now, but part of me wants to just enjoy this night fully, so I answer, “I would love to dance some first, then we can go home. If you don’t mind, I would prefer to fly you there.”

“Choo, I always enjoy flying with you. I might not like to otherwise, but with you. I feel safe.”

“Funny you should say that because when I am with you Paper, I feel safe too.” Then I blow him a kiss from across the table.

After we finish eating, we both enjoy a nice hot cup of tea with milk and a bit of honey in it, while we wait for the band to begin to play.

As we are enjoying our drinks, I notice that Ginger’s older sister from her birth family, Dusty has come in with her husband Firefly. He was one of the scouts on the Expedition with us and Dusty was one of the junior NCOs for D Troop also known as the Door Kickers. When they see Paper Work and me they, both approach and ask, “Mind if we join you?”

Paper Work smiles and tells them, “Please do. It’s good to see you both again.”

“Thanks, Paper Work. It has been a long time.” Dusty says, then she asks me, “Choo what is this Repair Pony business you have the kids mixed up in?”

Oh boy, here we go. I think to myself. Instead, I tell her, “We are taking on some jobs that others may not want to do. We are our own bosses, so we will not have a situation like the Valley happen again. I will not let that happen again to them.”

“Choo, did you really talk to all the recruiters and give them their names so they could not join the NCR armed forces?” she asks me.

I shake my head no, then I tell her, “Dusty if someone did, it was not me. I only wish I had thought of it. But maybe it was someone nobody expected. You know, like the Colonel.”

I hear Dusty suck in her breath and she asks, “You don’t really think she would do something like that?”

I notice Firefly rub under his chin and then I hear Paper Work tell them, “No. That was me. I care too much about all those youngsters and honestly, they are probably about the closest I will get to having foals of my own. I have seen how combat affected Ginger, and Xochitl at the Valley, then Tater and Epona down in Harness.” He pauses as he looks down and I see him raise his head and he says, “I want them to have better than us. Maybe it is not much better, but at least they can quit anytime they are ready. Not have to wait till the end of a damn contract like Choo had to.”

I put a hoof across the table onto his and only wish I was close enough to wrap a wing around him too. I know he considers them family. I just did not know how strongly he felt about them.

I then notice Dusty smirk before she asks, “Since Mollygirl kinda adopted me when she adopted Ginger, does this mean you are my uncle Paper Work?”

I see Paper Work smile as he tells her, “You know what? I would like that, Dusty. Family is more than just bloodlines.” Again, he pauses shortly then he says, “But when I think about the old saying of blood is thicker than water, I have a feeling they meant the blood spilled for each other is thicker than the amniotic fluid of our birth. So maybe what really bonds us is our shared sacrifices and triumphs, not just our genetics.”

I notice that Firefly nods his head too as he wraps a wing around Dusty. Then I see him look surprised and follow his eyes to the door where I see Ginger and Xochitl just coming in. Xochitl sees us and Paper Work waves him over.

When they get close I cannot help but smile when I see Dusty get up and trot over to her younger sister and give her a big hug. Then I hear her ask, “So how is it going, sis?”

Ginger is all but beaming as she tells her, “Better than you would believe. We kinda made it official with the clan tonight. Now we just got to do it with Persimmon and Xavier to keep the peace.”

I see Dusty and Firefly smile at each other and Firefly says, “Well I guess that is at least something we didn’t have to worry about.”

Dusty smirks at him and says, “Yeah, but you still asked Mollygirl for permission to marry me when we got back to the stable.”

I watch as he closes his eyes and says, “Only because I know she was like a second mother to you as well as to Ginger.”

To the side, I hear Xochitl and Paper Work begin to chat and I think I hear Paper Work tell him, “Congratulations young stallion, for both of you.”

Then I hear the band begin to play a nice moderate tune and Paper Work tells me, “Come on dear,” as he extends a hoof and leads me to the dance floor. We are on our second dance when I notice Xochitl finally lead Ginger out on the floor for a slow dance.

I have to smile to myself as I watch them together her head on his shoulder. At the table I see Dusty cuddled up to Firefly, just watching them. Paper Work and I then decide to take a short break and go join them again.

Once we are sitting Dusty tells me fairly quietly, “Choo, Ginger told me you guys have a job in a couple of days. Please watch after them for us. I don’t want to see either of them heartbroken the way I was after I lost Chance.”

I nod my head and tell her, “I will,” even though I never met her first husband Chance. I have been told he was killed by an Enclave soldier right in front of her during the Battle of Manesville on the Day of Sunshine and Rainbows.

“Thank you, Choo. I really do appreciate it.” She tells me. Then she changes the subject.

After a couple of hours, Paper Work and I excuse ourselves and I fly him home to my cave. Needless to say, we end up sleeping in late the next morning. Once I awake, I smell radhog bacon and eggs cooking. My mouth waters just at the thought of it. I get up and go to the offshoot of George and my cave to find Paper Work has breakfast almost finished, complete with hot tea even.

I approach him from behind and wrap my wings around him and nuzzle his neck. As I do this, he leans back into me, “Good morning love. I was trying to surprise you.”

I nearly purr into his ear, “You have love, thank you so much.” It is the little things like this that make me realize how much he really does care, even though he refuses to get married.

After breakfast, he ask me, “Seeing you are leaving tomorrow, would you like to go to the farm and visit with your great-great-granddaughter, Moon Lily?”

I really do want to, but I also do not want to miss spending time with him, so I tell him, “Only if you really don’t mind.”

“Choo, they are family. I don’t mind, besides, maybe we can catch lunch at the White Cloud Pub, maybe talk to some of our other friends there and then come back here afterward.”

I nod my head, “Only if you promise me that I get to wake up in your hooves tomorrow.”

He grins, “My love, almost anything for you.”

Soon we are on our way to visit my descendants and their family at the farm. While I have always enjoyed the older members of the family, there is just something special about Moon Lily. She is a very quick study and loves to learn any magic spell she can. Which can be very troublesome at times too.

As we get close to the farm, I hear several rad hogs squealing as they run towards us. I take to the sky but realize my love cannot get out of the way. I hear several shots and one of the radhogs goes down, but another is almost on top of Paper Work. I don’t hesitate. I use a disintegrations spell and suddenly the radhog is a pile of ashes.

I land next to Paper Work and wrap a wing around him as I look for others. Then I hear the youngsters yelling as they come out of the brush, and unfortunately, I hear Moon Lily say, “Wow! Granny Choo. That was awesome.”

Part of me wants to facehoof. I really wish she had not seen that. As she gets closer, I tell her, “Don’t let your mother or Aunt Purple know you saw me do that spell.”

I see her grin an almost devilish grin as she says, “Ok. Just our secret right Granny.”

I let out a breath I had not realized I was holding. Then I look around and I ask, “Raven didn’t see that, did she?”

I hear Moon Laugh, “Nah, she was bait this time while Xochitl was showing Bucky how to shoot. Bucky was on the rifle, so sorry the radhog got so close.”

I feel so much relief at this as Sutures would have my hide, as we both have seen her learn how to cast spells just from watching them.

As we are talking I hear Raven call out, “Hey Moon, have you found the Radhogs yet. Bucky says he got at least one of them.”

“Yeah, I found it, Granny Choo and Paper Work just got here too.”

I soon hear the brush rustling as all of the family’s youngster’s approach. I see Bucky still carrying a rifle as he walks next to Xochitl. Ginger is behind them talking to Woodrow and telling him how that when it is his turn next time that he will need to lead the target as it moves.

When Ginger sees me she smiles and waves. Then I can tell when she sees the ash of the one radhog. She looks at me with a raised eyebrow and I nod my head. As Xochitl begins to talk with them on how to butcher it she approaches me.

“Choo, Moon didn’t see you do that did she?” she asks me.

I smile slyly and ask her, “Do your parents know you are teaching your siblings how to shoot and hunt.”

I see her face start to turn a lighter shade of red and she shakes her head no slightly. So, I smile at her and tell her, “Good, they don’t need to know about any of this.”

Later that afternoon, after the radhog has been butchered and taken to the pub in White Cloud I am visiting with everypony at the farm. Xavier and Persimmon Tree have joined us as we all sit on the porch talking when suddenly, I watch as Xochitl moves and kneels in front of Ginger and takes his hoof in his, and asks her to marry him. Right behind him are his parents, as well as Mollygirl, Sumac, and Badger, the rest of us are a bit further back, but we can all hear him and we hear her answers yes, and then we watch them kiss. I swear Persimmon is almost in heaven. I see Xavier only smile and nod solemnly. It is shortly after this, as the family begins to prepare to celebrate their engagement that Paper Work and I excuse ourselves for the night.

The next morning, I wake up holding my Paper Work in my hooves. I sigh contentedly and lay there until his alarm goes off. Then we both get up and get ready. I walk with him to the stable and then I kiss him goodbye.

“Be careful my love,” he tells me with a hoof alongside my cheek.

I smile sadly back at him and tell him, “I will dearest. I will. You too though, ok.”

He grins, “Dear, I am an HQ pony, I am always safe.” We both know that is not necessarily true, but I let the lie stand as I watch him turn and walk into the stable. Then I turn and head to the shop with the few special possessions that I am taking with me, to meet the rest of my team and to begin our first job.

*****

Thunderhead Military Base, Grand Pegasus Enclave: 2nd Lieutenant Ball Lightning.

“Hey LT!” I hear a voice call from behind me as I am leaving the armorers building. I turn and look over my shoulder and See Sergeant Major Funnel Cloud is the one calling me from the direction of the Company HQ.

I stop, hovering while I wait for him to catch up with me. Then I ask, “Ok Sergeant Major, what can I do for you today?”

“Sir, I was just in talking to the Company Commander, sir, our platoon is the next in rotation to go dirtside.”

I can’t help but grin. If we go dirtside, maybe, just maybe we can come across one of the Volunteer Corps units, which would mean maybe seeing Sundancer. “Sounds good, Sergeant Major. Any idea what we may be up to this time?”

He shakes his head, “Not yet sir. No matter what though we gotta remember who is who with those mudpuppies. We are not to start a war if we can help it.”

I nod my head in understanding. “Well, hopefully, they will let us get out of the compound at the Skyport.”

Funnel Cloud snorts in a mild laugh, “Who knows sir. But remember, once, outside the perimeter, it is on. They most often will be hostile, and those who ain’t well, they just don’t like us.”

I smile at his half-joke. I know he is not wrong about most of those dirt side not liking us. They blame us for the cloud cover that blocked out the sun for over two hundred years. But that was before, and we have sent ponies down to try and help them now. Thinking of this I ask, “I hope you don’t mind, but I will be leaning on you to help advise me and keep me from getting our ponies killed.”

I see him shake his head, “Actually LT, I really respect that. Too many of you 90-day wonders think you know it all and will not take any advice.”

“Thank you. I guess I should go talk to the Captain then,” I tell him.

He shakes his head and puts a hoof up as if to slow me down. “Hold on sir. Don’t rush it and wait till they call for the pre-mission briefing.” He tells me. Then he says, “Besides sir if I were you, I would find your buddy Down Draft. Go have a good meal and a few shots of Wild Pegasus, and enjoy a last night in civilization.”

Before we part ways, I ask him. “Sergeant Major, you don’t think the troops will have a problem listening to me when we go outside the wire do you?”

He grins, “Sir, they don’t even realize this is your first posting. Both you and Lieutenant Down Draft came to this outfit with wound badges and rumor has it you two got ambushed by raiders while on a patrol and had to go hoof to hoof. Now I am not sure how those rumors started, but I sure am not going to discourage them. Besides sir, what you two did was a bit more impressive than that.”

“Do they know you came from Cadet Training to here?” I ask.

He smiles, “Sir, the only one in the whole outfit that knows the real details is the three of us and the Colonel, and even he has been sworn to secrecy. So, long story short, no sir, they do not.”

“Ok, well, we can keep that between us then.” I look at my pastern watch and notice the time. “Well looks like the workday is almost up, have a good night, Sergeant Major and I will see you in the morning. I think I will take you up on your advice.”

With that, I head over to Down Draft’s HQ to roust him out for a couple of ciders. Once I get there, I see him at his desk. Without looking up he uses a wing to point to a chair and says, “Take a seat and I will be right with you soldier.”

I am mildly amused and take the offered chair. He continues on for another five minutes, even mouth signing a couple of things. Finally, he looks up and I see him blush. “Dang Ball, why didn’t you say it was you?”

Still amused I reply, “Well Down, I figured if you were busy enough to do that to a trooper that it must be important.”

He then shrugs his wings and grins as he tells me, “Yeah, I heard tell that our platoon may be heading down to the surface again soon so I need to get these reports finished up.”

I nod my head and ask, “Yeah I understand. So do you think they will let us go outside the wire this time?”

I notice him look around first, then he says, “I heard an unofficial rumor that the reason we have been jumped up is that there has been a large cache of weapons found by the mudpuppies. We are supposed to locate the cache and secure it.”

I nod my head, “If there is one, then we do need to secure it. No need to let that kind of stuff fall into the wrong hooves.”

“Yeah, I heard the so-called Lunar Commonwealth has been selling some of the extra stock they have found lately to those that call themselves the New Canterlot Republic. We do not want those two groups working together.”

“Agreed, but we can only do what we can do. Now, how about we go get dinner and a couple of drinks.” I ask and get a smile in return.

He then grins at me in a flirtatious manner and asks, “Are you finally asking me out?”

I feel myself go pale as I stammer out, “What? No, as friends, you know I have a mare friend.” Then I pause briefly and finish, “Besides you know I am straight.”

He grins and shrugs his wings, “Well a buck could always hope. I mean you are cute.”

I laugh lightly as I realize he was just yanking my chain and tell him, “Yeah keep hoping. And thanks for the compliment. Besides, you know I normally don’t date my friends.”

“True, let me grab my hat.” He tells me as he gets up, puts it on and we head out, as we go into the front area of his platoons Headquarters, he tells his 1st Sergeant, “see you in the morning, Sarge.”

“Yes sir, see you in the morning,” he tells him.

We then fly across the base and out into town. The town has increased in size and has become a fairly decent-sized city in the last couple of years. However, it is still recovering from the damage it took during the civil war eight years ago with Neighvarro.

I slowly shake my head at that as I remember losing mom in that attack. Dad was still in the hospital dirtside at the Skyport recovering from his wounds. When they attacked, I saw so many others flying for their lives, but I refused to leave mom. I was with her body for a day and a half before a squad of militia soldiers looking for survivors found me. They gave me some rations to eat and something to drink. Their leader, I did not know how to read rank back then told me, “We will get you to those who can help you son. But you are going to have to leave her.”

I refused to, and begin to cry. Finally, a mare who is with them tells me, “Young stallion, no matter how long you are with her, she is gone. But we can help you get to your father, ok.”

I kissed my mother one last time on her cold forehead and told her, “I love you, Mommy.”

Then I followed them as they collected some other survivors. Eventually, they took me to the Skyport station and I was loaded onto what I now know is a Vertibuck then I was flown down dirtside and then taken to my father in the hospital.

I am on my third drink when I realize I need to go see dad before I head down below. Something feels different for me and I want to make sure I say goodbye, you know, just in case something happens.

I tell Down Draft this and he nods his head. Then as I get up I feel his tail swat my flank and he smiles at me. I blush and I tell him, “Remember, I am already committed to Sundancer.”

He grins and tells me, “Well, maybe we can talk her into both of us then.”

I look around quickly in panic. Then I notice nopony heard so I quietly whisper, “For Celestia’s sake, don’t even say something like that, do you want us branded as dashites?” We all know that while the Enclave does not discourage homosexuality because it keeps the population down, they will not tolerate polyamorous relationships.

“Ah, come on, do you really think they would consider us traitors enough to brand us and throw us out of the Enclave just for joking about it?” he asks with a slight laugh.

I look seriously into his face and tell him, “Yes, I had some neighbors who had just that happen to them while I was in college.”

I see his face go pale. Then he says, “Ok, no more joking. But if you ever are interested…”

With that, I head to my father’s place. I have corresponded with him a few times since I got back, but I have not taken the time to visit. I know I should of, but I just did not want to have to explain things to him.

As he answers the door, I see him smile and he looks at my uniform and I see him frown. Then he tells me, “Ball, you know better than to wear decorations you have not earned. Get that wound badge off before somepony sees it.”

I shake my head and tell him, “Sorry dad, but it is real.”

He looks at me in surprise and asks, “Where did you pick it up?”

“Sorry, Dad. I can’t tell you that. You know how it is.”

I see the surprise on his face and he asks, “You really have seen action already?” Then he looks into my eyes and my face. Then I hear him say, “I should have known. Sorry, son for doubting you.”

“It’s ok dad, I would have too.” I say with a sad smile, then I ask, “So how have you been doing?”

This time he grins and tells me, “Ok, I have finally met a mare that I am thinking of asking out. I have seen her at work for years but never had the chance to meet and talk to her. Sit down and we can have a drink while I tell you about what has been going on.”

I take the seat and enjoy the rest of the evening talking with my father and finally I begin to hear the story of what happened to his leg. For the first time, he actually opens up and tells me about it, and how he felt when we lost mom.

The next morning, I wake up to my alarm in my old bed. I get up and it is almost like old times as we eat breakfast together. I then tell him, “I love you Dad.”

He smiles and tells me, “I love you too. You make me proud son.” I feel like something has changed between us but for the positive this time. With that, I head back to the base to await what this day will bring.

*****

This is DJ Pon3 Just reminding you that while things are better out there, they are still not always safe. In the NCR the Rangers and army are still trying to work on this. For those listeners in the Lunar Commonwealth, remember if you need help, the Reapers, the Skyguard, and Brood are still there if you really need it. However, we all still have a lot to learn in this changing world. With that in mind here is Schools Out for the Summer.

Author's Note

Readers, I will be trying to keep a bi-weekly rate of publishing chapters for the Repair-ponies. I hope you have enjoyed what you have read so far and will continue to do so. As you can see the Repair ponies, as well as Ball Lighting, are both getting ready to leave their hometowns. While this is far from the first time in the Wastelands for most of them their are always new things to find.

For those who would like to listen to the dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4eJHyi13mQ