Chapter 51 Desicions Were Made

"The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived." — Robert Jordan

Manesville, Manesville District: Ginger Snaps

We are just finishing breakfast when Choo Choo gets a notice on her Pipbuck. From her expression, I can see she is somewhat distraught by it and ask her, “What is it, Boss?”

“She looks at those around us then back to me and tells us, “Paper Work just let us know your father Archer is at the stable sickbay. He was found lying next to one of his guns yesterday. Your mothers and the rest of the family are heading there again today.”

I feel as if my heart is ready to stop as I ask, “How bad is it?”

“Honestly Ginger, I do not know. However, if you, Epona, and Xochitl would like to head over there, please do, just make the trip worth it, and take a cart of the dead Enclavers with you.”

I look at the other two and we all nod our heads. Then Cowlick looks at Xochitl and back to Choo before he tells her, “Boss, I will pull the cart for them.”

She nods her head and flicks her ear in agreement. “Yes, that is a good idea Cowlick. Thank you.”

Soon we have Cowlick harnessed up and the cart loaded with the remains of the Enclave soldiers who died in the vicinity of our shop. We are still on alert as we make our way, but each of us is carrying our new gifts. I have to admit when I practiced with it at our range, I had to get used to the heavier recoil of it as well as a smaller magazine, but I now have come to love it. With my name on it as well as the markings of the Ministry of Moral it is not only usable, but a showpiece.

We have just dropped off the bodies at graves registration and are almost to the stable entrance when we see the rest of our family coming out. I feel wonder as Moon Lily flies up to us and tells us, “I am so glad to see you all are ok.” Then she gives first me, then Epona and my husband each a brief hug.

“Glad to see you too little, Sis.” I tell her. Then I ask her as the rest of the foals and mares, including Mama Laura Lee comes up, “How is Papa Archer?”

Moon Lily is visibly upset by this and tells us in a sad voice, “He is ok but he is very tired.”

Mama Sutures then adds, “He is healing well considering what all he has been through. He lost his right eye, had a punctured lung from a broken rib as well as he broke both of his hind legs. He was starting to get tired when we left though.”

Epona asks before we do, “Do you think they would let us see him?”

Sutures nods and then adds, “Probably, but honestly, you may want to wait a few hours to let him nap first.”

Epona and I both look at each other and nod our heads. Then I hear Sumac ask, “So what all are you kids up to now?”

“Well right now we were going to visit Papa Archer, but I guess not right away, other than that we are putting the shop back together and waiting to hear what our next job will be.”

She asks, “Did you lose anyone during the fighting here?”

Before I can answer Xochitl answers, “Yes we did Mother Sumac,” as he says this, I can see the worry in their eyes, then he finishes, “We lost Drain Trap. The other three of the shop team made it into the shelter and were safe.”

I then hear my little sister Millie ask, “Even Xanthippe?”

“Yeah, Little sis, she and her mother are safe.”

This is followed by Moon Lily asking, “I want to see Xanthippe again Ginger, do you think it would be ok if I came there?”

We look at each other and I tell her, “If our parents do not mind you are welcome to Moon. I am sure Xanthippe would love to see all of you again.”

“Oh, and tell Granny Choo I need to talk to her about something.”

This gets both mine and Epona’s attention as I raise an eyebrow, and reply, “I will tell her, what is it you want to talk to her about Moon?”

She shrugs her wings and tells me, “I just need to talk to her Ginger.”

Moon smiles finally and then tells us, “Oh, and Celestia says she remembers your tea and that she wishes you all well.”

After she says this I see Mama Sutures smirk as she quietly says, “Here we go again.”

It is at that point when Mama Mollygirl tells us, “Well, Laura Lee and I need to get back to our commands. I will see you later tonight at the farm if I can. Oh, and Ginger, Epona, and Xochitl, I hope you can visit soon, and pass to the rest of your team as well as the other two that were with you our thanks for the work you did in help with recapturing Manesville.”

“Will do Ma,” I tell her. Then I watch as she and Laura Lee begin to head away. As they walk away, Moon excitedly tells us all about meeting Celestia and the other princesses in what she calls the Great In Between. The area between the universes.

Once she has finished Mama Sumac then tells us, “Dears, I do not know how long Archer is going to be in the hospital, but once he comes home, I think we may have a potluck with the neighbors as a welcome home party for him.”

Sometimes it still feels strange to think that she was like a grandmother to me before her daughter Ivy and my half-sister Epona were murdered. But after Mollygirl adopted me and she joined the family as a parent I have become even closer to her. I smile at this and tell her, “Sounds good, can we bring some of the other team members with us?”

“Yes dear, I think so, but if you can throw in with the meals, I would appreciate it.”

I shake my head and chuckle lightly as I tell her, “Now Mama Sumac, I have not forgotten the old rules of the Co-op about contributing to a meal if you are joining in. I still remember the stories of the hard times.”

She smiles back at me and replies, “Good, I am glad you understand dear. But as I said, bring what you can. Besides, Bucky and Woodrow have told us they think that they and the other youngsters can bring in a couple of radhogs for it.”

I feel my mouth water slightly at the thought of roast radhog and tell her, “Just let us know when and we will be there.”

I then see Mama Magpie look at her pastern watch and then tell the others with her, “Ok, family, we need to get back to the farm before it gets too late.” As she says this, I notice her shift slightly and see she is carrying a pistol on her hind leg. This surprises me slightly as she was always the gentlest of our parents.

Mama Sutures then tells her, “Yeah, you are right, there could still be some Enclave stragglers out here.”

With that, they all shift what weapons they are carrying and begin to head toward the family farm and White Cloud.

Then I hear my beloved ask, “Since we need to wait to see Father Archer, perhaps we can go visit some of the 3rd Regiment that we know and see how they are doing.”

I hear Epona answer him with, “Sure, why not, besides I want to talk to Morning Star and the other batponies. I know Sunny will want to know how she is doing.”

“I know he likes her, but do you really think he cares that much?” I ask.

I then hear my husband laugh lightly before he tells me, “You have not heard yet about his conversation with the Colonel after we got back home at her HQ? It seems that by telling her that he wanted to introduce her to his parents in front of the other batponies, he, um, how do I put this?” He pauses briefly then finally says, “He accidentally announced his intentions to court her, in their society. Now the clan honor is at stake as well as his desire to date her.”

“Huh, well maybe we should go talk to her more, you know, vet her for the clan and all?” I tell him with a wink of my eye.

Soon we are near the Headquarters for the 3rd Regiment and we get directions to the headquarters of their scout platoon. As we approach, we see Captain Trade Winds coming out of the bunker he is using for his command post.

We all wave to him and I see he looks surprised as he approaches us and asks, “Change your minds about enlisting?”

We all smile. Then I tell him, “Sorry sir, but no. We came to check up on Captain Archer, but he is sleeping so we figured we would visit some of the others we know.”

He nods his head, “Well, if you ever change your minds, I would be glad to have you in my troop.”

“Thank you, sir,” Epona tells him with a smile.

“So, who over here are you coming to see?”

“Sir, we came to visit with Lance Corporal Morning Star and her fellow batponies. We first met them a while back in Hoofington.”

He seems taken by surprise when I say this and he asks, “I heard the rumors that you guys had been down that way. Huh, so the rumors were right this time.”

“Yes sir, we just do not like to talk about where we have worked before. You know, operational security and all. So please, do not let it get out if you can.”

“Ok, no problem, mum is the word on that. Just one question, is it really as bad down there as they say?”

This time my husband replies, “Not anymore, but it is still no cakewalk down there. In fact, there are a lot of areas we do not want to go into.”

“OK, that makes sense. It has been a while since I was at Thunderhead, and we only stayed in the refugee camps there until Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider led our group out of there.”

I smile at this as I remember how surprised we were by the various refugee groups we had received from the Enclave back then. However, he misinterprets my smile at first and asks, “Is that funny to you?”

I hold up a hoof and tell him, “No, I just remember how surprised we were with all the new pegasi immigrants that the Co-op received while we were gone on the Expedition. It was a good memory from some hard times is all.”

“Oh, ok, sorry I misunderstood. Well, the night scouts should be waking up soon, they are in that bunker just fifty feet over. They keep the windows blocked during the day and usually get up about now.”

“Thank you, Captain. By the way, it was good seeing you again as well as working with you and the company those couple of days.”

We exchange pleasantries with him for a few more minutes and then we are on our way to see the thestrals, as Sunny prefers to call them.

As we approach the section of the trenches where their bunker is, I see Morning Star come out of its doorway stretching her wings.

I can tell when she sees us as she smiles, and then says something into the bunker in a language I cannot understand, but I realize is her native tongue. She then trots over to meet us and asks, “Is Sunset with you?”

From the corner of my eye, I see the eyebrows raise on both my husband and Cowlick. I smile and tell her, “No, he is still back at the shop. However, if you would like to visit him during your time off duty, feel free to visit him at the shop.”

I see her lightly bite her lip with one of her fangs, then she replies, “I would like that, but I know not where your shop lies.”

I nod my head then I tell her, “Let me see your PipBuck and I will mark it for you.”

She holds it up and I add the address, then I have another thought and I smile widely as I ask, “Would you like his PipBuck tag so you can find him easier when you are looking for him?”

I see her eyes go wide then, as she nods her head she asks, “You would do that for one such as I?”

I smile, “Yes, Morning Star, I would. We mares must stick together now, don’t we?”

Silently she nods her head. Then she says, “Please come into the bunker and we can all talk.”

Once inside, Asra, the one stallion of the foursome, first greets us, then he asks, “Did you hear the rumor, the Colonel’s daughter, she is now a Royal Princess?”

I smile at that as do the others with us, then Epona tells him, “Well, our little sister Moon Lily, has become an alicorn, however, she says that she is not a princess and does not wish to be treated as such. She has told us that Celestia herself has agreed to that.”

I do not know which part surprises them most, the fact that Moon Lily denies being royalty, or the fact that Epona and I are also the Colonel’s daughters. Finally, Ankareeda asks curiously, “How could she have become an alicorn and talked to Celestia?”

Epona smirks slightly and tells me, “Sis, I can field this question.” Then she begins to explain the multiverse and how Moon met Celestia, just not the one from our universe. Once she has finished the four of them all quickly talk to each other excitedly in their own language. Finally, Morning Star tells us, “She may not want to be one, but to us, she is one.”

I feel myself smiling again as I thank Sweet Cream that Moon was raised the way she has been. I would hate to think of what kind of mischief she could get into otherwise. We continue to visit with them for another bit before I finally I realize it is close to dinner time. I then tell the others, “We need to get moving if we want to see Papa Archer.”

Cowlick tells us, “Go ahead without me, I will catch up in a bit. I want to talk to these guys a bit more first.”

“Ok, Cow, we will see you then.”

Once we are inside the stable, we are escorted to the medical department, then we are taken to Papa Archer's room. As we go in, he is just beginning to eat his dinner. As he looks up at us, I can see he is trying to keep the left side of his face towards us so that he can see us better. The right side of his face is still wrapped with magical bandages. I can also see the wraps around his chest and the braces on his hind legs.

I step closer and say, “Hi Papa. How are you doing?” After I say this, I feel incredibly stupid as I know he has to be hurting badly.

He tries to smile and tells us, “I am doing ok, I guess. It sure beats laying next to a broken artillery piece and caisson.”

I can hear a bit of bitterness in his voice when he says this. Then he shakes his head, “Sorry kids, I am just afraid of what this could mean for my career, and honestly the pain is still pretty strong. They say it should be a couple more days before I can leave here and go home. After that, who knows.”

“Have you thought about if you want to get a cybernetic eye or if you are just going to wear an eye patch?”

He takes his time answering this as he takes another bite of his dinner. Then he answers, “Honestly, I will probably get a cyber eye. Otherwise, they will discharge me.” He pauses and lets out a soft sigh. Then he adds, “And while I fantasize about being a farmer, I know what I am best at.”

“I understand Father Archer, we all felt that way when we finished school. It is not always easy, but we are good at it, and honestly, just sitting home would be boring to us as well.”

Archer grins at him and replies, “Yep, you kids get it.”

We talk with him for another half hour before he looks at a clock on the wall and tells us, “You kids should get going. It is going to be dark before too much longer and I would feel bad if something happened to you.”

“Ok, Papa, we understand. But it has been a long time since we last saw you, and it just feels good to sit here and talk again.”

“Same, it has been too long since you were last home, but I understand. Perhaps someday you can tell me some of where you have been.”

“Someday, I hope.” I tell him as I stand up and give him a gentle kiss on his left cheek. “I will see you again soon Papa.”

*****

Stable Entrance, Manesville, Manesville District, NCR: Xochitl

As we leave the stable, I muse how good it was to see Archer again. He was right, it has been too long since we were last home. But at least we are now and when everybody to throw in the line mattered.

We are just getting ready to turn and head toward the shop when I hear a voice call, “Hey Kids, over here.”

I turn and I see Captain Badger trotting in our direction. I cannot help but smile with relief at seeing him again. Of all of Ginger’s parents, he is the one I feel closest to. He and I have both had many talks about our youths when we were slaves and then forced to grow up way too soon. However, I am slightly worried when I see the blood-soaked bandage on his side.

Ginger runs to him and throws her hoofs around his neck, “Thank Sweet Cream and the princesses that you are ok.”

He smiles and hugs her back as he tells her, “I am so glad to see you all are ok as well. Have you seen Archer yet?”

Epona gives him a brief hug as she tells him, “Yes Papa. We just got done seeing him.”

“How is he?” he asks cautiously.

“He will survive Papa. He was pretty banged up and lost an eye. But he will make it.”

I see an expression of relief cross over his face before he replies, “I am very relieved to hear that.” He pauses and then asks, “Have you seen the rest of the family? I have not had a chance to yet. My company just finished clearing out the last of the holdouts by the waterfront just this morning.”

After I hear this, I ask, “Is that when you got wounded?”

His face sobers up and goes neutral as he tells me, “No, that was two days ago when we first entered Manesville, the bastards set up an improvised explosive device. It killed three of my troopers who were near me. Wounded several more, then they opened fire with everything they had. Granted it was only a heavy squads worth of troops, but they still hurt us when there was no more reason to keep fighting. Funny thing is, we still took two of them as prisoners. The rest of them, well, let’s just say they will not be ambushing anypony ever again.”

“Glad to hear that, we had a group of them ambush us on our way back to the shop, but we were lucky they flew off. However instead of explosives, they ambushed us with ferals.”

He shakes his head, “Too bad about that. But if I remember right, didn’t those on the expedition do that too?”

“Father Badger, we only did that once, and to be honest, it was Captain Bridge who set that one up. However, it helped us avoid getting caught by Silver Spite out in the open,” I tell him.

“Hmmph, I guess so, but either way still does not sound like fun to me.”

“No, but it is life. Such as us having to rebuild the barn at the farm soon.”

He shakes his head and asks, “Son, what do you mean rebuild the barn.”

“It seems that when the Enclave attacked White Cloud, they also hit our farm. Fortunately, the mares and foals were able to fight thier way out and made it to Site Paddock. However, while doing so, the barn was brought down.”

“Ok, which one of my wives did that?”

I find myself lightly chuckling when he asks this. However, it is my wife who answers, “None of them Pa, it was Raven. She brought it down with Badda Boom while the others were providing suppressive fire from what I understand.”

“What about Xavier? I am sure he was there to help.”

“He was Papa from what I have been told by the others. He was even wounded during the skirmish there, and has since been fighting along with the militia,” Ginger continues.

I watch him think briefly then nod his head. Then he asks, “Anything else I should know about what has been going on with the family? I have not had a chance to find out how everpony is doing since we left for Manehatten.”

I smirk a bit when Ginger tells him, “Oh, and Moon Lily is now an alicorn. She got her wings just after she brought down the one raptor.”

I see the surprise on his face as he says to himself, “So that rumor was true.” He looks back at us and asks, “Does this mean she is a princess now?”

I shrug and I tell him, “Not according to her. But I will let her explain it to you when you see her next. She loves telling the story from what I can understand.”

“Ok, that sounds good, Now I best let you get going and I have to hurry up to get inside before visiting hours are over for Archer.”

I watch as he exchanges a brief hug with both his daughters, then he gives a quick one to me as well. As he breaks it from me, he whispers, “Thanks for taking care of them for me. But remember to take care of yourself too, young buck.”

“Yes Father, I will.”

“Good, now get going, I can see Cowlick is waiting for you with the cart harnessed already.”

Soon we find ourselves back at the shop. Once inside we all begin to relax again and head to the kitchen to see if there is anything left over to eat.

As we are finishing up, Sunny comes into the room and tells us, “Well, looks like my family’s farm took some damage. They did burn a good part of our crops, but the buildings are still standing. Ma and my siblings are running things there right now as Pa was shot when the Enclave hit.”

“I am glad to hear that, Sunny. About the farm, not that your Pa was shot.”

“Thanks, Chotil. I also talked to Pa about Morning Star. He and Ma want to meet her when we get the chance.”

“So, you really are serious about her aren’t you?”

He nods his head, “Yeah, I am. I have been thinking about her a lot. I never expected to meet a thestral before Hoofington, but somehow it just seems right when we are together.”

After he says this Ginger tells him, “Good to hear, because I have told her that she and the others can visit the shop when they get a pass, you know, so they can visit you.”

I see a big grin cross his face. “Thanks, Cous. I really appreciate it.”

I watch my wife put a hoof around his shoulder and smile as she tells him, “I can see she has a good effect on you Sunny, besides, you deserve to be happy as well.”

We talk with him for a bit more then as we are heading toward the basement bunker, we begin to hear the batponies ecolocation. The five of us stop, and instead we go to the front door. Just before we get to it, I see Morning Star has arrived along with the other three members of her set. I turn to look at Sunny and I see a big grin on his face as he begins to head outside.

As he trots up to her, I find myself chuckling slightly as both fight to keep their wings down. After a brief hello and kiss, they both turn and lead the others into the shop.

I watch the expression of surprise on their faces when they notice the entrance and ladder that leads to the shelter.

Asra has both ears forward and an expression of curiosity on his face as he asks, “What is down there?”

Cowlick smiles as he answers, “Oh, that is the shelter that I was telling you about.”

“And you sleep down there?”

“Yes, Asra, and we can watch prewar programs on a television down there too, Ya want to come down, and see?”

Asra nods his head, “May I?”

“Sure,” I tell him and the others. “Just be careful climbing down.”

Once down there We find Morning Mist and Days End playing cards With Eni and Meanie. They both nod to the new arrivals as they climb down. I see the surprise on the batponies faces at the size of the shelter. “This place is huge,” Arrats tells us.

From out of the doorway of one of the bedrooms there I hear Zhea say, “Welcome, it is a pleasure to meet you, but please do not be too loud, I have just laid Xanthippe down for the night.”

All the batponies are only mildly surprised by her presence and I hear Ankareeda say, “A pleasure to meet you, the others have told us about you and your daughter.”

I see the zebra ghoul smile as best she can. Then she replies, “They have also discussed you and your friends with me. Please come in and take a seat, would you like something to eat?”

“If you have enough to spare it would be appreciated,” Morning Star answers for all of them.

Ginger and I hang out with them for another couple of hours before we go to lay down for the night. Before we go to bed, Asra asks us, “So who are all the others living in the barracks across the way? This time Eni answers, “Oh, we are other teams like the Repair Ponies. We have worked with them on a couple of missions and after we helped liberate Manesville, our bosses have decided to stay here for a while to rest before our next jobs.”

“Interesting. Something I must remember later.”

After this, we go to bed. Come morning I am amused to find the batponies have all laid down for the day in the spare bunks we have set up. I find myself smiling as I notice that Morning Star is sleeping next to Sunny, with her head resting on his foreleg.

As he hears the rest of us getting up, he too gets slowly out of bed. As he stands up, he pulls the blanket back up on her and kisses her lightly on her forelock. I see her shift slightly and smile with her eyes closed. We all grab our gear and sneak out of room with the lights out. As I go out, I gently close the door and we all begin to dress for the day.

As we are dressing Choo Choo comes down the steps and asks, “Why are you dressing out here?”

“Oh, Hi Boss,” Ginger begins, “The batponies visited last night on a 24-hour pass. We are letting them sleep for the day before they head back for the night.”

“Ah, that explains Xanthippe and Zhea, mentioning them having visited last night, but being unsure of when they left.”

“How was your night Choo?”

She smiles and answers, “It was pleasant, I spent the night with my sisters and Paper Work in mine and George’s cave.”

“Glad to hear it Boss,” she tells her.

Then we hear Zhea say, “Breakfast is ready if you are. I have my daughter letting the other teams know already.”

“Thank you Zhea, I appreciate it,” I tell her.

Before the other teams arrive, Ginger tells her, “Choo, Moon Lily told us last night that she needs to see you to talk about something.”

Choo bites her lip briefly as she thinks, finally, she tells us, “Ginger, I will make a list for you of things I want done today, I will be going to White Cloud to see Moon. Thank you for letting me know she needed to talk.”

“No problem, Choo. Tell the family we will visit when we can.”

“I will do that Ginger. Now if you will excuse me, I have to make that list.”

A short time later, after we are eating breakfast Choo enters the mess hall and tells Ginger, “Here you are, I will talk to you more when I get back.”

With that, we watch her head towards the front of the shop, and we hear the door open and close. Ginger then looks at the list and nods her head, “Ok, here are today’s assignments…”

*****

Airspace, Manesville District, NCR: Choo Choo

As I make my way over Manesville towards White Cloud, I find my mind wandering. I think about dinner last night with my sisters and my love. Then my smile widens more as I remember him getting ready to leave and my sisters insisting that he stay and share my bed with me.

The poor dear turns red at first, but finally relented and agreed. It felt so good to just sleep with him in my hooves and wings again. I wish that he and I could wake up like that more often. The nightmares came for me first and he calmed me. Then later, I heard him in the midst of one. He also returns to the Valley in his nightmares. I so wish he did not, but who am I to say when so many of us who were there do?

This morning I even walked him to the stable before I flew to the shop. I do have to say I was stunned to find the batponies had spent the night, but then again, they do get along with my people. But that brings me to another worry, Sunny, and Morning Star, I hope he does not hurt her. It seems she has had a rough go of it as well. But then again, Sunny really does seem to care about her. Perhaps I should talk to his parents.

I am almost to White Cloud when I see a small black dot flying fast at me. Soon, the dot grows larger and I can tell it is a pony flying my way. Just before she reaches me, I see the horn and I know it is my great great granddaughter.

“GRANNY CHOO!!” she yells as she flies in for a hug.

“Hello Moon, how are you today?” I ask as I give her a brief hug and kiss her forelock.

“I am doing really good now that I have seen you. I knew you were ok, but,” she pauses and looks around briefly before she tells me, “Granny, I need to talk to you about something. I have talked about it with Mareigan and she agrees.”

This gets me to raise an eyebrow as this means she has been talking directly with the spirit of the Manesville region. It also gets my curiosity up. “Ok, shall we land and talk or shall we talk as we fly?”

I see her put a hoof under her chin in thought as she hovers in place. Finally, she says, “Let’s fly.”

“Very well dear, I will follow your lead. Now, what is it you want to talk to me about?”

“Well, have you heard what that mule of a pegasus that broadcast for the Enclave has been saying about us?”

“Moon, first, what have I told you about using the word mule as an insult?”

I watch her blush briefly, then she quickly apologizes. Once she has done so, I continue, “Second, no, I have not, please tell me, what and why it matters to us.”

She begins to tell me what lies she has heard on the Enclave station. Then she tells me what she thinks we should do, and how.

“Moon, I do understand now. However, I will need to talk to General Threat Vector to acquire some of the assets we will need for it. And dear, we will have to get your parents' permission to do this.”

I see her look slightly crestfallen when I say the last part. Then she says, “But my Ma will not understand Granny.”
I take a deep breath and slowly let it out as I think and then I tell her, “We may have to have a special talk with her so she can understand. but first let me talk to the General, then we can go from there.”

I swear I hear a slight squeal of joy come out of her before she tells me, “Thank you Granny. Now I best get to school.”

“Uh, Moon, why are you not at school now?”

I watch her blush as she says, “Well, my brothers and sisters are still on their way, I told them I had to go back to the farm for something and I might be a couple of minutes late. I had hoped I would see you.”

“Ah, ok, then let us continue our conversation as we fly to your school.”

Once we are at the local schoolhouse, she lands and trots quickly inside, just as the teacher rings the bell. Myself, I decide that perhaps today I should first stop for tea at the White Cloud Pub. Then I will see if the General has time to see me.

Once I arrive back at the stable, I quickly flash my Ranger badge to the guards at the stable main entrance. As I flew over, I seen some of the soldiers working to dig out the rear entrance that had been blown shut during the recent battle.

As I enter the Brigades headquarters area, I am met by Major Pin Point. “Captain Choo, what can I help you with?”

“Major, I would like to discuss with the General, a suggestion for a campaign to undermine the morale of the Enclave, as well as hamper their ability to broadcast propaganda to our people.

“I, uhm, see. Captain, the General is a very busy Griffon, he may not have time to see you right now, but if you would please wait here, I will see if he can make time for you.”

“Thank you, Major, that is all I can ask.”

I watch as the older unicorn knocks lightly on the General’s office door then enters and closes it behind him. A few minutes later he comes back out and tells me, “He is in a meeting right now; however, he should be done soon if you care to wait.”

“Thank you, Major, I will do that.”

I wait an hour before I see the door open and several staff officers leave his office. Several of them are shaking their heads.

Finally, I am told, “Captain, the General will see you now.”

“Thank you, Major.” I answer as I get to my hooves and trot briskly to the office, knock three times, and enter when told to do so.

Once inside I find myself saluting him. “Relax, Captain,” the middle-aged griffon tells me. Take a seat and tell me what is on your mind.”

So, I take a seat and I tell him what Moon Lily has suggested to me, leaving out that it was her idea, and the part about a spirit suggesting it.

He nods his head, “That would buy us some time as well. Do you think this Moon Lily would be willing to go along with you?”

“Yes sir, however, I do believe we will have to talk to her parents to get permission. Also, sir, we will need to talk to Colonel Mollygirl about using her scouts.”

“Hmm, yes, I will handle talking to her about the scouts. I will also see about talking to her and her spouses about Moon Lily going with you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Do not thank me yet Captain, I will do what I can to free up the assests for you. However, I cannot guarantee Colonel Mollygirl and her spouses answers yet.” He pauses then tells me, “This goes no further than you and I Captain but I need to bitch to someone and I know you can be trusted. Getting their permission may be the easier of the task I have to do this week. That meeting you just saw breaking up was my staff and I trying to figure out how to rebuild the brigade after that last fight. The 1st regiment is out for the count right now. The second and the third both took heavy casualties in the fighting, and now, I have orders from the General Staff in Junction Town to federalize the Manesville Militia into service as our 4th Regiment. By the Great Egg, I am sure that Sirocco is going to be pissed to high heaven when he hears this.”

“I knew casualties were high sir, but I had not realized just how high.”

“Hopefully if you had not realized that, then the Enclave will not either. We need time to rest and rebuild. What you are suggesting may just buy us that needed time.

I nod my head, “I understand sir.”

“Good, I will let you know when I will talk to Moon Lily’s parents.”

After that, I am dismissed and return to the shop. Two days later, Millie and three of her filly friends come to the shop to visit Xanthippe. At the time my team is practicing building clearing with the Fixers as our opponents.

We have just finished up and are returning to the shop when Millie trots happily over to me and tells me, “Granny Choo, my Pa is coming home tomorrow. We are going to have a big party. Ma said to invite all of you to it.”

“All of us, or just my team?”

Ginger then answers, “Hey Boss, when we visited Papa Archer last time Mama Sumac told us we could bring all three teams, plus our shop team. However, it is a potluck, so we need to chip in on food.”

Millie then adds, “Yeah, before we came over, we found a couple of radhogs eating some of the dead, so we shot them and they are going into the ground to cook after the colts finish cleaning them out.”

I feel my mouth begin to water at the thought of roast radhog. I quickly smile and tell her, “Let your parents know we will be there, ok? “

I see her smile as she tells me, “Thanks, Granny Choo. Now we need to get going back to White Cloud before it begins to get dark.”

She then hugs me and her older sisters. As she does so, I tell her and her friends, “Now be careful on your trip home, we are not sure if all of the Enclave stragglers have been rounded up yet.”

Millie grins and just pats the carbine slung across her back. As she does this one of the other fillies, who I remember is named Good Doer tells me, “That is why we are armed Ma’am. These are not just for hunting.”

Later that night we lock up the shop and head to the welcome home party for Archer. I hope the General has gotten a chance to talk to Moon’s parents by now. But if not, it should liven things up a bit.

On my way there I tell the others, “I will meet you there, I need to get my sisters also.”

I see Ginger laugh lightly as she replies, “Boy I hope Ma and the others planned for a big party tonight.”

Once my sisters and I are together we fly to the farm. From above I am surprised to see just how large it is. From above I can already see several ghouls from Site Paddock as well as calves and fouls from White Cloud running around and playing.

I feel myself getting excited for the meal as I smell the cooked meat as it is pulled from the fires and being cut up by Badger and Sumac. I am relieved inside as I see Archer lying on a blanket, next to his other daughter Raven.

I have to smile though as Moon Lily runs up to me and tells me, “Granny, it is so good to see you again.”

I wrap my wings around her and kiss her on her forehead, “It is so good to see you too little one.”

Beside me, my sisters are smiling and I hear one of them say, ({She seems to not have let her wings affect her attitude, I am very glad to see this.})

({I told you she was special, dear sister,)} I hear the other reply.

Then I see a broad smile cross Moon’s face and I hear, ({Thank you both my great aunts!})

I feel the surprise from both of my sisters, then I cautiously ask, ({Moon, how did you do that?})

({Oh, easy Granny, I heard Quick Frost first, then I felt the magic spell from Blue Star as she replied and I copied the spell.})

Then I hear Quick Frost say, ({Very impressive young mare, but when we are in public we need to remember to speak aloud so as not to make others feel uncomfortable.})

I continue to talk with my great great granddaughter along with my two sisters. I then quietly tell her, “I talked to the general. He said he would discuss it with your parents.”

“Thank you, Granny, I really appreciate it.”

We continue to talk with her when I see the rest of my team, as well as the other two teams arrive. I smile as I watch both Magpie and Laura Lee assist them in putting up their contributions on the appropriate tables.

Shortly after this, I see General Threat Vector has arrived. He sees me and nods his head in my direction then comes over to me and tells me, “I have let the Colonel know that I wanted to talk to her and her spouses about one of their family members, I would like you to be ready to come and discuss it with them after I tell them.”

“Of course, General, of course.”

I then see him sniff the air and I can see him smile as best he can as he tells me, “That smells really good. I better go get some.”

The farmyard is beginning to fill up when I notice some of the guests here begin to pull out musical instruments and begin having an impromptu jam session.

As the music begins to play, Paper Work excuses himself and asks me for a dance. The first song is a fast one and we both are slightly lathered by the end of it. The next one is Poor Colt’s delight and we begin to slowly waltz along with several others.

Soon I hear the familiar sound of the batponies echolocation as they approach the party. I look over at George and I see her briefly look up, smile, and resume eating a whole leg of radhog that Sumac has just put on her plate.

As soon as they land, my great grand daughter turns excitedly and tells her three friends who had joined us and my sisters, “Oh they came. I finally get to meet real batponies.”

Beside her the young hippogriff and two pegasi sisters get excited as well. And I hear one of them ask, “Can we meet them too?”

I nod and tell them, “I am sure they would not mind.”

I cannot help but smile as my descendent trots over to meet them her wings begin to rise in excitement and I see all four of the night scouts’ eyes open wide, their mouths hang open briefly and they begin to bow to Moon Lily. Then I hear Morning Star say, “Your royal highness, forgive our failure to expect you.”

I feel some pride as Moon Lily stops and tells them, “Please, get up. I am not a princess. I am just a citizen of the NCR.”

I believe it is Asra who replies, “But, but you are a young alicorn and with your color, you are not one of the pony-made ones.”

Moon finishes her approach to them and she tells them, “You are right, and I have met the Princesses. Well at least some from one of the other universes, and yes, they did make me. However, Celestia herself told me she understood how things were here and told me as there are not any princesses left, I did not have to be one, but I could still be ascent, a send, ascended into an alicorn.”

The four thestrals approach her and I hear the one I think is Arrats ask her, “Other universes? What other universes?”

When she hears this, I see Epona pull her hoof from around Purchase Order and say, “Ok, Moon, I will get this one for you.”

Moon Lily then puts a hoof in front of her muzzle and giggles before she says, “Thanks Pona.”

After a while, I see the General has Mollygirl get the rest of her spouses and they go inside the house.

I wait a few minutes and then I begin to approach the house so I can assist the General when he is ready.

I have just about gotten to the front door when I hear a commotion inside then Moon Lily’s mother Sutures yelling, “Goddess Damn it! Choo Choo, get your ass in here, NOW!”

I begin to enter the door and I see Mollygirl and Archer both have a hoof on her shoulders and are trying to calm her down as she again yells, “I am going to kill her, I don’t care if I am descended from her.”

From the doorway I then calmly tell the General, “I guess you just told her our suggestion?”

I am almost surprised as again both Mollygirl and Archer grab Sutures as she tries to lunge for me. This is followed by Moon Lily entering behind me and I am slightly surprised as her horn lights up and Sutures freezes. She then says, “Sorry ma. But you need to calm down and listen.”

Oh, that is not good, I think to myself, young mare what have you done now? I watch the stunned expressions come over the faces of all of Moon’s parents. Then Moon tells them, “Actually it was me that suggested it to Choo after I talked to the Mareigan last night. Ma, Mas, and Pas, the Enclave said we used multiple mega spells. They accused us of horrible acts and are trying to get the NCR to turn on itself. Ma, I have to do something. Else, me ascending was for nothing.”

I watch as her horn’s brightness adjusts and while still frozen, Sutures is finally able to speak and tells her, “Moon Lily you are in so much trouble for this young mare.”

Moon looks down and nods her head, then she tells her mother, “I know mother, and when I return, I will accept any punishment, including a magic inhibition ring. But ma, we need to do this. Ma, Pa, I have to do this. Please understand.”

After she says this, she releases Sutures from her spell and we all see Sutures look at her daughter with anger in her eyes. “Moon Lily, I love you. But you need to understand you still have things to learn.”

To this, the young alicorn answers her mother, “Ma, I do realize it. I am still your filly, I know that. I still need to go to school when I can. I know that. But Ma, I don’t think anypony else can do this and have it work right for us.”

Eventually, Sutures sits down and closes her eyes, I notice that she is silently crying, and I realize it is because she knows her daughter's foalhood is ending so much earlier than it should. Then I watch as Laura Lee comes over and puts a hoof on her shoulder and tells her, “Dear, she will be with Choo, and they will have a very experienced escort. And to tell the truth, she seems to have thought this out thoroughly.”

I am slightly amused though as she stops and then asks Moon Lily, “By the way, who is this Mareigan?”

This is followed by General Threat Vector asking, “Yeah, I was just going to ask that myself.”

Mollygirl begins to answer them as she turns to both and says, “Well that is a bit of a long story, but I think it would help you both to understand White Cloud as well as the rest of the Manesville area a bit more.” Then she sits down and begins to tell them all about the Mareigan.

I watch both, the General’s, and Laura Lee’s faces and am amused as she continues to explain. Finally, when she is done Threat Vector looks at Sutures and asks, “So we are planning this mission on the suggestion of a spirit that your daughter can see?”

Sutures, to her credit, shakes her head, then smiles and tilts her head as she looks at him and replies, “No, not only her. Several of us have seen her. Besides, you have a battalion commander who is a griffon, that has fathered a child with a mare. A regimental commander who has not only been dead and came back, but the local ghouls can tell she has just by looking at her. Oh, and my daughter has ascended to being an alicorn. And you think listening to the suggestion by a spirit, who happens to be the spirit of this region, is surprising?”

Laura Lee stifles a laugh as she says, “Don’t forget an artillery captain who has fathered a foal with a Jenny.”

When she says this, I can tell that Mollygirl is about to lose it laughing, but she holds it in check The General ruffles his wings a bit, then he shakes his head and laughs slightly, “Well ma’am, when you put it like that I guess not.”

Eventually, we all head back outside. As we do, I notice that Sunny’s parents, Trouble and Blondie have arrived along with his younger siblings. I smile when I see their reaction to how Sunny now seems to be on the verge of having a real marefriend.

Sunny quickly introduces Morning Star first to his parents, then the others. As they continue to talk I notice that most of the thestrals talk more to Trouble, while Morning Star spends her time talking to Blondie. A short bit later, I find myself eavesdropping on their conversation when I hear Blondie telling Morning Star, “Dear, anytime you would like to come to visit our farm, please do.”

I see the relief come over Morning Star’s face as she says, “Thank you so much. I will do so if you do not mind.”

“But of coarse dear, perhaps sometime when you visit, I can even teach you how to make some of his favorite meals, and you can teach me how to make some of yours.”

Off to the side, I see Smiley and Mort both talking to George. I also notice that the other teams’ members have spread out and are talking with many of the locals as well.

Soon I hear Blue Star ask, ({Ok my sister, what was the ruckus about inside the house a bit ago?})

({The General asked them for permission to have your niece accompany me and my team on a mission.})

({You are not seriously considering taking that young filly out into the wastelands on one of your missions, are you?})

I feel myself sighing as I tell her, ({Yes, my sister, I am. She is the only one who can effectively complete this mission. If I felt anyone else could, then I would have them instead. Remember she is of my bloodline and I feel a special bond with her.})

({Are you sure dear sister?})

({Yes, even the Mareigan has told her.})

({Do not tell me you too believe in that old superstition.})

I shake my head, ({I have met her before, during one of my lowest points about six or seven months back.})

({Really sister, I have a hard time believing you would not share a secret like that with us.})

({I am sorry, but I was ashamed of how low I felt. I did not want you to think less of me. But touch your horn to mine and I will share the memory.})

Her horn touches mine and I transfer the memory of that day when I first met her as well as the events that lead up to it. When she finishes, she tells me, “I am sorry I had not believed you. You have my support and I will explain to Quick Frost for you.”

“Thank you, sister, now we should rejoin the others.”

The next day I recieve a message from Ranger Headquarters authorizing my team’s mission. The same transmission also gives the Fixers and the Troubleshooters their next missions as well. However, before my team can leave for our big mission, most of them will be performing a small mission with the Troubleshooters.

The Fixer’s on the other hoof will be taken one of the Vertibucks we arrived in and flying back to Baltimare. Mainly to assist in training the troops there, but to also assist in counter recon as the Enclave still has teams of scouts working in that area.

As I carry the message out to Mort and Mudwing I tell my team, “Team briefing with the Troubleshooters in half an hour, while you wait get your field kits ready.” Then I am out the door to visit my other two contemporaries.

I see the surprise on both of their faces. Mort then asks, “Are you serious?”

I nod my head, “Yeah, comes from Faint Stride himself in Junction Town. If you want Mort, we can share the briefing room for both teams to inform them. Mudwing, if you want you can use it as well when we are done.

“Thank you, Choo, I will do that.” She replies. She then looks at her orders again smirks a bit and tells us, “Ya know, my team has really enjoyed working with both of your teams as well. Maybe we will end up together again sometime.”

Mort nods his head and I smile as I tell her, “Honestly, I would not be surprised. I have a feeling they have several more teams like us, and I would bet a case of Sparkle Cola Rad that they are all getting orders like ours.”

Mort laughs, “Now that is a thought. Now we best hustle, I have a few of my team members who are going to want to visit White Cloud before we hit the trail again.”

I nod my head, “I think you have a good idea on that. By the way Mort, I want you to be in charge of my team as well until I can rejoin all of you.”

He grins back and shakes his head as he asks, “That’s nice and all Choo, but what about your second, don’t ya think Ginger will be a bit upset with that?”

I shake my head as I hold up a forehoof and tell him, “No, she understands you are the ranking Ranger for the mission. Besides I will talk to her to help her understand.”

“Thanks Choo, now I best get my team.”

Once all the team members are together both Mort and I give our people the quick rundown of where they are going next, how they will get there, and what the mission is. When we finish, I tell Sunny, “Sunny, I need you to stay behind with me. We need to get Moon ready before we leave.” I pause briefly and then add, “And if her friends happen to want to join, well we can use them as opposition forces for the training.”

At first, I see the disappointment come over his face, then as he realizes this means that the batponies will be staying behind until we leave and that he is being entrusted with being his younger cousin's trainer. I see him grin and nod his head, “Sounds good Boss.”

“OK, everyone, let us get all of the gear you will need and your kits onto the cart so we can get it down to the waterfront. After that, you are off until the morning after tomorrow. Then I want you all onboard by nine in the morning.”

Mort looks at his people and tells them, “Same, but let’s get there by eight, so that it is not as noticeable got it. Now let’s get going people”

We both are surprised when both teams yell back, “Got it!” then jump to their hooves and begin to get to work.

As both teams make their way out, Mudwing’s make their way in. Eni smiles at me and tells me, “Sounds like fun is coming up.”

*****

Rainbow Dash Skyport, Hoofington, Grand Pegasus Enclave Territory: Ball Lightning.

I am just entering the vendors area of the Skyport when I notice off to the side that same sergeant that was in the video from the bombing appears to be following Scraps and Patchwork. I step to the side and just observe from a distance. Soon they see me and come over to me.

“Hi Papa,” Patch Work tells me, “We were just turning in some salvage we found in one of the hangers.” Her horn flares slightly as she pulls some caps out of her saddlebag. Then she continues, “See, we got some caps even.”

Beside her Scraps nods his head and smiles as well.

I nod my head and smile at them. “That is great kids, now why don’t you head over to Alizée’s shop and wait with your older sister there for me.”

“Okay Papa,” they both say and then trot happily away.

As they go, I watch them heading straight for her shop. I nod my head, then I turn back towards the direction they were coming from. As I do so, I notice the sergeant is now almost to me. Once he reaches me he smirks with a hint of maliciousness in his eyes. Then he tells me, “Cute kids Captain, it would be a tragedy if something were to happen to them or your wife. I mean, with them traveling all about, like to the Volunteer Corps station.” The last he says with a slight cruel laugh.

That is it. I take him by the back of his neck with my forehoof and shove him against the wall, slamming his face against it. I am almost growling as I tell him, “You can threaten me all you want. If you threaten my kids or wife again, I swear by the Goddesses that they will never find a single feather of your motherless body.”

With his face crushed against the wall, he laughs out the side of his mouth before he tells me, “You are an idiot, do you even know who you are messing with? Do you know what I can have done to you, especially for this?”

I am considering ramming his face against the wall again when I feel a forehoof on my shoulder, and I hear Air Burst quietly tell me, “Let him go Captain. This is not the time or the place.”

The sergeant is now grinning as I begin to release him. That is until Air Burst smiles back at him and tells him, “Besides, I am pretty sure you do not have orders to follow foals, so I could report you and have you branded for being a pedo. Do you understand me, Sergeant?”

I see him slowly nod his head as his face goes pall. “Yeah, I get you.”

“Good, now get going, and do not bother the captain or his family again.”

He quickly turns and trots away from us deeper into the Skyport. I then turn to Air Burst and tell him, “Thanks for keeping me out of trouble.”

He shakes his head and tells me, “Ball, I may have just delayed it, but give me a chance and I think we can take care of this. But until then, watch your back.”

“I will Air, I will. So, what brings you here today?”

“I was hoping to run into you. I must talk to you about a couple of things that I really do not want to discuss in public.”

I nod my head in understanding as I tell him, “Okay, but let me go meet Sundancer at Medical, she had a neonatal appointment today.”

He nods his head, “Good to hear, I have heard she is volunteering there as well.”

“Yeah, as much as she can. She is still being very cautious since the false labor.”

“I am glad she is taking it serious then.” After he tells me this he asks, “Ball, is there somewhere we can talk in private? This is important and I need to talk to you where nopony can listen.”

I think briefly then I tell him, “Air, we are only a short distance from the old Air Control tower, let’s head there before I go meet my wife.”

“Sounds good, lead the way.”

Once we are there, he checks the tower electronics closely to make sure they are all dead. I watch as he checks a couple of more things before he tells me, “Ball, I have to talk to someone about this, but I don’t have anyone else I trust beside you. Ball, I was approached last week by a pony I have known for years, and he is trying to recruit me into a coupe against President Winter Wind.”

I find myself sighing as I tell him, “Damn peace at any costs ponies, don’t they ever learn.”

He shakes his head, and explains to me, “It is not them this time. This time it is some of the higher ups in command. They feel she had tied their wings and not allowed them to fight like they should. Ball, they want to replace her.”

“Why? Yes, we have had a few setbacks, but that happens in war. We can adjust and take to the offensive again.”

“That is not it, Ball. They want full control. Haven’t you noticed that recently even Hallowed Dreams has started to criticize her.”

I find myself frowning as I tell him, “How could they say that? She even let them attack Manesville.”

He laughs joylessly, and then surprises me, “Ball, that was not ordered. That was a target of opportunity by one of the Generals, I am not sure which one, but I have heard rumors about the origins of that order. Worse though is that they have shifted the blame for their failure onto her.”

“What should we do Air?”

“What can we do Ball? I wish I knew, just keep your head about you, pay attention to who you discuss things with and we fly our way through the storm and hope we don’t get hit by a downdraft or a derecho. But we have to survive, so do what you have to, for you and your family.” He pauses and nods his head, “Oh, and like I said, we will make sure the Sergeant there learns to mind himself as well.”

I shake hooves with him and he tells me, “Tell your wife I said hi. Sorry I can’t stick around, but I have a few things to take care of now. Oh, and perhaps we can have lunch in the next couple of days.”

I smile at the invite and tell him, “Sounds good Air. Be careful and thanks for letting me know what is going on.”

“No problem Ball. Like I told you before, I do not have a lot of friends, but those I have I look out for.”

“Same here, now we best get going before someone wonders what we were doing up here.”

He nods his head and leads me back down. Once back down below, I see him take off and fly back towards the secured hanger. I shake my head and wonder what he is going to do and how it will help.

Three days later I am called to the Battalion CO’s office along with Lieutenant Blotter. Once we arrive, he has us take a seat and then he tells us, “Our higherups have sent us the location of where our suspect for the bombing occurred. His name is Pyric Victory and he is listed as armed and dangerous. Our superiors have already made arrangements with the Commonwealth leadership and law enforcement for us to take the suspect into custody. Captain, as you have experience dealing with those from those organizations, I need you to accompany Lieutenant Blotter on this raid. Lieutenant, take your best squad. While we do not expect resistance, be ready for it just in case. Your Vertibuck leaves in two hours, now let’s do this Gentlecolts.”

We both respond, “Yes, Sir!” as we jump to our hooves and quickly head back to our company. On our way I see Sundancer and she asks us why we are in such a hurry.

I simply tell her, “Love I can’t say, but we have to move quick.”

While she does not like the answer, she nods her head and tells me, “Good luck, and remember we all love you Ball.”

“I love you too, but we really have to move.” Then we are past her.

Soon we are entering the company’s perimeter. I tell him, “Lieutenant, you know your orders, I am getting my kit and will meet you at your office in half an hour.”

“Yes sir. Sir, I have never done anything like this before, is there any special equipment my troops need?”

I think briefly, “Yes, I want one of them to have a riot shield for when we breach that door. All of them are to have full combat gear and helmets on. Also, make sure they each have their personal first aid kit and tourniquet on them.”

“Sir, why the concentration on the first aid kits?”

I shake my head as I wish I did not have to explain, “Blotter, I know you have never had to make a combat entrance so you may not understand this, but the first pony through that door stands a good chance of getting shot if he is armed. The following may take casualties as well. I want us to be prepared for the worst.”

I watch as his excitement begins to wane along with the blood from his face. Finally, he gulps and asks, “Captain, do you think that will happen?”

“Blotter, I hope not, but let’s be ready for the worst. Just in case, now go get your people ready.”

As he turns and heads to round up his troops, I make my way to my office. First, I put on my barding and my MP brassards, then my battlesaddle. I add my pistol and my MEW next, and finally, I put on my helmet. I shake my head after I do so as I had originally laughed when they issued me a MP style helmet, with its transparent face piece, after all, I never figured I would be going into the field again like this.

After I am kitted out, I make my way to Lieutenant Blotters HQ, as I arrive, I see he has ten troopers and a medic kitted out as well and ready to go. When I am close, he tells me, “Sir, I figured if we are concerned about casualties, we should have a combat medic with us. I hope you do not think I overstepped my bounds.”

“No, not at all. Good thinking. Now let’s get over to the flight line so we can mount up.”

We fly quickly in formation across the skyport to the flight line where I see a single transport vertibuck warming up. After we land nearby, we are approached by a staff officer and one of the aircrafts crew. The staffer approaches me and tells me, "I will be going with you as a liaison with the Brood when we land.”

“Excellent, I am glad to have you with us,” I tell him as I shake his hoof.

Then the crewman for the waiting vertibuck tells me, “I am the crew chief for your ride there. Now I need your people in a staggered double formation and follow me up the rear ramp.”

He turns and quickly trots with his head down and we follow him inside and he directs us where to sit. Right after the last of us is loaded, he turns around and hoof signals to the Pilot and Co-pilot that we are ready.

The vertibuck this time instead of taking off straight up, makes a rolling takeoff and circles partially around the airfield as it aligns itself for the flight to our landing zone.

The flight only takes ten minutes, and I recognize some of the buildings. Our target did choose a decent area to hide out in. As soon as we land, we are led back out and we are met by a member of the Brood. His face is mostly covered by his hood, but I still recognize the voice as he greats and tells us, “We know where he is, and we will have one of our unicorns go with you to stun him so you can make the arrest. No need for any of your people getting hurt if we don’t need to.”

“I agree, I will be moving forward with my team, however, the Lieutenant is in direct charge of them.”

He nods his head and as a unicorn in a hood approaches us, he tells me, “Here is the unicorn I told you would be accompanying your team.”

“Thank you again,” I tell him, then I turn to the unicorn and tell him, “Show us the way.”

He leads us several blocks then into the rundown apartment building that the suspect is hiding in. We follow him in a single file line. Once we are outside the door where he is, he motions for us to stop. Next, I watch him close his eyes and concentrate, after which his horn lights up and he tells us, “Go!”

One of my troopers kicks the door open with both back hooves and the rest of the team moves past him as they enter the main room and secure it, then one of them leads down a small hallway to a bedroom. There we find him in bed, awake, but unable to move.

My MPs slap a set of shackles on his hind and front legs, then bind his wings against his sides. I approach behind them and am surprised as I realize, that our suspect, Pyric Victory, is the sergeant from the other day, as well as our original suspect.

The Brood unicorn releases his spell and Pyric begins to yell, “Who the Tartarus do you think you are? What are you doing? Do you even know who I am?”

I smirk as Blotter walks up and tells him, “I do not think it matters Sergeant. We have a warrant for your arrest.”

As they help him to his hooves, I add, “Sergeant, you will be lucky if they only brand you as a Dashite for what you have done.”

I can see the panic on his face and the fear in his eyes as he suddenly tells me, “Captain, I will talk, just, just don’t do this.”

I shake my head and tell Blotter, “Lieutenant, take the prisoner into custody.”

Soon we have him back at the RDS and escort him to the lockup. I see several guards looking at him with hate in their eyes. I then tell them, “Remember, he is my prisoner, and he will pay for what he has done, but as a court decides.”

Both of their faces go blank as they both say, “Yes, sir.”

After this, I return to the Battalion Commander's office and tell him, “Sir, the prisoner has been turned over to the guards in the base stockade for now.”

“Very good, thanks for letting me know Captain.”

“My pleasure sir, but what happens to him now?”

He shrugs his wings. Then answers, “I am not sure, but I have an idea he will be transported to Thunderhead for a public trial.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Makes sense Colonel. If so, I would like the honor of being one of his escorts.”

He nods his head and moves his ears in understanding. Then he tells me, “Ball, I will see what I can do, but make sure you are not doing this strictly for personal reasons.”

I smile ruefully and tell him, “Sir, if I did what I wanted, he would have never made it here, he would have panicked and tried to escape from the vertibuck while we were a couple of thousand feet in the air, while still wearing his shackles and wing bindings.”

He chuckles back, “Yeah, I understand Captain. I will let you know as soon as I find out.”

“Thank you, Sir,” I answer after which I am dismissed.

The next day at officers' call, I am told, “Captain Ball, have a squad of troops ready to escort Pyric Victory to Thunderhead for processing and trial tomorrow morning. Standard barding, no need for heavy gear this time.”

“Yes sir, do you want me to assist in the escort?”

He shakes his head, “No, not all the way there, but you can assist in making sure that he makes it onto his flight along with his escorts.”

The following morning, after the morning muster, I meet a squad of my MPs and we begin to walk him through the terminal toward the flight line. As we go, I see that a crowd has formed with a TV news crew from Thunderhead, as well as some print reporters. We are almost to the main entrance when from out of the crowd, an older pegasus leaps forward with a pistol in muzzle. Before we can fully react, he has emptied the revolver into Pyric Victory.

In horror, I yell out, “Sergeant of the guard, arrest that stallion!” I turn and call on my PipBuck, “I need a medical team at the main entrance to the terminal ASAP, we have pegasus male down with multiple gunshot wounds.”

I barely hear their reply that they are on the way as I rip open a first aid packet and begin to apply the bandage by sticking it into one of the wounds. But there are just too many of them. I hear his breathing becomes raspy and I lift his head to help him breathe just as the medics arrive. As they are putting him on the stretcher, I hear him cough several times, then I watch as he goes limp and stops breathing.

The medics look at each other and they begin to run with him as fast as they can to medical. I look down at my hooves and they are covered in blood as is part of my uniform. I turn to the sergeant of the guard who has the shooter in custody and order him, “Take him to security for lock up.”

I then briskly trot to the medical department where I learn he has died when I see the doctor pull a sheet over his head and say to a nurse, “Mark time of death 0933 hours.”

I shake my head and slowly make my way to my CO to let him know that our prisoner is dead. One more body to add to the count from the attack. One less trail to follow because of one pony acting in anger preventing us from learning any more from Pyric Victory. Perhaps he was named very aptly I think to myself as I get ready to enter the HQ.

*****

Good evening to all of you out there in the wastelands, this is DJ Pon3 coming to you once again from Ten Pony Tower in Manehatten bringing you the truth, no matter how much it hurts. We have a lot to talk about in tonight’s show.

In tonight’s headlines we have received news of the capture of several suspects in the recent bombings of the Enclave Volunteer Corps offices. The Enclave is claiming that those they have captured were members of a pro-NCR terrorist organization called NICKER. While the three suspects were all from different bombings, none of them survived. Two have been killed during the arrest, and the third has been killed by a distraught bystander.

In NCR news, President Regina Grimfeathers has narrowly retained her position after the most recent vote of the Assembly. While not removing her from power, her opponents did manage to censor her.

In further war news, it has been announced that several regional militias will be federalized for the duration. While most of them will not be deployed from their home regions, some may still be used to replace the recent heavy losses taken in battles at Los Pegasus, Manesville, and outside of Chicacolt.

In related news, due to the heavy damage of crops that occurred during several of the recent battles, the NCR government is encouraging the increase in growing private patches of crops for self-stainability with whatever extra you can grow being stored.

From the far coast, we have news that NCR forces in San Prancisco have been forced out by Enclave forces. Those few, brave, NCR troops who remain, have dug in on Ponytraz Island. Recent attempts to relieve them have all been rebuffed.

Now it is time for some music after which I will return with more news and tips for surviving in the wastelands and combat areas. Leading tonight’s music is This Present Darkness

Author's Note

As the chapter name states, decisions have been made in this chapter that will begin to alter the course and face of the war in both the NCR and the Enclave.

The scene of Moon Lily's parents, the General, and Choo Choo discussing Moon going with the Repair Ponies on a mission has been discussed before in Fallout Equestria: Borderlands but from the point of view of Mollygirl. I found it interesting to see it from a different perspective, and if you have read it from that previous POV, I hope you have enjoyed it as well.

Also, I would like to note that I try to keep the readers appraised of the bigger picture of the war through the use of radio shows. This is much like how it often is for those in war zones.

For those who would like to listen to this chapters song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MDHJ9RPTUA