Chapter 52 Family, Friends, and Memories Made

“You get a strange feeling when you're about to leave a place...like you'll not only miss the people you love but you'll miss the person you are now at this time and this place, because you'll never be this way ever again.” ― Azar Nafisi, Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books

White Cloud, Manesville District, NCR: Ginger Snaps

Once the cart is loaded, Choo has Diode take it to the waterfront and tells us, “Remember, 9 am the day after tomorrow you meet at the Colt.”

“Thanks, boss,” I tell her.

Epona smiles widely and tells her, “You got it boss.”’

Cowlick then adds, “Thanks again, Choo. I really have wanted to spend some time home before we head out next.”

Several others all repeat similar things to her before Choo finally, smiling tells us, “I understand, now you best get going.”

As we all head out, most of us going toward White Cloud, I look back and see her along with Sunny and Zhea watching us go. They see me look back and wave to me. I wave one more time and then catch up with the others for this final two days of peace before we depart.

I almost laugh as we leave in a group, a couple of the Troubleshooters head into Manesville, nearer the stable, but the rest of us continue chatting and joking with each other as we make our way to White Cloud.

On the walk, I find myself holding tails with my husband. I then notice Tater and Twinks are doing the same. From above us, I hear Morning Mist talking animatedly with Double Back and Days End.

As we reach the farm, Xochitl and I go to his parents’ house while the others continue into town and the local pub. As we reach the porch, I hear Mama Sutures tiredly say from the porch of the big house, “Hey son, your mom is still in the fields with Sumac. Your Pa should be back in a bit as he does not have duty with the militia tonight or tomorrow.”

I smile as I hear my husband answer her, “Thank you Mother Sutures for letting me know.”

She nods her head and I ask, “Another late night?”

She sits on her porch and tells us, “Yeah, the Plow Shears had twin calves last night.” She pauses then asks, “So what are you two doing here this early in the afternoon?”

“We are on standdown until the day after next. Then we are back at it hard again.”

“Can you tell me where you are going this time?”

“Sorry Mama Sutures, but we can not do that. Security and all,” I reply.

She nods her head and then tells us, “Well, I am glad to have you home for what time we can. As you can see the new barn got put up after the party.”

“How is Papa Archer?”

“Oh, he is okay. Just getting bored of sitting around and recovering until they can replace his eye.” She then asks, “So where is Epona?”

I laugh lightly before I tell her, “She high-tailed it into the White Cloud Inn to see Purchase.”

I see her smile warmly at that before she says, “I am really happy to hear that. Purchase is a good mare and I think they are good for each other. Now why don’t you both come on in and have a cup of tea while you wait for Xochitl’s folks and the others to come back.”

We are sitting down having our second cup of tea when Mama Mollygirl arrives home. As she enters, I see her shaking her head.

“Hi Ma, what is wrong?”

She hangs her hat on a peg by the door, grabs a cup, and begins to steep some tea as she answers, “Ginger, I do not know where to begin. I guess part of the problem is that even with the full brigade back here if they hit us again like that, I do not know if we can keep Manesville. My regiment got off the lightest and we took twenty-five percent casualties; that is almost four hundred dead or out of the fight. fifteen percent of them were killed in action. The 1st regiment took forty-five percent, that is another seven hundred and twenty, while the 2nd took over five hundred and fifty, most during that damn air assault. It is so bad the militia has been drafted for the duration plus six months. We just cannot keep taking those kinds of losses. Then I heard today we lost the north end of Chicacolt to the Enclave.”

I find myself getting up on my hooves and moving to her. I put a hoof around her shoulder and tell her, “I know it looks black right now, but Ma, we have to keep swinging. If we do not what will happen to all those, we know who came from the Enclave, as well as the non-pony species and the ghouls. Ma, if we throw in the towel, most of them will be as good as dead.”

She nods he head, “I know Ginger, I know. Sorry for whining.”

“You are not whining Ma. You are just putting to voice what we all are feeling right now.”

She nods her head and tells us, “Thank you for understanding.” Then she switches the conversation to more positive subjects. As we talk, I watch her relax and smile warmly when Mama Sutures's hoof meets hers.

Later that evening Xochitl’s family joins mine in the parlor as we listen first listen to Mama Mollygirl read a story to the youngsters, and then we turn on the radio to listen to the news.

I am comfortably ensconced in my husband’s hooves as we listen to DJ Pon3. I am surprised though when I hear, in recent news out of the Mohoofe, NCR forces have begun to advance on the city of Reino. There are currently only reports of light fighting there. While the local leaders have put out a plea to be liberated from the Enclave, the overmare for Stable 48 has put out an appeal for calmer heads and asked that the NCR not try to liberate a territory it never controlled and until recently was independent.

Further south we have news out of Horseton of heavy fighting taking place among the ruins there. While there had not been many reports on the ground fighting, we have had reports of an NCR defeat in the air. With one NCR airship having been captured in ship-to-ship actions as well as another NCR sky frigate having been severely damaged.

I am slightly confused by this report and ask aloud, “I thought Stable 48 was here in Manesville?”

This is followed by several others expressing the same thought. But then Mama Mollygirl tells us, “Well, about that, when we were passing through Junction Town, I escorted Scootloo herself for a meeting, and as we talked, she let me know, that the Manesville stable is actually 4B not 48. She said it was a typo during a late-night meeting and they let it stand as it was cheaper to order two stables full of equipment marked with the one number.”

After she says this, I hear Papa Archer chuckle as he says, “Figures, I just always thought the door number was a bad casting.”

She laughs lightly and places a hoof alongside his cheek from around Mama Sutures and tells him, “I thought the same thing.

We listen to DJ Pon3 for a bit more, then Papa Badger gets up from next to Mamas Sumac and Magpie and tells us, “Let’s see what the other side is saying tonight,” as he switches the station to the Enclave one.

Soon we hear more of their obnoxious martial music, which is followed by Hallowed Dreams voice once again as he speaks.

That was the Fifth Fleet Marine band playing Skies Over Canterlot. I hope you have enjoyed their rousing rendition of it as much as I have. As always on the hour I am here with the news for all of you.

Today, our forces have continued to engage with the NCR and their so-called allies on several fronts. In San Prancisco we have repulsed several attempts by the forces of evil as they tried to resupply Ponytraz Island. At this point, it is only a matter of time before those on that island will have to surrender, but they have been ordered not to on the threat of death to them and their families if they do, or so I have heard.

Our forces in Rieno, with the support of the local populace, including that of Stable 48, have dug in and are determined to hold, and keep that region of the Mohoofe free until the rest of the Wastelands can be freed as well.

As this all goes on and our troops prove themselves victorious where treachery and the horrors of Megaspells are not used we still have not forgotten about those dens of deceit such as Manehatten, Manesville, Junction Town, and even Baltimare. We the ponies of the Enclave remember such acts and you will be held accountable for them.

Now before we return to more music, we have a few messages for our friends in the occupied zones. First, in the NCR, the Brahmin jumped over the moon, I repeat, the Brahmin jumped over the moon. In the Lunar Commonwealth, the colt has a brown mustache, the colt has a brown mustache. For the Mohoofe, the tides of time know no age, the tides of time know no age.

We listen for a while longer and then I notice Moon Lily looks disgusted, so I ask, “Okay little Sis, what is it?”

She shakes her head and then tells me, “Well part of me hates the way they are lying about us. The other half is that I am confused about those messages to the ponies in the areas they don’t control.”

“I can understand that Moon, but I do wonder if they are doing it on purpose to confuse us.”

After I say this Mama Mollygirl tells us, “It is an old way to communicate with resistance cells and forces to let them know when they should act out their orders. The thing is, most of the time those messages are nonsense all the way until the one that they are waiting for arrives. The Ceasar’s forces used that same method against Equestria during the war, and I am sure Equestria either did the same thing, or something similar.” She pauses as she looks at the clock on the wall before telling the youngsters, “Ok, time for bed kids.”

“Awe, but Ma, we never get to spend time with Ginger and Xochitl anymore,” Millie says.

“I know, but they are off tomorrow and you do not have school, so get some rest, we all are going to be helping put in crops just north of town.”

After she says this, she looks at me and my husband with a questioning expression. I nod my head as does he.

After the youngsters are tucked into bed, we continue to talk until Epona and Purchase come home. They are trying to be quiet and seem very surprised to see us all still up.

Finally, Mama Sumac tells them, “We are all getting ready to go to bed soon, so go ahead and head up. Besides, we can talk more tomorrow dears.”

I see a smile come across Purchase Order's face, and a thankful grin on Epona’s as she tells us, “Thanks for understanding. I look forward to talking more in the morning,” She pauses then tells me, “Hey Ging, remind me in the morning to tell you about the drinking contest between the teams.”

I find myself shaking my head with a smile on my face as I am now curious, but simply tell her, “Sounds good Sis, Talk to you in the morning.”

As they go upstairs, the rest of us get up as well. As Persimmon and Xavier carry their youngest back home, my husband and I follow them to the small cabin. Once there we go to the room we share and close the door. As we get ready for bed, we continue to talk for a bit, then turn down the lights. Finally, I find myself in his hooves again and while I would never want another stallion, I feel a bit of sadness as to how unlikely it is that he and I could ever have a foal together.

I feel him nuzzle me gently and I sigh contentedly, Then I return his affection and realize that while the odds are against us, in our family you just never know. A short time later I hear his breathing shift as he falls asleep and I cuddle closer to him and breathe in his scent as I too surrender to sleep and the night.

*****

White Cloud, Manesville District, NCR: Xochitl

I wake to the scent of my wife in my nose. Then as I smile and enjoy it, I begin to smell oatmeal with berries and cream wafting through the air. I move slightly and I feel Ginger stir in my hooves as she rolls over to face me.

“Morning sleepyhead,” I tell her as I kiss her forelock.

I feel her hoof move along my side to my cheek and she tells me, “Good morning to you too love, I guess we need to get up now.”

I nod my head, then begin to untangle myself from the blanket and her hooves. The room is well-lit as the sun has already risen. Once we both have gotten dressed, we head to the main room of the cabin.

“Good morning my children,” I hear father tells us, “Your mother will have breakfast finished in a few minutes, would you care to join me for a cup of tea with yours.”

I find myself smiling as I hear Ginger tell him, “Of course Father Xavier, I would rather enjoy that.”

As the tea steeps, my little sister Xialynn gets the bowls out for us and Mother brings the oatmeal over. “I know it is nothing fancy this morning, but it should hold you well until lunch,” she tells us.

Soon I hear a hoof knocking on the door and before I can get up to answer Xialynn is at the door and opens it revealing several of my siblings-in-law on the doorstep.

“Yah guys ready?” Raven asks loudly.

“Just about Rav. We are just finishing breakfast right now,” my sister answers.

“Ahh, I was hoping you were ready already; Moon has already headed over with My ma and Papa Archer. The others are just getting their gear ready to go.”

I watch as Father finishes his tea, stands, and tells my mother, “Dear, they are waiting, I will do the dishes when we get back.”

“Are you sure Xavier?”

“Yes dear, just set them in the sink to soak.”

With that she finishes her tea and oatmeal quickly, I help her place the dishes in the sink and then as a family, we head out the door.

We walk with most of my in-laws to a farm only a mile South of town. While the house and barn are still standing, most of their crops were burned or destroyed by the Enclave. As we arrive, I see more ponies and cattle arriving, including most of our team, as well as several of Mort’s.

When I see them, I first greet them then out of curiosity I ask, “So what brings you out here today?”

Mort smiles and tells us, “Two things, first is that Smiley here has heard about how us ponies work together in the fields and wants to see it. Second, well we like it here and figure we should help the place get back on its hooves if we can.”

Beside me, Father says, “Well sir, I am glad to have you and your people join us today.”

Before too much longer I watch as several of the larger ponies and cattle harness up to plows. Then the owner of the farm Pig Pen stands in front of us and begins, “Thank you all for coming and helping today, most of our crops are destroyed, so what we are going to do first is to turn them under with the plows. Once the plows have gone through we can then break up the bigger clumps of dirt followed by planting new seeds.” He pauses then continues, “For those of you who have not done this before, after we have the new seed in, we will have some of you pegasus, push some clouds over to water the fields. We have three fields to do today, and my wife Wheat Seed and Plower’s wife Dirt Clod will be making lunch for us as we work. So, everyone let’s get to it.”

Father and I both get our hoes ready as others do the same or get their rakes out to further soften the ground before planting.

I watch as seven plows all begin to make their way across the field, side by side. As they begin to move, I hear Moon Lily nearby start to sing a song first reminding us of the hungry times, then about planting.

We have all heard the tale of the times that the crops failed and about those they lost as they tightened their cinches.

The war has been a test, we have lost much of our best, and famine could happen they say.

But do not fret or shed a tear, for together we can fight the fear and keep the hunger at bay.

I have not heard the words before, but soon I find myself swaying to the music as we sing and work. It feels almost like a spell as we go, all the ponies and myself working in time to music that only we seem to hear, but soon the others start to work and sing with us as well. It started slow and now speeds up.

First comes the plow, then come the hoe, that is what us ponies all know,

Next comes the seed followed by rain, and that will prevent hunger and pain.

Work these fields, plant that row, and soon we will see these crops all grow.

Reach the end spin them around and keep on working on that ground.

Back and forth, to and fro, that is the way to move that hoe.

Move along as we plant the row.

Rake the dirt over what we sow.

Next bring in the rain and soak them down, now give those seeds a chance to grow.

As the plows reach the end of the field, they shift over and go back the other way. As we finish breaking up the dirt, I hear a part of the song about planting and I watch as two seeders are pulled through the rows we have just finished.

After the first field is finished most of us move to the next one. However, I see Sunny and several others flying past, herding clouds over the fields and after some of them jump up and down on the clouds a light rain begins to fall from them. As they do this the song continues and so do we.

After the second field is done, the singing stops and we stack out tools near the barn as we approach the tables full of food for everyone involved.

As we are eating my father asks me, “Son, I did not know you liked to sing so much when doing farm work, when did this start?”

I look at him in surprise and ask, “What do you mean father?”

“Just that the entire time we were working in the fields, you were singing and moving like you could hear some music, just like the ponies.”

“Interesting. I did not realize that, but perhaps even with a glyphmark, my pony side still comes out sometimes.”

He grins and runs a hoof across my mane as he had when I was a colt as he tells me, “Perhaps so son. Sometimes I forget you have that side as well.”

I smile at him when he says this and tell him, “I do as well Father, but times like these remind me of them.”

After lunch, we finish the next field and head home. As we clean up my father suggests to Ginger and I, “While we would love to spend this evening with you, may I suggest you both go into town and just enjoy a pint of cider and dinner together.”

Ginger and I look at each other and she nods her head. “Father, I think you are wise in that suggestion. Thank you for understanding.”

He chuckles slightly as he tells me, “Believe it or not, I was once young too and I remember how special spending any time with your mother was.”

We finish cleaning up and as my father washes the dishes from breakfast, my mother begins to make them dinner. I comment on how good it smells, and that Ginger and I will be having dinner in town. She smiles and tells me, “Thank you son for letting me know, your father said something about that earlier. Now you best get going so you can enjoy yourselves.”

She then gives both me and Ginger a quick hug as we head out the door and to the pub in White Cloud.

As we walk in, I notice that Blueberry Crisp is not working tonight so I ask Purchase Order about it and she tells me, “She is on duty with the Militia tonight, so instead of getting to spend time with Epona like I wanted, I am having to pony the place.”

Beside her and behind the bar is Stir Fry, the cook I first met during the expedition. She smiles and tells her, “Now Purchase, I told you already you can go, I got the place for tonight.”

Leaning on the bar near Purchase is my sister-in-law Epona, who tells her, “Dear, either way, is ok with me. I just want to spend some time with you no matter what we are doing.”

I then hear a bit of a ruckus off to the side and I see Smiley and Mort are playing cards with Tater and Twinks. I nod my head in their direction and they briefly wave back.

Soon I see Cowlick walk in holding tails with a young cow that I remember from school. He grins as he sees us and takes a table near a window but with his back away from the door.

I have to smile though when Double Back comes in with the aircrew following him and I hear him telling them, “This is the place I was telling you about Love Tap. It is a nice quiet place, nothing like that honkey tonk just off base by the stable.”

I see her smile at him and I hear Flight Plan tell him, “It does seem a step up, but it is a bit of a hike.”

Double Back laughs as he tells them, “I guess you could say that, but don’t you mean flight?”

“Yeah, whatever ya silly mule.” Flight Plan retorts with a laugh.

I enjoy seeing all of those we work with enjoying themselves. But one thing that strikes me is how many of the regulars there are now missing. I also notice the larger number of uniforms here tonight as well.

After about an hour, I notice that Morning Star arrives with Sunny, as they enter, I hear her say, “It was so nice to spend the time with your family, thank you.”

“I am happy to hear you enjoyed it too Morning, I knew my parents liked you after the party, but my siblings have taken a shine to you too.”

She nods her head, “I am still amazed that neither of your parents are pegasi. But they are so nice.”

I see him blush briefly as he approaches the bar and tells my wife, “Hi Ginger,” then he says, “Hay, Purchase, could you get me two ciders please?”

“You sure you want cider and not a shot of Three Sisters?”

He looks at Morning then back at her, “Maybe later, but right now we just want to enjoy ourselves.

As the night progresses, some of the locals begin to bring instruments inside. Before too long they are playing and many of us are singing along. Not much after that, I find myself dancing with my wife in the area that is still open in the middle. We are both on our hind legs and kicking as we swing each other by one forehoof back and forth. Several other couples join us, and I look up briefly and see Sunny and Morning Star, performing the same movements in the air.

Before too much longer Ginger tells me, “Dearest, let’s head out for a bit of alone time, okay?”

As we leave, I hear her tell Epona and Purchase, “Have a good night you two. Remember we leave in the morning.”

While Purchase looks slightly sad, Epona simply nods her head and tells us, “I am staying at the farm again tonight so I will see you in the morning.”

After this, we make our way out of the pub and town. We slowly walk tail-in-tail through the night until we are behind the barn. We find a spot that is out of sight of the houses and we lay down next to each other watching the stars and just enjoying a bit of rare alone time together.

Come the morning after breakfast, we say our goodbyes to our families, then our entire field team except for Sunny and Choo, walk with the Colonel to the docks in Manesville. We continue to talk as we go. As we approach the pier, I see the Baltimare Colt for the first time since she was attacked.

I can see she has had major construction as the aft 1/3 of her upper deck is now gone, and replaced with a flight deck, upon which I see our transport Vertibuck is already sitting. On the forward upper deck is a twin 40mm gun mount. There are also now several fully automatic antimachine rifles and a pair of twin 20mm anti-air guns. I also notice the smoke wafting from the chimneys of the Colt and realize she is almost ready to go.

Ginger grins and tells the Colonel, “Well Ma, there is our ride.”

Epona then waves toward the Colt and calls out, “Hey Rust.”

From the railing on the upper deck, she waves back, “Good to see you guys again. Get on board so we can get moving.”

Rust then comes down to the main deck to meet us and tells us, “Welcome aboard again. It is good to see you all. Your gear has already been loaded,” as she says this she turns and leads us inside.

As we go, I can see how much things have changed, most of the cargo bay has been converted into berthing. That is where we find Mort and the rest waiting for us.

As we enter, he says, “Good morning, glad we are all on time.”

Behind me, I hear Rust asks, “Epona, Tater, do you want to help bring her out for our first run since the rebuild?”

They both grin at her and follow her up the ladder to the upper levels. Mort looks slightly confused and asks, “You guys always do that?”

I find myself chuckling as Ginger tells him, “Not always, but the Colt is owned by the Water Clan and Rust Water has been training them both as a reserve bridge crew, but also for when they get tired of doing this.”
“I can understand the backup crew, but why would she care about their future?”

The surprise on his face is priceless when she tells him, “Oh, because Rust is family to Epona and me.”

*****

Manesville, Manesville District, NCR: Choo Choo

As the rest of the team leaves for the day, I accompany Diode as he takes the cart of equipment to the Colt. As we arrive at the waterfront, I finally get a good look at it. I notice right away how much the superstructure has been changed, as well as it now being armed.

Once we arrive at the brow, I leave Diode with the cart as I cross it to the main deck and I see one of the ship's officers and a crewman sitting there. As I approach the officer stands up and greets me, “Choo Choo, it is good to see you again, what can I help you with?”

“Good afternoon, Azimuth Compass, I am just delivering my team's equipment for loading, but if the captain is available, I would like to discuss a few things with her.”

He nods his head, the tells the deckhoof, “Square Knot, please check with the Captain to see if she has time for Miss Choo here.”

“Alright, I will be right back Mister Compass.”

Soon he returns and tells us, “Captain said to send her on into the mess decks.”

Azimuth Compass nods his head and asks, “You know your way still ma’am?”

“I think so unless too much has changed since the rebuild.”

“Nah, not too much has changed other than the work on the old cargo bay.”

“Ok, thanks again,” I tell him then I begin to make my way inside. As I go, I am impressed by the expansion of the berths for us on the cargo deck.

As I continue along the second deck, I notice that there are still a few scorched marks on the bulkheads that have not been painted over yet. Most of those are near the areas that show new construction on them.

Finally, I make it to the mess decks and see Rust sitting at her normal table with two coffee cups in front of her.

“Have a seat Choo, I have your coffee ready for you already.”

“Thank you, Rust, I appreciate it. How have things been going?”

I watch Rust take a deep breath and sigh. Then she tells me, “Well you can see how the Enclave helped us to redecorate. We lost some good people too.”

I nod my head in understanding. “I heard you had casualties, but did not hear how many or who. I was in the radio shack down in Harness when the reports came in down there.”

She closes he eyes and then shakes her head as if trying to dispel a bad memory. Then she tells me, “Choo I have to thank you for your suggestion about trying to get to know Bell Stand better.”

I smile at this and ask, “So how are things going with you two?”

I see a single tear come from her eye, that she quickly wipes with the back of a forehoof before she tells me, “Choo, it was going great until the attack. I lost him that day too. But at least I had a chance to get to know him that way. He was worth it, and honestly, I was starting to consider even marrying him someday.”

I slide a hoof across the table onto hers, “I am so sorry to hear that though. I had really hoped for you.”

“Thanks, Choo.”

We talk for a while more after this. Some of our talk involves finding out that the Colt is no longer fully a civilian vessel. To help pay for the repairs and rebuild the Water Clan has provided a long-term contract with the NCR Rangers as a transport asset. However, she will still be used to transport cargo at times to keep up the façade of being independent.

Part of our discussion involves where she is taking my team next while Sunny and I get Moon Lily ready for the main one coming up.

“Just wondering Rust, how far towards the Mahoove can you take the Colt?”

She grins, “Well, that is the crux of the issue, I think we can make it as far as the Everfree at least. Past that, they will have to depend on the flight crew we are taking with us.”

I nod my head again, “Well here is hoping everything goes smooth then.”

She laughs joylessly and then asks, “When does it ever do that Choo.” Next, she asks me, “Choo, do you think it wise to take Moon Lily with you on a mission like that?”

I flick my ears in irritation before I answer, “While I do not like it Rust, I must agree with her that without her we could not do what we intend.”

I watch her frown briefly before she replies, “Alright, I guess. But it does not sit well with me bringing foals into a fight.”

I nod my head in understanding, “Believe me I feel the same. I have still not been able to live down my having run away with Ginger and Xochitl during the Expedition all those years ago.”

We share another cup of tea when Rust looks at the clock on the wall and tells me, “Come on up to the pilot house with me, you can be present for the first time we land a Vertibuck onboard.”

Shortly after we are in the Pilot House, I hear a Vertibuck approaching and I see several deckhooves heading towards the flight deck.

I watch as the transport comes in from the stern, makes several small adjustments, and then lands on the new flight deck. As the rotors start to slow down, I watch four crewponies run out and chain it to the deck. Once the rotors have fully stopped Rust smiles and tells me, “Let’s go meet the flight crew.”

We make our way aft and I look at the vertibuck closely. The first thing I notice is that the flight crew is our normal one. Next, I notice that painted on the side is a picture of George in flight wearing her pegasus-style googles and blowing out a column of flame. Under the image are the words, Hot Shot! In red and yellow letters.

Right after this, I watch as first Love Tap, then the jump master who was with us when we went to Baltimare, exit the aircraft and begin to examine the tie-downs. Soon after this, both Cloud Bank and Flight Plan climb out.

Flight Plan approaches us and salutes Rust Water first and tells her, “Good afternoon, Captain, my crew and I are reporting for duty.”

I watch Rust smirk slightly then she tells him, “Welcome aboard, no need to salute though as we are not a military vessel.”

I see a brief look of confusion on his face as he asks, “So, what are we doing here?”

She grins as she tells him, “You and your crew are here to support us as we perform certain contracts as civilians if you understand what I mean.”

I see a look of understanding cross his face. Then he answers, “I do believe so ma’am.”

“Good, let us go to the pilot house so we can discuss our route for this next operation and how far up the river I will need to get to put you in range of our objective.”

He nods his head, “Sounds good Captain.”

Then he turns to me and tells me, “Good to see you again Choo, I didn’t think you would be going on this one with us.”

I smile back and tell him, “I am not, I was here to discuss a few things with the captain as well as to enjoy a couple of cups of coffee with her.” I pause then I tell Rust, “I guess I should get going and let you concentrate on what you need to. Take care and I will see you soon Rust.”

“You too Choo, I will see you next time. Oh, and tell Moon I said congratulations on her wings. I never expected one of our clan members would be an alicorn, much less become one.”

I laugh lightly as I tell her, “I completely understand. Now I best get going.”

As she and Flight Plan make their way to the Pilot House, I take to the air from the flight deck and land on the pier next to our cart. As I do Diode tells me, “Good Timing Choo, we just finished up unloading.”

“Excellent, after we get back to the shop, I have a few things I want you to go over with me if you do not mind.”

He grins and replies, “Sounds good boss”

Later that day, as we close the shop for the night, I find myself flying to what was the base for the 3rd Regiment. Most of it was burned during the recent fighting, however, the old farmhouse that was the Headquarters, as well as the old barn were spared.

As I land just outside of the farmhouse, I am challenged by two of the guards. Once I identify myself and my reason for being here, they lower their weapons. I am just getting up to the front porch when I hear Paper Work say, “That should be enough for today.”

Then he walks out the door and I tell him, “Hello dear. How was your day?”

He laughs, “Actually, not bad. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that most of the records for the regiment were still safe in the basement. That makes things much easier. So where do you want to go for dinner tonight?”

I think briefly and I tell him, “How about the pub in White Cloud? It is near and afterwards, I can fly you to my cave.”

I feel myself heat up as I see him smile at that thought and he tells me, “That sounds perfect Choo. I hope you do not mind if we walk there. I do need to stretch my legs after being behind a desk and filing cabinets all day.”

As we follow the main path from the base to White Cloud, I find myself not only holding his tail with mine, but I have a wing over his back as we talk.

We are almost to the family farm when I hear Sumac call out, “Bucky, Woody, Millie, and Moon Lily, time for supper.”

From across the field on the other side of the road, I see them all running for home. I find my smile widening when I hear young Shadowbuck yelling, “The last one home has to do the dishes tonight!”

Shortly after this, I hear Millie yell, “You are cheating Moon, no flying.”

I hear Moon laugh as she calls back, “No one said that before.”

I must laugh when I hear Shadowbuck yell, “Dang it. I lost.”

To which I hear Sumac say, “Bucky watch your language.”

“Yes, Mama.”

Then we are past the farm. As we approach Trouble and Blondie's place next, I find myself smiling as I watch the four batponies flying overhead and three of them continue to White Cloud, while Morning Star diverts to their place. As she lands near us, I hear her say, “Good Evening Choo Choo, do you know if Sunny is at his parents yet? I am supposed to meet him here for dinner.”

“I am not sure, but he has been off most of the day, so I think he probably is.”

I see her smile shyly then she tells me, “Thank you, I guess I best hurry.” She then looks at me with my wing over Paper Work's back and I see a twinkle in her eye as she tells us, “I hope you have a wonderful night.” Then she is trotting briskly down the crushed gravel driveway and towards the house.

As she goes, we begin to continue on our way and I hear Paper Work ask, “She really is happy with him, isn’t she?”

I nod my head and move my ears in agreement as I tell him, “Yes, and I think he is with her as well.” I pause briefly and then I continue, “Paper Work, he has changed since he has met her. I never really thought he would no longer be a playcolt like he was.”

I hear him laugh and he answers back, “You know you never can tell what a good mare will bring out in a stallion. Honestly dear, I never expected to find someone myself. However, instead of running wild, I was a bit more, how do I say this… sedate, yes that would be a good way of putting it.”

I find myself laughing gently as I snuggle closer to him. Then whisper, “I am just glad you decided to take a chance with me.”

I watch as he blushes and quietly tells me back, “I am still happily stunned that you were interested in me.”

By now we are getting close to the pub and as we arrive, I see the front door is already open and several ponies and cattle I know are already here. When we pass through the door, Purchase Order tells us, “I will take your order in a bit. Just so you know we have some Radhog sausages as well as pulled radhog on special tonight.”

“Sounds good. Purchase,” my beloved tells her, then he asks, “Anything going on we should know about?”

She laughs and tells him, “Oh, not too much. Last night the Plow Shears had twins. Sutures and Dula were there. Blondie and Trouble’s place had two of their fields replanted yesterday. Oh, and Pig Pen and his family’s farm is scheduled to have three fields planted tomorrow, in case you want to help.”

Both he and I look at each other and he first says, “I would like to, but I have the duty at headquarters tomorrow.”

She looks at me and I tell her, “I have some special work I need to get done for the team, but if I finish soon enough, maybe I can help.”

She nods her head and tells me, “I understand guys, I have been kinda stuck here too. But I have heard a lot of interesting things about some of the replanting that is going on. Especially when Moon Lily is there.”

This gets me to raise an eyebrow and I ask, “How so?”

“Choo, the ghouls who have seen it, say it reminds them of the old days before the war with the zebras.”

This has my attention enough that now I want to be there. I just have to see if I can do so. After this, we excuse ourselves and go sit at a table near the back wall that is angled so that we can both watch the door.

As we look over the menu, I start to see more patrons arrive, and I notice Epona coming from out the back carrying a case of cider bottles. She sees us and waggles her ears in a greeting then puts the bottles behind the bar.

Before too much longer, more patrons arrive. I smile as I see more of my team members as well as some of Mort’s arrive too.

Not too long after this Mort arrives along with Smiley and asks, “Mind if we join you?”

I wave a wing towards the chairs and tell him, “Of course not, please do. Oh, Mort, Smiley, this is Paper Work.” I pause, “Paper Work, this is Mort and Smiley from the Troubleshooters.”

Paper Work stands and shakes hooves with both telling them, “A pleasure to meet you. Choo has told me a bit about all of you. It is nice to put a face to the names.”

After we have eaten our dinners, I see Cowlick come in with a grin on his face. He sees me and waves, “Hi Boss.”

“Hi Cowlick, how are you doing?”

“Doing good, I helped my parents put some repairs into the farm and decided to come in and have a drink or three.”

I find myself laughing lightly at that, then I hear Smiley ask, “Would you care to have a drink or so with me as well?”

Cowlick smiles and tells him, “Sure, what will you have, I’ll get the first round.”

“What do you suggest my good bull?” Smiley asks.

“Well, let’s start with a cider first, then later we can move on to something a bit stronger.”

I see a glint in Smiley's eyes, and I notice a hint of a smile come over his face. Uh oh, what did Cowlick just start I wonder.

As they are sharing a bottle, I notice that Tater is talking to a couple of the Troubleshooters and he raises a hoof, “Purchase, can I get a round of ciders for us over here?”

“Sure Tater, give me a second,” she replies and then I see her look at Epona and nod her head. Epona then gets up from her stool and makes her way to the back of the pub, only to return a short time later with two more cases of cider.

Soon I hear members of both teams bragging about how much they can drink. I am shaking my head inside but just smile instead. Then I hear Smiley ask me, “Choo, don’t you drink at all?”

I shrug my wings, “Oh, I do sometimes. But it has been a while since I had much else than a bottle of cider. Last time I did though I had a pretty high tolerance for it.”

I see a flicker of amusement cross Mort’s face as Smiley then asks, “If you have not drunk in a while, perhaps tonight you should let yourself go a bit?”

I am just about ready to say no when Paper Work nudges me under the table and I hear him say, “Smiley you don’t think you can out-drink Choo Choo do you?”

When he says this, I see most of the heads in the bar turn to look in my direction. Then I hear Mort say, “I got a hundred caps that say Smiley can outdrink you, Choo.”

“Well, I don’t know Mort,” I begin to reply, but I then hear Epona say, “I bet our team can outdrink yours, Mort.”

He grins a calculating smile at her and asks, “How much are you willing to bet?”

Epona looks at Purchase and tells her, “Well I only have fifty caps I can put up.” She pauses then looks at the others on our team and asks, “Can any of you chip in?”

Cowlick grins and says, “I got twenty to spare.”

Soon all of our team that is there has chipped into the kitty. They then hoof it to Purchase Order to hold for the duration of the contest.

Purchase then begins to bring out the first round. As she does so, she asks Epona, “Dear, can you bring up a keg of cider from the basement, I think we are going to need to tap at least one, and maybe two for this. Besides it will save on the bottles.”

Epona and one of the Troubleshooters go down to the basement and in a bit return with two fresh kegs. They put them on their sides after tapping them on stands behind the bar.

As we drink the first round, I notice that several of the locals have now turned their attention to our group. I also notice that several of them are beginning to make bets themselves.

We are on the fifth round when I notice that Twinks is starting to look sleepy and is certainly drunk. But she is far from the only one. I then feel a call to nature coming up and I stand up so I can go out back to use the outhouse when Mort says, “Now Choo, no cheating.”

I am confused when he says this and he tells me, “No throwing up to clear the alcohol out of your system when you go out there. In fact, let Fall Moss there escort you there and back.” Then he points to a unicorn mare on his team.

“Okay Mort, but maybe we should get a couple of the locals to escort us just to keep it neutral.”

I see him wobble a bit as he leans on one hoof on the table. “Sounds fair to me.”

As I return, I accidentally trip and stumble a bit at the door. I see him and Smiley both grin at each other and Smiley tells Purchase, “Time for the next round.”

As I return to my seat next to Paper Work he nods to me and I flick my ears slightly in answer to the unasked question of if I am ok.

After two more rounds, Twinks has fallen asleep at the table. Purchase Order tells us, “Ok, tonight if needed we can use the rooms upstairs to sleep it off.”

It is not long after this that one of Mort’s team passes out as well. That is when Smiley says, “Perhaps it is time to switch to something a bit stronger.”

I see Purchase's eyes go wide and from the kitchen in the back I hear Stir Fry ask, “Are you sure you want to do that?”

He nods his head, as do the rest of us. She then brings out shot glasses for each of us and two bottles of Old Overmare.

As he looks at the bottle Smiley says, “I have not heard of this brand before, I wonder what the story is behind it.”

Paper Work answers that for me, “Smiley, back when the Manesville Stable closed its door on the final day, there were two pegasus stallions inside. Well one of them used an old family recipe along with surplus ingredients to make his home brew. The Overmare was not happy about it but allowed him to make a small batch every year instead of punishing him. So, from what I understand he named it Old Overmare, and the mare on the label is supposedly what she looked like.”

“Hmm, interesting, well, let’s try it then.”

Finally, I have lost track of how many rounds we have had. I notice that while most of the others are no longer fit to drink or have quit even Smiley is starting to weave a bit in his seat. I then hear Mort drunkenly ask, “You ready to give up yet?”

I shake my head and tell Purchase, “Could you bring out a couple of bottles of Three Sisters?”

I see her nod her head as she trots away to get it. When she returns, she removes the cork from one of them, and then sets them both on the table.

As she does this, I see Mort trying to adjust his eyes as he looks at the label then he looks at Smiley and tells him, “I think we have been had.”

Smiley, by now seems to be confused and asks him, “Why do you say that Boss?”

“Because that is her on the bloody bottle Smiley.”

I nod my head, “Well, it is my image, as well as my two sisters on it, but that is because it is a blended whiskey, with Old Pegasus, Old Overmare, and some of our local brew added. But you have not been had. I did not lie; I have not drunk more than one of two drinks at a time in years.”

We share one more round and I watch as Smiley's head slowly sinks to the table and his eyes close as he passes out.

Mort, clearly drunk asks, “How? How did you drink a Kiren under the table?”

I shrug my shoulders and answer, “Mort, I have not been able to get drunk since I took this form. By the way, this is the most I have had since before the Final Day.”

“Ok, I give up then. Just, just get me to a bed and make the world stop spinning,” he tells me.

I nod my head, then I help to move all those who are no longer capable of doing so on their own, upstairs to some of the rooms there.

Once done with that, I notice Epona is drinking some coffee. As I walk over to them, Purchase hoofs me the bill for all the drinks. Then she pushes a bag of caps to me and tells me, “I already took the cost of the drinks and the rooms out of the pot. I just hope they are not all wrecks in the morning.”

Behind me I hear Paper Work laugh lightly, then he tells me, “Okay dear, how about we head home now?”

I nod in agreement and we head outside. Once there I have him climb onto my back and I fly him to my cave. While the flight is short, I hear him say, “My love, I cannot tell you how much I love flying with you.”

Once we are inside, I see my two sisters are already in bed as is George. We slowly make our way to my room in the cave, climb into bed, and finally settle down to enjoy just each other’s company, and wonder what the next few weeks will bring.

He is quiet briefly then he asks, “Dearest, did you intend to make them think you were getting drunk when you came back from the sinks?”

I laugh lightly before I tell him, “No dear, I just tripped, you know I am clumsy sometimes.”

In response he replies, “I keep forgetting that, as you are always so graceful to me.” Then I feel his hoof along my cheek as he lightly kisses me.

Just before we fall asleep, I ask him, “Paper, did you do that tonight on purpose?”

In the dark, I can faintly see him smile and I feel him nod as he tells me, “Yes dear, they needed it, both to blow off steam and a positive shared experience. I do not know where they are heading next, but love, I have a feeling they will need that.”

*****

Rainbow Dash Skyport, Hoofington, Enclave Territory: Ball Lightning

I take another drink of my cider, then I look at Air Burst and quietly tell him, “Thanks for the heads up about what was coming down the pike.”

He looks around the bar/ former lounge of the Skyport, then quietly tells me more as a statement than a question, “I take it they contacted you already?”

“Yeah, you could say that. They let me know how impressed they were with my performance the other day when we failed to safely escort our prisoner. They said it made for some great footage on the news up in Thunderhead and throughout the Enclave’s major cities.”

He nods his head, then asks, “What else? I can tell you are not telling me everything.”

“Well, they mentioned that if I kept myself on the straight and narrow and knew which side to be on there might be a promotion soon for me.”

His face becomes very serious and he frowns slightly, “Yeah, I understand. but remember Ball, you need to protect your own. Your family is depending on you.”

As he says this I begin to wonder and I ask him, “Air, is that why you never married and had a family?”

He smiles ruefully before he answers, “Ball, a wife, and family are just one more thing that certain ponies can hold over my head. I did not need that worry. Besides, if I have to make a run for it, I only have to worry about me.”

I nod my head in understanding. “How about when this is done?”

He takes a drink of his cider and laughs lightly, “Ball, do you think it is ever done? Yeah, it might quiet down some, but it is never done. Not for people in this line of work.”

I raise a questioning eyebrow as I ask, “Air, am I in this line of work now too?”

I hear him take a deep breath and let out a sigh. He looks into the distance briefly then tells me, “Yeah, yeah you are Ball, since the first time you came to work with me you have been. Sorry about that.”

“Nothing to apologize for, it is not your fault.”

“Yeah, I know, but I still feel responsible.”

He looks at his pastern watch and tells me, “Looks like it is almost dinner time, Ball you need to get home to your family.”

I quickly finish my drink then after I wipe my mouth on my sleeve, I tell him, “Yeah, you're right, you ready for a homecooked meal. Sundancer is making spaghetti with a nice cream sauce tonight.”

He then asks, “You are sure she will not mind my eating there again?”

I find myself laughing lightly, “No Air, she doesn’t mind, with as many as we are feeding, it is not much of a stretch, Besides, once Alto gets to come back dirtside, we plan on having him over too.”

“How is he anyway? Have you heard anything?”

“We received a letter yesterday from him, he is recovering from the burns and injuries. He will not say how bad the injuries were, but we suspect he is hiding how bad it was.”

“I will check on him the next time I head up to Thunderhead, Ball.”

“Thanks, he really is a good buck, and I know he and Sundancer are very close.

After dinner, Air Burst continues to visit with us as we listen to the radio.

I begin to feel uneasy, and I notice Air shifting uncomfortably as we listen to Hallowed Dreams speak,

You heard me right Mares and Gentlecolts, I said it and I will say it again, the president is not upholding her duties as commander in chief of our glorious Enclave. We are in the middle of the war and what is she doing, she keeps running all over Equestria for some goddess-blessed reason known but to her.

If you had a job to do, but instead keep taking off, nowhere to be found, what do you think would happen to you?

That is right, you would be fired, so would I, so why do we not hold her to a higher set of standards than the rest of us?

And do not even get me started on the recent strings of defeats we have seen. However, our glorious and valent generals have been doing their best to make sure the Enclave can ascend Equestria to its former glory through actions taken in places like San Prancisco and in the Mohoofe near Reino, against the tyrannical forces of the NCR and its so-called allies, which we all know are nothing more than puppet states.

Well, it is the bottom of the hour now we all know what that means, it is time for some music. I will return with more facts and opinions after three songs by our brave armed forces bands, and these messages from our sponsors.

As the music begins to play, Air Burst and I look at each other and only because I know him so well, I can tell he is upset. Beside me, I hear my wife tell the kids, “Ok, time for bed, get started up that way and I will be right up.”

I notice that it is still slightly early for the kids to be going to bed, but once they have all left the room, she turns to face both Air and me as she asks, “Ok, what is going on? Are things about to go sideways for us or what? Air, Ball, I need you both to be honest with me, I need to know what to do to protect my family.”

I let out a sigh and I see Air shift his wings slightly before he tells her, “I can’t be certain, but Sundancer, with how much they are now attacking the president, I fear we may have a storm on the horizon that will make the Thunderhead-Neighvarro battles look like a schoolyard fight.”

She looks from him to me and then back to him before she asks, “I guess that means me and the kids are safer here than in Thunderhead, huh?”

“Well as safe as any of us can be. But I would stay dirtside if I could. I do not like the way things are shaping up.”

I see her wings start to rise in alarm as she puts a hoof to her muzzle, “Tell me it will not be like the old days, please?”

I hear him sigh before he tells her, “I hope not, but Sundancer, I am not going to guarantee you anything right now. Just keep alert and like I told Ball here already, keep your head down and do what you need to survive the storm.”

She puts her wings back in place and nods her head, “OK, Air, I got you. Thanks for letting me know.”

Later that night when we go to bed, she is cuddling close to me and I hear her ask, “Ball if it happens and I have to take the kids and run, do you still want me to try to make it to Manesville?”

I pull her slightly closer, then, then tell her, “Honestly love, I don’t know. Not after what we did there.”

“What do you mean Ball?”

“Dear, I have from a source there that when our troops could not hold ground, they started using a scorched earth policy.”

“Well, that serves them right for using mega spells on our troops there.”

I feel myself sigh again. “Dear, the same source let me know that they did not use mega spells.”

“Well then, what did they use?”

I find myself shaking my head and I tell her, “I think they might have used some of those Fuel Air Explosive bombs, like those Manesville ponies did against the Mayhem’s Mares. At least for most of them. The same source confirmed that the NCR was not lying about a filly taking down the fourth one. I just don’t know how she did it.”

I feel her tremble slightly and I squeeze her gently to reassure her as she asks, “Ball, what can we do?”

I close my eyes and bite my lip as I think of what to tell her, finally, I settle on telling her, “Survive, that is the best we can do my love. Survive.”

The next day, at officers’ call, we get told by our CO, “Last night, orders came through for our XO to transfer out to a new MP battalion that is forming. He shipped out three hours ago. Ball, I have your new orders promoting you to Major and making you my new XO. I need you to let me know which one of your officers you suggest to take over your company.”

I think briefly and tell him, “Sir, I would suggest Lieutenant Bulls Eye Squall. She has already filled in for me before so she is familiar with running the company already.”

He nods his head, “I agree with your assessment Major. You need to let her know she is taking over the company, and before you return here, I need you to stop by the Quartermasters and get your new rank insignia.”

“Yes sir.”

He nods his head and then tells us, “Dismissed ponies, let’s get our people moving.”

As we leave, I cannot help but wonder about the conversation I had the other day when they told me a promotion might be in the works. I smile at first, then I begin to wonder, did I sell my soul to Tirek for it” I shake my head as I realize, I had no choice. I had done just what I was supposed to, and they assumed it was for show when it wasn’t.

As I arrive at what was my company’s HQ, I give them their orders for the day as well as the news of my promotion and who is taking over the company.

They all take it in stride, but after they leave Bulls Eye takes me to the side and asks, “Sir, while I do not mind getting this position, I am just afraid it will make it harder for me to date Funnel Cloud.”

I nod my head, “Yes, I can understand that, but let’s see what we can do, alright?”

She nods her head, “Thank you sir. I owe you one.”

I smile and tell her, “Don’t worry about it. But to tell you the truth, I am very happy that you are the one taking over for me. You did good before and I am sure you will continue to do so.”

That evening after I get home from work, I tell Sundancer the news. I see her get excited for me at first, but then she asks, “Ball, why you? I mean, yes, I know you are good, but I did not think you had enough time in your position to advance yet?”

I shrug my wings, “Perhaps it is because of the war dear. After all, our former XO just got promoted to take over a new battalion that is forming.”

“That makes sense Ball. Thank you for calming my nerves.”

“You’re welcome, dear, now let me help you with dinner.”

*****

Good evening again to all my listeners in the greater Manesville region it is the top of the hour and time for the latest news. Tonight’s news revolves around the Siege of Ponytraz Island in the bay at San Prancisco. Where our brave NCR forces are still holding their ground, even after having terms of surrender offered by the commander of the Enclave forces there.

From the Mohoofe desert, we have received news that NCR forces there have advanced another three miles today. This is Great news and to the mares and stallions involved there, keep up the good fight.

Well, now it is time to go back to the music portion of our show. The next song I am dedicating to one of our local alicorns who was sighted a bit ago with a pony on her back in the moonlight. For you ma’am and the pony you were with, is the song Iris.

Author's Note

It has been a while, so I think it is time once again that I thank Kkat for having created the universe of Fallout Equestria. I also would like to thank several others such as Somber, Fuzzy Vee Vee, Volrathxp, and many others for showing me how much more we can add to flush out the world of it.

In this chapter, we get to see some more of the recovery efforts for the Manesville region as well as finding out some more of the cost. We also can see the Repair Ponies getting ready to go out on another long-term mission but also still building the camaraderie that they will need.

We also get to see that while things may seem stable on the surface, they are not always what they seem in the Enclave, where once again it seems ponies may have to choose which side they are on. This type of decision can be the difference between life and death for those who are there.

For those who would like to listen to this chapters song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYrEL9ecAWA