Chapter 75 The Wheels Keep Turning

“Many young men started down a false path to their true destiny. Time and fortune usually set them aright.” ― Mario Puzo, The Godfather

Manesville Brigade HQ, Coltlumbia, Enclave Territory: Ginger Snaps

Last night after the Brigade flyers put on their airshow, we made one last visit to our friends and family in the brigade. While we were visiting Momma Mollygirl and the rest at her headquarters, we found out that Momma Laura Lee was pregnant again.

While I am happy for her, and I guess that it should give me some hope for myself, I just wish it could have been me instead who was pregnant. Damn, why could it not be me that gets that kind of news, I think to myself.

Overall, it was a good night though as we shared a few dances and songs around various fires. I smiled a bit as I even shared one dance with Morning Glen who, while not an experienced dancer was very light on his hooves. However, he did seem a bit mindful of his antlers while doing a reel with me when we had to duck and side-by-side run under a tunnel formed by ponies standing on their hind hooves with their front ones touching.

When Moon found out we were going to be leaving for the Colt today she wrote a quick letter and asked me to deliver it for her. I could not help but smile as I told her, “Sure thing Sis,” and I saw both of her biological parents look surprised as they saw Pry Bar’s name on the envelope.

As I put her letter in my saddle bag, I hear Momma Sutures ask, “Ginger, is there something we should know?”

I look at my little sister and see her blushing and she barely nods. I raise an eyebrow and move my ears making sure she is okay with me telling them. She moves her ears back slightly.

I nod gently and tell them, “Do not worry Ma, Papa. He is a nice young stallion.”

With a raised eyebrow Mama Sutures then asks, “So you trust him?”

I think briefly and then tell her, “Yeah, I do. But I think it best you ask Moon about him if you are still worried.”

I then tell my little sister, “Sis, it is up to you to do the right thing. But trust our parents, they just worry about us. And believe it or not Sis, it is because they care about us is all.”

I watch as Moon blushes and then twists her hind hoof as she looks down and then she looks back up at me and tells me, “Okay, Sis. I will.” She then comes over to me and hugs me.

That night we visited several other camps. Finally, we all made our way back to our tent. There we all settle down for the night. I find it interesting though that we are all still close together to sleep. Well maybe not for Love Tap, Double Back, and Morning Mist, those two spend as much time with her as they can.

The next morning, we wake up early. We first gather our gear and move it outside of the tent, then we drop it, fold it, and return to the quartermaster before we grab a quick breakfast.

Once we are done with breakfast, we make our way to the Hot Shot 2. Once there we load up as Flight Plan and his crew go through the preflight checks. Soon I feel the motors begin to spin up and I feel the now familiar pull of gravity as we once again go airborne. I look at the others and I see Cowlick starting to fall asleep already. I then look over to where Days End normally sits and instead of the normally anxious to fly Days End, I see Box-end Wrench. While not worried, I can tell she is uncomfortable with flying under someone else’s control.

I then look over my shoulder and out the window as we begin to turn and bank as we make our way back to the Baltimare Colt and her crew. Below us I see several of those we know stop and wave at us.

We are then escorted by George for a short distance as she waves to us all, particularly Choo Choo. Then she banks away as we level out and head towards the mountains in the distance. As she flies away, I see Choo smile and then let out a sigh as she sits back and begins to relax.

We stop once to rest our flight crew before we cross the mountain range and then continue to fly until we reach the river. I have woken from another nap only a short time before I see several riverboats below us.

I feel the aircraft begin to descend and before too much longer I feel the familiar bump of our having landed. I then hear yelling from outside the aircraft and the clink of chains as the aircraft is chocked and chained to the deck. Then the engines begin to wind down. Once it is quiet in the aircraft, I hear Flight Plan call out, “Welcome home everyone,” then he begins his post-flight checklist as we begin to disembark the aircraft.

I have to say it feels good to be back and I wave to several of the crew I know as Choo starts to lead us to the stairway to our normal berth. We are halfway to the stairs when she turns to me and tells me, “Cookie, take the team below. I will be with you after I check in with the captain.”

“Will do Boss,” I tell her, then tell the others, “Well you heard the mare.” I pause then add, “We should have enough bunks this time so we do not need hammocks, that is unless you want one of them instead.”

As I look around the deck moving forward, I notice where the old railroad bridge is in the distance. I also see what seems to be the NCRN 1st River Squadron as I see one ship that looks like S. Glimmer moored to the bank.

While we go, I see several more of the crew. As I pass Pry Bar I smile and tell him, “Come see me later, I have a letter for you.”

He seems surprised and tells me, “Will do Ma’am.” He looks at our group and then asks, “Where is Moon and her friends?”

“They are with their parents in the 3rd regiment as couriers. But they should be heading back to Manesville soon. Hopefully, next time we arrive there they will be back.” As I get ready to get moving again, I then tell him, “The letter is from Moon, she wrote it just last night.”

I see him gulp and look uncomfortable, so I add, “Don’t worry, I think she just wants to share some of what is going on with her, with you. Now I best get going. See you later Pry Bar.”

Once we arrive at our quarters, I toss my saddlebags on my normal bunk and I light a lantern as the others settle in as well. I smile as I see Katie jump up on the bunk, circle three times, then lays down with a comfortable sigh.

Tater takes control of the weapons racks as we stow our long arms. Twinks has us turn in our radio headsets so she can inspect them. The rest of us then begin to go over our other equipment as we slip back into our old shipboard routine.

Before too much longer Choo Choo returns. When she sees us already taking care of things she smiles and makes her way to her normal bunk. She drops her saddle bags and then turns her minigun over to Tater. She then sees Twinks busy on a stack of headsets. She smiles and uses her TK to add hers to the pile. She then flops on her bunk and says to no one in particular, “It is so nice to be back aboard.”

We all smile at that, then she shifts so she is lying upright and tells us, “We will be leaving when our new orders get here. Rust is using this time to rest her crew and to work on some minor repairs that still need to be taken care of. It seems our higher-ups want us with them, but do not have an idea of how to use us right now.”

We all nod our heads in understanding. She then tells us, “Also the captain has passed on to me that tonight, Ginger, Epona, and Xochitl, your presence has been requested by the Commodore aboard his flagship for dinner. Sunny, too has been requested as he has some questions for you as well.”

Xochitl then asks, “Do you know if Katie can come along?”

She shifts her ears in a non-committal manner and tells us, “I do believe she should stay here with us tonight. I have a feeling that this is official clan business, so not this time. She can stay with us; besides I have a feeling some of the younger crew members would enjoy spending some time with her too.”

Finally, my husband nods his head, “Oh, okay, I guess. I just have gotten very used to her being with us.”

Choo smiles and a gentle voice tells him, “I do understand that. But know we will take good care of her for you.”

I smile as I think about how long it has been since we have last seen Cousin Rough Water. Besides, his table is a bit fancier than what I normally get on the Colt or at home. I then hear my husband ask, “Why are you frowning Love?”

I sigh and answer, “Well we are going to be at Rough’s table for dinner tonight and we do not have any decent clothes. Just our field uniforms.”

He shrugs and then tells me, “We wear the best that we have with us. I am sure he will understand.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” I reply.

Then I hear Sunny say, “I wonder what I am in trouble for now?” Which gets me to laugh lightly as I shake my head.

Epona beside him tells him, “You are not the only one. I wonder why he wants to see me?”

This is followed by Choo then adding, “The Colt recently got mail when the Squadron arrived. So once the Purser is done sorting it and gives it to me, I will let you all know.”

We all get excited at this and there is a light buzz in the air of anticipation as most of us hope for news from home.

It is a few hours later that the four of us who are requested to go to the S. Glimmer make our way to the quarterdeck and a waiting steam launch to take us there. I have to grin as we are all wearing our field uniforms and pistols. While we do not look fancy, we are at least presentable and what few tears there were have been repaired by either sewing or a quick repair spell by Twinks.

As we step onto the boat, I see Sunny considering flying over, but he shakes his head and steps aboard with us saying, “Best if we all arrive together.”

I nod and see my husband and Epona do the same. Soon we are making our way up the river, bypassing several barges, steamers, and even one of the armed patrol boats. As we go, I see a few beings I know on them and wave.

Once we arrive, we are welcomed aboard by one of the Junior officers who tells us, “Thank you for being prompt. The commodore is waiting for you.”

*****

Enroute to the S. Glimmer, Western Wastelands: Xochitl

While I say nothing to Ginger, I am somewhat nervous about why Cousin Rough would want us to visit on the Glimmer. I mean I do enjoy our visits normally, but I know they are not usually without reason. I realize worrying will not solve anything, so instead, I sit back and enjoy the ride.

I am somewhat impressed with the size of the river squadron and how many of them have survived the war, though a few of the boats and barges do look like they have had repairs made on them.

Once we arrive, we are led straight to the wardroom where the Commodore awaits us. Once there our guide opens the door and holds it as we enter. When we are inside Rough tells the officer, “Thank you Ensign. That will be enough for now.”

He then turns to us and smiles as he tells us, “Welcome, please have a seat.”

Once we are seated, he asks, “Would you like to join me in some wine?”

I can see the surprise on both Epona and Sunny’s faces at this and we all agree to join him in some.

Once we all have our glasses full in front of us, he lifts his glass and gives a toast, “To the future.”

I smile at that, raise my glass a bit higher and repeat his toast as we join him in a sip of what I find is a good sweet wine.

Rough then begins, “It has been a long time since I have seen all of you. How are you and the family doing?”

Ginger sighs and answers first, “While we are doing okay, we lost our father Badger during the battle of Coltlumbia.”

He seems surprised and tells me, “I had not received word of that before. My dears, my condolences on the loss of your father.” He pauses and adds, “Xochitl, I saw how close you have been to him over the years, and you remind me a bit of him, so please accept my condolences as well. He was a good stallion and I always liked him.”

“Thank you, sir,” I tell him.

He then turns to Epona and asks her, “Young Epona, a while back I had the fortune to meet a young mare named Purchase Order. She seemed to care very much about you and seems to have been accepted very well into the family. If I may, what is your interest in her?”

Epona squirms under his eyes, then she answers, “Cousin Rough, I really care for her, and to be honest, I think she is the one. But we are taking it somewhat slow.”

He takes a sip of his wine and nods, “Ah, good. I am happy to hear that, both of how you feel for her; and that you are not rushing things.”

“Thank you, sir, I do appreciate it.”

He then turns his attention to Sunny. “Sunset Waters, the last time we sat at this table I gave you a warning about your behavior…”

He is interrupted by Sunny as he stammers, “Cousin Rough, I listened to you. I have changed my ways.”

Rough Water looks at him and asks, “In what manner young stallion?”

“Sir, I met a mare while we were in Hoofington. There is something about her that is different. I just want her to be happy.”

Rought looks thoughtful and asks, “What is the name of this mare that you speak of?”

Sunny blushes slightly and looks down before he looks back up and directly into Rough’s eyes. “Her name is Morning Star in our language. Sir, she is a thestral.”

Rough then asks, “I see. And what is your intent with her?”

Summy blushes again and answers, “Well, it seems by telling her a while back I wanted to introduce her to my ma and pa before some of her friends, that in her culture I had told her I wanted to court her. But sir, even if I did not do so, I would still want to.”

“So, you currently intend to court her and possibly add her to the clan as a member?”

Sunny sits up straighter and answers in a firm voice, “Yes, I do.”

Rough then runs the tip of his forehoof around the top of the glass that he has sat on the table. He is quiet briefly then he asks Ginger, “And what do you think of this mare?”

“Sir, what I have seen of her I like. However, her actions speak even louder. Sir, at the Battle of the High Gap, she took a shot that was intended for Moon Lily. This results in her having to be hospitalized for some time. She has since returned to duty. This is on top of her having tamed our cousin here.”

Again, Sunny blushes, but he also nods.

Rough then tells him, “In that case Sunny, when I transport the 3rd Manesville back home, I will be asking her to join me at this table.” He turns back to Ginger and tells her, “Thank you for letting me know she was injured protecting a member of the clan.”

Ginger smiles and tells him, “Sir, if I may suggest, the other three thestrals with her should also be offered status as friends of the clan. They all consider themselves to be royal guards for Moon and Choo Choo now.”

He laughs lightly, “I will take that under advisement. I keep forgetting our little Moon Lily has wings now as well as her horn. The last time she was aboard she had only the horn.”

After this, he signals to the stewards to bring us our meals. As we dine, we continue to talk about clan business as well as what we have experienced since we last saw him.

Finally, he asks us all, “I know we lost Badger there and I have heard rumors, how bad were our losses there?”

Sunny answers for us, “While most of the units took some heavy losses, the 2nd Manesville took the worst of it.”

Rough seems surprised and asks, “How bad, and how come?”

I begin to answer, but Ginger cuts me off and tells him, “They tried to make an airborne assault. Rough, they lost almost the entire first wave. Rust, most of those casualties were killed not wounded. They experienced what we did on the Expedition. Second Two Step, Targhee, and the Valley all at once.” She pauses then tells him, “Moon Lily overheard the Division Commander ordering them to go in like that even when General Thrust Vector begged them not to. They were a distraction and it cost us heavily.”

I see anger appear on his face as he sits back and then asks, “Did it even mean anything then?”

This time Epona answers, “Yes, it kept them distracted long enough for the ground troops from the Baltimare and the rest of the Manesville brigade to get a hoofhold so we could take Coltlumbia. Honestly Rough, even with the efforts of our special teams I do not think we could have done so otherwise.”

I see him look down at the table and shake his head. “I had no idea they got torn up so badly.”

We all nod our heads in understanding. This time I speak, “We would not either if we had not been there.”

I hear him let out a sigh and then he tells me, “Thank you for letting me know. In a couple of days, we will begin to take the 3rd Manesville back home.” He pauses then adds, “The headquarters and scouts are to transport on the Glimmer, Sunny after your words earlier, I will be inviting Morning Star to this table and talk to her about her wishes and perhaps welcome her to the clan, that is unless you want to be there when I do.”

Sunny thinks with his forehoof under his chin, “Cousin, while I would like to be there for it, I think perhaps for her you should do so while she is onboard next. Perhaps Cousin Mollygirl should be there with her.”

He smiles, “I think you are correct about that. She did mention something about Morning Star and you to me the last time she sailed with me. So, I will do so.”

After he says that I see Sunny blush. “Thank you, Sir. She really is special.”

I watch as Rough raises an eyebrow, tilts his head, and gives a half smile before he replies, “Sunset Water, she really must be to cause such a big change in the young stallion I first called to this table. I am proud of you now. You are doing well, keep it up.”

Sunny blushes again, but sits up straight. “Thank you, Cousin.”

Rough looks at a clock on the wall, then back to us and tells us, “It is getting late, I best get you back to the Colt. Ginger, if you would please tell Rust that if she is still here tomorrow night, I would like to have her visit me for dinner.”

“I will so do Cousin. Besides, I think she may have some news for you as well,” Ginger answers back.

He raises a questioning eyebrow and shifts one of his ears, to which my wife tells him, “That is hers to tell you. But I do believe it is good news.”

Soon we are on our way back to the Colt. I find myself enjoying the lights and the stars reflecting on the gently flowing river as we pass through the flotilla. As we come alongside the Colt, I can see the 3rd officer standing at the port side of the main deck along the gangway ladder. The launch briefly ties up and we trot aboard briskly. Once we are all on the deck the ropes for the launch are tossed back and I see her start her return trip.

Ginger then asks, “Do you know if the captain is still awake?”

He shakes his head, “Not tonight. She has been a bit more tired lately, so with us being anchored with the Navy right here she decided to call it an early night.”

“Thank you. It can wait until morning anyways.”

The officer nods and then tells her, “Very good. Have a good night and if no one has told you yet, it is good to have the team back aboard again.”

We thank the officer and then make our way toward our berthing, as we get closer, we begin to hear music and singing. They are just finishing a chorus of Mares of Canterlot when we reach the door. All of us but Epona freeze in our tracks as we remember it being sung on the last day at Serenity Valley. I feel my pulse and breathing increase. I find myself suddenly more on guard, but then shake my head and I quickly am back to normal. I then say, “You ready guys?”

This seems to break the other two out of a similar trance. Ginger rubs against me and smiles as she whispers, “Thanks, I needed that.”

Epona then asks, “The Expedition?”

“Yeah, sorry Sis,” Ginger answers.

We then enter the door and see not only our team but members of the crew inside, singing, playing cards and just enjoying each other’s company. I quickly look for Katie and find her lying down on my bunk with two of the younger foals we rescued after the storm north of Oil Town.

Once inside I notice Choo Choo is missing as is Epona who asks, “Where is Choo?”

Twinks answers, “When we began the last song, she said she had to step out for some air after we sang the first chorus.”

Sunny then tells us, “I will go see if I can find her.”

“Thanks, Sunny,” the two sisters tell him, while I nod in agreement.

He then turns and heads back out. Tater then waves me over to the card game and Ginger smiles telling me, “Go ahead dear.”

I make my way to the table, take a seat, and tell them, “Deal me in.” I pause then ask, “So what are we playing?”

It is about an hour later when I hear Choo and Sunny return. I look up from my hoof of cards and nod to them as they do.

She smiles weakly and then heads to her bunk and lies down. As she does, I notice Katie looking at her. She gives another nuzzle to the youngsters still sitting on the bed with her, then she gets up and slowly walks over to Choo. When there she nuzzles her hoof from the floor.

“Hello Katie, thank you,” Choo tells her.

Katie takes that as a welcome then climbs up on the bunk with her, puts her head over Choo's back, and just lays there like that as the night goes on and Choo falls asleep.

As the night winds down the regular crew members all head back to their duties or their bunks for some sleep. Soon the lanterns are turned down and we all settle down for sleep ourselves. As I drift off, I think to myself how fortunate we have been and say a brief prayer to whomever our creator may have been thanking them for what we still have.

*****

Baltimare Colt, Western Wastelands: Choo Choo

As I lead my team from the Hot Shot 2, I notice Captain Rust Water in the pilot house looking down at us. She gives me a nod. I nod back and wonder if she has any idea of what our next assignment is going to be so I tell Ginger, “Cookie, take the team below. I will be with you after I check in with the captain.”

She acknowledges the order and as I make my way to Rust, she leads them to our quarters.

Once at the pilothouse she tells me, “Come on in Choo. It is good to see you in one piece, but I noticed you seem to be missing one of your team members,”

I nod, “It is good to see you again Rust, and yes we lost Days End as well as a couple of new recruits in Coltlumbia.”

“I am sorry to hear that. I know how it feels to lose someone under your command.”

I nod solemnly, “It never gets easier. The worst part was when he died. The damn war was almost over.”

She shakes her head, sadly and then asks me, “Where are the Flying Foursome?”

I smile at the change of subject and tell her, “They are with their parents in the 3rd Manesville. We left them in the town here when we got orders to head back into Coltlumbia and try to infiltrate Flankton and Emporia, along with the batponies.”

I hear her laugh before she says, “Well, the bigwigs sure were not asking much, were they? How did they expect you to do that?”

This time I let out a slight chuckle, “Would you believe Sunny and Morning Mist, made it inside while Twinks and I checked out the tunnels underneath.”

She lets out a whistle and shakes her head, “Well, I will be darned. If I did not know you well enough Choo, I might think you were making things up, but that is some impressive stuff. Maybe you can tell me more about it over some coffee.”

“Yeah, I can do that.” I then pause and ask her, “How is the pregnancy going?”

She moves her hoof to her stomach and smiles, “So far, so good Choo. I thought a lot about what we talked about last time you were on board, I think you are right, I can do this.”

“I am glad to hear you say that,” I tell her, then I ask, “Any word on our new assignment yet?”

She shakes her head, “No, not yet, but feel free to stop by the radio room to check if you want.”

“I will do that on my way down.”

She then tells me, “Oh, also, Let Ginger, Epona, Sunny, and Xochitl know that my brother wants them to have dinner with him on the Glimmer tonight. Clan business, you know how that is.”

“Yes, I do,” I answer, then I ask, “Have you told him you are expecting yet?”

“No, not yet. We have not had a chance to sit down and talk yet, you know how it is.”

“Yeah Rust, I do. That is the kind of news you want to see their faces when you tell them.”

“Exactly. After all, I am sure he never imagined I would make him an uncle with my love of the Colt,” she tells me as she gently rubs her hoof along the wood of the window frame. She then tells me, “I best let you get down to your people. Coffee Later?”

“I would like that. Coffee later then,” I tell her and then head back out of the pilot house and head below decks.

When I arrive back in the berthing, I find myself feeling very relaxed as I turn over my weapons and radio headset for maintenance. Then after lying on my bunk, I let the others about their dinner request with Rough Water.

That evening after dinner, our team begins to settle into our old routines. It feels so good to be back and I enjoy it as our friends in the crew stop by to talk and visit with us.

It is all going well and I am feeling so relaxed as we talk and sing. Then they choose to sing Mares of Canterlot. I start to sing with them,

Mares of Canterlot, stop your dreaming

Can't you see their spearpoints gleaming

See their warrior pennants streaming

To this battle field

I have not sung this song in a very long time and suddenly I feel my heart beating faster as I remember ferrying the young ones across the river from our defensive position at Serenity Valley. In my mind, I can almost see the scene below me as I turn to fly back for some of the brahmin calves that we are to evacuate after I had dropped off the one earthpony mare who was going to lead them with our pegasi to safety as we bought them time. I feel my voice start to lower in volume during the next verse.

Mares of Canterlot stand ye steady

It cannot be ever said ye

For the battle were not ready

Ponies never yield

I feel my hooves shake some and I realize I need to leave for a bit. I stand up as they continue to sing, telling Twinks,” I need some fresh air,” as I step out onto the main deck and then fly up to a nearby cloud to sit and clear my head.

I am only up there for a little bit before I see someone coming my way. A few minutes later Sunny lands beside me. “Hi Boss,” he tells me quietly.

“Hay Sunny.”

“Choo, are you okay?”

I sit quietly in a non-answer,

“Yeah, I understand. Who would think something as simple as a song could hit a pony so hard, He tells me.

I feel my ears slide back as I feel he is mocking me. He then tells me, “I needed to get out of there. I... I just never thought it would catch me like that. It got Ginger and Xochitl too. We all froze and I felt like I could not breathe for a minute and I was back to fighting that griffon to protect that mare and her foal. Choo, I was only still a colt myself back then.”

I realize this is more than about me. I put a wing out and he moves under it and returns the gesture with his wing as well. “I understand, believe me Sunny. I just hoped it would not hit you and them like that too.”

He shrugs under my wing and tells me, “I wish no one had that happen to them, but Choo to have that happen, I think we would have had to travel through time before the war with the Zebras.”

I find myself smiling ruefully. I shake my head slightly and tell him, “Further than that I do believe. But I understand what you mean.”

He then surprises me and asks, “Choo, even if things bother me like this, do you think that someday I might make a good father?” He pauses then adds, “I mean with Morning Star.”

I smile and grip him a bit tighter with my wing, “Sunny, I am sure you will. Just have patience and remember that Morning Star may have some things that cause her to react the way that song did us.”

He leans into me a bit, “Thanks, Boss. That means a lot coming from you.”

We sit that way for a while more, just talking. Honestly, I realize I need this as much as he did. Finally, I tell him, “We should get back before the others worry.”

He nods and stands up and shakes himself. As I do the same then he tells me, “Thanks, Choo. I needed that.”

I simply smile back at him and tell him, “Same here young stallion. We are stronger together, so thank you.” After which I lightly leap off the cloud and we return to the Colt.

Once aboard we return to the berthing compartment. Things seem to be winding down some for the night. I smile weakly at those playing cards as I make my way to my bunk. I am only there for a bit when Katie comes over and nuzzles my hoof. I talk to her briefly and when she hops onto the bed with me, I say nothing. She moves behind me and lays her head across my back and suddenly I realize just how tired I actually am as I fall asleep with her weight and warmth on me. Soon I enter the realm of dreams and I am once again with my Paper Work back home spending time with family.

When I wake, I find that Katie has moved back to her normal sleeping arrangement. The lights are low and everyone in the compartment is asleep but me. I feel refreshed and realize I have had almost six hours of sleep. Far more than I normally need. I quietly get up and make my bunk. I make my way to the mess deck and begin to enjoy a cup of coffee. As I am doing so, Thrown Biscuit approaches me and asks, “Would you like a doughnut? We just got done frying ‘em.”

I think briefly and answer, “Sure. That sounds good.”

I am only there for a bit before other members of the crew begin to filter in for their breakfast. I have just sat down from refilling my cup when I see Rust Water enter. She smiles, then grabs a cup of coffee and some freshly baked bread with butter and jam as well as a couple of apples. She then sits across from me and asks, “How are you doing today, Choo?”

I smile, “Honestly, I am doing better than yesterday. It feels good to be back.”

“Yeah, I understand that. It is good to have you all back aboard, but now I wonder what they have next lined up for us.”

“I wonder the same thing. I am just glad that when you guys could not pick us up it was because they had you go to Western Landing for repairs.”

She shakes her head, “Only a couple of days for repairs, other than that we assisted with guiding the 2nd River Squadron up the river until we were past Ponyville. It seems they have not had many craft available that had made the run before. It did get a bit dicey when one of the barges got too close to the shore in the Everfree, but we all made it through minus one more hydra. It is amazing what grouped 40mm and 20mm guns can do when coordinated.”

I find myself with a raised eyebrow when I hear that. I sit my coffee cup down and laugh lightly, “I never would have thought of that, but I am glad someone did.”

As we are talking Ginger and the others begin to trickle in. As Ginger passes us, she stops and tells Rust, “Captain, the Commodore has told me that he would like to have you at his table for dinner tonight.”

Rust nods in reply, and I watch as her forehoof moves to her stomach and she asks, “Does he know?”

“I do not think so. He did not say anything about you being pregnant, and we did not tell him.” Ginger answers.

“Thank you, Cookie. I appreciate you not telling him.”

“No problem, Captain. I would want to tell my close kin face to face as well.”

After I have breakfast I make my way to the radio shack to check if any new orders have come in. As I am standing there, I see the operator hold up a hoof to silence me and then they begin to write down what they are hearing.

I look over their shoulder and say, “Looks like it is about time to get back to work starting tomorrow. Do you want me to take this up to the captain?”

“No, I got it. Besides I am about to go off watch so I can drop it off on my way to breakfast.”

“Sounds good,” I reply and then head back to the compartment to wait for the rest of my team to return so I can inform them of our next assignment.

*****

753rd Security Battalion HQ, Flankton, Coltlumbia, Enclave Territory: Ball Lightning

Since the end of the fighting, I have had my hooves full. Most of this deals with adjusting my battalion to our now being a company down. That was reinforced for me two days ago when Cloud Seeder stopped by to say goodbye to me and Storm Rider.

I do smile as I remember him nervously coming into my office after having been led there by the Sergeant Major. I looked up at him when I heard the knock. “What can I do for you Cloud Seeder?”

He nervously steps forward and tells me, “Good Afternoon, Colonel, I just wanted to say goodbye to you and thank you for standing up for myself and my people. I would also like to apologize for any trouble we have caused you.”

I shrug my wing, “You’re welcome, but understand I did it because it was the right thing to do.” I pause then ask, “As you are saying goodbye, I assume you are leaving the Enclave, any idea of where you may be heading?”

He nods and tells me, “Yes sir, myself, most of my people, and their families are going to be heading to Manesville.”

I nod my head, “Depending on how they are recovering from the fighting there, it should be a good place Cloud. My wife and I were married there.”

I see him raise an eyebrow and I tell him, “I cannot go into details, sorry. But perhaps ask around in White Cloud if you want to know more.”

He shifts his ears to silently acknowledge that he understands. “Well sir, if you ever are in that area, feel free to look me up, sir. I am sure the Misses and I would enjoy having you over for dinner.

I smile at his offer knowing how unlikely it is that I will ever be there again. “I will do that Cloud, and for what it is worth, thank you for all you did. I appreciate the hard work you and your people put in for me.”

Shortly after that, he talked to both Storm Rider and Funnel Cloud before he was led out, and I returned to my paperwork.

Yesterday I was visited by internal security for another round of questioning about what happened with Cloud Seeder and his people leading up to events of the battle. When I asked why they were still investigating it, the Major who was questioning me shrugged and told me, “Just trying to find a root cause and indicators we can look for to prevent such events in the future Colonel. Nothing to worry about.”

As earnest as he sounds as well as the reasoning, I figure that is all they wanted. After he left, I sat and talked to my XO and Command Sargeant Major about the remains of our battalion and how we can get them back up to speed as soon as possible and perhaps negate some of the taint that seems to be on our battalion thanks to Company A.

I had just gotten back from lunch today when I heard Chain Lighting ask, “What can I do for all of you today, Major?”

I recognize the voice and I hear him answer, “How about you take me to see Lieutenant Colonel Ball Lightning.”

Once at my office he walks in and takes a seat without my telling him to. He looks at me with a raised eyebrow and tells me, “Lieutenant Colonel, I need to see you, your XO, your company commanders, and your Sergeant Major. It concerns the future of this battalion.”

I then call Storm in her office as well as make the call to the company commanders myself telling them to get over here in fifteen minutes.

Once they are all assembled, he looks at my senior company commander and tells him, “Captain, you are now in charge of the 753rd. I have here your orders to return your two companies to the RDS outside Hoofington, where you will oversee the unit as it is disbanded and its members farmed out to other units to replenish their ranks.”

I feel stunned as I wonder why they put him in charge when I or Storm could have done the same thing. I then find out why as he tells us, “Ball Lightning, Storm Rider, and Funnel Cloud, as the senior leadership for this command during the days leading up to and of the Battle of Coltlumbia, and having an entire company turncoat and lead the enemy into Flankton, you are hereby relieved of all duties and are under arrest for gross misconduct, incompetence, and treason.”

I see the others of what was once my battalion are also stunned. I feel like I have been shot in the gut again and want to cry out at the unfairness of it all, but I look at Funnel Cloud and see the steel in his eyes and realize I must survive this and not give them the pleasure of knowing how bad they hurt me.

All three of us must surrender our weapons and we have wing binders as well as shackles and chains put on us by the squad of internal police soldiers who had accompanied the major.

Once we are ready, the three of us are led out of my office and away from what was my headquarters. As we go, I see the look of sadness and some well-hidden disgust from seeing us like that. But they dare not say anything else or they will join us.

We are paraded through the streets with our escort to the Internal Security Headquarters for Flankton. There they strip us of our uniform and any equipment we still had on us. We are then processed through as prisoners. I am then informed that my name is no longer valid, I am now prisoner 24601. The other two go through a similar process I suppose as we are separated.

I find myself in solitary confinement while I wait for my trial. My meals are brought to me in my cell. The guards do not bother to talk to me other than when absolutely needed. After two days of this, I see an officer in the uniform of the Judge Advocates General Corp approaching with several guards.

Once they are in front of the door to my cell I am told, “Prisoner 24601, Stand.”

I stand up in front of the door at the position attention facing them.

The JAG officer looks directly at me and tells me, “Prisoner 24601. You have been tried in absentia for the charges of gross misconduct, incompetence, and treason. You have been found innocent of the case of treason. On the charges of gross misconduct, you have been found guilty. On the charges of incompetence, you have been found guilty. For these crimes you are to be branded a Dashite and expelled from the territories of the Grand Pegasus Enclave. There are to be no appeals. This punishment is to take place immediately.”

I feel my wing go tight against my body and my ears slide back. I hope that Storm and Funnel are not going to be going through this as well, I think to myself.

“Prisoner 24601, step forward to receive your punishment.”

In shock I slowly walk forward from my cell, I notice that most of the guards are members of my former battalion headquarters company. I watch as each has a neutral expression on their faces.

The binders are put on me as are the shackles and I am escorted to another room of the complex. As I enter the room, I can smell hot metal and the stench of burned flesh and fur. My eyes go wide as I am strapped so I cannot move. My heart begins beating faster as my breathing starts to accelerate. No, NO! this cannot be happening.

Once they have me strapped in, I hear the JAG officer order, “Let the punishment begin.”

At which point I see two of my former soldiers grab one of the cherry red branding irons from the fires. They each stand on one side of me and I watch from the corner of my eyes as the JAG officer raises his right forehoof. When he drops it, I feel first the impact of both branding irons directly over my cutie marks, then I feel a burst of pain as my flesh is cooked away beneath them. I can smell my own body cooking as well as my fur burning. The pain is almost overwhelming and I scream out in agony for what feels like forever but is only for a few short seconds. I feel my vision blur as I fight to not pass out from the pain.

Once the branding irons are removed, I feel the air hit the burns and another wave of pain hits me and I almost throw up. My vision still blurry I hear, “Remove prisoner 24601 to the transport.”

They march me away, still reeling with the pain and stumbling. Each time I fall I am kicked or struck by the guards until I am moving again. Finally, with one eye swollen shut we arrive at a vertibuck. Once aboard I am allowed to sit down while we fly to an awaiting skyship.

There I am taken to the ship’s brig with the same routine as I move. Once there I am again put in a cell where I cannot see those in the cells near me. I am then told that I am not allowed to speak while in confinement.

Before too long I feel the airship begin to move and I know we heading to wherever they decide to dump me.

For three days I feel the ship moving while I await my fate. During this I worry about my family and what will happen to them. Finally, on the morning of the third day I hear, “Prisoner, stand at attention at the door of your cell.”

I do so and I have a mask placed over my eyes in addition to the wing binders and the shackles. I can hear other hoofsteps on the floor, but I do not know how many guards there are. I am led like a pack beast from my cell. The entire way I am struck and kicked. I am walked up the ramp of a transport vertibuck. and once there I am forced to lay down.

I hear many others loading as well. Once ready the aircraft takes off and I feel us flying fast and close to the earth. The jinking and jerking of the aircraft causes me to slide and bump my injured body parts.

Finally, we slow and hoover. I then hear something being pushed out the back ramp of the door. Shortly afterward, I have my shackles removed. I then hear one of my former NCOs say into my ear. “Sorry sir, but it was our orders. Goddess speed,” and with my wings still bound I am pushed out as well. I fall for only about four meters, but I strike hard and I wonder what else may have been broken this time. I am still eating rotor dust when I hear what must be another pony land a short distance from me. Then I hear the aircraft take off.

I am lying there panting in pain when I hear some hooves coming our way. I then hear a gravelly voice tell another, “Looks like we have some new dashites here. Better go get some medics.”

I then feel a hoof remove my blindfold and I look up into the face of a ghoul. At one time I would have panicked, but thanks to my previous experiences I do not, instead, I simply say, “Help, please.”

He answers, “We gotcha, the docs are on their way.”

I then ask, “Where am I?”

I see him try to smile, “You and your friends here are at a little place we call Dead Quite.”

I feel relief and without thinking I say, “Thank the Goddesses,” and then I pass out.

*****

Rainbow Dash Skyport, Hoofington Region, GPE Territory, Air Burst

Since the war with the NCR and the alliance has ended things finally seem to be starting to return to normal. Well as close to normal as it can get for us here at the RDS and Thunderhead. With that in mind, I am making my way to the hangar on the RDS that houses the office where I should get some assignments.

I exchange the typical nods with those who I know are on guard duty outside of I as I make my way in. I am hoping I may have a new assignment for my team and me. I am talking to the radio tech and he tells me he needs to step out to use the restroom and asks me if I can watch the room for him as I have a higher clearance than he does. He has only been gone for a few minutes when I see the teletype machine start printing.

With a combination of boredom and curiosity, I begin to read what it says. Part of me wishes I had not but part of me is glad I am the one to intercept it as I read that Ball Lightning, his XO, and Sergeant Major have all been arrested, tried and branded Dashites.

I feel my face go pale and my ears slide back as my stomach feels sick. Then I notice further down that due to suspicion, his wife, Sundancer, as well as Kind Heart, Alto Cumulus, and me are to be taken into custody for collusion. I know what that means and it does not bode well.

I take the message, fold it carefully and place it under my wing after sending back a brief acknowledgement of the message being received. However, I do not note it down in the message log. That should buy us some additional time.

Once the tech gets back, he asks, “Anything come in while I was gone?”

“No, nothing. I was still hoping for a new assignment. How about letting me know as soon as you hear something.”

“Sounds good Air. I will talk to you later.”

“Talk to you later Log Book.”

I then make my way out of hangar and over to the rebuilt Volunteer Corps office near the main gate. Once there I find Alto. Smiling, I tell him, “We have a new job. Grab your gear and let’s get going.”

As he is grabbing it, I am grabbing my VC kit as well. Thank the Goddesses we kept up this as part of our cover, I think to myself.

Once we are ready, he and I step out and I tell him, “We need to stop over at the Ball Lightning’s place.”

He looks surprised and asks, “Is Sundancer coming with us?”

I nod, “Pretty sure she will be along with some others. I will explain more when we get there.”

Once we arrive, Sundancer’s mother opens the door and seems surprised to see us, much less all of our gear.

“Please come in,” she tells us.

Once inside I ask, “Are Sundancer and Kind Heart here?”

“Yes, they are both in the kitchen prepping dinner, why?”

“I need to talk to them as well as the rest of the family right now.”

“Well Scout and Scraps are both out visiting a couple of friends right now, but the rest are home.”

When Sundancer enters the room I tell her, “Sundancer, we have a White Cloud type of problem.”

I see her eyes go wide, “What do you mean?”

I pass her the message I intercepted and as she reads it, I hear her draw several deep breaths and tears form in her eyes. She looks up and asks, “Where did you get this?”

“I was alone in the radio room when it came in. I never logged it in, so that should give us a bit of time.”

She passes the message to Kind Heart and tells her daughter Savanna, “Go get your brothers. Tell them I said to get home now.”

“Yes, Mom.” She tells her and then departs immediately.

By now Kind Heart has passed the message to Wind Dancer who then asks, “What do we do?”

Sundancer tells her, “Once the others are back, we grab our Get out of Dodge City bags and we make a run for it.”

Sundancer, Alto, and I all answer at the same time, “White Cloud.”

I then add, “It was a pre-agreed upon rally point for us if our own side turned against us while running intel ops.”

Wind Dancer seems stunned, “Intel Ops?”

“Yeah Mom, that is what I was doing in the VC as well as helping others.”

Right after this the others return and I hear Scout asks, “Mom, what is going on?”

She passes the message to her oldest and I watch as he reads it and I see a fire burning in his eyes, “Mom, Uncle Air, how could the Enclave do this to Dad and the others? Why?”

Wonder that myself. He was a good officer and I would never question his loyalty. Something must have happened.

Sundancer does not give me time. Instead, she says, “We can worry about that later, but right now, we need to grab our bags. If it means something to you, make sure you grab it as I do not think we will be back here ever again kids.”

Scout tells the others, “You heard Mom, let’s move it.”

I wait in the living room as they begin to grab their things. Sundancer’s mother stops briefly and asks, “What about the little ones, and her being pregnant?”

“I have an idea, but we will have to get off the base first,” I answer.

When Sundancer comes downstairs I ask her, “Do you think you can make it to the Colligate?”

“Yeah, I think so, why?”

“Remember how they always have a cart there?”

She nods and I continue, “Yeah, I think we will be borrowing it.” I pause then ask, “Do you still have your VC uniform?”

She looks at me suspiciously, “Yes, why?”

If you cannot fit in it, do you think your mother could?”

She nods her head, “Yes, I am sure of it.”

“Good take it with us and have her put it on when we get there.”

Once we have everyone ready Sundancer asks the others, “Do you have everything?”

“Yes Mom,” I hear them all answer.

Along with their gear and the things they want to keep, we also have each carry some food for us. Once ready, Sundancer looks around their home sadly then tells us, “Let’s get going. We are burning daylight.”

Alto and I both carry the two youngest of Ball’s children on our backs so they can keep up. As we are leaving the base, we run into Captain Bulls Eye Squall. She sees us and smiles as we approach her. She then asks goodnaturedly, “Where you all headed?”

I debate telling her but Sundancer pulls out the message and passes it to her and tells her, “Did Funnel ever tell you about the rally point?”

Her eyes go wide, “White Cloud?”

Sundancer nods as Bulls Eye reads the message. Her eyes go wide and I hear her say under her breath, “Those bastards.” She finishes and passes the message back to Sundancer. She then tells her, “Let Funnel know I love him and I will be there as soon as I can without being branded if you see him. Now get going, I will cover for you as best I can.”

“Thank, Bulls Eye, I owe you,” Sundancer tells her. Then she leads us off.

Once out of the gate, I notice the older children begin to carry their weapons at the ready, as do Alto and myself along with Kind Heart, who simply says, “Keep your eyes open kids.”

Scout takes his name seriously and leads us. After the first hour, we are passing through an area of rundown houses and open countryside. We are near an old barn which Scout and Savanna have already checked out. We slide inside and take a quick break there.

As we rest Scout asks, “Uncle Air, where are we heading?”

“Well, first I want to stop at the Collegiate to borrow a wagon from the Volunteer Corps, then we will begin to make our way to a place called White Cloud up in the NCR.”

He looks surprised and asks, “Isn’t that the place that Hallowed Dreams talked about on his show?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“But they are all Dashites and evil up there, aren’t they?”

I shake my head, “No, not really. They were just on the other side. Scout, things are a lot more complicated than most will realize. If you would like, while on this trip I will tell you a bit. I will also teach you some of what your parents and I did for a while.”

He nods, “I think I would like that.”

I cannot help but smile. I then ruffle his forelock with my hoof and tell him, “Glad to hear it, Scout. These are skills that can save your life. I even taught a few of these to your father.”

From the side, I see a sad expression on Sundancer’s face but she simply nods to me and moves her ears to let me know she agrees, I know that it is because she had hoped for better for her children, but it is, what it is and she knows that too.

Soon she looks at me and taps her hoof to her fetlock. I nod back to her and call out, “Okay everyone, on your hooves we need to make twenty more klicks before we stop for the night. I want to make Mega Mart before it gets dark.”

I watch the youngsters get excited, and both Wind Dancer and Kind Heart look slightly confused. Sundancer smirks and then tells them, “I will explain while we walk. Let’s go kids.”

****

Good evening and welcome to all of you listening out there in the wastelands. I am DJ Pon3 coming to you from Ten Pony Tower. Tonight, following the news, we will be bringing you the best in music we could salvage or new recordings that we have traded for as well as tips you can use to help you survive in the wastelands.

Leading tonight’s news we will lead off with reports that the shipments of surplus grain from Manesville have begun once again. The first shipment by caravan arrived here at Ten Pony Tower, just this morning, along with fresh cheese, which can be purchased right here on the second floor at our local shops.

From the Lunar Commonwealth, we are receiving news of a new cooperative agreement having been signed between them and the cloud city of Thunderhead. It is said that this was made possible due to the rapid assistance and support that Thunderhead and the RDS received from them after the rumored megaspell attack against them. These rumors remain unsubstantiated at this time.

From the rivers, we have more reports of attacks on civilian traffic. Survivors of three of these ships report that they were attacked by a riverboat called the Dragon’s Horde. There have since been calls for action by several members of the NCR parliament.

Along those lines, it is time for a reminder that just because the war is now over, that does not mean that travel is safe as those who formally were watching the roads and rivers may not have been able to return to those duties yet.

We have also had reports of attacks against individuals and caravans leading between the NCR and the Commonwealth as well as between the NCR and Manehatten. So, keep yourself armed and aware if traveling, and better yet, keep yourself and several friends armed and aware as you travel if you can.

While we have overcome a lot, we still have a long way to go. With that we have the first song of the show, here is The Humbling River.

Author's Note

This chapter was a bit of a hard one for me to write with the arrest and punishment of Ball Lightning. We have not seen the last of him yet though. So do not worry he is still with us.

I hope that you all enjoy getting to see Air Burst and the rest of their reaction to the news and the start of their trip to reach White Cloud. To show this came to me as I was finishing Ball's section of the chapter. However, what happened to Ball was always to be his fate since we first met him.

For those who want to listen to this chapters song the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuZZ1sekdF8