Chapter 80 Squaring Up

“What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog.” -Dwight D. Eisenhower

Onboard a captured fishing boat: The Big River: Ginger Snaps

We are sailing as quickly as we can to the Baltimare Colt, which is barely making headway in the middle of the river. Full of relief, I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. I then turn to Tater and tell him above the gunfire from some of the others on the boat, “Tater, my SIR kept miss firing, I need you to look at it when we get back on board the Colt.”

He moves his ears to show he understands and tells me, “First thing when we get back onboard.”’

“Thanks,” I tell him. Just then, I hear multiple steam whistles from both upstream and downstream, in the distance.

Buck this cannot be good, I think to myself. At this point, I can only hope the steam launch can tow us to the Colt before we are attacked.

Above us I can see our fliers providing air cover for us as we close the distance to the Colt and what should be safety. I look at the others in the fishing boat with me and I see some of the freed slaves are on the verge of panicking.

“Relax, we are going to be safe,” I tell them trying to reassure them and myself.

As we are pulled alongside the Colt, I watch the lines being tossed to the Colt and we are temporarily tied alongside so we can offload onto the steamship. As we are doing this, I watch the ship’s steam launch move to the davits to be reloaded onboard so we can move with more freedom.

As we reboard, I tell my people, “Go to your action stations.” I then turn to Tater and ask, “Do you have something ready for me to use?”

He nods, and motions for me to follow him, “Yeah, not as good as your SIR, but it will do until we get a chance to go over it and fix it.”

As my team moves to their positions and Tater starts to lead me to our arms locker, I see a few crew members approach those we rescued and lead them to the messdecks until things calm down again.

Over my returned radio earbud I can hear Rust giving orders to investigate both upriver and down. Tater and I are moving as fast as we can to switch out my weapon, so we are ready for what is coming.

After he tosses the SIR to the side I watch as he pulls out an Infiltrator for me to use. It is basically the same rifle as my SIR but lacks the suppressor and scope. Great, back to iron sights. Well at least I am familiar with this, and he did not try to toss me a light MG.

We are almost finished when I hear Flight Plan call out over the radio, “I am taking Fire and breaking off.”

Choo then calls out on the net, “All Colt Fliers, southern force are friendly, I repeat friendly, break off,”

I feel a bit of relief that at least the downriver forces are friendly. This is then followed up with Sunny calling out, “Big Blue, this is Blackbird, I am going to land on the Butternut and appraise them of the situation.”

I am just reaching my action station with my set when I hear Flight Plan saying over the radio, “BC this is HS2, we are rolling hot. Have one sternwheeler and multiple steam launches. Popping Flares over them right now.”

I look upriver and, in the distance, I can see a chain of flares begin to illuminate the night as they slowly drift down. In the light, I can make out what seems to be a sternwheeler and a large number of steam launches making their best speed in our direction.

In the air, I can barely make out several of our fliers and I hear Choo call out, “Let’s Roll!”

I quickly load a magazine and rack a round into the chamber. I turn to those around me, “Hold fire until ordered.”

Suddenly I hear two of the 20mm guns near us open fire on the shore and I see most of the fishing boats and the three steam launches there all burst apart into flying chunks of wood, metal, and other debris.

As the Colt picks up speed, I look behind us and see two more steamships falling into line behind us in the dark, just as the dual 40mm gun above us opens fire on the steamship in the distance.

Suddenly I see a large burst of flame on the foredeck of our target, and I realize they have just fired artillery back at us and I see an explosion occur short and to our starboard side. It is then I see the side paddle-wheeler Butternut begin to turn to our starboard side, followed by the Highland Chief and another sternwheeler whose name I can not make out.

As we get closer, I begin to see the steam launches start to spread out to attack the other steamers with us, which do not seem to have the heavy artillery of the Colt. Though they do each have a couple of machineguns that they start to use.

I am looking ahead of us and towards the shore, as the four riverboats begin to turn to starboard and my side becomes more open to the pirate sternwheeler. I hunker down and I am forced to sit and watch until I am in range, as in the distance I watch our fliers make a strafing run first on the sternwheeler, they then bank and make a pass on the steam launches which are beginning to lose any semblance of an organized force. I see at least two explosions in the light of the flares from the direction of the launches.

Suddenly I see a spotlight appear on the pirate vessel and I am temporarily blinded as its beam lands on the Colt.

I then hear another round fired from their cannon. It is followed by crashing and screams as the Colt is struck, the round having passed through a sandbag emplacement near the bow and glancing off of the steel plate that had been mounted on our superstructure. I then see the searchlights from all four of our steamers illuminate the Pirate ship.

The enemy vessels sound their steam whistle several times as if signaling to the launches. By this time our starboard side is three-quarters of the way exposed allowing all of our guns on that side to bear on it as our twin 40mms begin to find the range and I watch as the shells explode against the superstructure as our twin 20mm guns join the fray from less than a kilometer away.

I duck down briefly as machinegun rounds strike the superstructure just behind us with sparks flying as they ricochet off.

During one of these burst, I hear Jelly Bean yell out in pain. I turn and see she has been hit and is bleeding from behind her barding. Twinks crawls from the other side of Cowlick and begins to check her wounds, and I watch as she draws out a healing potion, and after giving it to Jelly Bean she then gives her a shot of Med-ex. She then yells to me, “I need to get her to medical Cookie.”

“Okay, do it,” I tell her, and while I know it is beyond effective range, I know it is still within my firing range, and I fire several rounds at the now turning steamship just hoping to cause them trouble as well. As I do so I tell Cowlick, “Light her up big guy!”

Instead of answering he opens fire with the .308 medium machinegun that is mounted on his battlesaddle.

As we continue ahead, its turn brings it close enough that under the flares that the Hot Shot 2 and her crew keep dropping, we can see ponies running on her decks, dragging wounded, and fighting fires. As she continues her turn, our spotlight illuminates the stern and I see her name, Steam Kettle. The NCRN ship that was escorting the Sassafras Tea when she was lost.

I feel more anger as I start to aim as best I can with these old iron sights. Just as I start to fire, I hear someone yell out, “Here come the steam launches,” and all our larger weapons begin to try and aim for them. By this point, we have turned to our port side and are moving straight up the river. However, now we are trying to fight both the Steam Kettle and her escorts, which makes Rust have to take evasive maneuvers that result in the distance between us and the former NCRN ship growing as they break away from this fight.

Soon I see two launches making their way towards my side of the ship I point them out and I feel a feral grin creep across my muzzle as first Cowlick with his MMG begins to fire on them then I hear Rough Seas yelling in joy from just aft of us as he finds the range of one of them.

Just as he hits the boiler, I see a bright flash of light from its deck and suddenly I hear someone yell, “Repel Boarders.”

I turn just in time to open fire on an earthpony with a pistol in his muzzle and evil in his eyes as I shift him from his mortal coil and then let the carbine hang from its sling as I draw my pistol and wade into the fight.

*****

Starboard side main deck, Baltimare Colt: Xochotil

I watch the greyish-green images of the other steamers one by one begin to turn to our starboard in my NODs. I can understand what they are trying to do, but they just are not used to sailing in formations. At times like this, I am thankful for the night vision devices as well as SATS.

As we turn I can tell that the launches are trying to run block for that damned pirate ship. That is okay, we will make the pay a bit of a debt as well, I think to myself as I look through the sights of Orcus and begin to fire at the nearest one, I can shoot at.

As they come, they are firing, and I begin to see spells and counter-spells being thrown by the unicorns on all of the vessels.

I am stunned though when I see several fireballs that have been thrown by the pirates suddenly stop midflight and return in the directions from which they came as if caught and thrown back. But, that just cannot be. From the bow, I hear a crash as one of the enemy rounds hits one of the forward sandbagged machine gun positions. I turned just enough to see two ponies and a mare duce flying through the air. This is soon followed by calls for the medics.

Soon we have turned enough so that my team and those on our side of the Colt can only sit and wait as the other side endures the battle. However, that does not last too long as I watch two of the other steamers almost hit each other. We all hear their steam whistles screaming warnings to each other as they barely clear each other. The positive side is that the one launch I had been firing at made the mistake of getting in the path of the far one as it turned toward us. I can almost hear the crash of lumber being smashed as I watch in my monochromatic world the events unfold. Then I feel the Colt start to heal over as we make a sudden turn to port. I just thank the Goddesses that those searchlights are not pointing at us and overpowering my NODs.

As our course becomes straight upstream again, I begin to see several of the launches have begun to overtake the most distant steamer with us. However, those that are on this side of it also begin to receive fire from the other three ships as well.

Just ahead of us the Hot Shot drops a few more flares as they begin to use their landing light to illuminate the launches as they join the fray again with their door gunners.

I occasionally glimpse our fliers flying low and firing at the launches as well.

Then I hear a call over the radio that makes my blood run cold as Mort calls out, “Onboard the Colt, I need all ground teams to the port side asap to repel boarders.”

I look at the regular Colt crew members and tell them, “We will be back as soon as we can. Keep up the good work.” I then turn to my people, “You heard the buck, let us move people,” and we leap up and rush to join the fight. As we run into the fight, I can see over a dozen pirates are already onboard and have engaged in close quarters battle with our people.

I realize we will be too close to use Orcus, and I draw my pistol in my mouth and my family knife in my pastern as I rush on my hind legs into the fray.

Behind me are Double Back, Morning Glen, and Ember Rose. Morning Glen with his head down and using his antlers like weapons and Ember using her horn to throw spells as we go.

I fire several shots into the back of one the pirates who is fighting Ginger and I watch their back legs fail as they scream and try to drag themselves away.

I am soon engaging in full hoofticuffs, kicking, sweeping and striking as I go. At one point I am slightly distracted as I hear Epona screaming as she joins the fight with her legion sword. At this point I am kicked and knocked off of my hoofs, I roll and throw myself back at the pirate who had struck me.

Soon we have cleared the decks and I look around. I can no longer see the pirate steamship, but I do see the others with us are still fighting against the steam launches and I feel our ship heel over as we turn and move to assist them. We start to target their steam launches first.

Then once close enough the captain brings us along side the Butternut and Ginger leads our team as we leap the short distance across to assist them.

As we charge across the deck, I see several members of the Water Clan and others I knew from back home being driven back to the superstructure. It is almost humorous to hear the screams of surprise as several of the pirates are hit by a charging bull and stag and driven over the side into the water.

As they are doing this, we wade in using close in weapons and Twinks and Embers shield spells. The surprise is complete, and the pirates who remain on deck try to surrender as the rest of the clan comes back on deck to continue the fight.

It is then that I hear Grey Water yell at them, “You think you can beat one of our kin to death and we are going to just take it. You wanted a feud; well, you got one!”

The hatred in his voice makes my blood run cold. But I know he means it and it becomes a fight to the death for the pirates with several leaping over the side to try and escape and with several members of the clan shooting at them as the Butternut begins to make its way along with the Colt to the other two beleaguered steamers.

As we draw closer, I can see many of the pirates trying to get back to the launches as they begin to untie themselves and make a run for it.

I hear Ginger call out, “Repair Ponies, on me.”

As we gather around her, I watch as members of the clan begin to pick over the dead pirates’ bodies for anything they can use, and then they toss the corpses over the side.

When we are all reformed Ginger tells us, “Get ready to go again. They still have borders onboard the Highland Chief and the other one.”

As we get our gear ready, I hear a familiar voice say, “It is good to see you again Ginger, Xochotil, it has been a while since we have gotten to work in the field together.”

My wife and I both turn to the owner of the voice and Ginger says, “It is good to see you again Aunt Tar. But where are the kids?”

She smiles, “Well Broken is over with Trouble right now. He and Rain both snuck along.”

I shake my head, and ask, “What about the rest?”

She smiles, “My ma is watching the rest for us. I felt it was okay as long as Grey was with us.”

I nod in silent understanding. She then adds, “Most of the clan is involved in some way, shape, or form with this feud.” She pauses then adds, “By the way a couple of your shopdogs are with us too, over on the Chief.”

I am surprised to hear this and hear Ginger ask, “And Xyliana let them come?”

“Yes, she said she had a few others at the shop who could cover for them.” Tar pauses, then yells, “Okay everyone, get ready we are almost there.”

We are less than fifty yards away and we begin to take aim and shoot into the backs of the borders who have taken the main deck but are stuck in the open. I see several of them have axes and are trying to break through the bulkheads of the superstructure.

As we get close enough to jump across, I notice about half of the weapons being carried are civilian shotguns. Okay, the clan means for this fight to be up close and personal.

As we leap across the few remaining feet, I hear several shotguns and pistols firing as we close the distance. Mine among them. I see one of the pirates who seems to be directing the others and I use SATS to target his hind leg and as he goes down, I yell, “Take him prisoner for questioning.”

Soon, he is the only one still alive as he tries to move himself with a crippled hind leg dragging behind him. That is when I see Twink's horn flash and he freezes. She turns to the others and tells them, “He cannot move for another half hour at least. I look up at the remaining steamer and see that the Colt has gone alongside them and I see the team members of the Troubleshooters and Fixers working together to clear their deck as well. Then I see them move into the superstructure. It seems the pirates must have almost captured it.

I look at the name on the last steamer and I see its nameplates on the pilot house and rear side near the stern that read, Glowworm. I know she is not one of the clan’s steamers and I wonder just who are they? I guess it does not matter as long as they are on our side.

In the glowing light of the false dawn, I can see several of the steam launches that we had not captured or destroyed making a run for safety. However, while the Hot Shot 2 makes one more pass at them I hear Rust say over the radio, “Let them go for now. We want them to know we are coming and that we mean business.”

*****

In flight, over The Big River: Choo Choo

Ahead of us, I see the guns on the sternwheeler begin to fire at us. I throw up my shield and call out on the radio, “One pass on the steamer then we hit those launches, we need to thin them out some so they do not overwhelm our people.”

I adjust my tongue on the trigger of the battlesaddle bit and I realize I have curled my forehooves under me and my hind legs stretch behind me as if in midleap. All of us fliers are weaving back and forth. I briefly look over at my wingmare Harts Fire and I see he has a grim smile on his face as he banks and slides to my other side.

We are beginning our attack run when suddenly I see a fireball being thrown in our direction. Harts Fire flies in front of me, and I swear to the goddesses catches the fireball with his wings and using just one wing throws it back at the steamer, without slowing down. The fireball hits the upper deck just before I open fire with several short bursts of my minigun.

As I fly past the pilothouse I bank to my left and fly past the stern as fast as I can. The whole time I see several of the pirates diving for cover, or trying to fire at us, but being hit by those who follow me.

As we fly past, I hear someone call over the radio, “I am hit, returning to the Colt.”

I then hear someone else say, “I am his wingmare, I got him and will lead him back. Keep going and give ‘em Tartarus.”

I then hear Mudwing reply, “Roger, any other casualties?”

Most of our fliers report in. Several of them report nothing worse than a few grazes and singed marks.

I continue to lead them on a banking path to where I can see the launches steaming as fast as they can toward our people. I glance back in the direction of the pirate steamer and I can see it is illuminated by the searchlights from four ships. And they are exchanging fire with the Colt as both ships turn and begin to expose their broadsides to the other.

I barely have time to see this before I need to concentrate on what is in front of us. “Spread out people, line up on a target, make a single pass, and rally on me after your pass.”

As we approach them from behind, I can see everyone spread out in echelon on both sides of me. “Keep it steady people and get as close as you can before you open fire.”

I then take the bit back into my mouth. I begin to aim at the launch directly in front of me and when I am as close as I can get to it from behind, I open fire. I watch the rounds walk in short burst from its stern to bow and then I bank to my left again as I bank away from the battle to reform over the river bank.

As I bank and fly away, I can see the launches scattering as if radroaches when the lights come on. I also hear an explosion and turn my head to see that one of the launches had its boiler explode.

We make several more passes and after another one that leads us back toward the east shore I tell the others, “Time to rest people, land on me on the shore.”

Once over it we all land and I take care of the few wounds we still have, Then I notice an all-black young mare who is following Sunny and ask, “Sunset Water, what is your little sister doing following you?”

“Sorry boss, when I left the Butternut to reform she followed me.”

While frustrated at this new development, I simply shake my head. What is it with the youngsters of the clan? “Okay, well you cannot unscramble an egg.” I pause and tell them, “Everyone, drink some water, reload your weapons, and get ready for another go. I want to hit those launches again.”

As I look at the battle going on I can see the pirate ship starting to turn north again as she tries to escape. I then add. “If we still can, after the launches we hit the steamer again. Aim for the stern paddle. If we crippler her, we can capture her.”
Harts fire then asks, “Choo, I know we would like to recapture that steamer, but I was wondering, could the launches be a bigger threat to our ships? I mean they might be able to overwhelm some of them and I know how you feel about the clan.”

Damn, he is right. I then tell the fliers, “We have to keep those launches off our ships, forget about that big one for now. Time to protect the herd first and destroy as many of the small ones as we can.”

I notice they all nod at me in the moonlight. “Alright get your kits ready, we fly in two minutes.”

I look at my PipBuck and I grin as I realize I have accidentally set a PipBuck Tag on the pirates’ steamer. I watch the others finish resetting their equipment and at the two-minute mark, I tell them, “Let us go,” As we take to the air as one large flock.

By now many of the launches have gotten among our steamships and they are forced to repel them. I find myself swaying in the wind current briefly as I decide, “Catch the launches that are not alongside yet. Watch your fire so we do not hit any friendlies. Sunny, make sure your sister keeps up with you.”

“Yes ma’am,” Sunny replies and we begin to make our next attack run.

To the rest I tell them, stay with your wingmares and if possible, stay with your normal teammates. If anyone is wounded, land on the top deck of the nearest steamer. Tally Ho!”

We begin our runs from about 100 meters up and we use the momentum of dropping down to just above the wave levels to increase our speed as we approach the battle that has devolved further into a series of smaller fights. As we are closing, I see the Baltimare Colt starting to come alongside the Butternut. I see a stray launch right ahead of me on my path and I open fire on them with a quick burst then I am past them and banking to target the next one. Suddenly I feel like I have been kicked hard in my side and I realize I have been hit in the meat of my neck. I do not have time for this, I think to myself as I feel a bit lightheaded. I then call out to Harts Fire, “I need to land quick,” and I make my way to the top deck of the nearest steamer which happens to be the Butternut.

As I land, I find I am still moving too fast and I crash and skid across the deck instead of landing. Before I can get up, Harts Fire is beside me and he takes out a healing potion from my saddlebags and forces it down my throat quickly.

While it helps some, I still feel somewhat weak, I tell him, “Sparkle Cola Rad, in saddlebag.”

“Choo, this is not the time for a soda,” he tells me incredulously.

“No, the radiation. Helps my kind to heal.”

He then uses his wings to find the bottle and I hear him pop the cap. He then holds the bottle to my lips as I thirstily drink it down. I can quickly feel the difference and only wish I had a couple of more with me right now. But every little bit helps.

I then get back on my hooves and I am greeted by Trouble Water, Sunny’s father. He has his old bolt action rifle with him and he asks, “You okay Choo? You landed pretty hard.”

I first nod, then as I begin to regain my footing I tell him, “Yeah, I will be. The bastards go lucky and hit me.”

He nods his head, “Must have been lucky. I never saw you take a hit like that before.”

Harts Fire then asks, “I guess you two know each other?”

I try to smile, but the pain makes it hard, “Yes, he is Sunny’s father. We first met when we worked together as scouts on the Expedition.”

Hart has heard us talk some about the Expedition so he knows what I am talking about and says, “Ah, that explains that.”

Then Trouble asks, “Have you seen Rain, that dang filly snuck along with her cousin Broken, which was bad enough but I have not seen her since her brother landed earlier.”

I find myself sighing, “Yeah, I have Trouble. She is flying as Sunny’s wingmare right now.”

I watch as he facehoofs and I hear him say, “Wish those kids had never told her about how they ran away on the Expedition.”

I hate to say it, but I kind of feel the same way as it has bit me a couple of times since.

By now I am feeling strong enough to fly again and I tell him, “We need to get going Trouble.” I turn to Harts Fire and ask, “Are you ready?”

He grins back at me, “I am if you are.” Then we both launch ourselves skyward again.

As we go, I see the rest of my team on the main deck of the Buttercup. By now the Colt has backed away and is on course toward the Highland Chief.

I can see flashes of light from several points in the sky, indicating my fliers are still fighting as ordered. As the Colt drops off more of the Rangers on the Chief, I make the call, “All fliers, return to the Colt to rearm and rest.”

As I land this time, I keep my footing and gently set down. The rest come in and land in twos and fours. Soon we have all landed and in the growing dawn, I see the Chief has been retaken as the other three ships move to assist the final steamer.

I tell the others, “I want you all to sit down, grab something to eat in your kit if you have it, and some water. I have to report in.”

As I make my way to the pilothouse, I can see several members of the crew who are wounded and a few who have died. Once in the pilothouse, I wait until Rust has a moment and I tell her we have returned.

She nods her head and tells me, “You and the fliers did good Choo. It is just too bad we could not have captured their sternwheeler, or destroyed all of their launches.”

I nod in agreement, and then I tell her, “Perhaps we have done one better Captain. I set up a PipBuck tag on her. Her name is the Steam Kettle. I think we may be able to use her to find the main base for Calico Jack and his band.”

I see her grin and she tells me, “Thanks Choo,” she then excuses herself and I hear her call over the radio, “HS2, this is BC, return to roost.” She then puts the bow into the wind as Flight Plan and his crew make their approach and land.

Once they have landed, she returns her attention to me and tells me, “Besides, we want them to know we are coming. Once Flight Plan gets there, I have an idea to send them the message.”

*****

Repair Pony Shop, Manesville, Manesville region, NCR: Ball Lightning

I smile at the progress that Storm Rider and I have made along with Summer Forage on revamping one of the old buildings across the street from our shop into a more useable barracks facility. Zhea had told us two other teams that work closely with the repair ponies had started on them before they left, so they already had a good start with having bunks set up. What we have been doing is cleaning out several rooms that they had not gotten to yet and setting them up to be used as private rooms, a breakroom, and even a kitchen.

I look at my pastern watch and notice the time, “Okay guys, how about we call it a day.”

They both agree and Storm asks, “Do you still want me and Funnel to go with you to White Cloud tonight?”

“Sure, if you like. We can grab a quick bite and a pint.”

She grins, and adds, “Are you really going to borrow a room to see anyone who has minor medical problems?”

Again, I nod my head, “Yeah. I am a bit nervous, but Doc Charity said it would be okay. They need someone out there for the minor stuff or else they will ignore it until it becomes a bigger problem, or they will start to all go to the hospital emergency room for the small stuff. No pony wants that.”

We then take our tools and cleaning supplies back to the main shop. As we enter Funnel Cloud looks up from behind the front counter and smiles. “That time already?”

I move my ears yes as I smile and tell him, “As long as Zhia thinks so, yes.”

He nods, then I see him place some parts from what looks like a radio into a box with his wingtips, and then taking the edge of the box in his teeth, he moves it over to a nearby shelf. “Well, best go check in with her.”

From upstairs I hear her voice saying, “Oh, look at the time. Best to call it a night I guess.”

She then comes downstairs and upon seeing us all there, she asks, “How are you coming with the rehab?”

“I do believe we have made some acceptable gains. If you would like to inspect to make sure, I would be glad to go back over there with you.”

“No, that will not be necessary.” She pauses, then asks, “Are you sure you four do not want to eat dinner at the shop tonight?”

I answer, “While I cannot speak for the others, not tonight. In fact; if you would like, you and Xanthippe could join us over in White Cloud for supper.”

She grins, “No, not tonight, perhaps another time though.”

“Xerxes visiting tonight?”

I swear she is blushing as she gives a shy smile and a nod. “Yes, he has become quite close to my daughter and I.”

I smile, “I do understand Zhia, it is a good thing.”

“Well, in that case, I need to begin making dinner for him and Xanthippe. Enjoy your dinner, and remember to take a weapon with you in case of radhogs or some of the other creatures out there.”

Soon we are on our way. Over the last couple of weeks, I have gotten to know Summer Forage. He has given me the general gist of what his life has been like, and while he comes off as tough as nails, he is a good sort. I like him and he has begun to hang around with the other three of us.

I walk most of the way with Summer. Both Storm and Funnel fly about head height. Luckily for him, he is a much stronger flier now than I am. Part of me wants to be jealous of his stamina, but part of me is just glad I still have all four of my legs.

I notice much more traffic on the road to White Cloud since the 3rd Manesville Regiment returned two days ago. This time as we go, we meet up with two NCR officers who are talking as they make their way towards White Cloud as well. They both wear the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel, but one is a male griffon, and the other, well I recognize her from her being the officer who exchanged us and her visit down in Hoofington.

“Good evening, Colonel Wind Rider,” I tell her in greeting.

She looks at me funny at first and then I can tell when she recognizes me and Funnel Cloud. “What are you two doing here?”

She looks us over closely after she sees that Funnel is missing one foreleg, and I can tell when she sees the brands.

She shakes her head and says, “Never mind. I can guess. Colonel Lightning, I am sorry to see that brand. Is your wife with you?”

I shake my head. “Not yet, but I am pretty sure if she was not captured she is on her way with the family.”

She then asks, “Are you looking for work with the NCRA?”

I shake my head and tell her, “No, I am in no shape for that game anymore. I am actually studying to be a full-time doctor. In fact, tonight after dinner I plan on putting out the shingle for a bit to treat anyone with minor problems. Doctor Charity thought it was a good idea when I told him some of the locals had asked.”

She smiles, “Well, I am sure we could use a new doctor.” She then asks the others, “How about any of you?”

I see Storm Rider's ears pop up and she replies, “I would be glad to if they will have me. But I am not sure if they would.”

Wind Rider nods, twists her head slightly and then tells her, “There is something you are holding back. Tell you what, stop by the 3rd regiment’s HQ tomorrow and we can talk privately about it. Just you and me.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I will do that.”

Wind Rider then asks, “How about you Sergeant Major?”

“I would like to ma’am, but I am a leg short, and right now I am working at the Repair Ponies shop trying to earn a new one. Besides what would you want an old broken down Dashite for?”

She grins, “We don’t. But I know we are going to need experienced non-coms to rebuild the Manesville brigade. Especially combat-experienced ones who can fly. I do not know if you have heard but the Second Manesville took it on the nose at Coltlumbia.”

We all nod our heads and Storm says, “I had a chance to see part of their attack as yours and the 4th Manesville attacked Coltlumbia, I was trying to reorganize after our company A dissolved and from what it’s company commander told us, lead NCRA troops into Flankton.”

Suddenly I see a change in her demeanor as she asks, “You were there?”

“Yes, we were,” I answer. Then I add. “We opposed you all the way until our commander gave us a choice. Then we lead the rest of my battalion into the gap between the Manesville and Baltimare brigades.” I pause then add, “Offically, we were branded for incompetence because of Company A. Personally, I think they wanted scapegoats and we were convenient. Besides, I was the CO, nothing should be held against these two if they want to serve and the NCRA needs them.”

She pauses in thought and I hear the griffon say, “Makes sense, and I have heard Captain Cloud Seeder speak well of their old battalions command staff.”

Wind Rider then replies, “Perhaps you are correct Dull Beak.” She then tells us, “I will look into it for you if you three are interested.”

That is when Summer Forage speaks up, “For my part, no thank you ma’am. I prefer being a shop dog for Zhia and Choo. I did enough heavy combat during the risings in Fillydelphia and after.”

Her eyes squint, “You were part of Red Eye’s army?”

Summer Stands his ground and his ears slide back in anger, “Never, I mean never, accuse me of that again. I have the lash scars to prove which side I was on.”

I watch as her eyes go wide and she flushes and then says, “My apologies. I assumed when I should not have.”

“You're right you shouldn’t have, but I will accept your apology Ma’am.”

She looks at the PipBuck on her foreleg and tells us, “I would like to keep talking with you but I need get home to White Cloud.”

“Of course, Colonel.”

As we are walking, we start to approach a farm on the south side of the road. In the front I see two mares leaning on the fence talking to a mule ghoul.

It is then that I recognize the closest mare. She has a red coat and a yellow mane and tail with a black stripe down the middle of them. The NCR colonel who almost killed me when I tried to capture her.

I see recognition come over her face as the smile on her face drops. This does not surprise me. But I watch as the mule has his hind legs drop from under him and his jaw drops.

I then hear him mutter, “Xerxes was not exaggerating.”

The Colonel looks at him and asks, “Not exaggerating about what Lieutenant?”

He slowly stands up and quietly tells her, “He walks on both sides like you do Colonel.”

She looks at me with a combination of interest and pity. Then she asks me, “So Mister Lightning, why do you walk both sides?”

I look at her in the face, and reply, “Excuse me? What do you mean by walk on both sides?”

Johnny says, “Us ghouls can see shadows on both sides of the veil. Most living beings cast it on this side, but ours only show on the other side. It is a side effect of being turned away from Elysium, I guess. You and the Colonel cast shadows on both sides. I think she wants to know how come you too were turned away.”

I take a deep breath. Look at those with me and close my eyes as I turn back in his and the Colonel's direction. I reopen my eyes and let out my breath before I answer, “Twice I have been turned away. The second time was when I tried to capture you, Colonel. That time I had three spirits arguing about who got me. Does that make sense?”

The others all look at me funny except the Colonel. She asks, “What were the names of the spirits?”

The first one’s name is Val. The second one’s name is Mareigan, and the third, I do not remember his name, but he wanted to draw cards to determine who got me.”

I watch as she visibly shudders and I hear her say under her breath, “Thank Sweet Cream I only had to deal with one.”

She then tells me, “Well, in that case, what brings you here Lightning?”

I briefly explain why I have come to their village today, and then I tell her, “And Ma’am, the name is Ball Lighting.”

She smiles and tells me, “Okay Ball. Welcome to White Cloud. When my wife Sutures gets back with the 4th Regiment and the Followers, I will have her look you up.”

I smile as I remember meeting Sutures when she saved Scrap's life back at the RDS. “I look forward to it Colonel. I look forward to it.”

*****

Enroute to the NCR Territories, The Wastelands, Air Burst

For the last three days, we have been trying to put as much distance between us and Fresh Spring. After my little incident with the bounty hunters, the boss filled up with as much water as we could carry, traded a few more items and we left town by noon, the next day.

Because of our leaving so quickly we left Trader Jewel’s brother’s caravan behind. I cannot say I blame them for not leaving with us, but it does make me a bit nervous. As I look around and into the distance, I only see one small column of dust coming in our direction from the NCR. Hopefully, that one just passes us by.

Since the incident though everyone in the caravan has started calling me Cloud Burst. The boss thought it would be a better idea to confuse any other bounty hunters. Honestly, I have to say I like it and if I end up back in my old line of work for the NCR, I might just keep it as a spare identity.

Beside me is Pistachio again. I have come to like the kid. She has good eyes and is easy to talk with. To be honest, if I was ten years younger, I might try and chase her. Instead, I am just happy to enjoy her company, even if it is just while we are on point together.

She has also got me to rethink a lot about Purple. I now realize I had begun to develop feelings for her that I had not admitted to anyone, including myself. Now the question is, will she still be interested in me or not? I guess we will see.

As we get closer, to the oncoming dust cloud, I take a quick flight up to a lowflying cloud and use the scope on my rifle as a telescope to find out what is approaching. I am somewhat surprised to see that it is a column of soldiers and a couple of brahmin carrying their supplies.

As I look closer, I notice that they are wearing NCR armor and uniforms. They seem to be in good order, so I suspect they are regulars. If so, what are they doing outside of NCR Territory?

I drop down from the clouds and land near Trader Jewel. He asks me, “What is up Cloud?”

“Looks like a platoon of NCR regulars Sir. They are in good order and have a couple of brahmin with pack saddles with them. Is that normal around these parts?”

He looks at me funny as we walk and asks, “Ball, I know you said you worked dirtside before, was it ever normal for you to see patrols this far out of their territory?”

“No sir, it was not. What do you want to do?”

He thinks briefly and lets out a sigh before answering me, “If you really think they are regulars, we stick to the road, if not, let me know and we will go cross country a bit to try and make it too much of a pain for them to bother with us.”

This time I let out a sigh before I reply, “I am not sure. I have never seen a gang or raiders that seemed so disciplined, and they are wearing the right uniforms.”

“I hate to risk it. How about you and Wind Dancer trot on ahead and meet them. Once you get close, if you think they are a danger, fire three quick shots and fly out of there. I know from up high you should be able to tell where we are.

I nod, “Will do boss.”

Soon Wind Dancer and I are making our way toward the column. As we get close, I see what appears to be a 1st Sergeant and a junior officer looking at a map. The Sergeant then points several times behind them. The officer however points ahead of them.

Wind asks me, “What do you think is going on?”

I snicker slightly and I tell her, “I do believe they have a 2nd lieutenant there in charge and they may be lost.”

“No. You are kidding me, right?” she replies.

“I am serious Wind. It happens sometimes. Especially when an officer is just learning the ropes.” I let out a sigh then add, “Let’s go see if we can help.”

She and I then get up from behind the hill we were watching them from and we begin to slowly fly towards them.

I watch as several of them turn their guns toward us, but I hear the NCO call out, “Hold your fire, let’s see what the birdies want.”

I notice out of the corner of my good eye Wind seems to be slightly indignant. I smile and tell her, “Get used to it. Our kind are not always the most welcomed down here. Especially the further we get from the major cloud cities.”

We both land and with our weapons stowed we stop and I hear the officer call, “Stay where you are. What do you want?”

I answer for us, “We noticed you are a bit far from normal NCR territory and were curious as to why and if we could help you in some way.”

The officer seems irritated by our answer, but the 1st Sergeant’s body language says I told you so. Followed by him asking, “Do you know this area?”

I shake my head, “No, but we are guards for a caravan traveling from Hoofington to the NCR.”

The officer seems to think and tells us, “Come here. Keep your weapons stowed, I have some questions for you.”

I walk over to him and the 1st Sergeant. Once close enough the NCO asks quietly, “How far are we out of NCR Territory?”

I answer, “Let’s look at your map and see if we can find where you are.”

They take the map and I begin to examine it. I then notice that we are not even on it. Quietly I tell him and the Lieutenant that. Then I tell him, “We are a couple of days travel from the next settlement which is Fresh Spring. This morning my boss said we were still two days from NCR territory, so maybe a day and a half now.”

I see the look of surprise on the young shave tails face and I swear he almost wants to cry. I then tell him, “Do not worry sir, it happens. You can always turn back and if you want you could always escort us back to NCR territory.”

I see them think about it. The 1st Sergeant nods to the Lieutenant and tells him, “Makes sense LT, we are to secure the roads. We just made sure it was clear a bit further sir. We can turn back when you like.”

I see the officer thinking and he then tells him, “Your right First. Have the troops fall out and check for saddle sores and wear marks. Once the caravan reaches us, we will reform and follow them back to our territory.”

I then tell Wind, “Go on back and let the boss know it is safe and we may just have an escort.”

She smiles and tells me, “Will do Cloud.” Then she takes to the air and flying only about head height above the road makes her way to the caravan in the far distance.

I then talk with these two as we wait. The 1st Sergeant notices my false eye and asks, “What happened to your eye?”

I turn to face him more and tell him, “Back during the unpleasantness between Neighvarro and Thunderhead, I was a fire control Noncom on one of our airships. I was lucky. The others with me, not so much.”

The 1st Sergeant gives me an understanding nod. The lieutenant asks, “What do you mean you were lucky.”

He answers, “Sir, best not to ask. Just understand he was in better shape than the others.”

“Oh. I, uh, yes. Sorry for asking, what did you say your name was?”

I extend a forehoof, “Cloud Burst. The mare with me is a friend of mine. Her name is Wind Dancer. What should I call you two gentlemen?”

The Lieutenant answers, “I am Lieutenant Broken Compass.”

I shake his hoof and I force myself not to laugh at his name and the situation.

I turn to the 1st Sergeant and he tells me, “I am 1st Sergeant Gravel Agitator.”

As I shake his hoof, I tell them both, “A pleasure to meet you.”

As we are talking, I see the other troops all begin to shift and put their kits back on as the dust cloud from the caravan comes over the hill and they begin to see our wagons.

As the wagons reach the column Pistachio and Scout are on point along with Trader Jewel. He then calls for the caravan to halt.

As he approaches, I introduce him to them. Then Trader asks, the magic question, “How are you and your people set on water?

The officer, quietly answers, “We are starting to run low. If you have any extra, I would be glad to sign a purchase voucher so you can be reimbursed.”

Trader nods his head, “Yes, I believe we can do that. I always try to fill up a few extra barrels in case of trouble Lieutenant.” He then asks, “How are the roads ahead? Anything we should be on the lookout for?”

They both shake their heads and shift their ears no. The Lieutenant adds, "We are just getting to the end of our patrol route and were going to return. Would you like us to escort you and your people for the duration of our travels?”

Trader Jewel smiles and tells him, “Since you are going that way, Why not.”

Inside I feel a bit of relief, that means for at least the next couple of days, we should have enough pony power to take care of any dangers we may encounter.

As the caravan begins to pass them, I hear one of the troopers say, “Look, their guards are almost all kids.”

I then hear one of them say, “Maybe, but look at their eyes. Especially that griffon hen. I do not think I want to mess with them.”

I smile at the lieutenant and senior nco and tell them, “I will talk to you both at the next stop. I need to get back on point.”

As I am getting ready to fly away, I hear Lil” Bit call out, “Hey Lieutenant, do you have a medic with you?”

The officer turns to her and calls back, “Why, do you need one?”

She replies, back, “No Sir, just offering my services.”

He seems taken aback and then answers, “Thank you for offering little filly. I do appreciate it, but we are okay.”

She nods her head, shifts her carbine and he can suddenly see her saddlebag with the three butterflies on it. He turns to me and asks, “Was she serious?”

I nod my head and answer, “Most certainly sir. She got her cutie mark treating wounded after the megaspell attack on Thunderhead along with our mother. She is our backup medic.

He then says, “A filly filling in as a combat medic?”

The 1st Sergeant then asks, “How much combat has she seen since then?”

I answer him, “She has seen a bit. I have provided coverfire even for her while she treated some wounded.”

I see the officer get a look of disgust on his face at my answer and as he gets ready to say something the old noncom tells him, “Sir, sometimes you cannot keep the youngsters out of it. Remember what we heard about that Colonel’s family when we were returning home and went through Hackamore.”

He still has a disapproving expression on his face as he then adds, “We should not be using foal warriors.”

I look at him and tell him, “No disrespect sir, but you must come from a pretty sheltered life if you think that age matters in the wastelands. I love those kids like they are my family. Do not ever think I would risk them unnecessarily.”

He looks at my flank and then adds, “Huh, I would have expected those kinds of words from a Dashite.”

“Perhaps I am, and I just do not wear the brand, Lieutenant. Perhaps I already am.” I then take flight and muse to myself about what he has said. After all, I do still have the warrant message in my saddlebags. Maybe when I get settled, I will try and frame it and hang it on the wall.

*****

And that ends five in a row, the last song was Rainbow, by Songbird Serenade. Another oldie, but a goodie. I am your host Short Wave coming to you loud and clear from the Baltimare region.

Our show sponsors today include the Baltimare Coils. They remind you that their market is now open to everyone in the Baltimare region. But remember that weapons are to be checked in at the gate and will be tagged and returned to you when you depart. Baltimare Coils, the best pipe weapons for those on a budget.

Our next sponsor is Overhauls Salvage and Resale, for your repair and project needs. Serving the Baltimare region's needs for twenty years.

Our final sponsor for this hour is Wheeler’s Cart and Wagon Wheels. Producing high-quality replacement wheels for carts, wagons, and even artillery pieces with pride since their stable opened over 25 years ago. Located near Alfheim.

In local news, the 1st Baltimare Regiment has returned from its deployment abroad. They arrived by steamship along the old quay on the city’s south side. To all of you, welcome home, and thank you for what you have done for us.

There are also been reports of the returning troops being returned to their prewar duties of suppression raiders and patrolling the highways once again.

We also have reports that a small trade delegation from Hoofington has arrived and will be conducting talks with the Baltimare regional leadership.

That brings us back to our next song, here is For Honor.

Author's Note

The tempo of operations is picking up for the characters again. As we can see the Water Clan has come ready for a fight after getting news of the beating death of a clan member and the execution of his pregnant wife. The question remains just how much can they do and are they disciplined enough to be kept on a leash until the time is right?

We also get to see Ball making his beginning steps into a new career as well as see how he will react to some of his old foes and they towards him. He has come a long way since we first met him as a college buck trying to decide what to do with his life. He has even surprised me somewhat with the path he has chosen and followed. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I have.

Finally, we come to Air Burst and Ball's family as they make their way across the wastelands. A random encounter can sometime be a pleasant surprise and helpful, such as the lieutenant and his patrol exchanging water and directions for an escort back to the NCR territory.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's song, the YouTube link is: For Honor:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhZQaRDEx8M

Finally, a few weeks ago I received news that one of my readers who I considered a friend had passed. I do not have all the details as I do not need them. But on the day they passed I was going down the rabbit hole on YouTube and I came across a song I had not heard before but struck a cord. After I got the news, It almost felt like a goodbye message. I would like to share it with you, Where Rainbows Never Die. (8) The SteelDrivers - Where Rainbows Never Die (Official Audio) - YouTube
Farewell, fair winds and following seas my friend.