The horn of the train gave a loud bellow out, while Jerry in a disguise of multiple clothings and having a fake tail and ears-- sat in one of the cabins. He glance to the frozen winterland of the north as he mused a bit. Almost there...After nearly 4 days of waiting, I’ll be in the Empire. grumbling some in thought. Better hope they’re thankful that I had to cause multiple damages to Caribou's, raid a lot of supplies-- and get them off the Resistance back at least for a while.

While it was annoying that he had to push himself to give the Resistance breathing space-- it was more annoying not being with his mares and sister. As while he wanted to bring either Shadow or Lovely along-- Gnarl pointed out this was a recon, not a vacation for him. And as much as the minion sympathise with his Overlord to take what was his? Jerry had to be on guard and ready to fight without the need to protect his property.

That was to say, it also made the trip boring. And almost irritating. Even here, in the train, the Caribou made sure to have some fort of ‘entertainment’ in the form of mare’s tied to certain areas or rooms containing a few mares tired to more posts for their plots to be plowed.

This also meant the train’s cabins often smelled of sex, and the chugging of the train wasn't the loudest thing around but the moans and screams that echoed all about.

Jerry was thankful he took his place up in one of the cart that had no mare’s being played, raped or used. It left him to have some peace and quiet-- and apparently some Caribou had the same thought. Some even reading and trying to just get some sleep. Apparently they even found the constant sex slightly annoying for when they wanted a moment of silence.

“Jobul.” Jerry heard a voice from behind him, a couple of Caribou's taking their seats behind his own booth. “I was wondering where you were, we’re maybe a day or two out form the empire. Ready for that R&R?”

With the sound of a snort, the the other caribou told, “Like you wouldn’t know. I’m glad to finally get out and away from that town I patrol near. Been seeing some strange things going on.” This, somewhat piqued Jerry’s interest, and he leaned his head back a bit to listen in. “Something’s been stalking near the shores again. Some of the guys keep saying something walking around our borders and poking around. Can’t seem to find whatever it is-- tracks keep vanishing into the ocean water near the beaches.”

Tracks? thought Jerry as he recalled a certain trail...from the ocean during his little ‘vacation’ with the girls. So it's not a random occurrence. There is something coming from the ocean...question is, what? trying to figure out as admittedly, he had no clue. Mostly because this all was new, and nothing he encountered much. He slightly lean his head back more, doing his best to keep the clothes on him, mostly to keep up the facade he was a ‘burned stallion’.

“I thought that was some wild rumor going around.” The other Caribou told, “I didn’t think there was anything to it.”

“Well there is.” Snorted the one named Jobul, “Wrote a report some days back before you took me on this trip. Was on patrol near the beach trying to find whoever this interloper was. We stopped by a cliffside to get a look around and one of my men said they spotted something. Had to get a spyglass out, but there was a ship in the waters-- nothing of ours. I get this feeling that someone’s taking interest in Equestria-- someone we don’t know.”

There was a slight beat, before the caribou went on. “We took a moment to talk before trying to spot the ship again. But it was gone, somehow completely vanished. Only thing we could figure was it went around a rock face. Plenty of them around the area. Still damned disconcerting how it just vanished like that.”

“You think it could be the Overlord?” questioned the other Caribou. A pause in Jerry mind, as while that’s a stretch...it does make him wonder how they could think it was him of all beings. Jobul snort and told.

“No, I doubt it. It look too smooth and rounded to be his. “ Jerry wanted to hear more, to get a idea of what more was said-- but another Caribou sat down by his booth and spoke.

“So mysterys stallion-- what brings you to the Empire?” Jerry internally cursed to himself. Of all the times I wanted something to keep myself occupy on this trip-- now isn’t the time! but kept his voice cool and calm as he gave his cover story.

“Hoping to find a whore to keep. Saved up a lot of bits to make this trip and buy something of my fancy.” Leave, leave, leave, leave! I want to hear of this mystery thing! the Caribou chuckle, but asked.

“If you wanted a hole to fill, why not take up the ones on the train?” Jerry let out a snort, both in disgust and to be turned off as he replied.

“I rather have a trained Pink to use than a everyday filing hole-- I heard that there’s some lovely Pinks in the Empire, and I saved up a lot for them.”

There was a wondering tone as the Caribou spoke, “I was sure if you wanted a good pink, those Flim-Flam brothers were the best bet to head for.” As if questioning Jerry's choice of getting a trained pet.

“Yes, but due to them traveling around, it is hard to get a pink from them.” knowing that what he said was true, as he read up the Flim-flam brothers tend to move around. “And last I heard they were heading up to the Empire, something about a speciality.” recalling some information Screech agents gathered about them going up north.

There was a snort as the caribou told, “Then I think you just wasted your bits.” Jerking his head back to inform, “I heard they were going to do something up north-- but from what I know? They are a month’s time off.” Then rolled his eyes, “Assuming them fliers are true. Hard to tell half the time when those two make detours.”

He gave a grumble, as he told. “Damn. and I was hoping I can get me a good pink from them.” then snorted. “Maybe I’ll have better luck with one in the city.” attention turning to behind him as he hoped the two were still there...only for them to be gone as he groan internally. God damn it...waste chance. Just...a wasted chance. the Caribou tilt his head, examining Jerry some...and asked.

“Say...why do you have so many clothes? Seems ridiculous for you to have them on all on.” grinning some. “You’re among fellow males here, no shame to be without them.” Quickly thinking, Jerry gave his excuse.

“I had a prior accident, my coat got burned off, and its taking awhile to heal. Have to wear all of this to warm my body during the walk.” while internally, he was thinking. If he doesn’t buy it...check around and used Target spell on him. glancing to see that any Caribous were around were mostly sleeping or were too busy reading. He look back to the Caribou before him, left hand flexing under the table as if ready to start making the Caribou under his control.

While the Caribou consider that...he narrow his eyes, as he said. “Wait, why would you need all those clothes to warm your body?” thinking something was wrong, as Jerry was getting tempted to do it, to just make it quick and fast as he told.

“I have a short coat, can’t handle the cold well.” the Caribou didn’t believe Jerry, and Jerry was noticing that very well. As the Caribou demanded.

“Let me see under the clothes.” as Jerry was panicking, heart beating fast, sweat coming down his face as he knew if he didn’t came up with anything-- he had to use the Target spell, no he need to use it. He need it to save his own skin, and in his scrambling head for trying to get a plan, a idea and told.

“Not here. In the bathroom.” motioned to the bathroom door, as the Caribou wanted to look under it, to see if it was a whore trying to be a guy, but decided he could get some fun into this as he jerk his head. Letting Jerry go first, as he kept close to the clothed being. A slight perverted grin was on the Caribou face, as if capturing a rebel mare and thinking this was going to be easy...but when they came inside, and he was ready to take off the extra clothings...

Jerry turned around, left hand outstretched, and lighting whipping into the Caribou head. The unsuspecting male grit his teeth, feeling a forceful penetration in his mind, pushing through his mental walls and will. Bending his will and mind as he slowly bend his knee down, mind nearly controlled as Jerry kept his spell up…

Before pulling back, letting go as he saw the Caribou was under his control. The dull look, the knelt position...Jerry admittedly hope that the spell worked the same in the game as it does here. He look to the Caribou and commanded. “You will forget having interest of what is under my clothings. You will forget of demanding what was under here-- and you will do everything I command. Am I understood?”

There was a slow and next to subdued nod, the Caribou seeming completely unaware of his actions through dulled and unfocused eyes.

Jerry motioned him out as he ordered. “Go, sit back in the booth and wait for me.” As he saw the male slowly getting up on his hooves, standing still for a moment and turning around to leave and wait for his next orders.

Jerry took a deep breath, leaning against a sink as he look to those brown eyes underneath the clothing and scarfs...and just took in the horrifying realization he just mind-rape the Caribou without a second thought. He didn't think, he didn't realized what he did was wrong...he just did it.

I...I had to do it. He would've found out, he was going to ruined everything! he tried, oh so very tried to justify it. To make it seem he had no other choice, no other way to make him listen. Jerry had to use Target. Otherwise everything he planned for was going to be ruined before he was in the Empire.

Not to mention….I did say I would use it. bitterly thought Jerry as he clenched his fists tight, feeling a bile taste in his mouth…but let's face it. This sort of thing...I have to get used to. Have to do it constantly, have to push myself into more things that are ‘evil’.... and for a brief moment, just a brief...he felt like his soul was being crushed by the sins he will commit and keep committing for being a bad guy...and his self-preservation of living. With a deep and calming breath, he hoped that things would be more smoothly when he came to the Empire. That he could lessen his Target spell usage, that he could figure out what he could do in the name of evil and just leave... But he doubt it. He honestly did doubt that it would be that simple and very complicated since he came here.

---

It was much more sunny in the Crystal Empire than Jerry expected. After seeing so much snow and ice, he expected the empire to be full of snow and ice. But instead, he was given the sight of long paths of crystals, towers and buildings that glistened and glittered like glass. The place was truly radiant still-- even if Caribou occupied it and made the otherwise elegant city look less… there was still something grand about it. Utopia like, almost.

Wandering off the train and looking around, he couldn’t help but just take it all in. Part of Jerry had to wonder how much greater this place looked before the Caribou came and began to place down their posts, dictate their lustful desires and plaster many a poster or flyer of some new sex fetish or pleasure house. What was this place like?

It must of been a paradise of some sort...maybe a sort of great and peaceful nation...I might of liked visiting here. mused Jerry, as it made him question how it can still hold its beauty and grandeur, with the Caribous mucking up the city?

He slightly shook his head, glancing to his ‘servant’ as the Caribou was mindless following him, almost made him think he was a puppet, and Jerry was the puppeteer.

He kept close to him, as he asked questions, questions the Caribou would give freely to him. “Who is the ruler here?” Despite having a sort of a idea it was ponies, there was a lack of information from the Resistance around here. That need to change for him.

“Emperor Dainn.” Was the fairly short and monotone response of the Caribou.

....let's try that again. thought Jerry as he rephrase his words. “Who looks after the Crystal Empire?”

“Prince Shining Armor.” Told the Caribou in a short and monotone tone. okay, so it seems that my magic, is...well, need to phase it right for the mind to understand the question. thought Jerry as he continued.

“What keeps the Crystal Empire from freezing with the tundras outside?” Trying to figure that part out, as it should of been impossible for this place to not have a single bit of snow in it.

“The Empire has a artifact located within the heart of the city. The Crystal Cock.” Jerry mind nearly screech in its place at that.

“....what?” He look to him as he said. “What...is the Crystal Cock?” Feeling...disturbed on its name and have a dark feeling the Caribous really fucked it up for the ponies here.

“It is the corrected ancient artifact of the ponies.” Started the Caribou in a slight drawl. “It used to be imperfect without our magic and foresight. Now, it is what it should be. A instrument to make all feel the right place of males over females to serve all the needs to males only.”

oh...my...God… for a brief moment, he wanted to slap him-- wait a minute, he COULD slap him! And he felt his arm reach out and slap his face. As he couldn't believe how STUPID that was! Just, really?!?

He took a low breath, glancing to see if anyone saw, but for now? No one did...yet. He glance back to the Caribou, seeing standing there, unphased by the slap as he commanded. “Where is this artifact? Lead me to it.”

The caribou turned and began to take one of the main roads, leading straight to the large tower that was resting at the center of the Empire’s heart. Jerry kept his gaze glued forwards, wanting to see what this thing was and maybe figure out what to do with it. But as they passed more people, drew more closer, he could see it. A single, floating blue crystal stone in the shape of a heart. It floated gently between two crystal pillars almost miming stalactites and stalagmites above and below. And while he looked at it, Jerry noted it seems… dim while it spun gently in place.

Look at it...look like it's dying. thought Jerry as he almost wished he had his helmet, so Gnarl could fill him in about it. He glance around, seeing stallions, mares in collars and leashes, and Caribous walking by it…

Jerry admit-- letting it out in the open was pretty stupid...then again, he doubt with how this place is surrounded by security, the winter tundra and with no exact escape area-- it would've been hard to steal it…

However...his human curiosity wanted to know how it affects them all...and more importantly, affected him. He lowly ordered to the male by him. “Stay here, if anyone try to stop me? Stop them.” The Caribou slightly bow his head, as Jerry was moving close, trying to get a feel of how it affects him passively.

However when he got close enough? Nothing. hmm, nothing, means it doesn't do anything unless it's active. It's pretty much a pretty object until it's active.

Moving back he went back to the Caribou and ordered lowly. “Get any guards as bait and bring them to me in that alleyway.” Knowing that he need to know the layout of the land. He doubt he could bring his gate in the city-- or out in the tundras.

The Caribou obeyed, as Jerry moved to the closest alleyway he motioned to the controlled male as he flexed his left hand, mentally readying himself to start mind controlling more people.

As he saw the Caribou, who Jerry is dubbed Servant, bringing forth a stallion with a gleam on his coat and armor. Before he could even spoke, Jerry ordered to Servant. “Hold him.” The male reacted, grabbing the stallion tight, the guard struggle, and soon let out a silent scream, as Jerry began his mind domination upon the guard.

As Jerry move his arm away, seeing the same expression and dullness eyes, he ordered. “Let go.” The Caribou reacted as he commanded. “Caribou your name is Servant,” getting a nod and soon look to the new thrall. “You are Guard. Now answer me Guard. Is there anything of note worthy here?” There was a response of the stallion.

“There were odd things, found in the tundra and brought into a research building here.”

“What do they look like?” Demand Jerry as he pressed for more information.

“A orb of magic and a wheel shape stone of magic, with odd runes on them.” Jerry thought of what they could be...and knew what they were as he demand.

“What is your rank?”

“Corporal, my Lord.” Jerry blink at that, but push back the surprise as he ordered.

“You will find a way to bring them to me at the edge of the city. Lie and blackmail if you must, but are mine and belong to me. Do you understand?” Seeing him nod as he told. “Go.”

Seeing him leave off as he ordered. “Servant, get me another guard...I have a feeling we’ll be here a while.” Annoyance in his tone as he figure that gathering information to get information wasn't easy.

---

Jerry honestly didn't know if he felt frustrated from using his magic to get low ranking guards to do his work and not be able to do it fast-- or felt disturbed that he's gotten used to the Target spell and is having no problem in enslaving people...it honestly scared him.

But he reasoned that it had to be done. He had to keep at this, as he acquired knowledge. Reports from guard barracks, from information and maps around the land-- even in those of high ranking he gained something. But his time was up, he felt there was suspicions of his ‘recruits’ doing his work, gathering information-- and need to make a Gate. Now.

Problem was...where?

I have the maps...I just don't know where! groaned out Jerry, as he was in a bar with Servant and a few other civilians, a stallion and some Caribous-- to keep his cover… and his gauntlet hidden. The amount of magic he did wasn't doing the cloth favors, as the Steel gauntlet was slowly starting to be noticed with its bulky form.

He look at the ‘borrow’ map, trying to think...looking at and trying to understand...he look to the other males and lowly ordered. “Find a place for me to set something that won't be spotted.” Hoping this would work.

One of the thralls glanced down and lifted his hand. The crystal stallion placed his finger to the outskirts of the empire, just on the edge of where the tundra's snow would start creeping into the otherwise green and warm lands the Empire had. “Here, sire.” He spoke. “The crystal mines.”

Lord and Sire...wonder if it's the spell making them tell them to address me as such. “the crystal mines, explain how they can be of use to me.”

The stallion nod as he explain. “We used to work there, nopony goes there anymore, it's a place you can easily set whatever you wanted, Sire.” Jerry nod, glancing to Servant as he told.

“And of the items I desire? Are they going to the edge like I want?”

“No my Lord, there is trouble.” Answered the Caribou, as Jerry motioned him to speak on, “the one you named Guard is having trouble, they pressed Emperor Darius himself order it himself, and there is doubt.”

Thinking some, he said. “And I have all available information?” He tried to find this sister Jasmine wanted...but he was pressing on time, as he had no choice to not look for her.

“Everything we can get.” Answer one of the other Caribous as Jerry thought and commanded.

“You stallion, will lead me to the crystal mines,” then order to the other's. “You all? Get the other's to get my artifacts to the mines. I want them now.” And looking to Servant and ordered. “You're with me.” Seeing them nod, moving up as Jerry grabbed everything he could, moving with them as he thought when they were outside.

Well, for once everything is going great! No problems yet, no big twists, a easy job and I can leave without anyone knowing I was here! feeling pretty great about this.

A slightly more upbeat feeling was in his step as he began to make his way out of the Crystal Empire. He was going to reach near the city limits in no time, and with the many mind-controlled agents working to get his needs made, Jerry felt no concerns for what might happen. Everything was going as smoothly as possible.

Or, that was until he turned the next corner and nearly stopped. Just across the street he turned on, and peaking just outside a alley way, he could see a very human like figure. One that was not discolored or inverted, but was clearly in sight. One with a leather trenchcoat and rounded glasses over his face, caned umbrella by his side.

And while far off, Jerry could see a sort of… smirk in place before the man lifted his arm, tapping his wrist and pointed behind Jerry. At first Jerry wasn't sure why, or how the Eyes of Fate was here-- but glancing back, he could see a large contingent of guards-- all walking his way. When he glanced back, the man was gone.. But Jerry felt a chill go up his spine.

Ffffffffffuuuuuuuucccckkkkk. he assumed the worse and the city guards found out it was him as he ordered. “stallion which direction is the crystal mines?” Seeing him pointing...behind the guards, with the Spell artifacts laying there with more guards around it...uncontrolled guards.

well...I try to be subtle...ish. he then saw the guards taking their weapons out-- which made Jerry lift his arm out of habit and sent a mental command. COME TO ME!

At first nothing….but then he saw them. He saw the mind-controlled thrall he gain as they were like a herd. He didn't know what to react, but took control as right now he needed to leave. As he thrust his arm and commanded. “Be my shields! Get me to the mines!”

As at once, the multiple males began charging, acting as a ballistic as they were before Jerry, being his meat shields more or less as he ran behind them.

The guards gave a slight jump when all the males of Caribous and Stallions seemingly rushed from all over-- right before they found themselves in need of drawing their blades and readying themselves. However much they braced through, they were more or less tackled down by the horde of mindless attackers.

It almost looked like something from a zombie horror flick, each of the mind-controlled rushing headlong into danger with no apparent fears or worries. Blades slashed out and both stabbed and cut, even slicing into flesh-- but pain.. Was half ignored. All the hoard could think was attack, and so they did with whatever they could or had on them.

While Jerry just ran past the fight, focusing on the mines as he felt arms grabbing him as a stallion shouted. “I got you, you son of a whore!” Jerry grit his teeth, as he force the stallion to let go, as he used his body strength to slowly pull off. The guard snort, trying to get a tight hold as Jerry told.

“Can someone get this idiot off of me!?” As his answer came as a Caribou grip the stallion neck with a choke, the guard was forced to let go. As Jerry commanded. “Get me to the mines!” As the mindless horse went harder, push or hit more as they were slowly pushing the guards back with brute force and mindless devotion to their ‘master’.

Jerry pushed through the guards as he said. “You all been great meatshields! Keep them away from me!” As he saw the guards near the artifacts reading their weapons as Jerry felt concern and very unsure how he was going to handle them without most of his armor or blade...

Or at least, until he saw a Brown Spawning Pit coming up behind them, as Jerry motioned his arm to the pit, and brought up as many as Browns as he could with a simple command. Get rid of the guards and get the artifacts.

The Browns charged at the Guards, turning their heads in shock, they turn to defend themselves against the small horde. Jerry just kept pulling them out as about 35 of them were out, all fighting the ponies. Stabbing into anything armorless, bashing them as they move around against the blades.

Jerry saw a Minion or two die, as he brought two more, replacing them as the Minions were doing their best…so Jerry decided to activated Legion of Honor, seeing the Minions surrounded by energy, fighting more harder against the stallions as they were slowly coming down from the Minions as they fallen down in their deaths.

Minions grabbing blades, armor, gold and some crystal bits to him. Now he didn't know why the last were given to him-- but assumed that it was part of a treasury thing.

Jerry quickly turn his head, seeing his distraction were slowly losing as he pointed his Minions to the Spell Stone and Catalyst. All of them rushing as they gripped the artifacts, moving with their Overlord as Jerry felt a tad annoyed when he enter in the cave. He should of brought that stallion in, considering he would of know a way to navigate in this place.

He honestly didn't know where he was going, moving in a turn or straight in the crystal full caves,not knowing where to make a Gate in a ‘hidden’ location.

But when he stopped in a darken area, Minions ready to move with the artifacts, Jerry heard echoes of guards trying to find him. screw it, here's fine! thought Jerry, raising his arm up for anything, anything at all to get him out of here. As it turns out?

A Main Gate formed up with the Spawning Pits around it. He wasn't sure how Gnarl knew he was here, or how it was set up fast without Gnarl seeing through the helmet as it settle up in place as the Minions moved the artifacts in. But a part of him just toss it as ‘game logic’ to provide him Main Gates for his needs, or something….honestly he didn't had time to questioned.

As they moved to be transported in, he didn't even paused of getting inside the Main Gate as fast as he could after the Minions transported the artifacts. Once transported, the Minions dove to the Pits as Jerry teleported back into his Castle with many things to share with the Resistance.

---

In the Resistance Base, within the meeting room of the Heads, they all gained reports of one of Screech top agents, and mostly known top info gather.

Seeking Star, a thestral stallion, stood straight as the 21 year old stood in military formation. Being of 5’6” height, red mane covering the back of his head as his black coat shown in bit of dirt and roughness.

Black wings rest in attention, dark purple eyes looking straight ahead as the stallion ignored the slight glare of Stone Hooves, mostly at his ‘Dainn Armor’ on his body.

The agent awaited in patience as Screech look over the reports, as the elder thestral took in what her spy managed to bring as she glanced up and spoke in a calm manner. “These reports you have of the crystalline, are within the storage house of in a isolated bunker with nearly 3 crates full of them, and are heavily guarded 24/7?”

He gave a brief nod and said in a crisp manner. “Yes ma’am,” going on to give a full detailing. “The Caribous are keeping a tight grip on the crystalline and expanding the storage with each new crystalline they managed to find in the sea.” he added with a furrowed expression. “Or rather on a island, I am unable to find the island location or name, as the information on that itself are kept secretly to those of high ranking or the Emperor himself.”

“Is there any way to get these stones in Canterlot, or at least find the location of the island itself?” Asked Shire as he shook his head.

“Only way that I seen so far? Is either to have a high authority and seal approval of Dainn himself to even gain access to the bunker itself, or even be of high ranking, possibly steal the information from high ranking beings if one knew where they hid the information. The same with the island itself. As it stands? Everything is tight-lipped, to the point that only high ranking officers know of it, anyone else are given third rate information or rumors.”

As the Heads digest this, Pearl questioned. “So there's no actual way to take the stones subtly?” He shook his head.

“Negative ma’am. Even if I manage to acquire the seal itself, they will question and get confirmation if it's legit or not.” A hum came from Periodic as he told.

“Meaning we can't do anything about it for now.” As while they were taking this in, Seeking looked hesitated, but add in.

“Permission to add in a request for myself?” Gaining their attentions as Screech spoke.

“Permission granted.” He took a low breath and spoke.

“I request funding from the treasury to buy myself a Pink.” Gaining a near venomous look from Stone, a questionable eyebrow raising from Periodic, a surprised look from Shire, a harden look from Pearl and a neutral look from Screech as the thestral spoke.

“Why?” Looking at her agent as her eyes narrow down onto the male. “Why ask for funding to buy a Pink, when you could easily acquire one with what we gained for agents like you?” He took a steady breath and gave his response.

“Ma’am, ever since the Overlord been sporadic in his raids and the raid on the facility...the Caribous has been checking in the ranks of the guards, going through our records. Making confirmation that we are loyal to Dainn and the Empire...they’re also scanning through where we got our mares.” Stone snort and questioned.

“You already got a Pink waiting for you outside, why need another when you already got her?” Taking a low breath, Seeking responded.

“Already they're scanning through what agents are under the guard, and they're becoming suspicious of what mares we have are...not taken by ‘legal’ ways. As well as question why it takes me so long to give reports when I have a mare that I can just easily handle in a short time. I managed to pull up my alibis and managed to convince them…”

Taking another breath as he told. “But sooner or later they will suspect me, possibly trail me to see where I'm going. if I get a Pink here, they will be more suspicious of my loyalties and will put me under heavy questioning and possibly become a mare if used mind magic.”

Grimace held a few of the Heads faces, as they knew not many could withhold mind magic easily. Screech took a breath and told.

“Permission granted, try to get a Pink from Flim and Flam, should give you credibility in purchasing a Pink,” then added. “But make sure that they do have Element Bearer Generosity with them, we don't have anything clearly of her being with them still.” He saluted, making a turn as he walked out, and outside was a pink collar hornless unicorn, looking doe eye towards her Master as she came close to him. Fawning over him as the door closed, when they closed tight, Stone questioned towards Screech.

“You could've told him to get another Pink we got and not use his gold. Do you want us to use more of it than we have?” Screech gave a glance and told.

“You heard him, already the Caribous are being suspicious for mare-sympathizers and leaks among their ranks, meaning that any spies and agents around starting to be suspected. They’re are going to weed out any traitors with anything they find odd. Seeking may be my top spy and info gather-- but can't hold out long if they're pressuring him. If he gains another Pink by legal means, he has a legit reasoning to take time off more and a alibi to hold up.” Giving a harden look as she push.

“Not to mention as much as I hate to use the offer gold, we have no choice. Most of our funding now is by the Overlord, we can't use our treasury now.” Stone snort as she knew that was true. They had to start using the Overlord money now that their own bits were near dry up.

She glance to Periodic and question. “What have you learn from the scientist?”

“I learn that they are what the Overlord claim, and that they were asked to make something for him before coming here.” Everypony held their breath, hoping that whatever he asked wasn't some dreadful thing like a weapon or a weak point they haven't consider…

He look to them all...and told. “A coffee maker that doesn't require electricity or the use of unicorn magic.” They were stump at that as Shire spoke.

“You mean to tell me...that he wanted them to make...a coffee maker? Out of everything he could ask for, of innovation minds and scientists….he asked them to build a coffee maker?” Periodic only nodded.

Pearl snort but question. “And of his base of operations? What did they know?”

“For one, its very large, lacking of anything of electrical appliances, or anything modern. Almost like of back in the Unification eras.” Started the red stallion as he went on. “And apparently the entire place is surrounded by volcanic activity, magma and lava works around it.” Getting looks as he simply nodded.

“Yes, very shocking that he lives near such a place, but the big kicker? All around it is ocean as far as the eye can see.” Stone grumble as she knew they probably can't find it easily, as well as feel slightly annoyed that the Overlord live in such hostile lands.

Screech took this in and spoke. “It would explain why he makes Gates, easier way to travel around if he lives on a island…” as it made them think of how, ignorant he was of things. How he didn't knew how everything works around him if he lived on a isolated island…

But before anypony could ask more from the doctor, the doors went wide open as the Overlord abruptly came in the meeting room, with his usual spiky armor, all the Heads look at him, as Pearl nearly demanded what he was doing unannounced, but he place large amount of papers from the guard barracks, maps, and viable information in the Empire onto the table for them all to read as he told rather ‘cheerfully’.

“I’m back from the Empire, and boy, do I got news for you all, did you know that despite them having the crystal mines, they barely use it? Crazy right?” not even bothering to give a response as he went on. “Not to mention, that place had some good info, granted maybe not fully important to me-- but I’m sure that it's important to you all somehow.”

While a few took a moment to process what he said, Screech decided to break the news. “The crystal minds are mostly forgotten because it was one of the places the Crystal ponies were put to forced labor while enslaved the first time.” Making the Overlord slightly falter. “They haven’t been used since, and sometimes suffer slight cave ins. You can get lost in the tunnels and it get’s harshly cold down there.”

“In short, it’s a near insane place to be.” Told Pearl with a simple and fairly flat look. Though she did watch Screech reach out to start reading the documents before herself. “Still… good to see you turned out… something.” Though her tone indicated she was still not happy he barged in as he did.

“Well to be fair, I haven’t really gotten any information from the Empire from you all, so I decided to check up there myself.” said Jerry with a light shrug as Shire peek at the information Screech was reading, and decided to gently inform the Overlord.

“You managed to...get some things right, like food amounts for the city, papers from...Shining Armor office, to even the amount of ponies living there and criminals-- but...you also got...records of flower arrangements, a bunch of maps we already have, papers of parties to arrange. The count of ‘emergency comfort plans’ for some pony, a list of groceries for something…” doing her best to not cringe of some of these...useless things the Resistance need as she added. “And a few things that order up a batch of pillows.”

“By Celestia, are you really incompetent of even information gathering!?” sneer Stone. “I mean seriously, we’re going to have to sift through all of that to see what's useful or not!” then nearly demanded. “Are we going to expect you causing damage in the Empire when news come down? You aren’t really subtle, and I doubt those Minions of yours aren’t either!”

“I actually went, a bit of solo this time, you know, trying to be subtle for once.” gaining a few looks from the five as Periodic asked.

“Solo..then how did you gain the information yourself?” Motioning his hand to Screech area. “I highly doubt you were able to get that all by yourself.”

Jerry thought of a very good, very useful, and very easily used excuse. As he raised a pointed finger and told them all one word. “Bribery.” as he then added. “Very useful really.”

Reading another paper, this one not nearly as useful as the last, Screech said, “You need to work on it-- I’m finding more junk than actually useful information here.” Giving a sharp look while also telling, “Those people you bribed better not be the sort that will report you.”

“Oh…” started off Jerry as he couldn’t help but grin under his helmet. “I would say that they’ll never be able to tell anyone of what I done.”

“What did you do?” demanded Stone as Jerry play it off.

“Nothing much, just ensured that they’ll keep their secrets of my bribes.” Periodic analyzed the male, as he knew that was a lie, as he doubted the Overlord could bribe, much less make somepony keep their mouth shut well. No...he got to do something else… then muse on it, as he wonder what the Overlord could done...but then recall that Magic always swore that if he could just make ponies do what he want with mind magic-- he would be left alone a lot longer..

But how would the Overlord be able to do that? He doesn’t have magic such as--, that when it hit him. The artifacts. The things the Overlord kept hidden from them. What if...what if that's the reason why? One of them was of mind magic? it was a stretch...but it was something that was a possibility, as any dark lord could have of uses of mind magic spells… beside he doubt the Empire populous would be interested in the Overlord gold much. He then asked to the Overlord.

“I’m surprise you would have so much gold to give,” started Periodic as he went on while looking at his fingernails. “After all, you did claim you gave us nearly 40k, and I doubt you’re able to build up so much quickly with a few raids.” glancing up as he asked. “How did you managed to bribe so many within a short time?” Jerry did his best to think, as Jasmine spoke in his helmet.

“Just tell them the truth, it can’t be that bad, right?” only to be hushed by Gnarl.

“Foolish welp! If the Master did, he would be compromised of his position, he need these peons to trust him so he could use them!” and soon enough, heard the little ‘fight’ between the two as Jerry felt like they weren’t going to be much help as Jerry told simply.

“I told them a few things here and there, beside what matters is I managed to get a few things, and set up a Main Gate there-- meaning if you all need me up there, I have a quicker way to travel.” trying to brush off the subject itself the best he could.

Screech gav a single, sharp and slightly narrowed glance before saying, “So it seems.” Then glanced to the others and told in irritation, “We need to get through these.” Then gave a slightly just as irritated look to Jerry and told, “I’m sre you busy with something. So unless you want to stay and help us sort through the--”

“Nope, have fun working!” told Jerry as he turned as Pearl told.

“Get back here, you are needed to help compile all of these-,”

Screech help her hand up to cut the mare off while the Overlord shut the door, his heavy armor clanging away more and more faintly in his rushed escape before he thestral told, “Let him go. I’m more concerned about all that lying about bribery and information trade.” A deep frown in place.

While Shire held a doubtful look, Stone snort in agreement. “Yeah, there’s no way he could bribe his way out of a market. He would lose more money than gain more information.” glancing to Periodic as she asked. “So, what did you noticed from him, doctor?” Periodic didn’t even put it delicately.

“I noticed that he lied on how he gained the information. My hypothesis? One of those artifacts he acquired could allow him something to mind control other's.” Shire gasp in shock as Stone held a breath in, Pearl furrow her eyes as Screech held a larger frown. He glance to them as he admit. “It's a stretch...but consider how he seem to try to hide those artifacts from the facility...it's possible he acquired something. I doubt he was able to get anything at all in the Empire if it wasn’t for some sort of spell he learned.”

“There's no way he could be able to use that sort of magic,” denied Stone in mixed anger and outrage. “He can barely be able to use any other magic beside those four spells we know from Screech agents!” trying to push the fact that despite Periodic claims, there was no way the Overlord could actually used such magic like the Caribous did. “Beside even if he could use mind magic, why haven’t we found out about it?”

Giving the mare a single glance, Screech said, “By not even mentioning or using it, Stone.” Making the mare glance her way. “That’s how. By not using it at all until he deemed he needed to. It’s like how I deal with the Caribou’s, by not showing an ace at all until I need it.”

With a slight nod of understanding, Pearl said, “So you think he hid this ability from us, and just hasn’t used it until now so we wouldn’t know?”

“It’s likely.” Told Screech. “But whether he can or can’t control minds, I’m more concerned of how he lied. To try and cover up the fact of how he gained information.” Placing a document down and motioning to the papers. “Which begs the question. What else is he not telling us or possibly going to lie about?”

Shire was considering a few things...before suggesting. “If I was him?” gaining looks as the diplomat told. “I would hidden how my armor and weapons work, how many forces I have under command...and how many are in reserved.” looking to them as she went on. “As far as we know? We know he has these Minions under his control and are in his domain-- but we have yet to figure how how many he has. Yes we know he has a near battalion of them around him…”

Then raise a finger up as she told sharply. “But, how does he gain more for every one he lost? We can’t assume he has a limited amount of creatures dying for him. As he seem, from what we gain from Private Spree, is callous of his forces lives when fighting or using them like pawns to sacrifice.”

While Pearl would rather deny Shire’s understanding of military tactics, the mare held a slight point. It would have been stupid to just show your full hand, but Pearl had to speak out to something. “It’s not a point of telling weaknesses, Shire. It’s the fact of how much he says he’s an ally, but doesn't give us any reason to trust him.” Then pressed further. “He’s dangerous. To us and Equestria.”

“Have we give him any reason to trust us?” counter Periodic.

With a sharp glance, Pearl asked, “If he has no reason to think he needs to trust us, Periodic. You heard him yourself. He just see’s the Caribou wasteful, and from what I can tell? We’re just a tool to achieve some goal of his. A means to an end-- not really allies.”

“Aren’t we thinking the same to him?” argue Periodic. “We are after all, using him, his gold, his time and forces to push the Caribous while we gain breathing room.”

“And we’re also becoming indebted to him.” pointed Shire as she told. “The more gold we have from him to use, the more we’re digging our graves in repaying him back.” she grimly thought and added. “And if he has withheld not only this, but other things...what other things those artifacts held could benefit him so?”

“Face it Periodic,” snorted Stone. “You might be optimistic of him wanting to be allies with us-- but he’s withholding information from us and see us as tools to use.” Periodic muse, and while they all have points...he couldn’t help but remark.

“The same could be said of Magic and his views of withholding information to you all.”

“Damn it Periodic-- you can’t just make Magic the same as everypony else, especially the Overlord!” nearly shouted Stone, as she pressed. “With Magic, we can slightly trust his interests are with ours, the Overlord? We might as well view him as the next Sombra!” Shire agree with a nod as she asked.

“Just why are you optimistic of the Overlord, really Periodic? You said so yourself, he was withholding information of those artifacts and of using mind magic. Just what reason in your scientific mindset thinks he can be slightly trusted?” Periodic lean back, humming a bit…as he was being quiet as he thought over that, as Stone sneer.

“Yeah, that's what we thought, stallion.”

Shire gave a particularly disapproving look to the earth mare for that comment, and would have spoken to Stone Hooves at length about her recent behavior-- but found herself unable when Pearl spoke up first. “You’re optimistic, Periodic. And while I don’t mind that-- as it is? We just can’t trust him. Even you know we have the most reasonable points here.” She stared at the stallion before sighing and looking at the papers.

Glancing up, she told, “Why don’t you go and take some time off. You have been at that research lab we set up for almost five straight days. I think you’re wife wouldn’t mind being able to see you again now.” Then glanced to the others, “We can wade through this mess here, and update you during our next meeting.”

The earth stallion nodded, gathering his reports and papers as he was about to head out-- but added to Stone. “Make a insensitive comment like that again-- and I might accidentally assume we’re back in the Unification Eras again.” heading out as Stone snort, but Shire had to speak up about that.

“You didn’t had to make that comment, there's no reason to belittle our fellow ponies now.” Stone gave a glare and told.

“He was playing devil's advocate with the Overlord, I think there's a certain tolerance I have for him.” Shire shake her head and told.

“That is no excuse to be at his throat, unless you’re only doing this because you can’t do anything about the real problem.” told Shire, giving a hint with Stone beef with the Overlord and the state of things with the Caribou. “Its one thing to go at the Overlord and the Caribous-- it's another thing to go at our fellow stallions in the Resistance.” she then added. “Not to mention, you cannot deny that he earned his place among us, as he’s one of the few scientist we have to help give us a edge with things like crafting bombs, poisons-- or other things to help us with our shadow war with the Caribou.”

“But he was trying to make the Overlord look decent!” argue Stone. “I think that's messed up already, trying to make a to-be-conqueror look friendly to us!”

“Quartermaster.” Screech said in a terse manner while going over another paper, “Shut your mouth and stow that frustration for the Caribou's.” Peeking over the document in hand to tell, “We can’t do anything to the Overlord. Periodic is the youngest of our group, he’s bound to be a little optimistic and naive to a few things. He wasn’t like Shire who had to deal with things like this, or us military. Give. Him. Slack.”

She glanced back down to keep reading, but tossed out, “Because of you decide to keep being at his throat any more, I might just pull rank and send you off to do something and get you replaced with somepony else more reasonable.” Sounding strict and firm about her choice in mind.

Sighing, Pearl said, “You know you can’t do that without a vote, Screech. Rank or not.”

“Doesn't mean I can’t have her too busy with work to be absent.” Told Screech in return. “Or until the mare realizes she can’t always shoot her mouth off.” Then put the document down to next to glare at the dark coated mare. “So up that discipline you were taught at basic before I get somepony to remind you.”

She snort, but decided to keep her mouth shut, knowing that the old mare made a few glaring points, as she took her papers, looking them over as she had to question. “But you know that Periodic isn’t suppose to be among our leaderships in the first place, he seem like a pony who prefer to be in that lab.” Shire however glance from her part of work and flatly told.

“You seem to almost forget Stone Hooves, he’s the only with both the resources, abilities, skillsets and also influence in a few areas we as the Heads of Resistance can’t reach?” pointing out another thing. “Like being the only one among us to more easily contact Magic and use his influence in Canterlot itself as a noblemen? Or even get Magic to listen at all? We all know that stallion does not give one single care about any of us whatsoever.”

Reading into a few lines, Pearl spoke with a hint of frustration. “Doesn't matter if you’re even military commanders. He won’t give a care. There’s only a few he even remotely listens to, and most of them are imprisoned or corrupted. So we’re stuck with the fact only Periodic can actually speak to him on our behalf.”

Screech took it a step further with, “And despite how you feel, their knowledge and expertise in the elemental tables, magical uses or in that pink of Magic’s, geological expertise… we can gain more use from their aid because of what they know. The pink alone was able to inform that Dark arts master to forward us how to find rare gemstones and even gold with the right geological conditions to certain areas.”

Stone grumble, but push her frustration down as she knew they brought up excellent points, and decided to drop it, which made things a bit better with the mood of the Resistance looking through so many papers-- they slightly wonder if it was karma of some sort on the Overlord part?

---

Meanwhile Jerry was feeling a bit of satisfaction, as he cuddling with his mares, both of which lean against him as they rest on the bed. Enjoying their warmth and bodies as both mares rest their heads on his shoulders, hands feeling up his body as they took a little season of themselves from the long absent of him around the Castle. As the man was just feeling up their bodies, hands roaming around as Lovely coo, nuzzling into his body while Shadow giggle as she look up.

Having a loving expression on her face, trust and acceptance in her eyes as well as plenty of love, as she laid a wing around him as she asked. “Is Master enjoying his mares bodies close to him?” then press more of herself against his own body, breasts slightly rub on his form as she added. “Maybe enjoying feeling up what is his?” eyes going half lid as she asked sultry. “Maybe need a bit more relieving~?” he in response move his head to give a loving kiss, to which she accepted as their lips pressed against each other. Tongues rolling around as despite his being smaller than hers, managed to hold himself up as his hand rest on her lower back.

They kept on the kiss until they pull back, a trail of saliva to their lips as Shadow licked the trail in half, giving a smile to him as Jerry responded as he couldn’t help but pull his arm to get Shadow body more close for her to rub on him. “Naw, just want to enjoy my mares body and enjoying the slight fact I own you two.” Shadow gave a grin, as she nuzzle under the crook of his neck and told in a gentle tone.

“And we’re always will be with you Master. Always.” Jerry couldn’t help himself but smile...feeling happy that even if he was the Overlord, that he would do many horrible things to live another day-- that he would be hated as a villain...that there were still ponies who would care about him..who would still love him, the real Jerry than the one he has to be for everyone to see as.

It made the pain of being a villain and being forced into this role much more bearable with Lovely, Shadow...and Jasmine by his side. Much more bearable than having to be seen as a tyrant and monster to many…Maybe even tolerable as long as he had the ponies by his side.

Next Chapter: Questions and realizations Estimated time remaining: 42 Hours, 43 Minutes