As the throne room teleportation gave sounds, Gnarl move before the group of mares as he said. “Welcome, to the throne room of the Overlord.” Then said with a wide grin. “And hello Shire, I see you haven't aged at all,” then dismissed the mares around her. “And see you brought wenches along.” Shire took a low breath and soon asked.

“Is your Master here?” Trying to be diplomatic as possible as Gnarl told.

“Of course he’s here, right now he's in the Private Quarters, but I’m certain you wish to see another male, correct?” then said with a knowing glint in his eyes. “Or were you hoping to pry the secrets of my Master and his Castle, hmm?” Shire held a neutral look and said.

“Just send us to the direction of this other one, Gnarl.” the old minion snort and said.

“Oh very well, you hero’s aren’t fun to prod now. So strict and stiff, I swear you’re like ironing boards or something!” then motioned to a Brown Minion. “You, take our, guests to meet the other human.” the minion saluted as it moved toward a direction as Gnarl added. “Have fun trailing on a near volcanic area~!”

That little tidbit was not very reassuring to the diplomat, whom pulled all her control into a single calmness which she used to walk on as if the very idea didn’t bother her.

The truth was, it unnerved her. And she was sure that, despite the bravado her more younger and ables guards might show-- they too might have been a touch nervous. Even more while they left out and into the hot air that smelt of sulphur and ash. It was not a pleasant smell, and the place was utterly dreary and almost hellish in appearance.

Glancing back, she could see the dark and towering castle and all it’s darkened glory. There was a further unnerved feeling, getting the more greater expression of just how foul or dark this male of the castle could be. It made her sometimes wonder, about his conflicting nature.

But as they moved, they left more and more of the lava flowing and seering landscape. The dark ash clouds clearing a bit more and more to leave a dim daylight and sandy shores. It was there she could see a oddly black ship peeking over the waves. What was again odd was the tube-like building on the beach-- and lastly… the mare.

A pink unicorn mare in a very tightly form fitting cloth that left nothing to imagination. Shire could even distinctly see the bumps and curves of each part of the mare’s beautiful body, so far to the point she could even see the slightly perky nipples pushing on the tight fabric and orange padding a bit.

It was then the unicorn noticed them, brushing her wet white mane slightly to the side and asking, “You’re with the resistance?” Voice full of anticipation as she look from Shire to her two guards-- mostly dismissing the brown Minion.

Shire nodded as she introduce herself. “I am Shire Green, diplomatic and one of the Heads for the Resistance. We wanted to see if this wasn’t a trap in the first place.” Glancing to the Brown who left the mares as she admitted. “As much sincere this offer is, we didn’t knew if this Albert was being sincere or was laying a trap for us.”

Giving a slight laugh, the unicorn said while rubbing the back of her head, “I know the feeling. At first I was sure I was going to be stuck with him as some pleasure sex toy.” Then smiled and told, “Don’t worry, the Al’s… odd, but he’s not half bad..” Then snickered, “For a egghead.” Then sighed out and said, “Listen, before we move, I gotta tell you something.”

Seeing she held the mare’s attention, she said, “First, name’s Flush Ace. Previously used to be part of the reserve guard of one of the smaller towns.” Giving a light and playful salute before adding in a more relaxed stance, “Second, can you all swim?”

Shire glance to her guards as they were a earth and pegasus as she look to Flush as she said. “We can, as my guards were recommended in case we need to swim out...Why?”

“It’s the only way to reach the Dauntless out there.” Motioned Flush towards the open waters. “That, and the hatch is under the ship, not on top.” She then moved to open the hatch to the odd tube-like building, and told, “Albert got this little shack ready for you. We need to change you out into something that can get wet.” And pointedly patted herself-- or more namely… the dark colored tight fitting dive suite.

“Oh by Celestia…” said Shire, then sighed and asked. “Do we at least get to get our cloths back, or able to bring them with us somehow?”

Jerking her head inside the ‘shack’, Flush said, “There’s a waterproof bag inside. Sorry to say, but you’ll have to strip down to get the dive sites on.” Then assured, “Trust me, it’s a little humiliating.. But these things keep you warm in the water, protective too.”

Shire couldn’t help but sigh to this, but nod, motioning to her guards to follow her and start changing in the shack. She was at least thankful they have privacy as she decide to prod a bit about this Albert. “What do you know of this Albert? All we know from our, Ally, was that he’s logical, mostly a scientist, and has not much tact.”

Helping them slightly inside the hatch, Flush moved to get the mentioned bag, which was a fairly sizable duffle bag. She opened it and got out the three needed bodysuits, glancing back to see the mare’s already moving to strip off their cloths. “Well, for one, he only lacks tact because I think he was out at sea for too long.”

She shook her head, getting up and leaning on the wall to add, “Guy somehow got stuck out at sea and spent a few years with nobody but himself and whatever work he could give himself. Had to survive a lot of hostile animals too.” Then amended, “He’s experienced though, and at least he’s brutally honest.”

“And this, disease he carries? How damaging is it to him, and is it infectious to other's?” asked Shire, knowing that would be one of the major questions her fellows would want to know. “When the Overlord mention of this, we were very...worried it could somehow make other ponies sick.”

“That?” Asked Ace, watching as a bra fell to the ground. “It’s freaky. We can’t get infected, thank Celestia-- he’s got this cure that makes sure we don’t catch it, but before he actually made this better cure? He sort of tested on himself.” She scratched her head and told, “I don’t know how it works, but he said that it sort of shuts down the immune system and does a bunch of weird… stuff.”

She pushed that off and told, “Anyways, he figured out he only had five weeks to live when he finally noticed it-- which is pretty obvious. Green putrid yellow boils, spots and glowing shit with cracks. It’s gross and freaky to see. His first ‘cure’ idea just resulted him turning the virus, disease thing into his new immune system or something. He’s stuck with it-- but lives.” Then sighed, “I’m just happy he made a better version, the stuff looks gross to have on you.”

“So he was near death, but soon lives a bit longer and just looks gross?” asked Shire, as to summarize what Ace just said. She then asked. “And of this base, how much can it hold in terms of ponies?”

“Right now?” Asked the unicorn, moving off the wall to give the first nude mare her diving suite. “Maybe 30. Or more. Since he found out about that Overlord guy? Albert and those that are at the place have been working to make more space for more ponies. But we need to get more resources-- only have so much to build more housing.”

Handing the next to Shire herself, Flush went on to tell, “And don’t get me started on living requirements. You have to pull your weight, and there are some dangers-- but I’d take it over being some Caribou’s fuck toy. I was nearly broken before the ship I was stuck on was sunk by some sea monster and Albert found me and others adrift.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” said Shire, as she got her diving suit on. “Hopefully, we can make sure that no mare or filly get that fate.” But didn’t add in anything else as she asked. “And what sort of dangers there are? Beside some of the ocean predators that move in the sea?”

Even as she got the odd feeling suit over her body, Shire couldn’t help but slightly blush at how firmly it hugged her body-- even her chest felt supported by its firmness. It thankfully, was also very comfortable. The only complaint she held was just how well it clung to her like some second skin-- making her feel a bit… naked in it honestly.

“Well, air’s one thing.” Flush said, making the diplomate prick her ears to this. “The base and the other smaller basses got it-- but once you get swimming around, you need to watch your air. Swimming is a must too.” Then seemed to name off next, while picking up the cloths. “And depth, Albert made it clear that we shouldn't swim too deep, said it can be dangerous for our bodies. Something about ‘compression’.”

She placed a few of the cloths away, while then adding, “Food and water is also a big thing. You need to keep hydrated, and well fed. We can grow food and get fresh water-- but only so fast. We all pull our weight to get by each day.” She then glanced back and said, “There’s other things, but really it get’s kinda normal everyday, once you get used to it.”

As Shire guards got their suits on, they felt just the same as the diplomat did, almost felt naked as it clung to their bodies. Shire look to Flush as she said. “Something I may need to bring up to the other Heads, gaining food and water for these bases, maybe add in that swimming must be in lessons and restrictions on where to swim.” thinking some of the amount of transfer of supplies to send to this base, she slightly wonder how the Overlord was going to handle it, but push that thought aside. Focusing on the here and now with the base as she asked. “Is there anything else we should know of these bases?”

Pausing in thought while zipping up the bag and hauling it up over her shoulder, Flush gave a firm nod. “Yeah. Some can be a little confusing.” Giving a look to Shire and telling, “While you’re visiting, stay with someone that knows there way around for a bit. It’s mostly halls and only-so-big rooms. And some rooms you shouldn’t go in or mess with. Albert made a rather big point over some room with ‘nukes’ or something, said that it can be lethal for those not dressed right to go into the room.”

She shrugged, “I actually went into that room a few times. It’s one for the few rooms we have to keep an eye on, keeps the base functioning and pumping air and a whole slew of other crap. The Rad suit is a bit… awkward, even more when it rubs the crotch a bit too much, but it keeps me-- or anyone from getting something called ‘radiation poisoning’.”

She nodded some, then decided to prod more as she asked. “And what do you know of this ‘Overlord’? Did Albert mention him to any of you beside him bringing water, food and supplies?”

Giving a nod as they moved, Flush exiting the small metal construct and landing into the sand, she looked back and said, “Yeah. Albert talked to us a good while. Wanted our take.” She shook her head and told, “We honestly want to help our people-- especially I do. I was supposed to protect them and I failed.”

She glanced aside with flattened ears, but told, “I’ll be honest, as much as I want to gut those bastards for nearly breaking me-- for fucking my pussy raw… I can’t, Albert relies on me to be a guard for those under all that water. Taught me how to use some of the equipment to keep the bigger fish away.”

She sighed and decided to continue on. “Albert’s also trading some materials for food, water and any clothing that Overlord guy has. The plan is that the more able bodies we have, the more work can get done. Even the whole searching, foraging and even mining of materials. It’s a volunteer thing only-- and trust me, there is some scary shit in the deeper parts of the water while we get metal or crystals for what we need.”

While Shire doubted that, she couldn’t argue either. For all she knew, there could be dangerous things in the deeper parts, Equestria never really went that deep before, Seaponies live in the ocean and knew of it… or at least they used to before they left Equestria oceans. Sighing some, she said. “I can’t fault you for feeling like that with the Caribous, it's how most of us feel really.”

“And to be honest...I was slightly hoping either you, or this Albert, would know more of this Overlord intentions, despite his willingness to aid the Resistance and cause damage to the Caribous...there’s more to him we still are suspicious about honestly. Especially with him not very forthcoming...and him practically screaming with his armor, ‘I’m a potential villain you would of defeated ago’.”

Snorting in amusement to that, Flush made her way towards the waves and told, “Al only met him some five days back. We were visiting shore and finding a few edible plants to grow in a grow bed. Then Lush ran into him, she was babbling when she came back to us about him and the Overlord wanting to meet with the ‘captain’.”

Looking ahead and feeling the first cool splashes of water hitting her hooves and shins, the unicorn told, “So, Al got some things, marched on out to meet the guy. Five days later, after we talked it over, he came here to see what it’s worth and then found out you knew the dark guy.”

“I’m glad he asked about you lot.” Smiled the mare, getting waist deep into the water while going about moving the bag to be more easy to swim with. “This actually means we not only got a chance, but some ponies can finally be someplace safer.”

“I honestly hope so. Its been...difficult to keep them safe in Equestria itself.” said Shire, as she shiver some, the water going through the diver suit and the skin underneath it. Thankfully the her body was warming a bit. Still felt cold though. She continue on. “We really were losing space with each mare and filly we brought in. I think some of us were nearly considering asking the Overlord for space in his Castle. Especially with Caribous nearly finding our hideouts all over the map.”

Nodding, Flush said, “Almost makes me want to go and keep watch over those place.” Then shook her head before telling, “Alright, we’re going to swim to that ship, keep close. When we’re near it, close your eyes and dive under. These dive suites got this weird magic that places modern scuba gear over your face some. It’s not much, but it’ll be more than enough to get under the Dauntless and through the hatch-- ready?” Getting in position to get started.

She took a breath, trying to gain what courage she did, as this was a experience she never had before. Before nodding as she and her guards followed the unicorn under the water. Shire admit, it was...amazing to see such a different point of view, being under the water. As the suit scuba gear moved around her head, providing her air as she took a moment of this. Before following Flush towards this ‘Dauntless’, which was a march larger ship than she previously thought. As most of it was just merely submerged.

While she swam closer, she had to admit, it was at least the size of a frigate, but with how it’s dark and rounded hull looked, it almost looked like it was also more agile than their best frigates. But any further thoughts cessed as they went under the front portion of the ship, seeing a sealed doorway open and revealing a hatch that Flush opened and pulled herself up and into. Not a moment later, the others followed-- pulling themselves up and out of the water and into the tight space.

Water draining off them, and scooba like gear seemed to dissipate as if it was never there, did Flush open the door into a hall with nothing but lockers. Well, lockers and one green earth mare that glanced up and looked on with wide eyes.

“T-the, is it really the Resistance?” Sounding at first surprised, before looking giddy with a smile. “Oh thank the stars, you actually exist!” Nearly dropping some from of pad from her hands-- but stopping form trying to ask more about them as she realized, “Oh, uh… I need to finish looking at our inventory…”

“Yeah.” Snorted Flush, “You do.” Then asked, “Is Al back?”

With a nod, the green mare said, “Upper deck, main room. He was working on something.”

Giving a single nod, Flush said, “Thank’s Lush.” Then motioned, “Come on, up the ladder.” And moved within the admittedly limited space to grip and go up the ladder.

Shire followed through, going up as she was taking in all this oddness around her, especially the lockers that seem to be around most of the walls with labels on them. However she focus on the path the mare was leading them, as she knew she could ask about the lockers later. Albert was soon seen at a boxy-thing he was working with, she also noticed a 15 year old unicorn, wearing round glasses as the dark navy coat mare was working with him.

The thing itself seem to be of a weird box, and nothing she seen before as her guards were taking in everything around them.

“Hey Al.” Flush spoke up, making both young mare and male to turn around. “One of the head’s is here with some guards. Shire of the Resistance and a diplomate.” Giving a brief introduction for them.

Normally, Shire would of done the introduction herself, but she and her guard couldn’t help but stare at the sight before them. Flush was not too far from the truth, the sight of these ‘boils, cracks and spots’ of green and yellow did not give a nice vintage of how anything should look. They glowed, looked painful-- even moved, as if something was under his skin!

It was fairly creepy, in all honesty. But the male didn’t seem bothered and just moved his long and dark hair to the side so his green eyes, slightly glowing with sickly yellow hints from the virus no doubt, gave them a look over and said, “Nice to meet you. Are you the only guest’s for now?”

She clear her throat and gain her composure as she answered. “Yes, for now. We wanted to make sure that your offer was sincere, no offense, but we had to make sure this wasn’t a trap in the first place. Its not everyday a male wish to aid us in the first place.”

Shaking his head, Albert told, “I don’t like what’s going on. It’s not the most ideal thing to happen to anyone-- alien race or not. There is something called morals.” The mere idly tossed out mention of ‘alien race’ having slightly caught the mare off guard, before he went on. “But since I know there’s three of you, I know what needs to get done.”

He turned to the younger unicorn and said, “You think you know the controls now, Deft?”

“Yes Albert.” She said with a slight hint of exasperation, “I know what I’m doing.”

He in turn shook his head and said, “Alright. Go on and get three high-capacity air tanks ready for Shire and her guard-- as well as three rebreathers form the Fabricator. They’ll need them later.” Getting a single nod from the younger mare that fixed her glasses and moved past the more elderly group.

Turning his focus to the mare, Albert said, “We’ll be going now then.” Moving past and told, “Flush, is Lush finished with the inventory?”

“Not sure, didn’t bother to ask.” Admitted the unicorn, turning to once more head to the bridge. “But we can yell down to her.”

“Let her finish.” Albert waved off. “We’re in open water, so moving the Dauntless won’t be as hard as it normally would be.”

Shire try to wrap her mind on the ‘alien’ part, but had to focus on other things. Like how many bases did Albert had. “Albert, how many of these bases do you have? Flush mention the one you’re offering can hold up to 30 for now, how many do you think can be used for the civilians that aren’t able to fight?”

They watched as he walked up to the helm, hands gripping the wheel as the ship slightly started up, a thrumming rising more higher to their ears. As the area before Albert somewhat lit with many an image, the male glanced back and told, “Well, nearly half or more of that is already taken up. We were working on more room, but we’re running out of materials, so by the end of it there might be only enough space for another thirty, maybe forty more.”

He shook his head and added, “But even if we fit them, we need more supplies for them, and while we’ll have sleeping spaces, we need to expand more room for them. Unless they don’t mind spending time out in open water.” The ponies watching as the water before the bubble out window rise over them, any sight of land starting to dissipate as the ship turned around and began to head into nothing but open blue water.

One of her guards asked. “And that's when this deal with the Overlord comes in? He supplies you with food, water, things you need to make materials, right?” snorting some she told. “Hard to belief he would do that out of the ‘kindness’ of his heart.” Shire gave the guard a look to hush up, as she spoke.

“You’ll have to forgive my guard words. When we found out about you, we inquire on why he would make a deal with you, and furthermore on supplying at all. Despite him being our ally he isn’t, forthcoming with information now and then regarding around himself.”

“Not a bad move, if you think about it.” Commented the male. He seemed slightly in idle thought as he said, “It makes it less likely for information to get leaked. And since he’s independent of you, and form the sounds of how you mentioned him, he probably is just being careful of what he tells.”

While they descended deeper down into the waters, Albert continued on, even as Flush went about working on some console device to their left, listening in. “As of right now, I only trust him so much. I only trust the Resistance, so much.” He trailed off before turning his attention forwards and saying, “But the mare’s talked me into seeing you and letting you in. Not that I’d object-- I finally have people to talk to. Different species or not, I have actual living breathing and sentient minded people to talk to!”

He offhandedly added, “It also doesn't hurt they’re all nice, and lovely and very curvy, that that’s a bad thing. Appealing really. I can’t tell you how many times it amazes me to see mare’s swimming, poetry in motion. And the fillies can be silly, though I try and make sure they don’t stray too far. Can’t have predators sighting them by chance alone.” His rambling just… revealing more and more of his ‘illusive’ nature they didn’t know.

And yet, despite how he had mentioned ‘mares’ and ‘lovely’ in the same manner the Resistance would rather look down on, they could hear Flush snicker in amusement as the male rambled on without a care.

“Is this...Normal?” whispered Shire to Flush as while he mentioned mares and lovely together...It seem that Flush didn’t mind it. Question was...Why?

Speaking lowly, so not to interrupt the man’s ramblings, Flush told back, “Yeah. Apparently being lost out at sea for years makes you lose a few marbles.” Raising a finger to spin it at the side of her head. “He’s nice, and tried to be-- but when he rambles at this, you can tell the guy is a tad horny, and form the sounds of it needs to get laid.”

She shook her head and brushed her slightly damp mane, smirking. “It takes getting used to, but the guy hasn’t hounded us. Looks, sure. But when he mentioned about being alone for a long time? I think I get the point. The guy hasn’t seen a mare-- or the equivalent of his kinds female, in years.” Then grinned, “We think he’s jittery he’s surrounded by sexy mares in really tight cloths. It’s both kinda funny and sad.”

Shire slowly nodded, figuring that at least there won’t be some problems if he just took looks. Really if what Flush saying was accurate and with him rambling on, she can guess that since he’s been alone and not around females, makes him odd...although she noticed after going over the ‘sexually appealing balance body’ he went to a different subject on how swimming does wonder for the body. She couldn’t help but admit.

“To be honest, I’m slowly starting to think this Albert might be better than dealing with the Overlord.”

Sighing, Flush said, “Don’t jump for joy yet, the guy’s still a bit off in the head I think.” Then went on, “He’s nice, sure… but all that work and ‘research’ he’s done? I think babbling what he did to stay sane and working on researching plants and animals also helped.”

Casting a glance to Albert, she told lowly, “I know he didn’t mean anything by it. He just speaks his mind. But a mare once mentioned about getting caught by one of those Seeking Vine plants-- said she was stuck with it for a few days before she was filled full of seeds.”

Shivering, the unicorn said, “Anyways, she’s fine. But after she was done, Al came over and asked about the plant some, and we told him what we could… but nothing to what he apparently wanted to know-- we weren't eggheads. So he asked where he could find the plant-- only for the mare to say getting it or the seeds would only happen if there was a mare to seed…”

Dragging off, Flush grimaced, “Yeah, he then walked off rambling about maybe finding a mare to voluntarily go to one of those plants, get captured, fucked and seeded-- so he can later grow and examine the plants in some containment thing.”

Horrified filled her and the guards expressions. As she glance to the man, and back to Flush as she said lowly. “That's...by Celestia that's horrible!”

Huffing, Flush said, “Yeah, well… the guy means well. He’s tested and observed a few animals and made some impressive stuff afterwards.” Then gave a slightly annoyed look to the man. “Still… we hear him contemplating to ask, but he hasn’t yet. I think he’s not sure if he should or shouldn't. Not sure if it’s morals-- or he knows we’d say no.”

She rub her face, grimacing as she may had to put it delicately to her fellow Heads on his...ramblings. Maybe I shouldn’t cast aside the Overlord too soon? Granted he’s not great...but at least we know he has some hints of morality. Even if there are a limited amount. she soon asked. “Anything else we should know? I’m trying to figure out how to put it delicately for the other Heads about this male. And with what you told...doesn’t bold well for some of their responses.” knowing both Stonehooves and Screech would reject working with Albert at all if they heard this.

“He’s smart.” The four nearly jumped as Deft had come back up, a heavy looking bag of things in her magic as she told simply, “I’ll be honest with Flush, I don’t like the idea of one of those slimy… things pushing into me, my womb, and then cramping it with seeds to drop off while my lower regions ache.”

She sighed and also admitted, “But I see what he’s thinking. I asked about it… and he’s thought about turning the plants into guard dogs of some sort, maybe make them catch other things not pony. Or learn if they can be trained or if there’s anything about them we can use.”

Looking at them, Deft further explained. “There’s this mushroom, a white mushroom, that grows in aquatic environments. It’s extremely poisonous and you can’t eat it.” She paused before telling, “He plants, cultivates and harvest these mushrooms to make this liquid that is extremely electro conductive. When used with a machine called a ‘Seamoth’, it can discharge a electrical field weak enough to scare small fish… or scare off one's bigger than a pony, while killing plenty of the smaller fish.”

Thinking that over, it took a while for Shire to see it logically, as it could be useful into turning the Seeking Vines into ‘guard dogs’...but still. With a low sigh, she tried to think of another subject, something to distract her mind as she decided to ask something that usually make her forget things now and then. “What are your thoughts on the Overlord? Flush mention you all talked about it for a few days.”

Shaking her head, Deft said, “Not much. Most of us have been hiding under water for… a month’s?” Seeming to pique Shire’s interest, seeing the Overlord’s time in Equestria was about just as long. “Most of the mare’s in the sea base are a result of a creature known as a Reaper Leviathan. It’s as big as this ship, has a nasty temper and isn’t scared of picking fights with other things just as big as it.”

Nodding, Flush agreed, “Most of the mare’s figured the same thing, after explaining what they saw when their ships sank. Al told us it was a Reaper Leviathan, and I seen one of those things. It attacked one of the Seamoth’s and nearly crushed it with brute strength. We try avoiding them when we can.”

Thinking that over she asked. “What is a Seamoth exactly...and if this Reaper Leviathan did sunk those ships… do you think there are other creatures that weren’t catalog in our books just suddenly come out of nowhere? I never even heard of the Reaper Leviathan in the first place.”

To that, Deft agreed. “They aren't native.” It made a sharp look come at her as she told, “You probably heard him say it. ‘Alien’. Well, I think that’s more truth than you think. Nothing on this ship is like anything I’ve read on, and Albert let’s me read his things. They mention space travel more than once.”

That was when Flush asked, “Wait, you think he was full blown truth telling and not insanely rambling about some ‘alien things teleporting him’?”

“How would you explain the new sea life or the new Leviathan sized creatures?” Retorted Deft before leaving with the bag of items to get to work.

Shire felt a small headache coming in as this whole ‘alien’ thing might be lucid, but it might as well be true. After all... there was the fact the Overlord just showed up, start killing Caribous, and seem nothing like what Gnarl seem to suggest to the Resistance of his actions. The diplomate couldn’t help but add in. “You know...I think I might believe this whole alien thing. It might sound crazy and insane...but I think everything become crazy and insane the moment the Overlord wanted to talk to us and wanted to be our ally.” rubbing her head some as she went on.

“And with these unknown sea-creatures and new sea life...and including this thing?” motioning abit of the ship itself. “I’m thinking that we can’t chalk it up being some sort of magic.”

“I’d offer you a shot of something strong…” Began Flush before dragging off, “But Al doesn't let us make any alcohol drinks. He let’s us have coffee and other things, but he seems to be a bit strict on the alcohol to used only for cleaning scratches and wounds.”

“Mostly because alcohol could be used for healing instead of drinking.” dryly said Shire, as she then asked. “Think we can find some way to copy information of these new sea-creatures that I can pass on the Heads, so we have a inkling of what we might deal with?”

Thinking to that, Flush told, “Well, we don’t really use paper. Problem when surrounded by water.” But told simply, “Not that we can’t, it’s pretty easy actually. I’m sure I could talk Deft into writing up some things-- but there’s a lot. And more, since Al likes to look into things.”

She turned back to the monitor and it’s controls, flicking something to make the screen flicker and gain a iamge. Shire could see it looking around the spire of the ship-- before it was changed to the keel, searching under the ship and giving her and her guards a moment to see the ocean below.

They were passing a area of kelp at that moment, and there were a merade of fish of many sizes and colors. Some swimming in large schools and others finding safety from larger predators. A few mantaray like fish could be seen moving by at that moment, gracefully moving by.

Flush took it all in with a slightly wondrous look, apparently still amazed by the sight that was rarely seen by pony kind. For a moment she glanced and perked a ear, and rolled her eyes. Al’s still rambling. Having gone to the subject of ‘making pizza again’ bit.

Still, knowing her job, Flush continued to flick between each camera of Spire, Keel and Cone-- keeping tabs of the blind spots of the ship. “I guess we could also ask Al ‘bout giving you those tablet things, they seem to have information in them already. Anything new updates to them all, really nifty.”

“Tablets?” spoke one of the guards in confusion, as Shire asked in.

“Are they some sort of advance book or something that’s ‘alien’?” figuring to ask the latter part as she doubt it was a book to begin with.

Figuring it wouldn’t hurt, Flsh moved a hand to her waist, a place that did hold a few things such as a diamond hardened survival knife, a scanner device-- and more to point, the thin white wand she brought up and gave a tap. On an instant, a blue glassy like screen moved out before lighting with a number of things.

The sight was intriguing, and reeled the three newcomers in to investigate-- before it was handed off to them. They watched, mostly with Shire holding the ‘Tablet’ in her hand, as Flush selected something a the top, which soon showed a list of ‘Data logs, Alien life, Tools, Equipment’ and so on. All ready to be selected and gone through.

Shire blinked...and soon said. “I think Periodic would enjoy having this. Tartarus I think all the Heads would want one of these. Makes compiling information so much easier.”

They could hear the ladder being once more used, Lush coming up just in time to catch the later part of this and give a glance. She smiled and pulled herself up, and was quick to speak, “You have no idea.” Flush slightly smiling and now focus fully on her job while Lush apparently took over.

“Hi, I’m Lush, It’s a honor to meet you.” Holding out her hand, but added, “Flush showing you the Tablet? And yeah, you don’t have a clue of how useful they are. Everypony uses them at the base-- looking up things, checking supplies and a number of other things.”

Shire shook the mare hand and said. “Good to meet you, Lush.” then let one of the guards look over it as she went on to let go of the mare hand. “I can honestly say as a Head, that this will make things easier for not only me, but for the other's to categorize and find things out on the spot.” glancing to the tablet as she went on. “It must of taken hard work for creating these things for everypony.”

Nodding, Lush admitted, “I was one of the first mare’s Albert found along with five others. A… I think it was a Leviathan fish thing that tore a hole in the ship that was taking us away from Equestria?” She shook her head, “Anyways, when he found us he had the only one available. When we started to help with doing things around the place… he could tell we needed the same, and spent I think almost a whole week trying to recreate the things.”

“When you said he was smart…” started Shire, as she look to the device. “I honestly didn’t expect him to be this smart to recreate these devices for everypony he found.” she soon asked. “How many of these Tablets are there?”

“At least one for every adult mare.” Told Lush with a firm nod. “A few fillies are allowed them, but it’s mostly anyone that’s responsible enough, or we think are ready to start doing more serious work.” Then gave Shire a glance and told, “They are also a little tricky to make, so Albert tries to make a few in advance… maybe have the parts for them. But he don't give them out too often. Since the idea is to make sure everyone either stays in contact or knows what needs to be done.”

She nod her head in understanding, as not everypony should know everything at once. She did thought a bit and grimace. “While it is good to know there are things to help give advancement and knowledge...I don’t think Albert could make so many.” thinking more and rubbing her forehead. “And I don’t know how the Overlord will be able to supply so much things to you all,” looking to the two as she explained.

“Right now we have over 300 civilians, including fillies and a few good stallions left, right in the HQ itself. And once we confirm there is safe place for them to hide in…”

Being quick to speak, Lush said, “You need to only send a few at a time!” Stopping herself from yelling to glance-- and see that Albert had stopped his ramblings. However, he seemed to have figured out no one had been listening, and was now just focused on driving.

Sighing to this, Lush soon began to explain. “Getting the needed materials has been… tricky, but manageable. The Overlord offered us free passage to his land to dig up any and all metals, materials or riches we find. A portion goes to the Overlord, while we gain the rest, most of which will be used to keep the bases growing and some being used to gain any additional food, water or cloths we might need.”

Breathing in, Lush then told, “But even then… we only have so much space at one time.” Then raised a hand, detangling, “Grain, a friend that was with me on the ship-- she’s one of the volunteers that helps work. She goes with a small volunteer group using a ship like this one-- they’re called Cyclops.”

Seeing the hands motioning around the ship, Lush went on, “The Dauntless was the first ship. Then, Albert made a second one that he later gave to my friend. After teaching her and a small crew how to use it, they go out and near dangerous areas to get materials to later haul back. She builds some of the habitats we live in, and she told me last time we’ll have room for possibly fifty more ponies-- There’s already about 20 of us, and we can’t support fifty more just yet with what we have alone. We have enough to last us 20 for about five months-- but with fifty more?”

Shire nod her head as she understood the problem. “It would cause a strain on supplies. Fast.” then muse. “We might need to send bits as much as we can, maybe have to suggest the other Heads to forward on asking the Overlord for shelter.” the pegasus guard snort and told.

“He may let this male and the ponies here go on the Overlord lands to gain materials, but you know he might ask for something in return if we asked him to house ponies in his place. It doesn’t exactly embody, ‘safe and nice’ with the way it look.”

“What other option do we have?” counter Shire. “We already have trouble back in the HQ, and with what we know of these bases? We might as well have to ask the Overlord for housing his Castle.”

Hands up to pacify the two, Lush said, “Well, there is one thing..” Gaining looks as she said, “Sending a few at a time. For every ten ponies you send at a time? We have that many more hands helping. It takes a while to catch them up to their new jobs… but as long as you send ten at a time, one week at a time, maybe things will stay stable. Maybe we can take more at a time if we triple our numbers.”

Lush rubbed her arm in uncertainty, and went on, “I’m also wondering if it’s maybe a bit better for the fillies to be on land too.” Gaining looks as she explained, “I… and and a few others had gone through a few arguments about staying or leaving. Some wanted to leave, but most of us almost want the fillies to live someplace else. Albert is right about one thing. It’s dangerous down there.”

She paused in thought and told, “As long as we're around to watch them while in open water, they’re alright. But it’s not like there wasn’t an occasional close call. Like a shark or a leach…”

“I can’t believe I’m suggesting this...but what about asking the Overlord for letting the fillies stay in the Castle?” said Shire as she raise a hand to explain. “I know it's...not the sanest of things to suggest, but despite the Overlord living in, a rather hellish landscape and seem to live in a place of evil...he seem to accept fillies into his Castle without second thought. Odd I know, but surprisingly for someone who lives in a place like this and got this imps following him, he seem to want to give fillies safety and protection no matter what.”

Biting her lip to this, Lush thought it over for a moment before sighing and said, “We’ll have to talk it over.” And seeing Shire’s quarrying look, explained. “Albert might own the base, made a lot of it and saved us-- but a lot of the decision making and choices for us mares are made by us mare’s. He’s… he’s been mostly acting like a host or on-field survivalist expert.”

It was here that Flush decided to speak in. “Yeah, Lush over there is part of the ‘committee’ of Alpha Base, as Al calls it. She’s one of the main honcho’s that helps lay the rules down. I’m part of security and join in sometimes.” Then went on while looking at the cam’s. “Lush is only here because we needed extra help in gathering things. If you do send more ponies, she could stay at the base and actually focus more on keeping things in order.”

Twirling a lock of her blond mane, Lush explained, “I used to be a secretary. My boss was… lazy and pushed a lot of work on me before he took up the Caribou idea with… too much enthusiasm…”

“Yeah, I know the feeling.” grumble Shire some. “Being with the Diplomatic group back in Canterlot was annoying with the higher ups being lazy half the time.” shaking her mane some as she went on. “Still, its surprising that he’s being a host and guide rather than the owner of the place. Then again, maybe its the best for all of us.”

To that, Lush told, “He’s constantly busy.” Then patted a consol she stood near. “This ship, Dauntless… he practically lives in it. Constantly moving around, getting more supplies, parts and other things. He only had a base to store things, on his own words. When we all came along…” She dragged off in thought.

“When we came along, he was all too happy to give us the base to live in and have people to talk to.” Finished Flush with a nod. “He helpd us. He taught us how to live down here. And he gave us the choice to go back to land.” Then glanced back to the three and said, “Lush is right. We want the Fillies on land some-- they know how to live up there more easy.”

Turning back at the screen, she also admitted, “But we won’t. Lush made a good point when I asked why we couldn’t go back to land. To be frank… as dangerous as it is down here? It’s leagues safer than any land that the Caribous can sail to and even find them. They wouldn’t stand a chance and be taken and….” Cutting off to not even finish that line of thought.

“The fillies have suffered enough.” Lush told in a saddened tone, “I know it’s not the best thing… but the danger down there only hurts because like Albert said… they’re only trying to survive and get a meal. The caribou… let’s be honest. They torture fillies and break their mind and bodies for their sick pleasure.”

Shire gave a grim look and nod. It was honestly hard to say which was a worse fate for the fillies. Still she look to the two and said. “Just know, that even if it seems unlikely...the Overlord is a possible option, sure maybe not the best...but a option for them nevertheless.” she then glance and soon asked to change the mood. “So, how long until we arrive at this Alpha Base?”

Deciding to go to her own station, and start up the monitor to look through one of the three cams, Lush told, “It might take most of the day. We’re pretty far away, but this ship goes faster than even our navy’s fastest ships.” She gave a glance back and told, “You’ve might have noticed, but there’s a bed just past the hatch over there. If you.. Want to sit down or get some rest, you can. It’ll be a while.”

Rubbing her face, she nodded, moving by the bed as she admit. “I might lie down...all of this discover just need to settle in my head.” and slowly decided to take a rest, as she know she time to figure out everything.

Next Chapter: More stuff to show and see Estimated time remaining: 40 Hours, 35 Minutes