Inside the Dark Castle, far in the Private Quarters in the Overlord bedchambers...Jerry was musing a bit. After some ‘R&R’ with his two mares, both of which were resting against him as they laid their heads on his shoulders. He wonder of what he might gained when Albert and his people gather materials off of the island? Sure, he knew he would get a portion, which he was fine with admitally.

Most of the stuff Albert mention he couldn’t even use. And most of what Albert need, could be acquired easily as their food and waters were plenty. But Jasmine… mind quickly thinking on the filly, and the fact her sister was possibly found. If he was honest? He was going to miss her if she left. Even more that she did more than made him soft...she made him feel more human than either Shadow and Lovely.

Yes the two mares loved him, adore him-- and were willingly to be his as he loved and adore them equally...but Jasmine had that...innocent in her. That ‘something’ that made it easy for her to see through his guise, to see through the Overlord, to see through the ‘Dark and cruel one’ during the few weeks she stayed here...and just saw Jerry the nerd who was thrust into this role and life. Wearing the mask that was part of him now. And yet...yet she helped him see that he could be more than what Gnarl suggest him to be.

That he could be more than the vengeful, wrathful and destructive Overlord that had broken out during a moment of rage. He...recalled that. That moment when he saw Jasmine hurt and afraid, that spark of insatiable pleasure of breaking a Caribou back with his knee. Or their skulls after they almost broke what innocent, what bits of youthful innocence in Jasmine, of just...humiliating her in the open and not giving a damn.

Not giving a damn that they were breaking what little happiness she had desperately clung to...causing him to just, just unleash his rage and slaughter Caribous left and right. He even recall Gnarl rejoicing in the helmet when Jerry was ripping, rending, and razing buildings to get his point across...Granted not with his own magic...but the Reds could easily burn things.

And Jerry...he admit he may had gotten a tad bit, well little overboard in destroying things. He sighed lowly, as despite that little rageful moment, Jasmine showed him there was a better way, a way to be more than what the Overlord represent. And if he was honest? He clung to that hope, to that filly simple, yet childlike innocent as despite her seeing his rage...she just as clung to him as ‘big brother’...because he saved her and gave her back hope, happiness and safety, that were torn away and with no regrets by the Caribous…

He...he was admittedly scared when she was gone. That he, he would lose that hope, that he would eventually become the Overlord and accept it. Yes the mares would remind him he can be better...but Jasmine...Jasmine could get him to listen far better with that curious and innocent like wonder...and just ask ‘why?’ to him. To make him pause in his emotions and just consider her, consider her feelings, her seeing her adoptive brother through the helmet...and choose the better path.

He couldn't help but gently push the mares closer to him, not that they complain in their sleep as they nuzzle and cling to him. Oh God… thought Jerry as he honestly hope that Jasmine would stay...he didn’t knew how long it would take for him to just...just let himself enjoy the savagery killing, the destruction-- the utter satisfaction of causing pain and misery to the Caribous as he raze everything to the ground...the same kind they gave when they came to Equestria.

And a part of him...reveals in crushing the Caribous, in letting them suffer in his wrath and ire to them as their blood cover his axe, and their screams of death and pain echo in his ears. An orchestra of destruction, something he was only pleased by only because he was returning the same pain they inflicted…A eye for a eye...a tooth for a tooth. thought Jerry as he wonder if that director would even notice of his plights...and wonder if he would pluck Jasmine away to give ‘entertainment’? To just see Jerry pain and anguish as he give his wrath and ire to the Caribous without thinking of anything else. Without thinking of holding back for any mares or fillies in the way, for thinking of others...and just not giving a damn for destruction of property--

He felt a small pair of hands on his head, as he glanced up, seeing Jasmine as she yawned, looking tired as she curled around his head. Part of him wonder how the bloody hell she sneaked up by him without him noticing. Another part was wondering if she had nightmares and just need her ‘Big Bro’ to chase the nightmares away. He couldn’t help but snort in amusement. In her dreams, the ‘big bad Overlord’ is her protector instead of nightmare. it was ironic and funny that a supposedly villain would cause safety than misery.

He sighed as he let her rest near his head, as he doubt he would do much for the rest of the day, and sure it's not like that he had to do anything important at all right now--

“Master, there's a strange building near the shores!” told Gnarl as his voice echo in the room, as the two mares grumble, snuggling closer to their Master as Jasmine grumble in her sleep as Jerry felt like his eye twitch some.

“Gnarl...I’ll deal with it later.”

“But Sire, it must,” started Gnarl as Jerry told in his ‘serious’ tone.

“I. Will. Deal. With. It. Later.”

Seeming to understand the message, the elderly minion rather wisely backed out. Before his Master chose to wail on him and cause him great pain. It hasn’t happened yet-- but it’s not like other Overlords had not done so.

---

To say that the Alpha base was impressive in it’s own right… was a bit of a understatement. It was actually a sight to behold with it’s relative size. While it was not as huge as the manors Shire knew in canterlot-- the mere idea they were hundreds of feet underwater and this structure stood with rounded shapes and many a light was still a impressive sight.

Once more, what was just as impressive… were the buildings. There were so many. All of them vayried in sizes, and had different design choices. But all had one thing in common. They were round and were lighting the slowly dimming waters with light as it it was a small town.

It might as well have been a small town growing. She could even see ponies swimming around some cultivating, picking or tending to the sub-aquatic plants growing in patches of fertile soil. Or the sight of other machines, some looking like golems that moved around like sentries. Or the smaller ships the zipped around to and fro.

What possibly impressed her the most was the two other ‘Cyclops’ ships in the area, one being a silver with purple lining, and a name if ‘Twilight Hope’ on it’s side. And another being a deep red with a blue strip and named ‘Sunrise’.

“Welcome to Alpha Base and the growing town, Shire.” Spoke up Albert as he carefully steered the large ship over the ‘Town’ as it was. Shire glanced around with her guard, actually catching sight of a building being made-- a pony holding some small tool that seemed to be absorbing some nearby materials gathered, which later were somehow being morphed and transmuted into a building that slowly came into being.

Though as it was, it looked like most were going back to the ‘Habitats’ for safety or rest, the waters getting darker and darker, making it slowly more harder to see. She could idly hear Deft mentioning about taking the ‘Prawn suit, Daring’ back to it’s Moonpool, but the mare was more entrapped at looking at the future of her people's sanctuary during the coming fight against the Caribous.

“This is...its so..” trying to find the words...but how could she? This was something over her head, and yet for some reason...she can imagine a entire town full of ponies here, safe and free from Caribous...even more that there was weapons, things that could easily battle the Caribous. but the question remains...how will we be able to get a entire nation under the sea? that was...a problem to be sure. They may move the ponies in the HQ, but sooner or later they had to take Equestria back.

It was home after all, and they can’t lose it anymore to these Caribous.

She could hear the man chuckle as he said, “I can’t blame you. Sometimes even I can’t help but feel a touch impressed.” Then moved, going near a wall and picking up something Deft had left there after finishing her work. Lifting them, he moved before the three mare’s and held out the sizable metal canisters. “Here, you’ll be using these during your stay. They’re air tanks-- high capacity variant. I had Deft make three of these and three rebreathers.”

Lush and Flush both moved up, each taking one to help the guards get them on while he told to Shire, “While you’re here, swimming is a must. If you want to reach any buildings, you need to swim to it. The air tanks are to make sure you don’t run out of air for whatever reason. Safety measure.” He explained simply.

Shire gave a brief nod, as she gotten hers on with the two mares aid. Placing the mask on as she was ready to take a dip, and was thankful she took those swimming classes in case for her diplomatic needs long ago before all of this happened.

Keeping his rebreather out for a moment, Albert explained, “Alright, we’re going to go out in pairs of three. Once we’re out, keep close to the group. We’re going to head for the primary base.” Then motioned towards them adding, “I’d suggest you keep your dive suite's on most of the time. Since going out into open water is going to be a normal occurrence.”

With a glance, he soon told, “Lush, do you mind showing them around? Flush and I need to get some of the others to start unloading Dauntless inventory into the warehouses.”

Smiling, Lush said, “I’d be my pleasure.” Getting a sound nod from the man who got his rebreather on and went down the ladder form the bridge and later into the small closet sized room where they would later leave. It was after the first group left out, the second one came out. And upon getting into the water, did Shire feel a slight chill in the slightly dropped temperature-- and a slight tightness. It wasn’t particularly noticeable, but there.

In the dime light, it was hard to see, but there was enough to see the group. So, they began to swim, the slight hissing of air being heard in the water along with the cascading bubbles that would escape her rebreather form breath to breath.

They swam, from ship to slightly deeper waters and near the large building that was there. Moving under the large tube like structure, a hatch much like the submarines could be seen. One by one they entered into the large enough tubbed room that was like a hall,arms pulling them up and out onto dry ground, allowing them to take off the rebreathers.

Albert moved to the sealed door, pulling and turning the pressurized handle to pull the door open-- and greet them with a hallway. One that had sounds of a few ponies and even a mare walking by with a Tablet. Just ahead was a larger room-- one where a couple of fillies rushed by, giggling all the while as Shire and her guard moved in, taking in the sights while the pressurized door was closed behind them. Male and security mare wandering off while Lush moved beside the three newcomers and patiently waited for them to get used to their new surroundings.

“Everypony is in..diving suits.” muttered one of the guards as Shire respond.

“It is one of the reasons why the Overlord is giving fabric clothing after all.” then look back around as she admit. “But it is...breathtaking to see all of this, and being under the sea…”

Smiling some, Lush motioned them to follow her as they took a path down a hall, following the round tubes before they lead to a glass-line area. It let the three see right outside the base, and all over while Lush told, “It might seem odd, but you get used to it a bit. And the diving suits we just got used to. Albert is the only male within… well, miles. He’s the only one that get’s a good peep show of our bodies.”

Then giggled, “Well, that’s assuming he isn’t distracted by work.” Calming down, she paused and made a turn, glancing back to say, “I’m going to show you where the current sleeping quarters are.” Glancing ahead to move around a ladder slightly in the path, adding, “And expect ladders to be around. With limited space we sometimes have to make do.”

Shire nodded, as she followed the earth mare, as she glance all over and said. “It’s still unbelievable that there's actual glass down here. I thought glass could be easily broken if you hit it hard enough.”

Glancing back, Lush smiled, “This isn't normal glass. It’s reinforced.” Then seemed to add, “And made of Quartz of all things, it’s tougher and thicker than the glass we use.”

“Unbelievable.” said one of the guards with a shake of her head, as Shire took that in and soon asked.

“Do you all just eat from the vegetation around here or what you grow? I know you can recycle water to be fresh with some of the machinery you and Flush mention, but what about food?”

Making another turn, and going around another ladder while passing another mare, Lush explained. “We have outdoor plants we grow, plants we harvest while foraging around the sea floor. And we’ve been making more space and housing to grow land plants.”

Slowing up to walk next to them, Lush went on, “The pegasi and Thestrals in particular will go for fish and cook it up. It actually helps most of us that are a bit… picky about meat. But even then it only helps so much in stretching food.” They moved straight on ahead, pausing at another pressurized door.

Pausing and not opening it, Lush looked to the three and told, “I’m going to explain this to you now, because it’s very important.” Patting the door telling, “This is a bulkhead. In case of any emergency, if by chance there is a breach in part of the base and it’s starts leaking in water-- these are to help keep parts of the base unflooded until we can fix the holes.”

“Always close the Bulkheads.” Lush told. “Never leave a Bulkhead wide open without being nearby to close it. If part of the base floods, that bulkhead will be one of the few things keeping the whole base form being flooded-- possibly damaging anything that happens to not be waterproof.” Making sure her point was heard loud and clear.

“It’s even worse for anypony that’s not wearing a air-tank.” The earth mare continued. “You can seriously get trapped in a flooded building. The bulkheads are to make sure there’s at least one place that won’t flood and we have air to breath while somepony fixes the damage and drains the flooded areas.”

The three give firmed nods that they understood, as Shire took this in her mental notes to add in for the other Heads. While it help that she knew that there were plants and meat to feed the ponies, she knew that they had to stretch it for each day. As they waited for her to open the bulkheads, she asked. “Are there storage room for foods, or are you trying to keep space by harvesting in the sea to stretch food supplies?”

Depressurized and being pulled open, the next room just past the bulkhead soon gave sight to a similar sized room as quite a few others they had seen so far. Though in this case it was crammed with four double beds, and at the wall near each bed was two sets of shelves for personal items. There were even a few lockers, cabinets and drawers stuffed inside.

“A bit of both.” Lush soon answered while moving inside the room. “We store what food we can, while the remainder we eat. Or, rather we find as much food as we can, then get our daily portion before storing the rest away after preserving it.”

Pausing inside the room, Lush pointed about saying, “This room, and two other’s above this one, which you can reach by ladder--” Pointing to one such ladder by a wall, “Is mostly used for sleeping quarters. They all have four, double sized beds. Since we only have so much space, we have to share beds.”

“At least it’s better than sleeping on the ground sometimes.” said Shire, knowing that sharing a bed is a alternative at times than sleeping on the ground, which wasn’t easy since she herself had to do that more than once. Looking over the room, she thought something and soon asked. “Lush, you and Flush mention that Albert has...questionable thinking. Would it be far fetch that he has a...work area that he usually occupy beside his ship?”

Letting out a small laugh, Lush said, “Well, yes actually. Thank Celestia that he does.” Then proceeded to tell, “He did some moving around, but there’s a smaller base that has nothing but his research work space. We keep ourselves-- and the fillies, clear of it.”

She however, had to amend, “Well, besides whenever he’s inside and we ask to come in. He’s very… enthusiastic on sharing what he finds or figures out. He has a few creatures inside some tanks of water to observe. Some are a bit scary.” She recalled the ‘Mesmer’ for one.

Shaking those thoughts off, Lush told, “But yes, he has a private work-space he has on the side. Mostly for the fillies safety. He seems pretty keen on their safety.”

At least something is similar between him and the Overlord. thought the mare as she was admittedly thankful that despite Albert being…’unique’, he seem to be highly concern on fillies safety.

“But then again.” Mused Lush in thought, “He seems pretty concerned with all our safety. He will talk to us for hours or walk us through each situation to make sure we don’t cause an accident or hurt ourselves. For the first few days I was here? He took up all jobs of getting food, keeping predators away, building more habitats to house us-- he wouldn’t let us do much of anything until he seemed sure that we wouldn't,” Then air-quoted, “Get eaten alive.”

“Considering you all were in a new environment and didn’t knew how things work, I think he had some rights to be sure you all were ready.” said Shire, as she hum a bit, and soon asked. “You know, speaking of supplies, I forgot to ask, did Albert actually asked the Overlord on when or where he would start giving the supplies you'll need down here? That is a very crucial detail to bring up.”

Shaking her head, Lush said, “He hasn’t.” Then motioned to Shire, “He wanted to be absolutely sure you and the rest of the Resistance were on board with this idea before he went any further with his deal. Said he wanted to know how much of the materials he gets, will be used to later gain later supplies.”

She raised a brow as she said. “Sorry if I’m seem confused,” then asked. “But I thought you all would get most of it, like 80% of whatever is found on the Overlord lands, and he gets 20% of it?”

“If you think of it like that, Albert is on the better end of the deal.” Began Lush, “Albert wouldn’t only have most of the materials he and any volunteers here work for, but stocks of food, fresh water and even clothing.” Shaking her head, the mare said, “The later part would be in smaller amounts, but Albert would gain more.”

Walking out of the room and closing it shut, sealing it tight, Lush then went on to explain, “But, if we were to take a partial amount of what we have, let’s say any gems or gold we mined up? We can trade that to get further amounts of clothes, food and water form the Overlord.”

One of the guards looked confuse and asked. “But why trade? I know gems and gold would lure the Overlord easily with his treasury being low, but I thought when the Resistance is on board with this, the Overlord would just give away the food, water and materials for you all in return of just mining his lands?”

Turning to the guard, Lush told more simply, “It’s economics. No matter how you look at it. From what we understand, the Overlord is like a military of some sort with armed forces. I, Flush and even Albert, know that his army needs arms and armor to continue their fight.” Then shifted in place to tell, “But we need to figure how much to give. It’s why it’s important we know if the Resistance will take to the idea or not.”

“You have the ponies that would need the supplies the most. The more mouths there are to feed, the more materials we need to trade towards the Overlord. It’s… really just that simple. He provides some clear road for you to reach a safe beach, we take who we can to the base and any extra supplies needed, and if we ran low for some reason? Trade more materials or goods to get the supplies needed from him.”

While the guard slowly nod, the other guard question. “But wouldn’t it be more easier if we sent a few civilians towards the Dark Castle, give them a path to the shack for you all to pick up with supplies? It would cut costs and make things easier on travel time.” then thought and ask. “But here's a bigger question, why would the Overlord be okay with having 20% for himself, and give most of the materials you all dig up on his land to you all? No offense, but I thought he would've try a 50-50 agreement.”

“Why ask for 50%, when he knows he’ll be getting a bit more for every time we ask for more supplies?” Asked Lush simply before going on with a shake of her head. “Most of this is something that’s in the future. After Ms. Shire conforms with the Resistance Leaders that this is a good idea.”

They all heard a slight groaning sound, and most eyes turned to one of the guards that did her best to not show any outward sign of being responsible. With a slight smile, Lush said, “Ah… you haven’t eaten for most of the day, and it’s nearly supper, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” chuckle the mare with a embarrassed look. “All this talk of alliance, trades and stuff was making me hungry.”

Shire roll her eyes in amusement, but a question came to her mind. “What about metals? I know gold and gems would be used for trade, but what about metals to trade? I’m certain the Overlord would use metals for his Minions or for himself.”

Moving past the three and beckoning them to follow, Lush told, “We’re working that detail out later too. There’s a lot going on, and we’re busy as it is. I especially need to talk to the mare’s here that we more or less elected to act like the leadership here.”

She led them down the hall, going towards a ladder which she was quick to grasp and begin to climb. The others, following in turn, began to make their way up-- though it was a lengthy climb upwards. Once they reached the next level, Lush continued to lead on, this time to a shorter ladder that lead one more level up.

It was this new area that the three found themselves in a fairly… glass like area. Windows could be seen all over, allowing them to see not just around the Alpha Base, but the many mini-bases that glowed in the near pitch black waters.

And the ponies, mare’s and fillies all chattered, sat, played or most of all, ate at tables and chairs. The room itself was slightly more furnished, to the extent that it was a bit more homely, possibly even relaxing. Any more thoughts on the lockers, cabinets of foods and waters or any of that was placed on hold when they heard a voice.

“Lush, you’re back!” They all turned to a tan pegasus mare, one that was having a large grin in place, but also seemed to have some sort of improvised sling holding her arm. Just like Albert and Flush, seemed to have a dive-suit with orange padding.

“Grain!” Lush next to exclaimed, moving to the pegasus and asking, “Your arm, what happened?”

Puffing out some air and shifting her obviously damaged and tar-removed wings, the mare told, “Crab-Squids, that’s what. Nearly took my arm off while we were finding some Quartz and a few other things.”

Crab-squids? Hmm, another creature that’s probably in a Tablet. thought Shire as she spoke. “I hope you will recover soon,” then introduce herself. “I am Shire, one of the Heads of the Resistance to gain a idea of this place.” then smile. “However I think the pros outweigh the cons of being onboard this place for a sanctuary for civilians who wish to hide from the Caribous.” knowing that despite the few issues here, this is something that the Resistance as a whole can’t passed up.

Blinking some, Grain said, “Resistance?” Then smiled more widely, “Well I’ll be damned.” Sounding a slight bit in disbelief, if not ecstatic. “Well, good that you are alright with this place. I had my suspicions, but it's working out.” Then gave them a look over before asking, “Here to grab a bite?”

“They are.” Nodded Lush, “Albert asked me to show them around--”

Patting the mare on the head with her good arm, Grain said, “I get it, you’re the tour guide.” Then jerked her head for the three to follow. “Come on, let’s get you something to eat. There’s a coffee machine near the vending machine there. But make sure to grab water, best thing to keep by your side.”

Not waiting for a response, the pegasus further asked, “And what do you want to eat? We got fish, weird alien fish, fruits, alien fruits, some veggies, and also the alien kind-- and sea veggies.”

“Veggies will work for us.” said Shire as she added. “Maybe a bit of sea veggies, just to see how it tastes.”

With a firm nod, Grain moved forwards and towards a cabinet, Lush moving over to help as well, seeing as her friend only had one arm to use. Seeing as it might be a moment, the three moved and took a table, sitting down in the fairly comfortable chairs while they waited.

When the plates of food were placed before them, the three could see some potatoes and carrots, both normal by their standards. But next to those, were… something else. For one, was the odd green and dried flakes. And next to it was a grey muscled-fiber like sponge… with glowing pink spots.

These must be the sea veggies...well...bottoms up. thought Shire as she took a bite of the green flakes, noticing a unique texture and taste. The grey plants were chewy in a sense, and the pink spots on it were sweet, like candy gel in a sense. She hum a bit as she spoke. “Very unique food. Odd, but not too bad in tastes.” chewing more as she had to admit, despite how odd it look, it taste actually good. you just have to ignore how it looks and think it’s ‘ordinary food’. added Shire in her thoughts.

“We make do.” Grain told while moving to slide a chair over, turning it around to sit in it backwards. “I gotta say, as weird as some of the food down here is…. It’s not all that bad.” She considered something before asking, “Think any of the ponies you send will be willing to do dangerous work?”

It was a question that Shire hadn’t considered-- though from the sounds of it, there was a fair hint of danger down here. But Lush picked up on what her friend said, and said, “She brings up a good point.” Looking to the diplomat to say, “Since some of us are taught how to handle a few situations, a few of us have volunteered to gather more materials or search areas out. And this… is admittedly dangerous. Even more when we start going below the safety parameters Albert pointed out to us.”

Thinking over as she said. “There are some ponies who could do the dangerous work, and while I do worry of the amount of dangers that are unknown...sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.” knowing that sometimes there were sacrifices to be made, even if she didn’t like it. “I can ask with the Heads and bring in ponies who could handle dangerous work alongside the civilians, just to ease the burden…”

“If you can send a few our way, it’d help.” Told Grain. “I had to mention it, because when I said it’s dangerous?” Lifting her injured arm to make a point, “Almost losing arm makes you lucky. Tartarus, losing an arm would of been still lucky-- that thing that nearly got me was three times my size!”

“Three...times your size?” muttered one of the guards in surprise, as Shire inwardly sighed, as she really had to argue to the other Heads to accept this, yes there were dangers, and yes there were possible leads of death and risks...but would the alternative was to be found and be raped forever by Caribous? Like Flush and Lush mentioned, at least the animals down here were following instincts and getting food.

Speaking up with her own plate on the table, Lush said, “Don’t let it get to you.” Relaxing back and happy to finally get a meal. “Most of the more dangerous and larger creatures are either in very open water, or past the 200 meter mark.” Then raised her fork, twirling it to tell, “The biggest thing you’ll see swimming by here are Refbacks, bigger than the Cyclops's you’ve ridden in-- but also completely harmless. Like whales.” Getting bite of her meal soon after.

Shire slowly nod, taking in her own food as she was taking all of this in, and despite the dangerous cons of going on this idea, she knew that they had to take the chance. Sooner or later they would run out of space, supplies, and possibly be more vulnerable. They were slowly getting their backs against the wall, ironically it was thanks to the Overlord that the pressure been off of them for a while. But they can’t rely on him forever, especially with mixed opinions of him.

She took another bite and sighed as she said. “To be honest, its going to be hard to convince the other Heads to go forward with this plan, while it does help ease us with our problems? Doesn’t mean that its going to be tricky, especially with how the pros and cons are stacked on this entire idea.”

There was a sound of a clicking and slight drawing of a blade, making the guards snap their eyes to Grain whom had drawn a blackened survival knife-- not too different from the one they’ve seen with Flush. They watched as the mare with practiced ease flip and twirl the blade, and told, “Hon, no place is actually really safe.” Then rolled her eyes, “Sure, Equestria was nice before it was turned into a living nightmare for all mares. But even before then it was still dangerous.”

“Manticores, Hydras, Timberwolves, Chimara’s, Cockatries-- pretty darn dangerous when you think about it.” Rambled on the mare before pointing the knife towards them. “So you tell them heads that they think it’s dangerous down here? Well remind them that some wild areas of Equestria are still pretty dangerous too. Only difference is we aren't walking and running, but swimming.”

Snorting some in amusement, Shire said. “Well at least I can counter their arguments with that statement.” taking another bite as she asked. “When we do return and I managed to convince the Heads to be on board with this, who in this community going to speak with the Overlord on the details? I know you need to set up a trade system, but are you going to talk by the shack or his ‘domain’?”

Thinking to that, Lush decided to speak on this matter. “Grain or maybe Albert might do the talking near the shore.” Pausing to think it over a bit more to add in, “But I have to talk it over with a few others. Grain happens to be one of the mare’s in question-- and while Flush isn’t a ‘official’ part of it, she is the most experienced in military discipline.”

“In short?” Asked Grain while tapping the blade’s tip at herself, “I’m a badass survivalist, Lush is the girl that helps with keeping ponies organized. Flush and a few others work security. And then Glint is the one that makes rounds and makes sure our heads are on our shoulders.” Then idly added, “Oh yeah… and she used to be a doctor, so… medical stuff.”

Shire thought that over, as she ‘marked’ the heads for this community as she decided to give information to Grain. “If you do by chance speak to the Overlord? A few things to keep in mind. He would usually wear armor covering himself and brings a small horde around him, might carry a axe or blade. And despite him looking like a villain, don’t assume fully like other villains we had in the past. He is, thank Celestia, reasonable enough and is willingly to work with you.” then grimace.

“But be careful of the elder Minion name Gnarl, he’ll try to bait and prod you with insults, jeers and get a reaction out of you. He finds it ‘amusing’.” Recalling once when Spree mentioned him during her time in the Overlord domain.

“Sounds like a grumpy old stud.” Remarked the survivalist in slight amusement. “But yeah, I get it.” Then shook her head. “Well, anyways, Albert might do most the chatting. The guy has a wonderlust. Probably would go just to see how things play out.”

She paused before giving the three a glance over and said, “Well, after you’re done eating, Lush should get you to see Glint.” Giving a look to the earth mare and telling, “They should get at least checked over, or given a few shots.”

Turning back to them, the pegasus addressed, “See, like land, there’s stuff down here that can make you sick. And you probably know about that diseases Albert caught?” Shaking her head to tell, “Some of it is in portions of water or wildlife we find. We like to make sure everypony get’s a few shots to make sure they’ll not get sick and keel over or something.”

Thinking over, Shire nodded. “Might be best just in case.” taking in another bite as she went on. “While I’m a bit surprise it's in the water or wildlife, I’m glad that there are vaccines in case,” thinking some as she said. “We might need to bring the needles or medical workers to the newcomers before they do anything, just to be make sure there won’t be problems while learning the ropes down here.”

Nodding some, Lush said, “A few of us caught the virus once. We didn’t really realize it at first, just some slight coughing and itchy skin.” Rubbing her neck while adding, “When one of the fillies brought it up to Albert, he was very insistent we take the cure for it. Been also teaching Glint whatever he could about what he’s learned about poisons and some infections in the water we could possibly gain by chance.”

“First thing I’d want every new pony to do when they get here?” Interrupted Grain, “Send them right to the doc. It’s not just infection down here they’re at risk of. We also want to make sure they aren't sick upon getting here.”

Shire nod in agreement, as health was a big issue and something to do ASAP. She then finished up her meal as she asked. “Where is this medical officer located?”

Lush went to speak, but Grain said, “You just relax Lush. You’ve been away for a few days, no doubt working on that ship of Alberts.” Then stood up, telling, “It’s down a deck. I’d show you the way, but my arm makes it a bit hard.” Then placed her knife away, telling, “Wait here. I got someone that can show you around.” Walking off.

Watching for a moment, Lush soon turned to the mare’s and told, “Glint is a nice mare. But I should warn you that she might plan a near-full examination. So expect to take off the dive suites for a bit.” Then added, “And don’t mind if she looks annoyed. Sometimes she get’s jealous of us… other mare’s.” And lightly tapped her chest in particular to get the thought crossed.

“Oh.” said Shire, as she understood that some, as she admit a full examination might not be too bad, after all its with fellow mares, so it can’t be that bad, right?

When Grain came back not a few moment’s later, the mare sat back down-- while a thestral filly moved up with curiously glinting eyes and a diving suit that, while smaller for her size, still hugged her still developing body.

“Shire, meet your new guide, Dew.” Introduced the wounded mare.

With a curtsy, or best she could do, the filly said, “It’s nice to meet you, miss.” Giving a smile at the end, seeming happy to see a new face.

Smiling some she said. “Its nice to meet you Dew.” she then asked. “You must know everything around here to be our guide, its a big responsibility, right?”

Shifting a bit, Dew said, “Not really… But I sort of wish I didn’t have as much responsibility.” Looking away with a slight pout while Lush gave a giggle.

“Dew’s almost 13, and one of the more ‘responsible’ fillies here. We thought to go on and give her a few jobs, which she rather not have.” Explained the mare, giving a near rising look at the young thestral.

“I still would rather play with the others.” Said Dew before admitting, “But… I know it’s important to make sure we harvest food, move supplies and share shifts so nopony gets hurt.” Not sounding particularly happy about it-- but was understanding at least.

She nod her head, as she said. “It is a hard task, but it is good you understand the responsibilities of it.” then glance to her guards all finish in their eating as she said to Dew. “Now Dew, can you please lead us to this Glint? Checking up and getting shots to make sure we don’t get sick either.”

Dew gave a nod, moving towards the ladder where she took hold and slid her way down swiftly. Grain shook her head and said, “Hey, Shire-- makes sure you remind Dew to talk to the doc later.” Getting a questioning look as the mare smirked, “Somepony been getting their first burning feeling at the crotch lately.”

Oh dear. Puberty and signs of heat starting up. inwardly sighed the diplomat as it was going to be one of those talks. Still, she nod, knowing it had to be done as she followed the young thestral down the ladder, and let her guards follow suit. When they came down with the hatch close, they began to follow the filly through the halls as to meet this Glint.

They had to move past a room or two before going down another ladder-- this one leading to a new area where they had to pause to open the next Bulkhead, something that was a slight challenge for the filly, but eventually opened on her own strength.

Inside they could see the medical mare herself, being a silvery thestral herself with grey wings and mane. And the warning of her ‘jealousy’ was made clear. The mare, despite being in her 20’s, didn’t have too much of a chest, and her body, with toned and fit, also didn’t have a round firm flanks or wide hips-- or too many things appealing about her.

Turning, the mare looked them over for a moment and gave a pleasant smile, only belaying the slightly jealous glint in her eyes. “Hi. Newcomers found at sea?”

“Yes, I am Shire. One of the Heads for the Resistance, and these are my guards. We’re here for a few shots to make sure we don’t get sick from any viruses in the water or food.” keeping calm and simple as she already noticed the jealous within the eyes, as she decide to be tactful and careful with her words.

Any jealous hints all but vanished in a moment, the mare blinking and saying, “Resistance?” Then gave a swift nod, “Of course, Dew, please close the door. Shire, please strip down.” The medic herself moving to get a few things ready, moving test tubes and some smaller equipment around. “I am Glint Light, it’s nice too meet you ma’am.”

“Nice to meet you too,” said Shire as she began stripping the diving suit off of her, which was odd at first, but she ignored the slight coldness in the room as she asked. “What sort of medical issues are there when being underwater? I’m mostly asking as I’m sure some of the other Heads will question about everything down here in Alpha Base.”

Getting a round device first and holding it steady in hand, Glint turned around to face the bare mare and told, “Well, besides the normal cold we might get due to slight chills or constantly being soaked in water-- we haven't had anything serious just yet aside from the Cara Virus Albert mentioned.”

Lifting the device, Shire watched as a blue light washed over her, strange alien sounds emanating from the device and the light that danced over her body. A few times, she swore she could see under her fur, skin and even to her bones at one point.

When Glint was done, she placed the device on her hip and got out her own Tablet, going over it and saying with a noteworthy hint of surprise, “You’re forty?” Turning to the mare and looking her over, admitting, “You… You aged well.” Seeming to fight off the jealousy in her tone, “You look more closer to your mid twenties…”

She sighed and explained. “It was a forceful procedure, the Caribous were attempting to make older mares more younger with their ‘experimentation’.” grimacing some as she recalled the horror and pain of those tests, seeing good mares turned into...she mentally shook that thought away as she finished. “And not all mares who went through it were ‘aware’ of the side effects of those ‘tests’.” giving subtle hints towards the doctor.

To this, Glint quickly returned to her tablet, scrolling down to look over what was apparently found before remarking, “Well… besides a few… oddities, you’re mostly healthy.” Though from the sound of it and the slight grimace, she was sad to hear what was done to the diplomat-- appealing body or not.

Sighing, she moved the tablet back to her hip and moved up to Shire, telling, “Take a seat. As much help as the Scanner’s are, I still want to look you over more personally. I like to exercise experience over these… fancy tools when I can. Just to be sure.”

As the Diplomat move on the seat, she asked. “I’m surprise the Tablet allow you to see so much in me, I thought they were use for data-- or is yours special for being a medical doctor?”

Getting a small medical tool up, Glint responded while beginning her more basic check up, “All the PDA’s, as Albert calls them have special ‘links’ towards certain things. We can add pictures, music, information, data-- I know that a few of the mare’s that volunteer to work those large metal suits can use the things to keep track of where their large hulking suits are.”

Having Shire do a quick breathing exercise, Glint soon moved her hand away, and told onward. “The Scanner’s work the same. Albert helped some of us figure out how to tune them to do certain things. For me, it was give me preliminary information of whomever, or whatever I scan with a biological system.”

She nod some, letting the mare do the check up as she asked. “Are you the only one working as a doctor, or are there more in other parts of this base?”

“Mostly myself.” Answered Glint, moving to get something else as she went on, “Deft sometimes helps. She’s a very bright young mare, a prodigy really.” Then added while going through a draw, “And I guess Albert slightly counts as well. Grain does what she can-- but she’s a survivalist, not a fully fledged medical expert.”

Turning around with a odd device in hand, Glint said, “I had a doctorate in medical practice. Before the Caribou’s came, I was actually head of a medical ward in Fillydelphia.”

“Really? Impressive.” said Shire, as she said. “It seems that when we bring ponies over here, we should also gather what doctors we can here, just to improve their knowledge and workload of under the sea.” her thoughts came to Jasmine, who was living at the island as she asked. “Glint, if you are willing, would you go with Grain and Albert when they meet the Overlord? The reason I ask is because one, we hardly know anything of the Overlord under his armor and two...there is a filly uncollared who lives with him in his domain...which is surrounded by a near volcanic area.”

Giving a heavy sigh to that, Glint got a small vial filled with something and inserted it into the device while explaining. “I can’t leave here. Being the only real medical expert, I’m needed here incase of emergencies. Deft goes out with the others, being a volunteer. Albert explores areas he deems too dangerous. And like I said, Grain doesn't have the same skill that I do and is better out there than around the base.”

Moving up to the bare mare, Glint lifted the arm and placed the flat cylinder head of the device to her arm. There was a hiss, and a sting that Shire felt, but it was gone and done in just moments. “If I could, I would. But I just can’t. I’m needed here where I’m needed most.”

A understandable nod came from her, as she said. “I suppose I could ask Albert for a check up for Jasmine, some of us in the Resistance are a little worry for her health. Being around a volcanic area in a large castle might not be good for her,” then sighed. “But the Overlord is...strict in her being with him, even if we brought up good points for her health and well being, he seems very stubborn when it comes to the filly.”

Shaking her head, Glint said, “Can’t say I can comment. We hardly know anything about him ourselves. I think we didn’t know about him until the day Lush stumbled on his blundering that one day.” She moved back and gave Shire a final glance over and told, “You can get dressed now, I’ll check up the next ‘victim’.” Holding up her injection device while saying that last bit. “You two won’t be like foals I hope?”

As Shire got the diving suit on, she said. “They probably won’t.” but as she got her ‘clothing’ on, she mildly wonder how the talks with the Overlord and these mares will go, yes the Overlord is reasonable...to a extent, she just wonder how it might fully work out?

---

As a few days passed, Shire gained a feel of the place, and the ins and outs. Which made her see the pros more, the base was more expanded, more buildings made in anticipating for more ponies. With room up for 90 more ponies, granted the supplies were limited, but with the Overlord supplies to be made when she gets the Heads agree? She knew that wouldn’t be much of a problem.

When she and her guards came back to the island and change to their clothes, they also had Grain with them, mostly to talk to the Heads. Not to mention it allowed Grain to see the scope of the land while they headed back to the Dark Castle. However she noticed there were more Reds around, apparently something happened while she was underwater and once she enter in the Throne room she noticed the Overlord wasn’t in his throne as she heard Gnarl spoke. “If you looking for the Master, he’s already at the HQ of yours.

“He had some reports to give for your fellow mares,” then gave a wide grin as he said to Grain. “Ah, one of the mares of the sea, I am Gnarl, Master Minion and adviser to the Dark One. Welcome to the Dark Castle.”

Looking down at the ‘toddy’ as Grain could just picture him as, she said, “Heh… you know for a weird imp-frog thing, he seems chummy so far.” Rolling her shoulders to get accustomed to her still slightly sore, but healed, arm.

“Ah the reason for my good mood is of the Master causing multiple carnage and death onto the Caribous, he hit a big building in Vanhoover, cost a good amount of trouble for them pathetic whelps.” they heard a laugh as a Brown Minion with jester like clothing said in a joyful manner and in a irish accent.

“The Dark Lord cause reign of terror for the Caribous, he cause death and destruction as he made them dead on their hooves!” Gnarl gave a annoyed sound and told.

“Ignored him, Quaver is practicing his little poems for the Master,” then said. “Now have fun being teleported whelps!” as the thing above them spin around-- and they were suddenly teleported into the Gate within the HQ as Shire was a bit daze as she shake her head.

“Never stops being daze by this teleportation…” then look to Grain as she asked. “How are you holding up?”

Hand to head, the mare said, “Dizzy.” Shaking it to try reorienting herself some. She even reached to her sides, making sure her gear was still on her person.

Shrie nodded, looking to her guards to see they were holding up as she said. “Come on, if the Overlord is talking to the Heads, must be something big.” as she lead Grain towards the building, however she noticed a few mares were gaining looks of Grain Hardsuit hugging her body firmly, Shire admit, it does make a few wonder why the pegasus was wearing it in the first place.

Granted the Hardsuit had padded areas for protection, but is like most diving suits, if it wasn’t for the slight padding on Grain chest, it would give a slight ‘hint’ of her nipples shown. Still once they reach the room, they heard a ‘heated’ argument between the Heads and the Overlord as she managed to peek in, the mentioned Overlord in his Arcanium armor as she wonder what the argument was about.

Shifting the rifle that was on her back, Grain gave the armored male a glance over. In admittance, he was intimidating. Even more so with how tall he was or how his armor looked. Seeming to hold an air of demanding respect. Though when she looked down, she felt a unnerved feeling rush up her spine-- mostly due in part at the small armed horde of toodies.

Grain had no doubt she could handle a few-- but not that many. She was happy of her choice in defensive tools, it gave her some measure of assurance. Still, Grain gave a questioning look, ears perked to listen in with Shire as to what this shouting match was all about.

“Why can’t you?” demanded Stonehooves. “You obviously been there, you faced off against them, and you destroy, if not stolen all of their supplies. Why can’t you get to the Crystal Empire and put down that abomination of a artifact!?” Jerry for his part, was gripping his right hand tight as he took a deep breath and told in that deep and agitated tone.

“Because Stonehooves, despite me having a Gate there, despite me infiltrating it once, and despite me getting out nearly scott free, and more importantly of the damage I cause.” then nearly shouted. “I! AM! LIMITED!”

Feeling the need to get her riffle into her hands, just to have precaution of slightly more extra safety, Grain remarked, “Someone’s moody.” More or less snapping the tension in the room to surprise.

“Shire!” Pearl spoke, not having expected the mare to be back-- right before she looked at what could only be defined as a scantily clad mare, and asked, “W...who is this?” Sounding between curious, and angry some mare that possibly had no business listening in was around.

“This is Grain, one of the heads for the mares under the base.” introduce Shire as she explained. “And yes, they have to wear the diving suits mostly to swim around.” Jerry glance over Grain, as part of him wonder if he could get some diving suits for, reasons specifically for him to know….but he zero in on the rifle, as it was a all metal type weapon. Look like its a sort of laser weapon, or something that could be use underwater. Don’t know how it works...but it doesn’t run on ammo, thats for certain.

He took a long breath and calm himself as he spoke. “Sorry if you caught me at a bad time for being, ‘moody’. I just got back from a rather long business, and gave information to these mares.” Shire gave a brief nod, noticing Periodic was once again gone as she asked.

“Wheres Periodic? I thought he was suppose to be here?”

“He’s busy.” said Stonehooves, as she brought the topic of before as she explain to the two mares. “Right before you came Shire, we were talking with the Overlord on going to the Crystal Empire and putting a end to that abomination of what was called the ‘Crystal Heart’.” then gave a pointed look to him as she said. “But apparently, even if he can get there quickly and can summon up his imps, he’s ‘limited’. Why is that?”

Jerry calmed down, as to get himself eased up and to explain more fully. “I am limited in more than one way. You are asking me to somehow bring down or change a artifact that is limitless with my magic, you are asking me to hold off hordes of caribous and stallions with their own magic, superior weapons, and outnumber me 1 to a thousand.”

“You handle hundreds of them before.” told Pearl as Jerry said.

“Well yes, but here's the thing, back then I was doing reconnaissance, you all are basically asking me to concentrate on the artifact, while holding off large numbers, with only 50 Minions, and keep popping them all the while I’m a sitting duck waiting to get hit by a big blast. See the problem?” Admittedly he could try to control the Minions mentally with his mind...but he doubt he could even do that with his focus on the artifact itself.

With a raised brow, Grain commented, “Sound’s like waving a lump of meat in front of a hungry wolf.”

“See? She gets it!” told Jerry as he went on. “Not to mention I would need to concentrate fully on the artifact to even attempt what you’re asking. My armor may be strong, but I know that I can’t shrug off the hits forever.”

Stonehooves snort and cross her arms as she said. “What happen to the bravado of handling anything the Caribous dish out?”

“Fighting against tons of Caribous and standing still with me having a big target on my back are two different things Stonehooves.” told Jerry. “Not to mention, even if, if I can keep popping Minions out to defend me, they die without me taking off key targets, like their commanders, as they’ll just trap me and shoot me until I’m dead.”

After a moment of thought, Screech said, “I have to agree with him.” Knowing she got looks from that as she said, “Pearl, Stone, I get it. With his latest victories, you feel pretty confident. But I think it’s becoming painfully obvious we’re trying to bite off more than we can chew right now.”

“This shouldn’t even be a problem of the ‘Dark Overlord’.” sneer Stonehooves. “He managed to handle himself pretty fine with all he done.” Jerry took a low breath at that as to not cause a outburst as he needed a cool head.

“While in command.” Added in Screech, “If I’m understanding him right, he’ll be too busy focusing on the Heart to give orders. It would be like asking a commanding officer to try opening a locked door while their squad has no one to take orders from to defend the point.”

Grimacing to this, Pearl had to concede. Screech held a point. Still, it didn’t stop Stone form saying, “But the Heart--”

“Isn’t going anywhere.” Screech told fairly firmly, her aged voice and experience seeming to shine through during this. “I know you want to get the Empire back, but I think we need to hold off on it… for now.” Then glanced to Shire, “I’ll go get Periodic. I’m sure Shire has a lot to tell us after nearly going missing for five whole days.”

Shire nodded, as she glance to the Overlord as she asked to him. “Overlord?” gaining his attention as she said. “I am somewhat thankful you are here, you are needed to discuss of the trade agreements and escorting the civilians to the base.”

“So you’re in agreeing with this?” asked Stonehooves as Shire nodded firmly.

“I am.” then she asked to Jerry. “Overlord, how much supplies do you have in you're Castle?”

Jerry thought back as he said. “With the latest raid and taking of their supplies in Vanhoover? Maybe enough food to last for at least half a year for a town, managed to make sure they last well.” thinking more as he added. “As for cloth? Well we got plenty of that for clothing half a town admittedly. No offense, but clothing's was last of my list of to do things. But I’m sure I can get the Minions to start sewing clothes for more than three ponies in my place.” he did however asked to Grain. “However would you mind giving me two diving suits?”

Raising a brow, Garin said, “Well, I’m sure when I get back to the Sunrise, I could get some basic diving suits made. But why do you need them?” Curious if the male planned to go underwater himself at some point.

“Reasons.” was all Jerry said as he wasn’t going to add more. For his sake than anything else.

“Uh-huh….” The wingless pegasus dryly said, not exactly buying it fully. And thinking it over, she could guess why, but had no way to really know. “Anyways.” She soon said, “Albert decided to bring two Cyclops’s to move anyone that plans to come with. Right now Albert’s getting the shack built up more so mr. Dark and Scary here can give him a call whenever he needs to.”

“Ah yes, that shack.” said Jerry dryly. “Caused Gnarl something to annoy me about, good to know it wasn’t serious.” Stonehooves thought on why the Overlord wanted diving suits all of a sudden and gave a annoyed snort.

“You really are a pervert, aren’t you Overlord?” glancing to her, he stated.

“I fail to see how that is part of this discussion, Stonehooves.” then refocus on Grain as he went on. “When will you need the supplies? As soon as the shack done, or when the refugees come to the Cyclopes?”

“When the Refugees come.” Was the fast response. “We can house up to ninety more ponies-- but we don’t have enough supplies to support that many. And then there’s the part of making sure they know how to live down there-- there are tasks and risks they need to know of.”

Coming back, and having nearly dragged the stallion along to this meeting, Screech spoke up, “Risks?” Having let go of Periodic to move to her seat. “What sort of risks.”

Giving the elderly mare a glance, Grain said, “The same kind you have to deal with in the wilds. Poisonous foods, dangerous predators, knowing where to go and where to not go. It’s a frontier, and unless you do something stupid, it’s gonna hurt.”

Periodic blinked of the mare ‘unusual’ looks as he glance away, clearing his throat as he asked. “And wearing diving suits is a must due to being underwater?” Shire testify that with a nod.

“It's a little embarrassing, but surprising the single piece clothing is a need, mostly to do jobs is regular as taking them off and on would consume time, time of which would be spent to get to work done. Its also effective of keeping the body isolated and protected fairly well.” she then added. “But there are varieties of these dive suits as most had a air tank with scuba mask. What Grain has is a ‘Hardsuit’ which is more firmer, tougher, and is a equivalent to a ‘aquatic armor’.” Jerry seem interested in this as he knew it must be made out of materials to be able to handle such hardships, not to mention flexible.

“And there’s nothing you can do to preserve modesty?” Asked Pearl, deciding that she might as well ask. The idea of being in such revealing clothing, even more so that it was the only piece of clothing everyone would wear, made her question the creators intentions.

With a jerk of her head towards Jerry, Grain told, “That’s why we’re asking for cloths. Some of us take breaks and stay inside. Not all of us like the idea that these are the only clothes we have. And plenty still feel nude, since it doesn't do anything to hide the goods.” Shamelessly patting her chest that slightly gave way under the light hit.

Periodic glance away, as he clear his throat, while Jerry ignored the pat of the chest as he mused. Bring extra fabric and clothing in the supplies. Periodic glance back and soon asked. “Shire, is it worth it? Bringing mares and fillies to this place?”

Shire gave a affirming nod. “While there are dangers and risk, we all had them here in Equestria with the wildlife before the caribous came,” then told. “But everypony must swim or know how to. It is a must to travel around.” then went on. “My fellow Heads, we need this as much as some of us may deny it. All we need to do is let the civilians go through the Overlord Castle and be dropped off.”

Stone Hooves look over Jerry and question him. “You never did say what you get out of all of this, Overlord. Or how things would work in terms of economics.”

Jerry decided to make it simple. “For everything they dig up and find on my island, they get 80% of the materials and I get 20% of the materials. I trade food, water, and materials they need, in return of things I need. Such as gold, gems, and metals to craft.”

Thinking it over, Pearl questioned, “You said you have space and not enough supplies. Why is that?”

“Pure Water’s something we can make easy, but it takes time.” Began Grain, “We can grow food, but again… takes a while for it to even grow. Unless some of the ponies you send aren't squeamish about eating meat from fish? We can stretch our supplies further.”

Grain then made a very good point to tell, “And make sure whoever you send ain’t going to cause trouble. It’s a bit dangerous, sure, but there’s also things they need to understand. Once they go down there, they will have to pull their weight. Harvest food, manage food, maybe a few can help keep watch-- and if at all possible, volunteers to do the more Dangerous jobs.”

“Dangerous jobs?” Screech asked with a near neutral tone, telling she didn’t like the thought.

Giving a look, Grain said, “Yeah. Dangerous. Like going past 200 meters, maybe going down to 900 and willingly swim around in dim waters while both getting materials and dodging creatures bigger than a pony and willing to try to take a bite out of said pony.”

Pearl gave a pointed look to Shire as if questioning why the diplomat wants to agree to this as Shire pointed out. “This is all volunteer work, they don’t have to, but everypony else is restricted from swimming below the 100 meter mark. Yes it’s dangerous, but so is everything else in Equestria with its own predators.” as she pointedly added. “And even more with the Caribou on the prowl.” reminding them of that added fact.

Jerry thought over as he asked. “How many refugees do you need to come? And how many is limited for each trip? 5? 10?” trying to figure out how many would be in his place and for the Minions to watch in case some of them get the mood to explore, granted he doubt that would happen, but precautions were needed to be set in place.

Thinking that over, Grain said, “We all agreed that we can take ten for now. 15 would be pushing it, but we can deal.” Looking between the two groups to add on, “We’re not just feeding them, but teaching them how to live down there. It’ll take maybe a week for them to get slightly used to it. When they have a good idea how to not eat the wrong thing or piss off the wrong animal-- we might ask for the next group to come.”

They took this in as they agree to this, Stonehooves soon asked with a pointed look. “So you all would be relying on the Overlord for supplies, and not ask us? We do have supplies ourselves.”

“If you can send a week or two worth of supplies with each group, sure, go right on ahead.” Told Grain simply. “Thing is, from what we heard from Shire, you’re stretching it as it is.”

Grimacing some, Stonehooves admit. “We are. We’re stretching of materials and supplies at it is. Especially with the mouths we have to feed.” not particularly proud of that, as Jerry spoke in.

“Which is why I will be supplying them, gives you all some breathing space as it is.”

“You mean give you a chance to get more gold and materials for you to use.” remark Pearl as the Overlord gave a low shrug.

“I never claim to be charity, just simple business.”

Dryly, Grain remarked, “He can have the gems and diamonds.” Making the others slightly stumbled to that. “We got so much of it, even Albert’s not sure what to do with it all. Sure it has uses, but we don’t use it too much yet. I’m sure we could clear out some ten lockers to make space for more important things.”

Ignoring the looks to that, Grain went on, “Besides, once we have enough ponies working down there, we should be able to support ourselves more easily. With enough hands working on growing food, we’ll be golden.” Seeming sure on that. “Well, as long as all the noise don’t agitate some Leviathan class fish… but we can scare ‘em off by then.”

“I’m not sure if I want to ask.” Pearl sighed out before hearing a clattering of something on the table. She looked up at a white, smooth and almost wand shaped item as the survivalist seemed to respond to her thoughts.

“Then look it up. Albert gave two of those things out. Shire’s got one-- used it to write up her finds. That’s a spare, so… go bonkers.” Shrugging callously at the last bit.

They glance to it, and to the diplomate as she told. “Think of it like a all-keeping information guide and always updating.” Periodic grab it first, as he saw a blue screen and with wide eyes began to look it over. Jerry focus on it as he heard Gnarl humming. “Interesting thing, Sire. wonder if you can get one?”

Periodic grimace as he looked up Leviathan as he look to the other's and said. “I think I know what's been sinking ships, and it's not the Overlord.”

A few moved to take a look, with Screech saying, “The… Tartarus, is that?” Looking the large… near serpentine fish over before looking at how big it was-- and to say, it did not comfort her to know the thing was as long as a seafaring vessel.

Blinking some, Pearl looked over the image of the white and red creature with four long mandible like claws stretching out from it’s face. It looked far from friendly, and some of the image had what looked to be some vehicle being shown to be ‘grasped’ in those mandibles, being crushed. She soon spoke, “I would be worried about one of those, but what makes you think it’s responsible for the sunken ships?”

While she wasn’t sure if they found the same creature, Grain said, “One of the Leviathan class fish can be as big as the Cyclops’s. Got a bad temper and I got a good look at it as it sunk the ship I was being shipped on.” Then shook her head. “Ate most of the ponies and caribou that went overboard. Me and a few others were lucky that Albert found us a near week later adrift.”

They looked shocked and near horrified at that as Shire gave a nod. “It's like messing with a Usra Major.” making a sort of similiar to it and the fish. As they took that in, Jerry brought back the topic of the discussion.

“We do need to continue on the conversation everyone. As much as shocking it is, we need to keep moving on the topic at hand.” looking to them as he said. “Right now, I think it's obvious that despite the risks, this is a good alternative for the time being.” Stonehooves snort as she said.

“You just want us to say yes so you can get gold and gems.” he corrected her.

“No, I want you all to say yes so you can get the refugees to a safe place. I had to keep the Caribous off your back for nearly 6 times within the last two weeks. Even I know that it won’t last forever.”

Pearl grunted at this and knew he had a point. Mostly due in part with one of those ‘situations’ was a sleeper agent of a pink that nearly blew the cover of one of their bases. In short, they were running low on time as they gained more and more ponies-- most of which wanted only refuge and weren't part of the fight.

“We’ll talk it over.” Pearl soon stated, “We still need to go over what Shire found.”

With a nod, and slightly slinging the rifle over her shoulder, Grain said, “Alright. Fine, I guess we’ll go and wait or something.” Glancing to the Overlord in particular, “I mean, it’s not like we have anything better to do while they figure out what to do. Might as well go and do something around here while we wait.”

He internally grumble. He rather go back home to the Dark Castle, he’s been too gone from both mares and Jasmine. “No offense to you Grain, but I rather I return to the Dark Castle to wait.” glancing to her as he went on. “As much as I would wait around here, I know that most, if not all the ponies here, would rather not see the likes of me here. Might make them nervous with my big armored self.”

Shrugging, Grain said, “Suit yourself. I’m not going anywhere until I know no pony’s are walking back to Alpha Base with me. We do have two ship’s parked and ready to pick up the first group.”

He nod as he said. “Which reminds me, I need to get the supplies ready for when they come. I’ll be sure to add in extra fabrics for you all.” Stonehooves glance to the Overlord and spoke.

“Leaving already? We need to talk to you about retrieving the elements-,” stopping as she saw him glance his head and interrupting her.

“Before asking me to do anything, why not focus on the now with this situation? Those mares aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.” turning to walk off with the need to inform the other's of this outcome back home, once the doors were shut, Stonehooves snort and said.

“Asshole.” Periodic glance from the Tablet and said simply to remind her.

“We asked a lot of him for the past month, remember?”

Grain gave them all a odd look before shrugging and making her way out-- though Pearl made her stop, “Before you go anywhere, Grain. Maybe you should consider getting something a bit more modest on?”

The mare glanced back and told, “Hon, I was butt naked for years and raped in the open and shamed. You think a single-piece suite will make me feel self conscious?” Then turned and continued her way out.

Sighing some, Screech said, “This Albert chose a… interest mare to do the talks.” Though she was surprised when Shire corrected her on that.

“Albert actually is letting the mares themselves make the choice for those in the Alpha Base.” gaining looks as she continue. “He’s been more like a host or advisor admittedly, keeps to his ship or to his labs, let them handle things themselves. He’s actually just happy he has people to talk to, he’s really enthusiastic he’s talking about anything at all. From serious, silly or nonsensical, being alone sorta made him,” putting it lightly. “Esscentric.”

Periodic hum and said. “Makes as much sense as the Overlord helping us.” looking back to the Tablet as he admits. “Despite the dangers, I’m in with this plan, certainly helps ease ourselves with our own problems.”

While Shire got her tablet out to help share what she knew, Screech said, “I find it frustrating personally. We’re sending ponies to a undisclosed location that even we can’t find-- at all.”

“It’s a risk.” Pearl admitted, “But sooner or later we’ll hit a disaster and we’ll lose ponies to those Caribous again. This will at least give us a temporary out of most of the problems we have. Like it or not.” She took a moment to think some, before asking, “Shire. Do we have to worry about that male? Are we sure he won’t force one of the mare’s?”

Shaking her head, she told. “No. He keeps to himself, granted he does voice out appreciation and attractive nature of all the mares, even without meaning to. Rambles to himself in thought a lot, and I know how, sexually restricted he is. He’ll look, but won’t touch.”

“I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.” Admitted Pearl, not sure how to take the idea of a fairly open pervert of a male… granted, if he was still around and the mare’s were fine… well, she wasn’t sure how to take that either.

Next Chapter: Little R&R under the sea Estimated time remaining: 39 Hours, 44 Minutes