The first day of work was, as mentioned, simplistic. They were given a list of things needed to be done, and in some thanks, it was a simple cleaning duty. Mostly for Shadow and Lovely, both of which had gone back to the main base and gone up a series of ladders by Dew’s guidance before reaching the main dining and relaxation area.

At the moment, the place was empty, and both mare’s looked over the only somewhat clean room. It was obvious a few things were left out-- like a few plates of leftover food. Bottles of water empty and forgotten, or a few area where food was dropped and stuck to the ground.

It wasn’t terrible, but they could tell it was something needing to be done. And while they roamed inside more, they heard a voice, “Oh, hello.” Both turning to see a green mare as she smiled, “I’m Lush. I’m going to assume you’re on cleaning duty like I am too?” Looking over the new mares.

Shadow nodded as she said, “We are.” then as they were starting Shadow introduce herself. “I’m Shadow Daze.” Loyalty introduce herself.

“I’m Lovely Loyalty.” then added with a smile as she picked up bottles. “We heard of you, on how you met our Master by mere chance, correct?”

It took a moment for the mare to register this while she was moving a few things form a cabinet-- such as bleach and cleaning materials. But once it clicked in her mind, Lush said, “A-ah… yes… the Overlord.” Trying her best to not stare at the two before clearing her voice.

“Sorry, I thought you both were the new refugees…” Almost nervously pulling at her mane, not sure what to say.

“Its fine.” said Shadow as she tease. “Although our collars are a dead giveaway.” Then look over the leftover foods, tsking as she gather them. Recalling that any food found was to be recycled in a ‘Bioreactor’, granted they had to be set aside for now, but she would at least put them in a pile. While Loyalty giggle and assured Lush.

“Its fine, really. We’re just happy that we could at least take time to visit here.” shaking her head some. “Master been busy with fighting Caribous after all.”

Stacking a few plates, Lush thought that over some and said, “I’m not sure what to make of him.” Figuring it was better to get this out of the way now. “When I first met him, I thought he was some hired mercenary for the Caribous.” Then gave a slight grimance. “Don’t know what I was thinking really, drawing out a little survival knife and thinking it would defend me against his armor and that little horde of his.”

Shadow giggle as she said. “Sorry if I’m laughing, but when Master face the Caribous, their reaction were priceless of that ‘little rat army’ could do against them.” but then calm as she was picking food from the ground. “But despite how Master look, he is quite reasonable. Even tolerant for everyone assuming the worst of the worst of him."

“But considering what he is and how he looks, everyone assume the worst.” Add in Loyalty as she squeeze the empty bottles out of air.

Looking to them while moving the dishes, Lush admitted, “I was more scared of the fact he looked like a male than anything.” Going on to tell, “Before I was saved and allowed to live down here, I was being sent to the Caribou’s homeland to become a broodmare.” Then shuttered, “The whole trip was a whole different nightmare.”

“We heard of it from Grain,” said Shadow as she admit. “If we were in your place, we would be terrified in being brooders for Caribous too.” then shudder as she admitted. “To be honest, I was almost was a brooder for those Seeker Vines.” gathering another piece of food on the ground as she went on. “My old master abandoned me, left me out and was caught by the plant.” shuddering some. “It and a few others were at the near ends of its life-cycle...they really wanted mares to get their seeds.”

Grimacing to that while placing the plates down into a small tub to wash, Lush said, “I’m sorry to hear that. I heard those things go for days non stop until they are done.” The very idea of not gaining a moment’s respite for days on end of sex… was not as appealing as it could be.

She pushed back the thoughts of what Albert wanted out of the plants, and said in turn, “I’m at least happy you have something better.” Though admitted to them while adding bleach to the tub, “But I don't know how you both can be… so willing to let him have a leash over you-- in a manner of speaking. Wouldn’t you both rather be free again?”

Sighing some, Shadow told as she gather the food into a neat pile as she began taking towels to clean the mess on the tables. “To be blunt, Lush? I am free. Just not in the way you imagine. Yes I may not make choices like everyone here, have a job, and always at the beck and call of my Master…” then smile. “But I’m cared for, loved, treated with kindness and affection and fed. And be with a male who wants to be with me and won’t ever hurt or abandon me.” then said in amusement. “You can say my instinct and desire just want the same thing when I started to know him fully and understood much from him.”

“But what about your families?” Blurted out Lush, before she seemed to recoil at her own words and stuttered, “I-I mean… I know it might not happen in… maybe years… but, what about your family?” Then sighed, “I… Sorry, the idea is just too terrifying for me. The idea of you both enjoying it… it just reminds me of those pinks and what… what was done to them to get them like that.”

Sighing some, Shadow admit. “To be honest? I’m sort of a free mare...I just decided to be a red for my stud’s sake.” giving a low smile as she saw the shock of Lush face as she said. “I, I became a free mare sometime back, my friend, Storm Spree, helped me see that I’m more than a red-collar.” then recalled the memories as she went on. “And I spent time with the Overlord...and began to see that despite him being evil, he was really...lonely. And while I could of stayed with him as a free mare fully…” sighing out as she admits. “I became both his wife and slave to assure him I won’t leave him.”

Looking at her, she gave a sad smile and told. “I know it's silly...but despite being free, I still feels the sting of abandonment and not being seen as pretty enough by my last master. In a way...I feel assured with Jerry as my Master.”

Giving a long look towards the thestral, Lush said more gently, “I might hate the caribou's, but I think that old master of yours had eyesight problems.” Pausing for a moment to tell, “I’m not one to talk, but I can say you’re pretty.” Then slightly smiled, “I think you might have noticed Glint giving you a semi glare-- and no. It’s not because of your master.”

With a slightly bigger smile, Lush said, “You both must have noticed, she’s not the most sexiest of mares here. With all of us in dive sites, you can tell who has the better rear or bust-- and Glint is at the low end for all of it. She’s… admittedly jealous we’re all better looking. But tries not to say it.”

Shadow giggle some, lighting up as she jokes. “She must've been jealous of Loyalty here for sure!” the earth mare merely smirked, as she dump the water in the tub for remaining fresh water for later recycling as she placed a hand on her chest and said proudly.

“I am proud of my body, and proud that my body appease the Master much.”

Laughing a bit, Lush said, “While I’d rather not have males single me out-- I’ll admit, even I’m envious of how beautiful your body is.” Then huffed out, “But some of us don’t get that pleasure.” Then shook her head some before pausing.

She gave a glance at them both and asked, “What’s it like?” Then hesitated for a fraction of a moment, “To… to well, actually be loved while… while having sex?”

Shadow smile as she started. “For my time with Master?” she giggle. “Master gave me pleasure first, caressing me, gently rubbing my body, even holding me as if I was the precious thing in the world.” then gave a sigh of content. “And when I was ready for him to enter? Gentle, slow, and just taking time to feel loved. To be appreciated, to be shown that I was cared for.”

Lovely giggle and said. “Oh yes, Despite Master being what he is, he is rather a gentle and loving partner for first time. Just to ease your body, make you feel special and pampered.” then giggle more with a hand to her face. “But Master is great in either slow and gentle, or hard and rough. I enjoy serving him and enjoy it more as I’m able to please him for all his needs. Master values our feelings and safety of our bodies well being.”

With a sad look of longing, Lush said, “That sounds nice.” Then lapsed into a slight moment of silence, mostly in thought. She huffed to herself and began the long and possibly rigorous process of washing, rinsing and drying the plates she had gathered.

“You know...if you want to have sex with Master, you could of asked.” said Lovely as she was cleaning the floors now. Noticing a screeching halt of the earth mare as Lovely continued with a smile. “He might be surprise, but Master could show the same love and attention we gain if you asked nicely.”

As if she finally realized what was said, Lush said, a bit more loudly than intended, “NO!” Then closed her mouth and said, “I-I mean, I know y...you are t-trying to, uh…” Not sure how to say this. “I, I’d rather not.” Tightly pressing her thighs together protectively, “I… To be honest? I’m more scared of the fact he’s a male, and s-seeing him… naked an-and po-possibly e-ent….” Stopping herself and shuttering, “I… just, no… no thank you.”

While Lovely shrug and went back, Shadow thought and soon move by Lush giving a wing hug as she said. “If you want to talk, all you need to do is ask.” she smile and assured. “Master is a good male, and wouldn’t push if you didn’t want to.” then move away as she asked in curiosity and mostly to change subjects. “Were most of you thinking of asking him to let Jasmine stay here with you all?”

Trying to calm her thumping heart and momentary spike of fear, Lush breathed in and sighed out, “I…. I don’t know.” Slowly calming herself down and telling, “I… well, part of me does… but another part isn’t sure. It’s so… tight and constraining down here sometimes. Not a real ideal place for a filly to grow up in.”

She shook her head to clear it more, and admitted, “I’d feel better is Jasmine was here. It’s fairly safe, even more from Caribous. But I… don’t have much of say. You three have been acting as her guardians, in a sense.”

“Admitally its Master, that's her guardian.” said Lovely with a firm nod. “At least, temporary that is. He’s been keeping a eye on her until her sister is found.” Shadow nodded and said.

“When her sister is found and with Jasmine, we think that they’ll come here...but…” looking hesitant as she admit. “We think that...Jasmine and her sister should stay in the Dark Castle...for Master sake.”

While Lush gave a questioning look to that, she also didn’t seem willing to object. In fact, she said, “We’d take them in-- if they wanted to live here.” Then shook her head and told, “I don’t know what you’re expecting me to say, girls. We’re not pressing for more ponies to come down here any time soon. And in truth? We don’t have control of who comes down here. It’s the choice of whoever wants to come down here, not ours.”

They both nodded, as Lovely finish up, and helped her fellow sister in cleaning the tables and floors as the earth mare said. “Honestly we hope that Jasmine and her sister stay in the Castle. Mostly for Jasmine sake, she's really happy around the Master, and enjoy being around the Minions-- even like annoying Gnarl now and then.”

With a near pointed look, Lush said, “For mare’s mostly claiming it’s the Overlord that’s her guardian, I get the distinct impression you don’t want her to leave for a different reason.” Then focused on them before shaking her head, “Listen… I don’t know what to say. I’m not her sister, and I don’t know her sister. I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I can’t just… turn them away if her sister wants to come here just to keep you three happy.”

The two nod their heads, knowing that it was out of their hands either way. It was really Jasmine sister choice, yet as Shadow was ringing out the towel to get it ready to scrub more tables, she asked. “Any other jobs we need to do for today?”

“There’s always something to do.” Told Lush, placing another clean plate to the side. “If you want, I wouldn't mind help while I go down to the storage rooms and organize the new materials.” Slightly twisting her face while saying, “Sometimes the Expedition teams get so tired they just dump everything they find into a locker and leaving a unorganized mess of things.” Then rolled her eyes, “I know they should be given some slack, but it’s also…”

She thought of how to say it before grounding out, “Annoying and tedious with how much work it takes to go through every locker and properly fill each locker with the right materials in their own respective places and catalog how much we have of each of said thing.”

Lovely giggle. “Lucky for you, I know how to catalog things and organize.”

Reaching a wet hand back to lift and wave the small tablet of her’s around, the mare asked, “With one of these?” Making both pause in remembrance… they didn’t use scrolls and papers down here.

She sighed and said. “No. we don’t have those at all.” then grumble. “Forgot about those really.”

Placing it away, Lush said, “It takes some getting used to.” Then told while resuming her current work. “If you can help with moving things around, that would be help enough. Maybe I can focus a bit more on cataloging everything and not fray my mane over trying to keep track of everything on my own.”

“That I can do.” said Lovely as she went on. “Moving things is sort of easy,” shrugging some. “Granted it’ll take a while with the three of us, but can be done.” glancing to see Shadow already done with the cleaning as everything was spotless as the thestral added.

“And it beats trying to get Minions screw up the organizing.” snorting some. “Useful in basic, useless in everything else those Minions are.”

Shaking her head in slight amusement, Lush said, “You might have to share the details with me.” Then motioned her head, “Mind putting away the dishes I’m done with? After this room there’s one more we have to clean before we get to the organizing.” Then sighed, “Hopefully you can turn a near ten hour pain into a four hour chore.”

Laughing some, Lovely started putting dishes away as she said. “Trust me, if we had the Minions around? It would always be a near 3 hour chore, mostly to keep them on task and directing them. You know despite how useful they are in ordering they are so stupid in intelligence.” shadow nod in agreement as she said.

“Yeah, like I said before, most of the Minions screw up in anything that isn’t in their ‘known’ vocabulary. Which is very small. Well beside Gnarl, Quaver, or Giblet.”

“Sounds exhausting.” Lush said, “Almost reminds me of my boss.” Smirking seem to get a jab in at the stallion she now thoroughly disliked.

Laughing some, as Shadow said. “I guess your boss is as dumb as sheep. Considering most Minions are near dumb as sheep's.” then said. “And really it is exhausting, but after some practice, you know that the best they are good for, are either moving things, doing basic tasks-- or following Master and doing whatever he tells them to do.”

“Although most of the Minions, despite their uses, are pea-brain beings.” added Lovely.

Lush went to comment to that-- before she and the others gave a slight start and surprised yelps as something hit the side of a window with a solid dull thump. An almost primal like growling roar was also heard at they all look at the far-from-graceful scaly fish with a gaping mouth filled with teeth.

With a heaving breath, hand on her chest to calm her heart down, Lush gave a semi annoyed look at the thing, watching as it jaggedly swam off in a slight daze manner from hitting the reinforced glass. “Sand sharks… One of them must've wandered in under the sand again.”

Calming down and thankful she didn’t break the plates in her hand, Lovely glance to the window and said. “I guess these things are common now since living under here?”

With a slow nod, Lush said, “Where we are, Sand Sharks are common. Only threatening if they catch you by surprise-- which they do all too easy.” Looking out again and watching with some more annoyance as the thing made it’s way back to the sandy sea floor and kicked up sand-- burying itself until only it’s odd fin-like-horn could be seen.

“Admittedly? As dangerous as they are, they’re more annoying. Not very fast swimmers and aren't that fast… or graceful. They ram into the bases all the time, it’s like they have no coordination.” Then grimaced, “They bite hard though. I heard one of us actually had to get stitches from one ambush. It wasn’t pretty.”

They gave scrunch up looks, mostly in the image of the Sand sharks bite and how bad it was for one of the mares. Shadow shook her mane as she said. “At the very least, you all can warn newcomers of these sea creatures you all had to deal with for the first time.” Lovely nod to this, as she added in slight hopefulness.

“And at least they’re not too bad to handle, right?”

Thinking to that, Lush nodded, “Most of the ones around the base we can handle. Only a few are extremely lethal, but that’s rare and in between.” Really, the area they were in was one of the more safer place to be, while also being deep enough to keep them all hidden. “Part of the reason we ask for a near week to teach the newcomers. There’s a lot to go over-- and even more if they plan to do more advance work.”

Glancing out, she remarked, “I should probably send a message about it still…” Pausing in her work to dry her hands and go about tabbing away on her Tablet, intent to get the message out. “I’ll let the security team handle it. Hopefully scare it far enough away it won’t attack anyone making their rounds.”

The two nodded, as once they finished up, they let Lush lead the way to their next chore. Shadow Daze thought for a moment...and asked. “Do you think our Master is a bad person? Simply because he have us?”

Giving a glance back to that, Lush screwed her face up, trying to think of a good response. But when it seemed like nothing came up, she sighed and told, “I don’t know.” Looking back ahead and told, “I don’t know what to think or feel about him. But… him owning you? It… bothers me. But at the same time, he hasn’t really abused you…”

Humming some, Lovely spoke. “And despite the facts of him being a good Master, some simply hate or assume he’s bad just because he owned us. Because its ‘wrong’ to them.”

“Don’t you remember what it was like?” Lush asked, turning a corner while glancing back. “To just.. Walk outside without worry, to go places, spend your earned bits to make your own choices for yourself? To… to just be free.” She sighed and continued, “I know you said it’s different for you… but… don’t you remember what it was like before all of this?”

Shadow hum and admit. “I do. I remember I was just starting college, didn’t knew what to do really.” thinking some as she went on. “I just got done with high school before the caribous even showed up. I lived in Ponyville most of my life with some friends, Spree included. Didn’t had much goals, mostly because I was figuring out what I wanted to do…” thinking back as she recall the past...and sighed.

“I don’t really fault you all, for being so angry at Master. You all remember the past, remember the pain and suffering the Caribous done to us. But not every male is like them. Our Master is...unique compare to other's.” Lovely kept quiet, as her situation was…’unique’ than her fellow slave.

“I don’t hate him.” Lush said, “I think I.. I had been reminded not all males are bad. Albert showed that himself.” Then dragged on in thought before speaking on, “I’m just saying… you used to know what it was like to be laughing with your friends. To do things yourself, because you wanted to. You know what it felt like to have control over your life.”

Then looked down with a grim look, “Before the Caribou just… just took it away and said we weren't even deserving of anything. All our rights, work, progress just…” She sighed and paused at a bulkhead. “You can’t… blame them. We lost so much, even our own history was burned. Seeing your master owning you both and still being ‘good’?”

She shook her head, “It feels like we’re being mocked or something. We worked so hard to be free again. And now we’re friends with someone that has no trouble with owning mares like property-- and we can’t do anything to help.”

“Maybe,” started Lovely as she spoke. “Maybe its true that you all feel like this, but our Master has his own feelings too.” thinking some as she started. “He...freed both Shadow and her friend once he learn the truth.” pausing some as she continued. “When he first encountered the Caribou and what they did to our history, our people...he felt disgusted, angry at what they done. He even slaughter many when they try to break Jasmine purity without care…” then look to Lush as she said with a sigh.

“But even if our Master try to be ‘good’...he can’t. He can’t be the ‘good guy’ even if he wanted. You can say that for being a Overlord...is to forever be seen as a villain, a hypocrite at times-- even be seen to spite or hate. Even if he tries to help the Resistance, try to help you all with giving you most of the materials on the island…”

“Being a Overlord means you have to do things either ‘evil-like’ like killing, stealing, destroying...or be truly Evil like those we called villains in our history. He can’t be good. All he can try to be is less evil than those we are fighting against.”

Lush gave a long, if not overly confused look before she asked, “That… doesn't make sense. What do you mean he doesn't have a choice to be good? If he want’s to, why can’t he?” None of what Lovely said made sense.

Shadow spoke up to explain more clearly. “Remember the Minions? The Dark Castle, and even those Gates? They’re all connected to him in a sense,” thinking more and told. “Minions won’t follow a good guy, only the bad guy. If he declare his affinity for good, they would just leave and not listen. If he declare his affinity for evil, they stay and will obey any command, no matter what the cost is. If he becomes ‘good’. They’ll just find the next evil being…” giving a look to Lush and asked.

“And we all know who's the ‘biggest’ evil is, living in the heart of Canterlot, right?”

Hearing that, Lush grimaced and said, “But… then why don’t others know?” Slightly wondering to that. Though, saying out loud made it sound.. Naive, now that she thought on it. She shook her head and said, “This… I'm Not sure how to take this.” Turning around to go about opening the bulkhead.

“Just know that even if you all dislike the fact he owns us, know that he dislike the fact being the bad guy in the first place.” then added with a firmness in the thestral tone. “Its why I chose to be with him, even after he freed me and my friend, seeing who he really is? Makes me certain it was the right choice. No one ever care about the bad guy in the first place.”

Lush didn’t bother to comment on that and merely pulled the sealed door open to access the larger room that was filled with nothing-- but Lockers. Locker upon lockers and more lockers. There was also a ladder, one positioned in the direct center of the room.

Moving inside, Lush turned back and said, “Hope you’re ready.” Getting out her tablet and telling, “We have to go through all the lockers down here before separating it out.” She pointed up the ladder, informing, “I’m going to take a quick stock of the lockers on the upper decks… see which ones need to get restocked.”

The two nodded, as the two reds were working on the bottom lockers, checking through as Shadow blinked, noticing...gems, lots of it in this locker as she asked. “Lush...is there usually gems in these lockers?”

Pausing in going up the ladder, Lush gave a glance and said, “The last expedition must of found more again.” Sounding a bit exasperated. “If there’s anything besides gems in there, pick it out and stuff any misplaced gems into that locker.” Then muttered, “Hopefully there’s enough spare space to put it somewhere.” Steadily making her way up.

Lovely thought and asked. “Why not give any extra gems to the Master? I know there was talk of trade agreements, and Gnarl been wondering when you all would trade back with each catchment of supplies Master give for each group.” looking to see some metals in the locker as she notice some gold to pick out.

“Unless you’re saving these gems for Equestria to get back on it feet?” asked Shadow as she check for anything non-gem in the locker she was seeing in.

Peeking down the ladder hole, Lush told, “We haven’t done any trades yet. The bare agreement is any newcomers have to have so much supplies. If we need more, we trade what we have.” She then moved away, her voice being heard in a raised tone, “Right now, we’re figuring out what to give and what to keep. Next time we go, we might make an exchange of materials for supplies!”

As the two mares finish up one locker and went to the next, Shadow raise her voice to speak out. “You might want to bring a locker of these then! Maybe two just in case! Gnarl been complaining a bit that the treasury got hit hard for supplying gold for the Resistance! Plus it might help knowing how much a locker of gems is worth for supplies!” Lovely look over another locker, this time full of weird cylinder things, which were batteries as she did the best she could as she added.

“Maybe ask the Master if he wants to take a locker worth of gold when we leave? He did sorta add another bundle of supplies for Field and the toddler!”

Hearing some movement over them, Lush soon peeked her head through the hole and said, “I know you’re trying to help with giving me ideas. But Myself and the others are already deciding what we’re keeping or giving.” Then explained in more length, “If we give out too much of something, we might be in trouble when we actually need the parts or materials.” Then rolled her eyes, “We might have too much gold or silver at times with gems, but it’s still needed regardless.”

They hum to that as Shadow soon nod her head in understanding as she explain to Lovely. “It's like when Master needs to sacrifice Minions for the Forge or keep some in battle. Or know how many Minions to have for battle.”

“Ah.” said the earth mare, as she nod her head, moving to close the locker door to look into another one as she spoke. “I get it now, it's like when Master is trying to save what Minions he has for a useful thing later on.” Shadow gave a nod, as the thestral thought on the trade system and soon asked. “Hey Lush, what other things were you thinking of trading beside gold and gems?”

Coming down the ladder to explain this part without yelling, Lush told, “Well, it took a while, but we have a small list of things your Overlord seems interested in.” Then took a moment to go over said list in mind. “Besides a few items, most of the basic materials, and a few advanced ones we have to craft, are up for trade. Some are a bit more in coast though. Mostly due to difficulty of gaining the materials.”

Shadow hum some, as the two mares went to a different locker as Shadow spoke. “How about talking this to Master when we’re done with this? I’m sure he’ll be interested to know what you have in mind in terms of trading.”

“Oh, we’ve talked it over.” Lush told, much to their surprise. “He used the communications device at the beach house we more or less set up on his shore line. Spent a while going over things with him.” Then shook her head, “Though it might take awhile to get some of the things he wants, like the Kaynight….” Sounding a bit grim to that.

“Kaynight?” spoke Lovely as she asked. “Isn’t that used for reinforcing armor or something?” recalling bits of musing of Jerry of him thinking Kaynight using it for armor uses or something along the lines when he went out for a bit.

Moving towards a locker to get to moving a few things around, Lush explained, “It is in a way. We use it to upgrade those large mechanized machines you’ve seen walking around.” Then gave a glance and told, “And getting the crystals isn’t easy. Only Albert is willing to get them, maybe take two volunteers. But to get said crystals, you need a Prawn Suite with a drill and have to go over some 1,000 meters under the water while in an active volcanic zone with hostile creatures.”

“Why would Master ask for that?” asked Shadow some, as Lovely spoke.

“I think he’s attempting to make his armor stronger to be able to last longer when he fights Caribous, Shadow.” then asked to Lush. “Did Master asked how long it might take?”

Thinking to that, Lush turned and told, “It won’t take long. A day to at least reach the place.” Then shook her head, “But the thing about it? Those crystals grow in large deposits, and sometimes you only get a few out of each one. So it might take a few days of searching, drilling and evading any Sea Dragons to get any good amount.”

Taking that image in, Shadow asked. “Was there trouble on this base part for Master requests for items to trade with him? I don’t know much on what you all have, but I’m sure some of you were displease with what he may request in trading.”

Getting out a odd crystal-looking metal, the two mare’s watched as Lush took hold of it and another piece and forcibly separated them. “Well, we made a point that things like that Kayanight will be considered expensive like Diamonds because of how hard it is to get.” Placing the things down-- only for them to snap back together on their own will.

She sighed, but didn’t bother separating the materials a second time. “We can’t be too angry, we need supplies more than materials. Keeping everyone feed and hydrated is more important than getting more tools or equipment. We can get all of that pretty easy most of the time.”

As they went to a different locker, looking through and organizing, Lovely asked. “Anyone demanding more than food or water from Master? Well, beside clothes that is. I’m sure some may want more than the supplies he gives to you all.”

Thinking to that, Lush shook her head. “Nothing too much. We might start asking for some basic things for any babies that might start popping up later on-- but we mostly have what we need.” Then slightly laughed mostly to herself, “Really, we’re only asking for cloths so we have something to wear other than these dive suites. It’s fine around other mares-- but when more… well, stallions start showing up…”

The two giggle as Lovely said with a knowing look. “Can’t help but ogle at our bodies.” grinning some as she went on. “That teen was so embarrassed and looking awkward looking at us.” Shadow smirk as she add in.

“I dare say that many more will feel the same.” then rolled her eyes as she said. “But we get it, it’ll be a habit to wear actual clothes again so stallions won’t have awkward boners looking at sexy looking mares all around.”

With a arm full of black rubbers, Lush said, “It’s also for peace of mind. I mean, I feel embarrassed at times being in front of Albert in nothing more than a body-hugging one-piece, even more after I get out of the water!” She shook her head and told on, “Having a dress would be relieving to have and cover modesty again.”

While she moved toward the ladder to place the rubbers down for a moment, she turned and told, “Speaking of teens, I’m a little surprised the resistance sent a family over so soon.” Then seemed to grimance. “And I’m admittedly worried about the fillies that are reaching their teen years. Dew just had her first estrus. Poor girl felt so confused when she got the ‘Itch’, she was worried she was turning into a pink or something.”

“Don’t blame her, it's a new experience for fillies to be mares.” agreed Shadow, as she said. “Still, at least she knows what happen to her now.” thinking over as she added. “I think they sent a family as a ‘precaution’ in case something happened at the HQ. probably one of the Heads that thought of this.”

“It’s not a bad idea…” Lush admitted slowly, “But I’m worried about the fillies that will have their first estrus while there’s a young colt around, also dealing with raging hormones. We really don’t need some… drama happening down here.” Slightly rubbing her head to this. “Uhh…. We might need to lay some more ground rules down soon…”

“Perhaps bring this up with your fellows as quickly as you can?” suggest Lovely as she close another locker. “After all, while we know they are trying to move past what happened to them, the poor colt might be a target for many mares, simply because he can’t control his hormones with all the mares around him.” tsking some with a shake head. “Not his fault really, just natural for males to feel arouse of opposite gender.” Shadow hum some as she suggested.

“Maybe discuss with the other's of keeping the fillies in their first heats in a room and keeping the colt or colts as far as possibly? Maybe ask Master to bring anything to remove scents of heat in the area?”

Shaking her head and moving towards the next locker, Lush told, “It’s the ‘if they don’t tell’, problem I’m thinking about. Dew was so hesitant, I didn’t notice until possibly the third day in.” Pausing at a locker and telling, “You’d be surprised how much of a fertile mare’s scent get’s covered up by seawater.”

Turning back to her work, she explained on. “Separating them is easy-- it’s knowing when they start sending out the scent. We mare’s don’t notice it, but the stallions and colts will. And I’m just… a little worried about some unfortunate colt that happens to pick up the scent and the filly that is so confused she accidentally makes a mistake.”

Sighing some, Lush remarked, “And being inside contained spaces all the time doesn't help either. It’s a complication that I know is bound to happen.”

They both nodded as Lovely suggest. “Maybe ask for suggestion among the other mares? Start making ground rules before more stallion and colts come, maybe teach the fillies on their heats when they become teens so they understand whats going on?” thinking some and adding. “Maybe ask Albert for extra help? Calculate possible chances of fillies in heat.”

Shadow thought for a moment...before adding. “I think you also need to talk of newcomers and of sync heat cycles with the group of mares here. I mean...its a matter of time before all your heats are in sync, right?”

“Supposing we don’t get more newcomers.” Lush pointed out before closing a locker and leaning on it. “There’s going to be more to do now, that we’re actually having more ponies come down here.” Then went on, “Before… it was just us 20 down here-- now we’re going to be… what, expecting hundreds over the course of a few months?”

Sighing, the earth mare ran a hand through her blond mane and told, “I… honestly don’t feel up to it. Sure, I’m part of the little leadership we made for ourselves-- but I’m not sure if we’re all qualified for it!” Then said in thought, “Well, Grain is. If anypony should be keeping an eye on things, it’s her. She… she knows what she’s doing.”

Then shaking her head, the mare told, “I’m just a girl that was a secretary to a lazy boss. I’m not sure if I can handle the stress of… well, leading a number of ponies! I just work on organizing and accounting, for Celestia’s sake!”

Thinking some, Shadow admit. “To be honest, it is a big job.. But I’m sure you all can do it.” Lovely hum as she tap her chin and asked to Shadow lowly as she moved by her ear.

“I thought Master would, you know, tell them?” Shadow replied lowly to the earth mare.

“He hasn’t figure it all out yet, remember? With all the materials coming up, he’s adjusting his plans.” then move to another locker as she said to Lush. “but still, I’m sure if you keep a level head, talk with the other mares, with Albert on the side to give advice, I’m sure you all will handle it.”

Sighing, Lush slightly slumped and said, “Easy for you to say. I’m not sure if you know, but none of us have any real… qualifications to back us up.” And seemed to name off, “I was just a secretary. Flush was a private on reserve. Grain is just a survivalist… I think the only one with credibility is Glint, being a actual medical professional.”

Shaking her head, she went on, “It might not happen, but what if the refugees start doubting us? We don’t work like a real leadership does. We all go out to do jobs. Me going around with meticulous tasks or organizing, Grain going on Expeditions to dangerous waters, Glint stuck in the infirmary most of her time-- even Flush is out on patrol or guarding a expedition crew in dangerous waters once again…”

With a sigh, Lush added, “And not too many trust Albert at first. I think a few are going to start questioning his sanity soon too. His idea of getting his hands on a Seeker Vine don’t help when he’s rambling to himself.” Then muttered lowly to herself, “Then again, he’s never been all there to begin with.”

The two mares didn’t know what to say, as Lovely usually know what to say or to help assure Jerry. While Shadow was having doubts of the Seeking Vines being used for a good thing....Shadow however thought and said simply. “Just remind them that you’re ponies who are trying to do what you can. Not everypony was made to be a leader in the first place.”

“That won’t stop a riot, Shadow.” Told Lush in a tired tone. “We need… what we need is a real leadership-- somepony that they know they can follow. I think we all know this.” Then rubbed her face to go on, “They don’t know us, and they haven’t seen Grain do what she did to… well, really be the head mare around here. But the point is, we need real guidance from a real leader.”

The two mares glance to the other, hesitance a bit...before Shadow said. “We really shouldn’t tell you this...but,” hesitant to speak...before finishing. “Our Master been planning on getting Celestia and Luna out of Dainn hands from Canterlot.” Lovely looked more hesitance, before slowly nodding.

Ears pricked and attention full on the two, Lush stared at them for a long moment, a slight fluttering glint of hope, if not slight denial, being seen in her eyes. “I… he...he is?” As if scared to hope for this to be true.

They nodded in affirmation as Lovely told. “He’s been trying to figure out how though, while we do have a Gate hidden there… with all the security around, its difficult. Or at least...until Master, from what you said to us, is going to get new materials. We think he might be waiting until he perfected his new armor and weapon-- so he can lead a siege onto Canterlot, grab the two alicorns and get back to the Dark Castle to heal-- and send to your way to hide.”

While it was a fragile hope, and one that might not happen… Lush took a shuddering breath, and said, “If… if you can convince him… get your Master to tell Albert.” Then looked up with a almost pleading look. “Albert might not be… a fighter, he never seemed to claim it. But, he’s smart-- incredibly smart. Has ways of doing amazing things… Maybe… maybe he can help in a way your Master never thought.”

The two think for a moment… as they nod as Shadow said. “We’ll be sure to tell our Master on this. If anything, just to noticed some flaws in his plans.” grimace some as Shadow admitted. “I think he’s a little worry that Dainn might use magic to track him to the Dark Castle. The Caribous haven’t been successful in tracking him, and been focusing on destroying the Gates...but when he does make his move to take the alicorns…”

“Then you have this place to run to.” Told Lush with a nervous, if not affirming nod. “Dainn might track us here… but he can’t reach us. And even if he does?” She gained a odd look of determination, and told, “Then it will be a mistake. We’ve… been getting ready for the chance… the off chance we are found. And we’ll be ready.”

She took another long breath and told, “Thank you… I know you’re not supposed to tell me, but… but if Celestia, Luna-- tartarus, if any of the princesses were here to help lead, it would relieve so many!” Knowing that moral would go up with the mere thought of it.

Glancing away, Lovely admit. “You wouldn’t thank us with what Master is thinking to do to get the Elements.” looking to her to explain. “Most of the elements are...like us, and won’t be able to let go of their leashes...so he's trying to figure out how to get them to follow him, if they are being stubborn about it.”

Hand clenching in concern, Lush repeated, “Follow… him?” Not sure what to feel or think.

“From what Master learn, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie are like us reds.” started Shadow. “And trying to take a red from their owner is hard as you all know. Master is considering a few ideas, but know that anything he might do, will get a negative backlash from the Resistance, and possibly you all.” giving a frown as she added. “He’s debating on using a temporary spell-- one that won’t last,” assured the thestral. “But a spell to...convince them to follow him to here.”

While she was hesitant to agree to this line of thought, Lush thought it over and sighed, “I have a feeling this spell does more than just… convince them to follow.” She could tell just from how carefully they were trying to put it. “Please… tell me the truth. I’m… I’m not a stranger to…. Very questionable methods anymore.”

“Promise you’ll try to think logically about it?” Asked Lovely. “Because our Master needs to do questionable methods considering his position.”

Thinking to that, Lush heavily sighed and told, “I’m not sure if I could. Glint could… but I don’t know if I can promise I’ll…. I’ll be able to think it through logically at first.”

The two mares glance to the other...before sighing as Shadow move her arms under her breasts and told. “Master gained new spells during his time around Equestria. Spells that are new in a sense. One of these spells is known as ‘target’. Depending on his...abilities, Master could either kill a enemy with lighting...or control a person will and mind with it to do his bidding-- even fight for him if need be.”

Lush gulped slowly, a uneasy look crossing her features as she summed up, “A-and… and that is what he… plans to use if he doesn't have any other choice to get them to follow?” Feeling very conflicted at the very idea.

“He would prefer to try to buy them,” started Lovely to defend Jerry. “But the caribous are keeping a close eye on all of them, and his treasury is, like we mention, very low that it won’t be enough to get all of them.” placing her arms around her breasts as she told. “He doesn’t enjoy using it on civilians...but he knows that he has to make the tough choices that'll cause him problems later on.”

Calmly taking breaths to… to try and not lash out at the idea, Lush said, “I’ll… I need to have a moment…” Then shook her head, hand rubbing her temples while telling, “I’m not sure how to take this.” Looking at both before grimacing, “I’ll… I’ll keep this to myself. But please… have him talk to Albert. He… he might have a solution, a better one, hopefully.”

They gave relief breaths. “Thank you.” said Shadow. “Its really risky for anyone to hear what we just said. Master hadn’t even told the Resistance Heads of getting the alicorns out.” then amended. “Well, he probably felt he shouldn’t mention it because it’ll go into a long discussion, argument-- which might take to days...something that would annoy our Master to no end of how much time was wasted.”

Shaking her head, Lush said, “If he brought this up with all of us… we’d have to talk it over-- but we wouldn’t have time to argue or debate over it for days.” Giving both a look over and told, “We wouldn't have the time to. We’re constantly at work getting more parts, more materials, more water, more food, more supplies. We literally don’t have the conveyance to sit around and discuss it, only make the choice as soon as possible.”

She sighed and told, “Albert is the male you need to talk to. There are things in his lab he’s been working on. Maybe something that can help. If.. if your Master is willing to let us in, we might get angry… but we’re quick on our decisions.” Then said with a rueful smile, “Like I said… we literally don’t have the time to argue over things.”

Thinking some...Shadow said. “We can try to convince Master to tell the others of his plans to Canterlot.” then said. “But we won’t make promises we’ll succeed, he might be a little,” wincing some. “Annoyed we told you of this all in the first place.” Lovely nodded in agreement as she add in.

“He might feel really annoy and agitated we told you honestly. He usually doesn’t like it if others know of his plans before he’s ready to tell them.”

“He’s worried that the Resistance will take too long.” Lush reminded them, “I think he knows by now… Albert doesn't waste time.” Then assured, “I can keep a secret… at least for now. I know you’ll get in trouble, but.. I honestly think you should let Albert in on this. He does have solutions.”

They nodded as Shadow said. “When we’re done with this, Master will be busy with all the hard work he’s doing.” knowing it'll take while as their Master was busy moving heavy things for the mares here.

Next Chapter: Planning, Plotting and apparently starting a Epidemic Estimated time remaining: 38 Hours, 28 Minutes