While Jerry was annoyed and a bit peeve Shadow and Lovely told Lush of what he was planning, he did give in the advice of talking to Albert...but did promise a ‘suitable punishment’ for them both. Finding the infected man was tricky, thankfully he asked where the man was at...although they all pointed to his Labs. So after finding the complex itself and getting in the entrance, all he had to do was find him… but he did found a few large aquariums with...many creatures he wasn’t familiar or aware of in this ocean.

Odd snake-eel things, a hybrid of crab and squid, some sort of weird insect thing with a large eye on it’s back-- one he recognized as the old, one-eyed pest he would find on the beaches that nipped at his heels. It all left the Overlord to wonder what Albert did in his spare time, really. Even more with such alien creatures now being part of this world. He almost stumbled at a empty aquarium, one with no water and just dirt with a ‘Reserved’ sign over the doorway.

Moving on and not thinking about what other things Albert planned to contain and ‘research’, he moved on down the hall, thankful for the simplicity of this place. It was there he have to open, and close, the next bulkhead before going further down the hall.

Finally, he found Albert, sitting in a chair and working over a desk with many gizmos, knobs and switches. Around the room Jerry could see jars of specimens, test tubes, magnifiers and even a cat poster with orange kitten with a cartoonish space helmet underlined with ‘Keep Calm’. The last bit was almost whimsical in the otherwise serious laboratory like environment.

O-kay...that's something you don’t see everyday… thought Jerry as he glance back to Albert, as he cleared his throat, gaining the man attention as Jerry spoke. “Hey, I was thinking some things, and heard you were beyond smart…” then thinking over his words...he went on. “I’ve been planing on getting Celestia and Luna back, take them to the Castle, heal them up-- and send them down here before Dainn somehow track me and assault my Castle to get them back.”

Slightly blinking, and then turning to thought, Jerry heard Albert mutter, “Assaulting a fortified area to gather two of Equestria's highest leaderships and hope the primary invading forces leader can’t counter attack….” Mumbling a bit lower before turning his chair around to stop a few things before getting up.

It was now that the overlord became aware of the improvised lab coat, a black one made up of the synthetic materials no doubt made and looked a bit strange due to how the material's elastic nature worked. Still, Albert fixed it a bit and folded his hands behind his back, the tail of the odd lab-coat flushing while he turned to address Jerry.

“You want my help in making that plan more successful.” He stated his thoughts, and what he was certain was Jerry’s intentions. “I’m going to assume that you're also hoping that whatever I do have here, will possibly change how the overall assault will turn out, maybe even avoid the whole possibility of losing your current base of operations in a counter strike.”

Sighing some, he admit. “Yeah, although Gnarl been getting odd reports of something with the Heart-- nothing concrete yet.” then went on to explain. “I was having trouble figure out how to get them back, considering my Minions are plenty, but my armor can still be penetrated. At least until I noticed a few of the things on the list, which could help improve my armor, once I figure out how.” placing a hand under his chin as he went on to speak out.

“I know that a siege is inevitable, and I accept the risks of losing many Minions while fighting, maybe the Dark Castle if we found that ‘something’.” then told. “But I’m hoping that I can stall Dainn somehow, at least enough time for the Blues to patch up the two and send them here along with everything of importance. Just in case Dainn does find the Dark Castle and I’ll have to hold back and act as distraction of a good while.” thinking over more… he added.

“And I’m thinking of snagging the wielders of the elements of Harmony...but am forced to do some options I’m not fully proud of.”

“Like?” Pressed Albert while he waited in place.

Thinking the best way to get this out, was the simplest. “I would prefer to use money, but the Caribous are keeping a big eye on them and I don’t got the cash. Not to mention 4 out of 6 are reds, so I may have to use a spell I have that I don’t use often.” he started explaining. “The spell is called ‘Target’ depending on how I ‘work’ it can go to two ways, one of those ways is to dominate the mind of other's to obey my commands and do my bidding from soldiers to civilians.”

With a thoughtful nod, Albert worked this thought over for a moment before asking, “And the elements… what do you plan to do about them? Are they going to come first? Will the mind control effect be reversible? Will the Equestrian leaders take priority first?”

“The mind control effects can be reversal,” started Jerry. “If I use a ‘small dosage’ it’ll affect them temporary, a few days work. But to be honest...I’m think of getting the Equestrian princess’s first as in a sense they are high priority-- but I know when I do, the elemental wielders will be on a heavy guard in their areas, and make things difficult.” then said. “On the other hand I can get the element bearers first, but four of them are in ponyville, the other two are elsewhere. One in the wonderbolts and the other with Flim and Flam duo. From what I gather? The pegasus is in a cloud city and the other is in Manehattan if they didn’t left.”

Giving a slight pause, Albert asked, “What is the significance of these Elementals?”

“Moral mostly, but they apparently are the ‘heros’ of the land, wielding powerful artifacts to ‘Harmonize’ anything in a unity. The items themselves are unknown, even more on the effects they’re able to do.” giving a low breath and admit. “And it really, really bothers me.”

Thinking this over for a moment, the infected man said, “You mentioned something about a Heart?”

Debating internally of telling him...Jerry sighed and said. “The mares usually think of the Crystal heart turn ‘crystal dong’-- something even I don’t know how happen, but Gnarl mention it had highly concentrated evil in it,” then went on to explain. “When I usually say Heart...I’m referring to the Tower Heart within the Dark Castle, it's, connected to me in more than one fashion. It helps enable the Gates I spread and acts as a anchor point for me.”

With a final nod, Albert began to pace, muttering things under his breath while bringing a hand up and around, fist made and knuckles slightly pressing to his moving lips. “Could gather elements, gain advantage, but the two are more important in the long run. Crystal heart with importance lost? The elements unable, possibly warped or broken.”

It was hard to tell where the man’s line of thoughts were going, toggling back and forth at seemingly random while tidbits of ‘Msmer’ or ‘Stasis’ were mentioned at odd moments. Coming to a stop though, Albert asked, “These gates… they can take you anywhere you have them set up, correct?”

Nodding, Jerry explained. “Anywhere across the globe. Once I set up main Gates-- or have waypoint gates set up by me? I can use them to travel to the Castle. Or use the Castle to go anywhere on the map in Equestria with the main Gates.”

“What about form Gate to Gate?” Questioned Albert, “Go from town to town, skip going to the castle all together.”

“Only Gates that are close and connected.” said Jerry. “While I could get town to town with the Gates? I need a higher energy to provide for the Dark Castle, or at least transmit energy for the Tower Heart to be able to do that.”

The question was quick as lightning, “How much for how far?”

“Let me say it like this. I need a form of Nuclear energy for getting me across town to town-- with keeping me intact and anything with me.” then admit. “But I know that the only way to get more energy is by magical means. And the only thing that I can think of...is the thing in the Crystal Empire.”

With a long moment of thought, Albert said, “I have a thought.” Pausing to make sure Jerry was paying attention. “What if I told you I might have a way to steal this ‘Crystal Heart’, all depending on what I can be told about the local area and the effect this said Heart has.”

“Hmm...troublesome, but possible.” said Jerry as he said. “I have a Gate to the Empire, as its surrounded by a frozen tundra, the city itself is made out of crystal, the ‘Heart’ keeps the frozen and cold out of it. The Heart originally was use to remove darkness and impurity things within its Heart, power by the joy and happiness of its people. Before the caribous screwed it up, now its fully concentrated evil energy as while it does its former job, its just powered by the very thing it stood against-- as far as I can tell. Without it, the city will be frozen over and face a slow and cold death.”

There was a slow nod from Albert… who then asked, “Do they have a means to go from city to the rest of the nation?”

“Train.” was all Jerry said.

Nodding, the man stopped his pacing and told, “What I have in mind, is fast and needs to be executed correctly.” Giving the Overlord a look and told, “Time we have, since you still have armor to finish.” Hands together, index fingers pointing out, Albert told, “I’m going to visit this Empire, and I’m going to start a phase of plan that will set the state into a panic.”

“While they realize this problem, the highest officials able to will leave the empire, leaving behind only the bare minimal to deal with the problem. Leaving it open for the next phase of simply distracting and later stealing the heart. The natural winter rush will do the rest of the work for us in taking out the capital.”

Pausing, Albert said, “I’m going to insert a controlled disease into their ranks. It’s going to cause mass hysteria and panic. It’s key to gaining the heart, and once you have the heart, you have a means to quickly get yourself form a gate near Canterlot, to another random gate near a beachside where I can have a Cyclops waiting to take the Princesses to a undisclosed location for healing and if tracked-- aren't showing a target at your base nor this one.”

Thinking some, he said. “I think when my Heart absorbed everything of corruption from the Crystal Heart? It’ll be empty of it...but purifying it? That I don’t know how to do, I’m thinking of getting Gnarl to talk to of opinions, see what he could give me.” shrugging as he added. “Sure he may not like the idea...but he works for me.” then said. “But this does leave a question. What about the elements wielders?”

“That’s the more complicated part.” Told Albert, “They are spread out. And with each strike, more and more are going to be more closely guarded. Which presents a problem in itself.” But then asked, “But here’s another question. You said they were heros. And they held elements. But why do they have these ‘elements’, what are they and what is their whole relevance that they are a need to get?”

Sighing some as he admit. “I’m not fully sure myself. But from what I gather from the Resistance? These Elements are suppose to be a big superweapon to just blast at the evil into ‘harmony’-- or usually a big nothing. As for why they have them, I don’t know, supposedly these elements are crystallize things with gold around them representing some virtue.”

“Are the artifacts guarded?” Asked Albert.

“If I was the guy doing all of this?” said Jerry. “I would keep them lock and under key that no one except those of the highest orders or biggest loyalty to me to shut their lips of their locations, make dummy locations of far off locations,” then noticing the flat look and sighed. “Bottom line? Yes. problem is, I don’t know fully where. I’m guessing Canterlot, but it's hard to fully say.”

Considering Jerry for a moment, Albert told, “The elements might be useful, but if they are not easy to reach and we can’t get the elements back into their possession, then trying to get them at all will waste time and resources.” Placing it simply as that. “If, we want to do this, we have to strike fast and hard and without time for them to react.”

He thought for a moment, recounting a thought before questioning, “What’s different about this Crystal empire? Is it connected to the ‘Crystal ponies’ that I’ve seen?” Only aware of three, two of which were in his base via refugees, and one being a filly under Jerry’s care.

“Yeah, its the Crystal Ponies homeland, from what I gather it was its own nation and government before its ruler, Cadence, took it from some tyrant. Became part of Equestria in a sense.”

“And what happened to this, Cadence?” Came another question form the scientist.

“From what I gather from the Resistance? When the crystal dong spread its corruption, she and majority of the crystal ponies, got hit by it. She became under Shining Armor, her husband. As far as I know? They’re up in the Empire.”

Tapping his leg with a finger, Albert said almost at a turn of a dime, “Change of plans. We need to recover the Heart and what parts of the Empire’s populace we can before causing it to get frozen over.” Then went on, “We’re also going to have to get the Resistance in on this, we need manpower to make the strike fast after I introduce a infection the Caribou will be forced to quarantine.”

A low groan came from Jerry, as he said. “Yeah...I might need to tell them to don’t waste time to argue-- and just do it.” rubbing his forehead as he can already feel the headache of their arguments.

“Then let me help you give a good argument.” Told Albert. “I’m going to introduce this disease. And once I do, anyone infected has possibly less than two months before they die.” Leaving a moment of silence between them. “I have the cure. If any of the crystal ponies or the two royals are ill, I can cure it. But, if they want a successful strike? It starts with a sickness the Caribou can’t combat.”

Jerry thought over that and nod his head. He did also thought on something and said. “I might need to tell the ponies here of about me getting Celestia and Luna. I usually wouldn’t-- but my mares suggested it would raise moral and get them mentally prepare for their arrivals.”

Giving a firm nod, Albert agreed to that. “Increased moral will help encourage faster work.” Then went on, “I’m setting a week-long-timeframe before starting this plan. We, of Alpha base, have a Week to find a suitable secret location to take the Princesses into a underwater location. A week to also find a beach where we can land and take them off your hands for their healing. A week to build the secret base and also a week for me to start the infection.” Then told, “You only have a week too, to get ready. Because once you have the heart while the infection is in full swing?”

He shook his head, “Then we hit Canterlot, fast and hard and as quickly as possible before leaving. Long enough to grab them and leave. No wasted time for anything else.”

“Agreed.” said Jerry as he thought and said. “And after that, I need to quickly get to the Crystal heart fixed up as quick as possible. Maybe go to that big crystal tree thing? Granted I’m grasping at straws, I’m hoping to God that it’ll work and get out before the Caribous noticed.” thinking some and asked. “Anything else we need to go over? I do need to inform the mares after all.”

Thinking to that, Albert asked… an almost odd question. “In the locations we have to go to… is there any bodies of water?” Then seemed to expound on it. “Rivers, ponds, or any fairly large bodies of water?”

Thinking over the map and its locations...and said. “There's ponds and waterways in Canterlot, with a waterfall by it. The Empire got some similar spots of water. Deep enough too. Why?”

With a slight smile, Albert said, “How would you feel about mixing armor and subaquatic technology together?”

“I think that can make things easier for me in terms of traveling.” admit Jerry. “But its going to be tricky, you know that right?”

“I think at the very least I can install a air tank.” Told Albert, “I know there is no way you’ll be swimming in heavy armor. Even more if it’s a inch-thick plates made of titanium.” Then waved off the thought to go on. “The thought I had, was for you to infiltrate Canterlot by using the waterways. With the air tanks, you can stay submerged and completely bypass most defenses.”

Thinking some...he couldn’t help but grin as he said. “Ohohohoh. Thats perfect. There's no way they'll be able to know I was there.” he then thought over and said. “But I got to wait until gnarl informs me of how the armor making is working out, and that might take a while.” rubbing his chin some as he was about to speak-- until there was a beeping sound, he glance to the wall where there was a communications relay, as there was a incoming call.

Watching the man move over and press a button, they both heard, “Excuse me, Albert?” spoke a mare voice. “The little hellion of the Overlord wants to talk to him. Apparently he got big news.” Huh...that was fast. thought Jerry in slight surprise.

Without much thought, Albert said, “Patch them through.” Slightly backing up to allow Jerry to take up the space near him, both waiting for the inevitable words of the elderly minions voice to come shouting through.

“Blasted wench, I demand you let me speak to the Overlord at once!” Jerry sigh and said.

“Gnarl what is it?” gaining the minion attention as the elder minion spoke cheerfully.

“Oh Sire, good news! Giblet managed to work that metal, it was tricky, but the rascal was able to craft it. However it does look like your Arcanium armor set, more bulky and black. I dare say it looks dreadfully evil! Which is a improvement considering your armors, Sire.”

“And weapons?” asked Jerry.

“Sadly, we cannot craft a Axe or Mace due to the weight, Master. All we could do was craft a blade for you. The edge isn’t sharp like most blades, but it is durable like a Axe. Thankfully you can still sacrifice minions for upgrading your new armor and weapon.”

“Good. also tell Grubby to rekindle the Main Gate under Canterlot in the catacombs. Make sure everything is prepared for my return. We will strike at Canterlot soon.” there was a evil cackle as Gnarl spoke.

“Ready to fight against Dainn, Master? Oh the carnage of you ending his guards and his pitiful life will be glorious Master!”

Seeming to come up with a thought, Albert said, “Actually, your Overlord plans to do something better.” Making Gnarl pause. “He plans to sneak in, steal the two princesses under his nose, and humiliate Dainn competence and credibility as a leader.”

Gnarl hum, before laughing. “Ha! It would show his weak leadership, oh that is evil. Especially more diabolical considering the Master will brag about it as he done the impossible!” Jerry chuckle as he add in.

“Also Gnarl? Prepare the transfer of corrupted evil in the crystal artifact in the Empire to the Tower Heart.” Gnarl pause to this and said.

“If you did that...then you’ll be able to have more power in the Dark Castle, able to extend your influence-- perhaps even allow me to find that odd reading…” then cackle. “And better yet, free energy for us, oh that is good to hear Master!” then said. “I’ll make sure everything is in preparations Dark one!” ending the call as Jerry said.

“Now if you pardon me, I got a base full of mares to inform I’m taking Celestia and Luna out of Dainn hands and what me and you will be doing shortly.”

“Before you go.” Began Albert. “Are any of your minions… stealth oriented?”

“Greens. Stealthy assassin, granted they’re smelly as hell-- they’re able to be stealthy.” replied Jerry. “Why?”

Raising a gloved hand and making a slight gesture, Albert told, “Instead of myself going… send in a group of greens, all with the virus and with one clear objective.” Holding a finger up and told seriously. “Pour the vials into all drinking sources. Like I said, two months until death. It’s plenty of time, as long as no one decides to waste time. The sooner the infection begins, the sooner the quarantine is placed in and bare’s off any help.”

Thinking some, he said. “With my arcanium helmet and my left gauntlet? I can move 50 Greens around and spread the virus all around. I could let the virus be poured on their bodies and they’ll jump to their deaths into the drinking sources.” shrugging some. “The Newborns are expendable to me really. Plus it’ll release what other things they have in their bodies to and in the virus you got.”

“Do you want the virus to possibly mutate and make my current cure obsolete?” Asked Albert.

“Point.” said Jerry. “So send the Greens around and let them dump the vials in drinking sources.” thinking more as he said. “But I might move all the things in the Dark Castle somewhere-- just in case Dainn find me somehow. Can’t assumed he won’t with this plan.”

“Then go.” Nodded the man, “We’re on a time schedule, and I need to get materials for two more Cyclops's. Possibly more tools and vehicles too.” Then muttered to himself, “Synthesis Cara first, have that prepped for the insertion.. Possibly make an extra batch of vaccine just in case…” Muttering to himself while wandering towards a table to get started.

He seemed to call back, “By the end of today I should have enough to give a one vile to maybe thirty minions. As soon as you get back to your castel… send them through. Add incentive towards the Resistance they are on a time limit.”

Jerry nodded, quickly moving to head out to tell the mares in the base of the news-- and what was going to be done. He idly wonder just where he’ll move all the stuff too admitally.

---

Jerry stood before the four ‘heads’ of Alpha base as he said. “I’m going to place this simple, quick and fast. We’re on a time limit, I talk it over with Albert, and in a week time, not only we’ll bring a disease to infect Crystal Empire temporary with Albert having a cure ready. But we are also going to drain the crystal dong dry, try to fix it-- and get Celestia and Luna out of Dainn hands and into this base to be patched up.”

On a instant, all eyes and ears were focused on him. Shock and surprise varying, with Lush slightly gripping the side of the table she sat at. Part of her was surprised this much was figured, and had a feeling there was more to it. But the idea of Celestia and Luna being freed? Hearing that the ‘Dong’ might be reversed?

What Flush honed onto though, was something else. “Wait… infect?” Before realizing, “You’re thinking of unleashing that creepy virus into the whole empire!?” Not sure if she should feel abhorred or scared.

“Well more like it’ll be my Minions spreading the virus. Maybe a good week or two until the hysteria and lockdowns are in place, separate sick and healthy, higher ups will be sent out so they be ‘healthy’. And the Resistance, Albert-- maybe me just to do my usual work will come in, take everything we can and leave the caribous to freeze to death. More or less removing a problem for us. Now moving on I will do what I can to drain the dong energy's--,”

A hand up, Grain said, “Stop, just… stop for a moment.” Breathing in and soon saying, “This is…” Then rephrased it into a question, “Do you know what you’re thinking you’re doing?” A hint of worry there. “You want to infect not just Caribou's-- but ponies. And not just ponies-- but foals.” Trying to get her point acrossed. “Pregnant mares, colts, fillies-- everyone is going to get infected!”

Raising his brow, he soon said. “Let me rephrase what I just said. I’m going to be moving my Greens to specific locations, meaning most of my targets are going to be Caribous.” and then added. “And let me remind you, Albert made this plan.”

“Then you should probably realize that he would infect them all.” Making Jerry stop, and make the others look to Glint. She held a grim face, and said with a slightly twisted face, as if it hurt to admit it. “Albert is smart… and as a medical professional, if you know there are healthy individuals, you remove them before they get infected.”

She gave a long look to Jerry and told, “I think Albert knows this. If both ponies and Caribou are infected, then it shows there equal risks when trying to pull either out. If only the majority of Caribou are infected? Ponies will get pulled out, leaving Caribous.” Then finished bitterly, “Maybe leave some suspicious on why it’s mostly Caribous.”

Rounding on her, Flush said, “Glint, you can’t be serious in being fine with this!”

“I’m not.” Snapped back the mare, “But it makes sense. Logically, makes, sense. And we both know that if everyone is infected, then there are going to be riots, hysteria, confusion-- exactly like Jerry just hinted at.”

Do this morally-- or logically? internally sighed Jerry as he rub his face and said. “Look, I know all of you will be against this morally, hell even I am too. But the alternative, is me trying to target mostly Caribou with suspicious on the why, and could lead to trouble. Or me just doing it the old fashion way of being the target as every one is focus on me and Albert does his job in taking the heart and we have limited time to evacuate every pony there.”

They shifted to this, but it was Grain that said, “You’re right… we don’t like it.” Then looked to Glint and asked, “You know the virus better. What will happen?”

Thinking for a moment, Glint said, “They would have about two weeks, three at most before the infection begins to spontaneously break out over the body, just like how it looks on Albert now.” Then grimaced, “After that, you only have five weeks to live. But from what I’ve looked up?”

Taking a deep breath, the mare told, “In early stages, it acts like a flu and the skin irritates, itches. Then, when nearly all of white blood cells are dead, it breaks out over the skin. The virus starts breaking down the bodies DNA, and… and caused the body’s organs to start shutting down because it can’t function anymore. Heart, lungs, liver, kidneys-- they all start to fail until the subject is dead. The virus persists in the body until there is nothing else to provide it nourishment.” Summing up how it functioned. “The time might cut back for younger individuals with weaker immune systems.”

Sighing some, he suggested with a low smile. “If there are some who, well won’t make it and want to blame something.” motioning to himself. “Just blame me.”

“I think we’re all going to be for blame, Overlord.” Glint told simply with a somber look. “Albert for suggesting it. I for allowing it. You for unleashing it…”

“You’re… supporting this?” Hesitantly asked Lush, not sure how she felt about it.

Turning to look at the mare, the doctor held that gaze before saying, “I am. I’m not.. I’m sick at the idea I’m possibly sentencing unborn foals to death, but it’s a chance to get back our rulers.” Then went on, “And the alternative? The alternative is being born into a nightmare if they’re fillies. It’s almost a mercy death.”

Slightly baring her teeth into a scowl, Flush said, “Well I’m against it!” Making her stance, and making Lush flinch…

And with reluctance, said, “I’m… I’m for it.” Looking like she had just kicked a puppy. It was then all eyes turned to Grain, the mare looking at Jerry with something between a glare, and a thoughtful gaze. Arms crossed and leaning back, even having her hooves propped up on her desk of a table while in thought.

Jerry rolled his eyes some, trying to ease the mood as he said to them with a grin. “If it makes you feel less guilty, when Celestia and Luna come and find out, you can just say I was the mastermind of it all and forced you with harsh negotiations.” shrugging some as he noticed the glare intensified as he sighed and said. “Look, I’m willing to be the scapegoat for your problems. Hell I don’t mind it, bad guys do these things all the time, so it makes sense to pin the blame on me, alright?”

“But you’re not the bad guy, are ya?” Grain bluntly told. “And you expect me to lie in everyone’s faces I wasn’t responsible in some way?” She went quite to think it over before scowling, “No I won’t tell people… they'd stop trusting me.” Getting slightly surprised looks.

Not seeming to notice, or just plain ignoring, Grain told, “For me, it’s a gambit of survival. Sure, I can live being a mindless sex slave-- but that ain’t living.” Then gave Jerry a harsh look… then told, “I’ll let it slide and say yes.” Though everything about her posture told him she would rather be against it. “If Albert plans to cure who ever can be brought back… even if it… kills most of the Empire… if a few make it out, then we can rebuild.”

“Grain…” Started Flush in slight agitation before she was glared at by the wingless pegasus.

“I don’t like it. But grow a spine. The Caribou won’t leave. They won’t stop spreading legs and rapeing. They would abandon a hurt, wounded fuck toy to save their own butts.” Then snorted, “I don’t like that we’re going to be responsible for innocent lives-- but I’m mare enough to take responsibility and face trial when things are back in order.”

Letting a tense silence hang over the room for a moment, Grain soon looked to Jerry, and said, “So what comes after nearly killing a ancient empire off and stealing a tainted crystal?”

Gaining his breath as he continue the plan. “I got a short window, enough to drain the corrupted crystal dry, and before you question how or why, let just say that since I’m a Evil Overlord, I’m able to intake corruption without it bothering me. The energy will go to my power supply in the Castle, and once I dry it good enough, I’ll try to figure out how to purify it. But that's a low priority, as I’ll infiltrate Canterlot, steal the princesses out from Dainn sneaky or breaking through, get to a Gate to a beach to send them to a hidden undersea location, and head to my place in the safe.”

“After that? I might see on how to purifying the Heart...but I’ll admit I’m a bit, worry how long it would take.” then explain quickly. “This is a first for me, as I’m not used to purifying stuff, usually corrupt it. So I’m going to talk to Gnarl on how to make it better.” Then mused a bit. “Although it might be best if someone else hold it, might accidentally corrupt it by myself”

While they thought this over, Lush said, “Then have a pony take it.” Causing looks, while she said, “Better yet… let a Crystal Pony help purify it too.”

He thought for a moment… and chuckle. “Well, Jasmine did want some excitement. Being the one to restore the Crystal Heart somehow should be excited enough.”

While she could tell the others were questioning her idea, Lush went on, “Maybe she should hold onto it too.” She knew it would cause shock, as she went on, “I… I know that Princess Cadence was corrupted. And her Husband takes care of her… but what if she’s not able to do her job as princess until the Heart IS cured? Somepony needs to hold onto it, somepony that can give love.”

“What are you getting at Lush?” Asked Grain in slight confusion.

“I’ve talked to the Crystal Mares.” Told Lush in short explanation, “They told me how the Heart worked. And… well, Albert had helped me in thinking over things differently. What if the Heart isn’t corrupted in the first place? Just… confused.”

With a doubtful look, Flush asked, “What do you mean, ‘confused’?”

“Well, I’ve thought about it, and the Heart takes in love.” Told Lush once more, “And the Caribou ‘love’ sex. And… we might not like to admit it, we love sex. It’s… intimate, special, and meaningful. They hurt us, but what if the heart is trying to take what love it can, because all that’s left is sex.”

She glanced to Jerry and told, “Jasmine’s a filly and has pure, untainted, possibly not even sex related love. No lust, or need or carnal wants-- but actual pure love. If you do remove the corrupted parts… maybe she can keep it safe until Cadance is cured too, until more of the Crystal ponies can remember what it’s like to love normally.”

Jerry admit, that Lush made a good point, as Jasmine has that innocent...that, special pure childlike love...that he would protect and cherish. It made perfect sense really. Even more as she’s a crystal pony. Jerry pragmatism spoke up. “No offense Lush, I honestly think you have a good point, but well hate to be devil's advocate here. But you do realize she lives with me of all beings, right? Aren’t I supposed to be, you know someone you shouldn’t have around the Heart in the first place?”

“Your mare’s seem to disagree.” Lush smiled some, though shook her head and said, “It’s… it’s not a permanent solution. But it needs to be kept somewhere safe-- or at least until Cadance and her subjects are healed. Are ready for it again. And I can’t think of a better guardian for it than Jasmine. By heritage alone, she’s more rightful to keep it safe.”

To that, Grain nodded, “The Crystal heart means a lot to the Crystal ponies…” Seeming a bit lost in thought.

“Okay, now here's some bad news.” started Jerry. “When all of this is done, it’s going to be harder to get the element bearers, simply because the Caribou are going to crack down hard.” then admitted. “And to be fully honest? I think we need all Resistance members out of Equestria, because once the two sisters are gone?” shaking his head. “Dainn is going on a witch hunt for them.”

Looking amongst one another, the mare’s nodded with Flush saying, “If Glint’s right? We have just three weeks after the first stage to find a place to move their asses to someplace safer.” Then seemed to gain a slight smirk, “How does deserted islands sound?”

Nodding, Grain also smirked. “We can’t house too many, and we can try to make more space, but we don’t have the time. But, there are a few islands we’ve found. Far at sea and should give the Resistance some room for a bit.” Then shook her head, “But we need to look around for any more. There’s a lot of ocean to cover.”

“You know for a brief moment I thought you were going to suggest you make the Resistance bunker at my Castle for the time being.” said Jerry.

With a grin, Grain said, “And let you listen to them bitch non-stop? I think you don’t like them, and if Dainn does make good on his anger, might as well scatter ourselves so much he can’t get us all in one go, right?”

“Eh true.” said Jerry as he sighed. “Which remind me, I gotta inform them about this.” rolling his eyes as he said. “Wish me luck on cutting their bitching and arguing in half to not waste time.”

Getting up, Grain told, “I’ll get you back to that volcano you call a home.” Giving Jerry a almost hard stare while saying, “You pack up, get whatever Albert’s got, and then move that ass of yours to the Sunrise. I’ve got my hands full of new tasks, and I might as well take you back home. Waste less trips that way.”

“Agreed.” then said. “Take care ladies.” heading out to get the stuff from Albert and get his girls packing everything up. Knowing he had a lot of work ahead.

Next Chapter: Save a Empire, apparently get bothered too. Estimated time remaining: 38 Hours, 3 Minutes