After nearly...a week of hell. Jerry last it. He last heat week. Sure he knew it wasn’t that bad considering he had some...really, really mind blowing sex...but the sheer amount of it? And with barely any break time as Shadow would at the very least, drag him back into bed to keep draining his balls dry? He laid in the bed, internally shivering as he was glad he made the Minions tied them up in bondage rope.

At least for a little bit. Enough to get to the Tower Heart and recharge. While the heat week ended, he glance to the mares. Both were snuggling and calm. Both enjoying his body warmth as they were both giving cooing sounds. Shadow especially as she sounded like a lovable cuddle bug...and not a sex-hungry succubus demon. When heat week comes...I am putting you two in bondage sets. promised Jerry, as he let a low sigh, happy to get some rest some. Even if it was small-- it was rest.

And ignoring the aching crotch he gained from the nonstop sex. However he heard a yawn, as Shadow open her eyes, looking to him as she said. “Good morning Master~.” licking his chest as she asked. “Did you sleep well with your slaves cuddling close?” he pet her head some as he sighed.

“I do...but Shadow?” gaining her attention as he told. “Next time you two are in heat week? I am putting bondage gear on you two.” she blush some, but nodded her head. As he yawned and said. “But if you don’t mind...I’m going to get some shut eye too-,”

The doors slam open, as Gnarl came in with some Minions servant carrying trays. “Ah, lovely morning Sire, now that you’ve are done occupying your slaves, we can-,” as Jerry soon took in a deep breath, and used his serious voice.

“GNARL. LEAVE. ME. AND. LET. ME. SLEEEEEEEPPPPPPP!”

And like a mess of mice, the minions all scrambled. The whole lot of the ran into one another in a panic, trays and food was fumbled and juggled and each and everyone of them stepped on top of the other. All for a rushed panic for the door that they all disorganized squeezed themselves out of before pulling and slamming the doors shut for their own safety.

He laid his head back, as Lovely clench his body, wide awake from his shout as Shadow was wide awake too, as her wings flare up from surprise of his voice being that loud. As well having flat ears from the suddenness of its volume. Jerry grumble and said. “Let me sleep. You two really made me restless.”

“Yes Master.” said Lovely and Shadow, as she laid back down, just letting her body stick close to him. Shadow did the same, as while she was surprise...she was a little turn on of his utter superiority and command of the Minions. But if her Master was tired, then he’ll sleep and enjoy his mares bodies against him. While Jerry thought to himself. Note to self. Take some energy from the Tower Heart to keep me awake later. And get Minions new food if previous food is wasted.

---

After leaving the ship and getting their clothes on, the two crystal ponies were walking back to the Castle, while the older mare wonder if she should pity Jerry or laugh at his expense. While Jasmine was repeating the names and looks of Dew family, and use her puppy dog eyes to get him to promise. He can never say no to her puppy dog eyes. However once they reach the Castle they called home and enter in with a quick walk to the throne room.

They noticed that Jerry wasn’t around, as Jasmien glance and asked. “Huh? Where’s Big Bro?” Jade glance to Gnarl as he was rubbing his ears and asked.

“What happen to you?” the old minion grumble and spoke.

“Apparently the Master wasn’t in a cheery mood today. Probably from breeding them-,” noticing Jasmine quizzical look, and Jade glare to him behind the mare with the Crystal Heart. And while Gnarl did not care for the mare feelings or breaking Jasmine innocent...he did care of the Overlord attitude if he did the latter of Jasmine innocent. Mostly on keeping his body mostly unharm. So with that in mind he quickly change topic. “Buuut not to worry! The Master will be up soon!”

And luck would have it. They heard Jerry coming down in his now accustomed black armor...and Jade could swore he was limping a bit. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. went through Jerry mind. While he did gain that ‘pick-me-up’ from the Tower Heart. It did not mean he wasn’t going to feel a bit of soreness around his crotch for a while now. When he came down in his throne chair, and Jade was about to speak of the pregnancy-- Jasmine interrupted.

“Big Bro! Can you find some ponies for me?” giving him big puppydog eyes as Gnarl gave a hiss and said.

“The Cuteness, stop with the cuteness! It sicking!” Jerry groan internally.

The cuteness of puppy dog eyes….really? sighing some as he said. “Alright...who are they and whats their names?”

Yes! thought Jasmine as she explain. “Dew family, her parents and triplets siblings. Sweep her pa, Mint her ma, Marsh and Haze are her sisters. All thestrals as Sweep is dark grey coat, black manes and wings. Mint is white coat with green manes, and wings. And Marsh and Haze are dark green, brown coat for Marsh, and white coat and brown and gold mane for Haze!”

Internally rubbing his face as he asked. “And where were they last seen?”

“Hollow Shades.” answer Jasmine as Jerry sigh out.

“Alright, let me get to the Heart and I’ll be off.” getting up and soon was stop as Jasmine asked.

“Do you promise to find them?” giving a expected look as Jerry cringe on the inside.

I’ve becoming more of a man of my word lately…. but knew he couldn’t back out as he said. “I….promise.” Jade roll her eyes of how easily defeated he was...but Jasmine hold a special place in his heart. So she can’t fully blame him. As he walk down to the Spawning Pits, as Jade decided to follow with. As when they were going down to the Heart for Jerry to charge up….did Jade spoke.

“Did you know that you might knocked up Shadow and Lovely?”

Wait, I did WHAT!?! making him look at her as she nodded.

“Yeah, you probably forgot during the whole heet week. As during a heat week, they’re 100% able to get knocked up during their heat, a load guarantees it...but multiple ones over a week?” shake her head. “Might make a mare have multiple kids.” Jerry internally screams.

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! as he tried to calm down, trying to think of how to handle this situation as he asked. “But how do we know it would even work!?”

She deadpanned respond to that. “Because I had a talk with a mare that had a PHD in medical science and work with ponies all the time-- she said we can breed with a lot of species.” causing more panic in Jerry, as a part of him felt a bite on his ass of Lovely condition...and her being fertile to him. FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUCCCCKKKKK!

Jade continue on, ignoring his distress. “Even more so? Lovely needs help. She’s a created mare, she doesn’t know how to raise a foal or more properly like Shadow does. You also need to build a nursery . I suggest you make one across your room.” Jerry felt like crying, hitting something, or just lament that he forgot to use condoms….but there was a bright light ahead as Jade said.

“But I’m willing to help Lovely learn how to raise a foal properly. I know how to raise foals from raising Jasmine myself.” then she look at him with narrow eyes and said. “But now? You gotta ask yourself. What are you going to do now?” Jerry was silent… and spoke.

“Can I have time to think? Just to give a proper answer?” Jade hum at him...then told.

“Least I can do. But know this. If you make your choice on keeping them? It's a big responsibility. And one that's full time.” he sighed as he nodded, knowing he’ll have to break the news to both Shadow and Lovely...and a part of him realize something. Wait...how am I supposed to find Dew family if they might not be in Hollow Shades? it made him paused as he finished charging himself up with energy. He glance to see Jade was already gone upstairs, as he turned to walk up and was thinking more of the ‘promise’ Jasmine made to him.

No really, how am I supposed to find them with just looks and age group? For all I know, they could be spread out anywhere. ugh… groaning some as he breate himself. Next time, don’t give in the doe-eyes Jasmine gives and hold your ground. I should really be careful of when I make my promises...but on the other hand, this does give me time to think a bit on how to break the news to the girls.

Not to mention getting started on raiding baby supplies just in case. He sighed out, as when he came to the throne room, he glance to see Jasmine hopeful face, as he cringe under the helmet. Yeah...I should really be careful when making promises. as he glance to see Jade leading Jasmine away as he thought over and grimly thought. If I go out in my armor, I won’t find much...I might need to be incognito for this. heading down to the Forge and switching to his ‘infected stallion’ disguise with his Steel gauntlet. Knowing that he need to find information first before starting a search. For all he know, they might not even be in Hollow Shades anymore.

When he came back fully clothed, he came to the middle of the throne room, mentally ordering the teleporter to send him to Hollow Shades as Jerry was transported to Hollow Shades to keep a (forced) promise to Jasmine. Which he remind himself later to try not to make exact promises on the spot….

He also reminded himself to scout around the Tree of Harmony to make sure it was in the clear. Eh, maybe later. thought Jerry through transportation.

---

Meanwhile, deep at the ocean floor, Magic was having a low smile, as he was in his new expansive labs. Moving needed things around and setting them up with the Z-clones, horn glowing as the stallion felt a growing respect to Albert, from one researcher to another, Albert provided him with space to conduct his magical workings. While it may not be like his old lab, he knew it would work. And while Albert is willing to provide room and supplies, all he ask in return? Is to know about any results or progress made.

Which Magic doesn’t fully mind, it was a simple trade of information, and it would help to gain a input outside of the magical knowledge. However a part of him recalled something else, something that made him frown a bit as he glance to Zealous helping around as he asked. “Zealous, did Crisp mention how many pills Periodic has left? I recalled from earlier discussion that his medication was running low soon.”

Placing and straightening up a few things, Zealous next to glared at the setup with a overcritical gaze. She ruffled her wings and carefully inched everything to be precisely where they should be. And told, “Yeah. She told me she has a few left, maybe able to stretch a month or two at best. Crisp also said she’s asking Albert and Glint about making more-- if they can.”

Glancing back, Zealous admitted, “I think she’s considering on taking him off the pills. Keeps mentioning that while she still likes Periodic as he is like this, she… sort’a misses his more ‘lively’ side.” Then giggled some. “I think she slightly misses those wild moment’s they’d have as him as Pyro. I think it’s the only time I get to see that wild side she used to have when we were just teens and fillies!”

A low chuckle came from the unicorn, as he recalled times when he met the ‘lively’ side as well. “Yes, I have to agree, I do missed Pyro again. It has been, years since I last saw him when we were colts.” shaking his head some as he told in amusement. “I think having Pyro again will be entertaining as well as enjoyable to have. As much as I like and respect Periodic-- Pyro has a certain...flair about him.”

Then glance to a few cloning machines that were on the side, with a glow of his horn, he moved them along the metal walls, setting them up as he comment. “Although I do wonder how Pyro will behave when he has to swim-- or when the mares in Alpha base will meet him for the first time.” having a wry smile as he look to Zealous as he jokes. “Perhaps he’ll use his art bombs to bring more color around this place? Give them something pretty to look at?”

“He needs to figure out how to get them to work in water first!” Laughed Zealous before she left the things where they were and sighed out. She scrunched up her face before asking, “Magic, do you know anyone named ‘Surly’?” Though from the way he blinked, she could tell the stallion didn’t know who she was talking about. “Albert said he was looking for her. Said I didn’t know, so he went off someplace else.”

He hum it over, trying to recall anypony with that name, as he shook his head. “I don’t recall that name either…” he look over his lab as it was mostly set in place, as he cut off the magic from his horn as he told. “We can let the clones finish up in here, all that's really left is just setting up the minor things here.” turning around to head to the bulkhead, he added. “We should see how Periodic and Crisp are faring, maybe they know who this pony name Surly is?”

Usually he would teleport themselves to the other lab, but he shouldn’t waste his magic too much on teleporting. He already used his magic for heavy lifting already. Beside, this would give him a chance to ogle at his mare body and for her to do the same with his own body.

Hearing the mentioned mare’s hooves clanking a bit on the metal floor, Zealous next to rushed next to his side, arms wrapping around an arm and holding it closely to her chest that slightly molded around it. She leaned her head to his shoulder and nuzzled him affectionately-- or as some would consider it, being overly clingy.

They moved down the hall, having to make a turn or two before reaching where both Crisp and Periodic made most of their claim. This one being a chem lab that had a few lockers of varying materials for the stallion to work with. Crisp wasn't in sight when they opened the bulkhead, but the stallion could be seen.

He was currently working on something, even had some materials out and seemingly experimenting on a small project. Zealous gave a glance around, asking, “Where’s Crisp?”

Periodic glance back, moving away from his project as he comb his mane back, taking in a deep breath as the two noticed the signs of stress and slightly overworking as the stallion told. “She's meeting with Glint about my medication, trying to see if they could get it, or at least replicate its uses with a pill sample.” Moving his glasses off to rub his eyes as Magic stated.

“You haven’t had your pill since we came here.” noticing the signs as Periodic merely nodded, putting his glasses on as he admit.

“No, mostly because Crispy wants me to stretch them out, and stress wears them out sooner. Without stress add in? They aren’t burning out quickly.” then gave a mild smile of amusement. “Plus I’m thinking she’s hoping, my ‘lively’ side will pop out unannounced and give her a ‘wild ride’ until the pills are put in.”

Giggling to that, Zealous winked, “Well, you do get wild in the sack like that~” Though got a light flick from her stud-- which only made her giggle more in amusement. Not that Magic could blame her, it made him smile slightly too. Still, he asked his currently sane friend a few things.

“Do you know anypony named Surly?” Seeing the confused look from the earth stallion as Magic continued. “Albert was asking around for a mare name Surly, and we were wondering if you know anypony by that name?” Periodic hum, hand under chin as he closed his eyes to think…

Only to shake his head, opening his eyes as he admit. “No, never heard anypony with that name. In fact I haven’t seen any pony come this way since we all set up in the Labs,” then amended. “But beside Deft of course. She's a rare occurrence and on the upper levels.”

“Weird.” Said Zealous, “Albert was looking all over for her. Kept saying she and him had more work to do.” Lifting a hand to scratch her head before shrugging. “Maybe he’s found her already.” Then pointed, “Hey, Periodic, what are you working on?”

He glanced to his work as he look back and said. “I’m working on something Princess Celestia and Luna asked of me, they wanted me to start working on how to make this titanium of use for us. Specifically attempting to test titanium with magical and alchemy base things.” As he raised the Tablet to continue on. “I discover the metal itself requires a high temperature of heat to even mold, much less bend. It’s rather interesting from a scientist's point of view of how much information there is on it.”

Magic glance over the work, seeing mostly alchemy based things or a few magical base things as he glance to his friend and asked. “And they’re asking you to attempt to use magic or alchemy with this titanium?” Periodic gave a firm nod, putting the Tablet down as he said.

“Yes, they want to see how we could work it with our alchemy or magic based things…” then gave a heavy sigh. “but...I hit quite a few road blocks. As it turns out? Titanium is rather...stubborn. Its density itself makes it difficult to work with, and its composition?” shaking his head some. “Makes it almost as difficult for magic to work with. Granted nothing too large, as thankfully magic can still affect it like most metals….” then scowl at the ore of titanium. “But it's very stubborn to even work.”

Rubbing his eyes as he knew the questioning looks of the two were at him, as he explain. “I discover that it has a low conductive heat and electrical properties, as its hard to melt down and the electrical currents don’t affect it much. Meaning that even though it's fairly light compared to some metals-- granted lighter and stronger than what we have. But it has a low density to be lighter. In short my friends, we can’t do much in terms of magic with this metal, yet.” although he couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Although it does explain how magic hasn’t affected the Overlord much with his new armor.” looking at them as he told. “The titanium low electrical and heat conductivity make it dissipate most of the energy behind each blast.”

Blinking some, Zealous decided to point out, “But it can still be molded into normal armor, right?”

“Well, it can.” said Periodic as he explain. “I discover that depending on the inch of titanium used-- is literally overkill in defence. A quarter inch thick armor is all that is needed for us, as a trained military pony can used heavy armor, could handle a quarter inch titanium armor in terms of weight.” thinking on how to make it make it basic, he added. “Compare to a steel plated armor, titanium would be 10x tougher, if made to the same specs.” Magic thought and soon add in.

“And when we discover how we can magically enchant the armor? We could make one of the most strongest sets of armor we could have in our military history…”

Blinking some, Zealous thought about it and asked, “But… where does Albert get it?” Going on to motion around, “I mean, look at how much he has. He said that everything here is made with primarily Titanium, where does he get it all? How does he get so much? Where would you find it in a geological perspective?”

Periodic thought over that, admitting. “I don’t know. Maybe under the ocean, maybe somewhere deep where we never fully explored? It's hard to say Zealous.” as it was a big question, where does he find it? “Personally, I think his advance technology helps him find everything that was made to set up the Alpha base, helps him craft it easy, and maybe find something our magic can’t.”

Magic consider his friends words, thinking it over as he nod, looking to Zealous as he said. “You heard Periodic mentioning that titanium is stubborn with magic, it's possible that titanium in its raw form is hard to find with our magic, that and perhaps since titanium is new to us, we haven’t really knew where to find it in the first place. In a sense, since we never came across titanium at all on land, we assumed that there wasn’t much under the ocean floor beside sea life and sea plants with the sea-ponies.”

Zealous hummed to that, part of her still wondering how Albert manages to find so much around. Though, her thoughts were eventually cut off, the sound of hooves making her glance back as Crisp stopped by the doorway. The mare breathed in and said, “Albert want’s to talk to us.”

They blinked a bit, mostly at the seriousness in the unicorns tone. “Something wrong, Crisp?” Asked Zealous with a touch of concern.

“I don’t know.” Started the mare, motioning them to follow. “But Albert wanted me to get you all. Said it was important.”

They glance to the other, as Periodic place the titanium ore down, moving by the unicorn mare side, as the other couple follow with. Periodic glance to his wife, wondering what caused her to be so serious as he wonder if it had to do with the pills she was trying to get for him, or perhaps something else? He honestly wasn’t sure, as they were heading to where Albert usually stay in his own parts of the Lab.

Moving through the halls as the earth stallion move a arm around Crisp side, massaging her shoulder some in the slight case she needs something to relax her. He hadn’t seen her stiff since their moved to the Resistance base, he was a bit concern for her and for whatever Albert needed to talk to them about.

They had to ascend a level to reach the primary lab Albert worked in, but upon entering they could see the man working on that desk of his. On the side they could see something running on his tablet, the man completely focused up until Crisp spoke up with, “Albert, they’re here.”

He paused for a moment, reaching to get his tablet and soon stand asking, “Close the door please.” Making them wonder, but close the bulkhead behind them. Albert turned to them, looking at his PDA before asking, “What do you recall about the Cara I unleashed on the Empire?” Looking up with very knowing eyes.

Concern and worry spiked in them, as Magic recalled well. “It was supposed to be a controlled situation within the Empire, nopony was suppose to leave and infect other places.” then told. “However, there was a large chance it could've spread with those in the train before the quarantine and spread out across of Equestria….” then asked. “There’s a widespread epidemic, isn’t there?”

“Not that I know about.” Began Albert with a slight turn of his head to the side, “But I know better. As soon as the infection was noticed, the quarantine was set. But… there was a two minimal week incubation time. Two weeks for people to come in and out of the Empire.”

It was a small detail that most didn’t think of, and Zealous gripped her studs arm. She felt a pit in her stomach, realizing Magic was right form before. “I knew it might happen. I’m expecting it to spread-- not like a wildfire. But it will spread. Slow-- as long as no one bleeds to death near some waterways-- but that’s not even out of the question.”

“You mean that there’s a possibly wide-spreading virus all over Equestria?” Asked Crisp with a slight horror in her tone. “I… I know you said it was serous…”

“Past serious since it will infect anything alive-- bare plants and fungus.” Told Albert, “Animals and creatures aren't nowhere near as lucky.”

A grim look on Periodic face as nearly all of the ponies in Equestria would be infect somehow within due months, and might noticed a death rate soon. He move his arm close to Crisp, as he look to Albert and asked. “Does the Princess’s knows of this? We need to figure out how to lessen the possible death rates soon, otherwise we might be looking at a nation with a smaller population soon enough.”

“I know how to cure it.” It was both relieving, and confusing. “The question is how much and how soon.” Told the scientist. “My tamed version of the Cara, the one I altered-- is on land and has slowly spread since the Crystal Empire was exposed. It will take months to reach everywhere effectively. And, with a two-month time of leaving, ample time to retrieve ponies and cure them.”

Then he held up a finger, “The thing is? This provides a advantage, as well as a crisis. The Caribou are probably scrambling to try and get a cap on the infection. But… if I’m right-- it’s spreading in the most… ironic of manners…”

“Its sex, isn’t it?” asked Magic with a frown.

“Most sicknesses and disease are transmitted through intercourse.” Recitted the man in a knowing tone. “Cara get’s into your body. Infects everything form skin to organs. The only way for this Cara to transmit is through things like blood-- possibly saliva, but it needs to be ingested.” Then remarked, “Or in this case, injected into a body-- which then later is forced to swap saliva with the next host to be.”

With a slow blink, Zealous remarked, “The caribou are dooming themselves with too much sex.”

“If this wasn’t serious, I would say this is poetic justice.” add in Periodic with a low snort of amusement. He however held a concern look and asked. “But how are we supposed to cure all of Equestria from this disease? We can’t cure everypony with us here and across the nation, there won’t be enough time to get them all.” Magic thought and added.

“And how does this provide a advantage? I can understand it being a crisis, but what sort of advantage is this to us?”

Lifting a brow and looking to Magic, Albert told, “For every bad Caribou, they rape some ten mare’s. This transmits to other mares and spreads out faster and hits more caribou that are far from guiltless. The only Caribou that will be infected are the ones that are willing to have forced sex with any mare in sight.”

He then went on to explain, “It also weakens their overall military might-- constantly having to quarantine more and more of their suddenly sick troops. Numbers begin to decline, Equestria has to be forced into a quarantine to keep other places from being infected. This gives Jerry a opening to take more ponies out-- which all can be cured upon arrival.”

“But wait,” started Periodic with furrow brows. “Who’s Jerry?” not recognizing the name as Magic stated.

“Jerry is the Overlord.” getting a surprised look from both Periodic and Crisp as Magic continued in thought. “But if he does get more ponies out, we may need to either send the medicine to him, or transport them through the ship's bit by bit.” shaking his head some as he told. “I honestly doubt those Blue’s of his could actually do anything with this disease, halt it maybe, but it's stalling for time for us to either transport them here or to the islands.”

“He can get them to the island quickly enough.” Albert told simply, “easily even. I can have the cure on standby on one of the islands.” Then shook his head, “No, what I need help with is more complex.” Rolling a hand and explaining, “Spreading the cure about Equestria’s wild life-- without letting it come into contact with the caribou’s. Cure and make the fauna immune, but leave the caribou and ponies in their state to thin things out and keep the infection looking authentic.”

Both stallions look to the other, as Magic look to Albert and told. “There's a problem with that. Equestria holds many creatures of wildlife both plant base and animal life.” thinking some as he explain. “We have a varieties of creatures, from Timberwolves, plant like creatures imitating actual wolves, to parasprites that reproduce asexually with their ‘puke’ to grow their population.

“Add in the new ‘species’ brought in by Caribous, and we have more creatures to attempt to make immune.”

“And don’t forget the poison joke.” added Periodic dryly.

“Poison joke?” Asked Albert.

Rolling her eyes, Crisp told, “A plant that has a magical polin that can and will change a creature or person’s being into a form of a joke.” Then made examples of, “Becoming stinky, turning into other creatures, shifting sizes, elongation of body parts, discoloration-- you name it, the Poison joke can do.”

“But this Cara stuff doesn't work on plants, right?” Asked Zealous in a hopeful tone.

“It can alter the virus and the cure, however.” Pointed out Albert. “It’s a wild card, one I can’t predict…” Thinking to himself some before admitting, “It’s not like I can’t spread the cure anyways.” Gaining a few looks. “Ever since I got here with a new slew of sea creatures-- the cara-- the original cara has been in the oceans waters. I’ve been dumping and spreading the cure around to help counteract it for the aquatic life here.”

They just look at him...Periodic look in disbelief of what Albert just said. Dumping and spreading the cure...since the original virus been in the ocean waters ever since Albert came here with new sea creatures? Magic consider this as he remarked. “It does explain how everything seems okay despite the new sea creatures moving around...and why you keep giving the cure to every newcomer even before the Crystal Empire was infected.”

“Unbelievable...it was in the water itself around the base the entire time…” said Periodic as he shook his head, while Magic let his friend and Crisp take this in, the unicorn thought and asked.

“Albert, a curious question. Jerry, his mares, and the two crystal ponies may got the cure….but what about the Minions, aren’t they going to be infected by the cara and die, resulting Jerry a lost of armed forces to combat the Caribous?”

Thinking to this, Albert admitted, “No problems yet.” Then went on to tell, “Mostly because they just haven’t come into contact with it. I had three Blue’s here at one point, but I kept them away form being in contact with anything that might infect them. I wanted clean cut results. I think too them back one day before losing them in some battle later. No reports of spread yet.”

“But what if the Minions get infected blood on them?” questioned Magic. “They will combat Caribous and blood will be spilled later on.”

“As long as they don’t ingest it.” Told Albert. “Ingesting or having it inside the body is what causes the modified virus to do it’s work.”

“I’m honestly surprise we haven’t heard any problems with the Overlord forces being sick.” said Periodic as Magic told simply.

“Possibly because either the ones that got contacted with the original Cara either died in battle, or possibly were used as sacrifice for his new armor.” Making Periodic look at his friend with a questionable look as Magic nod his head to confirm what he said.

“Apparently Jerry used his Minions as sacrifice to ‘boost’ his armor defenses or weapons usefulness, rather interesting way of powering yourself with your own forces lives.” then added in musing. “Would explain on why they don’t mind dying for him either.” Periodic shake his head as he question.

“How could he sacrifice his Minions lives while fighting the Caribou?”

Looking to the red stallion, Albert summed up, “Because Minions are apparently replaceable. It’s the only logical conclusion, they are more easily replaceable and ergo, are more able to be wasted if need be.” He went back to thinking and told, “We might have to reconsider a few things. This virus won’t spread too fast at first, but given a month? It will begin to show more and more.”

“We can’t stomp it out completely-- to give Jerry a further edge.” Told Albert, “But at the same time we need to stomp out as much as possible and control the situation before it becomes too out of control.”

As both stallions thought over this, Periodic furrow his brows as he said. “We need to inform the Princess’s about this. Let them gain the magnitude of this possible outbreak.”

“But we also need to figure out solutions before telling them.” add in Magic in counter argument. “The problem is, we need to save many, but not too many to allow the Overlord to make bigger hits into the Caribou military. But at the same time, we can’t let it spread too much as it might spread to other nations across the seas.”

“We also can’t forgo the idea that it’s already happened.” Albert told them, “Simply put? I already plan for there to be a large drop or spilling of the cure in every place I can reach-- except Equestria.” Then went on to explain, “Mostly because I know that sooner or later, the Cara, the original virus itself, will eventually reach land. My modified version or not-- it’s bound to happen on it’s own time anyways.”

Squinting her eyes, Crisp asked, “You mean, we were already at risk of being infected-- everyone?”

“All it takes in one wayward fish that’s infected to be eaten by some bugs.” Told a shrugging Albert. “They fly off, land on other foods, get it a little infected. Then things eat that, and let it out as excrement, which more things touch and spread.”

“Or in Equestria case, infected fish being taken out by fishing boats.” add in Periodic as he was thinking, or at least trying as this new situation and the stress adding to it was making him rub his head some.

Glancing, Albert told, “Don’t overthink it, Periodic.” Giving a sigh and adding, “Why do you think I’m insistent about your people being away from the land now? If we do or don’t succeed? There is bound to be a large death toll because of the original virus. Measure might have been taken, but I’m not putting up an illusion. There will be losses.”

Patting his shoulder, Crisp agreed, “He’s right Dear. Form the sounds of it, everything had been exposed as soon as Albert came here by…” Dragging off in uncertainty, “..playing with… alien technology…” She was still not sure about that story.

Taking a breath, Periodic nodded, as despite him wanting to try to save as many, he knew that there would be many losses. Magic glance to his friend, as he suggested to him. “Perhaps you should take a break, no need to stress it more with the work you have?” looking to Albert as he asked. “How could we lessen the death rate? I know that there will be deaths no matter what we attempt, but how much could we lessen in terms of bodies to bury?” while Magic doubted they could lessen the death rate by possibly near a million, he knew they could at least attempt to cut down the numbers to possible thousands at least.

“Water.” Told Albert. “Simply by placing and mixing the cure into drinkable fresh water sources will do the trick for most wildlife. Possibly find a way to turn it into a vapor and let it get carried among the clouds the Pegasus keep saying get factory produced.”

Thinking some, Magic told. “We might need volunteers to get to Cloudsdale, as it can easy spread the cure in the clouds to make it rain all over.” thinking some as he added. “But it might take time to not only get volunteers to get to it with the cure, but to also know how to operate the machines and avoid the guards.” thinking more as he suggest. “Maybe send agents from Screech who are flight base, send them up incognito and with knowledge of the workings of Cloudsdale be able to spread the cure all over in a large rainstorm across the lands?”

“But that would take nearly months, not only of adding the cure across in clouds to spread, but to move a entire city all over Equestria.” add in Periodic. “Especially with how every Caribou and stallion there are searching for us in Equestria.” Magic hum, agreeing with his friend as it would take time, but he replied.

“Perhaps it would be the best if it did took nearly months, allow Jerry to handle the military, weed out the Caribous, and allow us to organize our forces to hit back the Caribou Empire with taking Cloudsdale? Spread the cure all over the land while others give the cures to those in quarantine?”

“By then, things will become more severe and cause the governmental structure to start collapsing in on itself.” Remarked Albert in a thoughtful manner. “A month is more than enough to start showing the signs of the cara festering in the ranks.”

Periodic rub his forehead as he sigh out. “Very complicated. Very complicated indeed.” Magic hum and suggest for them all.

“Perhaps we need to take a small break? Inform the Princess’s of this, and just try to figure this out carefully?” glancing to Periodic as he subtly added to Crisp. “And maybe let you relax more, I doubt all this added stress and overthinking will be good for your work, otherwise Pyro may decided to take hold for the rest of the time and ‘let loose’?” gaining Periodic to scowl some as the red stallion huff out.

“As if it won’t complicate matters more, Magic.”

Rubbing his shoulder and arm, Crisp said, “Relax dear. There’s nothing wrong with your other side, it’s just you.” Then smiled and gave a small squeeze to his shoulder. “You’re not as innovative as you are when like this. We both know it’s not the same rush you feel as Pyro.”

She glanced to Albert, the man having turned back to his PDA and walking off, announcing, “I’ll get back to synthesizing more of the cure.”

Crisp sighed and gave Periodic a look and assured, “There’s nothing wrong with you being your full self down here. Nothing to feel scared of subconscious about it.”

Looking to her, with a concern look on his expression as he said. “But Crispy, when I’m...Pyro, I get loose, I get destructive-- I might accidently damage the glass here, or worse, the equipment we have or Albert have. I worry when I become...him, that I might do something to endanger this entire Lab somehow.” glancing back as he told. “At least back in the Resistance base I felt assured that I won’t do much….” looking back at her as he went on. “But here? Under the sea and in limited space? I rather take the pills and keep Pyro in that place, where he won’t cause harm to anypony.”

While Magic would pointed out that Pyro couldn’t do much, he held his words as when it comes to Periodic creative side with a touch of Primal magic...he knew that the earth stallion may have a point, who knew what his creative side could do under here?

“Would Pyro do anything to hurt me?” Asked Crisp in a soft tone.

He didn’t even had to think on that, as he replied lowly as he looked to her. “No...we love you too much to do anything to hurt you, Crispy.”

Smiling, Crisp told, “Then I think I can trust you both enough to not cause any large trouble, right?”

He gave a sigh, knowing she was right as he nodded, although he felt a rather low blush in embarrassment as Magic add in. “Plus, I think Crisp is just waiting for you to be Pyro, so you two might enjoy the ‘wild times’ and be more ‘expressive’.” glancing to his friend, Periodic remark.

“Since when are you able to make innuendos with a calm expression and tone?” Magic smirk as he motioned to the pegasus holding his arm close to her chest.

“Since I married this lovely addictive named Zealous as my wife.”

With a stink eye, Crisp said, “This is hardly about sex, Magic.” A little miffed at him and her friend, who gave a mischievous giggle.

“If you’re done?” Albert spoke up, “Maybe you should go and take your time off?”

Sighing out, Periodic nodded. “Of course, of course.” then look to Crisp with a smile and said. “Come Crispy, while I’m certain Magic and Zealous will do what they’ll eventually do, we can relax, snuggle,” and added with a nuzzle to her cheek. “And maybe encourage Pyro to come out to do something artistic and fun? I’m certain that while I’ll be out of hand-- I know you’ll at least will hold my attention and keep me in the room with Pyro out and about.”

Rolling her eyes, Crisp began to pull him along and tell, “Well, there are a few ideas I thought you’d enjoy.” Then paused to tell to both Magic and Zealous, “You two, behave.”

With a smile, Zealous said, “Crisp, we’re adults-- we’ll be fine!”

“For adults you both act like hormonal teenagers a lot of the time.” Crisp said in a knowing tone before she and Periodic began to move out.

In turn to that, Zealous blew a raspberry Crisp’s way and said, “It’s called a healthy sex life!”

“Not to mention it's also a enjoyable way to spend time with one another.” added Magic as they saw the two leaving...and him looking at Zealous with a knowing look and asked. “How long until you think Pyro will find a way out of the Lab and pester ponies with his innovations of bombs and wants to make a combustion lemon? A week at best mostly due to Pyro attempting to swim in the ocean?” already starting to walk towards their own lab area for their own work.

With a grin, Zealous said, “You mean if he can slip away from Crisp long enough? I give it two.” Giggling some in thought before saying, “I think he’s going to go stir crazy if he stays down here for longer than a month. Pyro doesn't have the same patients like Periodic~”

Laughing some, he shook his head as he told. “Indeed he doesn’t, I dare say Crisp might have to think of new ways to keep Pyro occupy with something other than bomb making and going around to spread art bombs.” Although he held a amused look and suggested. “Maybe suggest Crisp to let Pyro out on the island once in awhile? At least get him some fresh air and move around.” then shake his head, imagining that it might cause more issues for the Resistance than anything.

Although he couldn’t help but added in wry amusement. “Maybe let the Princess’s meet Pyro once in awhile? I’m sure they might have some entertainment with him around.” although he frown as he added. “But I think we may need to figure a way to keep Pyro here, sooner or later those pills will run out, and I doubt that Crisp will be able to keep his attention longer than a month when the pills are gone.”

Sighing to that, Zealous agreed. “This isn’t a place for him. Crisp said Pryo’s like a open canvas-- needs space for his art to grow. And I think I have to agree.” Then went on while waving her hands about, “He needs a really big canvas because his art get’s everywhere-- on and off the canvas!”

Humming some, he suggested with a wry smile. “Maybe ask Jerry to keep Pyro in the Dark Castle and toss him to Equestria now and then to ‘spread his art’?”

“That’ll really put a twist in Commander Pearl’s panties!” Giggled Zealous with a wide grin.

“Considering she, Stone, and Screech been pushing him for months on results in the Resistance base-- I say its poetic justice that Pyro really mess up their day with him around Equestria.” then added in slight amusement. “I dare say if I suggested this to the Princess’s, they might even allow it just to ‘aid the Overlord’ in his raids.” although a thoughtful look came to him, as they made a turn to a hall, going down their way to their labs as he told. “But…”

Thinking some more as he said. “Now that I think about it...I doubt we’ll see Periodic again after Equestria is saved.” looking to Zealous owlish expression as he explain. “Before the Caribous arrived, there was a supply of medicine, of pills for Periodic to take if Pyro gets out now and then. Ever since their occupation, those sorts of pills haven’t been made and the ingredients to make them were probably used for whatever reasons.

“I dare say that when we take back our nation, organized things and get back on our hooves, the pharmacists will have to make the medication for other needs than Periodic conditions. I can see that it might take months, maybe a few years before they start making the pills for Periodic needs. And at that point? Pyro will be out 24/7 and probably won’t take the pills ever again.”

“And is that really a bad thing?” Magic had to blink a bit at Zealous response, as she went on, “I mean… would Periodic, really be… sad at the idea?” Then went on, “Sure he… act’s different, but he’s still the same pony. Still remembers the same things and… stuff. It’s not like he’s changed.” Then smiled, “Just a little more free, right?”

Thinking over that, the unicorn amended. “Honestly? I think Periodic will want to not take the pills again. Mostly because he’ll be able to do what he couldn’t when we were colts, be childish and free.” snorting some as he told. “Something he wasn’t allowed when younger, I dare say as Pyro, he’ll embrace his creativity and might enjoy being more than a researcher..” then added.

“Admittedly, I doubt he would be needed as a researcher for elements again.”

“You mean, besides making bombs.” Pointed out Zealous.

Nodding, Magic said. “Yes, beside making bombs.” going down to their labs, seeing the clones finished with the work as he went on. “And honestly? I might like having Pyro around again, as much as I enjoy Periodic as himself...there are times when I want to see Pyro just...pop out of nowhere with his ‘art surprise’ now and then, just to keep me on my hooves.” musing a bit, he added.

“And who knows, maybe he’ll figure out how to make those lemon bombs he wanted so much.” seeing her giggle as he smile, as he knew they had work, and maybe fun to do. Maybe do some of their ‘research’ like back in his mansion?

Next Chapter: A rising Epidemic Estimated time remaining: 32 Hours, 40 Minutes