Hey, finally moved in that new place I mention in last chapter, so progress of the chapters will be...easier. Not on time, but easier.

The Gate activated, as Jerry appeared in his Arcanium set of armor, moving down with his titanium blade in sheath as he saw a guard waiting for him as she told in a strain tone. “Good timing. We were about to send for you, Brigadier Screech has found what she was attempting to gather.” then motioned him to follow, as Jerry comply. He idly wonder what the old thestral managed to find, as she motioned him into the tent, as he enter in, seeing her, Pearl, and Armor as he spoke.

“Hello Shining, Pearl, Screech.” looking to them as he asked to the thestral. “What did you managed to find out?”

Sighing, Screech told, “A complication.” Looking heavily annoyed while leaning a bit on the table that held a map of Equestria. One could find many plans and what looked to be used blocks to represent a few missions that were going on and where. “One of my spies has just gotten back to me about that little ‘hunch’ of yours about that play?”

Looking up, the old thestral told, “They were planning to make it happen, it turns out. Even go as far as to use the elements in it. But it was canceled, mostly due to the virus spreading around. They didn’t want to risk their greatest prizes, so the Caribou are in the process of getting a secure location made. Furthermore? This location is being made to be sterilized and free of the virus… a safe house.”

“A safe house? How could they make it into a safe house, if they don’t know how to fight back against the virus?” asked Jerry, as Shining told.

“Mostly by getting the most healthy, most ‘clean’ and powerful magic around the area to ‘stop’ the plague to make sure that their prizes won’t get sick.” gripping on the table and told. “But even if we managed to find out more of this safe house...its a trap for us.”

A trap? question Jerry, and while he wanted to ask, he consider that it could be a trap mostly because it would be heavily secured with the ‘best of the best’ guards. “So, if it's a trap for us, and if they are being place in the safe house...what are our options?”

Huffing to that, Screech told, “The best option we have? Intercept the elements before they reach this safe house.” Then pointed at the map, marking out a few train stations and paths. “All the Elements bare Generosity is being moved to a location that’s being hidden by most, right here.” Tracing to a forested area not too far from Canterlot, and right in the Foal Mountains next door to Hollow Shades.

“According to what we know, there’s a high amount of security and patrols. Even security checkpoints to keep everything on full lockdown.” She looked up and went on, “With this massive move of currently healthy people, it’s caused plenty of attention for my spies. They have a good idea of where each of the five are being moved-- except the remaining Element that’s someplace north with the Flim-Flam brothers.”

That was when Shining said, “But we also know from what Dr. Albert told us that all it takes is a touch to spread the infection, and it doesn't show until a couple of weeks after infection. Even if the Caribou think they cleaned them-- there’s a good chance one is infected, or someone else is. If we don’t get them soon, then they’ll be in a place we can’t reach and will die for sure.”

Looking at the area, Jerry told. “I can at least travel to that area with a Gate near Hollow Shades.” Pearl snort and questioned.

“And you think you can storm right in and hope to just get all five element bearers?” Almost expecting him to answer yes as she told. “After all, with your Gates, I’m certain you can handle intercepting them all.”

“No. I can’t.” causing all three to look at him as Jerry told. “Even if I could make Gates near their location, there’s no guarantees that I could storm in, take each element bearer and get out.”

“Odd, usually you say you can, what change?” questioned Screech with a snort.

“For one? I’m wearing my Arcanium armor, and while it is powerful and protects me, there isn’t a guarantee that it can stop everything or make me able to charge through steel shields like my other armor. Two? Even if I got my other armor to keep me protected, they’ll use runic shields again to stop me from charging through. Three? They have all five heavily guarded, meaning they got the elitist keeping watch, maybe even have species who could certainly harm me with enough force and damage given time. Even cause me to lose my Minions faster than I can replenish them. These are the element Bearers, and the Caribous might pay no expense to keep the mares under lock and key.”

“And who do you think could actually harm you enough to make you worry?” questioned Pearl as Jerry asked back.

“What's one of the dangerous species that nobody wants to piss off of?” and before they answer, he told. “Dragons.”

“You’re assuming a lot that they are ready for you to jump at them.” dryly said Pearl as she questioned. “What makes you think they’ll be ready for you, and set up everything to stop you at all? For all we know, they assume we might intercept them as they think we’re still in Equestria.”

“Maybe I’m assuming too much,” admit Jerry. “But considering I’ve been raiding them a lot, stole both Celestia and Luna from Canterlot itself, make Gates all over where I please that they can’t stop, and cause the Empire to be frozen over? they've been trying kill me so much since I made trouble. It’s admittedly a stretch, but you can’t deny that they’re scared shitless of me.”

They considered this, and Screech slowly nodded. “They might not be fully ready, but at the very least they’ll be prepared just enough to hold you off.” Then glared at the location adding, “But that still leaves us the problem of getting the five bearers we can reach. Or how to stop them from reaching their intended goal.” Then looked up telling, “My spies are already doing what they can to slow the progress, but it will only give us a few days to both plan and coordinate to intercept. A week at most will be our window.”

Moving a tad forward to lean over the table, Shining Armor agreed, “We don’t have that much time and we still are working off of second hand information. We don't know the full numbers or detachments that will be guarding each mare. Only their set paths and who’s being collected on the way there.” Then he narrowed his eyes, “What we need is something unconventional. They might be expecting something from either ‘Resistance’ or you, Overlord…” Trying to think of something.

Thinking some as he look a the map, Jerry asked. “Why not jump at them with using the rivers?” gaining looks as he told. “Back in Trottingham, I jumped in a river, walked on up to dry land, and finish my job.” rolling a hand around as he saw their questioning looks as he told. “My suit came in with airtanks and LED lights. Albert idea. So, why not we use a unconventional way of using the river against them-- specifically, using these underwater things to our advantage?”

“Does it look like we have anything like that?” Asked Pearl in an almost exasperated tone. “We’re not seaponies!”

Jerry sighed out and said in a deadpan tone. “I was suggesting we could ask Albert for assistance with using the river for anything underwater related.” motioning to the map as he told. “There is a lot of river movement around, and from what I gather, they are all gathering in one place-- that's near the rivers. So, we could ask Albert for help since we got a week until they get to the safehouse, right?”

While they thought to that, Shining gave a firm nod and told, “Maybe he can give us more than just a way to ambush form the water.” Glancing up and continuing, “Albert was the one responsible for masterminding the whole Crystal Empire siege, moving of thousands ponies, the following rescue of the princesses and also the details of how to accomplish each task. Correct?”

Humming some, Jerry nodded and told. “Yeah pretty much, hell if we gave him all the details? He’ll make the plan in a single day with how smart he is.” then told. “Hang on, I’ll get him on the comms.” turning to walk out as to get Albert up here, or at least a Comms to let the ponies inform him.

When the call was patched through, Albert had to place a few things on hold. Mostly concerning his projects concerning the Prawn and the final version of the Armor for Jerry. Oddly, the call was from Jerry, who was calling from the Military installation of the ponies.

It all made sense though, when he was given the details. That five out of the six element bearers were going to be moved to a secure, well defended and sterilized location to survive the Cara. This he felt was naive of the caribou, but it’s not like they knew what he did. The further information of the base being located at some mountains and a forest was also thankfully given, along with some details of the main routes being used-- such as the train tracks that bottlenecked to a bridge that went over a river, a river all around the target locations right and front flanks.

For a moment Albert ran the idea of a underwater ambush through his head, and admitted it would work… but the ponies needed air tanks, and he had no doubt a few would want Prawn Suites-- meaning some of the security needed to help. But he knew the suites were not fast, it would take a few days to reach the location unless a gate was made a bit more closer to the area.

But his largest concerns were this safehouse and the train. Both were problems. Even if they did make a ambush location all set up-- chances were they would rush by with the train and skip it all together. What they needed was time, to stall…

“Jerry.” Began Albert, “Can you please hold for a moment while I confirm something?”

“Sure, go on ahead. I’ll let them know you’re checking on something.” said the speaker on the other line.

“It won’t take long.” Assured the infected man, hand being taken off the communications array while he pocketed his hands into his lab-coat and walked. He left his lab, then moved onwards towards a specific lab, one that he first knocked on and waited for the door to open.

It was thankfully answered, and with Crisp there. She straightened out her lab coat and removed some spectacle glasses from her muzzle, saying, “Albert, is there something you needed?” Moving the door open more, giving sight to Periodic working on some chemical mix.

Nodding, Albert spoke, “I recalled you mentioned something about high-yield explosives from before?” Making both ponies pause. “Can I ask if there’s a means to gain a few hundred explosives of varying types for incendiary, large shatter damage, high yield destructive damage and possibly a few kinds of small area trip-mine types?”

Periodic carefully place his work down, getting up from his chair to walk to Albert as he said. “There is, Albert.” dusting himself off as he spoke on. “However we don’t have any here at the moment, nor have the supplies...but it can be done with some, persuasive suggestion. How soon do you need it?”

“The high yield, shutter and incendiary types in a day or two.” Told the scientist. “If you need supplies, I’ll let you have access to one of my locker rooms. The forward lines asked for a solution. I figured one, but I need to make sure they can get the base explosives first, before going on to the more… creative kinds.”

A slight exciteful shiver came up from Periodic, as he clear his throat. “Well Albert, I can managed to get all of that done within a day, but there is a...slight problem. I would need to get my ‘creative side’ out for bomb making. He tends to...enjoy crafting all sorts of things and can easily craft a few hundred of the explosives you ask for.”

Nodding, Albert told, “That is acceptable.” Then went on, “I need enough to cause the side of a mountain to suffer a fairly major rockslide. Enough to possibly damage or bury any structured near it. Enough incendiaries to damage multiple tracks. And enough explosives for mildly damaging a bridge-- just unstable enough to deter its use, but stable enough that if a train goes over it, makes it become stuck instead of flying off the tracks too out of control.”

Glancing at the slight tension in her husband’s body, a small smile appeared on Crisp’s lips and she glanced and nodded. “We’ll get right on it and ready, Albert.”

Giving his own nod, Albert said, “Once you’re finished with the initial three explosive types? You may proceed to make a fairly sizable stock of mine, gas and stun grenade types. Those will be the last thing needed, and you might have a extra day or two to make as many as possible before they get sent off.”

He turned and told, “I’ll update you later. I need to tell the others my plan.” walking down the hall and making his way steadily to his lab. He figured it had been a few minutes before he got back on, but when he did, Albert told, “I have something. As soon as I’m able, I’m going to send a detachment of Seamoth’s with the needed supplies.”

“Listen closely, Jerry. You will have three kinds of explosives. Shatter. Normal. Incendiary. The first is going to be used on the mountains, after locating the base. Set them up and make them discharge and burry or possibly heavily damage the complex. Similarly, have the normal explosives set at the bridge to damage it-- but not fully bring it down. Lastly, the incendiaries are to be used on the multiple tracks leading up to the bridge. All this is to buy you time before going to the second phase.”

“Okay...Shatter, normal, and incendiary. First on mountain near base, second on bridge, and last on tracks. Got that written down, what's the next phase-,”

There was a loud echoing shout of excitement. “B-BOOMBS! HAHAAHAHAHA!”

“....the hell was that?” questioned Jerry.

“A fellow enthusiastic mind of science.” Responded Albert without seeming to blink once. “Now, phase 2. This will be a trickier part.” Thinking a moment to organize his thoughts before going on, “With things slowed down, locate each of the trains and confirmations. If possible, deploy at the sabotaged locations and perform a quick assault-- objective the Element’s at each location. No one else, there won’t be time to get anyone else.”

“At the same time, another supply of explosives should be ready and at the military base. Make sure the ambush team by the river is well stocked with these explosives, which are and not limited to. Mines. Flashbangs. Stun grenades. Gas grenades and possibly other grenades and traps of explosive variants.”

“Do not, repeat, do not, set off the charges at the bridge until there’s conformation that there are a few trains on route to your location if the prior assaults failed. When you spot and confirm they are heading your way, then set off the charges and damage the bridge. This will further slow them down, and allow you to go on with the ambush.”

There were sounds of writing as Jerry said. “Okay...got that up...Anything else?” asked Jerry, wanting to make sure that was all or if there was more.

“... Lastly, as a precaution measure.” Added on Albert, “I may ask for a much more powerful explosive. Or a few strong ones. If you figured it out, most of these bombs will be inserted into their locations by stealth teams. Your greens are mostly needed for that. In case there is a failure to get all elements… make sure a few highly powerful explosives are with the base. That way, if they slip by with one mare?”

“Press the switch and deny them their hiding place.” That was all that needed to be said, in a sense.

“Add in big bombs with Greens to screw Caribous.” finished up Jerry as he asked. “You think whoever is making the bombs can handle such a tall order? I mean, sure we got a week...but I doubt whoever making these bombs could do it all easily.”

“I have faith.” Told Albert. “You would be surprised what you can do in a day. Even more when you have a large pool of materials to use at your disposal. Don’t worry too much about it. I’ll make sure the order is filled out.”

There was a sigh as Jerry said. “Alright, I’ll let the other's know of the plan. Take care Albert.” ending the call as to inform the ponies of this, and admittedly felt it could work…

However when he did inform them the plan, even the back up plan, Pearl furrowed her brows and told with a frown. “While it is unorthodox...it could work.”

Shining held a bigger frown and question. “But how can we get all that explosives? I doubt there’s anypony down there who can make that many bombs.” Jerry honestly agreed to this, as he wonder what Albert planned...although Pearl groan out as she facepalm and muttered out.

“I forgot. ‘Pyro’ lives there too.”

“Who?” asked Jerry in confusion. “I don’t recall anyone named Pyro in the base...did they came to Alpha base recently?”

Almost looking grim, Screech said, “No… Pyro is some alter ego of Dr. Tables.” Raising a hand to tap her head telling, “When he’s not on his medication, he becomes a madpony that thinks of nothing but explosives and large amounts of collateral damage. In short, a loose cannon that is a huge liability than anything else.”

“Huh…” started Jerry as he asked in concern. “So, are we going to expect any possible damages to Alpha Base? Because I think having someone who love blowing stuff up, in a underwater location...is a terrible idea.”

Crossing her arms, Pearl said, “That’s something we both can agree on-- ‘Pyro’ is solely responsible for nearly 8% or more of damages inside the Resistance bases alone when unhinged.” Then motioning her arm, “We had to get his wife to help ‘resolve’ the problem, but even then there’s damage!”

Sighing, Screech told, “We respect the Princess’s choice, but everypony that was on the lead of the Resistance felt it was a bad idea for Periodic to be in a possibly highly fragile place where a single breach means drowning to death.”

“....” Jerry just look at them as he turn his head and asked to Shining. “How bad was he before the Caribous came?”

“You want the rare few legal accidents, or the reports given by his own doctors at the time since he was a colt?” Asked Screech.

“Judging from that alone, I’m surprise he’s not in jail, or been in jail before the Caribous came.”

Rolling her eyes, Screech told, “Parents were fairly moderately high in noble standing. Not too big and noticeable, but just enough to brush a few legal issues aside to have a heir to their land and family holdings.” Then proceeded to tell, “Really things settled down when his wife showed up. Only pony ‘Pyro’ seems to listen to.” Then soon amended, “Well… her or Magic.”

“Well...at least with the wife and friend keeping a eye on him, he shouldn’t cause too much damage…” said Jerry as he added. “And its not he’s some mad genius that can make anything in a bomb, right? So we should be good.”

“You’ll be surprise what he can make with a tissue, some dust, a paperclip-- and some pencil shreddings.” dryly remarked Pearl.

“...do you mean to tell me he can literally craft anything into a bomb?”

“He is an expert chemist with full understanding of the periodic tables.” Dryly responded Pearl. “Even if half the things he makes don’t make sense, or shouldn’t be explosive in the first place. He finds a way.”

“You know...I’m kinda surprised Celestia and Luna actually allowed Periodic to be there with his condition. I really am.” said Jerry.

Looking to the two mare’s, Shining agreed, “I’m starting to feel the same.” Twisting his face a bit into irritation, “If I had to guess? I don’t think they knew. I didn’t know until just now.”

“And...you never mention of Periodic condition to them….why?” asked Jerry to the mares. “I mean, they could've been told that it would be a bad idea for him to be there, underwater, and could accidentally drown nearly everyone.”

Snorting some, Pearl told. “Ironically? We did. Told them it was a bad idea, but for some odd reason, they look like they knew that he wouldn’t cause any harm at all.” Making Jerry almost wanting to facepalm as he consider something.

“If I had to guess? They probably thought the only one who could control him was his wife and Magic. Keep him under tabs.”

Sighing, Shining said almost under his breath, “Celestia, please tell me you weren't being overly optimistic again?” As if he knew that was possibly the reason why that happened.

Regardless, the prince took a sharp breath in and said, “Forget it…” Then looked to Jerry and said, “Overlord… this plan is going to be a long process. We might have the directly needed outline, but now we have to take what we’re given and make it work.” Then frowned, “Like how we’ll distribute all the explosive types and the best locations to use them on.”

“Agreed.” Screech nodded. “We need to go over the map and find the most ideal locations to start Phase 1 and plan out phase 2 and 3 along the way. We only have two days at best to get all those details down with what resources we have at our disposal.”

Thinking some, he said. “I could at least create multiple Waypoint Gates for you all to start spreading out. Phase 3 I can handle with my Greens alone.” thinking some as he added. “I could also lend you maybe 15 Greens for each group to spread the bombs. Easier way to be fast and sneaky at the same time.”

“Five.” Jerry nearly blinked and turned to look at Screech. “We need to spread out far as we can. If what you said is correct, I don’t expect the incendiary bombs to be too large, five would be more than enough to carry them.” Then looked to the map adding, “I can get a message out to a few of my own. Set up locations to pick up the packages from your little imps and then set them into key locations to cause the best amount of damage.”

Thinking some as he thought. It can work, 5 each, all spread out and carry them in locations...but… grimly thought as he look over the map. I never could spread my mental control across the map for getting the Minions to do what I want them...might experience more than a migraine.

“Overlord?” question Pearl as he look back to them and said.

“I was just thinking. I never send them out across multiple areas for set up or pick up. Might loose a couple Minions from wildlife or patrol if they aren’t careful.”

“But your Greens are stealthy and fast.” said the white unicorn mare as Jerry reminded.

“And they are also stupid.”

Thinking some, Screech said, “Then have a few drop off locations near gates.” Looking to Jerry with a slight glare and told, “Five at a time for the needed speed and stealth. They place the package down in a marked location for my spies to pick up and deploy quickly. The whole traveling process from gate to gate should only take a few hours-- more than enough time to get the job done in a single day.”

Hmm...they can simple at least that command. Drop off locations, let her spies pick it up. Yeah that can work. “Easily doable for them.” then said. “Just give me locations of where to make the Gates so I can get them to drop off the bombs for the spies to take.” seeing Screech look over the map, quickly marking down a few places as she look up and question.

“This good enough for you?” Jerry examine the x marks, hoping Gnarl is taking a look at this as he replied.

“It is. When the bombs come? I’ll start getting them all up and deliver the bombs.” then asked. “Now, about the ambush? Do you require my Minions for that part? If so how many from each tribe?”

They looked to one another, and it was Shining that said, “That depends on what we’re given.” Looking to Jerry as he admitted, “None of our troops are trained for… sub-aquatic ambushes… not many are.” Then motioned to the man, “You walking through water in heavy armor is unheard of, even more using air tanks.” Then asked, “How did you get air tanks installed with armor in the first place?”

“Albert.” told Jerry simply. “He provided me some nifty upgrades for my Titanium set as precautions. Thankfully they paid off when I had to jump in the river.” then look over as he said. “From how I see it, I might have to give a mix set. Mostly because of how unorthodox this is. The best I can give is maybe 15 to 20 Browns, 5 Reds, 15 to 20 Greens depending if you want assassins to jump on them from behind. And maybe 10 Blues.”

“Why so few Reds?” asked Pearl.

“Just in case I don’t start a forest by pure accident. Those Reds love to burn anything if you recall.” told Jerry. “Beside, not enough cover for them to be archers, so might as well keep a few while have plenty of Browns or Greens, right?”

While Shining questioned that line of logic, he did say, “If you think it’s best. But I’d think that the lack of cover would be to their advantage, since that would go the same for the Caribou forced to leave the train to investigate. Maybe give area denial.”

“It’s up in the air, Captain.” Spoke out Pearl. “What I’m worried about is one last detail, the element of Generosity.”

Nodding and hand to chin, Shining agreed, “Right… Rarity… she’ll be up north, and we don’t know where the brothers are completely. We need a way to get her too, preferably before Dainn decides to send for them and get her himself.”

Jerry frown, looking at the map as he admit. “And I haven’t have much time to create a few Gates up north,” looking at the map as he told in a annoyed tone. “Mostly because of the Crystal Mountains. The best I could do is go around it-- but it’ll take longer time for me at all.”

“Can’t you just create one without traveling far?” asked Shining. “You did the smaller Gates.”

“The Waypoint Gates are for one use. Quick travel and easy to remove. What I am referring to is a Main Gate, which you already noticed, is something that sticks in one location and is harder to remove.” as he added. “And even if I could create Waypoint Gates to lessen travel time, the problem is that over the Crystal mountains is a big bunch of nothing except for tracks.” and added sully.

“And even if I could create a Waypoint Gate either near or within the Mountains? It’ll get frozen over in a block of ice.”

Confusion on her face, Pearl said, “Wait, frozen over? How?”

“It must be the chaotic storms that work around the Empire.” Spoke up Shining Armor, “Without the Crystal Heart, there’s no protection from it. The storm is strong enough that Celestia admits it’s hard for herself and Luna to handle it. It took the Crystal Hearts more larger, ancient power to hold it off-- even dissipate it. Without it there? It get’s too cold, too fast. Even the Overlord might freeze solid because his armor’s joints collect and clog with icing over.”

And while Jerry didn’t want to admit that, he had to. “I would have to use my strongest Shield spell to even travel without ice hitting me. Even my Minions may freeze off.” and told in a agitated tone. “I literally tried it once, sent a Red through and found it was frozen in a block of ice. Still alive, but can get frozen over.”

“So the only way to get up north is by train.” said Pearl in annoyance. Jerry nodded, as he felt her annoyance.

He sighed as he told. “For now, let's focus on the plan.” they all nodded as they went further on the phases.