When Jerry returned, he was faced with a fairly impressive gathering of ponies. Eight were there and waiting for him, a good portion of them being thestral or pegasus. He could see Spree there, talking to the largest portion of the group, while off to the side was a thestral stallion looking over a map.

When Jerry began to approach, Spree’s ear flicked and her head turned. She gave a smile and said, “Jerry, good to have you with us.” Then motioned for her group to relax while moving up to him, saying, “How’s the girls holding up at the castle? I hope things are getting ready for that move Shadow mentioned about the people being sent to your side?”

Chuckling some, Jerry told in amusement. “I’ve been doing construction, making the Minions start prepping rooms and areas, asked Jasmine to start painting directions for newcomers.” then joke. “Even added baby supplies on that List of Raiding you provide me with. And the oddest thing of all? Quaver seem more happy since Shadow became the ‘Mistress’ of the Castle, and Gnarl seem more grouchy than ever.”

Chuckling, Spree said, “Sounds like an improvement if the Toad is getting annoyed.” Then calmed down saying, “Anyways, these are who’s going to be part of our group during the mission.” Then motioned back, “Palm and Flake are two of my own. We’ve been working as a squad since I got done with formal training.” Both earth and pegasus making their respective salutes when introduced.

Motioning nearby, Spree went on, “That’s Sergeant Azure Skies, she was on your last mission. By her are the other volunteers, Lance, Mist and Ash.” Once more, the pegasi and lone thestral in the group making their own salutes, though they were not looking as friendly.

Lastly, Spree motioned to the stallion with the map and told, “And over there is going to be our spook for the mission, Seeking.” Then smiled, “Captain Armor said you know him?”

“Yes, the Lieutenant helped me get into Canterlot and met with Magic,” then joked to Seeking. “How is the lady doing by the way?” Seeking glance and snort in slight amusement.

“Fierce been doing great, adjusting some, but she helped keep the heat off of me in more ways than one.” chuckling as he admit. “Also creative in keeping me ‘busy’ with work for the deers.” then held a neutral look as he asked. “Are you able to make us a Gate close to the area instead of going to Manehatten?”

“The best I can do is get us near the tracks,” started Jerry, motioning to the map. “I never fully been in that barren wasteland, so the best I can do is by the train tracks.” Seeking nod as he told.

“That’ll do.” then asked. “How many of your imps you’ll bring?” Jerry hum a bit, as he answered.

“18 Browns, 10 Reds, 15 Greens, and 7 Blues.” Seeking blink some, and asked.

“Why different numbers of them?” wondering why they aren’t all tens or twenties.

“Mostly because I’m being cautious, I don’t want to assume that anything in there can be handled with lesser numbers of Minions.” and added. “Not to mention not have anything kill my Blues in their posts.”

Shaking her head, Spree asked, “Can you be ready to leave now, Jer?” Which did cause him to look at her in a funny manner while she told, “Captain Armor’s orders. Said that something came up and we should get moving as soon as you came back.”

“We can leave right now, armor’s all repaired.” replied Jerry with a nod, turning as Seeking rolled up the map and ordered.

“Alright, lets move out ponies.” taking his gear of blades, quiver with longbow and following the Overlord. While the mares followed, Mist snort some and mutter under her breath.

“Can’t believe we have to follow not only the damned Overlord, but the ‘honorable’ guard too.” slightly glaring at Seeking in his ‘Caribou armor’. “He didnt even change into something more fitting. Bastard.”

With a sharp look, Spree said, “Suck it up, Mist. That’s his cover and he’ll need it later when dealing with those brothers when we find them.” Then motioned, “Come on. In formation now.” Watching them move and get in their lines-- but also rolling her eyes. Sometimes she wished these ponies could just be like the guard her father was part of-- composed and much more disciplined.

Still, she herself wasn’t one to judge. She talked and acted out much more than even she should. With a sigh, Spree moved on ahead to come up with the two guys, going through the Gate and taking a moment to just pause and regain some semblance of self before walking again. Those things still made her feel a bit dizzy, even if it was for a small scant moment.

Seeking held his composer some, holding his head from the dizziness as he shook it off. He moved off the Waypoint Gate, seeing more of their group coming as some of the mares looked dizzy, as he glance back to the Overlord. Seeing him getting those imps out of the odd pits.

But when they form up, a Brown called out in cheer. “Gold mare! Gold mare!” a few jump up, as the eldest Green sniff some, seeing not only Spree, but Azure as it spoke.

“Pegasus! Pegasus!” waving some towards her. Jerry glance as he comment.

“Huh, I’m surprise he remember you that well, Azure.”

She gave a odd look to Jerry, then the minion before remarking, “It’s only been a few hours…” Not sure where the surprise was form.

Spree had to smile and move to the Browns, kneeling down to pat or hug a few of the Browns the recognized her before speaking up to the Pegasus, “The minions aren't always the smartest. For them to remember certain people for a few hours is actually a bit impressive.”

She glanced and noticed a few of the Blues also came to greet her, though one seemed to keep off to the side. She rolled her eyes, recognizing the blue, “Well, you’re still a ball of cheer, aren't you?” Though only watched the detached blue seemed to moodily, if not broodily look off to the side. It made Spree roll her eyes while getting up, “Sourpuss.”

She moved up to Jerry’s side, looking ahead where the tracks laid and the long sprawling hills past that. She took a deep breath and sighed before looking to Seeking. “So… a few days march, possibly a week if the weather gets bad, right?” Making sure she was right about how long it would take to reach the outskirts of their destination.

He nodded some as he told. “Exactly Corporal.” looking to the group as he went on. “We each take flight posts. Me and Flake are first, then Azure and Lance, and finally Mist and Ash. We switch for each 2 hours.” glancing to Jerry as he asked. “Your Blues will handle any sore wings during rest, correct?”

“Hey wait a minute,” started Lance with a stink eye to the Minions. “We aren’t letting them touch our wings, are we?” But one of the Blues, the one who was moody, spoke.

“Blue heals with magic, no touching of wings. Thought you knew, must be small brain than newborn.”

The pegasus stud felt his eye twitch at that, and muttered, “Why you…”

“Calm down Lance.” Chuckled out Spree, “Mori’s always like that.” Though a few gave the mare looks to that before she told, “They have names too. Not all of them remember or use them, but the minions have names of their own.” Then motioned, “Trust me, they can at least ease the soreness out of your wings.”

Sighing, Flake spoke, “But Ma’am.” Trying to speak as respectful as she could to her commander. “Are you sure we should… let them so close to our wings?”

Giving the mare a look, Spree assured, “They won’t do anything to hurt you. They’re good at their job, I should know. They helped heal me up when I stayed with Jerry.” Then motioned, “Now come on. We’re wasting daylight.” Then glanced to Seeking, “Keep talking Seeking. But do it while we move. We need to get to the outskirts as soon as we can, don’t need to get delayed by caribou patrols.”

Snorting some, he began walking with Jerry, as they kept in formation, as Mist herself look to the imps following the Overlord, and almost hurl from a sudden shift of wind. As a rotting, decaying scent came through her snout as she grabbed it with one hand and resist the urge to puke. “Oh by Celestia-- what's that awful stench!” trying to figure where it came from, as Jerry glance, noticing the wind direction, and what's behind him as he answered.

“That would be the Greens.”

While she made a gagging sound at the smell, a few of the greens began to snicker and chuckle to themselves. Spree eyed them and said, “I wonder if there’s any water on the way up?” Making them pause. “We could use the clean water to fill up our canteens… maybe dump the greens in for a quick bath?” Giving a grin at their reactions.

“No water! No water!” told a Green, as while some of the ponies were confuse, the lone moody Blue spoke.

“Unless you wish a watery grave for them, I suggest you keep them by land. Unless you prefer to waste time.” Jerry almost blink of the...near full sentence that Blue gave. Where have I heard his voice before? trying to recall the voice of the Blue.

“I’m just teasing, Mori.” Told the golden mare. “I already learned my lesson on trying to give them baths. They put up too much of a fight for it to be worth it.” Then remarked, “I’m honestly surprised they aren't easily discovered with how bad they smell.”

“It’s part of Green’s abilities.” told the Blue, as he added. “Beside, anything smell as Green, smell like dead carcass. To you all, their stentch means ‘don’t come close’.”

“He’s got that right.” said a slight green Palm. “Makes me want to move around the imps.”

Mori...Mori...Spree usually shorten names...so what's the full name of Mori? I heard that name before. but before he could think more, Seeking remark to Jerry.

“Seems odd, that one of your Minions could speak much.” making Jerry glance as Seeking continue. “You always said they were dumb to begin with.” To which the armored male respond.

“To be honest, the more a Minion lives longer, the more smarter they become. Just takes time for them to become smart.” then added. “Although Shadow sort of helped improve their intelligence, Pretty sure most of my Minions can do the ABC’s.” to which the Minions sang together.

“A, B, C, D,E, F, G!” laughing all the while.

The ponies had to give looks around to the childish singing, to which Azure had to say, “I have to give it to this Shadow. After hearing about how these… ‘minions’ act, it must have taken forever to get them to learn this.”

“Shadow always said they were like a bunch of little colts.” Remarked Spree with an amused smile. “Never staying still for too long.”

“You mean to tell me….these...little monstrosities…” started off Mist. “Are like...little colts?”

“Eh they’re not that bad, sure they break stuff and damage stuff, but they’re good at listening...most of the time.” said Jerry, then added to Azure. “Although surprisingly, everything Shadow teach is something they soak up to. Their small brains seem to take in everything she taught them.”

“Especially, those of the Blues.” added ‘Moris’. “Minions have different ways to think. Browns practical basic thought. Blues complex thinking. Green's creativity, and Reds instinctual thoughts.” looking at the ponies as he told. “We learn much, to serve the Master much more better, and follow orders much more clearer.”

There was a slightly stunned silence at that. Mostly at the fact of how well the lone blue was able to recollect and give this information in such a fluid manner. It even took Spree by surprise.

But for Jerry, it made him recognize the voice more clearly now. He turned his head just a bit to the side and spoke with a mixture of surprise and partial delight. “I recognized that voice! Mortis! I didn’t knew you were with me the entire time!” The Blue merely bowed a bit, before walking again with his brethren as he said.

“It is a honor, that Master know my name. Even more that I have managed to survive, especially against in the battle of the Dark Paladin. Even more against the former Overlord.”

Jerry gave a low chuckle to that. “Yeah, it is.” thinking some, as he knew Mortis in the second Overlord game...and bright idea came to him as he asked. “Mortis, how would you feel if I decided to grant you a chance to...learn more on revival and healing...in more bigger ways?” the Minion looked to him, as Mortis spoke.

“I would say, that I would be honored of the Master notice of my intellect, and would desire of me to learn more.” he then asked. “How will I gain this chance, Master?” Jerry look to Spree and asked.

“Say Spree, is Magic busy at all in Alpha base? Because I know what to ask him now with that boon he gave me.”

She gave an odd look to that, even more so when she tried to recall the name. She thought more on it and said, “Magic… Magic…”

Azure seemed to be the one that was helpful with, “You mean that rude Dark Mage?” Slightly screwing her face up before saying, “I’m not sure if Spree would know. No one back at base knows what he’s up to in that far off base except some of the higher ups.”

Thinking some, Jerry said. “Alright, so something to ask Shining then, maybe get Mortis here to meet Magic or something?” thinking a bit as Seeking glance and asked.

“How did you, managed to get that stallion to give you a boon of all things?” trying to figure out something that, in all hindsight, should be near impossible in the first place.

“Showed him a few things, that's all.” said Jerry as Mortis added.

“A secret, for a secret. It is something you ponies do not need to know, or should know.”

Shaking her head some, Spree asked, “If you want Mori to learn, why not send him back the next moment you get, Jer?” Then motioned around adding, “Maybe let him tell Gnarl or some other minions you’re wanting him to go to Alpha Base? You do have one of those weird shacks that Albert guy made with those communication boxes, right?”

Thinking some, he nodded. “I do, maybe when we rest up, I can get Gnarl to send a Waypoint Gate for me to send Mortis and get myself another Blue.” he then glance and asked. “But I am curious Mortis, how come you don’t talk often?”

“Because Master, I am usually not here in the horde, sometimes I sneak off from my brethren, attempting to read.” then gave a annoying look. “Or try to, with those infernal ‘books’ some dare to call. Amusing for Browns, lacking for me.”

With a look, Spree said, “You know you could always ask Shadow for something, she would be happy to help, I’m sure.”

The Blue shook his head saying. “The Mistress is already busy with teaching some of us Minions already, not to mention will have her mind occupy with the newly made nursery across the Master bedroom.” he then added. “But that Tablet has many things to offer in information.” this made them blink as Seeking glance and asked.

“What...Tablet?”

“Those white wand things that withhold many information, it provides a very, complex thing. To which I enjoy. But a dictionary helps me understand more words within the Tablet.”

“No, I mean...where did you get one?” rephase Seeking as Mortis said simply.

“Quaver ‘borrowed’ one from the angry black earth mare. Stonehooves if I recalled.” His answer made Jerry almost balked that Quaver stole something from the mare, or even had time to take it at all.

Similarly, Ash gave a long look and turned to Azure, making a few motions with her hand. While most were confused, Azure seemed to translate for them all. “Ash is asking how… Quaver?” Making sure she got the name right, “How he… borrowed it? I thought the Quartermaster was on the Base overseeing stocks? Aren't you…” trying to figure out how that could have happened.

With a screwed up face, Spree blinked and looked at the greens with a suspicious glance-- one that they pointedly seemed to ignore and be ‘distracted’ with other things.

“We Minions have our way.” was all Mortis said, as Jerry glance and asked.

“No seriously, how did you get it?” to which, Mortis answered.

“Before the move to the island, in the former Resistance Base, Quaver snuck through with some, aid, and took it from the mare before she noticed it.”

“You stole it.” Mist more or less accused.

Giving a glance, he said. “Stealing is merely part of what we Minions do. Is very simple to know.”

“Then why did you say you borrowed it?” questioned Lance as Mortis told with a simple tone.

“Minions lie too. Is it really surprising?” To which Jerry started to asked.

“Do you,” to which Mortis answered.

“To lie to the Master, is heavily frowned upon and is a taboo.”

“So you’re willingly to lie to us-- but not to him?” questioned Seeking as Mortis said.

“We live, we serve him, we fight, we die, this is what we are to Master, and what we will always be. Our Master is everything, and the reason Minion are borned. To lie to him...is to mark yourself a painful death among us Minions.”

Holding a particularly morbid frown, Spree said, “Do you ever try being cheery like the other minions, Mori? You can be so…” Dragging off before saying, “Dreary at times.”

“I am dreary, because I chose to be dreary. To not be what I wish, is a illusion I set myself up to be.” he then added. “And after reviving Minion upon Minion with their deaths, it is annoying to be cheery. The other's are cheery, is simply because they either chose to be, or do not have enough brainpower to think more.”

Shaking her head, Spree said with a slight smile, “Well at least you’re a lot more tolerable than the old Toad.”

“The Minion Master is too set in his ways.” Mortis said as the Blue looked around, seeing the greenery as he went on. “He see things in one perspective, because he enjoy being cruel and evil. He enjoys the Black/White visuals of life...and not much of the Master more, grayish perspective.”

With a slight twitch to that, Mist asked, “Grey?” Almost giving a half annoyed look and remarking with a deep frown, “I don’t think ‘grey’ really fits some of the things he’s done from what I heard.”

“Mist.” Started Spree.

“With respect, Corporal.” Started Mist, “There’s a few things I’ve heard of that I’ve heard the Overlord, Jerry do that I think are too unforgivable to be just grey-- tartarus, I think he even enjoys some of it.”

While Jerry ignored that, doing his best to focus, and Seeking glance, mostly keeping silent of the situation, Mortis seem to defend the Overlord, bristling as he did so. “To assume of the Master, you must be in ignorance, or seem to enjoy following the herd-mentality of these ‘hearings’. Lacking the basic thinking and common sense itself.” and before she could speak up, he told on.

“What you have fail to understand, much less think. Is that if you assume he is as bad you can say-- then you must consider this: He could be so much worse.” to which Mist raise a brow and asked in annoyance.

“Oh yeah? And how could he be so much ‘worse’?” to which Mortis simply answered.

“He could of been the Overlord the Minion Master wish to serve. Cruel and without a single moral to hold him back as corruption will power him to the point it would make the Caribous seem small in threat.”

While Lance snorted to that, Spree gave a slightly sour glance back and said, “Don’t doubt Jerry. He might not have the cleanest reputation with you, but he’s more better than you’re willing to give him credit for.” Then frowned, “If you were willing to actually give him a chance, he might actually surprise you.”

Mist only turned her head away with a slight huff, nose upturned and not seeming to want to listen to this fact. Spree shook her head and put it up to the fact Shadow used to be Jerry’s slave. It was a bigger insult to some thestrals and earth mares that those Jerry had as slaves were their own kind. Not that Spree could actually accused them badly. Even she was partially guilty of seeing Jerry in a bad light a few times before she got to know him better.

Ash held a slight doubtful look, looking at Mortis as she signed to Azure with a hand. ‘How could he have morals? Aren’t villains suppose to be, without morals?’ assuming that the Overlord didn’t have them to begin with at all.

Thinking some, Azure gave a shrug and told in return, “I’m sure there’s something there, Ash. I mean, if he was as bad as others made him out to be, I probably would have been left behind to be raped by Caribous.” Which made Ash prick her ears and look in concern and once more begin to sign.

Smiling, Azure told, “I’m fine, worse thing I got form the whole thing was a rough fall from a bola. But besides that, I’m fine and intact.” Then motioned her head to the Greens, “I actually have one of those green ones to thank. One of them heard me call out before coming back to cut me loose form the bola that trapped my arms and wing.”

Ash look surprise, looking to see which one did it, as Mortis helped. “It is the one with the most spikes and fangs. The one on the left part, Zippy if I recalled right.” and like that, the eldest Green glance back with his name spoke. With no added words to his name, the eldest went back looking ahead with the other's. Ash soon signed to Azure to ask for her on why Zippy saved Azure back then.

Giving a nod, Azure spoke, “Mortis? Ash… well, I guess Ash and I would want to know why Zippy saved me?” A little confused herself.

“For each mission the Overlord gets, he gives one clear command. Protect the ponies. If the ponies are in danger, he wants us to help them. When Zippy heard your call for help, the Master orders remind him to protect you. And in doing so, the other Greens move to protect you as well.” giving a glance as he added. “You must of noticed the added numbers during the trip back near the Master in that fight.”

The mare was slow to nod, not really sure how to comment.

Seeking glance to Jerry and comment. “Seem odd. You telling them to protect us, I would of thought you know how to handle casualties.” Jerry simply sigh and told simply.

“Most Minions, are simply reusable to me. And as much as I hate wasting Minion life-- I hate it even more when ponies lives are wasted, even more when I could prevent it. So I order my Minions to protect because the mares get it worse if they are caught.”

Azure looked away to that in thought. Mostly to how he said that. She had seen the fighting form the bushes before she and her group moved in-- the blues literally raised the dead minions back to life. He could afford the loss of their lives if they could do that. But for mares, even more for mare’s like her?

Looking up, Azure spoke, “Then thank you.” It seemed so adnormal, Jerry next to stopped to look back to her. “Thank you for doing that then.” Reaching to hold her elbow to admit, “A lot of us mare’s know what we’re putting at stake, and in truth, some like myself are more scared of what we’re putting at stake. So… I wanted to say thanks for at least taking us into consideration.”

Blinking a bit, Spree gave Azure a look and asked, “What puts you more at risk than other mares, Azure?” Looking her over. Spree had to admit, the pegasus was cute. Shorter than most, not too much of a chest and some nice hips… but it still made her wonder.

“I’m still a virgin.” Told Azure simple, making Spree and any others unaware just know how much it would of hurt the pegasus if she was ever caught and subsequently raped soon after.

Jerry nearly froze from under his suit, the implications of sparing not only her, but other mares who were virgins still were saved by his orders.Holy shit! I just saved maybe not her, but possibly other mares from such a fate! Still, he cleared his throat, glancing to her as he spoke. “Yes well...you’re welcome Azure...To be honest….” looking to the side as he told. “Its why I don’t mind having casualties of Minions for ponies well being. I rather lose 100 of them daily to make sure not a single member gets captured.” and added. “No offense Mortis.”

The Minion bowed. “We are naught but your servants and willing tools for you, Master.”

Spree slightly smiled at Jerry, a tinge of pride there. While she wouldn't admit it aloud, she felt she had a part to play in keeping him on the right path. Mori’s right… he could have turned out a lot worse. She frowned a bit to that and at the very thought of Gnarl. Back when she was Jerry’s ‘slave’, no matter how short, Gnarl was trying pretty hard to make Jerry into some great evil… using his temper to do that too.

Maybe I need to do something about that manipulating little toad when I get back. Thought the mare further. Jer’s doing good now… but for how long? She was admittedly worried for her friend, and she would be damned to let him just fall to the wayside without her or Shadow being there for him. Maybe Jade, Jasmine and Lovely too. Or others. She thought privately, glancing to Azure in thought.

---

As the days passed, did they noticed the near to empty landscape of...land, it seem like the more they walked into the land itself? The more lacking of life seems to become clear. As there was less vegetation, less grass, even less clouds in the sky. Becoming more and more like a barren wasteland, as during the trip, Seeking had to move patrols away from the group, as well as keeping up more often in the air in case a patrol spotted him.

And surprisingly enough, during each rest part, the Blues didn’t even need to touch the flyers wings, mostly hold their hands up to use their magic to remove the soreness. Granted Mortis had to leave through a Waypoint Gate so Jerry can get another Blue. But so far? There was a big fat nothing for them to see.

In fact, as they moved further into the barren land, less and less could be found. Less grass grew. Less water was found. Less clouds overhead and even less shade to be found. For each scouting flight done by their fliers, the less they seemed to find. All there was, was rocks, dirt, more rocks and even more dried out dirt.

It was a wonder to the group, how ANYTHING or anyone for that matter, would think this place was a good place to go into hiding in. Though Seeking was the one to point out that, due to it’s remote location and even it’s overall unmapped space, that nopony would bother looking here.

More than once they had to stop and take a moment to figure out where they were and what direction to take. With so little in terms of land formations to use, the map they had was only so reliable. It wasn’t until the fifth day that they stopped to get a Waypoint gate set up so Jerry could go and get some refreshment of supplies and to report what had happened.

During their time traveling, the element of Loyalty was finally retrieved, having nearly slipped past the Ambush group at the bridge, but was later boxed in at the completely decimated safehouse location. But past that, the Elements of Kindness and Magic were not found. There was an investigation-- but until then, they were at a dead end.

As for the group, they were still stuck with the puzzling question of where the brothers had vanished off to. So far they had no clues or ideas. It was later suggested to make for a new direction more east, mostly in hopes to find any sort of clues of where to find their targets.

By some off chance during the next day, they found something. The group had began to walk and had set up a small breaking point under what little shade they could get from a tall rock when Ash and Azure returned. Both mare’s were a little sweaty from the heat and their light leather armor adding to the climb of temperature. But Azure told, “We found something.”

They all turned their heads to the pegasus, who reached out for a provided for canteen to get a quick drink. She nodded to Flake and told to them all, “There’s a town out here.” Then pointed, “Just Northeast of here.”

Blinking some, Lance said, “A town? Here? Since when!?” He himself never heard of a town all the way out here of all places. He shifted some, mostly to try to let the heat escape from his slightly more heavy armor.

Jerry ignored the slight smell of his sweat, trying to keep still as part of him regrets having a black armor and not able to take it off at all. Part of him wanted to leave to get his Steel armor, but knew he might need the titanium just incase there was something deadly living here. I am so asking Albert if I can install a heat and AC in this armor some how! thought Jerry as Seeking glance to the two pegasus as he asked.

“Northeast? Are you certain?” Ash nodded as Seeking frown, as he told. “There were no reports of a town, even before the Caribou invasion.” hand under chin in thought. “How could a place like this sustain a town, there’s nothing livable here.”

Jerry felt the need to add in. “Well maybe that’s the whole point.” gaining their looks as he went on. “I mean, if you are trying to hide that someone lives in a place like this, you make sure you’re somewhere far where nobody sane will go long lengths in travel. And you grow your own crops somewhere that either has fertile land, or grow it underground.” Mist snort and questioned.

“And why do you think anyone want to hide out here?” Jerry thought for a moment and answered.

“Well, maybe Caribous cause people who made the town to hide here. Maybe some ponies who want to start a new life, or maybe escape from it-- maybe diamond dogs decided to invest.” shrugging as he went on. “But the point is, because this is a barren and desolated place...no one would think to look here when there's more greener pastures on the other side, right?”

Spree gave a odd look to Jerry’s reasoning, but she admitted that both he and Mist held points… but she instead turned and asked, “Azure, what was the town like?”

Thinking a bit, Azure told, “There were others walking about. We didn’t get close enough to see who-- we didn’t want to get spotted.” Then went on, “There are two columns of homes to either side with one singular house at the end of the main street. It’s… admittedly very neatly made. And there’s no real defense I can see. No walls, or trenches… not even sentry posts. Just… a normal looking town.”

She turned to Ash, who began to sign something. Azure was fast to translate. “Ash also saw what looked to be a path that lead away from the town a few. There are some fields not too far off, a small lake and a path that leads someplace else.” Then looked back admitting, “But she didn’t see anything else strange too.”

“Like a Town no one knew about in the middle of nowhere isn’t weird at all.” Dryly commented Spree.

While Seeking was thinking over this, trying to figure out how this town was made, Jerry couldn’t help but say. “Sure it’s weird, but it does sound like someone lives there.” Lance glance to Jerry and snort.

“Why not get your green imps to sneak around, get a good visual of the place for us?” Jerry consider that, but shook his head and told.

“No, it won’t work...there’s no greenery around.”

“Are you serious?” asked Mist as Seeking raise his hand up, motioning her to be quiet as he asked.

“Why?” wanting to hear the full reason as Jerry explained.

“The Greens can sneak around yes, but the environment works against them. They don’t have much spots to hide around, and aren’t able to use anything green, like bushes, to blend in. Even if I could get them to move around-- they’ll be spotted since it’s hard to sneak in the daytime and without any cover.”

Raising a brow, Flake said, “Then we wait until night. How is that much of a problem?”

“Maybe because we’re on a time limit?” Asked Spree in a simple manner. “We don’t know if Rarity is infected by the virus or not. If she is, she could be getting sicker-- the same for the town that’s probably infected now.”

Thinking more, the Lieutenant asked to Jerry. “Can you get the Minions to wait somewhere, maybe somewhere with cover until nightfall? For all we know, this could be a trap for unwary travelers or patrols.” the armored male though some, as he look to his Minions, seeing which was ‘smarter’ as he pointed to Zippy.

“You’re in charge, go over there.” pointing towards a large boulder as Zippy hooted.

“Me in charge! Minions follow!” leading the rest of the horde to where Jerry pointed.

“With respect sir,” started Msit. “Shouldn’t we have them with us when we go into town?” the stallion gave a glance to her, Seeking asked.

“Would you rather ruined the element of surprise when the Overlord let his imps come out and attack if it was a trap? With him walking with us without the horde, they assume he came alone. With the horde in hiding, we’ll have back up if it is a trap.”

Spree thought to that, and leaning on her spear, had to agree, “It would help maybe keep things a bit more calmer…” Then looked to Jerry and admitting, “But with Jer in that armor… I don’t think many would want to pick a fight with him in the first place.” Scratching her head before asking, “How are you holding up in that giant armor? I’m sweating a bit in mine, but it’s just steel. Yours….” Not sure how to lightly put it.

“Let me put it this way. I am sweating so much, I need to stand still to be cooled.” told Jerry, to which Mist snort out.

“Dumbass, why didn’t you change armor?”

“Because we had no idea what lives here.” answered Jerry. “For all we knew, there could of been giant beetles or even things living underground that could of pop up and attack us. This is my powerful-est armor. If I went with my Steel or Duranium armor, I wouldn’t last much a chance...and had lesser Minions.”

A few gave looks to that, but Spree herself sighed and told, “Well you won’t help us much if you suddenly have a heatstroke mid-fight. I had to nearly strip most of my cloths to keep myself cool under the armor.” Then motioned to him, “Your armors black-- that’s horrible in a place like this. You’ll overheat!”

“In hindsight, I should've gone with Steel.” admit Jerry.

“You know...for a scary Overlord...you’re kinda stupid to not think ahead of these things.” said Lance. Jerry snort as Spree gave a ‘you know he’s right’ look as Jerry suggest.

“How about I’ll just make a quick change to my Steel armor, while we plan on how to introduce ourselves to the town folk?”

Seeking thought over, and shake his head. “We can’t waste time, for all we know they and the element of Generosity could be in their final stages in the virus.” he then ordered. “If you’re sweating in that, maybe use up the last of your water supply to cool down a bit. Or sit yourself out to cool off. That way things can be less tense for us.”

Jerry thought over, and as much as he want to cool down, he just took his canteen, open it as he took off the helmet and drank down the rest of the water he had. Palm whispered to Spree. “I still can’t get over how weird he looks. It just looks so...different from a stallion.”

Giving a look, Spree whispered back, “I know, right?” Then told, “I’ll admit, the face is a little weird, but he does have a ripped bod under the armor.” Having a large grin in place. Though they heard Seeking calling them to get moving. But as they stood, Spree gave a glance and told, “Seeking?” Making him pause. “Maybe we should have a few of us remain here incase our numbers cause a problem. There will be nine of us going in.”

Thinking he ordered. “Spree,” looking at her as he went on. “You, Palm, Flake, Azure, Mist? You go investigate. The rest of us will stay here.”

“Wait, why am I staying?” asked Lance in questioning as Seeking glance and told.

“Because we don’t know anything of the town inhabitants, and for all we know, this could be a refuge for mares.”

Scrunching up her face, Mist argued, “What if it’s something else entirely?” Then motioned a hand out going on, “What if this is some off-shot caribou town that just wasn’t mentioned? Or something else along the lines like those hidden research places?” And while it didn’t sound like one, Jerry himself knew that at times they could be hidden or disguised as other things to throw of the resistance in the past.

Thinking to that, he had to agree the logic. “Fair point, I haven’t dig enough and this could be possibly recent, or something even I couldn't’ dig up.” then told. “Azure, you and Ash stay with the Overlord. The rest of us will investigate.” then spoke. “I’ll go ahead first, just to confirm if Mist reasonings are true.” then added as he began walking. “If its not, I’ll inform what I can.” then added to the Overlord. “And change to this ‘Steel armor’ you mention.”

Wings flapping as he headed off into the air, there was a moment of silence as Lance spoke. “You know, for a supposedly top spy under Screech, he really sucks at considering worst case scenarios or planning with groups.” glancing to see Jerry getting up, forming a gate to enter in, supposedly to change armor sets.

Waiting for him to leave, Spree smiled and rolled her eyes, “Yeah, Jer’s the same at times.. But in a more nerdy way.” Then added in, “But, I think most guys seem to have thick heads when it comes to problems.”

“Hey!” Lance said while crossing his arms with slight annoyance.

“Naw,” said Mist as she sat down on a rock. “I think Seeking just dense because he wasn’t brought up as a spook, but mostly a scout in the military, a bit of a infogather too from what I heard. Used to work alone as well.” rolling her eyes as she added. “That or his sis probably killed his ‘smarts’ with constant beatings.”

“Beatings?” Asked Azure as she took a seat on a rock. “Do I even want to know why she would beat on her brother?”

“From what I heard, the Knight was a very strict and old fashion thestral traditionalist. Got it from her mother ‘pure and true’ Thestral way. In her view, she saw it as ‘tough love’ to the Lieutenant to get him toughen up and read to be a ‘proper male’. Trying to get a lesson in that and I quote,” using air quotes. “If you can’t beat a mare in a fight, how can you hope to earn the attention of thestrals as a proper stallion?’”

Screwing up her face, Spree crossed her arms and said, “And you had the gall to go and spite him on day one?” Raising a brow when they got assigned to this job. “I’m friends with a Thestral, Shadow. She’s my best friend really, and her family they never went that hard on tradition.” then went on, “Taught it, sure, but never went that far with the whole idea to beat up their family.”

“Ah yes, your friend,” venom in Mist’s tone as she went on. “Well you traitorous tail-lifter of a ‘friend’ was from a civilian family. The Lieutenant is from a military family.” snorting some as she went on. “And I spite him not because of his armor, I spite him because I know he isn’t a proper male, he got his ‘mates’ by a silver platter by Screech.” scorning some. “And his latest ‘mate’ from the defiler, Magic. Using the Dark arts to bring a thestral to life and putting her under the Pink collar-- it’s shameful.”

Frowning and being far from amused, Spree said, “Shadow isn’t a traitor, Mist. She made her choice by her own free will.”

“Her own free will?” Mist asked with a doubtful look, “She’s a red-collared slave. I doubt she had any free will when she just up and submitted and just lifted her tail up. We know Red Collars are mares that just gave up and submitted.”

Trying to not bristle to that, Spree took a deep breath and told, “She isn’t a Red Collar.” Saying it in her best controlled tone, though she was a bit louder than intended. “Shadow is a free mare, more than you might even think.”

“She parades around with that collar, she had the gall to come in our Base,” eyes narrowing as she flare her wings. “Calling the Overlord ‘Master’, saying how great he was by letting her have things-- like she didn’t have the right to have things like clothes or food in the first place. Not thinking about Princess Luna like she should, it's no wonder she’s forgotten tradition. She doesn’t seem to care about it or the Night Mother anymore, all for this ‘Master’ of hers.”

“To us and all Thestrals?” Asked Mist with a more noticeable scowl, “she is a faithless whore.” Before Spree could speak back, or someone to stop this, there were plenty of small tiny feet rushing in...as a few glance to see the Minions coming through, before Spree could ask why they were here, they move around the ponies. Surrounding Mist in a rather...angered approach.

Hissing out, snarling as the Reds hands were burning with fire, Browns ready their weapons glared with hatred to the thestral. Greens crouching and ready to jump as the Blues hands glowed with magic as Mist was about to tell them off, before the Head Minion, Zippy spoke up with a harsh anger in its tone. “You no speak Mistress with disrespect!” clacking blades as Zippy pointed at her as it told.

“Speak ill of Mistress? Minions show pony place! On ground!”

Rather uncomfortable, the ponies shifted. They looked all around themselves at the minions, their eyes slightly glowing yellow all thanks to the overcasting shadow of the tall rock they were using for cover from the sunlight. Spree was the only one remotely calm, though even she was a little unnerved at their reaction to be violent on such short notice.

To make sure nothing escalated, Spree told Mist, “Shadow isn’t a red anymore.” The thestral turning her head to the golden earth mare as she told, “She hasn’t been a slave for… weeks now?” Then shook her head, “She’s a ‘Mistress’ now-- at best she’s like a queen to the Overlord… a Overlady?” Thinking on it before waving a hand. “She’s his wife now, collar off and a ring on her finger. I even helped her find the ring. She was only a slave because she thought it would help him-- but things changed.”

“Say Spree, no offense,” said a unnerved Palm. “I know it's great to hear your friend being a free mare, but could you...I don’t know, tell them to back off of Mist...I really don’t think they’re giving her a chance to move…” mostly seeing how the Browns were pointing their weapons at the thestral, as they weren’t moving from their spot around the mare.

Hands up, Spree said, “Hey, I would have, but Jer didn’t put me in charge!” Then pointed, “He put Zippy in charge.”

“And why can’t Zippy listen to you then?” asked Lance in disbelief. “I mean, they know you, right? They should listen to you.”

“Have you ever tried to get Minions to listen to you when they’re dead-set on something?” Asked Spree, “It’s near impossible unless they actually like you. And they only listen to the Overlord without question-- maybe the old Toad Gnarl too…” Then shook her head to clear it and tell, “In short? I don’t think Zippy will until Mist says sorry.”

Giving a look to that, Mist asked, “Say sorry?”

Glancing, Spree said, “Hey, to them you sort of insulted the ‘queen’ of their castle! That would be like me insulting Princess Luna to you and all thestrals!”

Growling to that, but quiet down when she felt a tip of a spear behind her back, as she asked with gritted teeth. “Then get the Overlord to call them off when he comes here.” although Zippy hiss out.

“Master won’t noticed if bad pony was gone. He hates bad ponies!”

“Uh...Spree...they’re not considering what I think he’s considering...right?” asked Flake with worried in her tone.

Spree glanced to Zippy and said, “Zippy… you know he means… ponies that hurt other people without good reason, right?” Then phrased her words carefully. “Like… those stallions that would hurt mares just because they can.”

Zippy thought...but then told. “Bat pony hurt Mistress! Hurt her with words!”

Spree facepalmed and gave a low groan. For once, she was a little aggravated they were smart enough to figure something like that out. She tried to think of a way to make this… simple and easily fixed… then went with, “She didn’t… mean it like that, Zippy.”

Treading as carefully as she was able, Spree told, “She’s…. She’s just angry.” Then went on, “Like how the Overlord get’s angry. Remember when Jasmine was almost… ‘hurt’ by those Caribou? And he just got so angry it didn’t matter who got hurt? Only attacked and hurt so he could feel better?”

He hissed at that, as a few other Minions gave sounds. Some remember that day clearly, but one of the Browns called out. “She called Mistress whore!”

“Because she’s angry that she and many ponies like her were made into whores!” Told Spree quickly as she could, “You’re angry because she said Shadow was a whore-- but she was angry because she thought Shadow was forced to be one.” Then thought about it and said, “She’s just scared.”

“No I’m not!” Defended Mist.

Turning, Spree said, “Yes, you are.” Holding her gaze and stare before saying, “You’re scared it might happen to you, or someone you know. And because you’re scared, you’re angry it might happen again.” Gulping some and saying, “I know, because I was scared and then angry too.” Then grimaced, “I was scared for Shadow back when I was found and angry at what happened to her-- what she was forced to be. She used to be a red, but now she isn’t. There’s nothing to be scared of anymore.”

Signing, Spree looked around and tried to keep herself somewhat composed and told to Zippy, “She’s just scared.”

The eldest Green look at Mist, looking straight at her as it hissed. “Not scared! Look angry!” then turn his head to Spree saying. “No fear! Indignation!” and Lance facepalm as if this wasn’t working out.

“Well I was pretty angry at Gnarl when he lied to Jerry that one time in the throne room.” Spree shot back, feeling a bit agitated herself. “I was utterly humiliated and in pain when I was still considered a slave-- and when I could get on my hooves again, my fear turned to outright fury at him-- I wanted to strangle the Toad!”

While the others gave odd looks to Spree as she was telling this, the mare went on, “Were any of you around for that? I’m sure a few of you were! I got so scared when Jerry rose his voice up, but I was also so angry when he just assumed we mare’s were always slaves!” Tossing her hands up and going on, “I was angry, furious-- but I was still scared, but at that time I didn’t care if I was because I just felt so angry at the unfairness of it all!”

One of the Blues thought deeply as it spoke. “Blob recalls. Healed you with other Blues. Remember well…” saying to Spree with a nod, as it turn to Mist and told. “Apologize of Mistress, say sorry, We Minions, very protective of Mistress. She holds something dear to Master.” as the other Minions gave sounds of disagreement, another blue told.

“Gloop agrees,” looking to Mist. “You insult Mistress, even if blue alicorn takes her in as patron, you insult her still.”

Blinking some, Mist asked with a undertone of suspicion, “Patron?”

Signing, Spree told, “Shadow hasn’t forsaken Princess Luna. She still believes in her.” Then went on, “I’m pretty sure she prays to her in private now and then…” But glanced back up to go on, “She just doesn't accept her as a Princess anymore. She’s chosen to be Jerry’s wife because she has his foals-- she’s following tradition as it was set. She… felt like she couldn't fulfill her traditions as a slave-- but as a wife only. That’s why she gave up her collar.”

Mist was quiet, as the situation slightly calmed, before the Waypoint Gate activated, with Jerry in his Steel armor, but having his Titanium helm as he said. “I’m back-,” stopping as he look at the situation...and asked. “The hell am I looking at?” motioning to the Minions. “You all, get over here! What are you doing around her?” and like a switch, their hostility was gone, quickly moving around Jerry as Zippy told.

“Bat pony insulted Mistress! Called her a whore!” blinking some, Jerry look to Mist...then to Zippy as he asked.

“Did she say she was sorry?”

Zippy huffed and told. “No!, we waited for her to say it!” He nodded some, as he look to Mist and said.

“I know you have your reasons to say those things, and probably was too angry to not care of these guys-- but the Minions really don’t like it when you insult their ‘higher up’s, mostly being me or Shadow.” She look at him, a soon asked with narrow eyes.

“Did she gave up the collar for foals?” catching him off guard as he look at her, as she asked again. “Did she gave up being a slave, being a tail-lifter-- so she could raise your foals as a wife?” the Minions hissed at Mist, mostly of the ‘tail-lifter’ comment, but Jerry held them back with a passive mental command as he said.

“While that insult wasn’t needed, Shadow did remove the collar so she can properly be my wife and raise the foals, yes.”

Mist still held that unsatisfied look, then looked away and said, “Then I’ll forgive you… and am sorry about insulting her.” Saying the last bit a bit begrudgingly, but form the sounds of it, it was the best they could get.

Spree sighed to that and placed her head into a hand, not sure how she could fix this. It was obvious Mist was more sore at the fact one of her own people was a slave to Jerry more than anything. There was no easy fix to that unless she had Shadow herself around-- which was far from possible she could tell.

Jerry sighed, as he wonder if he should of gotten Mortis to stay, keeping a level head on the Minions. But shrug it off, by now the Blue would be by Magic side and learning much from the stallion. They heard flapping of wings, as Seeking came down as he spoke with bewilderment in his tone. “I scouted out the place...and you aren’t going to believe what I found.”

Looking around at them, slightly noticing the Overlord armor, and was mildly wondering why he had his black helmet on, but shook it off to give his report. “There’s ponies there, both stallions and mares… and Caribou. But they’re all have identical mane styles, identical clothings...identical markings of a equal signs...and a wide uncanny smile.”

Azure furrowed her brows and said, “Wait… Caribou are there and…” Pausing to ask, “Are they doing it out in the streets like normal...or…” Though noticed his shaking head.

Blinking, Palm asked, “Are you sure you saw things right? I thought Caribou can’t go without trying to turn a mare around to rut?”

Seeking nod his head. “Damnedest thing too. They weren't raping mares, they weren’t looking at them with leers…” having a frown. “No mares have collars, no Caribou influence….but they were smiling and all...happy. Like they can't get rid of that smile, with not a problem in the world.”

They all exchanged looks to that, none able to make a comment for a long moment. Or, right up until Lance asked, “So… who’s investigating or…” Scratching his head at the otherwise bizarre situation they were in.

Looking around, Seeking said. “I’ll go, if anything, this could be a latest scam from the Flim-flams.” looking at them and asked. “Any volunteers with me?”

Azure was the first to lift her hand, “I’ll come with.” Then motioned to Spree, “Spree is the second one in charge next to you, she should stay here with maybe a few others.”

Mist rolled her eyes and said, “I’ll come with too. With fliers around, we can at least make a break for it.” Which made Ash and Lance nod in agreement to that.

“Alright, Spree, you keep Palm and Flake with the Minions. If we’re not back within 3 hours? Assume the worst.” then glance to the Overlord and added. “Try not to cause trouble.” walking off with the flyers with him, heading to the town as Jerry thought…

As he turned and called out. “Spree, you’re in charge of the Minions!” turning his head back to keep up with the ponies towards the town.

While they left, Spree almost grinned at the thought of being in charge again. Well, it would've been nice to be at least semi-incharge before with Mist. Rolling her eyes at that, but turned and told, “Zippy?” And motioned to the other greens, “I have a job for you all.”

Next Chapter: Cult Town Estimated time remaining: 27 Hours, 19 Minutes