Shadow with those who were sent with her from Alpha Base to the Dark Castle were in their final preparations, as to ready the new arrivals to the dark domain. She was making sure that space was accounted for as she stood by the throne, making sure everything was ready one way or another as she looked down at Gnarl, asking to the elder minion. “Has everything been accommodated, Gnarl?” Looking over the scroll of things that was checked, refurbished, and added in the Dark CAstle with the Minions working for their Mistress needs, or rather both Mistress and Master needs.

She noticed a few things off, like the number of ‘Blank caskets’ that Jerry collected during his rampage of those horrid machines. She thought on questioning to Gnarl on why they were lessening-- unless they were moved to elsewhere and the room was used for something else? It somewhat made sense as that room was used to help store more food that was preserved, maybe the Minions moved the Blanks elsewhere and somewhere none can find?

The Minion Master meanwhile? Held back a grumble, being professional to the new Mistress, as he felt cheated in a sense that she was, technically, over him now. Still, at the very least, he was willing to put up with her due to her having the Overlord young in her. Bowing to her as he spoke, “Of course Mistress, the Cleaners will soon notified that all the spaces and areas will be completed. With the Master giving us plenty of Minions, it was easy for me to organize them to do the Master bidding.”

She gave a smile and nodded to Gnarl, as one of the Minion Cleaners, came up with a broom as it spoke. “All clean, no mess or rats!” She gave a glance to Gnarl as the old minion explained.

“We discover a few rats, nothing to worry about Mistress.” then motioned the Cleaner as he said. “Now all we need to do is await for the new arrivals. Hopefully they will know their place as underlings for the Overlord.”

“Citizens.” corrected Shadow with a raise finger, giving a smile to the grouchy elder as she went on. “They might swear fidelity to Jerry, but they will be citizens of his domain, not underlings.” he grumble to that, as Quaver add in.

“As it should be, for what good is a Lord, without people to have under his watchful eye?”

“Shut it Quaver!” told Gnarl as they saw the teleportation device activating, spinning around as it soon stretch out, giving a signal that it succeeded in its teleportation as a mass of beings appeared within the throne room.

The first ones through were nearly expected. The smiling dull-blue mare holding a arm around the taller Caribou all but shouted to Shadow it was Shine and her husband Larson. Both coming in with a few other Caribous and ponies-- a few mares even holding and few young caribous.

It was a sight that all but reminded Shadow of the conversation she had with Spree, over the troubles of those that had taken a certain route of helping what few good caribous were found. It was a sad fact the young were blamed, but it couldn’t be helped. Well, until now.

While they all had their dizzy spell of the transportation, Shadow merely waited until they regain their sense as she spoke with a smile. “Hello everyone,” gaining their attention as she walked up and introduce herself. “I know some of you may recall of me, but for those who don’t? I am Shadow Daze, wife of the Overlord and first mare.” then look over the numbers as there were 25 of them, directing them to the side as she said. “Now please move on the side, if you will.” as she then asked for confirmation.

“Are there more coming who wish to stay here? I would of thought there would be more from what Spree told me around the island.” Knowing that there should be more than just 25 who lived here. After all, Jerry made the Minions make more room to fit a town, maybe a large town itself with all the construction work and digging being done.

Speaking up, Shine told to Shadow, “We’re the first group. Other’s will be joining, but they're still getting organized out.” She gave a glance to those behind and told, “We were going to come in groups so you could take time to sort us out in our own rooms?”

Shadow nodded, understanding that as she said. “Of course,” motioning them to follow as when she was going towards down a set of stairs, she heard them following behind. With a glance she knew that they were just taking in the sights around them, as some did came here before, other's were seeing everything for the first time, as once they reach down, Shadow started to speak.

“For those who are here for the first time, you can see the rumors of my husband are exaggerated.” looking back with a amused expression, as if knowing what sort of rumors were being told of the ‘Evil Overlord’. Looking ahead, as she saw painted signs and directions as she went on. “And for those who came here before, don’t worry about directions, we added them on the walls to make things easy for you.”

A Caribou buck look around, almost laughing as a few other kids look, giving laughs of the crude painting of the ‘Overlord’, dancing in a petal of flowers with a filly as a ‘crown’ of flowers was on his head. With Minions dancing around the duo. Shadow couldn’t help but smile to that, both the kids enjoyment of Jasmine look, or the fact Gnarl didn’t knew about this, or did and was forced to keep it up either by Jasmine or by Jerry himself in keeping Jasmine works ‘untainted’.

“W-Why...is there…” started a mare, trying her best to not laugh as snorts of laughter came out of her, Shadow looked back. Seeing the near laughter coming out of their attempting expressions of trying not to laugh as she replied with a amused smile.

“Mostly because Jasmine felt like doing some artwork around the walls, they make for easy canvas for her to occupy her time.” then joked. “Not to mention what else are we going to use the paint supplies for?” motioning them to keep following, as they were making a left turn as she went on. “Now we did a bit decorating, as we expand all the rooms, making them more private like and less bunk areas.

“We also added at least 3 floors of rooms for people to sleep in and decorate with whatever they wanted in them. As well expanding the kids playroom so they can be occupied with something.” glancing ahead to see a Brown Servant coming up as it spoke.

“Mistress, all beds, fluffy with feather pillows! All full of quality!” she nod some, as more kids laugh at the comical look of the Brown, as Shadow look back, feeling more happy that the kids could at least laugh and have some entertainment of the Browns and told to the group.

“And if you need help in directions, ask the servants, they know their way around here.” although she decided to warn them now. “Also while we made plenty of room for new inhabitants, we also don’t have much to give beside large beds. As well as a closet for anything to put in. So if you want any more room to add in, or furniture to own? You need to ask room to be made for you, as the Minions need to carve it out or see if we have it in the raiding room.”

She also tried to not grimace as she told. “We also don’t have advance plumbing here, so if you need a bath, there's a large community pools to wash in. Bring your own towel, soaps, and shampoos too. We can’t make private showers or bathtub for each room with everything being made out of rocks. So this is the best we could afford to make for you all to have.” she also added in.

“We also crafted toilets with sealed doors in each room ‘bathroom’ as it would at least give you a chance to do your business, just remember to keep the door shut, or the toilet seat lid closed all the time.”

A few traded looks to that, wishing that something was a bit more.. Sanitary. But as it was the island they stayed at wasn’t nearly any better. “I think we can handle it.” Larson spoke with a strained smile, though he admittedly wished there was real working plumbing.

“Will the community baths be at least separated?” Asked Shine, “And have reliable doors?”

To this she affirmed with a nod. “The community baths are separate between gender, and have thick steel doors to them, no keyholes to peek in, and are heavy to push. So no worries of that.” assuring them as she added. “And the water is thankfully constant, as the Blues help provide clean water that can be recyclable so it can be used and still be clean.” making another turn as they were walking up a pair of stairs as she went on.

“We made some constructions in the dining hall, so it can hold a lot more people with more chairs and tables.” she then warned. “We also added some windows for lighting with oil lamps, but the windows are closed shut for a good reason. Mostly for your safety than anything else.”

“Are there any laws we need to know about?” asked a Caribou, looking worry as he went on. “Any taxes, or regulations we need to know from the Overlord?” Shadow thought on it and admitted.

“Jerry really didn’t had time to make a tax system, mostly because he doesn’t really have anything to tax you all with. As well as regulations…” she thought on it more and told. “As long as you follow basic rules of no stealing, no trespassing, don’t go to areas you’re not allowed to-- and respecting other privacies and spaces, you should be fine.” then admit. “You may need to make a sort of fidelity to him, but mostly to confirm you are living under here as part of Jerry castle and aren’t guests.”

“Do we need to do any jobs?” asked a mare, looking a bit anxious as she had a doe close to her. “Like...maid service?” slightly hoping they didn’t need to take occupations as part of the Overlord workforce. Shadow shake her head a bit, deciding to assure the mare and explaining to them all of the situation.

“We are expecting maids from the Dark Arts Master, and most of the servants here are Minions. The only jobs you could do, are those you are already good at.” she further admitted as she glance to the side. “We never brought up job occupations yet, as our main focus was making room for you all to live here. Or slight changes to make sure people could actually live here.” Another mare asked carefully to Shadow.

“So we don’t need to do taxes, any jobs beside what we can do best… and make no tribute whatsoever?” the last part made Shadow pause, stopping some as she look back and asked with a furrowed expression.

“What tribute?” getting most of the group stop at her question, and her expression of confusion at the mare who asked the questions.

Shifting, the pony admitted, “There has been a few rumors flying about needing to pay tributes or to give something of value to him for letting us stay.”

With a low sigh, Shadow wonder what the grapevine was growing on the island, as she look to the group and assured. “Jerry doesn’t need tribute, in fact he probably won’t ask for anything at all. Since he rather not take advantage much to people who want to start a new life. “ They felt slight assurance of that, however she added with a raise finger, gathering their attention quite quickly. “The only thing he might be interested in? Is what you’re good at in terms of experience and skills that could help contribute to the Castle in someway. He rather not want let potential go to waste after all.”

“And what if...your skills aren’t compatible with a place like this?” asked a pegasus Shadow thought, and soon told with a assuring tone.

“Then we’ll discuss about it, Jerry is rather reasonable to talk to and is willing to listen to others. He sometimes like to get to the point now and then in discussions, just to save time.” She then asked. “Is there any other concerns you all wish to voice out?” looking and assuring. “You don’t have to worry, I’ll answer everything I can or explain the best I can do for him while he’s away.”

“Why do you call the Overlord ‘Jerry’?” asked a Caribou buck as Shadow smile and replied as there was amusement on her face.

“Because that's his actual name, plus its not very scary to whoever he’s fighting if he gives out his title and name, right?” a few of the kids giggle or laugh in agreement of this, as a Caribou asked in cautious.

“Will the Overlord punish or harm us if we take in a female with us in a relationship?” Shadow glance back and replied smoothly.

“As long as the female give consent and doesn’t mind being with you. He is slightly tolerable of the collars, but only if the mares, or doe’s in some cases, agree to it.” although she didn’t add more on the doe part, as she doubt they wouldn’t mind a guy to be with.

“Are the doors imbued with runes of silence?” asked another Caribou as Shadow shook her head.

“No, but they do muffle the sounds in the rooms.”

“Will the Overlord give educations to the kids?” asked a concern mare as Shadow gave a affirmed nod, turning her head back as she told.

“Jerry rather likes it when kids get education, reading, writing-- all the needed requirements.” then went on. “In fact we added a sort of class-room area for the kids specifically,” then admitted. “We just don’t have much materials to give beside some books or math problems, and a chalkboard. Jerry tries to take what he can for information, but there's not much going around.”

“Thankfully we manage to get some reading material for the kids in their age group, not a lot, but enough to get around.” added the thestral, walking again as she was leading them on, answering a few questions while showing them areas of their new home. She showed them their rooms, giving them information of adding signs on the door fronts to remind who lives in who. However she informed them that there's still a lot of ground to cover than what she showed them.

However after being informed by a Minion Servant new arrivals came, she went back to the throne room, greet them, directed them as she explained all she could, sometimes repeating the same answers over and over as the numbers were growing from 25 to 35, then to 40, then to 50, and finally to 60. Repeating again and again as once as she lead them all to their rooms, informing them there is a lot of ground to cover.

Yet when the last group came, marking it as 75, Shadow had sent a Minion for a cup of that refreshing and Blue healing water for her throat. After all the talking, she needed something for her parched throat. She almost felt like a tour guide, giving off the same answers and moving the same path over and over-- it was a wonder how real tour guides manage to stay sane!

But even when she heard the teleportation sound coming in as she was making her way up the steps to the throne room, drinking in a goblet of water until her thirst parched. After giving it to another servant, she was about to go on the same tirade-- before stopping to see Spree among them as she moved up to the group in a steady walk, giving a rather relax smile as she said to Spree as she and the other ponies were getting their senses back. “I see you finally showed up. After moving group after group to the rooms to set up, I would of thought you would never show up.”

Giving a small chuckle, Spree told, “I had to do a few things and pack up some stuff and even pick up some ponies.” Her one free hand reaching around her side, where Shadow did slightly notice there being something behind the mare. Though it wasn’t just that, now that she knew something was there, Shadow could make out the two young fillies just in their teens.

“Shadow, I’d like you to meet those fillies I’ve been looking after a bit since I’ve joined up.” Both stepping out from behind the taller mare, each giving a slight fidget, but otherwise, the brown filly that looked of a thestral gave a small wave, and the thestral filly of a white coat giving a shy smile up.

Looking over their thestral heritage and how shy they were, Shadow recalled that these were the two thestral fillies Spree mentioned she adopted. She however gave a kind smile and said. “Hello there, I’m Shadow Daze, a good friend of Spree.” then look back to the rest of the mares, and a few stallions as she motioned to them. “Follow me please, I’ll lead you all to the civilian halls.”

Turning as already she heard a mare asked. “How are we going to know where we’re going?” Internally Shadow sighed, as she replied in a easy manner tone.

“We painted on the walls of directions, help newcomers to know which path they’re going or which area is which.” she although waited for when they all saw the painted picture, knowing that a lot of the groups got a good laugh out of that. And she didn’t had to wait long, as fillies voices filled the air of the ridiculous sight on the wall.

Spree only spared one look before cracking a smile and asked, “Jasmine?”

Giving a nod, Shadow replied. “Jasmine. Let just say she really wanted to give a ‘friendly’ welcome to the newcomers. Assure them that despite living in the Dark Castle, it's not too dreadful.” She then went on to explain more. “We have three floors for all of you, all rooms have large beds and with steel doors.” adding on as usual for each group while they walk. “There's nothing else except for a closet and a outhouse with sealed door. If you want to add more to your personal room, please ask for Minions to dig into the rooms to add more, and if you need furniture, please look into the raiding room for whatever Jerry may taken in raids.”

A mare scrunch her nose as she asked. “No indoor plumbing?” while she knew the island didn’t had indoor plumbing, she honestly thought that this place would have actual indoor plumbing. “What about showers? No showers or bathtubs in our rooms?”

“We have large community pools for the separate sexes, they each have large thick steel doors. The Blues provided clean water for the pools, bring your own towels, soap and shampoos, as while we do have those here? We do need the servants for other things.” she then asked as they made a turn. “Do you all want to ask any questions of anything else?” almost dreading them asking the same ‘will there be tribute?’ or ‘forced job occupations’, or even ‘taxes and regulations’ questions.

“Yeah.” Spoke Spree, “Is Jer really just wanting them to go to the raiding room and just take anything they feel like?” It almost made Shadow stumble it was her friend that was asking, “Because if that’s the case, I think I gotta have a word with Jer letter about how he manages stuff.”

She shake her head as she answer. “No, actually if you need something specific, you ask the Minion Servants for any furniture or supplies. Jerry actually keeps the Raiding room under lock and key, he took your advice on keeping a close eye on keeping it secure with all of its things.”

Signing, Spree said, “Well at least he took that part of my advice.” Then added in while eyeing Shadow, “Still, anything they might ask? Better be careful, you can totally spoil these ponies with that.” Giving a glance back, adding to them as as if to remind, “They did have to deal with living with shacks or tents. I think they can handle bare essentials while living here.”

Rolling her eyes, Shadow told. “I’ll be sure to emphasis to Jerry on being firmed with any requests.” a stallion spoke in with concern.

“So does the Overlord will want us to start working on some jobs he gives out?” Shadow held back the urge of giving a exasperated breath, as she glance back and told.

“No, right now Jerry is focus on just getting you all set up, when you all settle down, he’ll want to know what you all can do with experience or skills with whatever jobs you used to have.”

“What about taxes, or even regulations?” asked a mare as Shadow gave the same answer as usual.

“No, again, Jerry hasn’t any taxes in place yet, what could he tax you if you all don’t have money to give?” And then the annoyed questioned of them all as a mare asked in anxiety.

“Does...he expect tributes?”

Spree snickered a bit to that, but reeled it back to say, “Getting tired of playing tour guide Shadow?” Easily reading how the mare leading her and the others let her wings sag some and shoulders lower with. Turning around, Spree told, “Relax, Jerry’s just letting you bunk here. Nothing to worry about, best you can do to pay him back is just helping out.”

Turning her head back, Spree asked, “Where is Jerry? I thought he’d be around to help with all of this.”

Sighing, she explain to her friend. “Jerry is out, mostly because the military higher ups found out where Twilight and Fluttershy are at. He and apparently Albert are out in the sea to track them down.” then rolled her eyes as she added. “While it would be great to have him here to help around more-- I know it will take a while for him to come back,” then shake her head as she told. “But at least he had the hindsight to start building more areas, like the park.”

“Park?” asked one of the fillies as Shadow nodded with a smile.

“Yes, a park. Jerry made a park down below, full of trees, grass, and wide open spaces.” she honestly didn’t know how he managed to do that, although she recalled Jerry had the minions move the Tower Heart into the park area, and accelerated the growth process of the entire park….and recalled Gnarl being annoyed it was in a nice and lovely area, thankfully the Tower Heart could still do its job with anchor point for the Gates…

But the Spawning Pits was close with a hollow out area so the Heart could float over and shine down the park below it. Exposing the plants to grow properly with a source of light. A mare glance over, seeing the painted directions with words within them, various art paintings...and mostly lack of ponies in servant outfits as she asked.

“I thought the Overlord would be using those...Blanks to act as servants, why haven’t we seen a single pony around?” looking to Shadow as she added. “We know he’s been keeping them somewhere, so why not use them?” Shadow tried not to cringe as she explain.

“Jerry kept them all stored and secured somewhere safe. He felt they should stay there until a appropriate time. As well as we have the Minions acting as servants…” then added. “And the Dark Arts Master promised he would add in servants for Jerry when the time was right too.”

Pressing her lips tight, Spree turned and asked, “Where did you hear that from anyways?”

Glancing away, the mare almost shuffled along while she told, “There’s been rumors about it..” But seemingly not wanting to say more on the subject than that.

Shadow couldn’t help but give out a sigh, she slightly wonder if some mares from the island either spread those rumors from what they gain within the Resistance-- or assume Jerry been using the Blanks for his nefarious purposes. Then again, it’s not a stretch that the Resistance former heads probably spread that rumor, maybe some mares in the Resistance purposely spread it to make Jerry more evil?

And while she wanted to press more on that, she knew that right now she needed to lead them to their rooms. Then, then she can start questioning the rumors. Because if that one was spreading around, as well as the tribute or other things like forced jobs...she may need to figure out what's been talked about her stud and need to dispel these ridiculous rumors. She gave a glance to them as she told. “Now, when we do head to the next floor, be sure that when you get your rooms, you put signs with your names, as it would make identifying them easier and confirms to other's you’re sleeping in there.”

Leading them to a set of stairs, as they began walking up, Shadow told to them. “Now when you all settle with your rooms, expect Minion Servants to come with forms and paperwork. We do need to figure out what experiences you all have,” then added to them. “Theres also brochures of what to be expected while living here.”

A mare groan out as she asked. “Couldn’t he just listen to us tell what we’re good at?” to which Shadow asked with a flat look.

“Do you want to listen to each single person, writing everything down and having to pay attention and write down and repeat every single question or give every single question to each person like a interview?” the mare pressed her lips on that, as Shadow explained. “Its why we’re giving the paperwork and brochures in the first place, so it can cut less time for both of us and organize things for the Castle.”

“I’m surprise the Overlord likes things nice and tidy, I would of thought he would be, you know….” said a stallion as Shadow gave a exasperated breath and told.

“Just because Jerry is the Overlord, doesn’t mean that he want to keep things organized and secured within his home.” Turning her head when she reach the top of the flight of stairs as she went on. “He wants to make sure that everything is at top notch. Making sure that no time or resources are wasted for anything.” letting them come fully up as she lead them through the halls, already seeing doors with signs on them with various names, as she lead them to a set of stairs to go up.

While leading them to the stairs, making a turn for a extra pair of stairs, a mare groan out. “Do we really need to walk these stairs all the time?” Shadow just smile and joked back.

“You can consider this exercise of sorts for your legs.” then told as she kept walking. “Really, it was lucky that we manage to make space in the first place. All of this was stone in the first place, the Browns and Reds had to carve all of this out and make it look habitable for you all.” giving them a glance as she added. “It’s better than being in shacks and tents, right?” While they quiet down on that, a filly asked.

“Is there a place for us kids to play around?” Shadow smile and assured.

“Yes, a large playroom for you all to play in, run around, and even paint some. Jerry made sure the Minions expanded that room for you all and made sure it was safe for kids to be in.” after reaching the second floor, going through the same pathway to another flight of stairs, she heard a mare asked.

“Isn’t there something you could just built in, like elevator?” Shadow almost felt like facepalming, but resisted it and told simply.

“I’m afraid that's not possible. The downside in living here is that it's not high tech like what we had in Equestria, in fact we’re lucky enough to craft and carved everything we had in the first place.” then added in deadpan. “And yes, we also don’t have electricity here, so if you need light, use a oil lamp.” while passing through the many doors, a mare asked.

“What about medical needs? If this place isn’t like Equestria, how can we heal wounds or get medicine?” to which Shadow quickly respond.

“While we are working on the medication, we do however have the Blues to not only heal wounds, but heal the body of sores and pains.” then added with a smile. “Think of them like painkillers with magic and free medical care.” As she lead them to the last flight of stairs, and up through it, she wrap it up. “Now if you do have further questions, you can write them up in the questionnaire box at the end of the halls.” motioning to the large box as she went on.

“Each hall as a box, just make sure you write actual questions and not complaints or comments.” telling them all with a deadpan look. “Not only Jerry, but I would prefer to not have the latter two, as it would just complicate things all the time.” while there was slight nods, Shadow move around the group as she said. “Anyway, I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here,” then added to Spree. “And if you do come visit me, make sure to bring those two sweeties,” giving a rather gentle smile to the two teens. “I’m sure Jasmine might enjoy foals around her age group.”

Heading off as to get back to the throne room, slightly hoping that there would be news of Jerry situation and slightly hope things would be alright with him.

Next Chapter: under the sea trip Estimated time remaining: 25 Hours, 16 Minutes