Engine rhythmically and gently made their beating songs with occasional accompaniment of gentle pings and dings of electronics inside one of the 10 subs that had been assigned to this mission. Jerry laid back in a single bed’s that was used for the ship's inhabitants in case of needing rest.

The Overlord mostly laid in place and pondered his thought’s going over his time being inside the Dauntless while it, and the fleet it lead, continued to tail after the Caribou’s ships. It took a few days for the forward scouts inside of Seamoths to find the Caribou’s fleet of ships, but after that? It was a short few days to reach them and join up.

Now they were 10 Cyclops's, 15 Seamoths, and 6 docked PRAWN suites with a additional 4 spare Seamoths that were ‘Combat Able’. Though, the mentioned final four little subs weren't war oriented, merely packing some torpedoes meant to repel any hostile wildlife with greater ease.

Almost reflecting on it, Jerry had to go over the small times he was given a chance to use a PRAWN for the first time. While being the Overlord was impressive in power-- that almost didn’t compare to using a large suite to nearly crush small boulders with it’s bare, mechanical claws. It was oddly satisfying.

The process of grabbing said bolder, was a bit clumsy. The Prawn Suit was a little sensitive to its controls. Something he learned from other PRAWN suite operators was always a little thing they even found a little annoying. But he couldn't fault results, the suites were powerful as they were tall. Albite, a tad clumsy.

Then again, they were never made for agility in mind. That went completely to the Seamoth. And if Jerry was honest, using those little subs was almost like using a small fighter. The speed and control the little thing had was impressive to say the least, able to even loop and outpace the large Cyclop’s without much hazard.

He had gotten more practice in with the Seamoth’s then he had with the Prawn’s, though this was mostly due to the mere fact that in such open water, he could practice all he wanted as long as he stayed close to the fleet. Even now, thinking about the final set of Albert’s vehicles to use was something of a marvel in it’s own right.

The Cyclops was, in a manner of speaking, a mobile base if set up correctly. Albert’s alone, the Dauntless, was sustaining himself, Deft, Flush Ace and of course, Jerry. This was not mentioning the number of cameras to help monitor around the ship’s blind spots, the upgrades, the storage area and even the extra spare equipment and spare food and water. He had been nearly assured that all Cyclops crews were given a ‘guideline’ of base needs. It was almost as big as a surprise when he found out that that each ship could potentially be used to make it’s own undersea base if the need arose. Such as cases of their power running dangerously low and needed to settle down.

It made Jerry pause and come to understanding of the vast difference of his motives of operation opposed to Albert’s. It was more of a self reflection of just how they worked. While Albert was more or less asked by Princess Luna to head this, it was just to the unduly fact of experience and tactical cunning. Something Jerry found out from Albert himself, was only due to him learning how to survive the many different risks of the sea.

Provisioning. Supplies. Materials. Plotting. Inventory. Now that his castle was going to be used, Jerry had to wonder what he was actually getting himself into. While Albert had no real control over Alpha base, it was still his seabase that he was letting the ponies use. And to that extent, Albert supported them by teaching them. Assigning them jobs. Giving roles. Telling them all the impacts of their jobs and even laying down basic ground rules before Grain took up the full mantle of being the leading head.

It made Jerry realize that while he had things set, ready and even prepared for those to come to his castle-- something he was sure Shadow was doing at this very moment --there was a nagging he might need to do more. Might need to throw himself into thinking more of what he’s going to raid, how much he needs at minimum. Will there be changes and a need for new ground rules to enforce? What should he do about those that cause more trouble than they should or might start expressing concerns he wasn’t sure how to handle?

Craning his head up some, Jerry could even now see Albert piloting the ship and having an open conversation with those of the fleet. While there were similarities, the way Albert lead was so… different in Jerry’s mind. It was almost swift, decisive and at times only hesitant to gain input from the other captains and what their crews were most familiar with. They planned, then replaced, then pointed out flaws, and once more planned.

All the while as they did, the caribou just some hundred meters above sailed on obliviously. Form the sounds of it, the ships had slowed due to low winds and had yet to plot a course for land. Already Albert and the many captains were thinking about alternate plans in case they had to sink the ships sooner than later. It hadn't come to it, but until there was a change, they would wait to act. Something else Jerry was so… unfamiliar with at moments. Waiting. Something else that Albert seemed more content with doing and did so with a large reserve of patients.

Maybe I should invest more in patience...maybe start making plans, start making and giving roles to those in my home. Figure out what they can do well, figure out how it will benefit the Castle. Plan on what to take in the raid for specific reasons, how much to take or not take? he frown at that as while it wasn’t what he was used to...its something he had to get used to. Planning long terms plans. Figure out how things might work with each raid and what to take…

Start making new ground rules to keep a stable balance within the Dark Castle, enforced a system of law if someone did a crime… Maybe I can get Mortis to start reviving past dead Minions, start getting the Minions to teach themselves to become more smarter, more stronger, more better? It's possible for them to learn and it can be done with enough time… he couldn’t help but frown more as he thought on. Maybe start getting the Greens more proactive, get them to start screening around the inhabitants, figure out who might cause trouble. granted that was a slim chance as most who came to his home wanted a new life…

But it didn’t mean that there was a chance it could happen.

There’s also chances of them expressing concerns, concerns I’m not sure I’ll be fully answering. How can I give the answers when I’m trying to figure out my own position? and that thought made him recall his time here within the ships. Specifically his interaction and standing with the mares. Most of them were either in two categories, be professional and just distance themselves from him, or be short and just give glares at him.

He figured it was mostly due to him having Shadow and Lovely time to time at the Alpha Base with the latter bunch, or those who just want to keep away due to him being what he is. He didn’t blame either group if they didn’t want to get near him. Really those who at least tolerate him were a few mares who sometimes pilot the Seamoths, or those in the Prawn groups.

Like Flush for example, granted the mare was focus on the job, but at least she tolerates him and doesn’t talk down to him. Then again, he recalled a few mares were tolerant enough to talk to him as a equal during his time here and within the lunch area...In fact, there was always this one mare, Joy he recalled, that doesn’t mind talking to him. Infact he recalled she tried to strike up a conversation, granted it was mostly on the piloting of the Prawn, and how they function. But on the other hand, he had a pretty good conversation with her.

No actual glares, no straining in her expressions, or just wanting to talk to just get over with explaining to him before leaving. Actual conversation...It made him consider how Albert felt a bit, having actual conversation with actual people and not going insane and probably talking with inanimate objects…

It also made him realize that he was lonely. That he was lonely in both socially and being within this ship. That Shadow wasn’t here, that Lovely wasn’t here...not even Jade or Jasmine. He was alone, and it made him a bit sadden at that part. It also made him consider that this could help him improve when he come back to the Castle, try to talk with the inhabitants and try to have a level grounding with them. Yes technically he was ‘their Lord’, but it doesn’t mean he can’t be on their level now and then, right?

But…

It doesn’t mean that it won’t help with the nightmares. thought Jerry, as while being alone on this trip...he discovered that he have nightmares now and then, mostly of events or things he done during his time here. His first murder and rampage in Ponyville, the plague in the Empire, a few bits in the raids too. Sometimes serious ones like Trottingham pop up, but he managed to deal with them with a good face wash and reminder of those he love back home…

Or at the Castle? It was slightly hard to think of back home on Earth as the Dark Castle...became his new home in a sense. Even more with those living with him. But, it doesn’t mean the nightmares won’t easily go away, seems with those I love around me, the nightmares don’t pop up...I’m guessing it’s part of my new PTSD now. thought in Jerry as he knew he was going to developed PTSD with all the killings, destruction and harm he done to the Caribous, it was a fact. And it was something he accepted since he accepted he was a villain now…

Although he had a nagging feeling that he wasn’t that ‘villainous’. Something that slightly trouble him. But the problem was...what could he do that was ‘evil’? He could use the Target spell, use them on Caribou's during the fight, and it would give him more infamy among the ponies, even those in Alpha Base-- but even if he give them a reason to shun him, to hate him like a villain? He felt that it would lessen with time.

He could go on raids, but they were becoming less evil and more like doing grocery lists. Part of him wonder on why he was trying to continue being evil, when not only himself, but some of the other's are starting to catch on? Because the alternative is the Eyes of Fate ending my life. berated Jerry to himself. And if he was honest to himself? That was probably the biggest reason he was trying to do this in the first place. Fear of dying by a near omni-opiate being that didn’t ‘entertain’ whoever was watching him.

Is it cowardly? Yes, but it was far better than him dying and losing all of his accomplish, as well as letting another poor smuck get taken in and be in a worst position. Better it started with himself and finish this, than to let someone else carry this burden. He heavily frown, as while he was alone, he was having moody thoughts. Maybe I should just get out, do something? The problem was...what? What could he do? Who could he talk with?

Maybe those in the Prawn groups, or maybe Albert...either one if they’re not busy. I need to do something beside thinking. Too much and I might start becoming more problematic within my head than usual. Getting up from the bed as he glance through the doorway of where Albert was, already seeing the man busy. Yep, busy. as he recalled both Flush and Deft were busy too, hearing them working on something down from the ladder as he thought on just going to the next ship.

Who knew the Sea-glide was pretty useful, helps me move around the ocean with greater speed than swimming and probably losing my way to the ships. he moved by Albert as he spoke. “I’m heading to the other ships, need to clear my head a bit.” Figuring it was good to let the man know where Jerry was off to now.

“Just keep close to the main group.” Albert tossed back, showing he didn’t mind Jerry going out. “Some of the scouts thought they heard something, but could of been a reefback or whale. They’re not sure.” Though the warning was clear enough.

Jerry nod, moving down the ladder as he was grabbing one of the Sea-glides they stored up. Moving down to the exit on his left as he undid lock. Going through and shutting the door and lock behind him, he went down of the exit as he let his rebreather activate as he exited out of the ship with the door closed from over him. It was always a surreal experience, being in the water as well as with being around submarines.

Swimming his way with the Sea-glide active, giving him better speed as he was thinking of which ship to visit. Maybe visit one of the mares with the Prawn group? Been awhile since I visited Twilight Hope. making his way toward the purple ship with his legs kicked through the water, moving towards the Prawn filled ship. Quickly entering in the bottom as he entered in.

He pushed down the door to make sure no more water enter in, granted it didn’t go up when he exit out...but he wasn’t fully use to Subnautica mechanics. Stopping his suit rebreather as he opened the door, seeing one of the mares glancing to him entering as she look over the lockers as the pegasus asked with a raise brow. “Felt like coming to our ship this time?” Knowing that the man sometimes move around ships to talk to them.

The mares on the Twilight Hope knew that he did this mostly because not all the mares were tolerant and easy going on other ships. That or they have a idea that he gets easily bored when not doing something. They sometimes wonder if both Jerry and Albert species need social contact more than ponies did?

“Slightly,” confirmed Jerry. “Getting the need to move around.” then shrug adding. “Been trying to be patient, but the quietness was starting to be unnerving.” She snorted some, shaking her head as she told.

“Beside the sound to the ship working, quietness is actually pretty well.” but then move a hand to her hip as she asked. “So going to talk to Joy this time, or you don’t have time for me, Jerry?” already knowing his name from the gossip around the Alpha Base as it being his actual name beside ‘Overlord’.

“No offense Strike, but aren’t you busy?” asked Jerry as he motioned to her by the lockers as the dark pink mare snorted out, tossing aside her dirty blond mane as she focus her amber eyes to him.

“I got time to talk and work.” then asked. “Now really, don’t you have time to talk to me?” he rolled his eyes, but lean on the wall as he said.

“Fair enough Strike,” shrugging some as he said. “But I thought you would just focus on work than do a bit chit-chat.” she rolled her eyes as she tease some while getting back to looking over the lockers.

“You know I’m starting to feel a little jealous that Joy got most of your time, then again she seem to like talking to you.” then glance back to her wings as she added. “Probably because you lend those Blues to give us what was forcefully taken from us.” looking to him some and said with a slight bewilder expression. “Still amazing that they could do that, regenerate our body limbs with ease.”

“Eh, felt right to help you all some with letting my Blues patch you up.”

“Or the supposedly ‘Dark Overlord’ just likes being a Knight in Shining Armor?” teased Strike as she giggle some as she saw him glancing to the side as she thought to herself. Yeah, I can see why Joyous like to talk to him, modest when he’s not in his armor and in public. then decided to tease the mention mare as she called out. “Hey Joy, your coltfriend is here!” getting a good reaction from Jerry as she saw a slight blush of embarrassment as he mutter to himself.

“Seriously?” Strike couldn’t help but smirk at that, it was funny to see his reaction when she say the ‘outrageous’ of things.

“You have a coltfriend?” Came a nasally voice that was Penwick, a tone of utter confusion being detected in the literate mare in the upper deck. “Since when have you had the time to find a coltfriend?”

The response Joy gave was predictable, “I don’t have a colt friend. Strike, what are you talking about?” Her voice nearly echoing all over the ship.

“Do you all have to start yelling? I’m trying to hold a conversation here!” Came a near short response of the captian to the Twilight Hope.

“Sorry Rule!” called out Strike, glancing to see Jerry grumbling to himself with a facepalm as she focused back up telling. “Just messing with Joy, our favorite Dark Lord came by to have a chat, apparently he felt lonely being with Al!”

A moment past before Joy could be seen poking her head over the hole for the ladder, blinking down and smiling, “Oh, hi Jerry.” Then gave a almost annoyed look to Strike and asked, “What is with you and teasing me? I’m not the only mare that talks to him you know.”

She gave a wide grin as she told. “No, but you are the one who makes him feel welcome the most.” Jerry shaking his head as he remarked.

“Only because you seem to enjoy messing with me.” she giggle as she told.

“Well, you’re easy to mess with, like those nerdy colts who,” then gave a fake gasp. “Oh wait! You are a nerdy colt!” he couldn’t help but groan out with a facepalm. One time I showed their version of D&D with the other's in the Alpha Base, and the gossip spread like wildfire of how a nerd I am… he heard Strike adding to Joy as she gave a grin. “Another reason he likes to talk to you, you both enjoy nerdy games!”

Pouting a bit, Joy told, “Like you’re one to talk!” Then gained a teasing look of her own, “Remind me who used to wear braces up until the fifth grade?” A knowing glint in her eye.

Snorting some, Strike fire back. “At least I grew up from that, you and Jerry here seem to enjoy Orge and Oubliettes, edition 4th or something?”

“Edition 6th actually from what I took in a raid.” corrected Jerry as to correct the mare as she rolled her eyes and giving a ‘see?’ look to the unicorn.

Before Joy could say anything, they could hear Penwick joining the conversation from someplace nearby Joy, “Mistaking the 4th 5th and 6th editions to the game isn’t uncommon, as the only real differences between all three versions are game mechanic changed for more proper game balance and a few character and creature changes made.”

Joy smiled and rolled her eyes at the more nerdier of the group and said, “Come on up Jerry, I don’t feel like talking to you form over a Ladder.” Moving away and calling back, “I’m heading to the back room, I’ll meet you there.”

He gave a nod, moving pass Strike as the pegasus glance at Jerry and teased. “Have fun on the date, stud!” to which Jerry gave a sigh, as he ignored the pegasus as added in her teasing. “Keep up showing that good ass, Jerry!” which earned a groan and a facepalm as he kept walking as the pegasus snortle at his reactions.

Even with some of the mares here tolerating and having no bias to him-- they still sometimes like to jab him some and tease him constantly. At least it's better than the constant glares, dirty looks, and biased to me. amended Jerry, as those were more tricker to deal with now and then. Going up the ladder case as he headed topside, glancing to see the earth mahogany mare Rulewood, or Rule for short, working on the helm.

He gave a wave when she glance behind her, as she gave a nod and refocus back with her conversation with one of the captains of another ship. He move through the open door way towards the back, going over the sealed hatch of where the Prawn suit was as he pass by Penwick, who he gave a wave. She smile and wave back, as she was working with some of the med supplies before going back to the Bridge at a console, as he went to the back as where Joy was waiting for him.

He noticed the strawberry coated mare, as he remarked to her. “Sometimes I wonder on Strike and her ‘friendly jabs’. It’s like she utterly enjoys embarrassing everyone she knows.” then shake his head as he added. “Or maybe because she enjoy messing with guys the most.”

Rolling her eyes and placing a large battery Jerry recognized as a Powercell, into a locker, the unicorn gave something between a sigh and a laugh while telling, “Strike was a infamous match-maker a few years back. She especially pestered me to find some stallion to hook up with because I wouldn’t stop obsessing over my work with Penwick.”

Looking over the locker and the many other powercells inside, Joy asked, “So what brings you over Jerry? I know the Dauntless crew is mostly dreary at times-- seeing that Lush wasn’t able to come with them this time around. Not that I blame her, I heard that Princess Celestia was visiting Alpha Base again and it pulled her away from this.”

He nod some. “Yeah, I heard she was going to be with Celestia,” then lean on the wall as he went on with a slight shrug. “And if I was honest? My greatest threat ever to exist. Boredom.” sighing some as he went on. “Everything is quiet, well when Albert isn’t rambling all the time, Deft is admittedly a snooty mare with a ‘better than thou’ to me. Flush….well, she’s not bad, but doesn't really like me and my choices, even touchy on a few things when talking to me.” then shake his head.

“And being alone with my thoughts wasn’t helping with the mood of moody, so I thought I take a swim and visit another ship to occupy until I go back to the Dauntless with its dreary silence and near chilling feeling in the air.” rolling his eyes as he admit. “No offense to them all, but Albert is really distant at times, and both mares are cold to me with one giving me a cold shoulder and the other might become a Ice-Queen when she’s older with her ‘high intelligence’.”

Sighing to that, Joy gave a nod and said, “I don’t know what we plan to do about that girl.” Then moved away from the lockers to sit by a wall and say, “I think Albert let’s her stay around the Dauntless because he see’s potential in her. Maybe she’s some apprentice and we don’t know it, who knows.”

The mare gave a slight shrug, but admitted, “Still. I really don’t like how cold and harsh the filly gets-- even if she’s a mare now, she sometimes hardly acts mature as one with how the acts towards others. Something I’m hoping Flush deals with it.”

“Until then? I’ll just have to endure the cold from her,” sighed Jerry as he shake his head some. “Honestly I hoped that she would at least be nice enough when I offer to you all with my Blues to patch up horns and wings,” then thought and amended. “Maybe she does act nice enough, but doesn’t show it often. Sure nice enough to talk plainly to me, but cold enough to give me the vibe she isn’t interested in talking to a ‘lower thinking barbarian’ like me.”

With a small smile, Joy joked, “Maybe she was just some filly from Canterlot? Really, that’s the only thing I could think about that would explain her attitude.” Then that smiled faltered and tightened, “Or maybe she’s like that because of what happened. She must have been nearly eleven when the caribou came.”

Soon huffing out, Joy muttered with a frown not befitting her name, “Well, I just made myself feel horrible. I keep forgetting that some of us didn’t get out as lucky.”

He frowned as he tried to cheer her up. “Hey, it's alright. Sometimes we forget a few things here or there.” then thought on lighten her mood as he joked on his ‘mistakes’. “Like the time I made my Minions paint ‘washable’ paint on a entire town? Didn’t read the label on it and made myself a total idiot!” grinning to her as to let herself get a heckle of the image of him utterly failing at that.

Joy seemed to smile for a moment, before she looked up to Jerry and screwed up her face. She looked almost confused about something before asking, “Jerry, why do you keep doing bad things?” Then went on, “So far? You’ve shown to be a good person. Why do you keep making these… choices that just make you out to be a bad person?”

He falter at that, as he sighed out, leaning more on the wall as he told. “Because if I wasn’t bad, then the Minions will die out, the Gates won’t work, and the Dark Castle will be obsolete.” looking to her as he went on. “Being a Overlord means I have to be bad….even if it means I’m not good at it.”

“Then why should you?” Asked Joy with a frown, “I’ve been to that island, Jerry. There’s no way off it without a ship. IF everything would stop working if you’re not ‘evil’, then why bother? What’s the loss in doing what you feel is actually right?”

Because I’m afraid I will die from the Eyes of Fate. internally thought Jerry, as much as he wanted to say that...he was afraid the being might pop in, tell him he was going to die soon...and let some other schmuck to fill his role into something they didn’t want. He took a breath, thinking on how to give a better explanation...he decided to use Wreck-it-Ralph as a good example of why he is the ‘bad guy’.

“I am bad and that is good,” started off Jerry as he shook his head. “I will never be good and that's not bad, there's no one I'd rather be...than me.” finishing off with a sigh as he look to Joy as he told. “Simply put, Joy? Because I’m the bad guy...I can’t be anything but the bad guy. It's just...what I accepted now honestly.”

Joy frown deepened, and she crossed her arms. For once, she was looking at him rather sternly and said, “That is a stupid reason Jerry.” Having paused a moment to think it over. “How is it a ‘good’ thing to be bad, when you’re not even happy you’re being bad?” Then motioned to him, “If you rather be you, then why put up the front of Overlord? That’s not you.” Then pointed to him, “This, is you.” Then recrossed that arm, sitting in place and waiting.

He thought over that, as he said. “Because I’m the bad guy, Joy. Because I know when things blow over, a lot of ponies want to blame something or someone. To just demonize and hate. And I rather not let Albert handle that since he oversees the Alpha Base.”

“He oversees nothing, Jerry.” Joy seemed to stamp out on a instant. “Albert gave us the key’s to his place! If he wanted to, he could just… leave anytime he liked!” She continued to give a long look at Jerry and went on, “Jerry, Albert doesn't hide what he does form anypony. I think if anyone asked, he’d just answer it without a thought. That’s just how he is.”

Then went on pointing at Jerry, “You? You’re just making it worse on yourself because you keep saying you're the bad guy and you’re fine with it.” Then told, “Let me say this right now. You’re not. I can tell you’re not. So why are you lying to me, and yourself?”

He was silent, trying to think of the exact reasons why he has to be the Overlord, why he has to be the villain. “Because...even if I’m not...part of me, part of me enjoys being evil.” looking at her as he went on. “I enjoy the slaughter, the killing, the deaths I caused, the pain and suffering I give out. I stopped trying to justified my reasons of why I’m doing this. Stopped telling myself ‘it was them or me’, stop telling myself, ‘for the greater good’, even stopped telling myself, ‘I have to use this to protect someone’. Because at the end of the day Joy?” having a slight tired expression.

“At the end of the day, I am the villain. At the end of the day, I am something everyone is going to hate sooner or later.”

There was a more saddened look to that frown and an almost pitying look to Joy’s eyes. “Are you saying you would enjoy killing me then?”

“Wha- NO!” nearly shouted Jerry. “I wouldn’t do that! That’s just, just,” started off the man as there was no reason for him to do that! None at all!

While there was still a sadness there, Joy went on and pressed, “So you’re saying you can kill almost anyone and still be fine with it, as long as you don’t know them? Like most of the ponies?”

He tighten his lip, looking away as he knew he couldn’t do that...It was evil sure...but...but even he wouldn’t just kill people randomly and slaughter them if he didn’t knew them. But I have. Namely the Caribou. that twisted his heart some, as most of the Caribous he killed...he barely even knew.

Joy watched Jerry from her place, almost tilting her head before sighing and getting up. She moved up and placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling a slight tension there and she said, “You’re not the villain, Jerry.” Seeming to urge him to think otherwise. “I know you keep saying you are, but I don’t think you’re being honest with yourself. Because if you were, then you wouldn’t be here helping us. You wouldn’t be trying so hard to help my home-- my friends and family and people… you wouldn’t have cared.”

She then smiled gently, “But you are here. You are helping. You do care. That’s not a evil person, that’s someone with a good heart.” Then asked again, “So why are you lying to both me and yourself?”

He was quiet, as he soon debated if he should tell her...or keep quiet as he glance to her, as that gentle smile still held in place as he gave a sigh and spoke. “Because I was tore away from my home, my family, and few friends. Put into this role and someone telling me, ‘be the Overlord and live or die and let someone from a random place will be in your position’.” looking to her as he went on. “I have to be the villain Joy, because if I’m not? Then either someone who could be a potential hero who can further help you all...or a actual evil villain could be in my place and make you all worried of a new threat to deal with…”

“Thats...that’s why I got to do this. Be the bad guy, keep up the facade. Because if I don’t? Then there will be someone both worser than the Caribous-- and eviler than me that would make even the Caribous seem small in threats.”

A thin line replaced that gentle smile as Joy became lost and confused. Pushed to be evil because of something that brought him here? What sort of… how is that possible? Though, in retrospect, her glancing eyes reminded her she was already in a next-to-impossible situation. In a near impossible time and a crazy moment of her life.

Sighing, Joy said, “I…” Pausing to think a bit more on it. The idea that whoever did this, whoever had the… the power to take Jerry away, send him here and possibly had the power to replace him with some random person… was that even possible? “I don’t know what to say.” She finally told. “I… I would like to think I’d just say stop lying to yourself and be who you want to be but…”

The mare hesitated. She felt out of her depth at the moment before asking, “does anyone else know about this?”

“Shadow, Spree a bit, Lovely...and maybe Albert.” respond Jerry.

“Maybe Albert?” Asked Joy in confusion.

Shrugging some he admit. “I don’t know if he suspects, but he knows I’m like him. Tossed here to make me keep moving in my ‘evil ways’.” then admit. “I would of tried lying to you...but you would of pressure me until I spill the truth. And really? The truth is really hard to take in, that I wouldn’t mind if you prefer the lie.” rolling his eyes as he told her. “Crazy enough to me really. Who would honestly believe something as insane as that?”

Almost pointedly, Joy said, “It was almost as believable as being hundreds of feet underwater in the ocean miles from land.” Then smiled at that, “Jerry, I think a lot of crazy and impossible has already happened in the last few months…” Then looked to the side and asked, “Why not ask Albert? I mean… maybe he’d know something? If… I or the others you mentioned had nothing to say…”

Humming he nod some, as he said. “I just might…” then as he gently move her hand off of his shoulder, he added. “But Joy?” giving a measure look to her. “As much as I might not like being the Overlord much...its still a job I got to do, and one that I accepted by now.”

“Accepted or gave in?” Asked Joy, “Because it almost sounds like you got pushed into the same problem us mare’s were….” Then added bitterly, “Well, not the same but…”

Sighing he nodded. “I get what you’re saying. Honestly I do…” then told. “But you all will have freedom and your nation back, while I?” giving a mirthless chuckle. “I will just settle in my mountain as the Overlord,” then joke. “Or is it Mountain Lord with people coming in to live with?” rolling his eyes as he added to her. “Anyway, maybe I did give in, but hey, at least you have me as a villain than something terrifying and worse as a villain, right?”

Frowning a bit, Joy told, “I still don’t like the fact you have to be like that.” Then sighed out. “Look, can we talk about something else? I… don’t really feel all that great knowing you’re purposely hurting yourself and not trying to make something better out of it. There’s just no reason for you to do what someone else wants if it makes you miserable.”

Oh if you only knew the truth of that statement. bitterly thought Jerry as he smile and told. “Alright,” then said with a grin. “But I can guess back home at the Castle the new inhabitants are laughing hard right now.” grinning more with amusement in his eyes. “Mostly because of all the painting Jasmine did of silly and hilarious stuff, like making a pink armor version of me follicing in the fields with my Minions.” He was chuckling some as he told.

“I think the filly enjoys making silly artworks just to get people to laugh.”

Quirking a bit of a smile, Joy said, “Sounds more weird than anything to me.” Then asked with a raised brow, “But do you really let Jasmine get away with painting on walls?” Then went on, “I mean, I know she’s a filly, but you might have to… really consider the trouble she’ll get into later on if she’s allowed to get away with things like that in your own home.” Then gramanced, “And the other foals might get away with by her example…”

Thinking some, he sighed and admitted. “I might have to put my foot down a bit, make them lessen the artwork. Really the only reason I let her do it, is because she’s bored out of her mind when I’m not around. Or when Shadow, or Jade are busy,” then added. “Beside, I think she’s smart enough to know that she can’t do those things much,” chuckling some with a smile. “But I will admit, she has a really good artist mind, especially with that exact image of my armor...being….” slightly slowing as he recalled the image….and his Arcanium armor being pink….

A slight twitch of his eye came as he said. “Oooooooh that filly is so in trouble when I get back!”

Joy raised a confused brow to that. Did he just recall something that Jasmine did because she mentioned about the girl painting on walls? Maybe. But maybe it’s something else. She really couldn’t tell right now, lacking any idea what Jerry had gotten annoyed about.

Glancing to the confused mare, he gave a low breath to calm himself as he explained. “When I came to the Resistance sometime back, my armor was colored from top to bottom in pink paint. It covered even to the tiniest of areas, completely coated my armor in shiny pink look.” having a large frown. “I had no idea who managed to make it pink in the first place, and assume it was one of the Minions who wanted to make me look ‘pretty’.” looking at her, annoyance covering his face as he added. “You can imagine the many bewilder looks and laughter came from everyone who saw me coming out of the Gate with shiny pink armor that day.”

Trying, but failing to hold back a slight snort to herself, Joy joked, “Well, sounds like someone’s been getting away with paint privileges more longer than you thought.” Almost having a knowing, ‘I told you so’ gleam to her eyes.

But he smirk and ask in response. “You mean like when a entire base of mares failed to apprehend the one who painted ‘Overlord Water Palace’ with no idea how she did it?”

“The Twilight Hope was out on a expedition when that happened.” Joy told, “Can’t hold that against me, Jerry.”

“No, but I can hold it against the Alpha Base for one.” said Jerry as he lean against the wall again and told. “But you are right, that filly is going to lose her painting privileges until she knows she can’t do that.” humming some as he said. “Maybe get her to write ’I will not mess with Big Bro armor.’ a hundred times on a chalkboard with some chalk?” then thought and shake his head. “No, no, Jade is her guardian now, any Jasmine will be taught will be by her now, not me.”

While she wanted to question that, Joy didn’t bother trying to ask too much about it. Already the dynamics of Jerry’s life in the castle was a bit screwed up, seeing as there was going to be a large influx of people there. “Well, maybe it’s something you should really think about from now on.” Then smiled, “You’re going to have a heap of little hooves rushing about that castle looking for something to do.”

There was a large groan as he rub his head. “Don’t remind me. I have a lot of work to do when I get back. Getting people into roles, see what they can do in terms of jobs, figuring out where they’re suited for-- laws, penalties, and getting my Minions trained.” sighing out as he added. “And loads of Minions working on making sure the Castle is ‘foal friendly’ as parts of the Castle is still being work on in areas that are broken up.” Shaking his head as he look to her as he went on.

“I’m going to have to work a lot on my plate, especially when foals are going to appear.” then facepalm and grumble. “Which reminds me, I need to add in the list for raiding more baby supplies for couples to have when they have foals.”

Rolling her eyes, Joy said, “Good luck with that.” Leaning back a bit and telling, “Caribou have some… weird stuff for baby supplies. I think you’re better off asking for help on just making a new batch of things. Ask around for the base things and let us mare’s that know what we’re getting into for the rest.”

Note to self, ask mares about baby stuff, write it down, and see if I can get the Minions to learn how to craft… mentally adding that to the mental list as he said. “Noted.” as he added. “And I think my detest to Caribou's just went more,” grumbling as he told. “Enslaving you all, removing history-- and now screwing up with baby supplies?” throwing his hands up as he told. “Are they as a society really asking for someone to just kill them!? Because the more they waste potential and ideals, the more it just pisses me off!” pausing some as he remark. “Huh, in some twisted sense, it does explain why I’m the Overlord.”

Joy wasn’t sure how to take that, mostly out of confusion of Jerry’s bout of ‘realization’ over whatever his mind came up with. “What?” She began unsurely, “That you’re the bad guy to the caribou?” Trying to guess what he was trying to say.

Focusing on her he nodded and explain. “Yeah, I mean it makes sense now. Because the Caribou are so wasteful, so driven by one thing, and are stagnating themselves out of their own desires-- it just drives me up to the wall of how useless they are to anything. Hell, even their most ‘greatest’ of devices were made just for the sole purpose of sex,” then amended. “Well, maybe by force to some scientist,” then shake his head and went on. “But the bottom line is that the Caribous as a society with Emperor Asshole leading them is wasteful on potential growth, things, and are wasting the environment they invaded and are driving everything to the ground,”

Taking a breath telling. “Just pisses me off. Even more on their crimes of doing things that would make me livid which seems ‘okay’ for them.” then grin to Joy. “In short? I’m the Overlord simply because I hate wasteful potential and resources-- and the Caribous are doing that, so I’m their bad guy.”

Joy just stood there with a overly confused expression, trying to just grasp Jerry’s sudden burst of insight into himself. She blinked a few times and asked, “O…..kay?” Saying it in such an unsure manner, like she wasn’t sure how to say her response otherwise.

He blink some, then hum and remark. “You know that was odd of me to say that...I think I’m catching a bit of Albert rambling now...although I doubt I’m insane as him.” then shake his head and apologize. “Sorry for confusing you Joy, I just had a sudden insight of something.” rubbing his head as he went on. “It was something that just came to me.” sighing as he felt he should change the direction of the conversation, as he thought on what Joy said of mares ready to have foals, back to Strike being a infamous match-maker…

And soon asked. “Hey Joy, curious question. Why was Strike was a infamous match-maker? Did she pick the wrong person with they were suppose to be...or just up and said ‘you two are together!’ back then?”

Letting out a breath, Joy shook her head with a small smile. “Oh no, Strike just got a little over enthusiastic about matching up ponies with other ponies for one reason or another. Sometimes I think she got a little too carried away-- but they did work out most of the time.” then dryly said, “Usually after some little bit of drama happens.”

He raise a brow, as he said. “So in some way she gets ponies hook up, but become infamous with the drama that happens?” shaking his head as he ask in joke and minor concern. “Should I be worried if she might decided to ship me with anyone? I doubt many might appreciate being so close to me, even more in a romantic sense,” then amended. “Well, except Shadow and Lovely, but they don’t count as they were with me before Strike met me.”

Rolling her eyes, Joy said, “Oh no. Strike knows better than to get two people together if one of them is already married.” Then smiled a bit, “The whole base noticed once Shadow started to show off her ring. We all know you’re official now. Strike is just teasing because she thinks it’s funny with how you react.”

Shaking his head, he felt a little relief at that. Well at least that is ended...right? thinking some as he ask in a joking tone. “Well at least she doesn’t give advice to mares who want to make a big herd, right?” although while he grin, he noticed Joy was contemplating on that as he asked. “She does, does she?”

She cringed and waved a hand before her, “Yes and no. Her ability to pair couples can be… well, intuition if anything.” Then shook her head, “Giving good romantic advice to married couples or herds? She’d sooner cause a mess out of it!”

He sigh, feeling a bit relief to that, although he remark. “Maybe when all of this is over, her and so many other's in match-making might get a killing in pairing ponies with the one they need the most.” then shake his head as he added. “Then again, maybe she’s already doing that in Alpha Base,” then thought a bit as he was curious on something. “Say Joy, does the ‘music magic’ happen among ponies, or any species really? I saw it happen once and admittedly...it just really caused me to be bewilder than anything.”

Blinking at the strangely odd question, Joy said, “Well, it happens with some species, but we ponies are notorious for it because we’ve always been so attuned to natural harmonic magics.” Then motioned at the doorway that showed where Rulewood was still working the ship’s steering, “Even myself and my friends have been able to get back to singing again. We ponies are just so tied into it. When we have the urge or feeling, we just express it.”

Then lifted a brow while asking, “Why? It happens all the time in Alpha base. Particularly when everyone's in a good mood.” Then giggled, “Hay, I think Albert even joined in a few times. Who knew the guy could sing and dance so well down the halls and keep working on his tablet all the while?”

“It honestly never happened around me.” said Jerry. “Not even in the Dark Castle, my first experience of it...was a creepy and bizarre song.” then asked. “So anyone could sing it in a good mood, or in any mood?” wondering how it fully work as this never happened...ever back home.

“Good mood, bad mood, sad mood or just generally any mood.” Told Joy with a simple nod. “Nopony can’t go long without singing at some point. We more or less need it. Our magic is almost touchy in that way. Even the Caribou couldn't always stop us from doing so.” Then remarked, “Though, there weren't that many happy songs during any of that.”

Placing a hand to her chest, Joy explained, “It mostly just goes down to our connection with magic and harmony. By singing, we help enforce that harmonic magic that we’ve become accustomed to. In some cases, ponies can get a actual burst of strength from it.” Then thought some on it and added, “I think there’s an enter subject behind Harmonic Magics and it’s corresponding subjects to Musical Theory.”

Jerry thought for a bit, as he said. “You know...I never tried it, the whole magic singing thing.” looking to her as he said. “But I could try it out, see if it works on me, and if not?” shrugging some. “Well at least I know the magic thing doesn’t work with me, right?” thinking of a song to sing.

While she gave a odd look to him, Joy said, “You can’t sing and expect it to just work.” Making him pause and look at her. “It’s an emotional feeling. Part of the reason Ponies sing is to rebalance themselves.” Then thought about it and asked, “Ever heard the expression, so happy you’ll burst?” Then cracked a smile and said, “Well, we wouldn’t burst, but it feels like it. We start singing and our magic balances back out after getting out of balance form being so happy.”

He consider that some, thinking a bit as he asked to himself. Rebalance themselves? So what song would… rebalance me? and as he thought of it, as while he does feel… he never felt that ‘burst’. He frown some as he look to Joy and asked. “But… what would happen if someone doesn’t feel that ‘burst’ to sing? That it just...doesn’t come?”

Joy rolled her eyes and told, “Well, then the pony that’s singing isn’t really harmonizing then. They’re just singing because they want to.” Then went on to explain, “in most cases I would say that you can feel a difference from a normal song, a harmonizing song and a rebalancing song or a strengthening song. Unicorns like myself are particularly sensitive to it and can tell from how saturated the air gets by the magic and it’s type.”

Thinking some, he thought back on the orchestra his Minions gave...as they were giving a sort of ‘mood’, as he said. “Interesting…” thinking more as he frown, as he had doubts, specifically to himself as while he knew everyone could give magic songs...his body was ‘unique’ due to absorbing corruption. Wouldn’t any songs I give are of corruption? he discredit that when he was before the Tree.

If his body was of corruption, then he wouldn’t be standing here. So how could he figure out if he could do it? When he was in the mood? Well...maybe I can give it a shot? Just sing whenever I’m in the mood and see what could happen? thought Jerry as he could try singing while fighting Caribous, it does get him in the mood….

He noticed he was too deep in thought as he shook his head, refocusing on Joy as he said. “As much as I want to see how it works with me, I know it might not even happen.” then thought on something...and asked in curiosity. “How strong can a song of magic be? Can it change the environment, add in other's with a group mentality if they all sang it? Can anyone with magic in them be able to sing it when they want?”

Scratching her head to this, Joy said, “Well, I’m no expert in it. I always focused more on some little knick-knack spells for celebrations…” Then took a deep breath and explained what she did know. “But it can change in strength. Mostly with how much magic is given, who’s singing it, what emotions they’re feeling and even more how many are singing along.” Then thought some and scrunched up what she could from memory, “I heard that with enough ponies, it can actually do something...more. But that depends entirely on skill and direction on the group.”

“Huh…” said the man, thinking some as it did explain the cult like thing Starlight had. Sure maybe some of them enjoy the song, but it still felt like a cult to him. He shake his thoughts from that place, as he wonder what he could do with this, but for now? Couldn’t do much with him not knowing how to apply the magic in the first place. “Thanks Joy, it honestly made me wonder a bit. Never had anything like that back home.”

Rolling her eyes, Joy said, “Maybe because you weren't around to see it Jerry.” Then went on to smile, “Honestly, one of the girls could have sang about you, the castle or any number of things while you were away and busy. It happens, and I know that most ponies can’t go a few weeks without needing to harmonize themselves at least once. Otherwise we get moody and all fidgety.”

He nodded….before a disturbing thought came to his head as he asked with a bit of hesitant in his tone as his mind thought on Lovely. “Even...created mares?”

Pausing to that, Joy thought on it and admitted, “well… that’s debatable?” Looking almost confused herself. “Created mares were… always hit and miss. Whatever those….machines do to them? It really messes up their magic to the point they can’t harmonize at times. Even worse, they sometimes just outright lack any sort of harmonizing because they lack any real creativity or… well, more than not personality because they aren't given one.”

Should...Should I let Lovely go near the Tree? thought Jerry as much as he loved her...he...if created mares lack the harmonizing they had within them, lack the needed emotions...could...could it be much worse than he thought? Could he live with the fact that even if he doesn’t want her to be what she was...what right does he have? As much as she wants to stay with him…

He made her want to stay as his maid. He made her into loving him with all of her heart...in a twisted sense, he basically made her into whatever he wanted...And it made him feel disgusted, horrified, sickening in both his mind and in his heart. That he felt shame, regret, but mostly shame and disgust to himself. Maybe...maybe I deserved to be hated when Lovely...Lovely gets healed by the Tree...be who she was...maybe hate me for what I did to her...but..but maybe its for the best. I tore away what future and happiness she had….I made her into what she is….what right do I have in playing god with her?

“Jerry?” Joy’s voice snapped the man from his thoughts, looking right at a concerned mare that was trying to read his face… figure out what was wrong. Right up until she blinked in realization, “You’re concerned for that other mare in your herd. She’s a created, isn’t she?” Recalling the local gossip over the subject.

“...Yeah. She is.” giving a low breath as he said. “Lovely Loyalty is...a created mare I made. I didn’t knew of the machine back when I first arrive here. Didn’t knew...what it did to mares. So I thought of making a mare for myself, to just...love me and accept me.” giving a low look. “Found out from Spree on what the machine did to a mare...went on destroying them and putting Blanks somewhere safe, somewhere that they won’t...won’t be use for guys desires…” then said. “But...but with this insight you gave? I...I wonder how much of her that love me...and how much I just made her want to love me...and if I deserve her forgiveness or not when she’s healed.”

Joy rubbed her neck awkwardly, not sure what to really say to that. But she did get enough words to tell, “I’m not sure if she can forgive you, Jerry.” Watching him flinch some, and clearly mistook her words. “What I meant to say… is, well…” Pausing a moment more to think.

With a heavy sigh, Joy said, “I'm not sure if she can forgive you because whoever she was is probably long gone, Jerry.” Looking saddened to say this, but knew she had to. “Those things… they just… strip everything away. The way your magic works, your mark, your memories… everything is… just wiped clean. Most of us think that… that whoever they were, are now dead. And… well, I don’t think she can forgive you because she’d wouldn’t change. How can a mare that… just was made, be angry when…”

This was harder than she thought, Joy had to reflect. She wasn’t even sure what she was saying at this point. “She doesn't have a past Jerry, only the one you gave her. Even if you said sorry, I don’t think she would understand why you’re saying sorry. Blanks are just so… so….”

“Empty.” finished Jerry, sighing out as part of him felt..agreeing with her, that anything of before Lovely was dead. That she was gone and Lovely was her. But another part of him reminded that there was the Tree. The Tree that could so easily undo what it did...but he was afraid, afraid that it would work, that Lovely would be gone, that whoever the mare was would scorn him, give hateful words to him, say everything that he sometimes say to himself was true.

That he was a monster. He tried to push these feelings aside, focusing on Joy as he said. “Thanks...for trying to help.” then sighed as he admit. “But it does give me another reason to tolerate the ponies around me, they hate me for making Lovely into what she is, knowing she can never be back to whoever she was.” shaking his head as he was feeling gloomy and wanted to change the subject as much as he wanted.

Thinking some, Joy smiled and asked, “Did you know that before you came along, a lot of us really didn’t like Albert?”

He blinked a bit, looking to her as he admitted. “I honestly figured you all hated him since he was a guy and sorta had you all under the sea with no way out.”

Giving a giggle, Joy said, “Hate is a understatement. Grain was always eyeing him like some wild animal and Flush nearly tried to punch or attack him for even the smallest of reasons.” Recalling some memories. “Before Grain got her act together, we were very suspicious of Albert. Constantly babbling, no sense of manners and so absent minded…” She shook her head and went on, “He’d sometimes even walk in when we were giving ourselves baths or changing diving suites. We would freak out and he would walk on by like nothing was different.”

Those were some admittedly embarrassing moments, but it was in the past now. “It was rough, really rough, all because he was so… socially awkward half the time.” Then shook her head, “I mean, I completely believe him about the out at sea for years. It was like he forgot what it was like to be around others!” Then went on, “Actually, I’m glad he’s taken down and stopped talking to the cat poster in the main base. That was always a little freaky.”

Jerry pause on that as he said. “Talking to cat posters?” thinking of the same one in Albert lab as he thought on Albert, being alone was a bad thing. As he recalled from a few movies that loneliness makes people go insane, create inanimate objects to ‘talk’. He soon said to Joy. “I think him talking to the cat poster is a way for him to have conversations.” looking to her as he admit.

“I’m not good with medical things, but I know humans don’t do good when alone for a long period of time. We tend to start turning things into similar looking people to talk to or keep conversation. And the only people who don’t go as wacky? Are those with pets…” then shrug. “Even then, we go a little loony.”

Concern on her features, Joy said, “Should we be worried? I mean, Albert…” She paused and sighed, “Nevermind. It’s hard to tell what Albert can be like with how he… well, is.” She paused to think and tell, “I can tell he’s a generous man, in a sense. He gave us his base practically. Gave us food, shelter, clothes… basically everything.”

Sighing, She shook her head with a small smile. “But, as I was saying. I think it took us a few weeks of being with him before we softened up. He was actually pretty kind, even if he tossed out his reasons as ‘better survival’ or ‘not his right to reject us’ or whatever reason he gave. In all honesty, it would of been easy to just… leave us.”

“But he didn’t, and you know why?” She asked while looking to the taller male. “Albert is a good person under all that logic and silly rambling he does. I don’t think he would admit it, but bad people or people that don’t care don’t just help or get worried about others.” Then smiled more, “You’re worried about Lovely, right? Then I think ponies can forgive you, if you told them the honest truth for what you did to her. You just didn’t know back then.”

Just...tell them that I made her in Dodge Junction? thought Jerry as while that was appealing, and could work...another part of him felt a cold chilling in his back as a thought came in. You’re stepping on the line to good, the Eyes of Fate may decided to remove you and let someone else be in your position. That alone gave a cold feeling up his spine as he spoke. “M-Maybe at the Castle first...to assure the people there.” then admit.

“While I could tell everyone...they might not be willing to listen, and it will take time to spread about Lovely.” then added. “And even then, its a long shot of them believing me or just giving me the cold shoulder.”

Joy sighed and shook her head and told, “I was talking about people that ask in general, not announcing it to the world.” Partially wondering if this is what his full on wife had to deal with. If so, she wondered how the Thestral put up with his over thinking, or rather his means of blowing things to overly large proportions.

He thought on that some, as he said. “Right, right, that can work.” as he thought more and was realizing that while she was right on not announcing it, he could start small, work his way up. That can work.

He didn't’ notice Joy facepalming at seeing his realization was slow. She honestly wonder how the thestral put up with Jerry’s antics at all? Jerry then thought on asking something else, before his stomach growled out, as he glance down and look back to Joy as he said.

“Guess I forgot to eat,” then shake his head. “Which means I should head back, I got a lot to think about, thanks Joy,” then joke. “Maybe next time I come we can talk of more nerdy things than life-dilemma things?”

Rolling her eyes, she told, “Don’t you start too.” Moving her arms to turn and shove at him, “Go on and get back. I’d offer you something here, but we both know how Rulewood get’s when someone not part of her crew starts leeching off her ship’s supplies.”

Chuckling as he said. “I know, I know.” then began walking as he said. “Take care Joy!” walking off to head back to the Dauntless, mind thinking of things to do and a nagging feeling to talk to Albert on Lovely case. Despite Joy telling him that nothing could be done...there was always the Tree.

Next Chapter: Nightmare and Council Estimated time remaining: 24 Hours, 33 Minutes