“All ships, ahead-slow. Ahead-slow.” Came Albert’s voice before he reached out with a hand, selecting a holographic icon while the Cyclops soon reverberated in it’s own, robotic british voice. “Ahead Slow.” Turning the once thrumming sound of the engine into a much more steady one.

A near week and they had come to a near crawl. Good or bad, luck seemed to be messing with them all. As much as Albert wanted to seemingly pursue the ships at a more normal pace, the fact of the matter was they were passing some deeper waters. And the man wanted to take caution in the uncharted area they were entering.

For Jerry, he was a little lost as to what the infected man meant, though thinking on it, it probably meant they had entered an area that was yet to be mapped out. And form the direction of the caribou ships, they were intending to head for a small corner of land before sailing into open sea.

Moving up by Deft, whom worked one of the consoles at the time, Jerry watched at the flicking cams the young mare was using to keep an eye out around them. The un-armored overlord watched as he got a fair view of the rather colorful fleet of Cyclopses and Seamoth’s, almost looking like something out of a sci-fi fic of a space fleet with how they moved and hung in the water.

Then the screen flicked to the waters below them, a long and dark chasm being right below them. Squinting, Jerry couldn't see the bottom at all. There were plenty of fish though, even a few normal looking sharks that prowled about the oceans vast waters.

But it doesn’t mean that there’s something within the deep waters. thought the man as he look at the flicking cams that changed from the dark chasm into other images, seeing various images as he moved back from Deft. His mind occupy of what they might be on the watch out for, or specifically how long they have to go slow for. He partially worry they may not make it in time to catch up the ships of caribou's, but he reassured himself that despite the fleet is going slow, the Caribous are more slower.

We can catch up to them, side, from what Albert mention from up above, it look like they’re going slow from bad weather. added Jerry in thought, as while the underwater fleet had to go slow in caution, Lady Luck seem to grant them a small boon as the Caribous were going slow even more. Meaning that the bundle group of Cyclopes and Seamoths can easily catch up to the ships.

Besides the change in pace or actions of the crew though? Nothing much had changed. It was still pretty quiet and feeling fairly empty. Though with Albert, Deft and Ace all a bit on edge to say the least, it was pretty obvious they were more focused on their jobs than they normally would be.

Turning around, Jerry moved into the back room and glanced around. Mostly at the equipment and lockers that were around for use. He would have possibly swam over to one of the ships to strike up conversation, as things had become hushed and quiet in the Dauntless, but even the Seamoths looked a bit cautious while moving with the fleet.

For the next seemingly hour worth of time, it was the slow thrumming of engines and his slight pacing that kept Jerry occupied. It was, however, during this time that something odd happened. A low and reverberating deep sound shook the air just slightly before it returned to full force.

“Rigged for Silent Running.” Called the AI of the Dauntless, the lights dimming and becoming a low red color, the thrumming of the engines becoming all but silent and the feeling of momentum vastly decreasing. Jerry had to blink, this was new. Even more as he hear Albert calling through the channels, “All ships, Silent Running. Repeat, Silent Running.”

Silent running? questioned Jerry as he glance to Albert, then glance to the dimming color of the lights as he figure that whatever happened, caused Albert making every ship go quiet. But the question is...why? Although he gained his answer as the first sound came to his ears, along everyone else was deep, long and almost mysterious. Then a new sound came, a roar like echo as Jerry felt reminded of something he fought within the second Overlord game, a lizard like creature roar…

Only in this case, this was something else as he moved by Albert as he whispers. “Was that a Reaper Leviathan we just heard? Or something worse?”

Listening carefully, Albert shook his head, “No…. those low rumbling sounds are a Reaper Leviathan.” Hearing the sounds once more before frowning grimly. “That other one sounds like… a Sea Dragon Leviathan.”

Jerry recalled that name, as he looked over the Tablet a few times of creatures that were in the ocean...and couldn’t help himself but give a low gulp. “Sea Dragon?” muttered the man as he quickly understood why they were slowing down and going silent. He knew Reaper Leviathan were deadly, and hearing that they were around was bad enough-- but Sea Dragon? “Any chances we might see the Caribou ships getting hit by either?”

“I’d rather they didn’t.” Told Albert rather simply. “A simple rescue and retrieval will become a rushed rescue.” Looking out the front of the glass window while adding, “And two leviathan fish is bad enou--” The ship shook and alarms blared while the lights flashed.

Outside Jerry could see what looked to be molten and burning chunks of something flying in a near spray form under the depths and going straight up. The AI warning, “Warning, Captain! Creature Attack!”

That was when Jerry watched a long white and red serpentine like creature with four long mandibles swiftly swim up. The large predator next to ignored the subs and rushed on ahead, heading for the surface. But following it were two bigger, scale and greener creatures. The large Leviathan beasts used their large webbed claws to bat or brush the silent ships aside, causing many a crew to fall about or lose footing and metal to dent. Long tentacles used by the lizard like creatures tails propelling it along to continue chasing the lone Reaper Leviathan. One adding to the chaos with more ‘fireballs’ spewing from it’s mouth to hit the more agile predator-turned-prey.

“Oh shit!” exclaimed Jerry, seeing the Sea Dragon, no, two Sea Dragons! Both chasing after the Reaper Leviathan as they were blasting the fleeing creature as they mostly left the fleet to be. Well beside the few dents area and multiple reports of damage by the mares. “We’ve been hit! I repeat we been hit!”

“We need repairs now!”

“Get everyone to start repair, we need to be ready to move.” As some of the newer crews slightly panic and called out.

“Oh Celestia, we need full on repairs, I repeat, full on repairs!”

Turning back to comm’s, Albert was calm to address, “Belay all actions. Stay calm and remain in Cyclops. Seamoths stay near your designated Cyclops lead and move as little as possible. Cyclops Crews, find damages and report them to the Seamoths, let them start dealing with outside damages. All internal crew, watch for possible fires and leaks.”

“Deft.” Albert turned to the young mare getting herself up and rubbing her head from being knocked over some. “Eyes on the Leviathans.”

Fixing her glasses up, and thankful they weren't too damaged, Deft turned back to the console and began her search. Flicking through the three cameras before calling, “Found them. They’ve rushed ahead and to the southeast. They’re circling around with the Reaper following some currents.” And once more after she said that, faint roars of the titanic creatures still being heard.

Leaning by a wall, Jerry sighed as he calmed his heart rate down, as he was honestly scared shitless of seeing not only a Reaper Leviathan for the first time, but two Sea Dragons. And apparently, to Sea Dragons, a Reaper is dinner. shaking his head as he glance to see all the ships were on standby, mostly to not gain attention of the Sea Dragons and make it easy for the Seamoths pilots to get out and start hull repairs.

Seeing a few mares with odd tools, pointing and working on the hulls as Jerry couldn’t help but wonder if the game mechanics for whatever game Albert came from, was multi-purpose for any situation. Then again...he did lived alone in underwater for a long time...so maybe they are. he glance to Albert as he asked. “Should we expect more Sea Dragons showing up?”

Stepping away from the helm and moving to the console to the left to look over a large hologram of the Cyclops and where the damages were, Albert told, “We shouldn't. Seadragons normally stay some 1,400 meters under the ocean from my experience. Some in cavernous and active lava locations. Only reason those two are out is probably to hunt.”

Flush moved up to give a look as the three large creatures swam not too far ahead, still slightly in sight while she snort some. “Damn those fish. Hate it when they come out of nowhere like that.” Then turned back saying, “So you weren't kidding about those things eating the Reaper ones?”

“There’s always a bigger fish Flush.” Told Albert while he noticed form hologram’s blip. The ship went mostly undamaged bare a few spots here or there. “Bigger the fish, the bigger the food they need. I’m sure chase and fights like this are happening all over the vast ocean.”

“Still, scared me shitless.” muttered Jerry as he actually hoped the two Sea Dragons, or any Sea Dragons might not spot the fleet of Caribou's, make things a lot more difficult for them all in hopes of getting out alive. He sighed as he saw pilots of Seamoths returning into their ships as he asked to Albert. “Think we might encounter any more trouble beside Sea Dragons or Reapers?” knowing that in a place like this, there was bound to be something grabbing them by surprise.

Watching the last little orange blip of damage vanish, Albert told, “I'm not wanting to say no to that, because it’s possible.” Then moved back to the helm in thought. The three sea titans were still going along with their chase, going every which way to either escape or run away. But while they watched, and on Albert’s order, slowly creeped along to avoid detection, did thing just get worse.

It wasn’t noticeable, but something did catch the three’s attention. Something that rocked, splashed and was slightly noticeable as the dark and dim waters slightly lighten up with slowly coming sunlight. The silhouettes of the Caribou fleet could just barely be made out, but when the three got close enough-- one of the Sea Dragons broke away.

“I think one of them just broke off to the caribou fleet!” One mare reported, apparently watching the situation too. “Is it going to attack?” Another questioned, but was soon answered when the thing surged up and attempted to take a bite from the ship in the rear. Obviously having mistaken it as some easy prey.

Wood tore and caved, the large creature going in for another bite and using it’s large claws to grip the back of the ship to find something tasty to have. It must have found something, because during it’s third bite it seemed to go into a more frenzied state to rip the ‘shell’ off the ship, something else besides wood getting into the slightly red waters.

Oh shit, shit, shit, shit. repeatedly thought Jerry seeing the Sea Dragon digging into the ship as Jerry force himself to stay in place, as despite him wanting to stop the thing from digging in more, he knew this wasn’t his call. Or specifically, having no idea of stopping it as he glance to Albert and asked. “I really hope you got ideas on stopping it, because I think this might turn into a rushed rescue if it decide to get into another ship.”

The half groan and half sigh Albert made was the very pinnacle of annoyance Jerry had heard in a long while. He looked about and watched as the other Seadragon, once interested in nothing but the Reaper Leviathan, let the fish slip away so it could turn it’s attention to the much slower, much more easily attacked ships that were now being rushed to move and address the sudden emergency to one of it’s own.

Gripping the helm and turning on the channels, Albert called in, “Ahead Flank, Combat pilots to your Seamoths. Those with electrical defense perimeters, support. Spare crew, ready for Plan B.” The AI droning out while Albert’s hands went to work, “Ahead Flank, Emergency Speed.” The engines making a near whirring sound and the whole thing next to jolting, making Jerry take a step back to get his footing while he heard, “Warning, Vessel Tilting! Excessive Noise!”

At first Jerry was confused to that, or up until one of the two Sea Dragons having finished ripping a ship up enough to cause part of it to snap and begin sinking drastically, turned it’s head towards the now loud sounds of the fleet. It gave a roar and turned, spewing a large molten chunk at them and swam in while it’s partner finished with one wooden ship and payed more mind to the next.

In retaliation, four Cyclops had released their own Seamoths made with extra torpedo bays to be unleashed. Albert then reached up and pressed a image on the large hud, and Jerry watched as a translucent and fluxing shield made up of triangles popped before the bridge. The molten slag splashing harmlessly onto the apparent shield while the Leviathan sized fish opened it’s jaws and rammed the shield, causing the whole ship to jerk and shake, but not be harmed.

Sounds of thumps and pops could be heard from the speeding by sea moths, a couple of torpedoes exploding with a green cloud like substance filling the water around the Sea Dragon, making it jerk in discomfort and swimming away while shaking and clawing it’s face in discomfort. With a glance from her console, Flush Ace asked with a smirk, “Enjoying your first experience with the Expedition Fleet, Jer?”

“A little,” admit Jerry as he saw the Sea Dragon doing its best to wipe its face off as he added. “But I’m mostly a bit terrified facing against these things without armor and being a bystander.” freely admitting his fear of the large creatures and felt like he couldn’t do much in a situation like this, as this was more of Albert expertise than Jerry own.

With a laugh, Flush said, “That armor wouldn’t do you anything-- those things bite open PRAWN Suites!” Making Jerry blanch at the mere thought while Albert called out to all available ships.

“I want some ships to scare away that Sea Dragon, make it swim away. Battle Group, swing around and get that other Sea Dragon to leave the caribou fleet alone-- I think they’ll know something's going on when the others use the Perimeter Defenses.”

Before Jerry could question what Albert meant, one of the Seamoths dove down, it’s sister's going away to give it wide berth before a resounding sharp ‘whomping’ sound was heard and a bright blue flash seen as a brief moment of a electrical pulse was sent out. There was a roar of agitated defiance form the large creature, still trying to clear it’s eyes before another large, bright and strong electrical pulse washed over it and electrocuted the thing to finally get the hint and leave. Diving and swimming towards the large and black ravine below them.

Jerry gave a careful look at the Sea Dragon going down, as if suspicious it might come back up to them in retaliation. He had to switch his attention to the one attacking the Caribou fleet, as he noticed the ships were acting funny, having a defensive formation as was slightly wondering how they were going to both deal with the large predator and the wooden ships above them.

“All ships, take up perimeter around the ships. Give them a good distance. Crews able to swim grab spare air tanks, Laser Cutters and Diving reels. Bring any extra gear you deem necessary.” Told Albert over the Comms once more before leaving the Helm and telling, “Deft, take the Helm. Flush, you’re with me.” Motioning to the pink unicorn to follow him to go get their gear.

Flush smiled and gave a firm nod, moving to the back to get what they might need while Jerry was left a bit confused of what was going on. Watching as, slowly, the last Sea Dragon was being scared off-- with lot’s of gas torpedoes being shot at it to keep it running.

What is the gas made out of? Some sort of pepper spray? mused Jerry as he watched the sight as the Sea Dragon was retreating from the four Seamoths, as he continue on in his thinking. Maybe a game mechanic, which is the most likely of explanations… but he glance back to Albert walked off as while Jerry wanted to come and help, he felt that he would be most likely useless in this situation, as for one, Albert didn’t ask for him to come, meaning in Albert point of view, all Jerry could do for now was sit and wait.

Part of him felt a bit annoyed he can’t do much, but another part of him felt this was ‘good practice’ of just waiting and seeing when the time was right.

When Albert came back, something was held out to Jerry, a couple of things actually. A darkened blackish knife, a odd looking ‘gun’ and lastly a cylinder with a handle on one end, and a hook on the other. “You might need those.” Told Albert with the armful of things. “We’re going to need plenty of hands to do the next step. The Caribou are going to be suspicious now, so we're changing plans and hitting them now. We need to find the two mare’s and make it quick.”

Quickly examine them as he figure this was a ‘hook gun’ to grab things and pull them to him. He glance up to Albert as he asked. “So we’re hitting the near sinking ship and infiltrate the rest from the bottom?” placing the gear on his hardsuit as he asked. “Any other mares second priority in taking from the wooden ships?”

With a nod, Albert told, “I’m going with the seamoths that will survey the sinking ships and hopefully make sure the element’s didn’t get eaten.” Putting it rather bluntly in all reality. Then, he pointd to Jerry and told, “You’re going with the largest group and begin helping sink and defend those working.” Being quick, Albert pointed out, “That is a thermal knife. There is a switch near the handle that will turn on the thermal edge.”

He pointed to the cylinder device and told, “That’s a diving reel, hook one end to the ship and the other clip to your side so you don’t drift away too far from the group.” Then finally tapped the bulky ‘gun’ to tell, “Propulsion cannon. If you see something of interest or you’re being attacked, point at a object, press this switch to pull it in. Press the same one to shoot object away, and this secondary switch is to drop the item.”

While Jerry took a moment to keep up with this fast-paced explanation, Albert continued past to the ladder and told, “You’re with Flush.” And like that, went down the ladder to presumably get to work.

Flush walked up and nudge his shoulder with her own, snapping Jerry out of his thoughts and told, “Get ready to go into your un-comfort zone. We’re going into open water.” Slinging a familiar rifle he’d seen Grain have before. “Keep close to me and the others.”

Following after her, he nod as he repeated in his mind of what Albert explained. That the knife can turn thermal on the edge, diving reel hook him close, and the cannon pull something in or shoot it away. Almost like a Gravity Gun from Half-life 2. thought the man in slight amusement, as he followed the mare down the ladder, getting his rebreather on as he asked to Flush.

“Any idea how many are on the ship, Flush?”

Getting ready to put her rebreather on, Flush told, “No idea, but we have the pilots in the seamoths to call up a Cyclops or two if we need them.” Then placed the rebreather on, canceling out her ability to speak while moving to the open hatch and submerging herself.

With a final breath, Jerry fixed his own and on went into the cool waters. Mask soon on and eyes blinking while he glanced around. He had to pause at one of the previously attacked ships slowly sinking downwards in two halfs, a couple of Cyclops’s moving to follow it down.

Bubbles rushed up from his first breath before he turned and began to follow the swimming mare that hooked her gear around herself and swam for a ship. Other mare’s and a scant few stallions also began to swim their way into groups. A few actually hitching a ride on a Seamoth’s hull to get to their destination sooner.

He watched Flush pause and wave at one, a Seamoth stopping nearby while she soon waved for him to swim over and take a hold of any grabable part of the hull for a quick ride.

Jerry followed suit, grabbing onto parts of the hull with a good grip as he nod, she motioned to the Seamoth to move as they were heading towards the rest of the intact ships. While they were getting near, he saw the groups that were near already starting to use their Laser cutters to make holes into the hulls as to slowly sink the ship. Some were also keeping on watch out as precaution if something jumped up behind them.

When the Seamoth Jerry and Flush hitched a ride on was close, he saw the unicorn getting off, as she motioned to him to follow, as he quickly did. Letting her take the lead as she was far experience in this sort of situation than he was. Although he kept his populsion cannon in hand in case something did jump up, almost felt reminded of those horror games he played. Only in this situation, he was underwater and not on solid ground.

Admittedly he felt like wanting to get his Blues to assist, but doubted that would happen. But he knew that his job along side other's was to force the occupants to abandon ship as it slowly sinks down and grab the last two element bearers.

He glanced up, watching as a number of holes were being cut into the bottom of the first ship, no doubt causing water to spurt up and into it. At first it seemed like there was no change, but slowly the ship was getting lower into the water.

It wasn’t the only one, other ships were also going deeper and deeper into the water. It wasn’t too long before the first splash was seen, a rowboat having been pushed over the ship with no doubtedly occupants. On a dime, Flush took aim as her riffle slightly spun by it’s barril before a blue ball of light was shot. When it struck the slowly moving rowboat-- it was frozen in place. The blue sphere having attached to the bottom of it keeping it in place.

Flush motioned for other’s to follow her, even Jerry, placing her riffle away as they all swam for it. Jerry followed, keeping to the same depth as the others as by the time the odd sphere of light dissipated, they were upon it. One, with a Laser Cutter, made a quick point and click to make a number of holes in the bottom, the fast leaks causing the inhabitant to jump out.

All were Caribous, as soon as they were in the water, did they swim away some and let the small boat sink. They looked among the numbers, but when no sign of a mare could be seen, Flush motioned for them to leave-- apparently to go find any other boats being sent down.

Jerry saw a boat coming away from a slowly sinking ship as he motioned to Flush at it, as she nod, aiming her weapon to keep it in place as they repeated the motions. Sinking the boat with Laser Cutters as once more it inhabitants were of all Caribous. Although while the groups were moving around, sinking ships and boats, Jerry swam a bit, searching around…

And quickly grabbing Flush by the shoulder, pointing to a Caribou holding a yellow pegasus body as the male dove out from a sinking boat.

With a single nod, Flush pointed to his Propulsion cannon, then at the two bodies now in the water. She herself got a knife out, readying it in her grasp. Jerry looked down and recalled the control’s best he could, taking aim. When he clicked, he found it did nothing, or up until Flush pushed him to swim closer.

Doing so, they got a bit more closer before he tried again-- and this time there was a result. The tool tugged in his hands, while a long, blue beam seemed to shoot out and attach to his target-- being the Caribou. The male, caught by surprise, was dragged under and took the pegasus with him. Both thrashed in the water at the abruptness, and Jerry had to steal his grip as the tool felt like it wanted to pull him along too.

When they were close enough, Flush was not hesitant to grab and plunge her knife into the Caribou’s body, going to the neck and causing the water to taint red. Fluttershy panicked, her beautiful body flailing about in panic. Flush put the knife away and quickly moved around, grabbing the mare and motioning to other mare’s to get over, one of the Cyclops’s moving in to get close. This left Jerry with the dead body in the tools grasp.

He twisted and turned the thing, the limp body following wherever he pointed it while he looked at the switches, trying to recall which one released. He guessed and pressed one, only to hit the one that ‘shot’ things away. Jerry found himself pushed back, and blinked as the body was flung away like a projectile as it soon slowed and drifted up in the water.

damn, does it have a kick to it. thought the man, as he force himself to swim back into position. While he saw the Cyclop getting close to pick up Fluttershy, he noticed other groups grabbing mares from either underneath the sinking ships or boats as he examine around. While some were grabbing the mares and removing the Caribous, he notice that some boat were still unsinked.

He began swimming to one of the boats, as he ready his propulsion cannon once he got close to it. But he notice that when he fired, it didn’t had much effect on the boat like it did to the body, as he barely managed to stop it. He let go of the boat as he glance to see Flush bringing Fluttershy in one of the Cyclopes, refocusing his attention to one of the boats as he swam more under it, seeing paddles moving as he took his thermal knife out ready as he grip the end of the paddle and pulled to force whoever held it down with him.

Rather than drag someone over, all Jerry got was the paddle-- the owner having apparently lost grip and was more taken by surprise his ore was taken. It gave Jerry a thought, and almost in a devious manner, used his knife to cut through the ore and take off it’s head.

Swimming over to the next, he gripped and instead of tugging, quickly cut the next ore head off and repeated the process as fast as possible, before swimming away and leaving a boat with sticks for oars.

He felt like repeating this process, as while he couldn’t do much without a gun like Flush has, he could at least halt some of the boats from attempted escape. As he swam to the next boat, cutting off the paddle head, going over the other side to keep cutting off the heads. Making sure that the Caribous couldn’t escape so easily as glance to see most of the boats are starting to sink with Caribous and a few mares jumping overboard.

But even with his added aid, there was no sight of Twilight. Which made him concern of where she could be, and it made him worried that she could be in the first sinking ship. Which...was pretty bad in both the mission and for everything else.

Watching the process, Jerry was soon reminded that he had to get air soon. A single bleeping sound and even an alert to his low reserve of air told him he needed to go and restore his stores. Instead of breaking for the surface and getting spotted, he swam for the nearest Cyclops, this one being a fairly dull blue in color.

Going under the hatch, he lifted his head up enough so the airtank could hiss and restore itself on air-- and when the mask’s little hud showed he was good, dived back down and rejoined. Flush was soon closeby, the mare having swum back to him before she motioned him to go into the ship. At first Jerry wondered why, or until he noticed how the fleet was more or less sinking down.

So, he pulled himself into the Cyclops, Flush following soon after. The mare took off her rebreather and took a long breath of fresh air…. Then sighed out. “Oh mare, that was something.” Working her shoulder and telling, “Come on, we need to see if anyone saw Princess Twilight. I didn’t spot her anywhere.”

“Neither did I.” added Jerry as he felt a grim look coming on his face. “I really hope somebody found her, because if not…” glancing back to the water. “We may need to hope that Magic can resurrect her.”

There was a particularly sour look on the mare’s face, and Flush told in a tone of annoyance, “That will not solve our problems, Jerry.” Almost glaring at him with disapproval, “Resurrection isn’t going to bring back a Alicorn-- I don’t think it’s even possible to do that!” Then moved to the ladder, starting to go up and told, “I’m going to the bridge and asking if anyone’s seen the Princess-- because if not then things are going to be bad.” Then proceeded to keep climbing up.

Jerry gave a nod, moving by the wall as he thought over that tidbit. Resurrection can’t work on Alicorns? Oh that is bad. Even more that she’s a vital piece of this whole operation. thinking some more as he wonder. I wonder if I can apply Mortis with sacrificing Blue lifeforce to see if it is possible? Game mechanic wise he could resurrect Minions for lesser Minions lifeforce...but this is a whole different ball game.

I mean, for all I know, it might require more than Blue lifeforce, maybe a mixture of lifeforce altogether? Maybe someone did found her, and maybe are bringing her to one of the Cyclopes...Although she could be in one of the sinking ships-- but I’m sure some of the other's could enter in said ships to grab any mares that were in cages. Maybe she was also in one of the boats an someone took her into a Cyclops and none of us didn’t fully notice? trying to think of situations that could happen as he clench his eyes and shake his head.

Overthinking Jerry. Got to stop that. then sighed as he climbed up the ladder, hoping that Flush would have some answers of what happened once he got up to the deck.

While he reached the top, he could hear the sounds of mares-- mostly of confused ones, behind himself while the bulkhead was being closed. Muffled sounds could still be heard, but the Bridge was mostly given privacy. In the Bridge though, he could see Flush standing near the captain of the ship, she and others talking over the line over one target.

“I haven't seen the Princess anywhere.” “I’m checking over the remaining people in the water, I haven’t seen her or any more mares yet.” “Someone check the sinking ships, she could be trapped in one of them!” “We’re checking with the deeper group if she’s in one of the wrecks.” It was almost disorganized, but not so much that everyone was in a panic just yet.

He glance behind to the muffle sounds, but decide to not check, as he was more focus on the situation at hand. He knew that no one managed to find her, and might try the sinking ships as well as the one in the wrecks. He cross his arms as he lean on a wall, deciding to wait as while he wanted answers, he also knew that the groups were trying to get the same answers he wanted. All he could do was wait and see. As much as he disliked it...it was all he could do.

“This is Seamoth Shale-wave, I found Princess Twilight!” Almost everyone went silent at hearing that, but the alarm in the voice made them all panic. “She’s in one of the sinking ships, she can’t get out! We need stassis Rifles at full power and Laser cutters, she’s running out of air!”

All at once, the Cyclops next to jolted, running at full speed while those inside looked around for this seamoth-- but found it. When the Cyclops turned it was pointing at a bright green sub, blinking its lights almost frantically around while following one of the slowly sinking ships.

Flush was fast to move, running for the ladder and told, “Jerry, I need you to get out there with us!” Pausing for a moment to look through a locker a stallion directed her to, going in it to grab apparently a laser cutter-- which she tossed Jerry’s way.

He grabbed it the moment it was close to him in the air, following after her as he saw other divers using stasis rifles, firing at the bottom of the ship. Causing huge blue bubbles to cover the hull and stop it from sinking, as Flush dive down, Jerry follow as they swam towards the slowly sinking ship. Quickly moving towards the wooden ship as once Jerry was close, he followed with other's as to use the Laser Cutters.

Seeing them helping Twilight under the deck, trying to open a iron grate she couldn’t get past. He brought the cutter to fire at the side of the iron grate as Twilight reach her arm out of one of the holes of the grate, clenching and reaching next to desperately for air. Her cheeks bulge and eyes trying to stay open. Distinct fluttering of them as a almost blueness to her face, almost like she was losing what air she had...before her mouth seem to just let open and bubbles flow away, eyes slowly fluttering closed.

Twilight hand stopped trying to reach for air, as she passed out with the seawater going through her being, sinking downward as one of the ponies tries to reach for the alicorn hand, but missed the drifting limb. Twilight sunk into the ship as both ponies and Jerry were working faster to get the grate open with Laser Cutters, once it finally broke open did the human and a few ponies swam down into the ship itself.

They attempted to look for the body that’s sinking and drifting off into the ship, which was darker in the inside with a dim light revealing what brightness there was. The group spread out to attempt to find Twilight much faster, trying to find the purple alicorn body and get her out of there. However with how dark it was, it was harder to find the mare. Yet light pour in with Seamoths coming by to give light for the search team to find Twilight at all cost.

Jerry surprisingly, found the drifting body of the alicron as he kicked his legs and move his arms to get close to Twilight. He reach out to grab her wrist, as once he grabbed the alicorn limp body? Was there creaking sounds of the ship snapping or cracking open as the Stasis fields that were holding up the ship were weakening. Those that were armed with Stasis rifles were trying to reaply the stasis charge to keep the ship stable.

It only made Jerry move faster as he now held the lifeless body of the purple alicorn, with only one thought in his mind. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit! thankfully some of the other ponies who were trying to swim up and out of the ship, noticed Jerry trying to swim out with Twilight. As another move to help Jerry get Twilight out, but a support beam buckle as another diver pony unfortunately got stuck under it while the ship was creaking with itself tearing apart.

A few other ponies move to attempt to free the would-be-rescuer as one of them used laser cutter to cut the trapped pony from the support beam. Jerry himself motioned the pony by his side to get to the other's to help the pony out, as he was kicking himself upwards, getting out of the now newly stasis field ship as he saw a Seamoth close. Kicking his feet as fast as he could, he reached to the side of it and gripped tightly to hold on, the Seamoth made a fast B line for the closest Cyclopes as it stop near the hatch.

Jerry which let go of the Seamoth to quickly gets the alicorn mare in. Once they were up inside the Cyclops he passed her to mares ready to grab the unconscious alicorn, as they were forced to use the tight space of the lower deck’s tight hall to perform CPR and get air back into Twilight lungs.

While Jerry pulled himself up, he could hear the distinct sounds of grunts and hands being used to push on Twilight’s chest. Sounds of air being forced into the unconscious mare’s mouth could also be heard, before more pushes. Then, when he was about to look back, he heard coughing, slutter and dribbles of water. Desperate and greedy gasps of air could be heard, Twilight taking her breaths of air.

One of the mare’s gave a sigh of relief to this, and turned to Jerry to tell, “We can take it from here. You can go back to another ship, our’s is pretty full at the moment with refugees.”

He gave a two finger saluted, as his rebreather was still on, going out of the hatch as he swam towards the Dauntless as it took him a while to reach without a Seamoth helping him, repeated swimming with his arms and legs as after a near 10 minute swim he reached under the hatch of the Dauntless. Heading up and out as he removed his rebreather as he gave a sighed. Unable to muttered out.

“Thank God we managed to get her…” then wipe the water from his face as he added in thought. We were almost too late… Shaking his head he put the tools back in a locker as he headed back up on Deck, feeling a need to see how things were going after getting the last two bearers from caribou hands.

As soon as he got up though, he was met with a few mare’s, two of which being Flush herself and the other being Deft. the younger of the two was finishing up on checking up of everyone before turning and telling, “Alright, now that’s done, you better strap in.” Tapping a few controls before the slight feeling of the ship moving was felt, and the Hud of the Cyclops reading out they were descending downwards. “Time to get to the other half of the job.”

Jerry felt a pat on his back, a pegasus telling, “Good job getting the Princess to that ship, could have lost her.” then asked, “You helping with the Scavenging operation? That’s going to be our next job soon.”

Thinking some, he nod. “Sure, might as well help out the best I can, right?” then asked in curiousity. “Anything to keep a eye on while scavenging in the dark craven?” knowing that while Sea Dragons and Reapers were a big on threat, there were those smaller animals that were just as deadly to the group.

As they slowly descended, Flush told, “Might have to expect Crabs Squids. Those things love the depth’s we’re looking at. Normal squids too.” Then motioned her head to the back telling, “Al brought his PRAWN for this. You can use it, I’m going to be swimming out there and providing guard duty.” Then grinned, “Just be careful while down there, don’t want to accidently hit someone.”

Losing that smirk, Flush did say, “But seriously, use the PRAWN. You’re a bit new to this and you’d be safer inside the tin-can rather than swimming around where you could get grabbed by something to be their meal.”

Rolling his eyes, he assured. “I’ll make sure I’ll keep a good look out.” although he asked. “Just what the hell is a Crabsquid anyway?”

Screwing her face to that question, the ship slowed a bit and paused. The group felt their ears just slightly pop while Flush told, “Well… think for a moment of a squid and a crab having little abominations for babies. Have four eyes, bigger than a PRAWN, bunch of legs, couple of claws, creepy as shit and can disable electronics for a few seconds with a strong electrical pulse.”

“Oh great, just what I need,” snarked Jerry. “A giant crab squid that can use EMP naturally.” then sighed as he scratch his head. “Well, at least I know how to defend myself with a PRAWN some.” but he then asked. “Do they come in groups and are they attracted by anything?”

“Light.” Flush told in annoyance. “They don’t come in groups, but it’s not uncommon for a few to roam near the other. Anything that glows or gives off light though? They are drawn to it like a moth.” Then held up her arm, telling, “You should feel lucky. Those things once got a hold of Grain, almost thought she’d lose an arm. Just keep an eye out, the rest of us guarding will deal with it.”

Waving a hand, Flush told, “I’m going to figure out what the PRAWN needs, maybe put something in to keep you alive longer.”

One of the mares sighed to Flush, but soon said to Jerry, “Hope you’re ready. Crabsquids aren't’ the only thing we might have to look out for. There’s other things too that get a bit hostile.”

Sighing some, he nodded, slightly hoping he would be ready to defend them as he thought to himself. While its not the same while being in armor, at least I’ll have something to defend myself. scowling to himself as he added in annoyance. Shame I can’t get the Blues, make things so much easier...ah well.

When night came, the sunken ships came down to the depths of 400 meters or past. As the Scavenging group started scavenging for anything as Jerry was on guard duty with the PRAWN suit, feeling thankful that if it wasn’t for the ships shining lights, he wouldn’t be able to see his hand before his face. As everything was pitch black, nothing seen within the darkness as he idly listen to the Comm chattering.

Mostly focus on the silence as the only sound was the slight flow of water around his PRAWN, as despite the lights helping him see some, anything beyond the light touch was completely hidden. Every now and then he heard a few sounds, from buzzing clickings to slight roars and even light screeches and other alien sounds.

Jerry honestly wonder how these mares were able to handle this...then again, he guess that since they done this much longer than he had, they were use to these sorts of things. It made him slight awful of the risk they all took on trips like this, and honestly made him respect them for the dedication to their job.

The comms almost buzzed, the quality a bit low but still coming in through clear enough. “Third ship cleared. The scavenging team’s heading back to the Twilight Hope to put up their finds. Be ready to move to the next ship.” And almost as one, the PRAWNS began to move. Slowly stomping their way to the next ship while mare’s and a few stallions swam around collecting equipment and gear to move to the next location.

Jerry did so as well, slowly turning around and glancing around even at the oddest of sounds. Looking past the lights, a odd feeling of fear almost wanted to claw at him. Just looking at the seemingly unending darkness of water around him, almost sent a odd creepy feeling through him.

Those thoughts were on hold though, as a new sound met his ears. A repetitive, and almost metronome like sound that crashed over and over. A loud, wrobbling echoing like sound was heard, the loud crashing sounds getting louder and louder. A couple of Seamoths moved, their lights scanning the area before Jerry nearly felt his eyes bulged at the new titanic creatures. All bigger than any of them, possibly bigger than the Cyclops and on three, long speared legs that carried their purple and orange colored bodies over the sea floor.

And yet a relieved voice rang over the Comm’s. “Oh good, just Sea Treaders.” A light laugh sounding, “We must be near one of their migration paths. Everyone stay clear of them, they won’t hurt you as long as you don’t provoke or bother them.”

Well, at least that's one good thing. thought Jerry, doing his best to move around the creatures in the PRAWN suit, as he followed the group the best he could. Giving slight glance to the ‘Sea Treaders’ as he partially wonder how they were able to defend themselves. But another part of him focus on the path and stick close to the group the best he could. Although as they moved, he look over the mechanics of the large mech-suit, as he couldn’t help but feel giddy, mostly that he was in almost every nerd dream.

Being in a giant suit of ‘mass destruction’. Granted the DARING, or what Albert named his PRAWN suit called, had ‘unique’ upgrades. As the right arm held a extra-strong Propulsion Cannon, while the left arm had a Grappling arm, as its hull been given reinforcement. Better thrust system and a power recycling unit.

Admittedly this was suppose to be made for mining, but apparently Albert changed this suit for things like this, as its own cargo was filled to the brim with spare batteries, power cells, tools and other supplies for scavenging teams. In short, I’m both a pack mule and guard dog. thought Jerry in amusement as he followed the group all the while.

“How you holding up Jerry?” Came a open line from a pink and yellow PRAWN, this one belonging to Joy as she moved along with a much more standard looking suite that only had what looked to be a drill for it’s left arm attachment, it’s right arm being completely normal. “I noticed you seemed distracted before.” The man being able to see the mare through the glass front of the mech body she maneuvered to keep stomping to the fourth ship.

“Fine so far, Joy.” replied the man, as he couldn’t help but grin. “Just enjoying every nerd dream of being in a giant mechanical suit. Not everyday I get to enjoy riding one of these at all.” although he did admit with a frown. “But I am a bit on edge, mostly of what might come out of the darkness. I’m a bit...out of my element, especially being underwater and not on dry land. Still trying to get use to defend myself without my weapon or my Minions.”

There was a laugh as another pilot told, “You and everyone else. Trust me Overlord, going down here can be nerve wracking. I almost quit once when a Reaper swam up and shook my PRAWN around like a ragdoll!” Then paused long enough to tell pointedly, “Scarests. Thing. Ever.”

Shaking her head, Joy told, “We don’t blame you. It get’s unnerving to work in conditions like these.” Then told with a slightly louder voice, “I would never do any work without having a PRAWN around me for protection. Strike might feel fine swimming around in the open, but trust me, none of us here will look down at you for being even a bit scared of the dark. We think it’s justified after what we have to deal with.”

Although Strike laugh and tease to Jerry on the comm in the Cyclops. ”Although its adorable that the big and scary Overlord is afraid in the dark. I thought you like the darkness around you?” Jerry scowl as he told in slight annoyance.

“I got jumped by one of those Waper things that appeared out of nowhere when I just came into the water.”

Although Strike laugh in hysterical. “We heard you screaming like a little filly that day!”

“Strike, you screamed just as much when it did the same to you.” Told Rulewood in a simple tone. “If I remember, you were even trying to swim away like a shark was on your tail!”

Joy gave a small laugh and told, “At least their harmless.” Then amended, “Well, maybe not to Albert. They don't seem to really like him.”

That was where Deft could be heard, “It’s because they hunt anything with the Khara virus and kill them. Albert is infected, in some technicality, they actively seek for him. We’re not attacked because we’re cured.” Then paused to say, “Well, almost all. The refugees we found need to be administered the cure still.”

“How is the Princess though?” Asked Penwick over the line.

With a grimness, Deft told, “Not good. Healthwise she’s fine. Infected recently due to being exposed to the oceans more infected waters, but fine. Her mind.. Is questionable.”

“Questionable? The Captain of the Ocean’s Stay said she wouldn’t stop babbling on about male superiority and the mare’s only being good if they accepted themselves as their pleasure toys!” One mare protested.

Jerry wince as he thought. Yeah...that's not good… as he asked in caution. “She didn’t...try anything, did she?”

“What’s it to you, Overlord?” asked a mare in a near scathing tone as she added with a bit of venom. “I fail to see how this concerns you, since you enjoy the babbling the Princess gives off.” While Jerry felt like giving a sarcastic response, he took a low breath as he replied in a calm tone.

“I’m concern that in her...questionable mindset, she could try something dangerous with how things are.”

“She’s fine so far.” Cut off Deft. “The captain found a way to keep her occupied by just giving her a book that one of her crew had for entertainment.” There was a small bout of silence to that.

“Seriously?” Asked Strike. “She’s just… not causing trouble because she has a book to read?”

“Huh, apparently even there were some things the Caribou can’t change. Like Twilight love for books.” comment Jerry in surprise. “Guess her nature as a bookworm is still successful in our favor.”

“Wait, how do you know that?” question Strike as Jerry shrug in his suit as he jumped over some rocks.

“Shadow and Spree lived in Ponyville if some of you recalled, they told me a lot about the ponies who lived there.”

Joy sighed to that, not trying to make the same jump Jerry did and just walked around the stones in her suite. “I’m actually happy that something's the same. It’s bad enough she’s talking about Caribou ideology as normal. She used to be such a good mare.”

“Well, hopefully that can be fixed.” Told Rulewood. “I was told that the Princesses have been sending certain ponies like Prince Armor and Princess Cadance to someplace to get cured. Wherever it is, it works.”

“Yeah, hopefully we can get Princess Twilight all patched up.” added Strike, as Jerry internally mused on sending the Blues through the Gate to heal the newest refugees, and maybe plenty of clothes.

Oh...and I got to see how Shadow is handling dealing with the inhabitants. And dealing with complaints and wants...and paperwork. Giving a shudder at that thought as it was truly evil to make someone do paperwork of all things. And taxes. added Jerry, as one of the mares notice Jerry slight shudder as she asked.

“Hey what’s up Overlord? Whats with the shudder?”

Sighing some, Jerry respond in a dry tone. “Just thinking of when I come back to the Dark Castle, I would have to handle paperwork...and might introduce a new tax system...from the ground up.”

“Psh, it just making everyone give a small fee to you for a certain thing, no big deal.” told Strike as Jerry replied in a deadpan tone.

“When I mean tax system, I mean something along the line ‘tax returns’. I don’t know how you all do it in Equestria, but back where I’m from, I have to recounted everything I bought, sell, and have-- all adding up within a single year or more. And I have to try to do the same to the inhabitants at my place.”

“Seriously Jerry I don’t see the big deal.” told Strike.

To that Rulewood agreed, “What sort of backwards system needs you to know everything you bought within a year?”

“A democratic system.” dryly told Jerry with a scowl.

To that, Strike laughed and said, “Well I don’t know if you realize Jerry, but we’re a Monarchy!” Then went on in a teasing tone, “I thought you already knew that. And aren't you going to be a monarchy or something too? I mean, you’re like the king of your place, aren't you?”

“Technically I’m a Tyrant.” joked Jerry, a small smile in his face as he added on. “Granted I could be a King, but I won’t king of much beside of a castle and a volcanic landscape.” then told in a joking manner. “Then again, it doesn’t show I am king in the first place with said volcanic landscape, so why not a Tyrant?”

“Why?” questioned Strike, as she went on in the prodding in the comms. “I mean, why aren’t you considering yourself a King and just place yourself as a tyrant. You’re not that bad of a guy Jerry, strange but not bad.”

“Well, I am the bad guy, and tyrants are generally bad guys, so why not?” said Jerry as he shrugged some.

There was a sigh as Joy said, “Jerry, I thought we went over this.” Exasperation in her tone. “I thought I made a good point to you on that. You’re not a bad guy.”

“I’m a bad guy-- but I’m not a bad guy.” joked Jerry as Strike groan as she knew that was some sort of joke as it was beyond terrible.

“Look Jerry, why do you keep telling yourself that? You’re obviously not bad, so why keep telling yourself you’re the bad guy?” trying to figure out the logic as Jerry hum a bit, as said simply.

“True I’m not a bad guy to you all...but I am a bad guy to the Caribous.” Strike was about to argue...but pause on that as she admit.

“He does...have a slight point to that….”

Sighing, Joy said, “I don’t get it myself. Doesn't that still make him a good guy?” Then went on, “With how the Caribou are, I think that would make Jerry like one of us, doing things for the right reasons.”

“Don’t tell Twilight that with how she is. She might not feel the same.” Warned Penwick.

“Twilight’s not herself, I think we can skip that problem when Celestia helps send her to that place to get back to normal.” Intervene Rulewood.

Joy sighed to that, positioning and turning her PRAWN to stand near the forth wreck while she and the others watched the Sea treaders slowly pass by. “I still think this makes Jerry the good guy.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” One of the slightly more doubtful mare’s said. “Just make sure you watch the left. We don’t want something sneaking up on us while working.”

As Strike sigh, she watch in the cameras on the Cyclopes as she had a feeling Jerry was giving glance on the left like the mare warned, the pegasus asked to Jerry. “How are you still aren’t bother them not trusting you still? Doesn’t it get annoying?” He gave a glance as he refocus back to being on watch as he said simply.

“One thing I have to get used to? Knowing that no one fully trusts me. Really its one of the downside of being me, but while it is annoying, it's something I learn I have to put up with. I can’t please everyone in my position, so I might as well bear with it.”

With a screwed up face, Joy twisted inside her Prawn to look at Jerry’s currently borrowed one to say, “You know you could've avoided most of that if you weren't so set on making yourself out to be bad in the first place.”

Sometimes I have to be bad to survive. thought Jerry as he outside, he merely shrug as he told. “I had a lot of things to do.” but then added. “But we should keep a eye out, don’t want something to jump us.” While some of the mares knew he was just deflecting the entire topic, they also knew he was right, as they had to focus back as to the task at hand as Jerry was internally thinking to himself.

Joy may think I’m the ‘good guy’ and I could be...but...but not every good guy has clean hands...and mine are quite dirty. he push back that thought as he kept focus, knowing they had a lot of work to do in scavagings. And to return as fast as possible to the island. He internally hoped Twilight and Fluttershy wouldn’t cause him trouble, but he slightly doubt it.

you must of wonder what took me so long to post this up. To be honest, I was trying to get back into school-- as well as doing something I never thought of. Using Word to edit grammer. It's not fully 100% great, but its workable. I've honestly debated on editing earlier works...but that would cut time into this story and get me a burn out faster than ever. So I've figure to edit next chapters on Word the best I can and hope the story is doing great for you all to read.