Hopefully this will squeeze in to the lack of chapter updates, and get you something to enjoy. Especially with the now temporary break of college. Who knows..I might be generous to giving two more chapters.

In the deep water of Alpha Base, in the research areas where the R&D group of the four ponies and one scientist madman, Magic stretched some with his arms, mostly finishing up working on his genetic workings of the next batch. As well as other projects that was needed since he came back from the Dark Castle a week back. Although he knew they were going to take time to grow, as he wanted to make sure they grew properly and having all the needed uses than his usual batch.

Although he did remark to Zealous that for some reason, Shadow didn’t like his gift of the clones-- he summed it up being mood swings.

He however heard slight sounds as he mused. Must be Pyro… Already making his way to the source of sounds. As he entered in the large workroom, seeing his friend, the former scientist and now mad bomber as Crisp had to ‘lower’ his pills usage as Pyro laugh in delight, seemingly to make something on a table as he crouch over it while standing on his hooves.

“Bombs, bombs, bombs! So many to make!” starting to crafting and making something, Magic mused over what happen during the week, as during one of his friend ‘testing’, with him, Crisp, Zealous, and Albert was asked to come and help him with. Magic recalled that while helping Pyro on...whatever he did, the earth stallion conducted a magical explosion of...something. Thankfully it didn’t destroyed anything, or made any marks...but it did made them confused on what Pyro did, even more on Pyro mentioning something on ‘completing it’. Granted Magic consider it was some new element the insane ‘artist’ found-- but it was debatable.

Moving to sit down in one of the lounging couches, he let out a low breath as he also had trouble on the realization from Glint, who he asked about the genetics samples of Knotful and Sonata….only to be told neither had been known in Alpha base. Which meant that either they were infiltrators, spies...or were something else. Something that Magic brought up with Albert.

There wasn't much to be gained from asking though, even as they both talked it over in the relaxation area of the Lab’s. The man looked over his tablet, going over recent research notes of the slowly growing Seeker vines and went on to say. “I’m not sure what to say Magic. Every individual that comes to Alpha Base is sent straight to those of the medical bays for a checkup. And then are accounted for in our lists.”

Glancing up, the man went on, “If these two don’t exist, than that means that either they were visiting, or never stopped at the medical bay for a checkup. Which I find hard to believe, as it’s procedure for them to visit that area of Alpha Base.” Then hum, “Spies… something to possibly look into as soon as able.” Albert eyes turning back down to the tablet.

Magic snort some, but put up his own tablet as he knew there wasn’t much he could do about it, although did hear the slight sound of cheer of Pyro making something and telling with a flick of the ear. “Pyro, we’re in a relaxation area, if you still want to make bombs, go to your lab area.”

“I’m not making bombs! I’m making art!” Although if one look to Pyro desk, they would see all the usual setup of bomb making tools on the table and seem to have...paint cans among the said ‘art supplies’.

“Pyro, you’re making art bombs are you?” Dryly asked Magic as Pyro told with a wide grin.

“Why yes! Yes I am! It's been sooo long since I made art bombs!”

Reaching out and taking a long gulp of his large water, Albert gave a flicking glance of his sickly yellow-green eyes and remarked, “use them only outside the Laboratory area, Medical bays and Communications Stations.” Then back to his work going on back to his tablet, “You can use them in the park, as long as what you’re using is biodegradable and safe for plant matter.”

“Oh don’t worry, Sicky, I made sure that all my art bombs have been ‘plant proof’ and can easily be washed away with water! Sea water too!” told Pyro with a raised finger as he cackle and focus back on his ‘project’ as Pyro seem a lot more happier...probably because he wasn’t on the pills too much, especially since Crisp had to keep a keen eye on the few remaining pills. Which probably mean more ‘freedom’ for the earth bomber.

Magic however remarked. “You know, if he was back home, nopony would of gave him permission to ‘vandalize’ public areas like that.”

“Then it help’s we are not at your home nation, doesn't it?” Reasoned Albert on the most simplest of manners. Though lowly he muttered, “Need to visit with Selphie later… been a week…” Then went on, “Perhaps find new samples from local wildlife? Sea-serpents… possible new strains…”

With another set of hoofsteps, the ponies turned and watched as Twilight come in, letting out a breath and pulling out a chair to sit in. Tablet held to her chest and a black lab-coat much like the others, over her from. She sat and lit her horn, magic flowing out and more or less activating the coffee machine to get something started.

“Busy day?” Albert asked without glancing up.

“Just some strange accounting in the locker room.” Sigh out the Alicorn. “I don’t mind organizing, but sometimes that can be a chore with what’s placed away.” Lifting her tablet and going through the information bit by bit. “I’m at least glad I’m back. There’s been some tests I’ve been wanting to run with Dr. Peri-- ah, Pyro over some recent discoveries.” Corrected herself for the near slip up of names.

Magic gave a nod, glad that Twilight was catching quick on ‘Pyro’ name, as Pyro seem to..dislike his original name being said-- or mostly being referred as Periodic. Although Pyro pause in his working, as he literally jumped over by the sitting Alicorn as he asked with a wide grin. “Oh? Tests? What sort of tests? Explosive test? Tests with new elements? Or even making something out of the most oddest of things?”

She gave a small chuckle at the enthusiasm, and Twilight cleared up, “I was referring to that chemical test we were working on over the Polyaniline made here.” Then went on to tell, “I know it next to result in a explosion…. But the results before that were going well on use it as a conductor for electrical energy from ambient magic.”

“So a new means to power existing electronics?” Albert questioned while giving a slight glance up.

“Yes.” Smiled the lavender mare happily. “I’m hoping that this time around, it won’t explode from the sudden influx of energy like last time. Maybe secure it in a more contained space this time?” Prattling out a few thoughts. “I think it blew because of the oxidation form the air.” (End)

Pyro pouted and said. “How was I supposed to know it would happen?”

“Because you’re a supposedly genius bomber?” Dryly remarked Magic as Pyro grin and slid by to noogie the mage.

“Oh lighten up, Magic, you’re just still moody because I accidentally made a lightshow!” Then soon asked with a grin. “Oh, can we make Polyaniline into a big magical bomb? Blow things up afar or something?”

“I don’t think it could work like that,” spoke Magic as his horn glow, prying Pyro off of him as he went on. “Although maybe we could test it on seeing if we can make it as a new way to power electronics...use them as a backup generator…” then added in musing. “Or perhaps give some for the Overlord as a means to power his electricless Castle?”

Twilight rolled her eyes to that and once more lit her magic, hearing the machine chirp her coffee was done. In a quick pull, the cup came before herself and the mare took a whiff of the energy giving substance before slightly cooling it with a small spell, and taking a sip.

While it was refreshing, she glanced down to the tablet and screwed her face up. Cup on the table, she went through the tablet, looking a bit… miffed, annoyed in a sense.

Magic took notice, as Pyro focus went back to the bombs of paint as he asked. “What is it Twilight?” Taking notice she was more focus on whatever she saw in the tablet than the taste of coffee. And from what he learn from working with her? Something bothered her in the ‘logic’ spectrum of a researcher.

Glancing up and back down, Twilight admitted, “It’s the supplies.” Going through her tablet and going on, “Grain was asking for volunteers to do a quick accounting of a few rooms, and I did so… but some lockers seemed… less filled or just empty.” Then went on to explain, “I asked around, and nopony forward any requests, and I placed in a formal report that there might be missing supplies.”

“What sort?” Asked Albert while mostly focusing on his own notes.

Looking down, Twilight told, “Large amounts of titanium… Titanium ingots. Plasteel. Glass, enameled glass, lead. Some advance wiring kits, computer chips-- and lots of lubricant and some diamonds.” It made Albert twist his face as she went on. “I also noticed some Lithium missing, but not nearly as much as other things. Even some aluminum oxide crystals and… I think it was called Aerogel?”

“May I?” Twilight paused at Albert’s words, even more hand out for her tablet. And wordlessly, she gave it to the man as he went through the list.

Going back to her Coffee, Twilight sighed out, “It was just strange. So much was just gone and missing-- or someone misplaced it all like with that copper last friday.” Rolling her eyes at the thought. “Hopefully things get straightened out once my forward report gets fully processed.”

Magic frown to this, as he thought over and remark. “It is odd. It’s not normal for things to be missing or disappearing without a good reason, even without confirmation of requesting those supplies.” Then admit. “Although I don’t know what most of those things are needed...even the lubricant of all things. I have a good guess that one was use for a couple reasons...but I doubt anyone here is stupid to take it without a good reason.” Knowing Albert hated things being used for meaningless reasons.

They heard Albert getting up, a focused and grim face in place as he said, “Thermal Plants use titanium and lubricant, but they need Magnetite… which isn’t in the list. Nuclear reactors also use plasteel and lubricant, but also lead. But why would there be diamonds and normal wiring kits on the list?” Then prattled on, “Could of been for a Moonpool, but there’s been no confirmation for needs of one, that also takes lead. And Plasteel is used for either upgrades of vehicles or creating said vehicles-- which do need also Lubricant…” Looking over the list once more.

With a start, he moved, nearly rushing to the Comm’s device on the wall as Twilight asked, “Dr. Albert?” Confused at his sudden start. But when he pressed the button on the device, he spoke with a very firm and stern tone.

“Protocol 34-AB. Protocol 34-AB.” The three paused and looked at Albert in bemusement of what was going on, as he told, “Patch me through to Grain immediately. We have a possible situation.” Hand off and waiting with hands firmly clenching behind his back.

While Pyro pause in his work and glance up with flicking ears, Magic frown, mind already trying to figure out this ‘protocol 34-AB’. Defensive measures? Scanning for potential spies? Possibly for whoever took all the supplies? Hrm...maybe a scan all over Alpha Base to figure out what happen? Or maybe screen through all the mares if there's a traitor among us? Doubtful since it would mean we had spies among us...could be Gnarl sending minions-- but they aren’t that smart.

When the device crackled to life, they heard, “alright Albert. What’s going on? Why did you patch in a emergency call?” Certainly getting the other’s attentions.

“Did anyone request a large need for parts for heavy machinery, primarily for vehicles?” Asked Albert in a questioning tone.

“No?” Responded the mare in confusion, but heard him ask on.

“Are there any expedition Crew’s that left Alpha base within the last two or three days, particularly near any landmasses of hostile enemy territory?” This alone getting Magic on edge.

There was a slight pause, and Grain did admit, “There’s a team heading for land, picking up wild vegetation for farming…” Then admitted, “They requested they take up a trip near Equestrian shores for a fast pick up…” Then asked cautiously, “Albert. What’s going on?”

Breathing in, Albert said, “High priority call. Hail that crew immediately. We’re looking at supplies for Cyclops, PRAWNS and possibly also Seamoth to be made en masse. Estimation, possibly some ten Cyclops and a few vehicles to go with. Maybe a few other smaller devices.”

“I’ll get on it, hold on.” Grain told, the line going silent for a moment.

Magic held a grim look as he stated. “There were Pinks among us and took the means to craft for the Caribous in a invasion.” Getting looks from both bomber and alicorn as Magic look to both of them as he went on. “It makes sense, with so many mares around, it’s easy for Pinks to be under disguise as Reds or Blacks to be ‘saved’ by the Overlord and sent here, learning on the materials and crafting with the Tablets...before slowly depleting our supplies and going to wherever they rendezvous with their Caribous masters.”

Twilight became highly alerted to this and asked, “You mean there hasn’t been any screening for Pinks?” Shaken that this was actually happening. And the idea of the Caribou having access to Alberts technology, it was bad. It meant they now had the means to reach them!

“Calm down Twilight.” Albert told simply. “I have been anticipating this possibility.” Then went back to waiting.

When the Comm’s reactivated, Grain spoke, with what could be called a dire tone. “I got into contact with Harrow’s Journey, one of our newest Cyclops's about a month back.” Grain was quite before going on, “It’s captain was the only one to respond to our hail. We asked for a confirmation of time check when they would be back. She told me five days.” There was a slight pause before Grain told, “I asked for Hing, one of the crew? She told me the mare was out getting vegetation.”

“And?” Asked Albert inquisitively.

“Hing works the Cyclops the most.” Grain told simply. “She never likes gathering veggies and stays on the ship. Allergies, she says. The whole ‘get some fresh air’ bit didn’t make sense.” Then paused before asking, “Advance things to 35-AB-L?”

“The possibilities too great.” Albert confirmed. “Send the message. We can’t risk it.” Then turned to the others and said, “Time to abandon ship.” While they questioned this, they soon heard an alarm going off--
as well as… music?

Along with the alarms, they heard Grain, “All personnel, this is Grain, head to Alpha Base. Emergency Protocol ‘Moving Day’ has been initiated. Repeat, Emergency Protocol ‘Moving Day’ has been initiated. All Cyclops Crews prepare for move, everyone able begin moving supplies-- and will someone turn off that damned Dubstep music? This is an emergency!”

Magic furrowed his brows, as he soon said in irritation. “Moving everything will be difficult, especially all of my research and equipment of my lab area…” then place his tablet down as he said to Pyro. “Pyro, I’m using the bag of holding to put everything in it-- it’s going to be messy, but it’s the most effective way to clean everything up.” Then look to Albert as he asked. “How long do we have until they arrive?”

“Think three days.” Told Albert. “Or hours. We need to move and now.” Hand flicking and spinning a constructor tool. “Twilight, you recall those lessons I gave to you and your friends about handling a Cyclops?”

Blinking, Twilight gulped and asked, “Yes?” Trying to not be bothered by all the alarms going off or the blinking red lights.

“Get the Mobile Vehicle bay, take out the marked supplies I gave you and begin construction of your Cyclops. All senior members know what’s going on, but you need your own personal ship for your own personal safety.” Turning his head he went on, “Contact the Ruffed Raft, they should be still in the area. Tell them to input Beacon code 33-T57. Follow them and keep to Patchwork’s orders.”

Turning to the others, he told, “Start packing as fast as you can. We have to move and move fast. If we have an invasion force coming? We need to leave before they get here.” Then turned to Pyro adding, “I have a special job for you, Pyro.”

“Special?” asked Pyro with a wide grin, seeing his friend quickly moving away as he started to get everything packed as Pyro asked. “What kinda special?” Then gasp in excitement. “Oh, am I going to build a big bomb that will eradicate all those nasty Caribous from my Crispy?”

There was a slight smirk as Albert asked, “How versed are you in electromagnetic pulses?” Motioning for the stallion to follow him. It was with a giddy step that the stallion followed, while Twilight grabbed her tablet and ran, Coffee long forgotten in the state of emergency.

Controlled chaos was the closest thing that could be described during the later hours of the day. Twilight had witnesses Albert and Pyro vanishing away for plans concerning traps. She had seen Crisp Image at one point, rushing about with lab equipment on her way out.

The surrounding area of Alpha Base was also filled with activity. Remaining cyclops Crews went about picking up supplies, ponies and even PRAWN’s for transport. Sections of the base were being undone and moved. She even witnessed another mare moving a Mobile Vehicle Bay into a Seamoth, presumably to put it to use. It all made Twilight’s heart sink to know, things were indeed bad.

Their haven was compromised, and knowing that they were in danger-- all of them, even her friends? It pushed her to swim all the more faster. She pushed herself to go as fast as she could and later enter through the lower portion of the hatch to the habitat home that she shared with her friends.

Even here, alarms were going and that ridiculous music kept playing. She nearly tore the Bulkhead off it’s hinges with magic to get inside, coming to the sight of confusion, uncertainty-- and a dancing Pinkie Pie. She didn’t question the later and just said, “Girls, we have to get moving, now!” Nearly rushing past those inside and going on, “A Pink Collar just compromised the Base!”

Any lingering confusion turned into shock, Rarity being the first to ask, “Compromised, you mean to say we’re not safe here any longer?!” Wondering if she should suggest they leave for The Town. After her whole time staying here, Rarity did admittedly feel worried about her safety with what all had been happening. Now she felt a slight fear knowing what was possibly to come.

“No.” Twilight breathed out while opening and rummaging through the large locker. “Dr. Albert just called for a emergency evacuation. We have to leave, now.” Turning back to her friends, Twilight told, “Get your bags, find what you can and pack, fast.” It was then she realized, “Where’s Applejack and Rainbow Dash?!”

Pointing out a window, Pinkie told, “They wanted to check out the big-main-base of Alpha Base!”

Trying to keep calm, Twilight told, “Pinkie, I need you to find them and get them here, fast.” Turning away even as the pink-mare zoomed off to do her given task. “Fluttershy, Rarity? I need you both to get packing, now. I need you both to have as much ready as possible-- food and water first!”

With a meek nod, Fluttershy moved off to do her task, Rarity also having a look of concern. Though the mare stayed long enough to ask, “Twilight, tell me… how bad is it?” Trying to not pay too much mind to the flashing red lights or the near radio-wide shouting of Grain.

Pulling out some of the needed materials and even floating up the Mobile Vehicle Bay in her magic, Twilight turned to tell, “It’s bad, Rarity. Alpha Base is being evacuated-- all of it.” Then breathed out, “The Caribou are coming.”

An odd chill went up the white mare’s spine with just how Twilight said that. And while Rarity didn’t want to think too ill of the Caribou, she had to admit… what she had heard recently? They were ghastly, horrible… and stirred little pangs of pain that almost reminded her of something-- something she felt scared of and didn’t want to recall.

So it was with a shaky nod that Rarity followed after the shy pegasus into the kitchen. Intent to help her get packing and ready to get out. Twilight turned away after that and sighed, rounding up the remaining things she needed before rushing to a Comm Station. She was quick to activate it and call in, “this is Princess Twilight Sparkle. I need a message forward to the Crew of the Ruffed Raft. Randevu at my living spaces.”

She didn’t need to wait long, thankfully, as a mare told, “Forwarding your message now, Princess.” It was enough for the alicorn to leave and rush for the ajar bulkhead, and next to dive out the next bulkhead leading into the waters. Once there, Twilight swam. She thought about teleporting, but paranoia had her worried any burst of magic like that might attract attention.

So she just rushed her swimming, everything needed in tow of her magic while getting closer and closer to the surface. Once she was close enough, activated the Vehicle Bay and watched it unfold. Four orange round bags of air seemed to just inflate, taking the construct up to the surface where it burst from the waves and bobbed in place.

Twilight herself had to swim up and climb on, and finding it a bit unstable as it rocked about. Though on the surface, she could see other bays, just like hers, also bobbing about and mare’s working away on them. She didn’t bother to watch though, and went right to work turning the machine on.

With a series of clicks, Twilight nearly jumped from her skin as four little round constructs hovered in place around her, seeming to flit about as if waiting for something to happen. While part of her wanted to study, another reminded her of the emergency and went about working the, thankfully, simple controls. Finding the Cyclops was easy, and placing down the order for it’s construction, just as easy.

And like that, the four little machines wiz and zoomed around her. Twilight wiped her head about as blue streams of energy seemed to zap to her brought along materials, absorbing and seeming to process them until they just vanished. Form there, they flew out into open air, all shooting beams of blue as a transparent image of the Cyclops was made. Form there, Twilight watched with awe as slowly, metal hull, halls, glass and parts seemed to slowly creep and grow into place. It was slow, but at the same time faster than anything Twilight would of seen any normal ship be built at.

The sight also filled her with slight dread, knowing that the Caribou fleet of Cyclops would be made much more faster than she wanted.

All that musing was torn away when the large behemoth of a ship was done, gravity finally taking its role to bring it down. The large bulk of the round ship parted water, a large splashing wave of water flying and making the princess of friendship cover her head while she got drenched.

She ignored this, jumping off the floating Vehicle maker and swimming under. She could see the little bot’s returning and snapping back into their places, but again, ignored this. She instead went about packing the construct, as the instructions form before detailed in her PDA.

It deflated, folded and sunk-- her magic catching it before she began to swim for what was, in a sense, her ship now. Twilight felt a bit giddy at this knowledge, but also unsure. She still shook it off and just focused on getting inside, going under and through the hatch while hearing the Submersible ‘AI’ greet her.

Having no time for it, Twilight rushed up the ladder and rushed for the helm, the HUD turning on and her hand darting out for the engines to start up. As they revved, Twilight breathed in and out, gripping the helm a bit more before slowly easing the ship downwards.

Relax Twilight, relax. She tried to tell herself, breathing in and out as calmly as she could. Everything's going to be fine. We’ll be just fine. Eyes glancing about to spot Rainbow Dash and Applejack-- Pinkie somehow having both ride on the hull of a Seamoth-- one she apparently knew how to pilot.

Shaking those thoughts off, Twilight instead kept her eyes on her goal-- which was not hitting the seafloor or her soon-to-be-abandoned residence. Even as she slowed the engines to a halt and got ready to depart, Twilight still felt an anxiety she hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Junky, get those Mod’s on your ship, now! Goodwill? I need you to get your team packed and gone, pronto! And can someone make sure we have another Spare Cyclops to use here!?” Flush wasn’t happy with all of this. She would say she was livid, but if anything she was just stressed. Hearing the ‘get the fuck out’ code being used, did not make her feel all that great.

For two days, she, Grain and even Albert had been helping on getting everything packed and ready. The Element Bearers were out and gone-- thankfully. Trustworthy crew sent off to randomly encoded locations only Albert knew of and even now, ponies were being moved in random place.

It was still a nightmarishly massive move. The months only made more and more ponies come to this place, and with so many now there, it was a massive problem trying to move them all. She just hoped that there was a place for them all to go-- or that’s what she presumed when Albert had explicit orders for three Cyclops's to be made and retrofitted to only store materials. Just materials. Namely, all the materials they can stuff into every spot on those three cyclopes, in and outside of lockers. Most of said materials were of the now next-to-gone base.

Already two of the three were gone, the third one being filled near to the brim and one of the three was bound to return for the next load. While Flush wondered why ponies weren't being sent, she knew a reason why. They already had Cyclops's for that, and they were already moving ponies out to designated safe zones. Or, for now.

Even as she began to pack up her own things form a Moonpool and prepare to move her own PRAWN out to a Cyclops for transportation-- the mare felt a feeling of irritation. She tried to not scowl at the thought they were running. Not fighting, running. But as much as she wanted to stay and fight, she knew why they were running. They didn’t know how many Caribou were coming, and the place wasn’t a fortress.

Her job though, was clear. She was to go with a group and defend them-- preferably with the group of the Sun Rise, Grain’s personal Cyclop ship and crew. Albert assured them he would be fine on his own, and would be taking Deft Thought with him. And while the unicorn didn’t like it, she was sure the man could hold out on his own.

She was just worried of those left over. There was a lot of ponies left, and looking about at the insides of the Moonpool being striped down to basic parts… she wondered how bad the invasion of their once safe hiding place would be.

She didn’t need to be told, as over the comm’s she heard Grain. “All personal, I hope ya got some spare energy-- Seamoth Scouting team just reported in. Those Bastards are on their way now, so get your tails in high gear, we only have a day!” It was enough to spur Flush Ace out of her musing and jump into her mechanized suite. They were running out of time.

Giddily dancing in place, the mare known as Lavish Thought, waited excitedly as her former-ship was piloted ahead and into the deep blue waters. She gave a shiver and a moan, body pressed tight to the wall as her master gave a grunt. She gave a long drawn groan of ecstasy herself, a thick and hot meat pulsing and unleashing inside of her being.

She was happy, her master was happy and that made her happy. It was with a quivering body she spoke, “M-Master…. Just… j-just a bit...m-m-moooooore~” Seeing the familiar underwater landmarks. They were close to Alpha base now. And she could taste her master’s approval. And could just smell his reward to be given. She couldn't wait.

The Caribou holding the mare smirked and told, “You did good, bitch.” Chuckling as his eyes leered forwards. Finally glad something good was happening. If not for the three extra mare’s they now had as toys to keep them held over-- then it was the soon-to-be new place of conquest. Dainn would be happy with him and his cunning. He could almost feel the cunts of many, many mare’s as his reward.

Though as they neared, something was… off. Lavish wasn’t sure what, in her lust hazed mind. But… it seemed like Alpha base was… smaller somehow. She tried to focused, tried to comprehend…

With another deep thrust, the mare gave a loud wail of pleasure. Her insides turned all the more before feeling her legs shake in effort, her master thrusting with a wild abandon before slamming hard inside of her. Face, breasts and all her front forced hard to the wall while he unloaded his seed deep inside of her.

After a few more moments, he pulled back and let go, letting the mare drop down to the ground, shaking and groaning in pleasure while spunk leaked from her snatch. The caribou didn't care much, only looking to the base before him with a gleam of accomplishment. It was with a off handed comment that he told, “Clean me off, bitch.” Hearing the mare struggle up in her pleasured state and, much to his approval, begin to service him.

The Caribou in front looked about and told, “We’re over the base now sir.” Looking up at the strange HUD for a moment before back down. For some reason, there was something odd about the base-- besides the fact it was so deep under the waves.

Waving that aside, the Caribou asked, “Sir, permission to speak?”

Giving snorts of pleasure at the warm and slick tongue that was licking off his pride, the lead Caribou asked, “Go on.” Hand gripping the mare’s mane and forcing her face closer to smell his musk. He smirked at how she groaned in lust and nuzzled his ball sac.

That pleasure left his lips some, when he heard his subordinate asked, “Shouldn't we have at least told another group about this?” Though when the male turned to his subordinate, the younger buck went on. “I’m all for getting a hot bitch to bend over and fuck full of spunk, sir.” Then made a face adding, “But isn’t this… a little unsanctioned?”

Rolling his eyes and feeling the bitch finish her work, the Captain snapped his fingers and pointed her to go sit off in a corner. Like a trained dog, she did so, even going as far to crawl her way there, her enticing hips and plump rear gaining a few interested glances from those around the bridge.

“Normally, I’d agree.” Told the elder male with a snort. “But, I was on a time limit. My loyal bitch gave the signal as soon as she could.” Then smirked, “But we’ll tell the others once we’ve secured the base, be assured of that.” Then told those in the ship while zipping up his suite. “As for the rest of you? Move and get ready, we’re hunting us some worthless cunts!”

This got a cheer as they all moved, going down the ladder or through doors and preparing. When the first group got out into the waters and began to swim to the base, did they rush in like the eager conquering invaders they were. The captain preens all the more at the thought of capturing more cunts and bending them down to their rightful masters.

Yet after a time, something odd happened. From the seafloor, and disturbing the sands, round shapes began to… float upwards like balloons… with studded spikes. The sight was odd, and one of the caribou’s aboard a Cyclops asked, “What are those?” Not recalling anything like that mentioned.

Lavish for her part, looked up in equal confusion. She didn’t recall those things...

The many balls of odd make floated up and away from the base. Looking almost near jury rigged metal balloons floating upwards… before the first one touched a ship with a light tapping clank. And like that, a bright, electrical explosion went off. The first detonation making all the others go off-- new Cyclops’s suddenly going offline and a few even sparking as the EMP’s went off. There were shouts and curses, and lot’s of angered sounds.

Then, it got worse. From some nearby ravines of the area, Seamoths burst forth. The rainbow colors of the many zooming forwards-- in particular in the lead being some modified Sea-moth with rainbow splotched paint colors and the name ‘Pyromania’ on the side.

There was a cackle from within the Sea-moth, as Pyro pressed a button as he sang along. “One-two, blew a fuse!” Small torpedoes came out, damaging the screws on the back as he moved around. “Three-four, out the door!” zooming by as he fired more torpedoes and sang on. “Five-six, let's add a mix!” hitting more engines and soon sang the next verse. “Seven-eight, initiate!” pressing down on a new switch that cause the base below the fleet to blow up as he saw the explosion causing the fleet to twist, turn and flip about as he sang the last verse in a dark tone.

“Nine-ten, drown some men.” Giving a low cackle as the other sea-moths unleashing their more deadly, modified explosive torpedoes the bomber made, causing the Cyclopes the Caribous had to get ruptures, breaches, and causing them to sink...or in a few cases? Explode with fire as they went ‘critical’. Pyro then asked on the comms in a more cheerful tone. “Who wanna find survivors~? We do have to save any of the mares from the ship that were taken by those disgusting Caribous.”

To that, he heard a mare, “Pyro… no one’s going to be alive if they were in a exploding Cyclops.” The Seamoth’s going around the sinking or dead ships. “You heard Grain, eliminate it all. Survivors only if we happen to find any.” Two more sweeping in, unleashing their own payloads of vortex to start pulling in any that had began to abandon their respective ships.

A few even shot gas torpedoes, the acidic liquids exploding and seeping into the water like thick green clouds of poison. The Caribou trying to swim away getting a nasty and nightmarish shock of being in such a deadly cloud.

“Oooooookayyyy~!” said Pyro as he grin wide, then said with a wider smile. “Then that means I get to blow them all up! Hahahahahahahaha!” activating a switch to fire more torpedos, mostly of gas as he hit into the openings of any Caribous attempting to swim away, even fire a small salvo of ‘flashers’ which usually blinded any predators as Pyro sang out as he move around.

“Oh, you’re gonna die~ Die, die, die~, die for trying to get at my Crispy~.”

A mare shudder on the line as she said to one of the other Seamoth drivers. “Is it me, or is Dr. Periodic utterly scary when he’s off his meds?” although Pyro interrupted in a annoyed tone.

“Pyro! My name is Pyro! Not that! Really if you’re going to talk about me, at least get my name right!”

To that, one said, “Riiight…. Right… sure, Pyro.” A touch of uncertainty there. “Uh, maybe we should alert the scavenging team now? Once we’re done with… finishing off the remains-- hey! One’s still working, it’s making a break for it!”

“Team three and six, get on it, now!” Shouted one, “don’t let it leave!”

Pyro sped off, heading toward the attempting leaving Cyclops as he fired. “Boom! Boom! Boom! Taste my torpedoes!” three torpedoes firing at the Cyclops, hitting at the sides as one exploded upon impact, breaking through the hull a bit as the second missed, managing to explode some rocks on the ground. The last seem to hit too close by the front, granted nothing that important, yet there was a slight damage of glass from the cracks shown as Pyro cackle.

“Yes, yes!” firing more, as the torpedoes were hitting at random, some at the back with the propeller, giving more dents and ruptures, while some hit more onto the right side as signs of damage were shown. A few were missing as they hit nothing, or onto the ground as a mare cursed.

“Damn it Pyro, stop missing! And stop wasting your torpedoes!” Although with the amount of damage being hit, the Cyclopes looked ready to blow as Pyro pull back and cackle.

“I don’t waste, I detonate!” Seeing the Cyclops blowing and falling down as he cackle in glee. “Yesss, yesss! Die you dirty Caribous! Die! No one shall get to my Crispy! No one! Ghahahahahahahahahahaha!”

With a long groan, a mare said, “I am not letting Albert convince me on letting this maniac in on anymore of my jobs!”

Day three, and Twilight would admit that she still felt on edge. After the rushed move into the cyclops and next to leaving within hours of the evacuation order with the Ruffed Raft crew, she had felt nothing but worry. Anxiety. Maybe even nervousness.

Like now. She followed the given code Albert gave her, and later gave the other crew, and it brought her to some deep waters. Twilight wouldn’t say she was scared of the dark, she had long since grown out of that. But now, she was finding it hard to not be. The endless blackness of the water made her fidget some, and worry. She would be all the more worse for wear if it weren't for the strong lights of the Cyclops, or the sight of the sandy seabed to assure her there was a bottom.

The only reason it was so dark, was because it was night. That much Twilight could figure out, but still, it was near suffocating as she piloted the large ship through the waters. And try as she might, Twilight couldn’t keep herself from being nervous. This wouldn't be so bad if it wasn’t so dark! She couldn’t help but flick her eyes to the nearby sonar display, expecting it to show the hints of another leviathan fish around.
“Princess Twilight.” The voice of another mare made Twilight nearly jump out her her skin at its abruptness. The captain of the other ship, the Ruffed Raft, speaking up. “It’s getting late. We should find a place to settle the ships down and get some sleep.”

Taking easy breaths, Twilight said, “Thank you, Thicket. I’ll follow your lead for that.” Slightly slowing the ship and waiting and watching while the Brown colored Cyclops moved past her own. Breathing once more, trying to calm her nerves, Twilight began to follow the other Cyclops, presumably searching for a fairly safe haven for the two of them.

There was one to thankfully be found, a crevice between two rock faces that they moved into and slowly settled before the ships were shut off. It was with a sigh Twilight moved away and slightly shifted her being. Standing for hours wasn’t all that fun while driving.

Looking about and eventually back, the alicorn rubbed her face and felt a little edge of tiredness touch her. Moving for the round bulkhead, Twilight gave the door a twist and a pull before looking inside. There was a couple of blankets and improvised pillows strewn about, mostly due to not having proper time to get a bed up. And all her friends, bare Applejack and Rarity, were for the most part asleep.

It made Twilight smile while she walked in, the whole ship currently dark and dim. The sounds of her approach made both mare’s glance her way, Applejack giving a smile and asking, “How you holdin’ up, sugarcube?” Remarking with a tilted head, “You look a might bit tense.”

Sighing, Twilight slowly made her way over Rainbow and Pinkie's strewn limbs to reach her own blanket and pillow to tell, “We almost had a run in with one of those Reaper Leviathans earlier.” Having a rather vivid image of the large beast stalking around their ship’s before getting distracted by a great white shark.. And then proceeding to both attack and rip the thing to shreds.

It might have been nature, but Twilight didn’t feel as safe in the ocean as she did before in Alpha Base.

“Is that what all that terrible roaring sound was?” Asked Rarity with concern. “One of those… gigantic fish swimming nearby?” It was the only reason she was awake. She and Applejack barely having placed their heads down before it started up.

Nodding and relaxing down, Twilight affirmed while sitting, “It was.” Letting out a breath and admitted to Applejack. “I’m really just shaken up. With all of this.” Leaning forwards to go on, “The idea there was a Pink in Alpha base, or the Caribou now knowing where Alpha base is…” Then grimaced, “And, I’m also worried about the ponies left behind. I feel like I… maybe I should of stayed and helped.”

Shaking her head, Applejack told, “Twi, you did the righ’ thing.” Then snorted while shaking her head, “Why, as much as I’d want to stay an’ show’em Bucks for tryin’ to step hoof near that place, I know that won’t do nothin’.” She looked to Twilight and went on, “We would be doin’ a whole lotta notin’ getting caught. Why, everythin’ Jer did would be a waste if we got caught again!”

“I know, I know.” Twilight tried to ease while feeling the pillow that was made up of actual cloth and cotton. “But… I’m a princess. I have a obligation to help everypony.” Then laid her head down, sighing, “And I feel like I’m not helping as much as I could be with running away.”

Applejack sighed to that, rubbing her head in thought, trying to think of something to say. She wasn’t sure what to say honestly, what could she say to help Twilight feel better about… well, being a princess of all things?

Shifting some, Rarity said, “You’re too important to lose, Twilight.” Almost wanting to grimace at her own words. “We’re… too important.” It was enough to get Applejack to look at her with a hint of surprise, even as she went on, “I still think Starlight’s ideas of equality is for the best.” Then hesitated, “But… but I have to admit, I.. I think I understand why you were sent away first, Twilight.”

It was with a hint of hesitance that Rarity told, “You’re a Princess. You’re…. You stand for something, Twilight. Something that means a lot to those ponies.” She shifted in her own place and looked down to her hands. “I’m not completely oblivious to it. Ponies look to you for advice, guidance… they seek your approval because you stand for something more than being a pony of power or position.”

“I know this is… mostly empty of me to say, because I’m not sure even if I want to believe my own words.” It was a little bit of honesty Rarity was willing to give to Twilight. “But I think the reason I think this is for the best, is because you can’t help ponies if you’re taken, like Applejack said.” And with a shaky sigh, Rarity finished with a ducked head. “You can do more good, away and safe from danger. Because without you…. The ponies would be sad, disheartened… maybe mournful.” Twiddling her fingers, Rarity admitted, “You bring out the best in them. I’ve.. seen it, in Alpha base. Whenever a fight broke out or a disagreement you… found a way to settle it, and make it better!”

Smiling some, Applejack gave a firm not and looked to a slightly attentive twilight. “She’s righ’, ya know.” Going on to tell, “Why, whenever a big argument broke out? Ya’ll got it all straightened out in no time.” Then continued, “Ya been helpin’ the foals out some an’ I’ve seen how you’ve been talkin’ to Grain on makin’ sure that place was as good as Ponyville was to us.” Having what could be defined as a proud smile, the farmer told, “You do good, Twi. But you won’t be doin’ any of it if them no-good bucks get their hands on ya.”

Shifting in place and moving to sit up more, Twilight asked, “You… really think so?” Still feeling that guilty feeling that she wasn’t doing enough. That she could be doing more to help. That she was fleeing when she could aid in defending or fighting.

While she would never say it in the Town back home, Rarity found herself speaking her mind anyways. “I’ve forgotten what it was like to be around such… odd friends.” Getting a slightly flat look form Applejack for her choice of words. “But-- but! I… I see the appeal in it.” The white mare shifting and going on. “I.. I’ve forgotten what it felt like to just be… open like I am now. To just… accept others openly and take in the… the diversity of our differences.” Then looked to Twilight to tell, “And I think other ponies have too. And what you’ve been doing, for the base and all of them?” She smiled, “I think you have been doing more than was asked of you, making sure everypony remembered what it was like before everything changed. What it was like to live in peace.”

Thinking to this, and working it over in her head, Twilight smiled, “Think you Rarity. That… that means a lot.” And while she was unsure how much it mattered to Rarity herself, Twilight appreciated the words. It sounded a lot like… what Rarity would say to her. Back before this all happen.

The unicorn smiled and told, “Think nothing of it, Twilight. As much as I want to think otherwise… I have to face the truth.” Breathing in and saying with no little amount of trouble in her heart, “You are more important than most. I know you worry about those other ponies, but if you aren't safe, then there won’t be anypony to help lead them down here. To assure them and make things right in the worst of times.”

Slowly, Twilight nodded. “You’re right… They might not have me now… but they will need me later. When they’re safe.” Then gramanced. “If… if they’re safe.”

“They will be.” Applejack told quickly, reaching out to pat at Twilight’s leg. “You’ll see. We’ll all meet up, settle in, an’ be tickled pink tha’ ya are there waitin’ for them and have things all ready.” Than smiled, “I’m confident ya’ll have things all figured out when things calm down.”

Shifting in place, Applejack said, “Now, let’s get some shut eye. I don’ know about the two of ya gal’s, bu’ tryin’ to sleep with a noisy machine ain’t doin’ me any favors.”

“To that, I have to agree.” Rarity nodded while laying down. “Some peace and quiet is needed for a good night's sleep.”

Twilight smiled and wanted to giggle at that, but instead laid her head down for rest. And in a way, she reflected on what the two said. And on in a way, they were both right. She was needed later on. If she didn’t help the ponies later, than they would be in a bad position. It made the Princess sigh and think back to the Tree almost… and the things she heard while near it. And while her friends gave her words of comfort… she felt worry in her heart still for their Harmony.