They searched everywhere, but could not find enough solid evidence to prove GUN's suspicions.

"So what made them think that the colony is inhabited again? It's just the way we left it right before I joined GUN," Shadow remarked morosely. "All we've found are what's left of Maria and layers of dust and cobwebs. The only ones here are the spiders. Little bastards- Maria was terrified of them, but she'd beg me not to kill them."

"I'm not quite sure. The Commander didn't say much. It would've made sense if they'd have told us specifically what we're looking for- that way we wouldn't have had to wonder around aimlessly for three hours." They retrieved the wrist-bomb and reinstalled it. Shadow let his displeasure be known with a low growl. "Don't feel too bad, baby. They've made me wear one of these hideous things too, y'know."

"Yeah, on your first assignment."

"Calm down, Mister Grumpy Prickles. It's not like I know the secrets of a gargantuan weapon of mass destruction. I'll tell ya what- quit acting like a four year old and I'll make it up to you later tonight," she purred. Shadow looked nothing short of livid as he motioned towards their earpieces- GUN could hear every word. Or could they? Not a word had passed between them and Topaz or whomever else in central command since they'd boarded the colony. Rouge spoke anxiously into her earpiece. "This is Agent Rouge. Do you read me? Over." Silence. She repeated this as Shadow removed his earpiece to inspect it. He promptly found the source of the problem. They were never going to hear the end of it from GUN…

"Uh… Rouge?"

"Yes, Shadow?"

"Your earpiece wouldn't happen to be… on, would it?" They shared the same exasperated look on their faces and flipped the minute switches.

"…is Agent Topaz. Do you read me? Over. Agents Rouge and Shadow, this is Agent Topaz. Do you read me? Over…"

"Oh, thank goodness! I'm so sorry about that little slip up. We're fine, no need to get your panties in a knot"

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED SICK WE'VE BEEN? NOT EVEN…" Rouge and Shadow hurriedly ripped their earpieces out. Topaz's screams could still be heard as clear as day. "…TO CHECK IN EVERY NOW AND AGAIN? WHO DO YOU THINK…"

"Look, Topaz, darling…"

"…CAN'T JUST DECIDE THAT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO LISTEN…"

"It was just a little mistake…"

"MISTAKE INDEED! I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW THAT..."

"WE'RE SORRY!" shouted Rouge so stridently that Topaz immediately fell silent, "JUST GET US OFF OF THIS DAMN COLONY!"


Hey, guys- SallysFunnyKiss here. I've been going back in and reformatting each chapter so that they're a little easier to read. Hope it helps! For more fanfic goodness, including the Shadow the Hedgehog 2 playlist, check out my dA profile (link on my profile).