Chapter 11

Coming on the Defence

After Hamlin got the axe, the Council of Acorn have a new member. It's the first time they chose a human as a member. After the news on the death of Hamlin spread, the council immediately voted on who will fill in the missing spot. The person chosen was Phil Peters, a political figure who became part of the United Federation. He was known for approving the change in the constitution despite of the consequences. Nazo, Amy Rose, Sally, and the G.U.N. soldier entered the council room while Tikal, Rouge, Julie-Su, Bunnie and Commander Tower stayed behind to take care of the situation. Sir Charles Hedgehog was surprised they came, he knew that they'll shed light on the situation. "Glad you could come."

"Glad to meet each other again," answered Sally. "Listen we came here to tell you what information we gathered so far."

She sees that somebody has filled Hamlin's place. She took a minute glance at him and turned back to Sir Charles. "He's the new member?"

"Yes he is," answered Sir Charles. "His name's Phil Peters, he's from the United Federation. We voted that he'll be the new member and yes we heard about Hamlin getting killed."

"Then why did he went underground and negotiate with the terrorists? He knew better than that."

"After the media spread the news he thought it would corrupt the council. So after our last discussion, he went to the hijacked subway car and used his mouth. Then he bought the farm."

"That's not like him at all. Nobody from the council can just waltz in and have a nice conversation with enemies."

"Same with us. He must be a bigger hot head than Knuckles. You said you have information that you want us to know?"

Nazo walked in front of Sally looked at Sir Charles in the eye. "Yes we do."

Nazo waited for this moment for a long time. Not just to talk to the council but also to give the rundown.

"At approximately 12:10 pm to 12:20 pm a subway train in the Kreilong route was hijacked by Nack the Weasel a.k.a. Fang the Sniper along with three more terrorists. At the same time a cruise liner and a double deck aircraft a re taken over as well. The plane had Elias acorn on board who manage to escape from terrorist custody and said that there are more people on board. We didn't know this because somebody infected the computers with a virus. The ransom is that they want blueprints of every single weapon of Robotnik's arsenal, the release of Davey Freedgood and money worth 50 million Mobiums and bring them to the centre of Rowlington Park. If we don't then they'll release Lasseter and detonate any building in Station Square."

"There's one thing I want to know," said Rosemary Prower. "Who planted the computer virus?"

"We're looking into it," said Nazo.

The earphone in Nazo's ear starts ringing. He pressed the button and speaks. "Agent Nazo."

"Hello, Julie-Su here," said the caller. "We found out where the explosives are. Bunnie is leading the squad."

"That's good to hear. Any word on the location of the bioweapon Lasseter?"

"It might be hidden somewhere in a secret location. I'll contact you as soon as we have more info."

Nazo hangs up and saw Amy walking towards the council. She needed to make sure what they say is true. "You decided to take matters into your own hands after hearing the hijackings?"

"Yes we did," answered Dylan.

Amy walked up to Phil in curiosity. "So how does it feel like to be part of a council?"

"I knew it would be different from my previous occupation," smiled Phil. "Both in political and social terms. Did somebody say that Elias escaped from captivity?"

"Yes he has," answered Amy.

This shocked the members; they muttered on what they should do with it. Penelope Platypus and Dylan were the most surprised. Sir Charles quiet them down and told them to remain calm. He stood up and addressed a statement. "After hearing the debate, it's our duty to make sure that the people of Mobius are free from this kind of matter. I have decided to take a vote."

Amy and Sally felt nervous while the rest are calm. The members rose to their feet and Sir Charles starts to declare the vote. "All in favour of letting G.U.N. and other anti-terrorist organisations handle hostile situations and future threats?"

"Aye," said Dylan.

"Aye," said Penelope Platypus.

"Aye," said Rosemary Plower.

"Aye," said Rotor Walrus.

"Aye," said Peters.

"The ayes have it," confirmed Sir Charles.

"Even after that stunt Hamlin pulled you managed to solve it up quickly?" asked the G.U.N. soldier.

"By the way," said Rosemary Prower. "Do you have a name?"

"Yes I do," answered the G.U.N. soldier. "The name's Anthony Benedict."

A ringing sound is heard, it's coming from Anthony's phone. He takes it out of his pocket and pushed a button. "Hello Anthony Benedict in the Council of Acorn."

"Anthony, we got an idea," said Tikal.

Anthony was filled with joy. He turned to the others and the council members and mouthed whispered "We have a plan".He placed the phone near his ear. "Tell me more."

Tikal soon told him what they have in store for Nack, Samuel and Jan. After the two talked, they hung up and Anthony looked at Sally, Amy Rose and Nazo smiling. "Guys, there's light at the end of the tunnel!"

They thanked the council and the council thanked them as well before they left.

Nack is reading a book, while Iris walks up to him. "What made you decide to kill Hash?"

"He's a nervous wreck. Besides we only got 20 minutes left, the time's approximately 2:50 pm," said Nack.

"Any word on Flight Plan?"

"Jan said that Elias escaped and currently fighting for his life."

"And Floater?"

"One of Samuel's men got killed and the G.U.N is on to us."

Iris looked at the equipment near the radio. It wasn't there when they got in the car. "Where did you get that?"

"It's one of my own," Nack said looking into his book. "Once this is done we'll be on the Floating Island sunbathing on the Master Emerald."

Zeta ran towards them in a hurry. "Nack, Iris; G.U.N. are coming this way."

They picked up their machine guns and ran to the rear car carrying Hash's corpse. They placed him upright making him look like he's standing. Gun started blasting and Hash absorbed the bullets and fell onto the tracks. Zeta, Nack and Iris fired back while the passengers panicked. Zeta saw a familiar face. "Oh god, it's fucking St. John leading the squad!"

"OK time for plan B," suggested Iris.