There were two intruders in base.
There was a tall and slender one who seemed to walk with authority and a shorter bulkier one who was happy to oblige. The taller invader sat in Rotor's chair observing the latest video uploaded to its drives.
"I kind of wished I had some popcorn for that."
"Knothole's not lookin' so good. Ay?"
"Not at all. A perfect opportunity for you and me to do some serious damage."
"We're gettin' money from all sides here, I don't see how we lose."
"We lose by not following the plan."
"How so?"
"You were too flirty with the princess."
"She was hot!"
"You left an impression."
"I'm glad I did."
"You act too rashly. Thinking with what's between your legs rather than what really counts."
"What really counts is between my legs."
The taller one clicks his device and a small shock reverberates throughout the shorter one.
"Pay attention."
"I guess I deserve that." He said steaming and smoking.
"Let's get to work."
The taller one removes the bag from his shoulder and starts to rummage through it. He takes out a few canisters and hands them to his partner.
"You know where to place these."
"Done and done."
He scurries off throughout the base as the taller rests in the chair and starts searching files. He attaches his device to the computer and lounges back in the chair as if in his own house.
"Whoever runs this computer is well-connected…" he thought out loud. "Perhaps it's Cream or one of the other Freedom Fighters."
"You think it was Tails?"
The taller one didn't realize he was speaking his thoughts. "Uh, it's possible… but the way Cream emphasized their hidden demeanor… something could be amiss."
He started searching throughout the computer for files of interest. The shorter one placed canisters all around the garage entrance of the base.
"And here's the anomaly."
"What? What?"
"Apparently the detailed anonymous message which tipped off Knothole authorities was created on this computer. And look at this."
The shorter one approached the screens as multiple videos started to play. There were training exercises all being oversaw by Rotor, Cream or Amy. They were training the children in their skills and combat. Cream was harshly coaching the boys to be tougher and stronger while Amy taught skills and tactics. Rotor was assisting Belle and Jacques with their armor as the intruders were completely impressed.
"They're not Freedom Fighters… they're rookies."
"You're right." The taller dug a little deeper. "These videos started around two months ago as well the documentation of their weapons."
"Whoa, what are you gonna do?"
"Well obviously this changes things – for the better – my doubts from earlier are all but promises now. We can pull off this mission and get paid without much hindrance."
"I like the sound of that."
"Of course you do. Did you finish your end?"
"I was just about to."
"Good." The taller one nods. "I'll make sure we're one step ahead of them at every turn."
The trial was underway in the morning.
It took an extreme amount of courage for Princess Sally to return to the room where she was completely exposed for her infidelity. Still, she had true friends at her side with Antoine and Bunnie. Luckily the press wasn't allowed to discuss the developments of the trial until after the verdict was reached. Sally would use this time to prepare her heart and mind while reorts would try to rip her limb from limb.
"You okay Sally girl?"
"No."
"Well don't fret cause we gonna be right here wit'cha!" Bunnie smiled.
"It's not your reputation on the line Bunnie. I've made a lot mistakes and little did I know I'd be the focus of their attack."
"Well you can be resting easy for the moment." Antoine comforted. "I heard that today they'll be discussing details of the funeral with detectives and doctors."
Sally did relieve a bit of stress. "Well that's fine."
"How are your kids handling all this?"
"I didn't see them yesterday…" Sally hung her head. "I could have used their support you know."
"Just be happy they didn't hear what happened yesterday." Bunnie rubbed her friends arm.
Amy, who had been eavesdropping, looked up from her phone and wore a guilty expression.
Sally sighed. "But they will."
"Then you gotta be the one to tell them. They can't find out from some jerk reporter."
"I know Bunnie, I know." Sally stared at her boots.
The base was bustling.
Cream stood over her operation with folded arms and a confident smile. She watched as her young team was growing stronger and more capable in their abilities. Still she pondered over what was going to happen today. Her leads for the remaining Gulag prisoners had gone cold and would have to wait for Rouge's intel to be of use again. The other senior members knew of this but kept the kids on a need-to-know basis. Their job wasn't hunting down missions just yet.
Amy was overseeing her small class of four: Jacques, Skye, Trace, and Manic. They were getting taught the importance of seeing the battlefield and the advantages to use.
"Yes Jacques." Amy called on him.
"In a cityscape, it's important to move the battle as far away as possible if the place is inhabited.
"Anyone else?" Amy chided.
Jacques raises his hand.
Manic looked at Jacques and whispered to Trace. The two snickered as a result when Amy easily caught it.
"What are you two laughing about?"
"Uh nothing…" Manic cautioned.
"Don't be shy! He said Jacques knows all the answers but can't do it in real life."
Manic struck Trace. "I did not!"
Jacques was pissed as Skye ducked out the way. Amy quickly separated the two by revealing her hammer between the boys. They stopped in their tracks as Amy's eyebrow twitched.
"Anyone else?" Amy prodded. "Sit down. There's a reason you're all here with me right now. You all failed to do such things in the heat of the moment and suffered the consequences."
The boys humbly accepted their shame.
"You guys all volunteered to take the lead for the mission and ended up not even taking the credit for each of your captures."
"What's the point? The United Federation ultimately gets the credit anyway."
Amy sighed. "It's only a means to an end. When you guys are trained well enough, able to fend for yourselves without us, then you'll truly be Freedom Fighters"
Trace lifted a finger. "I thought we weren't…"
Amy threatened him with her hammer.
"We're still working on your team name!"
While Amy dealt with the boys, Rotor assisted the girls in skills practice.
Sonia gripped her fist and thrust forward in a large manner. A big burst of fire launched from her fist into a target a few feet away.
"How was that Rote?" Sonia playfully asked.
Rotor was on his tablet seemingly without a care. "Your stance is too big which means your attack is too big. A trained soldier can telegraph your movement and hit you in your recoil."
Rotor didn't miss a beat. "It's lucky Lightning Lynx hit that branch before either of you got a chance to fight him. His speed would have outmatched you."
Sonia pouts. "I liked you better when you didn't pay attention."
Rotor smiled then turned to Melody. She nodded then turned to her target. She lifts her hands then grips the metal target.
"Repel." She called. The metal disc was sent to the back wall at blinding speed.
"Attract!"
The disc was forced toward Melody when she flinched and it hit the ground and slid to her feet.
Rotor barely looked from his tablet. "Still at the same place Melody. I understand your abilities are voice activated but you need to steel the rest of you."
"How would you know? You never had any powers…"
"And still I helped take on countless Swatbots and hordes of machines so that I can teach you today. Keep practicing. You're more mongoose than your brother, which means you're tougher. Don't be afraid of your own potential."
Melody stares at the walrus with disdain but takes the comment to heart. It was strong confidence he gave her and she set up again.
"Rotor! Right on time!" Belle exclaimed. "I'm trying to fire the right synapses for this protocol but I can't figure out just how to do it."
"Hmm. I could ask Tails. He would know. For now though you can bypass this circuit but you'll be short on power if you do."
"A sacrifice I can make in the meantime." Belle nodded.
"Are you still sparring?"
"Everyday."
"Good. You know, just like Jacques, that the armor doesn't make you invincible. Keep that in mind every time you wear it."
"You speak from experience."
"I do. Just trying to pass it along."
Rotor stepped to Lara who was meditating with her chunk of the Master Emerald. Rotor watched her for a moment when he started to speak.
"What is it Rotor?" Lara spoke.
"How is your training so far?"
"I know how to fight, my father practically made it like eating and sleeping. I need helping getting my Chaos Energy stable."
"I've heard. Cream told me all about it."
"Of course she did." Lara spat.
"Don't worry, we're going to help you."
Lara scoffed. "How? No offense or anything but none of you guys aren't the Chaotic juggernauts the Freedom Fighters are known for."
"Perhaps I can be of some assistance."
Everyone looked to the newest voice in the room and paused. Lara finally opened her eyes and stood in complete fear.
Cream stood next to black hedgehog with a knowing smile and nodded to him.
"Shadow." Lara whispered.
"Welcome to our little operation." Cream invites him in. "I'm happy you finally accepted my offer."
"I admit it's not appealing to teach, and even worse to teach children." Shadow stepped before the room locking eyes with Lara.
"H-hey Shadow…" Lara waved.
"Princess." Shadow shook his head.
"Looks like you found me." Lara sheepishly squeaked.
"Relax," Shadow lifted his hands, "As grateful as I am to your father I am not getting in the way of his retribution for you. I am only here to advise those with Chaos Energy."
"Well that's pretty much everyone here." Cream stepped beside Shadow. "The D'Coolette kids have the least, with the Prowers in the middle, the Royal pains in the mid-high range, and Lara well…"
"I know." Shadow approached.
Shadow looked over the kids and then locked eyes with Sonia and Manic.
"You there." Shadow pointed. "Show me what you can do."
Sonia and Manic start to panic. He lifts his arms and displays fire before Shadow.
"Here it comes." Lara winced.
Shadow stepped forward and formed a small Chaos Spear and zapped Manic in the chest. The young hedgehog fell to a knee and gripped his injury.
"Are you crazy?" Sonia stepped for Shadow.
"No." Shadow helped up the kid. "Chaos Energy is essential to be the ultimate combatant. Today you all will start your quest, like I did, to being the fullest of your potential so that one day you might be a challenge even to me."
Shadow heads for the training area. "Let's do this."
"The defense calls Geoffery St. John."
The courtroom was in an immediate uproar. The judge started to bang her gavel but the roars play out as Geoffery buttoned his suit and smoothly approached the stand.
Queen Sally was silent as she watched the parade promenade before her eyes. Bunnie and Antoine were joining in the fray as Geoffery seemed to take his time crossing the platform. The day had been without much intrigue as the police chief, a few detectives, and key civilians, all detailed the story of witnessing a few shadowy figures in the cemetery the night before. And after the gruesome details of the aftermath of the explosion, the evidence to the act was piling up as Burke suffered in the long-run. Still, his trump card was on the table or rather taking the stand.
The judge finally silenced the audience as Geoffery prepares to take the oath.
"Your word is bond. In this courtroom, you have the power to change lives for the better or for worse. Do you solemnly swear to uphold truth?"
"I will." Geoffery smiles.
The crowd erupts again as the judge gets them to calm down.
"Counselor Burke you better hurry before this mob gets their pitchforks." The judge retorted.
"As you wish." Burke moseyed toward his client. "Geoffery St. John, former member of the Royal Guard, esteemed Secret Serviceman, hell even King of Knothole; you've certainly worked your way up the ranks."
"You could say that." Geoffery adjusted in his seat.
"Let's try and stay current here. What happened in the Devil's Gulag?"
"The escape?"
"Sure."
"Like what was discussed before, there were several power failures in the prison and before long the cells opened, the collars released and we took over the guards with the full force of the prisoners."
"Sounds like you're harboring a lot of animosity in that situation."
"I was in a cage for the better part of fifteen years bloke, wouldn't you?"
"I can't imagine. Surely this mentality didn't carry on did it?"
"No. Once we cleared from the island in the guard's boats, the only goal was getting back to Hershey. I knew to head straight to Knothole; it was the only place to welcome her despite the treatment in the past."
"How did you get into Knothole?"
"We had the news in lockup. It was easy to pose as a Flicky Island refugee to get into Knothole. I knew with my past I wouldn't be able to come here Willy-nilly. I risked life and limb to be with my one true love."
"What happened next?"
"The goal was Hershey love, no doubt about it, but settling was going to be difficult. Being incarcerated really put a damper on our financials, and Hershey was barely able to support herself. The best thing to do at the moment was leave Knothole."
"And obviously you didn't…."
"You're right, and there was only one reason we couldn't leave. We were becoming pawns in someone else's game."
The crowd sounded a hush murmur of doubt.
Burke did his job. "You're going to have explain a little more than that."
Geoffery let out a pained sigh. "I guess I'm marked anyway so let's get this over with. We received a box that evening, delivered via snail mail, addressed to the both of us. No one knew I was in the city, but this person had everything: conversations in prison, personal moments from my past, some intimate things I keep fairly close to the chest."
"Someone was stalking you, Mr. St. John?"
"Keeping tabs is more like it. This nut job even had everything printed in me and me wife's handwriting to blackmail us in case we should ever off course."
"Blackmail, you say?"
"That's it." He sniffed. "We were to carry out these actions or we'd both be tortured and killed."
Burke seemed to be surprised. "Whoa whoa, hold on Geoffery, you're not admitting to these crimes are you?"
"In a way, yeah." Geoffery nodded. "Look, I thought I could outrun whatever's comin' for me, find a place where I could lay beachside with my lady, but it ain't happenin'. I spent a lot o'time thinking about what I'd do when I get back, who I'd repay when I did. I don't know, I just… I just had a moment o'clarity right now."
"What are you doing?" Burke turned to the judge. "Your honor I'd like that last part to be stricken from the record."
"Have a seat Mr. Burke." The judge cajoled.
Geoffery did seem to relax but turned to Queen Sally, growing serious as he does. "Understand this though, Sally, Knothole, all of this. Someone's not too happy about what you've been doing here. It's a wonder he hasn't come for you already."
Sally grew angered and started to rise.
"Who is?" The judge asked.
"A force of nature. Like I'd give you the jolly's o'knowing." Geoffery smiles. "I wanna see this place burn to ashes, and I've realized I'm just not the skunk to do it. But someone greater and more powerful than anyone else has you in their sights and he's gonna make sure Knothole is razed to the ground."
"We don't respond to empty threats here." Queen Sally triumphantly stood. "If your friendly force of nature wants to go against my people, then by all means Geoffery he will go down in a blaze of his own glory!"
Geoffery St. John wore an arrogant smile for Sally Acorn.
"That's what I've always loved about you Sally, that lively spirit. Maybe you can share some of it if your pin-cushion husband ever wakes."
Sally screams. "Don't you dare talk about Sonic like that! I will annihilate you Geoffery St. John!"
Sally almost storms the court if Antoine hadn't struggled to hold her back. The bangs of the gavel and Sally's feral threats give soundtrack to the courtroom.
Burke nearly passes out. "In light of the latest testimony I think a continuance is necessary."
"Read my last message counselor Burke." She turns to Weaver who assumed his confident expression from the beginning. "Would you like to cross examine, Weaver?"
"I don't think that's necessary."
"Very well, please go on with closing arguments so we can go home to our families."
The lawyers looked to each other: Burke in defeat and Weaver with a smile.
Sally watches Burke nearly topple into his table in defeat as Hershey and Geoffery hug in complete relief. Sally wanted to tear the skunk limb from limb and refused to remove the death glare upon Geoffery St. John.
After the closing arguments, the jury was sent to deliberate and before long the entire session was ended. They would pick up in the morning with the results ready for public consumption. All of the details of the deliberations would go to the press and the St. John's would face justice.
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