In the Senate building Blaze and Merlin watched as Razor was giving a speech "The government of Albion as well as many of you have attempted to find every peaceful solution possible to this dilemma." Razor tried his best to remain calm while he was talking. "However, it is clear now that the separatists are arming for war and if we don't defend ourselves then the Republic will fall. Senators, fellow delegates in response to this threat, I propose that emergency powers be given to the Supreme Chancellor". The other senators began to cheer, this didn't make Razor feel better, he was wondering what Tikal would say when she found out. Solaris stood up from his chair "It is with great reluctance that I have agreed to this calling. I love democracy. I love the Republic. The power you give me, I will lay down when this crisis has abated. As my first act with this authority I will create, and army do defend the Republic to counter this threat" the crowd applauded. Merlin looked to Blaze "It is done, then. I will take what Shinobi we have to Waspnosia and help Espio". Blaze nodded "I will take the representative to visit these cloners on Soleanna, we shall see this army they have created".
Tikal and Shadow entered Waspnosia's atmosphere, Shadow was piloting when Tikal pointed at something "There, land in one of those exhaust ports" Shadow did so and luckily enough there was a landing platform. They both got out of their chairs "Whatever happens out there, follow my lead. I'm not interested in getting into a war. I might be able to find a diplomatic solution to this mess". Shadow followed her off the ship "Don't worry, I've given up trying to argue". Emerl beeped to Orbot "My friend, if they had needed our help, they would have asked for it. Wait where are you going" Emerl started walking to the exit Orbot followed. Shadow and Tikal exited the ship and walked through a door into a corridor. They slowly walked down it and they didn't notice Orbot or Emerl were close behind. As they were walking Shadow heard something "Wait" he turned around and saw a small army of wasps coming out of the walls. One of them charged at him but he ignited his lightsaber and cut it in half, they both ran to the next door, but it was into the droid factory. The floor began to move onto the wall and they both fell onto separate conveyor belts. Shadow got up and was being attacked by more wasps that he was cutting down with his lightsaber. Tikal meanwhile was heading straight for multiple crushers, she held her breath, timed it right and rushed under the first one and repeated with the others.
Shadow jumped from one conveyor to another. Orbot and Emerl came through the same door, Orbot was examining the factory when Emerl pushed him "Calm down, Emerl. I almost fell" Emerl pushed him again and this time he did fall. As he was screaming his hover system slowed him down, however he was then grabbed by a machine that began reprograming his body "I want to go home". Emerl meanwhile activated the jets in his feet and he started flying above the factory. A wasp tried to grapple Tikal causing both of the to fall off the conveyor. Tikal landed in a large a large metal ladle which unbeknownst to her was in line to be filled with molten metal. Shadow jumped onto another conveyor, but he was hit by machinery, his lightsaber hand was the put under a piece of metal by the machine, he couldn't get it out. Emerl flew towards the controls for the molten metal hose and started to hack it. Tikal still trying to get out, but she then saw the hose above her, but before it dropped the metal it suddenly closed, Tikal guest a certain gizoid was involved. Emerl then made the ladle drop and it landed on a platform bellow. Shadow meanwhile was trying to avoid the machinery as it worked on the piece his hand was trapped under. Every time it was hit Shadow could he the lightsaber breaking. He finally managed to get himself free only to realize he only had half his lightsaber "Not again, Espio's gonna kill me" he said with frustration. The wasp surrounded Tikal while the conveyor Shadow was on stopped and Gammas appeared along with Mimic who was still wearing his mask pointed his wispon at Shadow "Don't move Shinobi! Take him away". Shadow with no other choice followed them.
Tikal and Shadow were standing in front of a large desk with Wasp guards behind them. On the other side of the desk was Dimitri, he and Tikal stared at each other calmly. "You are holding a Shinobi, Espio the Chameleon. I request you turn him over to me. He is an officer of the Republic" "We don't recognise the Republic here, Senator. But if Albion were to join our alliance I could easily hear your plea for clemency". Tikal had a defiant look on her face "And if I don't?" "I have no wish for you to join us against your will. But be honest, Senator. Aren't you tired of the corruption? You believe in the same ideals we do". Shadow didn't say a word, he felt useless without his lightsaber. "If what you say is true, you should stay in the Republic and help Chancellor Solaris put things right". Dimitri looked away from her in irritation "The Chancellor means well, Milady. But he is incompetent. The Republic cannot be fixed. It is time to start over" "I cannot believe that. I know of your treaties, Dimitri. I will not forsake what I have worked so hard to maintain". Dimitri looked regretful "Then you betray both your Shinobi friends. Without your co-operation I can do nothing to stop their execution". Shadow glared at him but said nothing. "And what of me? Am I to be executed as well?" Tikal asked. Dimitri stared blankly at her "I do not wish to give that order, Milady. But there are others here who have great interest in your demise. Without your co-operation, I've done all I can for you". The guards took Tikal and Shadow away.
Shadow and Tikal were now handcuffed while they were standing on a chariot that was about to take them to an arena. Shadow looked at her "I'm sorry, this my fault" Tikal looked at him, she tried to hide her fear as she shook her head "No, this is my fault, you wanted to stay on Sandopolis". After a few seconds Shadow smirked "You're right, this is all your fault". Tikal gave a slight laugh "Are you really joking in a time like this?" "Better than thinking about what's coming". Tikal suddenly looked deep in thought "In that case… You should know my answer is yes" Shadow didn't understand "Yes to what?". She smiled with tears in her eye "I love you" Shadow was surprised "You love me?" he stared at her before turning his head to the ground, he tried to keep his face blank "I thought you said you-". Tikal turned his face back to her "We're about to die. But before we do I want you to know. I love you, Shadow" they leaned in and kissed as the chariot began taking them out to the arena. It was strange, they both knew they were about to die, but in this moment, they felt happier than they had ever been. They stopped just before they got outside and they both saw a crowd of millions of Wasps were cheering.