Victory on Waspnosia! After a massive

assault, the Republic has finally

recaptured the Separatist planet and shut

down its badnik factories. An

investigation by Shinobi Master Elizabeth led

to the discovery of Queen Karina the

Great, whose hive-mind could reanimate

dead Waspnosian soldiers.

During the destruction of the queen's

temple, the Shinobi apprehended her advisor

Vesper the Wasp, and now prepare to

deliver the villain to Mobotropolis for trial….

Shadow, Espio and Elizabeth watched as Vesper was being taken aboard a shuttle that Amy, Clove and Nate exited from, he said some very unfavourable words to them as he past but the trio ignored him. Nate walks up to Shadow and Espio "I'm afraid we have a complication" "Don't we always/" Shadow said sarcastically. "I've just received a distress signal from our forces on the Lost Hex. Master Merlin's defences held but at a great cost to his men. They need medical supplies immediately. We will obtain these supplies at the medical station on near Iron jungle". Shadow didn't seem to like this "We're bringing Vesper to Mobotropolis, Iron Jungle isn't exactly on the way". Elizabeth nodded in agreement "The Republic must question Vesper immediately if we are to get useful intelligence from him". Shadow smirked "Master, I suggest we let the apprentices handle this mission" he looked to Amy and Clove. Amy nodded "Whatever needs to be done, Master. I'm happy to help" "As am I" Clove added. Espio nodded "Very well. Take a medical frigate. Once we've delivered Vesper to Mobotropolis, we'll rendezvous with you on the voyage to the Lost Hex".

Not far away a group of clones were resting near the remains of the temple. Unbeknownst to them a single Wasp egg was intact within the rubble and hatched. A worm slid out and went towards a sleeping skunk clone and entered through his nose. He made a slight pained nose and convulsed before turning very still. An otter squad leader went up to the sleeping clones and fired into the air waking them up except for the skunk. They all raised their blasters thinking they were under attack but "Sorry, boys. Hope I didn't interrupt any pleasant dreams" he said jokily. "Got a mission for us, sir?" one of them asked, "Oh, yeah, an exciting one. We're making a supply run towards the Lost Hex".

One of the clones, crocodile rolled his eyes "Thought we were bred for battle not running errands". The squad leader glared at him "We were bred to follow orders. You got a problem with that". The crocodile stood up straight "No, sir. No problem" "That's what I thought. Now move!". the rest of the clones stood up "Sir, yes, sir" they all said unenthusiastically. The others started following the otter, when the skunk finally woke up with his eyes rolling back into place. He stood up "Welcome back to the land of the living!" the crocodile yelled back to him. They along with Amy and Clove boarded the medical frigate which then took off and left the atmosphere. Clove and Amy entered the bridge and Saline appeared on the screen above the control console "We're ready to make our jump, Master Saline" Clove said. Saline nodded "Good, I look forward to your arrival" the ship then jumped into hyperspace.

Later, Amy and Clove were sleeping in their room. Amy began to feel uneasy and stirred, she eventually gave up and looked over to Clove who was lying peacefully in her bed. "What? What is it?" she suddenly asked with her eyes still closed, Amy sighed "It's too quiet. It's a big change from all the fighting over the last few days". Clove finally opened her eyes and looked over to Amy "Considering we're at war it won't last long. You should enjoy it while it's here" Clove replied, "I can't. let's go eat". They both left the room and headed to the mess hall, passing the skunk clone. He entered the quarters of a clone squad; he stared blankly at them as they were all sleeping. He removed his backpack revealing it to be full of eggs. He rolled a dozen of them onto the floor and they all hatched. The worms came out and slowly slithered up onto the beds of the clones and entered through their noses or mouths. All the clones started to grunt in pain and started to convulse before stopping and simultaneously sitting up with blank expressions on their faces. A sinister grin then grew on the skunk's face.

Amy and Clove were now eating at a table in the mess hall with no one else around "I was thinking about what you said earlier, about enjoying the peace while it lasts. As a Shinobi I don't think I know how to do that" Amy said. Clove looked like she had given this subject some thought herself "Master Merlin has said we are keepers of the peace. Not warriors. However, once the war is over it will be our job to maintain the peace" Clove said. "Yes, but will we do so as keepers of the peace or warriors... And what's the difference?" "I don't have all the answers, Amy. Like you I'm a learner. What does your master tell you?". Amy chuckled "You might find Shadow's views a bit radical" "What do you mean" "Let's just say my Master will do what needs to be done. I'm not sure if peace time would agree with him".

Two pilots were on the bridge when a group of clones entered. One of the pilots looked curiously at them "Just coming to check on us, sir? Well we're on course and, uh, all systems are green". He heard a noise and turned back around to see them pointing their basters at them "What the-!?" they fired killing the pilots. "We have control of the bridge" the skunk clone said.

An ox clone entered the mess hall "Evening Ox. Would you like to join us?" Amy asked politely. He just blankly stared at them "Is something wrong, trooper?" Amy asked confused. Ox raised his blaster and started firing on the two of them, they quickly ignited their lightsabers and managed to shield themselves "Trooper, stand down!" Amy ordered but Ox ignored her. Clove used the Force to throw him against the wall knocking him out. The two Shinobi walked over to him when two more clones, the otter squad leader and a cayote then entered with their blasters raised. Amy and Clove quickly put their lightsaber near their throats "What're you doing?" the cayote said confused as he put his hands up. "This clone just attacked us. What is going on?" "Trap, do you know what happened to this trooper?" Clove asked. The otter shook his hand "Couldn't tell you, Commander. I'm just as confused as-" "You're in charge of this man. Did you order him to kill us".

The otter quickly shook his head again "No, Ma'am" "We just heard shots" the cayote added. "Why should we believe you?" Clove asked, "Look" both clones placed their blasters on the ground. Clove and Amy looked at each other before deactivating their lightsabers. "Ox wouldn't have just attacked us. Something feels wrong" Clove said, "My master had a clone who betrayed hem once. He was paid by Lien-Da". Clove shook her head "No, it can't be that simple. Something doesn't feel right". The otter stepped forward "Excuse me, Ma'am, we should make sure we're still in control of the bridge". Clove activated her commlink "Bridge, this is Clove, respond" there was no answer. "We need to get up there. We have to find out what's going on" Amy said, Clove nodded before looking to the cayote "Havok, watch Ox. Trap, you're with us". They left except for Trap who picked up his blaster and watched Ox.

Espio, Shadow, Fang, Elizabeth and Nate were on the bridge of a cruiser "The cargo ship failed to check in on schedule. I tried to contact them but there was no reply" Elizabeth said. Shadow looked worried "I don't like it. Something's not right". Elizabeth seemed to agree "It is certainly unalike either apprentice to lose contact" "They're in trouble". Espio didn't seem convinced "Shadow, have faith in your apprentice". "She would have checked in" "Like you always do?" Espio smirked. Shadow thought for a moment but then "Good point" "Sometimes I don't think you realise just how alike you two have become". Nate cleared his throat "We need to continue our interrogation of Vesper", Espio nodded "Yes. Agreed. He's been most uncooperative". They nodded and were about to leave but Shadow turned to Fang "Keep your ears open in case Amy calls" he whispered, "Got it".

Amy, Clove and Trap were heading to the bridge when a shield appeared in front of them "Someone doesn't want us getting up there". Clove immediately went to a panel "I'll try to override the controls". Trap suddenly raised his blaster, Clove sensed it and immediately turned around and cut it in half. Trap lunged forward and grappled her. He screamed and the worm creature came out. "He's infected!" Clove yelled before pointing her lightsaber into Trap's stomach and ignited it. His body fell to the ground and Amy quickly cut the worm in half. She watched it wriggle on the ground making her shiver in disgust "What is that?" "It's some sort of parasite. It must be controlling their actions". Amy looked regretfully at Trap's body "How did they get on board" "They must have come from Waspnosia" "We'll have to quarantine the ship". Clove nodded in agreement "We also need to contact Master Saline and let him know about the situation". They started running to a different part of the ship. They went to the cargo hold and saw a group of clones.

They sneaked in and saw a fox clone being restrained by the others before another one came up with an egg. The worm came out slithered onto the clone's face. Amy and Clove ran in with their lightsabers and they pushed all the clones away with the Force. Amy went over to the restrained clone who was now on his knees "Trooper?" Amy said, he slowly raised his head revealing his eyes to be completely white and he screeched. The other clones stood back up and fire at them. They deflect the blasts before Clove used the Force to remove a grate above them and they both jumped up into the ventilation system. Once they crawled to a different part of the ship Clove turned to Amy "I'll go to the reactor room and disable the ship. You head to the comm-centre and send a warning to Master Saline. We have to stop the ship from reaching the medical station". They kept crawling "I don't know, Clove. I think we should stay together" "If we split up we double our chances of stopping the ship. We have to, Amy". Amy reluctantly nodded "Okay, I'll see you soon" they split up.

Saline was in the control room of the medical station listening to a message from Amy. "As long as these things are on board we can't risk docking with the medical station" she said. Saline shook his head "We must bring the ship in. The only way to defeat these parasites is to capture and analyse them" "You don't understand how terrible these things are. What if they get lose?". Saline wasn't deterred "We'll take precautions", Amy sighed "Yes, Master Saline".

Clove was sneaking through a corridor to the reactor room when devices that had been placed on the on the wall suddenly hit her with electricity. She screamed and fell to the floor, dropping her lightsaber. She turned and saw her lightsaber being picked up by the skunk clone "If there's one thing the clones know, it's how to stop a Shinobi" more clones surrounded her. A clone started walking towards her holding an egg which she stared in in fear.

Amy changed the frequency on the comm-unit and Fang appeared on screen "Cargo ship TZ-73 this is clone Captain Fang. Please respond". Amy sighed in rleief "Fang, this is Amy. Boy am I glad to see you" "Likewise, Commander. But there's someone else who wants to speak with you". Shadow then appeared "Amy, are you okay? Master Saline told us what was happening" "I'm fine, Master. But the clones are everywhere". Shadow nodded "We're going to interrogate Vesper and find out what we can about the worms. Keep your commlink open, find Clove and wait for our signal". Amy nodded and turned to unit off, she then turned to the door to leave but saw Clove glaring at her. "Oh, Clove, you're back. Did you manage it?". Clove stayed silent which made Amy suspicious "Clove, what's wrong?". Clove activated her lightsaber and lunged at Amy and the two were in a saber lock. "Clove, no! this isn't you". Clove wasn't listening so Amy kicked her back before running out of the room.

Shadow entered the prison bay where two clones were guarding Vesper's cell "Leave us" he told them, the clones happily did. He then entered the cell and Vesper angrily looked up to him, Shadow waved his hand "You will answer my questions". Vesper scoffed "Those don't work on me, Shinobi. The others already tried". Shadow stared down at him before throwing him against the wall "Do you think I need a mind trick to make you talk?" he asked angrily. Vesper looked up to him defiantly "You invaded my planet and killed my queen! There's not much left you can do to me" with a hint of sadness in his voice. Shadow raised his hand and Vesper was suddenly struggling to breath, he then started hovering above the ground "We'll see about that, Vesper".

Amy was being chased through the ship by Clove who used the Force to push her against the wall. Amy quickly ignited her lightsaber and the two were no now in a saber lock. Amy kicked her back and ran as fast as she could down the corridor and out of sight. She then jumped up back into the vents and Clove then ran right past her.

Shadow ran back into the bridge where the other's were waiting "I've made contact with Amy" "What's their status" Espio asked concerned. "Waspnosian parasites have infected their crew" Shadow answered as he went over to a comm-unit. "How did they get onboard the ship?" Espio wondered, "Vesper said the worms must have gotten a new host after we destroyed the temple". Elizabeth stared at him "You interrogated Vesper?" "I did. There wasn't time to get the rest of you" Shadow said dismissively. "How did you get him to talk" Nate asked but Shadow just shook his head "Look, all that matters is he told me how to stop the worms".

Amy was crawling through the vents of the ship when her commlink activated and Shadow's voice could be heard "Amy, listen to me. The worms are affected by the cold" "Cold?" "Yes. Rupture the coolant system". "The coolant system, got it" once she saw the hallway was clear of any clones she crawled out of the vent and started running. She entered the room where the coolant was stored and went to the control console in the middle. She released the coolant into the vents causing cold air to go through the ship. Amy then felt the ship jolt, she thought it must be getting close to the medical station. She ran back through the ship, she started to shiver from the freezing cold and realized she now can't use the vents. She ran past unconscious clones and eventually made it to the bridge. She looked out and saw the medical station in few. She tried to get on the controls "This is Amy Rose. I'm gonna shut down the engines and-" suddenly a lightsaber cut through the console.

She turned and saw Clove, Amy saw a pipe above her which she quickly cut through. It released the freezing air, she grabbed it and pointed it at Clove who backed away and started to scream. Clove fell to the ground and went back to normal for a second "Kill me. Please" she said pleadingly, "I can't". Amy tried to slow the hip down but Clove then lunged at her and screeched and Amy saw the worm inside her mouth. Amy kicked her back and ignited her lightsaber. She hesitated for a moment before slicing the worm in half. She fell to her knees and held Clove's body before, she could barley keep her eyes open. She didn't know how long she waited, but she then felt a warm hand touch forehead, she weakly opened her eyes and saw Saline "Hello, Master Saline. We're... ready to pick up... the supplies" she said weakly before fainting again. Saline smiled "We'll take care of that. You rest now, Amy".

Amy woke up in a med bay with Shadow sitting by her bed. She jumped up and gasped, but Shadow came over "It's alright, Amy. You're safe" "Clove?" Amy asked as she leaned back down. Shadow smiled "Clove is fine. So are the clones. Thanks to you" "What were those things?". Saline entered "I think I can answer that. We had the worms analysed. They're the same creatures you found on Waspnosia, Shadow". Shadow pondered "We'll have to warn the troops. This parasite might be the reason we lost the planet the first time. I don't want it happening again". Saline turned to Amy "You've been through quite an ordeal, little one". Amy smiled "Master Shadow, may I have a word?", Saline looked between them before leaving. Shadow sat down next to Amy as she spoke "Master, on the ship Clove was… gone. She wanted me to kill her. She told me-" "But you couldn't do it?" "No… No, i couldn't. But should I have? I mean if it didn't work and the ship docked the worms would've spread". Shadow reassuringly put his hand on her shoulder "Amy, it's your duty to save as many lives as you can. Clove thought you could save thousands if the worms were destroyed. She thought that meant killing her as well. But you did the right thing. Letting goo of our attachments is a difficult struggle for all of us. You followed your instincts. Trust me, I don't think Clove would argue" he nodded before leaving to give her some rest.