Fugitive! Though the Republic has
won many decisive battles against
the Separatist army in the Outer Zones,
the Shinobi have failed to capture the
elusive General Dark Oak. After
specifically targeting members of the
Shinobi Council, a trap was set. But
following a fierce confrontation, the
badnik general managed to escape to the
surface of the planet Romanus. Now,
the chase is on as General Espio leads
a squadron of clone troopers and closes
in on his desperate target...
Dark Oak walked out of a crashed escape pod with two Egg pawns "We must find a way of this planet before they find us". He looked up and saw a Republic cruiser fly overhead "Espio. We need to hurry. Contact the fleet". One of the Egg pawns examined the transmitter "Sir, our transmitter is destroyed. There's only one other escape pod that survived" "Then we must get there as quickly as possible. Now find me some transportation".
The cruiser landed far away and started releasing troops and tanks. Espio was walking with Fang "Instead of scattering our troops looking for all the escape pods we shall head towards the wreckage of the landing transport first". They marched through the forest, Espio got on top of the lead tank and took out his binoculars. He saw the transport wreckage.
Dark Oak was riding a robot rhino with other creatures behind him carrying supplies and a small squad of Pawns were walking while continuously sighing. Dark Oak shook his head in frustration when one of the Pawns stopped "Sir, we need to have our power recharged" "Not this again. How could your power cells be so depleted?". The pawn was leaning down as if it were tired "You would not let us ride on ride on any of the creatures with you, sir. If you would allow us to close down for a few-Oh my god!" Dark Oak sliced him in half with a lightsaber. He turned to the others "Anymore complaints?" "Uh, no. We're fine" they all said, "That's what I thought. Now let's find that pod". One of the Pawns looked down at his destroyed comrade "Yikes".
The clones were searching the wreckage but found nothing but broken badniks. Armand examined the engines and found that they were still warm so the crash had to be recent. Espio walked up to Fang who was with a green hawk who wore yellow lensed goggles on his forehead "Fang, we'll split into teams. I want you to take Jet, Bean and Cat. If you find Dark Oak contact us before you engage" "Yes, sir". Fang and Jet went over to the Extreme gear boards when an elderly brown cat and green duck wearing an ascot got on the Extreme gear behind them. The four of them raced of just as Armand ran up to Espio "Sir, we found a badnik intact in one of the pods" "Good, let's load it onto the tank and we'll inspect it on the way".
The four clones were searching the area on their boards. They didn't find anything and were about to move o the next sector when a blaster bolt suddenly hit Fang in he chest knocking him off his board. "Protect the Captain!" Jet told Cat before following the shot with Bean. They both saw two Metals on a small hill and quickly took out their blasters and shot them. Cat went over to Fang and saw he had been shot in the chest "Jet, you better get back here" he said over the commlink. He then took a syringe from his med kit and used it on Fang which caused him to morph back into his octopus form. The others came back "How bad is it?" Jet asked as Cat tried to patch up the wound as best, he could "Pretty bad. I've had to change him back to see the damage properly". Bean looked around "Those badniks might have called for backup. Unless we want to get picked off one by one I suggest we find cover first". A few lizard-like creatures calmly walked up to them which Jet noticed "Those things are domesticated. I think we're on farmland. There might be a home we could keep him in". Cat nodded "We'll have to hurry. Once the inhibitor wears off and he turns back I won't be able to do much for him". Bean picked up Fang's body and the three of them got back on their boards.
Espio was meditating on one of the tanks when Armand came through a hatch "Sir, we got something from the bot's memory logs. They say he activated the pod's emergency thrusters to avoid a mid-air collision. We with another pod. Once he changed course he didn't have time to account for a steeper glide path which is why he crashed". Espio turned to him "Can we track the trajectory of the other pod?" "I can get us within two klicks of it, sir" "Alert the men. We've picked up the scent".
The clones arrived at a small home when the door opened, and a yellow female mongoose walked out holding a rifle "We want no trouble here". The clones calmly raised their arms "Easy with that weapon, Ma'am. We're here as friends" Jet said, "State your business" she replied. Bean stepped of his board with Fang "We have an injured man and-" "I'm no doctor" she said bluntly. "We have a medic. We just need a place to tend him over night" two young mongooses, a boy and a girl ran out "Mum, what's-" "Get back inside, both of you" they sighed and did so. She turned back to the clones, she saw Fang's octopus face and for a spelt second she looked surprised before her face went blank "I have benches outback in the barn. It's the best I can do" "That'll be fine, ma'am. Thank you" Cat said.
Bean carried Fang's body into the barn and placed him on a bench. "I've got to hurry. The inhibitor's gonna wear off soon and I can't waste more" Cat said as he placed a pad over the wound as Fang woke up "What… What happened?" he said weakly. Bean stood up "Metals took a pot-shot. Cat said it was pretty close to your heart" "You also have some nerve damage to your left arm" Cat added. Fang lifted his arm which hurt but he was then surprised to see an octopus hand, Fang had never seen is real body before. "Alright, patch me up and let's get on with it" he said trying to hide his surprise. Cat shook his head "Sir, you're in no condition to continue. You need to give your wound time to heal" "We're getting underway, Cat. That's an order" Fang replied. "Sir, as the team medic, when it come to the health and safety of the men including you, I outrank everyone. So, I respectfully order you to get some rest". They heard the door open and saw the mongoose at the door holding a bowl of fruit "Excuse me. If it's not enough I-" "That's fine, ma'am. Thank you… uh" "Isabella" she answered Jet.
A ball was thrown into the barn and the mongoose girl ran in "I told you to stay inside" Isabella told her. "Sorry, mum" the girl said as she picked up the ball then saw Fang. She stared curiously at him "My daddy looks like you sometimes" "Shaia, stop bothering the soldier. Get back inside with Jek". Shaia rolled eyes in frustration "Yes, mum" she walked out. Isabella turned back to the clones "My husband is away delivering our harvest. Do you require anything else" "No, thank you, uh-Isabella" Jet answered. She nodded and headed back to her home. Bean placed Fang's hat, gloves and weapon belt on the table next to him while Cat put Fang's arm in a sling. Fang sighed "Resume the search without me. Jet, you're in charge" "Yes, sir. We should hurry if we're gonna make any headway". The three of them left and got back on their boards. Fang struggle to sit up and he saw a mirror leaning against a wall. He made sure the others were gone before he walked up to hit and examined his reflection. It was nice seeing his real face for once, but he then watched his face morph back into his wolf form. He had a slight chuckle before lying back down on the bench.
Espio was next to Armand on the tank and they both looked through their binoculars. "Sir, I see the escape pod. It looks deserted" Armand said, Espio nodded "They must be heading to another one". He activated his commlink "Captain Fang, come in please" "It's Jet, sir. Fang was injured", Espio looked concerned "What's his condition?". "He'll be fine. We found him shelter" "Alright. Dark Oak is one the move. We're heading to the west. Swing around and we can meet up at the final escape pod. We're going to need all the fire power we can get".
Dark Oak was still traveling but the badniks were struggling. Dark Oak growled in anger "We should be there by now" "Sir, we… are… almost… there…" one of the Pawns holding a data pad said. Dark Oak glared at him "You had better be interpreting the coordinates correctly" "Oh no" the Pawn said before it shut down. Another one took the pad from him "The pod is just one klick away, sir". They kept marching as a few more badniks began shutting down.
Fang was sleeping when a small noise woke him up. He heard the door slowly opening and someone walking in. He slowly reached for his pistol and then quickly sat up but whoever it was hit it out of his hands with a farming tool. He looked up and saw a male mongoose "Who are you" the both of them suddenly had a strange feeling in their stomachs. The male mongoose glanced at Fang's right hand and saw the Republic symbol "What're you doing here?" he asked in surprise. Fang started back at him "You're a clone". The mongoose lowered his weapon "So, I see the war has finally made its way out here. Should I expect a visit form badniks soon?". Fang sat up and grabbed his right hand, but the palm was covered in scars with only a small hint of a tattoo. He looked up to him "What's your rank and number?". He chuckled "My name is Arthur. Arthur Mongoose. As for rank, farmer". Fang scornfully glared at him "You're a deserter" "Well, I would call it exercising my right to choose. To choose not to kill for a living" Arthur went over and turned on a light. "That is not your choice to make. You swore and oath to the Republic. You have a duty" Fang said.
Arthur scoffed "If I hadn't have made that oath the Soleannans would have thrown me in with the janitor staff. The only duty I have is to my family. Does that count or do you still plan to turn me in" "Do I have a choice?". "Daddy, your home" the two children ran in and hugged Arthur with Isabella walking in after them "I see you two have met". Shaia nodded "He looked different before, daddy. Like you do sometimes". Arthur smiled "Really. Well, I was just making our guest, Captain, um. What's your number?" "Fang". Isabella stepped forward "He was injured. His men brought him here. I told them he could stay for the night". Arthur nodded "Course he can. We never turn away those in need. Do we?" he asked his children who shook their hands. "You look hungry, Fang" Arthur said but Fang shook his head "No, I'm fine. I'll stay here". Jek and Shaia came over to him "No, you have to eat with us. Please. Please" they kept repeating. Arthur chuckled "There never gonna stop" "Alright, I'll join you" Fang reluctantly answered. Arthur helped Fang up, Jek then ran over now wearing Fang's hat "Here you go" he took it off and handed it to Fang who put it on.
Later they were all in the house sitting around a table with plates of food on it. Arthur was putting slices of meat on everyone's plate when he glanced at Fang "You and I may be clones but we're still individuals. You have a name rather than a number, Captain. Why is that". Fang thought for a second "Perhaps our leaders see it as a more efficient way of distinguishing us". Arthur raised his eyebrows "More officiant than a number? I doubt the cloners think that way. Still a name has to make you feel unique. Especially when you have it drilled into your head that your just another clone". Fang looked down at his table "Actually, I've never thought about it" "Yes you have. We may look different but I'm as close to you as any life-form can be".
The two stared at each other "I've seen the way you look at my family. Our home. Come on, admit it. You've thought what would happen if you left the army. Choose a life you wanted". Fang took his plate "What if I am choosing what I want. What if I'm staying in the army because it means something to me?". Arthur looked at him "And how is it meaningful?" "Because I'm part of the most pivotal moment in the history of the Republic. If we fail, then our children and their children will live under an evil I can't even imagine". Armand nodded "If you were to have children. But you know, that's against the rules. Isn't that what you're programmed to believe". Fang shook his head "No. That's simply what I believe. It doesn't matter if it's my children. Does that meet with your approval?". Arthur smirked "Perfectly. Too each their own. That's what I always say".
Espio's group were still marching through the forest "How're you doing, Jet?" "Almost there, sir. We have a visual". Espio nodded "Very well. We'll meet you in the middle". Not far away Dark Oak found the remaining pod where a few other Pawns were waiting. "Is your transmitter working?", one of the Pawns shrugged "I don't know i haven't used it yet". Dark Oak angrily punched the Pawn to the ground causing him to put his hands up "Wait, I'll check on it" "Stupid badnik". Another Pawn walked out of the pod "Sir, you made it" "Get in their and send a distress signal to what's left of our fleet. We need to get a shuttle down here immediately. Everyone else take battle positions".
Arthur and Fang were playing a holo-board game, one of Fang's monsters managed to kill Arthur's. "Good move", Fang sighed "What was it?" "What made me decide to leave?". He stopped playing the game "Shortly after the battle of Waspnosia, our troop transport got caught between two Separatist gunships. They fired on us with everything they had. We crashed, most of us were either dead or severely injured. The bots then came through to kill the rest of us. I knew there was no hope. I took a bag of supplies and ran… It still haunts me". Fang glanced away from him "I'm sorry", Arthur stood up "That was the day I felt my life didn't have any meaning. Everyone I cared about; my team was gone. I was just another expendable clone waiting for my turn to be slaughtered in a war that made no sense to me. Can you understand that, Fang?". Fang paused before answering "I've been in countless battles. I've lost many brothers. They were my family. My home". Arthur sat back down, and they continued their game. After some silence "Your daughter said you change sometimes?" Fang asked curiously. Arthur nodded "The bag I took turned out to be full of shifting inhibitors. They're useful for when I get injured". He smiled nostalgically "When Isabella and I married she wanted me to have my real face". The two children came in "Daddy, we finished out chores. Can we go out, please?". He smiled "Alright but keep the house in view". They ran out as Fang watched "You have wonderful children" there was a moment of silence between the two. "I know you think I'm a coward, Fang. But believe me, I'll fight to my last breath to keep them safe".
Shaia and Jek ran outside into the fields when the latter noticed something. "Look" they both got closer, it was a pod "It's some kind of spaceship I think". They cautiously went inside, and they saw a small room with shapes on the wall. Shaia placed her hand on the wall to balance herself but she pressed a button. The shapes suddenly stretched out revealing themselves to be a squad of Metals. They screamed and ran back to the house. Arthur and Isabella came out "What is it?" they both asked "Monsters! Monsters!". "What monsters?" Isabella asked, Arthur looked out and saw lights. He took out a pair of old binoculars and saw them "Metals. I count 20. Bella, get the kids upstairs" she ran as Arthur locked the door. Fang went over to the table that had his gun belt on. Arthur went to a cupboard where there was a rife and an old clone blaster. Once Fang got his stuff, he used his good arm to hold his pistol and he turned to Arthur "We'll catch him in a crossfire. You take that corner-". "No, Captain. With respect you're not in charge here and you're injured", Fang went up to him "I can still fight". "I know but so can I. Fang, I need you to be the last line of defence for my family", Fang paused before sighing "I'll take care of them" "Thank you". Fang went up stairs while Arthur turned off all the lights. He waited in the middle of the room as he heard the metals walking outside. Two suddenly broke through the back door and he quickly shot them with the rifle.
Espio's tank was hit by a rocket just after he jumped off of it. He and the clones charged. He cut through the badniks when he saw a Separatist shuttle fly overhead "Concentrate your fire on that ship!" he yelled to the tanks. They did so preventing it to come close for a landing. The guns started over heating, Espio got on his commlink "Armand, Jet, cover me". He ran towards Dark Oak and the two engaged in a fight.
The rest of the Metals started flooding through the door, Arthur managed to destroy a few before being forced to retreat. Laser fire caused the roof to collapse on him. With him trapped the Metals started walking up the stairs "Fang, they're coming for you!". Fang jumped out of the door and shot a few of the Metals before taking cover. Arthur freed himself fought two more. One of the Metals grabbed Fang and they both fell down the bottom floor. Arthur grabbed his blaster and shot the Metal before it got up. "Daddy" they heard Jek, "I'm okay. It's over".
Espio got pushed back by Dark Oak who then climbed up the pod and fired an ascension cable out of his arm to the shuttle. The shuttle flew up pulling Dark Oak, the clones fired on him, but he deflected the shots with his free arm as he laughed. Espio watched when Armand ran up to him "Are you alright, sir?" "No, we're right back where we started. Call the cruisers. See if they can stop that ship".
The next morning Fang's arm was out of his sling and got on a farm animal with a saddle on it. He turned to the mongoose family who were waiting at the door "Thank you" he said. Isabella looked concerned "Captain Fang, are you going to turn in my husband?". Fang paused "I'm sorry, but it's my duty… But in my condition, I probably won't remember any of this" he smirked. "Thank you" she said before happily hugging Arthur. Fang looked to him "You may be a deserter, Arthur. But you're no a coward". His commlink then activated "Captain Fang, are you still with us?" "Yes, General. I'm still here and thankfully on the mend". "That's good news. We certainly missed you at the party", Fang smiled "Sorry, sir. I had to attend one of my own" "Can't wait to hear about it. We're standing by". Arthur looked at him "You can stay you know?". Fang shook his head "This is your family. Mine is elsewhere". Jek and Shaia waved as Fang left and headed back to the Republic.