A world in crisis! The peaceful planet of
Planet Wisp is being strangled by the grip
of corruption. With shortages of every kind,
citizens must turn to the black market in
order to survive. Desperate to free her
people, Duchess Liza the Chameleon has asked her friend
Tikal the Echidna to speak with the Shinobi Council
in hopes that they will send assistance to
her struggling world….
Shadow was piloting a shuttle with Amy sitting next to him and Fang behind him "The Council has given you a mission, Amy. It's your duty to see it through". Amy didn't look happy "Don't you think I'm just a little overqualified for this?" "According to Senator Tikal, Planet Wisp is a deeply corrupt world. If the cycle is to be broken, the future leaders at the Royal Academy must learn the evils of corruption. Blaze feels that a young learner like you can get through to them". They landed at the dock where Liza and Menniker were waiting "My lady, if I may, what do the Shinobi know of our ways? Do we really want them meddling with our children's education?" "Surely there is nothing to fear from exposing new ideas, Prime Minister". Shadow and Amy exited the shuttle, the former bowed "Duchess Liza. Prime Minister Menniker" "Master Shadow, so good to see you again. This is your apprentice, I assume".
Shadow nodded "Yes, Milady. May I present Amy Rose?". Amy bowed "Duchess. Prime Minister". Liza nodded and looked to Shadow "I am grateful that the Shinobi Council could spare the two of you to help instruct our leaders and peacekeepers of tomorrow. Please thank Master Blaze for me". Shadow cleared his throat "Uh… I'm afraid that due to our limited resources, I must return to battle immediately" "So you will not be staying, Master Shadow?" Menniker asked. Shadow shook her head "No, but I assure, Commander Rose is a highly capable Shinobi and has the full confidence of the Council". Menniker nodded "Very well. Cadet Marcos, Raynor, Zoe". A brown wolf in a blue shirt, a dark red echidna and a yellow fox in a red dress stepped forward.
"These are some of the cadets that you will be instructing, Commander Rose", Amy nodded "Nice to meet all of you". Marcos eyes opened wide when he saw her lightsaber "Is that a… May I see it". Menniker pulled him back "I'm afraid not. Because of Master Espio's recent visit and the trouble that followed, no off-worlders may carry weapons on Planet Wisp". Amy had to hide her smirk "Master Espio caused trouble? That's a first". Shadow rolled his eyes "Just give me the lightsaber", Amy handed it to him. Liza nodded "Thank you for respecting our ways, Master Shinobi". Fang then appeared "Excuse the interruption, sir, but it is time to depart. General Saline is expecting us". Shadow nodded "If you'll excuse me". Shadow and Fang went back to the ship as Amy followed Liza.
Amy was in an Academy classroom standing in front of two dozen students "Corruption is what happens when someone in power puts their own personal gain before the interests of the people they represent". One of the students looked up "So it's a result of greed?" "Yes. A leader sacrifices moral integrity for the sake of money or power. Entire star systems have collapsed into chaos or revolution because their greedy politicians got caught up in a cycle of bribery and blackmail while their people suffered". Zoe looked confused "Does that mean most government officials are corrupt?" "Well, no, but the point is always there, and citizens must be vigilant so corruption can't take root. The deadliest enemies of a society dwell within its borders, and from these internal threats, the people need to be protected". Raynor raised his hand "But if you don't trust your leaders isn't that treason?" "It's every citizen's duty to challenge their leaders, to them honest and hold them accountable if they're not". "How do you do that?" Marcos asked, "By exposing corrupt officials for what they are. Lasting change can only come from within".
The three of them were now in their room listening to a hologram of Amy "Be sure your assignments are prepared for tomorrow" the message ended. A green canary, Tekno was on a computer sighed "The school's out of rations again" "I guess they'll be no late-night snacks tonight" Raynor said. Marcos pondered "Listen, we've had a food shortage since the war began. Transport ships keep coming in, but there's strict rationing. Maybe something's going on". Zoe raised her eyebrows "That's a bit big a problem for us, isn't it? Just let the authorities handle it". Marcos stood up "We have to do something about it, like Amy said. Let's go down to the warehouse district and see if there really is a food shortage". Raynor shrugged "Beats sitting around here listening to my stomach growl".
That night they arrived at a large door to one of the warehouses. Tekno hooked her computer onto a control panel as Marcos started in front of him "These doors are heavily secured by the government" "Not for long". She did something on her computer and the doors suddenly opened slightly. Marcos smirked "Looks like the academy taught us well". They climbed through and hid behind the containers when they heard a voice "The risk involved makes the price go up". They kept hidden and saw a group of guards with a cloaked figure speaking to three smugglers "You must be more cautious. Coming here could raise suspicion". Marcos turned to the others "It's a little late for a meeting, isn't it? Let's get a closer look" "Are you crazy?" Zoe asked. Marcos ignored her and climbed up onto the container and the others reluctantly followed. They used the crates on top of the container and heard the conversation "It wasn't my idea". Tekno used her holo-cam to start recording the meeting "What're off-worlders doing on a secure port?". Raynor looked nervous "I don't like this. I'm getting out of here" he stood up but accidently knocked something off onto the floor causing the guards to see them. The kids all quickly ran as the guards chased them. They quickly got through the door and Tekno managed to close the door right before the guards reached them.
They made it back to their room where they finally stopped and took a breath "What're we're gonna do?" Tekno asked. Marcos sighed "Zoe's right. This is too big for us. We should speak to my Aunt Liza".
The next day Marcos led them to the palace recreation room where Liza was sitting on her own reading documents "Aunt Liza, may we speak with you?". Liza stood up and smiled "Of course, Marcos. Come in". As they entered one of the guards at the door was watching them suspiciously. Marcos sat next to Liza "We think something is going on with the food supplies coming in" "What makes you think that?". Tekno stepped forward "We made a recording of a secret meeting between what we know was a government official and a black marketer". Zoe nodded "That's why everything costs so much" "We knew you could find the one responsible" Marcos added. Liza put her hand on his shoulder "This is a serious matter, I agree, but I think this may be more than you cadets can handle. People can be very deceiving. You don't want to get yourselves into trouble". She stood up and led them out, Marcos sighed "But, Aunt Liza, don't you see? You can't ignore this" "I won't. Trust me. But for your own safety you must let me take care of it. Now run along, all of you. Concentrate on your studies. There will be a time to save the world when you're a bit older".
The group were now walking through a small park area "She refused to help us because she doesn't think we can handle it" Zoe said with Tekno adding "She acted like nothing was wrong". Raynor pondered "We need to find someone else who believes us" "What about Minister Menniker" Marcos suggested. The others looked to him "What makes you think he'll listen?" "I've known him my whole life. He's the only person I'd trust except for Aunt Liza".
They were back in their room sitting round a table which had a hologram of Menniker "I'm most concerned by these allegations, cadets. Does Liza have any idea who the conspirator is?" "She said she was going to handle it" Marcos answered. Menniker pondered "Meet the in the palace plaza tonight. Bring the recording you took of the black-market deal".
The group were back in the class talking which Amy noticed "Marcos, you seem distracted today. What's going on" "We did what you said". Amy stared at them "What'd you mean", Zoe scratched the back of her head nervously "Well, we were hungry, so we decided to go look for food" "Food?". Raynor nodded "Yeah, down at the government warehouse". Amy crossed her arms "Someone just let you in to inspect the warehouse?" "No, we broke in". Tekno stared at him before face palming "Nice work, Raynor". Amy stared at the four of them "So you committed a crime" "I know it sounds bad, I know, but then we saw a meeting and off-worlders-" Marcos said with Zoe adding "They chased us". Amy sighed "Maybe they chased you because you because you broke into a government warehouse". Marcos shook his head "No, it was a black-market deal. I know it" "Do you have proof". Tekno stood up "We have a holo-recording. The Prime Minister is meeting us tonight to…" she stopped. Amy was going to say something but then had a better idea. The bell went and Amy let the group leave.
The group were at the plaza waiting when three guards arrived "You Marcos?" the lead one asked, "Who are you?" "Secret Service. You're all under arrest for treason, corruption and conspiracy". The three guards advanced on the group "These are the same guards we saw last night" Marcos said as he got in front of the others. They were now surrounded, the four of them tried to fight but were quickly knocked to the ground. Suddenly Amy jumped down from the roof of the palace and fought off the guards forcing them to retreat. Amy helped Tekno up "Looks like the Prime Minister set you up". Marcos looked shocked "That's… That's treason. He's the leader of our system. He's a friend" "We need proof" Zoe said ignoring Marcos' shock. Tekno took out her recorder "We still have this". She showed the cloaked figure, Marcos sighed "That's no good. You can't see who it is" "Pause it" Amy said. She then took out a small device "Information retrieval. I need you to I.D. a hologram". The device flashed and Menniker then appeared under the cloak "We have to take this to my aunt and warn her" Marcos said. His eyes then opened wide in shock "They know I talked to her" he looked terrified.
They entered the recreation room and saw a dead guard lying on the ground, Marcos ran inside and saw even more. Marcos desperately looked around but found nothing. He fell to his knees "They took her. This is all my fault". The others turned to Amy "Now what?" "Who do we trust?". Amy put her hands up "I need all of you to calm down and focus. We know who's behind this" "Yeah, the most powerful man on Planet Wisp" Raynor said pessimistically. Amy nodded "So let's go talk to him".
Amy entered Menniker's office with three guards and stood in front of the desk. Menniker innocently smiled "Master Shinobi, this is an unexpected pleasure. What can I do for you?" "Actually, Prime Minister, it's what I can do for you". The door opened and a group of guards brought in Marcos and the others". Amy turned back to Menniker "I believe some of my students are involved in a conspiracy against you". Menniker stared at the cadets with an emotionless expression "Intriguing".
Menniker and Amy watched the group getting taken into prison "Thank you for bringing the traitors to justice, Master Shinobi" "They mentioned that Duchess Liza was their leader. We should arrest her too" "Do not worry. We already have her in custody". Amy acted surprised "Really? I have to compliment your security" "Thank you. Now, I must prepare a public statement about the Duchess and her crimes". Amy watched her leave before turning to the prison guard "Officer, I need to interrogate the prisoners immediately". The guard nodded and let her enter the prison. She made it to the group's cell, they all stood up as she entered "Careful, we're being watched" "Did he buy it? Did you find my aunt?" Marcos said. Amy shook her head "I couldn't ask without looking suspicious, but I have a plan. You'll know what to do when I give the signal" "What signal?" "You'll know". Amy left the cell where a guard was waiting, she waved her hand "You will take me to Duchess Liza" "I will take you to Duchess Liza".
Amy was taken to a room where Liza was being held in a small glass cell. Amy went over to a control panel and lowered the cell to the ground before opening it. Liza fell to the floor and Amy kneeled down next to her "I'm getting you out of here" "Amy, it's a trap" "I see you found the Duchess, youngling". Menniker entered with two guards "You may stop your playacting now, Sergeant". The two guards with Amy stood to attention confusing Amy. Menniker stared down at her "Using a Shinobi mind trick was a poor decision. My guards have been trained to resist such archaic magic". More guards appeared and surrounded Amy "And now you have revealed yourself as a conspirator. Set for stun". A turret came out of the wall and shot Amy causing her to gasp before falling to the floor.
A guard seized her and Menniker stood in front of Liza with a pad "Sign it. Sign the confession and admit to your treasonous ways". She looked at defiantly at him "There is only one traitor to Planet Wisp here. You control the black market. You have betrayed the public trust and used your office to accumulate wealth and power. It's shameful". Menniker laughed "Your idealism is inspiring, my dear, but hopelessly naïve. I established a black market for the people. The war is disrupting trade across the galaxy. The profits from the black market are being used to purchase humanitarian supplies for Planet Wisp. Think of it as a new tax in the interest of national security" "For your benefit" Liza said. Menniker sighed "Sergeant, put the shock collar on her".
He did so "My patience has worn thin, Duchess. Maybe this will convince you". He pressed a button on a panel and Liza started groaning in pain. Menniker stopped and Liza was breathing heavily "I would rather die than sign your confession" "If that's how it has to be". Amy struggled "You're wasting your time". Menniker sighed "Bring me those traitorous cadets". Liza suddenly turned very pleading "No, you can't. They're just children". The group were brought in "I'm afraid your nephew will have to suffer needlessly. Put the shock collar on Cadet Marcos". One of the guards advanced on the young wolf who tried to struggle. Amy headbutted the guard behind her and then fought two more. The cadets used this opportunity to tack the four guards around them. Amy grabbed the shock collar and hit Menniker to the ground before placing the collar on him "Got ya". She pressed the button on the control console causing Menniker to scream "Stop!" he ordered the guards. Liza stood up "Send for my personal guards".
Menniker's men were getting taken away as Menniker was placed in the cell with his hands restrained. Liza used the console to close the cell as Menniker glared at her. Liza then turned to Amy "You probably know by now that I didn't bring you here just to teach. I knew something was amiss, but I had no one to trust. I thought if I brought a Shinobi, especially a friend of Senator Tikal's, we could solve this mystery together". Amy smiled "I never doubted you, Duchess" "Neither did we" Marcos said before hugging his aunt.
Amy was on the dock with Liza and Marcos as a Shinobi shuttle began to land. Marcos bowed his head "It was an honour to serve with a Shinobi Knight" "It was my privilege to be your teacher". She bowed to both of them before Shadow exited the shuttle "I hope this assignment wasn't too boring for you". Amy shrugged "Ah, it had its moments" "Huh. Like the one where you convinced untrained children to help overthrow a corrupt government?" Shadow said as he took out Amy's lightsaber. She took it "That was a highlight" "Sounds pretty risky. You're lucky you didn't get hurt" "Nothing you wouldn't have done". Amy entered the shuttle and Shadow gave a prideful smirk before following her. As the shuttle took off the cadets saluted.