Kidnapped! During a Separatist invasion of

the planet Kawata, thousands of peaceful

colonists are abducted by Drakon slavers.

Determined to find the missing colonists,

the Shinobi travel to Drakon, home to the

galaxy's most notorious slave empire...

Grimer's repaired ship jumped out of hyperspace and entered line of ships all heading towards Drakon. In the cockpit was Shadow, Espio, Amy, Fang and Emerl. Shadow was piloting "It looks like Drakon is a popular place these days" "Whatever is happening is attracting plenty of high-class scum. I wonder if we'll be able to get in". They passed a large control ship "Freighter, transmit clearance code immediately". Fang pressed a button on the transmitter "Let's hope Grimer kept his codes up to date" "Freighter, your permit is in order. Proceed to capital landing platform A-627".

The ship had landed, Fang was in the cargo hold wearing green armour with white circuit patterns. He was holding a helmet which matched the pattern. Shadow and Espio entered with the latter wearing the same armour as Fang. "Let's just hope the information our spies gave us is accurate" "Remember, I'll keep her occupied while you locate the missing colonists" "How do you plan on keeping the queen occupied?". Shadow chuckled "With my magnetic charm, of course", Espio rolled his eyes "Oh, yes, of course". Shadow held his and Espio's lightsaber which he then threw to Emerl "Hold on to these, will you, buddy?". Amy entered wearing an old, tattered robe "How do I look, Master. Do you think I'll fetch a good price?". Shadow barley glanced at her "You're not going to the auction, Amy. And don't take this so lightly. This isn't something to joke about". Amy didn't like being left out "Master, I'm just playing a part. Besides, if you want the queen to notice you, you'll need merchandise to sell. And no offence but who's gonna buy Fang?". Fang put on his helmet before responding "They could do worse, Commander". Espio nodded "She's right, Shadow. If you don't have anything to sell you might not even get admittance into the auction". Shadow still wasn't convinced, "Master, my people are suffering for real down there. I'll gladly face what I must to save them". Shadow paused but then sighed "Stay close". They walked out "I got an idea to make you feel better. Just imagine this is like any other day where you boss me around. I call you master anyway" "That's not funny".

They entered the capital and slowly walked through a street where multiple slaves were being presented to buyers. Amy started to stare at the ground "Master, I can feel it through the Force. The fear. The hopelessness. It's overwhelming" "There's nothing we can do right now, Amy" Shadow told her, but the sight of the market was bringing memories out of him. A memory of his mother being at the exact same market. He remembered the look of fear Rouge had when someone wanted to buy her. "Useless brat! You were warned!" they looked and saw Claws the Polar Bear about to whip a chained child lying on the ground. Amy dashed forward and grabbed Claws' arm "Stop!". Claws glared at her for a moment before slapping her face making her fall to the ground. Shadow quickly got between them "My apologies, friend. She's freshly caught and untrained". More guards arrived as Claws stared up and down at Shadow "You're not Drakon and yet you arrive on one of our ships. Who are you?". A small spherical robot with a red eye appeared and watched Shadow as he answered "The name is Jules the Hedgehog. I won the ship in a game of chance with one of your brothers and I was hoping to have an audience with your Queen". Claws crossed his arm "Then you have an invitation? We can't just let anyone in to speak with Her Majesty" "No invitation. But I do bring news. News the Queen will be eager to hear" "I doubt that. You're nothing more than a brigand". Shadow smirked "I wouldn't say that, especially when the Queen learns you prevented her from hearing about Bruno Denturri". Claws angrily stepped closer to him "Why don't I just beat the news out of you?". Claws went for his pistol but Shadow was faster and shot it out of his hand. Claws snarled "You're fast but that won't save you" "Wanna bet?" but the sphere got between them "Halt! Cease all hostilities! This man is to be escorted to the palace by order of the Queen". Claws reluctantly lead Shadow and Amy away as the disguised Espio and Fang went down a different street.

Claws took the two of them through the palace towards a large pair of doors "When we enter the Queen Tatiana presence you will bow to her Highness" "I bow to no one" "Then I will make you bow" Claws responded through gritted teeth. They opened the doors, and the queen was standing in the middle of the room apparently listening "Captain Claws, that is enough. We don't want to give our guest the impression we are without manners". The Queen was a tiger wearing a purple dress. She looked down to Shadow and smiled before looking to her slave "Fetch refreshments". Shadow didn't know if he could hide his sympathy for the slave so chose to not look at her. Tatiana took a step closer to Shadow "I had to meet the interesting man who not only beat a Drakon at gambling but also defeated by formally unbeaten Captain of the guard. And who is also so bold as to not bow". Shadow smirked "I mean no disrespect, but you are not my queen" "Not yet perhaps. Leave us, Captain". Claws bowed "As you wish". Tatiana sat on her throne "So, Jules, you claim to be acquainted with Bruno Denturri?" "Yes, Your Highness. However, when I spoke with him he failed to describe your beauty". Tatiana laughed "Really? And did Bruno speak of my intense hatred of him or did that slip his mind as well".

Shadow remained calm "He needed not speak of it, Your Majesty. In fact, Bruno Denturri will not be speaking ever again" "What do you mean?" "He was killed by my hand. Here is a slave from his palace. Compensation for my efforts". He removed Amy's robe revealing her to be wearing a blue dress. She pushed his hand away "Unhand me!". Tatiana smiled "Impressive. She's quite a prize. And to have defeated Bruno and Claws in combat. Well, you must be quite a warrior". She stood up and walked around Amy "Hmm. The slave is certainly of fine stock". She touched Amy's face who then slapped her hand away "Don't you dare touch me". Tatiana sighed "Though she will have to be processed. Her demeanour leaves much to be desired. What is your price for her?" "Price? With respect, Your Highness, I planned to put her on the auction where the bidders would define her value. She would bring a heavy profit for me there". Tatiana looked back to Amy "Perhaps but I want her. The prized slave of Bruno Denturri at my feet. Name your price". Shadow finally bowed "How can I resist the desires of Your Highness. Accept her as my gift to you". Tatiana took Shadow's arm "Now, walk with me, Jules".

A disguised Espio and Fang were walking through one of the prisons. Fang looked down into one of the pits next to them "Sir, look at this" he whispered. Espio looked down and saw Lobo sitting in the pit with his head leaning against his knees "Stand watch. I'll take a closer look". Espio jumped down into the pit, but Lobo didn't acknowledge him "Governor Lobo?". Lobo looked up at the armour clad Espio and backed away completely terrified "No! NO!". Espio removed his helmet "Governor, I'm a friend, a Shinobi, here to help you. Where are your people". Lobo looked very week "They're… They're…" he fainted. Espio put his helmet back on and jumped out of the pit with Lobo Fang kneeled down in front of the wolf "Sir, did you find out where the others are?" "Not yet. We've got to get him out of here". Espio looked at the roof where one of the guards was riding a winged lizard creature. He jumped up and grabbed the guard and threw him off the roof. He got on the creature and flew it back down to Fang. The other guards spotted them and started running. Fang got Lobo on the creature, and it tried to take off. Fang controlled it and was about to get out of the prison, but a guard fired hitting Espio in the shoulder causing him and Lobo to fall to the ground. Fang knew he couldn't stop and continued to fly away as the guards surrounded Espio.

Shadow and Tatiana were walking at a balcony that had beautiful plants growing on them "My dream is an empire stretching from Mobotropolis to the far reaches of free space. It will soon come true when a thousand systems are bound in Drakon chains" "You think the Republic will allow you to enslave half of the galaxy?". Tatiana scoffed "The Republic is too preoccupied with their war. I know many across the galaxy who think Drakon primitive for clinging to our ways of slavery. But it is a simple fact that some things are better than others". Shadow glanced away for a moment "The less fortunate make themselves better every day". Tatiana took a small flower from the plant "You speak of yourself? I admit the rare ones do but most have an innate desire to serve. We bring them a purpose. That is why I cherish the good slaves. They have accepted to submit… and survive". A slave arrived with a tray of drinks. Shadow took one and was forced to finally look at the slave. She was a bat with white fur, she had a hopeless expression on her face. It reminded Shadow a lot of Rouge back on Sandopolis before her father managed to buy her freedom. He then however noticed that the bat was holding a small knife in her hand.

She dropped the tray and was about to kill Tatiana, but Shadow grabbed her arm and restrained her. Tatiana stared disappointed at the bat "Pathetic. You embarrass me. But I am not without compassion, however. You will go back to processing for another cycle". Terror covered the bat's face "No. I won't go back there". She elbowed Shadow's stomach freeing herself and ran to the balcony edge. Shadow knew what he was about to do "Wait! Stop!". The bat jumped over the edge and refused to fly. She fell and hit the stone steps bellow her. Shadow looked over the edge and stared at the body. He tried to hide his sadness, the sight reminded him of one day on Sandopolis when one of the slaves eventually just gave up and ran out of the spaceport. He remembered Rouge's look of shock when the bomb inside the slave went off. Tatiana looked over the edge coldly "Poor little fool chose oblivion over a future. Such a waste". She then smiled warmly at Shadow "But you, Jules, you are proving to be quite resourceful. I'm glad to have bought your slave girl as it seems I am now need of one. As for you, I wish for you to be my guest at the slave auction and to sit at my side". She held out her hand which Shadow took.

Espio was in a cell shackled to the wall with his back facing a guard. The guard activated an electric whip and lashed Espio once causing him to groan. The guard repeated twice more before Claws entered "Well? Who is he?" "I don't know yet. But I'll loosen his tongue". The guard lashed Espio again causing him to turn his head. Claws saw his face and recognised him "Wait. I know you from the hologram". He grabbed Espio's head and got a better look at his face "I never forget a Shinobi".

A large crowd sat around a stadium with a square platform in the middle. At a large balcony Tatiana stepped forward with Shadow and Amy standing behind her. Shadow looked around the crowd and recognised a few of the guests, some were investors for the Separatists, and he even recognised a few Republic faces which made it difficult for him to contain his anger. Tatiana started to speak "I welcome our esteemed guests to Drakon for a day long anticipated and forever to be remembered. We celebrate rebirth as we rise from the ashes of Republic oppression. The alliances we have formed today promises growth and prosperity". The crowd cheered as she continued "United our convictions will spread across the stars. Those who resist us will taste our whips until they fully embrace our ways, or they will be cast into oblivion. All will remember this day as the day the slavers returned to glory. Now join us as we renew out ancient tradition of the Royal Auction". She raised a fist "Long live the Drakon Empire!" "Long live the Drakon Empire" the crowd repeated. Amy moved closer to Shadow and whispered "Republic and Separatists. What if someone recognises you" "It's no more trouble than usual". Shadow looked up to another balcony where an armoured guard was watching "Fang is backing us up and Espio must have gotten Governor Lobo to safety by now. We only need to stay long enough to find out where your people are being held".

Amy looked at him "But, Master, you gave me to the queen, remember. She's-". Tatiana suddenly slapped Amy across the face "Silence". Amy fell to the floor and clutched her face. Tatiana smiled at Shadow "You wish to be a slaver, Jules? First rule: Discipline always silences the tongue of an insolent worm". Shadow bowed "I obviously still have much to learn from you, Your Majesty. I still wonder where you will acquire the many slaves necessary to expand your Empire" "All will be revealed now". A large bull entered the stadium holding a staff "Your Highness, Drakons, guests from a thousand worlds, our auction begins with slaves unmatched in quality and impossible quantity. I give you colonists from the Kawata system". An exhausted Lobo was brought out to the crowd. Amy gasped "Oh, no". The bull presented Lobo to the crowd "This handsome represents a lot numbering no less than 50,000 beings. Skilled from Level Two basic services to Level Five technology tasking. Imagine the monuments they will build to honour their new masters". The bull shocked Lobo with the staff making him kneel "Note the compliance. A colony of pacifists virtually untrained in the art of combat. There will be no rebellion from these ones. Opening bid begins at the very low sum of 100 million rings". Shadow stood next to Tatiana "So it was you who kidnapped the people of Kawata" "Yes. A gift from Dimitri. The first of many. Now you know from where my endless stream of slaves will flow. The populations of the neutral worlds will be captured right under the noses of the Republic and Separatists. And they will supply my auctions to great profit" she said proudly.

She leaned in closer to Shadow "There will be plenty left over for those I favour. Dimitri has plans for the galaxy and I will be part of it. We will expand Empire with slaver franchises into the core worlds. Now you understand why no one resists me". Shadow smirked "What of the Shinobi" "I eagerly anticipate their coming. Though Dimitri has assured me they will not interfere as long as our partnership remains a secret, but I have goals of my own. I want all the galaxy to know that the Drakon Empire is reborn". Shadow looked down and saw that the Kawata colonists have just been sold to the mining guild "It looks like you'll get a high price. But where are you keeping the colonists?" "They are being processed somewhere safe". Claws then appeared "Your Highness, I have urgent news". He whispered something in her ear. She then stood up "Please Excuse the interruption but I must halt the proceedings to welcome a most special guest. Espio the Chameleon, Shinobi Knight". Espio was brought out with restraints around his arms and legs. He however looked as cheerful as ever "I hope you haven't arranged all this just for me. I'm quite flattered but it really isn't necessary". A few of the Republic and Separatists bidders quickly got out of sight.

Tatiana was pleased "My friends, you need not fear the Shinobi anymore. They are no different from the others we have forced into submission". Espio stared up defiantly at her "You'll find us more difficult to overcome than a colony of pacifists". Tatiana scoffed "You have already submitted, General Espio. You fight to preserve a Republic led by liars and hypocrites. You have forsaken your ideals as peacekeepers to become soldiers of a corrupt Senate. Every Shinobi has become a slave of the Republic". Espio face dropped slightly "I suppose that is true from a certain twisted point of view. The fight to preserve the innocent from evil like you has required sacrifices but worthy ones, all of them". Tatiana laughed "Your resolve is weak, Shinobi, and I can easily prove it". She suddenly pulled on the collar on Amy's neck strangling her "Bow to me on your knees or the hedgehog dies". Shadow was a second away from going for his blaster, but Espio kneeled "I'll bow but coercion is not true victory" "Ah but you reveal your weakness Shinobi. Now we will teach you your place". She took a whip and held it in front of Shadow "You will take the whip to him. Prove to me you have what it takes to be a slaver".

Shadow was now down in the stadium standing next to Espio with the whip in his hand. Tatian watched "Well, why do you hesitate? The Republic has made an enemy of you. Swing that whip or die beside him" "Well, those are some lousy options" Shadow whispered to himself. The crowd started chanting "Whip the Shinobi! Whip the Shinobi". Shadow smirked "Looks like I have to rescue you again, old man". He looked up to the armoured guard on one side of the balcony who he nodded to. He then nodded to Amy and Emerl before bowing "You leave me no choice, Highness". He gave a quick salute before using the whip to knock the guard behind him". Espio pushed Lobo down to the ground "Stay down governor". The armoured guard jumped down and fired on the others, his helmet fell off revealing it to be Fang. Tatiana and Claws watched "Subdue them. I want them alive". They were both suddenly pushed back by the Force. A smiling Amy stood up "You're going to regret buying me". Emerl fired them all lightsaber out of his hand. Espio cut his restraints and they both gave the guard cover as he continued to fire "Amy, the queen!". Amy put her lightsaber to Tatiana's face "Surrender, Highness!" "Little fool". She pressed a button on her chair. Amy's collar shocked her to the pint where she knocked out. A guard fired a rocket near Fang. He fell unconscious on the ground. More guards appeared with whip and began to restrain Espio and Shadow. The former was knocked out immediately. Shadow had five on him and tried to struggle which impressed Tatiana "Such determination". Shadow eventually could hold out anymore and he fell to the ground. Claws raised his blaster but "No" "We should put him down before he recovers" "I said no, Captain. Sedate him and send him to my quarters". Claws was surprised by this "But they ruined our auction. Many of the bidders fled in terror. The Shinobi must pay" "And so they shall".

Tatiana was sitting on her throne with Claws standing next to her. In front of them was a hologram of Dimitri "You were not to hold an auction for the people of Kawata until without my permission, Your Highness. Now there is no doubt your people took them, and the Separatist Senate is demanding action. Your impatience has made my efforts at diplomacy in the core systems unnecessarily difficult. Perhaps you no longer need me or my support". Tatiana looked unconcerned "Eventually the galaxy would find out about us. Not only do I have nothing to hide, I want it to be known. But I will preserve your secrecy in the future". Dimitri stared at her "I will accept that as your apology. Now as to the Shinobi-" "I am about to deal with them in my own-" "You will execute them immediately. Good day, Your Highness". The hologram cut off and Claws looked to his queen "The chameleon and his clone are en route to the processing centre. Shall I have them killed?" "No" "But Dimitri said-". Tatiana stood up and headed for the door "Dimitri is not your master, I am. We will deal with the Shinobi our way, not his".

Shadow began to regain consciousness; he was afraid to open his eyes. He might find himself back in one of those small cages or being shown to a group of bidders. Shadow hadn't felt this vulnerable since he was at Jun's palace as a child. However, he then realized that if he was in a cage, the floor was surprisingly comfortable. He opened his eyes and realized he was lying on a bed. He sat up and saw Tatiana with her back to him staring out a window "You're lucky to be alive. I've never seen anyone withstand the power of five energy whips. You destroyed my auction and frightened my customers. Dimitri and half my kingdom are demanding your death". She turned around but suddenly gasped and rose up clutching her throat. Shadow stood up holding his hand out "You should have listened to them. My friends, where are they!?". Tatiana glared at him "Continue to misbehave… and they die". Shadow's hand shook before he dropped her. She coughed before staring at him "A most curious Shinobi who cares more about his friends than his own mission. You are different from any Shinobi I imagined, Shadow the Hedgehog. Great hero of the Republic, General of the Clone Army, powerful young Shinobi Knight and now…". She stepped forward, laughed and touched his face "My servant". Shadow turned away from her "I will not serve you" "oh, but you will. Your heart is not in your words. Because you know the lives of your friends are in my hands. Discard your pride. You belong to me". She held out his lightsaber, but he didn't take it "Try to see that your position has not changed a great deal. Instead of serving the bureaucrats of the Shinobi order or a poisonously tainted Senate. You will stand beside me, a testament to my power. And as my bodyguard you will need a weapon". Shadow stared at the saber for a moment before taking it. He didn't say anything so Tatiana put her hand on his arm "Perhaps in the future our relationship will grow into more. And one more thing. You need not worry about your friends. They will be quite safe".

Amy was meditating in a cage that was suspended over a large drop. On the balcony above her Claws was watching "The Queen has promised once the other Shinobi is tamed you will be mine, little hedgehog". Amy casually waved her hand and Claws was thrown off the balcony and was only just able to grab onto the edge. He pulled himself back up and Amy finally opened his eyes "You better hope that doesn't happen". Claws took out a small device and pressed the button. Amy's collar shocked her again causing her to scream. Claws grinned sadistically.

A large transport ship headed to the barren volcanic planet of Kadavo. It entered the atmosphere and headed towards a large centre that was suspended over the one of the volcanos. Espio, Fang and Lobo were led out of the ship in chains. They were taken to a large courtyard where multiple slaves were each standing on a small white circle. Lobo gasped "My people. We've found them". At the end of the courtyard was an old mouse wearing yellow clothes and a mask. He looked pleased "General Espio. You are the first Shinobi I have entertained at our educational centre. I am Governor Omen, I understand you created a great deal of mischief for the queen back on Drakon. I must warn you that sort of behaviour will not be tolerated here". Espio put on a brave face "I've already had plenty of education from your whips, but I'm afraid I haven't been a very good student. Perhaps I'm just stubborn". Omen laughed "Few posses a Shinobi's resolve. But strength of will is my greatest enemy here. For it prevents the development of a good slave. And one good slave is worth ten bad ones. Take all these slaves in front of me". He pressed a button on his chair and five of the circles opened. The five slaves fell through and into the lava below. Espio stared too shocked to even react. Omen smiled "Now that I have your attention, General Espio, be aware that it will not be you who suffers should you defy me".

Tatiana, Shadow and Claws were waiting on a large rock cliff when they saw a transport heading towards them "Here they come". Claws watched the transport cautiously "I must protest, Your Highness. Your presence at this meeting is dangerous and unnecessary. You have enslaved half of Bosso's men. He has reason to wish you harm". Shadow was ready to go for his lightsaber "Your Captain may be right. I sense a lot of fear for a simple payment delivery" "The spice runners are forbidden to bring weapons. There is no need for concern, Claws. We have General Shadow with us". A wolf stepped out of the transport but immediately pulled out a pistol and fired at Tatiana. She was smiling unconcerned as Shadow within a split second deflected the blast "Shinobi! Blast him!". A snake jumped out and fired as well. Shadow used the Force to push them both back "Let's get out of here". They both jumped back onto the transport "Let's get out of here". The pilot of the transport flew away as Shadow watched. Tatiana clapped "That was magnificent, General. Though I had hoped to send Bosso a stronger message. You didn't slay any of his men". Shadow deactivated his lightsaber "I won't kill for Your Highness. I will protect you but you're going to have to live with how I do it". Tatiana pondered this "I suppose advantages can be found in restraint. Bosso will punish them severely for failure and they will warn him I have a Shinobi in my service".

Shadow was now flying one of the lizard creatures, Tatiana was sitting behind him with her arms around his stomach "You were once a slave, weren't you" "What makes you say that?" Shadow replied blankly. "The noble selflessness in your eyes and your commitment to the service of something greater than yourself, your Shinobi, the Grand Republic. I suspect there is even a woman". Shadow continued to stare ahead of him "I don't see commitment as slavery" "Oh, it is when it comes at the cost of yourself and limits your possibilities. You were probably born a slave, but the choice is yours whether you remain one. I am offering you so much more. With you beside me I know there is nothing we could accomplish" "We are nothing. You have all the power". They landed back at the palace and Shadow helped her off the creature. She held onto his hand "What if I freed your friends? Would your promise to stay, commit to serving me? I will share all of this with you". Shadow stared at her suspiciously, "If a Shinobi as noble as you gave his word, I trust that you would keep it". Shadow looked away from her "I don't trust you" "Have I been anything but honest? I have no reason to lie. It is you, you who are the complicated one. Now, General Shadow, the future of your friends is in your hands. If they are to live as slaves, it will be you who keeps them that way. Consider that" she walked away". Shadow began restraining the lizard creature when Emerl walked up to him "Hey, buddy". Emerl beeped "Yeah… I'm fine" Shadow said unconvincingly, he patted Emerl's head.