Scientists say that in a few billion years, the Sun's light will fade and plunge the Earth into darkness. However, some people are what are known as evil, and they aim to enslave humanity and plunge the world into darkness some billion years early.
Of these evil people, there are two kinds. Some evil people were born evil. The blood that pumps around their body has been black since birth. Black Shadow is one of these people.
The second kind, on the other hand, weren't born evil. They become evil over time, but at birth they were just like any other normal human being. A good example of these people is Zachariah Odalis, a.k.a. Zoda.
(Meanwhile, back at the hospital)
'What am I going to do now?' Rick asked a scientist.
'Well, I hear that the Federation needs recruits, and I believe that you were once a detective' he replied.
'They offer homes?'
'Oh yes. And the pay is good, too.'
'Right, where do I sign up?'
At this point, a person in a suit, who looked to be a butler, entered the room, carting a pod on a trolley, like they had in airports years ago. In the pod was a body. Behind the butler was a tall man, dressed in black, and wearing a mask.
'Hey,' said Rick to the butler. 'Have you come to unfreeze someone as well?'
But before the butler could answer, the man in black, who had apparently overheard, said:
'None of your business, you young fool! Now shoo!'
Rick gave the man a hurt look and left the lab, to apply for a position at the Federation.
(The next day...)
The Dragon Bird sped down the road. 'Remember, Rick' said a voice over the intercom. 'You need to investigate an explosion sit in the Lightning area. Got it?'
'Yeah, yeah, Jody, I've got it.'
'Good. Over and out.'
Rick had got the job at the federation, and Jody, head of that department, upon hearing Rick's story, made him a detective. John Tanaka, the mechanic, had made Rick an F-Zero machine to get about in.
An F-Zero machine, for those who don't know, is a super fast car, usually used in the highly dangerous F-Zero GP, which was capable of breaking the sound barrier. Little did Rick know that he would eventually become involved in the GP...and a lot of other races besides.
When Rick arrived at the wreckage, he hopped out of the machine and went over to the rubble. According to Jody, the explosion occurred late last night, and Rick had been sent to rescue any survivors and to look for clues as to the criminal.
He heard a soft moaning coming from under the debris. 'A survivor!' he thought to himself. He ran to the spot and hurriedly started hauling away rocks. But he hadn't got far when he heard the sound of a gun being cocked behind him. Slowly he stood up and turned around. There was a man in a trench coat, pointing a gun directly at him.
Will Rick survive this encounter? Who is the mysterious armed man? Will Rick rescue the man buried under the rubble? Find out in the next chapter: Sealed Fate!