The convoy went underground and entered a bunker. The vehicles stopped and Maria's cell was moved. Shadow, Bark and Espio are taken out of the vehicle with Shadow glancing at Maria. The three approach Shade who was standing with an older red echidna with a white beard and robe. Shadow walked ahead "What's gonna happen to her?" "Same thing that ought to happen to you. Psychological evaluation and extradition". Shade stepped forward "This is Locke, Deputy Task Force Commander" "What about a lawyer?". Locke smirked "Lawyer. That's funny. See their weapons are placed in lockup. We'll write you a receipt". They watch as soldiers take Shadow's emerald and Bark's board. Bark crossed his arms "I better not look out the window and see anybody flying around on that".
They walked across a skywalk being led by Locke "You'll be provided with an office instead of a cell. Now, do me a favour and stay in it?" "I don't intend on going anywhere" Espio answered. Rouge followed the group and walked next to Shadow "For the record, this is what making things worse looks like" "She's alive". They entered a large office and in front of a glass cubicle where Sonic was on a phone "No. That was not Accords-sanctioned. Colonel Mighty is supervising clean up". Rouge glanced at Shadow and Bark "Try not to break anything while we fix this". Sonic continued "Consequences? You bet there'll be consequences. Obviously, you can quote me on that because I just said it. Anything else? Thank you, sir". He hung up and approached Shadow who stared curiously at him "Consequences?" "Secretary Luger wants you both prosecuted. Had to give him something" "I'm not getting that emerald back, am I?". Rouge smirked "Well, technically, It's the government's property. The board too" "That's cold" "Warmer than jail".
A beetle drove to a power station inside a van. The driver waited outside and impatiently honked his horn. A fox walked out, and the beetle walked out to have him sign for a package. Inside his van was the device from Vesper's hotel room which started powering up.
Espio was sitting in a chair in an empty office when Rouge entered "So, I guess when you said you'd do it yourself, you really meant it". Espio narrowed his eyes "You are not used to the truth, are you?" "I got a look at your bracers. I'm very impressed. You realise that this puts you under the Accords' jurisdiction?" "How long do your psychological evaluations usually take?". Rouge sat opposite him "Why, you bored?" "Not currently. But my prisoner and I have a plane to catch". Rouge smiled condescendingly "I realise you're not one for politics; I think there's a chance you may be being a bit naïve". Locke then entered applauding "Congratulations, Your Highness! He got extradition". He left and Espio sat back in his chair "Yes, Ms Rouge, I'm sure I have much to learn", Rouge's smirk left.
Shadow was in a glass walled office staring at screens showing Maria in her cell. Sonic entered "Hey, you wanna see something cool? I pulled something from Dad's archives. Felt timely". He takes out a small black case and puts it on the table. Shadow sits down as Sonic opened the case revealing old golden pens "Theodore Acorn signed the Lend-Lease bill with these in 1941. Provided support to the Allies when they needed it most". Shadow gave a fake smile "Some would say it brought our country closer to war". Sonic looked up annoyed "See? If not for these, you wouldn't be here. I'm trying to… What do you call it? That's an olive branch. Is that what you call it?". He sat opposite Shadow looking hopeful. Shadow then gave a genuine smile "Is Amy here? I didn't see her". Sonic was about to say something then his face dropped "We're kinda… Well, not kinda…" "Pregnant?" "No. Definitely not. We're taking a break. It's nobody's fault". Shadow sighed "I'm so sorry, Sonic. I didn't know". Sonic nodded "A few years ago, I almost lost her, so I trashed all my robots. I was getting better". He sighed "But then we had to mop up the Black Arms and then Metal. My fault. And then, and then, and then, I never stopped. Because the truth is I don't wanna stop and this time I don't even have Knuckles here to help me. I don't want to lose her. I thought maybe the Accords could split the difference".
He stands up and looks away "In her defence, I'm a handful. Yet, Dad was a pain in the ass, but he and Mum always made it work". Shadow smiled "I'm glad Jules got married. I only knew him when he was young and single" "Oh, really? You two knew each other? He never mentioned that. Maybe only a thousand times. Gaia, I hated you". Shadow looked down at the floor "I don't mean to make things difficult" "I know, because you're very polite person" "If I see a situation pointed south, I can't ignore it. Sometimes I wish I could". Sonic stepped right beside Shadow and looked down at him "No, you don't". Shadow smiled thinly "No, I don't. Sometimes…" "Sometimes I wanna punch you in your perfect teeth. But I don't wanna see you gone. We need you, Shads. So far, nothing's happened that can't be undone if you just sign". He sighed "We can make the last 24 hours legit. Maria can get transferred to a UF psych-center instead of a Masudan prison". Shadow frowns thoughtfully and takes one of the pens. He stands up and starts to pace "I'm not saying it's impossible but there would be safeguards". Sonic looked hopeful "Sure. Once we put out the PR fire, those documents can be amended". He sat down "I'll file a motion to have you and Silver reinstated". This got Shadow's attention "Silver? What about Silver?" "He's fine. He's just been confined to the compound, currently. Blaze is keeping him company". Shadow sighed and looked away frustrated "Oh, Gaia, Sonic. Every time I think you see things the right way-" "It's 100 acres with a lap pool. It's got a screening room. There are worse ways to protect people". Shadow scoffed "Protection? Is that how you see this? This is protection? It's internment, Sonic". Sonic frowned with a stubborn look "He's not a UF citizen. And they don't grant visas to weapons of mass destruction" "He's a kid!" "GIVE ME A BREAK!" Sonic snapped. He calmed down "I'm doing what has to be done. To stave off something worse". Shadow nodded faintly "You keep telling yourself that". He puts the pen down "Hate to break up the set". He exits the room leaving Sonic on his own.