Inside a hanger bay G-merl was behind a line of crates holding a stormtrooper helmet above them. Tails holding a blaster and trying to shoot the helmet while Fang was standing next to him "Aim then fire". Tails kept trying but was unable to hit the helmet. Sonic then appeared "Speaking of missing. Shinobi training. Which is now. Remember". Tails sighed "How am I supposed to be in two places at once". Fang crossed his arm "As a soldier, you're gonna have to learn to prioritize" "Well, he's not a soldier. He's a Shinobi". Tails was about to say something when Wave stepped out of the ship "Hey, Sally called a meeting in the common room. Attendance is mandatory". Tails sighed and the three of them entered. The room was dark an everyone was listening to a hologram of Bristles "As we speak, the frozen planet of White Acropolis is facing an energy crisis. When their supply of fuel cells is gone, the settlements will not be able to power the heaters they need to survive" "They'll freeze down there". Tails had an idea "We could check out the black market". Bristles nodded "See what you can find, without delay". Sally stood up "Gear up, everyone. Time to go make friends with the locals". Tails was about to leave but she stopped him "Except you, Naka-six. I asked you to clean the ion scoring off the Sneak's exhaust ports, twice" "But I had Shinobi and blaster practice" "Well, now you can have scrubbing practice". G-merl laughed but Sally turned to him "What're you laughing at. You're gonna help him" he sighed. Sonic turned to Tails "We'll talk later" "Can't wait for that" Tails replied sarcastically.
Tails and G-merl were working on the outside of the ship. Eventually Tails sat down on the edge of the ship looking tired "Clean the Hurst. Lightsaber training, blaster training. How am I supposed to get anything done when everything needs done?". G-merl turned to him and beeped "I just kinda miss the old days when everything was simple". G-merl suddenly beeped again "A distress signal" "This is the Broken Horn. We require assistance" "Broken Horn? That's Shellbreaker's ship! Come on". He ran inside and entered the Sneak, G-merl followed ab beeped "I know but someone's in distress. Sonic taught me that Shinobi help people. Besides, I owe Shellbreaker". He sat down and tried to take off, but he then heard metal scraping against metal. G-merl pushed him off the chair and piloted himself. Once they reached orbit G-merl turned to Tails and beeped "No, I'm not running away from my problems. I simply want to help someone with their problems. Why are you helping me if it bothers you so much?". G-merl beeped again "Oh, you have your own problems". They found Shellbreaker's ship and docked. The two of them entered and slowly walked through the ship's halls. Suddenly a door closed between the two of them, so they went different ways.
Tails turned a corner and walked right into a security robot He took out his lightsaber but then noticed it wasn't moving "Shut off. Something is definitely not right". He wet deeper into the ship and found lines of shut off robots. He entered the bridge where he could hear music playing and saw someone working underneath the console "Shellbreaker? Shellbreaker, is… Is that you?" "Not exactly". The person got out and stood up revealing it to be a green hedgehog "Uh. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Manic, proud owner of this fine but currently inoperative vessel". Tails held his lightsaber on it's blaster setting "Where's Shellbreaker? This is his ship". Manic chuckled nervously "Ah, you know Shellbreaker? Well, then we have a mutual friend. Yes, it was his ship. But we were enjoying a friendly game of cards and well, now it is my ship". Tails lowered his lightsaber "Uh, Shellbreaker bet his ship" "Right after his robots, which are now also mine. Watch. I turn them on". He took out a button and pressed it. The robots turned on making Tails jump, "And I turn them off" he pressed it again and they shut off "Haha. I love doing that". Tails turned back to him "Yeah, okay, I… I guess that could happen".
Manic nodded "So, you know about me but who are you?" "I'm… Monkey Khan". Manic raised his eyebrows "Monkey?" "My parents were stubborn". Manic laughed and put his arm around Tails' shoulders "So, at last, I meet the semi-famous Monkey Khan? A tad younger than I pictured and a different species. But you still flew to my rescue, proving you to the the scoundrel I've heard of". Tails shrugged "Yeah. Mean, I am pretty good" Haha, pretty good. Are you looking for a crew? Good news. Manic is hiring". Tails shook his head "Uh, I already have a crew. Speaking of, where'd my gizoid go?". Manic sighed "Oh, you lost your gizoid. I lost my whole crew thanks to the Empire. I once was a captain, you know. Oh, the storied I could tell. Most of them true". An alarm suddenly went off and Tails saw an Imperial transport coming towards the ship "Uh, yeah, you want to tell a story. Tell one to the Empire while I try to get power back on" he went under the console. Manic activated the commlink "Hello? How can we help you?" "Attention, transport. You have breached an Imperial checkpoint". Manic stared down nervously at Tails "Hyperspace would be good!" "I think I got it". The transport started firing on them as G-merl ran into the bridge and plugged into the console. Manic laughed "Well, Khan, it looks like we are off on an adventure!". Tails pulled a lever and the ship jumped to hyperspace.
While waiting Manic sighed "It's as if we were in each other's heads. We only just met, and we already make a remarkable team" "Yeah, but we're not". Manic stood "Not yet perhaps. You know I could use you for a job. A little trade, that's all. You know, I am an old man. I just need help pushing a few crates" "Crates of what". G-merl suddenly projected a hologram of something Tails recognised "Whoa! Whoa. Power generators? That's what you're smuggling? These are pretty hard to get these days, old man, Expensive, too". Manic looked proud "You're right. Which is why we will sell them at a fair mark-up. You know, five hundred percent". Tails smirked "Okay. I help you; you give me my cut in power generators. Three crates" "Two crates and you have a deal". Tails thought "Two. And we split the profit of the third". Manic chuckled and shook his hand "Deal. Haha. The way you strike a bargain, you remind me of a great pirate I know. Me!". Tails subtly took the remote for the robots from Manic's belt. Manic hit him on the back "Now, let's go split up the merchandise". Manic left the room, Tails turned to G-merl and handed him the remote "This could come in handy if he gives us trouble. Hang on to it, Gem".
The ship entered the hanger of a base on an ice planet. The ramp dropped the three of them with the crates. Tails turned to G-merl "Stay here in case there's any trouble", G-merl beeped "I know we're already in trouble. Just keep the comm channel open". Tails and Manic pushed the crates through the base's halls that were full of travellers from all over the place "So, who is the buyer anyway?". They entered another hanger where a brown weasel in a yellow suit and glasses was waiting with his guards. Tails seemed to recognise him "Wes Weasely" he quickly put his head down so he wouldn't be recognised. "Where is Shellbreaker?" Wes asked. Manic walked forward "Ah, Shellbreaker is indisposed, uh, so to speak, granting me the privilege of conducting business with you, oh legendary one. Manic the Hedgehog at you service". Wes laughed "Is this a joke. I don't deal with washed-up old relics" "Come now, let's leave your wife out of this. There is no need for such impropriety among thieves. I am certain we can reach an accord". Wes grinned "I'm certain we can" his guards raised their blasters.
Tails subtly activated his commlink as the guards pushed him forward "Nice going partner. Looks like you got us captured". Wes was to busy staring at the crates to recognise him. They were forced to kneel but Manic didn't look worried "Okay, here's a thought. Why don't we just call it even go through with the original deal? Sounds good, yes?" "I appreciate your offer, humbly, but I don't think you're gonna be around to collect". He opened the hanger doors, and a floating platform came up next to them. Manic looked nervous now "Wes, take the fruits of our labour, if you must. That I understand. But this? Is it necessary?" "Oh, yes. You see, there is a nice bounty on your head. I'll collect on these generators and make an additional profit from your death". Manic shrugged "Your business plan is impressive" "Of course it is. It's mine". He then finally noticed Tails "Wait. I know you… from somewhere". Tails tried to look away but "Khan's farm on Emerald Hill!" "Well of course you know him. This is my long-time friend, Monkey Khan". Wes scoffed "What? No, he's not Khan!". Manic stared at Tails looking Hurt "You lied to me? I knew I liked you" he grinned. Wes then released "You're the one who robbed me. Oh, this is going to be good. I get to collect on Manic, I get to kill you and I get to keep five generators! All of them… Wait. There are only five crates here?". He angrily looked down at Manic "You were supposed to bring me five?" "Well, you weren't supposed to kill me!".
G-merl suddenly ran in using the fifth crate as cover "Blast him!" Wes yelled. Taking advantage of the distraction Tails kicked the leg of one of the guards knocking him onto the platform. Manic clicked the button "Thanks for stopping by" the platform launched the guard out of the hanger and into space. The two took cover, G-merl zapped one of the guards carrying Tails' lightsaber and threw it to him. Manic then saw Wes throw a grenade at Tails, he quickly pushed the fox out of the way but the explosion knocked Manic back. Wes started laughing but he then saw G-merl running towards him carrying a blaster. We ran but was shot by a stun blast causing him to throw the case carrying the payment. It landed on Manic "I'm rich" he then realised he landed on a platform "Oh no. I'm dead!". It launched him towards the hanger exit but Tails quickly caught him with the Force. Manic saw Tails just before he fell to the ground. In the distraction Wes got back up and ran into his ship before taking off. Manic laughed and headed back to the generators with Tails "My friend, my friend. You might not be Khan, but I know one thing you are… you are a Shinobi" he laughed. Tails was surprised but said nothing, "Why didn't you tell me you were a Shinobi? You know, I'm an old Shinobi sympathizer. Haha. I know. I wouldn't believe me either, but one of my best friends was a Shinobi. Well, I think we were friends". Tails shook his head "Well, I'm not really a Shinobi yet" "Well, then be a pirate Shinobi. We would make an excellent team. But first, tell me, what is your name? Your real name". Tails cleared his throat "Tails" although that technically wasn't right either. Manic patted his back "So, your parents weren't stubborn, just lazy. Haha. Well, thank you, Tails".
They were back on the ship now leaving the planet "Well, you must have many responsibilities, yes?" "Yeah, a lot at the moment" Tails answered. Manic smiled "Well, then join my crew and I will split it right down the middle, fifty-forty. Trust me, you won't get a better deal than that, especially from me". Tails raised his eyebrows "And the other ten?" "Oh, you want me to spend that on expenses, trust me". Tails smirked "Okay, well, how about 0% for me? I want the generators. All of them" "You have a deal, partner". He hugged Tails who felt uncomfortable, "It is good. Let us celebrate. Gizoid, gizoid! Go to the galley and bring me the most expensive drinks you can and something for my friend" "I think I'll go with him" Tails said. Manic nodded "Of course, partner. Don't forget yours". Tails and G-merl walked down the corridor "I don't know what just happened. Did I just join his crew?".
G-merl beeped "No, I don't want to leave the Hurst… Although, you have to admit I'd make a pretty good pirate". They suddenly heard rattling "What is that?". They went through a door into a small room with a cell containing Shellbreaker who saw Tails "You! What're you doing here?". Tails was confused "I… Wait, Manic told me you lost your ship in a bet" "Oh and you believed that swindler? By the moons of Gaia, you are hopelessly gullible!". Tails crossed his arms "Hey, I'm not the one who got locked in his own brig". Shellbreaker stood up looking frustrated "He shot me in the back with a stunner and disabled my robots somehow". G-merl handed Tails the remote which he then showed to Shellbreaker "Probably with this" "You must help me reclaim the ship". Tails shook his head "Sorry but I've got other things to worry about" "You owe me, remember? I'm the reason Sonic is still alive. I'm calling in the favour, now". Tails paused before sighing "Okay, I'll get you your ship and then we're even". G-merl opened the cell "Fine by me" "G-merl, get the generators on the Sneak".
This angered Shellbreaker "My generators!?" "Don't worry. We have the money. Now behave". The two of them entered the bridge where Manic was sitting with his back to them "I believe you two know each other" Tails said. Manic turned to him looking betrayed "Partner, how could you let this dangerous criminal out of the brig?". Tails stepped forward and didn't notice that Shellbreaker took the remote. Tails got between the two of them "Let's all relax. I take the generators. You two can split Wes' credits. Everyone wins". Manic held his chin with his hand "That seems like a fair deal…. And it disgusts me" "For once I agree. Care to hear my counteroffer?". Shellbreaker pressed the remote and three guard robots enter the room. Tails ignited his lightsaber and Manic shot at the guards, one of which landed on Shellbreaker. The ship approached the planet the Hurst was on. One of the guards picked Tails up but Manic shot it saving him. Tails quicky cut the other one in but in the distraction Manic opened a hatch on the floor "I will invest your share wisely" he jumped down. Tails looked down "Thanks a lot partner". Shell breaker ran out of the room, but Tails managed to pull the remote back and shut the robots off. His commlink turned on and he could hear G-merl "Oh, what could possibly be wrong now" he out of the bridge. He, G-merl and Shellbreaker met up at a window and they saw the Sneak flying towards the planet. Tails nervously chuckled "Well, you have your ship back" "Yes but I lost all my credits and my generators!" "Well, I lost my friend's shuttle". Shellbreaker angrily glared at him.
Tails and G-merl were now in an escape pod with Shellbreaker standing outside "I hate children" he pressed a button and the escape pod launched towards the planet. Tails sighed "I'm not sure how we're gonna explain all this". G-merl beeped "What'd you mean you know where Manic will be?".
The two made it back to the bay, they entered the Hurst and could hear laughing "Well, wait. I'm not done. Then he let Shellbreaker out!". They saw Manic speaking to the Hurst crew who were all staring sceptically at him as he continued "The villain was upon us, I'm telling you! But young Tails, he stood tall in front of me and withstood a massive att-". He then saw Tails walk up next to him and he immediately changed his tune "My friend! I was just talking about you". He put his arm around the annoyed Tails "How you and I rescued the generators form the evil Shellbreaker". Tails pushed him back "Yeah, that's not true. You stole the generators and the ship". Manic gasped "What an accusation! You wound me!" "G-merl had the Sneak on auto-pilot". Manic again changed his tune "Well, that's another version of the story, I suppose. I'll tell you what. You can keep the generators. They are my gift to you. Goodbye" he left the ship. Tails walked out with him "Just so you know, at one time, I might have joined your crew" "Ah, Tails. You truly are a Shinobi" he left as the others watched. Sally leaned in close Sonic looking curious "Are you related to him?" What? No!" Sonic said sounding offended. Sally shrugged and turned to Fang "Contact Commander Bristles. Tell him Tails found his generators" she smiled. Sonic walked down next to Tails "So, you went for a little spin?" "Yeah… sorry. I was just trying to figure things out" "And did you?". Tails watched Manic "He reminded me of what I was like back on Emerald Hill. But that's not who I am anymore. I have something worth fighting for". Sonic smiled and the two walked back onto the ship "By the way are you two rela-?" "No!" Sonic told him.