Sonic and Baron were speaking to a hologram of Sally "How's he taking it" "As you'd expect. We both knew Tails might not get the news he hoped he would about his parents". Sally sighed and looked to Baron "Governor Rabbot, we're grateful you stood by them for so long" "Not sure what good it did. Things don't seem any better here on Emerald Hill" "At the moment maybe, but we hope to change that in the future". She smiled and turned back to Sonic "Speaking of which, Senator Wynmacher heard about our losses on Drak. He's sending us reinforcements. His agent is coming to Emerald Hill with three cruisers". Sonic was happy to hear this "Maybe a mission like this is just what Tails needs" "I hope you're right. We'll be there as soon as we can to help".
Onboard a Scarship in orbit the weasel captain saw three cruisers jump out of hyperspace "Launch fighters to intercept those vessels". He then opened a channel "Attention. This is Lieutenant Luger. Emerald Hill is now a restricted system by order of the Emperor. Identify yourselves immediately". A male voice came over "Greetings, Lieutenant. We come bearing relief supplies for the citizens of Emerald Hill. Our mission is sanctioned by the Imperial Senate" "I was not informed of your visit nor do you have a landing permit". One of the officers checked the logs "Permit's coming through now, sir. They're from Echidnaopolis". The captain nodded "Attention, convoy. Your landing has been granted and fighters will escort you to the Blitz City Depot for processing. I'll see you there". A familiar voice then replied "This is princess Julie-Su. I look forward to it, Lieutenant. End transmission".
Tails was sitting with G-merl when Sonic and Baron came up to them "Tails, we're gonna miss our rendezvous. Let's go" "If you're going into Blitz City, be careful. The fleet may be gone but Imperial security is bound to recognise you". Sonic smirked "Maybe dressed like this. But who's gonna notice another stormtrooper and cadet". He threw Tails a cadet helmet which Tails just stared blankly at "Great". He walked away leaving Baron and Sonic "Baron, they'll know our ship. Any chance we could-" "Borrow my board? Take it. But I'm not getting involved any further" "Even after what the Empire did to you?". Baron got defensive "I won't go back to prison, Sonic. Please don't ask that of me".
They arrived at the city in disguise and saw the three cruisers at the landing strip "Those are our reinforcements? Some old transports?" "In our position, you take what you can get, kid". The walked up to the front cruiser when the doors opened and a younger Julie-Su walked out. Tails took off his helmet "Excuse me, miss. Where's your commander?" "Not much of a welcoming committee". Sonic removed his helmet "I'm Sonic. This is Tails. We're from Dawn Squadron" "I know who you are. And unless you want the deck officer to know, too, I suggest you put your helmets back on". They both heard steps getting louder and quickly did as she said. A group of troopers appeared and Julie-Su greeted them "Deck Officer, I'd like to start my relief aid" "Standby. My orders are to inspect the cargo for contraband and detain these vessels until the lieutenant arrives. Scanning crew, move out". The troopers entered the ship with the crate "Well this plan's up to a great start" Sonic whispered. Julie-Su smirked "As a matter of fact, it's going perfectly. Where's the rest of your team?" "They'll be here, eventually". Julie-Su nodded "Good then you can steal my ships" "What?" the Shinobi said in unison. They saw a shuttle beginning to land "I'll explain later. First, I have to deal with the Lieutenant. Follow my lead and try to keep up" she headed towards the shuttle. "Wait, is she in charge?" Tails asked, "Apparently" Sonic shrugged and followed the echidna.
Luger who was a echidna exited the shuttle with two troopers "You must be Julie-Su, princess of the royal house of Echidnaopolis" "And aide to my father, Senator Wynmacher. I come with relief supplies for Emerald Hill's people who are suffering terribly as a result of the so-called Freedom Fighters here. Surely you don't want innocents to starve". Luger nodded "Of course. Emerald Hill has indeed suffered, as has Echidnaopolis. However, we must take precautions. Many ships have fallen into the hands of the insurgents". They watched as a large machine went towards the front leg of each cruiser and locked it down. Julie-Su stared curiously at them before turning to Luger "Gravity locks? This is hardly necessary" "I must insist. I'd like to make sure these supplies reach the people. Plus, a trooper detachment and for extra security I've assigned walkers to guard the ships, Your Highness". Julie-Su hid her frustration at this "Very well. I will require your shuttle to begin my work" "Of course". Julie-Su nodded "Thank you. You two, bring those supplies and escort me to the trauma area at once" she said to the disguised Sonic and Tails "Yes, ma'am. Right away".
They were now on the shuttle with Sonic flying and Julie-Su sitting next to him "I hate to say it, but whoever came up with this plan severely underestimated the Empire's security". Julie-Su sighed "I'm sorry. This was my plan". Tails was sitting behind them "We need those ships. Why didn't you just hand them off to us in deep space?" "It's not that simple. If the Empire could prove Echidnaopolis provided ships to the Freedom Fighters, we'd lose our seat in the Senate and be charged with treason. But if they're stolen-" "Then Echidnaopolis would be blameless" Sonic said. Tails looked troubled "Why would that guy think we're after supplies. We don't go-". Julie-Su turns to him "Do you think he knows that. From everything the higher ups have been saying he thinks your terrorists. A lot of the lower Imperials here have families who are suffering. They don't want to risk losing these supplies". Tails never actually thought of this. He's always taught himself to just see the masks and the uniforms, it's not really something he's had the luxury of considering. Tails quickly drowned it out of his head. Sonic tried to change the subject "Right now we need a new plan" the commlink then activated and they could here G-merl beeping "Stormtroopers?".
They landed back at the mountains and saw a squad of stormtroopers with Baron "Friends of yours?" Julie-Su asked. Sonic shook his head "Not for much longer" "What're we gonna do?" "This time, you follow my lead". They got their disguises back on and exited the ship and saw G-merl behind one of the troopers. The commander walked up to them "This is a secure site. State your business" "I'm taking the princess ambassador here on a scouting mission for possible refugee relocation" Sonic answered. The commander shook his head "This is not a safe area for you. There's a high level of insurgent activity happening at the moment" "Well, we're finishing our survey. We could take these prisoners back to Blitz for you" "That won't be necessary. We have orders to terminate this one immediately". Sonic and Tails were about to go for their lightsabers but Julie-Su quickly stepped forward "Hold on, trooper. As a representative of the Senate. I demand to know what this man has done" "He's a fugitive from an Imperial prison. Now, you must depart immediately for your own safety. I doubt this man is alone". G-merl suddenly made an alarming noise before running away towards a large rock. Sonic sniggered "I think I know what that means".
The Hurst suddenly appeared and fired down on the ground forcing the troopers to take cover. Tails and Julie-Su ran to where G-merl was while Sonic got Baron "You're coming with me, scum". They al took cover and the Hurst landed releasing Tex and Wave. G-merl was about to run out towards the Hurst but Sonic grabbed him "No. You can't go on board. Get to the Sneak" G-merl did so. Sonic then had an idea though he didn't know if it was good or not "Baron, take the princess hostage" What?". Julie-Su however understood "If I'm seen escaping with you, I'll be labelled a traitor. You have to take me prisoner" "Well, you better make it look good. I'll warn Wave". He sent hand signals across to the Hurst and saw Wave nod. Baron suddenly pushed the two of them back, grabbed Julie-Su and ran towards the Hurst "Help! Commander!" she yelled. Sonic ran out "Hold your fire!". Tails followed, they both saw Baron say something to Tex as he boarded the Hurst, he smirked. Sonic ran in front of him and then realised "Tex, wait, you don't-" Tex hit him with he but of his rifle knocking him to the ground. Tails didn't understand "Tex, that's-" Tex then punched him in the face, chuckled and dragged them both onto the ship. "They take prisoners now?" one of the troopers asked. The Hurst took off and fired on the shuttle destroying it and then flew away followed by the Sneak which was being piloted by G-merl.
Sonic was waking up and saw Tex kneeling in front of him "How's your face" "Why did you hit me?" "Well, you had a helmet on". Tails groaned and sat up "Did you have to hit us so hard?" "Hey, you wanted it to look good". Sonic glared at him "Where is the princess?" "In the cockpit with Sally".
Luger was standing by the cruisers when a trooper came up to him "We've searched the ships and have found no contraband" "Very, well, corporal". His commlink then activated "Yes?" "Sir, my squad was ambushed by Freedom Fighters. They escaped with the fugitive Beauregard Rabbot. They also abducted a cadet and an echidna ambassador". Luger eyes opened wide "Deploy search patrols, now!".
Baron exited the cockpit with Sally "I owe you my life. You have my gratitude" "It's the least we could do after leading the Empire right to you". They walked past Tex and Wave who were standing in front of Tails. They both looked sympathetic "We heard what happened. Sorry, kid" "Hey, at least now you know". Tails managed to form a thankful smile "Yeah. I guess I just need some time". He turned and headed towards the front gun bay going past Julie-Su. She watched him enter and then turned to Sonic "Is he alright?" "He's okay. He just lost some people close to him". He sighed "It's a challenge being his age with so much responsibility" "I know that feeling" "Maybe he could use a friend". She went towards the gun bay and saw Tails sitting in the chair staring at the image of his parents. Even just seeing the back of his head she could tell he was crying. She smiled reassuringly "I know who you are". Tails quickly glanced at her before looking away. Julie-Su walked towards him "You're Miles Prower. Although you prefer Tails now. I heard your transmission". Tails still stared at the picture "My parents did too. But they're gone now" "I'm sorry" she said sympathetically. Tails sighed and held his face in his hands "There's so much against us. Do you… do you ever" "Ever wonder if the fight is worth it? Everyday. But I'm still here". Tais finally turned to her "Why do you? You're a princess. You don't have to fight" "I feel like because I can fight, I have to for those who cannot. And I think you might be the same way".
Tails stared back at the picture for a few moments before turning it off "Let's find a way to get your ships back". They both entered the common room where the others were waiting wit a hologram of the cruisers. Wave was showing the others "We did a scan of the landing field and looking at Imperial security I just don't see us living long enough to get near those ships". Tex seemed to agree "Two walkers are a big problem". Sonic nodded "Ugh, even if we reach the ships they're not going anywhere until we can disable those gravity locks". Julie-Su examined the holograms "Those defences are formidable because the Empire doesn't underestimate you. They know how good you are" "We might be able to get one out, but we'll never get all three. It's impossible" Sonic said. Julie-Su didn't look deterred "I know you need those ships, so don't tell me why we can't get them. Tell me how we will". Tails finally spoke "Well, Sonic and I still have our disguises so we can get onto the platform. But to get close to the ships, we'll need a distraction" "I can handle that" Julie-Su said. Sally nodded "The Hurst can act as air support" "And I can use detonators to blast off the gravity locks" Wave added. Baron shook his head "Won't work. I built those locks in prison. You can't forcibly remove them. However, my time in prison also taught me how to take them apart". Sonic smirked "Beauregard Rabbot, does hat mean you're getting involved?" "Just this once. It's clear I can't stay on Emerald Hill, so I'll help you, if you get me out of here".
That night the Sneak landed on the airstrip where Luger was waiting with two troopers "Set weapons for stun". Julie-Su and the disguised Sonic and Tails exited. Luger gestured for the troopers to lower their weapons and sighed in relief "Your Highness, I'm glad to see you're safe". Julie-Su glanced to her left where Baron, Wave and G-merl made it to the gravity locks "We need to cut open that access panel and bypass the primary power flux coupling". Julie-Su smiled "this brave trooper saved us bot from those insurgents. He deserves a medal". Baron managed to remove the first lock and moved onto the next one while Wave ran into the now freed cruiser. Luger was briefing "We've unloaded the rest of the supplies for the city, Your Highness. And the ships are safe and sound". He saw Julie-Su cross her arms "Is that supposed to impress me Commander?" she pointed behind her. He turned and saw the first ship taking off "What? I didn't authorize this! Who's piloting that ship". They then saw Baron and G-merl removing the next lock "Insurgents. Blast them!".
Wave saw this and used the cruiser's guns to fire on them. The walkers advanced and shot at the cruiser shaking it. The Hurst then made a pass and fired torpedoes at one of the walkers causing it to fall forward. Sonic and Tails knocked out Luger and the remaining troopers "Wave's away" "I don't think we are" Tails said pointing at the downed walker which was getting back up. The other walker fired on the Hurst forcing it to back off. Sonic turned to Tails "Secure the third ship. I'll handle the walker". Julie-Su was surprised "Handle the walker. How?" "Just trust us" Tails said. Sonic ran towards the walker and took out his lightsaber. Baron saw him and was about to shoot who he thought was a stormtrooper but G-merl stopped him. Sonic ignited his lightsaber and ran past them "Get that ship free!" "He's a Shinobi". The pilots of the walker saw Sonic "What's that" "I… uh, don't think he's on our side". Sonic jumped up and cut the two left legs of the walker knocking it over. The other walker fired on him but he quicky rushed out of the way. Julie-Su was watching impressed while Tails saw two troopers about to shoot Baron. He used the Force to pull the blasters out of their hands, he caught one. He pointed it at the two guards. With in a nano-second Tails' mind raced. He thought of what Julie-Su said earlier about the lower Imperials echoed in his head. He ignored it, he knew he couldn't freeze in the middle of a fight. Tails intentionally brought out another memory, when he was told his parents were kill. Tails coldy fired at the the two trooper, killing them.
Baron got the second cruiser free, and Sonic ran inside. Julie-Su saw a ground transport heading towards them "I'll handle this". She stepped out a ran to the trooper "Thank goodness you've arrived. The insurgents are stealing my ships". The commander got on his commlink "Walker. Shoot to kill. I repeat, shoot to kill" "No you can't" "I'm sorry, Your Highness. We can't let your ships fall into their hands". G-merl released the final lock and Baron got on board the cruiser. The walker was about to shoot it, but The Hurst reappeared and distracted it with torpedoes. Baron activated the engines, and the force knocked the walker to the ground. Tails and G-merl ran to the Sneak, Julie-Su chased after them and grabbed Tails' arm "Stop. Those are my ships! Make it look good" she whispered. Tails finally understood and pushed her back "How good?", she smirked "You have my permission". Tails raised his blaster "Sorry" he shot a stun blast at her before taking the Sneak off and following the last cruiser away. Luger ran over to Julie-Si "My ships. They took my ships" "I'm afraid so. I assure you, Your Highness. You will be compensated for your ships". Julie-Su was trying very hard not to look smug "Fine. You have your supplies, commander. I would like your shuttle so I can return home" "Of course".
The cruisers were now with the fleet. Baron entered the common room of the Hurst "So, Governor, we need to find a safe place for you" Sally said, "I already know where I'm going, back home". Sonic smirked "I knew you'd come around" "I couldn't see it before but going to prison with the Prowers started something. That something has grown bigger than I ever imagined". He looked to Tails "I owe it to them, and I owe it to you to see it through to the end" "Welcome back to the fight, Governor".