Sonic, Tex and Tails entered the command room "We got supplies, but we were fortunate to get away. The Empire's making our travels around the Outer Zones tougher all the time". Bristles nodded in agreement "Yes. We need a new hyperspace route in and out of the Emerald Hill sector" "I may have a shortcut" Wave said. She used the holo-unit to show a planet "The system of Terminal Velocity. It's a Wispon colony and not an Imperial territory yet" "Why not? They've grabbed up just about every other place" Tails asked. Fang stepped forward "Terminal Velocity is known for its elite warriors. They were brought into train clones back in the war. Bet even the Empire thinks twice about a fight with them". Bristles looked sceptical "The question is, who are they loyal to? The Empire does occupy their home world of Planet Wisp, so Imperial influence could be a factor". Wave shook her head "Years before the Clone Wars broke out, the Wispons were already at war with each other. This group call themselves Fox Hound. They like to make up their own rules" "Sounds familiar" Sally said under her breath. Bristles examined the map "So we go in with strength, scout the system for defences to see what we're up against" "Or why not try diplomacy? Ask permission to use their system as a shortcut" Sonic said. Bristles crossed his arms "Warriors like these only understand strength" "He's got a point" Wave said. Sally pondered "We shouldn't make an enemy if we don't need to. If we get permission to fly through their space, the next step could be recruitment. To grow the Freedom Fighters, we need friends like these Wispons. We could have our route and a powerful ally as well". Bristles sighed "Very well, Captain Acorn. This mission is yours" "Okay if I tag along?" Wave asked. Sally nodded "I was hoping you'd ask" Sally said as they left the room. Tails smiled "Looks like diplomacy won the day for once" "There was a time when it always did" Sonic replied.
Sally and Wave were in separate fighters with three others behind them. They were heading for a blue planet that was missing a chunk "SO that's Terminal Velocity. Looks like it's been through a war". She heard Wave chuckle "This system has endured more than a hundred wars. My people don't really need a reason to pick a fight". Sally then saw three Wispon shuttle flying towards them "Everyone stay sharp. We have visitors" "Attention, unregistered ships. This is Slinger, protector of Terminal Velocity. You are trespassing. Identify yourselves". The ships flew above Sally's group "We come in peace, Fox Hound" "Peace? Ha. That's not a word I hear often. State your mission" "We request safe passage through your system". There was a pause "Well that depends. Who's asking?" "Those who would stand with Terminal Velocity against the Empire" "Ah. So, you're the Freedom Fighters I've heard about. How unfortunate for you". Sally stayed calm "You haven't heard what we have to say" "I don't need to. Out here, I act in the name of the Empire". The Wispon fighters fell back and then fired on the group. One fighter was shot down "I don't think they're interested in talking, Sally" "Dawn Squadron, take evasive action" Sally ordered. They tried to avoid fire but another one was shot down "Dawn- five, get out of here" "There's too much fire. I can't get an opening" "Go to heading 257. I'll get your opening". Sally turned around "What about you?" Wave asked, "Just follow orders, Wave!". Sally led the fighter carrying Slinger away from the others before making a quick turn and shooting down the two fighters following wave and Dawn-five who then jumped to hyperspace however Wave didn't. "Wave, go! I'll be right behind you!" Sally ordered as Slinger and the Wispons began to close ranks. After a pause Wave made her jump but Sally was then hit.
Sonic was waiting in the cockpit of the cruiser waiting with a concerned look when he saw he two fighters arrive "Wave, what happened. We picked up a distress call. Where's Sally?" "She… She was right behind me. Sonic, we didn't have a chance. These Wispons work for the Empire, too". A third heavily damaged fighter then jumped out of hyperspace. Sonic watched in shock "Sally? Sally, can you hear me?". There was no answer, but he then heard Wave "I see her. I see her, Sonic. It's bad. You've got to hurry. Please hurry!".
Tails and Tex were waiting outside the medical bay trying to hide their worry while Wave was pacing. There was then a beep and the door opened. They quickly went inside and saw an injured Sally lying unconscious on a hospital be. On her left was a medical bot and on her right was Sonic "How is she?" Wave asked. The medical bot turned to them "Her vital signs have stabilized. She is going to make it. But she requires rest". Guilt came over Wave's face "This is my fault. I shouldn't have left her". Sonic shook his head "There's nothing you could have done. I'm just glad you're both back in one piece. Commander Bristles want the details on what happened" "Yeah, I'll be right there". Sonic walked past her and placed his hand on her shoulder reassuringly before leaving the room with Tex and Tails following. Wave went over to Sally and took her hand "I'm so sorry, Sally. They're going to answer for this". She left and entered the bridge where the others were waiting. Her face turned stoic "Slinger the Ocelot of Clan Joy, the Protector of Terminal Velocity. That's who did this. That's who we're up against". Sonic seemed to recognise the name "Fang, does that name sound familiar to you?" "It sure does".
Fang set the holo-unit to show a teal-coloured ocelot wearing a black scarf, beret. Instead of a mask he wore a monocle on his left eye and instead of a wispon on his back he had two pistols on holsters. "Slinger was a fighter pilot instructor for the Grand Army of the Republic. He also served at-" "The battle of Sky Sanctuary. I know I was there". Bristles stared curiously at the hologram "I've never seen a Wispon equipped like this". Wave stepped forward "It's used by Fox Hound. The monocle is surgically implanted allowing them the vision of the mask. The pistols together have the power of a normal wispon and have better handling. Problem is flying needs both hands, so they mainly focus on ground combat. These guys aren't known for retreating". "I guess negotiating's been taken off the table?" Sonic said. Wave tried to hide her anger "Let's negotiate by destroying their ability to attack us. I tracked them from Terminal Velocity's third room. They must have a base there". Bristles sighed "If they scan our fleet approaching their fighters will cut us to pieces" "Then we'll have to hit them before they take off" Sonic said. Wave nodded in agreement "We can sneak into their base and take out all their fighters". Bristles pondered "It's risky, but I approve". Sonic however shook his head "I don't. This is a solo mission, and I'm taking it. I'm already one man down. I won't risk anyone else". He walked to the door and Wave tried to follow "Sonic, I know the Wispons. You need me on this mission". Sonic said nothing and was about to leave but Tex and Tails got in front of him "No way" "We're a team. You can't go without us". Sonic stared at them blankly "Alright. I'll take G-merl" "What?" "But that's all. And this is not open for further discussion. Come on, Gem". G-merl beeped sounding frustrated "Come on, G-merl!" Sonic ordered.
Sonic was now in the Sneak, ready to take off. He heard G-merl beep from the maintenance port "I can hear you. And, yes, I know what I'm doing. Just program the nav computer". They took off and jumped to hyperspace.
They arrived at Terminal Velocity "G-merl, load up the intel Wave gathered. We can pinpoint where their base is". G-merl beeped "What do you mean, just ask her?" "He means I'm standing right behind you". He turned and saw Wave climbing out of the floor hatch wearing her mask "You better jam those scanners" "What're you doing here?" he said angrily. Even wearing her mask, it was obvious Wave was smirking "You must be pretty distracted not to have noticed I stowed away. So, what're you really up to?". Sonic sighed "You heard Bristles' orders. I'm gonna destroy those fighters before they take off" "I know you better than that, Sonic". Sonic gave up "Fine. I'm going to finish Sally's mission. We need to recruit the Wispons to join the Freedom Fighters" "Fox Hound almost killed Sally! What're you thinking?" Wave said angrily, "I'm thinking we can still offer them a chance to change. Everyone deserves a chance". Wave scoffed "You know this Shinobi philosophy stuff doesn't work for everyone". Sonic put his hand on her shoulder "That's why we're at war" he started flying the ship towards the moon. They arrived at a desert at night. G-merl took control of the ship and dropped the two of them off before flying away. The two see a light in the distance and run towards it. Once close enough they climb up a small hill for cover and saw a small camp with six fighters on a landing pad.
Wave used her mask to examine the camp, "What're we up against?" "They'll have two fighters on patrol of eight in total. They're spread out, so it's gonna take a while to plant charges. I think I brought enough explosives". Sonic rolled his eyes "You always bring enough explosives. Hopefully, you won't have to use them. Now get down. They got company". They lied down on the hill and saw an Imperial shuttle arrive just outside of the camp. They saw large crates being led out "Looks like the Empire bought their loyalty" "I see, Slinger. He's the one accepting the payment". Wave then used her mask to hear the conversation between Slinger ad the Imperial officer "This is the payment for the next rotation" "This arrangement is working to your benefit. I encountered a squadron of Freedom Fighter". "The rebel fleet?" the officer asked in surprise, "Not the entire fleet. A couple of fighters. But my men and I took care of them" "If they return, be sure to contact us". Slinger gave a slightly mocking salute before walking away. Wave scoffed "Sounds like your negotiations are gonna go great. What's the plan? I mean if diplomacy doesn't work" "You give me a chance to recruit the Wispons. If that doesn't work out, then you get to blow up their fighters. We have a deal". Wave stared at him before sighing "Fine. But not just the ships. Slinger has to pay for what he did to Sally" "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Wait for my signal". Once the Imperial ship left the two of them separately sneaked into the camp. Sonic saw Slinger entered one of the tents which looked like a bar.
Sonic entered and saw Slinger sitting at a table drinking. Slinger wasn't looking at him but "Pretty bold to sneak onto my base. I'm gonna assume you're one of those Freedom Fighters I dealt with earlier". He pointed one of his pistols at Sonic and he turned it cyan. Sonic's expression didn't change "That's a pretty good guess, but not the entire truth". He entered the tent and stood in front of Slinger who stared at him calmly "I don't recognise you, so before I gun you down, why don't you tell me what you want?". Sonic took a drink form the bartender robot and sat in front of Slinger "We never met, but I do know you. In fact, I came to thank you. In the Clone Wars you fought in the third battle of Sky Sanctuary. And I was there". Sonic took out his lightsaber and placed it on the table". Slinger smirked "You're a survivor" he subtly turned his pistol red but placed it in his holster keeping his hand on it "That explains how you got past my men". Sonic took a drink "My master, Longclaw, and I were pinned down, trapped by badniks. You and your Sorrow Squadron flew into the Separatist flew over and flanked them. You saved our lives". Slinger took a drink and sighed "That was a long time ago. I was younger and more reckless then. To be honest, I don't see what that has to do with you being here" "You gave me a chance to live that day. Now I'd like to return the favour".
Wave outside have almost finished placing detonators on the crates and ships. She was about to place the final one on, but she heard someone behind her. She stood up and saw that she was surrounded by three Wispons "How's it going, boys?". "Where did you steal that mask and wispon, bounty hunter?". Wave calmly climbed on board the fighter "Bounty hunter? Not lately. I earned them with my family" "Family? That's a bold claim. What's your house?". Wave took out her Wispon and opened it. She took out a vile of red liquid, slightly darker than the explosive colour which she didn't have. She showed the vile to the Wispons which seemed to convince them she was one of them "I'm Clan Voyance, House Lion". The Wispons took a step back "House Lion? She's a Diamond Cutter" "Traitor!". Wave stayed calm and placed the vile back in the wispon "My mother was, but I'm not. I came here to settle a score, and I invoke the code to seek justice through single combat" "No one has invoked the code since the Empire took cover". Wave tilted her head mockingly "Well, who's in charge here? The Empire or Planet Wisp?".
Slinger took another drink "I already fought one losing war for the Shinobi. I'm not fighting another" "You can't possibly believe in the Empire". Slinger took out his payment form the Empire "I believe they have the strength to defeat you and the resources to back it up. Why would I fight the Empire when obviously destroying you is so much easier?" "You must know the Empire isn't interested in sharing their power. In the end, everyone is their enemy. If we don't stand together, then we're all alone". Slinger looked away from him "Alone is who we are". A Wispon then ran in "Sir. We have an infiltrator" "Don't worry. I have the Shinobi under control" "I don't know anything about this Shinobi, but a Wispon trespasser has invoked the code. She claims she's from the Lion House". Slinger glanced at a surprised Sonic "I assume she came with you?" "Let me handle this" "I'm afraid it's out of your control now, Shinobi. They both ran out and saw Wave surrounded "Wave, I thought we had an agreement" "They started it". Slinger glared at her "Your house is an enemy of Fox Hound. Call out your opponent for the combat to the death". Wave took off her mask revealing a smirk "I thought you'd never ask. I call out you, Slinger. You're gonna pay for what you did to Sally".
Slinger rolled his eyes and walked forward "Just like I said. You Freedom Fighters fight battles you can't win. I'm assuming Sally is the pilot I shot to pieces earlier. I guess she didn't make". Wave grinned "She's alive. If she weren't I don't think you would have made it out of that tent" she glanced at Sonic who was trying to stay out of this. Slinger was amused "I got to admit this is an interesting development. One of you came here to befriend me, the other came to kill me". Sonic sighed "We can't let you attack our fleet. But we'd rather leave as friends" he glared at Wave "He's already the enemy" "Wave, this isn't what Sally wanted. She didn't want to create enemies and she wouldn't want me to die". Wave stared back at Slinger "I'm not planning on dying" "I'm afraid the only way you're getting out of here alive is if she kills me, and that is not going to happen". Sonic groaned in frustration "What is it with you Wispons, never knowing how to solve anything except through someone dying? Wave, if you do this then you're no better than him" "You have to trust me" "Wave, you make this choice and, win or lose, the Empire is going to be all over this system and the fleet". Wave and Slinger both held their wispon weapons at their sides "Sonic, you need to stop talking now". The two warriors stared at each other and then in a split second both raised their weapons. Wave being slightly faster managed to shoot the pistols out of Slinger's hands "They are alternatives to killing".
She put her mask back on and detonated the explosives around the base. All the Wispons were knocked over. Sonic ignited his lightsaber and helped Wave up and they both ran. Slinger stood up with a struggle "Capture them alive. I want them to watch their fleet burn". Sonic and Wave were in the bar taking cover behind a topped over table "Are you feeling better now? You got to blow stuff up" "I thought you'd be happy I didn't kill anyone". They both fired on the Wispons with stun blasts "Actually, I'm thrilled" "Well, here's the bad news, Slinger's fighter is at the far end of the field and I wasn't able to set the charges on before they captured me". Sonic stared at her "You're saying we should go after him?" "Yes! For the fist time today, we agree on something" "Fine. But we're still not killing anyone" "You just love making this hard for me". They ran out, Sonic gave Wave cover with his lightsaber, a shot managed to hit her leg, but a small red shield stopped it, but she still gasped in pain. She still managed to run and they both saw Slinger boarding a fighter.
Sonic ran towards it while Wave dealt with the Wispons. The fighter fired at Sonic, but he deflected the blasts and jumped onboard. Wave then watched the fighter fly away "G-merl, I think we're done here". Sonic was trying desperately to hold onto the fighter "Sonic. How's the plan going?" "Just get up here!" "Okay. Hang on!". Sonic ignited his lightsaber and slashed at one of the engines. He then got in front of the cockpit and saw the Sneak flying towards them "Our ride's here". To the shock of Slinger, Sonic cut open the cockpit and cut the controls. He pulled Slinger out and punched him in the face knocking him out. The Sneak then flew in front of them, and Sonic jumped on board with Slinger. Wave chuckled "When you set your mind to something, your kind of frightening". Once they reached orbit Slinger began to wake up groaning in pain, "How do you feel?" Sonic asked. "Like a prisoner" his commlink then started beeping "You better get that". Wave turned to them "Are you crazy? You can't let a prisoner receive outside communications" "Just answer it". Slinger activated the commlink "Sir, are you alright? We're marshalling our reserve starfighters for pursuit" "Stand down. There's no need" "But, sir, if the Empire finds out about your capture". Slinger tried to sit up "You're not going to let that happen" "And the Freedom Fighters?" "Until I give the word, there is to be no mention of the Freedom Fighters. And their ships are to be granted safe passage through our system" "As you wish".
Slinger was being taken through the command ship with his hands restrained "Welcome to the Freedom Fighters" "Right now we are only friends because we have to be" two guards took Slinger away. Wave turned to Sonic "What does that mean" "Well, the Empire doesn't make a habit of rescuing people. The last thing Slinger wants is Imperial ships all over his territory, and that's exactly what he'd get if they found out he was our prisoner". Tails ran up to them "Sonic. Wave. Sally wants to see you", the two stared surprised at each other then ran to the medical bay. They saw Sally, still injured but awake "I hear we're taking prisoners now" "I like to think of him more as a reluctant recruit" Sonic joked. Wave nodded "It was better than the alternative. We're not at war with Fox Hound. There was no need to take their lives if we didn't have to". Sally smiled warmly "Wave, you're sounding more like a Shinobi than a Wispon" "Well, I guess I've just been raised right".