Shadow was now in Solaris office "I hope you trust me, Shadow" Solaris said to him, "Of course". Solaris looked worried "I need your help, son", Shadow looked at his old friend "What do you mean?". They both began walking to the exit "I'm depending on you to be the eyes, ears and voice of the Republic. Shadow, I'm appointing you to be my personal representative on the Shinobi Council". Shadow was overwhelmed, he stopped "Me, a master? I don't know what to say, Your Excellency. But the council elects its own members. I don't believe they'll accept this". Solaris didn't look deterred "I think they will. You're one of their best, they need you. More than you know".
Tikal was sitting at a table in a meeting room. With her was Cosmo, Wynmacher and three other senators. Wynmacher was speaking "Now that he has control of the Shinobi Council the Chancellor has appointed governors to oversee all star systems in the Republic" "When did this happen?" a seal senator said. Wynmacher gave a slight scoff "Well, that decree was posted this morning". This concerned Tikal "Do you think he'll dismantle the Senate?" "Why bother. As a practical matter the Senate no longer exists" Cosmo said. A chipmunk senator looked thoughtful "The constitution is in shreds. Amendment after amendment" "We cannot let a thousand years of democracy fall without a fight" Wynmacher said. The cayote senator stared at him curiously "What're you suggesting" "Suggesting? I apologise. I don't mean to sound like a Separatist". Cosmo detail "We are not separatists trying to leave the Republic. We are loyalists trying to preserve democracy in the Republic". Tikal sighed "I cannot believe it has come to this. Chancellor Solaris is one of my oldest advisors. He served as my ambassador when I was queen". The chipmunk stared at her "Senator, I fear your are underestimating how much corruption has taken a hold in in the Senate". Cosmo nodded "The Chancellor has plagued the Senate as well. They know where the power lies and they will do whatever it takes to share in it". Wynmacher stood up "And we cannot continue debating this any longer. We have decided to do what we can to stop it. Senator Cosmo and I are putting together an organisation-" "Say no more, Senator. I understand. At this point some things are better left unsaid" Tikal said. Wynmacher nodded "Agreed. So we will not discuss this with anyone without everyone in this group agreeing". The other Senators nodded but Cosmo leaned forward "That means those closest to you. Even family. No one can be told". Tikal hesitantly nodded "Agreed".
Shadow was standing in the middle of a council meeting; he has just told them what Solaris said "We don't allow this appointment lightly. This is a disturbing move by Chancellor Solaris" Blaze said. "I understand that, Master" Shadow replied nervously, Merlin leaned forward in his chair "You are on this council, but we do not grant you the rank of master". "What?" Shadow couldn't believe what he was hearing, he trained for ten years, fought in the war for another three, won multiple victories as well as everything he has given up over that time and they don't think that's good enough. "How can you put me on the council and not make me a master!?", Merlin stares at him blankly "Take a seat, young Shadow". Shadow immediately composed himself and bowed his head "Forgive me, Master". He sat down and looked over to Espio who gave him a disapproving look which made Shadow stare at the floor. The hologram of Nate began to speak "So far we have found no trace of Dark Oak. We have begun a sweep on the outer Zones. We have also received information that the badniks are going to attack the planet of Downunda". "We should send an attack group. It's a system we can't afford to lose" Espio said, Blaze nodded in agreement "I will go, I have good relations with the people there" "Very well. May the force be with us all" Merlin said.
Shadow and Espio were walking through the corridors of the temple "They put me on the Council and not make me a master. What nonsense is this. I'm beginning to think Amy had the right idea". Espio stopped him "Don't say that, Shadow. This is great honour. To be on the Council at your age has never happened before. The fact of the matter is your too close to the Chancellor. The Council doesn't like it when he interferes in our affairs. Your friendship with his seems to have paid off". Shadow stopped "It has nothing to do with this. And anyway why was I put on the council at all?". Espio sighed and had them stand by the wall "The Chancellor trusts you" "And?" Shadow said impatiently. "Believe me, Shadow, I didn't want to put you in this situation… The council wants you to report on all the Chancellor's dealings. They want to know what he's up to". Shadow was taken aback by this "They want me to… That's treason" "We are at war, Shadow". Shadow looked away from him in frustration and took a breath "Why wasn't I told about this in session?" "The assignment isn't to be on record" Espio looked incredibly guilty. Shadow was lost for words so Espio continued "Shadow, our allegiance is to the Senate, not to its leader. You must see that something is wrong. The Chancellor has remained in office long after his term has expired" "The Senate demanded he stay longer". Espio slightly nodded his head "Yes because of everything that's happened, convenient isn't it" "What your asking is against our own code. You want me to spy on a mentor and a friend. Why are you asking this of me?", Espio looked at him pleadingly "The council is asking you".
Espio, Merlin and Blaze were traveling on a gunship to another part of the city "Shadow didn't take to his assignment with much enthusiasm". Merlin didn't look surprised "It's very dangerous putting the two of them together. I don't think he can handle it. I don't trust him". Espio thought that was too far "With all due respect, Master, is he not the chosen? The one who will destroy the Raiju and bring balance to the Force?" "So the prophecy say's". Blaze looked between them "Prophecies can be misread", Espio sighed "He won't let me down. He never has". The ship landed near a giant cruiser where a male crocodile and a female Koala from Downunda were waiting.
Tikal was in her apartment with the other Senators, even more than their last meeting. She looked apprehensive "We cannot let this turn into another war" "Absolutely. That is the last thing we want" Wynmacher said. Cosmo nodded "We are hoping to form an alliance in the Senate to stop the Chancellor from further subverting the constitution. That's all". Tikal looked to the other "I know a Shinobi I think we should consult" "That would be dangerous. We don't know how the Shinobi fit into all this" Cosmo said. Tikal nodded understandingly "I only wish to discuss this with one. One I trust". The chipmunk seemed interested "Going up against the Chancellor without the support of the Shinobi is risky" "The Shinobi aren't any happier with the situation than we are" Tikal told them. The seal didn't agree "We have so many Senators on our side. Surely that would persuade the Chancellor". A rabbit senator nodded "The petition has reached 2000. When we present that to the Chancellor things may change". Wynmacher looked sceptical but sighed "Well then. Let us see what we can accomplish in the Senate before we include the Shinobi".
Shadow was running into an opera house, once inside he goes through the corridors until entering a viewing platform where Solaris is sitting watching some sort of water show "You wanted to see me, Chancellor?" "Yes, Shadow, I have good news, please join me". Shadow sat next to him "Our clone intelligence units have discovered the location of Dark Oak. He's hiding in the Mova system", Shadow smiled "At last, we'll be able to capture that monster and end this war" "Yes, I do hope the council selects you for the assignment, you're the best choice by far". There was silence for a few minutes when Solaris began to look nervous "Shadow, there's another reason I have asked you here. You know I am not able to rely on the Shinobi Council. If they haven't included you in there plot they soon will". Shadow was confused "I'm sorry, I don't understand" "I have come to believe that the Shinobi want control of the Republic. I think they're planning to betray me". Shadow didn't believe it "Chancellor, I know they don't trust you-". "Or the Senate, or the Republic, or democracy for that matter. Is that why they asked you to spy on me?", Shadow turned to him surprised "I-". Solaris raised his hand "I don't blame you, my boy. But it proves my suspicions. All who gain power are afraid to lose it. Even the Shinobi". "The Shinobi use their power for good" Shadow said defensively, "Good is point of view, Shadow. The Shinobi and the Raiju are similar in almost every way. Including their quest for power". The two sat in silence for a while, Shadow didn't know what to say. Were the Shinobi planning something? Solaris broke the silence "Did you ever hear the tragedy of a Raiju Lord called Iblis the wise?", Shadow glanced at him before answering "No". "I thought not, it's not a story the Shinobi would tell you. Lord Iblis was so powerful and so wise, he could manipulate the chaos energy of the Force to create… Life".
Solaris gave Shadow a strange look as he said this "His knowledge reached the point where he could keep others from dying". Shadow raised his head slightly at this "He could actually save people from death?". Solaris nodded "The dark side is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural" "What happened to him?". Solaris began to look very prideful at that question "He like others we know, were afraid of losing his power, which he eventually did. He taught his apprentice everything he knew. Then his apprentice killed him in his sleep. It's ironic, he could save others from death. But not himself" Solaris gave a prideful smirk. Shadow felt like a ray of hope just hit him "Is it possible to learn this power?", Solaris turned to face him "Not from a Shinobi".
