Shadow was now with the Council "A partial message was intercepted from the Chairmen of the Mova system. It has information indicating that Dark Oak is hiding there". A hologram of Blaze spoke "We must act on this. The capture of Dark Oak will end this war. We need to move quickly". Shadow already knew the answer to this, but he said it anyway "The Chancellor has requested that I lead the mission". Merlin looked at him "The Council decides these matters, not the Chancellor", the hologram of Nate spoke up "Master Espio, you've fought Dark Oak before. I believe you are the best choice" the others agreed, and the Council was adjourned. They all exited the meeting room, Shadow and Espio were heading for the hanger but then they both saw Razor in the corridors "Razor, did you get lost?" Espio jokingly asked him. Razor nervously laughed "Actually, I'm looking for the war room. When the Senate heard that you had a lead on Dark Oak, they asked for someone to observe the events from the temple. I volunteered; I'm just hoping I don't get in the way". Shadow smirked at his old friend "Down that corridor, second door to the left. You won't get in the way. I'd be more concerned how long you'll need to stay". "They said until he's been captured or proven not to be there" he ran in the direction of the war room.


On the planet Downunda, clones were working with the inhabitants of the planet to set up defences on a beach that led to their city. Blaze was above the beach, she had just finished the Council meeting and she looked to the crocodile and Koala "Vector, Barby are you soldiers ready?" the both of them nodded. The lynx clone trooper looked at them both "That's good, the badniks are on their way. The defences are ready, General". On the beach both armies joined and were ready to fight. An army of badniks suddenly charged out of the ocean and the battle begun.


Shadow was following Espio to the main Republic cruiser "You're gonna need me on this one, Master" "I agree, but if it's a false lead they don't want to waste two of us". Espio was about to go on the walkway for the cruiser but Shadow stopped him "Master. I'm sorry if I've disappointed you. I've been arrogant, and I apologize. I've just been so frustrated". Espio warmly smiled at his friend "You are strong and wise, Shadow. There isn't a moment I am not proud of you. You've become a far greater Shinobi than I ever could be. Trust me, it won't be long before you become a master" he put his hand om Shadow's shoulder. Shadow was happy to hear this from his friend "May the Force be with you, Espio" "Goodbye, old friend. May the Force be with you" Espio headed inside the ship in the hanger.


Espio was now in the hanger of the ship heading to the Mova system, he was talking to his clone Commander, a cayote called Armand "Most of the cities are on the same continent so that does lessen or search". Espio nodded "I'll keep them distracted till you get there. Don't take too long" Armand smiled "Come on. When have I ever let you down?" "Haha, alright I guess I should leave a few badniks for when you arrive". Espio got in his fighter and took off out of the hanger and jumped into hyperspace ahead of the cruiser.


Shadow was in the living room of Tikal's apartment, they were both sitting on the couch and Shadow had his hand over her stomach. Tikal looked conflicted, she wanted to discuss her meeting with him. She knew he could be trusted but she knew she couldn't. She tired to get her mind off it. Shadow was so distracted by his child's kicks that he didn't seem able to sense any conflict from Tikal. He smiled "I wonder if it will be a boy or a girl" he looked at his wife, he didn't want her to know about what he found out. Tikal gave a genuine smile at this "Well, it might be both", Shadow looked at her with a surprised expression "What?" she looked very excited "My results came in today. It's twins. It said a hedgehog and an Echidna" she looked Shadow, waiting for a reaction but he stared blankly in front of him. Tikal noticed "Did you not hear me…? What is it?", Shadow sighed "I'm sorry, I …I can't get my vision out of my head". Tikal took his hand "Shadow, I'm not going to die in childbirth". Shadow took her her other hand "I promise you won't". Tikal thought of a way to take his mind of it and then smiled "I have something to show you" she walked to a different room and came back out carrying a small box. She gave it to Shadow who opened it, "I thought they would need them as well" Tikal said. Shadow saw what was inside the box, whatever it was seemed to cheer him up slightly but the thoughts of his vision were still gnawing at the back of his mind.


Espio jumped out of hyperspace and entered the planet's atmosphere. He flew over the wasteland of the planet before diving into one of the sink holes and landed on a platform coming out of the side. As Espio got out of his ship an elderly duck walked up to him "Greetings young Shinobi. What brings you to our remote sanctuary?". Espio bowed his head "The war unfortunately". The ducks eyes shifted nervously "There's no war here. Unless you brought it with you" "With your permission I would like some fuel and to use your city as a base as I search nearby systems for the badnik leader, Dark Oak". The duck gestured for a team of engineers to begin refuelling the fighter. He then stepped very close to Espio and whispered "He is here. We are being held hostage. They are watching us". Espio subtly nodded "I understand" "Go to the tenth level. There are thousands of Badniks". The duck stepped back and Espio looked back to his fighter as if he wasn't speaking "Tell your people to take shelter. If you have warriors tell them now is the time". Espio walked back to his ship and spoke to the gizoid inside "Get back to the cruiser and tell Armand I've made contact" the gizoid beeped and Espio jumped out and watched his fighter take off without him.


In Solaris' office he was sitting at his desk with Shadow standing on his right side as body guard. In front of him was Tikal and the other Senators. He spoke pleasantly to them "I understand your reservations completely, Senators. And I assure you the appointed governors will in no way compete with the Senate". Tikal looked hopeful "Do I take it then there will be no further amendments to the constitution". Solaris smiled "I want this terrible conflict to end just as much as you do, my dear lady. And when it does I guarantee an immediate return to democracy" "You are pursing a diplomatic solution to the war then?". Solaris' face dropped slightly "You must trust me to do the right thing, Senator. That is why I am here". The seal leaned forward in his chair "But surely-" "I've said I'll do what is right" Solaris said sternly, the seal timidly nodded. Solaris looked to the others "That should be enough for your committee". Tikal kept a blank expression and stood up "On behalf of the delegation of 2000, I thank you, Chancellor". Solaris returned to his normal demeanour "I thank you for bringing this to my attention, Senator". Tikal glanced at Shadow who suddenly started staring at the floor. Tikal and the other Senators left. Solaris watched them "Their sincerity is to be admired although I sense there is more to their request then they're telling us". Shadow didn't understand "What do you mean, Chancellor?" "They're not to be trusted" "But surely Senator Tikal can be trusted". Solaris stared at him "These are unstable times for the Republic, Shadow. Some see instability as an opportunity. Senator Tikal is hiding something. I can see it in her eyes". Shadow paused and then "I'm sure you are mistaken" "I'm surprised your Shinobi instincts are not more sensitive to such things" "I simply don't sense betrayal in Senator Tikal". Solaris narrowed his eyes "Or you don't want to admit it. There is much conflict in you, Shadow".


Sometime later on Mova Espio was riding on top of a giant lizard, they made their way to the tenth level and entered a building. Inside they were on an elevated path above a hanger full of badniks where a meeting was taking place. Espio leaped off the lizard and saw that the meeting was between Dark Oak and the separatist leaders. "It won't be long before the armies of the Republic track us here. I am sending you to Flame Core in the Outer Zones. It is a volcanic planet; you will be safe there". Robotnik stood up and scoffed "Safe. Solaris escaped your grip and without Dimitri I question your ability to keep us safe, Dark Oak". Dark Oak was angry at that remark, but he let it slide "Your ship is waiting" the leaders all got up from their chairs and began to leave. Espio without a second though just jumping down into the middle of the room, Dark Oak had his back to him, Espio grinned "Hello there". Dark Oak turned around along with his guards and he chuckled "General Espio. As bold as ever. Kill him". Four Metorex advanced on Espio but instead of igniting his lightsaber he looked up pulled down a piece of the roof with the Force which fell and crushed all of them. All the badniks aimed their weapons at Espio but Dark Oak raised his hand "Back away. I will deal with this one myself".

Espio continued to grin "Your move", Dark Oak chuckled as he removed his cloak and pulled four lightsabers out of it. Both his arms suddenly split to reveal two more each holding a lightsaber. "Attack, Chameleon" he said excitedly, Espio ignited his lightsaber and took a defensive stance. Dark Oak laughed before his front arms began to spin rapidly forcing Espio to cautiously back away. Dark Oak then quickly tried to strike, Espio stayed on the defensive trying to avoid attacks. Espio eventually cut off one of Dark Oak's arms and used the distraction to cut off the other one. Dark Oak backed away to compose himself when he suddenly heard explosions behind him, he turned around and saw that an army of clones were repelling down into the room destroying the badniks. Dark Oak turned back around and advanced on Espio. He looked at him with his one eye "Army or not, you must realize, you are doomed". "Oh, I don't think so" Espio quickly Force pushed Dark Oak causing him to be launch upwards and hit the ceiling. As he lands back down, he loses his lightsabers, so he makes a run for it. He jumps into a circular craft that begins rolling at high speed through the room. Espio whistles causing his lizard pet to jump down, he gets on and follows Dark Oak, both jump from building-to-building causing Espio to drop his lightsaber.