There is unrest in the Galactic
Senate. Several thousand solar
systems have declared their
intentions to leave the Republic.
This separatist movement,
under the leadership of the
mysterious Echidna Dimitri, has
made it difficult for the limited
number of Shinobi Knights to maintain
peace and order in the galaxy.
Senator Tikal, the former
Queen of Albion, is returning
to the Galactic Senate to vote
on the critical issue of creating
an ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
to assist the overwhelmed
Shinobi...
Above the planet of Mobotropolis, an Albion cruiser led by three fighters makes its way to land. The ships entered the atmosphere and flew above the buildings eventually landing on a platform. One of the pilots wearing a helmet exits her craft along with a familiar gizoid and she walks up to Captain Remington. They both watched the senator exit her ship "We made it. I guess I was wrong. There was no danger" Remington said before suddenly *BOOM* the cruiser blew up taking the senator and her crew with it. The female pilot ran over to the senators dying body and removed her helmet revealing that she is actually Tikal. "Corde" she said worryingly to the dying woman. Corde looked back at her "Milady, get to safety. Leave me", Tikal shook her head "No" but Corde then closed her eyes. Remington had a pistol out and kneeled down next to her "Milady, you're still in danger here". Tikal stood up and she had a devastated look on her face "I shouldn't have come back" "This vote is very important. Corde did her duty so you can do yours. We have to go", Tikal took one last look at Corde's body, before following Remington.
In his office, Chancellor Solaris was behind his desk talking to the Shinobi Council "I'm not sure how much longer I can hold the vote, my friends. More and more systems are joining the separatists. I cannot not allow this republic to be split in two". Merlin leaned forward in his chair "If this escalates, you must realize there aren't enough Shinobi to protect the Republic. We're keepers of the peace not soldiers". Solaris looked concerned "Master Blaze, do you really think it will come to war?". Blaze closed her eyes to concentrate "Hmm, the dark side clouds everything. It is impossible to see the future". Before Solaris could respond a hologram of a male duck appeared on the desk "Apologies for interrupting, Chancellor, but Senator Tikal has arrived" "Good, send her in". The council got out of their chairs to greet Tikal, as she entered Blaze walked forward and smiled. "Senator Tikal, I was sad to hear of the tragedy on the landing platform. I am happy to see you are alright", but Tikal looked stern "Do you know who could be behind the attack?". "We have no leads yet" Merlin said, and Tikal responded, "I think Dimitri the Echidna is behind it". Nate Morgan walked forward "I don't believe so Senator, I knew him while he was at the temple. He is a political idealist, not murder". "What we do know for certain, Senator, is that you are in grave danger" Blaze added with a look of concern. Solaris then looked at her "Master, may I suggest that the Senator be place under the protection of your graces". Tikal didn't look pleased with this "Chancellor, I do not believe-" "That the situation is that serious? I'm afraid I do, Senator. I realize extra security may be disruptive, but it is necessary. Maybe someone you're familiar with. An old friend like Master Espio". Merlin agreed with this "That is possible, he has just returned from a mission. I will have him report to you immediately".
Later in the lift of an apartment complex, Espio the Chameleon and a now older Shadow the Hedgehog where waiting, they were now the same height and Shadow's quills were longer. Espio noticed Shadow was breathing strangely "You seem a little on edge. I haven't felt you this tense since we fell into that pit of carnivorous Chao". Shadow rolled his eyes and smirked "If I remember correctly, Master. You fell into that pit; I believe I rescued you". Espio gave a slight chuckle "Yes, I remember" he then looked at Shadow "You need to relax. Take a deep breath" this didn't help "I haven't seen her...them in ten years, Master", Espio ignored the first part. Inside Tikal's apartment Razor went to the lift to meet them. When the door opened Razor smiled "Espio, it's good to see you man" he shook his hand "It's good to see you to, Razor". Razor then looked at Shadow "Well… I don't think I can call you kid anymore" he joked and the two shook hands before Razor showed them inside. "Senator Tikal, your guards have arrived" he said happily. Tikal was looking out a balcony with Remington when she hears Razor, she came in and she shook Espio's hand "It's a pleasure to see you again, milady" "It's been far too long, Espio". Tikal then saw who was with Espio "Shadow?... you've grown" she said failing to hide her surprise. Shadow tried to hide his nervousness "You've changed a lot yourself, Senator". He tried to hide his smile when he noticed she was still wearing two very familiar blue rings on her wrists "Sit down" she gestured to chairs in the middle of the room.
They all sat down facing each other "I can assure you our presence here will be invisible" Espio said. Remington was standing near them "I've informed the queen of your assignment. I'm very glad you're here, Master Espio. The situation is more dangerous than the Senator will admit". "That's because I don't need more security. I need answers. I want to know who's trying to kill me". Espio slightly shook his head "We are here to protect you, Senator, not to start and Investigation". Shadow looked confused "Master, wouldn't the best way to protect the Senator be to catch the culprit?". Espio gave him a stern look "We will not exceed our mandate, my young apprentice" he put emphasis on the young. Shadow looked hurt "I was only thinking in the best interests of-" "We will not go through this exercise again, Shadow, and you will pay attention to my lead". "Why?", Espio was surprised "What?" "We are Shinobi, we're not sent on simple security. Investigation is part of our mandate".
Espio hid his frustration "We will do exactly as the Council has instructed. And you will learn your place, young one", Shadow didn't do as well hiding his frustration. Tikal decided to brake the tension "Perhaps your very presence will reveal the culprit. Now, if you'll excuse me. I will retire". Tikal went to her room, Espio then went with Remington to discuss security. Shadow was about to leave but was stopped by Razor "You alright?" "Yeah, I'm fine". Razor smiled "It's really good to see you both again" "Yeah, you too. How've you both been". "I'm been good, being a representative is quite difficult, but Tikal makes sure I'm on track. Her on the other hand, well to be honest, this is the happiest I've seen her in a while". Razor raised his eyebrows like he was implying he knew something.
That night on a platform on the outside of a building, a green female Zeti exits a speeder and talks to a male octopus wearing a mask. "I hit the ship, but they used a decoy", the octopus wasn't happy with this "We'll have to try something more subtle this time, Zeena. My client is getting impatient. Take these". He handed her a glass tube carrying two centipede like creatures "Be careful they're very poisonous. And Zeena, no mistakes this time". Zeena nodded to the octopus and walked away.
