Heya Readers! Sorry about the wait, Rirureddo and I had a slight case of the block, hopefully we'll be able to update quicker, as long as we keep the ideas coming! lol!

Hope you enjoy this next chapter!

Chapter Ten

First Assignment

Shadow leaned up against the wall inside of the alcove leading to the entrance to the GUN HQ. He and Omega had arrived a few moments ago and were now waiting for Rouge and Topaz.

To pass the time, Shadow looked out at the ongoing storm still going on in Station Square.
"Hmm, those two are sure taking their time getting here," the hedgehog said after taking a deep breath. "It can't be helped, I suppose. I did say for Rouge to take her time after all."
"Rouge and Topaz do enjoy their time together," said Omega. "A common activity for women is to meet and talk or partake in other such things."
Shadow couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips.

"Something you and I know all too well, especially when it concerns those two."
"Indeed Shadow," Omega responded. "It is true."
Nodding in agreement, Shadow turned his attention back to the sky, wondering just how long the storm was going to last and when Rouge and Topaz would make it to the HQ.

A few more moments passed before he saw a familiar black Mercedes pull into the parking lot. After parking, the two front doors opened and out stepped Rouge and Topaz, both of them looking and seeing Shadow and Omega.
"Heya boys!" Rouge greeted as she lifted her sunglasses off her eyes, her face beaming at seeing her friends.
"Hello Rouge," said Omega before turning its head to Topaz. "Hello Topaz."
Shadow looked over to the girls as well, acknowledging their presence but not saying anything.
"We didn't keep you waiting too long, did we?" Topaz asked as she and Rouge reached them, removing her sunglasses as well.
"No Topaz," said Omega. "We are fine."
Rouge noticed Shadow's silence and looked over to him.

"You okay Shad?"
Shadow looked to her, his smirk appearing.

"Couldn't be better."
Topaz smirked as well.

"Now that's what I like to hear!
Rouge smiled softly at Shadow, her cheeks going slightly pink at seeing his smirk.

"Since we are all together now," Omega began. "Shall we go see the commanders?"
"Sure," said Topaz.

"But remember guys, me and Rouge were the only ones who were supposed to report here today. How're you both gonna explain why you're here?"
"Simple," Shadow answered in a casual voice. "Where one of us goes, the others follow."
"That is affirmative," Omega agreed.
Rouge smiled softly at them.

"Thanks."
"You don't have to thank us Rouge," said Shadow as he looked at her. "That's what friends are for. You taught me that."

Blushing slightly more, Rouge placed a hand on her hip while grinning. "I guess I did. Well, you taught me a lot too Shad."
Topaz couldn't help but smile at the three of them before clapping her hands, getting their attention. "As much as I'm loving this tender and sweet moment, let's roll people! We've got business to take care of!"
"Good idea Topaz," said Rouge. "Let's go."

Leading the way, Rouge entered the HQ with everyone following behind her. Greeting some of the agents they passes, the four of them eventually reached the entrance leading to the commanders' room. "Well, here we are," said the bat before knocking on the door.
"Enter."
Upon hearing Abraham's voice, Rouge and Topaz entered the room, seeing Abraham and Samson seated inside at a large table. Upon seeing the agents enter, both commanders stood to attention.
"Good day commanders," Rouge greeted as she and Topaz saluted
Samson, along with Abraham, saluted back. "Good day to you both as well."
Abraham cleared his throat and was about to speak but he saw Shadow and Omega enter the room as well. "Shadow. Omega."
Shadow went to stand beside Rouge and saluted. "Reporting for duty sir."
"Duty?" Abraham repeated, raising one of his eyebrows. "Neither you nor Omega were summoned to be here this morning."
Rouge chuckled and stood in her usual confident demeanour – a hand on her hip and a smirk on her face. "Birds of a feather flock together sir."
Samson couldn't help but smirk as well. "Indeed. We should've seen this coming Abraham."
The silver-haired man shook his head, a small smile appearing on his face. "I couldn't agree with you more."
Shadow lowered his hand and crosses his arms. "We understand the importance of the mission given to Rouge and Topaz sirs," he began. "Omega and I want to lend not only our support but our skills in the field as well to help them accomplish it and bring those punks down."
Omega moved its head in a nodding motion, agreeing with the hedgehog.

"Dedication and teamwork," Samson said with an approving smile. "I like that."
"The exact qualities that had made the three of you a great unit," Abraham added.
Topaz stepped up and spoke then.

"I'm sure that Rouge and I would've been able to handle this ourselves." A grin appeared on her face. "But a little help wouldn't hurt anything."
"Yep! That's right!" Rouge said, smiling at her friend.

Abraham turned his attention to Shadow and Omega. "And are you both sure?"
"Without a doubt," Shadow smirked.
"Affirmative!" Omega answered.
Abraham nodded his head after hearing their responses. "Very well. Shadow, Omega, you both will be joining Rouge and Topaz."
"Sweet!" Rouge cheered, happy that her friends would be coming along. "One big team!"
Samson smiled as he looked at the agents before him. "It's good to see some agents willing to work together, even if they weren't summoned in the first place."
"Yes," said Abraham. "It shows how deep their bond goes."
"And that bond we cannot deny them," said Samson. "Okay, it's decided."

Rouge looked at her three friends, happy to know that all of them were going to be going on the mission together.
"And on that note," Abraham said before taking a seat. "Shall we get down to business?"
Shadow nodded his head.

"Yeah, let's."
Samson had a seat as well.

"Everyone, feel free to sit down."
Rouge nodded and sat down, as did Shadow and Topaz. Omega was fine standing so it remained on its feet.

"As it stands now," said Abraham. "The four of you are the only agents who know of this operation."
Rouge nodded, waiting to hear further instructions before she heard a few beeps come from Omega and she looked over to the robot.
"I have been trying to get readings on any and all suspicious activities," it said. "But so far, no luck."
A frown appeared on Topaz's face as she heard that. "You'd think we would've got something on them by now."
Abraham leaned back in his seat, a thoughtful look coming to his face.

"Hmm, the secretive bunch."
"Indeed they are," Samson agreed.

Rouge was a bit irritated as well. "Omega's always been good at getting a lock on someone or something."
Abraham thought a bit longer before coming to a decision. "We were hoping that Omega would perhaps have gotten some information. But seeing as how that's not the case, we go with our original plan." He turned his attention to Rouge and Topaz.

A knowing smirk came across the blonde agent's face. "A little espionage."
Rouge smirked along with her and sat up straight, ready to listen.

"Right you are Topaz," said Abraham. "We've been hard at work on our end here trying to think of possible spots to begin looking for clues.
We've narrowed the search pool to one location – Blade City. Have any of you heard of it?"
Shadow narrowed his eyes before closing them. "The rundown city overrun with gang members right?"
"Yeah, I've heard of that place too," said Rouge. "Not the sort of place anyone would want to go near, let alone venture into if you valued your life."
A few more beeps came from Omega.

"Mafia, gang activity, smell of drugs and blood linger in the air there."
"Sounds like just the place that a group of thugs wanting to start something with us would be!" said Topaz.
Abraham nodded.

"Those were my thoughts exactly Topaz."
Samson's eyes narrowed as he thought of the city.

"Yes. Blade City has always been a nesting ground for those up to no good."
Shadow opened his eyes, a determined look on his face.

"Well then, it looks like we know where we're heading."
"I'm ready for anything!" Rouge said confidently. "A city of thugs doesn't scare me!"
"Same here!" Topaz added. "Compared to the things we've been through, this is nothing!"

"You got that right!" said Rouge as she and Topaz high-fived each other.
Samson smiled a hearty smile. "You are indeed confident, which we all know you to be, and it pleases us."
Abraham couldn't agree more.

"Rouge, Topaz, your mission will be to scout the city for any clues as to who's responsible for the threats against us."
Topaz nodded and saluted.

"Got it sir!"
Rouge saluted as well.
The silver-haired commander then turned his attention to Shadow and Omega.

"Shadow, Omega, you both will assist Rouge and Topaz in Blade City. Because the city has long since been abandoned we aren't familiar with the layout. Given there's a chance that we may have to make than one trip there, we'll need to know what the area is like now."

He looked to Omega. "Omega, your number one priority will be to scan the city and send the results back to HQ."
"Affirmative Commander Abraham," the robot responded.
"And Shadow," said Samson. "Your Chaos powers will be of great use."
Shadow nodded.
"He's right," Rouge said, smiling. "I believe your Chaos Control will help us make a quick getaway if we need to."

"Alright," said Shadow. "I'm on it."

Abraham nodded before looking at the four agents.

"Okay. You all have your assignments."
"Sure do!" said Rouge.
"Affirmative!" Omega added.
"Very well," said Samson. "You all will depart for Blade City within one hour by way of helicopter. Take that time to prepare yourselves for the mission ahead."
"Will so sir!" said Rouge as she stood and, along with the others, saluted to the commanders. Giving her friends a nod, all four of the agents left the room, heading out to prepare themselves for their mission, leaving the two commanders in the room.
Abraham kept a confident look on his face as he watched them leave.

"With Shadow and Omega joining them on this mission, it should go a lot more smoothly. This threat will be handled and taken care of."
Samson nodded his head in agreement.

So the gang have been given their assignments, what will happen when they venture to Blade City.

Tune in to find out more!