Ridley looked around in his bar, making sure everyone had a drink in their hands. This evening was a full house, then again, a lot of the evenings lately have been. There hasn't been much to do for the people here but get drunk or work out in the hologram rooms. Zebes is a pretty boring place if you hate exploring dangerous planets.

Sitting at the bar right now, from one end to another, was Charlie, Chad, Darkmega, Zhang He, Anna, Jak and Daxter, Zhang Liao, Samus, Yan Liang and Wen Chou. They all seemed quite content right now…well, except for Chad. Ridley could see he wasn't happy with his current situation of babysitting.

Yan Liang and Wen Chou were the generals of Yuan Shao's army, his personnel champions, as he likes to see them as. They were muscled like tanks and wore tough, steel golden coloured armour, but they like to drink more then fight. Yan Liang was the brighter light bulb of the duo, while Wen Chou was the one who would smack his head against a wall just to prove a point his skull was thick.

Anna was enjoying herself right now, just ordered another Blue Blurr, and taking a sip of it, before looking at Ridley. "Ya know Ridley, I gotta ask you…what IS this made of?"

This was the question Ridley dread. He looked at her. "Well, I'm not sure if you wanna hear it Anna, I mean, after the last drink you enjoyed then hated because of it's contents…"

Anna was kinda hoping that wouldn't be the reply. She looked at the drink carefully, in worry, and then looked at Ridley again. "Ridley…what's in it?"

"Well Anna, the purple part is made of Tajon berries. There's a ton of 'em in Brinstar. I just mixed them with a little bit of alcohol."

Anna sighed in relief. She knew what they were and knew they were safe, maybe this wasn't going to be so bad afterall. "And the blue part?"

"Wellll…ya know the species that live on the planet, Ki Hunters? Well, it's from them, actually from their faeces. See, when they crap, they leave a blue residue on the stuff. If you collect it within three to five hours after, it's actually safe and drinkable. I store it in containers. Me and the pirates used to have shots of the liquid, goes down a treat for us, high in alcohol content too-"

Anna was gone.

She had shot out of the bar, running down the corridors to find the nearest toilets to vomit up in. Zhang He had left his drink to follow her.

Zhang Liao looked at Ridley in surprise. "You actually gave her slime off shit to drink?…can I have one?"

Ridley shook his head. that's another drink Anna will never touch again. He soon saw Samus moving her glass towards his side of the bar. "Ridley. Another GF basic." Samus was looking in her tipsy stage of the evening, her face going a little red. Ridley knew now was the time to start counting down her drinks, from five.

As he poured out a pint of beer for her in her same old glass, he never understood why she always wanted the cheapest beer around. Galactic Federation Planetary Beer as it was called, tasted no better then piss from any creature. Granted the benefit was it only costs 50 gil a pint, and it had a decent alcohol content, but still, she could go for a better tasting one.

She drop the gil on the side as Ridley passed her the glass and took the money. "thanks" she mumbled, before beginning to drink that pint down.

Darkmega was drinking a pint of the same stuff. After seeing Anna go by, he smirked and looked at Chad. "Oh dear, looks like your girlfriend is a little ill Chad. Maybe you should go and see to her? Oh wait! You can't! you gotta watch me! And I have no intention of watching you observe her vomit!"

Chad glared at him. For the whole day today his been stuck with Darkmega, and it's really gotten to a point where he could snap. "She's not my girlfriend."

"Oh she isn't? awwww poor Chad. No girlfriend. Is it because the tool you got is a little too small for her? Is it perhaps your just a poor moron?"

His been picking on Chad like no tomorrow thanks to Dr Light informing Chad that Darkmega is not to be harmed by him or anyone in the base. "Oh shut up."

"Nah, I'd rather not. See, I might as well enjoy myself because sooner or later Unicron is gonna eat us all up. I can taunt and annoy you day in, day out. And you gotta take it, because Dr Light doesn't want me harmed, I'm a good guy now, and there's no-"

Smack.

Darkmega found himself on the floor, with pain going through his right cheek. Chad was standing up now, looking down at him in anger, his left hand clenched into a fist. He stormed out of the bar, unable to stay there. Darkmega was stunned. Something in him had just resurfaced, something he felt when he was saved by that old man.

Fear. For a moment, he feared Chad was going to do far more, fear that Chad was able to very much hit him, against what Dr Light had said. Charlie and Ridley had soon helped Darkmega back on his feet, and got him to sit down. "Hey, you alright?" Charlie asked.

Darkmega could only nod, as he was watching the door.

On the Planet Gaia VII, in a place called Junior harbour, there was a meeting going on. A meeting of the High Ministers of the Galactic Federation.

They often use this place for regular meetings, updates on current events and funds and such. Ever since Keaton has been seen as a puppet emperor to them, their meetings have increased, to keep checks on what was going, on things which the emperor would be doing.

There was 14 of them present, all sitting at a long, wooden table, all preparing themselves. The High Ministers consist of 10 humans, which to them, must be that amount, and all from within the Galactic Federation, and 5 outsiders, all from outside the GF itself, but their homes and forces are in an alliance with them, if only just to stop them getting aggressive and attacking.

One outsider was King Mickey. He decided that for the best, the worlds that were under his care should agree to the GF's terms when they first arrived. He refused to try any sort of war with a much larger enemy. The terms included their policy of world order be removed, and that all communications between their planets must be restored, much to the dismay of Mickey, as it had taken a very long time to create that order.

Another was King Tulbull. Lord of the species of Sayians which hold several dozen worlds bordered near the Farside, in a neutral, aka non-trade alliance with the GF, the Wisdom Sayians. They are known for their vast knowledge and power. They have black hair, rather skinny frames and no tails, and often speak in a calm and confident manner, unless someone really messes them around. They refused to make trade routes because they felt that the GF was a 'fleeting' thing, that it will fade away and be taken over by something else.

Next to him was Aldaris, head of the race known as the Protoss. They have stayed allied with the human empire since the founding days of SCI. Of all outsiders, Aldaris is the one that normally gets listened to if any suggestions for policies and ideas come from him, as the human High Ministers hold the most respect for him.

The Protoss had been known for helping isolating and trapping the Zerg on contained planets, and even assisting in the suppression of several large criminal groups in the GF. They have been assisting in monitoring the Drakon Empire, even making the odd attempt at invading their planet, but so far, with or without GF support, they haven't won.

Across to the other side of the table, was a creature that required no seat to rest on, as he had no legs. He was the head of the Hero Ministry, which normally keep an eye on all the known listed heroes within the GF, due to having so many, and pays them monthly for being a member and gives them extra for doing good deeds and such.

His name to the public is Back Lo Dom. To the ministers and Keaton, it's Black Doom, head of not only the Ministry, but once of his own race, the Black Arms, who have long since to his claims, taken control of themselves. His not actually seen in any public news, as he often allows Captain America, his Second in command, to handle public things, thus making him known in name only.

His race, the Black Arms, are a force just on the edge of the GF territory. To Black Dooms claims, they have acted by themselves lately, as his focus has been the Ministry, and begun a three way struggle between themselves, the Protoss and the GF for the Drakon Empire's planet, being a third party force, trying to invade the planet whenever they possibly could. So far, along with the others, they have been defeated. They've also begun wars just outside the GF territory against several different species. The High Ministry feel they aren't a direct threat to their empire, and have left them to do whatever they want, as they lack any special technology or knowledge.

Besides him was his rival in the business. A cruel woman with a heart of stone and a dark aura around her. Her name was Maleficent, and she was head of the Villain Ministry, who are the polar opposite to the Hero Ministry in it's members. They get paid monthly, and get paid extra for any notable evil deeds.

Unlike what many people think, they have an agreed term with the Hero Ministry, as both sides need to keep the other going in order to keep themselves going. If the Villain Ministry was defeated and disbanded, the Hero Ministry would slowly fade away, and vice versa…kind of. Unlike the Hero Ministry, the Villain one has made aggressive moves on the GF now and then, but that's only to spark public interest and give out big work to both sides.

There was only 9 human members today because, once again, Yuan Shao failed to turn up, for the 12th time running. He often forgets the day, or just simply fails to check his messages sent to him to remind him. Either way, it's an impressive feat if he ever turns up.

A man with medium long blonde hair and green eyes, looking in his 40s stood up, looking at them all. This was Dante Yuki. He could be classed as the head of them, as he often begins the meetings and ends them with their next objectives. The objectives used to come home the top, the actual emperor, but since Keaton was simply a puppet emperor, Dante Yuki was pretty much calling the shots, with the other human Ministers.

"Everyone, welcome once again. I see the usual has not turned up, and we can safely say he won't. no doubt his business with those heroes isolated on Zebes is more important. Now, down to business. First things first, I would like to give out congratulations to Maleficent and Black Doom for their roles in promoting not only their heroes and villains, but also our GF force. Although there were damages to streets and such on the planet Kigh II, the coalitions of villains versus the heroes really made the people grateful for our police force.

And we must give a special thank you to Maleficent especially. The underground villain base that Magneto founded had actually stumbled upon a gold mine. We'll soon be collecting from there, and of course, Maleficent and her villains will get their share of the profits."

There was a positive murmur going around.

"Of course, with the good news, there is some bad news. I'm sure some of you already know, but it appears we have a problem. A big problem. A machine like planet has entered our territory, along with it, reports of Borg activity, an old enemy to the United Federation of Planets, who, along with the Galactic Empire, have been sending messages, asking for a truce. Now this wouldn't be a worrying thing since our forces are well trained and effective at their job, but the issue is, people have been saying it's…Unicron. And that its because of him, that our neighbour empires have been trying to contact us."

Well so much for the positive murmur. Panic was seen in several of the Ministers, Mickey was the first to speak up. "Unicron?! The planet destroyer?! I thought he was just legend, a myth? Not real!"

Black Doom shook his head. "Unicron, is very much real. The writings of the Chozo had shown the exploits of Primus and Unicron, and anything the Chozo had recorded down, is hardly a myth. They had no doubt expected him to return. But time has passed, our technology is great, we can remove him without the need of a great hero like Primus."

Maleficent nodded in agreement. "Of course. Unicron will not expect the power we have gained from all this time. I suggest to all of you, that we prepare a military force at once, to intercept Unicron before he proceeds any further into our territory. The quicker we remove him, the less panic and loss of profits he'll create for us."

An old man, bald, and withered looking, with blue eyes looked at her. "Oh? And do you think Keaton will accept? His obsessed with those heroes that have evaded your laws Black doom, the ones that Yuan Shao hides with. He won't bother with Unicron. I doubt he even believes in the days of Primus!"

Maleficent leaned back in her chair, with a sly smile. "There is a way to make him…promise him the seat of power."

There was silence.

The someone spoke up. "You what!? We can't give someone like him the seat of power! He'll have us removed!" this came from one of the ladies of the humans. The other humans nodded.

Maleficent chuckled. "Oh? But if we promise him the seat, he'll no doubt send himself and a grand force to remove Unicron. And if he succeeds, we can always send the blame back at those he hates most, say that they had forged the message. Can we not?"

There was silence. Mickey shook his head. "We can't blame them. We should keep to our word if Keaton succeeds. He might even help restore complete order afterall."

Aldaris agreed with him. "Yes, we need an emperor instead of trying to control things ourselves. The people need someone to look up to. As much as he is arrogant, he is a known figure to the public."

Dante looked at him. "Oh? And you want him to hunt us down one by one for denying him the seat for so long and stripping us of power, taking complete control of all your territories? No, I'm sorry Aldaris, but this time I think we'll go with Maleficent. We'll promise him the seat to divert his attention away from the meager group and go after Unicron and this Borg threat, and more so, cement our relations with our former enemies the United Federation of Planets and the Galactic Empire. All in favour?"

Everyone but Mickey and Aldaris raised their hands. Mickey knew they would do this, but he had no means of stopping them, and of course, he knew that there would never be a 'those against' vote. If Dante and the humans felt it was the best course of action, that's it.

Dante Smiled. "Excellent. Now, we should move on to less urgent news. Once again our profits in trading have dropped lately…"

Roll was on her way to see her OP Maylu, and there friends the Net Navi Gutsman and Dex, the OP of Gutsman, when down the corridor she was heading, she saw Chad storming up and about to go by. He looked pissed, extremely.

"Chad?" she said. He seemed to ignore her, until she grabbed onto his shoulder. "Chad! Are you okay?"

He looked at her, and he wanted to tell her to leave him alone, but just by looking at her, he didn't have the heart to. "Roll, it's just Darkmega okay? He comes in here acting like nothings happened! I mean, how can those old geezers do this!? I'm certainly not going to forget the fact he drove everyone here off Earth and made you lot go into hiding! I can't be his watcher if I want to slice his guts open every 5 seconds!"

She understood him. She feels the same about Darkmega right now, but she knows that the docs do a lot of things for reasons they can't really think of, and some of the times the reasons are good ones. "Chad, I understand completely, but you have to push the anger aside with him. The docs saved him for a reason."

"Roll, what good reason could there-"

"I don't know Chad. I don't. we just need to have a little faith in them. Look, lets go outside and get some fresh air, it'll do you some good I think. Please?"

Chad agreed to it. Some fresh air would do him good right now. As much as this underground base was vented, it was still feeling dusty and cramped. They left together, heading to the clearing nearby the base.

They soon sat down together, looking up at the twin Blue moons of Zebes. Chad, the second he sat down, cursed himself for forgetting the rain earlier. As much as it had stopped raining, the ground was soaked, and now were his trousers. Roll was lucky, the Navi suit fabric was waterproof. All she had to put up with was the fact it was cold on her rear.

Soon, Roll got Chad talking about his time spent with Darkmega…and it seemed each and every minute they spent together, Chad was getting closer and closer to going apeshit on him. Darkmega had annoyed him on every moment, at every turn. Chad was one to shrug things like that off, but Darkmega was slowly drilling into him, and soon he explained about the bar incident.

"-I just snapped. He made me snap at him. The urge to hit him was too much Roll. He had gotten on my nerves enough. I needed to take action."

Roll was fixed on the moons, as was Chad. "Do you feel bad about doing it now?"

"Honestly? No, no I don't. it felt right. And he didn't fight back, he just stayed down while I left."

"Maybe he knows he went too far with you Chad. Maybe his coming to a point of understanding that there are limits."

Chad chuckled coldly. "Hell no Roll, his just waiting for the right time to backstab us. that's all, you wait and see."

Roll frowned at him a little. "Now don't be like that Chad, think positive, alright? What you need is someone to get your mind off Darkmega…like a girl, friend, if you know what I mean?"

Chad looked at her, with one eyebrow raised. "Oh? And who would go out with me? I mean I ain't really boyfriend material ya know."

Roll looked right at him, looking into his eyes. Her heart seemed to jump, something in her shouted to her to say 'I would go out with you.', but her mind was suppressing the urge, it wasn't right, it just wouldn't work, afterall, there was one other girl that wanted Chad.

Roll had a choice in her mind, attempt with Chad, lose Anna, tell Chad about Anna, keep both as friends.

In a panicked mind, the choice was clear. "Wellll…I know Anna has been thinking about you in that way Chad."

Chad chuckled, feeling a little sheepish now. "…Ah right, Anna. Yeah…She kinda does dig me, doesn't she? But, how can I be entirely sure Roll? I mean, what if she's just wants a really close friend?"

Roll smiled. "Well maybe the only way you're gonna find it is by asking her out. I mean, afterall, if she likes you, she'll agree to it. If she doesn't…well you can always try to win her heart over."

Chad shook his head. "No no no no no. I can't ask her out. She'll never talk to me again Roll, I mean-"

"Just…try, okay? It'll do you a world of good."

The mobian boy sighed in defeat. "Alright Roll, I'll try…"

Roll nodded in approval. Deep down she knew she blew a chance, but she'd rather have her friends, then possibly lose both. Chad just felt worried about the whole thing right now.

"Listen, let's go back inside Roll, I need to get some rest and change my clothing now."

It was around 2 in the morning, when Dr Light was seen in the lab, sitting at the computer, drinking a cup of black coffee, checking through the files.

Everything was normal as always, until he heard the radar beeping, meaning something had come in range of the planet. He checked, and the relaxed feeling had gone…into full blown panic.

The radar had identified the a GF warship coming into orbit…the ship being Keaton's flagship.

Dr Light quickly called Dr Wily on the com-link, and within several minutes, Wily came in. "What do you mean by it's very bad news Thomas?"

"Look!" Dr Light quickly pointed out what their radar was picking up.

"…Aw hell, I knew that git wouldn't stay away from us! What does he want now?" Dr Wily grumbled in annoyance.

"Whatever it is, it'll be worse if he finds Darkmega here!"

Dr Wily looked at him, confused…then it dawned on him. "Oh…oh shit! We need to get him hidden away!"

Dr Light nodded. "Agreed, as quickly as possible. Call Chad, get him to take Darkmega into Zebes itself."

Dr Wily got on his com-link and tried to call Chad…

To the unfortunate doc, Chad was sound asleep in his bed, with his com-link tossed on the floor, with a pile of clothes on top of it. Wily could just be heard shouting his head off, demanding the idiot to get up right now and answer the damn com-link. Chad simply mumbled "In a few minutes…", rolled over, and stayed asleep.

Dr Wily turned off the com-link and cursed. "Thomas, we got a problem. The brat doesn't seem to either hear his com-link, or his being an asshole."

Dr Light quickly thought of a new plan, stroking his beard a little. "Albert, perhaps we should contact Medi instead. Get her to go with Ridley and Darkmega. Ridley knows the outline of the planet more than any of us. Tell them to take Rock and Blues with them. They'll protect them from anything that might attack in the planet."

Dr Wily agreed, and quickly called up Medi.

Darkmega was in his room at that time. He hadn't slept, instead, he was sitting at the edge of his bed, thinking back over and over to the bar, that punch he felt…he couldn't understand the fact he felt fear. He mumbled to himself. "I'm a dark soul, yet…I felt terror. This can't be right though, I shouldn't be able to feel it…"

"That….that old man…when he came, I felt it then as well…did he do something to me? Did he effect what I am? Did he-"

Darkmega then heard someone knocking on his door rather hard. He sighed in annoyance and walked over, opening it, to find Medi standing there. She quickly said. "Darkmega we need to leave! Right now!"

"Right now? Where to? Why? Is there an angry mob wanting me out or something?"

Medi grabbed his hand and pretty much forced him to follow her out of his room, into the corridor. "It's the Galactic Federation Darkmega! They've come to the planet! We need to hide you right now! Come on! We're going to Ridley's bar!"

She soon started to run, making him follow suit, as she refused to let go of his hand. "Wow. I'm already being hunted down by them? That's a shock to be honest. I thought those guys were meant to be slow on the uptake?"

Medi looked at him as they went. "It's just a precaution! If you were found with the rest of us then the GF would have a pretty damn good reason to arrest us all after what happened with you!"

Darkmega thought about this for a moment, as they got close to Ridley's bar, and nodded. "Ah, good point. I guess they would arrest you lot for hiding me."

As soon as they both entered the Bar, They came face to face with Blues. Behind him, waiting near the Bar itself, was Ridley, Rock, Zhang Liao, Samus, and Sun Jian.

Blues and Rock were Robots created by Dr Light a many years ago to counter Wily's threats which didn't include the net. The anti weapons to the Robot Masters, which had worked greatly. Now they were members of the base, working for their father.

Blues spoke, the second Medi and Darkmega got in. "Alright, we're all to follow Ridley to the back passage to the Planet Zebes, once we reach the place he called Brinstar, we'll discuss an effective area to hide in, incase the Galactic Federation attempt to search around for us."

Ridley nodded. "It's a good area to get yourself lost in Darkmega, perfect for what we need right now. Everyone, this way! Bars closed!" He left the bar, along with Medi, Blues, Rock, Sun Jian and Darkmega. Leaving Zhang Liao looking at Samus, who didn't move for a moment.

"…Samus, we must go."

"But…all…this booze, unguarded…"

Zhang Liao sighed, and grabbed her arm, trying to move her. She didn't move an inch for a moment, but then gave in and went with him. "That poor booze, left to get dirty, disused…"

They were all going to the 35th corridor, the furthest one in the base, which had several rooms for storage, and the door at the back led into a rocky tunnel, which in turn, leads to Brinstar. This was Ridley's way in and out of the base to collect his ingredients. As they entered the tunnel, once they all got through the door, Blues made sure the door was shut, then got on his com-link. "Yo, Dad. We're through, lockdown the door."

There was a clicking sound, then, silence…before Dr Light spoke on Blues com-link. "Done. Good luck down there. Dr Light out."

Sun Jian turned to Ridley, as Medi breathed a sigh of relief. "So, what kind of creatures could there be on this planet that's dangerous to us? Especially in this Brinstar?"

Ridley was surprised. "You've never bothered to come down here?"

"Ridley, Dad did tell everyone to avoid the inner sections of the planet." Rock said.

Samus smiled. "Oh his just being too worried Rock. Ridley, take the lead, I'll tell'em what's what." As Ridley begun to lead them down the dark, rocky tunnel to the light at the end of it. "Well, where shall we start…We got Beetoms, Boyons, Cacatacs, Geegas, Ki-Hunters, Mellows, Metarees, Reos, Rippers, Sidehoppers, Wavers, Zoomers and Yapping Maws…which one to you wanna hear about first?"

For Sun Jian, suddenly the idea of coming down with these people didn't sound such a good one afterall…

On the planet's surface, at least 15 transport ships landed. Coming out of 12 of them were GF troopers, from the others, were Keaton, Master Chief, Grievous,and a few extra hands they brought along to assist them. They were Vile, from Earth XI, Flame Stag from the same planet, Shadow, Rouge and Omega E123 from Mobius, the Net Navi Colonel from Earth X and Solid Snake from Earth VIII.

Vile, Flame Stag, Colonel and Solid Snake were all members of Unit 666 at one point. The first two, once the Unit was disbanded, joined up with a robot called Sigma in a Earth XI rebellion several years ago, but later returned to service once Grievous came back. To remind themselves and others of who they are, they all wear a golden dog tag around their necks, all with their names, and their old units number.

Colonel is a Net Navi that served the now deceased Colonel Barrel. They both served in the Unit back when it was founded, and had proved to be some of the finest men in it. Once it had died off, he stayed within the Galactic Federation, rising in ranks as the time goes by.

Solid Snake was a latecomer to the Unit, although he proved to be indispensable with his sneaking abilities. He had left the GF for a time, choosing to relax and sit back in life, but once war had begun against Darkmega two years ago, he was back in the force, ready as ever.

Shadow, Rouge and Omega E123 were residents of the Planet Mobius. Their known as 'Team Dark', dedicated to help out, so long as there was treasure included… although that was before they were hired by the GF for prolonged reasons, by Robotnik, and for small pay too. Shadow is known as the ultimate lifeform to many. Fast, agile, and effective in combat, his the tracker of the three.

Omega E123 is the guns of them. A machine created by Robotnik, he once wanted nothing more then revenge against his creator. But as time moved on, so did his objectives, and now he simply adds the other two in whatever they want, as Robotnik is too risky of a target to attack nowadays due to his rank in the GF.

Rouge the Bat is the leader. She gets them the jobs, and sorts out the reward between them. She hates working for Keaton due to his personal hatred towards mobians, believing they are a 'furry menace, no matter what.'. she has a profound addiction to diamonds, jewels and…anything shiny really.

Keaton looked at Master Chief, as his men were getting themselves organized into squads. "You'll command the troops to explore the entire base as soon as I have made contact with Dr Thomas Light and Dr Albert Wily. Look for Dark Megaman!"

Master Chief nodded, heading over to where the troops were, as Grievous went over to the main door, looking at it carefully. He then noticed a computer screen with a red button near it. He stepped over and pressed the button.

A female voice said "Password please. Please complete the following: the darkness is hated by all…."

Grievous thought about this for a moment. He looked at the screen…

And thought about it….

And thought about it….

And then pulled out his lightsaber and slashed the computer screen, along with the button.

The door opened. Keaton walked over with Shadow, Rouge, Omega, Vile, Flame Stag, Colonel and Snake, commenting "Well Grievous, I see you still know how to get things done in the simple manner. Now lets find these heroes and deal with this 'little' problem.."

Dr Light was already in the main room, waiting, as was Dr Wily and his son Dr Regal. Dr Yuichiro had just come out of the labs. "Father! They've got through the main door!"

Dr Wily looked impressed. "They actually got through the question? Those idiots? I'm surprised."

Dr Yuichiro shook his head. "Grievous just used his lightsaber to destroy the control panel!"

"Oh…" Dr Wily shrugged. "That's nothing different then. Shame, I was hoping they were starting to get some intelligence." He turned to Dr Light. "So Thomas, got any ideas on the excuses we can pull incase it IS Darkmega his after?"

Dr Light looked like he was thinking before responding "I'm sorry Keaton, but your Dark Soul is in another hero base?"

"Eh, good enough I suppose."

They went silent, as Keaton stepped in, with his men behind him. The four doctors lined up, as Keaton calmly approached them. Grievous and the others stood back, while Master Chief entered, with the troops. "Ah, Thomas Light, Albert Wily, and the kids…it's been awhile since we've spoken in person, hasn't it?"

Dr Wily gave him a warning glare. "And what's with the troops Keaton? Don't tell me you've chosen to backstab the High Ministers for personal revenge on us?"

"Oh nothing of the sort Albert. I'm…after something which is highly dangerous to the Galactic Federation. And it's something YOU have."

Dr Light looked surprised. "Oh? We do? Well I'm sure you removed the crazed cyborgs already…"

Keaton chuckled. "Oh no Thomas, nothing so tedious…see, your son has informed me about a certain creature in your hands again, after all that it did to the Galactic Federation and yourselves, I'm surprised you've even got it."

Dr Light quickly looked at his son in disbelief. "You…you told him about…?"

Yuichiro nodded grimly.

Keaton motioned to his troops. "Now, my men will be doing a search, room by room, for this Dark Megaman character. I expect all of your people to behave in a cooperate manner for this visit. I suggest you call them about the search and inform them that if we encounter ANY, resistance…we will kill."

Dr Light nodded in understanding, and looked at his son, in anger, before getting on his com-link, to inform everyone about what was going on. All he could hope, is that those heading into Zebes hide Darkmega well…

The wild jungle floors of Brinstar…it was warm, stuffy, filled with sweet scents of flowers and grass, a lot of the said flowers aiming to lure creatures that reside in this place to their deaths.

The strange thing with Brinstar is that all of it's jungle life is mostly underground, with few patches on the planet surface. It's believed that all the plant life requires no sunlight to survive, adapted with millions of years of evolution, and no doubt, some help from the space pirates, and several species that reside here are food to them, as Ridley pointed out to the others as they journeyed deeper into the underground world.

They had encountered a few of the wild life, but Ridley and Samus had disposed of them before they even got close. They has become the head of the group, making sure everyone else was okay. For them, this was a turn of situations. Normally Samus would be hunting around for Ridley, not standing side by side with him…but of course, times have come and gone, things are different.

They had got quite far already, according to the space dragon and the chozo armor wearing woman, to the others, especially Medi, it was exhausting, with the amount of jumping around they had to do. Brinstar was filled with platforms made by both space pirates and natural elements. Some jumps they just couldn't do without Ridley to help them.

They had all just reached another platform, with a Sidehopper noticing them, while standing on it, a large yellow like insect with two legs, with a head attracted in-between. A growl from Ridley was enough to make it jump off to a different platform instead of facing him.

Medi was panting from that jump. "Guys, guys, I need to stop. I can't go on without having some rest. I used the area steal chip several times previously…"

Blues looked at her, then the others. Sun Jian and Zhang Liao did look tired out, while Darkmega seemed just about okay. He turned to Ridley and Samus. "Hold up. We'll have a break."

They all sat down eventually, with Ridley sitting at one end of the platform, and Samus at the other, watching for any hostile creatures, while the rest get a breather.

Darkmega was watching Medi, as she sat near him, looking around at Brinstar, before turning her attention to him. "Hey, are you okay Darkmega? How are you holding up?"

Darkmega smiled. "I'm good. What about you? You seemed especially tired out. Not used to jumping around?"

Medi shook her head. "I haven't been moving around much lately. Haven't had time off to go to the hologram room to keep my energy up. Been slacking off lately you could say."

Darkmega looked a little surprised, looking at her body. "You shouldn't do that, might ruin that great figure you got."

Medi smiled at him for that comment. "Aww, that's so sweet of you."

Blues went over to Ridley, sitting near him. "So, what's the plan Rid? How far are we gonna go?"

Ridley was still watching around as he replied. " Places where the GF would have trouble like Norfair and Maridia are out of the question for several of us. We have the crashed ship site of the ancient Chozo on the surface. It's haunted, but I doubt the Federation would look into it. Brinstar depths would be a nice bet too. I doubt they would go that far."

"…Brinstar depths it is then. We don't need anyone spooked right now, so that's the best spot. We'll give them 20 minutes recovery time, then we'll move on, alright?"

"Alright." Ridley agreed.

It hadn't taken long for Keaton's men to search the base, and when they came back, their report of a lack of Darkmega seemed to annoy Keaton, as he looked at the doctors, in a way that said 'but his here, and your hiding him from me.'.

Keaton straightened himself up, looking at Dr Light and Wily. "So, where is he then?"

Dr Light sternly said "Erased Keaton. Gone. Nothing left."

Keaton tuts. "Now now Thomas, let's not lie to each other. I can't see you performing such an act on a specimen like him…no, I think you've got him on the run on this planet, no doubt with a few of your friends here. That's okay though…"

He turned towards Rouge, Shadow and Omega, and motioned them over to him. "You three will go into the planets underground section called Brinstar and begin the search."

They stayed silent for a moment, before Rouge spoke up. "And what's the pay?"

"The pay is that I don't chuck you punks into the slammer and give you a death penalty. Is that understood Mobian?"

Rouge glared at him. She never liked this asshole, ever. His feelings towards her species is well known. "Yes, sir…" she waves her hand at Shadow and Omega, and leaves down one of the corridors, with them in tow.

Keaton smiled, then turned his attention to Grievous. "General, get yourself, Master Chief, Snake and Colonel, with the men to round up everyone here. They are all under arrest for possible dangerous activity to the peace and prosperity of the Galactic Federation."

Dr Wily quickly, in fury, reacted to this. "What!? You can't arrest us Keaton! You have nothing to prove we've done anything wrong!"

Keaton turned back to the doctors, and looked at Dr Wily with a grin on his face, a grin that showed he felt like he had a victory. "Oh, I think the letter from Thomas' son is a good start Albert, once we get Dark Megaman, that'll be all the evidence I need against you outside heroes."

"WHY YOU-" Dr Wily was about to move towards Keaton, with his walking stick to smack him around, but Dr Light held his shoulder to stop him.

"Albert, there's no point. We just have to comply, that's all…." He looked at Keaton. "Alright Keaton, we will come quietly. Let me inform everyone about this."

The Grand Commander accepted it. "Fine Thomas, but hurry it up, I want to get out of this dump soon."

While Dr Light was contacting everyone, Keaton walked over to Flame Stag and Vile, who were standing at attention, awaiting orders. He said to them in a quiet tone. "I want you both to follow those mobians and that robot. Make sure they don't try to disobey. I trust them as much as I trust a Zerg."

Vile nodded and saluted. "Understood Grand Commander."

The group inside Brinstar noticed the place begun to change as they were getting deeper. They had entered a sector that seemed to be all autumn like, with all of it's planets dropping pink to peach colour dust particles, covering the ground. Ridley said the dust is known to cause irritation in the lungs, but it's a place they have to get though.

Zhang Liao could feel his throat already suffering. "How, how far does this go on for Ridley?"

Ridley looked at him, after they had got through one of the many barrier doors placed by the pirates, and checking for any dangerous wild life. "It's not too big this area. A lot of platforms if I recall soon, but after we'll be home free to Brinstar depths."

Medi sighed "More platforms? What is up with this underground maze?"

"Oh, you can blame us for making it hellish. We wanted to try and deny as many visitors as we could back in the days of our operations before Samus came along. You'll love Brinstar depths, plenty of big drops and climbing down to do, along with platforms galore."

Sun Jian couldn't believe it. "So, your saying is, it's only going to get worse from here?"

Ridley nodded. "Oh yeah, hence why we know the GF won't bother going that far. Because no normal people would go that far."

Their journey, with some difficultly with breathing for some, finally led them to a jungle part, which leads to the entrance to the depths. They once again had a stop to take a breather, and let the people who suffered from the particles recover.

Ridley walked over to Zhang Liao, who really was coughing away after breathing in so much of the dust, and bent down near him, reassuring him. "Relax guy, the dust will get out of your system eventually."

Blues sighed. "Looks like this will be a long break before we head out again…Bro, keep an eye out with Samus."

Rock, who was standing next to his brother. Nodded. "Right!"

Darkmega was seen with Medi, and was actually comforting her while she was coughing as bad as Liao. Darkmega had irritated lungs, but he only coughed now and then. Sun Jian was being monitored by Ridley, as well as Zhang Liao was, as he couldn't take deep breaths without going into a fit of coughs.

Darkmega didn't know what was making him act so nice towards the nurse Navi, sure he plans to try and get her to help him, but he doesn't need to do this…but something told him otherwise, and for now, he decided to go with the otherwise. "Hey Medi, it's okay, you'll be fine soon enough. We got through the worst of it now."

Medi could only smile at him a little, before trying again to cough up, as she felt, a lungful of dirt almost.

It was just as Rock had walked over to Samus, Samus had heard something, on a platform nearby, and quickly turned around, pointing her arm cannon to a platform several feet above them.

…there was silence, as Rock looked at her in shock. "…uhh, Samus, is there anything wrong?"

Samus waited for a moment, before lowering her arm cannon. "That platform leads to a door which connects to the upper part of Brinstar…a pathway filled with flesh eating plants…"

Rock raised an eyebrow. "…So?"

Samus looked at him. "I was sure I heard a noise come from it, meaning someone might've followed us."

Rock smiled. "Well, it might be just a little critter Samus, maybe a Zoomer or something…look, don't worry about it. If it was the GF, they would've popped up and ordered us to surrender and come quietly."

Then, a new voice, one certainly not in the group, said. "That's what we was planning to do actually."

Quickly Samus pointed her arm cannon again, as appearing on the edge of the platform above, was Rouge, E123 Omega and Shadow, who was holding one of the legendary Chaos Emeralds, the red coloured one, and the one who said that.

Rock quickly stood next to Samus, aiming his arm cannon, and Ridley soon moved towards them, looking at the intruders. Blues stood where he was, watching the intruders but also keeping an eye on the others who weren't in the best condition to do anything right now.

Rouge smiled, as she noticed Darkmega. "Well well well, I see you guys have gotten quite far with the being Keaton wants. Too bad you'll have to hand him over to us now."

Samus shakes her head a little. "Sorry, but his staying with us. You guys can either fuck off, or prepare to get killed."

Omega looks down at them all. "Comply with our demand. Or be destroyed." He changes one of his hands into a minigun, pointing down at Samus, Rock and Ridley.

Shadow was eyeing up Darkmega, and noticed him, along with three others were in a weakened state right now. He smirked. "We don't even need to deal with them, I'll grab the Navi myself before they even know what happened!"

He raised up the Chaos Emerald shouted "Chaos….CONTROL!" he vanished in a flash of light, and appeared before Samus, Ridley and Rock, before vanishing again, and appearing before Darkmega. As he was about to grab Darkmega though, he heard a roar, and before he knew it, Ridley had quickly reacted to his move, by flying at him, and grabbing him off the ground, JUST avoiding Darkmega and Medi, and making the hedgehog drop the emerald, as he flew over the edge of the platform, and threw Shadow off, sending him down several dozen meters, before he landed on another platform, scaring off a few Skree bats.

Shadow had landed on his feet, able to position himself in midair before landing…and quickly jumped back, as Ridley slammed into the ground with his talons and feet right next to him, growling.

Rouge sighed. "Oh dear, looks like that didn't work out…it's down to you and me then Omega."

"Understood. We will begin termination."

Rock had begun charging his arm cannon. "We can't let them get to Darkmega Samus!"

Samus begun to charge up her arm cannon as well. "Oh this is what I need! A little action on good ol' Zebes!"

Blues walked over to the other two. As he walked by Darkmega, he said "Keep an eye on those three." hinting at Sun Jian, Medi and Zhang Liao. When he arrived with Samus and Rock, he also charged up his arm cannon. "Alright, lets get this over with. Quicker the better."

Shadow, meanwhile, was circling Ridley, walking, as Ridley stood on his feet, slowly following Shadows movement. "You're a space dragon aren't you? Once a head of the space pirates if I'm correct.."

Ridley stretched out his wings. "That's right, a good while ago, but I'm still as dangerous as I was back then, and you've taken on the wrong ex-pirate, mobian."

Shadow closed his eyes for a moment, tutting, before looking at Ridley again, walking a little faster now. "Mobian? I'm more then that dragon, I am the ultimate lifeform, Shadow the Hedgehog, and you've taken on the wrong being."

Ridley prepared his claws now, clenching them a little, before focusing on Shadow, bending down to all fours, his yellow eyes locked on his target. "You certainly won't be a good ultimate lifeform once I rip that spiky head off!"

Shadow turned towards Ridley, stopped his walk. " And I'll make you regret taking me on!" He ran that Ridley, with his jet shoes flaring, as Ridley dive towards him, claws outstretched, mouth wide, letting out a scream of rage…