The War between the Eggman Empire and the Resistance has been raging for six months. Without Sonic and Eggman being supported by his latest weapon, Infinite, the Resistance has been slowly crumbling. Knuckles was in the conference room with the others. He had just finished a debriefing and had a smile on his face despite the dire situation "Okay, let's get going, everybody! The world's not gonna save itself!". Everyone, even the rookie were motivated "Yeah!" they all said together. Everyone got back to work and Knuckles left the room. He headed to his quarters, the further he went through the base the less populated the corridors were. As less people could see him, Knuckles' smile slowly dropped to a glum expression. He entered his room and closed the door behind him making sure to lock it. He stood their in the middle of the room for a moment considering something. He sighed before taking a camera out of a drawer and placing it on a table facing the couch. He started the recording before sitting down and putting his face in his hands. He gave a deep sighed "This is… Knuckles…. Today is...". He needed a moment "What day is it?". He then remembered and he stared blankly forward "It's only been two weeks". He stared directly at the camera "I need to talk about this. I have to justify what's happened… To myself at the very least. I can't tell anyone else. No one. Maybe if I can just put it all out in a log, it can make sense. I can see where I went wrong".
"I guess it started four weeks ago. I was posting the weekly casualty list". In a large hall Knuckles inserted a disc into a control panel that was next to a large screen on the wall. Dozens of people waited behind him wanting to see what was about to appear on the screen "Every Friday morning for the past six months. I've had to put up a list of soldiers and civilians confirmed dead, wounded or missing in the war". Knuckles finished and stepped aside letting everyone view the list of names "It's become a grim ritual around here. A week never went by that someone doesn't find the name of a loved one, friend or just a recognised name on that damned list. I hate Fridays now". Knuckles waited outside not wanting the members to see him so saddened. As he waited the door opened and Rouge walked in looking angry with Silver behind her. Knuckles hid his anger and gave a sympathetic look to her "What is it?". Rouge scowled "Leslie Wong. She helped in a treasure hunt awhile ago". Knuckles recognised the name. She was part of a patrol that was sent out two days ago.
Silver crossed his arms "Do they know what happened to the patrol". Knuckles shook his head "All we know is they disappeared in the Battle Kuku territory. I'll look into it". Rouge rolled her eyes "Don't bother. It's going to be the same old story. Egg Pawns crossed the boarder into the territory and caught them by surprise. It's only the hundredth time it's happened". Silver shook his head "I can't believe the Kuku Empire would let them do that. Why are they letting them get away with it?". Knuckles sighed "The Kukus may have a treaty with the Eggman Empire but it's sensative. Eggman consideres them more valueable with their inferstructure intact. They're willing to turn a blind eye to almost anything to make sure it stays that way". Silver sighed "What we need to do is bring them into the war on our side. Machinery, weapons. It'd make quite the difference". Rouge shook her head "That's the last thing they want. They're in the perfect position. EggmanThey get to sit back an watch as their enemies slug it out. No one's threatening their interests. Why should they risk their necks?". Knuckles listened intently as he stared at the door back into the room with the casualty list "That was the moment I made my choice. The only option I had. I was going to bring the Kukku Empire into the war".
Knuckles was pacing in the war room "It's in their best interest to join the war. They'll have to join us. Not to do us a favour. But for their own survival". Rouge was sitting back in one of the chairs half listening as she stared at the ceiling "Do you think they see it that way? For where they're sitting the Eggman Empire sees them as an ally. They have a treaty". Knuckles scoffed "What? They're going to trust a piece of paper?". Rouge smirked and finally looked at him "If they're smart they'll be watching Eggman carefully. And so far Eggman is keeping his part of the bargain". Knuckles stopped pacing and stared down Rouge "They're territory is violated every day!" he was getting frustrated. Rouge shrugged and put her feet on the table "So, they're backyard gets crossed a few times to strike a blow at us. So what? I doubt they're loosing sleep over it". Knuckles took a breath trying to keep his anger under control "They can't possibly believe that Eggman is going to stop with the UF and the Mobian Islands. When they're finished with us they'll be next". Rouge nodded sceptically "Who told you that?" "It's obvious! Eggman wants complete control over the world. Do they think he's just going to sit back and let them continue. If they let us fall then they're on their own. They'll signing their own death warrant". Rouge considered "Not bad. But still, a self serving argument with no evidence isn't going to convince them. Trust me". The two stared at one another for a few seconds. Rouge smiled "You're cute when you're angry". Knuckles was broken out of his anger and started to laugh. Rouge joined him "Haven't seen you do that in a while" "How do you get under my skin so easily?". Rouge shrugged "It's a talent". Knuckles chuckled as he moved over to a desk and leaned against it "Okay, they'll need evidence. What if we could get some. Showing that Eggman has a plan to attack the Kukkus. It'll be in his archives" "Not exactly the most accessible place on the planet". Knuckles tried to think "Not for us. But there are others who have connections we don't".
In a hanger the roof doors opened and a large blimp air-ship came through landing. The Babylon Rogues exited the blimp and met with Amy and large maintenance crew "Usual, Rose" Jet said smiling. Amy stared at him with her arms crossed. Jet rolled his eyes "Yes, we did it". Storm grinned and punched his fists together "Took out the entire battalion" "And got the information you wanted" Wave handed Amy a data card. Amy looked satisfied "Alright. Fix it up" the crew got to work repairing and refuelling the blimp. She glanced at Jet "You, know, if you actually joined us, you could get this done whenever you wanted". Jet shook his head "But we'd have to go on mission whenever you wanted. Not good a deal for us". Amy rolled her eyes "Yeah, yeah. Knuckles wants to talk to you while you are here".
The Rogues were sitting at a table alone with Knuckles "Wow. I can't believe the great leader of the Resistance has such a high opinion of mere criminals like us" Wave said jokingly. Knuckles glared at them "Just tell me, can you do it or not?". Jet scratched the back of his head casually "Well, I would like the Eggman Empire pushed back. They're bad for business. But this isn't just another job. Sounds like suicide mission. Not really in our ballpark". Knuckles moved around the table "I didn't say you had to go there yourself. You have connections. People who could get the information we need. Someone who owes you three a favour". Jet shrugged "Maybe" "Then call it in". He laughed "I think we'd have to call in all our favours". Wave stood up and went right in Knuckles face "And this isn't like some Extreme Gear Race. It would probably be a very messy, bloody business. You prepared for that?". Knuckles didn't blink "I posted another casualty list this morning. I'm already involved in a very messy, bloody business. And the only way I can end it is this. So, I'll do anything to get it done… But I need your help". Wave looked back at Jet who stood up and raised his hand "We're in".
Knuckles was standing in front of the camera "Bringing them into it. That's when it started. But I had to". He argued with the camera "I had to because it was right!". He sighed and rubbed his head "That seemed like enough in the beginning".
In the middle of the night Knuckles slept peacefully in his bed when an alarm went off "Vector to Knuckles". Knuckles reached over and took a device from his side table "Go ahead" "We just received a message from the UF. G.U.N has fallen". Upon hearing these words Knuckles got up.
He was in the meeting room with the others "From what we can gather the main base was attacked by Infinite himself. Their defences were already undermanned. The whole place was destroyed in less than an hour". Vector nodded and looked at the others "With G.U.N gone almost all Eggman's forces are going to be heading for us". Rouge looked concerned "What about Tower and Topaz?". Amy smiled "They got out. I don't know how. But most of the soldiers managed to escape to". Rouge glanced at Knuckles. They were both thinking the same thing. Shadow was keeping his distance from the others. Infinite was targeting him personally. No one knows where he is. But he was still helping". Rouge changed the subject "If I know Tower he'll be setting up an underground resistance. Keeping as much of Eggman's forces off us as possible". Silver nodded "That'll take time. We need something to keep his forces occupied now".
Knuckles entered the Babylon Rogues' guest quarters which were quite large. Knuckles insisted on this to make them comfortable "It's been three days. Have you made any progress". Jet shrugged "Depends on how you look at it" "G.U.N has just been wiped out and the UF is now Eggman's for the taking. I need progress". Jet raised his hand "Alright, alright. Trust me, we've been working. We've had conversations with some underworld friends" "Many who would love to have someone like you in their debt" Wave added. Knuckles looked hopeful "So, they're going to help us" "Yep, all of them individually have tried to infiltrate Eggman's main base" Wave said. Storm shrugged "And then they all died". Knuckles' eyes widened "What?". Jet casually nodded "Yep. Too many robots. Too many weapons. None of them made it out. We could try talking to others but I doubt any of them will take the job now". Knuckles looked away "I'm sorry" he was about to leave when "I hope you're not giving up that easily" Wave said. Knuckles looked back at them, "I mean, you made it sound so important before". Knuckles eyed them suspiciously "You have another plan" "Yes, we do. You won't like it" "Try me". Wave stepped forward "If you want evidence that Eggman wants to attack the Kukku Empire we could just make the evidence ourselves".
Knuckles paced around his room "Maybe I should have just stopped then. I could have just said no, gone back to my room and forgotten it all. But I didn't". He stopped and looked directly at the camera "Because I knew… In my heart that it made sense".
Wave continued "The leader of the Kukku Empire is Battle Lord". Knuckles dismissively waved his hand "Yes, I know" "Well, we can convince him that Eggman is a threat he'll join us" "How?". Jet stepped forward "In ten days he's going to be meeting with one of the Zavok duplicates in Grand Metropolis. Normal stuff. Keeping the peace. We bet he could be convinced to make a secret detour to Resistance HQ if he was invited by you". Knuckles narrowed his eyes "How do you know he'll be going to Grand Metropolis?". Jet smirked smugly "We have connections" he nodded to Wave. She paced around the room as she talked "When he arrives here, you'll show him a recording of a secret meeting held at the highest level of the Eggman Empire. And he will see on the recording a plan to attack the Kukkus. You can tell him you got the recording from some covert mission". She dismissively shrugged "You know, great cost to the Resistance. At least ten good men lost their lives bringing it across the line. That sort of thing. He'll think it's a fake, of course. But you can assure him it isn't because it's recorded on a one-time top secret disc used by Eggman". Knuckles didn't look confident "He'll want to examine it" "Yep. And he'll discover to his amazement that it is completely genuine, at least, so it will appear" "But actually…?". Wave nodded "You will give him a real disc but the recording will be a perfect forgery". Jet stepped forward "We're working on getting a disc but we have found someone who will create the recording". Knuckles considered while not showing anything in his face "I'll let you know". He left but "One more thing. The man we need was arrested by the Zoah. He sneaked into an expedition to the Twilight Cage and tried to steal something. They want to execute him. I know the Zoah are wanting to stay out of the war but I'm sure if you asked…". Knuckles slowly nodded "What's his name?" "Tolar the Rabbit".
In the meeting room Knuckles was now sitting opposite Tolar, a middle aged blue rabbit in a brown coat. He was smiling "I cannot tell you how grateful I am, Mr Knuckles. The Zoah were going to kill me tomorrow. Of course, they say that every day. It's one of the little games they like to play". Knuckles stared him down "You do understand the terms of your release" "Yes. Stay away from the Twilight Cage. Not too difficult. And I have to create some kind of special program for you. A forged recording. I've never done that for the Resistance before". Knuckles narrowed his eyes "Let's be very clear about this. You're not working for the Resistance. This entire thing is off the record. You're working for me". Tolar gave a slimy smile "Oh, a personal matter. Something for your eyes only? Something with five or six woman and-" "I suggest you go to your room. Jet will give you all the information you need". Tolar's smile disappeared "They're here. I'll, uh, I'll go to my room". Tolar left the room quickly "It didn't take long after that moment to realise I made a mistake".
Knuckles sat at his desk looking over a recent report when he heard a voice "Espio to Knuckles" "Go ahead" "I'm sorry to disturb you but do know a rabbit names Tolar?". Knuckles scowled "Yes, why?" "Because he just tried to kill Fang".
In the base's cafeteria most of the people had been removed. Fang was sitting on a chair with a medic fixing a wound in his stomach. Hold still, you'll be fine". Bean and Bark were standing on either side of him watching Tolar who was sitting on the other side of the cafeteria with a security guard standing next to him. He had a black eye which was assumed to be given to him by Bark. Knuckles entered and went over to Espio "What happened?" "From what witnesses said, Mr Tolar over there came in about two hours ago. He started drinking. Halfway through his fourth bottle he started making passes at a civilian woman, M-Pella". Knuckles sighed "Then?" "She kept declining. He forced the issue". Knuckles glared across the room at Tolar "Is she okay?" "Yes, she fine. Before anything could happen Fang in an uncharacteristic display of chivalry intervened so Tolar stabbed him. He should be fine. It wasn't that deep". Espio stared at Knuckles curiously "I would have thrown him in a cell but he claims he's a friend of yours" "He's not a friend… but he is working for me. It's a sensitive matter. I can't have a record of him being here". Espio looked troubled "I see. I understand your need but if Fang decides to press charges I'll have to arrest him". Knuckles sighed "Can't you just-" "Knuckles, the only reason I have the trust of these people is that I don't make exceptions. If I let him go after he stabbed someone then they'll be trouble". Knuckles nodded understanding "I'll speak to Fang. And you can have Tolar confined to his room. That should be enough" "Very well".
Knuckles went over to the Hooligans "How are you?" "How do you think? I'm a man who just had a brush with death". The Doctor rolled his eyes "He's fine. It was just a flesh wound" "Can you excuse us for a moment?". The Doctor nodded and left them. Knuckles took a chair and sat in front of Fang "So what're you three doing here?". Fang scoffed "That's gratitude for you. We're here to collect the bounty on that supply ship". Bark tossed a Chaos Drive to Knuckles and Bean smirked "Just halted production of Badniks on the South Islands". He started to cry "The explosion was beautiful". Knuckles nodded "Thank you. Are you going to press charges on Tolar?" "You bet I am" Fang said in disbelief. Knuckles stared at the floor instead of them "What will it take to, uh, convince you not to". The Hooligans were in shock. A grin slowly formed on Fang's face "Are you offering us a bribe?". He chuckled "I knew it. Knuckles, I always liked you. I thought somewhere deep down in that heart of yours there was a good old dishonest mad waiting to get out". Knuckles ignored that "What's your price?". Fang tried to think "I should be compensated for the loss of business I suffered. We're were supposed to be meeting someone right now. 500 hundred rings should be enough". Bean raised his hand "Oh, and suffering trauma. Another 200". Knuckles rolled his eyes "Done". Fang tried to push his luck "We're also needing to transport some sensitive stuff to Emerald Hill. We were going to take the long way but you could let us take it through Resistance security" "I'll handle it. Anything else". Fang shook his head "No. I think we can call it a bribe. Thank you, Knuckles. Thank you for proving the philosophy my Dad always taught me. Every man has his price".
Knuckles now had a drink in his hand "That was when I really started to wonder. This whole thing could have been a mistake". He slowly walked closer to the camera "So then I went back to my office and sitting on my desk was a new casualty list". He clenched his fists and looked angry with himself "People are dying out there! The entire world is fighting for their freedom and here I am worrying about… this?". He started pacing "I had to focus. I had to keep my eye on the ball. Win the war! Sonic wasn't here! I was on my own!". He calmed down "So I pushed on. And every time I had another doubt I pushed it aside".
Knuckles entered a lift and just before the doors closed Jet came in. The lift headed to operations but Jet hit the stop button "Don't think you want me seen in ops" "What do you want?" Knuckles said coldly. Jet kept a friendly smirk "We've found someone who had a genuine top secret disc belonging to Eggman. Wave will check if it's real but we trust the guy. However price is why I'm here" "What does he want?". Jet gave a sigh "Well, he doesn't want rings. He, uh, wants 500 powers cores". Knuckles finally looked at Jet "What?" "I don't why. With that number though I can't think it's good". Knuckles looked straight ahead "Give him something else" "I wouldn't be here if I could give him something else" "Those cores are too dangerous. I'm not giving them to a criminal. If he won't sell it find someone else". Jet paused "Wave wasn't exaggerating with how difficult this is. It's a miracle we found this guy. We're not going to find another. It's either this or its over". Knuckles pressed the start button on the lift "Then it's over". There was a few seconds of silence and then Knuckles quickly stopped it again "500 hundreds is not an option. We don't get that many a month from the badniks". Jet smirked "Leave the haggling to me".
Silver was staring at Knuckles in disbelief "Knuckles, those power cores are dangerous. I can't just give it away without knowing where it's going. It could be used to make weapons, bombs. It could be used for experiments on Mobians. You can't expect me-". Knuckles stood up "Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. This isn't a request. It's an order. You will prepare 85 power cores for transport and store it in warehouse three. Is that understood?". Silver looked apprehensive but "Yes. I'd like this order in writing please, sir". Knuckles handed him pad "There" "And I will be filing a protest" "That's your right, but I want those cores ready by the end of the day". Silver glared at him before leaving.
Infinite stood in a room with the Hard Boiled Heavy's "Eggman has decided to begin stage two ahead of schedule". Heavy King crossed his arms "The invasion of the Kukkus? It's too soon. The Resistance is still fighting" "The Resistance is crumbling. They're barely a threat. The Kukkus don't expect an attack from us. We can take their entire Empire in less than three weeks". Heavy King scoffed "We heard similar estimates for the Mobian Islands" "That was ruined by your incompetence". Heavy King stood up "We have been following your orders" "Not very well. I'm not surprised Eggman keeps you locked up for nothing else but communicating simple directions. You can't even do that right". Infinite was about to continue but "That's it". They all froze and disappeared revealing it to be a hologram being watched by Knuckles, the Rogues and Tolar. Wave looked over to Knuckles "That's the third version. We've added as much realism as we could think of. What do you think". Knuckles considered "It's better. They seem more real". Storm laughed "All the arguing does that". Tolar rubbed his hands together "So, you're happy?" "Yes, record it onto the disc". Tolar did so and Knuckles whispered to Jet "I got a message. Battle Lord is on the way". Tolar took out the disc and carelessly waved it "Who gets it?". Wave looked annoyed "Just put it in the case". Tolar did so with a smile "Well, it has been a pleasure doing business with you. Call me again if-". He went for the door but Knuckles got in front of him "You're not going anywhere". Tolar backed away worried "What?" "You're not leaving until you work has been accepted" "Well, that isn't fair. You can't keep me here! I haven't done anything wrong! We had an agreement!". He again tried for the door but Knuckles grabbed him and pushed him against the wall "I'm making a new agreement". He growled through his closed teeth "If that recording passes inspection, you go free. But if there's a single flaw. If there is ANYTHING that gives it away then I will throw you back into the Twilight Cage and tell Raxos to take his time executing you!". Tolar was now terrified "Alright. Alright. It will pass. It will pass!". Knuckles released him and he quickly left the room. The Rogues stared at Knuckles impressed.
Knuckles had another drink "So, everything was moving along as planned. But the worst still had to happen. I still had to look a man in the eye and convince him to send his people to war… Over a lie".
Knuckles walked with Jet "So while you're having you're meeting me and the Rogues are going to have a look in his ship". Knuckles stared at him "For what?" "Well, he's bound to have information on Eggman. We might get some extra pay from you guys". Knuckles rolled his eyes "Just make sure you don't get caught". They arrived at a large pair of doors where Amy was waiting "I've removed everybody from this area" "Thanks, Amy. Make sure no one interrupts us. No one but me and the Rogues are allowed in". Amy showed dislike to Jet but nodded. Knuckles and Jet continued into the abandoned sector of the base. They entered a hanger where a small Kukku battle ship started to land. Jet patted Knuckles' back "I'll leave this to you. One thing, though. Have you talked to anyone from the Kukku Empire before". Knuckles shook his head "No" he wished Tails was here. He's met them a few times. Jet smirked "Well, just know they're a bit… Arrogant". Knuckles surprisingly smiled "Jet, after spending two weeks with you I think I can handle anything". Jet didn't take offence to the insult "Good luck". Jet left as the battleship opened it's door. Battle Lord and two guards exited. Knuckles walked over to meet them "Welcome, Battle Lord. I'm Knuckles the Echidna". Battle Lord nodded "So, you're the leader of the Resistance. And the Guardian of the Master Emerald. And also, yes, the last of the Echidnas. Somehow I thought you'd be taller" "Sorry to disappoint you" "To be honest, my opinion of the Resistance is so low you'd have to work very hard indeed to disappoint me". Knuckles let that go "I'll show you to your room" "I look forward to seeing your base. While it's still here, that is".
The two sat together in the ward room. Kukku took a drink "It's a fair try. Who made it?" "One of the refugees is a wine expert. I asked him if he could try and make Kukku Wine". Battle Lord took another sip "I can tell it's not real" "He didn't have much experience. That could change if we became allies". Battle Lord stood up "You are persistent, Knuckles. I'll give you that. But determination isn't enough to change the reality of the situation. Time is not on your side. The Badnik factories are operating at peak efficiency. You're suffering man power shortages. They are growing on weekly basis. You just lost your greatest ally". He sat back down "But most important, Eggman is resolved to win the war at any cost. You and I both know the Resistance is not. Now if you were in my position, which side would you choose?". Knuckles was expressionless "I'd pick the side most likely to leave us in peace when the dust settles. Because maybe you're right. Maybe Eggman will win in the end. He'll control the UF and all the Mobian Islands". He smirked "And our combat with you has only ever been in defence. So instead of facing multiple separate opponents who have shown no unprovoked aggression to you. You'll find yourselves facing one massive force hell bent on total domination. There's a word for that. Doomed". Battle Lord took in his words as he finished his drink "It really is a good try. I almost forgot it wasn't the real thing. Almost". He put the glass down "You make some very good points but it's still all speculation and theory. Nothing that would warrant me sending my people to their deaths". Knuckles got to his feet and looked away. He hid his fear as best he could "What if I told you that Eggman was planning a sneak attack on the Kukku Empire at this very moment". Battle Lord considered "I'd want proof".
Battle Lord was now walking around the holographic recording as Infinite spoke "And with the Phantoms protecting their flank the 23rd Pawn division will begin its thrust across the Empire's boarders. Once we've taken their main island the rest of the Empire will crumble. Taking the entire territory will take three months at most". Heavy King didn't look conceived "What if their fleet react faster than you're anticipating? At the first sign of our attack they could react fast enough to stop us". Infinite glared at him "Do you question your creator's judgement". Heavy King looked away nervously "No, of course not" "Good. Meeting adjourned. Send out these orders to all sectors for preperation". The hologram disappeared and Battle Lord turned to Knuckles operating a control panel "I'd like to examine that disc".
Knuckles was sitting back down with a glum expression "All I could do was wait and see how good Tolar's forgery really was. So, I waited". He shrugged "Tried to catch up on recent reports". He poured another drink "But I found it too hard to focus". He gave a cold chuckle "I just started pacing around my room. You'd think spending years alone on an island on guard duty would teach me some patience. But I'd never been in this situation before. The cost of failure was so high".
Knuckles slowly walked back to the ward room to meet with Battle Lord "If he discovered that the disc was a forgery. If he realised that we were trying to trick them into the war, it could push them even further into Eggman's camp. They could start to openly help him. I knew going into that room that victory or defeat was about to be decided". He slowly walked in, Battle Lord turned to face him. The two stare at one another expressionless when suddenly Battle Lord's face turned to fury and held up the disc "It's a fake!".
Knuckles held his head in his hands "It all just blew up" he spat, "Everything I did was for nothing. Battle Bird was furious. I didn't blame him. He told me he was going to reveal this 'Vile Deception' to the whole of Mobius. Then he got back in his ship and headed home". He calmed down and gave half hearted shrug "There wasn't anything more to do. So I went back to work".
Knuckles released the latest casualty report "Two days later, I got the news". He sat down in his usual chair and this time it was Silver and Amy who joined him. Silver smirked "No one for me". Considering he was from the future that was to be expected Knuckles thought. Amy shrugged "I did. Maria Tatalia. She's just wounded though" "Friend?" Silver asked. Amy shook her head "No. I just knew her from school back on Mercia". Silver nodded "So, an old school acquaintance between us. I don't know if this sounds strange but I'd say we're off to a good start today". Rouge suddenly appeared looking astonished "Knuckles, we just got some news. A Kukku ship carrying their leader has just been destroyed". Knuckles looked up "Battle Lord?" "Yes. He was coming back from a meeting with Eggman when his ship exploded. It looks like sabotage". Knuckles got to his feet "How do you know this?" "The Kukkus are sending transmissions left and right. It's hard not to. They think it was Eggman". Amy and Silver both look at one another "Eggman assassinated the Battle Lord" "On a diplomatic mission. That changes everything". Knuckles needed every ounce of will power to hide his anger "Excuse me".
In their room Jet was having a casual conversation with the others when the door opened behind him. He turned around to see who it was when Knuckles suddenly punched him in the face. He was knocked to the floor "GET UP!" Knuckles yelled at him. Jet did, Wave and Storm got in front of him. Knuckles' was almost growling as he breathed "You killed him, didn't you?" "That's right" "That was you're plan all along, wasn't it. You knew the disc wouldn't work. You just wanted him here so you could plant a bomb on his ship!". Wave raised her hand "Actually, it was my plan. And wasn't that simple. We did think the disc had a chance of passing the inspection. It was just a precaution in case Tolar wasn't up to the task". Knuckles was trying so hard not to tear them apart "And what about Tolar? Did you kill him, too?". Storm quickly shook his head "No. We just threw him back into the Twilight Cage like you said. The Zoah will kill-". Knuckles lost control and punched Storm right in the stomach. Jet and Wave got between them "If you could calm down for a second you'll see it wasn't in vain. The Kukkus will enter the war" "There's no guarantee of that!" Knuckles yelled.
Wave smirked proudly "You don't think so? You see when the Kukkus recover their great Lord's ship they'll find the burnt remains of a Top Secret Disc belonging to the Eggman Empire. After painstaking forensic examination they'll discover on the disc is a recording of a high-level meeting where the invasion of the Kuku Empire was being planned". Knuckles' fear over took his anger for a second. They could trace it back to them "And then they'll discover that it is a fake!". Wave shook her head "No, they won't. Any problems in the forgery will be seen as a result of the explosion". Knuckles paced as Wave continued "So, with a seemingly legitimate disc in one hand and a dead Lord in the other what conclusion would you draw?". Knuckles stopped and it all came to him at once. He closed his eyes and sighed guilty "That Battle Lord got the Disc on Grand Metropolis and Eggman had him killed before he could warn his people". Jet nodded "We told you, we know them better than you do. They are going to want vengeance. The more Eggman denies being involved the angrier they'll get". Wave walked right up to Knuckles "That's why you wanted us, Knucks. Because you know we could do things the Resistance couldn't. And we did it. You'll get what you want. War between Eggman and the Kukkus". Knuckles didn't say anything which made Wave roll her eyes "Oh, come on. Really? Conscience bothering you. We've just saved the entire Resistance. All it cost was one Kukku, a criminal and the self respect of one echidna. Sounds good to me".
Knuckles stared at the camera "A day later Speedy, the next in line became the Battle Lord of the Kukku Empire. He immediately declared war on the Eggman Empire". His face was full of guilt "We've gotten new weapons, supplies and men. We've been holding the badniks at bay. Tower has been able to set up his own effective Resistance with the supplies given by the Kukkus. We had a party that night to celebrate". He took a deep breath "And none of that is even close to what else we've discovered. The Kukkus gave us all information they have collected on Eggman. We've spent the last two weeks decrypting it". He smiled for a moment before it disappeared "We have to complete the decryption to know for sure if it's true but it seems that Sonic… is alive. I'm just about to reveal this to the others so we can prepare a rescue mission". He suddenly stood up and mockingly raised his glass "So, this is a huge victory for the good guys. We're restocked. The badiks a spread thin and our best hope of victory is still with us". He stopped and lowered his glass. He looked at the camera with a stone cold resolve "I lied. I cheated. I bribed men to cover the crimes of other men. I am an accessory to murder. But the most damning thing of all… I think I can live with it. And if I had to do it all over again I would". He thought to himself before speaking "Wave was right about one thing. A guilty conscience is a small price to pay for the safety of Mobius so I will have to live it… I can live with it". He stared at the camera thinking before walking over and picking it up. He stopped the recording and then with no guilt crushed the camera in his hands.