Chapter 5: Imperial Mobotropolis
Angel Island Village, That night, 23:50 pm…
It was nearly midnight when Roman sighted Shatter and Tusk approaching, both dressed in fairly plain and unflashy clothes, and both carrying large packs, which Roman knew held their armour and weaponry. With them were Seth and Tails, who both had tentative looks on their faces.
Once the group had all met, Roman folded his arms. "Everyone ready?" He asked.
Shatter and Tusk nodded. "Our gear is all checked, and we're ready to start."
"Good." Roman replied. "Shade's at the hangar with the Emerald waiting for us, so we'd best get a move on."
"Yeah." Seth replied. "And besides, I promised Ahsoka I'd be back with her by half past one."
"And you know how Sally is with me and my 'beauty sleep' as she calls it." Tails replied with a hint of disgust in his tone.
Roman nodded and the group started moving, with Shatter and Tusk joining Roman up front, while Seth and Tails trailed behind.
"How will we be getting into the city itself, General?" Shatter asked. "A drop in by ship would be too conspicuous, and the main gates will be heavily guarded."
"That's up to you two to do yourselves, boys." Roman replied. "Me, Seth, and Tails will only be with you up until we get to the hangars. Then we're heading home for the night. It'll be up to you two to get inside Mobotropolis."
"So pretty much like when we rescued Commander Kerran's mother." Shatter remarked, sharing a look with Tusk, both forgetting that the aforementioned Commander Kerran was behind them, and could hear them.
"Y'know, I never got the full story about that." Roman replied. "All Seth's told me up to this point that it was a messy mission that ended with him losing his mother."
"And that's all you'll be getting for now." Seth called out, his voice steely calm, the way it was when he was angry on the point of fury.
Tails stepped away from Seth for a brief moment, saying: "Whoa, no need to get all hostile about it."
"You'd have done the same had it been your mother that day and you were me." Seth replied bitterly, quickening his pace and barging past Roman and the clones as he stormed on towards the hangars.
Tails caught up to Roman and the clones and whistled. "Shit. Seth's got some issues."
"Always has, always will." Roman replied. "A story like his will always give him problems, happy as he is now with fatherhood on the horizon."
Tails sighed and simply kept walking, the five continuing their trek.
The Emerald's Hangar, 17th October 3241, 00:05 am…
"All aboard." Shade replied jokingly as she saw Roman, Seth, Tails and the clones approaching.
"Not all of us, Shade." Roman replied with a smirk as he came to a stop. "Me, Seth and Tails are just here to see Shatter and Tusk off before we all turn in for the night."
"Good to hear." Shade replied. Turning to Shatter and Tusk, she asked: "You boys ready?"
Shatter and Tusk nodded. "We just need to say our goodbyes, Shade." Tusk replied.
Shade nodded and headed into the ship, while Shatter and Tusk turned to Roman and Seth.
"I guess this'll be the last you see of us for a day and a half, sir." Shatter replied.
"I guess it is." Roman replied. "Just remember, once you're in the city, do not contact us until you've found where it is that the Imps are going to clip Caleb. Until then, no communication. After you've contacted us, then hold down the fort until me and the strike team get there. Then on Wednesday, we'll give the Imperials a reason to be a little more worried about us."
Shatter and Tusk nodded before they looked to Seth, saluting him respectfully before they turned and headed on up the Emerald's ramp. Within a few more minutes, The Emerald lifted off and flew off into the night, leaving the three Jedi alone in the empty hangar.
Tails turned to Roman with a questioning look. "Do you think that they'll be able to find where Caleb's going to get executed in time?"
Roman sighed. "I'm not thinking that they can. I'm praying that they can. For mine and Eren's sake."
Seth looked to Roman. "What if they can't?" He asked.
"I'd rather not consider that right now, Seth." Roman replied. "In these situations, all I can hope to do is think positive."
Seth snorted. "The last time I thought positive about a mission, my mother died." Seth replied. "So as little as I want to undermine your confidence heading into this, I just want to warn you: It may not end the way you want it to." With that ominous advice, Seth left the hangar, leaving Roman and Tails alone there.
"You think he's saying that because he's angry that the clones brought up his mother?" Tails asked.
"It's possible." Roman replied. "But I think he's just trying to be a good friend and giving me some advice. Even if I've had that advice several times, it's still good to be reminded that things don't always end the way you intend them to." With that, Roman rolled his shoulders. "Anyways, we should be getting back to our houses. I've got a girlfriend who might need some warming up, and you'll need as much sleep as you can get."
"What do you mean by 'warming up' Ashley, Rome?" Tails asked, knowing that the phrase had connotations of a sexual nature.
Roman looked at Tails, caught his meaning and then laughed. "If that's what you're thinking, then no. I'm not up for sex tonight." He said. "Maybe after we save Caleb, then I'll fuck Ashley's brains out in celebration. Until then, you will be able to get some sleep."
Tails chuckled and followed Roman onwards, until both reached their homes. At that point, all there was to be said was goodnight.
Meanwhile, with the clones on the Emerald, 1:10 am…
"Okay, gents, this is as far as I'm going. With luck, I'll see you on Wednesday for a quick getaway." Shade said as she turned to Shatter and Tusk.
The two clones nodded grimly and rose from their seats, quickly finding themselves walking down the ramp of the Emerald.
Within minutes of this happening, the Emerald once again lifted off into the sky, slowly shrinking until it was no longer visible.
Shatter watched this grimly before turning to Tusk and said: "Better move. We have less than twenty-four hours before Caleb bites it."
"Tell me something I don't know, Shatter." Tusk replied as he turned and walked off in the direction of Mobotropolis.
Shatter quickly followed, catching up to his former second in command in a matter of seconds. "Well, is there anything you don't know?" He asked jokingly.
"When and where this Caracal we're meant to be rescuing is going to get executed." Tusk replied bluntly.
Shatter scowled. "I wasn't thinking of that." He replied.
"And there lies our difference." Tusk said, turning to Shatter with a frown. "You laugh and joke around all you like. I keep focused on the mission no matter what. And our mission right now is to find out where this old cunt is going to die and when it's going to happen." With that, Tusk turned and walked away, followed suit by Shatter, who followed with a scowl now etched on his face.
Later, outskirts of New Mobotropolis, 1:50 am…
The two clones stacked up behind a nearby boulder as they neared an entrance to Mobotropolis.
Peeking around cautiously, Shatter counted an entire platoon of Stormtroopers guarding the entrance. There were a pair of speeder bikes nearby as well, a sign that the Stormtroopers could send for help if ever they were attacked. Ducking back behind the boulder, Shatter said: "One platoon with two speeder bikes."
"Well, that rules out a head-on assault." Tusk remarked.
"So what we need is a distraction." Shatter replied, eyeing a small stone at his feet. Picking it up, Shatter threw it with all his strength, sending the small object barrelling into the undergrowth, making a very loud rustling noise.
It had the desired effect, as quickly, the two clones heard one of the Stormtroopers shout:
"Hey, who's there? Show yourself!"
Not happening, Shatter thought, remaining where he was, as did Tusk. Within a few more moments, they heard the same Stormtrooper say:
"Fine. Platoon, let's make a round. If there's anything out there, I'd rather not let it stay that way."
With that, they heard the sound of hard footsteps as the platoon began its patrol.
It was Tusk's turn to look. Peeking out ever so cautiously, Tusk saw that the patrol was making a circle of the area, anticlockwise. And they were nearing the boulder.
"Let them pass." Shatter whispered as the sound of the Stormtroopers' footsteps grew louder and closer.
"They're coming around the boulder." Tusk whispered. "If we don't move now, we're blown!"
Shatter sighed and nodded. "Then let's move." He said. With that, the two clones shifted to the front of the boulder, now in direct view of the entrance, and bolted for it, sprinting as fast as their legs could carry them, until finally, they were within the city limits. Waiting until the Stormtroopers had finished their patrol, Shatter and Tusk moved on further into the city, with Shatter saying:
"And now, we find somewhere to stay for the night." Shatter replied.
Later that day, some seedy hotel in Mobotropolis, 3:00 am…
"What do you want?" A large heavyset pig growled at the two clones as they stepped in.
"Just a room for the night, sir." Shatter replied.
The pig's beady eyes studied them before he asked: "Brothers, I presume?"
Tusk nodded. "Just come from Coruscant." He replied.
The pig snorted uninterestedly as he checked for vacancies, finally saying: "That'll be twenty-five credits, forty if you're looking for breakfast as well."
Shatter and Tusk nodded, and Shatter took the sum from his pouch, giving it to the Pig, who nodded approvingly and handed them the key. "Breakfast's from eight a.m. to twelve p.m, so you can get some sleep." He said.
Shatter and Tusk nodded thanks and headed upstairs, thankful that they would finally get some sleep. They were both exhausted, and they had a lot on their minds.
Later that day, Mobotropolis City Centre, 12:30 pm…
"You know, I think this is the first time we've been in the city and it's not been in a shit state." Tusk remarked as they stepped into the city centre.
Shatter wasn't about to disagree. If the last time they had set foot in Mobotropolis was any indication, Mobotropolis actually looked a lot better than it had looked the last time the clones had been in Mobotropolis.
The only difference was, every building was square, rectangular, or in any shape resembling four sides. That, and there were now numerous statues of either Emperor Palpatine or Dr Eggman scattered amongst the city. The buildings were all completely plastered with propaganda and graffiti, glorifying the Empire and Emperor Palpatine, depicting idealistic images of prosperity and happiness, patriotism and military might. Some of it was covered with different graffiti, which was that of anti-Imperial slogans, which were in the process of being cleaned off.
Shatter took this as a favourable sign, one that Mobotropolis itself housed anti-Imperial elements, something he said to Tusk.
"Keep your voice down." Tusk warned. "We've not come this far only to be discovered speaking of that sort of thing. Let's find out what we're here to find out, and relay it to-"
Shatter silenced his comrade with a finger to the lips, pointing up at one of the holo-screens.
Tusk looked up, and blinked to ensure he wasn't dreaming.
On that particular holo-screen was a list of people that were to be executed the following day, in the main city square. And at the top of the list, clear as day, was the name of the Caracal they were here to rescue: Caleb.
Later, an isolated part of Mobotropolis…
"I figured as much." Roman remarked as Shatter told him of what they had seen via holo. "The Empire would want to kill Caleb and those others in front of as many people as they can in order to hammer the message home about what happens when you fuck with the Empire." Roman paused for a second before adding: "Regardless, getting in won't be easy. I recommend you clear us a way into Mobotropolis before we get there. It'll be the only way that we get in unseen."
Tusk nodded. "With respect sir, have you chosen who else will be on the rescue team?" He asked.
Roman nodded. "Me, Seth and Tails were guaranteed to being with, but we've added Sally and Sonic to the strike team, along with Ashley and Knuckles. Me and Sally agreed that seeing her will encourage the populace of Mobotropolis to revolt against the Empire, which in turn, will cover our escape."
"Good thinking." Shatter said. "And we'll focus on getting you that way into Mobotropolis. You can bet on it."
"Good to know." Roman replied. "I also suggest you procure three sets of Stormtrooper armour for yourselves and Seth."
"How come?" Shatter asked.
"Because then we can place ourselves among the troops standing guard as the executions are staged." Seth replied as he stepped into view. "I know it sounds hare brained, but relax. I've been working on my Force Cloak for quite some time now. So have Roman and Tails. With that said, I've got a pretty good feeling we'll all be good to go tomorrow. With luck, The Inquisitors won't know we're there until it's too late."
"Very good, generals." Tusk said. "An attack from both sides. Could maybe kill Eggman while we're at it as well."
Roman and Seth looked to each other and nodded agreement. "That is not a bad idea." Roman remarked. "It'd have to be one of you or Seth that does it, though. Depending on whether he's protected or not. If he's not, then it'll be me, Sally, Sonic or Tails that does the deed. That is if we're not too busy fighting the Inquisitors."
Shatter and Tusk nodded. "Very well." Shatter said. "We'll leave you to prepare to get here. We've got a path to clear."
"So you do." Roman replied. "See you both in Mobotropolis." At that, Roman and Seth's images dissipated.
Shatter put the holoprojector away before eyeing Tusk. And once that was done, they started preparing. There was work to be done.
That night, 21:30 pm…
"I seriously need to get myself a set of this." Shatter remarked as he pulled on the Stormtrooper armour he and Tusk had procured, stripping it off of the two dead bodies lying before them.
"You can say that again." Tusk replied as he picked up his trooper's helmet, slipping on with ease. The Stormtrooper armour was firm and well made, keeping the user safe all while being comfortable at the same time. They were close to the same entrance they had used to get in that morning, having advised Roman and the other members of the strike team to use that one. It was lightly defended, and fairly inconspicuous. No-one would expect entry into Mobotropolis from there. Although Shatter and Tusk were both fairly sure the Stormtroopers were extra-cautious after the last time.
Straightening his armour out, Shatter picked up the E-11 Blaster Rifle held by his Stormtrooper, with Tusk doing the same with his. "You know, I've often wanted to try these." Shatter said.
"Well we have a chance now." Tusk replied. And with that, they set off towards the entrance.
It was Shatter that made the troopers aware of their presence, shouting: "Hoi!"
The leader of the Stormtroopers, a prim-looking Imperial Officer this time, turned with a harsh: "What do you want, trooper?"
"There's a drunken disturbance in the cantina nearby." Tusk replied, making sure to mask his true voice. "It's pretty bad, so I'd advise taking the entire platoon." It was true. Tusk and Shatter had passed it on the way, and it already was looking ugly. Almost like the entire cantina was drunk and in the mood for a fight.
The Imperial Officer's eyes studied both the clones cretinously, so much so that both started getting ready for a fight. But then he said: "Very well." Turning to one of the Stormtroopers, he said: "Take most of this platoon and come with me. After that, we'll deal with the disturbance. The rest of you, remain here." With that, the Officer departed, followed suit by at least twenty-eight of the thirty-two strong platoon. The other four turned and started to once again guard the entrance.
Shatter and Tusk waited for the officer and the other platoon members to get out of earshot, before they both drew the knives that until now had been hidden on their belts, cutting the throats of all four of the Stormtroopers. One of these, they helped to the floor, to avoid too much blood being spilled on the armour.
Once this was done, they looked up and gestured.
Almost immediately, seven hooded figures sprinted from the bushes and through the entranceway. Once through, they all removed their hoods, revealing the faces of Roman the Fox, Seth Kerran, Miles 'Tails' Prower, Princess Sally Acorn, Sonic the Hedgehog, Ashley the Cat, and Knuckles the Echidna.
"No place like home." Roman replied. Seeing the Stormtrooper Shatter had helped to the floor after killing them, he nodded to Seth, who stripped the armour off and placing it into his pack, also picking up the blaster rifle.
Once all this was done, Roman said: "And now to a safehouse."
A random house in Mobotropolis, 22:50 pm…
"You never told us that you had one of these." Sally remarked as they set down all their equipment.
"Never needed to until now." Roman replied. "Silver and Blaze bought up several houses around Mobius to use as safehouses while I was recovering from nearly getting killed by Elias. We've never had to use the Mobotropolis safehouse until now." Looking around, Roman said: "Make yourselves comfortable, guys. We've got a big mission tomorrow." Turning once more to Shatter and Tusk, he walked over and grabbed them both by the shoulder. "Great job, you two. Thanks to the rapid discovery, we're now good to go."
Shatter and Tusk nodded before the former asked: "Where will you, the Princess, Sonic and Tails be, General?"
"Me, Knuckles, Sonic and Sally will be among the crowd, hopefully near the front, while Tails will be sniping from a vantage point. Preferably from the building across the square from the Cathedral. Ashley will be with Tails spotting for him." Roman replied. "For some reason, the Empire likes to execute its prisoners in front of places of worship. It's like they're taking a shit on the traditions of the people they're performing the executions on."
Shatter laughed. "Sounds like it, General." He said.
Roman nodded before saying: "Now, you two go get some rest. We've all got a long day ahead of us."
Shatter and Tusk nodded before they turned away from Roman and left to get some rest.
Roman watched them leave before he heard Ashley behind him:
"Roman?"
Roman turned to face his girlfriend, a smile on his face. "Yeah?"
Ashley sighed and asked: "What chance do you think we have of actually pulling this off?"
"Since we have the element of surprise, I'd say a pretty good chance." Roman replied with a confident smirk. "I can see the smile fading from Elias' face already."
Ashley scoffed and nodded before saying: "It's good to see you're feeling confident. Especially considering this could turn out a suicide mission."
"Better to try than let Caleb die." Roman said. Wrapping his arm around Ashley's waist, he added: "And if this does end up being a suicide mission, then I can't think of a better person to make my last stand next to." He punctuated this with a gentle but firm kiss.
Ashley reciprocated the gesture with all she could muster, praying the following day would not be her and Roman's last.
Just a sprinkle of character development for the clones, a pinch of dark backstory for Seth, and a teaspoon of romance at the end. All to prepare for the madness of the next two chapters. But hey, it's worked in the past, so why not now?
With that having been said, thank you all so much for taking the time to read this chapter. If you enjoyed it, then I invite you to leave a review in the appropriate section to say what you enjoyed, and what you think I could do to improve. In the event that you really enjoyed it, then I invite you to favourite and follow this fanfiction, so you will be notified as to when I upload another chapter.
Again, thank you all for reading, and I will see you all tomorrow (Hopefully!) with the next chapter, which has the mission to rescue Caleb begin.
T-Rock14