Chapter 6: Gate-Crashing an Execution

Mobotropolis Main Square, 18th October 3241, 11:45 am…

"Everyone in position?" Roman asked as he manoeuvred himself through the crowd towards the front of it. He was vaguely aware of Sonic, Sally and Knuckles' presence via the Force, as well as the presence of Tails and Ashley, both of whom had taken their positions at the top of the building opposite the cathedral.

Somewhere nearby, Roman knew that Seth and the clones were readying themselves, likely having already snuck into the area where the troops likely got dressed. He couldn't sense Seth's presence though, which was a good thing: Seth had been working on his Force Cloak. As a result, if they were lucky, this would enable him to be near the execution block without Elias or the other Inquisitors noticing. Roman had done the same, especially since he was going to be in very close proximity to Elias and the other Inquisitors, all of whom were likely to be present.

Looking to his right, Roman caught a glimpse of Sonic as they made their approach.

The blue blur was dressed similarly to Roman, in clothes that covered his combat gear and his face, avoiding recognition by the populace. At least until the time came to begin the mission in earnest.

Roman knew that Sally was slightly further away than Sonic, and he also knew that she had dressed to be incognito, although she was wearing her all too familiar attire underneath so that the populace recognised her instantly.

It was then he finally had a reply to his earlier question:

"I'm in position, Rome." Tails replied. "Me and Ash are atop the building, ready to go."

"Just took out part of the original security detail, now taking up position." Seth replied.

Roman nodded before contacting Sally: "Crowd team, any of you in position, yet?"

"Yeah." Came the voice of Sally. "Took a shortcut around the block and am now in position."

"Sweet." Roman replied. "Knuckles?"

"Nearly there." Knuckles replied. "Just a few more people to shove past."

"Try not to, buddy." Roman replied. "You'll only draw more attention to us."

"Not easy when you're six-foot five." Knuckles replied.

Roman chuckled. "Then make yourself look like a midget." He replied.

"Fuck you." Knuckles replied.

Roman had to fight down an outburst of laughter as he made his approach into position. This would be a long day.

With Seth, Shatter, and Tusk…

"Here they come." Shatter remarked as he got to his feet, standing to attention as the rest of the Stormtroopers came in.

"There you are!" Said the CO. "We were just searching for you."

"Forgive me, Sergeant." Seth replied, noting the Stormtrooper CO's rank epaulette. "TK-786 had misplaced his helmet."

The CO nodded and said: "The prisoners are outside." With this, the squad walked outside to find the prisoners waiting for them.

Seth was quick to recognise Caleb among those that were sentenced to death, and seeing that everyone was occupied, walked over to Caleb, leaning in and saying: "Afternoon, Caleb."

The elderly Caracal looked at Seth with surprise, recognising the voice. "Kerran?" He asked.

Seth nodded. "One and only. We're here to rescue you."

Caleb nodded before asking: "Are you all there is?"

Seth shook his head. "The clones are here too. Roman, Sally, Sonic, Knuckles, Ashley and Tails are in the square."

Caleb nodded before saying: "You'd best step away now. They might suspect something, otherwise."

Seth nodded before stepping away, just as the Stormtrooper sergeant shouted:

"Form up! We are mobile in two minutes!"

Seth nodded before assuming his position, making sure it was near Caleb, gesturing Shatter and Tusk to form up nearby. "You guys good?"

Both clones nodded.

"Awesome." Seth replied. "Just follow my lead."

"We've been following your bloody lead since this mission started, you dumb wanker." Tusk replied.

Seth just chuckled as they started marching into the troop transport. Once all were within, it began to move, one of a large convocation headed towards the main square.

It didn't take long for Seth to sense three very familiar presences nearby, one further away than the other two. He deduced that the closer two were the Third Brother and Second Sister, and the farther away presence was Elias. The question on Seth's mind right now was what it was that was keeping Elias from attending: Was it a meeting with this 'Lord Vader' character Seth had heard so much of from his friends and contacts? Or was it something that required Elias' immediate attention?

Seth decided to push the question aside and worry about it later. Elias was out of the equation for now. Whether or not he re-entered the equation later was yet to be determined.

With Elias, Castle Eggman's landing pad…

Elias frowned as the Imperial Shuttle's ramp lowered, allowing its sole passenger to disembark:

The passenger in question was a fairly tall and bony man, elderly in age but still strong of body. Greyish green eyes stared forth from his face, sharp and keen enough to pierce right through anyone or anything. Greying, thinning dark hair framed his head, neatly combed back to ensure the full degree of his face was revealed. Cleanly shaven, his cheeks were sunken, revealing strong cheekbones that gave a clear sense of who it was Elias was looking at.

For clothing, the passenger was wearing a green Imperial uniform with a very clear rank plaque that suggested he was that of a very high rank in the Imperial hierarchy.

Elias let out a deep intake of breath as he said: "Governor Tarkin. I'd have thought you were busy with your region of worlds."

"The Emperor diverted me here to help you get this planet under control, Grand Inquisitor." Wilhuff Tarkin said harshly. "Something the Emperor does not think your friend Doctor Eggman has been able to achieve."

"No offence to his Imperial Majesty, but he is mistaken to a degree." Elias replied. "For the most part, Doctor Eggman has subjugated most of the planet. It is only small groups of rebels that are causing trouble."

"Such as this group of so called 'Freedom Fighters' that The Emperor informed me of?" Tarkin replied.

"They're the most proactive of the aforementioned rebel groups." Elias replied. "They have destroyed several key Imperial bases, but ones that we had no problem getting rebuilt."

Tarkin didn't seem to care, looking around, his eyes scanning the area for anything wrong. "Where is the good doctor at the moment?"

"In a convocation heading to the main square." Elias replied. "We were to execute some of the rebels today."

Tarkin nodded in a rare show of approval from the governor. "In front of the populace, I'd assume."

"Yes. The populace do seem to enjoy public exectutions." Elias replied. "Not that that surprises me. It was a staple for years on this part of the planet."

"Indeed." Tarkin said. "It has come to my attention that you were also a member of the now deposed Royal Family here in this region, before the Doctor took power for the first time. What drove you to renounce your lineage?"

"The people." Elias replied in disgust, the memories flooding back. "They favoured Sonic the Hedgehog over me, when I was their prince, their leader!" Elias sighed. "When they should have favoured me over them. That's why I left Mobius and renounced my heritage, governor. If they liked Sonic and his ilk so much, they could do without me."

Tarkin nodded. "And now this is your vengeance on them." He replied.

"In a manner of speaking." Elias replied. Gesturing, Elias said: "Come on. We still have time to watch the executions on the Holonet."

Tarkin nodded again. "It will be good to see those that would defy the Empire made examples of." With this, the two Imperials quickly headed inside the castle. They had some executions to witness.

With Roman, City Square, 11:55 am…

Roman cringed as a rousing cheer arose from the crowd as a convoy appeared, coming to a stop near the steps.

The first to exit was unsurprisingly Eggman, whose sole presence soured the crowd's mood, and they reacted accordingly with a chorus of boos.

Roman smiled at this. That was a good sign.

Next to emerge were two Inquisitors, which Roman knew as the Third Brother and Second Sister, the former of whom carried himself as if he was the ruler of Mobius and not Eggman, which failed to surprise Roman, given that the Third Brother had a very high opinion of himself.

The Second Sister on the other hand, was searching the area intently, looking out for any threats.

Then the Stormtroopers emerged, many of them dragging chained prisoners with them.

Roman instantly contacted Tails: "See if you can get a bead on Caleb. I need to make sure if he's among them."

"On it." Tails replied.

After a few tense seconds, Tails came back with a reply of:

"Got him. Looks like he's gonna be the first to get offed."

Roman's eyes fell on Caleb, and instantly scowled.

Caleb looked as if he'd been heavily beaten, beaten within an inch of his life. His face was blotted with bruise upon bruise, and part of his head was encrusted with dried blood. His left eye was swollen shut, and his lip was split. Several lacerations that looked as if they had been caused by blunt-force trauma crossed his face, and he had several teeth missing.

Roman scowled as Dr Eggman began his speech. If all went to plan, which he doubted it would, Caleb would be safe, and they'd be on their way home before the day was out. His hand fingered the lightsabers on his hips: Seth's Lightsabers. He knew deep down that when they started putting their plans into action, Seth would no doubt be needing them.

With Seth, Shatter and Tusk…

He's even uglier at this angle, Seth thought as he listened to Eggman making his speech. All while having to stare at Eggman from the rear.

Occasionally throughout his speech, Eggman would pause and scratch his backside before continuing, something that was proving hard for Seth not to laugh at. The same could be said for the crowd, who were also starting to get a bad case of the giggles at the sight of their ruler inadvertently making an ass of himself every few seconds as he continued to make his speech:

"It is only right that these terrorists, thieves, murderers, rapists, and such should die. For they do not fit in with the clear image with which a citizen of the Empire should present themselves. The Empire does not allow for such crimes to occur, and will not allow for them to occur anywhere, at anytime on this planet, or the entire galaxy!"

Didn't stop that fuck you call a governor on Mandalore taking and raping my mother, Seth thought bitterly. And the only justice he got was from my lightsabers.

Seth could see Roman clear as day from where he was standing, hooded and cloaked by the Force. He'd entrusted Roman with his lightsabers, since he was well aware that a Stormtrooper with two lightsabers on their belt would not be the most inconspicuous way of sneaking in.

Roman seemed to notice that Seth was staring at him, and gave a curt nod in Seth's direction.

Seth returned the nod, before his eyes fell on the Second Sister. Once more he felt that same hatred boil through him at the sight of her. She had clearly never stopped hunting him. Even on Mandalore, she had been there to try and kill Seth. Only for Seth's mother to take the lightsaber to the heart that had been meant for Seth. Ever since, Seth had been vigilant, waiting for the Second Sister to emerge once again. The only reason he had not killed the Second Sister in their duel several months ago during the assault on Artika Base was because he had been on a tight schedule. But now he wasn't. And his first target on the beginning of the operation was her. And he wouldn't hold back this time.

He was drawn back to attention by Eggman reaching the conclusion of his speech:

"And now, courtesy of our great Imperial Majesty Emperor Palpatine, Let the executions begin!"

The crowd roared in approval and bloodlust as Caleb was led towards the chopping block.

With Roman…

Fuck! Roman thought as he contacted Tails: "Do you have a bead on Eggman?"

"Yeah, why?" the twin-tailed vulpine asked.

"I have an idea on what Caleb might say for his last words." Roman said with a smirk.

As this was happening, Caleb was being forced to his knees before the chopping block. Looking up, he saw Eggman, who smirked and asked:

"Any last words, traitor?"

Caleb nodded. "He who passes the sentence should swing the blade. Unless you're too fat to try."

Roman almost burst out laughing at the remark, while Eggman looked about to burst.

Turning to the Third Brother, Eggman held out his hand. "Give me your lightsaber!" He snarled.

Reluctantly, the Third Brother obliged, handing Eggman his lightsaber.

Igniting it, Eggman knelt down next to Caleb, growling: "Those words will be your epitaph, old man!" With this, he spat on Caleb, before getting to his feet.

As this happened, Caleb's head was forced over the block.

Turning to the crowd, Eggman bellowed: "This is what happens when you defy the Empire!" At this, he raised the lightsaber

"Do you have a shot?" Roman asked as he watched this happen.

"Yeah." Tails replied over the comm.

"Fire." Roman said.

With this, Tails made sure he had a good shot, curling his finger around the trigger, and smiling, he said: "Sayonara, Eggman." With this, he pulled the trigger.

The almost deafening report of the sniper as it fired could be heard across the main square, as the deadly salvo flew towards its intended target.

Eggman barely had time to look up towards the fatal bolt of energy before it flew into his head, smashing him completely between his eyes. His pince-nez glasses instantly broke in two, falling in almost symmetrical halves to the floor. Within the first few seconds of the hit, the bolt burst Eggman's pituitary gland, destroyed Eggman's Midbrain, severed Eggman's spinal cord, and passed cleanly through Eggman's cerebellum, which then burst apart, just as most of the back of Eggman's head did, showering those behind him with brains, blood and pieces of skull. The force of the hit also threw Eggman back against the wall, which he then sunk down, dead.

With Roman…

"NOW!" Roman shouted as he leapt from the crowd, throwing off his hood and cloak as he did. Grabbing Seth's lightsabers, he tossed them to Seth, who took off his helmet and ignited his lightsabers.

This caused a collective gasp to arise from the crowd, which was amplified as Roman ignited his.

As this was happening, the Stormtroopers soon were gunned down by Shatter and Tusk, who removed their helmets as well.

As this was happening, Sally, Sonic and Knuckles all emerged, throwing off their cloaks as well.

The sight of Sally after so long drew an even larger reaction than when Roman and Seth had revealed themselves. Some even cheered.

Turning to Sally, Roman gave a nod, which she took as a signal.

Turning to the crowd, Sally began: "Citizens of Mobotropolis! The Empire knows me as a terrorist trying to wrest control of the planet from the Empire and plunge it back into what it sees as chaos. But I know for a fact that you all know me as Princess Sally Acorn, daughter of the deposed and murdered King Maximillian Acorn, who ruled this land before the Empire subjugated it. Two years have passed since then, and that is too long for any planet to be subjugated, by the Empire, or any other dominion!"

A rousing cheer arose from the crowd as they heard Sally's voice once more, something they had been deprived of for the better part of two years.

"Think back to when the Mandalorians tried to bring us under control." Sally said. "Think back to when this entire planet was in danger of being brought under the yoke of another oppressive regime, so many years ago. We didn't sit back then and allow them to; No! Wefought those bastards, and we gave them everything we had!"

The crowd once again cheered, their hands raised aloft in jubilation.

"The Empire would have you believe that they are invincible. Just like Eggman believed himself invincible." Sally continued. "Yet now Eggman lies dead, the victim of an assassin you all know as Miles Tails Prower."

At this, Tails revealed himself, pumping his fists in the air as a rousing ovation erupted from the crowd.

Sally smiled and said: "The ones you once called the Freedom Fighters still live, fighting to free this planet once again from the yoke of a tyrant. But today, we need your help! So I ask you to take up arms, and fight! Fight for your families, fight for the loved ones you no doubt lost during the Battle of Mobotropolis, and most importantly, fight for your FREEDOM!"

A rousing ovation came up from the crowd, as they milled out of the square, clearly towards their homes to grab anything they could to fight.

Sally turned to Roman, who had since freed Caleb while Seth and the clones had kept the Inquisitors occupied.

"Use the revolt as cover to get Caleb out of town." Roman said. "Take the clones, Knuckles, Tails and Ashley with you. With luck, me and Seth will follow."

Sally nodded and contacted Ashley and Tails: "Ash, Tails, get down here now! Roman and Seth are gonna get us a window, so let's make it count!" With this, the rest of the Freedom Fighters left, leaving Roman, Seth, and the two Inquisitors alone in the city square.

Well, snap. Who would have imagined that Tarkin would make his presence known? He won't be too prevalent a character, but the reason I have included him will be revealed in later chapters.

Regardless, thank you all for taking the time to read this chapter. If you enjoyed it, then please leave a review in the appropriate section, telling me what it was that you enjoyed and what you think I can do better. In the event that you really enjoyed it, then I invite you to favourite and follow this fanfiction, so that you will be notified as to whenever I post another chapter.

Again, thank you so much for reading, and I will see you tomorrow (Hopefully!) with the next chapter, which has Caleb's mission go into full swing.

T-Rock14