Chapter 8: Pain
Somewhere in the Downunda Outback, Continent of Tralius, Mobius
Several people gathered around tents in a small crevasse in the middle of the desert, as the heat of the day resonated even as the sky turned dark, with only a few fires being lit as food was being cooked. Near one tent, a group of Mobians gathered, a male wallaby, a female koala, a male platypus, a male wombat, and a male emu, all gathered around their fire.
"A'right, we'll give these folks a few hours o' sleep, this crevasse provides good cover."
"But Walt, how much longer 'ave we got?"
"One more day's hike from 'ere, Barby. My contact will be waitin' on the other side o' that ridge. Might make it there faster if we keep up a faster pace. Once we get there, we stick to that plan Sally gave me for times like this," said Walt.
"What about those… 'Imperial' off-worlders? Bill?" said Barby.
"Last recon sweep, me and Wombat Stu we saw that they're slowed down due to the rough terrain, their air patrols will have a hard time spotting us due to these dust storms we've been having," said Bill.
"But when I did my sweep, I saw those big walking mechs…," said Wombat Stu.
"How big?" said Bill.
"Much bigger than those smaller ones, like the terrain doesn't bother them!" said Wombat Stu.
"Don't worry so much. Lots of crevasses, ditches, and unstable rock formations. We also know the terrain here. We have home advantage, wouldn't worry 'bout it too much, mate," said Walt.
"Okay…" said Wombat Stu.
"Don't presume anything….the Dreamtime is all disrupted by the arrival of these offworlders...nothing's gonna happen as it should...a dark aura guides them…."
"Guru's at it again with that…," said Bill.
"So, Walt, we move before sunrise?" said Barby.
"Yeah. Let's let these folks sleep, it's been a hard few days march. Once we get 'em to safety, we'll head out to Robotropolis. Ain't been there in a long time….heard it's lovely this time o' year….ugh," said Walt.
"Now that you mention it...I could use a bit of shut-eye myself," said Wombat Stu.
"Get some rest, then. We need it," said Walt.
"Now pay attention Basil & Summer, Chao require the utmost care," said Cream.
Two young Mobian snakes were sitting in front of Cream, who held Cheese in her hands. They were staring inquisitively at Cheese.
"Chao," said Cheese.
"A Chao grows through love, and whomever raises one will determine how it's developed. They love it when you pet them, go ahead, Cheese won't mind, won't you, Cheese?"
"Chao, chao," said Cheese.
"Wow….it almost looks like it's made of water…." said Basil.
"They do, but they're really soft. Don't be afraid," said Cheese.
Basil slowly reached out with his three-fingered, mechanical tail hand, but when Cheese saw it, he flinched a bit and huddled against Cream.
"Chao…." he said.
"Don't be afraid, Cheese, he's not going to hurt you…" said Cream.
"Daddy, the Chao is scared of me," said Basil.
"It's okay, son. Poor thing probably ain't never seen nothin' like that before," said David.
"Mr. Carrera, why does Basil have that weird hand on his tail? I saw Mrs. Carrera had one too," said Cream.
"Oh, it's just a condition some Mobian snakes have, they're simply called 'limbless ones,' his 'ma and his gram' have it," said David.
"It's some kind of genetic thing, right?" said Tails.
"Ya, it is," said David.
Amy walked over and sat next to Cream and petted Cheese.
"It's okay, Cheese, Basil didn't mean to scare you," said Amy.
"Can...can I try?" said Summer.
"Sure, Summer," said Cream.
Cheese looked very nervous as Summer gently raised her own hand and slowly moved it towards Cheese's head. Cheese still looked nervous, but then, Amy slowly reached out and pushed two of Summer's fingers back, leaving only one extended. Summer was confused by this, but soon, Cheese slowly hovered towards Summer's finger and after looking at it for a bit, slowly touched it with a smile.
"Chao," said Cheese.
"See? He just needs to know you're not gonna hurt him," said Cheese.
Summer continued nuzzling Cheese, and she turned to Claes.
"Mom, look at me!" said Summer.
"That is a very blissful moment, sweetie...live up any time with a Chao, they're one of the most precious things our planet doesn't fully appreciate the way Cream here does," said Claes.
"Thank you, Miss Laurent. Basil, why don't you try again? Do what Summer is doing," said Cream.
"Yeah, go ahead, cousin," said Summer.
Basil slowly reached out to Cheese again, but this time holding out one finger, just as Summer did. Cheese turned and after a bit of thinking, slowly hovered towards Basil's finger and hugged it. Basil slowly smiled.
"There you go, cuz! See?" said Summer.
"Yeah!" said Basil.
Basil turned to the door leading to a balcony.
"Mommy, look it!"
Soledad, out on the balcony with Lady Saffron and Sally, turned to see him with Cheese.
"That's very good, sweetheart! You be nice to that Chao, Cream was very nice to let you play with him, don't spoil it now, okay?" said Soledad.
"Yes, mommy!" said Basil.
Soledad turned back to Sally and Lady Saffron.
"My son...he needs to enjoy all the wonderful things in life, even at times like this," said Soledad.
"We all do, otherwise, what are we fighting for?" said Sally.
"Indeed," said Lady Saffron.
"Which leads me to my biggest concern now...if the Empire finds out this planet is a staging area...you know they'll invade," said Sally.
"Trust me, dear, we're not naive to that possibility. We're perfectly prepared to flee if the situation calls for it. We don't keep enough here to call it a staging area, more of a safe place to recuperate. But otherwise, we only maintain what we need to keep our cell operational." said Lady Saffron.
"Yes, we always keep our Levante shuttle fueled and ready to flee at a moment's notice. It's in the hangar in the basement of this building. And we have a safe room in the library for when things get hot," said Soledad.
"But, don't think this operation had it easy in seclusion, Robotnik has directed his forces to harass us or harass any convoy ships supplying this colony, and in our first year and a half, we had to buy our own equipment, including Jericho's ship, the Storm Ranger. We didn't even start receiving Z-95s until later the following year. Only within the last year we've caught up, equipment wise, with the rest of the Rebellion," said Lady Saffron.
"Sounds like how we had to do it back home, we had to use hand-me-down equipment and scavenge for years, at least until you began supplying us through Jericho & Geoffrey," said Sally.
"Which brings us to our next subject, Sally. Now that you're here…"
"When can we expect you to ascend to the throne?" said Soledad.
Sally felt a sharp stinging in her heart.
"Excuse me?" said Sally.
"Soledad…"
"No, mother, let me speak here. This needs to be addressed anyway, owing to Sally's status as the sole surviving heir to the throne, you know," said Soledad.
"I have no plans of ascending to the throne anytime soon, Soledad. There isn't even a Kingdom for me to lead right now, not the way things are now," said Sally.
"Princess, this isn't just about leadership, it's about morale. Our people need a figure, a symbol, a beacon of hope. They need to know that your family is not dead, and that you're ready to lead them against Robotnik and the Empire," said Soledad.
"Firstly, I already did that on my own, the Rebellion simply adds to that image. Secondly, I can't ascend the throne because my father is alive," said Sally.
"Your father? Alive?" said Lady Saffron.
"Yes. I know it. My father is alive," said Sally.
"Oh, of course...that mission to Ironlock Prison in the Dark Swamp, I've read Geoffrey's report on that matter. You found an old computer and a piece of cloak. That doesn't prove anything, Sally," said Soledad.
"Yes it does. That cloak piece is from a one-of-a-kind weave. I'd recognize it anywhere. He was there, I know it," said Sally.
"It's not that we don't believe you, dear. All Soledad is saying is that the evidence is circumstantial at best, and we ourselves haven't found anything to the contrary," said Lady Saffron.
"If Robotnik had killed him already, he would never keep that a secret, we'd have known by now," said Sally.
"The Empire would. It's the kind of tactic they've used to fool many of our other cells. They kill a person of importance, and use that person as bait. Maybe the Empire is just waiting for the right moment to use that as bait for you," said Soledad.
"She's not wrong about that, Sally," said Lady Saffron.
Sally paused for a moment. The memory of seeing Alderaan destroyed, combined with what Soledad said, that didn't seem so farfetched to her. But Sally stood firm, she looked at Soledad again.
"If that turns out to be true...then I….I will just…"
"Soledad, you know that even if this is the right course, she's still not of age," said Lady Saffron.
"That's an unwritten bylaw, mother. Nothing says she's not allowed to take the throne due to age," said Soledad.
"Even so, we cannot force Sally to do it, even if the law demands it," said Lady Saffron.
Soledad opened her mouth, but no words came out. She simply sighed.
"Yes, mother. You're right. Princess, I wasn't trying to offend you, but you understand where I'm coming from with this, right?" said Soledad.
"Yes, Soledad, I know. But you gotta understand; it's not that I don't want to take the throne, it's that I will not take the throne because I know, in my heart, that my father is still out there somewhere. But you are right about one thing, the Empire may try to use him or my connection to him as a way to get at me. But as long as I believe he is alive, then I will not rest until I find him and bring him back to us. However, if I'm wrong, and he truly is dead….then I will take my responsibility and assume the throne if there's no other way. But until I see with my own two eyes that he is no longer alive, then I will keep that throne open, as it brings me hope that he is alive, and that, my friends, gives me the strength to go on," said Sally.
Lady Saffron and Soledad looked at each other and Lady Saffron nodded with a smile, and Soledad finally nodded back.
"Very well, Princess. If that is what you want, then I will try to respect your wishes. I just remain skeptical that you will find him alive, if you pardon my choice of words," said Soledad.
"He is alive. I know it," said Sally.
"And I promise you that I will try to support you on that matter as best I can," said Soledad.
"As will I," said Lady Saffron.
"Thank you, both of you. I know you all need hope for our people, but I need hope too, and if I'm right about this...then it will bring hope for all of us," said Sally.
"I'm all for hope and inspiring and all that, but when can we get back to doing what we should be doing best? Busting SWAT Bot and Stormtrooper butts?"
Sally rolled her eyes and groaned loudly as she looked up on the roof of the overhang, where Sonic was lounging.
"Sonic, how long have you been up there?" said Sally.
"Since I finished my first eighty kilometer-long jog on this planet. Just when you ladies started talking about stuff," said Sonic.
"Ugh," said Sally.
"Mommy! Look at this!" said Basil.
Sally, Soledad, and Lady Saffron turned around and saw Basil holding onto Tails' arms as Tails flew around a bit.
"Careful, there!" said Soledad.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Carrera, we'll be fine!" said Tails.
"He does that all the time with Sonic, Soledad. And besides, how often do you get to meet a fox who can fly?" said Sally.
"I suppose…," said Soledad.
"Relax, dear. Your son has not had other kids to play with in quite a while. It's moments like this that make this fight all worth it," said Lady Saffron.
Soledad sighed.
"Yes, mother, I suppose you are correct," said Soledad.
Jericho and Dayton were sitting on the couch, enjoying their drinks when Jericho heard the door opening, he turned around to look, and Natalia was walking in.
"Natalia, what brings you up here?"
"Sorry to interrupt, sir, but the refugees we rescued are ready to receive visitors," said Natalia.
"You could've just told me that over the communicator, Natalia, there was no need to come up here," said Jericho.
"I...um...forgot my communicator back on the ship, sir," said Natalia.
Jericho raised his eyebrow, and Natalia suddenly started pulling things out of her pockets, and Jericho could see she did not have her communicator. Natalia gulped a little and felt her heart skip a beat or two, but her palms were sweating.
"You could've just used someone else's communicator or used one of the computers across the base, you know," said Jericho.
Natalia simply nodded. Milena, who was standing nearby, simply raised an eyebrow.
"Regardless, never go anywhere without it, Natalia. Go ready the speeders, I'll gather up our party and we'll go to the camp," said Jericho.
"Sir, yes, sir!" said Natalia.
"This isn't training, one 'sir' will do," said Jericho.
"Yes, sir," said Natalia.
Jericho turned away and shook Dayton's shoulder to get his attention and they both walked towards the Freedom Fighters. Natalia took a moment to watch Jericho, but Milena walked up next to her and put her hand on her shoulder. She gave Natalia an awkward stare.
"What?" said Natalia.
"We all know the real reason you wanted to deliver this in person," said Milena.
"I...don't know what you're talking about," said Natalia.
Milena leaned in close to Natalia.
"You're not hard to read, you know," Milena whispered.
Natalia's cheeks turned red in embarrassment.
"Please...don't mess this up for me…" said Natalia.
"I won't," said Milena.
Natalia sighed in relief.
"Thank you, thank you," said Natalia.
"All right, everyone, let's get to the camp! Should've gone straight away, I don't like leaving those people waiting," said Lady Saffron.
"You're coming too, Lady Saffron?" said Sally.
"Of course, I always welcome our new guests. Trust is an important part of this operation, and the people we rescue should know who they can trust in these difficult times," said Lady Saffron.
"Alright, let's go, everyone!" said Sally.
"Where exactly is this camp?" said Tails.
"In the old park on the shore of Lake Adele," said Soledad.
"Lake Adele?" said Tails.
"You saw it when we flew in, it's the big lake to the west of Port Sapphire," said Jericho.
The Freedom Fighters and Rebels walked outside to the waiting speeders, and everyone but Sonic hopped aboard and set off for the refugee camp.
The Downunda Freedom Fighters slept soundly in their sleeping bags, with nothing but the silence of the night for sound, as clouds covered the bright full moon. But atop the rocks and the ridge overlooking their camp, several Stormtoopers, led by a few Death Troopers, were scaling the rocks to the high points, and moving heavy equipment via ascension cables. They had just gotten a full squad and an E-Web Blaster atop the ridge when Wombat Stu sneezed, slowly waking him up. He sat up a bit, and he saw what looked like movement on the ridge. He then quickly cleared his eyes, and when he saw the white armor of the Stormtroopers, he screamed loudly. The other Downunda Freedom Fighters woke up with a start, and when they saw what Wombat Stu was screaming at, they began to run for it, grabbing what they could, as the rest of the refugees, who also woke from his scream, began spotting the Imperials as well, and in a chain reaction, everyone screamed everyone out of their dreams and began to flee in all directions.
"RUN! EVERYONE! RUN!" said Barby.
"JUST GO! RUN, RUN, RUN!" said Walt.
The Freedom Fighters and refugees ran for their lives towards the entrance to a large ravine, as a steady rain began to fall atop them. But it didn't take long for a whole platoon of Imperial troops to give chase as they appeared over the ridge, chasing after the group, firing at them, killing and wounding several refugees as they attempted to fall in with those who were fleeing. The Freedom Fighters stood at the canyon entrance, attempting to herd the fleeing refugees.
"I can't get a shot at these guys! We got too many innocents in the line of fire!" said Bill.
"We gotta move!" said Wombat Stu.
Guru, moving at a somewhat slower pace, simply took a deep breath, as if nothing was happening around him.
"Come on, Guru! We gotta move! Weren't you listening?" said Barby.
"Violence ain't gonna achieve much, dudes. We are meant for something bigger, according to-"
Bill simply rolled his eyes and grabbed Guru.
"Oh, just save your philosophies for when we're not getting shot at!" said Bill.
"E-WEB!" said Walt.
The Stormtroopers atop the cliffs above them opened fire with an E-Web blaster, slaughtering countless refugees as they scrambled for cover or wandered into other lines of fire. The Freedom Fighters fired back, but they kept being suppressed by the E-Web's fire.
"I can't get a shot at that E-Web! Barby, Bill, you got one?" said Walt.
"No!" said Bill.
"The angle is no good! That thing'll shred us before we can get into a position!" said Barby.
"I'm not Sonic! No way I'm gonna run across for a shot!" said Wombat Stu.
"We gotta-"
Suddenly, an orange energy blast flew over the Freedom Fighters' heads and struck the power generator next to the E-Web blaster, causing it to explode, sending the Stormtroopers flying to their deaths off the edge of the cliff upon which they stood. The Freedom Fighters looked around, bewildered.
"Who fired that?!" said Walt.
"Wasn't me!" said Bill.
Guru simply smiled.
"The Dreamtime answered our pains, dudes. That was the work of the Guardian Angel," he said.
"Oh, here we go again with that 'Guardian Angel' stuff," said Bill.
"You really think it's him?" said Wombat Stu.
"I don't think. I know, the Dreamtime made sure the Guardian Angel would assist us, we won't even need to fire more shots-"
But they were interrupted as they saw several AT-STs closing in from behind, firing at them.
"Scout Walkers! Run, mates, run!" said Walt.
"Why do the bad guys always get the cooler toys, mate?" said Wombat Stu.
"Cause they're the bad guys, mate!" said Bill.
Walt threw one of his Bomberangs at the AT-STs, and stuck one in the head, but it did little noticeable damage. The AT-ST simply turned its head towards them again as if the blast was little more than a slap. It fired back in retaliation, and the Freedom Fighters moved deeper into the ravine. But as they moved forward, they saw nothing but corpses. They all felt their hearts almost stop at the sight. Barby especially felt like a vice was tightening around hers, as the refugees laid on the ground, dead by numerous weapons.
"Help me…,"
They looked up, one refugee staggered towards them, clutching a blaster wound on his hip.
"Help me….,"
But before they could even walk towards the refugee, he was shot in the back, and fell to the ground, as a Death Trooper with a whole platoon of Stormtroopers walked calmly towards the Freedom Fighters, shooting any wounded refugees and even a few corpses just to ensure they were dead.
"Don't move, Rebel scum," said the Death Trooper.
Barby looked horrified by what just happened in front of them, she was on the verge of tears, and clutched her blaster pistol with a much tighter grip. Walt noticed this, and saw she was close to aiming her blaster.
"Barby, don't...don't! Keep it cool, mate," said Walt.
"Go ahead. Try it, Rebel," said the Death Trooper.
The Trooper and the Stormtroopers took aim at the Freedom Fighters as the AT-STs came around the corner behind them. Walt looked around, surveilling their options, noticing a rock formation barely at the edge of his eyesight. He knew the second he put his hand on a Bomberang, they were all dead. His sweat intensified as the Empire drew down. But suddenly, a noise snapped across the air, as a blue bolt of energy stuck a Stormtrooper next to the Death Trooper, causing the Stormtroopers to frantically aim their weapons in all directions in confusion.
"Find that sniper, now!" said the Death Trooper.
Walt saw his chance, arming one of his Bomberangs, he turned around and threw it at the rock formation. It exploded on impact, causing the rocks to begin to collapse, right atop of one of the AT-STs behind them, the others were blocked off, unable to pass through the fallen rocks. The Freedom Fighters, save for Guru, charged the line of Stormtroopers and the Death Trooper and went into a melee with them. Barby vengefully smashed the Death Trooper in the face with a rock, but the trooper simply wrestled her away and tossed her down, before grabbing her neck and squeezed it hard, Barby unable to breathe. Bill, seeing her, quickly picked up the Death Trooper's dropped E-11D rifle and fired at the Trooper's back, wounding him, but the trooper simply drew his pistol and fired back at Bill, keeping one hand firmly on Barby. Walt and Wombat Stu meanwhile, were meleeing with the Stormtoopers, smashing them with melee weapons and shooting them with their pistols and picked-up E-11s. Bill, dodging the Death Trooper's blaster fire by rolling, fired several more shots, hitting the Death Trooper a few more times, and he still wouldn't go down. The Death Trooper took aim at Bill, but Barby suddenly reached for the Death Trooper's belt, and grabbed a Thermal Detonator Grenade on it, she then hit the arming switch, and when the trooper heard it beep, he took his hand off Barby and tried to grab it, but Barby kicked him back, and she quickly rolled away and ran, as the trooper tried to get the grenade off, only for it to explode, taking him with it. Barby then saw Bill run over and help her back to her feet, they simply glanced at each other as they ran to help Walt and Wombat Stu finish off the Stormtrooper squad. But as they finished off the Stormtroopers, they heard another AT-ST approach behind where the Stormtroopers were. They all groaned, but Walt then had a grin come to his face.
"Barby, ever wanted to drive one of those?"
"Since this mess started, Walt…"
The two Freedom Fighters ran up to the AT-ST before it could turn it's head to fire at them, and they fired their rappel lines to the top of it's head, rappelling atop them. Walt then tapped on the hatch, and soon, it opened as one of the pilots came out wielding a blaster. Walt simply grabbed the pilot and tossed him off the walker. Barby meanwhile grabbed the co-pilot and dragged him out with a struggle out of the walker, and tossed him aside as well. The two of them then hopped in and took control.
"Okay, time for the worm to turn," said Walt.
Bill saw Guru sitting in a meditative stance.
"Those Imperials greatly hurt the spirit of the land, upsetting the harmony of all. They cannot justify it with their moral righteousness," said Guru.
"Unbelievable. He's preaching peace, yet we have to do all the fighting," said Bill.
"What are we gonna do with him, mate?" said Wombat Stu.
Walt and Barby drove the AT-ST down the ravine, with the others following closely. They ran into more Stormtroopers on the way, but Walt and Barby easily drove them back using their captured AT-ST. They came across a few AT-PTs and other AT-STs, which they were able to repulse with their captured walker. Eventually, they saw a group of TIE Mauler tanks come charging towards them.
"Get them! Fast! They self-destruct!" said Walt.
Walt and Barby fired the AT-ST's guns at the TIE Maulers, destroying one instantly, but another started firing at Bill, Wombat Stu, and Guru, chasing them with intent to run them down. Walt and Barby turned their AT-ST and fired at the TIE Mauler, missing until they finally were able to line up a shot at it. They then felt a jolt shake their cabin, as they saw one TIE Mauler ram them, as if it tried to knock them over.
"I think it's gonna self-destruct, mate! Out! NOW!" said Walt.
The two quickly hustled out of the cockpit of their walker and jumped off just as the TIE Mauler self-destructed, taking the AT-ST with it. The Freedom Fighters regained their composure. Walt looked around, catching his breath.
"How much further...Bill?".
"Not much further, but we need to get out of this ravine, fast!" said Bill.
"I'm exhausted," said Wombat Stu.
"We made it this far," said Barby.
"Let's keep...moving. We can't give up now," said Walt.
The Freedom Fighters stuck to the ravine's wall as they continued onward, until they heard voices.
"You think those furballs can last this long?"
"Nah, they're gonna give up sooner or later, they can't possibly last long even if they do make it out of this ravine."
"Scout troopers…" said Walt.
But one trooper looked in their direction, and drew his blaster.
"FREEZE, FURBALL!"
The Freedom Fighters exchanged blaster fire with the four Scout Troopers, eventually killing all the troopers, and walking towards the Speeder Bikes parked nearby.
"Great. Speeder bikes, this'll get us on our way," said Wombat Stu.
Barby felt her hands begin to shake a bit.
"Hey, you okay?" said Bill.
"No...just….DAMNIT! All those refugees…." she said.
Walt and Bill saw Barby break down in tears, and they could only comfort her with words.
"Yeah...we failed on that one, Barby…" said Walt.
"The Empire is gonna pay for what they've done...but we got to go," said Bill.
"But what about the ones that are still out there?" said Barby.
"I hate to say it...but we can't do any more today...we're exhausted and we've gotta get away from here before the Empire finishes us off," said Walt.
"And all the ones who died already?" said Barby.
"We ain't gotta leave 'em, dudes. Cause they're already gone," said Guru.
"He's...strangely got a point, mate. Come on, we gotta get to Robotropolis if we're gonna survive this. I promise you, the Empire will pay for this, but not today. For now, we gotta save ourselves," said Bill.
Barby sighed and shed a few tears.
"Okay…"
"That's settled then. Let's ride these bikes to the rendezvous point and get out of 'ere. We won't last another day if we stay any longer," said Walt.
The Downunda Freedom Fighters mounted the speeder bikes, as Wombat Stu sat on his bike, Guru sat behind him, as there were only three to use.
"When's the last time you bathed, Guru?" said Wombat Stu.
"My hygienic manners don't mean much, dude. It's bad karma to be leading people to certain death, it undermines the harmony of the land. And today was not good for that. The Dreamtime is rough right now with all the death today….but there is light on the horizon," said Guru.
Wombat Stu and Bill just looked at each other with confusion on their face, and just shrugged as they followed Walt's bike out of the ravine, right towards the rising sun on the horizon.