Manuel was still driving, eventually reaching his destination as he got to a bridge that led back to the motorway. He pulled off to the side, the wheels leaving a short trail in the snowy side path as he parked the truck under the bridge. He managed to park behind a wall, stopping as soon as he was sure that the truck was well-hidden before stopping the engine.

"This is the plan?" Jude asked. "What, we're just going to stay here forever?"

"Well, Jem told us to find a safe spot to hide if in case shit kicked off," Manuel said. "I figure that under the bridge is a good spot."

"We can't just hide under the bridge the whole time," said Taylor. "What if the freelancers come back and we miss them?"

"Ah, we're leaving the truck under the bridge," said Manuel. "We'll go back and get it when we need it. We just need to wait a little bit."

"I don't think that we should risk that," said Marla. "We were already made with the masks before. We'll get recognised easily."

"Then we'll just go without the masks," said Bruno.

"If you leave without the masks from this position, it'll be a very suspicious look," Manuel said. "I'm the only one in a disguise, and a very convincing one at that." He sighed. "I'll go. I'll try and gather some information on where the freelancers might have gone. You guys all stay back here, and if anyone asks any questions or tries to steal the truck, put them in the fucking ground."

"What about cops?" asked Marla. "They're not going to go away any time soon."

"If you hear them, stay hidden and stay low," said Manuel. "But if you have to kill them too, then you'll know what to do."

"Wouldn't be the first time that one of us has shot a cop this week," said Jude.

"Oh, well, fuck you too," said Marla as Manuel left the truck. She waited until he was past the truck and on the main footpath before sighing. "Do you think that it'll be worth trying to get him in trouble with Jem?"

"What do you mean?" asked Taylor.

"Manuel was one of Nack's generals. If Manuel did this shit while Nack was around, he likely wouldn't have been punished. Jem is a lot less forgiving."

"So you're worried about Manuel getting into trouble and getting punished?" Bruno asked. "You know what Jem is like. If you don't follow all of his instructions to a tee, he will punish you for it."

"I'm just saying that we might have to be more careful," said Marla. "Of all of the old bosses in Westopolis, Manuel's the only one still there. Jem might still have some level of respect for him. More than he has for Beau, at least."

"We'll play it safe," said Bruno. "But we can't make it too obvious either."

Manuel looked back at the truck, letting out a huff of breath as he walked around a block of houses. He saw several police officers around, asking if they'd seen anything about the supply truck or what was stolen, and he kept his hat low as he sneaked around them, looking around and eventually finding a small cafe to stop at. He walked in and sat down, getting his phone out and calling Jem.

"Yes, what is it, Manuel?" Jem asked.

Manuel looked around quickly, clearing his throat and keeping his voice low. "We got the stuff, but we were almost caught. I'm alone right now, the others are hidden, and we'll wait for the freelancers to get back."

"Don't wait too long," said Jem. "In fact, ask around to see where they might have gone. You're still going to wait for them to get back before you attack them, but a little bit of information couldn't hurt."

"Yeah, fair," said Manuel, turning as a pair of police officers entered the building. "I think I know who to ask. I'll call you when we're done." He hung up and turned to see Bunnie and Antoine walking in, conversing.

"It's just so close to home, that's what worries me," Antoine said. "I know that we spend a lot our time at the station rooms, but still..."

"Hey, don't ya worry about it, sugah," Bunnie smiled. "We'll settle down with a nice lunch, get our minds off of things."

"That sounds nice," said Antoine, turning to see Manuel there. "Excuse me, are you waiting for anyone?"

"Oh, no," Manuel shook his head. "Why?"

"You just looked a bit lonely is all, but it's fine," Antoine said, turning to Bunnie. "I'll go order our lunch. Anything you got in mind?"

"Ooh... a hot chocolate and a croissant would be nice," Bunnie said. "This cold is not agreeing with me."

"It's a harsh winter, so it'll only get worse," Antoine sighed. "At least I'm spending it with you."

"Aw, you sweetie," Bunnie said.

Antoine chuckled and looked at Manuel. "Can I get you anything? A coffee, maybe?"

"No, I won't be here long," Manuel said. "I just wanted to ask you guys something quickly, if that's okay."

"What is it?" asked the brown coyote.

"I'm new to Green Hill, but this is where the freelancers are from, right? I was wondering why they're not here? I heard about that accident with the trucks."

"Tragic thing," Bunnie sighed. "Two dead and a lot of supplies that people needed are all missing. As for the question about the freelancers, ah think that they went up to Spring Yard to investigate somethin'."

"Ah, right," Manuel said. "Well, the work never stops for them, huh? How long have they been at it?"

"t think that it would have been three years if not for the forced break," said Antoine. "There was a whole situation surrounding the implants and it wasn't good, and the freelancers were forced to take the fall. Didn't stop the damage, though. If it did, two people wouldn't be dead, dozens more would be uninjured, and things would be calmer."

"I see," Manuel said. He looked around and got up. "Thanks for the information, but I should probably get going."

"No, please, stay," Bunnie said. "We don't mind buying you lunch."

"Yeah, let us welcome you a bit more properly to Green Hill," Antoine smiled. "Well, the proper way to do that would be the Jade Mountain that's a lot closer to the station, but still."

"Jade Mountain?" Manuel asked.

"Fast food chain," Bunnie said. "They're in a lot of other cities but it started in Green Hill. They're known for specialising in spicy chicken."

"I might have to give it a try," Manuel smiled. "That sounds lovely."

Antoine chuckled, turning to see a free space in the line. "All right, I'll go get our lunch." He looked over to Manuel. "Anything take your fancy?"

"I'd love to stay, but like I said, I'm not staying long," Manuel said, standing up from his chair. "Thanks for the offer, though. As well as your time."

"No problem," Bunnie said. "And welcome to Green Hill too."

"Thanks much," Manuel said as he walked past the couple. "Take care."

Antoine watched as the black bull left the cafe. "He seems nice."

Manuel went around the side of the cafe, turning to see Bunnie giving him a small wave which he returned before carrying on his way, heading back under the bridge and seeing that the truck was still there. He looked back and forth again to see if anyone was following him before going over to the truck, seeing the others gathered around it.

"Hey, what's the news?" asked Jude.

"The freelancers are at Spring Yard right now," said Manuel.

"With the implants?" asked Taylor. "Jem did tell them to deliver them to Spring Yard."

"No, the cops that I talked to said that they were investigating something up there," said Manuel. "They didn't say what."

"Well, in that case, we should formulate an attack plan of sorts," said Taylor. "You got anything in mind?"

"Actually, I do," Manuel said. "There's a spot called Jade Mountain. It's not super far from the station but it's enough out of the way. And I know exactly how we're going to get their attention."

With the freelancers...

"So I just had a thought," Sonic said as they were nearing Spring Yard City.

"What is it?" Tails asked.

"You got Fokus before we left Green Hill, remember? Well... we're going into a city where they're likely going to pad you down for anything illegal."

"Oh, shit," Tails said. "I mean, I could just tell them why I'm going to use it."

"If they buy it, I'll buy lunch when we get back to Green Hill," said Sonic.

"All right, it's a bet," Tails said, extending his hand. Sonic shook it and Tails sighed. "I'm going to lose, aren't I?"

"Probably," Sonic said, looking up ahead. "Ah, there's Alec. There to greet us personally, it seems."

They indeed saw Commander Alec of Spring Yard Police Department waiting, the blue tiger's arms crossed along his chest and his smile beaming at the freelancers. As always, he was wearing a fancy suit, this time a silver and purple striped number, and he tipped his hat as the freelancers pulled up towards him and hopped off of their hover-boards, packing them up and walking up to him to shake his hand.

"It's good to see you boys again," Alec said, his Scottish accent thick and welcoming to the four. "It's been too long."

"Well, you know why," said Sonic. "Oh, Tails brought drugs."

"They're for an experiment thing that I'm trying to use to screw over the people who took my parents," Tails said.

"Really?" Alec asked. "What's the drug?"

"Fokus," Tails said a bit quietly. "I got it from G.H.P.D's evidence locker. I know it sounds like a dumb excuse but... yeah."

"No, I get it," Alec said. "Fuck Jem for what he did. The Prowers are great people, and they didn't deserve to have come under such heavy fire for what happened a year and a half ago." He looked over to Shadow. "Neither did you, by the way."

"Thanks," Shadow said. "That... that actually helps."

"You're coming to see about the police station, right?" Alec asked as the city gates opened behind him, turning on his heel to walk into the city as the freelancers followed. "We couldn't find much ourselves. A dead guard and a secretary that didn't notice that anything was off."

"Was there anyone else hurt?" asked Sonic.

"No, just that one guard," said Alec. "And that visitor. He looked familiar, but we only have the security footage to go off of. The secretary didn't get a good look at him."

"Then let's go and check it out," said Sonic.

Alec nodded, walking the four to a Spring Yard issued police car, getting in to start the engine. The others put their boards in the boot and also got in, and a short drive later, they were pulling up to the Spring Yard Police Department building. It looked similar to the Green Hill department building, with a bronze and deep red look instead of the more blue tinges that Green Hill's police building had.

Alec walked in and smiled at the secretary. "Hey, good to see you, Shelly."

"You too, boss," Shelly said, looking over at the freelancers. "And you guys as well. So, Commander, how can I help?"

"I need you to explain to the lads what happened when Jem escaped."

"Of course," Shelly said. "I wish I'd seen it coming. Some guy I didn't recognise came in to visit Jem, which itself should have been a warning sign. He walked in, talked to Jem for a few minutes, then I think he killed the guard that was working the shift before Jem took over the guard's identity and left with the visitor."

"Did you get a good look at the visitor?" asked Sonic.

"I can't say that I did, sorry," said Shelly.

"And you've gone through the security footage?" Tails asked, getting a nod of confirmation from Alec. "If this escape happened a year and a half ago, then it must have been done by a professional."

"We have footage for outside as well, but that's also difficult to make anything out of," Alec said. "No license plates nor a good look at the model of the car."

"It's all my fault..." Shelly said. "When the guy who came to free Jem arrived, he said something about an early transfer. I didn't think to question it at the time, and because of that, Jem is loose and god knows where he is."

"Well, we know," said Shadow. "He's at a cozy little place named Westopolis."

"Ah." Alec paused. "So, lads, how do you want to go about this?"

"I don't think there's a lot of ways we can go about it besides looking at the footage," said Sonic. "If it's someone associated with Jem, they probably don't even have that car any more." He turned to Shelly. "And for what it's worth, you shouldn't feel bad about something that you didn't think would happen."

Shelly nodded, the desk phone ringing. She picked it up. "This is Spring Yard Police Department, what is your emergency... oh, hello, Commander Lupe. How may I... oh... oh! I see! All right, I'll let them know right away!" She hung up and looked at the freelancers. "There was an accident in Green Hill. An attack."

"What happened?" Knuckles asked.

"Spring Yard sent a supply truck out earlier, and it was found upturned on a road in the southern end of Green Hill. The drivers were both killed, several civilians are injured, and many weapons are missing."

"Fuck..." Knuckles said. "How? How the hell did that happen?"

"Barely a week back and we've been attacked at home three times already, only this time we weren't there," Tails said. "But we can't leave without going over the footage first."

"Then follow me," Alec said.

The blue tiger led the freelancers to a room down past a hall on the left of the building, marked with a small sign on the wall on the right of the door that said "security". The freelancers walked in and looked over the multiple screens, Alec bringing up holographic displays and enlarging the two that were relevant to Jem's escape.

"The first is the camera by the cells where Jem broke out," Alec said, playing the footage. The five of them saw a man addressing the guard dressed in Spring Yard Police Department uniform before the man quickly grabbed the guard's baton and broke the guard's neck with it. "And after that, he steals the keys... breaks Jem out, Jem takes on the guard's appearance... and away they go."

"That was pretty brutal, actually," said Shadow. "Just in and out too. Nobody suspecting a thing."

Tails looked the footage over. "Rewind it a bit?" Alec did so, and Tails bit his lip. "Hmm... no, I'm not seeing anything. Would you switch to the outside camera?"

"Of course," Alec smiled, focusing on the other camera. "They talk about something before they leave we think, but we couldn't get a good handle on the audio." He played the footage, showing Jem leaving with the other person as they got in the car, pausing to talk a bit before leaving."

Knuckles pointed and snapped his fingers. "Wait, go back... all right, right there." He peered closely at the other man. "Enhance that, please." Alec obeyed. "That beard... I've seen that before... aha! The scar!"

"Holy shit, it's Gerren," said Sonic.

"Ah, right, Gerren," Alec nodded. "Who's that, then?"

"He was a new hire of Nack's, helped him break out of Green Hill Penitentiary and start the riots," Shadow said.

"I sent some officers out after the car left," Alec added, "but they didn't turn anything back up."

"And thanks to those overrated jurisdiction rules, they likely won't ever," Tails sighed. "And also, if Gerren is working with Jem, that car's probably not around any more."

"So we came out here to help and we turned up... sweet fuck all," Knuckles sighed. "Great, that."

"Well, not entirely sweet fuck all," Alec smiled. "You helped us identify who it was that broke Jem out. And I do have a gift for you. Come with me."

He closed down the footage windows and went back through the hall, leading the four freelancers to a room on the right that led to an armoury. He told them to wait outside before going in and walking back out, holding four devices in his hands and giving one to each of them.

"Here," he said. "Put them on."

"What are they?" asked Sonic.

"They're a little helping hand that we received from an old weapons supply drop out of Star Light. Be sure to thank Dingo the next time that you see him. It comes from his office." He smiled. "They're electrical whips, and you can customise their colour and control their range. We've tested them a lot, so we know they're good, if a bit rustic."

"Wow," Tails smiled. "We'll definitely say thanks to Dingo if we see him again."

"How long ago did you get them?" asked Knuckles.

"A few months ago," said Alec. "The relief effort really started kicking off back then. It was still going, but people got desperate with the crime rates rising, even in calmer cities."

"Can't wait to test these out when we can," Sonic said. "But we need to get going and help back at Green Hill."

"Get going," said Alec. "We'll see if we can turn anything up about whoever that Gerren fella is. Oh, and if you find time next time you're here, allow me to treat you to dinner."

"Well, that sounds lovely," Sonic smiled. "We'll see you around. And thanks for-"

"Ah ah now, don't thank me, thank Dingo," Alec said.

The freelancers turned around to leave the building, getting onto their hover-boards and making their way back to Green Hill.

Back at Green Hill...

Manuel peaked around a corner, keeping an ear out as more cars were passing over the bridge. He managed to keep his low profile as he turned back to the van, walking to the back of it to see the four people that he brought with him checking over the guns.

"You know, you can do more than just check the weapons, right?" Manuel said. "For example, one of you could be the lookout."

"We're supposed to hang back, remember?" asked Jude. "If we get seen wearing our masks, we're screwed."

"And plus, if it were me as lookout, I wouldn't get back that far," said Marla. "In case you forgot, I was shot in the fucking leg."

"You could go out without the masks," Manuel suggested. "Unless you're worried that you might get noticed without them on? It's not like you have to worry about crimes that you committed in Green Hill because you've only been here once before, right?"

"Well... we're not all exactly from Westopolis," said Taylor. "We all came from different places. Jem had a big old recruitment drive after the riots, and I was one of the people that got out free."

"Holy shit, me too," said Bruno. "Wait, were we all from there? Because I ran off to Star Light right after."

"Scrap Metal for me," said Marla. "I met some weird sleazy Mobian cat too."

"Oh, I think I know that guy," said Manuel.

"I was hiding in Spring Yard," said Jude.

"I went to Angel Wing. Way out of town," said Taylor.

"And did any of you even try to stay out of trouble?" asked Manuel.

"If we did, we wouldn't be here with you," said Taylor, smiling.

"I'm surprised we're even still around given Jem's tendency to cut off ties early," Marla said. "I was pretty scared that he was going to shoot me in the head."

Manuel chuckled a bit at that as he heard a noise overhead. He stood away from the others and walked over to the path again, seeing a blue streak appearing over the bridge. He backed away and ducked down behind the bridge, watching the freelancers ride into Green Hill and giving a small grin to himself as he turned back to call to the others.

"They're here now," said Manuel, walking back to the truck. "Let's get ready."

"What, we're not just going to go after them right now?" asked Bruno. "Why?"

"We need to find out where they're going to stop, and I think that I have an idea," Manuel said. "You guys up for some spicy chicken? Because I know where to get some."

The four freelancers were still riding down the hover-board lane, making their way into the city proper and going to where the source of the attack was. When they got there, they saw Bunnie and Antoine waiting and taking down statements. The freelancers packed their boards up, slinging them on their backs as they went over to their friends.

"Oh, hey, y'all!" Bunnie smiled politely.

"A little bit chipper considering what happened," Knuckles said, unable to hide his smile. "Do we get a Bunnie hug?"

"You do because you asked," Bunnie smiled, hugging the red echidna. "I wish it were under happier circumstances, though."

"What have you got for us?" asked Sonic.

"Not a lot, I'm afraid," Antoine said. "The supply truck was almost finished with its round, about to drop some weapons off. Another truck attacked it, killed the people driving, and stole a bunch of weapons before driving away."

"What about witnesses?" Shadow asked. "Did anyone see anything?"

"Someone claimed to have seen you four committing the crime," said Antoine. "We did have to explain that you weren't here and that you went to sort something out in Spring Yard."

"Was it the people with the masks?" Tails asked.

"Nobody got a good look," said Bunnie. "Most of the people are too shocked about what happened to talk."

"Man, I'm beat," said Knuckles. "And so damn cold. We really should have packed our jackets to help us against the snow."

"Well, I know what could warm us up," Sonic said. "You guys up for Jade Mountain?"

"Oh... yes, definitely," Tails said. "I need my brain food if I'm going to get this plan with the implants to work."

"What about you?" Sonic asked Shadow. "Do you have any prior obligations to Anti-Light?"

"Not right now," Shadow said. "They sort of work like we do, but with more options for lethal force."

"Which reminds me, how did you get away with kidnapping Beau?" Knuckles asked. "I thought that none of us could work because of the... you know, the thing."

"I came up with the plan to get Beau, but Rouge and Sally are the ones who caught the bastard," Shadow said. "Them and some others, but those two are the most reliable people there besides myself."

"Smart, that," said Sonic. "I hope those two are okay."

"They are," Shadow assured the blue hedgehog. "I'll be sure to say hi to them when I get back to... you know."

Sonic nodded, looking back down to the supply truck. "Just a simple resupply to help people... this feels like something that Jem would do."

"I don't think that he'd know about a supply drop," said Knuckles. "If there's one place that I doubt these things are going, it's Westopolis."

"Unless someone who works for Jem comes and steals it while it's delivering those supplies, you mean," Tails said.

"Fuck... yeah, you're right," Sonic said. "We need to stay on the lookout." He turned to Bunnie and Antoine. "Nobody saw where the truck went after the attack?"

"We'll put the feelers out, but no, we haven't had anything about it," said Antoine, looking around the corner as an ambulance came. "And there are Green Hill's kindest."

Tails gulped. "Dammit... those people could need implants to repair their injuries..."

"The hospital might have some in reserve, just in case," Bunnie said. "I'll double check for ya, so don't worry, okay, cutie?"

"I'll... try not to," Tails said. "I appreciate it."

Bunnie nodded, walking over to the ambulance that had just come by. "Excuse me?"

"Yes?" asked one of the doctors. "Ah, hello, officer. Good to see you. How can we help?"

"I just wanted to ask how well off y'all are for implants?" Bunnie said.

"We have enough to help these people and then some," said the doctor. "But until the Prowers are freed again, it's not looking good, especially if another incident like this happens."

"Wow, that news got around fast," Bunnie said. "All right, thank you." She returned to the freelancers. "Okay, they're good for implants for now, but they'll need more soon."

"I can't give them more," Tails sighed. "I have to give them to Jem if I want my parents back."

"Well, you're not just going to give them to him, right?" Antoine asked.

"Oh, certainly not," Tails said. "I have a plan for it."

"I hope that it pays off," Antoine said. "You guys go and grab some lunch. We'll finish things up around here."

"Thanks again," Sonic said. He then turned to the other freelancers, all four getting their boards and hopping onto them, and he gave a smile. "Jade Mountain?"

"You bet," said Shadow. "I am starving."

"I'll pay," Tails said.

"In that case, I am... what's worse than starving?" Shadow asked. "Emaciated?"

"I said I'd pay," Tails said. "I didn't say how much."

The black and red hedgehog shook his head at that, but he smiled still as they took off towards Jade Mountain. As they rode around the corner to get to the hover-board lane, Manuel was watching them from a distance, looking around as he turned back to the truck again, making sure that nobody could see him.

"They're on the move," Manuel said. "Let's go deliver the message."

"How badly are we going to hurt them?" asked Bruno.

"If we can help it, we'll beat them up but not kill them," said Manuel.

"Well, Jem really only needs Tails," Marla shrugged. "Would it be that bad if we got rid of the other three?"

"It would be pretty fucking bad for us," said Manuel. "We need to keep them alive. We're here to deliver a message, and the freelancers are too important to kill off. Unless you want your other kneecap to be blown out, I suggest that you shut up and let me lead."

"All right, fuck," Marla said. "Someone's in a mood."

"I'm in a mood because it's fucking cold and I've been standing outside in it keeping a watch while you idiots sat back here playing with the guns," Manuel said. "So yes, I'm in a mood. So shut up, follow my lead, and if you can help it, don't kill anyone we don't need to." He started the truck up and started the drive to Jade Mountain.

At Jade Mountain itself, Shadow, Knuckles, and Sonic were all sat down as Tails went to the desk to order. He looked up at the menu and saw a new item, so he decided to order one of each of those for each of the freelancers before paying. He soon got the food and brought it over to the table, sitting next to Shadow as Sonic and Knuckles were on the other side of the table.

Sonic opened his box and smiled at the new item. "What's this?"

"It's a new thing they're doing with the spicy chicken," said Tails. "I think it's got some pepper sauce on it? I got us one each to try, so if you don't like it, just give it to Knuckles and he'll eat all of them himself."

The others begin trying it, Sonic nodding. "Yeah, that's... wow, that's got a kick and a half to it. But it's pretty good."

"Yeah?" Tails tried some of his, nodding. "Oh, yeah, that's the stuff."

"And here I was wanting all of yours too," Knuckles smiled. "I don't know what was the better surprise about today, man. The whips that Alec gave us or the chicken."

"Well, we can't eat the whips, but we also can't use the chicken to fight..." Sonic smiled. "I can't wait to test these bad boys out."

"Speaking of testing stuff," Tails said, "the moment that we're done, I've got to get back to the shop. I need to work on those implants and see if the Fokus is going to help any."

"Do you think that it'll work?" Knuckles asked.

"There's only one way to find out," Tails said, looking over at Shadow. "What about you? Have you got any plans for the evening?"

"Hmm... actually, no, but I think that I can get us some help with the Spring Yard thing." He pulled out his phone. "Hold my seat for me. I need to make a private call. And Knuckles, don't eat my food while I'm gone."

"Aw..." Knuckles sighed.

Shadow got up from his seat and walked out to the front of the building, typing up Calvin's number and not having to wait long until his boss answered. "Calvin, hey, glad that I caught you."

"I'm not, no," Calvin sighed. "Some people I sent on a secret mission were killed today."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Shadow. "What happened?"

"I sent a message to a supply truck we had waiting in Spring Yard," said Calvin. "I had some friends waiting over there to help with the relief efforts."

"Wait, that was you?" Shadow asked. "How the hell did you get it done? Fuck, how did I not know about this?"

"Rouge told me about your compromised state last night and I figured that you needed a day off," said Calvin. "Why? Do you know anything about the supply drop botch?"

"We have a theory that some friends from Westopolis followed us out to Green Hill and attacked the truck," said Shadow. "They only took weapons, though. There wasn't anything else in the truck, so there's a good chance that it was delivered already."

"I certainly hope so," said Calvin. "And as for how I got it done... well, I've told you before, we have Anti-Light agents in many places. Even some where you don't expect. We're not just confined to Green Hill, you know."

"I know, but still, you have some insane reach," Shadow said. "Speaking of, your backup wasn't needed when we went up to Spring Yard."

"What do you mean?"

"All that we found up there was some footage showing how Jem got out," Shadow said. "But we know who helped him escape. A guy named Gerren."

"Ah, you've told me about him before," Calvin said. "Ginger beard, scar on his cheek, yes?"

"Correct. But there comes another problem in that that's all of the information that we have. Gerren's smart, and the car that he used to help Jem escape is probably in a scrap pile somewhere."

"Hmm... how long ago was this again?"

"Not too long after we got put on hold," said Shadow. "I think that it may have been around the time of Knuckles' wedding, but that's just a shot in the dark."

"So well over a year," Calvin sighed. "Okay, I'll call around and see if anyone saw anything over there."

Shadow nodded. "I appreciate it a lot." He looked around the corner of the Jade Mountain restaurant and saw a truck around the back, seeing it parked far away from the car park. "Okay, I've got to go. I'll be at Anti-Light in a few."

"Take care now," said the Anti-Light commander.

Shadow hung up and went into the restaurant proper, seeing the others eating their food. "We may have to take this to go."

"How come?" Tails asked.

"I spotted a truck out the back. It didn't go anywhere near the drive-through and it's parked way beyond the car park," Shadow said.

"We'll get going, then," Sonic said, seeing a red dot on Shadow's chest. "Shit, Shadow..."

"I see it..." Shadow looked past the rear window. "They have a sniper on me..." He looked at the others. "But just me, it seems." He pushed his hands out. "Grab onto me."

"Uh-oh..." Knuckles sighed.

"Everyone else, duck!" Shadow commanded.

The black and red hedgehog teleported forwards as three of the back windows burst open, bullets spraying through them before some grenades flew through the holes. The grenades opened up in flashes of light and smoke, intended to stun despite missing their targets. Shadow soon re-materialised in the car park, holding onto the other three freelancers as he saw how close they were to their attackers.

"Whoever you are, state your business right now before we put bullets between your eyes!" said Shadow.

Sonic squinted and peered closer. "Oh... fuck... it's the guys with the masks..."

Knuckles shook his head. "Of course it was them that took the supply truck."

"So what, is this another message from Jem?" Sonic asked. "Which of you is going to deliver it to us?"

"I am," Manuel said, getting out of the driver's seat. He removed his disguise and smiled. "It's good to see you boys again."

"Yeah, well, we can't say the same about you," Shadow snarled. He teleported forwards and kicked Manuel in the stomach, pushing him against the truck and bringing a knife up to his throat. "You killed innocent people and hurt many more today, so you'd better give me a fucking amazing reason to not cut your head in half."

"Well, your leader is pretty savvy. I have another message from Jem."

"What is it?" Shadow asked.

"Drop the knife and I'll tell you," Manuel said.

"No, I feel like it's smarter to keep the knife where it is," Shadow said, the blade starting to dig against the bull's throat.

"But if you do that," Manuel said, "then you'll have to bury three more friends tonight." He snapped his fingers, and Shadow looked as the mercenaries in masks aimed their guns at the freelancers... and then past them to the people in the restaurant.

"Shadow," Sonic said, "I think that you should do what he says. We don't want anyone else getting hurt tonight."

"You see, that's why he's the leader," Manuel said. "He's logical and smart."

Shadow grunted. "Fuck..." He pulled the knife away and stood back. "What is it?"

Manuel pulled out his phone and played a recording of Jem's voice. "Hello once again, freelancers. I trust that you're doing what I asked you to and you are gathering the implants to trade for the fox boy's parents as we speak. If you're not, well, I'm certain that whatever my associates did to your fair city was justified. I did warn you that it would get worse the longer that you waited, and I am aware that it's only been a day. But I'm not one to sit by and let such an opportunity slip. Remember, the drop is to happen at Spring Yard at your earliest convenience. Give me the implants and the fox gets his parents back."

"That's all that the boss had to say," Manuel said.

"We're working on it," said Tails. "Some stuff is still being worked on."

"It's not me that you have to tell that to," Manuel said. "But I'll be sure to let Jem know."

"You really like being his bitch, huh?" said Sonic. "At least you were on more equal footing with Nack. You're also a lot less nicer than I remember."

"Well, it's your fucking fault that Lara's dead!" said Manuel. "You... you don't know how important she was... t-to me..."

Shadow swallowed. "How are you dealing with her loss?"

"N-Not... in a good way..." Manuel admitted. "What about you with M-Maria?"

"About the same..." Shadow said. "Is that all that you've got for us?"

"It is," Manuel said, clearing his throat. "We'll be on our way now. And you'd better deliver the goods, or Jem's not going to stop any time soon." He whistled to the others. "Come on, let's get going."

They packed their guns away and got into the truck, with Manuel getting in the driver's seat. He started the truck up and made his way past the freelancers, who went back into Jade Mountain to check that everyone was okay. Thankfully they were, so Tails went to the front desk to get their food to go.

"What do we do now?" Knuckles asked.

"Go back to HQ, eat lunch and try and sort this shit out," Sonic said. "I guess that Jem isn't joking about hitting things close to us. First the supply drop and now this... and I get the feeling that this is him being nice."

"You have a weird idea of what nice means," Shadow said. "I'm heading back to Anti-Light. I should check in with the others. I asked them to put feelers out for any info on Gerren busting Jem out of jail, so if they have anything, I'll let you guys know."

"You'll be wanting this then," Tails said, giving Shadow his bag of food. "Just remember to reheat it properly."

Shadow smiled. "Will do. See you guys when I see you."

The four then got to their boards, heading their separate ways.

I don't know a lot of what the next chapter will entail, but I have some requests to take care of first so I'll probably figure something out on the way. I hope you've all been enjoying this so far, and I'll see you for more of this after the requests are over. Until then, take care, and stay tuned.