I squinted my eyes against the cold hailing rain as I zipped past the moving cars on the highway. I had no doubt that I was breaking the speed limit, but I had no choice.
I had barely made it up the acceleration lane when the rain hit. It was a good downpour, too.
I knew it would rain!
It was 1:45 when I left Amy at the parking lot. I had exactly 30 minutes to get back to HQ, which wouldn't have been bad if it wasn't lunch hour.
I beat myself for staying too long with Amy! I could just hear her nagging voice now, echoing in my head.
"Alrighty then! But if you get yourself in trouble for being late, don't blame me!"
"Man, I hate it sometimes when that woman's right!"
I laid my ears back and leaned in further, tightening my grip on the handlebars.
I will not be late!
I screamed inside myself; now driving full throttle.
My exit was coming into view.
"Come on Shadow! You're almost there!"
I drove off the exit ramp and took a right down a road. Thankfully, I didn't get stopped by any red lights or the traffic police. I crossed some train tracks, then took another right heading toward the woods.
I was driving down an old paved road, that leads toward an old, quiet town near the woods. Unless you knew the way, you wouldn't even know it was there.
I wished I had a Chaos Emerald, but they're all back with Knuckles!
I slowed down a bit as I was making my way through the town, but cursed myself when I got stopped by a red light, that just so happened to be a long one.
"Dang it!"
I sat back in anger on my bike, letting the rain hit my exposed chest. I didn't bother zipping up my jacket.
I looked around, very annoyed.
I watched pedestrians quickly make their way through the rain. Some displayed umbrellas and others wore raincoats.
I recognized some of them. A few caught sight of me, so I smiled and waved a greeting. I had to be polite. It wasn't their fault I was late. They smiled and returned my greeting.
My anger began to subside. I peered at my communicator's blurry screen. It read 2:10 pm.
All my anger had rushed back inside me.
"Darn it!"
The light finally turned green and I zoomed down the road. I was out of the town, but I still wasn't near enough to HQ to make it on time. And the old paved road had turned into a muddy dirt road, slowing me down significantly.
I was going to be late!
I knew what I had to do, but I hesitated. I knew I was only supposed to use it in emergencies, and I had yet to teleport with my bike.
I had a choice to make: be late and give a dumb excuse or not be late and not have to answer to anyone.
That is... if I don't get caught.
I grunted my frustration. I had to make a decision and in a split second, I did.
Time seemed to stand still as I pulled out a large gold ring off from one of my bike's handles. I threw it in front of me as far as I could. It grew and showed the hidden entrance of the Mobian's G.U.N. Headquarters.
I grinned.
I drove through, as it shrunk back to its normal size. I pressed a button on my bike's handle and peered back to catch a glimpse of my warp ring flying towards me. Suddenly, it latched onto my bike handle, like metal to magnet.
I slide it back in place, as the hidden doors to the base opened.
I drove in and made a fast turn, grinding to a halt. I took deep breaths as two Mobian agents approached me.
"Commander Shadow! Welcome back sir!" they saluted.
I got off my bike and saluted them.
"Good to be back! At ease, agents."
They eased and returned to their posts.
I looked at my communicator. My face, legs, and chest were wet, and my hands were a bit tense, but I had made it! I smiled. It was exactly 2:15 pm.
* * * * * * *
The normal hums of working agents echoed through the halls and rooms of G.U.N, as I made my way through the building. A large paper cup of hot coffee warmed my hand, making me smile.
After leaving the garage, I had decided to make a quick pit stop at the cafeteria. I ordered a large cappuccino with a shot of chocolate syrup and was glad when I saw two apple nut muffins on display. I took them both since apple nut happens to be my favorite.
I took a sip of my second cappuccino today. It was heavenly! I eyed the brown paper bag that swung in the grasp of my other hand. The bag had some grease spots due to the sweet muffins inside.
Don't worry! I haven't forgotten about you!
I continued walking through the halls, making my rounds as I did.
Apparently, no one seemed to know that I misused my warp ring, which was a relief. Any actions that I do that are considered "out-of-line" are reported to Commander Amanda Tower of Human's G.U.N. HQ.
Mobian's G.U.N. is simply a branch off of the original organization, therefore our headquarters is technically still controlled by humans.
Even though Tower and I share the same title, she is my superior in law... but not in deed.
I was greeted by many agents as I walked through the halls.
"Commander Shadow!"
"Good Afternoon, Commander Shadow!"
"Commander Shadow, sir!"
"Welcome back, Commander!"
I recognized all of them with a salute.
After my rounds were complete, I finally made my way to the corridor that led to my office. I greeted my receptionist Susan, as I passed by and entered my office. She was preoccupied with answering the multiple phones scattered across her desk to notice my greeting.
Poor kid. She needs a vacation.
I walked into my office and hung my jacket on a coat hook nailed to the wall. I placed my coffee on my desk and the muffins on a table next to my reading chair. You might think it's odd to separate the coffee from the muffins, but I plan to have them later.
I eyed my reflection through the window wall. I was still pretty wet from the rain, even though I did a good shakedown before entering the building.
I sighed, then walked toward a small built-in linen closet that was next to the bathroom door. I pulled out a towel and started to dry myself.
When I became Mobian's G.U.N. Commander, Abraham Tower allowed me to design my office in any way I chose. So, while the building was still under construction, I had decided to design it as a penthouse, so that when I needed to stay overnight, I would be comfortable.
The space was divided into 3 sections: the office, the living, and the sleeping quarters. The first room you would enter into was the office, which is large and open, decorated with built-in bookcases, a minibar, a small reading nook, a half-bath, a paned window wall, and of course my desk centered in the middle of the room.
To the left of the office was the living space, closed off by a decorative automatic operable wall. Within this space, there was a step-down seating lounge, a balcony that connects to the lounge, and a full open kitchen with a high-low countertop and stools.
Finally to the right of the office, was a door that led to the modest sleeping quarters. The sleeping quarters had only 2 bedrooms, a master en-suite, and a guest room. Each room had a queen-sized bed, closet unit, nightstand, and a horizontal bookcase.
My office really was the hookup! I was kind of proud of it! I had even framed its plans on the wall of my house.
After my quick pat-down, I tossed the towel over my shoulder.
Time to get to work!
I took a seat in my big black leather office chair and took a sip of my cappuccino.
I reorganized the papers that I had left scattered and started looking through them. They weren't anything real important. Just completed mission reports.
My ear flicked off some collected water as I thought of her.
I got up and walked to the paned window wall behind my desk, which overlooked the forest and parts of the city.
Mobian HQ was hidden within the Crystal Mountains, mountain range located outside the city, and my office was on the top floor. So in other words, I had the perfect view.
The rain had stopped and the holy rays of the sun had begun to peek through the clouds. The city looked so small and fragile from up here. I could see the lights from the buildings and streets, the gentle sway of the trees from the forest below, and the occasional bird gliding through the air.
I don't share my view with others much, but I think she would like it.
I wonder what she's doing right now?
I stared at the view a little longer, before swiping my hand over a windowpane to reveal a digital lock pad. I punched in a key code that turned the wall of windows to a black touch screen wall. A sweet chime came from the screen as it awoke.
"Welcome Commander Shadow!" The computer spoke.
"Thank you Computer. What is the status of all our active agents?"
"Searching database. It appears we have five teams currently active on missions, a total of 25 agents. Two of these agents are our hired associates, the Blazers."
"Slinger the Ocelot and Salkia the Human Moor." I stated.
"Correct sir. They have been accompanied by Rouge the Bat and Metal Sonic, upon your request."
"And have they returned from their mission?"
"No, sir. Their whereabouts are still unknown."
Hmph! They should've been back by now.
"Thank you Computer. Notify me when they arrive."
"Of course, sir."
"That'll be all. Enter sleep mode."
A knock came from the door as Computer disappeared and returned to the wall of windows.
"You may enter!" I announced.
The nervous gray face of a feline with white hair peeked past the door.
"Commander Shadow!?"
I could tell she was a bit timid, which is odd for her.
Poor kid. I wonder what's gotten her rattled?
"Oh! Susan! Please come in! Do you have the case files I asked for?" I inquired while returning to take a seat at my desk.
"Yes sir. They're right here!" she stated, entering the room. She headed towards me but stopped short. "But before I hand them to you," she began, "I'd like to apologize for not greeting you earlier. It was rude of me and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you! It's just the phones.."
I quickly interrupted her, sensing a ramble coming.
"Susan. It's fine. I'm not hypersensitive. Besides, I know you'd never do anything to disrespect me, intentionally."
She smiled with relief. "Thank you, but that's not all Commander." she continued, "The reason why the phones were going off the hook today, is because practically every prestigious lawyer, dictator, and chief-of-something have been demanding to speak with you!"
"What! Everyone!?"
"Well, everyone connected with King Dodon Pa."
My face grew serious. "What do you mean?"
"Supposedly, two of our agents were caught trespassing onto one of his research facilities."
I gave out a loud groan.
"Aand" Susan went on, "restrained, injured, and attempted arrest toward the king."
My eyes widened, but I didn't say anything. So, she continued.
"One of his chief of staff called it "Attempted Kidnapping".
"And what makes them think it was our agents that did this?" I was trying to be hopeful.
"Because they said they were arresting King Dodon Pa under the ordinance of G.U.N."
My groan had now turned into a low growl.
"And who were these two agents!?"
I was pinching between my eyes, trying to control my anger. I wanted to use another word other than 'agents'. I was desperately trying to keep my anger at a minimum.
"A Human Moor and a blue and white Ocelot."
My eyes widened for a second time. I shot up from my seat, knocking over my cup and spilling the last remains of my precious cappuccino.
"Darn it!" I growled through clenched teeth.
At least I still have the muffins.
"Computer!" I snapped.
"Yes, Commander Shadow."
"Where is the Blazers' current location!?"
"Whereabouts are still unknown."
"Dang it!" I fumed.
I eyed Susan looking at me with concern. It wasn't often that I cursed openly, and I haven't let my anger control me, in awhile.
"When their whereabouts are known, notify them that I demand their presence in the conference room, upon their return!"
Computer gave me her confirmation then slept, disappearing once again.
I turned my attention back to Susan. There was silence, then her throat cleared.
"Here are the Star Case Files you wanted, Commander."
Her eyes averted mine as she offered a flash drive to me.
"Thank you." I said with a calm sigh, as I took the file from her hand.
[Author: Don't tell me you thought the files were actually on paper? This is the digital age! Of course, case files are going to be transported on thumb drives.]
"You know Susan," I said more lightly, tapping the drive in my hand, "You work too hard. You should think about taking a vacation."
I was hoping to change the atmosphere.
I'll consider it, sir." she said softly with a sweet yet small smile.
"Meaning no."
She laughed nervously, realizing I caught on to her fake smile. I plopped back into my chair.
"So why the hesitation?" I asked.
She pressed her lips trying to hold back something, but that just led to her erupting anyway.
"I know everyone keeps telling me to take a vacation, but there's just too much work for me to do to take leave now! I know it might sound crazy to you,.."
"You're right it does." I voiced.
Her lips tightened, but she continued. "But I promise that once things die down, I'll take a vacation. I just can't leave!.. Not yet anyway."
I rolled my eyes.
"Oh please, Susan! Stop being dramatic! We can survive without you for a few weeks."
"I know sir," she said firmly. "But I'm still not leaving."
She paused.
"I do appreciate your concern though."
I turned my gaze to the ceiling.
This woman was way beyond stubborn.
I placed the dive on my desk in front of me.
"If you say so." I sighed. "That'll be all Susan."
Susan smiled and turned to leave. I suppose she was relieved that I didn't continue the argument.
I checked my answer machine to see if I got any calls, just as Susan reached the door.
"No. New. Messages." the machine said.
"Hmm, okay then."
I looked up to see Susan closing the door. I called out to her, remembering something.
"Oh, and Susan!"
She peeked her head through the door.
"Yes, sir?"
"Remind me never to listen to the weather report again."
She chuckled an "Of course sir.", then closed the door leaving me to examine the file.
I twirled the thumb drive through my fingers. It was thin, black, and compared to other drives, very long. Inscribed on both sides was Mobian G.U.N.'s logo, which was two letters: a large M behind a smaller G.
Although we have many capable agents, I have personally been leading the investigation embedded within this drive. The information that we have collected has grown throughout the years, but still to this day, we have yet to uncover the truth.
Time is not on our side, though, for as we continued to search for answers, an unknown threat is growing.
I continued playing with the thumb drive, then stopped abruptly. I inserted the drive into a metal port embedded in my desk's outer side. I rose from my chair and turned once again towards Computer.
"Computer."
"Yes, Commander Shadow."
"Download Star Case files."
"Downloading Star Case files."
A Few Seconds Later
"Download complete."
"Open files."
An array of documents, notes, pictures, and the like filled the screen. One in particular caught my eye. I sneered at the photograph.
"Alright, Starline! Let's find out where you're hiding!"
* * * * * * *
It's been an hour. And of course, still no new leads. I know every fact in that file, so I knew it was pointless for me to be doing any of this! I would have to wait for Rouge to get back from her mission to get any real clues.
We had reached a dead-end for many years until finally, a name appeared: Devious. Though I had no evidence to back up my theory, I knew this was Starline. Call it a hunch.
I began sending our best agents undercover to black markets, casinos, gang meets, prestigious parties for the evil; anywhere we might hear this mysterious name pop up.
We've learned so far that Devious, though never seen, is a well-known customer in the black market trade. He has never purchased any substantial merchandise, like robots or airships, just high-quality equipment, mechanical scraps, and rare parts. Nothing out of the ordinary, but he always acquired a lot of them.
This Mobian obviously had deep pockets and was a big fan of robotics and biotech. And evidently, he also likes to travel.
Devious has been invited to every major organized criminal event throughout Mobius and has never missed one. He doesn't show himself of course, but he consistently leaves his calling card, a gold plated circle with the colors red, blue, and yellow.
It was the symbol of the Tricore.
This just read Starline!
The Tricore was currently locked away in our possession. Well, Human G.U.N.'s possession.
We've had some close encounters, with this Devious. Our agents finding a shadowy figure, hiding in areas that were "Restricted" or "Off Limits" at these private parties and auctions. He was always watching the crowd as if waiting for something or someone.
He always managed to get away, however. We also noticed that he never wore the same outfit, but every clothing he chose kept his identity concealed.
Rumors have even spread that Devious used to know Eggman. There were so many villains out there that could fit this description, but none of them have gone into hiding for as long as Starline. All we had to do was find the pattern of his cookie crumbs that he left behind, and then, we can predict his next move!
"We're getting close to you Starline!" I spoke low, snarling again at the photograph of the evil platypus. "Just one slip-up is all it takes, and we're ready this time!"
Unlike other missions, we were ready this time. I made sure of that, by sending Rouge and Metal Sonic. I smiled at the memory of Omega flipping out when he learned I chose Metal Sonic for the mission instead of him.
A sweet notification tune came from Computer, distracting my thoughts.
"Commander Shadow."
"Yes, Computer."
"Agents Rouge, Metal Sonic, and the Blazer have returned from their mission."
"Do they have the relic?"
There was a moment of silence as Computer gathered information.
"Yes. A small briefcase containing a strong energy source has been submitted to the lab for examination"
"Good. And have they apprehended the mysterious dealer?"
"No, sir."
I gave out a disappointed "Tsk!".
"Currently, the Blazers are being directed to the Conference room to speak with you." Computer continued. "And Agents Rouge and Metal Sonic are still in the bay."
"Good. Notify Dispatch that I wish to speak with Rouge and Metal Sonic immediately."
"Acknowledged. Notifying Dispatch."
* * * * * * * *
Within twenty minutes I heard the sound of heels meeting tile and a loud unmistakable voice to go along with it. The doors of my office burst open and a beautiful white bat in a satin pink H-line dress strutted in.
"Why, hello Commander! I heard you wanted to see me!"
She placed one hand on my desk, leaning her shoulder toward me, with the other hand platted on her hip. She displayed her smooth iconic smile, then fluttered her eyelashes.
Still, after twelve years, that bat is as sassy as ever! I'm not complaining though, I've grown to like it.
I smiled inwardly.
"Yes I did." I said, looking over her shoulder. "Where's Metal?"
"He had to visit Tails in the repair ward. He acquired a few dings during our way back."
"You mean you got caught in a crossfire."
"Whatever you want to call it!" she shrugged, leaving me at my desk and heading for my minibar.
"By the way!" she called over her shoulder, opening my mini-fridge. "Whatcha got to drink in here that's tasty? Ooo! This 'Raspberry Twist' sounds good!"
"Rouge," I said firmly. "I didn't call you up here to have a drink! I want to know about the mission. Did you find him? Did you find Devious!?"
She turned to face me. A small glass, filled with a red bubbly liquid, was in her hands. I hardly buy alcoholic drinks and I would never bring one to work; it was just one of those sparkling juices.
"No. We didn't find him." Rouge said coolly, taking a seat in my reading chair.
She sipped from her glass and eyed my bag of muffins.
"And apparently," she continued, peeking inside the bag, "he wasn't even there!"
She didn't notice that I had left my office chair and was quickly walking towards her. She was just about to reach inside the bag when I snatched it from her.
"Hey!" she protested.
"Hands off Rouge." I warned.
"Don't you know it's polite to feed your guests!?" she spat.
"You're not a guest. You're an employee." I said, bluntly. "Now tell me, how do you know Devious wasn't there?"
She grunted with disgust, "Wow! You're a horrible host!"
"Now Rouge!" I barked.
"FINE! It was evident that Devious wasn't because one, no signature calling card, and two, a friend told me."
"A friend? Old or new?"
"Old. It was Locky!" she smirked, wiggling her painted brows. Her mood was back to normal.
"Locky! That annoying wanna-be pink furball was there!?"
"Yeah! And so were a lot of other people, too! Like Nack the Weasel, Breezie the Hedgehog, and Jet and Storm from the Babylon Rouges!"
"The Babylon Rouges, that's a bit surprising." I mumbled thoughtfully.
"Not really!" she countered, taking another sip from her glass. "Taking into account that the event was hosted at one of Dodon Pa's mansions, and a valuable relic was going up for sale."
"Mm." I nodded in agreement. She had a point.
"Jet even told me that Jewel was there!"
"Jewel? That sweet beetle!?"
"Ho ho oh! No no, Commando!" she laughed wagging her finger at me. "I've been told that when it comes to business, she is far from sweet."
"Hm.."
Seems like I'll have to have a chat with the beetle and that annoying bird.
"But it was good that Jet was there." Rouge admitted. "Without him and Storm, we might not have been successful in securing our getaway."
"Duly noted. Now, tell me more about your time with Locky the Cat."
"He wasn't at all that happy to see me." she recalled thoughtfully. "He was all like 'You again! What are you doing here, you annoying bat!?'" her voice was high as she tried to imitate the feline.
It was kind of funny.
"I mean, can you believe that someone actually thinks I'm annoying!?" she asked shocked.
"Yes, I can." I smirked, receiving a glare.
"Did you learn anything from the cat?" I questioned, ignoring her scowl.
"Yeah," she said with thought. "But it wasn't a lot. And I'm not sure what to make of it.."
She trailed off.
"What do you mean?"
She sighed.
"Well, it was like this..."