[Normal POV]
~ Inside Dodon Pa's Mansion Some Hours Prior ~
"Hey, Locky! Long time no see!" Rouge yelled to the unsuspecting feline.
The pink cat was heavily engrossed in a poker game and didn't realize that Rouge was standing right behind him until she yelled in his ear.
Lucky spewed out the expensive beverage he had been drinking and began coughing profusely.
"Oh my!" Rouge said with alarm. There was an obvious sign of sarcasm in her voice as she firmly beat the feline's back, which caused more pain than comfort.
"You need to drink more slowly, honey!"
Locky jerked his injured back away from Rouge and turned around in his seat to face her. He gave out a low hiss of a snarl, lightly exposing his canines.
"What is wrong with you!? Are you deranged!?"
"Hey, don't be like that! For your information, I was trying to be helpful! It's not my fault you're fragile!"
"Fragile! Why you..!" Locky was going to lash out at the woman but stopped himself.
Though he hated Rouge to the core, he couldn't hurt her. Devious needed her, and he needed to fulfill his objective with her. Locky took a breath.
"What are you doing here!" he demanded.
"What do you think? I'm the CEO of a jewelry company, remember? So, you better behave yourself!"
"Oh, yeah! I'm really scared!"
The two Mobians stared intensely at one another. Rouge displayed her usual confidence and Locky face read nothing but rage. Another brawl would have formed between the two unless a billow of laughter interrupted their squabble.
"Well aren't you two the cutest!"
The voice belonged to a buff male mountain goat who was seated at the opposite side of the game table. Unlike the rest of his opponents, the goat's appearance was very natural, wearing only a pair of white mitts and gold loop earrings.
Rouge had never seen this Mobian before and had sized him up pretty quickly. His appearance though casual showcased a high level of superiority. The goat's rough brown hair was surprisingly tame and held a slight shine in the light. His enthusiasm and cool demeanor showed he had no insecurities. His voice was deep and soothing; his body well built.
The bat had to admit, he was handsome. A small glimmer caught Rouge's eye and she could just make out a black pair of spiked brass knuckles resting on the cushion beside the goat.
Rouge concluded that he was either a very powerful person or he knew very powerful people. Either way, he was one Mobian she didn't want to cross.
The goat had caught sight of Rouge's wandering eyes and soon met hers. The sparkles in his eyes danced, revealing to her that he knew exactly what she was thinking.
"Done sizing me up, Miss Bat."
Rouge must be getting rusty cuz no one has caught her analyzing. A bit embarrassed by being discovered, Rouge decided to play the innocent card.
"I'm sorry? What did you say?"
"I said, you both must know each other really well to be acting like an old married couple!" He grinned at the last part.
"Oh, yes! We're very good friends! Aren't we Locky Bear?" She placed her arms around the irate cat's neck and leaned towards him batting her eyelashes.
Locky was terrified, first by the close proximity of him and the bat and secondly that someone had assumed that they had a past passionate relationship.
"Get off me!" Locky spat in disgust, trying by any means to release Rouge's grasp around his neck and increase the distance between them.
Once free, he glared up at her. "I'd barely call you my acquaintance!"
The mountain goat laughed even harder at the spectacle before him and was joined by the other players around him.
Ignoring their laughter, Locky continued, "Now, get lost! I don't have time for you right now! Cuz, I'm not sure if you noticed, but I'm a little busy here!?"
Yeah, busy losing! Rouge laughed as she peered over the cat's shoulder and saw his poor hand.
"Still no manners, huh?" Rouge sassed, planting her hands on her hips.
"Come on, Locky!" Rouge whined, "No one's too busy to have a small conversation especially with an opponent!"
"No way are you joining this game! Now. Get. Lost."
"Hold on Locky! Who's to say she can't join!? I don't remember anybody assigning you as mediator!" the mountain goat challenged.
Locky looked dumbfounded.
"Judas, you can't be serious! Do who know who this is!?"
Judas slowly moved his gaze to meet Locky's, who seemed to shrink under his intense stare. The cat didn't have to say anything. The fear in his eyes was proof enough of his submission.
Satisfied, Judas smirked and gave a soft grunt. He looked at Rouge with soft eyes and extended his hand as an invitation.
Rouge accepted his hand and was guided to sit at his side.
"Greetings Miss Bat." Judas said with a bow, kissing the woman's hand gently. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Judas Barca the Mountain Goat, Investor, and partner of Rough Diamonds. And who might you be?"
After hearing the name, Judas Barca, Rouge knew exactly who this Mobain was. Judas Barca was one of the most powerful men in the diamond and jewel industry. Her company was even rivals with Rough Diamonds. She had never met him in person, only heard about him and the powerful influence he has on the market.
Rouge smiled and battered her lashes at Judas's warm welcome. He clearly had charm!
"Mr. Barca! The pleasure is all mine! My name is Rouge. Rouge the Bat, President and CEO of Treasured Gems."
"Treasured Gems?" Judas was surprised at what he heard but quickly recovered himself. "Miss Rouge, I am honored! I didn't think that I would meet my company's top competitor here, but I am glad to have the privilege! Please join us for a game of cards!"
"Why, thank you! I'd love to! You should be more like him, Locky!"
Locky's eye could only twitch as he watched Rouge sitting comfortably beside Judas, talking up a storm. He was disgusted! Judas saw Locky's change in expression.
"Is something troubling you Locky?" Judas inquired. His voice was slightly threatening.
"N-no, not at all!"
"Good."
Rouge inwardly smiled. She found this whole ordeal very amusing. From the moment he saw her, Locky wanted to dismiss Rouge, but Judas had stepped in and had protected her. It was like Locky was the dragon, Judas was the knight, and she was the sweet fair maiden.
And a sweet fair maiden she will continue to be.
Rouge smiled sweetly at Judas, as he smiled back and gestured to the dealer to start a new game.
~ Twenty Minutes Later ~
Rouge slowly stacked the large pile of game chips she had accumulated. She eyed the mixed emotions that played on her opponents' faces. She hid a small smile.
"One more round?" Rouge asked innocently. She looked about for a reply.
The group of gambling Mobians had quickly learned that Rouge's earlier "fair maiden" display was just a facade. But was really a snarky diva and she had played them all!
All of her opponents snarled and grumbled quietly as one by one they left the table.
"Aww, come on! Where's everyone going!?"
But her false pleads fell on deaf ears. Seeing everyone had caught on to her act, Rouge gave up the fair maiden mask and turned to the last two people who remained.
"Seems to me you've given us too much of a thrashing to want to continue, Miss Rouge. I didn't know you were such a good poker player! You should try to go easy on us, next time!" Judas spoke with a grin.
Out of everyone, Judas had been the least affected by Rouge's win. He actually seemed to have enjoyed himself throughout the entire game.
Judas rose to his feet but did not take a step to leave. He turned to Rouge.
"I don't know why, but... I've taken a liking to you, Miss Rouge. Whenever you're nearby Spiral Hill Estates, feel free to call. I would love to play cards with you again."
He gave Rouge a wink before handing her a business card and then turned to leave.
"See you around Locky!" He called over his shoulder before taking one last look at Rouge.
Rouge examined the card in her hand. It was Judas's business card. She looked at it from front to back. Then noticed a small printed message at the bottom of the backside.
~Be on guard. Locky is not alone. I've counted 4; one of them is our own. - MS~
Rouge held back a smile.
'Metal, you sly dog! Your cloning keeps getting better and better! First, you scare me; now you're messing with my heartstrings! I'll have to get you back for this!'
Slow dramatic claps emanated in the air as Rouge turned to see Locky's expressionless face.
"Bravo clever bat. Bravo! I must congratulate you on your win. Indeed, you were very clever to play 'the innocent damsel' card. But you should know, Judas has a girlfriend so I wouldn't chase him if I were you."
Rouge had moved her attention back to her game chips taking out a small drawstring bag. She placed her winning chips in the bag and tied the string firmly.
"Rather top-notch, really!" Locky continued, "I forgot how deceptive you can truly be. It was rather... Oh, how should I put it? Devious of you." Locky gave a crooked smile as he said the last part.
Rouge locked onto Locky's twisted yellow eyes. She wasn't fazed in the slightest. She knew why Locky was here and now that they were alone she could finally capitalize on it.
Rouge slid the bag of game chips across the table. It glided with accurate speed toward the cat.
As if it were a reflex, Locky seized the bag effortlessly in mid glide.
"What's this?" Locky questioned, not removing his gaze from her as he continued to hold a firm grip on the bag.
He found this act highly suspicious.
"Call it… my payment for information."
Locky gave the bag a once-over greedily, then nonchalantly placed the bag within his inner vest pocket. A little lump could be at his waist where he placed the bag. Locky turned to Rouge with a grin.
"What would you like to know?"
"Five things. 1) How did Devious find you? 2) How long were you two speaking with one another? 3) How did you know you were being watched?"
As Rouge was speaking, Locky was gathering the cards still scattered on the table. They must have been his.
"4) What's Devious' message? And 5) Where's Devious?"
Locky had now two decks of cards stacked neatly in front of him. He picked up one and began shuffling the deck.
"What makes you think Devious and I thought we were being watched?" He asked.
"I read the context clues. Now, talk."
Locky smiled at this.
"Alright, I can answer the first four but not the last."
"If money's an issue, I can pay you with something more valuable than chips." Rouge promptly offered.
Locky threw back his head and laughed. He had finished shuffling the first deck and was now starting on the second one.
"No amount of wealth that you offer me will be more valuable than my own life! I actually like living, if you didn't know."
"We can protect you."
"Ha! Yeah, right! If the world's most powerful villain can hide from the 'Ultimate Lifeform' for twelve years, what makes you think that that Commander of yours can protect me from Devious' clutches?"
Rouge had planned to say more but Locky spoke again.
"Now because I'm a businessman and believe in reciprocity, I'll answer four of your questions." he paused, placing the last shuffled deck on the table. "Unless you prefer me to leave right now, due to your continuous nagging?"
Rouge sighed while giving an eye roll.
"Fine." she muttered.
This made Locky giddy, and he displayed an ugly grin.
'Seems like the tables have turned, ay Rouge!?'
"Now! Regarding your first question, the answer is simple. Devious found me the same way we met… by him buying from me in the market."
Locky grinned again, but not so ugly this time.
"Huh! So you never did go underground."
"Weell," Locky shrugged, "I couldn't let my competitors take all the money, now could I!? For monopoly's sake, it seemed only fair! Also, being in plain sight is sometimes the best hiding spot. Wouldn't you agree?"
'You're not telling me everything, Locky.' Rouge thought.
"Yes, but hiding in plain sight is also a risky move."
Locky chuckled and leaned his head closer to Rouge.
"Not if you know someone on the inside." He whispered.
'So that's how he did it!'
"I don't believe you."
"Ha, ha! Come on, Rouge! How else do you think I was able to go undetected while your agents were scattered throughout the black market!? With vanishing cream!?"
Locky laughed at his own joke, but Rouge didn't say anything as the seriousness of his words sunk deeper into her mind.
'So, there really is a mole inside G.U.N.! I had my suspicions, but how!? Who would dare!?'
Locky laughed again.
"Hard to imagine yourself being tricked by someone so close to home, hmm!?"
He smiled.
"Well don't be!" His once sweet tone had turned sour and cruel, "Sometimes your greatest enemies are the ones from your own backyard!"
"Are they connected to Devious, too?"
"Lucky for you, no. They work for me. And don't ask if I know the person's name, cuz I don't! Our talks were strictly business."
'The person? That means there's only one!'
"Well, this person must not be that important to you, if you're willing to expose them."
"You can say that. My need for them is over. So why keep loose ends hanging about?"
"Aren't you afraid of the information this person will expose once we find him?"
"Nah! Everything that they know is useless, just like them."
"Alright enough of this! Answer the next question. How long were you two talking with one another?"
"We started a month before you found us. Or I should say before your associate found us, which leads to your next question. It was actually Devious who had discovered your associate. You see, it was Devious' plan from the start that we should be discovered. That's why he insisted that we communicate only through the satellite phones he created. After discovering your associate, Devious started following your friend around for a few days until he learned that he was working for you… and well, you know the rest."
In the back of her mind, Rouge thought about her associate and the promise she gave him. She told him his identity would be kept a secret, that if he followed her plan, he wouldn't be in danger, and he and his family would be protected by G.U.N. even after his mission. She had to make this promise because he wouldn't have agreed to help her otherwise.
But now sitting in front of Locky, Rouge wondered if it was a mistake dragging him into this. Could G.U.N. really protect them? Devious must already know his name, and Locky even said he wouldn't trust G.U.N. with his life when it came to Devious.
'How did he have so much power!? she wondered.'
Rouge had to know.
"So, for your last question…" Locky went on. "What was it again?"
"What's Devious' message?" Rouge's voice was low and deadly.
Locky had noticed the gradual change in Rouge's behavior. She was unraveling and he cherished every moment of it.
"Ooo!? Do I sense some hostility? Careful Rouge! I have friends in high places."
His smile was just as devious as his master.
"Now, what was Devious' message?... Hmm, let me see… Oh, yes! I remember now!
~Though I am hidden, I can still see you.
Though we are apart, I can hear your pride.
You think you are safe?
You think your knowledge is protected?
I know your secrets,
And they are not pretty.
Do you think you can defeat me?
Stop all that I have begun?
Interfere with me again
And you shall fear my name.
For though I am silent, at present,
You shall hear my voice.~"
"Is that all?"
"No. Devious also informed me to tell you that this is Shadow's first warning. Okay, now I'm finished. Now run along, Little Bat, and report back to Daddy."
~ Back At Mobian G.U.N. HQ ~
"Did you slap him?"
"What!?"
Shadow's question threw Rouge off.
"Did you slap him!"
"No!"
"Why not! I would've! No, scratch that. I would have punched him, then slapped him, then put him in a chokehold!"
Rouge sighed a "Yes, I know." and tried not to watch the hedgehog's imitation of choking Locky.
"And believe me, I really wanted to give him a taste of my heels, but I couldn't afford to hurt him. There was more intel I still needed from him and this was supposed to be a covert operation. Remember? I couldn't afford to have a fight break out…(mumble: even though one happened anyway.)"
Although Rouge had mumbled the last part, Shadow's ears still picked up on it and abruptly stopped choking Imaginary Locky.
"Wait, what!?"
WHAM!
A large bulky robot barged into the office, unhinging the doors in the process. It briefly looked around the room, and once it saw Shadow, its artificial red eyes brightened. The robot stomped straight for him.
"You told me there wouldn't be any crossfire!" The robot yelled with Susan running after him completely out of breath.
"I'm so sorry, sir!" Susan gasped, "I tried to stop him, but he threatened me and moved me out of the way!"
Shadow scowled at the large robot.
"It's fine, Susan. You may leave." Shadow spoke calmly, not removing his eyes from the robot.
Susan nodded and out of habit went to close the double doors, but stopped when she saw both doors hanging from their hinges. She froze for a second then proceeded out of the room. Her sweet voice could be heard calling for the janitor.
"Omega. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I had encountered Metal Sonic at the repair ward. He is currently being treated for damages attained on the mission. Damages that could only have been acquired through a fight or crossfire."
"Your point?"
"As top Senior Agent, I should have been assigned to this mission! I am better suited for countering heavy fire and attacks than Metal Sonic!"
"Though that may be, Metal Sonic is also a Senior Agent and, unlike you, can clone allowing him to blend in with a crowd. Therefore, he was more suited to take this mission. And regarding the crossfire… I believe Rouge was just about to discuss that."
"Yes, that's correct. As I was saying, there was still more information that I needed from Locky. Since his mood was more relaxed, I decided to take the opportunity."
~ Some Hours Prior ~
"So, are you going to tell me why you won't talk about Devious?"
"Guuh! Seriously, Rouge! We're back at that question again!?"
"Come on Locky, spill! I know you know something!"
"Of course I do."
"Then what's keeping you from answering!?"
"Let's just say, a certain guy likes his privacy."
"Ha! Don't we all? But guys who are interested in robotics and the black market enter the spotlight pretty quickly as you know.
"True dat!" He chuckled, "but I won't go against my employer."
"Since when do you work for anyone?"
"Well, technically we're 'partners' but I know better. He's the one who calls the shots."
"Hm, I see. So, you won't talk to me because of him."
"No. He's not the won't. He's the can't. My won't is for a different reason."
"Well, what will it take for the won't to go away?"
"Nothing if the can't is still there."
"Then how can we get rid of the can't?"
"You can't."
"Lockyy!"
"You aren't going to drop this are you?"
Rouge shrugged.
"Nope. So, are you going to answer or not?"
Locky chuckled and shook his head, then his face became serious.
"He used to work for Eggman, but you probably already guessed that. Word around says that Devious is building something big, has been for years. But after Ultimatum's defeat, he had to start over. Don't ask me why. Maybe one of those annoying perfectionists! Anyway, I hear that he also works alone..."
"Locky, why are you telling me things I already know?"
Locky chuckled.
"I make it a habit not to dig my own grave, thank you. Besides, he's too far out of your reach. You can't stop Devious. No one can."
"I beg to differ."
"Pfft! Of course, you do!"
"Alright, for argument's sake, let's just say I could remove Devious from the picture. What would make you share your intel then?"
Locky didn't say a word but started at Rouge with an unreadable face.
"I know your weakness, Locky. How many gold rings will it take?"
"Come on, darling! I told you before! Rings don't tempt me when it comes to Devious. Besides, you and I both know that there are more valuable things out there than those plain old rings that that blue tuff of fur collects."
"Jewels? Diamonds? Emeralds? Name your price."
"No, darling. I want rings."
'Rings?' Now, Rouge was lost.
"Locky, you said you didn't want rings."
"No lovely. RINGS! Thick, golden rings that can take you anywhere undetected! Blue rings that make it possible to travel to other worlds, galaxies, dimensions, through time, even! I know you're smart so don't play with me! You asked me what my price is and there it is!"
"... Warp rings?"
"Yeah! Now, you gettin' it! So, you want more info, lovely? Get me some rings."
"Locky,… you know I would love to get you those rings, but they happen to be the most illegal ancient technology out there. Not to mention extremely rare."
"Yeah, but somehow G.U.N., the Zone Cops, and anyone with deep enough pockets can get and use them with no problem. Interesting how the law picks favorites, isn't it?"
"...You know I can't go against the law."
"Ha! Since when!?"
"I won't steal any rings, Locky! I can't change the law!"
"True. But you can get them, if you somehow confiscated some from someone who is selling them, illegally."
"And who's doing that?"
"Oh, someone that you know and have history with."
"Who are you talking ab…"
"You know! I think it's time for me to go! I've done my job, and have given you plenty of information to wet your lips."
Grabbing his deck of cards, Locky rose from his seat and turned to leave.
"Hold on Locky! We're not done yet!" Rouge yelled, clutching his wrist in the process.
Locky stopped in his tracks and turned his head around to face Rouge. Slowly, he lowered his gaze to where her hand was and glared.
"Wrong move bat." He sneered.
* * * * * * *
"What happened then?"
"Hm!? Oh! Well, to make a long story short, Locky's goons came, then Metal came. There was a fight and Metal beat them; the Blazers radioed me to descramble a voice. Then alarms went off, Locky and his goons got away causing a riot. The Blazers radioed in, the Babylon Rogues helped us escape and we warped our behinds straight here.
"Wait, wait, wait! Back to the 'descrambling a voice' thing."
"Well, from what they told me, the Blazers somehow got into Dodon Pa's office and caught Dodon Pa talking on the phone. They tapped into it and asked me to descramble the voice."
"And did you?"
"(Sigh) Nope. It was too sophisticated, but I got a recording. Apparently, whoever this person is has warp rings and was trying to trade them for the artifact. And from what I gathered, Donda Pa was all too willing."
"So, Donda Pa was our mysterious black market dealer."
"Yep! And he got away."
Shadow remained silent as he absorbed everything in.
Donda Pa was the black market dealer. Someone's selling warp rings illegally. Locky works for Devious. Wily is Devious; Devious is Starline. They've been speaking for 5 months. Locky's mole is a G.U.N. agent.
Devious' message…
'Does he really know my secrets? How is he watching me!? Am I being followed!? Does he know about!?... Her...'
~ Meanwhile, In Conference Room 32 ~
The Blazers were patiently waiting for their briefing with Commander Shadow.
Salkia drummed her fingers on the table as she stared at the ceiling.
"Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting..."
"Would you please stop doing that?" Slinger groaned.
"Ugh! What is taking him so long?!" Salkia grumbled, rising to her feet.
She paced back and forth.
"We've been sitting here for forty-five minutes! As Commander, I would think that Shadow would be more considerate of other people's time. I can't wait here all day! I got things to do!"
"Like eating?" Slinger asked.
"Well yeah! I haven't eaten all day!"
'And who's fault is that?' Slinger mused.
He thought about voicing his thoughts but decided against it.
Slinger sighed and shook his head. He just wanted this day to be over.
"You and I both know, Salkia, that Shadow does what he wants." Slinger decided to say, "Why? Because he's the COMMANDER. And we are going to wait here, PATIENTLY, because we want to get PAID."
Salkia rolled her eyes.
"Well, it would be nice if they at least had some food! I'm soo hungry right now! And Rouge did not keep her promise on saving me some hor derves!"
Now it was Slinger's turn to roll his eyes.
"Salkia, it's not Rouge's job to bring you food. You should have brought yourself some snacks for the mission. I know I did."
Salkia whirled around to face him.
"You had food this whole time and you didn't tell me!?"
"I only packed enough for myself!"
"Oh, I see. So, you would prefer to have your partner starve than to share at least a little bit of your food!"
"Salkia, I told you, I only packed enough for myself!"
"Is that so! So if I checked your bag, I won't find any food in there?"
"Uh?..."
"I knew it! You just didn't want to share, because you're just being a Greedy, Selfish, Blue, Goblin! Who needs to be taught a lesson!" Salkia ended this with a dangerous tone as she slowly advanced her way to the frightened feline.
"Salkia..., knock it off!" was all Slinger's shaky voice could say as he rose from his chair and slowly backed away.
"Where's the food, Slinger? Are they in your bag!? I bet they are! Hand them over!?"
Salkia lunged at the cat who began running for his life as he clung to his shoulder bag, screaming for mercy.
* * * * * * *
"Commander Shadow," the voice of Computer filled Shadow's office. "There is a disturbance in Conference Room #32"
"Show it on screen."
The footage that appeared on-screen shocked everyone in the room. A frantic Slinger was running around the large conference table away from Salkia, knocking down office chairs in the process.
"Salkia, I'm sorry!"
"Sorry ain't gonna feed my stomach, you greedy selfish blue goblin! Now, get back here!"
"What the hell!?" Shadow bellowed.
"Oh, no! I forgot about the hor derves!" Rouge gasped.
"Hor derves?" Omega asked not seeing the connection.
"Yes! I had promised Salkia that I would bring some food back, but I forgot!"
Shadow growled, "I don't care what happened! This type of behavior will not be tolerated in G.U.N., not while I'm still Commander!"
"I believe now is an appropriate time to brief the Blazers on their mission." Omega concluded.
"I agree!" Shadow growled as he stormed out of his office followed by Rouge and Omega.
'This ought to be good.' Rouge groaned.
* * * * * * *
Still running for his life, Slinger decided that he was more important than the few snacks inside his pack.
"Here, take it!" Slinger threw the bag at Salkia.
Salkia's eyes lit up for joy as the satchel bag came hurtling towards her. She caught it and laughed triumphantly before tripping over a fallen office chair and landing face first.
"Ow!"
Luckily the floor was carpeted, but Salkia's face still was slightly bruised from the impact. But she didn't care. She got her reward! Rubbing the rough carpet feeling off her face, Salkia greedily opened the satchel and found several small bags filled with two types of goodies: blueberries and almonds.
Salkia looked at Slinger who was on the other side of the room, far away from her. Good thing too…
"Blueberries and almonds?" Salkia questioned. "You hate blueberries and almonds!"
"I save the food that I don't like for emergencies."
"So, I'm not an emergency!?"
"I said I was sorry!" Slinger whined.
"Guh!" Salkia couldn't attack such a sad face or keep giving energy to him. So, she just left him with a warning.
"I'll deal with you later."
Just then Salkia noticed a white bakery box sitting on a side table. She walked and opened it, revealing two dozen assorted donuts.
"Why, hello darlings!" Salkia cooed as she reached into the box.
Slinger slapped her hand away.
"Ow! Hey!"
"Salkia! You can't eat those! These are for after the meeting!"
Salkia glared at Slinger and slapped him much harder on the arm.
"Ow!"
"Don't touch me! I'm still angry at you!"
"Come on Salkia, just eat your nuts and berries." Slinger said, kindly.
Perhaps, he thought, she'll listen to a softer approach.
But, he was wrong.
"You eat 'em!" Salkia huffed, "I found something better!"
"But Salkia, those are for after the meeting!"
"I heard you the first time, Slinger. Relax, no one's going to know." She retorted, pushing his hands away and reopening the box.
"Really?" Slinger crossed his arms. "No one is going to notice a space where a donut should be!?"
"Don't you mean two donuts?" Salkia asked with a wicked grin.
"No, I don't."
Come on now! A chocolate donut with sprinkles doesn't tempt you?" she cooed, waving one of the sweets under Slinger's nose, holding an alluring smile.
Slinger shook his head defiantly and took a seat in the only chair they had not been toppled over and closed his eyes.
"I'm with a cream-filled kind of guy."
"Vanilla or custard?"
Slinger's eyes snapped open.
"Hand me the vanilla."
"Hehe!" she giggled as she passed him a powdered doughnut.
"If you tell anyone…" Slinger warned through a stuffed mouth.
"Don't worry! We're in this together!"
Slinger growled. "You'll be the death of me, someday."
"Oh come on Slinger! Lighten up! I'd never leave you stranded; whatever trouble you're in, I'm in."
"I mean you might kill me!"
Salkia gave him a dirty look as she took a bite of her donut.
* * * * * * *
Shadow, Omega, and Rouge walked into the room to see Salkia leaning against the table chewing on a doughnut. Slinger was quietly seated in one of the office chairs. Hands folded and eyes closed. He had already finished his, so he appeared very innocent and angelic.
"What do you think you're doing!?" Shadow barked.
Salkia jumped up with a guilty expression on her face.
"This isn't what it looks like," she said meekly after swallowing.
Slinger jolted from his nap upon hearing Shadow's outburst and almost fell out of the chair. He slapped his forehead upon seeing Salkia.
"Really?" Shadow growled, keeping his attention on Salkia. "Because it looks like someone was caught sticking their hand in the doughnut box!"
"I'm sorry!" Salkia quickly admitted, "It's not my fault, really! Slinger didn't share our food with me and…"
Slinger shot up. "It wasn't our food! It was my food! And I told you that you should have brought your own food!"
"Some kids stole mine!"
Slinger quickly turned to address Shadow, understanding how bad this looked for both of them.
"Sir, I'm sorry. Please pardon Salkia's behavior. It's just that she doesn't think straight sometimes when she's hungry."
Rouge abruptly turned to Slinger with a look of disgust. She had noted the powdery white spot that was left on his head when he had smacked it. She had already estimated what had taken place here before their arrival. So you could imagine how disappointed and angry Rouge was towards the Ocelot for not also taking responsibility for his part in the crime, and for leaving Salkia high and dry.
This boy obviously needs to go down a few pegs!
"And what's YOUR excuse, Powdered Fingers!?" she snapped.
Slinger glanced down at his sugar-coated hands. He hadn't finished licking all of it off. His eyes widened as realization and guilt covered his face.
He was so busted!
"Umm…" he stammered, "Good friends don't let you do, dumb things alone?"
"What type of excuse is that! Good friends also take responsibility for those dumb actions!" Rouge spat.
"Well, if you had brought the horderves you promised for Salkia, none of this would have happened!"
"Oh, so you're blaming me as the cause for your poor actions now!?"
"Well, I am a believer in the 'Ripple Effect'."
"Why are you guys even getting mad!?" Salkia interjected. "I mean, I know they weren't supposed to be eaten now, but they were going to be devoured after the meeting, anyway. So is it really that big of a deal!?"
"What makes you think those pastries were for this meeting!?" Shadow hissed.
Salkia let out a gasp, which only increased Shadow's irritation.
These two are the worst agents I have ever dealt with!
[Author: Please note that neither Salkia nor Slinger acts like this on a daily basis. We have just come across them on one of their bad… really bad days. They are so much more professional on a full stomach. Aren't we all! 😁😁]
"Aren't they?" Salkia asked nervously.
"Why did you think there were exactly twenty-four doughnuts in that box?" Shadow asked with his eyes closed, clenching his teeth.
"Because…?" Slinger drawled.
"Because there are exactly twenty-four executive board members in G.U.N.! And you both have eaten one of theirs!"
"OH! Now I see why you're upset," Salkia nervously realized. "Maybe two of them are cutting their calories and going on a diet?"
"Ha! Don't count on it," Rouge scoffed.
Slinger took to the defensive. "Well, how were we supposed to know that!? It's not our fault you don't label your stuff."
"There's a Sticky Note on the box!" Shadow so close to going off the edge.
"No there's not!" Salkia searched the box frantically. "Oh," she said softly, peeling the note. "It was on the back."
Shadow crossed his arms. "Read it aloud, please."
Salkia coughed nervously. "'Strictly for board meeting at five. Violators will be extremely punished.' Extremely punished? Who wrote that threat? I've gotten way worse as a kid from jerks who tried to steal my lunch money!"
Shadow had enough of this. "Salkia, did you ever really grow up!? You're acting like you're fourteen again!"
Salkia turned sharply to him.
"Are you implying that I don't act like a grown woman? Try going two days on a mission without food and see how you act!"
"I don't need food. I'm the Ultimate Lifeform."
"Well, wop-di-do! The rest of us ain't like you! So cut me some slack! I'm sure that you've done some childish things in your adult years!"
"Such as?" Shadow rebutted.
Salkia took a breath as if to say something, then stopped. Rarely she was stumped in a debate.
"Hphm! That's what I thought," Shadow smirked. He had won!
"Actually," Rouge began. "There was that time just last month when you…"
"Don't defend them! Who's side are you on!?" Shadow raged.
Rouge shrugged. "You asked a question. I was simply answering it."
"It wasn't directed to you!"
Rouge chuckled and shared a wink with Salkia.
"We don't have time for this!"
"Oh so now we don't have time for this!? You were all fine when it came to yelling and screaming at everybody else, but now when you're put in the spotlight.." Rouge challenged.
"This has nothing to do with that!" Shadow sneered, "Now, stop protecting your golden student and let me do my job as Commander! Or would you prefer that I.."
"Commander Shadow! Come in sir!" A new voice had entered the conference room that caused everyone to pause for a moment.
Where was it coming from?
Shadow looked at his communicator and switched the screen to reveal Dr. Prower on the other line. It appeared to Shadow that Miles was in his lab.
"Not now Prower!"
If Shadow would have taken a moment to observe Miles, he would have noted that Miles wasn't wearing his lab coat. When Miles doesn't wear his lab coat, it means something has caused him to get anxious.
"But Sir, it's an emergency! The relic… it's the phantom ruby!"
Shadow furrowed his brows, but his eyes were in complete shock. He looked at all the others in the room and judging by their faces, they also heard the same thing he did.
Salkia cleared her throat.
"Well, I think we'll take our leave now."
"Yes. That is wise." Omega agreed, who had been quiet this whole time.
Both members of the Blazers nodded their heads to the robot and promptly exited the room.
They were safe!... for now…