Oversight

**Oversight** is the fourth episode of the third season of TFAWPS. It is the fifty-sixth episode overall.

## Plot

As a rift continues to form between Mario and President Space, a new attorney general is assigned to oversee S.E.C.R.E.T. on the President's orders; Eggman Robotnik. Ted and Zack return from Planet Popstar and hope to define what type of relationship the two will have without TFAWPS or the Dark Order. Meanwhile, with Buster's behavior becoming increasingly erratic, Mofo must deal with the consequences of his actions as well as the strain this puts on their friendship.

## Synopsis

In the Nix, Captain Poliwhirl and Lieutenant Cake prepare a fleet of Waster ships from the rental agency for an excursion. Captain Cowboy approaches them and asks them what's going on. Captain Poliwhirl says that they're heading to the Second Quadrant to pillage, pointing out that there's some fresh pickings there. Captain Cowboy is unsure due to his Dark Order ties and asks if there's anywhere else they could go, pointing out how Planet Simpson has "gotten all conlonizy" lately and hitting them could yield some good loot, but Captain Poliwhirl says that it's too late to change it as they've signed the ships out for the Second Quadrant already. Captain Cowboy tells them to have fun and Captain Poliwhirl asks him if he'd like to come along. Captain Cowboy is surprised at the offer, but he accepts, with Captain Poliwhirl telling him to get *The Rental*, poking fun at him for stealing it. Captain Poliwhirl says he's proud of him for that one, but the rental agency guy yells at him for it.

At Lupina's apartment, Sonic returns with Lupina, where Sonic explains to her that he believes the press conference went well and she should stop talking about it. Lupina asks what they should do about the shard and he tells her that he needs to lie down. Lupina tells him to stop putting this off and help her out or she'll do it herself. Sonic gets up and agrees to go, but assures her that they won't find anything but he'll do it to put her fears to rest. Lupina thanks him and gathers her equipment and starts to leave. Sonic grabs the keys and tells her that she's driving so he can sleep in the car.

At a Second Quadrant airship port, Buster stands in line at a massively busy terminal. He approaches the counter and asks for a ticket to the Land of Ooo on a jump point line. The employee tells him that tickets fort he jump point lines are all out and he'll either have to wait another week for one to open up or he could take a classic flight and get on a connecting flight at the Four Corners and get on a jump flight there. Buster reluctantly agrees because he's clearly very tired and wants to get home as soon as possible. He is then informed that that particular flight won't be leaving for another twelve hours and the flight itself will take another twelve. Buster lets out a sigh and pays for the ticket. He slinks his way over to the waiting area and takes a seat. He watches the TV nearby and witnesses the coverage of the Planet Popstar attack and pays close attention when Ted appears on screen.

At Ooo University, Paco stays behind after class to speak with Professor Everdeen. He asks her if she still has any pull at S.E.C.R.E.T. She skeptically asks him what he needs to contact S.E.C.R.E.T. for, reminding him that it's currently illegal for the two groups to interact. She adds on, saying that even having him in her class may raise some eyebrows. Paco then catches her, saying that must mean she still has some pull. Professor Everdeen removes her glasses and asks Paco what it is he wants. Paco says that he just wants to know if there's anything S.E.C.R.E.T. can do to help his condition. Professor Everdeen says that her condition is unlike anything she's ever seen before, not that she knows too much about it. Professor Everdeen says that if it's a condition of the mind, then the only person truly capable o f helping him is himself and S.E.C.R.E.T. isn't necessarily the type of agency to provide that kind of care. Paco says that he understands, but it was worth a shot. Professor Everdeen says that she understands and wishes him luck and if he needs anything else, she's here, even if it is just to talk. She reminds him not to let the other students get him down, pointing out that he's saved all of their lives and it's their problem, not his.

On Fin-Land, Ted and Zack return from their mission and immediately head to the palace to meet with King Salamence and Queen Lucy. King Salamence asks what happened and Ted explains that a group of King Kai loyalists managed to attack them and he takes responsibility for the lack of security. King Salamence assures him that things on Planet Popstar have gotten much worse since they've left and are on the brink of civil war, saying that the attack on them will only be seen as a footnote in the coming conflict. Zack asks King Salamence what he intends to do about that but King Salamence turns it back around on Zack asking him what he'd like to do. Zack prepares for a snappy comment and an insult. He looks over at Ted who awaits his response and then to Queen Lucy who gives him a warm motherly smile and a slight nod. Zack clears his throat and says that he thinks Fin-Land should push harder for a seat on IMPA, as well as expanding their authority in Planet Popstar, at least until the rioting subsides. Zack explains that he believes that Planet Popstar is in dire need of leadership and that they are the best option to step in and fix everything. King Salamence agrees, but warns him that going for a seat on IMPA is something that must be handled with care, as it is practically unheard of for a Third Quadrant planet to gain that high of a seat, saying that it's very naive to believe that would be an easy task. Zack says that Planet Simpson managed to get a seat, but King Salamence replies by saying that Planet Simpson is a First Quadrant planet in all but location and that Fin-Land is different from them and they have a careful reputation to uphold. King Salamence explains that should they succeed in getting a seat, it would mean a lot to all the other planets in the Third and Second Quadrant that it isn't impossible for them to get their voices heard, but should they fail, it would serve as nothing more than an overly ambitious overreach and destroy the reputation Fin-Land has built up over the centuries. Zack appears more confident says that he understands and promises that Fin-Land will get the respect it rightfully deserves. King Salamence seems pleased to hear this.

He then turns to Ted and asks him if he would officially like his job back as Prince's Guard. Ted looks nervous and turns to Zack who meets his gaze. Ted stumbles on his tongue. Queen Lucy looks at them and says that the doesn't know what's been going on with them lately, but it's about time the two of them patched things up. Ted turns to Zack and then back to Queen Lucy and accepts the job. Queen Lucy tells Ted and Zack that the two of them can outline the details going forward as both Queen Lucy and her husband have several phone calls to return. King Salamence dismisses them and the two take a bow. As they exit the chamber, Zack turns to Ted and tells him that they need to talk.

On the Galactic Federation, Knuckles gets out of a taxi and gives a good tip to the driver, waving him off. He takes a deep breath and yawns, heading into the Galactic Federation Military Building. As he heads inside, he is greeted by several soldiers and employees with a surprise party, as a giant "Welcome Back Knuckles" banner is displayed across the entrance. He smiles and enters as several of his colleagues welcome him back. Knuckles walks over to a friend of his, Pac-Man, who asks him how he's feeling. Knuckles says that he's feeling much better and apologizes to him for the loss of Mega Man. Pac-Man thanks him for his concern and invites him over to the catering table. The two make plates and take a seat at a table as Knuckles shakes hands with several other colleagues. As he and Pac-Man take a seat, Pac-Man jokingly asks how his vacation was, which Knuckles says that it was no vacation, as he felt like he had to babysit the entire time. Knuckles asks him what he's doing here and what made him make the trip out. Pac-Man explains that since the All-Captains Squad were disbanded, he, Snoopy, and Froakie have been doing contract work for President Space, picking up where Mega Man left off, which prompts Pac-Man to jokingly congratulate Knuckles on his new promotion. Knuckles says that it's not anything to worry about and that he'll be fine. Pac-Man bluntly tells Knuckles that he means well, but if Mega Man couldn't survive that position then the odds don't look that great for Knuckles. Knuckles tells Pac-Man to stop talking like that before he goes in and Pac-Man apologizes. They both go back to their meals. After a while, Knuckles says that he thought Snoopy was retiring, but Pac-Man just shrugs.

At the very edge of the Land of Ooo, Sonic and Lupina monitor scanners for any cosmic energy. Sonic sits in a chair on his phone, while Lupina frantically scurries from device to device and scribbles down notes. Sonic asks Lupina how she's doing and she replies sarcastically that she's doing great and asks if he plans on helping her. Sonic gets up from his chair and says that they're making a big deal out of nothing and bringing all the equipment out there is just inviting the bad guys to get involved. Sonic starts to suggest they leave the shards be, but Lupina cuts him off saying that by leaving them be they're allowing the bad guys to just take them, saying that there's likely an untold number of people searching for the shards as they speak since Sonic made them public knowledge. Sonic takes a step back and acknowledges her fears, saying that she's got a point, but also says that if there was a shard on the Land of Ooo, they'd have found it by now. He goes on, saying that if they manage to find the shards, they have no idea what to do with them. Lupina and Sonic struggle to come up with a solution, even suggesting a return trip to the Negative Zone, but quickly rule that out. They eventually agree to relax and take the situation one step at a time. They look over their sensors and discover that there is no shard, only a massive burst of energy coming from an approaching storm. Sonic tells Lupina that there was never anything to worry about, though he also breathes a massive sigh of relief. Lupina is very reassured, but wonders why the storm appears to be radioactive. Sonic says that the storms in the outskirts are always radioactive. Lupina replies that she knows, she's just wondering why.

At an airport, Mofo boards a flight heading straight back to the Second Quadrant. As soon as he goes through the motions of getting his seat and moving through a bunch of people, he takes a deep breath and immediately falls asleep once he sits down.

On the Galactic Federation, Mario sits in his office in the S.E.C.R.E.T. Headquarters. He opens a file on Dr. Ivo Robotnik when he gets a buzz on the intercom, informing him that President Space is there to visit him. Mario stands up, telling the secretary to send him in. President Space walks in along with Knuckles and a man in a red coat. Mario shakes hands with all three, the friendliest handshake being with Knuckles. Mario asks what he can do for them and President Space asks Mario what he's been working on, and Mario simply replies that he's working on work. President Space feigns a friendship with Mario, laughing at Mario's statement and putting his hand on his shoulder. President Space turns to face Knuckles and the red coat man. President Space introduces Mario to the red coat man, Eggman Robotnik. Mario and Knuckles exchange a glance, while Mario greets the man. President Space moves back next to Eggman and says that Eggman, as acting attorney general, will be the new Space Administration liaison to S.E.C.R.E.T., meaning he needs to be briefed on all current and possible investigations and has the power to veto whichever investigation he sees fit. As Mario listens to President Space, he becomes visibly annoyed, but maintains his composure. Knuckles remains stern. Mario thanks President Space for his visit and shakes Eggman Robotnik's hand. Eggman tells Mario that he'll need a copy of the physical files in the building, as well as access to all digital documents and contact information for all S.E.C.R.E.T. agents. Mario replies that he can help himself, personally handing him a stack of files, with the one on Ivo Robotnik at the very top. Eggman looks over it and asks Mario why he has a file on his cousin. Mario explains that he was just following a lead, that's all, looking rather smug and confident. Eggman quickly closes the file and gives a fake smile, explaining that he's looking forward to working with Mario in the future. Mario lies as well, saying that he agrees. President Space, Eggman, and Knuckles exit Mario's office and once they leave, Mario tells his secretary to count to two hundred and then call Luigi in. Mario then sits down and angrily slams his fist on his desk.

On Fin-Land, Ted sits in an empty ballroom at the bar while Zack stands behind the bar, offering Ted a drink, which Ted accepts. While Zack begins mixing drinks, Ted asks him how he feels about all this, specifically with Ted being his Royal Guard again. Zack replies that, despite all their differences over the past year, they've always shared the same loyalty to Fin-Land and shouldn't allow their past to get in the way of a very prosperous future. Ted agrees, but says that he's shocked to hear this type of diplomacy coming out of Zack and asks what changed his mind and if he still wants the shards. Zack momentarily stops pouring the drinks, but resumes shortly after, replying that, if he's being honest, he is curious about the remaining three, but assures Ted that the Dark Order's hunt for them is over. Ted asks Zack what changed his mind. Zack hands Ted his drink and explains that after seeing the destruction caused by Cell and Genesect made him realize that they were far more destructive than practical and disbanded the Dark Order when he realized that. Ted asks Zack what he wanted them for and Zack admits that he was rather selfishly attracted to the power, as well as scientific curiosity. Zack then asks Ted why he wanted them and Ted explains that they were told by a friend that the shards were far too dangerous and he and the rest of TFAWPS agreed to find them and seal them away. Zack says that it appears they've at least halfway succeeded. Ted says that he'll drink to that and the two raise a glass and take a sip, a long sip hoping to outdrink each other. After a while, they both stop and process the alcohol. Zack then speaks up, saying that "half a victory does not count as a battle won."

The perspective then switches from Zack to Ted, when Ted asks him if he fears retribution for his actions with the Dark Order. Zack says that he does not, telling Ted that he chose to call them the Dark Order for that specific reason. Zack explains that long ago on the Land of Ooo, there was a cult that sought to harvest the nuclear waste in the outskirts of the city. Zack explains that they failed their task, but rumors continued to circulate that the cult survived their trip to the badlands and were living in a non-existent tunnel system deep underground, which Zack concludes couldn't be further from the truth. Ted asks why that is and Zack explains that his father had the surviving cult members killed. Ted nods, taking in the information. Zack circles back to his original point, saying that he chose that name because once word got out about what he was doing, people would look in the wrong place. Zack then tells Ted that that information doesn't leave the ballroom. Ted complies, calling Zack "boss" and takes a sip of his drink. Zack does the same. They both look over the ballroom as Ted rests his eyes on a photo of Wave, telling Zack that his misses her. Zack looks guilty, but does not because he cannot look at the picture, and chokes out some positive words about her. Zack finishes the rest of his drink and places his glass upside down on the bar. He tells Ted to come along, as there is work to be done. Zack walks out from behind the bar and exits the ballroom while Ted still sits there thinking about the conversation. He takes a long sip of his drink.

At her home later on, Professor Everdeen gets a phone call in her home office. She answers the phone and is surprised to find Eggman Robotnik on the other line. She asks how he's doing and what the call is regarding. Eggman explains his new position as acting attorney general and the overseer of S.E.C.R.E.T. and Professor Everdeen seems surprised he was able to swing a position like that. Eggman admits that he knows the only reason he got the job is because President Space knows that Mario hates him. Professor Everdeen tells Eggman not to push Mario's buttons, as he truly is either your best friend or worst enemy. Eggman says that Mario is weak and too personal. Professor Everdeen asks him why he's calling, as she knows it isn't just to talk about Mario. Eggman gets to the point, saying that he's aware that she's taken on a particular student and requests all the information that she can give to him. Professor Everdeen asks why he would need that. Eggman explains that that particular student is dangerous and should be taken into S.E.C.R.E.T. custody. Professor Everdeen says that Paco is not dangerous, he's very gentle and quiet. Eggman says that she can stick up for him all she likes, it doesn't change the fact that S.E.C.R.E.T. has their eye on him and could potentially open up an investigation should something happen and it would be unwise for her to get in the way of that. Professor Everdeen tells Eggman not to threaten her, but Eggman says that if she won't help him out, then she should consider her S.E.C.R.E.T. pension gone and hangs up the phone. Professor Everdeen sits in her office, contemplating her predicament.

At the Four Corners airport, Agent Yellow sits at a terminal waiting for a flight to the Land of Ooo. He reads a book called "The Rise and Fall of Third Quadrant Imperialism." As he reads, he looks up and notices Buster arriving and placing his bags on the floor and taking a seat next to them. He opens up one of his backpacks and begins eating a granola bar. As he eats, he looks around the very crowded airport, but doesn't notice Agent Yellow sitting on the opposite side. Agent Yellow goes back to his book, but continues to keep an eye on him. On the plane, Buster takes his seat and gets comfortable. Agent Yellow gets on the plane next and finds himself in the seat directly behind Buster. Agent Yellow remains curious as to Buster's reason for being on the plane, suspecting that he's under investigation. Agent Yellow prepares to get up when the stewardess gets on the microphone to give the pre-flight speech, detailing safety plans and their direct one hour flight to the Land of Ooo, telling everyone to remain seated until the seatbelt light goes off. Buster takes out a sleep mask and prepares to go to sleep. Agent Yellow witnesses this and becomes even more confused. As the flight takes off, Agent Yellow leans back and tries to go back to his book. Later on in the flight, Agent Yellow tries to read but is easily distracted by Buster, who continues to sleep. Agent Yellow then puts his book down and looks over the other passengers, who pay no attention to him. Agent Yellow leans over to Buster's seat and pins his arms behind the chair, which wakes him up, but Agent Yellow discreetly asks him what he wants. Buster tries to turn around but struggles and asks Agent Yellow what he's doing, wondering why he's following him. The two argue back and forth and realize that they are both on this plane independent of each other. Agent Yellow lets go of Buster's arm. Buster asks him what he's doing here and Agent Yellow says that he was just on vacation and asks about why Buster is here, who says he's coming from an outreach mission. Agent Yellow says that he doesn't care, but he's not there as Buster's enemy. Buster replies that he still sees him that way and asks to be left alone. Agent Yellow sits back and looks out the window, apologizing to Buster about his arm. Buster ignores him.

In the Second Quadrant, Mofo returns to the hotel and checks back in, hoping to get the same room. The hotel employee says that the room is no longer available. Mofo explains that his friend Buster should still be in there, as he's here for the outreach program. The employee explains that Buster checked out of that room two days ago. Mofo is confused by this statement when he runs into another member of the program who waves him over. The member welcomes Mofo back, but Mofo asks about Buster. The member says that they thought he was at the press conference with him, but Mofo says that the hotel says he checked out. The member asks if he's with Mofo but Mofo says that he's not. The member says that he probably had some urgent business to take care of, which Mofo cautiously replies that that must be it. The member asks Mofo if he still has the room and Mofo replies that he doesn't, but the member says that they'll take care of it and goes to talk to the front desk. Mofo then takes out his phone and tries to call Buster, only for the call to fail because he's on the plane. Mofo sends him a text: "Where are you? DO NOT ignore me." He puts his phone away and makes his way back to the front desk with his bags.

At a seedy fueling station in the Second Quadrant, the Wasters refuel their ships. As Captain Cowboy fills up *The Rental,* Lieutenant Cake approaches him and tells him that they're all fueled up. Captain Cowboy tells her to give him a minute, as it's taking him longer than normal to fill up the tank. Lieutenant Cake explains that it's because some of the other guys cut his fuel line while he went inside to get snacks. Captain Cowboy looks down and realizes that the fuel has been leaking the entire time. Captain Cowboy yells back to the other Wasters that the prank is very funny, while the Wasters laugh hysterically. Captain Cowboy is shocked that he didn't notice that and Lieutenant Cake says that there's a lot that he hasn't noticed. Captain Cowboy asks what that is supposed to mean and she says that he's been gone a long time, that's all. Captain Cowboy tells her that's not all, but Lieutenant Cake refuses to elaborate, instead telling him to move to another pump so they can get moving. Captain Cowboy gets in *The Rental* and flies her over to the next refueling station and begins pumping fuel once he makes sure the hose is cut free. As he fuels, Captain Poliwhirl hangs up a payphone and makes his way over to Captain Cowboy, who asks who was on the phone. Captain Poliwhirl explains that it's his buyers and that they've agreed to pay his entire crew top dollar for the cosmic energy leftover in the Second Quadrant. Captain Cowboy asks who the buyers are and Captain Poliwhirl explains that he has no idea, explaining they only speak over the phone. Captain Cowboy obviously sees the problem with this, but Captain Poliwhirl believes that if they try to con him, he'll just outcon them. Captain Poliwhirl laughs and tells him to hurry up or they'll miss out on the good pickings. Captain Cowboy returns to fueling up *The Rental,* not exactly comfortable with the new dynamic forming among his old Waster friends.

In President Space's office, Eggman Robotnik and Knuckles finish up a meeting, where Eggman thanks President Space for the opportunity. President Space thanks him for accepting the position and the two shake hands. Eggman and Knuckles leave the office as Eggman hands Knuckles the stack of documents he got from Mario and tells him to make copies of each of those for him. Knuckles tells him that he's not a secretary, but Eggman tells him that it's an order, which Knuckles then obeys reluctantly. He goes to the copy machine and begins making copies, but when he finds the file with Dr. Robotnik, Knuckles makes an extra copy for himself and keeps it a secret. He grabs the stack of files and leaves the copy machine.

## Characters

* Sonic
* Ted
* Paco
* Mofo
* Buster
* Lupina
* Knuckles
* Mario
* Zack
* Agent Yellow
* Captain Cowboy
* Captain Poliwhirl
* Lieutenant Cake
* King Salamence
* Queen Lucy
* President Space
* Eggman Robotnik (first appearance)
* Professor Everdeen
* Pac-Man