Popular Inquiries into Everyday Disasters

**Popular Inquiries into Everyday Disasters** is the third episode of the third season of TFAWPS. It is the fifty-fifth episode overall.

## Plot

After the populace of the First Quadrant demand answers regarding recent events, President Space directs their attention to the Land of Ooo, where TFAWPS are forced to participate in a press conference, but with tensions in the former team so high, things don't go as smoothly as many of them would have hoped. During the trials on Planet Popstar, the Fin-Land outreach group are attacked by a group of extremists, loyal to King Kai.

## Synopsis

On the Galactic Federation, President Space holds a press conference. He gives updates on the Galactic Federation and other First Quadrant issues, including the Interplanetary Military and Political Alliance summit, which is set to convene very soon, with Planet Simpson set to make their debut appearance on the council. The only major planet not discussed is Planet Popstar. President Space then gets several questions regarding the Cell and Genesect conflict as well as what little news they've heard from S.E.C.R.E.T. since then. President Space says that the Cell and Genesect conflict is over and there's nothing more he can say about it, but the reporters demand that the people have more questions than answers, with some asking about the shards and the rumored Infinity Dagger that appears to be popping up. President Space becomes angry, but remains cool-headed if not frustrated. He says that TFAWPS are responsible for all of that and if they want answers, they should go to the Land of Ooo and ask them themselves, saying that if they want true answers and want to brave the slums of the Third Quadrant then they can go right ahead, saying that TFAWPS and the Dark Order (whose members still remain anonymous) have nearly destroyed the place over the shards. He warns the reporters of the dangers and then closes the press conference. Some reporters still demand answers.

In the Galactic Federation S.E.C.R.E.T. Headquarters, Mario talks on the phone, saying that if President Space has is confused about all the new information coming out of the Third Quadrant, he should stop ignoring them and maybe he wouldn't be so surprised when these things seemingly pop up, as if he'd paid attention long ago, he'd have known that none of this is new information. His desk is then buzzed, prompting Mario to hang up. Luigi enters the office and tells Mario that his guests have arrived. Mario buzzes his secretary back and says to send them in. Wario and Waluigi enter soon after, with Waluigi asking Mario if he wanted to see them. Mario tells them both to take a seat. Once they sit down, Mario asks them for their version of what happened. Wario insists that their version is no different than what he was told, but Mario says that it's just for the record. Wario and Waluigi both claim that they were transporting the prisoners when Genesect attacked them and forced them to crash land on a moon. The prisoners escaped and Wario and Waluigi were found and rescued by some Fin-Land soldiers. Luigi types this information into a laptop, somewhat skeptically. Mario then asks them if they've had any surgeries or other procedures or medication since their accident and both Wario and Waluigi say no, though they were examined by Fin-Land doctors. Mario, believing something is off, tells Wario and Waluigi to have the Fin-Land doctors send over their records and they can return to the fold. Waluigi speaks up and says that President Space has already cleared them for duty, much to Mario's confusion, but he plays this off, telling them both to get back to work. Wario and Waluigi stand up, salute Mario and exit the office. Mario then turn to Luigi and asks if he got all that, which Luigi says yes. Mario tells Luigi that he's all set. Cut to Mario on the phone with President Space, saying that protocol has been broken, but Mario is quickly shut down. He hangs up his phone and angrily sits back in his chair.

Elsewhere on the Land of Ooo, the Mayor rushes into his office and answers the phone, receiving a call from President Space. The Mayor is honored to speak with the President, but learns that it's simply just someone from his office. The Mayor regains his composure and asks what he could help with and the employee says that President Space is ordering him to hold a press conference for TFAWPS in order for them to answer the public's remaining questions on the Cell and Genesect conflict. The Mayor agrees and asks if anyone from the Galactic Federation will be attending, but the employee says that many reporters will be going from major news outlets, saying that he should treat them all as if they were President Space himself. The Mayor says that the Land of Ooo currently has no more vacancy in any of their hotels, asking what they should do, but the employee tells the Mayor that he'd better figure it out fast, as there is very little time to prepare and hangs up the phone, leaving him alone to get ready for the guests and a press conference while extremely tired and sleep deprived.

In the Second Quadrant, Mofo and Buster stand with the other volunteers as the grand opening for their restoration project on an entire city block. The block looks fantastic, new and improved in everyway. The ribbon is cut and the citizens all flock the volunteers to thank them and tour the new block. Mofo and Buster walk together, talking about how glad they are that it's done. Mofo thanks Buster for coming, saying that he knew it was tough for him. Buster replies that he's glad he went and is glad that he gets to rest now. Mofo looks somewhat disappointed at this, but agrees. A city official greets them and quickly shakes their hands and greets them, posing for photo. Mofo and Buster immediately return to their conversation. Mofo asks Buster if he wants to find something to eat. Buster agrees, but says he'd rather have something not on this block, as he's sick of that food. Mofo agrees and the two sneakily pass through an alley to avoid the crowd and find a decent restaurant.

Early in the morning on the Land of Ooo, Sonic awakens on the couch and calls out for Lupina. He begins walking into the kitchen for a glass of water and returns to the couch only to notice a light on down the hallway. Sonic heads down the hall and finds her hooking up her machines, with a satellite out the window. Sonic asks her what she's doing, saying its' been days and she should just let it go. Lupina says that she can't sleep when all she does is worry about a shard being out there somewhere. Lupina says that he promised he would look into it and Sonic says that they've plugged in every machine they have and that their apartment is starting to look like a lab and haven't conclusively proven that a shard is in the area. Lupina says that she needs to get to the bottom of this, but Sonic says what she needs is sleep as she can't do science experiments without sleep. He grabs her hand and escorts her to her room. Lupina starts to worry but Sonic says that the less hoopla they make about the shard, then the less anyone catches on, hoping that'll get her to relax. Lupina agrees to settle down at least until the morning, then she's going to open a box of anxiety and worry onto him. Sonic says that he's looking forward to it, agreeing to put on his best suit for the occasion. As he gets her into bed, he turns to leave when the phone rings. He answers it and realizes it's the Mayor, Sonic asks light-heartedly what's going on and if monsters are attacking the city and the Mayor says that as a matter of fact they are; reporters. Sonic sarcastically replies with terror. The Mayor apologizes to him and says that he's supposed to put a press conference together for TFAWPS. Sonic at first sarcastically asks if why he'd put a press conference together at three in the morning, but a glare from Lupina convinces Sonic to answer honestly, saying that he'll be there and the Mayor thanks him for cooperating. Sonic promises him that he most likely won't get in touch with everybody and the Mayor says that he's aware, but the more of them that show up the better and that he just got off the phone with Pink Panther, who is already in, which Sonic turns his nose up at slightly, promising to see both the Mayor and Pink Panther then. Sonic hangs up. Lupina asks what's wrong and says that they'll have to postpone their anxiety date tomorrow as Sonic has to go to a press conference. Sonic then asks why the Mayor would ask Pink Panther first. Lupina starts to panic once again, but Sonic tells her to relax, saying that he needs to sleep now so he can "behave himself" in public. Lupina scoffs at him and lays in bed facing away from him. Sonic snorts in derision and turns off her light, leaving the room.

In the Second Quadrant, Mofo and Buster sit in their hotel room after having enjoyed their meal and just hanging up a speaker phone call. Buster says that if they're going to make it they have to leave now on a jump point flight, but then asks about their next stop on the tour. Mofo says that both of them don't have to go to the press conference and that it'd make sense if one of them stayed with the tour, saying that if President Space wants it to seem like they're taking this seriously then one of them should stay there to help clean up the mess. Buster agrees with this, asking which one should stay and which should go. Mofo asks Buster what he wants and Buster lies, saying that he doesn't care. Mofo looks at his friend and thinks for a minute before sighing and saying that Buster should stay and continue on the outreach tour while Mofo handles the press conference. Buster agrees and Mofo starts to pack and wishes Buster luck on the rest of the tour, but Buster tells Mofo that he's the one who will need all of the luck.

On the Starcaster, the newly installed motion sensors set up outside start to go off and a small alarm begins to blare, prompting Roy to storm out the door with Paco and G. Biv close behind, hoping to keep him at bay. Roy begins to get angry and opens the door, yelling at the intruders to leave, only to be met by Pink Panther who puts his hands up in surrender. Roy calms down, but asks what Pink Panther wants with them. G. Biv teases his brother and says that Pink Panther wants him to cool his jets and stop acting like such a spaz, but Roy insists that he's calm. Paco asks Pink Panther if he wants to come in, but Pink Panther declines, saying that he's just giving a message and wants to get back before the sun comes up. Roy says that he just doesn't want to be seen with the outcasts, as that'd ruin his image. G. Biv says that he just doesn't want to be around Roy. Pink Panther tells Roy that this visit could easily have been a phone call and maybe people wouldn't hate him so much if he didn't treat everyone like they're out to get him, pointing out the new sensors which makes the Starcaster look like a mad scientist's lair, with Pink Panther joking that Pig King's Castle is more subtle than this place. Pink Panther then informs them that there's a press conference for TFAWPS held at City Hall the next afternoon and says that they don't have to go, but it'd be better for everyone if they did and might help their case, if they play it right. G. Biv teases Roy again, saying that there's no helping him, but thanks Pink Panther for the thought. Paco thanks Pink Panther for the message and more importantly for the visit, saying that they'll be there. Pink Panther thanks them and reminds Roy that he's only trying to help. Roy acknowledges this and heads back inside and G. Biv follows. Pink Panther asks Paco how it's really going. He says that it's going about as well as he'd expect, but they're doing their best. Pink Panther apologizes and asks how his studies are going and Paco says they're going okay and that he's learning a lot and thankfully he hasn't had any incidents since the Second Quadrant, which Pink Panther says is a good sign that he shouldn't hide away. Paco says that he doesn't trust his own mind and that he's trying to understand it and until he does, he doesn't want to put anybody else at risk. Paco also says that it's also not exactly fully their choice to hide away. Pink Panther apologizes and says that he'll do what he can to fix that, even if President Space doesn't have their backs, the Mayor does and he knows the Mayor will always do the right thing. Paco thanks Pink Panther again before he leaves. Paco stands at the doorway looking into the city, hearing the parties and music and bustling nightlife. His face becomes more somber.

On Planet Popstar, Zack, Ted, and Team Chaotix prepare to head to the courthouse to oversee King Kai's trial. From the heavily guarded hotel suite, Zack looks out the window as Ted approaches him. Ted mentions how bad the rioting his getting and Zack says the people would be foolish to get in the way of progress now that they are finally becoming somewhat civilized. Vector asks Zack if he thinks they should be worried about a breach in security and Zack says that they should always be worried. A knock on the door grabs their attention. Zack tells Espio to get the door. Upon opening it, he is greeted by two Space Corps soldiers who tell them that they're bringing in the deposed king now and that the five of them should head to the courthouse. Zack takes charge and heads out of the hotel, escorted by the Space Corps soldiers and Team Chaotix. As they walk, Zack asks Ted who called him the previous night and Ted says that it was the Mayor of the Land of Ooo, saying that there's a press conference for TFAWPS, but he isn't going. Zack nods. Very quickly, the Fin-Land outreach crew are discretely shuttled into a nearby vehicle and are driven to the courthouse, where they quickly enter through the side to avoid the rioting crowd, though many outside witness them going in. A shady group of Popstars at a nearby café take note. At the side entrance, a group of Space Corps soldiers break off to guard the door while Team Chaotix remain outside while Ted and Zack go inside. Charmy Bee tells Ted to keep the Prince safe and Ted promises to do so. As he and Zack walk through the halls, he tells him that it's weird for him to say that and Zack replies that it's odd to be on the receiving end as well. Outside, Team Chaotix carefully watch as a limo pulls up, under heavy guard from Space Corps troops, King Kai emerges amid boos and thrown debris. Vector grumbles that King Kai somehow still deserves a limo. King Kai is escorted quickly through the crowd as Team Chaotix keep watch. The massive crowd of rioters seems to grow stronger as King Kai enters the courthouse. King Kai looks out among the crowd and makes eye contact with the people at the café. He enters the courthouse as a gavel smacks...

...in City Hall in front of a crowd of Galactic Federation reporters and other Land of Ooo citizens, as well as a few Fin-Land diplomats. The conference hall has been done up with images of TFAWPS, the Starcaster, and on the front table, a diorama has been covered in cloth that just itches to be revealed. In the front row, Wally sits anxious for the press conference, taking a deep breath. As he looks around, he notices Lupina approaching him and stands up to wave her over. She walks over, looking very very tired, but Wally greets her with a friendly smile. Wally says that he's glad she could make it and Lupina says that she hopes it doesn't take all day, reminding Wally that the Mayor loves to talk. The two take a seat next to each other, Lupina thanking him for saving her a seat. Wally replies that it's no trouble. Lupina begins anxiously shaking her leg, prompting Wally to ask if she's sure she's all right. Lupina lies and says that she's fine, she's just worried about the press conference. Wally asks if she thinks that the Twins will show up and Lupina says she highly doubts it, even she hasn't heard from them in a while, but she worries about them constantly. Wally says that he's tried reaching out, but the Twins can be really hard to talk to sometimes. Lupina begins tapping on the side of her chair, clearly thinking about the shard. Wally once again asks her if she's okay. Lupina immediately stops tapping the chair and says that she didn't sleep well last night, that's all. Wally asks her if she wants some coffee and she replies that she would. As Wally gets up to get the coffee, the lights go down as people start to cheer. Lupina lightly hits Wally telling him to sit back down, but he can't hear her. The Mayor walks out on stage and Lupina loudly whispers for him to sit back down, which he promptly does.

On stage, the Mayor humbly waves to his people and takes his place at the podium. He shuffles his papers and lets out a cough and speaks into the microphone, exhibiting feedback. He clears his throat once again and welcomes everyone to City Hall, especially the Galactic Federation reporters and diplomats, who begin clapping for themselves, prompting applause from everyone else. The Mayor also welcomes his own citizens and other friends from Fin-Land. He also gives a shoutout to the two TFAWPS support members, Wally and Lupina, who have made it out today as well, shining the spotlight on them, the light hurting Lupina's eyes. They both receive applause, which they accept modestly, though Lupina is quite tired. The Mayor says that he knows they're all here to meet TFAWPS, but the Mayor then offers applause to President Space, whom without, the events of the day would not exist. Lupina rolls her eyes as everyone around her claps. The Mayor then draws everyone's attention to the table with the diorama. The Mayor says that thanks to the contributions from generous donors from both the Land of Ooo and Fin-Land, the reconstruction efforts for TFAWPS Tower can officially begin and unveils the new design to the public. The Mayor dramatically removes the cloth and reveals a beautiful skyscraper right in the center of the city. People are stunned as cheers erupt, even the Galactic Federation reporters are impressed, but the officials take notes. Wally and Lupina are beyond impressed with the new design. Once the applause dies down, the Mayor returns to the podium and prepares to introduces the guests of honor. Outside City Hall, Mofo quickly rushes in, having just returned from the Second Quadrant. He takes his luggage and places it at the coat check desk, apologizing to the clerk. The clerk says that this check-in is for coats only and Mofo once again apologizes, saying that he's in a hurry and to think of it as a personal favor. He turns around and runs in the direction of the conference hall.

The Mayor, before introducing TFAWPS, announces that two members will be absent. Wally leans over to Lupina and says that must mean the Rainbow Twins didn't attend, but the Mayor announces that Ted is on Planet Popstar overseeing the trial and Buster is busy on a volunteer reconstruction tour in the Second Quadrant. Wally leans back over and says that it looks like they were both wrong. The Mayor finally introduces TFAWPS, walking out on stage. Pink Panther humbly smiles and waves to the audience, Paco modestly does the same, while Roy and G. Biv keep their heads down. Mofo walks out with a wave and smile. While the crowd is mostly giving them praise, there is a small subset of Land of Ooo natives that audibly boo some certain panel members. When Sonic walks out, he lets the praise rush over him. He waves and gives the peace sign, even walking out into the crowd and shaking people's hands, even blowing kisses. Sonic sees Lupina in the front row and gives her an arrogant, yet friendly smile and returns to the stage to take his seat. Before taking his seat, Sonic walks over to the Mayor and places his arm around him, speaking into the microphone and asking for a round of applause for the Mayor. As the crowd cheers, Sonic gives him a hug as the crowd cheers him on, prompting annoyed looks at Sonic from Pink Panther, the Twins, and Lupina. The Mayor laughs and Sonic finally takes his seat. The Mayor is pleased with the reaction, saying that it's obvious TFAWPS are all pleased to be here, especially with that introduction and turns the conference over to the people. Roy rolls his eyes so loud, you could almost hear it.

With TFAWPS now in the hands of the crowd, the true press conference can begin. The Galactic Federation reporters move in together all raising their pens hoping to get chosen. The Mayor randomly selects one of them. The reporter stands up and asks about rumors of the shards, rumored to have aided in Cell's and Genesect's attacks, originating in the Land of Ooo. At first nobody answers, but Pink Panther speaks up, saying that whatever powers Cell and Genesect possessed came from the Cosmic Entity, which as many of them know, created Cell and Genesect chose to involve himself with them. Sonic is annoyed with all the politics and speaks up, saying that the shards were real, but they're gone and they're not coming back and for the safety of everyone in the room and in the entire four quadrants, the location of the shards will not be disclosed here, but rest assured S.E.C.R.E.T. knows and he'll vouch for them. Pink Panther fires a glare at Sonic, who fires an arrogant one right back. Lupina slumps down in her chair. Another reporter gets up and asks just how TFAWPS were able to defeat Cell and Genesect. Sonic jokingly answers that they did it with violence. This comment gets a laugh from the audience. Mofo answers seriously, saying that it wasn't easy but they worked together and if it weren't for the aid of the Rainbow Twins and Mega Man's All-Captains Squad, Genesect and Cell would never have been defeated. Paco adds on, saying that if it were also not for the heroic sacrifice of Captain Kirby of Planet Popstar as well. Some people clap, which Paco smiles about. Another reporter asks if they believe Genesect's banishment to the Fourth Quadrant is a fitting punishment for such a dangerous and evil criminal. Sonic leans forward into his mic and tells them to ask Mega Man. This is met with grumbles and some outrage from the crowd but other people applaud him. The Galactic Federation reporters begin to file out amid outrage from the public due to the incident with Mega Man's disappearance, especially on the Land of Ooo where Mega Man is extremely popular. Sonic smiles as the Galactic Federation reporters leave, while Pink Panther gives him a death glare. Sonic looks over at Lupina for approval and she gives him a slight shake of the head.

The Mayor attempts to calm the people down by asking for questions from local reporters and invites anyone from the Land of Ooo to come forward and ask some questions. Someone gets up and asks them about Pig King, who nobody has heard from in several months and asks if that has anything to do with them. Pink Panther answers and says that they seem to have settled things amicably with Pig King without violence and that he's likely just retreated to his Castle to lie low, but highly doubts anything bad is going to happen. Next, someone else asks about the true identities of the Dark Order, as they are draped in the shadows. Before Sonic can answer, Pink Panther pipes up and says that information is classified, for their own safety, but once again assures people that they shouldn't have anything to fear from the Dark Order. Sonic speaks up and says that if something does happen, they'll handle it promptly. Mofo jokingly adds that they'll do it as long as their contract gets renewed., which gets a laugh. Another reporter gets up and asks Paco and the Rainbow Twins for their input, as they've been pretty quiet, rather accusatory. Pink Panther looks nervous for them, especially looking at Roy. G. Biv calmly but cautiously accepts the offer.

One reporter asks them if they plan on repaying the damages caused during the Cosmic Entity's invasion. Roy becomes visibly annoyed and looks at G. Biv as if to say "I told you so." G. Biv lets out a slight cough and explains that they would be more than happy to help out around town and continue to serve TFAWPS as well as explaining the tremendous guilt both he and his twin brother carry and have carried for the role that they played in its conquest. Another reporter asks Sonic how he could sacrifice Oscar and Phoebe only to replace them with those that got them killed. Mofo and Sonic both take offense to this and stand up. Mofo defends the Rainbow Twins, saying that he won't stand for that, pointing out that Oscar and Phoebe heroically gave their lives to stop an invasion, doing so when nobody else would or could. G. Biv speaks up and says that had he had the opportunity, he would gladly have done it in their place. The crowd begins to grumble. Lupina and Wally exchange a nervous look. Mofo adds on that it's just plain disrespectful for the reporter to downplay and use Oscar and Phoebe's deaths as a justification to run a smear campaign against Roy and G. Biv, two heroes. He goes on to tell the crowd that they should be grateful for the Twins for showing up to the conference at all after experiencing nothing but harassment and bullying since they've returned. About a third of the crowd applaud Mofo's statement.

On the Galactic Federation, President Space watches the press conference in a room full of his cabinet members. He takes careful note of the events transpiring, asking a scribe to write everything down.

Another Galactic Federation reporter then asks Sonic what he has to say for himself. Sonic asks, very accusatory, if he's being accused of harboring criminals. Pink Panther gulps and prepares for the worst. The reporter then points out that in addition to the Rainbow Twins, it has been proven that Paco was instrumental in aiding Cell in his conquest. Roy retorts that he was also instrumental in his defeat. The reporter fires back that Meta Knight of Planet Popstar was instrumental in the overthrow of a violent and warmongering regime and asks if he should be welcomed back with open arms. Roy says that it's not the same thing, and they know it. He then accuses the reporter of spinning things just to get their story, villainizing him and his team. G. Biv attempts to calm him down, but Roy now stands up, as Sonic smiles. Roy goes on saying that the people can continue to belittle them all they want, but their contracts are over and he doesn't have to save them next time a Cell or Genesect shows up so they should stop pushing away the only people capable of saving them. People start to boo him, but Roy sarcastically boos at them back. He undoes his microphone and storms out. G. Biv, stunned, attempts to follow him. The Mayor gets on the microphone and attempts to diffuse the situation, but Sonic grabs his mic and talks directly into the camera saying that he hopes President Space has gotten everything he wanted. The crowd is disgusted with what transpires and continue to get booed, while some Land of Ooo natives cheer. Lupina and Wally get up and attempt to make their way backstage. Sonic carefully removes his microphone while Pink Panther goes after the Rainbow Twins. Paco begins to rush out, thanking Mofo for defending them on his way out. Mofo notices Lupina and Wally and Mofo shrugs towards them as if to say he has no idea what just happened. Meanwhile, President Space watches Sonic's comments to him and evilly smiles at him.

On Planet Popstar, a judge reads a verdict out to a packed courtroom. King Kai stands at the front behind the stands, while Zack and Ted sit in the back. The room is absolutely stuffed with Popstar and Simpson officials, as well as Space Corps troops. The judge reveals the charges against King Kai including high treason, spilling the blood of a fellow Popstar, inviting and harboring an inter-quadrant terrorist, among other crimes. On this the judge finds him guilty on all counts, sentencing him to life in prison. Many Popstars in the audience cheer at this. King Kai seems to have no idea why the people have turned on him, instead calling them the traitors. The judge thanks Zack for his involvement. Zack stands up and takes a bow. The judge adjourns the court. Ted tells Zack that they should get outside quickly before the rush. Zack agrees and the two start to head outside. They head out the side entrance just in time to witness King Kai being escorted to the car. Suddenly, a group of Popstars, the same from the café, rise up and begin firing weapons. Team Chaotix instinctively protect Zack. Space Corps soldiers begin ordering everyone to get down. Ted notices the culprits immediately and and begins to attack them, subduing a few. King Kai is quickly escorted into his car and driven away. Zack pulls out a knife and begins to aid Ted in fighting off the attackers. Team Chaotix join in as well. Once the threat is neutralized, the people outside begin to relax. The Space Corps thanks them for their help. Zack admits that attack was probably for him and apologizes saying that he didn't mean to put them in danger. Ted once again jokes that it's so weird for him to say that. Zack orders the Space Corps soldiers to arrest the attackers, as well as to clear the streets, which the soldiers surprisingly oblige. Team Chaotix urge Zack and Ted that they should be leaving and they both agree, as Zack makes sure that the Space Corps soldiers handle things moving forward.

At a Galactic Federation airport, a ship arrives in the landing zone. As the passengers begin to file out, Dr. Robotnik finds himself among them. He carefully adjusts his outfit and begins making his way, reading a paper along the way for a clinic. From inside the airport, Mario, in disguise, looks over at him and observes Dr. Robotnik. Mario keeps a sizable distance and uses his remarkable spy skills so he goes unnoticed. Mario continues to tail him.

At the Starcaster later that evening, Pink Panther knocks on the door as Paco lets him in. Paco asks what he's doing here and Pink Panther angrily asks where Roy is hiding. Paco says that he's in his room, but it might not be the best time, but Pink Panther says it's important anyway and invites himself inside. Inside, Pink Panther and Paco make their way to the crew quarters where they can hear Roy and G. Biv arguing. Pink Panther knocks on the door, but then forces his way in and loudly interrupts them asking what's going on and telling them both to settle down. Paco tells them again calmly to relax. Both Twins calm down and apologize to each other. Pink Panther asks Roy what he was doing during the press conference and Roy says that he had no choice and doesn't need to defend himself to him as he knows exactly why he said what he said. Pink Panther says that he understands, but Roy needs to understand that they're public figures now and need to be careful what they say in public, especially to the Galactic Federation. Roy retorts saying that he should be having this conversation with Sonic. Pink Panther turns his nose up slightly and points out that Roy was a Prince once, but Roy interrupts saying that he never had much of a chance to be a Prince. Pink Panther agrees that what's happening to them isn't right, but reiterates that things need to handled properly. Roy coldly dismisses him. Pink Panther exits the room telling all three of them that he's going to keep working for the Mayor and if he needs their help he'll call on them. Paco thanks him and sees him out. As Pink Panther leaves, G. Biv asks Paco how he's feeling as today was stressful, but Paco says that he's managing fine and G. Biv is happy to hear that.

In his Castle, Pig King gets up from his couch having just watched the press conference. He becomes angry and changes the channel only to find coverage of the incident on Planet Popstar, which again makes him angry and he throws the remote at the wall causing it to break. He gets up from the couch and begins making his way towards the stairs. Master Robot asks him what's wrong and if he can do anything, but Pig King ignores him. He descends the stairs as Master Robot cautiously follows. Down the stairs, Pig King enters a massive chamber make out of concrete, however it is clearly in ruins. It looks like it had once been a meeting hall turned fallout shelter. He doesn't come down here much. Pig King takes out a flashlight and begins searching around the ruins. He whispers to himself as he begins feeling tiles on the walls. Master Robot carefully watches him from the top of the stairs. Pig King eventually finds a loose brick which reveals visually nothing, but Pig King begins feeling around in there for something. He eventually finds a fishing line and breathes a sigh of relief. He gently pulls the string and places the brick back in place. Once the fishing line is pulled, a brick several steps over starts to glow. Pig King quickly rushes over there and places a hand on the brick. He whispers "please" to himself. As the brick seemingly scans his hand, it opens up and he breathes a sigh of relief, even shedding a tear. His face clearly says "Thank you." As the scan completes, a large desk in the corner of the room swings open revealing a secret bunker. Pig King moves a filing cabinet over the desk and wedges it in there to keep the trapdoor from swinging shut. Inside, he discovers a small office with a torn flag with a swan embroidered in the center. Master Robot continues to observe silently. Pig King opens up some desk drawers and begins rummaging through some papers. On said papers are designs for Master Robot, as well as a specific prototype. He takes that one, tossing aside a design for some kind of blackhole device. He moves to the back of the office and opens a door, only to find a massive cave-in blocking the entrance to a long tunnel. Pig King sighs to himself and closes the door. He moves the filing cabinet out of the way and closes the desk, leaving no trace of the secret room. Master Robot returns upstairs as Pig King looks over the blueprints in his hands. He turns off his flashlight and begins making his way upstairs as his footsteps echo throughout the chamber.

## Characters

* Sonic
* Ted
* Pink Panther
* Paco
* Mofo
* Buster
* Roy
* G. Biv
* Lupina
* Wally
* Mayor
* Zack
* Vector
* Espio
* Charmy Bee
* President Space
* Mario
* Luigi
* Wario
* Waluigi
* King Kai
* Dr. Robotnik (no lines)
* Pig King
* Master Robot

## Trivia

* The song's title is a reference to the press conference undertaken by TFAWPS. The title comes from a song by Belvedere from their album "Fast Forward Eats The Tape."