Shadow the Hedgehog

"Is something the matter Anna?" asked Zamy.

"Will do," said Hope as she headed back to Shadow and Rouge. --- "I honestly don't know. The Zone itself is a concern, as is Miles' continued use of magic like you say. I guess it'd be up to the board in the end," said Zamy.

"Go ahead Anna. I've got some things to take care of," said Hope.

"Given the DEL's activities, as well as the general state of your Zone, I doubt the board would look to kindly on that option. Unless of course she's no longer affiliated with them and is in a stable area," said Zamy.

"She will do. I imagine she'll get put in solitary confinement."

"Yeah. But she isn't, luckily for most people," said Hope.

"You're forgetting she's a scientist. She does things to see what happens. Perhaps she was waiting for the right opportunity to test it," suggested Hope. --- "I guess it would have been."

"I don't know Dylan. I don't even think my counterpart knows. I guess we just have to wait and see," replied Hope. ---- Zamy was taken by surprise by Anna's hug. "Erm... you're welcome."

Hope burst out laughing. "That'd certainly make things easier: they could keep him in a jar!" ---- "I will Anna. I... promise," said Zamy.

"It seems to be the opposite in fact," said Hope. --- "Well we can possibly put him on the list. His case will be reviewed and any potential adopters contacted."

"She jabbed him with something. He fell unconscious. I have no idea what's in it. And her serum has left her weakened. I think her body's still adjusting to it. They aren't getting out anytime soon." ---- "I see. Well then where would you propose he goes?"

"They needed a place to hold them while waiting for their colleagues to arrive. It's not like they lack the authority to commandeer some cells," said Hope. ---- "I see. Well there goes that plan. It's not like Moebius is full of people who'd take him," said Zamy.

"Maybe he has family on Moebous who could take him in under heavy supervision?"

"Talking to the prisoners as far as I know," said Hope. ------ "What he did sickens me to my stomach. But the fact is I also don't want to get your hopes up. As I said before, these programs require someone willing to adopt them. You'll struggle to find one such person here, and I honestly don't know about elsewhere."

"I doubt you could. So best to find an employer who pays for that stuff in the contract!" ----- "Exactly. The fallout would be terrible. Him and Skye would never see eye to eye, and I doubt Melody would exactly take a liking to him either. Heck, no one would quite frankly," said Zamy before sighing. "Unfortunately for me, I'm duty bound to inform you that this isn't the end of the road with regards to this program; there are plenty of other Zones after all."

"They do. It's called life insurance," joked Hope. ---- "Neither of you are eligible. Ziona is still an active Zone Cop, and with your instability Glen they'd never risk putting a child in your hands," said Zamy

"I'm afraid so. That would need some serious insurance," joked Hope. ---- "I think it might be, and neither can I."

"That's a start," said Hope, laughing. ---- "It could be classed as a psychiatric disorder if diagnosed, which might move him out of the Jail itself. Diminished responsibility because of mental health csn either reduce sentences once treatmemt is done or lead to indefinite detention, depending on the condition. So it's that or find a suitable adopter and wait for the board to make a verdict," explained Zamy, inwardlu cursing her legal requirement to explain this.

"I can try, but nothing too dangerous. I want to help you, not hospitalise you," joked Hope. ---- "Those programs need someone eligible to be willing to take him, but I doubt anyone would. We could always see I suppose. As for a reduced sentence, that's nigh impossible unless he has any solid mitigating circumstances," explained Zamy.

"Well at least you'll get back on your feet. I know physio can be tough, but it beats the alternative. I should think Anna can help you out as well," said Hope, glad Melody would be ok. --- Zamy sighed. "Go for it Anna."

"Yeah. Rvents like these are rare," added Zamy. Hope headed to the infirmary and handed Melody the book. "Anna's a little busy right now but she'll be back any minute to read this to you. I'd ask if you're ok but it's a bit redundant right now," she said sadly.

"Agreed. How much you want to bet Anna's gonna try and plead his case to us?"

"I would if it wasn't for the kidnapping of Shadow and anti-Shadow in the hopes they'd get autopsied by Robotnik. That's just..." Zamy shuddered.

"Very true. Kind of a sobering thought," replied Zamy.

Zamy flipped a coin as she waited. "What do you reckon Miles'll get in jail?" she asked Ziona.