(The giant towers of the Justice Executive Building seem to reach the heavens. Traffic clogs the smoggy sky. In the Chancellor's office, Ghetsis sits behind his desk with two royal guards on either side of the door. King DeDeDe, Spooky, Apollo Justice, and Android 17 sit across from him.)

Ghetsis: I don't know how much longer I can hold off the vote, my friends. More and more star systems are joining Robotnik Industries.

Android 17: If they do break away...

Ghetsis: No! I will not let that happen!

Android 17: But if they do, you must realize there aren't enough Nova Knights to protect Team Justice. We are peacekeepers, not soldiers.

Ghetsis: Triple D, do you think it will really come to war?

(King DeDeDe closes his eyes.)

King DeDeDe: Worse than war, I fear... Much worse.

Ghetsis: What?

Android 17: What do you sense, Master?

King DeDeDe: The future's impossible to see... The Dark Side clouds everything. But this I am sure of...

(King DeDeDe opens his eyes.)

King DeDeDe: The Nova Knights will do their duty.

Kirby: Heh-heh, doody.

(The young Star Warrior receives an irritated stare from the D-Meister as a muted buzzer sounds. A hologram of another aide, Yanni Yogi, appears on the Chancellor's desk.)

Yanni Yogi: The loyalist committee has arrived, my Lord.

Ghetsis: Send them in.

(They all stand as Erika, Miles Edgeworth, Palpitoad, Will Powers, Cynthia, and senators Sonic, Silver and Lance enter the office. King DeDeDe and Android 17 move to greet the senators, and King DeDeDe taps Erika with his hammer's stick end.)

King DeDeDe: The Memes are strong with you... Young senator. Smooth as silk! Not to forget to mention, to seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart.

Erika: Thank you, Master DeDeDe. Do you have any idea who was behind the attack?

Android 17: Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners, on the moons of Floralia.

Erika: I don't wish to disagree but I think that Damon Gant was behind it.

(There is a stir of surprise.)

Android 17: You know, M'Lady, Damon Gant was once a Nova Knight. He wouldn't assassinate anyone, for it is not in his character.

Apollo Justice: He is a political idealist, not a murderer.

King DeDeDe: In these dark times, nothing is what it appears to be. But this fact remains, Senator. You're in grave danger.

(Ghetsis gets up, walks to the window, and looks out at the vast city.)

Ghetsis: Damon Gant has always avoided any kind of conflict. It appears he has no desire to start a war. Why would he kill you? To what end?

Erika: I don't know, but everything in my being tells me he was behind it...

(After gazing out of the window for several moments Ghetsis turns to Android 17.)

Ghetsis: Master Nova Knights, may I suggest that Senator Celadon be placed under the protection of your graces.

Sonic: Do you think that is a wise use of manpower during these stressful times?

Erka: Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe the...

Ghetsis: ..."situation is that serious." No, but I do, Senator.

Erika: Chancellor, please! I don't want any more guards!

Ghetsis: I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with... an old friend like... Master Scuttle...

(Ghetsis nods to Android 17, who nods back.)

Android 17: That's possible. He has just returned from a Border dispute on Earth's Korea Nation.

Ghetsis: You must remember him, M'Lady... He watched over you during the blockade conflict.

Erika: This is not necessary, Chancellor.

Ghetsis: Do it for me, M'Lady, please. I will rest easier. We had a big scare today. The thought of losing you is unbearable.

(Erika sighs as the Nova Knights get up to leave.)

Android 17: I will have Bolo report to you immediately, M'Lady.

(King DeDeDe leans into her ear.)

King DeDeDe: You worry too little about yourself, and too much about politics, Senator. Be mindful of your danger, Erika. Accept our help.

(As the Nova Knights leave the office, Ghetsis continues to pace behind his desk.)

Ghetsis: I will not have this team, that has stood for over a thousand years, split in two!