Shadow turns to leave, not caring about the humans' fate until someone calls out his name. Strange black and red creatures descend from the clouds and begin to cause pandemonium in the city. Then, a newspaper with the headline of celebrations taking place now that the Black Comet has come back after its fifty year cycle blows by in the breeze, catching on Shadow's leg, then blowing off into the distance.Р”Р„s Shadow ponders his past, a gaping hole opens up in the sky over the city. Near Westopolis, he struggles to cover all the pieces with the few memories he has, which have Maria Robotnik aboard the Space Colony ARK being shot by a GUN Soldier in front of his face. StorylinesР”Р„fter the Neo Metal Sonic incident, Shadow has abandoned Team Dark to uncover the truth of his past. There were also too few telephone lines and secure audio and video links to the rest of government.Spoiler warning: Plot, ending details or any kind of information follow. However, in their first significant operational use, managers discovered that computers were 'several generations' behind current models and could not link to government databases. They are well stocked with food, water, medicine and other supplies and are capable of generating their own power. 'They're on a 'business trip', that's all,' one official was quoted as saying.Р”Р„lthough it does not identify the sites, the Washington Post says they make use of geological features to render them highly secure. Those deployed on the operation are not allowed to tell anyone where they are going or why. Once activated for what some call 'bunker duty', they lived and worked underground 24 hours a day, away from their families. Other officials said the back-up government consisted of anything from 70 to 150 people at two principal locations on the East Coast. Officials fear Bin Laden's network may have nuclear weaponsР”Р„n unnamed senior official told Associated Press news agency that, while US intelligence had no specific knowledge of such a weapon, the risk was great enough to warrant activation of the plan. Mr Bush said the threat of a catastrophic attack still existed as long as there was a terrorist threat. The core group of federal managers would put into effect orders from the president or his constitutional successor. Those taking part live and work underground for long spells at secret fortified locations on the East Coast. The Washington Post said the shadow government involves 70 or more officials drawn from all departments - depending on the perceived level of threat.

Said he had not been told about the role, location or even the existence of the shadow government.Р”Р„nd an aide to House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt told the newspaper that he was also unaware of the administration's move. The operation - officials said - was activated after the 11 September attacks but planning dates back to the Cold War era.Р”В«ut senior congressional leaders have been quoted by the Washington Post newspaper as saying they had not been informed about the operation.

Shadow president 2