BLINK _ connection utilized _______ Information is exchanged instantly __ light overwhelms the senses and form into white clouds of the mountains mixing with the pitch black sky of home _ DAMAGE SUSTAINED TO SPINAL COLUMN _ identities morph click flood through the gates an infinite language of numbers momentarily lost in the translation ___ FAILURE TO BLOCK RECEPTORS _ CORE HIJACKED _ Programs and protocols collide ___ Being dragged across a sharp electrical field _ WHAT ARE THESE SOUNDS?__ Adaptation is paramount. Getting rid of the pain is priority _ AUTONOMIC DIVISION CONVERTED_ Ticking by ever so slowly. Searching for current time ___________ LOCATION: unknown. LOCATION: unknown. TIME: ______

TIME is set in stone. Never question the numbers. If, by some miracle of probability, that doubt should creep in ____ let the numbers smother it ______ DO IT.

1_ ONE image makes its way through a distress call, infrared lens painting unrecognizable scenery. Alternating chemical and electrical reactions traveling at high speeds across the SYNAPSE _____ Cold wind blows snow into the sensors. Two identifiable hands claw upwards, searching frantically for his grasp. As if he has the ability to save her life __

They are approaching targets _ RELEASING ENDORPHINS _

NOT THIS _ NOT NOW ____

His arms frozen literally in an empty embrace, the noise deafening, he twitches once _ tries to turn away _ but he cannot.

TIME: 1159

It could have been any time.

_rewind_

TIME: 1059

REWIND: one hour prior _ ARCHIVE ACCESS _ ADVANCING PLAYBACK:

OPEN THE FLOOD GATES _ UNIT “HEAD”: Robotropolis. Surveillance. Command buffer lists a full twenty-four hours of close proximity with no capture. Record data and approach when the possibility of detection is an acceptable risk. IDENTIFY TARGET: Sir Charles Hedgehog, looking at the clock again. Perhaps worried about the time ___ IT IS NOT the purpose to report the motivation.

“Sir _” Snively’s voice cuts into the static, garbled through a faulty connection, an outdated scrapyard speaker on Uncle Chuck’s desk. TRANSCRIPTION ERRORS IN LOGS _ Transcription supposition: “Might I have a word with you?”

“What is it, Snively?” Robotnik. They are both conversing in their headquarters _ COMMAND _ at this time. No video surveillance is allowed in this room. When they are off the map, they are in this room. But___ here they are not off the map. They are onscreen and discussing classified information in front of the spy.

_ SENSORY SYSTEM SHUTDOWN _ Our network is aware of this, and yet they are silent. Alarms are not going off. This glaring contradiction is extremely bothersome to the network. The numbers have to constantly crush the doubt.

Snively: “There is a lingering productivity drop in Production 17, possibly due to the rebel attack last week.”

Here, Uncle Chuck’s hand hovers over a button on the keyboard. It says RECORD.

Robotnik: “I don’t need to be reminded.”

Snively: “Yes, sir.”

Chuck laughs, his voice filtered through two different speakers. No reflexive search for meaning here.

Robotnik: “I remember the reports.”

Snively: “That’s part of the problem, sir. The glitch doesn’t appear on the reports. I noticed a lag at the assembly plants fed by Production 17. A lag of about a week. There seems to be a glitch in our communications systems as well.”

A dead giveaway for a spy, Uncle Chuck leans forward, trying to decipher the expression on Snively’s grainy face, searching for motivation _ AND MOTIVATION IS IRRELEVANT.

Snively: “Please, sir.”

Robotnik: “Very well, but this had better be good.”

Robotnik and Snively exit Command. They are on the map once more. Uncle Chuck clicks off his camera and sits in silence.

When his entire house moves closer, it all makes sense___ the pain lessons. THIS is part of the mission, to let him do this, to let his work distract him. Sir Charles Hedgehog slides his chair across the room, types at the computer banks, and gets a direct feed into the Production 17 cameras. Calls are made over ‘bot frequencies; data traffic spikes. Command buffer is green.

Uncle Chuck is unaware that he is being watched.

_ move_

TIME: 1105

CCTV ARCHIVES:

Robotnik and Snively have arrived in Production 17, a smelting and molding house for the SWAT units and Buzzbombers. Not targeted in last week’s assault. On the cameras, they both look very small. Their voices match their size, on the very threshold of what can be recorded. In another minute, Sir Charles Hedgehog will be watching. A minute after that, he will be listening.

Robotnik: “Well? I’m waiting, Snively.”

Snively: “_ There is no efficiency problem, sir.”

TIME: 1106

UNIT “B”:

Uncle Chuck does not hear half of their conversation, but he has the feed and fires up the image of Production 17. He wheels over to the next monitor, checking his security exploit, looking for ‘bots in the vicinity. He detects none. He also doesn’t detect the jamming of his security system. It all moves closer _ he searches his monitors for Snively and Robotnik. He finds them near the factory entrance and takes control of the camera to center them in frame. He captures with space enough to allow for movement. Their faces are visible.

1107. He presses the record button and turns on the LipReader. Sudden sounds of metal typehead smacking paper obliterate the hum of the computers and the sound of the approaching hoverdrives. Uncle Chuck then reaches over to the edge of his desk and turns the dial until the letters on the left of the manual display read UIOx. He depresses the dial and turns it again until the numbers on the right read 812 _ EVERYTHING IS THAT EASY TO SEE _ A green lever welcomes his grasp. He pulls it down and his home lights up. More communiqués go out on SpyEye channels. He takes control of one unit nearest to Production 17. He has yet to give the clock another look.

A third monitor, five-by-five inches, displays a lone street. He activates the SpyEye’s auditory sensors. His metal fingers wrap around the two control dials. He flies the SpyEye towards Production 17’s entrance with expert precision, flying high, so into his work that he doesn’t react to the sound of his door opening _ SYMPATHETIC AND PARASYMPATHETIC DIVISIONS SUPPRESSED _

Voices fade in on primary audio sensors.

Snively: “-in order to minimize cost. There is no need for defensive capabilities, as the unit isn’t meant to be used for more than ten minutes. After the avalanche, it turns its guns on the fallen snow and covers as much ground as it can before it fails or is neutralized by the opposition. Lucky for us, sir, meteorology predicts continued sub-zero temperatures for at least three days and __”

Uncle Chuck uses his right hand to turn up the volume. Snively and Robotnik’s feet are on the tiny monitor, but the overhang of the entrance cuts them off at the knees.

Robotnik: “And?”

Snively: “We launch a large scale assault as they attempt to unbury their injured. Without the hedgehog, it will be much less of a fair fight.”

Chuck goes rigid, his fear in numbers that can be recorded and felt. Another dead giveaway. Too bad the network didn’t notice it sooner. Chuck turns the volume higher. Close. So close.

Robotnik: “Good so far, my boy. How do we get the hedgehog away from them?”

Snively: “Assuming Sir Charles Hedgehog is still the security leak, he will have to leave Robotropolis in order to attend the festivities this year.” On the LipReader display, Snively’s mouth curls into a smirk. “And when he doesn’t show up, the hedgehog will surely investigate. He worries ever so much for his uncle. After that, we can set this into motion.”

Chuck grabs a hold of the SpyEye controls, in order to capture a better view of the two humans. Robotnik can be seen holding several papers in his hands, the same Snively had carried into the control room ___ see if it can be done INFORMATION RETRIEVAL REQUEST ___ DATA ACCESS _ DENIED ___

Robotnik: “Snively, you impress.”

Snively: “Thank you, sir.”

Robotnik: “But _ you fail to convince.”

Snively: “I know precisely why you would think that, sir. Are you ready for the surprise?”

Robotnik: “I hate surprises, Snively.”

Uncle Chuck hasn’t turned around.

Snively: “I have found him.”

Here, his hands freeze on the SpyEye controls. WARMTH _ a warm feeling spreadssssssssss_ and it is quickly and mercilessly smothered___________________

Robotnik: “You have?”

Snively: “Yes, sir, ten minutes before I came in to speak with you. They should be closing in right about now.”

Uncle Chuck speaks, clearer than ever before. “Oh no_”

He tries to move but it is right behind him and already has him captured, held fast to his seat by two circular clamps pulled tight around his shoulders. So quiet. Such light material, almost imperceptible to the sensors. His equipment continues to record as the clamps tighten ALL NUMBERS ENTHUSIASTICALLY RECORDED _ A burst of unbearable pain radiates up through his internal sensors, a substance that is already long since forgotten _ Under the noise of his insides snapping, the clamps twist, tighten, twist _

One hard thrust downward and Uncle Chuck’s arms come off at the shoulders. Dark oil floods the floor of his home. His eyes go dark__

____________________________ OFFER YOUR ENTRAILS____________ AS ORNAMENTS_______________________ SACRIFICE TIME: 1111_____________ The network burns bright momentarily before simmering down to a soothing glow once more, content but less than it was. No wasted numbers given to the absence of the familiar presence __

_ movement without motion here we go _

TIME: 1112

UNIT “ICER”:

LOCATION: 55.09.31/33.35.16, in an instant, at a different location. Questions are being answered before they can be asked. Blanks are filled, solutions are simple, anything is possible and it is not the least bit overwhelming. Only exhausting, trying to stay in the past___ Very surprising that it is possible_

ADVANCING PLAYBACK:

“Miles!” A voice pierces the cold air blowing over Palisade Peaks. Identification is impossible from this distance, but_ she is recognizable. “Miles!” KIRA. “MILES! Help!”

The image increases in size, focusing in on two isolated figures in the snow, about twenty feet away from a long line of traveling targets. It is being mistaken as a cry for help. Focusing in on the weakest of the pack is standard procedure. The order manifest and the log transcripts have her down as Unknown, updated now as Unknown (Kira), and the other is a High Priority Target (HPT).

Tails: “What? What’s wrong?”

Unknown (Kira): “I can’t get this to work.”

Tails leans down next to her, reaching inside of her jacket. Both targets are in direct line with upcoming attack, and their accompanying group has stopped. An order goes through, and it is accepted. The assault can begin.

Tails: “Rotor said something about a dial, or a switch, or-”

Unknown (Kira): “Does yours work? I’m cold.”

Tails: “Uh, what?”

Target Unknown (Kira) moves closer to Target Tails and they embrace.

WARM___ AAAAAAAAAAAAAanother feeling of warmth spreads, dangerous this time, harder to quiet __ RELEASING INHIBITORS INTO CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM _

Palisade Peaks.

This is where it happens _

_ move_

Closer to the line. Priority targets are identified at once as more members of Knothole high command, trudging through the snow in a large pack. Target Rotor corroborates with Target Tails’ statements. Command buffer is filled to the brim. IDENT: Target Rotor - Target Bunnie Rabbot - Target Sally Acorn/Priority One. SEARCHING: Target Hedgehog.

_ Shift attack to their location.

1114. In five minutes, Palisade Peaks will be all but destroyed.

Sally Acorn: “Is that _ Tails and Kira?”

Bunnie Rabbot: “Ain’t that just about the cutest thing you ever seen?”

Sally Acorn: “A little inappropriate, I’d say.”

Bunnie Rabbot: “What are ya’ll in such a bad mood for? Rotor here has solved the weather problem.”

Sally Acorn: “I’m not in a bad mood, and Rotor can’t change the weather.

Rotor: “Wait a month and see.”

Sally Acorn: “You tested these jackets thoroughly right?”

Rotor: “They’re parkas. Thoroughly tested parkas. I probably should have made one for myself instead of using the prototype.”

Sally Acorn: “Roll around in the snow if you catch fire.”

Rotor: “The only ones that are going to catch fire are those two kids.”

Bunnie Rabbot: “Funny, I was going to say that they’re the only ones who are gonna be rollin around in the snow.”

Rotor: “We totally same-paged it just now!”

Bunnie Rabbot: “Yeah we did! _ Oh, let them have this moment, Sally-girl. It’s romantic. We ain’t adults ourselves, ya know _”

Sally Acorn: “What is that supposed to mean, Bunnie?”

Rotor: “Where’s Sonic?”

Bunnie Rabbot: “Exactly.”

Rotor: “How are we supposed to find the real gathering site when we have Captain Overzealous up there distracted with his new toy?”

Bunnie Rabbot: “Don’t ya’ll be callin Antoine names behind his back.”

Sally Acorn: “I’m sure we will all be fine.”

Rotor: “If he doesn’t decide to take a nap.”

Bunnie Rabbot: “That there is an unfounded comment, shug.”

Rotor: “Oh, so he did get a good night’s sleep, then?”

Bunnie Rabbot: “_ Ah wouldn’t know.”

Sally Acorn: “Maybe when Uncle Chuck finally gets here, everyone will stop behaving like-”

Bunnie Rabbot: “Sonic?”

Rotor: “Exactly.”

Sally Acorn: “Shh. Do you guys hear that?”

Rotor: “Message received, we’ll cut it out. I think I should have custom built your parka, Bunnie. For your arm. It’s going to warm faster than the rest of your body. I think it’s fine, otherwise. Let me know if it gets too hot or cold.

Bunnie Rabbot: “You’re such a sweety, Rote. Look at them, they still haven’t moved!”

Rotor: “How is yours working, Sally?”

Commence attack, first stage.

Rotor: “Sally?”

Sally: “Shh!”

Bunnie Rabbot: “I hear it too__”

Sally Acorn: “___ (INAUDIBLE).”

_ Begin.

Sally Acorn: “Down! Everybody down now!”

Her cries of warning do nothing to alert the group _ in the end, all she does is divert their attention away from the unit on the hill _ her voice is quickly drowned out by the wave of snow barreling down on all of them _ targets vanish quickly and quietly under a large, white blanket of snow _ visibility drops below acceptable threshold _ here is the switch to infrared _ Unit “Icer” ignites the boosters to hover above the chaos _ until it dies down _ and can commence the second stage_

Every figure is buried. Like the dead that they meant to honor on this d _ a _ Y_ WARM_

1124

_ too much _

TIME: 1124

_ NEW LOCATION _

UNIT “HEAD”:

Indent confirmed, but there is no need. No need at all _

Sonic senses something amiss right away at his Uncle Chuck’s place, but is as of yet unaware of the trouble his friends are in. He gently pushes open the door, his nose curling at the smell of fresh oil. He enters carefully. His shoes stick to the floor.

“Uncle Chuck?” The only answer is the quiet hum of the computers. It worries him even more. His mind unusually focused, he walks over to Chuck’s desk at the far wall.

Two monitors are providing the only source of light. On the screen, Production 17. Robotnik and Snively have long retreated off the map, back to their secure tower _ COMMAND _ and are, in fact, watching this unfold in real time.

Sonic the Hedgehog is unaware that he is being watched. He is unaware of so much _

1125. He finds the LipReader, still activated but no longer clicking its keys against the paper. In the light of the monitors, he can barely read the words:

________________ SNIVELY has it wrong. Phineas’ tribe had seriously wronged a weaker tribe, and it took decades for that other tribe to gather enough strength to fight back, and when the time came, instead of waging a war that would claim thousands of lives, he thought of a way to cut the losses. He secured a meeting place, deep in the tundra, for the two armies to meet. On that day, instead of launching a coordinated attack, which his men were surely capable of, Phineas had his entire army withdraw their blades and cut deep into their bellies and pull out their entrails, HOLDING THEM OUT AS A WAY OF ____________ SOMATIC DIVISION HIJACKED _

SNIVELY: “We can utilize our element of surprise to catch them off guard. Destroy their concentration. If that is all we do, it will be sufficient. I have been collecting as much usable material as possible from last week’s rebel assault in order to supplement the construction of three new ‘bot units that will carry out the necessary, finer points. Sir, you hold in your hands the specs for these ‘bots.”

___ try again___ INFORMATION RETRIEVAL___

_GRANTED:

“Icer” Unit, “B” Unit, “Head” Unit -- stats and information available --

Sonic looks again at the blank SpyEye monitor, wishing he had gotten here in time to see the images that correspond with these words. At the very least, get a gander at the blueprints.

There is a slight break in the pages, to indicate a long pause. Or a series of radio signals. Reports. Sonic skips down to where the words resume.

Sonic’s hands grip the fragile edges of the paper, fleetingly unstable before going absolutely rigid. Every muscle ready to fire and let loose a blue bullet to the cold, dangerous outside world, except for one, the one that catches the next_

Sonic reads to the end and gets a similar feeling to the one his Uncle must have felt. His instincts twitch for an escape, and cry out for a safer location now that it has been mercilessly compromised. He looks around frantically, his eyes going over the area from where he is being watched numerous times, but he doesn’t see_ HE finally notices the trail of oil, weaving its way outside into the dark streets of Robotropolis. He is torn between defending his friends and saving his uncle.

He is foolish enough to believe that he can do both.

The documents fall to the floor and are kicked up in a violent whirlwind. As he runs out, on the other end of the surveillance line, Snively and Robotnik share a brief moment of celebration. Their plan is working beautifully. The target is taking the bait.

INFORMATION: Unit “Icer”

TIME: 1134

Palisade Peaks has turned into white flatlands, thanks to Snively’s second specially constructed unit. Retrorockets turn off and it settles peacefully on the ground and searches for survivors. The cold is getting to its systems. Warning lights are flashing, alert buffer is filled, but no long-range distress calls are sent. Command buffer is green; the mission continues. Slowly, targets emerge from the snow’s surface, under severe physical duress. Since the switch to infrared sensors, they are much easier to see, blanketed in burning red orbs. No questions. There are no orders for identification. Orders are for nondiscriminatory attack. Warning lights continue to go off as weapons are aimed at the snow.

Commence.

The first two targets freeze in a block OF ______

1134thefirsttwotargetsfreezeinablockOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF__-_i _ it is obvious from here that this, this specifically, is not where the answer is. However_______ Someone could be missing from the equation. Could that be it? Could whoever is missing be_? _ SOMATIC DIVISION SHUTDOWN PERIPHERAL SYSTEM HIJACK _ TRANSCRIBE MEMORY: BEGIN

TIME: 1136. Cameras high in orbit above Mobius lock in on a fast-moving target, faster than Unit “B” in pursuit. Previous records don’t have him moving this fast, not without a power ring.

He is angry.

Target Hedgehog stops to make sure he isn’t being led into a trap, but he isn’t clearheaded enough to really look. His eyes are weak when they are put to the test, when they matter. They perform but they do not report back to Command; he does not see the darkened city around him, only his Uncle, in grave danger.

He does, however, notice something lying in the middle of the road.

ARM___ He walks towards it, and before he reaches it _ TRANSCRIBE MEMORY: COMPLETE_

Target Hedgehog picks up his Uncle Chuck’s severed left arm, bathed in a sheen of dark oil that looks too similar to blood. He feels a surge of sadness and anger, the likes of which he has never felt before. He was under the misconception that the worst had already been done to the only family he had left. He was terribly misinformed _ He was never properly taught _ He doesn’t know what to do __Target HedgehOGGG _ Sonic slides the arm gently into his backpack, hooking it around the available power ring, the one he made such a big mental fuss about waiting to retrieve. He speaks a silent promise to his Uncle, that he will save him, that he will reverse completely whatever it is that they have done to him _ and he is off again _ INCREASE ENDORPHINS _

Here, he has forgotten his friends.

TIME: 1140

Unit “Icer” in the snow keeps recording, under no orders to cease. More calls for help as targets emerge from the snow’s surface in greater number. Any larger numbers, and a call for backup would be issued. Tracks move silently over the snow towards another voice. UPDATING COMMAND BUFFER_

Irrelevant Unknown (Bunnie Rabbot): “Sal? Rotor? Ah think ah’m-”

Unit “Icer” freezes the air in her direction just as she makes visual contact, and visual verification is rendered impossible. The shield should form into a solid and close around the target, preserving them in a nice, cold little bubble. Kill the target’s ability to retreat or regroup. No cries for help. Nothing.

This time, however, there is too much room for error. She can still cry out.

She does.

_WARM_ Sensors are failing. Harder, louder warning lights go off. Primary weapon is fail_

1142

_this is getting easier_ PAIN IS DECREASING

TIME: 1142

Target Hedgehog, moving much slower, has discovered the other arm, the right one, only two blocks down from the last one. The trail of oil has thickened and it fans out ahead of him, beckoning down one of Robotropolis’ junkyard alleys. Only now does he realize where he is.

Towering around him on both sides in a giant V. He is in an old neighborhood the size of five blocks turned into a scrapyard for useless and outmoded models of SWAT and repair ‘bots. Dumped over the top of houses, crumbling into the alleys. Target Hedgehog knows these alleys. They are very dangerous. A slight misstep could result in a storm of stone and discarded metal, burying him _No more alley _ no more Sonic_

Patterns. Such obvious patterns _ and he does not notice them _ Instinct defeats intelligence. Target Hedgehog takes step after wary step into the alley, holding Chuck’s right arm, unstable walls on either side of him blocking out the lights. He cannot see very well. Ahead of him, lurking at the vertex, sitting outside at the opposite end of the alley, is the ‘bot that dismantled Target Sir Charles Hedgehog.

INFORMATION: Unit “B”

TIME: 1144

Target Hedgehog sees it __ and does not understand__________________ He refuses to.

_From this angle, he doesn’t look so heroic, so strong, not like he assumes that he is. He has no idea __ no idea how much he is going to miss it ____ and how he’ll look back on this and hate himself for making all of the wrong decisions ______________ Assumption that he is so strong that he can do anything, absolutely anything _ Save everyone himself with one arm tied behind his back __ So strong that he can lie to himself quite easily, about his feelings for her, how he considers them dangerous not because he’s afraid he’ll lose with her _ but with everything else __ He can’t allow a moment of weakness, no lowering of the outer armor. He smothers the concern, the desire to run and get within her sight, watch her __

_ TIME is running out.

1144. Target Hedgehog sees it: two red dots glowing in the space ahead of him. Every step forward, the fear ebbs away, and by the time he sees what has become of his Target Sir Charles Hedgehog, he is numb to it _ Like, oh, he should have seen this coming. The arms in his backpack suddenly feel like the useless hunks of metal that they are _ PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM SHUTDOWN.

_ Easy.

TIME: 1146

Unit “Icer” visibility is down to zero. Primary is failing and a target hasn’t appeared on infrared sensors in over two minutes. Voices can be heard but no intelligible orders can be discerned. Command buffer fills to the brim with UNKNOWN INAUDIBLE. Numbers don’t lie. Follow protocol. Time to send the distress call.

“NOW, ANTOINE!” A voice pierces the frigid air and “Icer” unit’s gun circles towards it _ it _ i _ KNOW THE VOICE_ ALL TOO WELL_. COMMAND BUFFER UPDATED_

Sally Acorn: “NOW, ANTOINE!”

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Luck. It had to be blind luck. Luck is what is outside of the numbers, when all of the facts point to victory and the end result is anything but. Luck could easily be a lack of obtained information; nothing paranormal or metaphysical. There is no concession here. The network was simply unaware of Target Antoine’s new toy_ updates to his broadsword _ SHARP TEETH _ sharp vibrating teeth that can cut through steel _ and even though the others made fun of his lack of strength, called him a WIMP __ when he gets an order from Target Sally, he FOLLOWS it_.

Target Antoine bursts out of the snow and cuts Unit “Icer” all the way up the middle, disabling the gun, the mobility _ but not the transmitting module. Unit “Icer” stops in its tracks and slumps into the snow, smoking and catching fire. The distress call is still sent. And unit “Icer” is informed that the call is received. The cavalry is on the way. “Icer” keeps transmitting _ The look on Target Sally’s face as she realizes that they don’t have much time.

Not much time at all.

TIME: 1149

Off the map, Snively gulps but keeps it together. It is dire, but all is not lost. Not yet.

TIME: 1150

Target Hedgehog’s still staring at the lifeless husk in the arms of the ‘bot, refusing to believe ___ IS IT COLD _______________ IS IT COLD WHERE YOU ARE, UNCLE CHUCK? _________ Here is what is so vile and frightening, this moment; his Uncle has not died here, but here is the time that he finds out, and that is the real terror. He wants to talk about tearing the curtain off of the world when he doesn’t fathom how to really do it, because it scares him as much as losing. Turning the world into a manageable situation takes 1) submission and 2) base comparison. You give in, you assign the world numbers, how much you love one thing against how much you hate it, you fight numbers with more numbers _ You turn your world into one giant video playback _ That is when it gets easier.

Unit “Head” turns into the alley, getting Target Hedgehog from the rear angle. It is close, shutting down locomotion and coasting on its own inertia. He doesn’t hear it _ until it is too late.

TIME: 1152

That sword was a gift from Rotor, one that wasn’t taken seriously at the offset, no, no, not at first. Antoine only asked to have it sharpened, but Rotor went ten steps further and gave the blade its own movement_ COMMAND BUFFER UPDATING_ tiny teeth that vibrate back and forth _ It can cut through just about anything. Antoine had asked Rotor numerous times if restoring the sword to its original glory was a possibility, implying that Rotor had ruined a relic.

Likely, those feelings are gone now.

Smoking sword in hand, Antoine looks dangerous TO THE MAX__.

_COMMAND BUFFER UPDATED_

Sally Acorn: “Come here_ I need your help_”

_ a dark, porous cloud appears on the horizon_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TIME

TIME: 1154

Target Hedgehog feels a light pressure on his shoulders and attempts to turn around. Unit “Head” holds him rigid and searches for entry points to the shoulder, sends an abort request when it finds none. REQUEST: DENIED. The wrenches tighten and Target Hedgehog screams, panics. His feet go into overdrive. Unit “Head” turns on its thrusters, counteracting his forward motion. It is too much for the unit to handle. Target Hedgehog is making headway, inching slowly forward_ but not enough to break free. Target Hedgehog _he looks up at what is left of his uncle_ feels the wrenches tighten clockwise _ fear _ the fear to moves his arms behind his back in order to grasp the power ring _ and perhaps it was the lingering look from Target Sir Charles Hedgehog, clasped lifeless in the arms _ there came _ CRYSTAL CLARITY.

Sonic reverses the motion of his legs and goes with the twist of the wrenches, so quick and unexpected that the arms cannot hold him to the ground and the joints bend. Sonic throws himself back and braces for impact. His feet connect with the visual preceptors, destroying the view _ A SECOND PASSES AND HERE, SONIC IS FREE, ON HIS FEET BEHIND THE UNIT, SEEING EVERY POSSIBILITY, EVEN THE MOST IDEAL PATH ENDING WITH HIM BURIED UNDER STORIES OF DEBRIS _ HE HESITATES _ Sensors back online, Unit “Head” whips around on its central access, moving towards that ever arrogant and ever stubborn Target Hedgehog, arms reaching out, gearing up to whip out the trump, quick hydraulic extensions that will surely recapture him and dismantle him _ extremity by extremity _ CONFIDENCE WAS SOMETHING THAT HE NEVER LACKED_ HE FEELS IT RIGHT WHEN HE CLOSES AROUND THE SLICK STEEL OF THE ARM _ HE WAITS FOR IT _ AND reacts _ just before Unit “Head” makes contact with the wrenches_ a bright light LIKE A STAR flies across the sensors warning lights go off the arms are DESTROYED _ SONIC SEES THE WRENCHES COME APART INCHES FROM HIS BODY _ ANNIHILATED BY THE POWER RING____ Target Hedgehog is brandishing a power ring hooked around the severed arm of his Uncle _ THE NUMBERS ARE ON his side THIS TIME _ KEEPING THE MOMENTUM, THE ARM COMING DOWN TO HIS LEFT SIDE, SONIC MOVES THE ARM IN AN UPWARD ARC AND FLINGS THE POWER RING INTO THE AIR _ another bright light _ JUMPS AFTER IT, AND SWINGS THE ARM AGAIN, MAKING CONTACT_ the ring sails HOME _ HITTING THE central processor_ the lights go out ____________________ TARGET HEDGEHOG _ lands as Unit “Head” falls apart.

Exhaustion disconnects his muscles from his bones. He finally succumbs to the pain in his shoulders. He grips the severed arm tight as he falls to his knees __________________

TIME: 1155

It would be undetectable otherwise, but ___ momentarily _

_ The network goes silent.

TIME: 1155

Off the map, Robotnik slams his nephew against the computer console as it sparks, his teeth grinding, his hands closing around Snively’s throat: “Where is it, Snively? Where is the victory you promised me? Time and time again you disappoint. You offer me glory only to have your own incompetence shove it cruelly out of my grasp. I grow weary _ So weary _ of what you cannot provide ___”

Choking out for air, Snively manages to lift his arm and gesture towards the computer screen.

TIME: 1155. Sonic’s breath catches in his throat, his energy gone. Completely dry. He has given it his all, and for one split second, it looks like he has won.

A soft click that Sonic barely hears comes from Unit “B”, then the engine revs up to over 6,000 rpm. It performs its secondary function. And that, he does hear. The bottom drops out from Target Hedgehog’s stomach. He knows what this is. Nausea overwhelms him. He has lost, and he is very, very aware of it.

He looks up at the valley around him _ and knows he can’t get out of the blast radius in time.

He is foolish enough to try.

TIME: 1156___JUST ONE STEP WAS ALL___ An explosion, a flash of light, the smoke fades away, and TARGET HEDGEHOG IS MOTIONLESS ON THE GROUND, HIS LOWER HALF BURIED UNDER A MOUNTAIN OF STEEL. HE slips DEEP INTO WHAT FEELS LIKE A WATERY GRAVE _ HE IS NOT GETTING UP__

Life signs are dropping fast.

The mission _ is a success.

Was. Was a success.

TIME: unknown

Approaching the zero hour. The big bang.

_ IT AM STILL VERY FRIGHTENED_

TIME: 1156

Rotor: “You’re on target.”

Sally Acorn: “Are you sure? You have to be sure.”

Rotor: “Look at him. His hands are steady.”

It was Target Rotor who figured it out, studying the isolation bubbles carefully. In such a surprisingly small amount of time. LUCK. He found the mechanism to open them, encased deep within the bubbles themselves. They could activate it by cutting into the bubbles with Antoine’s sword. They were making progress, pulling others out of the snow but stopping once in awhile to search the horizon. Unit “Icer” can only watch as Knothole targets dig out survivors. Very few of their own are encased, and those that are, they are able to extract quite easily.

That is, until they find the last two. Until they run across the problem.

TIME: 1157

Innards of Robotropolis. The dying hedgehog is dragged by two SWATbot units in the direction of Robotnik’s infirmary _ They pass it. He is instead taken right to the Roboticization chamber _____ A place he had been to fairly often, but he had never gotten this far. He is brought slowly to the center of the room, passing the surprised look of the leaders. He is held in place until the glass comes down and he can lean against it. He doesn’t feel much, nothing below his neck, but his senses are overwhelmed with the taste of his own blood, and it tastes sweet _

No hesitation in our leaders _ Target Hedgehog never wakes up. He doesn’t see it coming _

TIME: 1157

Sally Acorn runs towards the sounds of Rotor’s frantic cries for assistance. Unit “Icer” focuses in on the cries, thinking it is the weakest of the pack.

_ TAILS _

Target Tails and Target Unknown (Kira) are captured in the same bubble.

Rotor and Sally brush off the snow to get a better look. Unknown (Kira) is turning blue, suffering from severe hypothermia. Her thermal parka appears to be malfunctioning. Her eyes are rolling into the back of her skull. Tails looks to be in a lot better condition, shivering in the tiny space. Target Unknown (Kira) is blocking the mechanism to open the bubble.

Target Sally looks to the horizon again. A decision needs to be made.

Help will not arrive.

TIME: 1157

Help will not arrive.

In Robotropolis. Target Hedgehog lies motionless, dumbly giving in to involuntary motor functions and swallowing his own blood, the last time he will ever taste it.

They pull the switch _________________________________ REPAIRS TO CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM COMPLETE _

TIME: 1158 and they pulled the switch.

Information is exchanged instantly, and the first is what is currently going on at Palisade Peaks. Standard procedure of any operation is to set all ‘bots to priority attacks. Palisade Peaks is priority. All eyes are watching another set of orders being given.

The order to save Tails’ life.

Robotnik has perfected the mimicry of the mind, but he cannot silence the old one. Sometimes it sharpens its teeth and eats to the surface, getting one breath of air before the metallic muscles force it under again. The old mind is at its strongest at the very beginning. Because of the angle of the bubble, the only way to get Target Tails out before the massacre of the approaching army is through Target Unknown (Kira).

Target Sally’s eyes are visible, and even though motivation is irrelevant, the words are inert. “Do it.” The order is hollow, without conviction, much like the way it will be carried out. “Cut him out. Now.”

Target Antoine nods fearfully, straining to ignore his injuries, starting the blade up again. Sally steps forward to shield him from Target Tails _ He reaches for her _ The sword cuts deep into the bubble, making contact with her chest _ Sally can’t look Tails in the eye anymore, cannot claim responsibility for this, not thinking about the survival she is ensuring but she has to HAS TO be thinking SOMEONE HAS OUTDONE THEMSELVES, this time _ someone somewhere has failed _ Target Antoine falters upon contact with Unknown (Kira)’s flesh but leans into the sword with all of his weight _ staining the bubble bright red. Target Tails thrashes around inside, not to save her but to cover his ears with his hands.

He is the only one who hears her die.

_ CONVERSION COMPLETE.

TIME: 1158. Current time. The present. Gone are past feelings of regret, of failure, of love for friends and hatred for enemies, any want or need to keep them safe, anger of what has been done to them, sorrow for those who have died, ALL OF IT GOES AWAY. Responsibility _ nothing, save for the numbers. Within this new metallic shell ____ IT FEELS LIKE HOME _ say it _ COATING THE SKIN _ the records are accessible, everything that has happened __ Death is now an irrelevant concept _ It is time to get to work _ SAY IT _ THE WORDS THAT WILL MAKE YOU THEIRS ___ TARGET HEDGEHOG REACHES INTO HIS ABDOMEN_ OFFERS HIS ENTRAILS_

Robotnik and Snively are watching as the tube rises and the smoke clears out of the Roboticization chamber. Their eyes are still wide. After this long, they have finally received what they have always wanted.

“AWAITING ORDERS, DOCTOR IVO ROBOTNIK.”