Chapter 6
Tails groaned as he heard a knocking on his door. Sally poked her head in, saying fairly sweetly that it was time to get up. Tail groaned a quick reply, and after Sally left he sat up in his bed and stretched. He hadn't slept well, his mind buzzing with too many things. Still, if one good thing had come from the night it was a single decision. Sally said they were going to confront Robotnik. If he had a cure, he would have bargained for it. If not, he would have rubbed it in.
If Dr. Robotnik had a cure, then Uno would have lied. He would forget about the roboticizer cannon and focus in on helping the others get that cure. If there was no cure… then Uno would have been telling the truth and he'd take the risk. If anything, even if he became enslaved to Robotnik, it would be better for the Freedom Fighters. Roboticized Mobians could always break free of Dr. Robotnik, so he would always have a chance of coming back. Sally… if she was lost… she'd be lost forever. He wasn't going to let that happen, he'd protect her. Just like Sonic would.
After getting his shoes on Tails made his way to the kitchen, where Sally and a few of the others were sitting around. When he came in there was a strange silence in the room, like they had been talking about something they didn't want the young two tailed to know about. Still, Tails tried to ignore as he took a seat and was passed his breakfast.
"How did you sleep last night Tails?"
"All right," He lied, smiling at Sally. "How did the mission go?"
"The Roboticizer plans weren't stored in the warehouse. Dr. Robotnik must have them stashed some place else."
"Don't worry, we'll get a hold of them sooner or later." Tails commented optimistically. Still, the others quickly glanced at each other, a silence falling on the room. Sonic was the one that final broke the silence, asking if Tails would come with him. The pair walked out of the room, heading into the dirt paths that wound around Knothole.
"So, what's up Sonic?"
"Well, little buddy, I managed to have a few words with Dr. Robotnik last night. I confronted him about what he had done to Sally."
"And what did he say?"
"Not much, just boasting about what a genius even though it was innocent Mobians in one of his think tanks that thought up the whole thing. Still, I asked him about a cure and…"
Sonic paused at this, the blue hedgehog coming to a stop. "And, he says there isn't a cure."
Tails met Sonic's eyes, and he felt a pit in his gut. He was young, but he wasn't stupid. To Sonic, who didn't know about Uno or that he might know how to stop the process, the news that there was no cure was basically an admission that in seven days Sally would start becoming a real monster, her mind getting lost to the mutation.
Still, Tails feared that if he told Sonic about the robiticizer cannon and his plan that the blue blur would either try to stop him or insist he was the one that would go and talk to Uno. Tails was half inclined to let Sonic do it, but at the same time he knew that if things went wrong it would be better if he was Roboticized then Sonic, Knuckles, or anyone else. He was just a kid, and never really did much to help on missions. The others were the ones out fighting against Dr. Robotnik.
Putting any of them at risk of being captured by Robotnik would be much worse for the freedom fighters then if something went wrong and he became Robotnik's slave. So, Tails kept the secret of the cannon to himself, forcing a smile as he said, "Don't worry Sonic, we'll think of something. We still have seven days."
Sonic smiled, nodding his head, "That's the spirit Tails, we'll keep fighting up to the end, for a free Mobius."
Tails smiled, nodding his head as he stretched out his hand. Sonic took it, the pair shaking hands quickly before heading back to the headquarters. While Sonic went back to the kitchen Tails disappeared to his room, made a digital copy of the Roboticizer plans, and went to the workshop.
Thankfully, either because of the news or he was busy with other things, Rotor never came into the workshop. That gave Tails all the time and privacy he needed to assemble the Roboticizer Cannon. Since it was such an essential piece, Tails first tackled trying to assemble the firing coils. After scrounging around the workshop for an hour he found a metal coil of the right size and length, and was able to outfit it with the correct components. He actually had to gut another thing he had been working on, a portable shield generator, to get the necessary parts but soon the coil was completed.
With the essential and most uncommon part of the cannon done, Tails began assembling the rest following the plans while making a few modification of his own. While the cannon was meant to be attached to battle tanks and certain SwatBots, Tails modified the design so that to a normal sized Mobian it could be carried like a small rocket launcher, the main weight of the cannon being supported on the shoulder while it was aimed with a person's arms. He also added a means of mounting it to a pole, a timed fire function, and a polarizing dial so it was easy to change the polarity of the shots fired.
It took all day, Tails only stopping to get a quick sandwich for lunch. By dinner time, the cannon was complete and it was looking pretty darn good. Though it was a little rough in some places, since Tails was forced to use scrap metal for the exterior plating, the interior followed the blueprints exactly, including his own modifications.
With the hardware complete Tails searched the Storage Block and found a copy of the weapons current operating software. After double checking that he had the right version for the cannon he had constructed, he used his computer to install the software. Now, all that was left to do was test it.
After sticking his head out of the workshop for a moment Tails slipped out, stepping into the hall before closing the door quietly. Tails had the cannon strapped to his back, it rocking a little in place by a thick strap across his chest. He had covered the cannon itself in a thick blanket, so it only looked like he had a large cylinder on his back, not a weapon capable of roboticizing someone in 1/20th of a second.
After taking a few rarely traveled halls Tails found his way out the headquarters back door. He then quickly ran out into the forest, making sure he was a long ways away from the village before he began slowing down.
It took a while, but he finally found a perfect test subject. It was a small patch of flowers that were fairly spread apart. There were four clumps, each with about five flowers in the clump. It was a perfect test group, and once Tails made sure no one was around he uncovered the Roboticizer cannon, held it on his shoulder, and let it charge up.
Using only a simple pair of crosshairs to aim, Tails fired off a shot from the cannon. The kick back was fairly strong, making Tails stumble backwards a little since he hadn't been prepared for the force. Still, when he looked down at the first group of flowers he smiled as he saw that they were in fact roboticized, the stems and petals all now cold metal.
Now that he knew about the Cannon's kickback, Tails braced himself better as he fired off three more shots, each hitting one of the clumps of flowers. Once all four were groups were roboticized Tails turned a dial on the cannon, reversing its polarity before aiming and taking a shot.
Tails closed his eyes when the cannon fired, but when he opened them he could only smile. The group of flowers he had been aiming at was back to normal, made of natural living materials by the reversely polarized shot. This alone made Tails shout in triumphant, a little louder then he actually intended. The cannon worked, and it was able to reverse the effect.
Thus, Tails left the other three groups of flowers roboticized. He had to make sure that it was possible to turn the flowers back twelve and just before twenty four hours after they had been roboticized. He also took one of the groups of flowers with him back to the headquarters, to verify other key parts to his plan.
Though it was a little difficult to get a link into them, Tails eventually hooked the group of flowers into his keyboard and began searching their memory. He combed through everything, even checking hidden parts of the system memory. He had to be sure there was no trace of Dr. Robotnik's suppression software. If he couldn't find that, then anyone roboticized with the cannon would still maintain their free will. They would be under Robotnik's control in the least.
It was during this, however, that Tails was finally intruded on. He heard the door starting to open, and quickly began to panic as he realized he had left the cannon lying out on his bed. Lunging quickly he grabbed the cannon and tossed it unceremoniously under his bed and then jumped back to his desk, trying to look busy.
Knuckles came into view as he pushed the door open a little wider. No one had seen Tails all day, and some were getting worried. Still, Knuckles smile as he saw Tails, the young genius looking as if he had been just working on his makeshift computer.
"Hey Knuckles," Tails said, trying to act as natural as possible so not to raise suspicion.
"Hey yourself. Where have you been hiding all day?"
"I was working on something in the workshop, and then I went for a walk out in the forest, and then I came back here."
"That's it," Knuckled replied, a little surprised to hear how average Tails'day actually sounded.
"Ya," Tails replied, smiling. Still, the smile was what betrayed Tails the most, the forced looking grin making Knuckles lift and eyebrow. The red toned echidna began to look around the room, his eyes slowly crossing over every piece of furniture. His eyes then rested on the bed, where he noticed a large deformation in the bed covers. Something had been there, something fairly large.
"Tails, are you hiding something?" Knuckles asked, strolling over beside the bed.
"What make you say that?"
"No reason," Knuckled replied, stopping beside the bed. Tails felt his heart pounding, if Knuckles found the cannon he'd tell Sally, and he'd never be able to go through with his plan. The others wouldn't understand, or they would want to do it themselves. Still, tails felt his heart skip a beat as Knuckles bent down and looked under the bed.
Tails was ready to leap, to make a quick explanation when Knuckles brought the cannon out, but the echidna didn't. He just stood up straight, looking at Tails before strolling back to the door. "Okay, but you should go talk to Sally. She's been trying to find you the past two hours and she's a little worried.
"Okay, I will." Tails replied, waiting till Knuckles left before quickly racing to his bed. He bent down, looking under the bed and breathing a sigh of relief. Whether it had been luck or a good twist of fate, when he shoved the cannon under the bed it had slide all the way to the far end where it was too dark to really see it, especially for Knuckles who didn't have the best night vision. It also kind of just looked like some garbage, but even then it had still been a close call.
Knuckles little intrusion, however, made Tails think of something. The others would be worried sick if he suddenly up and disappeared for a day. This put Tails in a very peculiar position. To keep everyone from worrying, he had to have someone cover for him. To tell everyone that he was fine, but… to do that he would have to convince someone that he was doing the right thing.
Tails would have put more thought to his little conundrum, but since Sally was looking for him he decided to go and talk to her quickly. After all, he was waiting anyway to see if after twelve and nearly twenty four hours if the flowers would still turn back to normal. He had high hopes they would, since it would allow him to pull off his plan without being permanently roboticized.
Sally was up in the command center, sitting on the edge of the outer deck looking up at the sky. The sun had set, the heat of the day just starting to seep away and the chill of night settling in. Sally turned when Tails came up the stairs, smiling as she had the two tailed fox come over and take a seat beside her. She smiled, and he quickly returned it.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about Aunt Sally?" Tails asked, having a sinking suspicion in his gut that it would be about the virus.
"Can't I just want to spend some time with my favorite little fox?" Sally quickly countered, rubbing his head. Tails laughed, batting away Sally's hand before quickly straightening his head. The pair smiled and laughed, but the joy slipped away from Sally a little too quickly.
"Tails… you read the same document I did, even saw that video. You know what will happen in a few days."
"Ya, I know." Tails replied, letting himself sink into the serious conversation.
"And, are you okay with it?"
"No, of course not." Tails countered, a little insulted, "but what I'm not okay with is the fact you are already giving up."
"Tails, I never said I was giving up."
"You called me out here to have a talk Sally. You wouldn't have done that if you thought there was still a chance."
Sally sighed, looking down at the a few people as they walked along the dirt paths below. "I know Tails, but I'm also trying to be realistic. We can't develop a cure for this in time, and Dr. Robotnik doesn't have a cure for us to steal."
"That still doesn't mean you should give up. I've got a plan and…."
"A plan?" Sally asked, getting a curious tone in her voice. Tails mentally kicked himself, covering his mouth as he realized that he had said too much. If he tried to back down Sally would never let him out of her sight, he'd never be able to sneak away to Robotropolis. Still, at the same time, Tails wasn't sure he could tell exactly what he was planning.
"Tails…" Sally pressed, wanting to know what was going on.
"Okay, I have an idea, a plan. I… I talked to Uno and he told me a few things and I think we can at least stop the virus form advancing. It's kind… of… risky, but I didn't want to tell anyone because its something someone would have to do alone and…"
"Just what are you planning Tails?"
"Please don't make me tell you…" He asked, looking up at Sally pleadingly, "I promise, I'm being really careful but I don't want to put anybody else in danger. Sonic, Knuckles, they can all fight back against Robotnik but I really can't do much to help. This way, if… something should go wrong… the others can still lead the rebellion."
"Tails, you are a big help when we're fighting against Dr. Robotnik."
"But not as big as Sonic"
"Okay, but if it's dangerous…"
"Aunt Sally, please, I'm doing it for you. I don't want to see you go away, but the only way I can do anything to help is if you let me do this."
Sally glanced away from Tails for a moment, the wheels of her mind turning. She then looked back, eyeing him cautiously. "And you promise your being careful."
"Super Duper careful and Uno's helping me."
"All right," Sally said after taking in a deep breath, "I won't ask. I've let Sonic run off on missions with less of a guarantee. Just, tell me when you leave and when you plan to be back at the latest, that way I know whether or not I should be worrying."
"Deal," Tails replied, nodding his head, "And you don't have to worry Sally. I'm going to be brave, just like Sonic, and with Uno's help we'll stop the virus from advancing to the final stage."
"Well, I'm glad I'm in such capable hands." Sally said, smiling before her grin turned devilish. Before Tails could react Sally had snatched him up, both of them laughing as she tossed the two tailed fox high in he air and hen caught him. After acting silly for a little longer Sally let Tails head off to bed, smiling as he left her sight.
Kids Tails' age shouldn't have to worry about anything worse than school work, but even when put under the pressure Tails was rising up to the occasion. It had been a while, a few years at the least, since his parents had been captured and roboticized and Tails had risen to every challenge given to him. Admittedly, he always had someone with him for support, but the fact he was trying to be brave on his own.
Sally just couldn't help feeling proud. She was concerned for his safety, but at the same time it was like when Sonic was out on a mission. She was always worried for his safety, but somehow new that he'd be back. Maybe a little bruised and beaten, but he'd be back, smiling the cocky smile of his before giving her a thumbs up.
As was his strange ability, when ever Sally started thinking about Sonic the blue blur seemed to come rushing in. The familiar sound of him running through the village quickly reached Sally's ears, and by the time she turned her head Sonic was already half way up his access ramp, jumping and flipping before landing beside Sally.
"And he sticks the landing, the crowd going wild. Oh, is there anything that hedgehog can't do."
"You can't chew gum and break the sound barrier at the same time."
"Hey, that's because the gum's bubble can't handle my speed." Sonic defended, taking a seat next to Sally. "So, did you find Tails?"
"Ya, I just finished talking to him before you came running up."
"How is the little guy doing?"
"Good, he's keeping optimistic but also isn't trying to deny what's happening."
"And how are you doing?"
Sally shrugged; lifting one of her mutated, clawed hands as she slowly turned it over. "Guess I'm just trying to come to grips with what's happening. I mean, this isn't like being Roboticized. From the time we were able to free Charles, even for a little while, he told us that even if people are Roboticized they are still there, they just don't have any control of their bodies. This… this is different. From the way Dr. Robotnik's report is reading, if this virus progresses to the final stage I'm really going to be gone."
"Na…"
"What do you mean na?"
"You're too stubborn."
"Excuse me?"
Sonic smiled, the kind of grin that just made you believe that everything was going to be all right, no matter what has happening. "You're to smart and stubborn to let some virus destroy your mind. Sure, you may not be yourself for a while, but I know that you'll always be in there. And, even if you go mondo monstrous, I'm going to keep looking for a cure."
"Would you really Sonic?"
The blue hedgehog gently set his hand down on one of Sally's. "I don't let go of my friends without a fight, especially the ones as cool as you."
"Thank's Sonic. That really does make me feel better."
"No prob." Sonic replied, getting up and stretching. "Still, this hedgehog is beat. I'm heading to bed."
"Good night Sonic"
Sonic's smile shifted a little, going from comforting to devious. "What, no good night kiss?"
Sally arched an eyebrow, "Do you really want a good night kiss from this?" At that Sally opened her mouth a little, showing off her dangerous looking fangs. Sonic blinked a few times, and then gently turned before speeding off, shouting a last moment good night to Sally. The mutated princes just shook her head, chuckling to herself as she stood up and went back inside.
After talking to Sally and getting her permission to go ahead with his plan, Tails found his courage and conviction stronger then ever. He finished scouring the flower's circuitry, and didn't find anything above the basic operating systems. The robot plant was working like a normal plant, as if nothing had happened. Still, this knowledge concerned Tails a little bit, since having absolutely no programming might be a give away to the security system in Robotroplis. It was time to ask Uno a few more questions.
"Good Evening Tails, how are you?" Uno replied after Tails had gotten into Robotnik's network and started up a chat.
"I'm good Uno, and I found the data you told me about."
"Was it helpful?"
"It was, and the prototype I built is working just like the report said it would. I think that, after I verify a few things, I'm going to try and come tomorrow night. Is that all right?"
"I have not had a sense of time in a great while Tails. In the next moment or in an eternity, it makes little difference to me."
"Okay… I guess. But, I also have a few questions. The prototype works, but when I tested it on some flowers it didn't install anything. What kind of software is a level 9 maintenance droid expected to have."
"There is no standard template. To access any restricted area, however, robots need a Digital Access Key of the appropriate level."
"What does that do?"
"Security system for restricted areas is dependent on the digital access key. You not only have to have been assigned a key but your key must be registered with the proper systems to gain access."
"How am I supposed to get a key?"
"Normally, robots are given a key off the assembly line. Still, there used to be three level 9 maintenance droids. One was destroyed during a Freedom Fighter raid and its key has yet to be reclaimed. Key could be assigned to a new ID. This action should go unnoticed by system security. To pass key to a robot the said aforementioned robot would only have to connect to Robotropolis's network via a convenient data terminal."
"Great," Tails quickly typed back. "So, I'll contact you once I'm in the city. And, do you really have a way to stop the virus from advancing."
"Yes"
"You don't know how much I appreciate this Uno."
"I'm just glad I could be of help."
"Hey, since you're doing so much for me, is there anything you want in return?"
"Bring me something"
"What do you want?"
"A piece off the outside world, so that I may look upon it at least once."
"How about I bring you a picture of me and the other Freedom Fighters, so you can see everyone your helping?"
"That would bring me great joy, since it is the first chance I have had to give aid to someone else willingly."
"Uno, I have to admit, you talk weird."
"You would too after a while."
At that Uno shut of the line, leaving Tails to his own devices. After sleeping fairly well during the night Tails spent the rest of the day preparing for his trip. He stopped in to visit Sally only once, asking her to keep the others from worrying and to tell her he was going to leave at sunset, and if everything worked out he would be back by sunset the next day.
The final tests with the cannon worked as expected. He was able to turn the other two groups of flowers back to normal, but after waiting a few minutes past the twenty four hour mark he wasn't able to make the fourth and final group, the flowers he had taken back to his room, change back. They were permanently roboticized, proving that twenty four hours was the cut off limit.
Thus, with the sun starting to near the horizon, Tails secured the cannon on his back, using an old seatbelt clip to secure its strap across his chest. Earlier he had prepared the sandy buggy, stocking with it a few robotic components he had taken from the workshop. Still, even as he prepared to leave Sally caught him.
"Now, remember, you promised to be careful."
"Really careful," Tails replied, smiling for only a few moments before he jumped up and gave Sally a hug around the neck. The mutated princess returned the hug, smiling even though she was already worried about the young fox trying to find his way in Robotroplis alone. Still, she didn't try to stop him, and would actually be the one to keep the others from worrying. She would just tell them Tails wasn't feeling well, having eaten something bad at breakfast.
It was so strange to be heading out of the village alone. Usually, if he did go on missions, it was always with several of the others. Knuckles, Bunnie, Antoine, Rotor, Sonic; he'd always been with at least one of them. He couldn't deny it was a little scary leaving, but… he needed to do this. It was for Sally, and he wasn't going to let her down. It was his time to prove he could be a hero, just like Sonic and the others.
Tails was so lost in his thoughts he was kind of surprised when he reached the edge of the forest. Still, after uncovering the Sand Buggy he mounted the roboticizer cannon just to the right of the driver, making sure it was tightened down before he unfurled the Sand Buggy's sails and the late evening wind caught the fabric. Lurching forward the buggy began to race across the dunes, surging over them as it made its way to Robotropolis.