Tails and Mighty were busy working in the lab.

"If we raise the Alpha energy output," Tails said. "We can clock this at 200 teraflops."

"And I only packed a toothbrush," Mighty responded.

"You should visit Tails Tower sometime," Tails said as he slid some data over to Mighty. "You'll like it. The top 5 flours are all recreation, very relaxing."

"Maybe another time," Mighty murmured.

While Mighty continued working, Tails walked over to him. Tails pulled out a tool and pocked Mighty with it.

"Hey," Mighty exclaimed when he felt a zap from the tool.

Tails looked closely at Mighty, but nothing happened.

"Nothing at all," Tails said disappointed.

"What do you think you're doing," Sonic demanded; he had seen what Tails had done.

"Experimenting," Tails answered, then turned to Mighty. "You really have a lid on it don't you. What's your secret? Music? Medicine?"

"Is this all a joke to you?" Sonic demanded from Tails.

"Funny things are," Tails replied.

"Threating the safety of the ship and everyone on it is not funny!" Sonic growled.

"Don't worry Sonic," Mighty cut in. "I wouldn't have come if I couldn't handle pointy objects."

"You're tip-toeing Mighty," Tails said. "You need to learn to strut."

"And you need to learn to control yourself," Sonic retorted.

"Maybe."

A beeping noise was heard from Tails' work station.

"What's that?" Sonic asked.

"My hacking program," Tails answered. "I've had JARVIS run it ever since I hit the bridge. In a few hours, I'll know every dirty little secret that GUN has."

"That isn't a good idea," Sonic said.

"An intelligence agency that fears intelligence is never a good sign," Tails replied. "And when did you become so trusting?"

"We need all the help we can get," Sonic answered. "And breaking into their computer will not help our mission."

"Back me up on this Mighty," Tails pleaded.

"I…I just want to get this done," Mighty muttered.

"Do you feel the same way?" Sonic questioned.

"Well," Mighty answered. "Remember Robotnik's jab about a warm light?"

"I heard it," Sonic said.

"I actually think that was meant for you," Mighty said to Tails. "Even if Shadow didn't tell him, Tails Tower has been all over the news."

"That big building in Station Square?" Sonic asked.

"Yeah," Mighty said. "That tower will run itself, for what? A year?"

"And that's only the prototype," Tails said proudly.

"And why would GUN be helping find the Master Emerald for anyway," Mighty continued. "The never had much interest in protecting it in the past."

"We'll just have to wait," Tails replied.

"No, this is it," Sonic said firmly. "We just get the job done, and be thankful for the help."

"You can't tell me none of this smells funky to you," Mighty said.

Sonic didn't answer at first.

"This ends now," Sonic said at last.

Sonic left the lab, looked around the hallway, and headed down one of the corridors.

Back in the lab…

"I can't believe I used to look up to him so much," Tails said in disbelief.

"You've changed," Mighty answered. "And so has he."

"Maybe," said Tails. "I just hope he'll be ready when everything breaks loose."

"I'll read all about it," Mighty said. "Once we locate the Master Emerald, I'm out of here."

"That's what you say now," retorted Tails. "But when push comes to shove, you'll be suiting up with the rest of us."

"I don't get a suit of armor. I'm exposed," Mighty said. "Like a nerve."

"You see this," Tails asked as he tapped the generator in his chest. "During the battle with Robotnik, I got hit by a missile from a 'bot. Sonic managed to get me to the hospital in time to save my life, but I'm stuck with this generator. It keeps the shrapnel from my heart. This is all that's keeping me alive; this circle of light. It's a terrifying privilege."

"But you can control it," Mighty retorted.

"Because I've learn to," Tails countered. "I've been able to use this to power a battle suit that was huge a huge help in the final battle and it lead the way for me to develop the Arc Reactor that should change the energy world. You can learn to control your gift as well. You've just got to try!"

Sonic carefully spun into a door, creating a crack. Sonic unwound himself and forced the door open. He looked around to make sure no one had seen him; then he disappeared through the door.