Days passed and plans were made on both sides of the conflict. The Freedom Fighters had alerted all their counterparts in other areas. They worked meticulously on a plan that would help them to execute a successful rescue of Alex and demise of the Doctor. On the other hand, the Doctor had plans of his own. He found ways to use the Dark Energy to its fullest, and Alex, the center of his operation, was slowly falling deeper into his grasp. She was no longer a mindless zombie but she still followed under his command, and day by day her body grew weak from the intense radiation of Dark Energy that was used on her.

…in New Mobotropolis

Nate left Tails' lab and headed down to the HQ. It had been about a week since he had last seen Alex, and he impatiently awaited the next time, which he was sure would be the day that they would liberate her from the Doctor's hold.

Tails and Sally stayed behind to go over their plans one last time.

"OK?", Sally said looking at the computer screen. She had video called Knuckles and the rest of Team Chaotix to fill them in with the details.

"OK Sally", Knuckles replied, "I think we have it. We will stand our posts until we get your signal."

"Good." Sally connected NICOLE to the computer to transfer information. "We need to be prepared. We don't know when the Doctor will strike, but when he does we need to be ready for him."

"Right." Knuckles nodded and then said his goodbyes.

"Tails", Sally turned to address the two-tailed fox, "do you think we can match this guy? I mean, he does have his own Chaos Emeralds, and they're tainted. Plus, he has Alex, who would be able to use their power."

Tails fussed with one of his machines and then stood up. "Of course we can. We have Sonic and Knuckles who can also use Chaos Energy. Plus we have the whole team. We'll be fine. Also, even though Alex is under the Doctor's control, there could possibly be a way get through to her. She couldn't have just forgotten all of us like that. I have a feeling that the Doctor's mind control is actually a memory block."

"So if we could just tap into her memories", Sally suggested, "We could get her back on our side and defeat the Doctor."

"Exactly", Tails nodded, "And I have a feeling that Nate is the perfect person for the job."

...in Doctor Argon's lab

"OK, that's enough for today."

Doctor Argon signaled for Chase to turn off the machine. It sucked back all the Dark Chaos Energy it had released, and stored it in the Black Emerald. Alex, now back in her normal form, fell to her knees, weak from the impact the energy was having on her body. Chase, who had now somewhat become fond of Alex's company, went to help her up. The Doctor shoo-ed them away as he went back to his studies and they both left the lab.

"How are you holding up?", Chase asked as they made their way through the corridor.

"It hurts", Alex replied, holding her arm, "But let the master's will be done. He said it would make me stronger if I got used to it."

Chase sighed. "You're lucky you know."

"How so?"

"The doctor sees you as his prized possession. You have a lot of power and potential", Chase begun. "He used to run tests on me as well. The outcome wasn't as great though. He thought he could become the next Professor Gerald Robotnik, and create another Ultimate Life Form. I was his first test subject."

"…Robotnik…", Alex mumbled. That name sounded so familiar but she couldn't remember why.

They reached the exit to the factory and walked outside. During the times that the Doctor wasn't running tests on her, Alex hung out with Chase outside the factory. There had been a boundary set by the Doctor so they couldn't go too far. Alex sat in her usual spot, the top of an old trash bin, while Chase picked up a rock and through it against the brick wall.

"Who is Gerald Robotnik?", Alex asked looking up at the clouds.

"Not exactly sure", Chase went to pick up the rock that he had thrown, "Doctor Argon is always talking about him. The guy is like his idol or something. Have you ever heard stories of the Ultimate Life Form?"

Alex thought for a second. The Ultimate Life Form. Why did that ring a bell in her head? She leaned back against the brick wall and closed her eyes. She thought back. Way back. Everything was a blur.

"It sounds familiar, but I don't remember what it is."

"Oh", Chase threw the rock again, "He was creature created by Gerald Robotnik. He's apparently immortal and can also manipulate the power of Chaos Emeralds like you can."

"So is that why the Doctor is always running tests on me? So I can become an Ultimate Life Form?"

"I think so, but the thing is, you're not immortal."

After Chase said that, Alex watched her life flash before her eyes. If the Doctor's experiments failed would she die? She shook the thought out of her head.

"Looks like I have to get stronger so my mortality doesn't matter then."

Chase nodded. At that moment, they both felt a shock through their bodies. The doctor was calling them.

"Back to work."

They both made their way towards the entrance of the factory.