A/N - Hello everyone. Well I finished my other project so I'm back to working on this story again. This chapter will be the first installment of a new episode. It will most likely be shorter than the previous story arc was, but one never knows.

Thanks for the reviews. I'm glad of the feedback and glad people are enjoying the story.

Stallion6 of Deviantart - yes indeed Tails can deal with that abomination as you put it, and even if he doesn't have a sonic screwdriver I'm sure he can create something that will do the job just as well.

Aidan L - Thank you for the kind words. As for an appearance by the Daleks and / or Davros well, that would be telling, wouldn't it? You'll just have to wait and see...

sonicandshadowforever - Thank you. Yes I'm glad you liked the bit about Tails' mechanical skills starting to show up. I wanted to have him do something that would be noteworthy and effective but not incredibly outlandish, at least not yet. Turning him into a sound technician for The Clash (and other bands) seemed a good way to start.

As always, standard disclaimer: Neither Doctor Who nor Sonic The Hedgehog belong to me. Doctor Who is property of the BBC. Sonic The Hedgehog SatAM is property of Sega and DIC. The only thing that's mine is the story itself and any original characters I might come up with. Please read and review; I always appreciate feedback. Constructive criticism is welcome, however no flames please.

25 – PULLED OFF COURSE

When the company next gathered to hear about Tails' adventures a few days had gone by again. Recounting the story of the Aqua Nerada had given Tails a nightmare that night but fortunately the turn passed quickly and the nightmare was not repeated.

Tails was smiling to himself before he began the new story.

"What's so amusing?" asked the King, causing Tails to look up with a start.

"Oh" he said, "just thinking about what happened when we came back to Mobius for the first time."

"I remember that" said Sonic from his place, "that was when – "

"Don't spoil the story" said Sally, stopping Sonic, "let Tails tell it in his own way."

"Aww" said Sonic.

"You can tell part of it if you want" said Tails causing Sonic to grin again.

"I'll think about it little bro" he said, "now why don't you start the story?"

"Okay" said Tails, "well we went straight from Earth to the Eye of Orion for a rest..."

The Eye of Orion is widely considered to be one of the most tranquil places in the universe. The Doctor remarked that its highly positive atmosphere had the most calming effect on a person of any planet he knew of, which was saying a lot. Sarah Jane thought it looked like a lovely countryside, mostly field interspersed with trees here and there, and the occasional ruined wall stretching off into the distance where hills could be seen.

For Tails the atmosphere of the Eye brought almost immediate relief from his nightmares and after the first night there he started sleeping outside of the TARDIS. As he would drift off into the most restful sleep he'd had since first seeing the Aqua Nerada he would watch the stars in the sky and wonder where they were both in relation to the other planets he'd been to, and in relation to Mobius itself. He wondered if one of the stars he was looking at was Mobius' sun and how far away it was.

They were there for several days and during that time they didn't do very much. They were mostly taking a rest and they enjoyed it. Sarah Jane cracked a joke about how different it was not having to run for her life for a change. Even the Doctor, who rarely liked to stay anywhere for long, seemed content with where he was for the moment. Time seemed to slow down until it had practically stopped.

But of course time didn't stop. One morning, it must have been at least a good ten days after they had arrived, the Doctor and Sarah Jane stood admiring the early morning sun on the landscape when Tails came running up to them in great excitement.

"Doctor, Sarah Jane" he called.

"Tails" said the Doctor, "what is it? I haven't seen you moving this quickly since we arrived here."

"I need to go back to Mobius right away" said Tails.

"What?" asked the Doctor, " are you tired of traveling already? But there are so many other places you should see, and – "

"No, no, it's not that" interrupted Tails impatiently, "Sonic's birthday is tomorrow – "

"Right" said the Doctor immediately turning toward the TARDIS, "we need to go back to Mobius right away. Come along you two" and with that he strode into the TARDIS followed by his companions. After another minute or two the TARDIS dematerialized.

"Does Sonic know you're coming back?" the Doctor asked Tails, who shook his head. "Good" said the Doctor, "we'll materialize right in the middle of Knothole and give them all a good surprise. I like surprises. Don't you?"

"If they're nice ones" said Tails.

"Well we'll be there soon" said the Doctor checking the controls, "and then lots of lovely reunions all around. And cake. Can't have a birthday without cake."

"I should think not" agreed Sarah Jane, "Preferably chocolate with chocolate icing."

"Mmm" said Tails thinking of cake.

"What is Knothole like?" asked Sarah Jane.

"It's a beautiful place" said the Doctor, "you'll love it. I think you and Sally and Bunnie will get along very well together."

"Yes" said Tails, "and I can also introduce you to Sonic and the others. Sonic is so way past cool – "

("Thank you, thank you" said Sonic from his place.

"Shh!" said Sally in annoyance)

" – Antoine's a bit of a clutz but he means well, and be sure to keep out of Dulcy's way when she's landing – she still has trouble with that but she's really nice otherwise. And Rotor and the Doctor will have a lot to talk about and – "

"– And I'm looking forward to it" said Sarah Jane smiling at Tails' enthusiasm.

"As you should" said the Doctor flipping a switch, "well we're just about there. Time to start the landing sequence."

Suddenly the TARDIS began to shake violently. All three crew members grabbed at the console.

"What's happening?" yelled Tails.

"Something's trying to pull the TARDIS off course" said the Doctor frantically working at the controls.

"Can you stop it?" asked Sarah Jane.

"What do you think I'm trying to do?" retorted the Doctor, "Tails, trace where this is coming from."

"Right" said the fox as he flew around the console to another panel and checked a readout.

"This says it's coming from Mobius" called Tails, "but that can't be right. We don't have anything in Knothole that could do this."

"I should hope not" called back the Doctor, "but what about – "

"Robotnik!" exclaimed Tails, "he must be doing this. But how?"

"Perhaps we should find out" said the Doctor manipulating a few more controls. The shaking in the TARDIS stopped. "Let's let whoever's trying to pull us down do so. It's the best way to get answers."

Both Tails and Sarah Jane looked like they wanted to protest but at that same moment the sounds of the TARDIS materializing could be heard and all three of them knew they had landed. The Doctor then activated the view screen. Tails made a noise of disgust when he saw what it showed.

"Ugh!" he groaned, "Dr. Robotnik!" And so it was. There, standing right in front of the TARDIS, was the evil Dr. Robotnik himself, big body, red and black costume, large mustache, bald head and all. He was looking at the TARDIS with a mixture of curiosity and greed.

"That's the infamous Dr. Robotnik you've been telling me about?" Sarah Jane asked the Doctor. During their time at the Eye of Orion The Doctor had told Sarah Jane all about Dr. Robotnik and what he had done to Mobius. She was, to put it mildly, less than impressed.

"Yes, that's the man himself" said the Doctor, "what do you think of him?"

"Honestly?" said Sarah Jane, "I though with a name like 'Robotnik' he would be more imposing and not nearly so fat."

"He is rather ovoid isn't he?" said the Doctor.

"He looks a lot like an egg" said Sarah Jane.

"You're right" said the Doctor, "perhaps we should rename him 'Eggman' instead of 'Robotnik.' It suits him much better. Don't you think so Tails?" The Doctor turned to Tails who started to giggle at "Eggman."

"Oh boy" Tails muttered, "'Eggman'! If Sonic ever hears that he'll drive Robotnik crazy with it."

"Then perhaps he should hear it" said the Doctor.

"Um Doctor" said Tails, "shouldn't we be worried about Robotnik pulling us down here?"

"Worried?" said the Doctor indignantly, "certainly not! I'd say we've got him right where he wants us."

Both of the Doctor's companions stared at him. The Doctor looked just a touch embarrassed.

"Right" he said, "well it looks like the evil genius is trying to say something. Let's see what he wants." And with that the Doctor turned up the sound from the exterior scanner so they could hear what Dr. Robotnik was saying.

" – no way for it to escape. Whatever it is Snively" they heard Robotnik saying, "I've managed to pull it down here and it is quite impossible for it to leave."

"Yes sir" came a voice from off the scanner's screen ("That's Snively" murmured Tails, "Robotnik's nephew"), "but what do you think it is and where did it come from?"

"I don't know and I don't know" said Robotnik, "but whatever it is it has the same energy signature of the unknown vessel that was here that other time. I intend to find out what it is and take control of it. Such technology could be very useful."

"Very good sir" said Snively, "but how do you intend to get inside it?"

"Be quiet Snively!" Robotnik barked, "I'm working on that even as we speak."

"I've seen enough" said the Doctor, "why don't we step outside and save him the trouble of trying to get in? Sarah?"

"All right" said Sarah Jane, "I want to give him a piece of my mind."

"I'm looking forward to that" said the Doctor, who then turned to Tails, "Tails I want you to stay here. If Robotnik sees you he'll connect us to Knothole and I don't think that would be a good idea."

"That's true" said Tails, a little relieved he wouldn't have to face Robotnik. He'd only come face to face with the man a few times and was not anxious to repeat the experience, also Sonic had always been with him on those occasions. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Yes" said the Doctor, "first, enjoy the show. Second, if something goes wrong here's what I want you to do." The Doctor gave Tails his instructions and made him repeat them back to him before nodding.

"Close the doors behind us" the Doctor concluded, "they will lock automatically. Don't worry about us; we can always get back in but the TARDIS will not allow any unwelcome intruders access so you'll be safe. Now let's go crack Mr. Eggman's shell."

Tails opened the doors and let the Doctor and Sarah Jane out of the TARDIS after which he closed the doors again and turned his attention to the view screen to watch what happened.

When the Doctor and Sarah Jane stepped out of the TARDIS they found themselves face to face with Dr. Robotnik who seemed very surprised to see them.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"Hello" said the Doctor cheerfully, "I'm the Doctor, and this is Sarah. Who are you?"

"I am Doctor Robotnik, ruler of this world" came the reply.

"Oh really?" said the Doctor, "well that must be a very demanding job; things to do, orders to give, paperwork to fill out – always lots of paperwork to deal with when you're a ruler. Do you hate paperwork? I hate paperwork. It's so boring and yet somehow nothing can ever be done without it. If I had my way I'd eliminate all paperwork completely. Would you like a jelly baby?" The Doctor abruptly finished offering the bag to Robotnik who seemed a little stunned by the stream of words coming at him but he soon recovered.

"I have no time for games Doctor" said Robotnik, "you are my prisoners and you will answer my questions."

"Will we now?" said the Doctor, "are you're the one who pulled my ship off course?"

"Yes" said Robotnik with an evil grin, "but you've been here before, haven't you Doctor? I noticed the distinctive energy readings that occurred in my city some time ago and I arranged to capture the source of it should it ever come back. Since that miserable hedgehog and his friends were also in the city at that time it seemed a safe guess there might be a connection. So I've been on the watch in case that energy signature was ever repeated. Today I find you and that blue box which you say is a ship. It must be very cramped for the two of you."

"You have no idea" said Sarah Jane.

"We manage" said the Doctor.

"It's mine now" said Robotnik, "and you will tell me all about how it works."

"Oh I don't think so" said the Doctor, "I think that's our cue to leave, eh Sarah?"

"Oh definitely" said Sarah Jane.

"Nice to have met you Dr. Robotnik" said the Doctor, "although I must say that name doesn't really suit you."

"I agree" said Sarah Jane, "I would have expected you to look like a robot with a name like that, but you don't. You look more like a giant egg."

An egg!" said the Doctor as if just being struck by the thought for the first time, "you're right. He's much more of an Eggman. We'll call you that from now on. Eggman. It fits you much better." (Inside the TARDIS Tails giggled at this exchange.)

"Don't make fun of me!" shouted an angry Robotnik, "you forget that I am in charge here."

"Not for long" said the Doctor, "come along Sarah."

They both turned back to the TARDIS door but just before either of them could touch the TARDIS they were zapped by invisible force that repelled their efforts to touch the ship.

"Going so soon?" asked Robotnik maliciously, "that's very rude. I don't think so. I've put a force field around your ship, or should I say my ship now."

"I still won't tell you how it works" said the Doctor.

"Oh yes you will" said Robotnik, "once you've been roboticized you'll tell me whatever I want to know. Snively!"

"Yes sir" said a small man off to one side that both The Doctor and Sarah only noticed for the first time. He was much shorter and smaller than Robotnik.

"Take these two to the dungeon and lock them up until I'm ready for them" said Robotnik.

"At once sir" said Snively, "Swatbots!"

Immediately several Swatbots surrounded the Doctor and Sarah and, under Snively's direction, began forcing them toward a doorway.

"Don't worry Doctor" said Robotnik, "it won't be long. Before the day is out I'll have access to everything you know and you'll both be my newest robot slaves."

(To Be Continued)