Waddling towards the hold, Robotnik was handed a blindfold by his second in command. He stood outside quietly, and looked at the people in the room, before putting the blindfold over his face and sitting down. Twelve people were in this room, all currently out cold. As Robotnik took his place amongst them, Metal closed the door again.
A mixture of a chlorine and lavender smell wafted through the room, causing everyone within it to wake up.
"Where are we, what's going on?"
"Who are you?"
"Who's out there?" The voices incessantly asked questions all of them oblivious to the true nature of what was happening.
"Oh my," Robotnik called out in the voice he used for Roger, "I think we've all been captured."
There was a general hubbub around the room. All twelve people began speaking, one by one piecing together that they had been captured by Robotnik's machines, most of them being caught completely off guard, and fearing for their lives.
"I overheard the robots," Robotnik lied as he told his story, "They're taking over Northside Island. I heard they're putting a massive factory at the south of the Island, by the old temple."
"You don't think that's why it exploded do you?" asked one of the beavers.
"I don't think it's that simple." Rouge said. It was sat directly opposite that of Robotnik. "I've been a direct witness to Eggman's schemes before, and if anything, I'd say the temple was a distraction. He's probably sat watching us right now, laughing at how we're suspecting the wrong things. Well I'm on to you Eggman!" Rouge shouted.
"I agree," Honey said. Robotnik could tell as she said it that she was pretending not to know Rouge. Robotnik could only guess that each of them was using the other, Honey using Rouge as a source of information on confidential GUN issues, and Rouge using Honey to stop news of her exploits getting out.
The door slid open, and eight robots walked in. Each robot grabbed one of the people in the room, "You've been assessed as being perfect for a batch of super powered Badnik's our glorious leader is making."
As the door slid shut, four people remained. Robotnik, disguised as Roger, and three others. The three people Robotnik wanted to be left with; Rouge the Bat, a construction work named Steve and Honey the Cat.
"I don't know what Eggman thinks he's playin' at, but he won't succeed." Steve said.
"Why that's where you're wrong," Robotnik said in his normal voice, as the other three stood alarmed. The door re-opened and three more armed Egg Pawns walked in. The robots slid off the remaining captives blindfolds, just in time for them to see Roger the Walrus pull his face off and reveal the sneering grin of Doctor Robotnik underneath.
"Eggman!" Honey shrieked. "Why of all the..."
"Shut it you!" Robotnik scowled. You three have been quite the pests in my conquests of Northside Island. But here we are, and I've succeeded."
"So why are we here? Why aren't we being made into robots?" Rouge asked.
"Because with each of you, it's personal." Robotnik answered. "You tried to blackmail me. Honey became too nosey of my plans, and Steve here went so far as to attack me."
The two girls looked at Steve, both slightly impressed, though Steve himself was extremely worried that he'd gone from punching his employer, to punching a ruthless wannabe tyrant. It was something that had not escaped Robotnik's attention, and he loved watching the three of them suffer.
"So what are you going to do with us?" Honey said.
"Oh it's simple enough," the human answered. "Steve here's going to be tortured." As soon as Robotnik said that, the guard bots took Steve away, screaming as he was taken.
"He'll be a fun distraction until that pesky hedgehog inevitably runs onto the scene. As for you Honey, well do you remember when I had you in my lab? Remember that device? Did it seem to do anything to you?"
Honey didn't answer, but in the back of her mind, she was worried. She began to sit even more uncomfortably, fidgeting in her restraints.
"The answer is no," Robotnik laughed, "or at least, not yet. It was phase one. This," he said, pulling a small remote like device out of his pocket, "is the final phase. Now watch closely Rouge."
Robotnik fired the device at Honey. Almost immediately she began to flicker, her whole body contorting and blinking into and out of existence. Honey looked exasperated, yet it didn't seem to hurt her, much to Robotnik's disappointment. Honey screamed in a panic as this happened, but her voice faded into silence as she dissolved completely out.
"She's gone now," Robotnik smirked. "Pity it takes so long to do; it would be the perfect weapon otherwise."
"And what about me then?" Rouge said, as Robotnik turned to face her.
Robotnik turned to face the bat. She sat there almost comfortably, as if she was enjoying being restrained. This was probably just another day at the office for her. He'd seen this before; she could be surprisingly calm even in situations where most people would be straight up panicked. It came with her lifestyle.
"Rouge," Robotnik said, "You and I go back quite a bit, and you've often played a role in many of my plans, whether it's simply being a distraction, or more directly working with me. Of course, I know about your bosses, but I also know just how easy you are -"
"Hey, watch your mouth!" Rouge interrupted, insulted.
"On the other hand, I already erased one of your friends from existence. In twelve hours, she'll be all but forgotten, as that machine goes about erasing her from history."
"So is that what you're going to do to me?"
"Oh heaven's no." Robotnik answered, feigning offense. "No, actually I need something from you."
Rouge looked intrigued, "What is it?"
"Simply put," Robotnik said, "I need a spy in the GUN offices. Someone who can keep me informed on what they're up to."
"Heh," smirked Rouge, "And here I was thinking you were about to 'take over the world'?"
Robotnik swung around angrily and leant in close to her face, "Quiet you miserable little bat or I'll have my machines tear your wings from your spine," the human replied, determined to show he meant business. I don't know if you realised, but right now my machines are currently overthrowing Northside Island and while I do hope the rest of the rest of the world surrenders to me, I have to be realistic. Having someone who can act on the inside of the planets largest opposing army is always an advantage."
"So you want me to act as double agent?" Rouge asked, "Alright it's not like I've never done that before," the bat winked, "but what's in it for me? Why shouldn't I just agree, then run away and never do a thing for you?"
"There are many reasons," the human replied, "But the one that'll make you want to do it is this," Robotnik said presenting the same small black remote control he had used on Honey.
With the click of a button, a small hatch opened up inside the hold. A small gun shaped object poked out of the end, and began charging up with a faint green glow.
"This device, when fully primed and ready, will leave you my obedient slave. Over the years I've perfected the art of making an electronic mind control device; it's why none of my badniks have ever disobeyed me."
"What about Omega?"
"What about him? He's been following my orders for years, even if that hasn't been immediately obvious. Just because he appears to be autonomous, doesn't mean he is."
With that, the machine began to charge up fully. Robotnik took this moment to leave the hold, the sounds of her banging her ankles against the chains replaced by total silence as her obedience. As he walked back in, he simple gave her a simple obedience test, then sent her off with her orders, and made his way back to the bridge.
