Epilogue One

Snively awoke to the sound of his own breathing. He stared at the ceiling for a few moments listening to the gentle hum of the high voltage wires than ran throughout the building. He couldn't remember the last time he had woken up of his own accord. It felt liberating to know that the day was his. No more fat man standing over me mocking my very existence!

Although he still had to admit there was something missing. The only thing keeping him sane all of those years was the fact that he was able to be so close to someone who had lost their sanity. It had put things in perspective for him, but now that he was on his own, life would no doubt be different.

Snively approached his wardrobe, reaching for a blue collared shirt. The green turtleneck he had always worn only reminded him of the constricting life he had once led. He nodded to himself in the mirror as if to reassure the person standing in front of him that everything would be all right.

After lacing up his boots Snively began his trip to the command center. The long walk down the seemingly endless and empty quarters gave him time to think out loud.

"Where to begin? So much to do and so little time in which to do it?"

"First things first I suppose, out with the old. Get rid of everything that isn't important."

"Hmm that is quite a lot of buildings that are going to need to be torn down."

Snively reached down and placed his thumb on the scanner to open the door to the command center.

"Why do I even bother having security anymore? If I have learned anything by now its that those freedom fighters are too honorable for their own good."

Snively took a seat in front of the main frame and with a few key presses deactivate the entirety of the security system.

"That should speed things up. If I don't worry about security it should simplify everything. And now for the city plans," Snively said as he walked to the center of the room where a holographic display of the city had appeared.

Snively had always enjoyed designing things, but the task of rebuilding an entire city was daunting, especially for just one person.

With a few waves of his hand Snively overlaid the old city on top of the current one.

"What if I could rebuild what they once loved? Perhaps with a few modifications here and there I could restore the grandeur of this city and make it the pride of our empire."

Snively chuckled out loud as he turned towards the corner of the room. "Julian it seems you rubbed off on me too much. Look at me already talking of empires. Although I doubt the General would be very happy with me if he found out I kept you alive," Snively said as he approached the glass chamber.

"It would appear that you rid yourself of enough humanity to live through death itself."

Tapping on the liquid filled chamber where his former master remained suspended in a green glow, motionless. "Don't expect me to let you out of there anytime soon. You can stand trial for what you have done when the General gets back. You look like hell anyways," Snively noted as he ran his eyes over Robotnick's charred body.

"How you lived through a blast like that is beyond me. Perhaps you can tell me one day, but for now I have to much work to do for you to be distracting me like this."

Private Matthews sat propped upright in his bunk. He had been resting there for hours with no one to talk to. It occurred to him that nearly a whole week had probably passed since they had left Earth. Unfortunately he and his injuries were stuck on relativistic time.

Suddenly remembering the gift the young fox had given him, he reached down into his cargo pocket and produced the small leather pouch. He ran the smooth hide through his fingers savoring the feel of the supple material. He slowly untied the drawstring and carefully dumped the pouch's contents into his hand. It was a small gold octangular device with a latch on its side. Rotating it slowly a faint inscription caught his eye. He smiled as he read it, 'Miles'.

Huh, the kid wasn't kidding after all, Miles thought to himself.

Mathews flipped open the latch and slowly opened the oddly shaped container. A needle swung aimlessly around underneath a nearly perfectly cut piece of crystal. Mathews laughed as he admired the craftsmanship, as useless as a compass is in space, I can't say I have ever been given something so nice. He couldn't help but appreciate the symbolism of the gift. They had been searching for a new home for so long, Miles couldn't help but think of the good omen a compass symbolized. Miles continued to gaze at the device, perhaps I will see you again Tails.

Mathews watched as the needle wondered from side to side, no doubt pointing towards the closest star as the traveled at faster than light speeds through the galaxy.

The General sat upright in his chair on the bridge of the ship staring out into the blackness of space. He was alone, but he preferred it that way. He had been eyeing the small wooden box given to him by his friends, which sat on top of the computer terminal in front of him. He had been told to wait until they were underway, but how far was that?

Deciding that he couldn't wait any longer he picked up the box and opened it. His reflection stared back him on a tiny disc contained within. Confused, the General scratched his head, "Why such a fuss for a disc? What's on it that needed to wait?"

The General removed the disc from the box and slid it into the ships main computer. Instantly files began copying as the General watched the progress bars with apprehension. This is odd, I was sure we grabbed all of the important files before we left, what could Nicole possibly want to share with me. When the file transfer was complete the screen went blank.

The General looked on through nervous eyes watching the blinking curser against the blank black background. "What have I done? What is this?" The General said aloud.

The computer stayed blank for several moments until the text 'initializing' appeared. When Simmons had nearly lost all hope that his ships main computer would ever function the same again, a calming voice called out to him, "Greetings General Simmons."

Simmons watched in disbelief as a young girl materialized on the screen. The resemblance was uncanny to that of his own daughter. "Hi…" was all Simmons managed to reply."

"I am Ellie."

"Hi Ellie… what are you doing inside my computer?"

"Nicole programmed me to assist you and your friends."

"So you are an A.I like her?"

"No, I am more than that. I am a life form as much as you. I may not breath or feel in the same way that you do but I can think and make rational decisions. My mother has even given me the gift of emotion."

"Nicole was indeed most helpful to the Mobians I met but how is it that you plan on helping us?" the General asked still gawking in disbelief.

"I have already accessed all of your ships systems, which I can control, maintain, and repair. I am the most vigilant and intelligent navigator you will ever have. I will have faster reactions and more intuitive responses than any of your pilots. I am here to help you however I can, even if it just means talking."

The General leaned back in his chair and stared at the screen, "Unfortunaly, all of these ships are in tip top shape at the moment."

"I noticed," Ellie replied. "Recent repairs and upgrades have been made throughout your ship."

"But you will be very beneficial when we reconnect with the rest of out fleet."

"Ahh yes, my mother left me only bits of information regarding the other ships. I presume they were to badly damaged to fly?"

"Yes, many even had to be abandoned. However, when we arrive, with your help we should be able to get them all up and running in no time."

"I will do my best sir. Is there anything I can do for you in the mean time?"

"I wish I could say there was. The only thing left to do on my 'to-do' list is mope around for six weeks. My only friend is in the infirmary still unconscious, no doubt as a result of that device Julian put in his head."

"It sounds as if you blame your self," Ellie replied.

"Part of me does, but I also know that if I didn't do everything I did I may not be sitting here talking to you now. If I only knew he was going to be alright perhaps I could feel alright about everything."

"You mentioned some type of device?"

"Yes some mind control device has been shoved in his head. None of the doctors think they can remove it, nor do they know if it is currently causing any problems."

"Give me a moment," Ellie said with a smile. "All done."

"All done with what?"

"Your friend will be fine. I have disabled the device."

"You can do that?"

"Of course. I can access anything that uses a wireless signal. It's a good thing your doctors did not try to take it out, it probably would have killed him. Even more interesting is how lucky you are that he is in a coma."

"What do you mean?"

"The device is connected to a section of the brain that controls active functions. Because he was in a coma I could safely turn off the device without interrupting his thoughts. Had he been awake, it is likely he would have had a seizure or worse. Perhaps fate it is on your side."

"I am not sure I can express in words my thanks. Aside from my daughter, he is the only family I have ever had," the General said before pausing. "You look just like her you know."

"I created this image myself, but it was no doubt influenced by something my mother found. I could change my appearance if this makes you uncomfortable."

"No, that wont be necessary. I rather like seeing her, even if it isn't her. Just thinking about her and the fact that we may be able to live as a family again brightens my day."

"I look forward to meeting her."

"Yes I will introduce you to her in no time at all. However, if you will excuse me I would like to go see my friend if he is in fact better."

"Of course," Ellie responded.

Simmons got up from his chair and walked quickly to the door. Despite feeling guilty all of this time he could feel his emotions pulling him towards happiness and this must have been why. He was starting to see the full effect of his power, but only time would tell if he could harness it correctly.

"This is a very nice watch General," Ellie said.

Simmons stopped midway down a corridor confused.

"Ellie? Where are you?"

"Your watch."

Simmons looked down at the watch Tails had given him to find Ellie in the holographic display.

"How did you get in here?"

"I told you, anything that uses a wireless signal I can access. Also it would seem that this isn't the only piece of technology on this ship that was made using technology that I am familiar with either."

"You mean this isn't the only Mobian technology on board my ship?" the General asked as he resumed his walk towards the infirmary.

"No. Although it would appear that the other device is not nearly as complex as this watch, seeing as it is only a compass."

"Interesting, a compass. I wonder how it got on board."

"Your guess is as good as mine Sir."

Simmons laughed for a moment. "Please don't call me sir."

"Would you prefer General?"

"No, not in the least bit. Bill is fine."

"Very well then."

Simmons stood in front of the infirmary door for a few moments before opening the hatch. The room was just as he had left it, with his friend's unconscious body restrained to a bed. All of the medial devices were still attached to him, monitoring his vitals. A medic had noticed his arrival and approached him. "Sir," the soldier said as he saluted, "I was just about to inform you of the good news. It would appear normal brain activity has returned to Sergeant Davis' brain. He may still remain unconscious for a while but this is promising news."

The General laughed out loud for a moment while nearly producing a tear, "Good work Ellie."

The soldier stared back at him blankly, "I am First Class Sanders, Sir. Are you feeling alright?"

"Never better."

The medic departed the General's presence and Simmons took a seat next his friend. He wasn't sure how long he would be asleep, but if there was a chance he was going to wake up, he wanted to be there when it happened.

"You're welcome Bill." Ellie said

Simmons glanced down at his watch. "Thankyou for not saying anything earlier. I haven't exactly decided how to tell the men we have a new guest."

"I assumed as much."

"You really are human aren't you?"

"In a psychological sense I am as close as could be conceived, even though to you I am just programming."

"I suppose it will take some getting used to, but always having you by side should speed things up and if nothing else give me someone to talk to."

The bed in front of the General stirred for a moment as Davis' eyes opened.

"Bill, is that you?" Davis called out faintly.

"I knew you were too tough to kill," Simmons said as he leaned forward and grabbed his friend's hand.

"Who were you talking to?"

"Ellie," Simmons responded.

"No Sir, as I told you I am Private First Class Sanders," the medic said as he rushed past Simmons to Davis' side.

The medic proceded to run a battery of tests on Davis and when both were certain that he was himself the restraints were removed.

"How much do you remember?" Simmons asked as the medic waved a flashlight infront of his friends face.

"Unfortunately all of it. I was myself inside my head, but someone else was at the wheel. I tried to fight it but I had no control. I saw everything, felt everything but I had no command of my actions. To think I almost killed a Princess. Even if they were our enemies, to gun someone down in cold blood is an unbearable thought."

"Well it's a good thing everyone got away safely… well almost everyone, but Julian got what he deserved."

"So who is this Ellie you spoke of?"

The medic who was now testing Davis reflexs rolled his eyes, but Simmons ignored him.

"This is Ellie," the General said as he raised is wrist so that Davis could see his watch.

"Hello Sergeant Davis, I am Ellie."

Both Davis and the Medic stared at the device in disbelief.

"I wake up from a coma and the first thing you can think to do is pull a practical joke?"

"It's no joke," Ellie replied.

"Prove it," Sanders said sarcastically.

"Private First Class Sanders, born 2782. Both of your parents are currently located on the ship Arteries in the Ithaca system, our destination. You have served in the military since you were 17 and forged your birth certificate to do so. You were trained as a Medic only in the last three years and opted to go on this mission back to Earth. You have completed dish duty 203 times since your departure and are scheduled to do so again tomorrow night."

Sanders stared at the girl on the screen in even more disbelief, "What is that?"

"I told you, this is Ellie she is our ships XO until Davis here gets back on his feet."

"You're replacing me with a computer program?" Davis asked.

"She is a little bit more than that. She is as much as person as you or I are, just with out a physical body. You're just going to have to take my word for it," Simmons answered.

"She looks just like your…"

"I know," Simmons said cutting of Davis. "I am not sure how it is possible, but I can only assume the person who gave her to me knew me better than I thought.

"Seems like you made some friends behind my back. I am not sure whether to be offended or happy."

"Glad to know your back to yourself," the General laughed before pausing. "Speaking of daughters, I had our best doctor have a look at yours. It would appear despite my worst fears that she is fine. The doctors could not find a any trace of a mind control device."

"That's because he never put one in her. He thought she was too weak and useless to waste the technology on." Davis said with spite in his voice.

"How do you know that?"

"He was in my head." Davis replied.

"Hmm I see. Regardless, she is in perfect health."

Davis chuckled for a moment, "I know. I suppose I can thank him for curing my little girl, even if it was just a ploy to get me to sit in that chair... I never should have gone to him for help."

"You went to him for help?"

"Yes… Rachel was unbelievably sick; I had no one else to turn to. You should have seen it, he used one of his gizmos and she recovered before my eyes."

"I don't think anyone doubts the man was a genius."

"Of course he then convinced me that I needed the treatment as well because I had spent so much time with her. After seeing how well it had worked I graciously agreed, but…"

"It was a trick?"

Davis nodded in reply.

"I am going to need to keep him overnight for some additional testing," Sanders interjected. "We have to be sure there is no additional brain damage to worry about. Now that he is awake and responsive we can run the tests."

"I am sorry to interrupt," Ellie said, "but the Captain is wanted on the bridge."

"Of all times," Simmons sighed. "Here take this," Simmons said as he removed the watch Tails gave him. "It will give you and Ellie a chance to get to know each other. I have a suspicion it could get lonely down here."

Davis laughed, "I am sure it will."

Davis examined the watch Simmons had given him before commenting, "Where did you get a piece like this?"

"Perhaps my only other friend besides you."

"I doubt that, it seems like you got a lot of gifts before you left."

"Yes, it would seem I am building bridges instead of burning them for a change."

"How do you plan to talk to Ellie without the watch?"

"Well, she isn't just stuck in there you know. She is the one who turned off the gizmo in your head. She is everywhere onboard our ship, perhaps even the others as well. Besides, I'll still be able to speak with her using the computer at the bridge," Simmons replied as he turned towards the door. "You can give it back to me later when you're all better."

"If you could," Davis called out, "send my family down."

"Of course, but I would ask Ellie, I am sure she can find them quicker than I can."

Davis glanced down at the watch and before he could even ask, Ellie said, "They are on their way."

"Thanks, both of you." Davis said with a small sign of relief.

"Don't have such a worried look on your face Davis," Simmons said. "Everything is only going to get better. In no time at all we will be reunited with our families and on our way back home."