Chapter 2 - Into the Unknown
The next few days passed by with much the same happening. Jet and Andrew continued their work, Sonic and Sally continued to plan, Petya's condition remained stable and the others passed each day in the usual way. Slowly the large shuttle was prepped for launch. The procedure was taking longer because of the make shift repairs and the fact that Andrew wanted everything right before he'd be happy.
On one such morning the group was gathering outside in the back garden. Most of them looked devoid of sleep and some had even dropped off again. Sonic and Sally were the last to arrive as always, each coming into view holding a very large mug of black coffee. They made their way to the front of the group and stood for a moment not moving. They then downed the remainder of their coffee and looked at the gathering.
"Ok everyone." announced Sonic with a small yawn, "I guess everyone knows what today is."
Nods spread round the group from the people who were actually awake.
"Ok then. Today is exactly one year from the events of the Phantom rescue. Thanks to some help from Andrew we've been able to crack the data given to us and figure out a plan of action." continued Sonic.
"We know that Sonic." said Chalk, "What we don't know is what this plan actually is."
"We've kept it to ourselves to be completely sure no-one would find out." replied Sally, "We couldn't risk it, even though we trust you all."
Chalk just gave an understandable nod and sat back slightly. Sonic was now looking over the group.
"This next bit everyone should hear so can someone wake that lot up?"
He gestured towards Jet, Links, Alicia and Manic who were sleeping to one side. Alindel slowly stood up and walked over to them, giving each a small shake to bring them round. All of them woke although they looked very groggy.
"Thanks Alindel, now where were we?" said Sonic.
"The plan Sonic." replied Sally with a smile, "We've so far told you very little, only that we needed that Earth transport ready for today."
"You gonna tell us why we need it now?" asked Miles.
"Yes honey, be patient."
"Patience isn't one of my strong points mom."
"I've noticed."
Sally gave a sideways look at Sonic.
"What?!" he replied.
"Anyway!" continued Sally getting back to the point, "There's no easy way to say this but…we're going to space."
"Space!" cried T2 sitting up quickly, "Why on Mobius would we want to go there? The problem is here not up there."
"Part of the problem is here T2 but the rest is out there." replied Sally, "The instructions on the disk give a set of co-ordinates for us to go to and wait."
"Wait for what?" asked Links.
"The disk doesn't say Links." replied Sonic, "All it says is to wait there."
"Smells of a trap to me." said Chalk crossing her arms.
"At any other time I'd agree with you Chalk but remember that the people who gave us this also helped to save Links and Alindel and more importantly Petya." countered Sally.
Chalk crossed her arms even more but nodded again, closing her eyes as she did.
"So what is the plan? Are we all going?" asked Jet starting to come round slightly.
"All? No way kid." replied Sonic, "We need to keep a presence here for a start and…well…the disk says that a maximum of six people are to go."
"What? They're setting numbers?" asked Manic.
Chalk made a small grunt to attract everyone's attention but didn't speak, it was obvious what she was thinking.
"Yes they're setting numbers." replied Sonic, "I didn't like it at first but Sally and myself have been discussing it and we've decided its ok."
"On what grounds?" asked T2 curiously.
"On the grounds that if they really did want to kill us they could have gotten to Links and company a year ago when they first appeared. Look I know it's hard to trust these humans right now but we gotta take some risks if we ever want to get rid of them." said Sonic.
A couple in the ground nodded slowly. The next question was inevitable.
"So who goes?" asked Jet.
"That Jet has been occupying Sally and myself for a while now. We thought it best to open it up to the group and let you have your say." replied Sonic.
"I'll go." said Chalk still with her eyes closed.
"Huh? We're you just saying a moment ago that you thought it was a trap?" said Sonic slightly surprised.
"Yes but if it isn't then you might need some heavy support, which I can provide, and if it is a trap then you're going to need heavy support to get out." replied the rabbit.
"Good point Chalk, ok." nodded Sonic.
"I'll go." said Jet slowly, "You'll probably need help with the shuttle and stuff."
"Ok that's two." said Sonic.
"What about you T2?" asked Sally.
T2 shook his head slowly.
"No Sally I won't go. For a start Petya is still ill and there's no way I'm leaving her side. Aside from that…"
T2 slowly raised his hand, showing everyone the Deep Power Stone.
"Aside from that this will stop me." he finished.
Lavender suddenly gave a small yelp forcing everyone to look at her.
"Lavender?" asked Sally.
"Unky T2 is right." she replied, "The Deep Power Stones are connected to the Vault of Forever. If he leaves then the energy will trail off and make it go dead."
"Correct." confirmed T2, "If I leave Mobius the power of the stone will eventually die off to nothing and I'll loose my powers. Plus I might even fall into a situation like Petya did when her stone was dampened. That wouldn't help anyone and if you're still not convinced about this. I don't think anyone here with magical powers should go."
"Why?" asked Sonic.
"All the magical energy of Mobius stems from the Vault. Remove the energy source from the planet and it'll slowly die away. Plus I think you all remember how little Lavender here was affected last time something was removed. The removal of the Chaos Emeralds when the Chaos Zone formed nearly killed her."
"Then I'll stay too." said Links with a nod, "It's not worth the risk."
Sonic and Sally looked at each other and slowly nodded.
"In that case we better rule you out too Amy." said Sally.
"Yes." she replied with a nod, "And I would stay anyway, this place needs my constant attention. What about you two?"
"Us?" asked Sonic, "Well both Sally and myself are prepared to go if we have to."
"You might have to." said Manic pointing at his leg, "Remember this?"
Everyone looked at him, Manic's left leg was securely fastened up in a brace and bandaged from top to bottom. He had broken it during a scouting mission about a week ago and Amy had thought it best to let the bone set itself rather than heal it.
"Can't do much in this state can I?" he said.
"Hmm…guess so Manic." replied Sonic.
"Alindel?" asked Sally.
"No!" replied the cat flatly, "I'm not going to space for a long time. Not until this is over and buried forever."
Sally slowly nodded in understanding.
"Well that means just Jet and Chalk so far and us if we have to." said Sonic.
"I could go." said Alicia standing up.
"Darling maybe…" started Sally.
"Hey you might be going right? I can help out you know."
Sally looked at Sonic who gave a nod making Alicia smile.
"Ok then honey." said Sally.
"If sis is going I'll go too." said Miles.
Sonic turned to look at him and shook his head.
"No Miles, you'll be staying here." he said firmly.
"Huh? What you mean dad? Why can't I go?" asked Miles.
"Miles don't question it, you're staying here."
"But…but…"
Miles slowly fell silent and sat down. Everyone looked at him and then at Sonic but didn't say anything. Sonic didn't say anything for a moment and then turned to the others but didn't say anything.
"Well if the space is still going I'll go." said Andrew from the back.
A few amongst the group turned to look at the human, until now he had remained quiet. Sonic nodded in his general direction.
"Fine." he said.
"Well then if that's settles lets recap." said Sally, "The group shall consist of myself, Sonic, Chalk, Alicia, Jet and Andrew."
A few people nodded.
"So when do we leave?" asked Chalk.
"Eager as ever I see, tonight Chalk, around six ok." replied Sally.
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The group slowly started to disperse, some heading into the house to rest, other heading out on various errands. Miles however sat exactly where he had been during the meeting. He was thinking about what Sonic had said to him. Why didn't he want him to go?
"Miles!" said a voice sharply.
Miles looked up slowly to see Sonic standing nearby. The older hedgehog waved a finger at him beckoning him over, to which Miles slowly slipped off his seat and wandered over. As he approached, Sonic tucked a foot behind his leg and leaned on a wall. Miles looked at him with mixed feeling.
"Dad? Why can't I go?" he asked.
"Miles walk with me ok." replied Sonic.
Sonic slipped from the wall and started walking forcing Miles to do a quick rev to catch up with him. Sonic started walking towards the Palmtree Panic area of Little Planet looking into the distance. Miles was now walking alongside looking up at him.
"Dad?" he asked.
"Miles how old are you?" asked Sonic.
"Dad you know how old I…"
"Just answer the question Miles."
"I'm fifteen."
"Right Miles, nearly as old as I was back in Knothole, only you're a lot more stable than I was."
"Huh?"
"Miles you're a lot like me aren't you, blue, speedy, impatient!"
Miles blushed at the last comment.
"I try not to be." he said.
"Can't help who you are Miles." replied Sonic.
"So…why can't I go?"
"This whole situation has been nagging at me for a while now Miles and I had an odd feeling I'd end up going myself. In truth I wanted both you and Alicia to stay behind but Sally agreed to letting Alicia go before I could say anything and I didn't want to contradict her in front of everyone."
"But why?"
"We have to keep some Royal presence on the planet Miles. If the entire Royal family suddenly takes off what is the rest of the planets population going to think?"
"Oh…I guess so…but…"
"Besides we need someone here who can plan things."
"What? I'm no planner, T2's the best after you and mom."
"Yes but he's got his hands full looking after Petya doesn't he. And don't under estimate yourself like that Miles. You've had a few moments I would call impressive so far."
Miles blushed slightly, he never seemed to take compliments without blushing. Sonic chuckled and nudged him slightly.
"Plus there's another reason you should stay here."
"What's that dad?"
"Your girl."
Miles went so red it made the sun look shabby.
"DAAAAAAAAAAD!" he moaned, "She's not 'my girl'."
"Really?" replied Sonic giving him a nudge, "Sure looks like it."
Miles blushed again and didn't reply.
"Sorry Miles, couldn't resist. But anyway, Lavender is staying here, she can't go anywhere."
"Yeah I guess so dad. Wish I could go though."
"Hey don't look so down. With myself and the rest of the family you're the top ranking member here, you'll be in charge."
"Wha?! Really?"
"Well sort of, I'm sure the others will be throwing plans round too. I'm putting you, T2 and Links in joint command until we get back."
"Really….wow! Thanks dad."
"No need to thank me. Just take good care of the place while we're gone ok."
"How long is that going to be?"
"That is a very good question Miles. A very good question indeed."
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Evening was starting to draw in over Little Planet and the sun was hanging low in the sky. Its final few rays glinted off the metal hull of the Earth transport as it nestled itself on the horizon. All around the transport the scene was buzzing. The entire group had turned out to help with final preparations, even if some of them looked about ready to keel over. The cockpit was currently occupied by Sonic, Jet and Andrew who were going over last minute details. Jet sat in the pilot seat and was already strapped in as he flicked between various dials and controls. Andrew and Sonic were looking over his shoulder watching closely as Jet turned to look at them. He grinned and then spoke.
"Ok hold onto your butts…"
"Jet!" warned Sonic.
"Sorry…hold on I'm bringing the reactor online."
Jet placed his hand on a control and pushed it forwards. As he did a gentle hum started to fill the air and the lights in the cockpit came alive. Jet looked at a few controls.
"Everything's working great." he informed.
"Good to hear Jet." replied Sonic, "Amazing this thing still works after the beating it got last year."
"Bah!" huffed Andrew, "It wasn't that bad. Our ships can take quite a beating."
"Your ships?" questioned Sonic, "It's ours now don't forget that. So is everything ready?"
"Sure is Sonic." said Jet turning round again and then looking to one side, "Well it better be after the number of late nights I've had."
"Quit complaining fuzz ball." said Andrew flatly.
Jet just looked at him and stuck his tongue out before looking back at the console. Sonic rolled his eyes and walked from the cockpit into the cargo bay. Sally was there checking off boxes and crates on Nicole's display. She looked up as Sonic approached.
"Set?" she asked, "I heard the reactor come online."
"Yeah Jet just powered it up, we look about ready." replied Sonic.
"Good, I'm just checking off the supplies to make sure we have everything."
"Good idea."
Sonic looked over the crates. There wasn't really all that much stuff. A few boxes of food, some water, changes of clothes, technical parts in case of a problem, some small firearms they had recovered from various Earth bases.
"So how long we got left?" he asked.
"No more than an hour. Nicole?"
"Forty seven minutes and seventeen seconds Sally." replied Nicole.
"There's your answer Sonic."
"Hmm…guess I better call everyone together one last time."
"It'll be ok."
"I hope so Sal."
Sally put her hand on Sonic's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze causing the hedgehog to smile before walking off. He walked over to the shuttle hatch and stepped down onto the ground. Raising his fingers to his lips he gave a sharp whistle forcing everyone to look up at him.
"Alright people gather round." he shouted, "Come on quickly now."
The group around him stopped what they were doing and gathered round. Soon afterwards Sally, Jet and Andrew stepped out of the shuttle behind him and joined the group. Most people were now assembled but some were still missing.
"Where's Miles and Alicia?" asked Sonic.
"Right here dad." piped Miles voice from the side.
The two teenagers were walking in with joined arms smiling broadly. Sonic chuckled.
"Alright we're all here right, ok then. Well folks this is it."
"Good luck Sonic." said T2 giving him a small salute like wave.
"Heh! Thanks T2, I got a few announcements before I leave. Firstly I'm putting Links, T2 and Miles in joint command until we get back, whenever that'll be. I'd tell you to take good care of things but I know that's not needed."
A few chuckles ran through the group.
"Also a big thanks to everyone, we couldn't have gotten this far without you all." he continued.
"Well I know THAT!" chuckled Amy from the back.
"Ok enough of that Amy. You just be sure to keep this place in one piece. Its one of the best sunbathing places on Mobius." replied Sonic.
Amy fumed slightly and then waved it off.
"You'll get it one day hedgehog."
"Yeah sure, now where was I?"
"Let me field a bit Sonic." said Sally stepping forwards, "I know you've all been working hard but don't forget what's at stake. I don't know how long this little trip is going to last but I'm counting on you all back here."
"We know Sally." smiled Alindel, "But right now we'll be more concerned about you. This mission could be very dangerous."
"Yeah mom but what's life without a little adventure eh?" asked Jet.
"Hehe, true Jet very true."
"Ok then people!" announced Sonic, "Let's all get set, lift off in forty five minutes!"
The group quickly split up, each heading in various directions doing various things but several stood round in groups talking. One such group was Jet and his mother. Jet stood with his fingers laced together twitching all over.
"Nervous dear?" asked Alindel.
"Huh? Oh…um…not really." replied Jet looking up, "…well ok yes."
"It's natural."
"Wish you were coming."
"Jet I can't go back to space right now. It's too soon and…"
"Hey its ok mom, I understand."
"Jet."
Alindel bent over and kissed Jet on the cheek softly.
"You've grown up so much in the last year."
"Ah jeez."
"Just you be sure to come back ok."
Jet looked up at his mother, she looked as nervous as she sounded. He turned and hugged her.
"I promise mom, I'll do my best."
"I know you will son, here, I made these for you."
Alindel picked up a small basket from beside her and lifted the lid. Inside was a variety of small homemade pies and cakes. She handed the basket to Jet.
"Share them around if you like." she said.
"I will…once I've had my share." replied Jet with a grin.
"Oh Jet."
Alindel knelt down and took her son into a firm hug which Jet returned.
"I'm going to miss you Jet."
"You too mom."
Nearby, but not within earshot, stood Miles and Alicia. They had spent most of the afternoon sitting quietly together. They both had so much to say but neither knew where to start. They stood looking at each other for the longest time before Alicia gently reached for her brother's hand. She held it for a few moments and then looked up at his face. Miles was smiling softly.
"Bye 'licia." he said slowly.
"Sorry you couldn't come Miles." replied Alicia.
"Ah no worries, I've got stuff to do here instead."
"I guess so."
"I…I wanted to give you something but…I don't really have anything."
"Ah Miles, you don't have to give me anything."
"No I mean like a keepsake, a good luck charm or something."
"Oh…I see…well tell you what…"
Alicia let go of Miles hand and moved her right hand over to her left wrist. She slowly unclipped the bangle around her wrist and held it out to Miles.
"I'll give you this instead. I'll keep the other and when we see each other again you can give it back to me."
"But…"
"What? Don't want to wear a girl's bangle?"
"No nothing like that…it's just that's your favourite set."
"All the more reason for me to come back for it. You just better keep it safe you hear."
Miles took hold of the bangle and held it in his hand for a moment before looking back at Alicia.
"You can count on it."
"Miles!"
Alicia threw herself at her brother, hugging him tightly. Watching from as distance was Links and Lavender. Lavender let out a small sigh as she watched them.
"Don't you want to say goodbye Lavender?" asked Links.
"Alicia knows." replied the kitsune, "Besides I think Miles needs time with her more than I do."
"I see."
"I'm glad Miles is staying. He might not like it but I'm glad he's staying."
"Oh?"
"He's nice Unky Links. I'm glad he's staying."
"Well."
Nearer the shuttle stood Chalk and Amy. Chalk already had Catrina clipped into place and was swinging her this way and that practicing stances.
"Expecting trouble?" asked Amy.
"I hope not." replied Chalk, "But no harm in being prepared."
"Guess so."
"Amy would you do something for me?"
"Sure ask away."
"If you hear any news of Bunnie try and contact her. I know she went off to think things over but I've already been there, it doesn't help. I would ask Alindel but she's busy with Jet right now."
"I'll keep my eyes open Chalk."
"Thanks Amy. Tell her to get her butt back here and help you guys out, with us gone you'll need all the help you can get."
"True but then if things go well on this mission we might get more help anyway."
"Why'd you think that?"
"Just a hunch, you know."
Chalk nodded and swung Catrina down to her waist. The huge gun folded up on its belt and locked into position at her side. Chalk put her hands on her hips and stretched.
"I need a sleep." she groaned.
"You're about to set off on a mission into danger and the unknown and you want to sleep?" asked Amy raising an eyebrow.
"Um…yeah."
The final group was made up of Sonic, Sally, T2 and Manic. They stood just beside the entrance to the shuttle talking.
"Well good luck you two." said Manic.
"Dunno if we'll need it or not." said Sonic.
"I hope not." said Sally.
"Well whatever happens I'm sure you can deal with it." said T2, "If the world's fastest hedgehog can't deal with it I don't think anyone can."
"Well put that way." said Sonic grinning slightly.
"Modest as always Sonic." said Sally.
"Hey what's that supposed to mean?" protested Sonic.
"Hey don't start arguing you two ok." said Manic quickly.
"Good point." said Sonic and Sally together before looking at each other and chuckling.
"Well I'll try my best to hold things together here Sonic." said T2.
"Don't think it's just your job though. I'm sure Links and Miles can deal with stuff if Petya needs you. That's why I put all three of you in charge."
"Yeah I guess so."
"Well it's probably best if we started getting ready." said Sally.
"True Sal, let's do it to it!" replied Sonic.
"I haven't heard you say that in a long time, let's do it!" replied Sally.
Sonic raised his fists and the pair did a quick high five before darting off in different directions. Manic sighed.
"Ah that takes me back." he said slowly.
T2 just chuckled in response.
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"Main engines primed, reactor output stable, air wings to lift of positions, ready to go!" said Jet rather enthusiastically.
"Ok people this is it, hit it Jet." said Sonic.
"Roger."
Jet ran his hand across a console pressing a number of controls as he did. The huge ship gave a small jolt and then started to move upwards. Everyone could hear the engines straining slightly as it took off. Sally and Alicia, who were seated near the windows, looked out on the ground below. The rest of the group were clustered together not so far off waving frantically. Alicia started to wave back but she was sure that none of them could see her.
"Lift off successful!" cried Jet.
"Congratulations Jet!" smiled Sonic, "Looks like all your hard work has paid off."
"Seems that way Sonic, bringing the main boosters online."
Looking out of the windows Sonic could see that they had now climbed a fair height. A light whirr signalled the main engines starting up and the transport began to move forwards at a quicker pace, still climbing as it did. Sonic looked around at everyone. Alicia had already been into space as had Jet and Andrew, they were all strapped in looking professional. Chalk was biting her fingers in her seat, Sonic had to remind himself that this was not only Chalk's first time in space but also her first time flying too. Sonic quickly spotted Sally strapping herself in and rushed to his own seat next to her. He fastened a few straps round himself and sat back.
"Everyone set?" he asked.
"Sure are Sonic." replied Sally next to him indicating to herself and Alicia.
"Chalk?" asked Sonic.
"Don't talk to me! Just do it!" cried the rabbit still biting her fingers.
She was strapped in though so Sonic moved on.
"Andrew?"
"Yeah I'm ready. I still don't approve of fuzz ball here flying." replied the human.
"Hey stop calling my fuzz ball or I'll start calling you melon head." protested Jet, "Besides, I've flown this bird before. I know how to handle her."
"He sure does." said Alicia.
"Thanks 'li'."
Andrew still looked against the idea but didn't say anything else.
"Ok that's enough." said Sonic, "Ok Jet, we're all set, punch it."
"Got it Sonic, approaching atmosphere boundary now." replied Jet.
"I just hope there are no ships in orbit." said Sally quietly.
"We'll be fine Sal." said Sonic.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand BINGO! That's it guys we're out of the atmosphere, welcome to space." said Jet.
Andrew now quickly spun to his console and started to press buttons.
"What are you doing?" asked Sonic quickly.
"Looking for any Alliance ships. Like hell am I getting caught on a stolen transport with a group of furries." he replied.
"That's a fine way of saying thanks." said Sonic.
"Thanks. If it wasn't for your kind I'd probably be sitting on a nice big cruiser somewhere or relaxing back at home. I know it was my choice to stay with you lot but it doesn't mean I enjoy it."
"I'll remember that next time I bring you on a mission."
"Sonic be quiet, we have more important things to worry about." snapped Sally.
"You're right, so Andrew, any ships?" said Sonic.
"None that I can see, we're all clear." he replied gruffly.
"Ok Jet you know what to do."
"Got it Sonic, engaging star drive now." replied the cat, "Hang on."
Jet pressed a control and then slid his fingers up three bars on the console. Along with the coded message, the codes they had to break had given them technical specs on how to construct a star drive. Unlike the Alliance drives, that used another realm of space, this star drive simply accelerated the craft to near light speed meaning for very fast transit but not over as large an area as the Alliance drives. As Jet slid his hands over the controls the stars outside of the transport flickered and then became streaks of light as the transport shot forwards leaving two white streaks behind it as it disappeared into the night.
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Alicia sat on the roof of the transports cockpit. She had taken her harness off a short while ago and floated up there to think. She had her tail wrapped around a metal pipe to stop her from floating off anywhere. Her breathing came in long deep sighs as if she was trying to calm herself down. The reality of it was that she was. They had so far been travelling on star drive for a few hours now and, according to Jet's calculation, they'd be arriving at the specified co-ordinates in about ten or so minutes. Alicia looked up, or rather down, at the cockpit. Jet sat at the controls still twiddling his thumbs, he hadn't moved since they had taken off. Alicia watched as he reached forwards and checked the computer readout again, he was nervous. Alicia's gaze left Jet and made a move over towards Andrew sitting near to him. The human was asleep in his chair, snoring quietly. Alicia couldn't read him yet, she didn't really know him, so she couldn't tell what he was feeling, but from the look of him he seemed fairly calm. Chalk was floating in mid air just ahead of the main console staring out of the window. Her hands rested lightly on the console holding her still as she did. For her first flight ever Chalk seemed to be doing quite well. Sonic sat at the back of the room with his arms crossed and a sandwich in his hand. He was looking down with a focussed expression on his face. Alicia could tell he was thinking and planning, he put out an aura that said 'don't disturb me' when he did. Sally wasn't in the cockpit but Alicia could here faint singing coming from the cargo bay. The voice sounded slightly shaky giving Alicia an idea of how Sally was feeling. Presently Jet unbuckled his harness and kicked off the floor, flying up next to her and coming to a stop. He quickly wrapped his own tail round the metal bar Alicia had hers wrapped around.
"Heya." he said quickly.
"Hey Jet." replied Alicia, "Everything ok?"
"Yeah yeah, fine. Running like a dream."
"Good to hear."
For a moment neither said anything before Alicia finally spoke again.
"Jet I've been meaning to ask you something."
"Yeah?"
"Well…"
Alicia paused for a moment. Her thoughts drifted back to a moment months ago, sitting at the breakfast bar eating pancakes. A question, a look, an interruption and another question.
"…oh it's nothing I guess." said Alicia smiling.
Jet gave her an odd look before shrugging.
"Well ok." he replied, "Whatever."
Just then a console below started beeping. Jet looked down and pushed off the ceiling, sailing back down to his seat and sitting down.
"What the?" he said slowly.
"Problem Jet?" asked Chalk turning round.
"I dunno…the computer has just detected these odd energy reading all round us. I've never seen anything like them before."
"What?" said Sonic sharply sitting up in his seat.
He pushed himself off the seat and floated over to the console.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Tacheon emissions are off the chart, look!" said Jet pointing to one screen.
Sonic looked as one particular display meter was peaked in the red and not showing any signs of going down.
"Those emissions danger to us?" he asked quickly.
"No but….it's not natural."
"What you mean not natural?!"
Sonic was becoming slightly frantic now. Jet was giving him just enough info at once and not the whole picture, it was frustrating him.
"They are….artificial."
"Artificial!"
Sonic looked out of the window quickly as Jet gave a yell.
"HOLY CRAP!"
The empty space ahead of them gave a small shimmer and with a flash a large craft appeared. Moments later a second appeared to its right and then a third to its left. Jet watched n the scanners as a total of twelve ships appeared around them. Sonic let out a small gulp.
"Sally? SALLY!" he cried.
"Sonic what…oh..!"
Sally just managed to stifle her cry and then looked out of the window.
"What's going on?" she said quickly.
"How the blue hell am I supposed to know?!" cried Sonic obviously frantic.
Alicia had floated down from the ceiling now and was staring out of the window with Jet and Chalk. All three looked completely shocked and the children terrified to boot. Andrew was looking out of the window also, but wasn't looking as shocked as the others.
"Those aren't ours." he said slowly.
"Huh?" said Sonic spinning round, "What you mean?"
"They are from the Earth Alliance." replied Andrew.
"Not from the Alliance, then who are they?" asked Sally.
As if to answer her question the radio crackled and a voice spoke.
"This is squadron "Arc Fire" to Earth vessel. Identify yourself."
"Oh cripes! They think we're from the Alliance." said Jet.
"Well duh!" retorted Sonic, "What kind of ship do you think we're in? I mean…Sally what are you doing?!"
"This is Queen Sally Alicia Acorn of the planet Mobius to "Arc Fire" squadron. State your business." said Sally speaking into the comm.
Sonic just starred at her in disbelief.
"Sally what are you doing?" he cried.
"Simple Sonic." replied Sally turning, "I'm telling them who they are. Remember we were supposed to wait here until something happened? Maybe this is it!"
Sonic just spluttered, it was obvious he didn't know what to say. What came next surprised everyone too.
"Roger that your highness, we've been sent to escort you the rest of the way. We're feeding you a set of co-ordinates, input them into your computer and follow us."
The computer beside Jet gave a bleep as the co-ordinates were received and then the crafts ahead split up, flying in different directions until they came round to form a delta shape ahead of the transport.
"Please engage star drive in three, two, one…"
Jet quickly reached forward and flicked the star drive controls as the craft around them entered star drive also. Sonic spun towards Jet.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Following his instructions." replied Jet calmly giving Sally a grin.
"But…" said Sonic slowly looking at Sally.
"Sonic Hedgehog stop worrying. If they were going to kill us I think they could have done it a long time ago, yes." chuckled Sally.
"Yes but…that's not the point…"
Sonic closed his eyes, sighed and then shrugged before floating back to his chair. Sally meanwhile turned to Jet.
"What are those co-ordinates Jet?" she asked.
Jet smiled and sat back and chuckled.
"You wouldn't believe me even if I told you." he replied.
"What?"
"Those co-ordinates are for the star system of Alpha Centauri the closest star system to the Earth system. More specifically those co-ordinates are for the star Proxima Centauri, we're heading straight into a sun."
"WHAT?!" cried Sally.
"Told you!" cried Sonic.
"No worries Sonic, I doubt these guys would be following us if we were heading into it. Plus I can cut the star drive if needs be."
"I don't like it either." said Andrew.
"At least I have one supporter." said Sonic.
"Father don't worry. If mother says it'll be alright then it will be." said Alicia floating up next to Sonic, "Right Jet?"
"Right 'licia." the cat replied looking back at the console, "At our speed we won't make our destination for at least another few hours. Think I'm gonna grab a cat nap."
"Funny Jet." chuckled Chalk slipping over the console and planting herself in the pilot seat, "I'll watch over things for you."
"Thanks Chalk."
Jet grabbed the back of a chair and flung himself round, sending him sailing out of the cockpit backwards. Sonic watched him leave and then looked at the console.
"Any further word from them?" he asked.
"You would have heard it if there was Sonic." replied Sally.
"Get them on the comm, I want to talk to them."
Sally turned and opened the comm but received nothing but static. She frowned and fiddled with it for a moment before looking back at Sonic.
"Seems they don't want to talk to you." she said.
"Typical. Well I guess there's nothing we can do for a while. Sorry I over reacted Sally."
"Hey it's your job Sonic don't worry about it. It's not as if this is a pleasure trip or anything."
"Too right Sal, I just hope it doesn't turn out nasty."
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A few hours later nothing much had changed. Jet had woken up and was back at the controls as he watched their destination slowly approaching on the scanners. He laced his fingers together as he watched the sun of Alpha Centauri approaching quickly. His hand rested lightly on the star drive controls, he wanted to be ready to deactivate as quickly as possible if it was needed. He gave another glance at the comm. The ships escorting them hadn't spoken a word to them since their initial meeting and Jet was now starting to get worried like Sonic.
Sonic himself still sat in his seat behind Jet. The blue hedgehog was sitting still staring out of the window with his arms folded. A thoughtful expression was plastered right across his face and occasionally he made small grunts or murmurs. Sally and Alicia floated just beside Jet, holding onto his seat for support. They were following Jet's movements carefully, watching him getting more and more edgy by the minute. Chalk wasn't concerned about much right now, in fact she was asleep again. The rabbit snored quietly in her seat, held down by her harness. The final member of the group, Andrew, was pooled over another console examining data on the ships around them gathered from various scans he had performed. The bridge was deadly silent apart from Chalk's snoring when the comm gave a bleep.
"Prepare to shut off star drive on my mark."
Jet scrambled across the controls getting ready to follow through the instructions as Sally grabbed the comm.
"Where are we?" she asked.
"Later miss, for now follow my lead VERY closely if you don't want to end up flying into that star. Cut star drive in three, two, ONE!"
Jet slammed his hand on the console and with a dramatic cut in speed the transport fell out of star drive. The jolt woke Chalk from her seat and threw a few untethered objects forwards into the front window. The star was filling the entire window now and their speed was still very high.
"We're gonna hit it!" screamed Alicia in a blind panic.
Everyone gave a massive cringe before the entire transport gave another jolt and slowed. Jet blinked and started checking over the console.
"Well I'll be!" he exclaimed.
The transport gave another jolt and slowed once more. Looking out of the window they could see the crafts around them were still at their side. As the transport gave another jolt they watched as all the crafts formed a wave like bubble head of them which broke and resulted in the craft slowing down.
"Well well well." smiled Jet.
"What is it Jet?" asked Sally.
"That's a gravity field and an artificial one at that. There's gotta be something around here that's producing it." replied the cat.
"Correct." came a voice over the comm, "Sounds like you have a very intelligent person onboard. The Saratoga is producing this field to slow us down enough to stop us from crashing into the star."
"Saratoga? That a ship or something?" asked Sally absently.
"Yes. You'll see it soon enough. Breaking field barrier…now."
The entire window view screen gave a massive static crackle and then faded away. Everyone just stared in awe. Ahead of them, invisible before now, was a huge ship. It was at least two miles long and looked like it had been built using parts from a million other ships. The ships bow was pointed and had three long radio masts sticking out of it. The point bulked out to the mid part of the ship upon which sat a raised section, obviously the bridge. After the bulk the ship tapered off into a thin beam that ran to the back of the ship. On the back of the ship were four large engines, mounted on fins in an X formation. Sticking downwards and outwards from the thin beam just ahead of the engines were two long rectangular structures. As they drew nearer it was clear to see that these were docking bays for smaller ships and a large collection was currently docked with the larger ship. Across the entire ship's hull large weapon placements were visible. Everything from small guns to two large cannons mounted on either side of the hull.
"Cloaking technology!" exclaimed Jet slowly, "Man what is this?"
"You'll find out soon enough." came a reply over the comm, "Prepare for landing, the Saratoga will be bringing you in so step back from the controls."
Jet understood this process, he'd been through it a couple of times now. Sitting back he watched as the transport became encased in a gravity field and slowly started to be drawn in towards the massive ship.
"Well here goes nothing." said Sally biting her lip.
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Sonic and Sally stood side by side with the others behind then. The transport had touched down in the ships landing bay a few moments ago and they now stood in front of the exit looking at it. As of yet no-one had dared to open the door. Sally rubbed the side of her head and took a long breath.
"Well…better get this show rolling." she said reaching forwards.
She ran her hand along a small electronic pad on the wall and the door gave a hiss and slid open. Sally took another breath and then stepped through the door, taking a quick glance around her to see what was going on. Most of the landing bay was deserted except for a small group of humans standing not so far off. At the front of the group stood an important looking man wearing a military uniform but it was different to that of the Earth Alliance. Behind him stood six other men who looked like ship guards who all held some sort of rifle in their arms. Sally stood at the entrance of the shuttle completely still not sure on how to proceed. That was soon decided by her as the group in front of them stepped forwards, the main man speaking as they did.
"Welcome onboard. We've been expecting you for some time." he said.
"I…er…who are you?" asked Sally stuttering slightly.
"Captain Harry Thompson commander of this ship, and you?" he replied.
Sally rose her head and put on a professional look as she replied.
"Queen Sally Alicia Acorn of the planet Mobius."
"Ah, then it was you my boys spoke to earlier. Honoured to meet you your highness, my commander has been waiting eagerly ever since we made first contact. I believe there are others in your group yes?"
"Yes, yes there are six of us."
"Ah good, just as the instructions asked. Care to introduce us? Then we shall escort you to elsewhere."
"Yes, yes alright." said Sally turning round, "Alright everyone come on out. It's ok."
First out was Sonic. After Sally had called he wasn't so unsure anymore and strode out purposefully. The group greeted him respectively for a person of his position. Alicia and Jet came out side by side, Jet grinning broadly. He was very much enjoying the moment and it showed. Chalk received a bit of a shocked response. The rabbit walked out of the shuttle with Catrina securely mounted into position beside her and it took a swift few words from Sally to stop the group from blasting her apart as she stepped down. After that had been cleared up Sally looked back into the shuttle. There was only one more person left and, now she thought about it, might cause more problems than Chalk.
"Andrew come on out." she called.
There was a moment of silence and then the tall form of Andrew appeared in the doorway of the shuttle. The captain looked completely shocked.
"What is this?!" he cried.
"What you mean?" asked Sonic raising an eyebrow, "He's part of the group."
"You said nothing of a human being onboard and certainly not one from the Earth Alliance."
"You didn't set any rules on who could come." replied Sonic, "You just said six people. He just joined our cause a few months back, he's already shown his worth and although I don't fully trust him yet he's done nothing to stop or hamper us."
"This is not what we had planned." said the captain, "You've brought an Alliance man into our midst and that is unforgivable, men!"
With a swift movement the six men around him brought their rifles to bare on the small group. Sonic and Sally just stared back completely shocked. Chalk gave a small growl and started to run her hand slowly along her gun.
"I told you coming was a mistake." she said slowly getting ready to swing the huge gun round.
"Not so fast." said one of the guards swinging his rifle round and pointing it right at her head, "One more move and I'll take your head off, now hands in the air rabbit."
Chalk glared at him and then slowly raised her hands, closing her eyes as she did.
"Disarm that one and take them all down to the brig until we figure out what to do with them." ordered the captain.
The guards around him nodded and while five kept their guns trained on the group the sixth stepped forwards and disarmed Chalk, placing the huge gun some distance away before returning.
"Ok now move." said the captain.
"Wait! What about this mission? Why are you doing this?" asked Sally quickly.
"I got no time to answer your questions now. I have to consult with our commander. Until I do you'll be confined to the brig."
"Now hang on a minute!" protested Sonic, "We came here under good faith and…"
"Sonic we better do as he says." said Sally.
"What?"
"We've got no chance against them, best to go along for now."
Sonic gave sigh and then shrugged, surrendering to Sally judgement.
"Ok move."
The group was slowly filled out of the hanger, most of them with their heads bowed. Sonic was thinking hard, what were they going to do now? There was no chance of escape and no chance of rescue, what were they going to do?