Mission Impossible

Chapter.5

Knuckles had just finished programing a 55 second window in the Island Security Systems set for just before 10am so that the Freedom Fighter's could fly by undetected. He was waiting for the Chaotix with his back against a big old tree and his arms crossing his chest. A few shafts of light did penetrate the forest's ceiling but the tree's branches shaded the ground about 3 feet in every direction. Providing the Guardian with all the cover he needed. His eyes darted back and forth in every direction, responding to even the slightest motion or sound. He detected something headed his way from the left. Out of the bushes cam Mighty with Vector right behind him. A few seconds later Julie-Su pushed aside a branch and stood directly in front of him.

"We're all here. Now we can get started." Knuckles said, standing at attention.

"Hold up!" Vector interrupted, "Espio still hasn't made it over here."

"Yes he has. In fact he got here about 5 minutes before you all showed up." Knuckles said.

"What!? Vector exclaimed.

"Duh Vector," Mighty cut in, "Knuckles' hightend senses let him know of Espio's presence even though he is in stealth mode."

"He's the only one who can." Espio shouted from up in the tree.

They all looked towards the sound of his voice and saw nothing. At that moment Espio began to seemingly materialize from nowhere. He somersaulted off the branch he was standing on and joined the others on the ground.

Julie-Su smirked at Vector. He responded by grunting at her and folding his arms across his chest.

"Ok Knuckles," Julie-Su said, "exactly what is this Top Secret Meeting all about any way?"

"As you may already know Robo-Robotnik has begun robotisizing the inhabitance of Mobius. In the past he posed little threat to the Floating Island but things have changed. Our home has become his target as well." Knuckles paused before continuing. " Princess Sally and the Freedom Fighters have asked for a meeting in order to organize a rescue mission of a few key people. We plan on discussing future assault plans as well. That's it in a nutshell." Knuckles finished.

Mighty was still a bit confused. "But why the secrecy from the brotherhood."

They won't back down from their traditional views. They believe that an alliance with the Kingdom of Acorn isn't necessary as far as the safety of the Floating Island is concerned. I'm going behind their backs because I won't let my friend Sally and the others Fight Robotnik alone. "Knuckles explained.

"Here they come." Espio announced, "Right on time."

The aircraft hovered about 12 feet over the clearing. The side door slid open to reveal Sonic. Sonic threw down three rope ladders.

"Climb up quickly. Hurry!" Sonic yelled over the engine.

The Chaotix and Knuckles did as he asked. They all made it in except for Knuckles and Mighty who were still on their way up.

"Go!" Knuckles cried out, "The window in the security system will close in 15 seconds."

Antoine heard Knuckles and speed off. Mighty and Knuckles dangled from the rope ladder, fighting with the wind to keep a firm grip. Knuckles flung himself over to Mighty's ladder and the other two ladders were pulled up.

"Let's go Mighty." Knuckles yelled to his friend who was higher up on the ladder.

Mighty climbed, keeping his body as close to the ladder as he could.

"Give me your hand." Sonic yelled.

Mighty looked up and grasped Sonic's hand tightly as he was pulled up. Knuckles got to the open door and pulled himself up. Sally pulled up the ladder and began closing the door with Elias' help. The force of the wind made them grunt as they pushed the door shut. Knuckles was still on his hands and knees, trying to slow his breathing to its normal rate.

"You ok Knux?" Sonic said, peering down at his friend.

"Sure." Knuckles replied as he stood up and grasped Sonic's hand in a firm hand shake.

They were new friends. Until recently they had been enemies. Mostly because of tier ego's they remained at odds even after Sonic and Knuckles realized Robotnik had fooled Knux into believing Sonic wanted to steal the Floating Islands Chaos Emerald.

"Get in zee seats please." Antoine called over his shoulder. Mighty, Vector, and Espio took the row of seats opposite Tails, Amy Rose and Mina. Knuckles and Julie-Su sat down in the row of seats beside Sonic, Sally, and Elias. They had all said their hello's already and it was time to get down to business.

"Sally? Just where is it we're going?" Knuckles asked.

"To one of Robotnik's abandoned bases in the Eastern jungle of Mobius. We trashed it a year ago and Robotnik hasn't show his face around there since." Sally answered.

"Sound good." Knuckles said as he leaned back comfortably in his seat.

Mina had not met Knuckles and the Chaotix before, and in the whole rush of things wasn't even introduced. I guess it will have to be another time that I visit The Floating Island. It looked great from the window and I'm glad I at least got to see it. Mina thought She looked past Tails to see the approaching jungle from the window.

to be continued...Back