Chapter 2 – Life As Normal

Space is huge. So big that the edges have yet to be discovered if they even existed. So big that trying to find anything in it was like trying to find a needle in a haystack in the middle of the night. At least this was the view of captain John Staggs. At the present moment he stood on the bridge of a small scouting vessel. The ship wasn't very large, probably only a few hundred meters long with a crew of about two hundred. Their orders where to find the planet that Sarah Mathews had come from. Captain Staggs was more than sure it didn't exist though. Earth had been searching for "Mobius" for nearly twelve years now with no luck at all. Staggs still didn't understand why they were looking for it. Surely not just to drop Sarah Mathews and her son off and leave. What would be the point in that? Staggs turned to the navigation officer.

"Are we there yet?" he asked.

"Almost sir. We are just entering the outer edges of system 45B. We will make contact with the first planet in a few minutes." replied the navigation officer.

"Very good." said Staggs sitting down in the captain's chair.

He fell into thought again. They had been out in space for nearly a year now without a break. In that time they had charted over a hundred different systems with no luck. He was just glad they didn't have very many systems left to chart before they could go back to Earth. He was getting bored.

"Sir we've reached the outer planet of the system but it's a gas giant." said the navigation officer.

"No luck here then, move on." replied Staggs.

"Yes sir."

The next half hour passed like that with one failure after another. The crew was so used to it by now that they really didn't care.

"Sir we are approaching the fifth planet."

"Very well, do the scan." replied Staggs.

"Aye sir."

It took a few moments for the scan to complete. When it did the officer just started at the display. Staggs noticed.

"Something wrong?" he asked.

"I don't know sir. Come and look at these readings."

Staggs got out of his chair and walked over to the console. He looked at the data and blinked.

"High levels of electromagnetic waves, some other strange energy readings……launch a camera orb. I want a clear shot of the night side of the planet." he said.

"Aye sir, orb away."

Outside on the ship a small hatch opened and a round ball like object with a long tail flew out. A small rocket booster ignited at the end of the tail and it was sent shooting forwards. The motor stopped and the ball end of the object faced the planet. Back on the bridge the image came back. The night side of the planet was covered in small clusters of bright lights. Mostly gathered on the northern hemisphere but some were visible on the southern. Staggs blinked at the sight.

"That's it!" he cried, "That's what we've been looking for! Contact Earth command. Tell them…tell them we've found it!"

-----------------------------------------

Links groaned as he looked at Lavenders paper. He shook his head as he marked another answer wrong.

"Poor Lavender. She might have the power of all of Mobius behind her but she just can't do maths." he said to himself putting the paper down.

She had scored fifteen out of seventy on her test.

"Why can't you get it Lavender? It's not as if it's too difficult. Oh well."

Links got up and walked into the kitchen of the hut. He poured himself a glass of fresh orange juice and walked outside. The sun was yet again beaming down on Knotlake and Links smiled. It hadn't been too difficult to stop it from raining for the last couple of weeks. Links yawned and stretched as he sat down on a bench. Even though Robotnik had been defeated things didn't seem right. Without Chalk and Sonia in the village things seemed….quiet. A little too quiet some times. Links was so deep in though he didn't notice Bunnie coming up behind him. She tapped him on the shoulder and he jumped. He stood up quickly and spun round. Bunnie was smiling broadly.

"It's ok sugah. Ah'm not gonna eat you." she said trying to hold back a laugh.

Links groaned, Bunnie had a knack for sneaking up on him.

"So anyway, how are you?" asked Bunnie.

"Pretty good myself. You?" replied Links.

"Still a little worried about Knuckles."

Links nodded. They all were but Bunnie especially.

"I'm sure he'll be alright." said Links sitting down and gesturing for Bunnie to join him, "Just give it some time."

"Ah know sugah." replied Bunnie sitting down, "But it's already been nearly three weeks. Ah guess ah'm just getting overly worried."

"Maybe…but I would think that's normal."

"Yes….so how is that little white grand niece of yours doing with her lessons?" smiled Bunnie changing the subject.

"Not too bad. She's doing well in most of her lessons."

"Most?"

"She still hasn't picked up maths yet."

"Oh ma stars. That little thing shouldn't have any trouble with maths. You should let me have a go…I'll get it into her."

"Well if you want to try go ahead."

There was a brief pause. Links looked up at the sky and stopped. He felt something pulling on him. Something he hadn't felt in a long time. His eyes narrowed and it almost felt as if he was floating. The feeling started to get stronger slightly even though it was still very weak. It was something he hadn't felt in twelve years. It was almost like….

Links eyes flew open as something grabbed his upper arm. He shook his head and looked around quickly. He was sitting on a bench in Knotlake just as he had been before. Bunnie had a tight hold of his upper left arm and was pulling him backward. Links had almost fallen off his seat. He looked over at Bunnie who was looking at him with an eyebrow raised.

"What was that about Links?" she asked.

"I'm not sure." replied Links blinking, "I felt as if something was pulling me towards it. I haven't felt anything like it since……"

Links stopped. He hadn't told anyone other than Lavender about Alindel and he wasn't ready to tell anyone else.

"……um…it's nothing. Never mind." he finished.

"Well if you're sure." said Bunnie looking at him oddly.

-----------------------------------------

It was a little later in the day when a small transport, very much like the ones Robotnik used to use, touched down on the southern side of Knotlake. Out of it stepped Tails and Amy. Amy was still looking glum and Tails was looking at her with concern. A number of people had seen the transport arrive and had gathered around its landing area. Miles, Alicia and Links were there waiting. Tails and Amy didn't pay them any attention as they walked past but they followed them anyway. Tails and Amy walked over to their hut and entered. The others waited outside unsure on what to do.

"Why is Amy so sad?" asked Alicia slowly.

"Dunno sis." replied Miles putting on a puzzled expression.

Just then Lavender came into view from behind one of the huts. She skipped over to them and stopped.

"Hey guys!" she said cheerfully.

It was then that she noticed there concerned faces.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Tails and Amy just got back Lavender." replied Links.

"They did?!" said Lavender her face filling with happiness, "Where are they?"

"In there." said Links.

Lavender made a step towards the door before it opened itself and Tails walked out. He sighed and walked down the steps to the ground. He looked up at the small group.

"Hey guys." he said rather flatly.

"Hi dad!" cried Lavender as she launched herself forwards and flung her arms around Tails, "I missed you."

"Yeah me too Lavender." replied Tails in the same voice.

Lavender looked up at Tails. Her expression was one of puzzlement.

"Father what's wrong?" she asked.

"I have some bad news." said Tails.

"What is it?" asked Links.

Tails sighed.

"Our worst fears have come true. Little Planet is gone." he said.

Miles and Alicia just starred at Tails whilst Links chose to speak.

"Gone?!" he said totally shocked.

"What do you mean gone?" asked Lavender shaking slightly, "What happened to my grandparents?"

Tails placed a hand on Lavender's head and rubbed it through her hair.

"I'm sorry Lavender." he said.

"No." she whimpered and clung to Tails tighter, "Tell me it isn't true Tails."

Tails swallowed. It was hard enough for him to accept.

"I'm sorry Lavender." he said.

"No." said Lavender her voice shaking heavily.

She let go of Tails, turned and ran off.

"Lavender, wait!" cried Tails making a move to follow her.

Links shot his arm out and caught hold of his arm. Tails looked at him sideways. Links shook his head.

"Let her go Tails." he said.

"But…but…." stammered Tails.

"You've said what you had to say." said Links turning to Miles and Alicia, "It's your turn now."

Miles and Alicia looked at Links. They both looked saddened at the news.

"What do you mean Links?" asked Miles.

"You two go and see to Lavender. No-one is probably closer besides me and I have to talk to Tails." replied Links.

Miles and Alicia looked at him for a moment and then turned and ran after Lavender. Links turned to Tails.

"So what happened?" he asked.

"Literally nothing." replied Tails.

"So it's true then?"

"Look like it. Amy has lost her powers and I don't know how. Must have been something to do with the robotisation process, but I don't know what."

"How is she taking it?"

"Not well. She's terribly upset and not just about her powers. Her parents were on Little Planet when it disappeared remember?"

"I know. Is there no way to bring it back?"

"No. Firstly the Time Stones were on Little Planet too and secondly Little Planet hasn't appeared since it vanished three years ago. Amy was hoping that she would still have her skills and somehow be able to bring it back…..but no."

Tails shook his head.

"Don't worry Tails. There is always a way." said Links putting a hand on Tails' shoulder.

"If there is I can't see it. I just hope Amy and Lavender will be alright."

"They will. They are both strong. Don't worry about them, they'll manage."

-----------------------------------------

Lavender stopped and leaned against the corner of a hut. Her eyes watered slightly as she took a few deep breaths. She couldn't believe it. Was it really true? Were her grandparents gone?

"Lavender?" called a voice.

Lavender looked up and turned round to see Alicia and Miles walking into view. They saw her and walked over.

"We came to see if you're alright Lav." said Miles.

"Oh…I'm…..I'm fine." lied Lavender turning away again.

"Lavender don't do that." said Alicia, "You're our friend. Are you alright."

"No." sniffed Lavender.

Miles put an arm around her. He hated to see Lavender upset. He had always been fond of the small kitsune but maybe it was more than fondness now?

"It'll be ok Lav. Something will turn up." he said.

"Like what?" said Lavender sharply.

Miles was slightly shocked at Lavenders tone. His face showed it.

"Sorry Miles. It's just….I don't know. I can't even feel the power of the Time Stones in the Vault. The only reason for that would be that they were no longer on Mobius. Until now I always held a bit of hope that there would be a way. But no-one can do anything now. Even mother seems to have lost her glow." said Lavender.

"Lavender, don't worry. There is always a way through. Just look at what we have done in recent years. The trouble and danger we have encountered and defeated. We will find a way through this too. Don't worry." smiled Alicia.

Lavender looked at her. Alicia was right. There must be something they could do and when they found it she would be there to see it through. She smiled and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Thanks you guys." she said and threw an arm around both of them.

-----------------------------------------

Sarah sighed as she looked out of her window at the scene outside. Evening was falling on the base and the sun had settled on the horizon. Its rays caught the water of the sea and glinted of it creating a golden aura around the entire area. It was at times like this that Sarah almost forgot where she was. It may not be her own sun but it was still pretty. Just then the door opened and Jet walked into the room humming loudly.

"Hello Jet." said Sarah turning round.

"Oh hi mum." replied Jet smiling.

"Had a good time?"

"You bet! Jeremy showed me everything on that new fighter. It's got some sort of bio engineered hull or something."

"Sound fascinating. Well I'm glad you got back before dark anyway."

"Yeah Jeremy made sure of that."

"I see. Well you go and wash before dinner."

"Ok mum."

Jet spun on the spot and walked over to another door, opened it and walked through. Sarah smiled. Jet was certainly not a normal kid. Just then there was a knock at the door. Sarah sighed, only one person knocked like that.

"Come in Morgan!" she said roughly.

The door opened and Morgan stood there. He stared at Sarah with a surprisingly odd expression. Was he happy?

"What you smiling at?" she asked gruffly.

"I have some news for you Miss Mathews. We may have found you home planet." answered Morgan.

Sarah blinked. Had she just heard him correctly?!

"What?" she said swallowing.

"A deep range search vessel has located a planet that matches your world." replied Morgan with a small smile.

"You….you have?!"

"Yes. You and your son are to report to the flight bay at 10.00am tomorrow for immediate transport to the Phantom which is currently in orbit. It will take you to this world. Don't be late."

With that Morgan turned and walked out of the room leaving Sarah to stare at the door. She blinked and continued to stare. Was it true? Had they found Mobius? She was suddenly filled with a great fear. What would they do? Surely they just didn't plan on dropping her and Jet off and leaving! What would they do? Was Mobius ready for this visit? She had no time to puzzle the answers as Jet walked in rubbing a towel between his hands.

"Yo mum, who was that? And what did they want?" he asked.

She couldn't tell him the truth could she? Maybe not yet anyway. Maybe half the truth was best for now?

"Um…it was Morgan." she replied.

Jet wrinkled his face up and sneered. He had also developed a large dislike of Morgan, mainly because of his attitude towards his mother.

"What did he want?"

"He says that we are going into space….tomorrow."

Jet's jaw hit the floor.

"WOW! Really?! You mean me and you are going into SPACE?!"

"Yes."

"Shway! That is just so cool!"

"We'll be leaving at ten in the morning so just be sure to be ready."

"No worries there mum! I probably won't sleep tonight. Wow….space."

-----------------------------------------

Morgan Jake walked down the corridor thinking. If the deep range search vessel really had found Mobius it was a good thing indeed. The data about the planet sent from the ship indicated that it was a good bet.

"If only Miss Mathews knew what we had planned she wouldn't be so excited about getting back." said Morgan to himself.

He chuckled to himself as he continued on.

-----------------------------------------

"MILES! ALICIA! LAVENDER! Where are you?!" cried Petya across the village.

Petya sighed. The children were supposed to have met her half an hour ago and they hadn't. She wasn't even sure if she could call Miles and Alicia children any more. They were fourteen and fifteen and had matured so quickly. Oh well.

"MILES! ALIC…."

"We're here Petya." came a call.

"Alicia. Where have you been?" asked Petya turning round.

"Haven't you heard the news?" asked Miles.

"What news?" asked Petya.

"Tails and Amy just got back from Little Planet." said Alicia.

"Really? What happened?"

Miles and Alicia fell silent and looked at the floor. Petya became worried.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Little Planet is gone….and so are Lavender grandparents." said Miles.

"Patrick and Marian!" said Petya quickly raising her hand to her mouth, "Oh god. Where is Lavender?"

"She's in the lake." said Alicia.

"The lake! She's that upset?!" cried Petya.

"No. She just wants to be alone. We managed to calm her down." said Alicia.

Petya let out a sigh of relief.

"That's good to hear." said Petya looked towards the lake, "You ok in there Lavender dear?"

The lake seemed to shimmer and then emitted a faint yellow glow. Petya nodded.

"Looks like you were right. That glow would have been blue if she was upset." said Petya turning back to Miles and Alicia, "Anyway are you two ready?"

"We were ready this morning." said Alicia, "But do you think its right to go now?"

"I think getting out would be great for you." said Petya, "It's sad news about Little Planet but we have to continue or all our efforts of this year will be wasted. If there is a way to fix it, Amy will find it. I've never seen anyone more determined than her." replied Petya.

"You're right Petya." said Miles, "Come on Alicia, let's go get our stuff."

Alicia nodded to him and grabbed his arm just as Miles took off across the village. Petya stood still laughing. If T2 was a clone of Tails then Miles must be a clone of Sonic. She flung her hair back and waited for the children to return.