(I do not own Sonic X, etc- sorry; short chappie!)

Flip card 2:

Name: Doctor Eggman

Sex: Male

Species: Human

Description: The infamous doctor seeks to conquer the world with his army of robots, yet comes up against a wall with both Sonic and his own creation Metal Sonic.

Faced with a new enemy, one twice as ruthless and powerful as the Eggman Empire; the President was forced to consider a new initiative for security. One that provided the nation, no the entire world the defence it required but at the same time maintaining the civil rights and democracy they were so desperate to protect.

As if he hadn't enough to do dealing with ruthless invaders, he had to work out what the Elite did to try and take over the world and undo it.

Back to the present task at hand, G.U.N generals were suggesting on a world wide response force to deal with the threats. A force that could act independently at any given time, free to engage the enemy in any way they saw fit and allowed access to the most advanced Mech and combat systems currently in the military arsenal. And, to top it off, an arms company nearly constantly updating their arms capability.

The President disliked giving so much power to an individual group, but he supposed in such times it was a necessary evil.

Right now, rival companies were striving to perfect a new combat robot for the G.U.N army. Whichever impressed the President the most, would get the contract and supply the new combat force with the equipment. From the Oval Office, he could see the robot prototypes being marched out on the lawn in front of the White House. Some of them looked very impressive, but the individual demonstrations would come before any decisions were made.

"They're all ready Mr. President." Christina began, opening the door from a separate office.

"Very well." The President began, joining her on a walk outside. Lined up in a row outside on the lawn, were the representatives and heads of various arms and new technology companies, along with their robot prototypes. A large crowd had gathered the gates to watch and several new crews were waiting to broadcast it all live. The president had decided to reinforce public morale by showing them what kind of fire power the defenders to protect them with. As this was his last term in office, he intended to do as much good for the world as possible before resigning from his station.

"This is Scarlet Garcia, live from the White House; where in a few minutes time the President will personally choose from several prototypes to be the main force for the new; but as of yet un-named-strike force." Scarlet, a reporter made famous by her reports ranging from Perfect Chaos to the Egg Fleet, told her watching audience at home; all two million of them. "And, yes I can see just behind me the President emerging from the White House just now." The red head began, turning as the leader of the United States along with his personal assistant and several men in black suits marched out of the front door.

The robots lined up for inspection ranged in nearly all shapes and sizes, some built like humans, others like spiders and even one modelled on a tank. At the far end of the lawn were a large series of cardboard cut outs depicting tanks, planes, Dreadnaught robots and Eggman himself. As the demonstrations got underway, the first hopefully; developed if you believe it or not by Microsoft began forward. The robot was spider shaped with four legs and several missile launching pads on a raised platform.

After a moment of silence, two missiles launched out with a thick stream of black smoke trailing out behind it. One missile hit the Tank target, before flying past it all and blasting a hole in the fence. Apparently, this was one contract Microsoft wasn't going to obtain.

As more of the prototypes took their turns, more and more of the targets began to disappear; replaced one by one with duplicates. Finally, the last of them took its turn. This robot was twice the size of the average human, with long articulated metal arms with two long machine guns on the end of each hand instead of fingers. The feet were large, flat and round with two long pivoted toes. Wires and cables interwove a near skeletal like frame, all winding up pistons to a large square head with a single blood red eye on its left hand side. It's shoulders and forelegs were protected by two large sheets of steal armour, painted in jungle camouflage colours. It footsteps were long and heavy, the ground trembling slightly each time it put a foot down, yet it strode with a precise grace that all the others lacked.

Both arms unfolded and the machines guns tore the air open with an intense barrage of bullets, ripping the cardboard cut outs of Eggman and his two hence-bots Becoe and Decoe apart, before two missiles cut through disintegrating two Dreadnaught cut outs.

"Very Impressive." The President began clapping, turning to the well dressed man who represented the company who made this new combat unit. "What do you call this?"

"This is the first of the new Zeus line sir." He replied. "Bullet proof armour, magnetic missile repel system, an advances artificial intelligence system guiding the brain and armed with some on the most deadly ammunition known to man. We've already created several variants specialised for combat in urban, jungle, desert and even frozen territory." Finishing its demonstration, the large machine retracted its machine guns into its arms that folded around in front of its near empty chest cavity.

"Well there's confirmation for you!" Eggman stated after cursing, jabbinga finger angrily towards the television set. Chuck and his group had just returned from Canada to Tails workshop in the Mystic Ruins. It was dark by the time they got back. Tails had been used to the tinkling lights from Station Square just across the bay but with the city deserted all they could see from the water facing window was darkness. The rest of them weren't back from their Chaos Emerald hunting yet, so they had the place to themselves. Since the entrance to the engineering levels was hidden underneath the stairs leading to the bedrooms, Tails was keeping Eggman away from it. While their alliance with the scientist was required in their new fight against Metal X, none of them trusted him. He was a liar, a cheat and a traitor; and those were his good points.

"What are you talking about?" Knuckles asked. Eggman jabbed a fat finger again at the TV.

"That robot, it's as advanced as my badniks; it was made from that ancient technology!" Chuck was instantly on the sofa, staring at the news report.

"And it appears Hexagon is the winner of the competition with their new Zeus." Scarlet Garcia was saying, standing next to the corporation's representative and their seven-foot combat unit. The President was shaking hands with the representative, after signing a contract a good number of reporters taking pictures, the flashes from multiple cameras lighting up the screen.

"At least we know why Hexagon was so interested in it." Chuck began, sounding angry. "I mean look at it, if that wasn't made from the same hardware as the Badniks I'll turn in my science community membership card."

"It's an insult!" Eggman snarled. "I'm the authority on robotics on this planet, I'm the one who makes battle machines!"

"And you do it so well…"

"But this…" The scientist continued with shaking fists. "Monstrosity, is a direct insult to my name. I'll make them pay for this!"

"Let's deal with Metal Sonic first." Said a voice, turning around they all saw Sonic standing in the door way, the X tornado settled on the ground outside. Amy was helping Cream and Vanilla out of the plane. What they noticed was when they all got inside was the lack of a Chaos Emerald to show for it. Rouge had already gone to report back to Freelance Division. Apparently they wanted a full report after the Spanish Government began throwing around words like disaster and catastrophe.

"Who's this?" Tails asked as Cosmo walked in, looking in awe at the large collection of unique characters around her.

"Cosmo." Sonic replied, putting his feet up on the sofa. "She'll be staying with us for a while." Tails looked their new visitor over. She was obviously of Void's race, but looked sufficiently taller then he had been. Her hair and most of her clothes were a leaf green and her eyes like his were a deep blue. She looked surprised by the building design of the workshop, being used to structures made out of crystal.

Magnary world was by its very nature an unstable place. The only place that wasn't constantly altering itself was it's very centre; kept placid by the presence of the Temple of Light. Inside which was Precious Stone, a force that stabilised Chaos. As the guardian of the stone, Queen Illumina was the unquestioned ruler of their people and with her power, was considered a goddess.

Cosmo came from a bloodline of seers who had been part of Seer house for some time. She was youngest five sisters, chosen for their abilities of foresight and precognition. They were all skilled, but while her sisters excelled she began to lag, visions and signs either passing her by or missing her completely. Her tutors told her that this did not mean her own power had limits, rather she could not concentrate during her mediation.

While she had given over to Sonic that she went in for this Seer thing, in reality she found it tedious and annoying. Her family had a long tradition of precognition, but as the black sheep want she wanted to do was to be a scout. Occasionally their people sent scouts out to other more stable dimensions to study the many different cultures and civilisations that sprung up on inhabitable planets. She had been contemplating that as her future, when her vision came to her. Then she knew that her destiny lay in this world.

From the first look she had of this culture, it became clear that this society used local materials to construct their dwellings, unlike her people who grew crystallised structures. It seemed that such a thing was not likely to work here, the laws of physics were different in this reality.

After Sonic had explained what had happened in Spain and Tails had gone over their own adventure in the North of Canada everyone sat down to think over their position. So far all they had where a few wild theories, but at least they'd learnt of the presence of more advanced technology, which was something at least. Eggman contributed very little to the drawing of the plans, speaking only when spoken to. It was already obvious to all of them that he hated this alliance more than anything, but that only reinforced Sonic's prediction that he would betray them at the first given opportunity.

"Catch." Someone called and Knuckles turned, just in time to reach out and catch a Chaos Emerald as someone tossed it through the air. The Echidna brought is hand back down to find the light blue Emerald sitting in his palm.

Standing in the doorway as Major Okida.

"Thanks." Sonic called over. The Major just saluted with two fingers before disappearing, the sound of a chopper lifting off shortly following. Knuckles past the Emerald to the blue hedgehog after he noticed Eggman staring at it greedily.

"Ok, that's something." Amy began. "But we're still behind Metal Sonic by a one Emerald."

"And these aren't what I'd call precise." Sonic added, passing the watch like machine Chuck had made for them back to him. "And did you have to make it bleep like that?"

It was no secret, Metal Sonic was outraged. One of his Generals had disobeyed an order; and he had already let it be known that he would not tolerate insubordination. When Leviathan reported in for repairs, the technician systems noted that he had more injuries than the ones he had sustained in battle.

The first thing Dark Oak noticed as he entered the master's chamber were a few insect like robots clearing away the scattered remains of Leviathan's armour. A thin trail of wreckage leading up to Metal Sonic himself who stood at his usual post, directly next to his throne staring out of the window down towards the Earth. He was absolutely silent, standing there with his arms crossed, his cape flowing out behind him.

Floating silently in a pillar of white light nearby where the three Chaos Emeralds the Machine Federation had been able to gather thus far. The green Emerald, The Red Emerald and the Grey Emerald, all were rotating around in a tight circle."No progress?" The robotic hedgehog asked, looking back over his shoulder.

"No my Lord." Dark Oak replied. "The remaining Chaos Signals are being masked."

Metal Sonic remained still for a second, before turning back towards the window. After a moment of silence, the remaining Generals joined Dark Oak's side. All of them had undergone technological upgrade. Like his clan robots, Equinox had remoulded his legs to look like a Spiders; his design changed from the original knight to a bizarre insect centaur. As for Lancelot, he had maintained the Knight façade but as the head of the Air Force Clan had built himself a pair of bat like wings sprouting out from his shoulders. A long segmented tail with a blade like eyes trailed out behind him, giving him a very dragon like look. As for Dark Oak himself, he had included very little upgrades. He had treated himself only to some new hardware that improved speed, strength and armour. In terms of design he had changed very little."This rate of progress is unacceptable." Their Master began, turning to face them; his half eclipsed round eyes burning a blood red. "Three Emeralds is not enough. I require maximum results."

"My Lord." Equinox began, scuttling forward on his new eight legs. "Our experiments with duplication are producing very positive results, I truly believe we may be able to produce the energy you require." Metal Sonic stared at his last General for a moment, before the glow from his eyes began to die away.

"However." Lancelot stated. "The life force need for conversion can not be found of the Earth, the humans have been polluting it for years." Metal Sonic chuckled lightly.

"That won't be too much of a problem." His statement confused Equinox and Lancelot, who honestly did not know what he was talking about. The door at the far end of the chamber swung open and Leviathan slide inside. Apparently he'd taken the time to update himself while being repaired. He'd adopted a more streamlined design, looking more like a shark than he had before. Metal Sonic paid no more attention to his presence and kept talking. "The hardware we acquired from Eggman can do a lot more than just augment fighting abilities." He turned to his first General. "Are the operation probes ready for deployment?"

"A few more tests, we should be able to start soon." Leviathan turned toward Equinox."Duplication? I've seen Doctor Eggman's notes. The process is too dangerous and the results questionable. Is this a reasonable use of our time and resources?" Lancelot shot him a side glance.

"It would save us an Emerald hunt for certain."

"Think of the possibilities if we are successful." Equinox offered. "Unlimited energy, complete and utter power." The robot turned on all eight legs. "Surely that is worth the risk?"

"And what of the risks?" Leviathan asked. "If a mistake is made…"

"We've all had a chance to review the research." Lancelot began. "We all know what can happen if control is lost."

"But can we guarantee control?" The third general persisted. "The consequences of a mistake are far too high. I do not believe we should attempt it."

"You presume that the ultimate decision is yours." Their Master said, gaining their instant attention. "You're lucky I don't melt you into scrap metal right now." Metal Sonic's talon like finger jabbed itself at him, the glow from his eyes intensifying. Leviathan backed off. He had upset his Master quite enough today and wasn't going to push his luck. Metal Sonic kept his iron stare on him for a few moments longer, before turning away, his cape flowing out behind him.

"Most of the equipment is operational my lord." Dark Oak added, asthe first of his Generalshe wasthe one he most respected. "All checks have been completed, and the technical bots inform me we can proceed whenever you give the order." Metal Sonic folded his arms.

Dark Oak, the first of his Generals and the one he most respected. Metal Sonic folded his arms.

"Excellent. Are all energy collectors and laboratories on standby?" Dark Oak nodded, sweeping arm in front of himself. "Then we begin tomorrow morning at ten PM, standard greenish mean time." The robotic hedgehog looked down towards the blue planet. "I want every one of those people to see it."

-

Apart from robots that patrolled the maze of corridors, on the Behemoth there was another presence; one far darker. Metal Sonic's mysterious benefactor always kept himself close by, hiding in the corridors of the ship. Keeping out of the way of the robotic crew was essential, at least for the time being.

Everything was proceeding according to plan. The war between Metal X and the forces of Earth looming on the horizon, the inevitable battle between Sonic and his robot double-ganger, the quest for the seven Chaos Emerald and even the existence of the advanced technology, all of it was part of a grand design; all elementals of a plot centuries old and so far it had all followed the plan step by step.

Waiting in the rafters of an empty storage chamber, the dark presence sat waiting. A silent figure wrapped in a single robe, a metallic mask hiding his face. The glowing green eyes only visible through the visor.

The time would soon be here, when all forces relevant would be brought together and the true event could begin. Of course time wise that all depended who collected all seven Chaos Emeralds first.

Metal Sonic was three, the others were either in Sonic's hands or still scattered. In reality, it mattered not who collected the Emeralds first; so long as the result was the same in the end.

(In Chris' Voice)

Cosmo looks like she could be a real help. But there's still so much to do! There's one more Chaos Emerald out there to find. Sonic has to get it before Metal Sonic does! Exactly where did all that ancient machinery come from? Could it really be from outer space like Chuck thinks? Find out next time as Metal Sonic astonishes the entire planet! Catch it all on Sonic X, Mars; the new world! Don't miss it!