A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away….
Reunion: An Ultimate Sonic Meets Star Wars Story
Chapter 01: Recuperation
Exiting hyperspace above Mobius, Dr. Robotnik and Snively piloted their battered gunship towards the planet's surface, ignoring the Imperial fleet in orbit.
"Sir, shouldn't we at least switch vessels and check the construction of planetary defenses-"
"SNIVELY! You do not want to infuriate me any further…or you will see what color my heart is…," said Robotnik.
"Um…yes, sir…but I fear we may not have quite a smooth landing…we may lose control on reentry…,"
"It doesn't matter! We'll be fine, Snively!"
Their gunship flew straight past the line of Star Destroyers, and the ship begun to be engulfed in flames as it reentered the atmosphere.
"We're losing navigation controls! We're way off course, sir!"
"Where does that place us, Snively?"
"Down on the continent of Soumerca, sir!"
"Good! Transmit a distress signal, and prepare for impact!"
Snively begun working his console to broadcast a distress call, as the ship rocked violently from the reentry, the noise of alarms piercing their ears, as Robotnik worked to keep the ship under control in their rapid descent. Soon, they cleared the clouds as a line of thick jungles came into view. Soon, their gunship begun clipping and eventually smashing through the branches of the many trees, and the ship begun to list hard in both directions as it came crashing through, smashing head-on into the ground below, Robotnik and Snively could only brace as the ship plowed through the ground, before coming to rest at the edge of a stream. The two slowly looked up and begun catching their breath, but Robotnik wasted little time smashing open the hatch with his bionic arm, frightening Snively in the process.
"Um, how long are we going to have to wait in this…disgusting swamp, sir?"
"Not long, Snively. I expect pickup will be…about…. now."
Snively raised his eyebrow, but soon saw several patrol gunships and hover pods racing towards their position.
"You could set your chronometer to the response times of our Soumerca operation, Snively."
"Y-yes, sir, of course, sir."
The gunships flew in, with one of them coming in for a landing in the nearby clearing, as Robotnik and Snively walked towards it. Exiting the gunship was several SWAT Bots, accompanied by a diminutive Mobian chinchilla.
"Lord Robotnik, sir! So wonderful that you're home safe and sound! When we-"
"I am not in the mood for pleasantry, Thunderbolt! I order you to take me back to Robotropolis, immediately!"
"At once, My lord! By your command," said Thunderbolt.
"And Snively, send out an emergency summons to all my Chapter Bosses! I want them in Robotropolis by the time I arrive! NOW!"
"At once, Dr. Robotnik," said Snively.
Robotnik then sat in his seat, still seething with fury as the gunship took off, and flew straight to Robotropolis without delay.
Main Rebel Base, Yavin IV
Inside the Rebels' base, Sonic the Hedgehog and Princess Sally Acorn were sitting outside a conference room.
"Sonic, will you quit that pacing and sit down?"
"How am I supposed to sit at a time like this, Sal? We've been waiting forever!"
"I'm the politician here, Sonic. Your version of politics is 'my way or the wrong way, and it's the fastest one!'"
"Yet why did they call us here?! I could've been practicing my skills in the simulators or do another two hundred and fifty kilometer long run to keep me busy!"
"Whenever important leaders summon you, it's always for an important reason."
"So, they force us to sit out here for an hour?"
"Sonic, it's only been fifteen minutes."
"Well, to me, it feels like an hour or more."
Sonic crossed his arms and started tapping his foot.
"Well, show a little patience."
"Hey hey hey! Patients are for hospitals, Sal! We got the Empire breathing down Mobius' neck and friends counting on us, and that makes me itchy!"
Soon, the doors opened, as Commander Jericho Raccoon arrived.
"They're ready for you," he said.
"Finally," said Sonic.
"You certainly took your time," said Sally.
They walked inside the conference room, where Princess Leia Organa was talking with Milena Raccoon and another human female.
"Sonic the Hedgehog and Princess Sally Acorn, may I introduce former Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila, and the leader of the Rebellion," said Jericho.
"Hello," said Sonic.
"Ma'am," said Sally.
"A pleasure to have you with us today, your highness, I had the privilege of knowing your father many years ago," said Mon Mothma.
"Really? I'm honored," said Sally.
"We were discussing the matter of your homeworld, Mobius," said Leia.
"Really?" said Sonic.
"And unfortunately, in our current state, we cannot spare resources to support open warfare on Mobius, much less liberation," said Mon Mothma.
"What?!" said Sally.
"Please tell me you're kidding!" said Sonic.
Leia simply shook her head.
"I'm afraid it's true, Sonic."
"Time for some tough love, kids. With the destruction of the Death Star, the Empire is gonna be going all out to try and take us out, and you two are naïve to think that we stand a chance at liberating Mobius," said Milena.
"She's right, you know," said Jericho.
"So, what do you expect us to do?! We can't abandon Mobius, it's our home," said Sonic.
"He's right, we've been fighting Robotnik's regime for ten years, ten years too long, and things are only getting worse,"
"Your angering of the Imperials in that sector have not helped matters, either," said Mon Mothma.
"Yeah, any chance we had at doing this clean was lost cause you had to stroke your ego in terms of blowing stuff up," said Jericho.
"Yeah, everything is my fault, isn't it?" said Sonic.
"Regardless, even if we can't liberate your planet, the least we can do is try to help your people any way we can. I'm sorry that we can't help your planet, but we can try to help your people. But what you're hoping for is beyond our capabilities," said Leia.
Sally just sighed.
"So right now, we gotta make do with the best of what we got, you and the others, and that may be more than enough," said Jericho.
"Can't we at least-"
"Were you not listening, you blue idiot? We can't liberate Mobius, even if we tried!" said Milena.
Jericho glared at her.
"Sorry, but I had to get my point across."
"She does have a point, Sonic. There's a bigger picture here, it's not just our people in trouble. Everyone whom the Empire oppresses is in trouble, now that we've hurt them real bad," said Jericho.
Sally took a breath and collected her composure.
"All right, that was a valid point. If we can't help our planet, there's got to be something we can do," said Sally.
"First and foremost, the Empire knows we're here now, and they're gonna throw everything they've got to try and destroy us," said Leia.
"Indeed, if we don't keep moving, then that battle would've been for nothing," said Mon Mothma.
"So, first, we're arranging some accommodations for you guys," said Jericho.
"What kind of accommodations?" said Sally
"I'll explain when we meet with the others in the hangar," said Jericho.
"In the meantime, Commander Raccoon, I want you to be the handler for these people, you're familiar with them, while you, Milena, continue serving as our contact,"
"Yes, ma'am," said Jericho.
"Absolutely," said Milena.
"Also, Commander, your ship was delivered a few hours ago, your team was able to make it off the planet safely. You will be meeting up with them upon arrival at your destination," said Mon Mothma.
"Excellent, glad to hear. It'll be good to be back aboard some familiar floor plating," said Jericho.
"You had a ship this whole time, Raccoon? Why didn't you tell us when the Empire invaded? We could've easily gotten outta there!" said Sonic.
"First of all, we were under attack, you idiot! Second, it was in the city when the attack happened. And before you say anything else: no."
"'No,' what?" said Sally.
"No, I am not letting you near the controls of my ship, Sonic. My ship is just as much a member of my team as my actual team members. As for you, again, I'll explain when we meet with your team," said Jericho.
"Also, Jericho, one more thing…," said Milena.
"What?" said Jericho.
"You'll be taking Ms. Nasler with you, Commander," said Mon Mothma.
"With all due respect, no,"
"That wasn't a request, Commander," said Leia.
"Her intelligence sources and her willingness to share them with us, including the one called 'X-File' will prove valuable," said Mon Mothma.
"Or she's working an angle. I still don't trust her, despite what she did," said Jericho.
"Then consider it an order. Is that understood?" said Mon Mothma.
Jericho rolled his eyes, and sighed.
"Yes, ma'am."
Sonic sniggered.
"So, what were you saying to 'no' to anyone going anywhere near the cockpit?" he said.
"I would rather shoot my own tail off than let you pilot my ship. But don't worry, we'll take good care of you. Let's go talk to your team and give them the tough news," said Jericho.
"Let me tell them. It's best it comes from me," said Sally.
"If that's what you wanna do," said Jericho.
Inside the barracks, the rest of the Freedom Fighters; Miles "Tails" Prower, Amy Rose, Knuckles the Echidna, Cream the Rabbit, Bunnie Rabbot, Antoine D'Coolette, and Rotor Walrus were sitting anxiously.
"Oh, I am hoping zat we will not end up in anothair cell of holding…" said Anotine.
"Oh, relax, Antoine, we ain't endin' up in another holding cell, Antoine. We'll be long gone," said Bunnie.
"I just hope we get to go home soon," said Tails.
"Yeah, I wanna see if I can find my old tools from my old workshop! Who knows what the Empire is doing to them!" said Rotor.
"Will the Rebels really help us, Miss Amy?" said Cream.
"They have to, Cream. After all, we helped destroy the Death Star. But if history repeats itself, we may be grown up by the time we can save our home," said Amy.
Soon, the group saw Sonic, Sally, Jericho, and Milena approach.
"Took you guys long enough," said Knuckles.
"Well guys, we got good news and bad news," said Sonic.
"There's always bad news, is it?" said Knuckles.
"Bad news is, Mobius is out of our reach for the time being, the Alliance is stretched thin as it is," said Sally.
"What? Why?" said Knuckles.
"They owe us that much!" said Amy.
"Aw, come on!" said Tails.
"They do owe us, but unfortunately, their resources are just as limited as ours were back home," said Sally.
"Sacre bleu cheese! We are doomed!" said Antoine.
"Shut up, Antoine! We haven't failed!" said Knuckles.
"The good news is, the Alliance is going to help us help our friends, if we help them, of course," said Sally.
"Help them how?" said Rotor.
"We're gonna help them in their fight, and in return, they'll help us with ours," Sally said.
"First of all, we're going to set you guys up with some equipment, which is where we'll be going next, with the Empire closing in on this place, we need to move fast," said Jericho.
"We've already got a set-up in mind for you guys," said Milena.
"What kind of set-up?" said Sonic.
"Alliance has given me command of one of their cruisers to serve as our headquarters," said Jericho.
"Is that why Geoffrey ain't heah?" said Bunnie.
"Not at liberty to say."
Jericho then produced a holoprojector that displayed the image of the cruiser in question.
"The Salvation, a Marsheem-class heavy cruiser, currently stationed in the Outer Rim," said Jericho.
"Whoa!" said Rotor.
"That's amazing!" said Tails.
"She went by another name, last I saw her, but we named her after a frigate that we lost in battle. Not as powerful as the Mon Calamari cruisers that we've got, but she gets the job done," said Jericho.
"Well either way, this cruiser looks great! Can't wait to see it up close," said Rotor.
"Also, the Alliance is gonna provide you with your own vessel for ops," said Jericho.
"Wait, our own ship?" said Sonic.
"Yep, I'll show you," said Jericho.
The Freedom Fighters followed Jericho and Milena to the hangar bay, where Derek Alddelfor was waiting, with a smile on his face.
"You guys are gonna love this. It's quite a surprise," said Derek.
The group walked past some containers, where a very clean looking ship sat in a corner.
"This is a Corellian YT-2000 freighter," said Jericho.
"Whoa! You got this for us?" said Rotor.
"It looks almost like the Millennium Falcon! Only the cockpit is centered," said Tails.
"The YT-2000 is a newer model, though due to espionage concerns, there weren't that many built. We bought it off a dealer, said it was a tough one to sell. Alliance brought it here, but aside from a few flights, you'll be the first owners," said Milena.
"Dibs on the ship and the role of Captain!" said Sonic.
"Sonic!" said Sally.
"What? Should've called dibs before I did, Sal!" he said.
Sally simply facepalmed.
"Sonic, why do you always get the best toys? I should be the Captain!" said Knuckles.
"Too bad, Knucklehead, I called dibs," said Sonic.
"Armament is two quad guns, a side mounted, forward facing laser cannon, an ion cannon, and two warhead launchers," said Jericho.
"On second thought…. I call dibs on operating the guns!" said Knuckles.
"It's stock as it gets, so there's plenty of room for improvements," said Jericho.
"Excellent, imagine the things we're gonna do to it, right Tails?" said Rotor.
"You betcha, Rotor!" said Tails.
"So, Tails, wanna be first-mate?" said Sonic.
"Do I ever!" said Tails.
"Well, let's go check out the…. the… uhh…. we need a name for it," said Sonic.
"Yep. Bad luck to fly a ship with no name," said Jericho.
"You don't say, Jericho," said Derek.
"How about Mobian Legacy?" said Rotor.
"Guardian's Wrath?" said Knuckles.
"Or what about naming it after that speeder from back home, the Tornado?" said Tails.
"Yeah, that speeder worked great, only this one can reach the stars," said Sonic.
"Stars…. star…. I got it! The Star Tornado!" said Tails.
"Star Tornado…Star Tornado…. now that's perfect, bud!" said Sonic.
"Next time we get a new ship, I'm naming it," said Knuckles.
"Yeah, you can have the next one, Knucklehead," said Sonic.
"Stop calling me 'Knucklehead'!" said Knuckles.
"So, y'all pulled some strings to give us our own ship, what about yours, Jericho?" said Bunnie.
"Over there. She's a tough ranger," said Jericho.
Jericho led them just around the corner, where another freighter sat, with the visible signs of action on the hull.
"There she is, the Storm Ranger," said Jericho.
Dayton Raccoon was seen atop of it, making some minor repairs, and he waved, with Derek waving back.
"Beauty, isn't she?" said Derek.
"I'll stick to the Star Tornado, thanks."
"Sonic, we haven't even flown it, yet," said Rotor.
"The Ranger is a Gallofree Yards YKL-37R Nova Courier, issued to me about five years ago, brand new ship," said Jericho.
"Why does zat name sound familiar?" said Antoine.
"Old motto of the Royal Army Rangers back in the day, 'Stand Strong, Brave the Storm,'" said Jericho.
"And it smells like the barracks you guys live in," said Milena.
"It's our dreamboat, sis," said Jericho.
"I resent that comment, Ice Queen," said Derek.
"Is she ready, Dayton?" said Jericho.
"As she'll ever be, Logan overclocked the thrusters again," said Dayton.
"Again? I need to get my own ship," said Derek.
"Anyway, we leave first thing in the morning, we've arranged a rendezvous with the Salvation," said Jericho.
"Good, the sooner, the better!" said Sonic.
"In the meantime, Rotor and Tails, get yourselves familiar with the Star Tornado, you're gonna need to be experts," said Sally.
"Already on it, Sally," said Rotor.
"I've built a computer out of junk parts, and reprogrammed a supercomputer with dishwashing detergent and a toothpick; so, getting familiar with a space freighter? That's about as hard as taking a nap," said Tails.
Soon, Seraphine appeared from nearby.
"Not bad. Your ship looks a bit rough around the edges, but looks like it'll get the job done," said Seraphine.
"Just when I was starting to enjoy some peace," said Jericho.
"Sorry about that, Jericho, but I think I'll stick around, since you did get a Chaos Emerald because of *my* intelligence…"
"Don't rub it in. I'll be watching you," said Jericho.
"Suit yourself, and besides, I'm not getting paid for this," said Seraphine.
"What?" said Jericho.
"Room and board for my family members," said Seraphine.
"Your family?" said Sally.
"Yeah, my brother and my sister, I don't keep separate from them for too long, and I know my little sister is going to nag my ears off if I don't show my face to her again," said Seraphine.
"Welcome to my nightmare," said Jericho.
"Hey!" said Milena.
Derek just sniggered.
Later that night, Sonic and Tails were sitting in their bunks, trying to sleep.
"This sucks, Sonic. I really thought something good was going to happen back home."
"Tell me about it. I feel so helpless right now."
"It feels like nothing is going right! We take one step forward and two more backwards!"
"I know the feeling, Tails. Maybe the Rebels can help us in the long run, we might be able to go home sooner than we think."
"I just wanna see some real progress here, Sonic."
"It may take time, but we will get home eventually, bud. All this means is we gotta start over from scratch. If we could do it back home, we can do it again."
Sonic then saw Sally walk past and decided to get up and check on her.
"Hey, Sal? Got a minute? You okay?"
"Oh, hey, Sonic. I was just thinking, the last week has been rough."
"Tell me about it. Lost our homes, got trapped on a giant space station, saved you, blew up the space station…"
"And now we're in exile, are you really okay with all this?"
"It's like everyone said when we got stranded on Tatooine, we've come back from worse. We lost our homes before, who says we won't get it back? Robotnik and the Empire won't last forever."
"I mean, back home, we were doing so well, only for…"
"Don't doubt yourself, Sal. Keep your chin up, who knows, maybe we'll finally make progress at stuff we didn't before."
"I hope you're right, Sonic. We survived this much."
"Hey, I'm always right!"
"Sometimes."
