Chapter 5: Arrival

Location: Soumerca

Afternoon…


The X-Tornado soared through the sky, the Rocky Jungle Zone stretching out beneath them. As they entered the region, the Freedom Fighters knew they were a stone's throw from Station Square. As they entered the Mystic Ruins, they immediately heard a masculine voice sudden come over the radio.

"Aircraft, you have been detected entering United Federation airspace, identify yourself immediately."

The twin-tailed fox knew that if he didn't respond in a timely manner then the G.U.N. Air Force would be dispatched to investigate. The last thing he wanted was to find a pair of Blue Eagles on his tail, and immediately reached for the microphone from the CB radio. He wasn't given the chance, for it was Princess Sally's that voice suddenly came on the line.

"Station Square Control, this is Acorn One with the X-Tornado as escort, requesting landing permission."

For a moment, Tails feared that they would be denied clearance to land, but the sound of the unseen man's voice coming back over the radio immediately filled him with relief.

"Acknowledged, Acorn One. Professor Thorndyke will be notified of your imminent arrival."

"Copy that, Control Tower."

Since begin exposed to the outside world, the city had begun to enforce their sovereignty a bit more stringently. As they continued to follow their flightpath, they found themselves receiving a G.U.N. escort. As they proceeded further, they discovered the mountain housing the metropolis was gone. The waters of the Central Sea now met the Emerald Coast, leaving one to wonder if the Sapphire Sea could still even be referred to as such.

"The Xorda really did a number on the city," the Fox said, "Weren't you down this way when the Black Arms invaded?"

"Naw, I was in Westopolis over in Eurish," Sonic admitted, frowning.

Peering out the window, the hedgehog could see that they were now flying over Central Street, Station Square's main thoroughfare. Throughout the city, reconstruction was still an ongoing process, having been hampered by a belligerent dragon. The Xorda's attack had done little to remedy the situation, resulting in further damage.


Location: Thorndyke Residence

Ten minutes later…


As he stood in the driveway, Chuck Thorndyke caught sight of a gunmetal-grey aircraft appearing in the distance. Pursued by the X-Tornado and escorted by a pair of Blue Eagles, they wouldn't have gone unnoticed. Removing a remote from the pocket of his lab coat, Chuck pressed one of the buttons. The palm trees that lined the driveway tilted away, providing more then enough clearance for the two vessels to land.

"It's good to see you again," he greeted, stepping forward, "Though I had hoped on visiting Mobotropolis."

"Hiya, Chuck!" Tails greeted from the X-Tornado's cockpit.

The clamshell-style doors of the aircraft lowered, allow Sally and the others to begin disembarking.

"Good to see you again, Your Highness."

"Sorry about this," Sally said, emerging from Acorn One.

"That's quite alright. Let's head inside and we can catch up."

"I'll catch up with you in a minute," Rotor announced, "I've been noticing some irregularities with Acorn One's systems."

"Right. Better to get that dealt with now while we're on the ground."

Leaving the walrus behind, the Mobians followed the Professor inside the luxurious mansion. Despite having suffered water damaged during Chaos' rampage, the residence hadn't changed all that much. Stepping into the foyer of the building, the group found themselves greeted by Mister Tanaka.

"It is good to see you all again," he said with a respective bow.

"Nice to see you, Tanaka," Tails said.

"Could you have Ella prepare some food for our guest?"

"Of course, Mr. Thorndyke."

As Tanaka departed, they continued onto the living room and took a seat on the green couch.

"So…where's Chris?" Sonic asked, notice the boy wasn't present.

"School doesn't let out until 3:30. You've got a good hour and a half before he gets home."

Sonic appeared disappointed, the wait being worse then the delay of seeing his friend.

"So, I informed the administration of what you've come across, and they've turned the spy satellites on Efrika."

"Did you discover were these Terrans are located?" Sally asked.

"If there's a city out there, then it has to be hidden."

"Makes sense," Tails admitted, "It's what the Terrans were familiar with."

Chuck fell silent, struggling to find the appropriate words for the conversation he was about to initiate.

"Heard you've experienced some political upheaval."

"That's putting it mildly," Sonic said, exchanging a glance with Tails.

"Has there been a situation like this in the United Federation?" Sally asked.

Despite not wanting to dwell on the subject, Sally thought that they could use some advice in reforming their government.

"I would suggest you speak with a representative of the Kingdom of Bellbridge; they remain independent of the United Federation."

"I've never heard of Bellbridge," Amy commented.

"It was created as part of the Hidden City Initiative, but when a formal structure began to take shape, they declined the offer to become a member state."

"What's it like?" Muttski asked, genuinely interested.

"It's a constitutional monarchy," the Human answered, "So they'd be able to instruct you on how the Royal Family must conduct itself once your new system of government is up and running."

Sally's communicator suddenly let out a beep, immediately putting an end to any further conversation. She knew that it had to be Rotor, leaving the Princess to wonder why the Walrus wouldn't have just enter the mansion instead.

"Go ahead."

"You need to get out here! And bring Amy!"