Chapter 17: Friends and Family

Jericho sat on a bench under a gazebo, watching the rain flow off the roof and onto the solid ground, unable to penetrate the soil, simply flowing onto the paths and into the drains or puddling in various low spots. He paid little mind as a male Mobian Bat approached and sat down across from him.

"Life is sterilized by the burn-out that is pain."

"But light the fire, life can be restored," said Jericho.

The two men looked at each other and smiled.

"Thomas," said Jericho.

"Jericho. We were all wondering if you were still with us," said Thomas.

"I'm not here, Thomas. You know that. Business."

"Yes, business. No wonder you invited me, not Sierra."

"Yeah, don't need her to know I'm in town. I'm on a mission, and not one that requires you directly."

"So what do you need from me this time?"

"Salvage job. Your company has taken interest in refitting some old freighters for use in increasing the amount of tech you can run to the off-world colonies. The junkyard is full of perfectly intact ones."

"Why old ones?"

"Cause they can be rebuilt with some of the newer tech available."

"That's true. And how soon do we need them?"

"Twenty-Four Hours to load and remove them. Book them on the first available cargo ship large enough to carry the first ones out."

"You're really pushing this sale, my friend. We're gonna need top men for this."

"Top men, indeed. Can it be done?"

"You know how it is with business. We do our best work under a timetable."

"Good, cause...this is very important."

"Relax, I assure you, our friends will be very grateful for this. I hope we meet them someday."

"Thank you. And...would you kindly give this to Sierra? Make sure the kid gets it."

Jericho reached into his pocket and produced what appeared to be a metal model of an X-Wing. Thomas took it and examined it.

"Good quality work. Is that Phrik Alloy?"

"Recycled Phrik Alloy. Let's just say the last thing that it belonged to...inflicted enough terrible pain."

"No prob, it'll remind everyone you're still trying to be a part of the kid's life. Too bad it can't work out for other things."

"Probably not. I got my life to live, Thomas."

"I know, Jericho. But we all miss you, and we hope to see you back on the Colonies again."

"Yeah. Whole family coming out there soon?"

"Soon. Once things calm down, we'll come drop in."

"Good. Look forward to it."

Jericho then got up to leave, pulling his hood up as he walked back out into the rain-drenched park.

Sonic was eating a chili dog while walking over towards Sally. Sally was reading something on NICOLE's handheld when he approached.

"Something on your mind, Sonic?"

"Sal, I was thinking."

"You? Think? That's a new one."

"Ha ha. No, seriously, Sal. I want to go back into the city, I think there's a few people who are missing from this party."

"Your brother and your sister?"

"Among others, Sal."

"I'll go with you."

"And we'll need two of the TC9s."

"Agreed."

Sonic then turned around, and found Tails working on a portable scanner.

"Hey, Tails. Sal and I are going into town, we're gonna find a few of our friends still in the city, and have 'em come with us. Wanna come with?"

"You know it, Sonic."

"I knew you wouldn't refuse, bud. You're driving one of the TC9s, Sal & I will take the other one."

"Why two?"

"Sonia."

"Oh, right."

Sonic, Sally, and Tails walked towards the door, when Tangle noticed them.

"Where are you guys going?"

"We're heading into town, Tangle. There's some people we wanna talk to," said Sonic.

"If you're going out….can I ask a favor if it's not too much to ask?" said Tangle.

"Sure, what's up?" said Sally.

"After we do your thing...can we make a quick trip to Spiral Hill Village?" said Tangle.

"Your hometown, Tangle?" said Sally.

"I know it's a lot to ask, but I….I just got something I wanna deal with before we leave. We still have time...if you think we can."

Sonic and Sally looked at each other. Sonic nodded.

"Alright then. Help us with this and we'll get there. But whatever you're gonna do, do it quickly," said Sally.

"Sure! No prob!" said Tangle.

"Let's go, then," said Sally.

The four of them walked out of the bunker and began walking to the edge of the junkyard, where they parked the TC9s. Sonic and Sally boarded Number One, while Tails and Tangle boarded Number Two, and as soon as they powered up the transports, they set off back into the city. Sonic first steered towards the slums. The TC9s steered down the desolate streets, as people struggled to stay dry on the streets, and the buildings looked like they'd seen better days.

"I still can't believe your brother lives in this place, Sonic," said Sally.

"I know, Sal. But it's how Manic rolls. I don't condone it, but he's got a good heart," said Sonic.

"But still…"

"I know. Let's pull over here. Call it a hunch," said Sonic.

Sonic parked Number One on the curb with Tails and Tangle parking Number Two just behind it. Sonic gestured Tails and Tangle to stay behind. Sonic and Sally walked into an alleyway. They heard loud whistling from atop the rooftop, but Sonic gestured to Sally not to reach for her blaster. The two of them walked into a courtyard, full of garbage disposal units and what appeared to be broken toys on the rain drenched ground. Soon, a group of Mobians surrounded them, all of them dressed in what amounted to rags.

"You took a wrong turn, travellers. Hand over your valuables," said one of the men.

"Easy. I'm looking for someone who works this neighborhood," said Sonic.

"Lots of us working these parts, sucker. You're gonna have to be a bit more specific," said one of the other men.

"He's my brother," said Sonic.

The men all laughed at Sonic.

"Funny, sucker. Hand over that ring, missy."

"I'll die before I take this off," said Sally.

One of the men pulled a knife out of his pocket and flashed it.

"Hey, man! You'd better not cut one hair on those two," said a voice.

Sonic looked at the source and grinned.

"Manic, you really know this guy?"

"Don't you recognize my famous bro? Sonic the Hedgehog?" said Manic.

Sonic watched as his green-colored brother revealed himself among the crowd.

"Almost had me worried for a second, bro," said Sonic.

"I was around the corner, I didn't see you at first until I got close enough to hear you," said Manic.

Sonic and Manic hugged and patted each others' backs.

"Manic, you know this guy?"

"Duh, he's my more famous brother, Sonic the Hedgehog. Don't you guys pay attention after all those drinks and drugs you take?" said Manic.

"We….we didn't recognize him..."

"Well, look him in the eye, anyone who touches him is accountable to me," said Manic.

"Good to see your brother's company is...reasonable," said Sally.

"What can I say?" said Sonic.

"Well, well. Princess. Good to see you're still you're hanging with my bro," said Manic.

"Manic…," said Sonic.

"It's good to see you too, Manic," said Sally.

Manic led the two towards his space, out of the rain.

"Sonic, it's good to see you're okay. I was real worried after like, what happened," said Manic.

"I know, Manic. But you of all people should know you can't get rid of me that easy," said Sonic.

"Now I know this isn't your kind of place, bro. You must be in trouble," said Manic.

"Not me, bro. You," said Sonic.

"The Empire?"

"You betcha."

Manic sat on a crate.

"You really think they're gonna find me?"

"They found Knothole, Manic. Who knows what'll happen when they figure out who you are. The best way for them to hurt Sonic is you and your sister," said Sally.

"Does she always have to put a damper on everything, bro?"

"Sometimes, Manic. She's like that," said Sonic.

Sally glared at Sonic before turning back to Manic.

"We wouldn't be here if we didn't believe there was danger to you, Manic. And we could use your...skills to help us out," said Sally.

"My….ability to move things?" said Manic.

Sally groaned, as Sonic and Manic laughed.

"Relax, Princess. I'm cool with that. Just lemme gather my stuff and we'll be on our way," said Manic.

Manic started loading his stuff into his backpack, but Sally was more interested in what it was, but Sonic held her wrist.
"Sal, don't."

"Sonic, you know how I feel about your brother's lifestyle. It's a bad-"

"Today is not the day for that, Sal. Take it easy. Manic's a good guy. He'll be fine," said Sonic.

Sally sighed and rolled her eyes as Manic finished loading his stuff and placed his backpack on. He then followed the two of them out of the alleyway as Manic turned to his friends.

"Sorry guys, but family calls. Time to hit the road with my brother. It's been swell," said Manic.

The other thieves and pickpockets in the group gave Manic their goodbyes as he left the alleyway, and he followed Sonic and Sally to the TC9s.

"Tails, you still crazy enough to hang with my brother?" said Manic.

"Hey, Manic! And you know it! This is Tangle the Lemur, she's a newcomer. Tangle, that's Manic, Sonic's brother," said Tails.

"A real pleasure!" said Tangle.

"Heh, you got the right personality to start, that's what my brother likes," said Manic.

"What can I say, Manic?" said Sonic.

"I take it we're gonna visit Sonia next?" said Manic.

"Yep," said Sonic.

"Let's roll," said Manic.

Tangle whispered to Tails.

"He says it the exact same way as Sonic does."

"Yeah, that's how you know they're related."

The group reboarded the TC9s and were on their way again. They began driving towards the inner parts of the city. They turned left onto one of the Main Citadel Streets, allowing them to travel at much faster speeds than they would on the others. They soon approached a checkpoint, where the road ahead was blocked by a force field. The Stormtroopers contacted them on their comms.

"Identification please. And prepare for scanning."

Sonic, Sally, Tangle, Tails, and Manic began broadcasting their fake IDs to the Imperials.

"Let's hope these IDs really work," said Tangle.

"They got us this far," said Tails.

"Indeed they have, Tails," said Sally.

The group felt sweats down their spines as they waited anxiously for the Imperials to let them pass. Soon, a security droid began scanning their transports, and as soon it was complete, there was silence. Soon, the Force Field dropped.

"Go on ahead. Have a nice day," said the Stormtrooper.

"Never thought I'd hear that from a trooper," said Sonic.

"Let's go," said Sally.

The group resumed their drive into the inner parts of the city, they were only a few blocks from the Citadel when they turned right into a more upscale part of the city.

"Welcome to the Amethyst District, everyone. Are you sure this is where your sister lives, Sonic?"

"Definitely," said Sonic.

"Heard Lady Windimire is off on Coruscant for a while. So I think it's just Sonia and her maid," said Manic.

"Good to know, bro. Wouldn't wanna get my… 'uncouth germs' all over their clean air," said Sonic.

He and Manic laughed at that.

"Nobody's that prude, Sonic. Not even your sister," said Sally.

"So you say, Sal," said Sonic.

"What is that supposed to mean?" said Sally.

"Oh, nothing," said Sonic.

Sally simply rolled her eyes as they pulled up to a posh apartment complex.

"Thought your sister lived in some fancy estate," said Tails.

"Yeah, but she also has this penthouse suite in this place, Tails, she comes here around this time for the uh...opening of the season, if you know what I mean," said Sonic.

"Oh, right," said Tails.

"What kind of season is he talking about?" said Tangle.

"Shopping season. You'll see what I mean," said Tails.

The group entered the apartment complex and approached the front desk, where a droid was working.

"State your business."

"We're here for the tenant of the penthouse suite," said Sonic.

"You are not on the scheduled visitor list."

"Tell the tenant that I'm a family member," said Sonic.

"No family is listed on here."

"Just do it!" said Sonic.

The Droid then turned away and spoke into an intercom. After a few moments, it turned back.

"Apologies, sir. You may proceed. Next time, please book an appointment in advance."

"An appointment?! To see a family member?!"

"Enough," said Sally.

The group headed to the penthouse elevator and went up. Tails and Tangle looked out the windows, surprised at the streets below.

"It looks...so clean. It's such a contrast from the rest of the city," said Tails.

"Yeah, I didn't think Robotnik liked anything clean," said Tangle.

"Cause the people who live here matter to him to keep things in order," said Sally.

"Yeah, man. They're protected by his blacklist, his roboticizers won't allow them near," said Manic.

"Just goes to show you, even in times of crisis, the money survives unscathed," said Sally.

Soon, the elevator reached the penthouse, and the door opened. They entered a very posh looking apartment with very clean carpeting and furniture. Tails and Tangle were shocked by what they saw.

"Oh, wow….what a neat place!" said Tangle.

"I knew your sister liked posh luxury, but I never thought I'd see it this close!" said Tails.

"I dunno...reminds me of the Castle and Citadel when I was a kid," said Sally.

"Reminds you?! Oh on the contrary, it's the next best thing, Princess!"

Everyone looked up at the fuschia-pink colored female Hedgehog standing atop the upstairs balcony.

"Nice way to greet your brothers, Sonia," said Sonic.

"Sonic, if you were planning to come by, you should've called or sent me an email! You know how worried sick I was when I heard what happened to Knothole?" said Sonia.

"I missed you too, little sis," said Sonic.

Sonia ran down and hugged Sonic, and then turned to Manic.

"Manic, what dumpster have you been sleeping in?"

"Hey, at least it's a mattress, or...was a mattress. But I'm happy to see you too, Princess," said Manic.

Sonia hugged Manic and then finally noticed Sally.

"Sally."

"Sonia, how've you been?"

"Better than you've been doing, I imagine. You're still wearing that unstylish looking vest?"

"It's practical, Sonia. I like this vest."

"Still, you could've at least humored me and wore something….fancier?"

"I only have this, you know."

Sally displayed a ring on her ring finger to Sonia.

"The Royal Signet. I guess that's gonna have to do. Tails, sweetie, how've you been?"

"Hi, Sonia! I'm fine! Your adoptive mom has such a nice place here!"

"This is just for when she's spending time in the city, but I'm free to use it when I want it."

Sonia then turned to Tangle.

"Sonia, this is Tangle, one of my newer friends. Tangle, this is Sonia, she's my sister, as you can see," said Sonic.

"Hi there," said Sonia.

"Hi to you, too! Sonic's talked so much about you!"

"Really? What did he say?"

"That you're a SAP," said Tangle.

"SAP, huh?"

"Spiny, Annoying-"

"Tangle," said Sonic.

"What? You did mention that."

"I take it you're here for me, Sonic? Why else would Manic and Sally be here with you?"

"You know me too well, Sonia. For all the short time we've known each other," said Sonic.

"I'll need time to pack and leave a message," said Sonia.

"Take only what you need to survive, Sonia," said Sally.

"Oh, I will, Sally."

The group stood in the living room as they waited for Sonia to return. It felt like half an hour had passed until Sonia called out.

"I'll need some help, please," said Sonia.

"Oh, this is gonna be good," said Manic.

"What do you mean?" said Tangle.

"Wait and see," said Sonic.

Sure enough, they climbed up the stairs and saw Sonia, surrounded by suitcases.

"Just need some help taking these downstairs to your transports," said Sonia.

Sonic, Manic, and Sally facepalmed in disbelief as Tangle curiously opened one of the suitcases, and to her surprise…

"Hey! It's all a bunch of clothes and beauty products!"

"It's all matching outfits from the latest line and those products are essential to keeping my hair neat…and I can't live without it!" Sonia said.

"We're in trouble now," said Sonic and Manic together.

"Sonia, you realize where we're going, that's not exactly practical?" said Sally.

"So? You said, 'take only what you need to survive,' Sally. And like I said, I can't live without it," said Sonia.

"Definitely trouble," said Sonic and Manic together.

"Good thing we brought two transports, then. Everyone...get to it," said Sally.

The group set to work hauling down the suitcases one by one and loading them into one of the TC9s, by the time they were finished, the TC9 was half full of luggage. Tails and Tangle were sitting on a bench, trying to cool down.

"Aw man, what a workout," said Tails.

"You can say that again. Haven't done that much work in a while," said Tangle.

"Tails, would you kindly take Manic and Sonia back? Sonic and I still have to go around the city," said Sally.

"Me?" said Tails.

"I don't wanna be...weighed down, if you know what I mean," said Sally.

"All right, I'll see you guys later," said Tails.

"I hope where we're going has good beds," said Sonia.

"Trust me, Sonia, you won't be complaining….much," said Sonic.

"Alright, alright, let's go, princess," said Manic.

Manic and Sonia hopped aboard Tails' TC9 and they drove off, leaving Sonic, Sally, and Tangle left.

"What's next, Sonic?" Sally said.

"Still a few more folks I think are missing from this party. Let's go there and then we'll go to Spiral Hill Village."

"Drive on, then," said Sally.

The group drove their TC9 down the streets to a main drag of the Amethyst district. Tangle looked around.

"This place doesn't look nearly as troubled as the rest of the city."

"In wartime, the money somehow has to survive, Tangle. It's a sad truth," said Sally.

"That's not cool," said Tangle.

"You said it," said Sonic.

Soon, they approached a shop that didn't seem particularly busy, and they stopped their transport in front of it.

"You sure about this, Sonic?"

"Sure, Sal. She'll understand why," said Sonic.

"Who?" said Tangle.

"The owner of this chain," said Sally.

The three of them hopped out of their transport and walked into the shop, a clothing shop, and they saw some droids organizing the place.

"Just a minute now, I'm in the zone as it were," said a voice from in the back.

Sonic, Sally, and Tangle walked towards the back of the store, and saw in a back room, a female yellow Mobian cat putting the finishing touches on a dress. She finished one set of stitching, and then stepped back to examine the dress.

"How perfect. Honey the Cat, you have outdone yourself yet again. Now, how can I help-HUH?!"

Honey gasped when she saw Sally.

"You're here! You're really here!"

"I am not here, Honey….I'm here incognito," said Sally.

"Oh. That business. Sorry. I get pumped every time I see you here, it's always an opportunity for business….at least if Robotnik weren't towering over us," said Honey.

"Literally and figuratively," said Sonic.

Honey then noticed Tangle.

"Who's your friend?"

"Tangle the Lemur, meet Honey the Cat. Fashionista and occasional fighter," said Sally.

"You're really *the* Honey the Cat? Of Honey Brand Clothes and Accessories?" said Tangle.

Honey winked.

"You betcha! Because if you don't look sweet…"

"...you're not wearing Honey!" said Tangle.

"At least she drives the point home," said Sonic.

"Yep," said Sally.

Honey observed Tangle's outfit.

"Hmm...looks like a track outfit," said Honey.

"It's my favorite. Now my friend back home, she wears one of your business outfits," said Tangle.

"I'll have to see it, I designed a few, some of them are discontinued," said Honey.

"Anyway, Honey...I think you can take a guess why you're here," said Sally.

"Not really," said Honey.

"With the….Empire's arrival, we're gonna have to...go into exile," said Sally.

"Exile?"

"Yeah. It's too dangerous to stay here, not with the Empire searching every nook and cranny," said Sally.

"That's why we're hoping you'll join us, Honey. You're a capable fighter," said Sonic.

"That's sweet," said Honey.

"But also because we fear that the Empire will start looking at people who've had a past association with us," said Sally.

"I'm not part of the Freedom Fighters," said Honey.

"Yes, but you have encountered and even fought Sonic in the past. Just because you're not directly linked to us, the Empire will look for any excuse to come after you," said Sally.

"Come after...me?"

"They will. Count on it, Honey, they will. Even if you don't give them anything, they'll find a reason to come after you, however minute," said Sally.

Honey was visibly worried and nervous as she looked around.

"They'll imprison me….seize my business…."

"Exactly. They're not looking for you now, but rest assured they will come for you, Honey, you still have a chance to leave before the Imperials start looking at you more closely," said Sally.

"She's right, and with your skills as a martial artist, you could help us," said Sonic.

"And besides, once this war is over...it'll make a good business opportunity," said Sally.

"A business opportunity?"

"Yes, your brand will skyrocket once people learn what you might accomplish, and what new ideas you may find travelling off-world," said Sally.

"Yes…"

"And it'll be really cool!" said Tangle.

"Yes!"

"So...you're in?"

"You bet! Besides, you helped me a few times, and I'd rather make sure there's something worth selling my wares too. Besides, even if my business somehow survives, the Empire's sense of style is….kinda bland," said Honey.

"You said it, sister," said Tangle.

Sally handed Honey a small chip.

"There's a cargo ship leaving tomorrow from the Spaceport. This chip will tell you where it is. Book yourself a passage on it. The Empire won't give much thought to it," said Sally.

"Sure thing. Just have to tidy up my business affairs a bit, and I'll be ready," said Honey.

"Good luck," said Tangle.

"And you...we need to talk about improving that outfit. It could use a bit...more style," said Honey.

Tangle felt a nervous pulse through her body as she, Sonic, and Sally left Honey's shop.

"Man, she scared me a bit with that last word," said Tangle.

"Yeah, you and Tails," said Sonic.

"Where to next, Sonic?" said Sally.

"Next stop is a garage, Sal. This time, I'm doing much of the talking," said Sonic.

"A garage?" said Tangle.

"You'll see," said Sonic.

The group left in their TC9 and drove out of the district, heading for a lower-class section of town not too far away. They soon came to a garage in another part of the city.

"These two are two of the best mechanics I know. They may prove handy," said Sonic.

"Uh-huh," said Sally.

"Sal, don't gimme that look, I'm not just saying that, you know," said Sonic.

"Uh…." said Tangle.

"You'll see," said Sally.

The three of them walked inside the garage, where a few speeders were being worked on. Two lavender-violet female Bandicoots were working on one landspeeder when they heard the group walk in.

"Check it out, twins. Hey, Perci. Staci," said Sonic.

"Hey, Sonic," said the twins together.

"Heh, heh. Good to see you two managed to survive unscathed," said Sonic.

"It's good that you came back in one piece after the Imperials turned up, Sonic. I see you brought your Princess friend with you," said Perci.

"Along with...someone else," said Staci.

"Girls, meet Tangle the Lemur. Tangle, meet Perci and Staci, two of the best gearheads I know," said Sonic.

"What's up?" said Tangle.

"Good to see you," said Perci.

"So, Sonic, this must be business if your Princess friend is here," said Staci.

"Yes. We're here to see if you two would be interested in….a change of scenery," said Sally.

"Oh?" said Perci.

"Off-world, if you know what I mean," said Sally.

"You mean join up with you?" said Staci.

"Yeah. Some real excitement compared to working in this dump," said Sonic.

The twins looked at each other and then smirked.

"Say no more, Sonic. We've helped you guys out many times before, we're not turning down good business. Just say when and where," said Perci.

"There's a cargo ship down at the spaceport. Book yourselves passage and get aboard before it leaves," said Sonic.

"You bet," said Staci.

"Wouldn't wanna miss all the action, Sonic," said Perci.

The twins traced Sonic's face.

"Ladies, not in front of Sal," said Sonic.

"Oh, right. Forgot who she is," said Perci.

Sally simply rolled her eyes as Sonic chuckled.

"We'll see you later, Sonic," said Perci.

"Right on, ladies," said Sonic.

Sonic, Sally, and Tangle then turned and walked out of the garage as Sonic grinned to himself, as Sally simply shook her head.

"Relax, Sal," said Sonic.

"Uh-huh, right," said Sally.

"Don't gimme that look," said Sonic.

"If I have to sit through that again, it'll be too soon," said Sally.

"Anyway….what's next?" said Sonic.

"That everyone you got to see?" said Sally.

"Yep. So, let's head out to Spiral Hill Village. We're gonna help Tangle," said Sonic.

"Sweet! Thanks, Sonic! I promise you, we won't be staying too long," said Tangle.

"We'd better. We're on the clock," said Sally.

The trio boarded their TC9 and began driving down the streets, avoiding what checkpoints they could, any patrols, and crossing two of the main boulevards before reaching a highway out of town. They began driving down the highway at permitted speed. It was a good quarter hour before they finally saw the village.

"Spiral Hill Village. Good to see the Empire hasn't gotten here yet," said Sonic.

"I can't believe I've never visited this place," said Sally.

"You're gonna love it, Princess! It's got everything!" said Tangle.

The group drove up the road into the village.

"Leave the transport here, guys. We can walk the rest of the way. It's just so great to have friends come to visit! And when the town isn't being attacked, even!" said Tangle.

"It certainly is a quiet little town," Sally said.

"HEY EVERYONE!" said Tangle.

The townsfolk turned and saw Tangle, many of whom were eager to see her after so long. Sonic and Sally watched as Tangle greeted every one of her fellow villagers.

"Reminds me of happier times back in Knothole," said Sally.

"Yeah, Sal. All the more why we gotta beat Robuttnik!" said Sonic.

"Come on, you two! There's tons of places that I want you to see! But the one I want you to see is right here! The Mineral Museum, run by my bestest friend!" said Tangle.

Tangle directed them to a building that was part of a larger block, and Tangle then forced opened the doors hard, frightening a female Mobian Beetle that was inside.

"HEY, JEWEL! I BROUGHT GUESTS!"

"She certainly likes to make an entrance," said Sally.

"Heh, you can say that again," said Sonic.

"Guys, this is Jewel. She's the curator," said Tangle.

"Oh, charmed," said Jewel.

"Jewel, this is Sonic the Hedgehog, the guy I've been telling you about!" said Tangle.

"Whassup?" said Sonic.

"Oh, yes! Tangle talks about you a lot! It's great that you're giving her a chance to put her talents to a good cause!" said Jewel.

"Indeed! I know a good droid smasher when I see one! Heh," said Sonic.

"And….this is Princess Sally Acorn! She's the leader of the Freedom Fighters!" said Tangle.

Jewel gasped in awe.

"The Princess…."

Jewel then bowed before Sally, but Sally just laughed and kneeled down.

"First off, no need for that. The only Royalty is Mother Nature," said Sally.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry…" said Jewel.

"Second, this is quite a collection of minerals," said Sally.

"Sorry…it's just…in the time I've operated this museum...I never imagined I'd be getting someone of your…stature here. I haven't cleaned up...I haven't showered...," said Jewel.

"Heh, relax. I'm actually curious now. I can spare some time if you'll show me your collection," said Sally.

"O-of course, Princess! I'd be honored!" said Jewel.

"I helped too! Since we grew up together!" said Tangle.

"Only because I was looking out for you. You're the antithesis of 'look before you leap'," said Jewel.

"True!" said Tangle.

"Gee, does that sound familiar? I know the feeling, Jewel," said Sally.

Sally gave Sonic a smug grin.

"Not cool, Sal," said Sonic.

"As you can tell, we've amassed quite the collection over the years. Tangle, looking for adventure, and me, making sure she came back alive. Eventually, I put together this museum," said Jewel.

"I can see your hard work paid off," said Sally.

Sally then grabbed NICOLE's handheld from it's holster.

"NICOLE, look at this collection," said Sally.

NICOLE's holo-avatar soon appeared. Jewel gasped at the sight of NICOLE appearing out of nowhere.

"Yes, Sally. It's very well organized," said NICOLE.

"Wha-what is that?" said Jewel.

"Relax, Jewel! That's just NICOLE! She's Sally's friend! An Artificial Intelligence unit!" said Tangle.

"Oh, hello. I still have to get used to making my introductions better," said NICOLE.

"Artificial intelligence…" said Jewel.

Sonic simply leapt onto a windowsill and laid down for a while as the girls explored the museum, it was at least an hour later before NICOLE approached him.

"Sonic, it's unfortunate you lack sufficient interest in minerals," said NICOLE.

"Meh, I'm just waiting to get off this planet, can't believe I'm saying that. I just wanna get back to the action as soon as we're able to!"

"Your overwhelming anxiety is indicative of years of being able to do things faster than a normal Mobian being," said NICOLE.

"Don't psycho-analyze me, NICOLE. I am what I am. I got nothing that needs fixing," said Sonic.

Meanwhile, Tangle finally spoke to Jewel.

"Jewel, the reason I came back was because I needed to talk to you about something."

"What is it?"

"I'm…I'm gonna be going away for a while."

"Where?"

"Off-world. I may not be coming back for a while. Months, years, I don't know. All I do know is that...my friends need me more."

"You're going off to fight the Empire, aren't you?"

"You've seen and heard what's going on here, Jewel. It's too dangerous for me to stay here, they'll eventually figure out who I am and things are gonna get bad here. Until the Empire is dealt with or otherwise this war ends...it's best I leave."

"Tangle…"

"But I also wanted to give you a chance here, Jewel. You're my best friend, and I wanted to give you a chance to come with me."

"Come with you….and fight?"

"I know fighting is not your thing, Jewel. I don't...expect you to say yes. If you don't wanna go, I'll understand. It's just...I don't wanna have to worry about you."

"This museum….the village….it's our home, Tangle...I don't know…"

"It's okay...it's...okay. I won't make you come. I understand if you'd feel more comfortable staying here. I'm….gonna go out for a minute, tell our friends that I'm going."

Tangle turned away, and slowly walked towards Sally, who began walking her out of the museum. Jewel looked nervous, twiddling her thumbs, biting her lower lip, until she finally turned around.

"Tangle, wait! I...I..I'll...go. I'll do it."

Tangle froze and turned around.

"You will?"

"I realize that...I can't stay here wondering what may happen to you. I realize...I wouldn't hear from you, I'd spend who-knows-how-long overwhelmed with worry...I wouldn't be able to work here in that state...It's like...if anything happens to you…would I even hear about it? Or would I learn about it long afterwards? I can't...I can't live like that….I'll...I'll go."

"ALRIGHT!"

Tangle bounced on her tail in joy.

"But...I need to make arrangements for this place...I don't want to leave my hard work behind in case this place gets...looted," said Jewel.

"We'll take it with us, then. There's just enough room on our transport," said Sally.

"Princess?"

"It might help us later," said Sally.

"And I'd be more than willing to help you organize it," said NICOLE.

Jewel beamed in delight.

"You would?"

"Of course," said NICOLE.

"An artificial intelligence like yourself...oh, you would've saved me a few days of work cataloging all this!" said Jewel.

"I knew she'd like NICOLE," said Tangle.

"I had a hunch, given the amount of organizing that went into this place. Let's hurry. Time is of the essence," said Sally.

"About time, I was about to fall asleep," said Sonic.

Another hour later, Sonic and Tangle were loading crates onto the TC9, and they were just finishing up when Jewel, Sally, and NICOLE exited.

"Tangle?" said Jewel.

"Right, be right back guys...we're gonna tell our friends goodbye," said Tangle.

"Make it quick, we have to be ready by morning," said Sally.

Jewel and Tangle walked towards a small crowd who'd been summoned by Jewel, as Sonic and Sally watched.

"We really gotta do this, Sal? Risk it for a few rocks?"

"Sonic, what's the point of saving our planet if we can't save a few things that make it special in the first place?"

"Touche. But still...it's rocks."

"Minerals, Sonic. And besides, Jewel put a lot of hard work into it. Doesn't it make sense to ensure it's safe for when this war is over?"

Sonic shook his head.

"No surprise there, you're nothing more than a drifter as far as life's concerned."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just the fact that you have nothing to come back to except the runs and the chili dogs," said Sally.

"True. I do things my way," said Sonic.

Tangle & Jewel soon came back.

"Our friends are gonna take care of this place until we return," said Jewel.

"If we return someday," said Tangle.

"You will come back here, I can promise you that," said Sally.

"I'll take a shuttle to the city and book passage on that cargo ship you told me about. I'll make sure my minerals can get you through the checkpoint," said Jewel.

"Just list them as your cargo, and they'll know what they're doing on our transports," said Sally.

"Tangle, I hope your friends can make it aboard safely. Good luck," said Jewel.

"Sally's got the old plan, Jewel. We will. I'll see you aboard," said Tangle.

"Let's get back to the city and get ready," said Sonic.

NICOLE disappeared back into her handheld as Sonic, Sally, and Tangle boarded the TC9 and drove off, as Jewel headed for a nearby shuttle pad. The TC9 drove down the hill from Spiral Hill Village and drove down the road. It was getting dark by the time it returned to the city. After parking the TC9 with the other TC9s, Sonic, Sally, and Tangle snuck back into the junkyard. But when they saw the derelict Barloz. They saw a huge crane getting ready to lift it out of the junk pile, and onto a flatbed hover transport. They saw Jericho sitting out of sight as he watched.

"I assume this was your doing," said Sally.

"I have friends who can arrange for this," said Jericho.

Tangle walked back into the bunker, as Sonic and Sally watched as the Barloz was slowly lifted out of the junk, as various pieces fell off their resting places on the ship. The crane lifted it clear of the junk as the ship, with its landing gear still extended, was moved over the flatbed and gently lowered down.

"So, Sonic. When are you planning to tell everyone?" said Jericho.

"Tell them what?" said Sonic.

"About how all this happened?"

"What?"

"He's...got a point, Sonic. We do need to explain what got the Empire here after all these years."

"Hey, it's not my fault this happened! You guys should've warned us about the Empire!"

"I'll admit some degree of policy error happened. It wasn't my call to make, you know that," said Jericho.

"We're not going to blame each other for this, it seems like everything happened at once, c'mon, let's go," said Sally.

The three of them went down into the bunker as everyone gathered in the mess hall for dinner. Sally then held up her arms.

"Everyone? Can I have your attention, please?"

Everyone turned in Sally's direction.

"Sonic and I have something to tell you. Go ahead, Sonic."

Sonic was surprised Sally was making him speak first. But she gave him a glare, and he finally sighed.

"Uh, a lot of you are wondering what...or why the Empire came here now...after all these years...and it's sort of our fault. We learned that Robuttnik has been covering up our presence on this planet for years...and...our attack on the Chemical Plant on the river caused a chain reaction on multiple fronts, so to speak," said Sonic.

"An open fuel line leading to two of the factories nearby ignited, destroying them and several months of construction material meant for the Empire. By doing so, we got their attention. Jericho here knew about that...but he, and his superiors in the Rebellion, were trying to keep their presence here secret to protect us from Imperial action," said Sally.

"I had knowledge of what the Empire was planning, with the Death Star and all, and my superiors, combined with Sally's caretakers, ordered me not to reveal our presence. Our intention was to ensure that Robotnik was in a weaker position, and I think my superiors were hoping to achieve what the Phoenix cell achieved on Lothal, but obviously, that's not going to happen," said Jericho.

"So in other words...this mess was your fault." said Barby.

"Barb…" said Walt.

"You expect me to believe a whole series of events led to all this madness?"

"Barb!" said Walt.

"It was a flawed policy from day one. We wanted to make sure you all were adequately prepared to face the Empire. But...we underestimated the level of response. We didn't expect Darth Vader to come here and rain destruction at that speed. But in the end, it doesn't matter how this played out. If the attack on the Chem Plant hadn't happened, I think the destruction of the Death Star would've triggered them anyway. The Empire would've likely sent their forces here to reassert themselves in the wake of the destruction of the Death Star. Maybe we would've had more time to prepare, but in the end, it didn't matter," said Jericho.

"Didn't matter? Those lives we lost didn't matter?" said Barby.

"Barb! Enough," said Walt.

"Yes. Despite the errors of judgment that led to this, I don't think it's any one person's fault that this happened," said Lupe.

"She's right, it doesn't matter whose fault it is. What matters is the Empire has taken our planet, and we have to fight on a new front to get it back. We defeat the Empire, we defeat Robotnik. But for now, our priority is getting everyone to safety. And everything is in place for our departure," said Sally.

"What exactly are we gonna do, again?" said Spike.

"We're gonna load you guys into that derelict Barloz-class freighter outside and smuggle you through the checkpoint as salvage," said Sally.

"Not much of a plan. Won't they scan for life signs?" said Jian.

"Not likely, but we're taking no chances. We're placing a scrambler on the wreck that will deflect their scanners and make them think it's empty. That should get you past the scanners. That's just the first part. The second, we'll have to get past the second checkpoint in orbit. That'll be up to the crew," said Sally.

"You're taking a lot of risk," said Erma.

"It's the best option we have. And besides. If things go south, we'll load you onto our transports and just make a break for it," said Sally.

"Let's try to avoid that. Those Star Destroyers can catch us easily once they power up," said Jericho.

"After dinner, get some rest. We're gonna need to be up bright and early," said Sally.

"Why so early?" said Bow.

"The patrols will be changing shifts. There'll be fewer guards, most of them tired, they'll prioritize getting us through than being thorough," said Jericho.

"So be ready. This is it," said Sally.