Problems With Mine Control
By Asher Tye
Disclaimer: I own nothing, save for the bit characters, the substance known as Vibrium, and anything else you don't instantly recognize. If you try to sue me, all you'll get is a copy of last Sunday's comics page from the newspaper, value: $ .000001.
Author's Note: I am tentatively continuing the Silver Fox storyline due to the amount of requests for such action.. In any event, this story takes place about two months after the events recounted in Metallic, and just before the whole Endgame Saga.
Summary: Robotnik has uncovered a mine containing the fantastic metal known as vibrium, the same indestructible substance used to create Silver Fox. Needless to say, the Freedom Fighters can't let the mad doctor get it.
***************************************************************************
In the dark, pollution-filled city of Robotropolis, the streets were alive with activity as robots of all kinds moved about doing their programmed jobs with the same mechanical efficiency. Worker-bots, those mobians who had been enslaved by the cities mad dictator, worked alone or in groups as the situation warranted, transporting materials and doing their best to maintain the rapidly decaying city that was their prison. Groups of SWATbots and Combots moved through the streets as well, scanning for any unauthorized organic creatures that were not supposed to be their, all the while careful not to disrupt the workers from their appointed tasks. Every so often, a Stealthbot or a Spy Orb flew overheard, keeping watch for any incoming aircraft or large ground force that would threaten the safety of the city. All eyes were vigilant, watching for any sign of their master's enemies. All was silent, save for the almost rhythmic clanging and grinding of metal gears, the only music that ever seemed to find favor with Dr. Robotnik.
Suddenly, a low roar, which steadily increased in volume, broke through the stifling silence. Up the city's main street sped a red grounder unit, its treads easily crushing any debris that happened to be in it's way. The mole-like robot didn't even let other robots stop it, using its three drills to plow through one unlucky SWATbot that had walked into its path. Finally, the grounder made it to Robotropolis's command center, the former castle of Acorn, where it promptly crashing into the titanic metal door that barred entrance.
Grounder backed up and its eyes began to glow red as it transmitted the access codes needed to gain entrance to the building. As the two Combots guarding the building received the access codes, their eyes too began to glow. Soon, the door opened and Grounder was admitted to the base, moving at top speed the whole way.
Meanwhile, in his command room from where he completely dominated the vast machine that was Robotropolis, Robotnik was busy watching as his various underbosses gave him their reports. It was clear from his drooping face that the Lord of Lard was bored almost to tears by their steady talk. Beside him though, Snively struggled to write down all that was being said by the underboss; Crocbot. The reptile robot is interrupted, however, as the door to Robotnik's chamber came crashing off it's hinges as Grounder entered the room. Robotnik reached into the side of his throne, pulling out a powerful handblaster to defend himself while Snively dove for safety behind a computer console, ready to surrender or cheer as the case permitted.
"Sir, news from mine 23K," the grounder unit yelled. Robotnik, realizing he was not under attack, visibly relaxed.
"What do you mean 'news?' 23K hasn't yielded anything I've needed in years?" Robotnik asked, curious as to what would make this robot risk it's metallic life by startling him.
"We decided to make a new shaft, and started pulling out limestone, but we also came across something else." Recognition flashed over Robotnik's face as he grabbed the grounder by it's metal neck.
"Are you saying you found VIBRIUM?!?"
"We are estimating about four hundred thirty-nine pounds pooled within the fifteen tons of limestone. Four worker-bots were lost before we could shut the shaft and prevent the rest from escaping. Given our location, it was felt this was important news to report to you directly." A simple gesture from Robotnik, and the titan screen that once showed Crocbot's face instead showed a map of his empire. The other underbosses looked with their lord and master at the map.
"Darn, 23K is on the other side of the Great Forest, right in those detestable Freedom Fighters' very backyard!" Robotnik yelled, slamming his fist on the console.
"Why didn't you bring it back with you, you ignorant..."
"Shut-up Snively," Robotnik began. "It is imperative that I collect all of the vibrium in that mine before the Freedom Fighters find out about it." Robotnik hastily scribbled something on a piece of paper before handing it to Grounder. "I have just given you a signed, blank requisition form. The resources of my empire are now at your disposal. Get whatever you need, I don't care about the price, but BRING ME THAT VIBRIUM!!" With his new orders, the Grounder takes off again at highspeed. It is then that Robotnik remembered that the underbosses were still present, and have all heard this conversation. "You are to delete this conversation from your memory banks immediately. Failure to do so will result in immediate termination. We will continue the status reports another time. Computer terminate communications." At this command, all the screens go black. Snively, however, remains with questions.
"Sir, I don't see the need for such speed over a simple ore. The Freedom Fighters are hardly capable of using raw materials to produce anything, and a slower pace would be far less suspicious, and help to maintain the secrecy of your supply routes." In answer, Robotnik simply stared back at his nephew.
"Your memory is as short as you are, Snively. Computer, display all files on vibrium."
"As you command," the computer began to drone. "Vibrium is a very rare metallic substance naturally found only with limestone in liquid form. Liquid vibrium must be processed before it can be molded into a solid and permanent form, but once it has been, it has proven to be virtually indestructible. Structures and items known to be constructed of vibrium: The Black Tower in the Mobian Wastelands; Citadel of Dreams in Downunder Umbria; Silver Fox robot, location unknown; and Eggomatic Hovercraft in Robotropolis." As the computer speaks, pictures of all four appear on the screen. "Locations currently possessing the ability to process liquid vibrium: Robotropolis."
"There you are Uncle, we're the only ones who can use vibrium. The Freedom fighters wouldn't need to mine it, unless of course you showed a pronounced interest in it." In response to this statement, Robotnik walks over to a safe in the room. Opening the small but heavy door, the Lord of Lard reaches inside and pulls out a small vial that is half full of a shining silver liquid. Robotnik smiles as he looks over at Snively.
"Come over here Snively," Robotnik says in a mockingly gentle voice. Snively nervously inches closer to his uncle, not trusting the devious overlander. "In this specially made vial is the last of my supply of vibrium, enough to build, say, a laser pistol. However, since I will soon be getting a renewed supply, I've decided to use it to further your education." Suddenly, Robotnik dropped the vial, which shatters on Snively's head, covering him in the liquid metal. At first the overland is angry, until he notices that the vibrium has started to dissolve his uniform.
"It's an acid!!" Snively shrieks as more and more of his clothing disappears, leaving silver streaks on his now bare skin. Within seconds, the uniform is completely gone, leaving the little overlander naked as Robotnik roared with laughter. "It's not funny," Snively yelled, trying his best to maintain his dignity while covering himself up with his clipboard. "You've gotta get me a med-bot before the acid kills me!"
"Relax my little nephew," Robotnik mocked as Snively tried to get the silver off of him. "It's not an acid, at least not in the kind your thinking of. Liquid vibrium has the unique ability to destroy any inorganic or processed materials it comes in contact with, such as your clothes or..." Robotnik's face darkens, "my robots and defense."
"But not the Great Forest. The Freedom Fighters would turn it into an offensive weapon."
"Precisely. This is also the reason it's only found in limestone deposits, the calcium keeps it from dissolving everything." Robotnik's smile returns. "I would suggest, however, that you do go wash that stuff off. Otherwise it will seep into your pores and dissolve the inorganic salts in your body." Snively looks at Robotnik, horrified. "Well, what are you waiting for? Go."
"Uh," Snively sheepishly began, "could you...?"
"Oh for the love of..." Robotnik turns his chair away from his embarrassed nephew and puts a hand over his eyes. The only response he got was the pitter-patter of flesh on metal, signaling Snively's hasty exit. It is then that a thought enters Robotnik's mind.
"No one has ever documented what prolonged exposure to vibrium does. I'd hate to loose Snively's assistance, but he has always been expendable. I'll give him a fifty-fifty chance." Robotnik opens a communications line. "All SWATbots and Combots within the egg command center. Snively seems to be out of uniform. If spotted, stop him and find out why for me. Use minimum force if necessary." Robotnik shuts off the communications line. "At the very least, this could be fun to watch later."
***************************************
It had taken him nearly an hour to before Snively had been able to get into the shower in his own private quarters, primarily due to the large number of robots that had stopped him in the halls. Of course, he suffered no illusions that his "kindly" uncle was not completely behind all the delays he had suffered. His suspicions were confirmed by the message he found waiting for him from Robotnik.
"'Report to med-lab for a full check up,'" Snively muttered to himself as he used a metal scouring pad and soup to try to remove the vibrium. "If I needed a check up, I'd go to my own med-bots, and certainly not his." Snively pulled off another of the silver streaks that covered his skin, yelping as he did so. These were the worst. The streaks had been relatively easy to remove at first, but now they were becoming harder and much more resistant to removal. Snively checked the pieces that had come off earlier. Sure enough, they had bonded almost completely to tile of the shower. Of course this served to cause the small overlander to redouble his efforts to clean himself of the metallic substance. Robotnik's delays had done their job however, and Snively found he couldn't budge the silver streaks left on his right arm, chest, and upper back.
*I'll get that overlander,* Snively angrily thought. *If it's the last thing I do, I'll get that Robo...* Suddenly, a new thought entered his mind. *The vibrium mine! If that fatso is so worried about his precious mine, I'll give him something to worry about.*
***************************************************************************
The hidden village of Knothole was alive with activity as it's denizens moved from place to place as they performed their daily routines. And there was plenty to do. A new building was going up to facilitate a new school, and there was also a harvest of vegetables that had to be brought in, especially with winter on it's way.
Sally watched all this from her window, taking a well deserved break from the maps she had been using to plan the Freedom Fighters next offensive on Robotropolis. As she watched her subjects working and playing so happily, the squirrel princess had to wonder if it would be so wrong to simply give up their war efforts and live in Knothole for the rest of their lives. The Great Forest provided them with everything they needed, and Robotnik's pollution had spoiled Mobotropolis almost beyond the point at which it could be reclaimed. Could it really be considered for the best to continue causing trouble over a city that would quite possibly be unlivable if they ever got it back?
Sally shook her head, banishing such destructive thoughts from her mind. Knothole was a nice place, of that no one could persuade her otherwise, but it was not the Freedom Fighter's home; Mobotropolis was. They weren't the aggressors, Robotnik was and he would not be satisfied by one city, he wanted the entire world.
Then there were the Mobians Robotnik enslaved she had to consider. They deserved to be free as much as any other on Mobius, and Sally was not about to deny them. As she turned back to her maps, a small beeping noise from her vest told her that Nicole had mail for her. Lifting Nicole from her resting place, Sally flipped open to miniaturized computer.
"Nicole, please display the new message," Sally stated.
"As you request, Princess." In less than a second, a holographic display popped up over Nicole, the robotic visage of Sir Charles Hedgehog appearing.
"Princess, I can't talk long but I have important news you must hear. Robotnik has uncovered a rich vibrium mine on the other side of the Great Forest, and he's trying to sneak it all into Robotropolis. I've been transferred to the mine, so I should be able to slow them down, but without your help, I won't be able to stop them. I'll be waiting for you at these coordinates." With that, the image disappeared.
"Just when I thought we'd have a free day," Sally said as she raced to the door of her hut. "I'd best get the others so we can make a plan."
***************************************
It had taken about thirty minutes to round up the rest of her team, and Sally was seriously beginning to consider have an intercom system installed in the village for just such emergencies. Sonic and Antoine had been hardest to find, mainly because Sonic had opted to take Tails to their "super-secret" spot as they'd termed it. As for Antoine, he had been listening to his headphones, completely oblivious to the world around him and thus blissfully unaware of his princess calling for him. But at least he had been alone.
Sonic, being with Tails, had forced the princess to try to think up some plausible excuse to keep the double-tailed vulpine from following them. She knew the little fox meant well, but the facts remained that it was far too dangerous to allow him to go on missions like this. *If he were to get hurt...* Sally shuddered at the thought. As soon as the other Freedom Fighters had assembled, Sally began.
"Friends, we have a problem. Sir Charles Hedgehog has sent dire news that Robotnik has discovered a reservoir of the material vibrium just outside the boundaries of the Great Forest. As I'm sure you all know, vibrium in it's processed form is virtually indestructible, at least as far as current technology allows. And of course you are all familiar with Robotnik's OTHER vibrium created terrors I'm sure. According to Sir Charles's report, this is a particularly rich vein, so one has only to use one's imagination to discern what our 'friend' could do with it."
"Whatcha plannin' on doing, Sal?"
"Is it not oblivious to vous? We must stopped Robtnik from getting his mittens on zhe vibrium," Antoine said.
"Robotnik is nobody's fool, Antoine," came Rotor's voice. "He's gonna have enough guards at that mine to take a small country."
"There ain't enough 'bots in his army ta stop this hedgehog."
"Sonic this is no time to brag. We need a plan to stop him, and our situation is only made worse by the presence of worker-bots at the mine. We can't run the risk of releasing the vibrium and putting them in danger along with the normal robots."
"Maybe we could be using some smaller explosives to, how you say, collapse zhe mine in on itself. Zhat way it would be too difficulting to be getting zhe liquid out without loosing miners."
"That would do the trick, Sally," Rotor said. "Even Robotnik won't waste all his robots trying to get at an impossible mine. The only tricky part will be placing the explosives at the precise locations to cause the cave in correctly. Afterall, we can't risk a rupture."
"There's still the matter of the worker-bots in the mine."
"Leave 'em to me and Tails, Sal, we'll just get those 'bots to chase us and..."
"NO!" Sally said, almost screaming at Sonic. "Tails will not go on this mission. It's far too dangerous for him to be there."
"Sal, we've done this before, dozens of times. It's a zero risk mission."
"No Sonic Hedgehog. Tails is not to go, I don't even want you telling him about this operation." As Sally sat back down, Sonic muttered something under his breath. "Would you care to repeat that Sonic?"
"I'm just wondering why you suddenly have a thing against Tails."
"That's not fair and you know it Sonic. We both know why Tails shouldn't go on this mission, or any other for that matter."
"Look I know you think he's too young but..."
"That's not even the first reason right now."
"Then what is?"
"Two words: Silver Fox."
"THAT'S IT!!" the blue hedgehog screamed as if he couldn't believe what he'd heard.
"Sally-girl's gotta point sugarhog. Thah lil' guy's been a big help ta us before, but now... We just can't risk him gettin' hurt," Bunnie said, shuddering at the thought.
"So because he's a victim of Buttnik he should be scrubbed from all missions? What next, you gonna put him in a plastic bubble?"
"Sonic..." Sally started.
"I know you're just tryin' to do what's best for him Sal, but if he can't go on missions, he might as well not even be in Knothole."
"That's actually an idea," Sally said quietly.
"Wha..." said Rotor.
"My Prinzess," came Antoine's response, almost unbelievingly.
"Sally..." Bunnie said, staring wide-eyed at the squirrel. For his part, Sonic stared as well, his jaw dropping slightly. This was quickly replaces by a look of anger as the hedgehog's eyes narrowed, his ears folded back, and his jaw fully clenched. Before he could say anything, however, Sally spoke again.
"I had hoped to tell you this later, at the very least after I had come up with an acceptable plan of action, but I guess I'll need to explain now. I have been considering for some time sending Tails to live with one of the other, less active, Freedom Fighter cells. Truthfully because I didn't want to run the risk of him getting caught by Robotnik should Knothole ever be discovered. Of course, since Silver Fox's explosion onto the scene, I've been giving this more serious consideration. I would, of course, not have sent him off without first consulting you, but I do feel that this is the best course of action, not simply for us, but for Tails himself as well."
"How the frell do you think that would be best for him!"
"Sonic please watch your langu..."
"Don't interrupt me!" Sonic yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at Sally. "Is this your idea of helping?! Just pack 'em up and ship 'em out!!"
"Zat ees not fair, Sonic Hedgehog. It is not as eef Tails hases a cold or loosed a limb. He ees zat maniac Silver Fox waiting to happen."
"Sally does have a point, sugar. We don't even know how badly Tails has ta be hurt ta make them little 'bots go."
"I don't believe this!" Sonic yelled again. "We're the closest thing Tails has to a family, and you guys just wanna ship him off like old baggage." Sonic pauses as he notices Rotor has yet to speak. "And what are you gonna say, Tusker? That Tails can't really be trusted 'cause he's a schizo?"
"Actually Sonic...!" Rotor began, slamming his claws on the table in anger over his friend's accusations. "I'm on your side, despite how much of a jerk you're being right now."
"Rotor?"
"Admittedly, Silver Fox literally living in Tails's bloodstream represents a tremendous threat. However, if you'll recall, we were almost totally ineffective in slowing him down ourselves. If we couldn't deal with him, what chance does anyone else have in dealing with him? Add to that the fact that we know his capabilities, and I say sending him off is just asking for a repeat of Silver Fox."
"I appreciate all your input, but I am still undecided on the matter," Sally concluded. "We will continue this discussion at a later date, but for now I feel we have more pressing problems on our hands; Robotnik's vibrium mine."
"Oui my Prinzess."
"Sonic, until we HAVE decided on a course of action where Tails is concerned, I trust you will respect my wishes and leave Tails out of this."
"All right Princess, but don't think this is over."
"Now I believe we were discussing the possibility of collapsing the mine in on itself?"
"Yes Sally. If Sonic still believes he can get the workerbots out of the mine," as Rotor said this Sonic nodded silently, "Then we can use small controlled explosives in strategic locations to collapse the mine without freeing the vibrium. There is still a risk with this plan, especially if the outer wall of the mine ruptures, the vibrium is going to spill into the Great Forest and contaminate it all."
"Amy might be able to help with zhat," Antoine said. And thus the Freedom Fighters continued to hammer out the details of their plans.
**************************************
Tails flew at top speed for the power ring pool. Just because Sonic wasn't with him didn't mean he couldn't have some fun on his own. Still, the young fox was curious as to why Sally had wanted to get rid of him and talk to Sonic.
*Oh, well Sonic will probably tell me later. Maybe it's a surprise for me,* Tails thought. As soon as he arrived at the pond, the vulpine slipped off his shoes, socks, and gloves and rose into the air some twenty feet before he stopped his tails could. With a loud splash and a cry of pleasure, the fox kit cannonballed into the water.
"Hey! Watch out you little twit," yelled an angry voice as Tails resurfaced! Looking around, Tails found the voice's owner standing on the opposite side of the pool, drenched from his wave.
Amy shook her head, getting the water out of her quills. She could do nothing for her dress, or the blanket she'd been sitting on. Suddenly, she remembered her tarot cards, which had been lying on the blanket as well and quickly began together them up before they suffered water damage. The pink hedgehog then turned back to glare at Tails, only to find that he was no longer treading water, but had swum up to her bank, lying half in and half out of the water.
"Whaddaya doin' here Amy?" the curious kitsune asked, light blue eyes blinking. It was all Amy could do to remember she was supposed to be angry with him, he looked almost as cute as she was sure Sonic would have.
"If it's any of your business, Prower, I was practicing my fortunetelling until some flying furball decided I needed a shower!"
"Well you could use one," Tails said, sniffing the air. Before he could say anything else, however, a hand covered his face roughly shoving him back into the water. Amy smiled as the fox hit the water, quickly putting her cards back into her bag, knowing what would happen next. Sure enough, as soon as Tails's head broke the surface of the water he drew his arms back, bringing them together just one the waters surface, sending a new wave of water to splash Amy. He then swam back to the center of the bond, well out of her reach.
"If you think I won't get my feet wet to deal with you, Furball, you're in for a real shock," Amy yelled, diving into the water. Realizing his peril, Tails turned to get away but, before he could, Amy was on him, dunking his furry head underwater. Amy did not have time to gloat, however, as Tails grabber her legs and pulled her under with him. The pink hedgehog's eyes adjust in time to see Tails sticking his tongue out at her, then using his namesakes to speed away.
*Fine,* Amy thought, *If that's the way he wants to play, we can do that too.* Though as a very low level mage Amy possessed few spells, one particular favorite of her's would be perfect to teach Tails a lesson. Surfacing, Amy pointed a gesturing hand at the fleeing fox concentrating as she said, "Waterspout!"
Before Tails could get out of the water, a strong geyser erupted out of nowhere, launching the little kit into the air. Once again, before Tails could act and right himself for flight, a second geyser at a different angle launched him into the third. On and on this went with Amy laughing at the comedic sight of Tails being bounced around like a ball, until she heard him say the words she wanted to hear.
"All right, all right... I give." The geysers stopped, depositing Tails back in the pool as Amy climbed out, picking up her things.
"Next time, Furball, don't insult a lady's odor." Amy smiled as she walked away, leaving Tails to pull himself onto shore.
***************************************************************************
*This is maddening,* Snively thought as he desperately tried to scratch his arm and chest. The med-bot had said that the vibrium streaks did not appear dangerous, but the skin under them itched furiously. None of the robots at the mine seemed to notice the little overlander's problems, but they were also more involved with mining the liquid vibrium, which had to be done with the utmost care.
*I wish I was back in Robotropolis. My med-bots would have already have found a way to alleviate this.* Robotnik, though, had felt his nephew would be put to better use overseeing his precious mine.
The robots were getting ready to send their first shipment back to Robotropolis, fifteen pounds of the metal in a pressurized energy field. Snively was starting to get worried though. He was sure the Freedom Fighters had gotten the information on the mine, so why hadn't they come to stop Robotnik.
The itching was getting worse and worse as Snively rolled up his sleeve, desperate to scratch it. That was when he noticed something that filled him with greater alarm, the silver streaks were getting smaller as they sunk beneath his flesh.
*This can't be good,* Snively thought. *I have to send for my med- bots. I only hope they're able to do something about this.* Snively began to furiously type in commands to Robotropolis, utilizing his private communication lines of course to directly link to the med-bot in question. If luck was with him, the robot would arrive within the hour.
***************************************************************************
Sonic was still fuming as he left the Warhut.
"How dare Sally even think about gettin' rid of Tails," the hedgehog grumbled as he walked away from the hut. "And then she makes me promise not to even tell him."
"Tell him what, Sonic?" a feminine voice behind him asked. Sonic angrily turned around to find a sight that almost instantly lightened his mood. There stood Amy Rose, still dripping from her earlier encounter with Tails. Her quills were all over the place, some actually turned backwards, while others clung to her head and dress. Mud covered her wet shoes and the bag she carried was almost as soaked as she herself. All in all, she looked nothing like the immaculate little girl he'd known for some time.
"What happened to you?" Sonic asked, laughing.
"Your little furball hit me with the Power Ring Pool," Amy said indignantly. "You need to teach him how to treat a lady properly."
"He still at the pool, Amy?"
"Yeah, I think so, but what were you talking about earlier? Who weren't you supposed to tell what?"
"Don't worr..." Suddenly, Sonic stopped as a thought crossed his mind. *Sally made me promise not to tell TAILS.* Sonic's eyes narrowed as a smile crossed his face. "Sally's thinkin' of groundin' ol' Tails from any more missions. She even wants ta send him off to another village."
"Why?" Amy asked, her eyes getting wide.
"She's afraid he's gonna get hurt around here, him being a kid and all," Sonic answered, being very sure to stress the point. "I gotta catch up to him. You know, in case Sally decides to ship him off." The blue hedgehog waved good-bye as he sped off, leaving behind a slightly confused Amy Rose.
**************************************
Tails was laying on a sunny bank soaking in the rays of the sun as they dried his orange fur. The young fox's ears twitched as he heard the tell-tale sonic boom that always heralded the arrival of the worlds fastest hedgehog. A mischievous smile spread across the vulpine's face.
Soon Sonic arrived to find the pond completely empty. Curious, and perhaps a little worried, Sonic began to search the banks and soon he came across Tails's clothes. Too late, Sonic realized what was happening.
"CANNONBALLLLLLL!" came a shout from above. Sonic looked up in time to see an orange ball strike the water, showering the hedgehog just as Amy had been.
"Didn't you learn your lesson from Amy?" Sonic said, tapping his feet.
"Yeah, don't splash people who can swim or using magic," Tails said, laughing as he tread water. "Say what'd Aunt Sally want to talk to you about?"
"It's a big secret, Big Guy, and Sal made me promise not to tell," Sonic answered, ringing his quills.
"Ahh, c'mon Sonic, you can tell me," the fox began to plead.
"Sorry Big Guy, but I wouldn't be much of a Mobian if I didn't keep my promises," Sonic answered, even as he thought. *Even if I don't agree with it.*
"Okay..." Tails said dejectedly. "Are we still gonna go camping tonight?"
"I don't see..."
"I'm afraid Sonic is needed elsewhere Tails," letting the two know she was there. Sonic could see she was angry over something, even if she was trying to hide it from the world.
*What's she angry about? She couldn't have found out that I told Amy,* Sonic thought. "Whatcha talkin' about Sal? I thought I had a free night."
"Antoine's sick so I need you to take his place on guard duty tonight, and I need to speak with you in private. Tails, honey, do you mind..."
"Yeah, I know, I know. I'm gonna see if Rosie has anything good to eat."
"Just don't spoil your dinner, okay," Sally said as the young vulpine grabbed his clothes and took off. Then the squirrel turned her attention back to Sonic.
"So what is it, Sal?" Sonic again asked, hiding the nervousness in his voice.
"I lied, you don't have guard duty, but we do have a problem," Sally began. "Charles sent me a message about an hour after the meeting. Robotnik is stepping up the mining of the vibrium mine, big time. He's sent four hyper-miner tanks there, and Nicole says those things will have the place stripped in a day. We can't afford to wait any more, so I need you to help me round up the rest of our team."
"Gotcha Sally, I'll meetcha at the warhut with everyone else." With that, Sonic sped off.
***************************************************************************
"Please stop squirming sir, or you shall break the needle," the med- bot said as it drew blood form it's patient's arm. Snively tried to settle down, but the cold metal table felt very uncomfortable against his skin. His clothes lay on a nearby chair, his green jacket ripped in several places where the material had actually begun to bond to the short overlander's flesh. A look at his chest had given both the robot and the overlander the answer why.
The streaks had begun to reemerge, and were actually getting bigger. Three of them had actually linked together into a single plated that stretched around his side, fully mimicking the skin. The streaks no longer itched and so far the metal had not restricted any of Snively's movements, but still he couldn't help but be worried. The med-bot said nothing as he began to examine the samples he'd taken from his master. Finally, it turned a sharp scalpel in it's hand. Before Snively could do anything, the scalpel was brought down point first on the metal plate at his side. Instead of piercing the exposed area, the blade shattered, much to Snively's surprise.
"Just as I thought," the med-bot said nonchalantly.
"What did you think?!" Snively almost yelled, still a little freaked over his near stabbing.
"Your skin is being replaced by what appears to be a vibrium substitute, a material that has the strength of vibrium yet remains malleable like real flesh."
"You mean I'm being covered in vibrium!"
"No, there wasn't enough vibrium absorbed by your skin. And from what I can tell the vibrium has not contaminated any of your internal systems, but time may change that."
"What are the short term effects I will have to deal with?"
"Due to it's metallic nature, any skin converted will loose the pores normally associated with skin. Within a day, the metal should complete it's metamorphosis and harden, allowing you to wear your uniform without fearing becoming one with it. The muscles underneath the skin are also taking on properties similar to vibrium, which should provide better support for the heavier metalloskin. This does give you a quasi- invulnerability, but I don't recommend relying on it. You'll become noticeably heavier, so I would suggest some leg-centered exercises to compensate."
"And the long term effects?"
"Your metallo-skin cannot naturally heal itself, and any damage to internal organs under the skin will be impossible to repair. The added weight with increase the strain on your heart, making it essential that maintain your health. Other than that, I could not say."
"Is there any way to stop it?"
"No, and there is another problem. The malleable nature of your skin makes the metal replacing it re-usable. I dare say your uncle would love to get his hands on some vibrium with such properties." Snively's eyes widened as a brief image of Robotnik chasing after him with a pickaxe flashed through his mind. "I would suggest hiding your condition from him.
"I've been meaning to change my look," Snively said as he began to redress. Suddenly he remembered his ruined jacket. "Do you have anything I can wear?" The med-bot reached into a compartment in it's chest, pulling out a white gown.
"This is the best I can do." Snively grudgingly took the gown and left.
***************************************************************************
"Hand me the sugar please, sweety," Rosie said, pointing to the top of the cabinet. Winding up his namesakes, Tails rose to grab the bag of sugar, returning to the ground and handing it to the aged beaver. Rosie was busily making dinner, which was to be Tails's second favorite dish; Rosewater Stew.
Tails looked out the window just in time to see and hear Sonic running like a mad-hog through the village, collecting Freedom Fighters as he went. The fox could just make out Antoine clinging to Sonic, ad the coyote didn't look sick at all, something that made Tails very suspicious.
*Aunt Sally said Antoine was sick, why would she lie?* Tails thought. Curious, and just a little offended, Tails bid Rosie good-bye before leaving to track Sonic by air. Sure enough, Sonic led Tails right to the War-hut where the rest of their friends were waiting.
"Zat was zhe most terriblest I have ever had," Antoine was complaining. "Vous were deliberately making it to be so bumpy."
"Sure Twan, I got nothing better to do then think up ways to make you sick," Sonic quipped back.
"Sonic, Antoine, do you mind stepping inside so we can start planning our assault on the mine?" Sally asked in an irritated voice. Sonic and Antoine may keep their arguments to a minimum these days, but it still got on the Princess's nerves when they chose the worst times to pick fights over trivial things.
"As you wish, my Prinzess."
"'Kay Sal." both hedgehog and coyote entered the hut as Tails landed on the roof light as a feather and carefully pulled back a piece.. Inside, the fox spotted both Rotor and Bunnie, as well as Dylan and a punky flamingo named Spike. All seven Mobians were looking at a holographic map of a mountain Tails didn't recognize.
"Sonic, did you tell Amy to come like I asked?" the aristocratic squirrel asked her blue boyfriend.
"Yeah Sal, but she was helping Sarah bring in some food so she'll probably be a little late."
"We'll just have to fill her in when she arrives," Sally said. "Nicole, ladder pointer if you please."
"Yes Princess." A red beam of light extended from the small pocket computer.
"This is 23K, the mountain from which Robtonik intends to draw the liquid vibrium I told you about. As you all know, processed vibrium is practically indestructible, a quality we do not need to see in ANY of Robotnik's machines again. Apparently Robotnik has anticipated our feelings, and thus has concentrated almost all of his mining power of 23K. He's already managed to secure a shipment of the stuff for himself. We have to act now."
"So what's the plan?" Rotor asked.
"I've decided on your suggestion Rotor. We're going to collapse the mine in on itself. Sonic; you, Spike, and Amy will have to get the worker- bots out of the mine." The image of the mountain changes to a picture of the mine, with several red dots at different points. "Antoine, Dylan, Rotor, and myself will split into two teams and place charges at these exact points. It'll be a risky operation, if those bombs are too far off target, it's very possible they will blow a hole in the mountain and flood the Great Forest with vibrium." Suddenly the door opened and Amy walked in.
"Sorry I'm late Princess."
"Sonic and Spike will fill you in on your part of the mission. Time is of the essence now and I have to move on. Since we need to stay in contact, I want you all to take you wrist communicators with you. That said, let's head to it." All seven stood to get up, only to be stopped by Sonic.
"Sally, I gotta ask you again, let Tails come with us."
"I've already explained to you why he can't come along. We simply can't run the risk of him sustaining injury."
"He won't, I'll take perfect care of him. He'll be in zero danger from start to finish."
"You can barely take care of yourself Sonic. And in any event this is neither the time nor the place for this discussion."
"But..."
"Dismissed Sonic!" Sally said, a finality in her voice the hedgehog could not deny.
"Yes Princess," came Sonic's venomous reply as he and the squirrel left the war-hut. Above them, Tails closed the hole in the roof. The little fox was angered by what he had overhead.
"I don't believe this. Sonic shouldn't have to 'look out' for me. I can take care of myself." Tails teeth clenched as he got angrier. "I'll show her who needs 'protection.'"
***************************************************************************
An hour later found Sonic, Spike, and Amy sneaking around outside the mine while Sally and the others were waiting inside the safety of the trees. Sally hoped the delay between the three teams would give Sonic enough time to get the worker-bots out of the mine.
"Sonic, are you ready?" Amy asked.
"Yeah," Sonic answered. "Now remember, we have to do this as quietly as possible. No alarms and a minimum of fuss."
"Gotcha," both animals said as the trio snuck into the cave. It didn't take long for them to come across their first group of worker-bots, all chipping away at a wall. Nearby, a metal box with two clear tubes rested. Amy reached into her backpack and handed Sonic four scramblers, one for each worker-bot.
"Sally said these'll take the bots off-line so we can get them out of here quietly. They should stand out enough for Robotnik to figure out what is wrong and not scrap the bots. all you have to do is get them to stay stuck to the worker-bots' bodies."
"I'm all over it." Sonic was off like a shot, racing to each robot in turn. A few sparks, a bit of twitching, and each of the roboticized mobians completely froze. Amy and Spike moved quickly, stuffing each Robian into a large bag for safekeeping. Their task done, the group continued on to find more Robians to save. It was not a group of worker- bots that the trio came across next however, but a huge chamber easily hundreds of feet in diameter that looked as though someone had carved it directly out of the heart of the mountain. Throughout the chamber, crisscrossing in all directions, were stone bridges upon which many Grounder and Moto-Bug units towed what appeared to be egg-shaped bubbles of energy, some of which contained small quantities of silvery liquid.
"That must be the vibrium Robotnik's trying to get," Amy said.
"Ol' Buttnik certainly sent alot of 'bots ta grab it, didn't he?"
"Of course he has Sonic," Spike said. "With even one robot made from this junk robotnik's gonna be a pretty tough nut to crack."
"Which is why it's imperative that you three keep quiet and stop him," came a voice behind them. The trio turned to find themselves being watched by Uncle Chuck.
"Unc!"
"Keep it down Sonny, none of the workers here are deaf," the robotic hedgehog said, clamping a hand over his nephew's mouth. "This whole mine is on red alert just for you, and the SWATbots have orders to shoot first and not bother to ask questions."
"Then we need to be extra..."
"Freedom Fighters... Detain by order of Robotnik." The group scattered just in time to avoid being blasted by a SWATbot's stun-blaster.
"We've got to destroy it before it alerts the whole mine to your presence here!" Chuck yelled.
"I'm all over it." Was all Sonic said he revved up into a buzzsaw. The highspeed hedgehog spun between the humanoid robot's legs before bouncing backwards to slice through the mandroid's chest. "Ta-da! This hedgehog is in the zone!"
"If you're not more careful, it'll be the Zone of Silence," Uncle Chuck retorted. "Now come on, we've got work to do." With that, the four animals quickly made their way down the maze of shafts and bridges, unaware of the shadow following their every mover.
***************************************************************************
Meanwhile, Sally was busy with problem of her own. One of those problems turned out to be a porcupine by the name of Dylan. If Antoine was troublesome because of his overly cautious nature, Dylan was a hazard because he acted almost to the point of recklessness. Admittedly, he was not as bad as Sonic, but Sonic was an exceptional Mobian taking exceptional risks, Dylan could not boast the same. Sally had the sincere feeling the young porcupine was trying to prove something.
"Okay Dylan, according to Nicole the next charge needs to go on top of that support beam about two feet..."
"Not a problem," Dylan said as he threw the cylindrical explosive up and onto the beam. "Now then, where's the next one go?"
"Dylan!" Sally hissed. "These have to be placed carefully and in the precise place Nicole specified or we run the very real risk of rupturing the entire mine." With those words, the squirrel princess carefully made her way up to the beam, being very careful to remain in the shadows as she did so. She found herself almost wishing Tails HAD accompanied her, the fox cub's flying ability would have come in very handy for this situation. Quickly Sally dispelled the thought. Tails was not here, and wishing for it would accomplish nothing. Soon the bomb was in place and Sally returned to Dylan's side.
"Sorry Princess."
"Just be more careful. The last thing we need is for the Great Forest to get flooded with vibrium. Or for the guards to start chasing us down."
"I say let 'em come, I'm ready for 'em," Dylan answered, performing a front flip only to fall flat on his back.
*Oh boy...*
***************************************************************************
In another section of the mines, Antoine and Rotor were busy deploying their own bombs. Or rather, Antoine was deploying the bombs while Rotor performed a bit of computer sabotage on Robotnik's equipment. This was unnecessary, of course, as when the mine went all the equipment would be dissolved by the vibrium, but the walrus wanted to be sure nothing could be used. That was when he heard the distinctly nasal voice of Robotnik's nephew and major domo, Snively, heading straight towards them, a SWATbot in tow. Both walrus and coyote pressed back against the wall, with Rotor begging the diminutive overlander not to notice the rather round bulge the wall had suddenly grown.
Suddenly, Snively stopped and began to look around the mine. Both Freedom Fighters held their breath as Snively's eyes swept over their way. Rotor could almost swear their eyes met in the darkness.
"Sir, is something amiss?" the SWATbot asked, preparing to go into scanning mode.
"No, nothing is wrong. I probably just heard an oversized rat," Snively said, moving on with his mechanical bodyguard. As soon as both were out of sight, both Mobians began to breathe again.
"That was way to closed to be for the comfort," Antoine said. "Perhaps we should to be leaving now, oui?"
"Uh-uh, we have a job to do and Sally is counting on us."
"Oui, oui, I am forgettinged myself." The duo moved quietly through the corridors, planting bombs in their prescribed places as they went. Suddenly, Antoine was quite surprised to find himself all alone in the corridor.
"Rotor? ROTOR!?"
"Be quiet," came the tusker's voice from behind a door. The walrus yanked his fearful friend into a room filled with a computer console and several active monitors. Sitting in a chair in front of the screen was a SWATbot, it's body motionless and it's head tilted to the side.
"Don't worry, it's been deactivated."
"What ees dis?"
"The security room, you can see the whole mine from here. And I have a bad feeling that's exactly what someone was doing before we got here."
"How can you be sure?"
"'Cause I'm not the one who shut HIM down." Rotor pointed a clawed finger at the disabled robot. Immediately, the walrus went back to work, scanning each monitor in turn. Soon he came across a camera displaying a large chamber criss-crossed with dozens of stone bridges, across one of which traveled Sonic, Spyke, Amy and Uncle Chuck. It was what was on the bridge directly below them, however, that had Rotor worried. He could almost swear he'd seen a figure traveling along the darkened past, shadowing his friends. With skillful speed, the technical Freedom Fighter began to issue commands through the console to the computer controlled security system. In response, the camera began to shift angles, focusing on the darkened bridge.
"What are we looking for?" Antoine asked, scanning the scene with his own sharper eyes. "Zut Alores!"
"Oh boy." Rotor turned to his friend. "Ant I need to get in touch with Sonic."
"Oui, oui." The coyote reached into a pocket and pulled out his communicator, the link between the three teams.
***************************************************************************
After having taken care of SWATbot, Sonic and his team busied themselves with getting rid of the parts. After all, it would do no good for someone to find a dismembered SWATbot. Soon the entire thing went over the side of the bridge.
"Okay, now that that's taken care of," Spyke began before Sonic's gloved hand clamped over the bird's beak. The punky flamingo followed the hedgehog's gaze to above them all. On the bridge above them were Sally and Dylan, both of whom had spotted the group of four.
"Sonic, how is your mission going?" Sally silently signed down to them.
"Mission accomplished, Sal. Uncle Chuck says Robo-lips used grounders and drillers instead of worker-bots," Sonic signed back. "Pretty considerate of him I'd say."
"Very funny Son..."
"Sonic, LOOK OUT BELOW!!" Rotor's voice exploded from both walkies present. Sonic looked down just in time to see a ball of black energy destroy the section of the bridge he'd been standing on. The force of the blast was enough to send the hedgehog flying past not only the rocks, but also the other bridges and ledges.
"(wheeze) So long, quickster. (wheeze)" called the figure below them in a rasping voice, waving it's crab-like claw at the falling hero.
"SONIC!!" Amy called as Sally prepared to use a rope to try to save her friend. This proved unnecessary, however, as from out of the shadowy caverns a small furry form exploded, diving after Sonic. Tails had decided to follow his hero, even without permission, and now he sped to the rescue of his hapless friend. Soon he caught onto Sonic's hands, his twin tails spinning like a tornado as he first slowed then stopped their descent. Soon the two friends began to rise as lift began to outmatch drop, but Sonic's attacker was not yet done with him.
"Meddling freak, (wheeze) I'll teach you to anger an arch-mage (wheeze)." With those words, black energy once more began to encircle the creature's claw. "With this curse I'll make you pay, a ball with chain to bind thy legs!" Black energy encircled Sonic's waist and ankles. Suddenly, shackles materialized around him, connected by thick and heavy chains to a massive ball of iron that simply hung beneath him. The additional weight quickly proved too much for Tails's tails to offset and the two once more began to slowly sink again.
"Tails," Sonic said, feeling as though he was being torn in half by the ball and chains. "Let go, save yourself."
"NO! I won't let you fall down! I CAN do this! I WILL NOT FAIL!" Tails yelled back, willing every ounce of his power and energy into flying.
"Try all you like foxling (wheeze), you'll both be pulled down to your deaths in the vibrium below, ha ha ha," the wizard cackled, using more dark magic to increase the size of metal ball and sending the duo falling below his perch. The black clad mage leaned over to watch his victims die.
"I REFUSE TO FAIL!!!" Tails screamed, his eyes changing into a red color as a thruster appeared on the kit's back. From his sides descended four familiar octopus-like tentacles, each possessing three fingers which promptly began to dig into the metal ball.
"No..." both wizard and Sonic said in unison as silver metal covered the kitsune's orange fur. Immediately his twin tails stopped revolving as the back thruster gave a loud and mighty roar as flames erupted from it propelling both animals upward. As they passed the wizard, Tails looked directly at him, his eyes glowing red as he continued to rise over the astonished mage. Angrily, the assailant fired another bolt of energy, only to watch the black wave bounce harmlessly off the fox's metallic surface. A second roar and Tails and Sonic rose into the air at even greater velocity, going so fast Sonic was afraid he'd be flattened on the cave walls. Suddenly, Tails's head opened as a cylindrical cannon rose from the hole in his head.
"QUANTUM CANNON FIRE!!" A third and final roar exploded, this time from the fox's head as a beam of pulsating ice-blue fired and smashed into the cavern wall, tearing through the rock like wet paper and providing an exit for both hedgehog and fox.
"Rotor, Amy," Sally said, activating her walkie-talkie. "Get your teams out of here now, I'm going to detonate the bombs."
"Sally, I can't guarantee the stability of the mine if you detonate all the explosives now," Rotor countered.
"We don't have time to be careful anymore," Sally commanded. "Now get out of here."
*********************************
Outside the mountain, Tails and Sonic landed, with the fox's tendrils retracting back into his mechanical body as the ball was set on terra firma. Sonic let go to the robo-kit's hands as he watched Tails slowly land, his thruster cutting off. The blue hedgehog was at a complete loss for words as he stared at his friend's menacing features as Tails began to stride towards him. That was when Tails's form began to sway as his eyes returned to their normal blue color and the metallic armor on his flesh was replaced by orange and white fur. Slowly the fox stumbled and fell down right next to Sonic, his eyes closed and a small snoring coming from his body.
"Tails? Tails?" Sonic asked, nudging his young friend.
"It would appear the young meddler has exhausted himself (wheeze) trying to save you," came a familiar rasping voice. "A good thing for him, (wheeze) as he will not have to suffer the pain of the death I intend (wheeze) to inflict on you both."
"Bring it on, I'll knock you out before you can say word one," Sonic said as he tried to move, only to be rudely reminded of the chains that still bound him. "No!"
"Not so quick when you can't move your legs (wheeze), eh quickster," the wizard said as a ball of black energy formed around his claw. Before he could cast the spell, however, the energy ball was shattered by an arrow which made a bee-line for Sonic, or more accurately, for his chains. The arrow head landed in the ground dead center of one of the links of the chains, glowing a golden light as it hit. "What trickery is thi....?" The wizard's question was cut off as the arrow began to change shape, growing longer as the feathers at the end changed shape, becoming three metal prongs holding a green stone between them.
"The Staff of Ages?!" the claw-handed mage said. With a single pulse of golden light, the staff shattered the chains all around Sonic, freeing the hedgehog from the sorcerer's trap.
"Yes!" Sonic cried as he jumped away from the ruined chains. "Okay loser, lets see how tough you are when your target ain't standing still." The highspeed hedgehog charged at the wizard as more dark energy came his way. Sonic easily dodged the blasts and punched his attacker square in the jaw, knocking the hood of his cloak from his head.
"Arrgh!"
"How ya like that, ya psycho spell... What the heck?" Sonic was shocked as he looked upon the face of his attacker. A long white beard fell from a squat face framed by two large pointed bat ears. In the center of the creature's forehead sat a spiraled horn, making for a frightening visage. "Wha are you, some sorta lobster-bat?"
"(wheeze) I am an archmage older (wheeze) than anything your feeble mind (wheeze) has ever known. I am the final product (wheeze) of the search for the ultimate power. I am he who will be (wheeze) your executioner. You may call me Ixis Naugus."
"And why do you want me dead so badly?"
"That is for me to know (wheeze) and for you to never find out. PYROS!" Naugus yelled as he claw hand rose into the air and snapped closed. This ignited a spark and within seconds the wizard was engulfed in flame. Sonic shielded his eyes from the bright light, and when he could see again, the hedgehog saw his opponent was no longer around. Cautiously, Sonic looked back at where he'd previously been chained down, only to discover that the staff that had set him free had disappeared as well. Only the shattered chains and Tails's sleeping form remained. Suddenly, Sonic heard footsteps running towards them, and the hedgehog turned to see Sally, Rotor, and the whole gang coming up.
"Sonic! You're all right!" Amy cried, wrapping her arms around her hero like a vice.
"We were so worried about you," Sally said. "Wait, where's Tails? Is he safe?"
"Yeah he safe and sleepin' soundly over there, all furry and everything too," Sonic said as he attempted to pry Amy from his torso. "Amy, you know I would kinda like to breathe at some point here."
"Oops sorry."
"How'd you get out of those chains?" Rotor asked. "And who was that guy who attacked you?"
"He called himself Ixis Naugus, and he's seems to have a major beef against me," Sonic answered. "But you're not gonna believe how I got outta those chains." Sonic told them about the mysterious Staff of Ages and what Naugus had told him before leaving.
"Oh you poor baby," Amy exclaimed, once more latching onto Sonic as Rotor lifted Tails off the ground.
"Well, on the plus side, the Quantum Cannon didn't throw our plans too far off. The mine collapsed on itself and Nicole says she can't find any cracks, so the vibrium isn't going anywhere. The whole thing would be too costly for Robotnik to continue mining. But I imagine he's madder than a hippo with a hernia right now, and has every SWATbot and Combot he can muster searching the immediate vicinity for our heads. That said, I think it would be wise for us to return to Knothole now."
*************************************
A few hours later found Sonic and Sally in the medical hut of Dr. Quack who was busy looking through a microscope. The aged duck kept humming and sighing as he watched the blood specimen he'd taken from the still sleeping Tails. The kit hadn't woken up since he'd been brought back from the mine, but this wasn't what worried the two Freedom Fighter leaders the most.
"Well doctor, have you found anything?"
"Nothing overly significant I'm afraid," Dr. Quack said, turning to face the squirrel. "I've compared this current sample of Miles's blood to the samples I took from him after the whole Silver Fox debacle. The nannites inside his blood show signs of activity, but mostly simple maintenance, nothing to indicate they've been restructuring cells into machines."
"But we saw him transform, Doc. You tellin' me I just imagined that cannon coming out of Tails's head."
"I understand what your saying Sonic, and I don't doubt what you say you saw. What I'm telling you is that I cannot find any evidence to suggest that the transformation took place."
"Why? Just cause the nannites don't show signs of major activity. It's been hours, maybe they've just been off since they changed him back."
"That's just it Sonic. The nannites possess roboticization capabilities, the ability to transmute living organic flesh into metal, but they are not equipped to reverse the process. Once his body is a machine, the nanites become fused and immobile."
"So how'd he change back?" Sally asked.
"I don't have an answer for you Princess," the doctor said.
**********************************************
Later that night, the door to Knothole's communications hut opened as a shadowy figure entered the hut. A clicking sound was the only noise made as one of the monitors in the room was turned on, displaying a rather blurry figure.
"Right on time, I am most glad. I take it you fully believe my story now?"
"I pride myself on my punctuality, sir, and I had no doubts, merely caution."
"Of course. So may I assume my activities at the mine has allowed you to begin harvesting the vibrium for our own purposes?"
"The underground tunnels are providing all the cover we could desire to smuggle the stuff out. I do commend you, from up top the mine looked completely caved in. You did a fantastic job."
"Flattery will get you nowhere. I'm only interested in the vibrium."
"Don't worry, we know how to handle it. I can't wait to begin using it to build weapons."
"No."
"Sir?"
"I already have plans for the vibrium, you are not to use any until I say so, understood. Simply collect the two items as I told you."
"Very well. And as to your eventual extraction."
"Let me worry about that. As long a I can keep Knothole's nimrods fooled, we have a secret and when we're ready, I guarantee a surprise like nothing they've ever seen before."
Disclaimer: I own nothing, save for the bit characters, the substance known as Vibrium, and anything else you don't instantly recognize. If you try to sue me, all you'll get is a copy of last Sunday's comics page from the newspaper, value: $ .000001.
Author's Note: I am tentatively continuing the Silver Fox storyline due to the amount of requests for such action.. In any event, this story takes place about two months after the events recounted in Metallic, and just before the whole Endgame Saga.
Summary: Robotnik has uncovered a mine containing the fantastic metal known as vibrium, the same indestructible substance used to create Silver Fox. Needless to say, the Freedom Fighters can't let the mad doctor get it.
***************************************************************************
In the dark, pollution-filled city of Robotropolis, the streets were alive with activity as robots of all kinds moved about doing their programmed jobs with the same mechanical efficiency. Worker-bots, those mobians who had been enslaved by the cities mad dictator, worked alone or in groups as the situation warranted, transporting materials and doing their best to maintain the rapidly decaying city that was their prison. Groups of SWATbots and Combots moved through the streets as well, scanning for any unauthorized organic creatures that were not supposed to be their, all the while careful not to disrupt the workers from their appointed tasks. Every so often, a Stealthbot or a Spy Orb flew overheard, keeping watch for any incoming aircraft or large ground force that would threaten the safety of the city. All eyes were vigilant, watching for any sign of their master's enemies. All was silent, save for the almost rhythmic clanging and grinding of metal gears, the only music that ever seemed to find favor with Dr. Robotnik.
Suddenly, a low roar, which steadily increased in volume, broke through the stifling silence. Up the city's main street sped a red grounder unit, its treads easily crushing any debris that happened to be in it's way. The mole-like robot didn't even let other robots stop it, using its three drills to plow through one unlucky SWATbot that had walked into its path. Finally, the grounder made it to Robotropolis's command center, the former castle of Acorn, where it promptly crashing into the titanic metal door that barred entrance.
Grounder backed up and its eyes began to glow red as it transmitted the access codes needed to gain entrance to the building. As the two Combots guarding the building received the access codes, their eyes too began to glow. Soon, the door opened and Grounder was admitted to the base, moving at top speed the whole way.
Meanwhile, in his command room from where he completely dominated the vast machine that was Robotropolis, Robotnik was busy watching as his various underbosses gave him their reports. It was clear from his drooping face that the Lord of Lard was bored almost to tears by their steady talk. Beside him though, Snively struggled to write down all that was being said by the underboss; Crocbot. The reptile robot is interrupted, however, as the door to Robotnik's chamber came crashing off it's hinges as Grounder entered the room. Robotnik reached into the side of his throne, pulling out a powerful handblaster to defend himself while Snively dove for safety behind a computer console, ready to surrender or cheer as the case permitted.
"Sir, news from mine 23K," the grounder unit yelled. Robotnik, realizing he was not under attack, visibly relaxed.
"What do you mean 'news?' 23K hasn't yielded anything I've needed in years?" Robotnik asked, curious as to what would make this robot risk it's metallic life by startling him.
"We decided to make a new shaft, and started pulling out limestone, but we also came across something else." Recognition flashed over Robotnik's face as he grabbed the grounder by it's metal neck.
"Are you saying you found VIBRIUM?!?"
"We are estimating about four hundred thirty-nine pounds pooled within the fifteen tons of limestone. Four worker-bots were lost before we could shut the shaft and prevent the rest from escaping. Given our location, it was felt this was important news to report to you directly." A simple gesture from Robotnik, and the titan screen that once showed Crocbot's face instead showed a map of his empire. The other underbosses looked with their lord and master at the map.
"Darn, 23K is on the other side of the Great Forest, right in those detestable Freedom Fighters' very backyard!" Robotnik yelled, slamming his fist on the console.
"Why didn't you bring it back with you, you ignorant..."
"Shut-up Snively," Robotnik began. "It is imperative that I collect all of the vibrium in that mine before the Freedom Fighters find out about it." Robotnik hastily scribbled something on a piece of paper before handing it to Grounder. "I have just given you a signed, blank requisition form. The resources of my empire are now at your disposal. Get whatever you need, I don't care about the price, but BRING ME THAT VIBRIUM!!" With his new orders, the Grounder takes off again at highspeed. It is then that Robotnik remembered that the underbosses were still present, and have all heard this conversation. "You are to delete this conversation from your memory banks immediately. Failure to do so will result in immediate termination. We will continue the status reports another time. Computer terminate communications." At this command, all the screens go black. Snively, however, remains with questions.
"Sir, I don't see the need for such speed over a simple ore. The Freedom Fighters are hardly capable of using raw materials to produce anything, and a slower pace would be far less suspicious, and help to maintain the secrecy of your supply routes." In answer, Robotnik simply stared back at his nephew.
"Your memory is as short as you are, Snively. Computer, display all files on vibrium."
"As you command," the computer began to drone. "Vibrium is a very rare metallic substance naturally found only with limestone in liquid form. Liquid vibrium must be processed before it can be molded into a solid and permanent form, but once it has been, it has proven to be virtually indestructible. Structures and items known to be constructed of vibrium: The Black Tower in the Mobian Wastelands; Citadel of Dreams in Downunder Umbria; Silver Fox robot, location unknown; and Eggomatic Hovercraft in Robotropolis." As the computer speaks, pictures of all four appear on the screen. "Locations currently possessing the ability to process liquid vibrium: Robotropolis."
"There you are Uncle, we're the only ones who can use vibrium. The Freedom fighters wouldn't need to mine it, unless of course you showed a pronounced interest in it." In response to this statement, Robotnik walks over to a safe in the room. Opening the small but heavy door, the Lord of Lard reaches inside and pulls out a small vial that is half full of a shining silver liquid. Robotnik smiles as he looks over at Snively.
"Come over here Snively," Robotnik says in a mockingly gentle voice. Snively nervously inches closer to his uncle, not trusting the devious overlander. "In this specially made vial is the last of my supply of vibrium, enough to build, say, a laser pistol. However, since I will soon be getting a renewed supply, I've decided to use it to further your education." Suddenly, Robotnik dropped the vial, which shatters on Snively's head, covering him in the liquid metal. At first the overland is angry, until he notices that the vibrium has started to dissolve his uniform.
"It's an acid!!" Snively shrieks as more and more of his clothing disappears, leaving silver streaks on his now bare skin. Within seconds, the uniform is completely gone, leaving the little overlander naked as Robotnik roared with laughter. "It's not funny," Snively yelled, trying his best to maintain his dignity while covering himself up with his clipboard. "You've gotta get me a med-bot before the acid kills me!"
"Relax my little nephew," Robotnik mocked as Snively tried to get the silver off of him. "It's not an acid, at least not in the kind your thinking of. Liquid vibrium has the unique ability to destroy any inorganic or processed materials it comes in contact with, such as your clothes or..." Robotnik's face darkens, "my robots and defense."
"But not the Great Forest. The Freedom Fighters would turn it into an offensive weapon."
"Precisely. This is also the reason it's only found in limestone deposits, the calcium keeps it from dissolving everything." Robotnik's smile returns. "I would suggest, however, that you do go wash that stuff off. Otherwise it will seep into your pores and dissolve the inorganic salts in your body." Snively looks at Robotnik, horrified. "Well, what are you waiting for? Go."
"Uh," Snively sheepishly began, "could you...?"
"Oh for the love of..." Robotnik turns his chair away from his embarrassed nephew and puts a hand over his eyes. The only response he got was the pitter-patter of flesh on metal, signaling Snively's hasty exit. It is then that a thought enters Robotnik's mind.
"No one has ever documented what prolonged exposure to vibrium does. I'd hate to loose Snively's assistance, but he has always been expendable. I'll give him a fifty-fifty chance." Robotnik opens a communications line. "All SWATbots and Combots within the egg command center. Snively seems to be out of uniform. If spotted, stop him and find out why for me. Use minimum force if necessary." Robotnik shuts off the communications line. "At the very least, this could be fun to watch later."
***************************************
It had taken him nearly an hour to before Snively had been able to get into the shower in his own private quarters, primarily due to the large number of robots that had stopped him in the halls. Of course, he suffered no illusions that his "kindly" uncle was not completely behind all the delays he had suffered. His suspicions were confirmed by the message he found waiting for him from Robotnik.
"'Report to med-lab for a full check up,'" Snively muttered to himself as he used a metal scouring pad and soup to try to remove the vibrium. "If I needed a check up, I'd go to my own med-bots, and certainly not his." Snively pulled off another of the silver streaks that covered his skin, yelping as he did so. These were the worst. The streaks had been relatively easy to remove at first, but now they were becoming harder and much more resistant to removal. Snively checked the pieces that had come off earlier. Sure enough, they had bonded almost completely to tile of the shower. Of course this served to cause the small overlander to redouble his efforts to clean himself of the metallic substance. Robotnik's delays had done their job however, and Snively found he couldn't budge the silver streaks left on his right arm, chest, and upper back.
*I'll get that overlander,* Snively angrily thought. *If it's the last thing I do, I'll get that Robo...* Suddenly, a new thought entered his mind. *The vibrium mine! If that fatso is so worried about his precious mine, I'll give him something to worry about.*
***************************************************************************
The hidden village of Knothole was alive with activity as it's denizens moved from place to place as they performed their daily routines. And there was plenty to do. A new building was going up to facilitate a new school, and there was also a harvest of vegetables that had to be brought in, especially with winter on it's way.
Sally watched all this from her window, taking a well deserved break from the maps she had been using to plan the Freedom Fighters next offensive on Robotropolis. As she watched her subjects working and playing so happily, the squirrel princess had to wonder if it would be so wrong to simply give up their war efforts and live in Knothole for the rest of their lives. The Great Forest provided them with everything they needed, and Robotnik's pollution had spoiled Mobotropolis almost beyond the point at which it could be reclaimed. Could it really be considered for the best to continue causing trouble over a city that would quite possibly be unlivable if they ever got it back?
Sally shook her head, banishing such destructive thoughts from her mind. Knothole was a nice place, of that no one could persuade her otherwise, but it was not the Freedom Fighter's home; Mobotropolis was. They weren't the aggressors, Robotnik was and he would not be satisfied by one city, he wanted the entire world.
Then there were the Mobians Robotnik enslaved she had to consider. They deserved to be free as much as any other on Mobius, and Sally was not about to deny them. As she turned back to her maps, a small beeping noise from her vest told her that Nicole had mail for her. Lifting Nicole from her resting place, Sally flipped open to miniaturized computer.
"Nicole, please display the new message," Sally stated.
"As you request, Princess." In less than a second, a holographic display popped up over Nicole, the robotic visage of Sir Charles Hedgehog appearing.
"Princess, I can't talk long but I have important news you must hear. Robotnik has uncovered a rich vibrium mine on the other side of the Great Forest, and he's trying to sneak it all into Robotropolis. I've been transferred to the mine, so I should be able to slow them down, but without your help, I won't be able to stop them. I'll be waiting for you at these coordinates." With that, the image disappeared.
"Just when I thought we'd have a free day," Sally said as she raced to the door of her hut. "I'd best get the others so we can make a plan."
***************************************
It had taken about thirty minutes to round up the rest of her team, and Sally was seriously beginning to consider have an intercom system installed in the village for just such emergencies. Sonic and Antoine had been hardest to find, mainly because Sonic had opted to take Tails to their "super-secret" spot as they'd termed it. As for Antoine, he had been listening to his headphones, completely oblivious to the world around him and thus blissfully unaware of his princess calling for him. But at least he had been alone.
Sonic, being with Tails, had forced the princess to try to think up some plausible excuse to keep the double-tailed vulpine from following them. She knew the little fox meant well, but the facts remained that it was far too dangerous to allow him to go on missions like this. *If he were to get hurt...* Sally shuddered at the thought. As soon as the other Freedom Fighters had assembled, Sally began.
"Friends, we have a problem. Sir Charles Hedgehog has sent dire news that Robotnik has discovered a reservoir of the material vibrium just outside the boundaries of the Great Forest. As I'm sure you all know, vibrium in it's processed form is virtually indestructible, at least as far as current technology allows. And of course you are all familiar with Robotnik's OTHER vibrium created terrors I'm sure. According to Sir Charles's report, this is a particularly rich vein, so one has only to use one's imagination to discern what our 'friend' could do with it."
"Whatcha plannin' on doing, Sal?"
"Is it not oblivious to vous? We must stopped Robtnik from getting his mittens on zhe vibrium," Antoine said.
"Robotnik is nobody's fool, Antoine," came Rotor's voice. "He's gonna have enough guards at that mine to take a small country."
"There ain't enough 'bots in his army ta stop this hedgehog."
"Sonic this is no time to brag. We need a plan to stop him, and our situation is only made worse by the presence of worker-bots at the mine. We can't run the risk of releasing the vibrium and putting them in danger along with the normal robots."
"Maybe we could be using some smaller explosives to, how you say, collapse zhe mine in on itself. Zhat way it would be too difficulting to be getting zhe liquid out without loosing miners."
"That would do the trick, Sally," Rotor said. "Even Robotnik won't waste all his robots trying to get at an impossible mine. The only tricky part will be placing the explosives at the precise locations to cause the cave in correctly. Afterall, we can't risk a rupture."
"There's still the matter of the worker-bots in the mine."
"Leave 'em to me and Tails, Sal, we'll just get those 'bots to chase us and..."
"NO!" Sally said, almost screaming at Sonic. "Tails will not go on this mission. It's far too dangerous for him to be there."
"Sal, we've done this before, dozens of times. It's a zero risk mission."
"No Sonic Hedgehog. Tails is not to go, I don't even want you telling him about this operation." As Sally sat back down, Sonic muttered something under his breath. "Would you care to repeat that Sonic?"
"I'm just wondering why you suddenly have a thing against Tails."
"That's not fair and you know it Sonic. We both know why Tails shouldn't go on this mission, or any other for that matter."
"Look I know you think he's too young but..."
"That's not even the first reason right now."
"Then what is?"
"Two words: Silver Fox."
"THAT'S IT!!" the blue hedgehog screamed as if he couldn't believe what he'd heard.
"Sally-girl's gotta point sugarhog. Thah lil' guy's been a big help ta us before, but now... We just can't risk him gettin' hurt," Bunnie said, shuddering at the thought.
"So because he's a victim of Buttnik he should be scrubbed from all missions? What next, you gonna put him in a plastic bubble?"
"Sonic..." Sally started.
"I know you're just tryin' to do what's best for him Sal, but if he can't go on missions, he might as well not even be in Knothole."
"That's actually an idea," Sally said quietly.
"Wha..." said Rotor.
"My Prinzess," came Antoine's response, almost unbelievingly.
"Sally..." Bunnie said, staring wide-eyed at the squirrel. For his part, Sonic stared as well, his jaw dropping slightly. This was quickly replaces by a look of anger as the hedgehog's eyes narrowed, his ears folded back, and his jaw fully clenched. Before he could say anything, however, Sally spoke again.
"I had hoped to tell you this later, at the very least after I had come up with an acceptable plan of action, but I guess I'll need to explain now. I have been considering for some time sending Tails to live with one of the other, less active, Freedom Fighter cells. Truthfully because I didn't want to run the risk of him getting caught by Robotnik should Knothole ever be discovered. Of course, since Silver Fox's explosion onto the scene, I've been giving this more serious consideration. I would, of course, not have sent him off without first consulting you, but I do feel that this is the best course of action, not simply for us, but for Tails himself as well."
"How the frell do you think that would be best for him!"
"Sonic please watch your langu..."
"Don't interrupt me!" Sonic yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at Sally. "Is this your idea of helping?! Just pack 'em up and ship 'em out!!"
"Zat ees not fair, Sonic Hedgehog. It is not as eef Tails hases a cold or loosed a limb. He ees zat maniac Silver Fox waiting to happen."
"Sally does have a point, sugar. We don't even know how badly Tails has ta be hurt ta make them little 'bots go."
"I don't believe this!" Sonic yelled again. "We're the closest thing Tails has to a family, and you guys just wanna ship him off like old baggage." Sonic pauses as he notices Rotor has yet to speak. "And what are you gonna say, Tusker? That Tails can't really be trusted 'cause he's a schizo?"
"Actually Sonic...!" Rotor began, slamming his claws on the table in anger over his friend's accusations. "I'm on your side, despite how much of a jerk you're being right now."
"Rotor?"
"Admittedly, Silver Fox literally living in Tails's bloodstream represents a tremendous threat. However, if you'll recall, we were almost totally ineffective in slowing him down ourselves. If we couldn't deal with him, what chance does anyone else have in dealing with him? Add to that the fact that we know his capabilities, and I say sending him off is just asking for a repeat of Silver Fox."
"I appreciate all your input, but I am still undecided on the matter," Sally concluded. "We will continue this discussion at a later date, but for now I feel we have more pressing problems on our hands; Robotnik's vibrium mine."
"Oui my Prinzess."
"Sonic, until we HAVE decided on a course of action where Tails is concerned, I trust you will respect my wishes and leave Tails out of this."
"All right Princess, but don't think this is over."
"Now I believe we were discussing the possibility of collapsing the mine in on itself?"
"Yes Sally. If Sonic still believes he can get the workerbots out of the mine," as Rotor said this Sonic nodded silently, "Then we can use small controlled explosives in strategic locations to collapse the mine without freeing the vibrium. There is still a risk with this plan, especially if the outer wall of the mine ruptures, the vibrium is going to spill into the Great Forest and contaminate it all."
"Amy might be able to help with zhat," Antoine said. And thus the Freedom Fighters continued to hammer out the details of their plans.
**************************************
Tails flew at top speed for the power ring pool. Just because Sonic wasn't with him didn't mean he couldn't have some fun on his own. Still, the young fox was curious as to why Sally had wanted to get rid of him and talk to Sonic.
*Oh, well Sonic will probably tell me later. Maybe it's a surprise for me,* Tails thought. As soon as he arrived at the pond, the vulpine slipped off his shoes, socks, and gloves and rose into the air some twenty feet before he stopped his tails could. With a loud splash and a cry of pleasure, the fox kit cannonballed into the water.
"Hey! Watch out you little twit," yelled an angry voice as Tails resurfaced! Looking around, Tails found the voice's owner standing on the opposite side of the pool, drenched from his wave.
Amy shook her head, getting the water out of her quills. She could do nothing for her dress, or the blanket she'd been sitting on. Suddenly, she remembered her tarot cards, which had been lying on the blanket as well and quickly began together them up before they suffered water damage. The pink hedgehog then turned back to glare at Tails, only to find that he was no longer treading water, but had swum up to her bank, lying half in and half out of the water.
"Whaddaya doin' here Amy?" the curious kitsune asked, light blue eyes blinking. It was all Amy could do to remember she was supposed to be angry with him, he looked almost as cute as she was sure Sonic would have.
"If it's any of your business, Prower, I was practicing my fortunetelling until some flying furball decided I needed a shower!"
"Well you could use one," Tails said, sniffing the air. Before he could say anything else, however, a hand covered his face roughly shoving him back into the water. Amy smiled as the fox hit the water, quickly putting her cards back into her bag, knowing what would happen next. Sure enough, as soon as Tails's head broke the surface of the water he drew his arms back, bringing them together just one the waters surface, sending a new wave of water to splash Amy. He then swam back to the center of the bond, well out of her reach.
"If you think I won't get my feet wet to deal with you, Furball, you're in for a real shock," Amy yelled, diving into the water. Realizing his peril, Tails turned to get away but, before he could, Amy was on him, dunking his furry head underwater. Amy did not have time to gloat, however, as Tails grabber her legs and pulled her under with him. The pink hedgehog's eyes adjust in time to see Tails sticking his tongue out at her, then using his namesakes to speed away.
*Fine,* Amy thought, *If that's the way he wants to play, we can do that too.* Though as a very low level mage Amy possessed few spells, one particular favorite of her's would be perfect to teach Tails a lesson. Surfacing, Amy pointed a gesturing hand at the fleeing fox concentrating as she said, "Waterspout!"
Before Tails could get out of the water, a strong geyser erupted out of nowhere, launching the little kit into the air. Once again, before Tails could act and right himself for flight, a second geyser at a different angle launched him into the third. On and on this went with Amy laughing at the comedic sight of Tails being bounced around like a ball, until she heard him say the words she wanted to hear.
"All right, all right... I give." The geysers stopped, depositing Tails back in the pool as Amy climbed out, picking up her things.
"Next time, Furball, don't insult a lady's odor." Amy smiled as she walked away, leaving Tails to pull himself onto shore.
***************************************************************************
*This is maddening,* Snively thought as he desperately tried to scratch his arm and chest. The med-bot had said that the vibrium streaks did not appear dangerous, but the skin under them itched furiously. None of the robots at the mine seemed to notice the little overlander's problems, but they were also more involved with mining the liquid vibrium, which had to be done with the utmost care.
*I wish I was back in Robotropolis. My med-bots would have already have found a way to alleviate this.* Robotnik, though, had felt his nephew would be put to better use overseeing his precious mine.
The robots were getting ready to send their first shipment back to Robotropolis, fifteen pounds of the metal in a pressurized energy field. Snively was starting to get worried though. He was sure the Freedom Fighters had gotten the information on the mine, so why hadn't they come to stop Robotnik.
The itching was getting worse and worse as Snively rolled up his sleeve, desperate to scratch it. That was when he noticed something that filled him with greater alarm, the silver streaks were getting smaller as they sunk beneath his flesh.
*This can't be good,* Snively thought. *I have to send for my med- bots. I only hope they're able to do something about this.* Snively began to furiously type in commands to Robotropolis, utilizing his private communication lines of course to directly link to the med-bot in question. If luck was with him, the robot would arrive within the hour.
***************************************************************************
Sonic was still fuming as he left the Warhut.
"How dare Sally even think about gettin' rid of Tails," the hedgehog grumbled as he walked away from the hut. "And then she makes me promise not to even tell him."
"Tell him what, Sonic?" a feminine voice behind him asked. Sonic angrily turned around to find a sight that almost instantly lightened his mood. There stood Amy Rose, still dripping from her earlier encounter with Tails. Her quills were all over the place, some actually turned backwards, while others clung to her head and dress. Mud covered her wet shoes and the bag she carried was almost as soaked as she herself. All in all, she looked nothing like the immaculate little girl he'd known for some time.
"What happened to you?" Sonic asked, laughing.
"Your little furball hit me with the Power Ring Pool," Amy said indignantly. "You need to teach him how to treat a lady properly."
"He still at the pool, Amy?"
"Yeah, I think so, but what were you talking about earlier? Who weren't you supposed to tell what?"
"Don't worr..." Suddenly, Sonic stopped as a thought crossed his mind. *Sally made me promise not to tell TAILS.* Sonic's eyes narrowed as a smile crossed his face. "Sally's thinkin' of groundin' ol' Tails from any more missions. She even wants ta send him off to another village."
"Why?" Amy asked, her eyes getting wide.
"She's afraid he's gonna get hurt around here, him being a kid and all," Sonic answered, being very sure to stress the point. "I gotta catch up to him. You know, in case Sally decides to ship him off." The blue hedgehog waved good-bye as he sped off, leaving behind a slightly confused Amy Rose.
**************************************
Tails was laying on a sunny bank soaking in the rays of the sun as they dried his orange fur. The young fox's ears twitched as he heard the tell-tale sonic boom that always heralded the arrival of the worlds fastest hedgehog. A mischievous smile spread across the vulpine's face.
Soon Sonic arrived to find the pond completely empty. Curious, and perhaps a little worried, Sonic began to search the banks and soon he came across Tails's clothes. Too late, Sonic realized what was happening.
"CANNONBALLLLLLL!" came a shout from above. Sonic looked up in time to see an orange ball strike the water, showering the hedgehog just as Amy had been.
"Didn't you learn your lesson from Amy?" Sonic said, tapping his feet.
"Yeah, don't splash people who can swim or using magic," Tails said, laughing as he tread water. "Say what'd Aunt Sally want to talk to you about?"
"It's a big secret, Big Guy, and Sal made me promise not to tell," Sonic answered, ringing his quills.
"Ahh, c'mon Sonic, you can tell me," the fox began to plead.
"Sorry Big Guy, but I wouldn't be much of a Mobian if I didn't keep my promises," Sonic answered, even as he thought. *Even if I don't agree with it.*
"Okay..." Tails said dejectedly. "Are we still gonna go camping tonight?"
"I don't see..."
"I'm afraid Sonic is needed elsewhere Tails," letting the two know she was there. Sonic could see she was angry over something, even if she was trying to hide it from the world.
*What's she angry about? She couldn't have found out that I told Amy,* Sonic thought. "Whatcha talkin' about Sal? I thought I had a free night."
"Antoine's sick so I need you to take his place on guard duty tonight, and I need to speak with you in private. Tails, honey, do you mind..."
"Yeah, I know, I know. I'm gonna see if Rosie has anything good to eat."
"Just don't spoil your dinner, okay," Sally said as the young vulpine grabbed his clothes and took off. Then the squirrel turned her attention back to Sonic.
"So what is it, Sal?" Sonic again asked, hiding the nervousness in his voice.
"I lied, you don't have guard duty, but we do have a problem," Sally began. "Charles sent me a message about an hour after the meeting. Robotnik is stepping up the mining of the vibrium mine, big time. He's sent four hyper-miner tanks there, and Nicole says those things will have the place stripped in a day. We can't afford to wait any more, so I need you to help me round up the rest of our team."
"Gotcha Sally, I'll meetcha at the warhut with everyone else." With that, Sonic sped off.
***************************************************************************
"Please stop squirming sir, or you shall break the needle," the med- bot said as it drew blood form it's patient's arm. Snively tried to settle down, but the cold metal table felt very uncomfortable against his skin. His clothes lay on a nearby chair, his green jacket ripped in several places where the material had actually begun to bond to the short overlander's flesh. A look at his chest had given both the robot and the overlander the answer why.
The streaks had begun to reemerge, and were actually getting bigger. Three of them had actually linked together into a single plated that stretched around his side, fully mimicking the skin. The streaks no longer itched and so far the metal had not restricted any of Snively's movements, but still he couldn't help but be worried. The med-bot said nothing as he began to examine the samples he'd taken from his master. Finally, it turned a sharp scalpel in it's hand. Before Snively could do anything, the scalpel was brought down point first on the metal plate at his side. Instead of piercing the exposed area, the blade shattered, much to Snively's surprise.
"Just as I thought," the med-bot said nonchalantly.
"What did you think?!" Snively almost yelled, still a little freaked over his near stabbing.
"Your skin is being replaced by what appears to be a vibrium substitute, a material that has the strength of vibrium yet remains malleable like real flesh."
"You mean I'm being covered in vibrium!"
"No, there wasn't enough vibrium absorbed by your skin. And from what I can tell the vibrium has not contaminated any of your internal systems, but time may change that."
"What are the short term effects I will have to deal with?"
"Due to it's metallic nature, any skin converted will loose the pores normally associated with skin. Within a day, the metal should complete it's metamorphosis and harden, allowing you to wear your uniform without fearing becoming one with it. The muscles underneath the skin are also taking on properties similar to vibrium, which should provide better support for the heavier metalloskin. This does give you a quasi- invulnerability, but I don't recommend relying on it. You'll become noticeably heavier, so I would suggest some leg-centered exercises to compensate."
"And the long term effects?"
"Your metallo-skin cannot naturally heal itself, and any damage to internal organs under the skin will be impossible to repair. The added weight with increase the strain on your heart, making it essential that maintain your health. Other than that, I could not say."
"Is there any way to stop it?"
"No, and there is another problem. The malleable nature of your skin makes the metal replacing it re-usable. I dare say your uncle would love to get his hands on some vibrium with such properties." Snively's eyes widened as a brief image of Robotnik chasing after him with a pickaxe flashed through his mind. "I would suggest hiding your condition from him.
"I've been meaning to change my look," Snively said as he began to redress. Suddenly he remembered his ruined jacket. "Do you have anything I can wear?" The med-bot reached into a compartment in it's chest, pulling out a white gown.
"This is the best I can do." Snively grudgingly took the gown and left.
***************************************************************************
"Hand me the sugar please, sweety," Rosie said, pointing to the top of the cabinet. Winding up his namesakes, Tails rose to grab the bag of sugar, returning to the ground and handing it to the aged beaver. Rosie was busily making dinner, which was to be Tails's second favorite dish; Rosewater Stew.
Tails looked out the window just in time to see and hear Sonic running like a mad-hog through the village, collecting Freedom Fighters as he went. The fox could just make out Antoine clinging to Sonic, ad the coyote didn't look sick at all, something that made Tails very suspicious.
*Aunt Sally said Antoine was sick, why would she lie?* Tails thought. Curious, and just a little offended, Tails bid Rosie good-bye before leaving to track Sonic by air. Sure enough, Sonic led Tails right to the War-hut where the rest of their friends were waiting.
"Zat was zhe most terriblest I have ever had," Antoine was complaining. "Vous were deliberately making it to be so bumpy."
"Sure Twan, I got nothing better to do then think up ways to make you sick," Sonic quipped back.
"Sonic, Antoine, do you mind stepping inside so we can start planning our assault on the mine?" Sally asked in an irritated voice. Sonic and Antoine may keep their arguments to a minimum these days, but it still got on the Princess's nerves when they chose the worst times to pick fights over trivial things.
"As you wish, my Prinzess."
"'Kay Sal." both hedgehog and coyote entered the hut as Tails landed on the roof light as a feather and carefully pulled back a piece.. Inside, the fox spotted both Rotor and Bunnie, as well as Dylan and a punky flamingo named Spike. All seven Mobians were looking at a holographic map of a mountain Tails didn't recognize.
"Sonic, did you tell Amy to come like I asked?" the aristocratic squirrel asked her blue boyfriend.
"Yeah Sal, but she was helping Sarah bring in some food so she'll probably be a little late."
"We'll just have to fill her in when she arrives," Sally said. "Nicole, ladder pointer if you please."
"Yes Princess." A red beam of light extended from the small pocket computer.
"This is 23K, the mountain from which Robtonik intends to draw the liquid vibrium I told you about. As you all know, processed vibrium is practically indestructible, a quality we do not need to see in ANY of Robotnik's machines again. Apparently Robotnik has anticipated our feelings, and thus has concentrated almost all of his mining power of 23K. He's already managed to secure a shipment of the stuff for himself. We have to act now."
"So what's the plan?" Rotor asked.
"I've decided on your suggestion Rotor. We're going to collapse the mine in on itself. Sonic; you, Spike, and Amy will have to get the worker- bots out of the mine." The image of the mountain changes to a picture of the mine, with several red dots at different points. "Antoine, Dylan, Rotor, and myself will split into two teams and place charges at these exact points. It'll be a risky operation, if those bombs are too far off target, it's very possible they will blow a hole in the mountain and flood the Great Forest with vibrium." Suddenly the door opened and Amy walked in.
"Sorry I'm late Princess."
"Sonic and Spike will fill you in on your part of the mission. Time is of the essence now and I have to move on. Since we need to stay in contact, I want you all to take you wrist communicators with you. That said, let's head to it." All seven stood to get up, only to be stopped by Sonic.
"Sally, I gotta ask you again, let Tails come with us."
"I've already explained to you why he can't come along. We simply can't run the risk of him sustaining injury."
"He won't, I'll take perfect care of him. He'll be in zero danger from start to finish."
"You can barely take care of yourself Sonic. And in any event this is neither the time nor the place for this discussion."
"But..."
"Dismissed Sonic!" Sally said, a finality in her voice the hedgehog could not deny.
"Yes Princess," came Sonic's venomous reply as he and the squirrel left the war-hut. Above them, Tails closed the hole in the roof. The little fox was angered by what he had overhead.
"I don't believe this. Sonic shouldn't have to 'look out' for me. I can take care of myself." Tails teeth clenched as he got angrier. "I'll show her who needs 'protection.'"
***************************************************************************
An hour later found Sonic, Spike, and Amy sneaking around outside the mine while Sally and the others were waiting inside the safety of the trees. Sally hoped the delay between the three teams would give Sonic enough time to get the worker-bots out of the mine.
"Sonic, are you ready?" Amy asked.
"Yeah," Sonic answered. "Now remember, we have to do this as quietly as possible. No alarms and a minimum of fuss."
"Gotcha," both animals said as the trio snuck into the cave. It didn't take long for them to come across their first group of worker-bots, all chipping away at a wall. Nearby, a metal box with two clear tubes rested. Amy reached into her backpack and handed Sonic four scramblers, one for each worker-bot.
"Sally said these'll take the bots off-line so we can get them out of here quietly. They should stand out enough for Robotnik to figure out what is wrong and not scrap the bots. all you have to do is get them to stay stuck to the worker-bots' bodies."
"I'm all over it." Sonic was off like a shot, racing to each robot in turn. A few sparks, a bit of twitching, and each of the roboticized mobians completely froze. Amy and Spike moved quickly, stuffing each Robian into a large bag for safekeeping. Their task done, the group continued on to find more Robians to save. It was not a group of worker- bots that the trio came across next however, but a huge chamber easily hundreds of feet in diameter that looked as though someone had carved it directly out of the heart of the mountain. Throughout the chamber, crisscrossing in all directions, were stone bridges upon which many Grounder and Moto-Bug units towed what appeared to be egg-shaped bubbles of energy, some of which contained small quantities of silvery liquid.
"That must be the vibrium Robotnik's trying to get," Amy said.
"Ol' Buttnik certainly sent alot of 'bots ta grab it, didn't he?"
"Of course he has Sonic," Spike said. "With even one robot made from this junk robotnik's gonna be a pretty tough nut to crack."
"Which is why it's imperative that you three keep quiet and stop him," came a voice behind them. The trio turned to find themselves being watched by Uncle Chuck.
"Unc!"
"Keep it down Sonny, none of the workers here are deaf," the robotic hedgehog said, clamping a hand over his nephew's mouth. "This whole mine is on red alert just for you, and the SWATbots have orders to shoot first and not bother to ask questions."
"Then we need to be extra..."
"Freedom Fighters... Detain by order of Robotnik." The group scattered just in time to avoid being blasted by a SWATbot's stun-blaster.
"We've got to destroy it before it alerts the whole mine to your presence here!" Chuck yelled.
"I'm all over it." Was all Sonic said he revved up into a buzzsaw. The highspeed hedgehog spun between the humanoid robot's legs before bouncing backwards to slice through the mandroid's chest. "Ta-da! This hedgehog is in the zone!"
"If you're not more careful, it'll be the Zone of Silence," Uncle Chuck retorted. "Now come on, we've got work to do." With that, the four animals quickly made their way down the maze of shafts and bridges, unaware of the shadow following their every mover.
***************************************************************************
Meanwhile, Sally was busy with problem of her own. One of those problems turned out to be a porcupine by the name of Dylan. If Antoine was troublesome because of his overly cautious nature, Dylan was a hazard because he acted almost to the point of recklessness. Admittedly, he was not as bad as Sonic, but Sonic was an exceptional Mobian taking exceptional risks, Dylan could not boast the same. Sally had the sincere feeling the young porcupine was trying to prove something.
"Okay Dylan, according to Nicole the next charge needs to go on top of that support beam about two feet..."
"Not a problem," Dylan said as he threw the cylindrical explosive up and onto the beam. "Now then, where's the next one go?"
"Dylan!" Sally hissed. "These have to be placed carefully and in the precise place Nicole specified or we run the very real risk of rupturing the entire mine." With those words, the squirrel princess carefully made her way up to the beam, being very careful to remain in the shadows as she did so. She found herself almost wishing Tails HAD accompanied her, the fox cub's flying ability would have come in very handy for this situation. Quickly Sally dispelled the thought. Tails was not here, and wishing for it would accomplish nothing. Soon the bomb was in place and Sally returned to Dylan's side.
"Sorry Princess."
"Just be more careful. The last thing we need is for the Great Forest to get flooded with vibrium. Or for the guards to start chasing us down."
"I say let 'em come, I'm ready for 'em," Dylan answered, performing a front flip only to fall flat on his back.
*Oh boy...*
***************************************************************************
In another section of the mines, Antoine and Rotor were busy deploying their own bombs. Or rather, Antoine was deploying the bombs while Rotor performed a bit of computer sabotage on Robotnik's equipment. This was unnecessary, of course, as when the mine went all the equipment would be dissolved by the vibrium, but the walrus wanted to be sure nothing could be used. That was when he heard the distinctly nasal voice of Robotnik's nephew and major domo, Snively, heading straight towards them, a SWATbot in tow. Both walrus and coyote pressed back against the wall, with Rotor begging the diminutive overlander not to notice the rather round bulge the wall had suddenly grown.
Suddenly, Snively stopped and began to look around the mine. Both Freedom Fighters held their breath as Snively's eyes swept over their way. Rotor could almost swear their eyes met in the darkness.
"Sir, is something amiss?" the SWATbot asked, preparing to go into scanning mode.
"No, nothing is wrong. I probably just heard an oversized rat," Snively said, moving on with his mechanical bodyguard. As soon as both were out of sight, both Mobians began to breathe again.
"That was way to closed to be for the comfort," Antoine said. "Perhaps we should to be leaving now, oui?"
"Uh-uh, we have a job to do and Sally is counting on us."
"Oui, oui, I am forgettinged myself." The duo moved quietly through the corridors, planting bombs in their prescribed places as they went. Suddenly, Antoine was quite surprised to find himself all alone in the corridor.
"Rotor? ROTOR!?"
"Be quiet," came the tusker's voice from behind a door. The walrus yanked his fearful friend into a room filled with a computer console and several active monitors. Sitting in a chair in front of the screen was a SWATbot, it's body motionless and it's head tilted to the side.
"Don't worry, it's been deactivated."
"What ees dis?"
"The security room, you can see the whole mine from here. And I have a bad feeling that's exactly what someone was doing before we got here."
"How can you be sure?"
"'Cause I'm not the one who shut HIM down." Rotor pointed a clawed finger at the disabled robot. Immediately, the walrus went back to work, scanning each monitor in turn. Soon he came across a camera displaying a large chamber criss-crossed with dozens of stone bridges, across one of which traveled Sonic, Spyke, Amy and Uncle Chuck. It was what was on the bridge directly below them, however, that had Rotor worried. He could almost swear he'd seen a figure traveling along the darkened past, shadowing his friends. With skillful speed, the technical Freedom Fighter began to issue commands through the console to the computer controlled security system. In response, the camera began to shift angles, focusing on the darkened bridge.
"What are we looking for?" Antoine asked, scanning the scene with his own sharper eyes. "Zut Alores!"
"Oh boy." Rotor turned to his friend. "Ant I need to get in touch with Sonic."
"Oui, oui." The coyote reached into a pocket and pulled out his communicator, the link between the three teams.
***************************************************************************
After having taken care of SWATbot, Sonic and his team busied themselves with getting rid of the parts. After all, it would do no good for someone to find a dismembered SWATbot. Soon the entire thing went over the side of the bridge.
"Okay, now that that's taken care of," Spyke began before Sonic's gloved hand clamped over the bird's beak. The punky flamingo followed the hedgehog's gaze to above them all. On the bridge above them were Sally and Dylan, both of whom had spotted the group of four.
"Sonic, how is your mission going?" Sally silently signed down to them.
"Mission accomplished, Sal. Uncle Chuck says Robo-lips used grounders and drillers instead of worker-bots," Sonic signed back. "Pretty considerate of him I'd say."
"Very funny Son..."
"Sonic, LOOK OUT BELOW!!" Rotor's voice exploded from both walkies present. Sonic looked down just in time to see a ball of black energy destroy the section of the bridge he'd been standing on. The force of the blast was enough to send the hedgehog flying past not only the rocks, but also the other bridges and ledges.
"(wheeze) So long, quickster. (wheeze)" called the figure below them in a rasping voice, waving it's crab-like claw at the falling hero.
"SONIC!!" Amy called as Sally prepared to use a rope to try to save her friend. This proved unnecessary, however, as from out of the shadowy caverns a small furry form exploded, diving after Sonic. Tails had decided to follow his hero, even without permission, and now he sped to the rescue of his hapless friend. Soon he caught onto Sonic's hands, his twin tails spinning like a tornado as he first slowed then stopped their descent. Soon the two friends began to rise as lift began to outmatch drop, but Sonic's attacker was not yet done with him.
"Meddling freak, (wheeze) I'll teach you to anger an arch-mage (wheeze)." With those words, black energy once more began to encircle the creature's claw. "With this curse I'll make you pay, a ball with chain to bind thy legs!" Black energy encircled Sonic's waist and ankles. Suddenly, shackles materialized around him, connected by thick and heavy chains to a massive ball of iron that simply hung beneath him. The additional weight quickly proved too much for Tails's tails to offset and the two once more began to slowly sink again.
"Tails," Sonic said, feeling as though he was being torn in half by the ball and chains. "Let go, save yourself."
"NO! I won't let you fall down! I CAN do this! I WILL NOT FAIL!" Tails yelled back, willing every ounce of his power and energy into flying.
"Try all you like foxling (wheeze), you'll both be pulled down to your deaths in the vibrium below, ha ha ha," the wizard cackled, using more dark magic to increase the size of metal ball and sending the duo falling below his perch. The black clad mage leaned over to watch his victims die.
"I REFUSE TO FAIL!!!" Tails screamed, his eyes changing into a red color as a thruster appeared on the kit's back. From his sides descended four familiar octopus-like tentacles, each possessing three fingers which promptly began to dig into the metal ball.
"No..." both wizard and Sonic said in unison as silver metal covered the kitsune's orange fur. Immediately his twin tails stopped revolving as the back thruster gave a loud and mighty roar as flames erupted from it propelling both animals upward. As they passed the wizard, Tails looked directly at him, his eyes glowing red as he continued to rise over the astonished mage. Angrily, the assailant fired another bolt of energy, only to watch the black wave bounce harmlessly off the fox's metallic surface. A second roar and Tails and Sonic rose into the air at even greater velocity, going so fast Sonic was afraid he'd be flattened on the cave walls. Suddenly, Tails's head opened as a cylindrical cannon rose from the hole in his head.
"QUANTUM CANNON FIRE!!" A third and final roar exploded, this time from the fox's head as a beam of pulsating ice-blue fired and smashed into the cavern wall, tearing through the rock like wet paper and providing an exit for both hedgehog and fox.
"Rotor, Amy," Sally said, activating her walkie-talkie. "Get your teams out of here now, I'm going to detonate the bombs."
"Sally, I can't guarantee the stability of the mine if you detonate all the explosives now," Rotor countered.
"We don't have time to be careful anymore," Sally commanded. "Now get out of here."
*********************************
Outside the mountain, Tails and Sonic landed, with the fox's tendrils retracting back into his mechanical body as the ball was set on terra firma. Sonic let go to the robo-kit's hands as he watched Tails slowly land, his thruster cutting off. The blue hedgehog was at a complete loss for words as he stared at his friend's menacing features as Tails began to stride towards him. That was when Tails's form began to sway as his eyes returned to their normal blue color and the metallic armor on his flesh was replaced by orange and white fur. Slowly the fox stumbled and fell down right next to Sonic, his eyes closed and a small snoring coming from his body.
"Tails? Tails?" Sonic asked, nudging his young friend.
"It would appear the young meddler has exhausted himself (wheeze) trying to save you," came a familiar rasping voice. "A good thing for him, (wheeze) as he will not have to suffer the pain of the death I intend (wheeze) to inflict on you both."
"Bring it on, I'll knock you out before you can say word one," Sonic said as he tried to move, only to be rudely reminded of the chains that still bound him. "No!"
"Not so quick when you can't move your legs (wheeze), eh quickster," the wizard said as a ball of black energy formed around his claw. Before he could cast the spell, however, the energy ball was shattered by an arrow which made a bee-line for Sonic, or more accurately, for his chains. The arrow head landed in the ground dead center of one of the links of the chains, glowing a golden light as it hit. "What trickery is thi....?" The wizard's question was cut off as the arrow began to change shape, growing longer as the feathers at the end changed shape, becoming three metal prongs holding a green stone between them.
"The Staff of Ages?!" the claw-handed mage said. With a single pulse of golden light, the staff shattered the chains all around Sonic, freeing the hedgehog from the sorcerer's trap.
"Yes!" Sonic cried as he jumped away from the ruined chains. "Okay loser, lets see how tough you are when your target ain't standing still." The highspeed hedgehog charged at the wizard as more dark energy came his way. Sonic easily dodged the blasts and punched his attacker square in the jaw, knocking the hood of his cloak from his head.
"Arrgh!"
"How ya like that, ya psycho spell... What the heck?" Sonic was shocked as he looked upon the face of his attacker. A long white beard fell from a squat face framed by two large pointed bat ears. In the center of the creature's forehead sat a spiraled horn, making for a frightening visage. "Wha are you, some sorta lobster-bat?"
"(wheeze) I am an archmage older (wheeze) than anything your feeble mind (wheeze) has ever known. I am the final product (wheeze) of the search for the ultimate power. I am he who will be (wheeze) your executioner. You may call me Ixis Naugus."
"And why do you want me dead so badly?"
"That is for me to know (wheeze) and for you to never find out. PYROS!" Naugus yelled as he claw hand rose into the air and snapped closed. This ignited a spark and within seconds the wizard was engulfed in flame. Sonic shielded his eyes from the bright light, and when he could see again, the hedgehog saw his opponent was no longer around. Cautiously, Sonic looked back at where he'd previously been chained down, only to discover that the staff that had set him free had disappeared as well. Only the shattered chains and Tails's sleeping form remained. Suddenly, Sonic heard footsteps running towards them, and the hedgehog turned to see Sally, Rotor, and the whole gang coming up.
"Sonic! You're all right!" Amy cried, wrapping her arms around her hero like a vice.
"We were so worried about you," Sally said. "Wait, where's Tails? Is he safe?"
"Yeah he safe and sleepin' soundly over there, all furry and everything too," Sonic said as he attempted to pry Amy from his torso. "Amy, you know I would kinda like to breathe at some point here."
"Oops sorry."
"How'd you get out of those chains?" Rotor asked. "And who was that guy who attacked you?"
"He called himself Ixis Naugus, and he's seems to have a major beef against me," Sonic answered. "But you're not gonna believe how I got outta those chains." Sonic told them about the mysterious Staff of Ages and what Naugus had told him before leaving.
"Oh you poor baby," Amy exclaimed, once more latching onto Sonic as Rotor lifted Tails off the ground.
"Well, on the plus side, the Quantum Cannon didn't throw our plans too far off. The mine collapsed on itself and Nicole says she can't find any cracks, so the vibrium isn't going anywhere. The whole thing would be too costly for Robotnik to continue mining. But I imagine he's madder than a hippo with a hernia right now, and has every SWATbot and Combot he can muster searching the immediate vicinity for our heads. That said, I think it would be wise for us to return to Knothole now."
*************************************
A few hours later found Sonic and Sally in the medical hut of Dr. Quack who was busy looking through a microscope. The aged duck kept humming and sighing as he watched the blood specimen he'd taken from the still sleeping Tails. The kit hadn't woken up since he'd been brought back from the mine, but this wasn't what worried the two Freedom Fighter leaders the most.
"Well doctor, have you found anything?"
"Nothing overly significant I'm afraid," Dr. Quack said, turning to face the squirrel. "I've compared this current sample of Miles's blood to the samples I took from him after the whole Silver Fox debacle. The nannites inside his blood show signs of activity, but mostly simple maintenance, nothing to indicate they've been restructuring cells into machines."
"But we saw him transform, Doc. You tellin' me I just imagined that cannon coming out of Tails's head."
"I understand what your saying Sonic, and I don't doubt what you say you saw. What I'm telling you is that I cannot find any evidence to suggest that the transformation took place."
"Why? Just cause the nannites don't show signs of major activity. It's been hours, maybe they've just been off since they changed him back."
"That's just it Sonic. The nannites possess roboticization capabilities, the ability to transmute living organic flesh into metal, but they are not equipped to reverse the process. Once his body is a machine, the nanites become fused and immobile."
"So how'd he change back?" Sally asked.
"I don't have an answer for you Princess," the doctor said.
**********************************************
Later that night, the door to Knothole's communications hut opened as a shadowy figure entered the hut. A clicking sound was the only noise made as one of the monitors in the room was turned on, displaying a rather blurry figure.
"Right on time, I am most glad. I take it you fully believe my story now?"
"I pride myself on my punctuality, sir, and I had no doubts, merely caution."
"Of course. So may I assume my activities at the mine has allowed you to begin harvesting the vibrium for our own purposes?"
"The underground tunnels are providing all the cover we could desire to smuggle the stuff out. I do commend you, from up top the mine looked completely caved in. You did a fantastic job."
"Flattery will get you nowhere. I'm only interested in the vibrium."
"Don't worry, we know how to handle it. I can't wait to begin using it to build weapons."
"No."
"Sir?"
"I already have plans for the vibrium, you are not to use any until I say so, understood. Simply collect the two items as I told you."
"Very well. And as to your eventual extraction."
"Let me worry about that. As long a I can keep Knothole's nimrods fooled, we have a secret and when we're ready, I guarantee a surprise like nothing they've ever seen before."