SuperSonic Speed: Chapter 11- Operation Red Wind
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Inside the base with the trio
---
"If you see a camera, run for it, do not try to break it, Robotnik will notice the white static. Do not wave "hi" to it either, that is the absolute worst thing you could do." Knuckles whispered as he led the trio through the halls. "Look, Eastern cellblock that way. Keep following, you're doing fine."
Sonic was in complete awe at the facility. Every door was sealed with a place for both a color-coded keycard and a numerical keypad. Robotnik did everything in his power to make sure no intruders got in, and no information got out. The only security flaw was a lack of cameras in the hallway and a lack of guards outside. Sonic was shocked at how easily they'd gotten in.
"This guy is obviously arrogant, way too overconfident in his interior security." Knuckles whispered.
"Is that good or bad?" Tails asked.
"It means bad news for both of us, because he's bound to get intruders, but bad for us because he has some mean security and weaponry on the inside.
Be ready for ANYTHING guys, we're coming up on the eastern angle's cellblock. Hopefully we can get in, grab Juke, plant the bomb, and get out. Nothing special, just do your thing. Put your gloves on though, just in case."
---
Eastern Angle Cellblock
---
The specially designed SWATbot tapped in a numerical code into the cells keypad and bars made of electric-blue lasers dropped, blocking the high-security cell's entryway.
A job well done, the SWATbot stood outside the cell, rifle ready for anyone to dare and open the door. Robotnik had given (more like programmed) the SWATbot very simple instructions on what to do if the door opened without beeping first: Shoot First, and ask questions later. Robotnik had given this SWATbot better features, more powerful weaponary, and, faster reaction speed. The robot was deadly machine, a modern day gladiator with a gun in the sword's place. He felt no pain, was helplessly loyal and ready to die, there was no way the traitor would escape, Robotnik made sure of that.
The door to the cellblock opened, the only noise being the door sliding along it's magnetic track. When the opening grew large enough, a streak of crimson flooded through as the robot fired his weapon, anyone outside the door would be dead. The door slid fully open and the robot looked around. There was nothing there, not a door, not a dead body, nothing. The SWATbot walked about a foot forward and got the surprise of his robotic life when his gun was kicked out of his grip. He looked around, but couldn't see anything. Finally, he turned around and looked at his back and found a blue hedgehog with metal fists, leaning against the bot and smirking.
"Good Morning. Looking for this?" The hedgehog asked as he showed the robot it's weapon and proceeded to throw it down to the hard, metallic ground and jump on it.
---
Outside the door
---
"Knuckles! You're nuts! Sonic almost got killed there by the door!" Tails whispered.
"No, I'm not, he was the only one that could get in there without getting shot." Knuckles replied as he stood to the side of the door, inching up to where Sonic had been.
"Knuckles, what do we do if he dies?"
"Run for it."
---
Back inside the cellblock
---
"Initiate Program B, Melee combat... Program Initiatiated." The SWATbot droned, it's eyes glowing a bright, evil crimson.
Sonic stepped away from the robot, getting into position just as the guardian had showed him, right foot in front of the left, fists raised for protection.
"Let's do this." Sonic yelled with complete confidence.
The robot, heavy and slow swung at Sonic, who somersaulted under the punch with ease. Recovering, Sonic swung a wide left punch and hit his target in the center of the SWATbot's back. The blue hedgehog yelled in exitement as he watched his target crumple to the floor. Sonic looked in awe at his hands. They didn't hurt, they weren't scratched. The gloves were really a lifesaver. Sonic was also happy with his newfound abilities. He wished he could watch a replay of himself hitting
However, that was the least of Sonic's worries as the SWATbot got back to it's feet, hardly weakened. The blue hedgehog readied himself and glared in surprise as the SWATbot began to walk down the cellblock. Sonic ran up and attempted to block the SWATbots path, but was merely thrown back by the SWATbot. Hearing the hedgehog's groans of pain, Knuckles and Tails walked in.
A television monitor dropped down from above and the face of Robotnik came into view.
"Hello Sonic, we meet again." The camera zoomed out, revealing the extremely obese form of Robotnik sitting in a computer chair, typing commands into a console. "You know you should be dead. But out of luck, a traitor freed you. Have you enjoyed the test for my line of Mecha Bots. I believe you've already met Macha SWAT?" Robotnik pressed "enter" on his keyboard and the SWATbot turned around and waved to Sonic. The bot stood in place, awaiting orders.
"As you can see, this Mecha bot can be programmed to do anything, and it will comply, no questions asked. The bot is very useful for--"
"I don't care about what kinda crap your robot can do, Robotnik, what about your prisoner?" Sonic asked dully.
"Ah! You mean the traitor, right?" The camera's view switched from Robotnik, to that of Lieutenant Juke lying unconscious fully bound to a metal sheet that served as a painful bed.
"You!!!" Sonic yelled as he climbed to his feet.
"I just gave her a low dose of Vulcan, nothing major. It only causes unconsciousness and pain. Oh, and I had my new Lieutenant shoot her in the arm too, for an extra dose of pain." Robotnik laughed psychotically. "Juke isn't anything special Sonic, you knew she was here, but I have someone else here too." Robotnik teased, his eyes filling with evil joy.
"What are you talking about?" Sonic asked, puzzled.
"Mecha bot 1, enter cell E10 and extract subject," Robotnik commanded. Sonic watched in awe as the robot complied. "Perhaps you would like to come with, hedgehog?" Sonic began to walk a safe distance behind the robot.
"Don't do it Sonic!" Knuckles urged, "It's a trap!" Sonic refused to listen. Robotnik had something extremely important and he was determined to find out what it was. "Sonic! Your impulsiveness is going to get you killed!"
"If you don't shut up, YOU'RE going to get killed!" Robotnik threatened.
Tails looked to his side, and discovered that Knuckleshad left him. Where was the Echidna anyway? And why would he leave his two trainees?
Mecha SWAT came up on Cell E10 and typed in a code on a numerical keypad. He slid a multi-color-coded card through a special slot and watched as the bars of lasers disintegrated. The bot walked in and Sonic stood in curiousity wondering who could possibly be in cell E10.
The SWATbot walked out of the cell, an awake, female, blue hedgehog in it's grip. Sonic's jaw dropped to the floor and his eyes widened.
"I present to you, Swan Hedgehog." Robotnik announced.
"You... You... You... You... Didn't." Sonic said in complete disbelief.
"What? Can't believe your only a couple feet away from your 'mommy'?" Robotnik laughed a sickening laugh.
"This isn't real. She's just a hologram. You're just trying to hurt me, hit me in anyway you can. It ain't working. I ain't fallin' for your lies."
"Lies? Go ahead and touch her." Robotnik typed in a set of commands and hit "enter" the female hedgehog was released and Sonic ran up to her and grabbed her arm.
"Oh my... it really IS you."
"Honey, I thought you were dead..." Swan Cried.
"I thought you were too mom. Are you... alright? Did Robotnik hurt you?"
"Not much. What happened to you though? You're so... different."
"I know mom, I'm not the same Sonic I was months ago..."
"Aw... What a pretty scene. I have the perfect end to the perfect reunion. Mecha bot 1, O.D of Vulcan to subject of E10."
The SWATbot forcefully pushed Sonic back and restrained Swan. It pulled out a syringe of bubbling green liquid and Sonic charged at the robot, who in turn, snapped a hard kick to the hedgehog's stomach. The blue hedgehog clutched his stomach in complete agony. He was helpless and could do nothing as he watched his mother have an overdose of Vulcan injected into her. Swan's eyes widened and her body convulsed as the poison coursed through her body.
Mecha SWAT released Swan from it's grasp and she staggered two steps before falling. She was on the ground, supported only by her arms. Sonic crawled to where his mom was and helped her up.
"Hey..." Sonic said softly. "Are you alright?"
"I'm... sorry... Sonic... I... can't..." Swan replied before her eyes shut and her breathing ceased.
"NO!!!" Sonic yelled in despair. The sound echoed off the metallic walls and flooded back into his ears. Sonic suddenly got the same sick feeling he had gotten in Metropolis. "Robotnik!!! I'm going to kill you if it's the last thing I do!"
"Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots. What're you going to do about? Use your little Karate moves?"
Sonic growled. He was about to get up and maul the robot, but five laser bolts whizzed through the air above his head and ensured he would never have to face the Mecha bot again.
The blue Hedgehog turned around "Knuckles," Sonic said softly. A sixth crimson bolt blasted the tv monitor and a camera in the back of the cell.
"Go get Juke, Sonic," Knuckles said.
"Could... you just leave me for a minute, Knuckles?" Sonic asked.
"What's wrong?" Sonic eyed his mom's lifeless body. "I understand, I'll get her, we don't have time to waste, this place is going to blow in ten minutes." Knuckles replied as he picked up Mecha SWAT's keycard.
Tails walked up to Sonic, who was softly crying. "I'm... sorry Sonic."
"It ain't your fault, Tails, if it was, you'd be dead right now." Sonic softly replied. Tails sat down next to Sonic and was silent.
Knuckles came back down the cellblock with the unconscious Juke slung over his shoulders. "Okay, c'mon, let's get out of here."
"But what about my mom?" Sonic asked.
"That's your mom? We have to leave her. Dedicate this mission to her."
"Yeah..."
Suddenly, sirens wailed, "Bomb detected! Explosion Imminent! Evacuate premises immediately!"
---
5 minutes later-- Sand Hill
---
Sonic ran out of the complex and into the desert, Knuckles on his back. Tails followed behind by air, the still unconscious Juke dangling from his arms. Knuckles and Tails sat on Sand Hill, waiting for the blast. Sonic sat about 100 feet downhill, head in his hands, not making a sound. Before, Sonic had had hope that his parents could be alive because he hadn't seen them die. Now, that hope was gone. Robotnik had probably killed his dad too. He reall
Knuckles walked down the hill towards Sonic. "People die Sonic."
"Why her though? Why? A billion people in the world and it had to be her? Why not me, or you, or Robotnik?" Sonic asked softly.
"You have to realize Sonic that we are at war, maybe not officially, but we are still at war. War is hell, Sonic, people WILL die. Think of everyone who died in the attacks on Metropolis and Casino Night. Aren't those attacks why you are training with me in the first place?"
"Yeah... It's, just that--"
"That you know that there's no turning back?"
"Yeah... Just leave me alone, Knuckles."
"Sure." Knuckles replied as he started up the hill
Sonic watched as the base erupted in fire and was carried off in a red wind. With any luck, Robotnik would be gone with his base... Maybe not, an egg-shaped hover cruiser could be seen in the distance. Rats, he would get the murderer next time.
---
Inside the base with the trio
---
"If you see a camera, run for it, do not try to break it, Robotnik will notice the white static. Do not wave "hi" to it either, that is the absolute worst thing you could do." Knuckles whispered as he led the trio through the halls. "Look, Eastern cellblock that way. Keep following, you're doing fine."
Sonic was in complete awe at the facility. Every door was sealed with a place for both a color-coded keycard and a numerical keypad. Robotnik did everything in his power to make sure no intruders got in, and no information got out. The only security flaw was a lack of cameras in the hallway and a lack of guards outside. Sonic was shocked at how easily they'd gotten in.
"This guy is obviously arrogant, way too overconfident in his interior security." Knuckles whispered.
"Is that good or bad?" Tails asked.
"It means bad news for both of us, because he's bound to get intruders, but bad for us because he has some mean security and weaponry on the inside.
Be ready for ANYTHING guys, we're coming up on the eastern angle's cellblock. Hopefully we can get in, grab Juke, plant the bomb, and get out. Nothing special, just do your thing. Put your gloves on though, just in case."
---
Eastern Angle Cellblock
---
The specially designed SWATbot tapped in a numerical code into the cells keypad and bars made of electric-blue lasers dropped, blocking the high-security cell's entryway.
A job well done, the SWATbot stood outside the cell, rifle ready for anyone to dare and open the door. Robotnik had given (more like programmed) the SWATbot very simple instructions on what to do if the door opened without beeping first: Shoot First, and ask questions later. Robotnik had given this SWATbot better features, more powerful weaponary, and, faster reaction speed. The robot was deadly machine, a modern day gladiator with a gun in the sword's place. He felt no pain, was helplessly loyal and ready to die, there was no way the traitor would escape, Robotnik made sure of that.
The door to the cellblock opened, the only noise being the door sliding along it's magnetic track. When the opening grew large enough, a streak of crimson flooded through as the robot fired his weapon, anyone outside the door would be dead. The door slid fully open and the robot looked around. There was nothing there, not a door, not a dead body, nothing. The SWATbot walked about a foot forward and got the surprise of his robotic life when his gun was kicked out of his grip. He looked around, but couldn't see anything. Finally, he turned around and looked at his back and found a blue hedgehog with metal fists, leaning against the bot and smirking.
"Good Morning. Looking for this?" The hedgehog asked as he showed the robot it's weapon and proceeded to throw it down to the hard, metallic ground and jump on it.
---
Outside the door
---
"Knuckles! You're nuts! Sonic almost got killed there by the door!" Tails whispered.
"No, I'm not, he was the only one that could get in there without getting shot." Knuckles replied as he stood to the side of the door, inching up to where Sonic had been.
"Knuckles, what do we do if he dies?"
"Run for it."
---
Back inside the cellblock
---
"Initiate Program B, Melee combat... Program Initiatiated." The SWATbot droned, it's eyes glowing a bright, evil crimson.
Sonic stepped away from the robot, getting into position just as the guardian had showed him, right foot in front of the left, fists raised for protection.
"Let's do this." Sonic yelled with complete confidence.
The robot, heavy and slow swung at Sonic, who somersaulted under the punch with ease. Recovering, Sonic swung a wide left punch and hit his target in the center of the SWATbot's back. The blue hedgehog yelled in exitement as he watched his target crumple to the floor. Sonic looked in awe at his hands. They didn't hurt, they weren't scratched. The gloves were really a lifesaver. Sonic was also happy with his newfound abilities. He wished he could watch a replay of himself hitting
However, that was the least of Sonic's worries as the SWATbot got back to it's feet, hardly weakened. The blue hedgehog readied himself and glared in surprise as the SWATbot began to walk down the cellblock. Sonic ran up and attempted to block the SWATbots path, but was merely thrown back by the SWATbot. Hearing the hedgehog's groans of pain, Knuckles and Tails walked in.
A television monitor dropped down from above and the face of Robotnik came into view.
"Hello Sonic, we meet again." The camera zoomed out, revealing the extremely obese form of Robotnik sitting in a computer chair, typing commands into a console. "You know you should be dead. But out of luck, a traitor freed you. Have you enjoyed the test for my line of Mecha Bots. I believe you've already met Macha SWAT?" Robotnik pressed "enter" on his keyboard and the SWATbot turned around and waved to Sonic. The bot stood in place, awaiting orders.
"As you can see, this Mecha bot can be programmed to do anything, and it will comply, no questions asked. The bot is very useful for--"
"I don't care about what kinda crap your robot can do, Robotnik, what about your prisoner?" Sonic asked dully.
"Ah! You mean the traitor, right?" The camera's view switched from Robotnik, to that of Lieutenant Juke lying unconscious fully bound to a metal sheet that served as a painful bed.
"You!!!" Sonic yelled as he climbed to his feet.
"I just gave her a low dose of Vulcan, nothing major. It only causes unconsciousness and pain. Oh, and I had my new Lieutenant shoot her in the arm too, for an extra dose of pain." Robotnik laughed psychotically. "Juke isn't anything special Sonic, you knew she was here, but I have someone else here too." Robotnik teased, his eyes filling with evil joy.
"What are you talking about?" Sonic asked, puzzled.
"Mecha bot 1, enter cell E10 and extract subject," Robotnik commanded. Sonic watched in awe as the robot complied. "Perhaps you would like to come with, hedgehog?" Sonic began to walk a safe distance behind the robot.
"Don't do it Sonic!" Knuckles urged, "It's a trap!" Sonic refused to listen. Robotnik had something extremely important and he was determined to find out what it was. "Sonic! Your impulsiveness is going to get you killed!"
"If you don't shut up, YOU'RE going to get killed!" Robotnik threatened.
Tails looked to his side, and discovered that Knuckleshad left him. Where was the Echidna anyway? And why would he leave his two trainees?
Mecha SWAT came up on Cell E10 and typed in a code on a numerical keypad. He slid a multi-color-coded card through a special slot and watched as the bars of lasers disintegrated. The bot walked in and Sonic stood in curiousity wondering who could possibly be in cell E10.
The SWATbot walked out of the cell, an awake, female, blue hedgehog in it's grip. Sonic's jaw dropped to the floor and his eyes widened.
"I present to you, Swan Hedgehog." Robotnik announced.
"You... You... You... You... Didn't." Sonic said in complete disbelief.
"What? Can't believe your only a couple feet away from your 'mommy'?" Robotnik laughed a sickening laugh.
"This isn't real. She's just a hologram. You're just trying to hurt me, hit me in anyway you can. It ain't working. I ain't fallin' for your lies."
"Lies? Go ahead and touch her." Robotnik typed in a set of commands and hit "enter" the female hedgehog was released and Sonic ran up to her and grabbed her arm.
"Oh my... it really IS you."
"Honey, I thought you were dead..." Swan Cried.
"I thought you were too mom. Are you... alright? Did Robotnik hurt you?"
"Not much. What happened to you though? You're so... different."
"I know mom, I'm not the same Sonic I was months ago..."
"Aw... What a pretty scene. I have the perfect end to the perfect reunion. Mecha bot 1, O.D of Vulcan to subject of E10."
The SWATbot forcefully pushed Sonic back and restrained Swan. It pulled out a syringe of bubbling green liquid and Sonic charged at the robot, who in turn, snapped a hard kick to the hedgehog's stomach. The blue hedgehog clutched his stomach in complete agony. He was helpless and could do nothing as he watched his mother have an overdose of Vulcan injected into her. Swan's eyes widened and her body convulsed as the poison coursed through her body.
Mecha SWAT released Swan from it's grasp and she staggered two steps before falling. She was on the ground, supported only by her arms. Sonic crawled to where his mom was and helped her up.
"Hey..." Sonic said softly. "Are you alright?"
"I'm... sorry... Sonic... I... can't..." Swan replied before her eyes shut and her breathing ceased.
"NO!!!" Sonic yelled in despair. The sound echoed off the metallic walls and flooded back into his ears. Sonic suddenly got the same sick feeling he had gotten in Metropolis. "Robotnik!!! I'm going to kill you if it's the last thing I do!"
"Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots. What're you going to do about? Use your little Karate moves?"
Sonic growled. He was about to get up and maul the robot, but five laser bolts whizzed through the air above his head and ensured he would never have to face the Mecha bot again.
The blue Hedgehog turned around "Knuckles," Sonic said softly. A sixth crimson bolt blasted the tv monitor and a camera in the back of the cell.
"Go get Juke, Sonic," Knuckles said.
"Could... you just leave me for a minute, Knuckles?" Sonic asked.
"What's wrong?" Sonic eyed his mom's lifeless body. "I understand, I'll get her, we don't have time to waste, this place is going to blow in ten minutes." Knuckles replied as he picked up Mecha SWAT's keycard.
Tails walked up to Sonic, who was softly crying. "I'm... sorry Sonic."
"It ain't your fault, Tails, if it was, you'd be dead right now." Sonic softly replied. Tails sat down next to Sonic and was silent.
Knuckles came back down the cellblock with the unconscious Juke slung over his shoulders. "Okay, c'mon, let's get out of here."
"But what about my mom?" Sonic asked.
"That's your mom? We have to leave her. Dedicate this mission to her."
"Yeah..."
Suddenly, sirens wailed, "Bomb detected! Explosion Imminent! Evacuate premises immediately!"
---
5 minutes later-- Sand Hill
---
Sonic ran out of the complex and into the desert, Knuckles on his back. Tails followed behind by air, the still unconscious Juke dangling from his arms. Knuckles and Tails sat on Sand Hill, waiting for the blast. Sonic sat about 100 feet downhill, head in his hands, not making a sound. Before, Sonic had had hope that his parents could be alive because he hadn't seen them die. Now, that hope was gone. Robotnik had probably killed his dad too. He reall
Knuckles walked down the hill towards Sonic. "People die Sonic."
"Why her though? Why? A billion people in the world and it had to be her? Why not me, or you, or Robotnik?" Sonic asked softly.
"You have to realize Sonic that we are at war, maybe not officially, but we are still at war. War is hell, Sonic, people WILL die. Think of everyone who died in the attacks on Metropolis and Casino Night. Aren't those attacks why you are training with me in the first place?"
"Yeah... It's, just that--"
"That you know that there's no turning back?"
"Yeah... Just leave me alone, Knuckles."
"Sure." Knuckles replied as he started up the hill
Sonic watched as the base erupted in fire and was carried off in a red wind. With any luck, Robotnik would be gone with his base... Maybe not, an egg-shaped hover cruiser could be seen in the distance. Rats, he would get the murderer next time.