No, I haven't updated as quickly as I hoped. I apologize. I've been busy with other things. I did, however, finish Triple Shadows: Remix, and I did a picture of Eggman's cyber-echidna form on deviantART for those who can't imagine it. I also thought some more about this story's story line. I must say, it's shaping up to be much more than I expected. I hope your patience can stand waiting for it…
As Eggman spoke of his plan to the hedgehogs, Mech wandered around the base. He already knew the scheme, especially since he had assisted the doctor in planning the deed. Mech looked around the lonely hall he was in, concluding no one was around.
"Now would be the perfect time to report back to base," Mech muttered to himself. He had no comm.-link in his possession, but that was perfectly fine. You see, one of the many features installed in the androids of Cybex Capital was a special chip in their circuitry which allowed wireless contact. It was like having a radioized cell phone installed in your head, except with near-limitless range. All Mech needed to do was switch it on, and "dial" his master's robot code number to communicate with him.
"Ah, Mech," greeted Zynth, who instantly recognized the calling android. "I am glad to hear you reporting back. I was almost to the point of worry."
"I am honored that you care for me so, sir," Mech replied. "I have been following the fugitives. They are planning to invade the capital, and destroy us with metal-devouring nanites called Spawn."
"Not to worry, I already figured that he would resort to that," Zynth chuckled. "It's the most logical action for him to execute. Of course, I do have a counter-plan."
"What would that be, master?" Mech asked. "Do you plan to negate Spawn?"
"Oh, much more than that," Zynth replied with another chuckle, deep enough to sound like the hedgehog he was based off of. "However, I cannot tell you my plan yet. It must remain secret, just in case. I order you to wait until further instructions, affirmative?"
"Yes sir," Mech replied quietly, switching off the conversation. Oh, how cunning Master Zynth was, already having a counter plan! Oddly, Mech felt some unease at the whole secrecy of the plan. What could be so great as not to tell his most loyal servent?
"Ah, there you are Mech," Eggman greeted. "I've been looking everywhere for you. I just finished briefing the kids, and we're getting ready to leave soon." Mech followed the doctor, assuming that the cyborg had not heard any of the conversation (one of the few drawbacks of Mech's com-chip was the fact that he had to speak out loud). All he had to do was hope…and wait.
The twins were at the center room, looking impatient to leave. Ghost was beside them, emotionless as always. Bocoe, Decoe, and Bokkun were also present, the first two being patient as the third flew around in agitated circles.
"So, how are we going to the capital?" Yume asked. Akumu groaned.
"He only said it about a million times sis," He replied. "We are going there in his Egg Carrier Mach III, and dropping down from there. Assuming, of course, that we aren't spotted first."
"Nervous brother?" Yume chided, "'Cause I'm not! I can't wait to get out of here and kick some androids into the dirt. Then we can get 'em back for kidnapping everybody, especially Mom. Who knows, maybe we'll even find Dad."
"Why are you so keen on that?" The bat boy wondered aloud. "Ever since we got to Cybex Capital, it's been Dad this, and Dad that. I miss him too, but don't get your hopes up sis. He's probably long gone by now."
"Don't say that!" Yume growled. "I know we're going to find him. I saw him, remember? We're going to save Mom, find Dad, and then we'll all be together again. You want that, don't you?
"Of course I do," Akumu exclaimed. "I'm just saying that he may not even be here. You may have imagined seeing Dad, because you were in Chaos Control, and you were thinking about him."
"Enough you two," Ghost cut in, his eerie calmness instantly grabbing the twin's attention. "There is no need for fighting."
"I suppose he has a point," Yume admitted. "I just hope we are leaving soon."
"As a matter of fact, we are," declared Eggman, who just entered the room. "Come now, we don't have much time to waste!" The twins nodded, and then everyone followed him to the Egg Carrier Mach III.
Elsewhere, Zynth chuckled to himself.
"Fools," Zynth muttered. "I have them all figured out. The pieces are all in play, and I can already forsee my victory." A bat cyborg entered the room, bowing before speaking.
"Master Zynth, the infusion with Commander Blur and the Gizoid is complete."
"Excellent," The black android said, ushering the messenger away. "And now, it's time we see what these biotic life forms are really made of."
Mass conflict time! Next chapter, the invasion of the capital begins. Can our heroes (and not-so-much heroes) stand the challenge? We'll just have to wait and see!