Mobian Legends
Story is (c) 2004-2008 John CoonFox, SethLeopard, and SallyGirl
SatAM Sonic characters are (c) 1992-1994 DiC Entertainment
Archie characters are (c) 1993-2008 Archie Comics Publications
Sonic The Hedgehog is (c) Sega/Sonic Team 1990-2007
Snively Fox is (c) "Spug" ("spug at dirtybaka dot com")
Bookshire Stormfire Draftwood is (c) 1994-2008 "Serinthia and Bookshire Draftwood" ("serinthia at foxcoon dot com")
SatAM Research and story: SallyGirl
Chief Writer: MetaLeopard
Writer: John CoonFox
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Timeline: May 18-June 4, 3241 - Late Spring
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Chapter 12 - Fallout
"I'm going to be honest, Sonic. Knuckles will be alright, but it will be a while before he's back to his old self. You should take it easy and not do too much running for the next month or so, either." The middle-aged raccoon doctor tells Sonic and Tails as they sit in the waiting room.
The doors burst open and Sonic turns his head, seeing Sally, Tails, and Rotor running into the Waiting Room.
"Sonic! Oh my god, are you alright? How badly were you hurt? Is Knuckles dead?" Sally asks, hugging Sonic tightly.
"Oof! Sal...can't breathe..." He whimpers as his girlfriend squeeze-hugs him tightly.
Sally blushes and lets go of him.
"Just a busted ankle that'll heal up in a couple days, thanks to Silver, and a busted nose that'll heal in a week or two. It takes more than a cocky robot to kill me. Knuckles is gonna be alright." He replies.
"What infected Knuckles, Doctor Draftwood?" Tails asks.
The doctor looks at the chart of Knuckles' medical condition on the little electronic tablet he's carrying.
"He was infected with nanites... microscopic robots... that absorbed massive amounts of hemoglobin in his blood, weakening him and causing him to feel out of energy. They apparently were able to radiate his energy back to Metal Sonic, fuelling him. He'd be dead if he arrived twenty minutes later, though. Sonic, Silver... you two saved him." Dr. Bookshire answers.
"That's good news." Sally speaks, holding Sonic's hand.
"Speakin' of 'bots... where are Silver Sonic and Metal?" Sonic asks.
"I was thinking on putting Metal in cryogenic storage for a few years, until we can figure out something more permanent. As for Silver Sonic... He should go to Knuckles, to help defend against the Master Emerald." The robotic fox replies.
"He'll like that." Sonic says as he walks towards Knuckles' room door, limping from the bandages on his leg and foot.
The hedgehog curiously looks through, peering into the room, to see how his friend is doing. The red-furred echidna is hooked up to IV-systems, and a heartrate-monitoring machine.
Sonic carefully and quietly opens the door. He steps into the sterilized environment and stands at Knuckles' bedside, holding his friend's hand.
"Knuckles, are you going to be alright?" Sonic asks softly.
"Sonic, he's still in a coma. He's unconscious and he can't hear ya." The doctor says to the hedgehog.
"I thought you said he was going to get better..." Sonic answers.
"He is getting better. He's just in a medicine-induced coma because the pain would be too much to tolerate."
"I see." Sonic looks down at Knuckles, feeling very sorry for him.
"If It weren't for me, you would have never been hurt. It's all because Metal Sonic wanted to hurt me, by getting to you... I'm sorry." Sonic says.
Knuckles' eyelids start to open as he awakens.
"It's not your fault, Sonic. We guardians have to take that type of trouble and face it, even if we die from it." Knuckles tells him.
"How do you feel, Knuckles?" Sally asks him, standing at the foot of his bed.
"I feel in pain, but great otherwise." He says as he sits up, noticing he's in hospital clothes.
"Where am I, though? The Floating Island?" He asks.
"You're at the Mobotropolis Downtown Hospital. Sonic and Silver brought you here." The doctor replies.
"So, I guess I owe you for saving my life, huh, blue blur? When do I start my servitude?" Knuckles smirks, joking.
"Ahh... I'm not the butler-having type, though you'd make a great bodyguard." Sonic says, patting Knuckles' shoulder.
"I'll be up and outta here in a few days, then we can get back to savin' the world from badguys again." Knuckles replies.
"We should get going, though. You need to rest up and recover." Tails says, shaking Knuckles' hand as the others depart.
"Silver, Sonic..." Knuckles speaks.
"Yes?" The two furs ask in return.
"Thanks for savin' me. I don't normally ask for help or admit weakness, but thanks." Knuckles tells them.
"No problem." Silver and Sonic reply to their friend.
"I should get going. I'm headed back home." Silver speaks to Sonic as she walks with him.
"What's the hurry? Why not stay with us in Knothole Village?" Sonic offers.
"That's a nice offer Sonic. I'll accept." She replies.
"What about your home, though?" Sonic asks.
"I... don't really have a home. I just wander around." Silver speaks.
"Well, that ends today if you want it to. You can stay with us." Sonic smiles.
As Sonic approaches the courtyard of the royal palace, he sees Elias and Geoffrey.
"Hey Sal... Who's this guy? You're long lost brother?" He jokes at Elias, laughing.
The squirrels are not amused. Sally gives sonic a stern look, while Elias is simply a bit confused over what Sonic meant.
"Oh. Sorry." Sonic replies.
"Sonic, this is my brother, Prince Elias. Elias, this is my best friend, Sonic." Sally says, introducing them to each other.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sonic." Elias says as he shakes Sonic's hand.
At first, Sonic is a bit suspicious if Elias is truly a prince, but realizes it when he sees the Royal tattoo on his forearm. He then notices Geoffrey there, as well.
"What's the odor-eater doing back here?" Sonic says, getting into a defensive stance.
Geoffrey does the same. "I don't want any trouble, hedgehog, but I will defend myself if I need to."
"Boys, boys. Settle down. No one's going to attack anyone. My father's going to have this settled out once and for all at noon. We will have my father deliver his verdict in his courtroom, in a calm and civilized manner. Until then, there will be no fighting, no attacking, and no name-calling, do you both understand?" Sally explains to the two males.
"Yes, Princess." They both say in response.
Sonic then sits on a bench, where Geoffrey is already sitting.
"So... did you and Elias build that new hut this morning? I overheard you and Elias talkin' about somethin' like it earlier..." Sonic asks, trying to break the tense atmosphere with his rival with some small talk.
"Yep. Took all of this morning. Started at 4 AM." Geoffrey replies.
"Looks pretty strong." Sonic says as he looks at it.
"It should be. Elias is an expert woodsman." Geoffrey says.
"Time go go, boys. Your trial with my father begins now." Sally tells them.
King Max steps out into the large, elegantly-crafted courtroom, towards where Sonic and Geoffrey are sitting. He sits down on the royal chair, acting as the judge in this case.
"Sonic, Sir Geoffrey, it's time we settle the dispute between you two." King Max tells them.
The two furs stand up and follow the king, while Sally tells the remaining freedom fighters to enter the Royal Courtroom. Soon, everyone is sitting down in the planning room.
"So exactly what transpired between you two?" Max asks.
Sonic and Geoffrey start to speak, before Sally cuts them off.
"Geoffrey, why don't you tell us first?" She asks the older skunk.
"Way un-cool, Sal. Are you siding with HIM?" Sonic asks, very impatient.
"I'm not siding with him, I just thought it would be wiser to let him get his part through first." She explains.
"Ohhh. Okay." Sonic says.
"The reason I had attacked Sonic was from my frustration with how things were going between him and the other freedom fighters. I thought that the Military was in charge of the Kingdom of Mobius' defense, not rebelling groups of children." He explains.
"We took down 'buttnik, though!" Sonic exclaims.
"Sonic, please don't interrupt. Your turn is next." King Max tells the blue-quilled hedgehog. "Continue, Geoffrey."
"At first, when Robotnik took over, I began looking for whatever remaining troops were left alive. I was hoping on re-forming the military and launching a counter-offensive to knock the overlander from power. Though, in hindsight, and i mean no disrespect sire, it was completely foolhardy to place an overlander in such a prominent position of government to begin with!" THe skunk tells the freedom fighters.
The room falls silent for a couple seconds.
"Geoffrey, this is not an inquiry into Robotnik's takeover, though one is going to be held, I can assure you of that." King Max explains.
"Well, when I realized I was the last soldier remaining of the armed forces, I tried to band the remaining freedom fighter groups together, searching out the freedom fighters on your list that you gave me and Sally. The southern Freedom Fighters gave me a very cold reception, and said I was "too old" to get things done, while the Eastern Freedom Fighters questioned my capabilities as a soldier. The Wolfpack were marginally more accepting, but said they would only act from messages given from Princess Sally, not a soldier, becuase of their strict allegience to the Crown. They also said they were suspicious of me actually being a soldier. That angered me, so I vowed to become a rogue soldier and take down Robotnik myself. Then, I kept hearing of Sonic and his escapades with sabotaging Robotnik and his schemes to destory the Great Forest." Geoffrey tells the freedom fighters.
"I have a question for Pepe Le Pew." Sonic tells Sally.
"I heard that, but ask, Sonic." Geoffrey says, annoyed of the little nickname Sonic gave him.
"Why not just join up with us after you heard about us?" Sonic asks him.
"I was burned by the other groups, so I had eventually gave up on trying to fit in, and I travelled across the globe searching for anything whatsoever that could lead to the secret to Robotnik's downfall. My travels brought me to Angel Island a few months before Doomsday happened, and that's where I met up with Elias. At first, the guardian of the island wanted to throw me off it, and I meant that literally. Knuckles doesn't like outsiders. After I told him I was loyal to the King, he let me stay there for a while. Eventually, I had plotted the perfect take-down plan for Robotnik, and Elias had wanted to come with me, to liberate you from the Void. You could not believe how angry AND glad I was to hear that you had destroyed Robotnik's empire, Sonic." Geoffrey speaks.
Sonic listens closely.
"I was glad that Robotnik was finally out of the picture, so we could rescue the King from the Void, and rebuild the kingdom. On the other hand, I was mad as hell becuase 10 years of my life were wasted trying to take down that man. All my planning and travelling was for nothing. Yes, i had found the King's son, but I had not found the King, and I was unsure the Knothole Freedom Fighters would even want to deal with me. I suppose I had snapped when I heard that Sonic had defeated Robotnik, so I wanted revenge on him, by siding with Ixis Naugus. Sending Ixis back into the Void was definitely something I had not expected, so I wanted to punish Sonic for ruining my planning over the years. That is why I stole Snively's chaos device and attacked Sonic." Geoffrey finishes.
"Sonic, do you have anything to say about this?" King Max asks.
"Yeah, I have a question. Why are you so angry at us from what others did? Displaced anger ain't right..." Sonic speaks.
"I know. I just have an intense hatred towards those that betray me... and overlanders, for killing my father. I thought for a while, that anyone aligned with the King would refuse to deal with me." Geoffrey replies.
"Now, Geoffrey... you do deserve punishment for you actions against Sonic, as they could have very well jeopardized any missions they had at the time. You did serve time in the Devil's Gulag, which will be counted towards you punishment." King Max tells the skunk.
"I understand, sire." Geoffrey replies.
"Well, I know you are very loyal to me and the Kingdom. I also believe you are sincere in your apologies, thoguh your personality clash with Sonic was quite a severe one, and the conduct you displayed is not something I would expect from a general. For striking and attacking Sonic, I think a proper punishment is six months in the devil's gulag, and a complete loss of rank." King Max states.
"What? No! The military is all I have left! What else do I have to live for if I cannot serve my king and my country?" Geoffrey protests, standing up.
Elias stands next to Geoffrey.
"Father, please. Don't imprison him again. I know he's sorry for what he did, but if he loses his rank and freedom, he will lose everything he tried to earn. He'll feel betrayed." Elias pleads.
"Elias, if Geoffrey is unstable, he then poses a safety risk to the rest of the freedom fighters." King Max replies.
"He's my best friend, and while I do have Sally and the Freedom Fighters, Geoffery is the only one I trust, and it's mutual." He tells his father.
"Hmm. Do you feel the same way Geoffrey?" He asks.
"Sire, I do feel the same way. Elias is my best friend. He's the only one that puts up with me on a daily basis." The skunk replies.
"Very well. You can keep your rank AND freedom, but on the condition that you get some counselling to get your anger under control. Does that sound fair?"
"Oh, goodness, yes! It's very fair, my benevolent leader!" Geoffrey says, shaking King Max's hand.
"Yes. You're welcome, Geoffrey." The King replies.
"Now, is there any other business that needs to be conducted here?" He asks.
"Yes, sire. You know I don't want to be King, and Sally would love to be Queen someday. Are you fine with me passing the crown to her?" Elias asks.
"Elias, you are the first-born male, and as tradition, you are the heir to the throne." King Max replies.
"Why can't we break with tradition? Why can't we have female leaders, or even have elections for our leaders?" Sally asks.
"Elections? Absolutely out of the question." King Max replies. "I would very much rather you be King after I die, Elias, but if you would rather have your sister in your place... then I will accept that. Sally, if you want to be queen, that's fine with me IF Sonic can prove himself to be a competent leader."
Sonic is blushing a very deep red at this point.
"S-Sonic? Dad, what gave you the impression Sonic and I were going to get married?" Sally asks, blushing a bit as well.
"Well, isn't it obvious? He cares a great deal about you, and he loves you. I'm sure you have the same feelings for him." Max replies.
"I like him as a boyfriend, but I'm not sure if we're ready to get married..." Sally speaks, holding Sonic's hand.
The blue blur is completely embarassed and shocked from the older fur's brazen remarks.
"I can't beleve how embarassing this is... Sure, I love Sally, but I don't think I can tie the knot with her just yet... Tails and the rest are gonna be teasin' me about this for weeks..." He thinks to himself.
"I don't mean that you need to get married right now, but later down the line, if you do... you have my blessing. I know Sonic is impulsive and quick-to-act, but if he can show he's a competent ruler, I'll give him my blessing to become King of Mobius." King Max speaks. "Sonic, will you show me that you can be a competent and skilled leader?"
Sonic is still silent, remaining still.
"Sonic, my father asked you a question, and he deserves an answer." Sally speaks to him.
"Y-yeah... I can show you I'll be a great leader. I'd love to have Sally as my Queen. I love her, after all... I mean-- oops..." Sonic blushes a deep red.
"Oops? What do you mean "oops", Sonic Hedgehog?" Sally giggles, kissing him.
Sonic blushes as he kisses back. "Aww, Sal... not in front of the guys..."
This makes the freedom fighters giggle.
"Sally, I do love ya. You're the best thing that's happened to me." He tells her as he hugs her.
"I love you, True Blue." She replies.
"Sonic, please kneel before me." King Max asks, stepping closer to the now-kneeling hedgehog.
He takes out his sword, placing it on Sonic's right shoulder. "I here by declare thee, Sir Sonic the Royal Hedgehog of Knothole Village. I am knighting you on behalf of your hard work in bringing down Doctor Robotnik, your dedication to the kingdom, and your alliegiance to me." King Max speaks, placing his sword back in his holster. "You may stand once again."
"Wow... t-thanks, your majesty. I don't know what to say..." Sonic says softly.
"Sonic, you and your Freedom Fighters have earned the title of Knights. As for everything else, I think this court session settles it." King Max says. "I declare this meeting adjourned."
The furs start to leave the courtroom, when Tails walks by Sonic.
"Sonic! Rotor wants to show us all somethin'. Come on!" Tails says, inviting Sonic and Sally to follow him to the courtyard.
Sonic shrugs as he walks with Sally into the courtyard, when they hear a diesel engine running, getting louder as it approaches. Sonic gets into a defensive stance.
"Stand back, guys. It could be trouble." Sonic he says, slowly walking towards the source of the noise.
He walks up, and sees a large, green-painted bus turning the corner. It comes to a stop in the street. Sonic is very suspicious. It has the royal flag on its grille and sides, meaning it's a royal vehicle, but it could be a trap. He's handled hundreds of traps in the past, and this doesn't concern him. The door opens as he approaches, and his good friend Rotor steps out.
"Rote! Ya surprised me, man! What is this thing, anyway?"
"This is our new Mobile Command Center. If anyone even THINKS about starting trouble, we'll be there in a heartbeat. You can run alongside us while we move, and we can form our plans up inside. Come in, and I'll show ya everything." Rotor says as he steps back into the vehicle.
"It's cool, Sal! It's safe, Tails... it's just Rotor and some machine he's built." Sonic says, walking into the bus with the walrus.
"The first few rows of seats are for us to sit back and relax as we respond, with my computers in the back. The seats fold back into beds if the trip's gonna be a long one. This giant vehicle is a combo war room/logistical headquarters/living center. Did I forget to mention the first-aid room to help with injuries?" Rotor explains, walking with them through the large vehicle.
"Do we really need this?" Sonic asks, a bit skeptical.
"Well, it might be nice to have as a back-up, in case Knothole's ever discovered, or if Mobotropolis falls again. I just wanna keep us prepared." Rotor says.
"Rote, lately, you've had WAY too much time on your hands. What are ya gonna build next, a jet?" Sonic chuckles, somewhat disappointing Rotor.
"Sonic, Rotor has the right idea. Where did you find this?" Sally replies.
"It was in one of Robotnik's scrap yards. I was able to completely re-build it from parts that were lying around here. It's one of the few times I'm thankful that Robotnik was a wasteful polluter." The walrus explains.
"Well, you guys can ride in this... whatever it is... I'll keep with my feet." Sonic says.
"For now, I'm gonna keep it in storage. I doubt we'll need it any time soon." The walrus says as he sits down in one of the chairs.
"Well, Sal, I guess we better find other jobs now." Sonic chuckles as he sits in one of the chairs.
"why's that?" Sally asks.
"Now that the country's being rebuilt, we'll have to settle down. I don't like conforming, though. I'll probably wind up livin' on a constant adventure, or bein' a DJ..." Sonic thinks out loud.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, true blue." Tails replies. He looks around along the walls of the vehicle, when he comes to an interesting device.
"What's that?" Tails asks, pointing at an odd-looking monitor.
"This is a television reciever unit. King Max wanted me to tell you guys that he's planning a national address this evening at eight o'clock." He replies.
"How will people see it?" Sonic asks.
"The King was able to have some reciever units sent out to the other Freedom Fighter groups." Rotor tells Sonic.
Sonic looks at the clock.
"We should be getting back to Knothole. It's getting late." Sonic says to Sally and Tails.
"What's the rush, Sonic? We can explore the city now, and not have to worry about Swat-Bots coming to kill us." Tails replies.
"Yeah, but we'll eventually need sleep." Sonic replies.
"That's why my father said we could stay in the Royal Palace until reconstruction on the new Freedom HQ is complete." Sally informs Sonic.
"Really? Sweet. Living here again might be fun after all." Sonic replies.
As the sun sets on the great forest and Mobotropolis, the furs get the news through word-of-mouth that the King has an important announcement. Eight o'clock arrives, and the furs in Knothole Village and Mobotropolis gather in their huts and in the Royal Palace to see the first television transmission in years. At first, there is only an image of the flag on the screen, but it soon switches to a desk in the newly-rebuilt Royal Throneroom. King Max is sitting on the throne. The Knothole Freedom Fighters and Wolf Pack gather in the lobby in front of a large television monitor as the announcements begin.
"Good Evening, Mobius. Over the past eighteen years, we have suffered under the technological terror of Doctor Ivo Robotnik. For eleven years, from 3224 to 3235, he basically ruled the entire planet..." He speaks
Sonic leans forward, a bit excited over what the King is saying.
"Shh. Shh! He might mention us!" Sonic says, on the edge of his seat, as Sally, Antoine, and the rest watch inside Rotor's hut.
"but it was the courageous actions of a select few that would help overthrow Doctor Robotnik, and rescue me from the Void. These 'freedom fighters', as they call themselves, are in my personal debt. With Robotnik gone, and Ixis Naugus in hiding, it is time that we repopulate our cities and recover our nation that we so dearly love. There is no need for fear anymore, since there will be no more coups or revolutions. I wish to present my new government that will assist you, and myself, in rebuilding our proud nation."
"I wonder who he picked?" Sally asks, not knowing what her father has been up to in recent days.
"People of Mobius, I wish to introduce you to your ministers. Some are old friends, and some are new faces. They are, Sir Charles Hedgehog, Minister of Science, Sir Amadeus Prower, and the new Minister of Defense is Geoffrey St. John, who is replacing Warlord Kodos Lion. Now, to prevent another takeover, I've also drafted up laws that increase the power of the crown, and reduce the powers of the ministers somewhat, as a security measure. I look forward to working with you gentlemen in these weeks and months to come." King Max says, shaking their hands.
The freedom fighters are somewhat confused and speachless over the King's first Royal Address in nearly twenty years.
"What the hell was THAT about? 'Increasing the power of the crown'..." Sonic mutters.
"I... don't know, Sonic. This caught me by surprise, too. I'm going to have a talk with my father and see what he meant." Sally replies to him as she gets up and walks out of the lobby, and down the hall.
The princess opens the door and walks into the royal throne room, finding her father at his desk, sorting his papers.
"Father, what on earth was that? You *can't* be serious about this..." She asks.
"Sally, I'm consolidating the ruling power under the throne. Last time we had a distribution of power, war broke out and I was thrown into the Void. I'm not going to let that happen again." He replies to his daughter.
"So becoming a tyrant is your answer to it? I think you're making a huge mistake." Sally replies.
"It's for the good of the people. You should know that. I do the things I do for the greater good. Not for selfishness or power or greed." King Max tells her, standing up.
"The people need more power, not less! I agree that they've been through hell, but becoming like Robotnik is only going to backfire. If the people had freedoms like the echidnas on Angel Island, you could have your stability and security, while the people would still have their freedoms." Sally tries to explain.
"Out of the question. I'm not going to turn the country into a republic or allow the people to elect their leaders, and that's final." King Max says.
As Sonic walks down the hallway, following Sally, he overhears an increasingly heated arguement. He can hear Sally and Max's voices as he peers through the doorway, unnoticed so far.
"Sally, I don't even know *why* you are so adamant on this. How the country is run does not concern you, because you are not the leader. I am." He tells her.
"Father, I ruled for you for over ten years. I've been extremely loyal to you, leading a rebellion, gathering troops and freedom fighters together, and we tried to rescue you from the Void twice. You forget that, don't you? I should be involved in the politics of the country because I have experience. I know first-hand what's in the best interests of the people, becuase I have BEEN with the people." Sally protests.
"Young lady, we're done with this matter." King Max says to Sally, sitting back down in his chair.
"Fine. I can see it's pointless trying to talk to you right now." Sally says as she walks out of the room.
Sonic catches up to Sally.
"Sal, what's wrong? You look steamed." Sonic asks.
"My father thinks becoming a tyrant is in the best interests of Mobius. I think he's wrong, but he won't listen to me." Sally replies.
"Don't worry. I know he'll come to his senses. And if he doesn't, we can overthrow him!" Sonic chuckles, joking with Sally.
The princess shakes her head at the joke.
"I don't think so, Sonic." Sally replies to him. "I love my father, and I would never overthrow him."
"I get it." Sonic replies.
Later that next morning, the sun rises above the city of Mobotropolis. The shadows of the tall buildings reach across the cool, hard ground as the buildings are soon bathed with warm sunlight. The parks in the middle of the city are soon welcomed by the warmth of the sun.
Sonic's resting on his back against a tree with Sally, in the middle of the park's forest, next to the stream.
"What's on your mind, Sal-gal?" Sonic asks.
"Sonic, I know in my heart that you would make a good King of Mobius some day." She answers.
"Well, I wouldn't let the country go down the tubes, that's for sure." Sonic speaks.
"I've also been thinking about the Kingdom... I think the people should have a choice on who is their leader." Sally tells him.
"You mean like the echidnas' democracy?" Sonic asks.
"Sort of, yeah. The king would stay as the leader, but we should have the right to elect tribal leaders or councillors for each area to serve underneath him. Sort of like advisors to the King. He would no longer have absolute power. Instead, he'd have to talk things over with his ministers." Sally explains.
"I dunno, Sal... that idea might not go over too well with your dad..." Sonic thinks outloud, recalling last night's shout-fest between Sally and her father.
"I'm sure he'll welcome it as progress towards rebuilding the kingdom. He's already begun re-hiring his former ministers and advisers. We just need to convince him that it's not going to tear the country apart." Sally replies.
"How will we do that?" Sonic asks.
"Well... Elias might be willing to explain it to father, and if that fails, we might have to lead a protest." Sally says.
"A protest? That could get ugly... let's just hope he listens to reason." Sonic says.
In the royal palace, Elias enters his father's study, seeing him looking over some documents. The look on his face clearly shows he's very concerned, thinking something very important over, and it's draining him of his energy. He's visibly tired from staying up all night, considering his options on the Kingdom's future. Elias walks into the room, hoping to find a peaceful resolution to the family dispute.
"Father, you look upset. Talk to me." Elias says as he sits next to his father's desk.
King Max sighs, rubbing his head.
"You know I've longed for peace in the Kingdom, my son. I just cannot accept peace if the concessions I must make for it are too great. I don't do appeasement." King Max replies to his son.
"I understand. I just hoped there was a way we could come to a peaceful comprimise. I think that would be in the Kingdom's best interest." Elias replies.
"Elias, I understand you mean well. I'm just not going to back down, though. If you think I will, then you're sorely mistaken. I *will* have you as my successor if you and Sally decide to go against me." He speaks.
Elias nods as he walks out, slowly making his way back towards the park. The prince approaches Sally and Sonic, who are sitting under the trees.
"Any luck?" Sally asks him.
Elias shakes his head. "I'm afraid not. Father's much too stubborn to give a comprimise. He even threatened to force me to become King instead of you if we tried to change his mind any further..."
"Sal, I think your dad's attitude about this sucks. I know he's your dad, and our King, but he doesn't have the rights to become just like Ixis Naugus and Robotnik..." Sonic replies to her.
"What should we do?" Elias asks.
"I'm very annoyed at my father, so I think we should have a peaceful protest against his decisions. He may change his mind if he sees the people at large don't like what he's doing." Sally explains to her friends.
Sonic looks around. Sure, there are people walking by, but would they truly protest against the king?
"Sonic, We need to get the Freedom Fighters. Where's Rotor?" Sally asks the blue-furred hedgehog.
"I think Rote's working on his mobile command center thingy..." Sonic replies.
Sally stands up, helping Sonic to his feet.
"What do you have planned?" He asks, walking with Sally and Elias.
"I have a plan to get my father's attention. We get the Freedom Fighters to lead a protest on the castle, and we tell him our demands." Sally replies, before picking up her pocket computer, NICOLE.
"Nicole, notify Rotor and the Freedom Fighters that we need them, and we're on the way." She speaks.
"Working, Sally..." NICOLE replies, sending a signal to Rotor's computer inside the mobile command center.
Rotor is doing some work on his computers when he is notified of an incoming transmission from NICOLE. The walrus picks up his headset to listen to the message.
"Rotor, Sally requests your presence in the Grand Park. Rally the Freedom Fighters and bring the mobile command center. She will give further instructions upon your arrival." NICOLE reports to the walrus.
"Gee... this sounds really big. I'm on my way." He says to himself.
The walrus gets up and walks towards the Freedom Fighters' lounge in the lobby of the new Freedom HQ. He opens the door, seeing Antoine and Bunnie sitting on the couch.
"Guys, we gotta go. Trouble's brewin'." He speaks.
"what's happenin', Rotor?" Bunnie asks, sitting up.
"Sally wants a meeting with all Freedom Fighters in the park. It's concerning the King's recent announcements." Rotor explains.
"Zen, we shall go." Antoine replies. "As a loyal guard, I nevair disobey a direct ordair."
The three furs walk into the underground parking garage, where the Mobile Command Center is located.
"Hop in. We'll get there in no time." Rotor says as he opens the passenger door.
Bunnie and Antoine hop in, and Rotor pulls the vehicle out of the garage, into the now-crowded city streets. He carefully turns onto the road near the park, and sees Sally standing with Sonic on the marquee in the middle of the park, surrounded by furs.
"What is zis?" Antoine asks.
"This is what Sally was telling us about." Rotor replies as he stops the bus-like vehicle.
The walrus opens the door and hops out, quickly followed by Bunnie and Antoine.
"Sal-gal! Are you in trouble?" Bunnie asks.
"No, Bunnie, but we need to protect my father from himself. He's making a grave mistake by trying to strip us of our freedoms that we suffered for and fought so hard for." Sally replies.
One of the furs in the crowd shouts out a question. "Yeah, but isn't protesting the king against the law? You know... treason?"
"No, we have the right to peaceful protest, and if my father sends his troops out after us, we will defend ourselves." She replies.
"How will we get him to listen to us?" Lupe asks.
"I have a plan. I will lead the protest to the steps of the castle, and speak with my father directly. If he refuses to listen, then I'll declare him mentally incompetent to rule, and assume power as the acting ruler of Mobius." She explains. "Is everyone ready? Once we start, there's no turning back. Whoever wants out, now's the time to leave."
No one leaves. The Freedom Fighter groups are loyal to Sally. While they are loyal to the king, they also want to protect their freedoms, and are prepared to fight him. The princess then hands out four radios, one to Rotor, one to Lupe, one to Bunnie, and one to Tails.
"What do I do, Sally?" Tails asks, standing with Wes and Knuckles.
"Tails, you'll be our aerial support. We'll need you to see if re-inforcements are coming. If they are, let us know on the radios. Wes and Knuckles will be our strength to hold back any attackers." She explains.
"Alright. Rotor, Antoine. I'll need you boys in the Mobile Command Center for logistics and to keep us all in contact with each other. We'll coordinate our movements through you. Don't be afraid to run if my father's Secret Service corner you." She explains to her technician.
"I'm ready when you are, Sal-Gal." Sonic says, holding her hand with his own.
Sally waves to the furs, and begins leading the march down the wide, tree- and tower-lined boulevard. Traffic is brought to a stand-still with the furs marching along the avenue. As they approach cross-streets, Lupe runs forward with the WolfPack, holding back traffic while Sally and her Freedom Fighters march towards the castle.
Geoffrey is standing guard at the gate of the Royal Palace compound. He looks through his binoculars, seeing something he can't believe. Sally is leading a group of protesting rebels against the crown upon the castle! He quickly runs towards the Castle, pushing the doors open as he rushes into the main lobby.
"SIRE! DANGER! There's a large protest starting up in the city center, and Sally's leading them!" He reports.
"WHAT? I'll handle this myself! Gather the Secret Service, and arm them with rubber bullets. I won't have a rebellion on my watch." King Max growls, looking out the window.
"Y-yes, sire." Geoffrey says, walking out of the room.
The skunk walks out with a few dozen Secret Service officers, staying behind the solid steel gates. Among the soldiers are the four Fanged Felons, Nack the Weasel and his brothers. He holds his paw out in a gesture to have them stop.
"Geoffrey, stand down." Sally tells the skunk, through the gate.
"I can't, Sally. You know that. I have direct orders from His Majesty, the King to stop you." He replies, standing firm against the princess.
"Geoffrey, you and your men stand down or you will be arrested and tried for treason. I'm here to talk to my father and this seems to be the only way to get him to listen." Sally replies to him.
Geoffrey steps back, and is about to open the gate, when King Max's voice barks out over the intercom.
"Geoffrey, if you open that gate for Sally, I will revoke your pardon, have you tried for war crimes, and personally execute you for disobeying a direct order!" He says, very angrily.
The skunk then looks at Sally and Sonic, wondering what he should do in his awkward position.
"Stand down, Geoffrey. You won't be punished for it if you do." The princess tells him.
"You're not in control of that, your father is." Geoffrey replies to her.
"I'll make sure that he does not punish you. I think he's gone senile and no longer able to rule the country." Sally explains to him.
Geoffrey thinks this over. He stands aside, and presses the gate control button, opening it up for Sally.
The king watches this through the window, furious of Geoffrey's betrayal and alliance with his daughter. He opens the gate.
"Soldiers, hold your ground. Shoot the crowd with rubber bullets to disperse them." He orders calmly.
The secret service soldiers move into place, blocking the now-opened gate, with their guns drawn. Sonic moves into a defensive stance. Nack holds his gun firmly, aiming at Sonic.
"Want me to take 'em all out, Sal?" He asks.
"No, Sonic. I don't want anyone hurt. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid." She replies to her friend.
"Stand down, or we will fire!" One of the soldiers yells, holding his gun firmly.
The crowd remains still. Rotor watches the scene unfold from 50 feet away in his mobile command center. He then gets an idea.
"We have the right to a free and peaceful protest. You can't do this!" Lupe yells back to the royal guards.
"Sally, this is Rotor. I have an idea." He tells her through the radio, which is relayed to NICOLE.
"I'm all ears, Rotor. What is it?" She replies.
"If they fire on you guys, have the crowd scatter. Fall back and hide behind the mobile command center, and I'll provide cover as we force our way into the castle. If that fails, I'll act as a distraction and try to have them chase me as I lead them away." He explains to Sally, Sonic, and Elias.
Sally thinks this over. It's a good plan, but it's risky. People could end up injured."
"Alright. Let's do it." She replies.
"This is your FINAL warning. Cease protesting or we will fire!" The guards order.
"We will not back down, soldiers. As the princess, I can over-rule you." Sally replies.
The soldiers then open fire, spraying rubber bullets into the crowd. Sonic quickly picks up Sally and runs behind Rotor's Mobile Command Center. Geoffrey runs along-side Sonic, shielding Elias as he follows close behind. As the following chaos ensues, the other furs scatter and shield themselves from being struck by the gunfire.
"We're ready, Rote!" Sonic yells to his friend, banging twice on the side of the vehicle.
Rotor stomps his foot down on the accelerator pedal and approaches the gates. Geoffrey dives out of the way as Rotor's large vehicle storms the gate. The guards open fire with their rubber bullets, trying to disable the bus-like automobile's engine, and to injure rotor, but they fail. The guards start to step backwards.
One of the guards orders the rest to fall back and scatter as the large diesel-powerd machine smashes through the gate. Rotor shields himself with one arm from any flying glass as the gates crash and fold from the impact of the vehicle. He quickly steers it and slams on the break, coming to a halt as he turns roughly ninety degrees on the grass.
The guards compose themselves and quickly surround the protesting crowd of Mobians that followed Rotor and Antoine in. Sally stands beside the metal machine, with Sonic, Elias, Geoffrey and Lupe.
"Princess, what do we do? I don't think we can out-fight them." Rotor tells her.
"Sal, we're in huge trouble. They're outnumbered, but we're out-gunned!" Sonic says as the Soldiers surround the Freedom Fighters.
"FIRE ON THREE!" The leader of the royal soldiers yells. "ONE! TWO! THREE!"
As soon as the soldiers fire their weapons on the Freedom Fighters, spheres surround the bullets and guns, stopping them dead in their tracks.
"W-what's going on?" Sally asks, shielding herself from the expected onslaught of bullets.
"I dunno... is this Tails' work?" Sonic replies.
"No, I'm right here above you, Sonic. I see people running around inside the castle, but most of the guards are in front of ya." The flying fox replies
As quickly as things stopped, they resume. The bullets turn around and shoot at the shielded soldiers, knocking them out. Their guns start to glow red and melt into clay.
The freedom Fighters look around, curious as to who saved them. A kitsune vixen leaps from the castle wall onto the vehicle's roof, and then onto the ground in front of Sally and Sonic. Rotor and Antoine carefully step out of the vehicle to see who it is. The mysterious newcomer dusts herself off and straightens her shirt.
"Don't worry, I'm on your side. I take it you are Princess Sally and the Knothole Freedom Fighters..." She says, shaking hands with Princess Sally and Rotor.
"Hey, thanks a lot for the cover back there... I was starting to think we were goners." Rotor says.
Tails feels something oddly familiar about this kitsune female.
He approaches her. "That was... that was kitsune power you were using back there. Who are you?"
"It's been a long time tails, I am Fiona... I am truly of kitsune-kin, just like you... I was sent here by Genra to help your friends restore peace." she explains.
"How do you know about me? How did you do that to those guards? Are they dead?" Tails inquires.
"No no no... they're not dead, merely unconscious. They'll wake up soon enough. My powers are tele-kinetic. I can manipulate material with my mind. As for you, Genra told me all about you, Sonic, and Knuckles." She replies, walking closer to him.
"That's good to know... Sally and the rest of us were trying to avoid casualties." Tails says as he walks with Fiona and Sally into the castle.
The Freedom Fighters enter the main hall, but find it deserted, darkened and unlit.
"Sal, where is everybody? Wouldn't a castle normally be filled with royal servants or government workers?" Sonic wonders.
"Yes, it would... this could be a trap. Everyone, stay on your toes and be careful." She replies, backing up against the wall, holding NICOLE firmly in her hands.
"NICOLE, scan the area for any infrared laser beams and security grids." She asks.
"Working, Sally..." NICOLE replies, scanning the room.
"The main hall is clear, Sally. I assume it is safe to proceed." NICOLE states.
Sally places NICOLE back in her pocket and walks forward, motioning for her friends to follow closely. As the princess approaches the throne, two guards remain, standing at King Max's side. The two large bears prepare to defend their king and hold their battle axes firmly. King Max is cluching his sword firmly, keeping it at his side as he sits.
"Stand down, guards. It is Sally. Let my daughter approach." He speaks to his guards.
Sally steps up to her father's throne, standing ten feet from him, with her friends further back.
"I am quite surprised you managed to get past all of my guards, my dear." King Max tells Sally, sitting still on his throne, somewhat uneasy.
"Sire, we went up against ol' 'Buttnik for TEN years, and tossed Ixis back into his dimensional warp! It wasn't *that* hard to do..." Sonic chuckles.
"Sonic, this is not the time to be cracking jokes! The fate of our country is at stake." Sally says to him.
The princess then steps closer to her father, with Prince Elias and Sonic at her side.
"Father, why have you done this?" She asks the king.
"Why have I done this? Sally, I did nothing, but rule with the kingdom's best interests in mind. If I did not have a firm grip on the country, the various tribes composing it would rip it apart with their in-fighting and squabbling. Sure, a secession here, an independence movement there... soon, instead of one powerful and stable nation, we have a dozen or so small, unstable city-states constantly at war with each other. This is what Mobius was before my ancestor united everyone all these years ago." King max replies to her.
"Father, that is not a reason for stripping away peoples' civil liberties and rights. You've become what you, and we, have fought so hard all these years against." Sally explains to him.
The king is unmoved by his daughter's pleas so far, but listens intently to what she has to say. He stands up and takes a few steps closer to her.
"For years, I was in exile. I had dreamed of the time I could return and rebuild my nation. I've seen it torn apart by war, and then by a tyrant that overthrew me and my government. My ancestors united all the various tribes under one nation to end the in-fighting, and my father, Edmund, worked so hard to bring us into the modern era... I wanted to continue my father's work and make the Kingdom the most advanced nation on Mobius. See, the problems here is that our country is just so diverse. Many of the different species fought with each other in the past, as well as having to deal with the humans' threats... Our only blessing was that we had a couple allies, such as the Echidnas, and our colonies of Downunda and Mercia... If I loosen the crown's grip on the country, I'm worried it will devolve into chaos and civil war. I also want to prevent any possible takeovers in the future." King Max explains.
"Sire, you must truly have more faith in the people of Mobius. They're not cave-furs, and they're not ready to fight each other at a moment's notice, and they don't have the hair-trigger tempers like the humans did." Elias replies.
"I trust the people, but I do not trust the freedom movements within." He tells his son.
"Sire, we're freedom fighters. We fight FOR the crown, not against it. You actually think we're renegades that want to overthrow you???" Sonic asks.
"I've fought most of my life in wars. Wartime is hell. Perhaps i'm simply having a difficult time adjusting to a life of peacetime. My father did tell me that fighting the war was easy, but fighting the peace would be extremely difficult." The king tells Sonic.
"Dad, you're not supposed to fight the peace. Freedom will be welcomed by all of the people of Mobius, I can promise you that. All this violence could have been avoided if you simply let us talk with you like this..." Sally says.
"Yes, about talking... calling me a senile old fool that's too incompetent to rule the country due to my age to the people of the country is hardly respectful. Why should I have listened to you? He asks.
"Father, that was my idea." Elias lies, hoping to take the blame for Sally.
"I would have figured either of you would do that. Elias, I know you are a noble person and you love your country just as much as Sally and I do. I also know that Sally said that. While trying to cover for her is a valliant act, I should not reward her for it. This is why I will instate the birthright to rule after me to you instead of her." He speaks.
"I understand, father... though... I never wanted to BE a prince..." Elias says, lowering his head.
"WHAT??? You CAN'T be serious!" King Max yells.
"I'm sorry, father. I never felt comfortable in the life of a prince. I'd be simply happy in life as a woodsman or an athlete..." Elias replies.
Sally stands firm.
"Father, if your best interests are in the country, why not let the person best suited for the role of leader rule after you?" Elias speaks
"Elias, you're breaking my heart. I wanted nothing more than to have you continue after me. You and your sister are going to drive me to an early death, with your dislike of the royal life, and her affection of a democratic sytem..." He says, rubbing his head.
"Father, what about a comprimise?" Sally asks.
King Max looks up at her. "Go on..."
"You will keep your rule as the head of state, but we simply elect our leaders of the various tribes and regions. We could try this form of partial democracy with elections every four years, and a constitution that protects peoples' rights. If this style of government fails and collapses at the first test it has to go through, then I will support reverting back to an absolute monarchy. If you want to know my opinion, though... I think it will survive far better through any trial than a monarchy would. If you give the mobians a chance to flourish, I guarantee you, father, that you will never be disappointed. They are the most creative civilization on the planet." Sally tells him.
Max sits back down on his throne and thinks this over.
"It's the surprises down the road that I don't like. However, you and your friends do present a rather compelling case. Your determination and efforts towards your cause are proof of this. I'll allow "democratization" on the condition that if the country collapses like it did under Robotnik, that we have no more talk of democracy, and remain an absolute monarchy." King Max says.
"I'm glad we were able to reach a peaceful conclusion to our problem, father." Sally tells him.
"So am I, sally." He says, shaking her hand.
"Now, I have to talk to my ministers about this, but I will speak to you further about this later. Elections will come within the month. In the meantime, this little conflict is over, and I want you to conduct yourselves in a respectful manner." King Max says as he stands up.
The furs step back from Max as he walks towards his briefing room.
"Mission accomplished, Sal." Sonic says, holding Sally's hand in his own.
"Sonic, I'm so glad our country can finally move on from its horrific past." She replies, hugging him as they walk out.
The furs and soldiers are waiting outside of the castle, wondering what has happened. The large doors to the castle open, with Sonic and Sally walking out, being followed by Tails, Rotor, and the other Freedom Fighters.
"What happened?" Lupe asks.
"Was there an assasination? How is the king?" Another fur asks.
"My father is fine. He's alive, and will remain as king, but we've reached an agreement on power-sharing. Long Live the King, and Long Live a free Mobius!" Sally replies, to a now-cheering crowd.
The soldiers walk back inside the castle as the crowd celebrates, starting to move away from the castle. Sally and the furs walk back towards the large egg-shaped Control Center.
"Ladies and gentlemen of Mobius. I Know we've all been through hardship and struggle all these years, but we are well on the way to rebuilding our lives and our nation. My father has told me that we should expect elections within the month." Sally speaks, standing on top of Rotor's mobile command center.
The large crowd is cheering Sally's accomplishments.
"Sally for President! You can do it, Sally!" Some furs cheer.
"Throw away daddy's monarchy and run for president already!" Another shouts.
"No no... I'd like to, but I'm glad to simply be a princess for the people." She speaks.
"Say, Sal... why have you brought us HERE, of all places? It's kinda creepy-lookin'..." Sonic says, standing beside her.
"I'll explain that now." Sally tells him with a smile.
"Now, this large building behind me is a painful reminder of our past and what we have suffered through: Robotnik's reign of terror. He is long-gone, so I am dedicating this building as Freedom Headquarters Mobotropolis, the new command base of the Freedom Fighters!" She speaks to the crowd The crowd seems pleased with that decision.
"What will go on there?" One fur asks.
"We will have training for furs that want to join the Freedom Fighters, and it will have bunk-rooms, and our meeting room. It's a good fit because we conquered Robotnik, and it's next to Memorial Park, the Royal Palace, and across the street from the Mobian Council, our government offices. Everyone should take some time off to celebrate." She explains.
"Alright, we held up our side of the bargain, now you hold up yours!" Nack says, approaching King Max in the lobby of the castle.
"Very well. Your debt to the kingdom has been repaid. You weasel boys can leave, though I thought you liked the payments." King Max speaks.
"It ain't that..." Karl speaks... "We're weasels. It's our nature to steal and con others and be bounty hunters."
"I had a feeling the allure of crime would gradually tempt you." King Max speaks.
"Well, we're gone, sire. Thanks for the money." Connor speaks as they walk out of the castle.
"I just hope those weasels don't become a thorn in my side..." King Max thinks to himself.
"So, what now?" Jeff asks.
"Simple, boys. Vacation, then back to the ol' life of huntin' bounty and treasure." Nack explains. "And I know our first "vacation spot" to visit."
As the sun sets on another day in Mobotropolis, Tails turns his television set on in his tenth-floor room. The fox listens in on the programs being broadcast as he sorts his socks in his drawer.
"Yo, Tails! Come in here! The King's gonna give his speech about what happened earlier!" Sonic tells him, calling from the living room.
The twin-tailed fox listens and walks into the living room. The Knothole Freedom Fighters gather around the television in the living room.
The television comes alive, with an announcer's voice speaking.
"This is a special news report from ZFOX-TV News. We are going live to the Mobian Council government uildings for King Max's address to the nation."
The cameras switch to King Max's briefing room, where he is sitting at his desk.
"Good evening. A few hours ago, my daughter, Princess Sally, led a massive protest against me and my government with her group, the Knothole Freedom Fighters. Their demands included the retention of their rights and civil liberties, and the addition of elections every four years. I have discussed this with my cabinet (core) ministers, and we have decided that elections would be in the nation's best interest, to help bring stability, strength, and prosperity. Therefore, starting tomorrow, my government will hold elections on the district-level every four years on June 5th. These elections are not to choose a new leader, but rather to choose government officials. I will remain as head of state, and my cabinet will still be hand-picked and appointed by myself, but from the elected people. I have drafted up appropriate "ridings" or districts for the people to run in. You may run for office in only one district, and you may only vote once, for one person. My minister of defense, Amadeus Prower will now show a list of the ridings where the elections are taking place." The king speaks so far.
The screen then switches to a blue-tinted background, with gold letterings, showing the areas where people will run for office, and where to vote for them.
"These elections will pick tribal leaders, such as for the canines, and the felines. They will then serve with me as my cabinet and government and work on rebuilding the nation, similar to a town council. Elections will last for one week, to let everyone have a chance. These votes will be tallied, and the person with the highest number of votes gains the position of government official. I want everyone to be calm, patient, and tolerant of these election results. I do not want the country to devolve into fighting over voting. Thank you for your time, and goodnight." King Max closes the speech.
"I don't even remember the last time we had elections... or peace. It's been that long..." Sonic says to Tails and Bunnie.
"Well, Sonic, most of us were only five years old when Robuttnik took over. Before that, was the Great War." Rotor replies.
"Yeah. I'm just glad things are finally getting back to how they used to be... though, I admit... it's gonna be weird, since the "normal" we were used to was hiding out in a forest valley and leading an insurgency against a techno-tyrant." Sonic speaks. "We lost our childhood fighting that madman..."
"We're Freedom Fighters, Sonic. We survive everything we're given. Not everyone was as luck as we were." Rotor speaks.
"You know, we should invite the other Freedom Fighter groups here like a grand council. Therefore, if any threat arises anywhere on Mobius, we'll be ready for it." Sally proposes to her friends.
"That's a great idea, Sal. Sort of like a huge Freedom Fighter reunion?" Sonic wonders.
"Well, sort-of. Since there's going to be a huge celebration of the kingdom's rebirth, it would be the perfect time for it. I'll put the message out to the others." She says, before speaking into NICOLE.
The sentient hand-held computer then saves the message. "Save complete. Sending now, Sally."
Sonic stretches and yawns on the couch... "Well, I'm beat. Time for me to get some shut-eye." Sonic says tiredly as he gets up, walking to bed, with the other Freedom Fighters following suit.
As Sonic and tails enter their bedroom, Sonic turns to Tails, who hops onto the top bunk.
"You know Tails... Sally and I have been together for a long time..." Sonic says as he lays back in his bed.
"Yeah... why?" Tails asks, somewhat curious about what's on the hedgehog's mind.
"I'm gonna propose to her. I love Sally and i want to marry her." Sonic says as he lays on his bed.
Tails looks over the side of his bed, peering down at Sonic from above with a smile on his face. "That is such a sweet thing to do, Sonic."
"Yeah, I know. I even have it all planned out. After a fun day at the festival, I'll take her on the ferris wheel where we'll watch the fireworks, and that's when I ask the question." Sonic replies.
"That's so romantic..." Tails sighs. "Why dontcha ever do stuff like that with me?"
Tails and Sonic laugh, while Sonic playfully tosses a pillow at Tails.
Deep in the outermost reaches of space around another star in the same spiral arm of the galaxy, a long interstellar cruiser glides through the vast emptiness of space with its armada. Most of the crew aboard this unknown vessel are asleep, with the captain and stellar navigator remaining awake. The stellar navigator keeps his eyes trained on a black screen with various coloured pinpoints of light, the three-dimensional stellar map with the nearby stars on it for guidance. A report comes in of civilization activity on Mobius, the third planet orbiting the star Sol. The navigator reads the transmission, and places its video on the screens. Soon, some of the telescreens start crackling with life.
"Navigator, what is that?" the large rabbit asks.
"I-I'm not sure." The technically-inclined navigator replies. "They seem to be coming from the star Sol."
"Sol? Hmm...." The commander thinks to himself, somewhat skeptical.
"I do believe that is where Mobius is, sir." The navigator replies, still trying to decypher the signals.
"Mobius. That DEAD world that Doctor Robotnik destroyed with his insane techno-tyranny? What of it?" The commander speaks to himself.
"Well, if the signals are coming from there, then that might not a dead world after all. This should be worth investigating." The navigator replies.
"I see. We can easily take down Doctor Robotnik if he's still there, but would it be worth it? Have you figured out what those signals are?" He asks.
"They're carrier waves. Most likely from a broadcast transmitter on Mobius. The frequency is 175.25 Megahertz, positive offset of 10 kilohertz." The navigator replies as he types on his keyboard.
"Wait... i'm getting something else... an audio carrier as well, at 179 Megahertz. This might be a television signal." The navigator speaks to his superior officer.
Soon, shapes start to present themselves from within the static, and sound is heard over the speakers. It is King Maximillian Acorn's national address broadcast four years before, stating his intentions to rebuild the country, and to let the pollution levels die down in Mobotropolis before allowing repopulation.
"Robotnik's overthrown, and the furs are STILL the dominant life forms on Mobius? Set a new course for Mobius. We need to pay our ancient home a well-needed visit." The commander said.
"We are orbiting the nearest star, around 2 light-years away. We need to use hyperdrive" The navigator asks.
"Yes. How long will it take for us to reach Mobius at light speed?" The commander asks.
"Four years' time." The navigator replies.
"That's fine. Just get our ships there quickly." The commander says.
The ships then shoot their laser beams towards a focused point, causing a black hole that they approach. The spacecraft engines roar to life as they are pushed forward, towards Mobius.