Matthew decided to look at the Chaos Room. He walked through the lab slowly, taking in the sight of it. There were dozens of computers. It was kind of beautiful, actually, Matthew thought. But nothing in his life could be beautiful anymore. Not even Amy…
Matthew felt a pan of hurt as he thought about Amy Rose. What was she doing? How was she doing? Was she worried about him? Could he ever see her again? Should he tell her who—no, what—he was? He could tell her that now only two members of his family was alive, except one was missing, while the other was insane. He loved Amy, but at the same he hated her. She was one of the most caring people he'd ever met, but was she caring enough? This was too personal for him. He would have to let her go. To protect her from the truth—and things much worse than that.
"Hello," a voice said.
Matthew looked around the lab. "Who's there?! Show yourself!"
The voice was monotone and robotic. Was the lab… speaking? "I am in the Chaos Room."
"What's your name?" Matthew demanded.
"I am known as E-123 Omega. Master Robotnik simply calls me Omega."
Matthew stormed toward the door of the Chaos Room. He didn't know why, but this "Omega" was pissing him off. He scanned his hand by the door, and it opened. The first thing he saw when he walked in was a big red and white robot, with two big guns pointing at him from its bulky arms.
"Are you Omega?"
"I am," the robot replied. "Tell me who you are."
"I'm Gerald's grandson," Matthew said, crossing his arms.
Omega was not intimidated. "Prove it."
"If I slice you in half, will that prove it?"
"It will only lead to your demise."
Matthew scoffed. "Like hell." He closed his eyes and transformed into Shadow. He opened them, revealing his glowing, red irises.
Omega paused. "Very well." The guns sticking out of his retreated back into their sockets, then were replaced by two metallic hands with long fingers. "I apologize."
Shadow transformed back into his human self. "You should be," he said coldly.
"I would like to ask about my master's whereabouts."
"Dead," Matthew answered. He began to wander the Chaos Room, finding seven canisters. Two of them held glowing gems. The other five were empty. "What are these things?"
"Chaos Emeralds," said Omega. "The most powerful objects in the universe. There are seven of them. When combined, they turn thoughts into power. Professor Gerald has assigned me to guard them."
"Well, he's gone now. I'm your master person thingy."
"Understood."
"So, where are the other five?"
"One is in the Guardian Units of Nations' possession. The others are spread across the globe."
Matthew had seen enough. He left the Chaos Room, with Omega right behind. "How do I run all these computers?"
You don't," said Omega. "I do. My body and the computers are uploaded with the same AI. I can communicate with and control them anywhere."
"That's helpful. I need you to do something for me."
"Yes?"
"Find out everything about my origin."
Omega's eyes began to flash, and the computers around the lab started up. News articles, files, IDs, and reports appeared on their screens. Apparently the Ultimate Life Form project had been a big one.
"It begins 30 years ago," Omega said. "G.U.N. had desires to create a super-soldier. The present-day Commander volunteered."
"So he's been a part of G.U.N. for 30 years?"
"Correct. After intense training, he was ready. G.U.N.'s science department created a serum that could change the appearance of his body and make him stronger. DNA was needed to base it off of. They used the DNA of a hedgehog."
On one of the monitors, a picture of a creature similar to Shadow popped up, only it was pure white with yellow eyes.
"The commander became known as 'Silver The Hedgehog.' He was granted psychic powers, the ability to fly, and enhanced durability. Countless battles were won because of him. He also became a crimefighter. People of Earth revered him as a true hero. However, the effects of the serum were not permanent. Eventually the commander was no longer able to transform into Silver. Plans to create something that could last forever were constructed."
"So that's how they came up with me," Matthew finished.
"Yes."
"Lovely. Were they going to use me as a super-soldier, too?"
"Yes."
"Okay, so, G.U.N. broke into my house and tranq'd me, but I woke up on a beach in Florida. Why?"
Omega hesitated. "That is classified."
"What? How did you get get information on Silver The Hedgehog?"
"I breached G.U.N.'s research banks."
"So, breach it more!"
"Certain files are protected by a virus that could infect my network."
Matthew took a deep breath, calming himself down. "Fine. Tell me where Maria Robotnik is. She's my mom."
Omega paused again. "That is classified as well."
Matthew cursed. "Can you at least risk it?"
Omega didn't say anything.
Matthew remained in his seat, breathing heavily. Tears were welling up in his eyes. No, he thought. Don't cry… Don't cry…
"Sir?" Omega asked. "Matthew? May I suggest you set out to find the Chaos Emeralds?"
Matthew looked up at the robot. "Maybe. Where is the nearest one from here?"
Omega paused. "Tracing signature of nearest Chaos Emerald…" he announced. A ping sounded. "Acapulco, Mexico. It is under the possession of millionaire Bruno Martinez. He resides in a villa outside the city."
"Nice," Matthew said. "I've always wanted to visit Mexico."