Hello again! :)

CH4 is finally ready! I hope you'll like it, and share your opinions.

I would like to give my special thanks to ReeceTails for helping me creating NICKI. :)
And thanks everyone who reads my fanfic. Please, review. :)

All STH characters belong to Archie Comics and SEGA.
NICKI as OC belongs to me and ReeceTails.

-o-o-

Chapter 4: What we must protect

In a wing of the Prower residence, young Skye was spending his time in his working room, as he did it regularly for weeks. He didn't have time to waste. There were only a few days until the election of the council members. He wasn't really excited about the election itself. Though quite a lot of people nominated themselves for the only eight posts, he decided long ago who he'll vote for. His father Tails, and Princess Sonia also declared for the election. Not only his relationship with them made his decision obvious, but it was important for his long term interest. However, he was a bit surprised by Jacques D'Coolette's nomination. It explained why the noble boy apologized to him so affably at Sonia's birthday party. The two boys had a small battle of words about the princess at the ball the previous night of the party. But it didn't matter anymore. They had seathed the sword, and Skye decided to give his vote for Jacques too in the name of good-fellowship.

For Skye, the issue of who'll be in the Council of Acorn was important for a way different reason, and that's why he'd been working so much for almost a whole month. At the first conference of the new council, he wanted to present his project and get their permission to develop his idea. After so many years of tiresome excavating, long researching, and lots of planning his plans could finally become real. If everything would go well. Otherwise, all his effort would be for nothing. But it was already too important for him to fail. That's why he played it safe and tried to bring his presentation to perfection. His intense working was interrupted by a knock on his door.
"Come in!" he replied.
His father stepped into the room.
"Hello Skye! I see you still don't have a rest." he said, while he looked around the messy room. "Cleaning up this mess would be refreshing, you know." he joked.
"I'll do it after finishing this. What can I do for you?" Skye asked, not looking up from his display.
"Well, I've just received a call from Sonia." he paused a little, but when he saw his son's exhilarated attention after hearing the girl's name, he smiled and went on. "She asked me to create a personal assistant that would help her managing her duties."
"Sounds like a good idea. Will you do it?"
"You know well I'm preparing myself for the elections. I'm full of work!" dramatized Tails.
"Welcome to the club." came the boy's sarcastic reply.
"However, I told her you would gladly do it." he grinned.
"Wow, how generous of you! I also have a whole lot of work to do, if you didn't know about it yet!"
"Oh, come on! For the sake of a lovely girl like her, you surely could spare some time. Besides, she said it's not too urgent. And she seemed to be glad you would assume it."
Skye considered it. To be honest, he didn't really like the idea of an extra duty, but it was for Sonia. With a big sigh he admitted that he couldn't say no.
"All right. I'll see what I could do." he said.
"You are a gentleman! Feel free to ask for NICOLE's help." said Tails and went to the way of the door.
"Dad, can I ask you something?"
Tails turned back to his son, and saw on his face he had a serious question. He nodded to him to go on.
"How did you realise that you love mom?" he asked shyly.
His father smiled at him warmly.
"Well, I could say it came unexpectedly. Those times were really hard, you know. We've known each other for years, but I've never thought about her like that. It simply happened."
"That doesn't sound very romantic." reacted Skye calmly.
"Life's not always romantic. But the past years had made it up to us for that richly." Tails winked, but saw the uncertainty in his son's eyes. "Is there something that troubles you?"
Skye was tumbling in his chair uncomfortably, and finally he felt better to stand up from it.
"Well... I think the princess... I mean... You know it. Everyone know it. I'm not even denying it anymore. What if my feelings are not right?"
Tails looked back at his son sympathetically. He stepped to him and put his hands on his shoulders.
"You're an intelligent and well-mannered boy. You clearly know what is or not right. And this also depends on her. Do you think she wouldn't return your feelings?"
The boy just shook his head.
"Then don't think about this. Do as your heart says. Love is always a thing of two people, and no one else have voice in it."
Skye silently elaborated his father words, then looked up at him with a tiny smile.
"Thanks, dad." he said with deep gratitude, and hugged his father.
Tails returned the hug. He was touched by the moment.
"You're a great boy, son. I'm sure she knows that too."
After a few seconds, they released each other.
"I guess I better get back to work." said the boy.
"All right. Make me proud!" said Tails with a thumbs-up.
After he left, Skye thinked about their conversation. His father was right. There was nothing against of getting know the princess better. Except the opinion of a few people, but as it was said to him just before, it doesn't depend on outsiders.

One week later, Skye was waiting in the hallway of the town hall. He was well prepared for the presentation, but he was really nervous though. Luckily the elections turned out as he expected. Both his father and Princess Sonia were voted to be members of the council, in addition the King and Queen were originally in it. But that was still only three out of nine possible votes (since the royal couple counted as one), the other members meant uncertainity. It was true that Jacques was also in the council and they were okay with each other, but he still didn't rely on his support.
In the council-chamber the first conference was already in progress. At the beginning of the day, Sonia was excited about the tasks waited for her. It was her old dream to serve the people, and she finally got the opportunity to do it. However, this day didn't bring that much of excitement. They decided about a few important, but not significant issues, mostly about the maintenance of the city.
"Our next case at issue: Skye Prower would like to present a project to get it admitted by the council." announced a lady member, who led the conference.
By hearing that, Sonia's attention woke up. The door of the room opened, and the young boy stepped in. He seemed to be spirited, but amazed at the same time, as he looked around the huge room. After he stepped before the council, he politely bowed his head.
"Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you very much for the opportunity. I would like to present you my plans of an organization, that will secure the long-term safety of Mobius' citizens."
With that, Skye began his long presentation of a versatile and quickly operational military organization, which functions would be defending the inhabitants of the planet, fulfilling saving oparation in case of natural disasters, and helping police forces when it's needed. He expansively described the organizational set-up, technologic solutions, and equipment. All of this based on his work he had done for the past years. The princess was amazed by the solidity and definiteness the boy eventuated with. She saw a whole new side of him at that moment. After finishing his presentation, noise began to fill the room as the council members and people from the audience discussed about the things they jus heard.
"Quiet, please!" ordered the leader. "Whichever member wants to say or ask something, sign it with uprising hand."
Jacques D'Coolette was the first to speak up.
"Do you really feel an organization like this necessary? I would remind you there's peace on the planet for almost a decate. Dr Eggman is a thing of the past, and there are no threats on this world anymore." he stated his reasons to disagree.
Skye was not surprised by this, so he could answer coolly.
"Indeed, we've been living times of peace for the last few years. Thanks to this, the society began to increase rapidly. Technology is more and more developed, and cities are bigger and bigger. An advancement like this unavoidably brings negative effects we should be prepared for. Also, in contempt of Dr. Eggman's liquidation we don't have an idea of what remained of his late empire. And don't forget about Lien-da and her terrorist group, the Dark Presence. We don't know anything about them since they disappeared after they failed sabotaging King Sonic's 'time-paradox' mission. So considering all these things, I'm more than sure of it's significance."
It saddened Sonia to hear about that last example. She remembered Salma's depression when she found out about Rutan's disappearance, and his act in that particular group.
"But the old civil defending groups are continuously getting reorganized. Isn't it more than enough to ensure the citizens' safety?" questioned an other member.
"The growing population makes the old 'freedom fighter' system less effective. Of course, it's really good to have people with special abilities who devotes their power for defending people, but they'll surely need help in a lot of situations."
Despite his firm answers and obvious reasonings, most of the members were not convinced. They quizzed him at large about the technology, social impacts, financing, and so on. The situation got vexed. Sonia observed quietly as Skye's face reflected more and more uncertainty. He obviously didn't expect reactions like these. The jarring of the members once again caused big noise in the room.
"Dear council members! This manner is not live up the Council of Acorn!" the queen cut in strictly. "I suggest to hold a break until the council members debate the issue."

Skye was standing in the hallway once again, waiting for the council to make decision. He was shocked by the vehement reactions of the members. He was expecting some objections, but that situation seemed too hard. Some people from the audience also made cutting glances towards him. There were strict terms to it, but civilians could visit the conferences. Some of them apparently disagreed with his idea too. Maybe his whole project was about to end up in smoke. That waiting was nerve-racking to him.
"Skye my son! You were so neat there!" jumped his mother before him happily.
"It was quite a storm you generated in there, little brother." added his sister.
The Prower ladies also were amongst the audience, since two of their relatives were concerned in the first conference.
"Well, I strongly doubt in my success after all these." answered Skye rejectedly.
"Don't give up already! Sally didn't suggested the brake for nothing. There are some hot-headed guys in the council. Now she's surely casting a chill upon them, and making them discuss your issue thoroughly." Mina encouraged him.
"Speaking about thoroughness, the brake already lasts for half an hour." he said anxiously.
He didn't need more, the sign of the end of the brake sounded. The spectators went back to their place, and Skye was also let back into the room. After he stepped back to his place, extreme nervousness came over him. It was like he was standing before an execution squad. The conference leader stood up from her seat.
"Thank you for eceryone's patience. Does any member want to say or ask something before the council vote about Skye Prower's suggestion?"
For a few seconds, nothing happened. The silence was deafening for the boy, who felt like his nerves will give up shortly. Then finally a hand raised up. The princess wanted to talk.
"I would have one question. What's your personal motivation behind this project?"
Skye looked back at her surprisedly. He thinked about his answer for a few seconds, but he could conceive it quickly.
"Well, we're all fully aware of who we could be thankful to for bringing peace to this planet. They're the people who served us devotedly. The heroes like King Sonic, Queen Sally, my own parents, and everyone else who risked or gave their own lives for defeating evil. I believe, my generation must protect everything that could be thank to the sacrifices of these heroes. This is my motivation."
After finishing his speech, he looked at each of the council members. Most of them were astonished, Sonia was looking back at him wonderingly, and his father had a proud smile on his face. After a short silence, the conference leader talked once again.
"I hereby put to the vote the following issue: permit Skye Prower to tentatively establish a military unit that is small in numbers. Every member who agrees, sign it with uprised hands."
All the members accepted the proposition. Skye didn't believe his eyes. A few moments ago he was absolutely sure in his failure, but in final he got full support. Okay, it was only for a tentative level, but it was already a straight road to reach his goal. He did his best to hold back his happyness as he said his thanks to the council.
"Thank you very much for your trust! I promise you won't regret it!"
Mission accomplished! Years of working finally yield. His enthusiasm was limitless. However, he decided to finish an other job before he gets lost into the new phase of his project.

In one of the working rooms of the Acorn Castle, Princess Sonia was doing her administrative tasks. She had been in the council only for a week, but it already took effect in the amount of work she had to do. It's not like she wasn't prepared for it. That's why she chose that particular room after she decided to nominate herself to the election. It was a huge and bright place with lots of big windows. It was better to work in this natural shine. In addition, the bunch of books could give an opportunity for a bit of relaxation anytime. The paperwork itself was not so entertaining though. Duty is duty of course, but that monotonity was maddening her. Since she was working for a few hours already, she wouldn't mind if something interrupted this flatness. Her wish came true when a well known holographic figure appeared in front of her desk. The princes looked up at NICOLE with a smile.
"Skye Prower wants to talk with you." said the artifical intelligence program.
Sonia's eyes kindled after hearing the name. Somehow she was happy to meet him again. Since he moved back with his family, they'd had only a few opportunities to talk. But those moments were all exceptional for sure. Deep inside she knew she wanted to know the boy better. She quickly snapped herself out of her thinking.
"Thanks, NICOLE. Let him in, please."
The lynx disappeared as quickly as she appeared. A few moments later, the door opened and the young fox boy stepped in the room. He walked to the princess' desk with severe steps. She stood up from her chair to welcome him properly.
"I'm glad to see you. Have a seat, please."
They both sat down. Skye's heart was filled with warmness by the sight of the beautiful girl before him. For a time, he was sure he liked the princess. Very much. However, he couldn't convince himself about his feelings' propriety. He simply couldn't imagine a simple boy like him could ever get closer to a fine and noble lady like her.
"So, what can I do for you?" she finally asked.
Skye quickly got back to reality.
"Ah, yes. So, I'm ready with the program you asked for."
And with that, he handed over a purple device that looked like a tablet. Sonia studied the machine, then reached for it's starter button. Before she pushed it, she looked at it's inventor.
"You can push it."
The princess turned on the device. It's display flashed, and a few momets later a robotic voice talked.
"Voice identification."
Sonia once again looked at the boy, who just nodded to her encouragingly.
"Sonia Acorn." she said to it.
From that the system activated, and once again a holographic figure began to appear beside the desk. Finally a young lynx girl stood there. Her fur was light brown with darker shades that were moulded similarly to NICOLE's. Her hair reached her shoulders and was diversified, and had rich bangs in front. Her eyes were golden yellow. Her wear was a blue short sleeved shirt, a grey mini skirt, and black boots. After taking full shape, she smiled to the princess, and spoke with natural and soft voice.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Princess Sonia. My name's NICKI, at your service." she said politely.
"It's my pleasure, NICKI." after returning the greeting, the princess turned back to Skye. "Did you do it all by yourself?" she wondered.
"Not exactly." said the boy meekly. "NICOLE helped me out. NICKI is an artifical intelligence program created with similar basics, only she has a more limited margine. Within the device's 100 metres range she could appear anywhere in the city. In other places you can use the device itself. I programmed her to obey only for you and your relatives. She manages your desk calendar, sorts your documents, helps with communication. So she's a real personal assistent who's at your service anywhere on the planet." he explained keenly.
The princess felt the pride in the boy's voice. She was amazed by the spirit he showed sometimes.
"That's very cool! I wanted it exactly like this. I'm really grateful." she said with warm smile. "I owe you one."
"Oh, come on! It was my pleasure to do it. Besides, you've already thanked me with supporting my idea on the conference. It meant a lot to me."
The princess nodded in understanding. For a few minutes, the young ones smiled at each other, then Skye came back into reality.
"Well, I gave you what I wanted. I guess I better let you work." he said quickly and stood up from his chair. "Make good use of NICKI."
As he started to the way of the door, the princess spoke.
"Wait a second! Wouldn't you like to stay for a tea? I would need some rest anyway." she asked timidly.
The boy looked at her long. Her light-blue eyes were almost pleading to him. Finally he vaguely accepted her invitation with a nod.

In an other corner of the room under one of the huge windows, Skye was sitting at a table waiting patiently for his tea. Not far from him, Sonia was preparing the hot drink on a counter. She had a unique tea-set, so she obviously loved this drink. She poured the boiled water into the nice-looking porcelain teapot. Skye couldn't get bored of watching the girl's elegant and graceful moves. She was so perfect it was simply unreal. He tried to cover his amazement when she arrived to him with the tea-set. She put the tray on the table carefully, then poured the steaming liquid into one of the cups, which she handed over to her guest. Skye smelled the drink, it had a refreshing scent.
"That's my favourite black tea." said the princess as she sat down in front of the boy, with an other cup in her hand. "That's the best when you work a lot. It livens the spirit. And it seems like you need it." she refered to his tired looking eyes.
The boy just laughed perplexedly, and sipped his tea. He instantly felt himself freshening by the hot drink.
"That's really not bad." he acknowledged.
The princess sighed with satisfaction after she also had a sip.
"You know, each time we met, it appeared to me you haven't slept for days."
"Well, yeah. I worked a lot to be ready with my presentation in time." he said while scratching his head. "I guess I got sleepless by that, unfortunately."
"It does no good to you." she said with warning tone. "Say, why's that project so important to you? Do you really think we need all this stuff?" she asked seriously.
This time, he didn't think much on his answer.
"My parents told a lot about their youth. Their stories are exciting, but sometimes depressing at the same time."
Sonia listened to him carefully.
"Just think about the hardnesses they had to live through. How many sacrifices the made for others' lives and freedom? How much they suffered because only a handful of them fought against enemies like Eggman. Not talking about the few times when people they saved turned against them for narrow-minded reasons."
He paused for a bit to drink from his tea again.
"Well, that's true. Our parents had a rough time indeed." said the girl.
"You know, I participated in quite a lot of excavations. I was fortunate enough to see a whole lot of relics from different ages. I found one similarity however. Peaceful and troubled periods changed each other continuously. Evil never disappeared completely, it only pulled back to the background sometimes, when good people got the better of it. It always had a reason to return, and I know it's only a matter of time when it comes back again. We cannot expect the protection of our world from few mobians with special abilities. It's simply too much strain." he finished his monologue intensely.
"I understand your point of view. Sometimes I also see on my parents how much they're anguished by their past. It's sad they had to live through such a hard youth." said the princess sadly. "But if dark times come again, the people who assign into that organization will writhe similarly, won't they?"
"Of course. It's not about avoiding hardnesses, but the fact more people could overcome them more easier. A well organized and equipped group, with high headcount could reach a lot of successes." he said confidently.
"Well, I'm really curious of what results you will achieve. Your determination will surely be helpful in progressing." she answered reassuringly. "By the way, how much time will it take to have evident outcome?"
"Well, according to my schedule..." he stopped abruptly, and looked at his watch. "Good heavens! I have to hand down the schedule at the town-hall to dad and Jacques! They were assigned to supervise the project!"
Skye quickly stood up from his chair, and stepped beside the princess.
"Thank you for the tea, and the nice conversation." he said politely, and started to the door.
"Wait, let me give you something before you go."
Sonia stepped to her tea counter to pick up a box from there. She took it to the boy, and gave it to him.
"Brew this tea for yourself. It'll help driving away your sleeplessness."
"Wow, thank you! You really know these stuff." he said approvingly.
"I'm interested in herbs. That's kind of a hobby to me."
She looked into Skye's eyes with a smile for a few moments. The boy felt like she waited for him to say or do something, but he couldn't find out what it was. Finally she broke their eye contact.
"Well, I think we both should get back to our duties." she said with a slightly disappointed voice, and headed back to her desk. "I'm glad we were able to talk."
For a moment, Skye watched as she was walking back to her place, then something unexpectedly came into his mind.
"Princess!"
The girl turned around and looked back at the boy inquiringly. Skye became extremely nervous, but there was no turning back.
"Maybe... Would you like..." he stuttered, but finally nerved himself to continue. "Would you like to go out with me someday?"
The girl smiled for a moment, then smirked and folded her arms.
"Skye Prower. If I'm correct, you said you didn't want to take that bet seriously." she said playfully.
The boy became embarrassed a bit, but he tried to cover it up.
"I wouldn't do such a thing, of course. But I would be really happy, if you said yes." he said shyly.
"I look forward to it." she answered.
Skye looked up at the princess, who smiled back at him warmly, but made a shy face also. Finally, the boy smiled too while his face turned crimson.
"That's great! I mean... Then I will... call you later."
"Okay. But you better hurry now or you'll be late." she warned him.
"I think I'm fast enough to be there in time." he smiled proudly. "We'll talk later." and with that he stormed out of the room.
Sonia looked at the spot where the boy stood a moment ago, then she sat back to her desk.
"NICKI!" she called her new assistant, who appeared in an instant.
"Yes, princess?"
"For first, call me Sonia, please." she smiled to the program. "And second, be so kind and type my desk diary into your database. And for my next day off, make a note of my date with Skye Prower."
"Yes, Sonia." replied NICKI, then she disappeared.
The princess lied back in her chair, and smiled widely. She wouldn't think of meeting a boy who would interest her even a bit. But Skye had something that simply made her want knowing him better. She was glad for that opportunity. She already looked forward to be with him again.

-o-o-

And that's Chapter 4. I hope you liked it. Please, share your opinion about this fanfic so far. I'm really curious about it. :)
See you at CH5.