Nicole's research is once again derailed by the detection of some highly unusual energy readings. This time however, she recognises them immediately. "Sal, Eggman's Extractor has been activated again."
"That means the Zeti have figured out how to turn it on," Sally concludes. "How long did you say it would take to completely drain Mobius of energy?"
"My best estimate is three days," Nicole answers. "I'll continue monitoring and refining my estimate."
"And I'll tell Sonic to rev it into high gear," Sally replies.
Sonic's communicator beeps, breaking the awkward silence among the group as they trek through Tropical Coast. "Please tell me you have good news," Sonic greets after answering the call.
"The Extractor's been activated," Sally informs. "Nicole estimates it'll take three days to completely drain Mobius."
"We'll stop them before it's too late, I promise," Sonic vows.
"I hope you keep that promise, for all our sakes," Sally replies before closing the connection.
"I had hoped it would take longer for those fools to figure out how to turn it on," Eggman grumbles.
"I did suggest you build security features into the control console," Orbot reminds. "Ideally an iris scanner or voice print analyser, but even a fingerprint sensor would have been better than nothing."
"Sometimes I think I'd be better off having only Cubot," Eggman sighs. "Where is that useless bucket of bolts anyway?"
Deep inside the Lava Mountain fortress, Zor is inspecting the badnik production lines. It's not what he wants to be doing right now, but at least glad he's not having to deal with Zazz being unruly or Zomom consuming his way through the food stocks, even if he's not showing it.
As he walks up and down the separate production lines, he comes across a cubic yellow‑capped robot also patrolling the production lines. Why is one of the invader's lackeys here? Is he trying to sabotage the production lines? I suppose I'd better stop him. Zor walks right up to the cubic yellow‑capped robot. "Whatever you're doing, I assure you it's pointless."
Cubot yelps in surprise. "Hey, don't you know it's rude to sneak up on someone?" he demands.
"Yeah, but I don't really care," Zor shrugs. "What are you doing down here anyway?"
"The doc asked me to check the production lines," Cubot adds. "I must be doing a good job because he's not yelled at me for a few hours."
"He won't be yelling at you ever again," Zor informs. "We run this place now."
"Really?" Cubot asks, surprised. "Why didn't the doc tell me?"
Zor simply shrugs. "What are you going to do now?"
Cubot thinks for a few moments. "Can I carry on inspecting the production lines?"
"I see no reason why not," Zor answers.
"Then that's what I'm gonna do," Cubot decides, returning to his assignment.
Zor thinks about talking with Cubot more, but quickly decides there's no point, instead resuming his own duties.
"I don't want to imagine what cruel punishments the Zeti are putting him through," Orbot remarks, obviously worried.
"If he's got sense, he'll stay out of the way of the Zeti," Clara assures.
"You clearly haven't met him," Eggman remarks. "And before you suggest he's smarter than I claim, I know he isn't, because I made him."
"Why didn't you make him smarter?" Clara asks.
"Because one smart‑mouth robot is enough," Eggman answers. "Why are we going so slowly anyway? You're supposed to be capable of supersonic speeds!"
"Sonic and Tails are, but I'm not," Clara explains. "I can barely keep up with Sonic when he's jogging."
"Then get Sonic to carry you," Eggman suggests.
"I have a better idea: I ride in the spare pod," Clara replies.
"It would allow us to travel much faster," Orbot agrees.
"…alright, fine," Eggman reluctantly agrees. "Just try not to shed that filthy fur of yours all over the seat."
Clara hops into the spare pod and immediately finds there's not enough space for her to fit into the seat properly. With no other choice, she gives the polycarbonate windshield a few hefty kicks, with the third breaking it free from its mounting.
"How dare you damage my Eggmobile‽" Eggman demands.
"It was either the windshield or my legs, and the latter aren't easily replaced or reattached," Clara answers as she settles into the seat, her legs resting over the front of the pod where the windshield isn't anymore.
"I could replace them," Eggman offers.
"Thanks, but I'm happy with the ones I've already got," Clara answers, ensuring Sparky's in a comfortable position for them both. "That, and I don't trust you to make me a coaster that wouldn't try to kill me, let alone artificial limbs. The only reason I'm willing to work with you to save the world is because there's no alternative."
Despite her best efforts, the jostling causes Sparky to wake up. After a few moments of confusion, they look around to see Eggman alongside, causing them to squeak loudly in alarm.
"Relax Sparky, it's OK: he's on our side," Clara assures. "For now, anyway."
Sparky squeaks a worried question.
"If he tries to hurt you, I'll protect you," Clara promises.
Sparky's still not entirely sure, but they trust Clara enough to relax, though they ensure that Eggman is within their field of vision as they settle down again.
With Clara now riding in the Eggmobile sidepod, the group speeds up considerably, quickly covering ground as they work their way through Tropical Coast. At first the topology of the terrain is predictable like Desert Ruins, but it's not long before it begins to bear more resemblance to Windy Valley's mind‑bending array of planetoids suspended above the broken patchwork of the planet's surface. Fortunately, the topology never gets as wild as Windy Valley's, allowing the group to progress at a reasonably fast pace with few mishaps.
However, there is one thing that marks this Zone out compared to the others so far: water.
Two hours later, the group arrives at the edge of a wide sea that has no sides yet remains perfectly tranquil and in place. However, for one member of the group, the impossibility of the sea is not the foremost thing in his mind.
"What do you mean, we have to cross it?" Sonic asks, clearly unhappy.
"It's the only way to get to Frosted Tundra," Eggman explains. "What are you so worried about anyway? You had no problem chasing me through Zones like Labyrinth, Hydrocity, and Tidal Tempest."
"Which all had air pockets and ways to stay out of the water," Sonic reminds. "That's just miles of open sea," he adds, pointing out over the water. "How deep is it anyway?"
"If I had my MilesElectric, I could scan and find out," Tails answers.
"Or we could find another way to cross the sea," Clara suggests.
"Maybe something like that gemstone mine we found in Windy Valley?" Tails asks.
"I was thinking we find or make a boat, but with all the weirdness about this place, it wouldn't surprise me to find a tunnel made entirely of water with a monorail running through it," Clara deadpans.
"Or Sonic could just run across the sea," Eggman suggests.
"I can run across water, but not that far," Sonic admits. "I say we look for another way."
"I think we should find another way too," Orbot interjects.
"Four‑to‑one, Baldy McNosehair," Clara summarises. "We're finding another way."
"Fine," Eggman relents. "Just know that if we fail to save Mobius, it's your fault, not mine. We wouldn't even be in this situation if Sonic hadn't kicked the Conch away."
"Sonic didn't choose not to design a security system for the Extractor," Orbot reminds.
"Let's not start this again," Tails interrupts. "Let's get looking for another way across the sea."
A few miles down the coast, the group finds another way across the sea: a monorail through a tunnel made entirely of water.
"You've got to be kidding me," Clara comments.
"You seem surprised despite claiming you wouldn't be," Eggman points out.
"I was joking," Clara explains. "I didn't seriously expect there to actually be a tunnel made entirely of water with a monorail running through it."
"Does it head the right way?" Tails asks.
"Only one way to find out!" Sonic answers, dashing into the tunnel and leaping onto one of the rails, quickly disappearing around a bend.
"…or we could have asked Eggman to scan it," Tails sighs.
"It goes the right way for the first few miles," Eggman assures. "We can follow it from above."
"Works for me," Tails accepts. "Lead the way."
"Orbot, you're my navigator," Eggman instructs. "Don't let me down."
"I won't, sir," Orbot promises.
Eggman guides the Eggmobile out over the surface of the sea, tracking the path of the tunnel underneath, Tails flying right behind.
In their quarters on Sky Patrol, Sally yawns for the sixth time in the last hour.
"Are you OK?" Nicole asks, worried.
"Yeah," Sally assures. "Just feeling a little tired, that's all. Why do you ask?"
"You're never normally this tired at this time of day," Nicole explains.
"True, but we're not normally working hard to save the world," Sally counters.
"Fair," Nicole accepts. "Doesn't make me less worried."
"I'm fine," Sally assures. "I just need a coffee, I guess. Be back in a few."
Nicole watches Sally leave the room. I don't think it's a lack of caffeine that's the issue…
Several minutes later, Sonic arrives at a fork in the rails. Not knowing which way to go, he slides to a halt to consider his options.
"You appear to be lost, young one," a mysterious voice observes.
Confused, Sonic looks around for the source of the voice, seeing no‑one. "Who are you?"
"I have come to see you in action," the voice answers. "You and your friends have proven more capable than we anticipated. We have much to learn, and it is my intention to learn as much as I can about all of you and apply that knowledge to the act of ending your worthless lives."
"…you're one of the Zeti, aren't you?" Sonic asks.
"You are correct, young one," the voice answers, its owner emerging from the water, riding his staff like a surfboard. "I am Master Zik, eldest of the Deadly Six."
Sonic isn't impressed by Zik's diminutive size and elderly appearance. "You're one of the Deadly Six?"
"I see you are easily fooled by appearances," Zik observes. "You think I am weak because I am much smaller and much older than you."
"Well, yeah," Sonic confirms. "I'm also stronger and faster. Don't worry though: I'll go easy on ya," he adds with a cheeky wink.
"You are certainly faster to arrive at a conclusion," Zik observes. "However, do not assume that your youth automatically gives you an advantage."
"Look grandpa, if you're here to fight, then let's do it to it!" Sonic challenges.
"Ah yes, the typical impatience of ignorant youth," Zik sighs. "Now is not the time for combat; that shall arrive in due course. Before then, I have important business to attend to. Do not keep me waiting."
"What business? What are you talking about?" Sonic asks.
"You'll find out soon enough," Zik answers, disappearing back into the water.
But Sonic doesn't need an answer from Zik. He's going after Tails, Clara, and Eggman! I gotta find them first! Trusting his instincts, Sonic selects a direction and sets off as fast as he can, determined to prevent Master Zik from hurting his friends (and Eggman).
Half an hour later, Tails, Clara, Sparky, Eggman, and Orbot make landfall after successfully navigating across the ocean to find they've beaten Sonic. Knowing they'll have to wait until he arrives, the group takes the opportunity to relax on the beach, refresh themselves with water, and refuel on snacks.
While Clara retrieves a protein bar and a bottle of water from her backpack, Tails decides to contact Sonic to get an ETA. "Hey Sonic, how close are you?"
The answer is nothing but static.
"Huh?" Tails adjusts the settings on his communicator, trying unsuccessfully to lock onto the signal. "What on Mobius‽"
"Something wrong?" Clara asks.
"I can't get in contact with Sonic," Tails answers. "It's like something's jamming the signal."
Eggman checks the Eggmobile's scanners, all of which are giving wildly fluctuating readings. "It's jamming my Eggmobile too," he informs. "When I find out who's messing with my equipment, I'll make them pay!"
"You can try," Master Zik replies, walking out of the water and up the beach. "Do not worry, for I am causing no lasting harm to your electronic devices," he assures. "As for your friend, it will be some time before he can join you."
"What did you do to Sonic‽" Tails demands.
"My, you are a feisty one," Zik answers. "Rest assured your friend is unharmed; he is merely delayed, giving me enough time to prepare for his arrival."
"And also giving us enough time to take you down!" Eggman declares, turning his Eggmobile towards Zik and activating the laser cannon‑
A click of Zik's fingers disables the laser cannon. "No need to be so rude," he warns.
"How dare you damage my equipment‽" Eggman angrily demands.
"It is easily replaceable," Zik answers. "Anyone else?"
"Your electric tricks won't work on us," Tails declares defiantly.
"They will not, but they will on your Wisp friend," Zik informs, looking directly at Sparky.
"You dare even think about hurting Sparky, I'll make you regret it!" Clara growls, placing herself between Sparky and Zik.
"I intend no immediate harm," Zik assures. "However, I do intend this."
Zik uses his electromagnetokinetic powers and forces Sparky to fully discharge into both Tails and Clara, sapping the Wisp of energy and knocking them all out cold.
"Impressive," Eggman compliments. "If only I still had you under my control."
"You are a fool if you think you ever had control of us," Zik replies before triggering the canopy on the Eggmobile to close and lock in place. "Once business here is concluded, you will return to the fortress with me, where you will pay dearly for your actions," he informs before turning to the unconscious Tails, Clara, and Sparky. "As for you three, you will form the bait in a trap that the blue pest will have no choice but to fall victim to. And when he does, you will all perish."