Chapter 4: Unwanted Addition
Location: King Fredrick Airfield, Mobotropolis
The next day…
Gathering at King Fredrick Airfield, the Freedom Fighters were busy loading equipment and supplies into Acorn One. Sitting at the side of the tarmac, Muttski had been instructed to serve as part of the diplomatic mission. He didn't understand the reasoning behind his teacher's decision, especially since he didn't provide anything that Tails and Rotor couldn't.
"Good morning," a voice greeted.
From his sitting position atop his duffle bag, the dog-boy discovered an elderly-looking Owl walking with the assistance of a cane. He was attired in a red robe lined with blue and gold, and had a moustache worn in the Fu Manchu style. He was flanked by a member of the Royal Secret Service, whom he recognized as Geoffrey St. John. He immediately noticed that the Skunk wasn't dressed in the attire typically worn by members of the Secret Service, instead wearing that which he had worn during his time leading the Rebel Underground.
"Oh! Hello, sir," he responded.
"Have you seen the Princess this morning?"
"She's over by the Control Tower."
Nodding his head, the Owl promptly headed off in the direction of the aforementioned location. Princess Sally was in deep conversation with Rotor, but her attention was drawn with the Owl's approach.
"Good morning, Director Who."
"Good morning, Your Highness. Your Father has requested that Commander St. John accompany you on this mission."
Sally appeared disappointed by the revelation, as Geoffrey had never been assigned to accompany them on either of her missions to Station Square.
"I understand," she replied, though reluctant.
She knew exactly the type of person Geoffrey was, and didn't want any fights breaking out between him and Sonic. It was fortunate that he would be travelling in the X-Tornado with Tails, keeping the Hedgehog and Skunk out of each others presence.
"I'd best get back to the office," Harvey stated with a bow.
As the Director shuffled off, the Princess immediately turned her attention to the newly arrived Secret Service Agent.
"What's the real reason you're tagging along?" Sally demanded.
"I'm here to serve as your bodyguard."
Realizing that an argument was about to ensue, Rotor promptly excused himself to assist the others. Putting some distance between himself and the pair, it wasn't enough to avoid hearing some of the conversation.
"Since when has that been the concern of the Secret Service?"
"You'd rather go unprotected?"
"Antoine's a member of the Royal Guard, that responsibility is his."
"Alright," Geoffrey conceded, "There are some…concerns regarding the individual responsible for sending us this information."
"So, you're coming along to gathering intelligence."
"It would be foolhardy to assume that this individual isn't a threat. Unless you can prove otherwise."
"I haven't a clue as to the identity of this individual," she answered.
"All the more reason why its necessary that I tag along with you on this mission."
"Try not to cause trouble, we're trying to gain these Terrans as allies."
"Your words wound me, Your Highness."
The Skunk immediately headed in the direction of Acorn One, leaving Sally alone with her thoughts. As she watched him depart, the Chipmunk discovered that a pair of Rabbits had arrived at the airfield. Since they weren't travelling using the Freedom Fighter Special, she had placed an order with Vanilla to prepare sandwiches for their journey. Natives of the Southern Baronies, she and her daughter had been forced to flee when Robotnik pushed into the region. Resettling in Mobotropolis, she had opened a bakery that was growing in popularity. Heading in the direction of the pair, she noticed that they had been joined by Cheese and Chocola.
"Good morning, Your Highness," Vanilla greeted.
"Hello, Vanilla."
"We brought that ordered you placed."
"You didn't need to come all this way; I could've had Sonic swing by."
"That quite alright. We were coming up here for supplies anyways."
"Well thank you. I figured we could use actual food instead of just Meh Burger."
"I went ahead and prepared extras," Cream chimed in, "There sure looks like a lot of people are going with you, Miss Sally."
"I appreciate it. We weren't expecting Commander St. John to suddenly be assigned to this mission."
"Miss. Sally, where's Sonic and Tails."
"They're over at Tails' Workshop," she replied, "They'll be flying down to Station Square in the X-Tornado."
Expecting a call from Tails, it wasn't surprising to hear the Fox's voice suddenly crackle through the Princess' commlink.
"Aunt Sally, we're ready to depart when you are."
"We'll be leaving shortly. Could you have Sonic swing by this way?"
"I'll let him know."
The commlink immediately went silent, with the blue Hedgehog appearing mere seconds later.
"Yo Sal, what's up?" he asked.
"Mister Sonic, we made sandwiches for you and Tails."
"Oh! Thank you, Cream."
Accepting the paper bag from the young rabbit, Sonic's green eyes caught sight of Geoffrey.
"What's he doing here?"
"He's been assigned to this mission," Sally stated, crossing her arms.
"Is that so…," he muttered.
"Why don't you head back to Tails' Workshop? We'll be departing shortly."
"Sure…sure."