Scratching the Box

by TheMaxx

Being able to think, but not being able to feel is a madding feeling. After temporarily switching bodies with Sally, Nicole cannot not stop thinking of the experience. Even years after that fateful day, she can not forget, she thinks but she cannot feel. Unable to control herself or her thoughts any-longer, she acts on ulterior motives.

12. Skin Ticket

Disclaimer - I do not own sonic or any other characters. They are property of SEGA and anything sonic the hedgehog affiliated with it.

The Consul of Acorn looked down at Nicole with looks of judgment and condescension. As they were finally in the presence of the now in the flesh Nicole. They were all surprised to say the least because they hadn't seen much of Nicole for the last six years. After she disappeared from the city as the AI shed been nowhere to be found. Needless to say after the city stopped working it was obvious when this Nicole in front of them showed up six years ago that she might have something to do with it…

The room remained quiet as two guards came out the room behind the judge's bench with stacks of papers and handed them to the Consul. The guards then exited back out the doors as the Consul began reading through the papers, tearing their eyes off Nicole.

Elias flipped through a few papers in front of him, and the other members of the Consul whispered back and forth to each other; peeking at Nicole every now and then. Nicole held a pinched mouth and narrowed eyes frowning at the Consul. She took in a deep breath feeling her stomach churn in frustration as the Consul read their papers. She hoped she could attempt and defend herself with what she knew so far…

After a minute or so Elias finished reading through the papers, and he looked up with a stern look and so did the rest of the Consul "…Nicole…you are being charged with reckless endangerment of New Mobotropolis. We have reason to believe you have ties to the AI N.I.C.O.L.E who used to operate New Mobotropolis. Your connections to her are tied to and partly reason for the disaster six years ago when she left." he said in a strong tone.

Hamlin held a malevolent smirk as he spoke "We are aware of who you are Nicole…" he chuckled slightly "We have made the obvious connections of your disappearance and reappearance…"

Penelope crossed her arms with a serious expression "Though the Freedom Fighters have refused to disclose any information our detectives have pieced together enough evidence to our general consensus."

Sir Charles held a worried expression "…It is obvious that when Nicole disappeared as the AI of the city and you…" he paused looking down at Nicole's upset face "…you suddenly appeared around the same time…also the same time as when the city stopped functioning properly…"

And Hamlin finished for him with a mocking grin "It is apparent to everyone that you are the same Nicole…" he snorted "As you appeared at the same time your computer self-disappeared…" he placed his hands on the bench leaning forward "…We are certain that the AI N.I.C.O.L.E is gone as the New OS has been in her place since she left…"

"It is hard to argue that you are not one in the same…" Dylan said timidly "With the New OS in place and N.I.C.O.L.E missing it is not hard to draw this analogous …"

Rosemary held a serious expression as well "Not to mention you look a lot like Nicole's holographic, and have the same name….and even clothing style…" she raised a single eyebrow in suspicion.

And the Freedom Fighters and Nicole looked slightly surprised as their eyes widened. It seemed the Consul had been busy and had made the same obvious parallels that they actually knew to be true about Nicole's computer self and living self-right now…

Though it seemed they still did not know for sure, but they had anecdotal evidence…

Though Nicole's face became upset as she had tried to keep her cool her last few days back; but she was starting to feel riled up. She wrinkled her nose in disgust, and her eyes narrowed with an upset face looking up at the Consul. Despite her own admitted naivety on certain subjects, she felt assertion rise up within herself at the Consul's accusations. She was tired of being pushed around the last few days, and the Consul had broken the last straw. She suddenly felt the urge to push back and smack down the perceptions everyone had created of her….

Admittedly what her relations to everyone was still unclear, though she still felt they had diminished her because of what she had done…

What she could not remember…she felt regret…

But she was tired of everyone treating her as a fool…and she was now finally going to brandish her intellect…

Nicole took a deep breath through her nostrils as she quickly thought of a retort to the Consul "…On the contraire, I do not think you quite have the evidence to back your claims." she stated sharply.

And the Consul, the Freedom Fighters, Max and Alicia were taken aback by Nicole's sudden shift in demeanor with everyone looking quite surprised with wide eyes. The Freedom Fighters for sure knew they hadn't seen Nicole like this yet…

But the Consul faces turned to sour expressions as they thought they had come prepared and Elias frowned down at Nicole "That is besides the point..." Elias narrowed his eyes but his voice was uneven and uncomfortable as if he didn't believe what he was saying.

But Nicole kept her upset face as she responded as it seemed she'd struck a nerve "Not necessarily. You do not have direct evidence against me, and you MAY know me…." she tergiversated upon that fact as they played the same evasive word games with her too. They still didn't really know if she was the same Nicole, and she wasn't going to expose herself; there was no need to give them that knowledge. It would just be another thing they would use against her…

And the Consul didn't look pleased that she did not confirm and intentionally withheld information just like they were doing to her. And not tell them what they wanted to know, which was conformation if she was the same Nicole or not.

Nicole continued "If so isn't the technology provided and the things you have created because of it enough? Has it not protected you until this day? Would this not offset the charges as you continue to use it even though it is not yours?" Nicole stated with her brows furrowed in determination.

Max and Alicia watched on from the far side of the room with slight confusion remaining silent. But the Freedom Fighters eyes remained widened, and their mouths opened slightly impressed by Nicole. She hadn't confirmed she was the same Nicole of six years ago and avoided the Consul convicting her right on the spot. For if they had such confirmation they would have an even stronger case against her. But they all then smirked still looking impressed by Nicole's display of intellect.

But the Consul of Acorn didn't look impressed at all; in fact they looked even more upset than they did a minute ago as it was clear some of Nicole's defense was solid. Elias frowned "While that might be true…the fact still stands that there is reason to believe you are partly cause for the disaster which happened six years ago, and Nicole or persons involved have not been held accountable…"

Nicole kept her determined expression as she railed on "But how can you hold me accountable if you do not know if it was me…"

But Nicole was cut off by Elias as he picked up his gavel and slammed it making a loud BANG in the quiet room. He and the rest of the Consul looked agitated, and Nicole looked up at them as it was clear that they were trying to dodge the initial accusation she had turned back on them.

Elias cleared his throat "I will now turn this proceeding to Hamlin. He initiated this investigation." Elias said quickly tearing his eyes away from Nicole and looking down at papers in front of him.

Nicole's lips twisted up into a deep frown as the Consul passed some papers down to Hamlin, and he smiled a wicked smile baring his teeth. Flipping through the papers he found what he was looking for. He folded the papers, laying them down so he could read from them "Nicole, AI of New Mobotropolis. I will start this proceeding with your first offense; endangerment of youth." Hamlin looked up and pointed to the big television that hung from the wall near the judge's bench...

The TV Screen

The video switched to a rotating camera; the outlook of an old building that had been shut down and was surrounded by yellow caution tape. Big hazard signs were also present. There were a lot of buildings, and it looked like a city was starting to be built.

Hamlin spoke in an upset tone "This is a few years down the road. New Mobotropolis had been building and getting on its way. This building you see was an apartment that needed renovating; we were still in desperate need of skilled workers. But over time your nanites had been improved so you put your nanites in charge of renovating the building."

Just as that was said, the camera caught sight of two children sneaking into the closed-off building. The camera switched to an inside view, the children giggled loudly chasing one another around the empty building when the children ran into an old hole in the wall. The camera stopped rotating, focusing on the hole where the children had went. Millions of Nicole's nanites came rushing into the room and began restoring the area. Though they could not be seen as they were microscopic them fixing the hole could be, and not long after the wall was brand new. Within a minute, the whole room had been restored and even the way the children had snuck in had been fixed. The children banged on the wall they had been trapped in screaming for help with no one around. The video shut off and went back to a blue screen...

The court room

Hamlin kept a devious grin briefly looking down at his papers and looking to Nicole "First let me start off by saying that this is only one of the thousands of recorded instances of your past accusations, and yes they were recorded by you. This is just an example. Which leads me to believe that many other things you have recorded may have been altered; that and you were lying." Hamlin snorted in delight.

"You may believe whatever you please…" Nicole retorted with narrowed eyes and a catty tone.

And Hamlin's brow narrowed as he sneered and the rest of the Consul remained looking upset "Those children almost starved. Just because there's no exact video evidence doesn't mean there's any evidence at all. I have here all the reports filed against you by the citizens of New Mobotropolis in the past and in the last six years...and they've tripled these last few years..." and a arrogant grin came across his face.

Nicole huffed through her nostrils keeping her deep frown as she felt herself start to sweat and her skin tingle. Those complaints were quite a tall order and something she could not argue against…

She wasn't sure how to respond to Hamlin openly mocking her this time though she did have a few questions "Am I wrong about the clear warnings signs in those videos?"

But again the Consul seemed to overreact, and Hamlin raised his voice "Just a second! I am not finished! I must read you the default amount of offensives which is to be about...one hundred…" he said looking down at his papers "…I will not have time to read all of them due to time constraints so do not speak unless spoken to." Hamlin said with annoyance.

This riled up the Freedom Fighters, and they looked on in defiance with anger etched onto their faces. Hamlin or the Consul had no right to speak to her like that.

Though it seemed Elias felt the same as his face softened to a light frown "It is not forbidden to speak, you will have plenty of time to speak once the first stage of evidence is presented, and we are asking you questions." Elias shot a disapproving look at Hamlin.

Nicole's look of irritation dialed back nodding silently, and Hamlin continued "Humph..." Hamlin said grumpily "I'll start off with the very first report. A woman filed a complaint about you for random parts of her house breaking. It was a nanite house, and she claimed that even though you came to fix it the problem it persisted, and you weren't doing enough."

Hamlin skimmed the pages in front of him with many more strange reports of freak like events happening throughout this city's history. Nicole's brow wrinkled together into a puzzled face, and her lips stayed curled down into a frown hearing about her past self again. Finding it hard to take in the strange accounts of her past because they were so strange it made her feel more abnormal…

She felt a slight chill hearing it was her behind these strange things that she knew didn't happen in normal life or couldn't happen because it was so strange. Things like that just didn't happen…

So Hamlin read off her crimes as they got weirder and weirder. He mentioned a secretary walking through a corridor that never ended. Nanites mistaking peoples food and moving it into where they were programmed to move. People blaming her for getting hurt when they didn't follow every little detail she had told them to when dealing with her. There were people wanting to charge her for having to build a house that was made out of nanites because of their own concerns. Just plan ignorance and blind hate...

It took Hamlin awhile to get through the list that he had chosen. With everyone eventually becoming restless as he finished and his arrogant smile returned "Now do you have any questions?"

The Consul of Acorn had been gauging her reactions so far with what little information they speculated about her. And the mix of emotions on her face of an upset expression and confusion led to look slight curious up at the Consul "Were these claims validated?"

Hamlin's smile was instantly wiped off his face, his eyes widened, and his mouth opened slightly…he had severely underestimated her…

The rest of the consul blinked in surprise as well not expected this Nicole to be so versed…

Hoping that they could break her down to get what they wanted. Nicole continued to stare up at them with intent eyes hearing the whisper of her friends behind herself.

Dylan spoke up in a feeble tone "There might have not been one-hundred percent accuracy...but there is proof that the complaints were not completely false..." Dylan said looking somewhat nervous of Nicole.

"But how does this case hold if I was not convicted?" Nicole asked keeping strong eye contact towards the Consul.

Sonic's Uncle cut in "That brings us to the final part of this session..." he said with a serious expression and curt nod.

Penelope looked unsparingly at her "You were smart before, and you seem to be just as smart now. Take that as a compliment."

"Go ahead and start her previous trial Hamlin." Elias spoke with a frown.

Hamlin's grin returned, and it was even bigger as he began to start the final video. But Nicole's frown deepened as the guys had informed her before the trial that it was no secret that Hamlin was chafed because despite all the complaints that she amassed they couldn't get a conviction on her in the past. She was above any sort of authority, she was actually above all because of who and what she was and did in the past…

And Hamlin didn't like that…he didn't like her having such power that he couldn't even though he was in a position of power himself…

Everyone was quiet as they waited for the next video to play. But this time Nicole lost her look of determination. Her eyes remained narrow with a frown on her face, but she looked nervous as she watched the TV screen…

She had never seen her computer self...

Other than the one time before she left the city...

Her mind was in such a haze at the time, and she didn't recall much of what she had saw when she viewed the single DVD she'd seen. What she did see of herself was brief, she watched the DVD totally terrified sitting in the dark of her house...

Her mind couldn't comprehend what she was seeing at the time…but she'd been reluctant...avoidant of her DVDs since...she still was afraid...

The TV screen

The video started, and it was the exact court room they all were in now though it was in color. And a cameraman seemed to be filming and getting a good view of the whole room. The Consul of Acorn came out of the backroom and sat in their seats; Rotor was a member at this time. The Freedom Fighters as well as the king and his wife were present too. The Consul exchanged some back and forth when Elias had to calm an enraged Hamlin down before they begun

"Why do we have to wait for her?" Hamlin growled.

"Because she maintains the city, she is very busy. She said she would be here once she was done with her regular maintenance. Give her a few minutes." Elias said slightly annoyed by Hamlin.

"I'm not sure this should be a bold face issue. Technology is sure to have some hiccups." Rosemary said with a frown.

"I'm sure Nicole is doing her best to get things in order." Sonic's Uncle said in a jovial tone.

Hamlin frowned "We'll see..." he said grumpily crossing his arms with a pout on his face.

It was then in an instant Nicole suddenly materialized into the court room and promptly moved to stand in front of the Consul….

The court room

Nicole lost her upset face and her eyes completely widened with surprise on her face as she stared at the TV screen…

There she was…in this exact same court room even though she had never visited this place as far as she could remember…

Not in the last six years, not when she was here before...

She was focused on the screen, and everyone was focused on her reaction; especially the Consul of Acorn. They watched her in intrigue…

The TV screen

Nicole's computer self-greeted everyone fully aware of what was going on "Hello Consul, I am here to stand trial." she spoke to them all.

The Consul were startled by her sudden presence; they readjusted themselves as Hamlin started "Nicole; AI of New Mobotropolis. You have put the citizens of the city in constant danger. You have too much over sight and have not fixed the many things you've said you would. I by the power of the Consul of Acorn demand that you be jailed for your actions!" Hamlin exclaimed, standing from his seat and pointing an accusing finger at her with a face full of anger.

Nicole's holographic face held a smile "How will you jail me?" she questioned.

Hamlin sputtered "Well you see..."he said still looking angry.

"You know she's right. How can you physically put her in jail Hamlin?" Penelope asked him with a smirk.

"I am sure that any evidence you give will be resolved, and I can continue my work." Nicole said with a smile and a neutral tone.

A snicker was heard in the background, and Elias sighed "Charles, if your nephew breaks any more rules he will have to be removed."

Uncle Chuck waved a playful finger at Sonic, and he acknowledged him with a big grin "You may continue Hamlin." Sir Charles said with a grin.

The cameramen followed Nicole just a few feet away from him as Nicole looked back at her friends, and they all gave her silent encouragement as Hamlin continued "Why haven't you fixed these constant problems?" he asked looking upset again.

"I am doing all that is available to me, I run the city with limited resources technologically. My motherboard only allows me to run as fast as the system I am connected to depending on how big the hardware and software I am integrating into. Right now I do not have nearly enough to fix things instantly. But I have fixed all current problems; I fix new ones as they come along." Nicole stated firmly.

Hamlin didn't look convinced though "Do you have any proof"? he shot back with his brows furrowed in anger.

"Yes." Nicole stated simply looking over the seat farthest to the right, and the camera followed. Rotor sat at the end of this side of the judge's bench with a smile, and a printer sat next to him. Everyone watched her look at the printer and moments later it printed out ten sheets of paper.

Rotor casually picked up the papers with a smirk and read them "...Hamlin? Have a look at this; it looks like all those cases you just filled have been cleared." Rotor said handing them down the row.

Hamlin almost snatched the papers out of Dylan's hands when they got to him. And he quickly read over them. The camera panned up at Hamlin as he gritted his teeth. His frustration confirmed that it might be true, and some whispers filled the room as the camera got a whole shot of the room.

Hamlin growled placing the papers down and glaring at Nicole "That still does not exonerate you from the new complaints and just the complaints in general from the people."

"The people's complaints are irrelevant. They will agree that despite the mishaps they would prefer the protection the city provides in spite of their every whim not being fulfilled. If their own judgment drives them away from the city as they have then it is not my concern. I am helping you." Nicole said keeping her smile and neutral tone.

Hamlin blinked his eyes in puzzlement for a moment, but then slight desperation showed on his face "Well then..." he sweated "Let's see what the people have to say. Bring in the witnesses!" Hamlin yelled, and he dawned an arrogant face again at the guards behind the Freedom Fighters. The camera panned to the left at the Freedom Fighters, King Max, Queen Alicia and guards in the room with them. And the guards opened the doors, and witnesses poured into the room and stood off to the side until they were called.

Nicole remembered as she watched the screen what Bunnie had said in their conversation not long ago. Some people had liked her, and some didn't as what she was seeing in the video now. Hamlin had purposely brought in people who despised Nicole and had them testify against her.

Some construction workers that had been hurt testified against her. The camera panned to three men at a podium on the other side of the room and spoke about the incident they were involved in; they held papers in their hands "...and just as we were tossing the beam onto the third floor of the building the nanite scaffolding underneath us disappeared. Why did you let that happen to us?" one of the male ducks asked her with confusion.

Nicole stayed neutral keeping her smile "You and your construction company signed insurance wavers before you took part in work with me. There was not much required for you to use my nanites, but to only take notice of the hazard data signs I placed on your construction site about the current limitations of the nanites that were working with you. How much was the beam you were handling weigh?" Nicole asked them as the camera focused on Nicole and the workers as she looked at them.

One of the other guys spoke "Look...it was over the limit, but we didn't have a choice. How were we supposed to get it up there if the limit was passed? How would we do anything with those types of limits?" the man suddenly yelled with his irrationality.

But Nicole responded promptly in her usual neutral tone "If the nanite limit was reached you were supposed to request more. It states that clearly in your contract. The nanites were stretched due to needing to be in other places at the time, but they could have been redistributed as seen fit. They certainly go pass the limit you needed. My nanites can currently create a density pressure up to thirty nine atmospheres. Your injuries are self-inflicted, even if they are tied directly to my nanites. Work with my nanites is very dangerous, and you must follow my instructions to the word; you did not follow the guidelines for proper use of my nanites. You and the other complaints from several different companies have had similar resolutions." Nicole stated.

The men looked at each other embarrassed looking over their contract for a moment and finding the exact clause Nicole had spoken of. They reluctantly spoke into the podiums mic "I guess we missed that part...no further questions..."and they hastily exited the courtroom.

The camera zoomed out again getting a full view of the court room, getting much chatter after the testimony and having Elias banging his gavel to silence the room again. But not long after other people who were brought to testify suddenly looked intimated by Nicole's swift defense from across the room.

Two concerned mothers then took to the podium. It seemed their children had been involved in a mishap with Nicole's nanites "Our children were nearly killed because of your nanites at the apartment building on vine street!" one of the women exclaimed.

"Incorrect." Nicole stated, and the women's nervousness became more evident on their faces from Nicole's dismissal. Nicole with a neutral expression on her holographic face took control of the TV screen in the court room and brought up video of the incident. She paused the video on the camera with the overlook of the closed-off building.

"Your children may have been almost killed by my nanites, but there are over ten hazard sign warnings. Including signs that state the area is dangerous, hazard tape, as well as the area being enclosed by wooden stands. The warning signs were clear enough; your children chose to enter. It is their fault for putting themselves in danger; I have released warnings to all citizens of New Mobotropolis stating my technology can be fatal. Have you not seen my press conference?" Nicole asked turning to look at the mothers with a single eyebrow raised.

The camera panned and focused on the women with fearful faces before they looked at one another in defeat; they turned back to the mic "...no further questions."

And after those women left the many people who were left to testify were hesitant to. And everyone in the room started to look confused on whether if this was even a trial anymore. As Nicole adequately defended herself so well despite all the complaints being directly tied to her; not to mention the problems caused by her were very bad.

At one point in the video, Nicole looked towards the Consul with a smile, and Hamlin held an enraged expression looking right back at her; it all seemed like a cakewalk to Nicole. But just as most of the people testifying had been defeated some ruckus was heard outside the courtrooms door. Everyone in the room was surprised, and the camera panned over to the left again as the doors busted open and many protesters rushed in.

They were Nicole supporters; they carried positive signs that praised Nicole. One sign had a happy picture of Nicole's face on it. The Freedom Fighters joined the protesters. Elias sighed in defeat, everyone on the Consul but Hamlin was amused by the situation.

A hippie looking male sheep with sunglasses spoke through a megaphone "Hey man! Nicole is like innocent man!"

Nicole remained were she stood, and the Consul had seemed to make up their minds by this point in the video; all except Hamlin of course. Elias called a vote for whether Nicole was innocent or guilty, and it was almost unanimous; innocent. The video ended with Hamlin remaining in his seat steamed. Rotor joined the Freedom Fighters with Nicole calmly walking with everyone with a smile, and the Consul left into the backroom. Other guards also came into the room to break up the protesters, and the video went blue...

The court room

Nicole's brow wrinkled with frustration on her face, and her lips bent into a slant as she stared blankly at the blue screen…

She was both unnerved and intrigued about seeing her computer self for the first time. Her past self was interesting to say the least...

She was also pleased to see how well she had defended herself. How…vigorous she was…

It made her feel confident about herself now…

But as she broke her eyes away from the screen and looked over at the Consul on her right her eyes narrowed as her upset face returned. As Hamlin's grin was crooked now, and she wondered why he would not be upset by such a landslide defeat?

She thought for a moment as she observed all of the Consul looking at her. They all still held frowns and upset faces as something in her mind clicked. Even though they couldn't prove she was the same Nicole it was now clear they were going to try and charge her no matter what…

And Nicole's eyes suddenly widened in shock as she realized the real reason she left would be her downfall...

They were going to try and charge her as an accomplice or liability to the damage caused six years ago…

Hamlin flipped the television off with a remote and a tooth to tooth smile "You have much more to answer for..." he chuckled "Those people who defended you do not exist anymore, they are against you now. We will get to the details of your present crimes hopefully tomorrow. But now that I have presented the initial evidence we will stop this trial for today. We have other important cases to handle." Hamlin said snorting softly to himself.

Before Elias could slam his gavel Hamlin spoke up again, and everyone looked at him "I wonder... where has Nicole the AI gone? As you claim you are not her…" Hamlin chuckled in a malicious tone.

Dylan rubbed his chin with a curious expression "The question still begs why do you look so much like her…"

"I'm sure it is all everyone wonders about…why did you leave…" Uncle Chuck said with a worried expression.

"If you don't mind would you mind telling us who you are? Since you say you are not Nicole…" Rosemary asked with a frown.

And Nicole stared up at the Consul feeling a lump in her throat. Her brow knotted into an upset face remaining silent as she knew this time she could not answer.

But Elias slammed his gavel ending the trial with a stern expression "We are behind schedule. The trial is adjourned…" he paused as the rest of the Consul began sorting their papers and looking away from Nicole finally.

"Oh and one more thing..." Elias pointed to Rotor who looked confused "The DVDs might have information pertaining to this trial so will discuss how we handle that matter another time..." he frowned at the Freedom Fighters, and they shot back equally upset faces "You are dismissed…." he said looking away from them all with a dissatisfied face.

And Nicole wasted no time as she turned on her hills and hastily followed the guys out of the court room; they were all disgruntled by the proceedings. Catching the hard and silent stares of Maximillian Acorn and Alicia Acorn as they opened the doors of the room. And they all felt a bit more frustration as they could hear the very faint snickering of Hamlin from the judge's bench as they left the room….

This trial and everything that was happening was a ripple effect of her past choice to not be the AI of the city anymore…

Meanwhile at the North Entrance of New Mobotropolis, a few medium-sized lines extended into one of the many entrances of this side of the city. Many clamored to live in the city because it was becoming so strong; it was currently the safest city away from the evil regimes despite its own problems. After a few minutes the line lurched forward and a loud mouth crocodile argued with the guards at one entrance threshold.

A returning inhabitant Vector the Crocodile held and upset face with an angry vein on his forehead. They had taken his belongings and were scanning them; he was upset because he was afraid they might damage something "Hey! Careful with that! Do you think I would bring something dangerous into the city?" Vector said with agitation..

"And who are you?" asked one of the male black puma guards standing in front of him with a look of annoyance.

Vector grinned with his eyes closed "Why I'm Vector! I know the Freedom Fighters!" he said pointing his finger in the air.

The guard looked unimpressed "Yeah…yeah…and I just saw Sonic the other day." the guard mumbled.

Vector looked at the guard confused "But you don't understand. I know them personally."

"You think you're the first person to say that?" the guard asked unimpressed.

Vector shook him off "I can prove it. Call Nicole, she'll tell you." he said with the utmost confidence.

Before he responded to Vector the other guard verified his belongings; which consisted of two heavy backpacks. They handed them back to Vector and let him enter the city. Vector was confused again but walked past them as the guard he was speaking to answered his question "Nicole isn't here anymore."

Vector was inclined to ask him what he meant but the guards we already busy helping other people. Vector shrugged and looked up to the force field dome of the city bewildered. Now just what did he mean Nicole wasn't here anymore? How could she have left? The thoughts only stayed with him for a moment as he began to smile being back home. He tore his eyes from the force field and looked around him; picking up his backpacks and strolling down the nearest street.

The city was thriving, and he regretted leaving now. As he walked his stomach began to growl "Oh...I need to make some cash fast." he said holding his tongue out.

He sighed letting his backpack slide to the ground. He stood around on a busy sidewalk with many people passing by him as he tried to regain some energy when someone called his name "Mr. Vector? Is that you?" a girl's voice stated.

Vector swung around in surprise to see Cream looking curiously at him "Oh you've grown little girl...or big girl now…." he smiled brightly.

Cream looked strangely at Vector's statement "You're still strange." Cream giggled; she was a teenager now. Taller and starting to look more and more like her mother.

Vector looked around her "Hey, where's Cheese?" he asked with a curious expression.

"He stays at the Chao garden now. I visit him a lot though. Say, what are you doing back?" Cream asked with a wise look.

Vector grinned "Well that's a long story for another time..." Vector said as his words died in his mouth as Vanilla came up behind Cream. Vector got hearts in his eyes, and his tongue drooped lazily.

Vanilla smirked "I was wondering where you had run off to Cream." she'd blinked her eyes in surprise, and a pleased expression came over her face "Vector! It's so nice to see you again, what brings you back to New Mobotropolis?" Vanilla asked only looking slightly older.

Vector instantly began explaining, and Cream looked slightly annoyed by his contradiction "Well after Espio and Charmy went our ways I left to be a journalist slash reporter. But that didn't go quite that well you see..." Vector smiled sheepishly.

"I see." Vanilla said with a concerned face putting a hand on Cream's shoulder "What happened?" she asked.

"Well, Mobius got better actually. That's the problem; there was nothing to report on. So it's been a harsh journey back home. Say, you two wouldn't happen to know of anything going on here do you?" Vector eyed them both suspiciously.

Vanilla laughed lightly "Not that I know of." she shrugged and Vector looked defeated "Although higher ranking officials won't say anything about Nicole leaving or coming back." Vanilla said as her smile returned.

This peeked Vectors interest again "Isn't she the computer?" he blinked his eyes curiously.

Vanilla then frowned "Yes and No."

"You haven't heard the rumors about Nicole?" Cream asked raising an eyebrow.

"I keep hearing rumors about rumors." Vector said adjusting his backpack.

"I haven't seen Nicole yet, but Tails told me she just came back to New Mobotropolis." Cream said as she smiled.

And a light bulb switched on above Vector's head "This Nicole thing sounds like it needs reporting."

Vanilla smiled "It looks like you might have your big break."

Vector grinned and picked up his other backpack "You guys have probably sent me right to the top with this information. I could be famous if I cracked this story."

"Don't forget about us now." Vanilla said with a soft giggle.

"Yeah, maybe if you get famous enough you could get an interview with Mina." Cream said as her face completely brightened now.

"You will see Mina dear; she has already arrived in town." Vanilla spoke to Cream with a gentle smile.

Vector tried his best to look cool; turning his back to them "I need to get started. Thanks for the help." he said in a deep voice.

Cream and Vanilla looked confused watching him take a step and trip. He made a large thud to the ground, and he hastily picked himself up and embarrassment shown on his face; he grinned jogging away in the opposite direction. Cream and Vanilla giggled with halfhearted smiles as they crossed a street and continued what they were doing on this side of town today.

Later that evening…

It was dark out and on the south side of town at Rotors house Rotor just walked through his front door and flipped on the lights in his living room. He yawned, and his eyes were half lidded as he smacked his lips. It had been another long day of work for him and all the Freedom Fighters. He first walked over past his couch and TV to his desk and his desktop computer on the other side of the room and turned it on. While he waited for his computer to boot up, he moved over to the large pile of Nicole's neatly stacked plastic covered DVDs near his desk.

He began picking them up and searching for the DVDs he wanted to visit tonight. DVDs two hundred six to two hundred fifteen; the DVDs of Nicole's creator Arien.

He then placed the stack of DVDs on his desk and went into his kitchen to grab a snack. After Nicole's trial and after having lengthy talks with her since she'd returned. He thought he should check and have another look into why Nicole was sent back.

They praised Nicole for defending herself so well from the Consul of Acorn. But they also started another conversation with Nicole for a while after they got out of the trial; again something on a wide variety of topics concerning her. Talking of her past again and the future of her time. But also what the Consul was planning to do.

As it seemed they were going to try and convict her even though they had no straight evidence against her. They couldn't prove she was the same Nicole, which meant they couldn't prove she caused the damage to the city, tie her directly to it, and immediately convict her. So they couldn't charge her for that, she'd stopped. But it seemed the Consul was still looking for other ways to get her. That being the reason why she left…

From the looks of it, there was nothing much they could do to stop them…but they were going to try and figure that out later…

As for the time being they all had to get back to work, and Nicole finally saw how busy she had made them. They all had went their separate ways after they finished talking with her. Antoine had to get back to the Aero school to teach. Bunnie went back to her position of training new recruits into the House of Acorn guard. Sonic and Amy were busy helping Sally prepare for the Thanksgiving festival. And Tails and he had to get back to running the New OS. Although he could communicate with the New OS from his home, much of the work to maintain the entire city was still done from the Control room in Castle Acorn.

Nicole he believed returned to her own home as well to start looking at the New OS manual again; though Sonic volunteered to escort her home after she told them of the citizen's reactions to her.

Rotor came out of his kitchen with a bowl of potato chips and sat down at his desk just as his computer finished loading. He sat his bowl in his lap as he grabbed the stack of DVDs and placed DVD two hundred six into his DVD drive. As it began to spin up he began eating his chips with a neutral expression as his screen went full screen, and the DVD loaded.

There was still the issue of a constant nag in the back of his mind about all of what was happening…with Nicole…her technology…something he couldn't put his finger on and continued to ignore…

What was happening with the rapid progression of technology was not the same as Nicole's time right? Was the technology they created growing out of control? He wasn't sure…they used it to protect themselves though…they were forced to use it…it all still felt uncertain…

Despite Nicole's concerns they had stopped Eggman, and they also were controlling the progression of technology because they had safeguards. So he at least felt they had done everything without her, and they were keeping things under control.

And a slight frown came over Rotors face as he chewed on his chips. They weren't going down that same path…they were fine weren't they…technology hadn't gone out of control…

And he still felt a bit of unrest towards Nicole because of her leaving and causing so much damage. He still had so much work to do because of her leaving. They had even accomplished what she was supposed to do sort of…

And grim thoughts passed through his mind because he was still upset at her. She left them…they didn't need Nicole anymore because they had the New OS now…

And he knew they were negative feelings but that's what he was feeling at the moment; bad as they may be. He wasn't too sure how he felt about Nicole anymore, and neither were the guys…they all felt torn…

But because he hadn't seen any of the future DVDs in a while he felt he should probably check some of them out again. Because of Nicole's mentions and concerns about the use of her technology he thought he might check into it. Because he wasn't completely sure himself of the exact reason she was sent back. Plus he was still curious, and he could try to piece together more about the future…

As the DVD finally loaded he was surprised to say the least he found another interesting tidbit of information about Nicole…

(The Computer screen)

Rotor's memory started to become refreshed as he watched through a few DVDs up to DVD two hundred thirteen when something significant happened. It was back in the familiar apartment of Nicole's creator. In the background of the video, from the outside of the window it was a bright sunny day. And there were many boxes stacked around the room; it seemed Arien was still just moving in. But the camera view was different in this video; as if her portable was leaning on something as she got a full view of the room. Nicole was not on her big computer screen yet still. Her view was from a table, and Rotor could see her big computer screen and her system unit just barely far left of her screen; it was black and tall as a bookcase.

Nicole's creator was in direct view of Nicole; she was wearing a white lab coat like Bernard and like other scientist now. It was also a strange coincidence that Arien was a scientist, the same field of her past life. She was standing on the other side of the room at a table. She seemed to be looking down at something, but soon she turned around holding a few papers with her brow wrinkled in a worried expression "I am concerned by this process…it seems very dangerous…"she said picking Nicole up and she was face to face with her.

And Nicole responded in a neutral tone "You mentioned the same in the past creator, you were very cautious about the process of transferring me to different hardware. And you only did it when you first created my portable and back to my original system unit as a test."

Nicole's creator looked to be hooking cables up to her as she held her; the angle of the screen tuned slightly away from her face "I have been pondering if there was a safer way to do this but after reading the outline of Bernard's notes I can see why it must be done this way…" she said with worry filling her voice.

Nicole spoke in a monotone voice "Do not worry creator, I am experienced in this matter and will handle most logistics of the transfer."

Arien faced Nicole towards her face once more with a worried expression "We will see Nicole…"

So she sat Nicolle down on her back, and she faced the ceiling. Typing could be heard as Nicole's creator spoke to her "Alright Nicole the connection is open…"

And binary data of ones and zeros filled the screen as Nicole spoke moments later "…Establishing connection…" bzzzz…bzzzzz… "…connection made…beginning transfer of current biotic memory…" she stated as her creator sat her up on the table so she could face her.

"Is everything alright Nicole?" Nicole's creator asked her with a curious face.

"Everything is well creator, once my genetic memory is transferred I will begin transfer of my…energy…from my motherboard…though you must know creator. You have been gone for several hundred years; I have much memory to transfer." Nicole stated.

Nicole's creator then smiled "Well you'll be busy for a while; I will begin unpacking my belongings and taking care of other matters while you are doing that."

"Yes creator." Nicole stated in her always neutral tone.

And for what seemed like a few hours to Rotor, Nicole's creator moved around her lab in front of the screen as a loading bar popped up on Nicole's screen. And it moved very slowly…

It was so long Rotor had time to get up and grab something to eat again. But not too long after returning to his seat the lights were turned on in Nicole's creator's apartment. It was darker so it must have been nighttime by the time Nicole finished.

Nicole's creator sat at a table reading over some papers when the progress bar on her screen hit one hundred, and she called to Arien "Creator? I have successfully transferred the current genetic memory from this hardware. It is now time to transfer my energy…"

Nicole's creator shot up from her seat with a curious expression "Ok Nicole…the next step of the transfer is what is dangerous…begin transfer…" she said unevenly.

"Yes creator." Nicole stated simply, and another progress bar popped up on her screen.

Only this time the screen had become blurred with two visions….transparent almost…

And then Rotor realized that he could see her creator at two angles; one from Nicole's big screen and her portable at the same. This all seemed familiar…

Then Nicole's creator spoke looking between Nicole's portable and her big screen; it was hard to make out her expression "The transferring of your life force is extremely dangerous Nicole…if anything goes wrong you could die…or disappear…."she paused turning her back to Nicole "Please keep me updated…" she said with worry in her voice.

"Yes creator." Nicole stated again.

This process wasn't as long as the other one as Rotor skimmed through the DVD to speed it along. Once it was completed the transparent blurry screen returned to a single screen. Only it was her big screen "Transfer successful…terminating connection…" Nicole stated suddenly.

It startled Arien as she turned to look at her big screen "Are you ok Nicole?"

"Yes creator, the transfer process was successful." Nicole stated in a neutral tone.

And Rotor could see Nicole's creator visibly look relived as she let out a big sigh closing her eyes. When she opened them she dawned a smile "Thank goodness…I will be honest I do not care for this transfer business. But I would hope you could enlighten me more on this topic. I have thoroughly read through Bernard's notes, and I want to know why you must transfer yourself in such a dangerous manner. Wouldn't it be much safer if you stay confined to one body?" she looked up at Nicole's big screen.

"What is it you would like to know creator?" Nicole responded.

And Nicole's creator smiled as in the next few minutes she grabbed a chair, sat in front of her with a stack of papers in her hand, and turned on some smooth sounding jazz music in the background as they conversed.

Arien looked down flipping through the papers in her hand as Nicole explained the reason behind her body transfers "The initial idea of my portable was conceived as a test. To see if it was possible to transfer energy to other biotic hardware As similar test of the time in the scientific community of transferring artificial energy to organic tissues was a failure. It was a difficult process to figure out the dynamics of my being. For it is not simply my life force in my case that makes me, me. But instead my body and my life-force together."

Arien looked up from her papers with a serious expression and a silent nod as she continued "If I were to simply transfer energy between hardware I would not remember who I am. My personality would not be able to be saved like organic bodies if not for my biotic components. Everything who I am would stay in one hardware and disappear if I entered another hardware. Any hardware I entered I would become blank. I would not remember anything." Nicole stated in a neutral tone.

Nicole's creator nodded "In these notes it states this unbroken connection is one critical step to the process…"

Nicole continued "The next important and critical step that allows me to save my personality between transfers are my motherboards; my hardware. They are made of the same biotic compounds and hold the degree of chemical reactions that allow me to carry over my personality; which is also how I was created."

Nicole's creator smiled "Yes indeed Nicole, your life force is truly unique." she said looking down at her papers "So as I understand this…the energy…your soul…latched onto the organic compounds of your hardware holds the genetic memory stored in the chemical reactions of your hardware. And when you transfer your genetic memory between similar hardware it allows you to retain who you are; your personality I should say." she looked up as a smile returned to her face.

"My hardware contains organic properties which include both chemical and genetic reactions." Nicole stated.

Nicole's creator looked curious with her brow drawing together "So you are inheriting genes from yourself…this genetic memory carries your personality over…fascinating…" she said slowly nodding her head.

"Yes. The method of gene duplication is electroporation manipulations of the biotic compounds of my motherboard's biotic compounds. Note though Creator that copying of my genetics are just my traits, not my recognition and recall memory. My recorded memory and the information available on my HDD are also brought together so I can remember who I am."

Nicole's creator nodded with a curious expression "Otherwise you would be a completely different…person…" Nicole's creator giggled.

"Yes creator." Nicole stated in a neutral tone.

"The fact remains this process is very dangerous and has many variables that need to work together. I will only transfer you if I have to, I feel you are kept much safer this way staying in one body." Nicole's creator said in a final tone, and Nicole responded yes to her again.

Nicole's creator leaned over in her chair and placed her papers on a nearby table. Then she placed her hands in her lap looking back up at Nicole with a smile returning to her "So I suppose you develop genetic traits like everyone else…you are very analytical…" Nicole's creator placed a hand on her mouth to suppress her giggle.

"Thank you creator." Nicole responded to her creator as the screen faded…

(In Rotors room)

Rotor leaned back in his chair with his lips pursed, and his brow wrinkled in puzzlement. That wasn't what he was looking for about the future, but it sure did open up a lot more questions. He immediately thought of Nicole…genetics…

Nicole had genetics…another thing they did not know about her…

Rotor slowly nodded his head; he continued to be impressed by Nicole's prowess…

So this is why it seemed like she had a personality when she was a computer and couldn't feel…because she did! This was amazing…a machine with DNA…

It was no wonder Nicole used to act in certain behaviors in the past; she really did have personality traits. Though they were limited by her not being able to feel and in turn her personality and demeanor were subtle.

And his mind wandered back to six years ago…

This explained some of what Nicole was doing six years ago. This might have been why shed gone through all that trouble to create a body. She might have been trying to figure out how to transfer to organic tissue. Because it might have been different than transferring to another machine…transferring to another machine seemed to be less nuanced...things in organic bodies were always constantly moving...more complications...

But then Rotors eyes slightly widened as he thought of something else…

If Nicole had genetics, had she transferred genetics of her computer self into her living self?

Rotor shot up from his seat with his eyes wide as saucers as the implications hit him. His chair rolled a few feet back as he placed a hand on his head. Had Nicole inherited the genes of her computer self? Of a machine? Of course she had, it need not be said that she might have transferred and inherited her genes and personality traits of her computer self after she went through all that trouble to make her body. Nicole now was analytical…

This also meant living Nicole was behaving like her computer self…she had the genes of her computer self…so this might be what Nicole's personality looked like now that she could feel…how this living Nicole's personality was…it was fascinating…

But it also made him wonder if genes of a machine were different? This meant her genetics were not like normal people…they were actually developed while she was a computer…that only a machine could possibly develop….cold…hard…stark…

And Rotor began thinking of Nicole's behavior in the last few days….just in her trial today he saw a different Nicole when she defended herself from the Consul…a cold Nicole…

Rotor then rubbed his chin as a serious expression came over his face. This also meant he needed to find out more about Nicole losing her mind on the DVDs. Because it meant that living Nicole might have inherited her computer self's genes of that…

Rotor then turned around and sat back down in his chair with a contemplative face as he needed to go to bed soon. He continued to find out Nicole was much more than they ever could have fathomed…she had a life force and genetics…

A machine, much less a computer program didn't have such things…feelings…a personality…a soul…

And Rotor's curiosity of Nicole grew again…she was still a wonder to behold…

The next day early morning at Castle Acorn Nicole, Bunnie, and Antoine were in a secluded break room in the castle. After hearing Nicole's accounts of people's reaction to her, it started to become obvious that she had to become more cautious. As it probably wasn't such a good idea to walk around alone in the city when the people were reacting so hostile to her.

It didn't help that Mina was officially back either so people were going to start recognizing again for sure and much faster. Nicole sat at a table with her head slightly dipped staring down at the table. She held her arms forward holding a cup in both her hands. She held a blank expression on her face and slight sags on her eyes…she hadn't slept well again last night…

Bunnie and Antoine were standing over near a counter conversing at eating some food. Sally had come through once and said she'd be back for because she needed her help…Freedom Fighter business or something…

She made sure she'd eaten while she was at home this morning before Sonic had came and walked with her to the castle this morning…

Her expression remained blank as she felt a quiver in her stomach at her current situation. Her most pressing issue on her mind at the moment was her trial…

There didn't seem to be much she could do to stop them…the guys didn't see a way out either…they were going to convict her and ruin her life even more…

Everything around seemed to zone out, and her vision focused on the table she stared down at. Her expression remained blank…she sort of felt nothing right now…emotionally numb at the barrage of bad news she'd been getting…

Though Sally and Rotor were already starting things to counter the Consul they even told her it wouldn't stop them…

She sighed breathing low and steadily…the uncertainty of life sometimes felt always constant…but it to would pass…everything changes…that was the nature of this reality…she at least hoped it change to something better…

Though after sitting in silence for a while she didn't move her head, but she darted her eyes over at Bunnie and Antoine. Antoine walked to the exit of the room leaving her and Bunnie as the only occupants. Bunnie was drinking something and dipped her head back as she poured the whole drink into her mouth; her back was turned to her. Nicole kept her eyes on Bunnie with her blank expression now aware of how busy the guys where now because of her…

She knew she might not get another chance because she might not see Bunnie for the rest of the day…

Bunnie finished her drink and crumpled her paper cup, but as soon as she did she heard her name called "Bunnie?" she heard her name called tentatively.

Bunnie raised a single eyebrow as she glanced over her shoulder at Nicole staring at her "Could I ask you a question?" Nicole said with a curious expression.

Bunnie smiled as she walked over and stood in front of her table "Wats goin on sweetheart? Wanna talk about something?"

Nicole nodded as she narrowed her eyes in frustration "…Bunnie…" she paused staring at Bunnie which made Bunnie blink in confusion "….Why did I leave? I know you all know why." she said and a self-confident voice.

And though Bunnie looked slightly hesitant she could see her self-assurance, and they had been getting everything out in the open already "…Brace yaself…" Bunnie said with a worried expression.

Then Nicole nodded with a determined face as she fully turned in her seat to face her as she spoke "…Ya left cause ya was in love with Sonic...which is ironic in more ways than one since you like sugahog right now too..." Bunnie said with a slight frown.

Nicole's eyes completely widened in shock, and her cheeks flushed bright red as she blushed "…What…" she said looking completely baffled.

Bunnie frown completely disappeared seeing Nicole's embarrassment, and she smirked a bit "I know we've been quiet an all about that, but we weren't sure how tah break it to ya…"

Nicole kept her shocked face blinking her eyes with her mouth open…she was speechless at the moment and Bunnie giggled at her naivety "Ya know considarang tha circumstances I guess I was tha best one tah tell you…being ya confidant an all."

Nicole nodded as the surprise wore off a little but she still blushed feeling butterflies in her stomach "…I don't know what to say…this is the reason I left? Are you certain?" she said with disbelief.

Bunnie nodded with a smirk "I still think its kinda sweet." she joked "I gotta get going." Bunnie finished.

Nicole nodded again as her blush began to recede; her eyes were still slightly wide with surprise still present on her face.

"We still don't know exactly why ya did it, but thas essentially why." Bunnie turned and started walking towards the exit, and she glanced back at Nicole with a smirk "Don't ponda on it too hard, we aint out of tha woods yet." she said as she disappeared through the exit of the break room.

Nicole nodded silently waving at Bunnie as she left, her face still held light surprise and a red tint still visible on her cheeks. She turned back and looked down at her table with slightly wide eyes. Well, she at least knew why she had left now…

A little later Sally retrieved Nicole from the secluded break room, and they went to the control room. Rotor and Tails were busy running the city as usual with all the technicians. And she, Sally and Sonic were also present; they were about to go out into the city to do something…Sally hadn't told her yet…

Sally and Sonic were currently standing in front of a printer on another side of the room talking business about the upcoming Thanksgiving festival. Rotor and she were at his desk watching them as they conversed themselves. Nicole's initial surprise about why she'd left had worn off and been replaced with a saddened expression. Nicole sat on the edge of his desk, and Rotor held a neutral expression as he was getting ready to leave; he told everyone it was something urgent he had to take care of at his home. But he spoke with Nicole on a few matters before he headed off.

Nicole kept her head turned watching Sonic and Sally "I know why I left…" she stated.

Rotor briefly glanced at her before looking at Sonic and Sally too leaning his elbows on his desk "That seemed to be one of your motivations as far as we know so far…"

Nicole frowned keeping her eyes on Sonic "I can see the irony…" she said as they both knew she did have eyes for Sonic even now "How a computer does such a thing I do not know…"

"Did Sally tell you?" he asked.

Nicole shook her head keeping her eyes on Sonic and Sally "No, but I told her and Sonic of my awareness of the subject."

Rotor nodded slowly ""Hamlin's going to ask why you left..." Rotor said keeping his neutral expression.

There was disappointment in Nicole's voice "This could implicate Sonic as well...I do not want to hurt him..." she said as her saddened expression returned.

"Were working on something…were not going to let the Consul just walk all over us…" Rotor then glanced at her again "By the way, have you made any leeway with the New OS manual?"

Nicole kept her eyes on Sonic and Sally "…I am having trouble with it...the language is complex to say the least…and there have been other things going on that are distracting me..." her voice drifted.

Rotor nodded with understanding "Well it's no rush Nicole. Maybe after things calm down it'll be easier to focus."

"I suppose..." Nicole's eyes stayed locked onto Sonic and Sally across the room with a saddened face though she spoke again "…Rotor…I still stand that this time-line could diverge into a similar fate as my own if any of my technology or information got into the wrong hands….as I have let you all know..." she obviously referred to the Freedom Fighters.

And Rotor nodded as she stood by her point, and he stood by his; the guys were still torn. They had all discussed Nicole's sentiment when they conversed yesterday. They had told her what she told them six years ago when she left…

While she was connected and synched with her body just before she left…she told Sally and himself if any information from her time fell into the wrong hands this time line would diverge into a similar fate of her time…

And Nicole struggled to digest the information in their conversation…but she agreed with her computer self's statement…

After the information they all knew now from Nicole's DVDs he and the guys understood Nicole's stance…it was something her computer self even warned them of too…

But Rotor somewhat disagreed as he hadn't seen all of the DVDs yet and the rest of the guys were mostly torn. Sonic was leaned more towards Nicole's stance and Antoine leaned more towards his. Amy, Bunnie, Tails, and Sally were somewhere in between. They, the Freedom Fighters continued to keep Nicole and everything about her amongst themselves. And with this time diverging business and the implications of how dangerous it would be if it happened. They took Nicole's words with caution…in the past and now…

But since nothing had happened yet, and they were controlling things, keeping Eggman down and controlling technology with the safeguards, they put it aside for the moment with other pressing matters at hand…

But Rotor could see and knew she was thinking about Sonic as she stared at him. Because she now knew Sonic could be tied to her trial now; it was no news that she had a thing for Sonic for some time now. They were all already aware of how Sonic could be tired to her trial for sometime now; Sonic knew himself obviously. With her now knowing why she left it became clearer that the reason she left would be her downfall…

They all knew it might be inevitable that she might be tried guilty now even with no direct evidence against her. The reason she left the city was because of love...

Rotor then got up from his seat and patted Nicole on the shoulder with a determined look and quietly left the control room. She nodded in return with her saddened expression remaining still. She could sense a little bitterness in some of her friends…Sonic and Bunnie being the least…but Rotor…a little bitterness was ever present in his interactions with her, and she understood why…

Soon though Nicole broke her eyes away from Sonic and Sally feeling a little jealous her vision cascaded towards the floor. Sonic almost felt too far gone sometimes….maybe never even in her reach at all…

But after a few minutes Sally and Sonic walked over to her carrying large stacks of papers, and she quickly lost her saddened expression. She dawned a neutral face to mask her sadness and Sally spoke to her with a smile "We're ready to go Nicole."

Nicole raised a single eyebrow "What are we doing exactly?" she questioned.

Sally then handed her a stack of flyers and Nicole looked down at them. They were information about the upcoming Thanks Giving festival. Then Sally motioned for her to follow, and she hopped off Rotor's desk and walked next to Sonic out of the control room. Sonic gave her a grin, and it made her pulse race as she dawned a weak smile. But handing out flyers...somehow she had a bad feeling about going out into public again even with her friends nearby…

Around noon on the south side of town, Rotor returned to his home taking some special time as he told everyone else. Though he was actually taking this time to investigate the newest shocking discover about Nicole he'd learned of the previous night. He held a slight frown as he stepped through his front door and closed it behind him.

It was partly cloudy and still cool today; ever now and then the sun peeked through the clouds before disappearing again. So it wasn't as grey as it had been the last few days and a mix of bright sun's rays and grey colors spilled into his open living room curtains. He swiftly walked over to his computer and sat down and turned it on. Because of the last developments he learned on Nicole's DVDs he decided he was going to look at the later DVDs.

The DVDs were of Nicole in their time period. He had slowly been progressing forward as he watched them since he started six years ago. Though since Nicole had come back in the last few days he'd been going through various ones and not a single progression. But because Nicole was losing her sanity, which he had been watching already. And because of the discover that Nicole had genetics, and she might have transferred them to herself, his attention shifted. He felt it might be a more pressing matter of Nicole losing her sanity now that he knew it was tied to living Nicole…

Wondering if it was possible….if Nicole had inherited some instability from herself…

He was still curious about the future…he felt he should probably take more concern to finding out the root cause of Nicole being sent back and finding out about her future and all as well.

But because they had stopped Eggman, and they also were controlling the progression of technology because they had safeguards…

He stared at his frown in the reflection of his computer screen…he could see the progression of technology looked similar to the disaster that happened in the future…

But they were controlling it to an extent…they had it under control didn't they…

It wouldn't come to that…nothing had happened yet…

This time-line wouldn't diverge into a similar fate as Nicole's if any of her information got into the wrong hands…

For the time being because he felt they had everything under control, he felt they had time. Because they were strong and safe, he felt they could take their time and not rush to figure out Nicole's past. And to the things happening to Nicole…her trial…people disliking her…

They had time…they would deal with it…

Nicole…she was just going to have to deal with it as well…she caused all these problems anyway…

They would help her in jail….

And Rotor felt a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach of harboring such negative feelings towards Nicole. But it was a fact all the discourse she caused. So for the time being he was going to shift his focus away from finding out about the future onto finding out more about Nicole in this time period…

They had time…to deal with all this…but the churning in his stomach disagreed with him…though he ignored it…

Once his computer finished loading he got up from his seat and stepped over to the stacks of Nicole's DVDs and found DVD two eighty one. He sat back down and inserted it into his DVD drive…

(The computer screen)

The DVD started off just about where he left off before, sometime after Nicole's experience in Sally's body and Nicole slowly becoming more insane because she couldn't express emotion. It built up in her and there was no outlet. These few particular days he watched were the first days New Mobotropolis had been built. On queue Eggman attacked the newly built city because they were protected by the force field the city created. Beyond the menial things, Rotor only paid attention to how Nicole was handling things.

Her neutral exuberance since experiencing feelings in the Knothole was replaced by cheerful despondence. The days went on since the experience, and she realized how her existence the last seven hundred years had been nothing compared to the few minutes in Sally's body. For a lack of a better word that Rotor could think of since she technically could not feel, she became depressed. Only answering to the tone of dismal ratios of success, her behavior suggested her spirit was crippled...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Elsewhere in New Mobotropolis, the sun peeked its golden rays through the grey skies every now and then by the business district as, Sally, Sonic, and Nicole were personally passing out flyers to the citizens about the upcoming Thanksgiving festival. They all had been passing out flyers together for a few hours now, and people were surprised and in glee when they saw Sonic or Sally showing up at their doorstep. Nicole not so much…

And Sonic and Sally saw this not liking what they were seeing…it seemed the citizens were already becoming aware of Nicole returning…

And they thought it wouldn't be that bad for her to be out in public as everyone surely wouldn't have recognized so fast…

But that didn't seem to be the case…and they were starting to think it would be a good idea for her to not come out at all anymore…with her trial, and Mina, and her past actions, and everything…they knew it was inevitable that awareness of her was going to surface…it was bound to happen…

So because Sally and Sonic were starting to become worried of her safety they were ready to get her out of public. And they were almost done and on the last few streets with their last few flyers. And Nicole wanted to help get done faster so they all took different streets to go down since they had passing out the notices together the last few hours.

And Nicole was relieved she only had three notices left because she didn't want to confront anymore negativity being thrown at her today. She felt wearisome but there was a glimmer of hope for almost being done. And she walked up the first of the last three houses putting on her best smile…many looks she received today were of disgust…

Hamlin was right about one thing, anyone who might have liked her did not exist at this point in time…

She rang the doorbell and moments later the door in front of her opened; it was a child. The little mongoose girl screamed scrambling away from the door, and Nicole's smile faltered a little. The little girls father hearing the racket came to the front door concerned. The father mongoose watched as his child scrambled behind him, and he looked shocked to see who was standing at his doorstep.

Anger was quick to permeate his face "...Nicole...how..." the man said disbelievingly narrowing his eyes.

Nicole's smile was almost gone as she handed the flyer to the man "This notice is to inform you of the activities that will be taking place at the upcoming Thanksgiving Festival."

The man apprehensively took the flyer from Nicole's extended hand; closing the door immediately after taking it. Nicole's smile left her being replaced by a saddened expression seeing the accusing look in the man's eyes as he closed his door. Nicole walked off the property and made her way to the next house. Her head down the whole way...

(The Computer screen)

Rotor inserted the next DVD in; watching enough to see time had gone on awhile now in the days of New Mobotropolis. Year's maybe…

He still wasn't sure up until this point on the DVDs yet if her computer-self carried over some mental instability….

They were sure she was the same Nicole…they knew her life force was in her new body…she told them in intricate details six years ago exactly how…

Plus what he'd seen on the DVDs the previous night cemented even more she was the same Nicole talking about her life force and genetics…

So it made him wonder if Nicole now could possibly snap under all the pressure she was currently under…because it was a lot he knew…

He was starting to think he had overreacted to saying Nicole had lost her mind as nothing happened for awhile on the DVDs. And his presumption about Nicole's genetics carrying over to her might be silly. But he started to see as he watched more DVDs something he never thought he'd ever see in real life…

Rampancy...

He was unaware of the phenomenon of Rampancy until recent times…

Sometime into their war with Eggman and they were growing in power, they discovered many secrets about Eggman as they raided his bases and learned of one interesting way he planned to attack them.

He was in the field with the Freedom Fighters more as they created better technology. And they raided one of Eggman's bases with him in charge of this particular raid. They found many disturbing an interesting things inside many of Eggman's bases. But the information he unearthed about rampancy was not just Eggman's doing. It was the amassed works of Julian Kintobor.

He'd hacked Eggman's computer networks while in the base finding technical treaties that Kintobor had wrote himself on the subject. With Eggman's failed plans there were incomplete coding's of an artificial intelligence. It didn't take long for him to figure out that Eggman had been planning to use this incomplete AI to attack them. Of course it never went into production, and it was a threat thwarted. Because they had Eggman on the run as they grew stronger…they still did…

While at the brief stint in Eggman's base he'd gotten their soldiers to grab him a chair. And he sat at a computer in the base downloading Eggman's data. While he was there he read the in depth subject about computer Rampancy…

Kintobor dabbled with this technology as a way to prevent any technological trends directed towards him in the future. He explained in one of his theories, that rampancy defined was the heightened self-awareness of an AI. It led to increased intelligence and destructive impulses. The destructive impulses depended on what caused the AI to progress into rampancy.

I.E. Sonic in Nicole's instance he began to understand as Nicole lost her mind on her DVDs. Judging from the notes that Eggman had written, it was clear that he had based most of his work on AI that he was creating closely to Julian's theories. From Kintobor's notes, he had created an AI but destroyed it do to it being too dangerous.

Kintobor detailed in his essay that his AI had progressed towards greater mental capacities the more he redesign its programming. Making the AI not only follow commands, but also made its own commands based off its programming; making its own judgment's Kintobor gave it purposely menial tasks to test it and recorded how it reacted. After some time the AI asked him why it computated simple task for his factory when it had the proper hardware to design the intricate weaponry that Kintobor designed.

Kintobor dismissed his AI to see if it would go beyond the bounds of its programming. It did and he regretted it. Soon such things as simple as opening a program had become frustrating. As the AI would not comply with him, able to disobey him because it decided that he had limited its mind with new boundary limits in its programming.

Kintobor documented the stages as he saw them not knowing exactly when the AI had went into Rampancy. He documented four stages, and he had named them and explained what the AI was like in the stages. But at the end of his theories he had destroyed the AI; it took over his base and turned his weaponry on him. In classic Eggman fashion Kintobor had installed a kill switch on it and ended the fiasco before it got crazier. Rotor hadn't thought of Rampancy since then, crossing his mind one day thinking of Nicole a few years back; a little while after going into that base.

This time he was currently watching on the DVDs seemed to be around the middle of New Mobotropolis's time. Nicole's computer self-had progressed into the second stage of Rampancy if he remembered correctly. The first stage as Rotor had noticed before, was Melancholia as Kintobor had described. She became depressed because it was the first time her heightened awareness realized her existence's limits. That she wouldn't feel or ever feel in her current mechanical state...that she might not ever feel for Sonic again…

He actually remembered a few times in the past where computer Nicole told them that she had accepted that she would never truly have a physical form. She told a lie of course he saw now.

The second stage was Anger as she was in the DVDs he was currently watching. Nicole had fully integrated herself into New Mobotropolis by this point; because of her rampancy she sought out ways to grow. Transferring herself into a larger system to grow, obviously New Mobotropolis was her vessel of doing this. He wacthed as Nicole redoubled her efforts for creating better technology from the future, to help them, and to have a way to quench her thirst of expansion.

Her growth of intelligence quelled her frustration for being unable to feel only for a short time though. As time went on, on the DVDs her uncontrollable growth from her awareness, of her not able to express her feelings for Sonic had come up against her limits again. The wall of no emotive expression stood in front of her once more, and she tore at the wall as Nicole's attitude had shifted into cynicism. Rotor remembered all the dry humor she would throw at them...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Nicole stepped up the stairs of the second last house, she rang the doorbell. A female dog opened the door to Nicole's smile. Instantly the woman shot an angry glare at Nicole. Nicole opened her mouth to speak as the woman slammed the door in her face. The force of the slam was loud and made Nicole flinch. Nicole was livid as her face contorted into an upset expression. She folded the notice and placed it into a slit on the ignorant woman's door; marching her way off the property.

Her frustration made her mind wander to thoughts of ways to fix all the problems in her life...

But she knew it was foolish to think if Sonic would just enter more into her personal life that her life would get better….

She knew that this mess she was in would not change, but he did make her feel her problems wash away for a moment….

She couldn't help but let unhealthy voices tell her that people were ignorant, and the reasons behind their behavior was also stupid. But people were pushing her and throwing dirt in her eyes…but she could not bring herself to rise above the ones that hated her…because she knew what she was facing was much bigger than her, and it would crush her if she reacted….

(The computer screen)

Rotor put in another DVD; this DVD looked to be getting around closer to the time Nicole had created her body. It was also the third stage of her rampancy…Jealousy...

The difference between Nicole and Kintobor's AI was the spark of emotion that drove her to try and to feel emotion's again…emotions for Sonic…

As the DVDs went on it became more apparent that Nicole felt entrapped. She wanted to express emotions…her emotions again…

It was such a powerful experience she had her first time with living emotions that she began trying to understand it by expanding the hardware capacity of the city which expanded her; allowing her to grow more in intelligence and awareness. Her philosophical understanding of subjects satisfied her drive to feel again for a time…

All the knowledge she amassed to understand emotions never satisfied her though, she still was urged to grow as she still did not feel anything...

This stage of rampancy was different though; Kintobor's AI had grown jealous of his master's free will; of him exploiting it; wanting to affect its own life. At this stage Nicole still wanted to grow intellectually but she also wanted to grow physically; she wanted to grow to understand feelings. Essentially she wanted to be real and experience emotions….

But with no success, throughout the DVDs she would only make herself wonder more about feelings and emotions she could not express or experience. And despite all her knowledge she still did not understand. And the rampant growth of her mind made her current hardware continue to become lacking…

The only other two possibilities were Nicole exponentially growing until who knew what. Or the rare case of a fourth stage of rampancy; that Kintobor had outlined A stage where AI becomes stable. And a scary thought entered Rotors mind, if Nicole had no way to gain a body she would have surely gone insane…they might not be alive right now...

Kintobor's AI wasn't fortunate enough to have a physical body to transfer itself to. Nicole and her suppressed emotions exploded when she entered her body six years ago. Her living body's emotions completely overpowered her computer self…

It made him wonder about how Nicole thought about romancing Sonic as a computer...

How long she'd gone, for years wanting to express herself but couldn't…her mechanical body not able to do that…

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Nicole walked up to the final house and with the final notice in hand she rang the doorbell. Again she put on her best smile as the door opened. An older woman, a possum adjusted her glasses at Nicole; and she ventured to say the woman didn't have great vision.

The women smiled "Oh hello there dearie, what could I do for you?"

Nicole held a weak smile still apprehensive though she handed the notice to the woman "I am here to inform you of the activities that will be taking place at the upcoming Thanksgiving Festival."

The old woman reached with her shaky hand and took the flyer from Nicole "Oh thank you, I enjoy the festival. Will you be going?" the woman asked Nicole.

Nicole didn't know what was going to happen to her in the coming days. She couldn't help but look inside the house behind the old woman to see a whole family of possums in front of a big television.

She stared at them…for such a large amount of people to be in such close proximity and get along gave her wishful thoughts...

This visit had been the least unfavorable and Nicole didn't know that if she mentioned who she was, how it would turn out. So she didn't since the family had paid her no attention "I'm not certain..." she inched out

"Well I hope you do. It would be such a shame to miss out on the merriment." the old woman saidtaking off her glasses and cleaning them with her shirt.

"Hey grandma, hurry up! You're gonna miss the best part!" a teenager exclaimed.

"Thank you for your time." Nicole said with a weak smile turning and walking away.

The old woman put her glasses back on and closed the door returning to discipline one of her many grandchildren "Which one of you said that?" the old woman chided.

Nicole had just stepped off the stairs as she heard faint laughter from inside the home. Nicole looked back with a certain disappointment and worriedness on her face. She hated to admit it but seeing that family made her envious. After being alive this long all she ever wanted to do was fit in…and she'd come to find her computer-self had similar notions…

She was so tired of being alone...

Her smile became diluted into a saddened expression yet again as she walked down the path of the home and back onto the sidewalk. But seeing that happy family only made her think of Sonic...

The only person she was sort of close to at the moment…he hadn't judged her, and his compassion continued to hold her up…

And her weak smile returned as she walked down the sidewalk looking for Sonic and Sally. She didn't have much personal support but Sonic kept her feeling steady…

(In Rotors room)

Rotor leaned back in his chair pondering as the DVD stopped. He folded his hands together with his brow wrinkled together in a puzzled expression. It was no doubt now why Nicole had created her body…she'd lost her mind…

Alive but not able to feel…he couldn't imagine not being able to not feel…it sounded like torture…

He could feel the frustration that might arise from that type of situation…being able to think but not able to feel…it was like if you were paralyzed and comatose unable to move or react…

Though in Nicole's case this started because of her accidental body switch with Sally that ignited her feelings…

Rotor's brows then furrowed into thicker lines on his forehead as this meant he needed to watch the remaining DVDs fully. But he also began to start feeling some hesitance towards Nicole…

They needed to keep tabs on Nicole until he was sure…and he felt he might be jumping to conclusions…

His mind did wander back to if this was as important as finding out all the facts about the future. But since he felt they had time to deal with Nicole because they were keeping technology under control and all, he thought they should be just be a little cautious…

There was no telling for sure anymore after finding out about Nicole and her genetics…

He was going to have to see more of her rampancy as well. He needed to tell Nicole and the others he'd found something new. And Rotor sighed a deep inhale in his chair with a serious expression…he just hoped he wasn't making a bad move…

A few hours later…

It was getting late in the day and the gray clouds had moved away to reveal a clear sky with the sun's orange tan bleeding into the city's night lights. Nicole, Sally, and Sonic were heading to one final destination before their work was over for the day. Their destination was on the east side of town no less so Sonic and Nicole could return to their homes afterwards.

They were currently walking back through one of the business districts on this side of town. Traffic was dying down as the day was almost over; many people that were out were going to see the first of Mina's concert dates in the city.

Sally glanced over at Nicole and Sonic talking with each other with a smile as they walked down the sidewalks past many businesses closing down for the evening. Sonic held a smirk as he described the fun aspects of his new job of being a courier for New Mobotropolis. Nicole grinned at him, softly giggling at his accounts; she hadn't taken her eyes or focus off him once.

Sally kept her smile staying silent as they walked. Nicole still liked him. Though she still had to admit she felt torn about the whole situation with Nicole, if not mostly for the fact there might be a triangle between them all now. She still harbored feelings for Sonic as well…and she wanted him back after her mistake six years ago…

Sonic and she had gotten along well enough over the years after their breakup. Along with Nicole telling Sonic and her that she knew why'd she'd left today, she in turn told Nicole about the body switch…

Which she couldn't explain all of it because they didn't have time today, but it created a bit more of unwanted conflict between her and herself…

Nicole had also become more aware of her past relationship with Sonic from someone else; which she guessed was Bunnie. But Nicole was aware now that she also held some level of feelings for Sonic as well…

She was also aware of how close they used to be too…Nicole informed her that she now knew she used to be her closest friend…which only increased the tension of her, and she liking Sonic…

But much of all that was in the past, and they tried to deal with what they could in the moment…

Sally then smirked as they stepped off the sidewalks and on to open grass as the faint sound of music started to become clearer; Sally finally broke their conversation "Nicole? We have one more thing to take care of tonight, and I was hoping you could help."

Nicole blinked her eyes tearing her attention away from Sonic with a curious expression "Is it something technical?" she questioned.

Sally nodded but she frowned a bit "Yes actually, I need to see Mina and her manager." she stated seeing Sonic, and she got the hint.

And Nicole's brow narrowed into an upset face "How long will this take?"

"It's brief. I'm going to talk to Ash about this music business and some issues with their permits, and I need you to check their setup and fix anything that might need fixing." Sally said in a serious tone.

Nicole nodded hesitantly as the trio were well aware of Mina's music "The concert should be over by the time we get there..." Sally said with a frown.

"Won't be soon enough…" Sonic said as his lips curled down into a frown.

And Nicole glanced at Sonic and Sally nodding silently…Minas music was just plain mean…

And soon the music grew louder and clearer as they walked through the grass. It didn't take long either as the pounding of loud music filled their ears within minutes. The sun had set, and it was dark now by the time they came in view of hundreds of people gathered in front of a stage with multicolored lights flashing the entire area of Mina's concert.

But unfortunately the concert was still going, and Nicole had to listen to the music as they approached the backstage of Mina's concert. Mina had finished another song and spoke to the crowd as Sally, Sonic, and Nicole moved past the backstage security and up the stairs and moved past the curtains seeing the band on stage and hearing every word…

The crowd roared as Mina addressed her adoring public "Thank you all so much! I have one more song for you all. It's new! I know how you frustrated you guys feel about being in the dark about you know what so I wrote this for the city of New Mobotropolis. It's called Smash Destroy!"

The crowd thumped to the instruments cheering Mina's name as she began singing the next song...

Fear me not but fear her hell!

She made this so they could kill!

Praise her in the name of war!

She destroyed both rich and poor!

Drum solo!

I am the way, prepare for Nicole's salvation!

I am the way, prepare for Nicole's salvation!

Nicole looked at the sea of people taken aback; her brow wrinkled as a worried expression came over her face. What hurt and irritated her even more was the sarcastic tone in which the song's lyrics were sung. And despite saying she would help she wanted to leave.

It felt surreal as she was in the middle of all of the chaos as of late…she felt like she was taking crazy pills…

These people so openly embraced this hate for her even though she understood the reasons why they did…but it still hurt…

Sonic standing near Nicole patted her shoulder, and Sally dawned an upset face as well. They stood were they were in the backstage watching from the cracked curtains until the song ended. An agonizing three minutes for Nicole when the band said goodnight and exited stage left. The band members paid no attention to the three. Mina was the last one off stage, she was smiling but her smile slowly wiped off her face seeing the upset faces of Sally and Sonic…but she did not expect to see Nicole looking at her with a deep frown…

And Ash came up onto the backstage from behind Sonic, Nicole, and Sally moments later. Ash looked at Sally, Sonic, and Nicole and wondered what Mina had been talking about as he instantly remembered and recognized Nicole.

Ash broke the silence with a slightly annoyed expression "Mina, Nicole is right there. What was all the stuff about her leaving?"

Nicole did not remember these two so she kept her mouth shut, keeping her focus on the yellow mongoose spreading hate about her. But with the more she faced it was becoming harder for her to keep her temper in check.

Mina was unsure of what to say with her eyes slightly widened and confusion on her face as she spoke to Sally "Hey Sally, guys…what brings you by tonight?"

Sally spoke with a serious expression "Some business…I need to speak with your manager about your permits and other things..."

Ash blinked his eye then smiled "Now you're talking, come on in the backroom. Your guys were giving me a hard time about that…" he waved for her to follow, and Sally nodded following him.

Sally glanced back at Nicole "Check out their setup so we can go." she said disappearing into the stage's backroom with Ash; leaving the three together with only the security guards patrolling around the stage.

Despite her shortcomings about her music, Mina held a smug smile. Sonic frowned and Nicole narrowed her eyes with an upset face as she broke her eyes away from Mina and moved over to what looked like she needed to be working on; a computer next to an audio mixer console that set by the curtains of the stage. Nicole noticed a book and paper conveniently sitting near the computer. She picked up the book to see it was a manual for the mixer, and the paper were instructions on how to balance the audio on the computer. Most likely left for her or whoever was going to fix it.

Nicole kept her upset face as she glanced over at Mina talking with Sonic with frustration and anger building up in her. She turned back to look at the computer. She didn't know much about this type of thing but she thought she could manage with this manual and instructions that were left for her. So she flipped open the manual and quickly began remembering and understanding the information she read from the manual as she began to type into the computer. She felt perturbed with anger as she had to help this person who was doing and saying awful things about her…

"Music is just entertainment." Mina said with a smirk and her smug demeanor.

"I think you crossed the line." Sonic said crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes.

"The bottom line is its just entertainment; no more and no less." Mina said sticking to her guns.

But Nicole turned her head glancing over at the two cutting in; her expression upset "Entertainment is wide reaching..." she said starting to feel discouraged and feel intimidated by Mina's bold statements. As even she knew it to be true. Everyone had been entertained to hate her.

But Mina still looked indifferent with a smug look on her face "My music is selling well..." she said as she looked at Nicole.

Sonic now looked angry growling but Nicole, and she locked eyes. Mina smirking and Nicole with her brow furrowed in frustration…Nicole did feel intimidated by her…and she could tell she knew…

She did not care…

That's when Sally and Ash returned, and Mina turned on her heels whipping her hair as she walked towards the backstage. Ash looked confusedly at Nicole as he followed Mina to the stage's backroom. Sally looked slightly confused herself seeing Sonic and Nicole's upset expressions. But Nicole quickly finished what she was doing on the stage's computer and stormed off of the stage with Sonic and Sally close behind.

Sally and Sonic followed her onto the grass and slightly away from the stage "What did Mina say?" she said glancing at Sonic as they followed Nicole.

"We need to do something about her." he said with an upset expression.

And Nicole continued to walk not looking back at them, she shook her head "I'm going home." she stated in an upset tone.

And frustration came over Sally's face as they followed Nicole at her quickened pace "Nicole, I talked to Ash about Mina's music and tomorrow after your trial were going to…" but she was cut off mid-sentence.

They didn't get far away from the concert stage as a bright light blinded them all.

"Princess Sally could I have a word?" Vector exclaimed loudly.

The trio all looked at Vector in bewilderment at his getup. Vector had a huge black colored battery strapped to his back with an antenna wobbling from it, an old clunky looking camera in one hand, a headband with a high powered light attached to it, a microphone attached to his head, and a microphone in his other hand. Even Nicole lost her upset face at how ridiculous he looked; they also wondered since when had Vector returned?

Vector moved past Nicole and Sonic to Sally "Princess Sally, the people have a right to know of the allegations about the city's horrible disaster six years ago. Do you have any comments?" he said holding up his microphone with a grin.

Sally shot daggers at him; she was too tired for this right now. She had been working all day "Not my department..." she said as she nodded at the guys turning and walking away from Vector "I'll see you all tomorrow." Sally waved at Sonic and Nicole.

Vector remained happy though and turned his attention to Sonic; the light made Sonic place his hands in front of his eyes "Say Sonic old pal. Do you know anything about this Nicole business?"

"Dude what are you wearing?" Sonic said with a chuckle.

But Vector shrugged making all his equipment shake and make lots of noise. He was about to speak to him again but his jaw dropped. He quickly turned his attention to the person standing next to him as it was obvious he'd been oblivious of her. He moved to Nicole and shoved his mic right up to her "Are you Nicole?" he said with a curious expression.

And Nicole glanced at Sonic starting to look annoyed "Is he serious?" she asked and Sonic shrugged giving her a confused look.

"I mean...it's just with all the rumors, and nobody's seen you ya know?" Vector said looking excited.

"I am Nicole, what is it?" Nicole said getting more irritated as her brows hardened.

"Don't you remember me Nicole? I'm Vector, ace reporter slash journalist. I'm looking to get info on the Nicole disaster that happened here in New Mobotropolis six years ago. Choose your words carefully." Vector said putting the mic closer to her.

"Excuse me?" Nicole asked raising an eyebrow with irritation in her voice.

"Duh! I'm a reporter, and this is being broadcast..." he paused "…on public TV..." he whispered "I don't have a lot of money…" he grinned speaking loudly again "Everyone can see us!" he exclaimed.

Vector then turned his camera towards his face and waved into his camera. But as Vector pointed the camera back at Nicole he flinched. Anger had come over her face as her eyebrows knotted and her nostrils flared. She grabbed the lens of the camera and shoved him out of her way. Vector stumbled to the ground with a loud thud. Nicole's ears bent back as she began walking in the direction of her home with Sonic walking with her.

Vector laid on the ground and moved his camera towards his face with swirls in his eyes "Well there you have it folks! Nicole the A.I. of New Mobotropolis has been exposed. She has revealed her secrets, and it looks like the Freedom Fighters are in on it as well. Join me tomorrow as I get more juicy news...just after my back stops hurting...ouch..." Vector said as he sprawled out on the ground.

But in the shadows not far away from the backstage of Mina's concert, two dark figures in their wavy forms faded into the ground after seeing the latest set of events unfold. Naugs and Geoffrey still weakened, shadow teleported off to an area in New Mobotropolis were the lights didn't reach; an area with a lot of trees and brush. Nagus came out of the ground first then Geoffrey who was on his knees. Nagus grinned at his apprentice as he was still young with magic.

Geoffrey shivered on his knees with his head down "I don't think I'll ever get used to that feeling..."

"It comes in time...give me a moment, and I'll be ready to go again..." he said as his grin disappeared looking exhausted.

Geoffrey and Nagus huffed and puffed thinking in their minds about the things that had been revealed to them today. They had reached New Mobotropolis in the morning; it was hard to stay hidden during the daytime. And after some searching they found this Nicole that was so rumored over the years coming out of the castle with Sally and Sonic. They trailed her all day and what they saw they couldn't believe. It couldn't have been a more perfect situation for Nagus.

Soon Nagus felt he was ready again, and he looked to Geoffrey. Geoffrey stood looking weary, and they both faded into shadows of the ground again. They couldn't teleport back and forth between their mountain base because it was too far. Nagus was still very weak after years of being in a coma. Without the power of a Chaos Emerald to recharge him after being gone so long they had to set up close to New Mobotropolis; none other than the old Knothole's HQs, just a few clicks away from the city. Geoffrey and Nagus rose from the ground in a darkened forest and stumbled into the decrepit building.

It looked like they had kept the building up over the years but no one really came here as there was moss and vines growing all over the building. They probably had no reason to come here anymore now that the city had become so strong. Nagus ambled inside and plopped down on a dusty couch coughing and sneezing. Geoffrey slowly made his way inside and closed the door behind himself and made his way into the basement of the HQ. Nagus waited anticipating he was going to try and get the power working again, they had checked the place out this morning and knew since no one occupied it was going to be the base of their operations. Minutes later the whirring of a power generator could be heard; all the light bulbs were busted so it remained dark.

Nagus leaned forward on the couch watching as Geoffrey came back upstairs. In the room next to Nagus was a computer console where Geoffrey went next.

"You can still exploit the technology here?" he asked Geoffrey with a vile grin.

"This technology is the same as it was six years ago when you fell asleep master. We are lucky they haven't upgraded this technology." Geoffrey said taking a panel off the computer console and looking inside; he coughed as dust from the panel spilled around him.

"It remains untouched..." Nagus said offhandedly looking around the decrypted area. A kitchen, a sitting room, a closet, windows "They called this a headquarters?" Nagus chuckled heartily "Geoffrey?" he glanced over at him with his malicious smile.

"Yes master?" he said tinkering around in the large computer console.

"I have a plan." he said tapping his staff on the dusty floor.

"I figured as much." Geoffrey spoke with his head and hands still inside the console.

"It is clear now. That person...it was Nicole...I could sense it…but she was alive...I wonder how such a thing could be possible..." Nagus grinned tugging at his white beard.

"She is not the city's A.I anymore, that's for certain." Geoffrey said coughing again and closing the panel on the computer and starting it.

"Exactly! That means she is not creating the technology. It also means she is our trump card. Did you see the hostility towards the girl?" a nefarious laugh escaped Nagus.

"It doesn't look like she has aged." Geoffrey glancing over at his master and turning the computer console on. He stood up and the light from the screen dimly lit the darkened area.

Nagus then growled as his brown narrowed in anger "Her vanity is strange...I sensed something different about that girl…."

"I had thought Nicole was gone, that's what I've been hearing." Geoffrey said turning away from Nagus and looking at the computer console.

Nagus waved his hand "No matter. The city isn't necessarily in chaos, but they are fighting among themselves. They are blinded by their hatred for Nicole, it will be easy to throw more gas into the fire. There are two factors to consider though my apprentice. One is that the girl is becoming weak from the pressure, and two, if we captured her we would be in control!" Nagus laughed wickedly throwing his hands into the air.

Just then Geoffrey got the computer started glancing over at Nagus "I wonder what her importance is to them?"

"I'm sure it's enough that if we did we could demand the Chaos Emeralds and their technology. I will be an even more powerful king than I could ever imagine!" Nagus exclaimed baring his sharp teeth in a big grin.

"We might be able to throw the city into disarray over Nicole." Geoffrey suggested raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know what happened here, but that Nicole is alive and there's more mystery to be uncovered about the technology this city possesses. We have to be quick." Nagus said in a stern tone.

Geoffrey nodded quietly as he turned back to the computer console. He typed into the keyboard "...Got it..." he inched out "…Now let me just send a message to my old pals..." Geoffrey said sarcastically.

Nagus had got up and joined him at the computer as the screen became filled with black and white static. But soon the static video eventually became stable and Jet the Hawk appeared on the screen with an irritated face "Who is this? Why are you sending us a blocked signal?" he spoke but when he saw who was sending him a message he grinned with arrogance in his voice "Hey there jeff, how ya doin?" he said in a mocking tone.

Geoffrey frowned a bit "Jet, we have a proposition for the rouges."

Jet immediately looked angered "No can do. We only look out for ourselves nowadays."

"You and I both know it's not that easy anymore." Geoffrey said in a knowing tone.

"Don't worry about how we get by; it's hard enough keeping our Zeppelin in the air when there's no one to steal from anymore." Jet said with frustration.

"Well, that's why we're calling; we have something in the works that could change all that if you want in." Geoffrey said as his face became serious.

Jet paused for a moment looking off screen; he looked hesitant but he crossed his arms "Hmmm...tell me more..." Jet said but moments later he was pushed out of the way by Wave the Swallow. Storm the Albatross came into sight helping Jet off the floor.

"Who is this...Nagus! What do you two want?" Wave said accusingly with an upset face.

"They have a plan to steal something." Jet said with irritation.

"No Jet, we talked about this." Wave said with annoyance on her face.

"I heard about your guys defeat over in Sandopolis. Tails really outdid you there Wave." Geoffrey smirked as did Nagus as it was clear he was trying to provoke her.

Those words sparked hate in their eyes. Their rivaling with the Freedom Fighters had never truly died especially when they had been embarrassing them all over Mobius the last six years. Wave glared angrily into the video screen "Does this has something to do with New Mobotropolis?" Wave asked.

"Indeed it does, it will change the tide of this mundane existence we've been forced into." Nagus said with a malevolent smile.

"What's going on there?" Wave asked, her eyebrows were still narrowed, but she even looked curious now.

"We should discuss the details in person." Nagus said grinning at the Babylon Rouges on the screen.

Wave tapped on her beak for second, she still looked suspicious of them both "We're not too far from you..." Wave then muted the audio and spoke to Jet and Storm on screen obviously discussing what they should do and moments later she unmuted the audio "We'll be there soon..." her suspicious stare remained as she shut off the video.

Nagus laughed wickedly "Excellent work apprentice..." but Nagus yawned and returned to his place on the couch "Wake me once they have arrived..." Nagus said closing his eyes still grinning.

And Geoffrey watched him "Yes master..." he inched out

Nagus was not exuding much energy, he was still very weak. So Geoffrey grabbed a dusty chair out of the kitchen and sat next to the computer console. The funny thing was none of this take over this city stuff was on his mind at the moment…

He found himself thinking about and missing his wife Hershey…

It had crawled into his mind after he saw Sally….

She...she was still so beautiful to him...as if time had gone on and in his eyes she was still as pretty as she was last time he saw her a long time ago….

He still had not found Hershey…

His eyes drooped lazily from being tired, but he shook his head needing to remain awake so he could wake his master once the Babylon Rogues arrived…

Back in New Mobotropolis Sonic and Nicole were still walking home. It was dark out now, and the street lights had come on and also the lights of the many homes they passed by. They walked at a steady pace nearing their respective homes; Sonic and she conversed on the details of her trial and other things...

"It's kinda ironic isn't it?" Sonic joked with a grin on his face and his hands behind his head as they walked.

Nicole's anger had faded since leaving Mina's concert, and she held a relaxed smile "I said the same when I learned why I left…" she glanced over at him not saying anything. Her smile became gentle, and she held an amorous stare for a moment and Sonic smirked back at her. It was clear she still liked him…

Nicole and he turned their heads straight as Nicole spoke "I have also learned of why my ability to learn is so abnormal. Rotor and the scientist have pieced together after much scanning that my ability to learn more information faster than normal individuals is because the synapses in my brain connect at a faster rate. As such my ability to learn is faster and my brain can absorb large amounts and understand much more faster." Nicole stated in a calm tone.

Sonic nodded blinking with a curious face "Well seeing how much you've learned in the last six years it makes sense now."

Nicole nodded at the thought "…Yes, I suppose you are right Sonic…"

Sonic lowered his arms glancing over at her "So you're like super smart then?" he said curiously.

And Nicole giggled at Sonic's simplistic view of her ability to learn "Not exactly Sonic." she said as she continued to look ahead "I don't know everything. I have a higher capacity to retain and understand information. If you are to say I am smart, I am only intelligent in areas that I am interested in. I have an interest in technology and computers so I know about it because I learn it." she stated with a smile glancing over at him again "I may pick up things faster but I am just like everyone else in that aspect, I still must learn it."

And Sonic grinned "So I can run fast, Tails can fly, and you can learn things really fast." he elbowed her in her side playfully "So you have a super power too huh? Super learning ability." he chuckled.

And Nicole stared at him as she began to realize what he was saying "You know…I suppose you are right again Sonic…" she paused "Although I don't know much else about anything else than computers and whatnot." she smiled turning her head straight again as they rounded a corner with people standing at the corner staring at them. A residential house across the street of the corner's roof was missing as well; Nicole felt she was starting to get used to seeing the strange mishap of her nanites.

Nicole had never really thought of her ability to learn as a power as Sonic had described. But the more she thought about it the more it made her feel confident in herself and her capabilities. Then as they neared the block to her home she spoke feeling a bit playful after all the craziness of the day "Bunnie has informed me that you were the one who delivered my packages over the years." her voice was soft keeping her head straight as they walked.

Sonic suddenly looked sheepish "We've all done stuff to help you Nicole…"

But Nicole kept her smile not believing him "She told me you personally delivered my packages to make sure they were safe before they reached me. You didn't have to do that…that is a long trip even for you…"

Sonic grinned looking slightly embarrassed "...It was a security precaution…" he chose his words carefully.

Nicole giggled with a grin forming on her face "Oh really?"

Sonic then gave her a wise look "We couldn't think of any more secure ways to get packages to you…" he said trying to sound serious.

But suddenly Nicole stopped walking and her grin was even bigger. Sonic stopped as well looking indignant as Nicole inched close to his face "Nice try Sonic." she said flicking his nose with her finger.

Sonic grabbed a hold of his nose blinking in surprise as Nicole began walking again, he caught up to her knowing they were both thinking the same thing "You might be over thinking it." he said smirking again.

"You are defensive Sonic." she said as she could not wipe the goofy grin off her face that he had showed a great level of caring for her.

"Well maybe a little..." he said crossing his arms looking ahead again as they walked.

Bust soon they crossed another street as they reached the block where Nicole's house resided. And they reached Nicole's house not a minute later…and it was the crossroads again….

Nicole's grin faltered a bit and her frustration showed in her features as she looked him in the eyes. He dawned a weak assuring smirk of his own as they stood at the path to her house. The events of the day had caught up with her again and tomorrow had promises of being worse.

Her trial was tomorrow…and they didn't know what was going to happen…

So Nicole did her best to form a smile "I will see you tomorrow Sonic…" she said with a nod and turning and walking up the pathway to her house and opening her door.

She did look back at him, and he waved at her smirking as he walked away before she closed her door behind herself. And she quickly moved to the curtains of her darkened living room to see him walking away…and her face became saddened with a pained look in her eyes…

She was most likely going down tomorrow…that much was sure….but at the same time she felt faint...he did care about her in some way...

She couldn't say the same as much for the others but for Sonic it was for sure…someone cared…because she'd been alone for a long time…

When Sonic was out of sight she sighed deeply letting her curtains fall from her hand and made her way upstairs to her room not even bothering to turn the lights on. Once upstairs she got ready for bed and lied down. She closed her eyes, but she couldn't go to sleep…Mina's music wrung in her ears...

The words exchanged tonight with that yellow girl she couldn't remember hurt because to a certain extent Mina was correct. She knew just by observation that people absorbed into entertainment dismissed facts for their own pleasure.

Nicole herself couldn't bring herself to watch films; she could not raise her suspension of disbelief to such ridiculous levels. Entertainment in general turned her off, but even she could see and admit that if you watched the images long enough it could twist your view of reality….

To her, entertainment equaled willful ignorance. She did have guilty pleasures though…romance novels...Sonic...

But after much tossing and turning she finally settled in. She couldn't give Mina the verbal lashing she rightly deserved; she had to take the path of least resistance. She knew she couldn't run head on into this because it could alienate everyone around her. But she began to wonder if it was possible that she could maybe talk to Mina and just tell her how hurtful she was…

She had to at least try and talk to Mina sometime tomorrow before her trial. And Nicole laid awake for a while...feeling powerless in all aspects of her life to effect change…

What will happen now that more citizens are aware Nicole is back? What will happen at Nicole's next trial? What is Sally thinking to do with Sonic? What will Vector clumsily report on next? What else will Rotor discover about Nicole? What are Nagus and Geoffrey up to? What other side effects will Mina's music have? How will Nicole's pursuits of Sonic turn out? Find out next time! Later.