CHAPTER 2

While Oydax is away, Tech takes the initiative to pull up digital maps of Metropolis Zone, and various floor plans of major buildings, such as Nega's headquarters, the Badnik factory, the prison holds, the lab, and another construction plant. The red-furred wolf explains how these are the major access points of Eggman Nega, and if he had the Master Emerald with him, he would most likely be in one of those buildings. Everybody exchanges ideas and hashes out plans where to go and what to do for each scenario. You offer no ideas, but listen in, ready to take part when the time comes.

Finally, Oydax returns to the Meeting Room. "You were right, everybody," he explains, "Egg-Neg cleaned out the spaceship these guys appeared on, and couldn't wait to use his new toy. The latest reports sighted him this morning heading to the labs on the east of the city. No word yet on any activity, however…"

Silver twitches his nose. "In this case, no news could mean bad news," he mutters.

Tech pulls up the hologram map of Metropolis Zone and points toward the right side. "Here's his East Lab," he reports, hitting a button that brings up a live satellite feed. The block the building was located on is completely swarmed with robots galore. The wolf narrows his eyes. "Just as I figured," he mumbles, "He increased security. No doubt because he's working on some new, big project…"

Knuckles tightens his fists and seethes. "How dare he use my gem for his own evil purposes."

"You're talking like this is something new," you snark, sparking a dirty look from the echidna.

"So how are we going to get past all that?" asks Amy.

Omega raises his arm. "We-Shall-Go-In-With-All-The-Heavy-Hitters-We've-Got-On-Hand," he drones, "Destruction-Galore!"

"If we do that," Oydax cuts in, "We'll only be inviting the entire Empire security to surround and bombard us."

Omega makes some sort of offended whirr. "Cowardly-Market-Product."

"I'll have you know I am NOT an actual robot!" Oydax snaps, "I'm a wisp, in the shell casing of a powerful Badnik!"

"I'll make sure everyone reads your profile later, Oydax," Silver interrupts, "Right now, you both bring up good points. Since there is increased security, we should hit them hard… But we could risk being surrounded and hit back."

"So what you're saying is let's call it quits before we even start?" snarks Janae.

Knuckles pounds his fist into the table. "That's not an option for me!"

"Relax!" Silver shouts, "We can make this work to our advantage. We've got plenty of people in our squad to split up into two groups. I'll lead Team One, the distraction. We'll rush in, attack, and then make a run for it. If we hurt them enough, they'll take us seriously and give chase, leaving Team Two a clear enough opening to get into the lab.

"Tech, you'll be in charge of Team Two," Silver continues, "You have the layout of the lab on hand. Since you know the ins and outs, I trust you'll find the most efficient way to break in and sneak around to where Eggman Nega is hiding the Master Emerald."

Tech nods. "I'll do my best."

"I'm with Tech," Knuckles quickly announces, "As guardian of the Master Emerald, I won't sit around and let others correct my mistakes." He pounds his fists together, "And if we get in trouble, well, I'm sure I can handle it."

Rouge lets loose a small chortle. "Sure, you can, sweetie."

Shade rises up from her seat. "I'm with you, Knuckles," she says, "After all we've been through, and what Lord Ix has done, the least I can do is help you retrieve the Master Emerald."

Knuckles smiles. "Thank you."

At that, Rouge quickly jumps from her seat. "Me too!" she shouts, causing everyone to stare at her. Her cheeks slightly flush, and she grits her teeth. "Only because I know Knuckles will screw up again. If and when he does, that Master Emerald's going to need a new home…"

Knuckles narrows his eyes. "We'll just see about that…"

"I-Wish-To-Be-Part-Of-The-Distraction-Team," Omega announces, "It-Has-Been-Too-Long-Since-I've-Destroyed-Something. Specifically-An-Eggman-Product."

"Me too!" Amy swings her hammer around enthusiastically. Tails ducks his head to avoid an accidental bop.

"Count me in as well," Shadow gives a sinister smirk.

Janae rises from her seat. "Team Tech for me."

Tech looks over at her, surprised. "Really?" he barks, "You always found my work to be boring! I would've thought you'd want to join the team doing all the destruction!"

The rabbit twitches her nose. "Hey, why not try something new for a change? And besides, it can't be THAT easy. You're BOUND to hit some sort of obstacles, no matter how sneaky and discrete you are. Somebody's gotta save your butts."

"That's what we're for…" Knuckles grumbles, motioning towards himself, Shade, and Rouge.

"With all that brawn, you may need a little more brain," says Tails, "I'll come with you guys as well."

"Leaving Team One woefully short," says Oydax, "Good thing I've got my cricket bats. I'll go with Silver's team."

Silver nods, and then turns to you. "Well, Sonic, looks like everyone's chosen their team. What about you?"

After carefully thinking it over, you decide to join…

To Join Team One – Silver, Omega, Amy, Shadow, Oydax- Go To Chapter 16

To Join Team Two – Tech, Knuckles, Shade, Rouge, Janae, Tails - Go To Chapter 17