The rest of the evening passed and the following morning followed. After going through her morning routine, Surge's thoughts returned to what Mimic said. It was the only significant information, if not, any information he decided to share about himself. Although Surge didn't express it often, it bugged her how her only "Ally" was a complete mystery to her. Even though it wasn't a priority as Kit mentioned, it just made her uncomfortable. If she could identify who Mimic was going after, that person could give her all the information about him. The fact that she had already met this person annoyed her even more. The more she thought about it, the more she started to doubt if Mimic was telling the truth, or just talking out the side of his neck to dispel her doubts. At the same time, why else would Mimic be here?
If it was to destroy the Resistance, he probably wouldn't keep it a secret. If it was to kill Sonic, she would've seen him more often when she was around him. Again, Surge struggled to rationalize the situation. Ultimately, she decided to keep it simple and take what Mimic said at face value. He's here to take someone out, same as she was. The question is, how can she go about figuring it out without looking suspicious? Surge believed she had an idea, and was willing to put it into action.
Meanwhile*
Josh had called in a meeting at the briefing room. Sonic, Amy, Lanolin, and Whisper attend the meeting as the last.
"What's the problem this time?" Sonic asked.
"Telling people that the team was sent on secret operation wasn't enough and people are asking further questions and updates on the operation." Josh said.
"You mean telling someone who is worried sick that their loved one got sent on a dangerous mission and may not come back, is putting them on edge? Did you really not see that coming?" Amy said.
"No I didn't. They're on a secret operation. That should already tell you that everything about it is confidential." Josh said.
"I think you forgot that this isn't just a military camp, and that not everyone is a soldier. You can't tell these people who are worried sick that their loved one got sent on a secret operation all of a sudden and don't say anything further." Amy said.
"It seems like I'm still learning that the hard way." Josh said, rubbing his forehead.
"Then why did you call this meeting?" Lanolin said.
"To ask for ideas. I don't think it's a good idea for me to find a way to fix this when I'm the one who made the problem. I'll probably just dig us deeper." Josh said.
The rest of the group began to silently brainstorm for a solution. After a brief moment, Sonic raised his hand.
"We're not in School, you didn't have to raise your hand." Josh said.
"Entertainment." Sonic said, crossing his arms with a sly grin.
"Explain." Lanolin said.
"One thing that always gets me distracted from what I need to do is entertainment. Whether it's video games, sports, or any good old competition. Should get the people distracted from asking about this missing team. At least for a while." Sonic explained
"That's a start. What kind of entertainment could we host to buy us a good amount of time." Josh asked.
"...That's...a good question. Let me think." Sonic said, trailing off while thinking of an event to host.
"We could host a fighting tournament. That should get people's blood rushing." Sonic said.
"Huh, not bad actually. Any other ideas?" Josh said.
"Not right now, no" Amy said.
"None that I could think of right now." Lanolin said.
"No." Whisper said.
"Well, we can sit on the fighting tournament idea for now. I'll start working on the logistics just in case. In the meantime we'll think of other ideas. Anyway on to other matters..." Josh said.
Kit was on his way to the R building when he received a call from Tails.
"Hey, Tails." Kit said.
"Hey, Kit! Long time no see!" Tails said.
"I was about to say something similar. Even though it hasn't even been three days, I felt like I haven't seen you as of lately." Kit said.
"I know right? But, the reason I'm calling is because I'm working on an important project and it's taken most of my attention." Tails said.
"Really? what's the project?" Kit said.
"I wish I could tell you, but it's confidential at the moment. I'll be glad to tell you once it's done." Tails said.
"Oh, ok. Anything else?." Kit said.
" Can I ask you a huge favor?" Tails said.
"Sure, what's going on?" Kit said.
"Like I said earlier, This project has taken most of my attention and soon it will be all of it. I won't be able to complete requests coming through. Do you think you could do them for me? That way I can work on this project fully and finish it sooner. It won't take that long, I promise." Tails said.
"I don't know, That's a lot of responsibility suddenly on my shoulders. Don't know if I'm up for it." Kit said.
"Don't doubt yourself, Kit! Josh and the rest of the group saying the binoculars you built worked fine and was useful when it was used on that operation at the Eggman's base. I'm sure you have the expertise in this field to keep the ball rolling. And if you need any help, I could always stop what I'm doing and help you out. You wouldn't be entirely by yourself." Tails said.
"Well in that case, I'll give it a shot." Kit said.
"Thanks! You could start tomorrow. All requests that I receive will be forwarded to you. Plus you would get the payment contracted by the client, regardless if I help you or not." Tails said.
"Oh, Thanks! I've been working in the workshop for so long, I forgot that there's currency in the base." Kit said.
"It happens to me too. Anyway, I appreciate you stepping in for me." Tails said.
"No problem." Kit said, before hanging up.
"No good deed ever goes unpunished I guess." Kit said, to himself.
"No good deed ever goes unpunished I guess." Kit said, to himself.
Depending on the queue list, Kit would likely have to stop his progress for the dynamo cage to take on the workload from Tails. On the other hand, it allows him to prove his usefulness in the base. What piqued his interest was the "project" Tails was working on. What could be so important that he had to stop his daily work entirely and without notice? If Tail's willing to show it when it's finished, Kit guessed it couldn't be anything that serious. Kit decided he'll tell Surge later in the day or tomorrow morning.
Sonic left the meeting with Josh and was strolling through the streets of the Resistance base.
"Now that I'm thinking about it more, I think the fighting tournament is the way to go. Loosen some muscles up, and see how strong everyone's gotten. I'm already getting pumped just by thinking about it!" Sonic said, shadowboxing while walking.
"Right. And, it would get the people distracted from spreading rumors and such." Josh said.
"Well, yea. That too. Since we're on that topic. I got no new leads for you by the way. The more I think about it, the more I just get creeped out." Sonic said.
"It's no worries. I've got a lead I'm working on. It should shed some light on what happened that night." Josh said.
"Really? How long ago was this?" Sonic said.
"Long enough." Josh said.
"Geez. You could've messaged everyone about that. I've been trying to scrap anything about what happened that night." Sonic said.
"Right. Like you would've checked your messages? How do you know I haven't sent that update already, huh?" Josh said, with a smirk.
"Hey! I would've noticed if it meant less work for me." Sonic said.
"At least you're honest." Josh said.
Sonic Scroll began to buzz.
"Speaking of messages." Sonic said.
"Who's that?" Josh said.
"It's Surge. She's calling." Sonic said.
"Of course you would know when she's calling or texting you." Josh said.
Sonic answered that phone.
"Yo." Sonic said.
"Hey." Surge said.
"What's up?" Sonic said.
"I don't know. Just realized we haven't talked in a while." Sonic said.
"Isn't that a good thing? You seem miserable if I so much as say hi to you." Sonic said.
"That's because you do it too often and you do it in the most annoying way you could find." Surge said.
"Yea? Well. you're the only one I know that has a problem with it." Sonic said.
Josh chuckled at Sonic's response.
"Who's that?" Surge asked.
"It's Josh, he's walking with me right now." Sonic said.
"Where are you guys?" Surge asked.
"Just walking the streets. Right now, we're entering the Center Grove. Where are you?" Sonic said.
"Doesn't matter, there's something else I want to talk about." Surge said.
"Figured. What's up?" Sonic said.
"It's about the missing team." Surge said.
Josh gave Sonic a concerned look.
"Give me one second, I need to walk to a more quite area." Sonic said.
Sonic and Josh entered Center Grove and walked further into fields with no sign of foot traffic.
"Ok. I'm good." Sonic said.
"Ok. So, I've been thinking about this for a while and I know I wasn't the only one that hated you guys." Surge said.
"Yea, you were in a long que list believe it or not." Josh said.
"Where I'm getting at is if there's anyone you know that hates you guys, and is very good at covering their tracks.. We all know, Eggman wasn't behind this, otherwise he would've bragged about it by now." Surge said.
"Hmmmm. When you put it that way..."Josh said.
"Nothing that comes to mind." Sonic said.
"You sure? Not even someone who probably was a former Resistance." Surge said.
"No, still noth- OH." Sonic said.
"What is it?" Sure and Josh said, in unison.
"Mimic." Sonic whispered to himself.
"Who?" Surge said.
"I'll have to call you back. Thanks for the talk." Sonic said before hanging.
"Who did you say it could be?" Josh said.
"Mimic. Mimic the Octopus." Sonic said.
"Who the hell is that?" Josh said.
"He was a former member of the mercenary group known as the Diamond Cutters." Sonic said.
"The Diamond Cutter's! You mean the team Whisper was on!?" Josh said.
"Yea. long story short, he betrayed the group and got the rest of the Diamond Cutter Crew killed." Sonic said.
"The rest, except for Whisper…Holy shit. He's still alive?" Josh said.
"As far as I know, yea." Sonic said.
"That...kinda makes sense. But, why would he let us know he's here by attacking that team? And why would he come back?" Josh said.
"That's something you would have to ask Whisper. But the worst part is his shapeshifting ability." Sonic said.
"I'm sorry...his what?" Josh said.
"Yup, shapeshifting which means..." Sonic said.
"He could be anyone of us. Fuck." Josh said.
Josh began to pace back and forth going through scenarios in his head as Sonic just watched.
"On a scale of one to one-hundred, how certain do you think this was him?" Josh asked.
"Well like I said, I feel like Whisper should be the one to ask that. I'm pretty sure she knows him better than anyone here." Sonic said.
"Why hasn't she even brought this up as a potential threat?" Josh said.
"Because we haven't seen him in a while? And to be fair, no one else brought that up either." Sonic said.
"Then I think we should speak with Whisper as soon as possible." Josh said.
"You should speak with her." Sonic said.
"Huh? Why just me?" Josh said.
"This thing with Mimic is kind of a sensitive topic for her. Don't want it to look like we're interrogating her." Sonic said.
"Oh, got it. Well, I'm off then. Tell Surge I said hi." Josh said, as he walked off.
"Sure thing!" Sonic said, with a thumbs up.
"There you are!" Surge said, appearing behind Sonic.
"Gah! Surge!? Where the hell did you come from?" Sonic said, recovering from his shock.
"I asked you a question and you hung up on me! Not only that, I called you a couple of times and you didn't pick up!" Surge said, sparking with electricity from frustration.
"I was going to call you back just now. I was just talking to Josh about who might be behind the team disappearing." Sonic said.
"I know that. That's why I was calling you dumb dumb. I wanted to be involved in the conversation too. So who could it be?" Surge said.
"I told Josh that it could be Mimic." Sonic said.
"Who's that?" Surge said.
"Someone who used to be part of a group who meant business. I told Josh that Mimic betrayed the mercenary group he was a member in." Sonic said.
"How does that tie in with the Resistance if he was involved in a merc group?" Surge said.
"Because he still has one loose end and she's in one of us now." Sonic said.
"And that person is….." Surge said.
"Whisper. Josh is going to talk to her right now to see if Mimic may be responsible for the team's disappearance." Sonic said.
"Whisper..." Surge softly said to herself.
"Yup. You know, when you two put your differences aside, you two work very well." Sonic said.
"Oh please. Sure, we were one the same team when taking out that Egg head's base but, I wouldn't call that "Working together." "Surge said.
"If you say so. Either way, there will be a time when you two would have to work side by side. You'll see." Sonic said, as he began walking to start a walk & talk.
"And when that happens, know that means that all hope is lost and that the Resistance is on it's last legs." Surge said, following Sonic.
"Well at least it's good to know you're already loyal enough to stick around till then." Sonic said.
"Pffft. I doubt that will ever happen though. I think there's enough all star players here to prevent that from happening." Surge said.
"Think that might be the first time you showed genuine respect to us." Sonic said.
Silence controlled the air as the pair continued to walk through the grove.
"Soooooo. What are you up to later today?" Surge said.
"Honestly? That all depends on how the conversation goes between Josh and Whisper. Once that's done, I'm sure he'll have something for me to do." Sonic said.
"Do you always do what you're told?" Surge asked.
"If you haven't noticed, things are a bit different here compared to being a lone wolf. Sometimes you have to cancel your plans for the more important things. Someone just kidnapped and possibly killed a whole team from us. That's friends and family that possibly won't be coming back. Someone has to pay for that. I'll gladly suspend my own plans to find out who's responsible." Sonic said.
"Didn't know you guys take these things seriously." Surge said.
"How would you feel if someone kidnapped Kit?" Sonic said.
"I wouldn't ca-"
"Yes you would. It's subtle, very subtle, but we can tell you two enjoy each other's company. You're like siblings." Sonic said.
"Are you kidding? The kid is a complete dork. Even if what you said was true. The world keeps on turning and you have to move on." Surge said.
"Why are you always afraid to show you care about someone?" Sonic asked.
"I'm not afraid to show I care about someone. I don't show that I care about someone because it's dumb." Surge said.
"How so?" Sonic said.
"Two good reasons, Being vulnerable and being dependent." Surge said.
"Go on." Sonic said.
"Showing you care about someone leaves you open to a bunch of new risks you wouldn't have otherwise in life. You're showing your enemies that someone is really important in your life. Instead of your enemies coming after you, they might go for the person you care about. Another avenue of a risk, is you also leave yourself open emotionally. Not everyone shares the same feeling as you do and could take advantage of it." Surge said.
"And, what about the dependent part? Sonic said.
"Running the risk of becoming emotionally dependent on the person you care about. I don't want my whole world to crash around me just because one person I care about isn't around anymore. I want to be able to keep pushing forward." Surge said.
Surge was prepared for an immediate counterargument from Sonic that never came. Surge turned to Sonic who was looking at the ground as they continued to walk.
"Those...are all valid points." Sonic said.
"But?" Surge said.
"But, the risks are worth taking. You're probably the last person I would think of to worry about taking risks. Yet, knowing what I know about you so far, I can understand." Sonic said.
"How are those risks worth taking?" Surge asked.
"You haven't seen the examples already? I'm sure you've experiences some of them. What about the night we had for drinks? or the night we had to watch a movie? You didn't have fun?" Sonic said.
"Hmmmmm." Surge hummed.
"Or maybe when Kit "saved" you last time we met before you joined us. Obviously we weren't going to hurt you but, he was under the impression that the opposite was going to happen. If you were in any danger and he wasn't around, you'd probably would not be here right now. Like I said, you're not wrong. You got this far in life for a reason. But, you'll get much further if you open up and let people in your circle that you can trust." Sonic said
"Key word, Trust" Surge said.
"I mean, we trust you. Otherwise you wouldn't have been let in the Resistance in the first place." Sonic said.
Meanwhile *
As Josh made his exit from the Center Grove, he gave Whisper a call.
"Yes?" Whisper responded.
"Hey, I know we just had a meeting just a while ago but, there's something I need to discuss with you. It's urgent." Josh.
"Ummm. Ok?" Whisper responded.
"Meet me in the briefing room, we're going to need privacy." Josh said.
"On my way." Whisper said.
Josh and Whisper arrived at the elevator together as it descended into the briefing room.
"So, what's going on?" Whisper said.
"This is about the missing team again. Sonic and I was brainstorming again on what could've caused their disappearance. Does the name Mimic ring a bell to you?" Josh said.
Whisper ever so slightly, opened her eyes to make eye contact with Josh.
"I'll take that as a yes." Josh said.
"What does this have to do with him? Was he responsible for it?" Whisper asked.
"That's what we're trying to figure out. If we can identify this threat, We know how to prepare. From what I heard so far, Mimic could be responsible because he still has a bone to pick with you. I don't want to pry too much into your history with him. I just want what we're up against." Josh said.
"I mean, it's possible but, I can't say for certain. I read the reports. There wasn't a lot of evidence that made me think it was him but, it never left my mind." Whisper said.
"Isn't that what professional assassins do? Not leaving a trace of the work they've done?" Josh said.
"A professional doesn't kill or kidnap nameless targets unless they've been payed a handsome amount for it. As of now, His first and final move would be to finish loose ends" Whisper said.
"And, that target would be-"
"Me." Whisper
"So, wait. You're saying it could be him but, You don't think it's him? I'm not getting it." Josh said.
"It's been a while since he and I met. From what I know about him, it's unlikely he would do that unless there's an ulterior motive. But, that doesn't remove him from possibly doing it." Whisper said.
"I just wish you could've mentioned him as a possible threat earlier." Josh said.
"I didn't want to raise an alarm for a threat I wasn't almost certain was behind this." Whisper said.
"Right. Sorry about that." Josh said.
"It's fine. Anything else?" Whisper said.
"No, that's about it." Josh said.
"Ok." Whisper said, making her leave.
"A fighting tournament? Finally! Now I will gain respect MY way!" Surge said, colliding her knuckles together causing a small series of sparks.
"Relax. We won't be using our powers in this tournament. Not entirely at least." Sonic said.
"What? Why?" Surge said, looking extremely disappointed.
"Because not everyone has abilities as we do. For most of the tournament, it would be strictly hand to hand combat. Nothing more." Sonic said.
"Mostly?" Surge asked.
"The last round, fighters will be able to use everything they got. From their abilities to their gear of their choosing. In terms of what they have on them to prepare for the fight, anything goes." Sonic said.
"And the winner gets...?" Surge asked.
"We haven't thought about it yet. We haven't even green lit the idea yet. But, I'm sure we will." Sonic said.
"How's the scavengers doing?" Surge asked, changing the subject.
"They're doing fine. We're thinking of letting non-critical operations to be started now but, Josh wants know first on who was behind the team disappearance first before doing all of that." Sonic said.
"Really? That might take a while." Surge said.
"Not as long as you might think." Sonic said.
"What do you mean?" Surge asked.
"Josh had already started a lead and he said something about being confident he'll know the truth soon." Sonic said.
"What's the lead?" Surge said.
"That's the thing. He hadn't told anyone about it. Not me, not Lanolin, Amy, or anyone else from what I know. He said, its to protect someone who's working with him on the lead." Sonic said.
"You'll think he'll make a breakthrough?" Surge asked.
"I hope so. Probably the only lead we'll have. Unless something comes up with Mimic." Sonic said.
The conversation suddenly died as neither had anything more to add on the matter. The two continued to walk down a paved path through the grove. The Sun was begging to hide under the horizon as the sky began to turn a fiery orange.
"Geez it's getting late already?" Sonic commented.
"Guess time flies when you're busy." Surge said.
"Sure does seem like it." Sonic said.
The two stopped and looked at the sunset. Both seemed to be enjoying the brief peace that they had more than each other's company. Surge uncomfortably shifted in her place as she decided now was possibly the best time to make a move.
"Hey uh. Can I ask you something?" Surge asked.
"Sure. What is it?" Sonic said, now looking at Surge.
"I-I think we should probably hang ou-"
Surge was interrupted by Sonic's Scroll being called.
"From Lanolin, Huh?" Sonic said, before answering.
"We made a final decision for the event." Lanolin said.
"That was quick. And, it's my idea right? The fighting tournament?" Sonic said.
"Yes and no." Amy said, from the other end.
"What do you mean?" Sonic asked.
"We're going to be hosting two events! The fighting tournament and a party!" Amy said, speaking over the shoulder of Lanolin
"Why?" Sonic and Surge said in unison.
"It gives a chance for everyone to get involved. Not everyone enjoys seeing people fighting like they're gladiators at the colosseum." Lanolin said.
"How is that not fun to watch? That's better than awkwardly standing around with a drink in your hand while listening to trash music." Surge said.
"Sounds like you're speaking for yourself. Anyway, they're not happening at the same time. While everyone is getting their blood rush through the fighting tournament, they can settle down and relax at the party." Lanolin said.
"Hey! I like the sound of that. I can't wait! Do we have at least some idea when this day will happen? " Sonic said.
"Probably as soon as next Friday...hopefully. Obviously it would take some effort to organize all of this on such short notice." lanolin said.
"We'll definitely help out." Sonic said.
"We?" Surge said..
"You don't want to help set up the event you're going to attend?" Lanolin asked.
"F-Fine. But I'm only helping with setting up the tournament." Surge said.
"Fair enough. I'm going to talk to Josh about setting the events up" Lanolin said.
Just before Lanolin left the call, Amy joined the call with her Scroll.
"What's going on Ames?" Sonic asked.
"I'm not sure if you had any luck on your end but, I couldn't find any leads for the team's disappearance." Amy said.
"We were talking about that just a while ago. There could be a new angle but it's nothing concrete." Sonic said.
"So, we're just going to be banking on Josh's only angle? Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket." Amy said.
"Sure seems like it. But, one angle is better than none." Sonic said.
"That's true. So, what are you two up to.? I thought Josh was the one with you when I saw the two of you walking across the street earlier." Ames said.
"We were talking about the tournament. Surge here is already eager to send people six feet under." Sonic said.
"I have to show everyone how lucky they are, now that I'm on their team." Surge said, puffing her chest out to show a bit of bravado
"I'm sure everyone will feel grateful." Amy said, sarcastically
"I did destroy a whole base on my first mission after all." Surge said, matching Amy's sarcastic energy.
"Is that so? So, you're a hot shot now?" Amy.
"Can't see why not. And, I'm going to cement that reputation in the tournament. That way, people will get an idea of how great I am." Surge said.
"That's if Sonic doesn't beat you first." Amy said.
"It will be different this time! Just you wait!" Surge said, pointing at Sonic's Scroll.
"I'm sure it will. Anyway, are you doing anything right now Sonic?" Amy said.
"Not Re-"
"Yea, we're hanging out right now for the moment. Why?" Surge spoke up.
Sonic was slightly shocked but did not protest.
"Oh...uh. Never mind then. I'll ask him later." Amy said.
"Ok, catch you later." Surge said before ending the call on Sonic's Scroll.
"What was that about?" Sonic said.
"I don't know. I just get irritated when someone interrupts us when we're hanging out." Surge said.
"Since when?" Sonic said.
"Since...recently...I guess. Do you have a problem with it?" Surge said.
"Not exactly but, Amy could have something important to tell me." Sonic said.
"Oh please. If that was the case, she would've said so. Unless she says it's urgent. She can take a hike." Surge said.
"Alright. Pushing the hostilities aside. We're hanging out now. What do you want to do?" Sonic asked.
"I-I don't know. Aren't you supposed to think that?" Surge said.
"What? Why me? You're the one who told Amy I was busy." Sonic said.
"I don't know! You want to...keep walking?" Surge said.
"First time having me all to yourself and you just want to keep walking? Haha." Sonic said.
"S-Shut up! You know what? I'll leave then." Surge said, walking away and blushing profusely
Sonic grabbed Surge's hand and pulled her back.
"Relax, Surge. I'm just teasing you. C'mon, let's take a walk." Sonic said.
*Author's note*
This time I have no excuse to save me for how long this took. I was just lazy tbh.