It's been enlightening to me to learn about these so-called alternate versions of me what clove my newest recruit/former employee used to work for one version of me. Naturally, I would assume that different versions of me would have much a greater control of the world. As evidence as she calls herself an eggboss. I will praise the name after all it came from me from my genius, intellect and great naming prowess.
But as she told me about the circumstances of why she joined up with me does bother me. She tells me the reason why was because her sister was sick with something. And from what she told me so far it clearly resembles the very same thing that affected my cousins life, Maria's life……………. What caused my grandfather to make those choices back then.
[Long silence for good while]
Back on the topic it seems like she came to meet to help her sister well that version of me. Naturally, it was the smart choice. After all I am a genius, so curing a disease would have been child play well for me. But somehow that version couldn't even figure out what even wrong with her. He just gave the sick girl cybernetics to slow down the disease. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a bleeding heart. The fact version of me couldn't figure out a simple disease is…well.
That just bothers me greatly. A version of me who couldn't figure out how to cure disease. A disease we could not figure out. I am genius that have taken over ancient beings. A genius with cybernetics and of other fields of study. But for some reason that a version of me could not figure out what was that simple biological disease and how to cure it. That makes me very disappointed.
Clearly from what I can see and what clove has told me. There are inferior versions of me…. There are inferior versions of me. I have them in my these inferior versions. I don't know what, but it bothers me very greatly. Believe me I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart. I'm doing this so that I can prove to myself and clove that I am a superior version of that lesser Eggman.
But besides that these memories from what I've gotten from somehow meeting Agent Stone I got a flash of inspiration these egg drones. I don't know how I have these blueprints in my mind, but somehow I do. These design of the egg drones are quite genius to be able to search for items where I don't have to send regular badniks instead or personally myself.
It also comes to my attention with these new design blueprints. I have memories of dancing. Well for a better or worse term I believe my body now has the capability to perform more lucrative dance moves. I'm not complaining of after all, I am the master of dance besides being a genius.
It also concerns me a bit that I might also somehow get those inferior versions of me memories. I won't complain about any glorious machine I made, but who knows what kind of personality they had. I believe I would still be myself, but I would have their memories.
Does that also mean that blasted hedgehog in his friends are the same predicament like me? If that's true, then I might be dealing with a much more annoying hedgehog and company. Great now I'm in a bad mood. Well it's time to fix it by doing what I usually do to get out of these bad moods.
It doesn't help my bad mood to learn that idiotic ziti and his allies have lost a part of my empire to that new upstart. Really they my machines and they still lost. Clearly it seems I underestimated that empire and overestimated the zeti. I need to update my data. Maybe send metal at one work camps to get some of my good mood back
Focus on my work but I promise this one thing I will show that I am capable of curing a disease that I am the superior eggman. That my actions and words are more than hot air. Eggman out.
Well, this is my attempt of doing an egg memo. Hope you like it. .
His highness Prince Maximillion…was not having a good day.
By all accounts it should have been a good day almost a perfect one. The war had ended with acceptable losses and Gallia was now his, but then the…Shattering, for lack of a better word, had happened and everything had gone to hell.
He was still in control let's be clear, but things had gotten immensely more complicated.
First off it seemed that the entire country had been transported somewhere else. Where was a question they needed an answer too, and regardless of the answer they were now cut off from the Empire and thus their supply lines, and they had no idea if what surrounded them was filled with allies, enemies, or something else entirely.
Second, the Gallian army, not that it deserves the name, may have been destroyed but since every citizen of the country knows how to fight, and are not particularly fond of you at the moment, so you were going to have trouble internally for some time.
And finally the Shattering made you lose contact with even the forces under your command. You doubt anything happened to them but it'll take some time to get everything back in order.
…No matter. The situation is hardly ideal but it isn't bad either. If something like this was enough to stop him he wouldn't be worthy of the throne.
Crisis is also opportunity, the only question is how to best take advantage of it.
Calm down, calm down everyone. This mess actually works in our favor.
First off, being cut off from the Empire means that we're is finally free of it's backstabbing nonsense and if we're lucky it got destroyed in the Shattering leaving Maximillion as the undisputed leader of it's remnants. Giving us unparalleled power to reshape the new empire as we wishes.
Second, the unaccounted Gallians forces are hardly a threat now that we've has aquired The Valkov. With it the Marmota and Selvaria on our side we can easily overcome whatever paltry force they can scrape together. Though it wouldn't do to underestimate them either…
And third, Max wouldn't be worthy of the throne if he wasn't able to command the loyalty of his people, and unlikely the previous leadership he intends to earn it, and what we've seen doing a better job won't be all that difiuclt.
(X) Plan: The New world
-(x) Martial: Investigate the Outskirts (Selvaria)
-(x) Diplomacy: 'Convince' The Arch Duchess
-(x) Stewardship: Repair the Equus
-(x) Intrigue: Root out the rats (Jaeger)
-(x) Learning: Combined Arms Doctrine
-(x) Piety: Pour our old tomes
It's unfortunate we lost some actions in the transfer but we'll deal with it.
We send our walking nuke to check our borders, get Gregor back in the game and otherwise ensure we don't stabbed us in the back as we try to figure out what's going on.
I still feel like we should track the down the Nameless or the Milita, or look for Valkria candidates. Why are we even bothering going through books that likely don't have anything or dealing with the nobles entirely unworthy of the name?
Because The Milita/Nameless have proven dangerous enough that we want everything on hand when we go after them, and the nobles are likely to screw us over at the last moment if we don't deal with them.
You spent the month searching through the many many shelves…but the most interesting thing you found was some…questionable literature some of an off-duty guard was reading. You weren't particularly surprised by this considering the state of the government, but you thought the last remnant of the Valkria's ancient empire would have something worth looking into.
Apparently not, if there was anything here it was either buried rather deep or hidden very well, and you aren't quite sure which is more likely.
No progress was made.
Convince the Archduchess
70+35=105
Success!
Still it wasn't a complete loss.
"Prince Maximillion." Her highness' tone was polite if cold, to be expected really. Though you hadn't expected her to be here.
"Archduchess Cordeila." You closed the book and turned giving her a slight bow. "We thank you for your hospitality."
"You didn't give us much of a choice."
"That doesn't make it any less genuine. Have you considered my offer?"
Instead of answering she looked to the side and then around the room. Shelves of books filling the space from wall to ceiling, and she seemed to examine every single one of them. "Should you really be discussing this with me?" You tilted your head as she met your eyes again. "I don't really know how to rule, the late minister and the nobles handled most of it…and not very well since here in front of me." She shook her head. "You'd be better off using them than me, all I'd be good for is a figurehead and frankly? That would probably backfire on you." She huffed.
"...My mother died when I was young."
She blinked not understanding but she would.
You chuckled mirthlessly "Died is the wrong word. Murdered is more accurate, by my so-called family no less." You scoff. "Because she was a commoner, because I was a threat to someone's claim to the throne, who knows? …I do know what it's like to be regarded as little more than a tool or an obstacle by your own allies and own country."
You looked to the side yourself, and out of the corner of your eye you could see her face soften the slightest bit. You sigh exaggerating the sound a little bit.
"Honestly it doesn't matter anymore. I'm sure you felt it but I'd wouldn't blame you if the Shattering confused you."
"Yes…" She said slowly a little warily wondering where you were going. "It had just been a few days after you marched into Ranregiez and then…and then…" Her face pinched as she struggled to remember.
"You don't need to strain yourself. None of us are really sure about it either and answers aren't going to be forthcoming from here." You put the book back on the shelve and focus fully on her. "From what little we've pieced together we're in a different world entirely."
Her eyes went wide and her mouth opened, but before she could be distracted you spoke.
"And more importantly Gallia has been entirely cut off from the Empire."
Cordelia froze, before her eye narrowed and you could see the implications running through her mind. "You can't go home."
"And conquered or not all the resources of this land belong to people who despise us." She met your eyes and your hers. "I'm not asking you to subordinate yourself or your country to me. None of us know what this world holds for us and if either of us fell we both would." You take a step forward and bow.
"All I ask is for a chance. To work together for both our people's benefits."
…She hesitated, but after a few minutes she nodded.
You had her.
…Hm? The Archduchess had removed her headdress and-oh.
"We'll be in your hands." She's a Darcsen…that complicates things.
Archduchess Cordelia has become a Hero unit! However your relationship is tenuous and she can only be assigned to actions that benefit Gallia.
Her identity may cause Unrest in Gallia if revealed.
Thankfully the Gallian military for all of their other many faults kept good records of their forces and operations. That did mean it was a little difficult finding the records in question since they were 'confidental' but from what you're reading…they really didn't care that much about the Nameless.
The Nameless were the Gallian's version of Calamity Raven, except made of criminals, screw-ups, and people who angered the wrong person. However they were too useful to simply dispose of, so they ended up as Nameless.
Being stripped of their names and being sent on the most dangerous missions, to likely die. If they survived they would be sent on another mission.
The concept made sense in theory, but theory is not practice. Still Calamity Raven has been having trouble with them so they must be worth something.
…Their treatment was unlikely to inspire loyalty. If you arranged for their amnesty you could have something very valuable on your hands.
New action unlocked.
Local Recruitment: Nameless
Repair the Equus
41+27= 68
Sucess
The Equus. An armored train outfitted with high-calibar artillery and enough armor to rival the Bartamous…at least it was before the attack in Fouzen by the Milita. The attack was rebuffed but severe damage was done to the Equus and General Gregor was severely injured.
He was…unhappy last you heard. Swearing vengeance against the 'Gallian dogs' and so on so forth. He'll be back on his feet at the end of the month but you doubt his loyalty. You are aware he was sent to spy on you but with the situation as it was…you'll deal with it later.
For now he is useful, if that changes you will deal with it at that time.
In the meantime you think he'll appreciate you putting what's left of the Gallian army to work fixing his beloved machine. They aren't good for much but this isn't quite beyond them…provided proper supervision of course.
You aren't a fool.
The Equus has been repaired! General Gregor will become a Hero Unit next turn.
Rooting out the Rats (Jaeger)
90+19=109
Critical Success!
General Jaeger sighed, rubbing his nose as he tried to process…this.
His highness had told him to make sure the 'local officials' weren't going to backstab them in the middle of this perilous situation and make things worse for everyone.
Technically he didn't really have a reason to listen to the man now that it's impossible to fulfill their agreement but…well there isn't much else he can do at the moment. The unknown goes both ways after all, and everything he has left that he somewhat cares about is here.
Which brings him back to his job.
…
"Why?" He can't bring himself to be angry it's just so-
"Did you really think we'd tolerate a Darcsen on the throne. I'm not sure what you imps think of us but-" Idiotic.
"She's your leader and ruler. Her entire family has been like that for centuries why is this an issue now?!"
"We didn't know the truth then if we had then-"
"You would have started a bloody revolution I get it, I get it." This is the sixth rebel you've captured so far and all of them were stark raving mad. "Look the situation is bad enough as it is, if only for your countries sake will you behave?"
"...Will you purge the dark-hairs?" Oh for-
"Take him away." Jager groaned again as some stormtroopers dragged the man away. You sorta understand what his highness was going through now, and wonder a little bit if he finds this amusing or exasperating.
Well at least this wasn't a waste. The rats left in the leadership have been purged and the few left have been cornered.
Just a little bit longer before this nonsense is dealt with.
Rebel conspiracy identified! You have near complete information on their activities leadership, and positions.
Agreed, we still have some problems to deal with on the homefront but after this we just need to crush the conspiracy, convince the populace, and tie up the loose ends of the Milita and the Nameless.
Shame that we our piety action didn't find anything though.
Sailor's Isle returned to relative normalcy surprisingly quickly after the Shattering. One of the perks of being an independent island was that the residents simply talked amongst themselves and came to a conclusion. Blue Rogues would act as Blue Rogues, fighting oppression, helping fellow sailors, and living wild and free.
In the interest of upholding that way of life, Captain Dyne and his crew finished construction on the Albatross II. Based on the design of his old Albatross, she was a medium-sized Airship, with 3 masts adorned with wide white sails, 2 sets of wings near the bottom for maneuverability, and 5 cannons on each side. Small enough to fit inside the secret base on Sailor's Isle, large enough to go toe to toe with Valuan Empire airships. For her maiden voyage, they sailed in a wide arc, poking around the massive landmasses that now surrounded them and starting to redraw their maps. Despite the change in scenery, everything felt like it was going back to normal... except for one thing.
His son wasn't here to see it.
As if picking up on his melancholic mood, the rest of the crew quickly cleared out, though his Vice Captain was kind enough to invite him to the pub when he was done 'thinking,' to celebrate getting his wings back. Dyne brushed them all off and stared at the crow's nest atop the highest mast. The one his son usually occupied.
Vyse could be anywhere by now, literally anywhere. Could the Shattering have sent him to some strange faraway land? Was he okay, was Aika still with him, did he have a ship or was he stranded? The crow's nest, of course, had no answers to give him. "When did I get so old?"
"I'd say your first mistake was getting married and having a kid." Said the teasing voice of Gilder The Unfettered. Dyne had been so caught up in his ruminations that he didn't notice the younger man's approach. "But I imagine nearly getting axed by Valua lost you a few years too. I thought I was the only one who could pull a disappearing act on Valua, so color me impressed, Dyne of the Blue Storm."
"I'm surprised that you found us so quickly Guilder. Figured it would be weeks before another Blue Rogue showed up." Dyne greeted. "Out of curiosity, how did you find us?"
"Luck mostly. We figured the floating islands were more likely to be from 'our' corner of the globe, so we've been bouncing between those for a while. I spied Pirate Isle through my spyglass, and here we are. Sorry to trouble you but the boys and I have been going stir crazy on the ship. Also... Things have changed. A lot. So I wanted to talk, Blue Rogue to Blue Rogue." The silly tilt left Gilder's voice. He sounded about as lost as Dyne felt.
Dyne sighed. Gilder may have been a bit of a laid-back and lackadaisical man, hence his title as 'The Unfettered,' but he was a good man at heart. "Sorry to disappoint, but I don't know much more than you. We've started drawing a new map and poking around nearby landmasses. Some settlements seem fine, others seem like Valua all over again. Once we know what we're dealing with it will likely be business as usual."
Gilder hummed. "Well, I see no reason not to 'liberate' the valuables of tyrants. But I guess we should know who we're dealing with first. Oh, while we're at it. This is a little out of date but I thought you'd like to see it." Gilder reached into one of his pockets and produced a rolled-up paper, which he presented to Dyne.
It was a list of Valuan's most wanted. Beside each pirate's name was a number of skulls, representing how dangerous they were to Valua and the weight of their bounty. At the very top, 'Gilder the Unfettered'☠️☠️☠️☠️. A single step below that, 'Dyne of the Blue Storm' ☠️☠️☠️.
"I was a bit worried when you vanished from the wanted list," Gilder admitted. "When I saw you back near the top the boys and I had a party in your honor, to celebrate."
"Why do I get the feeling that if I died, you'd have a party to honor my memory?" Dyne shot back dryly. Gilder chuckled but didn't deny the accusation. Below himself and Gilder were more of the usual suspects, Calamity Clara, Zivilyn Bane... And then Dyne saw it. Right below the 2 skull bounties and at the very top of the 1 Skull bounties
'Vyse The Determined' ☠️
A profound sense of pride mixed with sadness warred in Dyne's chest. The hand holding the paper shook so badly that Gilder quickly snatched it back "What's wrong Dyne? I thought you'd be proud."
"I am proud. My boy has grown into a fine young man. He has loyal friends, a stubborn streak a mile wide, all the skills he needs to be a sterling swashbuckler, and his own bounty. But I can't help but worry about him, and feel like he's left me behind. All those milestones and accomplishments I wanted to be there for are happening continents away, and there's nothing I can do but miss them."
"Hey, you said it yourself Dyne. He has all the skills he needs to succeed. The skills that you taught him. Vyse wouldn't know how to handle a ship if you hadn't let him handle the wheel from time to time. Even if he's a young man now, he's still your son. Maybe you won't get to see all his victories and triumphs, but that just means he'll have to tell you about them himself." Gilder winked. "Preferably over a nice glass of Loqua."
Dyne sighed again, feeling slightly calmer. "Gilder, may I ask you a favor? If Vyse is ever in trouble and you have the opportunity. Can I ask you to help him?"
"I'll help him. But not because you asked me. I'll help him because I'm a Blue Rogue, and we help our fellow Rogues out whenever we can. That goes for you to too Mr 'Blue Storm'"
"I'll try to keep that in mind, Unfettered." The two captains shared a chuckle together.
"Well, that's enough emotional crap for one day. Got any good stories to share? I heard through the grapevine you've got a new ship."
"The Albatross II. Same design as my old bird, but with a few upgrades. We stole a military-grade engine off a Valuan vessel. But that's not all. We found a smuggler with a Magic Cannon...-"
The rest of the night would be spent in the bar, sharing stories and drinking deeply from mugs of Loqua. The worries about Vyse were forgotten, as a warm feeling settled in Dyne's chest.
'Son, wherever you are. I want you to know I'm proud of you.' Despite being a relatively minor character I love Dyne dearly because he's a JRPG dad who doesn't die, and on top of that his introduction is gunning down an enemy soldier about to attack Vyse with a hell of a one-liner. "I think you miscounted, there's only 4 of you." One of many reasons I love the heck out of Skies of Arcadia
[X] Resource acquisition and saving a sick child.
-[X] Assault Empire 'Work Camp' (Metal Sonic)
DC 50
Result: 20+18(Eggman Power)+30(Metal Sonic Power)+6(Loyalty)=74
Success!
You decided that Metal needed a proper test, this small 'Work Camp' the Empire just made seemed like an excellent target! Letting those guys remember the might of your greatest creation was a bonus!
After giving Metal his orders and asking Starline to make a portal for quick transportation of all those assets the Empire won't need anymore, you decided to focus on other tasks until your creation came back from his "walk".
After working on your first set of Badniks in a long time, you weren notified of Metal's return to the base, quickly wanting to check on him, you saw Starline and Cubot and Orbot helping move several metal crates and additional equipment.
Excellent! With those resources, you could get to creating more inventions!
"Well done Metal! Did you show those Empire fools their place?" At your interrogative, Metal just gave a thumbs up as he pushed the last piece of equipment through the portal. Staring at it, you could see the Camp in ruins, with flames and smoke coming from it.
"Ahhhh beautiful! Well done, indeed." You congratulate him as you give a small pat to his head. "Come on, you two, quickly upload all of it and bring it to the lab! I need to see what we are working with!" You bark at your two robotic minions, who are struggling to open one of the gates.
"R-Right away sir! Just give us a minute to open these crates and will have all set in a quickie!" Cubot shouts terrified as he redoubles his effort to open the crate. In less than a minute they finally manage to open the damn thing.
But you were not ready for what was inside.
A loud female yelp is heard as the crate opens and it's turned on its head. A young black haired girl dresses in some worker clothes with a shawl stumbles from inside the metal container, who can help but look worried at her current situation.
"Well, well, well…what do we have here?" You ask as you tap your foot, annoyed, staring at the unexpected trespasser.
To Be Continued in [Look To The Sky, a New Dawn is Coming]
Results: Gained 75 Metal, several crates of ragnite, imperial weaponry, and 3 income. New actions to study Imperial Weaponry! DC for The Empire Base Assault reduced! Rescued ???
-[X] Heart: Hire a New Minion - Canaan (Belle)
DC 60
Result=98(Roll)+6(Eggman Heart)+25(Belle)+0(Loyalty)+10(Omake Bonus)=139
Critical Success!
"Um…Are you Canaan?" Belle asked the white haired woman who was by herself sitting in the corner of bar "W-We would like to hire y-you."
As she stared at the young woman she was sent to recruit, who didn't seem to pay much attention to her and instead seemed focusing on playing with some…copper wire?! Making figures with her fingers, Belle couldn't help but be nervous to what was asked of her. Recruiting a dangerous mercenary for (her father) The Doctor was not something she expected to do!
"Do you have the money to pay for my services?" Canaan asked, in a calm, if not bored tone, keeping that mask of stoicness that continued to make Belle nervous. She turned her head to look at Belle, and for a moment, was at a loss at seeing her wooden puppet form, bunking a few times before keeping her stoic face, all the while continuing to play with the metal wire.
"Well n-not exactly?" She says as she looks away and rubs her head. Canaan eyes turn half lidded for a moment and stops looking at her to focus on her hands. Seeing she losing interest, Belle says the first thing that comes to her mind.
"Wait! Fa-Doctor Eggman promises to help you look for that Maria person! Hewilllendasmuchassetsashecantoassistyou!!!" She babbles quickly. The mercenary's eyes widen at the mention of the name, seemingly recognizing it, before scoffing.
"That doctor of yours and everyone else has promised help in helping me find Maria…" A look of sadness appears in her eyes, as she stops playing g with the copper wire for the first time in all the conversation. "None of them have been able to help. Just leave, kid." She sighs, a tone of resignation appearing in her voice.
Belle… couldn't help but feel sad at how she looked. (It reminded Belle of how she felt before) Still not willing to give up she tries one last time. "Whoever you are looking for…they are important to you, right?" Canaan doesn't answer, and Belle can't stop while body trembles with nervousness, but she presses on. "I know what it is like to be separated from a person you hold dear…and not knowing what happened to them…" The days she spent alone on that house, still haunt her, wondering when would she see Mr. Tinker. "I…lost someone too and I am still looking for them, but I…I think Eggman can help you…as he helped me too once."
"If he does not Give you any new leads…I p-promise to help you find that person you hold dear…nobody should be alone." She finishes, lamely as she looks at the floor, not willing to look her in the eyes. Canaan doesn't say anything for a long while, and Belle thought she failed in the task that Eggman assigned her.
As she was ready to leave and go back to the extraction point where the platypus was waiting for her. She heard a voice behind her. "Have you ever played Cat's Cradle?"
Result: Recruited Canaan! You must find clues about Maria within a time limit otherwise she will leave you! And Belle will go along with her!
Belle's trait "friend of all children" has been upgraded! Applies now to adults too!
Belle and Canaan have bonded, if both continue to hang out, they will develop a trait!
Canann:
Power: 27 (This young lady seems to be a hardened combatant. Fitting if what Starline says about being a professional Mercenary is true. )
Heart: 25 (She seems like the cool and aloof type of person, but surprisingly seems to be decent enouhg at socializing.)
Logistics: 20 (As a mercenary, Canaan is proficient in planning out her mission in order to guarantee a succesful mission. She seems like a decent choice to assign some task and not worry about them blowing up...hopefully.)
Trickery: 22 (Seems to be quite sharp when spotting lies or any kind of deception. While not that proficient herslef on lying, her serious attitude lets her keep a decent power mask..how annoying.)
Brains: 9 (Canaan doesn't seem to have that much of a formal education, pfft. Seems like mercenaries tend to forget their studies a lot don't they?)
Mystic: 2 (Canaan seem really inexperienced when it comes to mystical dealing...uh. Mildly interesting.)
Loyalty: 0
Traits:
Expert Sharpshooter: +5 to Combat rolls.
Synesthesia: After being infected by a weird virus. Canaan seemed develop the ability to see emotions of people as colors...letting her easily sense someones motives as well as identify friend from foe... How Intriguing.
+10 to Trickery contested rolls. Allows to add half of her Trickery to any Heart roll she mades. +5 to Combat roll against living enemies.
-[X] Build Some Badniks: DC:Autosuccess.
--[X] Egg Pawns [Variants] - 10 Metal
Ha! Finally, it was hard to find the time with everything going on, but you get to do an old, beloved classic: Building your wonderful Badniks.
You decided to reluctantly stick to just Egg Pawns for now. Arguably some of the most Simple and lowly of your creations, but your lowliest creations were heads and shoulders above anyone else's tech.
Regardless, you got to work, and In no time they were built.
"Oh ho ho ho! It is quite nice to get back into the swing of things." You smirk as the Egg Pawns turn on.
-[X]Build Some Badniks: DC:Autosuccess. - Orbot+Cubot
--[X] Burrowbot: 15 Metal
Meanwhile, you sent Orbot and Cubot to make some Burrowbots. They had done well recently, so you figured you could give the two a bit more leeway in still less important but more complex tasks. You hope you will not regret this decision.
For now at least, the duo are easily able to make the Burrowbots with no issues (at least none major enough to be worth getting involved in the process while you did your own work).
Useful, now digging for Any Ragnite or any other materials you discover should be a cinch!
Results: Obtained a batch of EggPawns and Burrowbots
-[X] Brains: Research Cassia's Disease (Clove)
DC 110
Result= 46 81+ 40(Eggman Brains)+25(CLOVE TOTAL BRAIN STAT)+2(Loyalty)= 148
Success!
It is not often you reference the work of others during your own work, but you felt fine in doing so considering it was your own grandfather's life work to cure this disease. It in fact felt like there were three of you in the lab as you worked, your grandfather preparing the way for you as you directed Clove as a lab assistant, the Pronghorn seemingly laser focused on the task in front of the two of you.
Biology was not your field of choice, machines simpler to diagnose a problem by running a diagnostic but you are a genius and Clove was there. Taking samples from her sister and comparing them to Cassia herself gave you a place to work from, thanks again to the work of your grandfather you were able to categorize and begin to work towards what a cure would actually look like.
There would be no cure at this moment, but you were confident that you did have two possibly viable solutions to Cassia's problem, though neither was perfect.
The first would be several sessions of extensive gene therapy. You would be rewriting her DNA to actually change the body itself, forcing the changes and removing the offending strands and replacing them with those closer to her sister's own healthy body. This would *not* be a simple process and would require you to actively take care through the entire procedure, but it would eventually see Cassia returned to complete health.
The second is a suspension unit. You understand what is causing the spread and deterioration of Cassia's body now and you can create a robot designed to keep those parts actively suspended and contained. This would not be a cure and the unit would be a full body prosthetic, covering her entirely and essentially trapping her inside. She would be able to speak and move, but the suspension process would not allow her to leave the confines of the unit. This is less than likely to please either Pronghorn, but it would get Cassia up and out of bed at least. It also wouldn't take anywhere near as long as the other.
No matter what however, you feel as if you could refine this further. You understand your grandfather's works better than before now, you can see the years he poured into this, but now is the time to step past that. You are Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik and you will change the world, both by conquering it, and curing it.
Results:
NIDS understood and unlocked actions to potentially cure or suspend the disease in Cassia Pronghorn. Actions unlocked to further refine the process to be less labor intensive. +5 loyalty from Clove for moving on this project so effectively, quickly, and allowing her to help.
[X] Look for the cacophonic conch (Dr.Starline)
DC 100
34+22(Eggman Trickery)+20(Starline Trickery)+3(Loyalty)+10(Omake Bonus) = 89
Failure!
That pathetic platypus! You assigned him one job, one job only!!! To find that stupid conch so you could use it against those damn Zeti!
When you told Starline his assignment, he gave a confident smirk and said to leave everything to him, But one month has passed and what does he find? Nothing!
Stupid Fool! He is just wasting your time! Starline better increase his performance in the next months or otherwise…
Result: Starline hasn't found the Cacophonic Conch yet. Dc Reduced to 90.
-[X] Check The Area For Magical Objects (Agent Stone)
dc higher better
bonus= 19+8(Eggman Mystic)+6(Stone Mystic)+1(Loyalty)=33
Minor Success!
You sent Stone on a search for Mystic artifacts. You personally considered the task to be quite ridiculous, but The toady took to it with the utmost gusto.
If only everyone could be as eager to please you as he was...
Regardless, he returned after a few days of searching with a strange glass bottle filled with a rainbow colored liquid. He explained that, when ingested, it allowed you to become the same color as your environment for 6 minutes, for perfect camouflage against most creatures.
When you asked how he could possibly know that, he sheepishly admitted he found two and had already ingested one.
...You know, you aren't sure what you expected the answer to be. At the very least it's better than nothing.
Reward: Gained a single Rainbow Bottle!
Rainbow Bottle: A single use liquid in a bottle that, when ingested, makes the drinker turn the same colors as their environment for 6 minutes, granting +15 to Stealth.
-[X] Personals
--[X] Eggman
---[X] Dr. Eggman: Focus On Your Work (Costs 3 personals) - Research Cassia's Disease
---[X] Talk to Belle = 58
To be continued in: Moving Day
--[X] Starline
---[X] Check Out The... "Local Talent" = 8
Starline desperately seeked to make it up to me after his failure to find the conch and assured me he would use his free time to go out and find something or someone useful!
Unfortunately, in his rush to do so, he used the Warp Topaz, which must have reached its daily limit.
The ensuing explosion of energy knocked him out for the last 3 days of the month. It would be amusing if it wasn't so sad.
--[X] Rusty Rose
---[X] Find Out Who This Amy Is = 81
You soon enough get a filed report on your desk from Rusty Rose. Hmmm. How efficient. You wish ALL your minions bothered with that without having to be prodded or reminded!
As you read over it, what you see makes sense, you suppose. Apparently, That blasted Hedgehog's sycophantic stalker and his sidekick, Amy and young Miles "Tails" Prower, have been seen all around Green Hill and its surrounding areas, on a never ending search for their missing comrade. Hmmm.
Nice to know it's not just you wondering where he is, one supposes, and useful that they're out of your hair! Still, you should keep an eye out for if they return…
DC for the second tier for "Look For Clues To The Whereabouts Of That Blasted Hedgehog!" has been reduced by 10!
--[X] Metal Sonic
---[X] Study The Foes = 2 + 5 (Omake Bonus) = 7
Metal took some time to look over the footage of his fight against The Empire and the Black Arms. It... Didn't go well.
Metal stared as silently as ever at the footage, though you knew subtle tells by now that indicated when he was getting angry.
The way his fingers twitched, the tapping of his foot, the specific tilting of his head. All good signs that he was reaching a boiling point. And then he got to the last bit of the fight, as Shadow started to leave after that foolish girl stabbed your greatest creation.
"Hmmph. Pathetic. But you're a faker of a faker. What can I expect?" That seemed to be the last straw as Metal Sonic angrily punched through the wall, and then another.
You managed to temporarily turn him off before he caused too much destruction, thankfully.
Still, even you feel maybe you should let him cool off a bit before you next talk to him…
Result: Metal gets a -5 malus to his next National Action.
--[X] Agent Stone
---[X] Clean/Organize the Doctor's Things = 54
Stone, after the embarrassment of that small blunder with the mystic item searching, decided it wasn't enough to just bring you that other item and got to work organizing your base's various inventions that were lying around.
You are still personally not that interested in looking further into the various items yourself, you have nostalgia for them but they failed you once and you don't easily grant second chances. However, you have to admit it is nice to have them less Chaotically sprawled around the base. You had to admit Stone had a point about the fact you might have tripped over one someday, even if you don't admit it to him.
He seemed happy enough to help, so win win.
Reward: The next time Starline takes the "Search this Base" Personal, ¼ of this Roll will be added to it.
--[X] Clove
---[X] Keep an eye on Your Sister = 98
Clove stared at her sister, who was sleeping well for once, and felt the guilt gnawing away at her. Not for the usual reasons, not because she had been the one to sell the both of them to a tyrant, no right now she felt terrible because… she didn't feel terrible. Not because the doctor had actually made progress, for all she knew it was just another trick or lie. No, she simply felt drained.
There is only so many times someone can dive into the depths of despair before it just becomes another part of their day. Just another thing she can't even muster up the energy for anymore. She still cares, she still loves her sister more than anything but…
She was just so tired.
Tears leaked from her eyes even as she kept a straight face. There was just nothing left…
A hand took hers, a soft and strange pressure of another, which made her recoil, whipping to face whoever was there.
"Oh!" The wooden marionette pulled back, holding her hands up in surrender and apology. "I'm sorry!"
Clove looked at the wooden badnik and recalled the doctor saying that there were several others in the base and his tone seemed odd when talking about this one…
"Ummm…" Belle looks to the side, at Cassia, and rubs one of her arms awkwardly. "I'm sorry like I said it's just…" She breathes in, like she is steadying herself and continues, "I… when I was talking with Orbot he said you were here alone with your sister and I remembered when after The Shattering dad disappeared I… I didn't want to be alone so I thought…"
Clove looks at the girl standing there awkwardly, trying to reach out for no reason other than she saw another person hurting. How in the world had the doctor been the one to make her?
But you suppose he hadn't. That… that could make this safer…
"...Thank you Belle." Clove said softly. Belle nodded wordlessly in return and took a chair next to the Pronghorn, her hand once again taking Clove's as they both sat at the bed of the sick little girl.
As you watched this from the security room, you frowned. This was an intimate moment. A sweet one even. You felt proud of Belle for being there for-
You shake your head, clearing the sentimentality away. No, that was no way to think. Why would you even care…
-[X]Give Someone an EggGun? 5x EggGuns
--[X](Yes): Agent Stone
--[X](Yes): Dr. Starline
--[X](Yes): Dr. Eggman
Random Event Roll: 96
When the roving badniks in the area surrounding your base all froze as one, you grew concerned. When they all turned as one and began making their way towards your base, you grabbed an EggGun and ordered Metal and Rusty to get ready for combat!
When each of them stopped 500 feet from the entrance to your base and shut down, however, you have to admit there was confusion even in your brilliant mind. From the line of badniks, a single Motobug with its headlights changing between red and blue rolled forward and did its best to give a bow. Upon waving Metal and Rusty to the side to allow the small badnik through, it bumped into your leg and seemed to… hug you?
This may need looking into, but at least you've gotten some of your Badniks back.
Results: Gained 3 Egg Robos, 1 Egg Hammer, 2 Blowfish, 2 Hey Ho, 2 Toxomisters, and 1 motobug that is acting strangely. Action to check out the strange Motobug unlocked.
The option to Clear badniks from your territory has vanished and Zavok is none the wiser. You officially control territory..
Current Faction's control of Green Hills:
Eggman: 1%
Zavok: 59%
GUN: 10%
The Restoration: 20%
Black Arms: 5%
The Empire: 5%
Last edited:
CURRENT BADNIK FORCES AVAILABLE (WILL BE UPDATED AS TIME GOES)New
You are Belle the Tinkerer and you never thought you'd be moving.
It makes sense that you might eventually, even daughters who love their papa's very much do eventually move out and start their own lives, but you weren't an ordinary girl and he wasn't an ordinary dad.
More so than you even thought originally.
When you had decided to fully commit to this it hurt. It hurt a lot. This had been your home since your papa had built you and gave you your name. Where the two of you had worked together to make so many wonders for the people of the town and now…
The workshop's lights flicked on easily as you entered and you saw a layer of dust had accumulated and mixed with the leftover sawdust already. You normally kept on top of that, keeping things neat but you had been gone and there was no one else to take care of the place…
You shake your head and clap your hands to your cheeks a few times. "Focus girl, you're just here to get your stuff. You get your stuff, load it into the nice Blowfish, don't think about leaving home behind forever, and everything will be fine."
The hallway leading to the actual living area was in much the same state as the workshop, dust coating the furniture your dad had made, the little table that held a vase of now well wilted flowers. She had always been sure to get new flowers from Mrs.Petals every week. She always waved you off when you tried to pay, dad had fixed their leaky roof so she said it wouldn't be right.
A lot of stuff hadn't been right apparently.
She didn't need to sleep, but her dad had made sure she had a brilliant bedroom. He had hand carved her bed, her fingers running over the intricate designs of flickies and pockies running through a forest that looks exactly like the one outside her window. The small wooden box was still on the oak nightstand by her bed.
You know you couldn't open it. Not with what was inside. But it was the most important thing in the house, the thing you couldn't leave behind if you were to leave this place forever. The bed that was made with love, the dresser, the desk, all of that you loved, but this box…
You couldn't live without what it held.
A familiar noise made you freeze as she entered the hall. Her papa could fix anything, could make anything, but there was one piece of furniture in the house that he never fixed completely because he knew she loved the sound of his rocking chair squeaking as they both worked in the living room. There should be no noise from this empty house, but that familiar heart warming sound echoed through the house.
Creeping forward, careful to step on the rug Mr.Olive had made so your footsteps wouldn't echo, you peek into the living room.
For a moment, your papa is there in his rocking chair by the fire, a grin on his face as he looks up to greet you. But his words shatter the illusion, the voice is but the tone too different.
"You have a lovely home."
That voice, the voice of Dr.Eggman, shakes you.
"Why… why are you here Doctor?" Your words are shaking. This wasn't supposed to be how this went, he wasn't supposed to be here, wasn't supposed to taint the memory of this place. "This is my home, why are you here?"
"Yes and as I said, it is a lovely place Belle." He looks down and you notice the frame in his hand and your heart clenches. Your copy of that photo, the one you couldn't bear to look at, in the wooden box in your arms. "The two of you… quite the pair, weren't you."
There is a long silence between the two of you as the fire crackles.
"Tell me about him."
Your breath catches as he says it. "Why… you didn't want to hear about him before wh-"
"You're right, I didn't." He cuts you off with an agreement. "Because you would have insisted I was him or that I wasn't or something else that would have upset you."
"But I have decided that I may have miscalculated," He looks at the photo and continues. "Emotions are illogical things and I have considered them beneath me for some time and yet as I look at you or this photo, something that is not mine pulls me towards you."
He focuses on you, his eyes drilling into yours with an alien familiarity. "And so I have come to a conclusion. I must understand, I must know. Knowledge in all of its forms is mine and so I ask you to tell me of him Belle."
Your grip on the box tightens, your fingers trembling. "He was kind," you say softly, "He cared about people, not just because he had to, but because it made him happy. He loved fixing things, broken clocks, squeaky doors, even the little toy trains the kids brought him. He loved fixing people, too."
His lips twitch in a way that could have been the start of a smile or a grimace. "How quaint."
"He was more than that." your voice grows stronger, though it was tinged with sorrow. "He was my Papa. He taught me how to make things with my own hands, how to see beauty in gears and springs and the joy you can make people feel when you make them something brilliant. He… he made me feel like I belonged."
"And then he…" You hesitate, looking at him with a mixture of defiance and pleading. "And then he was taken away."
"Don't get sentimental on me," He leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "Mr. Tinker might have been soft, but that's not what the world needs, not now especially. It needs power, ingenuity, and control."
"Maybe," You allow quietly. "But it also needs kindness. You can have both. He did."
His eyes flicker with something. Regret? Recognition? It was gone before you could be sure. He stands abruptly, the photograph still in his hand. "I didn't come here to listen to sentimentality," he snaps, though there is no bite, no edge to the tone. He places the picture frame back on the table carefully, almost reverently.
You watch him, your heart heavy. "Why did you come here, then?"
He pauses, his back to you. "To see what was left behind," he said, his tone low. "And to decide if it was worth keeping."
"And is it?" you ask, stepping closer.
He didn't turn around. "That depends." He gestures toward the workshop. "Are you coming with me or not?"
You look around the room, at the tools, the projects half-finished, and the memories etched into every corner. You knew you couldn't stay. No daughter stayed at home forever.
But leaving didn't mean forgetting.
"I'll come," you say finally. "But only because I believe that if my papa and you can exist in the same world, kindness and control can exist together as well."
Eggman barks a laugh, though it lacks his usual bravado. "I guess we will see how well that works."
He strides through the door, his coat billowing behind him. You follow, but not before taking one last look at the photograph on the table. Your fingers brushing its edge.
"Goodbye, Papa,"
The door creaked shut behind you, leaving the workshop silent once more.
Thanks for responding and now onto the breach. Life or Death, what is your choice?.
Doctor Eggman was no bleeding heart, far from it.
If one asked his opinion his heart was as cold as the very own machines he made.
So him being in the makeshift medical wing of his current base was something he normally wouldn't do unless it was to treat his own wounds.
Yet he wasn't there for that, no he was there for reasons that involved future planning with certain minion of his.
After all he needed to disclose the treatments of Cassia treatment with her sister Clove.
Not out of any goodness of his heart of course.
But due to logical thinking.
A step in the wrong direction in this situation after all would mean the difference between life and death.
As the doctor finally reached the door, he opened the door and entered the room that at the moment was holding the pair of Proghorns.
Of couse he wasn't alone either, Metal Sonic was there to make sure Clove wouldn't get rowdy if his ''suggestion'' wasn't of her liking.
He could manhandle those fools themselves if he wanted, he had the strenght, but he needed to be careful, he still hasn't had time to really study his counterpart cybernetics, but if the man was anything like him, then a shobby job was something he wouldn't be expecting.
(Bah emotions, they are just so illogical) the doctor though to himself.
Cassia of course was still sleeping, considering their study of the disease and how advanced it was, it was only thanks to the cybernetics on the Proghorn that she managed to last this long and even then he knew time was running out for said Proghorrn as the grim reaper was slowly but surely approaching his destination.
Of course unless he did something.
Clove on the other hand stood there, collected and calm as she finally noticed Eggman.
''Good afternoon doctor to what do we owe the visit?'' Clove said in a neutral tone, clearly trying not to show her true emotions to the doctor.
The doctor adjusted his glasses and finally started talking to his minion ''The motive of my visit is merely work related, after all we need to discuss the treatment of your sister illness'' the doctor went strraight and directly into the point, clearly forcing his speech to remain as professional as possible.
Clove was taken aback inmediatly by this, (Did he really already come up with a solution?!), how couldn't she? after years and years of hearing that nothing could be done for her sister, after selling themselves to the very own devil in front of her with a promise that her sister would be cured, only for it to be nothing more than a vile lie.
Clover couldn't believe it, that the very own devil in front of her had already found a cure.
In anyone else a spark of hope would have lighted up, but for Clove the Proghorn that wasn't the case, no she knew better.
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
The devil had already tricked her once, who's to say it wouldn't try the same once more.
After Clove finally recovered himself, she finally questioned the doctor ''If you found a cure, why tell me this? I doubt you would care about what any of us has to say'' the Proghorn asked and stated a fact.
One that the Doctor agreed with '' Oh yeah, if I had any say on this I would just do whatever the hell I wanted and be done with it, luckily for you and your sister miss Proghorn we are under certain cirscunstances that don't allow me to be my usual self, unless certain cirscunstances happen'' Eggman admited on a mocking tone that hid well his annoyance.
After all the doctor word was pretty much law and fact for anyone that worked under him, going againts it was a guaranteed way to well, Clove didn't want to finish that though.
''You see Clove, thanks to the research we have done this month, I have found two ways to save your sister life and I must say just sister is lucky to have you, if it wasn't for that said options would be reduced to just one at the moment'' Eggman said to the proghorn.
Clove ears couldn't believe it, Eggman was actively giving her the key to saving her sister once and for all, even thinking those words seemed like nothing more than an impossible dream.
And yet she didn't fully trust the doctor, with the devil there was always a catch after all.
''What are the cures?'' Clove finally asked, her voice almost breaking.
''The first method involves gene teraphy and it is the method I mentioned that your sister is lucky to have you, due to your shared DNA, I am able to rewritte your sister DNA using yours as a base without dangerous risks like her body rejecting the changes, it will take a long time, but I will be able to identify the mutated strands of DNA and completely remodel them so they are closer to those of yours, this process by the end will see your sister fully recovered by the end of it'' Eggman honestly told Clove.
Clove still found it hard to believe, Eggman, the devil they had sold their soul to was actually doing his part of the deal.
Her sister would finally be able to live her life as she saw fit without having to worry about her sickness anymore.
They could finally be together without having to worry about Cassia just going to sleep one day and neve waking up anymore.
And yet if that was a definitive cure, why was the docto offering a second? Clove asked to herself as she finally asked ''What is the second?''.
''A full body prothestic, not too dissimilar of her cybernetics, but instead of full integration, well it would hardly be counted as a partial one even, during our study I was able to identify and understand what is causing your sister deterioration and spread across her body, it would be more like an armor that stops the process of the illness as it contains and supends the parts that are being affecting with the illness, it is the quickest method for your sister to be up and running once again, but keep in mind, this neither will cure her totally nor will she able to leave the confines of the unit unless I permit it'' Eggman told her about the second cure.
No it was not a cure, it was a prison, the same one the bastard gave them back then with the cybernetics, the same promise they had made with the madman in exchange of more time.
Clove knew it was too good to be true and still the question remained why was he telling her all this?
There was hope still on the other hand, a tiny bit of hope that the doctor would actually go for the gene teraphy.
A hope that was crushed when words escaped from Eggman mouth.
''And it is the option I myself I am willing of going foward'' Eggman said.
At that point Clove went feral and jumped as fast as she could at the doctor.
She didn't care if he was her sister only choice, she wouldn't let that madman subject her poor sister to the same mistake twice.
Sadly for her Metal Sonic was a lot more quicker than her and once again she found herself on the same situation that when they had met once again.
Clove could only watch as the favorite attack dog of the doctor held her in place.
While the man only watched her with annoyance.
''And this is why I tend to work only with machines'' The doctor muttered to himself as he adjusted his glasses once more.
As the doctor once again took breath and started talking ''Now I hope you let me finish what I am saying you damn Proghorrn, I may have gone out of my way to get you back into my fray, but that doesn't mean you and your sister can't be replaced if you decide to choose poorly'' Eggman said as the shadows hid his face only leaving those blue glasses of his reflecting the light as he looked at Metal Sonic who perfectly understood the message of his creator.
Clove also understood said message as her blood ran cold as she watched the very sharp claws of said machine get a lot more closer to her neck with intent of slashing.
''P-P-Please continue Doctor'' Clove said as she pleaded to the devil once more.
Eggman just stood there with a stoic face and finally talked once more ''Let her go Metal she finally is starting to understand what will be her reward if that actitude of hers ever flare up''
Metal followed the command of his creator as she let go of the Proghorn.
''Listen well Clove the Proghorn, just because I choose one option it won't mean the other will be locked off, the suspension unit is more of a way to make sure your sister is able to stand the coming storm at difference from the gene teraphy, if you may have noticed, my resources are clearly lacking and time is something that we don't have in our favor'' Eggman started explaning to the Proghorn.
Clove didn't knew if to believe the man or not, it wouldn't be the first time after all, to keep them chained and miserable in his empire.
Clove wanted to burst into tears, just what would be so important that her sister couldn't be saved ''If you have a way to cure her then why not do it right now, why are you putting her in that?'' the Proghorrn asked.
''Metal show her'' The doctor said to the murder machine.
Clove was scared, was this really going to be her grave as she saw the murder machine getting closer.
But instead of any damage, the machine started showing her footage.
Footage of what everyone called a Zeti, the red one being called Zavok if she remembers corrrectly, fighting alongside the Badniks that were taken over.
While her knowledge of the Zeti was something scarce, same couldn't be said for what they were fighting.
After all even in her world the Black arms had made quite the mess back then before they were destroyed.
She wasn't expecting who was leading them on the other hand.
''Is that?'' Clove asked baffled at the footage.
''Indeed, that is the ultimate life form Shadow The Hedgehog leading the black arms'' Eggman confirmed the question of the Proghorn.
Clove couldn't believe it, the same Hedgehog that destroyed those monsters now was working with them.
Just what the hell was wrong with this world.
And yet, why was this relevant for the situation at hand? the Proghorn asked herself.
''W-w-what does this has to do with us?'' Clove asked terrified.
If Eggman was showing her this it was for a reason.
None of them were good in the Proghorn head.
''Remember when I said we were running out of time? I don't mean it only for your sister, but for all of us, that damn edgelord rat is searching fo an specific item, one I don't doubt you are familiar with'' Eggman said as he bringed out a little box.
Said little box containing one of the most powerful items in existence.
''A Chaos Emerald'' The Proghorn covered her mouth in shock at the radiance of the blue jewel.
''Indeed one of the most powerful items in existence, capable of doing inimaginable damage in either good or wrong hands, I don't suppose I need to tell you why it is a bad idea to let said item to fall on the hands of Black Doom'' The doctor stated.
''You don't think he-'' Clove tried to ask before doctor interrupted her.
''Oh yeah, Black Doom would be the greatest fool in existence if he didn't get those damn tentacles of him on the very own weapon that was his downfall in the first place a weapon that is capable of putting in checkmate every single faction due to it is destructive force, the reason of why I won't let that damn alien get a hold of this Chaos Emerald'' Eggman said to the Proghorn.
She could finally see the logic of the doctor, if that alien really had access to the Eclipse Cannon installed on the ARK, then keeping the Chaos Emeralds out of his hands was a top priority.
Not only for her sister and own survival, but for the survival of the entire planet.
''Please tell me do you have a plan to buy us more time?'' the Proghorn pleaded once more with the Doctor.
''Of course I do, who do you take me for, I have the perfect tool to sent that damn rodent on a wild goose chase before he is able to find us, right now we have the adventage of no one knowing we are back in the game, with that I plan to make a fake blue chaos emerald to sent that fool as far away as possible, maybe even sic him on those fools of the empire, it is the reason of why I am refusing to start with the gene teraphy yet, doing so would just be a death sentence for your sister if that blasted Hedgehog find us'' The doctor said.
''So the only reason you are telling me all this is to be on board with whatever scheme you have'' Clove stated to the doctor.
''You finally catch on, yes, the coming month well, we will be lacking on hands due to certain plans of mine, so I need for the rest to double their efforts, I need that Fake Emerald ready for yesteday in worst case scenario and said effort also includes your sister, the reason I am telling you all of this is so that not only you know yourself that there will be no other choice at the moment, but also to get your sister on board once she is up, as I said time is something we are lacking'' Eggman stated to the proghorn as he gave her his back and started to go for the door of the room.
For as much as Clove wanted to deny it Eggman was right, if they even gave one false step, it was game over for everyone involved.
All of their progress and sacrifices would have been for nothing if the Black Arms were to get their way.
Clove still had the will to live, as long as her sister made it trough, the gene teraphy no doubt would leave her siste still in a weakened condition.
The armor at least would let them escape if worst came to worst.
As Clove approached her sister bed, she took her hand and started crying on the bed.
Saying over and over again the words I'm sorry.
The crying interrupted by a question of the doctor who was still on the room ''Remember the words I told you when I took you back in Clove the Proghorn?''
Clove looked up from the bed and saw the back of the doctor remembering his words '' You aren't curing her because of some altruism or because some variant from a far flung universe couldn't, but simply because-'' Clove couldn't finish as the doctor interrupted her again.
''I can, do not mistake me for whatever fool you may think I am, once I have my eyes set on a goal I will accomplish it, the research for a cure of this blasted disease is already within my hands, whenever you choose to wait or not, it is up to you'' Doctor Eggman said to the Proghorn.
''Of course to make this more of an ultimatum I will let you give me the suggestion of what you think is the best once the time comes, whenever I listen or not eh we will see, but after our little talk I doubt you see any other alternative'' Eggman told Clove.
''It is her life in your hands Clove the Proghorn, you better choose wisely'' with that Eggman finally went out of the room alongside Metal Sonic.
Clove just stood there, thinking of the choice she was given.
She hated that man with all of her soul, not because she was swindling her right now, but because the devil for once was right.
If they choose poorly, their lives were pretty much finished.
Eggman would have his answer once the time came.
The only thing she can hope for now is that she chose right by trusting the devil once more.
Well a little omake I had in the works on a conversation that Eggman honestly would have with Clove, considering the recent events, well he is forcing her to not be picky, the sheer ammout of stuff that can go wrong on the rival reports for turn 2 is a lot and Eggman is giving her nothing but pure and cold hard logic about the descicion coming for turn 3 on the cure of her sister.
Not necessary, we didn't find the whereabouts of Sonic, only from Amy and Tails. Also yes we have to do it in Turn 3, Main drives can only be left alone 3 turns max before mallus start to affect us.
Anyway this is my GUN omake that I was talking about:
Guardians of the World
Agent Topaz sat alone in the dimly lit barracks, the low hum of the air conditioning filling the quiet room. In her hand was a photograph grainy and faded, but precious. It depicted her and her squad standing shoulder to shoulder in front of a GUN transport vehicle, their faces hardened yet determined. It was taken just after the Perfect Chaos incident in the ruins of Station Square.
Her fingers traced the edges of the photograph as her mind wandered as it always did ever since the war ended and the Shattering.
What does it mean to be a soldier of GUN?
In GUN, you don't fight for a flag. You don't fight for a homeland, a government, religion or an ideology.
You fight for the world.
Nationality, ethnicity, ideology, relgion, even species all irrelevant. Whether you hailed from a bustling metropolis or a quiet countryside, whether you were a human or a mobian, GUN didn't care. What mattered was the oath you took, the resolve you carried, and the belief in a singular mission: to be the guardians of the world.
She remembered Station Square vividly.
The chaos.
The screaming.
The towering form of Perfect Chaos tearing through the city like a wrathful god. GUN was there not to stop the creature, largely because Sonic already took care of that, but to evacuate civilians, set up shelters, and rebuild the city. It was the first time Topaz truly understood the weight of her duty. To fight wasn't always to strike back; sometimes, it was simple be there to help.
Then came the Black Arms, a different kind of war, a war where all faced annihilation. Topaz still had nightmares of the invasion, the ships blotting out the sky, the terrible screeches of the Black Arms soldiers as they descended. GUN was outnumbered, outgunned, and outmatched, but they never broke.
They were the first line of defense and often the last.
Then Dark Gaia. The earth itself rebelled against them, and the planet cracked open in several pieces. Cities across the globe were swallowed in a maelstrom of despair and madness and GUN was psuhed they limits to retain order even when they fought agaisnt it's minions in the night but they held on.
Then there were the dark days when Eggman's war machine conquered the world, GUN never surrendered. They refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing a single base beg for mercy. When communication lines were severed, they operated independently. When outposts were captured, they fought to the last.
She smiled grimly, remembering Commander Tower's words: "There are no cowards in GUN. If we are to fall, we fall standing."
Still it wasn't just the victories or the stubborn resistance that defined GUN.
Topaz sighed, setting the photograph down, it was the Resitence and later the Restoration that haunted her thoughts. Civilians had picked up the burden when GUN couldn't fulfill they duty. They had banded together, fought back, and rebuilt communities while GUN was overwhelmed.
And what did that say about GUN?
It wasn't resentment that Topaz felt toward the Restoration; it was shame. Shame that civilians had to shoulder the burden of a soldier's duty. It meant GUN had failed somewhere along the way, they had lost the trust of the people they swore to protect, and that failure stung deeper than any battlefield wound.
Shame wasn't enough to stop her or anyone else in GUN through but it did make things awkward sometimes.
"We will earn it back," she murmured to herself. "The trust. The respect. The belief that someone will always stand guard so the world can sleep safely at night."
Because that's what it meant to be a soldier of GUN. It wasn't about glory or recognition. It wasn't about victory in every battle. It was about standing up, time and again, no matter the odds. It was about being the first to face the unknown and the last to fall, ensuring the world had a tomorrow even in this new strange world.
Topaz stood, pocketing the photograph, she had work to do.
GUN's fight never truly ends and neither did hers.
(Line Break)
This is my idea of GUN, a international fighting force that has no allegiance to a single government or flag but to the world itself. GUN is my favorite faction in Sonic's world behind only to the Restoration.
I find deeply cool what goes the mind of a conventional soldier in this world. Where soldiers have to hold the line when facing minions of dark gods, bloodthirsty aliens and the robotic legions of a mad scientist. It's to know you are hopeless outgunned but still fight against these threat anyway because the world for all it's flaws deserves a chance to live.
They may not always succeed and sometimes commit tragic mistakes along the way but they will never stop fighting, no matter what.
The old man, he wasn't really but everyone called him that, hummed as he lit his cigarette on one of the nearby fires.
Life in an Imperial work camp was…bearable, if only barely so. The Imps didn't think much of their kind but no one really cared about the Darcsens so it was hardly anything new. Even the actually new world hadn't changed anything.
People showed up. People beat them and killed them. Demeaning them if anyone was lucky enough to be spared and sent off to work and likely die.
Nothing new really. Unfortunately.
Still the talking animals were a surprise.
Though again it didn't really change anything, he'd know being a Darcsen and all. The…Mobians were just different shaped people, same as him, same as anyone.
The Imps treated them like dirt too, same as him, same as anyone unfortunate enough to be under their boot.
He winced as the guards beat one of raccoon mobian. Okay not quite the same, the Mobians were a decent bit more durable than they were. There probably would have been a fatality among them if they weren't.
Anyway new world or not new people or not things didn't really change.
They were put to work, usually under harsh conditions with less than they actually need. Especially food, they didn't need it to work after all, and it was more than 'demons' needed anyway.
Frankly they'd all given up on anything better long ago, and dedicated all they had to surviving and enduring. He'd say they did a decent enough job.
Which meant when for all intents and purposes an actual demon showed up they were able to get out of it's way.
The old man exhaled a cloud of smoke from the outskirts of the camp as it burned. The flames were rather cheerly he thought, very much aware of the irony of 'demons' being saved by a demon.
Well they weren't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, they were free for what little that was worth, so now they had to work out what to do next.
The Imperial territory was right out for obvious reasons, and they weren't exactly in Kansas so they conferred with the Mobians.
Apparently the situation wasn't great on their end either, what with aliens not only existing but invading, and a bunch of colored brutes wrecking havoc with an army of robots.
According to the…animals seems impolite…eh, Mobians there were friendly factions out there…right behind and through the territory of the hostile robot army. Yeah that didn't seem like it would go well.
Course that didn't leave them many options, but there was one thing…
"So who was our 'Savior'?"
…Well then.
Dr. Eggman huh? The would-be conqueror of the world…who actually did conquer the world apparently if briefly. He was certainly powerful, and considering the state of things he had to be close by for 'Metal Sonic' to come here.
Hmm…
The Mobians feared him, and from everything they said he definitely wasn't a good person…but that kind of man doesn't care who you are. As long as you serve him you could expect…not much but someone capable of taking over the world doesn't throw people aside for no reason.
A good idea? Definitely not, but he's a better option than any of the others and for us Darcsens?
Well being mildly useful minions is an improvement to being 'demons' even if they are serving one. Though with the world as it was one was probably going to end up on top anyway.
So hey, why not work for someone who would treat them better than they ever have been.
He saved them after all…even if it was unintentional it's better than they gotten from the rest of the world.
They'll take a sure bet over something that probably won't work out.
—
AN: Meet the recently freed Darcsens everyone. They've got a bad hand and have long since gotten used to it. They probably could do pretty well with GUN or the restoration…but they can't quite believe that, and their behind an army of enemies anyway.
They'll take what they can get. In this case Eggman.
