Sonic the Hedgehog

A Promise For Adventure

Michael Reznov looks down at his watch, an agitated look glued on his face. As he does so, a grizzled-looking man with growing wrinkles, greying hair, and a proudly worn GUN commanding uniform stands in the corner of the office with two metallic guards standing on both sides of him. Some know such guards by their official name: Gun Hunters. Others simply know them as trouble. The Commander has never seen the President so rattled. This is not the time for Station Square's leader to show weakness. He thinks to himself. And this is certainly not the time to be waiting on-

"Sonic is going to be late," the President mumbles, looking down at his watch that shows: 11:59 AM. "This is the worst time for him to-"

As the watch turns from 11:59 AM to 12:00 PM, the front doors to the office burst open, and a blue blur flies in before Sonic the Hedgehog materializes in its place. He grins and points to the stunned President.

"How's it hanging, Prez?" he says.

Both of the Gun Hunters aim their arm cannons at the presumed threat before The Commander frantically waves them down.

"HOLD YOUR FIRE!" he yells, although a part of him wants to allow the machines to teach the hedgehog how to appropriately make an entrance going forward.

"Yeesh, I see some of us are a little antsy today," Sonic jokes, eyeing the robots.

"If they were, I wouldn't blame them," the President says, opting to get straight to business. "I trust you got my message?"

"I did, but I really don't get why I had to run all the way over here," Sonic groans. "Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the exercise, but couldn't we have done this over the phone?"

Sonic's disinterest causes The Commander's insides to boil. Does he not know what is at stake?! He thinks with gritted teeth. And why is he so relaxed when talking to an authority figure?! Stand up straight, son!

"Because the situation is too dire for us not to do this in person," the President says in response to Sonic's question. "Eggman... he's back, Sonic."

Neither of the two men notices, but Sonic winces a little at hearing that name said aloud. He hasn't heard it in a long time, though, it's a name everyone knows.

"Robuttnik, huh?" he says with a slight grin. "What makes you so sure?"

"One of our digital satellites was compromised," The Commander answers. "Our data analysts recognized the virus used to bypass our systems from anywhere. It was him."

Sonic's brow furrows. No one knew what happened to Dr. Robotnik since the end of the Metal War. But everyone knew for sure that wherever he was, he was laying low for the rest of his miserable life. Hacking into one of GUN's satellites is as far from laying low as one can get.

"What is that madman up to?" Sonic mumbles.

"We have an idea," the President says, giving The Commander a nod to continue.

"Eggman used our advanced satellite imaging to scan for multiple unknown energy signatures," The Commander explains. "These signatures are unlike anything we've ever seen. We've brought on multiple professionals, world-renowned scientists, even your fox friend. No luck in identifying whatever they are. We don't even have any theories to go off of."

"But what we DO know is Eggman didn't do this for no reason," the President says. "He's a brilliant man. A fiend for sure, but a brilliant one nonetheless. He had to have known this would get our attention but took the risk anyway. We have to assume he's back in play."

"And whatever these seven energy sources are, they're our key to finding him," The Commander finishes.

"Okay, but what does this have to do with me?" Sonic asks. "I'm sure you guys are already on top of this, right? What can little 'ole Sonic do?"

"The seven energy sources are scattered... across the world," the President states.

"The Outskirts to be specific," The Commander adds. "Unfamiliar land. We've already sent out several teams a few hours ago, but none of them can reach these areas as fast as you."

"So you want me to go out and investigate these strange energy sources and stop Robotnik from whatever it is he's planning?" Sonic says with a grin, thinking of how fun the road trip will be.

"You took the words out of my mouth, Sonic," the President says. "All of Mobius needs its war hero back."

"Alright," Sonic says while tapping his foot, deep in thought. "But if I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna need some help."

"Do you need the assistance of my troops?" The Commander asks.

"Nah," Sonic dismisses. "I had a certain eleven-year-old in mind who's all about this techno-babble."

...