Sonic the Hedgehog

Going Forward

No gig will certainly ever be as important as this one. Even with how hastily put together this event was, the rows of plastic, foldable plastic chairs Dave stands between where recognizable officials and journalists sit scream of professionalism. An environment he isn't much good in normally.

Considering the recent circumstances, however, he owes it to his city to shut up and hold a camera steady for twenty minutes. Three hours have passed since the war hero's departure. Now a starless night sky hangs overhead. Cold wind ruffles everyone's thick clothing.

Dave finishes checking the last of what he needs to of the Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder which he holds in his steady hands. If he were to somehow have the camera off, or record the following press meeting with muted audio, it'd be a personal disaster rivaling the public one he just survived in mental anguish.

But eighteen years of work has made him all but inexperienced. Not only is the camcorder on but in its current shot is a sight still too surreal for his brain to completely wrap around. It's one thing standing on the immaculately trimmed grass before the White House. It's another seeing what remains of such an integral, sacred building. Smoking ash.

It had to have taken a miracle, no, two miracles for the President and GUN's Commander to make it out, having sustained only minor injuries overall. And it's those two very people who now stand in front of the ruined building, behind a brown wooden podium where an Enersound LAV-100 microphone sits.

Michael Reznov and the Commander stand side by side, bracing for what's sure to be the most important press conference of their lives. Despite that, this is the last thing on the old soldier's mind. And Michael can easily tell.

"Something troubling you?" the President mumbles without turning his head, careful to not be overheard by some nosy reporter.

"Deeply," the Commander answers simply, responding in the same hushed voice.

Without having to pull too many mental gymnastics to figure it out, the President sighs and says:

"It's Project Shadow isn't it?"

"Too many eye-witnesses for it to be some coincidence. He was here. In our city."

"To my understanding, didn't he help Sonic save-?"

"He killed my daughter," the Commander interrupts, facing the President.

Michael nods.

"After this has concluded, I'm assembling a team of my best men," the Commander continues. "He won't evade me for long."

"Our great city is in ruins," Michael says. "We've lost many good people today. Our efforts should go into rebuilding. It's going to be a long, difficult process. I'll need you every step of the way."

"Is that an order?" the Commander grunts.

"I'm asking you as a friend," the President assures, placing a hand on the old man's shoulder.

After a moment of silence, the Commander inhales.

"Fine," he relents. "But once I've tended to my duties here, I will continue them elsewhere. Project Shadow will be located. And I'll end his life personally."

Michael pats his friend on the shoulder.

"I think it's time," he says, approaching the podium.

That small action causes an onslaught of camera flashes.

"Attention everyone," the President's voice comes through loud and clear over the small crowd. "This conference shall now proceed. First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for coming on such short notice. I was advised to stay in the ER, but I NEEDED to give our brave, resilient citizens an update, and publicly acknowledge the tragedy that took place today."

The rapid camera flashes have slowed.

"From what our intelligence agency has gathered at the moment, along with a first-hand testimony from Miles 'Tails' Prower, one of Eggman's mercenaries acquired some mind-bending contraption that allowed him to wreak havoc on this great nation. It was Sonic, Miles, a Mobian named 'Knuckles' and a civilian from Grand Metropolis named 'Amy Rose.' These four saved us from certain annihilation, and it is to them I give my immeasurable gratitude."

Unprompted, a small round of applause starts amongst the seated journalists.

"Sometimes... I ask myself why we call our protectors the Guardians of Nations," Michael continues. "As many of you know, they were formed to combat the forces of Eggman. Sure, we were the Guardians of Nations then. But what changed? Well, we got complacent. Selfish. Ignorance that has led to an attack like the one today. No more. Going forward, we are going to be working to expand our relationship with Mobians everywhere. Yes, we need to rebuild this city. But along the way... why not rebuild a few bridges?"

Louder applause comes from the crowd. The Commander turns away from them, hoping to hide his grimace.

"Now at this time, I will be taking questions. Who wants to go first?"

...