Shadowless World

Team Sonic Minus Sonic

Knuckles, Tails and Amy arrive at the ARK and enter a familiar control room, infamous for its panoramic view of planet Earth. A surveillance bot floats behind them.

Concerned, Tails asks, "Knuckles, are you sure this is a good idea?"

Knuckles stubbornly folds his arms and speaks theatrically.

"If Sonic wants to bail on the good side because we took down a bot that looks like him, then he's clearly chosen his ego over the greater good... side."

Thrown off by Knuckles' dismissive attitude of Sonic, Tails argues.

"Knuckles, come on, I thought we discussed this on the way here! That wasn't a bot! Remember when Eggman was the enemy and Sonic was the hero? When did it switch? This is nuts!"

Knuckles shakes his head condescendingly.

"Tails, Tails, Tails... you're just mad because Team Sonic has a new leader. Me. Knuckles. Therefor, we should rename ourselves Team Knuckles."

Amy rolls her eyes.

"No thanks. Let's just complete our mission to guard the hub for Eggman Communications."

Knuckles nods and gives the surveillance bot a big smile. Melodramatically he goes on to say...

"Well said, Amy Rose. Oh my stars, could that be... one of Black Doom's minions floating around, out there in space?"

Tails and Amy run to the window.

"Oh no!" cries Tails.

"It can't be!" cries Amy.

The surveillance bot follows them. Knuckles grins, then punches the bot from behind, smashing it to pieces with his fist. Tails and Amy turn around, shocked.

Knuckles continues.

"Ehem, I believe the leader of the group was still talking. And who is that again? Trick question! It's Sonic. Now, we should use this advanced surveillance system to see if we can map out where he might be right now."

Tails scratches his head.

"Did you just destroy our accompanist bot?"

Knuckles laughs.

"Ha! I totally threw you both a curve ball! I only volunteered us for this gig as a ruse to get Eggman to let us into the hub. My girlfriend's spy tactics totally rubbed off on me."

Tails lights up.

"Knuckles, that was brilliant! Hey, I know! Let's use this system to send Sonic a message that we want him to come join us in space. Then maybe we can reason with him to rejoin the team."

Amy jumps, happily.

"Great idea! Once we have Sonic back, we can figure out how to take Eggman down!"

Knuckles proclaims proudly...

"Just like the good ol' days. Unlike Sonic, I don't chuckle. Unless we're playing a trick on Dr. Eggman. Then, bring on the pranks... and the victory! Let's do this, guys!"