Eggman's Undersea Base - The Ambition's Revival

[Garland]

In a lavishly decorated room, far more comfortable-looking than the average metallic chambers of the base, Eggman sat at an oaken desk, poring over books and monitors, deep in thought. Though he was somewhat distracted by the events of a few days ago, the doctor had a subject that required his complete attention. Time and time again, he thought, he had tasted failure. But this time would be different. He had spent so much time pooling his resources and planning for every contingency. But... There was one last thing...

Opening a communication channel on his wrist-mounted radio, Eggman began to speak. "Metal, this is Dr. Eggman. I am in the lounge. I would like to speak to you as soon as possible."

[Jamie Lee]

A moment passed before the metallix's voice responded. "Yes, my liege."

In another area of the base Metal Sonic pushed himself away from his desk and exited the small room he had claimed for himself. He began his move, gliding just above the floor's polished surface as he often did when he needed to travel fast. The last few days had dragged by sluggishly for the impatient robohog. Eager, but at the same time afraid of the decision he had made only a few days prior, being forced to wait only made the weight of his choice that much more agonizing. As he mulled that conversation back on the Ark, (and ignored the events just slightly prior), twisting and turning through the base's halls, he soon found the door to the lounge swiftly approaching. He slowed, touching his feet to the linoleum with a soft clink and approached the door.

"You called, sir?" Metal asked rhetorically as he entered.

[Garland]

Eggman stood and turned to face Metal. "Ah, excellent. Now then... First of all, the news that you are most interested in. I have finished my investigation into your request, and it is indeed doable... However, before the reintegration can be done, the format of the data must be altered. That is currently in process, though it will take some time..."

"Secondly, something is about to occur. A very important battle for the Eggman Empire is soon to begin. I need to know if you are feeling well enough to perform your duties."

[Jamie Lee]

The cobalt hedgebot arched his brow. Not so much in response to the 'very important battle'... honestly, they were all like that... or even the news about the recovery process concerning his data. No, this was in response to the last statement. Sure, Eggman had stated he was deserving of being treated like a person, but... he just... wasn't used to it.

Which made it incredibly awkward.

"I am operating at peak performance," he hesitantly stated, unsure of how else to respond.

[Garland]

Eggman lowered his eyes, staring at Metal. "That's not what I meant. Are you confident that you can remain focused? Peak performance is more than your physical condition. It will also require uninterrupted attention to the task at hand."

[Jamie Lee]

The metallix's arched brow remained firmly in place. "It has never been a problem before."

[Garland]

"Very well. I'll trust your judgment." Eggman began to walk to the door of the room. "In that case, be prepared. We'll likely be mobilizing within the next few hours."

[Jamie Lee]

"Very well, my Liege," the metallix said, giving a salute his superior. "Will that be all?"

[Garland]

"There is one more thing. At this moment, you are the only one other than myself who has full details as to the nature of this plan. I trust you have reviewed it thoroughly. Do you have any concerns or issues you would like to address?"

[Jamie Lee]

Pausing in consideration, the metallix made a quick scan through the plan's details in search of any potential flaws. His usual pessimism aside, there was one thing that caught his attention...

"... Yes, actually. Are you sure it is wise to involve Silver Sonic in this plan?"

[Garland]

Eggman steepled his fingers, standing silent for a moment. "Involve? Yes, I do think so. In fact, I think this is a perfect mission for him." A grin appeared on the doctor's face.

[Jamie Lee]

"Hm," the metallix muttered, eyeing his creator doubtfully. "I know you had said you were upgrading him to be my support unit, but the fact you did not recognize him concerns me. How do we know he is not a spy?"

[Garland]

"We don't. Not for sure... Not yet, at least. But we may find out soon enough. Wouldn't it be suspicious if we deployed to attack our target and the military was already there waiting for us?"

[Jamie Lee]

"It would," Metal agreed, pondering. "How do we plan to handle this situation then?"

[Garland]

"Given the current situation, I think it would be wise to exercise a little prudence. I'll announce that I'll be attacking a different location, then send a robot there to observe. If there is an increased military presence, we'll know that there was a leak. And furthermore... Should the military be deployed to that location, it will make it more difficult for them to redeploy when they finally realize we're not coming. It would buy us some time, if nothing else." Eggman made a vague gesture with his hand. "Hypothetically, of course."

[Jamie Lee]

Contemplating this in his mind, the metallix nodded in approval. "None the less it is a brilliant strategy."

[Garland]

"I'll set it into effect immediately." Eggman left the room and began walking down the hall. "I'm tired of waiting! Eggmanland will come to be, this very day!"