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Chapter Text

It was early 2023, the infamous tech genius known as Doctor Ivo Robotnik was busy tinkering in his mobile laboratory. He was fiddling with a few capsules containing a silver metallic liquid. He poured the liquid onto a small rat in a clear container. In a few moments the rat became engulphed in the liquid, becoming robotic and shinning as if it was made of metal. Its eyes glowed red as it snarled at Robotnik.

"Eureka!" Robotnik cried.

"Doctor?" Asked Robotnik's assistant, Agent Stone as he approached the doctor with a latte with steamed Austrian goat milk.

"Agent Stone, look what I have created."

Agent Stone watched intently as Robotnik duplicated the effects of the liquid onto another rat in a clear container. Causing a similar effect to occur. Agent Stone was in awe. This technology was beyond anything he had ever seen before from the doctor.

"Doctor ... this is extraordinary." Agent Stone smiled.

"Yes! I call it the Metal Virus. Its capable of turning any organic material into a mechanized spawn. The only problem is I haven't been able to find a way to stop its spread."

"But still, Doctor. This could improve your robots to an unpresented degree."

Robotnik smirked. "Oh, indeed, Agent Stone. My eggie weggies will soon become unstoppable, I just need to work out the kinks."

Unfortunately, the highly intelligent Doctor Robotnik did not get the chance to improve the technology. Instead, he ran into a speedy blue hedgehog and lost his mind across the galaxy. While on Earth his crew was deformed and a majority were killed off, leaving his mobile lab and more importantly the Metal Virus locked away in his lab. Unknown to anyone on the outside.

It should've stayed this way, a virus like this was too dangerous to be spreading around the planet. However, a certain global agency was a little too inquisitive about what the doctor was hiding in his lab. The Guardian Units of Nations, aka G.U.N. Under the orders of Commander Walters, two G.U.N. agents were poking around in the lab.

"What're we supposed to be looking for?" Questioned one of the agents as they entered the lab with flashlights beaming all around the room.

Both of the agents were fully covered in tactical gear with the emblem of the Guardian Units of Nations resting on the right side of their chest and on their arms.

"I told you, Commander Walters wants us to look for any kind of technology that the old bald freak had stored inside his lab." Replied the other agent. "After the incident in Green Hills with that huge robot, Commander Walters wants us to find anything we can use in case of a threat of a similar level to Robotnik."

"Okay, okay. I hear you." Said the first agent as he scanned a shelf. Discovering a few vials and cases on the shelf. "Oh ... what's this?" He asked as he noticed a gray vial locked on a stand. It read: NMV-Test.

"Hey, Agent Connors." Said the first G.U.N. agent.

"Yes, Agent Simmons?" Asked the other agent as he approached Agent Simmons. "What's up?"

"What do you think this is?" Questioned Agent Simmons.

"I ... don't know. Let's bag it and tag it." Replied Agent Connors.

Agent Simmons nodded and took the vial off of its base and put it into a sealed plastic bag. Little did the G.U.N. agents know but the stand the vial was contained on was keeping what was inside locked in place. But now that it was free, the liquid inside was angered. It had grown a sentience of its own, and had grown a hatred towards Robotnik and the wider government for keeping it locked away. It would not go back inside a box, it would break free and it would get revenge on Robotnik and the world at large.

...

Sonic and Tails were chilling on the couch at their home. While Ozzie was sitting on the floor nearby. The three were watching a movie on TV. Speed to be exact, one of the groups favorite movies. Suddenly, Maddie Wachowski entered the living room. She had a worried look on her face, as if she had seen a ghost.

"Hey, Maddie!" Called Sonic.

"What's up?" Asked Tails.

"Guys, turn on the TV, KDPD6."

"Why? What's going on?" Asked Sonic as Tails grabbed the remote and switched the channel.

Before Maddie could answer, a newswoman began speaking as a video of the exterior of G.U.N. headquarters played in the background.

"Breaking news! A massive pandemic is occurring in London, England. It appears some kind of metal virus has begun taking over the citizens. Turning them into mindless robots who search for more victims. Local and military authorities are coordinating with G.U.N. agents to solve the problem. But as of now residents are urged to stay inside their homes until the situation is resolved."

"Wow ..." said Sonic in awe.

"A ... metal virus?" Questioned Tails. "Could it be ... Eggman is back?"

"No," said Sonic adamantly. "That guy is history. It couldn't be him."

"Well, whatever it is I want us all together." Maddie said. "I've already called Tom and he's on his way back from his State Police buddies." Maddie then looked around the living room. "Where is Knuckles?"

"He kind of ..." Sonic began as his voice trailed off.

"Left." Finished Tails.

Maddie's eyes widened with anger.

"What!?" She bellowed. "That little red fur ball! Why didn't you two try and stop him?"

"We did." Tails replied.

"But he told us he had to train an apprentice." Sonic added.

"An apprentice? He's not Obi-Wan Kenobi." Maddie replied as she put her hands on her hips in frustration. "Okay, look ... we'll wait here until Tom gets back and then go from there."

"Do you really think this virus could reach us?" Sonic asked.

"I don't know." Replied Maddie. "But its better to be safe than sorry."

The family agreed, deciding to keep themselves vigilant on the unfolding situation.

...

It was now five o'clock at night, Knuckles and Wade Whipple were posted inside of a hotel a few hundred miles away from Green Hills. They had just defeated The Buyer in Reno and won the Bowling Tournament of Champions. Knuckles was sitting on the hotel bed with his hands behind his head, while Wade sat in the sofa chair and watched the television. The two were listening in on the report about the metal virus incident unfolding in England.

"Well ... things aren't going ... too well, huh Knuckles?" Wade said nervously

"Do not fret, Wade." Knuckles replied. "Back on my home planet we dealt with viruses every so often."

"How'd you beat them?" Wade asked curiously.

"With our muscles." Knuckles said confidently.

Wade looked disappointed, knowing that muscles might not get the planet out of this one. Whatever this virus was, Wade knew it would only get worse from here. He hoped deep down that G.U.N. could solve this problem for the world. But he couldn't be so sure.

...

In London, chaos had continued to erupt in the city. Multiple G.U.N. units, police units, and military units were already infected. Becoming lifeless metallic shells of their former selves. Commander Walters was outside with his right-hand woman, Director Rockwell. The two were organizing battle units of combined G.U.N. agents, police officers, and military officers to combat the infected men and women that roamed around the headquarters.

"Commander!" Called a G.U.N. agent in full tactical gear as they ran up to Commander Walters and Director Rockwell.

"Status report, Agent." Said Commander Walters.

"Sir, the situation has gone from bad to worse." Replied the agent. "We've lost an entire unit of agents. We need more reinforcements, sir."

Commander Walters sighed. He couldn't stand to hear that more G.U.N. agents had fallen to this mysterious virus. It had broken out of containment five hours ago and the situation had continued to spiral out of control ever since.

"Sir, what're your orders?" Asked Director Rockwell.

Commander Walters sighed. "Contain the location." He told her. "We're pulling out our units."

"Y-yes, sir." Replied the agent before they turned and ran off.

"Sir, is that really such a good idea? We'll look like cowards." Director Rockwell told the commander.

"I don't care about that, Director!" Commander Walters boomed, startling Director Rockwell. "We'll lose more lives if we don't retreat."

"... I hear you, Commander, sir." Director Rockwell replied.

"I need to communicate with the United Nations." Commander Walters said. "We might need to activate our ultimate weapon to destroy this virus."

Director Rockwell's eyes widened. "Sir, you can't possibly mean ..."

"Oh, yes. I do." Nodded Commander Walters sternly. "Now, move out! I want a chopper here in five minutes."

"Sir, yes, sir." Nodded Director Rockwell before she hurried away to call the commander's chopper.

Unbeknownst to the commander of G.U.N. but the metal virus had not been contained to G.U.N. HQ. Instead, it had begun spreading far beyond the location. To other countries as well and even across the sea's. The Metal Virus was bigger and more dangerous than anyone had realized and it was only continuing to get worse.

...

Tom Wachowski was driving down a lone road away from his State Police buddies. It was pitch black outside and the only light ahead was from the headlights of his personal sheriff's cruiser. A dense forest also surrounded him with silence filling the air. He cursed himself, this metal virus was only getting worse and worse and he was still at least almost an hour away from his home. He needed to hurry, in order to make sure his wife and kids were safe.

Suddenly, a crash! A figure had stepped out in front of him from the woods. Tom skidded to a stop, a huge dent had appeared on the front of his vehicle. He quickly got out, pulling his weapon as he investigated the crash. He saw a lone person sprawled out on the road. He had hit and possibly killed someone!

"Oh, no ... Oh, no, no, no!" Tom said worriedly. His years of police training clearing from his head as he wondered what he should do next.

Suddenly, he heard a low groan from behind him. He quickly flipped around and saw three shadowy figures approaching him. Their skin was metallic and their eyes blood red. Tom initially didn't know what this was, but soon realized that it was a sign of the metal virus he had heard about from Maddie! It had to be.

Tom quickly ran around to the passengers side of his vehicle. He then shifted over to the driver's side and sped off. Leaving the groaning infected behind. Tom was now panicking, a rare sight from the cool headed and laid back police officer. But his years of training and experience could not have prepared him for this. A zombie apocalypse, that was only in the movies. But here it was, as real as it could ever get.

Tom had to hurry to Green Hills. He could've sworn he recognized some of the townsfolk of Green Hills in that crowd of infected.

"No, don't think like that." He said to himself.

Green Hills would not fall to this infection, not while he was still the town sheriff. His father had entrusted him with the responsibility and although he was gone he would not allow himself to fail. Not now. Not ever.

...

Wade was pacing around the hotel room he and Knuckles were staying in. Worry adorned his chubby face.

"Wade! Calm yourself." Knuckles told him.

"I can't!" Wade retorted. "This metal virus thing is getting worse and worse! I ... I just don't know what to do next! My family is in danger and so is Tom and Green Hills. I can't just leave either."

"Your family has your sister, she is an agent of this powerful FBI warrior, correct?"

"W-well, yeah. What of it?"

"Well, she and your mom shall be okay. But protecting Green Hills is your responsibility. You cannot leave it behind. Even for your family or you face dishonor."

Wade nodded. "You're right, Knuckles. We should go."

"Agreed." Knuckles nodded as the two grabbed their things and left the hotel room.

However, once outside they saw nothing but panic. A handful of people were running and screaming around the parking lot and down the road. Running in terror from the infected individuals that came their way.

"Oh, no ... its the virus!" Wade cried with worry.

"Calm yourself, Wade." Knuckles told him. "We can still escape if we keep a cool head."

"R-right, you're right." Wade stammered.

The two then hurried down from the second floor balcony of the hotel. They ran down the stairs and found themselves at the motorcycle they had taken to and from Reno. As Wade hopped on and started it up, a loud groaning noise filled his ears from his right. He turned his head and found an infected civilian limping towards him.

Wade cried out, instantly starting up the motorcycle and peeling out of there. Barely giving Knuckles time to hop on. They then sped down the road, with Wade fearing for his life at the sight of the infected.

"Wade! Calm down!" Knuckles commanded.

Wade took a few deep breaths before bringing the speeding motorcycle down to a slow pace.

"I-I'm ... I'm sorry, Knuckles." He replied.

"Do not apologize, remember you are now an Echidna Warrior! You can conquer anything."

Wade nodded confidently, before flooring the motorcycle. Heading straight for the quiet town of Green Hills.

...

Tom had finally made it to the town line of Green Hills. It was quiet and seemed to be empty. It scared him to see his town so quiet and dead. He then pulled into the main center of town. Finding looted buildings and destroyed cars. However, he found no one around. He continued to search the town, although he continued to find no one around. The town appeared to be completely abandoned.

"What ... happened here?" Tom asked himself as he finally made it to his home.

He stopped the car, got out, and raced to the front door. The lights were off and the house appeared to be empty. Tom burst inside, calling out for Maddie, then Sonic, and then Tails. However, he got no response. He then searched the entire house, from top to bottom. But yet he found nothing and no one. Not even a sign of where his family had gone.

He then sighed to himself as he leaned over the kitchen counter. Hurt and worry adorning his face. What was he to do now? He had no idea where his family had gone to or if they were even still uninfected.

Suddenly, a noise from behind Tom caught his attention. He flipped around, and found himself face-to-face with an infected Crazy Carl. Tom was shocked, Carl was one of the oldest residents of Green Hills. He couldn't be infected, not like this. Tom couldn't move, he was frozen in both fear and shock at seeing Carl like this.

Suddenly, purple electricity crackled around Carl's body. He shuttered in place before the electricity stopped and he fell to the floor. Tom didn't know if Carl was alive or not, but he was more focused on the man in all-black standing in front of him. His face obscured by a biker helmet.

"Wh-who are you?" Tom asked before he quickly pulled his gun out.

However, the figure didn't even react to Tom pulling his weapon. He only put his arm down and stepped forward and took off his helmet. Revealing his identity to Tom, who couldn't believe who he was seeing. It was the loyal assistant of the man he hated the most in this world, Agent Stone.

Chapter Text

"Wait, the Mean Bean Coffee guy?" Tom questioned.

Agent Stone sighed. "I have a name, you know? Its-"

"Listen, buddy. I don't really care. All I know is that the world is ending and now that you're standing here I bet that Robotskis guy is behind this."

"Look, the good doctor was not behind this. Do you think we would really want some kind of global destruction like this?"

"Well, you have tried to conquer the planet multiple times so I'd say yeah." Tom replied in a snarky manner.

Agent Stone was ready to rip his hair out due to Tom. But his years of government training allowed him to keep a cool head and remain composed.

"Look, I wouldn't have come here if it wasn't for a reason."

"And what reason would that be?" Asked Tom.

"Simple, I came here to collect Team Sonic. Perhaps they could help us deal with this apocalypse."

"Team Sonic?" Questioned Tom. "You mean Sonic and his friends?"

"Yes, that's exactly who I mean. Their power and teamwork are unlike anything I or the doctor have encountered before. Save for the Master Emerald, which we don't know where that could be."

"And you never will." Tom replied coldly. "And if you think you can come here to take my kids to help your deranged boss then you've got another thing coming."

"Kids?" Asked a puzzled Agent Stone. "You consider those ... emotional support animals your children. Okay." He chuckled.

"Look," sighed Tom. "Thanks for stopping by, but I'll take it from here. I don't know where Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or Maddie are so I've got to go."

Tom then pushed past Agent Stone and stepped out of his house, before Agent Stone called out to him.

"How far do you think you're going to get, Mr. Wachowski?" Agent Stone said.

Tom stopped dead in his tracks, before slowly turning around to face Agent Stone.

"What do you mean? I'm a trained police officer."

"With a mere pistol as a weapon, a dented car, and no clue as to what you're dealing with here."

Tom raised an eyebrow. "Oh, and you do?"

"Precisely. Doctor Robotnik and I know what this virus is."

"How so?"

Before Agent Stone could answer, a loud and low groaning sound could be heard behind Tom. The two looked up and saw a handful of infected Green Hills civilians marching towards them.

"Forget it!" Called Agent Stone. "We need to leave, now!" He commanded.

Agent Stone turned to his nearby motorcycle, however, it was being toppled over by a few infected civilians. Agent Stone cursed to himself, as panic began to creep into his subconscious.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed his wrist and pulled him into the nearby sheriff's cruiser. It was Tom! Before Agent Stone could say anything further, Tom was speeding out of there and down the dirt road that led to his house.

Agent Stone then breathed a huge sigh of relief. For now the two were safe.

"Thank you, Mr. Wachowski." He said.

"Its Tom, call me Tom."

"Okay, thank you, Tom." Agent Stone replied before pausing. "Why did you just save me back there?"

"Because, like it or not, I need you and your assistance. You're right about me, I need some help dealing with this ... infection."

Agent Stone nodded. "Well, again, I thank you, Tom." He said.

"Where should we go?" Asked Tom.

"We should leave the state of Montana." Agent Stone replied. "From what I've seen its nearly completely taken over."

"Crap," Tom sighed. "Where in the world is clear of the infection?"

"Not sure, but I know the area the doctor and I have been staying in is rather infection free."

"Okay," nodded Tom. "Where is that?"

"Tokyo Bay."

"What!? I can't take us all the way to Tokyo!"

"How come?"

"Because I need to find Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Maddie. I'm not leaving the U.S. without them."

Agent Stone grumbled, annoyed by Tom's attachments to these people. However, he did need Team Sonic in order to possibly cure the infection. So, Agent Stone didn't argue.

"Fine, we'll pick them up and then I'll have the doctors Mecha Crab come pick us up." Agent Stone replied before Tom gave him an odd glance. "Yes, the doctor invented a robotic crab that flies."

"Makes sense for that freak show."

"Hey! The doctor is a great man."

Tom rolled his eyes, he knew it was no use to try and convince Agent Stone that Robotnik was a bad guy and that he was a crazy psycho.

Agent Stone then sighed and turned to look out of the car's window.

"I wouldn't expect you to understand." He said.

"Yeah, I really don't." Tom replied.

"Look, where are we headed?" Agent Stone asked as he turned to Tom.

"Well, its likely Sonic, Maddie, Tails, and Knuckles are around here somewhere. If we keep on the move, I doubt those infected guys can catch up to us."

"I suppose that makes sense." Agent Stone replied. "But for now; lets put some distance between us and Green Hills. Since I doubt they'd stay behind here."

Tom nodded, as much as he hated the fact that he had let Green Hills down. He had no choice but to move on. To survive and hopefully reunite with his family.

...

Commander Walters was sitting inside of the headquarters of the United Nations. Surrounding him was the entire UN Security Council and the leaders of the nations of the world.

"So, Commander Walters." Said the secretary general of the UN. He was a clearly aged man with short gray hair and wrinkled pale skin. "We understand that this infection has started at your headquarters, correct?"

"Yes," nodded Commander Walters. "Unfortunately, while transporting a piece of ... classified technology a ... mishap occurred, causing this infection."

"A 'mishap'?" Asked the secretary general. "I would call this bigger than a mere mishap, Commander. Already, the United Kingdom is damn near wiped out due to this infection. But this has spread to France, Wales, and Ireland. Even some reports from the United States of America."

"Sir," began Commander Walters before clearing his throat. "I can assure you, G.U.N. is working around the clock to suppress this infection by any means necessary."

"Clearly it is not working." Replied the secretary general. "Me and the security council have deemed it necessary to mobilize the United Nations Police to try and combat this infection."

Commander Walters sighed. "Sir, I have an ... alternative option for combating this infection."

The secretary general raised his eyebrow.

"I'm listening." He said.

"I'd ... rather not have the mention of this weapon on record, sir."

The UN Security Council chambers erupted into discussion from all of the members of the Security Council. The secretary general then called out to the members of the Security Council to be silent. A few moments later and the room calmed down.

"I'll need a moment to speak with you, Commander Walters, in private. Give me fifteen minutes."

"Thank you, sir." Nodded Commander Walters.

"Meeting dismissed!" Called the secretary general before one-by-one everyone stood up and began spilling out of the room.

Commander Walters being one of those people. He headed for the secretary general's private quarters. Closing the door behind him before sighing and sitting down on a nearby sofa.

"Quite a catastrophe, aye Commander?" Said a nearby elderly voice.

Commander Walters instantly shot up, turned and discovered a familiar face sitting in a chair. He wore a white lab coat, blood red undershirt, black pants, a black belt with a gold belt buckle, and slip-on black shoes.

"Y-you ... you!" Cried Commander Walters. "I-its you!"

"Yes," smirked the old man as he rose to his feet. "Remember me, Commander Walters? Or, back then I remember you were Captain Walters."

"Gerald." Commander Walters muttered.

"That's Professor Robotnik to you!" Barked Gerald.

"What are you doing here? How did you even get in here?"

"I have my methods. But that's besides the point. I am here because I want to ... help, the Guardian Units of Nations."

Commander Walters was puzzled.

"What?" He asked. "Why?"

"Because, the world is being ripped apart by this infection and unsurprisingly the Guardian Units of Nations is completely ineffective against it."

Commander Walters grumbled at Gerald's insult against his agency.

"That being said," continued Gerald. "I have the perfect weapon to use against this infection."

"That being?"

"Shadow the Hedgehog."

Commander Walters' eyes widened.

"But ... Shadow is dead, Professor."

Gerald laughed. "Oh, Commander. Please. I know that's not true. No nation or agency on Earth could hope to kill Shadow. He's just too powerful."

Commander Walters nodded. "Right, but I doubt even he is immune to the infection."

"Ah!" Said Gerald. "During testing of my dear Shadow, we discovered that Shadow is immune to all known Earth diseases. Now, although this infection isn't a normal disease. I believe since it is made on Earth that Shadow should be immune to it and possibly provide us a counter to the infection."

"Wait, how do you know it is Earth made?"

"Well, I recognize the technology. It is of similar design to something I would make. Perhaps made by a ... long dead relative of mine." Gerald smirked.

"Yes, that is possible." Commander Walters replied.

"Well, think about my offer. I'll be waiting on Prison Island for you, Commander."

With that, Gerald turned to walk away from Commander Walters. However, Commander Walters stopped Gerald by grabbing his arm. Gerald looked at Commander Walters hand, before staring into his eyes.

"Yes?" Gerald asked.

"Professor Robotnik," Commander Walters sighed. "I'm ... sorry, so sorry for what happened with-"

"Save your sympathy, Commander." Gerald replied as he pulled his arm back. "I do not need it."

"Let it be known, Professor, that I did not want you locked away. It was out of my hands. That's why when I became commander I set you free."

"Yes, fifty years too late." Gerald muttered before turning and leaving the commander alone in the room.

Commander Walters sat back, defeated. He believed that there was no way Gerald could have survived this infection. Yet, that old man was full of surprises apparently. Commander Walters hated himself for what had happened fifty years ago with Shadow, Gerald, and ... her. But now he could do nothing about it, Gerald was right, he was fifty years too late.

Suddenly, a well-dressed agent of G.U.N. burst into the room. He looked worried and concerned.

"Commander Walters," he said.

"Agent ... what is going on?" Commander Walters asked as he stood up.

Before he knew it, the agent was pulling him out of the room.

"Sir, we need to leave now! The infection has spread to New York, the UN headquarters is under attack."

Without another word, Commander Walters hurried alongside the agent. They rushed into a helicopter outside, before the agent yelled at the pilot to take off.

"Wait," said Commander Walters. "What about the world leaders, and the general secretary?"

"Sir, only most of them are accounted for. It all happened so suddenly." Replied the agent as the helicopter rose into the air and left the United Nations headquarters behind.

Commander Walters sighed, looking over the destruction below. Burning cars and metallic infected civilians, police officers, and government agents lined the streets. Commander Walters noticed that a single touch from an infected onto a non-infected would result in infection. Due to this, complete and total chaos had erupted in the streets of New York City.

"Sir," said an agent sitting across from Commander Walters. "What are your orders?"

"How is Director Rockwell in Britain? Is she okay?"

The agent shook his head.

"No, sir." He said. "She had to pull the forces out. The United Kingdom is lost and Wales is right behind it."

Commander Walters nodded, before remembering Gerald's words. He didn't exactly want to trust the old professor. But he had begun to slowly realize that there was no other choice. He would have to work with him if it meant saving the world. Perhaps he could also use this as a way to show how effective G.U.N. was at protecting the world.

"Agent, contact Director Rockwell and have her join us on Prison Island."

"Prison Island?" Questioned the agent.

"Yes, we're going to meet up with an old asset of this agency."

The agent nodded before telling the pilot Commander Walters orders. Commander Walters then leaned back in his chair and sighed, he hated having to unearth Shadow the Hedgehog again for the first time in fifty years. However, he had no choice. The world was slowly becoming lost and hopefully Shadow could help it find itself again.

Chapter Text

It had been sometime since Tom and Agent Stone had left Green Hills. They kept silently to themselves the entire journey. What was there to talk about anyhow? The whole world was crashing down all around them and there was nothing they could seemingly do about it. That was unless they met back up with Robotnik in Tokyo. That was their goal, to make it to get the Wachowski's back together and make it to Tokyo. But that was easier said than done.

"You know," said Tom after an eternity of silence. "I don't get you."

"What do you mean?" Agent Stone asked Tom as he turned to face him.

"Why do you ally yourself with Robotnik? I mean; you're no saint but ... I can't get behind that you have the same goals as Robotnik."

Agent Stone sighed. "I don't expect you to understand."

"Oh, come on!" Tom replied. "Why do you follow that guy?"

"Because ... we share a common goal."

"A common goal? Really?"

"Yes, we're both tech geniuses. Although, the doctor is far smarter than me. But we seek technological superiority over the filth that is humanity!"

As Agent Stone began to cackle with a wide smile, Tom gave him a disapproving look.

"Oh ... no offense to you, Mr. Wachowski." He said blankly.

"Oh, yeah. Thanks. How dare I take offense to that." Tom remarked.

"Hey! Its not my fault that I have achieved far more than you are ever going to do in your entire existence."

Tom rolled his eyes before looking ahead at the road.

"Honestly, I don't mind. I don't need to be Mr. Superman." He told Agent Stone. "I just want to live a calm, normal life and protect those around me."

Agent Stone only responded by making a fake gagging sound.

"Hey!" Tom called.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just felt queasy all of a sudden." Agent Stone remarked sarcastically with a faint smile.

Tom was about to say something snarky in response, before he quickly noticed a destroyed car on the road ahead of him and quickly swerved out of the way. The banged up sheriff's cruiser skidded on the road, leaving tire tracks in its wake. Thankfully, Tom managed to skid around the vehicle without even touching it. Screeching to a halt right next to it. He and Agent Stone took deep breaths, shocked by the near miss.

"Good driving back there." Agent Stone told Tom.

"Thanks." Tom nodded, before turning to look at the road ahead of him. "Oh ... my ... God." He said worriedly.

Agent Stone turned to follow his line of sight, seeing the exact same sight that he was. There were a handful of destroyed cars along the road. Some were lucky and only had their windows blown out. Others were completely totaled and thrown onto their roofs. What could have possibly done all of this?

"We ... we should keep moving." Agent Stone said.

"Agreed." Gulped Tom as he began cautiously driving down the road again.

Tom had never seen such destruction before. He was a small town sheriff after all, the most carnage he ever saw was a minor car accident or a fire. Nothing like this. But Agent Stone recognized such destruction. It brought him back to his work with the United States Army and the Department of Defense in black ops missions with the doctor and his crew.

This was the kind of destruction brought about after a major battle or catastrophe. Had this infection really grown to become this bad? Agent Stone would've wanted to be happy about this. It was proof that the doctor had once again made a successful creation! But he felt nothing but pity. This virus would continue to infect the world until someone cooked up a cure. But he knew only Robotnik could do this, the Guardian Units of Nations were completely incapable in a situation like this. This was living proof of it.

"Still convinced the doctor isn't a madman?" Tom asked Agent Stone.

Agent Stone didn't reply, too stone faced by the destruction before his eyes. He also worried there were infected civilians nearby. He just wanted to be away from this area. No matter what it took. Eventually, Tom managed to weed his way through the destruction. Making it back onto a clear road and speeding away. After seeing such a scene, Tom was further motivated to find his family. No matter what it took.

...

Far away, a G.U.N. helicopter had just touched down on Prison Island. Out of the helicopter stepped a few G.U.N. agents and the commander himself. He was tired and angered about the infection plaguing the globe. He also hated how ineffective G.U.N. was in a situation like this, and how it now needed help from the one man it had sold out fifty years ago.

Commander Walters walked through the facility, flanked by G.U.N. agents on both sides of him. He quickly made his way to the door to the cryostasis pod containing the ultimate lifeform. Shadow the Hedgehog. As he approached the front door, the head of the security of the facility stood to greet him. His name was Kyle Lancebottom.

"Commander, sir." He said meekly as he shook his superiors hand. "I quickly arranged everything for your arrival once I heard word that-"

But Commander Walters cut him off.

"Is Director Rockwell here?" He said.

"Oh ... no, sir. But her pilot told me she's enroute, five to ten minutes at the most."

"Damn, we don't have time to wait for her." Commander Walters said. "Open the door and let me in, Soldier."

Kyle nodded. "Yes, sir." He said before scanning his ID badge against a scanner next to the door.

The door then opened into the celling with a clang, allowing Commander Walters, Kyle, and the commander's guards to enter. However, they were not alone as once the door to the room closed they all noticed a man in a lab coat admiring Shadow in his cryostasis pod.

"Hey! Who are you!?" Called Kyle, but the man in the lab coat ignored him.

Before he could say another word, Commander Walters put a hand in front of Kyle's chest.

"Its okay, Soldier." He said. "He's with me."

Kyle didn't know what to make of the situation, but trusted Commander Walters judgement. The man in the lab coat then turned to face the group, revealing himself to be Gerald Robotnik.

"About time you got here." Gerald said.

"Yes ... I know." Nodded Commander Walters. "We ran into a bit of a-"

"Snag?" Gerald smirked. "I bet. I heard the entire United Nations headquarters has been overrun by the infected."

"What!?" Cried Kyle. "That's ... that's impossible!"

"Kyle!" Barked Commander Walters. "Leave us."

Kyle was taken aback.

"But sir-"

"Now!" Ordered Commander Walters.

Without another word Kyle left. Commander Walters then turned to the two guards by his side.

"You two as well. Leave us."

The two agents looked at each other before turning and leaving the room. The door closed tightly behind them, leaving Commander Walters and Gerald in complete silence. The two stared at each other, saying nothing. Before Gerald then turned back to face Shadow.

"Are you ready to release him now, Commander?" Gerald asked.

Commander Walters sighed. "Are you sure he will be immune to the virus?"

"Yes!" Barked Gerald. "Or do you not remember the capabilities of Shadow? You were the base commander of our old lab after all."

Commander Walters sighed. Knowing that Gerald was right, he was just being stubborn. Not wanting to work with the old professor and release Shadow, but a part of him knew he had no other choice. He scanned his hand print on the control console of Shadow's cryostasis pod before he pushed a few buttons. After a few moments, the cryo fluid inside of the pod began to drain and Shadow floated down onto dry land.

Silence then filled the room as Gerald and Commander Walters stared at the pod. Wondering what would happen next. Suddenly ... Shadow awoke! His eyes shot open and he blasted out of the pod. Blowing both Commander Walters and Gerald onto their backs. They stared up at Shadow, smoke and sparks billowing out of the damaged cryostasis pod.

His angry eyes scanned the room before they then landed on Gerald, instantly his mood changed into a calm and surprised one.

"Professor?" He asked before helping Gerald rise to his feet.

"Yes, my dear Shadow." He replied. Smiling like a grandpa happy to see his grandchild after a long time.

"Where ... where am I?" Shadow asked. "Why are you here? I thought you were captured by ..."

Shadow's voice trailed off as he witnessed Commander Walters rise to his feet nearby. The commander groaned a tired sigh as he did so. Before his eyes met Shadow's own.

"Walters ..." Shadow glared. His Chaos Energy spiking as it flickered across his body like an angry wave.

Despite not seeing the commander in fifty years, he instantly recognized him. How could he forget the face of the last man he had seen before being locked away for fifty years? But just as Shadow was about to charge the commander, Gerald put a hand in front of his chest.

"Easy, Shadow." He said.

Shadow reluctantly calmed down, more confused than anything.

"Professor?" Shadow asked.

"There," said Commander Walters. "You got what you wanted! Now its time to uphold your end of our deal."

"Deal?" Questioned Shadow. "You made a deal with ... him?" He snarled, a tinge of disgust in his voice at the end of his words.

Gerald snickered. "Oh, I intend to, Commander." He said. "But it doesn't include you in it."

"Huh?" Called Commander Walters.

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed on the door to the room. The group could hear the snarling voices of the infected from beyond the door. Their metallic groans echoing outside like flock of animals, desperate to get to their food.

"What ... how could they reach us!?" Called Commander Walters.

"Oh ... I managed to lead one of the infected from the UN headquarters here with a Ring Portal. I bet its already taken over the entire facility by now." Gerald smirked.

"... No ... you didn't!" Cried Commander Walters in fear.

"Professor, what do you mean?" Asked Shadow.

"I'll explain later, Shadow." Gerald replied before pulling out a ring from one of his pockets. "Dispose of the commander," he told Shadow. "But do not kill him. I want him to suffer."

Shadow nodded before glaring at Commander Walters. His Chaos Energy sparking wildly as Commander Walters held his hands up defensively.

"Wait ... no!" He cried before Shadow leapt at Commander Walters and punched him in the chest, sending him flying into a nearby wall.

Commander Walters then landed on the ground, groaning in pain as he grabbed his chest. His breathing was weak as was his muscles, Commander Walters quickly discovered that he could no longer stand. Gerald then threw the ring, watching it transform into a portal that led to some unknown metallic building.

"Come on, Shadow." Said Gerald. "Its time to go."

Shadow nodded before turning and standing next to Gerald.

"Wait!" Cried Commander Walters. "You can't do this to me, Gerald!"

Gerald and Shadow turned to the commander. Disgusted looks on their angry faces.

"You took everything from us." Gerald said. "You deserve worse than this, Commander."

Without another word, the two left Commander Walters as they stepped through the ring portal. The portal then closed, leaving Commander Walters alone. But not for long as the metallic door to the room burst open. Suddenly, a handful of infected G.U.N. soldiers burst into the room. Commander Walters tried to scramble away in fear, but he knew it was no use. He was quickly overrun by the infected and became one of them. Now G.U.N. was forever left without its leader.

...

Elsewhere, Tom and Agent Stone had pulled into a gas station. Tom's police cruiser needed fuel and they needed any supplies they could gather. While Agent Stone waited outside, leaning against the cruiser with his arms crossed. Tom was searching the gas station. He had already checked it out and discovered that there was no one inside. Its windows were broken and the shelves inside were toppled over. It was a sad and horrid sight.

Tom sighed to himself as he gathered what junk food he could for the road ahead of the two. The candy and sweets reminded him of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. Those three were always getting into everything. Tom wanted that back, more than anything else in the world. He also wanted Maddie back. His one true love in this world. Where the hell could they possibly be?

"Hey, Wachowski!" Called Agent Stone from outside.

Tom rushed outside.

"Yeah?" Tom asked.

"I just had an idea." Agent Stone replied.

"That being?" Tom asked as he approached him.

"Why don't we use your police radio to see if anyone needs our help."

Tom was surprised, he hadn't thought about using his police radio. He had been more focused on merely surviving the infection thus far.

"That's ... actually a good idea, Stone." Tom replied. "I'm not sure who's signal we'll pick up. But hopefully they're not too far away."

Agent Stone nodded and stepped aside as Tom filled the back of his police cruiser with his junk food trinkets before sitting in the front seat and beginning to mess with the dials on his police radio before finding the right channel. Tom then put the radio near his mouth before pressing the call button on the top.

"Hello, this is Sheriff Tom Wachowski." He said. "Is anyone out there? I am looking for survivors. Please, if anyone can hear this please respond."

Tom only got static in response. But he wasn't detoured yet.

"This is Sheriff Tom Wachowski. I am looking for survivors. Please, if anyone out there can hear this then please respond."

Still silence continued to fill the air. But Tom wanted to try one more time. Hoping, praying even that someone would respond to his calls.

"Anyone out there, please respond. My name is Sheriff Tom Wachowski. I am looking for survivors to help. Please, respond."

Static continued to fill the air waves. Tom sighed before sitting back in the driver's seat.

"Dammit!" He said. "Its no good. No one can hear-"

"Tom? Tom is that you?" Said a familiar voice from the radio.

Both Tom and Agent Stone paused, not sure if they heard right. A few moments passed before the voice came through the radio again.

"Tom? Tom are you there? It's me, Wade."

Tom's face instantly lit up.

"Wade!" He called before eagerly grabbing the radio and placing the mic near his mouth. "Wade! Wade Whipple! Its me, Tom." He said excitedly.

"Tom, good to hear from you bud." Wade replied.

"Where are you? Are you still in Green Hills?" Tom asked.

"No," replied Wade. "I'm on some road with Knuckles. I don't know which though."

Tom's eyes widened. "Knuckles!?" He called. "Knuckles is with you?"

"Yeah," Wade replied before a shuffling sound followed.

"Hello, Lord of the Donuts." Knuckles said happily.

"Knuckles." Tom smiled. "Its so good to hear your voice. Where are you two at?"

"Um ... we're not sure." Replied Knuckles. "I think we're by a place called ... Spring Valley."

"Spring Valley? Oh, I know where that is. Let's converge on the town and meet up. Are Sonic, Tails, or Maddie with you two?"

"No, they're not. Why? Where are they?" Knuckles questioned, his voice heightened with worry.

"I don't know." Replied Tom. "But we need to-"

"Tom!" Screamed Agent Stone as Tom flipped and noticed a small hoard of infected metallic zombies heading their way.

"Get in!" Tom ordered, with Agent Stone not wasting a second to unhook the gas nozzle of the pump from the cruiser before hopping into the passengers seat of the vehicle.

"Tom? What is it?" Asked Wade from the radio.

"We're in trouble, but listen; we'll meet you in Spring Valley. Got it? If I'm not there by the end of today then abandon the town. Got it, Wade? You have to keep Knuckles safe for me!"

"I'm already on it, Tom." Wade replied confidently.

But Tom didn't hear it, instead he was too focused on speeding out of the gas station just as the infected reached his cruiser. He managed to get back onto the main road and speed away from the hoard. Once he had gotten far enough away, Tom and Agent Stone once more took a deep breath. They had evaded a close infection for a second time. They had to be more careful. Who knew when their luck would run out.

But Tom didn't care about that right now. Instead, he put the cruiser's pedal to the floor and hurried down the road. The vehicle's engine roaring loudly as it screamed down the road. Agent Stone had to hold onto the passenger's door to steady himself as Tom continued to fly down the road. They were going to get to Knuckles and Wade. No matter what it took. They only hoped that Spring Valley wasn't as overrun as Green Hills was.

Chapter Text

"Professor," said Shadow as he and Gerald stepped through a Ring Portal and into a dark bunker. "Where are we?"

"You don't recognize this place, Shadow?"

Shadow looked around at the place around him as the Ring Portal behind him and Gerald dissipated. His eyes then widened as he finally realized where they were.

"Its ... its ..."

"The old lab." Gerald smiled.

"But ... why are we here, Professor?"

"Simple, we are here to gather some things before we move onto our true goal."

"Which is?"

"All in due time, Shadow. Do not worry."

Shadow nodded. Trusting the professor with all his heart, but a part of him felt ... guilty about leaving Commander Walters behind to die like that. Sure, the commander had imprisoned him for fifty years, but a part of him felt that the man was not the same one from fifty years ago. But when Gerald's voice told Shadow to follow him, Shadow pushed the thoughts of Commander Walters out of his head.

He and Gerald continued walking through the complex, the memories of his time with Maria flooding through Shadow's head. He could hardly process it. If it wasn't for the professor at his side, he would've felt like giving up. However, he pushed onwards and stayed by the professor's side as he gathered a few machines and parts from the various rooms of the bunker. When they were done, they returned to the entrance.

"Now what will we do, Professor?"

"We will gather the two last pieces we need to get our revenge, Shadow."

"That being?"

"The keycards for the Eclipse Cannon."

Shadow's eyes widened.

"Professor, what is that?"

"My ultimate weapon. When I was imprisoned by G.U.N. I made a deal with them to craft the ultimate weapon. The Eclipse Cannon. Capable of turning the world to ash in an instant. We can finally get our revenge on the world which took everything from us."

Shadow nodded, but looked unsure.

"Come now, Shadow." Gerald said, "we have work to do."

Shadow nodded silently before following Gerald out of the bunker. Gerald then grabbed the last Ring Portal he had before throwing it and creating a portal to London, England and right in front of the headquarters of G.U.N. The two then stepped forwards before the ring closed behind them. Now the two were one more step closer to achieving their ultimate goal of revenge.

...

Tom and Agent Stone had continued driving down desolate roads and past abandoned buildings for some time now. They were just a few miles out of the town of Spring Valley.

"Alright," said Tom. "Before we meet up with Wade and Knuckles we should stop for some weapons."

"No good," replied Agent Stone. "Typical weapons do not work on these infected."

"Crap," Tom scoffed. "How can we stop these things?"

"Do I look like I have all of the answers!?" Agent Stone barked.

"Well, you're freaking boss made this damn virus!"

"Yes, he would know how to cure it. But in terms of stopping one of these things I think only Chaos Energy can do the trick and unfortunately we don't have any on hand outside of Knuckles. So he can not fall to this virus, no matter what."

Tom gave Stone a disapproving look.

"We also cannot let him fall to his virus because he is my son."

Agent Stone just rolled his eyes, Tom's affection for these fury creatures was beginning to annoy him. Agent Stone was a very articulate and tactical man, not wanting to let feelings get in the way of his missions. He worried that Tom's compassion was a weakness that needed to be dealt with if they were going to survive.

Suddenly, the two passed a sign saying: Welcome to Spring Valley! in bold black lettering. Now they were in for a fight as they noticed dozens of overturned cars, burning buildings, and trash laying across the road. Tom drove slowly, scanning each and every corner for Knuckles and Wade. Agent Stone did the same, keeping a keen eye for possible infected civilians.

When neither spotted Knuckles or Wade, Tom got on his radio and began trying to contact him.

"This is Tom, Wade, Knuckles, where are you?" He said into the radio microphone.

Silence followed, Tom repeated the same sentence. Still, nothing.

"Is your deputy prone to not picking up the phone?" Agent Stone quizzed.

"No, never. If anything, he uses it too much." Tom replied.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the static of the radio.

"T-Tom ... Tom! Its me, Wade!"

Tom's eyes widened with glee.

"Wade! Goddamn you, where the hell are you and Knuckles!?"

"We're in Spring Valley, the radio is going on the fritz. We're atop this department store but things aren't looking good. You've got to get here fast!"

"Copy that, Wade." Tom nodded, "I'll be there shortly."

"This better be worth it." Agent Stone mumbled to himself as Tom sped off towards the location Wade was telling him about.

He searched through the town for some time before stumbling upon the department store Wade was telling him about. He screeched the vehicle to a halt as he and Agent Stone gazed upon the scene. There were dozens, no hundreds of infected civilians trying to bust their way into the store. Very faintly on the roof Tom and Agent Stone could see the outline of a person, a person they figured was Wade Whipple.

"Dammit, Wade." Tom sighed, "why did you have to get stuck up there?"

"We're boned, Tom." Agent Stone said. "How do you figure we're supposed to get up there?"

"Well, you're the ex-government operative. Why can't you think of a way up there?"

Agent Stone sighed.

"Fine, well ... one of us could try and lure the infected away while the other sneaks up there and rescues Wade and Knuckles."

Tom nodded, silently approving of the idea.

"Alright, you go ahead with that." He told Agent Stone.

"What!?" Barked Agent Stone. "Why should I distract them!?"

"Well, you thought of the idea. Plus, I think Wade and Knuckles will more ... happily come with us if its me who picks them up, not you."

Agent Stone nodded.

"Fine, I'll do it. Just don't waste my time."

Tom nodded before stepping out of the cruiser, allowing Agent Stone to slide over into the driver's seat before speeding off towards the department store. He then skidded the vehicle in a turn, before hoking the horn and blaring the sirens as loud as he could. One-by-one, the hoard began to methodically chase after Agent Stone until none were left at the department store entrance.

Seizing this opportunity, Tom raced towards the department store. Running faster than he had ever done so before. His heart beating into his ears like a drum as he hurried around to the side of the building and found the ladder to the rooftop. He then climbed up to the top before setting his eyes on Wade and Knuckles. The two were silent at first, before racing to give Tom a hug.

Tom was taken aback by the moment, before smiling. He embraced them tightly, glad to see them once again.

"You guys are alright!" Tom cheered.

"Yeah, a little banged up." Replied Wade, "but we'll manage."

"Where is Sonic and Tails?" Asked Knuckles.

Tom looked somber.

"I do not know." He told them both. "I've been looking for them and Maddie for awhile now. But I found some guy who'll help lead us to the man who can stop this whole thing."

"You did?" Asked Wade.

"Who is it?" Continued Knuckles.

Tom opened his mouth to speak, before a vehicle pulled up to the department store with a loud screech. Behind said vehicle were the faint sounds of the infected hoard nearing the location.

"That's our ride!" Tom called, "let's move!"

Without another word, the trio flew down the ladder and raced around to the sheriff's cruiser waiting for them. The infected hoard was not very far behind them, just coming into view around the corner.

"Go, go, go!" Called Agent Stone from the driver's seat.

The trio then piled into the vehicle, Tom in the passenger's seat and Wade and Knuckles in the backseat. Just as the infected hoard was nearing their vehicle, Agent Stone floored it and sped off with a large dust cloud behind them. Agent Stone raced the vehicle through town at lightning fast speeds and didn't catch his breath until they were past the town line. None of them did, as a matter of fact.

When the dust settled and the team were finally in the clear, they chuckled. Laughing despite how close they came to being infected.

"Thanks for that, Tom." Wade breathed. "We couldn't have done it without you."

"No problem, Wade." Tom smiled.

"Say, whose your partner? He looks kind of familiar to me." Wade commented as Agent Stone went pale.

"Yeah ... he does," added Knuckles before his eyes widened. "Its the goat milker!" He cried.

"The what!?" Called Tom.

"He's that guy with that crazy doctor guy!" Wade said.

Agent Stone sighed in defeat as his cover was blown.

"Okay ... look," said Tom. "Yes, he is with Doctor Robuttstink-"

"Robotnik!" Yelled Agent Stone.

"... Robotnik ..." said Tom. "But he's helping me out, saved my skin a few times actually."

"Really?" Asked Wade.

"Yep," nodded Tom.

"So ... we can trust you?" Asked Knuckles innocently.

"Yes, we share a common goal." Replied Agent Stone.

"Which is?" Asked Wade.

"Ending this apocalypse." Agent Stone replied coldly.

The group sat silently for a few moments, looking at the passing tree's and hillsides around them. That was until Wade suddenly spoke up.

"So ..." began Wade. "What are we going to do now?"

"We're heading to Tokyo." Replied Agent Stone. "Doctor Robotnik is there and he can help us end this thing."

"No! We're going to find Sonic, Tails, and my wife."

Agent Stone glared at Tom.

"Haven't you noticed that they're probably dead meat? I mean; seriously."

Tom growled before reaching his leg over and slamming his foot on the brakes. The cruiser turned and skidded to a stop as Agent Stone nearly lost control.

"What the hell!?" Barked Agent Stone.

"We're not going anywhere until we find Sonic, Tails, and Maddie!" Tom boomed.

Agent Stone and Tom glared at each other, neither one saying anything to the other.

"Maybe ... maybe your partner here is right." Said Wade nervously.

"What!?" Boomed Tom. "Wade, you can't be serious!"

"I'm just saying, Spring Valley is already gone and I assume Green Hills is too, right?"

Tom nodded somberly.

"Then its likely that they are already infected."

Tom wanted to argue with his lieutenant deputy, but didn't. His mind beginning to consider the possibility that Sonic, Tails, and ... Maddie were already infected. That was until Knuckles spoke up.

"We cannot lose faith." He said, "Sonic and Tails are great warriors, not as great as me ... but still. I doubt they would've fell to this plague so quickly. If we all survived, then perhaps they survived as well."

Tom nodded, agreeing with Knuckles. Wade was also beginning to agree with Knuckles, as having hope for their survival was all they had left. However, Agent Stone was not in the same boat. Instead rather wishing to leave the United States behind entirely and head for Tokyo in order to make it to Robotnik. As such, he was not about to let his stance on the matter go.

"I still think we should leave for Tokyo." Agent Stone told the group.

"Oh, yeah?" Asked Tom, "well, we're staying and that's final."

"Really?" Asked Agent Stone. "What makes you think you're going to make me listen?"

Tom eyed Agent Stone up before turning to Knuckles. Who nodded in response before bawling his fists and glowing red with electric Chaos Energy. Agent Stone glanced at Knuckles before turning back to Tom.

"I see your point." He said as Knuckles powered down. "But remember we are going to see Robotnik no matter what."

"Right, I agree with that." Tom replied.

"So, Tom." Said Wade, "where are we even going to begin looking for Sonic, Tails, or Maddie."

Tom paused before holding his chin in thought.

"Knuckles, where is some place Sonic and Tails might go that you know of?"

Knuckles began to think hard, hoping to find an answer to Tom's question. Suddenly, his eyes lit up and he smiled.

"I've got it!" He called.

"You do?" Asked Tom excitedly.

"Yes!" Nodded Knuckles. "There's a secret cave that Sonic once lived in. Deep in the forest around Green Hills. He, Tails, and Maddie might be there."

Tom nodded before turning to Agent Stone.

"Alright, floor it!" He told him, but Agent Stone wasn't sure.

"We just barely escaped Green Hills with our lives, are you sure we should go back?" He asked Tom.

"I am positive we should go." Tom replied, "we can do this."

Agent Stone looked unsure, before nodding.

"Fine, but if we don't find them we have to head to Tokyo. That is our one and only option. We cannot waste more time."

Tom nodded, agreeing to Agent Stone's orders. He knew how vital a cure to all of this was; but he couldn't leave his family behind. What kind of a man would he be then? As Agent Stone sped off back towards Green Hills, Tom peered out of the passengers window. Hoping, praying even that his family could make it through this. That he could be reunited with Sonic, Tails, and Maddie once more. All he could do now was hope and wait.

...

Elsewhere, in the French coast was a G.U.N. base. Inside, Director Rockwell was standing in front of a large screen, talking virtually with the other five high-ranking members of G.U.N. outside of Commander Walters. All of whom were old men with wrinkled faces and balding heads with silver hair. She was trying desperately to retain order in the face of great disaster. Commander Walters had not contacted her in sometime and she was beginning to worry. What was taking him so long?

Suddenly, her assistant entered into the room before whispering in her ear.

"Ma'am, Commander Walters is dead." He said.

Director Rockwell froze, the commander of G.U.N. was dead? How? That did not make sense.

"Are you positive?" She asked her assistant.

"Indeed, ma'am." Replied her assistant before stepping back.

"Director," said one of the generals in the meeting. "What is going on?"

"Apologies, General. I have just been given some ... deeply saddening news." Director Rockwell replied somberly.

"Well, Director. Spit it out!" Barked another general.

"Sirs, Commander Walters is ... KIA."

The generals shuddered. Some didn't believe what she had to say, but her sullen voice proved her all the more truthful.

"If ... Commander Walters is truly dead," said one of the generals. "Then who will lead this agency in combating the threat of this virus?"

"I say we should have a vote." Said another general.

"No time!" Director Rockwell barked, startling the other generals. "Sirs, while we're wasting time sorting our bureaucratic nonsense. People are dying! Cities, no countries are falling by the hour. Generals, if we're going to survive as both an agency and a race, then we'll need to elect someone into the temporary position of commander. Only after the end of this virus can we worry about gaining a permanent new commander."

The generals were stunned by Director Rockwell's proclamation, perhaps it was due to Commander Walters death, perhaps it was her fiery spirit, whatever the case she meant every word she said and the generals could tell.

"Generals," said one of the generals. "I think it is in our best interest to elect Director Rockwell as acting commander of G.U.N."

"I agree," said another general and so on and so forth.

"It appears to be unanimous," said one of the generals. "As such, Director Rockwell, you will take up the position of acting commander of G.U.N."

Director Rockwell was stunned, shaking where she stood at the idea of taking over the entirety of G.U.N.! She was a mere division director, not a commanding officer. But she couldn't argue with the generals proclamation, instead she accepted it gracefully.

"Thank you, sirs." She said, "I will make you proud."

"Of course, Commander Rockwell." Said one of the generals. "Now; we'll leave you to discuss G.U.N.'s next stage in this virus epidemic."

With that said, the generals left the virtual meeting one-by-one. Leaving Commander Rockwell stunned at all that had just transpired.

"Ma'am, what are your orders?" Asked her assistant.

"Agent," Commander Rockwell said. "Get all of the remaining nations on the phone, we're going hunting."

"Hunting? Hunting for what ma'am?"

"That little blue menace, Sonic the Hedgehog!"