Healing Hearts
Chapter Nine

Robotropolis...
Robotnik pressed the main power button and everything hummed back to life. Finally, the maintenance was finished and he could get back to full scale production. But more importantly, he was anxious to find out how his trap had worked out. With the city pretty much shut down, he couldn't watch from his command tower like always. Now, he brought up the surveillance cameras for the factory. He watched eagerly...only to see his factory reduced to a smoldering ruin. And scattered around the remains of the building, several of his Stealth Bots, utterly destroyed. And no sign of the Freedom Fighters. Angrily, he slammed his fist on the control console.
"SNIVELY," he roared.
The doors whooshed open and Snively rushed in.
"You bellowed, sir," he panted.
Robotnik grabbed Snively and turned him towards the screen.
"Snively," he growled. "What do you see on the screen?"
Snively gulped nervously as he stared at the ruins of the factory.
"Um, it...looks like your factory, sir," he stammered.
"Wrong, Snively," Robotnik said. "That's not my factory...THAT'S A DISASTER!"
Snively flinched. Robotnik hauled him around and brought him up close, his red eyes boring into Snively.
"How is it my new and improved robots failed," Robotnik snarled.
"I-I'll find out, sir," Snively said.
"Do so," Robotnik said, placing Snively back on the ground.
Snively high-tailed it out of the room, leaving his irate boss to simmer with impotent fury.

Several moments later, Snively returned, followed by several Swat Bots, bearing the remains of some of the Stealth Bots.
"I'll try to access their memory, sir," Snively said. "Hopefully it wasn't damaged too bad."
He took one of the more intact bots and hooked it up to the computer. He typed in the commands and the monitor brought up the last thing the bot saw. The footage showed everything from the bot's POV. Austin, Amy and Bunnie appeared onscreen, preparing to battle the bot. Suddenly, something crashed down on the bot and it's view changed to a whirling tumble.
"Is that...water," Robotnik asked, peering closely at the screen.
"It seems that way, sir," Snively said.
The bot had regained it's footing, only to be caught up in the cascading torrent once more. This time, it was tossed about, then it's view turned to static.
"Wait! Go back a few seconds," Robotnik said.
Snively rewound the footage and then played it again.
"Freeze it right there," Robotnik said.
The image halted. Robotnik peered closer. In the bot's field of vision, he saw a human boy with blue hair. He was bringing the pointed end of a trident towards the Stealth Bot.
"Oh, dear," Snively said.
"So, there's another one," Robotnik growled. "And he's just as troublesome as the first one."
"Sir, I realize it seems bad," Snively said, "But we still have plenty more Stealth Bots. Things will be different next time."
"Oh, you're right about that, Snively," Robotnik said. "Things will be different. It's time to step up our progress. I want more Stealth Bots built and let's see about some of the other...surprises we had built."
"Sir, the new bots we have in cold storage will require lots of power," Snively said. “That's pretty much why we haven't used them yet.”
"If it's power they require, I know just what to use," Robotnik said. He pressed a button and the screen displayed an emerald.
"A chaos emerald," Snively asked. "But, sir, we have no idea where to even find them."
"That's where you're wrong, Snively," Robotnik chuckled. "I've managed to track three emeralds down already. And soon, I'll have the location of another."
"Well, then," Snively said. "I'll make the preparations to retrieve them."
"No need, Snively," Robotnik said. "I've taken the liberty of bringing in someone to handle this."
He indicated a doorway across the room. The door slid open and two glowing red eyes stared out. The figure in the doorway stepped out. Snively's eyes widened in surprise and dread.
"Sir! You reactivated...him," he gasped.
"Yes," Robotnik said, smiling evilly. "He'll get the job done."

Knothole Village...
Austin and Sally entered the infirmary. Tails was laying on a bed, his arm bandaged and in a sling.
"Hey, Tails," Sally said. "How are you doing?"
"I'll be alright," Tails said. "The doctor said I suffered third degree burns. It'll be a few weeks before the bandages come off."
"Well, I'm glad you're doing okay," Sally said. "I was worried when you got hit."
"That mission didn't go so well," Tails said. "We almost got killed."
"I know, Tails," Sally said. "We really messed up."
"Hey, c'mon, you two," Austin said. "What's all this doom and gloom? Yes, it was a close call. But we still succeeded. And everyone got out of there."
"What I don't get," Tails said, "Is how Robotnik knew where exactly to lay the ambush."
"I was wondering that myself," Sally said. "Those bots were placed in just the right positions. That couldn't have been a coincidence."
"I agree," Austin said. "That trap was too well laid."
"Which means, somehow, Robotnik knew our plans."
They turned to see Amy enter the infirmary. She walked over and joined them.
"He knew," Amy said. "Somehow he found out."
"But, how," Austin asked.
"Maybe he eavesdropped on your planning?"
Darren had arrived and joined everyone around Tails' bed.
"I overheard Amy as I walked in" Darren explained. "Maybe Robotnik somehow eavesdropped on you guys."
"How, though," Tails asked.
"Well, he has robots and all kinds of machines," Darren explained. "Maybe he sent one of those to spy on you."
"Unlikely," Sally said. "He doesn't know the exact location of our village. We're hidden so deep in the forest he can't track us. So, his bots wouldn't be able to find us either."
"Well, what about hiding a device on someone," Darren suggested.
Austin nodded. "He has a point. Maybe like a tracking device or spy cam?"
"He's tried that before," Sally said. "Fortunately, we've managed to catch them in time. After that, Rotor and Tails made a device to detect and deactivate any trackers or devices on anyone."
"Then I've got nothing," Darren said shrugging. "I don't know how he could have known."
"There is one other possibility," Amy said. She glanced around at everyone. "Someone told him our plans."
The room fell silent as the implication of Amy's words hit everyone.
"Amy, are you suggesting we have a traitor in our midst," Sally gasped.
"I don't like it anymore than you do," Amy said. "But let's face facts, we've had some Mobians betray us to Robotnik before."
"But who could it be," Austin asked. "I mean, nobody around here strikes me as a traitor."
"Well, who was at the mission planning," Darren asked.
"I was there," Sally said. "Austin, Amy, Tails, Bunnie, Antoine, and Rotor. So, unless someone was listening in, that's it."
"Actually, there were two others at the meeting," Austin spoke up reluctantly. "Vanilla and Cream."
"I REFUSE to believe either one of them is a traitor," Sally said angrily.
"I'm not accusing them," Austin replied defensively. "I don't believe they're traitors either."
"But then who does that leave," Tails asked. "That was everyone at the meeting."
Everyone thought on Tails' question. If someone at the meeting had indeed betrayed them, who could it be?
"I know it's not my place to say this," Darren spoke up, "But, are you sure one of the Freedom Fighters might not be untrustworthy? Amy did say some Mobians have betrayed you to Robotnik before."
"I don't think it was anyone at the meeting," Austin said. "I would have sensed it."
"Say what now," Amy said.
"You mean never told them, bro," Darren asked.
"Told us what," Sally asked.
"Edenians have a super-strong instinct that lets them detect a person's intentions," Darren explained. "They can sense truth and deceit. In short, they're like living lie-detectors."
"Is that true, Austin," Tails asked.
"It is," Austin replied. "Sorry I never mentioned that. But at any rate, as I said, I didn't sense anything duplicit from anyone."
"And your instincts are usually right," Amy asked.
"99% of the time," Austin said. "I mean, it's not totally infallible. I have been fooled before, though it's extremely rare."
"Still, somehow Robotnik did find out," Amy said. "And we need to find out how."
"Any ideas," Darren asked.
"I have one," Sally spoke up. She turned to Austin. "You once asked who our informer was in Robotropolis. Well, I think it's time you found out."

Robotropolis...
Austin and Sally ducked behind a pile of debris. Swat Bots were out in full force and the hover drones were cruising around the sky.
"Weren't we just here," Austin asked.
"I realize," Sally replied. "But this is where we're meeting our informant."
They ducked down as a drone buzzed by overhead.
"Hey, Sally," Austin said. "About earlier, I'm sorry if it seemed like I was implying Vanilla and Cream were traitors. I've grown quite fond of Cream, so I'd never think she would turn on us. Or Vanilla for that matter."
"I know," Sally said. "I'm sorry I snapped at you. It's just...Vanilla's been like a mother to me. My own mother disappeared when I was still a child. Vanilla's been the closest thing I've had to a mother."
"I understand," Austin said. "She makes me think of my own mother. So, all is forgiven?"
She smiled at him. "All is forgiven." She peeked over around the pile. "Alright, it's clear. Lets go."
They dashed out of hiding and made their way through the back alleys.
"I hope there aren't anymore of those Stealth Bots around," Austin said, glancing around the area.
"Don't jinx us," Sally said.
Soon they arrived at a large pile of garbage.
"This is it," Sally said, indicating the pile.
"A pile of junk," Austin said dubiously, looking around. "This is where we're meeting your informant?"
Sally reached out and knocked on the pile. Austin heard a hollow clanking sound as she rapped against it. Then a section lifted, revealing a hidden stairway.
"Whoa," Austin said.
"Follow me," Sally said, making her way down the steps.
Austin shrugged and followed her down, the hatch closing behind him.

"Our informant is just up ahead," Sally said.
Austin gazed around in amazement. The entire debris pile was hollow. Several machines and computers lined the walls along with a table and chair.
"And Robotnik has no idea about this place," Austin asked.
"Nope," Sally said. "It's right under his nose."
Austin chuckled. "Guess the Doc's not as smart as he likes to think."
He looked up at the sound of approaching footsteps. He frowned. Were those footsteps making clanging sounds? He gasped as a robotic Mobian appeared.
"Sally, get behind me," Austin said, drawing his sword. "We've been compromised!"
"Whoa, whoa," Sally said, halting Austin. "Put your sword away. This is our informant."
Austin stared at the robot standing before them. Looking closely, he saw it was a hedgehog, sporting a white metallic mustache.
"A roboticized Mobian is your informant," he asked. "I thought they obeyed Robotnik."
"I used to," the robot replied. "Fortunately, I was able to regain my free will."
"Austin," Sally said. "This is Sir Charles Hedgehog. But we call him Uncle Chuck."
Austin sheathed his sword. "Sorry about jumping the gun, Sir Charles. It's nice to meet you. I'm Austin."
"So you're the one I've been hearing so much about," Chuck said, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you, too. And please, call me Uncle Chuck."
"After Chuck regained his free will," Sally explained, "He decided to help us out by spying on Robotnik and relaying information."
"As far as Robotnik is concerned," Chuck said, "I'm still his puppet."
"Clever," Austin said. "But how did you regain your free will?"
"I guess you could say, my love for my nephew overpowered Robotnik's hold," Chuck replied.
Austin suddenly noticed a picture on the table. It showed two hedgehogs, one older and one younger. Austin realized that the older hedgehog was Chuck, pre-roboticized. And the younger hedgehog was...
"That's Sonic," Austin said. "You're Sonic's uncle."
"That's right," Chuck said, a sad tone tinging his voice. "It's because of him I took up the fight against Robotnik. Even more so after he...Anyway, you two came here to discuss something with me."
"Of course," Sally said. "It's regarding our mission this morning."
"I heard," Chuck said. "I must admit, I was surprised when I heard the new bots were not only complete but also waiting for you. That was my fault. When I found out, I tried to get word to you. Unfortunately, I was drafted to help with the maintenance procedures. All I could do was hope you'd be alright."
"We managed," Sally said. "Though just barely. Tails was injured. Fortunately, he'll be just fine."
"A friend of mine showed up just in time to help out," Austin provided. "Still, it was too close."
"Indeed," Chuck said. "Robotnik's really been playing his cards close to his chest. I tried to get as much information as I could about the new bots. But he's being really secretive lately."
"Uncle Chuck," Sally said. "The main reason we came here, was a concern we had. I'm sure you'd agree that the trap Robotnik had waiting for us was a little too well placed."
"I do agree, yes," Chuck said.
"Well, we think somehow Robotnik learned of our plans," Austin said. "He had to have known, given the way those Stealth Bots were in key locations to ambush us."
"We think....we think there might be a spy," Sally said. "The only ones who knew the exact plans were at the meeting."
"And you think someone may have leaked those plans to Robotnik," Chuck surmised.
"We don't want to think we have a traitor," Austin said. "But it's pretty suspicious."
"Did you stop to consider the possibility someone from the meeting spoke about the plans to someone else, and that could have been the spy," Chuck suggested.
Austin and Sally looked at each other.
"Uh, to be honest, no, we didn't," Austin replied, sheepishly.
"Oh, how could I be so stupid to not consider that," Sally said.
"We'll both share the blame on that one," Austin offered. "Of course, we only suspect there might be a spy. We don't have solid proof yet."
"Which is why we're here," Sally said. "We were hoping you could help us find out, Uncle Chuck."
"Well, I haven't heard anything about any spy," Chuck said. "But then, as I said, Robotnik's been pretty close guarded with his secrets these days. However, maybe we can find out. If I know him, he's probably talking with Snively right now. Maybe they'll mention something."
He walked over to one of the machines and began adjusting dials and pushing buttons. Soon they heard Robotnik's voice.
"....zzt...want no mistakes, Snively. If we're to succeed, we'll need every available resource to use against the Freedom Fighters."
"Understood, sir."
"Who's that," Austin asked.
"Snively," Sally answered. "He's Robotnik's flunky."
"But, still, sir, was it really necessary to bring him into the fold? You do recall what happened last time?"
"I'm well aware of that, Snively. Fortunately, things will be different with him."
"Who are they talking about," Sally wondered.
"So, when do we make our move to find the emeralds, sir?"
"Soon enough, Snively. Soon enough."
"Emeralds," Austin said. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, no," Sally moaned. "He must mean the Chaos Emeralds."
"The what," Austin asked.
"The Chaos Emeralds," Sally explained, "are gemstones that possess unlimited energy. The energies can be erratic and unpredictable, hence the name Chaos Emeralds. For the most part, they can be used for an energy source. Just one emerald could power all of Robotropolis."
"They're that powerful," Austin said. "Whoa. How many are there?"
"Seven," Sally replied. "But they've been lost for sometime now."
"Looks like Robotnik found them," Austin said. "One emerald in his hands sounds bad. I'd hate to think about him possessing all seven."
"It wouldn't just provide unlimited energy," Sally said. "But, it could even make his robots stronger, too."
"Terrific," Austin said. "Just what we need: Bots hopped up on chaos energy."
"We need to get back to Knothole and tell everyone about this," Sally said. "We have to get those emeralds before Robotnik does."
They stood up to leave then stopped when they heard something over the com.
"Has there been any word from our little spy?"
"Nothing at the moment, sir. At least nothing worth reporting."
"No matter. Sooner or later, our little rabbit will deliver."
Austin and Sally stood there in stunned silence. Not only had Robotnik confirmed a spy in their midst, but he had referred to the spy as "little rabbit".
"No. It couldn't be," Sally gasped.
"Not Cream," Austin said, anguish tinging his voice.
Was it true? Was Cream the spy? Had she truly betrayed the Freedom Fighters?

End of Chapter Nine...