Skies Above Emerald Ocean

[Sonic]

The Tornado III was cruising over the vast Emerald Ocean. With nothing but clear blue skies overhead, Sonic was relaxing on top of the biplane, as Tails set the controls to automatic. "So, this is what you've done to the Tornado? Pretty snazzy!", Sonic said. "What else have I been missing for the past few months?"

[Tails]

Looking up at Sonic, and not for the first time wondering how he could lounge on the wing of a plane, Tails responded.

"I'm not sure myself. I've been locked up in my workshop for quite a while working on some new ideas."

Leaning back and closing his eyes, Tails just enjoyed the sensation of flying while waiting. Secure in the knowledge that the trip to Robotropolis would take some time.

[Sonic]

Sonic lounged back and yawned. "I just love days like this. Free air, the wind in my quills, and blue skies above! Except for the fact that we're over the ocean.", he said. "Have you been working on any other new gizmos?"

[Tails]

Tails was about to answer, but thought better of it, deciding to respond evasively.

"Nothing new, just trying to find new ways of using old stuff."

By the way Tails refused to look directly at Sonic it was obvious that he wanted to avoid this particular topic.

[Tails]

Perking up again, Tails suddenly asked.

"So what's been going on with you? You were off the grid for a while until I happened to fly by."

[Sonic]

Sonic responded, "Well, after things wrapped up on Angel Island, I thought I'd take a little vacation. The Freedom Fighters look like they've got it all under control, so I found me a cozy little beach to stay at." It felt like Sonic and Tails hadn't seen each other in years, and yet, they were talking like it was just yesterday they last saw each other.

[Tails]

On the outside, Tails appeared to agree with Sonic. A vacation would have been nice after everything. Inside however, his mind was busy finding millions of scenarios that could have taken place in the few short months that had past. In this shattered world any number of variances from all planes of existence could have occurred. Tails musing would be cut short however, by an annoying red light blinking in his face. Looking down, Tails groaned, of course this would happen right now of all times.

"Uh Sonic, we have a small problem here. We don't have enough fuel to reach Robotropolis."

[Sonic]

"Dang it!", said Sonic. "Is Soleanna nearby? We could refuel there!"

[Tails]

Pulling up the GPS and doing some mental math involving air speed, amount of fuel and fuel consumption, showed that Soleanna was indeed in range.

"It'll be tight but we can make it. It shouldn't take long to refuel then we can get over to Robotropolis."

Gently rolling the plane into a turn, Tails altered course toward Soleanna.

[Sonic]

"Alright then, let's go!", said Sonic. And the Tornado flew off toward the city of light.

[To Soleanna]