City Streets

[E-102 Gamma]

"Having the parts is what you would call a 'bonus', although my combat capabilities have been drastically reduced due to limited ammunition supplies. If these 'Freedom Fighter' groups are working to defeat Dr. Robotnik, then it would only be logical to collaborate with them."

The robot stood back up, mindful of the ceiling.

"Though if these groups are opposed to Robotnik, would I not be viewed as a threat, since I am a creation of him?"

[Nail Strafer]

"I think they would. You'd have to come up with a way to show you've cut ties with Robotnik."

And let me be honest, I'm not 100% sure as to whether or not this is legitimate or a trick myself.

Sighing, the rabbit sunk into a couch.

"I'm afraid I don't know how you'd get in touch with one of them either. But we've seen them come and go from time to time. A little while ago, a cat, a deer, a dragon, and even Tails came through here and blasted a hole right in the central command tower. I don't know what they were up to, but Robotnik seemed pretty mad after that.

"Anyway, if you were to hang around the area, I bet you'd see one before long. But they'd probably shoot first and ask questions later."

[E-102 Gamma]

"Are there other units like me? Similar in design or Function?"

Gamma's thoughts were currently processing through his digital brain, formulating some plan of surviving a first encounter with a group of robot hating soldiers. His current idea was that maybe if he looked different enough from the standard series of whatever passed for the robot squadrons roaming around, he might be given time to explain.

"To my knowledge, there are no markings along my chassis directly marking me as a creation of Robotnik. The only secondary ties I could have were within my programming, and I have since deleted them."

Of course, such things could also lead others to believe that he was simply a new spy model, or perhaps a proto-type super weapon.

[Dr. Robotnik]

"No...I haven't seen any robots like you," the rabbit said, pulling a very crude-looking cigarette out of his pocket. Some tobacco leaked out of the dirty, hand-wrapped ciggy, as he lit it with a smudged gold-colored lighter.

"That's why everyone outside was so surprised by you and not sure what to make of you. You don't look at all like any of Robotnik's other robots."

He let out a puff on the cigarette, but then blinked and put an apologetic look on his face, which also passed just as fast. He knew it wasn't polite to smoke until you asked your guests, but since his guest was a robot it probably didn't matter to him. So the rabbit let it go.

"Maybe... Maybe you could talk to the Thieves' Guild too. I heard it sprung up after the merge. Anyway, they deal in stolen goods...and information. Perhaps they can help you find the Freedom Fighters. They're neutral in this little war, so I don't think they'd mind meeting you."

[E-102 Gamma]

The various noises from emanating from Gamma's body got a bit louder for a few short seconds as he recorded all of this data.

"Being of a differing design and model may be to an advantage to me. I will go to this Thieve's Guild, and make my inquires there. Please inform me of this guild's location, and I will be on my way."

The robot didn't even notice the rabbit smoking, much less react to it.

[Dr. Robotnik]

"I heard there's this other city out there called Soleanna. Robotnik mentions it a lot in his propaganda about how he's going to take over it and add it to the empire. Apparently it's the only other giant city on the planet after the dimension merge. Maybe you could look there. Big cities mean big crime, after all. But watch yourself over there. Robotnik's declared war on the place, so I don't think people would be too keen on you there either."

[E-102 Gamma]

"Risks must be taken to create progress. I'll travel to Soleanna to find this guild, and acquire more information there. If possible, I will return to inform you of my status."

Gamma stood up, and walked to the door. Just as he was about to step through it, however, he stopped and spun his head back toward the rabbit.

"Would you know which direction Soleanna is in? Or if there are any connecting routes between these two cities?"

[Dr. Robotnik]

The rabbit continued smoking on the cigarette, but when Gamma's head suddenly spun around 180 degrees, like an owl, he damn near swallowed it from the sudden shock. Coughing, he spat it out on the floor, the spit spattering around. After a little recovery, he started talking again.

"Wow...don't do that again. Scared the crap out of me."

He patted his chest for a moment and took some more coughs.

"Okay...well...we're forbidden from leaving the city, so I couldn't tell you which way to go to Soleanna. But I don't think it'll be hard to find. Like I said, it's the only other big city on the planet, so most of the roads...if there are any left after the merge...should lead there. You know, like they said about ancient Rome back in the day?"

The rabbit blinked a few times and chuckled sheepishly.

"I'm sorry, I don't suppose Robotnik programmed you with the knowledge of ancient history."

[E-102 Gamma]

"My apologies, I did not intend to startle you. You would be correct in assuming I have no knowledge in historical events, such things were not required for search missions. But I can discern the meaning of your phrase. If there are only two cities on the planet, then most paths lead to them."

His head spun frontward again. "Thank you for all your assistance." He walked out the door, and began walking out of the city, to head for Soleanna.

[I guess this is Gamma departing for the Thieve's Guild in Soleanna, lest you have something else planned here?]

[Dr. Robotnik]

[No, not really. Perhaps you could jump to the Rum Valley Bar topic in Soleanna.]