#zone interactions

[universalzones]

"You sure you don't want to go over and offer some help with Restoration? I mean, all their bases are good, though losing the command center can't be easy," Rotor said continuing to wield a new piece of metal to replace the missing panel that fell off their mobile command center. "I'd be easy just to pop by real quick, see what we can do."

"I did consider it, though as you said, their bases are doing okay and from reports they're already sending help to rebuild. I'd much rather focus on maintain the border to Eggman's Empire and doing damage to whatever forces he sends out." Sally would rather keep Eggman's attention it'll take focus away from possibly attacking Restoration while it's in a vunerable state.

"Fair enough," Rotor said taking off his googles and standing up, giving the freshly wield panel a test by stepping on it a few times. "Alright, should be all good to go till we get back to one of our land bases for a full repair. Let's make this the last time we do a last ditch effort and ram a Super Badnik."

"I agree with that, though this just means Eggman's creations are getting more dangerous. We'll have to adapt like always and find counter measures that don't involve such risky moves." Guess Sally was in for a long session in the lab to advance their weapon's and defenses.

"It couldn't hurt to call Sonic for some support. Provided you aren't still ticked at him," Rotor said as he began putting his tools away. "You know him. He always has a knack for finding the weak points in Eggman's machine's, even if he can cut it close at times."

"For the last time, I'm not mad at Sonic. The Freedom Fighters have the borders mostly under control and he wanted to focus on helping other area's of the planet. Just... he could call or visit every once in awhile." Sally was used to Sonic inability to stay in one place, and they both agreed him traveling to other places that don't have the protections they do here was a good idea. That didn't mean he can't check in every now and then.

"Bold to assume that he knows how to use a phone." Rotor doubt Sonic could even use a computer with both him and Tails standing right behind him telling him what to do. He knows it's just because the hedgehog just has a general dislike for tech, beyond Eggman and his machines.

"Good point. The last time he tried to use a computer he nearly crash our entire network. Something I still wonder about to this day." Sally would think being around so many people who use technology on a daily basis Sonic would pick up a thing or two, though that wasn't the case. "Let's focus on getting back to a land base," she said climbing the ladder back into the mobile command center with Rotor following suit.

[universalzones]

"I can't believe that old portal still works, though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised as that troublesome rival of mine always did stick true to his word." Zik spoke aloud as he walked through the jungle, only stopping to catch a guava. "Ah, you haven't lost your edge it seems," the elder Zeti said as he looked up.

"I haven't exactly been able to slack off over the years," Moss said as he jumped down from the top of a tree and landed on a lower branch. "There's always youngster's coming to me for training or needing my sage advice for dealing with a problem. It always keeps me on my toes. It seems you haven't been slack off either old friend."

"I'm a Zeti and part of the Deadly Six. Of course I haven't been slacking off. What example would I set for those youngster's? And for the last time, we're not friends. Be grateful a Zeti see's you as a rival as it is a great honor." Zik had told Moss countless time's Zeti don't have friends.

"Hmmmmmm, sorry, rivals just doesn't set right with me so I'm still going to call us friends," Moss said as he casually twirls his beard around one of his fingers. "Though I assume you didn't come here for a social visit. I did sense some rather powerful energy coming from Lost Hex. I assume things are going to get interesting soon."

"As sharp as ever too. I look forward to continuing our long lasting battle and finally break our little tie breaker. Yes, the spring as been reopened as I believe the other Guardian's might start popping up again soon hence why I revealed the true history to Zavok. Along with that he's made claim of find a promising young Zeti for us to become the Deadly Seven again. Though it's a private matter for now. Even I don't know who this youngster is, though Zavok as a keen eye for talent." Zik would run his fingers through his mustache as he spoke.

"Just when I was starting to enjoy my retirement, though I guess it can't be helped. After all, from what I've heard that Zavok can be quite the handful. Oh well, guess I should start looking for them. I already know where one is, though I gotta deal with an annoy organization to get to him." Moss would jump up and grab a high branch. "I guess I'll be seeing you around. Along with the new Deadly Seven."

[universalzones]

"You all must've been in desperate need of proper repairs for awhile," Belle said as she worked on the wiring of the current Scrapnik. The tinkerer didn't except the rumors of an moving island that pulled up to the mainland full of abandoned Badniks that set up a village were this true. She thought maybe it was blown out of proportion, though clearly that wasn't the case.

"While not untrue we've managed to scrape and still had a supply of decent parts to keep us running for a few more years. Though fresh new wiring and parts is much better," Sigma said as he focused on repairing another Scrapnik. "You are rather skilled at this, and your friend has been a great assistant."

"Well, I've had lots of time to practice on repairing Badniks which includes Motobud. I call him a Tinknik though." First Badniks, then her Tinknik, and now Scrapniks? Things were becoming very interesting. "Still, I can't believe you moved an entire island all the way to the mainland."

"We decided it was more practical as we only had enough fuel for a one way trip which means we might've not been able to bring all out spare parts with us." Sigma would close up the Scrapnik he was working on and send it off, then moves to the next.

"We?" Belle asked putting the panel on the Scrapnik and sending it off. The tinkerer then notices a shadow over her and turns around.

"...Hello," Mecha Sonic said as he stared down at Belle with his optic sensor.

"Gear's and starters!" Belle shouted as she fell back in her seat and onto the ground. The tinkerer quickly composed herself, standing up and dusting herself off. "I'm terribly sorry, I didn't meant to react that way. You just spooked me a bit."

"Oh, it's quite alright. Mecha Sonic is still learning the concept of being social and perhaps boundaries as well. He is completely harmless, provided you don't intend to harm the village." Sigma could at least say Mecha Sonic was trying.

"...You may call me Mecha, and I apologize for scaring you." Mecha Sonic supposed he had some more research to do to fully understand how to be casually social.

"It quite alright Mecha. Just, boy you're tall." Belle knew Eggman had gone through several designs before settling on Metal Sonic, though she'd never heard of this one before. "Are you next in line for repairs?"

"No," Mecha Sonic said looking at his hands. "I was repaired by those who went offline fixing me by giving me vital parts. They're... special to me. If that makes sense." He was still coming to terms with his new emotions and feelings.

Belle smiled softly at Mecha Sonic. "There's no need to explain yourself, I completely understand. As for your friend that went offline, I'd be more than happy to help get them up in running. I maybe have to make a trip to the store for more supplies, though I'll get it done." The tinkerer was sure none of the Scrapniks could walk into town and buy fresh parts so she'd do it for them.

"That is... appreciated." Mecha Sonic then stared intently at Belle for a moment. "Would you, like to be mayor of Scrapnik Village?"

"...What?" Belle asked, not expecting the random offer. The tinkerer was just here to help fix up these abandoned Scrapniks. How should she respond to politely decline?

"Oh, I see the idea now. Someone who is native to the island, though also more like us. That makes perfect sense. Let us have a vote!" Sigma suddenly chimed. "Attention everyone! Who would like to vote Ms. Belle as mayor of Scrapnik Village?" This earned various different sounds from all the Scrapnik. "Well, what do you say Ms. Belle?"

Oh dear, everyone in the village is now looking at her, and they all seem so excited. "...Alright, I'm sure it'll be fine." Gears and starters why does she always found herself in the most unusual situations.

[universalzones]

"I'd say ye be scally wag bilge daughter of a seadog," Marine said, then motions for Tangle to counter.

"...Ya lost me after bilge. I thought we were supposed to be playing something called vinegar talk." Tangle honestly had no clue what it was, though it sounded cool.

"Do ye Mobian's not play vinegar talk? I even went easy on ya and gave ye a simple one. I think ye folks call it 'trash talk' or somethin."

"Oh, uh, is it friendly to trash talk to friends in the Sol Dimension?" Tangle asked, not sure how that could be seen as a friendly game.

"It is not, it's just a common way pirates banter with one another. Marine isn't a traditional pirate, though she says she is one. Simply without the plundering and hurting people. She is a great ally."

"Blaze, ye mumbling seaweed-slurpin sack o'maggots! How ye been?" Marine asked as Blaze walked over.

"I am fine you blathering knuckling-dragging cabin boy."

"That be fair enough, though methinks ye be a sheep-brained cross-eyed waste of skin!"

"And I believe you to be a pin-headed scurvy-ridden bag of vomit."

"Ay, that'd be a good one. You're a cricket-sized clam-tongued piece of filth. Top that one."

"To retort, you're a pig-breathed yellow-bellied anchor-head."

"Ye haven't been slackin. I ain't got nothin ta top ye, though I'll come out with the victory next time."

"Wait, what? Blaze won the game? I'm completely lost." Tangle didn't understand any of that so was left confused.

"Vinegar talk was rather hard for me to understand as well, though you get used to it over time." Blaze was rather confused herself the first time Marine wished to play. "Though it's all in good fun. Even if it doesn't sound like it." The feline herself was offended when she was explained she had been insulted, at least until the raccoon said it was just good fun between good friends.

"Yeah, some friends do be like that. Had a couple friends that I greeted with by calling them losers and they'd do the same. Vinegar talk sounds way harder. Though nice to have ya helping at the new base Marine."

"I be happy to help ye crew you cross-eyed whale-fart!" Marine then walked off to introduce herself to others.

"She's really about that vinegar talk, huh?"

"You shall grow used to it, and it really is a part of her charm. Despite her rather brash nature she is one of the kindest souls I've met."

[universalzones]

"So, you're serious about leaving, at least for now?" Tangle aske as she helped Belle load up the last of her tools into the wagon.

"Yeah, but don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed my time working with you all. Even if things got crazy, though things are mostly settled with the new base, and as much as I'll miss my fellow gearheads I feel like some traveling will do me some good."

"I get that, I really do. Same reason why I left Spiral Hill for awhile then joined The Restoration. I'm tempted to talk ya out of it, though I won't." Tangle remembers when she first met Belle, and dragged her into highjacking a hover bike to storm some crazy Eggman base.

"Thanks," Belle said making sure she had everything. "Just, keep an eye on Whisper. I don't think she's taking the whole Mimic being Duo situation well." The tinkerer didn't want her doing anything dangerous.

"Don't worry, I already planned on it, though I know she won't be trying to deal with Mimic solo. It's too dangerous. Silver around will help with that." Tangle was worried, though Whisper had gotten better and not running off to do risky solo stuff. "Highjack buddies?" The lemur asked offering a fist bump.

"Only in times of crisis," Belle said returning the fist bump. The tinkerer than hopped onto her wagon and had Moto start pulling it. She gave Tangle a wave as they left the base that was under construction.

[universalzones]

"Finally, finished moving everything," Tangle said leaning back in the chair in the rather beat up room. "Who ever would've thought setting up shop would be so hard."

"We are done for now, at least until we begin repairs," Whisper said as she analyzed and accessed the damages in the room. "It'll be costly. How much did this anonymous donor supply us with?"

"If we're smart just enough to fix the place up now that it's paid for. Other than that you'll have to start from scratch to build up to what The Restoration was," Belle said as she shifted though various piles of paperwork. "How did Jewel or Amy manage all this paperwork?"

"It's a process, and can take some getting used to. Are you sure you wish to take the reasonability alone?" Lanolin asked as she began to unpack a few things.

"It's a lot, though I'll manage. I know you wish to get everyone back in some form of order so we can continue help with protection and rebuilding efforts." Belle wasn't going to shy away from the task after just starting.

"If ya need help just let me know. Between my mom raising me to be good at paperwork and the times I've helped Jewel at her museum I can take some of the load off." Tangle wasn't a filing machine, though could certainly lessen the load.

"I can handle weapon and supply counts if need be." Whisper doubts she could do much more than that as paperwork was never her strong suit.

"I believe I can assist far better," Blaze said as she entered the room much to everyone's surprise.

"I thought you were on vacation. Wouldn't getting involved be the opposite of that?" Belle asked knowing Blaze should be taking this time to relax. Even if she wasn't she should be getting back to Sol soon.

"Truth be told, I have grown rather restless. It was fun at first, though once you run over all of Mobius a few times things become less exciting. Besides, I have relaxed enough and have informed trusted individuals in my dimension to watch things while I extend my stay." Blaze could use something to do at this point.

"Are you sure about this? The task is rather daunting. We have to start from scratch." Whisper wasn't doubting Blaze's ability as she is a royal, albeit one from a different dimension.

"Fear not, I shall stay as long as need be until The Restoration is back on it's feet and found a proper director to replace me when I return back to my dimension." Blaze was no stranger to troubling times. "I have even prepared my own contribution in terms of funding. Beyond this anonymous donor that is."

"That would be extremely helpful to get some of the more important projects back on track faster, and those that had to be stopped halfway through." Belle didn't even want to think at the list of complaints let alone look at them again.

"Then it's all agreed that Blaze shall be the acting director until such time that we are running at full efficiently and she finds a full time replacement so she may return home?" Lanolin asked getting a nod from everyone.

"I shall do my best to live up to the standards Amy and Jewel have set." Blaze was ready for the challenge, even if it seemed rather simple compared to running Sol.

[universalzones]

"Fuck, that drained me way more than I thought it would. Thought I trained enough to use it at least once without drawback, though guess training and the real deal are different."

"At least you didn't pass out this time. That's progress, and it was enough to take down three opponents in one go. I wasn't expecting Eggman to already have counter measures for your lightning though."

"It doesn't matter if bots can counter my lightning. I can still run circles around them, and bash them with ease. Besides, when I get my hands on him it's game over. I'm just, going to rest for now. I'm tired after all this shit."

"In the meantime I'll try and see if I can track where Eggman took Clutch. He still has information we want. Besides, Eggman clearly needs something from Clutch. If he didn't then he'd had just killed him then and there. Hopefully we'll find out what Eggman is planning to."

[universalzones]

"Come on, what am I doing wrong? I can't get it to properly transfer the energy out before it overloads," Belle said, safely tossing the burnt custom Wispon she was working on. The tinkerer was going off of all the information she piece together from Whisper's Variable Wispon Prototype, yet trying to figure out a final version was proving difficult to say the least. Smithy must've be a true expert in Wispon technology and Wisp energy. The puppet was thinking of calling it quits for the night.

"Decrease the energy compacity and increase rate of energy transfer to prevent excess energy build up before it's able to fire," Kitsunami said, appearing out of nowhere which startled Belle.

"Gears and starters Kitsunami, don't scare me like that," Belle said, calming herself down before focusing on his suggestion. "Actually, that might be the problem." The tinkerer went to start working on another before turning back to Kitsunami. "Why aren't you sleeping?"

"I couldn't sleep well. Normally Surge is back so we can head to bed at the same time, though she's still gone." This was one of the few habits Kitsunami still couldn't break. "I'd figured walking around might help... it hasn't." The fennec supposed he needed to try and learn to sleep without Surge around. "What are you working on?"

"Right, I heard Surge and Whisper were out doing something." Belle didn't know much of the details, mainly because it wasn't her business. The tinkerer's attention went to what she was working on hearing the question. "I'm trying to figure out the complete version of Whisper's Variable Wispon. It's not going as well as I hoped," the puppet said, putting together another one with the advice from Kitsunami. She then put a small amount of Wisp energy into it from a capsule she had one fill today. She then fired the small shot and it worked.

"You were right. By reducing the amount of energy it can store and increasing the rate of energy transfer then it'll prevent excess energy build up. Makes up for the smaller energy storage, though it's still an improvement from the prototype by at least fifty percent." Belle was finally making some forward progress.

"Glad I could help." Kitsunami then just stands there, unsure what to do now. "Guess I'll try and go back to bed... or walk around some more." The fennec then turned to leave.

"Wait," Belle said, which caused Kitsunami to stop and turn around again. "I could use some help, if you don't mind." The tinkerer clearly couldn't figure this out on her own, Kitsunami seemed to have ideas to help, and it looked like he needed something to do.

"Oh, uh, I can help out, sure," Kitsunami said, using his hydrokinesis to pull a chair over and sit on it. "Let's get to work." At least it would help the fennec keeps his mind off what was going on with Surge. Not to mention he liked working on things. It was something he felt like he did before Starline. Hopefully that was true.