Chapter Text
In the middle of the countryside, Gamma and his flickies come across a small house. The machine approaches the door, knocking on it.
Voice: I’m coming, I’m coming!
After a moment, a familiar turtle opens the door.
Tock: Yes, what is it-
Tock takes a moment to take in the sight of Gamma, before slamming the door in the machine’s face.
Gamma: Sir, please open the door.
Tock: G-Go away! I’m through with helping supervillains, y’hear?!
Gamma: Sir, I am not going to harm you.
Tock: Oh, of course you won’t! After all, Dr. Robotnik’s gonna need me in one piece, won’t he?! Go find some other scientist to bring him!
Gamma: I will not bring you to Dr. Eggman. I have no loyalty to him.
Tock: Sure, and I’m a tortoise! How stupid do you think I am?!
Gamma: I am not lying to you. My intentions are noble. You have my word.
After a moment, Tock cracks the door open, peering out at Gamma.
Tock: You… You’re serious?
Gamma: I am. Dr. Eggman is my enemy, as well as yours.
Tock: Well, if you don’t wanna bring me to him, what exactly are you doing here?
Gamma: I have heard from the locals that you are a brilliant inventor. I have come to ask for your services.
Tock: …Define “services”.
Gamma: As you are no doubt aware, most machines built by Dr. Eggman are powered by small animals. I desire to free the flicky powering me, but doing so would result in my termination. Do you have anything that would circumvent my termination?
Tock: Hmm… So in other words, you’re looking for an alternative energy source, right?
Gamma: That is correct, yes.
Tock: I think I might have what you’re looking for.
Tock turns and walks into the house, leaving the door open. Gamma enters the house, making his way to the turtle, who is rummaging through inventions lying about his workshop.
Tock: No… no… oh, hey, I was looking for that! No, no… Ah! Here it is!
Tock pulls out a small device, showing it to Gamma.
Tock: This is my Solar Converter! It converts solar rays into energy. It should help you out with your power problem.
Gamma: Are you certain it will work?
Tock: No way to know unless we find out! You let your little friend out, and I’ll insert the collector!
Gamma: Very well.
With that, Gamma deactivates, allowing the pink flicky inside him to be released. As the flicky reunites with their family, Tock inserts the Solar Converter into where Gamma was. Eventually, the turtle finishes his work.
Tock: Alright, moment of truth…
Tock activates Gamma, causing the machine to stand up.
Tock: How are you feeling?
Gamma: All systems are fully operational.
Tock: Then it worked! Yes! Once again, science has saved the day! Truly, my genius knows no limits!
Gamma: Thank you for your help, Mr. Tock. You’re service has been… invaluable.
Later, Gamma and Tock stand outside the house as the flicky’s prepare to leave. However, they seem hesitant to do so.
Gamma: It is alright. You have spent enough time around me. Go, and be free.
With that, the flickies gather around Gamma, nuzzling him, before they all fly off.
Tock: Well, that was sweet. So, what are you going to do now?
Gamma: Now, I will continue my mission: liberate all animals imprisoned with Eggman robots.
Tock: I see. Well, good luck with that, buddy.
Tock turns to leave.
Gamma: Before you go, I have a final query. You mentioned that you were ‘through with helping supervillains”. What exactly did you mean by that?
This causes Tock to freeze.
Gamma: If you are uncomfortable with answering-
Tock: No, no, it’s fine. It’s just- you see, a few years back, this psychopath broke into my house. He forced me to build a bunch of cybernetic limbs for some bounty hunter he brought with him. After I did, he and his pal just… left. After a few months, he came back and made me build him an A.I., but after that, I never saw him again. Not that I’m complaining, of course. But do you want to know the weirdest part about it? The guy looked exactly like Sonic the Hedgehog. He was wearing this leather jacket and shades, but still. Guy was a dead ringer. Which is funny to me, cause I thought the only brother he had was a fox.
Gamma: I see. Well, if I ever see this “psychopath”, I will make sure to attack him, for your sake.
Tock: Ha! Well, I appreciate that, buddy. Well, you have a good one.
Gamma: I will. Goodbye, Mr. Tock.
With that, Gamma takes off, with Tock smiling as he does.
Tock: He seemed like a nice guy.