Action -> Video

[monotreme_101]

[Action!

So, you know that new Floating Island, hovering around up there above the school? Yeah, that one. Some guy just jumped off of it. And sort of floated down to the ground in a slow, spiral glide. Now he's standing there, looking around.

You might recognize him. But he, unfortunately, probably won't recognize you. (Unless you're Sonic or Eggman.)

Feel free to approach, though!]


[There's a new video on the Network.

The first twenty five seconds of it are some kind of black, triangular nose on the end of a peachy colored snout. It moves around and the microphone stutters and wheezes and whoever this nose belongs to can be heard muttering something unintelligible.

Then, a violet eye stares into the feed, blinks several times with a big, red eyelid. Then he draws back so you can see his Echidna-ey face in its full glory.]

First off, I ain't wearing this uniform thing. I was hatched with fur. It's good enough for me, it should be good enough for you.

Uh... anyway. I'm Knuckles. Knuckles the Echidna.

Hmmm...

[He's sort of run out of things to say. He has questions, but he's not really used to talking to a computer. He's used to smashing them to gain extra lives and shields and stuff.]

Anyone know anythin' about the Floating Island above this school? It's kinda important. If you've got info on it, I'd like to know.

So. Thanks in advance.

[You are now treated to over a minute of closeup footage of his white-swooshed chest as he tries to figure out how to turn the computer off.]

Comments

[operatingbuddy]

That is not the reason. It is difficult to discuss...

[monotreme_101]

Right. Well, you don't gotta talk about it or anythin'. I didn't mean to get up in your business, man.

[operatingbuddy]

The reason is linked to a painful memory. I apologize for my hesitation. I just... do not wish to dwell on it at this time. Thank you for understanding.

[monotreme_101]

[A painful memory, huh? Robots had painful memories. Now that was.... well, Knuckles already knew robots could achieve sentience. Why would it surprise him that they could feel that kind of pain?]

It's all good, R.O.B. - don't sweat it, guy.

[He should probably change the subject. Talk about something else. Something fun. Be comforting. Be a friend. Be... aw heck. Who was he kidding? He was no good at that stuff. Maybe just try to derail the sad train with a question, maybe?]

....so. Uh. What do you do for fun around here?

[That worked, right?]

[operatingbuddy]

I... am perhaps not the best person to answer that question. My idle time is spent in ways that organic beings might consider unconventional.

[monotreme_101]

Hey, I'm the only Echidna left. Nothing about me is conventional. I'm not gonna judge.

[operatingbuddy]

I connect to the school network to download new information, and recharge myself using an electrical tap in my dormitory.

[monotreme_101]

[...yeah, OK. That was pretty different to anything Knuckles might find fun.

Wait. Then again...]

I figure that's probably like the robot equivalent of havin' something to eat and reading a book. Right?

[Not that Knuckles was a big reader by any stretch of the imagination. Still. He could get behind a little quiet time to recharge yourself and learn.]

[operatingbuddy]

...Perhaps you are correct.

[monotreme_101]

Seems pretty similar to me. I mean, you walk around the city, you see folks sittin' down at cafes, eating scones, drinking coffee and reading a paper or checking the internet on those communicators they all seem to have.

[He shrugged.]

I don't think it's real different.

[operatingbuddy]

Perhaps not. I had not considered it in that way.

[monotreme_101]

Fair enough.

Anyway, I should probably let you get back to what you were doin'. Thanks for the information on the Island and all. You ever change your mind and want to head up there to check it out, lemme know, OK? I'll come with to help you with the monsters.

[operatingbuddy]

Affirmative. If you wish to investigate, I will provide you with assistance. Please contact me if you require anything.