Sonic races to Old Megaopolis with a Power Ring, and Tails flying in the Tornado next to him. Sonic then remembers the thoughts just before he and Tails departed and after they received the communication from Dr. Eggman. Back at Castle Acorn, before Sonic and Tails set off, Sonic is worried that even at his top speed, it'll take him a couple of hours to get to Old Megaopolis and Eggman will have launched the warheads by then at Knothole and Station Square. Sally explains to him that he'll have back-up once he gets there.
Above Knothole, Bunnie, "Antoine", Espio, Fiona, Geoffrey St. John and Hershey are dispatched as a back-up team in the Freedom Fighters Special V2. Rotor in communication with the ship explains that this is Version 2 of the Freedom Fighters Special and moves around the orbit of Mobius. Fiona starts to worry that they'll need spacesuits, but Rotor calms her that they included a life support system. Rotor activates the ship to land in Old Megaopolis which cuts the time to thirty minutes.
At Castle Acorn, Sir Charles reports that the citizens have moved into the fallout shelters for safety. King Max then orders that Bernie, Jules, Sir Charles, Sally and Queen Alicia are taken to the royal bunker for safety. All of them object to his plan and stay there to help him keep things in order. King Max gets back into contact with the President of Station Square, and he reports back that they haven't warned the citizens of Station Square, in fear of too much panic. King Max reports that he's dispatched two strike teams; one to Old Megaopolis to stop the launch and another to defend Robotropolis against the Swatbot army. the President also reports that they're sending their military to help out.
The President at his house is in conversation with Commander Brass, Brass having an argument that they sent a blue hedgehog instead of counter missiles. The President declines and if they do strike, better when the missiles are airbourne. Besides the G.U.N. commandos enroute, the President has sent in one of his special opearatives to lead. In the G.U.N. transport, Rouge the Bat knocks on the door and waves at the commandos.
At Old Megaopolis harbor, Dr. Eggman is beginning the countdown with A.D.A.M., but suddenly, Mecha and Eggman notice Sonic and Tails in the Tornado ready to fight...
Story Two
Mobius: 25 Years Later: Prologue
We join the story as Merlin Prower narrates that since time, many have sought to know the future. Using his powers, Merlin shows a past reflections of Sonic and Sally, with Sally argueing that he wasn't born to be king, and wants adventure. Merlin then reveals the future "as worlds collide of secrets long held now revealed at long last".
In a social studies class, Mr. Perriwinkle explains the history of Angel Island to the Echidna students. He also explains how Echidnaopolis advance and the Island's gateway city of Portal is the centre of commerce and travel with Mobius below. After giving that Echidnaopolis evolved into the central chair of government for echidnas and the oldest democract on Mobius, Lara-Su is bored. Riki-Le in front of her asks "if they are a democracy, how come on the world map says Republic of Angel Island?" The teacher then addresses this question to the students. Jaker thinks it's because "Echidnas don't believe in a monarchy, like most backward cultures on Mobius." The teacher then asks Lara-Su about it, in which she says "the citizens elect the representatives to make laws and decisions" and gets it right. Rutan behind her asks who elected the Guardian. The teacher answers back they are of "special status", in which Rutan makes fun of Lara-Su that they'll have to bow to 'Miss Sunshine' soon. Lara-Su in anger slams her book in his face. All the other Echidna students laughing, the teacher tells her off that "young ladies shouldn't conduct themselves like that, especially ones of the Guardian."
Meanwhile, Rotor (Emissary) gets a lift from Harry and meets up with Espio. Rotor requests that on behalf of the King and Queen, they would like to meet with the Guardian and his family. Espio then reports back to Knuckles that Sonic, Sally and their children Sonia and Manik would be coming. Espio pointing out that Sonia and Manik were more excited seeing Lara-Su again. Knuckles knowing that Manik has a crush on Lara-Su declines Espio thinking they should do royal matchmaking. Espio thinks instead then that he should tell Juanita who would love to dance with a prince. Knuckles improves a bit that she's closer to his age but doesn't think Juanita should date. Espio also reports that Rotor and Cobar will be working together on some project. Knuckles then takes off from the Master Emerald altar for Lara-Su's Unveiling ceremony tonight.
Meanwhile, Rutan arrives home when he walks in on Lien-Da and Dimitri discussing the Unveiling. Rutan shocked to see Dimitri; Lien-Da notices Rutan's bruise from Lara-Su. Both Lien-Da and Rutan get into an argument, until Rutan leaves. Lien-Da left thinking that her and Kragok never behaved like that, but Dimitri disagrees with her.
At Knuckles' house, Julie-Su greets Knuckles and asks that she talks with Lara-Su, who doesn't want to go to her Unveiling ceremony. Both Knuckles and Lara-Su begin argueing through the door, until Julie-Su calms him down. Knuckles then attempts to reason with her that every female Echidna goes through the Unveiling, but Lara-Su cries more that she wants to be the Guardian. Knuckles tries to reason that it'll be dangerous, but Lara-Su thinks she deserves too because he has much younger. Knuckles begins to lose his temper and thinks she deserves a spanking. Julie-Su gets Knuckles to reason with her again. Knuckles tries to explain that there is no longer a need for the Guardian, including him. Knuckles explains the importance of the Unveiling, then Lara-Su comes out, and promises she'll go as long as Knuckles is his first dance.
Quotes
Sonic: Atomic weapons. Robotic invasion. Does that Robotnik know how to kill a homecoming or what?
Sonic: (in conversation with Sally) You were born and raised to be a queen, Sally! But me? I thrive on action, fast moves, and adventure! Listening to everyone rag and making decisions just isn't my bag!
Espio: Sonia and Manik were especially excited at seeing Lara-Su again. Is that a problem?
Knuckles: Julie-Su mentioned something about a boy having a crush on Lara-Su!
Espio: You plan on doing some royal matchmaking?
Knuckles: Hardly!
Key Events
Sonic and Tails are dispatched to to stop the missile launch at Old Megaopolis.
Knuckles, Julie-Su, Amy, Vector, Mighty, General D'Coolette and his troops are dispatched to stop the Swatbot invasion.
Bunnie, "Antoine", Espio, Fiona, Geoffrey St. John and Hershey are dispatched as a back-up team for Sonic and Tails.
In the future, Rotor appoints a royal dinner between King Sonic's family and Knuckles' family.
Knuckles convinces Lara-Su to attend her unveiling.
Background Information
This is Mike Pellerito's first issue as assistant editor. He doesn't become editor until Justin Gabrie leaves.
In one panel, Sally is mistakenly drawn inside the Freedom Fighter Special, despite having remaining in Knothole- from the characters on the ship, this was properly Fiona Fox miscolored.File:Zonic.jpgThe preview cover of STH: 131.
Commander Brass's skin was also miscolored, making him appear cocasian.
The Unveiling is shown to be a female echidna's coming-of-age ceremony, which is somewhat similar to the spanish tradition of a quinceanera.
