- "G.U.N. Headquarters is right there. Let me go in, get the key and destroy anyone in my way. I want revenge!"
"Patience, Shadow. Just let us handle this, and I promise you'll have revenge on a scale you couldn't possibly imagine." - ―Shadow the Hedgehog and Gerald Robotnik[src]
The Infiltration into G.U.N. Headquarters was both Team Sonic and Team Robotnik's attempts at retrieving the second Eclipse Cannon Keycard, capable of deploying the Space Colony ARK and its space weapon, from the Guardian Units of Nations Headquarters in London, England.
Background[]
Team Sonic recruits the Wachowskis
- "Once we disable the shields, we'll face the laser hall. These high-density bad boys will cut you into tiny pieces. And cut those pieces into even tinier pieces."
"Once again... Ah! Can't we just get Tom Cruise to do this?"
"Nope, because not even he can break into the vault." - ―Tails and Sonic the Hedgehog[src]
After escaping Gerald Robotnik’s laboratory, Team Sonic arrived at the Wachowski Residence through a ring portal, seeking Tom and Maddie Wachowski’s help. Eager for action, the Wachowskis agreed to assist. Tails explained their mission: infiltrate the Guardian Units of Nations Headquarters in London to secure the second Eclipse Cannon keycard. According to the plan, the Wachowskis would plant Tails’ USB to disable the force field and laser hallway, enabling Sonic the Hedgehog to access the vault, while Knuckles the Echidna stood by to break the glass if needed. When Maddie suggested using the Master Emerald to activate Sonic’s super form for added security, the team refused, bound by their oath to protect the emerald. Knuckles, as its guardian, adamantly declined to reveal its location before they set off for London.
Team Robotnik arrives in London
Transported by the Mecha Crab, Team Robotnik arrived in London via the sewers. As they spotted G.U.N. headquarters, Shadow the Hedgehog, fueled by his desire for revenge, pleaded with Gerald Robotnik to let him infiltrate and retrieve the keycard. However, Robotnik urged patience, assuring Shadow that once the Eclipse Cannon was deployed, his vengeance would be unparalleled. To execute the infiltration, Doctor Eggman instructed Agent Stone to deliver a package containing spandex disguises for himself and Robotnik. Stone was ordered to remain behind in the Crab, keeping a close watch on Shadow.[1]
Infiltration[]
Undercover Operation[]
Tom and Maddie manage to infiltrate G.U.N. Headquarters
- "Take it out and blow on it."
"Yes!"
"Oh, come on, Tom. There's absolutely no scientific evidence to support... Never mind. It worked." - ―Tom Wachowski, Maddie Wachowski and Tails[src]
Upon arriving in London, Team Sonic, along with Tom and Maddie Wachowski, positioned themselves strategically to execute their infiltration. Using Tails’ holographic devices, Maddie assumed the likeness of Rachel, while Tom took on the appearance of Randall Handel. Disguised in G.U.N. soldier uniforms, they managed to enter the headquarters. However, their progress was halted by an agent who cited increased security measures following Shadow the Hedgehog recent escape. Maddie, channeling Rachel’s fierce demeanor, demanded they be let through, using the excuse of heading to “lunch.”
Tails hacks into G.U.N. Headquarters' systems
Once inside, Tom and Maddie prepared to access the server room, with Maddie assuming the appearance of Director Rockwell to gain entry. However, the real Rockwell suddenly appeared, forcing Tom to quickly use his holographic device to disguise himself. After several failed attempts to select an appropriate appearance, Maddie hit the device, causing it to project Randall's likeness onto Tom. Acting nervously in front of Rockwell, the Wachowskis managed to enter the server room and installed Tails' USB. Initially unresponsive, the USB only activated after Tom gave it a quick blow, finally linking it to Tails' laptop. Despite their success, the Wachowskis noticed another USB with a big mustache, realizing that Team Robotnik had also infiltrated the headquarters.
With the help of their spandex suits, Eggman and Robotnik passed undetected by the G.U.N. agents due to the camouflage function. Meanwhile, inside the Mecha Crab, Stone tried to cheer up Shadow, telling him that they would soon rule the world once they got the keycard, but Shadow revealed that when the plan was finished, there would be nothing left to rule. Suddenly, Tails hacked into the London sewer systems, guiding the Crab into the building. Inside the laser hallway, Eggman confirmed that the suits deflected the thermal energy of the lasers, allowing them to avoid detection. Satisfied, Robotnik suggested they could dance their way through, which Eggman agreed to, and the two began dancing as they headed toward the vault.[1]
Rockwell's Trap[]
- "Enough! It's over. The only way you're leaving here is in handcuffs. There's no other way out."
"You know, there might be one other way out."
"And what is that supposed to be?"
"Big guy, I think it's time to..."
"Break glass in case of emergency!" - ―Rockwell, Sonic the Hedgehog and Knuckles the Echidna[src]
Due to Team Robotnik being close to the vault, Sonic, despite Tails' warnings, decided to act and infiltrate the G.U.N. Headquarters. However, with time running out as the shields were closing, Sonic made a brief visit to several popular spots in London before making his way toward the headquarters. Realizing he wouldn't make it in time as the force field was about to close, Tails successfully launched him just before it shut. Quickly, he dashed through the headquarters, surprising Eggman and Robotnik. As the two reached the vault, they were trapped on the ground, while Sonic remained floating. Rockwell appeared in the vault, revealing that the vault contained a variable gravity system to prevent anyone from taking the keycard.
Knuckles enters the vault
Distrusting Sonic and not allowing him to explain, she revealed that she had captured Tom, Maddie, and Tails. Rockwell threatened to arrest everyone for the infiltration, but Sonic dismissed her threat, signaling to Knuckles for the rescue. Jumping from Big Ben, Knuckles summoned the Flames of Disaster to break the force field, allowing him to enter the vault and knock down the soldiers. This led Rockwell to order her subordinates to open fire. Sonic instructed Knuckles to deactivate the gravity system, a command he followed, but when Knuckles smashed Rockwell's tablet, he inadvertently altered the system, causing a disruption around the vault.
Sonic destroys the giant boulder
As the keycard fell to the ground, Eggman and Rockwell scrambled to get it, dragging themselves toward it. Due to the system malfunction, Knuckles remained floating, knocking down soldiers, while Sonic, Tom, Maddie, and Tails were trapped on the ground. Suddenly, several boulders began to fall, putting the Wachowskis and Tails in danger. Immobilized, Sonic used all his strength to curl into a ball and launched a spin dash attack, smashing the boulder and deactivating the system. Once gravity returned to normal, Rockwell managed to grab the keycard before Eggman, much to his frustration. After the conflict, Sonic recovered, being grateful by the Wachowskis, but they soon noticed that Rockwell was leaving with the keycard, so Tom had an idea to obtain it.[1]
Deployment of the Space Colony ARK[]
- "What did you do?"
"What I had to." - ―Sonic the Hedgehog and Shadow the Hedgehog[src]
Using the likeness of the Commander Walters, Tom confronted Rockwell, who was surprised that "Walters" had survived the attack. Tom managed to convince Rockwell to hand over the keycard and, as he moved away, informed the team that he had it and urged them to escape quickly. However, Shadow teleported in, mistaking Tom for the real Walters. He struck Tom to the ground and took the keycard before realizing the truth. Sonic rushed to Tom's location, noticing Shadow before seeing Tom unconscious. Concerned for his adoptive father, Sonic was saw by Shadow, who remembered Maria Robotnik's death. Angry, Sonic questioned Shadow's actions, but Shadow simply replied that he did what he had to do before disappearing. Maddie and Team Sonic watched as Tom lay injured.
Team Robotnik deploys the Space Colony ARK
As Eggman and Robotnik stood up, they were surrounded by several G.U.N. soldiers, but Shadow appeared just in time to save them, revealing that he had obtained the keycard and transported them to the Space Colony ARK. Eggman was astonished by the design, even more so when his grandfather revealed their nanosuits. After surviving the destruction of the Mecha Crab, Stone called Eggman, attempting to warn him that Robotnik and Shadow were up to something more. However, Eggman reprimanded Stone for his jealousy toward Robotnik and dismissed him after saying some hurtful things. With both keycards, Eggman helped Robotnik deploy the ARK from the River Thames, visible to Team Sonic, Stone, and the onlookers. As the ARK launched into space, Eggman tried to high-five Robotnik, but was ignored, while Shadow reflected on the attack on Tom.[1]
Aftermath[]
Sonic forces Knuckles to tell him where the Master Emerald is
- "The emerald must never be wielded for vengeance. Not ever. We swore a sacred oath."
"Don't talk to me about oaths. Not now."
"But you told Tom using the emerald wasn't the right choice."
"Well, now it's the only choice! And if neither of you have the guts to help me, then I'll do it alone." - ―Knuckles the Echidna, Sonic the Hedgehog and Tails[src]
Due to Tom's critical condition, Maddie accompanied him in an ambulance to the hospital while glancing at Team Sonic. Concerned for Sonic, Tails and Knuckles tried to offer comfort, but Sonic, driven by a thirst for revenge against Shadow, decided to stop Team Robotnik before it was too late. He ordered Knuckles to reveal the location of the Master Emerald, but Knuckles repeatedly refused. However, Knuckles eventually relented, recalling his oath, and revealed to Sonic that he had entrusted the relic to Wade Whipple. Using a ring portal, Sonic arrived at the Green Hills Sheriff's Station, where Whipple was playing hockey with the emerald as a puck. Whipple greeted Sonic warmly, but he immediately demanded the emerald. He refused, citing his promise, but despite the refusal, Sonic took the emerald and used the Chaos Emeralds to trigger his super form.
Shadow charges the Eclipse Cannon
On the Space Colony ARK, Shadow questioned Robotnik if destroying Earth was the right way to honor Maria. Robotnik manipulated Shadow's grief, reminding him of their losses. Fueled by rage, Shadow used his Chaos Energy to charge the Eclipse Cannon. Robotnik explained to Eggman that the cannon would destroy Earth and them, but Eggman, overwhelmed by the revelation of his plot, suggested ruling humanity instead. Robotnik lashed out, expressing hatred for humanity and belittling Eggman's desire to be a family together, comparing him to Maria, crushing his feelings. He revealed that losing Maria meant losing his family forever and now sought to give her death meaning through Earth's destruction. With the cannon charged, Robotnik set a 10-minute timer to shot the laser. Shadow, looking at Earth, swore justice for Maria.[1]