Ratchet & Sonic:

The Alpha Project

Written by: Foenix Nightshade & Wyvern Deathclaw

A new committee formed by the worlds has come to a decision. For the protection of the omniverses, one hero from each of the worlds shall be chosen and used for an assignment known as the Alpha Project.

Location: Unknown

Omniversal Committee Meeting

"So do we all agree on this?" Mecha Sonic asked his fellow committee members. "Let me remind you all that Project Alpha is irreversible." The 'Project Alpha' he spoke of was a program meant to ensure the safety of the omniverse. The debate had gone on for days. How they would guarantee proper protection was no easy matter. Finally, though, Mecha Sonic, the representative of Mobius, put forth the proposition of Project Alpha.

Project Alpha was an experimental procedure through which one of great renown would have their power increased (to put it simply). The purpose of said experiment was to protect against the mysterious creatures known only as the Digirax. Project Alpha, as Mecha Sonic explained, had been proven successful on his planet; the hero known only as Sonic before, now Sonic-X, had volunteered for the new project. In its success, though, there were…side effects.

The once cocky, irresponsible, irrational hedgehog was now serious most of the time. Though, he could still be his facetious, fun-loving self at times, he was always one to get serious when it was necessary.

His appearance had also changed, though not as drastically. His eyes had gone from their soft, emerald green to calculating neon green. His fur had darkened to more of a navy blue color. The one thing that made his transformation known was the X-shaped scar over his left eye. Mecha Sonic had shown Sonic-X to the other members of the committee to prove his point.

"So do we all agree?" Mecha Sonic asked again. Silence reigned over the gathered representatives as they thought carefully about the proposition.

"I accept," a voice said suddenly. They all turned to the speaker. It was King Wart, representative of the Mushroom Kingdom.

"So do I," Astro of the world 20XX said. The other members of the committee looked at each other for a brief moment before nodding their consents as well.

All but one.

"Do you have objections...Clank?" Mecha Sonic asked, looking at the small grey robot that sat across the room. Clank was the representative of the Tri-galaxies: Solana, Bogoon, and Polaris.

"My father Orvus would say that one would need to take his time on this matter. I require that time to think this through," was Clank's reply. "And I also do not know who the subject of this Project Alpha would be."

"Well, considering it being your world, the Tri-galaxies, it would most likely be your Lombax friend Ratchet, seeing as there are no others who have been deemed worthy by the project's standards," Mecha Sonic stated simply.

"How do you know that Ratchet would consent to this?" Clank asked skeptically.

"We could ask him," Mecha Sonic said matter-of-factly. "Sonic was asked before the project itself was activated."

"Very well. I will contact him."

"Good," Mecha Sonic replied.

At this, Clank sent a holo-transmission to his old friend.

Meanwhile…

Location: Planet Veldin, Ratchet's garage

Ratchet tightened another bolt on his ship, Aphelion, as he listened to Talwyn's report. "And although, the Thugs 4 Less is still operational, it has been reduced in size since last year and... The phone's ringing, Ratchet."

"What?" Ratchet tried to sit up, but banged his head on Aphelion in the process. He shook his head before grabbing a rag, walking over to the holo-screen, and accepting the call. "Ratchet and Clank's repair service, we fix ships, gadgets, and everything in between."

"You finally figured it out," the caller said. Ratchet looked up at the screen. His features automatically brightened as he saw his best friend on the screen.

"Hey, pal, what's up? How are ya doing?" the Lombax asked nonchalantly.

"I am fine, Ratchet, but I am afraid it is a serious matter I am contacting you for," Clank said seriously, cutting to the chase. "I am at a committee meeting and your input is required on a certain matter pertaining to you."

Ratchet's ears perked in sudden interest, wondering what the Omniversal Committee wanted his input for. "Okay, buddy. Shoot."

Clank was used to this. Ratchet's carelessness was nothing new. The robot would have said something to his Lombax friend, but time was of the essence. He didn't have the time to dally with trivial matters, such as his friend's attitude.

"A member of the Committee has given an idea on how the omniverse can be protected in a more efficient manner," Clank explained. "It is known as the Alpha Project."

"And what has this got to do with me?" Ratchet asked.

"Clank, if you please?" a voice said from off-screen. Mecha Sonic appeared on the screen and explained.

"I ask again: what has this got to do with me?" Ratchet asked.

"A great deal has to do with you, Ratchet. The heroes of each world have elected to participate in this experiment. For the Tri-galaxies, you are the only hero."

"Say what?!" Ratchet yelled, falling over in surprise.

"You heard me, Lombax," Mecha replied as Ratchet got back up, holding the desk for support. "Listen here, boy. It is your choice to participate; you can either stay as yourself, or you can go through with this experiment. Something big is coming; I suggest you take the offer."

"Um…can you give me a the night to think about it?"

"Fine," Mecha said curtly. A hologram appeared next to the screen. "Do you recognize this person?"

Ratchet looked at it and realized, "That's Sonic! But…not?"

"This is Sonic-X, the result of Project Alpha. I must warn you that, although your power would be increased, your appearance, behavior, or both could change. Choose wisely, Ratchet. This is Mecha Sonic, signing off."

The hologram disappeared, and Ratchet sat down on the floor, stunned. "Talwyn!" he called after a few minutes.

The Markazian appeared in the room a second later. "Is something wrong, Ratchet?" she asked with a hint of concern. Ratchet quickly explained everything that had been discussed. "Are you kidding me?!" she exclaimed, nearly falling over in shock. She sat down on a nearby chair.

"No, Talwyn. Sadly, no."

That night, Ratchet tossed and turned in bed. He couldn't stop thinking about what Mecha Sonic had said. What was he going to do? There were both pros and cons to the Alpha Project, but could he take the risks? How would he change if he accepted?

Finally, he sat up in bed, saying, "This isn't working." He sighed in frustration as he got up and grabbed the wrench that went with him practically everywhere. "I need to get some air; I need to think," he muttered to himself. Quietly, so as not to disturb Talwyn, the golden Lombax left the house. Just outside the door were his hoverboots. He put them on and activated them, not really heading for any specific destination.

Well, Ratchet has a pretty tough decision to make. I do, too. I have no idea if he should say "yes" or "no." I know! I'm gonna ask you, dear readers. What is Ratchet's answer? Or does he answer at all? If he doesn't, he'll be forced to go through with it. What do y'all think? I'll let you decide.

By the way, this story is a bit of an AU as you have probably picked up from the first chapter (longest chapter I've ever written for any story! :D)

Oh, guess what! I'm going to Austin, Texas, tomorrow (Thursday) to see Owl City in concert! According to my parents, it was only about $20 to get in. I can't wait! Sad part is that I can't stay home from school on Friday even if we get home late. Ah well. Owl City!

Anyway, peace, laters, whatever y'all like to hear.

This is Foenix Nightshade, signing off!