Lynx's Vision 1
#27 of Sonic the Hedgehog
Nicole is on the brink of a revolutionary new scientific advancement, but before she can go public with her work, she needs to appeal to the Brain Trust. But old wounds close slowly, and the Brain Trust knows just what could happen if science goes unchecked. Will Nicole be able to prove to the world she has what it takes to bring a new golden age to Mobius?
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Once upon a time, Nicole was exiled from the city of New Mobotropolis. The people considered her a threat because of her omnipresent nanite construction. Now, she has evolved beyond the machines that had made her and is working on something much grander.
Splats was once a badnik. He had been created by Dr. Robotnik with the sole purpose of destroying Sonic the Hedgehog, but that was years ago. Now, he is a flesh-and-blood Mobian, and he needs to make a great first impression, or else.
The Brain Trust was established during the second Robotnik War, and it consisted of the finest minds in all of the Republic of Acorn. Theirs is the approval Nicole seeks, and their members include engineers Miles "Tails" Prower, Rotor Walrus, and Sir Charles Hedgehog; Paleontological expert Relic the Pika; and, from Angel Island's Biological Studies committee, Cian-Se.
"It's not very often that the trust meets like this," Cian-Se begins, "and it is even rarer that you come to us with your own findings, Nicole."
Nicole, wearing her best-designed dress, bows to the committee. "It is an honor to see you all again. I have come with an advancement in nanite technology that I believe all of you would want to evaluate."
"It is the impression of the Brain Trust that you had concluded your studies on nanite technology based on reaching the ethical limit. Yet, you have come to us now with some new findings?"
Tails jumps in. "Sorry, miss Se, but if Nicole says that she has something, I'm sure she's made all the ethical decisions."
Sir Charles brushes his gloved hands over his mustache, thinking a moment. "I'm not one to say no to some good ethical science, but Tails, you should know the limits new technology should have, both legally and morally-speaking. Unchecked progress for the sake of the greater good can lead to another Robotnik. We've reached a near-utopian status unknown in our history. Shall we jeopardize that?"
"With all due respect," Nicole says, "I know very well how to handle my inventions, and I have not made a desperate decision in the development of my new technology."
Sir Charles nods. "I understand. You just need to understand I'm getting far too old to let the past haunt me, but I'm not young enough to let that stop me from evaluating the risks."
"Look, Nicole," Rotor says, rubbing the back of his head. "The truth is that you haven't really participated in technological growth in nearly a decade. Why are you approaching us now?"
"Because," Nicole says, stepping up. In front of her, a small workbench appears with a microscope. Projected upon the wall behind her is the footage of a cell. "I have finally perfected my work from ten years ago."
"Well, what are we lookin' at?" Relic says, adjusting her tiny spectacles.
"It's a Mobian's cell," says Cian-Se.
"Correct," says Nicole. With a wave of her hand, another view appears behind the cell. This one shows the DNA structure, with all the technical data displayed upon it. "From a female lynx."
There comes a slight murmur from the Trust. During this time, Nicole plucks a hair from her head and places it upon the microscope.
Another set of images appear, and upon it is a nearly identical display.
Rotor and Tails stand up, eyes wide. Relic looks curiously at them and sinks back in her chair. Sir Charles mutters, "my word..." and Cian-Se pouts.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Brain Trust," Nicole begins. "Using the technology behind roboticization and what we used to restore Princess Sally to flesh and blood when she was roboticized, I have successfully engineered a process in which artificial intelligence can become a full flesh-and-blood Mobian.
"Complete deroboticization of something that was never alive?" Sir Charles says, his voice shaking.
"That's... that's incredible!" Tails shouts. "Beyond anything we could have imagined."
"That's right brilliant there," Relic agrees.
Cian-Se, however, remains quiet, her hands folded in front of her face, the glare of the screen reflecting upon her glasses.
"Not only have I been able to turn myself, which was an AI with no form, into a flesh-and-blood lynx, but I have also made other strides as well. May I introduce my guest today."
Splats gulps and stands up, waving meekly. "H-hey, science guys. Th-the name's Splats.
Tails's jaw drops. "You... you turned a badnik-?"
"Into a person, yes. Splats now has a chance to live out life with no stigma associated with being a creation of Dr. Robotnik. With this breakthrough, I have also been looking into other possibilities, such as complete species and gender readjustment for Mobians and robots who wish to live life in a form different than their own."
Excited conversations erupt from the members of the Brain Trust, but Cian-Se pushes herself up to a standing position. "Nicole," she begins. "You were right before when you said you had pushed the boundary of ethical science with your previous work. This is something far beyond what the Republic or Angel Island can condone. The fetishization of technology can be abused greatly, and I do not see the Council granting you means to continue this work. Quite frankly, I think they'd exile you again for this manipulation of nature."
The other members of the Trust argue amongst themselves, throwing their dislike for Cian-Se's words at her, but she and Nicole do not listen to them. Instead, the two women stare each other down.
It seems this battle is far from over.