shellphones | [VIDEO] TailsTube: Episode 1

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[VIDEO] TailsTube: Episode 1

Type: Video
Sender ID: SkyPatrol
To: Public
Subject: TailsTube: Episode 01 [LIVE!]
Warnings: bullying foxes

[The feed opens up to Tails' cabin on the Stormbringer. He's spent a bit of time and effort on getting it ready for the camera: Tools put away neatly on a pegboard, a few potted plants over here, some hand-drawn blueprints over there... the space still looks lived in, but mindfully so. And on top of it all, there's a banner reading "TAILSTUBE" pinned up on the wall behind him.]

[There's a moment's hesitation as the fox double-checks his shellphone, sees that it's recording properly, then backs up to fit in the camera's frame:]

Hey guys! Welcome to the inaugural episode of... TailsTube: Sea Fox Edition! [A quick jazz-hands towards the banner behind him!] Back home, TailsTube was my streaming channel, where I brought on the coolest guests I could find to hang out, answer your questions, and have some fun! Now, unfortunately, my setup here still needs a few upgrades before it can hold a candle to my original lab...

So, u-uh... [He pauses, clears his throat — summons up some willpower to say this next part with a smile.] This is also the first episode with a paid sponsor. And it's none other than Dr. Eggman himself!

... no one's more surprised about this than I am, guys.

[Normally, this is about the point where he would pull up some stunning, HQ art and graphics to add some context and flavor to the topic of discussion. But low-tech is the name of the game, and luckily, he's a fairly good artist. So, instead, he's standing up a poster display with drawings of Eggman's notorious creations, including various badniks, some weapons and obstacles, and his villainous pièce de résistance, the Death Egg.]

Back on our home world, Eggman's name is synonymous with terror and disaster. He's invented countless dangerous weapons and built an entire robotic military, which he's used in his many ill-fated plots to conquer our world! So, even though he's making peace with us for now, I can't help but be skeptical...

But on the other hand, if it is true? I'm actually kinda excited. Because Dr. Eggman does his best work when he's not trying to kill us.

[And here comes a second poster display, featuring some of the doctor's lesser known creations. For example, there's the E-Gear and a few other models of Extreme Gear, as well as some of his communication tech.]

And after looking over his new Radniks, I can say they seem like a step in the right direction. None of them come with any weapons, no animals are harmed in their creation or operation... even the code is pretty straightforward assistant stuff. So, if that's what we can expect going forward—

And that's where you're wrong, you twin-tailed toddler!

[The feed goes dark for a moment and there's a...well, it's a ruckus. Because Eggman has crashed the set of TailsTube and he's decided that now is his time to make an entrance. When the feed comes back, Eggman's taken a seat next to Tails. One leg crossed over the other, hands steepled in his lap. Where did he get that egg-shaped chair? He brought it. Don't ask questions. Especially if they're stupid.]

Since when have I ever given you anything you all 'expected?' The true hallmark of a genius is to subvert expectations! To shift paradigms! To—

[He turns to look at Tails' display and huffs disapprovingly.]

What are these? They look like they were drawn by a child. If you're going to showcase my work, at least put in effort.

[And Tails' fuzzy cheeks puff in his own disapproval at the critique. He put plenty of effort into it! ... but before the fox can get a word in edgewise, Eggman spins back around, sneering.]

Now, as I was saying! Tails here has given his sidekick seal of approval on my Radniks! And while I am aware that several of you have questioned my motives, especially in light of certain Shadow-y warnings, you can rest assured my motivations are...pure.

[He's not lying. Though what his motivations are 'purely' about is anyone's guess.]

And just to prove to you I've turned over a new engine...

[He lifts his gloved hand and makes several keystroke-like gestures. From offscreen a Motobug wheels itself in and places a box in the center.]

I've come with my newest product.

[He lifts the box to reveal...a model kit? It sure looks like a model kit.]

You see, my Radniks were so successful, I thought "Why stop there?" Why not encourage others to unlock their own potential! Foster the next generation of geniuses! And so, I present to you...Build-a-Bot!

This kit comes with every part necessary for you to build your own toys, complete with rudimentary programming chips that will teach you the fun of coding your own robotic arr–assistant!

[And Tails' expression starts to light up with his original enthusiasm again.] ... Huh. A DIY kit should be pretty fun and educational. Even someone with more mechanical experience could probably use it to help jumpstart their work with the local technology. This is actually kind of a cool idea, Eggman.

[With another keystroke gestures, an overlay appears over the TailsTube feed that looks suspiciously like a Home Shopping Network style layout. Except it is positively branded with Eggman.]

Now, act now and order your own Build-a-Bot kit, and I'll even throw in some spare chips for additional behavioral programming! It's a deal so good, you'd think I was crazy much less evil! And all proceeds go to me and my research. You know. For the...good. Of everyone. [Bah.]

With...of course a small stipend to sponsor this show. Small.

Negligible really.

[Speaking of the sponsorship — by this point, Tails isn't hiding his cranky expression about this arrangement, and is quickly tapping away at his shellphone.] Seriously, Eggman? Come on! This is not that kind of show! [With a few more taps... bloop! The overlay disappears, block by block, scrubbing all the rotten eggman branding off the screen.] And I only agreed to let you be a guest, not take over hosting duties...

Yes, yes! Of course! How presumptuous of me! You have my sincerest apologies!

[With a quick few airborne keystrokes of Eggman's other hand, some text flashes rapidly across the bottom of the screen at a blink-and-you'll-miss-it speed.]

"Build-a-Bot is a licensed product. Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik does not bear any responsibility for any weapons, doomsday devices, or robotic armies constructed using this product. This product is fully and comprehensively endorsed by SONIC THE HEDGEHOG and MILES "TAILS" PROWER and responsibility for their use or misuse falls solely on their furry heads."

Anyway — please send us your questions, so we can read and answer them live on stream! Or if you'd like, call in to ask them yourself!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ there's this growling noise before she hangs up. ]

[ Oof. That hadn't sounded good at all...

Amy is at least a few minutes early as she makes her way to the market square. While she waits for Surge to show, she's browsing a little. Mostly the fresh fruits and veggies, not that she's going to buy any right now but maybe later... ]

[ there's the girl of the hour, a green tenrec coming up from behind the pineapples sporting the same hair-do basically, and her hands shoved into the pockets of yellow, baggy pants. there's a wrinkle of her nose before she's already loud, directing her voice at amy not caring if she startles her or not. ]

So what's the big idea that you couldn't tell me on the post!?

[ Amy IS startled, and she jumps, whirling around to face the other girl. She blinks a few times. ]

Hi! So, there's a few things I wanted to say. The network isn't exactly private unless you make it, and there's stuff no one needs to hear, especially Eggman, right?

[ Ugh, here we go again. She already knows she's going to get yelled at and probably hear the whole 'i hate you' spiel again, but, at least she's ready for it. ]

Number one, I wanted to say thank you for getting me to Espio the other day. [ Even if, y'know, you electrocuted her and decided she was trying to kill herself, but, she's not gonna bring that part up. ] You didn't have to do that, and I do appreciate it... so thank you for saving me.

[ She means that, at least; the method might not have been the coolest, but, it WAS cool of her to help when she didn't have to. So. There's that. ]

You and I have a common enemy in Eggman. I don't trust him. I don't hate him, but I do hate what he stands for, and I have a terrible feeling he's going to do something eventually that's going to get a lot of people hurt, or worse.

You're tellin' me even when I go on voice with others you STILL hear me, it's not one:one...

[ fucking great, but useful information for the future to think about when going on there to lie and scheme if it comes down to it.

besides, she didn't say anything om there that he didn't know so it's fine, he's much aware that surge might just show up and go light's out. she rolls her eyes, growling under her breath at the thanks, and it sends a shiver down her spine as she looks away. ]

Why the hell is he tellin' you anything.

[ can espio not keep his mouth shut, sure, how else was she getting moved but he didn't have fo say they did that. surge leans back, huffing as she feels a headache coming on. she can't even accept this thanks because it doesn't feel right, she doesn't know... maybe she's just happy to be alive and is following with pleasantries. ]

Ugh, I don't know if I want to listen to how much you don't hate him. I do hate him, I hate everyone who has wronged me. Go with your feeling, because it's the "great 'Doc" yall do this song and dance, you'll forgive him once it's all over so why does it matter?

[ more so why does amy feel the need to try and stop him, throughout their life, they'd just let him go free to put people in danger. for surge, it's danger she needs to put a stop to, but she's not the type to follow through with this sparing lifestyle amy has going on. ]

Edited (i just woke up man) 2025-05-09 20:38 (UTC)

Yeah. I wouldn't have been able to respond to your initial warning otherwise. You gotta lock them or whatever, I can show you if you want.

[ There goes Surge being grumbly again-- it's almost cute. Mostly because it's not being loud and yelly. ]

Because I didn't know how I got to his place. I mean it, though... thank you for saving me.

[ She pauses, watching the other girl, and she tips her head thoughtfully. ]

You said something about wanting to be a hero. I think you already are one.

[ It's a sincere statement, at least; Amy really does think Surge is pretty heroic for saving someone she clearly very much dislikes. She could have ended it herself right then and there, but she chose not to. And that means a lot. ]

Not all of us feel that way, Surge. Believe me. He's dangerous, and I'm tired of fighting with him and watching people I love and care about get hurt or killed. He might be playing the innocent card right now, but... if he makes allies here, and decides to turn, that won't be good for anyone.

[ lock them? ugh, she should have asked drippy about that. it's fine, what she did on that post wasn't too bad, but she knows for now. ]

Shut up! Shut upppp!!! It was Drippy too, get your facts straight. [ while she did do the starter work, they wouldn't have gotten out of there without him. should have taken drippy from the start.

she doesn't know how to feel when she says it, a little stressed, a bit annoyed, but it's recognition because that was heroic of her, right? doing the right thing for people who have hurt her by their stupid decisions does light a flame in her heart, it burns, it makes her so angry. though, there's a small spark of happiness, but it's covered by the pain she feels from everything that these "heroes" stand for.

then again, she only clicks her tongue as she stares at her next statement. ]

Don't waste my time if you're gunna talk what I think you're gunna talk. What are you going to do to him, what are your options? [ the tenrec's eyes narrow as she looks at the hedgehog, the dedication and anger from on the boat is now replaced as she's both wary and not sure of what amy is saying to her.

the girl closes her eyes, a slow and tired exhale thinking she knows how this is going to go. useless words with the same shoddy reasoning that's led to this mistake anyway. ]

Gunna lock him up? Forgive him? So he breaks out and does it again?

You're right. You're both heroes, if you ask me. I owe you guys.

[ She clasps her hands behind her back. Amy doesn't say things she really doesn't mean, and she definitely means every word of what she's telling Surge. She's not going to go on and on because the girl likely doesn't believe her anyways. But. ]

You guys are really strong, and your talents are uniquely yours. I still want to know more about you two.

[ But, Eggman. The pink hedgehog begins to pace back and forth, humming thoughtfully at Surge's words. She's not wrong; they've let Eggman go over, and over, and OVER again. Given him a million different chances. And it's just come back to haunt them time and time again. ]

I don't know. I just know that he can't be trusted. Those 'toys' of his are going to get reprogrammed or something stupid... I hope I'm wrong, but, his track record speaks otherwise.

[ She stops pacing and looks down at the ground. ]

Did you know that he was apparently 'Mr. Tinker' at one point? Do you know anything about that?

[ there's a lot to speak on, but what stands out to her is the name and how surge's face instantly frowns. a few sparks jump off her body, but very little, it's like she hates to hear that too. it's all because they couldn't get rid of him then, because they kept him, she can't stand to hear those days where they could have ended him and avoided everything after. ]

I know enough.

[ her hands curl into fists, electricity snapping across the rings like a crackle and pop. she doesn't shake, but there is definitely anger that's building up, especially in the way that she stands her ground and grinds her teeth. "mr. tinker"... if he didn't exist and was simply himself, would dr. starline have reached out like he did to get into contact with him? probably not, maybe not. if they had all killed eggman when he was in that position, then none of this would have happened.

if any of these individuals were smart, but no, surge and kit are the bad guys for wanting that man disposed of. ]

Because a certain someone or any of you didn't take him out when he was vulnerable, it's like voilà, Domino effect of bad decisions hit everything. If you're tellin' me that's the plan of handling him, I will make sure none of you survive because that didn't work.

[ Amy doesn't want a fight, amd she doesn't want this time escalate into getting electrocuted and yelled at, either. The other girl seems to be keeping her temper in check, though, even as sparks fly.

She lifts her hands in a placating gesture. ]

Everyone here from home but Eggman seems to be from the future, so I'm just trying to get the facts and story from everyone.

[ Because it's a lot to take in. And she's making an attempt to be well informed, since she absolutely hates being out of the loop. ]

I don't know what the plan is, Surge. I just know that he can't be allowed to hurt anyone else.

[ She begins to walk, slowly, through the stands. If Surge follows, great. If not, she's just talking to herself now. ]

Everyone has a little bit of good in them. No one is born inherently evil... right? But... I don't know about Eggman. Even if he were this alleged Mr. Tinker, how long until he came back as Doctor Eggman again?

[ amy doesn't know, her ears may not be big, but she can hear enough. all she needs is that "i don't know" to know that there's nothing coming from this. directionless as always...

much like eggman said, though about her, but... them? ah, she shouldn't think about that. her ears twitch, and she walks behind but not enough to stay close. like surge is willing to fall back in the crowd once the hedgehog says things that doesn't align with what she wants. ]

That plan is stupid because he will always tap into that nature, I've heard this spiel from the quack.

[ amy doesn't really know who "the quack" is, but she's not going out of her way to explain that when it's not asked. all she knows is that if someone is dedicated, they can bring him back, and the reason it's so easy is because this is what eggman wants to be. surge understands identity, this one that she has isn't even who she is, but there's no one who wants her to bring her or kitsunami back.

how long will they be stuck like this, and if so? will they die like this. she glances down at her hand pondering for a few moments.

with a quick shake of her head. ]

I dunno why you act so confused, it's simple what to do, but I guess goody-two shoes don't want to have blood on their hands.

[ even though they've killed who surge and kitsunami used to be.

... ]

I know.

[ Because she just does. She knows Eggman could never permanently retain that persona. Something or someone would trigger him back into his true self, and then what? It just repeats. ]

You're wrong. We have plenty of blood on our hands. [ She won't elaborate, because it's not her place. They've all had to fight for their lives at one point or another-- some people lived, some people died. On both sides. ]

But it doesn't mean we have to like it.

[ She continues walking, making her way out of the thick crowds, gently pushing through the throngs of people. ]

Can I ask you something?

[ then why are they afraid of having his blood if she's so confident in saying that? it doesn't make sense, maybe they're trying to make amends, if so, she doesn't care. she doesn't want to hear it because all it sounds like is them being hypocrites now. ]

...

[ surge listens rather than indulges, because she'll get mad, she's already not in a good position. her nerves on edge as she offers a scary look on her face to make some people back off and not get in her way as amy pushes through. these tall-men always in the way, stupid humans and creatures.

she does look around, seeing what's here to take advantage of. ]

What.

[ it's not even in as a question, it's more so say it and don't make it be stupid. ]

Are you ever going to give me a straight answer?

[ The girl is confusing. She claims to hate her, and yet twice they worked together pretty well. The last time, the girl went out of her way to save her. And now, today, at Amy's request, she'd even met up with her in person.

For someone who hates her so much, Surge shows up. ]

I want to know more about you and your friend, and I don't want to hear it from anyone else but the source.

[ don't ask. she hates her, she does. it's no lie, but she's capable of attempting to work properly with someone as long as her hero goal quota is met. that's why she glares at the girl when she talks about a straight answer, rich coming from someone who doesn't have a straight answer for solving a reoccurring problem. ]

I thought you were lyin' then, just to say something that fit at the moment.

[ but she really wants to know? ]

We're goin' to the The Minstrel and Cask if that's somethin' you wanna talk about.

[ amy doesn't remember them, she doesn't know them, and she wants to make up for that. it's... a sensitive subject, it's a ticking time bomb. she doesn't know what will come from it, but surge had said it wasn't the time then, but... she has time even if she doesn't feel 100% herself.

she'll brave through it. ]

No, I really want to know. I told you, I actually like you guys... so yeah, I do want to know about you both.

[ Amy blinks at the suggestion, and then visibly lights up. It wasn't a flat out no, so, she is willing to follow Surge wherever she wants to go. She doesn't mind doing this on Surge's terms. ]

Okay! I'm down, wherever you want to go is fine by me.

[ It's why Amy is happy to turn about and follow after Surge this time. She's a little nervous to hear whatever Surge has to say, but the fact that the other girl is willing to even tell her anything at all is a huge deal. ]

[ it's not that she's happy about this, but amy... has been asking, and while surge would rather keep her in the dark, she knows that's not possible. besides, surge would never be able to handle the idea of someone explaining her feelings. there's things that she can't let up on.

one hand leaves from her pocket to point down one direction. ]

Through here.

[ she can hear the hedgehog following behind her, and surge leads like anyone else would, almost like a leader because she's used to that. as she makes her way along through the crowd, it doesn't take long for the location in question to appear in their sights. as they close in, there's a place outside the tavern where amy will see a table that fits about four people. as surge kills the distance, she takes two chairs to lay on and stretch her legs. ]

[ waiting at the table, a blue fennec fox sits kicking his feet because they're not long enough to touch the ground from this seat. still, when he sees surge, he visibly perks up—as if he wants to wag his tail at the sight of her. he's been waiting, after all!

it's when he sees who she's with that his expression falls... first to something discontent, and then to a momentary scowl.

still, he's quiet as surge takes her seat. ]

[ Amy is more than happy to follow after Surge; whereas Surge is used to, in a way, being a leader, Amy is the same way when it comes to following. It's easy to simply fall into place and trail after the other girl, although unlike usual, she isn't chatty this time.

She can read a room.

As they round the corner, she's both surprised and not surprised to see Kit. She's only seen the boy once, and that's been a few days ago; even though he'd been the one to carry her to the safety of Espio's current residence, she doesn't remember that. She offers the boy an almost nervous smile as she approaches, and then takes a seat across from the two in the last chair available. ]

Hi, Kit. Thank you for saving me the other day, I really appreciate what you did for me.

[ Eeeeven though she's pretty sure he didn't want to. Given the look on his face right now, it's kinda obvious. ]

[ surge drums her fingers onto the table, eyes watching as people pass into the tavern and ignoring them while doing so. it's not the attention she wants, but considering there hasn't been a reason to save any of these townspeople, she can only accept that she hasn't really proven herself to be worth anything yet.

... ]

...

[ surge yawns, one hand over her mouth as she relaxes into her chair, or tries. before coming here took some energy out of her, more than she wants. her gaze falls on amy then shifts over to kit seeing if he'll accept her thanks. as much as she wants to be a hero, as much as she searches for the praise and recognition, she's still not ready to be the hero who saves her enemies.

with a click of her tongue, the tenrec shrugs her shoulders while placing the attention on kit. ]

How's the praise feelin', Drippy?

[ yeah, kit's not happy. he's frowning, his brows are pinched, his nose crinkling as she offers him thanks. he's not even able to pretend like he's pleased to see her after all the problems she caused for surge. ]

I didn't do it for you.

[ thinking kitsunami would do anything for her is a mistake right now.

but surge? he'll do something for surge. and it's amy's fault that surge was in danger at all—like she doesn't realize that if she had died there, everybody would have used it as an excuse to blame surge. isn't that what she was trying to do anyway? but kit wasn't about to let is partner down. that's why she woke up at espio's place. ]

[ Amy glances between the two, before her gaze lands back on Kit. Despite being out in the open, in an extremely public space, the way that kid looks at her just makes her want to crawl under a rock.

If this is some kind of test to see of she can handle intimidation, though, she's not going to cave. She's here to hear their side of things in a future she has yet to live. ]

I know you didn't. But you still did it, so that deserves recognition. I owe you guys.

[ Amy leans back in her seat, folding her hands neatly in her lap. This is the first time that she's seen the two of them together-- the first time she met Kit, he'd been searching for Surge. That same day, she'd bumped into Surge and didn't even know who she was until towards the end of their skirmish. ]

You're probably wondering why Surge brought me here, right?

[ Because she knows she's not welcome, thanks. ]

I asked her to tell me about you guys. I want to hear your story, and I wanted to hear it from the source. If that's okay with you.

[ Because if he says no, she's not going to push it, and she's just going to have to live with it. ]

[ amy seems unfazed, which is probably for the best. it's not that kit is trying to be intimidating, so to speak, but he's not one to act in a way that he doesn't feel. even at the restoration, it wasn't hard to tell how he felt.

at the mention of surge, kit spares a glance towards her that looks much less unhappy than the gaze that'd settled on amy. just because surge brought her here doesn't mean that kit's going to be any happier with her though. it'd take more than that to earn his forgiveness, if that.

he's not going to say no though. he respects surge's decision more than anybody's, and if she wants amy to know what she's at fault for, that's fine with him. ]

...

[ maybe she'll stop saying it's not her fault if surge does tell her. ]

[ talking to someone about this without yelling is a feat, it's the fact she has to pick where to start, what to do, how to phrase it. it's a sensitive topic because she blames each and every one of them. espio accepted his blame, he knew what he did wrong, he had said if the chance happened again he would follow through. is that true? somehow, surge is skeptical considering how long did he know eggman, and how many times did he allow that individual to pass.

she won't think too hard on it, because all it does is upset her more. ]

Ever since you met Sonic, your actions led to our suffering.

[ surge looks to amy, her gaze unmoving as she points at the young girl to make sure she knows that it's because of her. ]

I don't care how you met, or what you did to meet, but you knew what he was about. You saw his decisions, you watched as him and Tails defeat the bad guys then allow them to run free. Over and over and over and over and over, but there's a certain one that despite all the destruction, you kept alive.

[ she closes her eyes, sighing to herself as if it's annoying that she has to repeat this to amy. she should know this! she should! ...however, circumstances are different, so that anger from before subsides. if amy can't help not knowing then surge will fill in the gaps. ]

Eggman, ha, that doctor but is it really his fault when he's defeated that he gets back up? It's because you all allow him to do so, you all give him chances to continue his rule. ...But, there's one you all listen to, no matter what, you always follow him, listen to him, be convinced [ thanks for the word, espio. ] by him.

[ Kit is being quiet, but. She's actually going to take that as a good sign; he was quiet when they met too, so, she's going to assume that he's going to just let Surge do the talking. Interesting dynamic. Amy's gaze slides from Kit back to Surge, and she remains quiet while Surge talks.

She lets her talk, uninterrupted, because Surge and Kit both deserve that. They deserve to be heard, and she did ask. The fact that the tenrec isn't flailing and yelling at her is just a lovely added bonus. ]

I... I see.

[ Sort of. She understands enough of Surge's frustration, honestly; because there have been occasions where several of Sonic's friends, including herself, have questioned the call on letting certain people, including Eggman, go. She leans back in her seat, glancing between the two again, her ears lowering a little. ]

May I ask how those decisions impacted you? I'm not trying to be mean or brush it off. I just really want to know what's going on.

[ Glancing down into her lap, the pink hedgehog shifts a little uneasily. Much like Sonic, she's never wanted to hurt anyone -- quite the opposite. So the thought of their actions leading to the suffering of the two sitting before her doesn't sit right with her. ]

I'm sorry if I sound ignorant. I just want the full story and to be able to understand better.

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