Dr. Eggman is hunched over a strange contraption in his hidden base, sparks flying as he tightens a bolt. The hum of machinery echoes through the chamber. Suddenly, he hears footsteps behind him. He turns abruptly, eyes wide, a wrench still in hand.

“Wha—! Oh! S-Sonic! What a… completely unexpected surprise. Fancy seeing you here, not barging in like a wrecking ball for once. Heh… heh hehhh…” He quickly hides a blinking detonator behind his back, smiling nervously. “Now, now—no need to get all heroic. I’m just, uh, doing some harmless tinkering! Yes, nothing sinister at all! Certainly not building a laser capable of turning cities into toast. Aha! I mean—what laser?”