I entered the Zone in my Egg Mobile, tapping on buttons to activate one of several devices installed upon it. An antennae came out the bottom, and began scanning the area.

My latest defeat from that bothersome blue blur had taught me one thing: I needed something to combat those accursed Chaos Emeralds he always managed to collect. It wasn't enough to seek them out for myself; he almost always managed to get to them before I did. I knew there were multiple mystical treasures to be mined; I just needed to find one before that spiny simpleton sussed out my latest plan. I had obtained the Phantom Ruby once before—though who knows what happened to that. If I had acquired that, then I could find another; it was only a matter of time.

I waited minutes until my machine displayed the results of my investigation. Ah-ha! There was some sort of an energy signature in the area—albeit faint. There was also one belonging to what was undoubtedly a sapient individual that happened to be in the area.

…Wait, what the heck‽ Last I checked, this place was nearly abandoned! There shouldn't be anyone here! I couldn't have them snooping in on my plans. What if they reported back to someone, and it got back to Sonic and his cursed companions? All of my hard word would be for naught!

… Although, a thought crossed my mind, this could also prove advantageous as well, Ivanna.

I retracted my scanner, and flew over to the location of the person in the area. "You there!" I said, feigning irritation. "This Zone is being occupied by the Egg Empire. I am currently undergoing delicate experiments, and they could prove to be… dangerous to those within the vicinity. So, I suggest you leave, if you care at all about your health."

Now to see what they'd choose. If I could shoo them away, then good; my business would proceed as usual. If I couldn't… well, I'm sure that I could always find a way to shoehorn them in my experiments. Whether that'd be for good or ill would depend on how things'd turn out.