Shadow didn't sleep at all that night. His mind spun around a million miles an hour about Sonic and the baby. He even caught himself thinking about the baby after it was born as if that was a set possibility. He hadn't even talked to Sonic about going through with this, in fact, it would make more sense for the fetus to be removed. Sonic may not survive the pregnancy, if this situation could even be called that.

The thought seemed so perfect in Shadow's mind. He wasn't sure why he hadn't thought of it before! He sprung up and dashed to the G.U.N. base as fast as he could. He was completely silent despite his speed, so it didn't disrupt anyone in the night. He stopped in front of the door and gave the password before continuing to the President's quarters. The time had no meaning to him and he didn't care if he disrupted the President's snoozing. He needed to know why they hadn't suggested this sooner.

The President was mulling over some paperwork when Shadow walked in. He looked up and stood with urgency, "Agent Shadow, is there an emergency?"

Shadow shook his head, "No. I came to ask a question about Sonic's situation."

He deflated and relief spread over his face as he returned to his chair, "What do you want to know?"

Shadow crossed his arms and allowed his passive expression to take over. He had mastered this mask years ago and it proved to be his most useful ability, "Can it be removed?"

The President's face froze to a stone, a less impressive mask than Shadow's, "Let me show you something," He stood an pulled out a file that was stamped TOP SECRET and handed it to Shadow, "These should answer your question."

Shadow opened the file which held ultrasound printouts and a report. He looked at the report first before even glancing at the ultrasound prints.

Sept. 4

13:00

Subject: Sonic

Civilian

Agent Assigned: Agent Shadow

Subject has been under a surgical procedure be the Dr. Robert Ericson. An artificial uterus specific to the Subject's body has been implanted and attached to the walls inside the abdomen. Subject has suffered multiple injuries on the body due to electric wires and undernourishment. Inside the uterus is a young fetus sixteen hours old. The fetus's umbilical cord is attached directly to the Subject's body. A nerve is attached directly to every major organ as well as the spinal cord. Current observation indicates that the fetus is not harmful to the Subject's body, however removal would result in vital injury or death. More data is needed.

Shadow felt a deep dread in the pit of his stomach. He set the unfinished report down and picked up the ultrasounds prints. They were fuzzy, but looked like any ultrasound picture. There were arrows indicating where the fetus was, and where the nerves were attached to Sonic's body. Shadow hated the scientist even more now. Not only did he force Sonic through all of this, but he made this unfix-able! Sonic will have to go through the unnatural pregnancy no matter what.

Shadow returned the files and faced the president, "What about the delivery?"

"We will need to test Sonic once a day to be sure, but it seems that the child detaches his umbilical cord just as he is ready to greet us. We will preform some sort of c- section to deliver the child safely."

Shadow felt a small tinge of relief and nodded. Just as he met the door, the President spoke again.

"We're assigning Sonic to live with you during the pregnancy. We can't have any complications and you're as close to the situation as it gets."

Shadow shivered at the meaning and nodded again before heading out the door.