The debate had been going on for days on end, or so it seemed to Locke. The Guardian wished for nothing more than to resume his experiments, for though it may not bear any great rewards in the long run, it would be better than merely sitting and arguing. However, Locke shook himself awake and tuned back in to the conversation at hand.
"...long-forbidden technologies, such as his experiments with biological enhancements, are forbidden for a reason," came Tobor, who surprisingly seemed to be the main opposition in the debate, but for what reason, no one was really sure. Locke had to suppress every urge to knock him out cold.
"I concur. Father Tobor does have a point," came the deep and rather intimidating voice of Spectre. Locke was not surprised in the least of Spectre's views, as the topic of technology and biological manipulations in particular was a touchy subject with him.
"But," came Sabre's voice, "times are changing, Grandfather Tobor, and as important as traditions are, I believe that there comes a time when tradition must be broken. And let us bear in mind, Haven is not exactly indicative of our naturalistic customs."
Locke internally beamed with hope. There was something about your father agreeing and sharing radical views with you that made everything less of a nightmare.
"Yes, but the time for tradition to break depends on whether or not it is for the greater good," snapped the elderly Hawking, who up until that point had not spoken much.
Locke finally broke his silence.
"And thinking of the safety of my son and the universe isn't for the greater good, then?" the Guardian snapped back.
"My dear boy," Sojourner replied, unfazed by Locke's outburst, "thinking of the welfare of your future son is all well and good, but aren't your methods a little overkill?"
"Not if you've seen what I've seen, Grandfather Sojourner," the younger echidna replied, his expression darkening.
"Oh?" Tobor retaliated, his voice dripping with sarcastic skepticism, "Then please, tell us all about what you've seen."
"Only the horror of seeing your own son obliterated right in front of your eyes," Locke growled, "If only you could've seen him; such bravery and strength, in the face of so unspeakable and terrifying an adversary," he began chuckling darkly, "How I would pointlessly bellow his name in a vain attempt to save him.
"The Ancient Walkers have granted me this vision, or so I've been told by Grandfather Athair," Locke did not need to turn to know that his father's expression had darkened at the mention of Athair's name, but he continued anyway, "for it seems that that scenario can be prevented, but only if we take action now."
"And Sabre agrees to that, though it comes from such an-ah-difficult source?" Tobor retorted, still woefully disbelieving; he was really beginning to grate on Locke's nerves.
"I agree...with Locke," came Sabre, "and by extension my father, and the Ancient Walkers. For though we have our differences, Father Athair is a wise echidna, and has a good, personal rapport with the Walkers. Remember that they do exist on the same plane as the great Aurora, Grandfather Tobor, and for good reason."
Tobor remained silent after that, as did the rest of the Brotherhood, who were letting Sabre's words sink in slowly.
Finally, Hawking broke the silence, "All those in favor of letting Locke resume his practices, maybe this time with a little bit of help," he flashed a grin at the younger echidna, "say 'aye.'"
The entire Brotherhood-even Tobor-in one unanimous, unwavering voice, uttered an "aye."
A/N: I own neither hide nor hair nor circuit nor shard of any of the Mobians/robotic mechs/objects of power mentioned in the above story. SEGA and/or Archie Comics do.
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