Run

**Run** is the eighth episode of the third season of TFAWPS. It is the sixtieth episode overall.

## Plot

After following a cold trail, Sonic and Mofo argue over the next course of action. Meanwhile, Knuckles finally tracks down Sonic and attempts to get him to return to TFAWPS. After arriving at the Mining Colony, Captain Cowboy cautiously makes a decision about how to bring the Wasters and the Dark Order together.

## Synopsis

On Captain Poliwhirl's ship, affectionately called the *Tegan*, Lieutenant Cake escorts her Captain down to the brig where the two open the door. Once inside, she orders the two Wasters waiting inside to leave the area, as the Captain would like to speak to the prisoner. Captain Poliwhirl enters the brig and tells Lieutenant Cake to leave them. She says she'll be outside and closes the door. Captain Poliwhirl confidently walks down the hall to the door and stands on the free side of the bars, arrogantly looking upon his prisoner, who faces the back wall. Captain Poliwhirl taps on the bars and King Kai, without turning around, tells him to go away, as he's had enough torment for one day. Captain Poliwhirl says that he's just getting started prompting King Kai to turn around and lays his eyes on the Captain with years of resentment behind his eyes. Captain Poliwhirl smiles at him as he chews tobacco.

King Kai stands up and approaches the bars and comments on Captain Poliwhirl falling in with the Wasters, but Captain Poliwhirl tells him he shouldn't judge as he's not the one behind bars. King Kai argues that he was only behind bars because Captain Poliwhirl put him there, but Captain Poliwhirl corrects him, saying that he was going to prison regardless, Captain Poliwhirl rescued him. King Kai says that if that's the case he shouldn't be in a cell, but Captain Poliwhirl jokingly claims that he was only trying to make the former King comfortable as a jail cell is likely what he is used to. King Kai says that he's not used to it and he misses his palace and his star generals. Captain Poliwhirl arrogantly smiles at this, asking if they're all behind bars as well. King Kai says that Meta Knight will be once he's out of the hospital. Captain Poliwhirl is pleased to hear this, saying that he hopes Meta Knight rots in prison for the rest of his life, calling him a "two-timing snake." King Kai obviously concludes that he still holds resentment towards him and Captain Poliwhirl confirms, saying that he has every reason to be angry. King Kai says that he's disappointed to hear that, as the two of them were his "rock stars." Captain Poliwhirl angrily yells at him, saying to forget about him. King Kai nervously backs away from the bars as Captain Poliwhirl explains that he nearly ruined his life. King Kai says that he betrayed the Popstar High Council. Captain Poliwhirl says that he learned a lot from his exile, such as doing the right thing only gets you in trouble so now he only does the wrong thing. King Kai nervously starts to interrupt him as Captain Poliwhirl forcefully opens the door.

Captain Poliwhirl says that the wrong thing to do now would be to kill him while he's curled up all defenseless in the corner. He unleashes an old Popstar Military spear-like sword. King Kai begs him, saying that Captain Poliwhirl never understood loyalty, saying that he's still his King. Captain Poliwhirl takes the bait and decides to discuss loyalty with the former King. Captain Poliwhirl walks towards King Kai with the spear as he sheepishly backs towards the wall. Captain Poliwhirl says that Lieutenant Cake has been by his side ever since he became a Captain and some time before. He also explains that she's the one who grabbed him and brought him here and she told him that she saw King Kai sacrifice his own guards to the slaughter so long as she spared his life. King Kai continues to beg pathetically as Captain Poliwhirl continues saying that, with his own eyes, he saw lunatics loyal to King Kai attack innocent civilians demonstrating their right to protest in cold blood. He says that Captain Kirby gave his life for that Planet and all King Kai did was throw his own council under the bus in front of the entire world. Captain Poliwhirl then says that the whole world knows what kind of man King Kai is, but Captain Poliwhirl has been under the radar so long the only people who know him are his friends and once upon time he counted King Kai among them, which means he knows what kind of man Captain Poliwhirl is and therefore knows what will happen now. As Captain Poliwhirl corners him against the wall, King Kai begs one final time for his life, crying and closing his eyes. Captain Poliwhirl begins to laugh, lifting him up. Laughing in his face, Captain Poliwhirl calls Lieutenant Cake inside. King Kai looks up at them, asking if they're going to kill him. Captain Poliwhirl says no, as they've got a lot of money on this on. Captain Poliwhirl leans to Lieutenant Cake and tells her to get King Kai upstairs and get him ready for the transfer. Lieutenant Cake grabs him calling him "your peasantry" and forcefully escorts him out of the brig while Captain Poliwhirl resheathes his spear and laughs, following them outside.

On the Second Quadrant jungle planet, Sonic and Mofo investigate the scene where the Wasters last camped out. As they search the area, they find no leads. Sonic tells Mofo that they should just leave, as they won't find anything out here, but Mofo says that could have left something behind as he takes off his shirt to wipe his face clean of sweat, but this is in vain as his shirt has already soaked through. Sonic sarcastically suggests that the Wasters could have left them a note that explains exactly where they went for them. Mofo tells him to leave him alone as it's too hot to argue. Sonic turns to Mofo and says if they really wanna find these guys then they should go to the Nix, since they got what they came for and wouldn't need to stick around and shouldn't chase rainbows. Mofo says that he's just trying to do the right thing since it's their job. Sonic shrugs and says that they tried. Mofo looks at Sonic as if he's trying very hard to read him, averting his gaze briefly. Sonic says that they should go and he hates the humidity. Sonic makes his way back towards the ship and Mofo follows with the same expression.

As the ship leaves the atmosphere, Sonic calls Lupina and tells her that they're heading back. She is shocked that they didn't find anything. Sonic says they found nothing but jet tracks. Lupina apologizes to Mofo for the lack of results, but he says that it's okay as it was a longshot anyway. Lupina tells them to hurry back as she's starving. Sonic says that they are too, asking Mofo if he knows a good place, but Mofo says he only knows an okay place. Sonic says they'll look something up when they get back.

In the hotel room, Lupina sits comfortably on the bed with her laptop, once again telling them to hurry up or she'll order room service. Sonic says to look who she's talking to and that they'll be back in no time. Lupina tells them to be safe and she'll see them soon. Lupina hangs up the phone and opens a new tab on her computer, going from scientific space scans to "restaurants near me." As the page loads, a knock on the door alerts her. She puts her laptop down and gets up, walking over to the door. She looks through the peephole in surprise and quickly opens the door, showing a soaking wet and very tired looking Knuckles on the other side. Lupina is surprised to see him and Knuckles asks sternly where Sonic is and she replies that he's not here and asking what he did. Knuckles once again asks where he is and Lupina says that he's on his way back and asks what happened to him. Knuckles apologizes to her asks if he can come in as he's had a long day. Lupina quickly invites him inside and asks him what Sonic did now. Knuckles says that he didn't do anything, he just has to give him something, saying he's been looking for him all day but didn't realize they had already left. Lupina says that they left early as Sonic wanted to leave as soon as possible. Knuckles holds up a file and says that he's got something for him. Lupina tells him to sit down and says that he needs to rest. Knuckles thanks her and asks if he can use the shower. Lupina smiles with a laugh and gestures to the bathroom. Knuckles asks if she minds and she shakes her head. Knuckles smiles at her and quickly heads into the bathroom.

At the Simpson Mining Colony, an eerie light emanates deep within the crater as more energy is expelled. Wario sits in the office going over some paperwork. He looks up a few times and notices Bart still on the phone outside of the office. *The Rental* then lands a few yards away and Wario gets up as Bart places his free hand over his other ear to hear the person on the other end. As *The Rental*'s jets turn off, Captain Cowboy exits as Wario cleans up the office to meet with him. As Captain Cowboy approaches them, Bart hangs up the phone and starts to leave. Captain Cowboy asks where he's going and Bart says that Allister McCallister is calling him back to base, as he's getting a new mission. Captain Cowboy wishes him luck as Bart departs. Wario approaches him and the two shake hands. Captain Cowboy takes a look around at the colony and is deeply unimpressed. Wario says that he's never seen a shard before, but Bart seemed convinced. Captain Cowboy then asks why they wanted him to come out here, saying that he has no intentions of searching the place by himself. Wario says that since they can't get S.E.C.R.E.T. or the Simpson Military involved, they need help from an outside source who knows how to keep quiet. Captain Cowboy is reluctant at first, believing that bringing in other Wasters is only inviting them to steal the shards for themselves, but Wario says they'll just take it back. Captain Cowboy argues that they'll just sell, but Wario says they'll buy it back. Captain Cowboy asks if he could think about it and Wario tells him he can as long as he doesn't take a while. Captain Cowboy then asks to see the mine and Wario gestures for him to lead the way inside as the two head down the long dark tunnel.

At the hotel room, Lupina anxiously sits at her laptop, waiting for communication from Sonic or Mofo on when they'll be back, but finds nothing. She glances over at the table and looks curiously at the file. She hears laughing coming from outside and stands up as Sonic and Mofo enter the room. Lupina asks them where they've been and they explain that there was a lot of traffic. Lupina looks very nervous, prompting Sonic to ask her what's wrong. Lupina tells him to ask Knuckles, which confuses Sonic at first, believing that he called. Knuckles then exits the bathroom, looking much better, and reveals that he's here in person. Sonic and Mofo are both excited to see him and greet him heartily, though Knuckles doesn't seem to return the excitement. Knuckles moves over next to Lupina and the both of them look rather upset by something. Sonic asks "who died" while Knuckles and Lupina share a glance and suggests they find something to eat.

At the restaurant, Knuckles explains the events he witnessed on the Land of Ooo, such as G. Biv and Paco going on the run from S.E.C.R.E.T., as well as Pink Panther's and Roy's disappearance near the outskirts. Knuckles also explains that the Mayor shut down the airport and banned air travel as a terrible storm passes through. An awkward silence follows as Sonic, Lupina, and Mofo process this new information. The server comes by to break the attention, taking their orders. Sonic suggests they start with drinks and they each order something. With the topic shifted, Knuckles asks them what they're doing here. Mofo explains to him that there was a problem with the Wasters, but it turned up nothing. Once the drinks arrive, Sonic comments that they work fast here and the server smiles and says that the staff there are big fans. Sonic proposes a toast to the server and takes a drink, but Lupina tells him to sit down.

Sonic looks around the table and notices the looks from his three friends. Sonic looks over them for a while and then sits down with a twitch saying that he was only trying to lighten the mood. Lupina asks him why he can't seem to take anything seriously, but Sonic turns to her and says he is and that's why he's in the Second Quadrant in the first place. Mofo says that those people are their teammates, but Sonic defensively asks how this became his fault, as he can't possibly be in two places at the same time. Mofo leans back with nothing to say. Lupina prepares to say something, but is interrupted by Knuckles. Sonic cuts him off too, saying that he was in charge of the team that brought down three of the biggest threats to the galaxy, but Knuckles doesn't know what it's like as he's better at following orders. He says there's nothing wrong with that, but there's a lot of pressure in being the person that gets blamed for the tiniest of mistakes. Knuckles raises his voice slightly, as other customers start to look as he says that he knows being a leader means taking actions when action needs to be taken. Sonic looks guilty as the confidence in his face slightly drops. Knuckles continues saying that Sonic has done nothing since he returned home and only made the trip to the Second Quadrant because Lupina dragged him along or he wanted to run away. Knuckles says that Pink Panther is missing because he stood up and took action. Sonic becomes angry now, asking why Knuckles is talking to him now and that whatever Pink Panther has said is wrong. Knuckles says that Pink Panther didn't tell him anything, he saw it all. Sonic looks at everyone again and says that he's no longer wanted here and disrespectfully throws a wad of cash on the table, telling them to enjoy their meal. He leaves the restaurant as Mofo looks on shocked, Lupina absolutely frustrated and Knuckles very sympathetic and a little guilty.

On a desolate moon somewhere on the edge of civilization, the *Tegan* lands carefully as Captain Poliwhirl holds King Kai by the shoulder. While handcuffed, King Kai looks out the windshield as notices the man waiting for him. As Lieutenant Cake carefully lands the *Tegan*, King Kai asks Captain Poliwhirl if that's the man he's working for. Captain Poliwhirl assumes as much, saying that all he knows is that he pays better than King Kai did. King Kai then tells Captain Poliwhirl that he sold out low and that the Dark Order won't go gentle on him. Captain Poliwhirl seems confused by this and says that's not what this is and tells him to keep his mouth shut. King Kai begins to panic once again, worrying that the man will kill him, offering to join Captain Poliwhirl's crew instead. Lieutenant Cake disgustedly asks if King Kai really was a King. Captain Poliwhirl says that he knows it's embarrassing and tells King Kai to get up, once again calling him "your peasantry." King Kai continues to plead as Captain Poliwhirl exits the *Tegan*. Zack stands with his arms folded behind his back as Captain Poliwhirl approaches with his prisoner. He tosses King Kai over to Zack as he nods, telling the Captain that he's done a swell job and his recommendation paid off. King Kai continues to plead for his life on the ground. Captain Poliwhirl confidently says that it never is. King Kai begs some more, but Zack silences him without even looking at him. He tosses a large bag full of money to Captain Poliwhirl who catches it with a smile. Zack says that he can count it if he likes, but he's given him more than they'd originally agreed upon on the condition that he keeps their meeting private. Captain Poliwhirl counts through the money and gives the bag a toss in the air, agreeing happily to the stipulations. Zack then gives Captain Poliwhirl a nod to exit and he returns to his ship, telling Zack to have some fun with King Kai.

Back inside the *Tegan*, Captain Poliwhirl pockets some of the money and tosses the bag to the crew and tells them to divvy it up amongst themselves, but says if he catches any of them lying or cheating the others, he'll toss them out once they leave the atmosphere, but jokingly adds that will only apply if he catches them. The crew throw themselves at the money as Captain Poliwhirl's face turns sour. Lieutenant Cake catches him and asks him what's wrong. Captain Poliwhirl explains that he's unsure why Captain Cowboy would be taking jobs from the Prince of Fin-Land. Lieutenant Cake says that it probably just means that Princes need shady jobs completed sometimes and probably says more about Zack than it does about Captain Cowboy. Captain Poliwhirl says that it's time for them to leave. The *Tegan* then takes off, leaving Zack and King Kai behind.

Captain Poliwhirl enters the main cabin and orders the pilots to resume communications. Once they do, Captain Poliwhirl realizes he has several missed calls, mostly from Captain Cowboy. Captain Poliwhirl calls him back first and after a few rings, Captain Cowboy answers, angrily asking where he's been, as he's been trying to get ahold of him for hours. Captain Poliwhirl says that he's calling back now and that he was on a job. Captain Poliwhirl asks if he knew anything about that and Captain Cowboy says that he might and they can meet up and talk about it. Captain Poliwhirl says that he's unsure about taking jobs for the Dark Order. Captain Cowboy covers for himself, claiming that this has nothing to do with the Dark Order and sends him the location for the Simpson Mining Colony to meet up. Captain Poliwhirl asks what he's doing there and Captain Cowboy says that he's working on something and that he has to go, hanging up. Captain Poliwhirl hangs up as well and turns to his crew, giving them the new coordinates.

On the Colony, Captain Cowboy enters the office and explains to Wario that he's got some people coming by to take a look at things. Wario is skeptically pleased, asking if he trusts them. Captain Cowboy unenthusiastically says that he does. Wario says that if he's not sure, he should call them back and tell them to forget it. He explains that he's been wanting to get away from S.E.C.R.E.T. for a long time and doesn't want this opportunity messed up. Captain Cowboy assures him that everything will be fine, on the condition that he be placed in charge of the Colony. He explains that it needs to look disconnected from the Dark Order and from S.E.C.R.E.T. or Captain Poliwhirl will believe they're being set up. Wario says that can't happen because he needs to remain there to keep up their cover, otherwise S.E.C.R.E.T. will send somebody else. Captain Cowboy suggests that Wario talk to Dr. Robotnik as he's really smart and suggests that he may be the true brains of the operation. Wario nods and says he'll do that as he sits down and takes the Mining Colony off of the grid. Captain Cowboy opens a mini-fridge and takes out a soda, flopping on a couch and angling a fan towards himself, but Wario moves it back.

At a bar, Sonic orders another round for himself. Knuckles then takes a seat next to him and orders another. Sonic turns to him and asks how he found him, but Knuckles simply says that he just went to the closest bar, the most likely place to look. Sonic sarcastically asks if Knuckles enjoyed his crab Rangoon. Knuckles asks what's going on with Sonic, but Sonic insists that he's fine. The bartender brings them their drinks. Knuckles saying that he doesn't seem fine, with the constant partying and drinking as well as mouthing off to President Space on live TV, concluding that both he and Lupina are really worried about him. Sonic tells him not to, but Knuckles says that he can't run off with a team to look after, asking him if he remembers what he said to them before they took down Genesect. Sonic takes a long sip from his drink. Knuckles reminds Sonic that he promised not to make the same mistakes as he made when it was just three of them. Sonic says that he knows they liked to blame him, but reminds him that Tails was just as bad as he was since he was the one who ran off while Sonic stuck around. Knuckles agrees but concludes that Sonic is the leader and has bigger responsibilities to his team, but Sonic says that they technically aren't a team anymore. Knuckles believes they still are. Sonic opens up a little, saying that he knows it appears like he doesn't care but he does, it's just taking time for him to process. Knuckles acknowledges that but says fame shouldn't change the way a team works, only that he needs to be careful, which Sonic knows how to do. Sonic finishes his drink and gets up, thanking Knuckles semi-sarcastically for the pep talk, referring to him as "Dad." He tapes Knuckles on the shoulder and exits the bar, looking up at the sky as a small bird flies overhead, reminding Sonic of his inaction on the Land of Ooo. He turns away and walks down the street.

At the restaurant, Lupina sits quietly across from Mofo, hardly touching her food. Mofo asks if she's okay and Lupina frustratedly says that it seems like everyday Sonic tells her less and less and that she believes something happened between Sonic and Pink Panther, revealing they had a screaming match over the phone recently. Mofo is surprised to hear that, but says that he knows Sonic listens to her and hopefully she can get through to him soon and that Knuckles was able to talk some sense into him. Lupina says that Sonic is really annoying but as she thinks on this, her face turns from anger to a smile. Mofo smiles back at her and she tells him to shut up. Mofo counts the bills on the table and says that since this meal is on Sonic, they're going to order dessert, with which Lupina happily agrees.

Back at the hotel, Sonic enters the room and locks the door behind him. He looks in the mini bar and finds that there's no alcohol in there. He gets up with a very tired look on his face. As he paces around the room, he looks out the window once again as a blue bird lands on the balcony. As he stares at it blankly, a cat leaps from the balcony above and chases the bird away, startling Sonic. As he falls onto the floor, he watches the cat leap to the balcony and laughs to himself for a while. He get up, but feels a rush to the head. He moves into the bathroom and scrubs water onto his face, hoping to wake himself up. He exits the bathroom and notices the file on Ivo Robotnik sitting on the table. He picks it up and looks it over before briefly hearing a faint beeping. Confused, Sonic searches the room for the source, eventually stumbling upon one of Lupina's bags. He finds the readings from earlier, depicting cosmic energies in the universe. Sonic looks into the source and sees that it's coming from the Mining Colony. Suddenly, the blip on the radar completely disappears, much to his surprise. Sonic takes the device and the keys from the nightstand and leaves the hotel room.

In his office, Wario places a call to Ivo Robotnik. Once Ivo picks up, he reveals to Wario that he's pretty busy, but Wario angrily says that the phrase "I'm kind of busy," has replaced the word "hello." Dr. Robotnik apologizes and calmly but angrily asks what he wants. Wario explains that he can't go to Eggman Robotnik directly, he needs Ivo to convince Eggman to keep anybody away from the Mining Colony. Dr. Robotnik asks who will be working the mines and Wario informs him that Captain Cowboy is bringing other Wasters in, which puts Dr. Robotnik at ease knowing that one of their people is still in charge. Dr. Robotnik says that he'll talk to Eggman and keep Wario's name out of the discussion, so long as he doesn't ask any questions and does everything Eggman says to do. Wario says that he can do all of that without a problem, but Dr. Robotnik asks him for something in return. He requests that Wario obtain a DNA sample of each member of TFAWPS. Wario questions this, but Dr. Robotnik says that any kind of DNA will suffice, so long as he gets it quickly. Wario asks what this is for and Dr. Robotnik says that it's only for contingency. Wario and Dr. Robotnik end their call as Wario begins packing up the office and wondering aloud what he's gotten himself into. Captain Cowboy bursts through the door and says that he needs to go as the other Wasters have arrived. Wario says that he's on his way out and tosses him the keys, telling him not to do anything stupid that'll get them on anybody's radar. Captain Cowboy assures him that he won't as Wario tips his hat to him and departs.

Sometime later, the *Tegan* lands on the Colony as Captain Poliwhirl and Lieutenant Cake look out the windshield at the current state of affairs. Lieutenant Cake asks her Captain if he's sure this is the place and Captain Poliwhirl clarifies that these are the exact coordinates given to him by Captain Cowboy. The Wasters begin exiting the ship and taking a look around. Captain Cowboy exits the office and greets them. Captain Poliwhirl confirms that this is the correct place, which Captain Cowboy confirms, but it'll take some work for them to get the rewards. Captain Poliwhirl asks how he found the place and Captain Cowboy says that a friend told him about it. Captain Poliwhirl says that Captain Cowboy has interesting friends, highlighting his surprise that Captain Cowboy has began making friends in high places. He says that until Captain Cowboy offers him up some truth, then he and his crew will not help. Lieutenant Cake sternly stares at him. Captain Cowboy says that they can talk and as Captain Poliwhirl and Lieutenant Cake follow, Captain Cowboy tells the latter to stay away as this conversation is meant for only himself and Captain Poliwhirl. Lieutenant Cake jokingly tells him that he's ugly and he fires back that he's beautiful and tells the other Wasters not to touch anything until he gets back. The other Wasters look displeased to be given orders from him and Captain Poliwhirl tells them to listen to him. He then turns to Lieutenant Cake and quietly says to listen to him. Lieutenant Cake steps aside as the two Captains head into the mine.

As the two walk through the mine shaft, Captain Poliwhirl asks what's down there and how much it's worth. Captain Cowboy knows he can't tell the truth and it's written on his face, saying that he doesn't know what's down there, but knows that the Simpson abandoned it and left something behind. The two enter the massive crater room and Captain Cowboy explains that he thinks something scared them away. Captain Poliwhirl whispers as he takes in the crater. Captain Cowboy says that's why they need to work together but Captain Poliwhirl has his doubts, saying that while he may not be smart, he's smart enough to know Captain Cowboy thinks he's a moron. Captain Cowboy says that if he doesn't like it then he can leave. Captain Poliwhirl really wants to know how he got so close with the Prince of Fin-Land and Captain Cowboy says that he hired him for a job the previous year. Captain Poliwhirl asks how he found him and Captain Cowboy simply says he was in the right place at the right time. Captain Poliwhirl says that he doesn't like him getting involved with people like that, explaining that there are rumors floating around that Zack is part of a cult. Captain Cowboy, surprised, asks Captain Poliwhirl why he has a problem with something like that. Captain Poliwhirl says that most clients aren't asked to kidnap Kings, let alone a Popstar King. Captain Cowboy admits that Zack had originally hired him for that job, but said that Captain Poliwhirl would be better suited and thought he'd want revenge. Captain Poliwhirl argues that it wasn't revenge as for all he knows, Zack could set King Kai free or put him back on the throne. Captain Cowboy argues that he was simply doing what Captain Poliwhirl wanted; keeping him in mind. He then argues that Captain Poliwhirl is a hypocrite as he was hired anonymously for the Second Quadrant raid, let alone the fact that they were after the enigmatic and dangerous cosmic energy of an unknown origin leftover from a terrorist attack. Captain Poliwhirl says that it doesn't matter as they both made a lot of money from that raid. Captain Cowboy says that at least he knows who he takes jobs from. Captain Poliwhirl brushes the argument aside and says that he's here now and asks if they are going to get the job done. Captain Cowboy smiles and says that he's ready as the two shake hands. The two start walking away as Captain Cowboy reminds him that he's in charge.

Some time later in the hotel room, Mofo paces the room on his phone while Lupina turns the place upside down, clearly looking for something. Mofo apologizes to the person on the other line while Lupina moves some pillows around and lets out an angry growl. Mofo continues his conversation, telling the person on the other end that he has to leave the outreach group. Lupina searches the mini-bar and finds several bottles of alcohol missing, saying to herself "of course." Mofo tells the person on the other end angrily to forget about Buster. Lupina walks past a large bureau and thinks for a moment before trying to move it. Mofo puts the phone between his face and shoulder and walks over to the bureau to help Lupina move it. As they move it, he says that he understands what they're saying but if that's all that he was needed for then to forget about his help in the future. With the bureau out of the way, Mofo grabs the phone and switches ears while Lupina searches behind it. Mofo concludes the phone call by wishing the outreach group luck, while Lupina frustratedly concludes that she can't find the keys anywhere. Mofo asks where she had them last and she says that they were probably in her bag, but she can't find that either. Mofo tells her to relax for a minute and let him take a look around, but she refuses to rest. Mofo searches the room some more, but at this point, it's a total mess. Mofo says that it's no wonder she can't find anything, prompting Lupina to admit that she got a little carried away. Lupina takes a deep breath and takes a seat on the desk. Mofo starts cleaning up the room a bit and says that it'd help if they could actually see the floor.

A knock on the door gets Lupina back up to open it. As Knuckles enters he declares her ship missing. Lupina tells Mofo that she knew that would happen and he says that he was just trying to be optimistic. Knuckles closes the door behind him and joins Mofo in the center of the room. He asks if they've found anything in here and both he and Lupina shake their heads. Knuckles becomes frustrated upon hearing this and Lupina argues back saying that he shouldn't be getting mad at her as he's the one who promises he'd take care of things. Mofo breaks up the argument and asks Knuckles if Sonic gave him anything to go on before he disappeared and Knuckles says that he didn't say much other than that he was trying to process things. Mofo suggests that he may be trying to patch things up with Pink Panther if they had a fight. Knuckles gets a phone call from President Space, prompting him to leave the room to take it privately. Lupina says that she's tired of having to revolve her life around Sonic's poor decisions and she misses having her own life. Mofo tries to calm her down by saying that it's not like that, but Lupina continues on saying that Sonic lies to her and doesn't know why she puts up with it. Mofo tries to comfort her, but Lupina says she just wants to vent. Mofo steps back and asks her if she wants to be alone and she asks him for a favor. She wants him to find Sonic, believing he used to be a cop, but he corrects her saying that he was an insurance investigator. Knuckles re-enters the room and says that he has to return to the Galactic Federation. Lupina asks Knuckles if she can accompany him as she wants to leave this planet and he agrees. Mofo finds Lupina's back on the ground and hands it to her. She searches it finds that her cosmic energy detector has vanished along with the keys. Mofo tells her not to worry about it as that's given him a clue and promises them to let them to know if he finds anything. Knuckles and Lupina leave the hotel room as Mofo stands in the messy room and takes a deep breath.

Elsewhere, Sonic sits in the driver's seat of Lupina's ship with a bottle of alcohol in his hand, absentmindedly steering the ship. Sonic turns up the music and puts the ship on autopilot. He stands up and dances around, finishing the bottle. Once this bottle is empty, he goes to the fridge and grabs a bag from a liquor store. He looks through it and grabs another bottle, popping the cork. As Sonic continues to dance, a space rock hits the ship, causing it to rock and Sonic almost throws up. He walks over to the cockpit and looks at a photo of TFAWPS at their coronation ceremony after they defeated Genesect on the Land of Ooo. He looks at Oscar and Phoebe specifically and looks sad. He then places the photo back and sits back down in the driver's seat, putting the ship into hyperdrive and zooming off into space.

## Characters

* Sonic
* Mofo
* Lupina
* Knuckles
* Captain Cowboy
* Captain Poliwhirl
* Lieutenant Cake
* King Kai
* Wario
* Dr. Robotnik
* Bart
* Zack

## Trivia

* The title refers to Sonic's avoidance of his problems, as he appears to only run away from them.
	+ It also refers to Sonic's primary superpower.
* The song used in the final scene of this episode is Escape (The Piña Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes.
	+ The song signifies Sonic's desire to "escape" his current feelings, mirroring the song's themes about getting out of an unhappy relationship. Though, much like the protagonist of the song ends up back with his wife, Sonic will return to TFAWPS and find happiness there.
* This is also the first episode to highlight Sonic's drinking problem which began developing earlier in the season.
* This episode reveals that, prior to joining TFAWPS, Mofo worked as an insurance investigator.