A Return to Normalcy

**A Return to Normalcy** is the second episode of the third season of TFAWPS. It is the fifty-fourth episode overall.

## Plot

As Sonic continues to receive untold praise for his role as the leader of TFAWPS, his teammates struggle to find acceptance in this new world of fame and riches, while a riot on Planet Popstar forces the Fin-Land government to intervene, leaving Ted and Zack to work together. The former Dark Order members attempt to return to the lives they once left behind.

## Synopsis

On Planet Popstar, a riot brews outside of a large futuristic looking courthouse as the trials for the former high council begin. Several of the former council members arrive in limousines and are escorted inside by members of the Popstar Military while the Space Corps act as guards for the riot. As one of the members is escorted inside, the riot moves towards them as the Space Corps hold them back. Several protestors begin throwing food and other junk at the former high council members as the riot intensifies. The members walk inside the courthouse as trash is thrown disrespectfully all over the brand new sign that hangs above the courthouse door; "The Captain Kirby Memorial Court House."

On the Land of Ooo, Sonic and Knuckles sit in the apartment watching a news report of the incident on Planet Popstar from the perspective of the struggling Space Corps soldiers trying to maintain order and peace. Knuckles comment that he's glad to be on medical leave, but Sonic reminds him that it isn't going to last forever, as he's only got a few more days left. Knuckles asks Sonic if he remembered to tell him about his promotion and Sonic says that he didn't and Knuckles explains that he's being promoted to Captain and one of President Space's top advisors. Sonic says that news doesn't bode well for Mega Man, which upsets both Sonic and Knuckles. Sonic asks Knuckles if they've found him yet, but Knuckles says that President Space is sending another search party to the Fourth Quadrant to look for him, but the odds aren't in his favor as all other search parties have disappeared as well. Sonic is disgusted with President Space and says that Mega Man would never have wanted that and warns Knuckles to be careful accepting any job from President Space, but Knuckles says that Sonic has a spotlight on him and should be careful what he says about President Space in public. Sonic then asks Knuckles if he's heard anything from Mega Man since he left, but Knuckles says he hasn't seen him since the battle with Genesect, but he's heard rumors that Mega Man was acting strangely before he disappeared, with some even claiming that he may have been sick. Sonic suggests that he could have just been depressed from losing Kirby and the All-Captains Squad. Knuckles somberly nods in agreement.

At Ooo University, Paco attends a psychology class taught by former S.E.C.R.E.T. agent Professor Everdeen. She goes over a chart detailing a lesson about the conscious, unconscious, and subconscious minds. Paco takes his notes in the back of the classroom, sitting by himself away from the other students. Professor Everdeen decides to call the class for the day a bit early, giving a slight nod to Paco, who gathers his things and departs the classroom, getting some nervous looks from other students. On his walk back home, many people are scared of him. One other student from the class, a freshman, approaches Paco and tells him that she doesn't think he's a monster and informs him of a time that he once saved her sister from an attack by the monsters from the outskirts. Paco thanks her for the kind words and she smiles at him, leaving him to walk home alone, but at least he's content now, knowing that at least one person still remembers the person he once was.

In the Second Quadrant, Mofo and Buster work with a bunch of other volunteers helping to rebuild some damaged buildings on a planet. Reeces is also present helping and seemingly leading the charge. Buster finds himself easily exhausted, but despite this, the two are often praised for their help. Mofo suggests to Buster that they should have come in disguise as he's uncomfortable with all the fame, but Buster says that it's not such a bad thing and says that they work so hard, it's nice to get a little recognition sometimes. The two are then approaches by someone who wants a photograph and the two quickly oblige, something they've gotten used to. Reeces then approaches them and thanks them for coming out. Reeces is shown projecting himself across multiple different to get work done faster and direct operations, but it's done so casually you might miss it, were it not for the faint glow around Reeces's body. Buster asks if he's talking to the real Reeces and Reeces, somewhat annoyed, replies yes and says that he only wishes that Sonic would also come out and take partial responsibility for what happened, but Mofo defends Sonic, saying that if it weren't for him then things would have ended a whole lot worse, but Reeces says that Sonic's ego seems to have gotten too big. Mofo changes the subject, asking how things have really been here and Reeces replies that the people have all been working together, but it's a long process, with the Sheikh Nation being hit really hard. Both Mofo and Buster are sorry to hear that and agree to accompany Reeces on more outreach missions.

On Fin-Land, King Salamence is informed of the tense situation on Planet Popstar and requests the presence of Ted, Zack, and Team Chaotix. He and Queen Lucy have decided that since Fin-Land has chosen to involve itself in the affairs of Planet Popstar, they bear some responsibility for what happens there. He decides to send them all there to make sure things to smoothly during the trials. They all agree and King Salamence places Zack in charge to take responsibility, but should military action be taken, Ted will take his place. Both Ted and Zack agree and head out. As they walk through the hall, Queen Lucy wishes them luck and to stay safe. While leaving, Ted asks Zack what's been going on and Zack explains that the populace is on the brink of civil war with each other because Fin-Land has been the acting governmental body until such a time as Planet Popstar is once again ready to serve themselves. Ted asks when that time will be and Zack confidently says that he'll know, but Ted believes Zack should let the people speak for themselves, especially if they're ready to fight each other for it right after a war. Zack bets Ted that he'll change his mind once he gets there and sees for himself.

On the Starcaster, Roy and G. Biv isolate themselves in the darkness when Paco arrives back. Paco asks if they've been hiding in there all day and the Twins reply that they have, but Paco says that they should go out, as it's not all bad out there. Roy tells Paco to speak for himself as three times today hecklers have come by and told them to go back home. G. Biv says that he's been seriously considering it. Paco says that they need groceries so they should come out with him. The Twins reluctantly agree. While walking the streets, the three hold a good conversation about a video game they've been playing while ignoring the graffiti and the odd and afraid looks from everyone. At the store, they begin shopping for their dinner tonight when they see Master Robot over at the deli. The three raise their guard. G. Biv asks what he's doing there and Paco says that he's not sure, but assumes it's not a threat as nobody has heard from Pig King in months. Roy somewhat jokingly points out that robots don't need to eat, so his suspicion meter is all the way up. Before they can decide what to do, Master Robot walks up to them and greets them as friends. Paco asks how he's been and Master Robot replies that he misses the great outdoors and relishes his trips to the supermarket once a month. Roy asks how Pig King is doing and Master Robot replies that he's worried about him, but says that it'd be better for all of them if he didn't know about this conversation. Paco says that Pig King shouldn't be afraid to come out once in a while, so long as he doesn't cause any trouble. Master Robot becomes confused and conflicted, but decides to return home abruptly, with Roy calling him a weirdo. The three continue their shopping trip, wondering about what they've just encountered to each other.

Later that night, Sonic attends a lavish party uptown with Lupina and Knuckles, who have gotten quite good at following him around and keeping up with him as he talks to many different people and reporters, usually asking him superficial stuff, which he'll give a silly answer to. Both Lupina and Knuckles try to usher him away and focus on other things, but one reporter stops him and ask him to comment on what President Space has said about him, which Sonic ends up absentmindedly criticizing President Space and says that Sonic was basically doing his job while President Space sat around playing golf. The reporter is very happy with this while Lupina and Knuckles quickly usher him away. Knuckles scolds him for being reckless with his words, while Lupina wishes to get him home, but Sonic pushes them aside to continue the party, saying he just wants a break and no longer wants to be responsible for anything for a while. Though clearly drunk, Sonic returns to the party only to notice Pink Panther on the other side of the room talking to the same reporter, giving Sonic a side-eye glare. Sonic approaches him as Knuckles and Lupina watch with annoyed caution.

As Sonic approaches, Pink Panther (note that neither of them have seen each other since the meeting) angrily asks him what he said to that reporter and Sonic replies coyly, saying that he doesn't know what reporter he's talking about. Pink Panther says that Sonic really needs to watch his mouth and behavior in public as it now affects all of them. Sonic argues that they're untouchable, which Pink Panther calls "dangerously arrogant," and becomes angry at Sonic's drunkenness and irresponsibility, but these qualities make him all the more popular with the party crowd. Sonic tells Pink Panther that this is a party and that's what he's going to do. Sonic grabs his hand and attempts to dance with Pink Panther, but Pink Panther shoves him away, as Sonic continues to dance. Pink Panther rolls his eyes and walks over to Knuckles and Lupina who greet him warmly. Knuckles admits that he's worried about him, but Pink Panther says that Knuckles knows him best and asks what to do and Knuckles says that keeping him out of the spotlight is the best thing for him, but prying him out of it is far from the easiest task. The three watch as Sonic and a group of other partygoers drunkenly fall over while dancing in a conga. Lupina tells them that she'll handle it and leaves to approach him, leaving Pink Panther and Knuckles to sarcastically wish her luck. Pink Panther offers to by Knuckles a drink to celebrate his recovery and Knuckles accepts, while in the background, Lupina manages to pulls Sonic aside and away from other drunk partygoers.

In the Second Quadrant, now at night, Mofo and Buster return to their hotel room only to find complimentary room service waiting for them. Buster is pleased with this, only for Mofo to tell him that he believes the money spent on this would be better spent rebuilding. Buster tells Mofo that they've been working all day and should just enjoy it for the evening. Mofo agrees and the two put on a sports game. As they watch and enjoy their room service, one of the other aid workers knocks on the door and say that they're sorry to bother them, but there was a problem at one of the building sites and are putting a small group together to go take a look at it before it gets worse. Mofo tells Buster that they should go, but Buster elects to stay behind, much to Mofo's disappointment. As Mofo leaves with the workers, Buster reclines back on his bed, but when he looks out the window, he begins to feel incredibly guilty, yet terribly annoyed as he grabs his vest and makes his way out the door towards the build site.

While eating dinner on the Starcaster, Paco and the Rainbow Twins have the news on in the background, reporting on the situation on Planet Popstar. As they eat, more hecklers come around and start pelting the Starcaster. Paco and G. Biv breathe a sigh, but Roy is fuming. He slams his utensils down and begins making his way towards the door. G. Biv tries to stop him, but Roy refuses and exits the Starcaster with G. Biv and Paco staying behind. Roy rushes towards the hecklers and tells them to scram but the hecklers taunt him, asking if they're going to bring another Cosmic Entity to kill them. Roy tells them to leave them alone and uses some of his powers to scare them, making them run away. Roy then turns to Paco and G. Biv, who try to comfort him, but he immediately shuts them down and asks why they still stay here. Paco says that it's their home, but Roy says that it's not his or his brother's. G. Biv says that he knows he wants to go back to Raynbeau, but they both know it's not possible as there's nothing left, so any planet is as good as any other. Roy says that the two of them can stick around here if they want, but he's leaving. Paco tells Roy that he needs him to stay, just for a bit until he figures out how to take care of himself and then he promises they'll leave. Roy is upset, but promises to continue helping Paco with his condition and then he's out of here.

Very early the next morning, Lupina helps Sonic inside their apartment and places him on the couch telling him to be quiet while she makes him coffee. Sonic says that he's fine and doesn't need to be treated like a child, which Lupina says is weird because that's exactly how he likes to act. Sonic leans back on the couch for a rest. As he does so, Lupina heads into the kitchen and puts the pot of coffee on. As she does so, she moves over to the boxes from her lab and tells Sonic that first thing in the morning they're going to finish moving back into the lab. Sonic tells her to hire some movers, but Lupina says that they have very sensitive equipment that she needs handled with care and won't trust the job to anybody but herself. Sonic calls her an egomaniac, but Lupina says that sometimes it's better to just do things yourself. She and Sonic both pause for a second. She begins moving one of her boxes towards the elevator built into their apartment. She begins pushing a heavier one and begins to hear beeping. Sonic tells her that the coffee is ready, but Lupina tells him that it's the CEDS. Sonic asks why it would be beeping as there are no more Cosmic Entities and no more shards. Lupina opens up the box and calls Sonic over. As Sonic gets up, he closes his eyes and steadies himself as he has gotten a headache. He walks over to Lupina and they see that the location of the energy is somewhere in the Land of Ooo. Lupina says that they need to call someone, but Sonic says not to worry about it, as it's probably just leftover energy from the shard that crashed with Mega Man. Lupina says that was so long ago it should be gone, but Sonic simply says that cosmic energy is weird and returns to the couch. Lupina becomes really concerned and says that she really thinks they should tell someone, maybe even call S.E.C.R.E.T., but Sonic reminds her that they legally can't call S.E.C.R.E.T. He does however promise her to look into the situation as soon as they are able to but first it's better to keep things quiet and have some coffee. Lupina takes a deep breath to calm down and agrees, getting Sonic his coffee and taking a seat next to him on the couch.

On Planet Popstar, the protest continues outside of the courthouse ahead of King Kai's trial. In the parking lot, a Fin-Land ship lands nearby as Ted, Zack, and Team Chaotix exit and approach, escorted by Space Corps troops. Many protestors relax upon seeing Zack approach them causing him to smile fiendishly. Zack addresses the people telling them that, at long last, finally someone is there to listen to what they have to say and promises them that once he goes in there, justice will be served. The people cheer for him and allow him to enter the courthouse. Zack leans over to Ted and tells him to observe the impact Fin-Land has had on these people. Ted doesn't respond, instead simply letting the results speak for themselves.

On Planet Simpson, Agent Yellow sits at a table in a nice restaurant, taking a sip of his drink as Bart enters, sporting Simpson Military gear. Agent Yellow is stunned to see him like this and greets him. Bart professionally greets Agent Yellow and takes his seat across from him. Agent Yellow, still stunned, offers to buy Bart a drink, but says that he's not allowed to drink in uniform and he'll just stick with water. Agent Yellow finally asks about the uniform and Bart says that he's decided to re-enlist in the Simpson Military, which Agent Yellow realizes is why it took him so long to plan this dinner with him. He then asks him why and Bart says that he wanted to give it another chance after what happened during the war, believing he should have stayed with them anyway. Agent Yellow argues vehemently against this, reminding Bart that he's the same guy that previously told Allister McCallister off. Bart says that he did, but also says with some bitterness he's also the one that told Zack off as well, prompting a snarky look from Agent Yellow. Agent Yellow says that the two of them could go into business instead, but Bart says that he's not interested as he's very set on going back to the Military, even saying that McCallister seems to have taken him under his wing. Agent Yellow says that he highly doubts that. The waiter returns to their table and asks if they'd like anything. Agent Yellow says that he'd like another round and Bart orders his glass of water. Before the waiter leaves, he thanks Bart for his service and Bart nods humbly. As the waiter leaves, Agent Yellow asks Bart if they could use his military status to get a free meal, but Bart refuses, saying that's unprofessional. Agent Yellow rolls his eyes.

Later on, Bart asks Agent Yellow what he's been up to and he says that he's been hanging around, but hasn't settled into anything yet. Bart asks if he's kept up with the other guys and Agent Yellow says that he still talks to Captain Cowboy every once in a while, saying that Zack has been too busy with Fin-Land stuff and hasn't returned his calls and Pig King, not that he's hang out with him anyway, has isolated himself in his Castle and hasn't been heard from in months. Bart asks if he's still alive and Agent Yellow says that he probably is as Master Robot is always out food shopping and he doesn't eat. Bart points out that he could just be feeding the penguins. Agent Yellow says that he has no idea. After their meal, the waiter hands Agent Yellow the check. He looks at and is surprised by the amount and once again asks Bart to use his military status for a free meal, but Bart once again refuses. Agent Yellow says that he's been down on his luck lately and doesn't have so much money, but Bart says that they'll split the bill in half.

In the Nix, a group of Wasters sit around a table, drinking and eating. The bar is filthy and dark, with games and televisions playing all around. There's trash and empty bottles all over the floor, an old bloodstained boxing ring in the corner lit by a very small lightbulb that's just begging for death. Captain Poliwhirl sits at a table next to Lieutenant Cake and the rest of their crew talking and laughing about a fellow Waster who was just thrown out of the bar. As Captain Poliwhirl offers to buy his table another round of drinks with money from their latest pillage, Captain Cowboy walks in, which all of Captain Poliwhirl's crew notices. When Captain Poliwhirl sees this, the whole crew turns to him to see his reaction. Captain Poliwhirl angrily asks Captain Cowboy where he's been, like a parent scolding a child who was caught sneaking out, not a conversation unfamiliar to the two Wasters. Captain Cowboy fights back saying that he was working on something, but it fell through so now he's back. Captain Poliwhirl says that isn't the way it works between them and it never has, as back in the day, the two would share their jobs and plans with each other, but no anymore it seems. Lieutenant Cake points out to Captain Poliwhirl that Captain Cowboy was the one who stole the ship from the rental place. Captain Poliwhirl becomes furious and Captain Cowboy points out to Lieutenant Cake that she was wrong for that. Captain Poliwhirl then asks why he hasn't put a crew together yet, but Captain Cowboy says that he hasn't had the time yet, but Captain Poliwhirl claims that six months is plenty of time, but Captain Cowboy says that he doesn't want to have this discussion right now and Captain Poliwhirl surprisingly agrees. Captain Cowboy says that now that he is back, he'll by him a drink and Captain Poliwhirl accepts, but makes him buy a round for the whole crew and making him promise that they'll have that discussion at a later date. Captain Cowboy admits that he's glad to be back but seems rather disingenuous about it.

Meanwhile, Master Robot returns home from the grocery store only to find a bitter Pig King stewing in the corner, asking Master Robot why he was talking to TFAWPS. Master Robot replies that he was simply trying to appear non-threatening, but Pig King berates Master Robot for disobeying a direct order. Master Robot says that he's worried about Pig King, as he's not behaving much like himself and that he'd appreciate it if he went outside and started taking care of himself, as he's going down a dark path that he's been down once before already. Pig King asks Master Robot if he's arguing with him, but Master Robot says that he was programmed to look after him and that's all he's trying to do. Pig King relents, but notices the change in Master Robot's attitude and warns him to remember his programming, which is above all else, to do what he says. Master Robot attempts to remind him of something, but Pig King cuts him off, telling him to drop it. As Master Robot leaves the room, Pig King angrily thinks to himself about this interaction and what to do with his most loyal servant.

## Characters

* Sonic
* Ted
* Pink Panther
* Paco
* Mofo
* Buster
* Roy
* G. Biv
* Lupina
* Knuckles
* Zack
* Agent Yellow
* Bart
* Captain Cowboy
* Pig King
* Master Robot
* Captain Poliwhirl (first appearance)
* Lieutenant Cake (first appearance)
* Reeces
* Professor Everdeen
* King Salamence
* Queen Lucy
* Vector (no lines)
* Espio (no lines)
* Charmy Bee (no lines)
* Gunther (no lines)
* Tyler (no lines)

## Trivia

* The final half of this episode is a mirror of the previous episode, showing the characters adjusting to their post-TFAWPS and Dark Order lives, only this time it shows what the Dark Order members are up to, as opposed to TFAWPS.
* The title of this episode refers to the characters hoping to return to normal lives, as well as referencing the campaign slogan of former U.S. President Warren G. Harding in the 1920 presidential election.