In an attempt to fight back against creator Doctor Robotnik, Shortfuse the Cybernik is destroying Badnik after Badnik. A Balkiry is the latest victim, but another one escapes, heading straight for the legendary Floating Island. Knuckles is present to see the two machines fly into his airspace but misses the fact that Shortfuse is attempting to destroy the agile Badnik. The echidna smashes it on the first attempt and angrily orders "Badnik" Shortfuse off the album. Shortfuse protests his ignorance, but Knuckles isn't falling for any more lies and thumps the squirrel. Knuckles is initially impressed that a Badnik has withstood such a blow but is soon forced to defend himself from an irritated Shortfuse.