Twila@M3 - Thursday, December 16, 1999, 7:54 PM -----------------------------------------------

Corridor - Level 2 <Hunter HQ> The business atmosphere that dominates the lower level is absent here. The walls are still steel, with large glass windows, but the marble floor has given way to an attractive carpeted pattern, and the entire area is decorated with cool, relaxing colors. Doors dot the hallway, each leading to a different room, and the chatter of off-duty Maverick Hunters fills the air, especially near the two most prominent doors, one leading to the mess room, the other to the recreation room. At night, warm light fills the halls, and the noise is greatly subdued as humans and reploids both rest. Doors at either end of the hall lead to the elevator and barracks.

Michael Eildath runs out after the cabbit, and BANG! He trips and crashes into the far wall... Kyo probably learns a few new words from the string of impressive curses Mike lets out.

Kyo-Ohki slows within her attempts to get away as Mr. Eildath gets introduced to Mr. Wall. After watching a few moments she hobbles over to the young man and rubs her small frame against him. "Mew?" <You ok? *That* musta left a mark...>

Michael Eildath shakes his head. "I'm okay... I'm okay..." Blink. Blink. Sweatdrop. "I've got you now!" He lunges.

Kyo-Ohki almost audibly shouts an "EEK!" as she's grabbed. "Mewmemwmew mew!!!" she protests, after offering a hiccup.

Michael Eildath smiles, still feeling a bit tipsy, with the added headache, he forgets that Kyo can't talk. "Now, what were you doing in the rec room, drinking? Don't you know you're underage?"

Kyo-Ohki blinks lazily. "Meow meorph?" she asks. <Whay was with all that funny looking water in there? Tasted awful.>

Michael Eildath blinks again. "Ah..." He blinks AGAIN. "Huh?" Eildath shakes his head. "I think I need to lie down for a while."

Kyo-Ohki answers in the only way she knows how. She licks the tip of his nose. "Mew!"

Michael Eildath snickers. "Hey, don't do that!"

Kyo-Ohki offers a tiny giggle gleefully as she waves her front paws around, feigning innocence. <I no in trouble for the cookies?>

Michael Eildath blinks and shrugs. "I'm not gonna tell on you, if that's why you're acting so innocent... but I suppose you'll need to be returned again. Where's Twila?" He sets the cabbit back down and rises to his knees.

Kyo-Ohki just stares up at him with a blink. "Mew?" <Twila? Um...I dunno...> Yes, that part she understood alright. She then presses herself against the Hunter's legs. <Hide me!>

Michael Eildath erps as the cabbit starts acting up. "What? What did I say?"

Kyo-Ohki sighs and pulls back, setting herself down on her bottom. "Mew mew yip mewrph." <I was bad today. I didn't mean to make Twila cry...>

Michael Eildath looks down again, hrmphing at the cabbit. "What's wrong?" He's still not sure what the cabbit is saying, but it's a educated guess."

Kyo-Ohki sniffles, but doesn't burst into tears or the sort. Instead, she just sits there, gazing back up at the Hunter. "Mew..." she whispers. "mewmew."'

Michael Eildath blinks. "Something is wrong, isn't it?" He looks down. "Can you show me?"

Kyo-Ohki blinkblinks and hops her small self around in a circle before starting to head down the hall towards the barracks area....

Michael Eildath gets up and follows.

Barracks <Hunter HQ> The hallway to the barracks of Light Labs is wide, the corridor lit by warm glowing overheads as it stretches towards the windowed far wall. Doors line the hallway, each the home of one of the Maverick Hunters. Small nametags line each door, showing which rooms are occupied, and which are not. The floor is covered with actual carpeting, giving this place a homey feel and somewhat canceling the laboratory feel that dominates the labs. The hall is mostly empty however, being merely a transitory point between the Hunters' rooms and the rest of the world.

Kyo-Ohki continues to hop along and then stops at the door to Twila's quarters...pawing at it with some pathetic mews...

Michael Eildath raises an eyebrow. "I'm not sure if I'm supposed to go in here, Kyo-Ohki." He looks down at the worried-looking cabbit. "But..." He knocks.

There is no answer coming from the room. The door itself is unlocked. Seems as if someone could have been within a hurry and may have forgotten to secure it.

Twila's Quarters In short...Twila's quarters are a mess. Many items, including contents from drawers, seems to have been knocked on the floor. Some of these items appear to be broken some not. Looks as if Twila had herself a small fit. But what did you expect? She's a redhead.

Michael Eildath walks in to the mess that is Twila's room... He gapes, looking down at the cabbit in shock. "What...happened?"

Kyo-Ohki sighs quietly to herself as she hops away from Mike and onto the rumpled blanks on top of the bed, moving her shoulders as if shrugging. "Mewmewmew! Yip meowphow yip!" <I dunno...she was upset...and then started knocking things down. She didn't even bother to clean it up...>

Michael Eildath hrms, and reaches for his radio, looking upset. Michael Eildath sends a tightbeam radio transmission: "Twila? It's Mike... are you alright?"

The transmission appears to be successful. But there's no answer forthcoming.

Michael Eildath hrms.

Kyo-Ohki paws at the quilt a little bit as she looks at her little basket and toys. At least *they* weren't all that messed up.

Michael Eildath with Rock via radio.

Kyo-Ohki lays herself down on the bed, simply watching the Hunter...

Rock steps into the room and just...gasps...this isn't what he needed to see after the talk he just had with his father.

Michael Eildath is standing there, similarly stunned, though prolly not as badly. "I...it was like this when I came in here, boss."

Kyo-Ohki mews sadly before bouncing back down to the floor, heading towards one of her toys near the bed before cutting herself on a piece of glass. She hops away from the 8x11 picture as if it not really meaning anything to her. She the greets the repliod with a series of yips and mews as if trying to explain to him and Michael something...but not knowing how. Then...she merely hops over to her basket and yips happily. <My basket is still in one piece!> Kyo-Ohki then regards the other two and sinks within that same basket. <Um...not that it matters...>

Rock turns around, and sighs, "Put out a search for her... now..."

Michael Eildath nods. "Yes sir." He turns to leave. "You gonna be okay?"

Rock shakes his head. "I'll tell you tomorrow..."

Michael Eildath nods. "Yes sir..." He pauses, as though to say something more, but walks out silently.

Kyo-Ohki flops one of her ears towards the reploid's direction, not really understanding what it is that's going on exactly. "Meow?"

Rock turns back around and looks at the room and sighs, boy has this just not been his day. He turns around to leave, heading for his quarters. He arrives his room and lies down on his bed, only to catch a glimpse of something shiny. He eyes the ring and just stares at it for a while, he knew something like this would happen, but he didn't expect it like this. His eyes glaze over as he just sits there staring at the ring, breaking down into outright balling. He holds the ring in his fist tightly for a few minutes before placing it back on the end table and standing up, walking into the bathroom to take a very long shower.

============================== Maverick Hunter =============================== Message: 10/25 Posted Author Search Fri Dec 17 Michael Eildath ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Under Mega Man's orders, we are now searching for Twila Peterson...She's...missing. That's all. Mike out. ==============================================================================

Great Plains Also known as America's Breadbasket, the Great Plains are covered in vast stretches of nothing put completely flat land. Fields of golden wheat, corn, other various crops, as well as grass stretch for miles in all directions, making it very difficult to hide much of anything. Much of this area is comprised of peaceful, slow going people who enjoy living their lives away from the bustle of the Mega-cities, choosing instead to live here, where neighbors are few and far apart.

Twila Peterson isn't easily noticeable. At the moment, she's within a small playground within the boundaries of the Nebraska town known as Sewerd. The town has grown a bit since she was last here. But...that's not overly suprising. It's no longer a college town since the university has long since shut down. But this in no way deterred its growth. One could not tell the additional presence of the population however...at least in some areas. In parts the city appears old...as in the aforementioned portion the young woman finds herself in. She sits along, sitting within a child's swing.

Hoverbike <Cutlass> moves at a relatively brisk speed down the winding roadways leading to the quiet town, engines glowing gently as the rider leans forward, casting his gaze from side to side. He knows of the young woman's presence in the nearby area, and perhaps there was something akin to a gut feeling that Rick had to come out here, though he isn't quite sure why.

Twila Peterson allows one of her gloved hands to slide down from the chain holding the swing aloft. It's an old tire swing that she sits in actually. Her other hand grasps firmly to the chain instead as if not daring to let itself go.

Hoverbike <Cutlass> winds gently into the very limits of the town, as Rick straightens up in the seat, turning his head from side to side. It's then, passing the playground, that his attention falls on a single figure, and with a gentle hum, he shuts down the hoverbike's turbines, before sliding a leg over the seat....

Twila Peterson overhears the slight noise coming from the roadway nearby, but she doesn't make a move to respond to it. Instead, the only thing she does do is offer herself a gentle push within that swing with a booted foot.

Rick Morgan watches Twila for a few moments, before stepping forward slowly, easily swinging his legs over the fence, and forgoing the gate nearby. As he draws within audible range, he comes to a stop then, placing his hands in the pockets of his jacket. "Twila...?"

Twila Peterson momentarily tightens her grip on the chain as she presses her lips together. "How's...you find me?" she tones softly, just above a whisper.

Rick Morgan remains silent for a moment, as if contemplating his answer, before unzipping the very edge of his jacket. "I followed your radio signal..." he says quietly. "I....wasn't used to seein you out here, so I figured I'd check on ya."

Twila Peterson shuts her eyes and keeps them closed for a lengthy period of time before responding. "I used to come here alot when I was little. This swing used to be my favorite."

Rick Morgan nods slowly, remaining silent for a few moments, before taking more steps forward, coming to a stop off to her side, several feet away. "Sometimes comin to places helps when one has much to think about....." he says quietly.

Twila Peterson offers her own small version of the nod before stating within a continued soft and broken voice, "I...broke the engagement. I left the ring on his desk where I know Rock would find it."

Rick Morgan nods again, a light breeze picking up and rustling his wavy hair, as he tilts his head to the side. He doesn't betray any overt emotions at the moment, instead serving as the calm listener for the moment. "You did what you had to do Twila...."

"I couldn't take it anymore," she exclaims. "I can't offer him what he needs. I'm not created like that. I can't go for weeks on end only to feel abandoned and ignored. And I'm not going to compete with his job. I won't allow myself to."

Rick Morgan sighs, and slowly steps forward again, circling around behind Twila and resting one hand on her shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze. "I know..." he says gently. "Nobody's asking you to make superhuman efforts...."

Twila takes in a deep breath before opening her eyes once more...gazing towards the cinder and chips of wood underneath the light dusting of snow. "By his silence, Rock did."

Rick Morgan keeps his hand in place, not really knowing what else he can offer right now, or what he should. "He wouldn't have done it on purpose...." he murmurs. "....he wouldn't know how to, Twila. He never had a chance to learn how..."

Twila Peterson continues to keep her eyes cast towards her feet. "Ever since he had been reconstructed after his drop from orbit (no thanks to Bass) it's almost like I don't even exist unless he wants me too. I'm not something that can be placed within a box to be ignored unless he shows some interest from time to time."

"I know, Twila..." Rick returns gently, his hand still resting on her shoulder, the other in his jacket pocket. "There'd be those who would think this is proof that humans and reploids couldn't be with one another...." he shakes his head then. "But that's not true. Rock's situation is so different, so far from the normal, that it never could have worked....and I'd bet everything I own on that he regrets that as well in the end."

Twila Peterson swallows quite hard, knowing this fact as well. "I---know that now. But I don't know what to do. I love him with all I have to give. And I know he loves me too. I just...don't know where to go from here."

"Twila...." Rick states, shaking his head again as he slowly lets his hand slide away again, "I know the feelings you two have for each other.....but, all I've see as of late is pain from both of you. I know it's related to what he has to do, and that probably hurts him all the more, because he knows he can't leave it for you. It's up to you both to work it out in the end but........don't allow yourself to do something that's only going to result in getting hurt many times over. It tears you up inside...." Rick lets his eyes trace to the ground then. "And it tears -me- up inside seeing that...."

Twila Peterson rests her head against the rusted chain, brushing the softness of the earmuffs against it as she does. "Then what do I do?" she chokes out. Inside, she feels her heart shattering and there's not a thing she can do to stop it. "And how can it be worked out if we can't really talk? I'd rather have him as a friend than not at all." Her voice trails off. "He was one of the very few her even offered to be a friend when I needed one most when the whole thing with Enker first started." And when her life suddenly and drastically changed. Enker was right, from that one particular moment she accidentally came across the Elite as well as Snake Man her life never was the same.

[OOC] Rick Morgan pumps his arm in a 'Yes' gesture. That was so......prophetic! Hot dang I am GOOD! :) [OOC] Twila Peterson pops your balloon with a needle. :)

"Talk to him, Twila.....make him listen." Rick murmurs, circling around to standing just off to her right side, hands in pockets now. "Let him know exactly how you feel.....he'll listen. Cause if he dosen't....." he frowns then. "I'll make him."

Twila Peterson releases a breath she wasn't aware of holding. "How...do I tell him...so he'll understand? What if he hates me now?"

Rick Morgan stares intently at her. "He doesn't.....I know he doesn't. Twila.....he can't even bring himself to hate Bass in the end, no matter what he does to him. It's not in his nature...."

Twila Peterson doesn't see the stare, mostly because she can't bring herself to glance up towards him. "Maybe not," she sniffles. "But even so, he could very well send me away -- have me leave, even if he can't hate. I...don't want to leave." After a momentary pause her voice drops so low that it can barely be heard. "I'm afraid." There's another round of silence before she states, "I should have listened. We both should have listened. Blues among others tried telling Rock it wouldn't work. And...now that it doesn't..."

"No!" Rick's statement comes out much more audible as he steps forward just a bit, though not in a hostile manner, more to express the intensity of his outburst. "Twila, listen to me. There was nothing wrong about what you both did, you had no way of knowing. It's not your fault. And Rock will never make you leave just because of that, he couldn't. It's impossible. If he did then......" he pauses, as if hesitating for a second, making absolutely sure, before continuing. "...then I would leave too."

Twila Peterson finally picks up her gaze, focusing it up on the mechanic. Her skin is reddened and raw, possibly from the fact that she had done a great of crying when she arrived here as well as the cold. The expression she bears on her features betray her bafflement as his words seep inward. "But...it's your home."

Rick Morgan shakes his head, closing his eyes for a moment. "But a home that would become based on revenge and attempting to strike out at someone by banishing them from there, or even with someone who isn't willing to continue a valuable friendship because of past actions in which no one was at fault."

The home that Rick had described actually gives much of a description her kin. And, she is only going by what she knows from personal experience. Twila studies him for a few minutes before again lowering her gaze. "Sounds a bit familiar...that..." she manages with some form of control.

"It doesn't have to be..." Rick states quietly. "Talk to him. He'll listen. I know he will....." He sighs and takes his hands from his pockets, not knowing what else to do right now, wanting for the entire world to say 'it'll be alright, I won't let it bother you again', and knowing inside that he can't.

Twila Peterson presses her lips together and forces a nod, knowing that she at least has to try if nothing else. "I guess...there really isn't any other way?" she inquires, picking up her gaze to look within the direction of a cleared field...the same which bore her home over a decade ago.

Rick Morgan nods. "There's lots of possibilities afterwards Twila.......but they all start there."

The young woman is forced to silently wonder just how her parents would have reacted to all of this had they survived, and then realizes that is scarcely matters. Yes, it still bothers her from time to time as it probably always will. However, that would be living within the past. And...what had a certain someone say about that? It must be equally understood that saying goodbye to a past life isn't easy. Silently and without a word Twila crawls out of the tire and moves to stand up. She points within the direction she had been looking off towards before commenting, "My home, where I used to live, used to be right over there. My...parents aren't that far away. Would...you like to meet them?"

Rick Morgan tilts his head to the side, following to where she points and falling silent for a long moment. He hadn't realized this was where she had once lived. "Sure...." he says quietly, bringing his gaze back to her again.

Twila Peterson nods quietly in acknowledgment and gestures for him to follow her. With footsteps crunching some remaining snow from the recent snowfall she leads him out of the small abandoned playground area and past some thicket that she seemed to know rather well. They walk for about 10 minutes or so until they find themselves behind a smallish Lutheran Church that contains a graveyard. There's nothing ornate regarding the stones or the markers contained there. Just a humble resting places for those who have passed on before. Twila crawls through a hole within the fence, gesturing Rick to do the same before leading him to a spot within particular.

Rick Morgan ducks down, easily moving through the hole as he follows her lead. His metallic feet leaving large footprints in the snow, in contrast to her own prints left by her boots. Hands returning to his jacket pockets again, he falls silent as they approach the spot, eyes tracing to the headstones, as if to try and read their surfaces, before turning his attention slowly back to Twila again.

Upon the marker of stone has been inscribed "In loving memory of Broderick Matthew Peterson and Cherin Aliene Peterson". The dates on the stone itself are somewhat worn as one would expect. The birth dates, of course, span somewhere between several years after the mid-21st Century. The date of death for both parents is the same, December 13, 21XX -- the last two numbers being unreadable.

Rick Morgan studies the inscriptions for a moment, before stepping to the side, panning his gaze to the surrounding area. "This is a nice spot..." he notes quietly, for her benefit really. He finds himself a bit awkward at what to say right now, not knowing what emotions could be going through her frame.

Twila Peterson simply gazes at the stone silently for a lengthy period of time before kneeling down and reaching a hand to touch the top of its surface, tracing the lettering inscribed upon it. "Mom, Dad...this is Rick, a dear friend of mine," she emits softly. She's quiet once more for some time again, lost within her own recollections. A tear slides down her cheek as she gazes at the ground, knowing just what lies underneath her. "I've...come to say goodbye. I'm afraid I...won't be visiting too much anymore. But then, you're not really here...are you?" Implying strongly that only their physical bodies are rest. After some more time passes she stands back up to stand beside her mentor and friend...not really knowing exactly what to say.

Rick Morgan allows a hand to raise upwards, to rest gently on her far shoulder, his arm resting there as a form of reassurance, as if to remind her that indeed he's there. "Now...." he whispers, his voice almost lost in the gentle breeze that stirs outside the limits of the cemetery, yet strangely don't manage to come in, "....you've at least managed to tell them."

Twila Peterson musters a small, saddened smile as she regards Rick, only to flicker once more at the burial place. "It's never easy saying goodbye," she states, indicating it's much more than just her parents she's bidding farewell too. The moment draws out until she makes a special request. Yes, she's still fearful of what may come. But now there's some sort of calm that descends on her...making her feel somewhat more at ease. "Can...we go home now?"

Rick Morgan smiles gently, nodding slowly as he slowly turns, his arm still resting as a guide on her shoulder. "Of course..." he says quietly.

Twila Peterson offers a more genuine smile as she pats her arm and give his hand and squeeze of thanks and gratitude. Moments later she begins heading back they way she and Rick first came to show him the way back to the playground, as well as where his bike is parked...finding the movement easier than when she first came. Soon, the playground comes into view, as does his transportation. "Thanks...for checking up on me. I...hope I didn't cause too much worry," she states as they reach the clearing.

"Hey, like I said..." Rick states, tilting his head to the side. "I had a gut feeling that told me to come out here....my gut feelings usually aren't wrong." He shakes his head then. "As for worry, don't worry about it. We all need to get away now and then."

Twila Peterson nods to that but is forced to wonder, "Don't...think the others will be too upset do you?"

Rick Morgan shakes his head. "Nah, they better not be." he gives a small smirk, before tightening his arm for a moment, as if a reassuring squeeze of his own. "Otherwise I'll give em an earful."

And Twila well knows him enough that he would do it too. She slows her pace as they finally reach his hoverbike. "Going to have one heck of a mess to clean up in my room tho."

Rick Morgan hmmms quietly, not about to ask. Although he has a bit of an idea. "Worry about that when you get to it..." he says, finally stepping away and next to the bike, as he turns back to face her.

Twila Peterson releases a breath that she wasn't aware of holding. "Guess this is it, huh? No...looking back..."

"Point of no return...." Rick admits gently. "Hey....I'm always here."

Twila Peterson merely returns his gaze with a solemn gesture before offering. "And I'm always here for you should you ever have need of me." She turns to get onto the bike before offering Rick and embrace. "Thank you."

Rick Morgan returns the embrace gently, before swinging onto the bike as well. "Your welcome." he returns with a small smile, before his fingers flick over the ignition controls, warming up the vehicle's engine.

<Soon...>

Rooftop Runway <Hunter HQ> While it bears a fancy name and important function, this chamber is really no more than a glorified garage where the vehicles and Ride Armor sit when not in use or while being maintenance. Large storage closets are against the back wall, directly across from the hangar doors that lead out into the Neo-Tokyo sky.

Rick Morgan guides the hoverbike easily into Hunter Hq's hangar bay, lifting it as he curves around to it's usual resting spot, before hitting the kill switch and turning the engine off.

Twila Peterson breaths a sigh as the labs come into view, and then become more than just a far away image and she collects herself the best she can before their arrival. The girl waits until the bike is turned fully off before sliding herself from the back seat...

Rick Morgan slides off after Twila, giving her a quick nods. "It's late....he's probably asleep by now..." he says quietly.

Twila Peterson tosses a glance to the familiar surroundings of the hanger as she nods. "I would have gathered. Something...I should probably have some rest for too come to think of it. I'm still uncertain of what to say but..." *sigh* "...guess the only thing I should be going with is telling him what's inside anyway. I...never meant to hurt him."

Rick Morgan shakes his head. "It won't be easy...." he admits quietly. But... "You've come all this way...."

"Yeah...suppose I...have," the girl replies just as quietly. She muses briefly before taking a step towards the direction that leads indoors. "Guess...I better head inside. You...coming?"

Rick Morgan nods. "Yeah, I gotta get something from my room anyway. Gonna be pulling an all night shift again. Gotta catch up on work."

Twila Peterson pans the sight of the ride armors with her gaze as he speaks before taking her first step towards the awaiting door. "Can almost picture you wishing for a bottomless cup of coffee," she quips as she as she walks. There is a small hesitation as she reaches the door. She turns to gaze at the cyborg, opening her mouth as if to speak. Then, as if deciding against it she proceeds on through into the Command Center.

Command Center <Hunter HQ> Monitors and computer consoles line the walls of this cavernous room. In the center of the room is a round computer with holographic display, its lights flashing busily as it processes information about mavericks, and their last known sittings. Computers along the walls are also occupied with an information-processing task. Technicians and other Maverick Hunters run about hastily, monitoring the computers, and making sure the information is as accurate as it can be. The whole air of this room exudes purpose and drive, and the hustle and bustle seems never-ending. On the south wall are two large bulletproof windows which gives you a view of the rooftop runway and Hangar Area. A large blast door in the middle of the two windows, giving easy access to the landing strip.

Rick Morgan follows Twila in through the large blast doors, having a puzzled look on his face for a few seconds, before he quickly disposes of it. Time enough later to ponder it all.

Twila Peterson enters into the room as if almost timidly. She's wearing her winter coat as well as earmuffs...although she had taken her gloves off by now. Her facial features are somewhat reddened as if she had either been crying or she had simply been out within the cold too long. Actually, it had been both to be honest.

Michael Eildath looks up, seeing Twila and Rick walk in. He blinks, but doesn't say anything, not sure what TO say, in fact.

Twila Peterson doesn't seem to know what to say either. By at least Michael's expression she can already gather he knows something of her previous hasty leave. All she can mumble is a shy, "Hi, Mike..."

Decibel isn't really doing much. He doesn't have his black Decibel armor on, one might note. He's got on shorts and a t-shirt, it would seem. Decibel doesn't know Twila really well, but turns to see what Mike looks at too.

Rick Morgan opens his own jacket, which he's always wearing of course, as he casts his own glance Mike-wards, with a small nod, before returning his attention to Twila again, remaining silent for the moment.

Decibel waves a hand gingerly. "Hi. I'm the odd one out. Nice to meet you." Mic says. "I can, well, leave if you need to mutter amongst yourselves. But watch out for the fairy in the punch bowl. She might wake up."

Twila Peterson blinkblinks at the Repliforcer as her earmuffs are taken off. Um...Punch bowl? All she can offer him is somewhat of a blank stare.

Decibel points to a chair. On it is an empty punch bowl. Inside the punch bowl is a sleeping, drunken Hyperdrive Pixie. On Mic/Decibel's face, you might notice, are remnants of french onion dip and apple pie. "It's a long story." Mic says.

Michael Eildath looks deep inside for something to say, but he still feels an outsider to whatever going on, seemingly connected to this only by a cabbit. He looks deep inside, but nothing profound comes out. "Um... Hi Rick, hi Twila... you guys okay?"

Rick Morgan gives a nod of his own. That's -his- answer at any rate, since he wasn't really the one who left at first.

Twila Peterson can still only offer the Repliforcer a blank stare even as her gaze lingers towards where he's pointing. Her attention shifts back towards Michael, finding herself nodding, although slowly, in answer. However, her features bare on them some traces of uncertainty still. "Yeah, I...we're...fine, I think..." she states honestly, some of her nervousness about being back showing. "Hope...I didn't cause any...worry." Oh sure, she leaves rather hurriedly, leaves her room as if it's been hit by a cyclone, her cabbit is frantic and she hopes no worry was caused.

Michael Eildath smiles sympathetically, though he isn't sure what's going on. "Just get some rest... you look like you could use it."

Twila Peterson looks to the floor briefly and nods. "Thanks," is all she says before heading over towards the grav lift and disappearing within...

<Soon...>

Twila's Quarters

Meanwhile, Kyo is sound asleep within her basket, curled up with her favorite stuffed toy with her paws -- a giant carrot.

Rick Morgan stops just behind Twila, not able to resist a peek over her shoulder to the contents of her room, and giving a soft, barely audible whistle to himself. yeesh.

Twila Peterson blushes as she overhears him over his shoulder. "I *ahem* had a small fit," she explains as she takes of her coat and tosses onto her overturned desk chair with a sigh. Thank goodness Twila doesn't happen to...um...redecorate often. "Guess I know what I'll be doing tomorrow anyway...." she muses.

Rick Morgan nods slowly. "Um...yeah." he says quietly, taking a step back, feeling like he's intruding -way- too much. "I uh, better get going then." he pauses, wondering if he should REALLY ask her about upstairs....and hesitates for a moment..

Twila Peterson feels somewhat awkward now. Not too many others have seen this side of her...or rather...the side which led the room to be within the current state it's in. She shakes her head quietly, mentally berating herself for doing so. But, not much can be done about it save...try to clean up as best as she can. As Rick takes a step back out into the hallway she focuses on him, reading that an unasked question is present, but really a bit physically and emotionally drained to inquire of it. So, instead... "Night, Rick."

Rick Morgan nods. "Night....." he says quietly, turning as if to go, but then stops. "Twila.." He then turns back again, unable to help it anymore. "What......were you going to say..? Upstairs..?"

"Ask me again...sometime..." is what makes her reply.

Rick Morgan falls silent for a moment, before nodding again. "Allright..." he says quietly, before turning back again. "Night...." he calls over his shoulder, before slowly heading off in the direction of his own room.

============================== Maverick Hunter ==============================

Message: 10/26 Posted Author Twila Fri Dec 17 Rick Morgan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No need to worry, she's back safe and sound, I brought her back. So no need for the search anymore. ==============================================================================