Twila@

Twila@M3 - Tuesday, January 04, 2000, 12:05 AM ----------------------------------------------

Skull Fortress - War Room

Although this is a large room, it appears larger, as it should as the nerve center of Dr. Wily's operations. Most of the room is dimly lit, focusing attention on the larger copy of the command center display panel, usually displaying the latest information on Hunter, Repliforce, and Maverick activities across the globe. Above all this Wily's symbol is prominently displayed, the large stylized W on a skull reminding you whose cause is carried out here.

The main entrance to the room opens onto a landing scaffolding, allowing one to look at the entire room in a glance. A stairway leads down a few meters behind the primary controls, surrounded by work desks, which are upraised by few steps from the rest of the room. A few other workstations are in rows near the walls, mostly for processing information from the other bases. Most of the rest of room is empty space, for accomodating onlookers during critical operations.

Quick Man enters rapidly. Well, really, that's sort of a given. He looks a bit winded, though, even for him.

Bass enters not too long after Quick Man, taking a much more relaxed pace of course. No sooner is he in the room, than he detours towards the front, coming up on Wily's right side and leaning back against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest.

Astro Man zooms in from the hallway at light speeds, stopping before the others.

Quick Man glowers slightly at Astro Man. Nothing personal, but probably a little envy.

Astro Man is fast, but not as agile as Quick Man.

Astro Man wobbles a bit as he stops, looking away from Quick Man, he's not up for conflict...he's only doing what he can.

Dr. Wily stands there, awaiting for his assemblege of Robot Masters to finish filing into the room. Once done, he nods to those present and makes a note to whack those who haven't arrived upside the head with his mighty Wily Cane<TM>. Wily laughs a long and hard laugh and says, "My Robot Masters... The latest information brought to me by my network of spies has indicated that Twila Peterson is no longer engaged to Rock...that pitiful little Blue Bomber." Wily's mustache twitches as he continues on with his speech. "Now...Ms. Peterson is an intriguing individual. A minor civilian who has somehow managed to weave her way into the ranks of the Maverick Hunters. She could almost be considerd a regular....." Wily laughs. "So, I have devised a plan to turn this to my advantage..." Wily activates a holo that shows Ms. Twila Peterson spinning around in 3-D. Quite nice.

Quick Man stares intently at the holo. Not because he's hormonal, 'cause he's an android, but because the Doc's talking about her. Besides, she liked that Megaman dude. She can't be that good.

Bass instantly arches his eyebrows, eyes narrowing as well as he glares at Twila's image. "What...?" he murmurs under his breath, as if unable to believe what he's hearing. His lips twist back into somewhat of a growl, though he remains quiet for the moment, unable to hope that his audios are deceiving him....since he's staring at the holoimage right now. This is definetely one of those times that the ebony clad Force Commander gets that 'oh great' feeling.

Astro Man looks worried about what the good doctor might have in store, and what he might be involved in. But instead of jumping to conclusions he nervously waits for his further instructions.

Wily continues on as his Robot Masters look at the hologram. "Now, my plan is quite simple...," he says, "I plan on kidnapping Ms. Peterson and bringing her to Skull Fortress. At first, she may be viewed as a captive, held against her will. But, I plan to 'woo' her almost as soon as she arrives. Bwahahahaha." The doctor's eyebrows waggle up and down as his mustache twitches, creating quite a comical look. "Once I have romanced her, I intend to make her my...trophy wife...This plan shall serve me to gain information on the Hunters that only first hand accounts can reveal....and also..." Wily rolls his eyes as he places his cane on the ground, leaning on it for a bit of support. "And also to dissuade my mother's ramblings should she decide to visit, that simpering old..." Wily mutters that last bit under his breath. But then he snaps to attention and points his cane at Bass. "THIS is something I entrust directly to YOU, BASS," he emphasize. "Your presence shall be most vital in assuring NOTHING interferes with the abduction. And I shall be accompanying you to ensure that none of you botch it up!" Wily laughs and raises his cane into the air. "TO THE SKULLKER! I have bride awaiting me! BWAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!"

The Skullker <Skull> has arrived.

Quick Man bounces up onto the balls of his feet, and slides away from his chair in a funky way. "This should be easy." He's smiling. In a bad way.

Astro Man sighs under his breath.

Astro Man looks to Snake, "Eating the cabbit won't help things, Snake Man."

Snake Man says, "Sure it would. It would help me a lot."

Bass just stares for a long moment, unable to believe what he's hearing. Wife? Woo? Romance? An odd expression comes onto his features, and he raises his hand up towards his mouth for a second.....as if to hold...something in? "Yes Doctor...." he mumbles in return to the orders given, before IMMEDIATELY turning to make his way out of the war room as quickly as he can.

Dr. Wily is about to board the Skullker when he stops and reaches forward and whacks Snake Man with his cane. "No you cannot."

Dr. Wily strikes Snake Man with his Cane Whack attack.

A few seconds later, from somewhere out in the hallway, all one can hear is roaring laughter disappearing down the corridors.

"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Snake Man rubs his head where the cane hit, looking quite annoyed. "Well, then how about jussst threatening her by sssaying you'll feed it to me? That ought to get her co-operation. She'd do anything for that disssgusssting mammal."

Quick Man pauses behind Wily, and glances back. "Thinking with your stomach, Snake Man?" He stops himself, thinking for a second. "Though it *would* be better than that rat."

Astro Man says, "The doctor is trying to earn her trust, Snake Man."

Astro Man says, "We can't threaten her unless he specificly asks for it."

Snake Man says, "Ssso?"

<Elsewhere...>

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.

Twila Peterson walks into the room via the grav lift (really) with a jacket buttoned up and a purse by her by her side...taking a moment to glance at the center with a tilt of the head.

Megaman thinks as he sits down, .oO(Hmm, I'm probably not going to get away with not saying anything...after all I'm supposed to be 'chipper'...)Oo. Rock swivels his chair around to face his sister, "Hey There, Sis! Doing well?" At this point he notices Twila enter... .oO(Oh, crap...how am I going to play this one)Oo.

Feedback grins and wanders over to his usual station. He sets the bag down on the floor and takes out a disk. He starts to download a few items to the disk, for any who might see, it's mainly reports and other boring things that he needs to read. After having that started he turns around to see what everyone else is doing, "So, anything up? Don't suppose that anyone's causing any trouble, eh?"

Twila Peterson pauses for a moment, seeing someone exit the grav lift not long after she does, noting her before anyone else mostly. She gives a small wave to the little girl as if last night's argument hasn't taken place. "Hey, Kali." She then greets the others with a mock salute. "Uh, hi guys."

Twila Peterson offers Rock only a warm smile, noticing he's presently on duty. Besides, with all that's been going on and her not seeing him recently, she feels a bit awkward at the moment. Probably best to catch him later when he's not in "business mode". She nods towards Feedback with a grin before asking Kalinka and Roll, "I was thinking of doing some shopping. If either of you are free...welcome to come with..."

Feedback turns to Twila and smiles before giving her a friendly wave. A small beeping sound tells him that his download is finished and he turns back to finish his work. He removes his disk and tosses it in the bag. He then runs a few diagnostics of the main computer to make sure that everything's okay before he leaves.

Kalinka says, "I'd like to come along."

Twila Peterson nods towards the girl. "Well...tis one. Roll?"

Roll nods back to Megaman. "Not bad," she replies. "You don't need me for anything, do you?" she asks him. "'Cause if not..." she looks over at Twila.

Megaman, while he waited on his sister's response, continued to dwell on Twila, .oO(She looks uncomfortable. Great...there fighting trouble in paradise. I guess, I'll have to steer clear for a few until I can check with the real Rock to figure out what is going on between the two of them and how it should be handled. Well...hey, problem solved!)Oo. "No that's fine, Have fun shopping girls!" Rock waves the trio off cheerfuly."

Twila Peterson cools with a grin. "Ready to go or...need to get anything before hand then? Otherwise..." She gestures towards the teleport chambers and takes a step back with a wave. "I'll wait and stuff. Anyway, later Rock...Feedback..."

Kalinka waves.

Roll beams. "Great, we'll see you when we get back then," she replies happily. Pushing her chair toward the console so that it won't get in peoples way as well as keeping the Command Center looking tidier, she goes to join Twila. "I'm read to go now," she answers.

Feedback waves to everyone, "Later you three. Don't forget to have fun while you're out there."

Twila Peterson quips, "Oh...we won't..." and then disappears into the other room.

You enter the Teleportation Chamber--Hunter HQ. Teleportation Chamber--Hunter HQ

Kalinka says, "I keep forgetting about this one." Kalinka says, "Since daddy never wants me in the command center, he thinks I'll get in the way of things."

Twila Peterson blinks and nods. "Oh...guess that would be simple to explain then. Now to think of where to go. What about London?"

Roll considers that. "Well just what are we shopping for?" she asks. "Anything in particular?"

Teleportation Area-London

Kalinka says, "Yeah...I'd like to know where too."

Twila Peterson programs the Teleportor as she belatedly considers Roll's question upon arrival. "Hmmm....well...window shopping really. Was looking for a set of books but....figured it wouldn't hurt if us girl's got out once in awhile." She pauses before asking, "Where's that, Kali?" upon leaving the chambers and going into the adjoining district.

London - Business District Unfolding in all directions is the massive Business District of London. Corporate skyscrapers tower off the ground and a multitude of mega-hotels, specifically for those on business trips from other cities are all located here. The buildings in this district are unbelievably larger, as if each one is struggling to outdo the latter, stretching further into the atmosphere to touch Heaven itself. Beneath the omni-level highways and streets is the lower business district where less staggeringly huge buildings are located, where super stores and some malls can be found.

Roll gazes around at all the buildings around. "So which mall should we start with?" she wonders aloud.

Twila Peterson follows Roll's gaze, panning around the area as she ponders. Hmmm... "Well....guess," she points to an outdoor market a few yards away. "Maybe...see some of the local wares first?" she asks with a shrug before asking

Kalinka, "You have anywhere you'd like to go. We can go there first if you like."

The Skullker <Skull> flies into the area, the dreaded Dr. Wily at the helm of his masterful machine. Wily continues to fly and makes a note on his Twila-dar <TM>. He eyes it carefully and looks. "We should be close, my Robot Masters," he says, holding onto his cane ever so tightly. Wily continues to stare down the streets until he finally notices Twila, making her out in the crowds. "THERE! There she is!" he says, pointing down. "Excellent work Quick Man," he says. He turns to his Robot Masters. "Wear your parachutes and prepare to jump... DO NOT HARM HER." The doctor makes his warning fairly clear. "NOW...GO!" Wily points his cane towards the hatch as it opens.

Treble has arrived. Quick Man has arrived. Snake Man has arrived. Astro Man has arrived. Flash Man has arrived.

Quick Man comes falling out of the Skullker, screaming at the top of his lungs. Note, his 'chute isn't opening. "WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!"

Astro Man just hovers in the air and slowly floats down near Twila's location.

Snake Man hops out the other side door and onto the roof of a nearby building, hopefully unnoticed

Treble jets along not too far behind the Skullker, flight thrusters easily carrying him and his rider after the much larger machine.

Bass crouches down in a semi-kneeling position on his mechawolf's back, one hand lowered to rest on Treble's armored mane, his glare centered directly forward. He still isn't even quite sure -why- he agreed to come out here. Maybe more a desire to see this for his own eyes. For all intents and purposes he near laughed himself sick back at Skull Fortress.

Kalinka looks up....her eyes growing small as she nearly becomes paralyzed with fear at what might be transpiring.

Around the three young ladies passerbys begin to glance up and point at the incoming Masters. Some begin backing away immediately while others just star before scurrying away...creating some sort of outflowing wave heading within all directions.

Flash Man places his arms on his sides, diving down in a perfectly erect position. He activates his automatic chute to slow down the pace. While floating, the robot master spots the target and nods. "There she is!"

Twila Peterson chances a glance upwards as the Masters make their descent. "Um...uh...every get the feeling that mail ordering may be better?"

Kalinka's breathing seems uneasy, are they after her *AGAIN?!*

Quick Man keeps falling. He *still* hasn't opened his chute, and continues to shout 'Wheee' like a 5-year old on a merry-go-round.

Not hearing Kalinka answer Twila, Roll shrugs and indicates a nearby skyscraper with a nod of her head. "Why don't we start there?" she begins to suggest to Twila, just before a shadow passes over her and causing her to look up. "Y-yes I think that would be a better idea," she stammers. "I think we better run, Twila, Kalinka!"

Kalinka shudders and whimpers, "I wanna go home...."

Snake Man descends down the side of the building, hidden from view. Upon reaching the street below, he hangs back, waiting to see what the others will do and looking for his chance.

Astro Man looks up towards Bass, yeah...he's closer, let him nab Twila. He couldn't deal with the guilt of kidnapping a human, let alone earning Rock's ire by being the one who did the deed....that would be a 'bad idea'.

Twila Peterson moves herself hurriedly over towards Kalinka and takes her hand, beginning to pick up their pace while trying to keep track of Roll. "Stick together...Maybe we can head back the way we came!" she shouts over the panic

Kalinka stumbles a bit as she runs, holding onto Twila's hand, her legs almost locked for a second but she begins a desperate run back towards the teleporters. You paged Megaman with 'Twila Peterson moves herself hurriedly over towards Kalinka and takes her hand, beginning to pick up their pace while trying to keep track of Roll. "Stick together...Maybe we can head back the way we came!" she shouts over the panic'.

Bass steers Treble overhead, jetting just past the edge of one of the skyscrapers, then pushing his foot down on the back of his robotic canine, surfing him around in an expertly pulled 180 degree turn. Finally, he comes to a hover overhead, glaring downwards. Oh he isn't making a grab for her just -yet-, he's got to make a statement after all. With a quick motion of his right hand, he shifts it into the glowing form of his buster, aiming downwards, directly at the crowd, then moving in front of them. A loud *WHOMP!* unleashes, as the energy ball zooms downwards, ploughing into the pavement and tearing a hole open like a big sardine lid.....

Snake Man is between the ladies and the teliporters. He watches their progress unseen, and waits...

Quick Man finally opens his chute, having gotten bored with the fall. It finally stops him mere feet from the ground. In a blink, he's rid of the excess drag and is accelerating at the ladies. Fast.

Twila Peterson tightens her hold on the girl's hand while she grasps firmly to the child's as they try to make a rush back. Not easy going since there are still other patrons moving about them rather quickly who are also trying to get away.... You whisper 'Radio for help...!' to Roll. You whisper 'I don't have a hand free' to Roll.

Flash Man releases his connection, the master plummeting down several meters before coming to contact with the ground. A small crater forms as the robot makes his landing. His eyes dart around the area, to find the target once more. Flash's gaze swings left and right. "Now where is she?"

Kalinka runs as fast as she can, her breathing becoming stressed at the furious pace and the prospect of sheer terror.

Someone can be heard yelling within the crowd, "Masters...they can ruin your whole day!!"

The Skullker <Skull> begins to land on the ground the bottom of the massive ship forming legs for the mighty Skullker to stand on. With a loud pneumatic hiss, the Skullker makes sure it is balanced and begins to walk towards the ensuing chaos. Dr. Wily begins to check himself in a mirror. "Hrm....where's my scalp wax," he mutters and begins to search for it inside the Skullker. "Ah, here we are." Dr. Wily takes out some of the wax and begins to rub it on his head until his bald pate is shining in the interior lights. "Ah, perfect." He then checks his mustache, smoothing it out a bit and combs his hair. Finally, standing in front of a full length mirror hidden on the Skullker, Wily inspects himself. "You're a lady killer," he tells the reflection, spritzing on some cologne and then fixing his breath with some breath spray. "Now...for young Ms. Peterson," he says, rubbing his hands.

Roll jumps, twirling around quickly at the sound of Bass's blast hitting the pavement. Continuing her motion, she turns back around without having stopped moving. "I really think that we should make like a tree and leave..." she mutters as she tries to pick up the pace, with one hand on Twila's arm and trying to get the other two human girls to run faster as well through the throng of Londoners.

Twila Peterson whispers something to Roll, hoping she was heard, but not knowing whether or not she was among the rising din. She doesn't notice the craft take to a landing, or that the various humans, androids, and reploids have scattered from that area already. She has other concerns. "Hang on...almost there..." .oO(I think...!)Oo. She doesn't notice Snake Man or where he is. Instead...she just quickens her pace as the telepoters come into view. "Roll, getting anyone on the radio??"

Quick Man suddenly jets forward with an extra burst of speed, making near-impossible dodges through the crowd that nobody, at any speed, should be able to make. He bursts past the last one, and comes charging forward at an easy clip of 500mph. With a quick arm motion, he reaches out towards the hand linking Roll and Twila. "Don't leave so soon party's just starting!"

(Ch. B [None]) Roll transmits: '*sounds of many panicking people in the background* Emergency! This is Roll! We need some help! We're all under attack, and...and, we need help! (She sounds somewhat panicked herself, and neglects to mention who 'we' is, who she's under attack by, or even where she is.)'.

Bass appears to listen to something for a moment, before smirking just a bit, and leaning forward again. With a loud *WHOOSH* he jets forward, streaking over the heads of the panicking crowd, and rapidly closing in on the trio as they move to make their escape. Slowly, his course corrects itself, first from Kalinka, then Roll, and finally centering on Twila herself. Eyes narrowing somewhat in concentration, he kneels and waits, drawing closer and closer, then finally leaping forward, the rattling *WHOOSH* of his dash jets kicking in filling the air.

With a complete somersault, the Dark Knight flips and twists over, landing in a quasi-crouch right in front of the three, notably, facing Twila directly. "Going somewhere..?"

Snake Man waits, and waits, and just as it looks like they might pass him, he springs, attempting to grab Kalinka's coat in his teeth. Snake Man strikes Kalinka with his Grasp attack.

Flash Man searches desperately for the girl, he pushes the civiliansin his way. They hurdle several feet, cursing at him. He notices The ladies leaving the vicinity. As Quick Man appears out of nowhere infront of them, Flash makes his way over to the others but the crowd keeps on getting in his way. Kalinka dosen't notice snake man until its too late, letting out a scream as something grabs her!

Twila's skin seems to pale noticable about three shades as the Masters begin surrounding. Her grip tightens on Kalnika's hand firmer as she draws the girl close to her as she lets go of Roll's before Mr. Quick can grab it. "What are you...crazy???"

Snake Man's sharp teeth pierce the heavy coat, catching the little girl by the sleeve and barely missing her hand. He pulls back savagely, attempting to jerk her out of the grasp of whoever's holding her hand. Roll skids to a halt as Batman...excuse me, I wish!, Bass, appears in front of the trio and Snake Man jumps for Kalinka and makes her scream, diverting her attention 3 ways. Kalinka, Bass, and the radio transmissions coming in. "Someth-" Roll begins to reply to Twila, cutting off abruptly to see Snake Man grab Dr. Cossack's daughter to her horror.

Kalinka gets pulled away from the others by the stronger reptillian android, "Help! Lemme go you slimey creep!"

<Meanwile...>

Feedback turns back and watches as the diagnostic reports come in and is glad to see that everything checks out. He looks around for a bit and decides that he doesn't have much else to do now so he tosses in another disk and starts to work on something else.

Megaman stands up from his seat and walks over to Feedback's location, "So what 'cha doing there?" He asks in a chipper and inquisitive tone.

Feedback looks over at Rock, "Huh? Oh, nothing much. Just catching up on recent events and doing some research on some of my off-time projects. So, howya been latly boss? Have fun over Christmas? You wouldn't have gone to any great New Years party, now would ya?"

Megaman chuckles, "Oh now now, you know I wouldn't do anything wild like that, I was busy on duty over the new year."

Feedback pffs and grins, "Yeah, boring as usual. Come on, I'd thought that you'd be off having a great time with at least Twila if not with the rest of ya family. I mean, least you've got a family to have fun with. Working? I'd think that that would of been one of the few times that you'd be taking off and relaxing some."

Megaman chuckles again and pats Feedback on the shoulder, "You take it when you can get it, maybe just maybe I'll get a lull in the fight against evil, then I can take a holiday or something."

Feedback shakes his head and grins, "Ya know, I'd almost think that you enjoy getting scrapped and taking all of that time off. I mean, you probably have more medical leaves than most of us have vacations. So, you have any thoughts on what our next move is going to be?"

Megaman shakes his head, "First we need to get into Wily's city and figure out exactly what his game is." .oO( Sure -I- know what his game is, but Rock a gimp, he probably hasn't figured it out yet, wouldn't want to break character)Oo. "Jazz is forming a infiltration group to scout it out, I have decided to join that mission. Once we know what we are up against then ... we ... will ... be able... to form... a plan..." Rock starts to trail off and seem distracted.

Megaman .oO(Damn it... Rock where the hell are you! I can't just show up and save them it's too 'my style' ... I'll have to wait for a call for aid)Oo.

Feedback nods and smiles, "So, your going too? How fun. Um, you haven't seen Jazz round lately, have you? Got some orders awhile back to see her, but I haven't seen her round lately. Heck, maybe I'll be tagging along for this one too. You know, for a sec there I thought that you were going to tell me what you always say when I ask you that. Huh, guess people do change, I'll bet that you've got some brilliant plan up there in your head right now, eh?"

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Roll transmits: '*sounds of many panicking people in the background* Emergency! This is Roll! We need some help! We're all under attack, and...and, we need help! (She sounds somewhat panicked herself, and neglects to mention who 'we' is, who she's under attack by, or even where she is.)'

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Rick Morgan transmits: 'Wha? Hang on! What's your position?'.

Megaman .oO( oh poo.. Feedback is noticeing the personality difference,) **Rhythm, search hunter camera1 records for conversations between Rock and Feedback...what does rock respond with when Feedback asks what our game plan is?** .... .... <Rhythm feeds blues a few audio feeds> **Thanks Boy** "Well I figure it's drilled into your head by now." Rock smiles widely... "Oh oh..." Rock seems genuinely surprised by the call for aid. "Let's move out..."

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Feedback transmits: 'Eh? What's up? Where are you?'.

Feedback picks up the signal as well and nods, "Right behind ya fearless leader. But wouldn't it be best to figure out where they are first?"

(Ch. A [Hunter-Fac]) Megaman transmits: 'I'm on my way,.. (It sounds like the communication link is about to be turned off and then almost like an afterthought Rock speak again) Yeah... we need your location, you didn't tell us where you went shopping.'.

(Ch. A [Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'We're here! Right here...you know...ah...*still sounding panicked*...London!'.

Megaman nods, "Triangulate that, and give me a closer aproximation." Feedback nods and turns back to his console. He starts to fiddle with the transmission and before long, he has their position on the screen, "Okay......Got it! There right here." Points to the blinking dot on the map he brought up on the main viewer.

Ch. A [Hunters]) Rick Morgan transmits: 'That's all I needed. On my way.'.

Megaman looks at it, pretending to study it closely, then he stops... .oO( I better actually look at this, in case his data is inaccurate I would hate to show up in the right place and then have him wonder how I figured it out)Oo.

Twila Peterson is, of course, stopped from pulling Kalinka *too* close since a Master has her by the sleeve. "Let her go!" she yells, trying to get the Master to loosen his bite. A tug of war as her gaze panicky takes in the others beginning to surround them.

Quick Man flies right between Twila and Roll. Forced to make a quick switch in momentum, he runs vertically up a convenient lamppost, flipping around and coming back at the main scene, though much slower. Finally, he skids to a halt between Roll and Kalinka, and smiles an exuberant, glowing smile that makes most people want to punch him in the teeth. "Hey, babe."

Astro Man hovers above the others, lift crowds of people away and displacing them from the immediate area with his anti-gravity control, thinning out the crowds so the others can trap her more efficiently.

Flash Man finally arrives at the scene after several unpleasant remarks from London civilians. Quietly, the robot master examines all the activity from a few meters, blocking off the only available direction of escape. He loads his Scattergun with bullets but the orders suddenly repeat themselves in his mind. He Lowers the weapon, and realizes what the consequences would be for disobeying orders.

Treble unfolds his legs, landing with an audible *CLANK* behind the trio, now cutting off the other avenue of escape. Smoke curls from his slightly opened maw as he takes a step forward, glaring at the three girls, almost daring them to move.

Bass chuckles as he straightens up, watching Twila attempt to extricate Snake Man from Kalinka. Rolling his eyes, he steps forward, reaching out to grab Twila herself by the upper arm, "You think you're going to make this any easier?" he returns, giving her arm a hard TUG backwards. Wily said no injuring her, but there's nothing in the rules about jostling her just a wee bit

Roll looks around herself frantically as Robot Masters seem to appear left and right, her hold on Twila now broken. Doing a quick spin, she sees with despair that the situation seems quite grim. "Hey you, let go of her!" she shouts, talking to both Snake Man and Bass at the same time.

The Skullker <Skull> begins to pad down the street, stopping in front of the group of humans and androids, stooping down as a speaker appears and Wily's voice begins to speak from it. "Attention: This is an announcement asking for the official surrender of Miss Twila Peterson. All civilians shall be spared should she comply promptly," the old man's voice rasps.

Snake Man pulls hard on Kalinka's sleeve as Twila pulls back. But Snake is much stronger, and abruptly the coat tears as Bass grabs Twila's other arm. Snake and the girl go tumbling to the pavement.

Quick Man's Quick Boomerang launcher ka-clicks loudly as the saftey goes off. "Hunter-lady, you've got problems of your own to deal with right now." His feet slowly slide apart, and he glares evenly at Roll, making it clear that, to interfere, she'd have to go through him.

Twila Peterson is a bit too distracted by Bass's sudden grasping of her arm to really keep hold of the little girl any longer...especially since Bass pulls on her just as Snake Man pulls on Kalinka. "Hey, leggo!" is all she's able to manages in protest...not really overhearing Wily's announcement from his craft. Too many things going on at once.

Kalinka oofs! Getting roughed up as she is knocked down, struggling to get away from the Master, she brings her heel of her shoe into his....umm.

Bass wrenches Twila free and pulls her up face to face, glaring at her through narrowed eyes. "Let me put this to you loud and clear......" Bass whispers: 'I don't like this anymore than you do. But surrender and make this go that much more smoothly, and your friends, as well as all those around here will be spared. If you insist on resisting.....I take no responsibility for what ensues.'

Roll panics a moment longer as Quick Man gets in her way. Then, composing herself - she's a Hunter, and sister of Megaman, isn't she? - she settles back into a martial arts type stance. "Don't force me to hurt you," she warns the Robot Master in front of her.

Quick Man smiles evenly at Roll. He lowers the launcher, and unholsters the Big Boomer from his back. He briefly hefts it like a hand weapon, the angled blade shining. "Then don't try to get involved." He bounces rapidly on the balls of his feet, mind sensing a chance to really look cool.

Flash Man chuckles as Quick Man is being challenged by an inferior female. As she takes her karate stance, the robot master tries desperately to hold in the laughter. He hollers over to Quick in pure and ovious sarcasm, "Better watch out Quick, she knows Fung-ku!"

Megaman comes sprinting from the teleport chamber followed by Feedback he pushes his way through the panicking crowd and getting within view of the Masters and the girls. He shouts out "Let them go or I shall be forced to take heroic measures!" As he does his X armor flashes into being around the Hunter commander, he's hands on his hips and chin tilted upwards.

Snake Man rolls over as the little girl scuttles to her feet before he can. Her foot whizzes by his head as he ducks to the side.

Kalinka erks!!! Not very quick is she? Compared to a robot master, she's quite sluggish.....

Roll narrows her eyes, angry at Quick Man's smugness. Without further ado, she launches herself at Quick Man, weaponless.

The young woman the Master now holds swallows rather hard as his words make their way to her ears. For a long moment she can only stare at Bass through widened eyes even as her struggle lessons. She opens her mouth the respond only to be cut off by Rock's sudden shout above the chaos, although she can't really see him from where she's standing. "What...what do you want?" she finally manages.

Snake Man's head darts forwards as Kalinka attempts to regain her balance from the missed kick. His teeth flash as he attempts to sink them into her leg. Snake Man misses Kalinka with his Bite attack.

"It's not what I want...." Bass returns, unceremoniously leaning forward and slinging Twila over his shoulder. His glare moves to where the Blue Bomber has arrived, and he narrows his eyes that much more, though he turns and keeps his course towards the Skullker. "It's what the old man wants. Consider this me following orders."

Quick Man is just, well, damn quick. As Roll swings her hand, he's off and going like a shot. He seems to be playing nice today, as he doesn't just shoot her. Instead, he swings the Big'un around, going for the small of her back as he ducks under her arm and shoots past.

Feedback comes running in a little behind Megaman. He's done this a few times but this time something doesn't seem quite right. He shrugs it off as everyone coming back from the holidays and being rusty. He stops a little behind X and begins to charge his own weapons while yelling over at the RMs, "Hey all of you idiots over there. Yeah, you guys. Why don't you come over here and pick on someone your own size?"

Twila Peterson intakes a breath of air, very nearly choking on that same breath, even as she's hoisted upon the android's shoulders. "WHAT?!?"

Roll, not really having any clue about martial arts, unsurprisingly misses her target. Stumbling past, she turns around in time to dodge Quick Man's counter attack. "Hold still, will you?" she shouts at the Master in frustration.

Well, Kalinka was quick enough to squirm her body out of the way before the Robot Master sunk his teeth into her, she screams out loud, still struggling to get away from him as she takes a wild swing at his face.

Flash Man stands there, waiting for the perfect opportunity to use his primary weapon.

Quick Man smirks, coming back at Roll for another pass. "Can't I've got a job to do so just relax and enjoy the ride."

Snake Man stands, taking the punch directly on his chestplate. But how much damage can a little girl do to a robot? He just laughs and shoves back. Snake Man strikes Kalinka with his Punch attack.

Bass heads straight for the giant form of the Skullker, pausing near one of it's large feet and waiting for Wily to lower the ramp for him to climb aboard. Of course, he continues to make pleasant conversation with the captive over his shoulder in the meantime. "Apparently you didn't hear me correctly. Perhaps I should spell it out. This was Wily's idea, I'm merely following my orders. Capiche?"

Megaman growls inwardly as Snake Man tries to hurt his little Kalinka. He snaps the Mega Buster up and skillfully aims it at the Robot master for daring to bare his fangs at the little girl. .oO( would rock save Twila? would he think she can handle it? Bah it doesn't matter, Kali's just a little girl, and besides Bass is gonna know I ain't Rock, I can't risk it.)Oo. The X Buster fires it's plasma shot.

Kalinka *OOFS!* getting the wind knocked out of her as snake man shoves her down hard onto the ground, bashing her young frame up a bit.

Flash Man notices the others all engage in some kind of combat and decides to join in. He steps forward towards Kalinka as Snake Man is blasted by the blue bomber. The Robot taps her on the back and speaks as softly as he can. "Hello there."

Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Kodiak> begins to slowly smash it's way in from the teleportation area, bringing the rear waaaay up. One problem with being near two stories tall of multiton war machinery, is one tends not to be very fast. Still, as the Kodiak begins to slowly lurch into view, it's an awesome sight indeed, shoulder span easily stretching across the width of the street itself, immense arms held at the ready at it's sides, and fists capable of crushing a battleship clenched tightly.

Kalinka just winces while huddled on the ground, "Go away you flashy creep..." Twila Peterson is busy attempting to steady her presently rapid breathing even as she's kept in such a way that doesn't allow for much squirming. She inwardly feels something plummet to the depths of her stomach as she overhears a shot being fired. Belatedly she stops her squirming as she recalls Bass stating that if she ceased struggling and came quietly the Masters would simply leave. Well...too late for her to be heroic about it not that she's taken. But, better late than never...

Snake Man is hit in the chest, precisely where Kalinka punched him a few seconds ago. And this time he's the one knocked over with the wind pounded out of him. He rolls over a couple times and ends up in a sitting position. He shakes his head and looks around for where the shot came from.

Feedback watches as all of this happens and curses. He snaps up his own blaster and watches as Rock goes off to hit Snakes. He makes a quick intelligence check to see who is here and what they're doing before he fires. He wants to be sure that he can remember everything that happens. He spots most of the RMs and then notices that Bass is dragging Twila to that Ride armor of theirs, "Hey Rock. It looks like their taking Twila. We've gotta stop them, right? Come on you can beat that idjit, right?"

Enraged, Roll activates her keytool. "Glitch, scissors!" Transforming into a pair of scissors about arm's length, she grabs hold of it and attempts to make a snip at Quick Man.

Astro Man looks towards the ride armor as it thunders into view, "Oh just great....Well, I better stop that from ruining this little plan of the doctor's."

The Skullker <Skull> announces on his speakers, "Bring her in, Bass..." The Skuller's ramp lowers in response to the Main Master's orders as he brings down the ramp.

Twila Peterson whispers, voice trembling, "Wily?"

> Astro Man looks to Flash Man, "Because he's going to!" > Astro Man zips away from the ride armor once he gets to word to fall back.

> Flash Man shakes his head, "Not very nice lil girl, not nice at all. Tell me, have you ever been in a time freeze?" He smiles and takes a few steps back. The master closes his eyes, concentrating hard to activate his primary weapon...the TIMESTOPPER. Energy surrounds his body, focusing into an energy sphere directly above the strange gem placed on his head. The ball grows larger and larger, shaking violently as it continues to build on its bulk. In a blink of an eye, the ball disappears, a wave of temporal disruption snaking its way around the area. It bursts outward like a ripple in the water, freezing everyone it comes in contact with. Flash Man's eyes glow eerily, a strange aura encompasses the robot master's as they are released from their frozen states.

> Quick Man manages to avoid significant mutilation by simply diving under the hedgeclippers. They do, however, nip one of the tips off his head boomerang. In response, and being conveniently located on the ground doing about 150, he goes right into a sliding kick, aiming to trip Roll and take her out of the fight.

> Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Kodiak> comes to a halt, tiny sensor head tilting upwards towards Astro Man. One immense hand raises upwards, as if making to slap him out of the air, but he's gone before Rick gets the chance, "Rrrgh.."

> Megaman .oO( Arggg, and another one just ~had~ to step in and take Snake Man's place, what in the name of Light do these Master's want...)Oo. Just then Rock acts like he then notices Twila being pulled into the Skullker. .oO(Hmm should be about time for this)Oo. Rock turns in horror and calls out, "TWWWIIIILLLA!!! NOOOOOO!!!!"

> Snake Man looks briefly at Megaman, and then he snarls at Kalinka, showing a bunch of teeth that would have ended up in her leg. With a glance over his shoulder, he notes that the objective has been completed, and takes off in the direction of the Skullker, running on all fours.

Bass moves up the ramp, Twila still hauled over one shoulder. "That's correct." He answers her emotionlessly, finally setting her down, upright again, and staring straight at her. "-Why- I have no clue, but I never attempt to read his mind. Now...lets go." he gives her a slight push, to send her on her way to the cockpit area.

> Snake Man climbs up one of the legs, easily scaling to the ramp and disappearing inside

> Flash Man exhales, the Timestop taking a lot of his energy reserves. Looking back at the Skullker, he lumbers his way back. "Time to make like Wood Man and leave."

Dr. Wily stands there, watching over the carnage outside. He looks over as Bass brings in Twila. "Ah...Ms. Peterson," he smiles. "I am so pleased you could join us. Once my Masters have returned to my Skullker, we shall retreat...." He motions to Snake Man as he enters. "Snake Man...keep an eye on our Miss Peterson until we have return to Skull Fortress...."

> Megaman freazes in place just as he finishes is over dramatic call ... .oO(This could be a problem)Oo.

> Astro Man is already wobbles back inside the Skullker.

> Rick of course hears the scream. "What in the....?" But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what happened. "DAMMIT! No way! Not while I'm here!" With an audible whirl, the entire armor turns and begins to move forward, tank treads locking into place.......then stopping abruptly as the timestopper comes into play. Well that sucks.....

> Roll unceremoniously is tripped forward, letting go of her scissors so that she can cushion her fall with her hands before smashing her face into the pavement.

> Feedback is just about to take a shot at someone when Flash uses that blasted timestopper. He stops moments before he was about to fire. Stuck in that pose he can do nothing for now except wait for the timestopper to wear off and then go and hurt Flash Man later for using it.

Twila Peterson takes a shaky step back forward before the small nudge. Not knowing what else she can do, she simply moves forward as directed until reaching the cockpit area. Upon arrival she darts a quick glance around her. Oh, boy. This does not look good. "Why have you done this?" she demands near tears.

> Flash Man looks over his shoulder, cupping his hands and hollers back at Mega Man. "Better get used to that pose, you'll be like that for a few hours." He snickers and boards the ship.

Snake Man drags himself inside, rubbing the spot on his chest where Megaman hit him. He glances at Twila and rubs his head, thinking about the whack he got earlier. "Yesss Massster."

> Quick Man immediately gets back up to his feet and beelines for the Skullker. "Later alligators!" He runs fast enough, briefly, to blur.

Snake Man says, "He wantsss to marry you, or whatever it isss that you humansss do."

Dr. Wily turns towards Twila and smiles as the rest of his Masters file in. "Why? Because, I do it for love," he says, chuckling darkly. "And....the bride of Wily....deserves nothing better than her knight's squires to come to her rescue!" Wily laughs as he pulls back the controls on the Skuller and takes it skyward.

> Rick Morgan of course hops out of the Kodiak's frozen frame, easily inside and thus -he- wasn't affected by the timestopper. Though his ride is unfortunately nothing more than a glorified statue right now. Still, one can give him points for aggressiveness, as he raises his revolver and fires at the Skullker's large frame. *BLAM BLAM BLAM!* He might as well be using a peashooter.

> The Skullker <Skull> begins to lift off from the frozen individuals, the legs disappearing and the large skull beginning to shoot skyward, carrying it's stolen cargo.

Twila Peterson begins drawing her to hug herself...only to lower them back at her sides as she tosses her watchcarer a quick glance. Well, more like a stare after his pronouncement. Her mouth drops open as she then looks back to the scientist. "Marry...*me...???"

Snake Man whispers: 'That sssumsss up our reactionsss too.'.

> Roll pushes herself up to her feet in time to see the last of the Robot Masters heading into the ship. Being the only one (I think) not frozen, she runs toward the ship, stopping beneath it, helpless to do much. "Come back here!" she shouts at it, hurriedly picking up Glitch.

Bass goes rigid for a moment as Wily speaks his intentions, his mouth twisting just a bit, as if -really- struggling to hold something in.

Quick Man starts giggling like a madman. "That was kinda fun. I think I like that chick."

Megaman .oO( grrrr.... damn it... and I'm gonna have to sit here that whole damn time aren't I...)Oo. ** Rhythm, where the -hell- is Rock... tell that wanna be to get his blue wearin' mettle butt over here**

Kalinka sobs quietly, "Poor Twila..." She's not doing to hot herself.

"Dammit.....dammit...DAMMIT!" Rick turns and aims a good kick for his ride armor's open hatch, the metallic ring of his foot meeting armor smashing outwards. "They are NOT keeping her! No freakin way!" With an angry motion, he hops to the ground, panning his glare about, centering it on the blue armored form and Feedback. The other two who were stopped dead in their tracks.

Roll turns around in despair as the ship disappears from site. "What are we going to do now?" she asks Rick.

Rick Morgan turns and opens a panel on the Kodiak's shin, retrieving a small instrument in his hands. "First we deal with these guys...." he mutters, jetting over towards where Megaman is, then setting the device up to emit a pencil thin, red beam....that strikes out and absorbs into the time-displacement field surrounding him.......then shatters it.

Rhythm comes flying in in his jet mode, his owner no where to be found, as he nears the assembled group of hunters he lowers down and transforms into normal dog mode and barks a few times at Rick.

Megaman roars in frustration as the frozen shield around him is shattered, he breaks out of it and stomps forward a few steps, stareing at the sky in despair. Megaman **Rhythm...vocal track 354:234 time index 53.2**

Rhythm opens his mouth and a speaker plays Protoman's voice, "This situation looks pretty botched...nice job -kids-."

Feedback didn't hear that, who knows if thats a good thing or not. He's still frozen in time and doesn't even know it.

Rick Morgan arches an eyebrow, and stares at Rhythm for a moment, unaware of the switch done with Rock. Though if he had a good look, he's probably one of those few who could figure it out. In fact, his response to the playback is rather violent. "Just....shut.....the HELL up you! I don't wanna hear it! ESPECIALLY NOT FROM YOU!" he jerks an accusing finger at Rhythm, though more meant for Blues rather than him. He's just the messenger after all. Gathering himself, Rick turns and begins to move towards Feedback, giving him the same treatment that he did before.

Kalinka sighs, slowly staggering back to her feet, just wanting to go home right now.

Megaman **Index 80.1**

Feedback comes too breaking out of the freeze frame and fires off a weak shot that ends up hitting nothing. He blinks a few times and tries to figure out what just happened, "Huh? Where'd everyone go?......Aww, crud. Flash Man was here." With that, he replays what little he was able to record before he was frozen and checks his watch.

Rhythm trots along behind Rick, "Too bad." there is a small pause and then "I'll do what I can to help clean up this mess" Another small pause, "Rhythm is at your disposal, send him home when you're done with him."

"You know what....?" Rick says, turning around to face Rhythm. "You always fancy yourself the loner....and in this case, I don't want your help. Hear me? You got your own agenda? Then that's -fine- with me. But Twila's out there, in the hands of that....maniac and I'm here doing nothing about it! I've taken about all the time it is to clear up what I can..." He then glances in 'Megaman's' direction. "Rock, don't wait up for me." With that, he turns and begins trotting towards his waiting ride armor once again.

Rhythm sits and pants as Rick shouts at Proto Man through him and then jumps up and licks at Rick's face. Rhythm trots along behind the Human hunter, Proto Man isn't transmiting any more and Rhythm is ordered to follow Rick until Rick sends him home.

Megaman turns around to face Rick, a tear running down his cheek, "Go where... they got away... there was nothing I could do... I've failed... it's all my fault... all my fault."

Feedback mumbles something to himself and is in full agreement with Rick right now even if he doesn't say anything. He finishes reviewing what he was able to get down and makes a few mental notes. For now, he ignores Rhythm and waits to see what Rock decides to do next. As he listens to their great leader mope about, Feed decides to make a few plans of his own, "So, I guess they ran back to Robotropolis, huh? Well, least we know where they're keeping her this time. So, whats the game plan, eh Rock?"

Kalinka hobbles on back to the teleporter, in her sorry condition.

Megaman Calls out, "Kalinka... are -you- okay?" Megaman looks over to Feedback, "Well you know what I always say... and Twila is innocent and pure, we're going to get her back...Even if I have to take Wily's island apart rock by rock." (no pun intended)

Rick Morgan hears nothing, sees nothing, only knowing what his lil sis is out there and she needs him. With a quick leap, he lands in the Kodiak's cockpit again, sealing it before Rhythm can follow. Without any form of ceremony, the armor itself begins to power up, then turns and begins to thunder away from the scene, having some set destination in mind. Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Kodiak> has left. Rhythm follows rick

Kalinka looks over to Megaman, and sighs, "No...does it look like I'm okay?" Kalinka . o O ( What a dimwitted question.. ) Kalinka 's nose is smashed from being thrown to the pavement, her head is brusied, eye is black and her ankle is twisted.

Feedback nods, "Yeah, I guess your right. So, I guess we're going to have ourselves another meeting to get organized then, huh?"

Megaman shakes his head to Kalinka, "No I guess not... Come over here, Feedback can you assist her in getting to the Hunter Med bay, we should be able to patch her up as good as new." Looking back over to Kali with a big doofy smile, "Don't worry you are going to be okay."

Kalinka sighs, "I'll be fine....."

Feedback nods and walks over to Kalinka. He smiles before offering his help, "Yeah, I can do that. Come on Kalinka. We're going home now, and then we're going to go and shoot that idiot Wily for pulling this stunt."

Megaman shakes his head. "We will try to solve this without bloodshed Feedback. Do not encourage the little one to think that violence is the answer to everything." Megaman is almost rolling his eyes at his own comments, .oO( By Light I sound like the biggest twit...guess that means I'm doing it right)Oo.

Feedback grins, "Well, maybe not everything. But in this case, I think that we can make an exception. Come on, you saw what he did. I'd think that you'd be more steamed over this than me. You are the one that called for a search mission when she went missing for what? A day? Maybe it's just me, but I'd expected you to blow a fuse or something over this."

Kalinka says, "No kidding...You went after snake man like a rabid dog I heard when he bit Twila."

Megaman .oO( Damn that's right Rock is emotional, he doesn't think things through like I do... damn it... ummmmm mmmmm...)Oo. Rock forces out a few more tears before breaking down and calapsing to the ground in tears.

Kalinka whispers: 'I think the stress is getting to him..'.

Megaman pulls himself back to his feet and turns away from Feedback and Kalinka, "I said GET HER BACK TO BASE!!" He shouts out wiping tears from his eyes and sniffling like a little girl, "NOW!!!!"

Kalinka blinks!!! Watching Rock do a sudden 180 . o O ( Wow...he is really taking this hard. ) "C'mon Feedback, lets get out of here--...err...back to HQ!" Feedback just looks at Rock, "Um, its okay. Come on, we're going to get her back. And its going to a lot faster than us getting Zero back. So, come on, lighten up." He stops right there as Rock explodes and starts yelling. He snaps to attention and gives him a formal salute, "Yes sir. Whatever you say." With that said, he executes an about face and heads back to the teleporter, "Yeah, lets get before he shoots -us- or something."

> The Skullker <Skull> flies into the area and begins to land on the ground as legs sprout from it and the mighty Skuller finishes it's docking procedures...

Twila Peterson just...sort of...blinkblinks at Snake Man before returning her stare at Dr. Wily...understandably at a sudden loss for words. "I...uh...I..."

Snake Man doesn't look overly thrilled at the prospect either. Or maybe it's just disappointment that Wily wouldn't let him have her pet cabbit.

Bass coughs, in one of those 'try not to burst out loud' type ways, and immediately reverts his attention elsewhere, anywhere. Ah....that monitor looks interesting.

Flash Man blinks, energy level quite low, he examines his gauge meter. "I think I over did that one."

Astro Man says, "What do you expect with a device like the Timestopper, Flash Man?"

Dr. Wily lands his Skullker and stops and turns around. "Excellent work, my Robot Masters. For once, a 0 fatality rate." Wily chortles loudly and says, "I must write a report of this incident and the standards for dealing with our...guest." Wily leans forward, grabbing Twila's hand and lightly kissing it. "Snake Man, Quick Man, escort Ms. Peterson to...hrm." Problem. The Barracks aren't /exactly/ known for comfort... Ah, but there's another room in Skull Fortress is... "...To Bass' quarters. They should prove luxurious enough for her. And if not, then help her make them so. Do you understand?"

Quick Man bounces around a bit. He's juiced up - that's the most exciting thing he's done in a while, given he's been stuck building/patrolling Robotropolis for the last few weeks.

Snake Man says, "Uhh, Massster... Now that we're here, what are we going to do with her? Bassss'sss quartersss?" He makes a side glance at Bass to check the reaction. "Are you sure?"

Bass's eyes widen significantly for a moment, and he lifts his glare from the monitor. "What....?" he breathes.....

If it was possible for Twila's eyes to widen any further...well...she succeeds. "Huh?!?"

All eyes on Bass now.

Quick Man glances towards Snake Man, then at Bass, then at Wily. "Sure, boss. Not a problem." He smiles, as if it were obviously no conflict for anybody at all.

Flash Man nods. "It's not perfect, the device is full of flaws. I usually don't use a burst quite as large as the one today, I needed to make sure all those hunters were caught in the temporal distortion.

With an audible *THUNK*, Bass puts his fingers right around Quick Man's throat, holding him in place as he glances straight at Wily.....

Dr. Wily nods. "You heard me. Bass shall be moving into the Elite Barracks until Ms. Peterson and I are wed," he says, "Bass' quarters are the finest, second to my own. I'm sure they shall accommodate her quite nicely indeed..."

Snake Man says, "Guesss he'll have to kick Quint out then. Where'sss Quint going?"

Astro Man cowers back neverously as Bass quickly grabs Quick Man's throat, faster than even the speedy RM can blink.

Dr. Wily looks over. "Is there a /PROBLEM/, Bass?" he asks, his eyes narrowing at his charge.

Quick Man gurgles slightly. This is rather illogical to him. Wouldn't Bass be *happy* to do this?

Twila Peterson doesn't even seem to notice the old man has her hand in his and has brushed her lips against her skin. (Although when she does it's a fair bet she'll be washing that hand for a half-hour.) But a weakness does appear apparent by the way her hand becomes wink within his hold. "Uuuuuuuuuuuuh..."

Bass continues to stare for a long moment, his sudden anger at the moment translating into how his fingers tighten around Quick Man's throat just a bit, though he finally lets go and gives him a slight toss. His glare moves forward again, "I think I'm going to have a long talk with Enker...." he says simply.....though his eyes snap back to Wily again, then Twila, accusingly in a way.

Twila Peterson offers lamely, "I...don't want to put...anyone out..."

Snake Man glances at Twila, who looks like she might be about to faint. "If you think I'm being her maid and bringing her bran muffinsss on the commode, you've got another thing coming, sssir."

Astro Man looks sick.

Quick Man bounces right up again. He's gotta be one of those darn Weebles. A speedy step or two gets him right next to both Twila and Snake Man. "What's wrong with bran? I hear it's good for humans."

Dr. Wily says, "No...it is not a problem, my dear Twila. Bass shall soon have his room back once we are wed..."

Flash Man just observes silently, finding the situation somewhat...strange.

Snake Man just looks at Wily, then at Twila, and then back and forth again. "Ewww."

Twila Peterson gulps to that. "Er....you....don't even know me..." she states and takes a step back. Not like she can go anywhere...

Dr. Wily smiles. "We have time to cross that. Now, go with Quick Man and Snake Man to go get settled..."

Astro Man shudders quietly to himself.

Flash Man crosses his arms and looks at the meter as power is slowly being resored. His left eyebrow raises up pretty high at the sound of the word...wed. His feelings quite similar to that of Snake Man.

Quick Man smiles cheerfully at Twila. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get used to things. After all, this *is* paradise." Half this incident is going right over his head, you can tell.

Bass just watches for a moment, glance going to Twila, then back to Wily, then back again, not even sure who he should be accusing more right about now. Finally, with an angry gesture, he turns and stomps down the ramp, and off of the Skullker again..

Twila Peterson holds in a wince as she casts glances bewteen her two escorts, not exactly knowing what to do. "I---" Still, she doesn't have much of a choice as she turns to the two Masters in question...

Astro Man hmms, "I guess Bass is going to clear out the bats and pipe organ from his room first." He says with a bit of light humor.

Snake Man shrugs, glancing at Quick Man. "Let'sss go, Quick. The sssooner thisss isss over, the happier I'll be."

Dr. Wily just allied you to his faction.

Quick Man nods in a sickeningly cheerful manner, and makes a sweeping motion at the door. "After you, Missus Wily?"

Snake Man says, "What do we do afterwardsss? Lock her in?"

Astro Man looks towards Twila, "Honestly, I'd allow my quarters since it is mimicked more after human tastes, but it's above earth's orbit...the view is nice but the commute is a total pain if you're not equipped for it."

Snake Man says, "And if you don't have a butt that resssemblesss a bowling ball."

Twila Peterson presses her lips together...offering only a nod to the comments as she takes a shaky step towards the ramp. That's it. Nice and easy now...

Skull Fortress - Large Hangar Wily's hanger is a large, open building filled with inactive combat droids and small vehicles. It's about half full, with empty spaces showing everywhere. The ceiling is high, so smaller droids can be stacked on racks that line the walls, and flying ones can be suspended from above. The floor is covered by a regular series of interlocking metal plates. By far the largest and most impressive vehicles are the pair of Skull Tanks that ususally rest in the two large stalls near the back. Overall, there's a lot of stuff here, but none of the really devastating weapons that Wily is capable of designing.

Astro Man says, "Listen....I know it won't be easy adjusting here, all these new faces and feeling out of sorts. But I'm sure the doctor will do all he can to make you comfortable here."

Snake Man just looks at Twila and Quick, and shrugs helplessly. "Let'sss go."

Quick Man follows after Twila, continuing to smile like an idiot.

Twila Peterson shuts her eyes tightly only to reopen them again as the motly group makes their way outsides. "Yeeeeeeeah. I'm...sure," she mumbles to herself with some uncertainty. "Where's...his quarters...?

Snake Man says, "Follow usss."

Twila Peterson gets out, "This is your fortress...huh?"

Snake Man presses the button within the teleporter to zap them all to the fourth floor. "Thisss isss it." He gets a radio and looks annoyed, speaking into it.

Quick Man nods happily. "Really something, isn't it?" He's speaking overly slowly, pausing after each individual word.

Twila Peterson isn't very sure it is. But she keeps her own opinions silent. "Uh....yeeeeah..."

Quick Man glances at Snake Man. "You heard the Doc."

Snake Man shakes his head and presses another button, the one for the 5th floor.

Skull Fortress - Transporter Level 5 A circular transport platform fills most of this tiny room with its soft artifical glow. The walls have a large number 5 painted in white on each one, and the door reads:

Level 5: Main Labs Factories

Snake Man says upon, "After you, Msss. Peterssson." He's not ready to think of Twila as Mrs. Wily just yet. "Thisss isss it."

Twila Peterson clenches a hand into fist as she's led. Her only crumb of comfort is a small round shape piece of jewelry she wears as a necklace around her neck underneath her shirt. She nods, still shaken, and steps in the direction indicated.

Skull Fortress - Science Hallway The air seems thicker down here, and more artificial. The lowest level of Dr. Wily's fortress is also the most non-descript. Clinically white, metallic walls give the small hallway the feel of a hospital, and indeed, to Wily's creations, it is. The hallway itself is small, the stretch from the transporter to the double doors at the opposite end is no more than fifty feet. The double doors at the end of the hall have no windows, and look suspiciously heavy. Glancing at the walls nearby, you can make out hidden alcoves that no doubt hide all sorts of weaponry. The door closest to the transporter looks the most inviting, looking through the window, you can make out the foyer of Dr. Wily's personal quarters. Two more doors branch east and west, both leading to labs of some kind.

Snake Man says, "Well, that'sss it." He gestures towards the grey door. "Head in."

Quick Man glances to Snake Man. "I'll show her around while you, y'know..." He makes a 'you know what' motion with his head.

Twila Peterson furrows her brow as they continue on before stopping. "This is---?" But then she breaks off as the door hisses open. She enters hesitantly.

Skull Fortress - Wily's Quarters Wily's quarters are rather spartan and organized for someone most people consider to be a mad scientist. It is obvious that he spend little time here. The main door opens into a small foyer, glancing to your left there is a coat rack, lined with five or six identical white lab coats. After the foyer, the room opens up into a large library/den area. Books are stacked on shelves that reach the ceiling on every part of the wall. Three computers at various points in the room flash and blink ominously. In the far corner of the study is a well-worn plaid recliner which faces a large-screen television. I guess even Dr. Wily likes to relax every now and then. A door on the west side of the study is slightly ajar, and you catch glimpses of the smaller bedroom beyond.

Quick Man smiles widely, and lightly takes Twila's arm to show her around. Lightly for an android, that is. "This is you and Mr. Dr. Wily's quarters....."

Snake Man blinks at Quick Man. "Mr. Dr. Wily?"

Quick Man nods to Snake Man, but keeps looking at Twila, trying to keep her attention. "Mr. Dr. Wily. She's Mrs. Wily, He's Mr., but he's a Dr., too." It's all perfectly logical to him.

Twila Peterson steps into the room...and boggles. Surprisingly she lets the Master take her arm in order to show her around, somewhat in shock. "Wily's quarters? These are...but I thought..." Oh no. Here comes that sinking feeling. "It's...not proper for...a two...unwed people to share the same...room..." she mumbles...

Snake Man makes a gesture with his tail. "The old geezer'sss sssaying he wantsss you to get to know your future sssurroundingsss. He'sss renting a hotel in the sscity."

Quick Man continues to smile as if this were the greatest thing in the world that could possibly happen to a human. "Oh, don't you worry about that, m'am. He's going to spend his time in a suite at Wily Plaza."

Quick Man winks slightly. "It wouldn't be right for him to see you too much before the wedding."

Twila Peterson bobs her chin slowly in reply. "How...how...thoughtful..." her words push out as her mind tries to grapple all thus. "But...why? Why...me...?"

Snake Man sighs audibly. "Looksss like your ressscue sssquad hasss arrived."

Twila Peterson turns towards Snake Man. "I---Rescue Squad?"

Quick Man nods to Snake Man, face hardening, then smiles at Twila again. "Don't you be afraid, either. The Doc was nice enough to have a company of Joes stationed just outside, in case that evil Megaman gets this far." His Quick Boomerang launcher ka-clicks again. "Not that he will." The smile shifts, carefully, from cheerful to sadistic.

Snake Man shakes his head. "I've got a report about a ship landing on the isssland." He nods approvingly to Quick. "They won't get far."

Twila Peterson attempts to withhold yet another wince...but isn't quite all successful. "How...generous..." she mumbles a upon taking another look around the room, wishing there was something she can do to get herself out of the situation. "So...uh...what is...what is it both of you normally do here?" she asks, trying to make conversation, as well as trying to keep herself from fainting from all the activity.

Quick Man pauses for a moment, listening to his radio, then perks up! "Yay!" He burns off, nearly leaving a burn mark in the carpet behind him.

Twila Peterson jumps with a start as the one Master leaves, a burned trail the only thing reminding anyone of his recent presence. "That---that was fast..."

Snake Man watches Quick bounce around like a hummingbird and shakes his head again. In answer to Twila's question, he replies, "I'm the intelligenssce gatherer and pessst control."

Snake Man says, "Hisss attention ssspan'sss not that long either."

Quick Man screeches to a halt, *definitely* creating burn marks in the carpet as he does. Then, politely, he offers a little silver tray to Twila. On the tray are a couple of cute little cookies.

Twila Peterson ohs as that tidbit seems to sink in. "Oh. Er..." Her gaze shifts from Snake Man to the returning master as she reaches for the proffered tray. Well, until she knows of her full situation and where she stands, best to...play along. "What...are these? Cookies?"

Snake Man eyes the tray. "Ssso where'sss mine?"

Quick Man noddles rapidly to Twila, head threatening to shake itself right off it's neck. Then he smirks, and pulls out from behind his back... a mecharat, which seems to know its fate, judging by how much it's struggling.

Snake Man grabs the rat with his tail, wrapping it in his coils. "Yum. Want a bite of thisss one?"

Quick Man manages a well-suppressed queaze at Snake Man's offer. "No. Thanks. I'll just nibble my cookie." He picks up one of the little cookies and takes a tiny bite out of it while still nervously smiling.

Twila Peterson comments after a swallow, "T--thanks..." she states, taking the tray but...not really moving to touch the gift. Her head darts right back up as the rat is presented and taken. The skin tone of the young woman changes from pale to almost a lovely green. "Oh...I forgot...you eat live...um...rodents..."

Snake Man simply keeps it wrapped securely in his coils, not making any moves to eat it just yet. "Mechanimals," he corrects, "Dogsss, catsss, rodentsss, jussst about anything."

"Cabbits too?" Twila unintentionally lets slip out...

Snake Man shrugs. "If I can catch one. Never caught one yet." He glances at Twila, and there's an unmistakable hard gleam in his eye. "Came clossse onssce, though."

Quick Man continues to chew quietly, trying to avoid eye contact with Snake Man.

Twila Peterson nods quite slowly. "I...I know. A dear friend brought in Kyo who looked as if she went through a meet grinder.."

Snake Man snorts, ignoring Quick Man. "You can blame Treble for that. If he hadn't come along and tried to take the food out of my grasssp, she wouldn't have gotten ssso beat up. But then again, she'd be eaten."

The young woman tried to pat down any ill feelings that are arising from this. "I prefer Kyo alive and once piece, thanks," she tones near a whisper...trying hard to hold in her fear.

Snake Man rubs his gun arm over a small dent in the leathery skin that covers his helmet along with the rest of his body. "Yesss, the Massster made that quite apparent when I asssked."

Quick Man snickers very slightly, but manages to keep it stifled with the cookie.

Twila Peterson peers at the snake-like Master for a long moment before turning towards his fellow. "I....never met you...before now..."

Snake Man decides it's time to enjoy his own treat while Twila isn't paying attention to him, recalling somewhere that women don't like to see snakes eat. So he waits until her attention is elsewhere to grab and consume it. With nothing so much as a muffled squeak, the mecharodent is gone.

Quick Man smiles cheerfully, cookie briefly forgotten. "Only personally met, I assume. I'm Quick Man, one of the Doc's older servants!" He beams, apparently very proud of his status. "I should be really well known." He nods solemnly.

Twila Peterson ooooos almost apologetically. "Saw you within...the files....but that was...about it..."

Dr. Wily walks slowly into the room and taps his cane. "Quick Man, Snake Man, attention," he says sharply as he walks in, looking rather dignified in a spiffy new lab coat and waxed scalp.

Quick Man keeps smiling cheerfully. "I've been busy taking care of things in Robotropolis recently." His voice continues to proceed carefully and slowly. He's obviously speaking slowly so that he'll be understood. "It's not easy, making sure this place is perfect for everybody under Doctor Wily's rule." Snake Man is standing watching Twila converse with Quick Man. As Wily enters, he straightens up a little and takes a step back.

Quick Man rapidly snaps to attention, still holding his cookie.

Twila Peterson tilts her head within Quick's direction before Wily makes his presence known. The young woman stands to the side somewhat bashful and shy, as well as fearful, not knowing what it is to say to him.

Dr. Wily walks towards Twila and nods to Quick Man and Snake Man. "Excellent," he says, looking over the room and finally focusing is wizened gaze upon Twila, smiling. The smile is meant ot be warm, but is lost upon Wily, looking slightly malicious. "I see that Snake Man and Quick Man have helped you settle and have procured refreshments for you...I trust that everything is well for you then?" Wily takes a cookie and takes a bite out of it.

Treble sniffs along the floor through the hallway, following the multitude of scents. Quick Man, that red-haired woman he saw several times, Doc Wily, and (yech) Snake Man. With deliberate caution, he comes to a stop near the door, tilting his head to push in someone and have a look around, crimson optics panning about as he moves to satisfy his curiosity.

Twila Peterson shifts her weight from one leg to the other momentarily and fumbles. "Y---yeah...I think. Except...This marry thing still has me a bit too confused..."

Snake Man glances over as he notes the dog's entrance out of the corner of his eye. He sticks his tongue out, but if it's a natural motion or an insult is hard to tell.

Dr. Wily laughs a bit and taps his cane. "My dear, you have been selected, through many promising brides, to be wed to me," he says, laughing a bit more. "Since the world paints me to be such a tyrant, I assure you, my measures were...justified. How else could I even speak to you without you recoiling in fear? That blue bomber has filled your head with wild accusations. I am a benevolent ruler..." He shifts his gaze towards Snake Man and Quick Man. "Isn't that /right/?"

Quick Man continues to hold perfectly stock still. "Yes sir, you're beneviolent, Doctor, sir!"

[OOC] Quick Man notes that, no, that wasn't a typo.

Treble shifts his glare to Snake Man as well, though he appears to be fairly neutral right about now as well. Frankly his curiosity overrides any rivalry with the reptilian Master, and he slowly slinks further into the room, pausing now and then to sniff the air. Crimson optics trace over to Twila's form again, and he watches silently...

Snake Man's tail starts to twitch back and forth. But he's good at lying, and the next statement flows evenly off his forked tounge. "Of courssse, Sssir."

Twila Peterson switches gazes between the two Masters...before eyes rove over towards the visitor still out in the hall. And then she returns her attenion towards their leader himself. "B--But why me?"

Treble of course can't talk, thus he's spared such. Sometimes it's great being a dog.

Dr. Wily takes Twila's hand in his and lightly kisses it. Inwardly, he's holding back his gag reflex and says to Twila, "Ah my dear, do you believe in love at first sight? The moment I saw you, I /knew/ we were meant to be...." Wily feels like he's going to be sick, but plays it off as best he can. "Why, have you met Treble?" he says, waving the dog over. Once Treble arrives, Wily pets the dog. "Quite the friendly pooch," he comments, "And despite popular rumor, he hasn't bitten off a hand yet..." Wily motions to Twila. "Would you like to pet him?"

Treble tilts his head as Wily pets him, pretty much the only one who can get away with the motion other than Bass. Depending on who's watching of course. At the mention of Twila, he tilts his glare to center his red portals on Twila, merely staring at her as he sits himself at Wily's side. At least he isn't growling.......

Snake Man rolls his eyes at the 'hasn't bitten a hand off yet' statement.

Twila Peterson somehow manages to hold down the remnants of dinner as her hand is held and kissed once more. "Treble and I...met..." she stutters as she gazes at Bass's companion. Even if the dog hadn't glared at her rather sternly she would have declined. "Um...thanks...but I don't usually pet animals I don't...don't really know personally..."

Quick Man keeps smiling and standing there stiffly. A single bead of sweat runs down his face as he's not used to remaining actually *still* for this long.

Dr. Wily nods. "Well..., if you feel uncomfortable..." Wily looks at Treble. "GO back to Bass, Treble," he says. He motions for the pooch to take his leave. "As for myself, I shall be staying in the Wily Plaza Hotel, my dear Twila." Wily bows stiffly, his back and hips creaking in protest from his age. He erks a bit and manages to hold back a grimace. "The Skull Fortress and Robotropolis are at your disposal of course, as are my Robot Masters." Wily makes an eye at his Robot Masters and then says, "They will know how to reach me. I shall be in touch my dear." Wily gets back up, despite the pain in his back and nods. "Good night, my love," he says, choking out that last word.

Snake Man coughs politely in an attention getting manner. "Sssir, if I might have a word with you...?"

Twila Peterson looks to the floor, examining the floor as she bobs her chin silently. "Night..." she says, but it comes in the form of a whisper.

Quick Man keeps quite still, but his smile takes on a relieved tone, as he'll finally be out of this any moment.

Dr. Wily nods and continues towards the door. "Follow me, Snake Man. Quick Man, watch over Twila and entertain her," he says and motions for Snake to come.

Dr. Wily has left. Snake Man has left.

Treble watches Twila for a few seconds more, then turns finally as per Wily's orders. On his way out though, he pauses near Quick Man's frame, and sniffs at him curiously. Strange than this one's standing so still..he's usually a blue of movement. Narrowing his eyes for a second, he shoves his nose onto the android's leg, sniffing deeply. Hope he isn't ticklish.....

Quick Man tightly suppresses a cringe as Treble closely sniffs his leg... then, Wily leaves the room. "BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Yep, he's ticklish. All the suppressed movement explodes outwards, as he drops to his knees, cackling and twitching all over.

Twila Peterson brings her arms up close to her as the others depart...then watches as Treble himself lingers. At the moment she can't bring herself to...really know what to say...then decides on something. "What---what's it like...living here?" she questions...just as the Master makes his outburst. The dog then departs...leaving the two within the room alone.

Quick Man manages to gain control of himself, after nearly a minute of hysterics. His foot's still twitching wildly, though. Nothing unusual about that. "I'm sorry." He smiles a bit, good-naturedly. "What was the question, m'am?"

Twila Peterson forces a small grin. Well...it *was* amusing. "I---I was wondering what...what it was like here..."

Quick Man blinks slightly. "I don't really know what it's like here. I've never been in the Doc's room before." He blinks again, a look of perfect honesty in his eyes.

Twila Peterson appears somewhat sheepish. "I kinda meant here in general...the castle actually."

Quick Man takes a moment to process that, then promptly smacks himself in the head. "OH! Oh, I'm sorry. Well, things have changed a lot recently, since Robotropolis started growing. We used to be rushing around, constantly avoiding the persecution of Megaman and those Hunters, as well as the Mavericks. Now, though, we've got a place where they can't touch us. Dr. Wily can finally show everyone how good of a person he is!" Quick Man beams proudly. "And we're all helping to make that!" You have to worry sometimes, about bots like him. Not running on all your clock cycles is a bad thing.

Twila Peterson bites her lip as she nods to that and glances around the room again. Yes...it is fairly spartan. "And...just how many people does Robotropolis have now?"

Quick Man thinks for a moment. "I have no idea. They're all a blur to me." In just what sense, he doesn't say.

Twila Peterson shifts her weight again. "So, I guess this is home for me then...for a little while, huh?"

Quick Man smiles and nods happily, then pauses. "For a little while, m'am?"

Twila Peterson doesn't really bother to either correct or explain herself since the rest are having some kind of impression that she's staying here. The girl has other plans of course...if she's able to go about completing them or if she's even able too. She does *not* want to be anyone's toy or plaything, or...as she suspects...a tool. "Uh...no. That's fine. Um...if it's ok with you...I'd...like to try and get a little sleep..."

Snake Man heads back in the room, rubbing another dent from Wily's cane. "Isss there anything elssse you needed, Msss. Peterssson?"

Quick Man cheerfully bounces over towards the door, very nearly skipping. "If there's anything you need, M'am, don't hesitate to call!"

Twila Peterson ummms, "How...do I call?" She then remembers that she's supposed to be guarded and watch at all times. Well, that's a no-brainier. "I--I won't..."

Snake Man looks relieved. "Good. The sssnack made me hungry. Want me to bring you sssome, Quick?"

Quick Man smiles again. It's probably supposed to be reassuring, but combined with what he says, it's downright spooky. "Don't worry. We'll hear you."

Twila Peterson backs away a step, simply watching the two take their leave, fighting against her urge to break down into tears. But she manages to stave it off long enough into the door closes behind them.

================================ Robot Master ================================ Message: 12/27 Posted Author Twila Peterson Tue Jan 04 Dr. Wily ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "My Robot Masters...meet the face of your new queen...and the bride of Wily!"

"Now, last night, Bass, Snake Man, Quick Man, Flash Man, Astro Man and myself managed to abduct Ms. Peterson from London. The move was short and sweet, with a minimum casualties. Thanks to Flash Man, we managed to make our escape unimpeded."

"Now, orders regarding Ms. Peterson are as follows: 1) She is to be unharmed and also guarded at all times. 2) All of my lower level masters(2 or lower), are to accommodate her with anything, short of providing her a means to escape. 3) If she wishes to leave for Robotropolis, she is to be escorted at all times."

Wily smiles at the camera and says, "Also, Miss Peterson is to have access to my finances. No records of course, but she is allowed to spend my assests at her leisure. I have plenty..." Wily brings down his cane with a slight crack. "Failure to abide by these rules shall result in a melt down of the responsible individuals!? AM I CLEAR?" Wily doesn't wait for a response. "Good! You have your orders! Wily out!"

__ __ \ \ / / \ \ /\ / / Dr. \ ` ` / ily \_/\_/ ==============================================================================

<Meanwhile, Feedback writes his own report back at Maverick Hunter Headquarters...>

Well everyone, its your friendly reporter here to tell you about another event that didn't turn out the way some of us would of hoped. Well, I guess I should start from the beginning. At first, Twila, Roll, and Kalinka went off shopping in London. Me and Rock were having a nice conversation back in the command center when we got this distress call. For some wierd reason, Wily and his goons attacked our trio and kidnapped Twila. Me and Rock responded as fast as we could.

When we got there, we encountered a number of Masters including Flash Man. Rock was able to get a shot off and nailed Snakes with a good hit. Unfortunately, before we could do anything else. Those idiot Masters had Twila in that Skulliker and Flash froze us. Yup, things weren't all that great and we ended up heading back worse off than when we went. Other than some minor injuries sustained by Kalinka, I think that we were okay.

Both Rick and Rock are obviously upset by these change in events and I think that it might be best to give them some space. As usual, if anyone's got a question, I'm always up to see if I can help. I got everything up to when I was frozen on tape, I think. But at least we can all look on the bright side, least this time we know where Wily is. On that blasted island of his, so hopefully Rock will have a plan and before ya know it, we'll be off a knocking on Wily's front door or something very similiar. Well, thats about all that happened...

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that Rick is not only a tad upset, but he still hasn't returned to base. Hopefully he's just off somewhere blowing off some steam, but I'm not sure. Just thought that some of you might wanna know this. Hopefully he won't do anything all that rash. Later all.

*Feedback's face fades out once more as it is replaced by the Hunters insignia*

Rick Morgan moves through the park area of Robotropolis, not even seeming to notice the gentle feel of grass under his metallic feet. Toting his shoulder pack, he seems to move as if in a daze, unsure of really where he should go right now. His eyes trace around the area, then upwards to the darkened sky, as somewhere deep inside, his frustration boils further, and finally comes to a frothing pitch.

"DAMMIT!" he howls, swinging the bag down to the ground hard, uncaring if anyone sees him right now. A sob tears forward from his throat, reflexive as he presses both palms hard against his temples, his breaths coming hard and fast, as his eyes redden and begin to moisten somewhat. Fighting an interior battle, he finally seems to put a cap on his surging emotions, and rubs the back of his right hand across his eyes, sniffling once before he glares at Skull Fortress' looming shadow in the distance.

"I'll get you out of this Twila..." he whispers. "....I promise."