Twila@M3 - Thursday, January 06, 2000, 11:32 PM -----------------------------------------------

Skull Fortress - Main Entrance Directly after the main gates is a small hallway, with Robot Master insignias painted onto the floor every few steps or so, while the walls are covered by huge, red-bordered tapestries depicting everything from portraits of Dr. Wily and the Elite Masters in regal poses to the Robot Master insignia. Little do unsuspecting guests know that under these beautiful tapestries are large automatic weapons, just waiting to pop up and catch a victim in a deadly crossfire of hot lead. Off to one side is a heavily armored door with an internal ID chip scanner, letting only those with special microscopic Robot Master identification chips implanted in their bodies to pass through into the transporter. Near the beginning of the hallway is an offshoot hallway leading to the world-wide teleportation chambers.

Knight Man is just emerging from the teleportation chamber, but within his helmet, his optics go wide upon seeing the Bride of Wily. He clasps a heavily armored metallic fist to his chest, and sinks to one knee. "All hail the great Bride of Wily! Speak your desire, and Knight Man shall endeavor to grant it!" Twila Peterson proceeds on through the corridors accompanied by her two Sniper Joe guards, silently wishing they would go dunk themselves in the backyard pool. Ok, so it's the ocean. But who's being picky? She pauses tho as she's addressed by the, um...individual. His manner of speech reminds her of Centaur Man's. "Uh...thanks. I...was just going to go out to...the beach..." she stammers as she eyes the android.

Knight Man rises to his feet with a great deal of clanking and jangling. "It would be an honor to accompany the great Twila Peterson! You will never again fear for safety, when I, the robotic embodiment of perfection, am your bodyguard!" He clangs his fist over his chest again in a salute.

Twila Peterson oh boys to herself. Well, might as well. She watches as her guards take their leave seeing as how she's in the care of one of their own as she starts moving again towards the entrance. "And...can you show me where it is? The beach I mean?"

Knight Man raises his mace hand in a victory, over what, only he could say, and even that is dubious at best. "I shall defeat an entire army, if need be, to bring the Magnificent magnificence of Twila to the beach."

Twila Peterson stifles a small giggle. "And you're name is Knight Man you said? It suits you well?"

<Soon...>

Robotropolis - Beach Area As evidenced by the wide expanse of sea, this must be the beach. Sand stretches to either side for miles, following the curve of the island. Upon the sand are numerous lifeguard stations and on hot, clear days the beach is filled with frolicking families and friends. On the island side of the beach runs the boardwalk, lined with shops and small cafes. Out on the water, catamarans, jetskis, pontoon shoes and reploids built for the water play and have fun. There's even the occasional luxury yacht or tourist boat.

Twila Peterson proceeds away from the boardwalk towards the many grains of sand which comprise this beach...taking only a moment to relieve herself of her boots and socks before stepping on shore. "Thanks for bringing me, Knight," she tones.

Knight Man clangs along behind Twila with all the grace and land speed of a heavily burdened tank. "It was an honor and a pleasure to be of service to the Great and Beautiful Future Mrs. Wily."

Now here's a rare sight someone's treated to. Bass stands alone on the beach shore, staring out to the ocean beyond, arms at his sides, though his right one is hooked over his helmet, which he's removed. The wind brushes his long, raven locks behind him in flowing waves, his eyes actually set in a relaxed state as he appears to sort his own thoughts. If anything, he looks very.......peaceful. It won't last.

Twila Peterson presses her lips together as she eases herself onto the sand, not yet seeing the ebony Master...or perhaps not really choosing not too see him at this exact moment. She instead turns back to the other android and comments, "Miss Peterson will do fine until that day arrives, ok?"

Knight Man stands up straight, and as stiffly as he can. He again performs his salute, clasping his fist over his chest. "As the great Twila commands, so shall it be. Miss Peterson!" His head scans the beach, rotating from side to side, presumably looking for danger. Instead he settles his gaze upon Bass. "Hail Mighty Bass!"

Twila Peterson muffles a soft sigh at the android's bellowing just as she trails his gaze, to see Bass in that peaceful, almost tranquil pose of his just before...Well, she has a deep feeling that he's right. It certainly only last. All she can do right now is...um...facepalm.

Bass arches an eyebrow at the call of his name. At another time, he may have simply ignored the greeting, or outright cannoned Knight Man were he in a bad enough mood. But right now, he merely tilts his head to glare back over his shoulder for a moment, eyeing the other android, then sliding his gaze over towards Twila.

Twila Peterson honestly didn't know Bass would have been here to be honest and, is a little surprised that he's was to be found out here. However, she would merely go and leave him be if asked. She may be in "enemy territory" and all but that doesn't mean she would intrude. Although, it's strange. This is one Master who she feels most comfortable right now. And this is after he tried to kill her several times already? She glances towards Knight Man before offering the Master Force Commander a slight shrug.

Knight Man swings his head from side to side, rotating it on its metallic hinges (or hydraulics or whatever). He is a bit taken aback, and besides, he does not like silence. Tends to lead to thinking. "Would the Wonderful and Beautiful Miss Peterson care for anything else?"

Twila Peterson flickers a glance towards the ground before responding to him. "Um...I'm fine. Although, you can drop the flattery titles if you like. They're not really needed."

Bass slowly lifts his helmet upwards, dipping his head forward and putting it back into place. His hair seems to move of it's own accord back into it, which then seals itself with a sharp hiss. For a few seconds more he stares, before finally beginning to approach the two. "Enjoying the beach?" he speaks quietly, though the question is obviously directed at Twila.

Knight Man shifts around in spot a bit, his armor clanking noisily. "I do not know the meaning of the word flattery! But if the grea-...if Miss Peterson so commands it, so shall it be."

Twila Peterson gives a small shrug in response. "Not...exactly like the one I'm used to. But, it'll do," she responds as Bass draws himself closer to the two. Sitting there besides the standing Knight Man she gains an idle thought: Are all the Masters basically as shorted as this guy? She thinks back to those she's met and silently concludes that half of them must be...at least! However, in reply to this one she simply says, "Flattery simply means saying something nice about someone to make him or her feel good or important...but that's about it."

Bass hms, tilting his gaze up the beach for a moment. "Quite..." he says quietly, before turning his attention back to Knight Man again, something akin to disgust washing over his own features at the mention of the 'names' that Twila keeps getting called. Of course Bright Man found out the hard way how Bass sees these new 'names'.

Knight Man continues to keep his vigil, over Wily's greatest prize, as it were. "It would seem I now know the meaning of flattery then. But my intentions were not so, it was simply to show you that simply by being attacked to Dr. Wily, you are thereby conferred a portion of his honor and all encompassing greatness, for Wily would not chose one less than suitable."

Bass openly rolls his eyes at Knight Man's words. "I'm sure Wily had his.......reasons for selecting our guest," he states simply, swiveling his gaze back to Twila again. "I'll take over the escort for now."

Twila Peterson perks an eyebrow towards Knight. She begins to want to state something else but apparently doesn't. Instead she lets her words die before they're even spoken as she merely leans back within her seat in the sand. Knowing that the Force Commander is not one the other Masters readily stand up to without consequence she just tilts her head towards his fellow. "Interesting meeting you."

Knight Man brings his fist to his chest with a loud clang, saluting Bass. "As you command, oh creation of Wily in all his glory." He waits around silently for some sort of response, unmoving. "Do you wish me to leave, oh paragon of robotic perfection?"

Twila Peterson oh dears to herself and chokes to the side slightly, although she makes out as if she has a small cough.

Bass stares at Knight Man for a very long moment, his eyes narrowing just a tad dangerously. But once again, his calm mood happens to hold him back enough so as to spare from instant physical violence. "Yes...." he states simply. "...in fact, I want you to go back to Skull Fortress, and remind Guts Man that I still wish him to be testing out the Wily Dragon's resilience. I trust your mental capacitors can handle that?"

Knight Man is silent for a long moment, maybe his capacitors are indeed struggling to keep up. His voice booms out from the recesses of his helmet, and he nods once. "I am to proceed to Skull Fortress, and remind Guts Man that our great and powerful Bass wishes the mighty Guts Man to continue to test out the resiliency of the formidable Wily Dragon!" He repeats it, in his own fashion, as if to prove he understands. Without further adieu, he spins on one large metallic foot, and begins clanking his way back towards Skull-Fortress, at a speed that would make snails gape with jealousy.

Twila Peterson lets out a small breath as soon as the other has left. No wonder why Bass is so short of temper. Sheesh. Would get on anyone's nerves. "I take it he's not the only one like that..." she ventures, well knowing the answer. "In that you have my sympathies."

Bass watches Knight Man's retreating back, a slight scowl on his features. "You have no idea..." he intones, tilting his head back towards Twila again. "He's one of the more stable ones." Of course as if he's one to talk at times......

Twila Peterson allows some of her true self to show now, not feeling the need for any facade around this one. Her features twist as she emits a quiet, "Ick," in answer before she glances back towards the incoming waves of the surrounding waters. "I gather than that you like beaches?" She's certainly seen him enough around one in particular.

Bass stares at her for a long moment. "There's little to nothing in this world I truly 'like', but I find quiet places...agreeable for sorting one's thoughts. A beach, especially at this time of year, and night....seems to serve that purpose well."

.oO(In other words....he's Grumpy...)Oo. Twila concedes to the later half of his statement and finds herself actually nodding in agreement. There is some momentary surprise to this, especially since her basic instincts would rather not have anything in common with this creature. Still, the young woman already gathers they do so more than likely for differing reasons. "Indeed it does." For a moment she's still before she draws up her legs to her. "You know, it's strange. I really should thank you. Out of everyone here you're the only one who I feel allows me to drop this childish facade for a little while."

"Why bother with a facade that someone can see through like a transparent shield anyway?" Bass returns, crossing his arms over his chest. "Believe me, I in no way do it for your benefit."

Twila Peterson comments, "I know that all too well, Bass," somewhat wearily. "You're not exactly the type."

Bass breaks into a slight smirk. "If it makes you feel better, I'm not intentionally going out of my way to destroy you...." This time. "Besides, I find satisfying a curiosity now and then tends to help out one's frame of mind...."

Twila Peterson questions out of curiosity of her own, "And might I ask what is you find curious, Bass?" keeping her tone soft.

Bass gives a small shrug. "Perhaps even I don't know the answer to that question." he speaks, then his gaze on her becomes all that much more intent. "You appear to want to know something about the personal life of your sworn enemy it seems. These aren't even the type of questions Rock himself would ask of me."

Twila Peterson merely replies, "I'm not Rock," before lifting his gaze to meet his. "Besides, I very much doubt the both of you actually do much talking." And spats during battle don't exactly count for much to be totally honest. "Perhaps......or perhaps even you could be surprised of what we know about each other." He smirks somewhat, turning to slowly walk along the sand towards the water's edge. "Frankly I'm surprised you're taking the chance. Knowing one of my caliber and even beginning to start to fathom what makes me tick is considered....." he takes a breath, letting it slowly. "...dangerous."

Twila Peterson draws her arms up to hug her legs. "And I'm in any less danger by being here on the island itself? I can already hazard a guess what my present 'status' is as long as I'm here, regardless if this 'wedding' is actually to be carried out or not."

Bass arches an eyebrow. "And just what do -you- plan to do if it does go through?" he asks.

Centaur Man gallops along the beach, looking something out of Black Beauty, except that he's green. So would that make Bass the black beauty? Well, I wouldn't call him beautiful, and we'll just stop that line of thought there before he gets himself hurt. He continues down the beach until he meets the waters edge, dipping an occasional hoof into the water experimentally every now and then.

A breath is drawn in before answering. "It won't. The ceremony may take place just as Wily planned. But it doesn't mean anything my 'I do', no matter what he may do otherwise. And that he won't get." Twila then admits, "I'm not available. And there's nothing he can do about *that*" Regardless if he forces the issue. She already knows that should she not either find a way off the island herself or by the help of others, she's going to loose her life within a short amount of time.

Bass merely stares at her for a long moment, as if processing her words. He then turns and glances back out to the water beyond. "We'll see soon enough I suppose," he says quietly. "Whatever hope it is you cling to, we'll soon see whether they show to 'rescue' you or not..." He then tilts his head at the sound of someone -else- drawing closer, and he slowly arches an eyebrow, watching Centaur Man's frame down the beach.

Centaur Man turns his head, topped with his horns, towards the area where Bass and Twila are standing and sees something amiss. What is the fair Ms. Peterson doing upon the beach with the most powerful Robot Master, second only to the great and grand Wily himself? This bears some investigating he decides, and turns his long body around and trots over to the pair. "Hark! Friend Bass and mother dearest!" the Robot Master says as he trots on over and stops next to them. "What wouldst thou both be doing out here, upon the sand. In the middle of the darkest night no less? Tis almost daybreak, and Master Wily wouldst indeed worry for they safety if thou didst tarry here any longer..."

Twila Peterson trails the Master's gaze as his response ends. "Indeed," she says quietly before being able to spot the robotic centaur. There's a repressed wince at his greeting. If only they would stop calling her 'Mommy' or 'Mother!'. 'Mrs. Wily' was bad enough as is was. "Why would he?" the girl asks of the newcomer innocently as he nears, obviously confused. "I'm under escort as Wily had wanted. And he did say I was able to go anywhere I wanted while on the island as long as I had someone with me at all times.

Bass listens to the words from Centaur Man with something akin to a lessening amount of patience. Though he decides to let it mostly slide for now. He simply turns to the side somewhat. "I would think I qualify for more than adequate 'escort' Centaur Man...." He leans forward just a bit. "Or do you doubt my capabilities?"

Centaur Man blinks at Twila and then at Bass, and rubs his head a bit, trotting back. "O-of course not!" he says, looking at Bass. "I meant nothing wrong with the escort, milord," he says to Bass, bowing his head in adequate respect. "Twould just seem odd to mine eyes that Ms. Peterson would be out here at such a dark hour 'fore the dawn," he continues, bucking back a bit more. "The Doctor wouldst indeed fear for her if he was not informed of where she would be. Why, one of those most contemptible Hunters could have stolen our mother while she bed for night. I was merely concerned for the safety of one whose maternal warmth has brought such joy to us. Twould be a blow to morale should she leave us now."

Twila Peterson groans softly as burries her head within her knees. Why her?

Bass merely glowers for a long moment. "I'm goin to make somethin very clear...." he growls, raising a finger to point at the other Robot Master. "I don't want to hear anymore 'mother' references in my vicinity. No mama, no Mrs. Wily, no 'mother to be', nothing. If I do, then I won't be responsible for what I do to those involved. Understood....?" The last word is trailed off dangerously.....

Centaur Man blinks at Bass and says, "But, milord!" He seems to protest this a bit. "Isn't that an appropriate title to call Ms. Peterson, for she shalt soon wed our beloved father, the good doctor?" He quirks a ridge at Bass. "Or dost thou not accept such a union between man and woman? Are thoust so hateful that thou wouldst deny our father happiness in this coming of matrimony?"

.oO(Whoops! Ok...that did it.)Oo. Twila keeps herself seated. However, she moves her position so she is able to jump up and move quickly if needed, which she may have to do since that probably wasn't a wise thing to say to Bass -- especially now.

White gloved fingers lash out and seize one of Centaur Man's horns, wrenching his face closer for the Dark Knight to glare at. "Let me get one thing straight....." he growls, fingers tightening painfully tight around their grip. "I call -no one- Mother, I call no one Father. Doctor Wily is the only one who is acknowledged as my creator." and even then, it's generally with reluctance. "For all I care, he can be happy enough laying in a chair with his skull slippers and smoking his pipe."

Centaur Man erks as his head is grabbed and comes close to the Dark One's face. He trembles, but only a bit, a brave soul at heart. But while brave, he is neither stupid nor foolish and therefore merely nods in the grasp of Bass. "I understand implicitly milord," he says, looking down at the ground quietly. "But should the good doctor discover thy vile motives..." He suddenly clasps his hand over his mouth, realizing the error in his words.

Twila Peterson simply tilts her head towards the two, staying seated where she is, watching. Oh dear.

"The old man knows my motives....." Well, most of them anyway. "...so it doesn't matter. He's happy as long as I keep him satisfied. Which suits me fine...." Bass glowers, hooking two fingers just under the android's nostrils and pulling -up- just a bit, hitting one of those really sensitive areas that one -never- wants pulled. "But if he goes coming back on me for such....I think I know just where I can come and get a horse tail for decorative purposes hrm?

Centaur Man erks and lifts himself up to no avail to avoid the slightly stinging sensation in his nose. "Uh.....hark! I do believe I hear the good doctor calling now," he says, placing a hand to his ear. He wrenches himself from Bass' grasp and says, "So sorry for intruding. Tootles." And with that he begins to gallop away at a good clip, making excellent time down the sand and completely scared for his life.

Twila Peterson just looks on impassively, not showing emotion one way or the other regarding what had just occurred.

Bass watches as Centaur Man begins galloping off. Isn't it amazing the effect he tends to have on the other Robot Masters?