Twila@

Twila@M3 - Thursday, January 13, 2000, 7:57 PM ----------------------------------------------

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 sitings. 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 neverending. 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 in the middle of the two windows, giving easy access to the landing strip.

Rick Morgan enters from the direction of the runway itself, wiping his hands off with a rag. Standard maintenance to the armors and all that. A guy's got a job to do doesn't he? He casts his gaze towards where Twila sits at the terminal, and gives a small grin. "Heya." he calls out, making his way over. "Found anything?"

Twila Peterson hmmmms? upon glancing up from the console she was working on to regard the technician. "Oh...no..." she answers, looking back at the screen idly. "Not yet anyway. Was just scanning one of the disks that was included within the box actually. Was learning a little about Mattis..."

Rick Morgan arches an eyebrow, as he leans over to brace himself on the edge of the terminal, glancing at the screen. "What'd ya learn?" he asks, leaning forward just a bit. "Uh....if you don't mind saying of course."

Twila Peterson types on the console and brings up some sort of makeshift outline that had been scanned by the girl's cousin. "Well, according to what was found out, he was born and raised within Kentucky. Lower middle class. He ranked within the top 85% of his class within schooling until his junior year in high school...when he became a father. So...hopefully...that location thing might give at least a general area to work in regarding hospitals and the like. One state is better than treading throughout the nation..." Twila Peterson adds, "But...that's only if state-lines weren't crossed and...if the birth mother stayed within the same state as well..."

Rick Morgan nods. "No idea at all who the mother was from those leads? Any hints that she might have been another classmate? Or a friend...?"

Twila Peterson scrolls down the outline. "Chris wasn't sure. But he seemed to take route the she was probably a classmate. But is she was...I would think she would have been mentioned somewhere by name and not remain like some sort of...phantasm."

Rick Morgan hrms. "Then she would more likely have been involved out of the school somehow. Either that or she was a real quiet one out of the class...." he reaches up to rub his chin slowly, as if pondering.

Signal Shrike pads out of the lift, looking bored.

Twila Peterson nods rather slowly. "Probably so. Haven't...been able to find what his activities were outside of school...at least from what chris gave. Course...haven't been able to go through all of it yet..."

Megaman steps off the grav lift in his casual wear. He is heading to the transporter chamber.

Signal Shrike heads over to the others and lifts a hand in greeting, momentarily glancing back to nod to Megaman.

Rick Morgan nods. "There's still alot to cover in that area. Plus I suppose it makes it difficult if you're going to track what he did away from there. Let alone fathering a pair of girls...." he sighs, and runs a hand through his hair, giving a quick nod in Signal Shrike's direction as per greeting.

Twila Peterson sits back within her seat at the side terminal, offering herself a small stretch. She pauses long enough to offer "Rock" a wave as he passes by, not noticing the other reploid as quickly. When she does she offers Signal a mock salute. "Heya, guys."

Megaman stops noticing Twila in the group. "Umm ... Twila, are you busy here?"

Signal Shrike glances at the monitors, confirming there's nothing interesting happening -anywhere.- "Hey, Rick, Twila.." his wings flick slightly as Megaman talks to Twila, wishing he could tactfully run away.

Twila Peterson folds her arms over his chest, conceding. "Yeah...but right now I don't---." She cuts herself off and flickers a glance towards the Hunter Co. "Nothing that can't wait until later. Something you needed, Rock?"

Megaman smiles warmly. "I just thought we could go for a walk...I haven't had a chance to talk to you since your return."

Rick Morgan tilts his head to the side, eyeing the 'Blue Bomber' for a moment, remaining silent. Inwardly, he frowns to himself, before glancing back in Shrike's direction. "Just going through some stuff in the files here is all."

Signal Shrike nods eagerly to Rick, and says in a rather desperate tone, "Maybe I can help you.. the hierarchy is a mess." Signal Shrike .oO(Please let me help so I can pretend to not hear what's about to happen!)Oo.

Twila Peterson blinks, a little surprised that he would ask. "Sure. I suppose..." she offers upon retrieving the disc that she was working on and pocketing it within her pocket. "Where...exactly...?"

Megaman shrugs. "Lots of nice places in Tokyo."

Twila Peterson begins to shut down her terminal while still in thought before shaking her head. "Actually, I think I'll pass...at least for right now. With all that's gone on I mean. Maybe...take raincheck, Rock?" she asks with care.

Signal Shrike silently winces and makes himself busy at one of the consoles.

Rick Morgan listens for a moment as someone appears to change her mind, and finally glances back towards the terminal again in front of him. Well, ok so maybe he's a little satisfied. After all, he freed up the time to help her out with her search some more right?

Megaman shakes his head and rolls his eyes, "Yeah well...whatever." He turns back to the lift and steps in and stabs the Lobby button. heading out for a walk on his own. Megaman .oO( I better act hurt...I'm sure Rock would be)Oo. Megaman enters the Grav Lift <Hunter HQ>.

Signal Shrike rubs the back of his head uncomfortably, trying to look involved in changing the wallpaper pattern.

Twila Peterson perks an eyebrow towards "Rock" at the response, mentally taking note that her suspicions about him may have been correct after all. He may have been distant ever since the break-up. But he never brushed her off so casually before. She releases a sigh after he goes and sits back within her seat. "I'm definitely going to have to take that raincheck when he's pinned sometime. Just not right now." She's dealing with other things at the moment.

Rick Morgan gives a slow nod, "Yeah." he muses, frankly having begun to see the strange occurrences as well. He then glances back to his nearby terminal, and pushes another series of keys, glancing at the images popping up on it. "You know...." he says quietly. "You ever tried tracing the routes from where you were adopted?"

Colossal Kong arrives from the Grav Lift <Hunter HQ>.

Twila Peterson leans back in thought. "It...would help if I knew where to start. I always thought it was in St. Louis...not long after I was born. But...if that's not true...then..." She intakes a breath. "The only think I am sure of is I was raised in Seward, Nebraska..."

Signal Shrike starts to say something to Twila and Rick, but turns his head as the massive monkey arrives. He just blinks.

Colossal Kong looms into the command center. So gigantic he probably literally fills it up and can't even fully enter it. He looks about abit and pauses as if waiting to be noticed.

Hard not to notice that. Signal Shrike looks up and ahems slightly. "Uh, hi there. Can I help you?"

Rick Morgan hrms, shaking his head slowly. "Boy sure dosen't make it one bit easy does it?" he mutters, reaching up a finger to scratch his chin again. It's then that he glances up at the large amount of movement. Or rather the movement from something large, and he instantly breaks into a grin, giving a quick wave. "Kong! Heya! What's up??"

Twila Peterson turns around as a gigantic shadow falls over her, Rick, and the terminal they were near. "Kong, hi!" she greets upon standing up to her feet as soon as she studies herself from the small quakes left in the ape's wake.

Colossal Kong waves and grins broadly at Rick. Mood defiantly lightning up as he sees his 'pal'. "Heya buddy." rumbles his massive tone, "Just thought I'd be checkin' in to see how you where doin' and also to see how Miss Peterson was." he grins at Twila, "Heard you had yerself quite the ordeal, eh?" he then nods his head to Shrike and rumbles, "Hullo there.. Oh, by the way, there's this civilian outside that was buggin' me fer directions to some record place. Seemed abit nervous when I mentioned coming to Light Labs. Ya might wanna keep an eye out on 'im."

Signal Shrike seems rather overawed by the Repliforcer. He's seen him around of course, but never been in the same room with the massive guy. He forces a chuckle, "Eh, just kids around here. Mostly harmless."

Rick Morgan grins just a bit. "Not doing too shabby." he returns, casting a quick glance in Twila's direction and offering his grin to her as well, ever grateful to have her back -here- indeed. During the moment in which Kong addresses Shrike, his wrist communicator bleeps to life, and he turns away just a bit to answer it.

Twila Peterson glances idly towards Shrike before peeking at one of the nearby monitors. .oO(Record place?)Oo. before turning back towards the Repliforcer. "Yeah...an ordeal. But I'm made it through considering. Thanks for asking though. And how are you fairing?"

Colossal Kong grins down at Signal. His brutish jaw revealing rows of bright teeth and big chin jutting outward in a brute like..yet still friendly like look. He gives the hunter that reassuring smile and then slides his beady gaze back towards Rick and Twila, "Heheh.. Well I got banged up pretty bad down in Sydney the other day. We didn't do to good there. I didn't do so good. That Violen creep was a little faster then I thought but I'll pound 'im next time." Twila Peterson blinks. From all that she's been contending with herself she hasn't really kept up with what's been happening within the rest of the world. "Sydney...what happened there? Mavericks?"

Rick Morgan gives a grin for a moment. "Hey, ups and downs y'know..." he offers, while still listening to the message, a little distracted. Finally, he straightens up and glances at those present. "Dangit....I gotta head to San Angeles for a quick meeting I set up. I shouldn't be anymore than a half hour probably....."

Signal Shrike nods, breaking in quickly. "Yeah, saw it on the news. Busted up the opera house really bad."

Colossal Kong nods his head down towards Twila and then rumbles to her and Signal, "Yeah... Mavericks. Busted up that place pretty bad. Busted me up to. Just was me and Cryo Tyger. We didn' fare so well. Robot Masters came in at the end to but by then I was to dazed ta get a good luck to what was goin' on." he looks towards Rick and seems crestfallen at him leaving but then grins, "Hey, alrighty Rick. I'll chill out 'ere then if ya don't mind."

"An opera house?" Somewhat hard not to think of Maverick's when one of the X-Hunters is mentioned. Twila's gaze settles on Rick as she nods. "You take care out there, ok?" she bids, trying hard not to think of what happened the last time the two were within San Angelas.

Twila Peterson offers, "I could keep Kong company until you get back since he doesn't know many here."

Rick Morgan gives a quick nod. "Willdo, and I'll probably be back before you know it anyway. So don't worry." He grins, then turns towards the teleportation chambers, quickly moving up into them and giving a last wave. "See ya..." And with that, he disappears from sight.

Signal Shrike turns back to the monitors, idly scanning the frequencies. Man, it's boring tonight.

Dr. Pavel Cossack walks in slowly. "Greating all vhat seems to be the problem?"

Mirage heads into the Command Center as well. "What's new guys?".

Twila Peterson watches idle as Rick heads off before turning back towards Kong. "So...other than the confrontation the other day...how have you been?" she asks before interrupted by the doctor whose then followed in by the reploid. "Hey, peoples."

Signal Shrike looks around from messing on the computer and nods to the two new

Colossal Kong rumbles at Twila after scratchin' his head, "Workin' out mostly. Hangin' out around Repliforce HQ..goin' out on patrol now and then. Not a whoel lot to do sometimes so I figured I'd drop in and visit you folk." he grins, "Do my own share of makin' rounds of visitin' my friends since last time it was Rick who paid me a visit."

Dr. Pavel Cossack "Vh hello, Mister Kong. A pleasure to see you!

Mirage nods, "Hey Colossal Kong, haven't seen you since we got beat by the Masters in Wily Plaza".

Twila Peterson smiles as she leans back against the chair. "I remember. Arm wrestling wasn't it?"

Colossal Kong waves at Pavel and grins. "Thanks fer that tape." He then nods to Mirage and rumbles dully, "Yah..don't remind me." he grunts, shaking his head at the memory of that paticular fight and then looks back towards Twila, "Yah. I wanted ta test my muscle against what Rick'd done with th'Kodiak."

<Meanwhile...within the Warf District in San Angeles...>

Rick Morgan walks along the edge of the dock, eyeing the giant ocean liners set up at the deep-water wharfs that extend far from the more shallow coastline. Hands in pockets, he heads straight for a large warehouse bearing an emblem of Trans-Oceanic shipping Inc. Most of the building is darked out, save for a single light coming from the side door, which Rick enters without knocking, apparently familiar with the place. He closes the door behind him, before entering the huge inner expanse of the building, eyeing the crates set up in large piles, for various customers. The inside of the warehouse is deathly quiet, the ringing of his footsteps on the pavement echoing off the walls all around him, uninhibited. "Hey Brody!" he calls, casting his glance about, frowning a bit at the seeming lack of presence of his usual broker. "It's me Rick! Where are ya?"

Rick Morgan frowns again as he comes to a stop, turning slowly in a full circle as he glances about. Brody is -never- late when he calls a meeting. If there's one thing for sure, he's always on time. Usually early in fact. "Brody c'mon!" he calls again, finally scratching his head just a bit in both frustration and confusion. If he came out here for nothing.....

On a catwalk above, a slight shifting of the shadows gives way to some movement....

Rick Morgan grunts, irritated now. If there's one thing he hates, it's when he gets called out to a noshow of a meeting. Especially when he could have been back at Hunter HQ helping Twila out right about now. With an audible snort, he glances up just a bit. "Fine..." he mutters, before turning around to make his way back out.

He dosen't even make it one step however. A long rope with a hook put through it, a 30 pound bag of flour swings downwards in a long, perfect arc. While certainly not weighing much on it's own, swinging with the momentum of being dropped from the catwalk above, it has about the same effect as a sledgehammer hitting poor Rick right in the chest. With an audible, "OOOF!" and an explosion of flour in all directions, the technician is hurtled through the air, only to have his back smash against one of the nearby crates, before sliding to the ground, gasping for air and clutching his chest.

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Vell it vas the least ve could do for saving us."

Well..a King Kong video for saving two lives, hey who woulda thunk it. Though Kong did get commendation from the higher ups so he can't complain, "Well y'know. I did some stunt work for them during the last King Kong flick." he rumbles. Colossal scratches his huge chin, "Back when I was hard up for some cash after the wrestlin' accident."

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Vrestlin?"

Twila Peterson simply offers a mischievous grin in response, remembering the end of the incident rather well, or rather the aftermath. In short, the table lost rather badly by the time the Kodiak and the Repliforcer were done with the challange. "King Kong flick?"

Dr. Pavel Cossack hurmmpphs "Just a little present I thought vas necessary for coming to our aid."

Twila Peterson shifts her weight, offering a blink, while offering the doctor a glance. "Uh...I was mostly asking about his stunt work...not the movie gift. Although...was it a recent remake or the classic?" she asks in curiosity.

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Vhy the classic!"

Mirage blinks, "What's King Kong?"

Signal Shrike gapes at Mirage. "Man, what planet are you from? Vintage 20th century film!" Signal Shrike says, "Complete with really bad special effects and a guy in a monkey suit climbing around on models... er, no offense, Kong."

Mirage blushes and sits down, "Ss..ssory...I've seen it".

Colossal Kong rumbles to Pavel first, "I was an exhibition bot. I was created cause they wanted to demonstrate some extremes for somma the possible reploid sports there are. I did some proffesional wrestlin'.. Some sumo..couple o'stunts and strongman shows here and there. Held the championship fer awhile." he grins at Pavel, "I liked it." he then rumbles at Twila, "Yah. Old movie they wanted to try and redo. I helped cut special effect costs."

Colossal Kong gets confused also for a second and then takes a few moments to sort his thoughts out. He then rumbles at Twila, "Recent remake, Miss Peterson." he grins, "Wasn't released widely though..and g'figure, didn't get a whole lotta cash but hey it was a livin'." he glances at Signal as he hears him and just chuckles, "Yah.."

Signal Shrike cocks his head suddenly, as if listening to a conversation across the room. Signal Shrike reaches a hand around to his back and thumps himself squarely on the back. "Stupid cheap comm equipment."

Twila Peterson remarks to Mirage, "Don't worry about it. Although...I think there's a copy of the movie within it's classical form down in the Rec Room if you're interested any sometime. The story line is...interesting. Basically how a large gorilla is taken from his home and has his affections on a human actress..." Her voice trails off momentarily. But she picks it up again with, "And costume wasn't as bad as the old Godzilla movies..."

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Excuse me?"

Mirage chuckles, "Sounds quite interesting".

Signal Shrike shakes his head, "I thought I picked up snips of some strange conversation.. thought it was on the Master frequency. But my stupid equipment isn't cracking the encryption properly." Signal Shrike frowns, "Now that's just plain odd."

Twila Peterson smirks towards Cossack. "Godzilla. Remember him? Big lizard who---" She then turns a confused gaze towards the bird-like reploid.

Cossack grins and then is called away.

Signal Shrike recites, "Man I order ... ... attack me now!.." He shrugs, "That's all I got."

Twila Peterson scratches her head, baffled, although in more ways than one if truth be told. "And...and you don't know where it could have been directed to?

Signal Shrike shakes his head in frustration, "No.. it seems like its coming from the Master frequency, but for some reason I can't get a clear lock on it.":

Mirage peers at Signal Shrike, "what's going on?".

Signal Shrike hmms, "Now they called him Quick Man.."

Twila Peterson muses, "But if you're even able to catch it....wouldn't it have to be from somewhere within range?"

Signal Shrike says, "Not necessarily. I patched into the comm satellites through the main computer. I can get geostatic readings, but I can't triangulate."

Rick is finding he's having problems of his own...>

Rick Morgan grunts, still holding his chest as he moves to sit up. .oO(Why is it always in the freakin ribs...?)Oo.

He makes it about halfway, before something looms out of the darkness, too fast for him to avoid, and something smashes hard against his left cheek. The power of the blow is near bone shattering, and enough to send him spinning in a complete spiral with nothing more than a startled yelp of suprise, clattering to the ground again. It takes him a few moments to catch his wind, before he slowly pushes himself back up again, eyes rising to the figure now standing in front of him.

"Mason...?" he rasps, coughing somewhat, ignoring the sudden flow of blood from his torn lip.

What was recognizable as Mason before still holds some of his features, but by now there's been changes. Half of his face is now obviously the result of reconstructive surgery, and cybernetic additions. His entire right arm gleams in the little light that manages to reach the inside of the warehouse, revealing no doubt as to it's own mechanical origins. Nor does Rick's blood on it's knuckles leave any doubt as to what limb he just struck the technician with. He glares down at the figure in front of him, a mixture of hatred and pure rage mixed on his features. Though despite this, his voice is a cold, deadly whisper...

"You know....I never did like your style beforehand. Too freeform, and too nicey nice when it came down to the thick of it. Frankly you held us back during your time...." he raises his metallic arm, clenching a tight, steel fist. "...and I think I should have done what I'm gonna do to you...a long time ago."

Colossal Kong Frowns a little bit as he hears mention of him, "He's waitin' on me..? Ah, snap..I forgot. Maybe I better go out and send this guy on his way.." he pauses as he hears the convo about the com transmissions and rumbles, "Quick Man..?" he frowns a little bit. Thinking slowly and then rumbles, "I'm gonna shoo 'im out. I'll be right back.."

Mirage inquires, "Need any help Colossal Kong?"

Signal Shrike frowns and takes a small tool out of his pouch, flipping open a panel on the control panel on his arm.

Twila Peterson nodnods somewhat distractedly as she moves to grasp the back of the chair she had been leaning against. "I--I guess...I'll wait in here..."

Colossal Kong blinks at Twila and pauses. He observes her and then grins, "You wanna come wit'me?"

Twila Peterson furrows her brows and shakes her head in response. "No...I'll be fine in here. Won't be too long will you?"

Signal Shrike pounds on the delicate instrumentation inside with a growl.

Colossal Kong rumbles, "No..I'm gonna stay in 'ere with you.." he moves back towards her slowly and grins at Mirage, "Maybe I just better let you all handle it instead. I told 'im I'd send someone out." he then pauses as he notes the commotion outside, "Hey!"

Signal Shrike says, "grah! I knew I shouldn't have used discount parts."

<Elsewhere...>

Rick Morgan slowly pushes himself to his feet, thinking how best he can talk his way out of this, or make a break for it for that matter. But he begins to quickly see the other members of his former gang that swarm around him, sealing off his avenues of escape, even including the large bull reploid who stands in front of the door, thick arms crossed over his chest.

"C'mon Mason there's no need for.."

He never gets the words out, as again the metallic fist streaks forward, finding him square in the jaw and hurtling him straight backwards, knocking over an entire stack of boxes.

"Shaddup..." the other figure returns, tilting his head to the side just enough to reveal the crimson glow of his cybernetic eye. "Time for talk is over. You know the drill for this, and frankly I couldn't care less if you forgot....." With that, he advances forward, flexing and unflexing his mechanical fingers menacingly.

Rick gapes for a moment, shaking off the effects of the second blow, and immediately pulls himself to his feet. "If that's....the way...you want it..." he grunts, before suddenly leaping forward to counter attack. "...then I guess I got no choice!"

Rick Morgan unfortunately discovers the hard way what it's like to suddenly enter a conflict with another cybernetic opponent. Albeit one who was augmented with boosted reflexes after his last meeting with Rick. As he lashes out with a metallic foot, Mason whips hard to the side, sneering as he slashes forward with his fist, seemingly aiming directly to punch the technician's chest.

It's when Rick feels a fiery pain along his side, that he realizes there were claws concealed in those fingertips. Crying out at the sudden sharp stabbing pain, he grips his side, feeling the warm, wet trickle that signifies a direct strike. "Ahhgh!"

"What do they call it...?" Mason intones, sneering deeply. "Death by a thousand cuts? Cause you're gonna live it buddy boy..."

<Elsewhere, once removed...>

Mirage nods to Colossal Kong, "Sure thing...what should I do?"

Twila Peterson flickers a glance towards Shrike as he lets loose of some frustration, and for some reason jumps, apparently becoming somewhat edgy about something. And it's not all too apparent if it's because it's the activity seen on the screens. "What's...going on?"

Signal Shrike grumbles, "I wouldn't know. My equipment is on the fritz."

Colossal Kong rumbles at Mirage, "I'm..just not so sure.. I would say just tell the guy where the music store is.. But if what tehse screens is sayin' makes any sense it looks like somethin' more is goin' on." he nods to Twila, "I'll stay with ya.." he grins.

Signal Shrike considers comparing the movie King Kong with what's happening right now, but figures it might not be healthy.

Mirage nods, "Of course, I'll radio of anything weird happens". He heads for the elevator downward.

Signal Shrike says, "Ah ha! Got it working!" Signal Shrike says, "Erk... since when does Quick Man have a sister?"

Twila Peterson tones a quiet "Thanks" within Kong's direction then bites her lower lip. He glance flickers towards the screens once more before settling on Shrike. "What you---What?" she blurts.

Signal Shrike repeats, "I really hope you have a good plan sis sorry about that hope it didn't hurt much I think I better get the hell outta here see ya later please pick up my guitar for me!.. that was from Quick Man."

Twila Peterson just...stares outright towards Signal. "That...doesn't sound good...." she notes before casting a glance towards the Repliforcer. "Rick...did say he's be back in a half hour, right?"

Signal Shrike hehs, "No worries. We can handle it. If something happens."

Rick Morgan steps back, suddenly realizing he's in alot more trouble than he may have even anticipated. "Ugh..." he mutters, another step back following in the process.

Mason leers at him, before stepping forward, raising both arms in preparation.

It's then that Rick acts, darting forward and putting one armored boot directly into the other's midsection, an audible *THUD!* ringing out with the impact, enough to have blown a normal human off their feet. In fact, so used to the augmented strength in his legs carrying him through, Rick is already breaking into a run to break free....

But Mason spins back with the impact, giving an audible, "Unf!" as he moves, and then stops dead center. As if in slow motion, as Rick moves past him, he slashes forward, claws raking easily across the other's shoulder, then swiping back again to find his back, delving deeply into the flesh as they rake through clothing with ease.

Rick's scream of agony rings off the walls, his entire body jerking violently with the hit, and spinning around to land in a crumpled heap on the floor yet again, now his arms pulled tightly around himself as he begins to instinctively curl into a ball. "Guh....."

Mason chuckles for a moment, pausing to flick his right hand just a bit, before stepping forward again, now glaring downwards. "Aw I'm sorry..." he says quietly. "Did it hurt? Don't worry...it won't hurt much longer.....I -promise-..."

<And...>

Colossal Kong listens abit and then rumbles towards Signal, "Yah I hope so." he then nods at Twila, "Yah." his brow furrows as he thinks. It seems like it's been one thing after another hasn't it. "You don't think something's wrong do ya? WIth you know what..?"

Twila does seem to be growing somewhat more distracted. Something is...inwardly pulling at her more and more. And, apologies, it's not anything that is happening immediately outside the Labs. Her hand goes for her radio, fingering it in worry. "I don't know. But...I'm getting this awful feeling that he's in a bit of trouble." Bringing up the radio to speak she decides, "I'm going to try and raise him..."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "Rick...Twila. You copy?" You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "Rick?"

Signal Shrike looks over at Twila, "I'm sure he's just.. busy."

Colossal Kong nods to Twila, "Yah.." he frowns. The Hunter situation outside..well..this is hunter base but at the same time he feels abit obligated to help out if necessary. At the same time..Rick's the closest thing he's had to a best friend..well..in forever.

<Um...busy is right...>

Rick Morgan blinks through a haze of distant pain as he hears his radio chirrup. Slowly, he begins to reach for it, an act of desperation, anything right now to get help, he can literally feel his strength flowing out through the cuts opened in his body from those vicious claws.

His hand never reaches the radio however, as Mason grabs it and lifts it up into the air, glaring at it. "Oh no ya don't...." he mutters, crushing it in his tight grip into so much junk. "You're little vigilante chums ain't gonna help ya...." With a toss, he sends the useless piece of trash spinning through the air, to clatter against the wall.

Rick shuts his eyes, despair setting in, as he seems to call out in a rasping voice, to no one in particular. "Twiiilaa...." he whispers. Yet even the whisper, with fading strength, seems to be a shout across an open, unknown void...

Rick Morgan turns over just enough to gance upwards, just as Mason reaches down to seize him by his coat lapel, hauling him roughly to his feet, and receiving another sharp cry of pain from Rick's mouth.

"Feh, lookit ya now Rick..." he mutters. "Y'know, I kinda admired you at first for ditching the weak flesh and puttin solid metal in it's place." He narrows his one remaining eye just a bit. "But ya only did a half-***ed job at it. Frankly you always only went halfway. I got no idea why you ever were as popular as you were...." He snorts then, and lets Rick drop back to the floor in a crumpled heap, before gesturing to the bull reploid. "Grab him and bring him with us. Last thing we need is the San Angeles pigs finding a body. He's gonna take a swim with the fish."

<Finally...>

Twila Peterson lowers the radio. "No answer. And now the transmissions not even going through." She hooks the radio to her belt. "Kong, Rick's in trouble. I know he is." "Can you take me to near where you found me and him last time?" the girl asks.

Colossal Kong frowns a little bit and then rumbles, "Well..alright." he seems nervous however. The situation outside and all. He then says, "I'm gonna keep my radio tuned in though. If Repliforce has ta moblize and all." he reaches a gigantic hand down to usher Twila from the room. "Ah, blast.. But Ricky's my bud. I hope he aint in trouble. Alright..lets go.."

Twila Peterson nods rather readily...offering to lead them towards the teleportors. "This would probably be faster..." *pause* "Unless the ones in the city would be larger for you to use..." she adds awardly. In whatever case...they need to head out...

<Soon...>

Twila Peterson tries to keep pace with the gigantic reploid. "Do you...recall the way? As to where you found us?"

Colossal Kong looks around slowly, "Lemme see 'ere." he starts off towards the wharf distrct and then pauses, "Here, climb up.." lowering a huge arm for you, "Get t'my back and get a good handful of fur."

The girl nods shakily and complies while carefully climbing up. "Whoah...nice view," she comments nervously. After settling: "Ok...I'm ready..."

Colossal Kong rumbles loudly, "Lets get goin' then." he grins and starts to lope forward at a fairly decent pace. Taking his impossibly gigantic frame towards the wharf district.

Twila Peterson's knuckles turn white from the grasp she has on the fur on of the mech's back. She holds as tightly as she can even as he moves at a pace far more faster than what she herself would be able to manage. A shudder visibly runs through her as they draw ever closer to that specific section of this rather large city.

Processions of figures move along the wharf area, sporting a rather tough looking demeanor amongst all of them. At the head of the group, none other than the very same individual Rick had dueled with on a Motorcycle leads the group, and he's had changes done to his body, in the form of cybernetic reconstruction for the physical injuries he's sustained, along with his right arm being replaced. Various gangers bring up the rear, and the same Bull-type reploid that had been with the group as well, easily slinging a form over his massive shoulder. He dosen't seem to notice the strains of crimson staining his shoulder right about now, apparently coming from the person that he's carrying. That person has an unmistakable pair of mechanical legs for that matter, which droop as lifelessly as the rest of his body.

Colossal Kong rumbles, "Not much further." his huge body loping on all fours in a very earth shaking gorillaesque thud. Rocking, crushing and shaking the ground. A moving military trawler made out of muscle on arms and legs. He frowns as he nears the wharf area. Making out the scene slowly with his beady eyes. He narrows his eyes some and then rumbles darkly, "I think I see 'em. I think he's in trouble. Hang on.. I can't move very vast but I got length o'legs." he growls darkly and keeps pumping his massive frame forward and violently.

The girl nods shakily as the Repliforcer heads onward. "Hanging on," she manages, trying to ease her position so she isn't as jostled as much. "Wait a sec...them? Think...we'll need help with this?"

Said group continues moving at their current pace, most of them snickering, laughing or just glaring for that matter. They continue along the edge of one of the docks, going out further and further over the water, until finally reaching the end of the dock.

"End of the road...." Mason grunts, the moonlight glinting off his cybernetic eye. He turns back to watch as Rick is dumped onto the ground unceremoniously, much like one tosses a wet sack of potatoes. Striding slowly, he moves up closer to the downed figure, noting the seeping, darker colored mass spreading from the technician's wounds onto the pavement below. "Ya know, I might almost miss plottin your end buddy..." he mutters. "..you gave us a sort of project to work on. Though I suppose in the end it don't matter right?" He gives the unconscious form a quick touch with his toe, pushing him over to lie on his back, the expression of pain and shock still registered on his features as he clenches himself tightly into a ball, as if trying to hold his oozing lifefluid in his body. "Bah...wasn't such a big deal in the end." He then gestures towards the large reploid bull.

"Throw `im in..."

"Why those little..!!" snarls Kong as he sees what's going on. "Hang on!" he rumbles loudly at Twilia and then he literally pumps his gignatic legs and .. leaps. Covering the remaining distance down the streets towards the wharf and landing with a loud *TWHOOOM* that sends a rolling shockwave through the area. He then opens his mouth up and emits a horrific roar. The sound massive, vibrating and shockwave inducing. It's like mixing the roar of King Kong and Godzilla together. He draws hismelf up to his massive full height in the process of his, though his hill sized back doesn't try and buck Twila from it. Instead trying to get the gangs attention and stop them from what they're doing.. And Kong is a good attention getter.

The young woman winces from the ear-shattering cry and attempts to keep retaining her hold to the best of her abilities...even as the mech straightens towards the skyline reaching above them. As he moves she's able to pick up her gaze enough to finally see what the Reploid himself seen. It takes a few moments for her to take in the scene and then noticing a certain crumpled up frame laying there almost lifelessly on the dock. "Rick??" she calls out softly within a terrified whisper.

The sheer force of Kong's arrival is actually enough to send some of the gangers over the edge of the dock to the water below, screaming all the way until their cries are cut short by the loud splashes that inevitably follow. Those who manage to stay on the Doc, are either knocked off their feet, or manage to hold onto something and instead gape upwards at this gigantic....thing that arrives. They of course do what most street-type punks do when confronted with a mountainous challenge so to speak.

Run for their lives. Some move back along the Doc, finding their escape route cut off by Kong's bulk. Others elect to take their chances in the water, instead throwing themselves over and into the churning waves below to join their fellows. Meanwhile, Mason just stares, having forgotten the object of his rage in all this, "What the hell is -that-!?" he calls, taking one step back, his cybernetic eye glinting once as it seems to adjust vision modes.

"I dunno boss, but it don't look happy!" The Bull reploid replys, stepping back closer to his leader.

Rick Morgan shifts, just barely....though more a result of reflexes than any real response to the arrival of Kong. Then again, maybe it was the tremors caused by his arrival...

Colossal Kong reaches a huge hand up towards Twila to remove her from his back gently and set her atop a low flat building rooftop in reach. Hopefully out of the way of any damage potential. He then starts to plod forward towards the gangs in question. His fiercely glowing optics leveling on the fleeing gang members and then Rick's conditions, "You punks are meat!" he snarls loudly. Inwardly he manages to et his temper under control. In San Angeles he was taught that Repliforce has no /real/ power. If this gets out of hand he could be arrested also.. But this burns him up...big time. He stalks towards the crew. Huge arms at his sides and fists clenching with the audible sound of servos whining and synth muscle stretching and pumping. Glaring at Mason and the bull reploid spefifically.

Twila's watches the reactions to the mech's declaration of his arrival with half-hearted interest. The majority of her concern is reserved for that crumpled up figure on the doc noting, without intention, how limp he seems from where she's now moved. She offers no protest as she's set down. Instead, her glazed eyes watch the scene below. Every now and then her entire frame offers a visible shudder as she were suddenly chilled. But her discomfort owes nothing to the weather.

Those who elected to run the length of the dock, suddenly find they run out of room to run to, and begin crowding at the edge, turning back to watch as Kong follows them. The dock itself, being large enough to service gigantic ocean liners, is easily capable of accommodating his huge bulk.

Mason glares for a moment, before tossing in the direction of the other. "You got military hardware, USE it you idiot!" Despite his barked order, he turns around and begins to move back as well, finding the edge of the dock and leaping to the railing, glancing down at water far below, then back over his shoulder again.

The Bull Reploid, at a little over half Kong's height, snorts for a moment in uncertainty, but finds little else he's able to do right about now. With an audible clacking of servos and motors, he anchors himself into place with sharp tipped pylons in his feet, which grip the pavement below and hold him steady. He then raises his arms upwards, his hands disappearing to reveal a pair of massive rotary cannons, easily the width of his very thick arms. "Chew on this banana breath!" he howls, just as the air is lit up in a conflagration of smoke and flame from the rapidly rotating barrels. The sound coming from them is like a dull roar of two demons unleashed, as they spit out hundreds of rounds within the span of seconds, shell casing flying loose from their housings and beginning to pool around his feet. The end result is a literal wall of tracers that zip through the air like angry hornets for their massive target, leaving light trails in their wake as if shooting stars that exist for a fraction of a second, then die out in a display of flechette style upon impact.

Twila Peterson lets out a small yelp as shots are fired. She keeps herself down. Although aimed at Kong there's always a chance there could be a possible stray or ricochet.

Kong's gigantic frame plods forward like hte proverbial unstoppable force. Sending hulking shockwaves through the area from each impact and running through his mind a list of options. A shockwave would possibly harm and jostle Rick.. and the roar would overwhelm Twilia as well.. So it's down to melee for now. The flecheetes streak across the area, impacting against his body and causing him to grunt and draw a huge arm back. The attack biting deeply into his massive frame. Cutting through synthmuscle and striking the armor underneath. A good portion of it also simply bounces away from his body and Kong then the monstrosity repliforcer simply lunges forward, reaching his huge arms down and forward towards the bull. Intending on putting the big squeeze on. "MEGATON!" he roars in mid grasp, "PRESS!"

The Bull reploid grits his teeth as he continues to fire, trying to put as many rounds into the hulking giant as possible. Finally though, the sound of gunfire stops, and a rhythmic clacking fills the air, signalling the end of the ammunition feed. "Aw skrag!" he exclaims, lowering his arms to glance at them......

Then there's nothing left of him as Kong gets ahold of him. While he may have been carrying a rather impressive set of assault hardware for a civilian equipped reploid, his armor is no match, despite his size. His startled yelp is all he manages, until his entire body crumples like so much tinfoil under Kong's attack......and his body suddenly explodes with the reactor being breached, a loud *KRUMP!* coming out from Kong's hands as he's compacted into little more than a piece of junk.

Suddenly the shots fade into the night sky. During measured gasps of air Twila lifts herself back up in order to observe the scene. Shakily she edges herself forward, looking on Kong makes a very impressive dent where the bull-like reploid had been standing mere moments ago. Her widened eyes switch back towards Rick's form soon after, almost as if in a trance-like state, before glancing back towards the Repliforcer. "Kong?" her voice croaks, possibly not even being heard.

Twila Peterson unhooks her radio as Kong tends to matters below.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: '*sounding shaky* Guys, get medbay ready. Incoming human medical emergency.'. (Ch. B []) Mirage transmits: ' Twila..what's wrong?'. (Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: ' It's Rick. He's been hurt pretty badly. To what extent I'm not sure.'. (Ch. B []) Mirage transmits: 'Oh my...ok Twila, don't worry.'.

Colossal Kong rumbles, "Hold on ma'am." he drops the ruined body of the reploid to the ground and just stares at it in shock for a moment. o O (..I..I mighta just killed this thing! I used to much strength.. Oh boy..if I get caught. I'm in San Angeles..they can't do nothin'.. No..gotta stay calm. Rick..) "Rick.." he grunts and begins to thud away from the ruined frame of the bull reploid. He turns his attention to Rick's body to look it over. Leaning down to crouch protectively over it while looking up to see what gang members are still around, looking specifically for Mason, "Where is 'e.. Stay put Miss Peterson. We can't have you gettin' hurt either. I got things under control. You better radio bak to yer HQ. Tell 'em we found Rick."

Twila Peterson nods back from her position on the rooftop. "I...I told them to get ready for an incoming medical emergency. I can call for some help, Kong..." she offers. Even from where she is she can tell that the technician can't be simply left on the docks.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Anyone available? Kong is currently settling a situation here at the docks in San An. But Rick needs to be taken back asap.'.

Mason is of course glaring straight at the huge ape that's gotten rather uncomfortably close. "You..." he growls, raising his metallic hand to point towards the other. "...just HAD to get involved didn't you!? Dammit...you types oughta mind your own business!" WIth that said however, he's well aware what became of his fellow ganger, and decides that he'd rather not end up as such. Thus, with a quick motion, he turns and leaps from the railing, soaring to the water below as well, which the rest of the gang are doing, taking their chances with swimming.

Meanwhile, under Kong's immense, protective bulk, Rick continues to lay curled in a half-fetal position, his arms pulled tight around him. A crimson pool has begun to slowly form under him, his injuries easily visible as a cut across his back, one on his shoulder, and a very deep one in his side.

(Ch. B []) Mirage transmits: 'In that case...I'm on my way.'. (Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Just...home in on my signal.'.

An enormous hand swats out in an attempt to try and snag Mason in mid leap but chances are Kong is to slow to react. Especially given his concern over Rick's body. He then rumbles loudly, "Miss Peterson! It's all clear. Come on. Rick needs yer help. I'm no good with medic stuff." he snarls and then starts to move towards the docks, "This guy's not gettin' away." Again his Repliforce training pings him on the inside. Satisfy his need for revenge or make sure Rick's okay first.. Naturally..making sure Rick is okay first wins out and so he doesn't leap off of the docks into the water...yet.. Even though he can survive underwater he has to double check that his best buddy will be alright.. And then afterwards.. IF he can help it, Mason is his.

(Ch. B []) Michael Eildath transmits: 'I'm standing by if you all need more backup.'. (Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Understood. Thanks, Mike...'. (Ch. B []) Michael Eildath transmits: 'No prob.'.

Twila Peterson is on a low, flat roof at present and begins to search for away down as soon as the all clear is given. She finds the fire escape with ease and begins climbing her way down as Kong idly ponders the fate of the gang leader. "Coming!" she practically shouts as she hurries down and starts running towards the docks themselves, specifically where Rick is presently laying.

Far below, Mason plunges into the water with the rest of his fellows, though unlike their floundering motions, he seems to move with fluid ease, aided by water-jets installed along the length of his right arm. Using it like some sort of propellant, he begins to move himself away, starting to cut through the water like a torpedo and leaving the other gangers behind. To heck with them.....Kong can have them.

Mirage runs into the area, homing on Twila's signal. He doesn't see Colossal Kong, but he sees Twila racing towards something, "Twila...it's me, Mirage..what's happened?".

Colossal Kong frowns abit and then sighs. He slowly takes a dare..and does the right thing. He radios San Angeles police..informing them of what happened. They can pick the gang up..Kong can make a statement. But he's to big..this mess to severe..what happened to terrible to simply try and sweep it under the rug. It'l probably be awhile before teh police arrive but he can't go after Mason and it's more important he takes care of Rick. He turns around slowly to look at Rick and meet up with Twila.

Rick Morgan shifts ever so slightly, a sign of life in his movement, though he keeps his eyes tightly shut as he continues to hold onto his own form as tight as possible, as if trying to hold everything in right now. The fiery pain from his shoulders and back are blinding, but they pale in comparison to that of his side, and his breathes come in quick, short gasps, his complexion itself pale, from a combination of shock.....and rapidly growing blood loss.

Twila Peterson looks over her shoulder towards the incoming Hunter. "Not sure," she answers, between breaths, "My guess is Rick was jumped..." Then, upon nearing Rick's form she drops to her knees, eyes practically bulging at the blood loss. A sharp gasp emits from her lips as she immediately begins removing her jacket and overshirt. "Rick, hang on..." her voice is hear whispering as she tries to pry the man's position so she's more able to get at trying to cover the injuries. "It's me, Twila. Kong and Mirage are here too."

Mirage runs towards Rick and kneels beside him. He unlatches his helmet and places it beside him, "Hey Rick..." he says with little to no inflection. "Mirage, gently try to move Rick's hands away. "I need to get those injuries covered..." the girl instructs.

"Alright, we gotta get him ready to move. I just radioed the emergency crews. We can get Rick to a hospital soon. We have to. We don't got no time to try and get him /all/ the way back ta Maverick Hunter HQ. We gotta take care of him NOW.." he grunts and moves over towards the group. Prowling around them like a hulking guard dog, looming near a group in need of a guardian. "San Angeles will be 'ere soon."

Rick Morgan slowly relents to the prying, a low groan coming from his lips. Sweat beads his forehead and face as he ever so slightly opens his eyes, glancing upwards at Mirage and Kong, and seeming to look right through them, a sense of deleriousness having obviously settled in. Finally, his glance swivels drunkenly towards the young woman. "Twila...." he whispers, voice as distant as his mind is foggy right now. "....knew...you'd...come..."

Mirage gulps and slowly tries to move Rick's hands out of the path of the wounds. "Come on Rick, be strong". Mirage gently places the hands at Rick's side.

Regardless of Kong's pronouncement Twila does what she can to cover the broken skin and tissues in attempts to stem the losses. "Ok...just about ready," she tones. As she finishes binding all that she can she lightly touches the man's forhead before glancing towards mirage...and then Kong. "Alright. Let's just get him out of here.

Mirage nods to Twila and picks up his helmet. He slowly places it on his head and rises to a knee.

"No..hospital..." Rick murmurs, clenching one hand into a trembling fist. "Medbay....bad `nuff....but no....hospital." His murmuring is still on the verge of more delusion, though he glares upward intently for a moment, before seeming to slowly close his eyes again at Twila's touch. "Just...wanna....be home..."

Mirage hmms. "What'll we do?"

Twila Peterson continues kneeling beside the man until he's taken. "Rick...you need to be stabilized first," she tells him, uncertain of what to really do at the moment. She glances towards Kong for help.

Colossal Kong narrows his eyes and is silent for a long time. Perhaps to long.. Finally he nods his head to Rick and then rumbles slowly, "ALright.." he then nods, "Let's move 'im then. Get 'im back to hunter HQ. I'll come back 'ere fer mop up. I can't ..not be here when the police show.." he looks to Mirage and nods, "That's what we'll do."

Mirage nods to Colossal, "Whatever we do, let's do it fast".

Twila Peterson nods in like before also standing to her feet so Rick can be picked up. "Ok. I...notified them earlier to be prepared..." she stammers. "Which way?"

Mirage ums and points toward the east, "That's the way I came I think".

Colossal Kong rumbles, "Back towards the mall district." he reaches a huge hand down to pick Rick up and hold him gently. Heedless of the blood stains against his thick synth hair. "Let's go.." he starts to lope back that way at a steady gait. As fast as he can manage while holding Rick.

Twila Peterson immediately begins following, releasing a slight shiver every so often since she is now absent of her jacket.

Mirage walks beside Twila, "He'll be alright I'm sure".

Medical Bay <Hunter HQ> This room is kept immaculately clean and organized, from the polished tile floor to the bright exam lights and walls painted with soothing colors. Several repair and medical beds for robot and human patients line the walls, monitors above them indicating the status of the patient's vital signs. There are no windows here, as this is in the center of the floor and heavily reinforced against possible attack. It is here that the Maverick Hunter medics patch up the wounded.

Rick Morgan remains draped over Kong's palms like the proverbial baby bird that fell out of the nest. Though by the time the group has reached the medical bay, he's once again lapsed into a fit of unsconciousness, drifting in and out now and then, murmuring words that really make no sense.

Mirage follows behind Colossal Kong and folds his arms. He gazes downward and tries not to look at the pain that Rick is in.

Colossal Kong sets Rick onto a med bed quickly...and then quickly moves out of the way to let the smaller and more able hunters present to deal with Rick's condition. .oO(Oh boy..)Oo.

Before the four even arrived it seems as if a small emergency team was called in from one of the area hospitals...waiting for the arrivals. As Rick is set down, the team begins there work of removing the makeshift manages in hopes of dealing with stopping the bleeding and closing the wounds.

Rick Morgan lays back as the doctors begin to work on him as best they can, his head slumping slightly to the side, eyes lidded shut, his mouth drawn into a loose, then line. His complexion has almost adopted that of a completely white shade, and the sweat on his brow has long since soaked through his headband, to dripping down his face....

Colossal Kong frowns and narrows his eyes as he watches. This time he got to the gang yet...it all just seems so pointless with Rick in this position...again. Hurt...again. Laid out like this...again. "Man...c'mon." he rumbles under his breath. Completely stressed out and now unsure of himself and what he can do here.

The faceless humans gesture towards the other four to stay back as they work on the man, doing what they can to stabilize his condition. Rick's immediately hooked up to various medical devices in order to monitor his progress while the injuries themselves are treated. Early on within the process one of the three looks up from his work and barks at a passing orderly. "Darnit! Karan, call up the medical records of the humans here and then get in contact with the hospital and start an immediate search for 0-. This guy's going to need a transfusion as fast as he can get it. " When the orderly hesitates the doctor adds, "Move!" The orderly scurries away towards one of the terminals in order to establish contact."

Mirage backs away and departs.

Twila Peterson stands off to the side, holding herself. When she overhears the order she starts moving towards another terminal. "I'll call up the files...you call them..." she tones even as she approaches the console. But she's gently moved aside by one of the other orderlies. "We'll handle this, Miss..." he tells her as he prods her away.

Rick Morgan groans audibly once more, his eyes fluttering back to some state of semi-consciousness, where he stares blankly at the ceiling, not even seeming to feel the effects of the doctors working on him. "Guh..." he mutters, turning just a bit to the side, but finding he's neither got the strength, nor the mobility to really do so right about now. "Kong......Twila..?"

Colossal Kong rumbles, "I'm here buddy. We're both here. Just rest easy yer gettin' taken care of." His words emit darkly. His tone reserved as if he's keeping his temper under control until he finally just breaks down and sighs. He notes Twila's troubles and then rumbles towards her, "Ms. Peterson. Mebbe you'd better stand by me fer a bit. Let them get runnin'. They know the med bay methinks."

Moment's later Rick's file is pulled up and given to Karen as she goes over with the hospital exactly what she needs. Unfortunately, Rick's bloodtype is carried by a small amount of the population. Perhaps not rarer then some. But due to the fact only a sertain type can offer as a stand-in... "No good," she reports. "No O- in stock at present. Attempting to contact the other area hospitals now..." Twila Peterson glances over towards Kong and nods in silence as she moves over towards the gigantic mech, offering Rick a soft, "I'm here too, Rick. I'm here too."

Karen frowns as the second area hospital returns it's findings. Again, none is currently on hand that would suit Rick's own needs. "I know there's a shortage...but this is ridicules," the woman growls from her station, headless if she's heard or not.

Rick Morgan grunts, though whether an acknowledgment of Twila and Kong, or merely a reaction to his body's desperate cries for it's missing lifefluid, it's hard to tell. As if overcome by another bout of exhaustion, his head smacks back down into place again, eyes drifting shut with another bout of unconsciousness as he drifts out yet again. His chest heaves deeply with each labored breath......

Colossal Kong blinks as he hears this from the various workers around him. "They can't find the blood type 'e needs?" he rumbles. Recalling what little human anatomy he does know that he managed to study. "But...how? Don't...understand what's the prob. How rare could it possibly be..." he rumbles.

The other orderly turns a glance over his shoulder as his companions do what it is they can for the technician before turning towards his own task in pulling what he needs to know. Finally, he finds a possible match...and it's not from any of the area hospitals. "I think I've found one right here," he breaths as he looks towards his companions.

Smith, one of the doctors, meets with the orderly to momentarily study the screen. "It's not as rare as some," he answers Kong. "But you're friend here has a certain chemistry that can't make use of the blood if it's missing that same chemistry or something much like it." He pauses meaningfully before glancing directly at Twila. "And the file shows you would be a perfect match. With your permission, Ms. Peterson, I'd like to take a sample or two to be sure before we give a transfusion. You up for that?"

Despite her mild shock at this turn of events Twila without further hesitation. "I...yes. Yes, of course."

In turn, Karen hurries from where she was and gestures Twila to a nearby table to draw the sampling while the other doctor and orderly begin the set up for the transfer.

Rick Morgan shifts...yet again, his head sliding over to rest on the other side, as he slowly blinks without really seeing. "Could...use...a drink..." he mumurs, half-lidded eyes staring forward as he speaks.

Colossal Kong rumbles, "No time fer a drink buddy. But maybe later." he grins, "I'll take you out..get you a good drink.. Just me and you. Go out and have some fun on the town y'know..?" He listens to Twila and nods his head to her. As if silently voicing his approval. He himself remains out of the way. Karen complies with the mechanic's whisper plea by bringing a small cup of water to his lips, helping him raise his head slightly so he may sip within the process.

The first sample is drawn and given to the doctor for study for verification purposes. As soon as the second is taken. The girl is moved to a bed near Rick and prepared for the procedure...as is the now stapled and bandaged Rick incidently.

Twila isn't certain if Rick can feel the needle pierce his skin as he's readied die to the gashes he already has within them. However, she winces at hers.

"Just take it easy, both of you. Everything is being monitored," Smith promises.

Twila herself offers Kong a glance, turning away slightly as a scalet red begins racing through the thin lines linking her to Rick. "Bypass the bars. Too loud," she states before turning towards her mentor to see how he's fairing...

The drink seems to help Rick some at least, as he manages even then a small smirk at Kong's statement. "Yeah....go to the bar `n grill...." he murmurs. "....got some real big ribs there...." Finally with something akin to a soft sigh, he eases his head back again, for once finally seeming to slow his breathing to a more relaxed pace.

It takes some time for one to begin to notice the effects, but bit by tiny bit his complexion turns from the ghostly white that it was before, to a more modest pale tone. His body accepts the donation and begins to bring it's levels that much closer to where it can replace the rest on it's own. Even Rick's sweating seems to calm itself, now leaving his forehead and face simply damp with the past efforts that had overcome him....

Colossal Kong grins abit and slowly rumbles at Rick, "Yeah. I'll go eat alot. I"ll eat the whole place dry just ta make ya laugh." he nods his head, "But you need to hang on and pull through first. You need ta. Otherwise... Otherwise I just...dunno." he pauses and falls silent, rubbing the back of his head and just grunting abit. "C'mon Rick..."

Meanwhile, as the procedure is continued, Twila begins to feel slightly fatigued. No real surprise there. The young woman watches him for a few moments more before glancing towards the large mech as he looks on. "Guess...I'm really under Rick's skin now, huh?" she says, cracking a smallish wry smirk.

To the side, the medical team begins slowing down to the transfusion itself after the monitors indicate that Rick has received enough blood to pull him out of danger. It's then Smith makes the remark. "You do realize, Ms. Peterson, that if you had informed us that you both were siblings the search for his bloodtype would have been much easier...." As if not noticing any reactions his first statement may have produced the doctor adds, giving Twila an intent glare, "...Especially if they're twins..."

Colossal Kong's eyes widen slowly as he hears this. "What..." he rumbles and then blinks in just...total shock. It's come as a stark surprise to him but he's only known these two for a short while. They've known each other...been together for quite some time. This knowledge is no doubt about to floor Twila. "Whoa...! How the...? What the...?" he rumbles and then he looks closely at them both as if attempting to now look for similarities he might not have seen before.

Rick Morgan is of course recovering from his own critical bout, and is far beyond fatigued at the moment, though not quite ready to be falling asleep just yet. Pain manages to wind it's way even through his thick fog of mind that he's in at the moment, and he stares ahead in a sort of half-daze, slowly recovering his frame of mind. As it is, poor Rick misses the whole reference at first, though he slowly begins to clue in that he and Twila are drawing alot of looks. And he gets the feeling the doc just said -something- he should have clued into, though he can't quite grasp it at the moment. "Wha...?"

The announcement produces a look of pure shock from the young woman as it takes a moment or two or three for the words to sink in. Now...last night she had just learned she had some sort of sibling somewhere...out there. And she thought it was a sister -- a twin sister. But a brother? *Rick* is---??!?? If Twila wasn't already lying down by now chances are she would outright faint. "Wha...?" She blinkblinks as she tries to sit up but is at least restrained until she's unhooked from, what she mentally has dubbed, "fuel lines". "My...brother? Rick?" She tosses all within the room startled glances. Rick and Kong gather their share amount of course, particularly Rick. But maybe not as near as the doctor.

Smith seems quite baffled by the confusion and wasn't expecting. "I'm sorry...I thought you were aware..." Oh boy. He glances at the monitor containing the information gleaned from both the man and woman before looking back towards the three. "The markers, the genetic markers, are detected and have found a match within both of you. Medical science has developed to the point were such can be readily noticed...much more so now than...say....a century ago."

"You're...saying...that Rick...is my twin...?" the girl stutters.

The doctor looks to both patients as his team stands awkwardly by. "Correct." Long distance to Rick Morgan: Twila Peterson figures that they do tests to see who's child is to what parent on talk shows. Figured it would be much more advanced in *this* day and age...

Nobody can blame Rick for thinking he's still delusional, or not thinking straight right about now. Plus one doesn't merely jump up and dance a mambo around the medtable or quote Einstein after a transfusion of course. In fact, even as he lays there, after his own hookup to the 'fuel line' is taken away, he simply stares forward at first, listening, but not really hearing. Ahhh, twin, she must be referring to her long lost missing sis right? He continues to listen to the words, eventually forming them into meanings bit by bit.

Rick....brother. Twin....Rick is my twin...?

A few more seconds pass, before he finally moves to sit up, eyes widening. Though he doesn't get far, what with having been sealed up so recently, and he winces, sitting back. Not before of course managing out a startled, "-What-?" in a half-rasped voice.

.oO(Oh dear. I fear I may have started something.)Oo. Smith decides as he looks to his team members for help.

Karen finally heads over to the doctor and whispers something within is ear before pulling back again. She moves over to the cyborg's side to try and get him to lie back down. "You know you shouldn't be stressing yourself," she chides.

In response, Smith makes as if clearing his throat and begins overseeing as the usual medbay staffers begin cleaning up whatever needs tending. "My team and I must return to the ward for now. The monitors indicate you're now out of critical status." Strange he doesn't mention the pace of Rick's heartbeat or pressure. "It's safe to release you into the care of your staff here at the labs," he tones, not really giving any giving answer to more of their questions. "Karen, Casey, Tom..."

"But...wait...!" Twila cries, easing herself off of her own bed...before nearly slipping. "What are you talking about?"

Her question goes ignored as the moments go by and the team depart for...safer territory.

"Rick," she asks, turning to him slowly, "Wha---what just happened?"

Rick Morgan groans audibly, having used up just about all his spurt of energy in that brief calling out that he'd managed, and he sinks back onto his bed, grimacing as he glances straight up. "I don't know...." he says quietly. "I'm not even sure if I'm still thinkin right...."

Twila Peterson sluggishly makes her way over, snatching up a blanket as she does, and proceeds to cover his battered and torn frame with it. The rim of the fabric is pulled up to just under his chin. However, instead of drawing her hand back she instead rests it upon his forehead. "I---don't know if...I am either..." she slips out by accident before refocusing on her mentor. "How...are you fairing? Considering...I mean?" she fumbles.

"Tired...." Rick mumbles, though somewhere finding the frame of mind to reach out with his free hand, finding the one she hasn't pressed to his forehead, and gently taking it in his own grip. "Just...so tired." he mumbles again, and while he makes no mention of the previous discovery made by the doctors, he opens his eyes enough to stare back at hers just the same.

The young woman finds herself returning the stare even as her hand offers his a gentle squeeze in it's own silent response. "You've...had yourself quite a night," she muses aloud as her mind searches on what it is she should say or should be saying at this moment.

Rick Morgan closes his eyes for the moment, sheer exhaustion beginning to overtake him, though he still murmurs, as his grip on her hand never lets go. "...knew you'd come..." he says quietly. "...I just.....called...."

Twila Peterson continues to hold his hand while her fingers stroke his matted strands of hair that were freed from this bandanna during the preparations. "I just...had a feeling you needed me..." she responds, idly thinking back to when Rick had told her pretty much the same when he found her within Nebraska in what feels an eternity ago. "A gut feeling."

Rick Morgan smiles just a bit even with his eyes still closed. Both at the gentle motion of the fingers moving through his hair, and the feel of her hand in his.... "Get....alot....of those...." he murmurs sleepily, on the very edge of drifting off. In fact, his voice drops to a mere whisper with his last sentence... "Who knows....mebbe the....crazy docs're...right...." With those words, he finally drifts off to the much needed sleep his body craves, his breathing growing more rhythmic.....

Twila Peterson emits a soft sigh, knowing far too well there's no way she'll be able to leave the Medical gently kisses the top of his crown. "Maybe they are. Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Who...would have guessed..." Aware that by now he probably can't hear her she retains a vigil by his side for a little while before she also is forced to retreat to her own bed. "G'night, Rick. I'll be here if you need me..."