Twila@M3 - Friday, January 14, 2000, 10:45 PM ---------------------------------------------

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.

Twila Peterson enters the medbay decked out within jeans and a sweatshirt. She hadn't have been gone for too long, or so she thought. But she had to leave briefly to tend to some matters.

Rick Morgan is of course still where he was left, laying back on his medical table, head tilted to one side, eyes closed. His arm is bent enough to rest his forearm over his chest, sporting the various sensors and attachments put into the back of it. His breathing is slow and regular, and he looks much better than yesterday. Though there's still the faint trace of paleness in his skin. Replacing blood is a task the heart takes some time in doing.

Twila Peterson makes her way over by Rick's bedside and quietly looks him over to make sure he's fairing as can be expected. Her gaze pans a second time only to rest upon his facial features as her mind wanders to to the aftermath of last night's events. And there her gaze rests for a few lengthy moments until there comes a mental reminder that she shouldn't be caught staring should he awaken. Instead, she moves herself to the side table to make sure the his water pitcher is filled as is a cup standing close by.

Rick Morgan, however, has already begun on the process of waking up, as he gently turns his head enough to facing straight upwards again. Slowly, his eyes blink open, and even though he doesn't see her directly from his angle, there's something familiar even by the movement close to him, the presence nearby. "Twila...?" he asks quietly, voice a weak reminder of it's usual self, but still there.

Twila Peterson places the pitcher down as she's called and reshifts her attention towards the young man on the bed. "Hey there," she greets quietly as she ventures a step closer and places a hand gently on his forearm, managing to bypass the various medical attachments found there. "How are you fairing?"

Rick Morgan swallows for a moment, clearing out the seeming bad taste in his mouth, though probably a combination of soreness and aches from being struck in the jaw so much. "Good `nuff..." he returns. "..considerin the circumstances. I didn't know when you woke up...never heard you leave..."

Twila offers with a wry smirk, "Actually, woke up about two hours ago...then left to get myself something to eat. Guess...I kinda got hungry." There's a brief pause before, "You like a drink of water? You must be a bit thirsty by now..."

Rick Morgan nods slowly at the offer. "Yeah...throat's dry. Didn't have much to drink before...." he leans his head back further on his pillow, taking a deep sigh and grimacing just a bit at the pain in his side. "...don't...remember much either."

The plastic cup is retrieved by the young woman. Her arm is gently moved underneath the patient's head and neck in order to help him within a position to sip the clear liquid. As she does so, she's mindful to be wary of his cut lip. "Just take it slow," Twila prods as she brings the cup upwards, although she may hold more than one meaning to that.

Rick Morgan sips gently from the cup, not taking too much at once. It hurts to do so. Finally though, he seems to be satisfied enough to start tilting his head back again. "S'better..." he mumbles finally, taking another deep breath, ignoring where some of the water happened to dribble free of the glass. He's frankly beyond feeling it right about now.

After the cup is pulled away and set back on the table Twila lowers the cyborg's head once again to the pillow and dabs the excess water from his chin with a napkin. "Well, if you happen to start feeling thirsty again, or start feeling hungry for that matter, just let me know OK?" she offers, her voice retaining that soft tone of hers. She pulls over a small stool from nearby and takes a seat beside him, pondering. "What...exactly do you remember?"

Rick Morgan falls silent for a moment, before finally answering. "I dunno...it's hard to figure what...was real and what was just...my mind going on a trip." he shakes his head slowly, before resting it sideways so he can glance back at Twila. "What...-did- happen?" he asks suddenly.

The girl's eyes cast themselves downward for a few moments before they're picked up again to meet his gaze. "I'm...not sure," she says truthfully. "But...it looked like your old 'friends' managed to jump you while within San Angeles."

Rick Morgan nods slowly. "Yeah..." he says quietly. "I remember that much. I was talking to Kong earlier...he helped fill the gaps what happened when I was out of it too..." he glances downwards for a moment too, then lifts his eyes to meet hers again. "What about...afterwards though? While we were here?"

"You were treated...and...given a blood transfusion," Twila answers slowly. Her hand moves to place it back upon his arm, giving a tender squeeze. "And, apparently, something was found out when the doctor from the medical team that was visiting compared blood samples."

Rick Morgan closes his eyes at her touch, though he gives a slow nod, as if sorting through those thoughts he still remembers. "And...?" he asks in a small whisper, before opening his eyes again, bringing them back to stare intently at Twila.

Twila Peterson swallows a bit. "Rick, the samples...they show us to be *twins*."

Rick Morgan closes his eyes again. Apparently, one of the thoughts that had sorted in his mind, though he had at first thought it part of his previous hallucinations. No words come from his mouth for the longest time. Finally however, he glances straight ahead, as if musing. "But...that's impossible. I'm not even the same age, I'm not even -adopted-....."

It's then that he begins to think back to his own memories. No memories of early childhood, no family pictures, none of the infamous baby pictures that would come from a happy couple recently become parents. Nor those of the child growing from the state of infancy.

"...at least...I don't think so..." he finishes then, the doubt in his voice all too evident.

Twila continues her hold on his arm if only to remind him that he's not alone. "Rick, I...I'm not even sure what to think myself," she tells him compassionately, knowing that if she's confused over these events while knowing what she already knows, Rick must be even more so. "As soon as you're well enough...maybe you should visit with your parents to...make sure. There is a margin for error within the comparing of the genetic markers. But...the percentage isn't really too high..." The last part is fumbled on her part, giving evidence of her awkwardness. It's all too well known to her what kind of upheaval may cause for him.

Rick Morgan listens for a long moment, and then sighs. "0.001 actually..." he glances up. "Learnin how reploids work in university...you gotta know some human physiology too." He glances to her hand touching his arm, and gently slides his own over, fingers touching hers. " What....what does this mean then Twila...?" he asks. "I mean.....you and me...all this time?" he lowers his voice to a whisper. "...we never knew?"

Twila Peterson shakes her head to and fro, not exactly knowing. "I wish..." she stammers, then breathes in a quiet sigh and slightly looks away. "I'm not exactly sure what it means. I...knew I must have been adopted before my parents even told me. You've...seen their picture. Mom was a petite blond. But Dad was of Middle Eastern descent. It wasn't altogether hard for me to notice I was the only one with like me within the family even when I was little. But, after they did tell me, I thought I knew what...I needed to." Her eyes then trail back towards Rick's. "Still...I always had a feeling things weren't right. That somehow things were incomplete. Several nights ago confirmed that. "Now...?" Her voice falls quiet again as she losses herself within her own thoughts. "What happened? How...would we have ever been...separated?" More importantly, why? And why were they both lied to?

Rick Morgan continues to glance up, not even having the strength to sit up right now, though he keeps his hold on her hand at the moment. The contact is nearly the only form of a lifeline that he actually has to something familiar...something that inwardly he knows he's -sure- about right now. "I don't know..." he says quietly. "I think...there's going to have to be alot more searching done now. For both of us...." he swallows again before continuing. "S'funny...you know. All my life, growing up as a single kid. Never knowing what it was like to have brothers or sisters around. And...here I said awhile back...that someone was like the sister I never had." his grip tightens just a bit. "..and here it turns out...she really is...?"

The girl presses her lips together as she quietly observes him. Tender pressure is once more applied to his arm as if in silent response. "Just as I...saw you as a brother I never had." There's a silence between the two before Twila speaks again. "I...remember you saying once that if you had any brothers or sisters you would have drove them insane by now," she smirks, attempting to toss some form of mirth within the otherwise unexpected conversation. "If...it helps any...I'm still sane..."

Rick Morgan gives a small smirk of his own, that slowly traces into a soft smile. His free hand suddenly grips the edge of the table, and he grunts as he suddenly exerts pressure, pushing himself upwards. There's no small measure of physical strain, but finally, gritting his teeth, he manages to sit up, and sighs in some measure of relief as the pressure abates just a bit with the lack of flexing. It's then that he reaches out, both arms now for the other. "Twila...." he murmurs, trying hard to draw her close with what little strength he can garner for it. "Sis...." he speaks the words, as if to hear them himself, and confirm them to himself at the same time. "-My- sister..." Even as those last two words are spoken, his face turns into a mixture of emotions, until finally, even at her touch, his lower lip trembles just enough to have his voice crack....eyes misting up somewhat.

The amount of physical effort alone is not lost on the young woman, but neither is the amount of emotional effort as well. As he attempts to seat himself some of the medic within her struggles to chide Rick, that he needs to take it easy if he's to heal. But another, more deeper part quickly silences the first, knowing that a mother-hennish medical assistant isn't who he really needs right now. Even as the cyborg moves upwards, Twila lifts herself to her feet to gently moves himself into his embrace, finishing for him what he himself cannot. Her arms slowly wrap themselves around his battered frame, careful not to cause him any harm as she feels the bandages underneath the hospital gown, and end themselves within a lasting hug. "Brother...Bro. Rick...you...you're my brother..." she replies within her own murmur. However, her words may not be all to clearly heard as they seem to be somewhat muffled by the folds of the fabric. Not that she's overly noticed. Her eyes are now closed, shedding a few tears...

Rick Morgan presses his cheek to the top of her head, a tear of his own rolling down his face, lost as it finds the beginning of the other's hair, and disappears. His deep breaths are a combination of exertion, and the sheer emotion going through him right about now, this embrace so much unlike those he gave before....having much more feeling to it. After what seems like an eternity, he finally finds the presence of mind to speak to her again, though still holding to her tightly, as if the last trace of anything that's still connected to him, to what he is. "What....what about...everyone else?" he asks. "What are we gonna say?"

Slight trembling of the girl's shoulders can more than likely be felt by Rick as she retains her hold on him as well. Her arms tighten slightly around him as if to keep him there, to reassure herself that this is not a hallucination or dream. Her breathing betrays her attempts of keeping her emotions under some form of control, as does her quiet, shaken voice. "W--What else can we say," she manages after some hesitation, "except the truth of what we know?"

Rick Morgan rubs his hands gently across her back, pressing his cheek to her hair again for a few moments. This is before finally feeling the very last of his strength leaving him, and with a long, reluctant, shuddering breath, he begins to lean back again, his hands trailing back as he leans against the pillow. "When..." he breaths. "...should we tell them? And who? Or could we have someone...spread the word?"

Twila offers what aid she can as soon as she feels him sinking back down while pondering his questions. And they're pretty good ones too. "I--." *pause* "I'm not certain. We should at least let our friends know here at the Labs. I don't think we would have to personally tell everyone of course. The...Labs have their own grapevine..." There another pause. "We....could always ask Dr. Light how to...go about this."

Rick Morgan shakes his head slowly. "Not sure...but yeah, suppose we could tell him. Guess it's just one thing at a time..." He gives a small smirk. "Guess word tends to travel fast round here as it is anyway." With a slow gesture, he reaches up and brushes at his stray locks of blonde hair that droop down over his face, before returning his hand to resting on his chest. "Suppose I'm kinda thinkin too fast now..."

Rick's rewarded with a wry grin and a small pat to his forearm before Twila eases back onto the stool she was seated on before. "Thought I suggested taking it slow..." she winks.

Dr. Thomas Light arrives from the Corridor - Level 3 <Hunter HQ>. Dr. Thomas Light strides in absently, muttering about finding an energy flux capacitor

Twila Peterson is presently seated on a stool by Rick's bedside, visiting. Although, looking closely at them both, they do appear somewhat shaken. The girl looks up at the sound of footsteps and offers the older man a small wave. "Hi, Doctor. You...have a moment free?" she questions as soon as he's draws closer.

Rick Morgan smiles back at Twila, "Don't I always...?" he returns gently, before tracing his glance towards the source of movement entering the lab itself. He really isn't able to speak up all that much, his voice stil being weak, but he manages a "Hi Doc..."

Dr. Thomas Light looks up finally, frowning at the missing piece of equipment. His face breaks into a smile upon seeing Twila and Rick, then back into a worried furrow. "Oh dear! What's happened here?" He steps over and punches up the medical display while waiting for an answer.

Rick Morgan grunts just a bit, shifting his weight at the reaction, though finding little else he can really do. The slight twangs of pain from the bandages on his shoulder and back remind him of his injuries, not to mention his very tenderly bandaged side. "Bad...run-in with lower dregs of society in San Angeles..." he offers by his way of explanation. Pardon him, when in this state he tends not to be capable of long-winded explanations.

Twila Peterson glances over towards the cyborg momentarily before switching her focus back to Light. "Uh...Rick was jumped within San Angeles. His injuries required...for him to have a blood transfusion due to blood loss. I...think you might want to check on the results from the blood testing for that transfusion..."

Dr. Thomas Light frowns and studies the chart a moment while walking over to take Rick's wrist in his hand and time the pulse. Sure, the bio-bed will tell him to the nanosecond, but Light can be an old fashioned sort. After a moment of study, he puts the wrist down and says, "Well, you had compatible blood types.. so no problems there..." he trails off, reading. "Hmm, I thought the San Angeles police were better prepared for....." he falls silent a moment, frowning in confusion. "What? This is odd.. must be a contaminated sample in the analyzer."

Twila Peterson tosses another glance towards Rick before returning to the doctor. "If...it was contaminated I doubt Rick would still be here with us," she says quietly. "O Negative doesn't work that way."

Rick Morgan is beyond remembering that part of it all. By then, he was completely comatose. "Guess it needs only...one of a kind huh?" he muses, while watching Light carefully, sparing a glance back to Twila again for a few moments.

Dr. Thomas Light shakes his head, "No, I mean.. the sample must have gotten..." he punches a few buttons to confirm and his eyes go wide. "Oh my... but how can this be? What are the chances?" He looks over at Rick and Twila, at their faces...their body structure...

Twila Peterson waits a beat before commenting, "Guess...it wasn't a sister that I should have been looking for," referring to the recent post that Rick had helped her post over the Hunter messaging system.

Rick Morgan gives about his best version of a sheepish grin as he can manage from lying back in his bed. "You think you're surprised....?" he offers.

Dr. Thomas Light's gaze switches between the two, expression slowly changing from bafflement to joy. "Well this is wonderful!! And what a silly little trick Fate has played on us all! This is cause for a celebration... family, reunited at long last."

Twila Peterson offers Rick's arm another of it's small squeezes before she switches her gaze between the two. "And...neither of us knew. In fact...there's alotta things we don't really know."

Rick Morgan is perhaps a little surprised by Dr. Light's reaction. Then again, he really didn't know -what- to expect. It's not like this sort of thing has happened before. Another glance is given in Twila's direction, as he lifts his head just enough to watch Dr. Light carefully. "There's still....alot we gotta clear up about this. But...I know the genes don't lie..." he casts his own quick glance to the monitors again, then back. "But that's stuff to worry bout later on...."

Dr. Thomas Light smiles knowingly, "Well I think it's just splendid. I've always thought of our little group like a family. And now..." he nods to Rick, "Oh yes, if you don't mind, I'd like to run a full genetic analysis on you both. But that and any celebration can wait until you're talked things through. And don't worry, no one will know unless you tell them yourselves."

Twila Peterson nods in agreement to her mentor...er...brother. "For now...we're not sure how we're supposed to tell the others, how to tell, or who to tell for that matter. So..." She stops at Light's words. "I...don't mind as long as Rick doesn't...

Dr. Thomas Light shakes his great hoary "No, I think it better you take your time with this. Make sure about what you want to say first. And it's not my place to tell how to do anything, though of course you both know you can always come to me. You're like my own children."

Rick Morgan gives a small shrug, about as best he can manage right now. "Actually that's not the big part of it all Doc. We wouldn't even know what to say. That's why we -wanted- to talk to you about it....."

Twila Peterson nods in full agreement. "And you were the first one thought of when we were wondering just who to ask...."

Dr. Thomas Light hmms and pulls up a chair to rest his old bones. "Well, let's see. First, I didn't know you were adopted, Rick..." He smiles at Twila, "Thank you, my dear. I'm flattered, but I'm just an old scientist. But any help I can give..."

Rick Morgan coughs for a moment at Light's words. "Uh...frankly Doc, neither did I for that matter. I...got some stuff to clear up with my parents when I'm outta here...." he pauses to ease his untouched hand over the side of his bed just a bit, hanging it freely there beside Twila.

Dr. Thomas Light nods at Rick, his expression showing weathered understanding. "Well, just remember that parenthood doesn't necessary begin or end with sharing genetic code. I, of all people, believe that to be true." Dr. Thomas Light says, "If your parents loved you, that's all that really matters."

Rick Morgan falls silent for a moment, before finally nodding. "Yeah...I know. I guess I just...have alot of questions to ask. And stuff to clear up. I figure it's about time I did, in light of these recent events..."

Twila Peterson slides her hand within Rick's to convey some of her support. As much as a shock this is for her...it's more so for him she gathers. "Especially after going through some of the things my cousin found out regarding myself."

Dr. Thomas Light looks at Twila curiously, "Oh? What do you mean, my dear?"

Rick Morgan squeezes Twila's hand gently, tilting his head back again to give his neck a rest as she takes her time to speak again. He closes his eyes briefly, as if to clear his mind before lifting his head again. To think what can all happen in one day, and make everything else pale by comparison....

Twila Peterson bites her lower lip. "Several nights ago I was asked to meet with my aunt and uncle who live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Rick went with me to make sure everything would be OK. Anyway..." *pause* "while there I was told that my cousin Chris had found out the name of my birth father. He...also said that apparently the records of my birth were altered and that I wasn't even born in the state I was supposedly born in."

Dr. Thomas Light hmms, putting a finger to his temple and tapping thoughtfully. "Really... but why?"

"You tell us Doc...." Rick says, casting his glance back to Twila again. "Whatever it was about, it separated us from birth. We never knew all this time...." he shakes his head slowly. "I never even thought about having a sister out there somewhere. Let alone...here in Hunter HQ...."

Twila is forced to shake her head. "I...don't know. Neither of us does. And I'm not sure either of our adoptive parents would either." She sighs before adding, "Following Chris's lead and asking our birth father would be the best. But...he died over 15 years ago..."

Dr. Thomas Light frowns again, thinking. "I believe I may be able to help, a little. I have some clout with the Justice Committee at the UN. Maybe I could pull some favors." His eyes soften at mention of the death, "Oh, I'm sorry Twila."

"We've got no links left..." Rick offers helplessly. "Unless my mom and dad can provide anything. But I don't know what to expect when I go to talk to them. They never even told me I was adopted in the first place. I guess I could have found out if I'd looked for birth records or something, but that's not something you generally go questioning unless you have a reason to..."

Twila Peterson gives a small shrug. Yes, it bothers her. But, it wasn't as if she or Rick ever knew him, much less knew at least of him. "The only thing we do know is we were born April 14, 20XX."

Dr. Thomas Light hmms again, "Let me make a few calls and get back to you. If I may suggest, one of our technicians could work on this with you. I'd suggest Feedback, he is really good, but I'm still not sure I trust him. What about the relatively new Hunter.. Signal Shrike, is it?"

Dr. Thomas Light says, "He says he has experience tracking down old data. But if you're not comfortable sharing that kind of information, I'd gladly help instead"

Rick Morgan recalls that. Heck he was the one that suggested to Shrike to come here in the first place when he was first...discovered. "It could help Doc." he offers, then glances at Twila. "As we said before, we don't mind. Everybody's gonna know sooner or later anyway right? In fact......I uh...wonder if we could ask somethin of ya..."

Dr. Thomas Light says, "Of course, Rick."

Twila Peterson brings her free hand to her head, looking a bit shy. "Would...you be able to share the news when the time's right? We're not...sure how to go about it. I mean, if we're going to need help with this...the others will know anyway..."

Rick Morgan offers quickly as well. "...you've always been good with words Doc." It's almost scary how the two are beginning to meld and think alike now.

Dr. Thomas Light comes over to them with a smile and puts a hand on both Twila's shoulder and Rick's arm. "I'll be with you every step of the way, my young friends."

Twila Peterson smiles in return, "Thanks, Doctor. It really does mean alot."

Dr. Thomas Light pats Twila fondly and straightens, his back cracking. "Well, I'll leave you two to talk. I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do. If either of you need me, just call."

Rick Morgan gives a small grin as he glances up from where he lays. "Thanks Doc....we wouldn't ask anything else of you..." As Light speaks again, he then slowly nods. "I won't hesitate to call..." Not that he'll willingly disturb the Doc though, but it's the thought that counts.

Dr. Thomas Light heads for the door, murmuring a good night to them both.

Twila Peterson offers the kindly doctor a mock salute as he departs. He probably can't see it, especially after he disappears into the hallway. But a message aof respect and gratitude are there just the same. She then turns back towards Rick. "Well, his reaction wasn't what I thought it would be..."

"Yeah..." Rick agrees quietly, and gives the faintest trace of a smile. "Not that I knew what to expect. I figure that went well enough..."

"To be honest, neither did I. Not sure what to expect from any of the others either," Twila admits. "Still, you're right. It did go over well." She then stops as something dawns on her. "Rick, do you realize that when I was dating Rock and you were dating Roll...we were dating the others sibling??"

Rick Morgan pauses and thinks about it for a moment, then gives an audible, "Guh...." before closing his eyes and shaking his head. "Twila, you're makin my head hurt...."

The girl winces at that. "Er...oops?"

After a brief interlude she questions, "Speaking of which...what will you tell Roll?" She noticed that she seems to have feelings for Rick, evidenced by her bouts of jealousy.

Rick Morgan gives a small smile, and squeezes her hand, before settling his head back and giving a large yawn. "Don't worry bout it..." He then falls silent at the question, glancing up at the ceiling. "Well...." he starts. "..what -else- am I gonna tell her? The truth..."

Her own words tossed back at her. How poetic. "Yeah, guess the truth does happen to work wonders. Maybe...it'll calm the green-eyed monster just a bit too..." Twila falls silent just then, musing. She knows it's personal. but he's asked about her and Rock during their own relationship. "Rick, mind if I ask how you feel about Roll?"

===================================[ Zero ]====================================

A man who looks no older than 21 and stands no shorter than an even 6 feet, Zero just seems to demand respect, if it wasn't for the fact that he was such a pretty boy. His armor is primarily red and white, with highlighting done in silver and gold. His visage is a well known one, to the common man, he's been both a hero, and a villian; to the Hunters, a valuable, if not unstable ally; to the Repliforce, a known threat; and to the Mavericks and Robot Masters... a glitch... and a dangerous one at that. His eyes seem to almost glow in firey anticipation... even... hunger... for conflict and battle. Yet, if you look deeper, you can see a confused, misguided soul... looking for help... struggling for a grasp on his chaotic life. Surrounding his fair featured face, is a red and white streamlined helmet, with a large blue gem encrusted on the front... a gem that at one time glowed with a bright white W, but has since been eliminated. Sprouting out of the back, however, one of Zero's trademarks... a bountiful amount of flowing blonde hair, that reaches well past his back, and ends near the backs of his knees. It always seems to be wild, yet well kept, flawed, yet flawless. Much like Zero himself. His chest armor is well curved and shapely, almost giving him the appearance of a female, even down to the two green gems that reside on his chest. A gold collar lining stretches down between these two gems and comes to a point at his midsection, bellow which lies his virgin white codpiece, which probably answers a lot of questions about his relationship with Iris... Sprouting off the sides of his chest armor are his squared off and sharply angled shoulder guards, both detailed with silver plating. Emblazed on the left one however, is a large stylized Z, representing Zero's squad, that being, himself. Attached to Zero's back, is perhaps the most notable of Zero's trademarks... his Zero Sabre, the weapon that is known by all, and feared by most. When on his back, it is always unignited, but from the moment it's 'unsheathed' it is always activated and clutched tightly in his hands. The design of the sabre is almost reminiscent of a star wars lightsabre, only less flashy. The silver hilt of the sword is only adorned by a small studded handguard, and a bottom ring, to ensure a secure grip on the weapon at all times. When ignited, it produces a silverish blue glowing beam of energy, a sign to most, of certain doom. His midsection, upper arms, and upper legs are all adorned in tight, form fitting thin silver armor, almost giving him the impression of being lithe. However, as you notice his large red gauntlets, you begin to reconsider it. The gauntlets themselves are designed with a bit of extra armor, that stretches down past the back of his hand, to provide him with a desperation parrying tool, as well as a precaution against his own weaponary. Both are detailed with a strip of silver armor along the ends, but his right arm also hides another trick up Zero's sleeve. This is the arm that can be 'shifted' into Zero's other main form of attack, the Zero Buster, an oversized (even moreso than X's buster) silver arm cannon, detailed soley with a large studded gold strip near the end. Finally, upon his legs, Zero wears a pair of typical oversize, flare out leg armor. Complete with White knee guards that extend past the regular armor and come to a point. Furthermore, a strip of gold plating can be found lining the bottom of his leg armor, and comes up in the middle to a triangular point. Finally, a pair of matching red boots with silver tips finds themselves attached to Zero's feet. All in all, a stylish, yet complex look for the man who has spent his entire life looking for answers. Someone who has only had two people to ever allow him into their hearts, the only two people who can even begin to understand the chaos that is Zero...

===============================================================================

"Well if you want to know what I think..." Zero states as he walks into the room, overhearing part of the conversation, "I think that girl tends to bite off more than she can chew. And she makes Rock's life more stressful than it needs to be, but, then again, considering how mischievous that girlfriend of mine is, I can't really throw stones." Zero hops up on a medtable and thrusts his hand into a box of triscuits he's been snacking on. "What's up you two? I hope I'm not interrupting anything important, everyone else in the base is asleep, and I've been having some horrible insomnia, was hoping I could chitchat with -someone-. I've already played videogames for 2 darn hours straight, I need some real interaction before I go nuts." Zero, poster boy for the college slacker frat kid.

Rick Morgan opens his mouth as if to answer, but of course is cut off as Zero himself enters, actually tilting his head to the side to observe the scarlet armored figure. He doesn't seem overly bothered by the seeming jump-in to the conversation. Heck, he's casual enough himself with it comes to it. "Just...enthusiastic is all..." he offers, before offering Twila a glance. He'll give her a -real- answer later after all. He shifts his head just enough so he can glance back at Zero from where he lays on the bed, bandaged up. "-You-? Insomnia? I figure you'd keep busy `nuff to hit the pillow and be out like a light in seconds."

Twila blinks at the newcomer's voice, knowing exactly who it is. She's glad her back is turned momentarily so that Rick is the only one that happens to see her blush within embarrassment. However, that soon fades and she's more able to glance over her shoulder and watch the reploid hop up on a bed nearby. "Ooooh, nothing much," Twila answers. "Just keeping Mr. Mechanic over here company for the moment."

Zero laughs, and points a triscuit at Rick, "C'mon now Rick, you oughta know me better than that, no rest for the weary n all, got too much hypothetical adrenaline pumpin through my veins to get to sleep half the time." He looks over at Twila and smiles. "Hey, nothing wrong with that. I hear your good at that kind of stuff when yer not chasin that thing of yours around that Rock gave you..." He scratches his head. "Just what in the world is that thing anyhow? I never did get a chance to ask Rock, but then again, when does anyone get a chance to ask that kid anything these days?" Zero tosses the rest of the half-eaten triscuit in his mouth and munches away, diving for another one idly as he waits for a response.

Rick Morgan ehs. "Guess he keeps busy is all. At least it's a sign he's not slacking off." He offers the barest hint of a shrug, as best he can give, before turning his head enough to rest his cheek on his pillow, arm tucked along his heavily bandaged side.

Sheesh this guy is active tonight. More like the Poster Boy for Hyperactivity. But since when is he not? "Her name is Kyo and she's called a Cabbit. A mech-animal. Cat plus rabbit...and more than likely some bear cub mixed in *somewhere* if you look deep enough. Rock had her made for not long after I got here...so I wouldn't be bored while the rest of you ran around the upper floors of the Labs," Twila answers with a wry grin.

Rick Morgan grunts. "Or ran off to arm wrestle Robot Masters or Mavericks."

Twila Peterson comments, "Well...them too..."

Zero chuckles. "Yeah, that's one thing I've always said about Rock, he's always keepin himself busy. Doin this, doin that. I swear, he's missed the last three football games. Next time I see him I'm gonna give him a good whap upside the head." He then looks over at Twila and tilts his head over a bit inquisitively as she explains. He mouths an "oh" before adding, "Yeah, I imagine it got pretty boring down in the pit. I never go down there personally. I have an apartment in NYC and when I'm here I tend to just sleep in my chair. Didn't see a point in getting a room in the labs, although Dr. Light still suggests I get one just in case."

Twila Peterson flickers glances between the two men. "No wonder medbay's filled with these beds if it's the only time you guys ever get to sleep in one."

Rick Morgan heys! "At least I was usin my own bed a bit more, though I kept catchin sleep in the command center sometimes. Not in the cockpits as much anymore..." He gives a small grin. "Though I guess being here is kind of a good thing. Make me sleep on a bed during this time..."

Zero chuckles as he pops another triscuit in his mouth, replying with his mouth full. "Heh, well you know how we boys are, always hard to put to bed and whatnot. *munchmunchmunch*" He downs the triscuit and grabs a nearby towel and wipes off his hands earnestly before running them gently and carefully through his precious hair before replying to Rick. "Ey, ain't nothing good about you being on a medbay in pain, only people who belong in medbays are Wily's kids and Sigma's lackeys." Zero frowns a bit and adds, "And some, more than others..." he adds with a bit of spiteful tinge, as a few specific faces run through his mind. Zero shrugs it off, and grabs another triscuit, he's in a good mood for once.

Kalinka peeks into the Medical bay, having heard several folks in here.

Twila Peterson hmmmms. "I just can't help but wish Wily himself didn't pull through those 2 heart attacks. Still felt good working on it tho."

Rick Morgan smirks. "Ain't in here by choice, but guess it makes it easier when you got people who look after you and keep you company." He smiles just a bit, and glances at Twila. "Or give you their blood when you need it...."

Kalinka walks in, after figuring it safe to do so since nobody's asked her to leave yet.

Zero laughs and points a triscuit at Twila now and winks one of his eyes. "You're an evil one Mrs. Grinch," he says with a good natured smirk, before leaning back and furrowing a brow, "You two aren't... ya know... cuz if you are... then I'll leave, don't wanna be interruptin anything like that or anything..."

Kalinka is kinda surprized Twila would wish somebody dead...even a major creep-o like Wily.

Rick Morgan erms as Zero touches on a certain subject, lowering his gaze for a moment. "Uh no, we're not...." he starts, "...believe me."

Twila Peterson glances towards Rick with a smile. "Well...figured I had some so spare." She then toses Zero a perked brow. "Uh...no we're not...and you're not," she assures the reploid before turning to see the source of those small footsteps, only to spot the nine year old. "Hi, Kali."

Zero catches a glimpse of something small out of the corner of his eye and suddenly hops off the table and snags Kalinka off the ground. He lifts her up in the air. "Well if it isn't the worlds most mischievous kid in the world," he says with a grin, before placing Kalinka back down on a medtable, and turning around to nod to Rick and Twila. "Yeah, just uh... makin sure..." Zero hops back on table and grabs his box of triscuits and points it at Kalinka, "Triscuit?" Enjoy this time with Zero and his good mood, you won't see it often. :D

You paged Rick Morgan with 'Feh...he's just happy since I'm not after his football watching buddy... :)'. From afar, Rick Morgan lols!

Kalinka blinks, "Oh...thanks!" She takes one.

Rick Morgan smirks just a bit. "Oh it's quite sure. Trust me," he returns, before casting a brief, questioning glance in Twila's direction with the brief lull in which Zero addresses Kalinka.

The young woman offers Rick a glance back, knowing well what he's asking. She simply smiles and nods, gesturing for him to go ahead.

Kalinka smiles towards the others, "Hi Twila! Rick, Zero....wha'cha doin in here?"

Twila Peterson sticks a thumb towards Rick's direction. "Well, he's loafing and the rest of us are watching."

Zero smirks and lets Kalinka grab one before snagging the box back and digging in it to grab another one, he literally shoves it in his mouth and munches down on it before putting the box down on the table and hopping off of it. "Where is Rock anyhow? I haven't seen him in a while... last time I did see him, he was actin sorta... weird... I can't really place it, but something didn't seem right about him, hope he's not upset over something again, that kid is so sensitive sometimes."

Twila Peterson has a feeling what's going on with Rock, or at least the one presuming to be Rock at the moment....but doesn't feel it's her place to actively say. "He's been keeping to himself pretty much lately," she offers with a small shrug.

Zero walks over to the nearest wall and commences 'the lean' and idly brushes off some dust on his left arm armor, before folding his arms and returning his attention to the others, while still retaining his ability to just look flat out cool. :D

Rick Morgan glances in Zero's direction, silently agreeing with the issue of Rock acting weird, but letting it go for now. "Yeah, guess alot on his mind," he offers, before rolling his eyes at Twila's comment. "That's low..." he offers with a small smirk. "You know if you weren't my sister I'd feel insulted." *insert innocent whistle*

Zero raises an eyebrow. "Jeez, now I really feel stupid." he slaps his forehead, "I really need to keep up to date with the personnel files..."

"You won't find it in em..." Rick returns, bringing his glance back in Zero's direction.

Zero hrms idly, "Then again, I'm just not getting access to them back..." he says a bit softer, as he sorta looks off for a bit. Zero returns his glance to Rick and nods, "Oh, is this one of those separated at birth sorta deals? I saw a movie about it once, real old one, Iris made me watch it. Man was it a total chick flick," he says with a slight groan, trying to keep his mind of other things for the moment.

Kalinka swings her little legs back and forth idly while listening to the conversation. .oO( Zero sure talks a lot...)Oo.

Twila Peterson offers a wry grin towards Rick with, "Yeah...files are updated quickly enough...but usually not in a 24 hour---." She cuts herself off when she returns attention back to the reploid, especially when he brings up that one small detail about access being denied. Touchy subject. So she answers instead, "Yeah...you can say it was one of those twins-separated-at-birth type things."

Kalinka shrugs to herself. .oO( Must be a tradeoff for the good mood he's in.)Oo.

Zero laughs and says, "That reminds me of another movie, so does that make Rick the short fat guy, and you the big buff dude?" he says with a snicker, finding himself infinitely witty.

Kalinka giggles to herself.

Rick Morgan seems to gather enough strength to lift his hand and touch it to his forehead in a half facepalm. "Let's put it this way. You could probably make a drama flick out of it. We don't even know all the details yet."

Zero nods and ohs again. "I see, that's why you were asking for permission to use the labs resources. Heck, as far as I'm concerned, you've got my clearance for it, althoguh I figure you've already got Rock's or Dr. Light's by now."

Twila Peterson hmphs playfully with a perked eyebrow. "Me...buff? Zero, when have you ever seen a five footer 'buff'?"

Zero shrugs, "Hey, when Iris jumps in that ride armor of hers, 5 foot turns into something to fear," he replies.

"Ain't the size that matters...." Rick offers with a light chuckle, before glancing at Zero and nodding slowly. "Yeah, we were just talkin to Doc Light recently. He was all hyped up about it and all."

Kalinka sighs, "That reminds me....I wonder when Daddy's gonna give me those ride armor lessons, he's been dodging the question each time I ask..." *pout*

Twila Peterson blinks and turns back towards Kalinka. Oh dear. Hopefully she can avoid the argument that she had gotten into Kali the last time the subject was brought up. "Um..." Best let the guys handle it this time. They hold more clout.

Zero winces. "I remember that one time I said the wrong thing to Iris... and she slapped me with that thing... man did that hurt..." he says off hand before returning to the subject and nods, "That sounds like doc." He then peers at Kalinka, "I think you need to be this high..." he holds up his hand around the top of his chest, "To get on that ride, Kalinka... Ride Armors are very dangerous, you could end up getting someone else, or even more importantly, yourself hurt. And I think poor Rick over there has enough of a headache with Jazz running around in his babies for now."

Rick Morgan groans audibly. "Ride armors aren't designed to double as pin balls...."

Zero smiles, "Wait a few years and I'll show you how to really make those things kick a little ***." he says with a wink, "Just don't tell Iris, knowing her she'd get jealous of you, even if you are a little girl, that woman drives me crazy sometimes."

Kalinka looks disappointed, "Couldn't they just stick a booster seat in one?"

Rick Morgan then breaks into another wide yawn, draping his hand with all the sensors and tubes attached to it over his chest.

Twila Peterson sits back within her seat, observing the two others before leaning over to whisper to her brother. You whisper 'You yawn too loudly and someone's going to stick a sock in your mouth. Getting a bit tired?' to Rick Morgan.

Kalinka says, "They did that for me when I couldn't quite reach the steering wheel of the bumper cars at the carnival." Kalinka blinks at what she just said and quickly corrects herself, "I mean...I know the difference between a bumper car and ride armor!!!"

Twila Peterson facepalms off the the side. Kids!

Rick Morgan mrphs, tilting his head to the side to listen to his sister's words, then breaking into a small smile, eyes half lidded. Rick Morgan whispers: 'Never thought talkin could take so much out of a guy...yeah, startin to get all wore out.'.

Zero awws and smiles at Kalinka and walks by her and gives her a little noogie, "Yeah, yeah. We'll see sooner or later." He looks over at Rick and nods to Twila. "Yeah, don't yawn to loud, makes people like me realize how late it is," he chuckles as he begins walking out. "I better go get to my chair before I zonk out. Don't wanna wake up in here and find out someone thought I needed some work and started muckin around inside me."

Kalinka facepalms herself. .oO(Woah...good going Kalinka. Next thing you know they'll be cracking jokes about it takes more than 25 cents to use the ride armor.)Oo.

Twila offers a smile before carefully hugging Rick's frame and then pulling back. "Could always hang a sign on you...'Do Not Disturb...'," she offers Zero in a slight tease.

Zero offers everyone a wave. "G'nite folks, thanks for the chat. I don't really get to have many opportunities to just cut back and talk, really helps me out sometimes." He chuckles at Twila's words, "Oh the guys -know- better than to wake me up... I -always- wake up on the wrong side of the bed... er chair."

Twila Peterson grins at that, not particularly doubting. "Night, Zero. Sleep well..."

Rick Morgan smirks tiredly, as he eases back on his bed, though not before returning Twila's embrace as much as he can. Finally, with a long sigh, he tilts his head to the side, offering a "See ya, Zero..." as he closes his eyes, letting his breathing grow that much more regular...

Kalinka waves to Zero. "Pleasant dreams!"

Twila Peterson turns then to make sure the blanket is pulled up to the mechanic's chin. "You too, Rick, kay?"

Zero nods and replies, "Ditto." to everyone in the room and then walks off, mind already slipping into thought of less pleasant things, knowing he's just going to have the same nightmare he has every night.

Rick Morgan gives a soft smile. "Will do, sis...." he mumbles, exhaling one last deep breath, before finally settling down. "Night..." he murmurs, as he slowly begins to drift off.

The girl bends and offers Rick's forehead a soft kiss. "You need anything you know where I can be reached. Night Rick. Sleep well."

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

Message: 10/30 Posted Author Amazing News! Sat Jan 15 Dr. Thomas Light ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hello, everyone! I have some exciting and wonderful news. As I always say, every cloud has a silver lining, and indeed one is shining down on the Maverick Hunters today! As most of you probably know, Rick Morgan was involved in a little.. accident in San Angeles that required an emergency blood transfusion from Twila Peterson. Rick is recovering well, I should note, but the really exciting discovery came when we examined both Rick and Twila's blood types." Dr. Light pauses a moment to grin, good lord, he just bubbles over with happiness. Enough to make you need an insulin shot sometimes. "It seems that Twila's search for her long-lost twin is over! I've gone over the tests several times, and there's no doubt... Rick and Twila are twins! Quite a surprise to both of them, so congratulate them but please remember that there's a lot of thinking and catching up they have to do. It's really quite amazing when you think about it. What are the chances, of the very Hunter who was helping Twila in her search turned out to be the result! "Oh, and Twila and Rick are also trying to uncover who their biological parents are. Apparently, there's been a little chicanery in covering up the birth records. Signal Shrike, if you have the time, I'd like you to use your expertise to assist them in uncovering what they can. I've spoken to a friend of mine on the UN's Justice Committee, and she's agreed to give us a temporary access code to access whatever networks you might need. In the meantime, congratulations to Rick and Twila!" ==============================================================================