Twi281b

Megaman - Wednesday, June 07, 2000, 11:08 PM --------------------------------------------

Twila Peterson edges into the medical center somewhat reluctantly, glancing about the room as she enters as if to make certain everything there is relatively back to normal. She releases a small sigh as she makes her way further in, reaching up to place her smock from where it had been discarded in order to put it within it's rightful place.

Rick Morgan has awakened since Twila left the room, and indeed, as she comes in, he's already sitting up, albeit with his back to entrance itself, as he keeps his hands resting on the edge of the bed at the same time.

Twila Peterson slows her pace as she glances over to her brothers bed and stands there for a full moment before moving forward, "Hey, Rick," she greets softly as she nears him. She's a tad more calm than she had been earlier...thanks to Rock's prodding. However, she yet remains somehow "unbalanced", something that perhaps her brother can easily pick up on....probably even more so when she suddenly wraps her arms around him within a warm hug without warning.

Rick Morgan glances up at the other voice, smiling faintly at first. "Hey Twila..." he starts, but indeed does suddenly lose the expression, as he clues in to the unbalancing. It's all the more confirmed for that fact as she suddenly embraces him, and automatically, his hands raise upwards to envelop her form back, holding her close.

"Twila...?" he says gently. "...what's wrong?"

Twila Peterson doesn't answer him for the longest time. Instead, she merely holds onto him, seeking the comfort only a big brother can give. When she does speak it's done after a steady breath is drawn. "In this room, earlier, three Stardroid's visited." She presses her lips together with a sigh. "One of them was the one they called Chaos."

Rick Morgan just blinks at that, and tilts his head to the side just enough to glance down at her. "Earlier...when I wasn't -in- here?" he asks.

Twila Peterson nods in response with her cheek unintentionally rubbing against the folds of his shirt. "Yeah. I was...I was tending to Dischord while talking with Noise when the room got dark. When Chaos showed he...reached out and began enveloping me. When Noise tried to protest..." Well, sure the reploid is fine *now*. But it was still horrible to watch. Her words trail off as she grasps her brother tighter...although still mindful of his injuries.

Rick Morgan stiffens visibly as he hears about Chaos and what he tried to do, his jaw setting hard in the process then as the realization sinks in that even if he was there...he likely would have ended up in the same situation as Noise had. "This..." he mutters. "...is startin to get...outta hand."

Twila Peterson's mouth goes a little dry. "Rick...I can't even remember some of what was said after...or why he and the two others with him were even here."

"Shhhh.." Rick says gently, turning his head to gently kiss the top of Twila's, one hand moving up to the back of her head in the process. "Don't worry about it...it sounds like you had a rough time...I'm just glad you're alright."

Twila Peterson rests there against her sibling, feeling herself slowly growing calm once more. More than likely Rick as well as Rock would be just about the only two the young woman would be able to be settled by in regards to this incident. Of course, it was her concern for her brother that drew her here within the first place actually. Otherwise, Twila may not have ventured to come back within the medical center any time soon at all. "He was cold, dark. All...I felt from him was hate. There wasn't anything else but. Rock, said something about Chaos being hate's...embodiment."

Rick Morgan sighs quietly. "I don't know much about the Stardroids...other than the few I've seen up close...closer than I'd ever care to again for that matter." He then gives a slight shrug, hand gently rubbing the back of Twila's shoulder in encouragement. "But yeah....I think I've heard of him."

Twila Peterson falls silent, lost within her musings. Some of what had happened remains a distilled image somehow. And part of her doesn't want to remember...even tho the other half does. Still best not to force herself right now. "Can only hope none of them will be heard back from anytime soon..."

Rick Morgan sighs. "Yeah, I hope so at any rate." He then shakes his head slowly, before pushing off from the seat, moving to stand up. "Look, let's get out of this room alright? I've been in here long enough..."

Twila Peterson loosens her hold she has on her brother before retrieving her his robe. "Thanks, Rick. Not sure what I'd do without you."

Rick Morgan proceeds to pull his shirt on that much more securely, giving a slight smirk. "That's what I'm here for huh?" he offers with a chuckle. Despite how close it was a couple days ago to the point that Twila might nOT have had him around.

Twila Peterson offers him a small, uneasy smile remembering that as well. "And you better be staying around for a long while too," she informs him, remembering all to well. "Where exactly did you want to go?"

Mercury is currently little more than a large puddle of a silver-ish liquid, which begins to seep underneath the door, navigating this floor of the Hunter headquarters as it has the others, as it searches for something... Not finding it, it begins to flow back out of the room, stopping as the Stardroid hears the voices. He flows back into the room, and then begins to rise, his liquid form becoming more solid and settling into his usual robotic form, whose eyes settle on Rick and Twila with a vague hint of amusement. He clears his throat quietly to draw attention to himself, while he studies the equipment and devices in the room with a disinterested look.

Mercury: This male robot is larger than average size, standing about 10 feet tall. His whole body has a flat matte finish, save for a single gleaming emerald jewel on a field of purple in the forehead of his green helmet. Two purple stripes start at the gem and continue diagonally across his helmet towards the back, beginning a row of three large spikes that decrease in size. The tallest adds a good 12 inches to his height. He has purple eyes, and his face usually wears a calm, flat expression. He has a silver collar piece on his chest, inset with a large purple grid. His upper chest armor, shoulders, hands and lower legs are the same verdent green as his helmet. His lower chest and lower arms are also purple. There is a yellow triangle on the front of each of his purple knee guards, and his waist is black.

Rick Morgan shrugs. "I dunno, anywhere but here for that matter." He reaches up to the bandage on his forehead...testing it's tenderness, which isn't so much now. But then, movement out of the corner of his eyes catches his attention, and indeed, as Mercury takes form, he blinks once, and takes a slow step back, actually pulling Twila with him as well.

Already being somewhat on edge, Twila overhears the clearing of the throat all to easily and jumps at the unexpected sound, already sounding off a small scream which ends within a startled yelp even as her sibling draws her with him. Hands reach for him as her form trembles slightly. Her last experience was anything other than pleasant. She doesn't want to even think what this fellow is here for. She opens her mouth to speak...but for the moment no words manage to come out...

Mercury takes a few steps towards Rick and Twila, and then continues walking, turning and leisurely strolling around the room, studying it's contents (including the form of Blues lying on the medtable, with more than just a passing interest), before coming to a halt in front of them, a few meters away. He starts speaking casually, as if this is something he does all the time, "Terribly sorry to drop in unannounced like this. I'm afraid it's necessary, though- I require a meeting with the one you call Rock." He clasps his hands behind his back, obviously expecting to see the Hunter Faction-head now..."

Rick Morgan keeps one hand out on Twila's form, as if slightly moving to ensure she stays a bit behind him at all times. So help it, he's overprotective in many ways...but that's just how he is. He narrows his eyes slightly at the question, surprised to find a Stardroid who actually -asks- right now. Though that certainly doesn't lower his guard down one little bit. "I'm not sure where he is right now...I think he was heading out for a bit..."

Twila Peterson hands clutch Rick's shirt a little more tighter as she somehow finds her voice. "H--he was," she informs him, stuttering. Rock was undoubtedly there at the labs a few hours ago. After all, Twila did spend some time with him. She would know. But where he is now? The young woman's not really sure. "I--If you want to leave a message for him..." Opps, wrong thing to say more than likely, considering how she knows some love to leave messages...

Mercury hrms, his facial expression not changing in the slightest, despite the disapproving sound he makes. He studies Rick carefully for a moment, and then allowing his gaze to shift to Twila, studying her for a longer period of time, and then commenting off-handily, "In that case, perhaps you could assist me instead." Despite how he phrased it, it was definitely more of a statement than a question, although his amiable manner is still maintained.

Rick Morgan twitches at the edge of his mouth slightly, though he keeps his expression as neutral as possible. Hand continues to stay up and keep Twila where she is, as he tilts his gaze enough to view the Stardroid carefully. "What is it you wanted?"

Twila Peterson .oO(Uh, oh...)Oo. "And how could you be helped?" she questions with uncertainty, looking the robotic individual over, taking in his person.

Mercury looks between Twila and Rick, regarding both carefully and addressing both of them at once. "I understand that you were paid a visit prior to this, by others of my kind. Your sister appears somewhat shaken by the experience, which is understandable." He pauses for a moment, and then continues with a confidant, appraising look at Rick. "And yes, I know who you are, Rick Morgan and Twila Peterson. It would be a difficult and time-consuming process to explain to you how I know in a fashion that you'd understand, so please don't ask." Of course, he 'conveniently' neglects to mention that he simply matched their faces up with a variety of pictures and data on them acquired from a variety of sources, which explains his 'omniscience', but anyways... "I require certain knowledge, which I believe that you can provide."

Rick Morgan again blinks, but keeps playing with it. If he stays like -this- then at least he's peaceful enough. Or so Rick would hope...it's difficult to judge. "Well...what is it you exactly want?" he grunts, not liking the implication of what happened to Twila before. He'd rather it if at least she were several hundred miles away from here right now as of this moment.

Well doesn't that make at least one of them much more relaxed? Not! However, just how the Stardroid came about the twin's identities happens to warrant the least amount of curiosity within Twila's own mind. Soon after Rick makes his inquiry the girl idly swings her gaze towards the direction of the room's other two patients before shifting her main focus on the visitor. "What knowledge?"

Mercury pauses for a moment, his mind working overtime as he reviews his options. There's actually a few different things that he'd like to ask the two of them, including what happened here earlier, but after assessing Twila again with a sort of clinical detachment, his doubts that her sanity would actually maintain long enough for him to learn anything of importance overrule it. He finally makes his decision, and offers what he assumes (after several weeks of practice) is a 'friendly' smile. "It will not require too much effort on your part. I simply require your memories and knowledge of the one you call Rock."

Rick Morgan blinks once, then again, and finally a third time, before actually lowering both hands to rest on his hips in a 'you've got to be kidding' gesture. "Is -that- all?" he grunts sarcastically. He just can't help it. "Sheesh! It's not like we keep it on backup around here or something. We can't go providing that sort of stuff!"

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: '(From the Command Center) Hey, where did everyone go? No one's around anywhere!'.

(Ch. B [GoodGuy-Central]) Michael Eildath transmits: '<shaken> Umm... just... just dealing with a Stardroid.'.

Twila Peterson widens her eyes quite a bit as the request sinks in. Uh...he wants *what*? She soon finds herself openly gaping at the Stardroid in disbelief, as if what in the heck ever would have prompted him to inquire of it. "Why would you even ask?" she questions. Some of her composure begins returning ever so if only due to a rush of anger.

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'There's more of them?! Where?'.

(Ch. B [GoodGuy-Central]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'The one with the horns... was just in Arizona.'.

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'Horns? I'm not familiar with that one. Have we seen it before this?'.

(Ch. B [GoodGuy-Central]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'I think so... I don't know the names though. Big bull-looking guy. He...he...closed the Grand Canyon.'.

Mercury remains impassive, although his smile fades away to a stern look as he studies Rick. "Why not? No matter; even if you don't possess backup copies, I can copy the information I require directly from the originals. It will only take a few moments, although you will suffer a period of slight disorientation." He peers at Twila, a little taken aback by her sudden flash of anger. "I-I cannot divulge that information. You are not ready for it at this time."

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: '*boggles* How do you close something like the Grand Canyon?'.

(Ch. B [GoodGuy-Central]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'I dunno... he started asking Noise'n me what we'd done to restore the balance to nature, then made a cage of stone around us...after the...interrogation...he reopened the canyon and let us go.'.

(Ch. B [Masters]) Noise transmits: 'That guy was HUGE!'.

Rick Morgan just blinks, and then frowns visibly. So what else is new? Not ready for this information, or not ready for that information. Finally, he just shakes his head slowly. "I'd go debating with you about how you types even claim it right to take that sort of knowledge from someone, but I think it'd get my nowhere fast." He then grunts again, as if waiting to see if the Stardroid will make any other demands.

The young woman swallows hard towards to the response given by the massive visitor, going slightly more pale. "What would happen if either of us refused?" she suddenly asks, hoping against hope that he doesn't give a version of "that option is not open".

Mercury shakes his head. "I do not intend to -take- the information from you. You will still retain your full memories and current level of knowledge. I merely require more information on one you call Rock, to be certain that he is the one." He frowns at Twila's question and his expression growing sterner, but instead of answering directly, offers, "In exchange for your cooperation, I will reward you with the answer to any ONE question that you desire, if it is within my ability to grant."

Noise walks in staring at his badly cut elbow and a few bruises on his back. "Man, today's been one heck of a day...first we get a visit from Mr. Shadow who kills me, then big hand brings me back, Zeros training, a bull the size of Wyoming closing the grand canyon. What next, I tell ya, it's all..." He eyes the visitor. "...crazy?"

Rick Morgan merely continues to stare, actually taking another step back, keeping Twila in his grip. "If it looks like we're going to have NO choice about this whatsoever..." he grunts... "...then take it from me. Leave Twila out of this."

Twila certainly doesn't like this one bit in the least. Although still shaken, her love and concern for Rock overrides much of her fear. But also does her love and concern for her brother as well. "But, Rick..." she begins to protest, horrified. However, mentally and emotionally she's still affected by the recent visit of this one's comrade...thus the words to do so adequately fail her.

Mercury shakes his head, ignoring Noise for now since he doesn't seem to pose a threat (and yes, he has noticed him, he's just got more pressing things to deal with at the moment). "I do not have that option. She has shared perhaps a closer association to Rock than any other. In fact, her memories are even more vital than yours, if anything. I am sorry, but I require her cooperation as well. The process will not bring harm to either of you, I assure you."

"And of Rock?" Twila states.

Noise blinks and watches before finally stepping forward beside the hunter and the civilian. "These guys are like roaches...you think you've seen one, but there's always more round the corner. No offense Mr. Jupiter or whatever planet ye are, I really don't wanna get wasted again, but yer frightening my new pals over there. You all speak in riddles. Balance this, balance that...but this equilibrium you keep refering to, I'm really rather curious. What do their memories of Mr. Megaman have to do with it?"

"NO!" Rick suddenly makes as an outburst. Perhaps not the smartest thing to do in the world, but he's beyond caring right now. "Look you...you probably know what just happened not all that long ago. And frankly I'm NOT gonna have you going through her mind especially now, or ever for that matter! You can't just go thinking you're some higher authority that can delve into people's thoughts at a whim or whatever the heck you want for that matter. But I suppose I'm talking to a brick wall about that in the end. Aren't I?" he grunts. Bitter? Oh yes. The whole time, he continues to keep a hand on Twila's form, making sure she's back. In fact, a second hand joins the first...

Noise steps in front of Rick, Reploids can be rebuilt...humans cannot.

Mercury eyes Twila, a look of understanding crossing his face, and he nods solemnly. "You have my word that Rock will not be harmed as a result of anything I learn, nor will the knowledge be used against in. In fact, it will either be used for his benefit, or not used at all, depending on what kind of understanding the knowledge allows me to come to." He remains silent during Noise's rambling and Rick's diatribe, although he rises to his full height, his manner definitely becoming colder. "I did not come here to fight or harm you, but if I must, know that I will not hesitate to do so. One way or another, I will have what I need, and then I will leave to continue my work. Although you refuse to believe it, I am acting in your best interests." Mercury of course doesn't mention that "their best interests" simply coincide with his for the moment...

"So what then?" Rick growls. "If I stand in the way, what then? You'll kill me? Break my bones? Throw me against a wall or something? Is that it?" Perhaps he isn't always defiant in such a way, but right now, when striking this close to home so to speak, he gets more than just defensive...

Twila Peterson shifts her glances towards the reploid...and then settles them on her brother, caught within a mental nightmare. There's no real way neither of them can discern whether or not the Stardroid is actually telling the truth regarding any of this. And for all she knows it's may be some ploy or trick. But no, Twila knows better. At Rick's outburst she shoves herself a step forward, fearful for his immediate safety. "Fine, alright?! Just don't hurt anyone!" she pleads almost desperately. "Do what you need to!"

Mercury stands there solidly at Rick's outburst, not rising to the bait or giving any answer, other than a cold "Do you really think you could stop me?" look. He shakes his head as Twila speaks and answers her, "I've told you; I have no intention of harming either of you. All I need is a few moments, and then it will be over with, and you will feel no different than you do at this exact moment."

Noise blinks and looks to Rick, they really could not do anything to stop him...and this one seemed sincere. If he wanted it, he would have shot Rick and him already...what's to stop him. Maybe...maybe he really did mean no harm. "Maybe if you could explain, Mr. Jupiter... as to *why* you want them?"

Mercury eyes Noise, and if it weren't for the fact that he's made out of metal, you'd swear you just saw a vein jump in his forehead. "I am NOT Jupiter. My name is Mercury, and I have already explained as best I can why I need them."

Despite his stated intentions the Stardroid did happen to say one way or another he will obtain what he needs. And that's enough to greatly concern Twila. She trusts the Stardroid as far as she can throw him. Besides...what's to stop another Stardroid asking for the same information who's not as "patient" as this fellow? Feeling almost as if she's somehow betraying Rock she once more tosses glances between both her sibling as well as their new friend, not really knowing if they have any true choice in the matter. "Do...what you need to," she repeats with reluctance her voice somewhat softer than it had been. Perhaps in a measure of defeat.

Rick Morgan's hands clench into tight fists, his teeth showing as his entire form goes completely rigid. He says nothing as Twila speaks her words, even moves forward to finally give her reluctant consent. Frustration builds within him, to the point of boiling over, building in the pot to a rushing state that threatens to burst loose....

And it does...

With that, Rick gives a tug back on Twila's arm, indeed interposing himself once more between Twila and the Stardroid, now glaring daggers.

"NO!" he calls again. "NO! I don't care...I don't care if they can move worlds, I don't care if they can rip things apart with a look. It's going to stop somewhere...and that's RIGHT HERE! No more kowtowing, bowing down, giving what they want! I'm not going to take it anymore!" His voice building to a shout that very well bounces off the walls around him, he leans forward to glare at Mercury and only Mercury.

"You're not...TOUCHING MY FAMILY!"

Noise blinks at Rick's outburst, then his eyes move over to the Stardroid. He puts a hand on Rick's shoulder and steps up beside his comrade. The reploid looks up to the divine being as well. "Umm...I think that Mr. Morgan would disagree despite Twila's consent Mr. Mercury. Now either leave or destroy us to get the memories, let's see just how pacifist you can be!"

Mercury turns to face Rick as he begins to yell in frustration, his face going entirely blank, devoid of any kind of expression or friendliness. One of his hands begins to raise into the distance between Rick and himself, pointing ominously at the human as a bright ball of energy flares into existence in his hand. He meets Rick's eyes with his own, his gaze flat and cold, as he inquires calmly, "Is that your final answer?"

Noise inches in a bit closer to overlap the gap between Rick and the Stardroid charging up the ball of energy.

Twila's eyes become huge orbs as the Stardroid does indeed make his threat just as she thought he would despite all his bold words. Adrenaline and raw anger pumps through her veins as she brushes aside through Rick, standing beside him, staring towards the unwelcomed intruder in utter disgust and defiance. "Kill him, kill either of them, and you'll have to kill me too. That would make your work a bit harder, wouldn't it? You wouldn't get my precious thoughts and memories *then*. So make your choice, Stardroid!"

Rick Morgan glares right back at Mercury, even as the energy ball forms itself. As Twila pushes up alongside him, every instinct says for him to push her away, somewhere where she'd be safe...to stand there and take whatever would be dished out and protect her.

But then what? He'd be incinerated where he stood....and what afterwards? She'd still be helpless to the Stardroid...she'd still be vulnerable to him. Anger, sorrow and frustration mix into one boiling soup...and all Rick can do is move his hand down to slip it around Twila's, and hold tight.

"I think you've got your answer." he says simply.

The younger of the two siblings grips Rick's hand tightly in return, perhaps within a silent message, feeling her eyes moisten...

Noise blinks, oO(Gah, did she just stake her life on my well being?)Oo A bit bewildered indeed, he shoots a quick glance at Twila. He had just met the Hunters only a few days ago, yet those few days have been so much as well. They have done so much for him, time to return the favor. "You heard Mr. Pete..err... Mr. Morgan, Mercury. So what will it be?"

Mercury listens to Twila's words, his head shifting to the side, but appears entirely unmoved as he waits for Rick's response. He watches Rick's next actions very carefully, taking in all of the raw emotions visible on his face as he makes his decision, and nods gravely at his answer. "Yes, I do." The ball of energy in his hand grows in intensity, and flares up...

A brilliant flash of light fills the room, and when it fades, Rick, Twila, and Noise stand there untouched, a pensive Mercury studying them thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on Rick for a few long, silent moments before coming to a decision of his own. "Thank you. You've given me what I came for." Which, apparently never really had anything to do with memories of Rock. "As I said, you are unharmed. Thank you for your cooperation." He turns slowly, and begins to walk towards the door, leaving a bewildered pair of humans and a reploid behind him, no doubt.

Rick Morgan winces and shuts his eyes as the flash is unleashed, fully expecting to feel the hot burn of an energy discharge to tear into him microseconds later...but then as a few moments pass...and nothing, he blinks and opens his eyes once more, staring ahead in confusion, and suddenly twisting his gaze to the side, finally noticing the Stardroid as he...makes his way out?

For a few more seconds...Rick continues to watch silently...not knowing what to think. And it's then that he realizes he forgot to keep breathing, finally letting out a shuddering gasp at the same time.

Twila is left facing forward towards the blank space where the intruder had once stood once she unshields her eyes with her free hand and they once more adjust to the lighting. She simply stands there...staring, breathing rather rapidly in contrast to her brother holding his own breath. A sob emits from the back of her throat and she practically throws herself against the cyborg's chest, allowing the proverbial dam to break. The evens of the past few hours have simply been too much for her to bear.

Noise sighs in relief, he swings his gaze left and right for anything damaged, or anyone. His visage resting on the two humans, reflexively, his drone emits a flood of red light that sweeps the two. The drone transmits any and all anomalies within their anatomy, so far nothing. He frowns at the thought of medical science being unable to even touch these divine concepts. "Are you two alright?" He shifts to Twila. "Physically..?" Noise's drone monitors the Stardroid a bit more. oO(Man, are they always this...this...argh...STARDROIDS!)Oo

Rick Morgan's form jerks back, straightening up as Twila practically throws herself to his chest, and he indeed wraps his own arms tightly around her, kissing the top of her head quickly before pressing his cheek there as well. "Yeah..." he finally offers after a long moment in answer to Noise, his form gently rocking his sister back and forth in his grip. "Bout as well as can be managed...." he then grunts, and closes his eyes. "...they keep pushing people around...one of these days, someone is going to push back. And alot harder than they'll have ever thought..."

After some heaving the girl clings all the more tighter to her sibling, just holding onto him as, of right at this moment, he happens to her only anchor. "Why are they doing this?" her voice chokes.

Noise shrugs. "Some people are just %$##@&^."

Rick Morgan just gives a long sigh, and gently pats Twila's back with one hand, keeping his eyes closed for the moment. "It's cause they think they're all powerful, and can do what they want. Rather than use their strength to help people out...they're caught up in their own desires. I don't think they've ever HAD someone to put them in their place...." he sighs once more, letting it trail like that, before adding, "Classic bullies..."

============================== Maverick Hunter =============================== Message: 10/41 Posted Author The Stardroids Thu Jun 08 Zero ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <*> The Hunter Insignia vanishes, giving way to the crimson helmed visage of Zero. He doesn't seem angry, nor does he seem happy. In fact, his expression is disturbingly neutral. <*>

"To all Hunters. I've mentioned this once before, but I'm gonna do it again. With the increase in Stardroid activity, I, myself, am issuing a single order for all Hunters, regardless of squadron or function. We are now in a state of emergency and, at all times, are to remain alert. All Hunters are to be considered on-duty for now, considering that these self-proclaimed gods have no apparant schedule for making life unpleasent."

He pauses, shakes his head and continues.

"However, you are not to engage them nor threaten them in any way. I've heard enough of our people stating how they keep getting annihilated 'cause they can't keep their traps shut. /I/ wanna kick them and the horse they rode in on back to whatever God forsaken planet that they hail from just as badly as the rest of you, but this isn't Sigma or even King. Until Rock gives the word otherwise, we're all just gonna sit tight and keep them from destroying anything if we possibly can. If anybody has any problem with these orders, come see me. I'll be /glaaaaaad/ to talk it over with you. Zero, out."

<*> He reaches down and taps a button, the screen shifting to black rather abruptly. The darkness is then replaced by the Hunter Insignia. <*> ==============================================================================