Megaman - Monday, June 26, 2000, 2:21 PM

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Cairo - Cultural District Proud of its heritage of being one of the first seats of human civilization, Egypt has funnelled substantial money into making Cairo one of the foremost centers for archaelogical and historical studies in the world. From the famed National Museums for Egyptian Artifacts to the University of Cairo, the sentiment in this part of the city is academic. Ergo, due to the number of students and academic professionals in this district, some of the best coffee shops can be found here, alongside massive museums housing ancient artifacts. Despite being a bustling metropolis, this part of Cairo is rather quiet, seeing as most of the students who attend the universities live in other parts of the city.

Heading down the street from the other direction is someone with face that might be halfway familiar . . . but no, this person is /completely/ male. He pauses by a booth, staring thoughtfully down at the assorted painted wood trinkets.

Twila Peterson isn't that far away from the disguised Master, and quite frankly isn't even aware that he's here. Why should she? Although, as always when she's out anymore, she does maintain a level of alertness. Currently she's overlooking some Egyptian pots, doing as far as to kneel down to inspect one in particular. The owner of the booth, a aged man somewhere within his early seventies, watches her with a smile. "Pretty pot for a pretty lady?" he asks hopefully. "Original design and hand-crafted by myself. Was a trade passed down from my father...who learned from his own father. Very traditional."

The girl looks back up at him and smiles politely. "I'm just looking right now, thanks. But it is nice work." He blinks in . . . . surprise? In either case, the young man, who despite the heat is primarily dressed in black . . . proving, in a way, that he is indeed an android, turns to look over at the source of the voices. With a faint smile, and an admiring glance at Twila, he turns back to the wooden trinkets, picking one for purchase and working to quickly finish the deal with the stall owner. "Thank you muchly," the old man replies, shiftly himself within his seat and adjusting his robs.. "You are American?" he questions.

"Actually, yes I am," the young woman replies with a smile. "It shows?"

"Indeed," the tender answers with a nod. "Manner of speech and clothes. Most world advanced...like America...but Cairo different. We hold on to tradition and old ways. It's very good to be here," he rambles. "Other places good. But home is home. So...you like pot?"

His transaction done in the time it took the other two to speak, the young android turns to watch this transaction, smiling faintly as he watches a pro salesman ease Twila towards buying the pot. Twila Peterson pauses somewhat before answering. "Well, it is a lovely little thing. How much for it?"

The old man beams happily. A sale! "For anyone else I ask 30 Zenny. But since you are such a lovely young lady, I ask for only 22 Zenny, and I give you an extra gift besides for incense. That nice, no?"

Ah. so that's what it was...an incense burner. Twila smiles with a nod and digs into her purse fore the currency, which the old rises to accept. "It was nice meeting you," she tells him as she takes the ware as well as the bagged powder.

The man bows in respect. "And nice meeting you, young lady. May Allah guide your steps..." he bids before once more sittiong down, waiting for the next passerby.

The young woman offers him a small nod and starts walking away with her new prize in hand...

With a chuckle, he begins to clap, applauding the deal done . . . . and he's rather noticible, as he's directly across from the booth. "Very nicely done, very nicely done."

Twila Peterson glances up to peer towards the one patron who seemed to be watching the transaction with a blink. He looks somewhat familiar...but she doesn't recall from where. "Do I know you, Sir?" she questions politely.

Meanwhile the older man tosses the intruder a snort as he continues sitting within his booth, not caring for his tone. "That one not good," he mumbles as he begins arranging his wares with a sigh. Swing skips along the periphery of the area, slipping about the various cafes and vendors.

He gives Twila a smile, and a courteous bow. "Oh, I don't believe so, Miss. And I must applaud both your good taste . . . " He turns towards the old man, and gives him an equally polite bow. " . . . and your skill in crafting your wares, sir."

Twila Peterson shifts her weight slightly. "Thanks..." .oO(I think?)Oo. "Do you usually give such commentary to strangers?"

The old man continues to ignore the android as his arthritic hands go about rearranging his wares. It's not long after another customer comes to call. But he keeps an eye on the darkly dressed mech...not trusting him in the slightest.

Swing continues along the area, hearing this and that with his sensors, continuing to keep his low profile.

Swing: The dark colors of black, gray and brown run amuck in this getup. Swing wears a black turtleneck, sleeves pushed up, exposing the thick corded muscles of his arms. His brown felt pants speak of warmth, cut tight against his legs. A pair of full-laced black leather boots and a silver earring of the Dragonfire squad add a hint of sparkle to this otherwise mute outfit. Swing's blue hair is down, flowing over his shoulders and face. Outside, Swing also wears a thickened black barn jacket, fringed in brown felt.

His smile fades somewhat, but his expression remains polite. "I'm afraid I do so only when they're as beautiful as you are . . . " He abruptly looks embarrassed, and glances off to one side. "I beg your forgiveness, I should not have said that." For the most part, he ignores the old man in the way people do when they're trying to be polite.

Twila Peterson ers and blinks. That comment managed to snare some of the attentions of those venors, as well as their patrons, who happen to be listening nearby. To save herself some embarrassment she walks across the tiny street, eyeing the android with a stare. "You certainly have a way of trying to pick up someone. Uh...not to disappoint you but...I'm not available..." she says in a lower voice, so as not to cause a scene of some sort.

Plant Man: First and foremost, this is /not/ Plant Man. There might be a faint resemblance in height and some of the facial structure, but this is not /Plant Man/ . . . . he does bear a resemblance to Petunia, though . . . possibly a sibling? It may just be his slightly feminine good looks that cause that impresion, though. This young bishonen android is dressed simply, possibly to avoid attracting the eye to the clothes and not the face. Black combat boots, slacks, and poet's shirt make up the majority of the outfit, the sole spotes of color being the crimson vest and the leather strap that has been used to tie his long back hair at the scruff of his neck.

Swing moves along the area, noting this and that as he offhandedly listens to Twila converse with he stranger she chats with. His sensors buzz slightly, which gives him a moment of trepidation. Must be the heat. Or maybe sand in the sensors. Yeah, that's gotta be it.

He gives Twila a sheepish grin, and replies in a voice low enough to make his words unclear to anyone but her. "I do apologize, then. But might I not enjoy your company as long as you allow me? I ask nothing more."

*ka... chung...* *ka... chung...* *ka... CHUNG...* *KA... CHUNG...*

As the dry air of Cairo swelters from the heat, the sounds of a large mechanical beast begin to echo through the streets. Over the horizon, distorted slightly by the heat waves, is the large purple form of Goliath, and it's coincidentally headed towards the group. His own sensors going off on Goliath, as a malicious smirk snakes it's way across the dark ones features beneath the confines of his iron mask, "How... interesting..." he quips to himself as he continues to push Goliath forward, pausing a bit and then adding to himself once more, "How interesting indeed..."

Swing's audials perk at the slight shift in crowd movement, and then feels the not-so-subtle tremors on the ground. He swallows once, as if trying to deny reality, then checks his systems again. Not good, not good at all.

Twila seems a bit uncertain of the young android's offer since she has no idea who he is. She turns the newly bought pot within her hands. She tilts her head to the side pondering. "So...what's your name?" she asks. The girl then becoms slightly distracted as some of the patrons only a few blocks away start becoming more agitated for some reason. The lifestock does as well. Startled shrieks sound where the various chickens as well as goats are kept while their owners do what they can to calm them.

He glances over at the upset a bit away, obviously confused . . . but returns his attention to Twila. "I am Paul, Miss . . . . ?" A particularly loud shriek from the livestock commotion snags his attention, causing him to stare in that direction.

"Uh...Aliene..." Twila, states, using her middle name instead of her first. Her gaze is drawn back towards the disturbance as she notices human, android, and reploid kind scramble up ahead as if trying to flee something...or someone...although the crowd hides just what it is just yet. While some of the vendors can be seen trying to gather up what they can in a sudden fury, others ponder staying with their wear...regardless. "I don't like this..."

The old man Twila had visited stands up from his seat to peer towards the disturbance as well. "May Allah have mercy," he breaths as he watches.

Vile continues to press forward in Goliath, until he catches sight of one Miss Peterson and one stranger. His curiosity perks as he brings Goliath within a few meters of the two. He stands up within Goliath's cockpit and chuckles, "Greetings Miss Peterson, quite intriguing to see you in a place such as this, tell me, what brings you here, away from your usual parade of bodyguards and security? Did your beloved X finally let you off of your leash?" a grating and hateful chuckle escapes his mouth after his words, as he bores his single eye into Twila's, regarding her with a sharp look of disgust and hatred beneath his shadowy mask.

Paul scowls, barely noticing Twila's reply as he peers intently over in the direction of the disturbance, and then stares at the ride armor when it finally arrives. "I think we had better vacate premises, Miss Aliene . . . . " He eyes the pilot of the Ride armor with barely concealed annoyance.

Swing can now no longer deny who has broached the area. Fumbling for his radio, he finds for the moment that he can't risk the tranmission. Moving through the crowd, he considers just revealing himself, given previous encounters with his estranged sibling. He makes his way slowly towards the group to discern what the Maverick XO's designs are for this visit.

Vile turns his attention to "Paul" and chuckles briefly before saying sharply, "I think not. Miss Peterson will be staying right where she is until she answers my questions, and if you wish to try otherwise, I shall see to it that your life is vacated from your body." He snorts as well as he finally turns back to Twila, "Now then, Miss Peterson, the answer."

Well, now...isn't that quite a greeting? As Vile draws ever closer the activity speeds, and soon over half the marketplace hurries to empty itself from it's masses. However, it's almost as if the ride armor, which catches Twila off guard as soon as it's seen pays the crowds little attention as they scramble. The only reason why she hasn't joined them by the time Vile reaches her is she suddenly finds it difficult for her legs to move. She peers back towards the armor's rider, catching her breath. "I--I think that's a good idea..." she informs Paul even as she backs a step away. "I don't think that's any of your business," she tells Vile straight out."

Paul /glares/ at Vile. "If she does not wish to speak to you, then she does not wish to speak to you."

Vile chuckles at Twila's reaction, "Indeed?" he inquires as suddenly his form is enveloped in a bright yellow aura, as he begins to disappear, only to phaseslide right next to Twila, his form remateralizing as his 'shadows' catch up with him and his body flashes a bright yellow. He reaches out with his hand and grabs a hold of Twila's shoulder, as he leans his head in next to her ear, "You should consider yourself I don't just merely make you another victim, I could easily do so..." He chuckles softly as he leaves his head near Twila's as he wraps his other arm around her. "Now then, you can answer the question, or I can kill you right now. The choice is yours, dear Miss Peterson." He switches his tone into one of sarcastic remorse, "And poor X, I would hate to see him cry over the loss of his oh so precious flesh slave."

Paul jumps at Vile's abrupt re-appearance . . . and his gaze grows dark at Vile's action. Unheeding of his own safety, Paul does a stupid, and grabs onto Vile's shoulder. "Let her go."

Swing watches Vile descend from the armor, and then make his actions upon Twila. Sparks begins to crackle off his form as his hair begins to statically lift into the air. "She said..." he starts confidently, suddenly losing his voice. "She said it was none of your business." he chokes out, the crowd parting away from him.

Twila Peterson swallows rather hard as the wayward reploid reappears only to latch onto her a bit. She's faced the threat of death before by others and doesn't find it something entirely new. But, if anything, she's learned that it may be best to simply answer the questions as she can and hope there's a way to find her way out of this soon after. She's done it before. Hopefully it can be done again. "Out shopping...and I felt like seeing Egypt. Happy?" she grates.

Vile lashes out with his other arm and slaps "Paul" back away from him. "Do that again and I will have Goliath make short order of your flesh," he snorts. As he looks back over to Twila, "Now then, as I was sa...." he looks up at Swing's demands and chuckles, as he tightens his grip on Twila. "Well... if it isn't my dearest... brother," he chuckles darkly. "I knew you would be here sooner or later, I'm quite proud of you, you didn't sit in fear and whine to yourself for hours in hiding before coming to face me." he chuckles again. "Come then, brother, if you want to save this worthless carbon, then come do it."

Vile then chuckles at Twila, "Shopping? A predictable response, from such a simple creature as yourself," He shoves Twila to the ground, as he stands over her, as his single eye flares as he stares at his brother. "Come, brother, come and face your fears finally, know who I am, and know what you too shall one day become," he chuckles, "Once our dear father meets his unfortunate demise, you will have no one else to turn to me, only me. You will come to me, and you will stand beside me, as rulers of this world, once the flesh has been purged from it."

Paul oofs as he gets knocked aside . . . . but keeps his balance. He mutters something softly into a radio, biting off short replies before pulling a slim, razor-edged whip from a plastic pouch at his side. "Let. Her. Go."

In a blast of static energy, Jake Gershwin morphs into the powerized Maverick Hunter, Swing! Swing takes a deep breath as his armor folds over his form, clutching his hands a few time to reassure himself as he wills himself to take another step. His processor tries to reinforce the command by repeating the fact that someone is in danger.

By now Twila's skin has somewhat paled several shades she flickers a helpless glance between "Paul" and then to the arriving Hunter, moments before she finds herself shoved harshly towards the stand. She attempt to bush herself up while spitting out the dirt that made hits way into her mouth. After managing halfway she proceeds to whipe her arm across her lips, trying to figure out just what she would do. "If you wanted me dead you should have done it six years ago, and let the Maverick have is way," she blurts out after gaining a breath.

Vendors and patrons of the marketplace greet the arriving Masters and Wily alike scatter from the site of the Maverick XO as he stands over a certain redheaded human as he tries to goad his brother Swing.

Vile stares down at Twila. "I know all about that, dearest Twila. And I myself would have gladly done the same in the situation." He reaches down and grabs her by the arm, yanking her back up into his clutches. He turns his face back to her ear once more as he says, "I did enjoy watching your cries of pain as you watched your friends and family be slaughtered in front of your eyes. It made it quite worth it to let you live. Just to know that you would suffer for so long afterwards. How does the pain feel? How does it feel to hurt?" he chuckles darkly. "If I have my way, you will die soon enough, Miss Peterson, and so will your beloved X."

Paul (AKA, Plant Man) warily moves to place himself out of the way of the approaching RMs. He visibly winces, and shakes his head at Twila's words. He glances over at the approaching source of noise, and with a faint smile, turns his attention towards Vile.

Swing's systems spark - not from power boosting, but a short in his systems as Vile verbally abuses Twila. "That's enough, Vile!" he screams, though he can't bring himself to actually raise a weapon towards his depraved brother. His weapons rest at their sides, while Swing struggles to take another step forward.

Another group of people do not scatter as the crowd disperses... Before a group of call Androids there stands a wizened old man... stands before them, a soft cackle rising from him as his eyes narrow at the scene. This is Dr. Wily... come on cue it seems... Behind him stand several of his Robot Masters... A harsh voice rings out. "Well well... it seems like the party is just beginning..."

Crash Man is hanging around the (not-so) good Doctor, actually. His arms are folded over his chest, giving him a tough look. As one of Wily's cronies, he ought to be.

"Never," the girl snarls rather angrily even as the grip tightens on her arm. "You weren't then what you are now...no matter how much you try to convince anyone otherwise." Twila then shuts her mouth to hold in a wince of pain, not wanting to give Vile any weapons to work with...although she may have inadvertently done so already.

Vile laughs horrifically at his brother's reaction, "How pitiful, you can't even bring yourself to do more than yell simple commands at me in the face of your 'friend' being in grave danger. A pity, that she will die, thanks to your own fear. A true pity indeed." he digs his grip into Twila's arms, intending to cause more than just a slight in comfort for her, as he continues to hold her near him, "Come on... brother. Come look at your brother in the face, stand in the way between death and life for this pathetic carbon. Show me you are truely my brother, and not a pathetic fool like our father."

Ballade glances back as he hears the voice. The old man came? Grah. Darn fool. No sponge bath for him tonight. This is gonna make things more complicated. Leaping off the roof, the elite lands in front of the doctor and the other masters one knee. Ballade's eyes focus directly on Vile. "Kill the woman, already. Then you are mine."

Search Man hmms at the radios, "...well, well well.." "We have incoming."

Dr. Wily watches with interest... a chuckle rising from him as he notes the target of Vile's attentions... "Ahh... Twila... Interesting indeed..."

Paul shows no reaction at the Darlin' Doc's arrival, still frowning at Vile . . . .

Swing grits his teeth, taking each shot as Vile pours it on. He tries once to reach across his body to his baton, but fails to do so, his arm sparking, as if his systems lack the drive to strike at Vile. He lowers his head, not able to respond to the challenge.

Dr. Wily leans on his cane... watching the show with a smirk... a hand slipping into one of his Labcoat pockets.

Twila Peterson arubtly turns away from the sight of the reploid, not really paying much attention to anything else now. The stress of the hold is already causing a strong strain against the muscles, ligaments, and tendons within arm, already causing the intended damage. And should the hold grow stronger it will cause a bit much stress against her bones. She grits her teeth, now just trying to steady her breath between the pain.

Vile snorts as he throws Twila aside once more, right into Paul intending to topple them both over, "Useless flesh." he snorts as he raises his arm, summoning Goliath towards him. He blinks inside of it's cockpit and begins to walk towards Swing. He looks down at his brother and snarls, "No weakling deserves to be my brother." he says in a harsh tone, "So you too must be destroyed."

Sakugarne continues its leaps, bringing its small partner toward the mad Doctor, his face remaining completely emotionless in his travels. "Doctor," he begins, Sakugarne still hopping to avoid tumbling to the ground, "I shall remain here to protect you; you are threatened of attack, they will be answered to me." Don't we just love Quint's new attitude. Well, too bad! Don't expect it for long! BWAHAHAHAHAHA! A soft smirks forms across his face, focussing his optics on Vile. "Vile," he muses, Sakugarne's leaps growing higher with each bounce, "ours for the taking. Pity: a waste of good metal."

Paul catches Twila neatly, barely managing to brace himself for the weight of her arrival . .. . and courteously places her behind him once she's regained her balance.

Dr. Wily shakes his head slowly... leaning on his cane as he watches the little confrontation ensuing before him. He has little care for his own safety, the Robots will protect him. He should have probably brought the shuttle, but this was to much fun to pass up. The Not-so-Good Doctor arches the WilyBrow (tm) as he watches and listens to the little scene.

Repliforce Hoverbike <Alpha> slowly enters the area as the crowds begin to enlarge in masses about the sight ahead of the. Pulling off to the side of the street, the hoverbike comes to a complete stop and parks nearby. Interested in seeing what all the fuss is about, the hoverbike's rider, The Colonel hops off and straightens his sports coat. Fixing his sunglasses slightly, the Repliforce XO gazes over towards the center of the complex since he does have the advantages of height and sight. Unfortunately, Colonel discovers something that he wishes he had not and lowers his eyes, "Vile.. What in blazes would he be doing here?"

Colonel proceeds to enter the fray of people and begin making his way towards the front of the crowd. Little did he come to realize that the Maverick Lieutenant had a hostage.. Colonel has arrived.

Swing's sensors begin to spark. The pounding of Goliath's feet sound like they are inside his head. As the armor approaches him he manages to stagger back a step, and look up at the pilot. "Stay..." he starts. "No..." he almost protests, trying to get his form battle ready.

Vile doesn't bother to turn his attention from staring at swing to address the others, "This place is of no concern to the rest of you, Robot Master and Repliforce alike, this is a matter of... *chuckle* family." He raises his tone once more and chuckles again, "And I highly doubt that you would want to jeopardize our cease fire, Robot Masters, for you cannot afford another enemy, especially the Maverick Empire. So leave me be, unless you wish to incur the wrath of Sigma himself."

Twila Peterson lets out a strangled yelp just as she's tossed away as if she were so much trash. If not for the android's interference she would have ended up sprawled once more on the ground. As she's set on her feet she leans against "Paul" for support while clutching her arm, trying to ingore the damage done...

Ballade hrmphs at Vile. Igniting his Dash Jets, he leaps up ontop of a building, watching the proceedings, and keeping an eye on any one who might be a threat towards Wily.

Barrage Grasshopper careens towards the current locale of amassed goonies and baddies and coolies and stupidities.. yeah. Anywho. He comes barreling in, his optics peeled to pick out and analyze the current situation, a dozen or so of his little plagued buddies taggin' along. "Vile said after the battle we can grab a bite to eat! C'mon! Maybe over dinner we can make our proposition!"

Dr. Wily chuckles deeply, regarding Vile levelly. "Oh... We would do nothing of the sort, Vile. We are simply here to... pick up some... fruit." Wily's eyes turn slowly to 'Paul' then the woman who stands behind him, then he turns his gaze back to Vile. "I wouldn't interfere in such... personal... matters."

Bratwurst Beetle vrooms in, closely after the inverted heels of Mr. Barrage. Crash Man sniggers, and leans over to Quint. "Get it? Fruit? Hahaha, it's killer."

Vile snorts, "How... sincere your words are, Doctor." He continues to stare down at Swing and snarls, "Now, are you going to stand against me, or with me, dear brother, for I shall not grant you mercy again after this moment." He stares hard at his brother through his single eye, awaiting his response.

Still keeping a wary eye on Vile, Paul begins to calmly herd Twila away from the main fight . . . well aware that this is going to get him into trouble later. With a mental shrug, he continues with the effort of getting Miss Twila out of the immediate striking zone of this developing situation.

Twila Peterson feels the swelling already well underneath her hand as she's moved. And she does so without much protest. However, she happens to toss Swing a worried glance and as she watches the confrontation. "Swing..." she whispers, feareful for him...but not knowing what she can do for him right about now.

"The wrath of Sigma," Quint says, upon chuckling a deep, evil laugh, "is no greater than the wrath of a drenched apple. We fear it not, nor do we fear the likes of you."

Speak for yourself, Quint!

He leaps off his prized scarlet weapon, wrapping his arms behind his back as he offers Vile a cold glance. "And family, you say? Your 'family matter' erupting before us is a petty squavel; a childish argument; useless." He raises a hand as Crash Man leans over toward him. "Silent, Crash Man...Silent." He shakes his head, examining Vile a little more. "You, a Reploid of pure might, are the last one I expected to see in such a foolish engagement..."

Man, that was dumb of Quint. Oh yeah.

Swing takes another step back, systems sparking like mad. Does'nt seem like he's got a lot of control, but something still clings to the Hunter's ability. "I'll never join you." he tightens his face up, grabbing at what resolve he has, a tear of fluid bursting from the side of his right eye. "And you know it."

Dr. Wily looks to Bratwurst and Barrage as the arrive... his smirk broadening. His voice is low. "Such... Pathetic rabble... No wonder the Mavericks are declining... Look what they are recruiting?" Wily then darts a glance to Quint... the attitude is good... but the timing is horrible. Wily brings his cane around and bonks Quint on the head. "Silence, Quint! Let them play." Wily cackles softly...

With a swift raise of his arm, followed by an evens swifter drop of it, Quint mindlessly smacks Crash Man upside the head for laughing. "Sorry, Doctor. Are you sure you want to...leave them?"

Paul notes this display of rampant poor timing on Quint's part . . . . and with a sigh, abruptly picks up Twila and dashes off to the outskirts of the marketplace . . . . roughly where Colonel is, actually. He sets her on her feet there, and turns to keep an eye on the fight.

Vile's patience finally gives out as he turns his gaze towards the others, "Your petty insults mean little to me, and less to the Mavericks. Especially coming from a pathetic group lead by a sniveling pile of flesh who can't even control his own body anymore." he chuckles darkly, "Your faction is nothing more than a joke, but no one is laughing anymore. Your unwanted, obsolete, no one fears you, no one ever shall, a pity that you shall all die in ignorance, without any remorse from either side."

"HEY!" Crash Man interjects upon Vile's put-down of Wily. "Nobody talks that way 'bout pops! Take it back, ya crackerhead."

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Anyone currently tuned in....there's a bad situation in Cairo involving a fair number of Masters as well as Mavericks. Swing's currently confronting Vile. Assistance needed.'.

Twila Peterson closes her eyes as she's carried to safety. But her thoughts are elsewhere. Releasing her are after being set down once more she fingers for the radio on her belt...

Dr. Wily nods to Quint. "For now... Quint. We simply watch for now... the Truce is still on." Wily then snaps his gaze to Vile... his eyes narrowing in anger. "Watch what you say, Vile... You know little, construct. I could take you apart and rebuild you into a Waste Extracting Unit!" Wily slams his cane down hard. "As for obsolete... I think not... You are the one who is Obsolete, Vile! Return to your family business before I forget the Truce and have my Robot Masters tear you and your friends to shreads."

Colonel continues to make his way to the front of the crowd only to see Twila get tossed from beneath Vile's iron boot. This angers the Repliforcer and glances over at where Twila was thrown, but seeing her being taken to safety by a civilian eases his worries. From beneath his sunglasses, Colonel continues to watch the events as they progress, not wanting to make his presence known unless under dire circumstances. Though he does turn s gaze towards the Maverick Hunter facing Vile, and expresses a concerned look about his face. "Maverick Hunter Swing, what in blazes?" The Repliforce XO mutters quietly to himself, but thinks: .oO(Steady Colonel.. Do not make your presence known.)Oo. Colonel continues to wait and watch what happens.

Swing's falters slightly as Vile's attention is turned elsewhere. A cursory scan to check on Twila also reveals to him a host of armed units in the area. Getting his focus torn off his one true fear allows him to get his hand upon the nightstick at his side. Still, he stays rooted to the spot in front of the Goliath, a small stature indeed by comparison.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'Eh? The heck's going on? *yawn* *mutter* I heard something about Vile..'.

Barrage Grasshopper deftly snaps about at the bellowing decree of his big bro, getting clobbered in the chest with a hastily concocted meat by product slipped between two halves of what Ethiopians refer to as bread, but most refer to as 'Yeah! What's that smell?!' He shakes his head in a greedy predatorily fashion and scars down the meal procured before him, gone in a few bites. His pulls up his non-existence sleeve, toots on his non-existent pipe, and arrrrrghs! *toot toot! Popeye the sailor man..*

Crash Man folds his arms over his chest-plate again, giving the Reploids a hellacious sneer. It doesn't get more simpler than that, folks.

(Ch. B [Dragonfury-XO]) Auto transmits: 'Wha? What's going on in Cairo?'.

(Ch. B [Repli-Hunter]) Iris transmits: 'Are you okay, Twila? I owe Vile a good smack upside the head. If he's mistreating you then I have a reason.'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'And so do I. Not that I haven't enough already.'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Come again? You guys are what in Cairo?'.

Paul watches the developments back at the fight with an expression of faint disgust . . . all the whiles, keeping a wary eye on Twila, watching out for her welfare. Huh?

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'He's here in Cairo confronting Swing here in the marketplace. Other Masters and Mavericks are nearby. And we need *help*.'.

Centaur Man trots over to join his fellow Robot Masters, eyeing the Mavericks and their war machine warily. He idly rubs his cannon arm, making sure it's all waxed up and looking good for any necessary smiting. "I have arrived to assist the herd, mighty herdleader," he says, kneeling down on one leg before the Doc.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'Well then, I'm on my way. Why /am/ I always covering for Rock, anyway? bah!'.

(Ch. B [Repli-Hunter]) Iris transmits: 'I'll bring Vanguard. Near Cairo is where I saw the---nevermind.'.

(Ch. B [Dragonfury-XO]) Auto transmits: 'Saw the what?'.

(Ch. B [Repli-Hunter]) Iris transmits: 'Nothin.'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'Remind me to talk to you later, Iris. ...Again.'.

Quint shakes his head, spitting a glob of mech-fluid on the ground before him. "Vile," he says, the steady calmness begining to slip from his voice; he seems to be reverting back to his standard personality, unable to hold it in any longer. "You have crossed the line. To begin with, I believe that you wear that tin can helmet of yours to merely bag your face; it must be less pleasant to look at than Dr. Light's big ol' butt! And another thing, do you really need that Ride Armor? It looks like something out of a dumpster. "And," he says, his grim smile stretching into a cold smirk. "Our leader does not resemble the mascot of a 20th century cleaning product." Quint must be dumb today. Mmm-hmm.

Barrage Grasshopper coughs at that one.

Vile snaps his gaze back at Swing and chuckles, "Well now, the little baby has finally reached for his rattle, are you going to strike me, Swing? Then do so, I do hate long waits." he just continues to ignore the Robot Masters, hoping that the Mavericks he called in go about shutting their collective mouths as he continues to berate Swing.

Perhaps in a different time, Bit would enjoy being in this hot and dusty city. The humans had culture here at one time in the past. The city's museums would keep Bit entertained for days. Today, however, Bit is here for backup. Speeding towards the Maverick signal, Bit is now on the scene.

Dr. Wily looks back to his men, smirking, then brings up his radio once more

Twila Peterson presses her lips together, hating Vile even more so now than she had earlier simply for what he's doing to poor Swing. "Hang on," the girl pleads softly as she once more replaces the radio to cradle her injury.

Swing tries to shrug off the insult, but he can't help but look at his weapon the same way Vile portrayed it - what good is it against Vile? - he looks back up at Vile. "I think it's time you left." he tries to eek out, the trail end of his sentence barely a whisper.

"Y'know, pops.." Crash Man begins to analyze, "This reminds me of onna dem day-time shows on the holo-vid. Only, this version's don't got Calculon. I like Calculon. He's a mech's mech."

Paul glances over at Twila when she speaks . . . albeit too softly for him to hear. "Miss . . . isn't there somewhere I could take you, somewhere safer than here?"

Hovercar kicks up dust as it skims the streets of the desert city, its driver listening to reports of hostile presence in Cairo. Time to represent the United Nations abroad. Whoopity fooking doo.

Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> creaks slightly in response to Vile's commands as he stares down at Swing and lunges one of it's large spiked hands at him forcefully, "I think not." he snorts, as he finally takes a strike at his brother. "Today is the last day of your current life," he snarls. "Whether or not you live till tomorrow to start a new one, is up to you."

Twila Peterson stands near Colonel as well as an unknown civilian known as Paul (actually Plant Man) as they watch the growing confrontation. "Even if there's nothing I can do...can't leave Swing here alone...especially with this rabble."

Crash Man blinks for a moment, "Oh! Pops! I forgot." The Robo-Master yanks out a copy of Secret Plot, and offers it up to Wily. "I picked this up when I went s'plorin' this morning."

Crash Man erks, "That's gotta hurt."

Barrage Grasshopper licks his forelimbs clean as the burger trundles down his tubes and into his belly, only to be redistributed in about fourty eight hours from now in a corrosive substance. He smiles at the relative taste of the meal, blissfully serene. But, just as soon as that happens, Goliath dashes straight over him, causing him to wail up into the fetal position in fear, "GET AWAY! ACK! I DIDN'T MEAN IT!"

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> moves in from the south, striding into the 'troubled' area. Its pilot, however, is concerned about something else...For now, she tries to located Twila.

Dr. Wily watches, smirking as he leans on his cane, fingering a button on the comm unit... ready to call in backup if need be... Special backup... His eyes move to the slowly about... studying the arrivals. He watches with a bit of enjoyment as Goliath impales Swing on its spikes, chuckling softly.

Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> buries it's spikes deep into Swing's armor as Vile pulls the controls and raises him up in the air, so that Vile can look at his brother closer, "How does the pain feel? Dear brother? Does it enlighten you? Does it show you what it is to be alive?" he chuckles as he watches Swing's look of pain, "Now, dear brother, you have a glimpse into my world, a world of nothing but pain and suffering."

Twila Peterson eyes widen a bit as Vile moves on his prey. "Swing!" she shouts. Even though it may be from a small distance she certainly does see it. She can only pray some of the others arrive in time...

Zero comes tearing through Cairo as soon as he's free of the Teleporter. Blue fire roars from his boots periodically as he dashes toward the scene, knowing good and well that Swing is rather screwed at this point. Time for the 'Good Deed Of The Day' <tm> to be instigated. As he arrives, he forces himself into a stop, his body sliding forcefully before coming to a rest. His hair flows about him before likewise settling, emerald eyes scanning over the area, "Hmm. Well, well... What have we here? Twila. Some other nameless faces. Vile, Goliath and Swing. Heh, right then." Folding his arms defiantly, the crimson Hunter calls out as loudly as he can, "VILE! Why not put your brother down and come pay your favorite Reploid in the world a visit, eh? I've been meaning to send flowers, but... Geez, the rates these days!"

Crash Man glances to Centaur Man, "Hey, I thought Zero was an Android? Gee, ya learn sumphin' every day."

Colonel is currently standing near Twila and the Unknown civilian Paul, watching the fight ahead.. The Repliforce XO hears a familiar voice and looks down, noticing Twila Peterson and the civilian that saved her by his side, "Twila!?" Upon hearing the smashing of Ride armor foot steps, Colonel gazes over and notices the Vanguard! He quickly moves to his radio and send a transmission to summon the massive armor over to his side. Then he gazes and kneels down next to Twila, "Ms. Peterson. Are you ok?" He gazes between the two and asks, "What exactly is going on here?"

Dr. Wily obtains the copy of Secret Plot from Crash, chuckling as he slips it into one of his Bottomless Pockets.

Swing's eyes widen as the Goliath lurches and then reaches forward. Almost dream like, as it seems like an eternity before the wicked barbs strike him, one in the chest, the other snagging part of his shoulder. Wriggling as emergency systems administer checks, he yelps, and pulls his arm about. "Ahhhhh!" he screams, his left arm reaching over the armor's fist and managing a shower of sparks, but nothing damaging. "He grabs at the Armor with his combat glove, looking at Vile. "I HATE YOU!" he shouts, but having the ability to do nothing at the moment.

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> strides into the fray, dratting as she receives a transmission from Colonel. "Grr, this is a bad place to fight..." She starts toward Twila, whom she locates after a little searching.

Paul gives Colonel a polite nod, and gestures towards Vile. "Miss . . Peterson, yes? . . .and I were having a conversation when that /one/" He points at Vile, "Showed up and promptly began threatening her."

Centaur Man glances at his android brother with a puzzled look. "Crash Man, Zero -is- an android. He is also considered a hero to some as well." He swishes his tail a couple times silently, keeping his own opinion of the long-haired traitor to himself. No need to draw unwanted attention from more worthy targets.

(Ch. B []) Swing transmits: '*static*explosions*more static*'.

Twila Peterson was caught up in concern she didn't even realize it was actually the Repliforce XO that she had been brought to. She continues to watch the scene wide-eyed and pale while answering the Colonel somewhat distractedly. "I was...just browsing here and then Vile showed up. Then Swing..." Colonel receives a radio transmission from Iris.

Wily and the rest of his group stand to the side, Wily within the crowd of a few of them with a smirk on his face, enjoying the show...

Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> sits in waiting as it's pilot chuckles at the commotion and grins. He looks at his brother and mocks a gesture of offense, "Oh my, such harsh words, dearest brother..." as he hears a very familiar voice and chuckels as he turns his gaze towards it, "So be it Zero, if you want Swing back so badly..." he lashes out with Goliath's arm, swinding Swing flying through the air at Zero forcefully, a loud cackle coming from deep within his chest.

Bit gives Vile and his opponent a mere glance, getting a fix on the Masters first and foremost on his mind. He bounds right towards Wily, but with no weapons drawn. Bit has no desire to be blasted to bits before he could even get near. He bows deeply towards Wily and his entourage, a bow they do not deserve, but Bit is feeling magnanimous, "I'll be your distraction for the evening. While Lieutenant Vile disposes of that Maverick Hunter, is there anything that you'll need?"

Crash Man blinks, "Yeah, but Zippo just called himself a Reploid." At this point, he grins, and nudges the equine Robo-Master. "Get it? I called 'em Zippo. Like Zero, but more demeanin'. Hee."

Hovercar swerves and hits the brakes, skidding to a halt sideways, about a hundred feet down the street. Stepping out the door of the blue vehicle, his head hidden completely by a blue helmet with a black glass plate in front,

Quinton surveys the scene. Hunters are already here, Zero among them. But what's that? Hey, its the Doc! Pulling his pistol out from his right thigh compartment, he levels it at the dirty old man down the street. This is suicide. Oh well. Flicking on the speaker unit in his 'suit', a staticky, loud voice booms, "Doctor Albert Wily! Its my day to be suicidal, so I'm asking you lay down on the ground, with your hands over your head, so I can bring you into custody, under the authorization of the United Nations!" They'll probably wreck his car again.

Barrage Grasshopper rolls back to his feet in a startled dispotion, glowering towards Goliath as it towers above him, and, with Vile's back turned, he flips it the bird! Ha!

Centaur Man forces a smirk and a chuckle in response to Crash. (Oh, the humanity.) "That is quite... fitting." (Perhaps Flame or Heat would like the humor in that.) Hearing a rather rude remark in the background, he steps over next to Dad, making his presence known to whoever's calling him out. Dr. Wily turns his gaze to Bit, a smirk coming to his features. "Distraction eh? Dont worry, Bit... We won't be interfering. We simply are here to watch..." Wily looks to Quinton Reed as he appears. "Oh... this party is getting confusing!" Wily shakes his head slowly, looking to Bit. "If you could hurt, that UN Geek over there... it would be most appreciated. We have a Truce, Bit. I am not about to violate it by attacking you or any Maverick."

Barrage Grasshopper then of course, once his little show of appreciation for Commander Boba is finally complete, catches field commander Bit zipping off like a little fairy to the side to provide a leisure greeting to the very insane doctor aside from the battle. He eyes the proceedings wearily, his thrusters opening with a shriek and speeding him across, coming up behind Bit.

Quint takes a series of steps back, to Dr. Wily, and...well...takes a soft lean on Sakugarne; he crosses his small arms, a smirk of amusement of his face. If only he had some peanuts...

Swing collapses right on top of Zero, roughly bouncing off and landing next to the Berserker. He struggles to get to his feet.

Crash Man blinks, as he hears someone puttin' the business onto Wily. He finds a human. Of course. It's always a human. "Can I blast his ride, pops? It'll be funny, I promise."

Bit glowers down at Quinton, "Go away human, the United Nations has no power here. You are /totally/ outnumbered." Another thought occurs to Bit, "Unless Dr. Wily intends to show you the error of your ways, I'll be happy to dispose of him?"

Zero 's eyes widen slightly as Swing is suddenly sent flying toward him. Aw crap. He does his best to catch him, but winds up on the ground a good distance away instead with a decently sized trench dig from his flight. Shaking his head, he snarls and peers down at Swing, "...Well, that was a great way to start things, wasn't it?" A sneer forms upon his lips as he reconcentrates on the ride armor, pushing Swing off of him, "Stay here. I'll take him on."

Rising to full height and dusting off his armor, the Berserker purposely makes it out to seem like he's unharmed, "Aww..Thanks, Vile! I never knew you honestly cared. Maybe I might just remember to send that fruit cake this year, eh?" He strides toward Goliath, boots clanking with each step as his arm casually drifts up toward his saber hilt, "Or we could always celebrate early. Here y'go, Vile'y boy, though I'm really sorry." His body shifts into a crouch and he leaps forward, saber lashing out in a gleaming trail of emerald light, "I forgot to wrap it!"

Not to be rude to the Colonel, but after offering her own explanation she turns away from him moves a step or two forward trying to gleen her friend's condition...

Dr. Wily looks to Crash Man. "If you wish... I think we may step out for now... the fun seems to be for the others this day... We will step out and let the Mavericks play I think... yes." Wily looks to Bit then.

Paul steps a bit away from Colonel, his gaze darting back towards the fight going on . . . watching warily . . .

Swing gets back to his feet, and finally being able to release his hate for Vile, follows Zero's lead, swinging his baton in unison with Zero.

Dr. Wily doesn't seem to care there is a gun on him... he is standing among is Robots... one of them would take the shot if it was fired.

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> is striding toward twila and those around her. Iris's voice comes from the speakers, "I'll help protect as many wounded as I can, gather into one area. Twila, are you all right?"

Dr. Wily sighs, looking to Centaur. "Centaur... Will you Flash please? I think it is time for us to disappear. Come my creations... Time for us to leave."

Quinton Reed glances to Bit through the visor of his helm, activating his internal communications sys. <<Sarah, I'm going to need backup. I'm trying to apprehend Wily in Cairo.>> <<You're fucking looney, Reed. But backup is enroute. It'll take a bit, though.>> Quinton looks to Bit, cocking his blue helmeted head. "The United Nations council is elected by all the /legitimate/ countries around the world. Including Egypt. Now, Maverick, do you intend on doing Wily's handiwork, or letting him do it himself?" He jumps up, boosters throwing him over and in front of his car, slipping the pistol away and powering his wrist cannon. "I'll chase your ass down, old man."

Crash Man nods to Wily, and leaps into action. Well, it's not really a leap. It's just a hop to the side, nothing fancy. Reflexively, he does a quick-action pose, by positioning his arms one after the other. "Hey, chunk-style!" The Red Bomber calls out to Quinton. "Care to party with Crash Man!?" Extending his right arm, Crasher aims a diamond-tipped drill for the UN-Rep's ride. With a grin, he calls out the vocal command. "Drill Rocket!" The drill launches from the Robot Master's forearm housing, and spirals off at Quinton's hovercar, leaving a white trail of smoke in its wake.

Quint offers a nod, stepping back upon Sakugarne. "Indeed." With a deep bellow, he calls, "My Masters! Get off yer butts and back onto the WilyStar! Chop-chop!" He taps his knees against the base of the pogo, its scarlet body beginning to bounce; slow, slight bounces.

Ah, yes: at the end of but his first commanding mission as the new Quint, his personality has slipped, the old Quint once again revealed; Enker will not be a happy man.

Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> lets loose a mechanical whine as the blows strike it's hull, the dark pilot sitting atop it snorts as he looks down at his two assailants. "A pitiful display, now, behold true power!" he snarls as suddenly several panels open up within Goliath's frame and hundreds of shards of explosive shrapnel fly at both Zero and Swing. "I haven't time to 'play' with you two, but I will certainly entertain the thought of you both assuming you can defeat me." A wild cackle spews forth from his vocalize.

Paul clears his throat, attention snagged by Iris's words. "Ah, Miss? I believe Miss Peterson's arm and whatnot is severely bruised, strained, and possibly sprained." He addresses the source of the second female voice, then turns his attention back to the fight.

Quint retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open for parting shots from

Dr. Wily turns, walking beside Quint, making sure he is between him and the UN official.

Centaur Man nods affirmative to the Doc, striding next to the bouncing Quint. "We are taking our leave now. If you wish to take us on, you will have to go through me first!"

Swing slams his baton forcefully into the Goliath's leg over and over, finding it doing little in the way of progress. His usual focus betraying him, he ordnance peppers his form embedding metal bits all over his synthskin.

As the battle begins to get underway, Colonel sighs deeply and stands up, "I guess its time to go to work. Colonel transform!" A bright shine of light emits from the repliforcer's body as his casual clothes transform into his sturdy and well armored battle armor! The Repliforce XO fixes his hat and pulls it down as he gazes over towards Vanguard and giving it a brief nod of acknowledgment. A smile beams about the Colonel's face and he says quietly, "Thank you dear sister." Brandishing his own beam sabre from its sheath, Colonel steps out into the central arena that has been declared the designated fighting zone. He shouts out above the crowds, "Vile! This barrage of madness shall end here and now! En guard!" as The Repliforce XO dashes into the fray of fighting reploids! Colonel transforms into Colonel.

Zero simply grins as he kicks back from Goliath per striking, sniplets of energy from his saber flowing around the general area due to its actions. He lands back, that grin growing even as he attacks. The Berserker launches his form back, catching himself on his hands and then springing into the air to avoid the attack, "Real power, eh? Well, when you're ready to show me, /Vava/, then lemme know so I can be awake for it." Having spoken, he clenches the hilt of his saber while it's deactivated. He whirls it around, hair whipping about him while he focuses energy into the unit, "In the mean-time, how about a little bit of this?" Even as the words leave his mouth, ice begins to explode into place where the energy blade would be. A giant icicle is forged and as he shoots himself down toward Vile, he shouts:

"HYOURETSUZAN!"

Dr. Wily walks south for the Teleportation area, a smirk coming to his features as he brings up his radio again. His other hand flips open the top of his cane a button there just for... emergencies...

Swing gets his wind back and hunkers down. Inspired by Zero's charge, he follows suit, spraying the Goliath down in short energy bursts from his hand cannon. Swing strikes Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> with his Arm Cannon attack.

Quinton Reed looks past, face forming into one of horror as his car buckles under the rocket, the front end going up in flames. Head snapping back towards Crash, he yells "Oh, always the damned fucking car! Why can't you just leave it alone?!?", right wrist-slot spraying a steady stream of energy discs at the troublesome Master as he props up the right arm with the left. "Next time, I'm bringing my mopehead!"

Barrage Grasshopper ker-blinks in stupefied succession whilst in a manner of a side long glance to the general locale of destruction below him as he hears his name mentioned with a intone above the preceding holocaust. "Colonel? That Repliwimp punk? GREAT!" He grins widely, "So he -DID- take up my challenge earlier! He's as good as a Gear Squirrel on the underside of Goliath's boot!" He smiles in glee, zipping off to engage the Repliforce XO, "En guarde, knave!"

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> positions herself as an obvious guard for Twila and whomeber is around her. The Ride Armor's weapons hum with life as Iris continues, "Why don't you head for the teleportation chambers and get yourselves patched up."

Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> merely activates it's dome shield to repel most of Zero's attack upon it's pilot as Vile chuckles. "A pitiful display," as his attention is grabbed by Zero, swing takes his chance at shooting at Goliath and suceeds. The large armor merely grunts in response to the attack as Vile continues to work the controls. "I shall deal with you after I dispose of this unruly fool, dear brother." He turns his attention towards Vile as Goliath's body begins to glow, as it's hands hover near each other in front of a large gem encrused in the front of the armor. "Prepare, for your destruction..." suddenly a immense beam of energy and electricity slices towards Zero rapidly, as Vile's single eye flares at the display.

The blast of energy discs collide with the ground Crash Man was standing under, seconds before he leaps out of the way. "Ha! Snootch to th' motherf'n bootch, chunk-style!" With a boost from his back-verniers, the Red Bomber bounces out with the rest of his faction. Crash Man!

While the UN Official is distracted, he and Quint make for the Teleportation area. Wily brings up his cane and points it at the UN official for one last, parting shot. "This is for trying to arrest me, fool." A small laser blast flies as Quinton, a cackle rising from him as he fires.

Paul nods at Iris's suggestion, and lightly places a hand on Twila's unharmed shoulder. "She does have a point, Miss Peterson."

Centaur Man dashes between Crash and Quinton. Time to make myself useful... "Hold there, Repliforcer! If you wish to pick a fight, pick one with -me-!" Good ol' Centaur, takin' one for the herd, as always.

Bit says, "It appears that Dr. Wily is not going to stay..." o O (Good, they're just cramping our style.) Then Bit raises his hand towards Aegis with an unspoken command. The shield powers up, light gathering at the gem at the center of the blue metal shield. Power zings away from the shield, spraying energy shots only inches away from the UN Representative. The shots are apparently only warning shots, as they hit the ground at Quinton's feet.

"Will you face me? Or will you show how effectual the UN really is...run away." Bit waves his fingers towards Quinton, "Run away..run away now."

Now that help has since arrived Twila feels a little better regarding the option of taking leave. Breathing out a sigh she reluctantly nods. "I...thanks, Paul. I'll be fine once I get to the chambers," she states, grateful for his concern.

Paul eyes where Wily is leaving, and speaks softly to Twila. "It looks as if we might have to take a circular route . . . " He gestures with a hand towards Wily & Co. "I don't think you'd like to encounter them so soon, am I right? Rough-looking lot."

Twila Peterson nods a bit slowly in response, in full agreement with that assessment. "Fairly good guess. You...know of another way?"

Quinton Reed grits his teeth behind his facemask as both Bit and Centaur threaten him, then Wily /shoots/ him. Old bastard. But, thankfully, he has a plan. Jumping back onto the flaming wreck that his car is, he bursts up into the air with his boosters, then bursts forward, heading straight at Wily and trying to tackle the old coot from rather high up. "Shoot me and you risk hitting Wily!" he yells out, again flicking his speaker on. Hopefully, that'll discourage Bit too, treaty and all.

Upon hearing the Maverick's challenge, Colonel skids across the stone road and turns to face the Barrage Grasshopper, grinning as he stops in a defensive stance. He places his sabre up in a challenging fashion towards the Maverick and chuckles, "Seems I will have to dispose of you first before I can have my fun? Vile you are getting colder by the moment, sending your lackeys to do you work." he jokes slightly and continues with, "Very well then! En guard demon!" Colonel dashes forward and jumps into the air, sabre in hand and posed to strike. Just then, The Repliforce XO disappears out of no where and reappears behind Barrage in the air. "Raaaaa!" he shouts out as his sabre begins to slash down over the maverick's back

Paul taps his chin, glancing around. "Maybe if we made our way through the outskirts of town . . . or, if we wait, we can go around the fight and head in after that lot. I do think the first idea would be less dangerous, though."

Dr. Wily grunts as he is tackled... luckily it didn't to more then a bit of pain... his eyes narrow as he looks down at Quinton. "FOOL! Robot Masters! Destroy him!" Wily turns, flipping the top of his cane up to smack Quinton with it! Teach him for tripping an old man!

Centaur Man's jaw just about hits the floor as Quinton has the AUDACITY to ram the herdleader! Alright, the kid gloves come off. The four-legged Robot Master starts to glow brightly as everything seems to go all funky-swirly. Time is slowing down... down... down... as the Centaur yells, nay, screams bloodily, "CENTAUR FLASH!!!"

Twila Peterson flickers a glance around her towards all the chaos, letting out a sigh...wishing she can do more but knowing well she can't. She'll...just get herself in the way. "The...outskirts might be best. Besides...I'll be needed home once this is over anyway."

Paul nods, and offers his arm for Twila to lean on . . . ready to leave. "Then it's probably best we leave now."

Zero lands atop the indicated shield, its power actually holding him aloft long enough for a wink and kick-off. Soaring through the air, he lands with a dull thud and states with a quirk of the brow, "Even if I did prepare, Vava, it isn't happening very fast." As he spies the electricity, though, he hops aside and shifts, allowing it to flow past him and into a building. He glances toward the point of impact, taking note of the debris that smashes into the ground. "You, on the other hand, have a lot to answer for, Vava."

Per the narrowing of his eyes, the Berserker turns and explodes off toward the pile. His dash systems gracefully carry him along the ground and once he reaches his destination, he reaches into the dust. Hefting up a large portion of wall, he turns toward Vile and shouts, "But if I have anything to say about it, Vava, then you're gonna do more than just give me those answers. HERE!" Using all of his strength, he sends the slab toward Goliath. It hurtles in the air, whirling around while seeking something to stop its motion. A giant ride armor would do nicely.

Swing watches Zero dodge the giant blast, and inhales, letting his systems take control. He dashes forward three steps and leaps, his cannon arm manipulating back into a combat gauntlet, complete with small studs akin to Vile's own claws. Bringing the baton over his head and driving it into the shoulder assembly of the Goliath.

Bit calls off Aegis. It simply doesn't have the control that Bit can muster and this is for the shield that only came inches away from striking Quinton before. Before Bit can even move, Wily's goons are set into motion. Bit blinks and laughs, "You are stupider than I ever imagined. No, I won't even need to lay a hand on you. You've doomed yourself."

Twila Peterson is currently being shielded by Iris as well as a civillian known as "Paul". If he is anything other than he claims, he's pulling a very good act right about now. She worriedly tosses a glance back towards the activity and nods. "Yeah...I suppose..." She swallows some siliva as she takes his arm. "Lead on..."

Barrage Grasshopper's bumbling, stupefied lackeys quickly kick up to their level of intelligence and reason, bustling over and within the foray between him and Colonel, encircling their master in a neat, tight formation as they duly take notice of the Repliforce Executive Officer in mid leap with a grand draw upon his sabre. With a shriek of energy upon metal, the mini grasshopper reploids poised about their commander fall to the floor in a few dismembered heaps, sparking and spitzing from over load. Barrage Grasshopper gasps in total horror!

"Larry!" "Curly!" "-MOE-!"

"THAT'S -IT-!", shrieks Barrage Grasshopper, whipping out his hand in desperation, "MR. SMITHERS, HAND ME MY BLADE!" Mr. Smithers picks up meekly, "But Mr. Barrage, sir, you don't have a bla-", "I SAID GIVE ME MY BLADE!" Mr. Smithers shrugs absent mindedly and leaps into Barrage's open forelimb, straightening himself up to try and pass as a sabre as best her can. "En guarde, vile oppressor of reploid kind!", shouts Barrage, thrusting his psuedo-blade into the Repliforce XO's heart!

Quint grunts loudly, the optics beneath his sleek, reflective visor growing dark; cold; silent. "You," he mutters, his breath heavy with rage, "are the most foolish man in existince. Prepare...to be terminated; smeared against the ground like a mere bug! Prepare...to..."

*DING*

With a brilliant flash of light, Quint freezes in place; rather interesting and comical in appearence, being in a backflip at the time. Woah.

The twitching, writhing mass of small reploids that had previously guarded Barrage Grasshopper from harm dispatches, drilling out a meandering drone of sound as they soon become individuals once again, rather than a whole.

Dr. Wily is now... frozen in time, his cane frozen in place as it was about to come down a second time on Quinton... his mouth open yell in rage.

And Paul leads Twila away from all of this.

Barrage Grasshopper strikes Colonel with his Grasshopper Kamikaze attack.

Doomed himself is right. The UN geek, samurai, and the small Wily contingent all have frozen within a swirly ball of special effects. Save for one very ticked four-legged Robot Master, whose body is glowing a bright green, and eyes are glowing very very much in hatred. He gallops full-speed for the formerly recovering Quinton, barreling right over his frozen form!

Crash Man pauses in the midst of his sprint, to catch Quinton man-handling Wily. "Nooooooooo!" He shouts, as he comes to a skidding halt. His eyes narrow down to slits, manic-green opticals darkened to a vision of impassioned hate. The Red Bomber extends his right arm, about to shoot Quinton full of Crash Bombs, till he's frozen in place. Damn horse..

Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> merely sends a spiked fist at the slab, shattering it into pieces as it hurtles towards him, convienently also disrupting Swing's attack as Vile chuckles, "My dear Zero, that name means nothing to me, just as I'm sure your time as a Maverick means nothing to you, save these pitiful attempts at psychological manipulation for those who are better trained in it, like your little wench of a girlfriend." he looks down at Swing now and frowns, "How it pains me to see you futily stand by this one and aid him in his attack on your own brother, a pity, that I must destroy you, in such a unmeaningful manner... pathetic." Goliath raises both of it's arms up as Vile looks down at Swing, "Oh, how it pains me to do this..." Suddenly both hands come crashing down on top of Swing.

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> is...confuzzled. She turns to make sure Twila's escape is guaranteed before looking back at the spectacle and grumping. Now she's at a total loss as to what to do...so she settles for looking for more injured and civvies to rescue..

Quinton Reed grunts as the cane smacks into him, bursting out to grab Wily...When he's frozen...Then, through a serious stroke of luck, Centuar Man tramples him and somehow /misses/ Wily, who's almost on top of him. Well, luck does happen. Three large armored transports set down near Quinton's car, mixed human, cyborg, and Reploid forces storming out of the United Nations vehicles. His backup. While most of the UN's funding is in the Repliforcers, they do have a small contingent to handle their own. As he blinks back into phase, sparking and bleeding from the trample, he again tries to jump back up and grab Wily, this time not getting frozen. He prays he can get him. Otherwise, he's a goner.

Swing latches on to the arm of the Goliath, though the sudden blast of stone from Zero's attack throws his strike off. "I'm sick of you scaring me!" he growls, lifting his arm up as he backflips off the smashing arms, firing a small package which quickly and exponentially expands into a giant mass of steel cables, aimed at the pilot of the giant armor.

Zero chuckles softly while shaking his head. He expected him to do that, really, but maybe it bought Swing some moving time. Likewise, he forges his Zero Buster and waves a finger slowly, "Wench, eh? From what I hear, she held you off. Didn't defeat you, but she's quite alive now. Know what I plan to do, Vile?" He flings his cannon forward, training upon the helmeted Reploid, "I plan to leave you in so many pieces that the wind'll have a hard time doing anything with you! I'll do the world of favor, Vile, and kill you." Once his words end, plasma bolts suddenly spray forth from the unit toward the Ride Armor. He doesn't intend to do damage, really, but he sure as hell wants him away from Swing. Also, it is to be noted that Vile said something similiar to Iris not long ago -- Or so Iris told Zero. Lovely irony.

Instinctively, Colonel moves back into a defensive position and poses his sabre to block Barrage's oncoming assault. *PZZZT! CLASH!* Sounds that are heard as the bladed weapons connect and The Repliforce XO manages to deflect the weapon away from his breastplant, but it still lands a deep hit into his right shoulder. The repliforcer jumps back and checks his wound, which appears to be not as bad he as first expected. Bringing his blade back into an En Guard position, Colonel quickly spins his beam sabre around in 360 fashion to gather energy and the Red Beam sabre glows brightly with energy! With that the Repliforcer brings the sabre up and slashes it down harshly, sending forth numerous waves of sonic energy! "PULSE WAVE!"

The Not-So-Good Doctor is again manhandled as he snaps back into phase, his yell of rage and outcry rounding as he moves to bring his cane down /again/ on Quinton. "Let go of me you UN FOOL!" Wily brings down his cane with a un-ritious wrath at the one holding him!

Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> merely stands there, wrapped up in Swing's cables as it's pilot stares defiantly at Swing, "You would betray your own heritage, to assist one who has proven to be unstable in the past, you disgust me." He looks over at Zero and snarls, "Destroying me, will no such favor to the world, Zero, there are far more considerable threats than just I, collectively we are what you should fear, it is that lack of vision that betrays you, and that, which will defeat you one day."

"They're all...currently busy right about now...or that I'm aware of," the young woman notes sadly. She didn't mean for any of this to happen at all. She blushes slightly at the last and confesses, "That's safe enough to say I would think. At any rate, I'll be fine from here. Thanks again for your kindness..."

Barrage Grasshopper growls in a horrendous fury as he pushes further for Colonel's twisted heart, "Die Repliforce scum! DIE!" He glowers with pusling mute yellow optics towards the Repliforce XO, trying to dig Mr. Smithers into the chest plate of his latest victim. Buuuuuut, Barrage ain't exactly Guts Man here, and is easily over come, even though he managed to put a few dents upon the Executive Commander with his trusty blade, Mr. Smithers the grasshopper. She shrikes like an incessant little four year old girl as he's plowed over and back, skidding across the dirt, kicking up clods. "Ow, you stinky poo poo brain! That -HURT-!"

Swing lands on his feet from the flip as sparks play in his eyes - is that - almost a slight crimson tinge to them - "You never will understand, will you?" he asks, partially fearful, partially menacing.

Centaur Man whacks the ground with his hooves. The glow is gone, but the anger remains. He raises his cannon arm at Quinton, ignoring Crash's continued yelling over the channel. "Put. Him. Down. Now."

Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> chuckles, "I suppose I won't, dear brother, just as you will never understand me." he snorts it reply.

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> can now look deeper into this conflict now that she is 'certain' Twila is safely away somewhere...Course if she sin't, that gives Iris another reason to be depressed later. For now, she looks around...and sees Quinton Reed wailing away on Wily. And Zero whacking Goliath. And Barriage being pummeled by Colonel. Growling, she howls, "I /Hate/ Fighting! Stop it! This is /pointless!/"

Quinton Reed dodges his head to the side as he whirls around to face the Robot Masters, cybernetically enhance right arm wrapping around Wily's chest. Its obvious that Quinton isn't doing well, sparking, charred, and leaking a mixture of blood and some type of cybernetic fluid all over. He raises his left fist, and with a 'shing', a four inch knife emerges from each knuckle. Retracting them, he then places the knuckles against the side of Wily's head. "Lay a finger on me, and I ventilate his brain. Now, I'm gonna go home safe, he's gonna go home safe. Got me, Masters?"

Crash Man has gone above and beyond the call of being enraged. If he was any madder, he'd turn plaid. That's how bad it is. The Red Bomber levels his drills at Quinton; his mouth practically filled with a foamy by-product. "Get off 'em, or I'm leveling this frickin' city, fleshbag! I'll do it, too. I'm crazy like that. Crazy reeeeeeeaaaaaal bad-like."

Quinton Reed adds, "And I mean attack, not lay a finger!"

Zero smirks as he kneels down, "Vile ... Just shut the hell up. Sigma makes quite enough speeches to cover for all of you, so why bother?" His body is suddenly launched forward, a blazing stream of after-images left in his wake. His body twirls in the air, shifting around so that the foot is held out, extended toward the Ride Armor so that, perhaps, he can at least put a nifty dent in it so that Vile can later say to himself: Damn that Zero and his pesky foot! Quite a satisfying revenge. His hair flows after him, body held in a true jump-kick fashion.

Centaur Man slams the ground again with his hooves, the resounding thump being heard for at least a mile. Nice having hardened steel feet. "I do not play with fingers, Repliforcer." He glances over at Crash, grimaces, then looks at Dad for what to do next. Wouldn't be prudent to go against Dad's wishes and getting him killed 'n all.

The Doctor narrows his eyes at the words of Quinton and the knife now to his head. His hand is still tight about his cane. "You are a fool, Quinton. If you want to go home safe... Release me. The masters will ventilate you otherwise. Kill me and more pain then you will ever know will fall down on your world. Release me now... or die. If you release me... you go home just fine and dandy..."

That's as good a suggestion as any. Centaur's plasma cannon starts charging up to accentuate the threat.

Bit's grin is gone the moment the Centaur Flash wears down. He grumbles, wondering how much time has passed. Not much apparently. He is still close enough to the Masters to hear Quinton and Dr. Wily speak. If Quinton thinks that will slow the Masters down...he's got another thing coming. Bit edges closer since he's not the threat, and there's still that cease-fire. Maybe he could learn something.

Freeze Man arrives just a /tad/ on the late side, sauntering in carrying a casual disgust. Oh, did Wily send a radio for he and his brothers to head to Cairo and he missed it? Boo fricken' hoo. At least Freeze decided to grace his black sheep brothers and the old guys with his presence. Icy blue optics scanning across the scene, Freeze peers around wondering exactly what in the hell is going on. A thought which carries into his radio.

Quinton Reed begins to edge towards the wall of United Nations grunts bearing weapons, several large weapon-pieces set up as well. "Wily, your robots have already taken mosta my body..." he hisses into the Doc's ear, through his helmet. "I just need a reason to kill you, Alby Wily. I'd gladly die to wipe you off the face of the earth. Tell me, can they turn a cut up brain into a cyborg? I'll just pull my own arterial valves and kill myself after I take down you, if your goons don't do it for me." Hopefully, that little bit'll shut him up. And most of it is true. Now, calling out, "Okay, Masters! I'm gonna toss the good doctor here to you after I get to that line of armored transports! You wouldn't endanger your dear 'father', would you?"

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> addresses Quinton Reed, as she turns her armor to face that direction fully...and after having the situation confirmed via radio. "Release Dr. Wily, this behavior is entirely inappropriate for a UN Official!" she begins to advance on their location. Slowly, though, hopefully enough to not upset any Masters. "Release him to me, I will cover your escape and see that the Dorcor remains unharmed."

Swing takes the moment while Zero has Vile reeling from his kick and dashes up to the Armor's leg. Bracing his feet, Swing grabs on to the appendage and heaves with all his might, systems straining as the Hunter tries to unstabilize Goliath's posture.

Centaur Man aims the cannon at Quinton. "Oh no. You are not going -anywhere-." The order is given, no matter how close the herdleader may be to certain death, he is never -never- wrong. The cannon arm continues to charge, glowing brighter and brighter...

<Soon...>

Teleportation Area--Cairo Rows of tall teleportation capsules line the walls, each clearly labeled with a destination. A few are labeled 'Custom Location' instead of with a city name.

Paul helps Twila into the teleportation area, scanning around continuously for any possible threats. "Miss . . . do you know where to go from here?"

Twila Peterson nods slowly as she's aided into the structure with a sigh akin to relief. "Yeah...I'll...be alright now. You?"

Paul says, "Yes, yes, I will . . . but I must see that you're safely on your way, first. Is there some way to call a friend of yours to escort you home? I can only assume it's not somewhere I would be allowed." A brief grin shows. "Such a lovely young woman would truely be under protection of someone quite strong." Almost like a knee-jerk reflex flirt...

Paul shakes his head. "No, no, I must insist that I at least see you safely out of here before I leave. Please, Miss, you don't want me to worry, do you?" A faintly self-mocking smile, at that last statement, inviting Twila to find it absolutely absurd.

A blue flash appears from the teleporter, and Rock comes out of the machine.

Twila Peterson is trying to assure the civillian she can make it back home on her own while he's insisting he makes sure she arrives alright. Twila holds her injured arm and shakes her head. "I'm sorry, I can't. You would need authorization and that I can't give. The only thing I can do is perhaps call or radio that I'm alright once there."

Twila Peterson blinks as the teleporter is used once more and is surprised to see on who walks out. "Rock?"

Rock glances over at Twila, and quickly heads over that way. "I'm here, Twila. I heard what was happening over a public news channel on my way back to the Headquarters..." He glances at the civilian nearby, and then at Twila. "Are you okay, Twila?"

Paul blinks in surprise at Twila's words. "Ahh . . . I had simply meant that it would be best for you to leave first . . . in case of potential attack from someone." He turns, at Twila's surprised words, and bows politely to Rock, pausing to flip his black hair out of his face upon coming up out of the bow. "One of your friends, Miss?"

Twila Peterson nods somewhat shakily this time as she offers Rock a weak one-armed hug while keeping her ther one by her side. But she doesn't maintain a hold for long...knowing well he can't stay. "It's not broken...but it is strained a bit," she manages as she pulls away from him in answer. She then turns towards the android. "Paul...meat Rock alias X. Rock, meet Paul. he helped me where the others are currently and tried to help against Vile when he first threatened me. The others need you right now tho..." she says hurriedly.

Wrapping his armoured arms around Twila's form, gently and being careful of her strained arm, Rock nods and gives her a quick kiss. Pulling back, he takes a moment to use a finger to push a loose lock of her auburn hair away from her face. "I'm glad. You'll have to give me the full scoop when we're back at the Labs and you're resting..." At the mention of Paul, he turns, nodding and extending a hand. "Thank you for helping her," he says, smiling.

Paul gives Rock another polite bow, and refrains from offering his hand for a shake, knowing the situation back in the historical district. "Indeed, no trouble at all for such a lovely one . . . . it was turning into a hefty fracas when we left, sir . . " A slightly annoyed swipe to get his hair out of his face. "They would most likely appreciate your help, I believe.

Rock nods, stepping back. "Twila, I'll see you back at the labs; Paul, thanks again for helping her." Turning, his left forearm slides open, encompassing his hand and forming his X-Buster, and his boots let out gouts of white flame, sending the hunter commander dashing toward the disturbance.

<Not long after...>

A flash of light appears across the battle field. It cuts through cars, lights, and buildings. It sweeps across the area of street in front of Barrage Grasshopper, cutting a channel that divides him from Colonel. In a matter of moments the source of the energy blast becomes apparent. Sigma floats down from on high, cape billowing in the wind, right handing smoking from the energy output. He lands heavily, turning his attention to Colonel. The hilt of the Sigma Sabre slides into the dark messiah's hand.

** ZZZZZZIIIIIING **

The energy sword ignites in a spout of crimson energy. Sigma eloquently raises the sabre infront of him, wrist slightly bent to angle the blade downward. He stands in a wide combat stance, merely holding the sword before him. It is the poise of a regal fencer. Without a word the challenge has been made.

Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> continues to grunt and whine at the attacks to it's body as it's pilot struggles to keep it under control, "Enough of this foolishness, my patience for this game is now gone..." both of Goliath's arms begin to pull back as the two fists with a loud *CLICK* fall to ghe ground as chains connected at the ends unravel from the arms of the mechanical beast. Without a word, Vile suddenly sends both flying at Zero, his humor found with the two hunters now gone, all that is left is sheer hatred.

Dr. Wily sneers at Quinton's words... this Cyborg thinks a good deal of himself... It is time for these games to end. Wily is still clutching his cane, his finger fliping open the top of it, the end of it pointing at Quinton's right foot. "I hardly trust you to release me, UN. Centaur dont fire. Release me now... and you may walk away." Wily looks to Iris as he walks foward, a grin spreading on his features. "Well... Iris... I didnt know you cared. HmuHAH!" Wily looks up to Quinton. "Kill me... and there will be /another/ debacle like King... do you really want another city to be destroyed in vengence... perhaps the UN Capitol... hmmm?"

Quinton Reed stops as Centaur levels the cannon at him. But because of the Centaur, but because of the ride armor. "Desperate times for desperate measures, Repliforcer!" he yells back. Might as well be nice, this /is/ his way out, he'll not point out who funds the Repliforce right now. And besides, who'd want to admit they got into the situation out of petty ego and anger, after he was shot? Slowly, he sets the Doc down, taking his spike-deployers away from his head. "Okay, RF, my life is in yer hands!"

Freeze Man glances at Wily, then Quinton, then the big aft ride armor telling Quinton to release Doc. Quickening his pace forward a step considering pop's predicament, Freeze enters himself into the fray, devastatingly powerful Freeze Cracker readied. "You heard the big bucket of bolts, let Doc go or I'm gunna give you a whole new meaning to the term frost-bite."

Centaur Man lowers his cannon slightly, keeping the plasma pulse charged for now. "As you command, mighty herdleader." Quickly turning his horned head around the area, he tries to find some other way of saving Dad. (Come on, Centaur. You are a leader of the herd, think of something!)

From the southern end of the cultural district, dust kicks up behing a white-clad form heading north. Easily recognizable as X, blue-white flame bursts from his feet, sending his armoured form toward the battle.

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> moves in, very quickly, and reaches to swipe up Wily, while using her own Ride Armor's body as a shield---to protect both. "Run." she tells Quinton, while hopefully keeping Wily here.

Swing seethes with hate of his own as he's smacked to the ground in response to the heavy armor's swinging arms. Staying in close next to the armor, Swing screams at the demonic pilot. "YOU betrayed father, not me!" he retorts, sparks actually popping out of his eyes. "I will see you dead for hurting him like that!" electric pulses coursing down his limbs, Swing punches both of his hands into the Goliath's knee, energy waves bursting over his frame and into the cold steel of the Goliath.

Dr. Wily steps away from Quinton as he is realeased, turning to look to Quinton, his eyes narrowing. "You made a good decision... Go!" Wily watches Quinton turn and leave as Vanguard steps between him and his Robot Masters. Wily then turns... looking towards Iris. "Now... Get out of my way. The Robot Masters are leaving... I will let The Blue Boy clean up the rest..."

Freeze Man gives a satisfied smirk as Quinton releases Wily from his clutches. You know it was all Freeze Man, anyway. No one messes with the Freeze Cracker. Not Quinton, not nobody. You paged Bass with 'You here ICly? :)'.

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> reaches out its arms, as though offering a ride to Wily. "The Repliforce and Maverick Hunters wont shoot me. I'll carry you to your Masters. Dispite how much I hate you, I think you know why i do this."

Barrage Grasshopper skitters back across the play ground that was recently Cairo a few minutes before as he watches Colonel advance with his blade. "Look! Look! I'm unarmed!", he pleads, holding out his arms in mock fashion, even though there's a chaingun bigger than he is attached to him. He blinks, stupified, as the channel is slammed before him, drawing the line between him and Colonel. "What tha fu-...BIG SI-..er..Commander SIGMA!"

Centaur Man releases the charge on his cannon as he trots torpidly over to Dr. Wily. "I... I have failed you, herdleader." He bows his head in shame.

Zero is struck and struck /hard/ by Vile's maneuver. He cuts through the air, sparks and fluid pouring forth from the wounds while crashing into the same building that Vile damaged earlier with his attack. He lays there for a long moment, dust drifting casually onto his battered frame. He coughs, struggling to sit up while various bits of debris fall free onto him. "Damn..." coughs out the Hunter, wiping 'blood' from his mouth. His cannon still forged, he manages to get himself to a crouch.

From within the depths of the building, bright light begins to shine through the darkness. It starts off blue, shifts to red and ends up green. Emerald light, pouring out toward the battle raging all around him. It's obvious now that someone pushed the wrong buttons as the remnants of the wall are shattered and crash to the ground. Zero stands there, cannon pointed and energy bathing his form, "....Very well, Vile.... Let's just relieve you of your little toy..." Following a roar of rage, he expels something from the Zero Buster.

Something bright; burning -- A plasma beam. A fully charged one.

As Barrage Grasshopper is struck numerous times by the sonic attacks sent from the repliforcer's sabre, Colonel begins to head towards the Maverick, with his sabre in hand. Unforutunately, his advance towards Barrage is cut off by the sudden appearance of the Maverick leader himself, Sigma. The Repliforce XO lowers his sabre to his side and eyes the leader of the Mavericks icily. Moving into an En guard stance to accept Sigma's challange, Colonel lowers down to a defensive position and begins to speak, "Sigma. Its a surprise that you decide to join the little engagement today." The Colonel takes a quick gazes over at his wound and still regards it as a minor concern. Quickly the Repliforce XO slashes his sabre in an X formation in challenge to get this battle underway!

Rock leaps atop some rubble, using it as a springboard as he closes in. Flipping through the air, he lands and skids a few feet, body beginning to absorb charge from the air. Sapphire eyes glancing about, falling on Zero and Swing and Iris' ride armor, and Colonel, he hmms softly. Dashing forward, he blithely ignores the Robot Masters for the moment. "Hey Zero!"

Dr. Wily smiles evilly and nods to Iris. "I don't think that will be needed my dear..." Wily motions to the other Robot Masters then looks to Iris. "Go break up the battle and tell Zero hello for me." Wily looks at the battle grows in perportion... "Rock and Sigma... good... I would stay to watch but I have pressing engagements to keep." Wily walks towards Centaur man and regards him levely. "Indeed, We will speak later, Centaur. Robot Masters! We are leaving... NOW!"

Freeze Man frowns. He /did/ just get here after all. "What?! I just got here! Didn't even get to kick the Blue Boob in the head..Aw, geez.." From afar, Zero still has over half his End. Yay me. :)

Dr. Wily looks to Freeze. "You will get your chance later... For now... the Mavericks can play with them... don't worry."

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> remains where it is, its pilot now eyeing the Masters carefully as though expecting an attack. Only after Wily is gone, will she return her attention to the battle. "As you wish, Wily. Get out of here before I change my mind."

Maverick Ride Armor <Goliath> grunts from the blast as energy crackles all around it as it's pilot snarls in Zero's general direction, "So be it." he quips quite simply, as he leaps from Goliath's cockpit on to the ground a few meters from Zero, he casts his glance towards Swing for a moment, until his radio crackles to life, he snorts at it's message and snaps his fingers, as Goliath comes to life on it's own and heads towards the teleporters, apparently on automatic pilot to return to the maverick stronghold. His gaze is caught by the blue bomber and he chuckles, "Ah, fancy that the hero has finally decided to stand up for his little fleshling wench, come then, all three of you, the stage is set, and the actors are ready, let the show begin."

Centaur Man sullenly follows the herdleader. I'm gonna get a whuppin'. Oh yeah. "As you command, herdleader."

Dr. Wily turns, moving to put a hand on Centaur's back then with a surprisingly dexterous move for an old man, climbs astride him. "Get me out of here, Centaur." Wily taps the end of his cane against Centaur's rum. "YHAA!"

Vile looks about after his statement and glares at his brother, "If you refuse to help me, then you shall be disposed of, I do hope 'father' learns from this when he finds you taken home in pieces..." his missle rack suddenly materializes on his left shoulder and a volley of mini missiles launches out towards Swing.

Freeze Man glowers at Wily and the rest of his third-rate brothers. He's outta here. Turning about with a glare in his eyes, Freeze heads back downtown. Back to the teleporter, and back to home.

Centaur Man yelps as Dad and cane strike one after another. Whoo it's horsey time! And as Wily wished, so it shall be... the horseybot and its rider dashes off into the sunset, followed by Crash and Freeze and, oh yeah, Quint too.

<Back at the teleport chamber...>

Twila Peterson watches as Rock speeds off towards the ongoing battle before regarding Paul again while glancing towards an empty chamber. "I...better be going home. Thanks again, Paul..."

Paul gives Twila a final, graceful bow. "You are most welcome, Miss. Please, do return home and heal. . . .Fare thee well." And with that archaic farewell, he turns, and begins heading for one of the teleporters. Mexico City, hmm?

Ah yes, that empty chamber that Twila was looking towards? It suddenly flashes with energy, a signal that indeed someone else is coming through at the moment.

And it's probably one of the last people someone would want to see right about now. As the light dissipates, it gives way not to clothes, but ebony clad armor, and the upright form of none other than the Robot Master Force Commander himself. Face set into a scowl, Bass steps clear of the chamber, coincidentally right near Twila in the process...whom is suddenly on the receiving end of a quick glare....and an even deeper scowl.

"Why is it...every time I get word of something big happening..." he begins...then raising a finger and stabbing it accusingly in her direction. "...that -YOU- are never too far away?"

Twila Peterson ulps and backs a step or two...and she was so close to going home too. "Uh..." she stutters...not having a good answer. "Coincidence?"

Another teleporter flashes and the overly rotund visage of Blizzard Man. He takes off his hat politely, "Miss Peterson." He then starts skiing out of the area. He then notes Bass, o0(Figures.). He moves over to him, "What are you doing here?"

Paul does an about-face, having only gone a few steps, and quickly places himself between her and the two RMs . .. . while his face is turned away from her, an expression briefly flicks across his face. 'Don't give this away'. "I really must request that you allow her to leave, gentlemen."

Bass fehs quietly. "Sometimes I begin to wonder if somewhere deep down you have a morbid ENJOYMENT of this..." His facial features twist into a sneer for a few seconds, then return to neutral status once more as Blizzard Man addresses him. "Probably for the same reason that -YOU- are here you idiot. Now I intend to see for myself just what is going on here." Then of course, Paul steps in. Or his name 'Paul' as it may appear. For a few seconds, Bass glares towards him, eyes narrowed...before he reaches out to put a hand directly against 'Paul's face...and SHOVE hard. "Oh get out of my way. I have much better things to do than where she is concerned. For all I care she can pull up a lawn chair and watch, or go home and catch it on Pay Per View."

Paul is shoved, yes . . . and barely manages to avoid back into Twila. But, however, he is quick to place himself between her and them again . . . silent this time.

The other Master follows Bass, quietly apologizing for Bass. Never hurts to have the press or the civvies or whoever on their side. He then stands there, an impervious and stoic figure...Quietly making rabbit ears behind Bass.

Had Twila known that it was a fellow Master Bass was mishandling she would have merely up and left. However, when Bass shoves "Paul" away from him she pauses to at least try to help him back up...or something. "You...better get out of here to..."

Bass snorts once more, and merely gives one last glare to Twila for good measure, before turning and stomping his own way out, deciding to observe the festivities for himself. And for his own entertainment for that matter.

Dr. Wily has a wicked sneer on his face as he rises on Centaur, his cane held tightly in hand as his eyes turn to the Transportation area. Wily's eyes catch those already there... a smirk coming to his face now... how... fortuitous... This may turn into a victory after all.

Blizzard Man quietly watches everyone and everything...A stoic, though still quite humorous figure.

Paul speaks over his shoulder to Twila, "Please, Miss, just go . . I'll be out of here right quick."

Twila Peterson looks in uncertainty towards Paul, just now noticing the new arrivals. "Both us better...before anyone else shows." And with that she heads once more towards one chamber in particular...just...hoping...that Paul makes his own exit...

Thanatos leaps into the scene in a burst of crimson energy, a vacant teleporter pod flashing to indicate a new arrival. A new arrival which immediately initiates his stealth mode(while still inside the teleportation pod), phasing instantaneously from view. Pod door sliding open to reveal an oddly vacant slot, Thanatos spies the current area, taking note of the Robot Masters present. . . more significantly Dr. Wily himself. Confused by this, but having no orders to dictate otherwise, the assassin continues forward toward the troubles following his own masters.

Dr. Wily reigns Centaur man up, yelling out... to late it seems. "Dont let her get away!!" Wily clenches his cane tightly as Twila makes it to the teleportation chamber.

Centaur Man -was- going to chase after her, but gets reigned up instead. Rearing back on his legs, he tries his best to slow down while not tossing off his rider, something he barely is able to manage. "Herdleader, I am quite fast in my own right, perhaps if I were to chase after her?"

Twila Peterson is right by the chamber and scrambles inside, already holding out her special card after a short furious dig within her purse. The delay of the Master by the mad old man gives ger time enough to slide the card on through to designate the proper corodinates. In less time that it takes to tell...she's gone...

<While back in the city...>

Sapphire eyes falling on the indigo Maverick, Rock's mouth turns up in a snarl. "Vile... yay." he mutters, dashing left and getting in vile's line-of-sight. Centaur Man gallops in, Wily bopping along on his back. With a well-placed cane whap every now and then, the half-horse continues his fast pace straight into the Transportation Area.

Zero winces and almost breaks into a full crouch as smoke wafts from his cannon. That move by Goliath hurt like hell, and he's showing it as best he can. He narrows his eyes, clenching his fists as his auto-repair systems do what they can for him. About then, though, he notices Rock's arrival. "Rock!" shouts the Berserker toward the Blue Bomber, "Do Twila and I a favor -- Beat the living daylights out of this damn movie rip-off." Yes, Star Wars did exist at one point in time. What with the Neo-Improved DVD Plus, one can watch the classics from the comfort of their own home! Besides, Episode XXVIIII is due out pretty soon. With that said, he slams his hand to the ground and springs away from Vile, landing behind some of the rubble from the battle to recalibrate. "Damn." spats Zero again.

Swing's eyes widen as the missiles - those terrible, terrible missiles - streak out at him. Initiating a series of leaps and ducks, Swing manages to only be knocked to the ground by one of the inbounds, which he shrugs off in his current state. "Join you?...." Swing trails off, shuddering at the thought - Vile actually seems more dangerous outside Goliath. At least he could concentrate on the machine - now he has to actually strike out at that which he fears. As a sphere of static electricity builds around him, Swing's resolve wavers over and over. "I'm....sorry, brother." he manages to get out. But his systems refuse to relent - some programming deep within him desiring retribution for the last year of torment. Swing halfheartedly raises his club, and gestures it at Vile, releasing his capacitors of their charge.

Sigma steps back, parrying the oncoming sabre-slash. He allows it to draw within inches of his face before neatly deflecting the cut by raising his own sabre in its path and neatly, gracefully knocking it off coarse. He floats back a few steps, his anti-gravity drive kicking into overdrive. "I will ensure the safety of my Mavericks, which requires your distraction, and you have been distracted. I also enjoy our duels, to a certain extent, Colonel. Which is why.." The savior slides forward bringing his own sword around..

** SHHHHHING **

"We battle now, oh champion of the human race. Once my troops have been withdrawn I will withdraw." Energy dances off of the blade as it flies forward, cutting the ground in its downward ark towards the Repliforce XO. At the last moment Sigma switches the direction of the blade, aiming for the joint that connects Colonel's arm to his shoulder. "Nut until then I intend to allow the unending dance that is our conflict continue."

Vile looks over at Rock and snorts, holding up his hand and giving the 'just bring it' gesture, until he's whacked over the head by Swing, he turns his head rapidly to stare at Swing as he holds out his hand palm up at Swing, reaching out with his magnetic hold, "You miserable pile of scrap..." as he feels he's got a lock, he clenches his fist, hoping to grab a hold of Swing in his invisible grasp.

"Leave them alone, Vile," Rock says, stepping forward and wincing as Swing attacks Vile. Not smart. "You owe me for Mexico City, and for EVERYTHING you've ever done to reploids..." And for what you did to Twila, "SWING, BACK OFF!" His dash boots ignite, and he dashes at Vile. "BRING IT!" His body, glowing a blue-gold as he jets forward, ignites in a giant white flare and he tries to Megadash Vile back and away from Swing and Co.

Swing feels the waves of magnetic pull wash over him - holding his stance, he weathers through the attack, gritting his teeth as a trail of red fluid begins to run out of his nose, the attack apparently taking it's toll.

Bit is, as it seems, the only person in Vanguard's way to the main battle. He doesn't seem too happy about that either. He glances back over his shoulder. Only Sigma's awe inspiring presence gives Bit any hope for the odds against the Mavericks. He shoots a radio message towards Sigma, hoping he'll respond now that he's finished fighting with Colonel.

Vile grunts as Rock crashes into him, sending him tumbling back into a pile of rubble. He chuckles darkly as he slowly rises back up into a standing position, a spit of acidic subtanace from beneath the shadows of his mask out of hte small opening lands on the ground near him, fizzling into the street, "This matter never concerned you, X, it was between me and my 'brother'. But so be it, if you wish to dance with death, then have at you!" His cannon locks into place as a napalm round slides into place, moments later it fires at the blue bomber, exploding into a giant volley of hot smoldering substance.

Swing manages to avoid the attack, but staggers back and falls to his hands and knees near Zero's position. "Hrr..." he growls. "Servoes locking down."

BOOM. The napalm slams into the ground where Rock once was and ignites; however, Rock is currently airbourn. "It concerned me the instant you bothered Twila, you sick monster..." he snarls, X-Buster humming as it gathers charge. "You've done WAY too much for me to even THINK of sending you away without teaching you a lesson, Vile!" Landing, and crouching, his colorscheme shifts to a brown/green... and his helmet transforms into a sombrero. In his hand appears a lit molotov cocktail, which he leaps upward with. His body, well, to him and Vile, appears on a brown-green spiraling screen, with Tequila Worm superimposed behind him. "TEQUILA SUNRISE!" he shouts, flinging the molotov cocktail at Vile.

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> is satisfied now that civilians are out of harm's way and Wily is gone. She turns her attention to the combat, looking to see if there are any wounded in need of retrieval...and not noticing that there is a Bit in her path.

Colonel jumps back to dodge the bits of graval that are knocked up by Sigma's slash. He chuckles slightly and spins his sabre playfully in his hand for a moment before catching the energy weapon and placing it towards Sigma, "Yes our duels might be entertaining for the few, but unless we can resolve this war and return to a peaceful co-existance between reploid and human. I shall view these duels as nothing more than attacks against myself and the Repliforce." The Colonel slashes his beam sabre across the ground, kicking up gravel. Then he proceeds to bring it back in a defensive stance, while calling out, "Defend yourself Sigma! For I shall show you no mercy! Hai-ya!" The Repliforce XO dashes forward towards Sigma and slashes down at the Maverick Leader in an X formation!

Swing crawls over the heap next to Zero. "You..." he breathes, trying to assert his systems. "Thanks." he finishes, vaulting himself over and collapsing into a sitting position.

Vile merely blinkslides out of hte way of Rock's attack and grumbles, as he realizes the chips are severly not in his favor, he stares at Rock and snorts as his cannon reconfigures itself for it's primary attack, "What I do to your flesh slave is of no concern to you, I did not kill her, for that, you should be in my debt." he snarls as he suddenly braces his feet into the ground, "Now, you shall pay for your grave mistake." Suddenly a large beam of energy streaks out at the Blue Bomber.

Rock gets blown back by Vile's Vile Cannon

Zero remains crouched through, holding his shoulder while gathering his breath. He allows his auto-repair to work, hoping that he'll be capable of giving Rock a hand pretty soon. His gaze shifts over his shoulder, eyes narrowing as he sees his best friend nailed clean-on by Vile. Another curse is uttered as he rams his elbow into the rubble behind him. Yet, his mood is stirred as Swing speaks to him, "Eh? Oh.. Heh, no problem, Swing. I owed that bastard for a few things myself." He sighs out the gathered breath, shaking his head, "I may have to give Rock a hand at this rate."

Bit nods at Sigma's reply, leaving a sigh as he realizes the task he just set himself. Lil' ole Bit versus Vanguard. There just isn't any balance in this world. Bit ascends into the air with a steady blast of gravity. Funny how Iris is worried about all the little people in the world, and can't even see a big Maverick like Bit. Bit floats there with his arms crossed, presenting an unmovable force.

Swing nods as he also tries to suck up the wounds. "He came out of nowhere. He tried to hurt Twila...."

Zero snorts, "Tried on Iris twice."

Caught in midair when Vile's attack begins, Rock has no way to dodge or defend himself from it. The beam strikes him, full in the chest; his cry of pain echoes, the energy washing across his form. Colorscheme shifting back to blue/white unconsciously, he is flung back, end over end, to slam into a nearby building and through the wall. Dust and smoke flow from the impact point; nothing inside moves. At least for a few minutes; the dust clears, and a gold-white glowing form can be seen in the hole. Rock, his Buster fully charged, leaps out of the hole, blue-whtie flame jetting from his feet as he flies through the air. Bracing his Buster arm, energy begins to coalesce toward the barrel of the weapon, Rock floating for instants on a blue-white zipshot with a silver X behind him.

"MEGABLAST!"

KRACKA-THOOM! The gold-white wash of energy spirals out from the end of the buster, superheating the air as it heads toward Vile. "TAKE THIS!" he says, still floating in midair, the end of the blast finally leaving his buster. It's like, graphically, what Bahamut ZERO does in FF7.

Swing peers over the cover as Vile's cannon sings it's destruction on Rock. "I don't know what came over me - I've never been able to do that."

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> starts toward the battle, but now sees Bit. "...Oh, bother. Go away, you you you--Grr. Just go away. I don't want to fight, I just want to get the wounded reploids someplace safe." she grumps at Bit. "Now SHOO."

Zero smirks toward Swing, casually wiping a bit of fluid from his lips, "Heh. You're just beginning to realize that Vile's a monster that has to be stopped. In other words..." He whacks Swing on the back, "You're becoming a Hunter." Long distance to Rock: Twila Peterson patpats...

Thanatos sprinting into the area under a shroud of deathlike silence, Thanatos casts a critical eye over the situation unfolding, his stealth mode allowing him for as much quietly contemplation as he may need. The question is, where the heck is Barrage Grasshopper? The darkly clad assassin creeps about the outskirts of the battle, avoiding stray fire when he must.

Vile takes the blast and snarls as it tears into his armor and sends him flying back, he frowns at his radio as well, but begrudgingly agrees with the assessment and slowly stands himself up and stares at Rock, "I will deal with you another time, just as I will deal with Zero, and my dear brother." he grumbles a his body is enveloped in a bright yellow frame, and begins to dissipate, as several 'shadows' of Vile begin to streak across the area.

Sigma brings the sabre over his head. The energy beam briefly flickers out as it extends to the length of a spear. The Maverick twirls the newly formed rod before him, using its special properties to absorb the kinetic and heat energy from Colonel's assault. The blade of the sabre is deflected by the twirling motion, protecting the Reploid champion from enduring any harm. He flies back again, rising in the air this time as well. His eye-beams crackles and lance forth from his sapphire optics. The cut into the road directly before the XO, liquefying the concrete in its path. The twin bolts of energy move forward, across the earth, towards Colonel as Sigma gradually raises his head, readjusting the angle of the beams. "Humans and reploids will never co-exist, Colonel, any more then the dinosaurs could co-exist with the mammals. Their time has passed, and it is only deluded slaves like you who will not accept it!" Screen> Swing manages a smile, though deep down inside, he does'nt like the source of his strength. Could it be that hate truly motivates action. Is that how Vile does it? Is he capable of the same merciless rage? having a bad day. :)

Rock nods as Vile takes the blast full on, falling to the ground and landing hard with a dull clunk. "Well... that was easier than I expected."

Swing grunts as he gets to his feet, offering Zero a hand. "At least you came at the right time, X." he calls across the plaza.

Bit shrugs slightly, before opening his arms away from his body to show that he bears no weapons or malice. "Lord Sigma has instructed me to keep you here. Fighting is the least of my intentions, sister. The battle is nearly over. Sigma does not wish for yout to get hurt. Please follow his wishes."

Rock glances up at Swing, looking down at his Buster, the end of the barrel red-hot from the energy pulse. "YEah..."

Zero rises up, wincing from the obvious wounds from several spikes being rammed into him. They seem to be repairing steadily, though, "It's a lesson everyone's gotta learn, Swing. We're Hunters - We hunt. It's as simple as that." The 'hand-up' was apparently denied. He keeps his smirk, motioning toward Rock, "Looks like Vile got smart and decided to run along." Once spoken, he hops over the rubble and walks over to Rock, "Good thing you showed up, 'X'." For once, he addresses him by his less-familiar name. "Swing and I got him to get out of Goliath, but he managed to nick me nice and good before he did." It's now, and only now, that he forges his buster back into his arm, "He didn't getchya too bad, did he?" Since his arm is back, he offers that hand to Rock. Thanatos spots the grasshopper ploid and immediately makes way toward his fallen comrade. Albeit haste doesn't seem to be much focus on his part. Making sure to stay far and clear of Sigma and Colonel's battle, Thanatos reaches Barrage, dropping to a knee to survey the grasshopper's damaged body. "Can you move?"

Rock reaches down, now only assessing his wounds. The majority of his chest armor is missing; his shoulder's internal components is revealed, "I'll live... I've been hurt worse."

Zero keeps the hand offered, "Haven't we all? C'mon. You better get on back and check on Twila -- Sorry that I wasn't there sooner for her. Far as I know, she's safe, but as you can see..." He nods his head toward the other battle, "Colonel and Sigma are still facing off. I gotta make sure he doesn't get himself killed. Iris really doesn't need that.

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> eyes Bit. or rather, the pilot does, and the Ride Armor sidesteps a couple times each way. No doubt, she is blocked by Bit. iris grumps, "But in case you didn't notice, he's trashing my comrades." a pause, "Did Sigma really tell you to do this or are you up to something?"

Rock blinks, and had missed the offered hand, and takes it? "Yeah... Iris would be sore if her brother were flatlined."

Barrage Grasshopper mehs idly, lying there in a growing pile of mechanical fluid and such, glowering as he surveys his own damage, perhaps for the first time. "I can't move, no, and I didn't bring too many of my little buddies with me." He motions to the ground around the flying battle between Sigma and Colonel, "They died saving me....*sniff*"

Swing nods as he joins the pair. "I can lend a hand." he says, nodding to the pair. "Dealing with other rabble should'nt be a match after my brother."

Sigma's optic blasts streak across the stone pavement and leave a trail of destruction within their path. Colonel jumps and dissappears for a few moments, only to blink back in a few feet from the beam's ending point. The Repliforce XO lowers his sabre to his side and eyes Sigma with curious look, "Refuse to co-exist? It is the forces that wish to harm this world that refuse to co-exist with the both of our kind. Unfortunately, We have to fight a war over supposed revolution of genocide rather than revolution of independance. Stop being close minded Sigma and return back with us! End this foolishness now!" Colonel keeps his sabre defensively at his side, but extends a hand of friendship out to Sigma, "Sigma, Stop this now. Cease the sufferings of both our peoples and return with us! I will not lay another strike against you and I will make it so no one else does eigher. Take my offer. Please for all our sakes." From afar, Plant Man got yelled at, explained PM's reasoning, then got ordered to get back into standard outfit and report to Wily eventually to get yelled at some more. ;)

Zero nods in agreement, "We've got it locked down here, Rock. Give Twila a 'hey' for me... Maybe a whack with a pillow." He smirks, whaps Rock on the back good-naturedly and turns his attention toward Sigma and Colonel, "Hmm."

Thanatos frowns from beneath his mask, not really giving a rat's ass what happened to the grasshopper's annoying little drones. The question stands as how the relatively lithe assassin will be moving his Maverick brother from his postion. Dismissively ignoring Barrage's comment about his 'little buddies,' Thanatos furrows his brow..green eyes set in deep concentration. "How am I expected to move you back to base?"

Thanatos offers a sidelong glance toward the gathered numbers of Repliforce and Maverick Hunters. "..And past them."

Barrage Grasshopper is only a frickin' size one, moron! "Uhm.. pick me up?"

Really! Iris should know that Bit is Sigma's little lapdog. (Byte is Sigma's LARGE lapdog.) Bit tries to keep a neutral expression to his eyes, "Lord Sigma /always/ has your safety at heart. Our orders are to keep you unharmed." From afar, Norman Cassidy shrugs. "Why not just stop by? If only for RP?

Thanatos is only fricken' size three, two feet is big, and Than's strength is only six! Glancing down at Barrage's body, Thanatos shakes his head sharply. "I don't see that happening."

Barrage Grasshopper whines, "But I'm really light! Trust me! And small and compact! I can fit inside King Dragon's nose!"

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> peers helplessly around Bit at the battle. "But he's -killing- my brother, I can't just do nothing. Argh. Mavericks." she grumbles, "What if I resist and try to go past you, hmm?"

Rock looks across at Zero.

Sigma ensures that his people are safe via com-link as Colonel disengages. He eyes Barrage and Thanatos. They will be safe soon enough, and there is no time left for distraction or delays. "If I returned, Colonel, I would be executed and my people would be forced into slavery, again. As long as Reploids suffer beneath human yoke I will not rest or yield. I will fight to make this world better for all true forms of life. Once this planet belongs to the reploids I will, at last, lay down my arms and, fate willing, never do battle again. Then it shall be /you/ that returns to the fold. Until then I bid you farewell." Sigma's form fades into shadow and then vanishes entirely, but his words remain.. haunting..

"Then it shall be /YOU/ that returns to the fold."

Thanatos glances down at Barrage's body, taking careful note of the various fluids dripping from the grasshopper's body. The assassin shakes his head once more. "Nope. I don't see that happening." Than's eyes remain devoid of warmth and actual concern for Barrage, he pauses for a moment to listen to Sigma's broadban radio. "Lord Sigma has ordered for all forces to clear." Than glances down at Barrage once more, a curse under his breath. "I suppose that means you as well." Offering the fellow Maverick's body one testing shrug, Thanatos's muscles cord as he lifts his ally into his arms. What a hero!

Bit says, "I am to stop you, of course." He eyes Vanguard's legs, determining the force needed to cripple the Ride Armor. Bit won't hurt Iris, but there was nothing said about damaging Vanguard. "Be assured that he won't kill your brother, he too is arranging for the safety of the Mavericks. He holds off Colonel from his troops.""

Zero glances at Rock, "...Hm? Something wrong, Rock?"

Barrage Grasshopper awwws as he tucked into Thanatos' grasp and smoochies him on the cheek, "I always knew you had a heart of gold!"

Rock shakes his head, "No... just a little tired. I kinda expended my systems using a Megablast without taking extra charge time..."

Thanatos drops Barrage to the ground. Hard. "-NEVER- do that again."

Zero nods, "Heh, yeah. Me too..." He motions down at his wounds, "Vile send both of his damn ride armor arms at me ... Connected at the same time. Ah well, at least it kept Swing from getting that instead." He looks aside, then pokes X in the side, "Didn't I tell you to go see about Twila?" Another smirk.

Barrage Grasshopper blinks in surprise as he's thoroughly discarded and wails, "BUT THAAAAAAANATOS!"

Rock blinks, "Er. Yeah, you did... I'm just a little distracted. Are you sure you and Swing will be okay getting back by yourselves?"

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> eyes Bit. "His troops attacked Twila, this whole mess wouldn't exist if the Mavericks would just stop trying to hurt people! And if Repliforce and the Hunters would stop trying to hurt people in retaliation for hurting people!"

Zero nods, "Of course." He points, "Sigma just ran off too. I think we've put the Mavericks in their place for one day."

Thanatos remembers his orders suddenly. Damn. He'd just as well leave Barrage here to get scrapped. But Sigma told him to bring the bug back to base, and Thanatos always does what he's told when Sigma is doing the telling. Damn. Gritting his teeth in anger, the assassin again bends forward to grip Barrage firmly, this time choosing to toss the grasshopper over his shoulder like so many sacks of potatoes. "I want silence from you until we return to base."

Barrage Grasshopper mutters as he flopped over Thanatos' shoulder like a bag of trash, and folds his arms, muttering and rolling his optics, "Yeah, yeah, I know the drill."

Rock nods, grinning a little. "Yeah, we did... and they'll be a while recovering their wounds."

Thanatos proceeds to trudge off with Barrage. @Whee. Open shot for anyone. Not too hard to miss either. The big black object with a big green object slug over one shoulder. Look at 'im go.

Zero grins widely at Rock, "Swing and I trashed Goliath...Vile's gonna be awful irked for awhile. I'd hate to be a Maverick right now."

Rock grins, "That's too true. If he's even conscious enough to do anything; I think I put him through the ringer with that Megablast

Colonel eyes blink widely and before he knows it, Sigma has once again vanished away into the shadows of darkness. He looks up towards the sky and begins to mutter, "Sigma, ol' friend. If that is the way our paths must go then so be it. I hope that someday you will come to realize that humans and reploids can co-exist. Until then, farewell and Godspeed." The Repliforce XO looks around seeing that all the destruction has been made about the area. He sighs deeply and looks over towards Vanguard, noticing Bit standing in front of the massive ride armor. Shaking his head, The Colonel ponders and begins walking over towards Vanguard, sabre in hand, . o O (There has been enough devastation for one day.) The Repliforce XO approaches Vanguard and The Maverick Bit, saying nothing and regards Bit with a warning nod of recognition.

Rock pats Zero on the shoulder; "I'll see you back at base."

Zero nods, then motions, "I think I'll go talk to Colonel -- And the like. Tell Twila I'll be along soon. She's probably worried about my injuries, like always." He whaps Rock again, then moves toward Colonel, Vanguard and Bit.

Bit sighs lightly. Lord Sigma has never been successful at convincing Iris that his is the right way, but Bit tries his lot. "War arises when the politics of peace break down. There will be no peace until one side wins. Twila is a human. Vile believes that she is one of the billion targets we must destroy before we win. Not everyone believes as Vile does."

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> notices Colonel, and immediately tenses. "No combat, please. Enough with the fighting, all of you are beaten and worn, and no one has accomplished anything of any use." she sighs a bit and looks back at Bit, "No side can win. Even if one side destroys all of another, then a third side will just get paranoid and angry and the fighting will go on. War begins when listening stops. War begins too easily."

The rider looks about. He notes where everyone is and moves over to them, slowly cautiously...Zero should recognize the form. Quite readily. Given their past...Experiences... Zero likely looks worse than those currently gathered here. He's still got nice, big wounds from Goliath. Due to his focus, though, he doesn't notice the rider -- Yet. "Well now ... What've we here?" He forces a genuine smile, actually standing just behind Bit now, "Boo."

Colonel looks over at Bit, then over to Vanguard, chuckling slightly as Zero approaches. The Repliforce XO crosses his arms and looks at the occupents once more, "Enough Zero, no need for intimidation. For there has been enough devastation for one day and the one you were after has fled. The Colonel presses a button upon his beam sabre and the weapon's energy slowly dissappears before he attaches it to his side-holster. He looks at Bit directly, "Maverick Bit, I recommend you leave this area. Otherwise, I will have to arrest you and take you in when Repliforce arrives." The Repliforce XO looks at Zero then at Vanguard, "Iris are you ready to return to base?"

Oooh..Bit is totally scared. He only saw Zero limping towards him ages ago. Zero's image reflected off of Vanguard's mirrorlike metal surface. The Maverick samurai nods at Colonel in agreement, ignoring Zero, the beserker, for the most part. There, that is one perfect example of a peaceful engagement, but one won from a mutual respect for each other's abilities as warriors. Before he leaves, Bit asks Iris, "You must not believe that Lord Sigma can maintain the peace that comes with his victory."

Repliforce Ride Armor <Vanguard> juist stands there. Inside, Iris's hesitation is evident. "..I believe that Sigma has good intentions, and good things in mind. I believe that he truly does care for the fate of the reploids. I don't approve of his methods. But I care for him still." she then addresses COlonel, "I'm still on leave, unless you're ordering me back. I'm here today not because my duties require I be here. I'm here because my heart requires I be here."

Zero snorts at them, "Oh, fine.. Swing and I bail all of you out and that's what we get. Heh." He glances aside, "If I hadn't come, Vile would've let you have it, Colonel. Maybe Sigma has some honor, but that bastard hardly knows the meaning of the word." He shakes his head, rather miffed over being ignored and 'smacked down' verbally. The pain doesn't help, either. "Sleep well, Iris. Cya 'round." He turns fully at that point and quietly makes his way from the gathering as Swing did when Sigma left. Silent, save for the clanks, and his hair shifts with all of his movements.

Colonel shrugs and smiles at Vanguard, "As you wish.." With that, The Colonel walks over towards the Hoverbike <Alpha> and looks back as another bright light overcomes the Repliforce XO. As the Light dissipates, it reveils the Colonel back within his casual clothing as he jumps on the hoverbike. It takes a brief moment and the hoverbike fires up, then the Colonel speeds off into the sunset night...

Bit makes his departure, ascending into the air, "Despite Lord Sigma's efforts, very little has been done to improve the lives of Reploids by the humans or the UN. If you were not to fight us, perhaps you can help Sigma and spare the human lives and let us achieve our victory."

The pilot of Vanguard hrms, "I am Iris, and I don't fight except to defend myself. If there is some way I can give of myself in order to stop this massacre of humans, then I will give it. Sigma knows where to find me, if he wishes to speak to me. Goodbye, Bit. Be thankful no lives, human or reploid, were lost this day. The next time may not be so fortunate."

<When Twila's ab;e...she converses over comlink...>

(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: '*out of breath* Rock, just to let you know I'm back home...'.

(Ch. A [Hunter-Main]) Rock transmits: 'Good. Get some rest, I'll be home soon.'.

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: "*somewhat out of breath* Thanks for the cover Iris. I'm...back home now."

Iris sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Everything is okay now?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: "I think. But I don't know what happened to Paul. He stayed behind in the Teleportation chamber just was Wily and his Masters started moving in and ordered for my capture. He made it possible for me to get out."

(Ch. A [Hunter-Main]) Rock transmits: 'Owie. Hey Twila? Can you set out a Band-Aid?'

(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: '*wince* Just one...or need two?'.

(Ch. A [Hunter-Main]) Rock transmits: 'Just one. That and a kiss.'.

(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Ok...although I may be a little slower than usual. Everyone alright? How's Swing?

(Ch. A [Hunter-Main]) Rock transmits: 'Everyone seems to be fine... noone's hurt beyond functioning.'.

(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'That's a relief. I'll be ready for you here.'.

(Ch. A [Hunter-Main]) Rock transmits: 'Alright... I'll see you shortly. Love you.'.

(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Love you two, Rock.'.

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "You ok, Twi?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Yeah....save for a bum arm and a few bruises. You?"

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Eh.. I'll live. Swing and I drove Vile out of his blasted armor. X took care of him after that."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Rock stated something about needing a Band-Aid. You want one placed out for you too?"

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Yeah, Vile nailed him with his cannon.. Then X nailed him with /his/ cannon. *chuckle* I'd say X won that little power struggle. Auto-repair can probably handle me, though it'll take some time."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Well, in case you did. Anyway, thanks for responding to the call when you did. I did want to ask a favor tho. There was a civilian android by the name of Paul which was helping me out. When...we got to the teleporters Wily and several Masters showed. He delayed them long enough for me to get back here safe. But I don't know if he was able to make it out."

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Hrm... I didn't see anybody in the unit. What's the favor?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Just to check the teleporters before you come home and see if everything looks alright?"

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Looked fine t'me -- Wily's never really had use for hostages before... 'Cept for you, so.. He probably got away."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "Hopefully. Thanks, Zero."

Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Not a problem, Twi. Just glad I got there before it was too late."