Megaman - Thursday, July 06, 2000, 11:51 PM -------------------------------------------

Maverick Hunter Headquarters - Medical Center

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Dr. Doppler: "Dr. Doppler, this is Twila Peterson with the Maverick Hunters. I was wondering if you could spare a few moments."

Dr. Doppler sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I have precious little time and normally I wouldn't even /speak/ to your sub-species, but seeing our current dilemma...*he sorta of trails off before getting back on track* Speak."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Dr. Doppler: "I have my own 'differences' with your faction as well, Doctor. But right now they seem immaterial. *pause* I thought it best if we compared notes regarding our separate 'labels' given by the Starsdroids. I learned recently you're dubbed the 'Father'. I've been dubbed the 'Mother'. Regardless if you want to think about the title, we should at least investigate what it might mean for the Stardroids and how they're using that."

Twila Peterson is sitting at her station, radio in hand, apparently in conversation with another party...one that it seems her redheaded self must bat down it's redheaded temper in some form.

Behind and above Twila, up in the air a bit, there's that tell-tale flash of black light and the sound of air being pushed out of the way. Everybody's favorite Stardroid, Libra, has arrived. Joy, joy and such. But, unlike the last several times, she doesn't go right to business and try to cut Twila in half. No - she just floats there, calmly, looking downwards with a smile. Kinda makes you wonder just what she's up to this time.

Dr. Doppler sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "The title is simple enough to conceive Ms. Peterson, even I thought that a human could put such pieces together. The label they have given me is adequate for my history. The logic behind my title is rather obvious don't you think? I'd think it to be rather apparent... I /created/ the reploids. I /am/ their father. I gave birth to Repliforce and the rise for the superior species that is destined to rule after the age of the homosapiens. Though the name they have dubbed you baffles me, mine is crystal clear. Perhaps...perhaps I am a representative of the reploids and you...you the representative of the humans. Emissary and/or ambassador to your species and I to...to mine. It could be rationalized I s'pose, after all the two species are the ruling forces in the planet. Quite similar to how the parents, mother and father are dominant in the family. But...that is mere speculation."

Twila Peterson notices effects of the entrance behind her...since some of the reflection was caught onto the surface of her terminal. Her eyes go a bit wide in response as she, mumbles something into her radio as if to by herself some time and not letting on she's aware she has a visitor just yet.

Libra continues to just... hang there in the air. Silently watching. Smiling. And doing absolutely nothing else at all.

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Dr. Doppler: "That would indeed make sense. Have they--- *lengthy pause followed by a wince* I'm perhaps going to have to talk with you later if you allow. Uh...a Stardroid just...appeared..."

Twila Peterson lowers her radio to the desk, letting out a breath as soon as it's away from her mouth. She glances towards the screen as if acting suddenly interested in whatever the monitor holds...waiting...

Dr. Doppler sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Is that so? Well, I do wish you spend your time with /it/ wisely...inquiring about the questions we discussed in the meeting."

Twila Peterson overhears the latter message and nods to herself. You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Dr. Doppler: "Would help if they would offer more than vague answers."

Dr. Doppler sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Doesn't hurt to ask...especially when the world is at stake."

Libra just keeps on floating there in mid-air, just behind and above Twila. Quite calm - though she does turn her wrist slightly, pantomiming looking at her wristwatch. "You can turn around and notice me at any point, Mother."

Twila Peterson lowers the radio once again as her hand goes towards a certain special watch that Feedback was mindful to offer her...one with a signal attached that acts as a distress when not able to speak on the radio. Which, to do so now may have consequences. She doesn't respond to the last message over the comlink however, choosing instead to turn around in her seat. "That help any," the girl asks, gazing up towards the Stardroid with an arched brow.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: '*distress signal: Location or origin -- Maverick Hunter Medical Center*'.

Michael Eildath rushes in because of the signal

Twila Peterson is sitting at her station, looking up at the Stardroid wide-eyed. Her radio is set aside on the table's surface, watching the visitor carefully.

Feedback runs in from the command center half awake at that seeing as he just woke up and fell on his head before getting here. That and the fact that he hit his head again when he exited the grav lift. But of course, he recognized that distress call, after all. He programmed it so here he is running just like he said he would be should he hear that. As such, he is seen running in all crazy like, "What's going on? Who's trying to kill Twila now?"

"Thank you, dearie." Libra seems almost eerily composed. She crosses her legs Indian-style, even though there's nothing below her for a good two meters. Her head turns as people just come *piling* in to 'save' Twila. The Stardroid seems to pay them little mind, save for a flickering glance. "You can calm down, of course. If I'd meant to harm you this time, your friends would already be too late. You are safe, for now, thanks to that damnable Eclipse."

Twila Peterson makes it a point to rise to her feet to get on the other side of her station, attempting to keep herself calm. "You have your opinions about him...I have mine..." She states, not commenting on the responses the others give, but grateful they're there just the same. "What is it that you want...other than what Eclipse statedd you couldn't have yourself?

Michael Eildath walks in now that he sees what's going on... and tenses himself for damn near anything. He doesn't like or trust the Stardroids, especially Libra, but he doesn't mince words stating obvious tough-guy-isms like 'You'll hafta get through me first' and the ilk... those go without saying. Instead, he walks in, keeping a close eye on the Stardroid.

Feedback of course is the crazy one in this group no doubt. He spots the Stardroids and then runs over to see what they want now, "Okay you good for nothing pieces of space trash. What do you want this time? I doubt that this is another social call."

Libra giggles cheerfully, even as Feedback acts to get himself obliterated again. "Actually, this is indeed a social call. Just because I'm trying to kill your Miss Peterson, far be it from I to let that obstruct good-natured conversation." She waves idly towards the Command Center above, where the group of scientists had been meeting a few hours before. "Enemies you have had for far longer than I are welcome within your home - I see not why I would not be as well. I act not in aggression - and I do apologize for having to do so at any point. Such are the needs, however." She shrugs, as if that were a good enough excuse to try and lop Twila's head off.

Feedback eyes Libra and doesn't back down one inch. Yup, he probably is just asking to get vaped, fried, or even barbecued by now as he continues to well insult the Stardroids and such, "What's this? A social call you say? Well, if your so all knowing as well as high and mighty. You'd know that I would kick those RMs and Mavs out of here ten times faster then I'd kick you out...As for no aggression, I'd say that trying to kill my good friend Twila here counts as an act of aggression. And unless Wily is lying to us, you tried to contract him to do your dirty work for you. What's wrong Libra? Can't do her in yourself so you're trying to get some goons to do the work for you?"

Twila Peterson raises a hand towards Feedback, stepping over towards him and placing a hand on his shoulders. "She's not allowed to kill me herself per Eclipse's promise. But you weren't exactly included in that promise..." she mumbles out. Then why did she call? As much emotional support as physical. "So...what was it you wanted to converse on?"

Michael Eildath stands there, mutely protecting his friend while they talk. He harumphs at the prospect of this social call, but says nothing, at least not yet.

A quick wave of Libra's hand dismisses Twila's concerns. "I am not one who causes battle without grave need. I do not - and have not - ever seeked to harm any save the Mother. And she only out of the most dire of situations." Slowly, she floats downwards a bit, coming to rest atop one of the empty medical beds. Languidly, she stretches out - and, possibly for the first time ever, her feet are visible under the toga. And thus something is revealed - unless she's hiding a lot of leg, Libra can't actually be more than three feet tall. "As for my conversing, I am quite happy to share words upon whatever subjects are broached. I, like the others, enjoy hearing the happenstance of this world. A distraction from the dreary day-to-day life as the Judgment approaches."

Feedback smirks and shakes his head, "A Stardroid that wants to chat. That's a new one on me. So, Libra...What do -you- want to chat about? Oh, how about the weather? Or maybe local sports. Or maybe you would want to talk about some history. I'm sure that you've got an interesting past that all of us would just love to hear about."

Whether or not she could trust the answers is what concerns Twila. She relaxes a little and lets go of Feedback's arm...but stays close to him regardless. "*Whatever* subjects are broached? What about the upcoming judgment itself as to why it's occurring in the first place? And what places do some of us with these titles have in it?" Of course, if the question is deterred or ignored altogether, the girl wouldn't be surprised earlier. "And what does Chaos want exactly?"

Michael Eildath, again, says nothing. He's not interested in chatting, leastwise with a Stardroid who wants to kill the person who is quite possibly his best friend.

Libra pouts slightly at Twila. "If you insist on talking about the Judgment, I shall. Though t'would be relaxing to speak upon something else - the topic grows weary, especially among we of the Stars. Day in, day out, all it is Judgment this and Balance that...." She waves her arms around in exasperation. "....and if I hear Sunstar ask to blow up the planet once more, I believe I shalt scream until the sun extinguishes." The Stardroid sighs deeply, then smiles once more. "Some of the Annoying One's ideas sound intriguing... but if you insist upon the Judgment as the topic, I shalt not object further."

Twila Peterson okays to herself. "What frightens you so much about Judgment Day?" There, she asked. "After all, you do want me dead. I mean...must be pretty big."

Feedback eyes Libra and then does his best to ignore that "Annoying One" comment, "Yes, what is this Judgment day all about? Be a good little Stardroid and answer Twila's question."

Twila Peterson keeps a wary eye on the Stardroid and crosses her arms in front of her chest...waiting. While she waits she leans against the side of a medbed near her, mindful to stay close to the two Hunters.

Libra's eyes narrow, adding an air of slight menace around her. "I do not fear the Judgment. You should. No matter the result, you blessed or cursed, we shall continue on to the next world. Your destruction, Miss, is but my attempt to sway the final accountancy to leave this world it's proper existence. And to prevent the future which looms - and which you shall cause, though you know it not." The small Stardroid abruptly teleports, and in an instant is standing just in front of Twila, reaching to put her tiny hand on the human's shoulder. It might be an attack, or a gesture of comfort. "That is the nature of the Judgment."

Michael Eildath growls. "That's enough, Stardroid. Leave my friend alone."

Twila, understandably, is no longer leaning. Instead, she's standing straight up and attempts to move away from the Stardoid's contact. "And just what future is that?" the girl retorts. "And if you're moving to the next world as you claim than why care so much for this one? You wouldn't be afraid if you didn't have a personal threat."

Abruptly, from nowhere something appears. From every corner, nook and cranny it flows, the yellowish liquid as it oozes across the floor, moving to the center of the room and actually forming together in the blink of an eye. A surprisingly quick motion considering who it is that is making such a move. Within seconds, the entirety of the room is filled by a gigantic presence, that raises up even to the ceiling itself, standing directly behind Twila's position, and towering over both her and Libra, mammoth arms crossed over his thick chest.

Eclipse's single eye twitches downwards...and while he has no facial features to show any emotion...it isn't hard to figure out the meaning of his sudden....presence.

He's watching....watching more closely than anyone else could EVER watch.

Feedback blinks and watches as Libra teleports and puts her hand on Libra's shoulder. Knowing that there's not much he can do really, he just turns around and waits to see what she does. Not like he can stop her, but he's sure as hell going to try. Feedback blinks and starts talking some more, "Hey! What the? Whatcha doing there Libra? I don't suppose that you're going to be trying to kill her yet again. Cause I know that a certain Stardroid is probably going to go medieval on you if you try anything. And speak of the devil. Here's that certain Stardroid himself."

Libra teleports back to her previous position, just as quickly as she had moved to Twila. She giggles girlishly, and winks an eye at the Jell-o Giant. "Just checking, Eclipse. Even the Watcher occasionally blinks." Tempting fate, she is. Her responses are simple. First, to Feedback, and Mike, more indirectly. "I have said that I would not harm the Mother upon this day. It is not my purpose here." Then, her response to Twila. "You know the future I speak of. It has been seen, thanks to the meddling of your Wily." The inflection of 'your' prickles at the old near-marriage of Twila and the mad doctor. "As for our care - it is our duty. Each world, as we come to it, becomes the center of our attentions. It, for a time, is our world. Our center." She pauses, for just a moment, thinking. "Though this one is special. I do not know why, but the actions of the others show that there is something of this place new. Not present of the past."

Almost upon moving back Twila catches sight of the substance as her arms fall back to her sides. She's seen it often enough to guess who's arrival this herald's and inwardly gives a sigh. She looks up towards Eclipse for the longest moment before tossing the female Stardroid a unhappy glance. Nope, not funny. "You said 'the others' Libra. What in the heck's your concern over it?" Twila Peterson .oO(Gah...! And he's *not* my Wily!)Oo.

Michael Eildath folds his arms together again, looking utterly unconvinced. "I've watched your kind rend the Earth at a whim. I watched one of your kind /kill/ me for no reason at all." He frowns. "You'll have to excuse me if I don't trust you at all... or believe anything you say."

Feedback looks around and starts to mock the Stardroids as he always does in his usual sarcastic tone, "Oh did you hear that gang? We're -special-. Oh, now doesn't that just make us feel so loved? The Stardroid thinks that we're different from the what? Few hundred other planets you've been too? And what happened to those planets? Did you blow them up? Leave them as is? Turn their lives upside down and then play these pathetic mind games with them as well? Well, I don't know about my friends, but the odds of me actually trusting your word is less likely than me being able to walk through Wily's little space station and come out without so much as a scratch on me. So, try not to take it too personally when I say I don't trust a word you've said thus far."

You paged Eclipse with 'Hee. Yer not bad for a big eyeball ;-)'. Eclipse stands statuesque for the moment, arms folded over his thick barrel of a chest, as he stares straight ahead. His horns are barely from touching the ceiling, his entire height easily taking up a good chunk of the room where he stands, single eye centered on Libra and Libra alone. So she may have made him blink in this case....the point is, that blink doesn't retreat...and he instead stays put in one spot.

Besides....it's another reminder that he wasn't sleeping on the job.

Libra simply shrugs to Feedback and Mike. "If you do not wish to trust or believe - that is your loss. It is not my concern to convince you, when you so obviously have locked your minds. Time is too short and precious to waste upon the foolish. The sky boils." Her attention turns back to Twila again. So many conversational threads, so little time. "My concern of this place... is no different than that of the rest. Though I am but a minor player amongst they, and know not some of their plans or insights." She smiles a touch more, pantomiming a curtsey. "All I am is a minion of Lady Duet, who serves and obeys. Tis my place in this existence."

Feedback eyes Libra and then shrugs, "Ah, well. Guess it's my loss then. I don't lock my mind though as you might think. Just that your recent actions have cast a shadow of doubt on what you've been saying. Trying to see if you can catch Eclipse when his back was turned it looks like you were. So, mind telling us why your so intent on killing my good friend Twila here if someone wasn't holding you back? What makes her so important that you feel that she needs to die while someone like myself is just another speck that you could care less about?"

Twila Peterson offers a slight snort as she shifts her weight. Some of her redheadedness is flickering through.. "And yet, you're so concerned about this planet that you're willing to go against 'the balance' over something that 'doesn't matter very much'. Or am I wrong in thinking you have a personal take?" Yes, she probably shouldn't be pressing. But the presence of the Stardroid who's vowed her life will not come to direct harm is perhaps offering her some comfort, regardless of his own reasons for doing so.

Michael Eildath falls silent again, his friends having said all he wants to say...for the moment.

"It does matter much, for the moment," Libra instructs. "As I have said - for the moment, this world is the center of our lives. We watch it - experience it - and shall soon observe it be Judged. While I have not yet observed that which seems to the rest to separate this world from all the rest, I trust their thoughts, and thus act as though this place were as special as they believe it to be. My personal agenda is irrelevant. Now...as for the importance of people, a glance upon the history of this or any world should betray that some beings play a grand role in determining the course, while others play much more minor, oft unremembered ones. Is it not appropriate to denote those who stand the greatest chance to influence the future?"

Michael Eildath leans back against a wall. "The future is not set, Stardroid. As an old movie said, there's no fate but what we make for ourselves. That mega-angstly other-X was from a /possible/ future, just like that Kauai Kid Rock was from a past we never had." He laughs. "We make our own destiny, and we don't need you to mess with it."

Feedback hmms and starts thinking before coming back with his response, "Well. If your asking me, then I say that it is not appropriate to denote who stands a greater chance and who doesn't. Life is a great adventure and half the fun is finding out who you are, not having someone else tell you that your going to go and do this and that and that's it. Heck, if I wanted someone to do that, then I'd still be in that stupid Repliforce. I don't need anyone here to tell me what I can and can't do. Cause you know what I'll do? I'll turn around and just prove you wrong no matter who you are. Even if you're this Chaos, Bass, Sigma, Vile, or Wily himself. I don't care who you are, as no one tells me what I can and can't do without having one good reason why. And thus far, I have yet to get a good reason from any of you Stardroids. So there, your wrong. Happy that we're having this friendly conversation now?"

Twila Peterson's eyebrows shoot up, a sudden thought occurring to her. "Even the minor and unremembered roles still affect other's lives and history. You can't separate the two because of the foundation..." She pauses to digest this. It's something she's known all along. But for some reason she thought it was important to say. Heck...even Duo stated all had a part to play in this. "And you're wrong. Your intentions and reasoning *are* very important at the moment. If I didn't know better I'd think it wasn't us you were worried about. it was you."

Libra nods rather simply to the various comments. "The future is indeed not set in hewn stone. It is ever shifting, ever-changing. But there are those who stand in proper place to influence that chaotic morass more than others. All shall do their part, but.." She pauses, thinking again. "...Can you say that your world's Napoleon played as much a role as the one whom invented clear Band-Aids?" The petite Being Of Pure Power giggles to herself, tittering at her own little joke. "The Mother - your Twila - is one of those whom shall influence this world greatly. A great darkness shall spring from her, seizing all and crushing them beneath itself. By no means her fault." Libra's smile takes on a twinge of sadness. "You know not that you even carry this within you. Even I do not know the exact nature of it, though I have a hunch." Pausing for a moment to cough, Libra recomposes herself from that momentary glimpse of emotion. "And yet, despite the talk of Balance...we have always changed the course of each world we have visited. Not simply through our presence and acts, either. No matter the Judgment, each world we have set ourselves upon has been left changed. This is, in part, a small source of intentions from we to here."

Feedback shakes his head and tosses a bug on the wall before waving a dismissing hand and heading out, "Whatever. You're just trying to justify what your doing. So, talk to the wall cause I've got better things to do than sit here and listen to you. Mike, watch Twila for me and make sure Libra here doesn't get any smart ideas. As unlikely as that is, better safe than sorry. And I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Michael Eildath has had enough of this. "Good, you at least admit that the future can change... but then you go right back to saying things /will/ happen and that you're gonna change things. What gives you the right, Libra? What god told you to descend upon us and play puppeteer with us at the strings! These are my friends, this is our planet, and our future is ours to win or lose. You talk about changing possible futures... how can you make such triviality of human life. As if killing one person is justified by potential futures."

Twila Peterson stands there, taking this in. She's not easily dismissing the Stardroid for what she states since she senses some truth in her words although she doesn't know how or why. But even so, she recalls just which perspective Libra is viewing this from. And Twila knows full well it's not for Earth's best interests. She stays quiet as Mike says his piece, fully in agreement with him, before making her own. "Only if it's their own at stake."

Meanwhile, Eclipse continues to stand directly behind the young woman, keeping his arms crossed over what serves as a chest, keeping an eye on his fellow Stardroid...saying nothing.

Lightly, non-threateningly, Libra reaches back and runs one of her fingers along the blade of her axe. Stardroid skin meets Stardroid blade - and that perfect porcelain-white skin cuts slightly, bleeding a few tiny drops of greenish-yellow fluid. "It is a choice that must be made. Each individual has a multitude of chances and stances before them, each having a great many repercussions and implications. I play not puppeteer, but decision maker. Each and all - no matter their origins - must look at what is before them, the likely outcomes, and choose of how to act upon that. You must admit the truth in such a statement, for it is the basis of determining one's own path within the universe. Perhaps, as you say, it is not my place to make this choice. I believe that I act as proper, however - and do as I see laid before myself. Were I to leave the potential future I see unchanged, it would cause greater suffering and loss than the Judgment could possibly render. It may be avoided otherwise, yes, but the danger is too great." Bringing her hand back around, Libra motions towards the two remaining before her with that cut, bleeding finger. "It would be akin to letting a bomb go undefused, hoping it was created a dud. Such would be evil upon my spirit for such an act." Throughout all this, Libra's eyes continuously are flickering towards Eclipse's great eye, as if expecting him to speak. To say something - either contradict or confirm her words.

Eclipse does neither. He merely continues keeping Libra under his unwavering gaze.

What you're stating, Libra," Twila says angrily, "is that you want to take away our freedom. In all the wars that were fought here on Earth God could have taken the guns out of every soldiers hand to force peace. But to do so would deny us the ability to learn and grow, suffer the consequences of our mistakes. It would take away our freedom...the very reason why most wars are fought. What you're speaking of isn't freedom. It's slavery to your will and whims...just like a puppeteer. It's way past time to cut the strings."

Michael Eildath nods, Twila saying more or less what he would have said.

Libra remains silent for several minutes. Then she simply responds, with almost righteous indignation in her voice, "Yes. If you wish to see it that way, it is. I see differently, however. I am but another chooser among the rest, making my own choice to determine a part of the course of time. I am no more the enslaver than you are when you make a decision. Simply for my origin, you impose upon me a separation, remove me from the flow of things. I do not recognize this separation - I have as much right to affect the river of time as you."

Twila Peterson takes a moment to try and calm herself down. Her temper's rising...which isn't good. But she does her best to keep it in check. "You impose your own separation whether you want to admit it or not. Do *not* lay the blame on us.'

Michael Eildath frowns, points a finger. "You did the separating, Stardroid, by you and your kind deciding to act like judge, jury, and executioner for our entire planet!"

Libra again, shrugs slightly. "I act only as I am formed to act. You impose this upon me, judging my actions and intents by those of the others. You seem naught bothered by the Watcher, though he be Stardroid as well. And more closely tied to they who judge than I, at that. For so wide a brush you paint with, you know little of us. To say we all are of a certain cloth is to generalize between your Rock and Zero."

Michael Eildath closes his eyes, sighing. "No offense, but I don't trust a single one of you. I don't generalize you...you're all different shades of bad to me. But you sure like getting off the subject. You can't defend your actions any more that I could defend killing another being without just cause."

Twila Peterson drifts her glance towards the looming Eclipse, before refocusing her attention. "We act on what we see and know. And so far not many of your kind have shown yourselves to be anything but bullies and meddlers with no care who you hurt or kill except to save your own selves and your own pride. If you wish to show us different you'll have to prove it." She takes in intake of air as her friend brings a good point. Setting her jaw she adds, "This is getting us nowhere. I'll let Michael speak for himself. But as for me, I'll only ask you once nicely to leave."

Libra nods, very simply. "As you wish, Miss Peterson. Mister Eildath. I shall not cause you further problem this night." Her eyes narrow again, and blaze with a blood-red energy. "But, I do intend to do as I have said. It is my own choice." And, with that, she bampfs out once more.

Michael Eildath mutters as Libra bampfs out. "And if you try it, God help me, I'll make a 'choice' of my own."

The remaining Stardroid remains solid where he stands, studying his fellow keenly with no hint or betrayal of emotion. After Libra is gone, he simply leaves as well, having no further need to remain.

Twila lets a breath that she wasn't aware of holding and brings an arm out to hold herself, now feeling somewhat shaken after the fact. "She and the others like her definitely have alot to loose in this...or they wouldn't be so frightened..."

Michael Eildath slumps. "Twila... I don't know how you put up with them..."

Twila Peterson brings her other arm up and shivers slightly. "What...makes you think I do?" she asks quietly as she takes to leaning against a nearby bed. "Although, I can't dismiss what she's saying so lightly either, as much as I like. I do know that the one known as Chaos must have done something to me I don't know about when he showed up in medbay...the same day the Stardroid appearances grew a bit too quickly. Heck...reports started flooding in about an hour or two after the incident. I'm sure there's a connection." She stops to give pause. "And Libra herself is working for Chaos. She explained that much to Wily and after seeing her another time I have no doubts about it."

Michael Eildath nods. "But...if Libra serves Chaos, then why is she trying to influence the world away from that dark future? Wouldn't it be a future ruled by Chaos?" He pauses. "Maybe Libra is lying to us about what future she's trying to bring about..."

Twila Peterson picks up her gaze and nods. "That's what I was thinking. Chaos is a Destroyer. And I may be a 'Key' to the future, as they say. I keep thinking about X from that other timeframe....how he lost everyone he held dear to him. Mike, Rock told me if anything happened to him...he would wind up just *like* X. I'm convinced X's future is exactly what she wants to bring about."

Michael Eildath nods. "Either way it comes down to us having to keep the Stardroids from doing anything to you." Mike hits one hand with his fist. "And I don't think any of us intend on letting that happen." Mike sighs. .oO(I'm not about to let anything happen to my friend...and I'm not going to see Rock end up a closet case like me.)Oo.

Twila Peterson glances down at the ground, not having a ready answer for that. After some silence she murmurs, "What if you don't have a choice?"

Michael Eildath sighs again, sitting down. "I...I don't know." He shakes his head. "Twila, you're just about my best friend in the world, and I can't believe that there might not be a choice. We'll find some way to keep these psychopathic Stardroids from acting on...whatever it is they're planning."

Twila Peterson appreciates the sentiments more than she can say. Forcing a small grimace she makes her way over towards Michael and hugs him tightly. Unexpected it might be. But he looks like he could really use one. And, to be honest, so could the girl. "That means alot, Mike. You don't know how much."

Michael Eildath smiles and nods, not feeling as uncomfortable getting hugged as he used to. "That's what friends 're for," he whispers. "You were always there for me...and I'll do my best to be there when you need it." Do my best...and die trying, if it comes to it, he thinks grimly. This is his family, after all.

Twila Peterson offers a gentle squeeze before pulling back from then man. At a loss to what to say all she can manage is: "Thanks, Michael." A hand is brought up to rub her forehead. "At any rate, been a busy night. I...better go to bed. See you...sometime tomorrow?" she asks as she retrieves her previously discarded radio.

Michael Eildath nods. "Sure thing, Twila. I probably need some rest myself..."

The young woman pats the Hunter on the back as she passes by him again on her way towards the door. "Sleep well then," she bids. "Night...and....God be with you."

Michael Eildath nods. "Have a good night's sleep."