Twi313c

Megaman - Wednesday, July 12, 2000, 9:19 PM -------------------------------------------

<Global News Network> Global alert! Early warning sensors have detected a tidal wave heading toward the Japanese Island of Hokkaido! Residents are being evacuated as we speak! ETA: one hour.'.

Hokkaido Quite a contrast to the very technological island of Honshu, the Japanese have left Hokkaido in a condition that could be outwardly mistaken for classic Japan. Traditional shrines and dwellings dot the hills wherever you go, but a great deal of the land is in its own natural state. Forest covers the majority of the land, interrupted by the occasional village surrounded by rice paddies and other fields. By national proclamation, the surface of Hokkaido has become a historical site. This is not to say that technology is absent from this place... far from it. Although there is little heavy industry on the island, power and all other utilities are cleverly hidden under the surface. Indeed, much of the population lives hidden underground, to keep from despoiling the surface.

\Zero glances toward the debate and just rolls his eyes, glancing over at Rock's sister with a nod, "I'll keep this calm as best I can, Roll. I'm sure Rock's got his hands /full/ with panic-striken folks." Thus said, he moves past her and begins shouting various things to a few people running around and screaming for their lives nearby such as: "Keep calm!" and "Move that way!" and all the like. He's rather calm, really, despite what happens to be going on.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'I'm lending Roll a hand with keeping the peace over here. I don't see anything worth saying to Uranus that hasn't already wasted his time.'.

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'Or ours.'.

(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'Personally, I'd work on stopping that Tidal Wave, folks. It's got more of a chance of listening than Uranus does.'.

(Ch. E [None]) King transmits: 'It seems it has a much better understanding of its purpose, as well.'.

Uranus narrows his eyes slightly at King, "Do not meddle in the affairs of Stardroids, for you are metal and go *crunch* under high pressure." He snaps his fingers, and a large chunk of earth rises up to slam toward King.

The Mad Doctor looks to Uranus. "As do I, Uranus. And we run out of time." Wily regards Uranus for long moments... "And ignore my children please, Uranus... They are bold and brash. They follow my orders and seek to save this world as much as I." Wily regards the Bull for long moments. "I thank you for giving me the key in the first place... but I do not know how to use it." Wily holds the plastic back out and simply drops it onto the sand...

Seminole ponders a few things as his radio buzzes with activity. Of course, his entire train of thought comes crashing down as Uranus sends the chunk of rock at King. His sword is instantly drawn, quickly moving back from the Stardroid and taking a defensive stance. "Just what we needed," he grumbles, glancing over at Zero with a look that seems to say 'Help'. (Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Hold you attacks!'.

Uranus slowly turns his gaze onto Turbo Man. Ignoring Wily for the moment, he intones, "You don't seem to get it, do you? I do not own this planet, nor do I claim to. I merely shape parts of it. And you, Spawn of the Corruptor, have little to stand on when accusing others of death." "And he invited you in so it speak?" she asks.

Blizzard Man watches..."So, Uranus, you finally own up to your mythological background. You are Vulcanus...God of the Forge..." He stands for a moment before skiing forward...Slowly and cautiously. "Why do you play games with us? It is simple torment, something I'd think a Stardroid of your caliber beyond."

Turbo Man growls at Uranus, his optics flaring behind his shades. He shouts back. "I ain't accusing you of killing people, I'm sayin' you ain't got a right to "shape" any PART of it! You get that through that thick skull o yours?"

King's strudy frame quickly pulls into defense as he watches the Stardroid move into action, and bringing down encompassing Royal Shield, he meets the boulder toss with a digging stance. Sure, the pure force of the strike slides him back many, many feet, but he remains planted upon his feet, strength applied or not. "Feh! Did I upset you, poor Uranus? For being such god like beings, you cosmic morons sure emplore a knack of become easily irritated, and much annoyed. Should not one of judging peoples and worlds millennia over harbor at least a bit more patience? I find your lack of such unbecoming of one who claims to hold the fate of billions in their own hand. This resort to force brings you down to the level of a mere Neanderthal Uranus gives Blizzard Man one of those 'What the HECK are you talking about?' looks. He slowly shakes his head, "Who do you blame when an earthquake destroys a village? Who do you blame when a volcano destroys a civilization? Nature is not something that can be stood up against."

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Wait...maybe it depends on who was given the key. The Stardroids have always been saying both sides of the balance have the power to create or destoy.'.

Seminole sighs, sheathing his sword again and taking a few more steps back from Uranus. As the Robot Masters zero in on the Stardroid, Seminole decides he best be elsewhere. Moving back toward the town, he starts helping with the evacuation, still listening to his radio.

(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'Who was given the key? Wily?'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'One of the Masters I think. I'm not saying that's it...but Wily is called the Corrupter and the Masters are his children.'.

(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'I'm still lost.'.

(Ch. B []) Swing transmits: 'Maybe....in the hands of someone else, the key would reform?'.

Twila Peterson hmmmmmms after snapping off another transmission. "Alot can happen in a year I suppose. Around this time I was just starting to get into trouble with Enker."

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: '...she's right.. Wily's presence has corrupted the Earth. Uranus' key is Earth based...hence...the key is corrupted.'.

Dr. Wily looks down at the Bag in the sand then up to Uranus. His eyes narrow slowly as he kneels. He reaches down and picks it up slowly, fingering and studying it. .oO( What must I do... destroy him? Solve this damn riddle? Feh...)Oo.

(Ch. E []) Sigma transmits: 'Report, what is the status of the assault party?'.

Zero continues rushing the evacuation procedures along, occasionally throwing a glance to the 'semi-organized discussion'. Hello, I am a Robot Master, and I am a destructaholic. The Berserker shakes his head, choosing not to take part still since, in the first place, he *hates* speeches and pointless blabbering.

"There's food and the like at the shelter! Just move along and don't worry about a thing! The Hunters have it under control!" assures Zero as he ushers a few teenagers toward Honshu. A heaving sigh comes from Zero once they're gone, a hand moving up to stroke at his temples, "What I want to know, Roll, is why does everyone just *have* to live on the coast?"

(Ch. E [None]) King transmits: 'What assault party?'.

(Ch. E [None]) Seminole transmits: 'There is no assault, yet. We're assisting in the evacuation and.. talking to Uranus.'.

(Ch. E []) Sigma transmits: 'What does the Stardroid have to say?'.

(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Not good...I am trying to think of how to use this blasted KEY!'. (Ch. E [None]) Cut Man transmits: 'Ooo.. We're gonna go bleed all over the bull?'.

Blizzard Man hrms and shrugs, he's not even sure of what he's saying anymore. "Nature is a force to be reckoned with...But not one meant to be messed with..." He notes the irony of what he's saying...But he does it on a fairly small scale...He skis around Uranus...Forming a ring around him in fact...Then he gets an idea...

(Ch. E []) Sigma transmits: 'Has he given you any clue to its use?'.

(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: '.. Perhaps one of us should inform Wily of this?'.

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: '...like he'd believe me.'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'Worth a shot, even if he doesn't.'.

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Dr. Wily: "Doctor, who was given the key when it turned to dust?"

Dr. Wily sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Myself, it turned to dust a few ours later..."

(Ch. E [Hunter/Repliforce]) Roll transmits: '...Wily? Twila has an idea.. and I have a suggestion. You are called the corrupter by Uranus...maybe you are the reason why the key is crumbled. Your touch corrupted it. Maybe, in the hands of someone who isn't corrupt, it could be whole again...'.

Seminole continues to help in the evacuation, directly vehicles and suck from his spot near the coast. He occasionally glances at Zero, Uranus, before finally settling his gaze on Wily. Seminole peers at the doctor for a few moments, sighs, then pulls himself away from his task to move toward the Doctor. "Doctor Wily..!" he emits loudly, enough to get his attention.

(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Hmm... true...'.

Dr. Wily turns his gaze to Seminole with a nod. "Yes, Seminole? And here..." Wily holds out the bag containing the dust of the key. "Lets us but a thoery to the test, shall we? I am not one to hold the key of earth... I am as said... the Corruptor. Let us have one who is not such bear this key."

Seminole nods to Wily, taking the bag into his own hand. "It's worth a try," he agress, pausing as he peers down into the bag. He looks back up at Uranus, then slowly reaches into the bag to grab at.. something. Anything.

(Ch. E []) Swing transmits: 'Twila and I are en route.'.

Swing dashes across the field, Twila with her.

Uranus glances toward Sem as the exchange takes place. Other than the brief look, he doesn't seem to react much. His gaze shifts back to the flow of people evacuating, as sparks run up and down his horns.

Zero ushers another couple along and shakes his head, looking over at Roll, "Heh, well, maybe they'll all relocate now. /Especially/ when these Masters piss Uranus off just enough to make him tear this island apart." He turns his head toward the big bull at that point, his head shaking once more, "He makes a lot of sense, Uranus. I know what he can do and I, personally, don't feel like being crushed today."

Twila Peterson hurries along with Swing as her guide, heading for group... "Ok...where are they?"

(Ch. E [None]) Sword Man transmits: 'Milord, I believe that time passes to swiftly for you continue your most noble speech with the Stardroid threat. Mayhaps we should seek higher ground from the arriving disaster, or formulate our own assault against the being.'.

(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Yes. The wave is almost upon us.'.

Seminole is standing near Doctor Wily and the WilyDragon, holding the bag which contains the Key dust. He's currently looking down into the bag, and was grabbing at it with his hand. He pulls out, frowning. "Nothing," he reports, to nobody in particular but Wily -is- nearby.

(Ch. E [None]) King transmits: 'He should be destroyed.'.

(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Where's your exact location. Have a theory!'.

(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'It didn't work, unless I'm corrupted somehow...'. Dr. Wily stands on the ramp to the WilyDragon, gazing apon Uranus. "Enough Games, Uranus! Enough Games! Let us have this ended once and for all... You may do as you will... we wont fight you or the way of nature... we will work with nature in this... We cant defeat you and we cant fight you. Everyone... get into the WilyDragon..."

Needle Man sighs, standing and brushing the dirt off him. Blaster morphing into a hand, he begins to jog for the WilyDragon, occasionally dashjet leap aiding him in clearing obstacles.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Or...maybe it's a specific person who needs to have the key...or a type of person'.

Swing moves along with Twila, his headnet finally pinpointing Seminole's position. "That way." he says to Twila, loping off again, lending her some of his speed.

Uranus eyes Wily, "You are correct... enough games. Behold!" For, in all the time chitchatting... the tidal wave is almost there. The water along the coast begins to sink back, and a thundering roar fills the air...

Twila Peterson nods towards the android. Eyes grow wide as she eyes the gigantic force of nature.

Sword Man sweeps his arm at the group of hardhats behind him, the nerping begins nodding at Sword Man before following him to the WilyDragon.

(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Wily...toss me the bag with the dust! I'm almost there!'.

(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Seminole has it!'.

Seminole looks over at the tidal wave approach, frowning deeply. He quickly looks over as he spots Swing and Twila, dashing towards them with the bag of dust as fast as his jets can carry him.

(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Get in the Skull Shuttle and pick up the others.'.

Zero turns to glare at the tidal wave with a frown, "Roll...We don't...HUNTERS! EVERYONE, ONTO THAT BLASTED DRAGON!" Zero roars this out, beginning a dash, himself, for the Wilydragon. Practically everyone that can be evacuated has been. He's not gonna stick around to see what this wave is going to do, personally.

Swing crests the final hill, his internal sensors buzzing as the area gets terribly quiet, and as he looks west and sees nothing but a wall of water. Whoa, this is getting biblical.

Blizzard Man skis around some more...Thinking..."Dust is the key..." He stares at the wave...And freaks a bit...He skis up to the beachfront, arms in the air. "BLIZZARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" A blast of arctic air rushing forth from him and from the surrounding area...Blowing straight at the tidal wave...o0(Please stop the tsunami...) He puts everything he's got into this and then some...Trying to end the water...If need be, he can always water-ski.

Twila Peterson picks up some of her speed, feeling herself become slightly out of breath as she does. "Seminole, the bag....!" she cries when nearly there...offering a hand...

The Dragon roars and turns, swooping over to pick up Zero and Roll, turning to soar to Twila and the others.

Uranus glances toward the wave, "Nature is without emotion. Without pity." He pauses a moment, "Yet..." He reaches out an arm and snaps his fingers. With a low rumbling, a massive wall of rock erupts from the beach, blocking the southern third of the island... easily enough to shield the remainder of the civilians. Those not near the civilians, however, are another story...

Seminole quickly secures the bag's tie, then hurls it with an expertly aimed toss toward Twila's hand. He continues dashing towards them, ready to insure that they are in aboard the WilyDragon when they're ready to go.

The Dragon shoots a gaze back as the wall of water is stoped by a massive rock wall... slowly lowering back to the ground.

Roll looks around, the child still in her arms, and crying, "Hush little baby, don't you cry.." she murmurs softly as she makes a run for the dragon, and finally climbs aboard, looking at Zero apologetically, "...I'll drop her off at the aid station."

Twila Peterson blinks and catches the bag in hand....hoping that instincts prove her correct and begins opening the bag...touching the dust inside.

Swing watches Twila and constantly looks back over his shoulder at the tsunami. "Uh, Twila - you sure about this?"

Blizzard Man continues to assault the wave with arctic air and blinding amounts of snow..."FREEZE!" He pours everything he has into freezing the wave.

You whisper 'Actually...um...hopefully...?' to Swing.

The Dragon watches as the rock wall crashes at the Island, slowly turns where it stands... it having been on it's way to try and pick up Twila and the others...It stands near them with it's group of people within... so... this disaster is abated...

Roll pauses as the rocks rise, and blinks. "..uh.. well, belay that..." she hands the child off to a nun, "..please, Sister, be sure this one is taken out of here safely." she smiles, and continues her direction. "Please, keep moving.. orderly and surely..."

(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Blizzard, even if you manage to freeze a fraction of that wave, which spans more than a mile and is incredibly tall, the resultant icy wall you have created will crush you. You are aware of this, yes?'.

Swing absently taps his foot as he looks back at the Stardroid, then back over towards the waters, glad to be behind the wall of rocks. He quirks a curious brow at Uranus, wondering why this change of behavior has occurred.

Colonel dashes into the area, gazing around at the horror and destruction about the civilian populations. He appears to be unarmed, noticing the massive tidal wave in the distance. Sighing deeply, The Repliforce XO looks around and notices a lone Robot Master on the ground, Blizzard Man not retreating towards the WilyDragon. His eyes open widely at the sight, "He'll be destroyed for certain if he doesn't head back!" The Colonel dashes down the hillside towards Blizzard Man's primary position at top speed, hoping for the love of god that he and the robot master will have time to escape. As he approaches, Colonel grabs Blizzard by the arm and snaps at him, "Blizzard! This no time to play heroics! We must escape back to the dragon otherwise we are both dead men.." The Repliforcer finishes his comment and yanks Blizzard into a run.

Twila Peterson just blinks, towards the rock wall...blinking as the remaining civilians, as well as others near her are suddenly and mercifully given a haven from the oncoming wave. She stands there with her hand in the bag, barely touching it's contents before lowering her arms slightly.

You whisper 'Swing...he...decided to spare most here...' to Swing.

(Ch. E [None]) Cut Man transmits: 'Or I can go onto the StarHaven and attract so much bad luck... *Sacastic*'.

Uranus speaks softly, though the words seem to carry rather well. "Yet, I am not nature. Let it not be said that Uranus has no pity." Blizzard Man's ice attack slams against the wave, but the onrushing water is not so easily stopped. It thunders forward, crashing into the shore and into the rock wall.. which slides back into the ground once it's done its job.

(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Sounds like a problem... by the way, name's Star Falcon. Anything a flier can do to help? I'm about fifty or so miles above.'.

(Ch. E []) Swing transmits: 'Impact!'.

Swing looks over at Twila, and nods as the earth rumbles ominously. The Dragon turns, facing Uranus... and slowly walks foward towards him... the sides opening to disgorge the troops once more...

Seminole stops short of Twila and Swing, keeping his dash jets hot as he stands there. He glances back at the tidal wave impacts, wincing at the sound it creates but happily relived as the wall holds against the water. Looking back at Twila, he peers down at the bag. "Well..?"

Blizzard Man gahs, "NOOO!!!!!!!!!" He stretches his arms out, pouring full power into the assault...Stopping the wave, more or less...It slides forward though, on momentum alone. It shatters into thousands of pieces of ice...Then more water rushes over it, slamming into Blizzard Man...And Colonel...

The WilyDragon walks foward, gazing apon Uranus... "Thank you, Uranus. And indeed..." The Dragon looks up toward the rock wall and the settling waters...

Twila Peterson glances down towards the bag, regardless if it actually forms or not into a key like the others she feels isn't the point. "Uranus was right...we do have the key..." she stutters as she watches the effects of the wave that were not stopped. "The holder if the one who decides whether there...be a key or not. In this case..."

Swing looks across the island, and blinks some more, finally looking to see if the Stardroid disappeared in the chaos.

Uranus crosses his arms once more. Much smaller waves pound against the shore, but none are big enough to reach anything important.

Colonel begins to pull Blizzard Man towards the Wilydragon in a foolish attempt to save himself and the robot master. By then it is too late, The massive wave of water crashes down upon him and the robot master. The two surf along the wave, Slamming into jagged and solid objects of all sorts, opening massive wounds that could be near death or fatal.. All he can do now is wait for the monster to end.

Blizzard Man comes rolling out of the water...From several hundred feet out...Maybe a mile...He gasps and gurgles a few minutes..."You...Sure...Know...How...To...Hurt a person." He winces and slowly unfurls himself...Laying on the beach.

Needle Man looks about, receeding waters moving around his deep blue metal boots. Spotting a nice collapsed concrete structure, he leaps over it, then turning and leveling his blaster at Uranus from behind his cover, trying to get a lock again. Not the distance he formally had, but still respectable.

Twila Peterson looks back down towards the small bag and leaves Swing and Sem to walk to where she would be a little closer to where the Stardroid is more clearly seen, still wide-eyed...

Zero comes out of the side of the dragon, his form swinging up against it and then dismounting. He soars through the hair, landing with a dull clank as he sneers and looks around, "...Well... That was certainly a trip." It's then that he glances over at Colonel and frowns, snapping off a transmission before he begins walking toward Twila, "...Twi? You alright there?"

Sword Man is discharged from the WilyDragon along with his platoon of hardhats. Sword pauses for a moment, glancing at his radio unit. Rescue Blizzard and Colonel? In the water? Wily /does/ realize that Sword Man wouldn't last seconds in there. Coughing slightly, the sword-armed Master directs his blade at the floating forms of Colonel and Blizzard, the hardhats immediately clomping toward the wounded allies.

Seminole frowns, as even Twila seems unable to produce a key from the dust. He looks back at Uranus, then quickly follows Twila as she approaches the Stardroid. "Nerp! Nerp! Nerp!!"

Swing exchanges looks with Seminole - watching Twila put herself in a vulnerable position. However, he's learned to trust the woman's intuition on such manners.

) As the wave dissapates, The Colonel is sent soaring out of the massive water body. He lands with a harsh slam to the ground and into a roll, landing next to Blizzard and hearing his comment, "Oh... Quiet... you.. If. it wasn...'t..fo..you..r Sui...cidal.. tend.encies... We woul..dn't be..here..now.." He proceeds to try and send a transmission to Zero, despite his injuries.

Star Falcon flies down, looking around, then peering before swooping down to hover over Blizzard and Colonel. The falcon-headed flier scans over Blizzard Man, not landing yet as he stays in the air do to at least three sets of jets. Seemingly considering for a moment, he hovers over to the two. "Colonel? Do you still function?" After all, the flier's able to reach the two quicker. Considering he flies.

Uranus narrows his eyes slightly as he's approached. "Proceed with caution. Do not mistake my moment of sacrifice for my true attitude...it would be a grave mistake indeed."

Twila Peterson looks over towards the beserker and nods slowly before turning towards the Stardroid and then comes to a stop still at a safe distance, learning from experience it's not wise to be foolhardy. a bit before speaking. She doesn't fully state what it is she's truly thinking. Her "Within the wrong hands a something meant for life would be...turned to death, or in this symbolic case...dust."

Seminole stands firm alongside Twila, keeping pace with her. He shoots a worried glance Swing's way, keeping his ground with the Hunters.

Star Falcon lands near Colonel and Blizzard, checking to see how badly damaged both are quietly, and seeing if he can even do anything to help.

Colonel twiches and turns his head over towards Star Falcon., "I.. still function corporal... Peop..le, need more attention than mysel..f.. Assist them.."

Zero folds his arms as he comes up behind Twila, apparently refusing to move as long as she's standing near Uranus. He throws a glance between her and the bull, a brow arching as he occasionally sends a transmission while listening.

Blizzard Man lays there, "Quiet, you broke my concentration...I could've stopped it." He then looks at Uranus..."From the dust first came life and to the dust goes all life...Your key is most symbollic and meddlesome. Something that not many wish to want to know of...I realize that the job ahead is not easy, but I am prepared to fight and die for the planet my Lord loves so much...And I also realize, that life revolves around all other life...And that Nature is a being in and of itself...Nature is a being in and of itself..." He murmurs, slowly fading to unconsciousness...

Uranus shakes his head at Twila, "Not even you can comprehend my true nature..." His horns crackle somewhat. "I am not nature. However, I am quite similar. Nature does not discriminate between right and wrong, good and evil.." Star Falcon's eyes whirl in a focus, then unfocus, "Sir, you are still in need of aid..." He pauses, looking at the hardhats. "Never mind. Aid has arrived." The flier lifts off again, looking around to see if anyone actually survived the wave itself.

(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'I do not see many that have not been evacuated already.... should I attempt to get in position to fire on Uranus?'.

Swing swallows hard. He doesn't like where this is going.

Seminole stands there, rather expressionless as he listens to Uranus and Twila speak. He remains focused on keeping Twila safe, more than worried about what the Stardroid is capable of.

Twila Peterson lets out a sigh. "No, it doesn't," she admits. "And he's right...it just *it*. But, it's up to us on how it's used and treated. Treated well, it will flourish...when it's corrupted, it withers and dies."

Star Falcon's flight path goes over to a small piece of fallen concrete. His talons dig in as he lands and the wings on his back fold down. Silently, he readies to fire at a moment's notice as his eyes whirl to get a closer look at what's going on.

Uranus makes a soft clicking sound. If he had a mouth, it might be his tongue. "You are correct. However, the people of your planet do not share your sentiment. Nor do, I think, many of you. It is a simple matter to pretend to be sorry."

Swing shifts uncomfortably, finding himself agreeing with the Stardroid doesn't make him very settled.

Zero frowns at Uranus, "You assume that, Uranus... I do. I have not attacked /any/ of the Stardroids since this begun. I've spoke instead." He shakes his head, "But I suppose that doesn't matter, since I'm the 'Betrayer', does it?" He puts a hand to Twila's shoulder gently, "I don't think there's anymore we can do here, Twi. We got the people out..That's all we could really do that was effective..." Sadly enough, Zero likewise agrees. He just finds it annoying that he generalized to everyone.

Twila Peterson glances down briefly, feeling Zero's hand on her shoulderm but not moving. "That's true. Why the entire Earth is being judged, not just a few. It's up to all of us to be its stewards."

Blizzard Man lays there, slowly feeling the onset of unconsciousness..."Your key is a mystery...One which defies many things. But nature it does not...Nature is a being of its own right and behaves as would any other being...With all emotions and almost all power...It controls the earth...You simply help Nature along...This I understand..."

Seminole continues to stand there, remaining expressionless as the Stardroid and others speak. The Hunter's mind races with a dozen thoughts, mostly relating to how we can get the Key, but none seem to be leaving the station of his train of thought.

Star Falcon pauses, frowning it seems. The falcon-headed flier seems to consider the words of the Stardroid and the others. Continuing to watch, the flier bracers slightly as he readies just in case, hands curling and uncurling from fists.

Roll looks at Uranus, "..so you say.. there are more of that regret what has happened to this planet in the past, and present.. we regret it more than you can imagine.. but that doesn't stop us from trying to make it right!" she looks at Uranus, stepping up, her optics wide, "And it certainly doesn't mean that we want it destroyed.. as I said, the world will pass on someday.. but is that a reason for you to forward the schedule like it has been done? I beg.. I implore you to please help reverse this terrible decision.. give our world.. and all those that are on it.. a chance to make it right. There is so much left that can be done, and undone.. please.. if you want an apology.. I can only speak for myself, and not on the behalf of the world.. but I am sorry.. sorry that it has to come to this..."

The Dragon watches Uranus. The maw moving with the words of Wily, obviously in deep thought. "Like Nature and Earth... The Key..." The Dragon lowers it's head for a moment... "just is?" WilyDragon raises his head, looking to Uranus.

(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Hmph. Interstellar robots that are attempting to cleanse the planet of corruption... too bad no one's told them that the stars are much more beautiful than the planets.'.

Uranus intones, "Apologizing under pressure will not save your world, no matter how sincere. What's done cannot be undone." He glances toward the dragon, "Nature is not the key. Nature... is."

Needle Man says, "...Oh, and I suppose understanding nature is the key?"

Roll shakes her head at Uranus, "...been cleaning since the day I was created, and he says I'm only being sincere under duress.. whatever.." she sighs softly, and finishes helping the last people into the evacuation teleporters.

Twila Peterson states, "We're the key."

Swing whispers. "And we're crumbling apart."

Needle Man says, "This isn't an episode of 'Captain Planet', Ms. Peterson."

Uranus snorts, "Enough! Random guessing and assumptions will not win my respect." Well...not like much else can win his respect.

Roll smiles bittersweetly, "..Twila, we could probably spread the ashes over the Earth, and see what happens.. but then again, nothing could possibly happen..." she gathers up her gear, straightening herself up. "...thank you, Uranus, for the second chance at clearing the civilians. I see now that you are only wishing to do on a massive scale what the few have been attempting on such a small scale for so long."

Zero just stares at Uranus silently, /wanting/ to shout 'What else do you expect us to do, you God-wanna-be', but he refrains and simply keeps his hand on Twila's shoulder, "C'mon, Twila.. I better get you out of here before he completely loses his temper with them."

Swing also bites back frustration, burying under a mountain of discipline. He looks back at Twila, seeing if Zero's words convince her to depart.

Star Falcon looks at Needle Man again, "Do you have a suggestion? Saying it may be of some help." His head turns back towards Uranus, watching.

Blizzard Man then collapses to the ground completely..."The key is but a symbol...The earth is the true key...The earth is the key...It is the key." Then his globally shaped body slumps unconscious.

Seminole doesn't look ready to leave, but would rather do that then be smitten by an angry Stardroid. He glances at the other three Hunters, producing a sigh as he stands beside them.

Twila Peterson presses her lips together, mind fighting hard. What she finds distressing is the answer is more than likely right there in front of them all...none of then cam see it. Again she ignores Zero's attempts to move as she continues to ponder.

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'Zero, if she won't leave, pick her up and carry her. Uranus is not going to let us stand here and banter.'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'Agreed.'.

Needle Man says, "There probably is no answer. This is just some sick Stardroid trick to raise Father's cholesterol."

Zero shakes his head, "Twila, if you're not gonna walk with me, we'll do this the old fashioned way." That stated, he moves to dip down and pick her up if she doesn't move, "Uranus is tired of hearing all of this. It's not /safe/ here."

*BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM* A rumbling thunder rolls along the air, accompanied by a minor seismic disturbance. Quickly followed by another, and another. Slowly enough, but surely, Bismarck thunders up from the south, face set grimly in an expression of rage. He may be late to the party, but he's not missing a thing.

Uranus snorts a few times, the clouds of steam rising into the air. Instead of dissipating, though, they hang there... Odd.

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'Hunters, we have an answer, and we have a key. To press the assault is pointless. Zero.. fall back?'.

(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'We don't have the key, Roll.'.

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'Staying here to fight isn't going to get it.. and if Twila is right, we're standing on the key...'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'Indeed...Hunters, fall back! The Labs should be alright - We can move back in... We'll move the people in tomorrow. We don't have /time/ to waste arguing with him, and I think Twila's probably got some good ideas - Stubborn as she is.'.

Twila Peterson snaps a gaze towards the golden beserker, warning him back with her gaze. Although, if he does take her up within his arms there's not a thing she can do to really protest is there. She steps away from him anyway, however, simply trying to delay the inevitable. "We are what we are, just as nature is what it is. The balance."

Zero snorts as Twila moves forward and he steps up behind her again, though he makes no move to take her - Yet. He will if he needs to.

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'Twila.. sis.. listen to me. Staying here, and waiting for Uranus to answer.. it's not going to work. Please, let's leave here, now, before the pointless attack begins...'.

Blizzard Man lays there...The words, 'The Earth is the key' run through his mind....

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'If we give up now he'll return. We can't release Terra without the key.'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'I'll stay here with you, Twi. If he tries anything, I'll keep you safe.'.

Roll continues to walk away, stopping as she sees that noone on her team is leaving and shakes her head. Idiots.. stubborn.. but she loves them anyway. She moves forward, and towards the group, forming a forcefield.. around Twila.

(Ch. B [Old-Hunters]) Roll transmits: 'I believe I can handle that more comfortably, Zero.'.

(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'When I comrade is reliable and able to complete tasks with levelheaded nature and some intellect, he gains my respect. Blizzard is only able to ramble and make futile gestures.'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'Eh.. Well, I see your point there.'.

Uranus crosses his arms and snorts once more. As the final puff of smoke joins the small cloud, it erupts outward in a ring, decending to ground level...

Twila Peterson ums...oops...

Swing staggers back, whipping his baton out, trying to get his eyes back open.

Ice Man is blown away! He get's up and shakes his head, "Oh ......maaaaaaaaaaan! That's it!" Ice Man still has that Icicle Spear in his hand and runs at Uranus screaming unintelligble Japanaese then strikes!

Roll gets the forcefield up around Twila, just in time. As the steam hits her, she is able to hold up long enough to ensure that Twila isn't hit, then the field flutters, and collapses, blowing Roll back along thr ground like a ragdoll, before she finally lands face-first in the dirt, unmoving.

(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Uranus. He just attacked us. Ice Man appears to be engaging him.'.

Star Falcon's beak opens, then he braces. The steam washes over him and he glares past it, readying his own attack, then cursing before he starts forward, slowly. He can't go fast because of his power-cells being diverted to his primary weapon. Gathering his hands close once he's in range, he readies himself to attack as soon as a clear chance to hit without hitting an ally presents itself.

(Ch. E [None]) Sword Man transmits: 'These Stardroids practice such dishonorable methods of attack. As such, it is a slight upon all of our characters. With due respect to our Lord Wily, I insist a swift punishment befall Uranus.'.

(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'King, you have rank. Engage?'.

Twila Peterson gaks as she's suddenly struck. Although the others had been shielding her, that doesn't mean she had made it unscathed. She already overhears one of those nearby attacking. Still on the ground herself and forcing herself to get up she screams. "No, don't attack him!"

(Ch. E [None]) King transmits: 'Feh, teach him a lesson. I grow tired of his annoyance.'.

(Ch. E [None]) Cut Man transmits: 'Why are you fighting him? Don't we already have his key? And what other keys do we have?'.

(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'A bit late to NOT engage... might I suggest getting the civilian out of here?'.

(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'I'm on it... All of you do what you @#$& well please!'.

(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'No! Guys, nature *is*. Nature attacks us. Doesn't mean we have a right to attack him!'.

With a final seismic tremor, Bismarck finally arrives. Then he pauses, bristling with contained power. He skeptically watches Ice Man's assault, and Twila's attempted defense. He folds his massive arms in front of him, and seeing no other Mavericks around just watches for a moment, attempting to gain a sense of the situation.

Seminole is knocked backward by the force of the steam blast, his own armor burning and melting away greatly. He manages to recover, quickly unsheathing his datchi. He looks over at Twila and the rest of the Hunters, making sure they're still alive. Wincing at Roll, he seems rather intent on attacking the Stardroid... but heeding Twila's words, he holds back. The Hunter resheathes his datchi, turning around and running to where Roll was injured.

Swing gets back to one knee, weapon on the ground, he wipes the bleeding fluid off his forehead from the fall, looking at Uranus. "Are you /sure/ Twila?" he asks, watching a few of the assembled fire their attacks.

(Ch. E [None]) Sword Man transmits: 'Acknowledged milord King. All Robot Master units, let our justice befall Uranus swiftly!'.

(Ch. E [None]) King transmits: 'So we should sit idly by when you kills you, Ms. Peterson?'.

Zero braces himself as the steam rushes over, holding himself against the onslaught while coming through without a lot of damage done to him. Roll, on the other hand, is an exception to this. He clenches his teeth and snarls, twisting around to grab Twila if she doesn't dart away again, "Seminole! Swing! Get Roll! We're getting the @#$& out of here.. They won't listen. They didn't from the start when they assaulted him originally.."

(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'NO! Ms. Peterson is right, already! Stand down before you doom us all!'.

(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'Quiet, quiet, *SHUT UP*. If you wanna attack him, do it. I'll see all of you in the Reploid Room when you do. I'm getting her out of here, like it or not.'.

Lightning Gryphon, having gotten a bit bored with just sitting around, has decided to come help her fellow reploids! She races across the sky, optics narrowed in determination as she scouts the area for the group. As she races towards them her electric powers charge themselves up.

Twila Peterson nods hurriedly towards Seminole, "Yes! I'm sure! Nature does what it wills! Doesn't mean we attack nature in return. By attacking it we also attack ourselves."

Swing pulls up, looking over at Roll - "You okay?" he asks, "Can you move?" looking worriedly over his shoulder.

Bismarck Ray is the only other Maverick visible - and boy is he visible, towering easily eight or ten feet over anyone else around. He stands slightly apart from the group, his arms folded, and he appears to just be standing there.

Roll's right hand clenches the dirt, as she attempts to push herself up, spitting and coughing as she gets up to her knees, "..I've.. had better days..." she manages weakly, "...I hurt... alot.."

(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Symbolism...that's what the Stardroids are all using.'.

Uranus swings his massive arm out as Ice Man's attack approaches. Eyes narrowed, he swats the icycle aside, where it buries itself into the ground.

(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Yes, but you saw what he was doing! He was building like a /storm/! If you're hit by a lightning bolt from a natural storm, do you attack the storm back?'.

(Ch. E [None]) Cut Man transmits: 'He just whiped out half of a city and your engaging him?'.

Swing extends a combat glove, helping Roll up the rest of the way. "Well, let's call it day, eh?" he looks back to the others. "Zero, we ready to bail?"

(Ch. E [None]) Cut Man transmits: 'Actually, Star, Take it from my experiences... you do..'.

(Ch. E [None]) King transmits: 'You continue to try and reason with him, you shall die. So shall be the combat of foraying against him. The outcome is still the same. We might just over power him, and he shall fall the way of his defeated brethren. Telling him of mythology and foolish answers to damnable riddles is not going to remove his presence from our world.'.

(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: '*sighs* Why am I and a human the only ones that seem to be thinking clearly here?'.

(Ch. E [None]) King transmits: 'No, you -deny- the storm the chance to strike again!'.

Seminole finally arrives by the downed Hunter, kneeling and frowning visibly. Noticing the increase in Master attacking, Seminole quickly takes the initiative and simply picks Roll up. "Let's get out of here," he emits, looking over at Zero, Swing, and Twila.

Metal Man drops Blizz. "Sorry dude... orders." He pulls out a handful of Metal Blades, and smiles. "Time to die, Cow Man!" He runs towards, the Stardroid, hurling a fair-sized Metal Blade at the mighty Stardroid.

Roll doesn't fight, instead just weakly leaning against Swing, and shakes her head, trying to clear the cobwebs from it. "...I agree.." she starts, before she's snagged by Seminole, and doesn't struggle, unlike some females who got her blasted in the first place, grr grr.

Sword Man raises his sword before Uranus in an archaic form of a salute and challenge. Then, he charges. Beach exploding around his large feet as he dashes at the Stardroid, Sword Man's upper torso hovers steadily over his lower while his eyes lay trained upon the aggressor. With a bleating war-cry, Sword Man's upper body is suddenly flung toward Uranus, his arm slashing outward in a vicious blow.

Swing nods visibly to that, flanking Zero and Seminole as they get the fallen out, he fades back with them, acting as a trail guard.

Twila Peterson casts a worried glance towards Roll as she tries to help, but is forced short by a certain overprotective beserker. "Then your condemning the Earth to death. More than our lives are at stake!"

Star Falcon pauses, lowering his hands. After a moment, he flies up into the air, headed for the Hunters and landing between them and Uranus. He looks back at them, "Go. I'll cover your retreat and join you shortly." He looks at Twila. "Now is not the time. Talk with General and the others later, Ms. Peterson."

Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'I will not fire. Firing is plain wrong in this situation. Now I see why your forces keep up a war, King.'.

Zero shakes his head as he gets Twila in his arms, "Right, Hunters -- /FALL BACK/! We'll deal with this later." He shoots a nod to Star Falcon and begins moving away from the combat scene. This is when he looks down to Twila. "I'm doing this for Rock, Twila. I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you - Maybe for more than just Rock, too. You are like a mother to me. Besides, I know and you know that they can't defeat Uranus like this."

Medical Bay <Hunter HQ>

Swing leans against another table. "Yow......melted my battery contacts - that's a first." he remarks, seeing Zero and Twila arrive, he smiles weakly, but happily.

(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'The longer I listen to this radio channel, the more I wonder about why the world sees YOU as the heroes, when -WE- are the ones who are doing the true defending of it. Feh..'.

(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'Feh, I'm tired of this. Zero, out.'.

Swing frowns. "I don't like Robot Masters." he says emphatically, for the fifth time in two days.

Twila Peterson appears not only frustrated, but disgruntled as well as she's forcibly carried in. Her brows are knitted in some form of unhappiness and, not surprisingly she's a little perturbed.

Zero carries Twila in, carefully setting her down once they're in the room, "...Blood thirsty...All of them. They'll never take Uranus down with such a small, disorganized force." He rolls his eyes, "Oh, wait, good ol' Bass was on the radio when I shut it off. Can't forget Mr. Murderer." He reaches up to remove his helmet, settling down on a med-table with a sigh, "@#$& all..."

Swing hops up on the table he was leaning against, when he asks. "So is that dust the key, Twila? It's so hard to think with all those chuckleheads around us in the field."

Twila Peterson watches as some of the gumbies tend to Roll, not saying much of anything for a few moments. She gazes down at the bag she still holds clutched and, after a few long moments, she nods. "Yes...for all the good it does..."

Seminole is standing by one of the tables, helmet tucked under one arm as he self examines the damage done. Looking back at Zero, Twila, and Swing, he emits a sigh. "Y'know, it just occured to me that we still have two more Stardroids to get Keys from, even if we're able to get them out of Uranus."

Swing nods to Seminole while looking at Twila. "And Duo's as well."

Zero shakes his head as he settles, "...I don't think any of them realize that, Seminole... They waste their time with Uranus and, if we have his key, it /is/ wasted time. He's rather blunt - Which leads me to believe that he's telling the truth about it being the key."

Twila Peterson dips her chin. "I'm pretty certain that the Corrupter not being able to hold the key was correct tho. When he touched it...it turned to dust."

Seminole glances briefly at Twila at Swing's statement, then nods to his comrade. "That's three," he murmmers, then looks over at Zero. "I don't think what we have is the key, Zero. What did he say again?"

Zero looks over at Twila, "Twila... What do we do if Uranus is destroyed tonight?" He folds his arms, "And if it isn't the key, Seminole, we'll know if Uranus falls. Heh, but if nothing's there - Then that's the key.. Either way, we're getting disturbingly low on time."

Twila Peterson states, "The Stardroids work with symbolism. The dust I hole isn't the key itself. It's what happened when it was given to Wily."

Seminole peers down at the dust again. "It means.. /something/ to Uranus. I assume, if we figure that out, we'll have our real Key," he muses, mostly guessing since that's all that seems to be working nowadays.

Swing rubs his forehead, wiping touch of grime away. "I wish I could have gotten Mars' key away from Wily today, but it seems fitting he should have the Key of Conflict."

Zero leans back against the wall, sighing, "General fell in that, didn't he? Who else do we have to sacrifice before this is over..." He shakes his head, "Twila, they're wanting me to go out there and fight.. I did vow to protect this planet with my life, but...What do I do, Twila? For once, I honestly don't know. I can't find the answer in battle."

Twila Peterson sighs, "Because the answer is not *in* battle, Zero. Not this one."

Zero leans forward to rub at his temples annoyedly, "Then what is it, Twila? You know more about this than I do." For once, his voice 'isn't' filled with sarcasm in such a remark.

Swing flops on to his back while listening, a bit exhausted after dealing with three Stardroids in one day.

Seminole quietly rephases back to his uniform, allowing for his armor to repair while deactivated. He looks over at Swing briefly, though keeps an ear open at Zero and Twila. "Looks like you could use a nap," he comments.

Twila Peterson falls silent. "I...don't know..." she muses with a sigh. "I wish I did. I thought I was coming so close too..."

Swing has his eyes closed, but smiles and chuckles at Seminole's comments. "I'm about three quarters of the way there," he remarks, also tapping the inside of his wrist, his combat armor melting away.

Zero leans over to pat Twila's shoulder softly, "...Others tried, Twila, in the same way...Even /I/ did at first. It was said that some may have to be defeated before we understand. I just wish I knew now. All I know is that our allies are out there battling still - And I have done nothing this entire war."

Twila Peterson appreciates the sentiment...and the touch...more than she had when she was swept away at least. "What was said before I got there?"

Swing frowns at his radio. "Wily....."

Seminole frowns as well, looking over at Zero for a moment before moving to an empty chair and collapsing down into it. "The madness will never stop, Zero. It will continue, provided we get the remainder of the keys. Otherwise... /everything/ stops."

Zero says, "...A lot...On three or four separate encounters...Yet, Uranus destroyed whatever was around him when the attempts were made. I heard a human was killed on Sicily - Twila...yhis madness MUST stop. Too many are paying the price while we gain no ground.."

Twila Peterson looks upward towards him, her features mixed with confusion as well as something else. "Then tell me what was said."

Zero shrugs some, "Everyone pleading with Uranus to help them understands...Random guesses all over the place...When I tried to talk to him, he said the same - The Earth could not be saved." Twila Peterson looks back at the dust again and grunts. "Anything else? Or was that basically it?"

Seminole shakes his head again. "Combat should be our last resort... I guess Wily and his cronies feel that we've reached that point." He looks over at

Swing, hrmming, "It worked with Mars."

Zero shakes his head, "About it. They all tried to same thing you did..." He pauses, listening, "...Now the Old Man's personally asking for my help.." He clenches a fist, but suppresses the urge to sock the wall, "We can't keep wasting our time with Uranus...We only have two days now..."

Swing nods, confirming Seminole's statement. "He said that was the only way he'd hand it over."

(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'We need reinforcements... NOW!'.

Swing snaps his radio on for a moment, letting the Doc eat static. It gives him a short sense of amusement.

(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: '@#$& all of you for what I must do... I'll be enroute shortly, so shut the @#$& up!'.

Swing blinks as he sits up. "You're not serious, are you, Zero?"

(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'Well now Zero...taking the correct route this time. I'm impressed.'.

Zero gets to his feet, slowly taking his helmet, "I cannot simply stand here, Swing, while our allies have themselves slaughtered. Regardless of my personal feelings, I have my duty as a Hunter to protect humanity. As long as Uranus destroys everything around him, that objective is in danger." He puts his helmet on, his eyes closing, "Twila...I can only hope this God of yours can forgive me for this and the rest of the blood on my hands. I...Can't let the Earth die. Not like this."

(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'I'll fight for my reasons, Bass.. You fight for yours. We'll leave it at that.'.

Twila Peterson offers the beserker a small, bare nod in response as well as another sigh. "I...understand..."

Swing blinkblinks at Zero, and sits up. "Ah heck - what's stopping me then?" he adds, folding his systems back on.

(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'When the ground your standin' on has a few days left to live, you tend to realize a few things real quick.'.

Zero leans over and quickly kisses Twila's cheek, "I'll be back, Twi. Take care of yourself --" He takes a step back, hesitating before adding, "--Mom." Thus said, he turns and dashes out to the battle.

Swing looks back at Twila, but says nothing as he follows Zero out. Mom?

Swing sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: " He said.....*playback* "My key.. can only be obtained by one innocent in the ways of this planet..." * Any ideas?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Swing: "Would...go with what we knew about occurred when Wily himself tried taking the key."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Swing: "I...wonder if a cabbit counts as an innocent. *snort*"

Swing sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "*laugh*"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Uranus: "An innocent?"

Uranus sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "...That is correct."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Uranus: "But...I didn't think anyone was ever truly innocent."

Uranus sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "That is true.. However, only the innocent can truly comprehend my Key."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Uranus: "Someone untainted by corruption you mean."

Uranus sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "That is one way to put it, yes."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Uranus: "Someone who's not tainted by complex thinking, Who thinks more simple."

Uranus sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "*long pause* Yes."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Uranus: "And the dust...represents death."

Uranus sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Not quite.. The dust represents... a fish. A crimson fish."

Dr. Wily sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Twila... what news?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Dr. Wily: "Talking...to Uranus now. the stated the dust represented...a crimson fish"

Dr. Wily sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "A... crimson fish?! And hmm...he said his key can only be found by one innocent of the ways of the world..."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Uranus: "Someone least expected?"

Uranus sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Someone none have expected. *pause* I must recover now. Your warriors are truly mighty...I will show my face tomorrow for a final reckoning."