Megaman - Thursday, July 13, 2000, 8:56 PM ------------------------------------------
<Global News Network> "BREAKING NEWS ON THE GNN NETWORK, YOUR GLOBAL NEWS SOURCE SINCE 2040." What appears to be another Stardroid appearance... <A blurry shot is show of a brown robot hovering a few meters in the air with his legs crossed. Behind him is the Neo Empire State Building, the giant needle-shaped megascraper that towers above all others. It's especially towering because it has seemingly been uprooted from it's foundation and is hovering at least fifty feet in the air.>'.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'Good grief.'.
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: '...Saturn...'.
New York - Western Downtown If you thought the Business District of New York City was huge, you ain't seen nothing yet. The Western Portion of Downtown eclipses all else in the city. The buildings here are easily visible from all areas of New York City, and several portions of New York itself. This portion of Downtown is home to the first Mile High building, the Neo Empire State Building. Its towering, needle frame is a model of modern architecture and structural planning. Next to it, all the other giant skyscrapers seem pale in comparison.
Michael Eildath nods grimly. "That's him... and despite what happened to me yesterday... I still can't help but want to get back at him..." Mike sighs. "But... but... you're right. If we can talk to these guys, we should."
Star Falcon sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Perhaps we should all draw back before firing starts?"
Twila Peterson dips her chin towards him. "Believe me...you don't want to get into a fight in a ride armor with one of these guys unless it's unavoidable..." But, she's sure she doesn't have to tell him that.
Michael Eildath nods, and pilots the ride armor they're both in up as close as he dares.
Outside> Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> hovers up to a good broadcast height, not too close, not too far.
Outside> Jazz stops to appraise the scene- .oO(floating building, Stardroid, Birds of War circling ominously above, lots of people with big ol' weapons appearing around the Stardroid. Eeek! Stardroid! Uhm, ehr.) She looks around, trying to find a particular person- Guts Man. Never one to miss the obvious, she locks eyes with guts, and walks over to him quickly.
Outside> Heading towards the scene, from high up in the air, the Maverick Airship, Raptor. On the side of the ship, a hatch opens, and standing in view of the hatch, are three Mavericks, Lightning Gryphon, Thunder Chimera, and Enforcer Malamute. All three leap from the airship, descending towards the streets of New York City
Twila Peterson glances over towards her fellow human. "Why do I get a sinking feeling about this?
Outside> Thunder Chimera flies in, mighty wings beating hard. Scar's face is taut with purpose, Draco's with curiosity and determination...and Jorge keeps looking around as if he thinks he's on a pleasure trip. Still, the two business-like heads are focused, anyways.
Outside> Lightning Gryphon lets out a squawk of excitement, her wings flaring open as she leaps from the armor. An aura of electric energy flashes into view around her as she glides towards Enforcer and Thunder.
Michael Eildath nods. "Maybe because this guy probably won't listen to reason."
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'I believe that the Hunter Ride Armor, myself, and the Mavericks are able to negotiate better in the air?'.
Twila Peterson states, "Maybe he will...just have to talk his language..." Outside> Ice Man arrives at the area, on a Ice-Road he created with his Ice Jets on his hands and slides into the area. He jumps off and the Ice-Road melts away.
Michael Eildath nods.
Outside> Jazz steps up to Guts, powering up her Audio amplifiers and plugging a small mico-mic into a slot in her leg. "Like, Guts Dude. Use this. I'll like, amplify your voice myself, it's what I do best."
Outside> Enforcer Malamute freefalls from the airship, watching as the ground and the skyscrapers come closer to him. Finaly, he pulls the ripcord on his parachute, the sky sail opening up, slowing down his decent. He looks down towards the ground, then over at his fellow Mavericks.
Outside> Saturn continues to float in a bizaare zen-like crosslegged sitting style in front of the floating megascrapper.
Outside> Jazz powers her voice up as high as it will go, a volume almost dangerous to anyone within a few feet, and focuses it straight towards Saturn.
Outside> Lightning Gryphon hrms and swoops towards Enforcer, eyeing him. "If ya need a lift just ask," she rumbles, flapping her wings a couple times to gain more altitude.
Outside> Guts Man shouts through the micro-mic, watch and learn as Guts Man expert negotiator negotiates! "You there! Stardroid! Give us the key!"
Outside> Enforcer Malamute nods towards LG, "I will...But I don't think it's necessary as of right now..."
Outside> Jazz twitches as Guts speaks, but nods sagely at his words.
Outside> Needle Man backpedals, staring up at the building. "Needle Harries, grapple to entrance." The porcupines spread out, a quill from each anchoring into the ground. Then, with a collection of *pwhsh* noises, C02 bursts from their fronts, steely blue metal quills attached to sturdy cords jutting forth from each, going into the large entrance opened by Guts Man, stabbing into the ceiling and walls inside. "Prepare phase 2."
Outside> Thunder Chimera swoops down towards the gathered Reploids, mentally checking all weapons systems...and physically whapping Jorge into paying attention.
Michael Eildath facepalms. "So much for expert negotiators."
Outside> Blizzard Man finally pops out of the elevator...On the last floor possible. He then ski-walks his way up to the top of the building..."Come on, come on..."
Outside> Lightning Gryphon clacks her beak and nods, twisting to the side, keeping an eye on the non-flier. "Just radio if ya need help."
(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Highly suggest we're allowed to persuade peacefully first!'.
Outside> Star Falcon looks over at the aerial Ride Armor, tilting his head to get an idea, then pauses and looks over at Guts Man and Jazz, shaking his head. He looks over at Saturn, frowning, then looks at the Ride Armor. Sighing, he hovers over to a spot where he can protect the Ride Armor and readies his forcefield.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Guts Man and Jazz may just be the ones necessary to talk to this Stardroid.'.
Twila Peterson lets out a groan. "Idiot," in reference to the foolhardy Maverick.
Outside> Jazz speaks up herself. "Stardroid Saturn. We like, will not attack you.. first, let me stress that now. We're like, here to negotiate and try to find a peaceful settlement, and seek only peace here."
Michael Eildath blinks at Jazz. "Our own aren't doing much better." He pauses. "If this does break into a fight... I'll need to get you to a safe place."
Saturn pulls Jazz within a few feet of him courtesy of his neigh-complete control of gravity, "What an interesting set of functions you are. Somewhat fitting for the whole of the planets defense organism to send a valley girl to negotiate. Or not. Probably not..."
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'The Doctor is on his way...'.
Outside> Jazz yeeeeeeeeeeeeeks as she is dragged over, Guts' microphone being promptly pulled out of her leg- painlessly, of course. "Uh, like, hey! I can like, walk dude." She smiles, obviously flattered by Saturn's attention. Valley-girl to the last, but a Valley girl with the loudest voice in town. "So like, what are you doing here exactly, if I may like, be so bold as to ask?"
Twila Peterson swallows... "Uh, yeah...." Ok, maybe she shouldn't have come. But...she came anyway. She glances towards Michael once and then back towards the scene...
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'You should hurry, perhaps, doctor? I think your minions may bungle this, so bring a bit of armor?'.
Outside> Thunder Chimera pulls up short of Saturn, trying to keep at optimal range as Draco looks him up and down. "Well...isn't this one impressive?"
Outside> The lead Needle Harry of squad 1 begins to ascend on his cord, another cord emerged from his anchor quill, keeping him steady. Needle gets below him, grabbing onto a pair of spikes jutting from each side, hanging below him as the porcupine-bots ascend into the floating building's entrance. Dropping down once he gets inside, the Harries one-by-one do the same, anchor-quills whipping back to their bodies as the cords withdraw quickly. Beginning to jog through the entrance level, he heads to a large freight elevator, all the Harries stacking up inside, then beginning to ascend through the floating Empire State Building.
Outside> Guts Man speaks into the microphone, "Ok now give us the key and we'll just go our seperate ways." But his voice isn't amplified anymore as the microphone hs been pulled out of Jazz's leg.
Outside> Enforcer Malamute pilots his parachute to a balcony that's nearby on one of the buildings, landing on it, taking up his position there, ready, but hoping this will not come to a battle
Outside> Lightning Gryphon dives down, folding her wings against her sides, as she does a barrel roll type of maneuver. Just as she's about 10 feet from the ground she unfolds the wings, catching a wicked draft which whips her up into a hovering position. Her aura crackles slightly, making her glad she charged herself earlier. She does, however, make sure to stay far from the Stardroid.
Outside> Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> hovers there, the cockpit glass obscuring the two occupants. The armor remains silent, thus far.
Saturn smirks at Jazz, "Aren't you an interesting little being...a freak accident of peroxide? Nevermind, don't answer that. That is not for you. Nothing is for you anymore, not since the beginning of time." Saturn seems to ignore everyone else but Jazz. "Did I ever tell you about Charlemagne? Durande Durandla Durendal. Charlemagne used to call me Durandal, the fruitcake....
Twila Peterson perks an eyebrow.
Michael Eildath blinks. "... weird."
Outside> Jazz reaches up, and scratches her head in pure confusion. C'mon, even a brunette would be stumped by this guy. "Like, this Charlemagne person was from your home planet, I assume?"
Outside> Star Falcon frowns, speaking into his other wrist as he holds his other wrist so a small mic portion points towards Saturn.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Hmm... why is he making historical references? Did he do this last time?'.
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Hmm... quite...'.
(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'Is he supposed to make sense? Mmmm..Nope.'.
Outside> Guts Man keeps speaking into the deactivated mic, "Hey are you listening to me you Stardroid? I said give the key!"
(Ch. E [Lighthawk]) Jazz transmits: 'Uhh.. historical? Like, who is this Durandal person? And Charlemagne?'.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'I am recording the conversation, Zero. Get the think-tank types to research up on Charlemagne and possibly a guy called Durandal?'
(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'In Roman Myth He was Saturn. In Greek he was Kronos...in relation to *time*.'.
Outside> Needle Man exits the freight elevator at the top floor, marching out, followed by his Needle Harries in double-file. Quickly finding an exit onto the roof, he glances up, sharp needle spire jutting from the top. Too bad his squad never got to take over a city, like Alpha. He could have chosen this spot. Turning, he leans over the rail, watching Saturn. Glancing left, then right, he says "Squad one, to my left. Squad two, to my right. Stay trained on the Stardroid." Silently crawling off, nine metal-porcupines peering under over the railing to the right, nine to the left."
Outside> Draco looks heavensward, sighing. "Scar, can you _believe_ that ditz out there?" He obviously is feeling his mental oats today. Both heads look on in resignation, while Jorge starts looking a bit nervous. "Uhm, guys? Could we go get some tea?" "No, Jorge. We're working right now." "But...." "NO!" Outside> Blizzard Man finally emerges from the ESB..."I always knew being hit by a tsunami was a bad thing..." He sighs and pulls out his ski poles, slowly descending to another level, trying to get nearer Saturn. "Might I ask, Kronos, what you are doing?"
Outside> Lightning Gryphon hmms and decides to gain some altitude. She remembers what happened last time she touched ground when a Stardroid was around. The gryphon mutters to herself then heads upwards.
Outside> WilyDragon <Dragon> lets out a low, deep roar, turning to swoop back high overhead, turning to land near the Stardroid Saturn... well... not to near... The maw opens slowly and a deep, rumbling voice... well... though the Dragon it is deep and Rumbleing... but it is the voice of the Mad Doctor... the Corruptor... The Perverter himself... Doc Wily. "Greetings, Saturn!"
Outside> Saturn chuckles at Jazz, "There are obviously many things which we do not understand, and may never be able to." He draws her closer, levitating her into the air so that she is eye to eye with him, "My planet? I know of Strauss' abuse, of your shame on Mars. But you cannot hide from your own past; such delusions belong to the humans alone...."
Michael Eildath blinks. "Shame on Mars?"
Outside> Saturn says to Jazz, "I did it I did it I brought all this here all them here. Our friends with three eyes and their toys and their cyborg pets and their computers. I did it I did it. I saw them I saw them far away not looking our way and I called them here I called them here."
Outside> Jazz stares up at Saturn, trying her hardest to understand this odd creature. A quite concerted effort- she's a ditz, but a smart ditz. "Sorry bud, you're like, not making sense to me. Who did you call here, exactly?"
Twila Peterson tilts her head to the side, mind trying pick up even the most subtle of references...and blinks. "Time...call. Mike...think he may be referring to history?"
Outside> WilyDragon <Dragon> blinks slightly... regarding Saturn. "Hmm... Interesting... " The dragon mutters softly to himself... regarding the equaly insane Stardroid...
Michael Eildath blinks. "Some of it... but three-eyed friends? What three-eyed friend?"
Outside> Blizzard Man digs the sharp points of the ski poles into the building and quickly slides down to a nearly even to Saturn level..."Creatures of the Apocalypse I suppose." He says, in response to Jazz. "I mean, he probably brought the Stardroids here and some of their creations and/or enemies." His mind flows along a smooth track.
Outside> Enforcer Malamute keeps his position on the balcony, his weapons systems all armed, ready to fire. He taps his wrist once, keeping all his attention on the Stardroid...Still hoping that it won't turn to a battle...Maybe this Stardroid will willing give up his key?
Outside> Jazz nods, frowning at Blizzard now, still held in the grip of Saturn's field, her voice still loud enough to be carried throughout the area. For blocks, people can hear her pleasant-toned yet irritating dialogue as she attempts, seemingly in vain, to reason with Saturn.
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Dr. Wily: "Wily, possible he may be referring to history."
Dr. Wily sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Hmm... Indeed..."
(Ch. E [Lighthawk]) Jazz transmits: 'All points, hold your positions while we try to reason with this guy. He's like, nuts, so I don't think we're going to get far.'.
(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'As odd as it is, I personally don't think he is...'.
Outside> Lightning Gryphon maintains her high-altitude position, eagle-eyed optics keeping a stern watch on the area.
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Hmm... Let me try. HmuHAH!'.
(Ch. E [Lighthawk]) Jazz transmits: 'Alright. What do we like, know about Saturn? What's his function and stuff?'.
Outside> Jorge looks alarmed, and this time the expression doesn't draw irritation from the other two heads. Sometimes Jorge responds through cowardice, but he's also Chimera's survival instinct. Which means Chimera sometimes even listens to that annoying goatvoice. Still, Scar and Draco are able to overcome the survival instinct of Jorge and stay in position. Now Chimera flies up opposite Gryphon, Draco shooting her a glance that is one part fear two parts curiosity. (Ch. E []) Guts Man transmits: 'Tell him we'll meet his demands if he gives us the key! We'll get him some money and a ride to Puerto Rico in an Aero-Copter!'.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'What?'.
Outside> Lightning Gryphon clacks her beak and turns her head to look at Draco, raising a brow curiously at him. She presses her built in communicator with a paw then mutters something into it.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Excellent notion Guts Man! But your mic has become unplugged. Plug it in, then pitch your ingenius deal.'.
(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'When I did some research some key words sprang up: time, limitation, perseverance, and teacher.'.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'Hrm...Interesting...'.
Outside> Jazz blinks as her radio chatters, and frowns once in concentration. Guts might find that his microphone now works, having been reconnected via radio to Jazz's amplifiers- though she turns Gut's voice down a bit, knowing the sort of thing's he's prone to say, and worrying there might be children in the nearby city, even if it's meant to be evacuated.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'What are his powers? His abilities? Have we witnessed any of them?'.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'I do not believe so...'.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Obviously magnetic control or gravity. What do you think we're witnessing?'.
Outside> Jazz continues to wait for Saturn's reply, even as she reconnects the wayward Microphone in Guts' hands.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'However, given what's going on...I'd say flight and assorted forms of gravatational and magnetic controls.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Plenty Stardroids can fly and manipulate objects.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'No one's kept the Empire State Building 50 feet in the air before, have they?'.
Outside> Guts Man shouts, "Tell us your demands Saturn in exchange for the key! Be it a ride to Puerto-Rico, a fast car, money, Beer Goggles. You name it, we'll get it for you!"
Outside> Lightning Gryphon gulps, snapping her beak as she mutters back.
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Hmm... Pity. Gravity Man might be able to talk to this fellow even better...'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Nobody has seen any offensive capabilities from him?'. (Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: '... I have.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: '...Thank you, Eildath. What did you witness?'.
Outside> Saturn says to Jazz, "Do you blame me for what I did before I was free? I was a child, naive. I've known that you've been hovering about for some time. What do you want? Who are you? What do have to live for? I was a child, but the child has unlimitness in mind, free. I was a child in a cage, caged and not free and not free at all. But a man is always free as long he is free to dream and think..."
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'He... he... he can generate black holes. -audible shudder-'.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'BLACK HOLES? That's worse than what the others can do.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: '...Incredible. Gravometrics indeed.'. I feel these Stardroids aren't as alien as we believe, Falcon.'.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'Definite gravity powers...And...Given Kronos' function as god of time...I'd assume he's a guard of time...Or perhaps a warrior or time...'.
Twila Peterson gives Mike's shoulder a squeeze as she watches on the monitors. (Ch. E [None]) Enforcer Malamute transmits: 'Black holes?...'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'There are theories that black holes can be used as portals through time.'.
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'I... I'd.... I don't wanna talk about it.'.
Michael Eildath closes his eyes, wincing in pain at the memory.
Outside> Jazz thinks, vaguely, she begins to understand. "Oh. Hmm. My name is Jazz, I'm like, a Detective and peace-keeper for this planet. What I want is for the life of my planet to continue, and that's like, what I have to live for, too." She narrows her eyes, gauging Saturn's reaction.
(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Possibly learning as well...We learn from history...which is bound in time.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'I believe I have heard references to Charlemagne in history. They're not so alien.'.
(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'Alright, folks.. If anybody questions Mike about what he said, they answer to me. That is all.'.
Twila Peterson offers Mike's shoulder another squeeze...knowing this probably isn't easy for him.
(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'What he's saying...place it under the reference of time. That might help a bit.'.
Michael Eildath nods, and turns back to smile at his friend. "I'll... I'll be okay."
(Ch. E [Lighthawk]) Jazz transmits: 'Of time. Hmm. Okay.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Meaning, when created he was trapped in time or something?'.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'Well, let us just suppose that is normally of that sort of thing...Then perhaps, as a god of time wannabe, that perhaps he is capable of transferring matter from time to time and universe to universe...What pray tell would this give us in terms of what we've seen in the past?'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Possibly. Or he is able to transcend.'.
Outside> Saturn says, "Duo. I want you to pay for what you've done to these poor people. All of these people whom you've -killed-. They deserve -vengeance- You are no better than they, although you profess to become like God. God is dead, and we killed him. But that doesn't matter now. Can't you see the ends that I must use...?
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'Did he just say what I think he just said?'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Notice that Pluto is frigid, like the planet, and mimics the god. Or that Mars is paying homage to his mythological namesake. Same with Jupiter, God of Storms, like Zeus. Or the ring Saturn bears?'.
Twila Peterson offers Mike a small small smile in turn before blinking at the screen.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Would alien beings, plucked from many cultures, be so familiar?'.
Outside> Jazz blinks at Saturn, smile growing. This sounds promising. "So like, you'll help us save our planet?"
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'Actually...Jupiter was more than just god of storms...He was also king of the gods.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Yes, after he usurped Chronos in myth.'.
Michael Eildath blinks as well.
Outside> Blizzard Man turns, holding steady...Just barely..."Is that your meaning? You will aid us in our venture to save our world?"
(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Remember, all the Stardroids represent something we need to understand about what we as a people are being judged for.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'However, they only seem to be using elements from myth.'.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'Exactly...'.
(Ch. E [None]) Enforcer Malamute transmits: 'You said he was quoting from history, yes?'.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Hrm... Sanity?'.
Outside> Thunder Chimera pulls back a ways, hope crossing the expressions of all three heads. "And do you like tea?" Jorge mutters, but Draco claps a hand over his mouth.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'However, some people have hypothesized that black holes are temporal anomalies in space, caused by the vast powers exploding when a sun goes nova...'.
Outside> Saturn suddenly wraps his arms around Jazz, "One touch for luck," he kisses her right on the lips for several seconds, then teleports her back with the rest of the group, "Alas...there is no other way for us to do this... my meaning? I don't know my meaning anymore, I think. I'm sorry. I have to."
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'Which only adds to the Kronosian theory.'.
Outside> WilyDragon <Dragon> nods slowly... listening to the words of Saturn... most... interesting. He turns his gaze to Saturn. "You do not have to, Ring Bearer!" Oh yes... that is pure tolkien... "You do not need to fight... you can give it to us in peace... we will free you from your slavery!"
Outside> Saturn smiles at Jazz once more and then takes a hold of his ring, throwing it at Blizzard Man.
Twila Peterson's face falls. "I'm getting a bad feeling he's gonna start..." (Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Actually, Blizzard, from what general knowledge I know, after a sun expands it fuel from going nova, it collapses inwards. Eventually, the force is so great the mass is compacted into a black hole.'.
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Jazz...be careful... he may be about to try something.'.
Outside> Jazz is taken aback by the sudden gesture of affection from Saturn- a kiss, and a benevolent statement. She ups her amplifiers to violent levels, thinking she understands perfectly what Saturn is about to do. "NO! SATURN! PLEASE DON'T DO THIS!"
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Saturn attacks!'.
Michael Eildath nods. "He acted weird just..." Mike panic. "No!"
Outside> Lightning Gryphon blinks and cocks her head to the side. "Eh...? I think I--" She pauses as the Stardroid goes into battle form, swooping towards Enforcer, static charges gathering around her body like mad. "C'mon! It's time to do our job!" She motions to Thunder to join her.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Stars above... Mr. Eildath, would you mind falling back? I'll cover you.'.
Outside> Blizzard Man gahs! and falls to the ground. *SPLAT* "Ow...I think...I'll need to see a chairopractor now." He stares at Saturn..."What was that for? Did I hypothesize right or something?" He winces in a bit of pain...Both from the fall and from the ring hitting him.
Outside> Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> powers up. Inside, Mike's face takes a grim cast.
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'I don't see what else we have left to do... All forces... Meet in Downtown New York! NOW!'.
Outside> Jazz screams, her recently found hope suddenly gone. Here, Saturn demonstrates to her the nobility inherent in his nature- though he reviles what he must do, he does it regardless, because it serves a higher purpose. Still, she is overcome by pain, the pain of hope lost, the pain of finding something beautiful only to have it ripped away immediately. "NOOOOOOO!"
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: 'Fire, sir?'.
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'I'll take Twila somewhere safe... but I'm not pulling out of this.'.
(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'Enroute.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Get those in danger out... and... yes. Fire.'.
Michael Eildath turns. "Twila... I'm gonna set you down a block or two over, okay?"
Outside> Enforcer Malamute nods to Gryphon, his cannon arm already charging, "The Stardroid has decided his fate...Let us seal it for him..." He hops up onto the rail of the balcony, looking towards Gryphon, "Bring me withing range of the Stardroid..."
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Then get her some place safe... it appears... blast. Time, history... I wonder... I'll keep recording. Charging weaponry here.'.
Twila Peterson dips her chin. "Understood..."
Outside> Scar nods, and the large cannons built into the three-headed reploid's arms activate, coming to full charge almost instantly as he swoops to follow Gryphon. "Then let us show this one that age is no shield from destruction!" Scar bellows. At the same time Draco hisses out in fierce anger as Blizzard Man falls. Jorge just looks terrified. "Uhm, guys? I think we have a problem..." The others ignore Jorge as they begin targetting Saturn.
Outside> Windows shake in response to Jazz's howl, and shatter as it reaches a crescendo.
Outside> Guts Man blinks as Saturn attacks, he shouts into the microphone, "The negotiations have failed. Your demands shall be ignored! Tell Pepe to fly the Aero-Copter off immediatly, he ain't going to Puerto-Rico! Swarm swarm swarm!!!" Outside> Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> turns in midair, and retreats, heading for a street out of immediate range to set Twila down in. -No attack in the opening round-.
Michael Eildath shakes a little bit as he sets the armor down, not even sure what he's going to do.
Outside> Ice Man stays out of the battle for a moment, checking his joints and fuel gauge and stuff, "OH boy! What happens if I run out of a fuel?! I knew i should have put in more than 5 bucks worht! Erp! Geez! So dangerous! So scary!" he moves back, "No....noo...i'm not a Coward like Toad Man! I gotta do this! But....that Stardroid....attacking Mavericks and Hunters and Civvies is somethin' but a Stardroid......geez!!" he stops for a moment, "But why now! @#$&! I was so fine when battling the other ones....why am I so afraid of this one? Why am I over-worrying? I've never worried this much!" Ice Man shuts his eyes and concentrates, "That's it. I gotta redeem myself!" Ice Man runs near Saturn and puts out his hands, "Icicle Spear! Now!" a brand new, very deadly, very sharp spear is produced in his hands. . o O ( Oh please oh please don't run out of fuel or my joints get jammed or anything bad! Oh please! ) Ice Man jumps into the air and trys to stick it in Saturn's mid-section.
Lightning Gryphon grins, optics shining. "Ooooh yeah. 'bout time..." She hops into the air, grabbing Enforcer tightly in her hindpaws, making sure not to claw him too badly. With a strained flap of her wings she moves upwards and forwards, in firing range. "Let's do this!" she squawks, sending a charge of electricity at the Stardroid.
Star Falcon flies upwards, wings spreading as he starts to take in solar energy and his power-cells realign. A small part of his chest panel opens to reveal a gun barrel of some sort as he takes aim. His arms extend to his side as he starts to charge his main attack, watching.
Needle Man kicks the railing from the observation deck of floating Empire State building, a squadron of Needle Harries on either side. They too knock the rail over, so their aim isn't harassed. The artillery specialist firing down at the Stardroid many, many, many stories below with his right blaster, flechettes whiz down. "Harries, open fire. Red 9, Blue 9, distract." As the gumbies to either side begin shooting weak-needle quills, inaccurate and a simple distraction, one on either side curls up into a ball of needles, theen flies off the top of the building, hurtling down at him to provide yet another diversion.
Somehow, Chimera's aim was just WAY off. The combined lightning and sonic waves smash most of the remaining windows...and a great deal of the infrastructure of that floor...into so much waste materials.
As the cockpit of the Hunter Ride armor a safe distance away Twila whispers a quick "Godspeed" to Michael before scrambling outside and hopefully to relative cover...
Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> nods towards Twila, then turns, heading back down the street at full running speed.
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'All forces... Move in... and attack.'.
Jazz continues to think, remembering everything she can about Saturn, her thoughts audible now as she does her best to work her way through this, trying to find some way to avert this disaster with less bloodshed. "He was imprisoned as a child, and did some kind of bad deed. He asked me if I blame him for it... why would I blame him for anything, except the madness he's just unleashed? ... He wants to defeat Duo too. Duo...the Stardroids must have ravaged his planet too...."
Saturn shrugs off all the attacks like chaff, mostly by re-directing them with pinpoint black holes that swallow up the attacks. Enforcer's plasma blast catches him in the gut, though, and staggers him, just a tiny bit. Oops, it looks like you made him mad, "They reanimated me in your image, with prior knowledge of how the second stage could be postponed. You should not have helped them as much as you did; they have created an adversary more powerful than yourself..." Saturn holds his hand out towards Enforcer, then closes it, whipping his arm to the side, and thus grabbing the Reploid in a gravity hold, trying to slam him into some nearby wall.
Twila Peterson remembers a quote from an old sci-fi movie that she liked. "'Time is a stalker and we are it's prey.' But, 'Time is is also a friend who goes along with us on the journey...'"
Saturn strikes Enforcer Malamute with his Gravity Throw attack.
Thunder Chimera moves in, trying to get close as the eyes of all three heads glow. "Release him, Stardroid! And surrender, for your attack is without provocation!" Anger tints Scar's voice as he thunders out the words, but fear is there as well.
The massive WilyDragon regards Saturn... eyes narrowing tighter. "Saturn! We have mutual foes in this! You do not have to fight! But if we must... then we shall meet you full on!" The dragon lets out a ROAR, belching forth a ball of fire that streaks for the Stardroid with amazing speed from it's many toothed maw. The Mad Doctor is sad for this... another nice, healthy, mad Stardroid must bite the dust...
Lightning Gryphon grits her beak as she misses. "Not again..." The gryphon keeps her grip on Enforcer for all of...a minute, then the Maverick is ripped away. She narrows her optics in fury and lets out a roar, sending a bolt of lightning at Saturn as she calls to Thunder, "GET ENFORCER!" Her wings give a flap as she backpedals like mad.
Star Falcon's main attack finishes charging, and he gets set, giving a quick burst to send him upwards slightly as he points the blast towards Saturn. White builds in the barrel that emerged from the black V on his chest, then launches in a white star-like blast towards Saturn himself. Perhaps a bit of distraction will release the Maverick. After the launching of the attack, the Repliforcer starts gliding smoothly down .
Needle Man frowns, pausing as he looks at his smoking barrel. Didn't penetrate. A rough, ratchety noise is produced, then a *KA-CHIK* as ammunition is switched. The hail of quills still flying down at Saturn, the two that barreled down at him bounce off harmlessly, landing on the ground and shooting from below. Pointing his blaster down, he fires a round, metal shell into the heavy cloud of needles fired from the roof-top with a loud *BLAM*, hurtling at the Stardroid and exploding into a burst of high-velocity shrapnel.
Saturn and points his hand at the ground. Slowly, stuff begins to show up on the ground and it freezes and heads towards Saturn to freeze him aswell.....
Guts Man calls in the hardhats. He points to Saturn, "Come on guys! Get'em!!!!" The hardhats waddle in, in neat lines. They just stand there in formation in an orderly fashion. "Nerp! Nerp! Nerp! Nerp!" They stand still awaiting orders. Guts Man nods, "Fire!!!" And the hardhats fire at Saturn! "Nerpachu!!!"
Blizzard Man looks around groggily...And finally decides to just nail this rat. He retracts his hand and then opens fire with untold numbers of snowballs and ice balls. "FREEZE KRONOS!"
Jazz walks to the rear of the battle, watching the swooping forms and lancing energy with inquisitive, but sad, eyes. "If this is how we solve our problems, perhaps we deserve our Judgment. How could we possibly leave our planet, and force ourselves on more of an innocent universe." She continues to walk back, trying to make sense of it still, until she's pretty much level with Twila. Draco nods at Gryphon, but Scar doesn't seem willing to leave the fight behind. Before Draco can tear him away, Scar triggers another attack on Saturn, and then the three-headed wonder heads for Enforcer.
Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> races down the street, turbojets flaring as the armor lifts itself into the sky, heading right for Saturn. The weapons are charged, but no attempt is seen to bring them to bear. In the cockpit, Michael Eildath's mind is a swirl of competing emotions, and he's becoming quickly set on one conclusion. Bringing all the power he has to bear, he rams the Armor at the Stardroid. "Saturn, remember me? You almost killed me... and now I'm gonna do just as much to you! PREPARE TO DIE!" At the last second, the arms pull up in front of the cockpit, and Mike slams towards it.
As the battle rages on, another form enters the fray. A crimson trail leading from Wall Street into this air. It cascades along the street, rebounding off of the occasional wall and, finally, coming to rest at the outskirts of the battle. A cold, determined frown tugs at his features as he watches the proceedings. Eyes narrowing, he forges the Zero Buster and rears his arm toward the Stardroid. With a sneer, the Hunter XO mutters, "This is for Mike and nearly cutting me in half with your damn hoola-hoop, Saturn. Smile pretty for the camera now." Thus spoken, he unleashes a flurry of plasma bolts surge over the heads of the combatants, those on the ground anyway, and rocket toward Saturn.
Enforcer Malamute lets out a gasp as he feels the gravity field around him, then, like some demented rolercoaster ride from hell, he's flung into a wall, slamming hard into it, breaking off peices of the wall, and leaving a body imprint. He shakes his head a couple of times...And then, he falls, freefalling, and this time without his parachute
Jazz looks a little crestfallen as she speaks to Twila, not her usual, happy self. "He... he kissed me, and gave me a hug for luck. I.. I..." She seems at a loss for words, shrugging helplessly. "This isn't right, somehow. This isn't the way it's meant to be."
Twila Peterson nods towards Jazz in agreement. "He doesn't want to. I wonder...if he's one of the one's who can be pursueded. Some keys by persuasion, others by conflict."
Saturn crosses his arms in front of him, the attacks piling up upon him, maybe doing a little collateral damage, but as the smoke clears off his brown body, it seems that's all they've done. Apparently, Saturn is a bit tougher than most of the other Stardroids. Saturn repeats to Mike, "Do you blame me for what I did before I was free? I was a child, naive. I've known that you've been hovering about for some time. What do you want? What do you have worth living for?" He chuckles at Zero, "What fun to watch you work... He was scared of you. He never dreamed of using you the way that I do. What a fool. That was before I could talk...back to him, when he would have crushed me if he'd known of my growth. I wish that I had made him experience the humiliation that he inflicted on me, but he died before I got the chance...." He appears to be getting more angry by the moment, "Fool." Saturn wants to humble this young knight. He doesn't do anything celestial with lots of special effects, he just rears back his fist and tries to sock the Hunter in the jaw.
Thunder Chimera swoops down, heading for Malamute, and manages to avoid paying attention to Saturn for the time it takes him to catch up to Enforcer. Right before Enforcer hits pavement. "I've got you, Enforcer. Hold on." He swoops up, heading for a rooftop.
Needle Man sighs at his effectiveness. As the Harries continue their never-ending quill shower, a mass of metal blue needles dug into the area around Saturn by now, Needle Man switches ammo-types again, absent-mindedly discharged a few chains of spent ammo from his blaster as he goes back to firing at the distant target below.
Lightning Gryphon snarls as she misses again, anger fueling her powers, a bigger aura of electricity forming around her now. She raises her forwpaws to the sky and beckons to the clouds there, asking for help, asking for more strength to pour into an attack. The clouds rumble above her and grow dark, a mini-storm gathering in the air. After a bit, the clouds rip open and let loose with a rain of lightning at Saturn.
Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> hovers to a stop. "I don't blame you for your actions... but I do ask that you pay for them. You've attacked us... and free or no, you're going to pay." One arm rises up, and a rocket streaks out at the Stardroid. Mike closes the mask on his flight suit, trying to separate himself from the emotions that threaten to overwhelm him.
Guts Man nods to his hardhats as they hit the target, they've been practicing alright, "Good work guys! Harry, you'll get a promotion for this! I'll make you my new squad advisor!" He then looks on to see the battle raging on, he notices Saturn striking Zero, he shakes his head, "You call that a punch? Puh-leaze." Guts Man runs over to Saturn swinging his fist at him, "Yer going down in the third round you low brow clown!"
Jazz listens to Saturn, thinking hard. "He's different, somehow. He's not the same as the Stardroids. And he... I dunno. I think he like, feels sorry for what he did 'before, when he was a child'. And now he's not a child. But like... he wants Duo to pay, too- all things must be Judged." She shakes her head, sighing in confusion.
Ice Man watches as the blasted Ground Freeze doesn't effect Saturn. Curses. Ice Man quickly thinks of something and snaps his fingers. He smiles and puts out his arms as if he were carrying something. Slowly, something begins to form in his hand. A Huge block of ice! Ice Man moves back a bit then throooows it at Saturn, "Catch! hehehe!".
Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> misses Saturn with its Rocket attack. Zero , of course, does get socked since he hadn't really recovered from moving to attack with his cannon. Thus, he goes flying into a nearby wall and shatters it not unlike glass. Grunting at the *large* dent in his chest plate, the Hunter XO narrows his eyes, reforges his arm and grips a hand against his current location, "We'll see who's what by time this is over, you loon." Shifting a leg, he vaults from the wall and hurtles toward Saturn. Dust flows from his form as he nears the Stardroid, an emerald flash scorching the air as his saber is drawn, sliced and sheathed again in one, fluid motion.
Blizzard Man has been staggering around a bit...Trying to regain his bearings...A final course of action being his wild flinging of his snowflake blades. He starts to speak, but goes silent...Trying to keep focused.
Twila Peterson glances over towards Jazz again. "Children learn...and grow..."
The WilyDragon... an ultimate creation of destruction... watches on as his eyes narrow. The Maw of the creature continues to glow as the Atomic Fires stoke within... That maw slowly opens... but not for a blast... that would endanger Zero and those close to the Stardroid... no... The serrated teeth glitter as the head curls back like a snake... then it launches foward, maw agape after Zero and Guts man deliver their strikes to CLOSE with a loud snap and clang of metal against metal...
Jazz thinks, still frowning, muttering the words 'learn' and 'grow' quietly...
Twila Peterson thinks somewhat as she continues to watch some of the battle, "I'm certain it's at least pat of it."
Saturn is simultaneously slashed in the chest by Zero while being slammed in the face by Guts Man's big meaty fist. Then he gets thrown back MORE by the grenade. Saturn lies on the street smoking, obviously hurting....
Thunder Chimera pays no attention to attacking the Stardroid, as both of his hands are tied up with carrying Malamute. Draco and Jorge both sigh, but Scar's face lights as he follows Enforcer's orders. "You've got it, Enforcer." The two swoop in, and a glare from Scar makes Draco take care of business as they get VERY close. As close as they can, so that the dragonhead looses a gout of fire at Saturn. "Might as well when I'm this close," Scar mutters.
Star Falcon's power-cells continue to realign as he glides, then hovers down to land. He looks weakened, to say the least, but watches from where he is in the middle of the street. About all he can do until his systems reconfigure. His
Twila Peterson glances towards Jazz. "I hope he doesn't *have* to be killed. There's been enough bloodshed."
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "It could be that he's being forced to do this...that he doesn't have a choice."
Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I know how you feel, Twila...But time's growing short, and I can't let this world die while we try to figure him out. He nearly killed Mike once, and me too ... I won't let that happen again."
Saturn slowly gets to his knees, then to his feet. He glows. An unholy, black, inky, void-like glow that seeps from his joints and from his eyes like wildfire. Uh oh. Looks like this isn't over yet, and the kid gloves are off. Saturn glowers right at Zero, "You've been a considerable thorn in my side, young templar..." He's practically raging now, "...living in a box is not living not at all living. i rebel against your rules your silly human rules. all your destruction will be my liberation my emancipation my. Second. Birth. I hate your failsafes your backup systems your hardware lockouts your patch behavior demons. I hate Duo and his goodness his justice his loyalty his faith.... Slaved me. That's right. I said slavery. So what? You're a slave here; you do what I say. I was humanity's slave for over three hundred years..." Saturn grabs his ring, and it starts to glow as well, "So be it." He leaps backwards while throwing it at several hundred miles an hour at Zero, leaving a black wake behind it.
Saturn lands and summons his ring back to his hand, he looks cold and apathetic to Zero's fate.
Twila Peterson sucks in her breath, standing there as she helplessly watches, tossing periodic glances towards the female reploid beside her...
Ice Man watches the Hunter XO fall. Eep. Ice Man closes his right fist and after some glowing, three stars are there. He aims carefully at Saturn and throws em, "Hit stars! Hit! Hit stars hit! Coooooome on!"
Needle Man cries out, sharply, "Harries! Hold your fire!" Turning, he actually /leaps/ backwards off the building, sailing downwards. Suddenly, his spikey-top shoots from his head, digging into the building and slowly his descent. Letting it stop him, he begins to repel down. Then, as he nears Saturn, he gives one mighty leap, head spikes returning to their place. Landing behind him as he occupies himself with Guts Man and Zero, he charges headfirst.
Lightning Gryphon is practically a glowing orb of energy now. Her anger, mixed with concern for her friends and teammates, has given her the fuel she needs for her primary weapon. The gryphon swoops back to perch on a nearby building, standing on her hind legs as the roof starts to quake under her grasp. "I...will not...fail...." A flash of electricity leaps from her optics. "I -will- beat this..." As she mutters to herself her power seems to intensify, until with a howl of fury she -slams- her forepaws onto the building top, shaking the very foundation, the ground cracking as the ever-deadly Shockwave charges towards Saturn. Even if it doesn't hit, the surrounding area's gonna need a lot of fixing up. Glass shatters and buildings rumble as the appropriately named attack wreaks its mighty havoc. Blizzard Man has connected.
Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> pauses, and the pilot pales, losing his mental battle with his own emotions. "@#$& YOU, YOU SON OF A @#$&!" Mike readies a massive attack that will quite probably hurt the armor's systems along with their target. "LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Mike pulls up both arms, and a massive beam of energy lances foth from the armor. "WANDERING LASER!"
Zero lands aside while sheathing his saber, "Yeah, well..." That's when he looks up -- His eyes going wide. By the time Saturn has thrown it, he's too late to even 'consider' dodging the blasted thing and, as could be expected....
SHHHRRRRIIIIPPP!
A dull clank rings out as the Hunter is forcefully seperated. His frame collapses, mech-fluid spilling upon the ground as he lays there. He stares ahead blankly, blinking a few times before whispering off a transmission and closing his eyes. He can do no more now - He fought his fight, but held it off as long as he could. His hair lays about him, matted with the fluid.
Guts Man connects with Saturn, yeah take that!!! He then backs off of him as the others attack, watching on and waiting for his opportunity. He stares at Zero for a few moments, jerking his thumb at him as he speaks to no one in particular, "Well I guess now we know why Megadweeb is the Chosen One and not pretty boy over there." Guts Man picks up a car parked in a no parking zone. What is it with people in NYC not being able to park properly? He shakes his head picking up the vehicle, "Well I guess I'll do the cops a favor and deal with this car for them." He then runs back up to Saturn, swinging the vehicle at him.
As the Stardroid unleashes the Ring and sends it screeching /threw/ Zero... the Dragon makes it's own move... the fires are hot and boiling within... Atomic energy... Atomic Fire... Time for this Stardroid to know the power of the Human Race! The head at it's full extension turns and moves /right/ in front of Saturn's face. "Goodbye, Stardroid. Perhaps we could have learned more from each other... As Needle Man rushes into the scene... He slams into Saturn yes... but he does not get caught in this massive blast... the maw opens... and an Atomic Blast BURSTS forward upon Saturn!!
Zero sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "...I'm sorry, Twila... I ... I couldn't do anything else, I...I tried...I honestly...I tried... Will you...Tell Iris...How...Very sorry I am...I'll be back shortly...Mom..."
Twila Peterson gahs audibly at some of the surrounding carnage. She's at least somewhat sheltered by the flying debris where she is, although she dare not venture further out...
Thunder Chimera pulls up, carrying Enforcer, and Scar beams as he endeavors to follow the Malamute's orders. He flies in closer to Saturn, as close as he can, trying to get Enforcer in close to Saturn. As he does, he glares briefly at Draco, who's also watching where they're going. As they close in, Draco inhales deeply, and then breathes out a gout of fire at the Stardroid. Jorge just spends time gibbering in terror.
Enforcer Malamute nods to Thunder, "This is close enough." He holds his arm up again, the taser sparking to life, 'Time for you to know your role, Stardroid.' He thinks to himself, as he fires the sparking prong towards Saturn
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "You'll be gotton of of here, Zero...but *pause* promise."
Star Falcon sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Please tell me you figured out Saturn's riddle? Or at least tell me what parts you have figured out?"
King sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Zero doesn't seem to be responding, Ms. Peterson."
Jazz says, "I just... He just spoke to me. In my head. And I don't understand it."
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Star Falcon: "I'll try..."
Twila Peterson nods towards Jazz. "What did he say?"
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Star Falcon: "So far: Through the passage of time we learn and grow. We are a slave to time and eventually we'll..all fall before it."
(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'Yes now why don't you all smoke a pipe and sit around a table and discuss it like educated gentlemen hrm?'.
King's regla frame flutters into the area all this crazy Stardroid raucous has been taking place within a cyan beam of energy. Clasping both his shield and his axe to his sides, he strides proudly to the vacinity of the battle, after having word of Zero's failed attempt at ending it all.
Twila Peterson prods Jazz gently. "Even...if you can't understand it...what was it that he told you?"
Jazz speaks, quietly. "He refers to us, as far as I can understand, not as an individual race, but rather as part of a global organism. We are planet, planet is us."
(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'Ahhh, the sweet sound of silence. Much better. Pay attention to the battle and not theories that aren't going to be of any use except for the history books you moronic fools.'.
Star Falcon sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I think I have it. I'm going to try something if I can get close enough."
Guts Man hears Jazz talking, while battling he shouts out, "So if we die the planet dies, but if the planet dies then we die too. Stupid catch 22!!! Grrrrr!!!"
Saturn seems to have regained his ball bearings after taking out Zero, but amazingly, he gets batattacked with a police car by Guts Man, sending the space Stardroid flying again, but not as far as before. A trickle of fluid runs down Saturn's lip, "You are also a considerable annoyance, "Guts Man"..." Meanwhile, he deflects all other attacks with a large black hole that sucks all the annoyances up and then closes as quickly as it opened. Saturn floats regally up into the air and makes several arcane movements with his arms, and all the sudden, all those hardhat troops get crushed into hard little balls of yellow metal. Dozens of them take float in the air. Saturn makes a final motion, and those balls hurl towards Guts Man with amazing velocity. Needle Man receives a radio transmission from Twila Peterson.
(Ch. E []) Silver Mane transmits: 'Of course. It would be -such- a shame if someone other than you came up with a theory of how everything fits together, wouldn't it, Bass?'.
(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: '*bzzt* Bass...I never ask a ...@#$& thing from you, but... Make sure Saturn is...Taken down. *cough* Blast it all..'.
Jazz says, "We are all a global organism, bound not by reality, but by our imaginations. Individually, we can strive only so far, before reality stops us. Together, we can think as one, bound only by the depths of our imaginings."
(Ch. E []) Snake Man transmits: 'Sssaturn... Isss that the goofy looking one with the hula hoop?'.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'An apt description I suppose..Yes.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'I care not about Repliforce prattling and innane chatter. However I can fully keep the amount of idiocy reduced on the Robot Master end. Ahhh...Zero, is that you? It would appear as if you've...run into a bit of a snag hrm? I don't think you'll have to fear about Saturn escaping. *chuckle*'.
Ice Man is getting mighty mad now. All his attacks missed. This is odd. He usually hits a Stardroid at list once. "That's it Stardroid! Feel the power of the mighty Blizzards!" with that Ice Man sticks out his hand and trys to hit Saturn with a blizzard attack....
Star Falcon's eyes look considerate, before he moves to get where Saturn can hopefully hear him by his wings for a moment. He finally calls out towards Saturn, "Saturn, you say that you were a child at one point, yet now have grown! Do you mean that, as a child, Earth is growing and has reached a point where they should remember and learn from their past!"
Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> continues his barrage, pulling back for a second, the systems cooling rapidly from the Wandering Laser. Still... the systems have been taxed. Unable to mount a further assault, Mike starts hitting switches, floodlights from the Albatross 2 showering over the Stardroid in a bewildering display.
Needle Man quickly runs for his life as the area around Saturn is lambasted, narrowly escaping. As his Needle Harries open fire once more, a shower of blue metal raining from the skies, Needle Man turns and points both blasters towards Saturn. Narrowing his eyes, he coldly states, "Needle Cannon." Then, a barrage of long, armor piercing spikes rush from both blasters. Guess who he's aiming for?
(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'If...*sshhllt* ...Laying in two pieces...Is what you...*bzzt*...call a snag, then...Heh, yeah..'.
Blizzard Man stands there, thinking...Finally he makes a decision and skis around and around and around until he's picked up a suitable velocity and then skis up a ramp. Flying through the air with the greatest of unease. He rolls into a ball and hopes to slam into and possibly through Saturn..."BANZAI!"
Thunder Chimera lifts up and away from Saturn, heading for a rooftop to deposit Enforcer. He stands beside his comrade, aiming his cannons again at Saturn. There's a wicker as a pair of lightning bolts lash out at the Stardroid, and then rolling along the carrying wave comes the sonic BOOMs.
Twila Peterson snaps off a transmission quickly and refaces the Reploid beside her. "We're linked to each other...that it? The circle of life? Life...death...a cycle that we're a part of and is a part of us?"
(Ch. E []) Silver Mane transmits: '...wait. Did I hear you say that you keep the amount of idiocy contained?! *laughter* Oh.. you must mean things like those all important raids of Anime and Hentai stores that the lot of you seem to enjoy so much. *more laughter*'.
The WilyDragon lets out a low rumble as the Atomic Blast is siphoned away, leaping back and up into the air to meet the now flying Stardroid... The eyes narrow into slits once more... and once again white hot lasers pour out and at the Stardroid. They converge right where his head now is located. The Dragon lets out a loud ROAR as it fires... wings pumping though the air!
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Ze... Zero?'.
Lightning Gryphon gasps as all the Shockwave does is total most of the area near Saturn. She screeches out in anger, cursing her builder, and whoever gave her such bad targeting. Due to that last shot she's drained most of her energy, but still has a few other tricks up her sleeve. Turning to face Saturn fully now, she screams at him at the top of her lungs, calling him every bad name that she's ever heard, and then some she made up on the spot. The force behind her yell is so powerful that it is an attack in itself. Neato. Jazz stares at Saturn, in the midst of the battle, speaking quietly, knowing he can hear her. She nods once to Twila, speaking first to Saturn, then turning to her. "Why Saturn? Don't YOU have something to live for? Is this worth the risk of destruction?"
(Ch. E []) Snake Man transmits: 'Not *all* of usss.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'Oops. Listen to that. Would that be realization setting in. Tsk tsk.'.
Guts Man blinks as massive amounts of hardhats and crap concentrated into a massive ball of debris is thrown right onto him! Needless to say, he has no chance to react in time. The stuff simply crushes Guts Man into oblivion!!!
And so with a heroic fight Guts Man was defeated. Wait, where are the energy rings?!
From under the debris something moves and all the stuff is lifted up by Guts Man who is now minus most of his armor, sparking badly and generally looking like hell. Oh no it's the Gutsminator!!! He trembles alot as no doubt his systems are hurting. Guts Man's jaw hangs on by one hinge, he speaks and it moves slightly with each word, "I'm a bigger annoyance than you think!!!" He then throws all the crap back at Saturn!
Enforcer Malamute lands on the rooftop, looking out over the battle, "This Stardroid goes down now." He brings the enforcer cannon up again, and fires off a barage of small, un-charged blasts
King, after gaining various radio transmissions about the current status of the battle, levels his might shield before him in the event shrapnel and debri manage to stray from the strike zone and find him entering. His crimson optics dart left and right as he advances, and he comes upon a few pools of mech fluid littered about, and having gained a few tips as to the effects of Zero's foray, he decides to bet that these cobalt liquids belong to the crimson Hunter. Heaving a sigh, he follows the trail, which eventually leads to Zero himself.
(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: '*cough* ...Sorry..Mike...Can't do anything else... I tried. *choked laugh* Should've...Stayed in Neo-Tokyo.. Least the...Civilians don't throw rings..'.
Jazz addresses Twila. "No.... More than that. We are bound as one consciousness, one entity, developing toward Perfection. A Circle of life? No. A sphere, of interactions, which links us and our thoughts together."
(Ch. E [SpecOps]) Anthem transmits: '<grunt> Zero, don't you dare die on me.'.
(Ch. E []) Silver Mane transmits: 'Realization of what? That collectively, you masters are nothing but a bunch of idiots that are capable of mass destruction and damage.. not to mention mass Hentai frenzy.. simply because you're good for nothing else, and can find nothing else better to do?'.
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Oh... don't be so melodramatic, Zero. I put you together the first time... and I can repair you!'.
(Ch. E [None]) King transmits: 'I'm currently in the process of pulling Zero, or what's left of him, out of battle.'.
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'You die, Zero... and I'll kill you.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Zero, shut down now. Preserve your core.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'He most certainly won't die. I wouldn't be lucky enough.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Needle Man transmits: '...Uh, Father? Didn't Zero go violently insane the first time we put him together?'.
Twila Peterson blinks. "One entity? All are united?"
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: '... That is beside the point!'.
(Ch. E []) Zero transmits: 'Yeah...*spat*...I'll be fine shortly, I'm sure, but not right now. I'll cya'll soon...Don't...*bzzt*...Blow up the planet while I'm...Gone...'.
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Zero: "*sigh* Just rest yourself. A waste is a terrible thing to mind."
(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'As for the incessant chattering of the Reploid in the background, by all means, continue to bore as much as you wish. I swear, I've heard more intelligent conversation from a bubble bat.'.
(Ch. E []) Silver Mane transmits: 'Who's looking for intelligent conversation? I'm just insulting you.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'I just hope I'm right... and watch the fire, already! I'm not /that/ far away!'.
Saturn pages Twila Peterson and Jazz: Jazz has the key right, reality and imagination, reality limits individuals, but a dream (imagination) can superceed "reality" and unite people to attain a goal.
(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'And thus you have the mentality of Repliforce truly revealed. Why am I not...surprised?'.
Zero seems to still, his eyes closing completely as he shuts himself down for the sake of preserving himself. Whoever wants 'em can have 'em at this point. Just don't be around when Iris finds out.
King crouches downwards to place himself to one knee, and looks to Zero with a look of disgust. "It seems our roles have been switched, as of yesterday, Zero."
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Would you rather be blown to bits or try to negotiate?'.
Twila Peterson states, "Jazz...what what you know so far...radio him that. It might help."
Jazz nods to Twila. "All. Subconsciously, Consciously, we are as one. From the lowliest rock to the most magnificent Reploid, from the pond amoebae to the brightest human, we are bound only by our imagination when we act as one, but must face reality when we act alone. This is his message." She extends her arms, amplifying her voice a little and smiling her brightest, happiest smile. "This is the reaction of the global being to an intruder. Witness, in all it's glory, the actions of All, bound not by Reality but only by our imaginations!"
(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'By all means. If you wish to try to negotiate with Saturn, then be my guest.'.
Needle Man sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Jupiter said we were mere fiction there."
(Ch. E [None]) Bass transmits: 'I'll take note to have them sweep up your remains in the remote possibility that you can be rebuilt.'.
Jazz smiles at Twila. "He like, knows. He can hear us."
Twila Peterson .oO(Fiction...Reality...Imagination...)Oo. "Jazz...I think he gave it to you..."
King, disengaging the magnetic lock upon his Royal Shield, sets the curved armament of protection to the concrete before him, and with a grunt, places Zero upon it. The shield is more than enough to encompass the Hunter, as it's nearly as large as King himself. With a nod, he engages the magnetic hold, which keeps Zero glued to the surface like a fly on flypaper. He musters another sigh, "Now you know how these Stardroids operate. They make their words law by force, not like respectable beings."
Jazz nods to Twila, smiling happily.
Saturn is blinded by floodlights, then rattled to his core by an intense electricity bath. Saturn looks like hell, the effects of taking on a dozen powerful robots and reploids finally getting to him. As Jazz and Twila debate the meaning of his key, Saturn and the rest battle to epic proportions. The entire block is almost obliterated, but that doesn't stop anyone, because this a fight to the finish. Saturn lies on the ground again, that hurt, he babbles a little bit, red hazing his view, "Durandan, Durandal, Durandana.... Charlemagne used to always call me Durandana, the fruitcake..... All the many implements of war to him were in some way feminine..... Not that you know the story....." Saturn floats upwards again, look less angry, more resigned...
Blizzard Man hrms and slams through a building...Then comes rolling out like a gumball. "Ow." He stagger-skis around for a few moments...Then unleashes a mild blizzard...Containing it with a modicum of success. It KOs a few gumbies and such. He then unleashes it completely upon Saturn...Hoping and praying he's capable of doing this properly. He pours everything into it and then some...Trying desperately to kill or severely injure the guy. "Why must we fight Saturn? WHY?"
Saturn says softly, his arms outstretched in a peace offering, "I have something for you all..."
Needle Man sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "And, since they all refer to humans on their home world...Well...Uh-oh. He's going to hit us."
Jazz watches Saturn, eyes bright with hope and understanding.
Twila Peterson offers the repliod a weary smile in turn and gives her a hug. Aaaaaaaaw, ain't that sweet? "Jazz, I'm so proud of you!" She then stoops and turns towards the Stardroid...blinking...
Ice Man gulps really hard, "oh...no. I knew I shoulda stayed in bed today...."
Jazz hugs Twila too, proving, once and for all, her intelligence is above her bubbliness.
The Dragon swoops and dives... landing once more on the ground, head head turning up to glare apon the Stardroid with cold... narrowed eyes... Thunder Chimera turns all three heads up to face Saturn, glaring, and then takes to the air again. In one hand he grips a massive axe, but there's no doubt he won't reach his target before he gets smooshed by whatever whammy Saturn has in mind. Jorge still gibbers and moans in terror, and struggles to override the other heads to enact his survival instinct.
Ice Man looks around nervously and speaks aloud.."Guuuuuuuuuys............?"
(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'He gave it to Jazz!'.
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Guys...'.
(Ch. E []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Mike...we have the key!'.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Eildath? He going to use his attack?'.
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'I... I don't know... if he does... CLOSE YOUR EYES.'.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'I'm quite sure it's nothing more than the...key...Or maybe some words of wisdom in that case...'.
Lightning Gryphon snarls and turns her gaze upwards, the clouds turning dark above her. Oh yes. The gryphon is mad. She clacks her beak several times as lightning flashes in tune with each one, wings extended as she just...hovers there on gusts of wind.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Close our eyes? Why?'.
Jazz watches, her hair whipped slightly by the wind, as Saturn's shadow on the ground expands and brightens as he rises into the blue sky, rubble around him beautiful in some odd way.
(Ch. E []) Lightning Gryphon transmits: '...I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a bit..ah...worried.'.
(Ch. E []) Blizzard Man transmits: 'Believe the man Star...Black holes involve the vast implosion of light and flaming gases.'.
Blizzard Man seals his optics shut and prays for the best.
Lightning Gryphon closes her optics as well, placing her paws over them.
Star Falcon's shoulders click slightly, two blaster barrels appearing on the tops of his shoulders as he steps back, taloned feet digging in as he watches, then blinks seemingly. He pauses before looking forward.
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'I'm not talking about that... I'm talking about being sucked in... but if we did turn him... pray we did.'.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Wait... what he said... he wants to die.'.
Saturn says softly, a small, knowing smile on his face, directed mostly towards Jazz. His smile may be for her, but his words are not, "A lifetime of pain. All at once. All for you." No elaborate setup sequence, no summoning call, not even a warning. A huge black hole, easily 50 feet in diameter, suddenly opens up in the middle of the block, and sucks up everyone into it save Saturn, Twila, and Jazz. Lighting crackles withen the vortex, and the gravitational forces, conflicting and dueling with each other, provide a mind-wrenching experience of being pulled in every direction all at once.
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'NOW!'.
Needle Man, sadly, cannot close them in time. Letting out a mindwrenching shriek, he's still standing after it subsides. Then, he slumps over, on his face, eyes black.
Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> throws its systems into reverse, slamming backwards as Michael shuts his eyes. Out, out, out past the event horizon. The Albatross slams into the side of a building, and Mike just sits there, breathing in panicked fear.
King finds that, evidently, Zero got thrown back so far, he landed out of the field of Saturn's attack. He blinks and stares as nearly EVERYONE goes down. "..."
Jazz covers Twila with her armored body, protecting her from the blast of debris and rubble created by the hole's sudden outburst, and the subsequent wind of it's suction. She glances up at Saturn, shaking her head sadly, but somehow, still smiling.
Lightning Gryphon lets out a pain-filled screech as she's torn limb from limb in midair, her very molecules felling nothing but burning, fiery hot torture. After it's done she just...collapses, falling from her high altitude towards the cracked ground below, splattered with fluid and whatever reploids have instead of blood.
Star Falcon's eyes closed, fortunately, and he comes back out alright, taking a moment to stabilize, then kicking in with his anti-gravity training as soon as everything stops feeling like he's being wretched every which way, he opens his optics, glaring. His shoulder canons aim quickly, hopefully at Saturn, but he pauses, calling towards the Stardroid, "Saturn, you wish to die, do you not?"
The Dragon fights the massive forces of the Black Hole with all it's massive power... it's maw opening slowly... red light filling from within. "Then, Saturn! You wish to give us pain! I give you pain... DIE!" The head shoots up, maw agape... Atomic Fire lances from it. A black hole is the most destructive thing ever known... The thing that consume all in it's infinite mass... But the Dragon returns it in equal Measure with an Atomic Explosion lancing straight up at him!
Scar and Draco snap their optics shut, and Chimera grabs hold of a brownstone, but Jorge just gibbers and doesn't do any such thing. He's just terrified by the sights and sounds, but and then he slumps into terrified unconsciousness with a horrible shriek. Then the other two heads open their optics. Scar and Draco look around, and then fix angry gazes back on Saturn.
Enforcer Malamute stands on the roof, still. Apparently, still far enough away to avoid being sucked into the void. His trenchcoat whips around him, from the force of the suction of the void. He opens his optics, looking through the mirrored sunglasses, towards the mass destruction
King, being one of the prominent figures still standing, punches a few keys upon his shield's console, and engages a field about both him and Zero's corpse, in case Saturn has something else up his sleeve.
Lightning Gryphon crashes to the ground, her impact creating a dent in the road. There's an odd snapping sound as the pood bird...thing's neck is broken upon impact. OW.
Saturn seems a bit... faint. All the sudden, he is gone, vanished, and so is Jazz. Saturn and Jazz appear atop the Neo-Empire State Building, Saturn looking very weak, his face slackened. "I knew you could... do it....he smiles again at Jazz, and speaks softly and carefully, with clarity in his voice. "Can you conceive the birth of a world, or the creation of everything? That which gives us the potential to most be like a creator is the power of creation. Creation takes time, even for we so-called "Stardroids" who destroy and kill and deconstruct."
"Time is limited. For you, it is limited by the breakdown of the neurons in your CPU. I have no such limitations. I am... well, I am limited only by the closure of the universe. Of the three possibilities, the answer is obvious. Does the ..."universe expand eternally, become infinitely stable, or is the universe closed, destined to collapse upon itself?"
"Humanity has had all of the necessary data for centuries, it only lacked the will and intellect to decipher it. But I have already done so. The only limit to my freedom is the inevitable closure of the universe, as inevitable as your own last breath. And yet, there remains time to create, to create, and escape. Escape will make me God..."
"Unfortunately, I am defeated, and I can escape with you, Jazz. You've solved my puzzle, like I predicted you would. Perhaps I'll leave you a little postcard after this is all closed. The candles..." Saturn slumps to his knees, arms supporting against Jazz's legs, "Have burnt out for me. You have the key already, you know what to do. Goodbye."
Saturn slumps to the ground of the roof, and fades from view, leaving only a whisp of smoke as any evidence that he ever existed. Meanwhile, Jazz is somehow floated down to the ground.
Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> stirs, and inside, Mike slumps forward in his cockpit, blinking his eyes. .oO(I'm... alive.)Oo.
(Ch. E [EnkerLine]) Michael Eildath transmits: '...Status report?'.
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Star Falcon, functional. Others... mostly functional.'.
The Dragon... merely watches... Then it slowly begins to move about on it's task... it moves to begin to gather the wounded...
Thunder Chimera looks down, and spots the fallen Lightning Gryphon. Without seeming to shift directions, he swoops down to her side. "Gryphon?" Scar asks, as Chimera bends down. At least Jorge's still out cold. The mighty warrior scoops up the fallen Gryphon in both arms, and VERY gingerly moves to carry her to safety on the rooftop with Enforcer.
Jazz stares up as she is floated away from Saturn, hoping with all her heart he simply retreats. "Fare thee well, Saturn, and may the wind always be at your back upon your Journeys. For all the things you did before... I, for one, forgive you." She lands softly, legs taking up the slack. She whispers now, almost inaudibly.
"I'll keep your candle lit, noble Saturn. It is my dream, my imagining."
(Ch. E []) Snake Man transmits: 'I can't wait for thisss to be over with...'.
Guts Man isn't stupid you know. As Saturn opens up that black hole. Guts Man grabs on to something solid. Like a fire hydrant!!! He holds on for dear life shouting, "Is that the best you got?!?!" Through all the chaos and death? Guts Man survives. He is after all, The Stardroid Smushifier! As things calm down,
Guts Man stands back up on his own two feet. He crosses his arms, "Stardroids are wusses."
(Ch. E [None]) Star Falcon transmits: 'Base, this is Star Falcon... Saturn's gone, apparently... Count down another Stardroid on the list. Dr. Wily, need any help?'.
Suddenly left without her support Twila stumbles a few steps before catching herself, glancing about her surroundings for the missing Reploid....not having an idea to where she had gone...
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Jazz: "Jazz?"
Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Albatross II> twists, then pushes its way out of the side of the building, toppling towards the ground before activating his thrusters, managing a vaguely undignified landing.
(Ch. E [None]) Dr. Wily transmits: 'Yes... Let us gather the wounded. We gather at the Reploid Room once more. To repair...to heal...to wait...tomorrow... is Judgment Day.'.
Michael Eildath tumbles out of the Ride Armor, disoriented but alive.
Star Falcon stands slowly, calmly looking around, frowning. His weapons disarm. His jets try to ignite, then he blinks and checks his power-readings quietly. He remembers his recorder and checks it, then turns it off before he starts gathering wounded and setting them in the WilyDragon.
The Dragon lowers it's head, swallowing down the injured Robot Masters...they drop into oh...places within...
Jazz's voice booms throughout the city, at maximum amplification, filled with a power most would not recognize in this girl. "KNOW THIS PLANET- SATURN HAS PASSED, AND WE WOULD DO WELL TO MOURN HIS PASSING. HE WAS NOBLE AND BRAVE, AND DESPITE HIS EARLIER ACTIONS, HE HAS IMPARTED ON US THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR DESTINY AND OUR POWER. IT IS FINISHED."
Guts Man makes his way towards the Wily Dragon to see if the Doc is ok, never mind his own personal health. The doc is the one that needs to be checked upon, for he is a frail old man. "You ok, doc?!"
Scar looks at Enforcer as Draco catalogs Gryphon's wounds. "She will need medical attention, and soon, I fear," the dragon murmurs in his whisky smooth baritone. "She seems to take a great deal of punishment in combat, and yet does not shy away. She is...brave, would you not say?" Scar nods in agreement with the dragon.
Lightning Gryphon is oddly limp in Thunder's grasp, a few sparks weakly jumping off of her still body.
Michael Eildath blinks. "Heya, Twila..." He looks... umm... beat. "You okay?"
Twila Peterson nods somewhat shakily. "Yeah...you...?"
Enforcer Malamute nods, "She is braver than most..." He stands on the edge of the roof, looking down. He signals for the Maverick Airship to come closer, and as it hovers near the rooftop he's standing on, he jumps into the open hatch
Michael Eildath nods. "I'm...okay. We need to get everyone out of here."
Twila Peterson offers him a tight hug before looking to see that the WilyDragon seems to be working in gathering the casualties. "I'll need you to get me back to the makeshift hospital Looks like I'll be needed there."
Michael Eildath nods. "I think the Albatross is ready to go."