Twi317

Megaman - Tuesday, July 18, 2000, 7:42 PM

-----------------------------------------

IC Broadcasts================================

Message: 9/24 Posted Author

Post Judgment Day Tue Jul 18 Twila Peterson

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, it's day four after the "end of the world" was to have taken place by the order of the Stardroid Commander known as Duo. Life, as we know it, may take some time to return back to normal considering the millions of human, android, and reploid lives as well as property and enviornmental damaged claimed within this Judgement. Clean-Up crews in various cities worldwide are working around the clock to aid Earth's citizens and help them move on with their lives. This planet has undergone a tramatic season. And it will take time for us to recover.

As for those who had a hand in Earth's salvation? Those individuals have yet to be reached for comment. Also, although Sigma's death had been verified there are rumors currently in circulation the Maverick Leader has returned. No confirmations have been given regarding this rumor.

Reports of Stardroid activity have been relatively scarce since the events of Friday evening have taken place. However, it's currently unknown whether they remain on this world are have left. Since their Commander, Duo, has been reported as deceased, it is unclear what the intentions of these entities will be. Further reports shall be made as they become available.

=============================== IC Broadcasts ================================

Message: 9/23 Posted Author

Memorial Statue Sat Jul 15 Uranus

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In honor of the survival of the planet, a memorial statue has been erected on the final battleground:

A statue has been erected on the island in the exact spot where the ground opened up to release Terra from his prison. Seven figures, each exactly twice life size, are portrayed in the group pose. The largest figure, General, looms over the others in the back. In front, kneeling, is Sigma. Bass, Wily, Rock, and Twila stand before Sigma.

And in front of them all, Hero Boy stands, mighty fists raised high in success.

A plaque on the base of the statue reads:

Dedicated to the heroes who fought for the safety or their world, and to all its inhabitants without whose assistance they would not have succeeded.

============================== Maverick Hunter ===============================

Message: 10/31 Posted Author

Aftermath Tue Jul 18 Rock

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<Rock's face appears on various screens.>

"Greetings fellow Hunters, my friends. As you may well know... the Stardroids are no more. We managed to stop our planet from being destroyed. There's more to the story, and I'm feeling long-winded tonight, so...here goes.

"Friday, Duo made his appearance on Easter Isle; myself, Dr. Wily and the Wilydragon, Sigma and General had planned to, and moved to confront him in the hopes of destroying him. Twila came with us, holding the keys we had collected. When we arrived, it was mere moments before we were forced into battle with Duo, given no other choice. A short battle raged, and Sigma self-destructed on Duo after being critically damaged. That sacrifice, apparently, had done away with Duo; but no, it didn't even scratch him. He struck General, the Wilydragon, and myself with his Meteor Strike attack...and that's all I remember. I knew I was 'dead,' and couldn't help. I...don't know what else happened between then and waking up, revived thanks to the Stardroid Luna, but something caused Duo and Chaos to be publicly known as one entity. For in-between, might wanna inquire of Twila or someone else."

Here, Rock takes a breath. "The gathering of forces, Civilian, Hunter, Maverick, Repliforce, and Robot Master finally managed to take Duo out, with an assist from the resurrected Stardroids. Duo went down, and was destroyed. But, we weren't in time to stop Sunstar's blast. It was loosed, and the world was going to end. Getting Duo's key to Twila, she put them all together and released Terra to go and battle Sunstar."

Here, Rock gets a little somber. "Twila was slain by Terra's release...and subsequently revived by the Stardroid Duet. In space, Terra and Sunstar battled. It seemed Terra had lost, been destroyed, shortly after deflecting the blast of planet-destroying power. But, Terra reappeared, drawing strength from every living thing on the planet, and destroyed Sunstar...then faded away himself.

"Now, in the aftermath of the Stardroids destruction, we all live."

"And I'm quite pleased to say, I'm proud of the bravery, and diligence that each and every one of you showed in this crisis. You all, and the rest of the world, are the real heroes."

--X--

==============================================================================

Twila Peterson is seated at one of the terminals...merely browsing the internet, trying to glean information of what exactly happened just a few days ago. If...appears as some of the shock is wearing off by now.

Bamph. We all know the noise. The sound of air being pushed out of the way as something suddenly appears and moves it, usually by teleportation. This wonderful sound is immediately followed by a crashing noise, as somebody falls onto a table and knocks it over. Said person... is Libra, currently now lying in a heap next to the table. Strange. That wasn't her usual teleportation enterance at all.

Twila Peterson snaps up her gaze towards the sound, blink-blinking only to grow wide-eyed upon standing. She stares for a moment towards the Stardroid, well recognizing her for who she is. (How could she not?) Shortly after the girl is making her way towards the table, remaining semi-cautious. But, to see the Stardroid's appearance like this. "Libra?"

Libra grunts slightly as she stands up - and that's stands, not floats. Her feet can be distinctly heard scraping along the ground. Unsteady, she wobbles for a second, rose-red albino eyes looking at Twila. Several moments pass without obvious recognition, then the Stardroid leans forward in a curtsy. "Greetings, Mother of Earth. It is indeed I who stands before you now."

Twila continues to look the Stardroid over. She doesn't comment on the nature of the impression she made upon her arrival, there's little need. It's obvious the Stardroid is hurting...quite possibly still from the previous battle. "Why...have you come?" is all she asks. There are other things she would like to inquire of as well...but she limits her questions for now.

Libra smirks slightly, dusting off her toga. It's suddenly obvious that she's 1) not floating, and only two feet tall, 2) not carrying her axe, and 3) has a small dent in her from the fall. "I am here as punishment, Miss Peterson. To pay for mine errors and indiscretions, I stand here, lacking the powers of the Stars, yours to do with as you wish, for one hour."

Twila Peterson narrows her eyes a bit towards her nemesis. However...seeing her in this fashion, despite everything the Zodiac has done and the trouble she's caused, doesn't sit right with the young woman. Or, is this another test of sorts? It's always hard to tell with this one. Regardless, Twila can't be anything more than who she is. "You're here for...me to have a chance to get vengeance on all the trouble you caused?"

Libra nods, sharply and with a little bit of shame. "Yes. For one hour, I am but yours. I hath no weapons, no powers, naught but what a mortal wouldst have. A babe within this world, new as one just born..." She grits her teeth, repressing what must be a wild storm of emotion, as she drops down onto her knees and holds up both arms, wrists out. "And I beg for thy mercy."

A shudder runs through the human girl as she looks on, thinking that perhaps this isn't any sort of trick. She remains where she is for a moment or two longer, trying to decide on how to handle this. After a few moment's of silence Twila kneels down in front of the Stardroid, peering at her sternly, as well as some other hidden emotion, before gently grasping her underneath her forearms and lifting her up to her feet as she regains her own standing. "I'm not a judge, jury, and executioner, Libra. It's not my place to...do what you ask..." she states with a sigh.

Libra keeps her eyes downcast as Twila looms over her (at their size differences, loom is the appropriate word). "It is your choice what is done unto me and with me. I can not go against this - such is my punishment." A small glitter appears in her eyes as she looks back up slightly. "I did not expect you to slay me where I stand, for it is not your way. For that, I thank. But, no matter your verdict and sentence, I am still yours for the remainder of the hour."

"I see," Twila says in response. The girl dips her chin as she releases the "toga-girl" from her grasp. There's a glance towards the downed table that the Stardroid toppled when she first appeared, and then turns back towards her. "Anything then? What about talk?" she asks as she lowers herself to be more level. "You're right, it isn't my way to meet like for like. I'm not going to raise a hand against you." Even though you had attempted to do the same. "Why...why was Earth put through all this? Why all the death and destruction?"

"I can only answer for what I know. The deep knowledge which guided Duo and..."

Libra swallows hard, unable for a moment to actually say it, "...Chaos is beyond my knowledge. I am but a small part and minor minion within the Stardroids. But the Judgment is something that hath been long decreed to us from high above. A holy mission, to put it in terms of thine. It was our purpose for existence - the collecting of evidence, the execution of the sentence..."

Twila Peterson takes a deep breath, "And it was your place to attempt to deter us from fighting this 'Judgment'?" I don't understand. From what I gather we here on Earth were given the means to fight this...and it may have been Duo himself who let me in on who he was, even subconsciously, to bring about his downfall. Was all this was some kind of test? Or game?"

Libra shakes her head slightly. "No. At least, not in full. The Judgment's final test for worthiness was our presence upon the world. A last fail-safe, though no other world has before saved themselves through it. Never hath more than one or two of our number relinquished their force to the peoples of a world - and none have faced Duo's power. The final encounter has never before been even thought of." She giggles musically, very quietly. "Though, if you mean my own machinations among all of this, that is indeed a different story."

Twila Peterson hmphs and folds her arms over her chest. "By all means...do tell." .oO(After all...she did say an hour...)Oo.

Libra laughs, relaxing slightly. She leans back, sitting on the remains of the table she landed upon. For a moment, she seems lost in her thoughts. "I, like many of the others, did have mine own agendas throughout this Judgment. Mine was simple - to weaken the position of the Stardroids of Order within, by prompting their destruction or humiliation. And if mine compatriots of Chaos did fall as well, it was simply fewer to rival for Lord Chaos' favor." She smiles sweetly, knowing that she did succeed at this - though it was a very hollow victory. Then her face tightens up, smile disappearing. "My will for your destruction was part that, but more the knowledge that you held within thy mind some small but dangerous speck of truth. None of we knew what it was - I did not suspect it was so...devastating. Simply that it was a danger. Self-preservation is something that runs deep, Miss Peterson. Deeper than even the responsibilities of the Stars..." She sighs now, looking away from Twila and at a blank wall. "But those be in much doubt now....perhaps...we shall all be returned to what we once were." Libra accompanies that thought with an unrepressed shudder.

Which, in Twila's mind, doesn't excuse any of what had happened. "And there isn't any way that you and the others can change? I think I know what Uranus meant when he stated the 'Chosen One' would be summoned for duty along with 'Choas' Will'. What has happened will happen again unless you and your fellow Stardroids stop the cycle. You lost your own world. Others have lost ours. I almost lost mine. Somewhere this senselessness has to stop, Libra. And you and the others are the key to doing that."

Libra shakes her head, still looking at the wall. "Nay. I have lost my world, but it still lives. That...is something I fear. And that this senselessness shall one day - perhaps very soon - stop. Long have we traveled the void, doing this. So long that many of us do not remember from whence we came. I, being one of the young ones, do remember somewhat. The city where I was born, the name I was given...details such as that have slipped beyond my recall. Only the large picture and a scant few accurate memories remain." Silently, she notes, "Much died with the Watcher. Perhaps a choice that we all deeper than any other cut. But that is beyond our keen now. No, stopping the cycle would doom us. Without the blessings brought from Destiny, we would each be no more than we were originally. And that is a horror I do not wish to ever return to."

Twila Peterson shakes her head a bit as idle thoughts run through her mind. "It's up to each of you to try and remember. If you don't...then the only fate that you'll end up meeting ultimately is the same that your commander was given. It *has* to stop somewhere. And it first begins with one, Libra. Or...are you a slave? I know from my own experience that I was supposed to die in this. I didn't know how...or even why. But I knew. Yet, I was brought back for whatever reason there was." She pauses for a breath before continuing. "Just how would stopping your own cycle doom you? You stated before that we on Earth had done what no one else had before. We broke the mold. Why can't you?"

Libra's eyes unfocus for a moment, her mind turning inwards at...something. Some kind of powerful force. Then she breaks down crying. "Oh no...it's over...it really is over."

Needless to say...Twila wasn't expecting this type of reaction. "What?"

Libra sniffles loudly, still crying. "It is finished. Duo and Chaos have...they have returned to Destiny. While Duet shall lead us..." She sobs loudly, obviously very distraught by this. "I fear that we shall soon lose the favor granted us." A moment, and she composes herself a little. "I hope you are pleased. The rod of the Stardroids is broken. We shall be undone."

Twila Peterson sits up straighter at that. "By your own hands, Libra...not by ours. There's an ancient saying that refers to self-righteousness, the type of judgment that has no right to be made by others. 'Judge not lest ye be judged.' From what I've seen your fellow Stardroids are not in a position to offer judgment or carry it out. As someone stated...you were corrupted. Please, think this over," she says with all seriousness. "What right have you and the others to bring about pain and suffering such as what you yourselves have suffered? You and the others seemed to have needed to learn a lesson too in this."

"Learned a lesson perhaps. But too late. Far too late..." Moments pass, and the Stardroid's composure fully returns. "I should tell you a story, Miss Peterson." Libra twists her head, looking back at Twila. "Maybe if I tell you of my past, my mortality, you would understand why stopping the cycle and losing what I have gained horrifies me so. Mayhaps we have been corrupted. But I do not fear that realization. Or even the ceasing of Judgment. Such activity was but an obligation, not a joy. I fear the loss of what I have gained. And not the grand power." She reaches down, hugging her own body tightly. "I fear losing this."

Twila Peterson offers the small entity a nod in reply. "Then tell it."

"My own world was as yours was, years ago. Full of bickering city-states, unable to set aside their petty differences. Into this, I was born - crippled, deformed. Unable to even feed myself and as hideous as a monster as one could be. My father - I bless his soul to this day - was kind and did not abandon me. Though I was ravaged of body, my mind remained sharp. I was able to gain great influence among the people, hiding my deformities behind a mask. But it was small, especially in return for the hate I was returned.

"That is when I struck a grand scheme. I could not directly rival the powers that ruled. Oh no - had I done so, my lackings would have left me dead at the feet of an assassin in the night. So I became the peacemaker. Trusted advisor and bringer of pacifism to every politician and commander of my world. Each, trusting my judgment and advice, became my pawns, bringing me greater power and wealth. Despite being born as the lowest of the low, I had much of the world at my beck and call."

Libra turns around, smiling pleasantly at these memories. "When the Stardroids visited my world, I competed against the Chosen One of ours. I lost, and he caused my entire game of chess to crumble upon me. Had Chaos not rescued I then, I surely would have been buried 'fore the next dawn. And then I did, as your culture puts it, make a deal with Mephistopheles. I became his servant in Destiny - and I not only lived, but gained all which I had previously lacked. Beauty. Agility. Strength. No longer depending upon others for simple life..." She trails off, smile fading. "Our favor lost, I return to that dismal existence. Right or wrong, I can not let such happen - I refuse to become the lowest and most despised once more."

Libra says, "I expect no sympathy, Miss Peterson. No tears for my pain, no apologies for what has happened to me. But do not expect that one such as I shall relinquish all I have gained for such simple fault."

Twila remains silent for the longest time, narrowing her eyes a bit as she digests what she had been told. "And yet for all you have suffered and gone through, you're still willing to condemn others to pain and suffering as you were forced to endure. Haven't you learned anything in this either? Or are you going to keep continuing to look out but know one but yourself? You've already lost much, much more that what you could ever thought you would have gained by doing this. You've lost your spirit and your soul, Libra...the most precious thing a person can have. And I don't care if I'm making my own judgment about you right now. Some things are right and some things are wrong. And what you're doing is nothing less than wrong. You may or may not have been dying when Chaos found you...but whether you realize it or not...he didn't rescue you. He killed you. And you let him."

Twila Peterson then adds, "You can't always decide on life's circumstances, but you can decide on how you react to them. Choose."

Libra's lips curl into a slight snarl. "I have chosen. While you may see it as folly, I strive for mine own survival over else. I be no martyr, unlike thee, for no cause deserves that. I have gained - and I have lost nothing. Not yet, though it seems likely I shall. When you start with naught, there is naught to lose. Those who feel the pain oft deserve it, and I regret none of it." Her eyes turn rapidly, looking towards the opening doors and the Chosen One. A new nervousness springs in those red eyes...

Rock blinks at Libra's appearance, both physically and here in the Command Center. He stops, and stands where he is, listening for a few moments.

Twila Peterson pauses a moment to peer over her shoulder towards Rock as she overhears the slight sound, her features appear unreadable for the most part. But there are traces of some sadness and confusion found there. She offers him a slight nod, beckoning him over if he will. However, she remains kneeling. "Wrong, you've lost anything that could have possibly mattered...even if you refuse to acknowledge it." She pauses and then states towards Rock, "Libra came here stating she was supposed to spend one hour with me...and I was given the opportunity to offer her punishment..."

Twila Peterson then states to Libra, "I showed you mercy. Why aren't you able to show others the same?"

Rock frowns a little at Twila, looking up at the Stardroid, and then stepping forward. "I...see."

Libra scoffs audibly. "I have. But I shalt not sacrifice myself for it. To do as you suggest would mean the end to all of us. You may claim that I have lost so much, Mother - but I what you ask would be a greater sacrifice by far. I see nothing which has been taken from me, and much that the loss of our favor would steal. Though...as I have said, it may be a moot point," Libra notes darkly.

Twila Peterson then decides to lift herself up to her feet, peering down on the two-foot tall Stardroid with contempt. "The truth ultimately destroyed Duo, Libra. And no matter how much you try to deny it, it will ultimately destroy you. You've made your choice then. And because of it---." the girl abruptly cuts herself off and turns away from the small entity. "What a despicable creature you are."

Rock stays back and listens, frowning a little. He steps forward, and clasps Twila's shoulder. "What's she doing here?

Dr. Pavel Cossack walks in nodding to everyone. "Seminole vill be ok." and skids to a stop. "Uhhhhh."

Twila Peterson eases a little at the touch, letting out a sigh. "Apparently, I'm the one chosen who was supposed to meet out her punishment...having my way with her for an hour while she has no powers or weaponry to fight back. I refused to become just like her..."

Rock gently pulls Twila into a hug, focusing his sapphire eyes on Libra. Right now he'd have no compunctions about flattening Libra with a Super Arm shot, but he's not going to. "You have a lot of restraint, Twila. Even after all she did to you."

Libra remains unfazed by Twila's damnation. In fact, she smiles a little bit. "I did not expect you to grant me forgiveness. I do not desire such. I asked for thy mercy, nothing more, and you have granted it. Perhaps I am despicable, as you say. I do not believe I am. The world - every world which I have seen - is a place whence ideas such as pacifism and goodness were only that. Ideals. Unrealistic and unachievable. The peacemaker is useless without war, and thus survives only by propagating further hostility. I have come from the dirt beneath the feet to one who possesses all that I could wish. To I, that is victory. Minor servitude to another's agenda is small sacrifice."

Twila Peterson shudders a little within the embrace , then returns, but finally rests her forehead against Rock's shoulder, not choosing to even look back to the disgusting entity. She then relaizes something. "Only in your mind's eye. Duo is gone. Order and Chaos are gone. Sunstar is gone. You no longer had the capacity to judge. You...are the ultimate looser." .oO(By seeking to save her life...she lost it...)Oo.

Rock gently squeezes Twila, not bothering to dignify Libra with a response.

[OOC] Twila Peterson says, "Quick...someone kick her! J/K :)"

Rick Morgan strikes Libra with his Kick attack.

[OOC] Rick Morgan says, "There. :)"

[OOC] Libra @fwbaps Rick for that.

"Chaos and Duo..." Libra's voice trails for a moment. Obviously, the revelation has still left behind painful memories. But she's able to pick up, albeit weaker. "...are gone, yes. Most likely forever. The loss of Sunstar and Terra is as well painful. And we have indeed lost. This, Miss Peterson, is why I fear. You asked before if we would break the cycle - now, much to my own regret, it is. Your barbs are flung against a helpless target, since I have lost. And this is something you know, as I have told it to you. Your mercy is but physical, for you seem to enjoy rubbing my face in what shall soon come. The loss of favor, the loss of power. I have told you that I would not sacrifice what I have, for you asked if I would. But all that means naught, as it is lost or soon shall be. Destiny needs us no longer." Libra shifts around uneasily. The room is finally filling with onlookers, and not all may be as merciful as Twila was. The Stardroid knows that she is in true mortal danger. "Perhaps you should slay me, Miss Peterson. For the fate that awaits me can be no less painful."

Twila Peterson grasps onto Rock all the more tighter. Furrowing her brow she turns back towards Libra, again narrowing her gaze. "Not by my hand, Libra. Whatever becomes of you brought it solely on yourself. I'll have no hand in it."

Rock glances at Libra. "You've said your piece, Stardroid. She's not going to slay you, nor injure you in any form. I suggest you leave now." He tightly squeezes Twila again.

Libra shakes her head. "I cannot. A few minutes still remain in mine sentence. I am forbidden to leave, even were I able."

Twila Peterson rests the side of her head against Rock's frame, gazing towards the helpless little Stardroid, "You aren't going to be able to avoid your own judgment. And I'm not going to help you do it."

Rick Morgan enters the command center then, coming from the rooftop runway itself, wiping his hands off with a dirty rag at the moment. He blinks as he notices both Rock and Twila here, arching an eyebrow questioningly. "Hey what's going on? What's everyone so interested in..." He then trails off, eyes moving across the room...then settling on a certain -someone- in here. It's then that he narrows his eyes, and his whole form goes rigid. "What..." he breathes, voice practically icy in its form. "...is one of -THOSE- doing here?"

Rock glances up at Rick. "Don't, Rick. She was to come here and let Twila give her judgment and punishment. Twila declined for mercy." Again, he gently squeezes the redhead, eyeing Libra and Rick.

Or perhaps, Twila has now given Libra her sentence after all. But the young woman doesn't feel a bit sorry for it. "And they aren't receiving any, I have a feeling what's waiting for her is worse than what she expects here."

Libra shakes her head, standing up to her full height of two and a half feet. Defiantly, almost. "Why would I ask for help to avoid the decrees of Destiny? Such can not be done. The actions of this world hath saved itself, but doomed we. I would prefer nothing more than to be done with all of you and be gone. I be here for but my own sentence, which is nearly served." She crosses her arms, stoically cool against the new surge of hate in the room. Which she herself helped stoke. "I make no apologies, wish no tears or sympathy, and care not of thy moral speeches. I have acted in as pure a way as I was able to, and did what I had to do. The die rolled has come up in your favor and cast we out - perhaps by our own faults. I accept such, and the impending doom that comes with it. You, for once, read far too much into mine actions."

Twila Peterson offers a brief grunt as she turns away from the Stardroid again only to rest her head against the reploid's shoulder while the others look. "Then why even ask for my hand to be the one to slay you? Wouldn't that be all to easy, Manipulator?" the girl questions, feeling weary of this. "You no longer have any power here. You aren't going to gain what you want," she states firmly. "Or anything else for that matter, nothing but allowing us to see you as you really are, nothing more and nothing less."

Rick Morgan just blinks again...then scowls faintly. He's beyond tempted right now to boot that little 2 and a half-foot tall form across the room while he's still got the chance. But, he keeps himself in check for the moment, and instead crosses his arms over his chest, almost forced. "You'll get what's coming to you anyway. Why should we care about how you view it or whether you want it to end earlier than that?"

Rock frowns a little. He's not going to say anything, he might get a li'l angry.

Libra shrugs. A very simple reaction to everything being thrown at her now. She's said all that she could say, really. There's no reason to defend or offend further. "I ask naught. I am commanded to give you this chance. And of your hour, but one minute remains. Do as you will - my dealings with you are at an end."

And for that one minute...what does Twila decide to do? Change her mind? Seek revenge for all the pain and torment this *thing* has caused? No, the girl chooses none of this. There's been enough hatred and enough killing, the girl decides. She'll remain staying her hand and she continues clinging to Rock. "It's a chance refused, Libra. Take your leave. I want no part of you."

Rock gives Twila a squeeze, looking up at Libra. "Your time is finished. Leave."

Twila Peterson refrains from moving from her stance...allowing the last moments to draw themselves out as they will.

Libra smiles slightly, her body floating upwards once more as power returns to her. "Then I shall gladly take my leave of you. Have a pleasant existence." And, in her usual flash of black light, Libra is gone. Probably...forever.

Rock glares at Libra as she vanishes. "Good riddance."

Twila Peterson lets out a lengthy breath as the interloper takes her leave. "I wanted to so badly..." she whispers to the reploid shakily...

Rock gently leads Twila over to a chair, taking a seat and gently pulling the redhead up onto his lap, holding her. "It's okay, Twila. I had wanted to as well...but it wouldn't fix things if either of us had."

The human woman nods in agreement slowly as she settles there within her new seat. "I know. And...wouldn't have been any better than her either...going after someone who was helpless and having my way." She takes in some air before stating, "She told me a little of what her life was like before she was a Stardroid. She wasn't asking for pity or understanding. I was just...curious. Seems that...she thought she was given everything she had been denied beforehand. But seeing her as she was..."

Rock frowns a little, nodding at Twila and giving her form another squeeze. "I see...and I'm glad you didn't. You had the right to, but...as you said, it wouldn't have been any better than what she did."

Twila Peterson swallows as she allows herself to ponder recent events. Over the passing of the last few days she's had the opportunity to get over some of her initial shock. She leans against Rock, feeling a little like she did when she was a little girl, sitting on her father's own lap. "Rock, you died too...didn't you..." she gets out after a few moments of silence.

The Hunter's head bobs lightly, "I did, yeah. In Duo's last attack on General, Wily and I, I died." Rock squeezes Twila tightly. "My last thought, as I died was...that I'd let you down."

Twila Peterson states in firm answer, "You didn't. If anything...I thought the same...of both you and Rick, that I let both of you down..."

Rock shakes his head. "No, you didn't let us down, love. You just worried us, and made us sad, when Terra accidentally...y'know." He can't bring himself to say it.

Twila Peterson finishes regardless in low tones. "When I was killed?

Rick Morgan sighs as the topic switches to a...sensitive issue. Namely one that he can't really go contributing to in such a case. With a slight tilt of his head, he merely gives the two a quick glance, before offering out. "I uh...I got some things to do, so I'll leave you two be."

Twila Peterson perks up her head and glances towards her sibling, gazing towards him through her depthless bluish-green polls. "Rick...?" she calls out, only to fall silent. She pulls back slightly at the emotions she's gleaning from him, emotions that are making her...somewhat fearful...

Rock glances up at Rick. "A...alright." He frowns lightly. He knows that Rick must've felt the death of Twila a hundred-times more prominently than himself. He can understand; he has that kind of empathy with Roll, most of the time. He reaches a hand down to link with hers, intertwining fingers.

Rick Morgan offers a somewhat forced smirk, meant to try and reassure, though perhaps not quite succeeding. "It's all right." He offers. "Just with all that's happened lately...I gotta sort my own thoughts too. That and I want to take a run out to see how the cities are doing with their cleanup efforts..." A task he can perform...and a welcome distraction in itself.

Twila Peterson looks over towards her sibling again and straightens herself up slightly while remaining within her "seat". "Mind a hug from your lil sis before you go?" she offers, almost pleadingly towards her twin. In doing so...she inadvertently avoids grasping Rock's hand this time, perhaps in a subconscious action, perhaps not. It's not that she's avoiding it, more as a gesture for "wait".

Rick Morgan blinks once, before straightening up slightly, arching an eyebrow. "Now why would I go minding that?" he offers.

Rock catches the gesture, if not it's context, and withdraws his hand lightly.

Twila doesn't have a ready answer for the cyborg, Nor does she offer one. All she's doing is offering her own response to what she's feeling from him...something which draws on some confusion from her on whatever reason there might be. Her arms lower and she casts a glance towards both of them, blinking. "Thought...I'd ask..." she murmurs, feeling a little lost.

Rick Morgan seems to clue in that his response might have been a little on the...snappish side. And for a moment, he stares straight ahead, mouth opened slightly, as if about to say something else. Finally though, he merely glances to the floor, then heaves a sigh. "Sorry I uh....I think I better just go." he murmurs in a very quiet voice, before turning to make his way out, already moving towards the teleporters at a quickened stride.

Rock frowns across at Rick. "Rick..." he says softly, to a level where Twila only can hear him. "That was odd..." Looking at the redhead, he says, "If... you want, you can go after him. I understand."

Twila Peterson offers the reploid a tortured glance and, as he's already speaking, she's up and hurrying towards him, not really needing any encouragement to do so. "Rick, please, don't go..." she begs softly. True, her short stature and her being fully human doesn't aid the girl in reaching her brother in time before he reaches the safety of escape through the teleporters. She can only hope her desperation does. "Please..."

Rick Morgan pauses, only after he's reached the doorway to the teleporter chamber though. One hand reaches up, to grip the frame of the entrance, and he stands poised, as if ready to almost throw himself through the opening to whatever location worldwide he would want to go to get away from here. Indeed Twila's desperate tone does reach out...but still he struggles against it, head bowed down slightly as he keeps his eyes squeezed shut. "What..." he breathes almost in a whisper, as if finding it difficult to talk. "...what do you want?"

As Rick gives pause he gives Twila the needed time in order to catch up with him. "You...already know," his sister replies as she gains those needed steps so she could lay a hand on one if his biceps. Responding a little tearfully she admits: "This isn't easy for me either." Nor is it easy for the rooms third occupant as well, one who the girl is trying to cope with the fact that he had almost nearly been lost as well...if he hadn't have been revived just as she was. "I could have lost both of you."

Rock can't really respond, other than close his eyes and nod.

"I...I never said it was Twila..." Rick says gently, glancing back over his shoulder. "I can't even begin to think what it was like, and I don't think I want to know. All I know is what happened, what I saw with my -own- eyes then and there...and what I felt." He takes a slow shuddering breath, letting his gaze drift forward once more, not wanting to look at her now. "...and what I feel now..." A brief thought of the Stardroids again flickers into being, and confusion is instantly overridden by hatred. Never before had Rick ever felt such a vendetta against any one individual or group...but now, at the very thought of the alien beings, he can only give himself to hatred for them. Hatred for what they are. A desire to just destroy them so they can't hurt anyone else....

...to make them feel what they've done to other people.

It's this hatred that burns deep down, and he pushes it further down with a Herculean effort, though it shows both in his brief pained expression, and his own emotions at the same time. Instead of relief at pushing it down though, he feels that much closer to wanting to just go somewhere and throw up. "Everything..." he finally manages. "...it's just a mess right now. That...needs to be cleaned up."

Twila is washed over by that same fear she felt only a few moments ago, feeling if subside as the rather strong emotions emanating from her sibling are once more forced back. But she has more of an impression that they reside there now, and her fear, instead of being brushed aside, slightly begins to grow at what's there. "Rick, please...we can work this out..." she tries, afraid that, for right now, this is a losing battle.

Rock frowns a little. He...can't really say much, still. He continues to watch, sending Twila his hope.

Rick Morgan snaps again for a second. "Work what out Twila?" he blurts. "What? The fact that I hate them now? Everything to DO with them? That when I see one now all I want to see happen is that they get back what they've given to countless people before a million-fold? And the fact that I want to be there to see it? Is -that- it?" He makes a sweeping gesture with his one arm, pulling it from her grip at the same time. "Do I -like- the way I'm feeling right now? No! Can I do anything about it? I don't know anymore. I just...I just want to crawl into a hole somewhere and just wait for it all to go away. And yet, at the same time I don't want to see you get..."

He snaps his eyes shut then forcefully, a brief glimmer visible at their edges for a split second.

"I just...want to be alone right now. I don't want you...seeing me like this." With that, without another word, he bolts. Heading right through the entranceway and towards the teleporters...

The words hurt Twila more than she could have ever imagined. Almost as if she had been swept aside by a physical force she stumbles against the nearby wall just as he pulls away. Her strength leaves her ability to stand, and soon she's sliding down the side of the wall's surface and covers her face, burying it from view. The sobs are more visible than audible, and rack through her smaller frame unhindered. The girl can't offer anything more to stop him for right now, she can only reach out to him through the link they both share in an attempt to assure him she'll be there when needed...

...But even she realizes there are some battles that can only be fought alone...

Rick Morgan keeps right on moving, past the interior equipment of the room, and to the nearest chamber itself. Without hesitation he hops into it, reaching to smack the control panel with his hand for a pre-programmed destination. Where will he end up right now? He doesn't really care anymore, as he reaches up with one hand to wipe at his eyes. It's during those few seconds, that his form finally flashes and disappears from view, catapulting him clear across the planet itself.

Rock frowns a little, standing and moving across the room to gently lift Twila into his arms and hold her, letting her sob into his frame. "It's alright, Twila. It's okay."

The young woman reaches out for the reploid as if he were a life preserver of sorts, allowing some of her features to be seen if only briefly before her features are once more buried...this time back onto his shoulder. She clings to him if she were little more than a small child caught up within some type of turbulent storm. Choked sobs are the only noises coming from her for a good number of minutes until the calming words of the Blue Bomber soothe her fears. "B--but..."

Rock clutches Twila tightly to his form, wanting to be able to take away her pain and fears and sorrows, but knowing he can't. He gently carries her across the room back to the chair, and sits, holding her in his lap. He gently squeezes Twila, letting her cry. "I...know how Rick feels. He just needs some time alone to sort through things, love," he says softly. "All we can do is give him that time.

Little by little the visible as well as the auible distress sounding from the young woman lesson further as she continues to rest within the Blue Bomber's arms. Tears still flow down her cheek, but not with the same force as they had moments ago. She still clings to him however...and can't help but feel responsible for all this, regardless of how absurd of a notion that is. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

Rock leans in, and presses his lips to hers, silencing any blame that she would place on herself. Holding the kiss for a few moments, he leans back. "Twila, it's not your fault. None of this is. You couldn't stop the Stardroids, or any of this, any more than I, or Rick, or anyone could." He hugs her to himself once more.

Twila Peterson closes her eyes as her lips meet his, reopening them only when the kiss ends, feeling somewhat calmer now. "I...can't help but feel this is my fault somehow..." she murmurs almost stubbornly.

Rock shakes his head, giving Twila another hug. "Don't feel that way, Twila. There was nothing you could do to prevent it."

Twila Peterson finally offers a hug towards Rock before offering a slow nod. "But still.." Her gaze drifts towards the teleporters as she releases a shaky sigh, hoping her brother will be alright because, at the moment, she's not entirely sure he will be. Her mind drifts towards other matters as she emits, "They...haven't approached you yet have they? Uranus stated something about duties..."

Rock shakes his head. "They haven't yet, about whatever it is." He frowns a little, though. "I haven't seen any of them since Friday, and then Libra today."

Twila Peterson glances down towards the floor. "They haven't left. Wonder...wonder what's holding them back..." she murmurs before drawing in a lungfull of air. "Rock...you sure you're ok? I...saw what happened to you along with Rush and Beat, General and the others. I was sitting right there when it happened..."

Rock nods at Twila. When he died, there was this intense pain, then just this...serene feeling, though tinged with being alone, without Twila or any of the ones he loved. Glancing up at the girl, he meets her green eyes with his own sapphire. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just glad that we're both here and together." He gently gives her a tight hug again, leaning his head over her shoulder...and she might feel a drop of wetness hit her shoulder.

Something is detected within the reploid's voice as well as he gives his reply. Twila's arms enfold him once more as it seems it's his term to offer him comfort and assurance. But then, isn't this part of what any relation is about -- loving and supporting one another? As she holds him tightly a hand raises up behind his head, stroking his mop of dark locks. "That...we can agree on..." she states, tilting her chin slightly before offering is crown a gentle kiss. Her cheek then rests there on the side of his in response. "I doubt there's much that could really separate us..."

Rock smiles a little, leaning back and letting her lean against him, nodding quietly. "Nothing could separate us..." he echoes softly, reaches up to stroke Twila's auburn hair. He gently wraps his arms around her, content to be like this, with her, for as long as possible.

And lean against him Twila does, allowing herself to feel content...for right now. She's still deeply worried about her brother of course. That's something she can't really help. But until Rick allows her, there's not she can do to offer him aid. "I'm glad...we pulled through..." she muses wearily...beginning to feel herself relax.

Rock nods softly, pressing his head against yours. "Yeah. We made it, love. Too bad there was so much cost..." he adds softly, thinking about all the lost lives...

Twila's brows furrow even as her eyes drift to a close, musing in thought or...is it something else? "He...said the rejoining of life came...with a cost," her words mumble out, even as she nuzzles up against him. She then mumbles out a word that seems...rather out of place. "Tur-tles..."

Rock nods at the mention of life came with a cost. "Maybe that is regarding some of the...destroyed Stardroids?" And at the utterance of the last word, he glances up, and blinks. "Turtles?"

"Hmmm, mmmm." A very faint smile touches the girl's lips at the last as her eyes fully come to a close. Her frame nuzzles up to the reploid's and then falls still. Breathing becomes steady and even. Apparently, Twila has fallen asleep...

Rock smiles gently down at the girl. "I guess I'll get my answers tomorrow." He leans forward to kiss her softly, on the forehead, before leaning back up. "I'll take her to her room," he says, to himself more than anyone, and gently lifts Twila, carrying her to the lift...

London - Northern Residential

One of the most populated areas of the city of London, the northern residential district is the closest to the beautiful landmark of Big Ben II, right in northern downtown London. The buildings here are much larger than the rest of the residential districts. Also close to both the Commercial and Business districts, this area profits in nearly all areas. Unemployment is extremely low here and money all but grows on trees to those with the initiative to make it.

London in it's usual state of operation. Unlike many cities that had taken extensive damage with the chaotic happenings as of late, London managed to escape serious damage. Perhaps in it's long history of bombings, wars, and even an overrunning by the Robot Masters, some higher power beyond that of even the Stardroids had finally decided that the inhabitants deserved a break. Or perhaps it was the secluded location of the city itself on it's island. Whatever the reason, life in London has remained relatively normal, although cleanup efforts still take place both here and around the world as it lends it's aid to those other communities less fortunate.

One particular area however has been in a state of disrepair for the past few years, since a long ago incident involving the Robot Masters had devastated it. The former grounds of the Avendale University lay dormant, all of the students having long since moved to the new campus grounds. The city officials have yet to decide what they're going to do with the property, and for now, it remains abandoned. Amidst all this, near the burnt out form of what was one a large meeting hall, now bearing the scars of having come under heavy attack by an outside force...a lone figure stands quietly, hands in his pockets and hair whipping gently as a light breeze picks up and blows through the area.

Sometimes memories have to be confronted head-on, and tonight Rick has come searching for past demons that have risen once again....prompted ever onwards by recent events.

Twila Peterson pauses as she begins nearing the ruins of the school, asking her cab driver to let her off a block or so away from the damage. She's not wanting to deal with any sort of questionings are voices of concern of allowing a young woman to head off into what could still be a dangerous area due to all the resulting damage. She pauses for a moment, emitting a shiver that runs down the length of her spine, and then glances up towards the awaiting ruins. Her eyes narrow as she comes across the remains of one of the campus signs, designating this to have been, at one time, a place of higher learning. But why would she feeling feeling his presence here of all---? The girl pulls away from the half-legible sign as she continues on, a knot of sorts forming within her stomach. If doesn't take her that much effort to guess. And if she's wrong, she's wrong.

But if she's right...?

The young woman's trek presses on through the rubble, almost feeling herself led by an unseen force towards what looks like it could have been an auditoriuem at one time. There's a slight hesitation as she nears whatever still stands as a door frame and heads quietly inside.

Within the large expanse of the auditorium, there's still a rather generous amount of room available, despite the fact that a good portion of the roof appears to have caved in at one time. Right now, sunlight streams in through the gaping hole, and on the floor itself, one can see debris strewn about, some of it dragged in by wile animals or mech-animals that had decided to make the ruins their home in the city. Even now an occasional rat or roborat scurries here and there, though generally staying out of sight of the newcomers. As one enters the grand hall, they can see the staircase that leads all the way down to the lower level, and the stage itself. The entire incline is covered with seats that at one time would have been rather comfortable, though by now they're covered in mold and even have several hardy species of plants beginning to sprout from them.

And it's down near the stage, at the base of the huge collapse that a single figure stands, his red bomber jacket opened slightly to let the warmth of the sun in, even though right about now he feels colder than ever before. With almost a shaking hand, he reaches out to trace his fingers across the edge of the pile, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

Rick remembers.

Another day another lecture. He had barely made it into the auditorium in time, and indeed got a harsh glare from the professor who was just about to begin before he had barged in. Having taken a seat meekly, Rick had settled down within seconds to his usual bored stance, ready to take notes when needed, and pretty much listen to stuff he'd already learned on his own through his experimentations.

Back in the real world...Rick curls his hands lightly into fists...a brief shudder going through his entire form.

Twila makes her way further in, stopping only to gaze about her new surroundings. Her bluish-green orbs peers towards the sorry state of the interior and lets out an inaudible sigh. After a few more moments of searching it's then her gaze trails upwards as light brakes through the shadows of even this place, taking good note of the roof, or lack thereof. A double-blink is given and then she takes a careful step down own of the nearby isles of seats. She still doesn't readily notice the lone figure below by sight. But somehow....she seems to know he's there just the same. Another step is taken, and then another. Down the steps she goes, cautious for more reasons than one.

Not only is she taking into account the nature of these ruins...but also the state of the man within them. Rick was pretty well adamant for his need to be alone the night before. And, she did intend to allow him to give him his peace. But, as the teacher once scribed:

"There is a time for everything...under the sun..."

And whether Rick would still wish to be left alone to himself, something within him is crying out he no longer can remain alone...

Rick Morgan remains oblivious to other presence in the large room...as he pretty much remains oblivious to everything around him right now. His mind is elsewhere...a million miles away and years in the past.

He hadn't realized what the sound was at first...a low groan coming from the auditorium, as if the entire building were under a great pressure. Apparently the professor hadn't even noticed at first either, as he continued right on talking. It's then that his whole world came flashing down on him, in a roar of collapse and debris. The air suddenly filled with choking dust and startled screams as well as the scramble of bodies trying to reach some form of safety.

Then it happened. Like a vice pressing down...he felt himself shoved to the side, only to fall down, and then feel a great pressure on his legs...followed by nothing. A brief stab of shock through his whole form, and he opened his eyes in time to see forms...-robotic- forms darting about, sending stray blasts here and there. At the time he couldn't recognize any of them....though by now he's gotten to know each and everyone of the individuals by appearance and by design. Every little bit he could. A glance to the side revealed he'd been saved by the student next to him, only for him to be crushed under countless tons of rubble. It's then that the pain reached him....unmatched pain, his legs feeling like they were being put through a grinder.

Another flash, and Rick shudders again, gathering his arms up slowly, and hooking them across his chest, the cold feeling refusing to go away. There is where it had first appeared...where it had first spawned, and like some mocking little demon it tugs at him.

Hate.

But still...it can't match to the new hate...the more powerful form it's taken for that of the Stardroids themselves...the most frightening form of it yet. And he visibly shivers...

This hatred...it was the same feeling Twila had gleaned from Rick only a little more than 24 hours ago. It frightened her then...just as it frightens her now. Some things do not have to be known from personal experience to be knowledgeable of the disastrous affects that would be left within their wake if left unhindered. Hate is one such a powerful emotion that can leave a individual the living dead, sentencing him to a living death. If Twila would know nothing else, she would know this. She's seen it destroy so many other lives. Even if Twila doesn't know the full extent for it's reason for being, even if she knows only in part, it's something regarding her brother she knows she'll have to face too. They are twins after all. They're a part of one another now.

The cyborg's sibling descends the rest of the steps that lead to the stage, stopping upon the last one. If she notices a rodent scurry past just a few feet of her underneath one of the seats, she doesn't show it. A final step is taken and she's finally on her brother's level. But she doesn't approach him right away. She simply stands there...and watches...

Rick Morgan lets loose a long, ragged breath, as he slowly opens his eyes again, staring at the rubble in front of him. It takes a long moment....but finally, he speaks words, apparently being aware of Twila's sudden appearance somehow.

"Before it was...so much easier, holding a grudge against the Robot Masters." He breathes. "I mean...I didn't like them...but I didn't hate them to the point that I wanted to tear them apart and see them dismembered right in front of me. I..." He takes another breath, closing his eyes for a moment. "...I think I find myself wishing I was back to that point again, and I still am sort of. But...every time I think of one of -them-..."

Flash.

Images of Libra attempting on Twila's own life, images of the various Stardroids pushing their way to what they want...hurting his friends in many cases. Image of Duo making his declaration that the Earth is to be destroyed. How dare he? Who gave him that right to dictate such? An image of Terra's release...the form striking Twila's body, and leaving an emptiness in Rick that was on the verge of making him very well wish he was dead too.

Flash.

Boiling anger, to the point that Rick's hands are trembling, and his breaths come in short gasps, as he struggles with himself. "But..." he mutters through clenched teeth, squeezing his eyes shut tightly. "Every...time I think of them...I just...can't..."

Twila Peterson remains silent for until Rick finishes and then heads to approach him, choosing not to readily respond until she's standing in front of him. Her hands lift themselves to cover his fists, almost as if attempting to shield them if she could, and offer a gentle squeeze. Closing her eyes she whispers a unheard prayer before reopening them. "Sometimes...the most important battles aren't the ones fought on the battlefield."

Rick Morgan's hands begin to tremble at Twila's touch, even though he keeps his fingers curled into balls, they don't move other than the sudden shaking.

"I don't know if I can forgive them for what they did Twila...for what they have done already...not just to us. To everyone. I don't know if I -want- to....but at the same time, I feel like I'm burning up inside...and so cold at the same time." Again he shivers, opening his eyes again, this time a glimmering visible at their edges. "It's like I've got nothing left inside me right now....like I'm too late..."

Twila's response is to tighten her grip further as she gazes into the bluish polls of the man before her. "I don't believe that, Rick," she tells him gently, yet firmly, very aware the hopelessness and despair he's experiencing. "If it were true you wouldn't even be caring enough to even wonder. And you wouldn't be here trying to find it."

She intakes a breath then, continuing. "You can't always rely on feelings. Feelings...change. And they can also lie. You aren't the only one going through this.

"I'm...going though this with you."

Rick Morgan takes a long moment to respond, as he simply stares to the ground itself, as if unable to bring himself to say anything more. But finally, he lets another shuddering breath loose, and his eyes tilt up faintly to meet Twila's own gaze, perhaps a bit of realization setting in at the same time. Who else would know as well other than himself? She wouldn't give up on him...would she? No, she wouldn't have come here if it were so. It just wouldn't be his lil sis otherwise. It's then that something within seems to find that anchor to grab onto and bring everything to a screeching halt, as if hate itself suddenly becomes uncertain of its progress.

"Twila..." Rick says gently, voice cracking for a moment. "I...I'm sorry about what I did yesterday. What I said...I just...wasn't ready for it. Right now...you're all I've got to hold onto for sanity. I shouldn't have left in the first place...I think that...was doing more harm that good."

Pressure is applied through the woman's fingers to those still clenched fists. Twila keeps her gaze steadfast upon him, reading there what's written upon his features. "We're...all handling this in our own way. Each of us. Yes, I was a little hurt. But, mostly because I was concerned for you. I still am." She precedes to still her voice from the quiver that's beginning to underlie her words. "I love you. And you should already know that whatever happens, no matter what may come, I won't ever give up on you."

Rick Morgan doesn't react at first...but slowly, his features finally soften, as does his entire demeanor. The deep burning inside seems to give one last fizzle, then completely dies out in favor of something else. No matter how strong it may have come on before, it could never compare to Rick's own love for his sister, and it's here that perhaps that one link that can hold the fire back holds true.

He can't offer words at first, instead only able to loosen his hands from fists...to being slightly open. Then, he gently turns them palm up, letting Twila's fingers go from holding his fists to touching his palms instead. "I know..." he finally whispers. "Twila you're just what I need for this I think...I didn't realize that before. I was so stupid to snap like that...I'm sorry." A long, ragged breath is let out, and he glances back up. "I love you too much, I'd never wanna hurt you. Never."

"Rick, I forgave you yesterday already." More to the point, he was forgiven the moment right after the words had been spoken from his mouth. Twila's eyes moisten her hands clasp around his hands, this time more properly.

After offering his hands a final squeeze Twila withdraws them, if only so she's able to wrap her arms around her brother's torso. "And...I know. I promise...I won't leave you. I'll be here for as long as you need me to be.""

Rick Morgan gives a low sigh, wrapping his own arms around Twila's form, drawing her close in a big hug that needs more than just encouragement that she's near right now. He presses one cheek to the top of her head gently, as he slowly turns from side to side. "Thanks Twila..." he breathes. "...I think that's...just what I need right now." Indeed, his past emotions are all but bled away at the moment, overshadowed by what is the most important to him above all, right here in his arms. After a long moment though, he tilts his head up to glance around once more. "Maybe we can...head on back though I guess. I think I've done enough reminiscing of old memories. It's time to put some stuff away for good."

The younger of the two doesn't bother asking just what it was that happened here...what drew him here. Somewhere inside she already knows. As for the reason, he lost something precious to him within these walls once. And only recently he very nearly lost something, nay someone, else close to him. The place where it must have began for him...on this life's trek. But was it really a beginning...or more of a transition?

Twila nods while refusing to let go of her twin anytime soon, even as they prepare to leave. "They'll...always be with you, Rick. Just...remember I'll be here for you when they do."

Rick Morgan sighs gently, as he keeps one arm draped around Twila's form, turning to give one last glance at the ruins. "Yeah..." he says quietly. "...but at least I can put it back in the past where it belongs..." The edge of his mouth does tug upwards ever so slightly, and he turns abruptly then to give the top of Twila's head a quick kiss. "I know you'll be here...and you have no idea how glad I am that you will." Well, then again...maybe she does, being able to see into him more than anyone else could. "What say we get ourselves home ok?"

Twila Peterson nods in agreement as she rests against him before straightening. "No argument's from this end. Although, I'll let you be the one to lead the way back home." Seeing as how he would know the area a bit more than she would anyway. "Maybe make you some herbal tea when we get back?"

Rick Morgan hmmms thoughtfully at that. "What is it with you and herbal tea?" he chuckles. "Before, I never even knew it existed." He then offers a faint grin, definitely feeling a heck of alot better right now. "I think it sounds good though."

Twila Peterson nudges him a little. "What do you mean 'what is it with me'? It sure tastes a heck of alot better than coffee at any rate...and not so much caffeine. You think I'd drink anything that would wind me up where Kyo could get to it?"

Rick Morgan can't help but smirk. "Can't say I'm all that adept at doing a taste test comparison. Only time I drink coffee in large amounts is if I gotta stay up for awhile doing something. And by then I'm too tired to taste it...I'm just trying to get the caffeine out of it and all." He smirks, then squeezes her gently once more. "Yeah I think herbal tea sounds all right." He offers, as he leads Twila up the stairs, and from the auditorium itself, to the grounds beyond.