Megaman - Thursday, July 20, 2000, 9:25 PM
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(Ch. B [RepComm]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'AAAAAAIIIIEEEEEEEEE!..... Neptune, don't kill me!..... wait, where am I?'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Eh? What the? Bro? You okay there?'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Shrike?'.

(Ch. B [RepComm]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'Uh, yeah.. just a little startled. I guess the repair chamber just reactivated me...'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'You want someone down there?'.

(Ch. B [RepComm]) Signal Shrike transmits: 'Nah, I'm okay. Just a little disoriented.'.

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "There's a Losstaret outside. He said he met up with you two days ago. He had...met up with me too. Thought...you would want to know..."

Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Uh...oh. Him. What does he want?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "Dunno...although Iris said she intercepted some...things about him."

Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "What kinda things?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "That he wanted to use me to find out Rock's weaknesses somehow."

Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "What the....are you SURE!?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "That's what Iris stated. And Rick...he knew about my parents."

Seminole steps out of the Labs' main entrance, approaching Kaust slowly as he peers at the civilian. "Can I help you?" he asks, sounding a bit cautious as he wonders why somebody is just standing there.

Twila Peterson makes her way just outside the door of the labs, lips pressed together...hoping she doesn't get scolded for following. She soon stands near the door...allowing Seminole to handle this for the most part.

Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "What? HOW would he know about this? Twila did you say he's right -there-?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "Yeah. Seminole's approaching him here, outside."

Rick Morgan sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I'm coming out there too Twila. Although if Seminole is there....maybe I can just keep an eye out."

Akami just /happens/ to turn down the street towards Light Labs, what a coincidence! But there is a well-reputed karakoe bar near there and that's where he's headed. His hands stuck in the pockets of his brown leather bomber jacket and a lock of purple hair flicking in the breeze, he looks about as relaxed as can be.

The shadow of a man floats down to the pavement, his feet coming to a light and almost dainty rest on the stone. Slowly the dark figure steps out of the shadow, but the shadow seems to cling to him like an old and dear friend. He raises a metal hand towards Seminole and smiles, revealing his tiny, pointed teeth, "Yes, my friend. You can show me your soul." The dark man's crimson eyes study Seminole for a moment, taking in his mannerisms, face, tone, and speech. "Fascinating," chuckles the cyborg, "Fas-cin-nating."

Twila Peterson remains by the door, slightly wincing at her radio. Big brothers. Go figure...

Seminole peers back evenly, doing his best to hide the confusion at the cyborg. Instinctively, he keeps a hand on his pistol holster while addressing the man. Ignoring the comments, Seminole keeps his tone firm. "Look, unless you have some sort of official business with the Maverick Hunters, I'll have to ask you to move along."

Akami comes to Tetsuo's and pauses at the entrance, peering across the street towards the famous Labs, eyes narrowing slightly. "That's weird..." he mutters to himself.

Rick Morgan appears at the top of Light Labs, having been at the runway area. He moves to the edge of the roof, and leans over to brace his elbows on the railing. Frowning to himself, he glances down to teh front gate area, picking out just where Twila is right away, that being the priority in his mind right now. It's then that his gaze slides over to where the others are.

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Seminole: "Careful with this one."

Seminole sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Don't have to tell me twice."

Kaust Losstaret:
Before you stands a hauntingly beautiful man. He stands at about six feet, seven inches, and carries himself with a grace that is almost regal. His skin is pale, almost milk-white. He wears no shirt, revealing a well-built physique, with a slightly sunken stomach, revealing a hint of his ribs. Small insignias seem to be branded on his forearms. His back has a large, black cross tattooed ornately on it. The design is beautiful, but dark much like the rest of this stranger's form.
His face is narrow, his features aristocratic. His eyes are a deep crimson, a very inhuman trait that mares his beautiful features. His hair is pale blond, almost white, and unkempt. It spills down his hand like hay, ending at his shoulder.
One trait clearly marks this man as a cyborg. His arms, past his elbows, are completely metal. They look almost like gauntlets, ending in cruel, jagged claws. Those limbs are wiry, but seem to hold an unseen power. His legs are bound in a tight, black leather-like material that looks more like it's mummy-wrap around his legs. A black cloak begins at his waist and flows to the bases of his feet, where it ends in tatters.
This dark cyborg seems to be imbued with dark charisma and a keen and rare understanding. His eyes see something...something beyond you.

Kaust Losstaret laughs rather loudly, spinning on one foot slowly, almost gracefully. He stands there like an absurd, slow-motion ballerina for a moment, before dropping onto both legs once again, "But I have terribly pressing business, Repliforcer. Or should I say Hunter? At the rate one tends to switch allegiances it's a bit hard to tell. The military too tough for you? Big bad superiors busting your chops. The pressure builds and builds, yes. You begin to question your loyalties, yes? You wonder if it's truly good you're serving, or bureaucracy? Is that why you came to this place? To do more good? Have you? Maybe you've saved a few lives, that I'm willing to bet, but now you can see the war from a front row seat. Now you get to watch the people you protect bleed and die. Not as easy now, is it, Repliforcer?"

Twila Peterson just....stares. Certainly it appears as if Iris's warnings were well founded regarding this character. After a full moment her gaze drifts towards Seminole and then back towards the cyborg in some shock before she finds her voice, while remaining beside the door. "Leave him be!"

Akami frowns and drifts towards the scene, curious as to what's going. He keeps a safe distance away, by a tree, but close enough to hear what's being said. He absently brushes a strand of hair from his forehead.

Akami:
A young man in his mid twenties, or at least he looks to be, Akami has almost dashing good looks and a razor-sharp wit to go with it. His somewhat pale-complected face is well defined, his cheekbones high and sharp and his sparkling green eyes bright and observant. Pearly white teeth often can be seen, flashed in a mirthful smile or mischievous grin, although they are hardly as impressive as the swoop of violently purple hair on his head. Cut short in the back and sides, long bangs jut out over his brow and hang just above his eyes. His trim, 5'10" body is muscular but not overly so, and he seems to be in great health.
Akami currently wears a loose white shirt, pirate-style with the deep v-neck slightly unlaced and showing a little of his bare chest, tucked into brown breeches that are in turn tucked into black leather boots that reach almost to his knees. Over his shirt he wears a brown leather jacket with a small set of silver pilot wings on the lapel. On one wrist he wears a multi-function comlog unit and around his neck a slender silver chain with a curious symbol dangling from it, almost like a horseshoe with a third arm in the middle.

Seminole growls for a moment, anger bubbling over for a brief second before he can keep himself under control. His eyes narrow further, as he glares back at Kaust defiantly. He glances back at Twila briefly, but quickly returns his gaze to the cyborg. "I am a Maverick Hunter," he replies with a slight snarl, "And I know /exactly/ what I'm doing in this conflict. Now, you either tell me -WHY- you're harassing Light Labs and its occupants or I'll bring you down to the Neo-Tokyo Police Station myself."

Kaust Losstaret turns his attention completely away from Seminole as Twila speaks. "Very well, I'll leave the little traitor be. Let's talk, you and I. But we have so much to talk about, where to begin? How about your relationship with your brother? How often does he make you cry, Miss Peterson? Not interesting enough a subject? What about Rock? You weren't worth it, were you? He couldn't give up being a Hunter, saving the world, for you. Do you know why, Twila? Because he doesn't really love you. All the mighty Megaman loves is the glory that comes from saving the world. If he loved you then he would have been your husband, would have been what you need...but instead he has to charge off to battle with the Masters and Mavericks. Still not tickling your fancy?" Kaust's smile grows to clown-like proportions, "Let's talk about how you /murdered/ your parents."

Rick Morgan can't hear just what the heck is going on down there, though by the sudden body language...and the way Twila is reacting, he gets a feeling that there's -something- in the form of hot words being exchanged right now. He frowns faintly, not knowing what's being said...but not liking the way it's going right now.

Akami twitches an eyebrow, glaring over at Kaust. He ahems, "Excuse me, this may be none of my business, but why don't you blow it out your aft? Go find some puppies to torture or something instead." He steps out from beside the tree, crossing his arms over his chest.

Twila sets her jaw as she immediately recoils. Although just words, those words have the same impact just as if they had been bullets fired by a gun. Some of what was stated she already knows is very untrue and brushes aside rather angrily. But the rest, she can't do so as easily. Her hands ball themselves up into fists as she feels some of her temper rise...which isn't a good thing. Her anger is mixed with a deep sadness as well as guilt as well. Her eyes mist over and she tightly shuts them, trying to fight against whatever the stranger was attempting to unleash. But the wounds have already been inflicted. "What iss it you want?" she bites out

Seminole steps between Kaust and Twila, making /sure/ the Hunter has the cyborg's attention as he comes almost nose to nose with Kaust. He doesn't care what the cyborg wants, Seminole just wants him away from his home, NOW. "I don't care what you want, you are leaving, NOW!" he yells, as his anger boils right over his point of no return. "Who the @#$& do you think you are?! I don't even care, so why don't you just go back to whatever collection of scum you crawled out of, and don't even /think/ about coming back to Light Labs!" Seminole's arm stretches out, moving grab onto Kaust's arm, the human part, to try and force him away from the Labs entrance.

Rick Morgan blinks again...almost in alarm. Not just Twila's body-language, but other issues suddenly alert him to the fact that something has REALLY upset her. And he just -knows- it's struck deep. Well that's the last straw right there. Forgoing the use of an elevator right now, Rick just pushes himself over the side of the rooftop, and scrapes his feet down the wall itself, letting go for a moment to bounce off various protrusions on his way down. Times like this he's glad for his mechanical lower half. With an audible *CLANK* he lands right next to Twila, shooting a quick glare in Kaust's direction. Somehow he gets the feeling it was something he said. Right now though, he doesn't offer words to the other cyborg, instead turning to Twila herself. "Sis..." he murmurs, reaching out for her.

Twila Peterson doesn't immediately respond to Rick's presence, although she is aware and feels somewhat calmed by it...at least enough to lift her chin and reopen her eyes. But she doesn't verbally answer. But the trembling running through her small frame may be answer enough.

Akami just shakes his head, being ignored as usual. Which is usually a good thing, since when people pay attention to him, they usually follow by trying to beat him up. His eyes flick from Twila, who he doesn't know, to Kaust, who he doesn't know but feels like he should.

Kaust Losstaret's eyes flick to Akami for a second...something almost seems familiar...but he does not know the reploid. The cult leader cackles, "You'll have trouble apprehending a man who doesn't exist, officer." As Seminole grabs for him Kaust's entire body seems to fade into nothingness. He reappears half a millisecond later, a few yards behind Twila. "As for your question, lovely Ms. Peterson, most beautiful of dead women, I wish to understand the human soul. For I am the cry of our species, I am what humanity truly desires. Someone who comes to bend ought, but to purge! Now let me see the truth! The truth!" The madman laughs again as Rick descends. "And the two siblings are together, my collection is complete. Let's talk, boys and girls, about the deaths of your parents. About how you /failed/ to serve the basic duties of a son and daughter. You didn't love them enough, didn't stay close enough. That is why they died. Because, as Rock does to Twila, you did not love them. And now, Mr. Morgan, you fail in your duties as a brother. How many times do you have to kill your family until you are satisfied? How many times do you have to give up on the ones you love before you are done? How many tears does Ms. Peterson have to shed?"

Well now if he's going to go and get personal about it, Rick is certainly more than happy to oblige. With one hand reaching out for Twila, just to make -darn- sure that she stays very close, Rick is almost on the verge of growling. However, he keeps the anger boiling within, and instead straightens up, giving a surprisingly calm response.

"I don't know what insane asylum you went and escaped from..." he starts. "...but I have a feeling you don't even know HALF of what you're spouting about. Trust me, you think you know half of how our parents died...?" His eyes narrow slightly, as if at some inner knowledge that he KNOWS exists that Kaust doesn't. And the fact he's slipped up somewhere. "You've just proven to me you don't even know half of it. So why don't you go spouting your mouth off at a brick wall? Cause you're going to get much better results there."

Akami just continues to stare mostly at Kaust, his expression akin to something like horror and fascination mixed with disbelief. He shakes his head finally, causing another lock of violet hair to fall into his eyes. He brushes it back in annoyance, "Come on, man. I'll take you back to your rock and you can crawl back under it. Just leave these folks alone."

Seminole whirls around, the pistol coming out of his holster as Kaust reappears behind the Hunter. Quickly, he approaches the cyborg from behind but doesn't aim his weaponry at the weapon. He wouldn't want to accidentally shoot Twila or Rick if he teleported again. "You can expect the police to be called now, and I'm sure they have a nice cell where you can tell all the stories you want." Internally, he transmits a 911 call to the police with a code listing of the crime in progress.

Apparently this character isn't as up on the twin's history as he seems to think he is. it's something Twila readily files away for further reference somewhere. Even so, she still wants to strike out...do *something* against this creep...especially for how he's attempting to strike within the most vulnerable areas she and her friends possess. And while one first relaxes, the other tenses as she pulls herself free from her brother's grip. "Just shut it...!"

You strike Kaust Losstaret with your Punch attack.

Feedback wanders out of the Labs not looking all that happy. Well, sure he's smiling and all, but he's always smiling. He walks over to the group with his camera in hand and then waves to everyone to get their attention, "Hey everyone. How's it going? Say, what's all the commotion out here?" He then watches as Twila punches what's-his-face and well shrugs and then takes a picture just as he first connects. Well, least he got once nice picture to remember this day by.

Dr. Jennifer Cain steps swiftly outside the tower and moves away from Mikage. It wouldn't be the best ideas to be seen outside with him. She slowly walks over and leans against a nearby wall that she leans against. She seems to be keeping her eyes on both Mikage and any situation that might be occuring

Kaust Losstaret is popped nicely by Twila. If he feels any pain he doesn't register it. His skin feels as cool as metal, and twice as hard. A thin line of something that isn't blood trickles from Losstaret's lip. The liquid is black and syrupy. The dark man wipes the fluid away and laughs very, very loudly, "And speaking of the police." A uniformed man rounds the corner, walking towards the cult leader.

"Is there a problem here, sir?" asks the cop.

"This woman just assaulted me, officer," smiles Kaust, sending a rather deliberate and visible wink to the uniformed man. The officer flashes his badge, confirming his station. "Really?" asks the cop, "Funny, we just received a 911 call complaining that there was a crime in progress in this area, Sir."

Mikage Yukiato slowly comes out of the tower wincing a bit as the bright sun hits his eyes, with a heavy smile and a deep breath he gazes about the outside, attempting to ignore the greets he gets from outside his lovely tower he head out a bit down the street making sure he doesn't loose Jenny.

Feedback spots the cop and then takes one more picture of what looks like blood before going about acting like a tourist taking pictures of the labs next while idly listening to what the cops doing. He sighs and thinks to himself all the while, o.O(Stupid pigs. Always showing up when you don't need them.)O.o

Seminole steps up to the police officer, shooting a look at Kaust. "I called in the report, officer, as this man," he gestures at the cyborg, "is trespassing on private property, refused to leave the premises when asked, and has been verbally harassing a number of us."

Twila Peterson pulls back, cradling her knuckles soon after making her strike. Her anger is slightly abated by the pain she feels, as well as the bruise that will be forming soon enough. She narrows her eyes dangerously towards the cyborg and then to the police...then steps quietly closer towards her brother.

Akami blinks as the young woman slugs the raving maniac. He lets out a laugh in surprise, "Oh man... do that again. And can I get a copy of that picture?" He moves quickly towards Kaust, reaching up to put a restraining hand on the cyborg's shoulder. "Hey, isn't it about time that you---" he cuts off and gasps slightly as his hand touches Kaust's shoulder.

Rick Morgan gapes as Twila lashes out, not able to stop her....or perhaps not -wanting- to stop her from doing so. It's afterwards that he blurts out, "Twila!" and reaches out to take hold of her, pulling her back near him again, this time both hands gripping her upper arms firmly, but gently. He shoots a deadly glare towards Kaust himself, then glances over his shoulder as the cop arrives...'just in time'. Yeesh. He brings his glare back to Kuast once more, and says quite simply, "I think you've quite overstayed your welcome."

Mikage Yukiato notices a bit of action going on further down, a bit lulled by the urge to see what's going on he continues going down slowly. A bus makes its way down the street and it passes Mikage blocking him from view, as it uncovers him he stands holding a fresh lit cigarette puffing away intently as he chums the streets in direction to what seems to be some civil dispute while peering down at an elegant gold watch on his wrist.

Regent steps off of Light Lab's rooftop. You'd really expect someone as large as the Regent to do something sane, like use the fire escape or the nearby ladder. Then again, who ever said the Regent was sane? Thankfully, he doesn't plummet down into the pavement below, but instead uses some of his different abilities to remain aloft, staring down silently at the developing scene below.

Twila Peterson doesn't protest as Rick draws her in the rest of the way. She's slightly calmer now. But by the look of her features, apparently her redhead's temper is still flared enough to act if she provoked further.

Kaust Losstaret turns to the police officer, "Hello Steven, how are Marge and little John? Still well, I trust?" The cop nods, "Sir, yes, sir. They're both fine since you paid for John's medical bills." Kaust nods with a gentle smile, "Send them my regards. I trust I'll see you at the next meeting...and bring the family." Officer Steve nods, "Of course, sir." "But first I think you have to protect and serve, officer."

The cop steps forward Twila and Rick, "I'm afraid you'll both have to come downtown with me to answer some questions. Assault is a very serious charge, can get you up to three years."

Kaust snickers as he looks on, raising a metal finger, waving it like a parent reprimanding a toddler "And you see, dear children, that power over the human heart is the greatest control one can have..." Lasstaret is cut short as Akami touches him. A feeling washes over Kaust's body, one he rarely experiences, one of purity. The cult leader grabs his head. "What the..." he whirls around to regard Akami, "It's you! What did you...do to me?" Kaust draws back in genuine horror.

Officer Steve turns to his fallen leader. "Sir?"

The cultist hisses, "Never mind...get out of here, now! Erase the emergency call.. go back to your family." Kaust narrows his eyes at Twila, regaining his composure "None of you will be as lucky the next time. I will not allow your unnatural love to continue, Ms. Peterson. Your perversion will end later. There is something else I must now attend. Until we meet again." Kaust's form fades into nothingness, as if he were a ghost.

Dr. Jennifer Cain frowns as Mikage gets closer to the action. She sighs softly and reaches down in her coat pocket and touches the butt of her laser gun. She doubts highly that she will need it but just a precaution if things get out of hand

Seminole just /blinks/ at Kaust, giving a shrug to the Officer as he walks away like nothing happened. His gaze falls back to Twila, making sure she's okay as he holsters his pistol. "-That- was...weird.." he idly comments, glancing over at Feedback and Regent.

Feedback well, is usually a very calm fella, even when faced with certain death. He's laughed right in the face of death and he'll do it again. But, one of the few things that really tick him off is when someone is messing with his friends. As such, he wanders over to Kaust still acting like a tourist and then well, takes a picture of the guy with the flash on full intensity. He then goes about taking a picture of the cop again with the flash on full before wandering off in the other direction.

Akami yanks his hand back and stumbles backward like he's been burned or shocked, and falls against the curb, going to one knee. He cradles the one hand, wincing as Kaust disappears. The pure malignant energy in that one touch... he shakes his head to clear it. He manages with a slight rasp in his voice, "...til next time, old friend." He waits until the officer is gone before he stands back up, still shaking slightly.

Twila Peterson peers towards the officers as they leave before stumbling right into Rick ast Kaust himself...disappears. "Wha---what's going on?" she demands, still having a good amount of fiest left for good measure.

Rick Morgan just stares for the longest moment, turning his head to the side to watch as the cop walks off as well. He then frowns, that much deeper. "I haven't got a clue sis..." he mutters. "Quite frankly though if it means that he's gone, then that's all the better for me. I better not catch him throwing his form around here again." He then blinks and glances down, reaching to take hold of Twila's hand gently, going from anger to gentle worry in the blink of an eye, as he raises the hand to have a look at it. "Did you hurt yourself?" he asks softly.

Mikage Yukiato gets close enough to see what's going on and takes a lean on the closest wall while slightly mumbling to himself at the thought of not being able to get some yaks down here to place him a fine leather chair as to watch un luxury, nonetheless a Coke seems easy enough to get and soon enough sips at an ice cold coke while he puffs a clove and watches the action unfold.

Twila Peterson hmmmmms? distractedly as her brother's skin touches hers. She looks away in some minor embarrassment after seeing the black and blue color forming. "Only...a little bruised. Not like it hasn't happened before," she states with a shrug. That's not quite true, however. She's not one to normally hull off and physically assault another...

Feedback hmms and then looks over at the other person here taking another picture of Akami. Yup, he sure likes to take pictures of everything it seems. He looks around and figures that's a lot of good pictures. He then eyes Akami, "Hello good sir. I don't suppose that you could tell me what just happened here? Um, sorta confused as to what's going on. Um, you wouldn't happen to know that guy who just left here, would you? The one who seemed to be acting rather rude to these people here?"

Akami looks at Feedback, flashing a brief grin but still favoring his hand. "I'm not quite sure what just happened. All I know is that these folks were being harassed," he motions at Twila, Seminole, and Rick, "for no particular reason. As for who he is..." he pauses, his thin lips turning down in a mild frown, "I'm...not sure. I don't know his name." He looks down at his hand again.

Rick Morgan sighs for a moment, looking at Twila's hand carefully and making darn sure that's all that happened. "If you hadn't have wound up and slugged him, I probably would have...." he mutters. "Looks like that cop didn't do us any good anyway, since he was just some stooley for the guy." He grunts, and shakes his head slowly. "So much for us using that route." He then tilts his gaze to the side, towards where Akami is, and where Feedback is questioning him. Strange.

"Maybe we oughta get back inside..." he tells Twila gently.

Seminole eyes Feedback and Akami for a few moments, then straightens his uniform out as he sighs quietly. The hunter moves toward the pair of Reploids, giving Akami a polite nod. "Thanks for your...assistance, in any event," Sem emits, politely but sounding a bit distant.

Feedback looks at Akami's hand as well and then back at the guy, "Uh, okay. Well, you sure you don't know who he is? Cause, I don't know if my hearings going bad or something. But it sure seemed like he was pretty buddy buddy with that cop and all. And me, well I smell a story here. For the longest time, I've been trying to see if I could catch a break and actually find a corrupt cop and I just might have done that. Any information that you might have would be helpful."

Regent crosses his arms, the faint clink of metal upon metal descending down to those below. Everything seems safe now, and that seems enough for the Regent. "I'll be inside." Even before he finishes the booming sentence, he's floating

Twila Peterson tosses a gaze towards the others as her sudden anger dwindles rather quickly now. She flexes her hand once with a soft wince before nodding towards. "Yeah...maybe...we should," she sighs. She looks back over her shoulder towards Seminole before slipping inside the entrance without a word further...

Akami nods in return to Seminole, though he gives a little shrug and dismisses the thanks. "I didn't do anything but startle him..." he chuckles, unconvincingly. He sticks the affected hand into his pocket self-consciously, not wanting anyone else to see how badly its shaking. He shakes his head again, "Never seen him before now.. no, wait. I saw him a couple of days ago, I think. I was in the Art District, having a drink with this really weird chi-... er, girl. And he walked by. I sort of felt, well, noticed him for some reason." He tosses a glance over at Twila as she leaves, "And tell your lady friend that I hope she's okay. That creep had no right to say what he did."

Feedback smiles and nods, "Well, I'll be sure to let her know. And, well, its just a little wierd. I could of sworn that I saw that guy teleport or something. Heh, maybe it's just my optics going bad. So, what brings you here? Just passing by on your way to a club or something? Job?"

Screen> Akami hms, "Could have been a hologram or something, too. Might have your guys check around for a mobile projector or bug. Me? Nah, I was just passing through looking for a good hang out for a while. I'm between gigs at the moment. Unless you have need for a hovership pilot. Cargo, passenger, cruise, you name it."

Seminole steps back from the conversation between Feedback and Akami, glancing around the street one last time before heading back inside the Labs.

<Inside...>

Rick Morgan follows Twila into the base, hands still resting on her upper arms in gentle grips. He waits until they're well inside before commenting finally. "That guy...whatever the heck is up with him, he was just full of himself there one I realized he was getting his facts mixed up."

Twila Peterson nods slowly. "But...how did he *know* about my parents? I know what he did with the cops. Think he has...'ties' to that type of info?" If so...why??

"Well..." Rick says quietly. "...if he has those kind of connections, he could probably get that kind of information. Though I think we both noticed he was missing a certain critical piece...right?"

The girl visible emits a shudder, one that the man could probably readily feel through his hold. "About...us...?" she chokes in a whisper. "But the things he said about Seminole, me, you, and Rock...just before you came. He just made me so *angry*."

"He did his homework Twila..." Rick says gently, giving her arms a small squeeze again, this time in reassurance. "...that's all he did. If you want to dig deeply enough, you'll find all that info. That's probably what he did. Who knows how many people he has working for him? He wouldn't have been looking alone. All he was doing was trying to push our buttons..."

Seminole walks back through the main entrance, looking over at Rick and Twila with a bit of concern. Moving toward them, he reports, "Looks like he just teleported away.. Feedback's talking to the guy that caused the reaction in him now," he reports, hoping he didn't interrupt them /after/ he's spoken.

Twila Peterson sniffles, not loudly...but loud enough that it can be heard if one listens. "Iris...sent me a message...saying he was trying to get to Rock somehow, through me..." she muses, eyes glazing over. She then looks over towards Seminole as he approaches them. "He teleported...just like he did last night."

"Hey come on now..." Rick tries to be soothing with his voice, as he gently moves to the side, letting one arm stay protectively around Twila's form. "It's all right...it's nothing to get upset over right now. We know his intentions, and I think he kinda blew em out in the open tonight, so we just gotta keep our eyes open, just like with everything else."

Seminole looks sympathetically at Twila, and nods a bit to Rick's statement. "If he tries again, we'll nail him and take him right to Repliforce ourselves," he promises, making a mental note to do more background research on our new 'friend'.

Rick Morgan nods at that. "He may have his greasy little fingers into the cops right now, but I'm willing to wager he dosen't have them in Repliforce."

The young woman doesn't appear all that convinced somehow. Nonetheless she does offer a nod towards Rick's words. "I...I suppose." She then comments, thinking along the same lines as Seminole...although perhaps unintentionally, "Can't help but wonder if there really is a 'Mercy's Hand as he tried stating. If there is, I doubt it would be any type of charitable organization. That's what he stated he ran."

Rick Morgan fehs quietly. "Only in appearance Twila. There's guys in this world that are little more than big phonies. And he's a big one. At least we can stereotype him with something. We'll deal with him...don't worry."
From afar, Rick Morgan d'ohs. Why do I always think of these things late?
You paged Rick Morgan with 'Hmm?'.

Seminole hrmms, glancing downward as he thinks for a moment. "That might just be a front organization to whatever cause he's really into." Looking at Rick, Seminole nods again. "He's not much of a threat, more of an annoyance."

Twila Peterson grunts. "Whatever else he is...he's certainly a creep to 100th power." She lets out a breath before relaxing a little. "Wonder what he meant by 'unnatural love'...and perversion..."

Rick Morgan grunts. "I don't know really. Maybe he's got something against humans...although I'd wager that was cybernetic enhancements on him." Takes one to know one right?

"Eh...I dunno. Maybe he just took a hate-on. I guess it doesn't really matter. Now, what say we get you somewhere that I can put some ice on that hand?"

Seminole crosses his arms over his chest as he gazes over at Twila. "Probably a relationship between a Reploid and human, I would guess." Sem pauses, glancing at Rick. "And yes, he was a cyborg. The nose knows," Sem taps his nose, then hrms again. "Y'know, he's probably part of one of those human supremacist groups, I bet."

Rick Morgan hrmphs audibly. "Figures." Is all he offers.

Twila Peterson presses her lips together, mentally trailing the edges of the colored skin of her knuckles. A slight dip of the chin is given towards her twin in response at his voice of concern for the self-inflicted injury. Seminole, on the other hand, is answered with, "I don't know why but if that's true I can't be terribly surprised. Guess...someone somewhere was going to get uppity and object to something none of their business."

"And that's exactly what it is..." Rick offers, now giving Twila's shoulders a gentle nudge, to get her moving along. "...none of their business. Now, let's get some ice on that, hrm? Before it heals on it's own and the point becomes moot." He smiles faintly, at least trying to offer some lightness to the mood.
And nudged she is. However, even as she takes a few steps towards the grav lift under her sibling's direction Twila turns around and asks, "What he said out there...you alright, Sem?"

Seminole nods a bit, waving Twila and Rick on. "Yeah, I'm fine. I've heard worse, after all. You go ahead put some ice on that hand. You'll need it for next time he shows up." He flashes a grin at the pair, trying to keep light of his own verbal lashing received from Kaust.

Rick Morgan can't help but smirk at that. "Next time we'll just make sure we give you a glove first. All right?"

.oO(Or perhaps something else...)Oo. But whatever thought's Twila has in regards to this she keeps silent on. "Maybe I'll put one on order," she ends up slightly grumping, then moving along as Rick directs her. "Night, Sem."

<Soon...>

Recreation Room <Hunter HQ>

Rick Morgan continues to gently nudge Twila along, now into the recreation room itself, his sites set on that kitchen area and the freezer....namely the ice within it. However, just as he gets inside the door, he pauses long enough to give Twila's shoulder a gentle tug, and draws her close for a big hug. "Hey..." he offers then in a gentle tone. "...try not to let it get to you..."

Twila allows herself to be drawn into the embrace as well, and returns it with a tight squeeze. "I'll try not to...at least..." she gets out. "Thanks, bro."

Rick Morgan nods and gives a small chuckle, reaching up to gently ruffle Twila's hair. "Hey it's what I'm good for." he offers, before then pulling away and continuing to guide her into the rec room, and the kitchenette. "Now just find a seat while I whip something up here..." he offers, moving to the refrigerator and glancing into the freezer unit. It isn't long before he's procured several hand towels and a handful of ice, and combined them to create a makeshift icepack, which he then brings over to his sister. "Let's try this and see if it gives some relief alright?"

Twila Peterson perks her eyebrow after sitting on one of the barstools and watching Rick make his pack. She lets go of her hand once more, revealing the injury, and slightly frowns. "Alright. Sheesh...woulda been better if I would have known his head would have been so hard..." Reddish locks sway with the motion as she shakes her head with a quite sigh. "Felt like...it needed to be done at the time..."

Rick Morgan hrms. "First thing you gotta be careful of with a guy who's part machine part flesh..." he takes Twila's hand gently in his own, and raises the ice pack to set against the big bruise.

"Alot of the time they tend to be metal underneath in key points to. Most people who get a conversion go all the way for protection." He then sighs and glances down. "I'm just sort of an exception to the rule."

"Somehow I don't happen to think of those kinds of things at the time..." Twila muses quietly as her hand rests within his. Her eyes then trail down towards where Rick is currently looking before glancing back up towards him. "Perhaps the exception, perhaps not." she wouldn't know, not having met too many cyborgs within her time but a bare handful. Although...out of the those she met, only two have happened to show themselves to be beneficial. "Although...in some ways suppose you are."

Rick Morgan smiles faintly. "I'll take that as a good thing I guess. Consider mine for medical reasons..." At first anyway. Never mind the fact those are military grade legs strapped to his form.

"How's that feel?" he then asks gently, still keeping Twila's hand in his own, and keeping the ice pack in place.

Twila Peterson belatedly casts her eyes back down towards the icepack. "Starting to numb it a little," she admits. She flexes her thumb slightly before adding shyly, "You...didn't have to do this tho. I'm sure it'll heal alright on it's own."

Rick Morgan smiles faintly. "I didn't have to...but I wanted to. I mean, that's like if I wound up and hit a brick wall. I know I'd want somethin to take the sting away." He then settles back, letting the pack trail a bit for Twila to hold now. "Maybe it's just me fussin a bit..."

Twila can't help but quirk a tiny grin as her free hand moves to stabalize the pack. "Must run in the family I guess." There's a pause before questioning, "Feeling better than last night?" quietly in a change of subject.

Rick Morgan hmmms at that. "Actually...yeah." He offers. "After you came...and we talked, and we came back, I slept on it. I think I feel alot better about it all. I'm not going to forget what happened....I don't know if I'll be able to forgive real easily..." he sighs. "..but at least I'm not gonna be burning about it all the time now."

Twila's features soften as she searches him, and offers in response, "I know it won't be easy. Remember what I stated last night. I'll be here if and when you ever need me."

Rick Morgan nods slowly in response. "I know Twila...thanks. That means alot. The same goes for you too...." He tilts his head to the side then, as he finds a spot he can somewhat sit at the counter, raising his hands to help prop his chin up. "I'm just glad that this whole deal with the earth and it's state of affairs with...-them- is over at least. I kinda prefer when things are on a ground level that I can see and hear and actually deal with."

Twila Peterson genuinely smiles towards that. "When all this is...more easy to understand?" she asks, well already knowing the answer. The smile fades slightly as she considered something. "Although, I'm...not sure they're fully gone. You do recall Libra was here two days ago."

Rick Morgan sighs. "Yeah...true enough." he offers. "But the fact that they sent her -here- to you is something in itself. I don't think they're going to bother us anymore in that respect, whatever this 'balance' is that they went and supported has been upset. Heck...they have no more leader, and no more big gun to shoot the planet with. And it's been proven that they CAN be stopped."

Twila Peterson has to agree with that. How can she not. "I dunno...kinda wish they would somewhat do something to put everyone at ease. It's the least they can do after all the trouble they cause. Maybe a transmission or a sign stating 'We be outta here' or 'Elvis has left the building.' Something along those lines. Although...that would be expecting a bit too much more than likely."

Rick Morgan hmmms. "After all that's happened lately, frankly if they just stay away and we never hear from em again it would suit me just fine." He then sighs, and gives a small shrug, straightening up and stretching his arms out. "Ech...I dunno if it's likely to happen or not. Only time will tell. Anyways..." he offers, switching subjects quickly. "What's the time?" He glances to the nearest clock. "Looks like I'll be pulling an all night shift again."

Twila Peterson trails his gaze and notes, "It...is getting a bit late," knowing he can see the time as well as she. "Meanwhile...I better move myself off to bed after giving this pack a few more minutes...if nothing else. Been a bit of a day." With a sigh she turns back towards him, "Thanks for being there. Take care of yourself while you're up there in the center ok?"

Rick Morgan smiles and nods quickly. "I will. Take it easy on your hand. I'll check up on you during the night...just to make sure."

"Alright," she replies softly, wondering if it's just because of the hand he wishes to check up on her. More than likely not. But Twila's not going to say anything of it. "Love you."

Rick Morgan smiles, as he gets up from his seat, taking note to readjust his headband while he's at it. "Love you too Twila. Get a good night's sleep, and I'll see you tomorrow."

Twila Peterson shifts her weight as she prepares to part her own way as well. "Will do. Only this time in the center...no snoring. May mask and of the alarms..." she slightly teases.

Rick Morgan bahs good naturedly, as he begins to make his way out. "I'm not -that- loud." he offers, before snickering and giving one last glance over his shoulder. "G'night Twila.." With that, he then steps out to the hallway beyond, and goes on his way.