Twi345

Megaman - Sunday, August 20, 2000, 10:58 PM
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Rick's Pad <RP>
Better than it used to be, Rick's room has undergone a serious re-cleaning effort, though it still retains the qualities of a single male living in here. The far wall is covered in various charts and sketches, all of varying pieces of machinery in different states of repair, or cutaway views. Rick's bed, (which is generally unmade) sits tucked in the corner of the room, nothing special. On yet another wall, there's what appears to be a desk, with a terminal set up on top of it, which is constantly glowing as it's hooked up to who knows what type of information providing service. Finally, next to the door, there's a set of shelves upon which are set countless models, almost all of them being of different models of Ride Armor, or in different varying states of repair. Of course the largest model on the shelf is the replica of his real life project that he's sunk so much care into. The Kodiak.

Rick Morgan's room is relatively silent, save for the deep thrumm somewhere through the building that can be heard even through the walls. The continuous surge of power being supplied to the huge complex of Light Labs. Aside from this however, there's no more sounds coming from the serene scene. That is, until Rick starts moving in his bed, shifting from side to side, and squirming slightly, face twisted into almost an agonized expression.

But he isn't awake...no. Caught up in the threshold of the dreamworld. That which can give hidden fantasies to sleepers and turn them into reality for a brief time.

That which can also turn hidden fears into horrifying reality for that same time...though it seems to last much, much longer.

Twila Peterson pauses just outside the man's door and draws in a breath. Her visit is more than a simple break of studies. She felt rather urgently drawn up here. She calls out Rick's name in a whisper, knowing he's inside. But she's still hesitant on outright intruding. She raises her hand to knock, then tilts her head. Instead, she attempts to check if the door is already locked. Privacy be brushed aside. Her instinct is telling her now is not exactly the time...

Rick Morgan's door most certainly is not locked. In fact, he never locks it. Truth be told he really has nothing of value in here, and he's always had a trust with almost all of the other Maverick Hunters for that matter. Perhaps one or two he's had problems with but he's always been fairly confident they have no reason to snoop in his room.

Laid back in his bed, Rick gives a low grunt, turning again to the side, one hand balled into a fist as his head literally grinds into his pillow...and then he goes limp once more. Only to start up all over again, his form squirming lightly, body curling ever so slightly into a half-ball as well.

Twila Peterson blinks and stares at the sight illuminated from the light seeping in through the hallway as she enters. She reaches over to the wall to turn on the light at least half it's usual brightness. The girl carefully closes the door behind her and approaches the bed. Observing him for only a few scant seconds more it's seems she was justified coming back here. "Rick, Sis is here. It's alright. You're dreaming..." she tells him softly, not wanting to alarm him further.

Rick Morgan hmmms audibly, as he turns onto his back once more, at Twila's words he seems to calm for a moment, though only for a moment. His hands remain balled into fists, as they rest by his side. The edge of his mouth curls downwards for a brief second, showing clenched teeth, and his eyes remain squeezed shut tightly.

Finally, he sits up, in an abrupt flash of movement, eyes snapping open and form sitting straight-up. With a gasp of air that's a common sight for someone who's woken up from a restless sleep, Rick then places both hands down on the bed behind him, as he leans forward further, hanging his head and allowing his breaths to come in deep, slow gasps. He doesn't even acknowledge Twila's presence right away...as if unaware of her standing so close.

Twila allows him that time to catch his breath without speaking for the first few moments, merely standing there. Announcing her presence readily right now, by the look of his reaction, would probably only startle him even more at the moment. And that she would rather avoid. For the time being, she presses her lips together, watching him until some of his breathing beginning to return to normal. "You...alright?"

Rick Morgan indeed does start anyway, though not as badly as he might have. His head snaps up and to the side, as he stares towards the source of the voice. After a long moment, he lowers his gaze once more, and begins to shift around on his bed, dangling his feet over the edge of it. "Uh...yeah." he finally offers. "Just...out of breath...and still a bit tired. That's...all."

She idly wonders if he's been having these nightmares on and off...and that was the reason he needed to catch up on some sleep. Twila remembers waking up several times herself last night. Deep inside she new the cause. Though, at first, she attributed it to Rick having a bad night. Now...she's not so sure. "Must...have been some horrific dreams," she offers, but then adds, "Would a glass of water help right now?"

Rick Morgan sets his elbows on his knees, and lets hands drape down between them, as he hangs his head just a bit. Not held back by his bandanna, his hair hangs loosely as well, draping over even his face for the moment. He doesn't comment on the dream reference, but at the mention of water, he does give a slow nod, blonde locks bouncing with the motion. "Yeah...I think it would. Thanks."

Twila Peterson offers a nod in return and excuses herself to obtain his cup from the local men's room. After a few moments have passed the girl's back by his bedside and offers him the glass. "Here, this might help a little," she offers, holding out the glass for him to take.

Rick Morgan nods gratefully, and reaches out to take hold of the glass. He lifts it to his lips, and manages to drain away half of it before he finally lowers it once more to take a breath. "...better..." he murmurs, then lifting the glass to drink the rest of it's contents...and lower it for good.

After a few more moments, he straightens up, apparently regaining his composure. Or making an effort to at least. "Thanks Twila..."

"Welcome," she tells him in response. Twila quietly observes him, noting even if he is regaining composure whatever it was that was assaulting his subconscious while yet asleep had shaken him up quite a bit. Even if he doesn't feel ready, willing, or able to give reference to any details even if he should be ask, it's a fair bet he already realizes she knows something is up. Or...she wouldn't even be right there with him at this time. "Was kind of early for bed. Catching up somewhat?" she asks. That should be harmless enough.

Rick Morgan falls silent for a moment, as if careful of his wording, but he then gives a slow nod. "Yeah..." he says. "Kind of figured I oughta take the time to get rest since I missed out on some before. Just to...make it up that's all..." he gives a small shrug, and lets one hand clamp over the other in his lap.

Twila idly glances once towards where she had first entered and then back towards the cyborg. "If you want to try and grab a bit more, get back to sleep..." she starts. Half of her doubts he would want to, but she says it just the same in case he would rather. "Or, if your hungry can make you a snack in the---." She was going to say the Recreation Room. But that's closed off at the moment. "---Mess Hall."

Rick Morgan appears to think on that for a long moment, before he straightens a little more, giving a slow nod. "Kinda hungry now that I think on it..." he answers gently. "...how about I just get a shirt on and I'll join you then?"

Twila Peterson offers him a mock salute as she takes a step away, allowing him some room. "Sounds good. I'll meet you down there." So saying she moves towards his door. She hesitates once to toss him a concerned look. However, the glance is brief as is soon redirected towards the hallway as his door reopens to allow passage. "Cya in a few, Rick."

Rick Morgan nods, pushing up from his bed and starting to root around for a clean shirt. Or a relatively clean one for that matter anyway. "See you in a few Twila..." he answers.

After a short amount of time is past Twila can be found in the Dispensary and Mess Hall already setting out some food for a light lunch at one of the round tables...

Rick Morgan enters, wearing a shirt that seems almost two sizes too large, and his hair messed up somewhat in that 'just woke up' way. Even with his headband in place. He yawns visibly, and raises a hand to run through his blonde waves, as if to physically brush away that post-sleep daze. It seems as if it decided to kick in NOW on him....though he isn't ready to go back to sleep anytime soon. His course carries him into the hall, and closer towards the table where Twila sets out the light lunch.

Twila Peterson gets done with pouring the glasses of milk by the time her sibling arrives. She glances towards him, not commenting on his appearance, and gestures for him to have a seat...allowing him to make his own sandwich from what was provided. As for a fruit, an apple is already sitting on his plate. Looks as if she wants to make she he at least gets some kind of fruit. For herself, she has too small plumbs. "Eat anything today yet?"

Rick Morgan indeed does begin to put together a sandwich. Nightmares or no, he begins to assemble what can only be called one heck of a hoagie for that matter. "Nope," he offers for answer, which is evidently apparent by the size of the sandwich he's making. Oh don't worry, he'll eat the apple too, but that's in addition to the sandwich. He can't help but smirk slightly now, indeed feeling somewhat better. "Thanks Twila...I think I needed this."

The girl arches a slight brow at the near completion of his edible "masterpiece". "Must have," she grins after chewing and swallowing a bite of her own...something which is closer to the size of a normal sandwich on a croissant bun thankyouverymuch. She's almost about to ask "Sure that's enough?" teasingly and just about does, but stops at the last second. "No worries. Figured you might have been a little hungry anyway," she slightly shrugs.

Rick Morgan finishes assembling a sandwich, and with a quick motion, he sits back at the edge of the table, and lifts it up. Apparently he's been getting his wakefulness back with each passing moment. A large bite is taken out of the hoagie, though he does chew and swallow before eating. He's not THAT uncultured. "I was hungry actually..." he admits, and grins slightly. Then, as he takes a drink from his glass of milk, he tilts his head to one side. "What were you up to today so far?"

Him, hungry? Never would have guessed. But then, why shouldn't he be? Twila does know her brother and his appetite...which is why she had set out what she had. "Hmm...per usual Sunday routine," she answers. "Service earlier this morning...nap. Then some studies." She doesn't mention that had she the chance she usually tries to take Kyo out to the park. There's an inward sigh towards that. Just another reminder her little pet is gone. "Not much else really. Just grabbing the quiet time when it can be taken. You?" He catch up on sleep *all* day...

Rick Morgan hmmms quietly, taking several more generous bites of his sandwich, until finally lowering it again. Seems that momentary 'rush' of hunger that had kicked in has at least calmed itself down now. "Well, I've been spending alot of the day just sorting through network stuff, doing some personal research...that's all."

Personal research may mean just that: personal. But, Twila asks of it anyway in her own way. "Websurfing? Maybe I can help. I do have some background in getting info. Mind if I ask what you were looking for?" She was a journalist major at one time after all. Obtaining resources for her papers had been a must.

Rick Morgan ums...and drums the fingers of his free hand on the tabletop, as he looks down just a bit. "Well..." he starts. "..it wasn't anything big I was looking for or anything. I mean, not to say that...I uh..." he then sighs, and gives a slight shrug. "...guess I was just going through old reports of Robot Master attacks and such."

Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'Hey kids? Anyone awake?'.

Twila just about emits an "oh" when the cyborg is saved by the proverbial bell...or, in this case, the broadband. She offers a blink towards Rick, wondering if what he found sparked his little episodes before answering the radio. She then asks, "How...far back?"

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Define awake.'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'As in capable of giving me some back up over here, we got some civs who are injured down here...'.

Twila Peterson oh boys and quite nearly facepalms. Well, so much for the quiet night...

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Where's 'here'?'.

Rick Morgan blinks, glancing at the radio as well, and for a moment considers answering at the same time. He starts to say something, but falls silent as Twila does so instead. He then just drums his fingers on the tabletop, pondering....

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Zero, where are you and are you able to give a brief run-down?'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'Torontreal, Bass is on scene, and that pink chicka who gallivants around is here, apparently Bass has some kind of interest in her...'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: '*Yawn* Huh? What's going on? What's with all the comm traffic up here? I was finally falling asleep when all of a sudden I get someone yelling in my ear.'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: '*cough* ya know... isn't this where I got into that tussle with King? *cough* Remind me to stay away from this town in the future.'.

Twila Peterson moves to get up from her seat, and actually does facepalm towards the radio.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: '...Uh, okay. Note to self. Remind Zero to stay away from some town...Um, what' going on again?'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Torontrel, Feed...'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Uh, okay...What's up with Torontrel again?'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Bass in Torontrel, Canada. That help?'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: '...Uh, yeah...Bass? Um, what's he doing in Torontrel?'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Ask him.'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Uh, okay...'.

(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'Just to let everyone know, yes, that is Vile and the Goliath outside of the karaoke bar.'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Vile? Bar? Outside? Uh, what's he doing in there?'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'Heh, seems we're both good at finding trouble at the same time, eh, Sem?'.

(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'Certainly not singing drunkenly with the businessmen, Feedback.'.

Twila Peterson groans. So much for the quiet night indeed. She lets out a sigh. Apparently, her talk with Rick will have to wait...

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Shall I be setting out 3 Band-Aids in the medcenter for you gentlemen?'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Um, okay...So, um...Does this mean that I'm not going to be able to watch that show that's going to be on in about 5 minutes?'.

(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'Oh no, he just HAS to be on one of those homicidal rages. Like all the megalomaniacs are doing these days.'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: '*sigh* Feedback, the recorder is in the Rec Room and that's still sealed off. Now get going...'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Uh, okay.....Um, Twila?'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'hesitant* Yes?'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'How am I supposed to get the recorder if the Rec Room is sealed off?'.

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

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Feedback, they have funny things called reruns that you can see later. Now...go!'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'But its that live showing of that world wide comedy show. I've been waiting a whole month to see it.'.

Rick Morgan glances back towards Twila once more, and indeed takes a moment to take ANOTHER bite out of his sandwich. Just in case...never know when you might have to head out after all. "Boy you just gotta love how things fire up around here now and then..."

Twila Peterson doesn't even have words to now how to respond to Feedback. She runs a hand through her hair and sighs...counting to 10.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Cain told me he was taping that same show since it was on so late. If you ask him reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeal nice I'm sure he'd let you borrow it. Now please, for the sake of sanity...git!'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: '...*In a reluctant voice* Okay...Um, Twila?'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'What, Feedback?'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Where am I going again?'.

Rick Morgan grunts once, and taps the edge of his sandwich on the tabletop...he refrains from comment at first, but finally...

"You know, I wonder if somebody forgot to put something in when they made Feedback."

Twila Peterson flicks a glance towards Rick and shakes her head. "He sounds like he's only half awake. Why am I not surprised?"

Rick Morgan oyes. "You know, I think he'd go and walk off a cliff if he wasn't paying enough attention." he shakes his head again, finding the time to surprisingly finish his sandwich. Not that he's complaining about it one little bit of course.

Twila Peterson has to nod in agreement with a sigh. "Probably."

Rick Morgan blinks then, and straightens up. Even though he just finished his sandwich, it suddenly seems like it wants to come back -up- again. He manages to hold it down however, as he reaches right away for his radio.

Twila Peterson snaps off another radio towards Feedback...getting ready to throttle him, and then glances over towards Rick, noting he looks somewhat nauseous. "Rick?"

Rick Morgan just glances up, and is already moving to push himself out of his seat as he bites off another response. "It's Snake Man..." he returns. Which should be explanation enough.

Twila's features pale a little and, strangely enough, she feels slightly nauseous too now...

Rick Morgan begins moving back, away from the table itself. "I better get going..." he says quickly.

Twila Peterson watches him with widened eyes before reaching out and wanting to at least brush her hand gently against his shoulder. "Call me if you need me, kay?"

Rick Morgan pauses for a moment, before giving a slow nod, then reaching up to gently touch her hand as well. "I will..." he says gently, before then turning and dashing off at a quickened clip.

As he hurries out, all Twila can do is stare after. So caught up within her thoughts she doesn't notice when a droid comes by the table to clean up the leftovers from the small lunch...

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Uh, Twila? We've got a problem here.'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'What kind of problem? Am I needed there?'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Uh, don't think so. But I think that Zero's gonna be ***** when he wakes up...'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'More than usual?'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Uh, yeah...'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Something...I should know...?'.

(Ch. B []) Feedback transmits: 'Hey Twila. Sure hope you got the medbay ready. We're bringing back home an extra patient that's going to need some help.'.

(Ch. B []) Zero transmits: 'And keep her under surveilance... i don't know if it was just my eyes playing tricks on me or not, but I could swear she replicated my sabre...I want Dr. Light and Rock informed of this, it could turn out to be rather interesting'.

<Elsewhere...off the coast of Iraq...>

Rusty Freighter
Like most freighters, this one has a minimum amount of room devoted to living quarters, with the bulk of the interior space devoted to the cargo holds. There is a mess hall, and a hallway of barracks, but the ship seems totally deserted. The command center is dark, with only enough power on the vessel to allow for dim interior lighting. The floors are wet and slick, and the stink of rust and seawater is everywhere. Now and then, the ship makes a pitch that seems totally at odds with the motion of the waves.

A sudden *CLANK* splits the silence then, as a form swings itself over the railing and onto the deck of the ship. Crouching slightly, Rick pans his flashlight about, although the ship suprisingly DOES have lights on it right now, even if they are dim. For a few minutes he remains there, unmoving, until finally he straightens, and begins to make his way forward. His garb is no different than before, complete with tool belt, jacket and headband. As he moves towards the center of the fore deck, he then comes to a halt, glancing about himself, as if trying to decide just where he should be going.

.oO(This has gotta be it...)Oo.

The ship looks as if no one has been here for a long, long time. It bobs gently on the calm sea, and the only noise is the steady drip of water from somewhere and the rattling of a loose chain on deck as the ship moves with the motions of the sea. There's a faint rasping sound that only lasts for a few seconds, like metal on metal, but it is far away and difficult to pinpoint.

It's a sound nevertheless, and for a moment, Rick turns towards it. He frowns, furrowing his brow and wondering about how wise it would be to seek out the source of such.

Has he really got a choice though?

Hand moving back to rest on his wrench, as if it should give some sense of security, he begins to move forward, footfalls echoing out in his wake as he makes his way forward, heading for that sound. So much for the stealthy approach.

The rasping sound does not reoccur. But as Rick walks on, the tail of a Search Snake disappears through a doorway leading into the bowels of the ship.

Rick Morgan blinks, having seen that bit of motion. Again he halts, as if unsure, and he casts another glance about himself. After a few moments though, he finally gives in, and begins moving forward once more, pausing at the doorway to peer in, to see if he can spot the Search Snake. Standing in the doorway won't get him anywhere fast though, and soon he moves inside, flashlight still bobbing ahead of him.

Meanwhile, somewhere aboard that ship, a small floppy eared captive emits a yawn and groggily shifts her wait within the rusted cage she finds herself in. She peers out towards the blur in front of her. The cabbit blinks as she sluggishly rolls herself onto her stomach after the third try and wrinkles her nose. She stumbles in the dark upon hearing off noises somewhere above or around her. Being part cat does offer her some aid in seeing through the night. But that gives her little comfort. As the drugs she was given begin to wear off, so do their effects. As a result, the cabbit's fears begin to mount...

The scratching sound of metal on metal continues, as the Search Snake crawls through the halls, fully aware of the human following. The steady rocking of the boat hesitates for a moment, and a slight vibration can be felt through the soles of feet and in the walls. As if the cargo was settling. But what cargo could a boat like this carry?

Rick Morgan glances down, able to pick up the slight vibration through the sensors in his mechanical feet. His frown deepens that much more. Much as he would love to all but shoot the Search Snake right now, he follows it at a slow, relaxed pace, keeping no more than 10 feet behind it at all times, letting it lead the way.

The snake continues to lead the way, not even looking back to see if the human is following. From the increased dampness, the echoing of Rick's footsteps, and the cold clamminess of the air, it's clear that they are now below sea level. The halls are lined with closed doorways that look remarkably alike. A few of them have puddles of water or other dark fluids seeping out from under them. It's hard to tell in this low light exactly what it is. But one thing's for sure, it's not a nice place to be.

Kyo-Ohki snaps her head around as another creak sounds where she is currently. But all she sees are the faint shadows around and about her. She lets out a terrified whisper of a "mew" and cowers within the corner of her cage, trembling. <*sniff* I wanna go home!>

Rick Morgan certainly isn't about to try and enjoy the sights. He has much different things on his mind right now. The beam of his light continues to sweep back and forth, like some sort of pole poking through the dimness. His gaze continues to settle on the snake as well, as he likes this course even less and less with each passing minute.

The snake continues along its path, the faint rasping of its metal scales barely identifiable over the echoing of Rick's footsteps. As they round a corner into yet another hallway, the floor is suddenly submerged in an inch of rusty water. The smell is foul, and it's plain that this water probably came from the bilge. The snake seems unconcerned, half swimming through the iron sludge.

Meanwhile, at the end of the hall lies the engine room, the spot wher e the cabbit waits in the rusty cage. Suddenly, there's a movement in the deep shadows over the door, which is lined with thick pipes for the water that once cooled the massive engines. One of the pipes above the cage starts to leak, raining a slow drip drop on the miserable inhabitant.

Rick Morgan pauses at the water's edge, screwing his face up in disgust.

.oO(Figures...)Oo.

His hesitation is brief at best however, and before long he's already moving forward once more, feet splashing through the shallowness and kicking up small splashes in their wake.

.oO(I'm going to have to hose myself off when I get out of here...)Oo. He then pauses and corrects himself. .oO(If I get out of here.)Oo.

Kyo-Ohki perks up an ear, hearing more noises. Releasing a meowrph in response she takes an unsteady step again towards the bars...batting at them with a paw as some more of the sluggishness fades. She then lets out a slightly stronger "mew"...followed by another, more insistent, "mew"...

Snake Man gives the cabbit a nearly silent hiss, and his yellow eyes glow for a brief moment before he turns his attention to the doorway below him.

The puddle ends just before the doorway at the end of the hall, and the snake enters the room, bumping the door adjar enough for the cabbit to be seen huddled in a rusty cage sitting on a flimsy metal table. The snake's pace increases suddenly as it makes a beeline for the mech-animal. It hisses in an ominous fashion, and it's pretty clear that what looks like might happen when it gets underneath the cage: kaboom!

Rick Morgan blinks again as the door is pushed open by the snake, his flashlight beam already illuminating into the room itself. For a moment, he sets his sights on the cage, not realizing what it is, until he actually hears the sounds coming from it. Eyes widen faintly, and all warning signs go up, screaming *TRAP* in more ways than one.

And those signs are instantly ignored, as he trails the path of the snake, and curses under his breath.

.oO(This just gets worse...)Oo.

"Oh no you don't!" Rick blurts, already moving in one fast series of hops. Explosive the snake may be, but explode it cannot if useless it is rendered. Without much fanfare, Rick brings one of those reploid-sized boots down as he darts into the room, aiming right for the little snake's form with all of his weight, hopefully before it can go off.

*CRUNCH*

<Meanwhile...back at base...>

Medical Bay <Hunter HQ>
This room is kept immaculately clean and organized, from the polished tile floor to the bright exam lights and walls painted with soothing colors. Several repair and medical beds for robot and human patients line the walls, monitors above them indicating the status of the patient's vital signs. There are no windows here, as this is in the center of the floor and heavily reinforced against possible attack. It is here that the Maverick Hunter medics patch up the wounded.

Twila Peterson idly nods towards Feedback and lets out a sigh as she continues repairing the stranger that had bee brought back by him and Zero some time ago. Finally she can't hold back any longer. "Snake Man's been holding my cabbit hostage and is forcing Rick to meet alone with him...or Snake kills her!"

Feedback blinks and looks over at Twila now looking fully awake, "Eh? What the? How did? Where did? What did? What the heck is going on? How in the world did Snake Man get Kyo out of the labs? And what do you think that Rock or someone else is going to say when they hear about this? And lemme guess. Ricks gone off now to go and get Kyo back from this Snake Man?...How in the world did Kyo -get- into the WilyStar in the first place? Correct me if I'm wrong. But last time I checked, that thing was several thousand miles above ground zero here."

Twila Peterson lets out a disgruntled sigh. "I don't know. Kyo must have gotten out by accident somehow. Apparently the android came across her while he was by the Labs." She then adds, "And, yeah...Rick went to where Snake wanted to eet him. No idea where."

Feedback shakes his head, "Feh, this is just great. First we have a problem with this mystery girl here. Then Sem's got something going on, and now Kyo's in the hand of Snake Man who wants to eat her or something."

Twila seals up a panel shortly before allowing the patient's systems to take over for now. "What about my brother? He's the reason Snakes nabbed Kyo in the first place. He wants him dead!"

Feedback nods slowly looking around, "Well, did Rick at least take the Kodiak with him or something? Come on, do you really think that Rick's got much of a chance if Snakes wants him dead? The guys likely to kill both of them or something."

She doesn't mean to, but Twila does snap out. "If Rick had taken to Kodiak I wouldn't be so worried as I am now."

Feedback nods slowly thinking before he starts to mumble, "And I'd have an easier time tracking him if he did..." He looks back at Twila, "Well, this is a fine mess that I'm not going to be looking forward to cleaning up. So, you think that Rick's got a chance on doing this without getting busted up again? Or should I start tracking him down?"

Twila very well trusts her brother. It's Snake Man she doesn't trust. But, that's a given to almost anyone. "I told him to call me if there was a problem. But it could be too late if we wait that long."

Feedback nods, "My thoughts exactly. So how about we just try and pinpoint his location first and then we can go from there. It'll at least let us get there a lot faster since we'll know where we're going if nothing else. And if nothing happens, there's no problems since we never left the base. That sound alright?"

Twila Peterson nods in agreement. "Yeah..." she mumbles. Just knoing where he is may place her mind at ease. But not by much. "I'll come with you up to the center. The guest will be out for awhile yet and I've done all I can for right now," she says, already getting out of her smock...

Feedback nods and smiles before placing a small object on a table and then heading towards the door, "Alright then. We'll just figure out where he is and maybe we can see how things are going. But since this is Rick, he'll probably have Kyo home safe and sound before we know it."

Kyo-Ohki emits a shrill cry as she begins becoming a bit more active within her containment, her actions slightly josteling the cage holding her within the process. When she spies the recognizable cyborg and hurries back and forth from one side of the cage to the other, "Mewmewmew!!!" <Get me outta here! I want mommy! I want Mommy!>

The boot comes down squarely on the Search Snake's tail, and it reflexively whirls around to latch onto Rick's boot with its teeth. Not that it makes much of a difference, because at that moment, a shadow detaches itself from the pipes above, as Snake Man's form drops onto the human's back, trying to bear him to the ground. His sharp teeth clamp down on Rick's shoulder, burying themselves to the gums.

<Elsewhere...>

As the girl sets down her protective wear she freezes...and pulls back from the seat. Her hand instinctively flies up to her shoulder. "Let's just hurry..." she states as she recomposes herself and follows after, holding in a sharp wince. The pain seems to fade a little. But the lasting effects do not. She already knows what must have happened. "Rick's already been attacked..."

<Meanwhile...>

Rick Morgan growls as he feels the slight crunch of the snake's form underneath his boot. Unfortunately, he of course gets caught up in the moment, and doesn't realize the ambush until it's too late. With a sudden howl of pain, he feels the fangs sink into his shoulder like twin knives, a feeling he's all too familiar with. At first, a cold grip of realization sets in on him if Snake Man might poison him...but in the next instant, there's nothing short of actual rage there.

With Snake Man's design being surprisingly light and mobile, Rick actually manages to stay upright, even with the android clinging to his back. With his right shoulder immobilized for the critical seconds, Rick's left-hand fumbles at his tool belt, digging, and suddenly pulling out something like looks like a hilt.

*FZZZT!*

The energy blade hums to life, as Rick all but snarls. "...*********!" And with that, his left-hand darts out, over his shoulder and sending the blade hurtling forth, aiming for something. Anything. An eye, the face, the mouth, anything will do to suit him right about now.

The blade's hum increases in pitch as it whistles through the air, almost as if anticipating the bite of something, whether it be flesh or android syntheskin.

Snake Man's eyes are closed for the bite, but his heat sense is completely active. Still keeping his grip on Rick's shoulder, he pulls his head to the side, leaving short, bloody furrows. But maybe he's not quite fast enough, or there's more resistance than he though, because the blade catches him on the side of the face, just under where his nose would be if he had one. It cuts a gouge of destruction as it skitters along the frame of his face, going only an inch underneath his eye and cutting through the lip of the snake helmet. Fluid immediately wells from the wound, getting in his eye and blinding him momentarily. With a loud angry hiss that bubbles out around Rick's blood, he releases his grip and stumbles backwards.

Twila sends a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "Rick, if you can hear me...send out a signal or two from your radio...automatic if you have too..."

Rick Morgan feels the momentary release, and the sudden shock of his wound as it's no longer being held in the tight grip of Snake Man's mouth. Much as he wants to reach up and hold it right now, his training still kicks in. Human or no, he's still been trained enough in hand to hand combat to know he has to take an advantage while he can. Spinning about, he places his good hand on the top of Kyo's cage, using it as a brace as he leaps up and lashes out with both feet, right for Snake Man's chest, to help him -keep- stumbling backwards and hopefully right on out that door. "Shoulda...GUESSED you would go for a sneak attack! No good...belly-draggin..." He is of course dimly aware somewhere far off of his radio going off, although to reach it right at this moment in time would not only be a neat trick to see...it's also impossible.

By now it seems the small mech-animal is regaining more and more of her alertness as well as alertness. The cage continues to be jostled back and forth by her activity. However, as soon as it's picked up she starts to quiet down a little. Still, she knows she's not out of danger and claws at the bars...begging to be let out, not realizing that she simply can't be right now.

Snake Man is still blinded from the mech fluid welling from his facial cut. As he finally regains his balance, he wipes his face with his gun arm, trying to clear out his vision. He's preoccupied with this task for only a second, but the kick that comes on his blind side takes him completely by surprise. He stumbles backwards, but not out the door like Rick had hoped. Instead he crashes into the wall beside the doorway. One yellow eye regards the human like an endless pool of hatred and malevolence. The other is shut tight, the fluid already starting to gel and seal it shut.

Rick Morgan grunts, falling to one knee for a moment as he briefly loses his balance. Without another word, he turns with the energy blade, and jams it into the bars of the cage, slicing it through what he can reach and finally moving towards the lock itself. Without much fanfare, he pulls the door open and reaches in to scoop up Kyo with his good hand, bringing her close to his chest. He lets his injured arm dangle there, not totally immobilized, but still painful right now as he can feel it stiffening up. It's then that he glares right back at Snake Man, almost spitting. "It figures...picking on those weaker than you to get at someone else. Here I am, a lowly 'human' as you would put it, and you STILL never had the courage to face me! You had to drag someone else into it! You're beyond a coward Snake Man...I don't there's even a word to describe you. Dragging yourself on the ground is a good place...but you're even lower than that."

Kyo-Ohki eagerly scrambles out of her confinement and into Rick's arm, snugging him in gratitude wiggling enough to try and offer his chin cabbit kisses between whimpers.

Snake Man's retort is just as full of venom (what else?). He uses the wall to straighten himself up. "Don't think you've won, human. I ssstill have sssome tricksss up my sssnakey sssleeve. All your moralizing will not sssave you from the fate I have planned."

With those words, the ship suddenly vibrates again, this time much harder than before. Even more worrisome, the ship settles slightly starboard, and loose objects start to slide across the floor as the water in the room all rushes to one side.

Snake Man's eye glitters again, and a terribly evil grin crosses his features. "Run human. Unlesss you can breath underwater."

Another vibration rocks the boat...

Rick Morgan blinks, having to reach out and steady himself with his injured arm, since he's holding Kyo with his good one. He winces faintly, glancing about himself, as he begins to clue in just WHAT is happening. With a quick motion, he has no choice but to shift Kyo to his injured arm, gently keeping her in the crook of it and close to his body. He glares back towards Snake Man, and without another word, bursts into motion, already streaking forward as fast as he can and tearing up a sudden wall of water in his wake.

After the message is actually sent it doesn't matter if Rick actually responds...at least with tracking him down is concerned. "Ok. Radio was able to make contact..." she pause for a moment then continues to "suit up".

Feedback nods, "Okay. Well, this should make things a lil' easier. Though, helps if the guy would respond. Sorry to say this, but where in the world did you two get the crazy idea that he should go out alone? Sorry to say this, but one on one without the Kodiak or something, Rick kinda doesn't stand much of a chance against Snake Man. You could of at least told me so I could of kept a signal lock on him or something so we would know where he was if something like this happened." He then shakes his head, "No luck yet. I've got one of the searches going on that radio signal. And right now I'm trying to get access to the transporter logs to see where he went. Then, I'm trying to go and see if any of those nice spy satellites were watching where he teleported too and see if that'll work. I think I'm getting somewhere, but I really wish that he would just call us and tell us where he is. You have no idea how much simpler that would be."

So...she tries again...

Twila sends a tightbeam radio transmission to Rick Morgan: "If you can, hit the button, send an automatic distress..."

Rick Morgan sends Twila a tightbeam radio transmission: "Now...REALLY isn't an easy time!"

Feedback nods, "Well, guess I'll just follow the signal and see where it goes before I loose it. Wish my bro was here. He'd be able to do this twice as fast as I could. Radios are his department, not mine. Though, I'm getting somewhere with that transporter log. Got a general location on him. Though the specifics aren't there yet."

Feedback smiles and nods. That one response did it. "Yup, got him. He's off at, 'random string of GPS location numbers'. We go there, and we should find Rick...Gimme a sec though, gonna download the programs I'm running to my pad so I can try and find him if he's moving or something." Feedback pulls out his pad and quickly transfers the program before standing up and looking over at Twila, "Okay...That should just about do it. Ready to go and see how much trouble your bro just got himself into?

Twila Peterson dips her chip sharply as she reclaims her radio and looks every bit as ready to go. Just point her in the direction. "Very. Where exactly is he?"'

Feedback says, "Exactly? Well, 'cording to this location...Um...He's right there." Points at a place on the map. "Um...Actually, we might have a wee bit of a problem here."

Twila Peterson glances towards where the reploid is pointing towards the screen...and her heart sinks. "What...how's he get out...?" She then turns towards Feedback. "Whatever he's in...we'll deal with it deal with what we can at a time..." And with that she hurries into the Teleporter with feedback close behind...

The cutter slices cleanly through the old, weak metal. But what is on the other side is not the ocean, but the opening to the main cargo hold, now awash with water flowing in from cracks in the hull high above. The boat is now listing severely, weighted down by water, and the sole occupant of the hold, the source of all the trouble. One of Snake Man's giant snake minions is pounding its head into the wall, causing more cracks and more water to cascade down from above.

Rick Morgan blinks, and stares beyond the open cargo bay door area, to the giant snake. He fights back the impulse to just run for it, head somewhere else. In fact, this is about his only choice. So against his better judgment, he steps into the room, still holding Kyo in the crook of his arm, as he moves further out into the opening, hoping the big lug doesn't see him. As the water rises up higher and higher, he rises with it, until it gets closer and closer to the ceiling itself. With his good hand bracing there, he all but fights the panic that wants to take over, and takes in one last, deep breath, before ducking under once more.

It's then that the hidden ports in the bottom of his feet slide open, revealing the little underwater jets that thrumm to life, propelling him forward like some torpedo, already streaming for the openings that have been made. His grip on the cabbit remains tight and firm, as he fights the current itself, and tries hard to ignore the sudden, agonizing burn on his shoulder from his injury's exposure to the salt water.

Kyo-Ohki doesn't have time enough to sound out the mip of protest as they go fully into the water. Even as she opens her mouth it's immediately filled with seawater!

Father below within the freighter the snake continues to pound on the walls, the ship groaning its death rattle as its bow rises from the sea. The weak metal can't take the strain, and suddenly the ship splits in half, the bow crashing down in a wash of water as the stern breaks away and is lost in the depths below. The giant snake suddenly takes notice of the human holding the wet rat that jets past its nose. Its head darts forwards and the jaws snap shut just a foot behind Rick, and it moves to give chase as the bow starts to founder. From below a solitary figure rises from the deep, still far below the surface, but just visible...

Outside, after procuring a boat as well as one of the natives to guide the Hunters and his ally set course on the Indian Ocean towards direction of the point of origin for those transmissions.

The man steering the craft points up ahead towards the out-of-place object ahead of them. "My, word...what is that?" he exclaims...

Feedback looks at his pad and then looks around for a bit trying to spot the ship Rick's on, "Well, according to this reading. They shouldn't be far now. Gee, sure hope that Light won't mind me using the Hunter's expense account to pay for this boat ride." He then looks up as the captain or someone starts talking about something, "He looks over at what it is and then sighs, "Well, least we found them...Just hope we're in time."

The young man of Middle Eastern decent crisply nods and continues heading the craft within that particular direction. "A wonder that's still sea worthy," he muses...probably not helping ease anyone's frame of mind at the moment. But he's actually right. Outwardly it does seem to be treading water... "And your friend is somewhere in *that*?" he asks, aghast...

Feedback eyes the ship and nods, "Yup. He's on there. Believe it or not, but we -are- going to go over there after him...And that furball of a cabbit that caused all of this trouble...Twila, remind me that I need to get your cabbit a present when we get back to Neo-Tokyo."

Twila Peterson nods worriedly towards the man in agreement with the reploid. She doesn't reply to his comment regarding the "present". Save that for when they happen to get them both back. "All I know is he's trapped somewhere in there and he's trying to get out. But he's hurt," She can't help but be afraid he won't be able to make it out in time, obviously.

Feedback pockets the pad now that they're close enough to the derilect ship. He now starts to look around the ship for one of those nifty life preservers all ships have. Spotting one, he runs over and picks it up before running to the front of the ship and looking around in the water for Rick and of course the cabbit. The true source of all of this trouble. Some ways away, he manages to spot what looks like some kind of a motor stream from the bubbles and even more curious, a small red mist that's gathering in one part of the ocean. "Huh, wonder what the hecks causing that red mist stuff. Hey, is that Rick I see over there?"

"Ohmygosh, it is! Rick!!" Twila calls our worriedly, even as the boat's pilot stears the craft in that direction and propels it forward. "What's wrong? We've got to...!"

Rick Morgan continues swimming his way up, now paddling with his good arm as well as letting his built in water-jets propel him along. Lungs all but bursting at this point, he finally breaks the surface, taking in a deep gasp of oxygen, filling his lungs once more with fresh air that he so desperately needs. "Guh..." he manages, turning his head just enough to glance back at the ship as it's going down. Around his form, a small red mist begins to form in the ocean water around him...

And he remains unaware of the giant leviathan coming up from below...

Meanwhile, Kyo sinks her claws within the cyborg's clothing...holding on for dear life. She's beyond mewing now...only able to sputter out the salt water. Even as she does she picks up the pretty colors coming from below and peers downward from where they came to have a looksee...

A dark shape appears below the floating human, passing under him and then turning back and upwards towards the surface. Jaws wide, the giant snake surfaces under and around Rick, its head covering him up to the legs and slamming down hard just below where metal meets flesh. Rising from the surface of the water about 10 feet, it throws back its head, allowing the human and the cabbit to slide down its wide metal throat...

Rick Morgan urks as the jaws indeed clamp shut on his legs, and he's lifted into the air in the snake's giant mouth, thrashing about for a split second as his eyes widen. "Oh....cripes!" he blurts out, as everyone is given that bird's eye view of both cyborg and cabbit in the snake's jaws...right before it tosses it's head back and both go down the hatch. Literally. In the sudden squirm, Rick's jacket comes off at the same time, snagged on the snake's giant teeth, and coming to rest there, caught in place. Meanwhile...Rick and Kyo have both slid out of sight...into the mechanical monster's mouth.

Just then the young man points, soundless in his horror. His other hand handles the steering mechanism control within a shaken grip, ready to move back. "...................."

Twila gets cut off and just stares at the sight. "No! We've come this far! There's gotta be something we can do to help them...!"

Feedback blinks and stumbles back as the giant snake comes out of the water before falling down and watching it devour both Rick and Kyo, "Crud. Where in blazes did that thing come from?" He looks around and then at the giant snake wondering what he's going to do to get himself and everyone else out of this one alive. He just simply shifts into his armor and starts charging weapons for lack of any better ideas, "Um, if anyone has any idea. I'd be glad to hear them."

The giant snake's neck arches as it starts to make a dive. Entering smoothly, a single hump shows on the surface for a moment before the tail flips up above the surface and vanishes. The snake propels itself with powerful sweeps of its body, heading downwards towards its master.

Deep underwater, at the very tail of the serpent itself, there's a sudden flash...followed by a brief slicing motion of the light, a small, almost minuscule section of the creature's hide suddenly falls away. And what may come from this you may ask?

None other than a certain someone wielding his torch in hand still, with his water-jets pushing him forward as fast as possible, towards the surface, and that dark shape floating on it.

Without much ceremony, Rick breaks the surface just next to the boat floating in the water, coughing and sputtering as he lifts up with his free hand to set Kyo in the boat. She'll pardon him hopefully if he's isn't super-gentle with how he does so. It's then that he clings to the side, still gasping for air and struggling to even see anymore, as he tries to get his sense of equilibrium back. "Guh..." he finally manages. That's about it.

Twila Peterson is already scrambling to the edge of the craft as Rick tries to steady himself there. She moves past the very wet, very damp, and very dazed cabbit and is already offering her brother a hand inside. Failing to reach it she instead takes hold of his upper arm. "Rick...it's me. Grab on...!"

The snake doesn't seem to have noticed this occurrence, still swimming downwards with broad sweeps of its body as it obeys the mental commands of its master. Neither are close enough to the surface to see what's going on.

Feedback hmms and watches as Twila drags Rick aboard and then runs back to the guy driving the boat and starts yelling at him to get out of here, "Lets move it. Full reverse and get us out of here, unless you wanna be dealing with that snake over there?" He then looks over at Twila, "Twila, hope you got Rick and Kyo aboard cause we are getting out of here A.S.A.P."

Rick Morgan grunts, scrambling up with Twila's help, all but too exhausted to really do anything else. Rather ungracefully, he's helped up and into the boat, where he proceeds to roll over and land on the bottom with a rather heavy *WHUMP*, indeed hitting the floor like a wet sack of potatoes. With that, he rolls over onto his back, staring upwards as he tries to catch his breath.

The good news? While the salt water may have stung something fierce, it's helped marvelously in clotting the bite wound on his shoulder, so it's no longer bleeding anymore. Still hurts like heck...

Meanwhile, Rick just motions to the side, trying to get his breath back. "Told you...I'd...get her..."

The young man doesn't need any prompting, As soon as the cyborg is on board he makes a careful U-Turn and begins swiftly heading back towards the port.

"Just...just stay still. I'll do what I can until we get back..." Twila tells him. Already kneeling down beside him she bends downward, planting a gentle a kiss to his forehead. A small toss is caste towards her mech-animal as the soggy cabbit lays physically and emotionally spent to offer her owner as much as a "yip". The girl gently scoops up Kyo within a nearby towel, gently hugs her, wraps her inside, and places her within Feedback's arms. "See if you can help her get warm until we get home...kay?" She then turns again towards Rick...trying to tend to his injuries as best as she can while ahead of the craft...the faint cropping of land looms in sight.

The cabbit manages a soft coo as she cuddles herself within the makeshift blanket...simply content to be back among friends and family. At the moment, dares not be concerned about anything other than...

============================== Maverick Hunter ===============================
Message: 10/44 Posted Author
Torontreal, Bass, and Pinkness Mon Aug 21 Zero
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*Zero appears on the screen, looking downright haggard and thrashed.*

"Tonight I went for a walk in Torontreal after my patrol to get away from it all and I ran into that pink armored girl who's been popping up in the news now and then. We had a small conversation and then I left, which is when my li'l brother decided to show up and raise a fuss. Anywho, to make a long story short, he ran like the coward he is after knocking the girl out, and I got a tad roughed up as well, but anyway, I brought her back here because I noticed something kinda funny. She had grabbed my sabre after I dropped it, and seemed to be able to replicate it... Rock, Dr. Light, you might wanna run some tests on her before we release her. Cuz if she -is- able to replicate weapons, then this might end up being a pretty serious issue. Apparently Wily's keen on this as well, because Bass showed up specifically to apprehend her as far as I could tell. Anywho, keep an eye on her, I don't want her leaving the base until we can get some scans on her and ask her some questions. Maverick Hunter XO Zero out."

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Message: 10/45 Posted Author
Kyo's Back Mon Aug 21 Feedback
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*The usual Maverick Hunter insignia is replaced with none other than good ol' Feedback's face. Smiling, the lil' reploid starts his report.*

Hey all, how goes it? Me? Well, I've had better days. Course, I do have some good news to report. Thanks greatly to the efforts of none other than our own Rick Morgan, we were able to get that cute lil' cabbit Kyo back from the Robot Masters. Now, I don't pretend to know the specifics, you'll have to go ask Rick or Kyo bout those. Good luck trying to understand that cabbit's side of the story if you try talking to her. Though, from what I understand. Seems as if Snake Man contacted both Rick and Twila about Kyo and told Rick to go and pick her up, alone that is. Course, Rick went off like the good brother he is and Twila and I followed. Making a long story short, he retrieve the cabbit and all of us got back to the labs in one piece. Heh, I'd just love to see the face on Snake Man's face soon as he learns that Rick's still alive and kicking.
And on a side note. I managed to get a few new pictures for my scrapbook. Why would you guys be interested you ask? Well, I'll tell ya why. These pictures happen to show Bass begging Zero for mercy. Got several of them and I'm going to be sending them off to some of the news outlets so they can maybe write a story about it or something. And of course, if anyone wants a copy, just say so and I'll be glad to give ya one. Just too bad that the coward ran as usual otherwise we'd be celebrating his demise. Well, just letting ya'll know that we got Kyo back and that Rick's going to be a little tired for the next few days....Uh, and Dr. Light...Don't worry about a Ben's Shipping business cost on the labs medical account. I sorta had ta borrow a bit of cash so we could go and rent a boat to go and follow Snake Man and Rick. Now don't get mad. I'm going to pay you back, its just going to take a lil' while for me to get the money together. Uh, just put it on my tab for now, and I'll pay you back as soon as I get the money together. Anyways, I'm off for another graveyard duty shift. This is Feedback, signing off. Later all.

*Feedback's face fades as it is replaced by the Hunters insignia*
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