Megaman - Saturday, September 02, 2000, 8:14 PM
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Rooftop Runway - Hunter HQ

There's a bit of movement coming from the direction of the main doors that lead to the command center. A bit of movement that belongs to a certain individual who's been gone for about a week. Some of it on recovery, but most on official 'business' so to speak. Hey, even a guy like Rick has to have his contacts set up for obtaining spare parts.

Not everyone will sell to a bunch of 'vigilantes' after all.

With a clank, he sets down the backpack he was carrying over one shoulder, the metallic rattle suggesting he may have brought a few 'samples' with him from his field trip for that matter. Seems like his first destination after stepping off the teleporter was right for the runway. Aw....looks like he missed his work.

Busily brushing off her hands, but doing little more, Twila is more than able to pick up on a familiar set of footsteps as the cyborg emerges onto the runway. She easily sees him. But it's as he moves across the surface and sets down his wares it's a good bet that he doesn't readily see her. Perfect. Twila grins somewhat mischievously and makes her way around some of the mecha there until she's more discretely able to approach her brother from behind. Trying not to topple him...just startle him. "Honey, I'm home...!"

Rick Morgan ACKS as he's pounced on, almost toppling over from startlement anyway, though he manages to keep upright nevertheless. With a quick motion he swings back and gathers Twila up into a big swinging hug of welcome. "What's this now? Your POOR tired, foot-weary brother comes home lookin to take things easy, and you go and jump on him?" With that though, he snickers, still swinging Twila about in a half-arc as he returns the affection in full. "Glad to know I was missed."

Twila Peterson can be heard giggling even as she tightly snugs her brother. Well, I have been trying to practice," she, hugging him. "Seems you got the response part down just right tho. So...how'd things end up going, hmmm?" she questions." She's not usually like this (well, ok...maybe she is), but something needs to be said about caring for a sibling in recovery from another near death experience before he goes out and about again on business.

"Pretty good.." Rick grins as he responds, swinging Twila down so she's standing now just in front of him. "I got myself a new supplier set up and all. Since the old ones have to take a hiatus from their work. I mean, it's not like this is vital...we get our stuff from other places too. But it makes it easier for me.
Twila notes, "True enough. And would think it gives more options...just in case. Hope there weren't any problems along the way." It's then some of her curious nature gives way and she looks towards the bag of "samples" he happened to bring back from his small trip. "Sounded a bit heavy when I heard you set it down. Lemmee guess...more doo-dads to work and toy with?"

Rick Morgan smirks and reaches down to shoulder the bag once more, hoisting it up to the ready again. "Let's say that for businessmen it pays to advertise so to speak. And free samples are usually the best way to advertise what you make." At that, he moves over to the nearest table, and dumps out the contents, which consist of indeed a rather confusing array of bits, pieces and knickknacks of all varying sizes.

Mixed in amongst those are some that carry a suspicious symbol....namely with a big W emblazoned on them.

Rick of course gestures to those. "Battlefield salvage..."

Twila Peterson studies some of the knickknacks placed on display, frowning a little as she does indead notice the allegiance set on the various assortments. "Hmmmm....so I see. Not like there's any complaint here about seeing some of Wily's repair bills go up. Where's you come across this stuff?"

Rick Morgan shrugs. "Actually it was in Rio. Must be left over from one of the recent battles...or one from awhile ago. Stuff looks like it has some weather effects on it from aging out in the open and stuff. Just figured I'd scrounge em up since they were there." He grins then and places his hands on his hips. "Considering we have more than one case of 'salvage' running around here, I guess it wouldn't hurt." He's of course referring to a certain hardhat.

Speaking of said Hardhat, Harold is currently working on some very minor touch-ups regarding one of the routine systems. He hops back onto the scaffold as he's done and scuttles on back down to the ground, almost as if remembering something. The Metool bops happily as he disappears into a cabinet located just inside the hanger with a single "Bleep".

Twila idly turns in the direction where the sound comes from, recalling how Harold had been working a various chore or another within the background while the two had been talking. "Newp, prolly not. And said 'salvage' seems to be working alright as it is too. Even started to get him to use one or two of those newer attachments. I think he's getting the hang of flying now."
Rick Morgan jerks a thumb back to one of the near 2-story tall mecha that dominate the entire hangar bay itself. "Should be real handy if we need him to do some work on the big fellahs. Means he can get up there real easily with that little arc welder of his." He then crosses his arms thoughtfully. "I'll give Wily credit on one thing. He built them useful...."

The young woman concedes with a small nod. "I'll at least have to agree with that. Shame that Wily's as mad and as crazed the way he is. If it's weren't for his present state of mind," or lack of it, "he would have contributed a great deal that could have been a help. Instead..." Twila helplessly shrugs, not being able to offer much more than that. As in the case with Wily, Hitler had a genius few would deny as well. But how they used that intellect and their skills was where they horribly had gone wrong.

Rick Morgan gives a slow nod. "Amazing what even just an ego can do in the end huh?" He then shrugs, and spreads the parts out on the table, as if getting them ready so he can have a look at them later in the day at some point.

"Oh well...best not to dwell on that anyway. Not like I can will the old man to grow a halo and a set of wings just thinking about it."

Twila makes somewhat at a face at that image. "And be roaming around in a gown besides? Thanks for the nightmares," she mock-grumps. Besides, to think what would have happened if the wedding ceremony had been completed...then she *would* have. She blinks down at the parts, picking one up and examining it. Circular in shape, it looks nothing more than a solid ball to a socket of sorts. Although, she highly doubts that's what it is. "What's this?"

Rick Morgan glances over to the part that's being held up, and scratches his chin for a moment. "Well, not entirely sure, but it almost looks like the base of a socket-setup. If it looks like some part of it had an extension broken off, it might be a bearing for the limb off some sort of android of Wily's make. As for what model it belongs to...well that's anyone's guess." He then places one hand on the edge of the table, and leans over slightly to the side, letting it hold his weight.

Twila mouths a silent "oh" as she peers once more at the "ball". "Better exclamation than I woulda had at any rate." She slightly grins and places it back with the rest of the odds and ends. "Think anything in this could be of help to Harald?"

Rick Morgan twists his mouth slightly in a thoughtful gesture, simultaneously reaching up to brush a stray bang out of his eyes. Seems he's been letting his hair grow longer than is even considered normal for him. And it's starting to show...even his bandanna can't hold it all anymore.

"Well unless they're modular and made for his model, it might be difficult. I can't really make any calls on that right now though. I'd have to pick through them and see."

"Yeah. Been studying an the different types of Hardhats the Hunters know of ever since you reprogrammed the Metool for me several months back. But, thought I'd ask anyway...just in case." After all, most of the attachments the Metool has now is due to scavenge-hunts. Twila perks an eyebrow towards her sibling, taking some notice of how of his grooming, hair-wise anyway. She probably notices it more now than before since his minor interlude. "Hair's getting long," she states in mild observation. If Twila were anyone else but his sister she wouldn't have said it. But then, Rick probably wouldn't have taken it from anyone else either.

Rick Morgan pinches the tip of the one strand that keeps wanting to hang down between his thumb and forefinger, comically crossing his eyes to get a good look at it too for that matter. "Yeah, I started to notice. Guess I never really got around to getting it trimmed lately."

Twila Peterson hmmms and thinks to points out, "Well, you have been a bit busy with all that's been happening lately. So...not two surprised really. Would offer to trim...but you don't want me around scissors." A stationary reploid needing hair added to his buil due to injury or partial additions she handles just fine in the course of repairs. Human haircuts, nope. She's no stylist.

"Yeah..." Rick answers, giving a quick blow to the offending piece with his mouth to send it flipping back up onto his head again. Only to probably drop down once more the instant he moves it. "I'll have to book an appointment or something at a reploid-trimmer or somethin. Not that I'm lookin to get it styled or anything. Just trimmed up." He smirks then, and gives a slight shrug. "Hey...so long as I don't end up bald I'm happy."

Twila Peterson would offer something to that if only she knew. But the topic of "baldness", as in if had a tendency to "run in the family" through either of the birth partent's sides never really came up with any of their conversations with Lauren. Although, the middle aged woman did tell them of what medical conditions, if any the two could possibly be prone to later in life for health reasons...as well as other things for curiosity's sake. "I can't quite imagine you 'bald' for some reason or another. Never came up if it ran in the family. Although," she comments, "she did happen to comment her side tends to go gray somewhat early. That mean we can't lay blame on the other when we see it? Like...right there?" As she asks she points to a semi-gray strand mixed in within his golden bangs.

Rick Morgan hrmphs audibly, crossing his arms over his chest in mock scolding as his 'gray hair' is pointed out. "I like to refer to it as 'coming of age' thanks." he returns. "At least guys can seem to get away with it a little easier." With that, he winks, and reaches out to return the favor, gently pinching a strand of Twila's hair within his thumb and forefinger for effect. "Besides, whenever something happens we tend to work in pairs remember? Going gray counts."

Twila playfully sticks out her tougue, making a face. "Nyeh. So I getta spout my words and eat 'em moments later. You're no fun. Tttttthbs." With that said she makes makes another silly face before sobering. "Seriously thought I've noticed strange as it seems, what happens to one happens to the other. Like when you went for Kyo a couple of weeks ago or so," she states by way of example while gesturing, "felt it where you were bit at...I guess the time you were bit..."

Rick Morgan hmmms, turning just a bit, reaching up to touch that same shoulder. By the miracles of modern medicine it should heal over with barely any marks left over. Then again, it wouldn't matter compared to the deep scars he HAS got on his back. Ones that healed over the old fashioned way before modern medical methods could have treated them and left little to no scarring.

"Yeah..." he muses. "...though I'm not a good judge on that incident. Kinda wasn't thinking of that at the time...but there were moments where I had to wonder. Or at least I do when I think back on them."

"I doubt anyone really thinks through fully what their doing when placed in that sort of danger. Just do what you do to make it out alright with whoever your helping," ," Twila offers with tilt of the head. "I've been sensing other things too."

The door from the HQ slides open, and quietly, a crimson armored figure walks in. His gaze is facing upward, gazing through whatever windows there might be. Perhaps he doesn't notice the siblings already in the room, or if he does, he's just ignoring them. It's kind of hard to tell with this guy, but what's new.

Twila Peterson doesn't really notice the emerging android since she's turned to the side, her frame facing away from the entrance back into the interior of the Labs. Glancing down towards the ground for a moment she then glances back up towards the man. "You've been having nightmares Rick, alot of them," she tells him plainly.

Rick Morgan doesn't answer right away, although not noticing Blues' presence since he's in a state of sorting his own thoughts right about now.

Finally though, he gives a nod. A quick one. "I..." he starts, but then cuts himself off for a moment, as if pondering whether he should go on or not. Finally though, he continues. "...yeah. I kinda been having a few lately..."

Blues stops, his gaze focused on one certain window and the starts that lie beyond it. The quietness of the late night in this area does allow him to hear Twila pretty well, but, as usual, he doesn't react to it. Did you expect him to? Fools if you do. .oO(He's been having nightmares? Rock's got an earring... that's enough to give any big brother nightmares...X shoulda just gotten a pair of Sunglasses instead if he wanted to improve his image)Oo.

Twila feels them through their unique bond as twins, a bond that has since grown over the past few months when they learned of their relation. "What...are they of? The night I checked on you because of them you had stated later you had been studying up on some of the Masters' past assaults."

Rick Morgan sighs faintly, keeping his arms crossed over his chest as he tilts his gaze to the floor slightly. "Well...that night it was just memories really. Old images....stuff like I told you before. The university...images afterwards. Alot of feelings at the time...kinda like I was there again." He gives a slight shrug. "It's something I could do without...but I can't really stop them from recurring..."

Twila Peterson nods a little, already gathering some of that. He does have some rather unique experiences that come back to haunt, as do some others here. "Any...idea why they may be reoccurring more recently?"

Rick Morgan shrugs. "I dunno. Maybe a buildup from all the bad stuff that had happened. Kinda like you get thinking on one thing, then thinking on another. Next thing you know, you're thinking about it all at once and then dreaming about it." He sighs then, and shakes his head a bit. "I dunno...it comes in spurts. Not much I can do about it..."

Blues looks down for a moment. .oO(Yeah, kid, we all got stuff in the past to worry about coming up and biting us in the aft...)Oo.

Twila seriously doubt that there is. Some of these demons have to be faced by Rick alone. But still, she asks. "Sounds it, especially with all that's gone on the past few months..." Her voice drifts off as she thinks back to shortly after the Stardroid Duo was defeated. Rick and gone on in a huff a few days later. Twila left him alone until the following night...where she ended up finding him at the ruins where he attended school for his higher education -- remembering. "Anything I could do?"

Rick Morgan smirks dryly, giving a small shrug. "Not unless you got a magic wand you can wave around and say 'Hocus Pocus' or somethin like that and make em all go away. You wouldn't be hiding something like that on me that you could pull out and use right now would you?"

Of course he's joking, but somewhere deep down, you'd swear he was even being hopeful.

Blues looks back up again, moving over to the nearest Ride Armor to lean against. .oO(If I pull my Buster on you, I'm sure you'll forget about all your other problems...)Oo. Crossing his arms, he watches the two Humans converse.

Twila ponders that briefly. Although meant as a joke, it does give her an idea. "Well, maybe not a magic wand. But...the link does go both ways. I may feel what your dreams bring on," she says slowly. "On the same token you might be able to feel something of...what my thoughts may bring." His mental torment in that state may even drown her out...but it's still an idea...

Blues .oO(Quick, Rick, think about hating Rock!)Oo.

Rick Morgan smiles faintly. "Believe me...I've been lookin. Ahhh well..." he reaches up and rubs a hand through his hair. "I think I know of one thing that does help that works for sure..." He then glances at the closest mecha. "...keeping busy whenever I can."

Blues is leaning up against -that- mecha, just to freak good old Rick out.

Rick Morgan just blinks then, and stares for the longest time, eyes riveted right on Blues' form. It's then that his mouth turns downwards, a pure scowl appearing on his features as he turns away with a sudden motion. "Never mind Twila..." he says abruptly, as if bringing a rather SUDDEN stop to the topic itself.

Twila Peterson trails his gaze towards armors: the Behomoth, the Albatross, and Rick's own Kodiak in thought. Whatever thoughts she had are suddenly broken at the sight of an android in particular leaning against one of the three. She moves herself by her brother somewhat protectively, as she gazes on the android. "Just...how long were you standing there?" she questions

Blues appears a bit surprised at the fact that Rick is upset at him being there. "Don't stop on my account..." His focus changes to Twila as she also verbally strikes, "Did I miss the 'Do not disturb sign'?" He looks to his left and his right, looking as if he expects the sign to appear in front of him. When he looks back to the brother and sister, there's a smirk ok his face. That trade mark smirk that just makes everyone love Blues. Or hate him.

Rick Morgan will take number 2 himself for that matter, as his only response is to glance slightly over his shoulder, eyes narrowed and teeth gritted in that oh so animeish way that seems to suggest one on the brief edge of pure rage itself. "I don't recall seeing a sign saying that others were invited in the first place." he bites out, before snapping his gaze forward once more, as if finding it even a chore to just LOOK at the scarf-clad one.

Twila Peterson isn't quite certain what to say or do, other than she wouldn't mind it if that smirk had been wiped from the androids facial features. She takes a step more closer to her sibling, laying a hand on his shoulder. "So...how much *did* you overhear?" she asks again, although be the looks of him, she doubts she'd be far off from thinking he overheard the majority of the conversation.

Blues ohs. "Right, I forgot... you can go wherever you want in the base and no one else can. I'll remember that next time I you decide to go to the bathroom so I don't accidentally walk in or something. As for the conversation, I heard enough. Need a teddy bear to sleep with?"

Twila Peterson narrows her own gaze dangerously. Very few things upset her more than what's happening now. "Why...you offering yours?"

Blues .oO(Drat... she knows.)Oo.

Blues snerks at Twila, "I think he's embarrassed enough right now with out his sister protecting him."

Hands clenched to fists as Rick continues to stand there....then with a sudden whirl, he spins about, pointing one finger right at Blues as if accusingly, all but snarling as he simply loses himself to the anger boiling inside. "I don't care WHERE you drag yourself around here, and I don't give a **** if you spend the time just wandering around admiring your own reflection! You can walk around here where you want but listening in on a conversation is beyond the lowest of the low as far as I'm concerned. I don't care how much you want to slack off, or kick up your feet while everyone else puts their necks on the line...just so you can show up in the 'nick of time' and save the day. Oh yeah. REAL heroic of you. You...you're even more pathetic than half the people we're fighting against."

Twila Peterson opens her mouth to make a retort towards the android, but is abruptly cut off by Rick's outburst...and just continues to stand by him. Just like that.

Blues rolls his eyes. "Hold the conversation somewhere besides the company garage, hotshot, and you wouldn't have that problem. Or grow up enough to get over your problems and worry about what's important right now, stead of breakin' down."

Twila stands up straighter, warning the android with a, "Lay off."

Dr. Pavel Cossack blinks walking in. "VHAT is going on?"

Blues .oO(I wonder if he's actually got the nerve to attack me...I doubt it...)Oo

Rick Morgan stands there for a moment, fists trembling for a second. Oh he'd LIKE to throttle Blues right about now...or at least take a shot at it. But at the same time, something else digs at him deeper down, and for a long moment, he stares ahead, before finally straightening and letting his breath out. "The only problems I have are my own to deal with. At least I don't have HALF the ones you do." With that, he turns his back to the scarfed one, as if to dismiss him as another one of those things in life that just gnaws at you and you ignore.

Blues .oO(You don't even know half my problems, kid... you're lucky.)Oo. He goes back to leaning up against the armor.

Twila Peterson releases a sigh. She spots the doctor as the two others confront one another and gently wags her head in response, allowing that to be her only answer to him. She then turns towards Rick, hoping to divert his attention. "Need help in gathering your 'battlefield booty'?"

"I can handle it..." Rick grunts, in a none-too-polite way. It isn't directed at Twila of course....but it's just a carry-over from OTHER presence's here for that matter. One by one, he picks up the pieces and places them within his shoulder bag, packing them away for later inspection and such. "I'm gonna head to my room Twila...if you want me, I'll be in there sorting this stuff." With that, he throws the bag up and around his shoulder, and begins to head off, without so much as a goodbye. Talk about souring one's mood.

lues .oO(Maybe he'll dream of killing me now.)Oo.

Dr. Pavel Cossack blinks "Blues I vant to talk to you." his eye's flack an inamitante spark. Burning in blue fury. "Vhat are you doing that vould make him so mad?"

Actually, by the way Rick gathers up his things so quickly Twila allows him to do it on his own. Before choosing to catch up with him immediately, something she hopes to do within a few moments, she instead turns towards the doctor when Rick's out of earshot. "Just eavesdropping on a personal conversation."
Blues rolls his eyes. .oO(Tattletale)Oo. He doesn't even bother responding to Cossack.

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Blues? Vhat do you have to say for this?"
Blues looks directly back at Cossack. "Bite me, works." He gets up off the armor and begins walking slowly for the door, making sure Rick has time to get out first.

Twila Peterson doesn't make it a point to mention she had once done the same when Blues and his brother were having a conversation of sorts some time ago. Such incidences don't always appear to be as needed to br brought up anyway. And the thought never occurs to her too. At any rate, as Blues remains standing there she turns to follow after her twin...not looking back.

<Soon...>

Rick's Pad
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.

Twila Peterson waits a few moments before approaching the door to her sibling's quarters, knowing his quite well upset and at least wants to wait a few moments for his anger to abate before gently knocking on his door.

Rick Morgan's answer comes from within, curt, but perhaps not as angered as he was before. It still seems somewhat strained though....

Perhaps Rick put it down an octave or two for the fact that he knows it's Twila out there. Who else would it be?

"It's unlocked..."

Twila Peterson eases herself into the room, withholding a soft sigh and then closes the door. "You going to be alright?"

Rick Morgan stands there for a moment, just in front of his desk, as if coming to terms with himself.

However, he seems to relax after a long moment. "Yeah..." he admits. "...just need some time to cool off, that's all."

Twila Peterson dips her chin, "I...just wanted to check on you, just to be sure." Yep, she can be a bit overprotective sometimes. But she's just being a sister. She then approaches him and lays a hand lightly on his arm. "You know where I am if you need me."

Rick Morgan can't help but smile just a bit at that, as he tilts his head to the side to glance back at Twila, and give her a small nod. "Yeah...thanks. I'll probably get to bed before too long...figure this has been a long enough day as it is."

"Jet Lag" certainly couldn't be blamed, although it's equivalent possibly could...mixed in with an odd assortment of course. "Just try to get some good rest tonight if you can, kay Rick?" she asks, returning the smile.

Rick Morgan nods again. "I will Twila. I'm pretty sure of that. You too huh? I'll catch up to you some point tomorrow most likely..."

"Kay," the girl responds, drawing a step back. A moment passes before she returns to his side and squeezes the cyborg around his middle for a "good night's" sake. "Night then, Rick."

Rick Morgan drapes one arm around Twila's form, hugging her close as well. "Night, Sis. See you in the morning." He returns, before loosening his hold and letting his arm slide free.

Twila Peterson sneaks him a quick kiss on the cheek before easing out of the room as quickly as she came in and disappears into the hallway.