Megaman - Sunday, September 17, 2000, 10:22 PM
----------------------------------------------

[OOC] Blues says, "You kids get off my lawn!"

Rocky Mountains - Colorado Springs, Colorado USA

Ahhh yes, the sleepy little city of Colorado Springs. The quiet place that seems to lend itself to the peaceful days of old when North Americans from all walks of life went about their lives in a daily routine. They went to work everyday and brought home their wages, they cared for their families, and their children played in their backyards, far from the rigors of warfare and chaos that was so commonplace an ocean away.

That is until the great wars began...and the armies of Wily and Sigma stretched their collective might to the point where not even the United States could have any hope of keeping them from within their borders. From then on, the public at large was no longer truly 'safe'.

But even in this day, in a world who's balance tends to tip from time to time, it's still a very large planet. And many places still have yet to even see the beginnings of robotic lifeforms...let alone even experience the presence of those more harmful types that would pervert their sleepy towns with their ways.

This evening, the peaceful little city of Colorado Springs has just joined the ranks of those places that have hosted such a presence....and like some sort of dark plague, it slips easily within the borders, on a set course...searching for something or other.

And those residents within, ignorant and happy with their peaceful lives...remain all the unaware of it.

Before Rachel can emit another sound Nick goes ahead and rolls the ball...just before edging forward a little. If she's a girl she should be kicking like a girl right? Unfortunately for him and for their "team", Samantha surmises, he hasn't known her for very long and doesn't realize what a big mistake he's making in underestimating the girl. He very soon does as the brunette kicks the ball, causing it to bounce once on the boy's head, sending it to the left out where Sam is stationed head for first base. As Samantha, runs to get the ball and tosses it back to Nick the other team instructs their own teammate to stay at the base.

While Sam tosses the ball back to Nick their third teammate, a short, heavyset boy by the name of Tom offers a grunt. "Hey, Nick...sure missed that one didn't ya?"

"Ah, shuddup, Pudge. No one asked your opinion," Nick retorts as he catches the ball.

"You shuddup," Sam speaks up, getting back into her place, "you're just jelious..."

Her brother, James, rolls his eyes towards the others, as he steps forward for his turn. "All of you shuddup. Me 'n' Sam gotta get inside soon for dinner, 'member? Just roll the ball!"

Just then the other boy reminds them all, "Name's Tom, not Pudge. And...hey...I was jus' thinkin'. You wonder if them robots have kickball in those Olympics of theirs?"

Through backyards, across streets and over one park area, this newcomer to the city slinks silently, keeping it's course steady. Almost as if...having a purpose here...following something or other.

The backyard of an older couple is soon violated by it's presence, the soft *THUMP* of armored paws setting down in the grass being the only betrayal of it's presence at first. Then the slight rustle of it's movement, as it stalks forward, ignorant of the flowers being crushed under it's tread.

Yes...the scent...it grows stronger.

Like twin spires of fire, two red orbs seem to almost ignite in the waning sunlight, then grow dim once more. It's still some distance to where the origin of the scent is...but he is now close enough, his master's instructions are replayed, and obeyed to the letter.

And with that, a hellhound throws back it's head, and announces it's presence within the sleepy haven's borders.

"Awooooooooooooooooooooo!"

Young Nick pauses as he overhears the sound, still holding onto the ball. "Whoah...hear that?" he asks in awe. "Hey, ya think that was a wolf or a bear? Wouldn't it be neat to actually see one around? Maybe he escaped from the zoo?"

Some of the other boys find that prospect somewhat interesting in a way. "Cool. Hey, maybe it's a...werewolf..." Phil snickers, his eyes betraying his imagination behind his glasses.

"Oh, please...that's a story for babies. There's no such thing as warewolves," Rachel calls out from her base..."leading away" from it a few small steps. "You've been watching too many movies..."

"That reminds me...anyone seen 'Cold Steel' yet?"

"Are you kidding, that's rated NC-17..." James states somewhat shyly. He then covers up his perceived embarrassment by, "Are you gonna roll it or not?"

Nick gulps and rolls the ball towards his friend. "Oh yeah..."

James Andrews> Treble narrows his eyes, and lowers his head once more, as he glares ahead. Ears slowly perk up, and the old lady's poor garden that he was standing in is left in his wake, as he leaps right -over- the nearby fence with barely even a flex of his legs. Once more he thuds solidly onto the other side, landing right next to a sandbox that a two year old child is sitting in, playing with his toys.

For a moment, he shifts his glare, observing the little fleshling....but quickly dismisses it. That is not the reason he was sent here, was it? Another leap, and he soars across another backyard, to thud down now just two yards away from where the kids are playing their game of kickball.

Silently, he stalks forward, purple armor glinting briefly in the red light of the approaching evening sky. And with that, he leans forward, pushing his nose under the next fence, and climbs underneath, finding a bit more give here. Even before he's all the way through, his ears are already perked up...on the alert, sensitive hearing fine tuned...and listening.

James Andrews runs up and gives the ball a mighty kick, amazing even his sister in the process (although she would be loath to admit it). Immediately he starts heading for first base while Rachel goes for second. And soon when the ball is not immediately brought back he heads for second base while she heads for third. All this, of course, at the prodding of their other two team members.

"Come on, Rachel, come home, you can do it!"

Greg, hurry up and get the ball...or else they'll both make it!" Samantha pleads as the black-haired boy heads for the wayward prize.

"I'm getting it already!" the youth shouts back as he hurries after.

All Nick can do is stomp his foot where the old tree stump used to be. "Sheesh, last time I let that geek pick teams..."

Another rustle, this time of armored paws shifting through the grass of the Andrews' neighbor's backyard. Slowly, ever so slowly, the robotic canine slinks up, coming up next to the fence once more, and tilting his head just enough to peer a single blood red optic right through it. His sides heave gently, as slow...barely audible breaths come from his form. His tongue lolls out at the same time, half-hanging from his mouth, as he concentrates on those present...and sniffing the air at the same time. Yes...here. This must be it.....

Almost unconsciously, his tail whips back behind him, as if in preparation...and even proceeds to swipe right through a bush that happened to be too close, setting it rustling rather violently for a few seconds.

Greg stoops down to scoop the ball after it slows down and bumps against the fence. He peers suspiciously towards the bush in question and even blinks in surprise, thinking he sees something there that shouldn't be.

"Hurry up!" Tom cries as his friend dawdles.

Greg forcibly shakes his head and starts heading back to the game, then tosses the ball back to Sam. "Sorry," he mutters...even as he watches James take up third base. *sigh* Looks like his moment's pause cost their team a point. Rachel made it home.

Treble tilts his head just enough to stare through with his other optic, noting the one child that's very close to him right now. Even as Greg begins to glance in his direction, he's already sniffing the air. No...not the right scent. This one isn't close...

A low growl...almost bordering on a purr with it's near musical tone gently resonates from his throat, and he stalks to the side, following the length of the fence like some sort of caged animal, as if anxious to do something...anything. But first, he must pinpoint...

Again he crouches, claws digging furrows in the lawn beneath him, as he all put presses his nose to the crack in the fenceline, sniffing and trying to sort out the source of the scents.

However, James doesn't stop at merely "hugging" third. As his sister catches the ball he starts "heading home" with only a mere glance given to his sis in the process. "Aw, c'me on, Sam. Yer a slowpoke!" he jibes...even as his sibling gives chase.

Samantha doesn't make an immediate comeback. Instead, she tosses the ball to the home plate where Nick is already there to "tag" his friend out. "Hey...almost got it," is James only reply. With a smirk he, along with the rest of his team changes sides, hoping the have enough time for one more round before supper gets done. Surely their mom will wait a little before calling them in, won't she? He watches Rachel take up space right by the same area where Nick had been, now handling the ball as he gets himself out into "right field" near the old fence. .oO(Werewolves...that's nuts...)Oo.

Treble's optics replace his nose at the crack once more...and for a moment, he blinks, noting Rachel as she steps closer. For a moment, he stares, but appears to decide that she isn't it either.

Then his glare settles on James...and for a moment, his optics narrow further, as his nose twitches, hyper-sensitive olfactory sensors analyzing the scene. Overplayed on his own view, his HUD shows the two strands of scents...one of Chris' at one time, and that of James himself. The two seem to match well enough for his liking, and with a low, satisfied, "Grrrf..." he slinks off to the side once more, now moving back towards the bush itself. Seems the fence stops where the bush begins, offering a natural extension to the fence itself and giving less of that 'keep out' feeling in this part of the neighborhood.

Slowly, Treble brushes up against the bush, and begins to move further into it, slinking around now so he can glare outwards at the children from this new position....and prepare.

As the game continues on, Nick rubs his hands together as his mind allows itself to wander now. His freckled face beams as he waits for the others to have their turn at the "plate" (which is nothing more than an old plastic Frisbee turned upside down), thinking of various things...mainly still about werewolves...and other assorted monsters. Hey...there's an old Godzilla movie going to be on later that night. Maybe he'll even be able to wake up for it and sneak down into the basement and watch on the holovid....as long as his parents don't find him asleep down there on a school night like they did a few weeks ago. Yeeeach! Wasn't pretty. He gets jarred back to the present by a light slap his shoulder.

"Hey...you awake?" Tom teases with a wide grin.

At that moment, Chris, emerges from the back door that leads into their home's laundry room. "James...Sam....Mom says to wash up," he calls out. "Almost ready." This is, of course, meant with a chorus of "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaws" from the other children. "Don't gimme that," he chides, "not like you didn't know it was coming."

James pipes up from the "field". "Can't it wait just one more round?"

Treble lowers his muzzle just a bit, and begins to slink forward, only to suddenly jar himself right back again as Chris emerges from the back door. A low growl emits from his throat once more, as instant recognition sets in. Ah ha....so it IS him. And this most certainly is the place.

For a moment more, he stands there, as if considering...but his Master's orders remain fresh in his mind. That, and the knowledge that he isn't too far away for that matter.

And thusly, even as the chorus of 'awwwwwwwwws' go up from the collective of children, he finally pushes forward, setting the entire bush rustling...

And with that, not even ten feet away from the nearest youngster, he emerges, head held low, his 'mane' seeming to be extended outwards as his ears are perked up, mouth drawn back slightly to show clenched teeth...as his low growl builds in intensity. At first one might mistake it for the sound of a motorcycle from far off, so in tune is it with his synthesizer within.

Tom sighs in relief, "Hey, that's not *my* stomache..." he comments without thinking as Sam trades odd glances with him.

This is before some of the other children follow James' petrified gaze as he snaps around to gaze at the origin of noise directly behind him. Some of the girls (and some of the guys too) let out a mixture of shocked gasps and screams, and then seem to freeze right into their place. It doesn't take long for Chris to freeze to a standstill where he stands as well, not being able to say a word.

Only Nick seems to wake up from his daydream again...only to stare towards the robotic mutt. "Hey....cool! That looks like almost the real thing!" he shouts happily.

Meanwhile, from the kitchen, a female voice can be heard from inside perhaps. "For goodness sakes, Chris...don't stand there with the door open..."

Guess what Chris?

Twila and Rick were right...

Treble continues to glare for a few seconds, before lifting his head, and giving a low exclamation from the back of his throat...literally. Twin jets of flame ignite from his nostrils, shooting about half a foot, before he crouches once more. Slowly his head trails from side to side, as if taking in each and every youngster present. First Rachel...then Greg...then a brief glance at Nick, who appears to be one of those fearless types. But even he is dismissed. A lingering gaze on Samantha...one which even pauses for a moment, looking at her a second time.

And then back to James once more...the closest of them all.

A step forward is taken, razor sharp claws digging a slight groove in the ground in their wake, as he now crouches ever so slightly in a stalking posture. The growl from his throat grows in intensity, as one might rev a race car before preparing to put it around the track and test it's paces.

And steadily, his tail swishes from side to side behind him, as if anxious...anxious for the hunt itself as he zeroes in on Ten year old James' form.

"Quiet, Nick," Chris instructs the boy as he wills himself to move. His wide-eyed stare never leaves his brother however. "Everyone, time to go home. Sam, you get into the house...now!" he growls. He then narrows his eyes as some of the children back away while Rachel and another seem a bit too scared to move. "Mom, I think...you better get Dad..."

Meanwhile, poor James backs a step away. His sneaks brush against the grass awkwardly as he keeps his eyes trained on the wolf in front of him. "Is--Is that what I think i-it is? Why's it here, huh? Wh--what does it want?" his voice stutters then stops as he feels a slight wetness in the front of his pants. Great, now instead of deathly afraid he can now place deathly embarrassed on the list just down under.

Nick's protest of wanting to stay is quickly deterred by a all too not-amused glance from the elder Andrews' by. "Uuuuh...I just remembered...I had some...some math homework to get too at home. Can't ferget that math. Well...bye!" And he immediately heads around to the front of the yard and off on his way home...as fast as he can.

Were Treble the type to comment on one's bodily functions in the face of something truly frightening, he probably would do so. But right now, he continues to slowly crawl forward, animalistic urges already putting him into a posture that would suggest that of stalking his prey, ready to bring it down for the kill. Again he stalks forward, optics never leaving young James' form as he backs away.

And this is of course when that other voice cuts through the air. "What does he want...?" it muses, as from seemingly nowhere the ebony clad figure appears. Having easily cleared several back yards in one leap, he sets down several feet behind Treble with a solid *WHUMP*, bending his knees ever so slightly with the impact, then straightening slowly, and settling his gaze on James' form.

"Believe me fleshling...it isn't to play fetch..." he leers, before twisting his glare over, to center it on Chris' form now. It's here and now that a truly cruel sneer spreads across his features. "Ahhh, and here we have the one whom Megaman's girlfriend had pleaded so adamantly for his life. I knew then there had to be some significance...and believe me, it doesn't take much nowadays to begin pinpointing resemblance in genetics..."

James Andrews yelps, startled as Treble's owner now makes himself known, opening his mouth to emit a silent scream...and then promptly shutting it again. Four more children make there way from the yard, scrambling to get themselves hom...just grateful that they aren't the ones being regarded. But heck, won't they have a story to tell! But then, would anyone be willing to believe them?

"What's he talking about, Chris?" Samantha asks, going pale. Apparently, even here in standard middle class America Bass has made a name for himself.

"Just get in the house," the young man repeats, keeping a steady gaze on the Robot Master.

He's soon shoved aside by a gravely concerned man who came as soon as his wife had called him. He was just a bit upset that it wasn't for supper. "Now what's---" He then notices the android. "---going on out here..." He swallows and stands in front of his older son and proceeds a few steps towards the younger of the two. "Now," he trembles, "what business...you have with us?"

At this point Rachel latches onto Sam's arm and pulls her within the direction of her elder brother...since her friend is either unwilling or unable to do much of it herself. "Do as he says..." she whispers....picking up her pace.

Bass's color shifts almost faster than the eye can follow, from it's ebony tone to a reddish brown hue as his buster switches to life. Almost with a careful motion, he raises his right hand, and points it straight at the older man's form, even as he steps forward.

"Bang..." Is all he whispers, as the air between him and Charles seems to shift and shimmer, the temporal field of the timestopper's effect being visible for those few seconds, before it impacts the human himself.

Bass could have put it on wide spread for all, but for now, he's satisfied with containing it's effects just to Charles himself. No sooner has he done this, than he oh so casually turns to face Chris once more, apparently taking more of an interest in him right now. "What business have I got here? Well...let's see, I believe it's something along the lines of what one would call arm-twisting...yes, that's about the best explanation there would be...wouldn't it?" At that, he chuckles faintly, striding right up to Chris' father's immobilized form, actually reaching up to rest a hand on the seeming statue's shoulder. "And I'll give you three guesses just who it's for...and the first two don't count."

Meanwhile, Treble finally pauses in his advance on James, apparently deferring to his master's authority here. Though he gives the young boy another snarl for good measure, before finally letting his aft settle down in the grass with a *THUMP*.

The older man doesn't even have time to grasp what's coming, much less prepare for it. Without more than a moment's thought he's simply frozen by the unexpected blast...literally. However, the effect isn't fully noticed as of yet. After all, as soon as Bass raised his buster nearly every other sole froze whether they were the targets of the time-stopper or not. A weapon, as Treble has already showed, doesn't always have to be used to promote that type of reaction. Fear just does nicely.

At least, that's good enough for his son who just stands there while the robotic canine makes himself comfy.

"Er....would it help for you to know she's adopted...?" Chris mutters without much thinking as the Master strides up to his father.

"It really doesn't matter to me right about now whether you scraped her out of a gutter and cleaned her off for all to see," Bass returns, stepping right around Charles' form and setting his hands on his hips. "Nor do I really care if you've chosen to disown her in light of recent events....as I've learned by now that she most certainly will not disown you...and that's more than good enough for me." He jerks a thumb upwards, and presses it to his chest, leering at Chris for the longest moment as if he were nothing more than an annoying kid.

It's then that his eyes snap to the sides, suddenly caught up with something else. For a moment, he glances about himself, noting the buildings...the neighborhood, the surroundings...it's clean.

TOO clean...

"Strange..." he muses, changing the subject about as quick as one switches a lightbulb on or off. "...I thought there was something...odd about these surroundings. The buildings...so close together, so easily destroyed by a single blast. No sign of any form of authority whatsoever here...or militia defenses. Are you people truly so blind and so trusting of your governments as to believe in some sort of...immunity here?" He asks, finding the very possibility of such incredulous in itself. And by the way he has both eyebrows raised and his tone seems surprised...it's pretty obvious he sees it that way too.

The sheer thought just didn't exist to him up until now. So far as he knew, the populace ALWAYS cowered in fear...expecting that he or his minions could appear at any second. Is it possible there are still those who think otherwise?

Treble voices his own disapproval to such a thought with another growl, low in pitch and ominous in tone. His eyes glow for a split second...then fade once more.

The monitoring of broadband frequencies, random luck...or fate...and a heart as big as he is what brings Megalith onto this scene. The giant reploid making his way across the area. Wandering as reploids at times do when spare time is allowed them and moving through this area, giving those here who do not often see robots a rare treat in seeing one as unique and visually captivating as him. When the Bass event began to occur though...needless to say broadband frequencies began to go haywire and typically listening to such things...Megalith has decided to investigate. His heavy footfalls moving him along the streets with dull rumbling *Thooms* and that trademark lurch to his monstrous shoulders with one hand up to his ear, mimicking the human gesture of 'listening' as he filters through the local 911 transmissions.

Chris Andrews is brushed aside once more...this time as the girls into the home. He can hear their terrified whispers between themselves and Mom from where he stands on the back porch. His hands tighten themselves on the railing, trying to keep his breathing steady. He quickly eyes both his father and his brother to make certain they're alright for the moment before centering again on the android. "This---this is the suburbs...." he answers, almost as if that should explain everything.

Heck, even without the war, the worst problems otherwise would be the inner-city wouldn't it be? Well...he may be naive but he's not *that* naive. Call it whatever you like. No matter the time, place, or label...people will always be people wherever you go. The same problems that seemingly occur elsewhere also occur here...just under a different form.

It's just that...some *other* types of problems....such as the war for example...seemed to be somewhat "remote".

Bass whirls about, facing Chris fully, as his eyes narrow to slits.

"And that's all you can say...?" he breathes, voice taking on a dangerous tilt. "...this is the subburbs? That's it? That's all that you can offer as...explanation for this? On the news you hear of every day how cities are destroyed...bases are laid waste to, thousands and thousands die and are injured, as the world powers struggle to even manage to reach a stalemate.....and you explain it away as 'this is the suburbs'?" With that, one hand snakes out, seizing Chris up by the scruff of his shirt, as he draws him closer, now bringing him face to face, syntheflesh mere inches from real flesh.

"Your species...." he practically spits. "...has always been pathetic in my view. Physically weak, cowards at most, and always becoming caught up in lost causes or refusing to admit when your time is truly over." With that, he jerks his arm to the side, as if to give Chris a slight toss towards the driveway. Slight for -him- anyway. He's already turning to walk after the path that he threw the young man, still speaking as he goes. "Humanity has just been downgraded once AGAIN in my eyes..." he spits, raising one hand and cracking his knuckles audibly, armored boots clanking out their presence on the gravel as he moves from the lawn of the backyard to the driveway itself. "...here you sit, in complete IGNORANCE of everything that goes on all around you...hoping that if you just don't look, it might go away...hrmmm? Is that it??"

About this time, the timestopper's effect wears off on Charles' form, as the field shimmers and goes down completely. Meanwhile, Treble moves once again, getting up and silently trotting to where he can watch as his master continues to speak and give his own little 'speech'.

Unknown to Bass, Rock's older brother, Protoman, is crouched on the roof of this quiet little home, this little oasis in the middle of a war torn world. Far be it from Protoman to ignore the fact that Bass said he'd come here, or to skip out on putting surveillance equipment somewhere in the area. Sure, there's the fact that his Cabin isn't too far away from the Colorado town either, but that's a minor note. At the appearance of Trebble, he was here in less than a micro second, flexing his power to teleport around the world to travel to the home of Twila's relatives. He knows there's not much he can do against Bass right now, however, so he's content to watch and listen and stay out of the way. .oO(Maybe I can count on his stupidity and he won't look up...)Oo. Maybe. The yellow scarf... the flowing trade mark of Blues... sways gently in the wind.

"Hrrnnn..." rumbles Megalith slowly as he thuds to a stop and turns his attention down one of the streets...towards the dangerous situation brewing. He narrows his optics slowly and emits a low bearish rumble but actually doesn't begin to move immediately towards what is occurring. "This is not to be good." rumbles his thick Russian voice as he looms there and lowers his hand from his ears and instead continues to observe from a distance. He's not the smartest guy around but he's been involved in enough and seen enough to know that this is a hostage situation in the making and Megalith is just plain no good when it comes to dealing with hostage type circumstances. Nevertheless he resolves that he cannot just sit there and ignore the cries for help over the broadband and the silent screams coming from the humans. The kind-hearted giant thus turns and begins his slow steady plod down the streets. His massive fists clenching slowly and his monstrous body moving forward. A rolling mound of synth-muscle and metal that is just impossible to ignore. He can't approach the scene quietly or hide without a good deal of foreplanning so he's not even going to try.

Charles Andrews blinks rapidly, as well as stupidly as he stumbles to the grass, gasping for air and wondering what in the heck had just happened to him. His younger son tears his widened gaze from the android's deadly approach towards Chris to briefly glance to his father. "Dad...?" he whimpers, lower lip trembling.

The older man looks to where the Robot Master had been only to follow the boy's gaze to where he now is, curling his hands into fists. He pauses as a momentary lapse of dizziness, a side effect from the time-stopper, swims through his head, making it slightly difficult for him to gain his bearings. "Stay away from him!" his voice shouts, as his legs carry him a step forward anyway...and then another.

Chris *umphs* as he hits the gravel, skinning himself, at least partially. At least half of him landed on the hard, surface. The rest was lucky enough to strike the lawn. Still...he's quite lucky nothing was broken from that throw as he hazily tries to prop himself up. "Wh---what do you care?" he spits, whipping away blood as it stains his nose and mouth.

Treble snarls then, turning towards the older man as he steps forward, drawing closer to Bass' form. A gout of flame erupts from his mouth, snapping across the air as if a warning for him to BACK OFF before it gets unhealthy very quickly.

Meanwhile, Bass continues to close in, as he raises one boot up and puts it in square in the middle of Chris' chest, pushing him back and onto the pavement once more. "You're absolutely correct fleshling..." he breathes, mouth curled back as he all but snarls his words.

"I really DON'T care. But I suppose the sheer surprise that there are actually ones like you who exist out there was enough to catch my interest. A pity it's waning now however...I don't believe my purpose will be brought to an end if I were to eliminate one annoyance here....would it?" For a moment, he snaps his buster-arm up once more, now drawing a bead on Chris' upper torso that's still uncovered. "Tell me...how far do you think I can scatter your ashes with a medium grade blast? If you're going to die tonight...it may as well be making an intellectual assumption hrm? Why I bet that I could....eh?"

His reverie is broken however as the ground literally begins to start shaking under his feet, as something REALLY big is starting to draw closer and closer. Slowly, he lowers his boot from Chris' form, and sets it flat on the ground once more, glaring to the side and down the street. "What in the blazes...?"

What Bass is only just starting to clue into, Treble has already seen and assessed as a threat in itself. And a very LARGE threat for that matter. While Bass may not have been one who was ever bothered by size differences...Treble tends to be a little more paranoid where the well-being of his master is concerned. And the titanic form of Megalith Gigas' body constitutes the highest levels of danger out of them all. Without any prompting, he suddenly snarls and launches himself skywards, blazing off in a sudden wash of jetfire and streaking right for the giant Repliforcer's form, unheeding of any danger to himself...or the fact that by comparison, he looks much like a rabird rat jumping for a pro wrestler's jugular.

Protoman knows Megaltih is in the area, which works. Back up is always nice, but he knows it'll just end up being the Repliforce being detained by the Mutt while Blues faces the real threat. Bass. Should he call into base? Naw, no need, he'll just talk the Robot Master down, or something, that always works, right? Ok, not always, but this situation is as good as any to try, when the time comes. For now, Blues inches forward, shifting his position to get a better view of Bass and the others. It raises his level of delectability, yes, especially with that yellow scarf flapping in the wind, but he doesn't really suppose it'll make a difference in the end anyway.

James is no less surprised by anyone else at the tremors beneath his feet. He's even more so when the robotic canine finally leaves his side. Not about to be one to ask questions as to the why or reason he immediately darts to his father and holds him tights. "Dad, I---"

"Not now," the elder Andrews returns, but giving time enough to quickly return the hug in order to pod him back into the house. "Watch over your mother and sister..." he says hurriedly, he then turns back to the scene regarding his other offspring feeling rather...helpless...

The boy starts to dart inside and then notices something...or rather someone...on one of the nearby roofs. When he hesitates to stare towards Blues, Charles glances ups as well. The older men then shoos his son with a quick gesture before looking on the other situation. Or rather, two of them. It doesn't take long for him to notice the approaching Titan as well. His heart sinks. .oO(This keeps getting better and better...)Oo. he muses in sarcasm.

As the attack from Treble occurs any possibility for negotiation...at least immediately...seems to go right out of the window where the monstrous Megalith is concerned. His huge shadow begins to slowly creep up over the entire home and all those gathered while Treble's body seems illuminated in its streak for Megalith's monstrous body. The giant comes to a stop and emits a bearish rumble while his optics seem to dilute to pinpricks. The muscles in his upper body begin to swell and pump with monstrous mass and strenuous movements to them. The sound akin to metal creaking and straining and the appearance unsettling to most. As if the behemoths body was literally about to explode yet by some unimaginable strength it does not and he just seems to loom up bigger and more massive and angrier by the second..

At the last possible instant, with dexterity that would surprise most the giant reaches snatches his huge hands up and attempts to quite literally catch Treble in mid flight before he reaches the giants thick neck and if successful quite literally begin to squeeze and crush with fingers the size of elephant trunks and strength enough to press a Sherman tank into the size of a lunch box. "Megaton.." snarls the behemoth, "Press!"

The only first hint to Treble's sudden fate would be a startled yelp that filters outwards through Megalith Gigas' fingers...

But soon it's followed by something much more animalistic...and something that's enough to send a shiver down the spine of even the most sturdy of warriors. It isn't a howl, a snarl or a growl...it's a wail. A wail of agony that filters out, complete with the sudden creaking and cracking of armor. Treble's tail can be seen hanging out of the giant's massive hands, whipping about frantically as the space seems to grow smaller and smaller, the mechawolf's body simply being pressed and squeezed in ways it just wasn't meant to be. The wail soon builds to a painful shriek, and it seems enough to even snap Bass' demeanor, as he extends one hand outwards, suddenly stepping forward, Chris all but forgotten.

"TREBLE! NO!"

Somewhere in the midst of all this, Treble's flight engines kick online...perhaps as a result of something being crushed that shouldn't have. But it's enough that it actually saves his life...his form finally popping out from between the fingers like a slippery bar of soap that's been squeezed just too hard. Though by now, his form has been so badly compressed it's barely recognizable as it once was. His legs are permanently crushed into his underbelly, and his head is bent at an awkward angle, not about to be straightened anytime soon. For a moment, he flies straight, then aerodynamics take over, and with a slow turn, he flips end over end, and spirals towards the ground, now trailing a thick plume of smoke in his wake. His meeting with the street is violent in a shower of sparks, as his body all but flips over and crashes, skidding a good 100 feet before finally coming to a halt.

Bass is already there, have skidding at the same time as he comes up on his knees right next to he fallen canine's side, hands reaching out to rest on the purple form of the horribly wrenched body. His face remains hidden as he keeps his head bowed slightly, hovering right over his fallen companion's form.

But then the trembling starts...building in intensity...to full flexed shaking throughout his whole body. One can begin to hear his voice as well, starting up like some sort of siren.

"Rrrrrrrrrrr...."

And indeed, like a siren...it would be a signal for those in any visual radius to beat a hasty retreat...

Chris Andrews soon as his father by his side, trying to help him up to his feet. As the elder casts a glance to the new arrival, then the android on the rooftop, he then looks within the direction the Robot Master went to retrieve his canine. "Get you cleaned up inside," he mumbles to his dazed child.

All Chris is able to do is nod weakly as he's helped up to his feet as he and his father try to make there way to the front door.

All the while his father mumbles something about the insanity of it all...

Protoman leaps into action as soon as Bass is off, silently thanking Megalith for showing up, and Treble for being so head strong. Jumping off the house he was on, he disappears in a flash of crimson light, blinking from mid-air to standing right next to Chris Company. A shimmering of sparking light signals the transformation of his right hand into the Mega Buster, the arm completely morphing into a weapon. .oO(Now what the heck am I supposed to do? Gigas is gonna get his aft handed to him.)Oo. Though a little bit distraught on the inside, he remains cool, calm and collected outwardly. "My first suggestion to you would be run somewhere safe... but in this case, I don't think you have anywhere." Blues' face is set into a grim frown, pondering exactly where to take these people. Maybe Twila would enjoy them all being ported to HQ? Now that would be a trip.

(Ch. B [None]) Blues transmits: 'So, Twila.... I thought I'd bring your family home for dinner....'.

The sheer eeire ease and calm of the way Megalith performs the feat is probably the most freakish aspect of it all. He merely squeezes and rumbles dangerously after the calling out of the forceful attacks name until Treble finally pops loose and goes rushing past him like a comet to crash into the ground some distance away. Megalith twists his body around slightly and lowers his huge hands. Fingers and palms stained and dripping with mechfluid and his optics returning to normal size slightly although he still maintains that 'zoned' out look he has. He narrows his optics abit...and frowns some. Pondering the wisdom of his crushing assault but then again, Treble gave him little choice. It was either that or risk losing his own throat. He knows that he stands little chance against Bass unless luck smiles on him and he's able to land his fingers on the master to do what he did to Treble. Such a thing is unlikely. The freakishly strong behemoth turns to face the family again and he gestures with a massive hand and rumbles, "So sorry. Megalith Gigas is member of Repliforce. Do not be afraid leetle friends.. But be clearing out. Go away quickly and fast and get to shelter. Begone now, quickly. This is dangerous but Megalith will protect you from Bass." As Protoman leaps into view he pauses and relaxes slightly believing the odds have shifted abit but nonetheless he nods and rumbles, "Listen to him leetle humans." He then turns to face Bass.

Charles Andrews looks up and peers towards the the crimson armored android....and blinks as he steadies his son. He tries to come up to say something intelligent. All he can come up with, "Uh....."

What is it with Eagles and flying over mountains anyway? I mean, first Skyblade and Storm Eagle run into each other over the Andies Mountains, and now Skyblade is flying over the Rockies...Ahh well, anyway, she's here....And, she's flying towards where the three others are grouped...Not knowing she is, of course...

Blues .oO(Oh lovely.... Friend Gigas is here to save the day.)Oo.

Chris tosses a glance towards the beheamoth while he dad addresses his Blues, thoughts idly trailing into segments such as: Hope Mom doesn't have a panic attack...or Dad have a heart attack...

(Ch. B [None]) Blues transmits: 'I ain't got time for chitter chatter here folks, I give Bass about 3 seconds to rip this Repliforcer to shreds before he comes back... then I've got 4 now healthy people with targets on their shirts for Mr. Attitude.'.

Charles Andrews finally finds his voice again. "But...my wife...my daughter..."

Bass continues to crouch there, half laying over Treble's form, as his shoulders begin to slowly heave with deep, ragged breathes. His right hand extends slightly...fingers touching Treble's inert form almost tenderly...their tips brushing over the robotic wolf's face.

And then, his hand retracts once more, as he tosses back his head, eyes squeezed shut, voice building in pitch and volume until...

"RrrrrRRAAAAAAARGH!"

It's then that his whole form seems to jerk, straightening up, as both arms snap out to the sides, clenching into fists, then turning upwards, like hands ready to claw out the very heart of anyone who would get in his way. A bright flash illuminates from his form, a purple glow that builds in intensity and suddenly explodes from his form like a fiery aura. The sheer discharge of his systems reaching such peak levels in a short amount of time is enough to lift him off the ground several feet, as he stands there, head tossed back, howling like some feral predator unleashed.

And just like that, he lands once more, boots clanking out on the pavement of the street, as the aura...the scream, all of it dissipates. Now, he stares straight down it, right at the mammoth form of Gigas, as every inch of his fury is centered on the Repliforcer...and him alone. The Dark Knight's fury all but blazes from his features, much moreso his eyes, which seem to be almost burning with his anger right now.

"That..." he growls, voice almost on the edge of insanity. "...will be the LAST mistake you ever make in your pitiful existence!" With a low *VRUUUUUMM* his dash jets come online, propelling him forward in a streak of motion, tearing up the distance between him and the much larger form within seconds. With almost a casual leap, he soars upwards, dash boots igniting again and propelling him that much higher, as his right arm phases to life, the purple energy blade extending from it's housing and coming to bear. Like a prehistoric Raptor attacking the much bigger prey, he goes right for Gigas' body, energy blade already slashing forward in a long arc.

Blues turns his head towards Charles, his blackened visor staring right into the older man's eyes. "...are in terrible danger...gather everybody together...I'll get you out of here..." Megalith is in trouble, yes, but Blues is one to worry about the Humans first.

The air rumbles with the sound of an approaching jet...At least, that's what one would think it was without seeing the sound's source. It is, Skyblade Eagle, as she flies over the area...Her keen optics pick up the sight of Megalith a bit off in the distance...And...He's being attacked? Oh no, we can't have that...She narrows her optics, folding her arms to her side as she rockets towards the other Repliforcer, to give the big guy backup, even if he doesn't need it...

Charles Andrews nods wordlessly, not in the present state of mind to ask any more questions. Propping Chris against the house's siding he rushes into the house without looking behind him. Several moments pass and he helps his very confused wife, a young light brown haired woman within her late 30's, and a frightened 14 yr. old girl. With them, of course, is 11 yr. old James who quips, "What's going on? Where are we goin'?" he asks.

Meanwhile, Rachel had been prodded to slip out the back door and make a run for her home as quick as she could...without looking back...

Megalith Gigas isn't in trouble../yet/..although his optics widen slightly and the canyon like depths of his muscles are illuminated by the deadly glow of Bass and his sabre...the truth of the matter is...this is one /tough/ behemoth. He can last and probably last long enough for the humans to be at least taken to cover. He's pretty sure he's going to go down for the count but Megalith isn't someone to just give up. Defending humans is his honor and his purpose and he's not just going to roll over and play dead simply because he's heard and seen where Bass' abilities are concerned.

With a loud *VRASH* of energy burning and cutting into synth-flesh and the muscle-grafts and armor beneath...the saber strikes Megalith's monstrous flanks and actually bounces off slightly. Scarring it but not doing much damage beyond that. Megalith instead turns abit and twists around in a counter attack while his deep voice rumbles, "So sorry leetle one. But robot dog attacked Megalith first...and you were terrorizing humans. Maybe I pay for repairs to dog with money and we resolve this without damage further..." He knows good and well Bass isnt going to agree to this though. His massive hands raise again and then draw backwards as his huge arms pull back.

"Giga..ULTRA WAVE!" he roars and then he slams his huge fists together producing a loud *BOOOOM* and an visible force wave of incredible pressure that rockets through the air towards Bass.

Protoman glances up at the incoming jet sound, assuming some sort of assistance and spotting Skyblade, he nods slightly. "Mmm." .oO(Well, atleast they should keep Bass busy for long enough...)Oo. He refocuses his attention on the Andersons, the trademark smirk coming to his face. "Alright, I know this is going to sound lame, but I need all of you to hold your hands together in a circle and pray to whatever god you believe in that old fin-head over there doesn't come back in the next 5 seconds... DO IT."

Bass falls from his slicing leap, boots hitting the ground, then falling forward and rolling in the process. He comes up once more, half crouching as he steadies himself with his free hand, buster held upwards as it begins to build it's charge levels once more, energy gathering around the tip. "I will more than ENJOY tearing your head off from those shoulders and leaving it on the street as a MONUMENT to the fools that reside around here! Perhaps NOW they'll actually realize that they aren't safe anywhere from me!" Of course the danger he refers to doesn't just extend from him, but every Master and Maverick on teh planet. But he's gotta fuel his ego right now right?

As the wave is unleashed, and tears it's way towards him, he's already on the move once more, body twisting about as he flips over, rolling with the shock and coming up again, his armored knee tearing a long groove in the front lawn of the Andrews' house. Ironically enough, he's about ten feet away from the family and Blues, with his back to them at the moment as he draws a bead on Gigas' gigantic frame with his buster. "If I have to chip away at you little bit by little bit...then I'll do so. But I won't REST until you're little more than a crater in the earth!" With that, his arm jerks back with the recoil as his buster unleashes a lower-leveled blast....

*WHOOM!*

The family isn't about to make any time-consuming questions. Although quite confused, they do know enough to merely...do as told. They're already seen a little of what Bass was capable of firsthand...already knowing that doesn't begin to cover it. Hands are suddenly linked as they peer about, wide-eyed...holding a collective breath. "This mean...I don't hafta worry about the history exam tomorrow?" Samantha mummers.

"Hrrrrr..." rumbles Megalith as he rears back slightly, hearing Bass' threats and attempting to devise some way to get out of this in one piece. It's not likely to happen however so he simply toughens it out and resolves to at least give Bass something to talk about later even if he does end up going down to him. It's obvious to him that a ranged war isn't going to work out to well. He needs to close the distance and try and keep this melee orientated so he can apply that freakish unmatched strength. His lips pull back into a snarl and he abruptly lunges forward. Leaping into the air powerfully and gigantic leg muscles propelling him forward at Bass as he does what most would consider insane and actually rushes head long for the Master. The buster shot explodes with an echoing *BHOOOOOM* into the obscene girth of his monstrous chest yet doesn't even shove him backwards. His overwhelming strength overriding that particular level of shot. "TITAN BUSTEERR!!" roars his Russian bearish voice as his body continues on it's arc forward through the air at Bass. His monstrous knee coming up now in an attempt to crash into Bass with seismic force and drive him forward and into the ground with it and Megalith's body behind it. A simple melee attack seemingly...were it not for the obvious muscle behind it.

The smirk on Protoman's face extends into a grin at the little girl's comment. "Yeah, kid... I think you can count that out." As the family intertwines their fingers to form the circle, Blues reaches down and grabs two arms...one of the small boy and the other Samantha's. His face scowls up as the Hunter begins concentrating...on what is probably unknown to the family, but to those in the know, it's one of his closely guarded secrets. Before leaving, he speaks into his radio, quickly snapping off a quick tightbeam to Bass. "Lost sight of your original target, Fin-head... bad form." Crimson energy begins to engulf the family and Proto mutters, "There's no place like home..."

And then they are gone...every last one disappearing into a crimson flash.

The avian Repliforcer catches sight of Protoman down on the ground, knowing that with the Hunter there, this won't be too messy. She slows her flight down as she nears the battle scene, opening her wings, which causes the light to reflect off their silver plating, and the blades on the ends of them. She narrows her optics, looking towards Bass, and then up towards Megalith. She flaps her wings a bit as she lowers towards the ground, landing a short distance from Megalith and Bass, to the side of them, so she can stay out of their firing range. She looks up towards Megalith, sending of a transmission...After all, she doesn't want to get involved if Megalith can handle it, and she has faith in the other Repliforcer. She doesn't however see Blues disappear.

<Soon...>

Command Center -- Maverick Hunter HQ

Rick Morgan shows up not all that long afterwards, coming out of the grav lift, and skidding to a halt as his eyes already slide in Twila's direction. No one needs to tell him twice...he already heard over the radio. Usually people tend to be glad when they're proven right...

So why does he feel like he has a knot in his stomach right about now?

Twila Peterson casts her eyes worriedly towards Rick as he exits the lift. She need not ask if he had heard. "He's...bringing them here..."

Rick Morgan opens his mouth as if to say something...then shuts it again. But after a moment, he indeed opens it again, and casts a sidelong glance at Twila once more. "Deja vu?"

The girl can't readily offer anything towards *that* for the longest time...at least not anything that sounds somewhat...intelligent. "Yeah...guess so," she stats...sucking in her breath.

Rick Morgan moves and gently raises both hands to rest on Twila's shoulders, offering them a quick squeeze. "It's alright..." he says gently. "Blues is bringing them back here...and you know he can get it done faster than anyone..."

A crimson flash illuminates the command center, and when it's gone, Blues is standing there with a family.

Charles Andrews opens her eyes after shutting them to keep out the reddish glare from the android...no less astonished as well as...well...struck dumb. "But, how did you do that?" the 40 yr. old man asks, looking about just as the others do.

"Where....where are we?" Samantha asks the android timidly. "And, who are you?"

Chris and the children's mother don't offer anything, being just as speechless as the head of the household.

For James though, he blurts out a, "Whoah...that was way cool!"

Rick Morgan is of course already standing there with Twila, awaiting Blues' arrival. Hey, he may not like the scarfed android, but nobody can ever accuse him of letting it interfere with his job. With a quick step forward, he glances about the assembled. His knowledge of robotic systems does require a minimum knowledge of medicine for that matter...something that he happens to find himself using more and more lately...much to his chagrin.

"Alright...everybody here? Anybody hurt right now?"

Twila turns from her stance at the terminal, turning around to take in the condition of the new arrivals, somewhat roadblocked on knowing exactly what to say herself. She's grateful for Rick's presence about now.

Mr. Andrews swallows, considering first things first as he nods towards his eldest son. "Chris was roughed up somewhat..." he mutters, still helping the young man to stay standing.

Protoman offers no answers to the questions asked. His job mostly done, he moves over to the nearest wall to lean against it and look moody. Some might wonder as why he's not heading off? Well, there is the fact that 5 civvies are in HQ right now. He does manage a smirk at the boy's reaction to teleporting, though.
Blues adds, "The old guy got caught in a timestopper, don't know what that'll do for your health, sides add 15 minutes to your life span."

Rick Morgan of course steps forward, already checking Chris out for himself. Again...he may have his disagreements and perhaps anger where this one is concerned, but he certainly isn't going to let it interfere with his job. "Alright..." he offers, as he reaches out to take Chris' shoulder, already guiding him to the closest seat. "Sit down here and we'll have a look and make sure what's what here. Twila...do you wanna check..." he pauses, suddenly realizing he doesn't know the name of her Uncle...so he manages to gesture towards him. "...and see that there's no side effects from the timestopper? I've never heard of there ever being any...but that's on reploids. I wouldn't think it'd be any different here...but better safe than sorry." He's already holding up a towel for Chris to press to his own nose and mouth to help stop the bleeding.

Charles blinks, not thinking enough readily to be offended by being referred to as "the old guy". "A 'time-stopper'? What in blazes is that supposed to be?" Yes, he misses the obvious.

His wife turns towards Twila, finally finding her voice and wrings her hands nervously. "So...this is where you work," she questions, then stops herself as Twila guides her new patient into a seat. "Uh, Charles Andrews..." she answers with a small nod, already performing some checks...starting with his pulse.

Still flabbergasted by all of this, the older man merely sits silent.

Chris lets out a soft wince, but accepts the towel gratefully, keeping it there.

Meanwhile, the two younger ones merely...peer about. "Does Megaman really live here?" James pipes up, staring towards one of the monitors in awe.

Protoman rolls his eyes. .oO(Oh yeah, always, Megaman...never Protoman.)Oo. He watches the kids run about, hoping they didn't get to close to him. "Don't touch -anything-."

Rick Morgan straightens, making sure Chris is holding the towel before turning to face the kids. "Yeah Megaman lives here, Zero lives here, Dr. Light lives here...we all live here. The whole gang..." He then nods towards Twila, as she does her own checks on Charles to make sure he's allright.

"Well..." he offers, as he folds his arms over his chest, apparently satisfied that no one else is injured. Just...the shock now kicking in. "We'll see about if we can find you guys a spot to rest yourselves here. I know we can scrape something up...it isn't much, but this is where we live. I wanna make sure those of you who got the manhandling treatment..." he glances over his shoulder towards Chris again, as if re-checking, "...are alright before we do anything else. As it stands, I think all of you are kinda going to need to catch your collective breaths so to speak here..."

Well...not as if the children were given the android's name...that is until Twila answer's her cousin with "Protoman," as if recalling her inquiry of who it was that brought them.

Samantha nods, rehearsing the name to herself as she continues to look around...pulling back a little from the curious instruments when their Good Samaritan speaks up, "I'm not touching anything," the preteen states with a twinge of defensiveness. "When can we go home?" she asks the cyborg, something that's somewhere within the rest of the minds of her family of course.

Twila stands up to her feet after checking her uncle for further injuries, grateful there was little. "Uh...that'll have to be discussed later. It's a bit late right now..." starts off.

Rick Morgan nods quickly at that, picking up on Twila's tone. "So it's best if you recover first. I know this kind of has to be a bit of a shock to everyone...." he then nods towards a pair of unnamed reploids that come out, apparently having been summoned.

"What we have available...well, it's probably a little rougher than what you're used to, but it'll have to do on short notice. Let us know if you need anything and I'll see about getting someone onto it real quick. I don't mean to rush, but as I'm sure you're all aware, when you left someone else was busy standing in your wake there...and I'm starting to get worried about how they're faring."

It's probably a good thing that they are collectively in a form of shock to be quite honest. Enough time to deal with the full consequences of actions taken tonight when they're more capable.

Mrs. Andrews lays a hand on her husband's arm, which he takes as a signal for him to stand. All he can mumble to the three is a, "Thanks," before stating half heartily to his clan, "come on, kids..."

As they begin to file out with the reploids Chris glances towards Samantha before heading into the lift. Samantha in turn sneaks a look back towards Rick and smiles shyly...almost dreamily. And then the doors close.

After they're gone Twila breaths a sigh of relief. "Thanks...for getting them out, Proto," she finally states after a moment's silence.

Blues shrugs, disappearing into a crimson flash.

Rick Morgan just watches as they go, blinking once at Samantha, then sighing at the same time, and crossing his arms over his chest. "Well they say waiting is the hardest part..." he offers to Twila, not even bothering to glance in Blues' direction. The flash tells him all he needs to know. "Looks like the waiting is over and done with."

Twila Peterson nods wearily. "Question is...what now?"

Rick Morgan raises a hand and shakes his head. "Not 'What now?'. It's what tomorrow. Let em all rest at it right now, I think they've got themselves alot more thinking to do as well. Whether they liked it or not, the war just came knocking at their front door...literally. Speaking of which..." he frowns. "I wouldn't put much chances on their house still being in one piece...unless they're lucky."

The girl slightly lifts her head at that, only to concede in agreement, already well aware of what happens during any amount of fighting. "Best...to deal with this one step at a time..." she whispers, more to herself than to Rick.

Rick Morgan still nods nevertheless. "I'm going to keep an eye on things up here, just to make sure that there's no distress beacons over the Repliforce net. Whoever it was that stayed back to fight him, I don't really envy them actually..." he shakes his head slowly then. "But I guess what needed to be done managed to get done."

Twila Peterson flicks her glance towards the gravlift. "Should go about...making them temporary arrangements for them at least...get together and items they may need ahead of time and such," she muses. Before making her way towards the gravlift she gives the cyborg a rather tight hug. "Try...try to get some rest sometime tonight, kay?"

Rick Morgan blinks...and then wraps his own arms around Twila's form, giving her a tight squeeze in response. "I'll try Twila...." he whispers. "...I'll try. I promise. I'll see what I can manage anyways...you get some rest too. Something tells me you'll need it tomorrow."

============================== Maverick Hunter ===============================
Message: 10/46 Posted Author
Civvies... Mon Sep 18 Rick Morgan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rick appears on screen, apparently reporting from the command center.

"Well remember what Twila said about Bass apparently making threats on her family? Looks like he made good on those threats tonight. The good news is...no one was killed or seriously injured. The bad news is, he shook em up pretty darn bad, and I have my serious doubts about whether or not they have a place to go back to anymore. Blues got them out of there real quick with his teleportation ability...just in time I figure too. I heard a Repliforcer stayed behind to fight Bass, not sure what happened to him though. Someone might wanna check that out. As it stands right now I've set up a place for Twila's family members to stay for now while they get over their shock. Once that's over and I'm sure that there's no lasting injuries I missed we can take this to the next level. Uh...whatever that is. Cause I have no idea if they'll even have a home to return to."

Rick scratches his head for a moment, then sighs and shrugs, before reaching forward to click off the screen once more.

*BLIP*
==============================================================================