Twila@M3 - Friday, August 27, 1999, 11:52 PM --------------------------------------------

Donachi Business District - Neo Tokyo This is the economic heart of Neo Tokyo and a great deal of the world. It is within these few square kilometers that corporate empires rise and fall, deals determining the fate of the world's commerical enterprises are made, and where the greatest commercial structure ever created dwarfs everything around it, the Stratoscraper. This immense building is so tall that aerospace technology had to be applied to maintain the building's atmosphere near the top, while the foundation below bores deep into the planet's crust. Around the base of this building are the smaller, though by no means small themselves, skyscrapers that house the headquarters of countless corporations and globe-spanning enterprises.The city has reached so far into the sky here that special public transports race up and down between suspended platforms that connect many of the buildings. Floating food vendor booths drift to and from specialized airlocks on the side of the buildings, and the lights from various holographic ad signs reflect from the mirrored windows.

Twila Peterson steps away from the front enterance of the large building that constitututes Light Labs. She offers herself an inward sigh as she travels down the steps just to do a small look-see around the installation. Currently her hands are stuffed wthin the pockets of her jacket and she appears to be in some thought.

The sound is difficult to distinguish at first, but as one listens carefully, they can tell that it's coming from something -big-. THe repeated whines of powerful hydraulics, followed by an ensuing heavy *THUD!* each time seems to be coming from just over the small rise, that leads to the large parking lot. Whatever on Earth could it be?

Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Behemoth> [MH] One word sums up this massive ride armor: huge. Rising to seventeen feet at the upper rim of the armor, this mechanical contraption was built to serve primarily as a war machine. Large-booted, digitgrade legs support the massive weight of the armor and provide traction on almost any surface. A large, cup-shaped body contains an open cockpit and a complex set of controls. The front of the armor sports a pair of headlights for dim conditions. Bulkier than most ride armors, the Behemothis built like a mountain. It is armed with a pair of massive arms, each ending in a large, flat paddle instead of a fist. A colorscheme of dark greens and browns spots the armor. A small Maverick Hunter emblem stands out on the front of the armor.

Twila Peterson blinks, picking up her gaze as the sound reaches her ears. She stands still for a moment and then shifts her direction to follow the intreguing noise that just happened the snare her curiosity. Yet, the remains mindful to restrain herself to the area aroung the labrotory for specific reasons. It's not long before she sees the Ride Armor...or whatevert it is that it's called, and then stays where she is, maintaining a small distance, watching.

Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Behemoth> flexes first one massive arm....then the other, swiping them through the air effortlessly, almost in a testing motion. Every time one of it's stumpy feet set down on the pavement of the parking lot, a small shudder is sent through the ground, so heavy is it. Finally, the large vehicle comes to a stop...and with a small whine, appears to shut down and lean forward. The cockpit pops open, revealing a mess of blonde hair..and Rick, who climbs out halfway, grinning from ear to ear.

Rick Morgan has arrived. 5'10 inches of cheerfulness rolled up into one package. Rick dosen't look like the type that would have enough knowledge on the workings of robotics to rival many scientists nowadays. He sure looks the part of a mechanic however. Bright blue eyes peer out from under a seemingly uncombed mop of blonde hair, and an almost eternal air of confidence and jovialness surrounds him, evidenced by the smirk that usually rests on his facial features. A blue bandanna tied about his forehead acts as a sweat catcher, and he's almost never seen without his dark red, leather bomber jacket, with the sleeves deliberately cut short. A pair of black leather gloves with the fingers cut out of them serve his working purposes, and his lower torso moves into a pair of blue jeans and what one may think are giant boots. On closer inspection however, one can realize that those are armored coverings over his legs, exactly what one would expect from a humanoid reploid. But this person -is- human, rather.....his cybernetic legs providing a bit of a misguiding feature for others. By the way he balances on them with confidence and moves about with great ease, he's probably had them upgraded....

Twila Peterson takes a step backwards as the massive form makes it's grand appearance....only to come to a halt. The fact that some emerges from it's cockpit is seconodary it seems. The young woman merely stands there staring at the rather huge thing, recalling that with it's size it would make a lovely friend for the General who she met briefly back at Repliforce Headquarters. It's hard for her to get over the size. Sure she's seen them at odd times on newscasts and such on TV. But to see one in real life...

Rick Morgan climbs fully from the cockpit then, balancing on the ride armor's left shoulder, stooping over as he flips up a panel and fiddles with something inside. Finally, with a brush of his arm across his forehead, he stands up fully, balancing seventeen feet up on the vehicle. "Whew! That's that!" he exclaims, more to himself actually, as he hasn't noticed Twila yet.

The novalist's bluish-green orbs widen as her gaze is distracted fianlly by the 'pilot' of the mech as he fully emerges from the cockpit area and perches himself atop the armor's shoulder. She advances a step and tilts her head, curiosity perking even more so now as she looks upwards. . o O(Still kinda looks taller on TV...)O o .

Rick Morgan hmmms, stretching his arms out behind his back. Ahhh..much better. It's then that he notices someone below, and immediately smiles. Ahhhhhhh.....Rock's latest interest. "Hi there!" he waves cheerfully. "Sorry bout that, didn't see you! I was just taking the Behemoth out for a test run. Just got her all fixed up."

Twila Peterson returns the wave with some distraction, studying the machine while stepping a step or two more forward. "So...this is a ride armor?"

Rick Morgan grins, "This..." he motions down. "....is a ride armor. Yep. Feel free to have a look, they're a technological wondor I tell ya." he bends his knees for a moment...and leaps upwards, sailing seventeed feet to the ground and landing in front of Twila in a light *THUMP* and a slight bending of his legs.

Twila Peterson would have continued staring at the armor if a certain mechanic hadn't have made a lengthy jump that would have easily broken a few bones, as well as a few other things, normally. She watches him land not far from in front of her, wondering if he really *is* human as was implies last night or if he's really a reploid -- then realizing that it actually scarcely matters. "Rick the Mechanic, right?" she asks, not recalling his last name straight off, or even remembering if one was mentioned. "I remember you from last night."

Rick Morgan grins and adjusts his gloves, pulling them tighter along his palms. "Yep. And you're Twila." he returns. "I didn't realize who you were at first, seems like you were a bit of a topic of discussion for a little while." he says good naturedly, pausing to pull out a rag and whips off his grease-covered fingers.

Twila Peterson perks an eyebrow. "Um...discussion?" she says innocently.

Rick Morgan hmms, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh...just troubles with robot masters.....that's all." well not all, but even -he- knows enough not to tease in the wrong areas when the time isn't right.

Twila Peterson ohs quietly. "Why am I not suprised this place has it's own grapevine?"

Rick Morgan shrugs. "Hey....it's an organization ain't it? People gossip...talk.....make friends, meet romantic acquaintenances...." he adds. Ok -that- time it was right.

Twila Peterson quirks a brow towards the fellow. "I guess it was a bit noticable," she replies with a tiny smirk. Hmm...she already gathers he's the type who like to be somewhat blunt on occasion. Ok...more than on occasion.

But it's a good natured bluntness. He's harmless....really! Rick just chuckles, "Ahhh don't worry about it. Rock's a good guy, if a bit like a 10 year old at times." he pauses to wipe at a bit of grime on Behemoth's shin.....not that it matters, the ride_armor isn't the most tidy looking of machines. But it's the thought that counts. "That's why he's so easy to get goin." he says with a grin.

'Or blush', the girl thinks, but doesn't say. But that's one of the things she finds cute about him. "Nothing wrong with having a second childhood," she states with a small smile. Of course, that's meaing if Rock even had finished a *first* childhood to begin with.

Rick Morgan hmmmmms. "Yeah, I guess." he says with a light chuckle. "What's your story anyway?" he asks suddenly. "I mean....what gives with all that happens? That is......if you're ok with saying about it and all."

Twila Peterson is eyes the mechanic and waits a beat before asking, "Depends on what your meaning."

Rick Morgan blanches. "Gah! Uh....I mean this. What'd you do to get a robot master so interested and everything?"

Twila Peterson hmms. "Trouble usually follows when your at the wrong place at the wrong time." There's a shrug of the shoulders followed by a, "I accidently overheard a converation between this Enker and someone called 'Snake Man'. He found out about it and placed me on some sort of survailence. Turned out he *wanted* me to go to Repliforce so he could have nabbed me later and get information about them that I unkowingly picked up." The way in which she says it sounds casual enough, but there's a strain beneath the surface if one were to detect it. "He went as far as to do some research about me I guess...and brought in my cousin too."

Rick Morgan hmmmms and frowns slightly. "What about now? What're you thinkin of doin? I know that Rock made Enker take a 100 story plunge. Heh, musta looked good on him."

Twila Peterson furrows her brow. "True...but the plunge didn't place him out of commision. He was spying on me and Rock when we went out for a walk just a few days ago. Neither of us actually saw him, but he was causing trouble for a bystander that we didn't know about until after he left." She breaths in a sigh and adds, "I had been staying with Repliforce until some of this cleared. But...after thinking on Rock's invitation, thought here might be a little better." Besides, she was drawing suspicions from a Forcer or two that she really was in league with Enker somehow. And along with all the other stressors she's had, that she didn't need.

Rick Morgan gives a good natured grin and a thumbs up. "Hey he made the right decision. Ain't nowhere more secure than Hunter HQ. Enker wouldn't dare come within fifty miles of this place."

Twila Peterson smiles, feeling somewhat reassured. "I certainly hope not."

Rick Morgan grins a bit, rapping the metal of the Ride Armor's shin. "Hey, maybe we oughta show you how to drive one of these." he teases. "Then you wouldn't ahve to worry about him."

Twila Peterson gives the mechanic a really odd look. "*Me* drive one of *them*," Her glance travels all 17 feet of it's height. "You gotta be kidding."

Rick Morgan arches an eyebrow. "Hey.....if -IRIS- can drive one, you'd have no problem. Trust me."

Twila Peterson continues looking up at this thing. "It's alot differnt than a hovercar..."

Rick Morgan chuckles. "Weeeeeell....yeah it's a big difference in learning how to -walk- a machine rather than drive one." he bends his knees...and leaps upwards, ten feet to land on the juncture of the mecha's elbow, before turning around to offer a hand for her to climb up. "But they're great for evening the odds for humans like us in a war with reploids and androids."

Twila Peterson hesitates for the briefest moment and takes the preoffered hand. "You're human? But how...I mean...?" she fumbles, then almost kicks herself for asking, as if it's any of her business anyway.

Rick Morgan pulls her up with a small grunt, assisting her onto the bent forearm. "How what?" he starts at first, blinking...then glances down. "Oh! Geez.....sorry, I've gotten so used to it, I keep forgetting." a knuckle comes down and raps on his kneecap, *BONK!*. "Old injuries I got awhile back.....had to trade in the old ones for the new improved version."

Twila Peterson ohs. She's heard of cybernetics and such. But that doesn't necessarily mean she's seen any first hand. However, she wonders why she was taken by surprise. After all, she's become rather attatched to someone who's fully a mech hasn't she? Yet again, many things as of late are thrashing old concepts to the hilt. "Ordered new ones then."

Rick Morgan glances up, and makes the climb up to the Behemoth's shoulder now, finally turning around and offering his hand again. "Yeah the old ones were kind of broken, thanks to the Robot Masters...." he remarks seemingly casually. "I guess having a roof fall on me didn't help any either."

Twila Peterson had her wall implode on her. Does that count any? Not really. All she got was a cut up shoulder from some flying glass, thankfully. She takes his hand again as he readies to help her up once more. "No, don't suppose that would at that."

Rick Morgan hauls her up just like last time, making sure she's steady on the shoulder of the machine before he lets go. "Doctors told me I'd never walk again.....the usual blah story. I used my university funds to get the new legs, worked out great, even if I couldn't go back to school."

Twila Peterson takes a glimpse of the ground from where she's standing. "So...you joined the Mav hunters?" she questions.

Rick Morgan chuckles. "Weeeeell it wasn't -that- quick. You know how hard it is to get recognized as somebody that knows robotics without a degree? People were shaking their heads at me everywhere. It was actually an accident that I came across a scrap where the Behemoth was invovled and got busted up pretty badly. I offered some emergency field repairs......got it back up to fighting strength. Apparently Doctor Cossack thought it was a good job." he says with a grin, stepping around the side of the shoulder and gently holds Twila's hand to guide her towards the cockpit. He's of course being careful.......that's a long way down.

Twila Peterson doesn't mind being careful either actually. She diesn't particulay like the thought of making a new dent in the pavement. "How long...have you been here then?"

Rick Morgan allows her to perch on the edge of the cockpit....at least that's a more solid place to sit. "I've lost track actually...." he says with a grin. "Once I realized I was able to work on these babies....I never looked back. And now that I've got one of my -own- that I can build...." he chuckles. "Let's just say I can die a happy man now."

Twila Peterson takes said seat as she looks down to look at all the controls inside. "Build?" Far cry frome simple hovercar repair work if she had been asked.

Rick Morgan proceeds to slide into the cockpit seat himself, easing into the controls as he checks a few of the displays. "Yep, build. I could have done it before, but it's not like I'm going to use Mav Hunter resources. No....this is a personal project. What you saw before when I was bringing it in....that was a sart. I've already got it up on hoists in the hangar bay, been tinkering at it a bit. Now that the Behemoth is done I can pay full attention to it too."

Twila Peterson flickers a glance to where she recalls the load had been taken previously and then back down at the man in the cockpit. "Why?" May seem as somewhat of an unneeded question seeing as how what these things are used for. But Twila has never been one to shy away from making inquires. And this fellow seems to have a unique interest in ride armors.

Rick Morgan hmmmms. "Well..you've seen guys that like old cars or vehicles? I guess it's kind of the same. It's not just a job....it's a hobby." he flicks a few panels, watching some schematics come up. He then takes ahold of a few of the controls..maneuvering them, causing the Ride Armor's wrists to flex. "Ever since I seen them for the first time I was always facinated by em. I dunno....maybe cause they're the first real way we humans can get back into this conflict again, rather than sitting back and just letting the robots handle it. Not that I'm not grateful to them for it....but I don't like being on the sidelines."

Twila Peterson watches his movements and then trails the movements of the machine as it responds in kind. "Somewhat akin to ackowlodging something of a responsibility," she muses as an idle thought comes to her. Suprised at herself for thinking such a thing she pushes it back.

Rick Morgan chuckles. "Oh if responsibility is what I wanted, I got it in droves I think. Hold onto the rim there....." he adds, as he begins to move the mechanical walker's legs, sending it stumping forward several steps. "I guess before I showed up there was nobody that really worked on em 24/7."

Twila Peterson tightens her grip as the armor shifts and begins its small trek. "This guy...certainly seems alright..." Of course, she doesn't know what a ride armor is supposed to 'seem' in the first place.

Rick Morgan hmmmms. "Yeeeep." he then chuckles and glances up, before indicating the ground in front of him. "Now imagine you're a Maverick or a Robot Master looking up at this thing. Get the picture?" he teases.

Twila Peterson raises her brows skyward at the thought. "Must I?" she grins.

Rick Morgan chuckles. "Yeah kind of intimidating ain't it? I'll tell you this much....you get -attention- in one of these things. Not exactly all the good kind either...." he brings the mecha to a stop...allowing it to power down again momentarily, as he leans forward to study some readouts.

Twila Peterson releases some of her hold as the mechanical goliath settles. "Don't suppose anyone would," she mutters as she again looks off down towards the surface of the lot, thinking. Seems as if she's still trying to adjust in the type of events life has placed her. Not easy to do.

Rick Morgan grins as he manipulates one of Behemoth's paddle hands upwards....providing it as a convenient 'platform' for Twila. "I know it's all kind of fast paced.....but you'll get used to it. Trust me. Hey....hanging around Rock...." he gives a quick wink. "...life'll never be boring."

Twila Peterson has to smile at that. Rock himself has eluded to his knack for finding trouble. The woman stays where she is for a hesitant moment and before sliding herself carefully towards the palms of those hands, but waiting to see if Rick is actually suggesting to move herself onto them. "So...I've heard."

Rick Morgan hmmmmms, studrying the readout for a moment. "You'll see it soon enough too." he chuckles. "If you haven't already." he notes the hesitation...then facepalms. "Ah geez....I'm sorry. I keep forgettin not everyone's as trusting of these as me. Uh....you wanna get down the old fashioned way?" he asks with a small grin.

Twila Peterson mulls the question over...not that she actually needed to...and nods. "If...you don't mind. Maybe...some other time. But, for right now...?" her voice trails off.

Rick Morgan laughs. "I don't mind one bit. Was my fault anyway. Just a second..." he manipulates the controls a bit....allowing the vehicle to crouch somewhat, setting it's arm as a very easy path to follow straight to the ground. "Better?" he asks.

Twila Peterson nods in answer as she takes to scrambling off the mechanical titan and setting herself back onto the ground. "Thanks," she offers, backing away a little to allow the mech to return to it's height. "I hope I didn't keep you from anything by being out here."

A whine of servos comes from the mecha's gyros as it straightens again, and Rick chuckles, "Course not. Actually I was glad to have someone to talk to. Brightened up my night."

Twila Peterson offers another small smile grateful that those she has met around here thus far have been rather friendly -- noting, without intention, there appears to be a differnt course running through here. "Glad...I could help," and glad she met someone here who helped her feel not so much as an outsider. Rock's certianly been helpful, but he can't exactly be expected to always be there.

Sure he can, he's Rock, he's supposed to always be there. :D

Rock walks towards the Labs, apparently back from patrol, and boy does he look bored.

=====================================[X]=================================== A symbol of justice... The light amongst a sea of darkness...

Standing at a rather modest height of approximately five feet, eight inches, the commander of the Maverick Hunters is still quite a site to behold while adorned in his X-Armor. His upper arms and legs are colored in the typical light blue as they always are, it's the four major components of the X-Armor itself that prominantly dominate his figure. Each is primarily colored in bright silver, highlighted with various spots of red, blue, black, and gold. A stunning sight indeed...

The first piece that catches your eyes is the helmet. A large V-shaped chrest adorns the front of it, finding it's apex between X's light greyish blue eyes. At said apex a bright red crystal like object is encrusted by a gold lining, serving a multitude of functions known only to X himself. His face is of a light skin tone, and is soft to the touch, thanks to the wonders of synthskin, and more often not, can be seen in the expression of a warm smile.

Grabbing your attention next is the famous X-Buster, one of the most feared and respected weapons in the world. Taking the place of either of X's arms depending on which one he choses to shift into it. Compared to the rest of his body it is by far the most angular part, ending in an almost perfect rectangle at it's jet black firing end. A plate of red heat shielding armor wraps around the end near the firing end, leading into the cooling vents on either side and the two pairs of minilasers on the top and bottom. Amazingly, all of this firepower is not much larger than his other arm, which is covered in a simple silver gauntlet, which also has a strip of red heat shielding on it, merely to make it match along with the X-buster.

As you spread your gaze out, you take notice of his armor. Covering his chest, shoulders, and abdomen, it seems to give off the impression that it is quite effective, and at the same time, pretty darn stylish. His shoulder guards are silver like the rest of the armor, and lined in blue, with an extra plate of gold armoring on the top where the shoulder meets the body. The chest armor also is primarily silver, with a large jade green jem like object uncrusted into it surrounded on both sides by the same red heat shielding armor found on his arms, most likely used to help absorb damage. His codpeice is adorned in the front by a large gold plate of extra armoring as well, further proving that X's armor not only serves a cosmetic service, but also provides him with excellent protection.

Finally, your gaze moves down, eyeing his oversized boots. Lined in the same way as his shoulder pads with blue armor along the bottom, and near the knees with a large gold plate which in turn is held in place by another layer of the red armor. Most notable however about the boots are the large rockets in the rear of them right above his feet that serve as his dash and hover mechanism. Furthermore, on the bottom of his feet are a set of smaller thrusters which also aid in both techniques, giving him almost completely adjustable control over his hovering and dashing manuvers.

All in all, X is quite a breathtaking sight to behold. He provides an aura of security, comfort, and protection to those in need, but at the same time, a sense of justice and power to those who commit acts of wrongdoing. A boy thrust into a mans world, fighting a war he swore to prevent, a guardian, a warrior, and most importantly... a friend: X.

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

Glamour Bunny blinks, looking at the huge Ride Armor as she stops suddenly.

Rick Morgan grins, leaning forward in Behemoth's cockpit, standing up slightly. "Hey I appreciate it." he says, leaping downwards to the pavement, putting his attention on the knee joints. "Anytime you're bored or need to talk cause Rock's gone off gallavanting to save the universe or somethin, feel free."

Rock leaps up on the Behemoth and taps Rick on the shoulder, "Do I really gallavant?" he says with a chuckle.

Glamour Bunny also notices something (actually someone) else, "It's X....." she says to herself.

Twila Peterson blinks, still finding those leaps a little hard to get used to...almost lick a robotic rabbit of some sort. Er...no offense to the nearby bunny. She swings her hands behind her back, smiling towards the more than welcomed newcomer.

Let's just say Rick wasn't expecting that little part...and with a startled, "AUGH!" he topples off his perch. Good thing he was only perched near the mid/lower-torso area.....so he only falls a couple of feet before landing on his back. *WHUMP!*

Glamour Bunny giggles at the silly human.

Rock GAKS and hops down on the ground, "Oh gosh Rick, are you alright." he rubs the back of his head, "I'm sorry."

Rock holds out a helping hand to Rick, with the look of someone just found guilty of killing off a herd of sacred cows or some reasonable equal of.

Twila Peterson just....facepalms. Well, *she* jumped a bit when Rock greeted her the other day. Something about the art sneaking up on people.

Rick Morgan grunts and moves to sit up, brushing himself off. "Nah...I always take a swan dive off of the Ride Armor. Good for the back y'know." he says evenly. He takes the offered hand, and gets back to his feet. "But seeing as how I don't wanna put the chiropractors outta work....uh....just warn me next time."

Rock nods and sighs, "I'm sorry." he repeats, "I didn't mean to startle you like that..." Rock . o O (That's the last time I try to pull one of Blues' tricks, I knew he was setting me up for trouble when he taught me the fine art of sneaking up on people...)

Rick Morgan stares at Rock......then busts out laughing.

Rock blanks, "What?" he says still carrying a guilty conscience.

And Rick did just say about X's knack for getting into trouble? "Hello to you to, Rock," she greets with a tilt of the head and a grin, finding some of this amusing somehow.

Rick Morgan points. "You! Look at you. I'd think I was talkin to a 2nd grader that got caught cheating or something. Relax wouldja?" he says with a grin.

Rock acks and turns his head slowly to meet eyes with Twila and sweatdrops, looking like a kid caught stealing a cookie out of the cookie jar, and gives a little wave, "Hiya Twila." he turns back to Rick, and continues to smile at the reassurance from Rick, "Well, I didn't mean to get you hurt." Rock . o O (Oh boy... I'm never going to hear the end of this...)

Glamour Bunny laughs softly at the scene.

Rick Morgan moves his arms about. "Do I -look- hurt?" he returns. "Ahhhhh forget it." he gives a dismissive motion, before leaning casually against the behemoth's knee.

Rock pauses as he hears the laughter in the background and turns slightly, and now feels even more stupid, not knowing who she is, he merely smiles, "Hello there." before nodding to Rick and walking over to Twila to give her a more proper greeting.

Glamour Bunny smiles, "Like....hi there."

Rick Morgan gives a wave of his own, followed by a "Howdy." His eyes narrow as he peers at the knee. Is that a cracked hoseline? Not on -his- machines! *SNAP!* Tool comes out.....hand goes in.

Twila Peterson edges towrads Rock and slips a hand in his. She has a feeling she should refrains from showing to much affection, knowing well that 'the guys' probably would never allow their Commander the hear the end of it. "And what's a guy like you doing in a place like this?" she teases.

Rock blushes slightly and smiles, "I was about to ask you the same thing." He gives a slight squeeze, "Doctor Light said I was ready for active duty again, so I had a patrol I had to go do. I hope you found enough to keep you occupied whlie I was gone."

Glamour Bunny blinks, "Oh my gawd.....you're, like...X. Aren't you?"

Rick Morgan grunts. Not just a cracked hoseline....but a hoselines with no -flow- going through it. Unforgivable! It's not that he's ignoring Rock and Twila at the moment....but, well these little aggravating things y'know. "Awright you hateful little......" he mutters, placing his hand around the hose and giving a good tug. "C'mon! Give!"

Rock blinks as he turns to look at the bunny, "Uhm, yeah, that's me." He says with a bit of a confused smile. Yeah, he's a world famous hero, but the poor guy is still taken back by people knowing him and he not knowing them. Ayup, modest to the core, someone take this kid off the cute pills.

Twila Peterson guestures to the mechanic with his tools. "Rick here was just showing me the ride armor actually..." Her voice trails off as she watches him going about repairing...as well as badmouthing, the titan...and blinks. Her attention shifts back to the newcomer. "Hi."

Rock turns back and nods to Twila, "That's Rick alright, he'll talk your ear off about those things if you give him half the chance."

Rick Morgan blinks, the hoseline staying put. He narrows his eyes further....and takes ahold with -both- hands, pulling with a good amount of strength. It gets the job done...resulting in an audible *POP!* as the hose comes out. "Ah ha! BLUB!" followed by a spray of hydraulic fluid that catches him in the face.

Rock blinks and facepalms, and asks, already knowing the inevitable answer, "You alright Rick?"

Glamour Bunny tsks, "Wow......like, you don't really know what you're doing, do you?"

Rick Morgan already has his smaller wrench out, struggling to get at the valve to close off the flow. "Blub!" is his only answer to Rock. Hard to talk with a mouthful of fluid.

Twila Peterson turns back towards Rick as he's sprayed by the...um...project, just after the bunny offered her a certain ice reception. "Uh...need some help?"

Finally the valve is shut off, and the spray stops, leaving RIck with a rather impressively recoloured face. "Ok ok.....so she's still a little tempermental...." he mutters, pulling out a rag and wiping at the grime.

Glamour Bunny says, "You can't blame her, with somebody like that yanking on her parts with a heavy tool....like...gawds!"

Rock looks at the bunny somewhat quizzically, "I didn't catch your name, you are?" he says wondering why she's picking on Rick and furthermore, giving Twila dirty looks.

Twila Peterson mentally guesses not. She blinkblinks at Rick as finishes wiping himself off and then turns back towards Rock and the other reploid, offering her a blinkblink as well.

Glamour Bunny turns to rock and smiles, "Oh like...how rude of me! I'm Glamour Bunny."

Rick Morgan is of course a harder person to pick on than some may realize. He's the in_your_face_cheerful type after all. "Ahhhh it looked like the flow was stopped and....whatever. I know what I'm doin." he reassures.

Rock nods, "Never seen you around before, name sounds sorta familiar tho..." he shrugs.

Glamour Bunny says, "Oh really? Like where have you heard it?"

Twila Peterson offers to Rick, "Then I hope your friend there knows what it's doing," she teases, regarding the ride armor.

Rick Morgan grins back at Twila. "Hey it's all in the wrist...and skill." he pats the knee, and gets one last spurt of fluid in the face for his trouble.

Rock shakes his head, "I don't recall..." he searches his memory banks for an answer and doesn't readily come up with anything. He pauses and chuckles at Twila's comment, "Eh, she'll come around, Rick's got a way with Ride Armors, he works magic with that monkeyrench."

Twila Peterson looks back up...and up at the titan. "I...don't doubt it..." she muses aloud before shifting her focus again.

Rick Morgan wipes off the last bit of grime and sighs, glancing upwards again. "Well I need a new hose before I can move this again. Be right back....." with that he turns off and ZOOMS back to the base, kicking up a huge dust trail behind him....even enough to cause small bits of paper and such to go fluttering in his wake.

Rock gives Twila's hand another slight squeeze as he smiles at her, before looking back at the bunny, still a bit befuddled over the situation, mostly due to a clouded head, partly because of just getting back from patrol, and partly because of present company. ... and partly because his player is tired and becoming less and less coherent. :D

Twila Peterson returns the squeeze in silent reply. She's not exactly understanding the cold reception from the visitor or what she did to warrent it. But she's glad Rock's there beside her as support, befuddled or not.

A few moments later...and Rick comes back again, just as rapidly as before, hose in hand..along with a small toolkit toted over his shoulder. He practically stops on a time right next to the Behemoth, and immediately sets about replacing the damaged part, inserting the new hydraulic line into place

Rick Morgan sets the hose in place perfectly....and reopens the valve. Presto! He gives a quick grin of victory and puts his tools away, doing some sort of victory pose one would expect from a Final Fantasy game. "There! Easily done!"

Suddenly a burst of midi music plays as Rick does his victory pose. Dum dum dum dum da da dum de dum! o/~ dadada do do dum du do da dooooooo o/~

Twila Peterson offers Rick one stange look. "Uh...congratualtions," she offers with a lopsided grin within his and his pride and joys' direction. She then leans over to rock. You whisper 'He always like that?' to Rock.

Rock chuckles and nods, responding.

Rick Morgan heard that!

Rock whispers: 'Ayup, if there's one thing Rick loves, it's machines.'.

Twila Peterson grins. That she's already noticed.

Glamour Bunny blinks, she wouldn't be too sure about that by the colorful language he was using when working on it, actually....this guy creeps him out.

Rick Morgan turns back to look at Rock again. "Oh.....by the way. If you see Doc Cossack before I do....let him know I wanna talk to him. Bout the new one."

Rock nods to Rick, "Will do buddy." he says with a smile.

Twila Peterson then turns to the repliod. "So...you from around here?" trying to stir friendly conversation if nothing else. Twila Peterson means the reploid with bunny ears...

Rock was hoping so, and thought they were beyond the phase of cheesy pick up lines.

Rick Morgan of course remains oblivious to his creeping out of Glamour Bunny. How can he creep -anyone- out? He's a nice guy! Little outspoken....but a nice guy! As harmless as the Kraft peanut butter bear....really.

Glamour Bunny plainly says, "Like...no."

Twila Peterson just...sort of...ohs. "Well, where do you hail from?" still trying to be friendly. Long distance to Rock: Twila Peterson idly wonders if her being a civvie was somewhat an attraction for Rock too... :)

Glamour Bunny forces a smile, knowing she'll have to do better if she wants to convince the others nothing smells funny here, "San Angeles."

Rock turns and looks at Rick and blinks at the comment he just made over the radio, then half-smirks, looking back at Twila and then the bunny.

Twila Peterson was about to comment that this was a long way from home for her...but then recalls those teleport chambers, those things that she will never get used to. "Hope...you like your stay in Neo-Tokyo," not really finding much else to say. Drawing from the reception she recieved earlier she's already gathering any politentess now is a tad forced. She stiffles a tiny yawn and offers Rock's hand another squeeze, hoping that his patrol was uneventful for his sake.

Glamour Bunny just pretends she's a reploid, just like acting...there, that works, and she grows more polite, "Like...I heard this place was really cool, and bi-....a friend said they have really nice parks and gardens here to skate through and relax. Not to mention places to go shopping and stuff. Glamour Bunny goes into chatterbox mode again.

Twila Peterson looks up to her reploid in shining armor (literally this time). "I have too." In fact, he's promsied to take her on a tour sometime when he's goteen the chance.

Rick Morgan crouches down and leaps back up to the Behemoth's shoulder again..finally settling himself into place there. MUCH better. He grins and leans over casually, watching as Glamour Bunny runs her mouth off essentially...occasionally throwing a mischevious grin back to Rock now and then.

Rock blinks at the bunny . o O (She oughta meet that crazy Repliforce girl who insisted on putting holograms of clothing on me...) he looks down at Twila as she yawns, returning the affection, and then blushes a bit, "I wasn't kidding either, next day I have off I'll show you around." he says with a smile.

Glamour Bunny says, "Like, cool.....I was hoping to do some sight seeing myself or some junk, you know?"

Rick Morgan whistles.

Rock nods to the bunny and says, "Yeah there's plenty to do around here, and plenty of trouble to get into if you're not careful," he warns. As he looks back at Twila, "Are you tired?"

Beaming brightly Twila returns, "I'm looking forward to it," to Rock. Then, when she's question of her present state she's forced to nod. "I should be turning in soon."

Glamour Bunny nods, "Like...I'm totally getting low on enegry."

Rock nods and smiles, "Want me to walk you up to your room?" he says rather shyly.

Glamour Bunny says, "I should, like....go too and recharge."

Rock nods to the bunny and gives a slight wave, "It was, uh, nice meeting you."

Rick Morgan shifts around....letting his armored feet dangle over the side of the armor. "Don't do anything -I- wouldn't do!" he calls to the couple teasingly. He then turns and gives a wave to Glamour as well. "See ya round."

Glamour Bunny says, "Like, you too X! How many people get to talk to you? I mean...you must be totally busy or some junk."

Twila Peterson gives a slow nod. "If you don't mind. I know you just got ba---." She cuts herself off and nods to the visiting reploid. Twila Peterson then offers another strange look to Rick. Oye...what a character.

Rock blinks and nods, "Yeah, sorta." Sorta weirded out by the amount of attention he's getting, he shoots a look that could stun a yak at Ricky.

Glamour Bunny nods to the others and smiles to X, "Like...I hope to see you around some time again." Glamour Bunny skates off.

Rock smiles down at Twila and squeezes her hand gently, as he walks towards the labs.

Twila Peterson returns her gaze towards the reploid in kind and walks beside him. "Everything go alright on your patrol?"

Rick Morgan can't help it..the radio conversation is just too much. He collapses into the Behemoth's cockpit laughing like a madman.

Rock just sighs a bit at the radio conversation and chuckles lightly before answering Twila, "Yeah, everything was quiet out there, which is good in a sense, but bad in the other, a quiet night just means something's going on that we just don't know about yet."

Twila Peterson ponders that silently as they reach the steps of the labs and make their climb. "I'm certain it'll be found out...whatever it is."

Rock nods, "I'm sure too.." he says wit ha slight chuckle, "That's what I'm afraid of."

Twila Peterson adds, "Hopefully on your terms, not theirs."

Rock nods as he opens the door for Twila, "Hopefully." he replies.

Entrance Hall - Level 1 <Hunter HQ> At first glance, the lobby to this large complex seems like any other scientific corporation's. Black polished marble floors and buffed steel walls with numerous glass windows seem to dominate. Even a small security desk to the west, a sealed door behind it, looks perfectly ordinary. However, upon closer inspection, the angled glass windows hide and protect numerous security cameras, as well as other electronic gadgets of an even less benign nature. In the center of the huge lobby is an ornate fountain with a hollow cut-metal sculpture of the earth turning slowly, inside a flickering but ever-burning flame symbolizing freedom for all. Embossed on the wall towards the lifts is inscribed 'Light Labs, Inc. International Headquarters.'

Twila Peterson sqeezes his hand again and questions, "Something else on your mind?" as if there's not a list already.

Rock shrugs, "Not really, aside from missing you." he says with a smile.

Twila smiles in return. "I missed you alot too," she says. But she also knows how impotant his work is and all as well. They arrive at the Grav lift and wait for the door to open.

Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Behemoth> has arrived. Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Behemoth> enters the base.

Rock nods and sighs, "Hopefully my patrol schedule will be back to normal soon, that way I won't be out so late anymore." he says as they step into the grav lift.

Grav Lift <Hunter HQ> A more or less common elevator with an advanced suspension system, large enough to allow all but the largest Reploids elbow room. A small control panel lists destinations.

No need to ask why it's on "irregular mode" at the moment. So...she doesn't readily ask. "If you have to, you have to," Twila states. "Just don't let your warrenty expire, ok?"

Rock smiles and squeezes Twila's hand, "I made you a promise didn't I? And I never go back on my promises."

Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Behemoth> arrives from the Entrance Hall - Level 1 <Hunter HQ>. Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Behemoth> has arrived. REEEEE! THUD! REEEEEEE! THUD! REEEEEEE THUD! REEEEEEE THUD! The huge elevator is joined by the large robotic form......on it's way up. The voice blares over the speakers, "Floor 4....mass weapons of destruction and really funky computer consoles please."

Rock nearly jumps out of his armor as the Ride Armor clanks into the grav lift and presses the button for 4 as well as 2 for the two of them, taking a moment to regain his composure.

Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Behemoth> raises one of it's paddles and gives a salut. "Yes'm!"

The grav lift comes to a halt as it arrives on floor 2 and the doors slide open.

Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Behemoth>'s speakers blare, "Behaaaaaaave!"

Twila Peterson of course said this moments before they were follwoed in by a certain ride armor. Oh, boy. She slinks back into Rock as he responds as she also regains her composure. "I believe you," she grins...and then shoots the Behemoth a glare. As if...!

Rock turns and smiles at Rick atop the Ride armor giving a wave, "Later Rick." he blushes at his comment and shoots another look at him.

Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Behemoth> raises one paddle and waves. "Adios!"

Twila Peterson facepalms with her freehand and giggles a little as she;s lead off the lift. "Night, RIck..."

Maverick Hunter Ride Armor <Behemoth> then begins to ride up on the elevator. "o/~ Hey up we go! Where to we do not know! o/~"

Corridor - Level 2 <Hunter HQ> The business atmosphere that dominates the lower level is absent here. The walls are still steel, with large glass windows, but the marble floor has given way to an attractive carpeted pattern, and the entire area is decorated with cool, relaxing colors. Doors dot the hallway, each leading to a different room, and the chatter of off-duty Maverick Hunters fills the air, especially near the two most prominent doors, one leading to the mess room, the other to the recreation room. At night, warm light fills the halls, and the noise is greatly subdued as humans and reploids both rest. Doors at either end of the hall lead to the elevator and barracks.

Rock walks along towards the barracks keeping a gentle hold of Twila's hand, "Boy that Rick... sometimes I don't know what I'm going to do with him..." he chuckles.

Twila Peterson draws her hand away from her face, still giggling a little. Probably a mixture from the amusement as well as her tiredness. "I don't mean to bring this up...but Rick did state something about it being a topic of discussion." He ment Enker...but she would be deaf and dumb not to realize he ment the couple as well.

Rock nods and smiles, snuggling his arm next to hers, "It's alright, it's not like it's something I should be trying to hide." he smiles, "Just as long as they don't start making up stuff and spreading rumors, I don't mind. Albeit I will admit I do get a tad embarassed." he giggles.

Twila Peterson looks up at him, feigning shock. "You? Embarassed?"

Rock chuckles, and gives a little poke, "Oh, hush."

Rock opens the door to the barracks, holding it for Twila.

Twila Peterson can't help but giggle again. She would try to maybe poke him right back in retaliation but...she's at a small disadvatage. He's armored. She's not. She'll have to get him back some other time. "W'ot I say?" she questions, giving him that saud, puppy-dog eyed look.

Barracks <Hunter HQ> The hallway to the barracks of Light Labs is wide, the corridor lit by warm glowing overheads as it stretches towards the windowed far wall. Doors line the hallway, each the home of one of the Maverick Hunters. Small nametags line each door, showing which rooms are occupied, and which are not. The floor is covered with actual carpeting, giving this place a homey feel and somewhat cancelling the laboratory feel that dominates the labs. The hall is mostly empty however, being merely a transitory point between the Hunters' rooms and the rest of the world.

Rock chuckles, "Oh, nothing." is all he can say in reply. He looks at the door to his room with a bit of dread, knowing it means that the night is drawing to a close.

Twila Peterson follow's her beloved's gaze and sighs. "You recieve permission to stay in your brother's room yet?"

Rock shakes his head, "Not yet, but the cot is getting more and more comfy every day." he says with a smile.

Twila Peterson still can't help but feel guilty about staying in his room while he's out here...somewhere. "At least you're not having to sleep on the floor," she mutters in somewhat of a sulk. "Where have you sleeping anyway?"

Rock points to a little cot setup near his room, "Right there." he shrugs, "I don't mind, besides, makes me feel a bit more comfortable knowing that if anyone managed to get this far, they'd still have to go through me to get to you."

Twila Peterson trails where he gestures. "Well, you look like a knight in shining armor," as well as thinking like one. She rests her free hand on his cheek and gently brushes her lips against his other cheek, before she pulls back slightly and loveingly smiles.

Rock blushes, big suprise, and smiles, "Well, that's one dream I can mark off as completed," he says as he returns the gesture himself, he looks down at himself, "Although I don't think I'm quite as warm and snuggly with all this stuff on," he chuckles.

Twila Peterson offers an appraisel of his armor. "Not poke-able either," she points out, mischievously...but adds. "Somehow I doubt you, Maveicks, and Masters are all that excited for a group hug."

Rock laughs and mock-ponders for a moment, "Well, I dunno, Wire Sponge seems like he could use a hug," he chuckles.

Where in the heck did thse villians get those *names*? Twila nearly giggles from the thought of that instead of just wagging her head gently in response.

Twila Peterson wonders if there's a way for him to get out of his armor so she can at least offer him a hug. But, she's somewhat embarassed about asking. Although in truth, she probably shouldn't be. "He prolly wouldn't enjoy it tho."

Rock smiles for a moment, in silence, running one of his hands down her arm and taking a hold of her hand, giving it a slight squeeze, and wishing once again that sleep didn't have to be such a necessity of life. He takes a step back, as if he could read her mind and phases out of his armor, reappearing in his PJs with little Fliptop's and Beat's and Rush's on them. He smiles at her comment, "No, probably not." he says with a chuckle.

The pajamas seem to also lighten Twila up from her growing tiredness. She traces several of the robotic birds and dogs with her finger before embraceing him, burying her had within his shoulder. "You get a good night's sleep, Rock, ok?"

Rock smiles and gently wraps his arms around Twila, saying softly, "You too Twila."

After several long moments, Twila forces herself to pull back. "I love you," she bids gently and sincerly wishes. "Plesant dreams, Rock," knowing that past and recent events are still weighing heavily on him...as well as his usual responsibilities.

Rock hangs onto her hand for a bit, and replies, "I love you too." In a gentle tone and adds, "And sweet dreams to you as well." He gazes into her eyes for a bit before she turns to head into the room.