Megaman - Tuesday, December 12, 2000, 9:49 PM
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Iran
Moving into the country of Iran, you find that the influence of the Persian Empire still lingers. Arabesque patterns cover every factory, building and statue. Parapets and pinnacles top many towers and at the capitol of Tehran, a very large mosque done in the finest sapphire and marble money could afford. Spreading out from the city, one finds the chief trade of Iran next to oil is fine silk. Silk procurers line every town and hovel. The fine fabric has yet to be beaten by any synthetic material in terms of desire, and hence Iran still stands firm as a couuntry of respect and culture.

A young redheaded woman, American by birth, roams within one of awhile since the smaller towns of the middle eastern country known as Iran. It's been she's last been here...about 15 yrs, and she doesn't remember much. Her parents had taken her to meet her father's relatives still residing here. Gone now, Twila felt she would take the time to visit the home of her great gransparents just to catch a glimpse of the street where they had lived. Far from the high-tech world that holds the standing of much of the rest of the world...this area is almost a...throwback in time. At least in some ways. A passing native guides his livestock past her on the way home, staring curiously.

As if recalling something, Twila brings out a scarf to wear on top of her head as a covering as per the custom here. The passerby who noticed her more than likely had been one of the more liberal Muslim traditions. If she came across one of the more conservative within the Islamic faith...a stare would be the least she would recieve.

With this place being so backward and primitive by standards to the rest of hte world nowadays....one would wonder just how any form of artificial lifeform could find it attractive. There's nothing for them here really...none of the high tech society they were no doubt created into...none of the conveniences created that included their functions in mind, truly nothing that should appeal to them whatsoever.

So ask yourself this? Why, in this of all places has one of the world's most powerful and dangerous robots come to dwell? And right in amidst a city of old culture and religions?

Because when the rest of the world thinks that you're dead, it's the best place to go to sort one's thoughts, without fear that the locals will go blabbing all over the place about it if you're discovered.

And for Bass, who has little use for disguises or hiding himself unless there's a darn good reason....it's a perfect place to contemplate. Though he is in his armor at the moment, he is minus his infamous helmet, standing just inside a small 'alleyway' between two huts, with his arms crossed over his chest, as he glares out into the dust-filled roadway beyond.

Bass:
It's Bass...that much is unmistakable. With his dark armor complete with the golden outlines, tapering into a sleek aerodynamic body and chromed armored edge. But there's something missing from his usual attire...
...and that would be his finned helmet. Surprisingly, long raven locks trace from his features to hanging mid-length down his back, folded slightly over the contours of his chestplate armor. His face still carries the two tattoos that adorn his features at all time, tracing from the bottom of his eyes and ending just at his mid-cheek level.
And his eyes...they remain as before. Red pupils seeming to glare outwards from his facial features, as if ready to burn their way through whoever may spark his fury.
While this may be a surprisingly casual appearance of the Dark Knight, he is no less deadly in this incarnation than normally...beware.

Twila's eyes trail as the passerby disappears down the road a piece before running her fingers near the rim of her shaw to make sure her reddish locks are well within. With a sigh she takes a few steps away from the home and continues down the walkway...glancing about the street as she does. Indeed, it pales in contrast with the likes of Neo-Tokyo. But something about it Twila likes. Perhaps it's the fact that it is a bit backward...and thus slower paced is what she misses. That, and a somewhat simpler life. No matter how much she adjusts to the her present standing, she'll probably always feel that inner longing. Ironic really. In that aspect, her twin is the exact opposite of her. Perhaps in this and some other ways, they balance each other out.

She roves past the opening of the alleyway a particular someone is, obviously not seeing him at this moment of time. After all, neither he, nor any of his "brothers" were have supposed to have survived. She knows better to assume of course. But, one can always hope.

As she moves past a stray dog trots into the oppening of the alleyway...hoping to inspect the garbage at the side of the building and find himself some dinner...

Bass narrows his eyes faintly, as he peers out beyond the street, to the horizon itself. In his mind are thoughts of the coming days....particularly tomorrow for that matter. But those are of course top-secret plans, yeees? And he's supposed to be dead isn't he?

Well dead individuals sure as heck don't go hanging around a small town in Iran, leaning against a building and letting the hot desert air blow across their hair as they sit there and think about whatever it is that goes through their twisted minds.

He sees the passing woman, and narrows his eyes further, though he makes no motion. For all appearances, she's just another local with the towel over their head for whatever ridiculous custom it is the locals practice. Yet another example of how fleshlings tend to think irrationally. Sometimes he thinks almost like a Maverick...

As the dog moves forward to find his own dinner, he's met by competition however. Bass doesn't even give him a second glance as he moves by....but there's -another- canine here. And not of the natural type either...and he's already nosed his way through the garbage for anything of interest.

With a low growl, Treble shifts slightly in challenge to the newcomer, easily the larger of the two. Even by wolf standards he's immense, his shoulder being the height of a man's chest. And by the laws of nature.....even if he is mechanical, he's obviously the bigger and stronger of the two.

The canine backs away from the roughage, returning the growl in kind....letting his stomach have the upper hand over his common sense. He sniffs the air as he does, detecting something...odd regarding his opponent. Not having the experiance of being around mechanoids he then prods a step forward. Although doubt begins to set in he's still willing to put this upstart to the test...then emits some ferocious barking to see if this would cause him to leave and find some other garbage to scrounge in. This is one of his usual spots...has been for quiet awhile.

As the dog emits his warnings Twila turns to look over her shoulder, blue-green eyes, uncommon within this part of the world, turn to look towards the direction of the source. Probably just a local getting into a fight with one of the others right?

In all truth, with a single swipe of his molecularly sharpened claws, Treble could probably reduce the yattering hound to little more than a holed body that would be feeding the rats soon enough. Although to say the least, he wasn't expecting to get barked -back- at...he's used to other creatures...even other mechanimals backing down from him right away. The response is a surprise nevertheless, and he actually backs up a step. But at the sudden glare he receives from his master, in a 'you're not actually going to take that' sort of fashion, his anger returns. No...it wouldn't do to kill this challenger. It'd be best to teach him a lesson truly like Nature intends...and to spread the collective word for that matter.

And so, the barking dog is suddenly returned with a low growl, that rises in volume, much like a motorcycle engine, until it's easily audible even from several house distances away. For those hearing it...it sounds like a canine, but has that strangely harmonic and almost musical tone to it.

And then, in the next instant, comes a snarl of truly vicious proportions, as Treble lurches forward, out of the alleyway and into full view for those few seconds, doing nothing less than crouching down and butting the other dog with his armored forehead.

To stray is, quite literally, knocked off his feet and soon finds himself rolling within the street until knocking himself against the cub of the other side of the street. He sits there stunned for what seems an eternity before slowly prodding himself back up and offering somewhat of a shake. He emits several more barks towards the intruder for display, only to whine when he gazes at the "we are not amused" expression the other canine holds. Then, without further wait, the stray limps off at a quickened pace, right by the young woman who doesn't even seem to notice him now.

Wide-eyed, Twila opens her mouth to gap, only to close it. For the moment, all she sees it Treble...and that definitely means trouble. It also means that his master, who she does not see at this time, is more than likely nearby. She silently curses and turns about, wondering if she can somehow loose herself within the population here...scant though it may be this day and age.

Treble snorts in obvious satisfaction that his dominance has been established, and he straightens up. It may not be much of an alley...any it may have garbage in it, but while he's here, it's HIS alley and HIS garbage.

And then, in the next instant, he blinks and glances out of the corner of his vision, eyeing the woman with the shawl, and narrowing his crimson optics slowly. One can see his nose starting to twitch slightly, as his entire form goes ramrod straight.

And his behavior isn't missed by Bass, as he glances to the side at his canine and furrows his brow. Then, he leans over, just enough to glance out, and note the woman's posture as well.

And she's displaying all the traits of recognition....she knows who they are. HERE, in this place, someone has already identified the mutt. She must not be a local...and if she's only visiting, that means she has ways of communicating to the outside world...

And even as Twila turns, Bass is already come to a decision, as he pushes off from the wall. He can't let that happen.....not yet.

"Get her..." Is all he grunts, as he points after Twila's suddenly fleeting form.

Treble glances back to his master, and growls once in response, before suddenly darting forward and leaping clear over a fence in his path, starting to run right after Twila's fleeing form, claws digging up rivets in the ground in his wake.

It isn't long before the Hunter overhears the ruckus spewed up by Treble's heavy footfalls. As hopeless as it would seem she tries to pick up her pace and almost by accident knocking over a youngster or two as the seven year old boys play outside of their homes. The two friends stare wide-eyed at the mechanical monstrosity with their mouths open. One speaks within his native tongue and pulls his friend away towards the sidewalk.

Meanwhile, Twila trips over some broken ground within the uneven street. Barely able to keep herself from getting no more than a skinned knee and two skinned palms, she works on getting herself up. But even she knows now the mishap cost her. .oO(Terrific...)Oo.

But then, more than likely she wouldn't have been able to outrace Treble anyway...would she?

None too gently, Treble leaps forward, already putting both paws down on Twila's back and moving to flatten her out on the ground forcefully like she'd been a few seconds ago. And if she gets a mouthful of dirt in the process....

...well that's not his problem really. With an audible *SHINKT!* he raises his right paw upwards, claws bared and ready to be lowered for the kill, as he emits an almost lion-like roar as if in preparation...

But the words that come next cause him to hold fast. "Stop!"

Glancing back to his master, as if to ask why he halted him, Treble does lower his paw however...though keeping one on Twila's shoulders to keep her firmly in place.

By now, Bass is already moving across the road at a steady walk...not in any particular hurry. He didn't even put his helmet back on...

*cough-cough-sputter* The pressure the girl feels against her back is known to gentle. However, she at least manages to shift her head enough so that she isn't tasting the desert sand if anything else. After a few more coughs she breaths in carefully, trying to not give the mongrel any further reason to place back down his other paw.

Which means, or course, she won't be able to reach either the distress on her watch or her radio...which still emits it's chatterings every now and then.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," Twila finally mumbles in some sarcasm as she lies there.

Bass approaches, and scowls even deeper as he hears the voice addressing him. In the middle of this small town, he stands with his mutt, now apparently 'accosting' the young woman. And he really doesn't give a flying hoot. With a deliberate motion, he kneels down next to Twila's immobilized form, narrowing his eyes in malice.

"Why did I have a feeling it was going to be you of all people that I would run into?" he growls lowly, eyeing her at first, and then towards the devices on her. Secrecy is the event that carries the day, and he reaches down, first seizing up the device on her wrist that emits the chatterings, and removing it with a hard tug and the *SNAP* of the band itself. Next to go would be her radio, as he reaches down to grab that as well, giving both a toss over his shoulder, as he continues to glare downwards.

"Now let me guess, you were just ready to go off and run back to all your little friends...and tell them that Wily's big nasty creation is indeed still alive and well hrmmmm? And no doubt the rest of his army as well"

Twila winces. The sudden tug offers some minor pain, but what hurts more is the fact she's now absent of the two items that have saved her life more than once before. She presses her lips together to hold a sharp gasp. When she overhears the ruined pieces of technology land ruined within the sand she answers with, "Thought had somehow crossed my mind...but, you talked me out of it..."

Bass straightens then, making a motion towards Treble, who removes his paw obediently from Twila's back, and takes a step back slightly. Effectively removing the force holding her down.

With that, the Dark Knight sets his hands on his hips, and merely continues to glower down. "I'm glad to see that even in a world that perceived us dead, we were hardly forgotten."

With a disgruntled sigh Twila sits herself back up, dusting off at least her face after some rubbing of her wrists. "Touched I'm sure..." she grumps. She stays sitting for the moment, not wanting to provoke either the Master to shove her back down. "So, what now? Chances are you aren't going to let me go back if you can help it."

Bass says, "What I oughta do right now is probably exert enough pressure on your neck so your vertebrae breaks into several distinct pieces..." Bass returns with about as much casualness as one would expect from him. Even when it comes to...doing someone in for that matter.

He then narrows his eyes, and tilts his head slightly to one side, arms crossed over his armored chest. "Perhaps you have a -better- suggestion that I would be oh so curious to hear...hrmmm?""

"Well, I wouldn't mind living a few years longer," Twila quips quietly while remaining seated. Come to think of it, several others (hopefully) wouldn't mind either. She shakes her head, pondering how ludicrous the question actually is to her ears, then pondering a pit more that he actually may be serious. She wouldn't wish to be taken captive and brought back to wherever he and the other Masters or located. "My vertebrae are suggesting instead of being smashed just to make it impossible for me to get back until after...you do what it is you and the others are planning." That could mean any number of things of course, but anything's better than what he's proposing right now.

Well, almost anything.

Bass sneers faintly at that, and tilts his head to the side. "And just WHAT makes you think that we are planning something hrmm? Are you a mindreader? How do you not know I merely escaped the Wily Star when it blew up? How do you know that Wily isn't dead from the explosion, and I'm on my own now..."

"Honestly, I don't," Twila responds steadily. "But I wasn't the one who stated I might tell you and the rest Wily's army survived...you assumed I would." But if they did survive, the chances are high that they're merely lying in wait until they can inform the rest of the world. And if not...there wouldn't be reason for Bass refrain from harming her much to keep his own presence hidden. Or at least Twila is thinking. It's hard to know for certain.

Bass narrows his eyes faintly at that, as it's pointed out he indeed DID betray with his own words at that point. His fingers twitch slightly, as he moves to raise his hands, perhaps about ready to end her existence right here and now and get it over with.

And yet...for a second, he hesitates. And finally, after a long moment, his expression changes, to that of a cruel smirk.

"Very well then...." he breathes, before reaching down to grab Twila by the shoulders, and haul her upwards. "...we'll make this more...sporting. Yes..."

She almost hates to ask as she's dragged up to her feet, so the best that Twila can come up with is: "Sporting...how...lovely..."

Meanwhile, the two young boys on the other side of the street still watch in some morbid fascination while others peek out through their windows or doorways to see what the source of the local ruckus is about. Nothing much can be discerned save for a few phrases within Arabic, some of which Twila herself can translate.

And in the next instant, Treble turns about and crouches down on the ground, folding his legs against himself as his flight thrusters come online. With that, Bass steps on board the mechanical wolf, before lifting off in a sudden rush of thrusterfire and kicking up a cloud of dust in their wake as well.

And Bass holds tightly onto Twila the whole time, his hair whipping about him in the process, face set in a neutral glare despite what he plans to do next. It's merely an annoyance that he'll deal with one way or another. And perhaps it's a test at the same time. He'll see whether she survives this or not......

Twila Peterson swallows as the trio heads skywards, almost afraid to ask what the Master has planned for her exactly. "Where...are we going...?"

"Somewhere you're going to have lots of time to ponder over just what it is that we're planning...." Bass growls, as Treble continues to move forward at top speed, whipping above towns and such, and eventually out to the more...desolate areas for that matter. It isn't long before the winding, seemingly endless sands of the desert are filing by underneath....and finally, Treble comes to a halt, hovering over one particularly large sand dune. And with little fanfare, Bass gives Twila a rough shove forward. Thankfully, the sand is very soft as far as landings go.....

Soft, but leaves nothing provided to grapple for purchase. She tumbles to the bottom of the dune, attempting to catch her breath between coughs. After some mild hacks she manages a strained, "I'd ask if you're serious...but I know you better than that," she accuses.

"I'd save my breath if I were you..." Bass returns coldly, as he crosses his arms over his chest. "You're going to be in dire need of keeping whatever strength you have going through you soon enough. If not....the desert will merely claim another corpse for the vultures to pick at...." At that, he sneers, and lifts up slightly higher, still perched on Treble's back.

"A pity as a robot I could never even fathom what it might be like to die slowly of dehydration and succumb to delirium in the process. I would wager that it will be most unpleasant though. In this heat, you'll be lucky to make it several days..." And with that, he jets up just slightly higher, as if ready to take off in a rush of thrusters in the next second. "Any last words?"

"I have to keep my strength, remember? Why waste it," Twila retorts as she pushes herself into a standing position. Then, as if ignoring his immediate presence any longer she looks about her...wondering just where she us. Judging by the time of day it was within Yazd, Iran...and within the direction they must have traveled...and the direction of the sun...Twila at least has enough to attempt to judge which direction is where. She assumes enough that this is still the Middle East. Deciding the "where" is another problem. Without another word to Bass she holds onto her head scarf that she still happens to be wearing and covers her mouth and nose...heading eastward...

Bass tilts his head slightly to watch her progress for a few minutes...mouth tugging downwards at the edges. Still, he makes no further comment for the longest time, and at last, he gives Treble's form a slight tap with his armored foot...and the two shoot straight up into the sky then and there, disappearing from sight after blasting across the horizon into the distance.

<The following night...>

Command Center <Hunter HQ>

(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Hey everyone. What is your status?'.
(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'On standby.'.
(Ch. B [Hunter/RF]) Ice Unicorn transmits: 'Same here.'.
(Ch. B [MH-RF]) Strata transmits: 'Yeah, I'm ready.'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Ice Unicorn? Ahh, good! It will be good to have you on duty and on our side. Welcome again to the Maverick Hunters'.
(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: 'Status? Oh, right! Ready for anything, bro.'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Remember, We are still on Full Alert status. With the increased activity of the Mavericks recently... Things are getting more and more dangerous.'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Remember, We are still on Full Alert status. With the increased activity of the Mavericks recently... Things are getting more and more dangerous.'.
(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: 'Ok. But...y'said that already, bro, didn't ya?'.

Kyo-Ohki trots from around the corner as she peers about the center. Without warning she hops up onto one of the terminals, peering downward...and then to the unfamiliar faces. "Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew?"

Ice Unicorn chuckles a bit softly. "In due time, I'm sure. Can't expect them to take the rookies on the heavy battles right awa--" He stops, craning his equine head to peer at the source of noise. A pause. "... Odd looking feline."

Strata smirks, somehow, even more. "As far as they're concerned, we're all rookies until proven otherwise... Huh, what cat?" He follows Ice's gaze.

Kyo-Ohki hops down to the floor and begins sniffing both reploids in curiosity...

Ice Unicorn watches the small creature idly. Mostly because he doesn't want to accidentally step on it.

(Ch. B [Hunter/RF]) Ice Unicorn transmits: 'This probably has nothing to do with said full alert, but why is there a strange creature that looks like the illegitimate child of Peter Cottontail and Nermal in the command center?'.
(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'What's a Nermal?'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: '... That would be Kyo-Ohki. She is a Cabbit. And don't mind her... she is often too cute for her own good.'.
(Ch. B [Hunter/RF]) Ice Unicorn transmits: 'frightening adorable kitten in an old comic strip... Oh.'.
(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'Avoid giving it sugar at all costs.'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Or chocolate.'.
(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: 'Aww, nothin' wrong with that.'.

Strata tilts his head at the radio transmissions, a hand reaching down into one of his coat pockets. No, no, he better not. Regardless, he too watches the cabbit, although mostly because he doesn't really want the thing near him.

Kyo-Ohki offers the Unicorn's legs a snug before bounding into the lag of Strata...and sitting up straight, batting her lil bell she's wearing. Pwetty isn't it?

(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Speaking of Kyo... Has anyone seen Twila?'.
(Ch. B [Lighthawk]) Seminole transmits: 'Not recently.'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Hmm... I haven't seen her since we got back from the shopping trip... strange.'.
(Ch. B [Hunter/RF]) Ice Unicorn transmits: 'Tend to avoid sugar myself. Doesn't mix well with antifreeze.'.

(Ch. A [Hunter-Main]) Rock transmits: 'Twila?'.
(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: '*tranmission receiving dead air*'.
(Ch. A [Hunter-Main]) Rock transmits: 'Strange... she must have her radio off.'.

Strata guhs, but otherwise becomes completely still. Must not disturb strange looking pet, must not disturb strange looking pet, must not..

Ice Unicorn puts a hand over his snout to avoid snickering too loud. "I think it likes you, Strata."

The tiny cabbit lifts her chin to offer Strata's cheek a lick before hopping up on the console itself and peers at the screen... "Yipyip!" Kyo's tail wiggles as she watches a little more and appears content...but only for a few moments. Before she gets herself too comfortable she trots over to a particular empty seat to watch the goings on. Kyo-Ohki then stretches herself out and then gives a firm shake...before fully claiming the seat as her own. By the way she's sitting...looks like anyone wanting to sit there will hafta fight her for it.

Ice Unicorn comments to himself as he turns back to a console again, "I just hope it's housebroken."

Strata smirks, muttering to himself as he rubs away the cabbit slobber from his cheek.

Seminole walks back into the Command Center, having finished today's lecture. He heads back to his computer station.

Dawn walks in right behind Seminole, still cheerful, still hyper. Makes one wonder if she's either immune to being shouted at, or if something else happened. A quick wave to the gathering, "What's up, everyone?"

Kyo-Ohki emits a tiny giggle as she makes herself all comfy within the seat, then curls herself up.

Ice Unicorn raises a brow slightly at Dawn as she seems.... unphased, but doesn't ask as it is none of this business, and turns back to his console., flicking on a random television channel in idle boredom.

Dr. Pavel Cossack wanders in yawning from the lat e nights he's been pulling. New data being processed just to make sure he wasn't wrong with Spotlight takes a long time to process. "*YAWN* Greetinks" and nods to Dawn. "A cup of coffee please, Danke"

(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'If anyone gets any word on Twila's whereabouts... I would like to know as soon as anyone hears anything.'.
(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: 'Uh...ok. Wait, wait..'.
(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: 'I do know a little.'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Hmm... She might be gone somewhere and just have her Radio off... I am not /too/ worried right now... but if anyone hears anything, let me know'.
(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: 'Rock? Last night, after I got shrunk...she said somethin' about how I was straight out of a B-movie, then said she needed a vacation. ...Did I do somethin' wrong?'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'No... No, I dont think so. And here is a rule of thumb for you Dawn... if Quire ever asks you to help her with something... don't.'.
(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: 'Umm...ok. But hey, it worked just fine, she said it'd shrink stuff and wear off in 'about an hour'. Sure enough, it did. I don't see what's so bad about that...'.

Like a young child, Kyo is drawn to the constant flickering of images and colors on the screen Ice Unicorn is currently watching over....she blinks and then stares in wonder...then releases a low, soft purr. "Maimai..."

Seminole scans over a few reports, then looks at Cossack and gives him a polite nod in greeting. "Evening, Doctor Cossack."

Dawn blinks a few times at Cossack's odd request. "Whataya think I am? Some kinda room service?" A snicker, then the rookie summons the gravlift. "One coffee. Anyone else need anything? Rather just make one trip..."

Dr. Pavel Cossack hmms working at the computer. mumbling about people and various things

Seminole says, "No thanks, Dawn."

Kyo-Ohki looks about her, tearing herself away from the pwetty screen and emits a soft yawn. Her ears flop down beside her as she blinks at all the peoples...but doesn't see what she exactly wants to see. As a result she climbs to the armrest of the seat and continues to peer out.

And hope no one finds the small mess she made in the Mess Hall pantry. Still, those carrots were scrumptious!

Dawn shrugs, "Ok then. One coffee." Disappearing into the gravlift, the rookie returns only moments later, coffee in hand, and setting it down near Cossack. "There."

Ice Unicorn continues to watch the screen, flicking through channels idly, though much more slowly than Strata did. "Never anything good on to watch."

Strata smirks, "Just avoid that channel 42.."

Kyo-Ohki begins mewing in sing-song to herself, repeatedly saying what almost is heard as "Maimai..." and using her ears to blanket her small form.

The doors of the Grav Lift open with a soft 'ting...'

And from them steps a figure clad in brilliant blue. Mega Man! He steps into the Command Center, looking about and noting the presence of all the people in it, offering a grin and then a wave to everyone. "Greetings everyone. How are things up here?" Rock makes his way across the room, heading for one of the consoles himself.

Kyo-Ohki sits herself up again and guards the seat she's in...as if looking over *her* territory.

Seminole turns in his chair as Rock enters, giving the Hunter Commander a casual salute. "Fairly quiet," the officer answers, leaning forward again to tap in a few new commands. "Still on Full Alert status, as per your orders."
Sarah Storm pages: having fun in the desert?

Dawn waves to Rock quickly, still hyper as always. "What Seminole said, bro. Ready for anything, y'know? Almost feel sorry for anyone causin' trouble tonight. Almost. Bet it'd be a repeat of last night, those Mavs sure aren't too bright sometimes..."

Strata smirks towards Cossack, keeping /quite/ the snide remark to himself. "Heya X." He merely greets, nodding towards the blue bomber.

Kyo-Ohki mips in greeting to the Hunter Commander as well...but basically that's all she does. Unlike other instances right now she's rather well subdued...at least for her that is. She turns back towards the console and leans over...to glance at the monitors...

Rock returns the casual salute to Seminole, nodding and listening, pausing a moment to look to the chair with the little cabbit in it. He softly chuckles, raising a hand and with a blue crackle... a small piece of chocolate appears and he hands it to the little cabbit.

... So he is a hypocrite...

Rock then looks to Dawn with a nod... "Hmm... The Mavericks are probably licking their wounds from last night..." Rock then looks to the two newest recruits, walking over towards them with a broad smile on his lips. "Strata, Ice Unicorn. Great to have you on our side. You two will be most welcome here in the fight against the Mavericks." Rock nods to each, offering them an easy salute before clasping both warmly on their shoulders.

The cabbit sniffs a little at the offering of chocolate..., then stares at it for a few moments, but surprising doesn't take it. Instead, she backs away from it and leaves it be.

Ice Unicorn isn't paying attention right away, so doesn't notice X until the Hunter leader actually speaks to him. Optical band flickering a moment, he ahems slightly. "Sorry, zoned out for a moment." He turns fully to Rock, returning the salute in a calm manner. "Let's just hope we get a night to not actually have to fight this fight, eh?"

Seminole looks back at Ice Unicorn, grinning a little. "You'll find that you get the exact opposite of what you want around here."

The Blue Bomber offers a smile, nodding. "Sometimes we get a few, Uni. But don't worry, when we Fight... we Fight together." Rock raises a snowy white hand up, clenching it into a fist for a moment before releasing.

Rock then pauses... looking to the side and where Kyo-Ohki... backs away from Chocolate. o.o Rock turns from Strata and Uni, walking over to the chair the cabbit sits on and kneels beside it, looking to Kyo worriedly. "Kyo? Are you all right?" Rock reaches out for the little cabbit, intending to pet her softly to try and reassure her

Ice Unicorn looks back to his monitor again, pausing as he finds something on a channel at least worth seeing what's going on. "Looks like Repliforce has got something going on."

Kyo-Ohki raises a paw and offers a few mews in response as if answering him. She then bats the paw in the air and gives herself another soft shake, before greedily asking for another pet. "Maimai....maimai..." is all she repeats, not stating anything more than that.

Rock kneels there, regarding Kyo intently as he softly pets her. "Shhh, Kyo... It's all right." Rock continues to softly pet the Cabbit, his face turning worried. .oO(...Twila...)Oo. "Are you sick little one? Do you need to go lay down in your bed for a little bit?"

Dr. Pavel Cossack blinks. "Vhat is going on?"

Dawn hmms, a bit confused now. "Didn't know those things got ill? Maybe it's lookin' for Twila?"

Kyo-Ohki blinks in answer. She soaks up the attention of course. But she seems distracted in some way. Oblivious regarding anything other than what goes on within her own little world she repeats "Maimai!" towards the Blue Bomber, than scampers up to him for a hug. "Maimai! Maimai!"

The Blue Bomber looks to Dawn, hmming and then shrugs. "Even Reploids can feel ill or out of sorts." Rock then looks to Kyo and smiles softly, nodding and picking up the cute little cabbit, drawing her into his arms and cradling her close to his chest for a hug and continued giving of attention. Rock rises to his feet, looking to the others, specifically to Dawn, Strata, and Uni. "I will be assigning you squads and so forth soon. I have a bit of reworking to do on them with Zero's help." Rock offers a grin, looking down to smile to Kyo and softly continues to pet the cute little cabbit

Seminole sighs quietly to himself, hmming a bit as his gaze falls over to Kyo. His brow furrows, staring at the little cabbit. Sem doesn't say anything, not seeing much of a difference in Kyo. He looks back at Dawn, replying, "Reploids are still susceptible to illness, just not the same kind as humans. Greene's Syndrome, for example."

Ice Unicorn doesn't know anything about cabbits, or robotic pets in general, to tell the difference. So he continues to just flip idly through channels, and finally, finding nothing of interest, turns the TV connection off. Turning from the console, he looks over the various Hunters, and runs a hand over his mane idly. "Soooo... What do we do around here when we're not actually fighting?"

Kyo-Ohki continues to snug Rock in return, purring, then nibbles a lil at his earring-free earlobe...then muses within her own lil way, "Mama, mama..."

eminole rolls his optics briefly, then leans forward on his desk. "Greene's Syndrome. There was an outbreak a few months ago... It was transmitted by a contaminated supply of mech fluid. Symptoms were a disorientation of the basic operation functions." Sem looks back at Unicorn as he asks, shrugging a little. "Patrols, monitor duty, and training, mostly. Being a reactionary force has the disadvantage of just waiting for an attack to happen."

Dawn hmms...and shrugs, "Oh, that. Sorry, wasn't really around when much of that was around, bro." Turning to Unicorn, she adds after Seminole, "What he said. But we find time to be normal folks too, right?"

Rock nods, hmming slightly as he pets Kyo... "I will see if any of the docs can take a look at her later." Rock pauses, looking over to Cossack. "Or if you could later, Cossack... it would be appreciated." Rock then looks to Ice, grinning. "Relaxing, Uni. Relaxing and enjoying ourselves. The Rec room is open and relaxing, you can shoot some pool, play some cards, or try some of the large selection of Video Games a few of us have." Rock smirks slightly at that, not minding it himself.

Then the Blue Bomber looks to Kyo, smiling softly on his ear, Rock's helmet currently resting in Sub Space. He hmms then, nodding... listening to her musings and the sounds she is making... "... Mama? ... Twila?" Rock looks down to Kyo, blinking, his face looking worried. "Is Twila all right, Kyo? Do you know where she went?"

Seminole nods back to Dawn. "Yeah, there's off duty time as well. Being on duty 24 hours a day just wouldn't be healthy." That from Mr. Never Goes Off Duty. Sem grins a little to himself at his hypocrisy, then continues. "Unless it's important, there's no real specific thing you have to be doing at any time of the day."

Kyo-Ohki blinks again, then shakes her head, her floppy ears being tossed about by the motion. "Mama! Mama!" she repeats a lil louder this time, then pats a paw towards the direction of the teleporters, although she shies way from them herself due to...past experiences. "Mew meowph mei maimai, Mama!"

Ice Unicorn nods a few times, taking up all the new information and filing it away. Though as the cabbit perks up again, his attention is drawn towards it. A bit of a worried tone does start to edge its way into his usually cool voice. "It sounds a bit agitated..."

The Blue Bomber barely catches the words of Seminole and the others, his face full of concern... his sapphire blues regarding Kyo intently as she shakes her head. "She isn't?" Rock looks to the teleporters as she points to them, then looks back to Kyo. "... Don't worry, Kyo... Mama will be all right. Twila will be all right. I will go look for her."

Rock pauses, looking up and to Uni with a nod. "She is... and she usually is never like this." Rock turns, looking around to everyone. "Everyone! Scan all available frequencies, patch in to a few of the Spy Satts we have access too... See if you can find any traces of Twila or any clues as to where she might have gone. I am worried... Has anyone seen or heard anything?" Rock pauses then, cueing up his inner transmitter, scanning about before sending off a transmission... "I am going to get in contact with Rick... if anyone knows where she is... he will."

Rock sends a radio transmission to Rick Morgan.

Dawn nods, calling out to Rock, "All I know is, she said she's on vacation. I'd suggest her radio broke, but vacation implies she's at a city. She'd have contacted us by now if that was all. So...I dunno."

Kyo-Ohki peers about her, then brushes herself up against Rock's chest...alternating between "Maimai" and "Mama" now, batting her paws.

Seminole looks back at Rock, thinking to himself he's overreacting just a little. Twila's a big girl, after all, and not calling doesn't mean she's been kidnapped by Wily again. Or maybe it does. Seminole still follows Rock's orders, patching into the satellites as their scanners activate, looking for Twila's locater beacon signal. As the computer scans, Seminole looks over at Ice Unicorn, "Can you check the teleportation logs to see when she last used the base teleporter?"

Ice Unicorn nods as he turns his large frame back to the console, bringing up the computer back online and taps a few commands in... And accidently punchs a few buttons a little too hard, thus jamming them into the console. "Whoops... Err... sorry. Forget my strength sometimes." He leans down to peer at the screen as the log scrolls by, and spits out something that sounds unintelligible, frowns a bit, and pokes at the console. "Hope I didn't break it, this city name looks scrambled. Yazd?" The Blue Bomber hmms, looking down to Kyo and softly petting her. "Shh, Kyo... Shhh... I will get your mama... I promise. We are trying to find her..." Rock then looks to Seminole and Ice, listening and nodding... Twila may be a big girl, yes, but she is the woman Rock loves... and he is a guy... it's a guy's job to be protective. Rock then looks to Ice, nodding. "Dont worry, Ice... it happens all the time... Just take it slow and easy and do your best. We have to find her..." Rock continues to hold and softly pet the Cabbit, looking worried... "Yazd?"

Seminole sighs quietly as he looks up and speaks toward Rock. "Sorry, sir, I can't find her. According to the log, her locator was deactivated yesterday." Sem looks back at Ice Unicorn, hrmming a little. "Yazd... Oh, that's in Iran." He blinks once. .o0(Iran?)Oo.

Kyo-Ohki offers a quiet purr and hides herself within the reploids arms...then quietly sniffles.

"Technology isn't always my best forte," Ice Unicorn apologizes again, and then nods to Seminole after checking the log again. "Yes, in Iran. Huh. Guess it was a real name after all."

Dawn blinks a few times, inquiring, "Iran? Wonder why she'd go there?"

The Blue Bomber holds Kyo closer, letting her hide herself in his arms as he listens to Seminole's words, looking to him with a nod... his face worried... "Deactivated? Strange... and Iran?" Rock looks down to Kyo then to the others, nodding. "Iran... strange. See what you can link up in the Spy satts. It's a big county..." Rock looks to Dawn then. "Dawn... Come here please..."

Dawn stands up immediately, walking over, "What's up, bro?" Seems rather...curious.

Seminole frowns a little at Rock. He leans forward a little on his control panel. "Uh, Rock, without Twila's locater signal, the satellites are pretty useless. It'd be nearly impossible to find a single individual among the -millions- that live in Iran, and we don't even know if she's still there." He pauses a little, having put enough pessimism into Rock's orders. Sem frowns to himself, then looks down at his monitor. "I'll scan for red hair."

Ice Unicorn frowns a bit. "Why would she have it deactivated? Vacation or not, she can't not want to be found -that- badly...."

Kyo-Ohki quips a "Mama", then leans her head against Rock's shoulder.

Rock pets Kyo reassuringly, looking up and towards the doors as Mike walks in, offering a nod. "Mike... Come over here and see what you can do to help. Twila has gone missing..." Rock then looks to Sem... offering a slight sigh. "I know, Seminole... Your right. And that would be helpful... it will be hard to find her... but we should try to find her as soon as we can. She is probably in danger." Rock lets out a sigh, looking to Dawn as she approaches. "Here Dawn... take Kyo." Rock softly pets Kyo softly, extending her to Dawn. "It's all right Kyo... we are going to go find Mama soon."

Kyo-Ohki> Michael Eildath blinks. "What's going on?"

Kyo-Ohki lifts her had again and licks Rock's cheek. She doesn't put up a fuss like she usually would. Instead...she sniffles as she's given to the other reploid. "Mei....!"

Kyo-Ohki> Dawn blinks, getting the idea. "I'm supposed to go find Twila, then? Ok." Holding Kyo in one hand, 'Chipper' opens the back compartment on the backpack, presumably to give Kyo a place to sit in. "Climb in, we're goin' to Iran, I think. What'd you say that town was again?"

Kyo-Ohki then squiggles as she's about to be placed within the backpack. No backpack!! She leaps back out and scampers back to Rock...hiding behind his legs. "Mei Mama!"

Ice Unicorn ahems a little. "I don't think it liked that idea..."

Seminole continues inserting commands into his station, looking up as Mike enters. He replies to his question, "Twila's missing, apparently, and we're looking for her." The officer glances back at Rock, Kyo, and Dawn, and shakes his head a little.

Michael Eildath nods. "Right, count me in if you need any help, then."

Rock shakes his head to Dawn, "Don't worry, Dawn... no... You won't be going to find Twila... I will go. It's quiet for now... and we shouldn't be called out. I may need all of you to help... we can fan out and try and find her together." Rock then blinks... looking down to Kyo as she leaps out of Dawn's hands and hides behind Rock. "Shhh... Don't worry Kyo... we will find her. I promise." Rock kneels, softly petting her... then gets an idea! Rock turns, offering a whistle to the air. From the Grav lift comes a moment later, the figure of the Robo-dog, Rush himself.

Rush pads over, his ears laying back as he senses the mood, offering a soft whimper as he looks down to Kyo, padding over to her and lowering his head to sniffle at her softly.

Rock looks then to Uni and Mike. "It seems Twila has gone missing... we are trying to find her.

Dawn blinks, rather surprised. "Umm...whoops." Closing that part of the backpack back up... "What, you're gonna send those two out to sniff for her trail? Almost like a movie, but won't we need to go with 'em?"

Ice Unicorn attempts to brighten the mood a bit. "Well, nothing too terrible could of happened to her, or we'd have Robot Masters or Mavericks gloating their ugly afts off over doing something to her just to fizzle our wires." Okay, so he's not so good at the adding optimism part, either. What do you expect from a warrior?

Dawn gives Ice one of /those/ looks. "Bro...those aren't the only dangerous things around. If she's in Iran, things're probably ok, but y'never know. Eh, what am I saying? 'Course she's 'lright..."

The Blue Bomber looks to Dawn with a soft smile. "Might help... Rush is probably a good a tracker as Swing. But we may not find her yet." Rock sighs, closing his eyes for a moment, then opens them to look to Dawn. "We will search until we get word of her presence... and rescue her if she needs it. Last time she vanished like this... Dr. Wily kidnapped her with intent to marry her. We stopped it just in time." Rock then nods to Dawn. "I am sure she is... she can more then take care of herself... but I am worried."

(Ch. B [None]) Blues transmits: 'I see dead people...'.
(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: 'What?'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: '... uhh... that's new... Dead people, Bro?'.
(Ch. B [Hunter/RF]) Ice Unicorn transmits: '... Dead people? Is that suppose to be an obscure movie quote?'.
(Ch. B [GoodGuy-Central]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Very funny, Proto.'.
(Ch. B [None]) Blues transmits: '*grunts* Wily returns. *explosion.*'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: '... What?! Proto! Report! Wily is back?'.
(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: 'That surprises ya, bro? We all knew he had a second base /somewhere/. Heck if we know where it is, but we knew all along...'.
(Ch. B [GoodGuy-Central]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Need any assistance?
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: 'Proto Man? ... Brother? He isn't answering...'.

Michael Eildath facepalms. "I'm not surprised."

Rock snaps his gaze up, narrowing his eyes... "... The Robot Masters... They are alive. They have to be...

Ice Unicorn looks around in mock casualness. "Surprise? What surprise? I'm sensing a total lack of surprise here." Then he shrugs a bit to Rock, adding. "Crash Man, of all the idiots, survived. If he did, you know others did."

Kyo-Ohki merely stays by Rush.

Dawn nods quickly, "Well, duh. C'mon, Seminole said like 15 times they probably had secondary bases somewhere. Guess this proves it. Lemme guess, we have to go help out Protoman, right?"

Rock looks to the others! "Get up the satts! Scan for heat signatures! Let's get to work! Try and get a trace on Proto Man!" Rock looks down to Kyo... looking pained... "Don't worry, Kyo... we will find Mama..." Rock then looks to Dawn, nodding. "Of course." Rock turns, walking to a console and cueing up the global nets...

Kyo-Ohki merely quips back, "Mama?", not really understanding anything else at the moment. Not much more she can understand really...

Ice Unicorn quickly tromps over to the main holo-display console, and quickly, but more carefully this time, starts punching in commands. "Satellite network scanning, online. If there's a grouping out there of them in the open, we'll find them."

Rock pauses, "I will contact the Repliforce... they may know something..." Rock looks to Kyo with a nod. "Yes, Mama... Kyo... Go find Rick... Rick will help find Mama." Rock then looks to the controls, running his hands over them, trying to get a trace on Blues' last transmission before snapping off one of his own...

Kyo's ears perk up rather suddenly. After offering Rush one last snug the cabbit darts out towards the Hanger...

<A little while later...>

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

The sliding doors that lead into Rick's quarters slide open once more, admitting the owner of this particular little corner of Light Labs in due process. Oh Rick knows about the events with the Robot Masters....and he practically expected it of course. But he pulled home-watch duty today...so he stayed back. As is he made a quick trip down towards his room to get a few items he needed before returning upstairs again.

There is a small stirring on the man's bead where a a certain mech-animal had previously curled herself up to search for the elusive cyborg. Not finding him anywhere else, she came back here to his room were she had fallen asleep, waiting for him. However, by the time the man had stepped into his quarters Kyo picks herself up and leaps off the bed to great him by pushing against the front of his legs, crying "Mama, mama!" softly.

Rick Morgan blinks in surprise at finding of all creatures, Twila's little cabbit in his room. For a second, he merely stares, before finally bending over to reach down and scoop her up, one hand under each front leg as he raises her to eye level. "Kyo, what're you doin in here?" he blinks. "Why aren't you with..." he then trails off, frowning as he remembers something that was said earlier on the radio....and he hadn't been paying attention to.

"...Twila?"

Kyo-Ohki let's out a loose purr towards the affection. But she recalls Rock telling her to find Rick...since...well...Rick would fix everything! Wouldn't he? Instead of being calmed she tugs a bit at the man's jacket, whimpering.

Rick Morgan glances down at Kyo's actions, and sighs again, before setting his jaw for a moment. Twila would have answered her radio if it were on......or if she had it. But even turned off he should still be able to find it's signal. Although he has a sneaky suspicion that will only get him partway where he wants to go. With that, without another word, he turns with Cabbit in hand and heads towards the command center.

<Shortly...>

Command Center <Hunter HQ>

Rick Morgan carries Kyo up towards the Command Center. Torn between wanting to go about and finding where Twila is....and keeping tabs on what's up in Germany. If the Masters are back...it's no small matter after all. Don't you just love conflicting interests?

Although, as he sits in the chair at the console, and sets Kyo on top of it, he does suddenly set a tracer signal out, looking for Twila's radio.

Kyo-Ohki simply sniffs at the console and then stares at the standby mode of the monitor before any results are given...then taps the screen lightly with her nose. "Mew?"

Rick Morgan sits back in his seat, folding his hands over his stomach as he studies the readouts that come across the screen. The location of the radio does come up quite shortly, as the satellite imagers pinpoint it's location.....in the middle east. At that, he frowns, as if considering. He's about to say something over the radio pertaining to it but.....Rock and the others have other things on their head right now. They can't afford to get distracted.

Kyo-Ohki tilts her head at the images given by the computer and peers back towards Rick. She comes near the edge of the console where she was placed and just....well...eyes him through greeish orbs. *whimper*

Rick Morgan sits up at that, having gotten the answers he wants. For a moment, he considers, eyeing Kyo....and finally sighs. Well he can't go leaving her -here-....she could get into things she shouldn't be. And there's no one else around so...

With that, he reaches down and scoops the cabbit up in his arms, before moving towards the runway. "All right squirt...let's take a field trip."

<After some traveling...>

Iran
Moving into the country of Iran, you find that the influence of the Persian empire still lingers. Arabesque patterns cover every factory, building and statue. Parapets and pinnacles top many towers and at the capitol of Tehran, a very large mosque done in the finest sapphire and marble money could afford. Spreading out from the city, one finds the chief trade of Iran next to oil is fine silk. Silk procurers line every town and hovel. The fine fabric has yet to be beaten by any synthetic material in terms of desire, and hence Iran still stands firm as a country of respect and culture.

It isn't long before the Phantom's sleek form is setting down in a cloud of dust in the sleepy little town that had been witness to such.....excitement the day before. As it is, Rick is just following his radio signals, homing in on the source of Twila's radio...and it shows that this is indeed where the signal is coming from. Though as he sets the craft fown in VTOL mode in the middle of the dusty road, and pops the hatch open to climb out, he finds that Twila is nowhere to be seen, much to his discomfort.

Rick Morgan casts a glance back towards Kyo, before turning back to eye the street again. He glances at his radio, then sighs, shaking his head slowly. The radio shows this is the spot and yet......nothing. He dosen't even see any locals...and they could have hopefully told him something about what had happened here. But as it is, it's like he's pulling up empty handed....and it frustrates him.

Farther away from where Rick is right now, within the city itself,the belongings that the man's sister was forced to leave behind have n ...or at least the remains of her watch as well as her radio. One of the villagers who is willing to work with any technology he's able to get his hands on presently has them within his possession. As for the girl's personal hoverbike -- it still sits where the young woman had originally parked it...on the small road leading to the home of where her Middle Eastern relatives had used to live.

Rick Morgan continues to eye the readouts, before finally noticing something familiar here. He blinks, and eyes the hoverbike, before moving forward and glancing over it, eyeing it for damage...or evidence of attack. He should be relieved that he sees no evidence of it.....but it does little to reassure him really. He glances up, eyeing west repeatedly for several seconds, not knowing why.....but feeling he should be looking that way nevertheless. After a long moment, he turns and clips on a homing tracker to the bike's side, also removing one of the key components for the starter. One can't be too careful.

Those two same boys who had been playing when the Master had bad himself known rush past in play...only to stop when they see another outside within a small distance of their homes. One seven, the other eight, star for the longest time as Rick does with he must with the contraption...then whisper between one another within their native tongue. When he doesn't seem to respond at first the older of the two shuffles a little closer and asks in broken English, "Woman bike..?"

Rick Morgan blinks at that, turning around to face the kid. The words themselves are about as good as saying, 'yeah we saw her' to him. For a second, he seems about to blurt out a stream of questions, before halting himself, suddenly aware of the apparent language barrier. So he moves to keep the questions simple....though he's obviously eager for an answer. "You saw her? Where...?" He then points to the bike. "Where's the woman?"

The younger boy looks to the older boy and points towards the west in response while allowing the older of the two to speak. "Black knight...take away on dragon," he explains. He inserts some other additions within Arabic before adding, "Last night, in street. He take away."

Black Knight...?

Rick's eyes narrow at that. There's only a few that he can think of that would fit that description, and most of them wouldn't have bothered to carry off Twila.....or leave this town standing. No he has an idea of who's responsible. But rather than feel a sudden surge of anger, he only knows that he's got to find her. "Do you know where?" he asks quickly, glancing back down to them both. He hasn't got much hopes that they do know...but he has to ask anyways. At least he has an idea which direction to go.....and something else he can follow for that matter.

Both of the boys shake there heads in response while the youngest points to the west, even going as far as hop up and down a lil. "Dunno. Nothing out there but sand. Lots of sand. But he go that way."

Rick Morgan frowns at that. Sand and lots of sand. He has an idea....but he doesn't want to think about it. Besides...if it happened yesterday....it shouldn't be too late. Though one shouldn't go assuming everything's fine either for that matter. "Thanks..." he offers quickly to the two kids, before taking a step back. He then pauses and glances over to the lot, before adding. "Uh...I'll be back for the Bike later." And with that, he turns completely around and heads right back for the Phantom, hopping in with Kyo once again and powering up the engines to take off once more.

The two stand by watching the Hunter curiously as he preps to live. The older gives a small nod only to remain standing there.

<Soon...>

Transjordan
As you approach the arid region of Transjordan, you can easily make out the "floating" palaces of the Amman royalty, rising high into the air on secret family technology. The whole region is that of a fine desert scrubland. While a few nomadic tribes still roam the area, most of Transjordan has become quite refined. This area that was once a place of many battles and wars over the millennia has finally succumbed to peace. The benevolent kings of this area hold no real power over the government that controls the state, but they do inspire happiness over their people. The riches and standard of living of these people are reflected in almost every facet of life.

Within the remnants of this, the ancient Persian Empire the lands are all but laid waste within the almost endless sea. Particles of sand blow about, settling from a recent storm which had passed a few hours ago. Now and then a caravan of nomads can be seen passing along their own ways through this land. But these are few and far between. No human life, or any other type of life, is seen For the most part, all that can be seen is but a barren wasteland.

A closer look may give indication of the same...save for one of the several stray desert animals one may catch sight of. However, pause to look again. In the oceanic desert, at the base at one of the recently created dunes, lies a petite human form, partially covered with sand laying still. The form's head is covered by a shaw of sorts, and is currently looking away from the sky and the sweltering sun...

And kicking up a path of sand behind it like waves part in the wake of a hovercraft swishing over them, the Phantom streaks low over these very dunes, sensitive scanners put on full. It's lucky this thing has enhanced sensors...being a recon vehicle and all. As such, Rick is able to fine tune it to scan the endless wastes for any sources of lifeforms fitting that of a human. Even still...he's been flying for some time...and growing more desperate with each passing second.

Until finally, a blip on the radar. A blinking dot, and he glances at it, instantly turning the craft towards it and easing the throttle up.

"Come on...come on...please..." he mutters, as the Phantom lifts over another dune, kicking up a spray of sand in it's wake.

The source of the "blip on the radar" winces slightly as she shifts her frame carefully, causing the sand that was covering her to cascade from her form. A hand reaches up to make sure the shaw is secured before she pushes herself up halfway. She doesn't overhear the vehicle persay...but she does know something prodded her back into wakefulness. A hand reaches up to try and wipe the sand off her featres and draws back within a wince. Already feeling sensations of heat along her skin she should have realized she must have a bad sunburn. Unfortunately, as she does so, she looses balance and tumbles a few feet down from another nearby dune towards it's own base. She opens her mouth to yelp. But with no water to parch her thirst for over a day, the best she can do is croak.

The Phantom's incredibly sensitive sensors....able to pick up a shard of metal in the middle of a mountain, all but light up at the sudden image of movement as well. It's something hopeful for Rick, as he leans forward in the seat and guides the small craft forward. And just like that, it overshoots the dune that Twila fell to the base of, rocketing past and leaving a trail of sand in it's wake, a miniature duststorm as it may be. For the longest time it appears to be moving onwards...almost as if moving away...as if not even seeing her.

But then, at the last second, it jerks to the side, suddenly swinging back in a long arc, and starting to come back towards the location again....

The girl let's loose some more coughs as the additional wave of sand rushes over her, clinging to her despite her preferences. She lifts a hand to shield her gaze from the cursed sun towards the direction of the craft. Slowly, carefully, she gets to her feet, on the verge of falling once more. But she manages to maintain her stance, although unsure for how long she can do so. "Who...?"

THe Phantom continues to circle back, and finally comes down with a light *THUNK* of it's landing gear in the soft sand. In the next instant, the whine of it's thrusters grinding down can be heard...until finally, the cockpit canopy cracks open, and Rick emerges, practically running before he's even hit the ground. he doesn't see her face...but he doesn't have to. He KNOWS who it is...the fact she's standing is hopeful enough, though he's still practically frantic as he sprints forward, slowed by the sand under his feet. "Twila! TWILA!" he practically howls, reaching out with his arms as he draws close.

"Rick...?" Twila questions shakily as she's taken in. Holding in a wince she reaches out for him as well, attempting to make certain that this is no allusion or hallucination...that he's actually here for her. Her legs begin to give way from underneath, forcing her to hold on to him all the more harder. The fact that she's dehydrated and suffering some heat exhaustion isn't helping matters any in the slightest. She holds him for what seems to her to be the longest time for her when her voice emits, "Rick, Bass is alive. So...so are the rest..."

Meanwhile, Kyo remains within the Phantom watching the two. She was eagerly moments away from sprinting out...but the sudden onrush of hot air quickly convinced her otherwise.

However, she does emit a rather loud, "MAMA!"

(Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: '*breathless* I found Twila. Someone who's up and operational...ANYONE, get the medbay ready. Have it set up for a case of dehydration by the time I get there!'.
(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: '...Ok. Medbay will be ready by then, bro. C'mon!'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: '... Kuso... I am ready, Rick! Bring her in. We will be ready!'.

Rick Morgan wraps his arms around Twila's form, though he knows he should be making haste to get her back as fast as possible. He can't help but lightly squeeze her, relieved beyond measure to feel her in his grip once more....and alive at that.

"Shhh...we know." Rick states gently, raising a hand to touch her lips, as if to keep her from talking. "...we know. They already made their move. That's not important...what is right now is getting you back home..." With that, he moves his free arm downwards, easily scooping her small form up in his grip, and making his way back to the craft as quick as he can allow without jostling her too much. "I'll get you back to he labs...don't worry. You'll be home before you know it..."

(Ch. B [Hunter/RF]) Ice Unicorn transmits: 'What happened to Miss Twila?'.
(Ch. B []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'All I got from the locals were the words 'Black Knight', and I found her wandering in the desert. Do the math.'.

To this Twila nods slowly, somewhat fearing they would have, but somehow knowing this would have been more than likely the case. She doesn't say anything more for now, merely holds to him as tight as she can.

Within the craft Kyo backs up to make room for the two, eagerly awaiting her mistress. However, she calms down immediately after seeing some of the girl's state...and takes up watch.....

(Ch. B [Wideband]) Dawn transmits: 'Knight Man? No...wait...Bass?'.
(Ch. B [Dragonfire]) Rock transmits: '*snarling*... Bass... I don't care... Bass is going to pay for this... Very... very... badly... He wants my anger? He can have it... and more. *a pause...* Hurry, Rick...'.
(Ch. B [Hunter/RF]) Ice Unicorn transmits: 'Pity when they have to resort to harassing the ones close to you just to get on your case. That is low and dirty pool all the way.'.

It's a bit of a cramped space...the craft is usually meant as a one man recon vehicle. But Rick makes allowances...and he's not about to let this get in his way. If he had to, he'd fly all the way back with the canopy open. But he's able to get himself and Twila inside, and fire up the engines to take off. It isn't long before the two are blasting back towards the direction of Japan once more.

On the long trip back the cabbit climbs itself within Twila's lap while the girl herself closes her eyes and merely...rests...

<Once back home...>

Medical Bay <Hunter HQ>

Rick Morgan enters the medical bay at a hurried pace. Although not TOO hurried. He doesn't want to go jostling his sister anymore than he already has since he first found her. Although be all respects he found her good and early compared to SOME who get trapped out in the desert...she's still spent a whole day out there with no food or water.

With Twila's form in his arms, he takes great care as he steps in, already glancing up to those present. It isn't long before he's got her laid out on the medical table, taking great care in how he sets her down. "Somebody get me a scanner, somebody else get her a class of water. But don't let her take too much at once...it could make her violently ill."

Dawn mmm-hmms as Rock starts barking out orders, and Mike returns with the requested drinks, it would seem. She waves Mike over to another table, "Set 'em down here." , then moves (Ok, limps) to a sink, indeed wetting some small towels, and finally, starting to set up the IV bag. Seem's Rock isn't the only jerk of all trades around here. At Rick's words, she points to the drinks Mike brought in. "Over there. And set 'er down....ok, y'already did..."

Michael Eildath dumps the stuff somewhere convenientish, and leans back by the door, silent and worried, but ready to play errand boy again.

The Blue Bomber stands by one of the beds, having just set down a med-kit and given orders to Dawn to prep an IV drip... he half turned to the door, which looks slightly damaged by the force of his own entrance, then pauses as Mike enters, motioning to the table by the bed. "Just put those here."

Rock then looks up as the door opens again... Rick... Rock's face if full of concern, reaching up to snatch off his helmet and tossing it to the side... uncaring as it clatters off...

There is only one important thing now... Twila.

Rock swiftly moves to the side of the red headed assistance, looking down to her intently... fliping out a Medscanner from nowhere in particular and offers it to Rick. "Here..."

Rock then leans down, moving to tenderly grip Twila's hand in his, looking down worriedly... "Twila?"

Twila's breaths come in slow and even as she lays there. She is conscious, but shows signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion (which would have been changed to heat stroke if she was left for a day longer). She trails the going's on with her eyes, yet...unlike how she had reacted to being within the craft, she now starts to shiver, as if her body is demanding to know what to do now for extra heat.

Nonetheless, Twila squeezes Rock's head gently in return, to at least let him know she's still there. "I'm...here..." she manages, voice strained. "Rick...told me the Masters already struck."

Rick Morgan takes a hold of said scanner, and starts playing it over Twila's form. It's not telling him he doesn't already know...but he has to make sure right? Meanwhile, he takes hold of one of the drinks, and holds it out in Rock's direction. "Here...wet her lips. Give her a mouthful, but remember...not too much," he says lowly. Not that he wants to break up this 'beautiful moment' but he can't have someone sticking to her and blocking his own access. In the next instant, he pulls out one of the drips, though it's of a newer model. Rather than the great big icky needles of old, it's a high tech version that uses molecular technology to get the tube in place where it needs to be with a minimum of fuss and muss. In the next instant, he taps Twila's hand, and gets it set up, the device inserting itself in place by literally moving molecules out of it's path.

Of course it's not 100 percent painless, but compared to the old fashioned way...it's preferable.

Dawn nods a little at Twila's statement, setting up the IV all the while. "Yeah. Don't worry. We took care of it...I think?" Doesn't sound too sure. Turning to Mike, "Hey, bro, those rags, bring 'em here will ya?"

Michael Eildath nods, pushing himself up from the wall and walking over.

Meanwhile a certain lil cabbit makes her way into the medical center soon after the two newcomers and is soon heading for one of the terminals by Twila's bedside...but not before runing right through Micheal's legs to do it with a sudden, "Maimai! Mama!" and then leaps up to the top of the devices to watch.

Twila emits a soft wince as the needle is inserted into the needed vien. She watches in curiosity for several moments before blinking wearily. "All I wanted...was to visit there for a little bit...and be right back. Got....sorta sidetracked..."

Mega Man leans over then, softly pressing his lips to Twila's forehead, whispering softly and returning the soft squeeze before drawing his head back and speaking softly. "Yes... they have... but don't worry... we beat them back, mostly..." Mega Man then looks to Rick as he offers him the drink, nodding and slowly releasing her hand to take it, watching him attach the IV to Twila's hand with a nod. He brings up the bottle of cool water, twisting off the cap in his teeth and then takes one of the clean cloths that Mike is grabbing... wetting it and then helps by softly dribbling water onto Twila's lips... tenderly smoothing the cool dampness of the cloth over her cracked lips. "Shhh Twila... It's all right... you can tell us what happened when you feel better..." Rock looks up and to Kyo... offering a soft smile to the cabbit... "Yes... Mama is back, Kyo... she will be fine."

Dawn grins, backing up as everyone else apparently can handle it from here, and says, "Well...now I know not to go to Iran for vacation, anyway." And with that, 'Chipper' half-limps, half-stumbles for the repair chamber, then realizes...it's in use again. Duh! "...Need anything else, anyone?"

Rick Morgan goes about what it is that he's supposed to do while moving to take care of the dehydration primarily. Soon a drip bag is hanging correctly, and fluids are being introduced to her system once more. It's about at this point that he happens to slip a hand around the bottom of Twila's arm, noting the burnt and cracked skin. "That looks like some nasty sun exposure...." he grunts. "..it's a good thing you weren't out there for another day or two..." He then happens to glance back over his shoulder. "Somebody want to get me some burn salve? The newer stuff..."

Ice Unicorn clomps out of the chamber, still fairly battered, but fixed enough his internal repairs can handle the rest. Imeadiately he head for the small gathering of other Hunters, easily able to see over the crowd. "How's she doing?"

Dawn taps the med-kit she placed on a nearby table, opening it, and handing Rick the requested burn salve. Amazing what all they stock those first-aid kits with nowadays. "Here, bro."

Kyo emits a soft purr. Otherwise, she remains at her post to take up guarding. She must be taking more lessons from Rush at the moment.

The girl's lips part slightly as the liquid is applied to allow her tongue to snake out slightly as if trying to at least taste it in some way...although she know she will in due time. She half gives half a nod in response, then winces for an additional time as her skin goes studied. "Must...look like a lobster."

Guess by now she should be grateful she kept the had scarf very well secured during the entire ordeal."

Rock whispers: 'I love you, Twila... Just rest... Your home'.

Twila Peterson smiles a little towards that, whispering back within that cracked voice of hers.
You whisper 'Love...you too Rock.' to Rock.

Rick Morgan takes the salve in hand, and sets it on the table nearby, pulling the cap off and applying a generous helping to his fingertips. Very gently, he starts to apply it to the points of exposure, namely her forearms. She did a first class job of keeping her face covered thankfully. The cream goes to work instantly on contact, already starting to spread out it's cooling sensation as he applies it first to her right arm, then her left one, before straightening up and wiping his hands off. It's then he takes another glance at the IV drip, to make sure it's working properly, before giving a slow nod. "I guess that does it...."

Michael Eildath goes back to his wall, watching his friend sympathetically. He doesn't like to see people in pain... much less burned, albeit sunburned this time.

Dawn takes another quick look at Rick's handiwork...then adds, "I'll leave my kit out here if you guys need it. Just leave it by the chamber when you're done, folks." And with that, Dawn starts getting back into the Repair Chamber.

Dr. Pavel Cossack wanders in. "Hello, hello. Thing vell in hand?" as he checks over various data charts and chews on his Summer Sausage."

Ice Unicorn just winces a bit. Even as a reploid with no knowledge of human 'damage' he can tell that doesn't look good. "Poor girl."

Mega Man looks down to Twila, wetting the cloth once more and raises it up, squeezing it slowly and low over her lips, letting the cool dribbles of water fall down into her mouth. He smiles softly at the returned whisper, then chuckles softly at her comment. "No you don't, Twi... Just rest..."

Rock then looks to Rick, nodding as he begins applying the cream to Twila's arms, noding and smiles softly. "Yeah... good work, Rick... Thank you..." Rock then looks to Ice Unicorn, nodding to the massive reploid. "She will be all right with rest, water, and cool air." He then looks to Dawn and Mind, nodding gratefully to each in turn. "Indeed, Dawn... sit in the repair chamber for a while... you need it."

Mega Man then looks down to Twila, continuing his tender ablutions, gently hydrating cracked, dried lips and letting her drink lightly of the water. "When the dehydration fades a bit... you can drink some of these sports drinks... and some more water... they will hydrate you faster."

Ice Unicorn pauses a moment, really wanting to do something to help though he isn't a medic. "Just lemme stand nearby and that should take care of your cool air problem," he replies after a bit of thought. "Best to keep her comfortable."

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "So vhat happened?"

Dawn nods lightly at the rest of the conversation, then finishes climbing in and sealing the repair chamber.

Eventually, the young woman ceases shivering as her body temperature begins adapting to something more..."normal" for the human frame. Breathing in gently she feels her skin tended to and the lotion already soothing the burns she had acquired from the exposure. Amidst the voices she hears someone unfamiliar, but is quickly becoming a bit tired to verbally respond. Instead, she swallows the water while nodding in response. Something...about sports drinks wasn't it? She'll more than likely remember come morning at least. "Thanks...love...you guys..." she can possibly be heard murmuring.

Dr. Pavel Cossack blinks and taps Rock on the shoulder. "Vock?"

Rick Morgan gives the rag he used to clean off his hands a quick toss to the side, into the nearest sink to be cleaned later. He sets up several monitors with practiced motions, and soon has them checking her vitals. Although he's not too worried about her destabilizing really. Thankfully she hasn't been exposed for TOO long by some standards, and she should make a full recovery in a comparatively short amount of time. For now though, it's better to be safe than sorry. As he moves around her form, he reaches down to give her shoulder a light pat, before easing back into the seat behind him. Ech...what a day.

The Blue Bomber looks back to Cossack, letting out a soft sigh. "Sorry, Sir... Twila was it seems... left out in the middle of the Iranian desert by Bass..." Rock sighs at this, though his sapphire blues reflect a controlled rage in their depths... he sighs softly. "We have her stabilized... she will be fine with rest. If she was out any longer..." Rock swallows back his words, looking down to Twila as he continues the tender ablutions... noting her slowly slipping away into unconscious sleep. A soft smile spreads on his lips as he murmurs softly back... "We love you to... Twi..." Rock then leans close to softly whisper for himself....

Then he looks to Rick, nodding slowly... nodding to him. Two men, brother and love, united in caring for a very injured young woman. Rock then looks down to the his red-haired beloved... his face relieved... though his eyes crackle with controlled anger.

Dr. Pavel Cossack nods and glances at Twila "You did a fine job boy. A fine job."

And those are the last words Twila actually hears before being claimed by her need for rest.

Ice Unicorn settles himself against a wall, still watching the human femme idly. "I'll be in here all night recovering anyways, X, I'll keep an optic on her and stuff."

Rick Morgan rubs his temples slowly, before straightening up. "I won't be going far as it is anyway. There's a load of injured to be taking care of, so this is where I'm going to be pretty much. She'll be watched over as is. Since we know that the Robot Masters are QUITE alive and well...we gotta make sure doubly that we got as many combat-ready operatives as possible.

The Blue Bomber offers a relieved sigh, pulling back slowly and placing the cloth and bottle of water to the side... looking first to Ice Unicorn with a nod. "I will be staying here tonight myself... I am going to sit up with her... and when Dawn gets out... she can help with your repairs." Rock steps to the side, snatching a chair and pulling it over to Twila's beside... slowly sitting upon it. His helmet to the side is still discarded for the moment, though after a few minutes, there is a crackle of blue energy and sound as it is called back into sub space. Rock then looks over to Kyo with a tender smile, listening to her sing-songs...

Rock says, "Kyo is all right... now... I think she knew Twila was gone and in danger..."

"Rock..." Rick states simply...as he moves to straighten up, turning to glance straight at the Blue Bomber. "I know that you want to stay here with her while she's recovering...and I can sympathize with that. But you of -all- people we need up and active right now. You know how hectic it's about to get when the world finds out that Wily's merry little band is still running around...."

X pauses... looking up and towards Rick as he speaks. Then he offers a slow nod. He opens his mouth, intent on arguing for a moment, but stops before he even speaks a word. Instead, he just closes his mouth and nods firmly. "You... are right, Rick... we need to be ready in case whoever took that Stealth Transport... Masters, Mavericks, or someone new... decides to use it to get right on top of us." Rock looks down to Twila, then slowly rises... "I am going to call a few people... see what I can do to lessen that. It may cause some panic... and the Repliforce need to be ready." Rock then raises a hand, and in it appears another small piece of chocolate that he places beside Kyo, before turning away from the bed and walking for the doors. He pauses however to speak to Cossack. "If you could help get Uni and Dawn on their feet ASAP, It would be apprecated... we need all the active hunters we can get."

Rick Morgan seems satisfied with that, as he moves about to find the nearest monitor station, that he eases himself into and at the controls of. Time to start looking through reports as well as is.....it looks like things are really starting to hop now.

============================== Maverick Hunter ===============================
Message: 10/64 Posted Author
The Robot Masters are back. pt. 1 Thu Dec 14 Rock
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<The screen blips as the Huntersign appears apon it, hovering there for it is replaced by the image of Mega Man. His face his hard and set, and sapphire blues are shining darkly, unable to mask a barely controlled anger. He speaks after a moment, his voice calm and collected...>

"Hunters. We have a problem. Not that this should even surprise anyone after the last few times it has happened. The Robot Masters are alive. I wasn't going to believe it until I saw the bodies, but now we have confirmation that they have resettled somewhere. Last Night, we received a communication from my brother, Proto Man, saying that the Wily was back, and then his signal went dead. We immediately began to search for a disturbance, and located a massive amount of combat heat signatures in Germany, so large that we were unable to Pinpoint their exact location. So I contacted someone else who might have known what might be going on, Colonel, and he informed me of the location and that the Robot Masters were engaging him and many of the Repliforcers. Ice Unicorn, Mike, Dawn and myself immediately responded in the Vorpal, and when we reached there it was a sight of massive battle on the shores of Germany. We went in and engaged who we can until I saw the General and communicated with him to get the full situation."
"It seems a UN Top Secret Stealth Transport was being tested or something and the Repliforce were sent to guard from what I have surmised, and it seems the Robot Masters learned of it and send in a massive strike force to claim it. We were able to push them back and destroy several of them. However, in all the confusion, as reported to myself and Colonel by Broadcast Ocelot, a group of 3 women dressed in UN Uniforms boarded the Transport and took it over. I don't know if it was the Robot Masters, the Mavericks, or someone new, but someone now has a transport capable of dropping the entire force of the Robot Masters on our heads without being seen until the last second. Our task is to find, recapture, or if it comes to it, destroy the Transport so whoever has it cant use it. Get on it, people. We have work to do. As for the end of the battle, shortly after the Transport was taken, the Robot Masters I presume were ordered to retreat and they fled to lick their wounds back wherever it is they are held up now."

<A slight pause, then X's face firms even harder as he continues>

"There was another victim of this attack. It seems Twila was out and in Iran, for what reason yet I am not sure, and encountered my shadow. Bass. Bass, in order to make sure she wasn't able to report back to us that the Robot Masters were alive, destroyed her Radio and left her in the middle of the Transjordan desert. Luckily, Rick was able to find her and bring her back before the desert did any more damage to her. Kyo-Ohki was acting strange as well, as if she knew Twila was in trouble, but before we could search for her, the word of the Robot Master's attack reached us. Twila is now resting comfortably in the Medbay suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion, and exposure, and with luck, should be on her feet in a few days."
"The most important thing now is to be ready for any further attacks, as this is only going to get worse. Be prepared everyone and have courage. We will win the day and deal with the Robot Masters, the Mavericks, and whoever else pops up out of the woodwork. X, Out."

<Blip, Huntersign>

--X--
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