CONFRONATION BETWEEN BASS AND ROCK

<Global News Network> "This.....is GNN!" A regular report from the world renowned news organization from it's Torontreal station, one of many scattered about the planet. The news anchorwoman appears on screen, sporting a blue blouse, red scarf and a cute smile. "Today in the news. A Robot Master was sighted in Neo-Tokyo today, in what was a brief exchange between Commander X and this individual. *camera shot of Bass in the corner* Damage was kept to a minimum, when Commander X apparently managed to chase off the terrorist after he began to endanger a passerby." she gives a small wink to the camera.

<Global News Network> The news report continues, giving various statement by certain officials, analysing the event. Are the Robot Masters finally beginning to show the strain of the war? Various experts are interviewed and questioned, and the broadcast continues as such. Finally, it comes up to the anchorwoman again. "Also, there was a brief tremor today in the middle-east, though damage was quite minimal, several china-shops have been making large claims to their insurance companies...and the threat of bankruptcy looms overhead. Also....in Europe...." her voice trails off, as the lights in the studio seem to dim for a moment...and a brief section of static fills the screen. "Er....it would appear as if we are having technical difficulties. Please stand by...."

<Global News Network> More static fills the screen, completely blotting out the newscast for a few moments. When it clears....it shows the anchorwoman again, but now she's quite wide-eyed. "It would appear that an unknown intruder has entered our GNN station and is causing a severe disturbance. We have been advised to continue broadcasting and we will...." Static fills the screen once again.

<Global News Network> A few more moments pass, and the screen comes back once again. This time showing another woman, this one a pretty blonde and holding a microphone. "Are we on....?" she appears to ask the cameraman, then nods and fixes her hair. "This is Carla Findley reporting from the station. It appears that the intruder has seized control of the main broadcasting center, and has given explicit permission for us to broadcast this event live. I am here now to provide live images of this individual." The screen trails over, showing the control center that is the brainwork of this news network.....then centers on a single form, with his back to the camera. Slowly.....the figure turns, to face the screen...his dark armor unmistakable, the glare in his eyes piercing. Bass glares at the camera.....then chuckles...lowering his gaze for a moment, as the chuckling build into full blown laughter.

The woman stands back somewhat, as she fits herself into the image as best as she can. "As you can see, this Robot Master is obviously the same one who was in Neo-Tokyo earlier today. He is identified by the name of 'Bass'. Unfortunately, he has declined us permission to interview him, however he has assured us that we shall have a story to bring you all soon enough. We shall continue to broadcast to you live throughout this entire ordeal. Remember ladies and gentlemen, this is GNN that you are witnessing this on." She's a rather dedicated reporter it seems. Meanwhile, the image slips back to Bass again, who has turned his back to the camera a second time....staring at the television screens of GNN's central network.

Magma Dragoon has arrived. Magma Dragoon stalks into the area silently.

Magma Dragoon climbs through the overhanging lightwork and cieling framing towards the main studio where the clamor was heard. He moves quickly and silently.

Bass finally turns back towards the camera again, eyeing it for a moment with what appears to be disgust. Despite this however, he walks to the other end of the control center, staring out to the studios beyond through a large window. The camera follows him perfectly....keeping him in the center image at all times in a show of footage that could make any cameraman jealous. Bass's attention switches to the studio then....as he slowly crosses his arms over his chest.

Magma Dragoon watches the scene below, his feet grip the bars tightly and tail keeps him well balanced. Focusing his hearing he listens to whatever Bass might say next.....

The Robot Master stares for what appears to be a long time, the silence broken by various comments given by the reporter. Finally......she appears to get the courage to step into the image again..and approach the Robot Master's back. "Erm....Mr Bass. This isn't in an attempt at an interview....but I am sure all of our viewers are curious as to just what your motives here may be?"

Magma Dragoon thinks to himself, "I know I sure as Buddah's belly, am......"

Bass blinks, and glances over his shoulder. His eyes narrow to practically slits, and he stares at the woman as if she were nothing more than an annoying pest. "What I want......" he breathes finally, turning around again...now to face the camera fully. "......is to finally prove once and for all just who IS the strongest that exists." A finger jabs out towards the screen, almost touching the camera. "I know you're watching this....." he growls, eyes glimmering with fury. "..and you know who you are. You know what I am capable of if you do not comply."

Rock has arrived.

Rock dashes into the area, oh he was watching alright, and he's about fed up with Bass's little games.

Magma Dragoon watches Rock jet into the area. He remains silent and hidden as he moves around for a better angle.... "I should eliminate Bass myself.... nuisance...." He mutters quietly to himself.

Of course the camera image isn't on the outside of the building, where our Hero is currently arriving from. It remains on Bass himself, and as if to prove his point, he casually raises his left arm....shifting it into the Neo-Buster....which glows and hums with power, finally letting loose in a loud *WHOMP!*. The energy ball is small, but enough to blast out a good section of the wall....and send debris flying, as well as the camera tumbling.

Rock reaches the door to the GNN building and enters, after a few minutes, he arrives on the correct floor and steps out. He slowly and methodically manuvers his way through the maze of cubicles until he spots the hole in the wall, and the cameraman getting back up. The reporter gasps as she catches a glipse of the blue bomber first, as suddenly the camera falls on him as well, he tenses his fist as he stares at Bass, "This time... you've gone to far."

Bass spins about to face the new arrival...his expression tracing into a cruel smirk. "It seems I've always gone too far with you...." he chuckles lightly. "...surely you must get tired of saying it."

Rock folds his arms and glares at Bass, and shakes his head, "No, your games are what I'm getting tired of." he relocks his gaze on Bass and says, "And I suppose you want me to fight you, right here and now, am I right?"

Magma Dragoon climbs silently around to a different view. His clws continue to cling to the bars up above in the rafters and his tail swings out behind him. He thinks to himself, "Foolish banter..... destroy the impotent fool...."

Bass's right arm shifts now....as it becomes his Neo-Buster instead. "Well it seems you're getting better at guessing things Megaman. Perhaps there's still hope for you yet." he chuckles yet again....then crouches down even further. "Too bad you didn't have more time. Consider this payback for earlier today. Yaaaaargh!" with that he immediately flashes forward, dashing full speed as he puts his shoulder down....

Bass misses Rock with his Dash attack.

Rock tenses his fists as he watches Bass streak towards him and dives into a cubicle to avoid it and kippups quickly, "I'm not going to fight you in here Bass, there's too many lives at stake. Go ahead and kill me if you want, but I'm not going to fight back, I hope you get enough satisfaction out of that to fill your dark, empty soul."

Bass leaps forward and spins about in mid-air, bending his right arm at the elbow, his neo-buster charging ominously now. However, his eyes narrow just a little. "Fight back you fool..show the world that you can't beat me...even if you DO fight back! Do it or I'll make you regret it!" slowly....his arm begins to trace in the direction of the cameraman and the reporter...his intentions quite clear.

Rock stares at Bass, "Are you capable of doing that Bass? Can you really swallow an unfair victory? Will that qualm your hunger? I will NOT fight you."

Bass snaps his arm back, to bring it aiming at Rock instead. "Unfair victory? I find that hard to believe...." he leaps from the floor, soaring through the air towards a far wall. "You HAVE to fight me! It's in your nature! You won't just let yourself die so easily!" no sooner has he landed in front of the window.....than he lets loose with a low powered blast...which streaks straight for our hero.

Bass strikes Rock with his Blaster attack.

Fliptop has arrived.

Rock takes the shot in the left shoulder as he winces slightly, he looks up at Bass's position and grits his teeth . o O (Here goes nothing...) He suddenly takes a quick step towards bass, and picks up into a run, "Be careful what you wish for Bass...." he suddenly kicks in his dash jets, "You just might get it! GRAAAAAAAAH!!!"

Rock misses Bass with his Smash attack.

Fliptop stumbles out, his little feet entangled with one another. Unsure exactly where to go, the screams quickly point the way.

Bass glares at Rock as he charges. He has no time to get out of the way.....but he manages to raise up his forearm to prevent any damage from the collision. What it does do however is push him right back out the window, the glass shattering in an explosion of shards....as he plummets free, and to the pavement below, finding a parked car, smashing right through the roof of it and nearly snapping the vehicle in half from his impact.

Rock tries to slow his approach enough to keep himself from going over as well and stops right on the edge, but can't maintain his balance, he waves his arms futily for a brief moment before plummeting as well, he grimaces as he takes aim down at Bass, powering up his X-Buster, figuring if he's going down, he might as well use the time for something useful.

Fliptop is a good way across to the building, when someone comes crashing out of the building. Chittering to himself, he picks up speed.... "Rock! Was that you?" His voice cracks as he puts all he's got into his ungainly trot, trying to see who fell.

The camera image shifts to a view of outside the building, now showing where the chaos has switched. The reporter's voice drifts forward again, "It seems both combatants have now carried their battle into the street!" Well duh.

Magma Dragoon watches the pair dissapear from view. "Damn... can you two not fight in one place like real combatants??..... bah...." He moves quickly through the raftors towards the direction that Bass and Rock dissapeared.

The wrecked car shifts....and is suddenly smashed away somewhat by an infuriated android within. Bass rips himself free and leaps onto the pavement....right in front of poor Fliptop. But the little guy gets no attention from the Dark Knight.....as he allows his shimmering blade to phase into existence....and he leaps upwards, to meet Rock as gravity forces him down. "Diiiiee!" his howl cuts forward, the blade cutting right after it for the Blue Bomber's armor.

Bass misses Rock with his Forteblade attack.

Rock acks as Bass comes charging towards him and unleashes a charged blast from his X-buster to propel him off his original course to avoid the bladed attack he lands hard on the ground, bracing himself by placing his hand and knee down and looks up at Bass as he decends, "You don't know when to give up do you?"

Rock misses Bass with his X-buster 3 attack.

Fliptops eyes nearly pop right out of their sockets. He skids to a hault, toppling overhimself into the process. "Oof!" He exclaims, as he finally ends up nearly under the pair. Rolling over, he chirps uncontrollably as he sees the battle getting a little too close. Without even attempting to get up, he twitters. "Hey you! Leave Rock alone! Ya big bully! You hear me, huh?" Oy, big heart, no brains.

Magma Dragoon makes his way through the raftors, outside and on to the roof where he watches the scene below with calm tact. His eyes are focuesed on Bass.... he attempts to glean any sort of info from his actions he can. For the most part... he simply determines he's a 'poor sport'.

Bass twists in mid-air as the blast streaks just past him. He continues to growl as he comes down again...landing across from Rock, with Fliptop, alas, caught in between. The little red robot however receives none of Bass' attention. That privelege is for Rock, and Rock alone. "The only time I give up..." he intones, charging his buster. "...is when you've finally been destroyed. No more.......no less!" his right arm comes up and levels at the Blue Bomber, letting loose with a more powerful blast than before.

Bass strikes Rock with his Neo-buster 2 attack.

Fliptop rolls out of the way, suddenly springing up onto his feet. While it's not exactly obvious as to how he does this, the closing of his cap insures there is something else behind it. Eyes still as big as saucers, he's a little unsure how to proceed.

Rock howls out in pain as the blast strikes him and knocks him into the GNN building, leaving a nice Rock shaped crater in it, he falls down to the ground in a slump for a brief moment before pushing himself back up, he smirks, "And I won't stop until the world is free of you and your master's sick and twisted crimes against humanity!" his armor suddenly changes to a greenish color as his buster switches to one of his stolen weapons and fires it at Bass . o O (I hope this thing is as effective on him as it was on me...)

Rock misses Bass with his Parasitic Bomb attack.

Magma Dragoon stands fully erect with his arms still folded. His eyes become slits and he decides this fight will continue with or without him observing..... his work is done and he returns to the teleportation chambers down the street.

Bass's eyes narrow. If it's one thing he hates..it's when Rock turns a stolen weapon on him that he hasn't stolen himself! That way he isn't sure what to expect. But as the bomb comes streaking in towards him, he switches his buster to a low setting, and lets loose with several blasts..managing to detonate the projectile in mid-flight. "Is that the best you can do?" he calls gleefully, as the residue of the explosion fades into nothingness. He then dashes forward, streaking towards his nemesis and his momentarily unloaded weapon. "I guess the world is going to enjoy the Master's overruling now isn't it? Not that I care much...." his left arm smashes for a backhand to the back of Rock's helmet....as he moves to dash right -by- the Mav Hunter commander.

Bass misses Rock with his Backhand attack.

Rock turns to follow along with Bass's movement and -SNAGS- Bass's hand midswing, he stares at him for a second, then shifts his buster into a hand and clenches it into a fist, "If you're going to use your hands Bass..." he thrusts his fist at Bass's face, "Do it the right way!"

Rock strikes Bass with his Punch attack.

Fliptop grits his teeth as Rock misses, too determined now to utter a peep. Squinting his eyes, he drops into the zone, the Fliptop Zone. Shuffling his feet, all bull-like, he snorts. "Dat's it!" He growls, much like a frenzied poodle. Following Bass' track across the battlefield, Fliptop scrunches down and pops his lid. "Awright, ya wanna smack on Rock, I gotcha eat Eddie Bombs!" Wiggling like a hen about to lay an egg, Fliptop cuts loose! With the faint sound of something coming unstuck, he unleashes.....

Balloons!! "Aw scrap!"

[OOC] Rock DIES! [OOC] Bass ROTFLMAO!

The punch catches Bass square in the jaw yet again.....and is enough to launch him backwards......smashing into the building as well, putting a nice Bass-dent right next to the Rock-dent. Symbolic? Maybe. "Rrrrrrgh......if that's the way you want it..." his own buster shifts into a hand......as he charges forward again, moving to return the gesture exactly as before.

Bass strikes Rock with his Punch attack.

Rock grahs as he gets socked in the side of the head and falls down to a knee, he swings his arm up at Bass's face shifting it into his X-Buster and says uncompassionately, "You know Bass... I've prided myself on finding something good about everyone... even Sigma, even Dr. Wily... but you..." his body begins to glow a bright blue, "There's only one thing I can say about you..." suddenly an energy bulge appears at the tip of the X-buster and suddenly explodes in a blast at the fishhead's face.

Rock strikes Bass with his X-buster attack.

Bass straightens after smashing Rock with his clenched fist. He appears about to continue on in the assault, but the sudden extras on the scene both block his view, and serve as a source of confusion. "What the.....balloons!?" it's just enough for him to have a buster thrust in his face....and he has only enough time to twist around, bringing his arm up to block the blast. The sheer concussion is enough to send him flying, out of the small, multicolored cloud of spheres...and skidding across the street in a shower of sparks....finally smashing over a fire hydrant in the process. Water gushes from the damaged area in a thick stream.....but Bass sees none of it. He shifts his Neo-Buster back into existence....levelling it at Rock and bracing it with his other hand. "Frankly..." he glowers. ".....the feeling is more than mutual." A blast of his own is sent right back again.

Bass strikes Rock with his Neo-buster attack.

Fliptop decides to rethink his strategy. With a *pfut*, his tupperware seals and he skitters a bit closer to the combatants. His tiny legs a blurr, he zips behind some scattered debris. Squatting down, he keeps a wary eye one the battle. Satisfied that their attention is elsewhere, he leans over, cracking the dome once more. A faint puff of escaping smoke signals the launch of a grapple of some sort. The heavy, metallic object streaks across the rubble, lodging in a nearby wall. Seemingly pointless, a thin wire can be faintly discerned between Flippy and the concrete structure....

Rock picks himself up off the ground, only to be hit by the streaking blast of energy from Bass's buster. He flips over backwards and lands face first, eating a mouthful of concrete. He plants his hands down and push ups and struggles to stand up, the damage starting to catch up with the blue bomber. He shoots his gaze over at Bass, as his body begins to glow once more, only this time it continues to glow for a few moments as he glows a brighter and brighter blue, he swings his buster out to aim at Bass, he doesn't say a word, merely waits for his charge to finish. It's time to even the odds, and this very well might be his last chance at it.

Bass's eyes darken as he notes Rock's momentary standoff. He knows that motion all too well, and the idea briefly crosses to copy the motion. But no....this is his chance now. Strike hard and cause heavy damage now! His own buster begins to charge, as he jockeys for a new position, side stepping for a moment. "Better hope you don't lower your guard...." he calls with a small smirk. "Otherwise it could prove painful!" Suddenly...he charges instead! Flashing forward in a dashing maneuver....an obvious feint. The Dark Knight draws closer and closer.....then skids to a stop at the last second.....letting loose with a powerful blast at close range, a deafening *WHA-TOOOM* letting loose.

Bass strikes Rock with his Neo-buster 3 attack.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" our would be hero screams out in pain as he's knocked back into the intersection of the road, as several passing cars swerve to try to avoid hitting him. Luckily the collisions caused are minor, and manage to avoid him. He doesn't stand up tho, still hidden by the pile of cars around him. Several silent dramatic moments pass as suddenly his form rises up, a look of sheer determination on his face, his body glowing a bright blue, so bright that it illuminates the area around him brighter than the new years ball. He looks to his power levels and realizes this may very well be his last shot, so he tries to make it count. He bends his knees and launches himself into the air several feet to gain a better angle on Bass and braces his buster arm with his free hand as he trains it down on Bass. The moment he feels he's got a good shot he screams out, "X-BUSTER MEGABLAST!" and unleashes the second most powerful attack in his aresenal. A literally -huge- blast of energy streaks at the dark assassin at volitile speeds. The force of the blast pushes Rock's decent back up, and into the building once more, this time not making a serious dent, but giving his back a unneeded amount of pain. He falls to the ground unceremoniously with a *THUD*. After a few moments he looks over at where Bass was standing to see if the effort was worth it.

Rock misses Bass with his X-buster Megablast attack.

Bass's eyes widen, as his attempt didn't put Rock down for good. "NO!" he howls, at the same time that Rock unleashes his weapon. Desperately, Bass crouches down and leaps as far as he can, to get away from the blast. The sheer shockwave is enough to propel him at rapid speed, sending him tumbling and rolling, finally smashing through the front door area of what appears to be a radio station. In an explosion of glass and debris....he manages to come to a rest finally, on his stomach, having barely escaped. His dark form heaves as he pants with the effort.....he knows that Rock is in trouble now. And his buster begins to charge yet again. Glass streaming off of his body, Bass stands, and turns about to calmly walk back to the street, glaring at Rock. His Neo-Buster continues to charge....the hum growing louder every moment.

Rock sighs as he watches Bass approach him once more, he closes his eyes, and says softly to himself, "Please... someone... anyone... give me the strength..." suddenly he remembers the item he has kept in his possession for quite a while and summons it from subspace, he turns his gaze at Bass and stands up, gripping the object tightly and runs as fast as he can towards Bass's location. As he approaches he rears back the hand that holds the object as suddenly a familiar sound is heard... the sound that only one man's weapon makes... the sound of his lost friends weapon... Zero's Sabre...

He cross slashes across Bass's chest with a scream loud enough to echo several blocks down, if people weren't aware of what's going on in their town, they will be now.

Rock strikes Bass with his X-blade attack.

Rock holds his pose in finishing the slash as he hears it strike true and it's inevitable de-ignition.

Fliptop sees the bright flash of light and, knowing Rock, figures the whole thing is over. Popping his head out of cover, he is more than a little surprised to see his big buddy looking worse for the wear. "Golly, Rock's not looking too hot," he mutters to himself, "I better get over there, yep, I better. Can't help Rock here, nosiree bob." Hopping over the protective debris, he belts out a squeaky, "Hi-yah!" Breaking into a full tilt run, he rushes towards his injured friend...

...wait, did Flip forget something?...

*CRACK*, the cable snaps taut and Fliptop is yanked bodily backwards into the air, landing in a trashcan with a muffled cry....

[OOC] Bass drops! That was too hilarious! [OOC] Rock cries in laughter!

Bass's eyes bulge for a moment as Rock slashes towards him. It's too fast for him to react..and the Blade slashes violently across his chest...burning deep into his armor first once.....then twice, leaving the two deep grooves. The Dark Knight doubles over for a moment...eyes closed....as he growls in absolute pain. His gritted teeth quiver.....and he immediately leaps forward, spinning about and bringing his right arm up. Smoke trails from the two perfect cuts......lazily arcing skywards. "You...." his growl is deep...strained. ".....not even the weapon of that fool of a friend of yours.....can help you!" Free hand rests on the edge of his Buster, as it's hum builds to an almost painful pitch. "...witness my absolute power Megaman! Diiie! And Zero shall soon follow you! Raaaaaagh!" His whole frame jerks backwards...as a ring of energy discharges outwards from his buster.....then suddenly lets loose with an absolutely blinding burst of energy. In true anime style.....the image is replayed 3 times...from different angles....before continuing. The recoil is completely enough to cause the Dark Knight to take a step backwards....and almost topple over.

Bass strikes Rock with his Neo-buster Megablast attack. Rock falls to the ground, unconscious.

Fliptop's rubbish can spills over as he manages to dislodge himself. He turns around, winding the cord back into his head, just in time to see Rock go down. "GURK!! NOOOO ROCK!" Cable trailing behind him like a Twi'lik tentacle, he scampers down the street. "Ya big palooka! What'd you do to my friend!" Near howling now, he utters a nonstop mantra, "I'msorryRock!I'msorryRock!I'msorryRock!"

Rock looks up at Bass and screams, "NEVER! I WON'T LET YOU TAKE HIM AWAY!" but just as he looks he gets blasted by Bass's shot, his eyes glaze over as his body begins to crackle as energy courses through his body and he begins to convulse, his body begins to fall limp as he utters, "I won't... let... you hurt... any..on AAAAAAAAAAAAH!" as he begins to fall his body literally explodes, his arms and legs flying off as his body is tossed backwards and lands with a loud thud and skids across the ground.

Decibel has arrived.

Rock groans, as the initial shock still keeps him alive, he looks up at the sky as his vison begins to blur, "Twi..." he begins to say, as his voice trails off, and the damage sets in.

Bass watches silently..as Rock is struck. "Yes......" he growls. As Rock's eyes glaze over, "Yeeees!" As he falls limp. "Yeeeeees!" And finally...the explosion itself, which Bass stares at with an unending sense of concentration, though his voice trails off. Even as the brief flames of the explosion phase out....Bass merely stares at the wreckage that was once his greatest foe. The Dark Knight stumbles for a moment.....then falls to one knee.......placing a hand on the ground, his gaze shifting there as well. He seems suddenly very silent....

Decibel comes flying near ground level on his hoverboard, from the direction of the Teleportation Area. A few assorted Repligumbies.. also outfitted with hoverboards... and doing quite _poorly_ one them, one would add.. come in at a much slower pace behind him. Decibel points his arm forward, shouting most emphatically. "Repliforce.. HOOOOOO!" One of the gumbies following him slams into a lamp post.

Fliptop emits a horrible, strangled sound as he watches Rock blasted into pieces. His mouth keeps moving. but no sound comes out. He closes his eyes for a moment, shaking his head in disbelief, still muttering quietly to himself. Too distraught for rational thought the little fellow weaves across the road, oblivious to any personal danger. His little feet resonate on the asphalt as he blurrs up behind Bass. His mind, wracked with torturous guilt, fails to recognize any advanced form of vengeance. Instead, he rears up and simply begins kicking the downed Bass. "Why'd you do it, huh?" He cries, his voice breaking upon each word. "Why'd you kill Rock, huh? *sniffle* Huh, Rock was my friend! Why!Why!Why!"

Bass appears not to even notice Fliptop as he kicks at him at first. His gaze raises yet again.....falling on the other's form. "I am..." he breathes, reaching out and placing his palm against Fliptop's face. "..the most.....POWERFUL robot." With that word, he gives Flippy a rather hard -push-, as he slowly stands up straight again.....panting heavily. "Ah Rock..you were such an opponent...." his mutter traces forth....almost as if rueful. "...the likes of which I could never find again. I will almost miss you.."

Decibel reaches the outskirts of the skirmish first, using a speed-bump to gain forward momentum. Hey, it's a hoverboard. You expect physics? He slow himself down, taking a moment to survey the area. "...... Bogus."

Fliptop is doesn't pause as Bass' hand comes to rest upon his face. His wracking sobs manage to force their way out, despite the fingers pressed across his mouth. Reduced to simple blubbering, his avalanche of words continue even as Bass thrusts, shoving the little fellow aside. For a long moment, Flip simply lays on his side, trembling. His anger washed away in a tide of sorrow....

Bass watches for a long moment afterwards..then finally allows his Neo-Buster to be replaced by his hand again. His glance shifts skywards....as if to ponder, 'what now'? With seemingly no notice of the new arrivals.....or that of Fliptop anymore, Bass begins to slowly walk away from the scene of the carnage, completely turning his back to everything. Fliptop, the Repliforcers....and Rock.

Decibel blinks. Okay. Rock unconscious. Bass standing there. Little red suitcase crying its eyes out. Pause. Eyes? Well, no time to think of that now, Decibel decides. Watching as Bass heads off, he pulls his guitar off his back. "Uhm... hey! Yo! You there! With the fins!" he gets out, bravery against the guy who may have just killed Mega Man not one of his strong points.

Bass dosen't even so much as acknowledge Decibel's call, his course continuing along the street area. His face remains etched into a calm mask...as if seemingly at peace with himself.

Fliptop staggers slowly to his feet, his expression cast downward in sadness and failure. Dragging his feet, he slowly makes his way to Rock, or what remains of him. He can barely manage to look at the pieces of his friend. Tipping forward slightly, he slips a small object out of his head and next to Rock. "I'm so sorry, Rock..." Barely a whisper, the sound carries in the terrible silence following the desolation. Turning away, he moves with an uneasy step, the weight of his lack of action pressing upon him. Wearily, he leaves behind his friend, his failure, to go where he won't hurt his friends again.....

<Global News Network> The reporter doesn't say a word for a very long time, as she turns to the camera man, as she too sheds a slight tear as X's body is blown to bits, "Well folks..." she chokes, "We may very well have seen the last of the Blue Bomber..." the camera pans to his lifeless body, "I have been told that there is already a memorial special that will air on GNN tommorrow night in honor of our fallen hero..." boy those media types are quick to jump the gun, and boy what they won't do for ratings... it's a sad sad world.

Decibel nehs. He narrows his optics, and swallows quietly in what passes for his throat. He doesn't know what to do. He's a musician, darnit. But it looks like Rock is dead. Gathering what courage he has, Decibel turns his legs around. Literally. While his top half stays stationary. Two panels slide back on Decibel's legs, revealing twin speakers. Then he reaches over and twists a nob on his chestplate.

"HEY!"

Decibel's amplified voice carries quite well, truth to be told.

Well, needless to say......Bass finally does stop. Though he does not look back....his gaze remains forward. One almost wonders that he's waiting.......expectantly.

Rick Morgan has arrived.

Decibel adjusts his armored collar.

"SO." he booms. "LIKE, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW?"

Poor Ricky has had just about enough of what he's seen on the images. Well if everyone else is going to give up hope on Rock so easily....he's going to be the odd one of the bunch. He's come back from the brink of death before! Jaw gritted determinedly.....the technician streaks in from the direction of the teleportation chambers, though he takes a different course so as to avoid the robots still on the scene.

Bass's head turns just a bit. To eye Decibel over his shoulder. "What am I going to do...?" he breathes. "What will I do....?" the echo then comes. His shoulders shake for a moment......and he chuckles oh so slightly. "I'm the strongest....." he rasps, as if relishing the moment. "I can do whatever I want...." with that, he turns, and begins to walk again.

Rick Morgan finally skids to a halt as he gets next to Rock, and he wastes no time in kneeling down to what's left of his torso. He had grabbed a backpack full of tools earlier, but he dosen't know how he's going to transport Rock right now. "Dammit.....where's Fliptop?" he grunts, struggling to get a blasted panel open.

Decibel sidles closer to Rock's general direction. Sidle sidle. If he had any confidence that he could take Bass before this, it's probably gone now. Decibel notices the human being near his general vicinity.

"HI." he says, forgetting to turn off his speakers.

Rick Morgan GAHS as his eardrums pretty much shudder from the volume. "Turn that freakin thing down!" he snaps, just a bit antsy, what with the situation and all. He immediately catches himself however. "Eh....sorry...." he mutters, bending over Rock's frame as he peers at the extensive internal damage. "I dunno if I can do anything for him here. I gotta get him back to Light Labs and the repair bay. Doc Light is out though...there's no one qualified to do these kinda repairs." No one but him that is.

============================== Maverick Hunter =============================== Message: 10/37 Posted Author Rock's Status Thu Sep 09 Rick Morgan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Rick appears on the screen....looking -very- worn out. He has his headband off, his jacket off, and his arms are covered in various fluids and greases. This transmission is four hours after the warning about Rock's status came up. )

"Rick here. After witnessing the whole shebang on the monitors with Bass, I managed to move out and get Rock brought back to base, thanks to the help of Decibel. Doc Light.....I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have gone ahead and started working on him, but as you can see his condition wasn't all that great, and there was nobody else about at the time." he sighs. "His condition still ain't all that great, but I've stabilized him for now, and I'm gettin ready to finish up on some fine work. Damn, Bass's weapon really did a job on him. I'll reattach his limbs while I'm at it too, I hope he'll be able to wake up and use em again. If there's -anything- I oughta know.....just lemme know. I'd prefer it if you came back soon as possible though. I did everything I can think of. Till then, I'll keep a watch on him. Rick out."

(With that, his visage disappears from the screen in a bright flash.)

======================================================================= Message: 10/38 Posted Author Extra Thu Sep 09 Rick Morgan -----------------------------------------------------------------------

(Rick reappears yet again for a moment.)

"Oh yeah....and somebody find Fliptop. The little guy seems to have blamed himself for this and thinks he can't return. I don't care if you gotta drag him in, I'll beat the sense into his head personally if I gotta." Despite what he says, his face appears somewhat sympathetic. He blinks off again.

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

================================= IC Rumors================================== Message: 20/5 Posted Author Conversation Thu Sep 09 Two Guys at a Bar ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guy 1: Did you hear about Megaman?

Guy 2: Yeah, I heard he bought it...

Guy 1: Yeah, my brother called me in the middle of the damn night to tell me, as if I care if that little blue twerp dies or not, if it wasn't for him, this war never would've started.

Guy 2: It's idiots like you that make me lose faith in humanity.

Guy 1: What? You mean to tell me it's not true?

Guy 2: No, it's not true, and that kid cared more for us than we do most of the time. He'd risk his life for either of us if he saw us in trouble and he was there. Would you do that for a total stranger?

Guy 1: Heck no.

Guy 2: Exactly my point. *sigh* We lost one of earth's greatest hero's if he really is dead... I've got faith in Repliforce sure, but no single person had the impact like Megaman did...

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

<Later.>

Medical Bay <Hunter HQ>(#2518RntF)

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

Not too far from Rock's medtable.....in fact, right amongst the various monitors and such that are hooked up to his body, Rick leans over the console there, his chin cupped in his hand, which is held up by his elbow resting on the console itself. He snoozes lightly.......breathing regular. He -had- gone out earlier on a trip to see Twila and see how she was doing.....but he had kept it as quick as possible. Light still isn't back after all.

Rock lays on the medtable, asleep. After a few moments a small groan spews from him as his eyes open slightly. Suddenly they jolt wide as he screams out, "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" suddenly his eyes start to close again as he mutters out, "Twila... Zero... No... I can't let him hurt you..." within a few moments, he conks out again.

Well now -that- is a rude awakening for sure......and Rick's arm slips. "Huh wha...? I'm up I'm....." *CRASH!* he tumbles right over backwards and out of his chair to the floor. But already the voice he heard....he knows it! There's no mistaking it! He kippups as fast as possible, immediately glancing at the moniters, then rushing towards the blue bomber's table. "Oh no you don't!" he calls, immediately fiddling with one of the consoles. "I just gotcha back, I am NOT gonna lose you again!"

Rock's eyes slowly open again as he blinks, he flexes his index finger on his right hand, which more or less is the extent of his strength and says in a whispering tone, "Whe... where am I?" his eyes not yet registering anything other than a blurr of colors, "R-Rick? Is that you?"

Rick Morgan tests a few more keys, then watches as Rock comes back again. He immediately straightens up and throws both arms upwards. "YES! Oh yes! Hot dang it's me! Yer back! I knew you could do it!" he immediately leans down and plants a big kiss on Rock's forehead....before he even knows what he's doing. It does kick in a few seconds later however, and he gives a rather solid, "Agh!" as he spits off to the side.

Rick Morgan rubs his mouth with the back of his arm. . o (Never....EVER do that again....)

Rock ba-blinks, "Uhm... kay..." is all Rock can really say in return, until he manages to form a smile, "I'm not that big hunk of junk ya call a ride armor Rick." he says with a chuckle before coughing and wincing. He shifts his eyes back and forth as they come into focus, "My memory hasn't caught up with me yet, but I can already guess as to why i'm in a bed in the repair bay, having no feeling in my limbs and getting kissed on the forehead by a technician."

Rick Morgan ahems and straightens up. "Uh....just sensations coming back......yeah." he covers quickly, moving about the medtable to where he can have a look at some of the other monitors. Ah...green, his favorite color. Especially when all those life support lights are blinking it. "Let's just say Bass didn't like the looks of your armor and decided to rearrange it appropriately." he straightens, adjusting a tube running into Rock's chest....to give him a quick surge of extra fluids. "Look at the bright side.....you made worldwide television." He then dashes across to the other side of the table, a constant blurr of motion, as he runs a scanner over his friend's form. "How ya feelin otherwise?"

Rock hrms, "Well, I've felt worse, but the only time i can really say I was in this much pain was when I died." he says rather straightforwardly, "Buuut, I can deal with it." he says with a slight smile. Suddenly his heart jumps as his eyes go wide, "Ohmygod... Twila!" he tries to force himself up, only resulting in a very unsatisfactory noise of something cracking and falling back down to the table with a "Ooomph!"

Rick Morgan facepalms immediately, and immediately places a hand on Rock's shoulder. "Congratulations geronimo.....you broke your gyros." he does give a small grin. "I needed to get them replaced anyway after the battle...I was just waitin till now, so no worries." he turns around and pulls out a set of small tools, laying them out one by one. "And wouldja relax already? Twila's fine. I even went to check on her earlier today.....she's ok. She's been hooked up to extra oxygen but the docs figure it's just a temporary thing, a sign the bronchitus is startin to clear itself now that it's peaked."

Rock takes a deep breath, despite Rick's words he's getting worried, "Are you sure they said it's normal?" he says worriedly, not even paying attention to his own pain right now. "Don't sugarcoat it for me Rick, I want to be sure." he says sternly.

Rick Morgan sighs, and straightens up again. "Let's just say some idiot at the hospital let her watch the whole thing on the television."

Rock frowns, "That's... not good..." he says, tears already forming in his eyes.

Rick Morgan flips a small attachment over his head, with a microscopic-level scanner that hangs down over his eye. He stares into Rock's chest as he speaks, poking at one circuit...moving another, adjusting some tiny switches. "....but it's ok now." he adds. "They got her on tranquilizers afterwards, and she was calm when I saw her....uh...although a little doped up thanks to the drugs." he chuckles. Another tap at the circuits...and he sends a whole panel that was exposed back to where it belongs. "So no need to flood the repair bay.." he adds with a small grin. "Everything's workin out back to normal. She's gonna be allright. Hey if you want it straight, you're in a heckuva lot worse condition than she is."

Rock nods, calming down a bit, "I know... I'm just afraid of losing her..." he sighs, "It's just so hard right now... my best friend is kidnapped, my brother hates me, and the one person I love more than anything else in the world is in the hospital. And here I am, laying in the medbay in peices." he pauses, "I just feel so helpless."

Rick Morgan . o (How do you think -I- felt puttin you back together and getting no response...?)

The technician continues his delicate work, sealing this, putting that back. Essentially one by one to return motor controls to Rock fully. He'll soon see if his job of reattaching Rock's limbs was successful or not. "Well look at it this way. The person you love will be out of the hospital soon, so that just leaves the friend and brother thing to clean up. One thing at a time here buddy, else you're gonna overstrain yourself. It'll work out."

Rock nods again, "Yeah, I guess yer right." he heaves a sigh more of fatigue than anything else. He falls silent for a little bit, as his mind finally starts to jog. "Hey..." he says suddenly, "Did you bring back Eddie too?"

Rick Morgan sighs. "He went runnin off, thinkin it was his fault and all. I -tried- to get him back, but I couldn't leave ya there. I know he's out there somewhere....and I get the feeling that once you speak up he'll come back." he shrugs, and pulls off a stream of wiring, giving full control of the limbs to Rock, though he still keeps some of the other hoses in place. This Blue Bomber isn't going anywhere fast. "If it dosen't work, frankly I'm gonna go out and drag him back myself."

Rock nods, "I hope he's not taking it -too- hard... he helped out a lot out there... brave little guy."

Rick Morgan whews and rubs his forehead with the back of his arm, finally settling back. "Guess we'll see soon enough. For a suitcase with legs...he sure is emotional." He pulls off his gloves and sets them aside. "Now don't go flippin out on me, but Twila gave me a letter to give to you."

Rock nods, "Okay." he says as he looks over at Rick.

Rick Morgan goes over to his jacket and digs into the pockets, pulling out an envelope. "I hope your hands are workin right now. I'd read it to ya but.....uh...." he gives a small wink. "I get the feelin this is a 'your eyes only' sort of deal." Rock nods with a smile as he reaches up with his hand, halfway suprised it's working, "Hey... nice job Rick." he says with a smirk, as he takes the letter, opening it up.

Rick Morgan gave you letter.

Rick Morgan hmmmms, glancing at the hand approvingly as he hands it over. "Yeah I guess so." he chuckles, before moving down to Rock's legs, opening a panel on each of them, just to make sure. "Eh....don't lemme interrupt your readin." he grins. "Just gotta do a final spotcheck....seein as how it's all different now that you're awake." Rock nods as begins to read the letter.

--- <This note is one which is handwrittenwithin blue ink on a plain white sheet of paper. The writting is Twila's. However, the individual themselves appear as written by a trembling hand. Still, it's legible.>

Dearest Rock,

I saw the live televised fight between you and Bass last night from its beginning to end. Before you say anything regarding it I have to state that I can't always be protected or shielded from whatever goes on. I'd rather know than not know. After the broadcast the reporter was already speaking of a memorial service. Whatever the media says I'm not giving up. You made me a promise, remember? In fact, we both made promises. You promised you would always be there for me just as I promised I would always be there for you. I'm holding you to your promise just as I expect you to hold me to mine. And I trust that you aren't "going to die a liar". I love you, Rock. And that remains no matter *what* happens. Please get better. I wish I could come and visit. I would if I could. (For some reason the doctors object. Feh...) If it helps any I'm certainly with you in spirit. I...better close this. The woooooooonderful medicine is going to kick in soon. And the last thing you need is for me to start acting goofy on you and draw little side pictures in the margarine. Er...butter. Um...Parkay. *sigh* You're in my thoughts and prayers as well as my heart.

With much love, Twila

---

Rick Morgan hrms and pokes at some of the servos inside. . o (Sheesh, sure would like to know how Doc Light fitted -that- in there....)

Tears stream down Rock's face again as he finishes reading the letter, but not particularly for the same reason he was crying earlier, he folds up the letter and puts it back in the envelope, holding it against his chest for a second and closing his eyes before putting it on the table next to his bed. He looks up over at Rick, "Rick, if I'm not well enough to go see Twila tomorrow, I need you to go see her, and if she's awake, let her know I'm alright." he pauses, "I also need a pen and some paper, I'm gonna need you to deliver her a note as well, if you don't mind."

Rick Morgan hrms, and pulls a pen from a nearby table. "Uh....paper.....paper...." he mutters, glancing about. "Ah!" one of the printers from the consoles nearby is immediately theived of several sheets, which are brought over and placed in Rock's reach. "There ya go mr budding professional writer. Make her heart melt." he winks again."

Rock blushes, as he takes the items, "Oh hush." he says somewhat jovially. He puts the pen and paper down on the table for a second as he looks over at Rick, "Did the media really think I was dead?"

Rick Morgan pauses and checks his watch... "Weeeeell..." he says quietly, then takes a hold of a nearby remote, pointing it at a monitor across the room. What comes on the screen is GNN, and the 'X Memorial tribute' that's playing. "That answer your question?" he asks with a quick grin. He pauses and watches the screen for a moment, a sobbing woman saying how X saved her and her baby in a heroic rescue, how the world will be lost without him, etc. Rick just shakes his head. "Man...they're sure quick to jump the gun.....anything for ratings I guess."

Rock blinks, "Oh jeez..." he sighs, "It's not like I'm any more important to the guys we lost at the Maverick Base Assault, none of them got any giant media extravaganza..." he frowns.

Rick Morgan allows the last panel to slap shut with an audible *CLICK!* and he retracts the last of the monitering lines. He does take the time to move up and run one into Rock's arm, to provide him with constantly recycled fluids....to get most of the crap out of his internals that got lodged in there in the first place. "It's all in the colors and flamboyance bud...." he says quickly, finally sitting back. "Media eats up a hero-type. Guess you were just unlucky enough to be that one they chose."

Rock grumbles, "I wish they wouldn't." he shrugs, "But then again, I guess it's better kids are seeing me on the screen instead of the usual stuff they show on the news, which is usually the latest Maverick or Master attack. People these days need to see something positive on tv, not negative."

Rick Morgan coughs. "Weeeeell let's just say GNN's gonna be embarassed enough soon as they hear you're still kickin." he sits back in his seat, propping his feet up on another one nearby. "Betcha they won't be half as peeved as Bass is gonna be.'

Rock nods, "I figure he's not going to be a happy camper."

Rick Morgan chuckles. "Weeeeell too bad bout him. I know there's alot here that'll be glad to have ya back." he winks....then rubs his eyes. "Man I've even lost track of what day it is....I -think- it's been a day...." he glances at his watch again...then shrugs.

Rock smiles, "Maybe you oughta get some sleep Rick, I know how you like to pull all nighters, I think it's about time you got a good nights sleep."

You say, "Besides, I need to write this letter anyhow, and I don't want to bore you to death while I'm writing it."

Rick Morgan yawns. "Well I got -some- sleep...." he mutters. "Course this chair ain't too comfy for that. And I guess it's ok, now that you're awake...." Yep, aside from going to visit Twila, and once when he stepped outside for fresh air, he's been monitoring Rock's status constantly. Of course there was really no one else available to do so at the time. He slowly stands up and twists from side to side, stretching tired muscles. "Been awhile since I slept in my own bed anyway."

Rock hehs and puts on a psuedo-serious look, "Well get to it then, that's an order." he chuckles.

Rick Morgan hrms....and makes as if he's counting in the air. "Hmmm.....section 3 subsection A2, a commanding officer's authority is overridden in the case of injury...." he then waves a hand dismissively with a chuckle. "Ah ferget it. Night. You just make sure you get some rest." Rock nods, "Will do Rick." he says with a smile, then says after a short pause, "Thanks... for saving me, and going to check on Twila for me... this is yet another one i owe you, what am I up to now, 6 I owe you? 300?" he smiles.

Rick Morgan grins as he pauses at the door, allowing it to slide open. "I can't count that high. Let's just call it a miscellaneous number and call her as we see em. G'nite." he gives a small wave as he turns to make his way out.

Rock nods and waves at Rick, as he turns to pick up the paper and pen again, in a dramatic fashion, all the lights in the medbay shut off one by one, except for the one above Rock as he begins to write a letter to his beloved.

Rick Morgan steps into the repair bay at a quick trot, clutching a datapad. He glances around quickly..and rests his gaze on the dog. Rhythm or Rush....either will do right now as far as he's concerned. "Rhythm! Hey Rhythm bud....I need your help!"

Rhythm was lying down, but now looks up and eyes Rick. <What does human with fat legs want?" he merfs, eyeing Rick.

Rick Morgan pauses as he gets near the robodog, and kneels a bit. "I found Fliptop....but I need help from somebody who can go under water so I can reach him. Think you could help me? I'm on my knees here pal..."

Rhythm eyes Rick and barks lightly, <Fine, I'll help. You had better have some bacon on ya when we get back though.> Rhythm stands up and eyes Rick. <So where is the little wuss?>

Rick Morgan taps a few keys. He really -dosen't- understand Rhythm's words, but body language is enough to translate what he wants. "Somewhere in the northern atlantic. Once we get closer I can pinpoint `im no sweat. This'll be easy....." he then pauses, and adds, "Er....we might have to drag him back if he dosen't wanna come. That ok with you?"

Rhythm barks, "<Can I beat him up if he don't wanna be cooperative?>"

Rick Morgan erms at the bark. "Let's just be easy on im....he's a big bundle of nerves. I'll give you yer choice of munchies when we get back tho. Howzzat?" he offers with a grin.

Rhythm eyes light up. <Food? Wuss boy, you just got yourself a deal...> Rhythm looks around and begins to trot off quickly.

Rooftop Runway <Hunter HQ> While it bears a fancy name and important function, this chamber is really no more than a glorified garage where the vehicles and Ride Armor sit when not in use or while being maintenanced. Large storage closets are against the back wall, directly across from the hangar doors which lead out into the Neo Tokyo sky.

Rhythm stops short and transforms into his jet form. <Let's get me some bacon!> he barks.

Rick Morgan trots after Rhythm, though he pauses to check the machine that has a tarp thrown over it for a moment. Then, without another moment's hesitation, he hops right on in. "Awright, let's get that little guy back."

Fliptop sits, anchored to the bottom, just beside an unusually thick clump of seaweed.

Rhythm is swimming through the water, scanning the area for Fliptop and barking a bit under the water. <Hard to see down here...> He looks around and eyes the catfish. <Mmmmm, cat....>

Rick Morgan peers out from the cockpit of Rhythm's sub mode, glancing down now and then to the datapad, which has a small, blinking blip on it. "We're gettin close..." he calls, then points to a large ridge. "Try over there."

A thick school of fish swim about gracefully, a menagerie of beauty and splendor.

Rhythm barks in agreement and lowers himself down towards the ridge, turning on a floodlight and barking a bit. <HERE WUSSBOY!> he says in his doggy tongue.

Rick Morgan hmmms, leaning forward and glancing out the glass. He then suddenly points, was that a flash of red? "What's that??"

Rhythm brings the light back around and aims it where Rick said to. "ARoo?"

The kelp parts, as one of the sea's larger predators cuts through it, attempting to feed. A mottled shade of red is visible through the thick sea grass. A particularly brilliant red....

Rick Morgan hmmmms thoughtfully. "That's gotta be him. Either that or somebody lost a red suitcase off a passenger liner...." he glances down. "You got a loudspeaker in here....?"

Fliptop's eyes are closed and he doesn't appear in the best of shape. A large half-ring of indentures, possibly teethmarks, marr the top of his head, and a large, blue-black stain is splotched across his side. An anemonea has attached itself to his head, although apparently not naturally. A disguise perhaps?

Rhythm barks a negative at Rick and moves towards the large system of kelp, sniffing towards the mech outside. <YOu in there Flippin'wuss?> he barks underwater.

Rick Morgan watches quietly, resting one elbow on his knee. "There he is!" he points yet again. "Man....what happened to him?"

Fliptop makes no reply, he is still and silent...as the grave.

Rick Morgan sighs finally. "At least we found him. Think you can get ahold of him? We can get him back to HQ and get him fixed up. Hope he'll feel better when he realizes Rock is ok." he gives a small grin nonetheless.

Rhythm nods and barks a bit, slowly reaching forward with his paws to grab the dirty mech outside. <Why I gotta play doggie forklift?> he barks a bit, muttering a curse or three. <Blues never makes me do menial labor...>

Fliptop still doesn't respond, although he is a bit heavier than usual.

Almost as if he knows Rhythm's distaste, Rick smirks a bit wider. "Don't worry bud, we'll get back, we'll get him fixed up..and you'll get your munchies. How does a pizza sound?"

Rhythm barks, "<Pizza sounds good...but mech thingy refuses to move....he heavy...>"

Rick Morgan hmms as he stares at Rhythm's obvious trouble to get Fliptop moving. "Why the heck would he gain so much weight....?" he asks. "What's he carrying? Can flip his top open?"

Rhythm moves his paws towards Fliptop and does just that, removing the lid as if off a cookie jar. <There, I move his lid off his head now. What make him so heavy?> he barks.

The opening of Fliptop's head, surprisingly, is uneventful. No multidtude of unusual objects spewing forth into the sea. But, nothing rushes in as well. Odd. No water slips into the confines of his storage compartment. Indeed, that is because the little fellow is _full_ of seawater already. Every square inch of his massage capacity is filled. Heck, he probably has his own ecosystem in there by now....

Rick Morgan sighs as he glances at the small form. "You got magnetic clamps? Cables? Anything?"

Rhythm shakes his head. <Do I look like a cargo boat?>

Rick Morgan grumbles. "And too heavy to move..." he mutters. "I could get the albatross and lift him out, but I'd need a cable. Dammit there's gotta be another way! Is he anchored down or somethin?"

Rhythm looks at Flip, then barks back, <He's tangled up in seaweed, but that seems ta be it...>

Rick Morgan hrms. "Ok grab his feet and pull him with you. You'll have to turn him sideways when we get to the surface, or else not even the Behemoth could haul him out." An exagerration, but it gets his point across.

Rhythm grabs Fliptop and says, <I know what I'm don'...> He begins to surface, turning the mech sideways to let any excess out and avoid a previously OOCly mentioned vacuum....

Rick Morgan just sits back as Rhythm grabs the mobile suitcase....falling silent as the rescue reaches this stage.

Fliptop is pulled upwards, with still no movement under his own power...

Rhythm grabs Fliptop and fully ascends.

Rick Morgan continues to ride inside of the robodog for the trip...eyeing Fliptop's form repeatedly as he's drawn to the surface. "I'll have to flush his system..." he notes quietly. "And replace what was too waterlogged...."

Fliptop looks pretty messed up, though hopefully the seawater wasn't too harsh on his mostly unshielded internal systems.

Rick Morgan nods as he studies Fliptop...then glances out. "Back to Hunter HQ. Looks like the little guy's gonna need the full treatment." he then pulls out his radio/phone and begins dialing. "Oh..and you like pepperonni on your pizza?"

Rhythm barks an affirmative, transforming into his fighter jet form and taking off.

Rhythm lands on the ground. <We're here! Gimme a pizza!>

Rick Morgan leaps from Rhythm's cockpit, and proceeds to take ahold of Fliptop's form. He grins at Rhythm's enthusiasm, "I told em to deliver it at the front gate, and for somebody to bring it to the medical bay. Bet it's already there for us."

Fliptop is still out cold.

Rhythm nods and waits for said pizza. "<Fooood...>, he drools.

Rick Morgan hefts Fliptop up fully. "C'mon down and get it." he says with a quick wink, before dashing off with the walking suitcase.

Rick Morgan enters the medical bay, and finds a medtable off to the side, setting Eddie's form down on it, and immediately starting to hook up various scanners and such. "Ok little buddy..." he mutters. "Lessee what that seawater did to ya huh...?"

.....and of course, off on another table, sure enough, there's a pizza box, from which comes the drifting scent of fresh dough, cheeze and pepperonni.

Fliptop doesn't look to be more than a little waterlogged, until you get a good look inside his head. While the majority of his systems appear unharmed, several key systems (of course set up to survive a tac nuke) had insufficient shielding to avoid damage from the seawater. Already corrosion and rust have set in, disrupting several vital circuits.

Rhythm transforms back to his canine body and leaps for the pizza, snatching a slice! <FOOD!> he barks and scurries under the table to eat.

Rick Morgan glances back at Rhythm and chuckles, "Ya earned it." his attention then returns to Fliptop, as he studies the damage....and makes a note of what has to be replaced, what has to be cleaned, etc etc. "Ok first order of business....you're probably out cause your power source is fragged...." he mutters. "Let's getcha dried off first..." he taps a key, and a beam of energy washes over the small robot....evaporating any and all moisture on, in or around his body. Rick notes to keep his arm -way- back, cause it could take the moisture right out of his body too! When the beam is finished...the technician leans forward, and begins to plug in several connectors.

Fliptop twitches, slowly at first. Then, rather suddenly, his little legs begin kicking full speed. After a moment, they eventually come to a stop. His eyes blink a couple of times, "Dr....Cain...." he mumbles quietly. Suddenly, the information hits his brain -Yup, he has one- Maverick Hunter HQ! "Nonono," he squeaks, trying to roll over.

Rick Morgan grunts and physically GRABS Fliptop. "Hold on just a minute! Rock's ok! Ya hear me?" He grunts. Fliptop may be small.......but Rick is still only flesh and blood...at least his upper half is.

Fliptop's big eyes are practically pleading. "No! Rock died because I couldn't help him! Nononononononono!" His cry becomes a wailing mantra, he struggles, but not much.

Rick Morgan grunts...and grabs the top of Fliptop's head, FORCING him to glance over at the now sleeping Rock's form. "Does he LOOK dead to you?" he growls. "And keep it down or you'll wake him up!"

Fliptop grows silent, rather suddenly. He stops struggling completely and averts his eyes, staring instead at the floor. He makes no sounds, utters no words.

Rick Morgan sets Fliptop back onto the medtable, and sighs. "He's gonna be just fine..." he reassures. "And you, I'm gonna get you all fixed up. Rock was worried to death about you y'know."

Fliptop sniffles, rubbing his little feet together. He turns his eyes upwards slowly, "He *sniff* wasn't mad?" He looks past Rick at Rock for a brief moment, before returning his gaze. "You sure...I let him get hurt, y'know." He drops his eyes again and starts to force his way off the table. "No, *sniff* what if I get him hurt again, I better leave, huh? Be best, y'know..."

Rick Morgan grabs Fliptop, picks him up, and puts him back again. He's not about to let -this- patient scurry off. "He wasn't mad one little bit. Look I'll tell you this. If you run off again, you're gonna get him upset all over again. You want that?" he slowly looks into the top of the small robot, and begins picking various pieces of dried algae out. "Rock said you helped alot actually. And I agree."

Fliptop remains silent for a long moment, staring at the floor beneath him. Unable, or unwilling to break the silence, he simply nods, slumping heavily.

Rick Morgan smirks. "Hey....the look of suprise on Bass' face when you put that balloon cloud on him was priceless. Y'gotta give yourself more credit little bud." as he speaks, he works diligently, removing a whole panel from inside of Fliptop...in fact, it's the one that's the key to his 'subspace' pocket storage. Best to get that replaced....RIGHT away.

Fliptop just sits there, glumly, allowing Rick to do his job. He shrugs abit, now and then, but not much else.

Rick Morgan replaces the panel, then moves around to look eye to face with the little robot. "Come on...." he sighs. "...what is it huh? We're all yer friends here."

Fliptop turns his eyes away, shaking his head. His lower lip puffs up and bulges out as he defiantly declines to speak.

Rick Morgan gives Fliptop a little rap with his knuckle on one of his small knees. "You can't let it eat you up. You gonna keep it from somebody that wants to help?"

Fliptop continues to shake his head diligently. He pauses for a moment, lip trembling and opens his mouth, letting it all out. "I went out to help, I did, but I couldn't, 'cause I'm so small Bass dinnit even look at me 'til after he killed Rock -I couldn't stop him- I tried, I dinnit want Rock to die I know you say he dinnit die *sniffle* but I saw him blow up my friend Rock he blew up like a firecracker and I tried and tried but I couldn't do anything right and I made Rock lose and when I did it and he died I knew it was my fault and I dinnit want to hurt nobody else 'cause I'm clumsy, y'know, so I left you shouldn't have come for me Rick ya shoulda left me there take me back Rick, huh, huh, take me back..."

Rick Morgan listens to the entire verbal barrage...then sighs and shakes his head. "I'm not takin' ya back there...." he says quietly. "Listen Eddie,....you did everything you could. Really." he raises an arm and pulls on it. "Look at me, I'm just flesh and blood. Except for my legs....." he then pauses to give a light rap on the robot's forehead, the accompanying *bonk!* drifting over the med bay. "Least you're still made of the same stuff they are. I'm even worse off than you are unless I'm in one of the Ride Armor. And even then it's limited in what I can do. We all got our skills. Rock...." he motions to the medtable nearby. "He's the head fighter and such. That's why he's the leader of this outfit. Me, I just fix stuff and am a part time robo-jockey..." he winks, then taps Fliptop again. "You're unique bud. How many others can say that they can do what you do?"

Fliptop looks up and shrugs. He still seems skeptical, but eventually he nods his head slowly. "Yeah, I guess Rick, but what good did it do? I mean, I know I'm not a fighter like rock, but I couldn't even get my bombs right...." He sighs again, looking down.

Rick Morgan smirks. "We'll work on that bombs thing. Could be a glitch affectin ya. I'll take a look at it."

Fliptop's voice seems distant. "Ok, if ya think it'll help any...."

Rick Morgan chuckles, then moves around to give the little robot more of a power feed. "You need to rest up anyway. It won't be long though, I'll have you up and running around good as new."

Fliptop simply nods and lays back, letting the doc work.