Twi509b

Twila@M3 - Thursday, March 08, 2001, 9:14 PM

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(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'I don't believe that the Masters and Mavericks want to talk things out. And I'm growin' raggid of the same old response tactics. And I don't have to push any of them into violence. Because we all dang well know, they're floating freely in it.'.

(Ch. C [None]) Shield transmits: 'If the Mavericks and Masters kill each other off, it just makes things easier for us. Sigma has already tried to apply this lesson to us, tricking us into attacking Repliforce. Remember?'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'Wouldn't that be a convenient situation.'.

(Ch. C [High-Security]) Protean Tiger transmits: 'Perhaps, but it is still not wise to carelessly waste resources on personal grudges that serve no purpose in the long run.'.

(Ch. C [MH/RF]) Solar Draco transmits: 'Removing Freeze from the face of the Earth doesn't serve any purpose? It's one less master.'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'I hold no grudges. But when Freeze Man's going to speak of beating Children to death. I'm going to defend that child, no matter who it may be.'.

(Ch. C [Phoenixflame]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Hunters, we cannot... and we will not... provoke a confrontation with the Masters. Until we get all of our staff back, we're not picking ANY fights. Right?'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'Right Mike. I'm defending the weak and innocent.'.

(Ch. C [None]) Shield transmits: 'That's not what I meant, Sir.'.

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Michael Eildath: "Told Rick the extra aspirin was located on the second shelf of the cabinet by the sink in the bay if needed."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Heh. Thanks."

(Ch. C [Phoenixflame]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Listen to me. If you provoke a fight with Freeze Man, Stellar, you're not defending the weak, you're causing chaos. We'll stop them when they try something, but we are NOT going to start it. Am I understood?'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'I'm doin' nothin' of the sort. Mike, I don't want to be responsible for the death of some kid. Just because that he thinks it's fun and games.'.

(Ch. C [Phoenixflame]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Then what exactly are you doing?'.

(Ch. C [High-Security]) Protean Tiger transmits: 'To the Master it is Stellar. It is what he was designed for.'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'Mike, why are you being repetitive. I've already answered that.'.

(Ch. C [Phoenixflame]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'You said you were going to stop him? Does he have a gun to a kid's head right now?'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'Mike, what are we, The "Maverick Hunters" Supposed to be doing? What is our purpose?'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'And I don't see how you are willin' to lend him the opportunity to get a gun near a child.'.

(Ch. C [Phoenixflame]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Our purpose is to defend the weak, and bring them to justice, not call them out. I don't care what you call it, you called him out! You wanna know what happens when you go out to pick a fight?'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'That's good Mike. That's what is screwed up with our system. We sit on our asses, and then we wait for them to kill someone. Then we say, Oh you've done a bad thing. Time to get you.'.

(Ch. C [Phoenixflame]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'I picked a fight, Stellar. I decided to be the hero against an enemy who was prepared for me. Three broken ribs, a broken arm, loss of a pint of blood, multiple concussions, and a near fatal poisoning. You call them out, you're playing into their hands.'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'They're already criminals, how many more are we gonna let them kill?'.

(Ch. C [Phoenixflame]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'If we go out to get them, we do in OUR way. We don't let them name the time and place.'.

"Hmmm...guess I do have a knack for stating the obvious, huh?" Twila offers with a slight blush of embarassment.

(Ch. C [None]) Moira transmits: 'Ladies and gentlemen, do kindly calm down, take a breath.'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'Mike, I remember when you 'picked' the fight. And if those are the consequences. I'd rather die, than let somee innocent get trampled on by a Master who thinks he's right.'.

(Ch. C [MH/RF]) Dawn transmits: 'This is enough... Need I remind you that others with certain technology that shouldn't be hearing this, /are/ hearing it? Take this to in-person discussion if you can, especially with something important like

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'They've had enough free reign, y'know it's sick that we just sit here. Let them do whatever they want, wanted criminals walk into a city. And they're not doing anything wrong, so we just say 'They haven't done anything wrong yet.' ... But of course, they will."'.

(Ch. C [None]) Shield transmits: 'Stellar, listen to me. I know what you are talking about and how you feel. No, we do not want to let criminals have free reign. But what you have done could possibly encourage that Master to go find a kid and kill him JUST to tick you off, you understand me?'.

(Ch. C [None]) Moira transmits: 'Under our current situation, ladies and gentlemen, we not only lack the manpower, but our resources are tapped from the entire Repliforce ordeal, and we lack the command structure and key members of the hunters to go out and launch a full scale offensive. From a tactical point of view, ladies and gentlemen, we are at a severe disadvantage.'.

(Ch. C [Techno]) Stellar transmits: 'I'm done. I don't need to argue my points any further. I'm headin' out. My Radio's off.'.

(Ch. C [Phoenixflame]) Michael Eildath transmits: 'Yeah, you remember when I picked the fight. I spent nearly a month in the medbay, a whole week on the verge of DYING. And what did I achieve? NOTHING. Snake Man beat the hell out of me, he nearly /KILLED/ me. Now, I don't care if you want to dismantle Freeze Man. That's FINE. But you're a Maverick Hunter, and you do NOT call them out. That's an ORDER!'.

(Ch. C [High-Security]) Protean Tiger transmits: 'How mature...

Shield sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Heh. At this rate, /I'll/ be in charge in under a month."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Shield: "I sort of pictured Kyo running the faction. Carrots for all."

Shield sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "*Chuckle* Perhaps. I think the fact nobody understands her might prevent her from taking over...maybe."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Shield: "Yeah...I suppose. I understand Rock's need to be away...but hope he returns soon. *sigh* Bass was making threats last night in hopes I'd tell him. Not like I would if I even knew."

Shield sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "What?? So /you/ were the one in the news? Are you alright? How is Repliforce handling this?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Shield: "*sigh* Yeah...I was the 'hostage'. As for Repliforce....I dunno. Haven't heard anything since I made the report. Although I did inform Colonel before hand that Bass has made it clear he attempts to occasionally use me as an unwilling informant. He's tried before. My relatives who lived in Colorado Springs lost their home because of it."

Shield sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I take it they are safe? Do you wish for an escort? Though few could stop Bass one on one, they could at least prevent him from kidnapping you. I'm sure Repliforce could provide one."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Shield: "Rick relocated them shortly after it happened. So far the Masters seem unaware of where they are. As for right now, I'm inside the the headquarters and I highly doubt Bass would be able to get himself in here...especially after last night."

Shield sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "True. I know you hate it, but I suggest that you stay there until something has been done."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Shield: "Me...hate it? Why would I hate it? Other getting a good dose of cabin fever? *brief sigh* Just hate having to feel I have to look over my shoulder all the time. Gets...a bit old. At least no one will hear from Bass for a few days. From my understanding he was hit pretty hard last night...not that he didn't deserve it."

Shield sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "If you need to go out, I would be happy to escort you."

<Shortly...>

New York - Harbor

The teeming city of New York has slowly started spreading down the coast, and taken over what used to be New Jersey. Manhattan Island and Repliforce Island can be see off to the northeast of the harbors, but the harbor system is extensive, boats and hoverboats of all shapes and sizes busy using the complex system of canals that has been built. The buildings in this section of New York are mostly run down and rusty-looking, but are definitely stronger than they appear. Workers scuttle along the canals and docks day and night, always loading or unloading the cargo from a ship and moving it to the appropriate pick up or drop off spot inside some of the warehouses. As you start to get away from the massive docks themselves, the buildings get cleaner, though not by much, as they house the dock workers, both human and reploid, also providing entertainment of almost any venue that you might think of, from nightclubs to an old salty sea tavern.

Bass lays semi out-of-the way on the shore, having been dragged there by one of the Bonne family's Servbots, who's still standing by vigilantly, having made an effort to keep his prize from prying eyes. Though one might need only to glance upwards to see the large craft that's arrived, not to mention the Gustav that's now making it's way over towards the Kobun and the Dark Knight's still ravaged form.

Poor little Servbot... it gets that vision in it's head itself... and realizes how dangerous it is beside the Dark Knight. He rises and flees, it's eyes turning teary in fear as it runs back to join the crowd of 5 Kobun that hide behind the Gustav... #2 returning it to 6 and the usual compliment. The massive figure of the Gustav slowly plods forward... and gazes down apon the Dark Knight... the Kobun cowering in terror behind the Mecha. Inside... Tron only stares... and speaks softly to herself... "He's... almost as good looking as Me..." Tron's face colors, her head whipping side to side as if to check and see if anyone heard. She sighs in relief, then gazes apon Bass once more. She activates the Gustav's scanners... and hmms at the findings. "I will have to go out and get a better reading..." And with a hiss of escaping air, and the opening of the Gustav's back... Tron emerges and swiftly springs to the ground by the Kobun... looking back to them. "Don't worry... he's down and out... he won't be doing anything now..." Tron shakes her head, swiftly walking toward towards the fallen Dark Knight. "Come on... I will need your help..." And the 6 Kobun gather forward as Tron approaches, peeling out a medical pad to scan he fallen one.

Scanning reveals that much of Bass' damage is internal right now. He was subject to a conflicting source of two differing temporal fields in the same place at the same time. The result was to say the least...catastrophic.

However he's alive...still in statis. Clinging to life. It's been said before that some are just too hateful to die. Probably much like Wily himself, Bass would never give up any sort of fight against even the Grim Reaper himself...

Dressed casually, a young woman accompanies a reploid. Both are further down the beach in thought having taken up on his offer as an "escort" since she had been threatened as of late. After passing a ridge she begins to see the odd craft in the distance and intakes a breath. "What...some sort of fueling transport?" Twila questions in uncertainty, not exactly knowing. After all, the harbor is somewhat nearby.

Shield strolls along with his charge. Curious to those who pay attention to him, he's out of his armor, in his civilian mode which passes for human except under medical inspection...or perhaps if someone kicked him hard enough and felt the clang of metal rather then flesh. But for the most part, they seem just a pair of humans exploring. At Twila's comment however Shield stops spreading his attention to everyone in the immediate area and looks at what has her curiosity. "Hold on," he asks, coming to a stop and peering. "Not sure...too far away."

Tron Bonne steps forward, slowly kneeling beside the fallen Bass. She scans her equipment, looking from Bass to her readings in rapid succession. She studies Bass as well... something flashing in her mind. A Blue Boy who saved and protected her. But... something is wrong there. Something she isn't in control off and doesn't like. But... Bass...

The Servbots have gathered about, one moving up and one down the beach, gazing out into the darkness with small binoculars that they pull out from no where in particular... keeping guard without being given orders. The Gustav looms behind them, ominous and present... a bestial construct as tall as the General himself. And out a distance over the water, hovering in wait... is a Drak... one of the Bonne's fightercraft.

Tron then speaks softly... "Amazing... to have survived so much damage... the Temporal flux must have been amazing to cause this kind of damage." Tron shakes his head, looking down to Bass... "You are very lucky to be alive... and according to this... if you don't get repairs... you are most likely dead as soon as your fuel cells run dry..." Tron hmms... "And in this condition you won't likely be going /anywhere/... but cerebral systems are still in tact." Tron hmms again, working this swiftly over in her mind... pausing to simply sit there... thinking.

Twila Peterson tilts her head curiously, but then stops, noting the design of the craft. At this vantage poit it's not all too clearly seen. But something of it does indeed conjure up some instances of familiarity. Still, yesterday seemed to place a screeching halt on her desire to arouse that inclination. At least for the moment. And yet, "Something...I dunno. Doesn't look like a fueler."

Bass keeps right on laying there, as the census is run over him...and the diagnosis given. Were he awake, he'd probably have no end of snide comments for Tron right now. Not just the fact of her touching him alone...but a -childling- for that matter, another insult again.

Instead, his face remains neutral, mechfluid-stained, and relaxed as he lays there in blissfull deactivation, systems conserving their power.

Shield glances about then morphs into his armor. "I will check," he says, letting his visor's enhanced vision zoom in. "It is...the Gesselcraft," he finally says, then shifts back to human form. "We should be going," he says, meaning going /away/ from the craft. By himself he'd go slap Tron about again, but right now, he's got someone to look after.

Well, goes to show how much better eyesight reploids have than humans doesn't it? Then again, Twila is due for an appointment with an eye specialist after returning to the labs. Something she's not readily excited about. "You...mean the Bonnes?" Twila questions after Shield has donned his protection. "But what would they be doing here...and so close to the Repliforce Headquarters?"

She does a double-take as he reverts back to his original appearance soon after however.

Tron Bonne gazes down apon Bass for long moments, her legs folded under her as she kneels by his side. She gazes down apon the dark knight... studying him for what seems the longest time... and Tron slowly reaches toward... and lets gloved fingertips brush along one tattooed cheek tenderly, fire flaring in her cheek. .oO( They say he is his counterpart... the darkness to his light... the evil to his good. Maybe... )Oo. Tron nods. "I'm going to try it!" Tron smiles broadly, gazing down to Bass, giving a second, more firm and steadfast not. The Kobun all look to her with /very/ worried expressions indeed. Then... #6, raises his gaze up and catches the flash of something down the beach... a flash of metal for an instant. #6 swiftly looks back and calls. "Miss Tron! Miss Tron! Someone's coming!"

Shield shrugs. "I do not know. However, as I said, we should go," he urges Twila. Not knowing he's been spotted, he doesn't press the issue too hard, but he does make his concerns clear.

The inquisitive side of Twila, aroused as it is, turns to it's more cautious nature attempting to take issue, leaving her a bit confused. But after yesterday's events...she would be hard pressed to turn against conventional wisdom however. It took herself some mental convincing for her to step out of headquarters after all. Her only solace was that Bass would have to take a few days to recover from his ordeal to be the menace he was...or so she hopes. "Yeah...you're right. We...better..." she says. "The way we came?"

Tron Bonne snaps her gaze up to the side at the call of #6, her eyes going wide in worry and dread. She looks from Bass to the distant place where the claw of #6 is pointing. She swiftly barks out orders... "Quickly! Go hold them off! I will handle... him." Tron looks down to Bass. "If we get separated... I will meet you at the usual place, ok?"

The Servbots all nod, and raise their hands. "Yes, Miss Tron!" The Servbots swiftly turn, #2 and #1 pulling out small laser pistols from no where in particular. The 6 Kobun move swiftly towards where #6 saw Shield, the same kobun guiding with it's binoculars over it's eyes, scanning into the darkness as they move forward to charge.

Tron rises, dusting herself off, and with one last look to Bass, and a smile of confidence, she runs and climbs swiftly into the Gustav, the machine rumbling to life and rearing back for a moment, it's outline visible to the distant pair with that movement.

Shield nods, silently praising her decision. Outwardly he simply says, "Thank you," when several flashes of light catch his attention as well. He turns around and starts to lead Twila back, shifting once again into his armor and examing the flashes by zooming in with his rear camera. "We have trouble. Several...no, six kobuns are coming after us. Armed." He sidesteps a bit so he walks directly behind Twila, just in case the kobuns start shooting. "Stay in front of me," he cautions her, "and stay calm."

"As Iris once said...as much as my hair color will allow," Twila quips with a small grunt, doing as told for now. Just how she ends up in these situations or walking into what's better left alone...she won't begin to understand.

Maybe she's jinxed somehow. Maybe it's rotten luck.

In either case what's done is done now. And panicking wouldn't be that much of a help. Besides...she can always schedule that for later...

Besides...it was Shield's inadvertently letting them know they were there by his switch into armor and his change back earlier. Not that Twila would know that at the moment. "How far are the behind us?"

The 6 Kobun... short little guys really... only 2 feet tall. But 6 can dismantle a heavy Police Truck in 3.25 seconds. How long will Shield last? The few who don't have weapons flex claws or draw tools from... no where in particular. Twila's probably fine unless a shot gets past Shield. The two Sniper Kobun move to the side and drop down on the dunes, raising their small laster rifles, and begin to open fire with flashes of red light. The others continue to advance, though one stops, who hasn't raised a weapon or tools yet... and in his hands... appears a large black sphere with a Skull emblem on it. A Bonne Bomb. But he doesn't throw it yet, the 4 moving after the fleeing pair swiftly. If there is one thing to be said... Tron's Servbots don't play around...

The Gustav's head turns, following the sight path of the pair, and nods, the top barrel rising slightly, the click of a beacon bomb heard. But, there is no time for that. Gustav turns back to the fallen Dark Knight, and with one massive hand, the mecha slowly gathers Bass up and securely in a powerful grip he possibly couldn't break even if he were awake. Gustav turns then, waving a massive arm... and the Drak begins to rumble forward towards them for Pickup. Shield's camera could see something as the Gustav turns, the distinct look of a certain... finned head

Twila is forced to inwardly curse as toddlers open fire...attempting to pick up her pace and only hope her escort won't be badly injured from this. "Well...this answers the big 'guess who'," she manages, wondering why they were even here...and what's so important that she and her fellow Hunter are being fired upon. "Calling into headquarters, they're closer..."

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Accidentally came across sight the Bonne ship at the Habor. Thought it might want to be known.'.

(Ch. B [RF-MH]) Colonel transmits: '...report it to Commander Eildath.'.

(Ch. B [None]) Jet Stingray transmits: 'If you need any assistance from me you two, just call.'.

(Ch. B []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Harbor meaning here in New York. Your backyard.'.

Shield winces inwardly as the shots begin homing in, but never flinches. Thought not that strong, he can't really sit here and take it for too long before becoming incapacitated. He curses himself for allowing Twila along the beach with no cover. Things aren't looking too good, he thinks, and this is before he makes three chilling observations. First, a bomb. Second, a ride armor. Third....Bass. But first things first. "Twila, get down /now/," he orders, his left hand pressing on her shoulder, not enough to actually push her down, but enough to let her know his urgency. "Lay flat," he clarifies, charging his Gauss Rifle while waiting for her to do so. The moment she is down he whirls about, his systems already calculating the shot while he was waiting. A trio of shells launch themselves from the barrel, hurtling at the Bonne Bomb while Shield starts to absorb weaponfire on the front half of his armor now, making sure all of him gets damaged. Wee.

(Ch. B [None]) Jet Stingray transmits: 'Well, if it is in New York, and in around water... Sounds like I should be giving you guys the assist. Colonel, can I receive clearance to leave base to assist them or do I stay?'.

(Ch. B [RF-MH]) Colonel transmits: 'Clearance granted.'.

(Ch. B [None]) Jet Stingray transmits: 'Thank you, sir... Jet Stingray deploying.'.

A short yelp is all Twila is able to get out before she drops to the send...barely able to keep herself from eating any of the debris. .oO(Of all the...Dang is all!!)Oo. She cringes as some of the shots ring out against the reploid, but cringes even more at the fact there's little she can really do? Or is there? She may not have much...but she at least has some form of weaponry...although this is used mainly for defense and retreat. As she lies there...she looks for any sort of cover nearby that she can attempt to get to...

You paged Shield with 'And you said it was boring... :-)'.

Dawn is currently heading for the harbor area at a full run, dashing down various sidewalks and roads as she nears the disturbance. Not quite there yet...but it won't be long.

The Kobun continue to charge... but... Shield gets smart! Bomb chucking Servbot blinks even as Shield turns... #1 and #2 still giving cover fire. And in a high falsetto he squeaks. "Uh oh..."

Bullets strike upraised Bonne Bomb.

Bonne Boms goes Kablooie.

Servbots go flying!

"Owowowowowowowowowowowowowow!"

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

"WHEEEEEEEE!!!!!"

That last one was is a strange one... Anyway... back to the Gustav!

As the Explosion takes place, the Gustav is a good enough distance to be away from the blast, but the head turns and glares daggers at the figure illuminated. Shield. Oooo... that guy! She will get him! ...but... later... later. The limp, lifeless bundle in the Gustav's powerful hand is more important. The Finhead himself. The Gustav turns and begins to run at a fast pace into the water, and as the Drak soars down... the Gustav springs up, it's free hand snatching for the Drak's undercarriage, designed to provide handholds for the Gustav and Bon. Snatch! Contact! The Drak rumbles as it's engines bear the weight of the massive Gustav, Banking swiftly through the air the Drak turns and heads for the ominous, massive shape of the Gesellshaft... and from that behemoth... can be seen launching several more of the Fightercraft... rocketing for the shoreline.

The 4 charging Kobun were floored by the blast, and the two snipers are taking cover, radioing for pickup in high falsettos.

Something moves swiftly through the waters of New York's harbor. Something big... But not General big, but big enough to be... Jet Stingray! Emerging from the waters at underhead of for any sort of water vehicle, the stingray comes to save the day. Of course after he saves the day, he'll need to take a shower considering the grime and such from swimming in New York's waters... Totally uncool. Unsure of the scene for a few moments, the stingray looks about as he gets a tuna can off his helmet. "Now I remember fly I fly around New York."

Remaining down, Twila overhears the Koubons being struck down and, for the moment, the firing on the other side seems to have momentarily stop. Then again, she's not fully aware there are two yet remaining. "That---that all of them?" she questions after a brief interlude.

Shield peers through the explosion for a few moments, then shakes his head at her query. "No, stay down." He takes aim on the remaining Kobun, his Gauss Rifle firing off a pair of shells for each sniper, checking on their status, and firing again if they are still shooting. "Oh," he says almost conversationally. "Bass is with them. The Gustav just carried them off."

.oO(Oh...at least there's something to tag onto the report...)Oo. the young woman mentally retorts in reply. "Least we know why they were actually here..." she grumps...feeling the sand get mixed with her lengthy reddish locks.

-Spang! Clang!-

The two Snipers are shot, and yelping, they backflip down their dunes, eyes all a-tear! Meanie!

But... Even as the Stingray rises from the deep... a flight of 5 large Drak in a wing sweep down low, two breaking off apon sight of the new target, computers and Kobun pilots recognizing the Stingray from computer files. The middle wedge flies forward, the leadman breaking off towards the downed Kobun and flies to hover above the sand. The other two Drak begin laying cover fire, peppering the ground around Shield and Twila with small, bullet-like blasts of energy from rapid-fire machineguns, not actually striking them, but throwing up sand around them as they make the pass over them. The Kobun are nothing if not /very/ efficient.

As for the Gustav, Tron, and the 6th Drak... they are flying out over the waves and for the massive, pregnant Goldfish look of the Gesellschaft, it allready banking as Servbots man the controls of the massive ship

Twila emits yet another yelp even as the round of shots is opened up from above as well...having the mind to curl herself up and cover her head to avoid being hit. Sand rushes over her form as well as Shield's. Although, thankfully, it sees was the shots themselves this time was more to keep the two at bay rather than offer injury...accuracy given way over to speed it would seem. She waits for it to stop...somewhat hesitant to glance up now...

Shield continues speaking, "Stay down, they just got reinforcements," he says, added by, "And so did we." He turns his nearly depleted weapon upon the Draks when he sees the shots missing, and decides to hold off. "Bass is unconscious. See if we can get someone to stop the Kobuns. This is a good chance to stop Bass for good." I.e. kill Finhead. He sees the Gustav and the Gesellschaft retreating and very close to attacking it, but decides not to draw their fire.

Jet Stingray follows the five Draks heading toward something, his optics scanning their apparent targets. "Dude... Those must be good guy there. Time to give them the assi-" The reploid stingray pauses in his words, noticing the two smaller ship breaking off from the formation to try and tango with the best (and currently the only) Stingray reploid around. Narrowing his eyes, Jet says to himself. "Let's see if the classic 'Stingray in the middle' trick works...." With that said, Jet tries to fly in between the two craft or at least on a flight pattern that resulting in Jet being close to the Draks separately to give them a fierce slash of his sharp and mighty fins of terror.

Drak is all the way in the bay by now by the Gesellschaft, if you /like/ you could... but the Gesellschaft is there and would open fire right back. There are always the two Drak that are about to bank back and attack Shield and Twila as well. Your choice, Dawn." ^"

Bonne Assault Mech <Gustav> rumbles, hanging apon the fleeing Drak, the pilot giving a sigh of relief as she reaches the Hangar bay entry, fliping off of the Drak and with a puff of jets, lands inside the massive maw of the Bay, Servbots scrambling everywhere as the Drak swiftly swoops in to dock itself with the others. The Gustav turns, gazing out into the night, the pregnant Goldfish that is the Gesellschaft turning and slowly rising up into the sky, massive jets roaring behind it. As for the Finned on in Tron's hand, she slowly draws him up and gazes at the limp figure, then turns, Gustav's voice resounding in the bay. "Lab Crew! Pep the Lab, stat! We have some work to to!!" And Tron has acquired her new Toy. The Dark Knight himself.

As for the others, the Drak on high that make the pass beyond Shield and Twila begin to bank, slowly turning and moving back for what seems another attack run. The advice of the day: Run.

The injured Kobun are helped by still whole ones who help them back up and into the hovering Drak, a Gunner ready to open fire with the defensive weaponry.

And for the two assaulted by the Stingray? -REND!- The tactic worked quite well... as the Drak are slashed broadside by the rocketing stingray, banking out to the sides, smoke rising from the long rends as pilots and gunners steady the craft and put out the fire

As the attack once more abates Twila does force herself to glance up...even as those *things* begin to act as if to make another pass. "Shield, they're coming back around!"

(Ch. D [Security]) Slash Beast transmits: 'What's the situation in the Harbor area?'.

(Ch. D []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Bonne airship retreating with Bass as cargo. Jet Stingray had engaged...two smaller fighters...two others remaining...'.

(Ch. D [Midlevel]) Phoebus transmits: '...Bass?'.

Shield nods. "I know. Don't move," he repeats, Ice Blaster forming in his hand. At the same time, his mildly damaged chest armor unfolds as he quickly powers and overcharges the plasma conduits in his chest. "They will not get past me," he declares resolutely. The plasma is such an unfocused weapon, little aiming is required fortunately, and as the plasma streaks from his upper torso at one Drak, quickly losing power after a short distance, his targeting system takes over his gun, aiming the Ice Blaster to focus on disabling the remaining Drek. Yes, allies are there, but Shield isn't about to trust her life to someone else.

(Ch. D [Spec-Ops]) Ten transmits: 'Do you need assistance?'.

(Ch. D [None]) Solar Draco transmits: 'Need help?'.

(Ch. D [None]) Moira transmits: 'I can bring a flying ride armor out if need be.'.

(Ch. D []) Rick Morgan transmits: 'You're not going anywhere while I've got all this diagnostic equipment hanging out of your ports Moira.'.

(Ch. D [None]) Moira transmits: 'That was suggestive, Master Morgan.'.

(Ch. D []) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Grumpy, Fin-Head, Master Elite...poor disposition. Yes, Bass. Bonne's have what's left of him. Think the remaining two fighters are about to be hand---. *drowned by sudden shots fired*'.

(Ch. D []) Rick Morgan transmits: '*sound of a facepalm*'.

(Ch. D [Security]) Slash Beast transmits: 'All Repliforce stand by...'.

"Score two for the Stingray!" Jet Stingray says as he knows his fins hit home with the sounds they made as they tore through. He looks behind him for a moment to check out his explos... Wait, they didn't go up! Well, that isn't important... The helping the Hunters is. Regardless of any assaults on himself of the fact that Sheild is taking them on himself already, Jet blasts off toward the skies above the human and Sheild. "Twila!" he yells out as he hears the her radio transmission cut of with the sounds of gunfire.

Twila Peterson covers her one ear suddenly as the shots fired drowns out her voice over the joint broadband, not about to lend a response really until this is over. She feels bad enough somehow...

In the distance, the Gesellschaft is looming away into the night, picking up speed every second... the massive Air-yaught turned flying fortress may be huge... but it's /fast/. Tron is aboard, as is the Gustav... and Tron's newest... acqusition. Bass, himself. No one can say if they will ever see him again... whole anyway. Spare parts on the Black Market... sure!

As for the Drak that are banking for the pair for another pass... Shield displays his skill. As the blasts rocket for the ships... they rocket to the sides, trying to take evasive action, but are too late but a hair. The blast from Shield slams into the side of one Drak, sending it spining off into the night out over the bay at dizzying speed. The Servbots inside are having quite the ride. @.@ And the later is clipped by the ice blast, it's side fin freezing and being coated with a layer of ice almost instantly... the Drak spining and barely veering up, preventing a crash... and begins to rocket out over the water, trying to reach safety, it's engines kicking into full... ...they just can't turn left anymore. Ok... that will make it harder to get home!

The one on the ground rumbles up into the air, it too, now with a full cargo of injured Kobun, rockets for the sky. It pushes for as much safety as it can get, joined in a wedge behind the two that were so damaged by Jet Stingray... it seems the danger has passed... the Drak are retreating... and the Gesellschaft is pushing for the heavens

Shield phews as the crafts veer off, his chest panels sealing up again and shunting his Ice Blaster back to it's compartment in his arm. "You can get up now," he says, turning to help her up. He's quite tired, but all in all, he'll survive, and most likely won't even need major repairs.

The Hunter medic let's out a sigh and pushes herself off the ground carefully, then reaches up to grasp the reploid's hand. Pulling herself up she can't help but notice as some of the sand cascades from her hair and clothing. "Thanks. Guess...that's all of them, huh? You both alright?" she questions both Shield and Jet, looking them over with a medic's eye before answering, "Think...so..." although somewhat shaken.

After the events from yesterday...why wouldn't she be?

Jet Stingray snaps his fingers to see the forces retreating so soon. "And I was just getting warmed up too..." he says as he lands in ankle deep (for him at least) water. The water begins to cool down his foot jets, but Jet continues forward toward Twila and Sheild. "Boy, I can't believe it... Bass has been napped... By the Bonnes!" The stingray snickers at this, finding incredable amusement by this fact. Looking to Twila, he shrugs, "Perfect condition... The race was over before it begun."

"A battle. It's over," Shield says tersely, and starts gently brushing sand off Twila. He nods at Jet and says, "Thank you for your aid," before finally turning back to Twila. "You alright?"

Twila can't blink in surprise and mild confusion as her fellow Hunter helps her get some sand off of her person. "Uh...yeah...I'm fine. Just a little taken aback by it all I suppose. And...it's ok, Shield. I...think I can get the rest," she gets out with a quiet sigh. She brings a hand up to shake some of the particles from her hair. Inwardly she wishes she wouldn't be fussed over some part of her highly doubts it's deserved. At any rate, when asked on what had brought her out here, "Out for a walk. That's all."

Four familiar, to some at least, pinkish red sparkles glitter dubiously just under the surface of the water, obviously coming closer. No other detail, as of yet, has become all too visible until just a few moments later, when a short range light beams out through the surface as well, drowning out the other sparkles for a few short seconds until it's seemingly turned off.

Slowly, the dark outline of an obviously, all though lightly, armored creature emerges from the darker portion of the water. It is soon solidifying into the definite and unmistakable plum colored form of Raze.

Swing eyes the disarray as he happens by, his sub-neme sensors designed specifically for piecing evidence of violence together. A question mark pops up in his mind, and he vaults over the railing to get a closer look.

Shield blinks as he realizes he's annoyed or something Twila somehow, taking a step back. "Well then, shall we continue with our walk then?" he asks seriously, rather unsure of how she's feeling right now. His sensors pick up all sorts of people approaching, but with reinforcements nearby and nobody shooting, he's not too worried.

Swing now closes the distance, picking out Jet Stingray's large form first, then Twila's fairly familiar signature. He continues to close the last thirty yards.

"Thanks all the same,. I--" the young woman informs Shield quietly, when something, or rather someone else emerges from underneath the ocean's surface.

Already on edge she jumps back, startled at the movement, before calming herself. .oO(Nerves strong as steel...)Oo. she thinks sarcastically to herself.

Raze mumbles something, rather crossly under his breath and shakes his helmet. Tipping his head up slowly and walking towards the dry-shore, his attention is snagged by the patronage of the beach, and the few people strolling towards him... With an unsettled, and uneasy sigh, he accepts his inevitable confrontation of them with a resigned shudder.. he never was good in social groups, lord knows he has enough trouble just talking to one of the two people he can actually even call 'friend', at a time. Be it Phoebus or Job.

Jet Stingray just shrugs then spins and turns as Twila reacts to something behind him, his arm cannon sliding over his right hand. Swiftly he lowers it, seeing as it is not a threat, making sure his right hand comes out before any shots are fired. He turns to Twila to give her a 'why did you go and do that' look before asking her and her company. "So, you guys need me for anything else?" he asks politely.

Shield wonders what Twila startles at, seeing as how he's watching pretty much everything right now. But on the off chance she sees something he missed, he looks at whatever startles her. Realizing it's nothing he says, "It's alright Twila," he says comfortingly. "We can go now if you like. I'll walk you back to RHQ." He turns to Jet, "Unless the locals gathering for the show start something, no."

Swing trots up next to Jet Stingray and offers him a nod, then a flash of orange from his eyes, so as to indicate his un-humaness. He then turns to Twila and mutely smiles, listening to the others various converse.

A few macabre images echo through Raze's head, mainly those of him rittled with holes, laying face down in a shallow ditch in the water when, and if Stingray pulls the trigger on an obviously no-bullshit kinda weapon, such as that. "What!? ... W-..." hee begins to make an excuse for his sudden arival, then the weapon is lowered and he shrugs off the action, dropping his hands to his sides. "I didn't expect to have to fight just to get out of the water. Sorry if I startled you."

Twila Peterson mumbles out a "sorry" to both Shield and Jet, not really able to help herself at the moment. Her gaze falls again to the newcomer within the waters before noticing a sound as well. Swing is offered a small in turn as well as a half-way raised hand as a small wave of greeting. Been awhile since she was able to see him. But with conflicting schedules...not too hard to understand why. Turning back to the self-appointed bodyguard she nods quietly. "Yeah...think that would be best for right now." Nerves are shot at this point it seems.

Swing eyes Raze with curiosity, this new and odd arrival of an unknown to him leads him to focus in on the newcomer, taking a long moment to eye the eccentric fellow a Repliforcer would draw a weapon on.

Shield nods, morphing out of his armor...which proves to be a bad idea as several wounds start to bleed afresh, though only briefly. "Sigh. I need to go shopping again," he says, then makes a sweeping gesture with his arm, ignoring all others. "Shall we go?"

Jet Stingray just nods to Shield, figuring that from Twila's reactions it might be best to just take her silence as a 'You can go home, Jet'. Taking a moment to salute the two.

Dipping her chin quietly towards Shield, Twila indicates she's ready. "I suppose we shall," she informs him...then pauses to offer the mismatched reploid a small shrug. Not in time to offer Jet a farwell she offers a radio transmission instead...then offers Swing a, "Take care, alright?" before starting to move back with the self-appointed guard.

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Jet Stingray: "Thanks for responding. I owe you one."

Jet Stingray continues to fly in the air, putting his left hand to his left side of his helm. He pauses in mid flight for a moment as he looks toward Twila, then takes off for base.

Jet Stingray sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "No problem, Twila... Just consider us even from all the help you offered me in the past. As I said, you can help your way, and I help mine."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Jet Stingray: "Gotcha. Have a safe trip back, Jet."

Ballade approaches, in his hand a large data pad. He's following the last known tracer location for Bass. If you could read his expression, he's mildly annoyed. Of course, all that it shows is a slight narrowing of the eyes that could be mistaken for concentration. He's also approaching at a good clip of speed...

Swing gives Shield a disapproving frown, hands still in his pockets. His look is awful cold for that of a fellow Hunter. Still, he's more engrossed with the lazy and laid back oddity Raze, watching him a bit longer as Jet Stingray takes to the skies.

Raze glares at Job for a moment, before smacking the side of his Gumbie-ish head lightly and repeating himself, "Hi... Oh, me? I'm fine..." adding a bit of sarcasm to the end of his repetition, his attention shifts to Swing, whom appears to be giving him an appraising once-over... as if to sum up his worth in a single glance. Most people would say something, but we're talking about the omni-present social ineptitude that surrounds Raze on a daily...

Shield continues to ignore everyone else as he leads his charge away from the scene of the battle and all the gawkers. "I apologize Twila for this evening." So far he doesn't notice the RM Elite.

Swing blinks as Ballade's high velocity pops up on his HUD, and the incognito Hunter focuses in on the Elite Master, magnifying several times.

After walking a little with Shield Twila again looks over him....making sure he's alright. "Your injuries aren't serious?" she questions. Or begins too...as another figure begins to make a presence known of sorts. Visibly she stiffens, but inwardly chides herself to CALM DOWN!

Ballade reaches the last known position for Bass. His dash jets kick in for an instant, feet tilted to decelerate. So... he comes to a stop on the proverbial dime. Ignoring all the attention he's getting, he verifies that he is indeed in the vicinity of Bass' last known position.

He is. And no Bass. What a pity. Too bad Doc's gonna want Bass back, and soon. Looking around at the assembled group, he tucks the datapad into his chest compartment. Ah - it's Ms. Peterson. He steps towards her. "Where is he?"

Shield nods at Twila. "Yes, my systems can handle it. I was designed to absorb a fair amount of punishment. I could have taken...approximately a full minute or more of them attacking while maintaining combat ability." He glances at her stiffening, then again sweeps the area, his eyes resting on Ballade. He pauses, wondering if he should mention what happened to Bass. Frankly, he's happy with Bass being sold for spare parts. Making sure he's between Twila and Ballade, just in case Bass's safety is considered more important then Twila's in the Elite's eyes, he remains silent for a few moments, gathering his thoughts.

Swing steps up next to Twila with the arrival of Ballade. Now, this particular Hunter has been around a while, and knows some of the rules of hoyle when it comes to Twila and Robot Masters, so he doesn't immediately draw weapons. For the moment, he stands there with his calm resolute visage, though the observant one would notice his unbound hair has began to statically rise into the air a touch.

Twila Peterson uuuhs as that certain figure does happen to approach the group. Letting out a brief sigh and casting a glance towards Shield she visibly frowns. It would serve Bass right to be disassembled by the Bonnes and done away with in anyway they so chose. So, her thoughts are along the same lines as his. As Swing takes position as well some she does relax and take comfort in that. "If it's Bass you're referring to...he was just now taken by the Bonnes," she answers. Short, and too the point. Maybe the Masters could do away with those blasted pirates on their own.

At least get something out of this.

Ballade is all business at the moment. The Hunters interspersing themselves are noted, assigned a risk assessment, and then he gets his answer. "I see. I would appreciate any info on their last heading. The Doctor is likely to take this... personally. Anyone getting in the way of his favorite... well." He gives Swing and Shield significant glances. "I think I can leave it unsaid."

He smirks faintly then. "However - I appreciate your cooperation, Ms. Peterson."

Swing raises a sardonic eyebrow at Ballade's comments, hands still in his jacket pockets, the rest of his face stony.

Raze staring vacantly at Job's rather inconciderate refusal to acknowledge his hello, he shifts most of his weight to his left foot, and crosses his arms over his chest in some odd display of defiance- to what? Who knows-- that is, until picking up the new presence out of the corner of his eye and slowly... agonizingly slowly, rolling his eyes to meet it...

Shield is both pleased and displeased with Twila's answer. He's annoyed the RM's now have the knowledge to help Bass, but pleased he won't have to defend Twila from the Elite, someone he most likely would not be able to stop at full capacity. He would barely have a chance now with his near gaping back wounds, despite the fact they're slowly sealing. He remains quiet, silently noting Swing's presence as he stands on guard against everything.

Well, there's already been one fire-fight here this evening. It would be senseless to actually help in starting another...wouldn't it? Twila glances to her two fellow Hunters soon after the Master Elite, then turns her focus back on him. She raises up an arm and merely points of where she did see of the craft...when her head wasn't literally buried in the sand. Obviously, pointed towards the ocean. "Can't rightly say with direction except: They went thatta way." May be cliché but...

*CLANK!* Out of nowhere a quadroped robot appears, landing right -next- to Ballade for that matter. Seems Treble is on the scene now, and his ears perk up at the last second as he glares straight at Twila...hearing her words. A low growl lifts from his throat, before he turns his head just enough to glare at Ballade...obviously expecting him to do something.

On impulse, Twila takes a step back...away from Treble. Apparently she's had one experience too many with this one.

Ballade inclines his head to Twila, placing his fist to his 'heart' in a salute of respect. "Thank you, Ms. Peterson." The other Hunters... are irrelevant. Half turning, planning on bringing out the Transport and doing hunting, despite the time loss.

And then Treble lands. The loyal robo-dog. Well, loyal to Bass anyhow. Ballade's eyes narrow slightly as he considers Treble. At last... he speaks. "Will you permit me to ride, so that we may retrieve Bass?"

Shield tenses at the arrival of Treble, whom he believes even less likely to care about Twila's health. Her reactions do not help the matter. He is about to finally speak, to ask Ballade to remove the mutt, when Ballade starts to do just that. Once again, he continues his accustomed role of silent bodyguard. Just decorative furniture until his charge is protected.

Swing has no intention of lashing out at Ballade, though the thought of shoving one of those horns right up his nose does cross his mind as being amusing. His statue like expression does not communicate this, sadly.

Twila Peterson glances over towards Sheild, "I think we can go now," she tells him quietly...then lowers her voice towards the other statue...as it were.to simply bid him well.

Treble snarls once in Ballade's direction, as if the very question were a four letter word in itself. He's only once ever allowed another Robot Master to ride on his back right now...and even -that- was reluctance in itself. He'd care not to repeat it. After a moment, he takes a slight hop away from the Elite, his decision made up.

Treble's additional stare is so noted...especially since it's much like his owners. After the whisper the Swing she pulls back, then abruptly looks away.

It still doesn't stop him from shooting another glare in Twila's direction however...the one who spoke about where his master went. Don't push him...he's on edge enough as it is with Bass' absence.

Raze , saying nothing, and doing nothing, finally breaks away from his trans of mock-fear, initiated by his internal warning system reminding him of the fact that Ballade did stomp a mud-hole in him previously, he turns his back on Ballade... and the mutt, and takes a few steps away from the group.

Swing gives a bit of a nod of satisfaction as Ballade moves off, and looks back at Twila with a nod of concurrence.

Shield gives a quick nod, then whispers to Twila, "The creature will not harm you," not actually using Treble's name so as not to clue in the beast and antagonize it.

Ballade sighs, and taps into his radio, sending orders to the Violet Guard. Back in the Wilysphere... the Stealth Transport is prepped, and at the hands of a Joe pilot - fear - the autopilot is engaged to home in on Ballade's signal. Off in the Pacific Ocean, the transport rises from the waves like an invisible bullet, engines pushing towards full speed.

"Very well Treble. The transport is on it's way. I intend to retrieve Bass."

Whether Treble would or not at the moment is not at issue at the moment the Hunter medic. It's his presence alone. "I know," she informs Shield before turning away from the group...leaving the Masters to their own business, just wanting to...go back to her quarters...

Swing walks behind the pack silently.

Of course, as the minuites tick by, a low roaring sound can be heard coming down the street, waves of air rippling over the invisible transport. "Good night. My transport has arrived." The Elite steps up and heads towards hidden craft.

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Swing: "How things are going alright, considering."

Swing sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Eh. I've been behind so much work lately, I have'nt had time to notice. How's the island out there? I haven't been that way since...well...."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Swing: "Alot of reconstruction's been done. Some areas are still needing help it looks like. But it's coming. Hafta to say tho, it is somewhat of a change of pace here."

Swing sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Change of pace? More recovery?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Swing: "Hmmm...not quite what I ment. Was referring more to Repliforce than the island itself there. Guess I ment to say, someone more organized...and quiet. I have been keeping tabs on the Hunter broadband. Just comparing notes somewhat."

Swing sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Oh, yeah. How has life been over there? I've only been on the inside once or twice."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Swing: "Rigid. Er...I guess 'structured' would be a better word for it. Guess more organized than used to. But have a bit more of a guidelines and rules to follow. The so-called rulebooks and red-tape I guess. Not that that's always a bad thing with the amount of the forces that they happen to have. With me...personally, they had to make several exceptions...guess with me being human and all. By the way, U.N. meal packets may not be a ready choice, but some of them pass for taste."

Swing sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Yech. Glad I can stop eating if I need to. So there's a lot of forms to fill out and stuff?"

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Swing: "Actually, from what I've seen...my superior Nightingale has been the one that's filling all the official forms. Mostly what I do is fill out forms to give information to the official ones. Some of it can understand. Patient visiting, what for, who seen by, what treatment was given. But when they start asking of what instruments were used, what supplies were needed, starts getting detailed. Guess it makes sense...to keep track of inventory I suppose."

Swing sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Nightingale.....the name is a bit familiar. Humanoid lady? I think I've seen her once or twice."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Swing: "The one all in white? That would be here."

Swing sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I see. I'll look forward to hearing more about your time in Repliforce when you return - but for now, I need to head back to base and check in. We're a bit short on command staff these days."

You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Swing: "*sigh* So I've heard. *mumbles something in the background about wanting Rock back* Take care of yourself and call should I be needed?"

Swing sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Yeah, I'll do that. Might need to ruminate a few...issues. Yeah, I miss Rock too. Take care!"