Twila@M3 - Wednesday, September 05, 2001, 11:13 PM
--------------------------------------------------
(Ch. A [Global]) Sage transmits: 'Good eve.'.
(Ch. A [Global]]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Yo.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Sage transmits: 'Good evening Ms. Peterson.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'To you too.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Sage transmits: 'It is a fine evening, at least from this veiw, although I so miss the rain.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Can have some from here anytime.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Sage transmits: 'Ah.. the questiong would be how to properly allow such a thing without upsetting those who would not enjoy it.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'Is that the voice of the lovely Miss Peterson I hear?'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'No one mentioned details. And Losstaret, this is your imaginanation. Nothing but.'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'It seems I am imagining beautiful things tonight. How are you, my dear?'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Sage transmits: 'Kaust Losstaret.. Hmm.. Interesting.. It has been a while since I have heard that name.'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Breathing. Nuff said. Drive through.'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'My agents in Neo-Tokyo have passed some... interesting rumors to me. Have you taken up a career change, Miss Peterson?'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Sage transmits: 'Hmm?'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'I don't think anything of my personal life is any of your business.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'Oh but is is, my dear.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Why? Daytime soaps not interesting enough?'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'As a medic and Rock's consort, you'd have rather... intimate knowledge of the Hunter's internal workings, in more ways than one.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Sage transmits: '... Interesting... To use a person as merely a knowledge base..'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Oh...he uses people for all sorts of things.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'Indeed, as I intend to use you, my lovely songbird.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Sage transmits: 'Thusly, he treats people as if they were property.. Interesting indeed.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'And it also occurs to me that, without you there, the Robot Masters would have no compunction against attacking Light Labs. How unfortunate.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Twila Peterson transmits: '*obviously faked* Oh, please. You're scaring me. Try psycological warfare on where it would work.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'I've just given you fair warning and all. It makes the game more exciting.'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Sage transmits: 'A game?'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Stay with Mousetrap. You roll yer dice, you move yer mice. No one gets hurt.'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'My agents are everywhere, Miss Peterson. Inside every government, behind every corner. They will find you eventually and I will take particular pleasure from personally extracting all the data on the hunters directly from your lovely brain.'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Sage transmits: 'That would be cruel and inhumane.. I think.'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'And no one will be there to save you. Without the Hunters, what are you? Just another victim.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'You don't own the whole world, Kaust...although with your ego you think you do.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Sage transmits: '...'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'I have enough of it in my grasp, Miss Peterson. More than enough to find you.'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'If you has you would have found me already.'.
(Ch. A [MH-Import.]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'I've often wondered if your screams would be as beautiful as I've always imagined...'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Sage transmits: 'No single person has yet to own the world. I wonder, though, who would if indeed, it was under a singular person's ownership..'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'I've not yet given the order. I had to make sure you were away from the Hunters. Now I am sure, now the game truly begins.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Do not pass go, do not collect $200 zenny?'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'Charming as ever. It has been a true pleasure speaking with you, Miss Peterson.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Ttttttttttthbts.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'Remember, I love you as I love all of humanity.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Which speaks for itself...which translates into: very little. Thanks for sharing.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Kaust Losstaret transmits: 'We will meet again, face to face, very, VERY soon.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Tron Bonne transmits: '...Losstaret? ...a familiar name. ...Hello, Dr. Asagrio. Boy... you hear some /strange/ conversations on this band.'.
(Ch. A [Global]) Sage transmits: 'Indeed..'.
================================= IC Rumors ==================================
Message: 18/4 Posted Author
Hmmm...Pineapple Thu Sep 06 Anonymous Source
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two blue-colar workers (humans) conversing with a tavern located within the area of Washington, Pennsylvaina:
Human 1: Ya know...I was listen'in to that blabbin' station the other night.
Human 2: That t'ing? Wot, nuthin' good on the tube?
Human 1: Was bored. Sue me. Anyway, some K-guy was talkin' about this chick ditchin' them dang vigilantes. What was her name? Tequila Pineapple?
Human 2: Teq---? *whaps upside the head with a rolled up newspaper* Yer drunk aintcha? Sides, what do we care? Thems nothin' but trouble anyways.
Human 1: Better off without 'em. Except when there are attackin' freakin' flyn' toasters about.
The second human takes away the rest of what his buddy is drinking of course.
Human 2: That's is. You've had enough. Flyin' toasters. Sheesh!
======================================================
============================== Maverick Hunter ===============================
Message: 10/57 Posted Author
Me... Wed Sep 05 Rick Morgan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rick appears on screen, looking tired, dusty, and covered in various mechanical fluids as usual.
"Whatever and whenever the new command structures are figured out, I just want one thing. Back to my old job. This 'head of medical staff' thing was a kick for how it lasted and I'd like to think I did my part for as long as I could. But right now I'm better off back where I was." At that he reaches up and puts a hand to his forehead, quite tiredly. "I'll finish up until such time that the new outlines are placed on the boards, and I can give any recommendations or the like if they're wanted. That's it for me. Rick out."
*blip*
==============================================================================
Jack sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Hey, there ... I won't say much since I don't know who's listening, but we talked a few days ago in a Tokyo coffee shop and I told you a few things ... know what I mean?"
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Jack: "I remember. Hi. How are you?"
Jack sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I've been out of touch for a while, and just found out what went down back here ... mind if I stop by?"
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Jack: "Sure...if you like. Any place to meet in particular?"
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Jack: "At the moment, in London. And...this radio is scrambling so it can't be traced."
Jack sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I wouldn't rely on that too much. I'll meet you there, but I suggest you pick somewhere you wouldn't normally be found"
You send a tightbeam radio transmission to Jack: "Good idea. Guess I could try that bar Dischord hangs out at. Nightclub... on the Westside of Downtown."
Jack sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I'll find it. Meet you there."
The Catacombs - Dance Floor and Bar
Dark and serene, this place exudes an aura of calm even while the music is blaring. Most of the lighting comes from faux candles scattered about the tables, flickering away. Ironwork bats adorn the ceiling, giving a chilling presence with their skeletal forms while drapes of burgundy velvet cover parts of the otherwose cold stone walls. The bar itself is a stainless steel affair, the shelving behind backed with the same.
The dance floor is wide open, several coloured lights flashing at random to illuminate the writhing mass of bodies, the sparkle of a mirror ball playing acrossthe walls. A large performance stage dominates one end of the club, a DJ booth behind that for the every day operation.
Twila sits within a corner booth as she watches the goings on of the semi-crowded bar. There's a glace of juice in front of her on the table and she sips it. Every once in awhile she's glanced at for seeming somewhat out of place due to her attire...but no more than a few others who came casual as well. She's not usually into anything gothic. But Jack did comment to go where she normally wouldn't...
Jack inconspicuously arrives, hat pulled down, scarf over his face. Leaning against the wall away from the entrance he surveys the area from under his hat, eyebrow raising at the personal taste of the decorator ... and spots Twila, in a booth near the corner. His eyes narrow, and he seems to disappear into the crowd ... and reappear, standing at the edge of Twila's booth, pulling his scarf down and pushing his hat up his forehead. "This seat taken?" he asks for the third time, a grin on his face.
"Be my guest," Twila emits with a small smile, waving to the seating across from her. Noting the decor, which isn't in her taste, but since the events of the past weekend do somehow fit her mood in a way, she adds, "Well, you did comment someplace 'differnt'..."
Jack smiles. "... and this is just about what I had in mind. Hopefully no one'll see you here ..." he says, looking out at the crowd. He clears his throat, and realizes he may seem a little paranoid. "You can never tell what an organization'll do to someone who leaves. I prefer not to take chances," he says by way of explanation. He grins again. "Although maybe I'm just paranoid."
The young woman sounds off a small sigh. "I was thinking that. Although some of my concerns are more relating to outside the organization." Mavericks, Masters, and Followers of Kaust Losstaret. Oh my. But she doesn't verbally eleborate. "I've never done this before so will just have to wait and see what happens."
Jack lights up a stale-looking cigarette, thinking that if you can't smoke here, you can't smoke /anywhere/. Stuffing the pack and lighter back in his pocket, he lets the silence hang for a few moments ... then turns back to Twila. He raises an eyebrow. "So. Just what happened?"
And the reploid is basically right. And he's certainly not the only one having a smoke. The room's ventalation works somewhat well enough so the majority of the smoke is taken in, although in some areas a thin haze has settled where the ventalation is somewhat more...stale. Either that or the owners added something of their own to add to the atmosphere.
Twila leans back and allows a slight crease in her brows. "You wanting the novel or the Reader's Digest version?"
Jack shrugs and leans back in his seat. "I'm in no hurry."
Well, guess that answers that. Twila tries to get her thoughts in order to comment on this...especially for someone who's new in the oganization and doesn't know the history within it. "Alright then. Um..." She pauses for a few moments more. "I'm not sure how long you've been around and about. Our allies, the Repliforce, were basically made to look as if they had gone Maverick. It had actually been a plot by Sigma and the true Mavericks to get the UN and the Hunters to band with them to make them seem the ones to be the threat and try to eradiacte them. Eventually Sigma showed his hand and the Mavericks were beaten back but..."
At this Twila falls quiet, still troubled. "Ever since then the Hunters in general haven't been the same. The CoC has slowly been becoming harder and harder to find. Either that or they've become more harsh and critical. Rock, the Commander, has hardly been seen, and when he had been he acted as if he had regressed to a younger age. And...it's been bothering myself and a handful of others for awhile. Only, it wasn't actually pointed out to the entire faction in a pointblank way until...this past weekend. Following thus far?"
Jack nods. Silence.
Twila continues. "The atmosphere of the organization, in my opinion, was reaching a certain point someone had to say something. Not only was the CoC mostly absent, but there was a bit more infighting than usual. And some of the Hunters had taken to berating others of the faction on the public airwaves or on the Joint channel Hunters have with the Repliforce. I was among those targeted." She stops to pause.
Jack nods, and just smokes in silence.
She stops and presses her lips together. "This isn't any secret. But for almost two years or so the Robot Masters have taken to calling me "Mom" and...I've been placed under Wily's protection due to some superstition or psychotic fixtation. Anyway, the Masters have a tendency to occasionally go after me in a group of 6 in populated ares to 'kidnap' me so they can have 'time with Mom'. Usually, to do something embarssing like the time when they dressed me as an elf to help hand out presents around Christmas. But little more. Then they'd let me go. I would fight being taken...but the most I can do is call for help...since it does happen in crowded areas and there's no way I can do any damage against a killer android...let alone 6...despite what Zero says. Almost as if he's saying I should fight back and just get myself killed. I know what damage an android, not to mention one of Wily's androids, can do if he so ordered. Wouldn't take much but a flick of the wrist." Another pause...then she goes on.
Jack squints and raises an eyebrow ... this is not something he hears every day. However he's heard a lot of weird stuff, and he keeps quiet and lets Twila finish.
Twila shifts in her seat and looks down, keeping the emotion from her voice. "But Bass, the Robot Master Commander is the real problem. Several months ago he took me at gunpoint while Protoman was to my cousin. He stated that since he knew I wouldn't willingly give information he'd trace where my relatives and friends were and go ahead and threaten them instead so I would. Several days later he located my uncle, aunt, and cousins on Colorado. And he would have killed them hadn't Protoman taken my concerns seriously after I had reported of the earlier incident. My brother Rick, also a Hunter, relocated them since, but there's always the danger they or someone else can be found."
"Zero has been basically accusing me of treason for the last few weeks. We had a minor argument on Saturday night over the broadband after one of his comments. But that was after I was already talking with Dischord the possibility that I would resign because of the Hunters' present state. She was the one who suggested I post my concerns on the faction board and mail every CoC so everyone would be aware." Nearing her finish she states, "After I posted my concerns, Zero...accused me of basically trying to get back at him for his slander. Something I don't understand since I don't take personal grievances to the public like that. Ever. Then Rock comes back and writes a 'I'm back - Stop bickering - If you don't like it here, leave' type post."
And with that she offers a final shrug. "So...that's...what I did."
Jack sits in silence for a few minutes afterwards. ... y'know, I knew I should've just gotten a job as a night janitor or something. Just what have I gotten myself into here ... He blows out a long cloud of smoke, just not towards Twila. "That's some story," he says, thinking it over.
"Well, you asked for the novel," she state somewhat bashfully, then adds, "I didn't want to leave the Hunters. But coupled with how things were going, Zero's attitude, and Rock's response...I didn't know what else to do. Especially if anything I said wasn't going to be even listened to or considered. Not like I was telling anyone they had to agree. Just wanted to be taken seriously. And...I wasn't..." She falls silent then and takes a sip of her drink. She doesn't know why she's telling this fellow all this. In truth, she hardly knows him. But he had trusted her. The least she could do was...trust him.
Jack drums his fingers on the table. He's not sure what to say ... or how to say it, if or when he figures it out. But ... he has to try. "This probably isn't something I should give advice on, it's not exactly my forte, but ..... I've been a lot of places and seen a lot of things, and I find that, well, running from a problem is at best, a temporary solution ... often it just works things worse in the long run. I don't know what else you could have done, though ... well ... what's done is done."
Twila nods in response. Inside she has a feeling all she's doing is running too. But other emotions such as a feeling of being betrayed, hurt, confusion, and inborn stubborness is clouding her from seeing that. Also, somewhere, whereas a flame was once buring bright the flame now feels as if it's being smothered. And the young woman doesn't know what to do about it. "I suppose. Will...just have to wait and see what becomes of all this...and what happens."
Jack clears his throat. "Er, if- ... if there's anything I can do to help, just-just let me know, okay?" he says, averting his eyes. He hastily lights up another cigarette and shoves his hands back in his pockets, his face reddening.
Twila can already tell she mayhaps have gotten him a tad nervous. He is one of the newer Hunters and all. And she can already guess he's questioning just what he's gotten himself into. Although, she idly wonders if his nervousness is from something else altogether as well. "Ok," she replies quietly while eying her drink. "If anything...thanks for listening."
Jack shrugs. "Just returning the favor."
Towards that the young woman offers a small smile. "Thanks just the same." Then, in some concern: "Overheard the issue you were working with worked out as well," although she doesn't ask for details. All she knows is what she read on the Repliforce boards before her allied status with them was also cut.
Jack blinks, surprised. Then breathes a sigh of relief. "Nice to know that, thanks ... I, er, got a little sidetracked for a few days, and I didn't know how that turned out ..."
"I don't know any of the details. But from what I read, returned by choice...not by force," Twila tells him, not knowing him any other than. Ironic that the she would be contemplating how that issue may work into this somehow. Not entirely silumlar from what she gathered. "How is all else with you?"
Jack nods slowly, rubbing his chin. "Y'know ... I thought it would work out that way," he murmurs. He blinks and looks up at the last question. "Er ... not a whole lot," he says, rubbing the back of his neck and grinning. ^_^ "Like I said, I was out of touch for a while, so not a lot's been happening lately. Although frankly I think it's a welcome change."
Intersteing beats boring anyday? Or...is it the other way around. Sometimes hard to tell that. "Things have been quiet here too." She pauses two watch two British teens, heavily made up, bass by the booth to go out to the dance floor. She says a little more quietly, "Save for the music and...what it is they're wearing...." Twila blinks, trying to figure out the make of some of the clothing worn. "Too...each their own..."
Amazing what constitues the "norm" for someone from middle-class America.
Jack blinks and takes a look at the crowd again, squinting as if trying to see it differently ... "Yeah, it is a pretty weird place," he says, grinning again.
Like Twi commented, he did ask for differnt. This was the first place that came to mind. "Well, I know another friend of mine who comes here at times. So, that's how I remembered it. Seems she likes it. Me...guess I'm more the local 'tea shop' type."
Jack says, "Well, it's true that nobody would think to come look for you here." His brow furrows, and he becomes serious again. "What do you think would happen if they did find you?"
The young woman looks away from the scene and looks back towards him. She's rather blunt about this and to the point. "Despite any pretenses Wily would declare otherwise, he'd do the same thing any Mavericks or Human Supremists like Kaust would do." After a deep breath, "Probably place me under interrogation to find any information they can and... someway use me against the Hunters if they could."
Jack chews on his shortened cigarette, thinking. "... just what did you do, Twila? Why is everyone always after you? They wouldn't be so interested in a simple medic, there's something else ... what is it?"
"Honestly...I don't know. Rock and I used to have a relationship awhile back that a few tried to poke their noses in..." Twila muses. But, then she falls silent, trouble. Definately something else. "You recall the Stardroids and 'Judgment Day' don't you?"
Something flickers across his face as he thinks. "I remember, yeah."
Taking a deep breath, she responds, "I was...the one who deemed 'The Mother'...and the one who held the keys and placed them together. The Stardroids did something to me before that mess started. That's, at least why, Wily maintains his interest. As for Kaust Losstaret and his group...I don't know other than he feels I'm a way to get at Rock somehow. Mavericks may feel the same. But they would probably only look for what info they could find."
Jack rubs his chin, thinking. o/~ More than meets the eye ... passes through his head, annoyingly. A pause, as he thinks. Silence. "And I thought I'd seen things," he says quietly, smiling ... but underneath, he still looks sad. "Sounds like you've been through a lot."
The young woman offers something akin to an almost apologetic expression. "Probably the reason why I have a bit more gray hairs than I should..." she offers semi-jokingly. There's more to the story. But, she fears she may have frightened the reploid enough by what she already has said. Heck, she sometimes frightens herself.
Jack pauses. Silence. He lights up another cigarette, watching the crowd without really seeing anything. His gaze turns back to Twila, and after a few moments he raises an eyebrow. "There's more than that ... isn't there?"
Perceptive...isn't he. She's somewhat surprised he picked up on that really. but---. Well, Twila's told him what she had so far. Why not this too? "My parents were somewhat involved in...the early anti-reploid movement before they were killed by the CRF. And...I know the Mavericks know that...so I guess I'll have to assume Losstaret does too. It may not fit into this...but I wouldn't be surprised if it was somehow used...especially given my former emplyment."
Jack pauses, blows out a cloud of smoke. Silence, as he thinks.
And that's all Twila will choose to tell really, although feeling she's told him way more than enough. But then, most of the other Hunters know something of this in one way or another...so it's not like she's not revealing anything knew. Although, her adoptive parents being in the Human Supremicist movement is something not generally known really.
Although before his death the Maverick Double did a good spouting on the Hunter broudband...making sure to include that tidbit.
Darn double-agents!
Jack stubs out another cigarette. The ashtray has sure filled up quickly. "Like I said, Twila, it sounds like you've been through a lot. Well, there's nothing I can do, but ..." he blows out a long breath, looks across the table and meets Twila's eyes for what seems like the first time .. his mis-matched eyes just visible in the dark. "Just remember you're not alone."
Although it certainly seems that way. But then, one has to wonder if Twila's in danger of alienating herself just as she thought she feels she was alienated by a few of the Hunters. None-the-less, when her eyes catch the reploids, they're held there for a few moments until they drift to the tables surface. "Thanks. I'll..try to remember that."
Jack averts his eyes as well, scratching at the belts on his other hand. "Er ... this isn't really the sort of situation I would know anything about ... but, still I wish I could do something here ..." He wonders if he hasn't said enough ... or maybe too much? He has no idea, and has no idea where to go from here ... so he takes his usual escape route. Pulling down his hat and shoving his hands back in his pockets, he stands. "Anyway, if you need help ... you know how to find me."
Twila dips her chin...getting ready to finish her drink and take leave herself after he too has left. "Again, thanks. It's deeply appreciated. Take care of yourself out there, alright?"
Jack raises an eyebrow and grins. "You're the one with the world's armies after you... shouldn't I be telling you that?" And, with a tip of his hat, he disappears into the crowd.
======================================================
MAIL: You sent your message to Sage.
TO: Pietra Wilson
FROM: "DOC"
SUBJECT: None
If possible, I'd like to get in contact with you about...how to deal with an "identity crisis". If able, please contact when possible.
============================== Maverick Hunter ===============================
Message: 10/61 Posted Author
Switzerland, et al. Thu Sep 06 Rock
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Rock appears on the screen, looking slightly annoyed.*
"It's one thing when Zero disobey's my orders and leaves the base despite me informing you all that he is not to leave, but when the rest of you go out with him, knowing that he's under house arrest, and helping him get out that I get rather insulted."
"I may have let you guys walk over me or bend the rules with me in the past, but I'm not letting this happen anymore. All of you who were involved in Zero's departure and trip to Switzerland, as well as apparently his visit to New York are to report to me immediately. Furthermore, if I find out anyone else is allowing Zero out of the Labs, the punishment will be much more severe for them."
"They aren't difficult orders, I expected them to be followed. I'm very disappointed in those of you who I know were involved, and I expect the rest of you who were to be honest and come to me about it. I will expect an explaination from each of you. Rock out.
--X--
==============================================================================
Message: 10/62 Posted Author
Re: Rock Thu Sep 06 Zero
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-I- left the base of my own accord. Swing met me in Switzerland, and yes, he did question me on why I left the base. But we didn't get much further, because the Masters attacked. You make the choice. Want to be a Repliforce officer and jailkeeper, or do you want us to our damn jobs. Because right now, you're acting like the former, than the supposed person that wants to save lives, and end a war. You want to force me out, that's your business, but guess what.. I ain't gonna stop what I do best, and if you don't like it, you can go join Twila wherever she went into hiding.
- Zero out.
=========================================================================