Twila@

Twila@M3 - Thursday, October 28, 1999, 1:13 PM ----------------------------------------------

Command Center <Hunter HQ>

Monitors and computer consoles line the walls of this cavernous room. In the center of the room is a round computer with holographic display, its lights flashing busily as it processes information about mavericks, and their last known sittings. Computers along the walls are also occupied with an information processing task. Technicians and other Maverick Hunters run about hastily, monitoring the computers, and making sure the information is as accurate as it can be. The whole air of this room exudes purpose and drive, and the hustle and bustle seems never-ending. On the south wall are two large bulletproof windows which gives you a view of the rooftop runway and Hangar Area. A large blast door in in the middle of the two windows, giving easy access to the landing strip.

Twila Peterson steps off the grav lift with a quiet sigh, brushing some loose reddish locks from off of her shoulder.

LiT sitting at a computer hears the quiet swish of the grave lift doors open. He spys Twila in the reflection of his monitor. He does not say anything but keeps at his task. LiT sneers as you lock eyes with him when he turns around and he quickly drops his visor. He snorts and looks away. Before you stands an enigma of avarage height. His eyes are now obscured by a black visor attached to his deep purple helm. On both sides of this helm are dark bronze ear pieces, and right in the middle a lightning bolt sticks up and out following back along it's curve. You note along his dark grey body the years have taken there toll, and many scars that have gone unmaintained still remain. Energy plays about his lower arm units, that mirror the color of his helm. The lower arm units themselves stick out and have an rounder look to them, in comparison to his chest that looks almost human like, with a fairly average build. His midsection is separated from his torso by a belt of the same purple color in the middle is a large buckle with a yellow lightning bolt imprinted on it. His upper legs are the same dark color of his chest, and also have a human like quality to them, while his lower legs look like overly sized boots, that have a similar round look as the arms, these too are colored dark purple. You think you may have seen him some where before, and in the shadows for a second you almost mistook him for Blues or Rock, but as you look closer there is no mistake this guy is definitely not one or the other. There is a darkness to him that you can't quite place.

Twila Peterson breaths in deeply as she makes her way through the Command Center to seat herself at one of the terminals. She still feels a little nervous about making an official report since...well, she's never made one before. But....she supposes it should be made sometime. And this warrants a report status by her thinking. As she slides into her chair she offers a bare nod and a quiet "Hello" to the room's sole other occupant before turning back to the console to begin.

LiT pushes a few keys of his terminal and waits as the computer goes to work. He turns in his chair to watch Twila sit down. "I did not know you were a Hunter." He says in a monotone voice, except for the work -you- which he says with a flicker of contempt.

Twila Peterson looks up from the console and shrugs lightly. "I'm not..." she merely replies, leaving it at that for the moment.

LiT shrugs and quickly gets up taking the disk he was working on and exits into the Teleporter room, saying nothing more.

Twila turns back towards the console and, since she cannot post a message to the faction board, merely sends a messaage to Rock's father.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: IC Mail Re: Gift ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Light,

Since I have "read only" access to the messaging system I thought it best if I mailed you in this way. I already informed Rock of it in the same manner. While on a walk last night only a few blocks from the Labs I happened to be accosted by none other than Bass's mechanical mutt. Nothing was done except he blocked my path and insisted I take a package he held on his back. He then allowed me to leave. After returning Rick scanned the package and states there's no explosives or whatnot within. He placed the package within the Research Lab to secure it until it could be studied. I wasn't sure what to do, but felt you should at least know.

Twila -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Medical Bay <Hunter HQ> 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.

Zero looks over at Twila from where he rests upon his table. "Hey there..."

Twila Peterson looks up from the computer terminal she had been working on which holds several programs for her studies. She blinks at the prodigal Hunter and smiles shyly. "Hi. How...are you feeling?"

LiT walks into the medbay, his upper chest and right arm are slightly burned. He mutters something about security systems and sits on a medbed. He motions for a medicbot to assist him.

Twila Peterson is seated at one of the medical terminals, having been working on one of her lessons given to her by a technician. However, several moments ago, she had been greeted by a certain prodigal and returns it within a friendly, tho shy, manner. As a newcomer makes his way into the room, activating one of the medicbots she casts him a glance and offers a nod. She glances back over towards Zero momentarily only to find he's drifted back off to sleep. But not like she can blame him. He has some recovery to do.

LiT ,seated on a medbed with burns to his chest and right arm, catches Twila's nod and returns it with a -very- slight nod of his own. He turns back to the medicbot who is repairing him and watches the bot with idle curiosity.

Twila Peterson hmmms and asks the other reploid, "You alright?"

LiT .oO( Her again..humm. Rock's "girlfriend" what's she up to..) His train of thought is stopped as he wakes from his gaze on the medbot to hear Twila speaking. "I am fine. What are you doing here? Hurt yourself playing again," he says, less than friendly.

Twila Peterson tosses him a scrutinizing glance before responding, not really caring for his tone. "Studying," she states with a tiny shrug. "The docs are training me to help out with the Medstaff. Why?"

LiT winces as the medicbot hits a "nerve" he pushes the medic away. "That's enough." He grunts. LiT jumps down off the table and tests out his arm and hand, flexing the fingers to make sure everything is working properly. He starts to walk out of the Medbay and turns towards Twila, he glances at her for a min and then says, "..Humm studying. Never mind then." LiT starts back towards the door.

Twila Peterson tilts her head, offering LiT an odd look. "What else would I be doing in here?"

LiT stops and turns his head to face her, "I don't know.. not much you can do." He says looking her up and down. .oO( Except to make Rock into a weakling.)

By the level of his voice Twila can very well discern those words were not made simply as an acknowledgment or mere statement. "What's that supposed to mean?" she questions, her brows furrowing.

LiT takes off his helm, something very few people have seen, his silver bangs fall and hide most of his face.. but not his eyes. His deep blue eyes peer into Twila he blinks one and scowls. "It means whatever you like, girl." He says.. and this time the contempt in his voice seeps out.

Twila Peterson 's brow knit even more so now as she feels her defenses as well as her confusion rise. She's somewhat unnerved by the stare, much like when she had fallen under the interest of Robot Elite Master almost an eternity ago. "I've done nothing to you," she states, her bluish-green orbs meeting his own.

LiT tilts his head but keeps his eyes on hers. "That is correct, it is not me you wound." .oO( .... ) He, almost painfully, breaks contact with Twila's eyes and shakes his head once. He looks at the floor and crosses his arms across his chest.

Twila Peterson jumps of the stool that she had been sitting on but only advances a step or two towards him. She shifts her weight somewhat uneasily before straightening her back. "I don't know what you're talking about."

LiT avoids eye contact and moves back a step as she advances he bumps in to the wall and leans on it in his generic 'I'm a cold bastard' pose. "No, you wouldn't would you?" He says, more to himself but loud enough for Twila to hear.

Twila Peterson keeps a close watch on the reploid. "No...not unless you stop playing word games," she comments, crossing her own arms in front of her chest. She had a rough few days and a questionable confrontation with someone at the base is one of the last things she needs right now.

LiT shakes his head, and looks back into her eyes. "I..." He pauses, and blinks. "I cannot tell you.. it is not my place to say such things.. outright." He keeps his eyes locked on her mentally , and metaphorically, drilling into her head. .oO( Poor child, you'd don't even know what your doing, and I'm not about to point it out... not yet. )

Twila Peterson stands her ground, her emotions granting the strength that she needs in order for her to do so. Normally, with those she has just met, she retains some of her natural shyness. However, in certain matters, the trait is shoved aside, allowing other traits to show through. "If it has anything to do about Rock it's for *him* to decide. No one else."

LiT smiles, his face almost brightening. "What makes you think I was talking about Rock? I was addressing you." LiT's smile fades, "..And what a temper for such a lovely bride to be. I have a question, one question. Does Rock really love you? He is a robot, love for him is a computation a mere 'task' like walking or talking. It is not the same thing a human feels, in fact he does not really feel it at all. For him it is just a program, millions of 1's and 0's. Twila, how can something without a soul truly love?" LiT places his helm back on, he bows his head and shuts his eyes deep in thought.

The woman's eyes widen considerably, contemplating how much his words almost exactly match those spoken of her surviving relatives as soon as they themselves learned of her relationship with Rock. The sting now just as they had stung then. Somehow though she remains where she is as she mentally tries to calm herself down. "I *know* he loves me. And I love him." She pauses for a breath and adds, "You're not the first to say something as this. And I doubt you'll be the last. It's a shame how much your race and mine keep trying to dictate what the other is or is not capable of. By you're own definition you reduced yourself to a mere collection of programs. And that I don't believe."

LiT's eyes stay closed hiding all emotions. "Perhaps that is all we are.. a collection of parts and programs." LiT does not move, but his eyes, still closed, twitch. "Love is something all robots will never truly understand. We have limitations, as does your race. We need to accept ours, some of use never do and try to hide from them." He pauses and bites his lip. "Rock is a toaster, we all are. Can you love someone/thing that cannot even come to terms with it's own mental limitations. If I could feel pity, I would feel it for you bride to be. I am sorry, the truth sometimes hurts."

Upon drawing a quiet breath Twila replies, "Capacity to love or be loved is not something measured on some sort of mental scale, nor is it something that can be deterred by mental limitations. Love isn't a noun, it's a verb. And it takes on various forms, LiT. Not even humans truly understand. Some of them learn of some. Others, not a one." She sighs briefly as something occurs to her. "For someone who states your race contains mere programs and data I find it interesting that your even bothering to discuss it....especially with someone who's more or less a stranger."

[OOC] LiT says, "Ooooo your goooood. Maybe that check mate is not as easy as I hoped, Nooo."

LiT looks up at Twila his still blue eyes can be made out now, even through his visor. "A stranger? I could say the same for you, but you may not know me but I know you. Why you came here. If you go back out into the world without fear of being captured or killed. I have heard it is a difficult thing to be trapped. One grows lonely. Rock is a master of human studies he picked up on your loneliness, and being the honorable `bot he is, did his best to help you in your time of need. Even convinced himself that he is in love with you." LiT scans the medbay. "He thinks he is in love with you, but truly at best he feel sorry for your situation and guilty as he is the cause of it."

Twila Peterson's features become more guarded now, carefully masking her own emotions as the reploid touches on something very, very deep. Her arms uncross and fall to her sides. Her petite form remains standing there for a few moments as she mentally formulates a response. "Rock is not the cause of my situation. My situation was caused at first by an Elite Master who had a twisted thought on how a young woman could be used against his enemies. Nothing more than that. You're description of me can very well also describe Rock as well. It would be ironic if someone attempted to tell him much the same. Another interesting thought there. Behind what we're of our races are much the same, although different. But too many seem to want to only focus on the differences...forgetting it's them that makes each as unique, not lesser, than the other." Twila Peterson then asks, "Why are you tellng me all this, LiT? Do you believe I'm using him...or that he's using me?"

LiT shakes his head. "I would say the Masters have played there hand well, indeed. If not for them you would not be here, interesting is it not? The puzzle becomes quite clear if you know where to put the pieces." He looks at Twila, for a moment almost a look of sorrow washes over his face but then vanishes, he holds his hand up and out brushing some of her hair between his fingers but lets it go quickly. "Rock is not using you, you are not using Rock. It is tragic, and one of you might die for this 'love' of yours." He sighs and refolds his arms.

Another twist this reploid throws in it seems. Twila bites her lower lip as he touches upon another concern of hers. However, she dare not speak of it verbally -- not in the way he may very well be expecting. "That I very well know," she admits. "Life itself is a very fragile thing. Some are forced to walk the path alone, others are not so bound. Rock and I have decided to walk that path together despite for how long and how hard that road may be. We love each other and, in the ways that matter, we're already bound. Nothing you nor anyone else says will change that."

LiT bows his head. "Be that as it may, I do not wish Rock to throw away his life in this manor." .oO( If this is the only way, then so be it. Rock must not falter. he is still needed for it to work.) He pushes himself off the wall and gets into Twila's face, having to lean over a little to do so, his blue eyes turn to gray. "You will be his death." He almost hisses. "You are his weakness, if you are captured or threatened he will lose his focus. I have already seen it happen once. If it would happen at a critical moment it could mean his death, or yours. Is this -love- of yours worth his death? He does not even know what love is, and I think somehow, somewhere there is that voice inside that tells you I speak the truth." LiT stands back up he looks down at the girl and turns away. .oO(Always have to be the jerk and tell it like it is. Poor foolish child, she still does not even know..)

[OOC] Twila Peterson @thwaps. That was mean. =) [OOC] LiT ows and siffles. sowwie... =/,=

Twila Peterson loses some of her composure within that small display. Yep, he pegged something down rather well it seems. Her features falter a bit as her ears hear what she has only overheard several times before. But to have it spoken right within the manner it just was is something altogether different. Her greatest fear has always been bringing any harm to her betrothed in any way, shape, or form. Still, she manages to regain some of herself even in light of what just happened. "True love looks out for the other person's well-being, for the now and also for the not-yet. I'd rather die than cause Rock any harm or pain. He knows that. We both know the possibilities of what may or may not happen. But as long as he'll have me I shall not abandon him. There are fates that are worse than death."

LiT holds his head in his hand. " True love? It does not exist. It never did and it never will. You are putting Rock in mortal danger mearly by being here."

Twila Peterson hmphs slightly. "How would you know? If what you say would be true you yourself doesn't know what true love even is to see it."

Rock ambles into the Medical Bay, a glint of mischief in his eyes as he walks over to a cabinet and starts rummaging through it.

Dr. Pavel Cossack walks in, immediately seeing the others. "Hello Vick, Rock, Miss Twila, others."

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Are ve continuing our training?"

LiT watches Rock enter and narrows his eye leaning back against the wall folding his arms over his chest. He closes his eyes his face having a pained look. "I know enough." He watches Rock rummage, "You would do best to take my advise and leave.well enough alone."

Twila Peterson doesn't mean to be rude to the doctor by any means. But her attentions are a bit more focused at the moment. "You're not te one to decide," the woman states, a deadly undercurrent now within her voice.

Dr. Pavel Cossack hmms. "Very vell."

LiT shakes his head, "You are right, I can however.assist in a third party manor. Not something I like to do, therefore take my warning of things to come girl."

Dr. Pavel Cossack looks at Lit. "And vho are you?"

Twila Peterson narrows her field of vision. "Or what?" . o O(Bucket of bolts...)O o .

Dr. Pavel Cossack looks at Lit. "Please Identify yourself."

LiT gives Cossack a nasty glare, "I am in the middle of something Pinko, -bug off-." He turns to Twila he looks at her, almost kindly, "Do as you wish, I am warning you. Do not take my words so lightly, for your sake."

"That a threat?" Twila questions with a raised eyebrow.

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Pinko! I am Pavel Alexis Cossack!!! Your commanding officer! I'd advise you to revise your tone or be confined to quarters!"

LiT turns to Pavel, "You command me? No, I don't think so. I answer only to Light, not his underlings."

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Light put me in charge."

Rock, with a glint of mischief in his continues rummaging through it, more or less oblivious to anything else right now. Soon enough, he pulls out a large mop like object, sans stick, and looks it over, "Hrm... wrong color, but I can fix that..." he says with a chuckle, before stashing it in a storage compartment,. What could this mean? Is Rock stealing medical resources? Is he plotting some evil scheme? Did he leave the oven on?! All of these questions and more will be answered, in the next exciting episode.

LiT is standing near Cossack, they are having a nice chat about who commands who. "Humm, my tone is changed, then." LiT turns back to Twila, "Take it however you like." He sighs.

Dr. Pavel Cossack frowwns. "See to you. Now vho are you?" Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Also apologize to her."

Twila Peterson stands by her console. By her expressions one can determine she's may be having trouble with erasing her emotions from her features. Although LiT and Cossack have now gone through exchanges over protocol her main attention is towards the former. The question wasn't one bitten out shock as more in anger. "Better not be..." she mumbles as she turns around quickly to turn off the program before turning back towards the others. "Wouldn't work, Doctor," she states as she brushes past the two. "He doesn't know how to feel sorry...or for anything else for that matter..." She must have some Irish blood in her.

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "It doesn't matter. Ve live here together and vill respect one another for vho they are!"

Rock turns around at the commotion, walking over to the group, "What's going on?" he asks sternly, never pleased when his Hunters argue amongst themselves.

LiT just shakes his head at both Cossack and Twila. He resumes leaning on the wall his eyes closed and head bowed in thought. .oO( Hopeless girl..)

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "This `bot has treated Miss Peterson vith disrespect and refuses to identify himself to me."

Rock looks over at LiT, "Oh, that's LiT. One of the new guys," he says a tad casually. "And define disrespect," he says. When Rock's on duty, Rock's on duty. Rock hrms, "Although, first of all, when someone asks your name, no matter -who- they are, if they are inside the labs, you answer them LiT. It's just common courtesy."

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "He treated Miss Peterson with scorn, disdain and a nasty tone."

Twila Peterson snorts in response towards the Doctor, not really giving any more of a reply other than that. Overhearing Rock, however, abruptly brings herself to a halt, wondering idly if he happened to overhear any of the exchange. However, her stubbornness takes over and she finds herself stalking from the bay.

Rock nods and looks over at LiT, "Do you have anything to add to that LiT?"

LiT does not move an inch, "Yes, I was talking to the girl when he interrupted me. I was going to answer him after I was done talking, but he insisted on bothering me."

Rock nods, "Well, I wasn't exactly referring to that. I was looking more for the comment that you were mistreating Miss Peterson."

LiT looks up and around for Twila. "If she were here, she would tell you herself. But no, I was having a conversation with her.. a debate. The doctor arrived in the middle of it."

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "Did not sound like a debate."

LiT eyes Cossack, "It was she misunderstood something I said, thinking it was a threat. I did not feel like going into detail so I merely stated that she could take my words in whatever way she wished."

Rock folds his arms, "I just want some concrete details LiT, and I'm giving you a chance to give your side. If you're going to sit here and bypass that, then that's fine. But I will -not- tolerate harassment in the labs, in any shape or form." Rock blinks. "A threat? Can you give me verbatim to what was misconceived to be that? Because that is something I absolutely will not stand for. We're supposed to be like family around here, not get into arguments and tell each other we're going to beat each other unto a pulp."

Kyo-Ohki is currently curled up under one of the medtables currently sleeping. However, she yawns a cute little yawn at the voices and blinkyblinks. With a tilt of her head she repositions herself and simply...watches with an oh-so- quiet, inquisitive "mew".

LiT nods. "Humm, I was giving her a warning, not one of violence by my hands. I do see the error of my wording of it, now. I will apologize to her, when she wishes to speak again."

Rock nods to LiT, "Good." he replies simply, letting out a sigh, why can't he just have one normal day.

Dr. Pavel Cossack says, "I have other matter to attend to. Now if you'll excuse me I take my leave." And with that, he's gone.

Kyo-Ohki "mews" once more as she spots nearby some of the items Rock had been trying to raid from the bay. She sniffs at the air briefly and hops over to investigate the treasures. Well...she doesn't find what Rock carries on his person of course. But she does find something else. "Yip..." <Wonder what this is?> She picks up some of the syringes she comes across on the cabinet and hops back over to the Hunter Commander. "Mmmmphew..." <This help?>

Rock looks down at the cabbit and gapes, yanking the needles out of her mouth, "No, Kyo, don't mess with those. You could hurt yourself."

LiT rubs his chin. "I also should be attending to my duties." LiT turns to Rock, "If you have not heard there is something in the research lab that awaits your inspection."

Rock nods. "Yes, I've heard. Frankly, I could care less for bass's stupid little games. It's not much different than that time he tried to kidnap Roll."

The little cabbit's ears drop to the floor dejectedly as she sniffs. "Meow?" <I do something bad again? Only trying ta help...> . o O(I'll make it up!)O o . the cabbit perks brightly and hops beside Rock's legs to rub herself against them affectionatly. "Puuuuuuuuuuurr..." <I sowwie...>

Rock smirks, "I've dealt with people trying to get to me through other people before, LiT. It isn't a very effective tactic, especially coming from Bass."

LiT steps towards the door, "Yes, but this time he is not after Roll, and he most likely is not alone."

Rock shrugs, "Everyone is out to get me LiT, it's been that way since before you were even alive. Let me worry about my problems, you need to worry about yours."

LiT nods. "Your problems are ours as well, you are not alone in this conflict."

Rock nods. "I'm quite aware of that LiT, but you also can't concentrate too much on watching someone else's back, before leaving your own open to be shot at. I care a lot about everyone here, and I know you all care about me and the others as well, but we need to keep in mind that in order to work effectively, we have to keep everything well balanced."

Kyo-Ohki ceases her stroking...noticing that the Blue Bomber isn't even paying attention to where he should be...and that would be her. Not! But, seriously, Kyo stops due to seeing something shiny and spiff at the other end of the medical center. She leaps towards it with glee, leaving the other two behind all too eagerly. "Mewmewmew!"

LiT shrugs, "There are only two backs I am covering, and one of them is mine. Keeping balance? Yes, you would be wise to always remember that one yourself. Aswell as no matter what happens, or who it happens to, never let anger cloud your judgments. Which is along the lines of what the girl and I were... debating."

Rock replies, "The only thing that's ever clouded my judgment was Cloud Man," he retorts, "Give me a little more credit than that LiT, I didn't end up in the position I am now by letting my emotions and personal feelings effect my job."

LiT shakes his head. "Interesting, but there was at the least situation where you did let anger rule your actions. It seems that the girl was involved somehow."

Rock blinks, "Excuse me? I'd like to hear this."

LiT rubs his chin, "Perhaps I am mistaken. I do not recall all of the facts at this moment. Were you not in a fight, she was around, and she got hurt? I could have sworn it happened. I believe the term used to describe your actions were 'ballistic'. I could be wrong altogether, my memory has always been abit...foggy."

Rock blinks, "Apparently you've been misinformed." He shrugs, "I'm protective of my friends, all of them, including you LiT, and I'd do anything to make sure nothing bad happens to them. But I do -not- let myself slip into a rage over it. You want rage, go follow Sigma around, he's so deluded by his personal feelings that he doesn't even know his own name sometimes, I'm sure."

Zero stirrs sligtly on his medtable off in the corner of the repair bay. He breathes a few times and then opens his eyes...

<Meanwhile, as Twila mopes within her quarters.>

(Ch. A []) Rock transmits: 'Twila?'. (Ch. A []) Rock transmits: 'Hey... you okay?'. (Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: '*No answer*' (Ch. A []) Rock transmits: 'Twila? Please answer.' (Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: '*after some lengthy moments* I'm here.' (Ch. A []) Rock transmits: 'What did he say to you?' (Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Does it really matter?' (Ch. A []) Rock transmits: 'Well, no, not really, I'm just worried about you.' (Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: '*quietly* I know. It's just... *pause* LiT accused me of being the death of you.' (Ch. A []) Rock transmits: '*feh* Whatever, don't let that get to you, I've just spent the last hour talking with him, and it's quite apparent that he doesn't know what he's talking about.' (Ch. A []) Rock transmits: 'You aren't the death of me, Twila, if anything, you're the life of me.' (Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'Just as your the life of me. Why can't others try to understand that?' (Ch. A []) Rock transmits: 'Who knows, I don't understand it either.'

LiT turns to a profile view, from Rock's eyes, "I must have been, or perhaps a chilling vision of things that may be, perhaps not. Rage? Rage would require emotion. There are some `bots in this world who have killed off all emotions. I do not have any wish to follow rage..." Lit pauses and looks directly into Rock's eyes, "...or those who might be blinded by other less volatile emotions."

Rock shrugs, "If you deny yourself the gift of life given to you LiT, then how do you know what you're fighting for?"

Zero says quietly, responding to Rock's statement before anyone realizes he's up, "...I've always been a fan of blind aggression."

"Ever since the day I was created, I've seen this wonderful world out there for me to run around in, to play in, to learn in, there's so many things that I have left to do, and I intend on doing, you may as well be a drone if you are going to ignore the very thing that makes you a reploid." Rock replies calmly, "Perhaps you might want to think about that a little."

Rock blinks and look over at Zero and smirks, "Well look who finally decided to wake up."

The furry little cabbit pulls away from the shiny mirror she had found amongst some of the equipment. Gee, who woulda known there was a cabbit just like her? It's then she notices movement on a nearby table in the mirror. Her head bonks against the surface...thinking to get a closer look. Her ears spin comically as she falls onto her back...and that's when she notices...hey! That guy's waking up too! She hops closer towards the table, hesitant at first, but then throws caution to the wind. Heck, needn't worry about waking him up. He's already awake. Always ready to cuddle, and maybe be cuddled, she hops up on the table right next the scarlet clad reploid. "Mew?"

Zero says, "In more ways than one," smiling. He shuts his eyes again for a moment, biting his bottom lip as he thinks."

Rock bahs, "Don't dwell on the past Zero, leave it where it belongs, in the past. I'm just glad to have you back."

Zero shakes his head, "I still have a lot to answer for. I seem to recall sending one Repliforce Commander to the ground in the middle of New York City." Zero tries to move his arm. He winces sharply as it comes up to his head, "Oh....that's apathy for ya. I definitely need some recalibration."

LiT Humms, "I have had seven long years to think. To feel, or to care for someone, will eventually lead to sorrow. Perhaps worse. Feeling nothing at all prevents this. You may argue otherwise but it is how I have survived for so long." LiT eyes Zero. "Shouldn't he be in restraints, or at the least under guard?"

Rock looks over at LiT, "We've already had him checked out LiT, he's clear." Rock says, "And I'm sorry to hear that, and I'll drop the subject, but just make sure you show a little more respect towards the other people here."

LiT keeps his eyes locked on Zero but talks to Rock, "I give respect to those who give in return, Cossack did not."

Zero shuts his eyes again, turning his head away from the rest of the room. He'd just rather let LiT talk his head off since Zero's got a lot on his mind.

Rock nods, "Well I wasn't here to hear the entire conversation, but I'll talk with him about it as well."

Kyo-Ohki tilts her head again, studying all three reploids where she sits. "Mew?" she asks, not knowing what to make of them. Then, suddenly, Zero's golden locks seem to catch the cabbit's eye. <Hey, just like Twila's ball of yarn. Might be fun to play with!> Her tiny paws bat at the lengthy strands of hair playfully.

LiT bows his head slightly. "I think Light needs to have a talk with the dear Dr. Cassock about Light's 'arrangement' with me."

Rock nods to LiT, and walks over to Zero, and sits down on the medtable next to him. "Hey man... cheer up."

Zero doesn't seem too concerned about his hair right now. He pulls his knees up to his chest, his back to the rest of the room. "I'm not in the mood to cheer up, Rock."

Rock puts a hand on his shoulder. "It may have been your body, but it wasn't you." Rock sighs, "Well, I can sympathize with you on that, but don't beat yourself up over this."

Zero says, "...you don't know that Rock..." he says knowing that part of him enjoyed causing all that death and destruction."

Kyo-Ohki yips as the hair moves away from her. She hops to try and keep up with it. <Why he have a ball if yarn dripping from his head anyway?> Of course...she misjudges a leap and hits Zero's back in the process...falling within the sea of gold, her ears flopping outward. "Mew..."

Rock gives him a playful sock in the shoulder, "That's my job." he says with a grin, and then nods to his second statement, "No, Zero, I do. I know you're aggressive, and I know you've got a lot of anger and rage inside of you, but I also know that the person I saw out there, was not you, it might have been a part of you, but it wasn't -all- of you. And that's what's important." he finishes.

(Ch. A [Rock]) Twila Peterson transmits: 'How...how's Zero doing? He woke up a little earlier to say hi and feel back to sleep.' (Ch. A []) Rock transmits: 'I'm talking with him right now...'

Zero reaches his hand around and smacks the cabbit out of his hair onto the floor. He then lays there for a moment collecting his strength before sitting up abruptly, his facing hiding nothing as far as the pain that this moving is calling him. He looks at Rock square in the eyes. "Rock,. I said you don't know that."

Rock frowns, "Zero..." he begins, and sighs, turning away now, "...I'll drop it," he relents, hopping off the table. "I'll be in the rec room if you need me...even if it's just to talk about random stuff or something." He turns to look over at Zero, "You're my best friend Zero, and I don't care even if that - was- you or not, nothing's going to change that fact."

Thus, thanks to the loving and carrying hand-swipe little Kyo-Ohki finds herself rolling off the table and onto the floor....hitting the ground with a soft thud. She lays there within a ball, in a daze. Ok, no one ever told her that yellow yarn fights back. She slowly sits herself up, shaking herself as the bell around her neck chimes softly. Hmmm...she should *really* learn to leave people be and stay out of trouble. But then, that wouldn't be Kyo.

Zero frowns as Rock hits him in the processor. He starts to say something, but not a sound comes out of his mouth. He frowns again, and the looks down at the cabbit before laying back down.

Rock turns back around and sighs a tad, and walks to the door, stopping there for a moment, as if to say something, but only manages to say, "I'll see you later," and continues out of the door.

Kyo-Ohki rubs her nose with a front paw and looks back op towards the two reploids all the way up there on the table. Her large eyes gaze at them quizzedly with a quick blink. "Mew?" <You sure you don't wanna share that yarn? It's not much fun wearing it...>

Zero says, "Thanks Rock..." Zero stays huddled up in his corner but tries his best to let Rock knows that he appreciates the gesture..

Rock pauses, and says, "Hey, no need to thank me for being myself," he replies, as he turns back around,. "You're my friend, I don't give up on my friends," he smiles a bit, "Go easy on your body, I'll have someone check out your damages tonight or tomorrow."

Rock offers his friend a wave and turns to walk off, "And that offer to talk is always standing," he utters as he disappears out of the door.

Zero chuckles a bit, but then moans as it hurts to much, "I'm not going anywhere..."

Rock smirks, "Yeah, I kind a figured, if ya need something, just gimme a hollar and I'll come check on ya."

Zero waves a heavy hand, "Will do Cap'n."

Kyo-Ohki yips...wondering why the red one looks kinda sad. Maybe it was because of the yarn thing? Hmmm....maybe he likes is as much as she likes her carrots. That's when she got the idea to hop back to the ventilation vent a few yards away and withdraw a medium-sized carrot for the lad. Maybe make him feel better. "Mewph," she emits as she hops back on the table and sets down the carrot...right beside Zero. She nudges the thing with her nose and waits for his reaction for a moment...but backs away just in case he wants to swipe her again. One swipe to the floor once per day is her limit!

<Soon, after also taking leave and finding her way to the Blue Bomber's room.>

================================Rock's Quarters================================

Rock's Quarters is a well done mix of official and casual, the walls are plain white, in the small spots where you can actually -see- the walls. Awards, certificates, pictures, and posters adorn the walls, all in a mesh of Rock the hero and Rock the fun loving guy. In the corner lies his desk, next to it, a small wastepaper basket. His bed is quite large, and lies in the center of the room against the far wall. The headboard serves as a shelf as well, and on them, several pictures and small toys and models. An entertainment center sits opposite the bed, containing a television (or at least the equivalent of which in this day and age) as well as some game systems and a stereo. A bookshelf takes up nearly all of the free wall, showing Rock's secret love of reading, as well as his love for toys and models, which occupy some of the shelves as well. A large window lies above the bed, allowing light to shine down upon it during the day, and giving him a good look at the night sky after hours. A door leading to the bathroom is located next to the bed opposite the desk, which is also where his closet is located. All in all, a fine meshing of Rock's personality, giving off the same cheerful aura that he himself does.

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

Rock is laying on his bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling.

Little Kyo-Ohki decides that this place is *much* more quietly than where she had been. She smiles happily to herself as she hops out of Rock's closet and out into the room...making herself at home. After all, she lived in here her first few weeks of life. Why shouldn't she? Although, she can't quite figure out why her toys are kept in the other room, or why Twila stays in the other room for that matter. With a blink she looks towards the bed and hops over silently. Not sure it Rock's awake or not Kyo pats a paw against his side once or twice...just to make sure. She remembers what happened those last few times.

Rock turns his head to look over at Kyo as she pokes him, "Hey there cutie pie." he says with a faint smile, as he reaches one of his hands out to pet her gently, "Up to no good again, aren't you?"

Kyo-Ohki tilts her head towards Rock and gives such a happy "mew" that she didn't wake him up this time. Playfully she climbs up on his chest and leans forward, her tiny tongue licking his chin. "Yipyip!" <Eh, it's a living...> Kyo-Ohki settles there on his chest, making herself comfy. Her ears fan out behind her as she nuzzled his chin with her nose.

Rock smiles and strokes her fur gently as he sighs, "Must be nice to be able to run around without any pre-determined responsibilities. All we ever expect you to do is sleep, eat, and get in trouble," he says with a smile.

Kyo-Ohki blinks those big eyes of hers as she rests her chin within her front paws. "Mew?" <Who me? Trouble? Have no idea what you're talking about. Now that mongrol of yours...>

Rock smiles and skritches her softly. "Oh well, you probably don't even understand what I'm saying, do you, little one?" he inquires wistfully, as he lets his mind wander a bit.

Kyo-Ohki lifts her head and flops one of her ears over her face, giggling softly in response to the attention. This beats being thrown off the table and how... Kyo-Ohki meows. <Shame he has no idea what I'm saying. But...guess as long as he knows I like all the attention and food...we'll do ok...>

Rock smiles and reaches into his pocket, pulling out a little piece of chocolate, and dangles it over Kyo's head,. "Wanna treat?" he asks with a faint smile. "Gonna have to take it from me," he warns.

"Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeew!" the cabbit says rather excitedly as she hops onto her hindlegs and bats at the just-ot-of-reach candy. <Oooooooooh! Gimmiegimmie!>" Kyo-Ohki jumps up once or twice even...the second time landing on her back against Rock's stomach, both ears covering her eyes. <Hey! Who turned out the lights???>

Rock giggles and waggles the chocolate just out of reach, teasing her, until she falls over and smiles, handing her the chocolate and tickling her belly a bit.

Kyo-Ohki lets loose quite a few giggles while she's tickled silly while trying to keep a grasp on that yummie chocolate. MMMMmmmmmmmmmm. Finally, she settles to sit to nibble all so nicely on the candy. <Silly people!> After downing it quickly enough she hops onto Rock's throught and leans her paws forward onto his chin...licking his nose.

Rock giggles, "Hey, stop that! It tickles!" he exclaims as he grabs her gently and lifts her up in the air, "Silly girl," he says with a smile, putting her back down and petting her once more.

The cabbit starts giggling again in glee as she's hoisted up...flapping her paws within the air excitedly while gazing down at the Blue Bomber. <Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!> Kyo-Ohki then rests herself against his chest as she's brought down once more, nuzzling his neck once more.

Then someone gently knock on Rock's door. *knock knock*

Rock blinks at the knocking, "Come in." he says softly, "Doors unlocked as usual."

Twila Peterson pokes her head within the slightly opened door looking quite a bit more calmer than she had been somewhat earlier. "Hi," she greets bashfully as she edges herself in.

Rock smiles as Twila enters and says softly, "Hey there." He scoots himself up into a sitting position, "How you feeling?"

Kyo-Ohki mews and brushes herself against Rock after hoping down to his side...making herself comfortable once more.

Twila Peterson approaches the bedside slowly. "A little better. Sorry...for the way I acted earlier."

Rock shakes his head, "Not your fault." He replies, "I just wanted to make sure you were alright."

Twila Peterson takes a seat on the mattress. "Thanks. It helps. Alot." Especially after some of what Lit not-so-gently told her. She presses her lips together in thought before glancing back towards Rock. "How's Zero fairing?"

Rock sighs, and shakes his head, "He's not doing so well...he's taking it pretty hard..."

Twila Peterson studies the blanket she, the reploid, and the cabbit are presently sitting upon. "He's...been through quite an experience," she tones softly.

Rock nods, and smiles a bit, "But...he's showing some signs of pulling through. I'm sure he'll be back to his old self soon enough."

Twila Peterson moves to rest her hand on the lower part of his arm and gently squeezes. "It'll take a little bit. But he has a friend like you to help him," she states reassuringly. But for some reason, even now that some of her earlier anger has abated, she seems somewhat strained.

Rock nods and smiles, "I'm sure he'll be fine, what he's been through isn't exactly the easiest thing in the world to deal with." He looks over at her and softens his expression. "Are you sure you're alright?"

The woman's offers an inaudible sigh of her own. "I guess...just a little upset over what LiT said..."

Rock nods, reaching out to take her hands in his, "Wanna talk about it?" he inquires softly.

Twila Peterson bites her lower lip as she offers his hand a squeeze as soon as it's taken. "He sounded alot like Shiru had at that one time. Not to mention my family." Her features sour somewhat. "It was the same old mantra -- 'He doesn't know what love is', 'A mere collection of programs'. 'That you're simply responding to something you think because you feel sorry for me.'" Twila Peterson adds... "Nicely rounded of with it would be better if I stayed away and headed his warnings...or face the consequences."

Rock sighs and gives her hands a squeeze in return. "Twila, don't let their words affect what you know to be true," he replies. "I can look you right in the eye, and tell you that everything I feel for you is sincere. You aren't just some bit of data that's being processed. You're a person, a person who I want to spend the rest of my life with, a person who I want to grow with, a person to teach me new things, and to learn new things from me."

The cabbit offers a tiny yawn. <Well, if all *they're* gonna do is ignore me...!> She bounds of the bed and back into Rock's closet with a simple "mew", soon disappearing into whatever world lies within those vents.

Twila Peterson's bluish-green orbs gloss over. "I know, Rock. I know," she tones softly. "I just hate hearing other people talk that way about you, and then telling me I shouldn't feel the way I do towards you."

Rock nods, "Then don't listen," he replies. "Tell them to shut up, it something bothers you, they should respect you enough to not speak about it."

Twila Peterson presses her lips together. "And...if they don't? I really felt I was being threatened earlier...regardless if he was suggesting something done by him or someone else."

Rock frowns, "If they don't, then you report it to me or Dr. Light." Rock says, "I will not tolerate harassment in this group, towards anyone."

Twila Peterson nods as if taking that rather slowly. If the same happens once more between her and LiT then...she'll say so. Still, it would probably be better if she were to avoid him altogther if at all possible to deter any problems. "I find it baffling tho. For someone who stated his race doesn't have any true emotions, her certainly cared enough to bother with the issue of me perhaps being some sort of health hazard to you."

Rock nods, "He admitted to me that he had emotions, just that he's been hurt very badly by them and now ignores him, so I guess we've more or less caught him in a lie."

Twila Peterson wishes why people would do this type of thing. After all, just because something happened to them doesn't necessarily mean the same thing is going to happen to someone else. "Certainly seems that way. He certainly knew a couple of the right buttons to push," she muses, mostly to herself. " She draws in a sigh and glances back over towards the reploid. "So....how did your day go otherwise...?"

Rock shrugs, "Just another day, I guess," he replies. He snickers as he reaches under his bed and pulls out a mop head like object, "I did start getting my holloween costume reday tho."

Twila Peterson blinkblinks as she flips one or two of the stands of mop that he holds within his hands. "That a wig for a: Scarecrow?" Clown? Um...Raggedy Andy?" she questions, not knowing of too many costumes which requires mops as wigs.

Rock chuckles, "No... no... and no... although Raggedy Andy might be a good idea... if you came as Raggedy Anne," he says with a smile, "Actually, I planned as going as Zero." he says with a chuckle.

Twila Peterson's offers a small smile in return. "Well, I *do* have the red hair for it. It's just not that curly," she notes before adding. "Zero, huh? Well...they say imitation is the best form of flattery. Wonder what you're friend will think when he finds out. He may just thwap you with a pillow."

Rock chuckles. "I'm afraid he might do worse than that," he says with a smile, "You gonna dress up this year?"

"I...haven't really thought much about it," Twila states shyly. "I never really did well at parties and the like. And my parents never really celebrated Halloween growing up."

Rock nods, and smiles, "You oughta at least come to the party." he says, "Although if you don't want to, it's more than understandable, we can go out to dinner or something instead."

But, Twila doesn't really want to take him away from the festivities provided by his teammates either. And Rock seems to be really looking forward to it. "I didn't say I didn't want to..." Although by saying she never did well at them may have said that for her. She never faired well in crowds. "And..." she glances at the mop briefly, "guess it would be kinda silly doing to a costume party without going with a costume..."

Rock bahs. "You don't have to have a costume," he says with a smile, "I'm sure not everyone will be dressed up."

Twila Peterson hmmms to herself. "I just may go as myself. But...if not...any suggestions on what to go as?"

Rock hrms. "Well, I'd ask you to go as iris to complete the whole scene.... but I don't think you'd want to do that." he says with a chuckle. "And I'm not sure I want you to dress up as her either," he says with a grin, pondering for a moment.

The girl screws her features at such a horrid face at the thought before throwing a hand up towards her forehead over dramatically. "Oh, woe woe woe is me. Whatever shall I do? Whatever shall I do?"

Rock giggles, "Hey, I got an idea! You can go as me! I can let you borrow an older set of armor that I had when I was about your height, before being rebuilt."

Twila Peterson withdraws her hand, now revealing some interest at the idea. But.as him? "As...you?" she asks, smiling a bit easier now than she had before. Rock certainly has a way with making her feel better simply by his mere presence.

Rock nodnods, "Sure, it'd be perfect!" he smiles,. "You'd even have the voice down right." He blushes a tad. "You have no idea how many times I had to stress that my name was Mega -MAN- with the original voice I had."

Twila Peterson squints, "Why? It sound like you were going through puberty or something?"

Rock shakes his head, "Worse... Roll sounded more like a man than I did. You'd think I was a little girl." Rock sighs, "I don't know -what- dad was thinking..."

Twila Peterson covers a hand with her mouth as if muffling a cough, although she really is trying to keep from giggling at the thought. "Maybe had a dream of having you in the boy's choir?" Twila Peterson . o O(He did state his father's interest in music...)O o .

Rock chuckles, "Maybe, but I'm sure glad I have this voice now, yeesh. It's hard to intimidate your adversaries when you sound like a 8 year old girl."

Twila Peterson lowers her hand once more, still smiling. "One would think. You seemed to have survived the experience fairly well tho." She offers his hand another gentle squeeze in addition to her words.

Rock giggles and returns the squeeze, "Yeah, at least there's no emotional scars or anything," he chuckles. "So you wanna do it?"

"Dying of embarrassment and living to tell about it," she quotes as her face brightens. "Sounds like fun. Um...sure. Just...erm...make sure nothing is turned on in the suit." Not that she would be able to work anything anyway. "But...how heavy would it be?"

Rock shakes his head, "it's not heavy at all, and there's nothing to turn on or off, it's mostly just armor that conforms to my body, and utilizes my body for most of it's effects. Rock shrugs, "My X-Armor is very heavy, but my old Megaman armor is very light, here, lemme go fish it out." Rock hops off the bed and walks into his closet, disappearing as suddenly things go flying out of it backwards, "No... no... hey, i've been looking for that... no... no... ah ha!.. wait... no, tha'ts not it... no... no... man, where did I put it? hrm.... Oh yeah! *bonk* Ow..." he comes back out of the closet, holding the top of his head, and wanders over to a large chest over by his dresser, and opens it up, "Here it is..."

Twila Peterson ohs almost audibly as she shifts within her seat as he goes to obtain his armor. "Kay..." she states, watching him with curiosity. As she overhears him in his closet she leans forward trying to see into it...only to be met with a catalog of U.F.O.s flying at her. "Rock, you sure your closet isn't condemned by the board of health?" she teases before he again emerges. Her gaze trails him towards the chest. Curious still, she gets up to join him beside it. She blinks and then goes back to studying Rock. "I think you grew an inch or two..." And one other note regarding the closet...how in the world does little Kyo manage to enter and exit through that thing without being an unfortunate victim of an avalanche...

Rock giggles, "You could say that," as he picks up the helmet and plops it on her head playfully. "Wow, now this is freaky...I dunno if I can kiss you...it'd be like kissing myself. We better put it to the test," he says with a mischievous grin as he leans forward and plants a playful smootch on her lips. "Hrm...that wasn't enough evidence to be conclusive..." he giggles as he kisses her again on the cheek, then on the other one, then on the nose, and back on the lips, then the cheek again. "Hrm...yup...I was wrong, I can still kiss you, buuuuut, I'd still like to do some more testing."

Twila Peterson acks as she gets herself assaulted by all the affection, giggling a little as she is unexpectedly attacked by her future husband. Her hands reach up and fruitlessly try to hold him at bay as the helmet itself tilts lopsidedly on top of her head. "Uh, oh. Just what do you mean by 'more testing'?"

Rock chuckles, "Example." he says as he holds up his finger like a scientist making a point, and gives her a few more kisses, "Shall I elaborate?" he chuckles.

Twila Peterson's cheeks blush a bright red in response. "Hmmmmm....maybe..." she answers gamely as her arms move him while she nibbles a little on his neck with a few kisses of her own...only to bump against him by accident with the helmet. She pulls away immediately after looking guilty. "Talk about being hard-headed," she chides herself.

Rock giggles at the nibbles and kisses and then chuckles at the head butt. "Hey, yer talking to captain hard head, hon," he says with a smile. "Oh wipe that guilty look of your face, it's not like you broke anything," he smiles as he gives her a gentle hug as he wraps his arms around her.

Twila Peterson oh yeahs as her arms are drawn back around him as well. "The same guy who has to leave a nice little body indent into some wall as his own signature just about every place. 'Rock wuz here!' Still, don't wanna tempt the warranty any," she tells him with a wry grin, still feeling bad. Strange really, after seeing all he has gone though in the short time she's known him...and she's worried about what amounts to a small bump to the head.

Rock smiles, "Trust me, if you ever hurt me, I'll be sure to scream, `Ow that hurts!' really loud," he says with a chuckle.

Twila Peterson smirks. "Just not in my ear...or I'll scream the same." She moves one of her arms briefly to try and straighten the helmet she's wearing. "You're right. Not that heavy at all.. But...I have it on ok?"

Rock nods and smiles, "Yup." he replies, "We can stick some padding or something in there to make sure it sits right instead of flopping around on your head."

Twila Peterson notes idly, "Well, might as well wear my hair up too. I somehow have the feeling in you're earlier years you didn't happen to have lengthy red- hair flowing down your back. How do I...try on the rest?" And what of those oversized legs and feet. Sheesh! Hopefully she won't be tripping much.

Rock grins, "We can fit you in it tomorrow." he says with a smile, as he catches a glimpse of the clock, having lost track of time in the festivities, "We better get some sleep."

Twila Peterson nods in agreement as she slips the helment off and onto her lap. "Yeah...suppose we better. I think I can sleep a litte easier too. Thanks." With that Twila leans forward and gives Rock a tender kiss on the cheek.

Rock blushes, "Awww, don't mention it." he says with a smile, as he phases in his pajamas, "Tuck me in?" he inquires. Rock transforms into Pajamas.

Twila Peterson taps him extremely lightly with the armored piece she holds in her hands before placing it back within the truck carefully. "Hmmm...I dunno. Maybe convince me?" she teases. But already she's starting to pick herself up off the floor with that twinkle within her eye.

Rock makes a big ol pouty face, "PAWEAAAAASE?!" he exclaims, "I'll be your best friend!!"

Twila Peterson offers a hand to him to help him up. "I thought I already was..." she mock-whines.

Rock pounces her on the bed as he rises up, rolling over to end up on top of her to give her a playful kiss on the nose. "Your right, you are," he spouts out happily, "Okay, so my bargaining skills need a little work," he says with a smile, before rolling over again and letting go of his embrace to allow her up.

Twila Peterson giggles in return as she hugs him back before he rolls off. "Hey, they can't be that bad if you talked me into it," she states as she gets herself up too pull away the top covers. "Alright, into bed with ye, laddie..." she tones in a very poor Scottish accent.

Rock grins and does his own bad accent, quoting a classic 20th century flick, "I love ya, always 'ave." he smiles, a she gazes up at his beloved, "G'nite Twila, thanks for the wonderful night."

Twila Peterson snugs Rock several more times comeplete with her own selecton of small kisses....just before she brushes her lips against his in anything other than comical, allowing it to linger as she usually does. She opens her eyes, having closed them wen their lips touched, when she withdraws. "No, Rock. Thank *you* for the wonderful night."

Rock allows his eyes to close as well as their lips meet in a more formal fashion, as she pulls away she smiles and then blushes at her words, gazing into her eyes lovingly, musing, "Eh, don't mention it... I just wish the entire night could've been like this was, instead of it starting off on a bad note."

Twila Peterson's thoughts return all too briefly to the incident to the night before and what she had been doing around this same time last night. But she immediately pushes it from her mind. She's already informed Rock and his father via messaging of Bass's gift and would rather let them decide what to do about it. As she stated, she would rather simply have it destroyed. "Yeah, me too. I guess it's what makes life...interesting..." she ponders, studying his rich grayish-blue pools.

"If that's the case," he replies softly. "I could go for a long spell of boring right about now," he says with a slight chuckle.

Twila Peterson caresses his cheek lovingly as she stands back to her feet. "As would I," she agrees all to readily. "But sleep will have to do. Rest well, ok?"

Rock nods and smiles, "I will, just as long as you do too," he replies. "Sweet dreams, dearest." he says softly.

Twila Peterson leans down one last time to gently kiss his forehead as she finally pulls up the covers to his chest. "I love you with all my heart, and always well, Betrothed." That said she backs towards the entrance, continuing to gaze upon Rock until the door hisses open. She stands there for a moment more, offering a warm smile of genuine affection until she backs two steps into the hallway. The door closes soon after, leaving Rock to drift to sleep within the darkness of the night's embrace.