[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Mike? Bowie. Jus checkin in."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Hey there. What's goin' on?"

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Not much, thankfully. Ah thank we gave DeVry the slip."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Good, good... any ETA on y'all getting back?"

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Not sure yet. Depends on whether Miss Kali and Doc Cossack are ready t'speak t'each other yet."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Oy. I can't stand all this constant fueding. I'm supposed to be the hostile redneck around here, darnit."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "*dry chuckle* Don't suppose ya know if he's calmed down yet? Ah'm not ready fer another tirade."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I dunno... I haven't seen him lately. I think he'd probably snap at me, too."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Ah imagine he ain't real happy with me right now."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "What all happened."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "How much ya know about the latest problem?"

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Not a whole lot. I've been too swamped down with other stuff recently."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "All right. Didja hear 'bout Miss Kali's little stunt in Africa?"

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Nope."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "*sigh* All right. Miss Kali came up with some kind a new goop that freezes thangs. Decided t'go try it on (OOC: whatever lake has the dam - not Lake Constance), takin only Crescendo with her. Mind-numbingly stupid thang t'do. Lucky fer her Ballade was feelin magnanamous, an let me an Shield pick her an Cres up."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Miss Kali got a piece a mah mind fer that stunt. Doc Cossack a course reprimanded her as well. Only 'parently his reprimand involved him handin her his gun an tellin her t'shoot him. *you can almost hear him shaking his head.* Ah respect Doc Cossack an Miss Kali, but somedays thay don't got a lick a sense between em."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I don't know... Cossack treats her too harshly... I know he just wants her to be a good person, but he goes about it completely the wrong way."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Ah know. He didn't like mah tellin him that."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "He's got more pride than a peacock..."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Yeah. But ya know whut thay say 'bout pride. *pause* Anyway, that's why Miss Kali went back t'Moscow. DeVry must a caught wind a it, cause he sent a few drones after her. Chill an Ah stopped 'em. Thay're both hurt, but thay'll be fine. It could a been much werse."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "That's good... and, I know that there's no way she'd go for it, but you really ought to get them back to base. Despite their feuding, it's safer here."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Ah know. Thank Miss Kali'll be agreeable. It's her dad Ah'm wurried 'bout."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Well, if you want to, I can run interference on the crazy old man."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Ya thank ya can slip a sedative in his coffee? Ah dunno how he's gonna take this. Tried callin him earlier, but he wusn't answerin."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Depends on the brew... I think some of the stronger stuff would kill the sedatives..."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "If he's drinkin that sludge Douglas makes, ferget it."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Your luck, he's switched over to COFFEE!. That stuff would kill a man if it were any stronger."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "My luck, he's finished fixin that railgun."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "We ought t'be back in a day or two. Ah called in favors fer this, but favors only go so far."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Understood."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Meantime, if ya could try keepin Doc's blood pressure down, Ah'd appreciate it."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Well, I can only do my best."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "*there's a smile in his voice* That's all Ah can ask then."

Michael Eildath sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Good enough, I hope... seeya later."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "Right. See ya."

(Later...)

Texas

Proud and independent minded, Texas is known as the Lone Star State, having once spent a short tenure as an independent nation before joining the United States. The second largest state besides Alaska, Texans are a fiercely proud people, who enjoy their steaks extra large and their music with country style. Much of the state is large expanses of plains and desert, though several small towns, large cities, and Mega-cities dot the landscape inbetween the vast stretches of emptiness. The heat is often above 100 in the summer, though the low humidity makes it not quite as noticeable.

Kalinka [Work] [MH] El

Submerge <D> leads to Underneath Gulf of Mexico.

Gulf <G> leads to Gulf of Mexico.

North <N> leads to Great Plains.

East <E> leads to Louisiana.

Southeast <SE> leads to Central Mexico.

Southwest <SW> leads to Mojave Desert.

West <W> leads to Southwest United States.

Up <U> leads to Sky Above Western United States.

Kalinka is at the back door of the house. A stray (and somewhat people-shy) neighborhood cat has come visiting, and she is trying to coax it to come closer so she can feed it some of the leftover burger.

Bowie is sitting on the couch in the living room. He still hasn't been able to raise the elder Cossack, but he at least managed to get a hold of Michael. He stands up again, stretches, and wanders over towards Kalinka.

Kalinka is making tch-tch-tch noises, waving a plate of day-old ground burger at the hungry-looking kitty...who is still keeping his wide-eyed, cautious distance. "Come on, Kitty-kitty..." As Bowie comes over, she smiles and looks over at him. "The kitty is afraid of me. I think he will eat if I leave this out for him."

Bowie peers over at the stray, as if questioning whether it's truly a hungry, half-grown cat or something more sinister. Maybe he's just getting jumpy, but considering the other day's events, he has the right to be jumpy. Still, the chances of it being another stray is much more likely than it being a suicide drone, and so he doesn't object. "Prolly. Poor thang looks like he's hungry."

Kalinka places the plate at the edge of the stairs, then backs away slowly and heads back inside, closing the door behind her quietly. "We will leave him to his eating," she remarks, turning back toward Bowie in an awkward movement due to the placement of her cast. "I have question...can we return to the base?"

Bowie says "Wus jus talkin t'Mike 'bout that." He smiles, part in habit, part in reassurance. "If yer up t'goin home, then we can go."

[Radio: (F) Joint-Secure] RF Command Major Spiral Pegasus transmits, "Mmhmm, yes. That'll work nicely. I need some volunteers, people good at sneaking in unnoticed."

[Radio: (F) Joint-Secure] Ether Skunk transmits, "Huh? What for?"

[Radio: (F) Joint-Secure] RF Command Major Spiral Pegasus transmits, "The Repliforce Temperance Union is paying a visit to a lightly defended brewery... off the eastern Africa coast."

[Radio: (F) Joint-Secure] Ether Skunk transmits, "... ooOooOOooOOOoooh. I want to come!"

Kalinka grins happily. "Oh!! Okay! My bag is all packed up, and everything! I am very, very ready when you are!"

[Radio: (F) Joint-Secure] Iris transmits, "Huh? Is this about beer?"

[Radio: (F) Joint-Secure] RF Command Major Spiral Pegasus transmits, "Um... putting it that way, Major, yes. Yes, it is."

[Radio: (F) Joint-Secure] RF Command Major Spiral Pegasus transmits, "Volunteers can meet me at point <blah> in Madagascar. I'll meet up with you in a bit, I have a special guest I need to talk to..."

[Radio: (F) Joint-Secure] Ether Skunk transmits, "A'ight! Whee, this'll be fun!"

Bowie chuckles softly. "Didn't mean t'bore ya so much, Miss Kalinka. Ah'll go tell Hank an Ken we're ready t'head back."

Kalinka says, "Oh, you guys did not bore me...I was just sad and kind of homesick anyway. I am going to write a very nice thank you note to the Rangers when I get home."

Bowie nods. "Ah'm sure thay'll appreciate that." He walks over to the sink, with the intent of putting the dishes drying in the dishrack away. Other people will need to use the house after they've gone, and it's only polite to clean up after themselves. "'Sides, we can always come an visit, right?"

Kalinka nods. "Yes! Though I do believe the visit will come in the wintertime, when it is not 40 degrees outside," she remarks...thinking in Celcius-temp.

Bowie laughs at that. "An here Ah thought Tokyo summers were hotter." Dishes clink as he puts them away in the cabinets. "Least here it's not near so humid."

Kalinka says, "Yes, but it is like...-desert-! So hot and so windy, it is amazing to me. Maybe because I am used to things being entirely the opposite. Say, may I help in getting the house in order? I did not want to leave it a mess..."

Bowie admits with a grin, "All that ice an snow Moscow gets in winter, now that's amazin t'me. So call it even." He glances around, looking for something that she can do without jostling her injured shoulder. "Can ya make sure all the towels an washrags we used are in the hamper? Ken said he'd take em t'the laundromat fer us."

Kalinka nods. "Okay!" she says, scooting off to the bathroom to quickly complete this task. She isn't as spry as she usually is due to the medicine making her sluggish...but she gets it done, all the same...rejoining Bowie in the kitchen before very long. "I should teach you how to play hockey," she remarks.

Bowie has finished putting the dishes away by the time she returns. Really, the house is already in good shape - how much of a mess could they have made in a few days? "Y'all have t'teach me t'skate first. Never tried."

Ken walks in the front door, making sure it closes tight behind him. "All's quiet. Ah don't think yer friend DeVry's goin t'show."

"It will be very, very simple!" Kalinka insists to Bowie. As Ken walks in the door, she waves to him. "Hello! We are going very soon...I did want to thank you for everything. You have helped make a terrible time a much better one."

Bowie has learned to pilot virtually every machine under the sun. Surely he can figure out a pair of ice skates. Or so that's what he tells himself.

Ken quirks a smile. "That so? Sorry t'see ya go. We don't get such pleasent houseguests too often."

Kalinka grins. "Oh, I will be back someday, to see how everything is doing...I will come visit you, and Hank, too. But I do have to return home. My Daddy is very sad."

Ken nods. "We'll be happy t'have ya come visit, Miss Kalinka. Though next time, Ah hope it's under better circumstances!"

<Global News Network> BREAKING NEWS: Our star reporter, Plum, is en route to an undisclosed location with Repliforce and Maverick Hunter personnel! We'll have live det- wait, we're fixing on her position now - African Savannah! They're attacking... Elsinore Brewery!?

Kalinka goes into the other room, and grabs her small suitcase. She carries it only with her good hand...the other arm hurts -way- too much to carry a bag. "Thank you again for everything..."

Bowie offers, "Ya want me t'take yer bag?" It's not like he has anything to carry, aside from his coat. Speaking of which, he goes to get it out of the closet.

"No trouble at all," Ken assures. "Jus take care a that shoulder. An try t'keep Bowie outta trouble, but that might be askin too much," he adds with a grin.

Kalinka giggles at Ken. "Okay! I will teach him how to skate and then how to play hockey...that will certainly keep him out of trouble!" Clutching her bag tighter, she walks up to Bowie. "I can carry it, it is no trouble at all," she insists.

Bowie mentally shrugs. He offered. "All right." Slinging his coat over one arm, he goes over to Ken and shakes his hand. "Thanks fer everythang. Ah owe ya one."

"Nah, call it even fer the time ya saved my hide in Odessa. But yer welcome."

[Radio] You send Michael Eildath a direct message: "We're comin home."

Hunter HQ - Command Level

This deck once served as the command center of the Fort Sam Houston, and remains so today, restored and refit with the best in modern technology. Built in the shape of a broad semicircle, the command center's curved wall is dominated by sweeping observation windows- thick panels of reinforced glass ensuring durability while providing a panoramic and crystal-clear view of the surrounding tropical lagoon. An observation walk lining the inside of the windows offers an unobstructed approach to the view.

The room's focus, however, is the slightly raised platform in the middle, lined with consoles and computer banks, equipment to accomodate any need the Hunters may have. A matching host of monitors, displays and holo-projectors depend from the ceiling on heavy metal braces, within easy reach and view.

Kalinka [Work] [MH] Roll [Dash] [MH]

Zero's

West <W> leads to Hunter HQ - Teleporter Room.

North <N> leads to Hunter HQ - Meeting Room.

South <S> leads to Hunter HQ - War Room.

East <E> leads to Hunter HQ - Lift Station.

Bowie moseys in from the teleporters, under the watchful eye of Kalinka Cossack. Or is it the other way around? Either way, he pauses to have a look at the afternoon sun glittering off the bay. It's nice to be home.

Kalinka cheerfully ambles in with Bowie. She carries a small suitcase with her good arm. Her 'bad' arm doesn't appear to be capable of bearing much weight at the moment; it's partially cast, as is part of her chest, and her entire left shoulder. "Oh, home sweet home!!" She twirls around, grinning widely.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] The General transmits, "Spiral, cover Iris. You two lead off the entry. I'll follow up. Coster, Ether, bring up the rear, and keep Plum well protected."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Spiral Pegasus transmits, "Affirmative, sir."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Ether Skunk transmits, ".... uh, okay!"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Spiral Pegasus transmits, "I ensured Miss Plum a scoop on this though. Keep that in mind, Ether."

Bowie simply smiles. "Home again, as promised."

Kalinka puts down her suitcase, then awkwardly one-arm-hugs Bowie. "Thank you, thankyouthankyou!"

Bowie gently returns the hug, all too conscious of her injury. "Yer welcome."

And it looks like the welcoming committee is here, as well! It's not but a few moments before the two of you have arriveed that the small, blonde, and red clad figure of Roll makes her appearance, smile on her face. One that fades a bit when she notices the condition that Kalinka is in. "You've hurt yourself, Kalinka!" she says, proving that she knows how to state the obvious. "This won't do at all, what would your father think! Here, let me carry that suitcase for you. You shouldn't have to carry it yourself." She steps over, holding out a hand. "And once you're settled in, you'll have to tell me all about what happened, where you've been and what sort of exciting adventures you've had. I like adventures. Someday, I'll have one as well." Bowie doesn't go ignored, of course, and the girl turns to him next. "And a good day to you as well, Bowie." she says. "I expect the same thing from you, too. I wanna hear about all the exciting things going on out there!"

Kalinka grins as Roll comes over, and she tries giving her a hug, too. "I am so clumsy, yes," she says -- figuring a full-blown explanation, at this point, would be pointless.

Bowie tips his hat. "Evenin, Miss Roll." Like Kalinka, he tries to opt out of the full explanation of the past few days. The mention of the elder Cossack causes his smile to slip momentarily, but it quickly reasserts itself.

Kalinka says, "I want to go find my Daddy!!"

Chill Snowcat arrives from the Hunter HQ - Teleporter Room.

Chill Snowcat has arrived.

Kalinka scoops up her small suitcase with her good arm, and hurries into the elevator enthusiastically.

Kalinka enters the Hunter HQ - Lift Station.

Kalinka has left.

Chill Snowcat leans against bowie looking very much out of it.

Bowie moves to scoop Chill up in his arms, if he'll let him. Pride or no pride, the replikitty has stretched himself to his limits.

Chill Snowcat lets Bowie pick him up. He's not light but what reploid is. He frowns, "Sorry Bowie..."

He's not heavy, he's my brother. Or so the saying goes. Bowie hoists Chill over his shoulder in a fireman's carry, trying not to jostle him around too much. The doctors at the hospital were able to repair the worst of the damage, but their facilities were nothing in comparison to the Labs.

[Radio] You send Dr. Thomas Light a direct message: "Doc? Ya busy? Got someone that needs t'see ya."

Dr. Thomas Light sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Not too busy..."

[Radio] You send Dr. Thomas Light a direct message: "Whare should we meetcha?"

Dr. Thomas Light sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Medical.."

[Radio] You send Dr. Thomas Light a direct message: "Which one?"

Dr. Thomas Light sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "....there's more than one?"

Dr. Thomas Light sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I work at Light Labs, Bowie. I'm not even really a Hunter."

(And so they go to...)

Light Labs - Medical

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.

Dr. Thomas Light [Normal] [MH] Woodsy's hardhat pack

Lifesaver's Office <LSO> Repair

Sliding Door <S> leads to Light Labs - Corridor 3.

Chill Snowcat arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 3.

Chill Snowcat has arrived.

The doors to the medbay swish open, admitting one Texan carrying one feline over his shoulder in a fireman's carry. Bowie walks over to one of the empty beds, gently lowering Chill onto it. Then he looks around for Light or any of the other medics.

Chill Snowcat pants heavily. He raises his head, "I'm fine. Just gotta cool off a bit..."

Dr. Thomas Light looks up from his seat, where he's been sitting. What one does in seats. His face looks haggard and drawn, and his hands lower from his temples as if trying to get rid of a headache. "Coming..right." Hops down, putting on his best work face, and says to Chill "Who hit you?" Hell of a bedside manner..

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] The General transmits, "Those of you who can still move, get the smelt out of there."

Bowie tilts his head slightly at Light. That's not the good friendly doctor he knows. Then again, if Light's got a headache, that would explain it. No smile now, just a mildly worried expression. "He took a bullet fer Miss Kalinka, Doc. We couldn't come back here right away, so he had another doc treat him."

It was a plasma shot, but it didn't sound as good.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Ether Skunk transmits, "Whaa? But I just started having fun!"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] The General transmits, "We will not be held responsible for any damages incurred to your frame, Ether. I ask that you withdraw."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] RF MSE Prismatic Spider transmits, "Will an extraction be necessary?"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] The General transmits, "That is affirmative, Prismatic. Come in low, though, under radar."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] RF MSE Prismatic Spider transmits, "I am leaving immediately."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Sgt. Pallbearer transmits, "Dammit...Prepping London medbay for wounded. Someone get me a wheelchair!"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] RF MSE Prismatic Spider transmits, "Remain still, Pallbearer! You haven't recovered yet!"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Sgt. Pallbearer transmits, "I'm over 50% mobile. So long as I have my hands I can still work."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] The General transmits, "We have two units unoperational due to prgoramming simulating human inebriation."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Silo transmits, "General, me and Prism will be there with the Cow soon."

Chill Snowcat frowns, "I didn't mean ta get hurt....but I couldn't let Kali get vaped. She's my sis....."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Ether Skunk transmits, "You guys need any help? I'm wet, but I'm not injured!"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Ether Skunk transmits, "I'll take that as a no!"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Elemental Dragon transmits, "Elemental Dragon, awake and active, should you need anything, General sir."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Silo transmits, "Me and Prism shall be there very soon General."

Dr. Thomas Light says, "It's okay, I'm just tired and sore. Let me see what this person did..."

Dr. Thomas Light does so. I have no idea what...I'm sorry. I do this a lot lately.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Ether Skunk transmits, "I can make it back home on my own. Thanks for lettin' me tag along, guys! We should do this more often! General, call me, we'll do lunch sometime."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] The General transmits, "Err... yes."

Bowie gently leads Light over to one of the other beds, mustering a smile over his worry. The doctor does so much for them, yet forgets about himself. "Ya need t'get some rest. We'll still be here in the mornin."

Chill Snowcat slides off the bed and tries curling up next to the ice chest for moving heat sensitive items. Disappearing kitty!

Bowie is tempted to drop Chill in the ice chest, if that would help him feel better. The Texan moves over to one of the chairs and slumps down. It's been a long week.

Chill Snowcat continues panting. He manages to get up again after a few minutes and lean his head against Bowie.

Bowie absently runs his fingers through Chill's headfur. Once again, he's lost in thought.

Chill Snowcat is hot but he's home, "You okay bowie?"

Chill Snowcat receives a radio transmission.

Chill Snowcat sends a radio transmission to Silo.

Chill Snowcat receives a radio transmission.

Bowie sighs, "Yeah, Ah'm fine Chill. Jus tired is all." A small smile. "But yer in werse shape than Ah am."

Chill Snowcat says, "Yer the commander....we gotta take care of you Bowie."

Bowie laughs softly. "Mike's the real commander, not me. But thanks fer yer confidence."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Dragonlady Sonata transmits, "...I need to get out, I think. Anyone up for a trip to Ruby's? Or one of the shopping malls up on Eurasia?"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Bowie transmits, "Thanks, but no. Jus got home."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Alpha transmits, "...Not anxious to leave it again so soon then, Bowie?"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Bowie transmits, "Ah'm tired, Miss Alpha. Meybe another time."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Alpha transmits, "Very well, Bowie. I offer to go along with you Sonata, if it would be no problem?"

Chill Snowcat shakes his head, "I'd gladly die ta protect ya Bowie....yer a great commander."

Bowie's smile slips away, leaving a more meloncholy expression. "Let's not talk 'bout that. Too depressin."

Chill Snowcat hugs Bowie with his large paws around the sitting Bowie. Much like how a tiger hugs his human handler, "okay...." He looks up at Bowie with the large silver eyes, "Yer the bestest leader anyone could ask fer."

The corners of Bowie's eyes twitch up in a semblence of a smile, but the expression never reaches his eyes. His optics may not be as expressive as human eyes, but a sadness lurkes behind them nonetheless. "Thanks, Chill."

Chill Snowcat looks at Bowie in those eyes, "Are ya okay? Yer my friend right....and friends talk ta friends when they need ta right? I'll listen and never tell if ya wanna talk."

Bowie says "Yeah..." In answer to what question, he doesn't specify. "This wus jus mah first extended trip t'Texas since Ah joined the Hunters. Jogged some a those memories Ah been missin."

Chill Snowcat nods and lays his head against him, "I'm sorry....if I'd done better ta stop Landon before....or....maybe I coulda smelled that robot thing if I'd been made better...."

Bowie idly runs his fingers through chill's headfur again. It seems to do them both good. "Ah'm not blamin ya. We all made it out okay, that's whut's important. 'Sides, goin t'Texas wusn't all bad..."

Chill Snowcat cant help but chuckle, "sorry about yer friend and the hat...."

Bowie chuckles softly, some of his good humor returning. "Ken's got kids. He's used to it."