[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Hello."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Howdy."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "How is everything with you?"

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "'S goin. You?"

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Still no word yet, I am still on the electronic monitoring until the trial. So...everything is fine. My Aunt says hello."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Told her 'bout me, huh? Tell her Ah say hi."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Oh yes, I tell her personal things. Nothing at all about the Hunters, of course...that is a secret I will never tell anyone. But I tell her personal things. About the people I love, that sort of thing. She is really nice...I do not think she is anything like my mother was, but I would like you to meet her someday."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Yeah...Ah'd like that."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Is family always this confusin?"

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, it can be even worse. Most, though, are probably more stable than mine."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Mm-hmm."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Guess Ah don't have much t'compare by."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "*chuckles* No, but you are very much like a part of my own family. I consider you family, in a way."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Ah'm glad fer that......*pause*....Ah do love ya, Kali. Know Ah haven't said that much."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I love you too, with my whole heart. And I know it is a hard thing to say when you feel angry. I have made a lot of people really angry, I know this. But justice will be served, and life goes on, you know?"

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Ah know."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "It amazes me how little I ever knew about my mother's family, though. Anyhow, have you been to the C Ranch lately?"

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Wus thare yesterday. Comanche wus right testy. Missy wus her usual self."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Why was Comanche giving grief? Did she want to be brushed?"

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "She doesn't like bein idle."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Hm, well I can understand that. We should go on a trail ride...um, if I can get permission to leave the area."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Ah can see if all thair shots are up t'date..."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "*gleefully* If we could go riding on a trail around here, that would be perfect!"

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "See whut Ah can do..."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Thank you, dear. Maybe if you can, we can picnic this weekend or something. Just spend a day together and talk some more."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Sounds good."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Bowie transmits, "Supper's ready, if anyone's hungry."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "What's on the menu?"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Bowie transmits, "Chicken an rice, sides a potatoes an okra."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Sounds good. I might be down in a bit."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "...thare anythang Ah can do?"

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "No, nothing you are not already doing, believe me. Hey, if there are leftovers, save me a plate. It sounds delicious."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Sure."

[Radio] You send Prismatic Spider a direct message: "*incoming message beep/ringtone/whatever*"

[Radio] Prismatic Spider sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Hello!"

[Radio] You send Prismatic Spider a direct message: "Howdy. Not inneruptin anythang?"

[Radio] Prismatic Spider sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Not at all! What can I do for you?"

[Radio] You send Prismatic Spider a direct message: "Well....still havin second thoughts 'bout mah memories, but...wouldja mind havin a look at mah neuralnet anyway?"

[Radio] Prismatic Spider sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Gladly. My place or yours?"

[Radio] You send Prismatic Spider a direct message: "Yers, if that's all right?"

[Radio] Prismatic Spider sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Excellent. Come to Resolution Point, then, and we can have a look."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Ah'm goin t'see Prismatic."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Oh? When?"

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "On mah way now. Jus t'talk."

(And the gunslinger travels.)

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Okay...um...let me know how that goes. If you decide to get anything done, I will see what I can do to be there with you, if it will make you feel better."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "All right."

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory of Australia is much like the rest of the untamed parts of Australia - rugged, tough and delightfully charming. On the northern coast the cities of Darwin and Katherine serve as the only reminders of civilization, their silver age technology still providing all sorts of modern conveniences from ultranet services to indoor plumbing.

Prismatic Spider [Labcoat] [RF] Repliforce Air Platform <Fortress III> [RF]

Resolution Point <RF> [RF]

North <N> leads to Papua New Guinea.

West <W> leads to Western Australia.

South <S> leads to South Australia.

East <E> leads to Queensland.

Up <U> leads to Sky Above Australia.

Bowie rides out to the RF outpost via hovercyle - his Scout, not one of the Hunter bikes. Hopefully he's expected, and the guards won't be overzealous in warning him off.

The guards know Bowie is coming. Besides, Prismatic is waiting at the gates for him, as the Hunter passes the outer perimiter with little trouble. Striding forward as Bowie arrives, Prismatic waves, smiling. "Good to see you, Bowie!"

Bowie has considerably less enthusiasm, but neither is he surly. He parks the bike in a visitor's spot (how much use do those see?) and removes his helmet, then dismounts and goes to join Prism. "Howdy."

Not too much, actually. Sometime Prism needs to go see if Light Labs get use out of theirs. Turning and gesturing to the entrance, the Spider Scientist begins leading Bowie inside without wasting much time. However, he does continue speaking. "How are things in the Hunters these days?"

Bowie follows along, alternating between watching his host and looking around at the sights. He's never been to the base - or at least he never remembers being here - and so can't help but be a little curious. "All shook up," he answers. "Calmin down, though."

Security Checkpoint - RHQ Australia

Entering the main walls of the base, brings you into several security scanners and reploids, all of which are thoroughly making sure the base is at it's top security. Security and Defense personnel move back and forth through this area, between the two guard stations to either side of the opening in the wall. Within each guard station, sit at least one Reploid, checking the coming and goings of those moving in and out of this area.

Prismatic Spider [Labcoat] [RF]

North <N> leads to Open Field - RHQ Australia.

Out <O> leads to Northern Territory.

Prismatic Spider nods as they pass the gates and head through the security checkpoint shortly within. "So I understand. It's been a turbulent time for everyone, and Repliforce isn't doing much better."

Bowie didn't bring any weapons with him, or at least none anyone can see. Just in case that was going to be a sticking point with the guards. He continues to follow along, not saying anything in reply.

The Hunters are allies, so they're not exactly insistant on anything. Bowie is efficiently checked in and registered, and Prismatic continues on with Bowie. "So... Get a chance to talk to Abernathy yet?"

Bowie shakes his head. "Can't hardly reach his secretary." Though he's not quite as bad as when they talked on Eurasia, He's still long in the face. " 'Sides, dunno Ah have anythang t'say to him..."

Prismatic Spider enters the Open Field - RHQ Australia.

Prismatic Spider has left.

You enter the Open Field - RHQ Australia.

Open Field - RHQ Australia

The dust of the Australian Outback stills floats free in the air that blows through the gates in this part of the base. A wide open space, capable of handling most of the large vehicles that Repliforce has, short of the Fortress III, this is usually filled with activity, being the main entryway to the base. To each side of the field are buildings each marked with the functions they hold.

Prismatic Spider [Labcoat] [RF] DTI-80C Hovercycle <Stiletto>

Ride Armor <Eagle> [RF] Hovertank <Stalwart> [RF]

Variable Ride Armor <Kingfisher> [Aerospace] [RF]Hypertech Hovercar <Iridium X7>

Repliforce Transport <Mako> [RF] Repliforce Hoverbike <Alpha> [RF]

Repliforce VTOL <Razor> [RF] Repliforce Space Shuttle <Comet> [RF]

Repliforce Transport <Thresher> [RF]

North <N> leads to Admiral's Way West - RHQ Australia.

East <E> leads to Civilian Center - RHQ Australia.

West <W> leads to Post Exchange - RHQ Australia.

South <S> leads to Security Checkpoint - RHQ Australia.

Prismatic Spider hums noncommitally as they exit the Checkpoint and begin strolling across the Open Fields of RHQ Australia. Vehicles dot the level, paved ground, as well as sheds and munitions areas. "So tell me, Bowie... What do you like to do in your spare time?"

"Readin, horseback ridin, among other thangs. Like t'cook, too." Bowie flips his hair back over his shoulder, not that the wind is going to let his hair cooperate.

Prismatic Spider chuckles a bit as they head towards Admiral's Way. "A nice selection of pastimes... Sadly, I have little time myself for my diversions... Anything in particular you like to read?"

Bowie gives a small shrug. He likes to keep busy, and hobbies fill the downtime. "Jus finished House a Seven Gables, been werkin through Huck Finn right now."

Prismatic Spider smiles. "Classics. Very nice. One of my fellow Repliforcers is an aspiring author as well... Perhaps you might want to look him up sometime."

(And we travel.)

Medical Complex - RHQ Australia

The clean aroma of a sterile environment greets you as you pass through the large sliding doors leading into the Medical Bay of the Australian Repliforce Base.

The large room has a dome shape about it, with bright lights shining down from the spherical ceiling. It is broken up into several sections, entrance area, examination area, the repair chamber, resting area, operations table, and a closed off room for potentially infectious cases, or for procedures which require concentration and no interference from the outside world. Everything in the huge medical bay is lined with whites, augmenting the feeling of a sterile environment. The floor of the dome is riddled with tables, desks, beds, and curtains to separate areas, and patients. A few rooms towards the back contain supplies and utilities, and there are a handful of private rooms for patients. Opposite the main entrance, is the doorway to the Research Facility.

Prismatic Spider [Labcoat] [RF] Spin Cougar [Armored] [RF]

Brush Skunk [Casual] [RF] Spin Cougar's Workshop <SCW>

Repair Chamber

Out <O> leads to Admiral's Way East - RHQ Australia.

South <S> leads to Research Labs - RHQ Australia.

"We'll be able to test soon," says Spin, checking his clock again. They should be done by now.. "Try to calm down," he reassures, noting Brush's discomfort.

Prismatic Spider enters into the Medical Bay with his BEAUTIFUL ASSISTANT, BOWIE! EVERYONE, PLEASE GIVE HIM A HAND!

Wait, not beautiful assistant. Closer to probable patient. Well, clap anyway! Stepping to one side, he gives Bowie a chance to survey the room before they get down to business.

The cougar and skunk ain't in the main room, well not at the moment. Though Spin does start leading Brush out of the room, into the main medbay area and toward the holoroom. On the way, though, he waves to Prism, and then with a look of momentary surprise, also to Bowie. "Ah hey there!"

If people consider a humanform Native American reploid with a Texan drawl and duster to be beautiful, sure. Assistant may be pushing it, however. You don't want to see how he wired his stereo.

Bowie follows Prismatic in, taking a quick glance around the room as he enters. Old habits die hard. He gives Spin a polite nod, doing the same for the other 'forcer in the room.

Brush Skunk follows Spin, coat tucked under his arm. Bowie is simply presented with a nod, not recognizing him from anywhere and figuring he's probably a member of Repliforce...

Spin Cougar enters Admiral's Way East - RHQ Australia.

Spin Cougar has left.

Brush Skunk enters Admiral's Way East - RHQ Australia.

Brush Skunk has left.

Prismatic Spider escorts Bowie to one of the medtables, and gestures for him to sit down. "So... Are your ready to begin?" He's had time to look at the information sent to him... This will be interesting.

Bowie dutifully hops up onto the table, resting his hands along its edge. It's plain he's not too crazy about this, but there's a certain resignation in his expression. "Can Ah ask a question first?"

Prismatic Spider nods as he works at a side table, bringing up Bowie's schematics and initializing the diagnostic systems for the medbed. "Go for it."

It should be noted that, unlike in modern reploid design, Bowie's core is located in his chest, not his head. Yes, he is that old.

Bowie hesitates for a moment before asking his question. "Thare any way to tell the difference between an original neural net an a clone?"

Not like the head is always the location of the nets anyway. Try asking Starburst Dragon where HIS is. Prismatic mulls that question for a minute or three while he works. "It depends on the quality of the clone work, mainly. Those involved in the Arcanum Incident are almost impossible to tell apart... Not that we had comparisons at the time."

Bowie nods slowly, frowning. His grip tightens on the edge of the table. "...can ya keep a secret, doc?"

Prismatic Spider stops, turning around to Bowie and arching an opritcridge. "Would I be third in command of Repliforce if I couldn't?"

Considering his recent luck with the people he trusts, it's an understandable question. Bowie does not meet his gaze, instead closing his eyes. "True, Ah guess....jus...." He sighs, forcing himself to speak the words. "...Ah thank...Ah might be a clone, too."

Prismatic Spider doesn't look surprised, given the leadin. "We'll be able to determine that, perhaps... The question is... Do you want to go through with this? The choice is still up to you. I may be able to give you the truth, but I won't be able to guarantee what kind of truth it is."

Bowie relinquishes his grip on the table at last. He pushes his hair back out of his face and gathers it into a ponytail as he speaks. "Ah need t'know whether Ah'm really Bowie. If Ah'm not, no reason fer tryin t'restore memeories that aren't mine, is thare?"

Prismatic Spider folds his top arms, pondering. "Even if you are a clone, you're still Bowie. If you're not Bowie, who would you be?"

"Ah dunno," Bowie admits quietly.

Prismatic Spider says, "Would it really matter? You ARE Bowie, clone or no clone."

"It matters t'me," says Bowie. "Ah mean, if the real Bowie's dead, then Ah don't have much business claimin t'be him, do Ah?"

Prismatic Spider smirks. "Except if you're a clone, you are as real a Bowie as the 'real' Bowie is... But that's nothing to worry about until after the examination, after all, right?"

"...guess yer right," Bowie says eventually.

Prismatic Spider chuckles, and gestures. "Go ahead and lie down, and we'll begin the procedure."

Bowie nods, then dutifully lies back on the table. He also unbuttons his shirt, in case Prism needs more direct access to his core for this exam.

Prismatic Spider does indeed. He opens up Bowie's chest, and pulls several interface cables from the side of the chest as he hooks them into various ports around the neural core. He then activates the diagnostic sequence on the console on the table next to the medbed while he performs a more... physical evaluation. "Relax, Bowie. This isn't going to hurt at all."

Bowie keeps his eyes closed for most of this. Watching people poke at his innards has long since ceased to fascinate him. Synthetic muscles finally lose at least some of the tension that's built up in them for the past few weeks. Total relaxation is a bit too much to hope for, given the circumstances.

The inner armor plating protecting his core shows signs of being undented on more than on occasion, but his serial number (stenciled in yellow) is still legible. The net itself is still intact (it had better be, considering he shouldn't be moving and talking otherwise), though it shows signs of repairs. This is expected, considering the documentation found in his medical file and in Kalinka's notes.

The diagnostic reports that the parts of the 'net in charge of motor controls are for the most part without error. There is still the discrepancy as to which model Bowie is - Peacemaker or Archer - but Kalinka's handiwork seems to be holding in that area for now. As for the memory...the report there is far less hopeful. Including the memory accumulated in the past year and 2 months after Perfect Storm and the small upgrade, his total good memory sectors are reported at 38%.

[OOC] Prismatic Spider says, "So is it that the net is physically damaged, or is this more like data corruption?"

[OOC] Bowie says, "A little of both, but mostly data corruption."

[OOC] Bowie is electric weak, got struck repeatedly by lighting. Not pretty. :]

[OOC] Prismatic Spider is actually Elec-resist. :D

[OOC] Prismatic Spider is, however, Gravity weak.

[OOC] Bowie is also gravity weak. Now blunt, on the other hand...

[OOC] Prismatic Spider says, "Dear God. EMP would mess you up."

[OOC] Prismatic Spider says, "... A hint.. Don't get on Ed's bad side. >_>;"

[OOC] Bowie nodsnods.

[OOC] Prismatic Spider says, "80 percent of his attacks in his soon to be acquired Power Armor are Elec-Grav. >_>"

[OOC] Bowie edges away.

[OOC] Prismatic Spider says, "Or has one of the two in it."

Prismatic Spider resists letting loose a sigh at the results of the neural scan. "Hmm." The thought of giving him a complete physical overhaul crosses his mind too... But that is something for later. "All right... I know what I have to work with now." This is going to be time consuming. No two ways about it.

Bowie opens his eyes, doing his best to ignore all of the wiring. He finds this most easily accomplished by fixing his gaze on the ceiling. "And?" he asks.

Prismatic Spider straightens, looking over to Bowie. "Well, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"

Bowie sighs. "Gimme the bad news."

Prismatic Spider says, "You'll be here for a long while."

Bowie doesn't seem to be surprised by that. He simply nods as best he can, seeing as he's lying down.

Prismatic Spider turns to the console again, and begins typing. "The good news is that it's something I can work with. I can't guarantee I can recover everything, but I can probably get a significant portion back using several recovery techniques that are being released in the cyberneurology community."

Bowie again nods, his expression gaining a small measure of hope. "Thankee, doc," he says.