Moscow - Red Square

This section of the city is dedicated to the various government offices of the country, as well as many international consulates. The Red Square mixes nicely the technology of the 23rd century with the architecture of the old days. The Kremlin still stands proud, serving as the head office for Russia's government. Also here is a UN/Repliforce office and a number of other countries consulates. The streets are well kept, and security is ever present with so many important people in this area.

South <S> leads to Moscow - Southern Downtown.

North <N> leads to Moscow - Northern Downtown.

Violen has arrived.

((Violen

A gargantuan even among other reploids, the abomination known as Violen towers at an intimidating fourteen feet. As you look from top to bottom, there is no doubt of this creature's purpose. War.

His feet are rather small, almost the same size as an industrial reploid yet slightly larger to manage the stress of Violen's unique weight. The majority of his mass lies within a large muscular upper torso, so large that he leans slightly forward like a gothic hunchback. His long powerful arms are as thick as stone pilars, hanging freely they almost touch the ground. His armor is dark and uninviting, the wicked pieces colored in dark orange and red. The chestplate adorns a large green half-sphere protruding from between the breasts. The beast's massive boxy shoulders are protected further by rusty impaling spikes that pierce out to the Maverick's flank. As you reach the head, no sign of a civilized visage can be found, only that of a grotesque monster.

His face resembles that of a monstrous boar, a large snout below two slender emerald eyes with twin tusks unconcealed and pointing upward on each side of the face. A helm surrounds the rest of his beastly head, infamous Maverick insignia displayed on the forehead. Running along the spinal column, beginning from the back of the helm, is the dreaded mace. An extendable chain connects to a large wrecking ball with spikes. The ball itself is nestled into a compartment on Violen's dorsal portion... making him look even more like a hunchback. As if this fearful image wasn't enough, the Maverick carries an extra eerieness to the atmosphere and aura around him.

With his presence comes the faint and distant symphony, barely audible low notes that rings similiar to the wails of unseen ghosts.))

Bowie has promised the love of his life that he'd be careful any time he venured out. However, that doesn't mean he promised to always stay home. There are still need to be tended, such as not freezing to death during the bitter winter. Thus, the displeaced Texan is on his way to the internationally known GUM department store to pick up some warmer clothes.

Violen is all too well aware of idiot boy- I mean, of Bowie's (and just about every male out there, Reploid or otherwise) need to not be shut away. He had his doubts that Bowie would simply stay hidden for the entire time while the rest of the Hunters went out fighting against evil. Regardless, you could not imagine his glee at hearing of a Bowie sighting right close by to Maverick territory. It was more than he could have possibly dreamed. And so, having left a short message with Ritz on his soon-to-be whereabouts, Violen set off. His disguise is one of those trenchcoats that serve the purpose of absolutely jack all for someone of his size and, ahem, build. Nevertheless, he heads to where Bowie was last sighted.

Bowie is not an idiot. He's in love, which qualifies him only for insanity. He makes his way to the entrance of the store at a hurried pace, stetson hat bobbing along in the sea of fur hats and stocking caps. Stick out like a sore thumb? Maybe.

The phrase 'not an idiot, just in love' does not make a lick of sense as far as Violen is concerned. Love = retard. Bowie is in love. Thus... regardless, the X-Hunter steps up to the store where Bowie was spotted entering, grinning widely just to show off his huge, gaping maw to anyone passing by. He's pretty easy to identify. "I'm going to enjoy this even more than smackin' Punk upside the head," he chuckles to himself, remaining just outside the doors for a moment longer.

Needless to say, the ordinary citizens of Moscow scatter like a flock of pidgeons away from the X-Hunter. They may not know his name, but years of war have made them aware that large reploids with evil grins are a source of trouble.

Bowie may be in love, therefore insane, therefore a fool, but that doesn't mean he's compltely oblivious. As he begins to open the second set of doors at the entrance (why do shopping malls have two sets of doors, anyway?), he catches a shadowy reflection of tall, dark, and porcine in the glass. Frowning, he drops his gloved hand from the door's handle and begins to unsnap the front closure of his duster.

Oblivious enough. Violen's grin only grows wider as he catches a glimpse of someone who definitely does not belong here. o/~ One of these things is not like the other ones, one of these things just doesn't belong o/~ The large musical mace on Violen's backside, despite being covered by the trenchcoat, emits a short series of soft, pleasant notes that definitely doesn't match up well with the hulking not-so-pleasant image of Violen. Without hesitation, Violen steps -through- the doors without opening them, crashing through the glass and sending the shards raining down outside. "Better ----ing hurry up with your guns, asshole. Might be the last thing you ever do." He looks pretty overconfident. As evil guys should be.

So much for getting the duster off in time.

Bowie turns as Violen barrels through the outer entrance, calling out his armor from plotconveniencespace. Brown and bronze armor plates envelop him as he leaps back just out of the Maverick's reach, rifle appearing in his hand. He doesn't bother wasting words, simply firing at him point blank.

Violen is mildly pleased and annoyed at the same time that Bowie understands that nothing he does or say can stop Violen from trying to crush him like a bug. Wordlessly, the X-Hunter reaches forward with one of his massive mitts in order to try and grab the rifle. The shot rings out, striking Violen in the palm, but aside from a very sharp sting, it's clear that little damage was done. He stifles a giggle, "Might want to try that one again, boy-toy. I'd hate to tell the Cossack witch that you didn't even put up a fight." Calmly, he advances on Bowie, tosses aside his trenchcoat, and tries to backhand him one with the hand that didn't just get shot up.

Violen strikes you with a glancing hit from his Generic Melee for 8 units of damage.

Bowie is passably light on his feet, but in the confines of the front entrance there's no room for him to get out of the way. The backhand connects, smacking him against the inner doors but without enough force to send him through them. Violen's taunts are ignored as the gunslinger raises his right arm, leveling the air cannon at his snout. He's never been one to mince words anyway. There's a sharp crack as he fires a blast of compressed air at the Maverick.

Violen continues with the taunts even though Bowie isn't responding to them. "Just remember there, boy-toy, that you have the power to stop this. All you gotta do is ditch the witch." He pauses and laughs, "Haw haw! 'Ditch the witch'. That's ----ing hilarious." He's going out of his way to make it seem like he isn't even paying attention to the battle, but in truth he is. "Now look, either give the Cossack wench the push-off, or she gets to see the love of her life being beaten because of /her/. I mean really, bud, you're being an asshole NOT to dump her worthless hide." he chuckles and continues his unceasing advance. Flinching at just the right time, the air cannon whizes by his piggish face and shatters what little remaining unbroken glass is behind him. He makes a move to smack Bowie again with his other hand, trying to get him through the inner doors.

Violen misses you with his Bash attack.

If Violen wants to top what the elder Cossack said to Bowie, he's going to have to try much, much harder.

The gunslinger avoids the blow the only way he can, by going low. The massive hand whiffs above him as he dives through Violen's legs, the broken glass of the front doors crunching and he lands and rolls across it. If he can lure Violen into the open air of Red Square, then he just may stand a chance. He quickly ejects the spent shell in his rifle, chambers an armor-piercing round, and fires at Violen again.

Violen is on a dodging roll, it seems. But this is mostly because, since the quarters are so close, Violen takes up nearly all the room and has the potential to hit Bowie wherever he is. Thus, aiming at him isn't terribly easy. The shell glances off Violen's flabby shoulder and deflects upwards into the ceiling. Where Bowie might want to get out into the Red Square, Violen most definitely does -not-. He continues with the unanswered taunts. "C'mon, buddy, this is pathetic. I knew Cossack's spawn was a little ----ed up in the head, but I figured she'd at LEAST have the decency to hook up with a guy who can goddamn well FIGHT BACK!" Finally, Violen draws out his musical mace from on his back, giving it a nice swing. The close quarters means he's going to hit something. Just matters whether it's Bowie or a wall.

Violen strikes you with a minor hit from his Flail for 8 units of damage.

You take less damage due to your Blunt resistances.

Bowie begins to feel a certain sympathy for an ice cube in a blender. Again he is knocked about, though his armor takes the brunt of the blow. The armor plating around his chest crumples, absorbing the kinetic damage with little bleedthrough to its wearer. He backpedals as he pumps the rifle and reloads, this time with a shell packed full of heavy shot. Maybe, just maybe he can get out the doors and into the square...

With each hit, regardless of whether it's againts Bowie or one of the now very battered walls, the musical mace sings out a note, creating a strong and royal fanfare to accompany the sounds of gunshots and things being crushed. Once again, the noble music doesn't really match the fact that this is essentially a grudge match in order to stop two people in love from being in love. Not exactly noble reasons. Regardless, Violen is struck this time with the shot, and staggers back. A large bullet hole is in his gut, and he looks down, "Ow." he mutters. "Well, I'm sure it'll make Kalinka-" he pauses to spit on the ground, "-Pleased to know that you didn't /totally/ suck." He tries to run after Bowie on his short little legs. He snaps out with his free hand, trying to grab the Hunter and keep him in place.

Violen strikes you with a minor hit from his Neck Crush for 11 units of damage.

Bowie is temporarily disoriented by Violen's Neck Crush attack.

Bowie makes it out in to the chill Russian air. The freedom does not last long, however, as Violen catches up to him a few yards away. There is an audible crunch of armor plating (and possibly one of Bowie's structural supports) giving way as the Maverick crushes him in his hand. "Ya wouldn't unnerstand..." he wheezes as he struggles to break free of his grasp, to no avail.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Bowie transmits, "*sound of something going crunch* Maverick in Moscow...Red Square..."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "What is going on, Bowie?"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] RF Sci. Capt. Spin Cougar transmits, "Wha?"

[Radio] Chill Snowcat sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Ya okay bro?"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] ??? Gale Sorcerer transmits, "trouble, I presume?"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Simian Monk transmits, "Never the less I am on my way."

Violen drags Bowie back into the mall, and with him, crashes through the set of inner doors so that the both of them are within the mall. "Sure I understand," he says in a tone that suggests nothing of the kind. "I understand that you and the Cossack bitch are hot for each other, but are too ----ing stupid to stay the ---- away from each other." He holds Bowie for just long enough to add, "If it makes you feel any better, retard, this ain't personal. Nah, this is all for Kalinka." Violen spits again. "Ahhh well. If you're lucky, SHE'll be smart enough to realize that if she doesn't want you to keep getting hurt, she'll let ya loose. 'Cause you know, asshole, that this ain't going to be a one-shot deal. Oh no. We're going to do this again and again." He grins and throws a bonecrushing punch at Bowie. "Now doesn't that sound like fun?"

Violen strikes you with a minor hit from his Generic Melee for 6 units of damage.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] ??? Gale Sorcerer transmits, "would you happen to require help?"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Bowie transmits, "Violen. *sounds of another crash*"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Simian Monk transmits, "I'm almost there."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "Needless to say, Bowie, you should be careful. The X-Hunters are a dangerous group to be fighting."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] ??? Gale Sorcerer transmits, "I must agree there"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Bowie transmits, "*grumbles* Ah noticed. Ow."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "While Violen is not the most forward thinking of Mavericks, he can be dangerous when enraged."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] RF Sci. Capt. Spin Cougar transmits, "Chill Snowcat and myself are enroute."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Simian Monk transmits, "I'm leaping the buildings of Moscow now. Be there in approx. minute."

Bowie finds himself summarily carried like a ragdoll through the ruined entrance and into the mall proper. At least he was able to give the civilians time to flee, he notes with some small comfort. The force of Violen's blow throws him into one of the holiday displays, Christmas decorations raining down around him. Ow. That certainly knocked something loose. "Ah made a promise," he says, more out of sheer stubbornness than anger. "Ah keep mah promises." With that, the Texan raises his air cannon again, the walls reverberating the deafening echo of the compressed air being unleashed.

"Hey Maverick! Why don't you leave him and his sweetheart out of this. Deal with someone who will not mind cleaning Moscow with your carcass." A voice calls over the skyscrapers. The monkey reploid Simian Monk leaps down from his perching point and sails towards the maverick, and lands in front of the mall. "Remember me?" Then without a reply Simian leaps back into the air and extends his foot intent on knocking the maverick away from Bowie.

Simian Monk misses Violen with his Flying Kick attack.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Bowie transmits, "We're in GUM department store..."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] RF Sci. Capt. Spin Cougar transmits, "... Great. We'll handle civilian evacuations."

Spin Cougar arrives from the Moscow - Northern Downtown.

Spin Cougar has arrived.

Chill Snowcat arrives from the Moscow - Northern Downtown.

Chill Snowcat has arrived.

And with that, Violen suddenly finds himself being assaulted from all sides. Well then, that's. Just. Prime. He storms towards Bowie, swinging his mace around like a maniac, but before he can unleash what he would hope would be a killing blow, Violen suddenly finds himself being faced off against a powerful wind storm. The Christmas decorations Bowie was thrown into begins to pelt him. A wreath smacks him in the face and gets lodged on his head, and a plastic Santa gets a close encounter with Violen's mace. But all decorations aside, Violen is just too big and fat to be pushed by the air. Once again, however, he's interupted before he can try and lay the smack-down on Kalinka's poor boy-toy. "Eh?" he oinks in surprise as Simian leaps into the mall, and then starts towards him. "So what's how it's going to be, eh?!" he roars loudly, still swinging his mace over his head. "If you want to die also, monkey-boy, then SO ----ING BE IT!" He extends his mace, holding it by the chain as it whips around the interior of the mall. The arc of its orbit around the X-Hunter gets wider and wider. Everybody duck!

Violen strikes you with a major hit from his Mace Swing for 16 units of damage.

You take less damage due to your Blunt resistances.

Spin's prototype medevac ride chaser, with two medically inclined cats aboard, is roaring towards the scene... but it won't be there fir a while.

Chill Snowcat growls, "Can't ya get this thing movin any faster? Bowie's gonna be a Taco Salad by the time we get there!" He swallows, "And Kalinka's gonna skin me if we don't save him!"

Spin Cougar sends a radio transmission.

[Radio] Spin Cougar sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Status?"

Bowie ducks to avoid the fir tree that comes crashing down during the maelstrom of destruction, which only serves to put him right in the path of the mace itself. There is a heavy note - Low C, perhaps? - as the mace's head crushes into his torso, the impact sending him careening into a wall, then to the tiled floor.

Brightly wrapped boxes, decorations, lights, all of it is flung about the grand hallway in Violen's wake. There is a moment of eerie silence. Maybe he's been knocked out already? No, wait. Slowly, painfully, Bowie picks himself up off the floor. Sheer tenacity and stubbornness forces him to his feet. His helmet is broken in three places, the plates falling out as he stands. There is still no anger in his expression, only determination. "Ah won't leave her," he says. "Because Ah still love her." He raises the air cannon once more, and once again there is a deafening crack of thunder as air is discharged with the force of a hurricane.

Bowie does not aim with his hand. He aims with his heart.

You strike Violen with a minor hit from your Rolling Thunder attack.

Spin Cougar receives a radio transmission from Bowie.

[Radio] You send Spin Cougar a direct message: "Hurtin..better get here quick."

Growling, Spin pours on the power at the reply he gets. In only a few short seconds, the two are on-scene. Spin immediately goes about shouting, "Emergency! Evacuate this area immediately in an orderly fashion!" He gestures for Chill to go on. "Move in and help Bowie.. I've gotta handle the crowds..."

Simian Monk wumph goes the mace as it hits Simian. However, using his training Simian Monk raise his arm the last second and takes the blow head on. Then grabbing on to the mace he lets it launch him towards a wall. Doing a small turn in the air he plants his feet on it. Then using all the force that his legs have he brings back his arm and winks at Bowie briefly. Then turning his expression grave he glares at Violen. Then launching himself towards the maverick he extends his fist at incredible speeds, "Fire Punch!" he shouts gaining momentum the flaming fist flies towards Violen.

Simian Monk strikes Violen with his Fire Punch attack.

Violen is one big, mean, mutha. He is cruel, he is evil, and he takes great pleasure in causing other people pain. It is perhaps a tribute to the power of love that Bowie is still able to fend off the hulking X-Hunter. Mentally and emotionally, I mean. Violen continues the musical mace's tirade as it shatters things around the interior of the mall. The weapon's musical nature is in full swing now, and the song coming from it is a loud, valiant military fanfare. As Bowie defies his will, Violen knows he's lost. He has failed to destroy Kalinka and Bowie emotionally, and he recognizes that he has no hope of succeeding. The best he can hope for is that he can cause as much physical pain as possible for them. Even that is now suspect as Bowie unleashes the thunder. Cracks split open in Violen's armour and the swinging of his mace is halted. The music continues even as Simian moves in for the kill, blasting him with a powerful punch. Violen goes careening out of control, landing hard in a jewelry store's display window. Slow to pick himself back up, Violen is bleeding in many different spots. "Disgusting... little... maggot." He hisses. He's far more upset at Bowie's emotional victory than of any physical damage done to him. He launches himself towards Bowie, swinging his mace with the stored up musical energy in it. The music gets louder and louder, and Violen gets angrier and angrier.

Violen strikes you with a devastating hit from his Guided Mace for 13 units of damage.

You take less damage due to your Blunt resistances.

You are below your courage-endurance point.

Chill Snowcat smiles and nods, "I'll try ta save Bowie, get the innocents ta safety." He leaps from the bike and runs straight toward Violen. His expression harsh, "LEAVE. HIM. ALONE!!!" Claws extended and fangs shining, he launches himself at Violen. This is not a precise attack. His goal is to slash and claw and bite whatever he can. To save Bowie, he doesn't care if he's face to face with one of the heralds of death. His tail swishes wildly in his anger while he fights for his family.

Chill Snowcat misses Violen with his Maul attack.

While Spin stands outside, waving people along with his hands, trying to get them as far from the danger zone as possible.

Bowie has been an instrument of many things in his life: an instrument of justice, an instrument of peace. Now, he is simply an instrument upon which Violen plays. There is a triumphant, yet dischordant chord as the mace strikes Bowie, sending him into what is left of the holiday display in the center of the grand hallway. Yet who is the victor in this battle? Physically, it certainly isn't him. He drops like a broken toy into the toppled christmas tree, glass ornaments breaking under his weight. This time, he doesn't stand up.

Simian Monk pants.. he used alot of energy in that attack he leaps back to better determine an attack.

Violen feels the sting of satisfaction as Bowie finally goes down and doesn't get back up. The musical mace's discordant note, upon putting the blow upon Bowie, combined with his anger at having failed to destroy his and Kalinka's love for each other, combined with yet another annoying freak coming in to try and put him down, serves to further anger the massive Maverick. "GEEJUZ! How many of you ----s are going to pop out of the woodwork?!" he roars. With a vicious smack, he manages to at least ward off Chill enough to avoid being mauled by the cuts, slashes, and bites from the insane kitty-cat. Stomping towards the fallen Hunter, he isn't going to let nothin' stop him from his goal this time around. Violen mutters loudly while holding his mace in one hand once he reaches Bowie, "-This-, asshole, is what love is going to get you!" He flips his mace onto his back and reaches down, grabbing Bowie and pulling him up. With his free hand, he grabs the top of Bowie's scalp and pulls as hard as he can. It's not the traditional way of scalping someone, but it'll do.

Bowie is still awake, just dazed and in a world of hurt. Inside, all he can see are the dancing lights of injury warnings, outlining just which systems are no longer functioning. The list of functioning systems would be a shorter list. The impact against the tree has broken off the rest of his helmet, making his ponytail a more than easy target. The gunslinger involuntarily cries out as his long black hair is torn out with a loud *rrrriiiip!*

Simian Monk narrows his eyes fatigue banished away instantly. Leaping to his feet Simian rushes towards the maverick, "Hey.. pick on someone who can react. His palm reaches back and swings with the force to knock over a charging rhino. His intent is to smack Violen hard enough to drop Bowie and knock him out of the way.

Simian Monk misses Violen with his Stunning Palm attack.

Chill Snowcat is slammed backwards by Violen. He tries to get himself where he can get stop Violen and save Bowie, "I said FREEZE!" A blue beam escapes from the shoulder turrets of the cat. Moving closer and closer, he tries to stop the fast moving Violen while also making himself a more appealing target. At least that's what the cat is hoping.

Chill Snowcat misses Violen with his Freeze attack.

Violen pauses long enough to check out what fun things he's managed to get off of Bowie. Now that's a mighty fine piece of scalp. "Don't worry, boy-toy, I'll be sure to mail this back to Kalinka so she'll have something to remember you by," he hisses. He puts the scalp away and reaches down again, this time to squeeze Bowie's head until it pops like a balloon. Alas, his friends once again come to his rescue. The behemoth is forced to back away from Simian rather quickly to avoid being smacked. Without his mace, he has no easy defense for close combat warfare. "I'll pick on whoever I ----ing well want to, monkey!" He makes another move to crush Bowie, but this time, Chill comes to the rescue. In a desperate attempt to evade the shot, Bowie is dropped and freed for someone to pick him up. Violen ducks backwards into a wall, crumbling it but amazingly managing to not get shot up by the cold beam. Since Bowie's no longer in his grasp, he realizes he has to deal with Simian and Chill first. Drawing out his mace again, Violen swings it around, letting the music grow louder with each swing over his head. The notes slowly begin to get to the point where it could easily damage audio circuits. Bowie, not being able to hear too well right now, is safe. As is Spin from outside.

Violen strikes Simian Monk with his Mace Song attack.

Violen strikes Chill Snowcat with his Mace Song attack.

Bowie falls facedown into the fir boughs. He tries gamely to crawl away, but he can't quite seem to get his legs to move. If nothing else, he can pull himself further into the branches to keep from being captured once again.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Bowie transmits, "Thank mah leg's busted...can't get out on mah own...sorry..."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] RF Sci. Capt. Spin Cougar transmits, "Chill. Can you bring him outside?"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Simian Monk transmits, "I'm next to him I'm picking him now to get him outside."

Simian Monk uses this mistake of Violen's to his advantage and leaps near Bowie. He stoops low to pick him up and leap away. Making sure that Violen doesn't strike him. Grasping Bowie's waist he tries to lift him. He unwraps his tail to make sure Violen can't surprise slap him. Due to the cameras in Simian's tail he can see behind himself. As he inspects the area to get Bowie to safety he tries to determine where to go. Whether or not he gets Bowie he gets slammed by the mace only barely, but he still tries to grab him, and flies away unable to get him.

(Then Simian's player has to leave, so we pretend he passes out from lack of energy. Spin Cougar's player has to do the same, so we pretend he's off helping the civilians.)

Chill Snowcat shakes his head and screams angrily at the sound assaulting his sensitive ears. But he can't stop what he's doing. Simian's miss is noted and again he moves forward, risking his hearing to get a grip on Bowie and get him away. Mouth moves down to pick up Bowie by his armor. "I'm here fer ya Bowie....I'm here. I won't let anyone get between you and Kali...." He's trying to save his friend.

'Mistake' my right buttcheek. Although he'd never ever admit it, Violen simply wasn't capable of defending himself /and/ keeping control of Bowie. He has no chance of stopping Simian, but doesn't really mind if he escapes. Violen wants Bowie and only Bowie. The song finally dies down as the mace slows its twirling, almost out of sonic energy. He'll have to go hit something in order to charge it back up. The X-Hunter, definitely tired out from this whole ordeal, grits his massive teeth at Chill and stomps forward, advancing on the pair. "I think, buddy boy, that you're going to ----ing well find that that ain't going to be ----ing well possible." He makes a run towards Bowie, but naturally, has to get by Chill first. And how to get by him? Well, Violen doesn't plan on going around, that's for sure. He plans on going right through him.

Violen misses Chill Snowcat with his Smash attack.

Bowie does his best to help Chill drag him out of the combat zone, pushing himself out of the fir with his arms in place of his battered legs. "Run, Chill..." he manages with a wheeze as he circles his arms around his friend's neck. "Don't wurry 'bout hurtin me, Ah'll hold on..."

Chill Snowcat isn't planning on dropping Bowie. Luckily like Simian. His tail has a bit of a surprise. There is a hum and a dangerous ice missile launches from it, giving Chill the chance to run with Bowie clinging. Hopefully it hits. Otherwise the large Christmas tree display will probably not survive very well. "HOLD ON BOWIE!" He can't blink, but he's going to do what he can.

Chill Snowcat misses Violen with his Ice Missile attack.

Violen's upper body is battered, bruised and burnt from Simian's fiery assault and from Bowie's thunderous storm. But thankfully (for Violen, anyway), his legs are relatively alright, letting him jog pathetically to try and catch up to Chill in time. It's not entirely successful, but at least with Bowie slowing Chill down, he has a chance. Violen is just about to reach out and make an attempt to grab Bowie when suddenly the missiles streak out of Chill's tail, forcing him to dive to the side like only a huge piece of bacon can. The missiles strike the tree... ~creeeak~ Violen is once again forced to abandon his chase. The tree comes crashing down on Violen. "OOOF!" he shouts loudly, nearly being crushed by the massive display. Using what strength he has left, Violen heaves it towards the fleeing duo. This is his last ditch effort to stop them, and they'll no doubt be long gone after this.

Violen misses Chill Snowcat with his Big Thrown Object attack.

Bowie holds on for dear life as Chill races away, a few sparks skittering away as jagged leg armor strikes against the tile floor. The only other thing he can do is pray to whatever spirits may be listening that Chill doesn't get himself killed for taking this risk.

Chill Snowcat's focus is now on running, "Just hold on....hold on brother." He strains his legs to keep up his speed. "If ya can, call fer aid...if he gives pursuit, I do not know if I can keep up this pace." The cat doesn't stop despite the tree hurling at him. Only changing direction sharply to avoid it hitting. His teeth dig more deeply into Bowie's armor, trying not to lose hold at the movements.

Violen can do no more. He's tired, burnt, and battered. He stumbles thanks to the fact that the huge tree display fell on him. The X-Hunter behemoth is way too slow to catch up with Chill, and so after giving a loud ~oink~ of mild displeasure, he can only watch as he keeps dodging about like a maniac. Unless he actually makes it out of the mall soon, however, Violen might actually have a chance of stopping him. But it's unlikely.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Bowie transmits, "...This is Bowie...gnnnh...thank Violen's givin up the chase..."

Bowie is still clinging for dear life...surely the entrance can't be too far away.

Off in the distance is the sound of sirens. Local UN troops and police must finally be on their way...

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] King Dragon sounds like he's still in medbay "Violen? Where?"

Chill Snowcat gets Bowie outside and looks about nervously. He glances back at the Mall. "Where Bowie? Should I take ya ta Kali's?" Eyes watch for Violen while he searches for a hiding spot.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Bowie transmits, "...Red Square...had a bone t'pick with me."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Guardian Burn Dinorex transmits, "something serious?"

"No!" Bowie exclaims weakly. "Can't let him find the place..." Still clutching Chill's neck, he looks around the square as best he can. "Over thare...the cathedral..."

Violen can hear the sirens, but he isn't all that concerned with them. He's concerned with the fact that (A) Chill and Bowie escaped and (B) he got Bowie's scalp. Well, with some luck the Hunter will realize why he should stay away from the Cossack wench. Probably not, but hey, a few more Maverick beatdowns and he might finally get the idea. Violen stumbles out of the mall through the broken doors and peers left and right. Presumably by now Chill has found said hiding spot (else ol' Violen would keep on trying to crush Kalinka's poor baby, and nobody wants that). Holding onto the wall for support, Violen sighs, "Next time, asshole," he mutters even though Bowie can't hear him. "Next time." He slowly tries to make his way towards the teleporters.

Chill Snowcat runs toward the Cathedral as told, "Ya got it Bowie....He ain't gonna get ya while I'm here...." Chill nudges Bowie down into one of the confessionals and stares out toward the doors. He hopes that Violen moves on. The cat whispers, "Just stay awake and with me...."

Bowie hasn't lost his primary power systems yet. He just can't feel his legs right now, that's all. Once inside and propped up someplace safe, he finally releases his hold on Chill. "Thanks, bro," he whispers. "Ah owe ya one..."

Chill Snowcat shakes his head, "You are family....we owe each other no favors. We keep each other safe no matter what." He sighs, "Kali is gonna have ta fix yer hair again....ya better hope she doesn't give ya a blond streak fer losin it again." He lays down exhaustively and waits by Bowie. "I am still a Maverick Hunter by heart despite my release."

Bowie continues to speak at a whisper. "Ah'm goin t'call someone. Friend a a friend...did he get ya?" he asks, looking Chill over for injuries. Yeah, he thinks, the real Hunters are out in the cold, while the ones without conscience are still inside.

Violen, meanwhile, is out of here, having not spotted Chill Snowcat. A good thing for that, too. The Maverick considers this a partial success. Failed to destroy Bowie's emotional attachment to the fleshbag, but managed to make him pay for it nonetheless.

[Radio] You send Ayla Ericson a direct message: "*incoming message chime/ringtone/etc.*"

Chill Snowcat shrugs, "Just a bit tired....and my ears are still buzzing. I'm hurting a little but it hurts me more ta see you injured." He stays down looking up now and then. "You'll have ta tell me when yer friend comes here....I don't want ta threaten them needlessly."

[Radio] Ayla Ericson sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "...hello?"

Bowie lapses into silence for a moment as he speaks over the internal radio. He doesn't have the energy to carry on two conversations at once.

Violen enters the Moscow - Northern Downtown.

Violen has left.

[Radio] You send Ayla Ericson a direct message: "...howdy...this is Bowie...dunno if ya remember me...?"

[Radio] Ayla Ericson sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Sure I remember you! I was with Protoman that one time in the Light Labs."

Chill Snowcat smiles and lays down. There is no Violen coming. They are again safe. He closes his eyes and just rests his head by Bowie, "We are safe..."

[Radio] You send Ayla Ericson a direct message: "Yeah...he told me that ya help him sometimes...um...Ah'm in a jam right now, an could use a friend..."

[Radio] Ayla Ericson sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Let me just grab my tools and I'll head out. Where are ya?"

[Radio] You send Ayla Ericson a direct message: "Moscow...St. Basil's Cathedral."

[Radio] Ayla Ericson sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Ah, churches. The traditional sanctuaries. Should I be careful of any fighting or such?"

Safe? Bowie sincerely doubts it. Safer, perhaps, but that's not the same as safe. "She's on her way," he says tiredly.

[Radio] You send Ayla Ericson a direct message: "Thank Violen gave up...went home...but watch yerself."

[Radio] Ayla Ericson sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "'Kay. Be there in less than ten."

Ayla Ericson arrives from the Moscow - Northern Downtown.

Ayla Ericson has arrived.

Red Square is lost in a cacophany of sirens and flashing red lights. The entrance of the internationally renouned GUM department store has been completely blown out, and police and Emergency Rescue crews are dashing around madly to bring some semblance of order to the chaos. Meanwhile, St. Basil's Cathedral stands apart, a silent witness to the violence. One of the side doors is open a crack, leading to the sanctuary where Bowie and Chill now hide.

Ayla Ericson reaches the square and decides to stick close to the building walls to avoid getting spotted and tossed out of the dangerous area. She moves with purpose towards the towering church while also maintaining a look of disinterest.

Chill Snowcat raises his head and sniffs. He moves to his feet and his body tenses. Fur standing up on end. "Somethin approaches..." His should cannons begin to hum and he focuses on the door.

Bowie lies against the outside of the confessional booth, conserving energy until help can arrive. He's in bad shape, but at least he's not completely immobile. He tries to straighten up a bit as Chill alerts him. "Miss Ayla, that you?" he calls, wincing as his voice echoes more than he anticipated.

"Sure is. Though I'd rather not get perforated by someone's weaponry, particularly in a place of worship," the teen replies in a dry tone. An irritated chirrup also issues from her location.

Kalinka arrives from the Moscow - Northern Downtown.

Kalinka has arrived.

Red Square is lost in a cacophany of sirens and flashing red lights. The entrance of the internationally renouned GUM department store has been completely blown out, and police and Emergency Rescue crews are dashing around madly to bring some semblance of order to the chaos. Meanwhile, St. Basil's Cathedral stands apart, a silent witness to the violence. One of the side doors is open a crack, leading to the sanctuary where Bowie and Chill now hide. (recycling scenepose for Kali)

Chill Snowcat stands more stiffly, "Announce yerself....Bowie is this your friend?" He is more then ready to attack if he needs to, but has enough sense to wait. Though tht doesn't stop him from sounding fierce for Ayla's benefit.

A coated figure comes tearing across the square, scattering people in her wake. She carries an emergency repair kit in her hand, and she slows down for no one. Most people in front of her scatter; the ones who don't get out of the way in time are knocked out of the way, shoved carelessly, or simply bowled over. Kalinka simply doesn't care. Nothing-but-nothing is going to get between herself and her sweetheart...she promised him...

(YOU PROMISED HIM NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN AND YOU LET HIM DOWN, YOU LET HIM DOWN, YOU DIDN'T COME THROUGH, HE'S PROBABLY DEAD SMASHED BROKEN DYING BEATEN BROKEN IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT YOU STUPID BITCH THE MAVERICKS WERE RIGHT THE MAVERICKS WERE RIGHT YOU'RE USELESS YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT USELESS WENCH USELESS USELESS USELESS)

Near the GUM, a man tries to slow her down by placing his hands on her shoulders -- and it works for a moment -- until she broadsides him in the head with the repair kit. That gets him out of the way quick enough.

"Stand down, Chill," Bowie half states, half requests. "She's the friend a a friend." Whether Blues would want him to be thought of as a friend is another matter. "Let her come in." He pauses until Ayla comes in, then does introductions. "Chill, Miss Ayla. Miss Ayla, Chill Snowcat." He lets out a tired sigh. "Chill...wouldja find Kali fer me? Ah don't trsut radioin her...thay might be lookin fer her, too."

Chill Snowcat grins and sniffs the air, "She's already on the way. I ain't stupid. If I failed ta tell her that YOU were injured...well, she'd kill me." He nods to Ayla, "Sorry about that, but I can't let anythin stop me from protectin Bowie...even if it IS fer a pretty face." Smiling a little he moves toward the door, letting Ayla pass now.

Ayla Ericson snorts softly as she moves towards the fallen Hunter and crouches beside him. "Dare I even ask? Or would you prefer that I simply fix you quickly and painlessly, as our mutual friend prefers?" she asks, a faint grin on her features. "Since Kalinka might take you through the ropes as it is."

Kalinka brutally shoves her way forward, caring for nothing at this point save getting to Bowie's side. "BOOOWWWIIIEEE!!!" she screams as she races toward him.

Chill Snowcat follows Kali back to Bowie's side. "I'm sorry sis....I shoulda done better. I couldnt hit Violen. Please don't be angry with me..." He stays slightly back, waiting for Kali to respond and hoping she doesnt kill Ayla in her haste to get to her boyfriend's side.

Bowie looks like someone twice his size used him as a punching bag. That assessment would not be far off the mark. His chest and back armor have both competely caved in, the plating either crumpled or missing entirely. He's also been scalped, a few stray hairs all that remains of his black hair. "Violen," he explains, since it was over the radio already. "...decided t'play Vile's bully-boy." He eases himself down until he's flat on the floor, legs completely unresponsive.

(And then Simian's player is able to return.)

Kalinka barely gives Chill a glance, beginning to wheeze as an asthma attack begins to hit. She's so furious, she doesn't even care...and probably won't, until she begins turning blue and seeing spots. "WHERE IS HE," she yells...upon finally arriving at Bowie's side, she stares wide-eyed at the mess...her wheezing grows gradually louder, and she wails some god-awful sound that sounds like someone trying to scream underwater as she collapses onto him, shuddering. "My fault, my fault," she coughs.

"How charming," Ayla remarks as she wrestles with Bowie's form to give an inspection to his side and back. "Kali, chill. He'll be fine in a bit... there are some definite plusses to having a repairable boyfriend."

Bowie wheezes a sigh. "Not yer fault, Kali..." he assures her, then frowns at the noises she's making. "...breathe, darlin, breathe. Don't go havin an attack on me...Ah needja right now, an Ah neeja thankin straight, all right?"

Chill Snowcat whimpers and moves closer to Kali, "I'm sorry sis...Please calm down...please...<Little snowflake please calm yerself....you are making yourself sick. Bowie will become stressed. Please. For both of yoursakes, please calm down....>" ** translated from Russian.** He releases some moisture into the air using his shoulder weapons. Hopefully it will help ease Kali's bronchials.

"Sir? We found an unconscious reploid here.. could it be another maverick?" The EMT officer asks tentatively, he has seen a mavertick unconscious revived by the EMT to just kill it's rescuers. A large human comes over, "Put him in restraints then revive him." The officer orders. Two other EMT officers lift Simian Monk's limp body and lock him in some shackles. After they did this they powered him up. Simian Monks blinks briefly, "Wha..? Where am I? Where's Bowie?" He starts off right away unaware of the humans still.

Somehow, between Chill's calm talking and Bowie's reasoning, Kalinka finds it inside herself to stop wigging out and use her brain. Fumbling for a moment, and once she's able to slow those breaths, she opens up a container in her pocket, pulling out her asthma medication and inhaling it briskly. "Thank you guys, let me see what I can do." Ayla gets a nasty look in her direction. "You have no idea what we have been through in the last few months. And the last few DAYS. The threats, the taunts. It has been terrible. It may be nothing to you. But it is like living hell some days." She begins rummaging around in the repair kit. "God, what a damned mess," she mutters quietly. "He said he would do this, and he did, how about that."

Kalinka takes out a medical scanner and scans Bowie.

Between all of them, Bowie is rolled over onto his back, which looks about as bad as the front. At least his lack of hair means it won't be in the way. Upon closer inspection, they find that his spinal bundle has been crushed just above hips. No wonder he can't move his legs. His subdermal armor is also pretty dented up, but it succeeded in keeping his core protected.

Ayla Ericson shrugs, unfazed by the other teen's glare. "What do you expect to happen when the crap hits the fan? Flowers to fall from the sky?" she digs out her own set of tools from her backpack. "Okay, the threats part would suck... and your motion subsystems are a real mess, Bowie. If we can get your legs functional, we'll have to do a complete fix at a location that's suited for this amount of damage."

Kalinka takes out a small, egglike container from the repair kit, pops it open, and palms the contents into her hand. She closes her hand around the object tightly, clenching and unclenching it as she conducts scans to confirm Ayla's conclusions. She seems to agree, as she doesn't openly object.

As for the stuff in her hand? Only Kalinka has to know that it's Silly Putty, and she's squeezing it with all her might so she doesn't use that hand to put the smack-down on Ayla. That probably wouldn't be very constructive. Oh, but it would feel good. It would feel really, really good.

Chill Snowcat stands back and sighs, "Kali...they're tryin ta break ya two up. Don't let them win. As long as ya two love each other, then yer always defyin their evil. And I'm more then willin ta fight ta keep ya two together. Yer my family....what little bit of family I got left. I'd face Vava himself if I thought it would keep yas two together and safe."

Simian Monk pauses as he notices the bonds on his hands, "Why are these on my hands?" He asks the officers half to himself. The older and more experienced officer steps up to him and treats him like he was a mav! "Why don't you tell us why you were here!" He was mean and gruff. Simian silently sent a radio transmission along the hunter line hoping someone could vouch for him.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Simian Monk transmits, "Can someone help me? I fell unconscious in Red Square fighting Violen.. now EMT Officers think I'm a maverick.. can someone vouch for me?""

Silly putty might be useful for reploid repair. You never know. Bowie merely grunts at the ladies' assessment of his condition, having already gathered as much from his pain receptors. Or lack of them, in the case of his legs. He sighs quietly, while trying to remain as still as possible. "We know, Chill," he says quietly. "We won't give 'em that satisfaction." If it means becoming the Maverick whipping boy, he'll accept it.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Bowie transmits, "Yeah. Ah'll radio 'em."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Alia transmits, "I'll send them the files."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Simian Monk transmits, "Thanks. They're letting me go now."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Liese Schreiner transmits, "So the Mavericks are moving more into Russian territory, are they?"

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Bowie transmits, "No. Personal grudge."

Ayla Ericson pries open the cracked covering Bowie's motion systems. "Hmm. You wouldn't happen to keep any extra chips with you, do you, Kalinka? It might go faster to temporarily replace them instead of resoldering his current ones."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Liese Schreiner transmits, "Ach. I hope you learned from the experience at least. As I did when I fought Enker."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Conduit transmits, "Yeah, kill the elite units first, then deal with the riff raff."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Guardian Burn Dinorex transmits, "raff...."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Liese Schreiner transmits, "Ach, the Raffinato, yes."

Click-click. The sounds of shackles being released off of Simian's wrist. He rises off the ground rubbing his wrists, "Thanks" is all he says and walks out of the area looking for Bowie. As he walks down the streets he looks for any sign of where that cat, Violen, or Bowie went.

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Liese Schreiner transmits, "But tactically speaking. When he stabbed me, I ought to have taken his spear."

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Conduit transmits, "... Not what I meant."

Kalinka nods. "Actually," she says, sounding MUCH calmer (and drier), "I think that yes, I do. As to...getting him to better place to do the more extensive work, I do have lab equipment at my own place, not far from here...in addition to his schematics." As she says this, she produces some replacement chips from the repair kit with her free hand. "Here we are...these should do for the situation..."

Chill Snowcat tries to sneak closer, finding that this is the first time he's seen his sis in a long while. Sniffing, he lightly bumps his head against her back, trying to nuzzle her.

Bowie should voice a protest, but doesn't. He knows he's in poor condition, and going to Hunter HQ is right out. "We jus have t'be careful...don't want them findin our home."

Ayla Ericson shifts out of the way while keeping the chips easily accessible to the Russian teen. "How far away? You might be able to sneak out of here with some robes tossed over your heads or something. Escape in the mayhem."

Simian Monk sends a radio transmission to Bowie.

[Radio] Simian Monk sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: ":statics briefly as he tries to fix his radio, "Bo.. *fizzle fizzle* ere--" Then finally getting it right, "Bowie can you hear me? Where are you right now?""

[Radio: (E) Joint-Chat] Liese Schreiner transmits, "Ja, but what can he do without his spear?"

Simian Monk receives a radio transmission.

[Radio] You send Simian Monk a direct message: "In the cathedral. Ya all right? Lost track a ya..."

Simian Monk sends a radio transmission to Bowie.

[Radio] Simian Monk sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Yeah I'm fine. Violen hit me hard with his mace I believe I went unconscious afterwards. I'm on my way."

Simian Monk receives a radio transmission.

[Radio] You send Simian Monk a direct message: "Side entrance."

Kalinka absently yet tenderly pets Chill's head, forgetting that she still has the Silly Putty in her hand. Whoops! Well, Chill now has a blob of smushed, pink putty on his head. Her mind is already on the task at hand, pondering what Bowie and Ayla have commented on the situation. "Hm. Very true...it would be risky, but...yes, darkness has fallen. It would be possible to escape, cloaked and under cover of darkness."

Simian Monk makes his way towards the cathedral Bowie had told him via radio he was in. As directed he walked to the side entrance he graps the doorknob and opens the door not knowing what he'll find.

Bowie continues to lie there as the ladies work on getting his legs working again. Simian will find him lyng on his stomach on the floor, Ayla and Kalinka working on his back, and Chill providing moral support. He's also been scalped.

Chill Snowcat makes a face and finds himself besmudged with pink putty. He tries to look at the blob, crossing his eyes. However there's a sound at the doorway. And Bowie hasn't told Chill that there will be more company. Snapping his head around, he leaps toward the door. Blinking out of existance and reappearing right at the doorway, still moving and probably going to land on whoever is in the doorway.

Chill Snowcat strikes Simian Monk with his Hobbes Pounce attack.

Simian Monk oofs loudly as he collapses from the cat's weight. The monkey plants on the ground fairly quickly and muffles half in jest, "Nice pho meeph you also."

Ayla Ericson rummages around her backpack again and manages to find a rather large hat. "Here, Bowie. Try fitting this wool hat on. I got it a little too big and haven't gotten around to returning it. You might not seem so out of place with no hair or hat in the middle of the Square."

Bowie mentally facepalms for neglecting to warn the others. "Let him up, Chill. He's a Hunter. Rookie, but learnin fast." Hopefully the others will be kind enough to introduce themselves, as he's not exactly in a position to do so himself. He takes the offered stocking cap and does his best to put it on.

As she replaces Bowie's damaged circuitry with replacement chips, Kalinka restores the power flow to Bowie's extremeties, somewhat. "Okay...that should hold for a short time. Let me see if we also can use...a blanket or some blankets, along with that hat which is perfect."

Kalinka effects some minor repair work on Bowie.

Ayla Ericson rummages around her backpack again and manages to find a rather large hat. "Here, Bowie. Try fitting this wool hat on. I got it a little too big and haven't gotten around to returning it. You might not seem so out of place with no hair or hat in the middle of the Square."

Bowie experimentally flexes his ankles. The motions are jerky, but they are moving nonetheless. "Thankee...should Ah stand up, or are y'all not done yet?"

"Try to stand but slowly. Then if something goes wrong, we might be able to see it or try to catch you before you hit the ground," Ayla responds. "Because we don't need your systems damaged any more than they are. The sooner you're at home, the safer it is."

Chill Snowcat backs off of the MOnk, "Sorry....I was just bein protective and all...Name's Chill...former Hunter."

Kalinka gives Bowie a cursory scan. "Yeah," she says in response to Alia's suggestion. She's still mad, but not really in the mood to snipe back rudely at the moment. She's tired, her chest hurts, her head is pounding, and she's worried sick for Bowie. She just wants to get him out of here and back home.

Simian Monk smiles as he rises, "It's alright. I might've done the same thing." He turns his eyes back to Bowie and notices he's starting to move again, "I'm glad you're making progress." Then turning to the others, "I am Simian Monk a friend of Bowie's"

Bowie very slowly eases his way into first a kneeling, then, with a little assistance from Ayla and Kalinka, a standing position. As much as he'd love to give Kalinka a reassuring hug, he's worried that his muscular control systems are also damaged, which means his hug might be -much- stronger than intended. Once on his feet, he sends what remains of his armor back into plotconveniencespace. The extra weight would only be a hinderance.

Chill Snowcat turns and moves toward Bowie's side, "I can carry Bowie if yas want. I don't want Bowie ta strain himself."

Kalinka bites her lip, as she sees how precarious Bowie is standing. She isn't certain those circuits will last such a long walk. She looks toward Ayla for a moment, then over toward Chill. It would seem that Chill's offer might end up being the best option in this case. "Could you do that quietly, and without attracting much attention, Chilly?"

Simian Monk goes silent as he determines that the situation calls for it. Then feeling uneasy about standing here and doing nothing he speaks up, "Do you need any assistance perhaps?" He asks anyone in the room. He didn't want to be just standing around doing nothing because that would be bad.

Chill Snowcat says, "Well he can either ride on my back in this form...or I could go two legged and carry him fireman style....we wrap him up in a rug, no one should really notice. Just us all walk calmly."

Simian Monk realises, "I can go into the shadows and noone can see me at all." His skills in stealth were second to none.. he could move quite silently when needed.

Chill Snowcat has partially disconnected.

Kalinka finally notices Simian...she's been so concerned she hasn't really noticed him, up until this point. "Huh?...I do appreciate the offer, but...who are you?"

Simian Monk bows again to Kalinka, "I am Simian Monk, I'm a friend of Bowie's I was knocked unconscious in the fight hence why I arrived late." He straightens flashing a reassuring smile, "I'm a friend."

:begins to object...but if Kalinka is recommending it, he's not going to let his ego get in the way of their safety. Instead, he adjusts the hat, trying to make it cover as much of his bald head as possible. "Simian, this is Kalinka, mah sweetheart," he says as a belated introduction. "Kali, this is Simian Monk, one a the new Hunters. He's trustworthy."

Bowie begins to object...but if Kalinka is recommending it, he's not going to let his ego get in the way of their safety. Instead, he adjusts the hat, trying to make it cover as much of his bald head as possible. "Simian, this is Kalinka, mah sweetheart," he says as a belated introduction. "Kali, this is Simian Monk, one a the new Hunters. He's trustworthy."

Chill Snowcat frowns a little at the mention of new Hunters. Looking away, he waits for them to figure what to do.

Ayla Ericson quietly cleans up her repair mess and packs her backpack up again.

Bowie musters a grateful smile. "Thankee, Miss Ayla fer yer help...if ya ever need a favor..."

Kalinka ahs. "Pleased to meet you, and...thank you for your offer of assistance, I believe this evening we can definitely use this help." She grins fondly at Chill. "Thank you, too...hey, what is that on your head?" She gives him a weird look -- what a silly kitty he is! Then, she glances over at Ayla, who seems to be packing up to leave. "Thank you, too," she adds.

Simian Monk smiles at Kalinka, "A pleasure then. I'll help in anyway I can." He then glances at Chill wondering what made him turn away at the mention of him being a new Hunter.

"You're welcome," the Swede replies to the couple, shaking her head slightly. "Don't worry about it, Bowie. And now I'll be on my way. Have a safe journey home."

Chill Snowcat looks between his eyes and shrugs, "I don't know what it is...YOU put it there..." He moves back over toward Kalinka, offering it back.

Bowie nods. "We'll try. You do the same." Not that he expects her to be bothered by anyone on the way back to the teleporter hub, but you never know. He looks back to the others, resigning himself to the fact that someone will be carrying him home tonight.

Kalinka smirks. From this angle, she views Chill's head ornament as a blob of chewing gum. And of course, she's been too busy and preoccupied to remember putting the putty there. She thinks she put it away where it's supposed to go. "Ew, no I did not," she says, wrinkling her nose. "Anyhow...let us get going, I will lead the way. We should be very quiet. And once more, thank you all very much. This has been...terrible to say the least."

Ayla Ericson enters the Moscow - Northern Downtown.

Ayla Ericson has left.

Kalinka enters the Moscow - Northern Downtown.

Kalinka has left.

Simian Monk walks over towards Bowie and gets on Bowie's left side. He seems ready to help Bowie along. He waits for Chill to come along also.

Bowie, being shorter than either Chill or Simian, wraps his arms around them as best he can. His steps are shaky, but he manages somehow.

(We go home.)

Small Laboratory <SL>(#4907TLen)

Welcome to the Peacemaker-Dmitriev household, Est. 2216.

Although the building's original purpose as a research lab cannot be completely disguised, they have worked to make the place feel like home. What was once the reception area is now a living/family room. The walls are painted an almost-but-not-quite-neutral shade of pale green, the floor tiled in a style of checkerboard black and white linoleum squares that was popular a century ago. The room is furnished in an eclectic jumble of inexpensive "assemble-yourself" and aged commercial furniture, decorated with Bowie's collection of American Southwest antiques. His prize of the collection, a genuine Colt .45 SAA revolver, rests in a shadowbox case mounted on the wall near the entertainment center.

The much larger laboratory (normally hidden behind a sturdy wooden door) has through the clever placement of furniture and folding screens been divided into four areas. Immediately to the left of the door is a kitchenette with a two-burner stovetop and a standing fridge. A wooden lab table serves as a kitchen table and a gray metal storage cabinet as a pantry. Another table holds a small number of kitchen appliances, including a microwave and the all important coffeepot.

To the immediate right of the door is Bowie's home office, which is essentially a mission-style desk and yet another lab table pushed together to form an L shape. Atop them rest a computer terminal with hard-copy printer, global police-band scanner, datadisk storage boxes, a listing of public teleporter hubs, and other items useful for the average Maverick Hunter. A map of the world is tacked to the wall for easy reference.

Beyond the office in the far right corner is a workshop of sorts, complete with a work/examination table, a rack of tools, a small selection of spare parts, and extra weapons and ammunition. There is also a set of metal double doors that lead to the alley on the side of the building.

In the far right corner, beyond the kitchenette, is the bedroom. The sleeping arrangements consist of two beds separated by a bureau chest and the door leading to the bathroom. The first is a twin (single) bed with a mission-style headboard that matches the bureau and the office desk, and covered with a Navajo-style blanket. The other is a daybed covered with a Russian-country quilt. Perched atop the bureau are the plush Kalinka and Bowie dolls given out by Tron Bonne one Christmas - the Kalinka doll wears Bowie's cowboy hat, and the Bowie doll wears Kalinka's fuzzy ushenka hat.

Contents:

Chill Snowcat

Simian Monk

Kalinka

Bowie's junk(#5916Ten)

Chill Snowcat has partially disconnected.

Bowie has them bring him in by the side door. It's not visible from the street, and it's closer to Kalinka's work area.

Simian Monk walks along with Bowie helping him along. He scans the room briefly and waits for where he is supposed to go.

Upon reaching the door, Kalinka auto-unlocks it, and runs inside to prep the small area in the back room she still uses as workspace. "Hi guys...just um...just go ahead, and bring him over here, then you can make yourself at home if you like."

Simian Monk nods to Kalinka briefly and helps Bowie along towards his destination. When they do reach the spot they were supposed to go he'll set Bowie down gently as he was told to do.

Chill Snowcat is careful with Bowie and looks at Kali, "Ya okay Sis?" He's worried but not much he can do. A slightly darkened gaze is afforded to Simian.

Bowie has Chill and Simian help him onto the the worktable. Being repaired is nothing new for him, and so he accepts it with a certain resignation. "Mi casa es su casa," he tells them. "Make yerselves at home. Thare should be some soda in the fridge, if ya want it." He also casts a glance at Kalinka, to make sure she's weathering this all right.

Simian Monk carefully ignores the gaze from the cat. Even though he could feel the half-glare he tries his best to carry on as if that was how the cat's face always looked. The monkey nods to Bowie, accepting the gesture however he would prefer to stand at the moment.

Kalinka looks very weary and pained, but she's also quite relieved to have Bowie back here on an examination table where she can effect the proper repairs. "I am okay...it is fine," she tells Chill and Bowie. "This will take some time, but it does look like all of the repairs can be completely done here."

Chill Snowcat stalks over to a familiar corner that houses a bit of futon mattress. This is where Chill sprawls himself and nuzzles his pillows, "Hey sis....um....have ya heard me doin anythin bad in the last few weeks?"

Bowie nods, satisfied with her assurances for now. They'll talk later, in private. For now, he takes off the hat and lets it flop to the floor, then folds his arms under his chin and lies still so that she can work.

Kalinka begins by placing pain-blockers on specific areas of Bowie's armor, and flipping them on so their magnetic field can neutralize any sensation in the area of repair. Then, using a large, laser scalpel-type tool, she begins cutting into one of the damaged areas on the left leg. "No, Chilly, I have heard nothing...should I be watching the news?" she asks curiously.

Kalinka effects some repair work on Bowie.

Simian Monk leans on one of the walls. His tail twitches around a bit just for comfort. He watches Kalinka work silently, he's not the talkative type in crowds of people if he didn't need to talk.

Chill Snowcat tilts his head, "Ummm no...I was just tryin ta make sure I'd not been in trouble and all."

Kalinka takes out a medical scanner and scans Bowie.

Normally, Bowie puts himself in recharge mode while being repaired. However, seeing as how they have company, that would be rude. "If ya caused any trouble, Chill, Ah couldn't find anythang on it," he says in reassuring tones.

Simian Monk becomes curious on why Chill would be so inquisitive if he was in trouble or not, but to anyone else who saw Sim it would just look like he was readjusting his posture a bit.

"Yes, Chilly, I think it would be all over the news, but you know it has been quiet. So I think what you were hoping for, it happened." She's now working on both of Bowie's legs simultaneously, doing some sort of weeding-out of damaged wires. It looks almost as if she's weeding a garden.

Chill Snowcat nods, "If ya do hear anythin...please tell me. Its just botherin me that I coulda accidently did somethin bad. Those missin three weeks just make me nervous."

Bowie's expression is sympathetic. Both of them have had their share of memory problems. "It's maddenin, Ah know. But those memories might come back."

Simian Monk seems to pause briefly. He reaches back and scratches a bit when he feels a loose wire his expression turns to What-The-Heck-Is-Back-There kind of look. Doing a quick systems check some blips on his optics saying that sonic suppression systems are short-circeted due to some minor damaging to command lines. He raises his eyes to Kalinka, "Can I ask a favor of you? When you're finished with Bowie do you think you can take a look at my Sonic Suppression systems? They seem to have shorted."

Kalinka hms? She looks over at Simian, for a brief moment feeling like she did when she was a part of the Hunters. "Sure, no problem. Bowie will be finished in just a bit. It is amazing how much I can get done right here in my own work space..." She turns back toward Bowie, to finish up the 'weeding' and get to the 'planting' of new wire pathways, using a brand new tool. "I guess because I know where everything is."

Bowie continues to lie there. Yep.

(Simian leaves.)

Simian Monk has disconnected.

Once their company has departed, Bowie relaxes. Well, relaxes as much as the situation will allow. He also finally allows his concern to show, now that he no longer needs to keep up appearances. "Are ya all right, sunshine?" he asks softly. "Really."

Kalinka is finishing up her work on Bowie's legs. She's done outstanding work, as usual...they hardly look as if they were damaged. "Not really, this whole business is pretty sick," she admits unhappily. "So what happened, he was tracking you?"

Chill Snowcat watches Kalinka and Bowie quietly. He doesn't want to interrupt the loving couple. So he watches from his 'bed'.

Bowie admits, "Not sure. He must a been watchin fer me." He sighs. "Ah'm sorry, sunshine. Ah thought Ah could take jus fifteen minutes t'run to the store. Instead, Ah end up puttin all those people's lives at risk, not to mention mah own."

Kalinka shakes her head. "It was not your fault, what were you supposed to do, hide inside?" She sighs, putting her tools away. "This is just going to get worse and worse, they will harass you as long as you are with me."

:experimentally wiggles his toes, then flexes his ankles and knees. An outstanding job, as usual. "Ah'm not goin t'let them drive us apart," he says. "Thay'll get bored with it eventually."

Bowie experimentally wiggles his toes, then flexes his ankles and knees. An outstanding job, as usual. "Ah'm not goin t'let them drive us apart," he says. "Thay'll get bored with it eventually."

Kalinka nods, pulling the painblockers off of Bowie's legs. "Thank you...it is all just so terrible, I hope they get tired of it. But then again, they have not yet gotten tired of hating humans. They tend to hold grudges for a long time."

Bowie moves to sit up, now that those repairs are done. All that's left is replacing his hair. It's a repair that Kalinka's had to perform all too often recently. "Thay don't unnerstand, nor do thay want to unnerstand."

Kalinka sighs. "Yeah..." Her head is pounding, now, from all the stress. "I think I am going to go take a walk," she says faintly. "I need some fresh air."

Chill Snowcat sighs and lowers his head. He decides to let them have their time. At least he's with people he knows right now.

Bowie slips off the table, moving to give her a hug. "Just be careful out thare, all right?" Even though the vendetta targets him, he still can't help but worry about her.

Kalinka hugs Bowie tightly. "Okay, dear. I will not go far, anyhow." With that, she slips her coat on, and heads outside. Is she going to go have a good cry? Who knows...she just needs some time alone to dwell on this latest crisis. It's messing up her head.

Kalinka has left.

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Ah love ya, sunshine."

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

Bowie doesn't stop her, but he looks worried all the same as she steps out. With a sigh, he walks over to the bureau and finds a new shirt and pants for him to wear. All this combat proves to be expensive in the clothing department as well.

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "...if ya want t'sleep in mah bed tonight, ya can."

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Thank you, I think I will. It...was not too bothersome to you, was it?"

Chill Snowcat looks over, "Is she alright? I'm sorry I didn't get ya out sooner."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Nope. Kinka liked it, actually."

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

Bowie changes into a clean t-shirt, changes his mind about the pants, and slips into a pair of boxer-length shorts instead. "She's doin like whut Ah do, take a walk an clear her head." Not the answer Chill was looking for, but it's the best he can give. "Not easy on her when half her relations want mah head."

Chill Snowcat frowns, "It could always be worse. All of my real relations want me dead."

"Sometimes Ah thank mah bein an orphan is a blessin," Bowie says, using the slang term for an assembly-line reploid. He walks over to his bed and pulls back the covers.

Chill Snowcat gets to his feet and pads toward Bowie, "I love ya Bowie...and yer not an orphan in my mind. Yer my brother...yer my family."

Bowie ruffles Chill's fur affectionately...assuming that the silly putty's been removed. "Ah know, Ah know...but ya know whut Ah mean. No single creator, mah model line spread out all over the Earth." Assuming that there's even any other Peacemaker models left. "This is mah family by choice, Chill, an Ah wouldn't trade it fer anythang."

Chill Snowcat nods and smiles. "I miss my human brother...and mother and father. When they died I was lost. I was sure I had a family again in the hunters. But then they tossed me away. And finding out my father became a cyborg of the Mavericks? Its been hard."

Bowie raises an eyebrow at this, but doesn't judge. "Least we're all survivors," he says. He flops into his bed, pulling the covers over him. Chill may love the cold, but he's still getting used to Moscow in winter.

Chill Snowcat pads over to Bowie and nuzzles the texan, "If ya need anythin..I'll get it. But I'll lay over here so I don't chill ya out."

Bowie smiles. He really does remember how, he's just not as free with them as he used to be. "Thankee, Chill." He rolls over onto his side, trying to stay awake until Kalinka returns.

Chill Snowcat grins a little, "Thanks Bowie...thanks fer bein my family."

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Don't stay out too late. May not be awake when ya get back..."

"Yer welcome, Chill," Bowie says quietly. Yes, he's definitely losing the fight - one can stave off recharge for only so long.