Body

(Aug. 15, 2217)

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Message: 18/120 Posted Author

Central Europe Sun Aug 15 Global News Network

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<This... is GNN!>

Two days ago the Coalition for Reploid Freedom invaded the area known as Central Europe. Today, their hold on that region is complete. While they faced heavy casualties from both Repliforce and Maverick Hunter raids, the Mavericks prevailed simply because they were constantly assaulting while opposing forces could only field a limited number of troops. Such notable players as emperor Sigma, general Vile, and even Dr. Light himself were involved in this conflict. The Dinosaur Tank appears to have been moved from France to Central Europe, indicating that perhaps they value this territory more, or are anticipating a counterattack. Secretary general Houseman's office had no comment at this point in time."

<This... was GNN!>

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Message: 18/119 Posted Author

Diamonds For Poor People Fri Aug 13 Global News Network

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<This... is GNN!>

"Earlier today, Maverick Hunter Jazz Light answered allegations that she stole diamonds from the Robot Master-held Diamond Reserve with the following program, called 'Diamonds For People Who Don't Have Diamonds.'"

Footage plays of several Hunter craft flying over various villages in Africa, dropping diamonds much like one would drop food or supplies.

"While most of the diamonds are held by Repliforce, who have announced that they will return the multi-billion dollar horde to the people of Africa once they are liberated, roughly one million dollars worth of diamonds have been spread across Africa by airlift."

<This... was GNN!>

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Message: 18/118 Posted Author

Commercials Thu Aug 12 Global News Network

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(The following commercial is played in non-UN countries... but not Neo-Arcadia.)

The United Nations:

FAILED.

The Robot Masters:

FAILED.

The Mavericks:

FAILED.

Repliforce:

WIN.

Repliforce: The World's Army. Join Today. Because: the world won't save itself from...

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Message: 18/117 Posted Author

Dateline: Ivory Coast Thu Aug 12 Global News Network

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<< This.. is GNN.. >>

"Recon Rat comin' at ya' /live/ from the Ivory Coast of Africa! In a somewhat sudden turn of events, the Repliforce renewed it's assaults on WilyAfrica, carrying with it the intent of liberation, striking hard with the Fortress V, completely obliterating what was revealed to be the Alpha Squad Command Sphere in the area. This abrupt display of the Fortress V's multiple Ion Cannons did not go unnoticed. A scream of rage from one Doctor Wily lead up to the Robot Master counterattack in the area, the battle raging for over an hour between major officers of both sides, before the Robot Masters were routed from the area, key areas such as the African Diamond Reserve, the Gold Mines, and the Ship Construction Wharfs liberated of Wily control. The cities and former countries dotting the area are, from what we understand, beginning work on reforming themselves, with help from the African Alliance, which is small, but ever-growing. There is even rumors that Jazz of the Hunters was within the Diamond Reserve, and apparently made off with what she considered 'pretty'. These rumors, of course, are unconfirmed."

"More details as we hear 'em!"

<< This.. was GNN.. >>

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Message: 18/116 Posted Author

Neo-Arcadian Expansion Wed Aug 11 Global News Network

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New York (AP): FOOD!, the flashy upstart food conglomerate, today announced it will be returning to Mexico after negotiating with the Neo-Arcadian government. FOOD!, specalizing in what they term 'extreme eating', is the corporation ironically founded by Repliforce officer Anthem and Maverick terrorist Sonic Banshee to create the infamous francise of COFFEE! cafes that have advertised their food and drinks as being so 'extreme' that all customers are required to sign a waiver promising not to sue for gastronomical damages before ordering. The original COFFEE! francise in Mexico City was destroyed in the rioting months ago, but this announcement shows that the company is determined to return to the more stable and highly lucrative market. Construction of the new coffee shop is expected to begin by the end of the month. While the company has assured the Neo-Arcadian public that it will employ only humans at it's location, how well a business founded by two reploids will go over still remains to be seen.

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Message: 18/115 Posted Author

Mendoza Medical Wed Aug 11 Global News Network

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Mendoza Medical, a little known yet quite effective organization designed to assist Androids and even some Reploids, is situated nearby Tartarus. Those who often think of Tartarus tend to shiver in horror and fear, due to the reputation that it has earned. However, Mendoza Medical has forgone such worries and proven that it can open up shop in a location where most would prefer to look the other way. With minor advertising being thrown around, Mendoza Medical is slowly becoming more and more well known.

But what is the truth behind Mendoza Medical? Who leads it, and who is that person? GNN, realizing that it would be best to investigate such matters, contacted Doctor Diego. <Insert image of Diego here>

Asking questions about why he set up shop near Tartarus, and who he will and will not treat, the GNN stumbled across a worrying statement. It appears that Mendoza Medical has attempted to acquire assistance from the UN, in terms of gear designed to help contend with the Sigma Virus. So far they have received no answer, which has perhaps fueled the distaste that Doctor Diego carries for Secretary-General Houseman.

Is this a vain attempt on the part of Secretary-General Houseman to stop any form of assistance designed primarily to help the robotic types of people, or has Houseman merely not been informed about this? If it is the former than anyone can easily formulate an opinion that Houseman is a bigot, yet if that is the case how can he deserve to be in the position that he currently is? In the end, nobody really knows why Houseman is not responding to Mendoza Medical.

However, during the end of the interview one statement was made that might help to shed light on the subject. "Oh, amigo! The U.N. should have never let Repliforce go, my frien'! Worse mistake they could have made!" was uttered by Doctor Diego. His support of Repliforce might be the true reason why Houseman dislikes Mendoza Medical, if he is indeed at fault for no answer being given to MM's attempts for assistance. GNN will continue to investigate, and hopes that no unsettling discoveries are made.

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Message: 18/114 Posted Author

Panama in National Unrest Wed Aug 11 Global News Network

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<This... is GNN.>

"Naimes R. Unoriginal here once again, and, let me tell you, there was one wild night in Panama. I saw the whole shabang. The Neo Arcadians popped in with a large occupation force that called for the U.N. to pull out its rule from Panama or be repelled. Well, imagine this, the U.N. came and totally smacked the Neo Arcadians down."

Clips show multiple scenes, including the Moonraker taking down a Ride Armor and Guardian Phantom, Professor Gate hitting Sage Harpuia with a huge energy beam, Proto Man pegging Guardian Fefnir in the leg, and Magical Girl -- Pretty Jazzy.

"I interviewed a couple civilians, who were somewhat surprised that Neo Arcadia failed to follow through the promises made. Though, at the same time, they're still feeling unrest towards the U.N.. Maybe this is the start of a revolution, but not in Neo Arcadia's favor, but in favor of their own? Who knows. I can tell you that I, Naimes R. Unoriginal, will bring you the story."

<That... was GNN.>

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Message: 18/114 Posted Author

Panama in National Unrest Wed Aug 11 Global News Network

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<This... is GNN.>

<That... was GNN.>

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Message: 18/113 Posted Author

The D Block Tue Aug 10 Global News Network

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Caption Capybara here, reporting for GNN from Louisiana in the United States of America. Reports have been coming from several local landholders that a giant alligator, locally known as 'Nawlin's Reckonin', has been seen at the borders of the bayou in the last few weeks. This unusual mutant animal, known to be at least fifty feet long, was last verifiably reported during the Stardroid incursion two years ago by members of Repliforce.

Scientists are still debating whether or not this is an actual mutant specimen of an existing alligator species, or perhaps a lost species undiscovered until the present day, similar to the Phobosuchus of the dinosaur age. Biologists also disagree as to why this creature is leaving the swamps at all.

More on this as it develops.

<Commercials.>

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Message: 18/112 Posted Author

A Message From The UN Tue Aug 10 Global News Network

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<Secretary-General Houseman steps up to the podium. His voice is calm, cool... restrained.>

My friends, we have begun to take the war to the Mavericks... and though we have but an inconclusive battle thus far, we have shown our teeth. We are showing that humans are strong again. With the pending rollout of our new Korona defense system, we will be in position to strike a decisive blow against the Robot Masters and the so-called Coalition for Reploid Freedom. No, this will not be an easy battle, but it is a battle in which we shall prevail.

Former soldiers of Repliforce, I congratulate you on your triumphs, and your struggle to remain a part of this war. But I must impress upon you how imperative it is that you do not risk yourselves on the field of battle. I would see no more lives lost, no, not to war or virus... soon enough, it will all be over. The tides of history will soon away sweep away all unlawful reploid and android combatants, and leave us with a new age of peace...

An age in which mankind... and robotkind... can live free of this senseless conflict.

I bid you good evening.

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Message: 18/111 Posted Author

GNN Breaking News: Fortress V Mon Aug 09 Global News Network

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<<This.. is GNN.. >>

The anchor murmurs offscreen, "Are we on?" The camera man seems to hiss, drawing the attention of News Newt to the fact they are rather live right now. "Ah, good evening! This is News Newt reporting on the latest news -- today, the world was in for something of a shock today, as General of the Repliforce extended invitations to dignitaries of quite a number of countries for the unveiling of a New Fortress, as we understand it. Details are sketchy at this time, but we have heard that in reality, the Fortress III which Secretary-General Houseman stated was sunk by these supposedly 'Rouge' members of the Repliforce was not entirely lost. That much is evident today as we have heard this ship, long kept in hiding and seclusion in Ireland is the new Repliforce Mobile Base -- the Fortress Five."

The news report shifts from the newscaster, to images -- mostly that of a number of Repliforcers gathered over an openfield, right before the open field is shown to be the immense, spear-head shaped, mile-long plus profile of the Fortress V. It is bristling with weapons, visible and not as crews file into it, before after what seems to be an internal tour, people visible from places like the Skydeck. Two offiers step out from the Skydeck, holding a great bottle of champagne between them, christening the vessel as it lifts off imperiously, a layer of energy shields deploying over it as it takes off, cruising gently upwards. Despite it's size, it hardly seems very ponderous -- in fact, it's almost fast, but that could be an illusion because of how big it is.

"We've heard rumors at this time, that delegates from North America, and Egypt have been in debate over the formal recognition of the Repliforce as an 'official' military force that they would conisder contracting officially with the Repliforce following the Maiden Voyage of this immense battle station. While we could not get any confirmation at this time, apparently the delegates from countries not working with the U.N. left 'very pleased' with the demonstration provided by the Repliforce, and would be raising the issue formally in the United States Congress and Senate." A shift, again, to video, a live feed as the Fortress V approaches the France/UK channel, cruising along very gently, like a beacon of light in all the darkness of the night sky.

<< This.. was GNN.. >>

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Message: 18/110 Posted Author

Entertainment News Mon Aug 09 Global News Network

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<<This... is GNN.>>

"In entertainment today, the movie "Night Zero in Africa" has finished production. Previews have been very poorly received, most critics calling the movie uninspired and poorly paced even for an action movie. This does not bode well for the career of Richard Rockwell, who made his movie debut as the lead villain of the movie."

"Rockwell was unavailable for interview regarding the movie."

<<That... was GNN.>>

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Message: 18/109 Posted Author

Terrorists in New York! Mon Aug 09 Global News Network

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<Everyone's favorite GNN news caster appears, Stone Johnson!> "Today, in the business district of New York, what appears to be a attack lead by the Mavericks has left many dead, some wounded, and lots of damage everywhere. The attack would have been much worse, if not for what appears to be Neo Arcadia stepping in, as well as Maverick Hunter Magma Dragoon. There were reports of Heracorp's CEO on sight helping with the wounded, but there has been no offical statement given by heracorp. More on this as it develops...

In sports..

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Message: 18/108 Posted Author

GNN: African Savannah Sat Aug 07 Global News Network

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<< This.. is GNN.. >>

A newscaster appears on the vidscreen, shortly after the usual 'on-scene' introduction. The ticket line reads that the reporter, Recon Raccoon, is reporting from the Savannah, which has notoriously been one of the areas in Wily's slice of the world. Unfortunately for some -- the scene of a brutal clash leaves only Repliforce soldiers in the area, some building fortifications, others working with the grateful civilian populaces in the area, in the background.

"Recon here, comin' at you live from the African Savannah's own Diamond Mines, which has, thanks to an assault by the ever resurging Repliforce, and quite possibly thanks to outside influence from one of the notorious Bonne Family raiders, this part of the Continent has been rendered it's freedom in much the same way that the northern parts of this continent already seems to have been. While people like Houseman would probably like to call the Repliforce nothing more than a decommissioned army, it seems this army hasn't lost it's teeth in what General himself stated that was the original reason they still fight -- for the freedom of people, as we hear, have lived under Wily and his Sons rule for all too long." Storm Owl is in the background, working along with Plasma Harrier, and others.

"Details are sketchy at this time, but one of the more hotly contested tracts of land here, under the repeated attacks of both the Maverick Hunters and the Repliforce, have won a slice of freedom for the countries herein -- we've recieved some word that Kenyan representatives, having been exiled for quite some time, are able to return to their respective positions. Will the Repliforce and Hunters be able to keep up the pace? And where, we wonder, are the UN's vaunted Power Armor Corps? This reporter sure doesn't know, but we know one thing. The Repliforce and the Maverick Hunters are seemingly back with a vengence in light of events on Wendsday."

<< This.. was GNN.. >>

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Message: 18/107 Posted Author

Sigma defeated! Wed Aug 04 Global News Network

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*Images of Viral Sigma and Octavius General tearing each other apart. Tentacles whipping everywhere in sight, virulant green blood spattered everywhere, both torn almost beyond recognition... all forms of superficial cosmetics stripped away.*

"Our top story tonight, Germany was literally rocked as the two most powerful reploids ever known to exist, Sigma and General, both in their ressurected form. General had provoked the Coalition Emperor into a final duel by completely obliterating the mecha-schwarzwald with his infamous Apocalypse Cannon... a show of power rarely, if ever, seen."

*Clips of the forest being vaporized entirely by General.*

"Displeased, Sigma arrived shortly and the two began. The battle was brief and deadly, world-shattering blows being exchanged. It ended, tonight, with a blast like none ever known to the world... made by a reploid. A newly equipped feature on the rebuilt General designed by Doctor Cossack himself, the Geomagnetic Storm ripped apart the landscape. Reports are coming in worldwide of its effects. The skies of Germany are completely darkened by ash, most of Europe suffering minor damage from a brief tremor, torrent waves rising to twice their height across the beaches of the world, backlashes of electrical interferences felt around the globe."

*Shots from space showing a vibrant orange glow on the European continent.*

"We continue to wait for reports on the field of the aftermath... ground zero of the battle is, at the moment, unaccessible. Hazardous levels of radiation lingering from said blast. We will bring you more on the story as it develops."

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Message: 18/106 Posted Author

Evening News... Tue Aug 03 Global News Network

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The usual evening shows are interrupted by a Breaking News Report.

A Reporter can be see in front of a darkened apartment building, a bright light being shined on him, "This is Reporter Wombat in Montreal, Canada, where two explosions have gone off in this apartment complex, where the Ambassadors from the Coalition for Reploid Freedom have been living for the past months." He says, gesturing behind him, "We're about to get a feed to the inside of the room that the explosions were found to come from."

After a few moments, the image is shifted to the inside. A blackened apartment, clearly damaged by the explosions that already went on here, can be seen. But this is not all. Amongst all the smoke that is clearing through the windows, which have been opened, is a figure. Long silver hair can be seen, eventually... and once the smoke is mostly cleared, it becomes certain who is standing there. Protoman, clad in his Codebreaker armor.

Two husks of Reploid Security Guards lay against the wall behind him, and kneeling on the ground, facing the same direction that he is, leaned over so that something noticable can be seen upon either of their backs-- mines. Remote mines, to be exact. In one of Protoman's hands is a detonator, and the other is shifted into buster-saber mode, held at ready to swipe down... but he doesn't do so just yet, holding the arm with the detonator crossed so what little of his face that was exposed is now hidden. He begins to speak.

"For the past few months, I have been working on collecting information on these Maverick Ambassadors. Why I have been hunting down and killing them, you will soon find out. If you haven't, already. I have sat by idly and watched for some time, and recently I wondered why exactly I was doing that was so secretive. Why I wasn't doing this publically. Why I didn't just come right out and say it."

"And I have come to the conclusion that the reason I was doing this was so that I could make the most important strike one that the Maverick Empire would not soon forget." Protoman says, a cover being slipped forward on the detonator to allow a large red button to be exposed. The sword is brought down, clean across the necks of the Diplomats below him, as he dashes backwards, bringing the detonator forward, his thumb depressing upon the red button.

The bombs go off before the heads of the Diplomats hit the floor, turning them into, like the security guards, husks, and nothing more. Protoman can be seen standing back, now, where there was more than likely a door at one time or another, "One that would make them realize that they've been found out."

The detonator is crushed in his hand, to a nice, compact form, so he can point his index finger towards the camera, through the 'fresh' smoke.

"I know what you're doing,"

"And I know how to stop it." Protoman finishes, before a flash of red light announces his departure, noticable even behind the smoke cloud.

The Camera View switches back to a nervous-looking Reporter Wombat, "This has been GNN, in Montreal Canada... We will be returning to your regularly scheduled programming shortly.."

The 'Breaking News Report' Ends, and they return to the 'regularly' scheduled programming.

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[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: Dr. Doppler *incoming transmission - no doubt you recognize the encryption code*

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "*decrypts* ...Father?"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: Dr. Doppler speaks in German, naturally. "< Good afternoon, daughter. >"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<< Hello! I'm taking care of Eisensturm, she's doing really well and she has plenty of woods to run around in. How are you doing? >>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, "< Good, good......I am tired, Iris. Very very tired. I have not been resting well. >"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<< Have you been worrying? >>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, ""

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<< You have to listen to your own voice. Not anyone else's. Because in the end, you might not be able to depend upon anyone except yourself. >>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, "< Is this...is this how you have felt all this time, my son? I did not know your hatred ran so deep... >"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<< ...What? >>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, "< ....rrgh. I'm sorry. There are times that the whisper is difficult to ignore. >"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<< It's alright. I'm so worried for you. I'm going to be making a special trip to see Dr. Light, and I'll give him those things you'd sent with Eisensturm. >>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, "Thank you. I hope that they will help in his research."

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<< I'm sure they will. Wish there was more I could do...I have a few personal things of my own I'm dealing with, but I don't really want to bother you with them because they're probably trivial. >>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, "< I should tell you...you have a new brother. His name is Gray. He should have been activated months ago...the only reason I have awakened him now is because I fear that the Sigma Virus will infect even an inactive neural-net. At least this way he stands a better chance against it. >"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, "If you wish. He's still with me for now...though it is against my better judgement, it would have been unfair to him to thrust him into the world only a few hours after awakening."

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<< That's understandable. >>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, "< He's been tidying up my loft...I think he may take after you in that regard. >"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "*giggles* << Maybe so!! >>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: Dr. Doppler chuckles quietly. "< At least now I have reason to not find anything in here. >"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, "< It has been so difficult to think. >"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, "< At least I know you still care about me, which is a comfort. My other children...Bit, Byte...I think they are avoiding me. No doubt I appear weak to them. >"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<< You aren't weak! It isn't like you could help catching the Virus...they probably don't know how to react right now. >>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, ""

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<< That's right, Father, don't back down. >>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: Dr. Doppler lapses into silence. However, his radio picks up the sound of something shattering - a dish or a cup?

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: Dr. Doppler draws in a ragged breath. ""

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Iris: You say, "< Tell Octavius...I would speak with him when he has the opportunity. >"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Iris says, "<< Okay! I will. >>"

MavBerlin - Imperial Stronghold

At the center of Berlin lies the heart of the Maverick occupation. Within this military establishment, dwells the majority of the Maverick force. The main gates are guarded around the clock with frequent patrols, discouraging any attempt of unauthorized entry. The main roads intersect in this area, leading off in each direction to another section of the city. Residents here pass frequently, but rarely stop as they go about thier business. Any form of criminal activity, or violence, here, like anywhere else in Berlin, is met quickly and harshly.

Tactical Raccoon [Work] [M] Skydeck <ss> [#4611 Ten]

The Imperial Spire [M] Empty Office

South <S> leads to MavBerlin - Cultural District.

East <E> leads to MavBerlin - Residential District.

West <W> leads to MavBerlin - Military District.

North <N> leads to MavBerlin - Business District.

Overclock arrives from the Business District.

Overclock has arrived.

Dr. Doppler walks along the wide sidewalk leading out of the spire, the tip of his cane tapping on the concrete as he makes his way to the street. It is not unusual for the doctor to be out and about during this time of day - his evening walk is both good practice and good exercise. The only thing remarkable about it is that his pace is a bit more brisk than normal....and for some reason, Eisensturm does not accompany him.

Coming from his home area in the northern parts of town, Overclock is heading for the Spire to check back in. He's hoping he'll be able to see Doppler today, since he hasn't checked up on him since the break that he took. He's happy to see the other cyborg leaving the spire, heading out for a walk. Not only does that mean that he's found Doppler, but it means that Doppler is well enough to be out for a stroll. He catches up quickly, jogging the last few paces. "Hey. Good to see you again. Missed seeing you last night."

Dr. Doppler does not seem to be in the mood for company, judging by his dour frown. Still, he does not chase Overclock away. "Good evening," he says in English. It's still not as sure as his German, but he is finding it easier to express himself in it. "I was out last night," he continues, thinking that he was looking for him at home.

Overclock nods, as he slows down now, catching up. "I know. You were...at the conference, weren't you? But I didn't see you." He notices that Doppler's unhappy about him being there, but thinks, 'well, tough.' After all, he has to check in on his progress from time to time.

There seems to be something amiss about the doctor. He appears more haggard, his labcoat a bit rumpled as if it's been slept in, his hair slightly disheveled. "Yes. I was in disguise," Doppler explains. "Cyber was with me. You were also there?"

"Yeah, of course." Overclock puts his hands behind his back, as he looks carefully at Doppler to note his condition. "Not that I know anything about nets, but it's time to learn. I noticed Cyber. He was a bit more obvious. Actually, they nearly shot at him."

Gray arrives from the Cultural District.

Gray has arrived.

"Yes...one of the things I needed to teach you," Doppler says. He continues to walk, since Overclock is more than capable of matching his pace. "Did they? I left before then. You know how they usually end."

"It didn't. After all...if anyone was going to start trouble near the end it would've been me, and I'm smarter than that with that much security around." Overclock pauses. "We may have to kill Prismatic Spider in the end. Or steal his research. Not so much for what he's doing with the nets, but for what he seems to want to do against us. I guess he didn't know yet that I'm a Maverick."

Dr. Doppler's frown deepens at the suggestion. "A shame. He showed promise...." His brow furrows, his gaze turning from Overclock to some point in the distance. "No...no...we will not do that," he mutters. "Be silent."

"Scuse me?" Overclock looks at Doppler questioningly, tilting his head at him. It doesn't seem as if Doppler was talking to him, so he had to wonder who he was talking to. Someone stealthed?

Dr. Doppler seems to have forgotten about Overclock for the moment. He pauses in his steps for a moment, rubbing at his temples with his free hand. "< No, no, no, >" he continues to mutter, unintentionally slipping into German. "< You do not control me! Silence! >"

Overclock puts a hand on Doppler's shoulder, stopping him suddenly, or at least trying to. He wants to get his attention. He switches to German himself; he does show some improvement in it. "< To whom are you talking?! >"

Dr. Doppler remembers Overlcock's presence when he sets a hand on his shoulder, and draws his hand away from his forehead. "< He whispers to me... >" he hisses. "< He wants me to listen to him. >"

"<It's the virus,>" Overclock says. He understands. He's been through it. "<It's all right. I think that is normal. It will go away if you do not fight it anymore.>" At least, that was his observation. As soon as he actually started listening to the echo in his head...it was like it wasn't there.

"< No! >" The voice is hushed but no less forceful. Doppler jabs at the ground with his cane. "< He is my son. He is /not/ me. >"

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Message: 18/20 Posted Author

ROBOT MASTERS DEAD Sun Jun 20 Global News Network

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<GNN> This just in! Fresh from WilyAfrica, we have some unexpected news. The Robot Masters are dead! Yes, all of them! We have here some horrifying and detailed pictures.."

"Dust Man was found sucked inside his own duct. Elec Man, floating facedown in the river. Shadow Man appears to have fallen down a flight of stairs in the dark. Quick Man, hit by a speeding car! Enker died when he least expected it. Quint was stabbed to death by Sakugarne over a matter of eight dollars. Hard Man drowned in a vat of gravey. Pharaoh Man, after extensive tests, was shown to have already been dead for the past five years. Any impressions otherwise were post-mortem twitches. Cut Man tripped over a four-leaf clover and broke his head open on a horseshoe. Frost Man melted in the sun and all that remained was a top hat and some buttons. Sword Man was cut in half. Number Man was killed by pop-ups while surfing the internet. Slash Man finally caught his tail. Aqua Man appears to have smothered in his own feather boa. Gemini Man beat himself to death. Gravity Man lost control outside in an open field and was never seen again. Toad Man was subjected to a washing, only to find there was nothing left at the end. Skull Man, convinced he was Death, touched himself and promptly died. Bass.. was killed by a giant paper mache' Mega Man head during a parade.

"This is only an incomplete list, but trust us.. ALL the Robot Masters are dead forever. These pictures are indisputable proof. More on this as it developes."

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Message: 18/21 Posted Author

Death toll high. Sun Jun 20 Global News Network

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There's a teary African reporter. "More Robot Masters were found already.. I'm afraid.. there's more photos."

*Photos ensue, depicting the horrible news.

Metal Man blundered into a kindergarden and was killed by jagged pieces of construction paper.Wood Man disappeared in a swarm of Mets. Guts got a pebble jammed in his knee and kicked himself in the face to death. Punk tried to scratch his face and got sucked in. Turbo Man was killed on impact when he drove himself into Quick Man. Ice Man went for a walk, ironically forgetting his parka, and froze to death in a freak blizzard. Junk Man was accidentally taken out with the morning trash. Bubble Man was defeated by Toilet Duck in a 25-hour long epic battle. Plant Man perished of grief following news of Aqua Man's demise. Serenade was killed by Sakugarne as a witness to Quint's murder. Magnet Man DDRed himself to death. Top Man spun so fast that he attained escape velocity. Ballade finally snapped after finding that he his Ballade crackers had been replaced with Normal Crackers, the ensuing rampage claimed Cloud Man, Flame Man, Tomahawk Man and only came to an end after his cannons became clogged with saltines causing an antimatter explosion. Blizzard Man got stuck in the fridge looking for a bottle of snocone syrup. Shade Man tried a tanning bed to prepare on a raid on Hawaii and thusly died. Bomb Man spontaneously imploded. Knight Man splashed mud on his helmet and had to kill himself for his own honor. Flash Man and Centaur Man tried to see what would happen if they timestopped each other simultaneously and the universe smote them for fooling around. Spark Man tried to scratch his eye and impaled his face.

The reporter dabs her eyes. "More about the arrangements later..."

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

Overclock grabs Doppler's other shoulder, now, turning him toward himself and trying to look him in the eye. "<Just do not fight it. It goes away. It goes away in a week. You will feel better.>"

Dr. Doppler is spun around to face his physician, too surprised to resist. That is not to say that he can't glare angrily at him, which he does. "< No. No! I am Sigmund. I am not Sigma. He is in my mind, but he is not /me/! >"

Overclock can hear what Doppler is saying, but there is a pause while he mentally translates. It's just a short pause, then, he shakes his head. "<No. No he isn't. He isn't. You are you. All you have to do is...>" He thinks a moment. "Relax," he adds, in English. "Just relax."

Dr. Doppler shakes his head vehemently, the gesture making him wobble as he loses his sense of balance. "< No! No! I will not...ah, such anger....my son...my son...have you always felt this way? >"

Overclock holds onto Doppler so he doesn't lose his balance. He watches Doppler for a moment, listening, and looks into his eyes. He's heard what Doppler is hearing, but he doesn't understand the intensity. Either his infection was...lesser, somehow, because his brain wasn't damaged, or, it just got comfortable for him a lot faster. "< What... What does he say? >"

Dr. Doppler looks down at Overclock. His eyes are green, but only because they have always been that particular shade of hazel. However, they no longer reflect sanity. "< He whispers....he wants to destroy...cleanse the world in fire...to spread himself to the rest of my children...>"

Overclock nods at Doppler, looking him dead in the eye. It's hard to say if his own eyes seem sane or not; his words, however, certainly don't. "That's okay," he says, in English now and a bit breathlessly. He thinks he understands. "It's all okay."

Dr. Doppler's sanity has always been in question - what sane man declares war on the United Nations, on his race? He winces, hearing but trying desperately to not listen to either voice. "< We are at war...I know this, I know...but my children...no! They must decide for themselves! >"

Overclock takes a step back, now, letting go of Doppler. He shakes his head, looking down and away from the taller cyborg. ""

Dr. Doppler clenches his free hand into a fist, closing his eyes. The angry scowl does not dissappate. "< Get. Out. Of. My. Mind! >" he cries, half in anger, half in anguish.

Overclock narrows his eyes. His arms start to shudder slightly, and there is a hum from his back... he's preparing for something. "All right. Let's go home," he says. It's an order.

"< No, >" Doppler growls, eyes opening narrowly. "< You're one of them. You are him. Leave me be. >"

"< Of course I am, >" says Overclock, evenly. His pack hums just a little louder; there are creaks, as power flows to his armor. He finds himself speaking almost against his will. "< We know what's best for you, Sigmund. >"

Overclock channels power, and charges up his systems to optimize his strength.

Dr. Doppler takes an awkward step back, still clutching his cane in his left hand. His tone is both furious and desperate. "< Stay away from me! >"

Long distance to Gray, Prismatic Spider, and Iris: Dr. Doppler nods.

Overclock takes a step forward. It seems slow, and heavy, as if his body somehow gained mass during the energy transfer. "< No. This has been enough. You're able to walk around. That's good. But you need to settle in now, until the infection is over. >" He reaches out with his hand, trying to snag Doppler's in it. It's a very forceful move, but he doesn't grab hard enough to hurt--at least not yet. "< DON'T fight. >"

Overclock strikes you with a glancing hit from his Grasp attack for 0 units of damage.

Dr. Doppler's reflexes are not what they were. His right hand is easily caught at the wrist by Overclock, which prevents him from completing another step back. His temper and the exertion causes the slight tremor to flare up again, but it does not prevent him from trying to break free. "< No! Unhand me! I will not give in! >"

"< Don't be a child, >" Overclock demands. Again, he doesn't feel as if he's saying it; it's not really a comment he would make to his mentor, but the behavior that Doppler exhibits in the face of the perfectly harmless Virus is ridiculuous to him. Still holding his hand, he starts to pull Doppler back toward the Spire. Doppler might, of course, still resist this, but the cyborg's grip is powerful.

Dr. Doppler does something that Overclock may have not expected. Face twisted in fury, he lifts his cane into the air, then brings it down sharply at the arm that holds him. "< Let me go! >"

"Agh!" Overclock lets go of Doppler; that strike from the cane hitting him right in the elbow-joint, and causing his supercharged arm to sieze completely up. One thing about surgeons--they knew where to hit you. Overclock's right arm shakes as he tries to mentally recalibrate the joint. Meanwhile, he shouts at Doppler, a threat...of sorts: "I can REPAIR your body if I have to!"

Dr. Doppler backpedals, nearly loses his balance, finds it again before he loses his footing. Then, he turns and runs, or as close to a run as he can force his legs into making. "< Gray! Gray! Where are you?! >" He calls, too distracted to subvocalize his radio. ""

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Cyber Peacock transmits, "Something's up."

The area around Gray goes dark as night, producing what could almost be called a swirling vortex of alternating shadow and light, as though the two were fighting for supremacy. After a moment, Gray can be seen again, wreathed in shadows even in direct sunlight. What is visible of him changes, as though spotlighted by a fluctuating, cold light.

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Overclock transmits, "Negative."

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to Gray: You say, "< Gray! Gray! Where are you?! I need you!>"

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Cyber Peacock transmits, "What do you mean negative? I haven't said anything yet."

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Flame Hyenard chuckles loudly.

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Cyber Peacock transmits, "I just intercepted the following transmissions:"

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Cyber Peacock transmits, "Radio Transmission detected: Someone ... his throat. "All ... man your ... and remain on general alert.. ... ... to be ... ... the airspace south of ... shortly."

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Agile transmits, "What's that about General? Is he visiting again?"

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Cyber Peacock transmits, "Radio Transmission detected: ... Rock ... roll! Radio Transmission detected: ... I'm going to be.. speaking ... someone ... Germany"

Fortunately for Dr. Doppler, his youngest son is sitting on Doppler's balcony, watching the city go about its business. And then -- a call. For help. From his father?

Almost immediately, the reploid engages his secondary power-configuration, angling for speed. Because he is going to be running full-tilt down the corridors of the Spire on his way outside.

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: Gray says, "I'm coming, Father."

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Cyber Peacock transmits, "Unconfirmed source. I'll keep my ears open, but I recommend we stay alert."

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Splash Warfly transmits, "General alert, and Germany? Are you sure both transmissions come from the same source though?"

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Soldier Stonekong just grunts a bit deeply

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Red transmits, "Attention, Red Alert, and any of our Coalition brothers who are able and willing. Meet in the War Room for a briefing. No replies on this frequency."

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Cyber Peacock transmits, "Mmhmm."

Overclock isn't setup to run very fast; it'll take a few minutes to recharge his body for that setup. He tries to give chase, his heavy body moving slowly, even though he's trying to run down someone who is still having difficulty walking. It's, needless to say, a slow-speed chase. He flips out his hand-blaster, the one that opens as a port to his interior, and fires a rather slow-moving projectile at Doppler's legs. He's actually trying to hamstring him with acid. Normally, this isn't the kind of behavior that one's personal surgeon would undertake, but Overclock wants Doppler brought BACK.

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Flame Hyenard transmits, "SOUNDLIKESOMEONETRYINGVISITGERMANY,CALLINGFOREMERGANCYBACKUPIFNEEDED."

Overclock misses you with his Don't Get That On You attack.

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: General quietly, "<Father.. if you can recieve this.. we're coming for you.>"

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to General: Dr. Doppler sounds panicked, angry. "< They know...they know...even Overclock has become like him...stop them...stop them... >"

Dr. Doppler nearly stumbles again, floundering to the left. This bit of misfortune is also a stroke of luck, as it moves him out of Overclock's shot. The acid hisses as it eats through the concrete and the very edge of his pants. Panting, he catches himself and presses on. This time, belatedly, he remembers he still has a forcefield, and thus makes use of it.

Dr. Doppler projects a forcefield around himself.

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: General says, "<We're on our way.. we are deploying and going to hold at Normandy..>"

By dint of fast lifts and running as fast as he can, Gray is soon at the entryway of the Spire. He does not stop, heading for where he THOUGHT he'd seen something while up on the balcony -- yes, it's his father. And who else? Is that-- another Maverick?

No. No time for questions. A scowl tearing its way across his face, Gray runs toward Doppler, slowing down and banishing his shadows as he finally arrives at the scene. He wants to be ready to do whatever he has to. No time for questions.

Light shines once more upon the face of Gray as the shadows depart, returning him to his normal status.

Overclock is running after Doppler. For a moment, it's quite pathetic, as the chase isn't moving very quickly. But he's starting to gain, now, since he's reconfiguring his own body in transit, shifting power now out of his arms and into his legs. Dash-jets on his feet flare briefly, giving him a burst of speed. He is definitely a Maverick, Gray will notice, though he hasn't seen Overclock before, and it will be pretty puzzling as to why another Maverick is attacking Doppler on the streets. He tries to snag at Doppler again just with his hand, but, since there is a shield of energy up, this actually won't do him any good; his hand will either miss entirely or glance against it, but he has to keep trying to bring Doppler back. "STOP!"

Vanishing Gungaroo arrives from the Business District.

Vanishing Gungaroo has arrived.

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission to General: You say, "< They want me to give in! I will not! I cannot! >"

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Suddenly, the few faint early warning systems that monitor the airspace around Germany go up in screaming alarm as something very large appears to be approaching -- profiles would suggest it to be the Fortress V. The fact that many of the 'early warning' listening stations are annhilated well outside of Berlin would prove that it's the F5-- Ion Cannons streaking across the air from a distance.

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Vile transmits, "Red."

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Red transmits, "Yes?"

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Vile transmits, "Initiate the emperor's plan immediately."

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Cyber Peacock transmits, "Bringing automated defense systems online. Alerting militia and guard squads on the appropriate borders."

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: General says, ""

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Flame Hyenard chuckles darkly. "BURNTOTHEGROUND!BURNTOTHEGROUND!BURNTOTHEGROUND!BURNTOTHEGROUND!BURNTOTHEGROUND!"

<Global News Network> -- As seen by Mavericks: Suddenly, the few faint early warning systems that monitor the airspace around Germany go up in screaming alarm as something very large appears to be approaching -- profiles would suggest it to be the Fortress V. The fact that many of the 'early warning' listening stations are annhilated well outside of Berlin would prove that it's the F5-- Ion Cannons streaking across the air from a distance.

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Overclock transmits, "DAMN. I need some help here, too. This ain't good."

[Radio: (C) Mav-Sec] Cyber Peacock transmits, "What's your situation, Overclock?"

Dr. Doppler is not listening. His mind simply refuses to work, nothing save running to preserve his own life. Panic and anger fight for control over his face, but his legs continue to move him forward. It should be clear to Gray that he's in some trouble, though why he is in trouble is not immediately apparent. "< Stop him! >" he cries to his youngest son.

Cyber Peacock has arrived.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Agile transmits, "So, we jump on it, and mess people up?"

You paged Sewa with 'Trying anyway. :]'

General arrives from the Military District.

General has arrived.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Flame Hyenard transmits, "SOUNDLIKEPLAN"

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Red transmits, "Basically. Once we're onboard, keep us appraised of your surroundings so we know where to coordinate our attack."

Gray is wearing a battle-mask which hides his face, but simply from the way he walks, it is clear that he means business. And he is not pleased.

His sword is in his right hand already, and he moves past his father to stand in between him and his aggressor.

"Get back," Gray commands, voice firm and insistent. "Stay away from my father."

And, for no readily available reason (at least to those who do not know Gray's workings), it is suddenly much, /much/ colder.

You take less damage due to your Ice resistances.

Gray strikes Overclock with his Dementor attack.

Anthem arrives from the Business District.

Anthem has arrived.

Overclock channels power, and charges up his systems to optimize for speed.

Overclock is more surprised than bothered by the cold, it seems. Since he's working on putting power into his dash jets, it doesn't even slow him down. Instead, he speeds up; a trail of red light kicking out in his wake. He's still trying to grab Doppler; attacking Gray has very little to do with what he's working on right now, but he'll do it if he has to. He tries to sock out through the forcefield and snag Doppler again... but, well, that's the problem with the way his body works. He can either case someone down, or smash them really hard, but it's tricky for him to do both at once. He talks to Gray as an afterthought, not knowing who he is. "BACK off. You don't know what's going on!"

Overclock misses you with his Generic Melee attack.

While most of the CRF is scrambled towards the reception of the Fortress Five, voluminous columns of blue-white energy arc far overhead. The ion energy is severe, potentially causing it's own interference to unshielded electronic devices. Not to mention being, y'know a pretty rude gesture to most of the people trying to either get away, or defend the city. Which it's why it's perfect cover for a low-flying, high-speed dropship that uses the cannon blasts as cover, weaving in and out as it rockets for Doppler's position, already pin-pointed by F5 Sensor Nets.

After all, when it comes to fugitive retrieval in crazy ways, who better could General send than Anthem?

The forcefield around Doppler becomes momentarily visible as hoarfrost forms on it, then melts away once more as his steps carry him away from Gray. His unsteady gait makes him that much more difficult to catch. One moment, he's stumbling, the next is a near run. His expression is one of crazed panic. His children are coming for him...his son and Emperor calls for him...but he must resist.

With Gray inbound, Doppler's escape may seem almost assured.. until the next (but not the last) arrival joins the scene. A flash of light beside Doppler is followed by a scanning horizontal green line, going down, leaving behind it a wire-frame skeleton of Cyber Peacock's body. Reaching the bottom, it scans back up again.. filling in color and solidity. THe whole process takes only a second, and when it's finished, the full-body solid-hologram of Cyber Peacock is floating there, a few inches off the ground.. keeping pace with Doppler. "Where do you think you're going, Doctor?" He asks conversationally.

General goes home.

General has left.

The Fortress 5 is coming, but good assassins focus on one thing at a time. Gray knows what his objective is. As Overclock lunges for Doppler, Gray's sword-hand whips out, end-first, attempting to stop the cyborg by hitting him first with the hilt of the sword.

"I will /not/ let you take him back if he doesn't want to go!" Gray shouts back. "Leave my father /alone!/" He hears more people going after his father, but-- one thing at a time. One thing at a time.

Gray strikes Overclock with his The End Of Faith attack.

Dr. Doppler continues at his hobbled run, his expression slipping into a snarl. "< Leave me be! >" he cries in German. "< He has you too, doesn't he!? He has turned you into him! >" If not for the forcefield protecting him, he would lash out at Cyber Peacock as well.

"Yee-hah!" The small dropship, christened the Rodger Young, screams through the fire, with Anthem standing in the back. It's a pretty light vehicle, barely the size of a van, but it's moving *fast*. The pilot clings to the wheel, steering past another rocket explosion as the dropship weaves between buildings. "Faster!" Anthem braces herself by the exit door, strapping herself to the hull with a tow-rope. Behind her, her squad of rookies look around nervously. This is some pretty crazy stuff. "And *lower*!" The pilot glances back for a split-second, his eyes bugging out. "We're only thirty feet up!" With a mad grin, Anthem nods. "Go for fifteen!"

Ah, good... Cyber is here. Maybe he's more equipped to handle Doppler for the moment. Overclock is... being assailed from all sides now. He spins around to face Gray, just in time to be smacked across his un-prepared face with the hilt of a sword. "Dammit! Maybe you don't know who I am. HI." He doesn't look much at Gray, just enough to get a glimpse of who he's fighting before he tries to put his fist through the metal face. It's not a full-on strike, but it's followed with another punch for the gut. "I'm Doppler's personal surgeon. I'm protecting him."

Overclock misses Gray with his Surgical Combination attack.

Cyber inclines his head.. floating alongside the Doctor, seemingly unconcerned by the ion beams and such flying overhead. He also does not seem to be giving any serious consideration to Doppler actually getting away.. probably because he hasn't yet noticed the dropship heading in. "I assure you Doctor, I am myself." He says, raising a brow as he replies. "You know I only have your good health in mind. You shouldn't be out here."

Gray is paying close attention, however, and is ready for the punch. He sidesteps, ducks his helmeted head, and draws back his sword in preparation for a blow.

"Hi," Gray replies, with much the same intonation as Overclock, "I'm his son." The sword is thrust forward, but is stopped well short of its intended target. Even if Overclock is laying hands on Doppler, he is still a brother-Maverick. If he can be stopped by other means, then he must.

"We can't both be protecting him from each other," Gray mutters, "which I'm sure you know-- the Repliforce is coming. Let's both look after him." It's worth a shot, anyway.

Rounding a corner at merely twenty feet, the Rodger Young sends a garbage can scattering from the jet wake. Ahead is visible the cluster of Mavericks around Dr. Doppler. "There!" Anthem points, even though the pilot is quite capable of seeing for himself. She punches the hatch's open button, letting a blast of air inside - and Anthem pokes her head out. "Awk!" Of course, she pulls it right back in as it nearly gets taken off by a street sign passing at Way Too Fast. It's too bad this little dropship is unarmed, because going in guns blazing would be nice right now.

Dr. Doppler has not yet noticed the dropship, either. Barely has he noticed the battle taking place above them. His attention is focused solely on escaping Sigma, though his is a voice from which he cannot run. Cyber's words do not deter him from this reckless path. "< My health? My health?! >" he says, but does not elaborate. It is difficult to talk and to run at the same time.

"Of course, Doctor." Cyber says, drawing a breath to continue speaking.. until he notices the ship careening around the corner and heading straight towards them. "Oh dear." Is all he says, his optics widening, as he levitates straight up in the air.. a flash of light ndicating his own forcefield going up. Doppler's health is a high priority.. but his OWN is far higher.

Cyber Peacock projects a forcefield around himself.

Overclock flips back his arm, from the punch--it missed anyway, and he narrows his eyes at Gray. "They are. So help me restrain him and get him inside where it's safe." Overclock takes a breath. Then, he turns his head and looks to see if Doppler is still getting away: of course, he is. And ahead of that, is some kind of vehicle, incoming. "Come on!" He starts to run after Doppler again, and, this time, it's at full-speed.

Hey, it worked! Score one for the team! Gray, eyes burning, charges after Overclock, sword still at the ready. Protect Doppler, yes. Restrain him? Never. Not unless Doppler suddenly takes a liking to restraints. But. One thing at a time.

Anthem sticks her head back out the door as the Rodger Young comes screaming towards the cluster. This is gonna be tricky. She reaches out her arm, using her right to hang on while her left reaches. If this works, *maybe* she can just grab Doppler and fly off. Of course, at these speeds, that's really unlikely. Plus she's just as likely to accidentally grab anybody else in that cluster as she is Doppler. Add to that the fact that she has no idea if Doppler will be helping or resisting... Then again, the dropship can always make another pass.

...Of course, Anthem has also not taken into account the fact that she has to be able to *lift* Dr. Doppler in this, but that's something to be worried about later. Possibly while dangling wildly.

Somewhere on the MUSH, Storm Owl has connected.

Dr. Doppler finally notices the incoming dropship as it screams toward him. The only trouble with snatching him is that he has a forcefield protecting him, and they have very little purchase. Anthem would discover this the hard way as she reaches for him, the energy bubble shimmering into visibility for an instant as her fingers slide against it. He stares in wide-eyed panic for a moment, unsure whether the occupants are friend or foe.

Cyber watches as the dropship tries to nab Doppler and fails. He lowers his forcefield momentarily to fire off a few laser shots at the craft, ineffectually. He will continue to do this until Doppler is nabbed, at which point he will cease firing in order to avoid injuring Doppler. When it is clear DOppler is gone, he will vanish, returning to help coordinate the battle with the F5.

Cyber Peacock disappears in a flash of light!

Cyber Peacock has left.

"YEOW!" The forcefield was unexpected. Anthem pulls back her hand, waving it in pain. That hurt quite a lot. The Rodger Young pulls up, swinging behind a building for a moment as it prepares to go around for another pass. This is a problem. Anthem looks out the hatch again, trying to figure out how to get past that forcefield. It's a stumper, but damned if she won't find a way. Somehow. It just might take a couple of tries.

Overclock catches up to Doppler a lot faster than he did before, and skids to his side, almost finding it difficult to stop. Since he can't grab Doppler now, he has to, well, reason with him, as best he can. "Doctor, the Repliforce is coming for you now. Time to get inside."

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: General beams you a direct image/signature of the ship that is coming for you, with Anthem, "<Your escort, father. The F5 is firing volleys into the city, I suggest you hurry.>"

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] The city is rocked by the indirect blasts of the Ion Cannons from the F5 creating their own special brand of chaos in parts of the city that have had automated defenses.

Gray, not as fast as Overclock in speedy-mode, catches up a short while later. "Father!" is all he offers, for within it is a promise of safety, protection, trust, and much more. He needs no other words. As long as Overclock is directing Doppler in a /gentle/ fashion, Gray keeps a sharp lookout for that damned dropship, ready to fire something nasty at it if it makes another pass for his father.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Wire Sponge transmits, "What the hell!?"

Dr. Doppler refuses to listen to Overclock's reasoning, still running in spite of its being pointless. "< No! I am my own person! You cannot have me! >" Whether that was to Overclock, Gray, or someone else entirely is difficult to determine.

The Rodger Young pulls back around the buildings, and dives at the cluster. It lowers to ten feet from the ground, then five... Inside, Anthem laughs madly as she leans over the pilot's shoulder. "Lower!" He nervously complies, brining the tiny dropship so low that the jets are ripping up the asphalt behind them. "Now, head right for them! If we can't grab him through the forcefield, we'll just *ram* them!" Everybody inside things she's insane, of course, as she explains it. "Hit 'em head on, then go *straight* up. It'll be like we scooped them up with a spoon. All I gotta do then is get into the nose and haul him inside here." She makes it sound so easy, when it's absolutely completely insane.

Overclock swears, which, naturally, is pretty common. He snaps his head over just to glare at Gray, shouting, "There's nothing we can do unless we break the field!" WHY was Doppler fighting this? It made less sense every second. Not having too much trouble keeping up now, Overclock tries shooting a few of his rays at the forcefield. He needs to disrupt it if he has to try to grab Doppler again.

Your forcefield absorbs 8 units of damage from Overclock's attack.

Overclock strikes you with a glancing hit from his Heat Ray attack for 0 units of damage.

Gray is doing the best he can to keep up with his father and still cover him adequately. It's a bit difficult, really. And working with Overclock, while better than working alone, is also a bit difficult.

"If we break the forcefield, they'll grab him!" Gray protests, and t-- "What are you /doing?/ Stop that!" If convinced, he could turn his weaponry on the forcefield and just suck it dry, but...

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Red transmits, "It looks like we're in for a running battle. Make for the turbolift, knocking down whoever gets in the way, and don't let them trap you here. Remember, we accomplish nothing by merely injuring the crew, our objective is to damage the fortress's systems within."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "They're trying to get Doppler."

There is something to be said for the soundness of Doppler construction. The forcefield flares again under the assault, but continues to hold. His gaze switches from Gray to Overclock to the rapidly approaching transport. Hoping that his companions will not expect it, he stops, then turns, running in a direction that brings him closer to the Repliforce transport's path.

The tiny transport lowers just a little bit more, until sparks start flying up from the ground under it, as the undercarrage scrapes against the street. "A little closer... a little closer.." The pilot holds the course, trying to fight against the urge to pull up and the bouncing damage to the small craft's belly. Anthem roots him on quietly. "A little closer..." And then, going full bore, the dropship slams into the crowd before pulling up sharply, heading for the sky. "NOW!" Who gets stuck on? Who goes flying? Who dodges? Who knows?

Announcement: Mercury shouts, "AND MY NAME LIKE A SHADOW ON THE FACE OF MOOOO~OOON~!"

This is certainly the most unusual rescue he's ever experienced. That his enemy is risking life and limb for him barely begins to cover it.

His forcefield flares again under the impact of the craft, the angle causing him to lose his footing. Then, the laws of physics take over, and he is scooped up, caught in the mini-vortex of air that swirls around the front of the ship at it boots skyward.

Oh, no.

Gray makes a dive for his creator, and then the shuttle comes in, knocking him far, far askance of where he INTENDED to be.

A+, Gray.

Gray has disconnected.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Skull Man transmits, "Succintly put, multiple volleys of Ion Energy erupt from the supposedly occupied Fortress V being as entangled as it was with the Osprey -- directved towards the Spire and outerwall defenses, some of the energy being intercepted by drones, other columns of energy roaring overhead the particular spot where Overclock, Doppler, Anthem and crew should be. MavBerlin shakes and quakes, the longer Doppler stays within it's walls.."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Skull Man transmits, "OOC: Ignore that. Mischar. :D"

<Global News Network> Succintly put, multiple volleys of Ion Energy erupt from the supposedly occupied Fortress V being as entangled as it was with the Osprey -- directved towards the Spire and outerwall defenses, some of the energy being intercepted by drones, other columns of energy roaring overhead the particular spot where Overclock, Doppler, Anthem and crew should be. MavBerlin shakes and quakes, the longer Doppler stays within it's walls..

Overclock dodges aside the shuttle, but, since the other two don't, he's in a really bad situation. As it shifts skyward, he does the only thing he reliably can, which, is shoot at it: a lot. The red rays blaze out from his arm, as rapidly as he can charge them. He's aiming for the suttle, mindless at this point of whether he hits Doppler with the ray too, or not.

The Rodger Young shakes as several shots slam into it - then it lists dangerously as the port engine blows out from a near-direct hit. It shakes, and the hatch opens again. Still tethered to the inside, Anthem comes flying out, liferope uncoiling wildly. She gets a few feet before her own grapple latches onto the dropship's hull, hauling her up. She's halfway up, one arm reaching out for Doppler as she clings wildly to the wind-blown surface of the dropship's hull.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Red transmits, "Stonekong, Vanishing, keep them busy out there. Agile, you're with me, make a break for the turbolift. Splash, Hyenard, try to lure some of them elsewhere when you get a chance to give Stonekong and Vanishing a break, and radio immediately if you spot anything important."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Vanishing Gungaroo transmits, "Gotcha, Wed."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Soldier Stonekong grunts deeply, but says nothing else. It's a confirmation, what more do you need?

Dr. Doppler has little choice but to deactivate the forcefield - otherwise, the wind would blow him off. Somehow during this, he's managed to keep hold of his cane, which he clutches tightly as the other hand scrabble to find purchase on the sleek outer hull. There is a moment of restrained panic as he spies Anthem coming towards him, but the small part of him that is still sane reminds him that she's the only person standing between him and a very sudden stop with the ground. Slowly, he inches towards her, trying not to either fall off or be tagged by incoming fire.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Splash Warfly transmits, "Sure thing, boss! *mutter* Pairing me with the vocal disaster, I can't believe it... (/mutter*"

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Agile transmits, "Allrighty boss, I'm gonna run like the wind!"

Overclock shouts out to the craft, demanding of it as he continues to shoot heat rays at the craft. "BRING IT DOWN!" He looks around for Gray, but, seeing he's unconcious from the slam, and the other Mavericks are all busy with the Fortress, he feels really alone. Quite a 'rescue' mission these Forcers could mount.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "I NEED HELP!"

Reaching out, Anthem tries to grab for Doppler. She can't go any further without detatching one or the other of her tether lines, which would propmtly send her wildly falling away into the sky. So she's pretty much stuck as it stands, arm reaching out for Doppler and hoping he can make it to reach her back. A heat ray sizzles past, scalding a chunk out of her back - and just narrowly missing the rope that hold her into the ship. The Rodger Young wobbling madly from the lost engine is probably a godsend right now, to keep precise aim from being used.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "North of city center. They're trying to STEAL Doppler!"

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Agile transmits, "WHAT? Who's down there?"

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "Repliforce, and me. They've got a dropship!"

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Agile transmits, "Are you all we've got down there?"

Dr. Doppler inches closer to Anthem's side, moving as quickly as he dares considering their precarious position. He reaches for her once, only to snatch his hand back as an enrgy bolt slams into the space between them. He hesitates for a moment, then reaches out with his cane. That should be enough to bridge the gap between them.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "I'm all that's LEFT."

Almost shot 'er. Overclock lowers his arm for a second, and takes a breath. He's getting exitable, and the adrenaline rush is still bleeding out his feet and hands, rushing from his engines to fuel his feet and fire. He takes aim this time.... maybe, if he hits that woman up there, she'll drop the Doctor. Maybe. What... in the hell was Doppler doing? He wondered, but, it doesn't stay his hand. He fires one single searing-hot blast: it might be his last chance.

The cane stretches out.. and Anthem grabs hold of the end of it. Got him! Desparately, she pulls on the cane, trying to get Doppler close enough to bring inside. She twists and turns, wiggling her way down, slowly getting them both towards the open hatch. Another heat blast burns into the hull nearby and Anthem, trying to buy just a few more seconds, deploys her riot shield from her right hand. It powers to life, covering the cane... just in time to have one more blast ricochet off of it, narrowly missing a shot that would have burned the cane in half. And with that, Anthem gives a solid yank, pulling Doppler close enough for them both to be pulled in by one of her people inside.

[Radio: (D) Public] The General succintly, "Red Alert forces attempting to gain headway in the Fortress V. You have 30 seconds to surrender. Otherwise, you will lose your ride, not to mention your lives.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock swears. Loudly.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "I HIT that b****! I HIT HER!"

[Radio: (D) Public] Shigeru Katsunagi transmits, "You guys better listen. He'll shoot you good."

Dr. Doppler has a near death-grip on his cane - there will be small indentations on it where he gripped so tightly. He is summarily dragged inside the relative safety of his enemy's? allies'? dropship. He crumples to the floor, shaken, his eyes reflecting something that is not entirely sanity, but still alive.

[Radio: (D) Public] Overclock transmits, "B******d! This is YOUR doing!"

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "What? Did I miss something fun?"

[Radio: (D) Public] Shigeru Katsunagi transmits, "Nuh uh. Not /my/ fault."

[Radio: (D) Public] Overclock transmits, "NO, not you. General."

[Radio: (D) Public] The General transmits, "I can't take all the credit in that endeavour."

[Radio: (D) Public] The General transmits, "That is all you need to know."

[Radio: (D) Public] Techno transmits, "Hmm? Are Mavericks losing, /again/?"

<Global News Network> Suddenly, very visibly, another cacophony of Ion Cannon energy is fired outwards -- blossoming towards MavBerlin in another selective barrage-- Looks like Red Alert better hurry up as a lone VTOL rockets out under the coverfire as turbolaser fire is exchanged with the Osprey.

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "...What the /HELL/?"

Overclock takes a few more shuddering breaths, but then, he lowers his arm, and lets his dash-jets...slowly... shut down. There's pretty much nothing he can do now. But, he can shout: and he does, various degrees of vulgarity. "YOU B****! I'll KILL YOU! I *WIIILL* KILL YOU!!"

The Rodger Young lifts higher, skimming now over the tops of the buildings, and beelining for the Fortress 5 with Doppler inside. All the people - aside from Anthem - edge away from Doppler in fear and awe. She doesn't, as she's busy clutching the massive gouge out of her back from one of the shots.

[Radio: (D) Public] Shigeru Katsunagi transmits, "That sounds impressive."

[Radio: (D) Public] Dynamo transmits, "Missing another fight? How sad."

[Radio: (D) Public] Techno transmits, "Isn't it, Mr. Dynamo?"

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "I'm just impressed at the Mavericks."

[Radio: (D) Public] Dynamo transmits, "Yes. Hardly anyone has time to hire a Mercenary anymore."

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "They're such big losers and they still try to put up a fight."

Dr. Doppler doesn't appear to be all that dangerous right now. Slowly, almost painfully, he gathers himself up into a kneeling position, using his cane to support himself. Then, he winces, his right hand rubbing at his temples. "< No no no... >" he mutters under his breath, speaking to a voice that only he can hear.

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man transmits, "And you'd know from losers, yes?"

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "Wrong kind of loser, loser."

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man transmits, "Aww, it's trying to insult me. How droll."

Overclock tires himself out fairly quickly, and hits, after a moment, what might be described as a roid-rush. He drops down to his knees, the last of his power systems collapsing into failure, and just mutters to himself, over and over again. "Kill you. Kill you. Killllllllllll you......" He's long been unable to cry.

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "I don't get you. I try to take my losses to you graciously and you still insist on rubbing my nose in it. What's with you?"

Overclock powers down systems to their ordinary functioning levels.

[Radio: (D) Public] Techno coughs.

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man transmits, "You're the one that picked the fights. I'd call it just desserts."

[Radio: (D) Public] Prismatic Spider transmits, "It's Number Man."

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "You've never found someone strong and wanted to test your mettle against them, hmm? Of course not."

[Radio: (D) Public] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Of course he's going to lord his victories over everyone. It's part of his personality."

You begin following Anthem.

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man transmits, "Besides, I still need to find out what your real name is so you'll take the /loss/ of that as an incentive to keep your flapping stereotypical jaw shut in the future."

[Radio: (D) Public] Bass.EXE chuckles, "Hee hee.. it's so fun listening to all of you."

You follow Anthem.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "...too late."

Germany

Ahhh, Deutschland. The industrial and economic heart of Europe has persevered even through this age, as shown by the stacks of cybernetic and robotics factories located across this nation. At the central capitol of Berlin, a massive commercial city pours across the rich hills of Germany, creating a strange combination of lush green foliage and grey-silver buildings. It is here we find part of the technofied forest, where nanite technology has fused with plant tissue to create the mecha-schwarzwald. Tall black spires of the trees reach into the heavens, the small machines boosting the apex of the borgified plants into the thousands of feet. Many creatures, both fleshy and mechanical inhabit this area. Is that one peeking at you from the darkness?

Anthem [Varia] [RF] Barrage Grasshopper [] [M]

Repliforce VTOL <Razor> [RF] Maverick Airship <Osprey> [M]

Repliforce Mobile Fortress V <F5> [RF] Maverick Outpost

Weather Conservatory Mecha-Schwarzwald [#5968 TVex]

Berlin [M]

Southeast <SE> leads to Central Europe.

Southwest <SW> leads to France.

West <W> leads to Flemish States.

South <S> leads to Switzerland.

North <N> leads to Denmark.

East <E> leads to Poland.

Out to sea <O> leads to Baltic Sea.

Up leads to Sky Above Western Europe.

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man transmits, "But, hey, I'll play. Have it your way. Insult away."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Agile transmits, "Oh no."

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "Cute. He can rhyme."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Wind Crow transmits, ".. Huh?"

(New BB message (27/11) posted to 'Daily Spotlight!' by Geetz: Char portraits)

And speeding along, the Razor begins a full-speed beeline towards it's intended targets, dipping down lower as it begins closing in on the city limits. Smiling, Kintane's wearing a flight oxygen mask, hands steady at the controls. Engines flaring, the intercept course he's running is clear.

[Radio: (D) Public] Bass.EXE transmits, "Children, children. Must we settle this in a duel?"

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man transmits, "No. Just utilizing a little leverage."

[Radio] Tightbeam radio transmission: General says, "<Forgive me father-- but when you are brought aboard, we will be needing to secure you in the brig until Red Alert is repelled.>"

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Wind Crow transmits, "I've been in some long rest cycles after our conquest... what's the news?"

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey suddenly sounds very bitter, "As per my promise, I won't use my voice filter any longer when not logged in."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Agile transmits, "What's the last thing you've heard?"

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man bwahahahahahas. "S'what you get."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Wind Crow transmits, "I just got out of my rest cycle.."

[Radio: (D) Public] Skull Man notes, "Voice Filters are a sign of people who are afraid to take pride in their work. Kindof like those sock-wearing terrorists in the 20th century.

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "Enjoy it while it lasts."

[Radio: (D) Public] Skull Man adds, "And they look, and sound, just as moronic."

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man transmits, "I got by multiple names, but I take no shame in either one. It's just hard to publish under 'Number Man'."

A little battered dropship, barely the size of a van, zips up out of Berlin. The Rodger Young is smoking, missing an engine and covered in the marks of weaponsfire. It's listing a bit, but it speeds along with the precious cargo - Dr. Doppler. It's weird that Repliforce is rescuing him, but they are. The tiny ship speeds up, trying to get to the massive Fortress 5 before any more bad things happen to it.

[Radio: (D) Public] Techno transmits, "Oooo hacker talk! I wish I could understand!"

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man transmits, "But Erwin Wily? That's a name that people might recognize."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "They got away with him."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Wind Crow transmits, "... I'm not in a stable enough state to do so, or I would."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "*&$@!"

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man transmits, "And from the sales of my books, it's not really that bad a name to sell under, all things considered."

[Radio: (D) Public] The General transmits, "Reminds you a bit of some of the old hackers in who sold under their real names, doesn't it, Number? Something of a 'shock' value that gets sales, far as I've observed."

Dr. Doppler is not quite a prisoner, not quite a guest. Inside the ship, he does nothing that would cause any of the 'Forcers to do anything brave and foolish. He just kneels on the floor.

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "I get the point..."

[Radio: (D) Public] Number Man transmits, "A bit, but given that I presented at the last tech expo, I can't really hide who I am. Nor do I want to. I simply prefer Erwin to Number Man."

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "Though ... 'Hoba' isn't a very impressive last name. Hmm."

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "Oneechan would probably flip if she heard me say that, too."

Quickly, the fresh, and fully functional VTOL is atop the dropship, so to speak. Carefully, Jared begins shadowing atop the Rodger, to protect it from attacks from above and behind, if need be. Transmitting downwards, the Strider's voice can be heard on the ship <...Rodger, Razor. I've got you covered, and I'll accompany you to the docking point. You've got the coordinates, I hope?>

<We got 'em and we're heading home. Thanks for the escort.> The Rodger Young turns slightly, coasting in for the designated hangar, loading into the Fortress 5 without having yet more parts blasted off.

Fortress V - Docking Bay

A massive docking bay, the Fortress V has the space to carry every large vehicle the Repliforce deploys, dozens of ships, ride armors, and several huge dropships berthed in the cavernous confines of the ship. The hangar doors are open most of the time, a forcefield protecting the sensitive bay from enemy attack, though a pair of giant doors can slide into place if they need further protection. Repliforce techs and flight crew mill about here constantly, keeping the bay in good working order. To the rear, a series of turbolifts gives access to the rest of the ship.

Anthem [Varia] [RF] Hiryu [Strider] [MH]

Vanishing Gungaroo [Kanga] [M] Shield Shellfish [Normal] [RF]

Krieger Wolf [Normal] [RF] Soldier Stonekong [M]

Splash Warfly [M] Bolero [Wreck Brahma] [RF]

Blaster Saurian [RF] Repliforce Ride Armor <Raiden> [RF]

Repliforce Hovertank <Stalwart> [RF] Repliforce Transport <Mako> [RF]

Repliforce Transport <Thresher> [RF] Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> [RF]

Repliforce Submersible <Barracuda> [RF]Repliforce Variable Armor <Kingfisher> [Aquatic] [RF]

Repliforce Space Shuttle <Comet> [RF] Ride Armor Recharge Chamber <RARC>

Out <O>: Outside

Turbolift <TL>: Fortress V - Turbolifts

The flaming goo covers the front of the Kangaroo, as well as its joey... The fire burning on his body, the joey decides to try something desperate.

He attempts to grab the Stalwart by its front with the left arm, and should his Kangaroo succeed, Gungaroo will lift its front up, and kick the tank fiercely on its bottom, either sending it into the wall or onto its top. Vanishing has one thing to shout as he executes this kick:

"DON'T YOU EVER MESS WITH ME!"

Vanishing Gungaroo strikes Repliforce Hovertank <Stalwart> with his Aussie Kick attack.

The Bodyguard has learnt from the back attack once--not again. As soon as the missles disappear around her, her shell-halves adjust to protect her--and although they explode, when the smoke clears, her shell is clean and smooth. While her armour might dent, her shell is impenetrable.The shouted orders over the radio give her the incentive she needs. Teeth bared again, she flies forward in the air, ramming her entire body against her brother's, in an effort to pin him--at at the same time, disable his flight systems.

"Come with me!" She hisses, with only the slightest pleading tone to it. "Take the cure! It might not be too late yet. Dad might still fix you!"

Shield Shellfish strikes Splash Warfly with her Scallop Collision attack.

The beaten and battered Rodger Young slides into the secondary hangar bay, which hopefully is as sealed off as General said it was. The hatch pops open and Anthem's team of cadets pile out to cover the bay. For the moment, this side area *is* clear, but who knows for how much longer. So Anthem, still holding her back, hustles the Doctor out. "We've gotta get you to saftey, and this ain't it yet."

Soldier Stonekong gets several more shots across his back, leaving burn marks in his armor from the energy blasts, which sting like a bizzatch. But they're little more than insect bites, compared to what the big bull is capable of doing in his crazy rage. The attack smashes into Stonekong's chest! There's a screeching noise as his feet skid on the deck from the impact, before he regains his footing. "Don't let your anger blind you to the cause you fight for," he mutters, and doesn't bother with all that fancy shite. He just lunges right back at him, bringing up his shield arm, but instead of smashing with it, aims to slash with the sharp edge of the shield.

Soldier Stonekong strikes Bolero with his Metamorphic Melee attack.

Bolero falls to the ground, unconscious, due to massive systems damage.

"...you got that right. I'll cover you guys." states the ninja, the Razor parking right beside the Rodger. Sliding out of the cockpit, Jared's already on the move, the Magna-Cipher in hand. Hiryu was quite right today. He's got to be aware of his surroundings, to say the least. And the sooner the Doc's safely contained, and the Repliforcers are in detox, the better, all recent events considered.

Dr. Doppler moves as quickly as he can, which is to say not terribly fast. Whether anyone expected him to be in this sort of condition...well, it's a bit late for that. He hobbles out of the battered shuttle's hatch, following Anthem, the other 'Forcers no doubt following.

Blaster Saurian spots Annie and her crew as the ship comes in. Seeing as he has a few people to spare, "Torrent, Ion, help'em out! Just do it!" he roars, figuring the person their escorting may surprise the two troopers. In the meantime Blaster and the rest continue to lay down the weapons fire at everyone the can...

As Splash slams into the wall yet again, the bubble around him draws into him. Seems like he's too weak to maintain his control over them, with his battered body almost crushed into unconsciousness.. Ah, sweet sweet sleep... Soon you will elude Splash no longer... Anyway, Splash looks quite defeated, looking down, "Do you... Really think he could?" He asks quickly, "Well... That would be great, being cured, me and the rest of the gang..." Suddenly the water again pours out, but this time it doesn't turn into a bubble, but turns into a concentrated liquid beam of destruction, which descend on Shell's head, just as his head rises up to look at her with rage in his eyes as wlel...

"Well, you can take your offer and stick it up your you-know-what, sis!"

<O-Coalition> Split Mushroom says, "Hello!"

Splash Warfly strikes Shield Shellfish with his Splash Laser attack.

Bolero takes a finishing blow to the face. At which point he crumbles to the ground, skull cleaved partially in twain. *sparkspark*

Krieger Wolf is promptly ignored, and then the guy goes and knocks out one of his allies. This shall not stand! Krieger growls, panels on his body flipping open to reveal racks of missiles. He doesn't even say a word, before untold legions of high-explosives are launched at Stonekong!

Krieger Wolf strikes Soldier Stonekong with his Micromissiles attack.

Soldier Stonekong falls to the ground, unconscious, due to massive systems damage.

Repliforce Hovertank <Stalwart> slams backwards, sent crashing into the ceiling, then back to lie on its sid e against the wall. Fluid pours frely from the armor, much of the systems crushed or on fire from the pure power shown here. The Spider Scientist is torn from his seat, slamming into the side of the tank as it is manhandled... And for several seconds, everything is still.

Until the craft creaks, the Spider within having regained his senses, and it slamms downwards, back onto its bottom as Prismatic spills forward, and he grabs ahold of the trigger and slams it down in a decisive press! "But YOU chose to mess with US!"

*click* *click click*...

Prismatic looks down, noting that the firing system was fried from the impact, since the damage readout says as much. "Ahem." The Spider Scientist knows he has no time, so he presses something, anything to protect him from the rabid Kangaroo that's about to punch through the side of the craft, yank him out, and crush him into a little ball... And in frustration, he kicks the console.

With some sparks, a shimmering field of energy encases the craft... And as he realizes it, he dives forward, digging into a panel in an attempt to bypass the firing system!

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Soldier Stonekong growls deeply, obviously in more pain that he's letting on externally. "The big one is down... Graaaaaah!!" There's explosions in the background. That didn't sound pleasant.

Anthem hustles Dr. Doppler along, watching around as best she can. The sounds of massive fighting in the next bay over echo through the walls - she nods to Jared and Blaster as they go past, rushing for their goal. The Brig. Perhaps not the most fun place, but the safest for the doctor at the moment.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Splash Warfly transmits, "That damn Shellfish is keeping me pinned up into a wall, I don't think I'll survive for long. Hope it was enough for you to blow up something important."

Dr. Doppler seems to be willing to do as directed, brooking no argument as he is quickly escorted to a much safer location.

Shield Shellfish looks almost hopeful as Splash speaks. She's not thinking of him--but of Gate. As angry as she is at him--she also knows how much the loss of yet another group of 'children' must mean. To the point where she makes a mistake no good bodyguard should make--she lets her guard down. The liquid beam batters into Shell's helmet; she barely turns her head forward in time to avoid it reaching anything vital. As the blow passes, part of her face is gone; and her left eye is put out. She releases Splash and falls backwards with the force, cursing loudly the whole time.

Take the pain and ignore it--feel it later, when it doesn't matter. One has to wonder if that's her philosophy; or perhaps if she has no pain receptors altogether. For after that few seconds, she looks up again, a few yards away--and her look of cold hatred is a match for his. "Fine, then, you bastard," she says--meaning the word in context. "You are no brother of mine! You or all of Red Alert!"

Closing in yet again, her shell-halves batter fiercely around her; clubbing the life out of him, if she can. Her remaining eye sparks wildly.

"YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN BUILT!"

Soldier Stonekong draws back, looking down as Bolero crashes down to the deck. "You fight well. But you are too easily lead by your emotions. Foolish." The stone simian stops as he hears the sound of missile fire behind him, and just lowers his head slightly. There is no avoiding what is about to come, not this late in the battle. "But there is no regret in defeat, when victory was not the intention at all..."

The excessively wordy moment for the great ape is brought to a end as the minimissiles slam into his back, envoking a pained roar as the explosion rips through damaged armor and tears at internal systems. The big bot lurches foward, crashing loudly to the deck and falling still.

Shield Shellfish strikes Splash Warfly with her Twin Shell Club attack.

You follow Anthem.

Fortress V - Brig

Rows of plain, boring cells fill the front of the ship, open-faced rooms with very little in the way of amenities. Designed for robotic prisoners, these cells have beds and power feeds, but nothing else. Force fields separate the prisoners from the guards, but they are seldom turned on. Repliforce keeps few prisoners, so this depressingly quiet place stays mostly empty.

Anthem [Varia] [RF]

Out <O> leads to Fortress V - Lower Deck.

You stop following anyone.

Anthem leaves the crew behind as she pulls Doppler into the brig. Physically so, if needed. She kicks one of the control panels, powering down the forcefield. "Get in, we ain't got the time to discuss it."

Jared Kintane arrives from the Lower Deck.

Jared Kintane has arrived.

Dr. Doppler is both mentally and physically exhausted, but they seem to be bringing him back into something resembling lucidity. He steps into the cell under his own power, though the whisper attempts to cajole him into lashing out at her. "De-contaminate yourself," he says, forcing himself to speak in English. "All of you. You do not want this."

[Radio: (D) Public] Krieger Wolf sing-songs: "Oh, mister Redddddddddd.....there's a little situation down in the cargo holds you might want to attend to."

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "Can't you see the sign? Do Not Taunt The Mavericks."

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "If they get stressed out, they're less fun to watch."

[Radio: (D) Public] Krieger Wolf transmits, "I'd like to think I'm doing a public service. I could always punt his buddies overboard, if you think it'd be more appropriate."

[Radio: (D) Public] Crash Override Fey transmits, "It'd be more humane."

[Radio: (D) Public] Teisel Bonne transmits, "They are mavericks, make them walk the plank!"

"...he's right." agrees a voice from behind the group, as Jared catches up. "Once the security's engaged, I can keep an eye on things. I mean, I'm not suceptible, and...sh-" begins Jared, whirling for the doorway, in preperations after the radio transmissions.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Red transmits, "Osprey command, deploy the Sky Claws to retrieve any fallen Coalition Members or Red Alert, as many as needed. We can compensate you for them. And perform immediate repairs once they're on board."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Splash Warfly grunts, "You guys wi-<pant>-ll owe me <pant> big."

As soon as Doppler is in the cell, Anthem thumps the panel again, turning the field back on. He's safe - more or less. "Already had it, old man, but it's on the list of stuff to do anyhow." She slumps against the opposite wall, still holding her side. "You keep an eye on him, I gotta call in to the boss."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "I'm sorry."

Dr. Doppler makes his way over to the bed and sits down. Both hands rest on his cane, head bowed, shoulders slumped. Hardly the defiant position one normally sees him in the vids. After a moment, he sighs, taking his right hand from the cane to rub at his temples.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Split Mushroom transmits, "Whaaaat?"

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Overclock transmits, "I'll repair anyone that needs it."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Splash Warfly transmits, "I got them to safety Red... I guess. Once you're back we can finally get so-..me.. Re-*audiable sound of falling onto the Osprey's floor*"

Jared Kintane nods, occasionally glancing behind him at the cell, tensing, waiting, just in case.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Split Mushroom transmits, "I can help!" "No you can not, stay out of his way!" "Quiet you!"

After several minutes pass, Dr. Doppler stops clutching at his temples. With deliberate care, he sets his cane on the floor at the side of the bed. Then, he shrugs out of the labcoat, its pockets jingling as he folds it up and sets it on the floor as well. Aside from his face, he has done nothing to disguise how much he has given to the Machine. His arms and torso are all obviously cybernetic, and not of the civilian market variety. Then, he lies down, resting his head on the pre-formed pillow on the matterss, and closes his eyes.

Anthem spends a few moments more at the console, giving a quick report, then peels herself away. She takes a glance at Doppler... and blinks. Well, it shouldn't be all that surprising, but it still is a little bit of a jerk to see just what the Doctor has done to his body.

Jared Kintane turns back upon Repliforcer and Doctor in turn, looking to each. Jared's not quite so...taken by the doctor's form, but internally, he can't help but feel awful. What Doppler must've gone through, and is going through to take him to this pass...can't even be considered. And so, the young Strider watches with a more curious expression, still staying alert enough, for the time being.

Dr. Doppler frowns faintly. His mind is a jumble, and the English words escape him. He can only hope that one of them understands German. "" Any further thoughts never name it into words. Sleep claims him.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Red transmits, "Alright, Agile is in... We're gonna give him about ten seconds and then move everybody. Osprey command, make sure everyone is fixed as much as possible, we'll be retreating as soon as Agile's done his work."

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] Agile can be heard cackling madly, over the sounds of metal being cut.

[Radio: (B) Mav-Main] A loud explosion can be heard, followed by more laughing, followed by Agile's voice. "Done!"

================================== Maverick ==================================

Message: 12/42 Posted Author

Repliforce attack Mon Aug 16 Overclock

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--A video-message from Overclock, from medbay. This is generally rare, so it must be important. The cyborg looks... very unhappy, though he doesn't appear to be very injured, either. His teeth grit out of frustration from time to time as he talks.--

"While you were defending the outer ring of the city from Repliforce attacks, one of their small ships got in through the defenses. They got Doctor Doppler. Several of us did our best to stop them, but at the end, it was just me versus the ship, and, without flight systems or any kind of help, all I could do was shoot at it until it got away with him aboard. Doctor Doppler is to be RETRIEVED. I don't care how we do it, but we have to do it. He might resist, at this point. As he was leaving the spire, he refused to listen to my advice for him, and, in fact, he broke into a RUN trying to escape. Something is wrong, he's gone crazy, but we HAVE to get him back so I can help him. God only knows what those Repliforce a**holes are doing to him right now." Overclock takes a few deep breaths, and seems ready to turn off the camera, but before he does that, he leans in for a second and adds something else. "Oh, and I'm no expert, but, Cyber Peacock, you MAY want to do a frequency rotation, if you can't be useful in helping out the Viceroy when he needs help. We haven't changed the radio since we lost Bass."

(-CM-) Overclock, Stabsarzt

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