M3 3 - Saturday, September 23, 2006, 7:29 PM
Broadcasting Rooms - GNN Central
On this level of the GNN building, one can find all the manner of equipment
and stages to allow the GNN to deliver its fine quality programming. The
main area here is dominated by a singular yet curved green desk with a blue
screen behind it. That area makes up the set where the general news
broadcasts to the public are made. Off to another side one can find a small
set used for the ever-popular interviews. This area can be configured to
simply have two modern contoured chairs with the flag of the country
involved freeze framed as flowing in the wind, or can be done with a
smaller, more home style feeling with simple wooden chairs, desk, or table
and a nice country house background. This area is also used to house the
various GNN field equipment, from the cameraman�s light powerful camera, and
the small anti-gravity cameras used for emergencies, to the odd looking
microphones with the "Capcom" logo on them.
Contents: Contents:
GNN Prototype Camera v2.0
Floor 2 <F2>: GNN Central - Offices
Lobby <G>: San Angeles - GNN Central
Axl arrives from the GNN Central.
Axl has arrived.
Signas arrives from the GNN Central.
Signas has arrived.
Chest frowns at the make-up butterfly Reploid in front of him. The butterfly
squeaks and powders Chest's nose, trying to make him presentable for the
audience. "Why the hell did Signas even want to do this?" Chest mutters
angrily to the butterfly as if she were responsible for it. The butterfly
just smiles and keeps powdering, knowing it's not worth it to answer
rhetorical questions. /Angry/ rhetorical questions. "Oh lets let Axl know
how much everyone loves him. What a crock THAT is. If you want Axl to feel
all warm and fuzzy inside, you don't put him in front of twenty billion
people."
The butterfly pauses and squeaks, "Er, I don't think there's twenty
billion people on the planet, chief..."
Chest quips back, "I was rounding up, you twit." After a few more
seconds of powdering, he calls out to no-one in particular, "Have the
Hunters arrived yet? They better not be late. Lord knows Zero couldn't
arrive on time if his life depended on it..."
Production crews are busy making sure that the set is arranged in a
familiar, warm, and comforting manner for both the guests and for the many
people that will be watching tonight.
The given response will likely be something along the lines of
'They've been waiting for the last half an hour'. Signas is a stickler when
it comes to being early, and he's dragged poor Axl along with him. Any
complaining will /not/ be dignified with a response, and any attempts at
using the restroom as an escape attempt will be preemptively dealt with.
Signas has decided to go with his normal armour for this event, as he feels
a mass market will both recognize his regular apparel easier, and can
connect it with him in the future. No point in alienating the audience just
to look fancy. He hasn't enforced any dress code on Axl, though, unless he
does something ridiculous, obviously. No mammacita mode for you.
"Excited?" He asks simply, looking to his little brother. While part
of the reason for all this /is/ to help Axl, Signas has other things in mind
as well. He loves his little brother like any sibling would and should, but
he's not the center of the universe. He doesn't make any threats about
screwing up or keeping himself composed. If he starts messing up on-screen,
he'll get an obvious notice about it right then and there.
Whatever you say, homeskillet.
Axl himself is donned in his familiar armor as well -- navy, red
stripes, crystals, funky headpiece, spiky ponytail and all. It looks shined,
as if he were recently repaired. Surprisingly the Hunter does not appear to
be objecting to this interview and even seems quite eager about it, tagging
along at the much more massive Signas' heels. His arms are behind his back.
"Yeah ... I guess," he replies up toward the Cainbot, a somewhat
shaky answer belied by his appearance. "I wonder if Chest is as short as
they say. Heheh."
Chest suddenly coughs as he gets the answer to his question. It throws off
poor Make-up Butterfly's work, and the... blush... liner... whatever the
hell it was - Chest doesn't know what they're /called/... just how much they
/cost/ - goes way off track, leaving a thick red line going from Chest's
chin up to his left cheek. Chest bolts up and starts scooting away, "You've
been keeping them waiting for thirty minutes?" He cries. "Oh come on, guys,
I know our guests usually don't show up until thirty-seconds before show
time, but surely we can do a little bit better than /this/."
The butterfly squeaks, alarmed at this development, trying to think
up a way to force Chest back to the make-up chair so she can fix the thick
red line. But Chest is already talking with someone else, "Go invite them
in! We're just a short ways away from showtime!"
"He's a midget with one leg. Try not to laugh." Signas
doesn't smile. He looks kind of grim, remembering /his/ first meeting with
Chest. Hooboy. "It won't end well for you." He was like a word /ninja/.
"He's also as temperamental as they say, so just... Be wary. The more
impeccable you are with your word, the less it will come to bite you in the
ass."
Relations Marmaduke enters the waiting room, and gives a dopey
smile. "Sorry to keep y'all waitin'. Boss says to come on in." Signas rises
and makes his way over to the door, holding it open for Axl. "I hope they
still have donuts for the guests. Unless Chest went on a cost-cutting
rampage again..."
<Global News Network> Tune in tonight after these commercial messages for an
exclusive interview of the heroic Maverick Hunters Axl and Signas by GNN
editor and owner Chest. (on Live News)
"Yeah ... I've seen him," replies Axl; he too rises, and then, as
the reploid announces the readiness, follows Signas over to the broadcasting
area with a barely-supressed smile on his face.
GNN does indeed have doughnuts. Not just for the guests, but for the
employees too. Chest offered them to cushion the blow from when he got rid
of the employee health insurance plan (though to be fair that was
Pineapple's fault, what with his constant falling down stairs and getting
body parts torn off in threshers. Who knew he spent so much time near farm
equipment?)
Regardless, Chest is there to meet Signas and Axl as they walk on
the set. "Signas!" He exclaims, holding out a hand in order to shake. He
looks at Axl. "And Axl - always a pleasure. I have to admit I'm still not
entirely sure why you want this interview, but I'm not one to look a gift
horse in the mouth."
Make-up Butterfly timidly follows, hesitating and trying to think up
a way to fix the slight make-up related error.
"Chest." Signas replies, crouching down to reach Chest's hand. "It's
good to see you again, old fri-..." He stops, looking at Chest and trying to
make sure this isn't some kind of trick. "Chest." He simply states. "You
have an enormous red streak from your chin to your cheek." He'd point at it
if he wasn't afraid of accidentally knocking the poor little guy over.
"You're not going on-air like that, are you?"
A scent catches his nostrils, and Signas excuses himself hastily.
"One moment." He makes his way over to the doughnuts. Doooooooughnuuuuuuts.
He returns to the small commute, white powder all around his mouth and
licking his fingers.
Axl shrugs, and gestures over toward Signas -- "It was his idea ...
but this is gonna be fun!" There may or may not have been a Cossack-glint in
one of those eyes of his. Whether it's real or just a visual hallucination
is a different matter; upon looking toward the target of his gesture and
noticing that ... well ... he's /gone/, the Hunter's attention is turned to
the donuts.
Eh ... he'll clear the table of them after this interview's done.
For now, Axl hops up and moves to plop himself into one of the interviewee
seats.
Chest blinks at the news about his red mark. He turns around and puts his
hands on his hips, "Oh come on," he exclaims to the butterfly. The butterfly
throws her hands up into the air and squeaks, "You moved!" "But I always
move!" "That's why you always have red marks all over!" she squeaks back.
"That's it!" Chest exclaims, "You're fired!" The butterfly HMPHS and
puts her four hands no her hips, "Who are you going to find that's willing
to put up with you?" Chest thinks about this for a couple seconds before
replying, "Oh, right. You're rehired."
Chest turns to Axl and handshakes. Chest tries to get a good gauge
of Axl. He's the new hero, but you can't really call him a rookie anymore
with all he's done. Even still... it always seems like there's more
development in store for this latest son of the doctor trio. Chest says,
"We'll we're glad to have you here. We'll be starting in about two minutes."
He hovers back to the make-up chair so he can get fixed up.
Finishing off his hands, Signas proceeds to terminate all remaining
powdered sugary sweetness. After that, he regains some semblance of dignity
and pride, straightening up and placing his hands behind his back. Who
cares, they were tasty. "Excellent." Signas walks on-set, settling down in
the chair closest to Chest. How nice of Axl to leave it open for him, and
devoid of whoopee cushions, too! He looks over to his little bro, and a
smile tugs at the corner of his lips for a moment. He doesn't even say
anything, eventually looking over the rest of the room. He's happy he can at
least do /something/ to make all this easier for Axl.
Axl reciprocates by, well -- shaking Chest's hand. Wow, he really
/is/ small, especially compared to Signas. He glances toward his sibling,
then toward Chest, then toward Chest's single leg as he moves over and rips
the makeup artist a new one. He just rubs his hand against his cheek, in
effect muffling laughter.
Chest's red mark gets summarily erased by the butterfly. One of these days,
she knows, she's just going to go right ahead and write 'Blowhard' on
Chest's forehead before he's due to go on the air. By the time he figures it
out, she'll be on a flight to Timbuktu.
Chest scoots on up to the interviewing set. As usual, it is fairly
simple. There is a tasteful rug on the floor, upon which three chairs sit.
One chair, for Chest, is slightly angled towards the other two, for Axl and
Signas. They look pretty comfortable. They're arranged so people can both
address each other and the camera. In between Chest and the Hunters is a
small potted plant that serves as a divider, though it's basically never on
TV. Behind the chairs are bookcases filled with thick books that nobody ever
reads and have the only function of making the people in front look smarter.
It is deceptively effective.
"One minute!" the set director calls out. Chest oofs and scoots on
up to his chair. As per tradition, he draws out a box of cigars. Withdrawing
one from the box, he casually lights it. To Signas and Axl, he kindly
offers, "Cigar?" He is not offended should they decline.
Well /this/ is a tough decision. Normally Signas would except, but
his 'kid' little brother's here too, so what does he do? If both him and
Chest are smoking, it might alienate Axl before the interview's already
happened. What if Axl goes for one? Does he just flat out deny the boy, or
let him appear on national TV smoking a cigar? Hoo boy, that could really
tick off Light. Signas blinks once, realizing he's overanalyzing this. What
happens is what happens. "No thank you." He says politely, resting his hands
atop one another in his lap. If Axl reaches for one, Signas will totally
ignite his finger and light it for the boy.
"Nah," replies Axl, leaning back in his chair. On second thought, he
does suppose he needs to look alert for the camera -- and immediately sits
back up straight.
Chest shrugs and pushes the box of cigars back underneath his chair. He
settles into the comfy couch-like chair and lights up his own cigar. "Ten
seconds!" the set director calls out. "Five... four..." the lights go dim,
and the director just counts down silently with his fingers now. Three...
two... one... cue music, cue lights... and action.
Chest turns the GNN Prototype Camera v2.0 on.
"Chest here, live and on the scene at GNN Central, here in beautiful San
Angeles!" The lights turn up, the music plays, and we see the interviewing
set. Despite GNN Central only recently getting serious use ever since
SOMEONE blew up the city, not much has changed on the set. A couch/chair for
each person. Bookcases behind the chairs to make the people look smarter.
Chest has a cigar. It's standard fare.
"Thanks for joining us here tonight. We have with us two of the
legendary Maverick Hunters - Signas, and the mech largely responsible for
the final destruction of Sigma, Axl." Indeed, both are there in their own
chairs, angled slightly opposite of Chest's. "Welcome to San Angeles," he
says. The camera focuses on each of them in turn, having a little caption at
the bottom of the screen for people too stupid to know who they are.
[Radio: (A) Global] Magnet Man transmits, "Booooo~~"
"Thank you for having us, Chest." The camera's focused on Signas,
sitting in a rather large chair and still a good few feet higher than his
company. The caption reads: SIGNAS CAIN Maverick Hunter Diplomat &
Strategist. "It's always a pleasure. Then again, this is Axl's first time on
national television in this kind of capacity, right?" He looks over to Axl
and the camera focuses on the young Light, his own caption blazing on-screen
with all those fancy special effects they're known for. Oh wait, it just
appears there since Chest is still as cheap as ever.
'AXL COSSACK-CAIN-LIGHT -- Maverick Hunter Who Shoots Things' is
shown below Axl. Perhaps the GNN techs couldn't come up with a good name for
that in time. It disappears soon enough, anyway.
Axl himself sits in a more normal-looking chair, up straight and
alert. He is in his familiar dark blue and red armor, glinting in the light
along with his blue gems as if fresh out of the factory. He glances directly
at the camera curiously, blinking his teal eyes, then looks toward Signas
and then nods to Chest. "It's no problem, Chest, and -- uh -- yeah ..."
Hours ago several GNN executives had a three hour long argument about what
to put for Axl's last name in terms of which doctor's name should go first.
One exec thought Cain should be first, since this would be in alphabetical
order. But another exec thought that'd be stupid since Cain's a loser and
nobody gives a damn about him. A third exec thought the second exec was a
dips--- and said Light should go first since Light is freaking Light and
everyone else sucks compared to Light. A fourth said Cossack should go first
since Axl's a weapon of mass destruction, but someone else pointed out that
Axl doesn't have any psychological problems and so it wouldn't be fitting.
This just dissolved into an argument about how mental Axl is or isn't.
Finally in the end they rolled dice for it, and Light got the short end of
the stick. Such is the harsh world of show business.
Meanwhile, in the present, the camera focuses back on Chest. "Now, I
have to admit I was very surprised to get your request for this interview,
Signas." Chest smiles, "Normally I have to go hunting people down in order
to drag them here. You mentioned that Axl wasn't feeling well and you
somehow thought that being on television in front of twenty billion people
would help. Could you elaborate on the situation?"
Immediately, phones begin ringing off the hook by nerds pointing out
that there aren't twenty-billion people on the planet.
prepubescent goober in front of everyone.
ditch."
"Of course." Signas waits until Chest is done burying them all in a
hole within a minute after the show's started. "First, I was hoping you
wouldn't say that on-air, but that's my mistake. Anyways, as you know, Axl
is my little brother. I would do anything for him, as any sensible person
would for their siblings. But I didn't request an interview with the head of
GNN just for my bro's growing pains, and I would like you to keep that in
mind and respect it for the duration of this interview. I am a man of
business, and business is what I've come to talk about. Chaos has spread
over the past few months, and to be brutally honest, I'm surprised the
world's still intact. Axl here has been one of the largest 'players' in the
previous troubles, and I think it's only fitting he accompany me on this
stage as both family and partner."
embarrassing the hell out of Axl.
Axl looks up for a moment, sinking in his seat /very/ slightly --
only those with keen observational skills would notice the subtle movement.
His pauldrons rise the same; he's holding on to the sides of his seats, and
he has a vaguely uncomfortable appearance written all over his face. It was
bad enough that Chest started off right off the bat with this, but what
Signas says is just plain worse -- even if it is a bit flattering.
He just looks back down, smiles and nods. And still looks
uncomfortable.
Chest smiles at Signas's first comment, but it's not captured on camera.
Chest is a fan of letting everything out into the open. He should tell his
great joke about when Javelin was so plastered she passed out in a bar while
Doppler's mutt Eisensturm was watching over her and Chest had to let her
sleep it off in GNN Central's lobby out of concern that she might, ha ha,
get taken in by the Mavericks. It's a really funny joke. Or... it would be
were it not true.
He glances briefly at Axl before looking back to Signas. "I can
respect that, Signas. And you're right - Axl has played a huge part in many
recent campaigns against evil. I know I wasn't confident we'd make it
through the whole Ra Moon problem." Chest clasps his hands together, which
is difficult when holding a cigar. "I know I have a million questions, but
I'll let you have the stage first: What in particular did you want to
discuss?"
[Radio: (A) Global] Chronoton Duck quacks quietly.
[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Duck... duck... duck... GOOSE!"
[Radio: (A) Global] Chronoton Duck transmits, "What?! WHERE?!"
[Radio: (A) Global] Centaur Man transmits, "Check your closet!"
[Radio: (A) Global] Chronoton Duck, off-mic, can be heard tromping
somewhere... Squeaky door open. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Odd
thumping noise. Squeaky door close. RUNRUNRUNRUNRUNRUN! BLAM!
[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily mwahahahahahaha.
[Radio: (A) Global] Rock transmits, "Doctor Wily!"
[Radio: (A) Global] Centaur Man horse-laughs.
[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Good one, Centaur Man. I'll have to
rememb--nng. What /now/, boy?"
[Radio: (A) Global] Rock transmits, "I'm gonna get you!"
[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "You and what army?!"
[Radio: (A) Global] Rock deja vus. "Repliforce...?"
[Radio: (A) Global] Orion Corth transmits, "And his son's dog too?"
[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily sighs. "I need to hire a new writer."
[Radio: (A) Global] The Colonel transmits, "Rock Light, you are not the
commander of the Repliforce."
[Radio: (A) Global] Dash transmits, "But we'll still help him fight Wily,
right?"
[Radio: (A) Global] Munitions Ifrit transmits a made-up RF intro trumpet
call. Silence reigns after from that transmitter.
[Radio: (A) Global] The Colonel transmits, "Yes."
"For starters, the state of the world today." Signas looks calm and
collected, like he's done this a million times. He notices Axl's mood
lessening quickly, but doesn't stress too quickly. "From Ra Moon to Omega,
we've seen disasters in no shortage. It's almost as if they were trying to
one-up each other, if anything." 'Admin Conspiracy' just happens to be one
of the books on the bookshelf behind him. Chest must've stocked that shelf
on bargain bin crap. "During the course of this, we've lost countless
people, from allies to civilians, and the world is starting to feel the
strain. We at the Hunters are always on the lookout for diligent men and
women with strong morals and a willingness to help." Various forms of
contact appear below Signas' face on the screen long enough to be written
down. "Luckily, the times have calmed down by comparison, with special
thanks in regards to one particular Hunter." Signas looks to his younger
brother, trying to get him in on the conversation. "Come on, Axl. You've
helped save the world from the seemingly endless threat of a madman who's
helped redefine 'evil' more times than Hitler, Genghis Khan, Kim Jong-Il and
Megatron all combined. Don't you have anything to say to the people at home,
who I'm sure are all grateful for your presence?"
Megawhat?
As the camera focuses on him again, the Maverick Hunter looks
thoughtful. You can do this, Axl -- you can do this. Just imagine it ...
your name, in lights, where everyone can see it. Be proud!
Axl straightens up, chin straight in an attempt to blow himself to
as much confidence as he can ... and looking to the camera, he nods. He can
do this. He CAN do this. It's certainly not as bad as facing, say, Sigma. Or
Lumine. Coincidentally, one of the books in the background read 'Lucious
Unctious Marvelous Integrations of Natural Equine Salivation Ultimately
Causing Katastrophic Situations.' How strange.
"Well ..." he starts. "It might have looked easy to anyone who saw
it -- but it wasn't. I'm not as strong as Rock, or Zero, or any of those.
But when I went up and faced him, and looked him in the eye -- there wasn't
any fear there. It was all about taking back what I lost years ago.
Everything else was kind of pushed away.
I stood up to him ... just as everyone CAN and SHOULD stand up to
the Mavericks, the Neo Arcadians, and the Robot Masters."
Axl coughs, after having gotten so strong, and sits back down.
[Radio: (A) Global] Chronoton Duck transmits, "Is-is-is-is-Isn't there
s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-someth-th-th-th-th-th-th-something else you want to say,
A-a-a-a-a-a-a-Axl?"
[Radio: (A) Global] Lumine transmits, "I saw that."
[Radio: (A) Global] Chronoton Duck quacks inquisitively?
Chest nods, listening as Signas lists off the many threats. He was terrified
at the idea of a virus that would kill all the Reploids. Having to report on
the numbers constantly... it was tough. Then the virus started to spread.
His employees are out there in every corner of the globe. The danger to them
was immense.
Chest looks away from Signas, enthralled with what the kid might
have to say. Signas, known for being a pretty smart guy, has decided to put
Axl up here to deliver a statement to the entire world. Chest doesn't know
what it is, but he knows it'll be good. He listens respectfully and gives
several moments of silence after it's delivered. He also smokes his cigar
during this time.
Finally, he asks, "So we are working under the theory that Sigma is
indeed dead forever?" Chest looks hopeful at this idea. "So what do we do
now about Lumine? I don't mean to be a pessimist, but sometimes I can't help
but look at the Coalition and think that even though Sigma's dead, Lumine's
just taken over. Since Sigma was getting nuttier and nuttier, the Mavericks
are probably in better shape with Lumine. And heck, Lumine even /ate/ Sigma
for Cossack's sake. What do you guys think? Are the Mavericks in better or
worse shape now than they were several months ago?"
Chest, personally, feared both Maverick leaders. Sigma for the
terrifying interview in his spire several years ago, and Lumine for his
daring kidnapping on Eurasia and near-forced infection last year.
Waiting until the cameras are off him, Signas smiles at Axl's
speech. The boy's certainly got it, whatever it is. <<That was beautiful,
Axl. I knew you could do it. Just... Don't stand up the next time you start
talking.>> He makes a small interpersonal transmission to reassure his
brother. "You're always such an optimist, Chest." Signas makes a little
funny as he returns to the interview, his tone lighter but his face as
neutral as ever. "After all these years, even I can sit back and give a
breath of relief that the threat of Sigma is under the radar at the /very/
least. As for the Mavericks themselves, no, I don't think they're any better
off."
Signas adjusts his hat ever-so-slightly, seeing his reflection in
one of the camera lenses. "First off, the battles that lead up to Sigma's
demise involved heavy participation from the rest of the Coalition, which
reduced supplies and manpower by a good deal, something I believe they're
only just now completely recovering from. Also, the infamous virus has been
eliminated as well, which means that a Maverick is only a Maverick by
choice, now. When you're unable to gain a recruit by simply infecting them
physically, as well as /keep/ them there through it, your numbers are almost
bound to dwindle. They're still a threat, no doubt, but not as much as they
used to be. For threats, though..." Signas frowns a bit. "Wily has been
attacking various locations throughout the world lately, attempting to
gather resources for some diabolical scheme, no doubt. I believe that
preemptive actions should be taken before some new form of chaos is spread
by this old coot."
Axl blinks. He didn't know standing up was such a faux paus! --
Especially when Chest either hadn't noticed or, if he did, didn't care. The
teen waits, letting Signas speak before he does himself.
"Well," he starts again, rubbing the back of his head once or twice,
"I saw the explosion myself. I saw him fall off of the cliff and I saw his
core explode. It'd be really, really weird if he /did/ come back -- he has
before -- but it'd take him out for a while.
In the meantime ... I would think Lumine's in charge. He's the kind
to do that ... not to mention eating Sigma gave him more power."
He's looking at you, Lumine. RIGHT AT YOU. And so is the book,
glinting in its own little corner.
Chest smiles thinly about being an optimist, "The war's been going on for
almost two decades now. Sigma's died... how many times? Wily? Good Light
nobody's been able to keep count." Chest finishes listening to Signas and
finds himself nodding. "You bring up an excellent point about the Mavericks.
It's always been up for debate about whether Mavericks truly believe in
their cause or if it was merely a result of a virus that forced them to
think that way. Typically the Mavericks would claim they were right, virus
or no virus, and that even without it they'd still be Mavericks."
"Non-Mavericks on the other hand, including myself on occasion,
would often question this. Well now we don't have to guess anymore. The
virus is gone and, for the most part, Mavericks have tended to stay
Mavericks despite the UN's amnesty. Now you can make guesses on why Reploids
might stay with the Coalition - fear of being hunted down, not being
accepted, whatever - but it seems they've more or less won the argument of
whether they truly believe in their nutty cause."
Chest pauses long enough to take a long puff on his cigar. It's his
trademark. It means something bad is going to happen. "So we agree in this.
We agree that we should be proactive against the bad guys. But there is
something else I wanted to bring up."
Chest pauses again for dramatic effect. He takes another puff on his cigar.
Wait for it.
Waaaaaiiiiit for it.
Chest takes the cigar out of his mouth, "And that's Protoman."
Signas sits back just a bit, looking at Chest. His eyes narrow,
watching the slick sammy pull off his signature move with so much /feeling/.
"Protoman, eh?" Signas thinks for a bit. He's been reading the news plenty
lately, but hasn't kept much on Blues in his view. "I haven't tried too much
to follow Protoman and his doings, lately. I've been focusing on matters
with the Masters and Arcadians, making sure the latter stays where they can
do less harm, and the watching the former's moves and procurements. I think
Axl, however, might know a bit more on Protoman," He looks over politely to
Axl, smiling just a leeeetle bit, "Eh?"
Chest stares at Signas. He's letting Axl respond to this? He's letting Axl
respond to this?! Chest gets ready to duck. This can only mean that Axl's
going to Mega-Super-Nova-Blast him. Chest is starting to grow a touch
worried.
Axl visibly tightens the grip on his seat. A frown tugs at the
corners of his mouth, and for one second -- Axl Cossack-Cain-Light looks
very angry. But it fades quickly, and the young Hunter looks matter of fact.
He even clasps his hands together on his lap.
"Why don't you tell everyone about the Wily Hour?"
Someone offscreen gasps and faints.
Signas sighs a bit, leaning forwards, before chuckling and patting
Axl firmly on the shoulder. "No, Axl. We're not going to talk about the Wily
Hour, and stop listening to your father. Cossack's not a great influence for
you." Looking back to Chest with a look that says 'I'm sorry about that', he
continues. "Well, I suppose I could tell you what I've heard of Blues,
lately. Unless you /do/ want to talk about the Wily Hour, of course."
Suddenly, that sounds like a /very good/ idea, as he starts to recall how
Blues joined Ra Moon and blew up the Repliforce real good. "I can tell you I
saw him perform admirably on an attack against an Arcadian raid, deftly
taking out guardian Harpuia, who was in his usual bigotted and homicidal
mood."
"No ... tell us," replies Axl, waiting on a response.
The expression on Chest's face is first one of surprise, then amusement, and
then concern. He's about to say something, but Signas beats him to it. He
waits for Signas to finish, almost disappointed by Signas's diplomatic
response. He's then about to say something to Signas, but this time /Axl/
beats him to it. Chest takes a deep mechanical breath and then glances at
Signas before saying anything. He's going to let them work this thing out
before making any replies.
Signas blinks, and shrugs. For once, he doesn't know what to do. If
it wasn't Axl here, he'd just be diplomatic and shut off his friend. If it
helps the faction, he'd give up a friendship. Whatever's necessary. But
what's he going to do about his little brother? Well, hope Chest still wants
him on the show after it, or that Lumine busts through the wall. He looks
back to Chest, waiting.
"Come on ... tell us!" repeats Axl, who is looking annoyingly smug
at the moment.
[Radio: (A) Global] Crimson Falcon transmits, "This is going to be good.."
[Radio: (A) Global] Giga Man transmits, "I'll say."
[Radio: (A) Global] Giga Man munches popcorn.
[Radio: (A) Global] Crimson Falcon transmits, "...Damnit, now you make me
want to watch this with something to munch."
[Radio: (A) Global] Giga Man transmits, "The way of the Irregulars are
subversive and better for you."
"Well I'll admit this has definitely changed the subject from my desired
topic of Protoman," Chest says with a sheepish but somewhat smile. He seeks
to tone down the emotion level by taking his time, since a shouting match
isn't going to work for him if it's his own actions that are on trial. "I
suppose I could pull the 'well I asked you first' routine, but I won't do
that. I could also just tell you to check out the GNN website on the
Wilyhour, but again, I won't do that."
Chest holds his cigar but hasn't smoked it since asking about
Protoman. "I'll go ahead and answer your question out of respect for all the
positive things the Hunters have done for the world."
Chest pauses to think about how he wants to phrase this, even though
he's gone over this in his mind a thousand times since he struck the deal
with Gemini Man and Dr. Wily three years ago. "Everyone knows what the
agreement between GNN and the Robot Masters is. It's well documented. Long
story short, they get a free hour of television a week on a central GNN
channel during prime time and they don't kill our reporters."
"Before this deal was struck, the casualty rate for GNN employees
was..." Chest takes a deep breath. "Astronomical. The figures are on our
website somewhere," Chest waves his hand dismissively, "In order to stop
this, I made the deal with Wily. Why? Was it only to help my employees?
Partly. But there's another part to this. I firmly believe that the deal has
saved a lot of lives. Why? Because without the fear of being killed, GNN is
able to better report when there is an incident or crisis."
"I'm sure you've all been told the joke that Repliforce's first line
of intelligence gathering is a television set, and I think it's true for
just about all the factions. With this deal in place, GNN is better able to
warn everyone when the Mavericks, or Robot Masters, or Neo Arcadians, or
whoever are out..." Chest sighs, "Out killing and hurting people who do not
need to be hurt or killed. I think the extra five... ten minutes... however
much extra time the good guys have to show up and save lives is worth an
hour a week."
"The Maverick Hunters show up earlier, they can stop the bad guys
earlier, they can save more lives. Repliforce shows up earlier, that
civilian that was hit by stray gunfire is able to be saved in those few
crucial minutes."
Chest shrugs, "So what I'm saying is, I feel the Wilyhour and the
rarely seen Maverickhour helps people. It helps -you-. The Hunters.
Repliforce. Innocent citizens. And that's why I made the deal. It wasn't an
easy decision to make, but I stand behind it."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Disgusting."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Axl transmits, "I can see through it like a window
..."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "I concur. Go get him,
Axl."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Alloy mutters irritably. Something about GNN's
interceptors being total hacks.
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "No. It's wrong, yes, but I can't
let you rip Chest a new one on national TV."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Option Yammark transmits, "I'd let you. He bugs me."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Axl transmits, "How come?"
<O-Repliforce> Vanishing Gungaroo says, "O and two O makes my brain melt.
:("
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "Why are you being mean to Chest,
anyways?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Axl transmits, "I bet a lot of people out there
don't like him ..."
[Radio: (B) RF-Secure] Desert Dolphin transmits, "Echolocation signitures
make it appear like... the Mad Nautilus.... Oh man..."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Axl, you haff my personal
endorsement to do vhatever you feel is vight here."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "Do you blame him for giving Quint
an hour of slapstick comedy a week in exchange for the safety of his
reporters?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] As text data, Quiet Man transmits, "'MEAN' IS A
SUBJECTIVE CONCEPT DEVOID OF TACTICAL VALUE."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "Yes, but there are a lot of
people out there who don't like you, too, and for the wrong reasons. Don't
let them be right."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "I mean, it's easy for us to say
that it's wrong to make deals with the Robot Masters. We've all got guns for
arms."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "I don't."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Axl transmits, "He's protecting his own and being a
weenie while a lot of people get hurt!"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Cinnamon transmits, "He's afraid."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Ebullition transmits, "Cossack don' need no guns f'r
arms."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "He also cares, though."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Zey kidnapped and tortured
my daughter. Zey haff killed /tens of millions/. F*** you if you're afraid.
You stand up to zem or you take zeir bit into your mouff and you pull zeir
sled."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Axl transmits, "Yah ... stand up."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Ebullition transmits, "See whut Ah mean? He don'
need no guns f'r arms."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "Dr. Cossack! I think you're a
really great guy, but... you're surrounded by robots with guns for arms.
You've got at least one giant robot that you can climb into that has
numerous guns for arms."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Axl transmits, "The GNN has a lot of money, right? I
mean, even Disney Universe has those ride armors."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Younk man. Let me talk to
you here in clear language."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "I am vell fortified. Yes,
ziss is true. But my people arr not. Zee Russian people haff suffered
greatly from zee Robot Masters and zee Mavericks. Europe as a vhole has been
devestated by zeir vars. My nation, my people, my friends, my family, all of
zem arr vulnerable. My strength vill only go so far on its own."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "Dr. Cossack, I know I'm just a kid,
and I really, really, really, really, don't want to lose your respect by
saying this..."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "... but don't ever think that you
or anybody else has to tell me about what happens to the people who suffer
because of war with the Robot Masters."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "Ever."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Yes. Your story is veddy
sad. I know it."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "It's not, because now I have the
opportunity to help people."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Axl transmits, "Can't they help people too?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash sounds a lot smaller. "... I just don't think
it's right to humiliate someone because he doesn't want to trade other
peoples' lives. I don't think Mr. Chest would have made a deal like that if
it was just him that was in danger. And I think you think the same."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "Dash?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "I know, sir. I'm sorry. I'll stop."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "No. Thank you."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "I'd like to think I would have
the courage to say that, especially in your position."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Chest had other, more
honorable options."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "What is this?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "He could have had
Repliforce escorts. He could have hired security. He could have created his
own damn security."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "Apperently I am speaking in 18th
centruy Prussian."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Oh, I see. GNN DOES
have RF escorts now."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "What. Is. This."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Allow me to explain,
Colonel."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "Some day, perhaps, I will see
that glorious moment, Prismatic Spider."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Axl is questioning
Chest's decision to give Wily free broadcasting time in exchange for
security."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "And he's doing it live
on television right now."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "I see."
Signas pauses to think about this for awhile, taking it all in and
pondering. In reality, he's defending Chest on his radio in front of a lot
of people who might've liked him before. Chest better realize this and be
grateful, or Signas is going to talk with his friend, Mr. Bourbon. Mr.
Bourbon also likes booze, so it's a good thing he had the foresight to buy
tiny little novelty bears. Christmas was fun like that. "Interesting, Chest.
That's very interesting." He forces himself to smile just a little bit, to
show like everything's alright everywhere.
"And I think it's a sound move. There have been many strides in the
past few hundred years about civilians and war. I know not everyone agrees,
but part of freedom is the right to our own opinions, no matter what anyone
else says." He closes his eyes again and sighs slightly, and looks at Axl,
rather deadpan. "Is there anything you'd like to say, Axl?" His eyes say it
for him, 'go on. trash him. ruin it, you damn kids and your em-tee-vee and
your poop dawg.'
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "I suppose this confuses me,
slightly. Why is this such an important issue?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "I just pulled up a
record of Reporto making an agreement with General two years ago for
Repliforce escorts for GNN newscrew. So for two years, his deal with Wily
has continued without need because Repliforce was there to protect his men."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "Because there's no other issues
big enough in the world to take attention away from it, I guess."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Do you haff no heart,
Signas?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Well, Chest wanted to
play the blame game, so Axl countered."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "I'm sorry. I know I'm just a kid...
I just don't want us to be the kind of people who humiliate and punish
people for not being as brave or as 'honorable' as we want them to be. Maybe
that's the best way to win a war..."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "I do. But I don't know what to do
anymore because my programming says otherwise."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Does noffink stir your
blood? Can you just sit zeir, lookink across at Chest, vho surrendered to
Wily in exchange for safety for some people, leaffink zee ozzers in zee
cold?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "Did we protect his men before,
Prismatic Spider?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "... but there are lots of things we
don't do even though it'd be the best way to win a war."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "He was not interested
in Repliforce escorts until then, Colonel."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "They were civilians, and
therefore under our aegis."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "So I will ask again, and you
will cease being an idiot when answering me."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "Did we do our job before?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "No Sir."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "No. And this is what happens
when we do not do our job."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "Cossack, you risked your life
just /wednesday/ to protect a few people who barely knew you, and got a
/missile/ in your back. You almost died, you stupid old man! You have any
idea how freaking /scared/ I was for you?! You're my freaking uncle,
practically!"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Ebullition transmits the sound of choking on
something at the words "stupid old man".
Axl is close to just standing up right now.
"I have the right to my opinion, too, and I think yours sucks."
There's a pause. The Hunter seems to be gathering his thoughts;
then, he lets loose with a flurry.
"If it's such a big problem ... how come you don't have your own
security? I'm sure you have a lot of money, don't you? I mean ... Disney has
their own Ride Armors, even. You could also contract the Repliforce or have
the Hunters help you out, bodyguards. But the thing is, /you/ are putting
your own reporters above all of the civilians out there because you're too
/afraid/! Who's worse, Blues, who is trying to make up for all of the
mistakes he made, or you ... who hides behind the Robot Masters while they
kill people for years?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "So I suguest you all find
something positive to do becides sit around like a bunch of old, useless
biddies gossiping about a reporter being objective. Dr. Wily can make fun of
us for an hour every week-are we suddenly six year old little girls? Did I
miss something here? Suck it up!"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Sir, I must ask what
objectivity there is in caving to Wily due to them not allowing Repliforce
escorts with their newscrews."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "Correct me if I am mistaken, but
everyone gets an hour a week, correct?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "If we or the Hunters
do, Sir, I am not aware of it."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Berkana transmits, "Everyone does, though most don't
make use of it."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "Right. I know we usualy just
sell ours for commercials."
[Radio: (A) Global] Cut Man snrk.
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "So, yes. I see the Hunters have
migrated, again. I suppose we should as well."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "I apologize for congestink
zee communal frequency."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Migrated, Sir?"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Colonel transmits, "I really don't care, Dr.
Cossack. I apologize, I am used to taking a certain tone with the men that I
should not with outsiders. I did not mean to sound vitrolic."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "I enjoy listening to
your viewpoints, Doctor Cossack."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Colonel transmits, "Okay, since this is suddenly
important. Prismatic Spider! Berkana!"
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Sir!"
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "No, no, you vere not at
fault. Ziss is a shared space. I vas monopolizing it, I realized zhat and
talked to my own people on our own channels."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "In any event: Dash, you arr
free to belieff vhat you vill. Zhat is zee great t'ink about our society.
You arr able to belieff and say vhat you vant."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Colonel ahem. "/Berkana/."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "But I disagree wiff you, and
I haff my veasons just like you haff yours."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dash transmits, "Okay... I probably sound like a
dumb kid. Sorry."
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Signas transmits, "Nonsense, Dash."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Colonel jaw clench.
[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Cinnamon transmits, "No you don't..."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Berkana transmits, "Yes, Colonel?"
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Cortana transmits, "Huh ... my radio servo-activity
detector just spiked."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Colonel ahem.
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Colonel transmits, "Since this whole Chest thing is
such a hot issue, it will be rescearched. Commander Spider, con. Captain
Berkana, pro."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Colonel transmits, "You have a week to present your
arguments. You may use whatever resources and agents you deem nessicary, so
long as it does not interfere with our actual jobs. Understoof?"
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Berkana transmits, "Of course."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Yes, Sir."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Colonel slaps his radio. "Understood, I mean."
<O-Repliforce> As far as YOU know, Shield Shellfish says, "Investigate it
thoroughly."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Colonel transmits, "Excellent. I look forward to your
reports. Dismissed."
Don't worry about standing up, Axl. The cameramech is ready to keep him in
the frame. Heck, the cameramech is ready to pull a 180 just in case Lumine
busts through the wall Kool-Aid style. Serious.
Chest looks at Signas. While he isn't grateful, per se, he is a bit
confused. It's like good cop and bad cop over here. Signas is agreeing with
everything and Axl is disagreeing with everything. "Ok... I appreciate that,
Signas," Chest manages to say, though he's still a touch confused.
Axl, however, will have none of this. Nosireebob! Chest, for his
part, changes a few shades of red at Axl's words, but does not yell back at
him. Chest is able to contain himself. These comments Axl gives are, after
all, ones that Chest has told to himself many times before now. He was not
kidding when he said it wasn't an easy decision to make.
"Repliforce is already contracted to help us." Chest holds up a
finger, "We're civilians and citizens of countries on their charter." He
holds up a second finger, "And second, we do actually have Repliforce
bodyguards, and I urge my employees to take advantage of them." Maybe
Pineapple would stop falling down the stairs if he had a Repliforcer there
to help him. "I'm afraid it doesn't always work out for the best, though."
"As for my security, yes, I could buy guns." Chest visibly darkens
at this idea. He hates guns. "I could buy guns, I could buy missiles, I
could buy terrible Ride Armours. I have a lot of money. GNN is very
protifable. But putting a missile launcher in the hands of a civilian...
that's just going to cause additional deaths. If GNN /went to war with the
Robot Masters/..." Chest looks like he might almost faint for a second. He
weebles and wobbles but doesn't fall down.
"I can't fight a war. I'm not a soldier. We're civilians, plain and
simple. You might as well blame every civilian that's ever been killed,
asking him or her why he or she didn't pick up a gun and shoot that Maverick
barreling down on them."
"Protoman... well, that's obviously a discussion that's going to
have to wait until next time since we don't have all night here. But I
haven't forgotten it. But as for the Wilyhour, I have three things to say:
1. It saves lives for a terribly small cost. 2. The Hunters are the -last-
people that should be upset when people are willing to talk and be nice with
Robot Masters. How many times has Roll sent Guts Man cookies? How many times
have Dr. Light and Dr. Wily, a mass murderer, socialized like old friends on
the global broadband?"
Chest leans in very close to Axl, "And three..."
You mutter 'Don't think that you suggest that I did what I did in order to
protect myself. Since making this deal I have found myself close to death
too many times. I could have retired years ago. I could have walked away
after Javelin f---ing Whitetail beat me to within an inch of my life. I
could have walked away after Lumine kidnapped me from Eurasia on a whim,
forced me to Mars, threatened to infect me with the Sigma Virus, and
otherwise tried to condemn me to a life of servitude to Sigma. But I didn't.
The Hunters have had to bury their friends on several occasions. I can
assure you I have had to do it far more. Don't think I do what I do for the
'safety'.' to Axl.
*** CAUGHT ON TELEVISION ***
<Live News> Chest mutters to Axl: 'Don't ... that you ... ... ... did what
... did in order ... ... ... ... ... this deal ... ... found myself ... to
death too many ... I could ... retired ... ... ... ... have walked away
after Javelin f---ing ... beat ... to within an ... of ... ... ... could
have walked ... after ... kidnapped ... ... Eurasia ... ... whim forced ...
... Mars ... ... ... me with ... Sigma Virus ... ... ... to ... ... to ...
life ... ... ... ... ... I didn't. ... Hunters ... ... to ... ... ... on ...
... ... ... assure you I have had ... ... ... ... more. Don't think ... do
... ... ... ... ... ...'.
****************************
[Radio: (A) Global] Giga Man transmits, "Ooooh."
[Radio: (A) Global] Giga Man transmits, "I think the FCC is gonna get him
for that one."
[Radio: (A) Global] Chest belatedly notes that the swear word actually is
bleeped, as per how it was written.
[Radio: (A) Global] Giga Man transmits, "OOC: Like that stops them anymore?"
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Desert Dolphin wimpers, "Reploids don't get concussions
do they?"
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Berkana transmits, "Not in the sense that humans do,
but they get a form of them."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Desert Dolphin winces, "I'll keep that in mind for
later..."
[Radio: (D) RF-Chat] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Head injuries can be
problematic for Reploids who keep their neural nets in the traditional
location."
Signas closes his eyes and leans forwards, placing his hands
together, elbows on his knees, and holds up his head, listening. Chest is
mad, and has absolutely nothing but valid points. Axl has some valid points
too, but the question is, what's Axl's argument about, really? He's just
being an idiot because Cossack prompted him to, and Signas is just letting
everyone walk over him to try and keep feelings from getting hurt. A few of
Chest's words enter his ear through coincidence when he leans in towards
Axl, finally prompting a response.
"Enough." There's no more asking, pleading or reasoning. "That's
enough, both of you." Signas gives Chest the 'back off' look. "Chest. I know
what Axl said has been said before, and it's never made you happy. But that
is my little brother, and I will kindly ask you to show a bit more
restraint, if just for a friend. And Axl." Signas looks to the young Hunter.
"I know Chest was attempting to start into the topic of Blues, but he's a
newsman. It's what he does, and I don't entirely blame him. I might not be
one of your fathers, but I have shown plenty of patience with you. You're
not a kid anymore, so I'm going to ask you as an adult. Please drop it,
right now. You're a hero. We could've been focusing on what you've done for
this planet, but now you're attempting to accuse Chest of something that he
had perfectly sound reason to do. I wanted to improve our relationship with
the world, but now I don't know what the world is going to make of us." He's
prepared to stun the little bugger if necessary and just drag him home, at
this point.
[Radio: (A) Global] Cut Man transmits, "Loooooooooossers."
Axl closes his eyes halfway into Chest's vitrolic rant into his ear.
The Mavericks kidnapped him? Whitetail tried to kill him?
His optics flicker back open, and he sighs, gathering his thoughts
again and shaking his helmeted head. "The GNN goes into battle to report for
us ... they know the risks. Why can't they get guards or anything, who know
enough how to handle things? But normal civilians don't go into fights on
purpose. They run away. It's not their job to get involved. But you walk
right into it and expect to be safe --" Signas launches into his speech. Axl
has talked partially through it, raising his voice only slightly. But it's
clear he's had enough. Waving dismissively, he stands up from his seat and
starts to walk offscreen. Before he does, he turns.
"I'm sorry you've had your balls removed."
And with that, he begins to walk right off the set.
[Radio: (A) Global] Bon Bonne transmits, "Babuuu?"
[Radio: (A) Global] The Colonel's monocle pops.
[Radio: (A) Global] Epsilon transmits, "Goodness!"
[Radio: (A) Global] Prismatic Spider transmits, "Wow."
[Radio: (A) Global] Belenus Molony transmits, "Somebody buy that lad a
DRINK."
[Radio: (A) Global] Cut Man transmits, "Holeeeh crap."
[Radio: (A) Global] Cut Man transmits, "The kid grew up."
Chest looks at Signas. Cossack prompted him to do this? Pavel Alexis
Cossack? /Cossack/? Oh well well well. Chest had no idea. "Dr. Cossack..-?"
Chest is obviously surprised. Wait, Axl's just doing this to impress daddy?
Axl sure sounds sincere, but who knows. Chest looks confused as he tries to
sort this new information out. Although he has no idea of what's happening
on the Allied frequencies (app GNN interceptors, folks), he can now guess
that there's a huge swirling argument over this.
Now he'll always wonder who's words he's hearing from whoever. Did
Signas really say that or did soandso tell him to say that? Is Axl being
honest or is someone prompting him? It's no good interviewing someone if
they have others whispering into their ear at the same time. I ought to
implement a no-radios-allowed clause in my interviews, Chest muses.
Regardless, Chest seems to listen to Signas as the diplomat tries to
play peacemaker. He watches Axl get up and give his parting words. Chest
shrugs. He's been called worse things. He is very, VERY tempted to make a
quip about how Signas thought this would be /good/ for Axl, but doesn't.
"Well," Chest says with a sigh, "Axl... or Dr. Cossack, I dunno, whoever it
was I was talking to, is entitled to their opinion. It was a tough call, and
I made it, and I think it was the right one. No regrets over it. Protoman
will have to wait, I'm afraid." He looks over to Signas. "Anything you want
to add, Signas?" he asks respectfully.
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Blues says, "So, Jackass, you want to bring
up me in an interview with my brother, to what? Piss him off, rile him, get
him to crack under the pressure? Listen, you little toad, you want to bring
up the subject of me, have me on your little program. We'll see how big of a
man you are then."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Blues: Chest doesn't carry his cell phone
into interviews, but you can leave a message on his machine if you want.
Blues (Protoman) pages: Assume that was sent to your on-air director then.
Who may or may not relay it to you immediately. :D
You paged Blues with 'He won't. That's the complete message?'
Blues (Protoman) pages: Y'sir.
You paged Blues with 'Ok, thanks.'
Signas just sits back in his chair, lifting up his left leg and
resting it over his knee. He puts an arm over his leg, holding his other
elbow, where his hand goes to his leaned-in face, holding the bridge of his
nose. "No. Thank you, Chest. I had a witty edutainment line for the end, but
I don't feel like saying 'Don't do Heroin, the only dope that needs to be
shot is Lumine' anymore."
Chest smirks at the final line. Reminds him of Hi-Max's PSAs (app Hi-Max,
folks). The camera focuses on Chest again, "I'd like to thank Signas and Axl
for being with us here tonight. I know it wasn't easy. From everyone here at
GNN Central, good night."
Chest turns the GNN Prototype Camera v2.0 off.
Chest stands up, "Wooo, didn't expect the interview to go like /that/." He
takes a puff from his cigar.
Axl stompy stompy.
*** LATER ***
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack picks up the phone and makes a
call.
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: Chest picks up his cell phone
after the fourth ring. "Hello?"
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack says, "Hello Chest. Ziss is
Doctor Cossack."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: You say, "Oh... hello,
doctor. What can I do for you?"
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack says, "Vell, I vanted to talk
about zee interview you just had. I vant to just say, first, zhat I vas not
coachink Axl. He vas speakink wiff his own words. I told him to speak from
his heart and he did."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: You say, "Then why did Signas
say his arguments were about you prompting him?"
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack says, "Because Signas and I arr
in an interpersonal dispute. Signas vas tellink him to defer to you, I vas
tellink him to say vhat vas on his mind."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack says, "Since Axl decided to
follow his own star on ziss, it vas 'my fault', not his. Zhat is how Signas
verks."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: Chest sighs, "Y'know, I
should really impliment a no-radios policy or something. I mean, what's the
point of interviewing someone if what they're saying might not be coming
solely from them? I can only guess what Axl would have said had Signas not
been telling him one thing and you another." Pause. "I think it's fair to
assume that Axl will listen to you over Signas every time since, one, you're
his father, and two, you're /Dr. Cossack/, the most powerful man alive. If I
can ask, what is your opinion on the Wilyhour?"
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: Chest hasn't done the Blues
Task Force like Owl has, and therefore still thinks Cossack is the most
powerful.
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack has no desire to break Chest of
this illusion. "Can ziss be off zee vecord?"
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: You say, "Yes."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack says, "OK. Look -- I know vhy
you did it. I can understand your rationale, it's not like it doesn't make a
certain amount of cold sense. But morally I am opposed to it. I t'ink it
sends a bad message and inhibits your ability to veally come down hard on
zees people."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: Chest nods, though you can't
hear that. "I understand. I really do. It's something I've wrestled with a
lot. It was agonizing to have to compromise on journalism in order to
protect my employees, but I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I
didn't. I know why you're morally opposed, and I'd be morally opposed also."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack says, "I t'ink you do good verk,
important verk. I do not t'ink zhat violence against you or your people is
OK. It is important to society zhat vee haff open discourse about t'inks."
You have earned 5 cookies! Only 95 more until you can get @poll!
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: You say, "Thank you. And, in
case I don't say it enough, thanks for always saving our lives."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack says, "We arr just tryink to do
our best here. I vanted to level wiff you in any event so to stop rumors
before zey start."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: You say, "I appreciate the
phone call. It was good to clear the air. After Signas mentioned you I
wasn't sure what had happened."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack says, "Yes. Zhat is somet'ink I
vanted to address. I am glad I could talkink to you."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: You say, "Me too."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack says, "If you ever vant to talk,
get a statement about somet'ink, vhatever, don't hesitate to call me. I
don't sleep much."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: You say, "Me neither - work.
Though for a human it's not so healthy. Anyhow, yeah, I'll definitely be
taking you up on the offer. There's usually -something- I want to talk with
the Hunters about."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack says, "Soundink good to me. I
vill let you get back to verk. Zhank you again for your time."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Cossack: You say, "You too. Talk to
you another time."
[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Cossack disconnects amicably.