This high-ceilinged room could best be described as MavBerlins
research lab in miniature. A surprising amount of equipment has been
squeezed in, giving the room a cluttered appearance even when empty of
scientists. Three worktables are clustered in the center of the room, and
least one of them always holds an experiment in progress. Computer terminals
are conveniently placed nearby for logging notes and more formal reports.
The walls are mostly concealed by the storage racks and cabinets, but the
single triangular ruby-tinted window is left unblocked. The amount of
lighting varies, depending on the nature of the research, but the low hum of
electronics is a constant.

Contents: Contents:
Bolt Kraken [Armor] [H]

Corridor <C>: Corridor - Basilisk Station

Bolt can never really resist the oppurtunity to tinker with
something. Although Douglas and AUto are the Hunter's foremost mechanics and
inventors, Bolt himself enjoys dabbling in electronics, specifically the
electric part of them. He is currently rerouting power between the computer
terminals to a third one that was recently brought back from repairs. No one
asked him to do it, but for him it's a good way to pass the time, especially
when visiting the joint Hunter/RF station.

Storm Owl rarely spends much time on Basilisk. Despite being the Repliforce
rep, he tends to give it a fairly free reign. It's just here to facilitate
Hunter and Repliforce communications as far as he's concerned. The computer
core, the sensor arrays, the communication grid. That's about all that's
needed. Sure, Storm Owl shows up to the meetings and chips in with his two
cents when needed, but it is obvious that his first and only command love is
to the Fortress V. But today is a rare day, as Storm Owl has graced Basilisk
with its presence. After speaking with General and finding out that

Prismatic Spider is currently unavailable, he is trying to make the most out
of his time by visiting the space station. Walking alone, Owl is on a
self-guided tour. He's visited the medbay, the command centre, and the
computer core. Stepping gingerly, he enters the science area. This place
tends to be worrying on the FV. Will it be so here?

Bolt Kraken is crouched before the wirings of the computers, his tentacles
arcing around him and giving the wires small jolts as he connects and
reconnects them. Aside from his head bobbing, he doesn't seem to be aware of
his surroundings currently, absorbed in his little activity. He does seem to
finish quickly, though, and stands, turning around. "Oh!" he says, upon
seeing Storm Owl. "Comma-Er, Storm Owl. It's good to see you again."

Storm Owl's deep scowl, perpetually worn since his discussion with General -
even though really it went as well as he could have hoped - fades slightly
as he spies Bolt Kraken by an exposed computer terminal, connecting and
reconnecting wires between them. There's almost a half smile as the Kraken
almost calls him 'Commander'. "Bolt Kraken," Storm Owl greets, stepping up
towards the console while keeping far away enough to avoid disturbing his
work. "It's good to see you as well." He peers at the console. "Something
wrong with the wiring?"

"Oh, well...one of the computers came back from repairs and I...thought I'd,
you know, connect it back myself. I read the manual a little bit and used
some of my knowledge of wiring...but I'm far from being a computer-person
myself."

Storm Owl looks at the work even though he's hardly an expert. Sure he helps
out in engineering when he can, but it isn't his profession or anything. He
finds himself nodding, "I see. Good, good." There's a slight awkward pause
as Storm Owl peers at the wiring. "I am not sure the best way to broach this
topic, but I shall do so as delicately as I can: How are things with the
Hunters, Bolt? How are they holding up under the pressure?" Owl sounds
genuinely concerned.

Bolt Kraken clasps his hands behind his back, not seeming to be too
disturbed by the question. "Um, well...things are going generally fine. No
crises I can think...except an incident with the Swiss." He looks down at
the floor. "I'm not sure how much I can tell you, except that I think the
issue has been, uh, resolved."

Storm Owl arches an optical brow, "Resolved?" he asks in a tone that
suggests elaboration is needed. Storm Owl actually is worried about the
Hunters. It wasn't too long ago that it seemed they were on the verge of
tearing each other apart. Some credit Megaman's charisma as being the factor
that saved the group from splitting.

"Well...I don't think I'm supposed to talk about it, but it involved an
infiltration by our own Jazz and Sonata," says Bolt. "I don't want to act
distant to you, sir, but...perhaps you should ask Kraft or Rock about it
when you have the chance." Bolt glides a foot in a circle on the floor.

Storm Owl nods, understanding. "Commander Spider was apparently also
involved with the plans," he says in a slightly regretful tone. Woe be to
the Spider when Storm Owl gets a hold of him. He shakes his head, "I'll
definitely speak Megaman the next chance I get as well. My questioning was
actually more concern over the general pressure the Hunters have been
receiving. The pressure Seers is receiving to enforce the eviction of the
Hunters from American soil, the recent public relations issues, Jazz and
Sonata's recent ordeal..." As much as he dislikes many of the Hunter's
tactics, having them based in such a strategically important country has
been useful.

Bolt Kraken nods. "Yes...the Seers thing...we're still looking for a spot to
have a new base in. I guess we're moving again." Bolt sighs. "I sort of wish
we had the old Light Labs back. But I think Tokyo ultimately wasn't the best
place to be." Bolt goes and sits on one table in the center of the room,
hands gripping the edges. "It's good that someone outside us is worried,
though," he says, hoping to sound optimistic although his voice still has
that usual gloom tone to it.

Storm Owl considers the dilemma. He wonders whether it's only a matter of
time before the Hunters are not allowed anywhere. He quickly dismisses this,
though. When you keep saving the world, you're going to keep getting
forgiven. It's just the way it works. "Despite our differences," Storm Owl
replies, standing and taking a seat at one of the other tables, "I can
promise you that all of Repliforce knows that we are better off with a
strong Maverick Hunter alliance than a weak one - not that I condone many of
their actions, of course."

Bolt Kraken nods, and gives a short laugh. "Yes, we /are/ vigilantes, after
all. How is Repliforce, anyway? All the usual people still around?" He means
the older reploids like when he himself was around way back.

Storm Owl thinks back to those who were around. "Most of them," he struggles
to recall the names and faces, matching them up with recent casualty
listings. "Sparkle Anteater was killed by the Kaiser when he broke through
the blockade," Storm Owl says. "Who else... ah, yes, Tech Chicken was killed
in action a short while ago... against the robotic Neo Arcadians if I
recall. Do you remember Metaphor Chameleon? His tour of duty ended, and he
decided not to re-sign for another." Owl doesn't mean to sound so casual
about this, but he's had many a conversation like this that they've blurred
together.

Bolt Kraken does his best to remember as well. "Ah...that's too bad about
Tech...I don't seem to recall Metaphor, though. Oh wait, he was...yes, I
recall now. I'm sorry to say I only vividly remember the ones in our naval
forces. Like Jet and...well, Launch." Bolt seem to not be bothered
mentioning his brother anymore, having used to get emotional by just saying
his name a few years ago. But it seems he's grown older. "You seem to have a
rather...fiesty one, what is his name? Mercurial Mongoose?"

Storm Owl glances back at Bolt as the name Mercurial Mongoose is mentioned.
"Ah. Yes. Yes, we do. Speaking of public relations issues..." The Hunters
don't -quite- have a monopoly on them. "Yes, Lieutenant Mongoose." Ok, so
Owl is reminded that, yes, Repliforce promotes its walking PR disasters
occasionally as well. "The Mavericks had been making a great deal over his
preferred method of combat, which includes biting that they have chosen to
interpret as a kiss. Merely a Maverick attempt to make a mountain out of a
molehill. Despite Mercurial's over-energized attitude, he is a decent enough
soldier."

Bolt Kraken hehs. "Well, I don't actually listen to the Global broadband
much. I rarely have it on." Bolt thumps a tentacle on the table. "I'll take
your word for it, although I haven't met this Mercurial in person. Oh, I
almost forgot. I'll be competing against Jet in the water races, for once."

Storm Owl nods in agreement. "I have several crewmembers who listen to the
frequency. They can always alert me if there is something worth listening to
on it." Generally this job gets handed out to the people Storm Owl hates.
"Good luck in the water race then, Bolt. Last year the Repliforce swept it,
claiming gold, silver, and bronze. Taking gold over Stingray will not be
easy." He knows Bolt is no slouch in the water speed, of course, so this
might be a change from last year. Of course Repliforce tends to be pretty
determined in this one.

"It's actually kind of daunting. I mean, Jet's won for many races straight,
and if I took the gold that will be big news, at least for a little while.
They say no one ever remembers who wins the competitions unless they do it
repeatedly." Bolt's doubtful he may win himself, but nevertheless he's been
training himself hard, and will be until the events start. He pauses.
"Although Jet is still my friend."

Storm Owl smiles slightly, "Jet's lost before. He'll get over it." Storm
Owl's tone suggests that he'll get over it because he'll end up having to be
-ordered- to get over it. But the point is still there. "And you are correct
- the winners of the events tend to have their fame be short lived.
Rightfully so, however, as far as I am concerned. Whatever publicity can be
made from the games is nothing compared to the actions one takes in the war.
Winning a gold medal in an event cannot compare to saving even one life
while on the job."

Bolt Kraken nods. "Yes. Nonetheless people say it's a fun time when it
comes. I think even if I don't get the gold, people may still remember me
giving Jet a run for his money. I wouldn't want any publicity, anyway...I'm
camera shy."

Storm Owl replies, "You and Jet are, frankly, a dying breed. Naval
operations is becoming a very specialized field, and those that -are-
outfitted for water are generally not built for speed. With you not in the
races up until now, Jet has had something of a monopoly. The rest of
Repliforce tends to be there purely to block for him." Not that Owl minds.
It's good teamwork.

"Yes. Well, at least the war isn't damaging the eco-system of the oceans too
much. Aside from Wily leaving behind his drones. There are still some left
around Japan, you know. They malfunction and tend to attack small fishing
boats. Luckily the cases are very small," Bolt explains, having actually
been down there to investigate Bubble Man's fortress in Okinawa and
encountered some of his anglerfish pets.

Bolt Kraken, who I hear is a master in Killing Gatebotfu. Y'know... just in
case you were planning to come kill me or something.
Red has arrived.

"I've been surprised the damage as been as limited as it has been so far,"
Storm Owl admits, "Attacks by groups of Wily drones notwithstanding, one
would have expected by now that either the Robot Masters or the Mavericks
would have taken advantage of the seas." Storm Owl doesn't really want to
give them any ideas, though.
Gatebots?"

"They did when they held land," Bolt points out. "Now with their territory
limited they probably don't really have a use for the seas other than
smuggling goods or hijacking ships. Which is better than establishing an
underwater base or the like. The Earth is two thirds water, after all. Most
action may happen on land but one could use the oceans very easily. But
that's why I'm around."

"That's because the Mavericks are still recovering, and if you put a Robot
Master on a boat, they sink it," A voice calls from the only corridor that
leads into the science lab. The crimson giant comes tromping in. It appears
he was taking satellite photos on certain locations of the planet Earth. Red
gives a respectable salute to Storm, "Good evening, Commander Owl, and hey
there, Krake."

Red tromps over to the photo processing computer to send it to his personal
holodrive to UNDISCLOSED location.

Storm Owl nods, "We've done an excellent job overall in curtailing our
enemies' power. Mexico, Berlin, Africa... all former enemy held territories.
All liberated. All rebuilding." Some better than others, though. Owl is just
hopeful that they'll be able to finish the job, but admittedly hunting small
groups is more the Hunters' area of expertise than it is Repliforce's. Storm
Owl turns in his seat upon hearing Red Alert Commander Red's voice. He
returns Red's salute and says, "Welcome to Basilisk Station, Commander. What
brings you up here?"

"Oh, this and that. I needed a place to take orbital photos of certain
locations of the planet. Can't really hide that much from sattellite photos
if you know what you are looking for," Red replies easily. He presses a
button and sends off a few files to another place on Earth. He closes down
the program and he turns around.
The Commander smiles calmly, "So, how are both of you?"

Bolt Kraken is surprised to see Red, mainly because he's never seen him in
person before. "Uh, um, hello Red. It's good to see you in the armor," he
greets, sounding a bit nervous due to Red's rep as the Red Alert leader.
"I'm, ah, fine. Just reminiscising with Storm about my old Repliforce days,
and discussing the water races."

Storm Owl seems more at ease around the Red Alert Commander. They have their
differences, but it's been months since their last shouting argument, so
that's pretty good... right? Storm Owl replies back, "I have no complaints,"
he lies, "Bolt and I were merely discussing the old days, yes, and catching
up on news. Will you be at the water race?" he asks. Red can... swim or sink
or something, right?

The scarlet giant raises his hand to his gravity defying hair reflexively
and pats it. It still bends to his touch, but it immediately poofs back into
place, "Nah. I am able to sink and stuff, but if I can help it I'd like to
stay away from the water," Red gives a thumbs up, "My hair does not like
water, and you don't get this kinda hair by doing things it does not like."
It makes one wonder if his hair is the sole reason why Red is so good at
killing things.

Red looks at Bolt and he smiles at the Hunter, "Bolt Kraken? Yeah, I think I
remember reading something in the archives about you. Nice to meet you in
person as well, buddy." It's ALWAYS a good thing when Storm and Red are not
having a shouting match. It usually means that there isn't a civil war going
on in the Hunter base.

"Thanks," says Bolt. "I'm also going to be doing something for the GSTE,
too," he says back to Storm. He's sitting on the edge of one of the tables.
Storm probably isn't since his rear might make it collapse. But then the
tables might be reinforced for just such a thing. "Nothing major,
just...marine biology work. Or something in electromagnetics. I designed the
power systems for the CRAB module we have."

Soldiers call him Major McFatty for a reason, Bolt.

Storm Owl is bald under his hat, and so has no idea what one would do to
take care of hair like Red's. He nods anyway as if he understands, but he
really doesn't. Storm Owl seems pretty interested in the GSTE, however. Even
though it keeps being used to create technology that shifts the balance of
power one way or another. It's good in concept, anyway. "CRAB module... I'm
only vaguely aware of its usage," he says, clearly seeking more of an
explanation.

Red shuts down the terminal and leans against one of the bigger tables, he
crosses his arms and thinks back, "You know, now that I think about it.. I
think I was a neural net case at a GSTE once, does that count?"

"Basically a sort of satellite that helps us deploy around the world more
quickly," explains Bolt. "It can transport others but it's definitely not a
comfort ship. I made sure the power was distributed as evenly and
efficiently as possibly." Bolt looks over to Red. "I think so."

Storm Owl arches an optical brow at Red, not getting the joke until several
seconds have past. By then it's too late to nod politely or anything, so
Storm Owl just lets it pass. "Sounds useful. Repliforce tends to rely on
simply having troops stationed throughout the globe, but in the situation
the Hunters are in, fast transport for a limited number of mechs would be
very useful. How has it performed so far?"

Red folds his arms across his chest, "I think I saw one of those things when
we stormed Kaiser Sigma. It was carrying Massimo, or something."

Bolt Kraken nods to both of them. "Yep. The capsules from it were used to
get some of us to the battle at Fortress Angeles. In the thick of battle,
too. I haven't actually used it myself, admittedly. The holidays have kind
of, um, got me off-kilter."

Storm Owl spent the battle of Fortress Angeles on the Fortress V, ready to
serve as the Last Resort <tm> and bombard the hell out of any evil forces
that came out of the portal in the event that the good guys lost. Storm Owl
personally has no serious issue with the holidays other than that it
disrupts regular Repliforce functioning. Thankfully, other groups seem to
take the time off as well. It's nice to grab some peace whenever you can.
"Why is that?" he asks Bolt.

Red likes the holidays. It's a great way to get smashed and have a good time
without demerits.

"Christmas Shopping. Thankfully that's done. Say, um, Storm Owl," he asks.
"Has there ever been a reploid by the name of Jailbird Gier-Eagle in
Repliforce? He's a friend of mine..."

Storm Owl ahs and nods. Christmas shopping. He didn't expect -that- to be
the reason. Shopping sounds so mundane, even though Storm Owl basically
never does it. He does not often mingle with the civilians he is here to
protect. "Jailbird Gier-Eagle? Yes, I've heard his name from the joint
channels, however I do not recall his name specifically from Repliforce's
duty roster." There are too many to remember. "You have access to our
personnel lists, though, if you need it. You could ask him, of course."

"Yeah, I've actually met him once or twice. Good air-to-ground specialist,"
Red is buffing his finger plates, he's a lot better at remembering faces
than Storm. That's why people like Red more than Storm. Ha ha, "He has a
pretty messed up past, but it's nothing that I am not used to."

"He doesn't talk much about his past..." says Bolt, trailing off as he
thinks. "Well, I'll ask him what his name used to be later." Bolt notices
the time due to his internal clock. "I need to head back to base." He hops
off the table. "It was nice seeing you again, sir," he says to Storm using
his old RF etiquette habits. "And to meet you two, Red."

Storm Owl furrows his mechanical brow as Red and Bolt talk about this
Jailbird Gier-Eagle. A Hunter that doesn't like to talk about his past? He
considers asking whether they even do background checks but decides it isn't
a good idea. "The name, at least, suggests possibly jail time. You might
consider checking with Interpol," he says even though Bolt has probably
already thought of it. "It was good seeing you again, Bolt. Enjoy the
holidays, Lieutenant." he says, standing up from his chair.

Red smiles and he waves to Bolt, "It was nice meeting you too, Bolt," The
Commander watches Bolt leave and he turns his gaze over to Storm Owl.

Bolt swims up to you and hands you a cookie, yum! What's that, a crackle of
electricity? Better be careful...

Storm Owl looks back at Red. Unless the Red Alert Commander has something
specific he wants to bring up, he might take this opportunity to go yell at
Prismatic Spider.

"Merry Christmas, Owl. You should probably go enjoy it, instead of
developing mechanical ulcers," Red says as he stands up and begins to tromp
out. There's a party to go have.

Storm Owl goes ahead and says, "Merry Christmas, Red. Please don't drink and
drive," he suggests, knowing exactly where Red is probably off to.

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Prismatic Spider: You say, "Do you have a
moment of time, Commander?"

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Prismatic Spider says, "Of course, Storm.
What can I do for you?"

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Prismatic Spider: You say, "A meeting,
sir. In private."

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Prismatic Spider says, "Of course. Where
would you like to meet?"

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Prismatic Spider: You say, "Either the
ready room or your office, sir."

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Prismatic Spider says, "Come to my study,
then."

*** TRAVEL SPAM ***

Prismatic Spider's Study <PSS>(#4835TLenM)
A simple, small room that belies it's utility. The left side of the room is
dominated by a large electronics bench and several small parts bins. Next to
the bench is a console-type computer, which shows signs of being frequently
accessed. To the other side of the room is a small coffee table surrounded
by low couches. Comfortable, yet simple. It doesn't look like he plans on
entertaining many guests here however.
Contents:
Prismatic Spider

Knock knock. Whatever chime or buzzer Prismatic has to alert him to visitors
is now going off. Storm Owl stands outside, hand and arm blaster clasped
together behind him.

Storm Owl is admitted promptly, Prismatic being at the door, smiling. "A
pleasure to see you, Storm. Please, come in." As soon as Storm enters, the
door closes behind him and locks. Storm Owl may notice a small silver device
with a red LED sitting on the coffee table at a glance. It looks like a
high-grade portable handheld white noise generator. It's on. Prismatic,
meanwhile, heads to a small drink station and begins filling a mug of
steaming coffee. "Please, sit anywhere you like. Can I offer you any
refreshments?"

Storm Owl steps into the study and takes a very good long look around the
room. He does indeed spot the small silver device with the LED light. He
knows what this thing is. His hearing is sensitive enough that he can make
out what it does. And that it's on. "No thank you, sir. Permission to speak
freely?" he asks, keeping his hand and gun arm still clasped together behind
his back.

Prismatic Spider turns back around to face Storm Owl, noticing that he's
still got his hands behind his back. Prismatic sips at his coffee, and nods.
"Of course, Storm Owl." He grins. What could the Owl want? Prism's
expression is rather curious, since Storm doesn't often solicit him.

Storm Owl unclasps his hand and arm blaster, letting his arms rest at his
side. He scowls in Prismatic's direction and says in a steady but slightly
louder than normal tone, "What the fuck were you thinking when you decided
to team up with Protoman of all people in order to spy on another nation
without informing General? Why in God's name would you think that allying
yourself with someone who has proven time and time again that he has no
interest in the wellbeing of others unless it suits his own purposes was a
good idea?!"

from the teleporters. Other Neo Arcadians follow behind. They don't look
armed.

Ah. Not good news. Well, then. Prismatic blinks, wincing a bit at Storm's
explosion. He can't remember the last time the Owl swore about something. He
sets his coffee aside on a wall ledge, and nods. "You have several good
points. However, Protoman's investigations of Ecolint occurred independantly
of my own for an extended period of time. I only had just recently found out
we were both looking into the location for the same reason, and had agreed
to exchange our findings. Colonel had told me to work on uncovering
information about Nebula and related issues, and I intended to continue
doing so, reporting in when I had gained information of use." Prismatic
reaches up, rubbing his chin. "As far as 'allying' with Blues is concerned,
I have not 'allied' with him. I agreed to help him get his sisters out of
Swiss custody, which General himself agreed to assist with. What he did
after that, I had nothing to do with. I was, however, quite interested in
him not getting himself killed by doing something absurdly stupid like
walking into an obvious Swiss trap."

Storm Owl's scowl remains, but he is silent as Prismatic Spider explains
himself. "Perhaps it would be best if you started from the beginning
concerning your investigations and with any cooperation with Protoman." The
Owl is growing tired of having to get caught up on things like this. The
whole point of having three Repliforce soldiers in the high command was to
avoid nonsense like this. As far as Storm Owl is concerned, even exchanging
information with Protoman is extremely dangerous given what he might do with
it. Any deal that benefits him hurts everyone else. As a note, Owl is very
aware that Prism is evidently allowed to call Protoman 'Blues'. Don't his
friends get that dubious 'honour'?

Prismatic takes this opportunity to drink more of his coffee. He's probably
going to need it. He sighs slightly as Storm's implacable scowl continues to
bore into him with all of the fury of a pissed-off commander of a fully
armed and operational battlestation, and nods. "As far as Ecolint is
concerned, the location featured prominently in several Nebula agent and
former Black SHIELD member backgrounds. We wished to explore the ares to see
if there were any actual connection to Nebula there, or if they simply
happen to garner significant numbers of affiliates from the location, it
being a training ground for the rich, powerful, and well-connected. As it is
a perfectly legitimate organization, I had asked James Houseman V to go
there and examine the location. As he used to attend and is fairly rich and
influential himself, he fit in perfectly. Blues had sent his sisters in to
look into the location for the same reasons, having come to the same
conclusions from his own research into backgrounds. If it wasn't for an
ill-advised Strider going on a rampage, nothing would have ever come to
light. As it is, my part in the investigation is completely unknown."

Storm Owl listens intently as Prismatic Spider goes through the explanation.
The scowl, yes, remains. "'we'?" he asks at the first part of the story. He
wants to know who all of Prismatic Spider's conspirators are. "Ill advised
Strider mission," he says in a tone that isn't quite a question, but prompts
for additional explanation. Storm Owl is being reminded of old lessons from
Storm Eagle about how this is the sort of thing that happens when large
organizations begin spying on the people they are meant to protect. Despite
what some might believe, Owl doesn't want to live in a police state. He
hopes this doesn't become a slippery slope.

Damn. He said we. Prismatic waits several seconds to reply, and then shrugs.
"I don't think that it would be a good idea for my sources and associates to
be widely known, Storm. We are, after all, dealing with a conspiracy who
likely had footholds in Repliforce itself." Prismatic shrugs. "Apparently,
one Belenus Molony of the Striders tried to gain access to the server core
inside Ecolint. He flipped out and began ninjaing things, and he was taken
down be a Swiss sniper. I have no idea why he was there."

Storm Owl takes an unconscious step towards Prismatic Spider. "Who is 'we'?"
he asks again in a slow, steady tone. "Yes... we are dealing with a
conspiracy. Yes, it may indeed have footholds in Repliforce. It is very
likely, in fact. Just as you said." He doesn't reply about the Belenus thing
just yet, since this has his attention for the moment. He shakes his head
slightly, "I would hate to think how high a spy could have gotten in our
organization. Perhaps even to the High Command." He stares right at
Prismatic Spider.

Yeah, this is bad. Prismatic's expression is kept carefully neutral at the
last comment, and he sets his coffee aside once more. "So you suspect me.
Well and good. But it would kinda suck if I was working for them considering
how much work I'm doing to find out their activities, get information to
people, and have them maintain operations to stop them. Frankly, Storm, why
would I work for them? You have my background history, psychological
analyses, and such. It's typical information for Internal Affairs. Why would
you suspect me?"

Storm Owl spreads his arms out in a helpless gesture, "Well, Prismatic,"
Storm Owl, "Clearly you suspect /us/, given the way you did not inform the
General." Storm Owl takes another unconscious step towards Prismatic Spider.
"Clearly you suspect -me-, as you refuse to tell me even who you are working
with. I already know -one- person you were working with, and given his track
record it does not bode well for the ones you do -not- wish to reveal."
Protoman, naturally. "Frankly, Prismatic, why would *I* work for them? You
have -my- background history, psychological analyses, and such. It is
typical information for Internal Affairs. Why would you suspect me?"

"You misunderstand. I wasn't telling you not because I suspect you."
Prismatic watches Storm take his step. "I wasn't telling you because what
you don't know can't be tortured or hacked out of your mind, or accidentally
given away to someone I /don't/ trust. There is a such thing as 'need to
know', Storm. Why do you need to know everyone else I'm working with?"
Prismatic finally breaks away from Storm's laserlike gaze, looking away. "I
want to involve as few people as possible in this chaos. General and Colonel
have been occupied dealing with the war we /can/ see. A war we've been
fighting for years." Prismatic closes his eyes, and shrugs. "It's fallen to
me to deal with a war we can't see. I will tell you this much, Storm. I've
spoken with Shield Shellfish. She is working on performing internal audits
to look for potential leaks. If you can't trust her to get the job done, you
can't trust anyone." Prismatic smiles at that, and opens his eyes.
Hopefully, Storm isn't choking him by now. "Do you really want to be
involved in this? It's not a good situation, Storm. Not at all. It's...
Horrible, having to reevaluate how much you can trust something you've had
your faith placed into for years." Prismatic sighs at that. "I know you hate
Blues. I don't like some of his actions either. But there's only so much
that Repliforce and my own contacts, as a representative of a public and
legitimate authority, can do. It's not like we've had much in the way of
intelligence personnel in Logistics until recently, and even then..."

Storm Owl folds his arms, still staring at Prismatic even as the spider
turns away. If there's one thing that his beady little optics can do, it's
stay trained on a single subject. "General and Colonel are greater mechs
than you, and greater mechs than I. You underestimate what we can and cannot
handle. I personally witnessed the initial treachery of the Mavericks. I
know damn well what enemies can do to us when they infiltrate. I have seen
faith in this institution destroyed before."
"Who gives you the right to fight this so-called unseen war by
yourself? More importantly," Owl takes another unconscious step towards
Prismatic. He is close now. He could reach out and touch Prismatic if he so
desired. But no, he does not choke the scientist yet.
"You are -not- going to do this alone. You are -not- going to take
all the information for yourself. What happens when tomorrow, Prismatic,"
Storm Owl finally breaks his glare off of Prismatic Spider in order to
gesture around the study that seems to keep getting smaller. "What happens
when you're killed in battle? What happens when a secret full scale Robot
Master attack annihilates the Fortress V and buries you under one million
tons?"
Storm Owl jabs a finger in Prismatic Spider's direction. He is close
enough that the finger is almost touching the scientist. "What happens when
Nebula finds out you're the only Repliforce soldier with any knowledge about
this and has you murdered, leaving the rest of us screwed because you wanted
to 'spare us this horrible war'?"

Prismatic Spider turns back, and looks up at Storm Owl, though he's only a
bit taller. His gaze flicks down at the pointed hand. He doesn't move or
react to the hand and his gesturing, instead going back for Round 2 with
Storm's Optics Of Doom. "They may be greater mechs than you or I, but
Colonel assigned me to deal with these things instead of taking control of
those operations himself. If he wanted this job, he would have asked for
it." His arms don't move. He stays very still in the face of Storm's
accusations, his expression somewhat... sad. "I have all the information,
yes. But I'm not the only one with all of the information. You underestimate
me, Storm Owl. If I die, another will carry on the work. I have ensured that
the information will never be lost, and will get where it needs to go." He
closes his eyes, then, and brings up a hand to pinch the area between his
eyes slightly. Who knows where he picked that one up from.
A moment later, his hand drops, and he opens his eyes again, looking
somewhat irritated at this point "They've already tried to capture or kill
me. I don't expect it to be the last time either. Either way, if I shouldn't
be the one with the information who SHOULD have it, Storm? Colonel assigned
me to handle this! You were there when he did it! Is there ANYONE ELSE in
this army who knows anything about how to fight a pervasive,
all-encompassing conspiracy that is more subtle and intelligent than Black
SHIELD ever was?"

Storm Owl refolds his arms, matching Prismatic for Round 2 of the staring
contest. Still scowling, Storm Owl finds himself shaking his head slowly at
Prismatic Spider. As he does, Owl slowly begins pacing around Prismatic
Spider, circling him while still staring at him. Prismatic will have to turn
to meet his glare. In a low voice, he states, "You are making deals with the
mech who continually flaunts his indifference towards innocent lives and the
rule of law when it suits him. You are keeping your fellow High Command
mechs in the dark concerning this. Don't even try to feed me the BS about
how Colonel wouldn't want to be kept in the loop. I seem to recall him being
quite furious with you the -last- time you tried something like this."
"I hope you're ready for more picture perfect saluting to get back
in his good books," Owl snaps, referring to Spider's prim and proper
attitude during the Colonel/Owl/Spider meeting a while back. "Perhaps you'd
even like to test this? I can call Colonel up right now if you like. We can
put this to the test right here and right now." Storm Owl leaves this for
now, however, and continues, "You are also working with associates
apparently so secret that I cannot know about it. You are paranoid to the
point of believing that you and you alone in Repliforce is able to fight a
pervasive." Pause. "All-encompassing." Pause. "Conspiracy."
Owl keeps pacing around Prismatic, "Does this about sum it up?"
the other factions."

"I would tell him something if I had anything useful to tell him." Prismatic
absently rubs his jaw again as he stands there, letting Storm walk around
him all he wants. It still aches a little from when he had to get it fixed
after he got back from the Swiss Debacle. Hmmmmmmm. "What, exactly, should I
be telling him, Storm? You seem to be under the impression that more has
happened than you think. Really, it's been moderately low-key lately except
for that spectacular botchup that the Striders and Blues caused. Repliforce,
however, was not harmed by it to my knowledge."
The grilling, however, appears to be getting on Prismatic's nerves, because
he's starting to get more irritable. "You have yet to tell me WHY, exactly,
I should tell you who my contacts are. Is there any pressing reason? I am
not paranoid. It's an honest assessment of the various capabilities of
Repliforce. We excel in dealing with overt problems, but have had historical
issues with espionage and intelligence problems, to the point where we
hadn't even had any active intelligence operatives make it to officer rank
and gain higher clearance until just recently, with Dream Doll. Or are you
going to continue grilling me because you're under the impression that I am
somehow untrustworthy? Call Colonel if you wish, but unless I recieve a
direct order from him or General to do so, or a valid reason why I should
give you that information, I will not do so."

Storm Owl stops his pacing in front of Prismatic. His arms are still folded,
and he resumes looking directly at the spider scientist. "You should keep me
informed because I am indeed rapidly losing trust in you, Prismatic." Storm
Owl says in a steady tone. "And given this, someone loyal to Repliforce will
need to begin investigating this 'unseen war' - me. We can either work
/with/ each other, or we can work /against/ each other, possibly interfering
with the work of one another. I prefer the former. I will accept the
latter." Storm Owl waits for the reply patiently.

Prism watches Storm intently. "So. You don't trust me because I don't tell
you everything, and you think so little of me that you're willing to strike
out on your own in order to do your own investigations. You're going so far
as to call me disloyal. I don't see that you're giving me much of a choice
here, Storm Owl. You're basically threatening to shut me down unless I tell
you everything. This isn't the kind of tactic that builds trust in people.
But tell me... How would you handle this kind of conspiracy, Storm Owl? I'm
curious to determine how you would handle something like this."

Storm Owl doesn't argue with anything Prismatic says. "You're right. This is
not building trust." He keeps waiting for his answer, and does not answer
Prismatic's question.

"Tell me something, Storm Owl." Prismatic focuses directly on the Owl's face
as he speaks. "A world where people can sleep at night, safe from harm. A
world where people can live, grow, and die without the threat of being
killed in a random attack. A world where people are molded for their
futures, not needing to worry because things just seem to work out for them.
A world where everyone fits in like a cog in a giant machine, where everyone
has their place. A world where they don't need to question and just follow
along with what they need to do. A world where people are guided along by
powers greater than them, unknowing, uncaring. Does this world appeal to
you?"

Storm Owl lets out a disappointed sigh. He finally breaks his glare on
Prismatic and rubs his temple with his sole hand as he turns around. Still
without answering Prismatic's question, Storm Owl steps for the exit.

"Have a good evening, Storm Owl." The door unlocks and lets Storm Owl out.
Prismatic turns away and sighs. "Trust goes both ways, remember that, Storm
Owl. Agreements bought with threats are not agreements at all."