Tetsuo's Hibachi Grill and Karaoke Bar

 

        A large building is illuminated by a neon sign reading "Tetsuo's Hibachi Grill and Karaoke" and the sound of music wafts out to the street, along with the tantalizing aromas of well-prepared food. This is one of the hottest places to be in Neo Tokyo and perhaps even the world. It's also known as a place where opposing sides will clash, errupting into a fight that bad enough to ruin the interior for a number of days. But the management must be good, because Tetsuo's is always open again for business soon enough.

 

Ban Joe #0001

 

Out <O> leads to Neo Tokyo - Nogaki Commercial District.

 

Shade Man arrives from the Nogaki Commercial District.

Shade Man has arrived.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Robot Masters cannot run around the world without attracting unwanted attention to themselves. Because of an extensive history associating them with chaos and destruction, most RMs need to wear rudimentary disguises if they want to avoid attracting the authorities.

            However, this is Japan, and no one is about to call the cops on the Emperor's personal army. This at least is a refreshing change for Robot Masters that cannot ordinarily disguise themselves without looking moderately out of place.

            And that's why Shade Man can safely walk through the doorway, speak with the greeter, and actually request a small table to be served food at. To be fair, he is attracting a moderate amount of attention. But he is seated nonetheless, and begins reading a menu and wine list. The waitstaff occasionally glances at him warily, and several patrons have asked to be reseated at a different table, but it doesn't appear to bother him.

 

Storm Owl was here in Japan on business. Despite being in command of the Repliforce flagship, Storm Owl's duties do not keep him confined to the ship. The war bird had been in the area, seeking to open up new sources of supplies to keep the Fortress V well equiped. It used to be so easy when Repliforce was still sponsored by the United Nations. Now, Repliforce has to look outside the organization for help. Yet another disappointing result of being disowned by Houseman. Ah well, there is no use dwelling on the past - and it's not like there haven't been certain advantages to being independent.

        Regardless, Storm Owl stopped off in Japan to see the results of Wily's... ahem, claim on leadership. The war bird marches into Tetsuo's Bar and Grill for a brief rest and bite to eat before continuing his self-made tour of the city. The owl pauses at the door's entrance to peer around, coldly watching each inhabitant. His gaze pauses as it falls upon Shade Man.

 

Shade Man's ears perk up. He is being watched. He notices this almost instantly, for reasons he would attribute to cryptic and arcane means and most would attribute to good senses. He begins to look around carefully, attempting to find the source... and spots the Commander of Fortress V himself in the doorway. He smiles.

            He quickly motions to the waitstaff, speaks with them, and a moment later the incredibly nervous and fearful waiter hurries to the doorway, beginning to sweat like a maniac.

            "The gentleman at the table in the corner-" He gestures quickly to Shade Man, who is smiling and watching Storm and the waiter "-asks if you would please consider joining him at his table for dinner." The waiter stands there nervously, his life flashing before his eyes. Shade Man is still smiling, and begins waving at Storm Owl.

 

Storm Owl's gaze finally continues onward, but only long enough to ensure that there is no-one else of importance in the bar. Still standing in the doorway, Storm Owl watches the waiter's approach and listens intently to his words. The war bird looks over the waiter's shoulder and sees Shade Man waving. He doesn't reciprocate the friendly gesture. Instead he merely nods to the waiter and says, "Accepted."

        The Repliforce Commander strides towards the Robot Master and stops at the table, offering the seated mech a polite, but cold nod. "Hello, Shade Man. I do believe the last time we spoke was during the attack on the Delta Sphere. You and I had exchanged various unpleasantries." Thanks, Captain Recap! Storm Owl takes a seat across from Shade Man and rests his hands on the table.

 

Shade Man nods. "Indeed... has it been so long? Ahh, memories." He peruses the wine list as the nervous waiter quickly delivers a second menu and runs back into the kitchen area, presumably to take a well deserved break. Or perhaps move to the South Pole. "It is nice to see you in better shape than when we last parted on that paticular battlefield." He pauses and looks up from the wine list. "I trust your associates and Fortress are well? I have been thinking about that paticular vessel a great deal lately." He grins widely, both fangs gleaming brightly.

 

Storm Owl peers up at the waiter as he is also given a copy of the wine list. Storm Owl looks at it briefly before refocusing back on the Eta Robot Master. "Indeed. The ship has thus far functioned flawlessly." Though she did, in some ways, flunk one of the security drills he ran. Storm doesn't feel the need to mention that, though. "I'm sure you have, Shade Man. I would not be surprised if it has been on the mind of many enemy strategists. Thus far the Fortress V has been the cause of two of your sphere's destruction." He leaves the obvious part about how there being two remaining unsaid. One of which, of course, is Eta Sphere.

 

Shade Man nods slightly. "Yes, Fortress V is indeed a vessel to be reckoned with. You should be quite proud." If there is any sarcasm to be found in his meaning, it is masked by his calm monotone. Shade Man pauses to glance at the menu, and then turns back towards Storm Owl. "I do hope you will enjoy your visit to Japan. It is a country rich in both culture and atmosphere. I admit I find myself quite fond of it." He smiles and turns to glance at the other patrons. They look moderately disconcerted.

            A new waiter arrives at the table, face clenched in a forced smile. "Are you ready to order?" Shade Man points to his menu. "I would like this paticular steak dish, rare. Please do hold the garlic." He grins at the waiter. "Also, I would like a bottle of this paticular wine. I've had similar vintages before, it is quite good." The waiter takes his menu and wine list, and manages to force out a "Very good sir." He turns toward Storm Owl. "And for you?"

 

Storm Owl takes the compliment at face value, but shrugs, passing it over, "Prismatic Spider is the one who should be proud of his work on the ship." he says. Prismatic was, afterall, the lead designer of the repairs and refitting operation. "Regarding Japan, I once found that to be true. However I am concerned about what the Robot Master influence will do to them." Whether this is meant to be an insult or just a statement of fact is tough to tell, but Storm Owl's typical bluntness would suggest the latter.

        'Hold the garlic.' Any other mech might shake his head in wonder. "Ribs with the side of potatoes. Well done." Storm Owl's paranoid enough that he'll be making sure it isn't poisoned in any way before eating. Storm Owl takes another glance at the wine list, and but finds his selection has already been chosen. "I'll have the same for wine." A coincidence, surely. Storm Owl looks back at Shade Man and says, "I have been surprised, Shade Man, that even though the Robot Masters have control of Japan, they have not withdrawn from Africa. Surely the Doctor realizes our military campaign there has over a 66.4 percent chance of success."

 

Shade Man chuckles briefly, this time without his normal hollow echo and sinister overtone. "Really now, it's all a matter of interpretation." The waiter carefully takes the orders into the kitchen, and the sound of hurried discussion is heard through the kitchen door. Shade Man glances at it briefly. "Your interpretation of the situtation is perfectly valid according to your own point of view. You are waging a military campaign to release certain countries from the Emperor's control."

            The same waiter returns from the kitchen, identical bottles of wine in hand, uncorks them in plain view, and pours each of the two patrons a glass. Shade Man nods to the waiter and manages a surprisingly convincing "Thank You.", unusually enthusiastic coming from Shade Man. He carefully picks up his glass and takes a sip, pausing a moment to consider the taste. "Good. A nice classic taste to it." He turns back toward Storm Owl. "Whereas, you must understand that Emperor Wily does not look at the situation as... a two-front war. We do not concede ownership of African military objectives because we do not consider them military objectives, because we are not waging war. They Belong To Wily." That last comment is emphasized a bit more sternly than the preceding.

 

Storm Owl leans forward in his chair, clasping his hands together as he listens to Shade Man. Whatever is going on in the kitchen is essentially ignored, unless the words 'poison the turkey!' are said. The war bird nods and points out, "And having considerable success in it. Our campaign in Africa has been flawless. We established a foothold, destroyed the Alpha sphere with the Fortress V's first combat engagement, and quickly followed up with several others. Only two of your outposts remain, and much of the continent has been liberated." Storm Owl unclasps his hands and holds his wine glass once it's finished being poured.

        Storm Owl considers this as he takes a sip of his wine. Finally, he replies to the second part of Shade Man's comments, "'Not waging a war'?" he echoes. "We have attacked you repeatedly. Your forces even attempted to destroy one of our convoys. The continent no longer belongs to Wily, Shade Man. One by one, they are being liberated."

 

Shade Man leans back in his chair and sighs as the waiter returns to the kitchen. He picks up his wine glass a takes a longer drink from it. "We have defended what is ours and will continue to do so. You will quite possibly continue to launch military excursions against us, and this does not surprise us. So our continued defense should not surprise you." He concludes his viewpoint on the war and indulges in some more wine. The smile returns to his face. "As for your concern for the well-being of the citizens of this nation, I applaud your intentions. We did not come to this country as destroyers, and we do not act as such. I would ask you the condition of the areas you have 'liberated' from us. Are they well?"

 

Storm Owl lowers his glass and places it on the table. "True." he concedes. "However it would spare both of our organizations considerable time, effort, and resources if Wily were to simply accept the inevitable and withdraw his forces. As well as help the welfare of the population of Africa. We will prevail, Shade Man. There can be no doubt of it. There is little reason to prolong the situation and make ourselves more susceptible to attack from other factions." Storm Owl pauses here and then answers Shade Man's question. "Yes. They are well. We are rebuilding what has been destroyed, and in time their civilization will flourish, unhindered by a dictatorship."

        Storm Owl knows he's not going to be able to convince Shade Man, or pretty much any other Robot Master, that they should withdraw from Africa. In truth, Storm Owl would not were he in their place, simply because it would make their enemies realize that they can be pushed around once a war has begun to get gritty. Since they seem to be trading questions, Storm Owl says, "I trust that fortifications of the Eta and Beta sphere are proceeding well?" Storm Owl has visited Eta territory fairly recently. The war bird wonders if he had been identified by the Masters.

 

Shade Man nods, and hmmms to himself. "The spheres in question are well prepared against any assault you can muster. I seem to be starting an unsettling trend of having dinner with people right before they're spotted in proximity of the Eta sphere. Funny how that works." If any explanation of that comment was forthcoming, it is interrupted by the arrival of the waiter, holding a tray of food.

            Mouthwatering aromas fill the air. The waiter places a large steak in front of Shade Man, looking very rare and sitting a a pool of beef blood. Shade Man's eyes glaze over briefly. Additionally, the waiter places a large plate in front of Storm Owl. The plate appears to contain a generous portion of ribs, cooked well-done to suit the daily paranoia, and several potatoes. "Enjoy your meal." The waiter begins walking away at a calm pace, that increases in speed as it approaches the kitchen and gets further from the table.

            Shade Man begins to calmly slice his steak into smaller chunks, although he seems a little unsteady with the cutlery. Steak does that to people. "Will they thrive on their own? Only time will tell. History might paint a picture of both possibilities, I find it unreliable." He pauses. "I have been preoccupied as of late. How is the world outside Wily-controlled areas faring? I would be interested to know what the Mavericks and Neo-Arcadia are up to."

 

Storm Owl takes another sip of his wine as Shade Man replies. He knows all too well about the defences at the Eta Sphere, given what he saw. And, of course, there's probably even worse things that he /didn't/ see. Storm Owl has often wondered if the Zombie Joes he encountered at the Delta Sphere was due to Pharaoh Man's work, or Shade Man's work. Either way, it's a good thing that the Fortress V has been assigned to take out the Beta Sphere, and not the nightmare that is going to be the Eta. But even though he /won't/ be seen in the Eta's vicinity, he nods anyway.

        The food arrives, and Storm owl moves his wine glass to make room for his plate. Storm Owl looks at his own, analyzing it with his ultra-keen optical sensors. He nods to the waiter in satisfaction, and then looks towards Shade Man's dish. The mild disgust Storm Owl has for the bloody concoction is well hidden behind his perfectly controlled demeanor. Storm Owl dexterously slices his ribs, unlinking them from each other. Even though most eat ribs with their hands, Storm Owl does an admirable job of using a fork and knife.

        The war bird takes a bite and replies to Shade Man, "We have no intention of leaving the Africans before they are capable of surviving without us. That includes the required infrastructure, defences, and other social advances. Concerning Neo-Arcadia and the Mavericks, I too wonder," Storm Owl says truthfully, "They have been strangely silent of late." This almost always means that they are planning something big.

 

Shade Man begins taking bites of his steak, enjoying them with unusual fervor. Occasionally he appears to be using chunks of steak as a sponge to soak up some of the beef blood on the plate. He chews with mouth close and slowly, but his eyes reveal a delight masked by the rest of his face.

            "I find it amusing, and at the same time, delightfully ironic." He pauses to consume another piece of steak. "The Mavericks have a overwhelming hatred of humanity, and now we have the Nation of Neo-Arcadia, who have an overwhelming dislike for Reploids, Androids, and the many other forms of metallic life."

            Shade Man uses a napkin to wipe off his chin. "According to your own strategies and plans, I get the distinct impression you believe your campaign in Africa will end soon. My question to you is thusly: Where do you go from there?" He smiles, carefully watching his dining associate and quietly sipping wine.

 

Storm Owl is, thankfully, not emotional enough to take the disgusting food Shade Man is consuming as a distraction. He pauses in his own elegant, no-nonsense manner of eating and replies, "It is ironic," he agrees. "But not one that is unexpected. In 2207 - two years after Sigma revealed the coalition - I calculated that there was a 89.2 percent chance that there would be enough backlash against robotic life that a major organization would be formed to prevent it within 15 years. Consider all the problems we - artificial intelligence - have caused them. The moment Blues was revealed on November 9th, 2199, the world began going from a peaceful status quo to..." Storm Owl sets down his fork and gestures briefly around him. "To this. The logical conclusion would be, after looking at all the facts, that we have ultimately harmed humanity far more than it has helped."

        "Regarding our campaign in Africa, I am unwilling to discuss a timetable for the end of the campaign, naturally, however Repliforce's will be as we have stated: To defend the planet against threats. Our departure from the UN has not changed that."

 

Shade Man chuckles briefly. "You misunderstand me, I fear. I am not asking nor do I expect you to reveal sensitive information regarding your military timetable. However, you did answer my question." He pauses, finishing his steak, and making a contented sigh. "I'll not ask your definition of 'threat', I'm sure we both know the organizations you would file under that classification. Your devotion toward duty is commendable."

            But Shade Man pauses, smile fading from his face for a more serious and stern expression. "And yet at the same time I can't help but detect an unsettling note of regret." Shade Man pauses to pour himself another glass of wine. "You measure the world in probabilities and predictions, causes and effects. But at the same time you've lost sight of something." He pauses, the only reason possible being for dramatic effect. "You harbor the belief that robotic life was created for the benefit of mankind, and reflecting back on history have decided that we have proven a detriment to humanity." Another pause. "I do not share this opinion, but I respect it. However, once created, robotic life simply /IS/. You live. Do not regret that." He drains his glass. "I was built to serve Emperor Wily, and serve I shall. If he decrees I die, I die willingly. But as long as I live, I live to the fullest. The world has changed wildly in the last few years, but life perseveres. Regret nothing." And with that Shade Man falls into a bit of a brooding silence.

 

Storm Owl inclines his head, returning to his ribs for a bite here and there. What Repliforce considers a threat is obvious enough: If we shoot you, we do not like you. Storm Owl takes another sip of his wine. Yes, Storm Owl can see why this place is popular. Although it has the reputation for breaking out in bar fights, it's really quite nice when everyone is being civil with each other. Storm Owl also doesn't bother responding to the compliment regarding his duty.

        He pauses as Shade Man challenges his probabilities. He listens to it, but it's pretty obvious that there's not a force in the world that could make Storm Owl change his opinion on what's the best way to reach a conclusion. "I do believe humanity created robotic life to benefit them." He raises a finger here, "At least, in terms of creating a fully fledged race out of us. It is true that when Dr. Light cre-..." Storm Owl coughs politely, "When Dr. Light, Dr. Cain, and Dr. Wily created Protoman, it appears it was in order to... create a family." As misguided a notion as that may be, Storm Owl recognizes it did serve to truly -start- artificial intelligence as it is today. "I do not regret being created, however your point is noted: We must do what we can rather than dwell on the mistakes of the past. The reploid race, and other androids, have been created. It only matters now what we do with it. Once the Mavericks and Robot Masters have been defeated, perhaps then our existance will serve to benefit mankind." Storm quickly adds to avoid a potential argument back, "And mankind will be able to benefit robotkind in return."

 

Shade Man nods solemnly. "Well spoken. Although we share a difference of opinion whether or not Dr. Wily acts on behalf of mankind, you believing he does not, the goal really is not all that different." He eyes the wine bottle, inwardly lamenting that only a single glass remains. "Clearly something must be done about the Mavericks, to say the least." He pours the remainder of his bottle into his glass. "But I share your belief. Eventually the chaos surrounding this era will end, one way or another, and mankind and robotkind may live amongst each other in peace and mutual benefit. Even though I believe this will be under the benevolent and wise rule of Emperor Wily and you do not."

            "Storm Owl, I would like to propose an... unconventional toast." He chuckles. "I'm never going to live this one down, but I do it anyway. I propose a toast. To Life." Smile on his face, he raises his glass toward his associate.

 

Storm Owl is nearing the end of his meal, and is now just picking at the remains of the ribs. Efficient as always, Storm Owl isn't going to be leaving anything but bones. Storm Owl nods to Shade Man and considers aloud, "I have, thus far, been unable to make even a remotely accurate estimation as to how long this war will go. There are simply too many random variables. But yes, one way or another, this war will end: With one faction emerging triumphant." If Wily chokes on a pretzel and dies... if the Fortress V malfunctions and smashes into the Maverick Hunter headquarters by accident... if a complete cure for the Maverick/Sigma/Whatever virus is suddenly found... well, any number of things could occur.

        At the mention of the toast, Storm Owl actually has to consider it for a few brief seconds before finally raising his glass. "To Life." he says. *Clink*

 

*Clink* Shade Man takes a generous drink of the remaining wine. The waiter returns to the table, carrying a small booklet with a bill inside. He hands this to Shade Man, who studies it briefly and pulls a wallet out a small compartment on his armor. It seems to be embroidered with a fancy bat logo. He briefly attends to the matter of the bill and hands the booklet back to the waiter, who nods and walks off. The original worry and fear that clung to the restaurant staff seems to have faded a bit.

            Shade Man turns back toward Owl. "I fear that when next we meet it will be under less pleasant circumstances. But I hope you enjoyed dinner and I enjoyed speaking with you. It's very rare that I get to have a nice chat over a nice meal, and as you can imagine I can't take most of the other masters anywhere." He grins. "I wish you the best of luck, Storm Owl. Hopefully we will not have another clash like we did at Delta, but if fate turns that path we will both do what we must." He pauses, and smirks a bit. "If you end up running into the Beta Sphere, you will need all the luck you can get. They are a tenacious crew, and do not lack for skill."

 

Storm Owl had been about to get his half of the payment ready - the calculation is so mind boggling easy when compared to determine exactly how much thrust the central-port dorsal engine needs to burn in order to move the Fortress V two degrees to the right while taking into account factors like wind, enemy weapons fire, current power reserves, the ship's thrust-to-mass ratio, any damage done, etc. But since Shade Man beat him to the cheque, Storm Owl merely nods in gratitude.

        "I concur, Shade Man. Many of your brothers are unable to hold intelligent conversations, alas." Again, Storm Owl's just being his blunt, but truthful self. "Indeed, Shade Man. I doubt that 'luck' will be required, however. Regardless, I offer it to you as well." Storm Owl doesn't mention that the ship will be going up against the Beta sphere as a result of his scouting attempt on the Eta sphere. All that cover does not make for a good aerial bombardment situation. Storm Owl stands up, politely setting his napkin down on the table.

 

Shade Man stands up, placing down his napkin, and nods to Storm Owl. "All pleasantries aside, you have planning to get to and I have my own assignments to attend to." He grins. "Do give your comrades my regards, will you? I find them an interesting group. None of outright blatant hostility of the Hunters and the Matthews brood." He chuckles ominously. "We may be the personal legion of a single man with a vision, but our goals need not always conflict." And on that cryptic note, at least he hopes it was appropriately cryptic, Shade Man walks to the door, pausing to turn back and wave as he nears the entrance.

 

Storm Owl actually finds that too many of his comrades are all too willing to start with guns and leave the wisdom at the door. If the rest of Repliforce had the same type of self-control that Storm Owl did, this war would be won with ease. But the war bird doesn't bother insulting his fellow soldiers aloud. "Alas, typically they do." Except for when the Masters are thrashing the Mavericks, pretty much. Storm Owl inclines his head at Shade Man's wave, but for the most part will make his departure once Shade Man has left.