================================== IC News ===================================

Message: 18/56                     Posted        Author

Children's Hospital Attacked       Mon Nov 15    Global News Network

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--Dateline: Moscow

 

Moscow is still reeling tonight from a brazen attack by the Mavericks on the local children's hospital yesterday (14th November).

 

< Grainy footage of the Swordfish lurching into the sky from a rooftop. > Details remain sketchy at this time, but it has been confirmed that five children have been abducted from their Intensive Care Ward. A sixth shild was rescued by the Maverick Hunters before the Mavericks escaped. The names of the children have not been released pending notification of their families.

 

Doctors from the hospital are pleading for the children's return, saying that they are critically ill and are in need of round-the-clock care.

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[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Hey, Repliforcers. We're having karaoke night. Wanna come over?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Jet Stingray transmits, "...Why the invite?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Willing deaths are the best kind."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Preserve your ears!"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "I'm feeling generoustonight."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] President Elpizo chuckles..

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Jet Stingray transmits, "...Somehow I don't believe you. Call it a hunch."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "I'm hurt."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Jet Stingray transmits, "I don't believe you on that either."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Good."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "My, you are a distrustful fishy, aren't you?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Doppler transmits, "Guten Abend, Albert."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Ahh...Sigmund. Do YOU want to come to karaoke night?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Javelin Whitetail, instantaneously polite. "Dr. Doppler, sir. Good evenin'."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Jet Stingray transmits, "When dealing with people that have put hits on my head before? ....Yes."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Doppler transmits, "Another night, perhaps. I have my hands full as it is."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "Doctor, now that you have no more outposts (as far as we know, anyway), rumour has it that you might pull completely out of Africa. Any comment on that?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "My plans are still undetermined. For a small fee, I can assure you first rights to the story when I /do/ decide."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest chuckles. "I'll pass. Any comment on Interpol's ongoing investigation into your rise as Emperor?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Interpol is welcome do whatever the like. They will find nothing amiss."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest jots this down, "How about concerning the fact that both the Mavericks and Repliforce has attacked you within the last week? Any concerns?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "There will be a reprisal."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "Oh? Against who in particular?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "<ring ring> <ring ring>"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Xianghua Xue transmits, "You honestly believe he's going to state his war plans over a global freqency?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler answers, absently speaking in German. "Ja?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "It's my job to ask questions, whoever you are. I'm not exactly forcing him to answer anything he doesn't want to."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "We haven't determined that.... *sound of darts hitting a wall*"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Xianghua Xue transmits, "Meh."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "Doctor - Chest here, Global News Network. I was wondering if you had a bit more time for a few questions?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler switches to English. "I suppose it would do no good to tell you know. What questions do you have?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "Any comment on the status of the African continent? The Mirror Desert was a large supplier of power for the area."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "We have had crews rebuilding it, despite repeated attempts by the invaders to stop us. I intend to have the Wily Corporation crews complete construction. Repliforce will not return AFrica to the stone age, as they seem so intent on doing."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "So you mean to retake the area?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Draw what conclusions you will."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "Will do. If you /do/ plan to retake the area - as I for one can't see how you could rebuild there without doing so - will its main purpose be for a military outpost or for a civilian-oriented construct? Or somewhere in between?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "Well Doc, I'll cut right to the chase. This Maverick attack on a hospital - a children's hospital for crying out louud - has me pretty worried. And it has the parents pretty darn worried as well. So my question, really, is what exactly are the Mavericks planning to do with them? Are they harmed? You haven't... killed them, have you? Should we expect a ransom?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "That remains to be seen. I will simply say that we will take whatever measures we feel are necessary to protect our investment."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "Are there any more Robot Master investments left in Africa that haven't... well... been blown up?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "A few."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "No, we have no intention of killing them, nor are they for ransom. If you chck your sources, you should learn that no one was killed in their rescue."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Javelin Whitetail, gleefully. "Not fer long!"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "I'm happy to say they agree with you. But, ah, 'rescued', Doctor? Care to elaborate?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Gemini Man transmits, "Why, are YOU gonna blow 'em up?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "And you plan to keep them for as long as you can? I recall asking you about a month ago and you mentioned potentially pulling out for the good of the African people. Any comment on whether this is still a possibility?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Anyhting could happen."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "The five children that we took were extremely ill or injured. The Russian health system even before the riots was unable to give them the proper and necessary care for their recovery. If the government and the children's families are unable or unwilling to take the steps necessary to let them become productive members of society...well, taking the children away lessens their burden, now doesn't it?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "Would you say your main focus is on strengthening your hold in Japan, or regaining what you've lost in Africa?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Gemini Man transmits, "Don't answer that, Doctor Wily."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "*doesn't answer that question, as he's not here to argue* So you're planning to cure them and take care of their illnesses, then?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "In the words of Frost Man: I like pudding."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "Yes."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Mai Atsuki transmits, "I'm surprised you guys haven't caught onto his proxy holdings in Europe yet. I mean, do you think Doppler is a /real person/?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest chuckles even though he doesn't find it funny, "Fair enough, Doctor. Speaking of Japan, should we expect military entrenchments to be taking place within the country?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Doppler transmits, "....Excuse me?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "You got Chest. Hold on a sec. <beep beep. beep beep> Right, sorry about that. Who is this?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Mai Atsuki transmits, "Yeah, see? He's confused. He probably doesn't know it himself."

You paged Nimble Hummer with 'Thanks.'

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Doppler transmits, "Are you claiming that I am not a legitimate person?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Mai Atsuki continues, "What you have to realize is that a lot of what's going on has been engineered by Wily, partly for fun and partly to distract people."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "So you've kidnapped them and are going to cure them? I have to say, helping out human children doesn't seem... well, very Maverick. Can I tell the families that they'll be returned to them?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Orion Corth transmits, "... While I do have my differences with Dr. Doppler, I too feel I must question your claims of his legitimacy as an entity, madame."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Xianghua Xue transmits, "Oh, Mai. Stop being so /silly/."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Doppler transmits, "Albert, do you hear her? She seems to be under the mistaken impression that you and I are the same person."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "I went to Dr. Doppler's funeral. He's real."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Mai Atsuki transmits, "You're not the /same/ person, no. - And it's fun, 'hua, don't mess it up."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Gemini Man transmits, "Mai, you're giving away the secrets."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] President Elpizo dryly, "Oh, my."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Xianghua Xue transmits, "Very well, carry on then."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "No. the children are now full citizens of the Empire. Their parents and their society have failed them, and so what reason is there for them to be returned?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Mai Atsuki transmits, "No, this is part of the partial-disclosure program, it's cool."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "How strange."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Gemini Man transmits, "Oh, Mai. Yeah. That's what I said."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "Ah. So... you've attacked a hospital for... five new human citizens? I don't know if I'm following you, Doctor. *chuckles* Feel free to spell it out for me."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] President Elpizo transmits, "What is so strange, doctor?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "Any cmoment on the possibilities of entrenchments in Japan, Doctor?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "Five new /cyborg/ citizens."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Sigmund and I are completely different people. And no comment, Chest."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Doppler dryly, "Indeed. Or else we would have a lot of explaining as to how one person was attending two universities simultaenously on separate continents."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Mai Atsuki transmits, "You aren't seeing the big picture. You're focusing on Japan, and you don't even see the off-world colonies."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Mai Atsuki transmits, "And I'm not saying he /is/ you, Doppler. I'm saying he /created/ you for disinformation purposes."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Doppler transmits, "Created me? How interesting."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "I see, Doctor. *sounds a touch horrified, but he's hiding it well* How exactly do you plan to raise these children? With memories of their former families and lives? Or start from scratch?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Mai Atsuki transmits, "Yeah, it really is. I understand it was really hard to get a donor body."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "We will do nothing to alter, suppress, or remove their memories. If they choose to forget in time, well..."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Mai Atsuki transmits, "You'd be amazed how many people he put together."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Xianghua Xue comments dryly. "Why, he might have even put /you/ togather, Mai."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "Right. So, just so I'm clear. This is a humanitarian (no pun intended) mission? Or is it making a statement to the world? Kind of a 'cyborgs rule' type thing?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Gemini Man transmits, "Naw, he never gets girls right."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Mai Atsuki transmits, "I'm pretty sure he's behind Daryn."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler turns the table by asking a question. "What do you think it is?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "Hah, well, usually I get as many questions and /then/ go on for hours about my own opinions. But I think it's probably some of both. But probably much more of the latter. I think, essentially, this is a recruiting drive for more human cyborgs."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "Thank you for your time by the way, Dr. Wily."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "Then you may consider this as evidence that the Coalition is not without pity or mercy, and that those humans willing to elevate themselves closer to reploids are welcome as members of our society."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Certainly."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] President Elpizo chuckles.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "And if they don't want to?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "If they wish to remain inferior, that is their choice."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "So how about those children?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Hmmm..."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "Hey Chest."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "Yes, Doctor?"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Dr. Wily transmits, "This just in. Robot Masters are attempting to take back Eta Sphere! Can Repliforce stop them?!"

 

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest transmits, "Huh... So... technically, we didn't get the scoop first, eh?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "In their case, this is medically necessary. While they of course do not have the understanding or reasoning ability of adults, we have explained the procedure as best we can in terms that they can grasp. They are looking forward to being able to walk and play again."

 

[Radio: (A) Global] Toad Man transmits, "Only with WONDERBRA and a proper support hose!"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "Will their parents be allowed to see them? As a plea on their behalf, surely the wonders of being a cyborg could be demonstrated just as well even if they are returned to their families after the procedures."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "Perhaps, if their parents can be located. These five seem to have been neglected by them."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "I see. Is there any chance I, or anyone, really, would be allowed to speak with them? You have to understand that there's a lot of people worried about their wellbeing, and not everyone believes what the Coalition says."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "Hm....I will consider the request."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "Thank you, Doctor. Now I realize if you don't want to answer this next question, but should we expect further liberation missions to human hospitals?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "I will decline to answer that question."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "Understood, Doctor. Any other comments on their wellbeing? I presume they're all in ok health?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "They are all in grave condition, very weak. which is why we are limiting exposure to them to medical staff trained to handle their conditions."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "Well, I do have to say, I hope the Coalition's medical services can pull them through."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Dr. Doppler says, "I believe that we are up to the challenge. *pause* Should their treatment not be enough to save any of them, we will of course make a full disclosure as to the cause of their death. Still, I feel that I should point out that these children would have died without our intervention, or at best be confined to the hospital for the rest of their lives."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Dr. Doppler: You say, "I've already confirmed that with the hospital, Doctor, and I do have to admit that they grudgingly agree with your assessment. I do hope you'll consider my request, and I'd like to thank you for your time."

 

============================ BB Post in Progress =============================

Group:  IC News

Title:  Update: Kidnapped Children

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        "Well, this reporter was... possibly a little hasty earlier and would like to... reaffirm his allegiance to this planet. May not be perfect, but it's still the best government we have. For now." Chest quickly crumples up the 'HAIL STARDROIDS' poster behind him and tosses it out.

 

        "In other news, GNN has acquired additional information involving the fate of five children kidnapped by Mavericks on the 14th of November in Moscow, Russia. This information comes straight from Dr. Doppler himself, who was kind enough to answer a few questions for me. For those who didn't catch the news yesterday..." And shame on you for not watching GNN!! "...Maverick forces attacked a children's' hospital, taking with them five terminally ill patients. The Maverick Hunters were successful in saving a sixth. I'm happy to report that the children are apparently safe, although still in ill health. The Mavericks plan to give them cyborg bodies in order to save them from their diseases. The hospital confirmed that saving them in this method may be possible, and that the Russian authorities, such as they are, would have been unable to save them given the current state of the government."

 

        "Dr. Doppler confirmed that the children will become Coalition citizens in an attempt to show that cyborgs are fully accepted in Maverick society." Chest glowers at the screen ever so briefly. "The Doctor promised to consider a request to allow GNN a chance to visit the children directly. An official response is still pending. Doppler also promised that should Maverick technology fail to save any of the children, full disclosure would be given on the cause of death." The report ends on an ominous note, "Dr. Doppler declined answering whether this would be a lone incident, or if further assaults on hospitals should be expected."

 

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