Mirror Desert (Western Sahara)

 

     What once was the magnificent desolation of windblown sand has now become a near blinding expanse of solar panels and monitoring equipment, occasionally sparsely broken up by substations, roads, natural caves, rock formations, and occasional ruins of older structures from the bygone ages when traders plied these sands atop camels and wagons. The largest generating plant ever built, all for the glory of Dr. Albert W. Wily. The heat is incredible, and the sight is breathtaking. But if you don't have a good reason to be here, you might be best leaving.

 

Repliforce Mobile Fortress V <F5> [RF] Sphere Outpost <Beta> [RM]

 

 

Submerge <D> leads to Underneath Central Atlantic.

West <W> leads to Eastern Atlantic Ocean.

Northwest <NW> leads to Atlas Mountains.

North <N> leads to Barbary Coast.

East <E> leads to Eastern Sahara.

South <S> leads to Ivory Coast.

Up <U> leads to Sky Above Sahara.

 

Sewage Shark arrives from the Eastern Sahara.

Sewage Shark has arrived.

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "If anybody wants to come talk to me in my MedBay bed, they're certainly welcome. I'm repaired, I'm just resting here for safety's sake."

 

The Mirror Desert is not what it once was. The endless array of solar panels has been ruined by the massive invasion last night, leaving many wrecked and torn. Glass and circuitry is strewn all across the landscape. And at the centre of this whole fiasco is the crumpled remains of the Robot Master Beta Outpost Sphere, blown to bits by Quick Man, and the landed Fortress V. The mighty Repliforce flagship's starboard engine is completely missing, having been torn off in the battle. Its remains dot the desert. The ship is slightly lopsided towards that side, and Repliforcers wander all about on the ground in and out of the ship. The docking bay doors are open and a ramp leads outside. It's almost like camping in a broken down winnibago.

 

         Crunch.. crunch... metal feet crackle in the fallen glass and machinery strewn all about the area. Sewage Shark trudges over the monstrous piles of debris, trying to stick to the road where he can still see it. He's hunched forward, his nose low to the ground like an oversized dog of some sort, and his orange eyes sweep across the area to survey all the damage. "Jesus, looks like a tornado hit this place.." he comments, feeling quite alone as his synthetic voice reverberates off of the rubble. Once he's walked far enough, he halts and looks up, jumping back at the sight of a mile-long fortress of a ship laying somewhat sideways on the ground. All the people milling around look like ants from his view on top of a large 'hill' of solar panels and assorted burnt junk.

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "'Return Africa to the stone age?' So he's using propaganda again."

 

Storm Owl is standing with several engineers, observing the ripped section of the hull on the starboard side of the ship. It's sad, really, but every Repliforcer knows it's only a minor setback for the organization, and a /major/ setback for Wily and the Robot Masters. The Captain of the ship, naturally, does not notice the lone mech way back behind him and at the top of the junk hill. If any other troopers do, they don't bother to do anything about it other than give a glance here and there to make sure the Reploid isn't carrying arms or a Maverick insignia. Storm Owl appears to be pointing at various points in the broken chassis and carrying on a conversation with the other engineers.

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "I sure like this blanket... but I'm a little lonely. I can't spend the entire day talking to Nurse Tanuki..."

 

         Sewage Shark wobbles some as a bit of junk gives out and tumbles down the 'hill', making a few sharp thunking noises after every landing. The robot winces but adjusts his position some, more interested in watching the soldiers than trying to decide where he should start first. He just wanted to come here to see the mayhem, but apparently he was far too late, and disappointed.. but hey, at least he could see the results. Tapping his chin with a gloved finger, he gets the bright idea of checking out the huge ship in front of him. So, grinning some for a second, he starts his way down, but unfortunately a panel slips out from underneath him, carrying the surprised reploid along who clutches on for dear life. The glassy surface glides smoothly along the junk, jumping up every now and then. Woo, rubble-surfin'! Unfortunately, it also causes a landslide of sorts, and Sewage finds himself ducking and rolling as much as he can to avoid getting hit.

As the civilian approaches, he'll hear bits and pieces of the various conversations that the crew are having.

 

As the civilian approaches, he'll hear bits and pieces of the various conversations that the crew are having. "Think we'll be ready for the next assault?" "We need a huge vacation..." "Power coupling was completely severed, which resulted in the explosion that..." "Another engineering crew will be required to" "And that's when the sphere exploded" "We're lucky the spotters were able to" "thought we lost Barrage for a moment". When Sewage takes his surfing slide down the junk pile, several troopers milling about look up and step aside, letting Sewage Shark pass them by rather than be run over by him. Security is pretty lax so long as they know you're not a Robot Master and/or Maverick. Still, several security guards take a few steps in Sewage's direction.

 

         The shark crouches down in a classic surfer position, mostly just hoping that he doesn't fall off or get impaled by any sharp edges sticking out of the rubble. He glances at the people that he passes by, hearing the snippets of conversation. Well, at least now he knows some of the story. His little ride ends very abruptly when the panel he's on hits a larger piece of machinery jutting out and shatters on impact, sending Sewage tumbling down along with a fair amount of junk folloing him like a mini-avalanche down the hill, which fortunately starts to even out in the direction of the ship. He's too busy to really notice the guards.

 

The guards look like they're about to make that age-old decision: Shoot first, or ask questions first, when Storm Owl himself becomes aware of the commotion behind him. The war bird turns about and peers at the now falling mech. His ultra-keen optics recognize the mech as the one who helped Welder Fox out before, and even attempted to assault the traitor Static Hawk. Storm Owl abruptly ends his conversation with the engineers and steps towards the junk avalanche, waving off the guards. Folding his arms, the war bird stops at the precise location where he calculates Sewage Sharks' little junky ride will finally run out of momentum and come to a halt.

 

         Sewage just keeps rolling about, covering his face and rolling up into a fetal position until, true to Storm Owl's calculations, he slows down and halts right near the war bird's feet. When the blue reploid's sensors confirm that he has indeed stopped falling, he unfurls himself and lays face up, staring right at the othe mech. He blinks and recognizes the person faintly. "Hey, it's the guy from Anchorage.." He notices some other soldiers staring at him, and he gives a little nervous laugh.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Colonel transmits, "All avilable units respond. Crush them. Drive them back. We did /not/ drive them out for them to come back and retake their land."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Sgt. Hailstorm Eagle transmits, "I'm right there. I see them."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "Confirmed, Col. Colonel."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Soldier Stonekong grunts deeply. Somehow, it commnicates a cocurance despite not saying anything.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Vanishing Gungaroo transmits, "They're desperate, aren't they!?"

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Scanner Bat transmits for Bolero, "No, they're insane."

 

Storm Owl nods and says in his monotone, "Indeed it is, I do not believe we have been properly introduced. Storm Owl, Repliforce Command." He says. Sure, Storm Owl usually isn't a very nice guy to strangers, but the civilian did put his life on he line to help the war bird, and ensured that an innocent and valuable technician was returned to the ship safely. Storm Owl suddenly tilts his head and peers off into the distance. Abruptly, Repliforce soldiers are running every which way, grabbing guns and pulling equipment back into the ship. "I'm afraid our introductions have been cut short. There is an emergency I must attend to." Storm Owl starts to lift off. Should Sewage wish to follow, there's plenty of Repliforcers (not all of them fast) to tail.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "Major Storm Owl to Fortress V - pull in all equipment from outside back into the ship, have the crews get to their battlestations, have the sensors on full alert, and ensure that the weapons are ready for charging. If this is merely a diversion on Wily's behalf for a larger strike, I do not wish to be caught unprepared."

 

         Sewage nods as much as he can laying flat on the ground, rolling over so that he can heave himself up into a standing position and wiping dust off of his body. Nothing damaged. He's about to give his own introduction, but that is interrupted when the reploid notices the people running about, getting ready for what he assumes to be a battle of some sort. Score! Now there's some action! "Sewage Shark," he says very briefly as an intro, and turns around when the Owl lifts off to wherever. His eyes rove towards the soldiers moving out. To follow, or not to follow?

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Soldier Stonekong transmits, "Wise thinking, Commander Owl."

 

*** TRAVEL SPAM ***

 

African Rainforest

 

        The Africa rainforests are still some of the densest forests on Earth, even in the Twenty-third century. Thick foliage covers most of the area, and there are still dozens of species that haven't been discovered. The progress of man has become still throughout most of the jungle, except for a massive abandoned laboratory complex on the western edge. In some areas here scientists worked on electronic enhancements and cyborg technology, and the overeager scientists turned the swath of forest around them into a technological nightmare of cybernetic plants and animals, the beginnings of a true technojungle, before the governments of the world stopped them. It stands as a symbol of mankind tampering with things that are best left alone.

 

Techno [Yugi] [Y]                      Vanishing Gungaroo [Kanga] [RF]

Soldier Stonekong [RF]                 Hailstorm Eagle [Uniform] [RF]

Gemini Man [Normal] [RM]               Shade Man [Shade_armor] [RM]

King [Royal_armor] [RM]                Dalet [Normal] [Y]

Wilysaucer [RM]                        Sphere Outpost <Eta> [RM]

 

 

North <N> leads to Congo.

East <E> leads to Skullamanjaro (Mount Kilamanjaro).

South <S> leads to Savannah.

Northwest <NW> leads to Ivory Coast.

Northeast <NE> leads to Lake Constance (Lake Victoria).

Up <U> leads to Sky Above Central Africa.

 

Sewage Shark arrives from the Ivory Coast.

Sewage Shark has arrived.

 

King disgorges from the Skull Shuttle as well as it flies low enough over the area, his form entering a brief freefall before setting down with a hard impact of large, armored boots spread out to absorb the shock of landing. Even as his cape settles behind him, the Robot Master Monarch makes a fluid motion of his right arm forward, a brief, bright white flash filling the air as his axe comes into existence once more. With the large weapon at the ready, he twists it around, shifting it to a two-handed grip soon after, not a word having come from him yet.

 

Gemini Man is piloting a copter. He's also leaning out the side of the same copter, as it dives down toward the Repliforce below. This is...kind of fun, even if there's a lot of wind in his face. He takes aim with his gun arm as the copter descends, and starts firing an array of shots that will mostly splatter against the ground ahead of him. "WEEEE!"

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Soldier Stonekong transmits, "Enemy designation confirmed."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Sgt. Hailstorm Eagle transmits, "I see Shade Man, Gemini Man, and King... and the Wilysaucer. Preparing to open fire..."

 

Shade Man continues his flight towards the repliforce invaders, flying in erratic patterns at high velocity. It looks like his path is heading for Hailstorm Eagle. He extends his claw back, ready to swipe...

            ...And the ruse is revealed! A horde of bubblebats erupts from one of the forests into the sky, right towards Hailstorm Eagle! Shade Man veers off, trying to dodge whatever lies in store for him while the bubblebats make their assault!

 

Shade Man misses Hailstorm Eagle with his Children Of The Night attack.

 

Soldier Stonekong grunts again. Robot Masters, choppers, and Wily yelling like a mad man as usual. Fun fun fun. Bulky form shifting, even in the dense foliage of the jungles Stonekong's size, dwarfed presently only by the marsupial armor of his brother, is hard to miss. Especially when he stands to his full height, and in typical ape fashion pounds his massive fists against his metal chestplate and roars loudly. Then lowers himself again, knuckles slamming into the ground and powerful arms swinging him into motion, literally, to meet the incoming forces.

 

Storm Owl had been overseeing the repairs to the Fortress V when the call came in for reinforcements. Pausing briefly in order to end his introductions with a civilian named Sewage Shark, and to ensure that the mighty flagship was prepared in case Wily was planning on the ol' switcharoo on them. And then, with the few Repliforce token aerial gumbies that could be mustered after the violent battle on Sunday, Storm Owl headed for the area. The war bird has not, to say the least, found it dull since returning to the front lines about five months ago. This campaign in Africa has certainly been brutal, with daily fighting and daily casualties.

        Although Storm Owl is not one to usually dwell on emotional things, there is one rather sad thought that briefly crosses his mind as he and his ragtag squadron come within sight of the fray that's unfolding: He didn't even have time to post the casualty list from the last battle with the Robot Masters.

 

Wilysaucer holds position for now, Wily watching his children with a small smile.

 

        *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP*

        The Kangaroo continued to step forward, ready to deal death to any takers.

        *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP*

        Eventually, the gigantic Ride Armor, nearly as big as General, stopped in the middle of the area.

        *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP*... *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP*

        The giant mother 'roo stood still, as its joey stood up, announcing his presence.

        "WHO WANTS TO MESS WITH ME!?"

        He's definitely in the spirit, that's for sure.

 

King is big, himself, amongst this collection of giants, and he seems to fit in quiet well. His halberd shifts to the other side as he continues to keep a two-handed grip on it for the moment, optics narrowing just slightly as he scopes out the competition, and finally settles his Royal gaze upon the big ape as he roars his defiance.

            "Challenge...accepted." He states, reaching back with one hand to unfasten his cape, and suddenly give a wrenching motion of his arm, sending the article of clothing flipping off to the side so as not to interfere. With that done, he plants his feet, widening his stance as he gives his axe a single twist at the ready, then shifts it to his right hand, his left thrusting forward as the entire length of his massive shield phases into view, also held at the ready as the jewel in the center begins to glow softly. "Come then, Simian. Let me test the extent of your brute, physical prowess."

 

         Said civilian comes tramping into the rainforest, following a few of the slower, bulkier soldiers just in case someone started shooting in his direction. The shark tries avoiding all of the roots that threaten to trip him up, although they aren't so bad after being beaten down by many other footsteps and armors before him. When he finally reaches the area, he stops next to a tree and looks over at the scene in front of him. A flying saucer, copters, a big ol' ride armor (and a few others), soldiers from both sides everywhere.. and a big, sparkly golden robot that Sewage can't help but find familiar.

 

        Hailstorm continues to descend, letting the capacitor charge, as the bats chase her. Shade's ruse meets a wall of discipline, the eagle carefully staring down the scope.

        With the little blip that signals a full charge, Hail pulls the firing stud, sending a massive energy blast downward at the fleeing vampire-bot! Then she'll be able to deal with those darn bats...

 

Hailstorm Eagle strikes Shade Man with her Plasma Sniper attack.

 

Soldier Stonekong focuses on King as he pronounces acceptance of battle, and makes a bit of a show of tossing aside his cape and readying himself for battle. The great stone ape doesn't slow in his motion though, fists and feet pounding the ground in the natural loping undulating gait of a simian charging towards the regal Master elite. As he nears Soldier brings up his arms, as if to strike at King.. but then grab onto one of the larger trees, strength and momentum combined giving him the umph to swing his large form up, and kick his feet in King's direction instead.

 

Soldier Stonekong misses King with his Kick attack.

 

Gemini, firing at the ground and striking mainly stationary targets, suddenly sees a non-stationary target, incoming from above. He moves to the other side of the helicopter, the twin at the pilot's seat deftly compensating for the quick weight change. Then, Gemini hangs out the opposite side, and takes aim at Storm Owl as he flies toward the scene. His gun fires two distinct, white bursts. "Didn't know chickens could fly!"

 

Gemini Man strikes you with a minor hit from his Laser Blast attack for 11 units of damage.

 

Shade Man attempts to get as much distance between him and Eagle as possible, but that doesn't stop him from taking a Plasma shot to the shoulder. The bats fly off in more or less various directions and Shade puts away his remote. He smiles guiltily. Sometimes it's the little things that count.

            Shade discontinues flight away from Eagle, and turns to fly back. And then he pauses to stare in abject confusion. Someone on the ground has apparently caught his attention. And he appears to be mumbling to himself and scratching his head. He sighs, and continues flight toward Hailstorm Eagle.

            At the last second he brings his wings back to slow momentum, putting him into a somersault spin that aims him at his target, feet first!

 

Shade Man misses Hailstorm Eagle with his Axe Kick attack.

 

        Seeing nobody challenging him, Vanishing Gungaroo, further in his "I'll prove I'm not a child" mood, yelled more.

        "ARE YOU ALL AFRAID OF ME!? ARE YOU ALL AFRAID OF MY RIDE ARMOR!? COME ON! I'LL SEND YOU TO ROBOT HELL!"

        Apparently, watching a few old episodes of Futurama inspired the little boy somewhat...

 

King stands stock still as the giant ape comes lunging in on him. At his full height, the Kong has a good two feet on King or so, but either way, the height difference is small, and in some aspects, it's like a battle of giants. The android Monarch further widens his stance, crouching down just slightly, then suddenly lunging to one side, even as the Repliforcer swings about with his feet extended outwards. King shows that he's not afraid to get himself dirty as his own large frame rolls when he hits the ground, end over end, then coming up on one knee. During the evasive maneuver, his axe again phased out of existence, his other hand still gripping his shield however as it's held up in a defensive posture. His free hand now grips a large rock that he had seized upon, hefting it like a baseball. "Though the sheer strength is to be respectable, your approach is...crude." He speaks, before snapping his arm forward in a wide arc, sending his chosen projectile sailing forward at high velocity.

 

King strikes Soldier Stonekong with his Throw attack.

 

Storm Owl motions to his fellow aerial units to spread out and engage other targets. Read: Go away so Storm Owl doesn't have to pose them. The owl takes a brief assessment of the situation long enough to determine that he is in command indeed of this abrupt defence. A shame the Eta Task Force was unable to properly hold the site. Ah well. Storm Owl is about to begin diving runs on various targets when laser blasts shoot up from below. Storm Owl is struck by the first one, causing rippling energy to crackle all over his chassis. It's a tribute to his skill that he evades the second of the blasts. Storm Owl warms up his wind generators and quips back, "Datum: I have heard that joke, or a variation on that joke approximately ten thousand eight hundred and ninety seven times since my construction. Conclusion: That joke can be safely considered old." With his twin wing mounted wid generators still powering up, the owl fires off a blast of air towards the Robot Master, hoping to bury him and his chopper into the ground.

 

You strike Gemini Man with a minor hit from your Wind Blast attack.

 

        Well, that worked, thought Hailstorm as she put the rifle away and went evasive, barrel-rolling off to the side -- wait. Looking back, she saw the bats scattering! Boy, did that ever work, she thought with a grin, looking back to Shade...

        Just to see him somersaulting towards her. Lifting her foot talon and fluttering to a hover, she attempted to grab him by the face... With her foot.

 

Hailstorm Eagle strikes Shade Man with her Air Superiority attack.

 

        Following that with a midair flip and FLING toward the ground!

 

         The shark mech glances around, not really sure what to do. Some shots are fired near his direction, and he rolls on the ground to avoid being peppered from all the mayhem. He gets back up, surveying the battles until he sees the kangaroo on the ride armor. He moves in his direction, to take cover.

Shade Man gets kicked in the face as his plan backfires horribly, and begins plummeting to the earth. This time he gets a clearer view of the ground, confusing him once more with the presence of Sewage Shark. He takes a moment to right himself and fly back.

            His right arm quickly retracts, and is quickly replaced by a fairly generic looking sword! What does he intend to do with /that/? A sword? Haha, what a joke. A slight whirring noise is heard from the sword. Shade Man frowns, and once again flies directly at Hailstorm Eagle. As he nears his target, his shouts loud enough for /everyone/ to hear, a benefit of enhanced sonic systems.

            "I must admit I'm disappointed. You throw an amazing party at my place, with explosions and chaos, and you forget to send an invitation. Where are your /manners/!" The last word is punctuated with a slash at Hailstorm Eagle, and the /other/ sonic generators fire, as the Howling Sword screams toward the enemy.

 

        A slight scratching noise could be heard, if someone had their ear to the ground and a battle was occuring in this area. The claws, those sharp instruments of digging, were cleaving away at the filthy ground beneath the very feet of both the Robot Masters and the Repliforcers. Yet, as the ascent began, and of course the dirt started to poke upward until finally it spilled outward, thus generating a slight mole hill, a nose could be seen sticking out along with the claws. Dalet had appearantly arrived, searching for a certain bit of information...and sadly arriving at the entirely wrong part of Africa at the exactly wrong time. "What in the name of Milk is going on here?" Dalet asked, as he clambered up out of the ground, dirt falling away from his metallic body and littering the ground about him.

 

Shade Man strikes Hailstorm Eagle with his Howling Sword attack.

 

"Whoa." Gemini's going to have a hard time dodging things while he's still inside of a helicopter. The blast knocks him backward...and pushes the copter slightly off course. The twin in the driver's seat compensates, trying to level the copter under buffeting winds, though he doesn't manage to do it before Gemini loses his grip, and slips across the interior floor. He nearly falls all the way out of the vehicle, managing at the last second to grab onto a safety rail on the inside, with his single hand.

            Only at that point, does the twin level the copter.

"A little HELP?" shouts the dangling Gemini, as he pulls hard...trying to yank himself back in.

            The twin braces the steering column, stands up, and pulls his brother back inside. "Well, at least you didn't fall."

            "Switch with me," says the first twin, jumping into the driver's seat and taking control.

            The second twin nods, and peers out, looking for the target. Seeing Storm still on their tails, he blasts a torrent of small shots.

 

Gemini Man strikes you with a solid hit from his Laser Barrage attack for 14 units of damage.

 

        "COME ON! I'LL TAKE ALL CHALLENGERS! DO I HAVE TO BREAK INTO YOUR FIGHTS AND BREAK YOU MYSELF!?"

        It's at that point that Gungaroo saw Sewage Shark moving toward him. He looked to the shark with stripes, having not seen him before. He asked him in a surprisingly not arrogant tone.

        "Who are you?"

 

Soldier Stonekong thuds on the ground from the manuever, disappointed that the tactic didn't work, but there is no time to worry about a misjudgment in the midst of a fight. "And despite the appearance of a king, you are no more than a pawn of a madman," retorts the kong in his deep, gravelly voice, even as the rock clanks off his shoulder, leaving a few dents and scruff marks. Not one to be outdone in the throwing of stones, Soldier returns the favor, palming a rock easily the size of a stanard reploid like it was a dodgeball and flinging it at his foe.

 

King deflects Large Rock from Soldier Stonekong.

 

Storm Owl continues to approach the helicopter, planning to take down the entire thing if he has to. Further lasers from Gemini Man (the other one this time around) is again proven to be difficult to avoid. The Fortress V Commander's armour sizzles and melts under the powerful energies being directed through them. Although his wings are heavily armoured, the war bird's light-weight frame proves little protection against the assaults. "Nnnngh..." Still performing evasive maneuvers and zigzagging about in an attempt to close in on the helicopter so he can rip its systems out, Storm Owl points his wings towards the chopper, launching a series of four powerful missiles towards the chopper. If the twins had a rough time flying with just a simple wind blast, we'll see how they do with a barrage of missiles hot on their tails.

 

You strike Gemini Man with a solid hit from your Feather Missiles attack.

 

        At Shade's recovery and draw, Hailstorm placed her palms together as she restabilized from her midair acrobatics, drawing them apart to form a gleaming ice sword between them, holding it in both hands and waiting for the counterattack.

        Backing off at the slash, she was a bit too slow, and it clipped her across the chest deeply, sending a spray of extremely-low-temperature gasses into the immediate vicinity, along with a bright flash in the air above.

        The eagle screeched in pain as she started to fall, placed off balance, her frame dimmed heavily to an ugly-looking bluish grey. Where did all that shine -go-?

 

Hailstorm Eagle strikes Shade Man with her Wide Beam attack.

 

         Sewage looks right back up at Gungaroo, shrugging. "Someone who's trying not to get hit!" At this he ducks to avoid being blasted by some random projectile heading towards him. He moves his head around to try and make sense of what's going on - Storm Owl's chasing after the copter, a huge gorilla is fighting King, uhh.. soldiers, soldiers, more soldiers, and.. someone familiar.. Shade Man? He narrows his eyes and grunts. "That little ^@*$! Why I oughta.."

 

King straightens up once more as he exchanges words with the big ape, something he often dosen't do in the middle of battle. "A pawn? Oh no, you are mistaken." He speaks calmly, even as he shifts one foot behind him, bracing himself as the rock comes flying in towards him. It impacts the very front of his shield with a harsh *CLANG* and goes rolling off to the side, even as he grunts and deflects the attack entirely. "I have a much higher destiny, higher still than any other Robot Master, for it is I who shall rule in the Doctor's stead, and carry on his glory when the day comes. Though I am in no hurry to see that day. I am nothing...if not patient." As he shifts his shield down again, he raises his free hand, making a fist and pointing it at the Repliforcer, even as a series of spikes extend from his upperforearm....then unleash in a swarm of razor sharp projectiles shot forward in a pattern not unlike a shotgun blast.

 

King brings his reflect system offline.

 

King strikes Soldier Stonekong with his Projectile Spikes attack.

 

        Along the ground Dalet walked, his claws digging slightly into the dirt as they touched down, yet overall Dalet had no issues with becoming hung up on the soil. His path was straight and true, leading him over toward the Kangaroo-based Reploid, and as he came close up Dalet swung, his legs and arms extending outward while the head itself seemed to move further from the body, a neck that was hard to see before becoming all the more visible. "Hey, you...uh....what's going on?"

 

Shade Man grins as he feels the sword rip through his opponent, but his victory is shortlived as all the blue in Eagle's armor proceeds to strike him in the gut. Barely maintaining height, he pauses a moment to right himself, and suddenly stops flying entirely, plummeting directly towards eagle. This time, he opens his mouth wide, giant fangs gleaming, arms outstretched. All this fighting can make you work up quite a thirst.

 

Shade Man strikes Hailstorm Eagle with his Vampire Bite attack.

 

Shade Man drains energy from Hailstorm Eagle.

 

        Gungaroo shrugged, and went back to calling out to the Robot Masters.

        "ARE YOU ALL CHICKEN!? ARE YOU TRULY AFRAID OF A BIG PINK KANGAROO DRIVEN BY A JOEY!? YOU'RE WUSSIER THAN I THOUGHT!"

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "Status report from all combatants in the Eta sector."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Sgt. Hailstorm Eagle transmits, "Engaging Shade MaOooohhhhhhhhhh....."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Vanishing Gungaroo transmits, "I've been calling out to the Robot Masters, but either they're all too busy fighting everyone else or they're all total wusses!"

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "Annihilate any drones in the area. Or relieve me of Gemini Man."

 

Missiles streak for the helicopter, hitting it in the tail rotor... then, one of them, a spectacular shot, blows a hole on the exterior roof, the blast denotating and rocking the interior. Both Geminis let out a sound of "YOW!"

The copter rocks with the blow, tipping back and forth in midair, and the second twin falls flat on his back, his body looking charred from the burst.

            "Switch places, you said? Pilot it!"

            "I'm trying. Damn." Gemini flips a few switches on the control panel, and pulls the control stick; the copter veers once, then turns to its left, although there's nothing left to dodge. "He got the sharpshooting medal, not US."

            The other twin gets back to his feet, and sets his gaze, sternly. Then, he...disappears, rezzing out of existance for a moment. He's getting a little braver. A second later, he appears on the roof of the copter, standing, almost surfing on the topside, right behind the lovely hole in the exterior. He raises his gun, and fires another shot at Storm; this one, a longer, laser-like blast. He takes a second, afterward, to shout down below. "BE DOWN IN A MINUTE, GOTTA KILL THIS ONE FIRST!"

 

Gemini Man strikes you with a major hit from his Gemini Sniper attack for 21 units of damage.

 

Soldier Stonekong's expression tightens as King deflects the stone projectile, and retaliates with a hail of sharp projectiles of his own. This is going to be a messy, grueling battle, he can tell that already. And dodging really isn't his thing, anyways. Instead, he takes the spikes straight on punching into his armor, but it's as he's moving himself, one hand reaching back to grab the hilt of his sword as he moves in, drawing the stone blade, and in the same action making a swift swinging arc with the weapon. "Your only destiny is the eventual scrapheap. No ruler reigns forever."

 

Soldier Stonekong strikes King with his Igneous Iaijitsu attack.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "Vanishing, I am disengaging from Gemini Man. Destroy him."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Vanishing Gungaroo transmits, "Affirmative!"

 

        Unbalanced long enough for Shade to strike, Hailstorm was completely unable to evade the vampire biting deeply into her neck. Emitting a low, pained moan, she retched, energy flowing from her shoulder into Shade for a good while.

        The two were at least high enough that she had time to reach up, flap her wings back out, and try and grab Shade by the neck, talons digging deep, punctated by a burst of what liquid nitrogen her tanks still held.

 

Hailstorm Eagle strikes Shade Man with her Ice Talons attack.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Soldier Stonekong growls between his teeth, "Engaging King."

 

        "Hey now," Dalet said, holding up one claw while reaching down with the other to his pouch. Out from it was pulled a nifty looking plastic container, within being a dark liquid of such wonderful delight and sweetness that nobody sane could deny the greatness of it. The milk was offered forward, held to Gungaroo as some manner of a peace offering, even as Dalet lowered his free hand. "Now tell me, what are you doing? Just...starting some hideous fight or something? I don't think it's smart to go screaming about here...ain't this some sort of Robot Master territory?"

 

King braces himself again, as if expecting a charge of some sort involving brute force from the large reploid. "Perhaps not, but a ruler needs only to groom a successor when they feel their time has come. The Doctor has already seen to it, and one day in the far future, so shall I, thus does the lineage continue....hungh!" To say that he wasn't exactly prepared for the Simian to wield a handheld weapon is an understatement, and his shield isn't quick enough to get in the way, though he uses his other forearm to turn aside the blow so it isn't as bad as it could be. A long slash arcs across his gauntlet, biting deep and bringing with it a sudden shower of sparks.

            Despite his size, King is suprisingly agile when he needs to be, and he twists with the blow, actually moving further -in- on the big Ape's personal space, getting almost face to face with him. "I underestimated your potential for prowess over physical strength. Impressive..." he concedes, even as his free hand lashes out. King is big, and King is still quite strong for his size, a testament to his position of rank in the Robot Masters, evidenced as he quite simply snaps his free hand out, fingers gripping vice-like for Stonekong's throat.

 

King strikes Soldier Stonekong with his Neck Crush attack.

 

Soldier Stonekong is temporarily disoriented by King's Neck Crush attack.

 

         Sewage stares at the fighting robot masters, particularly the ones in the air, before he looks over at Dalet, who he hadn't really noticed before. He gives the vole an incredulous look. "From what I've heard, they're gonna destroy a Master base or something," he says, watching out for anything coming near him.

 

Storm Owl indeed did get the sharpshooting medal. Even as he calls into his fellow Repliforcers for a status report, Storm Owl continues to close in on the helicopter, priming up for his next sharpshooting shot. Just as he prepares to accelerate and rip the hull of the helicopter open like a tin can, Gemini Man manages to stop his bickering with Gemini Man and take a good long aim himself. Storm Owl is just about to pull the trigger on his attack when the laser strikes him dead on, sending the owl reeling out of the sky and fluttering downward. "Datum: Gemini Man has an extreme tactical advantage over me. Hypothesis: Another combatant would be better suited to deal with him. Conclusion..." Storm Owl opens up his radio link, "Vanishing, I am disengaging from Gemini Man. Destroy him." And indeed, Storm Owl swoops away, setting himself down on the ground near the remains of the Eta Sphere to recover his strength.

 

        Gungaroo looked at the vole... and his cup of milk.

        "Mr. Vole, we're in the middle of a fight between the Repliforce and the Robot Masters. And if you keep distracting me, I'll be killed."

        He heard Storm Owl over the radio at that time. After responding to him, he spoke again.

        "In fact, I'm needed right now. Maybe you can get me milk /later.../"

        And he stomped off toward Gemini Man's helicopter, preparing to bring Pink Kangaroo Retribution upon the vehicle.

        "GEMINI MAN! I'M GONNA KICK YOUR BUTT... or rather, I'M GONNA KICK /BOTH/ YOUR BUTTS!"

 

It's strike make, the sword is swept back, and returned to it's place upon his back, the briefest of pause between attacks enough for King to get in close. Stonekong doesn't really have that much of a neck, nor a need to breath in any sort of matter. However the Master Elite manages to find something to purchase his grip upon beneath the simian's broad chin, enough to invoke a fanged sneer and snarl. Soldier's own huge hands grab at King's arm, but it'll take a few moments for him to get a grip and footing to pry himself loose, and no way to strike back.

 

Shade Man gets a nice deep bite from Eagle... even manages to catch some of the mechfluid and save it for later as a snack. But his foe also gets a nice chilly chokehold on him. He immediately begins gagging, pushes himself away from Eagle, and falls.... WHAM.

 

Shade Man carefully gets up. He appears to be in pretty bad shape, wing bent and neck leaking. He looks at his opponent in disbelief. He turns and looks at Dalet in disbelief. And then the giant ride armor in disbelief. And finally he turns and looks at Sewage Shark in disbelief.

 

"I just don't understand it any more! Emperor Wily, I beg your forgiveness but I must depart due to lack of function!" He quickly disappears into the jungle. This is /his/ jungle, and very few know it's nooks and crannies and secrets as well as him. The nightmare has passed as quickly as it began.

 

Shade Man retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl, Wilysaucer, and Hailstorm Eagle.

 

        "Robot master...base...wait, what?" Dalet asked, as he stared at Sewage, one optic adjusting so that it looked ever so smaller than the other. "There's a base here? Here I was, looking for that....yeah, that thing...that...I did...for..my friend, and I encounter this brawl? Wait..Repliforce and the Robot Masters? I wish my boss was here."

 

         "Yup," states Sewage Shark, whirling around to look at Shade Man who departs just as quickly as he saw the Master. He keeps a mental note to try and find the guy again someday and maybe brutally beat him up for being a liar. You know, the normal stuff. He takes a few steps away as the giant ride armor leaves the area in pursuit of the Gemini Men, leaving the reploid right out in the open. Okay, great.. he looks to the left and then to the right, making a little wailing noise. "Ah, crap.."

 

King takes that moment, that brief moment of struggle where the big ape grips at his arm and the two exchange close in glances. "There it is..." he speaks at the fanged sneer and snarl. "...there it is. The savagrey, the programmed beast within...walking a fine line perhaps?" His words speak soothing, softly, almost as if savoring it, before turning into violent action, as he leans backwards, then suddenly smashes forward with his helmeted head, using the very makeup of his royal Crown as a bladed battering ram as he smashes the top of his head forcefully against the ape's face. Evidently not all of King's fighting styles are fancy and regal, sometimes one gets just plain down and dirty.

 

King strikes Soldier Stonekong with his Helmet Thrust attack.

 

Storm Owl, always on the look-out for any advantage he can get on the Robot Masters, is watching this battle intently. While his body may be battered, his brilliant mind is not. He detects Shade Man making his departure and warms up his wind generators in order to give the mech a parting gift. Taking flight once again, the war bird circles around the remains of the Eta Sphere quickly enough to fire off a token blast of wind at Shade Man while he makes his retreat. While shooting someone in the back may not be a terribly sporting thing to do, it's entirely logical to do as much damage to the enemy as possible, whether they are retreating or attacking. OOCly, however, Storm's not a total asshole.

 

You miss Shade Man with your Grasp attack.

 

        Landing as well, but on her -feet-, Hailstorm fell to a crouch, slowly standing with a bit of a stumble. She was feeling incredibly faint from the highly-reduced level of light intake. With a deep sigh, she took up her hands again, bringing them together and pulling them apart, a gleaming, nasty-looking spear in her hands. Winding up, she aims momentarily, stumbling a bit... and tossing.

 

Hailstorm Eagle strikes Shade Man with her Forged Ice - Pilum attack.

 

Shade Man falls to the ground, unconscious, due to massive systems damage.

 

        "Hey crazy Robot Master man, mind if I poke the person in the belly that ran from you?" Dalet called out toward Gemini Man, hopefully loud enough to be heard...although one can not make guarantees when a person doesn't use the full capabilities of their vocoder. Dalet's right hand seemed to hover almost eagerly over the whip that resided upon his right side, and while poor Shade Man faltered and fell to the ground, the Vole continued to merely stare at Gemini...hoping for the okay.

 

Soldier Stonekong finally manages to wrech himself free of King's grasp, but not soon enough to get out of his close range. This is followed by a resounding crash as King's helmeted head smashes against his own, making the simian stagger backwards, a good portion of his head plating mauled, one of the horns busted in two. A deep, gutteral growl emits from him, but it's followed by the contrasting storrid voice. "To unleash the warrior within, one must tame the beast without." Stonekong's shield forms into being as he raises his arms, and then massive legs launch him forward towards King, shield wielded like a ram, aimed to plow the elite back into the ruins of the base they're fighting over.

 

Soldier Stonekong strikes King with his Caught Between A Rock And A Hard Place attack.

 

Shade Man quickly makes his careful calculated escape... only to be impaled in the back of the head with an ice spear. It goes right through. And although it'll melt soon enough, that hole's not going anywhere. Shade Man falls in an unceremonious heap.

            ----MEANWHILE!----

            From the Wilycopters above, a technicolor blur leaps out, straight down onto the ground. It howls! Shade Man's drone Renfield, dutiful and loyal, senses danger! Run Lassie, Shade Man fell down the Well!

            Renfield dashes to Shade Man's location, grabs his master's arm using his jaws, and drags him off into the jungle hideaway Shade Man mentioned! It always pays to have a backup plan, and a psychotic hyper-alert pet.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Sgt. Hailstorm Eagle transmits, "Shade is down... but I'm about ready to fall over... .. oh dear god Major, do you need help?"

 

Gemini Man would keep firing at the Owl, of course, but he's flying away, tail turned, and a bit too quick for any parting shots to reach up to him. "TOLD you you were a chicken!" shouts the twin atop the copter.

 

But now...to deal with the other problem. Though he doesn't hear the Yakuza, yelling something or other, he does hear the pugilisitc remarks of the hears the shout of the rambunctious kangaroo below. "ALL right! Your turn then! Thanks for waiting!" He starts to laugh, and as he does, he fires another rain of shots down at Vanishing.

 

Gemini Man strikes Vanishing Gungaroo with his Clone Laser attack.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "Good shot, Hailstorm. Although also heavily damaged, I do not require aid at the moment."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "All units, report in."

 

King hasn't even got time to make a rebuttal. Even as the Repliforcer lunges towards him, he can only raise his shield again and try to put it between them both. Large armored body meets large armored body with a resounding crash of epic proportions, and this time, King's stance is not planted securely enough as he's lifted off of his feet and carried backwards. Trees snap off as the two figures are carried on through, and there is the sudden wrenching of metal giving way in a tortured, and twisted manner, even as the Robot Master Monarch's body takes a tremendous pounding in those few seconds. He breaks off the momentum with a harsh kick, flipping backwards, and rolling along the ground, half by his own choice, half because he's out of control, until his body comes to crash against a particularly large piece of metallic debris. NOW he looks particularly messed up, frame dented, one shoulderplate cracked, though his crown at least remains untouched. He picks himself up from where he is laying slowly, getting to his feet with a grunt, before glaring full on at Stonekong. "Enough!" he announces then, shifting his left hand and banishing his shield out of existence with a bright flash, replacing it a moment later with the glimmering length of his axe once more, held in both hands. "I shall see you..." He announces, as both of his large, armored boots ignite with a great rush of thrusterfire, propelling his large, heavy form skywards in a powerful leap, even as he shifts his axe about in his two-handed grip, lifting it high above his head. "...dismantled!" And so he descends, the sun shining above and behind the elite Monarch, as gravity takes over, and he drops straight down towards the simian, the entire length of his magnificent axe brought to bear with a tremendous amount of force behind the blade....

 

King strikes Soldier Stonekong with his Executioner's Axe Descending attack.

 

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

 

        Vanishing Gungaroo looked to both Sewage Shark and Dalet.

        "You better hide, or you're gonna get killed!"

        After that, he was smacked head-on by the rain of shots by Gemini Man. Okay, so HE'S not a wuss, at least!

        The Kangaroo reared it's left arm back as Vanishing bellowed.

        "THIS ONE'S FOR STORM OWL!"

        The Kangaroo then threw a big punch at the helicopter. If he was lucky, he could hit Gemini, too.

 

Vanishing Gungaroo misses Gemini Man with his Rock Em attack.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Sewage Shark: You say, "What are your plans here, Sewage Shark?"

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Sgt. Hailstorm Eagle's signal is weakening a bit. "I'm right here on the ground.. he hit my cryogenerator, and my light seal is breached..."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Sewage Shark says, "What th - oh, it's you.. I, uh.. wanted to do something to help. Yeah, sounds dumb, I know.. watch me!"

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "Is your situation deteriorating or stable?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Sewage Shark: You say, "It does not."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Sgt. Hailstorm Eagle transmits, "Det**fzzzzzt*ing"

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "Confirmed."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Vanishing Gungaroo transmits, "I'm attacking Gemini... and I have two Reploids latched onto my ride."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Vanishing Gungaroo transmits, "A shark, and a vole. I don't know who they are."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Vanishing Gungaroo transmits, "But I don't think they're Mavericks because of how they act. The vole in particular acts WAY too timid to be a Maverick!"

 

         Sewage Shark decides to ignore whatever the kangaroo says, focusing his attention now on the huge android monarch who had just apparently finished off the gorilla. Still, that does not scare Sewage too much - he just needs to get into the mood! So, dashing a couple feet towards King, he cups his hands around his mouth and shouts:

         "HEY, FATTY!"

 

The helicopter is in the sky. A punch cannot hit it. That's... a pretty fundamental rule of things in the sky versus things on the ground. Though it's probably a very impressive-looking punch, there's nothing for it to hit.

            Meanwhile, very high in the sky, up on the helicopter, Gemini Man gets his footing straight, and lines up another shot. "WHAT one was for WHAT now?" BLAM. The kick on the shot nearly throws his arm out of kilter. It bursts from the gun in a long line of white, and streaks down for the ground. It's fortunate that Vanishing is the only thing in range.

 

Gemini Man strikes Vanishing Gungaroo with his Gemini Laser attack.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "One Reploid is identified as Sewage Shark. He has pledged to help."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "The vole I cannot identify."

 

Storm Owl swoops down after he... er... HELPED Hailstorm Eagle take down Shade Man... cough, streaking towards the position of the Repliforce master of ice. Although badly damaged, Storm Owl's flight systems seem to be functioning fine, and he touches down next to the femme. Although he's no expert in the technological functions of a Reploid, he knows well enough to find out if she needs emergency treatment. If so, Storm Owl would have no choice but to return to the ship with her, thus leaving Repliforce suddenly very handicapped in this region.

 

        The eagle let the spear fly, watching it score a head shot.. but then, she wobbled greatly and fell to her knees, struggling to stay up. She was sparking, but the sparking was going down, not a good sign - and she was only dimming further. Looking toward Storm, she gave a brief radio conversation, then fell to all fours.

        Photoasphyxiation. She knew it, she hated it. She was in need of help, definitely. A minute or two more, and she'd be unconscious.

 

        Truly, the laser bounced off the ground, and struck Vanishing right in the head. Owie.

        He reared his mech's right arm back now.

        "THIS ONE'S /ALSO/ FOR STORM OWL!"

        And the mech threw another hard punch at the helicopter.

 

Vanishing Gungaroo misses Gemini Man with his Sock Em attack.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Sgt. Hailstorm Eagle's signal continues progressively weakening.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Vanishing Gungaroo transmits, "Darnit! I can't hit this thing!"

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "...perhaps you would consider using a ranged weapon, Vanishing."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Vanishing Gungaroo transmits, "I'm gonna leap on it, at least! If that fails, I'll just use my Explosion..."

 

It's not a battle that he can win. That became apparent enough by the second round of attacks they threw at each other.

            The inevitable is also the irrelivant, though. The fight was a show of force, of dedication and determination. Of Repliforce's full intent of not backing down at attempts to retake what they have removed the Masters from already, regardless of the opposition. If the MAsters want any hope of reclaiming the area, they are going to have to do more than an Elite and a few troops to do so.

            The Axe rises. Soldier knows what is about to come from the blade. But he stands his ground, not backing down an inch, looking King right in the optics despite the inevitable about to come. "I may fall.. but I fall facing forth in defiance, not in my back in cowardice. One battle our opposition shall not end..." The screech of metal rending follows as the axe blade bites into Stonekong's form, King's great strength enough to cleave deep into the simian's body, slashing through the vital system beneath the armor and infrastructure. Soldier still has the strength to pull himself free of the blade though, gaping, mechfluid bleeding wound visible before a massive palm covers it and he staggers back. "Nnnngh..." A few feet to draw back, before the great ape keels over from the damages with a groan.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Soldier Stonekong groans in pain. "I'm sorry... I can fight no farther..."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Soldier Stonekong's radio transmits the heavy thud, and then the beeping of an emergency beacon. The big monkey is down.

 

Gemini Man is in the sky, so, once again, there's nothing to punch. Vanishing should figure this out eventually. Though if he doesn't, it's really no skin off of Gemini's back. Helpfully, he asks: "WANT ME TO COME DOWN?" He chuckles. Actually, he'd do that, but it wouldn't be very smart to lose the advantage of the helicopter.

            In the cockpit, the first twin flips a few switches. The damage that Storm did to the rotor is starting to take its toll. "Don't joke!" he shouts toward the outside. "We might be there in a few minutes."

            The twin doesn't really seem to be paying attention. He's lining up...and popping off a trick shot, with unusual glee.

            The blast he fires bounces off the blades of the chopper itself, splits into four individual shots as if cut like a knife, then streaks toward the ground like a rain of hail.

 

Gemini Man strikes Vanishing Gungaroo with his Ricochet Blast attack.

 

King stands stock still after delivering the blow to the ape, watching in silence as Stonekong staggers back, and then topples to the ground like a big oak tree falling over. Even then, he continues to stand still for a few more moments, either thoughtful, or perhaps savoring the victory on some level. Then, and only then does he shift position, standing up straighter, even as mechfluid still drips from his axe's blade, shifting around as he spins the weapon about in a helicoptering motion until it is held out, over the prone form before him. The Monarch's expression is ultimately somber as he stares at the deactivated reploid.

            "If nothing else, I can respect your defiance, however lost your cause eventually will be. You are vanquished in this battle, with honor."

            And then comes the fats comment. For just a moment, something akin to murderous rage probably passes over King's view, before sheer mental discipline forces it down, despite the very urge to try and tear Sewage Shark apart limb from limb. King shuts his axe from existence once more, replacing it again with his shield as he holds it at the ready. His cape, coincidentally hanging nearby, is also grabbed, flipped up and affixed to his shoulders, half acting as a bandage over the leaking wound on his right shoulder, where the guard has been mashed. "Robot Masters!" He calls out, evidently being the voice of authority now in place of Wily. "We are finished here!" He states, even as he starts to step back while one of the Wilychoppers begins to swing low for him...shield held at the ready.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "All units, we are falling back to the Fortress V."

 

King brings his reflect system online.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Sgt. Hailstorm Eagle's signal is flickering in and out of synchronization.

 

        Fortunately, Vanishing wasn't stupid. Now he intended to take the helicopter to the ground himself.

How?

        By leaping on TOP of it.

        With control manipulation, the Kangaroo LEAPS into the air, very high up... and descending over the helicopter in an attempt to crush it.

 

Vanishing Gungaroo misses Gemini Man with his Super Heavyweight attack.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Vanishing Gungaroo transmits, "Awwww!"

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Colonel transmits, "I expect a full report."

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl assigns several (big!) gumbies to haul Soldier Stonekong back, and then transmits, "I shall deal with Sgt. Hailstorm."

 

        Gnawing off the top of the plastic bottle, Dalet sipped some of that sweet chocolate milk on down into his stomach, even while he watched on as Sewage Shark moved across the field. That, combined with the sight of some giant kangaroo guy punching at the air as though the mere punches were able to knock the helicopter down almost made him double over in laughter. Too bad he wasn't here for comedy...worthless Mavericks.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "I can assure you, Colonel, that my reports shall be as indepth as always."

 

Storm Owl kneels and picks up Hailstorm in a most unceremonious fashion. Meanwhile, several Repliforce gumbies are doing the same to Soldier while complaining about how big and heavy he is. The owl can see that King is moving off, but Repliforce is in no condition to stay here either. Not with two mechs down and potentially dying. And so, Storm Owl orders the retreat and lifts up into the air, activating his wind generators and nearly breaking the sound barrier as he streaks back towards the Fortress V with his burden.

        It seems that this vast rainforest is now no-man's land, as neither force seems quite capable of holding onto it for the moment.

 

Storm Owl retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Wilysaucer.

 

         Sewage is pretty ticked off as his stupid battlecry is all but ignored by the Monarch. Instead, the large robot appears to be .. running away? "Oh no you don't!" shouts the shark, running closer. In fact, he's headed straight towards the big guy, a lot like the suicide headbutt he attempted the last time he fought King. Although instead of only dashing at him, his mouth opens widely and his jaw unhinges like a snake, baring his sharp fangs. A gushing noise from his tubes can probably be barely heard if one were close enough, as well as something green buzzling and fizzing in the reploid's mouth. He launches himself at the nearest limb - King's leg.

Sewage Shark strikes King with his Acid Fang attack.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Sewage Shark: You say, "We are retreating from the area, Sewage. I suggest you do the same. If you need medical treatment, we will provide it."

 

Soldier Stonekong's offline form is hauled off the battlefield by some really big gumbies especially meant for this sort of thing. If big people like himself, Rain Turtle and Crescent Grizzly in service, they HAVE to have big guys like this on hand.

 

        Lifted and fireman-carried over Storm's shoulder, Hail let herself fall completely still, trying to conserve power. Some light and some repair and she'd be fine.

 

Now in this case, Gemini Man must just have the devil's luck. Or at least reasonable piloting skills. The helicopter dives low, and Vanishing leaps up.... And there is that profound moment where the hologram looks up, and sees the sun above blotted out by falling Gungaroo.

 

His eyes open in panic, and then, he does what he can, and counters. He sets one foot, skidding on the surface of the copter as wind nearly pushes him off. Then, he leaps up, with his other foot extended. This might not be...the smartest move ever, but it's going to be really painful, the way his foot is angled. He's trying to kick Vanishing right into the helicopter rotors.

 

Gemini Man strikes Vanishing Gungaroo with his Twin Trap attack.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Sgt. Hailstorm Eagle desynchs completely.

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Plasma Harrier chirps tiredly, "Ugh... What's going on?"

 

[Radio: (A) Main] Storm Owl transmits, "Storm Owl to Fortress V - have the medical bay stand by. Cdr Prismatic, are you available for surgery?"

 

Vanishing Gungaroo changes into his Roo armor.

 

King extends his free hand upwards as the Wilychopper comes in towards him, extending a long metal cable so the Monarch can extract himself. He's just about to grab it, when the shark comes up, and sinks his teeth right into his leg. "Grah!" He exclaims, looking downwards at this display not unlike a pitbull that just glomphed onto him. "Begone from my presence, insect!" he announces then, lifting his leg and giving it a sharp kick outwards to dislodge the rabid little beast, even as the cable on the Wilychopper starts to ratchet in, pulling him skywards and towards the waiting aircraft, leaving King to glare downwards with a mixture of anger and annoyance. "I shall see you meet a similar fate as the Repliforcer when next I lay eyes upon you!"

 

King retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl, Vanishing Gungaroo, Wilysaucer, and Hailstorm Eagle.

 

        An interesting tactic, Vanishing believed. However, it failed, as Gemini booted the joey right out of his mech... and into helicopter rotors.

        Smacked away from the helicopter and the mech, he was helpless as both he and his Ride Armor fell to the ground... although his Ride Armor at least landed on his feet.

        Somewhere after landing on the ground, he hears orders to retreat... but Vanishing Gungaroo is now /far/ too pissed to listen. He wanted to HURT this damn Master, and hurt him BAD.

        So, when he got up, he reared his right arm back, his right glove glowing...

        "EXPLOSION!"

        ...and threw a right punch at the helicopter... sending a massive fireball right at the vehicle. If it connected, the fireball would explode a large explosion.

 

Vanishing Gungaroo strikes Gemini Man with his Explosion attack.

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Plasma Harrier chirps, "A... battle?"

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Colonel transmits, "The Robot Masters attempted to retake their land."

 

         Thanks to King's kick, Shark is dislodged from his leg and is sent tumbling on the rainforest ground, which is pretty blackened and burnt by now from all the mayhem. He rolls up into a sitting position, but before he can make any other move the large robot has already left out of range. Must be those long legs of his. Grunting, Sewage now decides to take the owl's advice. He makes like the wind and blows off in the opposite direction. Yoink!

 

Sewage Shark retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl, King, Dalet, Techno, Vanishing Gungaroo, Wilysaucer, Hailstorm Eagle, and Gemini Man.

 

Techno strikes Sewage Shark with his Menacing Grin attack.

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Plasma Harrier transmits, "Ahh... How did the defense go? Everyone ok?"

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Negative. We have suffered critical damage."

 

*** TRAVEL SPAM ***

 

Fortress V - Medical Center

 

        Sterile white and pale green, the medbay, like all medbays, is a calm, quiet place, the noiselessness enforced by sonic dampening fields. Repliforce's medical technicians work here, and this area is rigged to deal with any number of Reploid injuries, including the most series operations possible. The staff here is competent and collected, and they have one of the best survival rates of any military hospital anywhere. Minor upgrade work is performed here as well, as well as the physicals and regular exams that are a part of military life.

 

Assault Kangaroo [Standard] [RF]       Plasma Harrier [RF]

Soul Nightshade's Biosphere <SNB>      Repair Chamber

 

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

Hailstorm Eagle arrives from the Upper Deck.

Hailstorm Eagle has arrived.

 

Laying on one of the beds already is Plasma Harrier, still recovering from the damage he received from the rescue mission he went out on previously.

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Colonel transmits, "They will be driven out of Africa if it is the last thing I do."

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "...*zzz*... What's going on?"

 

Storm Owl strides/stumbles into the medical bay, carrying Hailstorm Eagle. The Major has suffered internal injuries, but externally he is still structurally sound. The Fortress Commander, still holding it together despite all the trials of the past few days. He briefly scans the medical bay. One of those medics better get their tailpipes over here.

 

The harrier blinks as he hears the entering steps, looking over to the side and seeing Storm bringing in Icy, beak agape, "Oh God... Wh... What happened?"

 

        The eagle in his arms, however, is actually looking rather well - she has a deep slash across her midsection, a new breastplace of honest-to-god ice, and a couple of small holes in the side of her neck.

        That's if you don't count the fact that she just -looks- dead.

 

Soldier Stonekong arrives from the Upper Deck.

Soldier Stonekong has arrived.

 

Soldier Stonekong's badly damaged form is finally hauled in by the big guys kept around specifically for evacing big guys like himself.

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "Did somebody say something?..."

 

Storm Owl peers at Plasma briefly and stumbles towards one of the very few remaining free medical table, dropping her off on it. He nearly collapses after his burden is removed, but steadies himself by leaning on the table. "A full report is forthcoming." he wheezes. Storm Owl peers over his shoulder. Good, Soldier made it in alive.

 

Plasma frowns at Hail's condition, as well as the wheeze heard from the owl, "I wished I could help..."

 

Soldier Stonekong just has a smashed side of the head, and a honking big axe gouge in his body. But alive, yep. And out stone cold. Pun intended.

 

Cue off-screen *RIM-SHOT* on the drums.

One of the random workers peers offscreen. "Keep it down!"

The drummer shifty-eyes, "Er... sorry, boss."

 

        Assault Kangaroo had fallen asleep on a bed, under a fluffy orange and red blanket, but the commotion had woken him up. Either way, he doesn't sit up or look around or anything...

 

        The eagle's midsection started to glow a bit in the more well-lit repair bay as she was laid down. She still didn't move, however. The actual damage to her systems, as shown by scanners, would have shown very little in the way of damage - perhaps only one or two days of downtime.

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "What's going on?"

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "A full report is forthcoming."

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "...Don't tell me we're going back INTO the campaign again."

 

Storm Owl merely looks at Plasma and doesn't bother giving that a response to that. If wishes were horses... Storm Owl manages to stand up straight and watches Hailstorm. It's a sad state of affairs when all the medics are busy attending to other wounded. It would be a true statement of how things are if Hailstorm died on the table while waiting for medical aid.

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "I may have to, Assault. And if I do, you will accept the responsibility and perform your duty as a Repliforce officer. Is that understood, Lieutenant?"

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "...Mother/FUCKER./ And I was sure it'd be over... But, I understand."

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Good. See to it that you remember."

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Colonel transmits, "This war will only be over when the scourges of man and reploidkind are eliminated"

 

        Said random worker, Pvt. Health Hornet, made her way over to the eagle's frame, looking to Storm. "What happened out there?" she asked as she started some basic stabilization techniques as well as medical scans. She'd be relieved soon enough by a more accomplished medic, anyhow - and that was a good thing. She had a bit of a reputation for that 'mad scientist' streak of hers.

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "I still need to rest, though... Dr. Soul Nightshade told me to rest for a week after I was repaired for the sake of my sanity."

 

Storm Owl peers around the medical bay. He hears Assault, upset about the prolonged nature of this campaign. He sees Hailstorm, potentially dying. He sees Health Hornet, no doubt pulling triple shifts to work on the wounded. He sees Soldier Stonekong, still awaiting medical help. He can feel his own strength withering from the days of fighting. "She was attacked by Shade Man," Storm Owl says, "Her vital fluids were drained by him. That is all I am aware of."

 

        Soon, Assault Kangaroo sat up from under his blanket to look around... noticing all the recent people that had been brought in.

        God. If this keeps up, nobody in the Repliforce squads will be able to fight any longer.

        He's understandably pissed that he may have to enter the Africa campaign AGAIN... and this is after he told Soul Nightshade it may be over, too.

 

Storm Owl then adds, "If you'll excuse me, I am required on the bridge to submit my report." He heads to the door, which whooshes shut once he has passed the threshold into the hallway. About five minutes later, a new report comes through from the bridge.

 

Plasma just lays there, just watching with wide eyes... Vital fluids drained? That can't be good... at all.

 

        Nodding, Health goes back to her work.

        *blip!*

        The eagle, still darkened but with the backup power hookup, came back online, her optics repowering and sliding open. "Uh...?"

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "Man."

 

Plasma lets out a sigh as he hears the gasp of life coming from the icy aquiline, a relieved smile on his beak, though it's a tired one, "H... Hey, Hail..."

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "I admit to being highly inexperienced at leading..."

 

        The eagle took a deep breath. "Plasma.... hi..."

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "I tried to fight Slash Man and command troops at the same time."

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Marine Lieutenant Assault Kangaroo transmits, "I feel that was my mistake during our earlier Eta attack..."

 

The harrier chirps, "You feeling ok?"

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Storm Owl, good with people as always, transmits, "See to it that you do not repeat your errors."

 

[Radio: (C) Chat] Flame Hyenard transmits, "YOUHAVEHEARTOFGOLDSTORM."

 

Hailstorm Eagle shakes her head. "No... not really."

 

Plasma chuckles slightly, "Sorry... I guess that was the wrong question to ask... What happened to you out there? You were dimmer than hell."

 

Hailstorm Eagle takes a deep breath, "Well, I fought off Shade Man and... well... the only real hit he scored was across my midsection, but gods it hurt. I lost cryo-seal and photo-seal. I guess I just sorta keeled over out there - Storm Owl brought me in, right?"

 

The harrier nods, "Yeah... He didn't sound too good either... lots of heavy wheezing."

 

Hailstorm Eagle sighs, "He waved me off for repairs, I guess I needed them more..." she stops. "God he looks terrible..."

 

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

 

        Storm Owl appears on the screen with the still slightly-tattered bridge of the Repliforce Flagship behind him. He looks like only a mech that has not slept in several days after fighting two very fierce battles in different parts of the continent can. His face is darkened with soot, and there's an odd crackling sound as his wings flex. Still, the Major/Commander/whatever is doing a superb job of keeping it together despite the war raging around him, although his voice wheezes at times.

 

        "Major Storm Owl reporting in. At 8:09pm local ship time, Wily helicopters crossed into the African Rainforest sector, led by King, in order to attack and weaken our position there. Although our forces were still battered from our previous engagement with Robot Master forces, we were able to assemble a team consisting of Soldier Stonekong, Hailstorm Eagle, Vanishing Gungaroo, and myself to the area. Sewage Shark followed me to the battle as well."

 

        "Robot Masters King, Gemini Man, Shade Man, and the Wilysaucer were reclaiming the area. We engaged them, and both sides suffered casualties. I believe we got the worst of it. However, both the Robot Masters and we disengaged after a firefight. On our side, Hailstorm Eagle and Soldier Stonekong have suffered serious damage. Vanishing suffered damage as well. An estimation of Robot Master casualties is pending."

 

        "The African Rainforest is currently unclaimed by either Robot Master or Repliforce troops. It is, in essence, a no-man's land. I would like to point out that at the moment nearly all of our forces are in critical condition, recovering, awaiting treatment, or out on patrol to ensure the land we have is not lost."

 

        "Repliforce, I cannot stress this fact enough: We are in a dire situation, and our campaign in Africa is in danger of being a loss." OMG, is Storm Owl trying to give a rousing speech? Is he finally putting that charisma stat to good use? The owl's voice strengthens as he continues, and a few people on the bridge behind him stop their work in order to listen. "For the freedom of Africa, we must remain vigilant. It is essential that we all perform to the level of efficiency that we were trained. I have faith in our organization's capabilities to remain strong during these tough times. We cannot let down our guard for a moment, and however fatigued we may get, remember that we are the only army capable of standing against the Mavericks and Repliforce. Should we fail, both humanity and Reploidkind is doomed to extinction. Remember that fact, Repliforce, as you get off the medical table and prepare to go back into the war. Storm Owl -out-."

 

        Major Storm Owl, Commanding Fortress V, Mirror Desert

 

        OOC: The Rainforest is no-man's land. Nobody has it! There's not much good there, but if you and a Master are looking for a place to glare at each other, that's the best spot. Welcome to the jungle.

 

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