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

Message: 18/81                     Posted        Author

C's Editorial: Master Quota        Fri Dec 17    Global News Network

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        "Police issued a statement saying that multiple charges against Crescent for stealing pick-i-nick baskets will be forthcoming."

 

        Chest turns towards a new camera. And it's time for one of Chest's editorials! "The Reploid Quota instigated by the Robot Masters continues for its second full day. As always, the Global News Network was on hand to bring you the latest developments!"

 

        The image behind Chest changes to a Maverick insignia. "After speaking with Emperor Sigma, he released this statement regarding the quota." Sigma's ominous voice is now heard: "It will not force me to give up Doctor Wily. I have special plans for him that will be announced shortly. To bring about his defeat, some will unfortunately have to die. It is something that troubles me greatly, but there is no choice. Interpol, the Maverick Hunters and the Repliforce doubtlessly will do their best to defend civilians around the world. I have told my troops that until this matter is concluded, they are not to pick fights with them. Today, Wily's tyranny ends. Tomorrow, we shall bury the dead and mourn. Sacrifices must be made."

 

        Chest picks up again, "So lets think about this one..." The GNN boss man pauses here to pull out and light one of his cigars. "In order to get back at the Coalition for kidnapping Dr. Wily, the Robot Masters have, instead, pissed off Repliforce, the Maverick Hunters, and Interpol. All three of these organizations have been spotted defending against the Robot Master quota. The Mavericks, while no doubt shedding a few tears about this, are not being harmed." Chest smirks, "Unless we're going for emotional damage or something."

 

        And now we get into the part where Chest just starts going ahead with his own opinions. "So Bass, I do feel the need to ask where we're going with this quota. All the factions... plus innocent civilians... minus the Mavericks... and Neo-Arcadia, I suppose, are being seriously harmed by this. Your battle against the civilians means you're fighting three opposing factions, and none of them is the one you're /trying/ to get back on." Chest pauses, considering adding how it might tear apart the Masters as well, but one such individual he spoke with ensured it was off the record, and the other was vague enough and peppered his speaking with enough We-Follow-Bassisms that it's not enough to base a conclusion off of.

 

        "Now I don't know... maybe this is just to throw everyone off track for when you whip out the rescue plan of doom, but in the meantime, perhaps it would be in everyone's best interests to call off the quota. For the sake of the innocents in this war, and the sake of the Masters themselves. If you're going to hit someone for the Coalition's actions... hit the Coalition. Not everyone /but/ the Coalition."

 

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

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Flame Stag ahems. "I hope I have the right frequency...am I speaking to Chest, head of GNN?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Flame Stag: You say, "Yeah, Chest here. Who'm I speaking to?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Flame Stag says, "Flame Stag. The emperor wishes to speak to you, Mr. Chest, and has asked me to make the arrangements."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Flame Stag: You say, "Ahhh, I see. What about, exactly? Will the Emperor be coming here to San Angeles?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Flame Stag says, "Hm, not quite. He wishes to speak to you in the throne room of the Spire."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Flame Stag: You say, "*abruptly coughs* Wha... what? He wants me to go to the Spire for a chat? What was this about again?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Flame Stag says, "Something very important. I'll have to ask that, if you accept, you hold off on your questions until entering the throne room. The Emperor will explain all."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Flame Stag: You say, "Well I do have one final question before I agree to this. How do I know I'm not going to be strapped to a chair and Sigmified? My insurance rates cartwheel every time I even /glance/ at a Maverick."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Flame Stag says, "What would we gain from doing something like that? GNN is important to us /because/ of it's impartiality. It makes it hard to be dismissed as "Maverick propaganda"."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Flame Stag: You say, "Yeah... if I got scanned for the virus afterwards. *loud sigh, then mutters* The things I do in the name of the press... *loud again* Alright. Should I bring a camera or anything along on this little field trip?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Flame Stag says, "Yes, but I'll have to ask that you turn it off until entering the throne room. For security purposes. I'll have a proper case and 'blindfold' ready for you."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Flame Stag: You say, "A blin... oh come on, now. What could I possibly be see that would be a threat?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Flame Stag says, "The internal layout of the Spire? That's not something we'd like to become public."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Flame Stag: You say, "Fine fine... but just think of the sacrifices I'm making here. Sigma better not be trying to pull a fast one."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Flame Stag says, "Of course not. We appreciate what your organization does. I'll meet you outside of Berlin, then, and escort you from there?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Flame Stag: You say, "Fine."

 

Germany

 

        Ahhh, Deutschland. The industrial and economic heart of Europe has persevered even through this age, as shown by the stacks of cybernetic and robotics factories located across this nation. At the central capitol of Berlin, a massive commercial city pours across the rich hills of Germany, creating a strange combination of lush green foliage and grey-silver buildings. It is here we find part of the technofied forest, where nanite technology has fused with plant tissue to create the mecha-schwarzwald. Tall black spires of the trees reach into the heavens, the small machines boosting the apex of the borgified plants into the thousands of feet. Many creatures, both fleshy and mechanical inhabit this area. Is that one peeking at you from the darkness?

 

Flame Stag [M]                         Maverick Outpost

Weather Conservatory                   Mecha-Schwarzwald [#5968 TLVex]

Berlin [M]

 

Southeast <SE> leads to Central Europe.

Southwest <SW> leads to France.

West <W> leads to Flemish States.

South <S> leads to Switzerland.

North <N> leads to Denmark.

East <E> leads to Poland.

Out to sea <O> leads to Baltic Sea.

Up <U> leads to Sky Above Western Europe.

 

Sylpheed arrives from the Vehicle Bay.

Sylpheed has arrived.

 

Nimble Hummer arrives from the Vehicle Bay.

Nimble Hummer has arrived.

 

Flame Stag, true to his word, is waiting for Chest just as he said he would. He has a large trunk of some kind, presumably for the camera....and also a wierd metallic device of some kind, that looks almost like a blindfold...but FUTURISTIC!

 

Sylpheed is standing behind Flame stag, looking a tad bored but still here nonetheless. Looking towards the stag she says nothing, though more or less here to make sure he is not....rough with the guest. "So we are going to blind fold him?"

 

That's just cotton and you damn well know it! Regardless, Chest arrives at the location via hover-limo. For the long trip here from wherever the nearest non-evil teleportation centre is, Chest spent his time making sure everyone back at the office knows where he is. Y'know... just in case he comes back hellbent on running an article about how awesome Mavericks are and how, really, those humans should probably be exterminated by now. The limo comes to a stop and Chest hovers out, wearing a deep scowl. He's no warrior. This is pretty creepy stuff. The limo waits as Chest peers over at Flame Stag and Sylpheed. "Y'know, I have nothing against Sigma simply picking up the phone and calling me for a chat." He says. Camera, Chest's ever-disloyal drone, rolls out of the limo. Since Chest can't even work his VCR at home, he'll have Camera do the camera work.

 

Flame Stag nods slightly. "This is very important, however, and we don't want to risk being intercepted. I'll have to ask that you turn the camera off and place it in this trunk...the lady," he nods to Sylpheed, "will take care of it. As for you..." he holds out the funky metallic visor. "This is a sort of Reploid blindfold. You'll still be able to hear, but we'll be a little more secure in knowing that you're holding your end of the bargain. Nothing personal."

 

Sylpheed nods, as she walks towards the the drone and holds her hands out for the camera. "I know how to run one, as it was in my basic programming files." she says, though she does not say that she uses that knowledge for...er...GUN cameras...hee hee.

 

Camera is more than just a camera, despite what the name suggests. It's a camera with a little brain mounted on an RC car. Chest motions for the drone to move towards Sylpheed. That trunk had better be pretty large. Camera beeps, clearly ticked off at being put in a box and switched off, but does it anyway. "Yes, because my ability to see through normal blindfolds and record every single thing I see is famous." He replies sarcastically at the blindfold. Chest is, understandably, nervous about being in the heart of Maverick territory. Nevertheless, however, he removes his green shades and replaces it with the blindfold. Chest can no longer see.

 

Flame Stag shakes his head, nodding to Sylpheed as he turns and begins to walk off. "Right this way, then, sir...."

 

Sylpheed places the trunk down in front of the drone, and looks at him with a grin. "Its so cute..." she says, but nonetheless moves to turn the drone off and place him within the trunk. Closing it, Sylpheed picks it up and starts off behind flame.

 

*** TRAVEL SPAM ***

 

MavBerlin - Throne Room

 

        This massive room is hundred yards or more in width, and at least thirty in height. The walls, floor and ceiling appear to be constructed of a golden alloy that has been polished to a mirror shine. The great hall is decorated lavishly, great crimson tapestries that bear the countenence of Emperor Sigma hanging from every wall. Hanging from rods of gleaming brass are smaller squares of regal violet, that proudly display the insignia of the Coalition for Reploid Freedom. These overlook the long path of square marble stones, that are set into the golden floor in a row from the hall's doors to the raised golden pedestal that stands near the farthest wall of the room.

        This pedestal is some twenty feet high and ten thick, providing a perfect base for the glorious throne that stands upon it. This grand chair, made of shining white crystal, appears both comfortable and larger-than life, with light reflecting off of its faceted surfaces to reflect once again from the polished walls. Computer screens and controls are set into one shining arm of it, and a regal violet cloth has been draped upon it to serve as a buffer between the cold crystal and the body of the one who sits in it. Benath the pedestal are a pair of armed guards, always keeping anyone who might stray into the room away from the pedestal and enforcing security. This is afterall, the throne room of the Maverick Empire -- and that chair is reserved for Sigma alone.

 

Sylpheed [Unarmored] [M]               Flame Stag [M]

Javelin Whitetail [C]                  Sigma [Sigma] [M]

 

South <S> leads to MavBerlin - Computer Core.

 

        The throne room is not as typically impressive as it nominally is due to the fact that it is shrouded in near perfect dark; pitck blackness reigning everywhere with the exception of the crystalline throne. Overhead a single light penatrates from the ceiling, shining upon the glittering and faceted structure to little points of brightness that themselves reflect to illuminate the occasional inch wide section of the golden walls, ceiling and floor -- just enough to hint at what this room actually is.

        The spotlight from above serves to illuminate the shape of the Emperor who sits comfortably upon the thing, his cape folded half across his legs. Optics appear to be closed, broad hands resting on the arms of the chair. From hidden speakers, a superb symphony positively thunders. It is a violent, angry work -- recognizable as Diabhal Ciaon Is Liomsa -- one of Javelin Whitetail's works. It seems to be emanating from a hovering Javelin Whitetail -- performing in concert in the very center of the room -- the light clearly a hologram, for it does not penatrate the blackness about it and yet still somehow seems to glow.

 

You deactivate your radio.

 

Flame Stag enters the room with Chest in tow. He briefly pauses to gawk at the Javelin hologram, then realizes it /is/ a hologram and feels a little foolish. So he turns to remove the blindfold from Chest, giving a slight bow. "I apologize for all of this," he says simply. "But this is very important, and we had to protect ourselves as well as you." And with that he moves off to stand near the door as a sentinel.

 

Sylpheed moves behind Fame with a trunk. Slowly, she puts the trunk down and pops it open, and pulls out Camera. She looks at it for a moment, trying to remember where the on button was. Once she activates the drone she looks at it almost lovingly, and grins. "Its such a cute drone...too bad.." she says, with a sigh and moves opposite Flame.

            However, a flash of light overtakes her, and her human appearance disappears and is replaced with her battle armor.

 

Sylpheed changes into her Sylpheed Armor armor.

 

Chest is fairly awkward when he travels, and the blindfold certainly doesn't help. Making matters worse is Chest's preference not to be led around by the arm. Each time he has to be touched guided somewhere makes him wonder if now he's been infected by the virus. Even the very air itself passing through his coolant systems seems like it's crawling with the virus. The GNN bossman won't feel any better until he's back at San Angeles General Hospital with a medical report in his hands. Chest wears a deep scowl throughout the entire trip, and can only guess where they're going. Not having the audio sensors of a combat mech, Chest really does have no idea where he's going. The sounds of the symphony only adds to the confusion.

        And then *poof*, the blindfold is gone and Chest blinks in the relative brightness of the crystal throne up ahead. Giving a moment or two to let his optics adjust, Chest returns his green shades to their rightful place and glances about. This is, without a doubt, the scariest place he's ever visited. Chest's optics dart about the room, but the darkness prevents being able to see much. His nervous gaze falls upon Javelin Whitetail in the middle, and for a brief second he gasps before recognizing it as a hologram. Chest lets the thought of how creepy the Maverick attraction towards Ms. Whitetail is go unsaid. Finally, Chest looks at where the spotlight is driven, and upon Emperor Sigma himself. Chest doesn't even realize that Flame has spoken to him and departed rom the area. Camera, meanwhile, activates with a whirl and glances about, recording with one of its extended cameras. For once, it doesn't bother saying anything. Chest waits for Sigma to open up the discussion.

 

        Ten seconds pass and then fifteen and one might wonder if Sigma is even aware that Chest, Flame Stag and Sylpheed are present. Twenty seconds go by and the symphony appears to be building to a crescendo. The clash of cymbals and the roar of horns becomes a virulent storm and in perfect timing to this a holographic bolt of lightning rocks across the pitch darkness of the room. As it does so, the question of Sigma knowing that the others are here is answered for the hologram neatly turns, fixing strangely haunted eyes directly upon Chest. One more bolt of lightning, one more bellow of horns, one more crash of drums and the symphony suddenly ends; hanging in midpoint and almost seeming to leave bitter traces of itself in the air. The hologram bows, turns -- and fades into non existance.

        And then the Emperor's voice is heard, although he does not move. "Welcome, Chest, to Berlin. Welcome to my home. I thank you for coming."

        His hands then, lift -- parting in a welcoming gesture and as they do so the lights of the Golden Room come on, revealing all for what it is -- including the two guards that were previously unseen beneath the base of the throne itself.

        "I have much work for you. You wished to know what I was fully intending to do with Albert? And now, I have brought you here to tell you."

 

Sigma turns off his holographic projection of Javelin Whitetail.

 

Javelin Whitetail has left.

 

Chest shifts and figits uncomfortably as Sigma merely waits. The GNN boss considers coughing politely or saying something to the Maverick leader, but eventually sides with patience. Chest cannot help but think that the symphony going on is being played just a bit too loud. A bit too intense, for his liking. His scowl softens slightly as he looks about in wonder. As the hologram looks at Chest, the journalist glances away, not wanting to see what twisted intentions went into the creation of it. Chest's head snaps back up as Sigma finally speaks. It's like Dorothy and her companions meeting the Wizard of Oz, Chest reflects.

        The lights rise brightly and Chest jolts, squinting and looking about as if another blindfold has been removed. The golden shine, the tapestries, the violet Coalition insignias, the marble square flooring... it all looks rather horrific to Chest. Finally the reporter speaks, though his voice sounds much weaker than normal due to the vast empty space that makes up this hall. "What did you do with him?" he asks.

 

        The arms of the Emperor lift, hands drawing togeather near his face as he steeples his fingers. Looking out over this junction of hands at the news reporter his lips lift inwards in a smile. "Albert is currently recovering from injuries sustained during the capture operation. Doctor Doppler assures me that he will be perfectly fine now. However, he has not looked after his body I am afraid and considerable stress was placed on an already weak cardiovascular system. It is a wonder he has not suffered yet another heart attack. He has not yet regained consciousness. It is my intention that when he does, you will be taken to see him to show the world that yes, he is being properly looked after."

        The steepled fingers draw back, tapping against each other. "I have a question for you, Chest. Do you wish to conduct this in a simple discussion, or do you wish to ask your own questions that I may answer? Would that aid you in bringing what information you pull from here to the masses? Understand that you are our guest. Whichever way is easier, I have no true preference. Furthermore, would you care for something to sit upon?"

 

Perfectly fine for how long, Chest wonders. The GNN boss man listens to Sigma tell about how Wily is doing, and finally nods. Chances are the Mavericks are keeping him alive and well, though why they want the world they want everyone to know this when they're likely to kill him anyway is a wonder. "Alright, I can have a GNN doctor make sure he's physically alright. Will I be able to speak with him?" he asks. Chest cannot help but feel very small in this huge room populated by huge people. "I suppose a discussion is fine," he says, having glanced at one of the tapestries with Sigma's oh so regal form on it. "I'm fine standing," he answers, idly wondering what sort of grusome chair Sigma might bring out for him to sit on. Oh sure it might seem innocent to Sigma to be seated in a huge drapped crystal throne in a massive hall with the likeness of himself on the walls and hanging from the ceiling along with holograms of other people for him to stare at, but for a visitor it's just a tad unnerving. "So, ah, what /is/ the plan with Wily? The longer you keep him around, the longer his army has a chance at putting together an actual plan to rescue him. Whether that plan is foolhardy or not, chances are the casualties would be very high on both sides. Then I can just see Repliforce and the Hunters coming on in and mowing down any of the survivors."

 

Sylpheed says nothing, she knows better then to interrupt the discussion, even though she is just recently been recruited and was born only a week ago. Though, she stares at Sigma, ignoring Chest for the most part. Chest is unimportant, but what the emperor is saying is important. Not only that...but mmm...he just looks so damned powerful in that throne. She nearly chuckles to herself, but catches it just in time.

 

Flame Stag has much more discipline, so he merely stands near the door, arms folded behind his back, watching the exchange impassively. Bwa.

 

Sigma nods slightly once again, his fingers still steepled before him. "The Doctor may be arranged, but there will be some restrictions upon it. You will understand why in a moment." With that, the Emperor pauses to gather his thoughts. "Much as I told you, it is useless to simply kill Albert Wily. For then he is a Martyr and weather or not the death is justified more than the Robot Masters will not support it. Even you must admit that Wily is a criminal, much that you would say of me. He is a criminal however, in a different sort. Consider it this way, Chest. If I were captured by the United Nations, I would be placed on trial for Genocide and crimes against humanity."

            He pauses for a moment to allow this to sink in.

            "Albert Wily will be placed on trial here in Berlin for crimes against Reploid kind against a fair tribunal. He will be tried for his seneseless murder of Reploids during the invasion of France; he will be tried for waging war against civilians; he will be tried for raping the reploid countries of the world. I will be extending invitations to specific individuals to monitor the trial itself for fairness. Furthermore, I am in progress of gathering options for his legal counsel but in the end the choice will be up to him."

            There is another pause as he continues. "Now, you may ask how I intend to keep him. There is a reason that he has only once been placed on trial successfully before. The Maverick Hunter Blues is happy to intervene to defend him, just as he did in the attempt to capture him. As such, it is impossible to properly secure him. Why Blues defends a mortal enemy of his I will never know and would suggest that he is a traitor but this is besides the point. Countermeasures have had to be taken. Albert wears an explosive within his head, that will kill him if he is removed from where he is supposed to be. I have no desire to use this, and want you to make this very clear to the world -- both that it is there and that I don't want to use it. Intervening in the trial /WILL/ kill him. If his sons wish to defend him, they may do it legally."

 

Sylpheed suddenly shifts, bowing to Sigma and leaves in a hurried pace.

 

Sylpheed has left.

 

"A martyr? I gotta say, I have no -idea- how the Robot Masters would react should Wily die. Follow Bass? Follow King? Go insane in order to get vengeance? You could be right that he'd be a martyr. But yes, Wily is a criminal. The biggest on the planet, really." Normally one might suggest Vile or Sigma as being possibilities for that title, but Chest figures now is not the time for that little debate.

        Chest suddenly wishes he had brought a cigar or two with him, because he could raelly go for one right now. The mech listens about the trial. This is the sort of thing Chest would love to see, but only if it were carried out by the United Nations. Having the Mavericks do it is almost as good since, lets face it, Wily is guilty as sin. The chances of the UN finding him innocent would be as likely as the Mavericks. Sure that doesn't really jive with due process, but what can ya do. Chest idly wonders who'll be Wily's lawyer. One of his creations or himself? "I've never been able to figure out the messed up loyalties of a whole lot of people in this conflict." he admits regarding Protoman. Chest shudders at the rather grusome security in place. He isn't here to dictate how Sigma should do things, though. Chest is about to reply when he hears Sylpheed turn to leave. Chest blinks at her departure but doesn't ask what's up. Finally he says, "What is the punishment if he is found guilty?"

 

        "One moment, Chest."

        The Emperor's right fist raises, barring the conversation from further continuation. Twice, he responds audibly to his radio -- not attempting to disguise this from Chest in the least. The two comments are:

        "Germany Burns, in actuality." followed by "How should I know? Get out there and recon."

        The business taken care of the fist lowers and he opens his mouth to resume talking to Chest, whereupon he interrupts himself to continue the radio conversation instead. "When available, transmit the composition of any forces that Ballade has brought with him." Whatever reply he was expecting must be quick, for he grunts. "Fool. Destroy Him. Bring me his horns."

        Finally, Sigma returns his attention to Chest. "Ballade has broken." He states, expressionlessly. "I am not surprised. He was unable to protect Wily and has failed at this to the degree that he has been captured. He is making what appears to be a suicide run on Berlin."

        Sigma seems completely unbothered by the fact that life and death is transpiring outside; leaning back against his throne and steepling his fingers once again. "Now, in regards to your question it is a very good one. However, none of the Robot Masters are truly capable of leading them so long as Bass exists. Already his grasp at strategy has caused them the attention of all of the world. He is but a psycopath. Enker or King would be the next logical choice. King however, lacks the respect of his troops and Enker is constantly kowtowing to Bass. I anticipate that internal conflict will weaken them signifigantly for many months to come and what is left of them will be easily cleaned up, either by the Coalition or by someone else."

        Sigma frowns then, probably at the radio. "Ballade will not be underestimated." He states to the radio and not to Chest. "You fools forget that he is fully capable of killing /ONE/ or /TWO/ of you and the one that will get that is the one with the most stupid bravado. /NEVER/ underestimate one who is fighting with nothing to loose. Ballade has cracked because he has failed at that which he was /CREATED/ to do. Idiots!"

        Shaking his head, Sigma continues once again to Chest. "There are quite a few individuals with messed up loyalties so to speak. Blues. /JAVELIN WHITETAIL/. Others. Individuals who need to pick a side and go with it, and cease playing all factions before they are completely burned."

        And then at the punishment question, Sigma shrugs. "It depends on what he is found guilty of. Afterall, he may very well come up innocent on some of the charges. I hope that he does. I would far prefer to see life inprisonment. But death is a possability."

 

Flame Stag still stands silent sentinel in the back, and he nods. Personally, the stag would /prefer/ death, just so they're not constantly repulsing invasion attempts...but that's something he keeps entirely to himself. What the emperor wants, the emperor gets.

 

Chest is respectfully silent as Sigma speaks into his radio. Once he's done, however, the reporter cannot help but ask, "Nothing wrong, I hope?" But then Sigma once again has to pause in order to speak into the radio. "Ballade?" he asks, "Well, this is just the sort of thing we should probably expect from other Robot Masters eventually. Once they realize it's all over for him, they'll probably come looking for the heads of Mavericks - Regardless of their idiot quota. That might mean you'd have to... ah, use that security device. Sure Enker is probably the Masters' best bet, but logic has never exactly been their strong point if you catch my drift. They /did/ follow Wily, afterall." That wasn't meant as a joke.

        But once again Sigma needs to pause in order to issue out orders and bitch at his troopers. Chest idly wonders if this is how it always is here in Maverick Central. Chest suppresses his need to roll his eyes as Sigma mentions Javelin as being one of the ones with messed up loyalties. Funny, he had been thinking of her as an example also, although for different reasons. Chest is genuinely shocked at hearing that life imprisonment is an actual possibility. "How many Maverick deaths would he have to have been responsible for in order to get the death penalty?" he asks. Chest is against capital punishment, but Wily toes the line.

 

        For the moment, Sigma seems to not need to issue any further orders to his troops and is able to concentrate on his conversation -- with a small twist. "Lieutenant." He states in a dry voice. "Fetch me a cup of mead. Go."

        Upon completion of this order, Chest is surveyed once again. "Not really. Ballade's death or destruction will come reasonably quietly. As I explained to my soldiers, whilst he may kill one or two he will be brought down by the strength of numbers eventually. And besides.." The corners of the mouth once more lift to a smirk. "General Vile is there as well. But that said, I fully expect the Robot Masters to come here with guns in their hands -- I am surprised they have not come already. Let them. They will break upon the spire as a river does a rock. They have been weakened even more than the Coalition by the battering they have taken in Africa. They have lost most of their drone support. It is only /THEM/ that remains. Let them come. Let them come unto their deaths. I will not use that security device unless I absolutely must. I /WANT/ Albert to remain alive."

        A silence follows then, as Sigma considers the question. "The amount of death is irrelevant. He already has the death of hundreds of thousands on his hands. In essence, he can be held responsible for what the Robot Masters are doing as well. He created them. They are his tools. He used them. Bass' reaction is meerly only due to programming that Wily has installed. That alone is not enough to kill him. Life in prison, yes. But not to kill him. It will fall under how many other crimes he is found guilty or innocent of."

 

Flame Stag nods as Sigma gives the command, backing respectfully out of the room. For about five, ten minutes he's gone...then he comes back with, yes, a chalice full of mead. He approaches the throne, holds it up to Sigma, and then retreats once his job is done.

            ....wait, how did he get down to the kitchen that quickly anyway?

 

Chest holds back a smartass response about whether General Vile is, in actuality, just searching for weapons as he beats the tar out of Ballade. He nods as Sigma confirms that they're ready for when the Masters come. "So does this mean, once the Robot Masters begin a siege of this place," he gestures around at all the awful things that inhabit this hall, "That Wily's head might, well, be blown up?" That that security device. "Or are you planning on taking him somewhere that the Masters won't suspect?" Assuming he's even in the Spire to begin with.

        "I have to say, I'm surprised that him killing thousands of Reploids isn't enough to warrant his death. He is 'only a human,' afterall. What other crimes is it that he might be found innocent of that would warrant his survival?" Then, as an afterthought, "Speaking of Bass's programming, what do you think of Light's theory about this quota? That he /wants/ Wily to die so that he can take control of the Masters? Sure, he was programmed by the doctor, but the many squabbles between them are well known. Think Bass would be capable of such a thing?"

 

        Sigma's response to all of this comes without any hesitation whatsoever. "No, that is incorrect, Chest -- unless you believe it is inevitable that they rescue him. He will be killed when he is in a Robot Master's arms and they are making for the door. Until then, it will not be necessary. I maintain that this will be a fair trial. I regret having to use this explosive in the first place, but otherwise, Blues would just play stupid again and rescue him because he wants this stupid war to continue. It frustrates me, Chest. It vexes me horribly. You see, even *I* want peace after all things are done. When anyone takes a step to carry that forward one way or another, their ENEMIES rise in uproar! I nearly kill Thomas Light, and /ALBERT WILY/ goes insane over it. I capture Albert Wily, and Thomas Light goes insane over it and radios me! Where will this end, Chest? Has the world become fools? Do they simply intend to play with each other for all eternity whilst lives and pain are in the balance? It is one thing for war to continue, but at the very least it should move forward -- one way or another! One side must inevitably loose, but what is to happen if one enemy will not permit the other to fall? An endless eternity of bloodshed and violence?"

        Realizing that he is ranting, Sigma reaches down and takes the cup of mead from Flame Stag; placing it on the crystalline arm of the chair. A swig is taken from it along with a couple of breaths to calm himself as he continues with the 'interview'. "Albert Wily is not 'only a human'. You are a victim of the common misconception towards me. I think human life is just as valuable as that of Reploidkind, it is just a slightly /SLIGHTLY/ lesser form of it. Any life that must be taken is a sad thing. As to your question, I simply do not know as of yet. We will have to see how the trial proceeds and judgement is rendered. But yes, let us move on to Bass."

        "I do not know the answer to this either. Whilst they have had their arguments, Bass has never made an attempt to kill Wily or the others. And besides, if he really wanted Wily dead he wouldn't go about it this way -- he has until now, no way of knowing exactly what it WOULD take to kill him. I believe he is simply intending to pressure me in to returning him by appealing to my guilty conscience. However, if Bass were to take over the ultimate leadership of the Robot Masters it would be excellent news for the world in the long term. It would be a short term explosion of violence and bloodshed, and many would die -- but it would be the Robot Master's destruction. Bass knows nothing of strategy, only rage. One cannot lead an army on Rage alone."

 

"I think there's a whole lot of people who are way too attached to the war. They've gotten too used to it by now that they've forgotten what peace means." Chest replies truthfully. "There's an unhealthy love/hate relationship going on between Wily and Light." And Javelin and just about any Maverick. Chest keeps that example to himself. The GNNer, for the most part, lets Sigma rant for as long as he wants. Once the Emperor has finished and pauses to take a drink, Chest says, "I agree with you about Light and Wily. Although it's possible that it's not so much Light doesn't want Wily to fall... it's that he doesn't want the Mavericks to gain power. You realize - hah, I'm sure you realize - the sheer support that the Coalition is gaining. Repliforce has failed to recapture Wily since he was lost to them all that time ago. The Hunters have never done all that well. But the Mavericks managed to do it. A lot of Reploids are going to flock to a power that removed such a terror from this world. Light might want to downplay something like that. About the trial, mind you, I'd like to get a full list of the charges against him, and the potential penalties for each."

        Chest pauses to let the conversation move towards Bass. "Never killed him, but he has been kicked out by Wily. In Light's own words, Bass is admittedly a very ambitious young man. In my own words, Bass's plan to recover Wily is idiotic." Unless this is, of course, just to throw everyone off track, Chest muses not for the first time. "It won't take long for Bass, and the Masters, to realize your, ahem, guilty conscience isn't going to be enough to get you to release him. Why, just last night on the global frequency, it was beginning to dawn on Masters that something wasn't all right. King clearly doesn't agree with this plan." Nor does Enker. The golden one said it outright to Chest. But alas, that was off the record, Chest had promised.

 

Sigma nods slightly to Chest, seeming at first to almost not be paying attention. One must never underestimate one who has rose to power by listening to what has gone on around him so that he can best play it however. He passes the time as the other is talking with the occasional swig of his mead. Finally when the newsman is finished, Sigma begins to speak once again.

            "How right you are, Chest. How right you are. I see this within my own troops, even. There are those who when the war is complete and it is time for peace will have to be killed for they cannot function in any other environment. It is incredibly sad that this must be done, but it happens in any society. During the war in Vietnam in the 20th Century, many American soldiers who came back from the jungle were traumatized to the point that they did not, could not exist in a peaceful society and ended up either in prison or killing themselves with substance abuse. The entire world has become like this -- dependant on conflict in order to survive. I think it sad that a man who claims to be as noble as Thomas Light has contracted this illness. Even his son, X, had the sense for awhile to retire from it before the horrors of war claimed him. Perhaps that time away from the battle has prevented him from becoming the psycopath that his father has developed into. Albert, however? Albert Wily was never quite right in the head to begin with."

            A clanking sound is heard as his cup is once more laid down upon the crystalline arm of the chair. "I am aware yes of the reputation that we of the Coalition are developing for doing this. I do nothing to encourage or prevent it. Those who wish to make up their minds to seek us will do so, as is their right. I know you are going to bring the Sigma Virus into this at this juncture at least in your own mind but you have to admit one thing: I did not ask for it. Even we can do nothing with the virus. It was a horrible error of Sigmund Doppler during his rebuilding of me that is responsible for it. I fully support free will. In essence, the original virus is far more preferable for that reason. Whilst it binds one to their choice it leaves the choice open for them to make in the first place. But I ramble. Back to Bass."

            Another swig of mead is taken, the cup empty. "Refill." He states to Flame Stag, before continuing to Chest. "In answer to this next question I rehiterate. Let them come. Although, I do not expect you to encourage them to do so."

 

Flame Stag nods, and is of course immediately on hand to retrieve the chalice and make his way off. There's the sound of hooves on flooring, a loud squeal, then more hooves-on-flooring...and Flame appears in the doorway with a sock hanging on his shoulder. wtf? He makes sure to brush it off before he approaches the throne.

            Meanwhile, in the background, a lone cyborg pokes his head into the room, looks around, sees the sock, grabs it, and disappears.

 

Chest is not the sort to underestimate the leaders of the other factions, even if he is aware of the many faults that some of them have. Light has the aforementioned condition of aiding his enemy at strange times, for example. Wily is insane. Sigma as well, even if it's not quite so serious with him. The apparent distraction of Sigma makes Chest idly wonder how Ballade is doing right now.

        "I don't necessarily mean the trauma of war, per se. But just that... well, many of them were either built for killing or reprogrammed to kill thanks to the virus. They'll be out of a job, and a lifestyle once one side wins." Chest doesn't think Light is /that/ bad, and hopes that when it really comes down to it... when Light has to choose between helping out his former buddy Wily and putting an end to it, the father of robotics will make the right decision. A psychopath? C'mon now. Afterall, bitching at Sigma is one thing. Actively /helping/ Wily, as Protoman did, is something else altogether. Chest makes a note to himself to ask the red bomber that the next chance he gets. Wonder what type of reply he'll get.

        Chest glances over to his left to see how his drone is holding up under all this. Camera is silently doing its job, for once not adding in its own insults and barbs at either participant. A lone camera is extended from the roving minicam which captures both the diminutive Chest standing alone and the huge Sigma in his massive throne.

        Concerning the viris, Chest smiles and says, "Well shucks, how about we set ourselves up some virus scanners around here and we can make sure no other Mavericks become infected with this disease. Or, when they do, you can cure them." Since we both support free will and all." Not that Chest thinks the original virus was free will, of course. Too much evidence to the opposite. Chest is reminded of when Javelin said that Doppler cured her of the Sigma virus once. He had dismissed that then as her being plastered at the time. "So... how is Ballade doing out there?" he asks out of curiousity.

 

        Sigma appears to listen to what Chest is saying, but it is clear that he is distracted as well -- and many times he mouths something to his internal radio. Doubtless, he comes across clearly there but the words are inaudible to Chest. Whatever it is, he doesn't like it for he turns -- and slings the mostly full cup of mead at Flame Stag's head with all of his strength -- growling audibly once before dissapearing in a flash of white light.

        He reappears before Chest and Camera and placing his hands behind the small of his back begins to pace around in front of the newsman like a caged beast, his mood clearly having taken a turn for the worse. His voice too has altered, becoming more of a growl. "Pardon me, Chest. Minor Difficulties. As to the Virus, impossible alas. It mutates far too quickly, already it is in many strains. One cure, one detection will not always work. Not a bad idea however. As to Ballade, he is doing rather well. He has felled two individuals, by my count -- the two that I was calling idiots earlier. Such a shocking surprise."

 

Sigma strikes Flame Stag with his Generic Melee attack.

 

Flame Stag yelps as the cup of mead rebounds off of his skull. That was /not/ very nice at all. But, he keeps silent, taking the now slightly-dented cup of mead and returning to his place. Just in case the emperor decides he wants more alcohol.

 

Flame Stag has disconnected.

 

Chest strains his audio sensors, but cannot pick up anything that Sigma is saying. A quick glance towards Camera tells that the drone didn't pick up anything either with its advanced audio sensors. "Is there something wr-" Chest jolts and falls back as Sigma abruptly hurls the cup towards Flame. Instinctively, the journalist shields his face protectively. When Sigma vanishes, Chest whirls about to peer at Flame and the other guards as if they're going to tell him what in the world is going on. Who knows, maybe Sigma vanishing was the cue for them to open fire on the world's favorite GNNer. But then Sigma returns to his place, and Chest turns once again to peer at the Emperor of Mavericks everywhere. Chest is once again reminded that, hey, who knows, he might be infected already! The virus could be crawling through his system, slipping this way and that past his processors, just itching for a strike against the CPU so it can wrest control of him and turn the Global News Network into a secret Maverick propaganda facility. 'SIGMA DEFEATS MASTERS WHEN NOBODY ELSE COULD' the headline in Chest's mind already reads.

        Chest is willing to assume that Sigma tried real hard to cure the Sigma virus. Right. What a shame that he could not. "Ballade is kicking some ass, eh? He must be seriously pissed off to be fighting so well." Chest muses. For the first time tonight, the journalist meets Sigma's gaze and idly comments, "I'd hate to face eighty more trained warriors just as pissed off as him."

Sigma offers a slight smile to Chest.

        "I understand what you are attempting to say, Journalist." He says quietly. "First off, Ballade is the exception and not the rule. King is there as well, and not faring nearly as successfully. The problem stems from the incompetance of a few individuals involved. One of them has just been rebuilt following destruction and re-education after having been a traitor, the other has been among our forces less than a week. An experienced unit is out there to finish it. Secondly, he is one of the Elites afterall. Thirdly, as I said, he simply has nothing left at this moment but to fight as his purpose as a bodyguard has been defeated. As such, I rather expected this as I told the individuals involved."

 

He shrugs his shoulders lightly. "Ballade, Bass, Enker, Punk, Quint and King will be the hardest to destroy. After that, the rest of the army will fall quickly -- both because they are of lesser construction and because they would be leaderless. No, I am not worried for the mission -- rather annoyed at the incompetance displayed by rthe soldiers in qusetion."

 

"Not the time for incompetence. I think the Masters are going to eventually become fanatical with getting Wily back. I don't think Ballade is going to be the only one." But hey, Chest doesn't exactly mind if the Robot Masters fall. Wily being captured, even if it's by the Mavericks, is overall a good thing. Repliforce has been able to defeat the Mavericks before when the Masters aren't causing trouble. Perhaps they'll be able to do so again. Chest does blink at something Sigma said. "A traitor? Isn't that impossible for anyone infected?" Still, Chest has to admit that Ballade is going to be taken down eventually, if only through the sheer numbers that Sigma had refered to before. "And if, like idiots, they come at the Spire one and two at a time..." Chest mutters to himself, although it can easily be heard. "Once the Masters are defeated," Chest says louder, "What's next? Keep on going as normal against Repliforce and the Hunters?" he asks. Once again he wonders how much capturing Wily is going to help get recruits for the Coalition.

 

"After I answer this question, Chest, you will be escorted to the gates of Berlin for the day. My mood is drastically becoming worse and I trust you do not want to be here when it reaches the boiling point? Thankfully, Ballade has been dispatched and King is shortly to fall. I have sortied a Ride Armour to /GUARANTEEE/ their destruction."

            Sigma's tone is actually quite serious and more than a little bit menacing. "The Sigma Virus did not exist at the time, and even the Maverick Virus -- OR the Sigma Virus cannot prevent stupidity." With that, he doesn't elaborate any more. "I will field more questions tomorrow. Put your drone in it's box and I will have someone escort you out. There will be no further questions if you wish to keep your artificial spleen."

 

Chest hides a smile at Sigma's foul mood. The Maverick leader is ticked off, Ballade has fallen, and it would seem that King is going to join him next. Of course, Chest spoke with King before, and has witnessed the monarch's disapproval of recent Robot Master assaults. Ballade's suicide attack is probably another he won't agree with. "Wouldn't surprise me if King just grabs what's left of Ballade and high tails it out of there. He seemed more reasonable than the rest when it came to reacting to Dr. Wily's capture." Maybe that's because he was built in the /event/ that Wily is gone. Chest's comments fall by the wayside, however, at Sigma's threat. Muttering to himself, the GNN boss man nods, saying, "Thanks for your time, Emperor." Camera whistles something about that damn box. Chest isn't fond of the blindfold either. It's going to be a long, quiet trip back to San Angeles...

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

Although all of the facts contained in this article are also reported through GNN's television broadcasts, it is handled by other newscasters. The only thing actually by Chest on this is in written editorial. The article appears in the Global News Network Tribune, available all over the world in any language. The article is simply titled 'Sigma'.

BERLIN, Germany

The secrets of the Coalition of Reploid Freedom are well known to be jealously guarded. With few exceptions, the only ones allowed in their territory are those who have sworn allegiance to Sigma and have been infected by the Sigma Virus.

So you must understand my surprise when the Coalition's Flame Stag asked if I would be available for a trip to the throne room of the Imperial Spire in the heart of Berlin in the deepest portion of the Maverick Empire in order to meet with Emperor Sigma for a one-on-one discussion. The thought was, needless to say, daunting. The prospect of returning lobotomized and infected was not terribly appealing.

Curiosity, however, won over and after a terrifying, blindfolded trip to the Imperial Spire (and not the operating room, as I feared), I found myself and my camera drone in Sigma's throne room. The atmosphere was smothering, and the thought that the Virus coated everything, including me, would not go away. The throne room is immense, stretching well beyond a hundred feet, and is a perfect testament to Sigma's egomania.

Blood red tapestries hang from the ceilings bearing the Emperor's own likeness. The Coalition's insignia is engraved on every surface, denying you the ability to not look upon its form. The floor is a black and white marble checkerboard that might look good in any other place. The white crystal throne itself is set upon a twenty-foot tall pedestal, allowing Sigma to stare down upon those in attendance both literally and figuratively. A pair of armed guards stand at attention by the throne, whose sole purpose, I believe, is to serve as threatening pieces of furniture. Whether all of these extravagances are for the benefit of Sigma's own already loyal men, for his very few non-Maverick visitors, or simply for himself is a question I cannot answer.

When I first arrived, before my camera drone had set up and begun recording after its trip secured in an air-tight box, the throne room was pitch dark. The only visible things were the spotlight shining down upon the throne, and a holographic image of Javelin Whitetail performing one of her more aggressively angry symphonies at an all-too-uncomfortably-loud volume. Diabhal Ciaon Is Liomsa, I am told.

Whether it be Dr. Doppler's personal bodyguard Eisensturm fiercely protecting whitetail, Mavericks desperately ensuring that no harm comes to her, or this all too creepy private holographic display, the Coalition's disturbing attraction towards her is an eerie thing to behold. The Coalition wants her, yet is unwilling to use the usual method of infection to gain her loyalty.

I speculate, with no evidence beyond what my own eyes and ears have detected, whether this is, in some small way, a similar case as to Sigma's previous infatuation with his daughter, Grace. Is Javelin Whitetail another attempt to prove, more to himself than to anyone else, that the Coalition's cause is just, and that even one who is unwillingly forced to be loyal due to the Virus would side with him and his ideals? I would note Sigma's insistence that the Virus is not something the Coalition considers essential to their recruitment, and his claims that he detests how the Virus takes away free will.

Continued on Page A2

Sigma's disposition during the discussion was as a king with delusions grandeur. He passed judgment on dilemmas with the confident righteousness of a zealot. He ordered his men about as if they existed only to serve him. He berated his soldiers for each imperfection or setback. He physically assaulted one of his high-ranking officers on a whim. It was during this time that Ballade was making his suicidal solo assault upon Berlin, eventually aided by King. Sigma would be seething with rage each time he was told the Robot Master still lived.

Concerning the Robot Masters, Sigma has decreed that Dr. Wily will stand trial for his crimes. Remarkably, he claims, the death penalty is not the certain result. He said Wily would have to be found guilty of more than the slaughter of thousands of Reploids in France to receive death, even as he ordered Ballade and King killed. He has maintained that the trial will be open, fair, and may be monitored by outside sources.

For security, Dr. Wily has been outfitted with a bomb within his head. Should he be moved outside of where Sigma wants him, it will detonate and kill him. Sigma appeared especially worried of Protoman rescuing him, more so than any Robot Master.

Sigma is fully confident that his troops will be able to defeat the suddenly stunned Robot Master faction should they invade Berlin. Their bizarre, shocked reaction to Wily's capture, ranging from disbelief on the global frequencies, to suicidal attacks by Ballade, to the off kilter decision to begin attacking non-Mavericks, suggests Sigma may be correct. He is willing to accept the losses, and given that he has placed himself much higher than even his fellow Mavericks, I believe it.

Our discussion had begun to deteriorate with each time he received news about the battle between his forces and Ballade. Although he was still eternally confident his men would be victorious and Ballade slain, his mood had grown foul. He ended the discussion, and my camera drone and I returned to GNN Central. Leaving the huge, yet smothering Spire in favour of the soothing tone of San Angeles General Hospital for a virus scan (negative, I am eternally grateful to note) was the difference between night and day.

I had often speculated before what life as a Maverick would be like. Whether it would be essentially normal, only with your perceptions and ideals slightly altered. Or whether or not you would suddenly view the world in a terrifyingly wrong and unnatural light. Thankfully I do not know, but for their sake, to deal with the aberrant ambiance, I hope they are nothing like they were before.

Editor's Note: The recording of Chest's meeting with Sigma is available on the GNN website at: http://www.geocities.com/dmiasek/M3/m3_50

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