GNN Central - Offices

 

         Here lie the various offices for the staff of the GNN. On this level one can find the main office from the CEO of the GNN to some of the more noteworthy reporters, cameramen, journalists, management, and other professionals who make this organization what it is today. Before you can enter; however, one needs get past the secretary in the small waiting room full of green leather couches, magazines, and that smooth mellow music that drives everyone mad.

 

 Contents:                               Contents:                     

 Plum's Corner Office <PCO>              Reporto's Office <RPO>                

 Peach's Dressing Room <PDR>             snapshot book

 

 Floor 1 <F1>:             Broadcasting Rooms - GNN Central

 Lobby <G>:                San Angeles - GNN Central

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Elpizo: You say, "<ring ring> <ring ring>"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Elpizo doesn't answer, instead a woman picks up, "Good afternoon, this is the Aztlan Government offices. This is Marta speaking, how may I help you?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Elpizo: You say, "Yes, my name is Chest - Global News Network. Is the President available by any chance?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Elpizo still doesn't talk directly. The woman transmits, "Oh. So you're Chest. I will ask him if he will receive you." -- Silence, Mexican music plays -- "Yes. I will patch you through." *click*

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Elpizo: You say, "Than- *hums along to the music once cut off*"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Elpizo says, "Good morning, Chest. What do you want?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Elpizo: You say, "Good afternoon, President. Or morning, I suppose, in Aztlan. How're you doing?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Elpizo very terse, "I am quite fine. What 'pleasure' do you bring me today?

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Elpizo: You say, "Well, sir, I was wondering if perhaps you'd be interested in a short trip to beautiful San Angeles. Specifically, I was thinking we could discuss the latest developments in Neo-Arcadia. The public is interested, after all."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Elpizo seems to be leaning back, as the sound of leather is heard, "Uh-huh. And I thought the public hated us. Why would they like to know what our interests are?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Elpizo: You say, "Well, yes sir, you are hated. But then, so is Dr. Doppler and he made quite a facinating person to speak with. I think what I'm trying to get at, Mr. President, is that this is a chance to defend your views against... well, against me - and against any callers we get - in a civilized environment. Not like the nonsense you hear on the global frequencies."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Elpizo hrms, "All right. I will humor you. When do you want to do this?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Elpizo: You say, "How's tonight work for you? Say, eight local San Angeles time?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Elpizo says, "..It /may/ be possible. I am not sure. There are some issues I must address with my advisors. Plan for tonight, but have a backup plan, if I cannot make it."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Elpizo: You say, "Alright, sounds fair. Thank you."

 

*** LATER ***

 

Broadcasting Rooms - GNN Central

       

 On this level of the GNN building, one can find all the manner of equipment and stages to allow the GNN to deliver its fine quality programming. The main area here is dominated by a singular yet curved green desk with a blue screen behind it. That area makes up the set where the general news broadcasts to the public are made. Off to another side one can find a small set used for the ever-popular interviews. This area can be configured to simply have two modern contoured chairs with the flag of the country involved freeze framed as flowing in the wind, or can be done with a smaller, more home style feeling with simple wooden chairs, desk, or table and a nice country house background. This area is also used to house the various GNN field equipment, from the cameraman’s light powerful camera, and the small anti-gravity cameras used for emergencies, to the odd looking microphones with the "Capcom" logo on them.

 

 Contents:                               Contents:                     

 Elpizo [Elpizo] [NA]

 Frenzy's Studio

 

 Floor 2 <F2>:             GNN Central - Offices

 Lobby <G>:                San Angeles - GNN Central

 

With a flicker of flame, Chest lights up and takes a puff on his cigar, leaning back in the soft, comfortable couch that serves as the interviewer's place on the set. Waving the match until it goes out, the GNN boss man leans back, wondering just how this is going to go. Quite frankly this isn't like going toe-to-toe with a good-guy group. The evil folks (and yes, he does think of the bad guys as evil) simply have a different theory about how the world works, and once you get past that there's not much there. Thus, this is likely to be more informative and less harassing. Ah well. Can't win them all.

        Chest glances towards a passing stagehand and calls out, "Has the President arrived yet?" The individual shrugs and shakes his head. As per someone of Elpizo's hated popularity, GNN and San Angeles security is very high to help with the protection, and there's guards all over. Weapons have always made Chest nervous, even when they're supposed to be on his side. But then Elpizo is likely to have his own squadron of warriors, so the building is going to be full of guns. "A tinderbox just waiting for a spark," Chest mutters as he flicks the burnt out match into the ashtray on the nearby coffee table.

 

A few seconds later a different stagehand rushes up, out of breath, "Sir.. President Elpizo has arrived.." and just after that stage hand relays the message, an antorage of men in black and red suits march inside. They are not obviously armed, but one could assume so. After one particular man that wears all red, along with a fedora speaks to someone just beyond the door, President Elpizo steps inside.   

            The man that is named Elpizo stands up straight and looks around the room quietly. He is dressed in his best uniform, and when he spots Chest, he grimaces faintly to himself. He walks over briskly to Chest and he quips off in a terse tone, "I have come. You do not mind if my men linger just offstage, do you?"

 

Chest looks up from his cigar and seat at the arriving stagehand. At the news, the media king sits up straighter just in time for the President's arrival. Quite an impressive sight, all those crimson and midnight suits. Chest can imagine all the weapons that aren't shown. *Yes, Mr. President. I do mind having warriors all around ready to fry anyone who moves the wrong way* But Chest doesn't say that. Instead he inclines his head slightly. "Not at all, Mr. President." Opening a small box, he holds it up briefly. "Cigar?" he offers, as per his own tradition. The betting pool around the office has approximately 100 to 1 odds of Elpizo actually accepting. Regardless of the response, Chest tucks the box away. A butterfly make-up Reploid flutters towards the pair, make-up case in hand, but Chest shoos her away before she gets within ten feet. Best to not to push one's luck, eh? Once Elpizo is settled in and has his glass of water, cigar, or anything else he needs set, the stage manager calls out, "We're on in five... four..." he gestures now. Three, two, one...

 

Camera <Chest> has arrived.

You drop Camera <Chest>.

The Camera turns on.

 

Lights raise, music plays, and we have: "Chest here, reporting live and on the scene in beautiful San Angeles." Chest is on his rather comfortable couch. Chest rests his hands on the arms of his chair. A newly lit cigar is in his right hand, tucked neatly between his fingers. To his right, beyond the required coffee table, is another, filled with a far more ominous presence. "We're here today with the Neo-Arcadian President himself, who has donated his time to join us here in our fair city for a frank discussion. Thank you for joining us here today, President Elpizo." Chest, whenever he interviews the various all-powerful nutjobs out there (you know who I mean), is slightly more stressed than when he's interviewing the good guys. Something about the possibility of them squishing his head like a grape. The good guys wouldn't do that, after all. (Chest, it seems, was unable to read the minds of a certain pair several weeks ago). Regardless, the camera focuses on President Elpizo.

 

[Radio: (B) GNN] Roving Reporter Zero transmits, "Sinkin kinda low there aintcha Chest?"

 

[Radio: (B) GNN] Chest transmits, "Elpizo's an important guy. Unfortunately."

 

The form of President Elpizo fades into view. His very prominent golden mask shines in the lights from the studio, and his long flowing golden blond hair is very neatly primmed and trimmed for the interview. Elpizo has a face of complete stoicism, no look of disdain, nor is there any look of happiness. Just a straight face.  

            A glass of water is in front of the president and it does look though as it has not been touched. At the remark Elpizo bobs his head genially, and he says which is obviously stranged, "It is my pleasure to make the public less ignorant, Chest. It is also a pleasure to be here, in GNN offices enjoying your.." That single eye twitches barely, and it is probably not caught by the camera, "..company."   

            A forced smile is on Elpizo's face and he compliments, "San Angeles is a very beautiful city, and it has not lost its splendor when I was here over eighteen years ago."

 

[Radio: (B) GNN] Roving Reporter Zero transmits, "So was Hitler."

 

[Radio: (B) GNN] Chest transmits, "Wouldn't mind attacking his views either."

 

[Radio: (B) GNN] Roving Reporter Zero transmits, "You're a couple centuries too late."

 

[Radio: (B) GNN] Chest transmits, "Well, Elpizo's the runner-up anyhow."

 

[Radio: (B) GNN] Chest transmits, "You know there's a phone-in segment coming up, if you're interested. Giving you first dibs."

 

The camera may not catch that little twitch, but Chest sure does. The GNN owner doesn't remark or react to it, however. Internally, though, he idly wonders if this is what it's like to be a human next to a Maverick. Well... a Maverick not gunning to take off their head at this exact point in time. After a few snide comments from GNN Star reporter (he has no competition anymore) Zero, Chest forces a smile and says, "That's a very interesting point you brought up, Mr. President. That the public is merely ignorant of Neo-Arcadian views." Chest pauses to puff on his cigar. "Now I don't think it'd be an exaggeration to say that the general population of the world... well, equates you to a sort of opposite-of-Mavericks sort of thing." Chest taps one of his fingers, "The genocide of a particular race," taps a second finger, "The intense information war." Read: Propaganda. Chest taps a third finger, "And the... well, the harsh and violence way of attaining one's goals. What exactly, aside from being pro or anti-robot, separates the Neo-Arcadians from the Coalition?"

 

Elpizo looks to be considering his words carefully at the question, "To be perfectly honest, I am not going to deny that fact. We are the balance to the Mavericks, except our cause.. has more reason for existing. The Mavericks," The President does not seem to be using the term Coalition, for obvious reasons, "are a group who wishes to liberate themselves to their supposed 'destiny'. Our purpose, is to preserve the human ingenuity. The human soul. The /human/ race."     

            "That is the difference between the Mavericks and us. We seek to defend our race, while they seek to attack ours for their own liberation," President Elpizo stares at Chest directly with his single eye, and it still does not have any mirth in it, "Now on to your points. Those are only similar, because that is the only thing that can turn the war. If you were to be a pacifist in this war, you are going to be left in the dust."

 

The title 'Coalition of Reploid Freedom' is, of course, a whole lot more friendly and understanding than the title 'Mavericks', or 'Goddamn Robots'. Chest generally uses 'Coalition' occasionally simply to serve as a synonym. Chest arches an optical ridge from behind his green shades at the idea of having a greater reason to exist. "Well see, I'm not so sure that's entirely accurate," Chest says, gesturing with his cigar. "I don't see the distinction. You folks go out and attack, kill, and slaughter robots. Some of them are just as innocent as anyone. What I'm trying to get at, Mr. President, is that your defense sure looks a whole lot like offence." At this point, on the bottom of the screen, there's a little note that says 'Have Your Opinion Heard! 1-888-WHINING'. "A mighty fine example of this would be the attack that you yourself carried out on a Reploid production facility. These robots weren't even fully constructed yet... but they were killed by your forces nonetheless." Pause. "Essentially, Mr. President, I'm curious as to why you seem to think all robots have to die instead of just the real bad ones." Did Chest read Plasma Harrier's mind? Maaaaaaybe.

            1-888-WHINING is code, of course, for page gnn=<whatever>.

 

The right hand fingers all go up in unison and fall down in delayed synchronization. It is a small sign, that Elpizo is annoyed at Chest, however, it isn't a most noticeable action, and might even be missed by the camera. Elpizo raises his visible eyebrow and he asks, "So.. what you are saying is, be a pacifist? Don't send a message to the Mavericks that we are not going to stand by and let them attack our wounded in the hospital? No. I will destroy the problem before it matures. I -will not- knowingly allow them to function, when such a virus exists."     

            The President now has a smile, but it is more in spite of Chest, and that single eye is sending ten-thousand megavolts of negative energy. "Why attack them all? It is a simple answer, Chest. The machine, is ran by programs. The Sigma Virus is one of the most feared programs that can control a robot to do the whims of their 'emporer', and thus inevitably become Maverick. Thus, to prevent this atrocity from happening, ALL machines are a threat. Every. Single. One. As long as that virus exists, there is no saving grace for any form of sentient life. None."  

            That glass of water sits untouched, and one does not have to guess far as to why. Elpizo flips his hair and slips it behind the couch so it stays out his way, "So, in essense, Chest. There is no distinction between the 'bad' robots and the publically claimed 'innocent' robots."

 

If Chest had a nickel for every time a guest was annoyed with him... well, he'd have quite a few nickels, let me tell you. "But I'm /not/ saying that you need to be a pacifist. Quite the contrary. There's a middle ground here that we can work with, Mr. President. It doesn't have to be either 'submissive let the Mavericks win', or 'lets kill all the robotic life on the planet'. Look at Interpol. Look at the Hunters. Look at Repliforce. These are groups dedicated to defending against the Coalition's brand of evil-" Yeaaah, now there's a good sound bite. 'Coalition's brand of evil'. Oh yeah, baby. "-but they manage to actually NOT get involved with genocide of an entirely different sort." Chest's own temper is starting to rise slightly.

        "Fact is, Mr. President, every robot is a threat. Yes! But then, every /human/ is a threat as well. Who knows, there might be a human out there that's going to pick up a gun and start shooting folks. It happens. Just like it happens in the robot community as well. But that wouldn't make it right to begin slaughtering humans, now would it? Given the great steps we've taken against the Sigma virus with constant screenings, treatment... we may eventually come to a cure as we did for the Maverick virus."

        Chest leans forward, but then stops. "Ah. We have ourselves a caller, from a... Mister Man." Hmmm. Shade Man's voice can be heard, though he isn't named specifically. "I have an inquiry for the militant leader: Humanity has brought themselves so close to destruction many times in the past, before androids and Reploids even existed. Were you successful in your Inquisition, what would stop you from repeating the mistakes of the past?" Chest looks to Elpizo for the responses.

 

Elpizo chuckles faintly at Chest's temper. Chest can probably tell that Elpizo was goading him on, and leading him on a trail of bait, "Yes, but you also fail to realize something, Chest. Supposedly, they are arrogant enough to claim what is right.." The President leans forward and folds his hands as he regards Chest, "Who are they to claim the method they are taking is the right method? Who are they to tell me, it isn't right? As far as I am concerned, if they aren't God, then their methods do not matter."

            "And, could you really expect the human race not to take revenge? Really, now. Even that is a subject that Glaive could have suspected!" President Elpizo sits back up and strokes his chin as he considers quietly, "Ah. Now there's the theological dilemna. How can you tell if a human is doing something bad? You can't. You can never really tell what a /human/ is thinking. However.. when given the choice, Chest. When you /can/ stop something, when you /know/ that is the choice that someone will take, would you sit idly by and let it happen?"       

            Then, the caller is given some time, "Ah, yes. The aftermath question! You know what? There is only one solution, and that is try and make peace. Take it as it comes, and work on it when it comes. Right now, my objectives are to end this war between man and machine."

 

Chest leans back in his chair. No matter how many times he hears someone justifying mass amounts of death, it's always unsettling. His cigar continues to burn down, having gone unpuffed for the past while. "Well... I'd think human decency would have taught you that killing innocents is wrong. Come on now, Mr. President. You're killing those that have never harmed a soul, and aren't a bigger threat to society than a human. Given those two facts, I can't see why humans are good and robots are bad."

        Chest is about to puff on his cigar when Elpizo goes onward. "Revenge against an entire race for the actions of a select few? Lets take some examples. Has, oh I don't know, Megaman ever done anything to warrant his death? Lifesaver? Iris? Me?" Chest gestures again with his cigar. "You're saying humans are different because you don't know what they're going to do. But the same is true for robots! There are countless robots out there, and the vast, vast, /vast/ majority are the peaceful, law-abiding sorts. So don't go telling us that it's inevitable that a robot's going to turn Maverick." Chest scoffs.

        "Ah, another caller. This comes from Dr. Sirius Viper, owner of Dogstar Industries." See? Call in and you get a free plug. "Excuse me, but I'd like to know who's authority this fellow thinks he's working under. Some divine mandate, perhaps?" Then to Elpizo directly, "Who are you to say who is and is not worthy of life? Kill the innocent before they can become guilty? Is that it?" he sneers viciously.

 

The President looks fairly amused at the most recent call, but he keeps his professional aura. He starts to address Chest first, being as though the recent call was an obvious 'HATE-YEW' call. Elpizo raises his fingers briefly, and he continues on, "Right. And if I was given the choice, Chest, I would place a monitor on each and every single AI in the planet. They are creations. If the first thoughts of betrayal seed into a creations mind, they can be then corrected. We then would not have to resort to violence.."     

            Elpizo then loses the look of amusement, as he continues to remark on the situation, "Again, Chest. You never answered my question. What would you do, when given the choice. Once a machine is infected, there is no hope. No salvation. They are going to turn, eventually. You have seen what the Sigma Virus has done to the Repliforce at the Battle of Berlin. Turned right on their own kind. I am proposed with that choice, and I choose to not allow the risk of infection."    

            "Ah, Dr. Viper. How nice to hear from you. I hope your creations are doing well. What right, you say? Well, the human insinct. These /things/," He casts a look at Chest, "Are /not/ human. They are not people. They are MACHINES. If they threaten my race's continued existance, I WILL erradicate them. That's what right I have. Who am I? I am a human, who is seeing his people suffer under the protests of their creations," Elpizo stares directly at the camera now, giving off ten-thousand bajillion bolts of negative rage.

 

[Radio: (B) GNN] Roving Reporter Zero transmits, "Blah blah, I think I've heard this a hundred times already."

 

If it makes the President feel any better, Chest's staff refused to air one caller that was even more of a 'hate yew' call. Course... then he just said it on Global, so not much of a victory. "We /have/ a monitor on each and every single robot on the planet. Oh, I don't mean a literal device attached to everyone." So... really we /don't/ have a monitor on every single robot on the planet. But whatever. "I mean that, as a society, we have methods to control the numbers that go Maverick. Why, here at GNN robotic employees undergo regular screenings for the Sigma and Maverick virus. It can be cured if caught soon enough, after all."

        Chest finally pauses long enough to take a puff on his neglected cigar. "As for your hypothetical situation, Mr. President, I personally am not in favour of the death penalty. Even for Mavericks. Thus, I would propose putting them in a safe prison until a cure can be found." Chest raises his hand slightly, "Now I admit that had trouble when it was used recently, but I do believe such a prison can be created."

        Back to the callers. Chest shifts uncomfortably at /things/, and the glare from Elpizo. Sirius is heard again: "So is that why you're declaring war on every machine on the planet? Some sick feeling of superiority based of the fact that we are made of inferior materials? Surely you don't think it's a war you can win..." Chest coughs here. "Thank you for your questions, Doctor."

        "Moving along... we have a question from Dr. Light:" Light's voice! "Yes, Elpizo. A quick question. Can you explain how your energy rapier works? The design seems unique, and I've been curious about it." A pause for Elpizo to answer, and then the /real/ question, now that he's on live TV. "Also, you cycloptian would be Peron, when are you returning my Chess CD? I should charge interest!" Chest manages to not facepalm. Barely.

 

"A prison? I need not mention the incident of Tianna Camp, do I?" Elpizo says calmly, before continuing on. He reaches down, and takes the glass of water, and looks as though he is about to drink it. Right up until Viper speaks. The crystal glass SHATTERS in his hand.    

            The water splashes all over the president, and he looks down. He snaps his finger, and a towel is handed to him. He cleans himself up, and gains his composure once again. "For the sake of all of the people at Global News Network's censoring affiliates, I will refrain from answering the first caller," Elpizo states in responce to Viper.   

            Then, Light's call comes in, Elpizo blinks. Once. Twice. Thrice. And he shakes his head chuckling, "Oh, it is not that hard to understand, Thomas. It is designed off a diamond that amplifies the plasma output from the central core. The only custom fit to it, is the way the diamond is cut, is all." Then, to the second question, "That CD? I sent it to you in the mail six years ago, Thomas. Are you sure you didn't leave it at your old lab in Tokyo?"

 

Zero arrives from the GNN Central.

Zero has arrived.

 

Chest smiles thinly and nods. No, he doesn't have to mention Tianna Camp, and obviously that's what Chest was refering to when he admitted that a prison didn't work out too well recently. But still, it's a valid point and the GNN boss man takes it. Opening his mouth, Chest is about to say something when the glass of water shatters. Chest jolts back in his couch slightly, raising his hand a bit to defend himself. Composing himself as Elpizo wipes himself off, Chest, looking obviously startled for a few seconds, idly hopes the President hasn't snapped like a dry twig. But then Light saves the day with a well timed softballer. Normally the chief journalist would be upset at someone giving such an easy nonsense question during an interview like this, but... but in this case, best not to set him off on a murderous rampage, eh?

        "We have a call from what some would consider one of the greatest robots of our time." Chest says, having recovered. "This is the Colonel of Repliforce. Do we Reploids as a fully sentient race of beings lack the right to defend ourselves from those that would do us harm? From those that would seek to bind us like slaves for the actions of an extreme few? Your views are irrational. You hate us because you fear us, President. You hide behind your dogma of hatred because, in truth, you wish to cower in terror. You have my pity." Chest looks at Elpizo for his response.

 

Elpizo raises his eyebrow at the proclaimed title of Colonel, and Elpizo scoffs briefly. He shakes his head and listens to Colonel peaceably. "All right. Colonel. I will humor you. Yes, reploids have the right to defend themselves. But what gives them the right to decide what is best for them? You did not evolve from a divine being. You were not created from evolution. You, were created based on pre-programmed routines for a given result. When the Repliforce was in its first stages, and you were being drafted, they were looking for something that would fill the spot you have."      

            "Thus, they created you, to those specifications. They did not hold an audition for an assortment of reploids. You WERE BUILT into your position. You did not EARN it," Elpizo stares at the camera as he continues, "Reploids, were not given a right when they were made, nor do they deserve any. They are creations. They are machines. They do not 'ask' for freedom. They demand it."  

            The President leans forward, "And when a spoiled child demands, they do not receive."

 

"They may not have auditioned, per se," Chest interjects, "But I'm sure if Colonel had started doing a shoddy job at defending the world and beating down Robot Masters, then they would have fired him. I'm also sure they wouldn't have just gone with the first option they had available when looking for a second in command of Repliforce. "Further, had Colonel felt that the Repliforce wasn't for him, I don't think they'd have /forced/ him into it." Though really, who knows back then. "Not all robots are designed for a very specific task which they fulfill their entire lives. And not all robots /want/ to do that task for their entire lives." Chest smiles, "I can tell you I wasn't specifically designed to own the best news agency on the planet." Chest winks at the camera.

        "As I don't think we're going to make much head-way on the robotic rights questions, Mr. President, perhaps I can ask you about more domestic issues. "It seems as though your southern border is suddenly being guarded by Repliforce. Already there have been clashes between the border patrol and your forces. In fact, we have reports that the Repliforce Commander in charge, one Red, personally defeated you? Any comments about the border situation and how Neo-Arcadia might be reacting?" Could Chest have asked that question without mentioning Red's victory? Yes, but it was too tempting.

 

"Very well, ask away," Elpizo responds to the request of subject change. The finger raising and falling action is repeated slowly as the topic of Red comes up. The President keeps his cool as the situation is proposed, and he nods cordially, "Yes, /MY/ border patrols have had clashes with infiltrations from the Repliforce's incursions. Not their border patrols. It isn't their border to PATROL anyhow."     

            The Prez shrugs his soldiers, "How are we going to react? Well, they are not really hindering us by any sort. My country has other methods of transporting goods without the necessity of crossing physical borders."

 

[Radio: (B) GNN] Roving Reporter Zero coughcoughs.

[Radio: (B) GNN] Roving Reporter Zero transmits, "A little bird told me that Elpizo was off on a 'trip' with Protoman the other night. I wonder what happened during that trip?"

[Radio: (B) GNN] Roving Reporter Zero transmits, "Oops, did I think that out loud? How careless of me."

[Radio: (B) GNN] Chest transmits, "Why you really must be more careful, Zero. Such mistakes might result in such questions being asked on the air."

[Radio: (B) GNN] Roving Reporter Zero transmits, "Fancy that."

[Radio: (B) GNN] Lemon, sounding somewhat annoyed, says, "You know what, if you want to say something, say it."

[Radio: (B) GNN] Lime chuckles and says, "Lemon, let them have their fun. Not everything has to be straight forward."

 

Chest smiles, "They aren't their borders? Well, funny thing, that. Repliforce has an agreement that spans many countries, including the ones south of your border." This is why there's nothing on the /northern/ border. Texas shall have to use their gun-related amendments to protect themselves. "I don't think there's any /legal/ issues with their presence." Chest nods to the second comment Elpizo makes, "I'm glad to hear there won't be any more violence near the border." And if you believe Chest thinks there won't be any more violence there, then I have a few bridges I'd like to sell you.

        "One other question we've had from viewers was questioning exactly what occurred the other night between you and Protoman." Chest shifts slightly, "Something about teleportation? Care to fill us in?" Chest actually isn't certain, and though this might seem like it's just being mean to poor ol' Pizo, he's serious about being curious. Just to set the record straight.

 

"Ah, yes. Curiosity. The ever present parent of discovery," Elpizo begins quietly before he just shrugs, "He just wanted to talk. He teleported me to Eurasia, Sky Deck and gave me a stern finger shake. That is really all that happened," Of course, he was not going to go into detail.

 

President Elpizo's words are received by the robot's audio sensors and transmitted into millions of ones and zeros. The data is then sent to the main CPU of the android where the information is analyzed. Elpizo's response is compared with thousands of other records in memory banks of previous comments made by the President, and then scanned for any signs of sarcasm and other intonation. Tens of thousands of generic responses, pre-programmed, ranging from letting his temper get the best of him to chuckling politely are displayed. The bits and bytes from Elpizo's comment, combined with the analysis of what was said and a random number generator is conducted. Several 'emotion' attributes are altered. Amusement goes up a few notches. Temper down once or twice. Annoyance at the lack of detail up one or two. This process completed, the CPU begins formulating a proper response for the robot to take. Millions of lines of code are employed to determine exactly how this should be said, and what other motions should be taken. Finally, coldly and calculated, the android reacts as per the CPU's command, combining all the required actions into one fluid motion.

        Chest smiles and chuckles slightly, even though he isn't really all that amused. His cigar has burnt down to a stub, and he drops it in the ashtray on the coffee table. "Well, clearly we're not going to solve the problem between robots and the Neo-Arcadians any time soon, but I'd like to thank President Elpizo for his time here to answer our questions." The camera focuses on Elpizo.

 

As the camera focuses in on Elpizo he gains a face of mild compliance and waves. He does not thank Chest in return. "You are welcome, I am here to inform the public."

 

The Camera turns off.

 

The cameras turn off, and Chest sighs. Well, that wasn't so bad, really. Getting up from his seat, Chest looks across at the President. "Thanks for coming along, Mr. President. Have a safe journey back to Neo-Arcadia." He doesn't bother holding out his hand to shake as he usually does.

 

Elpizo stands up, and he still maintains that look of disdain, not hate. Just irritatedness. He nods curtly to Chest, and he snaps his fingers twice, and the guards fall in and begin to follow Elpizo.

 

Zero happens to enter the studio -just- at that moment. Almost like he was waiting out there, watching the broadcast and such. The long haired Hunter enters the room, crossing his arms over his chest a moment later, his head tilting forward slightly and to one side, as he dosen't even say a thing. Just waits.

 

Chest isn't surprised to see Zero standing there. He knows the blonde wonder had been listening what with his comments over the GNN frequency. Ignoring Elpizo's distaste (hey, Fairchild totally beats Elpizo on post-interview snarkiness), Chest lets the President go, scooting over towards where Zero has entered. "Well?" he asks, folding his arms across his torso. "What did you think?" he sounds genuinely curious.

 

Zero's answer is simple and to the point right off the bat. "You don't want to know what I think."

 

Elpizo pauses just as Zero walks in. He stares Zero down for a few seconds, and he snorts, "Oh, Chest. I didn't know you hired genocidal freaks, as well. I'll be sure to send in my application, as I apparently fall under that category."

 

Chest snorts, waving his hand slightly. "I hope you're not worried about hurting my feelings, son. I get plenty of hate mail mixed in with the fan mail, I can assure you." Speaking of which, a new batch of marriage proposals are waiting for you in the mail room, Zero. "I'm not unaccustomed to criticism." Chest turns towards Elpizo after that last crack, putting on a falsely cheery expression, ignoring the actual content of the insult. "A pleasure as always, Mr. President! Do send my regards to the other bigots." He offer a wave. Temper temper.

 

"You know Elpizo..." Zero states at that, tilting his head back just slightly, but still not moving to make eye contact, in fact, keeping his eyes lidded just slightly as he does so. "...you talk pretty big. I just wonder how much, when push comes to shove, you're ready to lay everything on the line and put your money where your mouth is. Guess at the rate things are going, we could be waiting awhile."

 

A Neo-Arcadian guard gets in Elpizo's way. He begins to say, "If you are suggest--" SHOVE. Elpizo's arm comes up, and the puny man is flicked out of the way. He steps forward, reaching into his trench coat and pulls out his energy rapier. It glows ominously, and the man glares down Zero, "Why not right here, Zero?"

 

Chest regretted his comment the moment he made it. But then Elpizo seems more focused on what /Zero/ had to say instead. And Chest regrets /that/ comment as well. A massive hush falls on the crowd around Zero and the Neo-Arcadians. All eyes are on them, and all eyes are nervous. As mentioned earlier, there are San Angeles and GNN (ha ha ha) security guards nearby. But jeez... if /these/ two went at it... Chest scoots the hell out of the way, now with the crowd of gawkers.

 

"I think San Angeles has seen enough chaos and carnage for one decade." Zero states, as, for the record, he still holds his pose, still not drawing his beam saber, or making a move just yet. "See, everyone else loves to play the game with you. Making plots, debating, trying to trip you up. I don't bother. Some of the others had a habit of going easy on you and your toy soldiers, just cause you're something that resembles humanity." At that, he finally turns to face the president of Neo Arcadia fully, swishing his hair in the process.

            "I'll -never- go easy on you, or your people. You can bet that if you're going to play the game and I'm in any way remotely involved? I'm gonna play for keeps."

 

"You? Actually stand down from violence. If there is anything that impresses me more in this world, I wouldn't know of it," Elpizo seethes quietly. The rapier goes away, and is slipped back into the trench coat.   

            The President steps closer to Zero, almost directly in his face. "Then, we expect no less from you."

 

And from the crowd? One could hear a pin drop. Chest is among those. Heck, even the aforementioned security guards are a little hesitant about getting in the way. Sure, they'd haul in the famed San Angeles Super-Cops (San Angeles Super-Cops: Combat Free Since... oh, wait... nevermind) if there was an actual brawl. Chances are some are itchin' to call them. But, at least for now, it seems violence is going to be averted. Chest looks mighty relieved.

 

"Watch your back Elpizo." Is about the extent of Zero's intial response, eyes still narrowed as he returns the glare. By human standards, Zero is still 'big' well on the scale of over six feet, enough to stand toe to toe with the likes of Vile. From day one, he, also like Vile and many others, is a purely combat built robot, and it shows, both in his stance, confidence, and the very way he carries himself, even during 'peaceful' talks. "...and always keep an eye on how close you keep your trained pets with you. Cause if they aren't there to bail you out if I get my hands on you....well..." At that, he turns half away, reaching up with one hand to flick at his hair. "You won't even get the benefit of a long talk."

 

"Arrogance will be your downfall, scum," Elpizo says through gritted teeth. The only reason why Elpizo is not face-to-face with the reploid, is because of size difference. He steps back away from Zero, and he snaps his fingers twice, "Your days are numbered, you filthy piece of ****. I will tear you limb from limb, before this is all over." With that, Elpizo begins to departure. Anyone who gets in his way is dealt a very mean glare and a "MOVE" command.

 

Nobody gets in the way unless Zero does. Folks have left a very clear and very wide path for Elpizo and his posse to take. Chest, meanwhile, takes a deep mechanical breath as the President makes his departure. "Yikes," he mutters under his breath, summing up the primary thought of everyone else in the room.

 

Zero's head tilts forward, and there's actually the faint hint of a smirk on his features, something darker about his demeanor throughout it all.

            "Arrogant, or just the cold hard calculations of a machine, guess it's all the same in the end."

 

Zero waits until Elpizo and his cronies are completely gone before he speaks again. "Heh..." he begins, looking to the floor slightly as he uncrosses his arms. "...sorry if I made you nervous there Chest. I just felt I had to say something at the least."

 

Chest shakes his head and raises his hand slightly, "Not a problem, Zero." he says. Had there been an actual fight, then obviously there would be a problem. Regardless, with Elpizo's departure, things calm down and the folks that were standing around staring return to doing whatever it is that they were doing before. "Ah, whenever you do eventually confront him - good luck."

 

"We'll see." Zero states at that, as he turns back to look at Chest fully, finally uncrossing his arms in the process. "As much as he loves himself, he's hardly the only problem to deal with, and far as I'm concerned, Neo Arcadia is more Repliforce's headache than mine right now."

 

Yes, those brave, valiant, and honourable Repliforcers are the ones who are going to have to duke it out against the vile evil and treacherous Neo-Arcadian scumbags tha- ahem. Chest snorts and smiles slightly, "Oh, yes. There's no shortage to the problems this planet is facing right now, is there?"

 

Elpizo has left.

 

"Now -that-..." Zero states, actually smirking as he raises one hand in a waving motion. "I won't touch with a hundred foot pole. I'll leave that to your..expertise."

 

Chest smirks. "I can't keep track of all the issues myself, believe me." This is why he needs Satsuma! The GNN boss man sighs, watching as his employees go back to work. He never did get an answer out of Zero regarding what he thought (and he really was curious, both ICly and OOCly), but it's unlikely he's going to hear about it now.

 

Zero hmmms thoughtfully at that, tilting his head back for a moment, before looking off to the side. "Right. Well anyway. I thought I'd check in, make sure nothing happened, though I'm sure the locals would have been up to it if he'd gotten a little too righteous or uppity. I imagine even Elpizo knows when it's time to shut up though." he stretches once, before nodding towards the door. "I gotta get back to my -other- job."

 

Right. With the hackin' and the killin'. If only Zero had a secret identity. Then he could totally be Superman. Chest nods, "Never hurts to be safe." The GNN boss has seen far too many of his reporters killed in the line of duty for one lifetime. Thankfully, preventive measures within the past two years have done wonders to cut down on those slain, but that's no reason to start taking risks. "Take care of yourself, Zero." Chest is far braver than the average civilian, but seeing what those warriors out there do... jeepers!