Chest's Editorial: Damn Japan

The Camera turns on.

Lights, camera, action! The theme song, composed by Javelin Whitetail many months ago, indicates that it's time for Chest's editorials. And indeed, Chest is at his newsdesk. The usual disclaimer that falls on all editorials (that this is the opinion of Chest and not of GNN). The GNN boss man has his hands clasped together, resting them on the surface of the desk. Chest has one of his cigars.

"Going to be doing things a little different this time around. Once I've had my spiel folks will be able to call in if they like." Chest smirks, and there's a slight glint in his eyes for a moment. Almost as if he were speaking to someone in particular. Fancy that.

"It's been many months since Dr. Wily was named the Emperor of Japan. Since then there have been many developments." Chest raises his fingers, counting them off. "His Robot Masters split the country into ten prefectures, Wily's boys began assuming more and more control, Interpol failed to convict Wily of not being the legitimate Emperor, there have been skirmishes around the prefectures, and rumours of military action against Japan for harbouring the world's greatest murderer." Chest sighs and leans back, "And what, dare I ask, has the Japanese government done about all this?"

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Sewa says, "They've been getting eaten up by the Ya-AACK! *gunfire*"

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Sewa: You say, "Hi, you've reached the voice-mail of Chest. I'm on the air right now and not available to take your calls. Please leave a message at the sound of the beep."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail grumbles.

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Sewa says, "Oh, um.. okay...? Ready now? Okay. ... *cough...* ...They've been getting eaten up by the Ya-AACK! *gunfire*"

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man hums the tune of 'Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows'.

[Radio: (A) Global] Fujita Garou mutters. "Great. I'll be placing my neck in a guillotine if anybody wants me. Tell the Scarlet Pimpernel not to rescue me."

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

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "Oh? What's up with you Mr. Garou?"

You post your note about 'Timed It Well' in group 'Daily Spotlight!' as message #15

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Really? Yay!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "What else? Chest devouring souls again."

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "Chest is....what?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Toting off his own opinions on the air until things go his way."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail, not at ALL bitter.

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "Huh...that's normal for him then?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Quite normal."

"This is Newschopper 12, bringing you live action from Houston, Texas! Police are en route, to the scene of gang violence between the Los Dragones gang and a rival, the Vagos gang! More to you as this story develops!"

<OOC: Texas.>

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "Well, sounds a tad odd to me, but...eh."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "How is it odd?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "Well, why the hell would he act like that? Seems a tad pointless."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Because he can."

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "Ah. Now that I understand, at least."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "He owns a successful business, he has power, so why not use it to badger people into putting the world as he wants it? Anyone with power would do the same thing."

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "Oh? Would you?"

This is, of course, a fairly rhetorical question. Chest answers it anyhow. "Not a whole damn lot. They've been gently trying to push and prod Dr. Wily into leaving, and it hasn't been working. Defence Minister Fujita Garou and I have a difference of opinion. I've been quite firm in my stance that the Japanese government needs to kick Wily out on his ear. There are groups out there that have been willing - hell, BEGGING - to be allowed to come in and kick some ass and take some names. I'm talking about Repliforce and Interpol. The Hunter, bless theire CPUs, are doing it anyhow. But the current policy is set to /favour/ Dr. Wily despite of all the crimes he's committed." Chest frowns here.

"Now the reason for this is, -apparently-, because Dr. Wily is the legal Emperor and, gosh almighty it would be against tradition to fire your Emperor! Why, it'd bring /shame/ to the Japanese people!" Note the sarcasm. Note the mildly amusing imitation of our dear Mr. Garou. "Because, it would seem, having the world's biggest murderer as your leader /doesn't/ bring shame to Japan." Again with the sarcasm.

[Radio: (A) Global] Chet transmits, "Some might think that media figure using his public identity to meddle in partisan politics is a breach of ethics."

[Radio: (A) Global] GNN Manager Chest doesn't listen to the radio ICly while he's on the air. And you're all lucky for it!

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "...ethics?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Chest has no ethics."

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "Who the hell cares about 'ethics'?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "If you ever hear him say something's off the record, he's lying."

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "I just think he sounds like a whiny little baby who cries when he doesn't get what he wants."

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

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "Well, why hasn't someone just knocked some sense into him?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Because he grants the illusion of a free society."

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "....and?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Chest will be one of the last to fall, most likely."

[Radio: (A) Global] King transmits, "Skull Man, you are not allowed to speak on Global."

[Radio: (A) Global] Skull Man transmits, "....."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "OH THANK YOU."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "SWEET MERCIFUL GOD THANK YOU"

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "King, if I didn't obscurely hate you almost as much as I hate Skull Man, I would kiss you."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "King, you're getting a gift basket."

[Radio: (A) Global] King transmits, "Don't thank me, whench, I will still take your head off the first chance I get."

[Radio: (A) Global] Corrupt Daryn transmits, "I thank you too, King!"

[Radio: (A) Global] King transmits, "You are welcome, Daryn."

[Radio: (A) Global] Corrupt Daryn sticks his tongue out at Aegis. Thppppt! It's very childish.

[Radio: (A) Global] Fujita Garou transmits, "Glad to see the national army is keen on doing their duty."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "If their duty is the torture and assault of innocent people, then yes, they're doing quite well."

[Radio: (A) Global] King transmits, "Ah, Garou-san. What can I do for you?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Now why would you want to take my head off? I didn't do anything to you."

[Radio: (A) Global] King transmits, "You would have my father's head, and so I would have yours."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis pfffhahahahaha

"'But wait', some people will say," Chest replies to himself, "'What about the Special Robotic Tactics Service? The SRTS? They're essentially the government's attempt to defeat the Robot Masters. Doesn't this prove they're against Wily?'" Chest shakes his head, carrying on with this conversation with himself.

Chest looks a touch sad here. "Unfortunately, what happened to the SRTS is proof that the Japanese roundabout way of defying the Masters doesn't work. The SRTS simply wasn't equipped to deal with a threat on the sheer magnitude of the Robot Masters and Mavericks. The Japanese government got these people killed when they could have called in Repliforce and Interpol."

A scrolling note at the bottom lists the number to call if you want your opinion read. 1-888-Page-Chest.

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Jesus, what rock have they been feeding you?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "I am not going to kill Wily."

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

[Radio: (A) Global] King transmits, "I agree with that statement."

[Radio: (A) Global] King transmits, "That you will not kill Wily, that is."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Because it would put people like Bass in charge."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Kill him too."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Get rid of bloody well all of them. Problem solved!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Chet transmits, "A nuclear strike might be sufficient."

[Radio: (A) Global] Corrupt Daryn transmits, "So you don't like Bass anymore?"

[Radio: (A) Global] King laughs. "Bass would not stick around after father's death."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Daryn."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Dear, sweet, beloved Daryn."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "I never liked him."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "I can appreciate the capacities of my enemies but that doesn't mean I'm doe-eyed for them. No offense Jav."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "None taken."

[Radio: (A) Global] Corrupt Daryn transmits, "God, you're such a - and I mean this in the 1970's way of saying this - such a woman."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "And you're such a /man/."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Is he?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "And I mean this in the Oyxgen network sense of the word."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "I hadn't noticed."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Hey Aegis, you wana know something funny?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Sure."

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "His home got blowed up. Hahahaha! ... Ah, that's funny."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "It's Funky Monkey."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "The next time you talk to Glyde, ask him when is he going to marry Feste, and make Daryn his legitimate child."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis giggles.

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Sewa says, "What about... the SRTS being in league with the Robot Masters?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "It is!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Actually, My home is elseware."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "You ****es blew my stuff up, that I kept there."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Glyde can teach Daryn the fine art of pleasing a man."

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "Oh, well that's even better!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Not when I rip your arms off for repayment."

Chest leans forward on his desk slightly. Smoke wafts up from his cigar. "Lets look at this from another perspective than Japan for one moment. Consider this: The Robot Masters are vile criminals... they've been responsible for the deaths of untold thousands upon thousands. They're the reason we're even IN this nearly two decade long war!" Temper... rising! "They've attacked without cause, they've killed for sport, and they've tortured the innocent time and time again." Chest pounds his fist on the desk with each of those three points.

"And now they're allowed the protection of being in Japan, the right to make up whatever crazy ass law they want, and will eventually rule the boody country." Chest raises a finger here. "And don't give me the 'Wily has no official control' BS, either. He's proven that to be false."

Chest furrows his brow. "So lets say you're America, or Africa (who's suffered quite enough at the hands of the Robot Masters), or any other country... what would you think about Japan hiding the person who's killed thousands of your citizens, and therefore sanctioning him and his actions?" Chest snorts, "Hell, not even just sanctioning, but letting him /be your ruler/?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "I do not think you'd say that if you actually met me. But it's kinda funny so I guess I don't mind!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "I know what you look like, Kong. I also can lift General."

"You'd be thinking that Japan is a real threat to the security of your country and the safety of your citizens. Every single time a Robot Master destroys something or kills someone in another part of the world, only to return to the safety of mother Japan, Japan - and by that I mean the clearly corrupt and incompetent government so-called 'in charge' - becomes an accessory to these crimes!"

Chest shakes his head, "Mr. Garou, I say to you that your policy -helps- the Robot Masters by leaps and bounds." Chest points at the screen, but we know he's really pointing at Fujita. "That you're willing to accept this demonstrates cowardice and an unwillingness to stand up to evil. We've spoken before, sir, off the record, and I've asked and begged for you to discuss this matter with me openly and freely in public, but each time I have been refused. I wonder why you're not willing to defend your point of view on this," Chest lets that sink in for a few seconds.

Chest doesn't go into what was discussed, since it was off the record. But really it wouldn't be tough to guess that it was a lot of bitching at one another.

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail laughs. Not nicely.

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "That's nice. It's a good thing that I'm not General!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Go on, Chest! You haven't let 'off the record' stop you before, why start now!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "****er."

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "Ah, Glaive...don' be mad. You're just a particularly loud hunter with a particularly big mouth y'like to flap open and shut alot. It be fun teasin' you on this freq. Can always expect a laugh. Go on and say somethin' else!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits the bird.

[Radio: (A) Global] Alpha chirps.

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "Hehehe."

Chest leans back, calming down somewhat, "Ah, I see we have some comments from our viewers." The image shows the text of the comment. Down where it would name the person, the word 'anonymous' appears.

'Not only that, but they have been allowed to reinforce the law. They have killed people, in a five minute trial, for overthrowing Dive man. The Japanese people are afraid, they have never fought against their rulers, and are sheep. They want peace, but by being sheep they just brought the war to their doorsteps.'

Back to Chest, who is nodding in agreement. "Quite right, quite right. That's just another example in the long list of things that Wily and his Robot Masters have done that undermine the official Japanese government's authority, and prove that they're hurting the country. Of course, every so often the Robot Masters pretend to punish their own, as they did in Star Man's case, but I don't think the Japanese courts are ever going to be allowed to hear such a case."

The next comment appears on the screen, and again the author is anonymous. 'What about the suggestion that the SRTS are in league with the Robot Masters? Isn't it weird that the Captain is named -Chet- Brown? I mean, obviously not -everyone-...but they're probably the ones that are dying.'

Back to Chest. The GNN boss man has cropped his elbow on the desk, leaning on his hand in apparent deep thought. "That's a very interesting theory, and to be honest I hadn't given it more than a vague thought before now." Chest is nodding slightly now. "And you very well might be right. I don't have any hard evidence of it, but I'll admit it does fit the facts quite well." Chest continues to nod as he continues to think about it. "Did the Robot Masters or one of their allies make up the SRTS purely as a lame attempt to show that they're being kept in line? If so, that would implicate Defence Minister Fujita Garou specifically."

"I don't know, is the idea that the Japanese Government is so corrupt that they'd work with the Robot Masters to keep them in power for their own benefit? It sounds crazy, yes, but I suppose it makes more sense than the 'tradition' BS I've been fed."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Dude! Garou is so slimy he should leave a trail."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blizzard Wolf transmits, "Well...his name is Mister Wolf."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "I know I'm tired of all the howling going on."

[Radio: (A) Global] King transmits, "Then perhaps you should all stop whining and crying about every little thing."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "I suppose Wily being in Japan counts as a 'little thing'."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blizzard Wolf transmits, "Well...he is only a little man."

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Glaive no ID, but it SOUNDS like Glaive again, "Oh? And what about that so called attempt on Garou's life. I find it interesting that he was waring a bullet proof vest, and that the so called assassin wouldn't have known that if he was a true assassin. Not only that, but that same shot killed another minister. And, on top of all this taken down by Skull man easily...and then escaped without batting an eye a few days later?

[Radio: (A) Global] Blizzard Wolf transmits, "Not that I'm very bipartisan on the matter; to me normal is 10 feet tall."

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

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail transmits, "Short is where it's at."

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Fujita Garou says, "Hello Chest."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "I prefer the middle."

[Radio: (A) Global] Accentless: Javelin Whitetail makes a dirty comment here.

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive makes a similar one, in countering.

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Fujita Garou: You say, "Hi, you've reached the voice-mail of Chest. I'm on the air right now and not available to take your calls. Please leave a message at the sound of the beep."

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Fujita Garou says, "This is Minister of Defense Fujita Garou, I have arranged for Robot Master King and I to discuss this matter with Chest personally. Live, on air. Times a wasting!"

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Fujita Garou says, "Tick tock."

Chest smirks, "Now normally, caller, I'd say something along the lines of 'Don't worry, if Defence Minister Garou was in league with the Robot Masters, Interpol would figure it out', but given their sheer incompetence of late by failing to convict the world's most hated man, I wouldn't be so sure." Any time is Interpol bashing time. Ah what the heck, lets take another shot. "Instead of repeating my attempts to get Interpol to actually investigate certain things properly, maybe we'll have to whip up a nice big red siren to attract Fairchild's attention." Chest snickers.

He can imagine it already. Big red flashing strobe lights while the message 'SARAH FAIRCHILD, LOOK HERE' displays on the screen. Then Chest can tell her about whatever crime/criminal activity within her organization needs investigating.

Next comment: 'Oh? And what about that so-called attempt on Garou's life. I find it interesting that he was wearing a bullet proof vest, and that the so called assassin wouldn't have known that if he was a true assassin. Not only that, but that same shot killed another minister. And, on top of all this taken down by Skull man easily...and then escaped without batting an eye a few days later?'

Chest smiles. "We're talking about some crazy conspiracy theories here. Again, it's /possible/, and it's true that the facts don't line up quite right. Was the assassination a shame? I don't know. Hopefully the Hunters will investigate this mystery."

Chest is about to launch into his next speech when suddenly he pauses, holding his earpiece briefly as if listening to something off camera. "Ah," his face brightens up like a child on Christmas morning. "It seems we have a very special caller here." Chest is beaming. "Hello, Mr. Garou. How are you today?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Garou sucks!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Blizzard Wolf transmits, "Hrm."

The voice of Fujita Garou can be heard. "Hello, Mr. Chest. I'm glad the staff at GNN show such a healthy interest for the well being of the Japanese People. Even if have differing points of view."

A second voice can now be heard. It is easily identified. "Hello, this is King. I am calling in the interests of Emperor Wily being represented in what seems to be a mostly one-sided presentation otherwise."

Chest, still smiling, clasps his hands together once again and rests them on the desk. "Thank you, gentlemen. Now, Mr. Garou, any reply to the comments made here today? I don't necessarily mean the conspiracy theory, but rather why Japan is harboring Dr. Wily." Chest is glad that it's King representing Wily, since King's one of the smarter ones.

Fujita Miboru says drily, "Yes, I'm quite glad your exploring all the possibilities of the death of my late superior and good friend Minister Mifune, and my own near death experience. We'd certainly hate for you to receive a lawsuit for defaming my character. Because Chest, there are things called laws - which may be nebulous things to certain organizations like GNN and the Hunters but they are rules and regulations that all citizens of Japan must follow."

King says nothing for now, as the question was not directed at him.

Chest sighs and rolls his eyes visibly at Miboru's comments. "Sir, with all due respect, no court would even hear of a case like this." Pause. "Well, except maybe that crazy five minute court you guys have going on. Regardless, sir, the theory was made by a caller. But even then, sir, there are no laws against expressing your opinion. If there were, we'd be living in a dictatorship. In fact, Mr. Garou, I'm a little surprised by your reaction towards me on this particular point. I haven't endorsed this theory at all. But even if I /did/, it wouldn't be illegal in the slightest. Regardless, back to the question of the /issues/. Specifically, any response to what's been said of your policy towards the Robot Masters?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Oh noz! How dare you speak Ill of Japan! For shame chest!" lays the sarcasm on thick, "We should all accept Wi...sorry, I can't do it, I can't hold a straight face and say it!"

King chimes in at this point. "I would like to point out that the 'five-minute court' incident you are referring to was an errant police action by a Robot Master in Okinawa. This was not endorsed either by Emperor Wily or the government of Japan, and certainly was not a Japanese military action in any way. If you are going to resort to such ad hominem arguments, you should at least direct them towards the proper person."

Fujita Garou chuckles a little at Chest's response. Yes, even he has a sense of humour. But seriously now: "Japan, like any other country has laws. And they will be enforced for as long as they're the law."

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

Message: 18/112 Posted Author

Okinawa Coup Execution Thu Apr 21 Global News Network

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*** Robot Master Press Release From Okinawa Region ***

As ordered by the Emperor's personal assistant, Enker, those involved with the coup in Okinawa several weeks ago have been rounded up and executed. The coup, which involved the forceful removal of Prefect Dive Man from office and the destruction of government property, including the Robot Master castle and statue of Dr. Wily, was entirely illegal. The trials and executions were open to the public, and held from 11:55pm April 21 to 11:59pm April 21. After the magistrate reached their verdict, they were fed to the Sharkticons.

Prefect Bubble Man had this to say: "I'm not entirely sure what the accused hoped to gain by removing Dive Man from office. If they really thought that pushing him outside and burning down a building would result in anything other than another Robot Master simply stepping up, taking his place, and beating the hell out of those that caused the trouble in the first place, then they were sorely mistaken. Furthermore, I should note that Dive Man was a hell of a lot nicer than I am when it comes to running a government. I'm shocked you guys wouldn't have been grateful with a Robot Master like that. But you made your choice, and now you'll have to deal with it."

OOC: The execution was very low-key, and was not advertised beforehand despite it being technically 'open to the public'. Almost as if they were worried about a massive strike force o' doom coming down from the heavens. Questions to Bubble.

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

Chest blinks, "The press release issued then claimed that Enker ordered this." 18/112 if you're interested. "I haven't heard anything before now about the Robot Masters denying responsibility for this." Chest waves his hand dismissively, "Regardless, one set of murders aside won't make a difference here." More importantly, Chest doesn't want to comment on the actions of his alt.

"Mr. Garou, once again, I'm asking you about whether you have any response to the criticism leveled against your government for not acting against Dr. Wily."

Fujita Garou replies, "No, I don't respond to tabloid journalism. My job is to enforce the law and Wily is the legally recognized Emperor. For as long as that court ruling remains binding I will do nothing to impede Dr. Wily's rule."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Because you are a tool!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Dynamo Man transmits, "Nah, s'cause they like us."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Not all of us do."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Tool."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "It's so nice to know the Hunters are joining the Coalition."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Hmph, how did you enjoy Cinnamon's divine justice last night, Sol?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis chuckles.

[Radio: (A) Global] Feste transmits, "It's so nice to know that your mom."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "She tickled."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Oh right, which is why you were crumpled on the floor sobbing."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "I recall no sobbing, Glaive...but I do recall you shooting at me. Tsk tsk...so vicious, why are you always so vicious and aggressive? Don't you know that I'm only trying to help you?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Glaive is beyond your help."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Heh heh."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Aegis is right."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Nobody is beyond the help of the Coalition."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Except Vile."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blizzard Wolf quips, "Yeah...he's too thick headed to be infected!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Oh, gee, some friends you both are. Almost like you want me to go mav!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Sorry, folks, I am not quite that angsty."

[Radio: (A) Global] Cinnamon transmits, "I suppose you want to save me by killing me, Solstis."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blizzard Wolf laughs, "The amount of headaches you'd cause for the Coalition would aid our cause."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Kill you? No."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Hmph, you little.."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "I would prefer to have you in the Coalition, Cinnamon."

[Radio: (A) Global] Cinnamon transmits, "The message was pretty clear last night. -Too bad, then. The virus can never hold me."

Chest sighs, "Sir, you're not helping your case by simply declaring us to be tabloid journalism. The fact is, Mr. Garou, these are very valid concerns being put forth here. The Robot Masters are /destroying/ your country slowly, and you're doing nothing to stop this. That the previous Emperor apparently wished this is unimportant. Are you trying to say that if Wily went out and began shooting civilians just for sh<bleep!> and giggles you wouldn't do anything since he's the Emperor?" Chest looks sad at this idea. "That's a distressing thought, sir. Laws are meant to be changed when the society they were made for no longer suit it. I'd say that having a murderer in charge of your country counts as that law no longer suiting your society. Sooner or later Repliforce is going to wake up and realize the threat that Japan now poses due to harboring Wily. And, as with any rogue nation, they're going to have to invade. I don't know, maybe the war in Neo-Arcadia is taking up too much of their time, but I'd really advise against aligning yourself against the rest of the world."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "You know, I have to ask."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "When did the Coalition take to forcible conscription?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis laughs.

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Are your numbers falling so bad you have to force infections now?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "It is better to force a conversion than force a kill, is it not?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "I'll at admit, I'm flattered that you creeps tried to haul me away, but really."

[Radio: (A) Global] Cinnamon says softly, "Never going to steal any more of us..."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Steal? Hmph. You'll all come crying to us when everyone starts poking at you and calling you evil."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Pfft."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "You have taken my friends, twisted them, and killed many more. Your chance for forgiveness is done, and I will kill each and every last one of you."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "My love for Roll will shelter me against all such assaults!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Killing is wrong, Glaive. You really shouldn't."

Fujita Garou replies, "No. Even the Emperor is not above the law. If it could be proven beyond reasonable doubt that he was directly responsible for committing a crime during his rule as Emperor then he would be charged."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "OH! And what about those that fell last night!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Stop your bull**** and show your true colors."

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "Keep talking to him, Solstis. Maybe you'll make 'im say something else funny."

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "Well, my mistake. He just did!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "It's kind of sad you Mavericks go down so easy."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "It's kind of sad Cinnamon has to stand around healing people non-stop to keep you from going down."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Oh really? Because I didn't seem to need her help."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blizzard Wolf transmits, "Actually it's pretty handy."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "She does it because she wants to help people, we do not make her do anything."

[Radio: (A) Global] Feste transmits, "Oooh, not being invincible makes you a wuss."

[Radio: (A) Global] Gaudile transmits, "It's kind of sad you don't really have anyone like that on your side, hmm?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Indeed, Feste."

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "Well I wasn' exactly expected to be blasted in the /back/ by Rock's super, ultra, cannon, beam, or whatever... He said some mean things to me also! .. Oh you don't mean me.."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "No, you were shakin' the house down, monkey."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "I have noticed something about Cinnamon...if you go to her crying out in pain and asking for her help she'll help you. It's a nice aspect of her personality, but it makes her controllable by the Hunters. All they have to do is act hurt and whimper and ask for help and she'll nearly kill herself by trying to help."

Chest leans forward once again, "Attacking other countries isn't against the law? Having your Robot Masters going out and terrorizing the population a la Star Man isn't against the law? I note your hilariously worded comment by the way, Mr. Garou. The 'during his rule as Emperor' bit." Judging from Chest's expression, he doesn't look like he actually found it very hilarious. "I guess the tens of thousands of people he's killed before just don't count then, no? And all the murdering his 'sons' have done in other countries doesn't either? Now I'm not a big shot ruler of a country, but if my citizens started trying to start a war, I'd have a few words with him."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "She's not the only one that likes to help people."

[Radio: (A) Global] Feste transmits, "And you to prove yourself."

[Radio: (A) Global] Feste transmits, "No?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "And you know, Sol-spit, it's kinda sad that all you can think about is manipulating people. You don't seem to appreciate that there are people out there that do good for others just because they want to, and others that are greatful for the help while asking nothing in return."

[Radio: (A) Global] Gaudile transmits, "Quite sad, really."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "When I do good all you people do is mock me and tell me to kill someone. Is that the way the so-called heroes are supposed to act?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "It's because you're not doing good."

Fujita Garou replies, "I cannot comment on Robot Master tactics as I have no input into how they conduct themselves. Please direct those questions to King."

King laughs. "Come now, Mr. Chest. Your sensationalism is not endearing. We are not destroying Japan. It is not as though we are rounding up the Japanese people and killing them. Our forces are a bolster to the Japanese military, we provide the government and the various businesses of the nation with rather a lot of business in a variety of enterprises, bolstering the economy. It is journalism like this that hand-waves in the general direction of mistakes and ignores all of the positives that whips people into unnnecessary frenzies. I recall something about an American battleship being reported as sunk by the Mexicans when no proof of anything of the sort was ever found--I believe they called the practice "yellow journalism." If you have not noticed, there is war all around the world--everybody suddenly has a different idea of how things should go, and no one group has been able to get their act together to eliminate the others. I would say, based on these facts, that nobody has enough support in force to bring their point of view to bear, and so one should think twice before questioning anybody's methods." King 'clears his throat', even though he shouldn't need to. "We have not started a war, there has been one going on for quite some time. At the highest ranks of our organization, Chest, we are trying to make Japan flourish, and bring to it its proper glory. We act as is necessary in those regards--our acts, as the military force of the Emperor of Japan, is not policy of the nation of Japan, but we act in its interest."

[Radio: (A) Global] Feste transmits, "I'm confused by your question."

[Radio: (A) Global] Geetz transmits, "Heroism is defined by whom witnesses it."

[Radio: (A) Global] Geetz transmits, "Furthering acts of freedom fighting for the Coalition, for example, is heroic to your people, and terrorism to the rest."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "When I attempted to stop the Yakuza from killing people in Japan I was not heralded as a person conducting good."

[Radio: (A) Global] Geetz transmits, "Those trying to increase profits, and those promoting genocide dont exactly compare as equals."

[Radio: (A) Global] Geetz transmits, "I feel the Mavericks would be promoted as the greater of two evils."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis sighs luxuriously, in stark contrast to the tone of the conversation at hand.

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "I think it is evil that Humans are still so frail and unable to help themselves. Even Neo Arcadia has done something about that."

[Radio: (A) Global] Geetz transmits, "Madam, they have other channels for that, though I think they start at 3.99 a minute."

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "Oooooh, baby."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, ".... Geez. Sigh contentedly and they accuse you of shennaningans."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Rawr."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Perverse minds think of only the perverse."

[Radio: (A) Global] Cinnamon transmits, "!"

[Radio: (A) Global] Geetz transmits, "I took down a Master's One-Eye with a machete when I was eighteen. Humanity has, and will increase their potential in high-stress situations."

[Radio: (A) Global] Ice Man transmits, "See what I go through?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Quite. I feel sorry for you."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "Anyway, I am still interested with the Yakuza obsession with Yuna. Is she turning into the next Javelin Whitetail?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Geetz transmits, "Consider us frail, or weak, and one day you will find yourself sorely disappointed."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "I feel bad for, Ice Man."

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "I got that deep bass voice that makes y'vibrate just right also. I'm sure I could get some cash pretty easy."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, ".... Man that's just wrong."

[Radio: (A) Global] Max Armour transmits, "Glaive, don't go there."

[Radio: (A) Global] Female Spike Rosered transmits, "Do not blame them Solstis. These poor fools do not understand what they're rejecting."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "I understand it."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "I understand it perfectly."

[Radio: (A) Global] Gaudile transmits, "I understand it too."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "This precious 'gift' is something that even your Emperor loathes./"

[Radio: (A) Global] Geetz transmits, "I understand that I reject nothing but 10 tyrants all over the world, for 1. Farewell."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "If he rejects it so why does he allow my creations to remain in existence?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Because you're a handy little tool."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive transmits, "He is."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Oh...by the way. Exactly what sort of radio setup allows for interception?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Female Spike Rosered transmits, "As I imagine you are for the Hunters."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "It's strategy, plain and simple. Use anything to your advantage even if it is undesirable. You make a nice way of getting more troops to serve the cause, therefore, even if he finds you a loathesome little pile of offal, you have a use. I feel sad for you, because you won't always be of use."

[Radio: (A) Global] Female Spike Rosered transmits, "A spear with legs and a...third of a brain."

"Oh for the love of-..." Chest shakes his head angrily at Garou's comments. "Sir, you're harboring a murderer and a threat to all life on this planet! That's the fact, and that's a /bad thing/! Saying 'well gosh, we can't be responsible for what he does' doesn't hold water when you're keeping him nice and safe!" Chest is about to launch into another tirade of epic proportions when King speaks up. Chest calmly listens.

Rolling his eyes, Chest sighs and peers up into the heavens, "Ahhhh, the beloved 'the Robot Masters aren't so bad' card. How I have missed thee." Leveling his gaze once more at the screen (and you know he's really starring at King), Chest points a finger, "King, you're not going to win any argument by claiming that Wily isn't such a bad guy. You should sooner deny the holocaust than deny the sheer thousands upon thousands of deaths that the Robot Masters have been a part of. The sheer fact that I have to explain the evils of the Masters every five minutes is disgraceful. The wanton attacks on other countries, the torturing conducted by your men, the disregard for life..."

"Ah, but then there's the 'well in /Japan/ we're nice!' BS. No, King, you're NOT. One of your Prefectures /rebelled/ and destroyed your capital building. Provoking other countries by killing and stealing isn't in Japan's best interests. You're hiding behind the cowardice of Mr. Garou here and you're using Japan as a shield while you conduct your death dealing ways in other parts of the world." Death dealing ways. Oh yeah. That's a keeper for the sound bytes.

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Even in times of peace non-lethal devices are needed."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Big talk from the genderconfused weed."

King is literally unable to respond for quite some time as a result of a fit of laughter.

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "I will always have a use...I will always be here, and in the end you'll either be with us or I shall have to stand at your grave and weep for you."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "I just pray that it is the former, rather than the latter."

[Radio: (A) Global] Glaive chuckles. "You will have no grave Sol, you will be burned on the battlefield."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Not all Mavericks tolerate converted humans, Solstis. You think Vile is going to let you live?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "You have more to worry about from your own ranks than from us"

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "I do? It's odd...seeing as they're so open and friendly toward me, while /the good guys/ keep telling me to go kill people."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "The only good, decent thing I can do for you is to end your life. Because whatever good, decent person you used to be is dead. I don't hear a human anymore. All I hear is a parasitic virus talking from the hollowed out corpse its infesting."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Are you really the heroes? Are you? I think all you want is for someone to go kill something so you can show up and "save the day", so to speak. Try to be heroic while you were the cause of it all."

[Radio: (A) Global] Gaudile transmits, "Here's a problem I see with your argument."

[Radio: (A) Global] Gaudile transmits, "You keep referring to them as the 'good guys'. So, then, do you specifically think the Coalition is 'evil'?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "It is called evil, thus to evade issues with wondering what is what I use good for the idiots out there and evil for the Coalition."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "In truth, the Coalition is a haven and a wonderful place. It has nice people and they all wish only for the betterment of themselves and the world."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Man. They're scraping the bottom of the barrel for recruits."

[Radio: (A) Global] Gaudile transmits, "Mmm."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Now Aegis...let's look at the track record for the Hunters, shall we?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Gaudile transmits, "This seems true, yes, Aegis."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "First we have Zero, who has been all over the place, committed mass murder on a large scale and tends to go into psychotic rages from time to time. The Hunters have accepted him and put him up at a high rank."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "I remember when Mavericks used to actually have a shred of dignity because they were dying for a cause they genuinely believed in and thought was noble and just. Now they have shortround there flapping his lips about virus this and help that while calling them evil."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Then we have Glaive, who tends to scream obscenities, yell at people and act highly angry over the radio."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "Oh, we can't forget the time the Hunters acquired Bass and had him working with them."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "I'd call that a victory."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Because instead of having to kill him, we actually got him to turn over a new leaf. For as long as it lasted."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blues transmits, "Bass, at a time, was not such a bad person, Solstis. His experience with the virus, in fact, has made him infinitely worse."

[Radio: (A) Global] Aegis transmits, "Yeah. I can tell you /that/ much first hand."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blues transmits, "Blame your Emperor for that."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis goes quiet. Whoop, it's Blues! HIDE!

[Radio: (A) Global] Gaudile transmits, "Okay, have you seen Glaive in a casual setting, I have to ask?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Blues transmits, "As for your inane drivel, the Sigma Virus factually alters the free will of the individual whom it infects; Whether or not they agree with the cause it will bend them to it. This is taking away someone's right to choose, and I know of at least one person whom this has affected, and whom admits that this was the way in which it affected him. He fought it for as long as he could, and then he couldn't fight it anymore."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blues transmits, "This, I think, is worse than genocidal tendencies, which you already have."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blues transmits, "So, in summary, you assimilate troops through compromising their free will, you make a bad apple get worse which is bad for -everybody- involved, and you are genocidal to start with."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blues transmits, "Good job."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "I am not genocidal, Protoman."

[Radio: (A) Global] Solstis transmits, "My wish to not kill has remained ever present throughout my life. The virus has not changed that."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blues transmits, "No, you may not be. However, your Emperor is, and in the end his will is what will be carried out in the event that the Mavericks succeed."

[Radio: (A) Global] Gravity Man transmits, "Homicidal?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Blues transmits, "He has admitted openly that he has every intention, at very least, to cull the human population by a great deal."

[Radio: (A) Global] Jessica Blakesly transmits, "... Wish to not kill? Oh, Solstis, give it a rest. Forgetting what you did in Appalachia already?"

[Radio: (A) Global] Jessica Blakesly transmits, "And don't try pulling that 'multiple personalities' crap out. That doesn't make you innocent."

[Radio: (A) Global] Blues transmits, "Furthermore, if you do not obey him -- assuming the virus allows that luxury, you will simply be killed for insubordination. Game over."

Fujita Garou replies, "I'm a coward am I? Talking to you on Live Television to defend my actions while you embark on a witch hunt? Perhaps I should place my head in a guillotine and save you the time. I am going to be frank with you, and the world Chest. If Wily and the Robot Masters cause devastation in other parts of the world, that is their individual problem. My responsibility as Minister of Defense is to make sure my people are safe, and instigating a Civil War against the Robot Masters would be suicide. Until they are loading us up into Gulags, Death Camps, and Ghettos so we can be worked to death I'm inclined to let them have their way, even If I personally may not be their biggest fans. My personal opinions; however, mean little and my peoples safety is paramount."

[Radio: (A) Global] Cloud Man transmits, "The next time you all decide to blow up something give me a heads up /before/ you do it, please. Do you know how radically altered the weather patterns are because of the fusion explosion?"

King finally stops laughing and composes himself. "Chest, you have truly made my day. Your calling is clearly stand-up comedy. I will try and put this in simple terms, though, since I seem to need to. Our livelihood, presently, is dependent upon the livelihood of Japan. Okinawa was mismanaged, that much is undeniable, but this is a mistake that shall not be repeated. If what you say is true, though, we are sentencing ourselves to, at the /longest,/ a slow, unfortunate death, something which is neither in the best interests of Wily, nor Japan, nor the world--even if, as you claim, the world would be better off without us, clearly a slow end to our existence is not optimal. For us, clearly Japan's well-being is of the utmost importance, as our ability to conduct any form of business relies solely upon that. Let us undermine another of your points: I said not that "Wily's not such a bad guy." I simply pointed out something factual: nobody, not even the combined efforts of RepliForce and the Hunters have rallied enough support to annihilate or contest even one of the so-called "evils" of this world, shall we let those be Neo-Arcadia, the Coalition for Reploid Freedom and the forces of Emperor Wily for argument's sake? Very well, then, continuing, finally, your sound-byte is lovely and all, "death-dealing ways," very attractive, I applaud your charisma, but it is firmly undeniable that in war there are casualties. I suspect that you shall continue to call the Emperor a madman and a murderer regardless, but it is the way with all who seek to change the world to their ideals--people die. You may color these actions as you please. Call us evil, or murderers or what have you, we shall defend our family and our nation to the death, and fight for what we believe in--a world united under Wily. This is our vision of a better future, and we will act towards it until we see it realized, or we are gone from the Earth, whosoever stands against us. The ends shall justify the means we used to arrive there, in the end people shall look back and realize there was no other way."

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "Solstis."

[Radio: (A) Global] Colossal Kong transmits, "Tth. It is the way it is."

Chest waits out King's laughter, using the time to light up a second cigar. He doesn't reply to King's laughing, figuring that it already speaks volumes more than what he could say.

As Fujita gives his retort, Chest nods at various points, glad that the Defence Minister has finally come out with his opinion. For a while there it was looking like he was going to avoid the issue altogether. "Well, sir, I respect your decision but I believe it is the wrong one. Whether this is a witch hunt... well, no, I'm not out to find random folks to get upset at. This is a very valid issue since it involves the entire planet. I believe that your policy of letting the Masters do what they want so long as they don't start slaughtering you to be a poor one when one considers the the long-term effects it will have on Japan." This is said rather calmly, as we've reached that magical point where both sides have said their opinion, and it's up to the public to make a decision.

King, once he's done laughing, gives a good long speech. Chest smokes his cigar and listens, ignoring the various insults. "Well, King, that's an excellent summary of the Robot Master ideals, and I applaud you for being open about it. We'll leave it up to the public to decide whether Dr. Wily is a good guy or a bad guy, and whether the world would be in better shape with Wily in control." I gotta say, Chest is pretty confident on this one.

"Ah, another caller." The voice of the new caller is not recognizable. However out of character, you can know it belongs to Maiko, though. "What does the Japanese government think of the Yakuza and how does this compare to the views of the Masters? Also, do they plan on taking actions to work against the Yakuza presence in Japan?" Chest nods with the question and waits for the answer.

Fujita Garou replies, "Well until the Mavericks totally demolished Firebase Ito we were about to refocus the SRTS to their intended goal, dealing with Robotic crimes in Japan, but now we are currently rethinking our strategies and hoping to rebuild the SRTS and strengthen the Japanese Defense grid. We still need to crunch numbers before I can make a definitive statement, but call that my wish list."

King says, "At this time, our formal positions with regards to jurisdiction places the Yakuza under the scrutiny of the Japanese government. Consequent to this, the army of Emperor Wily is not actively participating in matters regarding the Yakuza at this time. Should their presence become a matter under our jurisdiction, we shall adopt a new stance regarding the Yakuza. At present though, it is not within our authority to pursue them."

Fujita Garou notes, "It seems we must depend on Interpol in the meantime."

Chest nods to Fujita, "If only there was an entire army dedicated to stopping such things. An entire army that would, on your mere word, come on in and root out all the, ahem, robot crime in Japan." Chest pretends to think for a moment. "A large Force of Reploids, as it were..." He finally shrugs, as if he couldn't think up anything. Sarcasm, baby. Sarcasm.

The caller, meanwhile, says, "That is all," and is off the line.

"Well I think we've all said our piece." He leans back slightly. "Is Wily a good guy or a bad guy? Is the Japanese government doing the best thing for Japan and the rest of the world?" He leaves the question unanswered, but anyone who can't answer the first deserves a slap upside the head. "King, Mr. Garou, thank you for your time."

Fujita Garou says, "Thank you." King replies, "And to you as well." Cue theme music, and we are off to another segment.

The Camera turns off.