Repliforce Gumby Funeral

Central American Jungle

The first thing that tends to be noticed as one enters the steamy rain forests of Central America is the incredible humidity. Metal rusts, clothing hangs limp because of it, and a stifling heat seems to suffocate the area as well. The moisture in the air pervades everything, seeming to pierce just about every barrier put up between anything and it. Very often, sometimes for months at a time, this dampness coalesces into pounding rains that tear in powerful torrents throughout the area. A side effect of these conditions is thick plant growth that clogs and chokes everywhere. Vast numbers of animal wildlife populates here as well, their screeches, shrieks, and other cries filling the air nearly all day and all night, only to fall eerily silent when a predator enters the general vicinity.

Contents: Contents:

Repliforce Mobile Fortress V <F5> [RF] Repliforce Military Presence

South <S>: Panama Canal

North <N>: Aztlan (Mexico)

Up <U>: Sky Above Central America

============================ Players in your Area ============================

Name Alias Siz Idl Short Description

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Storm Owl Butterba5 0s Orange/red/green. Short wings. Big gut.

Barrage Raptor BR 5 23m It's a Gunsniper!

Bolero B 3 1m It's the walking stereo!

Chief R NoHat 4 3m 7' humaform reploid in yellow overcoat

Assault Kangaroo Kangaman3 9m

Red Reilly 5 4m Red and Purple blond anime reject

Burn Dinorex Burn 8 1m 15 feet tall red n' yellow flaming dino.

Shining Firefly sf 3 3m Short red firefly with big bulbous butt

Tornado Onion Onion 4 3m Walking Onion. Sombrero. Floating arms.

========================== Wed May 18 19:22:10 2005 ==========================

[Radio: (C) RF-Main] Storm Owl transmits, "All hands, this is Commander Owl. A ceremonial funeral is currently scheduled up on deck of the Fortress V. Attendance is not mandatory, but I am certain the families of those lost would appreciate the support."

It's a windy day, and being up here on the upper hull of the Fortress V doesn't help matters. The relatively few humans that are here have to hold onto their hats or risk losing it. Although it's not terribly uncomfortable, there's just enough of a cold nip in the air to feel appropriate for a gathering like this. Several GNN camera crews are discreetly set up to observe the proceedings, and they're doing their best to keep out of everyone's way. For the most part we have gumbies milling about, holding hushed conversations amongst each other as they wait for things to get started. Each trooper has their ceremonial gear on, ranging from simply shoulder insignias to full uniforms for those capable of wearing them.

Storm Owl, meanwhile, is in a group of three other Reploids. They seem to be talking about something or other. The war bird is a tad uncomfortable being here, but as always he hides it well.

Shining Firefly is here. His usually cheerful expression has been replaced with a solemn countenance that comes with age, that comes with being to too many of these things, the comes with outliving those you care about. He understands the need for these things and he knows that the families, creators, and loved ones of those who were slain need all the support they can get, as well as their need for closure. That is the purpose of events like this, closure of a life you do not want to end.

Red generally doesn't wear clothes, or he'd wear something appropriate to the settings. You try getting a shirt on with these giant shoudlerpads. Forget that! Still, he sort of wishes he had an official military uniform to wear. Today is a somber occasion, taking a moment to step back from the war at hand and remember all those who've been lost. Red himself looks a little grim. He's not too comfortable at funerals, no. Too many bad memories. Too much killing.

Red is standing with Storm Owl, quietly trying to discuss anything but the war. It's a messy business, and Red doesn't like the messy parts, or it's aftermath, this. He'll probably stand up and make a speech during the proceedings.

Long distance to Chief R: Storm Owl hasn't the foggiest. Most Repliforcers don't even wear clothes. For those that do, standard army-esque ceremony uniforms.

Storm Owl is not helping with Red's desire to speak about anything but the war. Whether the owl is simply incapable of focusing on something as emotionally gut-wrenching as a funeral for friends and comrades, or if he thinks it's simply a waste of time, or if he merely isn't aware that others are far too distracted to talk about the war right now, Storm Owl seems to be business as usual. "44th and 83rd companies have been forced back from the front lines due to a heavy Neo-Arcadian advance," he is saying in a hushed tone to Red and the gumby officers. "It is clear we are unable to hold against their armies for long. Perhaps it will soon be time for us to consider bringing Fortress V herself into direct combat." A very risky gamble. Some of the gumbies shift uncomfortably, not wanting to talk about this sort of thing right now. Storm Owl is about to continue when he spots Shining Firefly. Storm motions him over.

Tornado Onion? Why would he come to a funeral? He is a fun thing to be around. Usually he is the one who always makes others laugh, his dance and his form usually are a kind of show for good times or trying your hardest ... or something. He is the mascot, and he us especially good at making the others fight harder and better when needed. He's not too tough himself, but he's not weak. That doesn't matter though as despite his efforts, he couldn't protect everyone. Those dead are being honored today. This has a side effect on Tonion few would see.

The big eyes of him... seem to be very unhappy, the body moving with a somber motion, almost as if depressed or serious... something Tonion's not. He is also crying, although is limited slightly due to his body composition. There are a few chemicals which represent the Onion's tears. New fun fact, Onions can cry? This one can...and he has reason to. He did lead the last assault that might have caused some of the deaths. Definitely did.

Red isn't happy about discussing this at a funeral, not one bit. But he's not about to get into a fight about it here. Neither the time nor place. He continues the hushed conversation with Storm. "If it will minimize casualties on our side... then we do it. Lets not bring it against their main fortresses. Just use the Fortress to knock out whatever they've got at the border." He sighs. Killing them or us dying. Choices like this shouldn't be made. "We can discuss this later." Red turns and looks to see who else is here. Shining Firefly looks a little somber, countless others he recognizes... hmmm. Onion's looking really down today. He can imagine why. But it's not Tornado's fault. He'll probably have a talk about this later.

For right now, he hits the catering tray for some pre-ceremony snacks. He's a little unhappy, moody, and somber. Only cheese and vegetables with dipping sauce can cure this funk.

Burn Dinorex arrives a bit later than the rest, but his presence should be clear due to his looks. He doesn't say anything, as he is somber like the rest. He looks around to see who else is hear. Looks like all the familiar people..

A small movement catches Shining Firefly's attention. As he looks to see what it is, he notices that Storm Owl is waving for him to come forward. Shining nods simply and quietly hovers over to Storm Owl's side. He is not entirely certain what the Commander of the Fortress V wants with him, but he trusts Storm enough to come to the front.

There is an unusual sight somewhere in the background. A suspicious one? No, but perhaps familiar for those who have been around Repliforce for a long time, namely those around since 2204-2210. It's none other than Interpol's Co-Director, 'Chief' R. Though a little late, he's come in his old Repliforce uniform. His face matches the mood of the occasion, a little sad and stoic. This is the first time in a long time that he's been able to speak face-to-face with many of the Repliforce officers here today. After a few minutes of confusion in the organization of the occasion, he's been helpfully pointed towards the front.

The parrot, also present but definitely not a Repliforcer in itself, hates gatherings. And funerals. And sadness. And respect for those who paid the ultimate price. And everything. In its utter silence and lack of movement, it is quick to remind others of this... if they can interpret such lack of actual language.

Storm Owl, insensitive or unaware, nods with Red. "I concur. There is still an element of risk, but the only other alternative is pulling back our line to regroup." Storm doesn't sound very confident that retreating would help much. Storm is about to say more when Red requests that we talk about it later. A few of the gumbies shoot him grateful looks, and the war bird nods. "Understood," he drones, even though he probably didn't.

At Shining's arrival, Storm opens his beak, but then closes it again. He /had/ been about to ask the scientist about how the training on the new scanners is coming along, as well as seek his input about certain issues about the FV potentially going into combat for the long term. Red's words are remembered, though, and Storm shakes his head, "Ahem, it can be discussed at a later date, I suppose." Storm shifts uncomfortably, looking up at the podium. "I am very poor at this," he comments, referring to the speeches that need to be given. "Shining, Red? Perhaps you two could start the proceedings?" Storm Owl doesn't notice R just yet, and thanks to his pitiful ability to detect emotions he doesn't feel the sheer hatred of the parrot.

Hearing the notice about a funeral going on, Assault Kangaroo made his way across the Fortress V, materializing on the deck in just a minute. He looked rather different, however... instead of being brown, he was completely white with red eyes, as if he had turned albino. Not to mention that his reds and oranges became various shades of gray, and his blacks had turned into very dark reds. This was, in fact, the color scheme he used for funerals... and the same one he used in the funeral of Interpol's Bluecoat Tyrannosaurus. Would he make a speech like he did at the previous funeral, though? Only time will tell.

Finding a seat in his size, the kangaroo sat himself there, his tail sticking out of a hole in the back of the chair. How convenient! It did not, however, make the funeral any better...

Red nods. "Right. I'll get these proceedings started then." Red pauses for a moment, stares at the sky with his single optic, and slowly stands behind the podium. He begins speaking in a loud but somber tone. Normally Red speaks with more force and gusto, but today... today is different.

"Ladies and Gentlemen... thank you all for coming." The scarred commander gazes breifly at the audience, taking note of who he was speaking to. "We are gather here today to pay our respects and honor those who have fallen in the line of duty." He pauses again. He's probably going to pause a lot, this is difficult for him. "These brave men and women of Repliforce fought to defend people they probably didn't know, against foes driven on by tyranny and hatred." Another pause. Seriously Red, think this through before you start talking. "They didn't fight out malice, revenge, a paycheck... they fought to defend countries from the Neo Arcadian menace because it was the /right/ thing to do. Because freedom, justice, and happiness can never exist when madmen and fanatics threaten the peace and prosperity of the world. Because /everyone/, no matter who they are, or who they're affiliated with... deserves peace." He casts his glance downward for a moment.

"Many of these brave soliders have been with Repliforce for many years, fighting alongside us to make the world a better place. I knew many of them. They weren't just soliders, pawns in a game. They were people, each with their own hopes and dreams. They were friends, families, and more. And they have been taken from us too soon."

Red looks up again, and watches the audience with stony-faced calm. "I ask that we all share a moment of silence, so that we may all remember them, the joys, the laughter, the friendship... and reflect." Red falls quiet.

Storm Owl hushes and clasps his hands behind his back in an at-ease position, looking up respectfully as Red takes to the podium. Yes, Red is definitely better at this sort of thing than I would be, Storm Owl muses to himself. The war bird tries, in some small way, to feel -something- for those who have died. Yes, he respects the sacrifice they made, and he attempts to honour their service by continuing the fight without them so their death is not in vain. But getting all emotional at a funeral for them? Beyond the owl, perhaps.

Storm finds himself nodding at the part of their motives. Yes, that is a huge thing. That they're fighting to make the world a better place, and not due to unfounded bigotry, illogical hatred, or blind loyalty to a madman. And believe me, they sure didn't do it for the lousy paycheque. Storm shifts slightly at the mention of them being people, and not just pawns.

The Commander then lowers his head respectfully for the moment of silence.

Shining Firefly has connected.

The proceedings appear to be starting. R seems to be here just in time. As he's approaching the front, R turns back to look at all those gathered. He remembers a few of these faces, and is at least inwardly happy that they're still serving today. This is when he respects the moment of silence, his head bowed. He also knows a few of the ones that have passed on, which is why his face remains neutral. He'd address the Assistant Field Commander shortly.

The parrot can at least respect the moment of silence on its most basic level that it is always silent. Nothing more. It hates this silence, but is not compelled to do anything about it. It has a certain distaste for initiative.

Tonion looks up from crying as Red begins to talk, listening to him quite carefully. He doesn't want to ruin his brothers speech or to be a bother, at all. He even stops crying for a bit as Red's words touch him. He is after all close to Red, knows and understands what he has went through, to a point. Until of course, Red touches Onion's feelings again. He begins to cry, although lightly. Red has been known to reach Tonion quite well. Be it praise, hyping him up, inspiring bravery, or comforting him. Today though he will cry due to his words. He is not one to not follow orders, the second he mentioning to have a moment of silence, him falling completely silent, even lowering the generators that keep up his arms, slowly letting them touch the floor and turning off his generator completely.

Shining nods to what Red says. It is all very true. Peace should be a right for all and everybody should respect the peace of others. He will admit that being motioned up here is something that was unexpected for him, and yet it feels oddly appropriate. He turns his head to Red with an expression as if to silently inquire if it would be alright for him to say a thing or two.

As Assault Kangaroo listened to Red's speech, the only thing the only Repliforce Captain to be both active (sorry, Ricochet) and serious about his job (sorry, Jet Stingray) could do was bow his head. It is sad when so many people lose their artificial lives... but then again, it was war. War was not without its consequences. The dead, however, still needed proper respect, and so, when Red told the audience to take a moment of silence, he did. He didn't even have anything running through his mind while it was going on -- truly mute. How did he do that?

Storm Owl thinks about those that he actually knew that died. Spotter Hawk: Aerial Support. Storm will miss his effectiveness in facilitating communications in hectic battles. Daredevil Minx: Diversionary Tactics. The war bird won't miss her. She was a class clown and disruptive, and poor at her job. Storm stops short of thinking that Repliforce would be better off without her. Sci-Fi Fruit Fly: Data Processor. Yes, his sheer accuracy in sorting through massive amounts of sensor logs will be missed. The list goes on, but rare is it that Storm's thoughts drift from professional relationships he had with them. Storm would find that sad were it not for... well, y'know.

Storm idly scans the crowd. He sees Tonion crying, but has no idea how to go about consoling him. Better leave it to someone else. He peers at Shining and idly wonders what he's thinking about. He sees the currently albino Assault Kangaroo. Does the white have some sort of symbolic purpose? Out of the corner of his optic, Storm Owl notices what appears to be a red parrot. An angry red parrot. Oh, and attached to the rear end of the parrot is R! The owl glances in the Interpol co-director's direction and nods.

Barrage Raptor has been here. Yes. The whole time. And she's been totally just quiet and angry and, well, Barrage-esque. Although, she can't help but think that there will be time to mourn the dead when everybody in Neo-Arcadia, the Wily clan, and the Mavericks are dead. But no one will mourn them. Because they'll all be dead. And dead people can't mourn other dead people. Unless they're zombies. But zombies can't really mourn either, because they don't have any higher brain functions like emotions. All they have is the basic functions which keep them going and trying to eat other people's brains. She wishes she'd been around when the incident in Raccoon City happened. She would have had fun laying waste to huge groups of zombies.

Upon being given a nod by Storm Owl, the Chief nods back. That is almost all the communication that is required between the two. R knows well enough that Storm Owl is not one to waste words. He would love to ask him, and the rest about how they're doing, but the recent war efforts against Neo Arcadia are answer enough.

Milling over other individuals of note that are among the living and those that are gone, he turns towards the podium and stands, in waiting. He's come as a guest speaker for the funeral, but being that he left Repliforce over eight years ago, it's best to let the current officers have their say first.

Red ends the moment of silence. "Before I continue these proceedings, I would like to say a few words. Not as "Commander Red", but as just "Red". Just a few words from the heart." Core. Hey, you stop nitpicking at my poses! Make me! Why I oughta!

Red's player's Ego and Superego punch each other repeatedly. His Id watches, and laughs.

"I did not get to know these people as well as I should have when I still had the time, and now it's too late. All that remains is the memory, which will never die. But I regret not knowing these individuals more. I regret not spending the time to get to know each and every one of them, as people, as friends. It's easy to make this mistake. But I regret it."

"Without communication, without seeing the people behind the titles and the words... is peace really possible? How can we be happy if we don't reach out and talk to people? If you cannot truly understand the other people in this small world, you will never be at peace."

"There are more ways than one to fix the issues of the world. But sometimes our hand is forced, and we must fight. These brave soliders knew that. And their memory will be honored, and we will not disgrace them by allowing this to go unpunished. There will be /consequences/." Red pauses. "But at the same time... there are better solutions. And so I leave you to think. And remember. And reflect."

Red takes a long pause. "At this time I would like to open up the podium to those who would like to say a few words in memory of these brave soliders." Red steps down, and nods to Shining, backing away from the podium and having a seat.

Why, yes, Assault Kangaroo's albino status did have a purpose, dear Commander! In Chinese and Indian tradition, the color white is the color of mourning, death, and ghosts. Just like the color black can signify death in Western culture. Thus, it fit just fine for this occasion.

Assault Kangaroo remained facing the scene, completely silent as this all went on...

Storm Owl continues to listen to Red's words, comparing what the Red Alert leader is saying with his own experiences. Like Red, he did know these people as well as he should have. But not due to lack of time, but rather lack of interest. As much as he hates to admit it, that can be a serious failing at times. Storm isn't quite resolved enough to change that part of himself, though. He's too busy fighting a war right now. He nods at the consequences. Good. Focus their emotions on destroying the enemy.

The war bird is only vaguely aware of Chinese and Indian customs, and so doesn't associate Assault's colouring with being culturally symbolic of mourning and death. Storm watches on as Shining takes to the podium, very interested in hearing what the Repliforce grandfather has to say.

To hear these words from the leader of the notorious Red Alert squad... it does cast into doubt a lot of peoples' fears about when it was revealed that they all carried the Maverick Virus in them. R, being the person whom did all the paperwork required in firing Professor Gate, it's times like these that can make one wonder if one's actions were the right thing... but this was more about the process, rather than the end result.

To come back to what's going on right now, the words Red spoke were well said. R simply nods his head idly after Red finishes that next part of his speech. The parrot is simply angry at this travesty, but everything is a travesty to it.

Shining Firefly takes a step forward to the podium and looks over the group before him. He thinks for a moment before going into his speech, "I will admit I am rather unprepared for being in front of all of you today, however, to be honest, how can one prepare to be here? I look out at all of you, and I see soldiers who, while regretting and grieving these losses, may still feel that something like this could never happen to them. I see loved ones who do not understand how this could have happened at all or wonder if it was even worth it. There are many more thoughts, concerns, doubts, fears, and hopes here today; as many as there are individuals."

Shining pauses briefly before continuing, "I have served in the Repliforce for many years now, and on occassion my responsibilities have included working in the Medical Facilities of the various flying fortresses we have had in our possession. In this position, I have been able to meet many of those in our forces, including a number of those we are remembering today. Every individual that has been brought in for repairs, whether it is a scratch or critical care where the patient's life is on the line, has made me wonder. It has made me wonder why is it that we allow ourselves to do this to ourselves. Bright eyed young reploids, that are full of life, are brought in screaming about how they do not want to die. Dying. There are many questions as to why some people die young while others live on. Some people try to answer these questions; I will not make such an endeavor because I do not know. You could argue that they died fighting a greater evil so that others may be free, but then why did that specific individual have to die? Why couldn't it have been somebody else? Why couldn't he or she have lived just a little longer? These are the questions that war brings to us, and it is times like these that make us think. The key to the situation then is how are we going to think? We could ask questions that cannot be answered, weary ourselves over anxieties that cannot be justified or rejected, and burden ourselves with things that cannot be changed, or we can seek fellowship with others, and together rebuild the foundations of life with the fond memories of those who have gone before us; not forgetting them or clinging tightly to them, but remembering them for who they were and respecting them as such. We can work towards a future where these questions will be asked less often and where peace is more commonplace. I do not know the answer to how to go about this, but together I believe that together we can improve things in honor of those we love."

Shining gives a small sigh as he holds his own small moment of silent contemplation before stepping back from the podium.

Storm Owl watches and listens as Shining does his best to soothe the fears, worries, and sadness that many of the troopers here are no doubt feeling. There's an extra cold gust of wind that blows through, and Storm Owl frowns slightly. How utterly annoying that he's finding that he will miss some of those killed. Who knows - next it could be him that's torn apart by a Neo-Arcadian missile, or burnt to a crisp by a flamethrower, or crushed to death by a big sweaty man hug. Maybe next time it'll be him resting in one of those wooden boxes with the Repliforce flag draped over the side. But Shining is right. The potential for the horrible things that happen in war is worth it in this case. The alternative is simply too dreadful to bear. The part about burdening oneself with things that cannot be changed, rather than seeking fellowship with friends, is another point that hits a little too close to home.

Barrage Raptor should probably say something. So she heads up onto the podium, standing behind it for a few long moments, before finally saying something, "Semper Fidelis. It's the motto of the Marines. For those of you that don't know, it means 'Always Faithful', in Latin. Every single member of Repliforce who we are here to mourn was faithful until the end. Despite their combat ability, everyone who we mourn here today could well have been one of my Marines."

She pauses for a few moments, looking out across the gathered group, before she begins to speak again. "However, each and every one of them knew, when they signed up for service in the Repliforce, that there was a slight, no, a very real chance that they wouldn't make it back to their life before Repliforce. Each of us sitting here knows this as well. I look out here, and I see a lot of familiar faces. And I know that maybe next time we have one of these, I might not. Hell, next time we have one of these, it might be me you're mourning. So I ask, simply, that all of you take the Marine motto to heart. Remain faithful. Remain faithful to yourself, and to your friends. Remain faithful to Repliforce. Because the loyalty of our troops, the morale of our troops, and their faith in their leaders, that is what will win the war for us. Thank you." Barrage steps back, and salutes, before turning and walking off of the podium.

As his own Marine Commander stepped off the platform, Captain Assault Kangaroo took the chance given to him... and after standing up, he made his way over to the podium in the proper manner, standing perfectly straight, and giving a pre-prepared speech that he recorded in his head for this very day.

"In just one year of being in the Repliforce, I have learned much about the world today. How much the Earth has gone into ruin, how much of world society has gone into decadence, and how much fear there is faced by many army recruits about death. One year ago, in the U.S. city of Lincoln City, Oregon, there was an assault upon the city by a trio of Mavericks, which resulted in the destruction of a Taekwondo school... and the near death of its instructor when said trio brutalized him as he tried to defend himself. His name was Master Kangaroo, also known as Choe Jangju, a 'human' name given to him by Choe Jinho, the Taekwondo master that he formerly assisted, to make him like his own son, in spite of the 'son' being artificial. That was me. Were it not for a human teenager of rich status bringing me to a repair service outside of the city, you would not see me here, standing on the podium on this day. Feeling unable to run another such establishment at my current state, I enlisted in the Repliforce, to bring my talents to the force. To defend everywhere on the planet from attacks like the one that I had suffered.

"Regrettably, having only been here for a single year, I have not known many of the Reploids that lay here today. However, the first few times I was brought in for repairs, my thoughts were the same as what these very soldiers probably had when they were: Will they be able to restore me? Will I live? Will I be able to fight again? Most unfortunately, in these recent weeks of battle, I can no longer know what they think; their thoughts were silenced, as their neural nets shut down due to mortal wounds inflicted upon them by the enemy. What they probably thought, however, was more along the lines of when they will succeed in their mission, and save the Earth, having been toughened by further experience in battle. I mourn these individuals... those who gave their life to protect our planet from many evils, natural and artificial... and who served as fine examples of the bravery found in the Repliforce army. I give my condolences to the families of all who have died... not only on my own behalf... but on behalf of us, the army who recruited them to serve a just employment as a protector of the world. May these men and women rest in peace, their names remaining in the memories of all of us living today."

After that, the Kangaroo gave a ceremonial salute... and stepped off the podium, moving back to his seat. This was the second time he had given a speech at a funeral...

The different Repliforce officers have all offered their views and their feelings... all of which are a great gauge of their character and their take on loss. At last, it is Interpol's Co-Director 'Chief' R's turn. Comedically, an officer has to tell him from off the side that it's his turn to speak. Bowing his head in response to this little mishap, he steps up to the podium to oversee the many officers present today to pay their respects. Now, R begins to say his part. The parrot's raw hatred and negativity may or may not possibly be amplified by the microphone near it, but it is quiet and still.

"Good evening. My name is 'Chief' R, who many of you may recognize as the Co-Director of Interpol... its second in command. I, too, served as a part of Repliforce from 2204 through 2210. I'm here today, like the rest of you, to pay respects to those who have paid the ultimate price in recent times. This statement, however, is not about me."

"Repliforce has seen very many trials throughout its existence. What you all see today is not the first time we pauses and reflected on the cost of doing what many here consider the right thing to do. It will, regrettably, not be the last. Many of you have already said your part about remembering those that have given everything they could, including their lives, towards achieving the goals Repliforce has set out to accomplish for the sake of the world."

"What I ask you all to remember, along with the losses of great men and women, is the world itself. The people you fight for. The people who may not immediately stand out. Even without the backing of a council that gave rise to the Repliforce, you have not forgotten the world at large. The continent of Africa was taken back from one Dr. Albert Wily due to your efforts, and a powerful reminder of your resolve to do right when others, perhaps even the people you have saved, have done you wrong."

"You still have many troubles laid before you. The next time any of you take to the field, remember. After all is said and done, what will the people you have fought for think? To what end are you assisting the helpless and enslaved? Once you can answer these questions for yourselves, there is no doubt that, in a worst case scenario, you will fall with as few regrets as possible. For those comrades that fall around you, should they heed these words as well, you will know that they were retired fighting not just for what they believed in, but for the people that have been victimized in this long standing war. In this, they earn their respect - on the day their death is recognized, and every day after."

"Those that you fight against, too, believe they are doing right. Think not of them, but those caught in the middle. The fight is not to destroy the wicked, but to protect the innocent that would suffer without your help. Do not become overzealous in this. Do strive to not be the model soldier, but the model ally, and friend, to the civilians of the world. This is one end in which peace can be achieved, and as one who is assisting in the effort to control the crime and misdeeds of many who have walked from the path of the just on a smaller scale that Repliforce cannot due to the greatest threats to world peace, I wish you godspeed in accomplishing this difficult task for when there is no other option but war. For Russia. For Central America. For any other front in which Repliforce is required to fight for everlasting peace."

His part said, R steps down from the podium, head held high at the nostalgic value of speaking to a small group of Repliforce officers. Today, he has spoken to a far greater crowd than he ever has before in his fourteen years of life. This will not be the last time he is required to do so. The parrot has already had plenty of practice in making its message known, but it probably doesn't show.

Storm Owl watches as Shining steps down and Barrage takes his place. Storm casts his gaze downward briefly. Yes, these people knew that they could die. Yes they fought regardless. Even if Storm Owl can question their efficiency, or their lack of professionalism, or their emotional state (and we all know he does), Storm can't question their courage and dedication to removing evil. They were faithful and loyal, as Barrage requests. Storm Owl, along with a scattered few others, return Barrage's salute. There are a considerable number of misty eyes and optics in the crowd. Even the GNN camera-people are working to keep their composure.

Storm nods to the Marine Commander as Assault makes his way to the podium. Assault's speech, clearly prepared, sounds like something Storm would give if he had to. As it is the war bird is planning on just saying a few short words, since most everything has already been covered. As Assault recounts his first time being damaged, Storm does the same. It was an attack on a Robot Master stronghold. Drones everywhere, Masters tearing up the place. This had been one of Repliforce's first engagements. The army was brand new, and Storm Eagle was at his side. It was like they were invincible. But soon the element of surprise wore off and the Masters began to fight back, and the invincibility withered. And now, over a decade and a half later, we are at the funeral of many troopers who were there right from the start.

Storm then watches as R takes to the podium, and the reactions will be in another pose.

Storm Owl listens to the former officer of Repliforce. The one now charged with the duty of directing Interpol from weakness into strength. Just as Repliforce had to do after the cruel disbanding at the hands of Secretary General Houseman. Storm thinks back to the trials that R speaks of. Africa being the most recent successful campaign. The war here in Central America has not gone as splendidly as driving Wily out did. When R steps down, Storm Owl summons up his strength and takes up a position at the podium.

For a few seconds he peers out at the crowd. The eyes and optics all on him. The cameras recording discreetly. The microphone squeals briefly before Storm Owl says in his monotone voice, "I am not particularly skilled at giving speeches about such things, however I would like to note that those who lost their lives in the defence of freedom died for noble and logical reasons. The best we can do to honour their memory is to continue the fight, and continue to ensure that our ideals of tolerance for all life is not stopped by our enemies."

The cold wind blows again, and Storm reaches up with his sole hand to ensure that his ever-present beret doesn't fly off. Storm clears his throat briefly before resuming, "I would like to ask for another moment of silence as we salute those who fell in battle."

At this cue, seven of the eight massive defensive laser batteries on the Fortress V aim upwards and off to the horizon in unison. There's a dull roar as the seven fire off. One set. Two sets. Three sets of seven blasts. The eighth laser battery is silent, and one can imagine that it represents the fallen who will fight no longer. The traditional twenty-one gun salute complete, there's another minute of silence before Storm steps away from the podium.

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

Group: IC News

Title: RF funeral & Is RF losing the war?

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This... is GNN. Chest appears on the screen, looking grim-faced. Over his shoulder is an image of what appears to be a coffin draped in a Repliforce flag. "Tonight Repliforce honoured those who have fallen in their war with Neo-Arcadia. The military ceremony was held out on deck of their Fortress V war vessel."

We see footage of the ceremony. Red is up at a podium while thousands of troopers look on. "Many of these brave soldiers have been with Repliforce for many years, fighting alongside us to make the world a better place. I knew many of them. They weren't just soliders, pawns in a game. They were people, each with their own hopes and dreams. They were friends, families, and more. And they have been taken from us too soon."

Cut to Shining Firefly. "You could argue that they died fighting a greater evil so that others may be free, but then why did that specific individual have to die? Why couldn't it have been somebody else? Why couldn't he or she have lived just a little longer? These are the questions that war brings to us, and it is times like these that make us think."

Barrage Raptor. "So I ask, simply, that all of you take the Marine motto to heart. Remain faithful. Remain faithful to yourself, and to your friends. Remain faithful to Repliforce. Because the loyalty of our troops, the morale of our troops, and their faith in their leaders, that is what will win the war for us. Thank you."

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

Group: IC News

Title: RF funeral... Part: 2

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The clips of the funeral continue. We see Assault Kangaroo, decked out in white. "I mourn these individuals... those who gave their life to protect our planet from many evils, natural and artificial... and who served as fine examples of the bravery found in the Repliforce army. I give my condolences to the families of all who have died... not only on my own behalf... but on behalf of us, the army who recruited them to serve a just employment as a protector of the world. May these men and women rest in peace, their names remaining in the memories of all of us living today."

'Chief' R, wearing his old Repliforce uniform. "...I wish you godspeed in accomplishing this difficult task for when there is no other option but war. For Russia. For Central America. For any other front in which Repliforce is required to fight for everlasting peace."

Finally we see a shot of the Fortress V firing a twenty-one gun salute off into the horizon. We return to Chest in the studio. "Repliforce has announced the death toll of their soldiers to be at 753, prompting many military analysts to question their ability to handle Neo-Arcadia. Some believe that Repliforce is losing what has become a war of attrition."

"President Elpizo had these comments regarding the theory that Repliforce is losing the war." We hear Elpizo's voice. He sounds pissed off at having to talk to Chest. "If it is doomsaying, it is doomsaying. If it is fact, it is fact. According to -my- statistics it is currently at a firm stalemate. We may have victories at various instances, but we both have lost and won the same amount of battles."

Back to Chest. "Stay tuned to GNN for full coverage of the war in Central America. Full footage of the funeral is available on the GNN website." The URL flashes by. http://www.geocities.com/dmiasek/M3/m3_64.htm

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