As a note, I've editted this so that you can see where Bolero ICly was,

technically speaking. And what he was doing. So a pose here and there might not

jive with other logs and there's certainly a bit of artistic flair added near

the end, because of chronologic dictation, rather than the hard facts of pose

order. Please enjoy the tale of Bolero's Escape.

            - Bolero's player

 

 

Fortress V - Brig

            Rows of plain, boring cells fill the front of the ship, open-faced rooms with

very little in the way of amenities. Designed for robotic prisoners, these cells

have beds and power feeds, but nothing else. Force fields separate the prisoners

from the guards, but they are seldom turned on. Repliforce keeps few prisoners,

so this depressingly quiet place stays mostly empty.

 Contents:                               Contents:                     

 Out <O>:                  Fortress V - Lower Deck

 

            And holed up in a maximum security isolation cell inside of the Fortress V's

brig is Bolero. The Spaniard is currently set up as little more than a synthetic

skeleton, bones mostly bleached, but having plenty of spots covered in dirty

bandages marred by dried bodily fluids. Admittedly, those fluids are his own

fluids, but it still looks horrifyingly gruesome. He's standing in the back of

his cell, violet optics burning dully and staring at the ground, his body set at

a Y-shape, looking very much like a crucified skeleton.

 

            Within the brig, behind five layers of forcefields and within three reinforced

durasteel and duraplast walls, Bolero's attention is roused at the sounds of

explosions outside. His head rises slowly, violet optics burning brighter as he

intones, in triumverate voice, to the guards in the hall, "So... The battle is

joined. We knew they would come. As we knew that you would die."

            There's a momentary pause before Bolero throws back his skeletal head and

cackles with insane glee, all three of his voices chiming in with their own

variant of insane laughter.

 

"Shut up, Bolero," One of the guards snaps at the prisoner. The Toad mech, rifle

already in hand, is relatively professional, but being with Bolero for the last

week or so is enough to drive anyone to be pissed off. There's a soft pitter

patter that sounds like it's miles away as the Tonatiuh rips open against the

Fortress V's shields. Guard Toad frowns, looking upwards as if he could see the

Ride Armour through all the bulkheads. Turning once again to Bolero, he snorts,

"You don't even know /who's/ attacking, you freak. You're just making stuff up."

Shaking his head, Guard Toad continues to pace back and forth in front of

Bolero's cell.

            Outside, what sounded like pitter patter from the Brig is loud thrashing

explosions as the spikes slam into the shields. Passing through the shield, the

Tonatiuh is able to rip one of the laser batteries off, and the Fortress V

shudders as a small explosion occurs inside the wound. Slowly, the two ion

cannons that have the Ride Armour in its arc turn with the Tonatiuh, trying in

vain to ward Hector off. Meanwhile on the bridge, Storm Owl has a bunch of

things to worry about. An internet attack? An intruder? The Tonatiuh? He opens

up his radio.

 

Sheena, still hurting from that nasty energy wave she got hit with on her way to

the turbolifts, finds something that she can at least use to cover her escape:

the brig. Instead of doing some detailed slicing of the computer system or even

trying to bypass the locks, Sheena simply /shoots/ the consoles-- it's cheaper

and she /really/ needs to get off the ship. She turns right back around and runs

for an exit-- if there's Mavericks in here, she doesn't want to be the one to

deal with them.

[OOC] Sheena, covering her escape. This is clearly the only good idea.

Sheena retreats from the area swiftly, leaving her open to pursuit or parting

shots from Bolero and Assault Kangaroo.

 

            Welcome to the brig, gentlemen. You're not likely to find much in the way of

prisoners at the moment, especially not in the main section of the brig. Though,

if you're interested, you're more than welcome to tour Bolero's old brig cell.

People are still trying to clean the synthblood off of the walls so it doesn't

show up with Luminol and blacklight.

            Going to the back of the Brig Hall, though, down to the vault doors, you'll

find Bolero's medical records for this journey to the brig. And beyond the blast

doors, within some of the strongest sections of the F5's hull, is the isolation

cells. Isolation cells for special prisoners. Designed to contain Viral

prisoners, fully psychotic and unrepentent killers, and other forms of the

lowest scum this planet has ever created that Repliforce has to contend with.

            And within those doors, down at the very end of the hallway, facing the doors

themselves, behind a quintuple layer forcefield, chained to the walls with a

gravity tether is Bolero. The Spaniard looks far, far different from anything

anyone here has ever likely seen. Stripped down to his bare skeleton, most of

his equipment removed for safety's sake. He doesn't look too dangerous, but then

again... This is Bolero. The only person on staff that can hide in a human

populace. One of only two people that can "manifest" a ride armor class form.

He's an old soldier.

            Bolero peers at the forcefields as they start to flicker, Sheena's interference

setting Bolero free as he cackles madly at Guard Toad. "It doesn't matter who it

is, Froggy... We'll still be free..." he intones, triple-voiced.

 

            Dashing into the Brig, Assa]ult Kangaroo continued to pursue Sheena, hoping to

catch her in her tracks as he came down the Turbolift and went into the lower

level beforehand. Spotting her heading inside, he pointed at the ninja with both

fingers, and began to shoot multiple nails, sharpened down to the last atom, at

the intruder. As soon as /he/ came inside, however, he realized something

horrible: She damaged the mechanisms holding Bolero! Continuing to shoot at

Sheena, he had no choice but to radio his comrades...

Assault Kangaroo strikes Sheena with his Vorpal Blaze attack.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Infantry Corps Captain Assault Kangaroo transmits, "I've got

bad news, guys."

[Radio: (B) None] Infantry Corps Captain Assault Kangaroo transmits, "Sheena

damaged the consoles holding Bolero."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "Uh, I can't fly."

[Radio: (B) None] Crescent Grizzly transmits, "...."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Son of a."

[Radio: (B) None] Crescent Grizzly transmits, "Fahnd' 'im."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "You do remember this...What?"

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "Bolero is out?"

[Radio: (B) None] The General transmits, "Barrage? If he's out keep the

promise."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "He's mine. Everybody else

disengage."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "I'm heading to the turbolifts. No

one will get on them if I can help it."

[Radio: (B) None] Infantry Corps Captain Assault Kangaroo transmits, "He's not

out yet... but without a doubt, he'll escape soon."

[Radio: (B) None] Crescent Grizzly transmits, "Fahnd' 'im Barrage. Naw'."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "Disengage, Assault."

 

[Radio: (B) None] Syphon Wolf transmits, "I'm on my way into the jungle now"

[Radio: (B) None] Colonel transmits, "Engaging the President."

[Radio: (A) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Give 'im hell, sir."

[Radio: (A) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "Go, LittleHat! Kick his butt!"

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "****, each turbolift is

individual? I can't do a thing about that from here. Alright, I'm leaving R&D up

to you guys, I'm going to cover as many lifts as possible."

 

Hit in the shoulder by the shot, Sheena decides that finding a 'proper' exit is

a terrible idea and will take way too much time, and has a reasonable chance of

getting her killed besides. Thus, she improvises. Firing numerous bullets into

one of the windows, and actually managing to get a decent-sized hole eventually,

Sheena dives out of the massive airbase. That might hurt.

Sheena retreats from the area swiftly, leaving her open to pursuit or parting

shots from Barrage Raptor and Assault Kangaroo.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "How's the situation in medical

holding up?"

[Radio: (B) None] Shining Firefly transmits, "We are doing what we can to repair

the equipment, the previously injured, and gather up usable supplies."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Does this intruder seem to be

moving with any purpose, or just causing trouble as a distraction?"

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Brig controls are off-line. Shields are

off-line. Weapon-control is fluctuating. Power relays are failing."

 

            The gravity tether is the first thing to go. Bolero's moving toward the

flickering and dying forcefields before Guard Toad can turn to scream at him

again.

            Forcefield 5: Gone. Forcefield 4: Gone. Forcfield 3: Gone. Forcefield 2: Gone.

Forcefield 1: *WHAP*

            Bolero runs headlong into the forcefield, a big crack appearing in the forehead

of his skull as the forcefield finally dies. The Spaniard starts running again,

tackling Guard Toad as the amphibian's tongue streaks out, almost stabbing B in

the face, but Bolero manages to avoid it by diving. He slams into the Toad and

hits the floor with him. Bolero rights himself a moment, grabbing Guard's tongue

and yanking it out in a visceral display of strength. He quickly wraps the

monofilament tongue around Guard Toad's neck as Toad starts to come to, a

Satanic laugh echoing in the halls as Bolero uses the tongue to create a severed

head. He grabs the head and starts ripping components out, finally pulling out a

radio, which he promptly attaches to his vocalizer.

 

[Radio: (B) None] There's a momentary pause from Guard Toad's radio, followed by

a rather loud, triple laugh. A sick, twisted, blood-lusting Satanic laugh. The

kind that you'd expect if you wrapped a trio of psychopaths from the movies

together... Like Freddy Krueger, Hannibal Lecter, and Emperor Palpatine.

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Someone /take him down/."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Confirmed. Lethal force is authorized

against Bolero."

[Radio: (B) None] Bolero transmits,

"HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERE'S BOLERO!"

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "Bolero, shut the f*** up."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "Assault, disengage."

 

            Assault Kangaroo, seeing Sheena shoot holes in the window and then jump out,

quickly pointed his right index finger at her, and shot another nail at her,

serving as one for the road. However, turning to Bolero's cell, he witnessed the

formerly-sane SpecOps commander break out of his containment, and behead the

guard. Assault quickly turned his body toward him, as he entered a fighting

stance and glared at Bolero.

            "Bolero... How greatly sad that this had to happen..."

Assault Kangaroo strikes Sheena with his Vorpal Spike attack.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "So much for secure frequencies."

 

Barrage Raptor arrives from the Lower Deck.

Barrage Raptor has arrived.

 

The door to the brig opens up, and standing in the doorway is Barrage Raptor.

She spots Sheena as she breaks for the hole she makes in the window. But Assault

takes her on. And then Guard Toad meets his grisley end, and Barrage again tells

Assault to disengage, over the radio.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Bolero transmits, "This is just a loaner, my Shelltastic

Seafood Friend."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "-Come get some-."

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, ".....I'll need assistance in

a few moments. Something must be wrong with my Aiming systems....."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Where are you?"

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "What was --"

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, "I'am outside...the....

Fortress.... *Craaccckkkff...* SON OF A ... Alright...thats it.""

 

            Bolero giggles madly, staring at Barrage, Sheena, and Assault. "Tut, tut, tut,

my duckies. Big Poppa Bolero's here to make it all better," he calls from down

the hall. Way down the hall. He springs up and starts sprinting down the length

of the hall, a piece of Toad's skull in his hand as he starts hacking at a small

collar placed around his skeletal neck. Finally, in a blow that would normally

give Bolero a case of Severed Head, the collar falls away. A fraction of an

instant later, Wreck Brahma is on all fours and thundering down the hallway at

Barrage and Assault. And boy, does he look pissed off.

 

[Radio: (A) None] Bolero transmits, "Oooooh... I feel so much better now, with

that restrictor collar out of the way..."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Call me if you need evac. The

medlabs are down but I can patch you up real quick."

[Radio: (A) None] Bolero giggles madly, "HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERE'S

WRECKY!"

[Radio: (A) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Let's see how you feel with a

laser through your neural net."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Any report on Bolero's location?"

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "He's in the brig."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "Which is about to not exist."

[Radio: (A) None] Snipe Anteater transmits a load of distracting gibberish.

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, "I....I need ... I'm going to

retreat soon...can't keep this up..."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "You can take it out of my pay,

Storm."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Confirmed."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Whatever takes him /down/."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "I'm on my way, Rush. Hang tight."

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "There's a Neo Arcadian soldier on

the outer hull. Engaging."

 

Barrage Raptor plants her feet, and shakes her head a bit, "Bolero, you were my

friend. You were even my mentor, at times." She says, "I'm going to kill you.

You deserve better, but this is the only way." Her missile launchers lock into

place, as she lets loose with four of them, all of which sail towards Bolero.

Barrage Raptor strikes you with a solid hit from her Quad-missile Launchers

attack for 28 units of damage.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Weapons are off-line."

 

            Assault Kangaroo really wished to fight Bolero, himself... but Barrage ordered

him to disengage. Thus, as Bolero became Wreck Brahma, and Barrage Raptor began

to shoot missiles, he backflipped past Barrage, and he headed to the Brig exit,

going through it, presumably to head outside and fight the Neo Arcadians.

Secretly, however, Assault began to wait just outside the Brig, with the intent

to assist Barrage Raptor should she be unable to take down Brahma. He said he

wasn't afraid to kill Bolero if he had to, as well, so if his fellow Captain

fell, he would take the lunatic on as well.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "General, should we begin the withdrawl

procedures? This is likely to take down our entire line until we're able to

regroup."

[Radio: (B) None] The General transmits, "The Fortress Five is in your hands,

Storm Owl. If you think it would be wise for it to be moved backward then I will

agree with it."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "And the rest of our front line, sir?"

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "..Argh, he got in! Where.. Main

level.. Bridge, isolate Ten Forward, Main Deck. Space number One tac Five tac

Eight tac Lima! He blasted a maintenance hatch in the outer hull and slipped

through. I'm following him in through the opening, but seal up the internal

doors. It might slow him down!"

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Confirmed, Corporal. Attempting to seal

off Ten Forward."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Computers not responding. Attempting to

compensate."

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "I'm going to try and drive him

back out the way he came in."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "I will defend this ship /myself/

if I have to."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl, after half a minute, reports, "Isolation

successful."

[Radio: (B) None] Snipe Anteater transmits, "I may assist if needed."

[Radio: (B) None] Crescent Grizzly transmits, "Sumun' jes flew insahd'."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "They're going to be /pouring/ in

that hole in a few seconds. How long should the isolation hold them off for?"

[Radio: (B) None] The General transmits, "A full tactical retreat from the

frontline will be needed when the Fortress Five pulls out."

[Radio: (B) None] Snipe Anteater attempts to run a translation program on what

Crescent just said.

[Radio: (B) None] The Translation Fails.

[Radio: (B) None] Colonel bzzt "Will...defeat....President!

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Snipe, unless you are occupied, your

assistance is needed in cyberspace."

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, "I...I see you Shell, ....."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Head towards me /immediately/.

I'll cover you."

[Radio: (B) None] Snipe Anteater transmits, "My avatar has yet to be fully

recalibrated."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Understood. Can you at least shut down

the entire server?"

[Radio: (B) None] Snipe Anteater transmits, "Affirmative."

 

            It's probably a good thing that Barrage can't see inside Bolero's mind at the

moment. The sick jumble of thoughts and ideas floating around would probably

send her reeling in disgust. But that's beside the point. The point is that

Bolero is a body in motion. And bodies in motion tend to stay in motion. Despite

the massive blast of rockets, which rock the hallway and destroy huge chunks of

walls and several cells, Wreck Brahma's armor plating withstands it all, the

rockets not enough to stop his forward progression. He charges toward Barrage,

roaring in righteous fury for a moment or two before Bolero rears Wreck up onto

two legs. He smirks slightly at Barrage and Assault, "While we would absolutely

love to keep chatting with you both, we have an escape to make."

 

            And then Wreck Brahma rears back and brings both fists down on the ground, not

just shaking the floor, he sends shockwaves through it, rockin' and rollin' the

entire Brig Hallway as he Earthquakes it. Yes folks. The Fortress V's Brig just

went San Andreas.

You strike Barrage Raptor with a major hit from your Earthquake attack.

 

[Radio: (A) None] Gareth transmits, "What is the situation on the other levels

of the Fortress?"

[Radio: (A) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Skydeck and bridge are

all-clear."

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "Engaging the fanatic in Ten

Forward."

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, "Attempting to Return back to

Base. Shiled, Cover me best you can. Activating Booster Systems."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Fortress V is withdrawing. All forces,

prepare for departure."

 

Fortress V - Docking Bay

            A massive docking bay, the Fortress V has the space to carry every large

vehicle the Repliforce deploys, dozens of ships, ride armors, and several huge

dropships berthed in the cavernous confines of the ship. The hangar doors are

open most of the time, a forcefield protecting the sensitive bay from enemy

attack, though a pair of giant doors can slide into place if they need further

protection. Repliforce techs and flight crew mill about here constantly, keeping

the bay in good working order. To the rear, a series of turbolifts gives access

to the rest of the ship.

 

 Contents:                               Contents:                     

 Barrage Raptor [Combat] [RF]

 Repliforce Ride Armor <Raiden> [RF]     Repliforce Space Shuttle <Comet> [RF] 

 Repliforce Dropship <Falconis> [RF]     Repliforce Transport <Mako> [RF]      

 Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> [RF]      Repliforce Attack Hoverbike <Gamma> [RF

 Repliforce Hoverbike <Alpha> [RF]       Repliforce Hoverbike <Beta> [RF]      

 Motoserva <Fencer Naiad>                Repliforce Hovertank <Stalwart> [RF]  

 Repliforce Submersible <Barracuda> [RF] Repliforce VTOL <Razor> [RF]          

 Repliforce Transport <Thresher> [RF]    Repliforce Variable Armor <Kingfisher>

 Ride Armor Recharge Chamber <RARC>

 

 

 Out <O>:                    Outside

 Turbolift <TL>:            Fortress V - Turbolifts

 

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Call me if you need evac."

 

Barrage comes tumbling down through the hole in the ground, crashing into the

docking bay. This is Barrage, though. In charge of the Infantry or not, she's a

crazy woman. She picks herself back up, and then hops into the vehicle next to

her. The Stalwart flares to life, hover jets kicking in, as the turret turns

itself on Wreck Bramah.

Barrage Raptor has left.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Crescent Grizzly transmits, "Keep a' lahk' 'n mah'

positin'...ah' maht' nat' be able tah' stop dis' boardah'..."

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "..That's .. not good... BigHat!

LittleHat! Anyone! One of the Guardians is in here now!""

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Where."

[Radio: (B) None] Crescent Grizzly growls.

[Radio: (B) None] Crescent Grizzly transmits, "Shield Shellfish. Intercep' 'n

KILL."

[Radio: (B) None] The General transmits, "Acknowledged."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "With pleasure, sir."

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "Ten Forward. It's sealed off, but

I don't know if I can hold them both off myself."

[Radio: (B) None] The General transmits, "Storm Owl, let the Guardian through so

he can play with me. I'm tired of these idiots who think they can attack our

home and not suffer."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Are you certain, sir?"

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, "Whooo. Thanks Shield. I'm all

set."

[Radio: (B) None] The General transmits, "I am quite certain. Shell, how fares

it outside?"

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "In the very slow process of

withdrawing. I'm covering as many as I can."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor starts to laugh. And it's quite the insane

cackle, as the sounds of a vehicle powering up can be heard in the background.

[Radio: (B) None] Crescent Grizzly transmits, "....Bolero, yew' idit."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Once we have withdrawn, those aboard

will have the decision to either stay until they are destroyed, or retreat."

[Radio: (B) None] Snipe Anteater transmits, "Attempting shutdown of the server."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "I hope nothing in the docking bay

is too important...Heh heh. Time to fry, Bolero!"

 

Rush Raccoon collpases...just plain collpases onto the ground upon

entering.....He's taking quite a darn beating.,

 

[Radio: (B) None] The General transmits, "Barrage Raptor DO NOT DESTROY THE

VEHICLES IN THE DOCKING BAY!"

[Radio: (B) None] Colonel transmits, "I will not be retreating until I have

felled the President."

[Radio: (B) None] Shining Firefly transmits, "Be aware that while the remaining

medical supplies that we should be adequate for our needs now, the amount in

excess is very small."

[Radio: (B) None] Shining Firefly transmits, "OOC: Throw a have after the we"

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "I can't go on.."

 

Rush Raccoon slowly begins to push himself up and finally does so. Looks like

he's just been through heck. and probably has. He looks up at whats happening.

Rush Raccoon forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Attempting to unseal Ten Forward for

your escape."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Computers not responding."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "You may have to improvise."

[Radio: (B) None] Snipe Anteater transmits, "Augh. It is that Beastzilla in the

server."

[Radio: (B) None] Crescent Grizzly ceases transmission. His tracking signal

shows him....falling off the side of the Fortress V.

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "MAJOR!"

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "I'll dive out the hole he made and

re-enter through another access."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "I'm going after him. Rush is in."

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, "W...wwho needs doors

blas...blasted open?...I still got legs.."

 

            The ceiling of the immense Docking Bay ripples and shakes, eventually splitting

open and dumping debris and two reploids and a corpse into the docking bay

itself from the Brig. Wreck Brahma lands on all fours, violet optics glowing

with malice and a bit of pain, armor blasted and shattered, his internals

smoking and melted from the exertion of the Earthquake above. He spies Barrage's

tail disappearing into the Stalwart and, for a split second, he considers

chasing her into it.

            He changes his mind, turning toward the deployment area, "Ta-ta, Pretty Lady.

We're sure we'll, *dark chuckle*, meet again," he calls over his shoulder as he

starts charging across the docking bay toward the doors, ignoring the Raccoon in

his path as he attempts to make his escape.

Bolero retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting

shots from Repliforce Hovertank <Stalwart>, Rush Raccoon, Assault Kangaroo,

Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle>, Repliforce Variable Armor <Kingfisher>, and

Repliforce Ride Armor <Raiden>.

 

[Radio: (B) None] The General over the noise of a door... "opening"... "Colonel.

Status?"

 

The tank's turret is following Bolero, as he turns to run, "You won't get the

chance." Barrage's voice comes over the speakers, as the cannon points at

Bolero's back, and fires. The massive blast sends the tank backwards, before

it's anti-recoil systems can kick in. Everybody shield your eyes.

Repliforce Hovertank <Stalwart> strikes you with a devastating hit from its

Grand Cannon attack for 51 units of damage.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Colonel a tad dryly, "Irritated."

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "I can't go on.. I'm retreating

from the engagement.. Whoever follows up, be advised. My vulcan weapons didn't

seem to affect him much. I suspect he has subdermal armor of some kind."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Understood, Corporal. Get out of there."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Get to sickbay."

[Radio: (B) None] Snipe Anteater transmits, "Shutdown 61% complete."

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "Way ahead of you, Sir! Avoiding

engagements en-route.. This might take a while."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor KABOOOM! "HAH! SUCK IT DOWN!"

 

            Meanwhile, Assault Kangaroo had been sitting outside the Brig, waiting to see

what the result of the fight between Bolero and Barrage Raptor would be... until

he felt a great earthquake below him. After a few seconds, it passed... Assault,

curious as to what was going on, stood up, came to the door again, and opened.

            That was when he saw that the entire floor had capsized, exposing the docking

bay. What the /Hell/ happened? That was a mystery to him... but he did not think

about it mroe, as he saw Bolero heading toward the docking bay doors... with the

Stalwart firing something at him. Undoubtedly, it was being piloted by Barrage

Raptor. Once it connected, Assault closed his eyes, waiting for the bright light

to go away... and then, once it went away, Assault balanced on his tail, on what

part of the floor was unaffected, and pointed both of his knees at Bolero. As

his knees opened up, gun barrels were revealed within his upper legs... and

small missiles launched from them both, hoping to hit Bolero before he could

escape alive.

Assault Kangaroo strikes you with a minor hit from his Twin Bazooka attack for

19 units of damage.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, "I..I'm making my way for

medical now..."

 

Rush Raccoon enters the Turbolifts.

Rush Raccoon has left.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Shining, how are things holding up in

sickbay?"

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, "Whats....the

situation.....are..intruders..off?"

[Radio: (B) None] Shining Firefly transmits, "We have almost finished

stabilizing the patients that were injured in the first attack from the

intruder. We should be ready for new arrivals within a minute or two. Do not

expect to get full repairs. We will repair you to the point where you are

stable. You will not die, but it might be awhile until we can be sure we have

enough to fully repair everybody."

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "I might be able to help out."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish *CRUNCH*. "I got Crescent, returning him to

the FV now. I'll get him stable myself before returning."

[Radio: (B) None] Shining Firefly transmits, "The problem is not medical staff,

but equipment. A number of things were damaged, some beyond repair, from the

intruder's initial attack."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "...I'll talk to dad if I can, see

if I can get some stuff on loan or something."

[Radio: (B) None] Revolver Ocelot transmits, "I can walk on my own, still.. If

that's the case, I'll forgo repairs for now."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Understood. Do what you can, Shining.

General and Shield will attempt to find other ways."

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, "I'...I'll be fine..just get

to the priorities before me...... I can still walk, albiet...not very good. I

can go guard where needed...."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Barrage! How you holding up?"

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "Fine."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "I'm waiting for the smoke to clear,

to see if I got 'im.."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Colonel, sir. Are you retreating

with the FV at this moment or staying behind?"

 

            The Spanish Bull charges. And charges. And... And... *sniff sniff* Is that

flame broiled beef? AH! AH! THE PAIN! OH GOD THE PAIN! IT HURTS! The massive

energy blast from the cannon sends Wreck Brahma's immense body flying through

the air and through the bulkhead itself, more than half of Wreck's internal

support structure visible clearly now. There's not armor and there sure as hell

aren't many servos left on the right side of his body as he flies free of the

Fortress V, his stolen radio incinerated in the blast.

 

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:                     

 Chris Mainards [Normal] [NA]            Shield Shellfish [Standard] [RF]      

 Sheena [Uniform] [NA]                   Crescent Grizzly [RF]                 

 Drake Sunfire [Armani] [NA]             Julian Meyer [NA]                     

 Baxter Stevens [Uniform] [NA]           Elpizo [Xolotl] [NA]                  

 Remi Dumont [NA]                        Hi-Max [Maximum] [RF]                 

 Colonel [Normal] [RF]                   Vanishing Gungaroo [Kanga] [RF]       

 Storm Owl [Standard] [RF]

 Pose Order Tracker <POT> v0.7           NA Air Transport <Itzlacoliuhque> [NA]

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

 

 South <S>:                Panama Canal

 North <N>:                Aztlan (Mexico)

 Up <U>:                   Sky Above Central America

 

            Adding insult to injury is Assault Kangaroo's twin bazooka blasts. The rockets

streak out of the gigantic hole in the side of the Docking Bay, swirling around

before /EXPLODING/ Wreck Brahma's other half. They land somewhere inside his

armor shell before they explode, sending armor shrapnel spewing over the entire

area, some of it streaking into the Fortress V itself. Other bits and pieces

spray over the jungles below as Wreck Brahma's blasted skeleton streaks down

into the jungles, body shifting somewhere around mid-way, a huge contrail of

thick black smoke flaring from his skeletal personage.

            Meanwhile, something wicked this way comes, dozens, if not hundreds of small

drones skitter from the shadows of the the jungles, skillfully avoiding most of

the fighting as they track Bolero's smoking contrail toward his likely touch

down point. In the back of his mind, Bolero idly muses over what he would've

done had he escaped... Probably repay the whole Neo Arcadian/Skinner movement by

making himself a human suit proper... Plenty of muties down there for him to

take some flesh and clothes from. Just long enough to escape. HEHEHEHEHE...

Delicious irony... Delicious flesh. Mmmm...

            That's his last thought as Bolero finally gets knocked out, just a few seconds

before he hits the canopy, smashing his way through tree branches left and

right.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Shining, I need medical teams up on the

bridge."

[Radio: (B) None] Shining Firefly transmits, "Very well."

[Radio: (B) None] Snipe Anteater is sounding a little peeved. "That blasted Neo

Arcadian is corrupting the files. Shutdown is almost complete."

[Radio: (B) None] Radio>> Rush Raccoon transmits, "Colonel will be fine.....

make sure you are aboard."

 

Once again, Elpizo back off, and uses his own agility to bring his swords from

their hiding place to go toe to toe with Colonel. As soon as Elpizo can get a

break, he presses against Colonel once again. The blades begin to dart around

rapidly. There is now distinct figure to Elpizo's arms now. It is just a faint

blur of an off-shade of pink grey. His more-than-human abilities begin to kick

in.          

There is no longer the savior of the Human race. There is now the man who was

caught in the blaze of San Angeles. There is now the man who was left in the

streets of Mexico City, to die. There is now the man who rallied an entire

nation under one cause, and lifted human spirits.  

 There is the one man, now fighting against the world.          

 And is he afraid?  

 The blades press against Colonel, showing no fear.      

 Maybe.

Elpizo strikes Colonel with his The God Of Death attack.

 

If the Fortress V looked bad before, it looks AWFUL now. From inside cyberspace,

the entire Repliforce data hub has been shut down by Snipe Anteater. "Switch all

systems to manual!" Storm Owl shouts even as the bridge continues to shake. Into

his radio he drones, "Shining, I need medical teams up on the bridge." Battered

Repliforce bodies lay on the bridge as Storm Owl, Comm Bat, and the remaining

bridge crew attempt to control the behemoth without all of the computer

resources they normally would. It's a very difficult maneuver, and Storm Owl

frantically taps in commands into the keyboards, performing all the calculations

by himself. Storm might possibly be the best Reploid on the planet when it comes

to such calculations, but even he can't do it all. It's a good thing the

Fortress doesn't have their guns or shields anymore, since they wouldn't be

functional at this point anyhow. Regardless, the Fortress V continues to drift

off, heading south to regroup with the rest of the troops. All throughout

Central America, Repliforce armies are falling back.

Hi-Max's systems recalibrate themselves after a little while, he's still holding

onto the FV but lets go to make sure that he's fully back on-line, thankfully he

is. Otherwise he'd be nothing more than a Replipancake.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Storm Owl to all forces, we shall

*static* rendezvous at thes*static* dinates, just north of the Panama

Ca*static*."

 

            As the kangaroo mech runs away, Remi once more removes his whip's handle from

his belt as he charges towards the Pink reploid. Who happens to be carrying a

wounded reploid, "Two for the price of one what a steal." he says as he grabs a

pistol from it's holster to fire a storm of shots at the pink shellfish.

 

This...was a problem.

 

The Colonel was damaged heavily, moreso than the President, and...well..he chose

this point to retreat.

"This will never be over, as long as your empire of hatred exists. I /will/

return."

Then, with a crack like thunder, he was gone.

Colonel retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting

shots from Storm Owl, Drake Sunfire, Assault Kangaroo, and Hi-Max.

 

Julian Meyer watches...now, from his perch above Elpizo and Colonel. Electricity

charging over his body once more as he watches..and waits. From here, troops

start to gather, making a very large circle around the two fighting. There is no

words from them...most of the main forces have been routed, and the majority

here are injured anyway.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "Son of a bitch."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "There's no body."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "*static*aborate."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "They're not dead if there's no

body. Don't you watch movies? Wait, stupid question."

[Radio: (B) None] Infantry Corps Captain Assault Kangaroo transmits, "He has

fallen out of the ship. However, we may have knocked the poor man out."

[Radio: (B) None] Infantry Corps Captain Assault Kangaroo transmits, "I mean, I

don't think there is much of anyone who can survive that many missiles."

[Radio: (B) None] Colonel transmits, "I am returning to the Fortress. I am

heavily damaged, and the President yet stands."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Do you require cover?"

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "I still got the keys to the

hover-tank, boss."

[Radio: (B) None] Barrage Raptor transmits, "Want me to drive it out of this

hole in the wall and take Elpizo out?"

[Radio: (B) None] Colonel transmits, "Negative."

[Radio: (B) None] Storm Owl transmits, "Fortress V is unable to send any

evac-lines for you, Colonel. Are you well enough to blink aboard?"

[Radio: (A) None] Flame Hyenard hmmphs.

"LASTTIMEIGETDRUNKINLONDONANDFORGETTOGOHOME..."

 

President Elpizo keeps his swords to the forebear as Colonel runs away. As the

Repliforce goes out of sight, the dual blades fade away, since Elpizo shut them

off, and he slides them away, into some hidden compartments. Elpizo turns, and

makes his way through the battlefield, to the ship. Many cheers of 'HAIL ELPIZO'

echo for many hours after the battle..

 

[Radio: (B) None] Colonel transmits, "Affirmative, Commander."

[Radio: (B) None] Infantry Corps Captain Assault Kangaroo transmits, "I am

intact. However, I cannot see if he is alive from here, on the edge of the hole

in the Brig floor."

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "I'm staying on-site until

everyone evaced."

[Radio: (B) None] Snipe Anteater transmits, "The Repliforce Hub is now fully

shut down."

 

Hi-Max flies back up to the FV to regroup with the others.

Hi-Max retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting

shots from Storm Owl.

 

[Radio: (B) None] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Are all parties back on the FV?"

 

Many many miles from here the Fortress V lurches to a stop, having reached its

new location just north of the Panama Canal. Here they shall make their new

stand for when the Neo-Arcadians continue their relentless expansion south.

Storm Owl has already left the bridge and is down in engineering, working

furiously to get the systems to at least some semblance of proper functioning.

It's going to take weeks for the ship to be combat capable again, and the damage

to the Repliforce hub similarly so. But Repliforce shall continue to stand

against President Elpizo and his terrorist army. The battle may have been lost,

but every trooper is determined to see that the war is won.

 

            Before Bolero reaches the floor of the canopy, the drones grab Bolero's

skeleton. He's probably half-way down the canopy, but he's left quite the trail

of destruction in his wake. And the drones promptly drag him away, disappearing

into the shadows of the Central American Jungle, to parts unknown... But easily

guessed.