Cyberspace - Mobile Fortress V Hub

 

        The Repliforce server has changed much since it last was destroyed; a complete change from the former lush foliage of a techno-jungle. This hub is now covered in snow and ice ... a few massive mountains capped completely in snow and dotted with the occasional conifer tree. A winding path as though cut into the mountains themselves makes its way upward and then swiftly dips down gently into a flat area fenced with electrified barbed wire - something that would be /very/ painful if it were to be touched or breached. Situated at the entrance is a pair of tall gates with even taller sniper towers situated on either side. Guard programs, appearing as soldiers, are constantly providing surveillance here. Finally, in the center surrounded by all of this is the actual hub itself. It is designed to look like an old-fashioned military base constructed of concrete. Troops patrolling it, cameras (whether hidden or visible) always on the watch, and other programs lend to the fact that the Repliforce means business when it comes to security.

 

 Contents:                               Contents:                     

 Baroque [TickTock.EXE] [C]              Cyber Peacock [Cyber Peacock] [M]

 

 

 Out <O>:                  Cyberspace - Southern Cross Web

 

Baroque

            This TickTock.EXE, the Avatar of Baroque, the Systems Adminstrator of HeraCorp! This thing..is a BIG Tank. sloped on the front and rounded on the edges.. MIGHTY Virtual Treads allow it to move. A Deep Gray in color, it's sides almost looked lined in stone rather than metal...

            On it's front is a ... Clock face. a Clock Face lines the front where a Gun would be. It's numbered 1 to 12 in Roman Numerals with a white face, two black hands and a red Second hand. It has various small... panels in it. One can only image what for.

            Potruding from the sides of the tank are two massive Robotic like arms, also made of a similar "Steel Stone" like the rest of the tank...

 

Drifting through the jungle is just another guard program, picking through different leaves or trees, investigating with the rest. Unlike the rest, this one shimmers faintly as 5+._<y83r logs in, drifting through the protocols in search of something in particular. What? Who can say?

 

Baroque is in..HeraCorp headquarters! No one knows, but Sewa sorta has Baroque on a ALL A.P.B. Alert deal monitoring Internet traffic...and he's picked up a bleep! while normal shruged off as something minor, Baroque is far too careful. He gets on the line as TickTock.EXE waits in trainsit, he transmits a message quickly! That..happens to be routed to Storm Owl for some reason!

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Baroque says, "*ahem* This is Baroque, Systems Administrator of HeraCorp, There seems to be a bit of ..unusual Activity in your section of cyberspace."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Baroque: You say, "This is Commander Storm Owl, in command of the Fortress V. Understood, Baroque. Thank you for your notification."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Baroque also notes. "I'am sending in TickTock.EXE. Standby."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "Sing here. Situation handled. Freeze, Skull, and Clown got away. Tengu, I think, will become part of the Autotrack..."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Baroque: You say, "Nnn... very well, however as a civilian you will stay away from any classified material, and obey any orders when given to you regarding this situation."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Baroque says daintly british!: Understood, Commander Storm Owl of the Repliforce Mobile Fortress 5, you shall have my uptmost compliance!

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Baroque: You say, "Good. I will accept nothing less."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Stop calling me Leiutenant Colonel Red transmits, "That's moderately disturbing."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Nymph and Nix transmits, "..Why?"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Red transmits, "I don't believe vehicles should absorb people. It just isn't done."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "...Autochoppedhimintolittlebitswithavibratingrotarysaw..."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Red transmits, "He needs help."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] The Colonel transmits, "I have always liked Auto."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] The Colonel transmits, "I believe I remember why, now."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Heh."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "Well, to be fair, Tengu and Skull did a fair number on the AutoTrack."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Red transmits, "You would."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "He was kinda mad about that..."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Nymph and Nix transmits, "..Killin is wrong.." "But sense you can't kill Robot Masters.." "So we can blow them up right?"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "I don't see why not..."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Robot Masters are more like cockroaches than real people."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Shield Shellfish transmits, "Stomp on 'em all you like."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "Heck. We did."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "I got to beat on three today!"

 

The Repliforce Server is, as usual, fairly peaceful. The snowy mountain fortress is well guarded by sentries at the gate and flying medieval griffon-like creatures. Despite the presence of guards, the place appears fairly open and welcoming. Tourist programs are visiting the Repliforce website. Perhaps eager to sign up to fight the good fight against the dastardly Robot Masters or the sinister Coalition. Perhaps they're simply browsing the web for kewl photos of fight scenes. Maybe, just maybe, they're searching for those rumoured hot naked photos of Web Spider.

        In any event, if Cyber wishes to continue to check out the winter trees outside of the Repliforce Fortress, he is more than welcome to do so. The data they contain are minimal at best, and can be acquired by browsing the Repliforce website. Getting into the open medieval fortress itself where all the juicy secrets are will require either guile or brute force. Or a little of both. A massive bird rests on one of the towers of the snowy mountain stronghold, peering down. The brown owl actually does not look out of place beside the griffons and medieval soldiers.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Hm, how interesting."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "You'd think someone like Vile would have more sense than to announce his targets so blatantly."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "He does ziss to vaise fear and uncertainty."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "And now that I know /what/ Tron was wishing Vile luck on, I'd say yeah. Tacks in the chair of the Gesselschaft."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Really. How quaint."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Nymph and Nix transmits, "What happened?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "Effective tactically."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "He was taught well."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "Go read +bbnews 18/153"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] General transmits, "He was third in command for a reason."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Really."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf chuckles quietly.

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Krieger Wolf transmits, "In that case, I do believe I have an idea."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Arranging for one of his targets to become available to him. If this is an elaborate bluff, then he's called on it. If he's serious, well, nobody said they would be alone...."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Shield Shellfish grunts. "Don't like the sound of that. The targets are in /enough/ danger."

 

Cyber Peacock makes his move. Gliding in, his form shimmers again, this time taking on the form of a generic avatar following in line for the tourist program. The patron saint of haxx0rz keeps his eyes moving in wonder as he takes in everything he sees, gazing in absolute awe at the majesty of the fortress.

            Or just planning where to go once he's in.

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Iris transmits, "... Do you really think he doesn't intend to try?"

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Not for a minute. That's why the ambush would be important."

 

*FLASH!* The Computer Systems of the Fortress 5 show a new user! It's "TickTock.EXE" the Avatar Storm Owl was alerted to. A BIG HUGE HONKING TANK! It begins to tread light to the base.. rumbling. a Massive , and HUGE beast. It's arms held to it's side. *Rumble, Rumble*

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Krieger Wolf transmits, "He's not a god, whether he thinks so or not."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Dr. Cossack transmits, "T'rets verk only vhen zey arr cashed in. He

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Krieger Wolf transmits, "The alternative being what, then?"

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Hoping he's bit off more than he can chew in one month?"

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Iris transmits, "... I think Zero has a reasonable chance."

I don't see that here.

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Shield Shellfish transmits, "If I had it my way? Take the threat victims and lock them in the FV for the month."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Try to hit him fast. Giff him vittle time to rest, t'ough he vill not make zhat convenient for you."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Kyle Roshi transmits, "No time to rest, no time to plan... and disable his Ride Armor, if at all possible."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Kyle Roshi transmits, "Sound about right, sir?"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "All hands, this is the Captain. We are going to red alert, as we have received information concerning a potential enemy hacker within our systems. Further information will follow."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Red transmits, "Hi!"

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Vould be a common sense vay to do it, but as I said, he vill not make ziss convenient. He is patient."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Major Rush Raccoon transmits, "Understood, Captain."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Oh, of course not. If he made it easy it wouldn't be any fun."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Acknowledged."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "Roger that."

 

Outside of this virtual domain, Storm Owl sits at a computer terminal on the bridge, tapping in commands. The ship has just gone to red alert based on the information that Baroque has provided. In the real world, the shields are raised, the weapons were armed. In the virtual world, the soldiers at the gate suddenly get their pikes and glaives to the ready. Tourists are, of course, freaked out. All they wanted was Web Spider pics! Not a demonstration of violence! The massive Tank approaching is not comforting as well. "The Repliforce website is currently going down for maintenance," the lead guard avatar says in a booming voice. He's lying, of course. They just don't want to alarm anyone.

        The digital Griffons swoop around the snowy mountain fortress menacingly, keeping an eye out for anyone that shouldn't be there. One by one, the tourist avatars log off. StormOwl.EXE, meanwhile, continues to stay on his perch located on one of the towers reaching out into the sky. He is examining each and every avatar he can, trying to decipher if there is anything wrong. Hopefully this is not Heracorp's idea of a joke.

 

All of the tourists log away, save for one. The young looking boy with wide eyes stands alone now, amidst the guards and the tank and the Owl. The boy sees all of this....and starts to smile.

            As the boy turns to face the oncoming tank, the boy's form begins to glow. A halo of sorts surrounds the boy as his form changes, taking on the shape that all know; that of Cyber Peacock. The colors of the peacock are more vibrant than ever, his suit of light almost blinding in his self-proclaimed glory. His hand moves to gesture to the approaching tank, as an invisible shimmer swims from his hand to the tank itself. "A new player to the game? Someone else wants to test the mettle of my metal?"

 

Cyber Peacock strikes Baroque with his Generic Ranged attack.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Baroque says, "Suspicison Confirmed."

 

Baroque is attacked by a shimmer that by itself causes some of the Data Structure of his Avatar.

            "Curious!" he states! See. Baroque doesn't get upset. He really doesn't have an Ego to bruise. "I'am sorry, but I do belive this is a Restricted area! So if you clould please...turn around!" he attempts to take the Peackock by the head. "and go out the door!" he throws him forward. or "We'll be all set!" the Avatar "States" with a British Accent! This is, of course, if he even touched him during this attack! if he missed, he probablt flailed about trying to catch a dodgy peacock saying that!

 

Baroque misses Cyber Peacock with his Armored Fist attack.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Zero transmits, "So, Vile's aiming his sights pretty high I see."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "So it seems... General, who is this person, and should I attempt to remove them?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "So it seems."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Just beink glad is not April."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "What's worse about April, doc?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Take your daughter to verk day."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "...oh."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris oos.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "You should bring her in more often, actually. Kalinka's nice."

 

Damn. That young boy /wasn't/ looking to donate to the Repliforce Fund! He was really a spy! StormOwl.EXE's gaze follows the various tourists until only one remains. It remains on its perch as that figure transforms itself into the most feared hacker on the net: Cyber Peacock (don't tell Number Man I said that). Storm Owl ignores the bravado of the enemy hacker, and instead commands StormOwl.EXE to take up a position over the famed Maverick. "TickTock.EXE speaks the truth, Cyber Peacock. Your options are twofold: Stay here and be deleted, or retreat and keep your programming." As a warning of things to come, the brown, fairly unassuming owl, lets loose with a relatively minor burst of compressed air from its wing mounted wind generators, trying to knock Cyber Peacock back on his tushie.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] General transmits, "Daryn Luna...he most likely won't bother doing anything that will hurt anyone. He tends to play pranks and act like a child."

 

You strike Cyber Peacock with a glancing hit from your Generic Ranged attack.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "Also, doc. Mind checking out the scraps I made Tengu into? Better safe than sorry."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Dr. Cossack transmits, "Load into exam box; I vill look at it in zee mornink."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "I see. I will remain on-guard then, in case he does something stupid."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "Thanks, doc!"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Daryn? What about him?"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Identity confirmed. Enemy hacker is Cyber Peacock. HeraCorp Systems Administrator Baroque and I are engaging. Stand by. Further information will follow."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Shield Shellfish grunt.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Major Rush Raccoon transmits, "Well, it seems the god 'o Cyberspace of himself is here then."

 

Cyber Peacock moves back, graceful as always as the robotic fist goes for a swipe, before his eyes drift towards Storm Owl. "Why, Storm! So nice of you to offer me a way out." he says kindly, before glancing back at Baroque. "Now, just a minute, sir. Storm and I need to have a talk."

 

Cyber flicks his wrist in a most cultured, and really unmanly, way towards Baroque. Actually he's trying to forcibly redirect the avatar, at least temporarily. Whether or not it works, he looks at Storm. "Now, where were we?"

 

Cyber Peacock strikes Baroque with his 404 Error attack.

 

Baroque is temporarily disoriented by Cyber Peacock's 404 Error attack.

 

Baroque is hit with that "404'ed!" Strongbad Error page! Baroque hrmphs. "RUFFIAN!" he snaps in the real world as he goes about redirecting himself into the right setting again!

 

"A way out?" StormOwl.EXE emits, arching an optical brow. Beyond looking like a real (albeit huge) owl, StormOwl.EXE seems like its programmer in just about every respect. A true tribute to Storm Owl's lack of imagination. Hovering backwards as concerned that Cyber Peacock might suddenly reach out and pluck it from the sky, StormOwl.EXE definitely appears to be trying to keep its distance from Cyber. "I believe you were attacking our server, Cyber Peacock. If you wished to speak peacefully then I would have accepted your offer. However instead you have attacked us and our ally." Not that HeraCorp is an ally, per se, but you get the idea. In an effort to keep Cyber Peacock off balance, the war bird angles its wings towards Cyber, firing off a missile from its feathers. The missile corkscrews through the air, trying to track the elusive Maverick's avatar.

        The mountain stronghold's guards, meanwhile, are still getting set. Since this battle seems to be taking place just outside the castle, most of them are holding back in case Cyber breaks through. Archers are starting to line the stronghold's battlements, however, and the griffons are grouping for what might be a sortie against Cyber Peacock.

 

Cyber Peacock deflects your Formatting Missile attack.

 

Cyber Peacock holds out a hand, and the missle coming straight for him begins to slow down. Slower, and slower, until it eventually stops before his open palm. Cyber delicately swats the missle off to the side, still looking at Storm. He smiles at Storm, before clucking his tongue, as if scolding a child whom has come to raid the pantry. "Dear, dear Owl. You know full well I would not have been welcome here. But since you seem eager to placate me as the villain..." Cyber says softly, lifting one more hand, as if preparing to snap his fingers.

            "...Allow me to indulge you."

            Cyber snaps, and the world responds. Fire erupts all around the algorithmic avian and spreads fast, seemingly moving to engulf all it can before the troubleshooters can react and extinguish his own blockage of destruction. Ever seen one a single match can do to a redwood forest?

 

Cyber Peacock strikes Baroque with his Firewall attack.

 

Cyber Peacock strikes you with a major hit from his Firewall attack for 17 units of damage.

 

You take extra damage due to your Energy weakness.

 

<Global News Network> Breaking news -- an upscale apartment known in the area to belong to the Maverick Hunter Zero -- just fell under attack. Details are still sketchy, but local GNN affiliate's were able to capture this image through the haze. (A shot of Goliath, looming on a rooftop as flames dance around it's purple frame, smoke billowing skyward is shown in a steady outward pan, apparently from a helicopter as it circles above.)

 

Baroque blips back into existance with the help of a sudden jolt that seeemed to cause some more data damage. Only...this time. he's a... Honking big Huge Knight that might even rival General in size. The Might Avatar! (Which he is!) wields a mighty Sword made from a Hour Hand. Hand Gripped on the Hilt he charges forth and at Cyber Peacock as he leaps into the air and attempts to bash the peacock one GOOD right into the fracking skull! "I Will not be detered! and you shall be pushed back!" the Operator says.

Baroque misses Cyber Peacock with his Ticktock Blitz attack.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Zero transmits, "I just got a new -fish- too damnit."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "Zero. I will allow you to take whatever you like from R&D. Free."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "On one condition."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Hm, he works fast."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Zero transmits, "I've got previous arrangements."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "Skull Man's skull. My desk. Sometime soon."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Mirror Orange transmits, "Poor fish ..."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "I see what you mean about childish, General."

 

Storm Owl is, as they say, very outclassed. The owl displays a grim expression as Cyber Peacock easily smacks the missile away. The missile, now very off course, smashes into the ground, embedding itself in the snow. StormOwl.EXE attempts to display some evasive maneuvers, but doesn't stance a chance. The bird is suddenly engulfed in flames, and seems powerless to put it out. The owl wriths and jerks in the sky as if in great virtual pain.

        Storm Owl, meanwhile, frowns at the computer terminal on the bridge of the Fortress V, tapping in several more commands. His monitor goes fuzzy briefly as he almost loses connection with his digital self. He thinks he can see that the tank failed to smack the devastating Maverick from the sky. With his avatar burning, it's tough to tell. Still on fire, StormOwl.EXE is commanded to take a rather drastic course of action. The burning owl turns into a burning projectile, as it raises up into the air, trying to get above the Peacock. With wings outstretched, the StormOwl.EXE briefly looks like a phoenix rising from its ashes. Alas, this phoenix is not immune to the flames. Descending down upon Cyber Peacock, StormOwl.EXE attempts to return the fiery favour, turning itself into a projectile.

 

Cyber Peacock deflects your Dos Bomb attack.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Zero transmits, "Somebody put the word out to the New York authorities to start clearing a path. This could get...messy."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "To or from?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris transmits, "... Both, I think."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "Both."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "A trifle busy with a *grunt* attempted hat theft."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Hat theft?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Who's hat?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "This idiot is trying to steal General's hat."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "I see. Can I come?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "..."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "What the heck?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "Freeze wanted a General Hat, too."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "I may not be able to do much against Vile, but I can certainly disembowel one of Wily's sycophants."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Auto transmits, "I ordered one from the nice lady."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "This one is Daryn Luna, apparently. I believe we have it under control."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "...anyway. Consider them notified, Zero. Give 'im hell."

 

Cyber Peacock blinks out of existence briefly as the sword comes crashing down, reappearing atop the blade hand. Sneering, Cyber actually moves his hand out to slow down Storm Owl, and push him into the ground. "Fierce to the end, Storm. You and your friend." he says firmly, as a gentle electric current traces over his frame. Cyber lifts, and hovers a moment, before he drops like a stone to his knees, his fist driving deep into the ground. The ground erupts around him in an explosion of light and thunder, Cyber bringing true divine ruination to the small Repliforce Server.

 

Cyber Peacock strikes Baroque with his Denial Of Service attack.

 

Cyber Peacock misses you with his Denial Of Service attack.

 

Baroque is hit hard by that powerful attack! Data loss up the Ying Yang! Baroque typing like a madman to just keep his Avatar from breaking apart! amazing! These studies will prove useful in any case! Suddenly rearing back from the attack (and damaged), the Might Clockwork Knight emits a power DONG From the clock set in his chest... a blast so powerful it also happens to tear up a little ground with it as a Sonic Shockwave blasts through the air at Cyber Peacock. He made Bass.EXE and Mag 7 his B***TCH but .. this! this is DIFFERENT!

 

Baroque strikes Cyber Peacock with his Grand Chime attack.

 

StormOwl.EXE is shoved away from Cyber Peacock and smushes into the snowy ground. Thankfully, this has the pleasant effect of melting it due to its fiery form. The snow douses the flames, leaving a charred and battered StormOwl.EXE avatar to keep up the fight. Back on the bridge, Storm Owl is swiftly doing his best to apply a quick repair patch to his program. it is mildly successful, and at least gets the program back on its feet.

        StormOwl.EXE surges back into the sky in time to see the mountain stronghold take a hit. Archers and soldiers run for cover, and there's the sound of the griffons cawing out in pain. One of the towers crumbles as a bolt of lightning from Cyber sends it toppling. The rest of the stronghold, heavily protected, seems to weather it relatively well. For now.

        Storm Owl's program meanwhile is back in action. It soars up towards Cyber, navigating the explosions and bolts of lightning with a fair amount of skill. While Storm Owl is no hacker, he excels at calculations. Thus, he was able to predict where the next shot was going to come from. Just after the sonic blast strikes Cyber Peacock, StormOwl.EXE makes its own attempt, sticking out its talon in a flying kick o' doom!

 

You miss Cyber Peacock with your Software Shell attack.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "The server-side battle does not go well. More information will follow."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Hrm..."

 

<Global News Network> Helicopter footage continues to play as the chopper shows the carnage in the Bronx in New York, along with Zero arriving, riding on the back of a semi trailer that skids to a halt not far off, the driver bailing out and running for his life. Some words are exchanged back and forth, and then Zero and the trailer are obscured in a thick cloud of escaping steam/gas, which eventually dissipates and shows Zero rising up in -another- Ride Armor to stare across the diistance to Vile and Goliath. Words from all the news records differ but there is a collective sense of 'uh oh' to go around.

 

Cyber Peacock is actually hit for real by Baroque, and the cyber saint is not pleased. Though he is hammered, he keeps his ground, and ducks in time to avoid the kick of the Owl, but his face is no longer amused. He just stands there, looking at the destruction he's caused. His aura brightens, and flashes from his body, in a weak, but effective, flashburn of those nearby, namely Bar and the Owl. "I have more business to attend to!" he growls, taking a step towards the stronghold.

 

Cyber Peacock strikes Baroque with his You've Got Spam attack.

 

Cyber Peacock strikes you with a minor hit from his You've Got Spam attack for 8 units of damage.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "I do hope that nobody wanted this person intact when he was driven off."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Shield transmits, "Who was it?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "His name is Daryn Luna. Soon to be 'the armless', if he does not drop General's hat."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris transmits, "..."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris transmits, "If... he needs a hat /that/ badly..."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Shield transmits, "I'm pretty sure nobody cares."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] 2Lt. Singularity Shrike transmits, "What's he doin' with the Big Hat?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Shield transmits, "I think there's a few Hunters that would be upset over his death, but maiming is alright."

 

Baroque is hit by that attack! SPAM SPAM! URRRGG! but he see's that Storm Owl is in danger aswell. He can hold out a big longer. Stomping to the Owl he goes about examing the Owls code and begins to effect some repairs to the poor Butterball! He does this carefully despite his size!

 

Baroque effects some minor repair work on Storm Owl.

 

"Seal the gate!" One of the soldiers shout. The giant wooden door to the stronghold is slammed shut, and the sound of heavy logs and other objects being piled behind it can be heard. For air defence, one can see archers lining the battlements. "Archers, ready!" A Commander program shouts, raising its sword above its head. The line of archers raise their bows into the air, aiming for Cyber Peacock, who has taken a menacing step towards the gate. "Archers, fire!" The Commander avatar drops its sword, and the air is filled with black lines that crease through the sky, arcing towards Cyber Peacock in a desperate attempt to slow him down.

        StormOwl.EXE, meanwhile, is once again foiled by the Maverick. Landing/crashing by Baroque, the war bird has little choice but to accept the repairs. Glowing softly, it appears that StormOwl.EXE has been at least partially rejuvenated.

Cyber Peacock looks out at the approaching arrows, and his humor seems to return to him. Cyber closes his eyes, standing before the great wooden door, and lowers his head. His hands ball up into fists, before one opens, and reaches out for the door. The swarm of arrows in the sky begin to drop before their arc, before even leaving the stronghold. If Cyber can keep his control, every arrow will rip through the blockaded door, some sticking, others able to make it past. Cyber just keeps concentrating, trying to power his systems for the next assault. Despite his nonchalance in battle, fighting two avatars is seriously difficult work, and one must keep fully aware of everything, including your own fatigue.

 

Cyber Peacock forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

Baroque nows...turns to the Cyber Peacock. Once again..his arms rear back as that chest clock comes into play! *DING......* *DING DING DING DING DING DONG DING DING DONG DING DONG* ... a sound reverberates through the area. EVERYTHING Comes to a stop.... programs. other Avatars... everyone expect TickTock.EXE that is. Of course..expert coders might be able to avoid this one. This is Baroques Specialty. The 12 Chimes!

 

Baroque strikes you with a glancing hit from his 12 Chimes attack for 0 units of damage.

Storm Owl is temporarily disoriented by Baroque's 12 Chimes attack.

 

Baroque misses Cyber Peacock with his 12 Chimes attack.

 

One might wonder if Cyber is hearing 'Use the Force, Luke' in his mind as he diverts the arrows back into the door through some unknown method. Thankfully, arrows are not particularly useful for breaking down doors. Nevertheless, many of the arrows embed themselves into the guard door, puncturing and possibly weakening the overall structure. The archers peer down at Cyber Peacock, unsure of whether or not they should launch another volley.

        StormOwl.EXE, meanwhile, rushes forward, preparing to launch another attack on Cyber Peacock. Alas, with no warning from his ally (beyond gongs), StormOwl.EXE finds itself frozen in virtual time. Storm Owl's screen freezes up on the bridge of the Fotress V. Storm Owl arches an optical brow. That... is not good.

 

Cyber Peacock turns, feeling everything slow down around him. The archers slow their knocking. The trees begin to crawl in their slow dance with the virtual wind. But Cyber resists, keeping himself calm as he remains normal, as does another...

            Cyber looks at Baroque. "Good try. You seem to enjoy distorting other's perceptions. Some of us, however..." he says, as his hands seem to be straining against the unseen, pushing towards Baroque with some effort. "Some of us can change reality itself."

            The door behind Cyber rips away, and heads directly for Baroque as its powered by some unseen, but fastmoving force.

 

Cyber Peacock strikes Baroque with his Reality Warp attack.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Baroque says, "Hrmph!.... Impossible! Mundane! Is he really that powerful!?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Baroque: You say, "Clearly, he is."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Baroque: You say, "Focus on the task at hand. We still have a 38.4% chance of victory."

 

Baroque is hit hard by the DOOR Flapping off. Luckily Owls going to be set free in a moment. However....while he has a Half Upper hand, and his Avatar is on the verge of self deletion ANYWAYS, he decides he has nothing to loose! Letting loose yet ANOTHER Massive chime from his Torso Clock. This tends to rip away some data from himself aswell. "You're clearly Impressive, Peacock! I'll be anaylzing this Data for months!" he states as he lets loose his //all//!

 

Baroque misses Cyber Peacock with his Hickory-dickory-dock attack.

 

Storm Owl tries downloading another patch in a frantic attempt to figure out what the hell happened to his computer terminal. But before he even has the chance, StormOwl.EXE comes back online, unfreezing itself. It takes Storm Owl a moment to figure out what even happened. But from the looks of the door, which was torn off its hinges, things are not going well.

        "Charge!" The soldiers within the fortress scream, running out through the now open door. Pikes, swords, and glaives are drawn, and they run up to Cyber Peacock, hacking at him as best they can! They're only drones, but they have the homefield advantage, and superior numbers. StormOwl.EXE, meanwhile, attempts to time his next attack along with Baroque's. Summoning up a mighty whirlwind, StormOwl.EXE attempts to entrap Cyber Peacock in a raging cyclone!

 

You are now unstunned.

 

You miss Cyber Peacock with your Windows Inducer attack.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "Our defense of the server is failing. Chance for victory now at 26.3 percent and falling."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Grr. I hate having to sit on my hands like this."

 

Cyber Peacock blinks away, vanishing as the cyclone whips by, and the chime rips by. He reappears just as quickly, but not in the same spot. Cyber is now next to Baroque, floating behind his head, with both palms outstretched. "I know you're impressed." a voice whispers inside Baroque's mind.

            "But you aint seen nothing yet."

            Cyber lets loose, releasing enough energy to level most average avatars. Either way, at his angle its enough to either go by or through Baroque and explode into the massing programs, with Cyber cackling all the way.

 

Cyber Peacock strikes Baroque with his I Am God Here attack.

 

Baroque falls to the ground, unconscious, due to massive systems damage.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "17.2 percent."

 

Baroque is finally...deleted! there goes the remains of the Data off into the Cyberstream! and back to where it can be repaired! Looks like Owls on his own now. Of course, it wasn't fruitless. He has Combat Data now! Things he'll use to improve himself of course!

 

Web Spider arrives from the Southern Cross Web.

Web Spider has arrived.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Baroque says, "He is... advanced. Very Impressive!"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Baroque: You say, "Quite."

 

We've seen plenty. StormOwl.EXE has been reporting on all this to his fellow Repliforcers. The percentage chance of victory has been steadily dropping at a rapid pace. Many of the soldiers are slain by the blast that also consumed Baroque, but others still fight on. They aren't smart enough to know that their cause is lost. StormOwl.EXE, meanwhile, hovers above the fortress, receiving instructions from Storm Owl, still on the bridge of the Fortress V.

        A lesser mech might be stunned by the sheer asskicking put forth today, but thankfully Storm Owl is no ordinary mech. Unfortunately, he /is/ a very ordinary hacker. Nevertheless, he knows his only chance is to continue the fight. If the defenses fail, we're all in trouble. The archers on the battlements let loose with another attack, and Storm Owl unleashes another wind related attack. This one is a pair of cyclones that strike the ground, growing into massive tornados. The tornados whip about menacingly, trying to crash into the God of the Internet. (Cyber. Not Al Gore).

 

You strike Cyber Peacock with a minor hit from your Debug Cyclone attack.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "21.2 percent."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl's play by plays suck.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris transmits, "Zero!!"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Zero admidst static, explodey, metal wrenching. All that good stuff. "Little...busy."

 

Cyber floats above the massing soldiers, and instead of avoiding them, swoops down and wades right in. Swinging his arms almost effortlessly, soldiers are repelled by gestures that do not actually touch them, but are enough to hurl them against the nearby battlements. One ballsy gumbie with a lance dives in, but Cyber vanishes, leaving the avatar to impale his nearby comrade. Cyber reappears near Storm, still holding that smirk though the fatigue of battle is starting to show. "Good show, old man." murmurs the prissy peacock, before gesturing at Storm's head. "Good show."

            Storm may notice activity all over the bridge's computer, and his own monitor, as it appears someone is rifling through, opening files at an incredible speed, and closing them just as quickly. Wonder what Cyber's looking for....

 

Cyber Peacock strikes you with a major hit from his System Resource Diversion attack for 18 units of damage.

 

Cyber Peacock drains energy from you.

 

You take extra damage due to your Energy weakness.

 

Behind Storm, backup defensive programs made by a certain Spider kick in. Several energy barriers of differing levels of power spring up behind Storm, to help hamper Cyber's efforts of getting in if Storm Owl falls. What is left of the soldier programs continue to fire their weapons at Cyber.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "7.1 percent."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris transmits, "What - Zero, please, don't fight him alone!"

Oh, also Cyber will suddenly find it harder and harder to get into those files.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Zero transmits, "Little...late for that now."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Fencer Naiad transmits, "Here's an interesting question... why don't you just unplug it?"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "There are numerous reasons. I'd be happy to explain it to you at another time, however."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris transmits, "Someone, please, don't - don't let him -"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Major Rush Raccoon transmits, "Doing so would most likely leave the Fortress 5 without power...and plummet to the ground."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Web Spider transmits, "I am assisting, Commander Owl."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "79.5 percent."

 

Baroque logs out.

 

Baroque has left.

 

Storm Owl ignores the banter from the Maverick. He knows he's outclassed. 'Good show'. Hmph. Instead, the war bird focuses entirely on the battle at hand. He watches as the gumbies throw themselves at Cyber Peacock in what is quite the futile effort. Still, maybe it'll slow him down a bit... or waste a few precious nano-seconds of his time. Maybe. StormOwl.EXE attempts to keep control of the double debug cyclone that whips around on the ground, maneuvering them for another pass on the Lord of Cyberspace.

        Before he can get the cyclones in for another attack, however, StormOwl.EXE is strangled, held in mid-air by an unknown force as /something/ rips through its data, tearing through systems, mainframes, and other links.

        On the bridge, sparks suddenly shoot from Storm Owl's bridge terminal, much to the shock and concern of the other bridge crew. Thank you, Star Trek, for giving me the ability to have consoles explode for no reason. "He's accessing the Fortress V's engineering reports..." Storm Owl cannot do much to stop him. Web? Well maybe Web can. StormOwl.EXE, still struggling in the grips of the enemy's ability, does the only thing he can even try, and fires off a blast of air at Cyber, trying to knock him off his guard.

 

You strike Cyber Peacock with a glancing hit from your Formatting Missile attack.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris says, "Ze--" and then cuts off with a little whimpering noise.

 

Suddenly, Web's avatar, the Spider Queen, log on. She is a few feet behind Cyber and Storm, not worried at all that Cyber got through her traps. He's Cyber Peacock, after all. She watches as Storm Owl battles. Saying nothing yet, she simple hovers and folds her arms.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Sewa says, "*changes to be right!* "Are your servers okay? I heard Baroque helped you out but wasn't quite help enough.""

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Jet Stingray transmits, "Zero will be fine. I mean, he's died and come back almost as many times as his maker. Must be a 'like father, like son' thing."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Sewa: Storm Owl's voice still has static. It is hard to understand him. "This is not the time to discuss it."

 

Cyber Peacock sees in his nigh-all seeing gaze the arrival of Web Spider. Cyber practicly rolls his eyes, but the distraction is enough for a burst of air to buffet Cyber back, his eyes blinking in actual surprise. "Sly little devil." he murmurs, before sinking, heading for the castle again. While it may seem like he's ignoring everyone, in actuality he's getting out of the way, for implanted in the data of Butterball.EXE is a .midi file, specifically an oven timer's 'ding'. But this file is tuned to the megadecibel level, and may cause some unknowing hackers some discomfort.

 

Cyber Peacock strikes you with a solid hit from his Embedded Midi File attack for 12 units of damage.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Major Rush Raccoon transmits, "I'am slipping off for the night. Please leave all questions to the correct boxes. Thank you and good night. *click*"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "Zero? You okay out there?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris transmits, "He... he disconnected..."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris transmits, "But, his newest armor does that..."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Zero , static. "...not yet."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "... F*Autocensor Active. Do Not Think This Word. Have A Nice Day!*"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Lord, what a night."

 

This is hardly a battle now, but a severe raping of Storm Owl's avatar. He now is only trying to hold out until Web Spider is properly set to carry on the attack. Battered, smashed, and utterly thrown around like a rag doll caught in the mouth of a rabid pit bull. While the noies itself does not annoy Storm Owl (he is far too controlled for such things), the tattered remains of StormOwl.EXE simply cannot transfer all of the data from the .midi file without overloading. One of StormOwl.EXE's wings is literally blown clear off, shattering in midair.

        Lets just go over this. StormOwl.EXE has been burnt repeatedly, flared at by spam, time stopped, had its resources diverted away from it, had information /stolen/ through it, and now been overloaded. Oh, and of course, its wing has shattered while flying in the sky.

        Storm Owl is known for making a bad situation slightly less bad, and he does so again here. Even with only one wing, StormOwl.EXE manages to direct its fall towards Cyber Peacock, trying to get in another shot against the Maverick avatar in an attempt to buy Web further time.

 

Cyber Peacock deflects your Software Shell attack.

 

Cyber Peacock holds out his hands, as the falling Storm Owl approaches. Cyber looks at him, and offers what almost seems a sympathetic smile. "In the real world, Storm, you have always dominated the skies, proving yourself my better in combat again and again. But you know we are no longer in the world's skies, Storm. This is my world. All of it."

            Cyber knocks Storm away, directing him for Web Spider's locale. As he does so, a shimmer of heat appears around everything, and starts to intensify. The air is almost electric as the owl soars for the arachnid. Should Storm connect with the bird, the virtual spark will be the ignition for sending the stronghold into flames once again, burning many and torching the stronghold and jungle once again. If he misses, his impact may do the same. Time will tell.

 

Cyber Peacock strikes you with a devastating hit from his Firewall attack for 30 units of damage.

 

You take extra damage due to your Energy weakness.

 

You fall to the ground, unconscious, due to massive systems damage.

 

Cyber Peacock strikes Web Spider with his Firewall attack.

 

Web's mask switches to a face of irritation, both from Cyber and the MIDI file. This irritation is brushed away, as she calls, "Nice of you to drop by, Cyber. I suppose your commanders have suddenly taken an interest in these schematics after the Osprey files were swiped." Not caring what answer she gets back, Web continues to hack, until Storm smacks into her. She crashes into the ground, some pixels falling of her. Ouch. However, as she slowly gets back up for a recover, a large, black, electrified spike suddenly shoots up under Cyber's feet, a nice virus-coated one.

 

Web Spider strikes Cyber Peacock with her Dread Spike attack.

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Web Spider transmits, "I will take over from here, Storm. I will try and keep him from getting anymore data."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Storm Owl transmits through a shower of sparks, "Confirmed. StormOwl.EXE is offline." Why the hell do we make it so our consoles blow up?!

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Zero crunches, slams and bounces around like a game of Boggle. Before he speaks he can be heard spitting something out. "....sorry Iris. I can't...I need it this time."

 

Storm Owl listens to the speech even as his avatar falls to its doom. One wing, battered, torn, an optic gouged out somewhere down the line. StormOwl.EXE is a sick bird indeed. Storm Owl, on the bridge of the Fortress V, can only watch and read the text of Cyber's dramatic declaration. Proving it to be correct, the insignificant fly that is StormOwl.EXE is smacked aside by the behemoth that is Cyber Peacock. Burning as it falls off Web and back to the ground once again, the false phoenix does not rise again, but instead smolders and burns, leaving a rather disgusting tribute to Cyber Peacock's domination in this realm. If one stops and listens very carefully, one can hear the burning data.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Zero desynchs for REAL this time. Yeah.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris transmits, "Zero! Ze--"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] General transmits, "I want a Repliforcer to go to the scene and make certain that Zero doesn't harm any bystanders."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Yessir."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Idle curiousity, what am I to do if he should?"

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] General transmits, "Incapacitate him."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Web Spider transmits, "Try to not get your arms ripped off by him, of course."

 

Cyber Peacock is hit, and shouts, very near death. But not dead. "Ms. Web. Again we meet. And again you try to prove yourself to be superior. Allow me to retort." he says, breathing heavily. Cyber knows he's gone through too much, exhausted too much to win another fight. He's tired, and even deities need sleepy. But he's got enough in him for one last trick, and chooses to use it.

 

Cyber points a hand at Web Spider, sneering. "Miss Tuffet is over there, Web. Sit."

 

Cyber Peacock misses Web Spider with his 404 Error attack.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "He'll be okay."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "He's too much of a bastard to die."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Zero loves Mike too.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Iris makes a keening, strained noise that isn't quite a scream or a sob.

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "..."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Krieger Wolf transmits, "Will someone go comfort the Major?"

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Alpha Says, awkwardly, "There there."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "About to."

 

[Radio: (D) Joint-Chat] Kyle Roshi transmits, "Something very weird going on here."

 

Web puts up a program defense to keep from being controlled like a puppet. "I'm not as arrogant to prove myself superior to you, Cyber. You are clearly the better hacker. I am merely just going to make you go away. Repliforce can't afford to have you running away with more data than you already have, at this point." She hovers close, and performs a quickstrike with one of her spider arms. "Please go now."

 

Web Spider misses Cyber Peacock with her Quickstrike attack.

 

"Or not," she says. "Either way you don't look like you can take much more."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Kyle Roshi transmits, "Is there anything I should know about Major Iris? Say, homicidal tendancies when someone she cares for is threatened?"

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Krieger Wolf facepalms. *clank*

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Iris transmits, "I can hear you, you know."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Kyle Roshi transmits, "I am aware. I am asking you as well."

 

Cyber Peacock stands amidst the flames, looking at all the carnage, and destroyed avatars. He glances at Web, and laughs, her sheer audacity overwhelming his desire to look menacing. "My dear, you just said the magic word!"

            There is a shimmer, and just like that. Poof. Gone. All that's left is a voice, Cyber apparently making his escape.

            What happens when you try to shoot the devil in the back, Miss Spider?"

            "What if you miss?"

 

Cyber Peacock retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl.

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Alpha transmits, "We all get a little homicidal when someone we care about is being threatened, I expect."

 

[Radio: (E) Joint-Secure] Michael Eildath transmits, "Eh, homicidal is just a word."

 

[Radio: (A) RF-Chat] Web Spider transmits, "I have fended Cyber off. Although, what data he made off with, I am not sure yet."

 

================================== Maverick ==================================

Message: 12/54                     Posted        Author

AAR: Repliforce Server             Fri Aug 05    Cyber Peacock

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

Cyber Peacock again! Only this time, its not 5+._<y83r, but Cyber himself. The shimmering holographic peacock looks...amused. "Following orders, I decided to venture into our dear friend Repliforce's webserver. Here, I found a giant mountain fortress, hundreds of defense programs, and no less than three hackers."

 

Cyber pouts. "Oh, come on. You didn't doubt me, did you? The following will be the defensive schematics of Repliforce's Fortress Five. And if anyone wants to raid Repliforce's servers, it'll be a long time before they defrag all that ash."

 

Cyber smiles, and blinks away, after giving a quick "You're welcome!"

 

<Blip.>

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

 

================================== Maverick ==================================

Message: 12/55                     Posted        Author

Stolen Data 1                      Fri Aug 05    Cygnus

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

 

        The data stolen through StormOwl.EXE by Cyber Peacock and the bridge of the Fortress V is garbled and tough to sort through, but it includes a few details on various systems, both important and minor, to those willing to sort through the corrupted information. The most important tidbit, most likely, are two salvageable reports from the Fortress V's computer banks. The first, and most important, is a full security report. As well as what's included are a few brief details on the various systems listed, though there are key points missing here and there. The report is dated July 16th of this year, and is as follows:

 

From: Lt. Web Spider, Logistics Corps

Subject: Defence Report on Fortress V

 

I have compiled a report of the Fortress V's external and internal defenses, all listed for viewing and reference. Shining Firefly has given me external data, while I have collected data on the internal defenses myself.

 

External

        Ion Cannons (x4): The meat of the Fortress' offensive measures, they are able to destroy many large structures with ease if fired all at once. Used for combat against enemy ships. One being repaired

        Defensive Laser Batteries (x8): Functional for both anti-air and anti-ground purposes. Less powerful than the ion cannons but can fire faster and continuously. All in working order.

        Hull: Reinforced, extremely thick metal, currently being re-strengthened through the assistance of Singularity Shrike. Able to withstand minor ship and drone fire.

        Sensor Arrays: Utilizes Radar, Laser, Infrared, and Sound based sensors. Currently working at 100 percent capacity.

        Shield System: Recently upgraded, generates a large energy shield on the front of the ship, able to withstand heavier attacks from enemy ships.

 

Internal

        Security Cameras: System in full working order, repairs made to cameras in south side of the upper level. Orb form with 360 degree sight and infrared.

        Security Doors: Positioned at various points in the Fortress halls, closer under lockdown. Three of them are in a set, and close by level (1, 2, and 3 respectively). Each are made of double-strength titanium.

        Master Doors: Set to entrances of Bridge, R&D, Medical Center, Docking Bay, and Engine Room. Blast Doors that enter lockdown under alert, also have a triple lock system. They must be re-opened after alert status is over by way of cyberspace command.

        Sensor Lasers: Positioned throughout entrances and hallways, they are unseen and scan those who pass by them. Those who are not Repliforce soldiers or guests who have been given clearance are signaled as intruders and trigger alert status.

        Password System: Standard doors to sensitive areas require password to enter, by way of keypad or mental plug-in.

 

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

 

================================== Maverick ==================================

Message: 12/56                     Posted        Author

Stolen Data 2                      Fri Aug 05    Cygnus

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

 

        The second report is unrelated to the schematics of the ship, but nonetheless happened to get caught up in the quick snatch-and-grab. One could assume that it details Storm Eagle's work in leading Repliforce astray in their plans. It is dated August 2nd, and is as follows:

 

        *** TEXT ONLY ***

 

        I have spoken with Storm Eagle in sector fourteen thirty-eight, approximately seven thousand metres above ground in Russia, Europe. After a heated conversation, he made references to solving the problem of him having lost his last command, the Osprey. He furthermore mentioned that soon he 'won't need to be in the sky under his own power'. I suspect that the Coalition is constructing another airship along the same vein of the Fortress I or Osprey. I do not know how they would be able to keep such a construction project hidden, nor how they would fund it given current Maverick resource levels. I suspect that a ship on the scale of the Osprey, as it was smaller and would be easier to conceal. Nevertheless, all scouts and spies are to be on the lookout for any signs that the Coalition is constructing an airship. I cannot stress how important this is. We must maintain the aerial superiority we have over our foes.

 

        Commander Storm Owl, Commanding Fortress V, Neo Tokyo - Donachi Business District

 

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

 

================================= Repliforce =================================

Message: 14/82                     Posted        Author

RF Server: In Trouble Again        Fri Aug 05    Storm Owl

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

 

        *** TEXT ONLY ***

 

        2208 hours on August 5th, Cyber Peacock began an assault on the Fortress V's computer mainframe. I personally responded, deploying StormOwl.EXE. HeraCorp System Administrator Baroque aided in fighting against the Maverick avatar. Despite our best efforts, Cyber Peacock decimated both of us, as well as defeating the guard programs that protect the virtual stronghold. Were it not for the assistance of Web Spider, the mainframe would have been at Cyber Peacock's mercy. However even she could not stop the Maverick from escaping, data intact. While the damage to the server is minimal, new guard programs will need to be compiled. Furthermore, for several seconds Cyber Peacock was able to drain data directly from the bridge. I believe he was looking for information on the Fortress V. It will be some time before the specifics of what was stolen become clear.

 

        Commander Storm Owl, Commanding Fortress V, Kansas City - Space Elevator

 

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

 

================================= IC Rumors ==================================

Message: 31/11                     Posted        Author

Cyber Peacock - Unstoppable?       Fri Aug 05    A Little Bird (Storm Owl)

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

 

        Overheard by several tourists visiting the Repliforce Website.

 

1. Apparently Cyber Peacock visited this place just yesterday.

2. Oh? The server doesn't look to be in that bad of shape...

1. Oh yeah? I heard he slaughtered two Repliforce hackers - the Captain of the ship and some HeraCorp System Admin - /and/ a bunch of the guard programs. AND even took a chunk out of Web Spider herself afterwards before escaping, -still- alive. Took out the entire server's defences by himself. 'Going down for maintenance' my ass.

2. Huh. Wonder what Cyber wanted. Hopefully he didn't find anything useful.

1. All I know is, this massacre makes it pretty clear who's the superior hacker between Cyber Peacock and Number Man.

 

        Questions to the Butterball.

 

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

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