Yukon and Northwest Territories

 

        Home to three provinces, the Northwest Territories are now completely owned by the First Nations. Nunavut, Denedeh and Fosigher are the three provinces formed by the First Nations and each hosts native ground. Although the Natives have modernized slightly to keep up with the newest trends, they still keep teepees, wigwams and other Native structures for a feeling of home. In the distance, smoke rises from great fires, totem poles reach the highest of heights, and loud drum banging can be heard. Definitely the home of the first Canadians, this is still a beautiful place, if not more beautiful than before because of the colour the Natives bring.

        On the barrier between these areas and Alaska is the Yukon Territory, which is far more barren and deserted. There is very little of anything here: the grass is frosted over, making it turn white and off colour green. It crunches beneath feet, like snow, though is very little real snowfall to be found. In the distance, rolling moutains are barely discernable in the north and on the Alaksan border, and the winds are strong, and clear.

 

 

 Contents:                               Contents:                      

 Gigabolt Man-O-War [Jellysaucer] [M]    Tangent Lepus [Tangent Lepus] [RF]    

 Boomer Kuwanger [Armored] [M]           Colonel [Cape] [RF]                   

 Shield Shellfish [Standard] [RF]        Singularity Shrike [Regular] [RF]     

 Prismatic Spider [Labcoat] [RF]         Gravity Beetle [Armor] [M]            

 Silver Horn [M]                         Iris [Iris] [RF]                      

 Bit [Samurai] [M]                       Storm Eagle [Standard] [M]            

 Tactical Raccoon [Work] [M]             Sigma [Sigma] [M]                     

 Bolero [Armored] [M]

 Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> [H]      North Pole Safehouse <TNPS>           

 Ice Field <IF>

 

 South <CC>:               Central Canada

 East <E>:                 Greenland

 Submerge <D>:             Underneath Arctic Ocean

 North <N>:                Arctic Ocean

 South <BC>:               British Columbia

 West <W>:                 Alaska

 Up <U>:                   Sky Above Western Canada

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "It is time."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Storm Eagle transmits, "Yes, Commander!"

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Vile transmits, "Right."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Bolero transmits, "Understood."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Nightmare Police, Bit transmits, "Where are we to assemble, Emperor?"

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Good question."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Fianait transmits, "Good luck, boys."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "Gather our forces and rendezvous upon my coded transmission."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Gravity Beetle transmits, "Roger dodger."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Storm Eagle transmits, "I suggest a mission frequency to avoid revelation of our main frequencies, should major radio dialogue occur. Frequency encoded in the following transmission: $uw"08$qt09JJN0201"

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Storm Eagle transmits, "Password: radio."

 

Nunavut, far north.

 Repliforce military outpost, Fort Baffin.

 13:30 hours

 

         It's afternoon. Time is all relative here however. This far north, seasons tend to be discarded outright for one continuous stream of weather, which can literally be compared by the amounts of snow one gets. Right now, a vicious blizzard has blown in over the snowy tundras, sending arctic creatures scurrying for cover or bracing themselves against the storms. Two hundred years ago, scientists might have been alarmed by such atmospheric changes at this time of year, but global warming, seasonal changes, those are all a thing of the past really. Right now, all that the tundra, and those unfortunate individuals posted and visiting Fort Baffin know is that the wind is howling through at nearly gale-force levels, moaning like some great beast as it sends waves of snow and ice battering against structures. The temperature, so low that even standard reploids have to be careful they don't overexpose themselves for fear of freezing up vital systems. Seeing beyond fifteen feet or so is also something of a near impossibility, as buildings are made out more like shadows in the gale rather than solid objects. Good thing the local soldiers have a good communications network, and of course, know the facility well. Even if it is considered one of the less 'glamorous' jobs available.

 

A small group of Muskox trod through the blizzard. Long ago, they never would have been imagined to be able to extend their territory out this far. But in two hundred years, alot of things can change. Hardier plants grow in the tundras here, ones that can sustain animals already well bred for cold temperatures. Rather than seek cover, they plod on through the storm without a care in the world, that is, until something catches their attention, the animals tilting their heads up and staring off into the raging storm, noses twitching nervously.

 

 The Repliforce is not the only force out here right now.

 

 If not for the storm, one would be treated to a sight not seen in quite some time. The news had stated that the attack upon the Robot Master airship had been the largest concentration of Mavericks seen since the fall of Berlin. Even that however, would pale to what moves through the blizzard now. Though only small groups can be seen at a time, the rest blending into darkened shadows and blurred lines, reploids trop along in formation, marching overland, on foot. Those who are ill suited for the snow are fitted with makeshift, metal snowshoes to give themselves more traction. Others move on skis, some hover over the ground. There is the sound of engines overhead, though mostly drowned out by the blizzard as well, and no glimpse of the aerial drones and transports visible.

 

 And behind the troops, the heavy, rhythmic *THUD* of large feet, and mechanical goliaths looming out of the shadows after their fellows, the Coalition Ride Armors walking in line, together, never losing sight of one another as they move.

 

 The Mavericks are on the march. And in their sights?

 

 Fort Baffin.

 

====================== Yukon and Northwest Territories =======================

 Name             Idle    Last Pose     Last Action

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

 Vile              0s        1m        

 Bit               3m       None       

 Bolero           10m       None       

 Boomer Kuwanger  16s       None       

 Colonel           4m       None       

 Gigabolt Man-O-   2m       None       

 Gravity Beetle    2s       None       

 Iris              8m       None       

 Prismatic Spide   4m       None        

 Shield Shellfis   1m       None       

 Sigma             2m       None       

 Silver Horn       1m       None       

 Singularity Shr   5s       None       

 Storm Eagle       4m       None       

 Tactical Raccoo  10m       None       

 Tangent Lepus     4m       None       

=========================== Use +pot/help for Help ===========================

 

        Gale-force winds. Terrifyingly low temperatures. Low visual. An impossible landscape to operate in -- every step a challenge.

 

        Shield Shellfish is here. Are you surprised?

 

        The bodyguard is patrolling and inspecting the furthest outreaches of Fort Baffin. She is not alone, however -- not judging from the six silhouettes behind her. Endurance training, for the best of Repliforce's soldiers; endurance both physical and mental as they operate against the utterly miserable conditions. Not a word is spoken as they trudge around the furthest northwest corner of the fort, from which the rest walls are not even visible. They are quite visible, however.

 

        Meet the Pink Ladies, Repliforce's toughest defense squad.

 

RF Combat Squad <Pink Ladies> has arrived.

Shield Shellfish drops RF Combat Squad <Pink Ladies>.

Shield Shellfish has left.

 

In the skies, far less in terms of massiveness, but still quite numerous are the Maverick aerospace warriors, with Storm Eagle himself flying at the head of the formation. This is the time for them to show their power - not just Aerospace, but all of the Mavericks. Storm Eagle is assured of this, and has already addresses his troops on it. Today, he also has a passenger, perhaps explaining why he's actually keeping pace with the column, not flying circles around it - Boomer Kuwanger is riding in a small basket hanging from his arms.

 

Gravity Beetle is flying right along with Storm Eagle, and he doesn't like blizzards too much. "I'm freezing my /butt plate/ off!" he says, which Storm and Boomer should overhear, since he's beside the two. He's worried it'll actually happen. He's wearing a nice pair of ear muffs, though. He snickers at Boomer. "How's the view, Toto?"

 

Hovering over the frozen tundra is Bit, one of the Maverick Field Commanders. His position is close to the front of the group, his arms crossed over his front. Interestingly enough, he's wearing a snow cloak over his body, often brushing off the snow that gathers upon it. He begins to think about things, how he may end up being counter-productive in the impending attack, due to the cold having serious effects on his internal systems. Regardless, he soldiers on, and vows to himself to fight like he has never fought before.

 

General Tactical Raccoon rides near the front of the column of infantry on skis, his rifle slung across his shoulders. He slaloms forward, thermally insulated mask protecting his eyes from the unrelenting elements. Being part of these large offensives always fills him with a mixed sense of anticipation and dread, knowing what carnage will come.

 

Sigma is near the rear of the column, not so much for safety's sake, but it's easier to keep things organized here. standing upon the back of a large, flat-topped transport, the obvious form of the Imperial armor is visible behind him. Tied down with tethers and plastic tarps thrown over it to protect snow and ice from getting into important areas. He has taken on a heavier robe, again, not for comfort's sake, but to simply keep ice and snow from building up on his frame, requiring more time than is desired to keep brushing it off. His hood pulled up over his features, Sigma's cloak seems to whip steadily as if with a life of its own, the ragged edges at the rear flapping like some sort of macabre cape. His right hand holds a large device that beeps steadily. A homing beacon, and a radio transmittor, for the entire Coalition force to keep centered on, lest they stray and become lost in the storm. The weather had been an unexpected, but welcome blessing.

            It had been a sign.

            To his right and left, his warriors march. The Elite members, those known by the world, are here of course. But so are the regulars, and the armor pilots, as well as the drones. And there are hundreds of them. All stops have been pulled out, surprise is absolute.

            And through it all, Sigma smirks, standing up straighter as he turns to face into the blowing winds, and speaks aloud into his transmittor.

            "All forces, prepare to attack."

 

        Boomer has a pair of binoculars pressed to his optics, one hand on the rim of the bucket. He looks forward, a sort of determined set to his features, and shakes his head at Gravity's question. "There is so much damn snow here. It's like General starring in a Head And Shoulders commercial gone wrong. On the other hand, I think I can see some activity on the fort's uh. Pauldrons, or something. Nothing specific, though."

        Behind him, a striped scarf flaps in the breeze, trendy and insulating.

 

As for Iris?

            She is still on the Fortress V, monitoring frequencies. She is not on operator duty, but it makes sense to put your forces in a central location - and with an active teleporter network, that can be virtually anywhere.

            She fiddles with a minor intercepted string.

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Okay, I see some movement on the walls, so I think it's OK to assume people are waiting for us. Not that this is a surprise."

 

Singularity Shrike is with the Pink Ladies. He's trying to show that he, too, is hardcore. He looks around calmly. He stretches out a bit. He's been in -space-, unprotected. The cold is nothing to him.

        ...the wind, though, threatens to pick him up and chuck him to the ocean...

 

"Perfect conditions," Vile mutters to Tactical Raccoon. Vile is not talking about the tactical situation. It is cold out, it is windy out, the snow is blasting every which way, and it is miserable out. Vile appreciates that nature is doing its best to make both sides suffer for this battle. Whatever there is behind Vile's T-visored helmet is pleased with the circumstances. The wind whips and howls around as Vile trudges in the deep snow with the rest of the Coalition soldiers at his side. None of this attacking in bright and sunny days. Too easy. War isn't meant to be pleasant. War is meant to toughen you, or kill you. This place will do well at either. Vile's shield is out, blocking some of the wind and snow from hitting his helmet. The visibility here is crap, but nonetheless everyone is confident that they're at least heading in the right direction.

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Storm Eagle transmits, "Their visibility will be as hampered as yours, Boomer - they can't guage with accuracy our numbers. We must use this time to take out the current defenses, before reinforcements arrive."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Bit transmits, "They may likely be able to see us, but it won't be until the attack begins that they will have any idea of our numbers."

 

Tangent Lepus is not far from Iris, working at a nearby logistics console. He's picking up on a stray intercepted tidbit or two, and turns to Iris, metallic brow furrowed. "Miss Iris? I mean, Major...are you picking up some odd transmissions as we-"

            That's when a klaxon on his monitor goes off. "...I have a perimeter alarm trip for Fort Baffin. Attempting to confirm.."

 

         Yes. A challenging environment. It's also quite cold, windy, and such that any normal person would suffer from it. Continuing the line of no surprises, a maverick following the others slowly is hardly touched. Moving through the deep snow at his normal low speed, the wind whipping against his heavy armor, the cold which is to be miserable and the snow blasting towards him... are for the most part ignored.

         Silver Horn is much like the environment at this moment. Cruel, causing others to suffer, and cold. He is, at the very least, unfeeling towards the others. Silver Horn was made to work in human situations like this, ones created if only to store liquids at rather low temperatures.. or perhaps it was the other way. Putting something out.

         It not mattering now, Silver Horn trudges after them, actually smiling. How nice this weather was.

 

        There is always a way to make an appearance in a fashion that screams badass mutha. Unfortunately, Bolero hasn't figured out how to do so in a blizzard in open terrain while on the march. At the moment, the Stealth Angus is little more than a black and grey blur alongside the main marching formation, moving along surprisingly smoothly. Wait. Is that Bolero? That's where he started out, sure, but he doesn't seem to be moving his legs at all. Or his arms for that matter. Oh wait, there we go. Bolero slides more clearly into view once more, riding a snowboard. He looks over the troops for a few moments before leaning and boarding back out to the fringes once again.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Gravity Beetle transmits, "Good thing I had that extra E-Tank beforehand.."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "I take no joy in moments such as these when we must fight those of our own race. But I know, and you all know, that they have made their choice, and their intentions clear, even if there are those who will yet change their minds in the future, for now, there is only the moment."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "Do what you must do. Victory to you all, I shall see you there."

 

And that's how simple it can be.

            With the first sensors tripped, the Mavericks at the front begin to 'double-time' as per their orders. The RAs backing up the first waves activate their dash jets, plowing along the icy surface, moving about as enormous, armored shadows.

            And with that, without any further warning, or fanfare, the Mavericks have arrived. Coming from the blizzard like a mass of wraiths, their weapons are the first to suddenly unleash, a split second timing on Sigma's radio'd command of...

            "...open fire!"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Silver Horn transmits, "My pleasure."

 

Lumine arrives from the Central Canada.

Lumine has arrived.

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Tactical Raccoon transmits, "Backup has been requested."

 

Storm Eagle nods to Boomer. "Be prepared." Then, without any more warning than that, he swings the basket up, tossing it and its owner into the air. As he does so, his right arm shifts to the Turbine Buster, which comes forward and shoots a blast of high-velocity compressed air at the basket, sending it and Boomer flying towards Baffin even faster than the Aerospace charge that follows.

 

Tac hits the ground in a perfectly timed movement as the rest of the infantry rushes around him to attack, disappearing within the rapid movement. His outer coating shifts and mottles to blend in with the environment, concealing him within the chaos. As the last of the infantry surges by, he slides his rifle ahead of him and starts to calibrate the scope, waiting for targets of opportunity.

 

Tactical Raccoon activates his stealth mode.

 

        The northwest corner of the fortress is a spot of bright pink. It is very difficult to miss, even in this weather. The only exception are Groundpounder Gilamonster, who is looking down at Singularity Shrike with quiet desperation. His look says 'please save me from this squad'. Abruptly, however, there are more pressing concerns. Shield Shellfish raises a hand and signals -- high alert, enemy presence confirmed. Glances are exchanged within the group, which immediately begins to spread out in two lines of three. Shield Shellfish continues the patrol, but now every unit is scanning the immediate area, which continues to be nothing but snow and ice and lasers --

        Oops.

        But they are an elite squad, and highly prepared, even if this is a completely unanticipated interruption into their training. Fuscia Ferret is blasted through the shoulder -- she is hauled out of the way by Groundppounder. The two lines begin to spread out into the snow and ice and return fire on the Maverick forces.

        Shield Shellfish stays where she is. Drawing fire, hopefully, as the squad gets into a more fortified position -- as if anything like that exists out here.

 

Bit, being near the front of the army, hastens his pace as Sigma orders those up front to do. And, as the second order, open fire, is given, Bit draws his energy katana, sticking his arms out of the cloak, but still wearing it. Turning to the Mavericks around him, he calls out "Should you die here today, you will always be remembered for bravely fighting for your cause!" Activating the energy blade and bringing his tower shield out of subspace, he joins in the charge, fighting alongside his comrades.

 

Gravity Beetle cackles as the order is given. "Let's go to town, bro!" he calls as Boomer is thrown up. As Boomer is shot forward, Gravity flies off to stick by him. They'll go to town on the Repliforcers together. Following Grav, though, is a swarm of orange flying wasps with radio antenna on one side, and the ability to drop mines. Also, HOLY CRAP BEE COPTER. Yes, those huge blue and yellow bees that fire missiles and have vulcan cannons. You know what they are. Gravity begins flinging balls of gravity at the Fort himself as he nears.

 

Singularity Shrike takes to the skies as best he can in this wind. The initial take off is therefor not as slick as he'd like. He scowls at the radio traffic as he yanks his spear out of subspace and takes a mental inventory of what he has in stock.

 

The flak grenades will be about useless here, he figures. He scans the area, but really, one of those people with enhanced sensor rigs would be better suited for the task...

 

Vile's red optic dulls between the slit in his helmet as the walls of Fort Baffin comes into view despite the heavy snow. Marked against the blinding white of the tundra and the obscene weather, the dark purple ex-Maverick General steadies himself as best he can despite the uneven footing. From his left shoulder, the minimissile launcher flashes briefly, launching a swarm of missiles. Each about a foot long, the mini-missiles, numbering in the twenties, corkscrew madly through the air. The fiery trail is masked by the snow as they chaotically fly above the wall, and then drop, hitting the fortress's armoured structure itself with a rapid-fire ~THOOM~ ~THOOM~ ~THOOM~ from the repeated, muffled explosions.

 

Given the ominous nature of the situation, Iris rises from her console, nods once to Tangent, and heads quickly towards the teleporter bays.

            This takes her some time; the F5 is large.

            A minute or so later, perhaps, she appears in the remote fortress's teleporter bay. She looks worried as she steps quickly out towards the exit into the icy, snow-filled courtyard. The wind pushes her back like a flat hand, and she has to hold down her beret to get clear of the building. After this, she squeezes the necklace around her neck.

            Compared to assault artillery, this isn't THAT loud.

 

Iris changes into her Vanguard armor.

 

        As Sigma sounds the call to battle, Bolero presses his weight forward. His leg swings out of lock on the board, kicking him up to speed. B streaks toward Fort Baffin, bobbing and weaving his way through the waves of troops marching and firing upon the base. A few stray attacks splatter and wash over his form, forming pits and scars across his matte armor. A frown forms on the Spaniard's face, invisible thanks not only to the blizzard, but the armored cowl concealing his head. His hands come together, arms moving to one side of his body as he twists at the waist. With a twist of his waist, a dual-palmed thrust strike to the air, and wind-muffled shout of, "BOLERODOKEN," a huge sphere of sonic energy streaks out from Bolero's hands to hopefully knock on the front door. Like a SWAT officer with a door charge.

 

Tangent Lepus follows not long after-he had to detour on foot to hand out emergency coordination frequencies. Radio was comrpomised. Thankfully for one as fleet of foot as he, it wasn't too long a detour. Appearing in a flash of light after Iris' change is complete, he halts from adjusting his Poseidon Blade to stare in awe at the Vanguard.

            "Miss, just what are we up against he-" He grabs a nearby wall as Bolero's strike smashes into the main gate. "...oh my."

 

<Global News Network> A sudden storm brews over Giga City. The skies darken, the winds howl. Thunder rumbles, and lightning flashes across the skies. A steady, hot rain begins to fall, steam rising up from the buildings. The Weather Channel is already there, and some Reploid turtle in a fisherman's yellow jacket and hat is standing out in the rain and talking about it inanely.

 

A mile away from the Repliforce outpost on the opposite side from the amassed Maverick army, a lone flash of energy arrives in the middle of the snow storm. Normally this flash of energy is the standard size of someone only about six feet tall. This evening it is instead an energy portal large enough to accomodate a bulky frame of eighteen feet. The pilot within the transparisteel is thankful that he's enclosed inside the armor instead of being in the storm outside, as he activates the flight systems of the Gunslinger and approaches the base.

 

Along with Iris, another Repliforce soldier arrives, labcoat whipping around him in the frosty, blizzardlike conditions. Grunting as he listens to the rattle of munition smashing into wall, the Spider Scientist swings up onto said wall and looks out over the snow-coated hills. "Damn, you can't see anything out there." He turns to one of the soldiers. "What kind of enemy concentration are we dealing with here?"

            The soldier shrugs, lining up to deliver another shot from his standard-issue rifle. "I don't know, sir. We just know it's Mavericks and there's a lot of 'em! Our intel can't get info as fast in the middle of storms like this."

 

Prismatic sighs, and clenches his eyes shut for a moment. "This... Really sucks."

 

        Boomer nods in abject agreement with Storm Eagle, and at the Aerospace Commander's nod, gives a thumbs-up. "Do it! HOLY SH-" Boomer doesn't get to finish his sentence before a blast of Storm Eagle WINDNADO sends him flying towards the enemy-front lines at a speed that greatly surpasses anything the Mavericks can put forth.

        Seriously. There is a streak of blue, red, and yellow in the midst of the blizzardish flurry, one that streaks /right/ by Singularity Shrike. The dude may notice Boomer, wide-eyed, flying past at something close to the speed of sound. He cuts an imposing figure. Shrike would also hear something like "THERE'SSNOWINMYEYESGRAVITYICAN'TSEEANYTH-" before Boomer goes screaming out of view, still going really fast.

        Boomer's trip ends with the beetle shrieking towards the enemy's front-door, following Bolero's sonic BOLERODOKEN thing. In a desperate attempt to make it looks like he knows exactly what's going on, Boomer lowers his head, throws one hand forward(in a commanding sort of way), and shrieks:

        "BOOMERDOUKEN!"

        Tangent Lepus would be entreated to yet another heavy THUD against the front door. And a pair of horns sticking straight through it. There's also some muffled cursing. Also, if Boomer hit the door hard enough to open it, well, there'd more or less be an impaled Maverick trying to pull himself out of the metal.

 

Boomer Kuwanger misses Singularity Shrike with his Grasp attack.

 

        RAs and preons and bees, oh my.

        A fantastically-sized flare goes up, illuminating the area around the northwest corner -- compounded a second later by two short reploids, a Malamute and a Chiton, who barrel through the drones and crush and tear up the ground as they go. The first fringes of the Maverick forces are up here, away from the main gates, but they need to move in closer before any real harm can be done. Shield Shellfish kicks off the ground a little, rising above the two short lines of the Repliforce squad, scanning as best she can. A few quick sparks, tiny from this distance, catch her attention. ...missile trails?

        The squad is gestured in that direction, running openly now that the attack is on in full. Shields are activated. The bodyguard narrows her optics at the single dull, dark-purple spot, gradually more visible as flames start to rise around the fortress.

        Vile.

 

RF Combat Squad <Pink Ladies> brings their reflect system online.

 

         As the many other mavericks get to doing what is needed, namely, assaulting the base, Silver Horn slowly trudges towards it as well. There were many fighters, yet, and there was much going on. Perhaps they wanted to get such things out of the way quickly. Silver Horn has no problems being rather later, or slow and torturous about such things as this.

         Standing still now, a bit from the base, decently in the lines of the advancing mavericks.. Silver Horn.. stops? Both the cannons on his back load, heads extending forwards before slamming backwards quickly, a shot of rather heavily pressurized and concentrated water being fired towards the base.

 

         No need to get himself wounded after all. There were more important things to save himself for. Silver Horn, in such a lovely environment, begins to fire, planted on the ground.

 

<Global News Network> The turtle keeps blithely rambling on about how windy it is as a piece of newspaper flies behind him. He doesn't notice the alarm klaxons starting to go off at the Melda Ore Factory. Emergency units stream by behind the turtle, perhaps to deal with a fire or a lightning strike. The storm worsens. A Zakobon strolls by directly behind the turtle, ignoring him. The camera turns to track the drone as it heads back toward the factory --

 

It is in this atmosphere that Aerospace's finest fly forward - they support the ground troops from abovve, with missiles, energy blasts, energy missiles, fire, ice, and in at least five cases, wind. Storm Eagle is the greatest of those using wind. His Turbine Cannon is humming continiously as he keeps blasts of ionically charged air firing at Baffin, trying to keep the defenders busy.

            In the madness of battle, one may very well find a way to get through the confused defenses trying their damndest to line up against the front walls. One particular Maverick with a penchant for sonic attacks may get to the wall and strike against its walls, in an attempt to breach the peace and safety of the fortress to spread their terror and disease.

            An attempt. Nothing more.

 

For as the blast strikes against the main gate, a small pocket of reality seems to distort and darken, as a tall humanoid reploid strides out, facing Bolero. His arm raises, and a shrieking hiss is heard as his arm sparks to life, revealing a long, bright green contained beam field. The wind struggles to remove the cloak against the Colonel's back, as he brings his arm forward, letting the point of the beam sabre to come about and point between Bolero's eyes.

            His face is grim, as his lips tear away to reveal teeth clenched with adamant refusal to open. But a word still escapes his frozen jaw. A word that finds its way through the wind and roar of battle, despite its soft emittance. For such a word can be heard by any that go by its name.

            "...Traitor."

 

<Global News Network> The camera pulls back to a wide shot. Repeated Blink signatures are seen, sickly purple streaks of light disgorging Reaver after Reaver, streaming toward the factory. Flying above it all, surrounded by a corona of red-black light, is the Destroyer. He looks back toward the camera. His eyes flash, and the signal goes dead. Shortly afterward, a large explosion is noted in the Giga City area from that district. It's on.

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "How convenient. Press the attack!"

 

Sigma watches, and waits. As even at this distance, the distant blue and red flashes of laserfire and explosions begin to meet his gaze, and he smiles, despite himself. It's true that he in fact, -does- hate fighting other reploids. But be that as it may, he is a warrior and a general at heart. And there is no moment that he feels more like he is fullfilling his destiny than in bringing the fight to his enemy. Today would be a day to remember. Only one day to come would eclipse it, but that...was not yet.

            Missiles and heavy ordinance fly over the heads of the first Infantry attack, as a special detachment of armored mecha move up to support them. A few Ride Armors, but some are the two-legged, stumpy missile platforms that are little more than automated drones, mindlessly following their orders. Masses of explosive warheads are unleashed, send out in a roaring swarm of twisting contrails and sound not unlike a horde of angry hornets. It is soon followed by the dull rumble as they find their targets, fall short, or overshoot. Either way, they explode, lending their destructive fury to the chaos.

            Overhead, an entire squadron of delta-winged aerial drones swoop in overhead, some of them dropping out of formation as the first point defense systems find them, sending some crashing down into the snow, though the rest come swarming in, bombs primed and ready.

            Against an outpost in the far north, and against a Repliforce that has just endured the battle with Neo Arcadia in San Angeles, the Mavericks have jumped in feet-first. And they're holding nothing back. Everytime a warrior falls or a machine is blown apart, another one moves up to take its place and silence the force that struck its predecessor.

            And through it all, Sigma waits, watches. Listens to the reports, before silently turning, then vanishing in a bright, green flash. A moment later, there is the sound of cables straining, bending...then the dull thrum of a massive generator coming online.

            And slowly, with a great snapping of steel cables breaking under pressure, the Imperial form rises, steam hissing about, only to be whipped off into the storm, as the giant form begins to slowly drift towards the front lines.

Sigma changes into his Imperial Sigma armor.

 

Gravity Beetle watches Boomer go past him, seeing him end up at the door. "Yeah! That's the ticket, Boomer!" he cheers. He should help him out...the two-legged mobile rocket launcher drones form the line on the ground, flipping up both panels and launching their rockets, while flying 'heads' with rockets in their mouths dispense them one at a time (at least until they get cut down). The Bee Copter makes a terriftying hum as it opens fire on guards with it's vulcan cannon.

        The Beetle Of Jokes continues to fly towards Boomer, as his wasps deposit their mines from their abdomens. Gravity flies over to Boomer, despite getting shot at. He grabs Boomer and begins pulling at him so he may be free. "You can't have any fun hanging around there, bro!"

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "Retrieval team and shock troopers, stand by for go signal."

 

Lumine is, likewise, watching and waiting and not doing too much that's interesting. He wants to see where his presence is needed before making himself known. He hides in the mist to keep from being spotted, letting the drones and other Mavericks do the hard work for a change. To those who can see him, he appears kind of bored.

 

Tac is being briefed about the Giga City situation. However, he has his orders; the Emperor himself has commanded the attack be pressed. He adjusts his scope, but visibility is bad. He can't see much, so he has to rely on the thermal spectrum to do his targeting.

            Tactical takes targets of opportunity, taking disabling shots against Reploids that get in the way of the advancing infantry. He pops off a series of shots with meticulous, careful timing, then rolls up to his feet and darts over to a natural dune for renewed cover while he reloads. Mortar hits detonate around him, spraying his position with dirt and snow, but he maintains his keenly honed composure.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "Keep us updated if anything of note takes place in the Giga City situation. I suspect this 'destroyer' may be acting on his own because of our 'distraction'. If he is profiting from our actions, I wish to know what he has gained."

 

There's a click and a whirl that's lost in the wind as Vile's missile rack cools down after its barrage. Slowly, one by one, new missiles are brought from subspace for reloading. Vile, quite possibly smiling behind his helmet, watches as the Mavericks begin the assault that they used to be known for. Just like in the good ol' days when even Repliforce had to tremble at the might of the Coalition. Consider this the beginning of reversing that, Vile considers. Fists clenched, the Maverick stomps towards Fort Baffin's outer wall, leaving deep impressions in the snow with each step. "Better to die fighting than die cowering inside, Repliforce!" Vile calls out threateningly. Unlike Sigma, he has no issues with slaughtering his own kind.

        It does not take long for Repliforce to respond. The shimmer of multiple shields going up does not go unnoticed. Is that pink that Vile spots? Why, he believes it is. This can only mean one thing. Halting in his stomping, Vile plans to make good on his threat of either forcing Shield Shellfish to the Coalition or forcing her to self detonate. "So many soldiers, Shellfish!" Vile calls out loudly to be heard over the snow. "Lets see if they're willing to take a bullet for you." There's a blast from the Vile cannon, targeting the Shellfish. Do any of her comrades do their bodyguarding duty?

 

Unlike most commanding figures, Bit doesn't sit at the back and watch the carnage, he's up there with the regular soldiers causing the damage. Using his shield as both a defensive tool, as well as an offensive weapon, firing plasma blasts whilst covering behind it, using his katana mostly to cover his rear.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Magna Centipede transmits, "Your will be done, sir."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Magna Centipede transmits, "I will have my monitor drones keep me updated."

 

Tangent Lepus sees the pair of horns come digging in through the main gate, and decides he's had more than enough. Readying his sword, he dashes to the door, and stabs the blade henceforth through the point where he hopes the Maverick's head remains.

            "This outpost is not open to the public." Tangent states curtly, and tries to calculate outcomes in his mind as the forces present make themselves known...

 

Tangent Lepus strikes Boomer Kuwanger with his Poseidon Stab attack.

 

Singularity Shrike the scarf causes Sing to turn, and before he knows it, he's a bit further ahead than he had thought he was, and sees a certain Triceratops Maverick firing on the base. He...looks familiar. Maybe he was on the news or something? Well, he's up to no good, that's for sure. A blaster snaps open in his wrist, launching a volley of plasma shot at the large maverick.

        "You guys have the crappiest timing, you know..."

 

Singularity Shrike strikes Silver Horn with his Scatter Shot attack.

 

        The Gunslinger continues toward the base at full throttle, it not slowing up in the least as it drives up and over the base to come down from above toward the gathered Maverick forces.

        Unfortunately for Bit, the Gunslinger is coming down and twisting around to use it's thrusters to slow itself completely down to a standstill. The thruster wash fires almost purposefully toward Bit as the pilot, perhaps now visible through the snow storm, pulls back the controls and twists around to face Bit.

        "Been awhile since you've crawled out of your hole, where's your brother?" Blues asks.

 

Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> misses Bit with its Thruster Wash attack.

 

The Vanguard rises; there is little else it can do. It seems somewhat obvious as it does so, as Iris is warming up all the tactical systems. Given the chaos of this situation - normally she has SOME warning before she has to go into battle - it is taking a few moments.

            The octogonal crystal drone decouples from between the Vanguard's back and rises, sending out pulsed radar waves to try and see through the storm and murk.

 

        Bodyguarding duty?

        Several of them might be bodyguards in the course of their duties, yes. However, for the vast majority of the time -- they are soldiers. They take hits for each other, yes, but they also employ tactics and strategies and occasionally a decent amount of common sense. The squad scatters -- Groundpounder burrowing down into the snow, Chiton, Malamute, and Ferret to the right, Laterose and Salmon teaming together and working their way in a long arc to try and attack Vile from behind. And Shield Shellfish?

        She takes it like a woman.

        The blast shreds through her side and part of her chestplate -- the remaining two-thirds of the Vile Cannon blocked away by a raised shell-half. She wastes no time but slams on her hoverjets, keeping the shell-half lowered, speeding towards Vile in an attempt to bring him into melee range, and also to give the squad time to get into a better position. They're tough -- but Vile is tougher. They'll need a tactical advantage.

 

        Boomer immediately puts his hands and feet on the door, pulling and grunting and pulling some more. By the time Gravity's settled down behind him and is also pulling, Boomer's making slow, steady progress /out/ of the door... and then he hears a muffled attempt at wit. There's barely enough time for the Maverick to give one final tug before a sword comes FLYING OUT OF THE DOOR, making a rather heavy gash in his forehead, mechfluid spattering against the door he's wedged himself into.

        "AGHR! JESUS!" Boomer is, of course, sent flying backwards with the added push of the sword, and goes tumbling back into Gravity Beetle. Since Gravity is about eight thousand times heavier than he is, Boomer uses his buddy as a sort of springboard, once more, screaming.

        "HNGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! GRAVITY, FOLLOW ME!"

        There's another heavy THUNK as the beetle slams into the door. Except he goes /through/ it, horns leading the way.

Boomer Kuwanger strikes Tangent Lepus with his Impale attack.

 

Lumine sees a large object rising through the mist. At a certain point, size = minus stealth. Lumine evidently changes his mind about his method of approach and flies up in the sky as well, leaving most of the Mavericks on their own and without his assistance. Lumine has been a little disgruntled lately, hopefully this isn't a side effect of it. All the same, he's rather high up shortly and wings expand from his back and clink and clank as Lumine removes himself from the battlefield.

 

Gravity Beetle doesn't feel Boomer's puny body hit into him. He just watches Boomer plow through and into his opponent, buzzing in after him. "Right behind you! Nothing can stop the Beetle Brothers!" he says, cackling. The wasps stay outside, before most of them are shot down. At least they manage to take out one gumbie.

 

Lumine changes into its Paradise armor.

 

Normally, it would folly for aerial units to field so heavily in a snowstorm - but the Mavericks, with their Aleutian Base, are practiced in arctic warfare, and Storm Eagle has made sure his troops can handle the cold and fight in the snow and wind. He, himself, is not in the least bothered - snow may weigh him down, but he is a master of storms...as soon becomes evident. Those with pressure sensors will suddenly notice a distinct drop in pressure centered on the eagle, as he gathers wind about himself. The Turbine Buster shifts, going from charged air-shooting to pure electricity. He fires...but not at Baffin. No, he's starting a chain reaction. The air, at least around him, begins to crackle. Snow is one thing, but Storm has added a new bit of weather to the mix: a localized, highly focused thunderstorm. With, of course, snow. The lightning bolts arc down towards the wall, directed at, well, any Repliforce soldiers in range. This includes Prismatic Spider, recognizable even within the diverse ranks of Repliforce with his strange, iridescent armor. Eagle knows Prism's intelligent, and therefore must be taken out.,

 

Storm Eagle strikes Prismatic Spider with his Skylord's Glory attack.

 

         Silver Horn continues firing upon the base, cannons switching rounds to warm up? Cool down? A mix of the two perhaps, them fired one after the other. That is, of course, until a specific repliforcer flies above him and then calls down, shooting straight at him, a splash of plasma striking the armor almost as if he didn't try to move.

         Eyes moving up to Singularity Shrike, body twisting a bit of the way, Silver Horn shakes his head. "You speak of this as if it was unfortunate for us? Do me a favor, and keep the complaints to those higher up. I am merely here to destroy you, and NOT speak of timing."

         Both cannons aim towards Singularity shrike. Minimal water pressure is used, firing a blast of it towards Singularity. The water itself should be cooled enough by the air and storm around him, that he wouldn't need to do the work of it.

 

Tangent Lepus is suddenly, and violently, slammed into by Boomer. This one is fast-faster than he'd expected. But judging by his size, speed would be needed for the power that had to be behind that charge upon the door.

            Grasping his sword, he makes a swift uppercut before kipping to his feet, "You can't win, Maverick. Leave." he states simply, readying his blade for further combat.

 

Tangent Lepus strikes Boomer Kuwanger with his Rising Poseidon Blade attack.

 

Singularity Shrike deflects Liquid Cool from Silver Horn.

 

While he is busy fighting the initial defence force, Bit was keeping his wits about him, and was not caught off guard by the Gunslinger. Quickly hovering backwards, away from the blast from the thrusters, Bit looks up at the ride armor. As he talks, his words come out slow and slurred, and his mouth plate moves slowly, showing the effect of the conditions on his capabilities. "Byte is indisposed right now, protecting our other assets. Besides, the power of the Godmachine is something we prefer to keep in slumber until times of dire need." His yellow optics flash to show he blinked, before his hover system kick back in, as he charges the Gunslinger, before swiping at the legs with his tower shield, aiming to cripple the ride armor before it can do too much damage.

 

Bit strikes Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> with his Shield Bash attack.

 

Sigma lands some distance from the transport he came in on with a heavy *THUD*, puffs of snow and ice kicked up around his huge frame in those few seconds. The sounds of battle are closer now, of course. And even now, an occasional stray missile or stream of bullets kick up a mist where they impact, though none come close to the Commander as he stands tall, and ready. Slowly, other forms begin to materialize from the blizzard around him, as they were briefed to. More Ride Armors, along with the biggest and strongest Maverick regulars that could be found and volunteered for the job. Together, forming a 'Shock Group' of sufficient firepower to count as reinforcements all in their own. Now the Mavericks are about to play their true hand.

            "Second wave, attack." Sigma orders, then turns back, raising one huge, gauntleted hand and waving it forward.

            All hell breaks loose along the 'front' line. Suddenly, the Maverick numbers seem to double. Those that were holding back in the blizzard, now surging forward on their orders. Many of these carrying heavy weaponry or rapid fire cannons to put down a hellish amount of suppression fire, or simply being high firepower units themselves. Like a surging wave that will not be denied the shoreline it desires, they begin to lurch forward now, putting out increased amounts of firepower, backing each other up with the same military precision that Repliforce employs. Afterall, the Coalition boasts training and many members from RF's own ranks.

            And through the storm, at one particular point, Sigma and his entourage march forward. Easily a dozen massive, two-story frames stumping forward out of the blizzard. The Repliforce troopers holding that line have just enough time to watch as the Maverick 'regulars' move apart to let the others past, before a sudden chaotic firestorm of hellish proportions is unleashed. A stream of rapid fire plasma weaponry, explosive warheads and blue lasers streaking out, impacting one particular section of the wall with all the force of a god slamming his fist like a battering ram.

            The resulting explosion sets the ground rumbling, and lets up in a fireball that is visible to -all- on the battlefield, even through the blizzard.

at!'

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Overclock transmits, "Do we have an official position on this?"

 

Tactical's position continues to take heavy fire, but it's undirected. His exact location is unknown. He waits patiently for the reloading interval before moving out from behind the snowbank and skittering behind the half-exploded body of a much larger Reploid, using it for a better source of cover. Between his stealth and the chaos of the second wave, he is able to get to his next position safely.

            He zeroes his scope again before rolling out from behind his dead countryman and firing at some additional targets of opportunity. He focuses on disabling shots, and primarily tries to slow up faster units or Repliforcers that appear to be presenting an imminent threat to the Maverick flank.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Storm Eagle transmits, "I would assume we oppose it. The Destroyer is a global threat."

 

Vile watches as the Repliforce pink squad maneuvers. "Good!" Vile shouts, complimenting their maneuvers. He watches as they scatter away, presumably to lure them in. He sees Groundpounder dive beneath the snow, a group consisting of Chiton, Malamute, and Ferret heading one way, and Laterose and Salmon going the other way. This is a clear attempt to outflank the Maverick Ex-General. Vile is wise to such tactics, having served in the Force for longer than he'd care to admit. Vile looks back to the only remaining Repliforcer before him - Shield Shellfish. The ex-Maverick General raises his finger and waggles it at her in a condescending manner. "I grew up with these tactics, Shellfish."

        Rather than focus on the obvious target of Queen Pink, Vile takes off running, however difficult that might be with the snow and wind slamming against him. It should be enough, though, to keep Groundpounder guessing as to where he is. Vile remembers him from the old days, fighting against the Coalition way back when. The purple criminal is heading towards those seeking to flank him on the right - Chiton, Malamute, and Ferret. The Vile CCannon spits out energy blasts with each step. All the while, Vile keeps track as Shellfish charges towards him. At the very last mili-second, just before she is to crush him, Vile brings out his shield, plants it in the snow, and braces himself for impact.

 

As the sensor reports keep coming in as inconclusive due to various and sundry forms of signal jamming and general ECM, Iris slaps one of the consoles in the Vanguard's cramped cockpit. It's not cramped to her - the size is perfect - but it's still rather close.

            Then she sees Lumine, rising upwards. This fills her with dread; she remembers the advantage of the high ground. The Vanguard's wings spread, and then - it flies upwards, after the smaller reploid.

 

The plan, for Bolero, was to blow a few holes in the fortress, make an appearance, and then fade into the gumbie melee. Why? Because he has, err, other things on his mind. Not to mention he's yet to get his right arm patched up. However, Colonel steps out of Fort Baffin. Bolero is uncon- Wait. OH SH- cerned by this appearance. Why is this? Well, he hasn't exactly seen Colonel through the blizzard and smoking remains of wall. At least, not until just about... Hang on a second... Right now. When Colonel speaks. The Spaniard's violet optics widen significantly, a Spanish curse escaping his vocalizer as he steps back slightly.

            Then, from nowhere, Sigma signals a redoubling of the Maverick effort. This bodes well for Bolero. The Spaniard falls back from the door, disappearing himself into the gumbie melee as significantly as possible. It's almost impossible to tell Bolero from one of the Regulars... Or the Repliforcers for that matter. The Spaniard can't handle a show-down tonight... Not now.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Nightmare Police, Bit transmits, "If Scott Wily was anything to compare to, the Godmachine would not be a viable option to terminate The Destroyer."

 

Lumine enters the Sky Above Western Canada.

Lumine has left.

 

        Boomer is, more or less, laying on top of Lepus, and gets to his feet faster than his opponent. While he originally seems to take a good deal of pride in this(going so far as to hi-five Gravity), the resultant uppercut from Lepus sends him sprawling back to the ground, making some kind of horrified "Aughfhf!" sound and clutching at his face, kicking about like a truly pained Reploid.

        "G-G-ggg-ow!"

        Boomer is down, but not nearly out enough to be unable to take care of oncoming soldiers. A Boomerang Cutter is thrown towards a single-file line of gumbies, and more or less uniformly, the men fall over, split in half. With a free hand, Boomer is indicating that Gravity should be dealing with the enemy.

 

Iris enters the Sky Above Western Canada.

Iris has left.

 

Singularity Shrike snaps off a burst of force, knocking Silver Horn's blasts away from him, sending it towards the skies. He glowers as he closes the distance quickly.

        "Look man. We have more important things to deal with here. Like the guy who's out to end all existance? That includes us, you know!" Sing brings the spear around in a short, tight arc aimed at the larger reploid's armpit. "But I'll be -damned- if you look familiar..."

 

Singularity Shrike strikes Silver Horn with his Spear Strike attack.

 

Prismatic Spider continues looking over the battle, tapping into the defense networks and assisting with the coordination of the defenses against the unusually large enemy.

            Looking up into the biting wind, he suddenly blinks at the flash of light... And an instant later, he is blasted backwards, armor shattering and abalating from the thunderstrike. "Damn..." Looking up and blinking the aftersparks from his vision, he notes Storm Eagle in the middle of the inclement weather. "You just couldn't leave well enough alone, eh?" Prismatic kneels, one of the shoulder flanges open to reveal a miniature launcher tube. With a THOOMP, a munition is launched into the teeth of the storm, Prismatic hoping to account for the effects on his ballistics... And at an airtimed signal, the munition detonates, a dull crimson dust spreading rapidly in the windstorm... And then there is a second CRACK, the cloud sucking in the lightning greedily, as well as a momentary coruscating light within the center... As anything caught within are suddenly subjected to a powerful ionization effect.

 

Prismatic Spider strikes Storm Eagle with his Nebula Storm attack.

 

Gravity Beetle snickers at Tangent, as Boomer takes a moment to deal with gumbies. "DOn't sound so sure, Bugs!" he says. "Mess with one beetle, you mess with both." Gravity throws out a small dark ball....which grows into a miniature black hole, the sucking force of it's gravity pulling and tugging at Tang.

 

Gravity Beetle strikes Tangent Lepus with his Mini Gravity Well attack.

 

        The knee of the Gunslinger is thankfully far more reinforced than Bit anticipates as the shot only burns away some of the top layer of armor. "Keeping it for the most dire of circumstances? Not very tactically sound." The form of the Gunslinger steps forward toward Bit with an even gait as it raises one of the numerous weapons on it, this one built into it's hand. There's several thoughts running through Blues' head right now as he fires off a shot toward Bit's own knee to return the favour, "Bad timing for you guys, attacking when this Martian thing showed up." Blues doesn't think they're in league, but he's not above spreading such a rumour to further bring down the wrath of the good guys upon the Mavericks.

 

Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> misses Bit with its Plasma Shot attack.

 

        Storm is busy powering the thunderstorm, keeping the strikes coming, and despite his speed and attention to detail, he doesn't notice the missile coming until it is far too late to blast it out of the sky. While the winds around him buffet it, it keeps on course very well, striking Storm and several of his Aerospace helpers with a massive electric blast. "Grngh...we'll have to take him out. Quickly...Lightning Bug! Keep the thunderbolts coming...I will handle the spider." A nearby Aerospacer salutes and continues the hail of electricity a the wall, trying to keep Repliforce's heads down or burned to a crisp.

        Storm himself drops lowering, gathering wind about himself. The pressure drops massively around him, and then...it spikes. A focused wall of air slams forward, flying at Prismatic Spider with the full force of Storm Eagle's might behind it.

 

Storm Eagle strikes Prismatic Spider with his Wing Gale attack.

 

         As Singularity Shrike knocks the icy cold water from his path, Silver Horn smiles a bit. It joins the ice in the sky. Just as the others do.

         "So you are sure you have seen me before.. and you don't know where?" Silver Horn chuckles darkly, slowly, the spear strike doing nothing more than prodding him a little. Such paltry force will hardly pierce his armor. "You wish to know who I am, what I am, and then you move onto a force that is just interested in doing what it wishes? Well. You speak to another."

         Both cannons again set their sights on Singularity Shrike. "And if you stay still. parhaps you will know who I am." The cannons, both of them, charge with a cold energy, attempting to lance out towards Singularity Shrike, who is rather close, and cover him in a frozen layer, the ice beam attempting to chip off pieces due to sheer cold.. it makes the blizzard seem mild.

         He would make a nice statue.

 

Silver Horn strikes Singularity Shrike with his Cryogenics attack.

Singularity Shrike is temporarily disoriented by Silver Horn's Cryogenics attack.

 

Tangent Lepus is smacked by the well, which bends and crushes his armor in the upper torso, causing the rabbit to dash off to one side to avoid further harm. "Reinforcements will arrive any moment. You will be stopped." he states, although with faultering confidence.

            Let's see...air temperature....ambient wind speed....yes. This should do nicely, accordingly to the accelerated simulations. Disengaging some of the flow regulators for his sword, Tangent lets loose a blast of water upon Gravity. Which should freezy just as it strikes the Maverick, in this weather.

 

Tangent Lepus strikes Gravity Beetle with his Tangent Universe attack.

 

Gravity Beetle is temporarily disoriented by Tangent Lepus's Tangent Universe attack.

 

Vava's POT(#5061TM^)

====================== Yukon and Northwest Territories =======================

 Name             Idle    Last Pose     Last Action

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

 Tangent Lepus     1m        1m         Hit Gravity Beetle w/ Tangent Universe

 Silver Horn      41s        1m         Hit Singularity Shrike w/ Cryogenics.

 Storm Eagle       1m        2m         Hit Prismatic Spider w/ Wing Gale.

 Hunter Ride Arm  N/A        2m         Missed Bit w/ Plasma Shot.

 Gravity Beetle    2m        4m         Hit Tangent Lepus w/ Mini Gravity Well

 Prismatic Spide   1m        7m         Hit Storm Eagle w/ Nebula Storm.

 Singularity Shr   1m        7m         Hit Silver Horn w/ Spear Strike.

 Boomer Kuwanger   6m        7m         Hit Tangent Lepus w/ Impale.

 Vile              0s        9m        

 Tactical Raccoo  10m       10m        

 Sigma             4m       11m        

 Bit               4m       12m         Hit Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> w/

 RF Combat Squad  N/A       20m        

 Gigabolt Man-O-   1m       31m        

 Colonel           2m       38m        

 Valkyrie         N/A       53m        

=========================== Use +pot/help for Help ===========================

 

Gravity Beetle gets his face frozen when the water strikes him. He makes an insectile shriek and stumbles about. "Can't...see!"

 

        Explosions -- Shield Shellfish pays them no heed, no more than the chatter on the radio. If the world ends, it ends. If it doesn't, then she's going to turn Vile into so much mechfluid and scrap metal in the snow. Either way, she's satisfied. Some of the Pink Ladies aren't quite so sure about that, however.

        Fuscia Ferret takes another sharp blast, the second hit of the day, right through the same arm. She drops the energy lasso with a sharp curse and Vile's fire only requires a few seconds to knock her over. Chiton is there to keep her covered, the reason they're moving in teams. Malamute is left free, but she's a melee fighter -- all she can do is try and keep a good position while Ferret hopefully gets back on her feet.

        Laterose and Slash Salmon work well as a team. While Vile is aiming towards them, Laterose is blasting handfuls of flame and plasma in his direction, Slash keeping her covered.

        Groundpounder digs like nobody's business under the thick snow and ice -- brute strength is what keeps him going. But he has no sensors, and as Vile runs, he pops out of the snow to go into a duck-and-roll as he tackles absolutely nothing.

        Shield Shellfish... rebounds, slamming off of the Vile shield with full impact. It does little to stun her, however -- the bodyguard pulling out one laser rifle, optics flashing dangerously, as she abandons most of her good sense, attempting to simply rip the shield out of the way with one hand and shoot him head-on.

 

Singularity Shrike stops cold. Literally. Actually, he's stuck in a large chunk of ice. It's not so much that the cold causes him pain, so much as the literally frozen air cracks and rents his armor.

            The feeling of cold is nothing, really. He's capable of dealing with the cold of hard vaccuum. But man, this -stinks-.

 

Colonel brings his sword to bear, about to strike against the traitorous Bolero, when a volley of plasma fire turns his head briefly. His sword whirls to cut through the impending doom, Colonel spinning and riposting with the blade to cut into Bolero....save he is no longer there. Colonel would give chase, but it seems he has priorities to make.

            The soldiers of Repliforce are a proud lot, and stand tall when the deluge of Maverick forces come to bear on their base. But their numbers are great, and as soldiers defend themselves against the initial onslaught, some begin to see the second charge filing through. As Sigma is made clear, optics widen, and some soldiers fault. But they stand, some scared, some wishing to run, but they still stand. They stand, ready to die, and ready to take as many of the Mavericks with them as they can.

            Colonel turns to face these proud reploids as the door behind him begins to quake against the swarm of firepower. Colonel's sword raises towards the heavens, sending a streak of light skywards to draw the attention of his people as Sigma slowly makes his way.

            "The enemy has made themselves known! They have come to take your lives, and the lives of your friends! But they have forgotten who we are, soldiers! They have forgotten they were are the elite peacekeepers of the world! That we are the Praetorean against their tyranny and disease! They have forgotten that we are their worst /NIGHTMARE!/"

            Colonel turns back, facing the approaching Sigma, and points his blade towards the mechanical monolith.

            "I say its time we remind them! CHARGE!"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Fianait transmits, "Let me know if the weapons work out."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "Charging Galactic Compression."

 

        Boomer looks back after slaughtering an entire line of dudes, eyes on Gravity. A /frozen/ Gravity. "Dude? Gravity?" Boomer kind of pauses, and gives Lepus a good-natured glare. "You'd better hope some reinforcements show! The only thing keepin' me from hitting you /right now/ is this whole... damn..." He pauses, and in his fury, throws another Boomerang Cutter down the hallway, killing yet another few men. Clearly, he is frustrated.

He smiles as the weapon that helped defeat the Osprey proves that it works just as well on it's favorite pilot. Standing in the teeth of the wind, Prismatic raises his arms, preparing a followup assault to attempt to disable the Lightning Bug... But then Storm Eagle lives up to his name, the massive gale picking Prismatic up and throwing him across the courtyard, rebounding off of a building with a scream as his abdominal refractor cracks... And then he gets the fun of falling two or three stories to the ground. Not pleasant. He lies there for several moments... And then shudders, arms moving to push himself up from the muddy, snowy ground to look up into the stormy sky, grimacing. Slowly, he stands. "Storm Eagle... You live up to your reputation. But as you may remember from Repliforce, we do not give up so easily. FALL!" Arms rise, and thin, nearly invisible lines flick through the storm, thrown into the lightning and thunder as they seek out Mavericks, attempt to surround them... And then pull tight, the monofilament wires clenching around and cutting through armor and subsystems. "IT'S NOT OVER!"

 

Prismatic Spider strikes Storm Eagle with his Monofilament Web attack.

 

As the Gunslinger raises one of it's many guns, Bit suddenly quickens his pace and begins circling the ride armor, too fast for Blues to aim properly. "We keep the Godmachine in slumber because should it receive heavy damage, both Byte and myself will be incapacitated for several days, which leaves the Coalition open to attack. We cannot let that happen!" While still holding both his katana and tower shield, Bit raises his right hand, the one with the katana, and points at it with his index finger. While still circling, he fires a continuous barrage of small energy shots, each one aimed at the Gunslinger.

 

Bit strikes Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> with his Scatter Beam attack.

 

         As the frozen statue of Singularity crashes down to earth, the frozen tundra, Silver Horn makes sure he can hear him. After all. It's just a wall of ice.. he can still be hurt. Singularity isn't a pathetic human after all. Slowly trudging towards Singularity, Silver Horn chuckles. "Well.. Well. You wish to know where you have heard me from? Seen me from? Where I can be traced to?" Silver Horn brings bother hands together, the mitts joining as a cool energy crackles about them. "I will job your memory. Do you remember Tianna Camp? Hahaha.. It was my FINEST work ever. Nana.. was an unfortunate failure.. but there is much in the works. Unfortunately you will know no more."

 

Silver Horn strikes Singularity Shrike with his Ice Break attack.

 

         The ice laden mitt, the right one in this case, is brought towards Singularity. It's quite heavy, he's larger than the bird, and he's strong. It's going to hurt. "Take THAT!" The mitt that crashes into the ice will free Singularity.. for a cost.

        Storm is caught in the middle of the web - it's too hard to track, too hard to /see/. The Aerospacers caught in it have even less change then him - and many now pay for it, with the less of arms, hands, feet or worse. At least one drops to the ground, headless and deactivated. Storm himself is torn into, dropping a bit as part of his wing is lopped off. But he uses air to cushion himself and compensate, and he soon uses his bladed beak and talons to disentangle himself from the mess of monofilaments. "...and you yours, Prismatic Spider. But I won't ask you to give up. You have taken your stand. I shall break it!" And Storm suddenly dives, bringing his low-pressure sphere with him. As he reaches the walls, dodging shots, his immense speed increases...and then he suddenly curves, jetting directly up.

        The air pulled with him does not follow - instead, it continues going, as the low-pressure sphere is launched from around him. The mass of air has all the speed of Storm Eagle, and is packed as densely as any brick wall. He speeds back up, trying to avoid the shots fired at him, while his surviving Aerospacers fire lightning bolts around him, or other weapons, and hopes that the Spider did not avoid the mass of air he'd pulled with him.

 

Storm Eagle strikes Prismatic Spider with his Skylord Strike attack.

 

*WHAM* Vile shudders from Shield Shellfish impacting against his shield. His shoulder is almost dislocated from its servos after that, but he manages to stay on his feet. Unfortunately the Shellfish looks to be recovering faster than he is. "They're not all as tough as you it seems, Shellfish," Vile taunts loudly to be heard. Fuscia Ferret seems to be taking the worst of the skirmish so far. He's about to take another shot at her in an attempt to deliver the coup de grace, but her friend steps in front and blocks the shot. Vile doesn't bother taking it, but should Malamute ever leave her charge, Vile'll be knocking on the Ferret's door again.

        Backing up away from Shield Shellfish, Vile keeps his optics on the rest of the squad. If Groundpounder keeps up with his standard tactic of dig and guess, and so long as Vile's able to keep moving, the violet Maverick is never going to get hit. Many years ago he worked with the grey Repliforcer, and Vile remembers the way he operates. Bursts of flame and plasma strike at the backpedaling Vile to all sides of him, sizzling and melting the snow at his feet and forcing him to stop in his tracks. With no where to go, Vile can only push his luck and try to block another Shellfish blow with his shield. Unfortunately, with his arm already weakened, Shellfish's rip knocks Vile's arm to the side, and the Vile Shield is parried. A half-second later, and Vile is lasered in the face with the rifle. With a muffled "Umph!" Vile is blasted into a snow drift, temporarily disappearing.

 

Sigma begins to thump forward, puffs of mist kicked up with each massive footfall as his heavily armored frame bleeds out of the surrounding blizzard into complete view. To either side of him, the rest of his Maverick shock troops also come into view, using their massive firepower to keep heads down, and to keep a clear path to within. Of course, a virtual standoff begins as Colonel turns and points in his direction, and in response, there is the sudden whine and click of weapon systems coming online as the Coalition leader begins to advance even more. The speech is well, and Colonel's charisma is famous.

            And Sigma's is legendary.

            "To the death, Colonel!?" Sigma's voice rises up above the howling winds, even as several enterprising troopers send a couple of blasts his way, and his response is to unleash a devastating fury of plasmafire from his secondary weapon-arms in response. "All for an outpost? How much is honor worth? How much are the lives of your warriors? Yes, you are valiant, and fight well, and though I suspect it took long enough, the Neo Arcadians have finally been removed from San Angeles...but you are not suicidal! None of you are! I do not wish to stream the battlefield with bodies this day...but I -will- do what I must!" With that, there is the grinding of gears as all of Sigma's weapons turn and prime on Colonel's large frame, even as he continues to walk forward steadily, each heavy footfall echoing with a thick *BOOM* of impact.

            Troops begin to surge towards the hole in the base's defenses, along with several of the heavier units, and what look like armored lifters. The Shock troops have done their job.

            Now comes the retrieval as they move to streak in and keep a low profile.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Attila transmits, "You horde information to yourself, Overclock!?"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Overclock transmits, "Only 'till it's relevant."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Fianait transmits, "S'goin' on?"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Attila transmits, "I could die in this battle. I want my allies with up to date intel!"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Storm Eagle transmits, "SERGEANT ATTILA! Focus on your task. Stay alive, record everything you see, fight the Reavers. These are your tasks in order of importance."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Nightmare Police, Bit transmits, "Makes sense, if we are told information that is useless at the time, we may forget."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "Attila."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma makes a 'shhhh' sound.

 

        Each of the weapon shots snap through the armor of the Gunslinger across his chest, creating several holes along it's torso stretching down to it's abdomen. "Leave it open to attack? You morons don't think that working with this Destroyer ass, that you wouldn't bring down the wrath of everyone kicking you in the face?" And as unusual as it is to see the Gunslinger suddenly shift wait to bring it's foot around in a roundhouse kick for Bit, the pilot's apparently good enough to make it a bit more agile than most people can.

 

Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> strikes Bit with its Kick attack.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Overclock transmits, "For your information, I DIDN'T hoarde that little piece of information. I made that publically known -- to US -- as soon as I figured it out."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Storm Eagle transmits, "Who is on retrieval of the targets?"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Overclock transmits, "That's why I was stockpiling sonic weapons in the first place."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Fianait transmits, "They work?"

 

Tangent Lepus turns to look at the Kuwanger as he decimates Repliforce Troops. Gravity is an easy target at the moment, but far from the threat. Grumbling, Tangent dashes in a burst of ice and snow into the hallawy, and raises an arm to strike out at Boomer in passing.

            "Leave or be retired, Mavericks."

 

Tangent Lepus misses Boomer Kuwanger with his Clothesline attack.

 

Tactical continues to fire on targets of opportunity, working to cover the retrieval units as they loot from harassment fire. The infantry is doing a good job of drawing away the heavy fire, but protecting the bounty is the important part of the mission. Tactical does his best from his position to provide the runners with a relatively clear path of retreat.

 

Prismatic reflexively dives to avoid the deadly divebomb of Storm Eagle... But too late, he realizes that the physical impact wasn't all he had to dodge. The airmass catches Prismatic mid-leap, and with a scream of surprise he is sent smashing into the wall once again.

            This time, it's much worse. His helmet bends for a moment, before shattering. Arms screech and wail as metal alloys twist and bend, the giant refractor in his abdomen shattering into a million pieces. He slides to the ground, sparking and mangled, groaning in pain from the feedback. He grates, "I see, Storm Eagle... That you have kept... your combat systems in top condition... Well played. Well played..." He staggers to his feet, one leg giving out as the joint snaps. Prismatic quickly compensates for it by extending a Gravity Rod from one of his remaining arms for use as a cane, as he hobbles away, attempting to get into the base so he can evacuate back to the Fortress V.

 

Prismatic Spider retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Gravity Beetle, Bit, Colonel, Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger>, Singularity Shrike, Vile, Gigabolt Man-O-War, Storm Eagle, Boomer Kuwanger, RF Combat Squad <Pink Ladies>, Tactical Raccoon, and Tangent Lepus.

 

Singularity Shrike yells in pain as the frozen fist slams into him. He is sent back a ways before he can counter the imparted momentum. He skids to a halt and glares at Silver Horn.

        "I was...out of town that day. But I heard. Yeah. I don't know what you did to Nana. I don't think I -want- to know. One thing I do, though? You're going to pay. Here. Now."

 

Sing's fist is dark. It's almost impossible to make out in the storm. He charges in close, bringing the fist back and over his head, and brings it down -hard- on Silver Horn's head...

 

Singularity Shrike strikes Silver Horn with his Event Horizon attack.

 

Colonel takes a step forward. "The lives of my troops supercede all, Sigma. But they will not bow to oppression. They will not be /scared/ away by the mere threat of death. We are beyond death, Sigma! We are the Repliforce, and as long as one soldier stands, we all stand! As long as one remembers our virtues, and our glory, we all shall live forever!"

            Soldiers stand and cheer, as a small line moves to stand before the door. The number of the soldiers is not as many as the incoming troop, but they will help. Other soldiers along the garrison arm their weapons systems, and finally begin opening fire now that the line is in visual range from the storm. A number have already fallen from collateral damage, falling from the walls or to the snow, quickly hidden in the torrential drifts. But the remainder continue their defense of the base.

            Colonel himself bends down, and dives forward into the approaching throng to the roars of approval from nearby soldiers. His green saber dances across the forms of nearby soldiers, before he vanishes in a flash of dark energy, and reappears in the air, before Sigma, bringing the blade down on the massive face of the Emperor.

            "Yes, Sigma. To the death."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "Charge at 50 percent I'd say."

 

        Shield Shellfish fights silently, and without cessation. As soon as Vile goes flying she stomps towards the snowdrift, attempting to recover herself as she does so. The laser blast was a lucky shot -- she's disoriented from the hit even if it doesn't show.

        Groundpounder Gilamonster is quicker, though. The mottled reploid is back under the snow again and burrowing towards the snowdrift before anyone can keep track of him -- he's lost for the moment. The two teamss glance at each other -- and a quick decision is made.

        Fuscia Ferret is picked up by Maroon Malamute. The two of them evacuate immediately. It doesn't take a 10* INT to realize that this fortress is going to be lost. The remaining squad members will be in more danger, but it will still be enough to keep Vile occupied for the time being. As long as he's busy shooting at /them/, he's not in the fortress.

        Slash Salmon and Laterose continue to work together -- the former keeping the latter covered as she splatters the area with miniature firebombs. It is an expensive use of fuel but it increases visibility and makes the battle on the snow a little easier.

 

        Rather than let something like a /clothesline/ take him out, Boomer Kuwanger quickly, efficiently turns after killing the last soldier, and /dashes towards/ Tangent Lepus, a pair of bloodstained Boomerang Cutters gracing either of his hands. Tangent's outstretched hand is dashed beneath, a Cutter slashes out to glance a scoring blow on the outstretched limb, and thus free from Lepus' attack, Boomer goes running down the hallway, screeching. In some kind of maniacal way.

        "WOULD YOU STOP SAYING THAT, WE'RE CLEARLY WINNING!"

        Boomer does not pause in his sprinting, though he does leap into the air to deliver a swift kick(a painless one) to Gravity in an attempt to help get him out of the freezing thing.

Boomer Kuwanger strikes Tangent Lepus with his Dash And Slash attack.

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Tactical Raccoon transmits, "Status."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Storm Eagle transmits, "Heading to support Retrieval."

 

        Storm Eagle, hearing Prismatic's words, nods, almost smiling. He does not fire on the fleeing technician - instead, he lets the spider go. Storm dislikes killing fellow reploids. Instead, he rolls in the air, avoiding shots from the walls, and uses his great speed to head for the retrieval teams, to help them. His Turbine Buster is out and firing at nearby Repliforce soldiers, sending blasts of compressed air at anyone foolish enough to get close to the speeding birdbot.

 

Colonel strikes Sigma with his Insulting Facecut attack.

 

Boomer Kuwanger strikes Gravity Beetle with his Sliding Tackle attack.

 

As the Gunslinger moves in an un-natural manner, Bit is caught off guard, the kick striking his arm. However, despite how much bigger the Gunslinger is, Bit moves with the kick to minimize the damage done. "Do not speak such rubbish! If we are working with The Destroyer, I did not know. And until I am told otherwise, I shall fight it. And, as with Scott Wily, we shall make full use of the Godmachine. However, might I ask where the Guardian Mobius was on that fateful day? It's assistance would have been appreciated." Moving in a charge against the Gunslinger, Bit leaps up just before it seems he's about to ram it. Shortening his katana to reduce the energy usage, Bit aims to land on top of the ride armor, before slashing it with the blade and leaping off.

 

Bit strikes Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> with his Energy Wakazashi attack.

 

Gravity Beetle grrs, and the ice shatters off his face from the kick. "Yow! Thanks Boomer!" says Grav. He opens up his wings and flies down the hall with Boomer. "Come and catch us, Easter bunny!" he taunts Tangent. "Boomer, let's hurry and grab that thing. 'Course there's stooges in here too..."

 

General arrives from the British Columbia.

General has arrived.

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Right, Gravity and I are inside the fort, we're going to go figure out where they're keeping the generators."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "Those of you who are able, support the incursion team. The package's location is known, and has been provided to all in debriefing. We will have what we seek."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Nightmare Police, Bit transmits, "I am currently preoccupied with a ride armor at present my Lord."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Gravity Beetle transmits, "Me and Boomer are inside with a rabbit guy."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Storm Eagle transmits, "Yes, Commander. I'm flying in to provide some close air support."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Gravity Beetle and I are working on getting there, Sigs."

 

The cut slashes deep under the reploid's arm, causing him to cry out in pain. But he won't give up, not yet. Upon hearing the Beetle's comment,Tangent's optics narrow. So they are after something-this isn't just a show of power. Dashing after the two, he readies his blade once more.

            Becoming a blur of motion, he takes quick cuts at each in passing.

 

Tangent Lepus strikes Boomer Kuwanger with his Speedkill attack.

Tangent Lepus strikes Gravity Beetle with his Speedkill attack.

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Tactical Raccoon transmits, "You will have fire support. Proceed."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Done."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Magna Centipede transmits, "..Sigs?"

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "Need I remind you NOT to speak directly of things we are doing on the radio."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Nightmare Police, Bit transmits, "But...is that not what we have all been doing recently Emperor Sigma?"

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Who said I was telling the truth?"

 

         Perhaps Singularity should have not done such a thing. He watches him fly back, the ice breaking around him. It's quite hilarious actually. Silver Horn does not really laugh at such a thing. The weak ones have no choice, they obey the strong ones... even just in actions during battle. Inevitable course it is after all.

         Singularity talks, speaks to him of the travesties.. and Silver Horn stays calm. "You must have heard then, what she did to those below? They all died. All because of her. Perhaps you all keep forgetting this conveniently." He will pay? Then so be it.

         The fist crashes upon Silver Horn's head, pieces of armor breaking away, the disk cracking.. but the only sound Singularity will hear.. is a laugh. "Hah hah hah hah. HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Through the icey storm, Silver Horn laughs at the pitiful assault. "You WEAK being. You will only serve to be a minor bump in my path! BEGONE!"

         The horn on the head that Singularity just attempted to break open, attempts to run itself right against the armor of Singularity Shrike, and thrust him off with a painful reminder of how weak he is.

        Perhaps.

 

Silver Horn misses Singularity Shrike with his Horn Ram attack.

 

Sigma's eyes narrow to mere slits as Colonel makes his speech, actually showing his teeth a moment later.

            "Fool!" He cries out then, his voice deep, echoing over the howl of the storm, even as his huge hands clench into massive fists. "You would throw away the lives of our very race upon an obscure outpost in the arctic. It's no -wonder- you have such trouble with the Arcadians, you show as much concern for reploid wellbeing as -they- do! And they call -me- a butcher!" As the beam saber slashes in towards his face, Sigma turns to one side, the weapon carving across the right side, leaving a burning slash where it passes. Again, he grunts, taking a half step to one side, the ground shuddering under his feet as he adjusts his position, even as the whine of his internal, supercharged generator fills the air. "As you would have it, Colonel. I can only hope that as your outnumbered warriors in this battle fall, that you see reason. For -their- sake."

 

Sigma forfeits a turn to charge WE.

 

        "Do I freakin' look like Mobius's babysitter?" Bit's blade drives through part of the clear plastisteel roofing on the Gunslinger, causing a fair amount of damage to the system wiring that's up there beside the obvious severe gash in the armor. Once Bit's dashing off though, the Gunslinger's left arm is in motion with it's machine gun systems activated, "Just because you don't know, or are playing stupid, doesn't negate the 'good timing' of your attack tonight."

 

Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> strikes Bit with its Machine Gun attack.

 

Vile hits the snow and vanishes, stunned by the sudden assault from the positively pink powered princess of protection. Vile had been hoping to be able to blast his way past the Repliforce lines and cause some havoc deep in the fortress itself. This, unfortunately, has delayed him. While Vile may be the devil's advocate black sheep asshole of the faction, this is where his similarities with Protoman end. Unlike the Maverick Hunter, Blues is not skilled enough to blink to freedom in a raging snowstorm with fire and plasma and lasers flying each every way.

        Vile temporarily vanishing is no haven as Slash Salmon and Laterose continue to fire at his last known position. Firebombs litter the area, exploding in a mass chaotic fashion. Shrapnel and fire rip into Vile's heavily armoured form, battering him and knocking him around. There isn't much lift of the snowdrift anymore, and he formerly purple Maverick is looking decidedly darker and singed. Badly damaged and under siege, Vile swiftly takes action. Angling himself at the pair assaulting him from afar, a swarm of mini-missiles, backed up by repeated blasts of the Vile Cannon, are sent their way to deter them.

        Acting on instinct backed up with years of experience fighting in the most horrible of battles, in a blur Vile produces a seismic grenade from subspace, priming it and dropping it at his own feet. A little gift for Groundpounder, should he pop up here. Still acting, Vile makes his final move, lunging towards Shellfish, arms outstretched and hands tensed in a grabbing motion, "I'll rip out your optics with my -bare hands- if I have to..." he hisses.

 

The retrieval team, with several heavy units, pauses for a moment to lay down some suppressive fire on those blocking their way. Just long enough to wait for Storm Eagle to get up close to them, at which point they rush the opening en masse, the armored, lifting units keeping to the rear, and relying on Storm Eagle and anyone else who would join them to keep an eye out.

            Of course Repliforce has the decision to make. Focus on the retrieval units and draw attention away from the furious firefight outside to incur the risks therein? Or toe the line. Sigma has apparently put together a double-pronged damnation today.

 

The raccoon continues to provide covering fire for the looting Mavericks, gritting his teeth as shrapnel from a particularly close-landing mortar rips into his back. He rolls back behind cover, slaps in a fresh clip, and gets moving again. He darts out of the way as another mortar pounds down into his former position, leaping down into a natural ridge for additional cover. The shockwave of the explosion rips over him, and he waits for the debris to clear before popping back up and returning to laying down fire to protect the retrieval team.

 

        Boomer runs pretty quickly. However, he's far from top speed as he dashes down the hallway of Fort Baffin's main corridor, Blinking out of the way of various gunshots, appearing behind soldiers and methodically eliminating them, simply goring straight through others. In the midst of a particularly gory assassination(Boomer has punched a man in the back of his head. With a Cutter), Tangent comes ROARING by, slashing the Reploid in the back and sending him to his knees.

        "O-Oh good christ! Just let us do our job, you can take a break!"

        Boomer gets back to his feet, and continues down the hallway, offering Tangent Lepus a study kick on the side of the head in passing. It's more of a wall-run type thing. Except with a person. As he passses the last bastion of guards, and reaches the end of the hallway, Boomer pauses for a moment, turning back to look at Gravity Beetle.

        "Wait, wait, are they tricking us, or are we really just going to turn left, and find what we're looking for?"

        Boomer jerks a thumb towards the wall, where a sign stating "<- COMMAND" and "MAINTENANCE ->" sits. "They could be tricking us, you know!"

 

Boomer Kuwanger misses Tangent Lepus with his Wall Spring attack.

 

Gravity Beetle gurghs as his side is slashed from the sudden, quick movements of the sword-using rabbit. Luckily the cut doesn't go deep, his armor makes sure of that. "Gah! 'Lepus' alone, why don't you???" he demands. He doesn't know Tangent's name, but he just decided to use another word for rabbit. He sees a group of soldiers and uses his gravity powers to lift them up, slamming them into the cieling. He stops when the signs come, though. "Uhhhh....yeah, you're right about that! 'Command' could actually be 'maintenance'!" he says. He pauses to figure this out.

 

Tangent doesn't give up that easily, though, and ducks under Boomer's attack, speeding around one corner, only to come running back-this time, along the side of the corridor. "I will take my 'break' at the appointed time, as per Repliforce Protocol. It's right next to the part where we never give up."

            Tangent speeds up to maximum velocity, blade outstretched at Boomer, slowing to a skid on te other side of him, turning to examine his handiwork.

 

Tangent Lepus strikes Boomer Kuwanger with his Metal And Water attack.

 

        Storm Eagle continues his flight, now blasting his way towards the door the base. His Turbine Buster is getting quite the workout, as he fires air blasts at the approaching Repliforce gumbies-er, troops. He's been clipped by a few weapons, despite his speed - he's moving fairly directly, and the faster trigger fingers and quicker minds of the troops have tracked him a bit, so he is peppered with plasma burns and cuts, bleeding mechfluid...but this does not deter him. Storm is heading inwards, and woe betide anyone who gets in his way.

 

Singularity Shrike grabs the horn with his free hand, and uses it as a swingpost. He's wearing an determined grin. He pushes up and away, before bringing a heavy boot down close to where the Event Horizon struck.

        "No. I'm your roadblock. You still don't have the strength to defeat me."

 

Singularity Shrike strikes Silver Horn with his Crushing Blow attack.

 

As he leaps off of the Gunslingers top, Bit wasn't quite prepared for such a swift counter-attack. His back is plastered with bullets from the machien guns, causing Bit to land in the snow, quickly buried by the blizzard. However, it quickly begins to melt as a red glow comes from beneath the tundra. Standing up from where he once was, there is a large fireball resting in Bit's right hand. "You do not, Protoman. However, as a Maverick Hunter, ally to Repliforce, I thought you may have known. My mistake." Shifting his body so that his right arm is extended towards the ride armor. "And we did not plan the attack to coincide with The Destroyer, although it is convenient for both of us." With that, he fires the fireball, arm recoiling, straight for the Gunslinger.

 

Bit strikes Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> with his Fireball Comet attack.

 

Colonel flips and lands after his blade finds purchase in the cheek of Sigma, his legs spreading to slow his descent as his hand digs into the snow. He looks up, his eyes slitting as he sweeps his blade about and rises to his feet. His form breaks as a look of shock comes across his face, a hand reaching up to check his radio, and his eyes glancing up skyward. His eyes come back down now, focusing on Sigma, as he leaps back up through the air. His blade swings out wide in front of him, as he vanishes in another blast of crackling energy, only to reappear behind Sigma, and his sword whips back in an attempt to stab the Emperor from behind as well.

            The soldiers are heartened by their XO's actions, and stand taller as they return fire against the Maverick assault. As the heavy Coalition units rush in, the soldiers stand in their way. It is not pretty. Some are able to stand and fire, but the majority of them are used to quiet days guarding unimportant equipment, not fighting elite Coalition members. Their numbers are culled in short time.

 

Colonel strikes Sigma with his Sabre Arc attack.

 

Gravity Beetle finally comes to a decision. "Well, they're too uppity to pull off such a prank. Let's head this way!" he says, pointing to 'MAINTENACE'. "Bro! Go on ahead, let me at this guy again!" Gravity puts forth a gravity field around himself, and shoots forward, attempting to ram into Tangent with the dash attack. It'll knock the bunny back a bit if it hits.

 

Gravity Beetle misses Tangent Lepus with his Gravity Field Dash attack.

 

        Boomer is so wrapped up in his thoughts that he more or less is entirely unaware of RAPID SPEED TANGENT LEPUS roaring up behind him. The skinnier beetle's eyes go wide at the sudden impact, and blade seemingly protruding from his chest. "Pmgh!!" He staggers forward a bit, mechfluid by now quite liberally coating his armor, but posesses enough presence of self to pull himself off of the weapon, offering Tangent a single-digit salute before nodding to Gravity and dashing off.

        "You kick his ass, bro! 'Member that you can throw gravity and stuff, okay?"

        Boomer catches sight of Gravity missing Tangent, and kind of winces. "...Next time!" He then dashes off to the left, heading under the sign that reads "Maintenance". Robotic screams and the peal of metal on metal follow his departure.

 

        The Gunslinger looks like it's about to raise another arm as the fireball burns through it's chest armor more thoroughly. But suddenly, it stops in the middle of doing so, as Blues gets radio something that stops him in his track.

        And just like that, the Gunslinger and it's pilot disappear.

 

Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> retreats from the area swiftly, leaving it open to pursuit or parting shots from Gravity Beetle, Bit, Singularity Shrike, Gigabolt Man-O-War, Storm Eagle, Boomer Kuwanger, and Tangent Lepus.

 

        Laterose's firebombing is a little more effective than intended. There's one or two curses as Coral Chiton and Slash Salmon are on the recieving end of a couple of randomly-placed fireblasts. The three of them close in, regardless -- just in time for a barrage of missiles and plasma fire to strike down the humanoid Laterose, knocking her out of the hovering position she was in and back into the snow. Slash moves to cover her again, muttering all the while, and Coral Chiton stays right where he is -- concentrating on lifting up chunks of the blasted ground so they can be flung at Vile.

        The grenade is primed, dropped, and detonated a few seconds later. There is no sign of the Gilamonster -- perhaps he hasn't surfaced yet, perhaps it knocked him unconscious or disoriented him.

        CRUNCH.

        Shield Shellfish, still a little disoriented, pulls her head back -- but it's not enough, not fast enough. In the small space revealed by her helmet one optic and half of her face is turned into little more than a clawed-out mess. It's enough to earn an anguished 'nggghhh' sound. Blindly, she clubs out at his helmet with the laser rifle, towards his helmet as she stumbles backwards.

 

Sigma is caught by another slash as Colonel starts into 'the blinking game'. One that Sigma himself knows all too well, although sadly, the Imperial form is not exactly built for that sort of thing in mind. Massive firepower and armor at the loss of much of his own infamous mobility.

            He'll just have to make do.

            Even as the superheated slash across his back shoulderguard begins to dim from it's glowing image, he takes another two steps forward, and actually reaches the wall of the Repliforce fort. One trooper who got a little too close is swiped at with one massive hand, but the individual jumps to safety inside the walls. He won't get -that- close again if he can help it. &quoot;Yes Colonel." he states finally, eyes narrowed, even as he reaches up slowly. "Let us dance the age old dance of time, as expected." His fingers suddenly digging into a portion of the wall/door that was not blown away in the initial barrage.

            Off to his right, a Ride Armor collapses, brought down under a hail of fire from Repliforce defenders, but another one moves up to cover it, actually moving at full speed and slamming -into- the wall that the troopers are hiding behind, massive hands sweeping over to crush/smash away those who would get in their way.

            There is a torturous twisting of metal ripping free, even as Sigma literally tears out a huge chunk of the wall with his massive frame, stepping aside as he brings it crashing down in Colonel's direction. When you're big...the entire world is your weapon.

 

Sigma strikes Colonel with his Urban Renewal attack.

 

Blues has arrived.

Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger> has left.

Blues takes Hunter Ride Armor <Gunslinger>.

Blues has left.

 

The retrieval team is right behind Storm Eagle. Moving quickly, saving their own firepower, since they're more for gruntwork than anything else. They catch sight of Gravity Beetle fighting the Lepus, and Boomer moving further in for the objective. Dutifully, they follow, relying on Storm Eagle as their 'escort', and are soon coming in right behind the Kuwanger.

         As Singularity Shrike grabs the horn that was meant for him, swinging about on it, Silver Horn is generally not amused. The heavy boot strikes again where the event horizon did strike. It hurts, mildly. It's getting to be a bother at least, if anything. "No, if you are quite finished? I believe I should be as well then." Both of the cannons extend directly towards Singularity Shrike as the boot comes down, them facing him down, as if staring.

         "Then like all roadblocks, all that is needed is a good torrent of power to break you down." From the two cannons a torrent pours out, straight for Singularity Shrike.

         That base might be just where he ends up, if the waters can take him that far. Although he might be imbedded in it comically.

 

Silver Horn strikes Singularity Shrike with his Tidal Wave attack.

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Nightmare Police, Bit transmits, "The Gunslinger has...vanished. I assume Protoman used his blink systems to move elsewhere. Does anyone require my assistacne?"

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Boomer Kuwanger, amidst a lot of screams and tearing sounds, "Oh, there you are. I'll start cracking the door open, could you boys get the heavy-duty stuff ready?"

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Storm Eagle transmits, "They're ready. Hold position for us."

[Radio: (E) Temp] Titanic Rhinolifter says, "We're on it. Just clear a path."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Oh, there's a path. You think Gravity leaves anything else? Big guy, you know. Anyway, this will be a second or three. It'd help if I didn't have a hole in my chest."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Titanic Rhinolifter says gruffly, "Less talk. More grabby. I hate this enclosed feeling."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Nightmare Police, Bit transmits, "Shall I stay outside and assist in the battle, or move inside to help?"

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "Keep the pressure on as you see fit, Bit."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Chill, man. You keep this tense doin' this kinda work, you'll fry yout processor."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "Though it is obvious Repliforce has grossly underestimate the amount of forces we can field."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Titanic Rhinolifter says in a crazy sorta way, "I AM calm!"

 

Tactical Raccoon continues providing covering fire. Idly, as he continues to fire on the enemy, he considers his next fantasy murderball trade. Should he pick up smashing or shooting? The rule says `if you think you have enough smashing, get more smashing; if you've got too much smashing, get more smashing', but he's always followed a more offense-oriented strategy involving a lot of long range attacks. Decisions, decisions. Meanwhile, in the distance, Repliforce units intermittently fall down, their power conduits severed.

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Oh, for the love of- Would you just get the stuff ready? This door's not going to open any faster if you keep making me talk to you!"

[Radio: (B) Secure] Silver Horn transmits, "Their soldiers need work as well, I believe I have almost finished with this one. Since when did they employ weaklings.. time have changed."

 

        The Eagle's wings fold a bit as he enters Baffin itself, and his flight slows. A bit. Not much, but enough to navigate corridors. Storm barks an order to the retrieval team following him. "Keep going - their main defenders are outside. I will be right with you - Gravity needs my help, and /you/ need a distraction." This done, Storm accelerates on the approach towards Gravity and Tangent. He does not slow as he gets closer, dodging quickly around Gravity to try to slam into the rabbit-Repliforcer.

 

Storm Eagle strikes Tangent Lepus with his Divebomb attack.

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Titanic Rhinolifter says, "Awright awright. We're doin it."

 

Colonel is thrown from the impact of concrete and metal, sending his once graceful course of battle into a slumping crash into the snow. The snow melts as a blast of heat melts the snow around the XO and his beam fires up, and Colonel takes note of his surroundings.

            He sees his soldiers getting cut down all around him, as the Maverick forces overwhelm the Repliforce's reinforcements. He sees Blues blink away, and snarls under his breath. He better have a damn good reason. Repliforce is losing this battle, of this Colonel is aware.

            But he's not willing to sound the retreat just yet.

            Colonel vanishes, and reappears above Sigma, bringing the sabre from up over his head, and falling, trying to cleave the Emperor in twain.

 

Bit eyes the Gunslinger, just before it vanishes right before his eyes. He stands upright, before turning his back on where the ride armor was. "Such cowardice..." he mutters, before readying his katana and shield once more, before diving back into the fray between the Maverick and Repliforce armies.

 

Singularity Shrike is buried for a moment, the tides washing over him. They frost over, and eventually freeze over a bit.

            No sign of Sing at the base. No sign of him anywhere in the immediate area, for that matter. Suddenly, a crack forms. And then another and another. Suddenly, the top layer of the ice -shatters- in hail and bits. Sing rises above it, dripping wet. The whole front of him is one massive dent as frost clings to parts of his plasteel armoring.

            "No. I said it already. You can't. I won't back down. Not now...not -EVER!- I won't let you push anyone around!"

            Sing -must- have snapped, because he's going in close again...at three hundred miles per hour, screaming in rage the whole way...

 

Singularity Shrike strikes Silver Horn with his Singularity Slam attack.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Silver Horn bvzzt. "He is getting to bother me. I will attempt to end this now."

 

Tangent Lepus evades Gravity's assault, only to go headlong into the speeding Storm Eagle, who slams into his back. The rabbit goes flying forwards into a nearby wall with a dull thud, and falls backwards. His body is a mess at this point. Staggering to a stand, he readies a defensive stance against the remaining Mavericks.

            "If you want it, come and take i-.."

            A pause, as orders are given. Wincing as he moves, Tangent turns, and tries to escape via speedy footwork.

 

Tangent Lepus retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Gravity Beetle, Bit, Gigabolt Man-O-War, Storm Eagle, and Boomer Kuwanger.

 

Sigma raises one enormous arm as the slash comes down towards him, narrowing his eyes for a moment as there is the brief shower of sparks with the impact. In this form, Sigma is a match for any Ride Armor however, even moreso than most, and his armor is incredibly thick, so the damage is noticable, but nothing life threatening, even as it tears a groove along his forearm. Apparently he too is noticing the situation of the Repliforcers, and is pushing the point even more. "You have lost, Colonel." He states, rearing back both hands, now clenched into fists again, smoke still training from the right forearm. Sigma's head, still looking ridiculously small by comparison to the rest of his 'body' in this form, tilts to glance left, then right. "Look around you. Your people fall before us. You have underestimated us this time...it is that simple. There is no shame in this." With that, he suddenly lunges forward, a brief streak of movement from his large frame, followed by a sudden smashing of first one hand, then the other in a one-two punch combination, each blow having enough force behind it the likes of which to punch through the armor of a battleship. "Don't make me destroy anymore of you than I must Colonel! Do what is necessary!"

 

Sigma strikes Colonel with his Assault attack.

 

In between Vile's hatred for Shield Shellfish and her motley crew there is the feeling of exhilaration. Fighting against a worthy foe in a chaotic battle in the worst of conditions. This is what separates those able to surviev from those surviving only on pity and welfare. This is how it should be, Vile considers as his grenade explodes behind him and he slams hard into Shield Shellfish, hands first. This is beauty. Grasping, Vile tries to wrap his hands around Shield Shellfish's lack of a neck, trying to dig his fingers as deep into her armour as he can. "Come on, Shellfish!" he shouts at her from behind his helmet. "Don't fail me now. There's more fight in you ye- ungh!"

        Vile gets awkwardly clubbed by the laser rifle. Shield's position isn't a good one so there isn't a lot of strength behind it. But it's annoying and distracting. As much of a powerhouse that Vile is, he clocks in at average on brute physical strength. This, along with the clubbing from the Shellfish, isn't enough to keep his grip on his stubborn foe. Desperately, Vile knees Shellfish hard in the midsection, then shoving her violently away from him.

        Vile is now standing by himself, melted ice about him, snow whipping about the clear ground, singed, shieldless, and waiting for his weapons to recharge. He spies Shellfish, Chiton, and Slash still in the game. Containing his anger, Vile says nothing. Rather, he reaches out with his right hand, turns it upwards, and motions. 'Come here and get it'.

 

You strike RF Combat Squad <Pink Ladies> with a glancing hit from your Omgredeye attack.

 

Gravity Beetle snickers as Tangent runs off, and ponders getting a parting off, but they have a more pressing mission at hand. He runs off to join his brother and lift some things.

 

Gravity Beetle goes home.

Gravity Beetle has left.

 

         As the ice shatters dramatically after the tides are finished with him, Singularity Shrike is dripping. He is also heavily dented. The unfortunate part is that Singularity Shrike is also moving rather quickly.

         He strikes Silver Horn though, pieces of him being smashed off, but he still stands. Mechafluid, the armor heavily dented and ripped this way and that, sparking a bit even. He's quite well armored but enough pounding will do its job.

         How.. fortunate. The warrior wishes to give it his all!

         He will give him a less than fitting end. As he is smashed into, Silver Horn grabs for Singularity after being smashed into, attempts to use the force he was going at to drag him to the ground, and then brings a rather large foot up, over the frame of Singularity.

         "You have made a bad mistake, Repliforcer. Do remember who you are dealing with! Hahahahahah! If you will not give me your fear, I will give you PAIN! HAHAHAHAH!"

         The foot falls.

 

Silver Horn strikes Singularity Shrike with his Heavy Stomp attack.

 

Singularity Shrike falls to the ground, unconscious, due to massive systems damage.

 

        The camera pans in on Boomer Kuwanger kneeling in front of a large door, wires connected to what is presumably the locking mechanism as well as his wrist. Bleeping noises and various clicks and whirrs indicate a HACKING IN PROCESS... Kuwanger's got his eyes on the hallway he'd just left, however. He could handle the door in his mind, and was a little worried that enemies may be coming.

        See, the pool of mechfluid beneath him, oily and black, is /his/. It's coming from that damn chest wound. As an enemy comes charging around the corner, Boomer raises a hand, lets fly one small Boomerang Cutter, and offers a grin(with his eyes) as a soldier falls over screaming.

        As a MIDI file of the victory song plays from his wrist, the door clicks once more, and with much grandeur... OPENS.

        Following, a radio transmission. "Titanic Rhino, we're in."

 

 

Sensing the Repliforce's imminent retreat, Tactical turns up the intensity of his covering fire, providing a suitable incentive for any laggard units to pull back with their bretheren. As the artillery becomes all but absent, the sniper becomes bolder, taking a more open position to get better target-finding opportunities.

 

He thinks he will go with more smashing.

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Door is opened!"

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Storm Eagle transmits, "Get the targets. Now."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Titanic Rhinolifter, "We're on it!"

 

Singularity Shrike lets out a grunt as the larger reploid slams him into the turf, and his eyes go wide as the boot comes down on his chest. The ground caves around the boot, and when it comes up again, a slightly slimmer Singularity lies there.

            Silent. Unmoving. Not even giving the Sadist the pleasure of a scream.

 

Colonel brings his sword up as the Emperor's assault continues, but is thrown off his feet from the force of the strike. His body dissipates before hitting the ground, and rematerializes before Sigma again, still well ready to fight.

            But his people aren't. His people are dying around him, or taking losses for a battle that is more ego than import. When Lt. Shrike falls, Colonel closes his eyes, and opens the comm.

            "Repliforce!.....Retreat."

            Colonel blinks away, to grab the unconscious Shrike and point his sabre's blade towards Silver, almost /begging/ him to strike.

            "We'll meet again, Sigma."

 

The retrieval team wait, patiently, if nervously, as Boomer works his mojo upon the door, until the point that it finally hisses open.

            "Move, move move!" The leader announces, even a the other heavier units move up, waiting for the first in to push a button to open a large cargo door to give them access. The crates within contain military surplus equipment. Some of it destructive, but they go past all of these. These are not what interest them, and are not what they're here for.

            Eventually, they stop at three large crates marked with Fortress V symbols and Repliforce insignias. It's one of these that one of the team stops at, putting a scanner to the surface and taking some quick readings, then turning and giving Boomer Kuwanger a thumbs-up. "Paydirt! The Shield Generators!"

            Without even waiting for a word, Titanic Rhinolifter and two other large animal form reploids move up. Each of them attaching a portable shield generator, before starting to lift up their stolen booty.

 

After a brief skirmish with some Repliforce troops, Bit looks over the battlefield. Many of his comrades are dying or dead. Storing his tower shield in subspace once more, he breaks off from the main conflict to help return those wounded back to the main transports.

 

        About a dozen yards behind Vile, in a slushy mess of firebombed snow, Groundpounder Gilamonster woozily clambers out of the earth. He's got a laser rifle out, though, and as soon as he can recover his aim he'll be firing it.

        Coral Chiton keeps guard over Laterose -- she has perhaps the frailest built of the lot, and the barrage of missiles and coldness of the atmosphere around her means that her systems take increasingly more damage the longer she's out here. Endurance training is all well and good but there is only so much you can do with the static physiology of a reploid. She curls up, shuddering, and is protected by the small ball of armour that is Coral Chiton.

        Slash Salmon has two wicked-looking blades hooked under her wrists, and two equally nasty-looking water cannons hooked over each shoulder. She moves forward alongside Shield Shellfish, who is even now stumbling backwards -- recovering her balance and blinking through her one remaining optic, with her own laser rifle drawn. She draws upright as Vile makes the 'come and get it' handmotion.

        Shell makes another handmotion. It is slightly more crude.

        Get it yourself, b****.

 

RF Combat Squad <Pink Ladies> strikes you with a glancing hit from their Pretty In Pink attack for 0 units of damage.

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Titanic Rhino grunts, "We've got the gift package! Bringing it out!"

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Storm Eagle transmits, "Excellent."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Be careful with that, dammit! It cost a lot of money, and Sigma is going to be /pissed/ if you drop it! Also, I'm not going to lie about who did it."

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "So don't even think the "Repliforce Soldiers shot me in the face!" excuse is going to work."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Sigma transmits, "All forces cease your attack. The Repliforce are retreating."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Boomer Kuwanger mildly frightened, "...Into the fort?!"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "We are not here to butcher. We have what we came for."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Nightmare Police, Bit transmits, "I am already assisting the wounded, my Lord."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Storm Eagle transmits, "Boomer, you'll be fine."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "I have a hole in my chest, man!"

 

[Radio: (E) Temp] Tactical Raccoon transmits, "Supplying covering fire as needed. Let's go home. Good work, Mavericks."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma actually sounds amused Boomer. "No, they are retreating -from- the fort. Our success is absolute."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Storm Eagle transmits, "If you need it, I'll protect you."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Silver Horn transmits, "Must I?"

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Storm Eagle transmits, "I doubt you need it."

 

[Radio: (B) Secure] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "I'm not fine! I'm in a helluv- oh, well. Okay."

 

Bit has disconnected.

 

Storm Eagle nods towards Tangent Lepus as he flees, rising to his feet from his position hovering in the air. Look, don't ask how he hovers, he just flaps his wings and it happens. His Turbine Buster reverts to a hand, as he notably does /not/ shoot at the fleeing Repliforcer. Instead, he merely assumes a defensive posture, ready for any fleeing Repliforcers that think picking a fight is a good idea. "Boomer, Retrieval team, I'll cover your exit."

 

Sigma watches as Colonel blinks some distance away, a frown still on his features. But oddly, as the Repliforce XO gets some distance, rather than press the attack, Sigma's weapon arms raise upwards, pointing towards the sky, even as he raises his hands to the Mavericks to either side. "Cease fire!" he calls out, a moment after Colonel calls his retreat.

            "Let them go." He adds a moment later, more quietly, even as the Imperial armor suddenly flashes, then breaks open at the front, allowing it's 'rider' to disembark and descend to the ground below, so he can properly look upon the burning outpost, and the victorious Mavericks that are beginning to gather around. Some tending to the wounded, others cheering.

Sigma changes into his Sigma armor.

 

 

Tangent Lepus goes home.

Tangent Lepus has left.

 

Lumine arrives from the Sky Above Western Canada.

Lumine has arrived.

 

Iris arrives from the Sky Above Western Canada.

Iris has arrived.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "We have a moment to breathe. Boomer Kuuwanger, bring the retrieval team up to the surface and I will take a look. Good work everyone. Repliforce underestimated us. The world now knows that we are no longer mere terrorists by their definition, and those who would join us will not doubt our strength."

 

        After some radio chatter which involves a good deal of wide eyes, triumphant eyes, frightened eyes, and once-again triumphant eyes, Boomer stands up(with a little wobble), and pauses for a moment, looking down at yet more mechfluid leaking from the hole in his chest.

        "You guys start moving out, we've got to get this stuff to the transports. Thanks for the cover, Eagle." Boomer offers a "thank y'ma'am" nod to Eagle, and proceeds to head forward, muttering something about mechfluid-circulation-conservation systems failing to kick in properly.

        He stoops to the ground, and manually removes the synthflesh from a downed soldier's face, wadding it into a ball and effectively corking the hole in his torso. It's kind of grotesque, but Boomer makes no qualms.

        "Okay! Let's get the hell out, Storm!" Boomer makes the shout as Titanic Rhinolifter disappears around a corner, and tosses a Boomerang Cutter past the reploid's head, resulting in another scream.

        He then tears the deceased Reploid's head off(as a fright tactic), and holds it high in the air, running after the shield-generator unit.

        "THIS IS A THREAT! I'LL DO IT TO YOUR FACE TOO!" He's probably lying.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger after some yelling, "Absolutely, Emperor. We're on our way now."

 

         Silver Horn lowers picks up his foot, looking down towards the fallen reploid. A pity. "A weakling like you should not be dealing with those stronger than you." This is, until Colonel comes up, pointing a saber towards him as Singularity Shrike is retrieved. "Oh. Take him... but you have did us quite a favor by doing it. Perhaps you may re-use the parts for other, more important uses?"

         Silver Horn just chuckles, body sparking. It should be noted he has yet to move. It's just not his style of fighting.. especially when they don't bother to move him either.

 

Lumine hears Iris's accusations and they make a fair amount of sense, after all. But despite his perfection, he almost feels powerless against these accusations. Still, Lumine's expression goes thoughtful as his eyes clear, "What a similar philosophy." He manages before crashing through the sky, "But that throne is far away, Iris, and hard to nudge for it is very, very dense."

            Lumine is caught by the beam, and two of his wings shear off as he plummets towards the ground, his flight systems cut. His lips twist into a small smile as his smoking body impacts towards the ground, "But I think I have a large enough charge."

            He points his buster towards the facility and 'clicks'. A gravitational surge impacts against the facility and high up in the sky, passing asteroids are tugged from their orbit and carried downwards towards the Repliforce faicility. It won't take as much time to impact as one might think. Hopefully there won't be anybody near the facility by the time the space rocks make impact.

 

Colonel picks up Sing with one arm as his sabre fizzles out to reveal another hand. Most of his troops that can still walk have obeyed his orders and retreated back to the Valkyrie. That is, save for one particular troop which has yet to acknowledge his orders.

            Insubordination on the battlefield is not something Colonel is prepared to tolerate, but Shield seems to think he'll just roll with it. He makes a mental note, and begins assisting the soldiers into the ship. He of course will not leave until his people are extracted.

 

Iris feels the stab of futility which she feels more often than she wishes.

            But she's ordered to retreat, and by her brother, yet; she turns and, without comment, flies away from the skyborne Maverick.

            She's crying in the cockpit, a bit; this is not the first time. At least she is far above in the sky, and thus somewhat hard to fire upon.

 

"That guy's crazy." One of the retrieval team comments to the other, but nevertheless, they doubletime it to the surface. At least, with Repliforce's retreat, they don't have to worry so much about doing so under fire.

            And so it is, in the raging blizzard, beyond the borders of the facility, that the three crates are loaded onto waiting transports. By now, the majority of the Mavericks are pulling back. Repliforce has a habit of coming back in greater numbers, so it wouldn't do well to stick around to say the least.

            The Warlord pauses at the nearest crate, grabbing onto the edge and giving a wrenching motion of his hand to tear the lid loose so that he can peer within.

            "Excellent."

            He puts the lid back down, and smiles. "It is done." He states, actually reaching out with one hand to clap the nearest Maverick upon the shoulder.

            "It is -done-! We have all that we need! Take thiis back quickly now! Soon, VERY soon...." With that, he turns, gesturing for the Imperial armor to be loaded up on another cargo skiff. "Mavericks! It is time to leave!"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Storm Eagle transmits, "Commander - targets acquired, have all units fled the facility?"

 

Vile tenses as the Repliforcers slowly move into position. Groundpounder Gilamonster, dazed but doubtfully done for the day. Coral Chiton, protecting her downed comrade. Slash Salmon, wielding her hooked blades and shoulder cannons and standing next to Shield Shellfish - the leader of this little troupe. It's a very rough surrounding pattern. The Maverick criminal straightens up, stiffening as the Pink Ladies remain in defiance of him. He grudgingly watches with approval as Shield Shellfish holds out a hand and motions. He glares at it, unmoving. In his radio, Vile hears Sigma order that the fighting is to cease as the Repliforce is pulling out. Sadly, Vile's radio seems to be... malfunctioning, and the message never gets through.

        The violet Maverick turns slowly, staring at each Repliforce trooper in turn, daring them to make the first move. He knows how painful it would be to force Shield Shellfish to back down from a situation like this due to Repliforce HQ's orders. But no, she at least deserves to be gunned down as she makes her stand. In his hands, Vile produces a medium auto-cannon scatter blaster, capable of firing charged bullets. He points it at each Repliforcer as if deciding who's to face it.

        This is a bad situation, surrounded, but Vile's been in worse. He picks a direction - towards Shellfish and Slash Salmon - and charges, firing a machine-gun spray of magnetic bullets in their direction, taking the gamble that the others won't be able to bring him down. Shellfish asked for it gotten, and it is.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "All units are pulling back now. What is it?"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "I shot an asteroid at it."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "It's going to be a not base soon. Also remember the shockwaves."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Storm Eagle transmits, "Exiting the facility, then."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma grunts. "We did not need to destroy the base or the area. All units exit at doubletime."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "And Lumine, the next time you decide to unleash a mass destructive force in close proximety to our own...don't. Unless I say so."

 

        Upon seeing that there are, in fact, no more Reploids opposing him, Boomer tosses the soldier's head to the side, and makes his way out of the facility, offering a little fist-pump at the sight of Sigma patting a guy on the back and ordering the transports filled. The beetle Maverick turns to the breached entrance, offering a triumphant little expression to Storm Eagle --

        And throwing up a hand for the hi-five. Mission accomplished, man!

        He does not seem to be too worried about the encroaching shadow.

 

Tactical, noting imminent doom, evacuates the area, catching a departing Maverick ride chaser and hitching a ride to relative safety.

 

Eagle waits for his fellow Mavericks to clear the immediate area before his wings spread again. When they do, however, he jets into the air, flying quickly through the corridors. As he passes Boomer, he slows enough to return the high-five. There are /some/ people, largely old-school Mavericks like Boomer, whom he's willing to loosen up a bit for. Not much, mind you. Then he starts flying out of there. Fast.

 

         Silver Horn turns, stomping off towards where he came from. It might be a bit before he makes it to the transport. He is hardly fast and he isn't easy to move.

         Maybe it'd be better if he took that asteroid to the face.

         Immediately after getting the hi-five, Boomer does his thing and vanishes. He reappears in a Maverick transport's medical bay, startling a doctor and disgusting a nurse. "You used synthskin to plug a mechfluid leak?!" "Yes."

 

Boomer Kuwanger retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Eagle.

 

Needless to say with certain radio transmissions, the Mavericks start to double-time it, vehicles being the order of the day. Wounded are dragged off...some equipment is left behind, but this is no time to cry over spilt milk. It's time to MOVE. Sigma himself, once the Imperial armor is safe and loaded up, blinks some distance away, reappearing and looking off towards the distance to watch the coming chaos.

 

        Shield Shellfish is a Gatebot. She is expected to be occasionally insubordinate, especially where it concerns beating the everloving hell out of Mavericks.

        The squad members are in fact prepared to retreat. Shield Shellfish rarely disobeys orders. It comes as a surprise, therefore, when she not only defies Vile -- she then lowers the hand, waving it in a 'stand down' motion.

        "Lieutenant -- " Slash Salmon begins -- only to be shoved aside a few seconds later. As soon as Vile makes his decision, Shield Shellfish makes /hers/. With gritted teeth she dives directly into the spray of magnetic bullets, which splatter across her chestplate and cause no small amount of damage.

        The remainders of the squad exchange glances -- Groundpounder dives back into the ground, and the other three fall back, towards the ship. Orders are orders, and while Shield Shellfish may feel obliged to occasionally disobey them, most of the squad members do not.

 

Shield Shellfish has arrived.

RF Combat Squad <Pink Ladies> has left.

Shield Shellfish takes RF Combat Squad <Pink Ladies>.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "Well, I gave plenty of warning, Emperor, I expected someone to say something if there was a problem."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Vile suddenly snaps, "ETA on the asteroid?"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma druly. "Forgive me for being caught up in battle Lumine. I wouldn't want to inconvenience you of course."

 

Storm Eagle retreats from the area swiftly, outdistancing all pursuit and parting shots.

 

Silver Horn retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Iris, Colonel, Shield Shellfish, Singularity Shrike, Sigma, Prismatic Spider, Vile, Lumine, Gigabolt Man-O-War, Storm Eagle, Boomer Kuwanger, and Tactical Raccoon.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Well, I'm no /astronomer/, but if you look closely, you will see a shadow on the ground. Evacuation is probably a good idea."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "I have informed Colonel to remove the last of his forces quickly."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Vile transmits, "I need an answer sooner rather than later."

 

Colonel looks up at the Valkyrie, and grumbles. "Take off." he says, as the ship powers up, and leaves the insubordinate Shield to fend for herself. He isn't going to risk his entire troop because of one soldier who can't follow orders.

Prismatic Spider strikes Silver Horn with his Laser Pointer attack.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "Mm... thirty seconds to a minute, I'm guessing. Could be shorter though. I'm not an astronomer either. Or longer. Same reason."

 

Gigabolt Man-O-War has left.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Vile transmits, "Good enough."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma has apparently just read Attila's report. "So. This Ra Moon is not invincible."

 

Lumine calls Sigma Emperor because he doesn't like being called Emperor anymore. He looks at the ground as he steadies himself and looks at the shadow. That -is- a shadow there, after all. He crosses his arms and looks at Shield Shellfish remaining. He doesn't open fire, but if she doesn't get out of the way she'll be hit by the shockwave, even if she isn't in the base. Possibly any Mavericks who choose to stay. It's an Asteroid. Asteroids hurt.

            The Asteroid is visible in the sky now, swooping towards the Repliforce Fortress.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "We can discuss it when we are away from the danger zone, perhaps?"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Attila transmits, "He can be defeated. Perhaps he is gone for good, but perhaps not."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "He was defeated on Mars as well and has returned. 'Returning' from the dead is not something new, Attila. I should know. Nevertheless, this is god information. Now, let us get back to base."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Storm Eagle transmits, "In conclusion of our successful assault...Mavericks! I salute you!"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "Party in the Officer's Club when we get to base!"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Overclock transmits, "There's injured, I assume?"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "They are being transported."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Storm Eagle transmits, "Many."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger, proudly, "I got stabbed in the chest but I tore some synthflesh off of a downed Repliforcer's face to staunch the leak."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "So I'm okay."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Overclock transmits, "Hardcore."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "This shit is /not/ absorbent, though." In the background, a nurse can be heard making a disgusted noise and pleading for some better sealant."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "I don't think he needs to be aware of our plans beforehand. He can wait and move as soon as he's ready. He's an individual, not an organization."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "Something to look into all the same though."

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "It neverth

eless falls into the same category."

 

ETA 30 seconds, Lumine says. Give or take. The latest Gatebot didn't seem particularly sure. No matter. At this point Vile needs only to look up to see what's coming down towards the base. Wise but weak, Vile thinks as Shield Shellfish's crew fall back towards the ship. This leaves just a battered Vile and a battered Shield Shellfish. Vile already knew that it would come to this. Anything else just wouldn't be right. The scatterblaster bullets ricochet off Shellfish's armour in every which way, causing sparks to fly up against the white of the snow. Vile keeps up the firepower as he rushes her, but it doesn't seem to be slowing her down.

        Just before impact, Vile raises the scatterblaster like a baseball bat and swings, trying to smash the Maverick nemesis in the face. No matter what he ends up hitting, whether it be her head, her armour, or even the ground, the weapon is a mangled wreck. Vile's own helmet, unfortunately, catches on Shield Shellfish's fist, and his head snaps backwards violently, knocking him over and onto his back in the melting snow with a finalizing -THUD-. From behind Vile's helmet, there is the faint sound of servos and gears whirling and grinding against each other.

        Vile rolls over, seeing the asteroid as he does. No time anymore. On one knee, dazed and stunned, he mutters pained and loud enough for Shellfish to hear, "Stay here and die." He can only hope that her own blink systems have been destroyed as Vile activates his own. There's a flash of light, and then nothing, as Vile attempts to teleport as far away from here as possible for his own safety.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma transmits, "And I want it investigated."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Overclock transmits, "He DID attack and kill the internet thing, right? Maybe he's just really wired."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "Retard Antelope used to tell me that the Internet was serious business."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine murmurs a soft 'God Bless Him'.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Magna Centipede transmits, "He's dead, right?"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "Yes."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Lumine transmits, "This was in the past."

 

        SNAP. There goes another helmet horn -- they're always breaking off and ruining her water systems. Other than that, Vile's swung weapon does little damage against the thick armour Shield Shellfish wears. The punch has more impact than she anticipated; the bodyguard goes skidding across half-molten snow and ice. Similarly, she sees the asteroid coming, and knows that time is too short. She has to finish it --

        And the chance is stolen from her yet again, as Vile blinks away. With gritted teeth she clambers back to a kneeling position, then standing; Vile is nowhere to be seen in the low-visibility environment, or perhaps his blink systems are of a longer range than hers. Not that she can see that well with one busted eye. She waits a few seconds longer, but there's no sign of the Maverick commander.

        Without another word the damaged Gatebot blinks away as rapidly as she can -- hopefully outrunning the asteroid's impact.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Magna Centipede transmits, "Good."

 

Asteroids move a lot more quickly the closer they reach the Earth. It only looks slower when it's high up in the sky. One moment it's in the air and the other it's smashing into the Repliforce Compound. It manages to burn through several layers of complex before it hits enough 'impact' to detonate, the facility exploding with a large and impressive shockwave that knocks over some trees, knocks rocks up in the air at high velocities, and spreads the fire over a fair distance. Vile and Shield Shellfish barely manage to get out of the way in time.

            As does Lumine, who vanishes a few seconds before impact, reappearing farther up in the sky and farther away, then vanishing again and not reappearing at all.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Vile transmits, "Status of the transport?"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "I'm totally alive."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Triple Voice Action Bolero transmits, "Alive and relatively well."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Vile transmits, "If the transport's still in the area then get over here and pick me up."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Vile transmits, "Else I'll make my own way back."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "I've, ah."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "I'd tell the pilot to turn around, but we've got the cargo, man."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Vile mutters.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Storm Eagle transmits, "...Boomer, give me the basket. I'll go pick him up."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Vile transmits, "..."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Storm Eagle transmits, "I can fly faster than this transport."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Vile wishes the idea of him being carried in a basket wasn't being discussed on the Maverick broadband.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Boomer Kuwanger transmits, "There should be a spare in the storage room, it's right next to the medbay."

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Sigma ahems. "I'm...sure Vile is capable of hitching a ride from one of our drones Storm Eagle. All will be well. Now, to celebrate victory.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Storm Eagle transmits, "OF course, Commander."

 

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

Message: 11/60                     Posted        Author

Pressure Check OK                  Thu Apr 20    Scorpio

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

<Sealant Mudskipper appears.>

 

        Pressurization and oxygenation checks are okay. The Raptor II is now okay for people to start moving about in freely. Access can be made through the lower flight deck while we work on powering up the teleporter. It should be online in a day or two.

 

<Maverick Spinny.>

 

 

                        Scorpio, first boss of Megaman X7

 

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

 

*** TRAVEL SPAM ***

 

Raptor II - Service Access

 

        Despite being large enough to provide access to the largest of Mavericks, the main accessway of the Raptor II gives off the impression of a cramped, functional hall. Countless small hatches lead to defense stations, ammo caches, and access tubes that lead to the ship's vital systems, particularly the massive coolant systems that feed the main cannon of the ship. Larger access doors lead to the four main sectors of this, the largest deck of the ship, and service elevators lead to the upper and lower decks.

 

 

 Contents:                               Contents:                     

 Wild Jango [M]                          Lumine [Director] [M]

 

 

 Upper Deck <U>:           Raptor II - Engineering

 Fore <F>:                 Raptor II - Command Bridge

 Starboard <S>:            Raptor II - Main Quarters

 Port <P>:                 Raptor II - Ready Room

 Aft <A>:                  Raptor II - Teleporters

 Flight Deck <F>:          Raptor II - Flight Deck

 

Wild Jango is stalking along just behind Lumine, eying the lithe deathmotron warily when he bumps his head. Jango snarls and with nary a click of his claws on the metal floor he compresses into the 2nd dimension, and reappears on the other side of Lumine out in the nexus between tunnels. He whistles innocently and steals a glance upwards, trying to get a feel for this flying deathtrap he's been stationed in.

 

Lumine glances behind him, sees Wild Jango compress into a second dimension, and then reappear where he was previously looking. Blinking looks creepier up close. "Nice place, huh?" He tells Wild Jango. He sounds sarcastic as he barely avoids hitting the ceiling again.

 

Vile has only recently fought a very tough battle against Shield Shellfish and her cronies. The only reason Vile is here and not in the medbay is because he refuses to be waylaid by the hateful Repliforcer. The purple Maverick criminal quietly stalks through the Raptor II, peering at this and that, wondering if all the effort it took to create it is going to be worth it.

 

Wild Jango claws the underside of his jaw thoughtfully "Well It had better be for all the time and effort, hnaAar." He snorts and snarls thickly, you can almost feel the simulated saliva rolling around in his jaws, "As long as it can blow up the planet I guess there's nothing to worry about."

            Wild Jango looks nervous for a second, as he reviews the situation mentally, "It can blow up the entire planet right?"

 

Lumine says, "Oh, can it?" He doesn't seem entirely opposed to the idea. He looks towards Vile and gives him a questioning look as if he would know. "I don't know, I didn't help with the weapons systems."

 

Vile feels that this was one hell of a long and repetitive task force, and for all of this work the final mission had goddamn well better have custom art and shit. "No. It's just like the Fortress V. Copying the Repliforce is hardly the road to success," he mutters in regards to the Raptor II. "Of course, maybe Sigma knows what he's doing," He glances in Lumine's direction, curious as to his reaction to this.

 

Wild Jango nods, "So like you stole the plans for the Fortress V and improved them? Or we're in standard military technology, which means two of Wily's thugs and three naked Cult of Bass cannibals with torches could take us down with a thrown can of Wilybeer?"

 

Lumine says, "Sir?" since that sort of talk isn't usually the one you say a lot, but then he smiles and says "Maybe." He glances towards Wild Jango, thinks about his words, and adds, "I think it would take at least four or five cannibals. Let's be fa--Agh!" He hits another access pipe, this time with his leg.

 

Vile doesn't elaborate on his question concerning Sigma, and instead says, "This ship has been patch worked together by several dozen different sources. We stooped low enough to raid the /Quint Blimp/ for an operating system." Vile doesn't appear to be particularly impressed with the way it was built, but he doesn't press the issue. At least they -have- a flying doomship now. Vile pauses and peers as Lumine smacks against an access pipe.

 

Wild Jango perks up, "But I can take 5 cannibals, so when they come it's all blood and bones, and busted wigs."

Wild Jango reaches back behind his waist, detaching a dilapidated human femur from his combat harness, the half chewed length is inserted in the side of his muzzle, and he crunches off the last inch or so, his optics rolling up a bit and quivering with anticipation and pleasure and he grinds the bones awkwardly in his fangs.

 

Lumine isn't happy with the doomship. It's cramped, uncomfortable, and he's not entirely certain Ride Armors can move through it without breaking things. "Cannibals wear wigs?" Lumine says, curiousity piqued.

 

Wild Jango says, "All humans do, but they're attached at the base of their skull."

 

Vile ignores the conversation about the cannibals, as he's confident that it isn't really going anywhere. Instead he idly runs his hand along the wall, reading the labels on the ammo caches access tubes. If they're going to have to live and work here, he at least needs to know it inside and out. He is careful to not hit his head on anything.

 

Lumine says, "Huh. I never thought about it like that, but you've got an interesting point there. Explains a lot about the Arcadians."

 

Wild Jango goes on to give Lumine a bit of demonstration, gesturing at the nape of the pasty Gate-bot's neck and making a claw swiping motion and then pantomime's grabbing the crown of the head and tearing back across the forehead. "Blammo. grip it and rip it."

 

Vile glances over his shoulder as Wild Jango demonstrates how humans all wear wigs. He shakes his head slowly at Wild Jango, but can't help but wonder... who the hell is this punk again?

 

Lumine say,s "Grip'n'rip. Got it." He thinks, "If only I had that Tomahawk weapon of Rock's. Then I could do some real good with it, I think. Wig collection charity and everything."

 

Wild Jango bobs his head enthusiastically, "could make shag carpet for this place. It'd bring some class, make it warm and cozy."

 

Vile goes back to checking out the ammo caches. Oooooh, napalm grenades. He considers pointing out the obvious that all humans do not wear wigs, but he figures Lumine is already aware of this and is just humouring Wild Jango. At least, hopefully Lumine is aware of this. With him it's not always easy to tell.

 

Lumine is probably humoring Wild Jango. On the other hand, if you can't ignore the skull bits attached to the scalp, are you really deserving of a wig anyway? "A carpet made from human scalps, excuse me wigs, would be very...very..." Lumine tries to think of the appropriate artsy word, "Ambient."

 

 

Vile goes ahead and finds an even more appropriate word, though it's neither artsy nor humouring Wild Jango. "Pointless." Opening the hatch that reads 'Napalm Grenades', Vile is disappointed to only find a couple of the normal variety along with a note that says 'Put Napalm Grenades Here'. This ship definitely isn't /quite/ done, it seems.

 

Wild Jango thinks about Lumine's commentary for a moment. With a slithering of the tongue betwixt his tungsten alloy fangs, Jango swallows the last fragments of bone, and inserts now slightly less than half length of bone into his jaws, crunching off another inch or so. His eyes roll back and he leans back on his haunches as he raises a finger claw directly at the center of Lumine's chest to make his point, "I'm not so sure it'd be ambient, it'd kind of reach out and grab you, wouldn't it, some of this crew would be revolted they be buggin' out and makin' a stink about it. and you'd never get the smell out, not that I'd mind personally..."

 

Sigma arrives from the Ready Room.

Sigma has arrived.

 

Lumine says, "Really? Well, I suppose it wouldn't be 'ambient' if they were offended by it, I thought you guys were into that sort of thing. I thought it made you feel peaceful corpsey thoughts." He wiggles his fingers vaguely and looks at the note. "...This ship is totally awesome," Lumine says dourly.

 

Wild Jango half chokes, coughing a thumb sized nugget to sail past the side of Lumine's head, "It reeks eerily of a half baked plot for personal attention destined to be thwarted by the blue bugger and his whole ho crew, when we could just be focusing on breaking his neck and getting the ball rolling." his entire body shivers slightly and he grins impossibly; metal lips peeling back to show even more shiny sharp teeth then chomps of half the remaining femur, causing his mouth to foam from the calcium content and giving him a decidedly rabid appearance.

 

Vile lets Lumine finish reading the note and puts it back into the ammo compartment. With everything that the Mavericks had going to this project, Vile is starting to think that maybe some of the old standby, like bombs and guns and grenades, might need a look-up too. After a quick glance at some of the others (plasma rifles, rocket launchers, and thermal detonators), Vile doesn't bother disappointing himself by seeing what's inside. Turning around to face Wild and Lumine again, Vile comments, "It'll do, for now. I still want to hear what Sigma has planned for the 'grand unveiling'. Knowing him it'll be suitable dramatic."

 

Lumine twists his head a little to avoid the nugget. It would have missed anyway, but he is extra careful not to get nugget on him, "Of course, the blue bugger might be dead now," Lumine has to admit, fairly, but he doubts it. Some idiot with a retarded name like Ra Moon isn't going to kill him. It's going to be someone with an awesome name, like Lumine, that is going to do the job. "Oh he hasn't told me, but it will have to be soon otherwise they'll figure it out. I suspect he'll throw us at the Fortress Five."

 

Wild Jango stops in the middle of an animated repositioning of his arms, switching his bone hand, and pressing his back up into an upward curving depression in the bulkhead, "There'd better be a raiding party, I want to swing over there on a grapling hook and decapitate some Repliforcers. Nothing like military hardware to work up a sweat." Having ground the 9 inches or so of human bone to dust, his mouth is foaming quite a bit, his saliva reacting with the bone which seems to have a polishing effect on the newer maverick's incisors. "Not that I need a grapling hook, I could just pop in their and give the boss the old Assassin Strike." he growls a good ol hnnrrrlllllly sound and then sidles his shoulders around a bit trying to get comfortable but clearly entirely too agitated to settle down.

 

Vile isn't very confident of this patch work ship being a match for the Fortress V (especially with that hunky Storm Owl in command, while this ship only has that dirty old mech Storm Eagle), but what does he know about airships? Not much other than their napalm grenade caches should always be fully stocked. "We should hit Australia," he suggests, "Pay them back for their crimes against the Reploids-" not that Vile cares about that "-and strike a blow for Tol Eressea. Originally I had wished to finish the job in Britain, destroying them before they could militarize, but Storm Eagle is right - it's too late for that." To Jango, Vile mutters, "Easier said then done."

 

"It's never too late, Vile." Sigma states, his voice filling the room as he quite literally materializes into existence, joining the conversation without invitation. But hey, when you're head Maverick it comes with some perks, right?

            "But then, Australia itself as you have recommended also offers an attractive prospect as well, dosen't it?" As Sigma's form becomes fully solid once more, his cloak sweeps about him just slightly so, forming at the front to seal and hide his arms from view, though no doubt they're crossed over his chest. "Decisions, decisions."

 

Vile looks up and over as Sigma phases into view. "You've looked over Eagle's proposals, then," Vile says, not quite phrasing it like a question. He's hoping for a decision to be made. He doesn't want another heavily armed Australia or Swiss Ride Armour army running around, immune to the war. Just when one seemingly invincible nation is wiped out (San Angeles) another springs up to take its place. The job never ends.

 

Lumine doesn't say anything about Australia. They'll probably try to do to Sigma what they did to Wily. Fail to kill him. Of course, fail to kill him in a somewhat humiliating manner. Therefore, he's for it, but doesn't want to be the one handling that side of things. He'll stick to Tol Eressea for the time being. He opens his mouth, as if about to speak on something else before seeming to get another thought in his head and merely adding, "I'm going to go check out the rest of the ship and find somewhere comfortable." He turns and heads off for the Quarters which he'll find just as cramped as this area.

 

Wild Jango grumbles after Lumine "This place is like the back seat of a volkswagon. " He pauses, words trailing off as he glances suspiciously after all three mavericks and then blinks out, pacing a bit in the seconds before he goes.

 

"I have been thinking one thing in particular..." Sigma states, his expression turning neutral with perhaps a bit more thoughtfulness to it than normal. "No doubt, Australia is building up it's armed forces, as you suspect, Vile. They intend to be able to back up their anti-reploid stance afterall, until such a time they can smugly sit behind their pretty weapons and claim independence. A fat lot of good it did for Eurasia and San Angeles, but people never seem to learn." A pause, as he half turns. "Still. Australia is surrounded by quite a bit of ocean and require a fair bit of naval power, which they didn't possess before. I suspect they are building it up...how is your history Vile? Pearl Harbor in particular?"

Lumine hands you a cookie for a job well done!

 

"I know of it," Vile replies. "Of course, that ended very badly for the ones that launched the bombing run." Vile pauses here long enough to give Lumine a respectful nod. Jango alas gets nothing, since Vile doesn't know him. "One thing we'll have to be careful of is that we don't want to push the Australians too close to Neo Arcadia." Vile shakes his head in disappointment. It's frustrating that the Coalition of Reploid Freedom has to tip toe around, desperately trying not to piss off certain groups of people.

 

"Ah yes..." Sigma states, his robes unfolding enough to reveal one hand as he raises a finger, nodding as Wild Jango teleports out and Lumine departs. "Of course there is another consideration to take into place. They ejected the reploids from their nation, and they are already getting rather chummy with Neo Arcadia to begin with. Given their close proximety to Tol Eressea...it -could- be suspected that they are building up this military strength for a proposed strike on the city and it's inhabitants, could it not? And if -that- were the case...we would be honor bound to act in the best interests of the people whom we helped to settle after their upheavel. Correct?"

 

Vile folds his arms and takes a step, careful not to hit his leg on the same access pipe that Lumine almost tripped over a while back. Hopefully none of the Mavericks are claustrophobic. "I'm sure Elpizo is working very hard to coerce the Australians into taking that action against Tol Eressea. Obviously nobody's going to believe -us-, but that's never mattered much in the past." Vile shifts his weight from one foot to another. 'Honour bound'. Ha ha ha ha.

 

"Australia and Neo Arcadia would not believe us. But they would never believe us to begin with." Sigma tilts his head forward just slightly. "However, the rest of the world isn't as likely to believe -them- either when they deny. And needlesss to say, Neo Arcadia is now suffering from their own stain of a failed invasion. The ones who -would- trust our word, are those whom we have been...courting, within Able City itself, as of late. Wouldn't they?"

 

"Maybe," Vile says. "If your goal is here to gather more recruits, then yes, demolishing the homeland that cast them out is bound to get some to our side - especially if there was the possibility the Australians were going to attack them first. Is that it, then? You're going with Australia as the target?" Think about this. Attacking a country under the pretense that they're going to attack you first, all on the understanding that the people living nearby will be hailing you as liberators for bringing down the evil regime. This mission is now dubbed Operation: Iraqi Freedom.

 

"Do you have a better suggestion Vile?" Sigma states, head lifting just slightly. "Because I am more than open to hear...ideas. Unlike some expectations, I am not in a rush to face down the Fortress V." He glances about. "We just -put- this thing together, I am not in a hurry to put it through so rough a test. The Repliforce ship will come gunning for us in its own time I imagine. Storm Owl and Storm Eagle will be eager to test themselves against each other I bet. As for Australia...hrmph. In the end, it is less about cementing relations with them. They hate us already anyway. Anything that happens from this point out would happen anyway. I simply prefer to be the one who makes the first move."

 

Vile waves his hand dismissively, "I'm fine with attacking Australia. Just make sure that we have our bases covered. Playing up the angle that Australia plans to attack Tol Eressea is a good one, though it'll take work to implement. That I leave in your capable hands," Vile is not known for his ability to sway people to his cause. At least not without threatening them. "We'll also have to be prepared to deal with Neo Arcadia moving in on Australia. I don't know how close Elpizo is getting to running the show there."

 

"That in itself would no doubt be an act to cause much friction between other nations, given Australia's claims that they have no intention of letting Neo Arcadia in to run the show." Sigma intones, smirking just faintly. "The UN, as always, remains utterly powerless, and little more than a broken symbol it seems."

 

Somewhere behind his T-visored helmet, Vile smiles at the mention of the UN being broken and destroyed. Just another step towards the downfall of all major societies. Just another piece of evidence that demonstrates that regardless of the battles between all the factions, Vile is winning the war. "Hopefully Australia will continue to refuse Aztlan's wishes to take over, but I prefer to assume the worst," Vile says. "But all things are a calculated risk, including attacking Australia."

 

Wild Jango has left.

 

"We shall see, Vile. For now, we must gather intelligence on their major concentrations of military power. If not a fleet, there may be an army. Or something else..." Sigma falls silent, brooding for a few moments, frowning in deep thought, before making a half turn and a dismissive gesture. "Yes, we'll see. One way or another."

 

"Very well. I'll leave that to your spies to work out," Vile says. Intel work is not his forte. Many things are not his forte, really. As Sigma makes a half turn, Vile does as well, apparently wishing to check out the rest of the ship. Also he plans to stop by the medical bay. By now he's certainly proven that Shellfish's attempts to destroy him hasn't slowed him down any. Cough... better have a medic look him over anyway.