Able City - Business District

 

The business district of Able City has anything you could ever want to purchase, and some things you've probably never heard of. Interface stations are a new fad here for lonely Reploids. For a very small fee, any Reploid can try to find a special someone to mingle programming with for a night and are so public, one doubts the Government is trying to restrict it. While fear of the virus detracts from business, these interface-stations still manage to attract a fair number of Reploids.

 

Oddly enough, a robot recycling plant functions in this area in the outskirts of the district and makes its living by purchasing bodies of deceased Reploids and recycling them. Those that have been killed while committing a crime or have personally requested it are primary targets of such work, and as far as anybody knows, no living people have been smelted in the plant.

 

It is rumored that the League of MEAN own some property here as well, but there is no proof of this ... yet.

 

 Contents:                               Contents:                     

 Freight Transporter <Labmobile> [C]

 

 Northwest <NW>:           Able City - Traffic Hub

 West <W>:                 Able City - Park District

 Southwest <SW>:           Able City - Industrial District

 

Lumine enters from the park gateway.

Lumine has arrived.

 

The Council Office is rather busy today, but because of Storm Owl's standing with Repliforce, some time has been cleared away for him to speak to the Council. The Council is a group of seven and to pass any serious resolution, the vote needs to at least have two more votes than a nay opposition. While this leads to a slow governmental process, it does ensure nothing too radical gets through by basis of a small vote margin. Storm Owl is led to a small conference room and is offered a seat.

            Five of the Seven Councilmen are present. Liquid Dolphin, a reploid who is also running for mayor and is pretty dedicated to Able's safety, Diplomat Crow, a Pro-Force Diplomat ever since she was kidnapped by the Coalition, Lumber Kangaroo, a reploid who still has a family back in Australia, Panic Owl (he's a bit of an alarmist), and Shakespeare Monkey (he's a bit of a flipflopper and talks a lot).

            "Sorry, two of our Councilmen are a little slow to appear, Storm Owl, please have a seat," Liquid Dolphin tells the Owl.

 

This is what he needs, Storm Owl decided the moment the Australians were led to Able City. One way or another, this deal Repliforce made with the Maverick devil should be ending. Sigma has gone too far this time. The war bird is alone as he is led to the conference room. His beret rests confidently on his head, and the bold Repliforce insignia gives the impression of a proud military mech well. In his hand is a small carrying case containing a laptop. As he enters the conference room, the Commander gives each of them a nod and, if the others rise, sets the case down next to his chair and extends his hand.

        Storm Owl is silently grateful that at least we can be relatively assured that none of these are Maverick spies. "Thank you for granting me this audience," he says in a businesslike manner. "I realize how busy you have all been with these several latest attacks." First the ADF, and then the Neo Arcadians.

        He takes the seat as suggested and clasps his hand and air blaster together on the table. "I assure you I would not have asked for this audience were it not important. As you know, the Coalition's leadership has overtly and purposefully caused an enemy to attack Able City. Sigma directly and with intent caused the death of citizens when he led an armed force back to its shores. This is, of course, in violation of their being allowed to be here. We need to discuss the best manner with which to outlaw their presence and arrest their members."

 

Rophantieh slides in moments after Storm Owl starts speaking with a mumbled apology. He is a humanoid with a slight African touch to his design but he's clearly not human as his body is rather bulky. He sits down two seats over from Storm Owl. When Storm Owl is done, Liquid Dolphin bobs her head and says, "I understand, please make your case. We'll provide our own points and counterpoints, and then we'll let you address--"

            Then it's Professor Ladder's turn to step in. He is also humanoid, though he's kind of 10 feet tall and gangly so nobody would ever expect him to be one. He says, "Sorry I'm late, I got held up at the research institute." And he plunks down next to Storm Owl, looking down at him.

            "--our issues." Dolphin finishes.

 

Storm Owl looks over and nods to the two latecomers, rising and shaking any required hands. Professor Ladder has a good two feet on Storm Owl, but Storm Owl is used to working with Reploids far taller. Storm Owl calmly and casually slips the laptop out of the carrying case and sets it on the conference room table. He opens it up and taps a button. A tiny but well detailed holoprojector projects images about a square foot in size to the centre of the table.

        "As I was saying," he reiterates for both the Prof and for Rophantieh, "On August 6th, 2219, Sigma attacked an ADF base located in Hobart, Tasmania." The projector displays an image of the base in Hobart after the attack. There is some smoke rising from one of the buildings. "Sigma then purposefully and with intent led an Australian force back to Able City and provoked them in attacking." Storm Owl taps several more buttons, and images of Sigma hanging ten on a torpedo and probably grinning like a dork, of the Australian destroyer and submersibles cruising after him, and of the initial battle.

        "Sigma did this in an attempt to incite rebellion in Able City. He wished to start a war between Australia and Able City." Storm Owl leans in slightly, reclasping his hand and air blaster, "Make no mistake: the Mavericks have attacked Able City. They need to be outlawed, and their members arrested in order to guarantee the safety of the citizens."

 

There is some murmuring between Councilmen during key points of Storm Owl's presentation, but not as much as one might expect. Eventually Shakespeare Monkey speaks first, "But how sure can we be that this is Sigma? Everybody has holographic imagery of him, this could easily be a frame attempt. On the other hand," He continues, "This could also very well be Sigma expecting us to think this is a frame attempt and whomever has done such an action is surely a powerful person." Shakespeare runs his fingers across his face thoughtfully, "But then again, many powerful people have holograms, including Australia itself. They could have sent a 'Sigma hologram' along and destroyed their own base for a chance to strike at us. Perhaps they want us to eschew the Mavericks, as their goal. Well, that is clearly their goal, but maybe--"

            Rophantieh coughs, "Ah, what I think Shakespeare Monkey is trying to get at is is there proof that this is Sigma beyond just some sort of trick? But beyond that, if I may ask for a clarification. Is this a Sigma action or a Coalition action. I understand that Sigma is the leader, but there has been quite a bit of dissension amongst the Coalition, it seems, there have been a lot of speeches here in Able and from reports, the Coalition soldiers themselves weren't too happy about Sigma's actions here."

 

Storm Owl replies Shakespeare Monkey first, "It was Sigma. Consider the fact that the Mavericks, or even Sigma himself, has not denied this fact. On the global broadband frequency Sigma has even discussed it with others. This could /not/ easily be a frame attempt, unless they've successfully managed to coerce every single Maverick, including 'the real Sigma', into keeping quiet." Storm Owl shakes his head, "No, this was undoubtedly Sigma and the Mavericks that did this." This is the first Storm Owl has ever heard of the theory of that not being the real Sigma before. Interesting.

        To Rophantieh, he notes, "Sigma is the leader. No Maverick has ever stated otherwise. If other Mavericks wished to condemn this action then they could have. They did not. Instead they rose up and fought alongside Sigma, protecting their leader."

 

There is some more murmuring.

            "We can assume it's Sigma at least until he says otherwise." Liquid Dolphin agrees.

            "But we will give the Coalition to say their own piece before we make any final decisions," Lumber Kangaroo jumps in grumpily--he's pretty vocal against Australia.

            "Right," Liquid Dolphin notes, "Does that satisfy your objections, Shakespeare, Rophantieh?"

            Shakespeare bobs his head, "Mm, yes, yes, I think that--"

            Rophantieh interrupts again, "Not quite, I have some evidence..." He pulls out his own holographic map of the city which shows the positions of the Mavericks during the battle. Most of the Mavericks are at the exterior, fighting Australian and Hunters, whereas only Sigma is really deep inside the city. "None of the Mavericks were nowhere near Sigma. None of them attacked Able City citizens. Many Mavericks, including Boomer Kuwanger, have continued to protect our city even when that Death Virus came about and they also assisted in evacuations. Twice. If they were really pitted against us, could they not act in a more overt manner than guiding a single torpedo towards our shores?"

            "And it's not like Repliforce exactly behaved graciously during this little escapade either. They let Australia waltz through our home. Sigma's move is deplorable, but I'm not really happy with anybody." Kangaroo grunts.

            "Don't speak out of turn," Dolphin warns to her fellow Councilmen. "Regardless," Professor Ladder jumps in, "There is another instance of the Coalition bringing Australia here that we must consider. Overclock brought in Australian prisoners which had to be liberated by Hunters. This would make Sigma's torpedo surfing the second time a Coalition officer has acted against our citizenry--that we know of, there may be more."

 

Storm Owl's beady gaze goes from Liquid Dolphin to Lumber Kangaroo back to Liquid to Shakespeare Monkey and finally to Rophantieh in turn. The war bird listens to the last respectfully with his hand and gun clasped together. He is about to reply but Lumber beats him to it. Once he, Liquid, and the Prof have their exchange, Storm Owl addresses Rophantieh's concerns. "You misunderstand. I do not mean to say that the Coalition wishes to kill Able City citizens for the sake of killing them. No, I mean that they plan to coerce them into joining the Mavericks' crusade for the annihilation of humanity."

        "In this case, it was done by having the Australians attack Able City, and forcing your citizens into battle." Storm Owl taps a button on the laptop.

        Suddenly, Sigma's voice can be heard booming, "Do you choose to be hunted and killed as swine? As game? Do you choose to flee? This last land that was made for you when Australia felt it was only needed to simply kick you out on your rear. Why? They fear you. Your potential. Your divine right! And I say unto you... stand up, and fight!!"

        The voice continues, ""Those of you who have lived peaceful lives, only blanketed from the terror that surrounds your lives... know this! They come now, giving not even a thought as to who you are! Artisans! Businessmen! Innocents... the word has been lost to them! They shall come and strike you down no matter the pleas!"

        "REPLOIDS! The humans are legion. The apes are not satisfied with having spat upon your rightful home. They have not stopped at their cowardice! To single each and every one of you as a lesser being. To single /each/ and /every one/ of you as no more than a /disease/. They have no pretext... only whim, guiding their actions upon us."

        Storm Owl taps the same button again, and the voice stops. "Professor Ladder is correct. The Mavericks have been trying to start a war between Australia and Able City from the start. It can be used to boost their own numbers - regardless of the number of Reploids that will be killed as a result."

 

Sigma's charisma doesn't seem to transfer via the recording. Only Shakespeare Monkey notices this, "He still doesn't... feel like Sigma. I've listened to his earlier works, they were far better linguistically conceived I--sorry, sorry,"

            Diplomat Crow murmurs, "Even back in the day, the Coalition has been known for trying to use reploid communities for their own gain. And that's not just Sigma."

            "It's never been a secret," Rophantieh murmurs, "That the Mavericks would like us to be at war with Australia, but that's not something we can kick them out for alone otherwise we wouldn't have Lumber Kangaroo here."

            Lumber Kangaroo snorts, "Don't want them to get our city shelled either, told the last crew to not accept this deal but they were so concerned about the economics..."

            Liquid Dolphin sighs lightly and rubs at her forehead, "Okay, Storm Owl. First things first, if we ask Sigma and Overclock to leave, or all the Mavericks for that matter, would Repliforce protect us from Maverick reprisal? That Repliforce let Australia into our borders just to chase after a torpedo--regardless of Sigma's obvious intent--concerns me. Can you please explain why Repliforce acted in this matter? I think this will clear up a lot of issues for us."

            Panic Owl mutters, "Fell for bait too easily, they must be working together..."

 

Storm Owl addresses each person in turn. To Shakespeare Monkey he says, "Again I remind you that the Mavericks have never condemned this action nor denied that they were a part of it, even after it was reported by GNN that they were behind this. Despite what you may feel, it -was- Sigma."

        He nods to Diplomat Crow, Rophantieh, and Lumber. He doesn't chuckle at Roph's joke, however, since this is Serious Business <tm>. Panic Owl's comment gets a silent, questioning glance.

        Liquid's question is a good one, and one that Storm Owl has been hoping would be asked. "When the Australian Defense Force came in to kill Sigma, I personally led the Repliforce division stationed in Able City. I knew our top priority -had- to be the safety of the population and of property. I also knew that this would -not- be accomplished by shooting the Austrralians. Instead we focused on rescuing and evacuating the civilians. It was our work that prevented any loss of life on our side."

        "I contacted General Magrevich and informed him that if he were to harm any civilian, we would destroy his force. Rather than civilians being harmed and Able City being in a full blown war with the Australians, the Mavericks - the ones who brought this upon the city - were the ones to be harmed. It was not an easy decision, council members, but it was the right one, and it successfully saved lives."

        "However," Storm Owl adds in a quieter voice that forces the Council members to be quiet and focus completely on him, "Allow me to be perfectly clear. Were the Mavericks forced to leave, and the Australians to attack this city in order to do harm to its citizens, we would engage them in war. And Council members, I shall be blunt-" Storm Owl leans in slightly, "-we would annihilate their army."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Sigma: Storm Owl transmits without warning and out of the clear blue, "Sigma, this is Commander Storm Owl of the Repliforce. Your actions on August 6th nearly claimed the life of Able City civilians. Repliforce is charged with the safety of the citizens of Able City. We cannot afford to have you inciting Reploids in the city to take up arms.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Sigma transmits, eerily clearly considering the reports on Sigma's condition from numerous eyewitnesses and sources, "Ah, ha ha... you cannot afford to have me inciting Reploids in the city to take up arms? How far will you go to appease the humans that want nothing more than for them to be treated as sheep for slaughter?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Sigma: You say, "Does this mean you plan to continue?"

There is quiet for some time as Storm Owl finishes his speech. It's a good one. Diplomat Crow, Ladder, and Lumber Kangaroo are all smiling as he finishes, Panic Owl still seems unnerved but he always seems unerved. The others are more thoughtful and neutral in their expressions.

 

"Alright," Liquid Dolphin confirms, "We will give the Mavericks a chance to defend themselves, but your case is strong, Storm Owl and I'm pleased to have your assurances about the city. While we are no friends of Australia, we have a new home here we have to protect before we can worry about returning home."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Sigma says, "I act in the best interests of /all/ Reploidkind. But... perhaps... these words are, indeed, wasted upon the likes of you."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Sigma: Storm Owl is silent for several moments. Then, "Thank you for your time."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Sigma says, "Those fools say this is the beginning of the end. While you wait on them on hand and knee, tell them... that they are right."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Sigma goes for the photo finish in hanging up first.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Sigma: Storm Owl refrains from hanging up due to that last bit. He's just about to ask what Sigma means, but click, Siggy hangs up. Curses!

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Sigma is victorious in the hanging up game once more! Mwahahahahaha!

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Sigma: Storm Owl sucks at this game. He never wins!

 

Storm Owl watches each of their expressions carefully. "Thank you," he says to Liquid Dolphin. Hesitating slightly, Owl decides to go for the finishing blow. It is a great risk, however Owl calculates it to be a worthwhile one. It is time for the ultimate move. Chest's Super Secret Information Gathering Techique. "One final thing... there is no reason for us to have any doubts about whether Sigma was behind this attack on August 6th."

        Storm Owl brings out a small Kirk-style communicator from his carrying case. He taps in several buttons, "Intel has his last known frequency," he explains to the council members as he taps. Finally, Owl says aloud, "Sigma, this is Commander Storm Owl of the Repliforce. Your actions on August 6th nearly claimed the life of Able City civilians. Repliforce is charged with the safety of the citizens of Able City. We cannot afford to have you inciting Reploids in the city to take up arms."

        Perhaps shockingly, Owl gets an immediate reply. The voice is eerily clear considering the reports on Sigma's condition from numerous eyewitnesses and sources, "Ah, ha ha... you cannot afford to have me inciting Reploids in the city to take up arms? How far will you go to appease the humans that want nothing more than for them to be treated as sheep for slaughter?"

        Storm Owl replies into the communicator calmly, "Does this mean you plan to continue?"

        Sigma's voice is again heard clearly, "I act in the best interests of /all/ Reploidkind. But... perhaps... these words are, indeed, wasted upon the likes of you. Those fools say this is the beginning of the end. While you wait on them on hand and knee, tell them... that they are right."

        Storm Owl doesn't reply to Sigma just yet. Instead he silently looks at the council members, letting this sink in. Finally, "Thank you for your time." At some point during that Sigma clicks off the transmission, so Sigma might not have gotten all that.

        Owl says, "Are there any other last doubts that the Mavericks perpetrated this?"

 

Nobody raises their hands yet. Maybe they're scared Owl will bring in more evidence, or maybe he's won them all over, but nobody speaks either for some time, Liquid Dolphin's expression becomes mildly more enraged as the transmission continues.

            "Thank you for your time," Liquid Dolphin murmurs, "Please send a recording of that transmission log when you have time so we can review it at our leisure."

 

Storm Owl nods, saying solemnly, "Of course." He stands, packing his laptop and clicking shut the communicator. Kirk would be proud. "Thank you for the audience, council members." He'll have a copy sent to them. It can be fully verified as being Sigma's frequency and it being a live communication. Shaking any hands that might need shaking, Storm Owl departs. So far so good, Storm Owl thinks.