Water, or Fire?

[Crystal Man sent us this log, so we gave it an appropriately obscure title. The 'hes' and 'yous' are him, not us. ... So what really gives Crystal Man his strength? You be the judge.]

Common Room - Skull Fortress

This room seems more like something you'd find in a civilian home than a military base. Most of it is occupied by materials smuggled in over time by individual Masters, including a chess set, dart board, go board, cooler, pool and air hockey tables, several of Magnet Man's spare video game systems, and Spring Man's weights bench. A long couch faces the television, with other chairs scattered here and there. The floor is entirely carpeted, and the walls decorated with posters of popular modern bands like Avalon and Ironica. The Karaoke machine has taken quite a beating, as if someone would rather die than allow it to remain operational. Half of the southern wall of the room, strangely enough, is occupied by a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and a few well-stocked cupboards; perhaps in a faction mostly composed of robots, cooking is considered more a hobby than anything else.

Obvious exits:
Reinforced Doors leads to Training Room - Skull Fortress.
East leads to Great Hall - Skull Fortress.

A whistling sound erupts from a kettle sitting upon the stove, prompting Crystal Man to get up from a nearby seat and remove said kettle from the heat. He pours the water into a nearby cup which has a teabag's tag hanging out over the side.

Sword Man sighs as he walks in from his little walk through San Angeles. Uneventful to say the least. He managed to scare a little child when he got a little too curious with Sword's namesake, had several people run away in fear for no other reason than he's just a little to obvious, and he had to run away from a dog in fear that it would short his systems due to a little.....relieving of itself on him. All in all, not a good day. As he clomps in, he stares at the ice cream machine they went through so much trouble to get last night.....and sighs, trying to push back his growing headache before tearing off his "casual" clothes, revealing his usual armor underneath.

Crystal Man looks over from his tea-making at the sigh, carrying the mug with him in his left hand as he walks over to his two-piece brother. "Greetings, brother," he begins, allowing a twinkle of concern into his eyes and a hint of a frown onto his lips. "I presume from your... manner of undressing yourself that matters went poorly out in the world?"

Sword Man sighs as the last shread of his soaked pants is ripped off and the shoes follow. "Aye." He doesn't really say much more, seeming like he doesn't really want to talk about it. Instead, he slumps down in his seat in exhaustion, more mental than physical.

Crystal Man walks up to the side of the chair and pats Sword Man's shoulder with his right hand, as his left is still occupied with the tea... a feat that requires reaching up despite the fact that the mystic is standing and the swordmaster sitting. He doesn't ask any questions, just offers a bit of silent comfort.

Humming to himself, Gemini Man wanders into the common room. It's end-of-shift for him for a while, and since his newest plan isn't set to happen until later, he's ready for a bit of time off. As he sees a couple of his current favorites among the Masters lounging around for a chat, his voice falls, and he throws a glance toward them, first Sword, then Crystal. That second gaze lingers momentarily, then he wanders off toward the fridge.

After a moment, there is a slight waver of the air, and the second Gemini Man appears out of it, leaning on the back of Sword Man's chair. "Hey, Crystal Man," he asks... "Is there any more of that cake left, or is it long gone?"

Sword Man looks up from his slump to stare at the Twin Master, glaring a hole through him as he passes. He stays silent until he feels Gemini is out of hearing range before whispering to Crystal....nothing, as the clone suddenly pops in behind him out of nowhere. He glares at the original and holds his tounge.

"Greetings, brother," Crystal Man says to Gemini Solar with a nod, removing his hand from Sword Man's shoulder long enough to move the teabag around some by the string to get it to distribute evenly a little faster. As Lunar appears at *just* the right moment to interrupt Sword Man's attempt at a whisper, he keeps his thoughts on the timing, whatever those might be, to himself as he responds, "It's since been eaten entirely, brother."

Gemini Man Lunar gives a short nod, then vanishes from the spot, only to reappear next to his other self on the other side of the room. "Yeah, figured that," says Gemini 'Solar,' moving down to check the second shelf. He pulls some lunchmeat out of the fridge, and hands it to his counterpart, followed by two cans of soda from the door.

Sword Man releases a frustrated sigh as the clone finally leaves, giving him room to breathe, so to speak. Finally, he manages to whisper out what he was gonna say before the interruption. "This day has been most trying. I doubt I need Sir Gemini's help in exacerbating it further...."

Crystal Man simply nods in response to Sword Man's whisper, reaching now to his younger brother's left and only hand with his right one, giving it a single squeeze. The master of jewels then watches the two Gemini while sipping at his tea... trying to determine whether they're actually interested in the cake or him.

The original Gemini Man goes back to humming as he works. It's the Lunar twin that gets his sandwich put together first, shifting his holo-gun into a holo-hand so he can hold both that and the soda more easily. He takes a few steps toward the others. "So, Crystal Man, do you want to hear something funny?" ...And if that doesn't make you wince...

Sword Man closes his eyes in preparation. Anything that makes Gemini that happy cannot bode well for either of them. "This shall not be pleasant..."

Crystal Man doesn't, in fact, wince, but does look upon Gemini with a small frown and a look of worry... . o O (Dear spirits, what has happened now?...) O o .

Gemini Man notes that the other two are discomforted by his willingness to drop information, and snickers about it, just as the other Gemini Man steps away from the counter, and returns the fixings back to the fridge. "Well, come to realize..." He interrupts himself. "Oh, and how did you like those comics, by the way?"

Sword Man sighs and gets up to leave, whispering to Crystal before he gets up. "Do not let him goad you, brother. He is not worth it at the moment." Finally, he gets up and bows to the both of them, staring at Gemini again in annoyance. "I shall be in the training room should you need to contact me. Good day Sir Crystal, /SIR/ Gemini." Sword adds an almost sarcastic tone in the latter's title before heading off toward the training room.

Crystal Man holds back his own flicker of annoyance that passes through him as he notes that his twin older brothers are toying with him, and would have even if Sword hadn't advised him to; best not to give them the satisfaction. "They were enjoyable," he responds with a nod, though no smile. "Thank you." He then turns to nod to his younger brother's back. "Train well, and may the spirits guide you."

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Zeta CO Yamato Man transmits, "The structure is completed. We are making sure all is in order now."

Gemini Man Lunar blinks twice at Sword's attitude. "Well," he says. "Wonder what got him so upset."

The original turns from the counter, and smiles a bit. Of course, he knows full well what's got Sword Man upset. "Anyway," he says to the other.

"Yeah, anyway. About that thing we realized." He takes a large bite out of the sandwich, and walks over to sit in one of the chairs. "The Pisces cake," he says, with his mouth full... he swallows, and reiterates. "The Pisces cake. Pretty much...among all the other Masters, you... well, you're the second-most-tied to your sun sign. Following us. Basically," he says.

Crystal Man nods to the twins as he seats himself where Sword Man just was. "Indeed... to the point that I must almost wonder why I've yet to be nicknamed Pisces Man," he affirms with a bit of a chuckle.

Gemini Man Solar laughs a good deal louder than this little joke seems to warrant, and slams his hand, still holding his sandwich, on the counter he's now leaning against.

"Seemingly. Anyway..." Gemini's hologram takes a sip from his soda... "The fact of the matter is, you know, astrology, it's a science, but it's far from an exact one. It was developed, after all, by human beings, thousands of years ago. It took some work for the modern astrologists that picked up the books, and made their comparisons to astronomy, to match it to our current Gregorian calendar. Taking into account leap years and that kind of thing." He gestures with the sandwich hand, sips from the drink hand... "As a result, there's this vague area in the between-times called the 'cusp.' It falls in the three days at the end of each solar sign." Another bite. Another sip. "You know that, right?"

"Many would argue about the particular stretch of time which the cusp covers," Crystal Man replies, "but I do lie upon it by anyone's measure. It's one of the two sources of fire energy in my chart." . o O (Why do you ask?...) O o .

Pirate Man looks around as he enters the room but says nothing as he heads to one of the nearby tables, optic shifting left to right for a few seconds

Gemini Man is standing by the kitchen counter, watching a conversation between his holographic counterpart and Crystal Man, who are sitting in adjacent chairs. The hologram is eating a sandwhich, which he finishes, then nods at something Crystal Man has just responded with. "Right. You've got it. But what you might not realize--which is a little-known fact--is that because of the differences between the charted system on the books, and the ACTUAL rotations and revolutions of the earth, the cusp is a little 'off.' It actually moves UP every several hundred years." He takes a sip from his soda. "But most books in print don't take that into account, since astrologists are traditionalists and pretty set in their ways. Being a direct cusp, born on March 20, in the twenty-third century..."

The holotwin glances out at the original, who is grinning fit to spit. Together, the Gemini Men both deliver the punchline: one smugly, one informatively. "You're an Aries."

Crystal Man is silent for a moment at those words. Then... he starts chuckling. It's not one of disbelief, though... rather, it's one of his usual warm, gentle ones, for the most part. But at the same time there's that undertone of knowing something more...

Gemini Man's clone sinks down in the chair, leaning back, returning the chuckle. "Told you it was funny..."

Pirate Man smirks as he looks to the others before saying, "So what be going on, brothers? What be so funny?", he chuckles for a bit as he grabs a mug from the joe bartender before focusing back on the others.

Crystal Man manages to rein in his soft laughter long enough to respond to Pirate Man, "Simply a touch of irony, brother." He chuckles for a few more seconds, not as hard this time, then ends it with a pleasant sigh. It is indeed good to laugh sometimes. "Such is the trouble with literalism..."

Gemini Man Solar, still leaning against the counter, downs his soda, and asks, "So what's your interpretation? How do you explain your way out of THAT one?"

Pirate Man nods before looking to one of the Gemini's, but says nothing as he takes a few gulps from his mug as he listens

Crystal Man simply shrugs. "Is there a need to?" he queries. The pauses long enough to sip from his tea, then continues, "The content of my soul is clear enough, no matter how controversial the mechanics might be. That is all that matters in the end."

Gemini Man throws his spent can in the sink, and rolls his eyes. "Ahhhhh, precious. The patented 'Wall of Ignorance' technique."

The hologram still seems to be laughing. "Glad we could brighten your evening," he says. There's a hint of sarcasm there, transferred from the original, but he means it on SOME level.

Pirate Man shrugs as he listens, chuckling for a bit as he takes a sip of his drink, finding nothing to add to the conversation, his single optic shifting towards the ice-cream machine for a few seconds

For some strange reason, all of a sudden, one of Sword's Joes (if the Theta/Sword symbol is any indication) rushes in, apparently looking for the swordsman. "Master Sword? Your nee....Ooooohhh, Ice Cream!!" Yep, this is one of /THOSE/ joes, again.....

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Punk transmits, "Yamato Man, report status of your project."

"'Wall of ignorance'?" the master of jewels echoes, apparently amused by the twins' attempt at trying to take him down. "Nothing of the sort. As I said, literalism has its pitfalls, at least when it comes to any outer attempt to delineate the deeper mysteries... no matter what it is that one is taking literally."

The crystal conjurer chuckles again briefly. "You're roughly two years too late, brothers."

Gemini Man looks at the ceiling. "Apparently 'making sense' also has its pitfalls."

The seated hologram rises from his seat, and walks over to the other Gemini, to throw his popcan in the trash. "As you say. Though one might argue, if one were...being LITERAL, that you've clearly begun to grow out of your 'mutable' fish phase. Now, you're just a stubborn ol' Ram."

"I'll bite if he won't. Two years too late TO what?" the original Gemini twin asks.

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Zeta CO Yamato Man transmits, "Completed. Awaiting inspection."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits, "What is this project, anyway?"

Crystal Man drinks a bit more of his tea calmly. "To frighten me with words such as yours. At that time, I was still floundering... As for stubborness?" The crystal conjurer allows himself a touch of a smirk. "Given the right circumstances, that shall pass. Rather more suddenly than you might believe..." Sip.

Pirate Man ingores the pair as his optic shifts to the Blade Joe, a smirk crossing his face as he says, "What do ye think your up to, matee?", he chuckles as he leans back in his chair before he quickly looks around

Blade Joe blinks at the Buccaneer, then looks around paranoidly. "Umm.....Ice Cream?" He emphasizes this by pointing at the machine with his sword.

Clank. Clank. Clank. Outside the Commons, heavy footfalls ring out even inside the room itself. The walking stops, and suddenly, the doors to the room slide open with a whispered pneumatic hiss. Punk stands in the doorway, his right hand holding a length of heavy chain that rests over his shoulder. The Elite doesn't even bother to look around, he just gives everyone an indiscriminate glare as he steps into the room.

Gemini Man says, "Floundering?"
The holotwin makes a 'flop-flop-flop' gesture with his hand.
"That was a terrible pun, Crystal Man. Just awful." Gemini snickers.
Both of the twins fall silent as Punk walks in.

Crystal Man chuckles again for a second. "I suppose it was..." The mystic then looks over towards Punk long enough to nod and murmur, "Brother." He looks back to the twins, but doesn't actually remove his attention from the horrific Elite...

The second that two syllable word hits Punk's audials, it's like someone hit the PAUSE button on the scene. Everything just comes to a grinding halt, with sound itself being sucked up into an invisible vacuum. Nothing dares move, squeak, or even think in that split second it takes Punk to turn his head to the side. With a faint, heart-stopping creak, his head tilts down. The Elite's spiky purple brows furrow, lending him a look of utter indignation as he literally /stares/ at Crystal Man.

Punk's grip tightens, the length of durasteel chain whines in protest..

"-What-." Punk states breathlessly. "..Did you call me." His voice does not rise in question, but stays in the same grating tone. Boy, he's mad.

Gemini Man looks over at Gemini Man, both of the twins' eyes shooting open in shock. One of them, trying to keep quiet, nearly chokes, and the other one bites down on his tongue to keep from bursting out in tittery laughter.

Pirate Man blinks as he looks to Crystal and Punk but says nothing as he watches, quickly looking to each of the Gems before focusing back on the Elite.

Crystal Man sighs, turning to look at Punk again, though not straight in the eye. He just can't get used to the expectations of those who *don't* like being referred to by relation... "I apologize, bro-- Punk," he utters quickly.

Blade Joe looks toward the ice cream machine in awe, apparently not knowing of its....flaws. However, the grating voice of the Spiked One quickly grabs his attention. He turns about and snaps into a salute, not willing to get himself killed over inattention to an Elite.

For one who claims to be inhuman, no mere apology is enough to stave off Punk's ever-brewing rage. "You. Little. F**kup." His words are carefully chosen, yet effortlessly spoken. He pauses only to emphasize the impact of what he has to say, which is to say, he wants to hurt Crystal Man emotionally. "How -dare- you call me your.. your 'brother'." Punk's brows contort in a crude charicature of a wince at the merest sound of the word. "Are you even -aware- of what you imply when you speak it? Siblings? -US-? To say such would mean that you and I share some bond. That maybe, in the grand scheme of things, we are somehow ALIKE. Do you know how.. EXCRUCIATINGLY painful it is to hear such a travesty? Do you -CARE- for me, little Crystal Man? I certainly do not care for -you-."

Punk snorts, "I am not your brother, you irritating little snot. I am your superior, and you are my cannon-fodder. Nhhhrr.." The Elite snarls, and seems content to leave it at that.. until his eyes catch the sight of Crystal Man's teacup. "What is this sh**? What are you sipping contently while you engage in discourse, mmm? Are you emulating a human? What?" With rusty gear turns, Punk's left arm is pulled up to his chest. In one swoop, the back of his hand descends, intending on knocking the teacup clear from Crystal Man's hands. "You make me sick, you little sh**bag. Explain yourself. Now." Punk's eyes nearly blaze with a hideous, irrational malevolence.

Pirate Man is silent as he watches this, optic focused on the scene as he knows when to stay our of an Elites way, especially Punks, he takes a small sip from his mug before putting it back on the table.

Crystal Man *starts* to pull away the cup, but thinks better of it after it moves about an inch, letting the spiky one slam it clear across the room to shatter and leave a spill amongst the fragments. "Father -- Dr. Wily -- created both of us," he begins, somehow managing not to *sound* scared at least. "Though I dare say that is all we share. And that was ginseng tea. I enjoy the taste, nothing more."

Gemini Men both turn their heads toward the scene, intent spectators. ...This could still be very interesting....

"No. The old man fell and hit his head in the shower when he came up with the idea to slap you together," Punk retorts sharply. "And that's the distinction we'll make. The fact that you call him your "Father," makes my circuits quiver with disgusted rage. How DARE you embrace human terms and it's culture? YOU ARE NOT HUMAN, YOU SIMPLE-MINDED DUMBASS. Yet, when I look into your eyes, I see only a clinging to foolish ideals and stupid norms. SO, I'm going to prove your true nature to you. CONGRATULATIONS, PUNCHING BAG." Punk's left arm extends outward, fingers shaped in a black claw. He tries nothing more than to contract his grip around the smaller robot's throat in a more-than-ample display of strength and superiority.
Punk misses you with his Grasp attack.

Guts Man walks in carrying his trophy around, for he is your Point Board Hero! The one and only, Guts Man!

Gemini Man and Gemini Man watch this with mounting horror. Good Wily, but it's lucky they just managed to discard their soda cans before Punk marched in.

Pirate Man's eye twitches as he watches but stays focused on the scene, holding back any comments that come to his mind

Crystal Man ducks without even thinking about it, putting the momentum into getting out of the chair and onto the floor, then hopping backward and winding up in a defensive stance despite himself. His emitters aren't on, though -- he's not firing the first shot. He couldn't in this case, anyway. "Do you truly believe I don't know I'm a robot?" he retorts. . o O (And do you truly believe that one's nature lies in the physical?) O o .

Punk snarls audibly, "Nnnh, because when I hit you, you're going to see little pieces of yourself fall to the floor. Then, just before I crush you, you're going to realize that you are nothing more than the sum of your parts. AND YOUR PARTS ARE ALL EQUALLY WORTHLESS." Punk leans forward, the chain over his shoulder clinks as it slides off. His arm raises, lifting the heavy durasteel links into the air. Punk swings, his wrist turning 360 with the intention of catching Crystal Man's face with his chain. Punk strikes you with his Weighted Chain for 9 units of damage.

Guts Man notices Punk abusing the troops as usual. All is good in the world. Blade Joe trembles fearfully at the sight, but unwilling to move even one inch in fear of becoming so much scrap metal.

Gemini Man and Gemini Man are just watching. Yes.

[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Vile comes onto the channel with the backdrop of heavy machinery in the background. "To those reploids...and androids who appear to have a little bit of...free time to spare, I present something to work off one's...frustrations upon as a gift.
[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Punk transmits, "How /convenient/, Vile. I have a similar gift."
[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Metal Man transmits, "Might I ask what that is?"
[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Sword Man grunts audibly, not really feeling like addressing the Maverick verbally.
[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Sewa transmits, "hee....rg..."
[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Vile transmits, "Should anyone wish to see for themselves, I am keeping this gift at the sight of our soon to be completed...community project."
[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Guts Man transmits, "Did you plan our community around the Ginger scooter mode of transportation? Or are we still using transport tubes?"

Crystal Man tries to jump backward again, raising an arm to shield his face at the same time, but is caught in mid-air and has his trajectory altered such that he lands rather roughly. Not to mention the nice new dent in his arm and the smaller one on the back of his head. It doesn't look *serious*, but it's clearly painful.

For the moment, however... the crystal conjurer doesn't try to fight back. He hasn't been pushed that far yet. Aside from which, he has no doubt in his heart that Punk's wrong. Thus, his assertions don't even deserve to be dignified with a response.

Pirate Man winces as he watches, a frown crossing his face, quickly disappearing as he looks towards Punk

[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Metal Man transmits, "So anyone going to check this out?"
[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Gemini Man transmits, "Naw, maybe later, Vile." "We're watchin' the fight."

"Wily, you're pathetic." Punk hisses harshly, obviously frowning upon Crystal Man's attempts to avoid being struck. His wrist spins around in it's socket again, causing that heavy chain to whirl in the air once more.
Punk's skill in chain-fighting shows through, for when he whips that chain out at Crystal Man again, it tries to wrap itself around his wrists and neck.
Punk strikes you with his Chain Tangle for 0 units of damage.
Crystal Man is temporarily disoriented by Punk's Chain Tangle attack.

[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Ballade transmits, "Vile is speaking of the project on the island, not the Tidal Dam, I imagine."
[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Guts Man transmits, "Cuba?"
[Radio: (G) Master-and-Maverick] Ballade transmits, "No. Just a moment."

Guts Man shakes his head as he watches Crystal Man job, not even trying to defend himself by attacking back. Guts Man would never go down without a fight.

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Theta Squad CO Sword Man transmits, "Sir Gemini, you speak of a fight. What fight is this, exactly?"
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits, "Punk 'n' Crystal Man." "It's not so much a fight as a slaughter."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Punk transmits, "Nobody likes a tattletale, Gemini Man."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Punk transmits, "Understand."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Theta Squad CO Sword Man remains silent, save for the sounds of battle within the training room.
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Gamma CO Gemini Man squeaks two simultanious: "Sorry Punk!!"s

Sword Man sends a radio transmission.
Sword Man sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Be strong, brother."

[Radio] You send Sword Man a direct message: "Thank you, brother. I shall try."

Crystal Man apparently misread Punk's next move, as he moves to try to duck and bat the chain too high only to get caught up in it just as the monster planned. He tries to wriggle free so he can at least get his hands far enough away for him to try *something*, but to no avail...

Punk tugs hard on the chain, yanking Crystal Man effortlessly across the distance. To meet the android, the Elite holds out his left hand, which now catches Crystal Man by his throat.
Punk strikes you with his Chokehold for 1 units of damage.
Crystal Man is temporarily disoriented by Punk's Chokehold attack.

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Punk transmits, "NOW WHO WANTS TO HAVE SOME FUN, HUH?"

"Mah Gawd! Mah Gawd! Punk just sent Crystal Man thru the Spanish announcer's table!"

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Ballade transmits, "I do not know how to have 'fun'."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Punk transmits, "Then, Ballade, you shall see how I HAVE FUN."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Burner Man transmits, "Fun? Does it involve burning shit, dude?"
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Gamma CO Gemini Man transmits, "Ummm...we like fun."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Guts Man transmits, "Yer such a stoner Burner Man."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Ballade transmits, "I have work to do, Punk."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Punk transmits, "You can spare a moment, Ballade. Trust me."

Gemini Man looks over at Gemini Man again, and the two twins merge into one form. Punk seems to have some kind of plan here?

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Burner Man transmits, "Don't judge me, Guts Man."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Theta Squad CO Sword Man transmits, "What fun do you speak of, Sir Punk..."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Guts Man transmits, "Oh sorry. Pyromaniac stoner."

Pirate Man ducks from any debree from the table, he leaves his mug on the table and moves a safe distance from the pair

Crystal Man hisses a bit as the pain of Punk's hand crushing around his neck bites at him. After that initial wince, though, he simply closes his optics... not a squeezing shut, but apparently a gesture of reluctant acceptance.

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Burner Man transmits, "Whatever. Now what's this 'bout fun?"

Punk drags Crystal Man out of the room by his throat.

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Punk transmits, "For those who are free for the moment, report to Cairo's Downtown sector."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Pirate Man transmits, "We be needing one replacement table for the common room."

Gemini Man gets ready to follow behind.

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Burner Man transmits, "Downtown Cairo, eh? *cracks his knuckles*"

[Shortly...]

Cairo - Downtown

Unlike other cities of its size, Cairo has avoiding succumbing to the urge to build up into the sky. The vastness of the Egyptian desert gives the city ample room to expand outwards, and real estate is comparatively cheap. Or it could be that most buildings over fifteen stories tall have a tendency to sink partially into the sand. Whatever the cause, Cairo has maintained much of its ancient charm with buildings built of clay standing alongside the most recent polymer-alloy combinations. Here at the heart of the city, the equitorial heat beats down on the countless heads of humans and reploids from everwhere around the world. A few taller buildings, though they could barely be called skyscrapers compared to the almost impossibly high buildings in other major cities, are scattered around the district, while business people, some in traditional garb, weave in and out of mom-and-pop restaurants and kiosks selling datadisks of the most recent newspapers and magazines. The bustle around here only slows down in the deepest hours of the night, and even then the area is host to a different and less savory troupe of business people. Carefully kept sections of park area, irrigated with desalinized ocean water, dot the downtown area with everything from pecan trees imported from the west to fig trees, though most of the plants are protected by safety fields.

Obvious exits:
North leads to Cairo - Commercial District.
West leads to Cairo - Residential District.
East leads to Cairo - Bazaar District.
South leads to Cairo - Cultural District.

Sword Man follows the Spiked One in from the southern Outskirts, idly curious as to what he plans. Internally, he hopes it doesn't involve a massive beatdown on Crystal, if the radio transmissions were any indication of previous event.

Pirate Man shakes his head as he follows Punk, eyes shifting to Crystals form for a few seconds as he stops a good distance away from them, optics focusing back on the Elite as he waits to see what is going to happen

People move quick when they spot Punk stalking across the streets of Cairo with the latest in malevolent eyebrow expressions on his face. His left arm is held behind him, with his hand clutching onto a chain-bound Crystal Man by his neck.

The samurai Yamato is currently polishing the wood of a tall gallows, built on top of some former green space in the middle of Cairo's downtown area -- two road running alongside of it, not too far from either side. The gallows is forged from durasteel, with long chains for hangman's nooses -- but with a wood platform to make it look more professional. The trap doors are even covered in wood, with a heart of cold, hard durasteel within. You could hit this gallows with nuclear weapons and it would probably still stand. And it is, admittedly, pleasant looking.
For an instrument of death.
Yamato, as the ruckus starts to enter, makes room for Punk to board the gallows when he wishes to. This doesn't look good for Crystal at all.

Gemini Man settles in to watch this, standing, with his arms crossed, at a safe distance from any potential splatter.

Crystal Man, for his part, seems not terrified, but resigned... He's not struggling, and his eyes are closed, but not squeezed shut. This sort of abuse, really, was inevitable.

Burner Man is a bit tardy compared to the other Masters arriving on the scene, wondering what it is that Punk is up to. But as one looks at the two kegs he's carrying, one in each hand, it leaves one wondering if he's not just using that as an excuse. The pyro Master doesn't even act like he notices that he's holding kegs, you would've never guessed it by the way he casually walks in with a mischevious grin on his face. Burner walks right up to the others and nods to them before looking towards Punk.

Punk comes to a stop, the moment his gallows are in plain view. His eyes grow wide, optics shining with faint impression and numerous sadistic ideas. "Hah," he laughs before turning his head to look at Yamato Man. "An adequate job, Yamato Man. Your quality is.. Guts Man-esque, to say the least. Now string this wretch up and make sure his face is easy to see." Punk's arm swings from back to front, his hands letting go to toss Crystal Man at Yamato Man's feet. The chain to which he is bound, is also tossed to the samurai, albeit gently.

Wow. Hard core. Gemini Man gives a single nod. This will be very painful, very artistic.

The samurai, as usual, is stoic. He catches the chain with one hand as Crystal is shoved in front of him, looking at his brother with ... nothing in his eyes. The game-face is on. No weakness can be shown in front of Punk. He's like a rabid dog that will lunge at the first smell of so much as a drop of blood.
He grabs the back of Crystal Man's head with his free hand, radioing to him to keep from attracting Punk's attention. The instructions are simple:
** "Do not resist. It will hurt less." **
He throws the chain up over the pulley assembly, catching it again with his other hand while pulling Crystal to his feet, facing the crowd. He hooks the chain into the gear assembly and locks it in so it can't slide, pulling the chain up so that there's just enough tension on it that it won't be slack. Crystal's neck is slightly tugged against.
He then looks to Punk for instruction while holding onto Crystal with one hand on his head, keeping his feet off the trap door; the lever is designed to withstand even Guts Man's most heavy-handed pulls for a while, so it should last through at least a few hangings before needing service.

Shadow Man appears... Briefly. His appearence not likely to be seen by any of the others gathered, and even less likely to be taken note of. He walks over to the edge of a rooftop across on the other side of the left road, gazing to the cleared green area where the gallows have been set up, and towards which the Elite brings his captive. The ninja's glance sweeps the area briefly, but after his cameo appearence has been made he retreats again and vanishes from view, evidently with no interest in the proceedings here today.

Charge Man clunks in glancing around.

Burner Man has no idea what is going on. That is until he sees what happens between Punk, Crystal Man, and Yamato Man. "Man, I am so glad I brought these things wit' me." He starts to chuckle a bit unnervingly. Almost....psychotic.

Punk holds a hand up to Yamato Man, a signal for him to cease. He glances aside, glaring at the folks assembled. "I considered giving you all a history on what humanity has defined as the gallows, but I don't really f**king care right now. So, I offer Crystal Man the F**king Miscreant for your entertainment. Strung up like a Christmas pig, this idiot is yours to wail on. Enjoy your public punching bag, you soldiers of Wily. Now, who shall be the first to step up and sock the f**k out of this moron?"

Pirate Man watches the proceedings silently, optic narrowing for a few seconds but says nothing as he watches, he looks to those near him before he scratches his own chin while Crystal is being prepared to be hung on the pole, just like a criminal on a yard arm.

Crystal Man simply allows Yamato Man to prepare his hanging. Most likely, this will hurt, but won't be 'fatal' so to speak -- which makes it all the worse than it would be for a human, for they at least would be gone before the pain could register for long. No, this is about torture, pure and simple.

And the mystic's response to Yamato Man?

--I don't need to.--

Charge Man approaches the others. "Whats going on Brothers?" he asks the nearest Brother. "Do we get to see some sorta fight?"

Gemini Man's jaw drops open. Then, he laughs. Meekly at first. Then, choking back chuckles, leaning over and holding his stomach.

Sword Man looks on toward the spectacle in regret. oO(Torture....how base.)Oo He simply looks on toward Yamato and Crystal. He radioes the latter over tightbeam, hopefully to add some encouragement. --Be strong, brother, but do not struggle. It will only anger Sir Punk further. Be strong.-- Idly, he hopes he is not called upon to strike a blow against the restrained master.

Punk folds his arms over his chest, "You all better begin punching Crystal Man, or I'll string you up next to him myself. Don't you DARE reject something I've /kindly/ offered you."

Charge Man says, "I'll smash bash em!"

Gemini Man calms himself down, and takes a few steps forward. "Here here." He starts to approach the gallows. "Just... damn funny, that."

Punk says, "Then do step up, Charge Man. I do believe Crystal Man was the one who took your leadership position away, mm?"

Punk asides to Yamato Man..

Charge Man growls "Yeah! Thats how I remembers it!" he mutters pushing his way through the throng. His mettalic body gleaming with strong power as he approaches the big Boss and the punks who's going to get pain. "Who do I get to smash bash boss?"

Punk extends a condemning digit at Crystal Man, who happens to be bounded in chain and lifted into the air. "..Him, Charge Man. -Him-."

. o O (If you must credit anyone for my CO position, it should be Enker. I showed only the barest initiative...) O o . His optics remain closed, almost serenely... and he isn't struggling, either. It would seem everyone's getting free shots.

The samurai inclines his head to Punk in a sharp nod. He's not a talker -- and Punk's not a listener. His nod is as much assent as he needs ... and he will enjoy the others more than he will enjoy this. He holds Crystal Man nice and straight for Charge Man, acting like a trainer holding the heavy bag for Mike Tyson. He's digging his feet into the forgiving wood, which will probably need to be revarnished between today and tomorrow after this ass-kicking is doled out. If he needs to, he'll take a few shots; hopefully Crystal will pass out before then. Even Yamato can feel pity.

Charge Man streches grinning. "No offense brothar. But you took something away that was precious to me.I'm going to enjoy this!" he laughs wildly. His body taking a stance like that of a fighter who's connistpated (ala DBZ) and swings wide. His massive fist slamming into the stomach area of the bot.
Charge Man strikes you with his Punch for 7 units of damage.

Gemini Man stops halfway, waiting for Charge Man to take his turn. No point in getting in the way... Though his stance makes it clear he expects to be next.

Burner Man grins and his chuckle works up to a small laugh when Punk finally gives out his true intentions. Yep, now he's really glad that he brought those kegs. But he decides to put them to use, he might as well give himself a little warm-up first. Burner steps in next of line behind Gemini Man, cracking his knuckles.

Charge Man laughs. "You know I'm only doing this for your own good right? HAHAHA" before stepping out of the way to make way for the new putz to take the shot.

Crystal Man hardly grunts as the punch connects, though it does leave a small dent in the soothsayer, and the wince is a clear enough indication of how much it hurts to be struck by someone as strong as Charge Man. Still, though, the serenity returns quickly... . o O (My own good? You've hardly a concept of such...) O o .

Charge Man slaps the side of a bot next to him. "how long do you think the poor yutz can take? I'm saying three or four more shots!" he laughs boisterly taking joy in the wonders of corporal punishment

Gemini Man snickers up at Charge as he's roughly jostled. oO(That's all, huh? For a commandership?)Oo "I don't think he'll last too long." Gemini then steps up to the platform. He leans over, and, very softly, asks a small favor of Crystal Man. "Open your eyes."

Sword Man reluctantly stands in line for the beatdown. He may feel sympathetic toward Crystal's situation, but not enough to override his sense of self-preservation, especially in the face of Punk's glowering gaze. oO(Forgive me, brother)Oo

[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Beta XO Metal Man transmits, "Oh brothers, you must come see out new play thing that Vile has caught for us. Its quite fun, can you hear him screaming on the global com?""
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Zeta CO Yamato Man is quiet. "A little later, brother."
[Radio: (A) Master-Chat] Beta XO Metal Man transmits, "Under stood."

Crystal Man doesn't open his eyes at Gemini's request. He knows what he's going to do if given the chance.

Yamato continues to hold Crystal Man as still as he can, crouching a little behind him like a trainer holding the heavy bag. He doesn't know how Crystal Man found himself in this situation, only that it involved Punk -- which means Crystal's sickness probably offended the Elite. In a way, he doesn't blame Punk for his actions. Some things are just too horrific to tolerate.
He looks over the assembled group of Masters while he waits, making mental assessments of how badly they're going to mangle Crystal's body before they lose interest.

Pirate Man watches silently deciding to wait as he watches, a smirk crossing his face for a few moments but says nothing as he thinks of the old days of the pirates when trials ended quick, usually ending with imprisonment or punishment, especially disputes on ship

Gemini Man sighs. No, of course he wouldn't comply. "All right. But it'll hurt more if I miss." He reaches behind his breastplate, and pulls out... a blade. The same blade Crystal Man gifted him before? Well, it definitely looks like it, though perhaps it is merely an illusionary duplicate of it. He reaches over with a finger and pulls down Crystal Man's left eyelid, aiming the tip of the blade for the 'sweet spot.' That little bit of synthflesh and liquid-generator that's just been driving Gemini up the wall for weeks. Purposely shaking the hand with the weapon, as if to try and scare Crystal Man into thinking he might miss altogether, Gemini then DRIVES the tip of the weapon into the duct.
Gemini Man strikes you with his Hologram Slash for 6 units of damage.
You take extra damage due to your Blade weakness.

Charge Man mutters shaking from side to side.

Crystal Man hisses. Now *that* hurt, and not just physically. The dagger, while small, is big enough to hurt the optic itself as well, leaving it sparking...

Sword Man winces at the vicious attack of the Twin Master. He thought it would be a simple beatdown, like smacking a pinata with a stick. He didn't expect /THIS/! If he could be sick, he probably would be right now. It's a good thing he doesn't remember the Frost Walrus torture, huh?

Gemini Man does know how to hurt people psychologically. It's his specialty, after all. "Now the other," he says, calmly. "Open it."

Charge Man grins.

Crystal Man's optics squeeze shut instead.

Yamato /does/ remember Frost Walrus. And how Heat Man's other self took over during it. And how he /loved/ every second of it. Somewhere, in the dark part of himself where his power comes ... he savored it too. And listening to the Repliforcer scream over broadband makes him happy, too, on a primal level. The enemy screaming in agony. The smell of mech-fluid, even that of his brothers'. It makes him want to kill, like dribbling blood into a pirhana's path.
He continues to hold Crystal Man even as Gemini stabs him in the face with something, trying to keep him as still as possible. If he e-rings, Punk may be displeased.

Gemini Man frowns at this... Not what he wanted, not at all. "Fine. Pride yourself on being so stoic, but you know in your....'SOUL' that you can't handle real pain. And...WE... know." Without bothering to hold the second eye open, he JAMS the dagger inside it...then, simply walks off, leaving it there. "NEXT."
Gemini Man strikes you with his Generic Melee for 8 units of damage.

Well. It looks like Burner Man is up. With his casual gait, he moves right up to Crystal Man and cracks his knuckles with a large smile on his face, "Nuttin' personal," one can tell he's blatantly lying, "But it's jus' fun." Ok, then again, this is Burner Man and it is just fun to him. He holds Crystal Man still, even though Yamato is doing a fine enough job, "Now, jus' stand still." He takes a good bit of steps back and rubs his palms together. "Heheheheh." He suddenly dashes towards the poor, poor hanging Crystal Man. But stops short of actually ramming into him. Instead settling to just lay in a strong punch. He'll have his real fun later.
Burner Man strikes you with his Punch for 3 units of damage.

Crystal Man can't help but shudder a bit when the dagger is thrust into his other optic. He doesn't even seem to notice Burner Man's punch.

Sword Man sighs as he finds himself up to bat. He steps up to the gallows and stands in front of Crystal and glares at both the Conjurer and the Samurai with a regretful look in his eye. He stares at Crystal's pain sewn eyes, closed in defiance. He shakes his head and winds up, a hefty fist coming up into the subject's stomach. Just as he does so, he tightbeams Crystal. --"Forgive me brother..."-- Finished, he steps down and waits for the next giddy torturer to take his place.
Sword Man strikes you with his Punch for 4 units of damage.

Crystal Man grunts a bit as he's struck by Sword Man, though in a way he feels better after that one, really. He knows, at least, that Sword Man cares... and caring is what this is all about in the end.

Pirate Man looks to the others silently, optic narrowing for a few seconds as he walks towards Crystal tightbeaming --Sorry to do this brother, nothing personal.--, he raises his hooked hand as the claw clanking for a few times before he slams it into Crystal Mans stomach.
Pirate Man strikes you with his Pincers for 10 units of damage.
You take extra damage due to your Blade weakness.

Burner Man wanders off to go set fire to something.

Well, despite Pirate Man's sentiment, that one hurt. The weakened plating on his stomach is torn up entirely, causing some mechfluid and sparks to issue from it. But after the clear mask of pain passes, the mystic still tries his best to keep himself contained. . o O (Even if my own family will not accept me as one of their own, the spirits will.) O o .

Gemini Man receives a radio transmission.
Gemini Man sends a radio transmission to Vile.

Gemini Man is distracted by his radio for a moment, and turns away from watching the scene.

The samurai continues to hold Crystal as still as he can, though the increasing damage to the other Master is rapidly making this more of a gesture than anything else. He doesn't say anything, looking over the group to see if anyone else wants a turn.

In the center of the square stands a gallows: perfectly constructed, a solid and sturdy construction. Currently hanging from these gallows, by a chain around the neck, is Crystal Man, his body held by Yamato Man, as if he were a punching bag. And, at the moment, he does seem to be a punching bag, as the marks from blows and pummelings from the other Robot Masters dent his unarmored body. Crystal Man's stomach is torn completely open, and both his eyes are gouged out: the dagger used to do the deed still embedded in the right. The other Robot Masters here are all standing around the punishment device, all waiting to see if any of his brothers would care for a second turn.

The tableu stands like that for a moment. And then the hiss of energy fire rips through the air, a single blinding flash of violet plasma vaporizing a section of the chain, letting the battered and beaten Crystal Man fall free.

The soft crunch of boots on dusty pavement echos after the rapport of that single shot, Ballade stepping fully into view even as he lowers the hissing barrel of his plasma blaster. His voice is calm and even as ever. "Enough. This has gone far enough."

The samurai catches Crystal under his armpits when he starts to fall slack, knees bending a bit to cushion the shock. He grunts at the exertion, then begins to take the chain off Crystal's neck, pulling out the dagger as he does so to prevent further harm coming to Crystal.
// Finally; this would have gone on for hours. //
He tries to lay out Crystal flat on top of the gallows to prevent further harm from coming to him; then he looks to Ballade flatly, awaiting some sort of judgment as to what to do next.

Gemini Man finishes whatever radio discourse he was engaging in, and looks up just in time to see Ballade approach. He blinks over at the Elite, waiting for his proclaimation. ...He starts to get the growing suspicion that those standing around are in trouble through Ballade now... Well, it wasn't his fault. He was ONLY doing as Punk asked.

Sword Man turns toward the source of the blast as the chain is blown off the gallows. Internally, he breathes a sigh of relief (he's been sighing a lot, hasn't he?). Once Crystal's savior is shown as Ballade, Sword quickly kneels in deference, before breaking toward Crystal, seeing to his well being, or rather the lack thereof. He gazes toward the Violet Elite, wondering what the next course of action shall be.

Crystal Man, for his part, seems to be trying his best to seem serene in the face of all this abuse. It's a little hard with all this damage, particularly the damage to his optics, but there's something stronger there regardless...

Are you giving in, 2000 man?
Apparently not.

Quite suddenly, the mystic finds himself starting to fall, then just as suddenly caught. He cooperates with Yamato as the samurai frees him, then climbs to his feet again after he's set down. He looks in the violet one's direction, though whether he can see is questionable; then again, he has rarely needed optics to know what's going on. And apparently this situation is no exception, as he whispers in half-relief, half-surprise:

"Ballade..."

Those calm emotionless eyes flick from Robot Master to Robot Master, noting Yamato Man and Sword Man's apprarent concern for Crystal Man, and Gemini Man's apparent disdain. He says nothing as he smoothly crosses the remaining distance to the gallows before he kneels next to Crystal Man, and touches the knife with a single long white finger. Slowly he curls his hand around the hilt and lifts it as he rises.

"Who wielded this?"

Pirate Man quickly salutes before following Swords example, optic shifting to the others before focusing on Ballade waiting to hear what he says before replying

Gemini Man feels fear brush against him. His optics twitch, then, he grows bold, and steps a single step forward. Setting his voice, he speaks simply, "I did." ... Note the lack of "we."

Ballade slowly turns the knife over in his hands, his face no longer just calm. It is carved marble now, still and cold. His eyes watch the gleam and glisten of the mechfluid coated blade in his hands before he speaks again, his voice dead of all inflection.

"Why?"

Gemini Man swallows, but manages to hold it steady. "The tear ducts installed in Crystal Man's eyes irritate me. I've said it before. They serve no purpose other than to make him simper more satisfactorily. Generally, they make him look like a stupid wimp." He drops his gaze from Ballade's for a moment, not able to meet his eyes, then, again looks up. "They'll come back in the repair chamber most likely. My choice to remove them was symbolic."

Crystal Man keeps himself quiet, as though any acknowledgement of that statement would involve increasing Gemini Man's satisfaction that he did, in fact, make the two most painful wounds. Which he did, in the way that matters.

Ballade nods slowly. "Then you did it of your own choice. Very well." He tosses the dagger into the earth, point first, still as calm as ever. He stands there for a moment regarding the mutilated Crystal Man, and the unrepentant Gemini Man.

And then he moves with that sudden deceptive speed for which he is known, seeking to wrap his grip around Gemini Man's throat. Not squeezing, just holding firmly and slowly lifting... should he get that grip.

Sword Man simply watches as he helps Crystal to his feet, letting his lower half support most of the wait as he does so. oO(Cycle of pain and cruelty,)Oo, he thinks to himself.

Gemini Man chokes as the grip closes on his neck, but does nothing else to increase whatever punishment he's about to receive.

Slowly lifting Gemini Man up so that the Robot Master's feet no longer touch the ground, Ballade lifts his own head, letting Gemini Man see his eyes. Normally Ballade's eyes are as calm as the rest of his expression. But now... there's a fire there that's rarely seen. "You have mutilated a fellow Robot Master. Allow me to make it clear what I think of such an action." There is a low humming sound as the Ballade Cracker units in Ballade's shoulders come online. "To punish Crystal Man is the task of the Elite. I was given that task. Not you. I." He considers for a moment, his lips curling back into a thin sneer. "I am aware that this was started at... Punk's insistence. And I think I will make it clear to my fellow Elite what I think of his methods. It is rare that I choose to take steps... but those steps will be final. Either swear to leave Crystal Man alone, no matter which Elite orders you, or prepare to share his agony."

Pirate Man watches silently before he looks to the others seeing that Crystal is already being helped, his optics shift to the gallows for a few seconds before focusing back on Ballade

The samurai remains silent, watching Ballade dish out punishment for the infraction against Crystal Man. It's not as if Gemini didn't have it coming -- the Masters were told to /punch/ Crystal, not /stab/ him. However, the samurai is aware that the technicality is probably not the reason Ballade is angry.
Is Yamato afraid? No. Yamato will not shame his brothers by quivering in fear of Ballade. If there is punishment to be had, no doubt there is a reason he would be inflicted with it. He did what he felt was right -- he kept Crystal from experiencing more pain than was necessary, and he himself did not strike him. The others were ordered to lay into him -- they did their part. Only Gemini exceeded that mandate.
But these are Yamato's gallows, built by him and his squad by the order of Punk. The fine wood was cut by his own men and laid in with his own hands. The pulley and gears were machined from Metal Man's metal and put in by his drones. But his were the orders to build it to fulfill Punk's desires. When Crystal's chain was thrown to him, it was he who threw it onto the pulley and pulled it taut. He was the one who held him as he was struck. He did nothing when he was stabbed aside from keeping him from squriming overmuch.
So it is with a clear conscience that Yamato is the first to answer. "By your order, I will not bring harm to Crystal Man again, elder Ballade." It is, after all, a simple thing to say. It is an order -- he will follow it. If Ballade had ordered him to strike Crystal Man dead on the spot, he would do it; if Ballade ordered him to get Crystal Man ice cream, he would do it. There are no differences in Yamato's mind between the two.

Gemini Man glances warily from Ballade's intense gaze, to the charging Crackers. Ballade Crackers hurt. They hurt a LOT. "I--" He looks from Ballade's eyes, back to the weapons... "I--I leave Crystal Man in your hands, Ballade. I promise we won't harm him."

Crystal Man watches Ballade -- well, assuming that 'watching' is an appropriate word for it at this point -- quietly. Of course, being saved from an unauthorized punishment is one thing. What'll happen afterward is another question.

"I, too, shall refrain from harming Sir Crystal in such a manner again," comes the simple response from Sword. He, too, is willing to face the punishment befalling him for participating, should there be any. Anything to clear his conscience.

Pirate Man nods slowly as he stays focused on Ballade before saying, "As you command sir, while shall the gallows be taken down or left here?", he goes silent as he finishes ready for what may happen next

Ballade lets his hand open, dropping Gemini into the dust at the Elite's feet. Closing his hand again, he turns his back on Gemini Man.

"Good."

His eyes flick to Yamato Man as the Squad leader speaks up in confirmation of his orders. Slowly the hum of the charging crackers fades. Turning the rest of the way, he strides over to the gallows, taking in note of the construction. The workmanship. "Excellently built, Yamato Man. Burn it down." He kneels down next to Crystal Man, regarding the stricken mystic calmly. "Crystal Man. You have made mistakes. This was not the correct way to punish those mistakes. There will be consequences for your dealings with those who oppose Wily. But you will not be cut off completely. If you wish to speak to those of Repliforce, the UN or the Hunters... you must do so while watched by another RM. This is an order. Defy it, and I will do much worse to you than this." He straightens up. "Someone take him to be repaired."

Sword Man nods to Ballade, bowing as much as possible without releasing his hold on Crystal, then does his part in dragging his battered brother to the teleporters. "It shall be done, Sir Ballade."

Simply sitting on the ground, in a lump, Gemini Man rests there a moment, rubbing at the sore spot on his neck. Then, he stands up, and attempts to wipe some of the dust off his body. Somehwere in the back of his mind, he curses at Ballade's 'repair' orders. Those damn ducts will be back by morning. For whatever freaking reason. oO(Oh, well, not our problem.)Oo oO(...)Oo oO(NOT OUR PROBLEM.)Oo oO(...Okay.)Oo

Yamato feels ... nothing as he is ordered to burn down the gallows he and his squad built. It is a thing. Things have no purpose. They are illusory, like all experience; there is nothing but the All, and the All is Wily. To burn a thing is only to change it into another thing, with equal value to the All as the original thing.
The samurai inclines his head sharply to Ballade. "It will be done."
And that is all that needs to be said. The samurai collects the chain and tosses it down to the ground, summoning Joes to begin preparing to salvage the metal after the wood paneling is burned away. After all, durasteel is durasteel. If not gallows, it will become something of equal utility. Perhaps a fountain.
He summons some Fire Joes in the area to begin burning the gallows as he walks off of it, leaving the work to those better suited for it. He will supervise it until the last beam has fallen, and then he will return to his true work -- punishing the truely wicked and bringing the light of Wily into the world.

Crystal Man nods to Ballade, actually rather relieved at the new measure taken. Ballade always was the fairest of the Elites, after all. "I understand, brother," he adds as Sword Man helps lead him back to the teleporters. Not that he's actually damaged enough to *need* such help, despite his optics being damaged. Blindsight, anyone?

Gemini Man takes a few paces forward...toward where the mongoose dagger has been discarded, point-first, in the dust. He looks down at the small blade. And just...for a long time...stares. Thinking.

Pirate Man's optic shifts to the others nearby before looking towards Sword seeing that he can do the job alone, he looks towards Gemini shaking his head before focusing back on the Elite.

Ballade folds his arms across his chest, watching as the fire is started, considering Punk's likely reaction to the destruction of his 'toy'. And a thin grim smile slides across his face, his fingers flexing. And something might become clear to those paying attention. Ballade does not like Punk. Not at all.

"There will be no other punishment for this act." He pauses for a long moment. "This time. Robot Masters support Robot Masters. It is only the place of the Elite to decide punishment, or Wily himself. I do not suggest rising above yourself. Because I am always watching."

As the first licks of flame begin to rise, the Violet Defender turns and starts to follow Crystal Man and Sword Man towards the teleporters. "When Punk asks what happened to his gallows... refer him to me."

The samurai turns and watches the fire begin to burn, the fine wood burning a cheerful orange-red. People stop and watch the flames burn, which are admittedly fairly impressive. When Ballade speaks, he looks over again and grants him another curt, respectful nod.
"I obey, elder Ballade."

Pirate Man nods before he turns to the gallows as the burn saying, "As ye command, sir.", he turns his attention to a group of joes as they pass by on patrol of the city before saying to himself, "But who knows what trouble this may bring, except the Elites fighting eachother."

Sword Man looks back and nods to Ballade, not in a position to see the grim smirk. Instead, he just continues his way to the tels, Crystal in tow.

Crystal Man misses that gesture of Ballade's, but he probably already guessed that Ballade didn't care for Punk. After all, the reason that the mystic doesn't meshes well with the bodyguard's concerns, at least his apparent ones. In any case, the master of jewels continues to let Sword Man lead him. Not because he needs it, but because it's nice to hold a brother's hand.

Gemini Man still stares at the discarded weapon. He's torn... And he only ever has one real response to being torn. He spins around, marching from the gallows and leaving the dagger behind. And, a moment later, in his own wake, he steps out of himself, leans over, and picks it up. Then, he follows himself away.

Ballade watches the flames, the orange light reflecting from his eyes as the light illuminates him from the front. The thin smile on his face as he watches the wood crumble and char.

The samurai Yamato stands in the middle of the downtown square, watching Fire Joes burn a large metal structure with some wood on it. It would seem to have originally been a gallows. Other Joes are around, waiting for the fire to go out to start salvaging the durasteel. As the wood cannot burn hot enough to damage the metal, it is simply a matter of waiting.
Yamato watches the gallows burn impassively. Despite his workmanship being destroyed in front of him, he feels nothing. Nothing at all; for he is following orders. And it is so very, very good to follow orders. To belong. To be part of the family.

Ballade stands a short distance away from the burning gallows, still and calm as he watches Punk's toy burn down. It is time that it be made clear who gives orders to who among the Elites.

[Soon...]

Sword Man finally manages to make his way to the Med Bay, Crystal still hanging off the anti-grav on his lower ends. Quickly, he makes his way to a table, having found out before about Crystal's aversion to the Chamber. He still doesn't like the idea of him remaining injured for the time that it'll take for either Dust or the other medic masters to come, but for once, he'll let him have his wishes. He bows before heading out, as usual. "Be well, Sir Crystal." he says before finally heading back toward the teleporters and back to base. Lots of work that needs to be done, after all.

Crystal Man nods to Sword Man. "May the spirits guide you," he returns. "And... thank you. For everything." A small, warm smile plays across his lips.

Sword Man barely catches Crystal's response. He doesn't respond himself, but he allows a slight genuine smile to spread, before his expression returns to his usual determined demeanor.

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