Hidden Truths

Crystal Man's Crystal Cavern

This room strongly resembles a secluded section of a mining cave; the walls are dark, rough, uneven, and have several prominent crystals within their rock surface. The floor is considerably smoother, however, and there's a single window -- it looks like stained glass, but knowing Crystal Man it's probably actually made from various transparent minerals. Indeed, nearly every object in the room that can be crystal is, from the furniture to the containers to many of the Robot Master mystic's posessions.
The vast majority of said possessions are of obvious mystical value -- incense stands, implements of divination, and natural crystals galore. Crystal spheres rest upon prominent stands, crystal formations rest upon tables and walls, crystal wands are stored safely in locked boxes, and a jumber of elaborate jewelry boxes no doubt contain purportedly enchanted trinkets. Hanging on the wall is a chart of some kind that resembles a color wheel. Upon the shelves are various books, some on supernatural subjects, some on leadership or combat techniques, some archived or current appointment books. Despite the large number of objects here, the room is remarkably neat and organized; the crystal conjurer is obviously a believer in the old adage "a place for everything and everything in its place."

Contents:
Crystal Man

Believe it or not, Crystal Man is actually in bed for once rather than stretching himself to the limits of his fuel capacity. His robes are off, revealing a simple t-shirt and pants -- and a hose hooked into his upper right arm. He's lying on his left side at the moment, twitching as though dreaming...

Gemini Man steps into the cave as if he is no traspasser. Expecting to see Crystal Man hard at work on some ritual or another, he is surprised to see that the conjurer is currently at rest. Gemini Man tips his head to the side slightly, watching with narrow red eyes to see if the mystic will awaken at his slow-stepping approach.

Whatever Crystal Man's dreaming about, up close it seems clear that it's not pleasant from his expression. Not to mention that the particular pattern of cut-off motions seems to suggest that whatever he's doing in his dream is keeping him very active... and the fact that tears are starting to squeeze their way out from under his eyelids... on top of his muttering, "Please stop me, please..."

The master of jewels rolls into his back, away from Gemini, seemingly not aware of his older brother's approach... in fact, he seems to be getting even more wrapped up in whatever nightmare is haunting him. "Nooo..." Then, quite suddenly, Crystal Man sits bolt upright with a gasp, his optics snapping open to reveal that they're... glowing? Strange. The light quickly fades, however, and the crystal conjurer holds his chest as he needlessly pants...

Gemini Man stands quietly at the side of Crystal Man's bed, his optics glowing fiercely. His body is tense, as it has been ever since he recieved the pendant, but his deepened voice seems relaxed. "Bad dreams," he states, rather than asks, shooting his glance over at the other Master...not making a move to aid him.

Crystal Man takes a few more seconds to calm himself, though does manage to nod at Gemini Man's words. He then turns his head to regard the solid twin, his stare as appraising as always despite him having only just woken up, though he's still not together enough to keep the suspicion out of his eyes...

Gemini Man's mouth twists up into a sideways smile. "And what about, may we ask?" he says, his own stare trying to break the film over the other's. He asks his question as if he already knows the answer.

"It wasn't the bloodlust," the mystic returns flatly, though also entirely honestly. "It was... a future I'd rather not see... but is inevitable." Crystal Man sighs and shakes his head. "I know not the precise outcome, only that we will both survive..."

Gemini Man nods once, then walks over to the side of the room, grabbing a stool, and carrying it back to the bedside. "We have a favor to ask of you," he says, as he arranges himself down. "Or maybe two. I usually ask in groups of two."

Crystal Man nods with a soft acknowledging grunt while pulling the hose out of his right arm with his left, then turns so as to sit on the edge of his bed and places his hands on his lap. "Go on," he prompts, not bothering to hide his mistrust.

Gemini Man is still smiling at the lukewarm reception he's recieving. Ironic...he thinks. If he were to be using his hologram, he had no doubt he would be a great deal more welcome here. But at the moment, Gemini Man addresses Crystal Man with a 'fully possessed' persona, not bothering to reign in the edge on his voice. "Bloodshed tonight." He holds out his right hand--his weapon, for once, not activated. Upon the tips of his fingers he materlializes the shape of a translucent globe, a mockup of the planet Earth. Lines of longitude and latitude are interposed on the model's surface: bright red like bleeding cuts. "You choose."

. o O (What?!) O o . is Crystal Man's first reaction, though he manages to keep all the myriad expressions of this reaction from manifesting. Instead, he simply narrows those eerie blue eyes of his. "I will not play your games."

Gemini Man laughs roughly. He pushes the finger of his left hand along the surface of the holographic ocean, and the planet...slowly spins. "The UN says there's no pattern to my locations of attack. And, honestly, sometimes there isn't. Sometimes I break the pattern. Enker was the one that took us to Florida; how could we resist? And he was the one that sent us on that failed mission into Kuwait. But the ones we choose ourselves..." As the image spins by, his finger draws a check-mark across Italy, which leaves a bleeding red line. Then, he draws another, in Mexico. "But those are the only ones I know. So you'll have to tell me the others."

"And why should I cooperate with you?" the mystic counters. Rather brazen of him, given the likely answer...

Gemini Man answers, still, as the model spins, "It's for your own good. The time has come for you to STOP keeping secrets from the Robot Masters."

"Secrets?" Crystal Man echoes in a terribly casual tone, tilting his head. "I would not hide anything that would bring us to harm by being hidden."

Gemini Man shuts down the hologram, and rises to his feet, staring down at the bed. "Oh, no. No, you wouldn't, would you? You wouldn't hide secrets. Or converse with the enemy." His eyes narrow... "You're lying. But I can't BEAT it...out of YOU. So I'm not going to try." He turns his back. "If you won't pick, then I will. And I know, there are other places, very near where I have already struck, but much CLOSER to your heart."

Crystal Man can't quite stifle *that* one entirely; his optics pop wider open in horror. Gemini Man is all too capable of this... He hangs his head, then sighs. "You misunderstand, brother. I've not lied. I do what is necessary. What I actively hide from you is for the good of our family..." There's a pause, then he manages to muster up the courage to look Gemini straight in the eye.

The thin barrier snaps. Optics flaring up red, Gemini Man DIVES toward the Crystal Man, where the mystic still sits, fresh from a restless sleep, on the edge of his bed. The possessed master reaches for Crystal Man with arms poised to strangle him. "TELL ME!!!"
You miss Crystal Man with your Grasp attack.

The reaction is instant. Crystal Man lies back instantly and rolls aside, then in a moment springs off the bed entirely. His crystal emitters flare up as a reflex, but he doesn't counterattack, instead holding his hands up defensively as he backs into an emptier portion of the cave.

Marching, marching, marching. The samurai patrols the Citadel restlessly, walking the inner perimeter to make sure all is in order. Occasionally he diverges off to help with a task, tidy something or stare at the sky intently, waiting for the inevitable attack.

He hears Gemini cry out from inside Crystal's cave; he draws his spear and runs towards the cave, not taking the time to radio for backup. They wouldn't get there in time anyway.

Gemini Man crashes face-first into the cushion of the recharge bed, the decoration on his helmet being the first part of his body to contact, and mess up the sheets. After taking a face-full of fluff, he springs to his feet again, his hands outstretched before him like poised claws, and his eyes flaring with fury. "GGRRRRRAH! Pointless!" His raised hands twitch. "I... will NOT hurt you. But THIS is your last chance."

"Nor will I hurt you," Crystal Man responds, his voice much calmer than his optics show, and his optics in turn only hinting at the panic inside, "though I will trap you in crystal if I have to. But please... brother... and I know you are there, brother... trust me when I say that few among our kin would understand. This is best kept silent..."

The samurai charges in, spear drawn, ready for a pitched battle. He stops hard, digging his feet into the ground; he stares across the room, lowering himself into a defensive posture, looking at Gemini.

"Cease." is the one word Gemini's going to get.

Gemini Man is set into an agressive stance, but his weapon is not armed. Nevertheless, it seems as if his tense, white hands are glowing with streaks of red power... At Yamato's single word, he shoots his angry gaze in the samurai's direction. "I suppose you're IN on this?" he growls.

Crystal Man finds some measure of relief in his younger brother's timely arrival. . o O (Thank you, brother and spirits alike...) O o . He then quickly responds to Gemini's demand with, "He is not." . o O (Although the possibility may exist...) O o .

Yamato holds his ground, spear held low; the posture is solely defensive, and doesn't allow for a strong immediate attack. The samurai, however, is far from defenseless; he has fought more dangerous foes with more of a tactical advantage over him than Gemini.

"What is there to be in on?" he asks, gruffly, not taking any reckless chances.

Gemini Man growls, "You'd have to ask Crystal Man to be SURE." He smiles again, though the anger hasn't faded from his eyes. "All right, Crys, I BELIEVE you. So, is DAD... 'in on it'?" His voice drops almost to a whisper, thought it hasn't lost that dangerous edge.

Uh-oh. Bad direction for the conversation to be going in. There's a very tense silence, then Crystal Man finally responds, "Father knows everything that he wishes to."

Yamato, since he doesn't know what is being discussed, keeps his mouth shut. He holds his ground, watching Crystal and Gemini closely ... waiting for even the smallest inkling that something aggressive may need to be done.

Gemini Man asks, "But does he know everything he needs to KNOW?"

"He does," the mystic responds, managing to keep his nerve. Since as far as *he's* concerned, it's true... it will all be for the best so long as it's kept silent...

Gemini Man seems to relax at this. "FINE." He stands up straighter, and the tension slowly drops out of his tight hands. He looks away from Crystal Man, toward the entrance to the cavern. "But we'll ask him anyway. Just to make sure." Gemini takes few steps toward Yamato Man's position, and looks, quizzically, at the tip of the spear, waiting for him to lower the weapon.

The samurai, as Gemini approaches, steps aside, putting his spear into a neutral position. "Walk in the Tao, brother," he says to the Pretender God's Chosen.

Cue one big sweatdrop on the crystal conjurer's part at Gemini Man's words. . o O (Dear spirits... how am I to explain without being ripped from this body and banished from this world?...) O o . In any case, Crystal Man is silent as Gemini Man leaves...

Gemini Man calls back, as he leaves, "Children, tonight. And we'll speak to father, in the morning..."

Crystal Man winces at those words. He knows perfectly well that Gemini Man means to *slaughter* children, more specifically...

Crystal Man sends a radio transmission.

The samurai turns to face Gemini as he leaves, stepping back to take a more defensive posture in front of Crystal. He holds his ground once he's there, not moving to pursue.

Gemini Man isn't taking any physical action against either of the other Masters, at this point. He calmly walks toward the exit of the cave. Without turning back, he adds, "And one more thing. That second favor. ...Your words are appriciated but useless. You can't help us win the fight you, for whatever reason, are trying to help us win. It's our problem. Not yours. Thanks just the same, but stay out." Then, he leaves.

Italy

Here in Italy, much of the progress that has swept the world has seemingly gone unnoticed. Opting for a more traditional country, many cities have managed to retain their rustic charm amongst the rolling hills that were once the center of the Roman Empire. The famous cities of Italy all remain, and most retain the same qualities that they always have. On the Tiber River, the city of Rome still stands, larger than it once was, but still a beautiful place. Roman architecture highlights this city, as it does much of the peninsula, and the Vatican still rests in the center, the center of what is still one of the largest religions on Earth. Hoverbike [Scimitar] [MH]
World Museum of Civilizations [WMoC]
Fighting Angel Boxing Gym [FABG]

Obvious exits: Northeast leads to Central Europe.
Southeast leads to Bay of Naples.
Submerge leads to Underneath Mediterranean Sea.
South leads to Mediterranean Sea.
North leads to Switzerland.
Up leads to Sky Above Western Europe.

Fighting Angel Boxing Gym [FABG]
Fighting Angel Boxing Gym

Within the large, church-like building is what one would likely expect to find in a boxing gym. The main floor of hardwood is large and open, covered with mats, and dominated by a large Boxing Ring. Mirrors line the walls, and above them higher inset in the walls are beautiful windows of stained glass that depict several scenes, and shining beautiful lights into the room below.

And back beyond the fighting area is a long wooden staircase that leads upward to a second floor/loft wherein is a simple, easy living area, which includes a walled off bedroom and a simple kitchen. The loft hangs over the floor below for a good distance, and several punching bags of small and full sizes hang from the darkly stained wood. And leading further back under the loft from the main floor is the passageway that leads to the showers and locker-room of the Gym.

This is a beautifully kept, arranged, and held Gym, where people come and go to learn from a Champion Boxer, the Reploid Chaplain, Hymn.

Hymn [Clergy Monk] [RF]

Obvious exits:
Out leads to Italy.

Hymn receives a radio transmission.
Hymn sends a radio transmission to Crystal Man.
Hymn receives a radio transmission from Crystal Man.
Hymn sends a radio transmission.
Hymn receives a radio transmission from Crystal Man.

Here, in a place of simple beauty, hope, and light... here in a place where the Honor of Combat is taught... how to defend yourself and how to survive in a world where monsters exist and walk in the light of day... Here... in the Fighting Angel Boxing Gym... is none other then the Reploid who started so much debate such a short time ago it seems.

Hymn.

He is currently standing now in the center of the boxing arena, the children who had been living here with him long gone, and the christmas tree that stood here during one of the most peaceful and tranquil events in the life of the Robotic Man of the Cloth... is also gone.

He is clad in brown robes, his hood thrown back to reveal his powerful, handsome features.

Marked in the past by the stigmata, they are gone from his hands, feet, and side, and then a short time later... 'killed' by Sigma himself... he had since been rebuilt and was spending time in the Vatican where he was needed at both the side of the Pope, and the side of the Orphans he took into his care. And still, he has not since returned to active duty in the Repliforce... ...but he is here, today, and after recieving the warnings from an old friend, has made what preperations he can.

KABLAM! A rollocking explosion hits the front doors of the church-turned-gym.

War does NOT knock.

Hymn sends a radio transmission to Crystal Man.

BLAM! A solid blast, and the doors shake...then FALL, to the force of a stardroid-empowered kick from one angered android. Alone, for now, save but for the powerful voice that still echoes in his own mind, from the pendant on his chest. Gemini Man walks into the arena, his steps heavy onto the crushed rubble of the entryway. His optics scan the area, then rest, on the figure of the repliforcer. "I'm going to take a GUESS...that you've already gotten the CALL."

-BOOM!- ... -BOOM!-

The sound of those two doors falling resounds in Hymn's ears... and slowly even as the figure possesed of War speaks his words of accusation even as he arrives. The Robotic Man of the Cloth... does not jerk away... does not jump... No, he merely turns his head, bringing eyes the color of the sun coming over the horizon at sunrise. Eyes, that despite their featuerlessness, seen to take on a look of infinite pity and understanding.

His voice then, powerful and resonant... a somber baritone... the resonance that no human voice could supply... rises from him.

"Welcome, my son... to this house of God and Learning. I am likely he who you have come to seek. Please... come in."

His arms are folded into the opposite sleeves of his robes, gazing on Gemini. "I recognize you, my son... your name is next to others on the tips of everyone's tongue. Gemini Man. Bearer of one of the fabled Pendants... one of those who has been causing so much trouble to your fellow men. Please... come forward and speak. I am curious to what brings you to my humble home."

Gemini Man matches the stare of the man of the cloth, then, surprisingly, deactivates his weapon. "I'm not going to STAY... In fact..." He closes his already-narrowed eyes, and, with a special effect like cellular miosis, assumes the form of twins. One twin reactivates his weapon, and heads BACK for the door, while the other stands stolidly, He crosses his arms across his chest, a gesture which does not hide the glow of the pendant. "Just a message. Don't get in our way. Or....tell us NOW, what Crystal Man told you. About EVERYTHING. And, we'll just go home, and play in the training room."

The Robotic Man of the cloth stares into the eyes of Gemini Man... and watches even as his eyebrow arches in interest even as the double splits from Gemini slowly. Then, he curiously listens to the words of Gemini Man, looking to the one that speaks intently. The gentlest of paternal smiles comes to his lips. "...Your message is recieved, my sons... ...and I am not intending to do so." The Robotic Man of the Cloth turns, gazing at Gemini Man intently. "And ahh... Crystal Man... one of my dearest friends and children. And hmmm... I know not entirely what you mean, but if that is your wish, I must tell you that I am bound by the Seal of the Confessional. Crystal Man's Life and his deeds and words are his own, and Gods. I cannot reveal to you what he said to me... but perhaps I can help you in another way. If you would like to come in further, I can offer you both a comfortable place to sit... ...and we can speak."

"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAUUUGH!" The standing Gemini Man drops, in fact, to his knees... his arms flicker over with a red arua. There is an urge inside him, and he is, for whatever reason, RESISTING. The other twin, walking toward the blasted door, looks back, about ready to form a question, and the more anguished brother shouts, "GO ON, GO!" The second twin nods, but not before sending off a radio message of his own.

[Radio] You send Crystal Man a direct message: "LAST CHANCE. If we are forced to HURT your friend, and FALL, it is YOUR responsibility to retrieve us. If we KILL HIM, his MECHFLUID is on your hands."

Hymn receives a radio transmission from Crystal Man.

Does Hymn go? No.

Hymn slowly steps forward, a look of concern on his features... and turns against the ropes and in an agile and practiced move that is easy for him, he rolls over the ropes and lands on his feet. Then he turns, moving rapidly towards the pair. "Shh, my sons... I will not leave, not untill I help you." Hymn crosses his arms over his chest, uncaring what is likely to happen to him because of this. He has a secret weapon, anyway... one he may use. His voice, however, is firm, deep, and calming. "Be calm... I will help you, and tell you what you wish to know... ...but I cannot and will not violate the Seal of the Confessional. Speak, my sons... speak... my tormented pair... I am here to help you..." Hymn stands directly before the pair, his eyes deep and glowing softly as he looks on them with deep concern.

The one possessed of War... speaking to the man who represents the ultimate Peacemaker... ...quite the meeting.

Hymn sends a radio transmission.
Hymn receives a radio transmission from Crystal Man.

Crystal Man sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "There is more at stake than you realize, brother. I can say nothing."

Hymn sends a radio transmission.
Hymn receives a radio transmission.
Hymn sends a radio transmission to Crystal Man.
Hymn receives a radio transmission from Crystal Man.
Hymn receives a radio transmission.

As one twin steps back out over the doors, the other rises again to his feet... Without even thinking, he forms a weapon with his right arm. He couldn't help it if he wanted to. The cry for destruction is far too strong. He pushes his face upward at Hymn, though he has to look UP to stare the clergyman DOWN. "I am tired of the secrets and the lies," he says, choking through his altered voice. "And I can HEAR that there are messages racing to you. If you didn't know what I was after when I arrived, you KNOW what I'm after NOW. Don't preach about confessions and oaths and HONOR to me: I'M SICK OF IT! Just tell me what I WANT to know."

Hymn sends a radio transmission to Crystal Man.

The Robotic Man of the Cloth stands before the pair, and slowly he lets his eyes move the the one who rises and leaves. Slowly he shakes his head and sighs... looking slowly to the remaining Gemini for long moments. He gazes down at Gemini, a fatherly, gentle expression on his features, a gentle smile. Slowly he listens to every word he speaks, and doesn't stur one step, even if most would be intimidated... he is not. All Hymn truly sees... is a Son of the Light... who needs his help.

"You will have to tell me, my son... ...what you exactly you wish to know. I cannot reveal everything Crystal Man told me, and I will not... even if you destroyed me." Hymn smiles gently. "I've faced that all ready, you see... ...and I feel... my life has had serious meaning. If I am to die a martyr... what better cause then mine for Peace... then to be struck down by the hand of War itself?" A blonde eyebrow arches over one golden eye. "So, my son... ...tell me what you wish to know. I can understand your pain... Secrets and Lies are... a plague on this world. They cause only pain." Hymn shakes his head slowly. "But, please... Speak."

"DAMN you...CRYPTIC... NOBLE people." Gemini Man turns on his heel. "IF you won't tell me... YOU can't HELP me. I know how you people WORK, and it's enough to make me want to SPIT." To satisfy his lust for destrution, he takes a few potshots at the damaged door on his stomp toward the outside.

Hymn shakes his head slowly and sighs. "...as you say, my son." Hymn gazes at the back of the leaving Gemini Man... even as he takes potshots with his weapon at the shattered doorway. Another gentle sigh comes from the man... "...if you do not allow me to help you, then I cannot help you... ...I am sorry. May we meet again soon, my son." Hymn watches the figure slowly walking out... and simply remains standing there, not flintching at the explosions nor the destruction, so long as it is only his property that is destroyed.

[Radio: (A) Masters] God of War Gemini Man sounds a false-sad... "I gave you every oppurtunity. I gave you every possible chance. But, now, the screaming starts. It's your fault, this time. I tried...so hard."

Crystal Man sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "You are no better than Snake Man, blaming your own actions on someone to be held blameless."

[Back in the vehicle bay...]

Gemini Man stomps in off the teleporters. If you look closely, there is blood on his hands. He is upset, but placated. "I saw the vision; I know the answer. It's easy this time."

Pirate Man looks to Gemini as he leaves the teleporter saying, "What be the answer then, Gemini?"

Gemini Man shrugs. "Antarctica. There are two poles, but only one has actual LAND."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne transmits, "And who got this one?"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Cut Man transmits, "Ricochet, and he can have it. Better he get twisted out of his head than one of my brothers or sisters... or allies.""

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Phoebe not Phoebus transmits, "seemed pretty normal to me on the radio."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne sighs. "...Indeed, Cut. Indeed."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Phoebe not Phoebus transmits, "...oh wait..oh crud!"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne transmits, "Wait... ...Ricochet... ...isn't that the name of a Repliforcer?"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Phoebe not Phoebus transmits, "yeah. Former member of the 17th. Winner of the Gold in sharpshooting in Battle and Chase. *PRIDE!*"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] God of War Gemini Man transmits, "PERFECT. Thus they kill each other."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Phoebe not Phoebus transmits, "...eh?"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne pauses for a long few moments, then speaks in a firm, commanding voice. "Get him away from the Repliforce Base. Now."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne transmits, "Keep him away from Spiral Pegasus."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] God of War Gemini Man laughs lowly, "Oh, let us come and watch..."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Phoebe not Phoebus transmits, ".........Damn you for having a point."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Cut Man transmits, "Answer me this... 'Tron.' What'll happen to my friends and siblings when the pendants are done with them?"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne transmits, "To /NOT/ let them even /SEE/ one another!"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] BroadbandClassic Jet Stingray pauses for a long moemnt. "Why?"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne pauses, and speaks softly and slowly. "...because if you don't, whichever base they encounter one another at... ...will not be there anymore by morning."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] God of War Gemini Man transmits, "CUT MAN, why the HELL do you assume she knows more about this than I do? Because she talks out her end all the time!?"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] BroadbandClassic Jet Stingray transmits, "That really doesn't answer the why part, Tron... They are both Repliforce and don't have a reason to fight. Would the personalities of the pendants really conflict that much or something?"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] God of War Gemini Man transmits, "Oh, yes, they will.."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Reaver Mimic transmits, "Maybe for you weak-willed mooks."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] God of War Gemini Man laughs. "You know, Tron used to FIX ME when I BROKE."

[Radio: (A) Masters] Shadow Man transmits, "...Allright. This is the one I've been waiting for. I assume you all just got that vision... Then meet me in the Command Center. This one is OURS."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne pauses and addresses Cut Man. "I don't know, Cut Man. I really don't know. I hope... nothing. I don't want anything more to happen to me. I've cause enough pain with this..." Tron sighs. "This Pendant."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne pauses. "They will, Jet. The Pendants... ...well. Gemini was my friend. As whatever he is now just said, I used to repair him, and I worked with him very well. But... ...Now I'll try to destroy him as soon as look at him."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Cut Man transmits, "Because I don't know Slag about these damn pendants, Gemini. I don't know how damn much any of you hosts or spirits of the pendants or whatever and whoever you are now, know about anything about them! And she's a bit more of a conversationalist than you are right now."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] BroadbandClassic Jet Stingray transmits, "That helps /so/ much. I get the idea though... No Spiral and Ricochet meeting up until we figure out how to make things like they used to be."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] God of War Gemini Man transmits, "Oh, she's lying, Jet... Go ahead, send them home... just get it all on VIDEO for us."

Command Center [Skull Citadel]

Skull Citadels Command Center is situated behind the eyes of the skull that adorns the Citadels northern outer wall. A viewscreen set between the eyes can be used to call up images from within the base, computer data, visual communications, and a direct visual feed from the skulls eyes themselves. In the middle of the room a circular table has chairs for Dr. Wily, Bass, King, Enker, Ballade, Punk, and Quint. This table has been fitted with a tactical holographic projector as well as computer database consoles. Around the rest of the Command Center are various other workstations arranged in a ring around the central table. The workstations can run autonomously, but some situations and meetings call for the presence of more Masters. At the point on this ring nearest to the viewscreen, a large raised dais has been created so that Dr. Wily can speak from it and appear more formidable. It is also the spot from which visual communication is transmitted.

Shadow Man [Armor] [RM]

Obvious exits:
Spiral Staircase leads to Corridor [Skull Citadel].
Descending Stairwell leads to Vehicle Bay [Skull Citadel].
Ascending Stairwell leads to Restricted Access Area [Skull Citadel].

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne transmits, "Duo was mad..."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Metal Man transmits, "Were not all the Stardroids?"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne transmits, "From your Father's notes... not all of them. Many were good beings... whatever they were."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] Metal Man transmits, "When did he sentance you to be executed?"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne transmits, "Us. Metal. The /World/."

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] 'Terra Bonne?' Tron Bonne transmits, "Duo sentanced the World to be destroyed... ...don't you remember 'Judgement Day'?"

[Radio: (F) Worldchat] God of War Gemini Man transmits, "Blah blah blah. Live in the NOW."

Gemini Man is the first to walk up the stairs. He looks both irritated, and placated. Blood on his hands, no injuries on his body.

Shadow Man stands in the middle of the chamber, arms crossed, saying nothing for the moment, until he notices his brother arrive. "...Konichiwa..."

Gemini Man rings both his hands together, then, reaches one up to his face, and licks it, palm to finger, grooming like a cat. Foreshadowing? "Konnichiwa to you. Yes. We want it. Yes. I know how we can get it. I'm sure you do, too."

Shadow Man nods. "I am more sure about this one than any other yet, though I still welcome your thoughts, Gemini San." He pauses. "It will require preperation. We should start immediately."

Gemini Man reaches out with his right hand, and brings up a holographic simulation of a globe, translucent, resting on his fingertips. It's the second time he's used it today, and the conqurorer's spirit bonded to his own rather enjoys the image, of the entire world balanced on his hand. Gemini pushes forward with his palm, and the bottom of the sphere turns up, aiming Antarctica toward Shadow Man. "Explorers that died, buried HERE. One of two poles, this one with land. And the riddle is clear: do not come alone, but with a group of others." His red eyes darken. "But if you take Snake with you, there will be hell to pay."

Shadow Man smiles darkly. "Are you sure, Gemini San? The pendant of Pluto is the pendant of Death, an ally to War, and no foe of yours. But... why do we need a posse? Because only one can have the pendant, and with the pendant of Death... Most of the others will not return alive."

Gemini Man says, flatly, "BECAUSE of what the riddle SAYS. 'Arrive with a collective, erse you find your will rejected.' Don't you see? These pendants, these CHAOS pendants, are MADE for us. We can always fulfill the requirements to obtain them! The ORDER pendants belong to humans and simps."

Shadow Man raises an eyebrow. "I do not disagree. I merely question weather you would sacrifice our chances... There are other evils in the world, albeit lesser, so we must utilize all resources available..."

Gemini Man bursts out with, "SACRIFCE?" He squeezes his hand, and the globe simulation crushes in it, like a peach, with a satisifying shower of virtual blood. "It's a sure THING!"

Shadow Man nods. "Agreed. Perhaps you fail to recognize the issue I am raising. What happens when Snake San figures it out for himself, as we both have?"

Gemini Man puts his still-closed hand in front of his chin, allowing the last of the remnants of the hologram to fade. "We have to stop him...that's all."

Shadow Man nods, uncrossing his arms, in case he needs them. "Why?"

Gemini Man's eyes narrow. "WHY? Because... NOT Snake Man. END OF STORY."

Shadow Man considers this for a moment, and grins again. "As you wish, Gemini San. We will need... Troops. The others will show up in droves, and we need to survive long enough in good enough condition to prove ourselves to the Stardroids. First, we should get Sniper Joes, and paint them white... I have heard Sempai Enker was setting up an outpost there before I was reactivated. What is the situation with that?"

Gemini Man sighs, and shakes his head. "I've only been down there a couple of times to scout it out. Enker could tell you more, if you could pin him DOWN."

Shadow Man nods. "Well, we will want to get what we can there, now. At least five Joe squadrones... Hopefully, they'll be burried by the snows, or else we'll just have them do it themselves. Mets would probably not be useful, nor Petakays..."

Gemini Man rolls his eyes a little, then sets a nod. "Penguins, Shadow Man."

Shadow Man says, "The Penguins are useless. Amusing, perhaps, but useless."

Gemini Man is still pondering the problem, and he's still got blood on his hands. Otherwise, he'd KILL anyone who spoke bad about his penguins. "Fine. Joes to defend the area, US to go after the loot."

Shadow Man says, "...Agreed. ...Do you think you can recieve a second pendant? I would doubt it, but surely you would know, if anyone..."

Gemini Man shakes his head in the negative. "NO. It would kill me." He tips his head to the side. "Looks like this one...is all YOU."

Metal Man arrives from the Corridor [Skull Citadel].
Metal Man has arrived.

Shadow Man says, "I think that others will find an interest, before long. But... one of us will surely get it, to the advantage of Dr. Wily..."

Shadow Man is standing in the center of the room, speaking with Gemini Man, who has blood on his hands. Whose cannot be said.

Metal Man comes up the stairs muttering something.

Gemini Man is still standing and talking, conspiratorially, with Shadow Man, when Metal Man arrives. "That's what we're betting on."

Metal Man looks at Gemini and he raises an optic ridge. "Odd... that looks like blood Brother... what have you been up to?"

Shadow Man glances briefly to Metal Man, but returns his gaze to Gemini Man. "I will see about setting up the drones then, unless you had something else? ...I will provide you with a uniform as well, if you wish."

Gemini Man looks down at the back of his right hand. It's mostly dried by now, actually, so he flakes a little bit of it off with his thumb. "What do you THINK?" he asks Metal Man. Then, to Shadow Man, he adds, "I doubt we'll be there. Too risky, getting that CLOSE."

Metal Man crosses his arms and glares at Gemini Man's. "For all I know it could be Dads! With that pendant draving you around the bend! You might Turn on us all!"

Shadow Man says, "...Then how do we expect to aquire it? In all previous instances to my knowledge, aquisition requires one's presence... It may be intended to us, but it won't be delivered to our door..." He glances briefly to Metal Man, and just blinks.

Gemini Man says to Shadow Man... "No, I meant, YOU should go. But WE'RE not. We. Me." He points at himself with that same right hand. Then, he glares at Metal Man. "NO, it's NOT. It's a homeless brat I grabbed in Italy. Wanna do a DNA test?"

Shadow Man nods. "Very well then. I will survey the area. But... I think we should form a plan of attack, /now/. Today's pendant was the eighth of ten. Who knows how long we will be able to make use of them, after the last bearer is chosen?"

Metal Man laughs. "So the god of war has to resort to killing children for kicks? How droll." He looks at shadow Man and asks. "What are you planning."

Gemini Man does not anger at Metal Man; rather, his jibe has the opposite effect, as the possessed master softly smiles. "War effects everyone. It is hazardous to animals and children, and makes fireflies die young."

Shadow Man says, "I don't have one yet. Right now, I am focused on aquiring the next pendant... But I must then make use of it quickly. Gemini San, I assume yours has not guided you towards victory for sensei, only towards its element of War?"

Gemini Man shakes his head. "It doesn't care who or what I'm fighting, or what I'm fighting for, as long as I keep busy fighting." His smile fades. "And you SEE what Enker's turned in to. That's a disadvantage. At this point... I'm more of an advantage to this organization than the new ENKER is. After all, this pendant gives us a lot of drive. Just don't CROSS us. You know that NOW, don't you?"

Metal Man chcukles. "Why not go use the sim room and take the safties off Gemini?"

"I do," says Shadow Man, but of course he would. "Sempai Enker is useless now... But he is not a threat either, so it is no matter. Nor have we seen any of the other pendant bearers make use of their gifts... Miss Bonne perhaps, but only defensively, and she can be overcome easily enough. But we must be intelligent... Striking Repliforce Headquarters, for example, even with both War and Death, would be folly... We risk defeat, and thus wasting the rest of our time with reconstruction. We need something swift, brining a decent resistance, which can be annihalated... and than another, and another, the advancing Horseman of Gamma... Metal San," he says, bringing his train of thought to an abrupt hault, "do you intend to make yourself useful or not?"

Metal Man eyes Shadow Man. "Just what do you mean brother? If you need my help you simply need but ask for it."

Gemini Man frowns. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Shadow Man. Pendant first. Apocolypse later."

"But of course, Gemini San," Shadow Man replies. "Now, Metal San. I want as many Joes as you can gather... at least three full squadrons... Readied for arctic operations, and painted /completely/ white. I can deal with the visors myself. We have about 15 hours or so to prepare. And," he says, a look about his glance - turned to Metal Man - which indicates that what he's about to say is purely for the sake of present company, "see to it that Snake San does not find out."

Metal Man smirks. "Neo Joes or old style Joes? I can have them ready in 3 hours right. Shadow where do you want them delivered? Don't worry Snake Man will never know."

Gemini Man nods to Metal Man. "Good job. Well, with that settled, I'm going to go... wash up." He idly flicks his hand at Metal Man, but, since the blood's already tried, there is no real splash. Then, he looks to Shadow Man again. "And you had us removed from command..."

"The old Sniper Joes," says Shadow Man, "and maybe Hammer Joes if you need them. I don't know if the arcric operations protocal has been tested on the new ones yet. Besides," he flashes an incredibly evil grin, "the old ones know me, or should. They won't be tempted to screw around." To Gemini Man, "and I would have stepped down if it had been me. The pendant bearers must serve Wily on the field with their gifts, and allow those who have not been... influenced at all to retain command."

Metal Man shakes his head. "If your planning an attack with the the Neo's would be the better choice but I'll round up some of the older ones."

"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...." And another Command Center chair bites the dust, practically atomizing in a destructive explosion. Funny, it didn't even seem like Gemini armed his gun. Then, in an effort to regain some semblance of the sanity he was just displaying, he turns to leave. Muttering, "StepdownmyaftI'llshowthemwhatitmeansto..."

Metal Man turns and leaves to get the Joes ready and they will be ready in time. Now Metal Departs as he player mush sleep.

Shadow Man nods to the both of them and continues on his own way, to the teleporters to investigate, more likely than not.

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