[Radio: (F) Public] Sage transmits, "Perhaps I have underestimated the capabilities of those of the world when they are willing to work aside one another instead of vying for mutual destruction."

[Radio: (F) Public] Bolero transmits, "... S`i... Maybe we don't have to save it from evil tonight."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Heh."

[Radio: (F) Public] Dr. Doppler transmits, "I would be more willing to believe that, if not for the fact that Repliforce chose to attack Berlin not ten minutes after the world had been saved."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Heheh. Heheheh."

[Radio: (F) Public] Bolero OOC, "Actually it was while the world was still being saved. We OOCly just didn't start until afterwards."

[Radio: (F) Public] Bolero OOC, 0<:)

[Radio: (F) Public] Dr. Doppler transmits, "OOC Hey, it sounded good. :)"

[Radio: (F) Public] Bolero transmits, "OOC, true."

[Radio: (F) Public] Sage sighs. "You know, we should learn a lot about this."

[Radio: (F) Public] Dr. Doppler transmits, "Such as?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "'Don't kill Duo'?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "You know what I learned? We're invincible."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Or MAYBE don't kill the Stardroids AT ALL!"

[Radio: (F) Public] Sage transmits, "That perhaps all this fighting is delaying everyone from ever getting what we truely want."

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "Candy?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "..."

[Radio: (F) Public] Dr. Doppler transmits, "*dryly* A bit late for that, isn't it."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Yeah, MAYBE."

Texas

Proud and independent minded, Texas is known as the Lone Star State, having once spent a short tenure as an independent nation before joining the United States. The second largest state besides Alaska, Texans are a fiercely proud people, who enjoy their steaks extra large and their music with country style. Much of the state is large expanses of plains and desert, though several small towns, large cities, and Mega-cities dot the landscape inbetween the vast stretches of emptiness. The heat is often above 100 in the summer, though the low humidity makes it not quite as noticeable.

Contents: Contents:

Bowie [Unarmored] [MH] Kalinka [Casual] [MH]

Comanche El Paso

Submerge <D>: Underneath Gulf of Mexico

Gulf <G>: Gulf of Mexico

North <N>: Great Plains

East <E>: Louisiana

Southeast <SE>: Central Mexico

Southwest <SW>: Mojave Desert

West <W>: Southwest United States

Up <U>: Sky Above Western United States

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII want candy!"

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Go get some."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "..."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "...unless...you were just /singing."

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "You get it traitor pants!"

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "..."

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "Do you want to redeem your Christmas gift from me yet?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Heh. No."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "I mean...what kinda gift is that?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "It's good for a whole year. If you don't use it up, then I'll have to hit you twice."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Oh, okay."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "I'll keep that in mind."

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "If you want it, I'll give you a frequent hitter card. Every 10th hit you get a free one."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Whoa. What a bargain."

[Radio: (F) Public] Dr. Doppler transmits, "I fail to see why you bother to celebrate that human holiday in the first place."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Because it's fun?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Well, at least it USED TO BE."

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "Well you're not human, you wouldn't understand."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Before..oh, I don't know -- people started giving me ROPE?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "The hell is up with that, anyway?!"

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "I didn't give you rope."

[Radio: (F) Public] Sage transmits, "Because, whether or not it's human is irrelevant. If you do not wish to celebrate a day of giving and caring for one's neighbor, that is your personal choice. Unless you consider such emotions wholly human."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "No, you didn't. Thank you."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "He probably does."

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "My gift is more personal."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Yeah."

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "I bet Doppler celebrates Satan Day or something instead. Damn Mavericks."

[Radio: (F) Public] Dr. Doppler transmits, "I care for neither religion nor gross commercialism. What reason would there be for me to celebrate Christmas?" [Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "There isn't, evidently."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "...Satan Day?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "To get that stick out of your butt?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man snerks.

[Radio: (F) Public] Sage transmits, "So, rather, you point out merely the most obvious reasons, leaving the other reasons behind."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Sounds like Doppler to me."

[Radio: (F) Public] Sage transmits, "OOC: is a philosopher and finds a lot of things interesting, including the reasoning behind holiday celebration. Naturally, he would have read several books upon it. Read: The Grinch who Stole Christmas.."

[Radio: (F) Public] Dr. Doppler transmits, "I covered bot the original reason for the holiday and the way it is celebrated today.,"

[Radio: (F) Public] Dr. Doppler transmits, "OOC both."

[Radio: (F) Public] Sage transmits, "Thusly the search for knowledge stops without seeking the reason for the knowledge."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "..."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "...care to repeat that, in English, maybe?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "Garharharhar, gitty pahts are fun to eat!"

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "Ah. Thanks, Guts."

[Radio: (F) Public] Sage transmits, "He's using the facts, but not the reason behind them."

[Radio: (F) Public] Tengu Man transmits, "...whatever."

It's been some hours since the small (and quite unlikely) group found themselves out on the C Ranch, on the outskirts of Midland, TX. Now, the sun's setting, and Kalinka has decided to let Missy out into the front yard to meet Comanche, since Bowie's managed to calm the poor thing down. Missy eyes the larger, older horse with curious caution.

On the nearby front porch of the main house, Kali's put out some lemonade, and she has a seat in one of the many comfortable chairs situated there. "Well, it is good evening for sitting out here," she mentions to the guys. "So make yourselves at home."

Bowie leans against the fence, watching Comanche and Missy get aquainted. He's not terribly worried about his horse - Comanche is even-tempered and well trained. Missy, however, is another story. Since Kali said that her horse wasn't well socialized with others of its kind, this meeting may not go as well as hoped.

Were it not for Kalinka's presence, Saigama might be cursing his need to not blow his disguise, his lack of a ride, and the entire state of Texas. But then, were it not for Kalinka, the C Ranch might be rubble by now. Lucky, that.

Saigama has generally been exploring the ranch -- he's never been out to places like this, really. It reminds him, somewhat, of Hokkaido. Except minus the little rice-paper houses. He's been pondering how he'll get himself out of this mess, as it appears he's going to be stuck here for a while. Oh well, at least Kalinka's here. Hopefully he can keep up his self-control long enough to leave before he attacks Silo in a fury.

He comes in from walking around, hands in pockets, to the porch. Ooh, lemonade...!

Silo, who's been out in front of the porch, doing a bit of work on his hoverbike, puts down a couple of tools, turning around in time to fully hear Kali's second sentence. Nodding, he places the tools in the box he stores them in, then places the box awkwardly on the bike's seat. Not saying a work, though probably sending a glare to 'Saigama' breifly, the pilot takes a glass of lemonade and takes a seat right next to Kalinka.

"Ah, thank you Kali." He's still quite angry at Saigama for a couple of the things he said earlier, and the tension levels between him and the other two males seems as high as ever to him... And things are just going to get worse, I bet.

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Snake Man transmits, "Great. Jussst great."

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Peon Tengu Man transmits, "Hm?"

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Snake Man transmits, "Our recon mission lassst night."

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Peon Tengu Man transmits, "Oh."

Kalinka takes a sip of her glass of lemonade, smiling to the gentlemen. "I did make it fresh...let me know if it does need more sugar."

Suddenly, there's a derisive SNORT, and some noisy clops as Missy rears away from Comanche, ears back and tail swishing anxiously.

"Uh oh," Kalinka frets, placing her lemonade glass down. "This is not looking very good."

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Snake Man transmits, "I wouldn't have been dissscovered if he hadn't radioed me."

Sure. Saigama's a 'gentleman'. But for how long?

"Oh, hey... ooh, lemonade!" He walks up behind Kalinka and Silo, heading around them to get to the lemonade. Yesss-- er, shoot, the horses are freaking out. That's not too cool. Stopping mid-grab, Sai peers at the quadripeds. "...what are they doing, anyway?" he asks casually. Any glare of Silo's seems to be ignored. Ha ha.

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Peon Tengu Man transmits, "Who?"

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Snake Man transmits, "Shadow."

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Peon Tengu Man transmits, "Oh."

Bowie continues to watch with a slight frown, but doesn't interfere just yet. Better to let them at least try to settle things themselves. Which could also go for the humans and reploids present.

Comanche, meanwhile, watches Missy for a long moment, then snorts and resumes cropping the lovely patch of grass she found. Apparently, she's not impressed.

Silo merely raises an eyebrow, not putting down his lemonade but still looking fairly alert. And for once, he replies to Saigama, "...I have no idea." Not knowing anything of real help about horses, Silo doesn't head over there. He just watches from the porch, taking the occasional sip of lemonade, and resisting the urge to take Saigama aside and find out as much as he can about the Master in disguise...

"They are supposed to be...you know, making friends. Or something like that," Kalinka murmurs to Saigama, as she looks on worriedly. "Boy, I hope she does not freak out. This would be bad place for that." Glancing over at Sai, she adds, "You see...lady I bought Missy from says she is okay most of the time, but sometimes she will...you know, get triggered, somehow. Like a bomb. And then she goes off -- bang! Like a bomb, also."

Missy stands there staring at Comanche for a moment...and then suddenly, she whinnies and gallops off into the field. It isn't like she can actually GO anywhere, of course, as the ranch property is fenced in. But she's hurrying off at a good clip.

Sai hmms, just nodding and reaching for a glass. Inwardly, he's cringing. Oh, what CRUEL irony. It's like Akuma is speaking through Kalinka. "She goes off, huh? ...like that?" Sip sip. He doesn't look at Silo, but does acknowledge him for once with a nod. Oho! This whole business with Missy is fairly unconcerning to the Master. Unless the horse tries to attack Kalinka. Then, he's in business. Yeeeep. For now, he just sips his lemonade, gaze following the horse.

Comanche remains unimpressed, flicking an ear in Missy's direction as she gallops off but otherwise not bothered by her behavior. Though she does turn her eyes twoards Bowie, as if to ask 'what's her problem?'

Bowie shrugs, as much to Comanche as himself. "Thank she's afraid a ya," he opins. Yes, he talks to his horse. Why shouldn't he? "She'll be all right, though. Yer a big sweetheart." With a smile, he starts heading towards the porch and that promised lemonade.

Oh, I bet Kalinka must love having the attention of the three males. And as Silo takes his eyes off Missy for a moment to have a look at both Bowie and Saigama, he sighs, before sipping his lemonade once again. Oh, how much this is like one of those shows he's seen breifly on TV... Called a Soap, he believes... Idly, he takes another small sip of lemonade.

Kalinka fidgets madly. "Oh! I should...uh...I should go catch her! She has done this before...I will catch her! Excuse me, guys..." What follows is the young Cossack charging across the field after the horse, who's going much faster than she is. "COME BACK!!!"

Missy is no lap dog. The chase is on!! Missy gallops around and around, and Kalinka runs herself ragged.

Saigama twitches visibly as Kali gets up and runs after the horse. "... ...uh..." (...CHIKUSHOU. What do we do NOW?)o. He looks to Silo, still twitchy, and then to Bowie. Hey, Bowie's the cowboy here, let's let HIM deal with it...

Bowie watches Kalinka as he speeds past her, and immediately turns around. So much for that lemonade. He follows her at a slower pace back to the paddock, that smile of his fading. It looks to him like the rider needs a few lessons as well. "Ya shouldn't go chasin her like that," he says.

Silo just continues to sit back, before putting down his lemonade and standing up to get a better view of Kalinka and her horse. Slowly, he jumps off the porch, walking up to his hoverbike and standing next to it, waiting to see if Kalinka can catch the horse or not...

Kalinka does try a few times to catch up to Missy, but of course, the horse doesn't understand what she's trying to do, and it ends up being a futile effort. After a few attempts, Missy is at the farthest end of the pasture, and Kalinka is trudging back unhappily, breathing raggedly. "*hhh* *hhh*, that did not...go so well..." Hearing Bowie, she looks at him in TOTAL surprise. Apparently, she had no idea that it wasn't a good idea to go chasing a horse. "But...but I was trying to bring her back," she says, looking confused. "If I let her do anything, then she will stay wild and not want to be tame at all...right?"

Tengu Man just waits. Sips his lemonade, while his player discovers that she is definitely not meant to be a pastry chef...

<meanwhile, my cable connection is blown to hell by a thunderstorm. *whine* But Silo is kind enough to update me. :)>

Silo(missile) pages: Bowie smiles as Kalinka gives her answer. "Missy's no cat, sunshine. She's a horse, an horses don't like bein snuck up on or chased after. That's whut predators do, see. And while we know ya aren't meanin her harm, she doesn't know that." He slips, calling her by her pet name in front of the others, probably without even realizing it. When Silo approaches them, then turns back away, he frowns slightly, but says nothing further

Comanche trots towards the fenceline, following Silo. As far as she can tell, he's not threatening, and Bowie-friends often have treats for her. Perhaps he has an apple or carrot. And so Silo gains a shadow. A tall, equine shadow.

Silo(missile) pages:

Silo isn't aware of the approaching Comanche, but he *does* notice Kalinka. Turning around, he softly replies. "Oh, no, I don't need anything. I'm alright. But thanks for asking." Smiling, he begins to take a few more steps towards his bike... Before finally noticing the tall, equine shadow, and turns around, before slowly approaching, probably to give the horse a quick pat. Sure, he may not particually like it's owner at the moment, but there's no reason to take that out on the horse.

Kalinka is, at the moment, on the C Ranch, a little horse-riding ranch some miles outside of Midland, TX. Also on the ranch at the moment are the unlikely group of Silo, Bowie, Kalinka, and one Saigama -- who also happens to be Tengu Man in disguise. (genpose for Vile's benefit)

"Okay, but let me know if you change your mind, okay?" Kalinka says to Silo, taking a kerchief out of her pocket and wiping her sweaty brow. Turning back to Bowie, she says... "I think from now on, I will get my horse sense from you. You have much more horse sense than I do."

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "So who's throwing the New Year's Eve bash?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Daryn transmits, "Hippos. Ouch."

[Radio: (F) Public] Glyde Loath transmits, "I may hold a grand party, what with my vast amounts of cash on hand. Booze, drugs, food... four-hundred muleloads high, at an estimate."

[Radio: (F) Public] Daryn transmits, "That's it?"

[Radio: (F) Public] Glyde Loath transmits, "That's all I feel like providing. My parties are usually BYOV."

[Radio: (F) Public] Guts Man transmits, "Yeah, that's it? I could throw a better bash but I'm too lazy so I won't."

Bowie smiles again, this time reassuringly. "Ah had t'learn too, ya know. Takes time an effort, but it's worth learnin."

Comanche, meanwhile, sniffs at Silo's hair for a moment. Apparently whatever she smells is all right, as she allows herself to be petted by him. On the other hand, he doesn't seem to be hiding any treats. Oh well.

Vile sends a radio transmission.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission from Vile.

Kalinka suddenly stiffens considerably, her mouth gaping as she gets a rather unexpected radio transmission. "......"

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Vile receives a radio transmission.

Saigama has been here the whole time. Really. He's taken a seat on the porch and is watching from afar, peering at the gathering. And oho! Looks like...oh no, is there a problem? Perhaps, perhaps not, it'll have to wait 'til Sai finishes his lemonade. Such a selfish young man...

Silo smiles, continuing to pat Comanche, while nodding to Kalinka. "I will Kalinka." He continues to pat the horse, before shooting a glance towards his ex girlfriend... And noticing her reaction to the radio transmission. "...Kali? What's wrong?"

Vile sends a radio transmission.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission from Vile.

Bowie notes her reaction as well, his smile once again fading. He just can't seem to keep it today. "You okay?" he asks with an obvious note of concern.

Kalinka sighs, paling considerably. "...It is okay, it is...Vava, he does want something, I do not know what yet."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Vile.

Vile receives a radio transmission from Kalinka.

Hmmm. Just what's going on over there, anyway? Saigama sets down the lemonade and gets up. However. Indecision! He takes one last sip of the lemonade, -then- walks on over, semi-concerned look on his face. "What's up?"

Silo falls silent, before giving Comanche one last pat and taking a few steps in Kalinka's direction. "..." He opens his mouth to say something, but... nothing really comes out. He doesn't like the sound of this, and just waits to see if Kali can get some further information.

Vile sends a radio transmission.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission from Vile.

Bowie reaches out to rest a hand on Kalinka's shoulder. It's meant to be a gesture of reassurance, though some may interpret it differently. "Whut does he want?" he asks quietly.

Comanche, ignorant of radio chatter, nudges Silo gently, tilting her head to one side so that she can get a better look at him.

Kalinka looks from Silo, over toward Saigama...and then over at Bowie, a bit bewildered, as if noticing FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME that she has THREE guys who care very much for her well-being. And, by some strange twist of fate, they're all right here, on this very ranch...watching as she alienates her own horse. She ponders this for a moment, then comments quietly before answering her radio, "I do not know," she answers Bowie. "He wants to talk about it, I think in person."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Vile receives a radio transmission.

.

Vile sends a radio transmission.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Saigama blinks quietly. He's missed something important. And hey, remember what we learned about tension yesterday? Well, he can feel it -now-. "...wh...who now?" Poor, oblivious, naive Saigama. He has no idea.

"The one you may have heard of...as Vile, General of the Mavericks," Kalinka mentions to Saigama gravely, "He is my brother. And...he is coming here. He wants to talk to me about something." Her mouth twitches a little bit. "...Could I ask you guys not to shoot at him? Because...I do not think he is coming here to be violent, but he could GET that way very quickly, if shooting happens. And this could be something very important."

Something in his expression suggests Bowie is not keen on Kalinka going anywhere to meet Vile, and definitely not keen on Vile coming to visit her. Though the thought rankles him, he relucatnatly nods his agreement. "Ah won't shoot first."

Silo just looks at Kalinka with sad eyes, before placing his arm behind him to pat Comanche, to keep the horse from nudging him at this all so important moment. And slowly, he replies to Saigama, forgetting the tension between the Master in disguise and himself for the time being... "...Vile." Of course, this happens to be just as Kalinka speaks, so it's probably not heard. And then he hears the mention that Vile is coming *here*, to *this* ranch, to talk to Kalinka. "...I won't shoot him either. Unless he attacks first, of course."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Vile.

Vile receives a radio transmission from Kalinka.

Saigama just stares. "..." Oh, well, that's just GREAT. As if it weren't hard enough not to blow his disguise already... "Uh, sure. I won't shoot at him," Saigama says rather nonchalantly, grinning. Of course, he doesn't HAVE any guns. ...as far as they know, anyway. Look at him, trying to break the tension. Ha!

It is still some time before the air is disrupted with what seems like the landing of a craft. An odd shape in the sky: it might be a small air vehicle, or, maybe even the arrival of the Ride armor itself... then, whatever it was, just above, is momentarily gone.

There is a rush of air, and the sound of landing, from behind a nearby barn. But before anyone can rush to investigate, its source becomes apparent. The air opens up, like a doorway, and from the disruption...Vile appears, several hundred yards away from the festivities. His arms are folded, and he looks at each of the companions in turn, before at last staring at Kalinka.

Bowie 's free hand rests at his side, the other still resting on Kalinka's shoulder (provided she's allowed it to remain there). No words from the former Ranger, only a long steady gaze.

Kalinka startles a little bit as Vile makes his appearence on the ranch, and her poor horse cowers on the far end of the fence now, truly terrified. Kali sighs, looking more saddened than scared. She remembers how Vava once WAS, and she still hopes in her heart that someday he'll return to his old ways. Her father never intended things to turn so wrong with him. Looking to Saigama and Silo, she nods, then gives Bowie a long glance before looking back at last to her wayward brother. "This is...something of a surprise," she offers.

(<Mm. Finally we get to see *him*.>)o. Saigama sort of steps back as he sees Vile, bringing himself fairly close to Comanche and, well, probably Silo. The step is intended to look instinctual -- maybe Sai's afraid? Whatever the case, he looks over at Silo.

Saigama's face is creased with worry, and definite concern, and his eyes match, but... something... something in them seems... vaguely amused. A look, of course, is shared with Kalinka when she looks back at him. There's no amusement there, just an honest 'I trust what you're doing' sort of look.

Silo turns to look at Vile, before taking a few steps back to get closer to Kalinka, glancing at her for a moment before staring completely at Vile. He has no visible weapons on him, but he looks as though he might be ready to attack if he really needs to...

Everything and everyone jumping back, readying to attack. Vile revels in this. He's fairly certain he could easily destroy them all... Hm. Humanoid reploids, he imagined. His eye...moves to Bowie, and he assesses the Maverick Hunter, as he uncrosses his arms, and steps forward. "Why don't you introduce me to your friends?"

Kalinka is so easily manipulated in this way. She has such hopes that Vava's original, kind personality will emerge someday, that just like she has faith in Bowie's lost memories eventually returning, she continues to hold that hope against all odds. "Well...okay, This is Bowie," she says kindly as Vile looks him over. "Um...and that's Silo...and over there, that is my friend Saigama." She gestures to each in turn, as if the gathering were perfectly benign.

"As I thought." Vile does look briefly at the other boys standing about, but, his eye moves back to Bowie. "I have heard of YOU. Kalinka." Vile suddenly changes 'targets,' speaking to his 'sister.' "You're always so far from home." Not that it's certain what home he's referring to, since the Hunter base is still secret, and Russia is far away indeed. "Unsupervised." ... Present company perhaps does not count.

Silo just glares at Vile, not saying a word, for any word of his would have a chance of starting a battle that would not be smart to have with Kalinka around. And so he takes one last step backwards, now fairly close to Kali and Bowie, and just stays there, not trusting the former Repliforcer one bit...

Saigama faces the most feared of the Mavericks, at least, for the Masters -- that Sigma is such a pushover. I mean... He's just not twinkly liek teh Srenerade!

He does not fear, unusually as though that may be. No, instead, Sai looks him right back, with a mixture of curiosity and that same vague amusement. (This could be interesting.)o.

"...Unsupervised?? Whatever are you talking about?" Kalinka suddenly blurts. "Please. I am not kid anymore, I am...like you, a free soul." She shuts her mouth quickly, before she begins straight into her 'not a child anymore' rant she always seems to keep just below the surface. She remains right in place, glancing at Bowie's hand on her shoulder.

Bowie refuses to wilt under Vile's one-eyed gaze, his own gaze steady if wary. He stiffens at the implied insult, but remains stubbornly silent. Kalinka's shoulder is gently squeezed, though no one but them might notice that gesture.

"Ah, but are you?" Kalinka's very defiance seems to have set something off, Vile's eye opening wide, and narrowing again, as he speaks. "Or... is it more than you are as free as you can be...whenever you manage to sneak away from under our 'father's' protective gaze?"

Kalinka hesitates awkwardly, then instead of getting angry, she murmurs... "Daddy is a good man. He means very well. He just has...hard time of letting go. I do not like it when he tries to tell me what to do, or tries to watch everything I do. And I KNOW he does it, too. But...he does mean well."

Silo also continues to remain silent. And while he doesn't place his hand on her shoulder, he still stands to her side and a touch in front, just to assure her that she's got two reploids probably ready to defend her if things go bad... He assumes Bowie's ready if the situation turns hostile, but isn't all too sure.

Saigama continues to watch from the side. In a mometary lapse of thought, he actually -leans- back and into Comanche. Oops. He doesn't seem to notice, either, simply crossing his arms and watching. He's not far off, either, and presumably offering his silent support. But, the question is... would he, also, leap to defend Kalinka? Sai would, certainly, but would Tengu Man? Vile's very presence begs the question... poor Vile. No one loves him.

[OOC] Vile is allergic to love. If I get enough of it, it causes my demise. Like No-Heart or something.

[OOC] Tengu Man laughs. We will kill you...with the power of LOVE!

[OOC] Bowie dipsmooches Kali. Bwaha!

[OOC] Silo facepalms.

[OOC] Kalinka ee!

<O-Master> Punk Judas Tengu Man chokes. Since when is my title "Special"?! ;)

<O-Master> Bonecracker. Glyde Loath says, "Heheh."

<O-Master> Pirate Man says, "You've always been special, Tengu Man."

<O-Master> Punk Judas Tengu Man facedesks.

<O-Master> Not The Fish Frier, Bass says, "Took you two weeks to notice. Not bad."

<O-Master> Punk Judas Tengu Man facedesks. Again. XD

<O-Master> Pirate Man says, "I think it was when you became rank 0, I don't remember seeing it beofre that."

<O-Master> Not The Fish Frier, Bass changed it from Judas to Special.

Bowie watches brother and sister converse, gaze flitting between the two. More settling on Vile than on Kalinka. Again, he says nothing, merely listening.

"What would he say about this?" Vile pauses, then, adds, "If he were here. Or... what about him?" Vile again looks at Bowie, though he makes no gesture...until looking over at Silo, whereupon he opens his hand toward the reploid. "Or...." My. She had quite the harem. "I know the troubles you've been having, 'free soul.'"

Saigama goes unnoticed by Vile. Ouch, the ego takes another blow. (...he missed us! Haha!)o. (<...WHAT? Grrr...>)o. And so the teen merely continues to lean on Comanche. What a well-mannered horse...

Kalinka blushes a little bit, glancing over at Saigama and then Silo. She knows what her father would say, of course. He'd go absolutely insane, screaming and yelling, and...and maybe his OTHER eye would come popping right out! "Why should that matter to you?" she asks defiantly. "Really, Vava, you did come here for something, and it was not to comment on my friends, I know that. What is it that you came here for?"

Silo stiffens upon seeing the hand settle in his direction and open. And at this, his own right hand moves slightly forward... Not really rising into the air, but just staying slightly ahead of him. There's the smallest flicker of electricity around the hand, and then it just returns to normal, but still at the ready... And Silo continues to remain silent.

Comanche is practicing the art of staying very still, so as to not attract attention. The man in purple armor is most definitely threatening, but she does not bolt. Not yet. The fact that Saigama is resting on her is much less worrying to her.

Bowie's grown used to everyone commenting on his relationship with Kalinka. If Vile's opinion bothers him, he takes great care not to show it. His small frown grows, but nothing more than that.

Vile cringes inwardly at the name he is still, relentlessly, called by. Kalinka, so naive. It would be easy. "I want to help you," Vile says. "To release that 'free spirit.' First of all, I will inform you that, unlike other humans in Berlin, you are hearby given clearance to come and go in the city...provided you don't try any violent actions. If you did that, it would be unfortunate." Kalinka MIGHT be capable of this, waif though she is... with her ride armor. Her friends are so quiet... Vile finally does look at Saigama. Not sure, about him.

Vile sends a radio transmission.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Pharaoh Man transmits, "Who here challenged Slash Beast?"

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Peon Tengu Man transmits, "Not me."

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Pirate Man transmits, "It not be me."

Whatever the case, Sai is quiet. He has nothing to say. He does not belong here. But... Vile DOES interest him. He continues to watch the Maverick General, eyes still cool and calm, like the rest of him. Although...was that a twitch? Yes, I think it was. That boy sure is twitchy.

[Radio: (A) Disney-Masters] Cut Man transmits, "Not I."

Bowie is naturally quiet. Kalinka is one of the few who can bring him to talk at length. Vile's invitation only strengthens his frown. The thought of Kalinka wandering through Maverick Berlin is not one he cares to think about.

Kalinka is pretty stoic, until Vile radioes her with something. THEN, her brave face falters a bit. He just fired a QUIET salvo, it would seem. Looking somewhat mollified, she simply nods. "...I see..."

Silo just continues to glare at Vile, and then he hears the mention of Kalinka been cleared to walk through Berlin, the center of the Mavericks... Not at all a safe place for her to be. And for once, he opens his mouth to speak... and then closes it. Maybe Silo really *doesn't* have anything to say.

"I think...you do." Vile nods. "And I think you might know a way ... that I can help you." Vile takes a step back. "Interesting how your friends so readily jump to your defense. Perhaps I should let you get back to your... YOUTH and...horses."

Bowie notices the change in Kali's expression, which only serves to darken his own. The Texan remains stubbornly silent to Vile's jibes. Kalinka knows where his heart lies, and that's all that really matters.

"It's been a pleasure," Saigama says quietly, almost an offhand comment. He continues to watch, chewing on his lip, seeming almost...sedate? Jeez... Well, he just had to say -something-. Anything...

"We will discuss this matter later!" Kalinka grouses irritably, looking every inch the Cossack now. She doesn't like it when Vava has her in such a...precarious position. And he's SO right...and there isn't much she can use as verbal ammunition, not when he's making so much sense. She gives her companions a rather apologetic (and somewhat miserable) look.

Silo looks to Kalinka, raising an eyebrow, before focusing on Vile. And guess what... He continues to remain quiet, not saying a word, simply because he has nothing to say.

Vile walks off. He turns his back to the others, confident that the Maverick Hunter, the Forcer, and the...eh, whatever... are too cowed to open fire on his person. Then, a few hundred yards away, he vanishes.

Vile blinks to another location.

Vile has left.

Bowie is not cowed, but he made a promise. And he's not one to shoot people in the back. Therefore, Vile is left unchallenged.

Tengu Man certainly won't challenge Vile. Oh, no. Heheh...

Silo would probably shoot Vile, but since he also promised Kalinka, he refrains from doing so... And just lets him leave.

<Scene ends.>