Samuel takes a few bites to eat from the tray as Orion speaks. But after Orion finishes talking, Samuel shakes his head slightly and says, "While the suit is built, it isn't ready to be used yet. There are still some calibration tests that must be done. Since if it isn't calibrated properly, it won't fool any of robotnik's robots. And I'd rather not end up roboticized due to the disguise failing or something else going wrong."

Samuel then goes back to eating as he ponders how best to use the one suit, would it be better off in a solo mission, or would it somehow be better to tie it into a solo aspect of a raid. Although it has been figured out that the SWATBots  in Middletown now broadcast some sort of ID number when moving between areas. Samuel hasn't gotten past figuring out that a lone Swatbot would have to be taken out before it can report that it is under attack, and then it's ID number copied. Then the lone SWATBot would have to be disposed of so it wouldn't be found, thus enabling the wearer of the suit would be able to have a valid ID number to use when moving between areas without arousing suspicion. However, Samuel still hasn't figured out how to successfully pull that off in a group, let alone trying to pull it off on his own.

Nautilus nods as Shelly goes through the list of candidates to lead the Urser raid, and thinks heavily on her words before answering, "Hrm. You're quite right that the list of possible leaders for this mission are few... And I'm gathering that you're intent upon going on this mission, Princess?" He nods, "Then I'll do as you suggest, at least in part. I'll go with you on this mission, but I suggest that you still lead officially. The other Freedom Fighters then will still be encouraged by your presence, and I'll be in the best position possible to advise and prevent you from placing yourself in too much danger."

He only paid passing attention to Mittens' attempt to create a catchphrase for Thomas, surprising himself at how he unsurprised he was at her response.

Hart nods, watching the group gathering around Shelly with idle interest, "If Mittens is in the mix, I doubt it's a normal anything. Still, it doesn't seem to include us, far as I can tell. Shell's pretty good at letting you know when she needs you for something, even if it's just giving a look or something." He turns back to Timothius, "So, Angel? That's that rabbit we met during the last mission, right? What's she coming by here for?"

Upon hearing Shelly give her the okay to go on the raid to Urser, she jumps for joy.  "Oh Thank you, Lady Shelly!  I promise to do my best.  I won't disappoint you!"  She exclaims, giving the princess a big thumbs up.  She was about to run back to her room to get her spear and memorize a few strategies in case they're needed.  Better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

As Mittens introduces herself, Lorena smiles and introduces herself to Mittens.  "Nice to meet you, Mittens.  I'm Lorena.  I've heard that you are a warrior of sorts.  I'm looking forward to working with you on this mission."  She gives Mittens a polite curtsy as well.  Making note of her armor, she felt the need to comment.  "Your armor is pretty cool!  Did you defeat the SWATbots to make that yourself?  If so, you think you could do that for me, please?"

"Well... the major rescue you guys pulled off turned a lot of heads." Angel starts with a smile. "If you ever doubt your heroism, all you'll have to do is look at one or two of the people you rescued. Why... I understand those boys over there were some of the ones you helped rescue." Angel directs her gaze in the direction of Maverick and Lucky.

Candy nods with a smile. "Sure." Maverick looks down at Lucky and gives him a look like he's trying to gaze into his soul. But as Lucky's words sink in, Maverick looks aside. "I didn't rescue you..." he says quietly. He knows he helped the others, but he doesn't feel any rescue credit should be attributed to himself. Candy hmms. "Well your help sure made it possible, Ma... Ma.. sorry." Candy's ears flatten this time. "What was your name?" Maverick looks to Candy and says, "Maverick." Candy brightens up. "Yeah! Maverick! Knew it was M-something. Anyways, I think you and Lucky should be friends!" she leans over to whisper in Lucky's ear, "This boy's younger than you, ya know. By four years." Candy made it her business to know how old the children in Channelwood were because age is a status symbol among kids. "He's counting on you to be a good example to him." she finishes whispering with a grin.

Whether Maverick heard her or not is anyone's guess, but he just calmly watches Candy whisper to Lucky before walking towards the kitchen.

Amy acknowledges Valin with a knowing smile and then turns her attention back to Daemon. "You're the one who's been wanting to meet up with Katy, right? Well she's finally awake. She's a little busy, but the way I understand it, she is busy with planning another mission against Middletown's forces. So if you want to make a good impression on her, well, offer your aid to her directly and if she says no, just wait till she isn't busy."

Emerald looks skeptical. "Well... I'm sure you are here for more than a safe place if you knew to come looking here in particular." she says with an unsure glance. She then shrugs and smiles. "Well I'm sure you'll tell me all about it once you are rested up. Come with me."

Raichel leans over to whisper in her dad's ear. "Uh... why not tell them why we're here? I mean... yeah, we need rest, but..." but to Emerald's sudden cheerful attitude, Raichel shrugs herself and looks at her dad before heading off to follow Emerald.

Katy says, "That's why I asked you to come with me to the planning room on the third level. I wanted to share our options with you and see what you think and who you think should go instead of me to lead the team and who should go with that person." She leads the way to the elevator that leads even farther up, assuming Mike follows her. She glances at him a few times. "You know I loathe putting pressure on others when it isn't necessary... right? I mean... the only thing I hate more than that is Robotnik."

Timothius shrugs. "I'm unsure. But I think it has to do with wanting to hook up the various Freedom Fighters with her hometown so we can all communicate better. She offered that she could come pick me up and then when I return, she would stay here in Aquarius for a bit. So... tell me a bit about the people here? I mean... a weak is not enough for me to truly be familiar with who's who... and frankly, I'm kinda shy."

Orion nods and says, "Safety first, they say. Well congratulations ahead of time, Sam. For when you finish." he turns to head off, positive it's only a matter of days at most before Sam has his project done. He pauses at the door and turns around to look at Samuel. "Ya know... I don't think anyone has said this to you yet, but Robotnik's days are numbered and you are helping those days be fewer. Thanks, Samuel."

Lady Shelly? Shelly giggles. Lorena's a childhood friend, so Shelly knows Lorena's just playin' around. She glances over at Nautilus. "Sure thing" she says passingly. She then says in a quiet tone, "Besides... I feel like I let everyone down with what happened to me in Middletown. I need to restore the faith of my Freedom Fighters."

Thomas happens to overhear the part where Mittens mentions him and stops behind her long enough hear the "Badnicks will shrink" part. He waits his turn after Lorena and then speaks up. "Thomas the late; Died suffocating Robotnik in his hate." He then leans over to look Mittens in the eyes, still giving her personal space. "Tell me: Why do you get so excited over these missions?" He looks deathly serious. Not like he's looking for a fight, but somehow still intimidating in a way. He does look somewhat upset, though most of his anger is hidden behind a wall of frost he's developed over the years. Mittens has been pushing a button of his and he intends to find out how her mind works if at all possible. "Masochists" as he calls them are rare but powerful adversaries to Robotnik. Too bad they always wind up bringing everyone else down with them.

Crucible and his ever-faithful friend Pierson have been watching Shelly's table the entire time and just kind of mosey their way over as if they were preparing to put their dirty dishes away. But they are intent on making sure nothing violent happens. Especially to the princess.

  Respect for Murphy mechanics prevented certain comments on the subject Joe had on mind.  Not that it would probably make any difference unfortunately.

  "So, are my standards too high or too low when I don't consider not wanting someone to die if you can conveniently help it heroic and more 'well duh'."

  Driving vehicles through buildings and fleeing from worse enemies than most Sonic dealt with when they weren't powered by magical plot devices was convenient?  There was definitely some snags with Joe's standards in general.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Sun 25 Jan 2009.

"Thanks" Philip answers Emerald as he follows her lead keeping an eye peeled for an ambush, "And you're right.  We are here for more than just taking advantage of your hospitality.  We saw signs of a battle.  As Raichel shouted earlier, we're here to help if help is needed.  Is there any help needed?"

~Poor naive little girl,~ Angel Fish says, shaking his head at Raichel, ~She still has no idea the depth of Phillip's cunning and deception.~

~And who's surprised?~ Devil Fish points out, ~After all, who wouldn't trust such a virtuous daddy?~

~Oh man!  Now he's got YOU calling him daddy!~

~Aw maaan!~

Devil Fish face-fins in embarrassment.

Lucky blushes and avoids eye contact when Maverick stares at him, but the glare is intense enough that he knows he's being visually dissected.  He can't help but be angry with Maverick.  Is he so racist that he doesn't appreciate being rescued by Mobians?!  Lucky blushes all the more when Candy tickles his ear with whispers that suggest he's a coward for being intimidated by a younger kid.  Even if the younger kid happens to be twice as tall, twice as heavy, and can slice you into pieces with his laser-beam gaze.

"You were among the rescued too," Lucky answers them both darkly, "Nice to not be a robot slave isn't it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Fri 30 Jan 2009.

Mittens smiles at Lorena's compliments and smiles at Thomas' poem.

"Thank you, Lady Lorena," she answers with a pound-fist-to-chest salute, "Warrior I am.  Looking forward to accompanying you too.  Yes I did build the armor, but I was not the one to fell the SWATs.  If you think that's something, you should see what Spaceman Sam is making!  I'd be happy to build you some armor, but I suspect after our mission we'll be wearing stuff much better than anything I could ever make."

She turns to face Thomas.

"Nice poem!"

She pauses and taps her finger on her cheek, contemplating how to answer his question, then light-bulbs with a big smile.

"Ever heard the story of David and Goliath?  It's one of my favorites!  The Israelite army was backed to a corner, under siege by the invading Philistines.  The Philistine champion Goliath was a giant man, over 10 feet tall!  He was covered head to toe in armor, and every day he taunted the Israelites.  'Send your best man!  If he beats me one-on-one, the Philistines will surrender!  HAHA!  Didn't think so, you cowards!'

"From the ranks of the Isrealite army stepped forward a young shepherd boy named David armed with nothing more than a sling.  'I accept your challenge!  God will hand your life over to me!  By day's end, you and your whole army will be a feast for ravens!  The whole world will know that there is a God and he gives the victory to whom he pleases!'

"Both sides were in shock.  Such bold words from a boy!  Goliath was enraged and charged at the boy with his spear raised to shish kabob the little shepherd!  But brave little David charged right back at him!  He drew a stone from his pouch, and with miraculous power and accuracy, KA-POW!  slung it right between Goliath's eyes, dropping him in one hit!  Encouraged by the victory, the Isrealite army routed the Philistines!

"I get excited about missions because I worship the God of David.  My prayer is that some day, I too will bring him glory as David did!"  ^.^
This message was last edited by the player at 20:36, Fri 30 Jan 2009.

Mika putters around the kitchen a bit more, getting all the dishes together to be washed.  After she has everything together, she looks around for her young volunteer helpers.  She walks back out into the dining area calling out from the door, "Oi!  Coming to help in the cocina or you gonna eat lunch off of dishes with breakfast bits still on it?" she calls not too seriously.

It isn't long before Valin reaches Benji at the lookout post as he asks softly, "So what is going on?" as the gorilla doesn't know if he needs to keep his voice low or not so he decides to err on the side of caution.

Valin glances around while as he awaits Benji's answer, and when the gorilla glances down in the direction that Emerald is in, he notices that Emerald isn't alone, and that she is with two strangers. This makes Valin wonder if he needs to go down there, or if going down there would be a bad idea as it would tip their hand to the strangers and reveal that there are others in the area... which could easily be a mistake.

Thus Valin merely glances around to thin of a fast way down without revealing Channelwood's presence should the need arise that Emerald requires immediate assistance.

Michael nods as he follows Katy while listening to her talk on their way to the planning room.

The chimpanzee responds to Katy's question with, "I know. The times are tough, and it is never easy to make difficult choices. It is only natural to not wish such hardship on others."

Samuel continues to eat as Orion leaves. While the mechanic consider's Orion's words, he grins at the prospect of Robotnik's days being numbered.

However, Samuel's facial expression turns solemn when he starts to think about what if people like Orion truly understood what he would do to insure the safe rescue of his crewmembers. Samuel thinks to himself, 'I would have no qualms with sacrificing the whole bloody planet in order to get my Captain, Markus, and Alexis free and back to our home. That is nothing for those of this world to be thankful for. But if it did come to that, would I be no better than Robotnik? But to save my wife, Alexis, I would do anything...'

Nautilus responds to Shelly's concern with a quiet "Indeed" and a nod. Though he did not consider what had happened to the princess last time as a 'let down', he knows that many others may have. To lead the people is to carry the burden to inspire the people, as a wise bear had once said.

At Thomas's appearance and question, the old seabear remains quiet, but attentive. Although the mink no doubt had the countenance of a warrior, he also had a certain coldness about him that made Nautilus question his long-term loyalties.  Mittens's answer is unsurprisingly positive, of course, although Nautilus has never heard of any of the things she's spoken of. He'd never heard of any place on Mobius called Israel or Philistine.

Even so, he watches with careful eyes to see how the mink will react, fully prepared to step in and talk down a potential conflict and take the proper measures to ensure it does not harm the morale of their potential team for this mission.

Hart watches the events unfold at Shelly's table from a distance. Noticing that even Pierson and Crucible stop to pay attention, he begins to wonder if something is really up. Even if that was true, he was sure Shelly would make some kind of announcement or call them over. He reminded himself to ask her about it later.

At Timothius's question, the deer looks up in thought, "You wanna know about the folks here in Aquarius? Well... Stickin' around is a good way to pick up on stuff like that. It's not exactly easy to just lump 'em all into a single description. You met a few on the last mission, so you can tell for yoruself that we're a varied group." He shrugs, "Still, I think the best way to describe everyone here is to think of them like a family rather than a military group or anything. Yeah, we're freedom fighters, but a lot of us grew up together and most everyone knows that it's less about rank here and more about doing what you've gotta do to help out." He looks at Timothius with a raised brow, "Does that answer your question, or were you seriously looking for me to do a 'who's who' for ya? I don't think it'd do much good for me to list off a bunch of names of Mobians you haven't really met yourself."

Daemon looks to Amy and gives her a smile, "Thank you so much it has been a journey from my home so I could finally meet her" and with that he gives Amy a bow and looks at the rest of the mess hall taking in all of his surroundings like he normally does.

He turns back his attention back to the pleasant Amy that is standing in front of him and chuckles a bit. "Umm well Amy..." Daemons stomach grumbles loudly as he looks at her, Daemon then looks down to his stomach and begins to rub it. "Well not to make trouble for anyone but is there some kind of muchies around here I'm starving!, food would be so very nice before I see Katy can't do that one a empty stomach you know"

Daemon chuckles and looks back to Amy giving her another one of his winks

"You really think we're going to get some good gear, Mittens?  I better go get ready then!"  Lorena replies, offering a Fist-to-Chest salute to Mittens, prompting her to cough slightly.  She was no where near as hardy as Mittens.  Shelly was a childhood friend, but she was compelled to treat her with the respect she deserves when talking about missions and the like.  Outside of the "shop talk", they were as close as two friends would ever get.

Lorena ran down the hall and right into her room and changed into her sky blue jumpsuit, checking herself in the mirror before grabbing her spear and running to wherever the meeting for departure would take place.

Angel sees these 'snags' in Joe's logic / standards... and is happy. "If only everyone felt the same, Joe, then this war with Robotnik would already be over." Of course, one could argue that Angel's standards were a bit cuckoo as well if they realized she saw Robotnik as an annoyance who set things back a bit. "Nevertheless... as the saying goes: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And I suspect the people you rescued see something beautiful in you. That, at least, should matter to you somewhat... right?" she gives Joe a pleasant smile, awaiting his answer as it will tell her a number of things about Joe.

Emerald nods. "Anyone anywhere, in this fight against Robotnik, needs help. I'm no exception. For now, things have calmed down some." She leads Phillip and Raichel to the spiral staircase and takes them up to the second level. She figures it's only two people and you can't live life without giving trust out now and then.

Meanwhile, Benji points to Emerald, Phil and Raichel. "Those two just showed up and yelled out as though they expected to find us here. Emerald's bringing them here so we can find out what's going on."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Thu 26 Feb 2009.