Online Life

Light Labs - Mess Hall

The mess hall of the Maverick Hunter base is large and spacious, wide tables with seperate chairs spread about the room, leaving plenty of space to walk about. The dispensary and mess sections are on opposite sides of the room, and a reploid server works at each one, mixing and dispensing supplies for the android and reploid Hunters, the other cooking whatever food is ordered. There is usually only activity in here during meal times, and evening meal being the most common for the Hunters. Music is occasionally piped in from the rec room, but this room is mostly only made noisy by laughter.

Kalinka [Formal] [C]

Obvious exits:
Plasteel Door <East> leads to Light Labs - Corridor 2.

Seismic Earthworm arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Seismic Earthworm has arrived.

Kalinka is setting up a large table...apparently, 'doing nothing' on one's birthday is not a Russian tradition, as Kalinka has taken great pains to cook up enough supper for dozens of guests.

Seismic Earthworm crawls in slowly and looks around. His armor is recently repaired from what looks like utter oblivion... the cracks and scores still plainly visible. "Hello, littl'n..."

Kalinka turns from setting the table as Seismic comes in, and she gasps at his condition. "Seismic, what happened to you? You're all cracked and broken!"

Seismic Earthworm grunts quietly, still in pain, but quite able to simply bear it. "I ran into my sister on the way to raid some of the African diamond mines. Gemini Man's inserted some form of the Wilycode into her. But I kicked his aft."

Andromeda arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Andromeda has arrived.

Jack arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Jack has arrived.

Andromeda steps into the room, walking slowly, her feet dragging like lead as she moves.

Kalinka begins looking Seismic over...despite his massive size, Seismic isn't much different, at least in her mind, from other reploids. "Well...let me see what I can do for you," she remarks. As she looks him over, she asks conversationally... "You have a sister?"

For those on their way in, Kalinka has apparently made a full dinner for everyone...enough to feed a small army. There's a long table, set up with everything, and apparently Kalinka's done all of this herself. It probably took her a couple hours.

Seismic Earthworm nods slowly to Kali. "I have several brothers, Magmastorm, Graviton, Magneton, and Borehole (may he rest in peace), and two sisters, Geodesic and Quicksilver. WYRMS builds one per year."

Kalinka looks Seismic over for a moment or two, which is no small task since there's a lot of him to see. As she sees Jack and Andromeda coming in, she waves to them. "Hello! Please, help yourself...I know everyone is on a different schedule, but I did try to make plenty. I am glad you stopped by!" On the menu, from the looks of it, is Beef Stroganoff, mashed potatoes, and beets. Kalinka looks back at Seismic. "Would you like to try and have some? Are you feeling up to it?"

Jack wanders in with his hands in his pockets, whistling a tune to himself, still limping a little on his left leg. He turns to the mess line, thinking to grab a rare bite to eat ... then blinks and glances across his shoulder at the banquet, and the gathering of Hunters around it. Looks like he wasn't exactly expecting this. He rubs the back of his neck, raising his eyebrows slightly. "Uh ... hey, Kal. What's this ..?"

Seismic Earthworm nods slowly to Kali, then turns towards the food. It completely and utterly fails to fly over to him. He 'frowns', and sighs. "I guess not. Self-repairs must not have gotten to that just yet."

Kalinka patpats Seismic. "Give it a little bit of time...try in, say, half an hour or so, and I bet you will be able to do it!" Turning to Jack, she grins a little. "It is...dinner! I spent all day making it...you do not have to have any if you don't want, but I wanted to do it."

Jack scratches his head, eyeing the gathering a little warily. Social gatherings are not much of a pasttime for him - they're a 'when necessary' thing. It is not necessary now. "Uh ... well ... I guess I could have a little, but I should be getting to business ..."

Kalinka doesn't seem particularly 'snubbed', so she probably understands that Hunters have a schedule of sorts to keep. "Would you like for me to save you some?"

Stealth Nekojin arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Stealth Nekojin has arrived.

Jack grins slightly, pulling a cigarette out of the pack with his mouth as he glances up at Kalinka. "Yeah, that'd be great ... sorry I can't stay, but I've, uh, got some /work/ to attend to." He gives a slight wink on the emphasized word, lighting the cigarette. "The food looks great, though, make sure to save some for me."

Kalinka chuckles. "Okay, you've got it. I will save it for you in Daddy's Tupperware bowl -- and I will put it in the 'Den' fridge, with your name on it. And remember to pick it up!"

Kalinka receives a radio transmission from Chill Snowcat.
Jack grins and tosses Kalinka a wave as he heads out. "Believe me, I will. Seeya later."

Jack enters the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Jack has left.

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Chill Snowcat.

Stealth Nekojin hovers on in, passing Jack on the way, waving. "Howdy howdy y'all?"

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Kalinka has a large table all set up with dinner. Apparently, she's made enough to feed a small army! so much for taking it easy on one's birthday. "Hello, Kael! Help yourself...or if you cannot stay I will save you some."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Stealth Nekojin hovers over and gives Kalinka a light hug, "Happy birthday." He then finds a seat and serves himself a bit of food. Nothing extravagant, but a little of everything.

Auto arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Auto has arrived.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.
Kalinka sends a radio transmission.
Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Kalinka heads over to the table and has a seat. "It sounds like Dr. Light will be here, soon...I do not really expect many people to show up, though anyone who can have my gratitude. This is a very special birthday for me."

Harpoon Hydra arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Harpoon Hydra has arrived.

Stealth Nekojin smiles to Kalinka, "Well, we're doing our best to be here. I'm just glad that I could be here to share this moment with you." He tilts one ear slightly in curiosity, "What's so special about this birthday, if it's not a private thing?"

Dr. Thomas Light arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Dr. Thomas Light has arrived.
Morgaine arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Morgaine has arrived.

Light appears, looking bedraggled and worn, packing his satchel for traveling. He looks like he's either taken the wrong door to get to his quarters (possible) or didn't waste any time at all getting here (likely). He doesn't look up to a party, but there's that steel in his demeanor again, something that wouldn't let the old man miss a birthday of someone special to him. Mind you, he is swaying a little.

Seismic Earthworm has connected.

A black-tressed woman peeks her head inside. "Umm, am I late?" Morgaine asks, holding up a datapad. Evidently, someone told her what was going to be happening tonight. "Or.. interrupting, for that matter?"

Harpoon Hydra has disconnected.
Harpoon Hydra has connected.
Arafina arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Arafina has arrived.

Hey, what's a party without the living noise maker Auto!...ok, he doesn't really make much noise, but he can still make a party. "Heyo all!! Where's the birthday girl?" He scans about the room looking for Kalinka....but stops as his eyes fal upon all that food. "Oooohhhhhh......"

Seismic Earthworm is back in about 30 mins, just like Kali said. "I LIVE!!! I HUNGER!!!" No, he doesn't really say that. But it'd be funny. And appropriate. "Hey, littl'n... I think it's working again."

Kalinka is over by the long table, nervously picking at the tablecloth when Dr. Light comes in. She grins at him cheerfully. "Hi Dr. Light...please, come on in, have a seat...you look so tired! I made some coffee if you would like some." Auto gets a friendly wave. "Hey! Good to see you, please! Come in!" As Morgaine walks in, the teen does a double-take, then just STARES...what's this?? A -star- has come to her party? Why, it's none other than -Morgaine-! Is Avalon with her?? "Oh my god!!!"

Stealth Nekojin continues to eat quietly, smiling as people start to filter in. He's a quiet sort, so hovering over in a corner snacking is his style. Though he does enjoy watching everyone interact.

Arafina slinks in, apparently assuming she's late, carrying a package wrapped in red and blue paper. Not very large, either.

Dr. Thomas Light doesn't argue, though he does first walk slowly to the girl, giving her a warm smile of thanks before slumping into a chair and...well, that's about it. His bag hits the floor and he closes his eyes a moment, jet lag apparently digging into him a bit hard today. He eventually looks up to see attention distracted, a look to the door and the lovely lady who has Kalinka's attention and obvious respect.

Warring emotions. The old man's a gentleman, and a lady has entered, dressed nicely as a lady. He's tired. "Oh well, been tired before.." he mumbles, standing with a lean upon his cane, then fully rises to a proper warm offering of welcome to the lady. Quietly. Oh well, at least he removed his hat.

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Stealth Nekojin grins, waving to Arafina and hovering over, plate left on a convenient table in his path, to hug her and direct her over towards Kalinka, "Hey 'Fina. Don't worry, it's a slow congregation, you aren't late."

Morgaine smiles, "So, where's the birthday girl?" she asks, gaze sweeping over the room. It settles on Kalinka, whom she remembers from Douglas' description. She offers a rather big, warm grin, bowing just slightly from the waist. "Happy Birthday," she says cheerily.

Kalinka waves at Arafina as she comes in, and she's looking VERY excited at the moment...after all, it isn't every day that a teenager gets to meet a rock star on her birthday. As Morgaine bows toward her, she appears to be flabbergasted. "Wow, oh wow!! Thank you for coming...umm...wow, I can't believe you're here! And...everyone else, too! I made dinner for everyone, it's Beef Stroganoff, help yourself if you'd like."

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Chill Snowcat.

Arafina grins to Stealth, returning the hug. "Thanks," she says cheerfully. "I figured I would be, I came as fast as I could." With the box, she heads over to Kalinka.

A bowl hovers into the air hesitantly, wobbling a bit... then fills itself with beef stroganoff, and launches into the maw of a giant earthworm. CHOMP!

Dr. Thomas Light bows gently over his cane to Morgaine, then again to Arafina, people he's not met to his knowledge. He looks to Stealth, pausing, then steps back to let Kalinka have the spotlight as she deserves, it's her day. The obvious affection between Steath and Arafina isn't lost on him, looking gently away to food. yes, food...the safe subject. He gets a plate, then has a little...he'll say more to the party girl when she's not meeting a rock star.

One firey forcer feline walks in, about time. You'll notice he's not in his normal Armor, but in a tanned trenchcoat, a BIG one since it covers his 10ft frame. Underneath it looks like he's wearing jeans and a white t-shirt or something. Under his arm, he carries a wrapped package, in pinkish paper and a ribbon, must be a gift. He enters and looks around at everyone, looking for Kalinka specifically.

Bowie arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Bowie has arrived.

Stealth Nekojin chuckles, "Well, you aren't, apparently." He espies Kalinka going slowly crazy over having a star at her birthday, and smiles, "Think we should wait until she's done before giving her the presents?"

Morgaine offers Kalinka a cube-shaped package, still smiling. As she turns, she catches sight of Dr. Light, to whom she also bows. "Good evening to you," she says, offering a hand. "Morgaine Le Fay."

Dr. Thomas Light slips back into a seat, ignoring the passing admin with aplomb. He helps himself to the lovely meal, trying very hard not to pass out in company.

Auto, meanwhile, looks over the dinner fit for a kingdom that is laid out within. "Wooooww...." He stares in awe. oO('Linka must've spent AGES on this. And for her own B-Day too! Hey, why didn't she ask for help? I coulda done something! No fair to make her work on her Birthday...BIRTHDAY!!! Cripes, I forgot her present!!)Oo The squarejawed one looks through his chest drawer quickly looking for his present to Kalinka, but finds it not. "Wrench, Ray's head, saw, scanner, rubber chicken, Rush's chew toy,...a Hawaiian shirt....a pancho?! 'Cuse me for a sec guys I gotta get somethin'!" And with that, he rushes out panickedly, trying to remember where he put that damn thing.

Kalinka turns very red. "Oh, my," she murmurs, grinning as Arafina brings a present over. "Oh, you did not have to do this, but...thank you anyhow...thank you...this is the best birthday EVER, I have never had this many friends at a birthday party before and that's what makes it the best! All of my favorite people are here!" As Flare comes in, she brightens and waves him over to the big table. "Oh, hello!! And you brought something too...wow...thank you again..." And as Morgaine hands her the little box, she's just grinning and shaking her head. "Oh my god, you brought me something, too? I can't believe this!!"

Arafina grins toothily, once she's noticed by Kalinka. "Presents come on birthdays, and I thought you might like it," she says honestly. "Here y'go. Open it whenever; hope y'like it."

Dr. Thomas Light stands up, going over to Kalinka, then whispers in her ear gently. He then turns, bows deeply to the ladies present, and heads for bed for a while.

Bowie moseys in as Auto goes rushing out, quickly sidestepping to avoid a collision. Like almost everyone else, has a package, and his is done up with yellow paper and a bow stuck on top. Hopefully no one will notice the fact he overslept...

Flare Feline nods and walks over and sets his gift down on a table somewhere. He gives a wave to the Doc as he leaves, and just decides to look around for a bit oO(Wow, nice bit if food, wonder who made it...) He'd talk to Kalinka, but she seems to be occupied with another individual oO(Hm, wonder who that is?) Nope, Flare doesn't know who Morgaine is, he doesn't pay attention to rock music.

Stealth Nekojin waves politely to Light, while adding a small box of his own to the top of the pile. It isn't very big, but it has red paper and a blue bow that are rather sloppy, so he obviously wrapped it himself. "Happy birthday. Hope you like it." He then goes to grab his plate and get back to eating some.

Morgaine chuckles softly at Kalinka, "Well, it would be rude if I didn't bring a gift," she points out. "And I'm never one to be rude to a birthday girl." She grins slightly, then finds herself a place to sit.

Seismic Earthworm ohs! "I have a gift for you too, littl'n..." A big flat square box floats in, covered in wrapping paper courtesy of the postal service. Hey, the worm can't see the difference! How's he to know it's generic brown instead of shiny pop culture?

Kalinka is still very red -- the only thing that would make this teenager more flustered is if Derek Vasquez were to walk in. Only so many miracles can happen in a night, however. "Oh, thank you! Bowie, hello! Come over, join us, umm...oh my, where should I start?" She picks Flare's present, and looks it over curiously before carefully opening it. As she opens it up, she stares over incredulously as Seismic's present comes levitating in. "You too?? Oh my goodness, all of you are so thoughtful!! You didn't have to!"

Bowie chuckles as he adds makes his contribution to the pile. "Well, like Rock told me, we're all family, right?" He finds a chair - the one Dr. Light just vacated - and sits down.

From the hall way, a cry of "EUREKA!!" comes from somewhere near the barracks. Then clomping footsteps. Loud, fast, HEAVY footsteps. Then.....*CRASH* *CRUNCH* *CRACK!* "Awww......." Poor Auto, just not his day today.

Arafina leaves hers with the pile. "Yup. An' it's tradition, like I said." A grin. "If it makes you feel better, gimme somethin' on my birthday. Not that anyone knows when it is." That said, she slips off toward the tables.

Flare Feline hmms as he looks about "Good looking food Kalinka, who made it all?" Of course, Flare would prefer fish or salmon or something. ...on second thought, scratch the salmon, the last two times he's had that were on dinners with Wily and Sigma... just don't ask how THAT came about. As Kalinka opens the present, she'd find looks like a silver toolbox on the outside with her name engraved on the cover...

Kalinka's blue eyes go wide at the sight of the toolbox, and she pops up out of her seat, running over to hug Flare. "Oh WOW...thank you so much!!" She then chooses another one of the small boxes -- this one being the one Arafina gave to her. One might get the impression that she doesn't open presents all that often, because she seems a bit uncertain as to which order to take, and so on. It's kind of hard imagining that this child hasn't had SOME pampering in her life...but one never knows, her father is pretty strict. Carefully, she pulls off the wrapping, revealing a torc with her name engraved upon it, and small silver earring studs. "Wow, they're lovely!! Thank you so much!"

Flare Feline smiles at the hug, but he's not done yet "Open it up..." If she does, she'll see some tools inside, duh. But they're not new, they look a bit used in fact. They've been cleaned and such, but they do look second hand. Who's are they? Ask and ye shall recieve, or something.

Auto finally steps back in again, holding up the remains of what looked to be something complex, technical, and really cool looking. Perfect for someone born around mechanics and robotics like Kalinka. Unfortunately, it looks to be utterly smashed, like something landed on it. He rubs the back of his head sheepishly with his toolarm. "Sorry, 'Linka. I made this thing for ya for the party...but I kinda........tripped." He looks embarrassed and ashamed. Noticably, there is a cord running down from said contraption down to around Auto's ankles, doing quite the wrapup job on it.

Arafina grins up at Kalinka, calling, "Glad y'liked it. I figured everyone needs jewelry, right?"

Kalinka receives a radio transmission from Zero.

Kalinka peeks into the personalized toolcase Flare gave her, and she grins warmly at him. "You know something...the best tools are the ones that have been used, just a little bit. It is like...breaking them in." Giving him a wink, she then looks some more at the boxes, trying to decide and blushing simultaneously. Grabbing ahold of Seismic's present, she begins unwrapping it. As she does this, she remarks to 'Fina... "I believe so. I've never had very much jewelry of my own. It all belongs to my grandmother, so...the earrings were much needed." Unwrapping the box Seismic gave her reveals...Strategema, the habit-forming strategic board game! "Ooooh! Okay, Seismic, I know what we will be doing," she says with a chuckle. As Auto arrives with the...thing, she looks on in wide-eyed astonishment for a moment...then she goes over to hug him. "It's okay...you thought about me...and you came here, and I'm thankful for both."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Zero.

Michael Eildath has arrived.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.
Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Flare Feline coughs a bit "Those are, actually, the tools my own creator used when he made me. I had decided to get you a toolcase, but I had no idea what sort of tools to get, so I asked him for some advice, and he gave me them. He had said he had gotten a new set himself and didn't need them anymore." He chuckles "He never was a nostalgic person or anything. The case though I got when I went to San An."

Blues arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Blues has arrived.

Bowie helps himself to a little of everything on the table, even if he doesn't necessarily know what it is. That's what it's there for, right? A few of them he will definitely have to get the recipies for later. Otherwise, the Texan is pretty quiet as usual.

Stealth Nekojin continues to eat quietly. His present to Kalinka is in the pile, she'll get to it when she gets to it. He's unconcerned about it until he actually has to respond to her reaction. Yes, he's THAT lazy.

Michael Eildath runs in through the door, not nearly as composed as the Red Bomber, panting with exertion. Not only was he not in base... he was in the wrong base. And how could he miss this? I mean, really... c'mon. With him is a package, wrapped in flimsy paper... Mike ain't the decorative wrapping type.

Perhaps, ever so faintly - loud enough to be heard but soft enough to make one question if they did - a faint whistle drones through the Mess Hall. And, of course, it isn't just /any/ whistle. No further explanation is necessary. However, only one of the three telltale signs of Protoman's dramatic arrival are present. No flaring of teleportation light, no inexplicable arrival of the mystery ronin, only a whistle more akin to a whisper. There are other changes to the name, however. For, newly deposited onto the table at some point when no one was looking is a small red box roughly seven inches by seven inches, and an inch deep, wrapped in red and gray gift-wrap paper with a curiously yellow bow tied around it. There is no tag, no card present, however, and no sign of the man who delivered it.

Immediately outside the door, however, kept just out of sight of those within the mess hall, Blues leans up against the door frame, arms crossed, not looking inside. Simply listening.

Auto grins slightly as Kalinka tries to cheer him up through the classic embrace of friendship, also known as a hug, though it's not enough to keep him from feeling bad. "I know. Still, I can't believe I destroyed your present like that, especially during the party. I would have figured a multi-tool thing like this would be right up your alley. *Sigh*." He resignedly throws as much of the wreckage into his chest compartment as possible, trying to find somewhere to dispose of the rest.

Morgaine watches this all from her seat, smiling and laughing along with everyone else in the room. She's even taken food, which she eats now and then as she watches.

Seismic Earthworm blinks a little at the whistle, and looks around. "Allright... where is he?"

Kalinka ponders the presents some more, and she grins bashfully at her guests. She just can't seem to get over how thoughtful everyone's been. She's espcially surprised that Flare's chosen to give her soemthing of such intense personal value -- she'll need to ask him about that later. Picking out Morgaine's gift, she chuckles nervously, then opens it up, staring at the contents with an amazed blink. "...You covered some of Mjollnir's Bloody Hammer's songs?? WOW, you knew I liked them??" She chuckles some more. "Oh WOW, thank you...and what is this? Oh...!" She pulls out a separate disc, which seems to be entitled 'The Once And Future King'. Biting her knuckles, she makes a little 'meep!' of excitement. "WOW! Thank you!!" She just can't be too thankful today, apparently. As Michael shows up, she waves him in. "Hi! come in, have a seat, there's plenty of room for everyone...oh my, I can't decide...hm, what is this?" She peers curiously at the present which has...mysteriously appeared, in the last few seconds. Looking around briefly, she shrugs, then moves to pick it up and unwrap it.

Michael Eildath takes the opportunity to hide his present, for the moment, sliding it under a seat as he plops down to catch his breath. He isn't giving his right away. Heavens no. Too out of breath to speak, he simply waves, watching as Kal opens up Proto's gift... Mike knows Proto well enough not to start looking for him. His quasi-friend is a master at not being seen.

Inside the box, the color pattern the sign of who might have left it behind, is a picture frame. Something, perhaps, far more modest than the other gifts on it. Even more modest is the content of the picture inside said frame - A crude black and white image, as if taken from a security camera. Certainly not professional photography, fuzzy like a still image taken with a camcorder, covered with scanlines. The image on it? Well, most anyone would be able to figure it out, poor quality or not -- Protoman, with a much younger Kalinka Cossack tucked under his left arm, shooting his way out of what looks like some sort of military complex. Logically, he must've have lifted the image from Robot Master security archives... Or, perhaps, he was just out of gift ideas this year.

Morgaine smiles, tipping her head at Kalinka. "You're quite welcome. I hope I did justice to those songs, for you."

Flare Feline occupies himself with eating stuff for now, can't let all this good food go to waste now can he.

Arafina finishes up the food she'd pilfered from the table - hey, when'd she do that? Whatever; she got it, somehow, and had perched off to the side with Stealth. And now she's done, looking up at Kalinka and watching with a half-smile.

Stealth Nekojin eats, slowly, the whistling tones bringing a smile to his face as he closes his eyes, one ear twitching as he extends his true 'primary sense', listening to the murmur of machinery, the voices of those around him... and with a soft smile, the whisper of fabric against metal from the area around the door. His eyes open, and he continues eating, waiting to see what the reaction is about this new gift, and from the person he assumes is the bearer of the gift... who else would stand outside a party and not come in?

Rock arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Rock has arrived.

Seismic Earthworm sends a radio transmission.
Blues receives a radio transmission.

Kalinka falls perfectly silent for a long moment, staring at the contents of the mystery box...a simple framed photograph she clutches in her hand. Her eyes glisten a bit, in recollection. She places the picture in plain sight for the other guests to see, and mouths a silent 'thank you' to the air...knowing that Proto will know she appreciated his gift. He has his own way of showing he cares, and Kali understands that. Next, she picks up Kael's gift, and unwraps it carefully. She doesn't tear any paper - all of it is very neatly unfolded to re-use at a later time. Unwrapping Kael's gift reveals...a datacrystal. She tilts her head, looking to Kael with a grin. "What is this, now? What have you put on here?"

Blues sends a radio transmission to Seismic Earthworm.
Seismic Earthworm receives a radio transmission.

Stealth Nekojin gives his best rakish grin to Kalinka, and replies simply, "Now that... is a secret. But it'll take you a while to sort through it all, I will say."

Arafina, who'd been watching, squints slightly at Kael's gift. He's the one being looked at, anyhow. She leans over, whispering something to him - barely making any sound, she knows perfectly well he can pick it up.

Blues doesn't come in, but he does react slightly as he hears the paper tear. He couldn't see or hear her... But he hoped she liked it. And, in one of those extremely rare moments, Protoman tilts his head down and away from the door, smiling genuinely for a moment or so. Let's hope no one walks in on him.

Seismic Earthworm sends a radio transmission.
Blues receives a radio transmission.
Blues sends a radio transmission to Seismic Earthworm.
Seismic Earthworm receives a radio transmission.
Blues sends a radio transmission.
Seismic Earthworm receives a radio transmission.

Bowie continues to watch the birthday girl in a comfortable silence. The mystery gift gets a little more scruitany than the others thus far. His knowledge of that particular event is sketchy at best, from whatever may have been in the newsfeeds at the time. His friend seems to be touched by the gift, though, so he's happy for her.

Seismic Earthworm sends a radio transmission.
Blues receives a radio transmission from Seismic Earthworm.

Auto is busy trying to find a place to put the rest of the former present to free his hands up to get down to eatin'. Finally, he finds an appropriate trashcan near the door and tosses it. However, he notices the whistle and turns around, looking around the room for his mysterious loner of a brother, unaware of the new present or just how near to Blues he actually is.

Incidentally, on the menu: Kalinka has made Beef Stroganoff, mashed potatoes and beets. And it's all very good...and there's a lot of it.
Well... gradually less and less of it, thanks to a hungry earthworm.

Flare Feline snags some of the food on his plate before the Earthworm gets it all. He then notices Stealth and heads over to him "Hey there, how ya been?" He speaks inbetween bites, yummy

Michael Eildath makes his way over to the table, securing some food as he watches Seis eat, and eat, and eat. Still, he waits, silent and watching only, like he's waiting for something else.

It's not often that Rock roams the halls of the Labs in armor. Heck, it's not often Rock pulls on his armor when he's going to a party. But for some reason tonight... the Hunter Commander arrives to the party in the two-blue armor, expression surprisingly poker-faced and blue eyes dull. His hands are behind his back as the doors part to admit the smallish Reploid, his faithful robodog Rush at his side and looking almost as grim as his master.

Not exactly the nicest thing to have show up at your birthday party, to say the least.

Arafina has no beets. Ha. She hates beets. She got the rest of it though... She glances up at Rock, frowning, as he enters. "Hey, it's Boss. Grumpy Boss, though. Sit down. Eat somethin', you'll feel better." Apparently assuming that it's just tiredness.

Stealth Nekojin nods politely to Flare, "Hey there. Been pretty good." He then espies Rock, raising an eyebrow curiously as he watches him pad in. Perhaps tiredness... or perhaps poker faced for another reason. Either way, it seems like 'Fina has him covered.

Blues tilts his head up to glance at Rock as he enters, smile fading - Partly out of a change in emotion (Protoman has those?! As yet unconfirmed.), and mainly out of the awareness that he was being watched. He says nothing, however, as the Blue Bomber moves into the mess hall. Funny. He looked almost... grown up.

Bowie joins everyone else in giving Rock a curious look. "Somethang up?"

Kalinka chuckles at Kael. "Okay, now you have me REALLY curious -- I -will- find out, even if you're not telling!" Picking out Bowie's gift, she carefully unwraps as is her custom, putting the wrapping in a neat pile off to one side and pulling out two items: a pocket tool kit, and a small envelope with what appears to be a gift certificate in it. As Kalinka eyes the contents of the envelope, she gasps in surprise, and turns a little pink, beaming a grin at Bowie. "Ooooh, thank you!" Peering over toward Michael as he arrives at the table, she gestures toward one of the seats. "Hi, Mike! Please...join us...and eat some, I made plenty." Her gaze then travels toward the door, where Rock is standing with Rush. She looks momentarily surprised at his haggard appearence, then her eyes widen, and she waves him in. "Come in, please! Thank you for being here..."

Seismic Earthworm stretches. Very carefully. Let's not destroy anything. And... he's stopped eating too. He peers over to Rock curiously.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "Can we find out where those transmissions are comming from?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "Transmissions?"

Bowie moves his gaze from Rock to the birthday girl, his smile returning. "Yer welcome, Miss Kalinka. Hope ya can find somethang ya like."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "The Masters and the Mavericks have hijacked the airwaves to advertise their new "playground""

Auto finally gets to the food. "Mmmmm...beef!" Yep, Auto, despite being a robot, is a strict meat eater. However, just as he gets his food, he turns around to see Rock.....in Armor...in the Labs. Something clicks. "Rock, what's wrong?" He says this in the most serious tone possible, worried something might have happened.

Flare Feline doesn't respond immediatly to Stealth, as Rock enters. Odd, he looks so serious for this event. Wonder what's up. He continues eating the food, taking a look over at the picture ProtoMan left Kalinka. He hrms in thought, then shrugs inwardly, that obviously happened before his time, and he's never interacted with the Scarfed one as of yet, so aside from reading a scattered report, he has no idea what he's really like. Though he doesn't seem like as bad a guy as others make him out to be.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "Really. I wasn't aware that they were sponsored by Playskool. Don't you boys have the tech-weenies to trace a pirated broadcast?"

Michael Eildath watches quietly.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "Asking on this feq is the fastest way to enquire of all allied forces."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Lieutenant Fencer Naiad transmits, "Gee that'd be nice but some of us are actually fighting the war. We don't all have time to sit and stare at the radio. Besides if we all work together we'll find it faster. You know, that whole teamwork thing."

Footfalls not dulled in the slightest, Rock makes zero attempt to lessen the authoritative CLONK of his boots against the polished tile as he moves, slow deliberation in each step. Rush follows beside him, nails snicking softly as a half-echo to his master's steps. He says nothing, but nods quietly to everyone, shaking his head to the choruses of 'what's wrong?' Mike, however, gets a slight nod, the faintest of gleams in his eyes before he turns his attention to Kalinka once more, drawing to a halt across the table from the young girl. Rush stops, eyelevel at the table. And somehow manages to not drool at the delicious spread before him. This -must- be serious.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra transmits, "Fencer is right. I'm going out to try and find it."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "Doubt we -need- to trace them, Repliforcer. Watch the vids. It would -seem- that the dear doctor and his esteemed colleagues are opening their little enclave of scum and villany to the public."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Cadence transmits, "And going there tonight, right now, would draw every weapon in the place on us, sirs and ma'ms. They're loaded for a response. I suggest we wait."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "I'm sure they'll be giving Disney Universe a run for their money. Fun for the whole family. With neat dismembered body parts on sale at the gift shop."

Blues remains idle outside the door, listening silently. He had work to do within a few minutes, anyways.

Arafina actually /likes/ Protoman. Mind, she's met him twice, but she has at least some respect for what he does. Her feet find their way up onto another seat that isn't taken. Ah, convinence. She eyes Rock, still somewhat worried - and debating whether to tease him to get him to cheer up.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "Yes, but I'd like to be able to find that place by another means. They will controll the teleporters."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Chi transmits, "Does anyone else think that we are going to see some of our own MIAs in this Arena...?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Ricochet transmits, "Can we get the location from the entry in the teleporter router system?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "I hope not. But we should plan how to get them out if they do show up there."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "Really? Tsk. And here I was, persisting under the impression that you boys were supposed to be disciplined, professional soldiers."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] allied Rollcage Pillbug transmits, "I will assist if anyone requests my presence"

Kalinka begins to look a little bit worried, but she doesn't jump to any verbal conclusions. Her heart begins to thump madly, though, as she considers the possibility... ("We found your father, he must have passed on in his sleep...") Rock has her full attention, now...albiet held by fear, but held nonetheless, her blue-eyed gaze riveted upon him.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Ricochet transmits, "And who are YOU to be judging us?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Cadence transmits, "Excuse me, sirs and ma'ms, but the Hunter is right! Charging in there presently will simply get us placed in the arena that much faster! May I please, again, suggest caution."

Flare Feline blinks at Rock's attitude, something MUST be up... or maybe it's all just a huge act, who knows, he asides to Stealth "What do ya think is going on with him?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra transmits, "Did they just say what I thought they said? They're open to the world?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji's voice has a hint of cynicism in it. "Someone who sees an elaborate trap." He pauses, as Cadence speaks. "Oh, hey, look - he can -think-."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] allied Rollcage Pillbug transmits, "Rollcage Pillbug, Private, Reploid Special Transport division."

Seismic Earthworm blinks once. He thinks he knows what's going on...

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Cadence transmits, "Patience is the better part of valour, not mindlessly, rushing in."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Ricochet transmits, "Yeah, but using teleporters is a good way to walk right into an attack."

Michael Eildath doesn't rise to go over to his commander, not wanting to look out of place, his own casual garb a bit... ill-suited to the commander's serious demeanor. Instead, he watches with concern on his face.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji deadpans, "Besides, our hosts would have the mindless angle already adequately covered."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Cadence transmits, "So is charging to the borders at this moment, sir. It is better for them to think that we will allow this.. monstrosity, scout it later for exploitable weak points, and then, when the time right, then we assault."

Auto tosses his food aside (figuratively, of course), and looks at Rock, his face not betraying anything at the moment except something happened. oO(This is bad....this is VERY bad.)Oo "Rock. Please, what happened? You wouldn't be armored right now if this wasn't dead serious." Gone is Auto's inherent eccentric goofy genius. It's all business at the moment.

[Radio: (E) RF-Chatter] Sgt. Ricochet transmits, "...is that guy actually a Hunter, or is he just some nutjob that's on the band?"

Stealth Nekojin shrugs faintly, his attention divided between what's going on and the radio, a light frown tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Bowie's smile drops as the tension in the room rises.

[Radio: (E) RF-Chatter] Cadence transmits, "Sir, please, he has a point, crude as it is."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Ricochet transmits, "If they start putting POW's out there, we're gonna HAVE to act."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Cadence transmits, "...do you want to add to those numbers tonight, sir?"

[Radio: (E) RF-Chatter] Sgt. Ricochet transmits, "Maybe, but he doesn't have to be an ass about it."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Ricochet transmits, "No. But that doesn't mean that we can sit back and let it happen."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "First Priority, find the place. Second, scout it out. Then we can think of operations there."

[Radio: (E) RF-Chatter] Phoebus transmits, "It's Repliforce Policy to turn the other cheek to asses, Ricochet."

[Radio: (E) RF-Chatter] Cadence transmits, "No sir, nor do you need to argue with him incessiantly because of his demeanor, sir."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "And besides, I believe you'd find that a good number of your 'missing' troopers are probably wearing Maverick colours now. Oh, don't scowl like that - they do call it a -virus- for a reason, you know."

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Lieutenant Fencer Naiad transmits, "I have a question. Why not just nuke the city into the ground? It's not like there's gonna be innocents there."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra is audibly confused.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Cadence transmits, "Hunter, sir, may I please ask that you refrain from your current attitude."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Chi transmits, "I was lead to believe tha the Hunters had more tact and intelligence than this one. Does this oaf speak for all of the Maverick Hunters on this matter?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Zero transmits, "It's not like we've never had a Maverick in our ranks, Reiji. Shut your damn trap."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Lieutenant Fencer Naiad transmits, "It's not wise to mouth off to someone who can most likely bench press you."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra transmits, "Reiji, I'm sure it's not like that."

Rock regards Kalinka for a long moment, listening wordlessly to the radio as it practically rages in his ear. The corner of his left eye twitches faintly -- stress, perhaps? The arms unfold from behind his back, a small, simple black box, about four inches by six inches, in his hand, which he extends out to Kalinka. Is he taking lessons from Protoman on how to be mute?

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Ricochet would say something, but his speech is cut off by the sound of a rake smacking him in the face.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Auto says, "What's this now?" You can almost hear the question mark popping over his head.

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Lieutenant Fencer Naiad transmits, "If not nuking it, then why not poison the water supply? Or carpet bomb it. Or drop something on it from orbit."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Void Starfish sighs. "I'm going."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "Beg pardon, do I offend? I -apologize- for being a -realist-. Yes, -sir-, we've had our own share of turncoats. Which is precisely the point. And here we have people talking of rushing in to get themselves killed in Maverick crossfire for the sake of some glorified arena - which is probably exactly what they -want-."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "Be carefull Void."

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Cadence transmits, "Poison the water supply? They don't need water. Nuking it.. well, we've tried that, ma'm.."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Void Starfish transmits, "I'll be back by morning."

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Sgt. Ricochet transmits, "...what about tunnel-bombs in the sewers?"

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] MSE XO Fusion Phoenix transmits, "We must first answer the question "where is it""

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Colonel transmits, "Corporal Void Starfish!"
[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Lieutenant Fencer Naiad transmits, "Excuse me, but shouldn't we send someone more capable than Void into that mess?"

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Corporal Skyblade Eagle transmits, "I could always try to infiltrate it."

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Cadence transmits, "Orders, sir?"

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Shinobi Pixie transmits, "AIEEEeee! Floor!"

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Void Starfish transmits, "Yes, Sir?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Stealth Nekojin transmits, "Could we maybe NOT bait each other over radio? I'd also reccommend not discussing plans over the radio."

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Colonel transmits, "Corporal, you will not go looking for this place. Not tonight."

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Void Starfish transmits, "Yes, Sir."

Kalinka, still looking at Rock uncomfortably, shifts her focus to the small box he's holding...and she frowns slightly, a confused expression. Looking briefly over to the rest of the dinner guests, she then takes the black box from him, inspecting it carefully. After a moment which seems to take all of eternity, she sliwly opens it up, and peers inside.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "...Clap, clap, applause, applause..."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra transmits, "Void, are you still there?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Void Starfish transmits, "Yes, sir."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Lieutenant Fencer Naiad transmits, "She's rather occupied now Hunter. And she won't be going near the city."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "I wouldn't put it past Wily and his bald friend to have the airwaves blocked. Don't count on your cellular phones."

Nestled on a small gray piece of felt, framed by a black cardboard border with a single silver-paper line running around the middle, is an insignia. A lapel insignia, and a familiar one to everyone in the room, winks up at Kalinka, shined as bright as day -- the Maverick Hunter logo in all its simple glory.

The oppressive expression on Rock's face doesn't fade as he intones, "It's been a long time in coming, Kalinka Cossack, but you're getting what you finally deserve." And with that, a grin finally splits across his serious face, reaching from ear to ear, eyes shining with barely suppressed mirth. "Welcome to the Hunters!" he all but crows, finally breaking out into laughter. Rush, glad the charade's over, breaks into cheerful barking, standing up on his hind legs and pawing the air -- and also to get a better look at the spread of food. Oooh, stroganoff...

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra transmits, "Anybody have any idea as to the location of Tantarus yet?"

Flare Feline blinks "Wow." Is his simple response. Yeah she's been deserving this for awhile. Well that just dwarfs everyone else's gifts totally, thanks a lot Rock. He eats up more of the Strogna..Strago... Strognaff.... Strogofufu... that meaty stuff.

Bowie breathes a sigh of relief as the tension melts like a spring frost. Rock really had him going there for a moment. "Congrats, Miss Kalinka," he congratulates with a grin.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "If I was forced to guess, I'd say that as apparently it is a M/RM joint project, it is most likely between the lands they hold, in a central, netural location."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "Of course, this is pure speculation."

Smite Squirrel has arrived.

Stealth Nekojin smiles, chuckling as Rock's charade ends, and goes back to eating. His gift is still a mystery to most, and he plans to keep it that way... if it will top this or not... who knows?

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra transmits, "By that guess, is would be somewhere around the Mediterrainian?"

Auto facefaults.....no, he really does facefault a la anime. "Don't scare me like that, bro!!" Well, all worry aside, he goes over to give Kalinka one of his patented hugs. "Congrats, 'Linka!!! Welcome to tha club!!"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "That or the Near East."

Suddenly, an airvent explodes open to reveal Smite Squirrel, who's upper torso shoots out of it like a crazed Jack-In-The-Box. A flurry of confetti and streamers follow him, as he heroically waves a pair of little fans, a la Auto. "YAY KALINKA! <happychitter>"

Blues allows himself one more smirk, pushing off the wall and taking a step away. He wouldn't have to congratulate her; She knew. Besides. He had things to tend to. With that, he dissolves in a pillar of crimson light, making a quieter exit than most here will.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "A new site or an existing city? They've got the construction capacity to pull off large projects...but entire infrastructure...of course, all we got to see on the video feed might be prefab, or computer generated. Haven't you had -any- analysists -look- at the pictures?"

<O-Repliforce> Teichou Colonel says, "It will be open to good guys. Y'all just have to do what the bad guys have had to do in every single city except Robotropolis. Get a disguise and keep yourself restrained."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Fusion Phoenix transmits, "If you are planning to go look for it there, go in via the Middle East."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra transmits, "Look Mr. Negative, if you're just going to complain about how no one is taking the right route to finding this place, why don't you go and do some of the crap you're telling everyone else they should be doing? Look, I don't give orders, and I'm not much good for anything but fighting, but I know that complaining does nothing."

Kalinka simply stares numbly at the lapel-pin, the color draining from her face in shock. Is this -real-?? She stares incredulously at Rock, and then over at the others, one by one, and the realization begins to set in...

...This IS for real!!

No longer an outsider-looking-in, Kalinka has found herself -- quite suddenly -- right where she's strived to be for so long. She simply...nods...words failing her, for the moment. She can't think of any words in English to convey her happiness -- much less form a coherent sentence, at the moment. So...she smiles. And nods. "............."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "And what do you want me to do, hm? Run around -looking- for the -physical- site? I can do that perfectly well, of course - I can pop Mach Two, Three, with a -tailwind-. But this is a job for intel. For the tech-boys, not us grunts and groundpounders. And in case you haven't noticed, we're not the one with the resources and funding."

Flare Feline nods and hmms for a moment, putting his plate down, and begins clapping. Clap clap, woo. Join in, it's fun.

Michael Eildath finally rises, putting his food aside for a moment and grabbing his own gift. "I mean, really," he mutters, "I just can't compete with that." Smiling, he tosses the package onto a seat nearby. "Congrats, Kali... you earned it, you really did. I knew you had what it took." Looking at his own gift, he shrugs. "And since there's no way I can beat that, I decided I'd just compliment it a little bit." What it is, he's not saying.

Bowie joins in the applauding, still beaming. Heck, she's been a Hunter in all but name anyway, at least in his experience.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra transmits, "I never said you had to go looking for it, in fact, I already mentioned I'm in no position to give anyone orders. But I /strongly suggest/ you don't whine over the radio about how the techies apparently aren't doing their jobs up to your standards, hmm?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Seismic Earthworm transmits, "That's quite enough. We're professionals, people. Try to remember that. Get down from each other's throats."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Cadence adds in a polite, "Please."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "Professional -what-, is the question. Acknowledged, standing -down-."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Corporal Skyblade Eagle transmits, "It's not worth arguing about."

Stealth Nekojin claps as well, quietly.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Corporal Skyblade Eagle transmits, "Knowing the Masters and Mavericks, they'll do something stupid and reveal it's location sooner or later anyway."

Rock chuckles a little, looking over at Mike and giving him a little headshake. "Bah," he says simply. "If anything, I copped out. After all, I just gave her a pin," he remarks with a playful wink to the lady of the hour before pulling his helmet off and giving his head a shake. "I'm sorry for freaking everyone out. I just thought I'd put a little spin on things, that's all." He plunks his helmet down on the table, reaching down to give the drooling Rush a little pat on the head. "Now, you'll have to go through a month's probationary and training period, Kalinka," he says conversationally, "and provided you're up to snuff, then you'll become a full-fledged Hunter." The tone in his voice indicates he's not worried: Kalinka's a Cossack, and Cossack sure has proven he's worth being a Hunter.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Seismic Earthworm transmits, "I could be wrong on this, but it seems if they plan on opening this to the public, they're going to input the coordinates to the global teleportation system. That's the only way to really make something open to everyone. We can go in, get the coordinates, and come back out the same way."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra transmits, "The problem is whether or not they've got an army waiting at the teleporters."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Stealth Nekojin transmits, "Why even go in? The UN will have their co-ordinates the second they enter themselves into the database."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "There's more than one way to fox the teleporters. You should know."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Corporal Skyblade Eagle transmits, "We'll figure something out. Come on, guys. Quit arguing it on this channel before it's cracked."

Kalinka simply nods, looking over at Mike, and then over at the others before turning back to Rock. The color's come back to her face, though now she's blushing...and her eyes are really moist, though true to her tough-as-nails upbringing, she doesn't spill a drop of those threatening tears. "Yes, I...understand, and...thank you so very much," she manages haltingly.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Lieutenant Fencer Naiad transmits, "I have a suggestion. Why don't you get off the radio and go search for it anyway. It'll do you some good."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Harpoon Hydra transmits, "/I am/ searching for it."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Lieutenant Fencer Naiad transmits, "I am speaking of the rude one, henceforth refered to in this dialouge as Jackass #76321"

Arafina grins up at ROck. "Dammit, Boss, don't spook me like that. I thought for a minute somethin' /serious/ was happenin'." That said, she stands up. "I'd love ta stay, but I gotta get up real early t'morrow...so if'n you'll all excuse me?"

Flare Feline slowly stops clapping, and sets his dish down on the table someplace, and heads over to Kalinka "Well it was a fun time Kalinka, but I have to get going. Seems there's something that needs my attention back at the HQ. Happy Birthday." He states, realizing that he has yet to actually SAY that. He gives a nod to Rock, Kael, and anyone else he knows in the room, and moves to leave. If Kalinka wants to talk to him about his gift, Flare'll always be free to talk later.

A gentle hand pats Kali on the back. It's an invisible hand... it's a gravity field. But it certainly feels solid. And the worm rumbles softly. "Welcome, littl'n... Achem... Miss Cossack."

Auto sends a radio transmission to Rock.
Rock receives a radio transmission.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "You missed a digit. That'd be Jackass #760321. Please get it right for future reference."

Smite Squirrel chitters happily, and keeps hanging halfway out of the airvent in the ceiling.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Lieutenant Fencer Naiad transmits, "No your gonna have to earn extra 0. Your not a bad enough dude to piss off the Secretary-General yet."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "Never will be. They don't build us mechanicals to excrete, remember?"

Arafina slips off after a quick ruffle of Kael's hair.
Arafina enters the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Arafina has left.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Lieutenant Fencer Naiad transmits, "Piss off, not piss on you imbecile."

[Radio: (E) RF-Chatter] Cadence transmits, "Lieutenant, ma'm, please do not stoop to his prattle?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Rock ahems. "I think, if you want to continue this conversation, you take it off the radio. And unless you have something constructive to say, don't say anything at all."

Michael Eildath leaves his present in the seat, walking back over to his food for the moment.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Reiji transmits, "Your sense of direction, not mine. Don't you have better things to do that trade witty parlance with a Jackass over a secur---and the Boss hath spoken."

Rock chuckles softly as he moves to pick himself up some dinner. All this drama takes a lot out of a person, after all. "Anyway. Happy birthday, Kalinka!" he remarks with a chuckle before looking towards those departing, and offering them a little wave. "Rush, get your nose away from that..."

Bowie gets himself a second helping of stroganoff before it disappears entirely. Yes, he most definitely must get the recipie for this. Now that everything is back to as normal as the Hunters ever get, he leans back in his seat casually and waits for Kalinka to resume opening her gifts.

Kalinka looks behind her quickly as she feels patted on the back, then she smiles up at Seismic. "...Thank you..." Looking over at Flare, she feels her resolve beginning to crumble. She feels so blessed by having such great friends...she just can't be thankful enough, it seems. "Thank you -all-...this has been the best birthday I've ever had."

[Radio: (D) Public] Vile eases onto the channel with his presence for but a moment. "Give us your downtrodden, your throwaways, your outcasts, your rejects. We will give them what you could not....a home."

Flare Feline gives one final wave as he heads out. Seems there's a Mav/Master town that needs looking into, TarryTarus or something.

[Radio: (D) Public] Fusion Phoenix transmits, "Yes Vile. Take all of those that can not live in a civil socity."

[Radio: (D) Public] Not Freeze Man transmits, "We'll make them civil."

Rigger arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Rigger has arrived.

Michael Eildath waits as well, appplauding Kalinka as she thanks them all.

Smite Squirrel waves his flags happily. <chitter>

Kalinka seems a bit 'verklempt'...a bit beside herself, maybe even dazed at the moment. But what fifteen-year-old wouldn't be? Surrounded by close friends, and a rock star...and given the opportunity of a lifetime. It's all a bit much. Eyeing the present Michael brought, she grins at him. "And you even brought something, too...you did not have to, Mike."

Michael Eildath fehs, waving a dismissive hand. "Nuh-uh, it's your birthday. I had to get you somethin'. Wouldn't seem right if I didn't, y'know."

Morgaine chuckles, leaning back. "See? Others have the same idea as gifts that I do. Wouldn't be right to not get the birthday girl something."

Rock idly spoons himself out some stroganoff before repeating the process, but on a smaller plate, for Rush. "You're most welcome, Kalinka. Birthdays are pretty important, after all." Pause. "Hang on, Rush, sheesh," he scolds, chuckling. "I'm getting you some already." The canine whines and paws quietly at Rock's leg, looking up at him with those irresistable 'feed me, I'm cute' eyes. Smite's chittering gets a distracted look, and he blinks once, grinning lopsidedly. "Smite, why don't you come down here and, you know, get something to eat?"

Alex Reinfield arrives from the Light Labs - Corridor 2.
Alex Reinfield has arrived.

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