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Post by Advix on Apr 4, 2013 23:55:08 GMT -5
Peppermint resumed hugging the little lamia from behind. "Yeah, everybody cries," she assured her. "Even Winter cries, and he's the best!" Winter tilted his mosh cap as to make his face slightly less visible. He turned his attention back toward Mileena, musing of her desire to raise the little lamia. He understood the sentiment. By the time Arlee had resurrected her, Arlee was already a young woman. She missed out on a good chunk of Arlee's childhood, and as such, her maternal instincts were still very strong. He wondered if it was the right thing to do, though. For a young lamia to be taken in by an undead aren... Well, it was better than the alternative.
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Post by Greed on Apr 9, 2013 23:36:00 GMT -5
-Arlee-
Arlee merely closed her eyes as Lili's tears stained her shoulder. It didn't matter, really. The kid needed it, really. But really, this was the second time now that she had seen the little android get so concerned about the kid. Which was... kinda understandable, since she kinda looked and acted like a kid herself. Honestly, it was getting surprising that the little robo-kid was endearing herself pretty damn well to Arlee at this point.
At this point, Lili didn't look like she knew what she wanted to do. She was crying no matter how hard she wanted not to, and was acting like she couldn't decide between burying her head in one of their shoulders and bawling her eyes out or trying to get a grip and spew endless thanks for having so many shoulders to cry on in the first place. It was that odd place between grief and reason where talking just resulted in choked vocalizations that didn't quite get to the level of words, but at least Arlee could still tell the kid was trying to say something. So she just held the kid closer, careful not to spill the soup in the process.
"Hey there, don't worry. We've got you, Lili." It was sincere, which was a rarity for Arlee. She was rarely candid with people, so really, she was surprising herself a bit.
-Nebula-
It was so strange how sympathy worked when Nebula looked at it as a concept. How someone feeling sad could make an onlooker feel sad as well if they were so inclined. It felt odd how her mind kept putting her in Lili's place, and replacing the lamian girl's parents with Jessica, as if her mind was trying to show her how the little girl felt at the moment.
And it made her feel awful. Worse than the idea that she might die had felt. Like her mind was trying to make her feel things she was physically incapable of feeling, despite the complex frame she was wearing at the moment. Honestly, she began to wonder if she was malfunctioning, or if this particular emotion was messing with her systems THAT much.
Skies above Grand Divide
-Jessica-
So close now. Soon, she would be able to take Nebula home. But... she wasn't prepared for what she saw out the window of the shuttle.
"... oh my gods. The Ileris did all... this?" Jessica's voice remained low with shocked disbelief, at the enormous scars left on the land, so plainly visible from the air. In the distance, an unfathomably huge crater still smoked, and the landscape was peppered in black craters and lines. It was the very definition of a dead city, if there were any. It was almost enough to make her NOT want to land. Jessica shook her head, and steeled herself. Her stomach felt like it wasn't going to be kind to her anyways....
"K-Krez, the readings are strongest in that area over there-" The scientist pointed at what looked like a ruined suburb, "- But I can't get it more specific than that general location. After all, I rigged my tablet to be a gravite detector. Its kinda... shoddy." An understatement, but still.
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Post by Advix on Apr 10, 2013 3:38:25 GMT -5
Peppermint continued to console the tiny lamia as she cried her heart out, her attention shifted as she saw Winter twitch slightly. "Something's coming," Winter spoke up. "There are two people in a vehicle up above. They came from Devoid." Peppermint stopped, curious. She began to launch connections to her precious hacked satellites, looking at the vehicle. "...It's a civilian shuttle... Uuu~ a luxury model. I wonder what it's doing here. Maybe they're diplomats."
"Somehow I doubt it. Be ready for anything." Winter stood up and disappeared into the basement. After a few moments, he returned with his favorite sniper rifle slung over his shoulder. It seemed he wasn't joking when he warned them to be ready for anything.
Skies Above
"Then we'll just have to take a closer look. Sam, bring us down closer." As instructed, the driver began to descend upon the ruined city in the direction Jessica had pointed.
"Now before we go out, I need to make something clear. I highly doubt anyone will be happy to see us. So whatever you do, Jessica, do not leave my side or Darius'." Krez pointed to the bionic man in the passenger seat. He was large, dark skinned, and dark haired, styled back in dreadlocks. His face was relatively normal aside from the wires sticking out of his right socket. Wires could be seen under his tight and tough skin, and his right arm looked like a metal sleeve if it wasn't for the wires snaking through his bones and muscles.
"No need to worry, Doc," Darius spoke up. "There's no way they'll get through me to you."
"But for the sake of your safety, do stay close. Diplomacy will only get us so far. These people are still very sore, as they have every right to be."
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Post by Greed on Apr 11, 2013 21:00:56 GMT -5
-Nebula-
Luxury shuttle from Devoid... In Nebula's mind, there was only one person it could be.
"It has to be my creator, Jessica Kelsey. I cannot say whether she's alone or not, but it is... unlikely." Nebula closed her eyes as she returned her frame to its previous state, her current attire disappearing along with her current frame as her gauntlets and visor appeared on her. Lili backed away, startled by the sudden transformation. The android gave a friendly smile, trying to calm the kid down a bit.
"I... Jessie isn't taking me back to Devoid." Quietly, Nebula hoped that Jessie could convince her that she was innocent somehow. Somehow... she didn't predict it ending that way.
-Arlee-
"You've got some guts, I'll give you that." Arlee somehow, miraculously, found herself sympathizing with yet another android within the same day. It was something crazy in the air, maybe? No? Well, whatever it was, anyone who was openly against Devoid was fine by her.
"See what they do before you do anything rash, at least..." Mileena spoke in a worried tone, probably speaking to all of them. That was like her, Arlee supposed.
-Jessica-
Jessica nodded; she had planned to let Krez and Darius be her bodyguards in the first place. She didn't have very many ways to defend herself, after all.
"Now, let's see here..." As they got closer to the ground, the signal grew stronger, and she could tell what direction it was even. Down to the structure that Nebula was supposedly in...
"She's in... that house, right there." This was beginning to worry her. The house was mostly intact. This could mean anything, and gave her far more fears than it did hopes. She just hoped that those fears wouldn't come to mean anything.
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Post by Advix on Apr 12, 2013 15:45:27 GMT -5
The shuttle descended closer and closer. The few people who were out scurried back into their ruined homes, while the necromancers seemed to station themselves in front of the doors, as if to defend the survivors. From what eyes could be seen peering out of windows, it was clear the shuttle was not welcome. When it touched down, the doors opened for the three passengers to exit. Darius exited first, followed by Krez who lead Jessica out of the shuttle. From on top of a house, a child threw a piece of debris at the nicely dressed woman, but it was swatted away by Darius. He pointed his palm toward the boy, but was halted by Krez.
"Stand down, Darius. This is not the time or place for that." Winter watched from the window as the figures arose from the shuttle.
"Krez the Faceless?" he said out loud. "Why would he come for Nebula? Are they expecting to take her by force?"
"Oh look!" Peppermint exclaimed. "It's one of those hybrid guys!"
"That's no surprise to me. Krez spearheads Project Zenith. It would only be natural for him to bring one of his underlings. Still though, for him to be here in person... Peppermint, follow me, but let me do the talking. Do not speak unless I signal it's safe to do so."
"Oki doki!" Winter slowly opened the front door, and stepped outside with Peppermint, bearing their arms for Krez to see. But what truly caught Krez's optics was the little android that followed the green-eyed aren.
"Ziba?" Krez whispered, frozen in place. His pause didn't go unnoticed, prompting Winter to take the initiative.
"Krez the Faceless. I thought you had retired years ago." Krez seemed to snap out of his stupor, his posture once again confident.
"Oh, my military days are over. I'm here for personal reasons. My friend here is looking for her little girl, and we've reason to believe she is in your house. Would you mind if we came inside?"
"Yes, I would mind," Winter retorted. "I'm not exactly open to the idea of armed Devoidians inside my house. I have some fellow arens over as well. They're not fans of Devoid, either. However, this is about Nebula. As such, it should be up to her whether I welcome you or not."
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Post by Greed on Apr 13, 2013 15:19:43 GMT -5
-Nebula-
And somehow, just like that, there she was. Nebula stood behind Peppermint and Winter, unsure of how she should be reacting to Jessie.
"I... Winter, perhaps it would be better to keep this outside." As the prototype android glanced back, she could sense Arlee's hostility towards the people at the front door, almost. That was a look that could win battles, the sort of look that gave off nothing but hate. She cringed slightly, turning away from her swiftly to deal with the immediate problem, as it was.
"Nebula, you're safe!" Jessie was happy, overjoyed. Nebula was safe and sound, and from the looks of things, she didn't have a scratch remaining on her! That was wonderful news! Well, that's what Nebula was getting from reading her face. the android tried to smile, and shrugged with both of her hands out.
"Well, then. You found me. Now what?" She sounded almost nervous. There was a path this conversation would likely take, and Nebula wasn't looking forward to it.
"Now what? Why, we're going to take you home, Nebula! Isn't that wonderful?" Nebula felt her arms slump down to her sides, as Jessie spoke those words.
"... and about how androids who get disconnected from the network get scrapped?" Jessica froze; she had never told Nebula about that. How did she find out about... the aren and the little android. Of course, those two would know. However, she knew how to fix this. She hoped this would fix the situation, anyways.
"I-I uh... well, we're not going back to Devoid. Not Devoid proper, anyways. I've got a job with Project Zenith now. Come on now, you know Krez! It'll be great, really! Nebula, you'll be safe from getting scrapped, I promise!" It was Nebula's turn to stop and think for a moment. If this was really Krez's project Jessie was talking about... then was Jessie telling the truth? Wait. No. In the long run, that didn't really matter, did it?
"... nuh uh. Project Zenith is still a part of Devoid. I am so not going back there."
"C-Come on Nebula, now you're just being petulant!" Jessica was getting visibly upset now, "I-I mean... come on, aren't we friends, Nebula?"
Oh boy. That did it.
"Friends...." Nebula couldn't control the dangerous power in her frame anymore, rock and dust rising up from the ground around her, "....friends don't keep friends hooked up to brainwashing networks." Jessica stepped back, shocked by the accusation... and more-over, she was confused. Brainwashing?
"Krez... what on earth is she talking about?"
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Post by Advix on Apr 15, 2013 16:07:34 GMT -5
Once more, Darius pointed his palm toward a target, this time Nebula as she seemed to grow hostile. Peppermint immediately turned to Nebula, trying to calm her down. "Wait, Nebu! I know you're mad, but you know she cares! We saw her birthday present for you, remember? Don't do something you can't take back. Take it from me, Nebu... Hurting friends is something you never want to do." Krez could only watch as the little android tried to calm Nebula down. It touched him in a way few things did, and in a way only a handful would know why. When he regained his senses, Krez placed his left hand on Darius's metal arm, and gently forced it down, before stepping in front of him. He looked back towards the terrified Dr. Kelsey, gave her an odd nod.
"...You know I do not have the heart to lie to either of you," he spoke to Jessica and Nebula. "There is a facet of the Devoid Network known as the "Android Pacification Program". It is designed to incline androids connected to the network to support Devoid and its policies. This includes such dispositions as a bias towards arens, demons, necromancers, etcetera, as well as a degree of support toward military actions. The only reason I am able to tell you this is because my creator installed into my systems a filter that negates the program's effect on me. How I came to rank higher than any android before or after me, and how I came to create such an ambitious endeavor as Project Zenith, is in part due to the fact that my mind and heart are free, and have been since my activation. One of the reasons I created The Community outside of Devoid was so that I could shelter my dearest assistant, Shifu, from being scrapped after her A.B. became corrupted. The Community serves not only as a home for hybrids, but as a haven for androids who have been severed from the network." Krez then extended his left, normal hand toward Nebula, as if to gesture for her to come with him. "There is nothing to fear, Nebula" the faceless android spoke to her. "You will be safe from the powers that be, even the President. I promise you." As Krez spoke, Winter noticed that the necromancers were acting very defensive. Some of them shot glances even towards Winter, as if questioning why he had such an android under his roof.
"This is precisely why I wanted this conversation to take place inside my house..."
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Post by Greed on Apr 15, 2013 23:59:45 GMT -5
-Nebula-
Nebula's eyes widened, as she saw Jessie choke up almost. Honestly, how could she blame her.
"Y-You mean, every android... in Devoid? Oh god. Nebula, I'm... I can't..." It kinda hurt her, seeing Jessie like that. But... Nebula had something important that she wanted to do.
"I... I appreciate the offer, really. Its good to know that I can still trust Jessie, it really is." Nebula let her arms hang slack, trying to think of how to word this. She wanted to sound... how to describe it? Strong. Decisive. She had things here that she wanted to... understand.
".... but I want to stay with the people I've met here. I want to see this world, outside of all the technology of Devoid, and this... Community you're offering to me."
"... Nebula..." Jessie's voice was low, and shaky. Like she couldn't believe what she was hearing, like she didn't want to believe it.
"... I don't care about being safe, honestly. I think I'm made friends here, and at least one of them that I... am promising right now to not leave."
"... that little android?" Jessica was trying to understand this. It... didn't make much sense to her. Not right now, anyways. She wasn't thinking clearly, probably, but still, Nebula didn't want to just go back to the sterilized, mechanical environments of Devoid, and likely the Community. She wasn't entirely wrong, but her new friendship with Peppermint wasn't the only reason she wanted to stay.
"So... no. I'm not going with you. Sorry for... wasting your time, I guess."
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Post by Advix on Apr 16, 2013 23:09:33 GMT -5
Krez continued to look at Nebula after she had stated her intentions, slowly lowering his hand to his side. He stood there briefly, as if determining her certainty.
"...Then, it seems there is no helping it." Krez then turned toward the bewildered Dr. Kelsey, still unable to fully accept how events had transpired. He placed his left hand on her shoulder as he drew closer to speak more directly to her. "...Jessica, do you see that little android? Look at her very closely. Do you see how the light bounces off her frame so splendidly? That is an android who is in the hands of someone who knows how to maintain androids. We couldn't leave her in better care if we tried. I can tell you this because long ago... that android was once something of a daughter to me." He turned his head slightly just in time to see Peppermint give Nebula the biggest hug she could.
"You promised! Thank you thankyouthankyou!"
"...We'd be no better than them if we denied her this freedom she's found," Krez continued. "Take a deep breath, let it out, and say good bye."
Meanwhile, Winter was growing evermore anxious with their necromancer audience about.
"While this is all well and good, I think it is time for us to start packing our things. Immediately." Peppermint looked toward Winter as she continued to hug Nebula. His face was as straight as ever, but she could tell he was worried.
"Well, Nebu, I guess that means it's moving time!" Peppermint released the super prototype, and scurried past Arlee and Mileena to the bedroom. Winter could only motion his head to point Nebula back inside, though not without whispering his frustration.
"Why on God's green earth did you switch your frame back?"
"Oh don't you worry about things out here," Krez spoke up. "You run along and grab your things. We'll catch you on your way out."
"Sigh, this was doomed to end terribly no matter how we acted," Winter confessed. "Come on, Nebula. Time to move." Winter quickly pulled out his cell phone, and called a number on his speed dial. "Come on, Bulgrish, pick up your cell phone."
"You might want to follow them inside, Dr. Kelsey. Maybe give the man some tips for taking care of Nebula." Krez then turned his attention to the watchful necromancers, already anxious enough as is. "I'm sure you all have quite a few things to ask." He stretched his odd, shield-like right arm, and three long, curved claws flipped out of its apex. "And frankly I don't have the patience for any of it. So run along to your friends now, and let them know who sent you."
"L-like we would leave these civilians with the likes of you around!" One of them spoke up.
"Then I suggest you stay put. It's been a stressful time for me, and I'll take any excuse to relieve myself."
"Aw yeah, the Mayor is laying the rules down," Darius joined in. "So you zombie lovers better hunker down and heel."
"Just who the hell do you think you are?! Coming in where you don't belong and threatening us!"
"Let's just say I'm something of an overly-protective uncle, and leave it at that. Or not, it's up to you," Krez subtly threatened.
"Any wrong move towards the little ladies in the house, and you can all expect a beat down, got it?!"
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Post by Greed on Apr 17, 2013 13:01:48 GMT -5
-Nebula-
Nebula nodded, and as she went inside with Jessie and the others, she was quite pleased that it hadn't escalated to physical violence. Quietly, both she and Jessie thanked Krez and Darius for the display outside, if it would keep things from getting any worse.
She couldn't help that Winter was angry with her. She had needed to be prepared for anything, but more than that... she didn't want Jessie to know that she'd unlocked that birthday present early. She knew that would hurt her feelings, alot.
Though, there was another problem...
-Arlee-
Oh this was rich. What was this woman doing inside, right now? Arlee was only stopped from reaching for her dagger by Nebula herself funny enough.
"N-No, wait, Arlee... this is my creator. Jessie, these three are... Arlee, Lili, and Mileena. The little lamia is a survivor of the attack."
But this person was still... the kind of person Arlee wished nothing to do with. She didn't particularly care about her intentions; she just wanted her to get out.
-Jessica-
"Oh..." Jessie found herself short on words for once, looking at the odd, mismatched group. What could she actually say to these people. One of them looked like she hated her instantly, the little lamian girl looked... a little scared of her, honestly, and the last one... she looked apologetic. Really, she was just getting uncomfortable now.
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Post by Advix on Apr 18, 2013 15:30:23 GMT -5
Peppermint was well on her way, packing all of her clothes and belongings as well as Winter's clothes and belongings, too, while Winter paced back and forth waiting for someone to answer his call. When Peppermint walked out into the living room with packed bags and suit cases, she zeroed in on Dr. Kelsey, and rushed to meet her in person. "You're Nebu's mommy! Oh! Oh! You are ultra-mega-mighty amazing! Nebu let me hack her, and everything about her is incredible, and she's so nice, I'm so happy we're friends! Thank you thank you THANK YOU, Nebu's mommy!" Peppermint dropped the bags on the floor to give the scientist a great big hug. "And you, you're so super-sugar nice, too. I could tell from the present you made for her. You should leave Devoid, and stay with us!"
It seemed as though the person Winter was calling finally picked up, as Winter stopped in place. "Winter. Circumstances have taken a sudden turn toward FUBAR. I need a moving van, ASAP. Do you have enough room in yours for all of my computers? Then give the company you rented it from a call, and send a truck my way. And tell them they'll be on an orcish hit list if they give you any grief. ... Not the time for sarcasm, you old loon! You know those necromancers we love so much? There's twelve of them outside my house, wondering why the hell I have a state-of-the-art Devoidian prototype in my living room! Not to mention KREZ THE FACELESS, making the situation all the more awkward for me! ...Thank you. I'll have my crates ready when you get here." Winter hung up, and turned to Nebula as he rubbed his brow. "I could use your help in the basement, Nebula." He hurried off towards the basement and began to shut down and disconnect all of his various high-end computers. Packing them all was going to be a hassle, but maybe Nebula's abilities would expediate the process.
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Post by Greed on Apr 19, 2013 1:02:45 GMT -5
-Nebula-
Oh boy. She had to say it. Jessica fluxuated from confused, to happy... and right back to confused.
"Hacked... wait you... unlocked my present?" Nebula winced involuntarily; Jessica's voice sounded a bit hurt, but slowly, the silver-haired scientist's face softened.
"Well, I guess you'll need it then, won't you?" Nebula glanced to the side, switching her frame once more.
"Jessie, I..."
"Nebula... it looks just as good as I thought it would on you. And if you need it now, you need it now. There's no getting around it." It was a reassuring thing to hear, at the very least. But now, Winter needed her. And she was more than capable.
"Alright Winter, what do you need me to get?"
-Jessica-
She didn't know what to make of the younger, more child-like robot and her boundless energy. Honestly... she was kind of making her feel guilty that she couldn't do what she was asking.
"Look... I would love to stay with Nebula, really... but I have a job to do. With The Community, and Krez. Its... sorta separated from Devoid, thankfully." The scientist ruffled the little android's hair, "Doesn't mean I can't stay in touch though, right... I hope I can, anyways." However, an embarrassed grin crossed the scientist's face.
"And uh... thanks for the compliments."
-Mileena-
The scene had to certain charm to it, Mileena had to admit. The scientist didn't seem like a half bad person, and it looked like even Arlee was beginning to loosen up. A little.
Meanwhile, it looked like Lili was just... understandably nervous at this point. Less so than before, but still.
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Post by Advix on Apr 20, 2013 0:03:07 GMT -5
Winter began to drag some crates out of the back of the basement. When he saw that she was back in her human looking frame, he rubbed his brow under his mosh cap, but couldn't help but smile a little. "Nebula, can you use your control over gravity to lift and pack my computers? If so, that would be much faster than packing them all by hand. A friend of mine will be here soon to pack what we can into his moving van."
Peppermint looked up at Dr. Kelsey as she hugged the scientist, comprehending her words. "I understand, Nebu's mommy. Don't worry, we'll take super-special care of her, promise. Oh, and if you make Nebu any brothers or sisters, send us pictures, okay?"
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Post by Greed on Apr 20, 2013 23:11:44 GMT -5
-Nebula-
Nebula grinned, as a purple field began to surround each and every one of the computers, lifting them carefully up, and placing them into the boxes Winter had already prepared.
"This is nothing, Jessie had me helping out with these kinds of things all the time." Within the span of less than a minute, each of the computers was packed in a box, all of which floated around her enveloped in her own corrupted gravity.
"So yeah, you need anything else?"
-Jessica-
... This android was remarkably close to a human child, despite being such an outdated model. That fact alone impressed her. But Krez's words came back to her, and compounded upon that. This little android was very well taken care of, and had developed a personality far beyond her model's normal capacity.
"Thank you... and if I can, I will, okay?"
"... gah. The fact that Devoid has people like you pisses me off." Arlee grumbled behind them. Jessica jerked her head back, more than a little annoyed, and pretty offended.
"Excuse me? Haven't you-"
"The fact that decent people still live in that place makes my skin crawl, okay?" Ah. Okay, that made a little more sense.
"... Well, I'm working with The Community now, and it's technically a separate project. So... I'm not under Devoid's thumb anymore."
"Good to know then."
-Lili-
She had no idea what to think. People from Devoid, androids and scientists... and honestly, she was still kinda uneasy. But honestly... this woman didn't seem so bad. She seemed kinda nerdy actually, what with the glasses and freckles.
"... I agree with Peppermint. She seems really nice. I... don't think you have to be so mean, Arlee." The aren girl sighed, closing her eyes, and crossed her arms, apparently eager to comply to the old saying of 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all'.
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Post by Tokrochiru on Apr 25, 2013 1:37:55 GMT -5
CLANK. CLANK. CLANK. CLANK.
Bulgrish's walker mech was as noisy as it could be as it encroached upon the position of Krez and the necromancers. Within, the orc fumed, fed up with all the disrespectful whelps that were scurrying around the ruins of old GD. They crossed the line when they decided to hold this standoff right next to where Winter was staying.
An angry, microphone-enhanced voice boomed throughout the neighborhood. Even people 5 miles away could hear the rage-filled dialogue that Bulgrish was spouting.
"You think you trespassers can have a standoff here!? HERE OF ALL PLACES!? HOW DARE YOU!!!"
The walker-mech fired its gattling gun into the air, creating more deafening noise.
"This town doesn't belong to any of you! Not you, Krez, and most DEFINATELY NOT YOU WARLOCKS!!"
More shots were fired, this team near the ground where the necromancers were standing.
"THIS CITY BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE!!"
The walker-mech stomped the ground, cracking the concrete below it.
"This mech here has enough missiles to wipe out all of you in one swift barrage of napalm-fueled death! Either get out of this neighborhood-no, get the hell out of GD, or EVERYONE HERE DIES!!"
Part of Bulgrish felt euphoric as he shouted these words. He made sure not to let that part take control.
He needed to keep them occupied. If he could disperse them, all the better, but at the very least, he needed to keep their attention for a while.
While Bulgrish did his damnedest to keep Krez and the necromancers occupied, a large truck slowly parked in a spot just barely visible from the windows of the house Winter was in. The roar of its engines were almost silent in comparison to the sound of Bulgrish shouting into megaphone that he built into his robotic suit. If they were going to make a break for it, now was the time.
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