[19:54] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm barks in repsonse, as if thanking him>

[19:54] <Catherine`Carver> You're right, I got stoned because of you and not because of the fact that I felt my life was worthless due to a little talk daddy dearest gave to me a few days ago about how pointless this competition is.

[19:54] <Catherine`Carver> Basically he said my life is pointless. But hey, it's always about you, isn;t it?

[19:54] <Dez_Visir> Yes, it certainly is.

[19:54] <Dez_Visir> I'm glad you understand.

[19:55] <Sean_Carver> <Hears the word 'stoned'....> Huh?

[19:55] <Catherine`Carver> You probably think God created this univese just for you to be in it.

[19:56] <Dez_Visir> Nah...he didn't make the universe for me. He made me for the universe.

[19:56] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm walks over to the heater, sitting beside Charles>

[19:57] <Catherine`Carver> You are the most arrogant, self absorbed, egotistical man I've ever met! I've never met a man with half the delusions you have!

[19:57] <Charles_Walter> <gets on one and rubs the dog> Hey, fella what's your name.

[19:57] <Dez_Visir> Well, it's good to know that I win at least one award.

[19:57] <Charles_Walter> <looks at the charm on his collar>

[19:57] <Catherine`Carver> You do this on purpose to get me riled up, don't you?

[19:57] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm barks again>

[19:58] <Dez_Visir> Of course.

[19:58] <Sean_Carver> <Laughs, and turns away>

[19:58] <Catherine`Carver> You like seeing me angry.

[19:58] <Dianna_Newlett> <On the charm says his name, has a funny symbol, and a long number>

[19:58] <Dez_Visir> You're cute when you get mad. With the angry face and the angry voice.

[19:58] <Charles_Walter> Whoa, you have quite a bark, Storm. <Has just read the charm.>

[19:58] <Sean_Carver> <"Nice move sis... I guess he isn't your boyfriend, huh? Mom'll be crushed.">

[19:58] <Dez_Visir> It's just funny to me.

[19:58] <Catherine`Carver> <"Ack!">

[19:59] <Catherine`Carver> <turns around and sees Sean> What the hell are you doing here? I mean...why are you here?

[19:59] <Sean_Carver> <"Though, I don't know about this 'stoned' thing."> I'm here, or was here, to cheer you on.

[19:59] <Sean_Carver> But, since it seems dead around here, I guess the whole things over.

[20:00] <Catherine`Carver> Not by a long shot.

[20:00] <Dez_Visir> <Looks over at Sean.> Hello.

[20:00] <Sean_Carver> Really? <Punctuates the silence> Oh, hi. <nods to Dez>

[20:00] <Catherine`Carver> Uh, well, I guess you remember Dez. <gestures to her companion on the couch>

[20:00] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm, now warm, stretches slightly, and licks Charles hands.>

[20:01] <Catherine`Carver> <"One word to either of the parental units and you die, Sean">

[20:01] <Sean_Carver> Umm... oh, right, the Silencer? Right?

[20:01] <Dez_Visir> That's me.

[20:01] <Sean_Carver> <"Okay, okay.">

[20:01] <Charles_Walter> <smirks>

[20:01] <Dianna_Newlett> <He glances to his owner, who still sit, shivering slightly>

[20:01] <Sean_Carver> Anyway, it seems to be in a lull here, so I think I'll check on getting a flight out. <sighs>

[20:02] <Charles_Walter> <thinks: Dogs are better friends than most humans, maybe I'll get a dog...>

[20:02] <Catherine`Carver> You just got here and now you're leaving?

[20:02] <Catherine`Carver> Nice cheer-on.

[20:02] <Sean_Carver> <he edges towards Dianna> Well, there's no reason to stay, right? I mean, dad is here, isn't he?

[20:02] <Catherine`Carver> Yeah, dad's here, crushing my ambitions.

[20:03] <Charles_Walter> <stands up>

[20:03] <Sean_Carver> Yeah, I'd figure he would. I happen to agree with him.

[20:03] <Catherine`Carver> You and dad are two of a kind.

[20:03] <Sean_Carver> <shrugs>

[20:03] <Charles_Walter> <looks to Dianna> This is your dog, right?

[20:04] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm walks to Dianna and nudges her. She looks up> Huh?

[20:04] <Catherine`Carver> This is my life, and I'll do whatever I want. You can play the good little boy all your life to mom and dad, but I want to be me. This is who I am.

[20:04] <Charles_Walter> Nevermind...

[20:04] <Dez_Visir> ....<Laughs>

[20:04] <Catherine`Carver> And if you don't like who I am, you can just leave.

[20:05] <Dianna_Newlett> <looks puzzled>

[20:05] <Sean_Carver> Fine, fine. I guess I will.

[20:05] <Dez_Visir> <Stops laughing> Ah lord...

[20:05] <Sean_Carver> <he sighs> Well, I can't even say I tried. <he steps to the door> I'll check on that flight.

[20:05] <Charles_Walter> I was just asking if this was your dog.

[20:05] <Catherine`Carver> Fine.

[20:05] <Charles_Walter> I can see that he or she is.

[20:05] <Dianna_Newlett> <nods> He...

[20:06] <Catherine`Carver> I'd wish you a safe trip, but you would probably consider it tainted coming from me.

[20:06] <Catherine`Carver> <sits back down on the couch with her arms crossed>

[20:06] <Sean_Carver> <he looks towards Dianna, nods, seeing that she's not uncomfortable or even paying attention, and steps out>

[20:07] <Dez_Visir> <Pushes Catherine's shoulder, knocking her slightly off balance> You really need to lighten up, y'know.

[20:07] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm sees Sean, and follows him>

[20:08] <Sean_Carver> <he stops, and nods to Storm, ushering for him to go back to Dianna> I'll be back soon, promise.

[20:08] <Dez_Visir> <Meanwhile, inside of Morbus, Quietus sits while quietly awaiting his next match...>

[20:08] <Dianna_Newlett> <He looks at him>

[20:08] <Sean_Carver> <he moves on, nearly slipping again in the snow> Ack...

[20:08] <Sean_Carver> <A few moments later....>

[20:08] <Catherine`Carver> <moves her gaze away from the wall and onto his face where her eyes are locked stonily with his> All my life I've been controlled. I had to fight harder than I ever did before just to even be allowed to pilot the Artemis.

[20:09] <Catherine`Carver> I will not give up my freedom.

[20:09] <Catherine`Carver> Not for my parents or my brother.

[20:10] <Dez_Visir> <Shrugs> Hey, whatever you say...

[20:10] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm heads back to Dianna, low to the ground, inching past Catherine and Dez>

[20:10] <Sean_Carver> <In fron of Quietus, a bulky mobile suit emerges from the snow. Wrapped in ablative cloth, it seems lost in giant robes, like an oversized warrior of disproportionate size. Clasped in its left hand is a large sword, crackling with energy. Pale blue sensor eyes glow underneath a darkened hood.>

[20:11] <Dez_Visir> [Quietus] "It's time..."

[20:11] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm's eyes stare at Catherine, hoping she won't recognize him>

[20:11] <Quietus_Camena> <Morbus stomps out from its respective hangar, having to crouch down slightly before making it through and standing at full heigh. Its "cloak" goes unmoved by the wind, as it is made of heavy plates of metal...>

[20:11] <Vagabond[Drache]> <With a deft motion, the suit twirls its broadsword about, and then locks into a braced stance, blade extended outward.>

[20:12] <Vagabond[Drache]> [Nathan] <Steps into the lounge, and sees the monitors> Hmmm, another one of those fights.

[20:12] <Morbus[Quietus]> [Dez] "I guess I don't really have anything to say on the matter. I was never good at advice...<Looks away from Catherine.>"

[20:12] <Jack_Zintech> Whoa, the giant suit against some.. hooded suit.

[20:12] <Jack_Zintech> Gee, I wonder who's going to win? It's pretty obvious the big guy'll beat the hooded guy.

[20:13] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus makes no effort to pose with a weapon. It simply stands tall amongst the whipping wind drifts of pure white snow.>

[20:13] <Catherine`Carver> Let's watch the fight.

[20:13] <Dianna_Newlett> <He continues creeping across the floor. Dianna sees Storm and ends up laughing>

[20:13] <Vagabond[Drache]> <A buzzer sounds...>

[20:14] <Morbus[Quietus]> [Dez] "Fight? <Looks at the screen> Oh...it's Quietus. Great..."

[20:14] <Catherine`Carver> <mutters> let him lose...

[20:14] <Vagabond[Drache]> <The hooded Vagabond leaps back, letting its thrusters carry it along the snow. Twin cannons rise from its shoulders, displacing some of the cloth. A steady stream of explosive shells burst outward.>

[20:15] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus steps one of its legs forward and turns its body sideways to the Vagabond, head turned to the side and observing. As the shells make their way towards him, Quietus activates full boosters while the suit jumps. This gives an enormous leaping speed, making the massive suit a blur.>

[20:16] <Vagabond[Drache]> Darn... <tracking the target, he blinks through the mid-day sun, and then shifts the Vagabond to the left, kicking up a flurry of snow.>

[20:16] <Dianna_Newlett> <walks over to Storm, sees the monitor, and decides to watch>

[20:16] <Vagabond[Drache]> [Nathan] That black suit is huge. <frowns>

[20:17] <Jack_Zintech> Big. At least 30 meters.. by the looks of it.

[20:17] <Vagabond[Drache]> [Nathan] <notices Catherine, and then Dianna> Oh, hello. I guess Sean is here too.

[20:17] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus' Holy Shroud shifts to life, one of its beam rifle barrels emerging from the side and aiming at Vagabond. While falling, it releases a solid column of blasting power.>

[20:17] <Catherine`Carver> <looks over to her father> Was.

[20:17] <Catherine`Carver> He was.

[20:17] <Jack_Zintech> The thing's probably twice the size of the other suit..

[20:17] <Catherine`Carver> He'll relay the message I gave to him to you most likely.

[20:18] <Morbus[Quietus]> [Dez] <"Another Carver family member? Geez...maybe they're all here.">

[20:18] <Vagabond[Drache]> <Vagabond turns on its heel, pivoting to the left. Layers of cloth are singed away, ribbons of brown falling to the snow.>

[20:18] <Dianna_Newlett> <continues watching the fight, oblivious to the talking>

[20:19] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus lands gracefully in a crouch before standing up at full height again. The sheets of its Holy Shroud give a mechanical groan as they shift and flux.>

[20:19] <Vagabond[Drache]> <In reply, it aims its blade upward, allowing it to split along the middle. Crackling energy jumps between the two halves, and then a wide stream of bluish energy leaps out at Morbus.>

[20:20] <Vagabond[Drache]> [Nathan] I've never seen anything like it... <watchs Morbus... "No... I have...">

[20:20] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus gets blasted backwards, catching the full brunt of the attack, and vanishes within a newly arisen cloud of snow and smoke.>

[20:20] <Jack_Zintech> Go, big suit!

[20:20] <Catherine`Carver> Is it...

[20:21] <Catherine`Carver> Is it defeated?

[20:21] <Vagabond[Drache]> <Even as the energy hits, Vagabond follows-up with more cannon fire from its shoulder guns. Explosive ammunition, with a triple impact effect, rain down as the cloaked suit leaps over the cloud.>

[20:22] <Vagabond[Drache]> [Nathan] <noticing Storm, he pets the dog> No, I doubt it, Catherine.

[20:22] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm licks his hand>

[20:23] <Jack_Zintech> <Cheering> Come on! Don't let the little guy get you!!

[20:23] <Morbus[Quietus]> <The ground shakes violently from the amount of ammunition unleashed upon the area. Flames shoot up, as do explosions.>

[20:23] <Morbus[Quietus]> <However, in the light of the fire, a dark shadow stands in stark contrast to it all.>

[20:23] <Vagabond[Drache]> [Nathan] <Shakes his head at the whole contest> I knew it...

[20:24] <Catherine`Carver> No! It can't be! There's no way it could still be there!

[20:24] <Catherine`Carver> <her eyes go wide> That's impossible!

[20:24] <Morbus[Quietus]> <It steps away from the area of impact, armor smoking from virtually every place. A cold wind kills the smoke, but leaves steam to rise from the heated armor. The Holy Shroud has been dented in various places, but it never the less remains in tact.>

[20:25] <Jack_Zintech> YEAH!

[20:25] <Catherine`Carver> <taking the few steps to reach her father she grabs him and shakes him> What is that thing?!

[20:25] <Jack_Zintech> That

[20:25] <Catherine`Carver> <points to the screen> What is that! You know about it.

[20:25] <Jack_Zintech> That thing's made from stronger stuff than I thought.

[20:26] <Vagabond[Drache]> <Even as it descends, Vagabond raises its opposite arm, and lets loose a trio of projectiles. Three discs suddenly latch on to the Holy Shroud as the cloaked mobile suit lands in a crouch. It's sensor eyes flare blue, and they detonate.> [Nathan] It's...

[20:26] <Jack_Zintech> <Suddenly wonders why he's the only one cheering for Morbus>

[20:26] <Jack_Zintech> ?

[20:27] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus rushes through the explosions, now apparently in a rage. Its Sanctus Saber is drawn, and glaring even against the pale white of the landscape as it rushes Vagabond.>

[20:27] <Vagabond[Drache]> [Nathan] <looks back to the screen> It can't be...

[20:27] <Jack_Zintech> Wholy crap, now that's a sabre.

[20:27] <Dianna_Newlett> <is amazed>

[20:28] <Catherine`Carver> No...

[20:28] <Vagabond[Drache]> <Vagabond stands firm, and raises its blade. As it prepares to parry the strike... a series of pulse cannon shots rake between the two opponents.>

[20:28] <Jack_Zintech> <Looks at all the worried people near him>

[20:28] <Jack_Zintech> ?

[20:28] <Catherine`Carver> What the-?

[20:28] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus takes the blasts and continues its rush, swinging its Sanctus Saber from overhead.>

[20:28] <Jack_Zintech> Wholy crap.

[20:29] <Vagabond[Drache]> <A slim form emerges from a cloaking field, over the pair. Humanoid, with an almost organix stylization to its armor, it seems to pause. Vagabond leaps back, and the Sanctus sabre meets its broad sword.>

[20:29] <Catherine`Carver> ........

[20:30] <Jack_Zintech> .............o_o

[20:30] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus leaps backwards, sensing the new signal> It's....

[20:30] <Vagabond[Drache]> [Endlos] <It lands, still gazing at the two.>

[20:30] <Catherine`Carver> Endlos!

[20:31] <Jack_Zintech> o_o'

[20:31] <Jack_Zintech> Endlos!?

[20:31] <Vagabond[Drache]> <Now bulkier, and more substantial then before, the machine seems to be somewhat more intimidating. It's pale white armor sparkles in the sunlight, reflecting the glare of the snowfields.>

[20:31] <Dianna_Newlett> <blinks, her face losing it's color>

[20:32] <Morbus[Quietus]> <"So, you've come here, to the end of the Earth....only to die.">

[20:32] <Morbus[Quietus]> [Dez] "What the Hell is that thing, anyway?"

[20:32] <Jack_Zintech> ............

[20:32] <Catherine`Carver> Endlos...

[20:32] <Jack_Zintech> Are you sure it is?! ........

[20:32] <Catherine`Carver> Oh god, it's that thing.

[20:32] <Morbus[Quietus]> [Dez] "That's pretty vague."

[20:32] <Jack_Zintech> ..<blinks>

[20:32] <Catherine`Carver> What?

[20:33] <Dianna_Newlett> <looks around, her eyes full of worry. Storm growls at the monitor>

[20:33] <Vagabond[Drache]> [Endlos.... [?] "I expected you to be here with him, so I've made sure that we were ready." <A series of thin, metallic bits deploy from its shoulder guards.> How do you like my new features?"

[20:33] <Morbus[Quietus]> [Dez] "What is Endlos?"

[20:33] <Jack_Zintech> Are you sure that thing's.. Endlos?

[20:34] <Morbus[Quietus]> <"Useless additions...you'll be destroyed all the same, monster. Prepare yourself.">

[20:34] <Vagabond[Drache]> <Vagabond steps infront of Morbus, facing Endlos.>

[20:34] <Jack_Zintech> <Looks over at Catherine, worriedly>

[20:34] <Catherine`Carver> Endlos is a mobile suit...a superior mobile suit with weapons beyond what we have. It destroyed Retrotech. It almost destroyed me.

[20:34] <Morbus[Quietus]> [Dez] "...........oh."

[20:34] <Catherine`Carver> It destroyed the Apollo.

[20:34] <Jack_Zintech> What the heck is it doing here?

[20:34] <Catherine`Carver> It destroyed more things than you imagine.

[20:35] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm goes to Dianna, nudging her, whining. He tried to get her to stand up, take her away from the monitor>

[20:35] <Vagabond[Drache]> <It suddenly begins to shift, its shape moving underneath the cloaks. Ablative cloth is torn as an armored body rips its way through. With a feral cry, Vagabond leaps at Endlos... no longer garbed in drab browns and greys, it is a plain, white dragon....>

[20:36] <Jack_Zintech> ........................HEY! That's the guy's white suit!

[20:36] <Jack_Zintech> That one suit I saw back at Retrotech!

[20:36] <Catherine`Carver> .......

[20:36] <Catherine`Carver> What the hell is that?

[20:36] <Catherine`Carver> No!

[20:36] <Catherine`Carver> NO!

[20:37] <Apollo[Sean]> Gotcha. <A storm of plasma energy roars out from the blade mounted underneath the machine, hurtling towards Endlos. As it stands still, the other suit waves its bits in. They circle in formation, and brace.>

[20:37] <Catherine`Carver> YOU IDIOT!

[20:37] <Jack_Zintech> Get it!!!!

[20:37] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Quietus, not deciding to let Sean have the battle to himself. Morbus arches forward slightly, then throws its arms open, as well as its Holy Shroud. Plates contract and fold, certain parts extending and interlocking. After the transformation is complete, the Morbus looks like an entirely different suit. Thinner, sleeker, with two very large, black, bladed wings.>

[20:37] <Apollo[Sean]> <Reconfiguring slightly, they form an I-field wall, meeting the attack.>

[20:37] <Jack_Zintech> <looks over at Morbus> ......

[20:37] <Apollo[Sean]> [Nathan] Now... I think we're all in trouble.

[20:38] <Dianna_Newlett> <feels tension flood through the room, and it pushes into her, making her feel dizzy>

[20:38] <Jack_Zintech> Should we get away from here?

[20:38] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus boosts up into the air with renewed speed, then dives towards Endlos, Sanctus Saber drawn back.>

[20:38] <Jack_Zintech> As in.. now?

[20:38] <Catherine`Carver> I knew he was my brother...

[20:38] <Catherine`Carver> He had to have some of me in him.

[20:39] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <The bits reconfigure again, and unleash a rapid series of slashing energy shots at both oncoming suits. Apollo lets them hit, impacting against the sleaker machine, knocking it back.>

[20:39] <Dianna_Newlett> <stands up, not wanting to slip into unconciousness, which happens everytime she has seen Endlos>

[20:39] <Catherine`Carver> We can't just stand here!

[20:39] <Jack_Zintech> Let's get the hell outta here!

[20:39] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <But, it quickly recovers, and draws its own beam blade. Burning white, it seems to be a large version of Morbus', with layers of energy within it.>

[20:40] <Jack_Zintech> I would probably help, but my suit got thrashed two days ago.

[20:40] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus rolls its body along as the shots come towards it, letting its wings swing around and take the main force of the attack. In the same motion, heated blade tips extend from its wings and slice out at Endlos's midsection.>

[20:40] <Catherine`Carver> Well mine's still good.

[20:40] <Catherine`Carver> <running out of the lounge, she makes her way to the hanger with a speed never seen before>

[20:41] <Jason`Xyx> <He just roams the corridors, oblivious of what's going on.>

[20:41] <Apollo[Sean]> <Apollo allows itself to regain its humanoid form, lifting its rifle-like bayonet. The bits, however, continue to harrass it to no end.>

[20:41] <Jack_Zintech> Uh.. wait!

[20:41] <Jack_Zintech> .............<Runs after her>

[20:41] <Jack_Zintech> <thinks: .....But I don't even have a working suit.>

[20:41] <Morbus[Quietus]> [Dez] "Tiamat is still in good shape too...guess I'll go help...<Walks at a leisurely pace towards the hangar>"

[20:41] <Catherine`Carver> <against the protest of a few technicians who don;t want anyone to interupt the match, Catherine climbs into the Artemis and exits the hanger into the battle area>

[20:41] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <The blades cut armor, but the Macro Edge comes down on the linkage point grafting them to the suit's body.>

[20:42] <Dianna_Newlett> <backs into the cafe, wanting to hide, to be invisible, gone from Antartica>

[20:42] <Artemis[Cat]> <comm> You're an idiot, Sean.

[20:42] <Jack_Zintech> ......

[20:42] <Jack_Zintech> <stops>

[20:42] <Morbus[Quietus]> <The heat blades get sheared off with ease by the superior Macro Edge, but that doesn't slow down Quietus. Morbus swings around with its own Sanctus Saber and goes to strike against the Macro Edge.>

[20:42] <Apollo[Sean]> <Endlos' bits track Apollo, following it. Meanwhile, more of the tiny beam cannons turn towards Morbus>

[20:43] <Evan_Cross> <makes his way to the pilots lounge>

[20:43] <Apollo[Sean]> <Comm> Hey, I had to learn from someone.

[20:43] <Morbus[Quietus]> [Comm to Apollo] "The pilot of Endlos is psychic. If I can distract it enough, you can destroy those bits...."

[20:43] <Artemis[Cat]> <the Artemis activates it's tenchu blades and flies at Endlos, preparing to strike it's back>

[20:44] <Morbus[Quietus]> What? Another suit?

[20:44] <Morbus[Quietus]> Fool! That pilot will just get in the way.

[20:44] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <"Little children and their toys." It raises its left arm, and panels begin to slide back, revealing reflective plates. All over the suit's body, sections slide back.>

[20:44] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus steps backwards, wings prepared for a quick strike while its Sanctus Saber is kept by its side>

[20:46] <Apollo[Sean]> <As it backs away, energy gathers around these areas on Endlos, jade lightning roaring over its body.> <"Take a rest."> <A waves of concentrated light suddenly blasts out in a semi-circle in front of the suit. Morbus' electronics begin to spark, and systems fail. Apollo also begins to drop downward, and even Endlos' own bits seem effected.>

[20:46] <Jack_Zintech> <looks over at Vendetta, resting on the repair bay> ..........Hmm......

[20:46] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus drops into a kneel, Sanctus Saber cutting off as it seems to be crippled by the light.>

[20:47] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos [?]] <"Now... where is he?"> <The suit turns, its beam sword the only functioning weapon, for the time being.>

[20:47] <Artemis[Cat]> <the Artemis raises it's tenchu beams and strikes at Endlos since this mobile suit wasn;t affected>

[20:48] <Apollo[Sean]> <Apollo slides along the snow, and comes to a stop, barely able to move.>

[20:48] <Apollo[Sean]> <Endlos recoils> [Endlos] [?] Missed one.

[20:48] <Jack_Zintech> The arm's still gone.. great..

[20:48] <Jack_Zintech> *sigh*

[20:48] <Morbus[Quietus]> <Morbus eventually drops to its side, fully disabled.>

[20:48] <Jack_Zintech> <Sulks back to thet pilot's lounge>

[20:49] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <It's bits slowly come back online, and emerge from the snow. They begin circling Artemis, taking shots at it>

[20:49] <Tiamat[Dez]> <High above, Tiamat is in its variable jet form.> Time to try out a new technique...

[20:49] <Artemis[Cat]> <once more the Artemis swings at Endlos with the twin blades, striking a blow across the chest. However, with the bits shooting, the Artemis has to concentrate on defense now>

[20:49] <Dianna_Newlett> <paces...wondering why Endlos has seemed to follow her. Her mind kept pulling at her trying to keep her away from the scene, she had to do something....yet, she couldn't>

[20:50] <Tiamat[Dez]> <It circles overhead of Endlos and Artemis> Not yet....

[20:50] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <Advancing on Artemis, it weathers the slash to the chest, and closes in. The bits begin to fall back, reconfiguring and slowing coming into formation. Smaller beam guns merge into slightly larger cannons.>

[20:51] <Artemis[Cat]> <charging the hyper culcans on the shoulders, the Artemis trades shots with the bits>

[20:51] <Apollo[Sean]> <Each bit spirals around. One smokes, and hits the snow, another switches to Denfensor mode, and parries the shot. Endlos tears its large Macro Edge across Artemis>

[20:51] <Artemis[Cat]> <comm> Sean, Quietus, try to get away if you can.

[20:52] <Artemis[Cat]> Ahhh!

[20:52] <Apollo[Sean]> <Apollo begins to stir, sparking as it stands. Its systems are still offline, except for a few, basic controls.>

[20:52] <Tiamat[Dez]> [Quietus, Comm] "Don't be stupid, get out of here!"

[20:52] <Artemis[Cat]> <comm> I'm the only one who can fight! I'm needed more than you!

[20:53] <Artemis[Cat]> <comm> Run away and live!

[20:53] <Dianna_Newlett> <"Everyone has disappeared, it seems...It is okay...Home....think about home, school, anything....please" trying to think of other things>

[20:53] <Apollo[Sean]> [Nathan] <Sits by Dianna> It'll be alright. Don't worry.

[20:53] <Tiamat[Dez]> [Quietus, Comm] "Just leave...that thing will tear your suit to pieces."

[20:53] <Artemis[Cat]> <the tenchu blades retract once more>

[20:54] <Jack_Zintech> <sits back down, watching the monitors>

[20:54] <Artemis[Cat]> <comm> Such is the price of your two's survival.

[20:54] <Artemis[Cat]> <turns around once more and fires both hyper vulcans at Endlos>

[20:54] <Artemis[Cat]> ....Might as well go out in a blaze of glory.

[20:54] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <"Poor little girl... little Catherine.... always a disappointment. Second best. Not the favorite... just the runner up."> <It twirls its blade around for another strike, and falls back under Vulcan fire.>

[20:54] <Damien_Jeise> <sits inside his base, checking the underground for anything of interest>

[20:55] <Artemis[Cat]> <"Maybe so, but I can still be something in death by getting rid of you with me!">

[20:55] <Dianna_Newlett> <doesn't seem to realize anyone else is there. The black dots came, as she thought about Endlos, but she shakes them off>

[20:56] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <"Time to witness reality..." It brings the blade up, and extends it to full length.>

[20:56] <Jack_Zintech> <watching the fight>...

[20:56] <Artemis[Cat]> <ignites the beam tachi>

[20:57] <Artemis[Cat]> <"So be it">

[20:57] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <"So long." The blade swings around, and hurtles towards Artemis>

[20:57] <Artemis[Cat]> <raising the beam tachi in self defense, she hopes to parry it. Perhaps not...>

[20:57] <Jason`Xyx> <Wandering the corridors, he notices a large grouping in the lounge. His curiousity takes hold of him as he enters the lounge.> What's going- <His voice just seemingly drifts away as his eyes focus on the screen.>

[20:59] <Apollo[Sean]> <Apollo stands and begins staggering forward. Comm> Catherine, get away from there!

[20:59] <Tiamat[Dez]> <A shadow is overcast Artemis...something is screaming back towards the Earth, from the Heavens. Though once high in the air, it descends with the fury of a meteor. Closer and closer, it holds a spear like one of God's angels delivering divine wrath. Tail wavering behind it, in a split second it hurls the spear just as it gets slightly above the both of the suits.>

[20:59] <Jason`Xyx> <Searching his memories, he thinks.> "Isn't that..." <Memeory strikes him as he whispers quietly to himself.> ...Oh, god...

[21:00] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <"And now the fin... wha..." Impact!>

[21:00] <Tiamat[Dez]> <The combined force of its fall and the throw gives the spear added momentum. Just before Tiamat reaches the ground, its body converts back into its variable jet form and takes off. A little support from above.>

[21:00] <Damien_Jeise> <damien continues his search for anything related to endlos, checking news from in the underground network and in mainstream. for days, damien has been trying to find something about endlos as finding it has been one of the few things that has been lingering in his mind>

[21:00] <Artemis[Cat]> ...The Tiamat?

[21:01] <Apollo[Sean]> <The blade pierces Endlos' chest and sends it back into the snow. Shards of blinding light flares out, cutting destructive pathes along the field.>

[21:01] <Apollo[Sean]> <Endlos then lays still, unmoving....>

[21:02] <Artemis[Cat]> <comm> I'm going to check it out. Stay where you are.

[21:02] <Artemis[Cat]> <the Artemis moves forward slightly, being careful ofit's actions>

[21:03] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <It twitches, and begins to stand. With a wrenching motion, it yanks the spear free, and lets it fall to the ground. A small flood of silvery liquid pours out of the wound, burning through the snow and freezing on contact.> <"Ughh....">

[21:03] <Artemis[Cat]> No.

[21:03] <Artemis[Cat]> NO!

[21:04] <Artemis[Cat]> <"Are we really such children now?">

[21:04] <Apollo[Sean]> [Endlos] <It begins to lift upward, reconfiguring into a sleek attack craft. Its bits horde in to it, and clip into place as it spirals upward.> <"So... close...">

[21:04] <Dianna_Newlett> <looks at the screen...thinks "It is not stopped?">

[21:05] <Apollo[Sean]> [Nathan] It's gone.

[21:05] <Artemis[Cat]> <comm> ....Sean?

[21:05] <Jack_Zintech> .......Good..

[21:05] <Apollo[Sean]> <Apollo stands near Artemis> <comm> I'm alright.

[21:06] <Artemis[Cat]> <comm> It's over for now.

[21:06] <Apollo[Sean]> <It pulls away a scrap of cloth fibres> <Comm> Just got the wind knocked out of me.

[21:07] <Apollo[Sean]> <Comm> I have to check on someone. Sorry Catherine. <he begins backing up, noticing that Morbus has already left.>

[21:07] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm slowly comes out from hiding behind the couch. He had wanted Dianna to join him, but she hadn't>

[21:08] <Artemis[Cat]> <comm> If you see the Silencer before I do, tell him I said thanks.

[21:08] <Devon_Allester> <Is facing a window in the lobby, staring up at the air intently...>

[21:08] <Apollo[Sean]> [Blane] Argh! <he watches the events on the screen> They trashed my field, leveled the area, ruined the equipment... and the worst of it was, no one caught it one film!

[21:08] <Devon_Allester> What the hell was that thing?

[21:08] <Apollo[Sean]> [Blane] Ruined... it's all ruined... argh!

[21:09] <Artemis[Cat]> <from behind Blane there stands a young girl with her hands behind her back> [Lain] I wouldn't say that, Mr. Announcer...

[21:09] <Apollo[Sean]> [Blane] <wheels around> Pack up! We're leaving this area! Now! Hurry it up! Every second here is another few hundred in cash gone...

[21:10] <Apollo[Sean]> [Blane] What? <he turns. He and Lain are about equal height... actually, she's taller, by an inch.>

[21:10] <Jack_Zintech> [Keith] Wow.

[21:10] <Artemis[Cat]> [Lain] <another Carver having arrived on the scene, Lain holds up a tape from which she recorded personally> The tape. My own tape. I am a businesswooman myself, you see...

[21:10] <Apollo[Sean]> [Blane] Aw, come on kid....

[21:11] <Artemis[Cat]> [Lain] <holds the tape out of Blane's reach> One billion dollars.

[21:11] <Apollo[Sean]> [Blane] What? No way!

[21:11] <Dianna_Newlett> <remains where she is, afraid to move for fear of the black dots>

[21:11] <Apollo[Sean]> [Blane] <Growls> Just give me that!

[21:11] <Artemis[Cat]> [Lain] Oh sure. What do you think I am, an idiot!

[21:12] <Sean_Carver> <Rushing back in, he stops short as he notices his puzzled father by Dianna> It's okay. <"Dianna, it's gone now.">

[21:12] <Artemis[Cat]> [Lain] One billion dollars, tubby, or your career is down the drain.

[21:12] <Sean_Carver> [Blane] No, I can't afford that! Look... how about something realistic...?

[21:12] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] How about no then?

[21:12] <Sean_Carver> [Blane] You little...!

[21:13] <Jack_Zintech> [Keith] o_o... That thing was evil.

[21:13] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] Not good to insult your only savior.

[21:13] <Catherine`Carver> <Lain smiles sweetly>

[21:13] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] The money, Monsieur Announcer?

[21:13] <Sean_Carver> [Blane] I can't afford that.... <he begins to look utterly pathetic...>

[21:13] <Dianna_Newlett> <blinks, not really noticing anyone, though she was glancing around the room>

[21:14] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] I take cash, no checks.

[21:14] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] Money or no tape. One billion dollars. You have it somewhere.

[21:14] <Sean_Carver> <"Dianna, are you alright?">

[21:14] <Devon_Allester> <pulls away from the window, and sits in one of the chairs>

[21:14] <Dianna_Newlett> Fine...

[21:15] <Sean_Carver> [Blane] <storms passed the young girl> Forget it... I'm ruined as it is.

[21:15] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] <is getting a big kick out of playing god with this man's life> One billion dollars and you could be the most succesful man ever to announce!

[21:15] <Devon_Allester> <whips out his book, and scribbles wildly in it>

[21:15] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] Remember...this has the infamous evil mobile suit on it.

[21:16] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] <Notices his daughter's antics.> Incredible.

[21:16] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] Lain, why don't you give that tape to me, instead. <winks> I'll pay for it.

[21:16] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] Pshh, I want that man to squirm and pay me.

[21:16] <Dianna_Newlett> <slowly moves, placing a hand to her head, walking out of the room>

[21:16] <Sean_Carver> <"Dianna?">

[21:17] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] <yells after Blane> Think of the royalties!

[21:17] <Charles_Walter> <sits at a table within the Cafeteria.>

[21:17] <Sean_Carver> [Blane] <Stumbles off... contemplating the possible career options for a washed-up media mogel...>

[21:18] <Dianna_Newlett> <Thoughts of why Endlos seems to be following her continues to rack her mind>

[21:18] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] <shrugs> Ah, whatever. I could sell this to someone else.

[21:18] <Devon_Allester> <closes the book, and sticks it back in his coat pocket>

[21:18] <Dianna_Newlett> <"I am fine...">

[21:18] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] Hey dad...want to buy this tape? Only one billion dollars.

[21:18] <Devon_Allester> <gets up and heads to his room>

[21:18] <Sean_Carver> <"Dianna, please, it's gone...">

[21:19] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] That's alright, you keep it. <laughs>

[21:19] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] I guess your mom's here...

[21:19] <Dianna_Newlett> <passes by Charles, grabbing her bag unsteadily "I am fine Sean....">

[21:19] <Devon_Allester> <opens the door, and tosses the book onto his bed, grabbing a bag from the corner, and stuffing some things into it>

[21:19] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] Actually...no. I kinda ran off. Eh heh...

[21:20] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm looks to Sean, unsure of what to do>

[21:20] <Sean_Carver> <The general announcment comes.... due to inclement conditions, the rest of the competition has been indefinitely postponed. Tresdemo Terra regrets this turn of events, but will make ammends in the future. Thank you for your patronage.>

[21:21] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] Great... <sighs> Well, I guess I'll be hearing about this. <kneals a bit, to her height> I'll get blamed, you know.

[21:21] <Charles_Walter> <thinks: There goes training.>

[21:21] <Catherine`Carver> <Catherine pauses for a moment in the lounge after hearing it, and then curses and kicks the couch>

[21:21] <Catherine`Carver> Goddammit! Fucking asswipes, one little mistake and they stop the damn thing!

[21:22] <Sean_Carver> Alright Dianna. <"If you're sure..."> <He sighs, and looks back at Storm>

[21:22] <Jack_Zintech> o_o

[21:22] <Charles_Walter> <glances at Dianna seeing that she is in a bad mood.>

[21:22] <Jack_Zintech> [Keith] Ahh.. damn it.

[21:22] <Devon_Allester> <heads back to the lounge, grabbing the book as he does so>

[21:22] <Dianna_Newlett> <He sees Dianna open the door and walk out. Tears, streaked from the wind, gently roll down her cheeks>

[21:22] <Jack_Zintech> There goes the mystery prize.

[21:22] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] No you won't. I left mom a note. Do I have to go home?

[21:22] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] Well... you can stay with me, until I go back.

[21:23] <Sean_Carver> <He follows, Storm in tow.> <"Wait.">

[21:23] <Catherine`Carver> <storming down the hall to the pilot's quarters, she opens the door to her room and screams in it>

[21:23] <Jack_Zintech> [Keith] Should we go back?

[21:23] <Jack_Zintech> ...........After everything's cleaned-up, yeah.

[21:23] <Jack_Zintech> [Keith] <shrugs> k

[21:23] <Catherine`Carver> <slams the door shut behind her>

[21:23] <Dianna_Newlett> <shivers immediatly. signs to herself> It isn't gone. It keeps coming...

[21:23] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] Okay.

[21:24] <Devon_Allester> damn... what did i even come here for...

[21:24] <Devon_Allester> <flops down in a chair>

[21:24] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] We'll straighten it out with your mother. <he sighs, wondering what to do>

[21:24] <Charles_Walter> <thinks: well I guess Ret. might have some Sims now.>

[21:24] <Charles_Walter> <gets up and walks to his quarters>

[21:25] <Devon_Allester> I made some lovely enemys, got attacked a few times, and didnt even compete... what a joy this has been.

[21:25] <Dianna_Newlett> <Storm whines watching his owner break down... Dianna stops, sinking to the snow>

[21:26] <Sean_Carver> <He moves to catch her, helping her up> <"Please, don't...">

[21:26] <Devon_Allester> I wonder how long there is before they clear everyone out?

[21:26] <Dianna_Newlett> It will keep coming...<signs, not speaking>

[21:26] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] Tell her the truth. I'll back you up.

[21:26] <Charles_Walter> <enters his quarters and starts to pack his clothing.>

[21:26] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] Alright, it's a deal. <grins>

[21:27] <Devon_Allester> <walks down the hall slowly>

[21:27] <Sean_Carver> <he reaches out, and puts a hand over hers> <"Please, Dianna, calm down.">

[21:27] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] It's the two of us against the one of her. We outnumber her.

[21:27] <Jack_Zintech> [Keith] Welll, Nathan, I'll see you later.

[21:27] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] Actually....

[21:27] <Dianna_Newlett> <looks at the snow>

[21:27] <Jack_Zintech> Yeah, cya.

[21:27] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] <nods to Keith, and Jack.>

[21:27] <Jack_Zintech> <They stand up, and head out>

[21:28] <Devon_Allester> Stupid mobile suit

[21:28] <Jack_Zintech> <Once Vendetta (and what's left of it) is loaded-up, the shuttle takes off>

[21:28] <Dianna_Newlett> <"I am calm">

[21:28] <Devon_Allester> <kicks the wall> stupid contest

[21:28] <Dianna_Newlett> <feels quite the opposite>

[21:28] <Charles_Walter> <finishes packing his backpack>

[21:29] <Sean_Carver> <"Alright, alright... but I'm going to stay right here.">

[21:29] <Catherine`Carver> <reaching into her coat pocket, Catherine takes out a slaip of paper. As she reads it she sees it is the cell phone number she took back from Dez earlier. Before she can think of it twice, she leaves her quarters and slips the paper under his door>

[21:30] <Dianna_Newlett> <"please, I am fine....">

[21:30] <Sean_Carver> <"Now you're lying.">

[21:30] <Dianna_Newlett> <smiles "I am fine">

[21:30] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] Your mother has a way of defying the odds.

[21:31] <Devon_Allester> <slams the door behind him as he enters the room, and starts tossing things into a bag> stupid me...

[21:31] <Dianna_Newlett> <tears continue to fall though>

[21:31] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] I'm her daughter too. Maybe that will help, as I don't seem to get in trouble as much as Sean and Cathy do.

[21:31] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] <nods> We can try...

[21:32] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] I have more of her brain, considering you get in trouble with her all the time too.

[21:32] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] True... <chuckles>

[21:32] <Devon_Allester> <zips the bag, and heads out the door. turns away from the complex entrance for a moment, pausing, then turns and walks toward the door, shaking his head>

[21:33] <Devon_Allester> forget it...

[21:33] <Catherine`Carver> [Lain] <looks at the tape> Now who can I sell this to...