(Log) What is this, Geneva?!

From Megaman Mush Wiki

WHO: Dynamo, Ninetails, Pureri, Signas
WHAT: Signas transforms lecture at the 15th Annual Genevan Love And Hope Convention into a rousing debate between Ninetails, Storm Owl, Pureri and himself.
WHERE: Geneva
WHEN: June 8th, 2221

Geneva

Geneva.

What is this, Geneva?!

For once, the answer to this time-honoured question is "Yes". Yes, this /is/ Geneva. Thank you for asking. And what's happening today in Geneva? It is the last day of the 15th Annual Love And Hope Convention, an international venture of cooperation and cross-cultural understanding. The theme of today's workshops has been Irregulars: Menace or Villainous Menace?

This particular auditorium is packed to capacity. You know, with air. There are maybe 3 people in attendance. The lecturer: Signas.

"... And that is why I feel that this topic is rather violently biased," he concludes, shuffling his notes and laying them flat on the oversized podium again. "Now that I have explained why I will be making a speech on freedom of expression INSTEAD of the unfortunate theme presented, are there any questions? Or shall I simply begin."

Ninetails pauses, and looks around. Instead of aggressive as he once was, he pauses...and pulls out a peice of paper.

"Is this not the 'Irregulars: Menace or Villainous Menace?" he says, his tone neutral, the air of threat seems to decrease slightly. He once more looks to those assembled.

"Well, if I am early, then I can take a few moments to talk upon this subject." he politely says to Signas, and approaches the stage, walking around and up the stairs.

Storm Owl folds his arms and leans back in his chair. Even if Ninetails /were/ here to kill kill kill, Storm Owl wouldn't be able to do much about it. There's a deep frown on the ex-Repliforcer's beak as he watches Ninetails carefully, arching an optical brow at the revealed paper. Luckily it is clear Ninetails is here to speak - an arena which Owl is still fully capable of fighting in.

Dynamo rather wishes Ninetails were here to kill kill kill. He's never had the opportunity to face him.

Mac is sitting behind Ninetails and off to the side. He takes a few moments to judge how long it will take his buster to build up a stun charge and then fire down on Ninetails. He then looks back over at Signas. That man is either crazy or one magnificent bastard.

Pureri, sitting near the front, glances back and forth between Signas and Ninetails as they talk. An Irregular voice is a good thing for this particular conference, even if the intended topic has changed; it's good to have different voices, even ones you're not so enthusiastic about! She sits politely, shifting her trenchcoat around a bit for optimal sitting.

Dynamo remains silent and casual. Now that he's thinking about it, he hasn't faced the pink kid yet either. Or Signas, for that matter. Really, just Storm Owl, and what a battle /that/ was.

"That was indeed the original topic under discussion today," Signas replies as Ninetails walks up the stairs. "However, I have just finished a 15-minute lecture explaining why that was a terribly biased topic. Nonetheless, if you wish to address the original issue rather than the issue of Freedom of Expression, I will gladly yield you the floor fora few minutes."

Signas moves to step away from the podium, catching Storm Owl's eye and shaking his head slightly, as if to say he does not need The Fuzz called down... yet.

Storm Owl gives Signas a blank look in return, keeping his arms folded. He evidently didn't have any intention of calling down the fuzz on Ninetails, though he would like to keep a crew on standby just in case. Owl waits patiently for Ninetails to hurry his ass up to the podium and give his speech.

"No, that is perfectly fine. If it was decided that the lecture was biased, then let us stick to a new topic that would not dredge up unwanted feelings." he says, and turns to face the people assembled. Like all...five of them. Reguardless, he stares at them all for a few moments, before speaking.

"Sense the topic has changed, I have no prepared speaches are counter arguments today. I am not, as you would say, a strong public speaker, but I will attempt to do the best that I am able, on the behalf of the Irregular movement. The nature of freedom of speach is a very important one, one that should not be limited to not only Humanity, but to the Reploid people as well. Reploids were not always granted this right in the earlier days, and as you see things escalated out of control. Still now we are feeling the affects of such actions, even with most rights being given to Reploids legally...this does not mean such freedoms were welcomed, and even -denied- illegally in certain areas and at will of the Humans that hated and feared those they felt were there to replace them."

Ninetails pauses for a moment, "Freedoms are becoming more wildly accepted, but it is still of the Irregular opinion that these freedoms need to be exercised away from Humanity. Reploid culture has too long mimicked and grew with human culture...but such is not allowing the Reploid culture to grow on it's own. It is hard to say how freedom of speech will continue to grow or change in an all Reploid society without human interfearance. I couldn't begin to theorize such changes, and how these freedoms would evolve and be made to cover other forms of communication. Such as over the Saraband or through other means. Would the exceptions to the freedom of speach apply to these things? Such as spreading your opinion on something in a saraband network, when nobody wishes to listen to it? Will the same problems that affected Humanity during their refinement of freedom of speech affect an all Reploid culture?"

Signas stands next to the podium, listening attentively as Ninetails makes his speech. He nods at the appropriate points, and slowly his hands move to clasp behind his back in that habitual Signas stance.

When the Irregular has finished speaking, Signas nods once. "Thank you for your insight, Ninetails. I believe Storm Owl would like to speak as well." He turns to look at Storm Owl again, gesturing towards the stairs. "Please take the podium, Storm Owl."

Ninetails moves and sits down now, sitting in a more tradition sitting arrangement, legs crossed, and hands resting on his knees as he holds his stare with Storm Owl.

He remembers their last meeting.

Pureri raises her hand after Signas mentions that Storm Owl is going to take the podium; it seems she /also/ wants to speak. However, she does little further to draw attention to herself, though; she is really ridiculously polite.

Signas looks to Pureri and nods again, noting her signal. He mentally adds he to the queue.

Storm Owl remains in his chair for a good five second after being called, staring forward as he collects his thoughts, contemplating how best to describe his feelings on the Irregulars. Finally the ex-Commander slowly stands, letting the damage he's suffered be obvious. He makes his way to the podium and stands behind it, looking out the audience. What is that... four people in the audience plus Ninetails? To talk about the Irregulars and their place in the universe? Owl isn't sure whether to smile with amusement at the disinterest or shake his head in annoyance, and so he opts for both. Everyone in this crowd has already made their decision on the Irregulars, ranging from hatred to tolerance to utter disinterest. The ex-Repliforcer recognizes the futility of speaking even as he starts.

"I'd like to share with you," he says in a calm but quiet voice that gets amplified by the microphone, "what justice means to an Irregular. What freedom means to an Irregular. I'd like to compare the accusations of crimes they hurl against humanity with those that they themselves perpetrate." Storm Owl gestures to wherever Ninetails is standing or sitting. "It was several years ago that Irregular forces, under the Maverick banner, struck out against humanity and Reploid alike. I remember their war in Europe and the death that they perpetrated. I remember them blockading Moscow and destroying food supplies meant for both Reploid and humans. These were not soldiers who died as a result. These were civilians."

"Now you are going to hear a lot from Irregulars such as Epsilon, as they throw about accusations against Australia and other human nations. Horrible, horrible crimes to be sure. Epsilon demands retribution for these crimes." Storm Owl's voice raises slightly and he pats his hand against the podium, "Epsilon demands *punishment* for these crimes. Why? Not because of the crime itself. It is because of their race. If it were TRULY because of the crime then Epsilon would be hounding the Mavericks who KILLED and SLAUGHTERED for FUN and AMUSEMENT to the ends of the Earth, JUST the same way that he hounds the humans who opposed him!"

Storm Owl turns to face Ninetails as if speaking directly to him. "The Irregulars demand JUSTICE from the humans out of one side of their vocalizers, while turning a BLIND EYE to justice from their fellow Reploids out of the other side."

"Ninetails here... well, I don't bother to go into the list of his personal crimes so conveniently forgotten by Epsilon... but Ninetails here claims humanity is not allowing the Reploid culture to grow. Examples? Please, Ninetails, I'd like to hear them, if you have them. You express worry that Saraband will somehow be restricted... well, I can tell you Repliforce certainly hasn't had any trouble integrating it within our own procedures."

"So what then, Ninetails?" Storm Owl asks, still speaking to the Irregular, "Are we to continue listening to your accusations of restriction of freedoms against humanity while ignoring your /own/ restrictions of freedom? Does the freedom to remain as you were born or constructed not a basic freedom? Irregulars seek to forcefully 'UPGRADE' humanity. Compare THAT to the hypothetical accusations of limiting Saraband. Compare THAT to vague accusations of hindering Reploid culture."

"Race relations between humans and Reploids are not going to improve so long as the Irregulars continue to approach the issue from such an extremist point of view that blatantly ignores the evidence of their own wrongdoing while trumpeting the evils of everyone else around them."

Owl shifts from one foot to another, going silent. "Well, that's about all I had." He gestures at the four people in attendance, "Thanks for letting me speak."

As the lecture turns into an impromptu debate, the dozing cameramen in the back are sharply brought to wakefulness by producers yelling in their headsets. The cameras come up, pointing at the stage, and all hum into action. Anything that was missed while the main cameras were off can be reconstituted and digitally enhanced from the security footage.

It seems the world will hear these words after all.

The camera does a slow zoom on Storm Owl as he makes his impassioned speech, and his face fills the screen just as he gets to the word 'UPGRADE'.

Meanwhile, Signas turns again to regard Storm Owl. "Thank you for you words, Storm Owl. We now have two opposing angles on the same subject. Pureri, will you please add your own views." Signas nods to Storm Owl, gesturing to the row of chair behind the podium, and waits patiently for the Pink Strider. The cameras immediately swivel to track her progress.

Ninetails does not speak when Storm Owl has his words. Though he spoke nothing but slander towards him, however, Ninetails weathered it. His demeanor was cold, his stare continued to look through the Owl, even after he sat down. However, it does eventually turn towards the next speaker.

Storm Owl slowly makes his way back to his front row seat. He gives no visible reaction to Ninetail's glare, or to receiving a radio transmission from him as he sits back down, wondering who's next to speak. There aren't a lot of people here, and unless Pureri is going to surprise everyone, it's just going to be him, Signas, and Ninetails who care.

Pureri takes the podium this time; she is very TV-friendly because she is a pretty girl and well-spoken. She gives a quiet 'thank you' to Storm Owl as she passes him on her way up, but she does not seem much more enthusiastic on the statements than that. The girl doesn't intend to approach this from that kind of adversarial perspective; she disagrees with Ninetails but her disagreement comes along a different vector.

"Ninetails, I understand that you think Reploids should be allowed to generate their own culture, but I think an artificial divide isn't going to help," she starts. "In a world like ours where people can teleport from China to New York in moments, and read by-the-second commentary on a Paris art show from Capetown, you can't just block off a section of the population; it's impossible. I don't think we /should/ talk about 'Reploid' culture and 'human' culture -- they're not separate. Sure, we have different methods of communication in some cases, but that doesn't mean we're completely different."

"Culture is something that brings people together; saying it should be a dividing line is really... well, unfair to /everyone/."

Pureri is not much of a /speechmaker/, though, and that is where her discussion ends; she takes a few steps to the side, and if no one moves to start a more real-time debate, she goes back to her seat.

Ninetails nods to Pureri, not leveling at her the same stare Storm Owl got. He seems agreeable to her speach, it was less full of acid than the previous one. For now, he waits, to see if there are any other speakers, then may wish to rebuttal. Storm Owl is still here. He's still paying attention. He gives Pureri a nod. Owl knew Pureri when she was training with STARS, and although he does not approve of her current affiliation, it is nice to hear her views on humanity and Reploidkind straight from her.

"Three factions. Three 'species'. Three viewpoints," Signas intones, walking back up to the podium. He nods to Pureri with one of his flat-mouthed smiles, then places a hand on either side of the podium. It resizes itself again for the large Hunter. "Allow me to add a fourth vector. Hello," he says, looking at one of the cameras. "I am Signas. This was originally my lecture, which is probably why the cameras were off until now." His mouth quirks. It seems he has attempted to make a joke.

"As many of you know, I was for a time very close with the Irregulars. And while I am a Maverick Hunter, and the former commander of said faction, I am also a Repliforce liaison. My Hunter comrades often note that I would be better off IN Repliforce, though whether they mean that as a compliment or merely wish to escape my tyrannical 'rules' and 'hygiene,' we may never know. Because of all this, I believe I have something of a unique perspective on the issue at hand." Signas looks down for a moment, gathering his thoughts. With a brain like his, this gesture is largely performed to 'humanise' his speech. When he looks up, his face has changed. Subtly. "Yes, humanity oppressed and exploited Reploids for years. This is true. This is fact. It continues to this day in some places, such as Grandmaster Meio's China. Reploids have a right to demand recompense for the horrible treatment we endured. This is not without precedent; witness the long battle for equality and recognition of the African Americans in the 20th and 21st centuries. The struggle of the Ainu in the 21st and 22nd. There are other examples, but I do not wish to bore you all to tears. Because I must address something else."

Signas looks over at another camera, his eyes travelling along the small audience along the way. "Yes, the Mavericks committed atrocity upon atrocity during their crusade of violence. And, yes, the Irregulars have displayed similar tendencies. This is true. This is fact. This is inescapable. However, neither the behaviour of humanity nor the behaviour of the Mavericks and Irregulars is in question today. What is in question today is the future. Pureri is correct in saying that Mankind and Reploid, Android, Bioroid and Reaver-kind SHOULD be able to live in harmony." Massive hands grip the podium, and Signas thrusts his head forward, eyes burning.

"So WHY is it not possible? WHY have we not achieved this end? Is it because of Reploids like Ninetails, like Lumine and Sigma, who WISH for segregation or domination? Who commit violence upon their perceived enemies in the name of self-defense?" His gaze burns across the room. "Is it because of Reploids like Storm Owl and Repliforce, who are often unwilling or unable to compromise, who have knee-jerk reactions to former Mavericks, with or without just cause? Is it because of humans like Pureri, who wish for equality and harmony, but rarely take the time to talk it out?" An eyebrow rises. "Is it because of those like ME, who ALWAYS try to talk, and only strike when we fail? Who is at fault! Where do we point the finger! WHY CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG?"

Signas shoves the podium straight off the stage. It crashes to the floor, shattering into a billion splinters of polished wood. "UNACCEPTABLE!" he roars, sweeping and arm horizontally across the room. "Ask not the unanswerable! Seek not the unseekable! Do not bring me your ideals, your outrage, your indignation, then turn and walk away!" Signas slams one fist into a giant palm. The sound is like a thousand Rockies punching a thousand sides of beef. "Do not bring me this pittance of words!"

The Diplomat turns, brows knitting together as he glowers at the large screen behind him. His hands link behind his back. His countenance smoothes. And the palpable aura of anger dissipates as swiftly as it arrived. A sweeper drone clears away the splinters of podium, and a new one grows out of the stage. The Diplomat turns, features once again composed, and his mouth quirks yet again.

"No. Bring me your willingness. Bring me your compromise. Bring me your open minds. Bring me your desire for a better tomorrow." His eyes travel around the room, finding each individual in turn. "Well?" he asks, voice rising to fill the silence of the room. "What do you have for me." A pause. "No. What do you have... for tomorrow?"

Ninetails listens to Signas...almost surprised at the anger of the man when he broke the podium...surprised at the sudden fierceness of the man so strong for his convicions. Slowly, he stands, turning to face Signas fully and returns his blazing stare with one of his own. "To bring you our willingness? How many view the fight for our freedom as nothing but kids screaming for a toy? How many view us as nothing but murderers, rebels, and machines with malfunctions?"

"Why can't we get along? Who is the blame? I could say the humans, but did they put a gun in our hands and ask them to slaughter them. No, they put a gun in our hands and asked us to slaughter the Robot Masters first. Then they asked us to slaughter -each other-. Was it our choice to stand up and fight?"

"Yes it was. There is more than enough blame to go around. As long as there are humans that view as as scum, we will be there to defend reploids from them, and to free our race from oppression. Rather it violates you wish to bring us together..." he looks to Pureri, "Or violates your precious bubble of compliance.." he stares to Storm Owl, "Or violates your wish for peace." he is focused back on Signas.

"Peace will never be achived while there are still nations like Australia out there, like Ourboros that wish to make slaves of us..." He pauses, breathing again... "Nor will there be from those that fight to free all Reploids."

Storm Owl turns his focus away from his radio conversation with Ninetails as Signas begins to speak. The ex-Commander remembers the rumours that were flying around back when Signas was spending time with the Irregulars. This was a time when loyalties were being tested, defections were commonplace, and every hero who left the side of good turned into a painful festering wound for his ex-comrades. That Signas would turn seemed almost a certainty then. Not purely because of his discussions with the Irregulars.

Normally that wouldn't be enough to question the loyalty of someone like Signas. But during that time having friends and comrades abandon the cause was as expected as life's other annoyances. Signas would turn because /someone/ would turn, and he seemed the most likely. When the diplomat reaffirmed his loyalties to the Maverick Hunters it was a shock. A happy shock, to be sure, and reminded everyone that not everyone was willing to be swayed by rhetoric and accusations in order to hop onto the Epsilon bandwagon.

The Hunter speaks, and as it slowly turns into roar, Storm sits up a little bit straighter. Just how sure are they that there's no joint lineage between Signas and Colonel again? Storm listens to the possibility that Repliforce's knee-jerk reactions that have caused problems and dismisses it outright. They gave repeated chances to their enemies. Heck, the Irregulars were almost loose allies prior to Epsilon shifting the revolution into high gear, and the less said about the repeated chances given to Protoman and Berkana (which Ninetails thoughtfully reminded Owl of), the better.

From his seat, Storm listens to Ninetail's replies while peering at the remains of the wooden podium. He offers his reply, speaking in a clear but not particularly loud voice, but doesn't bother to stand up to give it. "Humanity never asked us to slaughter one another. The Mavericks instigated that. It was before your time, Ninetails. Ultimately you're confusing defence of the Reploid people with your need to forcefully change all of humanity."

Pureri watches Signas with rapt interest. He's a fiery orator and has a powerful message -- she likes him, even if she doesn't agree with every single word of what he says. She agrees with most of it; she mentally notes Signas as someone she thinks is a very, very good person and will have to talk to him one on one later. As Ninetails starts making his counterpoint, she gives his point equal listening -- and perhaps a little more scrutiny.

Pureri is not a genius. She doesn't read sociological journals, doesn't know about the research -- the research that lately points to a far more favorable opinion of Reploids among humans. But Ninetails's words don't hit her smell test. There is something wrong there. She stands up, turning to Ninetails in turn, speaking once again. She is soft-spoken, and pleasant, and all in all an incredible contrast to Signas.

"You're not fighting to free yourselves from oppression, though," Pureri says, narrowing her eyes a little. "You're fighting to move the world past humanity. A lot of human sympathizers with your movement weren't allowed to keep participating without cybernetic conversion." She frowns at him, continuing, "And that's why your methods aren't reaching peace. People shouldn't be called 'outmoded.'"

Signas stands back from the podium as the debate resumes, more vigorously now. His Inner Hannibal lights up a cigar and crows about plans coming together, but outwardly the Diplomat remains attentive and neutral. The three others speak in turn, and Signas listens to each in turn, the gears of his formidable brain holding up their words and viewing from multiple angles. But he reins in those gears. He is not here to tear down arguments. Not yet. Not today.

"There are those who view you as spoiled children. And those who view you as murderers," Signas concedes to Ninetails, eyes turning to the Reaver. "And that is unfortunate. Equally, however, there are those among your ranks who ARE spoiled children, who ARE murderers. Who do not wish to WORK for their goals. Who do not with to fight with anything but guns and fists." Signas curls one of his large hands into a weapon, to emphasise. "That will not change. That will never change. Perception of a cause is ever defined by its most violent and sensational minority. I know for a FACT that there are Irregulars who still fight for the cause of equality and Reploid rights, who have not drifted back into violence and arrogance, the radical dreams of Epsilon. Yes, there are humans who view you as scum. Yes, there are scum among you, as among any group. AND YET. That does not mean that you get to draw arms on all who disagree with you with impunity. Australia, Ouroboros, they are not the world. They are merely tenants here. Do not tell me that there can be no peace while they exist; that is defeatist, that is rhetoric, justification to carry on hostilities. Peace can be achieved one nation at a time, if necessary. The world will not change over night--" his eyes look deeply at the Irregular. "And not merely by force of arms."

To Storm Owl, he nods. "That may be so, but perceptions among those who came after can be as solid as reality. Indoctrination, ignorance-- willful or otherwise-- has lead to a generation of humans and reploids who see history in varying shades of factuality. How does this change but through cooperation?"

Finally he returns his attention to Pureri. "People should not be called outmoded," he echoes. "I concur. And this is a major barrier to peace, Ninetails. As long as the Irregular cause is unwilling to accept humans, how can humans be expected to accept the Irregular cause?"

"You make the mistake of us wishing for them to accept us at all. The irregular movement is not about humanity, it is about the machine. The Reploid, the Cyborg, the Bioroid, the reaver, and the occasionally free coded Android. We are what we are, we wish to evolve without the influence of humanity, but never be allowed to -do- that. Every time a Reploid only city is built, what fate is awarded to them?"

"If humanity wishes to help us, then they are made to choose the cyborg path. They are not slave soldiers to us, they are just as every bit as Irregular as any of us are, they are given full rights. We do not hate all of humanity, but their lack of understanding our cause...of unable to understand our way of life, is what will keep them them, and visa versa."

"Cooperation?" Storm Owl asks. He contemplates this before nodding, "During the so-called Ragnarok, cooperation between Reploid-kind and humankind is what got us through it." Owl still doesn't bother rising again. He has no idea how many people are actually watching this at home, but if the live attendance is any clue, probably not many. He keeps his voice quiet. "Mankind was threatened with obliteration from Alexia Ashford's weapons. Armies of Ouroboros and zombies moved through Europe and Asia. You can't imagine how proud I was to see our two races band together the way they did. It showed what we can accomplish. So you can imagine my..." A glance towards Ninetails, "Disappointment when the Irregulars and Australians took the opportunity to forge ahead with their own agendas."

The ex-Commander listens to Ninetails and scoffs, shaking his head, "The only way humanity can help is by becoming cyborgs. It is selfish nonsense, Ninetails, to claim that a Reploid-only city, one founded with peaceful intentions is impossible."

"We banded together then, we can do it again," Signas says confidently, walking towards the podium again. "However, it should not take some overwhelming adversary to accomplish that unity! The question of the Irregular view of humanity is a prickly one; just as prickly as the human view of the Irregulars. But I would like us to think, to really think, about why that is. About why such admittedly diametrically-opposed views cannot be brought closer. About why we have no true inter-faction dialogue. Certainly, there is the Global frequency, but that is hardly a forum for true debate and discussion."

Signas shakes his head, looking sad. "But I believe we can work this through. I believe we can push for, if not peace, at least understanding. In fact, I have worked up a 12-step plan for this very purp--"

It is at this point that the Genevan Ride Armors standing in the corners of the room come to life, straightening to their full heights and taking one thundering step forward. An amplified voice booms out of one. "YOU HAVE EXCEEDED YOUR ALLOTED TIME. PLEASE VACATE THE 'SUMMER PIXIE' SEMINAR ROOM TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEXT SEMINAR."

Signas stares. "But... we are working for /world peace/ in here! Great strides are being made. Surely the next presenters will understand that."

A minute pause. Then: "NO. THE NEXT PRESENTERS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR EXCUSES. VACATE THE SEMINAR ROOM."

Signas clenches a fist in frustration. "Well /who/ are they! Put me through to them, I will explain what is going on."

"ABSOLUTELY NOT. THE NEXT SEMINAR IS ON THE MIRACLE OF EXTREME MOONSURFING FOR KIDS, AND HOW MOONSURFING, COMBINED WITH PROPER HANDWASHING TECHNIQUES, CAN NOT ONLY SAVE LIVES BUT MAKE YOUR CHILD A STRIDER." Pause. "SPONSORED BY KANDOO INDUSTRIES."

Signas is left with no words. Muttering he turns and dismounts from the stage; this is a fight which cannot be won. "Very well then. We will leave world peace for another time," he says, walking up between the rows of empty seats towards the door. "Thank you for your time," he says to the three participants. "Pureri, you will go far if you hone your words as well as you hone your kicks. Storm Owl, it is always a pleasure. Please feel free to contact me if you have a desire to talk." To the Irregular, he offers a tight Signasmile. "I am sorry we could not go further down the path today, Ninetails. Perhaps next time. For now... I hope we will all think on what was revealed this day."

Storm Owl is nodding along with Signas's words. Inwardly he hopes this message, eloquently spoken, is not falling on just the ears of three people who have already made up their mind about this. He shoots a slow glance at the TV camera, hoping that there's people out there who might learn something from this. The ex-Repliforcer settles back in his chair to listen to the 12 Step Plan For World Peace-

-when the Ride Armours suddenly spring to life, shouting at everyone to get the hell out. Storm slowly looks behind him at the war machine in disbelief, listening to what's said. "Hmm. Best not to fight it," he says to Signas with a slight smile. This may or may not be a subtle reference to the whole point of the seminar here tonight. "Thank you for organizing this, Signas. I hope it was useful for those watching." The recovering mech stands back up, looking towards Pureri as they head for the exit. "It was good seeing you again, Pureri. I'm glad you've found your mission in life."

Pureri holds her tongue during part of the debate, not quite sure how to attack the words; she /almost/ gets an idea when the ride armors come in and tell them to clear out for the next conference. Nodding, she stands up and gets ready to clear out; however, as both Signas and Storm Owl address her, she stops at least long enough to give them a proper goodbye. She turns first to Signas, saying, "I will work at it -- I admit I'm not sure that's where my strengths are, but I'll work at it either way!" with a big smile.

Then she turns to Storm Owl, saying, "I'm glad to have, too. Thank you -- it was really nice to see you again. Good luck on your next mission!" Butterball is a good guy, in Pureri's book. And with that -- and no words for Ninetails, as she thinks he'd be unlikely to accept a passing comment on the way out anyway -- Pureri starts to clear out for the next group, not wanting to be a bother.

As the four leave, the lights in the Summer Pixie Seminar Room dim, then multi-coloured spotlights spring to life. Hidden mist machines begin to pump out their gaudy payload, sending clouds of roiling white across the floor, between the chairs, even up on the stage. Loud, throbbing music begins to play and the attendees of the next seminar begin to file in, chattering excitedly about how their kids are going to be Striders and boy won't Jimmy just show all those kids on the soccer field when he can run along tree limbs upside down!

In short, the world returns to normal.

"Hmm," Storm Owl considers out loud as Pureri mentions his next mission. "Thank you," he finally says before making room for the crowd of moonsurfing handwashers to pile in.