This is to all the female R-force and Aurans: Have any of you ever donned a protective mask? If so, what kind was it, when was it, and what did you need it for?

(sorry Aelius, I couldn't resist )

Vera: Well, you may recall the image of the hazardous-environment upgrade to my shocksuit; breathing filters were needed for that trek through a toxic desert.

Athena: Gas masks would be standard equipment for most soldiers, though our shocksuits are designed to be compatible with specially-designed helmets that both protect our heads and filter our air at the same time. No need for a mask when we've got the bonus of head protection. At least, that would be ideal if R&D were more dedicated...

Damn... what kind of desert is toxic?

In fact, I'd like to see that escapade in the novel. I'll bet I could make a neat cue for it.

Oh, wait. I went back to "Desert Mirage" and saw your comment saying "it's outside of the novel." But still, it will make for great music.

Well, there is an equally-forbidding environment the team has to face during the middle of the story that isn't too different from a lifeless desert. I'm sure a music piece for the former would easily fit the latter.

Stiletto: What's it like using aerial ace as a ground-type?

Stiletto: Oh, it's awesome just to see the look on an opponent's face after I nail 'em with it. I love surprising them like that. I dunno exactly how I figured out how to do it; those TM training programs have a weird way of showing you things you never thought possible about yourself. Wasn't long before I'd mastered it, though.

Meltdown: So...what did you think of Carc, even though you saw him about to kill Prowl and having to just settle for knocking him out?

Terarra: I think ya proved your point easily enough, mate. If ya killed 'im, then 'e wouldn't 'ave learned anything! Maybe a few beers afterward would calm everyone down.

Carc: "Afterwards, Prowl wuz sleepin' off 'is knockout while I unpacked th' car, hit th' showers an' then th' bed. That dream 'bout knocked me out."

Terarra: Ah yeh, I 'eard about that nightmare... It's rare when you need a drink right after ya wake up.

Carc: "I needed sev'ral drinks cuz I c'n hold m'booze."

This is for Ri'kinto. Eddie the Wolf, if you may. =P

Eddie: Thanks. XD Ri'kinto, think we'll see more of you? My creator thinks you're a pretty cool character. :) Then again, he is creating a skunk character for... other purposes. ^^;

Ri'kinto: Um, well, I hope so. I really want to show off these Auran gifts and see what I'm truly capable of. It sure beats waiting around for something to happen. I mean, what's the use of having this kinda power if you can't display it to the world?

(you're in luck; I planned on submitting a piece featuring him for next year's Anthrocon conbook).

Eddie: That's cool. Maybe you and I should have a sparring session at some point. I am curious to see what you're capable of. :)

(Awesome! =D )

Ri'kinto: *tilts head* Sparring? Well, would you be sparring with fists and feet... or magic?

Akosha: It's not "magic", Ri'kinto. It's a balanced multi-variant Auran gift.

Ri'kinto: Well, yeah, but it's easier just to call it magic.

Eddie: With fists and feet. I don't have magic really. ^^; *waves at Akosha* Hello there. :)

Akosha: *smiles and waves* Hello...

Ri'kinto: Well, you might have a disadvantage there *paws start glowing*

Eddie: Oh boy... ^^; *chuckles nervously and whispers* Better be ready with my speed ability...

For Mercury: Provided you could escape or were freed, what would you likely do? could you be persuaded to join another group to either fight off the impending invasion or help on a smaller scale?

Mercury: I-I dunno... I mean I'd love to do something about it. Sheez, I gotta make amends for all the horrors I put these innocents through, but I'm not sure I'm too keen on turning right back around and fighting the people I just escaped from. Then again... it wouldn't feel right if I didn't do something about it, after working for those... those maniacs. It's quite a dilemma... Maybe if there was a way for me to help from the sidelines... no, that would be cowardly of me. I just don't know... Would I be alone?

No you wouldn't be, I'm actually assembling a small team of...unique individuals like yourself to help out with a few small scale operations in Wind City (Chicago). The job entitles helping out where you can but mostly consist of investigative work though I imagine the occasional headbash will be in order. Someone with your history could be rather invaluble for some of the assignments I have in mind, provided you're up for it. Interested?

Mercury: Hmm.... well, uh... yeah... yeah, I'm interested. I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else.

In that case welcome aboard, I just need to grab one last recruit and then I'll introduce you to the rest of the team.

Colonel Jerelle and Athena, are you afraid of James Rellek?

Jerelle: I'm well aware of what he's capable of, but personally, I don't fear him. I only fear what he might do to someone else, given his... "talents."

Athena: Likewise; I'd be more afraid for my allies than what he'd do to me. He's cunning and cruel, but with enough preparation we got nothing to worry about.