After the initial shock had worn off and Dr. Poindexter had been sent off to receive medical attention Lt. Hunter immediately contacted General Thornton to convene an emergency meeting. Dr. Slate and Dr. Donovan we're also asked to attend as this new revelation concerned Quark Industries as well.
Steepling his fingers together in front of him Thornton cleared his throat before speaking, "Let me see if I understand correctly... after all the time, energy and equipment it has taken to destroy the six known members of the Legion ex Machina... there is a 7th unaccounted member?" Thornton's eyes narrowed as he glanced around at the other members of the meeting.
Lt. Hunter sighed before responding, "Yes sir. That would seem to be the case... according to the information we received from Dr. Poindexter. unfortunately we have no way of verifying this until the good doctor is cleared by medical." He looked over at Dr slate with a questioning expression. In response she checked a small device that she was carrying before shaking her head.
The Lt. turned back to the general before resuming. "As we have yet to hear back from them it could be sometime before we know for sure." A moment went by in silence before it was broken by Dr. Donovan, "Well... this has all been fascinating, but without any new information I fail to see any reason to stay," before checking his watch, "and besides I have a 4:30 appointment that I cannot miss."
All eyes in the room immediately focused on Dr. Donovan. The general put his hands on the table as if to rise from his seat, "You have possibly the most reason to stay... since it was under your own nose that one of those machines was able to infiltrate Quark and cause all sorts of trouble!" Donovan coward as the General accidentally slipped into his command voice. "Yes General!" Donovan shrieked as he hid behind the lieutenant.
"Fortunately things may be a bit better off than they appear." The General continued as he picked up a small remote on his desk and pointed it at the communications center at the right wall the room. The main display lit up before showing a wireframe image of a suit very similar to the BGY-11, but more streamlined and... feminine? "A small grin and crept into the Generals normally stern expression, "This is the GYN-01 or Gwen if you prefer. The next phase of development for the piloted-suit concept that began with the BGY-11.
The General paused to gauge everyone's reactions. Lt. Hunter was a bit taken aback but seemed accepting of the idea, Dr. Donovan was visibly appalled, most likely to do to certain personal beliefs and Dr. Slate... her attention was riveted to the schematic... her eyes took in every detail of it with almost...a hunger. The General motioned to Lieutenant Hunter. "Well? What do you think?" he prompted. The Lt. paused a moment before answering, "It looks interesting... but I have to ask... am I being retired again?"
The General smirked, "No Lt. you are not. We learned our mistake the last time! As long as a member of the Legion x Machina exists the Big Guy will be undoubtedly needed, but as we learned with Rusty... despite a few false starts... that doesn't mean he has to work alone. That is where Gwen comes in. She will act as your secondary, giving us the ability to respond to multiple locations or to bolster you in case backup is required and vise versa. Dwayne glanced back at the schematic, "What about the pilot? Someone I know?"
"Actually yes, you've worked with them for quite some time." Thornton answered. Dwyane looked over at Erica as her eyes lit up with excitement. "Yo..you..you mean me? I I..I'd love t.." "No... unfortunately not Dr Slate." The General interjected, "we cannot in good conscience continue to endanger your well-being. You will be allowed to continue as our liaison with Quark Industries, but under no circumstances are you to accompany Lieutenant Hunter on future missions... for your own safety. Gwen's pilot will be..." Thornton indicates the door behind them.
A brush but enthusiastic voice sounds off behind them, "Specialist Jo reporting for duty!" Dwayne smiles before turning around and facing (in full uniform for once) BGY-11's former weapon specialist. He steps forward, offering a salute which she returns before sharing a small laugh and a less formal handshake and shoulder bump. "Well Jo... was I right? Did they have to glue that uniform on?" Dwayne teased his friend. "Nope... but a bigger paycheck and more toys to play with does help." Jo grinned.
"Congratulations." said Erica in a much more dour tone of voice. Jo noticed her change in attitude, "Don't sweat it... General just doesn't want you to get hurt... plus he's got another project for you to focus on." Frowning, Erica turned back toward the General, "What project?" The tiniest bit of interest peaked. Thornton nodded in response, "as you may well have noticed Big Guy and Rusty make quite the team." "True... there is quite a strong mentor/student dynamic... but what does that have to do with me?" The General stood up before turning around and facing out his office window. "To put it simply we believe a similar relationship would benefit Jo in her piloting of the GYN-01." The General paused as though weighing his decision.
"We would like to to reactivate EP-237..." "What!?" Erica gasped. "You can't be serious?! Ear...I mean EP-237's emotional grid is still far too unstable. He can't be trusted not to malfunction again." Thornton held up his hand to interrupt her, "I understand your concerns... but we have taken that into account... which is why you and Dr. Poindexter will be providing the young lad with an upgrade based on what we've learned about Rusty's neural network." He stared at her expectantly, "The two of you should be able to handle that... correct?" Erica brought her free hand to her chin in contemplation as she mumbled a few thoughts to herself. After a moment she looked up at the general..."Yes... I think it would be possible with Dr. Poindexter's help to bring Earl up to the same... or at least a similar level to Rusty." Smiling over at Dwyane and Jo, Erica's mine was already beginning to plan out the necessary adjustments that would be required for Earl's upgrade, "Just because I can't go in the field doesn't mean I can't make sure that my boys keep you two out of trouble."
