Happy Birthday, Steve & Gary!

[thosetwoturrets]

A new year has arrived, along with, as usual, a birthday for everyone's favorite foul-mouthed portal turrets. The Inkwell's got some new polish on it, along with lots of white, grey, and red streamers and balloons. There's also an "Aperture Science Turret Redemption Unit" sign hung up above the door outside, which elected some flat "Ha. Ha."s from the boys.

Still, it's a party, it is fun, and everyone is welcome! Let's celebrate!

Comments

[dee_lorean81]

Dee's up first, with a package wrapped in orange-and-blue-striped paper. "Happy birthday, guys!" she says, setting it in front of them.

[thosetwoturrets]

"Thanks, Dee," the boys chorus, before using the special hand extensions Doc got them a while back to open up the gift.

Which causes some stares of confusion. "A companion cube plush?" Steve asks. "Uh, sorry, not to sound like a jerk, but. . ."

[dee_lorean81]

"Yeah, I know you don't like the companion cube," Dee says. "I figured this was something you could chew on when you're dogs. I was gonna get a plush turret, but -- I dunno, I felt that might be kind of weird."

[thosetwoturrets]

"Oh!" Steve says with a laugh. "Okay then. Sorry again, though some wires might have been crossed. . ."

"Yeah, chewing on a fellow turret probably would have felt too weird," Gary agrees. "This little bastard, however. . .Thanks Dee!"

[dee_lorean81]

"No problem, guys!" Dee says with a bright grin. "Happy birthday!"

[save_us_alice]

Alice steps up next, wheeling a rather larger present along. "I think you'll appreciate this," she says with a smirk. "Want me to open it for you?"

[thosetwoturrets]

"Yeah, could you?" Gary asks. "Don't think our hands are gonna be much help here."

"Never saying no to a big present, though," Steve adds, bouncing a little.

[save_us_alice]

Alice nods, pulling the bottomless box she stuck on the gift off. Underneath is a sort of mannequin of a person, though the body seems to be made of a gelatinous material. "It's a target like they have on the turret production line! Vic helped me get it after I saw that part in Portal 2."

[thosetwoturrets]

"Awesome!" the boys chorus.

"Been a while since we got some proper shooting in," Steve says. "This is great -- thanks!"

"Yeah, we'll make good use of it -- in our room," Gary adds hastily at seeing Doc's look. "Don't want anyone getting hit with stray fire, don't worry."

[save_us_alice]

"I thought you'd like it," Alice nods. "You're very welcome -- happy birthday." (And if she occasionally sneaks into your room later to practice with her knife -- well, can you blame her?)

[flightattendantguy]

Simon's up next, with a can of something wrapped in a pretty yellow bow. "Hey guys, happy birthday," he says. "Hope you like it!"

[thosetwoturrets]

"Thanks, Simon," the turrets reply.

Gary is the one to pull off the ribbon. "Okay, what is this stuff," he says, focusing his laser on the text. "Aperture Brand Complete Waterproofing Gel. Want to make sure we don't suffer any accidents, huh?"

"Thanks, but just because we know our own company -- you have made sure it's safe for everybody?" Steve adds, just a little jittery.

[flightattendantguy]

"Yeah, just in case we ever get a leak or something like that," Simon nods. "And we've had this for a month and tested it thoroughly. This stuff actually works and is not toxic or liable to goop up your insides. We're all safe."

[thosetwoturrets]

"Whew! No disrepect, you know, it's just -- Aperture," Steve says. "But thanks for thinking of that!"

"Thanks a lot!" Gary agrees.

[flightattendantguy]

"No worries, I get it completely," Simon chuckles. "Why do you think we bought this a month in advance? But I'm glad you like it. Happy birthday."

[8docs_n_1victor]

The muses and mun arrive in a flurry of activity. "Hey folks!" NoTril Doc calls as they pile in. "Happy birthday, Steve & Gary!"

"We got you a present, but it's not the kind that can be wrapped," TeenDoc adds with a sparky smile. "What do you guys think about gun upgrades?"

[thosetwoturrets]

"We're intrigued," Gary says. "What sort of upgrades are we talking about?"

"New bullets? Shooting something different?" Steve adds.

[8docs_n_1victor]

"The latter," OckDoc says, tentacles chittering. "When Simon mentioned waterproofing, we figured we could modify you to shoot liquids. Or gels, if you like."

[thosetwoturrets]

"Ooooh -- spraying stuff with Repulsion Gel and watching it bounce around? Sounds like fun," Steve says.

"Or coating a floor in Propulsion Gel and seeing what happens," Gary says a bit wickedly. "Sounds like a plan, guys!"

[crossover_chick]

"Now now, play nice," Vic says with a giggle. "I know flinging everything and everyone around is funny, but let's not accidentally brain any of your roommates, okay?" She presents them with a green-wrapped gift. "And this is from me. Happy birthday guys."

[thosetwoturrets]

"We'll be good," the turrets say, though not without a little reluctance.

The paper is ripped off by Steve this time, revealing a box with -- "Oh God, she got us little Aperture doggy sweaters."

"We have fur!" Gary says, although it's clear from his tone it's meant as good-natured teasing.

[crossover_chick]

"I know, I know, but I couldn't resist," Vic says, giggling. "I'm the mun -- I can get you dorky presents if I like."

[thosetwoturrets]

"Yeah, yeah, okay," Gary concedes. "They're not that bad."

"We'll wear them just for you," Steve says. "Thanks."

[crossover_chick]

"You're welcome," Vic nods. "Happy birthday!"

[forgotten_vows]

The newest member of the Inkwell comes up to the turrets. "Er -- I'm afraid I didn't get you anything," he confesses, looking embarrassed. "I had no idea what to get, since I've only recently moved in. . . But I hope you'll take my best wishes for the day."